Leadership Tampa’s Government Day: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Local Government and Economic Development
On February 7th, Leadership Tampa’s Class of 2025 took part in an insightful and engaging Government Day, offering a deep dive into the inner workings of local government and economic development in the Tampa Bay area. With stops at key government institutions and discussions with prominent civic leaders, the day highlighted how Tampa’s leadership and infrastructure shape the region's growth, safety, and economic opportunities.
The day kicked off bright and early at Fort Brooke Parking Garage, where the class met in the Tampa City Center lobby before embarking on the first leg of their government tour. The morning started with a warm welcome from our day chairs Brenda McKenzie (LT’22), and Judge Thomas Palermo (LT’22). After introductions and a quick orientation, the group was ready to get an inside look at Tampa's governmental systems.
Hillsborough County Commission Chamber with Commissioner Christine Miller
Our group was fortunate to participate in a surprise visit to start the day. We started out with a visit to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, where Leadership Tampa participants had the opportunity to meet with Commissioner Christine Miller, District 4. In the council chambers, Commissioner Miller shared insights into how her previous professional roles—particularly in law and public service—have shaped her approach to governance. She spoke candidly about the challenges of balancing her responsibilities as a mother with her demanding career, offering valuable perspectives on work-life balance. As a female leader, Commissioner Miller also discussed the unique challenges and opportunities she faces, emphasizing the importance of resilience, empathy, and perseverance in her leadership journey. Her reflections on navigating the political landscape with grace and determination left a lasting impression on the group.
City Council Chamber with Councilman Luis Viera
The first official stop was the iconic Old City Hall, where the class gathered in the City Council Chamber for a conversation with Councilman Luis Viera. Viera shared his perspective on leadership, urging attendees to “take the hits for the things you believe in.” His message emphasized the importance of resilience in public service and the courage to stand firm on the issues that matter most. The group also took a moment for a group photo to commemorate their visit.
Engaging with Local Leaders at the Municipal Building
Next, participants walked over to the Municipal Building, where they joined John Bennett (LT’13) in the Mayor’s Conference Room. Bennett’s presentation focused on Tampa's ongoing efforts to maintain its status as a top-tier city for business and community development. He outlined how the city is using a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to support both economic growth and quality of life for residents. The Mayor even stopped in for a quick hello and photo opportunity, including Desa – the office dog – a fun surprise for all!
Learning from County Leadership
The day continued with a visit to the County Commissioner’s Office, where participants met with Tax Collector Nancy Millan, Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer, and Clerk of Court Victor Crist. Millan offered valuable insights into the importance of persistence in government, explaining that achieving significant change often takes time and sustained effort.
Attendees also enjoyed hearing about Tampa’s history from various leaders, including a fascinating tidbit that the man who wrote the national anthem once lived off Bayshore Boulevard. These stories helped to ground the group in Tampa’s rich cultural and civic legacy.
School Board, Criminal Annex, and a Look at Public Safety
The day’s educational journey continued with visits to the Hillsborough County School Board and the Criminal Annex. Participants had the opportunity to engage with school board member Karen Perez (District 6) and discuss the pivotal role education plays in economic development. Following that, the group toured the Criminal Annex, where they learned about the operations that support the city’s justice system, with a special visit from The Honorable Christopher C. Sabella. We also had an opportunity to learn about the work of the Courthouse Dogs, who provide emotional support for kids who've been through the unthinkable and have to share their stories and testify in court.
Lunch with Mayor Jane Castor
The group then enjoyed a well-deserved lunch at the Hyatt House Tampa Downtown, where they were joined by Mayor Jane Castor (LT'00) for a fireside chat moderated by Tampa Bay Business Journal Editor-in-Chief Alexis Muellner. Mayor Castor shared her leadership philosophy, stressing the importance of public safety and emergency management. One memorable moment came when she delivered a stark reminder: “If you don’t evacuate, you die,” referencing comments she made during evacuation orders during the recent hurricane season that received all kinds of attention. Ultimately, Mayor Castor advocated strongly for the Leadership Tampa program, emphasizing the power of network, investing in relationships and growing our community.
Emergency Operations Center Tour
The afternoon took a more hands-on turn as the group visited the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Fire Chief Barbara Tripp (LT'20) welcomed the class and introduced Riley Tuff, Lead Emergency Planner for Tampa Fire Rescue, who provided a detailed overview of the city’s all-hazards emergency planning process. The tour allowed the group to see firsthand how the EOC prepares for everything from hurricanes to man-made disasters.
The day concluded with an emergency exercise, moderated by the Emergency Management team. Participants worked alongside expert resources, including Abbye Feeley, Administrator of Economic Opportunity & Growth Management for the City of Tampa, and Brad Baird, Deputy Administrator of Infrastructure, to explore the critical coordination required during a crisis. This exercise emphasized the importance of collaboration across various sectors—whether it’s public safety, infrastructure, or economic development—in ensuring the community’s resilience.
Conclusion: A Day of Insight and Inspiration
Leadership Tampa’s Government Day was a unique opportunity for the class to gain valuable insights into the workings of Tampa’s local government. The group left with a deeper understanding of the crucial role local government plays in the community, from public safety to economic development, and the importance of building relationships within government to create meaningful change.
With candid discussions, behind-the-scenes tours, and powerful stories from local leaders, participants walked away with a deeper appreciation for the systems that help shape the city and the people who make it thrive. The day reminded everyone of the importance of leadership, perseverance, and collaboration in building a prosperous and resilient community.
