The Florida League of Cities (FLC), the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments, recently recognized Crestview Mayor JB Whitten with a 2023 Home Rule Hero Award for his work and advocacy efforts during the 2023 Legislative Session. 

• According to the city of Crestview, Mayor Whitten worked tirelessly throughout session to promote local voices making local choices, protect the Home Rule powers of Florida’s municipalities, and advance the League’s legislative agenda.

“The League and its legislative team appreciate the individual advocacy efforts
undertaken by municipal officials throughout the state,” said FLC Chief of Legislative Affairs Casey Cook. “Home Rule Heroes are some of our biggest advocates for protecting local decision-making. They are League members who stand out for their high level of participation, knowledge, and effectiveness. This year’s Home Rule Heroes continuously advocated for their communities throughout the 2023 Legislative Session.”

Home Rule is the ability for a city to address local problems with local solutions with minimal state interference. Home Rule Hero Award recipients are local government officials, both elected and non-elected, 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.

“Helping the Florida League of Cities in its mission to represent our cities and protect our right to govern ourselves not only makes sense but, in my opinion, is an obligation,’ said Mayor Whitten.