History

In 2005, the Suncoast League of Cities held its Annual Conference at the Mission Inn Resort at Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida where we celebrated the association’s 50th anniversary of service to the communities of west central Florida. During these fifty years the League has matured into one of the strongest representatives of local government and the citizens of our communities. It continues to promote the ideals of local government and has carried the word of the citizens and its members to the state and national leaders in Tallahassee and Washington D.C.  The history of the League reflects a path leading to the mutual sharing of information among elected officials. In 1922, the first Florida League of Cities’ President, Samuel Johnson, Mayor of St. Petersburg, recognized that the organization of the Florida League of Cities was of great importance and that, as a statewide organization, it would need to draw on regional input to effectively represent the interests of the entire state. With this consideration he orchestrated the formulation of the Suncoast League of Municipalities.  

The establishment of the Suncoast League of Municipalities took thirty-three years to come to fruition and it was not until 1955 that the west central regional league became a viable independent association with input to the Florida League of Cities.  In 2003 the Suncoast League of Municipalities was renamed and officially became the Suncoast League of Cities. For twenty years the Suncoast League of Cities has held regular annual conferences which now attract more than 200 attendees. The conferences focus on the development of the organization and the education and training of local government officials on vital current issues impacting governance and the continued provision of high-quality services.  

At the 50th anniversary conference, the League began the tradition of including national speakers on the conference agenda. These national speakers will provide attendees with broader insight into the annual themes of the conference. The Suncoast League has elected a legislative committee that has developed an official organizational legislative agenda and brochure. This brochure is delivered to all members of the Florida Legislature both before and during the official legislative session. In addition, members are encouraged to use the materials as tools to promote the Suncoast League legislative agenda as they contact their local representatives.  

The Suncoast Regional Advocacy Team was formed in 2014 to be an active force in promoting the legislative agenda, all to secure support from legislators on issues that affect our cities and citizens.

Past Presidents

Tyler Payne
City of Treasure Island, 2020-2022

Dan Saracki
City of Oldsmar, 2020

John Carroll
City of Largo, 2019

Heather Gracy
City of Dunedin, 2017-2019

Arthur Penny
City of South Pasadena, 2016-2017

Jack Nazario
City of Belleair Bluffs, 2015-2016

Alan Bildz
City of Treasure Island, 2014-2015

Bill Jonson
City of Clearwater, 2013-2014

Sandra Bradbury
City of Pinellas Park, 2012-2013

Thom Barnhorn
City of Seminole, 2011-2012

Tom Shelly
City of Belleair, 2010-2011

Mike Yakes
City of Gulfport, 2009-2010

Rick Butler
City of Pinellas Park, 2008-2009

Janice Miller
City of Oldsmar, 2007-2008

Chris Arbutine
City of Belleair Bluffs, 2006-2007

Beverley Billiris
City of Tarpon Springs, 2005-2006

Bill Jonson
City of Clearwater, 2004-2005

Jo Jeter
City of Temple Terrace, 2004

Jay Lasita
City of St. Petersburg, 2003-2004

Sam Halter
City of Tampa, 2002-2003

Ernie Wever
City of Brooksville, 2001-2002

Dottie Reeder
City of Seminole, 2000-2001

Michael Yakes
City of Gulfport, 1999-2000

Scott Black
City of Dade City, 1998-1999

John Doglione
City of Dunedin, 1997-1998

George Jirotka
City of Belleair Shore, 1996-1997

Scott Paine
City of Tampa, 1995-1996

Walter Stubbs
City of Treasure Island, 1994-1995

Jean Halvorsen
City of Largo, 1993-1994

Richard Fitzgerald
City of Clearwater, 1992-1993

Barbara Gilberg
City of South Pasadena, 1991-1992

Vincent Scheer
City of Inverness, 1990-1991

Donald H. Ahmann
City of Belleair Bluffs, 1989-1990

Alton R. Dettmer
City of Safety Harbor, 1988-1989

Robert Prior
City of New Port Richey, 1987-1988

William Bartholomew
Town of Kenneth City, 1986-1987

Holland Mangum
City of Seminole, 1985-1986

Frances Henriquez
City of Tampa, 1984-1985

Thomas Ravelli
City of South Pasadena, 1983-1984

Helen Ercius
City of St. Pete Beach, 1982-1983

Lawrence Puckett
City of Dade City, 1981-1982

Yvonne Johnson
City of Gulfport, 1980-1981

Vinel S. Lewis
City of Crystal River, 1979-1980

Clinton R. White
Town of Kenneth City, 1978-1979

Virgil Sturgis
City of Largo, 1977-1978

William Devoe
City of Pinellas Park, 1976-1977

Clyde E. Sullivan
City of South Pasadena, 1975-1976

Donald S. Williams
City of Clearwater, 1974-1975

Richard Cheney
City of Tampa, 1973-1974

Eric Anderson
Town of Kenneth City, 1972-1973

John Nielsen
City of Madeira Beach, 1971-1972

Vincent J. Meloy
City of Tampa, 1970-1971

Richard L. Brooks
City of Pinellas Park, 1969-1970

Lewis Abraham
City of Dade City, 1968-1969

Don Jones
City of St. Petersburg, 1967-1968

Samuel Rileigh
City of Belleair Shore, 1966-1967

Joseph Turner
City of Clearwater, 1965-1966

James Jarrett
City of Zephyrhills, 1964-1965

William N. MacNeill
City of Gulfport, 1963-1964

Harry D. Powell
City of Largo, 1962-1963

Walter Williams, Jr.
City of Indian Rocks Beach, 1961-1962

Eric Anderson
Town of Kenneth City, 1972-1973

Albert R. Rollins
City of Tampa, 1960-1961

Cleveland Insco
City of Clearwater, 1959-1960

James Roesler
Town of Indian Shores, 1958-1959

Roy Smith
City of Naples, 1957-1958

C. Bacon
City of Brooksville, 1956-1957

Sterling Hall
City of Bradenton, 1955-1956

Samuel Johnson
City of St. Petersburg, 1955