It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Clermont Historic Village Museum in Minneola, FL gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Minneola, FL is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I recently hired Always Best Care to assist me following my knee replacement surgery. Blake”
“This team provides exceptional in-home care. They are not only professional and reliable, but also”
“I didn’t know where to start when it came to finding the right assisted living”
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“I recently hired Always Best Care to assist me following my knee replacement surgery. Blake and Kristin were so wonderful to work with. They are genuinely concerned and vested in providing the best care possible. Their staff are prompt, professional, kind and extremely attentive! You won’t be disappointed when hiring Always Best Care.”
“This team provides exceptional in-home care. They are not only professional and reliable, but also incredibly compassionate. It’s clear they truly care about their clients and their families. We are so thankful for the support and peace of mind they’ve given us.”
“I didn’t know where to start when it came to finding the right assisted living option for my dad. It felt overwhelming, emotional, and urgent. Blake and Kristin were exactly who I needed: kind, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable. They took the time to understand our situation and walked me through every step, offering guidance without pressure. Thanks to their help, we found a community that fits my dad’s needs and gives our family peace of mind. I’m so grateful for their support.”
“If you're looking for in-home care services for your loved ones, and want to deal with warm people who truly have your best interests in mind, please call Blake or Kristin. They understand how overwhelming it can be to find reliable, compassionate care, and they make the process feel manageable and personal. From the first call, they listened, offered real solutions, and matched us with a caregiver who felt like family. Always Best Care isn’t just a service, it’s peace of mind.”
“So glad we found ABC. Excellent home care service in Orlando. ABC has a fabulous team with top notch providers.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Lake Hiawatha Preserve in Minneola, FL with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Chef's Table at the Edgewater or visit Florida Citrus Tower, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Minneola, FL, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Minneola, FL understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Minneola, FL 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Why do you want to serve the community and what are your credentials?I want to serve Minneola as its next Mayor because I believe government should help the People shape their own future. I believe in People-Driven Government, where residents can engage early and often in decision-making. I believe in Conservation First, where our City’s resources are preserved. I believe in Evidence-Based Decision Making, where evidence guides decisions not where decisions guide evidence.For credentials, I am a lawyer, a...
Why do you want to serve the community and what are your credentials?
I want to serve Minneola as its next Mayor because I believe government should help the People shape their own future. I believe in People-Driven Government, where residents can engage early and often in decision-making. I believe in Conservation First, where our City’s resources are preserved. I believe in Evidence-Based Decision Making, where evidence guides decisions not where decisions guide evidence.
For credentials, I am a lawyer, a Certified Human Resources Professional, a Certified Data Privacy Professional, a Certified Mediator, a former Assistant City and County Attorney, a former Arbitrator, and a former Zoning Board member.
If elected, what three steps would you take to keep the city on a firm financial footing?
First, let’s review how we spend every public dollar. I would advocate for a citywide performance audit. Second, let’s make growth predictable, understandable, and transparent. I desire a City website that outlines active and proposed projects, tracks developers’ commitments, explains who pays for roads and services, and accounts for ongoing costs of new development. Last, let’s update our written comprehensive plan. There, we can inventory our current assets and projects (where we are), identify our future goals (where we are going), and demonstrate funding sources (how we are going to get there).
What’s more important for our city right now: building new homes and commercial space or rehabbing/expanding/better utilizing our existing homes and storefronts?
Better utilizing what we have comes first, but that does not mean all growth stops. This ties directly with my Conservation First approach. Before growth, we should identify vacant homes and businesses, why they remain unused, and whether current infrastructure can support City reinvestment. When vacancy is resolved, we can then look to grow but only if it meets a demonstrated, evidence-backed need.
Some people in our community say that we have traffic problems. What do you think? How would you mitigate those concerns or change the situation?
Absolutely, traffic is a concern, and it requires a measurable response. This is where People-Driven Government comes into play with our anticipated and refurbished City website and updated comprehensive plan. As the City acts, the People should know where we are, where we are going, and how we are getting there. When addressing traffic specifically, success is measured with reduced travel times, minimized intersection delays, corrected safety concerns, and completed improvement promises.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?
I would use a $1 million grant to invest in three things: trust, conservation, and a stronger sense of community. Accordingly, $100,000 would modernize our city website; $500,000 would launch a land conservation program; $400,000 would initiate development in a town square.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process in our city?
The People should engage with their government, and the government should engage with the People. First, I would advocate for an updated, interactive City website.
Second, I would make the comprehensive plan revamp a community conversation. Finally, I would close the loop by publishing what the City has heard, what has changed, and why a decision was made.
Denise Calderon is running for Minneola Mayor, Seat 3
Why do you want to serve the community and what are your credentials?
I want Minneola to remain a place people choose to call home. I’ve lived here since 2015 and owned my CPA firm here since 2016. I’m a CPA with a master’s degree in taxation and Chair of Planning and Zoning. I review the reports, ask questions, and listen to my neighbors. I want to bring that preparation to the City Council, where final decisions are made.
