At Ocala City Council meeting at 4:00 PM, next Tuesday, March 4th,  Local Architects are  trying to get a show of solidarity regarding the new city fire station.  Ocala does not have the money they had hoped for and are having to pursue a smaller program.  They have been presented with a proposal from the selected firm for the original project, with a proposal for $33K to measure and catalogue the existing Fire Station #1 and program the new building.  Architects in the Ocala area contend that this is a different project and should be advertised.  Support from architects throughout the North Central Florida area is being sought.

Over 60 AIA Florida members, including architects, associates, and Florida A&M University students gathered in Tallahassee to meet with Florida Senators and Representatives about issues affecting the profession. Members were armed with the AIA Florida Blueprint for “Innovation & Enterprise for the Sunshine State” that visually explained the issues presented. CLICK HERE to see the blueprint. Issues presented included: 1) Fairness in Contractual Liability (HB 701/SB 1964); 2) Relief for Small Businesses (including HB 7033 – unemployment compensation and HB 773/SB 1126 – expedited permitting); 3) Encourage Sustainability & Green Building (PCB EUP 10-03/SB 2322 – Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE)); and 4) Oppose Amendment 4.

The day started with a briefing in the Senate Chambers and a welcome from Sen. Joe Negron (R – Palm City). Appointments were made with more than 100 Senators and Representatives over the course of the day, and legislators and aides were very enthusiastic about the blueprints presented. CLICK HERE to see a brief video of today’s activities.