Memorandum
Date: June 2, 2026
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Brad Rasmussen, Chair, District 4 Supervisor
Subject: (a) Approve Proclamation Honoring the City of Tavares, Florida, for its Leadership in Seaplane Infrastructure Development and for Partnering with Lake County at the 2026 Clear Lake Splash In; and (b) Authorize the Chair to present the proclamation at the Clear Lake Splash In event in Lakeport
Executive Summary:
HONORING THE CITY OF TAVARES, FLORIDA, FOR ITS LEADERSHIP IN
SEAPLANE INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND FOR PARTNERING
WITH LAKE COUNTY AT THE 2026 CLEAR LAKE SPLASH IN
WHEREAS, the City of Tavares, Florida, known as "America's Seaplane City," has pioneered a model for seaplane-friendly community development that has brought lasting economic revitalization to its downtown waterfront and serves as a national example for cities and counties seeking to leverage water aviation as an economic and recreational asset; and
WHEREAS, the City of Tavares, through visionary investment in seaplane infrastructure, has demonstrated that welcoming water flying can transform a community's economy, drawing visitors, businesses, and aviation enthusiasts from across the country and around the world; and
WHEREAS, Bob Tweedie, Economic Development Director of the City of Tavares, has traveled to Lakeport, California, to participate in the 2026 Clear Lake Splash In, held June 4-8 at Skylark Shores Resort, in a spirit of intergovernmental collaboration and shared commitment to water aviation; and
WHEREAS, on Thursday, June 4, 2026, Mr. Tweedie will co-present "Responding to Seaplane Accidents" alongside Tod Dickey and Lake County First Responders, sharing the response plan that the City of Tavares developed to protect pilots, passengers, and the public in the event of a seaplane accident - knowledge that directly benefits Lake County as it advances its own seaplane base development; and
WHEREAS, on Friday, June 5, 2026, Mr. Tweedie will deliver the presentation "The Tavares Blueprint: Building America's Seaplane City," sharing with Lake County leaders, pilots, and community members the strategies, partnerships, and public investments that enabled Tavares to build a thriving seaplane destination and achieve a measurable turnaround in its local economy; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Tweedie's engagement with leaders in the Lake County community, including County officials, City of Lakeport representatives, the Clear Lake Flying Club, and Splash In participants, represents a generous investment of time and expertise that will meaningfully advance Lake County's efforts to develop seaplane infrastructure at Clear Lake and strengthen the region's aviation economy.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the Lake County Board of Supervisors does hereby honor the City of Tavares, Florida, and extend its sincere gratitude to Economic Development Director Bob Tweedie for his participation in the 2026 Clear Lake Splash In, his generosity in sharing the Tavares model for seaplane community development, and his commitment to advancing the safety and prosperity of water flying communities across the nation.
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Recommended Action: (a) Approve Proclamation Honoring the City of Tavares, Florida, for its Leadership in Seaplane Infrastructure Development and for Partnering with Lake County at the 2026 Clear Lake Splash In; and (b) Authorize the Chair to present the proclamation at the Clear Lake Splash In event in Lakeport