Regular City Commission Meeting - 6 August, 2026

The City of Eustis, Florida held a regular City Commission meeting on August 6, 2026, where a significant portion of the discussion focused on a proposed redevelopment project called the Akilo project. Representatives from Urban Hideway Development and Center Green presented the vision for transforming the community center site into a waterfront destination with hospitality, residential, dining, and event spaces, involving an estimated $70 million in private investment. The commission was asked to authorize city staff to negotiate a purchase and sale agreement and development agreement with the developers, with the understanding that the final agreements would return to the commission for approval. The project aligns with the downtown master plan and aims to catalyze economic revitalization, job creation, and increased tax revenue. The commission expressed mixed views, with some members emphasizing the need to move forward after 20 years of stagnation, while others raised concerns about the lack of a competitive solicitation process and the impact on community center usage. Additionally, the meeting included the appointment of a new member to the Eustis Housing Authority, discussion of an RFP process for city attorney services with four proposals received, and updates on other city matters such as capital purchases and ordinance amendments. A vote was taken to approve an ordinance related to watercraft regulation on Lake Gracie. The commission also discussed the timeline for evaluating in-house legal counsel candidates and the importance of balancing in-house and outside legal services.