Mayor John Gunter

The Florida League of Cities has awarded Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter the Home Rule Hero Award for the third year in a row.

The award is in recognition of Gunter’s hard work and advocacy efforts during the 2024 Legislative Session to address local problems with local solutions and minimal state interference, officials said.

“I am honored to once again be recognized by the Florida League of Cities and advocate for our city at the state level,” Gunter said in a prepared statement released by the city. “I think it’s always important to advocate for the needs of our community, and this is a representation of that hard work.”

Home Rule Hero Award recipients are local government officials, both elected and nonelected, who consistently responded to the League’s request to reach out to members of the legislature and help give a local perspective on an issue.

They worked throughout the legislative session to promote local voices making local choices, protect the Home Rule powers of Florida’s municipalities, and advance the League’s legislative agenda.