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Brian J. Aungst, Sr.

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Brian J. Aungst Sr. (born January 22, 1954) is a Florida politician and retired communications executive who serves as mayor of Clearwater, the second-largest city in Pinellas County on Florida’s west coast and the 18th largest in Florida. Aungst has held the office since April 2023 and previously served as Clearwater mayor from 1999 to 2005.[1] His tenures have been marked by a focus on economic development and civic engagement.

Brian J. Aungst, Sr.
Mayor of Clearwater, Florida
In office
April 11, 2023 – April 1, 2024
Preceded byFrank Hibbard
Succeeded byBruce Rector
Mayor of Clearwater, Florida
In office
1999–2005
Preceded byRita Garvey
Succeeded byFrank Hibbard
Personal details
Born (1954-01-22) January 22, 1954 (age 70)
Annville, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
EducationWilmington University (BS), (MBA)
WebsiteCity of Clearwater website

First tenure as mayor

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While Aungst was mayor the first time, Clearwater completed a new bridge and causeway linking its mainland and beach communities, opened a new spring training stadium for the Philadelphia Phillies, constructed a new main library, and established new recreation centers.[2]

In his capacity as mayor, Aungst participated in regional advisory roles, such as the Pinellas County Tourist Development Council.[3] His efforts were directed toward stimulating tourism, particularly following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. During Aungst’s tenure from 1999–2005, economic development in the city totaled $750 million.[4]

The 1960s-era drawbridge that connected the city’s mainland and beach communities needed to be replaced while Aungst was mayor.[5][6] As mayor, Aungst built support for replacing the old Clearwater Memorial Causeway bridge with a new, fixed bridge.[7]

From its start in 2002, the project experienced engineering and construction issues, including cracked pilings and shifting sections of roadway, resulting in a series of delays. Aungst worked with the city, state transportation staff, and the project’s contractor and subcontractors to get the project completed.[8] The new bridge carried its first cars over Clearwater Harbor in August 2005, with ceremonies to mark the milestone that included a running race across the new span.[9] The Boston Society of Architects included the bridge’s design among the organization’s seven “Landmark American Bridges of the 21st Century.”[10]

Aungst established a public-private partnership that led to the construction of the Community Sports Complex, now known as BayCare Ballpark. This facility served as the spring training base for the Philadelphia Phillies and the home of the Clearwater Threshers, a minor league baseball team, in addition to hosting various community events.[11]

Aungst also was mayor during the construction of a 90,000-square-foot public library in downtown Clearwater.[12] This four-story facility also included a children’s area, coffee shop, and gift shop.[13]

While Aungst was mayor, Clearwater developed multiple recreation centers and athletic complexes.[14] Clearwater was named "Sports Town USA" in Florida, as acknowledged by Sports Illustrated magazine.[15]

Aungst was the first mayor of Clearwater to be re-elected unopposed in more than 40 years; he left the position after completing his second term in 2005 due to term limits.[16]

Second tenure as mayor

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In March 2023, Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard resigned, citing disagreements with other members of the city’s leadership over financial decisions.[17] Clearwater’s City Council unanimously appointed Aungst to serve out the remaining 11 months of Hibbard’s term.[18] Aungst was sworn in on April 11, 2023, telling the assembled audience, “I didn’t run for office. I didn’t make any campaign promises. I didn’t take any campaign contributions. I don’t owe anybody anything but good government and doing the best job that I can to my ability. And that’s what I intend to do.”[19]

Professional and community involvement

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For 30 years, Aungst served as director of state government affairs for Charter Communications, through various corporate ownership groups and name changes.[20] In that time, he was recognized with 20 CableACE awards, 10 Beacon awards, and the Don Reed award from Florida Internet & Television, formerly the Florida Cable Telecommunications Association, an organization for which Aungst previously served as chair.[21][22]

