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Citizen Of The Year

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 12, 2008

Bill Starkey was characteristically humble after being named the Civitan Citizen of the Year at the Florida State Fair's Governor's Day Luncheon Monday.

He mentioned simply that when one is blessed, one should give back to those less fortunate.

Starkey, the retired president of GTE Information Services, has given back in numerous ways since he adopted this community more than 20 years ago.

Name a worthy cause and it's likely Starkey's been involved, working quietly but effectively behind the scenes.

The Community Foundation, the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Abe Brown Prison Ministries, the Tampa Bay Partnership, the University of South Florida, the University of Tampa, the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, the Florida Orchestra and the Hillsborough County School District are just some of the organizations that have benefited from his insight and guidance.

A few years ago, when the Port of Tampa had a leadership crisis, he took over as interim executive director. Though he had no maritime background, he brought much-needed stability, accountability and transparency to port operations, leaving this treasured asset in far better shape than when he arrived.

Starkey prefers to stay in the background and give credit to others. But there is no way for him to hide all the good he has done for this community. Bill Starkey richly deserves this honor, and the gratitude of us all.

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