If elected, what three steps would you take to keep the city on a firm financial footing?
First, review spending and contracts for value, protecting public safety and essential services. Second, build a multiyear financial plan that includes maintenance, infrastructure, and adequate reserves. Third, evaluate the ongoing costs of new development alongside its revenue, and push for developers to pay their fair share so the rest of us aren’t left covering the bill.
What’s more important for our city right now: building new homes and commercial space or rehabbing/expanding/better utilizing our existing homes and storefronts?
We need to take care of the neighborhoods and businesses already here. I’d prioritize improving existing storefronts and infrastructure while supporting commercial development that brings needed services and jobs. More homes shouldn’t be our default answer. New development must fit its surroundings and be supported by infrastructure.
Some people in our community say that we have traffic problems. What do you think? How would you mitigate those concerns or change the situation?
Yes. We sit in it every day. I’d ask for current traffic studies that account for approved development, verify capacity requirements, and push for funded improvements with clear timelines. I’d work with Lake County, FDOT, and regional transportation planners on intersection improvements, signal timing, and safer connections. The infrastructure needs to keep pace with what we approve.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?
I’d put it toward safety improvements in existing neighborhoods, prioritizing missing sidewalks and safer crossings near schools and busy roads. I’d use resident input and engineering assessments to choose projects and pursue matching funds where available. A million dollars won’t solve every infrastructure problem, but it can make daily trips safer.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process in our city?
We should all hear about important proposals before decisions are made. I’d push for plain-language summaries, earlier notices, neighborhood conversations, and accessible meeting materials. I’d also explore notices on both paper and electronic utility bills. I’ll explain my votes and follow up on residents’ questions. Public input needs to happen while it can still influence the outcome. You elect us to be your voice, so I’m going to be that voice.
Erick Hernandez is running for Minneola Mayor, Seat 3
Why do you want to serve the community and what are your credentials?
I want to serve because Minneola’s growth should strengthen our community and keep public safety, roads, parks, and services in step. As a City Council member and Vice Mayor, I’ve worked on budgets, development, public safety, and city projects, including helping lead the Trailhead Park renovation. Professionally, I’m a Senior Manager at Royal Caribbean Group, leading a team and overseeing projects and large budgets.
If elected, what three steps would you take to keep the city on a firm financial footing?
First, continue budgeting and limit debt. Minneola has no city debt, and projects should be funded responsibly. Second, account for construction, maintenance, staffing, and service costs before making commitments. Third, review spending and revenue regularly, pursue suitable grants, and keep budgeting transparent. The adopted FY2027 budget lowered the millage rate from 5.500 to 5.400.
What’s more important for our city right now: building new homes and commercial space or rehabbing, expanding, or better utilizing our existing homes and storefronts?
We should make better use of existing homes and storefronts while allowing appropriate development in planned areas. Growth must keep pace with roads, public safety, utilities, and other services. Commercial proposals should fit their location, adopted plans, and infrastructure. Our goal should be a balanced community, not growth for its own sake.
Some people in our community say that we have traffic problems. What do you think? How would you mitigate those concerns or change the situation?
Traffic is a concern. I would coordinate with Lake County and FDOT, use traffic data to identify problem areas, and plan improvements alongside development. Hancock Road widening and Grassy Lake Road and Education Avenue projects are in design. I would also pursue crossings, signal timing, and other safety improvements where studies show they are needed, while keeping residents informed about timelines and agency responsibilities.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?
I would dedicate the grant to parks and traffic safety. I’d complete priority park improvements and establish a fully funded parks department to maintain facilities and support programming. I’d also fund targeted traffic improvements, such as sidewalks, safer crossings, or intersection upgrades, guided by data and resident input. That invests in both community gathering places and safe routes to reach them.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process in our city?
I would involve residents early through accessible workshops and town halls, sharing information before decisions are made. Since being elected, I’ve used social media to provide project updates and communicate about city issues; I would continue that transparency as mayor. I would explain how public input was considered and why the city made its decision.
Why do you want to serve the community and what are your credentials?As a mother raising my children here, I want Minneola’s growth to improve residents’ lives. I bring an MBA, a bachelor’s in corporate finance, and professional experience in project management. I have spent years attending meetings, questioning decisions and working together with residents to advocate for change here in Minneola.If elected, what three steps would you take to keep the city on a firm financial footing?...
Why do you want to serve the community and what are your credentials?
As a mother raising my children here, I want Minneola’s growth to improve residents’ lives. I bring an MBA, a bachelor’s in corporate finance, and professional experience in project management. I have spent years attending meetings, questioning decisions and working together with residents to advocate for change here in Minneola.
If elected, what three steps would you take to keep the city on a firm financial footing?
First, I would develop a five-year financial plan protecting reserves and funding maintenance. I would also scrutinize contracts and spending, prioritize essential services and publish understandable financial reports.
What’s more important for our city right now: building new homes and commercial space or rehabbing/expanding/better utilizing our existing homes and storefronts?
