Media Relations

Through an active media relations program, the Florida Association of Counties strives to build and maintain strong relationships with members of the media. In the world of county government, important issues can arise and transform rapidly. As such, a strong communication network between the association and the media helps to ensure fair and informed coverage of county-related issues.

Media inquiries may be directed to Communications Director Cragin Mosteller at (850) 922-4300 or cmosteller@fl-counties.com. County officials are also encouraged to send their news and updates to the association.

After hours media inquiries should be directed to Cragin Mosteller at (850) 294-9307.

Most Recent Release

January 17, 2011: Oil & Water take the Florida Association of Counties to Washington

- FAC met with EPA on oil spill claims and numeric nutrient criteria rules-

WASHINGTON D.C. - This week Florida Association of Counties President-Elect Doug Smith (Martin County) and Executive Director Chris Holley met with EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson to discuss concerns over oil spill claims.

While in Washington, FAC also met with Representative Steve Southerland and Senator Bill Nelson’s office and appreciate their commitment to helping counties better partner with the federal government in oil spill recovery.

“Local governments invested tax dollars to protect and clean up our beaches during the Deep Water Horizon Oil Spill,” said FAC Executive Director Chris Holley, “Yet counties continue to be left out of the important conversations and decisions on the recovery of our community’s environment and economy.”

At EPA, Administrator Jackson committed to forming a Gulf Coast Restoration Workgroup of local officials. The workgroup will interface with the federal Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force that she chairs and also with the EPA Local Government Advisory Committee. The National Association of Counties selected the following individuals to serve on the workgroup: Charlotte Randolph (LA), John Young (LA), Connie Rockco (MS), Mike Mangum (MS), Charles Gruber (AL), Merceria Ludgood (AL), Grover Robinson (FL) and Bill Williams (FL).

Administrator Jackson also committed to assisting Florida communities in finding a federal advocate for local government claims.

Earlier this month, FAC along with the Florida League of Cities and Florida School Boards Association Joint Oil Spill Task Force forwarded a completed list of recommendations regarding the oil spill response and recovery. Those recommendations can be found here. FAC will continue its dialogue next week in Atlanta with the EPA Regional IV Director Gwendolyn Keyes Fleming.

FAC leadership also addressed their concerns over the rules related to water numeric nutrient criteria. The rules recently imposed by the EPA are not based in sound science and will cost Florida’s taxpayers billions of dollars impacting economic recovery.

“Florida has led the way in restoring our waterways and in their commitment to water quality.” said President Elect and Martin County Commissioner Doug Smith, “Yet EPA has overreached in their authority and created rules that are not based in sound science, but on unrealistic demands.”

FAC is hopeful that this meeting with the Administrator and ongoing communications will lead to a better partnership with federal and local governments to ensure that the investments made by Florida’s taxpayers are well utilized. FAC appreciates the Administrator’s commitment to helping local communities recover from the tragic DeepWater Horizon Oil Spill and hopes that the EPA will reconsider the impact recent numeric nutrient criteria will have on Florida’s communities, businesses and economy.

For 80 years, the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) has represented the diverse interests of Florida’s counties, emphasizing the importance of protecting home rule – the concept that communities and their local leaders should make the decisions that impact their community. The Florida Association of Counties helps counties effectively serve and represent Floridians by strengthening and preserving county home rule through advocacy, education and collaboration.

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Advocacy Letters

5/11/2010: To: Gov. Crist in support of SB2176 (Insurance Law)
5/10/2010: To: Gov. Crist in support of HB1565 (Rulemaking)

5/4/2010: To: Gov. Crist in support of HB325 (Red Light Cameras)
2009 Letters

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Leadership Bios
Doug Smith, President
Bill Williams, President-Elect
Bryan Desloge, 1st Vice President
Kenneth T. Welch, 2nd Vice President
Ilene Lieberman, Immediate Past President
Chris Holley, Executive Director
John Wayne Smith, Legislative Director
Ginger Delegal, General Counsel / Deputy Executive Director