S2 Ep2131: NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT PInellas Park with Ricky Butler, Vice-Mayor

As we explore Pinellas County neighborhoods, Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser was please to welcome Ricky Butler, vice-mayor of Pinellas Park and an advocate of good deeds. We talked about issues facing all municipalities in general and Pinellas Park in particular and the many successes they have achieved with their visionary initiatives. It's all about community activism plus treating people well...no wonder Pinellas Park has won numerous awards for Best Place To Work. No stranger to public service, Ricky's Dad was on City Council for many years and he grew up knowing he wanted to do so as well.  Ricky Butler was elected to city council in March of 2024. He currently represents the city on Forward Pinellas, the Opioid Abatement Funding Advisory Board (OAFAB), and the Florida League of Cities' Municipal Operations Legislative Committee. In his "day job,"  Ricky is the Communications & Public Education Manager at the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office where he leads the dynamic team responsible for traditional public relations communications, social media, public education programming, special events, and intergovernmental relations.  Additional Service Prior to serving on on Pinellas Park City Council, Ricky has been a member of the following boards and organizations: - Mental Health for Heroes (2022-24) - Leadership Pinellas Board of Directors (2018-24) - Pinellas County Charter Review Commission (2023-24) - Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast Board of Directors (2016-18) - PACE Center for Girls Pinellas Advisory Board (2014-16) - Pinellas Park Boys & Girls Club Unit Advisory Council (2009-16) - Pinellas Park/Gateway Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors (2009-11) - Pinellas County Youth Advisory Committee (2006-08) Over the years, he has been affiliated with organizations, programs, and one-off projects including: - Police & Kids Foundation Pinellas Park High School 9/11 Memorial Project (2009) - Pinellas Park Police Department Citizens Police Academy (2009) - Pinellas Park Police Department Volunteer Patrol (2009-12) - Clearwater Jazz Holiday Jazz Force (2014-21) - Pinellas Park Police Department External Strategic Plan Working Group (2017) Awards - Pinellas Park Youth Citizen of the Year Award (2006) - Modern Woodmen of America Hometown Hero Award (2006) - Pinellas Park Citizen of the Year (2017) Education & Professional Experience Ricky holds a Bachelor's Degree in Public Policy & Administration from St. Petersburg College, is a graduate of Florida State University's Certified Public Manager program, and a proud alumni of the Leadership Pinellas Class of 2015. Hobbies & Family In his spare time Ricky enjoys photography, travel, gaming, riding his motorcycle, and spending time with his wife, Jessica and their daughter, Leighton.  #pinellaspark #rickybutler #neighborhoodspotlight #nanettewiser #pinellasparkhistory #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete