Leesburg Current Newsletter: Jan. - Mar. 2024 Edition
Office of the City Manager
January - March 2024
Leesburg to Step Up Parking Rules Enforcement
In an effort to respond to recent parking complaints heard by the City Commission, Leesburg Police Department will be stepping up enforcement of parking rules in the downtown area. Through the end of 2023 the Police Department issued warnings for parking violations including, but not limited to: parking over the allotted time; vehicles parked facing oncoming traffic; vehicles that are double parked; handicap parking; occupying more than one spot; obstructing a sidewalk, road, fire hydrant; and parking in areas designated “No Parking”. All vehicles will be subject to enforcement efforts.
Beginning January 1, 2024 violations will result in a citation being issued.
Many parking spaces in the downtown district have a 3-hour limit from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Downtown visitors who know they will be longer than 3 hours are encouraged to use the downtown parking garage which does not have time restrictions.
The Public Works Department is currently conducting a parking survey with GAI Consultants. The result of the survey will be presented publicly to the City Commission in the near future. Based on this report a goal will be established to enhance downtown parking.
Building Official News 
The friendly and knowledgeable staff of the City’s Building Permit Division are here to help you through your project’s permit process. They are dedicated to making sure your project meets the minimum building codes to keep you safe. The permit process can be remarkably easy if you follow the right steps.
Future newsletters will include tips for getting your permits approved faster and easier. For example, did you know that the Florida Building Code changes every three years? Beginning December 31, 2023, the new Florida Building Code 2023, 8th Edition and the National Electrical Code 2020 version went into effect. It is possible that something that may have been allowed previously will not be permitted under these new codes. Our team can help you through these changes.
In upcoming articles, we will answer questions such as - What are the pro’s and con’s for pulling an Owner/Builder permit? Should you ever hire an unlicensed contractor? What is a NOC and why must it be certified? What is a legally signed engineer’s plan or letter? Are you renting a new business space and need a Change of Occupancy permit?
The Building Department website has information about our new permitting program as well as the forms required for different types of permits. The website is also the easiest place to apply for your permit. Over the coming months, it will be updated with more helpful material, so please visit: www.leesburgflorida.gov/my_city/departments/building . You are also welcome to stop by our office at 204 N. 5th Street, call 352-728-9735, or email permits@leesburgflorida.gov. We look forward to working with you.
A Safety Message From the Leesburg Fire Department
Lithium-ion batteries supply power to many kinds of devices including smart phones, laptops, e-cigarettes, smoke alarms, toys and even cars. If not used correctly, or if damaged, these batteries can catch on fire or explode.
- Only purchase and use devices, batteries and charging equipment that are listed by a nationally recognized testing lab and labeled accordingly.
- Use charging equipment that is only compatible with your device. To be safe, use only the charging equipment that is supplied with your device.
- Do not continue charging the device or device battery after it is fully charged.
- Do not put lithium-ion batteries in the trash. Recycling is always the best option. Take the batteries to a battery recycling location or contact your local waste department for disposal instructions.
- Do not use lithium-ion batteries if you notice an odor, change in color, too much heat, change in shape, leaking or odd noises.
- Do not put lithium-ion batteries in direct sunlight or keep them in hot cars.
- Store spare lithium-ion batteries away from anything that can burn.
Leesburg Launches Special Event Division
Leesburg is pleased to announce the hiring of Maggie Lyden as the Special Event Manager for the city’s new event division. Lyden brings a wealth of experience to the position and will lead a team of staff and volunteers tasked with providing high-quality events for the community.
Information on upcoming events can be found on the special events section of the City’s website at www.leesburgflorida.gov/recreation. For event-related questions, please email specialevents@leesburgflorida.gov or call 352-728-9786 ext. 3255. You can also follow us on Facebook at Leesburg Special Events.
The next big event to be hosted by the City of Leesburg will be Leesburg Bikefest, scheduled for April 26-28, 2024.
Leesburg Special Events
401 W. Magnolia St.
Leesburg FL, 34748
BIKEFEST VENDOR APPLICATION
FOOD VENDORS PLEASE APPLY HERE
FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES PLEASE CONTACT:
MAGGIE LYDEN
SPECIAL EVENTS MANAGER
MAGGIE.LYDEN@LEESBURGFLORIDA.GOV
352-728-9786 x3255
37th Annual Miss Leesburg Scholarship Program Winners
Leesburg Public Library News
100 East Main Street
Leesburg, FL 34748
(352) 728-9790
www.LeesburgFlorida.gov/Library
Get your FREE library cards!
- Use your free Library card at all 16 Lake County Libraries
- Borrow books, DVDs, music, video games
- Access free internet and use of public computers
- Download eBooks, audiobooks, movies, music and magazines
- Attend free programs for adults, families, young adults, kids and babies
- Get Help with genealogy and technology
Bring your proof of Lake County residency (such as this utility bill) and receive your new library card all in the same visit! You can check out right away!
We are open:
Monday – Thursday: 9am-7pm
Friday – Saturday: 9am-5pm
