Former Florida House Speaker and gubernatorial candidate Paul Renner returned to Lake Placid this week for his second appearance in the community, a Tuesday evening meet and greet at Owl and Otter at Journal Plaza.
Discussion during the event focused on issues affecting Florida residents and smaller communities, including housing affordability, municipalities, property taxes, growth, infrastructure, water concerns and data centers. Renner made clear he opposes data centers.
Conversation surrounding housing included concerns about out-of-state investment groups purchasing residential properties, rising rents and whether Floridians will continue to be able to afford to remain in their communities.
Residents also questioned Renner about the ongoing statewide discussion surrounding property taxes and what eliminating them could mean for municipalities and local services. Renner said he has a plan to address the issue.
Throughout the discussion, Renner repeatedly returned to concerns about preserving the quality of life for Floridians and ensuring Florida’s growth does not come at the expense of the people already living here.
“I don’t want to see Florida change so much more that people don’t want to live here,” Renner told attendees.
Renner’s return visit to Lake Placid comes as Florida’s 2026 governor’s race continues to develop. The Highlands County Republican Party organized the gathering and has also hosted other gubernatorial candidates, including Jay Collins and Bobby Williams. James Fishback recently appeared in Sebring. Highlands County Republican Party Chair Lauren Bush has also repeatedly invited Byron Donalds to the area, though those requests have gone unanswered.
For more information about Renner’s campaign: https://voterenner.com/
For more information about Highlands County Republican Party: https://highlands.gop/
