Rural counties step into spotlight at Capitol

Putnam County officials banded together with their rural Florida counterparts at an annual event that gives smaller counties a bigger voice at the state level.

Putnam administrators and commissioners met in Tallahassee on Thursday for the sixth annual Rural Counties Day at the Capitol. State Rep. Bobby Payne, R-Palatka, created the event to showcase all the important contributions Florida receives from its 32 rural counties, according to the event’s Facebook page.

County Commissioner Leota Wilkinson said she and other officials met with people from the Florida Department of Transportation, state Department of Corrections and the Florida Ports Council, among other officials, during the event.

“That’s very productive because we’re up there; they’re seeing us,” Wilkinson said. “They’re going to remember us when it’s time to do appropriations. We’ll bring home the bacon.”

Wilkinson, who thought Putnam was well-represented, said rural representation on the state level gives smaller counties a voice in legislative and Cabinet decisions, she said.

“Now, when bills are being presented, the Legislature is asking, ‘How does this affect our rural counties?’” Wilkinson said.

Board of County Commissioners Chairman Larry Harvey said he had a great time showcasing the Putnam and thought this year’s event was the best yet. His favorite part of the event was presenting Payne with the Rural Legislative Champion Award.

“It was just one of the big honors of my life to be able to give that award to such a deserving individual,” Harvey said, adding that he has known Payne since they were kids.

The award will be renamed the Bobby Payne Florida Rural Counties Advocacy Award officials said.

Darryl Register, the executive director of the Baker County Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Rural Counties Day Planning Committee, said Payne had been a powerful voice for Florida’s rural counties.

“He has been a true champion for rural counties all across our state, so we felt he deserved to not only receive this award but to have it dedicated in his honor moving forward,” Register said in the press release. “It is a small recognition of the work he has done to elevate our communities and help them thrive.”

Payne said he is proud to help put rural counties on the map and give them larger voices. The day gives smaller counties a chance to band together and share resources rather than fight for them, he added.

Payne, who is not seeking reelection because of term limits, said he couldn’t be happier to see what Rural Counties Day has become since he envisioned the idea seven years ago. While he didn’t create the day for accolades, he was grateful for the award.

“That’s such an honor,” Payne said. “It was never anything I expected.”