Lake Clarke Shores council renews Penske & Associates lobbying retainer and invites other firms to present before next renewal

The Town Council approved an agreement with Penske & Associates to provide governmental affairs consulting to state agencies and the Florida Legislature from June 1, 2025, through May 2026, and retained the full proposed fee, council members said at the June 3 meeting.

Council discussion noted Penske’s recent work securing past appropriations for the town, including what staff described as a $600,000 appropriation previously obtained for the bridge project and a grant that contributed to the town’s pickleball courts. Some council members suggested reducing the retainer by 10%; others, citing that the firm’s fee is competitive and that the principal and his wife offer political and technical access, opposed any cut. The council approved the contract and asked staff to invite other lobbying firms to present to the council before the next renewal so the town can assess alternatives and document due diligence.

Town Manager Joe and council members framed the vote as a balance between continuity and periodic review. One council member asked that the town evaluate other firms in roughly a year and compare fees and demonstrable results; another said the town should require a presentation from alternatives rather than immediately issuing a full RFP. The approved motion preserved the full fee and included staff direction to seek informational presentations ahead of future renewals.