Local property appraisers honored at annual conference

The Forgotten Coast had an outsized role at the 121st annual conference earlier this month in Jacksonville of the oldest and largest professional association of property appraisers in the state.

Gulf County Property Appraiser Mitch Burke was elected to serve as president of the Property Appraisers’ Association of Florida, Inc. After serving a term as first vice president, Burke was sworn in Oct. 3, 2024, during the association’s conference in Jacksonville. 

Franklin County Property Appraiser Rhonda Skipper, who is retiring from the job she held for several four-year terms, was recognized for her service by receiving the R. R. “Bob” Walden Award from the association. The award is presented annually to a member of the association in recognition of their dedication to the association and willingness to assist their citizens and fellow property appraisers.

The award is named after Walden who served as the Hillsborough County property appraiser from 1957-79, and was the association president from 1961-62. He was known for his willingness to provide assistance and guidance to fellow property appraisers in times of need. After his death in August 1979, the association established an award in his name to honor his many years of service and dedication.

Burke, along with the two vice presidents, secretary, treasures and district directors, will serve one-terms.

“I’m excited to be the president,” said Burke, who will oversee a 121-year-old association that currently has members from 59 of Florida’s 67 counties.

In 1989, the larger counties split from the association, and created the Florida Association of Property Appraisers, mainly to address the needs of the state’s largest counties to the south.

“Currently we’re in the process of wanting to merge our group back to one,” said Burke. “We’re better as a whole instead. That is one of our goals, we’ve been working on the merger for a couple years. It’s top of our list to see that through this year.”

The association’s primary responsibility is to stay on top of any legislation that takes place. “We see if it is to the benefit of taxpayers,” said Burke, 56. “We have a legislative committee that I appoint throughout the state. If we need to, we’ll go to Tallahassee. We try to stay on top of those things.”

In addition, the association will meet three or four times a year for educational purposes, to enable its members to meet their continuing education requirement of 24 hours per year.