January 2022 – This month, we are saying goodbye to Tony Garcia after a planning career that spanned 28 years. His first job at the Planning Commission was as a Community Planner in the Research Department. He did population projections, produced the TRENDS report and created pie charts, tables and developed the first PowerPoint presentation made to the Planning Commission board, which then became a standard practice for future hearings. He then joined the county planning group as a land use planner where he also became a certified planner. He has maintained his AICP for 20 years. He served as the Cities team leader and ultimately the Comprehensive Planning Policy and Review (CPPR) Division Director for all jurisdictions.
Tony project managed most of the City of Tampa CRA plans. When asked which project he is most proud of, he said “the Imagine 2040 Comprehensive Plan updates we worked on for the three Cities. Each received national recognition from the American Planning Association.” Asked what he will not miss, “I will enjoy not going to night hearings, being an email stalker, or having to set an early morning alarm each day.”
Tony excels at relationship building and his ability in public speaking and making presentations for local jurisdictions as well as being a featured speaker in sessions at local, regional, state, and national American Planning Association events. He is also known for his sense of humor and singing prowess. Asked what he has planned for his next chapter, he said, “I have no specific plans upon retirement other than improving and maintaining my health, bike riding, reading, traveling, enjoying my loved ones and maybe singing here and there…who really knows?” What we do know is he will be missed here in our office, and we thank him for his tremendous contributions to our community.
David Hey, AICP has been promoted to CPPR Division Director. David served previously as Executive Planner and was the liaison to the City of Tampa.
Jennifer Malone, AICP has been promoted to Liaison to the City of Tampa – Executive Planner.
Congratulations to all of you!
