Coral Springs Commissioner Joshua Simmons is honored with the prestigious Gold Certificate of Excellence from the Florida League of Cities
Coral Springs, Florida – Coral Springs Commissioner Joshua Simmons has been recognized with one of the highest honors available to municipal leaders in Florida, receiving the Gold Certificate of Excellence from the Florida League of Cities (FLC). The award, announced this summer, highlights Simmons’ dedication to public service, leadership, and his commitment to continuing education in municipal governance.
The Highest Level of Achievement
The Gold Certificate of Excellence represents the top tier in the Florida League of Cities’ Certificate Program for Elected Municipal Officials. This program is structured in three levels, each requiring a greater investment of time and effort. By reaching the gold standard, Simmons has demonstrated not only his professional growth but also his willingness to take on additional learning opportunities in order to better serve the residents of Coral Springs.
“The Florida League of Cities continues to offer outstanding educational opportunities for municipal leaders at every stage of their public service,” said 2024-2025 FLC President and Mayor for the City of Cocoa, Michael C. Blake. “By participating in the FLC’s training opportunities, elected leaders are strengthening their knowledge, growing professionally, and ensuring they are prepared to meet the needs of their communities with confidence and integrity.”
A Year of Learning and Leadership
Simmons earned the Gold Certificate after completing a series of requirements between July 2024 and July 2025. Participants in the program collect points through a variety of training activities, ranging from in-person conferences to digital learning sessions. Simmons took part in monthly webinars, attended the Institute for Elected Municipal Officials (IEMO I and II), joined the League’s Annual Conference, and fulfilled state-mandated ethics training. He also participated in legislative events, building his knowledge on policy issues directly impacting cities across Florida.
For Simmons, the certificate is more than a professional milestone—it is a reflection of his philosophy of service. “As public servants, we owe it to our communities to constantly grow, listen, and lead with integrity,” said Commissioner Simmons. “This certificate reflects my ongoing commitment to serve the residents of Coral Springs with the highest level of professionalism and purpose.”
Recognition Beyond Coral Springs
The Florida League of Cities plans to feature all certificate recipients, including Simmons, in its online magazine Quality Cities (qualitycities.com). Awardees will also be recognized during the League’s Annual Conference, where municipal leaders from across the state gather to share ideas, learn from one another, and celebrate collective achievements.
By reaching the gold level, Simmons has placed Coral Springs on the map as a city whose leadership values growth and ongoing education. Residents, in turn, benefit from a commissioner who has invested his time to become better equipped to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Continuing a Tradition of Service
For Simmons, the Gold Certificate serves as a reminder that public service is not static. It requires dedication to lifelong learning, openness to new ideas, and an unwavering focus on community needs. As Coral Springs looks to the future, Simmons’ achievement is both a personal honor and a sign of the city’s ongoing commitment to effective and responsible governance.
