HOME RULE
The idea that Local Communities can best make their own decisions on Local Issues to determine how Local Governments run their towns, cities and counties.
The New Smyrna Beach Residents’ Coalition
Presents
A FREE, PUBLIC EDUCATIONAL FORUM:
HOME RULE – OUR CITY, OUR CHOICES!
SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
5:30-7:00 p.m. • Brannon Center • 105 S. Riverside Drive, New Smyrna Beach
How are we all affected and why should we care about the Home Rule powers of local governments?
The event is headlined by presenters who possess a wealth of experience in local and statewide governmental organizations, environmental advocacy and education. They will speak individually on:
- The History and Legal Foundation for Local Choices/Home Rule
- How the Erosion of Home Rule Directly Affects Citizens and Locally Elected Officials
- How to Speak So Legislators Will Listen” to Home Rule concerns
A panel discussion will follow the presentations. Attendees will be able to submit questions for the panel in writing that will be addressed to wrap up the program.
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September 15, 2026
September 15, 2026
Home Rule
Home Rule Matters
History
History
Home Rules Matters
Short Term Rentals
Short Term Rentals
Loss of Home Rule –
Recent effects on development
Recent effects on development
Home Rule – Protecting NSB’s Tree Canopy
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Loss of Home Rule – SB180
Loss of Home Rule –
Recent effects on development
Recent effects on development
Loss of Home Rule in Florida
We hope to see you tomorrow morning
Meet our Panel participating in the September 15 Forum
Casey Cook, who serves as Chief of Legislative Affairs for the Florida League of Cities, where he has worked since 2007. He also serves as the Executive Director of the Florida City and County Management Association. A registered lobbyist since 2009, Casey has been a leading advocate for Florida’s cities, towns, and villages at the state and federal levels for over a decade. He is a graduate of Sewanee: The University of the South. Casey lives in Tallahassee with his wife, Shaunna, and their daughter, Collins.
Randy Hartman, who served as a Zone 4 City Commissioner in New Smyrna Beach from 2016 to 2024. His priorities included working on better storm water management for the city and affordable housing. He currently serves on the New Smyrna Beach Turnbull Creek Land Preservation Committee and the city’s Fire Pension Board, as well as on the Leadership Group of the New Smyrna Beach Residents’ Coalition. Prior to his election as a Commissioner, Randy spent more than 40 years working in public safety as a Firefighter/Paramedic in Orlando and Winter Park. He graduated from Valencia College with a degree in Fire Science, holds numerous certificates and maintains his state licensure as a Paramedic. During his career in Winter Park, Randy was selected to mentor new paramedics in the field as a preceptor. He also served as president of the Fire Fighters local for 10 years, and treasurer for six years prior to that, where he was responsible for budgets, contract negotiations and dispute resolutions. The local union was active in politics at both state and local levels, and Randy served as a lobbyist for two years, working on local and state bills in Tallahassee. He worked with city officials to implement programs such as a Citizens Emergency Response Team and the Citizens Fire Academy. Randy and his wife, Lori, relocated from Orlando to New Smyrna Beach in 2012. They have three sons and one grandson.
Clay Henderson, an award-winning environmental lawyer, educator, and writer, who has long been involved in environmental policy and historic preservation. A graduate of New Smyrna Beach High School and Stetson University, he has served as president of Florida Audubon Society and the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation. His previous public service includes serving on the Florida Constitution Revision Commission and Florida Communities Trust, and as Chair of the Volusia County Council. Until his retirement, he served as Executive Director of the Institute for Water and Environmental Resilience at Stetson University. Clay has been recognized with the national public service award from The Nature Conservancy, a lifetime achievement award from the Environment and Land Use Section of the Florida Bar and Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, and an EMMY award for the documentary series Protect Our Paradise. His book, Forces of Nature, an environmental history of Florida, received a Florida Book Award.
Ponce Inlet Mayor Lois A. Paritsky, who will facilitate the panel discussion. She is a seasoned attorney with more than 40 years of legal experience. Over the course of her career, she has served as a municipal leader, business counsel, and advocate for local governance, including service as Vice Mayor, Town Council member, and a leader within both the Volusia League of Cities and the Florida League of Cities. Lois has been recognized multiple times as a Florida League of Cities “Home Rule Hero” for her advocacy on behalf of local governments, and in 2024 she was named Volusia League of Cities Elected Official of the Year. In 2025, Lois received the Volusia League of Cities Mayor Blaine O’Neal Award. Her background also includes leadership on the Florida League of Cities Advocacy Committee and Utilities and Natural Resources Committee, as well as service on the Advisory Board of the American Flood Coalition. She has spent decades combining legal expertise, civic leadership, and community service to support smart, local decision-making.