Candidate: Ricardo "Rick" Fernandez

My name is Rick Fernandez, candidate for Board of County Commissioners, District 3.

I was born in Ybor City and raised in Tampa Heights. My parents, Ray and Josie (Giglio) were born in Ybor City and West Tampa respectively, in the early 1900's. Son Michael is 26 and a Tampa Prep/Oregon State grad. My partner in life is Connie Rose, high school sweetheart, professional trainer and fierce advocate for survivors of human trafficking.

Education: Sacred Heart Academy ('68), Jesuit High School ('72), University of Florida _ Political Science Honors ('75), Stetson University College of Law ('78).

Bar Admission: Florida 1978, California 1982 (inactive)

Military: US Navy JAGC 1978 - 1984 (Navy Lawyer) | San Diego, Naples and USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67)

After leaving the Navy, I pursued a trial practice in Tampa until 2000. Most of that time (12 years), I was a Shareholder at the Shackleford Farrior firm (n/k/a Gray Robinson).

Representative Activities (1984 - 2000): President Hillsborough County Bar Association; Florida Bar Board of Governors; President Bay Area Legal Services Board of Directors; Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer; Leadership Tampa; Florida Bar President's Pro Bono Service Award (Homeless Outreach Project).

Beginning in 2000, I reinvented myself as a Legal Recruiter, Chief Recruiting Officer, Hiring Partner and Career Coach. I've worn those hats for two of the largest law firms in Florida: Shutts Bowen and Fowler White (n/k/a Buchanan Ingersoll). I left Shutts in September 2019 and have continued in the recruiting arena under my own banner, Fernandez Consulting Services, Inc.

Path back home: I moved back to Tampa Heights in 2012. My intent was to be part of the community's resurgence. Involvement began at the Community Garden compost pit (kid you not) and grew from there (pun intended). Soon, I was on the Board of the Tampa Heights Civic Association and was elected President in January 2016.

Representative Activities (2013 - Present): Vice Chair, MPO Citizens Advisory Committee by appointment of Commissioner Les Miller (2017 - Present); Independent Oversight Committee, Transportation Surtax Funding (AFT), by appointment of Tampa City Council (2019 - present); Tampa Heights Civic Associaiton, President (2016 - 2019), Transportation Committee Chair (2019 - Present), Board Member (2013 - 2020); Neighborhood Activist and Transit Advocate (2013 - Present)

Please visit my campaign website: www.rickfor3.com for more background, my path to candidacy and priorities. 

Stay safe.

Best Regards,

Ricardo "Rick" Fernandez
rick@fernandezconsulting.net