The City of Lakeland played host to the Ridge League of Cities on Tuesday September 16, 2025, to see one of their own, City Commissioner Sara Roberts McCarley be sworn in as RLC President for the 2025-2026 year. Outgoing President and Zolfo Springs Mayor Rod Cannon call the Business Session to order and completed an outstanding year.  Florida League of Cities President Holly Smith administered the Oath of Office to Roberts McCarley and to the 2025-2026 Board of Directors.  Eighteen of the twenty-four cities within the Ridge were represented at the event with a total of 236 in attendance.  The host city Lakeland had 16 attendees, Dundee had 17, Lake Hamilton and Haines City each had 18, and Lake Alfred took home the Traveling Trophy with 26 officials and guests.  Secretary Neil Devine welcomed new members AAA Top Quality Asphalt, ACT Environmental, Goodwyn Mills Caywood, Sunrise Consulting, and Marcobay Construction.  Chastain Skillman | DCCM received the Associate Member Traveling Trophy with 17 in attendance. 

Florida League of Cities President Holly Smith stressed the importance of working together with the various local leagues on the important issues facing our cities and towns, especially the property tax issues being considered by the legislature.   Florida League Director of Field Advocacy Jeff Branch recognized the seventeen RLC officials named as Home Rule Heroes for their advocacy work this pass legislative session.

The evening’s highlight was the naming of the 2025 Nettie Draughon Municipal Official of the Year Award.  Auburndale Mayor and 2024 recipient Dorothea Taylor Bogert presented the award to Lake Alfred City Manager Ryan Leavengood.   Thank you, Lakeland, for a great evening with a fall theme!