Brian J. Aungst, Sr.

Brian J. Aungst, Sr. (born January 22, 1954) is a Florida politician and retired communications executive known for his service as the mayor of Clearwater, one of Florida's largest cities, from 1999 to 2005 and again from April 2023 to present.Mark Schreiner, "Brian Aungst Sr. is named Clearwater's interim mayor", WUSF Public Media - WUSF 89.7, March 27, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2023. His tenure has been marked by accomplishments in the realms of economic development and civic engagement.
==First tenure as mayor==
During his first span as mayor, Aungst's leadership played a pivotal role in revitalizing Clearwater and shaping its growth from a regionally known beach community into a destination with international appeal and increasing economic opportunities.Peter Schorsch, "Source: Brian Aungst Sr. leading candidate to be named Clearwater Mayor", Florida Politics, March 27, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
In his capacity as mayor, Aungst actively participated in regional advisory roles, such as the Pinellas County Tourist Development Council."Tourist Development Council Members", Pinellas County Tourist Development Council. Retrieved September 5, 2023. His efforts were directed toward stimulating tourism, particularly following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, which had a substantial negative impact on the tourism industry.Marc Davis, "The Impact of 9/11 on Business", Investopedia, August 24, 2022. Retrieved September 5, 2023. In all, Aungst’s economic redevelopment efforts from 1999–2005 totaled $750 million."Mayor Brian J. Aungst Sr.", City of Clearwater, April 11, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
As tourist visits increased, the 1960s-era drawbridge that connected the city’s mainland and beach communities strained to keep up."Dynamite to destroy part of old drawbridge", Tampa Bay Times, October 24, 2005. Retrieved September 7, 2023."Memorial Causeway Bridge Construction Information", City of Clearwater, September 4, 2003. Retrieved September 7, 2023. As mayor, Aungst mustered support for replacing the aging Clearwater Memorial Causeway bridge with a new, fixed bridge that would serve as a “$69.3-million city showpiece,” working with state and city staff to minimize the project’s impacts on residents and businesses.Aaron Sharockman, "Bridge columns to come down", Tampa Bay Times, August 28, 2005. Retrieved September 7, 2023. As the project progressed from its start in 2002, substantial engineering and construction problems emerged, including cracked pilings and shifting sections of roadway, resulting in a series of delays.
Aungst coordinated with stakeholders in the city, state transportation staff, and the project’s contractor and subcontractors—ensuring necessary repairs took place and ultimately reducing the delays.Aaron Sharockman, "Bridge columns to come down", Tampa Bay Times, August 28, 2005. Retrieved September 7, 2023.The sweeping curve of 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."SCENIC RUN CELEBRATES NEW BRIDGE", Tampa Bay Times, August 28, 2005. Retrieved September 7, 2023. Today, the bridge serves as an architectural icon for the City of Clearwater, with the Boston Society of Architects including its design among the organization’s seven “Landmark American Bridges of the 21st Century.”Christina Headrick, "Unbuilt bridge honored as a landmark", Tampa Bay Times, September 30, 2005. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
One of Aungst’s notable achievements was the establishment of 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.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.
Aungst played a key role in another public-private partnership, resulting in the construction of a substantial 90,000-square-foot public library in downtown Clearwater.Peter Schorsch, "Source: Brian Aungst Sr. leading candidate to be named Clearwater Mayor", Florida Politics, March 27, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2023. This facility contributed significantly to the cultural and educational resources available to the city's residents."Spectacular new library serves on many levels", Tampa Bay Times, August 27, 2005. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
Under Aungst's leadership, Clearwater made investments in community infrastructure, including the development of multiple recreation centers and athletic complexes.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. His dedication to enhancing community engagement and sports programs earned Clearwater recognition as "Sports Town USA" in Florida, as acknowledged by Sports Illustrated magazine."Annual Operating and Capital Improvement Budget", City of Clearwater, November 2, 2020. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
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."Mayor Brian J. Aungst Sr.", City of Clearwater, April 11, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
==Second tenure as mayor==
In March 2023, Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard unexpectedly resigned, citing disagreements with other members of the city’s leadership over financial decisions.Tracey McManus, "Inside Frank Hibbard’s jaw-dropping resignation as Clearwater mayor", Tampa Bay Times, March 26, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2023. Clearwater’s City Council unanimously appointed Aungst to serve out the remaining 11 months of Hibbard’s term.Mark Schreiner, "Brian Aungst Sr. is named Clearwater's interim mayor", WUSF Public Media - WUSF 89.7, March 27, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2023. 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.”"Clearwater Swears In New Mayor Brian Aungst Sr.", City of Clearwater, April 12, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
Category:1954 births
Category:People from Pennsylvania
Category:Florida politicians