Resident focused growth is what I would prioritize. In Minneola, we desperately need services our residents would use every day; restaurants, gyms, dry cleaning, etc. I would work with developers to ensure we have those conversations and help mold the vision of Minneola together.
Some people in our community say that we have traffic problems. What do you think? How would you mitigate those concerns or change the situation?
Yes. I have advocated for Education Avenue and Grassy Lake Road improvements for years and now it’s in the works! I would work with Lake County, state transportation officials and schools on signal timing, turn lanes, safer crossings and school traffic. Having a good working relationship with Lake County would be key in ensuring our roads are prioritized.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?
I would launch a program called Minneola Lifeline, a two-year water and electric bill relief program for low-income residents. With a $1M grant, we could provide income-qualified households up to $300 monthly toward combined utility bills, including overdue balances. This would help prevent shutoffs and give struggling residents breathing room without creating an ongoing taxpayer obligation.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process in our city?
As a community advocate, I have always sought community involvement through communication, polls, and creating specific focus groups. Once in office, I would continue to seek resident input before decisions through workshops, surveys and public comment on individual agenda items. Clear project updates, accessible meetings and explanations of my votes would help residents participate meaningfully. Residents deserve to be partners in their government.
Nathanael "Nate" Edmund is running for Minneola Seat 5
Why do you want to serve the community and what are your credentials?
As Director of Programs at the Orlando Economic Partnership, I run leadership development and program management. I held a civic leadership role with the South Lake Chamber and currently serve on the board of the Community Foundation of South Lake, while serving as a Worship Pastor and Deacon for Living Message Church for more than 17 years. I'm running because Minneola is growing rapidly each year, and growth should be planned with residents, not simply happen to them.
If elected, what three steps would you take to keep the city on a firm financial footing?
What's more important right now: building new homes and commercial space, or rehabbing, expanding and better utilizing existing homes and storefronts?
Both, in the right order. Growth should be matched by infrastructure, so I'd first honor existing commitments: finish the Hills Town Center as the walkable mix of local restaurants and shops in the original developer agreement and support existing storefronts with a business liaison. New development should arrive with roads, schools, and safety already planned; not years after families have already moved in.
Some people say we have traffic problems. What do you think, and how would you mitigate those concerns?
Yes. Nearly three in four working residents commute out of the city, and school drop-off zones are overloaded. I'd start with school-zone safety, including a safe crossing at Hancock Road near Lake Minneola High School, coordinate road and signal projects with Lake County and the state, and bring quality jobs closer to home so fewer residents have to leave each day.
If you received a $1 million grant to use any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?
I'd split it evenly: crossing guards and safer school crossings to protect children, and small-business grants so local startups can launch and grow.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process?
I'd hold quarterly listening sessions open to any resident, visit every subdivision on a rotating schedule, and add an online option for people who can't attend. I'd also launch a Civic Academy so residents can see how city government works.
Chase Hansen is running for Minneola Seat 5
Why do you want to serve the community and what are your credentials?
I've spent years attending City Council and Planning & Zoning meetings, working with residents, and addressing community concerns. I serve on my HOA Board for one of the largest communities in Minneola and manage local community groups to keep residents connected and informed. My professional background in technology and infrastructure brings experience in problem-solving, planning, and accountability. I want to build on that involvement and help guide Minneola's future.
If elected, what three steps would you take to keep the city on a firm financial footing?
Fiscal responsibility starts with three things: prioritizing essential services, planning for long-term expenses, and reducing the financial burden on residents. As Minneola grows, we must consider construction costs alongside ongoing maintenance and operations. I supported the recent millage rate reduction and believe we should continue reviewing spending, pursuing grants, and finding efficiencies without sacrificing essential services.
What’s more important for our city right now: building new homes and commercial space or rehabbing/expanding/better utilizing our existing homes and storefronts?
I don't believe this is an either-or decision. Significant growth has already been approved in Minneola, and our responsibility is to manage it thoughtfully. New development should bring infrastructure improvements, commercial opportunities, and services residents need. At the same time, we should encourage reinvestment in existing neighborhoods and businesses. Both are important to Minneola's long-term future.
Some people in our community say that we have traffic problems. What do you think? How would you mitigate those concerns or change the situation?
Traffic is a legitimate concern, and infrastructure hasn't always kept pace with Minneola's growth. We need to plan improvements earlier rather than waiting until congestion becomes a problem. That includes roads, intersections, traffic signals, and pedestrian safety. Many major roads fall under Lake County or FDOT jurisdiction, making coordination essential. Infrastructure improvements should align with development timelines.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?
I would invest in small-business development, building on the city's existing CRA grant programs. Helping entrepreneurs establish businesses while supporting existing ones could attract more restaurants, shops, and services, strengthen our local economy, create jobs, and keep more spending within Minneola.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process in our city?
Residents shouldn't have to attend every Council meeting or search lengthy agendas to understand what's happening. I'd like a centralized online resource tracking development, infrastructure, and major projects, showing what's proposed, approved, and coming next.
Better communication through the city's website, social media, and regular updates would help residents participate before decisions are made.
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