Plant City’s six city manager candidates arrived in town this week for a three-day interview and familiarization process, including a Wednesday night meet-and-greet with the public.
The day started with an 8 a.m. tour of the city, with each candidate getting a personal tour from a member of city staff. The tours were followed by meet-and-greet sessions with department heads allowing candidates to get familiar with the layout and inner workings of Plant City.
According to Plant City’s Human Resources department, the current selection process marks the most intense in Plant City’s history. In addition to the public meet and greet, candidates will have a chance for personal meets with city commission members Thursday. Three candidates will be publicly interviewed by the commission Thursday afternoon, with the remaining three interviewed Friday morning.
“It’s really neat to get a chance to know everyone on a personal level and not just as names on a resume,” Mercedes Perez, the city’s human resources director, said. "It’s been an extremely thorough process.”
More than 100 members of the Plant City community showed up at the John R. Trinkle Center to meet the candidates, who include Jamie Croteau, management services director of Boca Raton; Jeff Brown, city manager in Panama City; Jonathan Evans, former City Manager of Riviera Beach; Bob Middaugh, Loudoun County, Virginia’s assistant county administrator; Shawn Sherrouse, current assistant city manager of Lakeland; and Plant City’s assistant city manager and former police chief, Bill McDaniel.
“I’m happy there was an open reception and the community had a chance to meet them,” resident Simone Gans Barefield said. “It’s a great way to introduce them to Plant City.”
“We’ve got a good opportunity here. I could be comfortable with many of them,” C.L. Townsend, Jr. said. “I’m also glad to see a woman in the mix. I think she can bring a good perspective. Whoever we choose has a lot on the table for the next few years.”
Whoever the new city manager may be, they’re coming into Plant City as leadership is poised to determine the kind of city Plant City will be for decades to come with major projects like Midtown nearing ground breaking after more than a decade of preparation, a proposed $100 million sports village, revitalized Main Street program and massive investment in roads and infrastructure.
All of the candidates said working on the Midtown project and future sports tourism prospects would be an exciting challenge if they came aboard with the city.
“I think that’s going to be big for the city and can’t come quick enough,” Sherrouse said of the Midtown revitalization. “It could be the bait that retains some of the younger millennial talent who are looking for something trendy. It can also help attract bigger industry because bigger corporations can come in and retain a workforce when they have a place to live, work and play.”
City leaders also have a tough choice between McDaniel, who has large support from city staff and an intimate knowledge of Plant City, and bringing fresh eyes and new perspectives to city leadership.
“It’s a tough choice they have to make,” Marsha Passmore said. “I’m glad I’m not the one who has to make it.”
Candidate interviews with city commissioners will be held at City Hall on Thursday at 12:30 p.m. and Friday at 8 a.m.