AMPLIFY Clearwater, formerly the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce, awarded the organization’s top honor—Mr. and Mrs. Clearwater—to Aungst and his late wife, Karen, in 2017.[23]

Several organizations serving youth and community causes have recognized Aungst with honors, including the Abilities Foundation Corporate Citizen of the Year, the Phillies All Star in the Community award, Tourism Person of the Year from both the Greater Clearwater Regional Chamber and the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Countryside, and the Frederick E. Fisher Humanitarian award from Clearwater for Youth—now CFY Pinellas—for his commitment to supporting youth activities.[24][25]

References

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  1. ^ Mark Schreiner, "Brian Aungst Sr. is named Clearwater's interim mayor", WUSF Public Media - WUSF 89.7, March 27, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  2. ^ Peter Schorsch, "Clearwater City Council names Brian Aungst Sr. new Mayor one week after Frank Hibbard’s resignation", Florida Politics, March 27, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  3. ^ "Tourist Development Council Members", Pinellas County Tourist Development Council. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  4. ^ "Mayor Brian J. Aungst Sr.", City of Clearwater, April 11, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  5. ^ "Dynamite to destroy part of old drawbridge", Tampa Bay Times, October 24, 2005. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  6. ^ "Memorial Causeway Bridge Construction Information", City of Clearwater, September 4, 2003. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  7. ^ Aaron Sharockman, "Bridge columns to come down", Tampa Bay Times, August 28, 2005. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  8. ^ Aaron Sharockman, "Bridge columns to come down", Tampa Bay Times, August 28, 2005. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  9. ^ "SCENIC RUN CELEBRATES NEW BRIDGE", Tampa Bay Times, August 28, 2005. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  10. ^ Christina Headrick, "Unbuilt bridge honored as a landmark", Tampa Bay Times, September 30, 2005. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  11. ^ Meghan Montemurro, "Former Delaware TV sports journalist, ex-Clearwater mayor Aungst recognized by Phillies", The News Journal/Delaware Online, June 17, 2017. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  12. ^ Peter Schorsch, "Source: Brian Aungst Sr. leading candidate to be named Clearwater Mayor", Florida Politics, March 27, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  13. ^ "Spectacular new library serves on many levels", Tampa Bay Times, August 27, 2005. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  14. ^ Peter Schorsch, "Clearwater City Council names Brian Aungst Sr. new Mayor one week after Frank Hibbard’s resignation", Florida Politics, March 27, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  15. ^ "Annual Operating and Capital Improvement Budget", City of Clearwater, November 2, 2020. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  16. ^ "Mayor Brian J. Aungst Sr.", City of Clearwater, April 11, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  17. ^ Tracey McManus, "Inside Frank Hibbard’s jaw-dropping resignation as Clearwater mayor", Tampa Bay Times, March 26, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  18. ^ Mark Schreiner, "Brian Aungst Sr. is named Clearwater's interim mayor", WUSF Public Media - WUSF 89.7, March 27, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  19. ^ "Clearwater Swears In New Mayor Brian Aungst Sr.", City of Clearwater, April 12, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  20. ^ Peter Schorsch, "Source: Brian Aungst Sr. leading candidate to be named Clearwater Mayor", Florida Politics, March 27, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  21. ^ Jeff Rosenfield, "Local luminaries turn out for Brian Aungst's retirement party", Tampa Bay Newspapers/TBN Weekly, March 22, 2018. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  22. ^ "Mayor Brian J. Aungst Sr.", City of Clearwater, April 11, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  23. ^ Peter Schorsch, "Source: Brian Aungst Sr. leading candidate to be named Clearwater Mayor", Florida Politics, March 27, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  24. ^ Jeff Rosenfield, "Local luminaries turn out for Brian Aungst's retirement party", Tampa Bay Newspapers/TBN Weekly, March 22, 2018. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  25. ^ "Mayor Brian J. Aungst Sr.", City of Clearwater, April 11, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
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