ManaSota League Members Honored as Home Rule Heroes 

Longboat Key Commissioners BJ Bishop, Penny Gold, and Howard Tipton, Sarasota Commissioner Jen Ahern-Koch, and Venice Mayor Nick Pachota were recently honored by the Florida League of Cities with the 2026 Home Rule Hero award. This award is given to city officials who participate in the Florida League's advocacy efforts during sessions of the Florida Legislature to protect local decision-making and preserve the home rule powers of Florida's cities.