GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Florida Rep. Sam Garrison (R-Fleming Island), chairman of the Clay County legislative delegation, will be holding a meeting to hear public testimony on state issues and the consideration of local bills.

The delegations include chambers of commerce, local elected officials, employers, and other community leaders and representatives.

“It’s an annual event. It is put on by the Clay County Legislation Delegation with Rep. (Bobby) Payne and Sen. (Jennifer) Bradley, and we do it every year to provide an opportunity for the people of Clay County to let us know what’s on their minds and what they care about,” Garrison said.

The organizational meeting will be held Monday, Dec. 19, from 3-6 p.m. The public hearing will take place on the fourth floor at the Clay County Administration Building, 477 Houston St.

“Traditionally, we encourage our local governments to be there to let us know what they are dealing with on a local level; however, it is open for anyone to attend,” Garrison said.

“Many community organizations come to share their mission. Sometimes people make requests for state funding. Oftentimes, there are just a few folks from the community who just want three minutes to say their peace. We certainly welcome them.”

Garrison said the value in holding delegation meetings because it allows voters to present needs and share concerns within their community.

“Our meetings in Tallahassee tend to be on the Macro scale, issues of state-wide concern. We’re here to address those issues and be a voice for our local communities,” he said.

“Sometimes people will have legislative issues that matter to them, and this is an opportunity to speak to us directly. It’s an opportunity for us to listen. Everyone gets the same amount of time. We just want to allow everyone to be heard.”

For the most part, community delegations seek appropriations and policy changes weighing in on federal rules and regulations. Many address budget funding.

“The county has issues that are important to them that involve the state. If it’s important to the county, then it’s certainly important to us,” Garrison said.

The delegation meetings have also helped determine which projects are most important to the community.

“Last year, we received funding of $1 million to help restore the Clay County Jail. That came from discussions with the local people,” Garrison said. “Another example would be the one million and a half dollars we received to expand the Clay County trail system near Jenning State Forest and that part of the county that’s been underserved for a long time. That didn’t come from the government, that came from the community.”

Garrison encourages anyone who wants to speak to come in person; however, the meeting will also have a live stream. Interested citizens wishing to be placed on the agenda for the meeting are asked to contact Garrison’s office by email at Courtney.Hoard@myfloridahouse.gov.

The deadline to get on the agenda is Friday. Materials and handouts necessary for the hearing must also be turned in by Friday.

“We request that people who want to speak put in a request, and we can put them on the agenda, but that’s not a requirement,” Garrison said. “Anyone who wants to speak will have the opportunity to. We are here to listen.”