The Events & Communications Department coordinated the annual Hometown Celebration on July 3, 2026, as Eustis' community celebration of America's 250th anniversary. The event featured an expanded Family Fun Zone, live entertainment by the 789s and hometown country artist Michael Ray, a performance by the Tampa Bay Water Ski Team, and an enhanced fireworks display over Lake Eustis in celebration of the national milestone. Based on Placer.ai data, attendance nearly tripled from approximately 6,500 attendees in 2025 to an estimated 17,200 attendees in 2026.
Completed the Development Services Department's transition from its previous software platform to GovWell, providing a more user-friendly and robust system for Development Services operations. The Business Tax Receipt process, Building Permitting, and Planning modules have all been successfully implemented and are fully operational. As part of this modernization effort, customers can now conveniently submit payments online by credit card, eliminating the need to visit City Hall in person. Fire Department is also using the GovWell software system, and the new system has been well received by both staff and the public.
Continued to develop and update written informational materials, brochures, and pamphlets to better educate residents, applicants, and developers on Development Services processes and requirements. These resources provide guidance on topics including annexation, future land use designations, development standards, and other procedures administered by the Development Services Department, improving transparency and customer service.
Completed several large projects by the Public Works Department, including street resurfacing, completion of a significant number of City sidewalks, began the Pavement Condition Index Plan, began the Stormwater Master Plan, CR44 Forcemain Bypass construction, Coordination and utility relocation for the FDOT SR 19 safety project, completed the Greenwood Cemetery improvements to name a few.
Library exterior painting was completed.
Grant awarded and design plan created for library expansion.
Additional projects for the upcoming year include, but are not limited to, the Coolidge Street and seven blocks utility and road project which ultimately will include stormwater improvements, sidewalks, lighting, and sewer and water upgrades to include fire protection. Other projects include an extension of the City's reclaimed water distribution system, nearing completion of the eastern water treatment plant high service pump and well upgrades, continued sewer Inflow and Infiltration study, continued lift station generator installations, ongoing promotion of the City via community festivals and events, and continued evaluation of operational efficiency and fiscal stability measures.
Fire Department updated all computers used in fire apparatus to improve situational awareness.
Based on Commission input at several budget workshops, staff have revised the budget accordingly and incorporated final revenue and expenditure estimates. The FY 2026/27 budget provides the basis for all activities throughout the year in accordance with the direction of the City Commission to make the City of Eustis the best possible place to live, work, and play.
I want to express my appreciation and thank the City Commission and the staff for all the hard work and commitment to creating the financial plan for the next fiscal year. I look forward to working with the City Commission to implement the FY 2026/27 City of Eustis Budget on behalf of our citizens. Thank you to all the dedicated employees of the City and the citizens that we serve. Respectfully submitted,