Eustis has always been a place where community matters, where every voice can be heard, and every resident can contribute to the development and future of our beloved city. So, it was shocking when our city commissioners decided to sell the Pendleton Park property and the Eustis Community Center property without consulting the residents. This land, which was generously donated to our community for public benefit, is a cherished part of our shared heritage. The decision to sell it to a private developer lacks transparency and diminishes the trust between the city's officials and its residents.

The Pendleton Park and Community Center are more than just pieces of land; they are symbols of community spirit, places where families gather, children play, and events that forge our identity as Eustis residents take place. The land was donated with intentions for public use, intended to remain part of the communal backbone, nurturing social connections and providing green spaces that enhance our city's living standards.

Selling these properties without public input not only disregards the hows and whys of their donation, but also overlooks the importance of maintaining spaces that accommodate community activities, encourage healthy living, and ensure a sustainable urban environment. Decisions like this should not be made behind closed doors, but rather, they should engage the voices of those who stand to be most affected—us, the locals.

Transparency is vital in the governance of our city. We are calling for the city council to bring these sales to a public vote before any contracts are signed. Allowing such a decision to be democratically evaluated respects both the original aim behind the land's donation and the community’s right to debate the merits of the sale.

Join us in demanding a transparent and democratic process where residents of Eustis have the final say on our publicly owned lands. Sign this petition today to ensure our voices are heard and our city's legacy is preserved for future generations to enjoy, not commercialized for short-term monetary gain.