News Summary
The City of Dunedin has announced the appointment of Tony Mulkey as the new Parks and Recreation Director, succeeding Vince Gizzi. Mulkey brings extensive experience from his previous role overseeing over 200 parks and 42 recreational facilities in Tampa, where he successfully organized major events. His responsibilities will include managing parks, recreational facilities, and liaising with the Toronto Blue Jays. Residents are optimistic about his leadership and its impact on the city’s outdoor culture.
Dunedin has officially announced the appointment of Tony Mulkey as the new Parks and Recreation Director, succeeding Vince Gizzi, who retired in March after a commendable 17-year career in the role. Mulkey’s experience in managing parks and recreational facilities is extensive, having served as the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Tampa, where he oversaw a substantial array of properties and facilities.
In Tampa, Mulkey managed over 200 park properties and 42 recreational facilities, demonstrating his capability to handle a diverse and broad set of responsibilities. His role also involved supervising a seasonal workforce that could expand to as many as 900 employees during peak times. Under his leadership, Tampa successfully organized high-profile events, such as Super Bowl LV and the NCAA Women’s Final Four. These experiences have primed him for the challenges and opportunities he will face in Dunedin, where he will take on the oversight of parks, recreation facilities, the Dunedin Marina, and local golf operations.
Mulkey’s official start date is set for July 28. His responsibilities will extend beyond simple management; he will act as a liaison for the city with the Toronto Blue Jays, enhancing the collaboration between the city and this major league team. In his role, he will also be tasked with leading strategic planning initiatives and overseeing capital improvements aimed at enhancing the city’s green spaces and recreational infrastructure.
The leadership change comes after the tenure of Vince Gizzi, who was widely appreciated for his dedication and contributions to the outdoor culture within Dunedin. During Gizzi’s time as director, he established a vibrant parks and recreation scene that flourished over the years. His retirement leaves a legacy of progress and a model of service that many residents are keen to see continue.
As Mulkey steps into this leadership position, city officials and residents share a common anticipation for how his extensive experience will influence and develop Dunedin’s parks and recreation landscape. His background in a larger metropolitan area like Tampa, where he dealt with significant resources and high-visibility events, suggests a readiness to maintain and expand upon the community’s rich outdoor culture built over the past two decades under Gizzi’s stewardship.
In conclusion, the City of Dunedin’s selection of Tony Mulkey as the new Parks and Recreation Director marks a significant leadership transition. His proven track record in Tampa positions him well to fulfill the expectations of the community, adapt the city’s offerings to meet changing needs, and ensure that the parks and recreation amenities continue to thrive in Dunedin.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Governor Signs State Park Preservation Act in Florida
Beal Slough Disc Golf Course Ranked 70th Globally
San Diego Golf Courses Generate $40 Million in Revenue
Additional Resources
- Hoodline: Tony Mulkey Appointed as New Parks and Recreation Director
- TBN Weekly: New Parks Director
- St. Pete Catalyst: Dunedin Considers Aquatic Center Plans
- Florida Politics: State Park Development Plan Concerns
- Milb: Update on Minor League Baseball
- Wikipedia: Parks and Recreation
- Google Search: Dunedin Parks and Recreation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Recreation
- Google News: Dunedin Parks
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
