Help Preserve Paradise
About Our Cause
We are a grass roots non-partisan group giving voice to the residents of Manatee County specifically, and the State of Florida more broadly, to preserve control of local governance by our municipalities.
Chair: Dr. Barbara J. Ehren
Treasurer: Cathleen Eiseler
Steering Group: Barbara Beckwith, Linda Berz, Neal Berz, Ginny Contestable, Barb Ehren, Tom Ehren, Kate Eiseler, Tim Eiseler, Debbie Hall, Mark Hebden, Kim Gargiule, Christine Johnson, Kristine Reger
● To educate the community on the impact of preemption of home rule on their quality of life.
● To activate the community in preserving/restoring home rule in Florida.
● To prevent the passage of any Florida statute that preempts local control of the cities in Manatee County, FL.
● We believe that governance is best accomplished at the local level to meet the needs of municipalities.
● One size fits all state legislation fails to respect the diversity of local communities.
● While home rule is guaranteed by the Florida Constitution it is being denied by state statutes overriding it.
● Basically “Local Control.”● 400 cities towns and villages in Florida with diverse geography, population and culture and therefore different governance needs.● Example: Zoning Ordinances. AMI nothing over 3 stories.●
The Florida Constitution
Article VIII, Section 2(b) for municipalities:
“Municipalities shall have governmental, corporate and proprietary powers to enable them to conduct municipal government, perform municipal functions and render municipal services, and may exercise power for municipal purposes except as
otherwise provided by law.”
“Otherwise provided by law”
● Florida legislature is eroding home rule by passing laws that “preempt” it.● From 2021 to 2023 they passed over 81 preemption laws.
● “Preserve paradise.” (All of Manatee County)
● “Protect our way of life.”
● Embrace League of Cities mantra – “Local voices make local choices.”
● “All politics are local.”
1. Elect candidates that support and will defend home rule of municipalities.
2. Keep track of home rule happenings via our Facebook and website.
3. Oppose proposed laws that preempt local control.
4. Sign up to be on our contact list so we can spring into action when necessary. (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1JsCl1BEBVYOrffwBaxd-JQHkjY28ZDy8QolSqcoVgIw/edit
Save Florida Home Rule
Make a Donation to the Cause
Donate to keep local control of our communities.
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Contact Kteiseler@gmail.com for T-shirts.
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