PALM COAST, Fla. (May 2, 2024) – After session or during recess, legislators return to their districts to provide an update to constituents on accomplishments, reconnect on future goals and hit the campaign trail.
On Thursday at the Hammock Beach Resort, Florida Senator Travis Hutson and Florida House Speaker Paul Renner delivered their final legislative update to the Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce as the pair close out their terms of service in the state legislature this fall.
Highlighting his long-term commitment to diversifying career opportunities through trade school education Senator Hutson was praised for his support of Flagler Technical College and technical/trade programs throughout the state. A new initiative near and dear to the hearts of Flagler County residents is the carving out of funds to provide no cost swim lessons to families, spearheaded by Hutson this session. Florida is ranked 5th in the nation for accidental drownings, and Hutson said safety is a priority as a father of three.
Term-limited, Hutson has served Flagler County since 2013 first as the state representative then as the state senator. Florida Representative Tom Leek hopes to fill the seat in November.
Discussing his work on technology addiction this legislative session, Speaker Renner has caught global attention with 60 Minutes Australia in attendance for the legislative debriefing.
Bunnell Mayor Catherine Robinson thanked Speaker Renner for supporting the Commerce Road expansion in Bunnell, a 20-year project that will help bring economic prosperity to the county seat, while Flagler Beach City Commission Chairman Scott Spradley thanked both legislators for their support of the major projects underway in the coastal community, including the critical beach renourishment.
Both legislators were praised by representatives of the municipalities, and handcrafted gift boxes with Flagler County mementos were shared with them as sincere words of gratitude drew applause.
“Today’s event was all about a celebration,” said Greg Blosé, president of the Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce.
“Speaker Renner and Senator Hutson are termed out of office, and they’ve delivered so much for our community over the last four or five different terms that they were both in, that we wanted to have their last event be a celebration.”
“This was an opportunity to tell them how much we appreciated their service over the last few years.”
Gifts included a customized City of Palm Coast Fire Department helmet, framed images of the pier from Flagler Beach City Commissioner Scott Spradley, gift baskets created by Flagler County, and Honorary Deputization by Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly.
