The Florida League of Cities (FLC), the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments, recently recognized Margate City Commissioner Antonio V. Arserio with a 2023 Home Rule Hero Award for his hard work and advocacy efforts during the 2023 Legislative Session. Commissioner Arserio worked tirelessly throughout the session to promote local voices making local choices, protect the Home Rule powers of Florida’s municipalities, and advance the League’s legislative agenda.

 “The League and its legislative team appreciate the individual advocacy efforts undertaken by municipal officials throughout the state,” said FLC Chief of Legislative Affairs Casey Cook. “Home Rule Heroes are some of our biggest advocates for protecting local decision-making. They are League members who stand out for their high level of participation, knowledge, and effectiveness. This year’s Home Rule Heroes continuously advocated for their communities throughout the 2023 Legislative Session.”

 Home Rule is the ability of a city to address local problems with local solutions with minimal state interference. Home Rule Hero Award recipients are local government officials, both elected and nonelected, who consistently responded to the League’s request to reach out to members of the Legislature and help give a local perspective on an issue.

 “I am honored to be selected for this distinguished recognition,” said Commissioner Antonio V. Arserio. “Protecting the principles of Home Rule is essential for safeguarding the ability of local governments to make decisions that cater to the specific needs of our communities.” 

 Commissioner Arserio was elected to the Margate City Commission in 2018 and re-elected for a second term on November 8, 2022. In 2021, he was appointed to serve as Mayor of the City Commission for one year. Commissioner Arserio is a former member of the City’s Planning and Zoning Board and currently serves as a Board Member of the Margate Community Redevelopment Agency and the Northwest Focal Point Senior Center District.