FY 2026 Adopted Budget - Flipbook - Page 44
Master Plan to identify opportunities for future economic development, with an emphasis on
the former Waterman Hospital site, along with improved parking options, attractive public
spaces, potential for additional housing, more retail businesses, and more lakefront
engagement. The Economic Development Department is responsible for breaking the plan
down into manageable phases, identifying specific tasks, and setting timelines.
¾ Facilitating City’s Future Growth Needs. As Eustis continues to grow, the City needs to build
or acquire additional buildings and property to meet the growing needs of the community.
The Economic Development Department evaluates potential land and building purchases
through a comprehensive process that aligns with Florida Statutes and best practices for
municipal real estate acquisition. This process emphasizes thorough due diligence to ensure
responsible use of public funds and that the acquisition serves a legitimate public purpose.
Four buildings or land parcels were evaluated in FY 24/25.
¾ The City’s Development Services Department is working with a Dutch Brothers to demolish the
old Long John Silver’s restaurant building and build a new prototype coffee shop on the
property along with heavier buffers on the front and south side areas of the property.
¾ The City has joined “America in Bloom,” a nationwide organization that places emphasis on
enhancing community vitality and beautification by incorporating landscaping and floral
elements in streets and parks. The organization also celebrates local heritage, educates
citizens about Florida Friendly Landscaping and Urban Forestry, and promotes various
environmental initiatives.
¾ In just three short years of affiliation with America in Bloom, Eustis has continued to bloom and
shine nationally. This year, the City was honored with:
¾ Three Years in a row Recognition for Community Vitality
¾ Outstanding Achievement Award for Community Vitality
¾ 2025 Community Champion Award presented to Commissioner Emily Lee
¾ The City has been working with FDOT on improved landscape maintenance at the US 441 and
SR 19 interchange along the SR 19 corridor.
3. Improve and enhance parks and recreation opportunities.
¾ The Eustis Memorial Library provides access to information resources, both print and
electronically, facilities and services that respond to the pursuit of knowledge, education,
lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, and recreational reading and listening.
¾ The library continues to partner with the Lake County Library System to expand access to
more resources. This partnering continues to allow ways to collaborate on programming for
children and adults and bring additional revenue to the Eustis Memorial Library.
¾ The Parks and Recreation Department would like to implement a Parks & Recreation Master
Plan for the City of Eustis.
¾ The Parks and Recreation department aims to continue enhancing the park's aesthetics and
facilities.
¾ The Parks & Recreation Department would like to acquire land to expand and provide
recreational areas to a growing city where there are no parks within an adequate distance.
¾ The Parks & Recreation Department would like to increase its departmental staff to ensure
adequate coverage of programs, events, and maintenance.
¾ Expand the adult programming to include sports such as kickball and pickleball, as well as
social events for adults.
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