His wife, Silvia, is also stepping down as event organizer of Empty Bowls.
Plant City Commissioner Bill Dodson announced at the Nov. 10 commission meeting that he will not seek reelection when his eighth term concludes in May 2026, formally closing out nearly a quarter-century on the commission and 47 consecutive years of public service to Plant City.
“Tonight, I am officially announcing my intentions to not seek re-election to the City Commission,” Dodson stated at the meeting. “I have been involved in Plant City public service my entire adult life. I have dedicated my life to public service while also building a career in the private sector. It has been the honor of a lifetime.”
Dodson’s journey began in the 1970s as assistant to the city manager shortly after completing graduate studies in North Carolina. He served as assistant city manager in Plant City and Temple Terrace before accepting a city manager post in North Carolina. He and his wife, Silvia, later returned to Plant City to join the family manufacturing business. Not long after, Dodson was appointed to the City Planning Board, where he served for 23 years before winning his first election to the city commission in 2002. Since then, he has served eight consecutive three-year terms, holding roles as commissioner, vice mayor and mayor.
“My legacy is not mine alone,” he said. “The commission works as a team to produce quality work products.”
Dodson stated that he will remain fully committed to his duties until the end of his term, focusing on priorities that have defined his career: long-term infrastructure improvements, economic development and policies supporting neighborhood quality of life.
City Manager Bill McDaniel, who has worked alongside Dodson for decades, praised his depth of knowledge and steady leadership. “Bill digs deeply into every issue and project, and that’s something I’ve always appreciated,” he said. “He has served our residents exceptionally well and consistently safeguarded their financial interests.”
Dodson’s announcement came as Silvia steps down as organizer of the Empty Bowls Project, a role she has held for 15 years. The annual event, which she established to raise money for the United Food Bank & Services of Plant City, has grown from an initial $17,000 fundraiser into a community tradition that now raises approximately $40,000 each year for the nonprofit. Silvia said she informed Food Bank Executive Director Mary Heysek earlier this year that 2025 would be her final year leading the effort, noting that she hopes a longtime committee member will take the helm.
“It’s bittersweet,” she said. “You put your heart and soul into a project and then you have to step away from it. It’s hard.” She said she is prepared to pass along timelines and guidelines to the next leader but emphasized the importance of allowing them to make the project their own.
Whoever steps into the role has big shoes to fill.
For Silvia, Empty Bowls is deeply personal. Her family fled Cuba during the Castro regime and relied on food banks and charities when they arrived in Miami. That experience, she said, shaped her belief in serving others. “Anytime you can make a difference in someone’s life in a positive way, that’s a moment that defines you,” she said.
The Dodsons, who will soon celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, said they plan to remain in Plant City, where they have lived in the same home for 45 years. They look forward to a slower pace of life, more time with their children- Austin in Philadelphia and Brittney in the San Francisco area- and the opportunity to travel and spend time with their grandson.
“We’ll probably miss the busy lifestyle we’ve lived but look forward to discovering a new rhythm, one that lets us spend more time with family and savor life in ways we couldn’t before.”
While both are stepping away from public and charitable roles, neither expects to leave community involvement behind entirely. “This will always be our home,” Bill said. “We’ll always have a presence here and continue to be involved.” He hopes his years of service leave behind a guiding example for future leaders. “Be prepared, be conscientious and respectful, and dedicated to your convictions for a successful, well-governed community,” he said. “People put their trust in you to become an elected official. You’re responsible to know the problems and come up with solutions. That’s the responsibility you’re called on to fulfill.”
Silvia echoed his sentiment, saying she hopes the next generation of volunteers and civic leaders will lead “with compassion, teamwork and humility. “Lead with love, respect the people you serve and remember that your work is never about yourself,” she said. “It’s about lifting others, supporting the community and leaving something better than you found it.”
As they look ahead, both Dodsons said they are ready for whatever comes next. “We’re ready to see how life unfolds for us,” Bill said, “and grateful for the time we’ve had to serve the community we love.”
