Mayor Derrick L. Henry, joined by members of the City Commission, presented the annual State of the City address on Jan. 18 at City Hall. "Better Together" was the theme for a supporting short video highlighting a multitude of ways the city connected with residents through diverse community events, programs, initiatives and capital projects throughout 2022. Also featured was how the city celebrated its unique history with events like unveiling Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune's statue, renaming the Midtown Community Center in honor of Julia T. and Charles W. Cherry Sr. and other remembrance ceremonies to publicly recognize military veterans, distinguished residents and historic places and structures.
Preparations, sustained storm damage and response following hurricanes Ian and Nicole was addressed in Mayor Henry's brief comments, which followed the showing of the video, as well as new ways the city improved customer service and access to local government.