OKEECHOBEE — The Florida League of Cities (FLC), the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments, recently recognized Okeechobee Mayor Dowling Watford with a 2024 Home Rule Hero Award for his hard work and advocacy efforts during the 2024 Legislative Session. Mayor Watford worked tirelessly throughout the 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,” said FLC 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.

Mayor Watford was honored at the Treasure Coast Regional League of Cities luncheon on May 15. Making the presentation was Jeff Branch, Florida League of Cities Sr. Legislative Advocate.