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

June 23, 2010: Local officials meet with Coast Guard, BP and state officials to discuss oil spill response efforts

Today, the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) is hosting a meeting with United States Coast Guard Captain Steven Poulin and Commander Joe Boudrow, Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Mike Sole, Bryant Chapman, Vice President for BP, and commissioners, administrators and emergency directors from Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Gulf, Franklin and Wakulla counties.

“Government on all levels is committed to providing a comprehensive and thorough response to this disaster,” said Chris Holley, Executive Director of the FAC, “FAC is hopeful that this dialogue will allow response efforts to run more smoothly while focusing on a local level response.”

Counties discussed their concerns regarding communication from Unified Command. While its causes are unknown, counties are often the last to receive critical information regarding process and implementation strategies that impacts their shores and economy. Counties are cautiously optimistic that the introduction of Captain Boudrow to the State Emergency Operations Center will improve communications and better allow counties to respond to this crisis.

“We are hopeful that today’s discussion will improve response efforts on all levels,” said Commissioner Bill Williams, FAC 2nd Vice President and Gulf County Commissioner, “However, counties will no longer stand by and wait for answers – all disasters are local – and it is local governments, not BP, that must ensure everything possible is done to protect our environment and the livelihood of our citizens.”

Taxpayers continue to bear the burden of this response. The claims process with BP has changed several times and has remained unclear so that local governments must use taxpayer dollars to manage this response. To address these concerns Secretary Mike Sole presented a revised claim process that will allow counties to seek reimbursement of their direct protective measures while still coordinating with the state EOC.

Finally, counties continue to express frustration and concern with the response model established in the Oil Protection Act of 1990. The model used to respond to a hurricane is centered on supporting the response of local governments recognizing that it is local experts who know their communities and environments the best. However, the model used in the oil spill response has practically neutralized the ability of local governments to respond to this crisis.

“Counties recognize the complexities involved in altering the OPA model of 1990,” said Chris Holley, “Yet this system has many problems and facilitates missteps and is being used when Florida has a system that not only works – it is copied around the world as a crisis response model.”

FAC is hopeful that with ongoing dialogue a common ground can be found that ensures the responsibility of BP while empowering local governments and the state to respond to emergencies on the ground.

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
Rodney J. Long, President
Ilene Liberman, President-Elect
Doug Smith, 1st Vice President (Link to be added shortly)
Bill Williams, 2nd Vice President
Susan Latvala, Immediate Past President (Link to be added shortly)
Chris Holley, Executive Director
John Wayne Smith, Legislative Director
Virginia Delegal, General Counsel