For the first time in several years, Northwest Florida will have representation in state leadership for the Florida League of Cities.

• Mark Franks, Mayor of the Town of Shalimar, was elected as Second Vice President on Saturday, August 17, at the 2024 Florida League of Cities Business Session in Hollywood, Florida.

Franks joins newly elected President Michael C. Blake, Mayor of Cocoa, and First Vice President Holly Smith, Council-member of Sanibel, as the 2024-2025 Florida League of Cities officers.

“It is an incredible honor to be elected Second Vice President of the Florida League of Cities, especially as a representative of Northwest Florida,” Franks said. He noted that his family has deep roots in Okaloosa County dating back to the 1930s.

Franks, who has served on the Florida League of Cities Board of Directors since 2023, competed against three other candidates from around the state for the position.

• His election marks the beginning of a four-year commitment, as he will move to First Vice President for 2025-2026, then President in 2026-2027, along with responsibilities as immediate past-President.

The mayor’s journey to this position began seven months ago. He first secured backing from the Northwest Florida League of Cities, winning a regional election. With this regional support, the Board of Directors backed his statewide campaign.

As a past president of the Northwest Florida League of Cities, which represents city officials from Monticello to Pensacola, Franks expressed enthusiasm about bringing small-city perspectives to his new role.

• “As a mayor of a small city, I’m excited to bring the unique perspectives of smaller cities to the table and work alongside leaders from across Florida to ensure that all communities, big and small, can thrive,” he said.

Franks encouraged fellow elected officials, particularly those new to office, to engage with the Florida League of Cities. He described the organization as “an excellent resource for training, advocacy, education and more.”

“The regional leagues are also a great way to connect with fellow municipal leaders and promote regional and local priorities in your area,” he added.

The newly elected Second Vice President expressed gratitude to his wife Luoma, the Northwest Florida League of Cities, and the Florida League of Cities membership for their support throughout his campaign.