Local Mayors Honored as Home Rule Heroes for Championing Community Voices

Florida City, USA - In a celebration of local governance, the Florida League of Cities has honored Mayors Dylan Rumrell and Nancy Sikes-Kline with the esteemed Home Rule Hero Award. This commendation recognizes their dedicated efforts during the 2025 legislative session, where they engaged effectively with state lawmakers to advocate for local perspectives on pressing issues. As St. Augustine.com reports, the League, founded in 1922, champions the Home Rule powers of Florida’s municipalities, ensuring that state interference in local governance is minimized.

The Home Rule Hero Awards serve to highlight the contributions of local government officials—elected and non-elected—who work tirelessly to connect with legislators. According to Florida League of Cities, these officials advocate for local decision-making and protect the autonomy of their municipalities. They also advance the League’s legislative agenda, allowing local voices to be heard across the state.

Exemplary Achievements

Both mayors have a track record of previous accolades, having received the Home Rule Hero Award in the past. Rumrell’s tenure on the St. Augustine Beach City Commission began in 2019, and he has proudly served as mayor since 2020. His notable achievements include securing an impressive $1.9 million for the Beaches Stormwater System Resiliency Project. In addition, he has been pivotal in revitalizing the Vilano Beach Town Center, an initiative that has generated over 100 new jobs and attracted new businesses to the area.

Sikes-Kline, an experienced leader since 2008, has garnered the Home Rule Hero Award for eight consecutive years, illustrating her unwavering commitment to local governance. Serving as vice mayor and mayor, her leadership has been integral to St. Augustine’s City Commission. Reflecting on her challenges during the legislative session, she specifically noted her concerns regarding the Unlawful Demolition of Historical Buildings bill, emphasizing the need for local control in important heritage issues.

Recognizing Advocacy Efforts

During the award presentation, Casey Cook, Chief of Legislative Affairs for the League, praised Rumrell and Sikes-Kline for their advocacy efforts. Cook underscored the importance of their local engagement and how impactful their contributions are during the legislative session. The League provides advocacy tools and training programs to municipal officials, further empowering them in their pursuits. As reported by Space Coast Daily, the spirit of local governance thrives with such committed leaders who work to protect Home Rule and promote community needs.

The Home Rule hero award recipients will be honored at a later date, marked as a crucial moment to celebrate local leadership and the pursuit of autonomy within Florida’s municipalities. As the League continues to advocate for local voices, it’s a reminder that communities thrive when they have the power to govern themselves.