Home Rule Heroes celebrated

Special to Lake Okeechobee News

Posted 5/23/25

The Florida League of Cities is recognizing more than 150 municipal officials with Home Rule Hero Awards...

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Home Rule Heroes celebrated

Posted Friday, May 23, 2025 9:28 am

Special to Lake Okeechobee News

This year's Home Rule Heroes from the City of Okeechobee are Mayor Dowling Watford (Left) and Council Member David MCauley (Right) presented by Tyler Denahan of the Florida League of Cities.

Photo courtesy City of Okeechobee

OKEECHOBEE — The Florida League of Cities is recognizing more than 150 municipal officials with Home Rule Hero Awards for their work during the 2025 legislative session. Home Rule involves the authority of a local government to prevent state government intervention with its operations.

Home Rule Hero Award recipients are local government officials, both elected and nonelected, who consistently responded to the League’s request to reach out to members of the legislature and help give a local perspective on an issue. They worked tirelessly throughout the legislative session to promote local voices making local choices, protect the Home Rule powers of Florida’s municipalities and advance the League’s legislative agenda.

This year's Home Rule Heroes from the City of Okeechobee are Mayor Dowling Watford (left) and Council Member David MCauley (right) presented by Tyler Denahan of the Florida League of Cities.