Blake Bell promised the people of Brooksville smart growth and responsible municipal government as he presided over his first meeting as Mayor of the City of Brooksville during the Dec. 5 meeting of the Brooksville City Council (BCC). City council members unanimously chose Bell to fill the post vacated by former Mayor Pat Brayton. The Council also unanimously voted for David Bailey to serve as Vice Mayor.
Three new council members were also seated on the Council that night. Hernando County Clerk of the Court and Comptroller Doug Chorvat Jr swore in Christa G. Tanner.
Fifth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Pam Vergara administered the oath of office to Casey Thieryung and W. Thomas Bronson.
During his State of the City Speech, Blake told the Council and the audience that the City of Brooksville was “strong” and promised that the Council would be dedicated to smart growth and responsible government.
“We are entering a new era as a Council, and we are going to help lead this city,” Blake said. “This is going to be an era of responsible government and era of trust and respect, and prosperity and an era of goodness, and I’m hopeful working together, we can accomplish the goals and directives we hear daily from our constituents.”
Blake also promised to reduce red tape and reel in regulations to make the City a destination for locating and growing businesses.
“A city where businesses flock to not run from,” he said.
He also vowed that the Council would revisit the City’s comprehensive plan.
“Our current comprehensive plan is outdated and does not reflect the substantial growth the Free State of Florida has experienced the last three years,” he said. “This is an important step we must take to make sure we never lose the unique small-town charm for which Brooksville is known.”
Finally, Bell told the group that the City must move forward despite apparent challenges.
“Brooksville’s greatest days are surely ahead,” he said.
