By Fallan Patterson

Staff Writer

Community ambassadors, organization directors and the general public Friday will ask local state representatives and senators for funding and support for their projects and causes during the annual Osceola County legislative delegation meeting.

Rep. Mike Horner, R-Kissimmee, who is this year’s delegation chairman, will be joined by Sen. Paula Dockery and Sen. Andy Gardiner to hear the proposed legislative priorities of such community leaders as St. Cloud Mayor Rebecca Borders, Osceola County Sheriff Bob Hansell and Osceola County School District Superintendent Michael Grego. The general public also is encouraged to voice their concerns.

“It’s an opportunity for us to listen to the citizens,” Horner said. “I always listen carefully at these meetings and use the comments throughout the legislative session.”

Horner said he expects to hear interest in the construction of Hoagland Boulevard, Kissimmee Gateway Airport improvements and, for the School District, support for creating equality in the system used for workforce training.

Osceola County commissioners summarized their legislative priorities at their Nov. 8 meeting, making opposition to any state mandate requiring county jails to house prisoners for longer periods before they are transferred to state facilities a top concern.

County commissioners also are hoping for support for establishing “sports zones” to provide financial incentives to entice sports organizations to relocate to Osceola County, additional reform for the state’s pension program and support for a mobility fee in lieu of transportation impact fees.

Kissimmee city commissioners outlined their priorities at their Dec. 7 meeting with such projects as the revision of a Florida statute to more effectively address airport compatible land use issues and the implementation of a citywide water treatment program that would centralize the storage and treatment of stormwater.

Kissimmee leaders also are seeking funding assistance for the construction of a countywide indoor law enforcement gun range and funds for the construction of an airport access road, utilities, public infrastructure and site improvements, items they consider essential “vital economic development generators.”

The legislative delegation meeting will begin at 10 a.m. in the Osceola County Commission Chambers, 1 Courthouse Square, Fourth Floor, Kissimmee.

To sign up to speak at the meeting, contact Horner’s office at 407-943-3077.