3 City of PSL officials honored with 2024 Home Rule Hero Award

Published on March 27, 2024

TheFlorida League of Cities(FLC), the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments, recently recognized two Port St. Lucie City Council members and a staff member with the 2024 Home Rule Hero Award for their hard work and advocacy efforts during the recently concluded Legislative Session.

Vice Mayor Jolien Caraballo and Councilwoman Stephanie Morgan, along with Interim Director of Risk Management Ella Gilbert, 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 dedication and effort of these local officials who tirelessly advocated for local decision-making was a difference-maker this legislative session,” saidFLC Chief of Legislative Affairs Casey Cook. “On behalf of the League and its legislative team, we’re proud to recognize each of them and thank them for their service.”

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 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.

“Home Rule allows local government officials to find solutions that work best for their communities,” Vice Mayor Caraballo said. “It empowers citizens to address their unique opportunities, needs and challenges.”

“Home Rule is the cornerstone of strong, responsive local government,” Councilwoman Morgan said. “In our roles as City Council members, we are committed to providing a voice for the citizens of Port St. Lucie and to ensure our local priorities are heard and acted upon.”