The City of Winter Haven Mayor, Bradley T. Dantzler, and City Manager, Mike Herr, were recently awarded the Home Rule Hero Award by the Florida League of Cities for their exceptional work during the 2022 legislative session. The Home Rule Hero Award is given to deserving local government officials who consistently provided a strong local perspective to issues presented by the League.

Home Rule is the ability for a city to address local problems with local solutions and minimal state interference. Throughout the legislative session, municipal leaders who received the award pushed and advocated for the needs and interests of their community, protecting Florida’s Home Rule powers and the right to local self-government.

The City of Winter Haven is honored and proud to see two City officials on the recipient list for 2022. Dantzler and Herr worked diligently to give Winter Haven a voice in major legislative matters, engaging with FLC staff and staying actively involved in helping Florida legislators know how their decisions may impact individual communities. “On behalf of the League and its legislative team, we’re very proud to present this year’s Home Rule Hero Awards to a deserving group of municipal leaders,” said FLC Director of Legislative Affairs Casey Cook. “We had a record number of Home Rule Heroes this year, which shows the dedication and impact of local officials on behalf of their residents and businesses in protecting local decision-making. These local officials were constantly engaged and actively advocating for their communities throughout the 2022 Legislative Session. They’re heroes for Home Rule and we thank them for their efforts.”

Dantzler and Herr also won the Home Rule Hero award in the 2021 legislative session. Advocating for Home Rule certainly did not stop there. They are excited and grateful to be recognized for their efforts again this year.

For more than 100 years, the Florida League of Cities has been the united voice for Florida’s municipalities. Click here for more information on award qualifications and FLC’s mission.