- May 5, 2024
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As the 2013 chairman of the Flagler and St. Johns legislative delegations and member of the Volusia Legislative Delegation, I would like to thank everyone who came to these meetings and presented their thoughts, concerns and priorities. It was a pleasure seeing everyone, and it helped me obtain a better understanding of the district’s needs.
Now that all have spoken, I have taken some time to come out with my priority list for House District 24.
The first and main priority that I believe needs to be addressed is short-term vacation rentals. Let me start by saying that, being in the real estate industry, I think that vacation rentals provide much needed services to a variety of industries, as well as generate a substantial tax for tourism and development. However, it is apparent the state has some very loose regulations regarding vacation rentals under the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. I believe we need to repeal this law and give the powers of regulation back to the local authorities, or, if that cannot be done, we need to stiffen the state laws to ensure these homes operate in a safe and sufficient manner.
The next priority that will benefit the district is to secure adequate funding for rehabilitation and capital improvements for Flagler County's Florida Agricultural Museum. I have seen several great plans and ideas that would make this museum into a first-class destination. The goal is to secure $1.2 million in funding to help kick-start the project.
The final priority that I will be focusing on this session will be centered on a theme that was brought up in each county’s meeting: namely, protecting the environment and our district’s natural beauty. This session, I intend to vigilantly monitor any legislation that could harm our local ecosystems upon which we rely for economic stimulus and our quality of life. I will do everything in my power to protect our natural attractions. Specifically, I will help ensure our beautiful coastline gets the legislative support needed to make sure our district’s beaches will be enjoyed by generations to come.
Again, I would like to thank everyone who participated in our meetings and look forward to assuring these priorities are met in the next legislative session.
Travis Hutson is the state representative serving Flagler County and parts of St. Johns and Volusia counties. Call his office at 446-7644.
BOX: A note on Matanzas signal
The following letter was sent to county officials from State Rep. Travis Hutson:
On behalf of our constituent, Shelbie Miller, I would like to extend our sincere appreciation for your role in the newly installed flashing, solar-powered school zone signs on Matanzas Woods Parkway.
Shortly after being elected as your representative, Miss Miller approached me at Matanzas High School in early March with a request to file a bill regarding school zone speed limits. However, there was a recent piece of legislation that gives both the county and the school district the authority to mandate school zone limits and safety devices; hence, my letter requesting your help in this matter.
I'm very happy that Miss Miller came to me to address her safety concerns for her peers after her terrible accident outside the school. Her dedication to this project has finally persevered. Matanzas Woods Parkway is now a safer place for our children because of her efforts to see this through.
I would like to give a very special thanks to all involved in making this happen: Nate McLaughlin, George Hanns, Charlie Ericksen Jr., Frank Meeker and Barbara Revels, of the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners; Andy Dance, John Fischer, Colleen Conklin, Travis Tucker and Sue Dickinson, of the Flagler County School Board.
Your collaborative efforts often go unnoticed; however, I appreciate your service and look forward to serving you with all your state needs. Again, my deepest gratitude for making my district a safer place for our community and children.
