By: Bob Grenier, Mayor
I have been honored to serve the citizens of Tavares in various capacities over the years.
A transplant from Chicago to Florida, I have been learning about Florida history and appreciating it since my arrival. I have had the privilege to serve in various historic and museum roles in my community.
One of the ugliest things I have witnessed during my years in community service was the terrorization of my colleagues in city government by a rent-a-mob of domestic terrorists who descended on our small town, disrupting not only our meetings, but traffic, taxing law enforcement resources and generally bringing unwanted attention and disruption – all based on a decision that they didn’t like – to exhibit a historic statute in a history museum.
The tactics, lies and threats they used were effective, and some of my more influenceable colleagues went against their strongly and long-held beliefs in fear of retaliation by the mob.
This is not how decisions should be made by government officials in Florida, but in speaking with others, around the state this is the rule rather than the exception. The State has it part right in the current laws. Our cultural historic resources are precious and non-renewable. But they don’t go far enough in providing the framework to protect them. What I like about the legislation proposed by Senator Martin and originally proposed by Rep. Black, is that finally, there will be some enforcement provisions associated with the words. And it will support local government officials who want to do what is best for their current and future citizens in preserving and protecting history for future generations.
History isn’t good or bad. It just is. And it should be in display in public places. Museums are a good back up plan, but you shouldn’t have to pay to learn about the history of your area. Is should be part of the civic landscape.
Floridians have suffered a great cultural loss over the last few years, as some of our most important historic monuments and memorials have been destroyed or moved to private property, depriving Floridians of access not only to their message but to the art.
I encourage the Florida legislature and Governor DeSantis to support local elected officials that are trying to enforce the State’s Historic Preservation policy by enacting these good bills.
About the Author:
Bob Grenier was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He moved to Lake County, Florida, in February 1985. Bob has served on the Tavares (Florida) City Council for twelve years and is currently serving as the Tavares Mayor. Bob served on the Board of Directors for the Lake County (FL) Historical Society, for twenty years, which included multiple terms as president – retiring in 2020. He was the Curator and Exhibit Designer for the Lake County (FL) Historical Museum for 7 years – retiring in 2020. Bob is currently the Executive Director of the Tavares History Research Center in Tavares, Florida, which opened in March 2023. Author Bob is the author of eleven books about Florida History, of which include, Central Florida’s World War II Veterans; Central Florida, Civil War Veterans; Tavares; Leesburg; Florida’s Forgotten Pioneer: The Gallant Captain Melton Haynes; Woodlea: Life on the Lake of the Dancing Sunbeams; Packwood: A Special Tribute to Korea and Vietnam Veterans; and more. Preservationist Some of Bob’s many preservation projects include – 2003 – The Captain Haynes Woodlea House, built in 1871. 2005 – Successfully petitioned the United States Board of Geographic Names in Washington D.C. to correct the spelling of Haynes Creek from the misspelling of Haines Creek. 2013-2017 – Rifles, Rails, & History. For five years, co-chaired the largest downtown urban Civil War living history/reenactment event in Florida. 2022-Present – The Historic Ethel Trail at Rock Springs Run Reserve in Wekiva Springs Wilderness State Park. Bob has consulted on, and has led efforts in obtaining many historical markers and National Register of Historic Places listings in Florida. Affectionately nicknamed “Yankee Bob” for his being born and raised in Illinois and wearing a blue Union uniform at special events and reenactments.