Brian Aungst

Brian J. Aungst, Sr.
Mayor of Clearwater, Florida
In office March 18, 1999 – January 4, 2005
Preceded by	Rita Garvey
Succeeded by	Frank Hibbard
Constituency	Clearwater, Florida
Personal details
Born	January 22, 1954 Annville, Pennsylvania
Political party	Republican
Spouse(s)	Karen Lynn Aungst
Children	Brian Aungst, Jr.
Religion	Methodist

Brian J. Aungst, Sr. served as the mayor of one of Florida's largest cities, Clearwater, for two terms from 1999-2005. Term limits kept him from seeking a third term.^[1] He was credited with turning a stagnant city around, serving as the catalyst to attract unprecedented economic development to a once dormant community.^[2][3]

During his six-year tenure he attracted nearly $750 million of economic development to Clearwater including a sweeping redevelopment of the city's number-one economic engine, Clearwater Beach.^[4]

Mayor Aungst served on Pinellas County's Tourist Development Council, the advisory board of Pinellas County's Convention and Visitors Bureau, using his position as mayor to encourage tourists to visit the area, especially after the events of 9/11/2001.

Aungst was instrumental in putting together a public-private partnership to build a new Community Sports Complex Bright House Networks Field to host Philadelphia Phillies Spring Training Baseball and their minor league team the Clearwater Threshers and other community events.^[5] In addition he spearheaded a public-private partnership to build a new 90,000-square-foot (8,400 m²) signature public library in downtown Clearwater.^[6] Under his leadership the city built multiple community recreation centers and athletic complexes and was named Sports Illustrated magazine's "Sports Town USA" for the state of Florida.^[7] He was the first Mayor of Clearwater, Florida to be re-elected unopposed since 1956.^[8] Aungst supported his successor Mayor Frank Hibbard who was elected unopposed to replace him in 2005 and re-elected in 2008.^[9]

Brian Aungst presided over the Clearwater City Commission for almost six years of unprecedented growth.^[3]

References

1. "Race for mayor's seat a lonely one so far". St. Petersburg Times, September 25, 2004. Retrieved 2007-01-28.
2. "Strong mayor made city stronger". St. Petersburg Times, January 24, 2005. Retrieved 2007-01-28.
3. "In difficult role Aungst has found success". St. Petersburg Times, April 28, 2002. Retrieved 2007-01-28.
4. "Mayor leaves a strong legacy of a Clearwater transformed". St. Petersburg Times, January 23, 2005. Retrieved 2007-01-28.
5. "Phillies to pay for more of stadium". St. Petersburg Times, April 13, 2002. Retrieved 2007-01-28.
6. "Clearwater main library a four-floor living room". St. Petersburg Times, May 2, 2004. Retrieved 2007-01-28.
7. "City wins spot on Sports Illustrated map". St. Petersburg Times, February 12, 2004. Retrieved 2007-01-28.
8. "Unopposed, Aungst wins long before March election". St. Petersburg Times, February 3, 2002. Retrieved 2007-01-28.
9. "New Clearwater mayor named". St. Petersburg Times, December 18, 2004. Retrieved 2007-01-28.