A Lady Lake commissioner is asking the Town Commission to reconsider funding for the town’s annual Christmas Parade after officials recently announced the longtime holiday event would not take place this year.
Commissioner Amanda McLea, who represents Ward 2, says she has requested an agenda item for the Monday, Oct. 19 Town Commission meeting to discuss fully funding the parade through a budget amendment.
The town previously announced the parade had been canceled amid budget constraints, uncertainty surrounding Amendment 3 and the significant staffing and operational resources required to safely host the event. Town officials estimated personnel costs alone at approximately $15,000, not including other expenses necessary to produce the event.
At the time, the town’s announcement, issued by Communications Director Elisha Pappacoda, called the decision “extremely difficult” and said future events would be evaluated based on available funding, fundraising efforts, resources and operational needs…