HOLMES BEACH — Lobbyist Cari Roth will continue to represent Holmes Beach in the state Legislature to oppose two proposed bills.
Holmes Beach commissioners unanimously voted Feb. 28 to approve a contract costing $15,000 payable over a two-month period. Roth began work lobbying on the city’s behalf March 1.
City attorney Patricia Petruff recommended Roth, who also serves as lobbyist for Pinellas and Charlotte counties, among others.
“She’s an excellent attorney and excellent lobbyist as well,” Petruff said.
Roth will be working on the city’s behalf to stop Senate Bill 188 and House Bill 425, joining lobbyists from Anna Maria and the Florida League of Cities. Both bills severely impact the amount of control a local government has over vacation rentals.
SB 188, filed by Sen. Gregg Steube, prevents local governments from adopting vacation rental regulations and would undo the city’s vacation rental certificate program if adopted.
HB 425, filed by Rep. Mike La Rosa, would remove oversight of vacation rentals from local government jurisdiction, placing regulation in the hands of the state.
Commissioner Jean Peelen encouraged community members to write state representatives and voice their concerns about the proposed legislative measures.
Information about both bills, along with state representative contact information, is available on the Anna Maria city website, www.cityofannamaria.com.