A Hometown Champion Building A Stronger, Healthier Plant City.
ABOUT TONY
Tony Smith is a proud native son of Plant City, shaped by the roots he planted in our local public schools—from Burney Elementary to Plant City High. His early love for music flourished through the youth gospel group The Happy Stars, where he learned to share his faith in God and connect deeply with his community.
By 8th grade, Tony’s determination to play sports ran up against his mother’s strict religious objections. Thinking quickly, he used the marching band permission forms to join the basketball and track teams—and repeated the move in 9th grade to play football. His grit paid off. Tony soon emerged as a leader on every team he joined, earning a reputation as a true hometown standout.
His talent opened the door to a full scholarship at Clark Atlanta University, where he excelled in music, track, and football. After matriculating, Tony built a successful early career in retail management, honing his strengths in leadership, budgeting, and business operations. But in 2006, he felt called to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a firefighter. He joined the Tampa Fire Department in 2008, and after retiring, he continued serving others as an EMT educator with Hillsborough County Public Schools.
In 2018, Tony founded M.A.T.E.S., a wellness initiative focused on fitness, nutrition, and mental health in the Plant City community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, M.A.T.E.S.—in collaboration with other local organizations—became a lifeline for hundreds of families who might have otherwise struggled to access healthy food.
Today, Tony continues to serve his hometown as a member of the City of Plant City Board of Adjustment, bringing his lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and community forward into the future.
Tony is ready to serve as OUR City Commissioner — focused on smart growth, updated infrastructure, safe neighborhoods, transparent governance and a thriving future for all.
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The “Better Together” Agenda
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Tony supports responsible development that protects Plant City's small-town character while preparing for future needs. He believes in planning that balances residential, commercial, and agricultural priorities, ensuring new growth comes with the infrastructure and services it requires.
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From outdated roads to frequent flooding, Plant City's aging infrastructure is under pressure. Tony will fight for strategic investments to modernize transportation, improve drainage, and upgrade utilities, building a more resilient and connected community.
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Public safety is a top priority. Tony recognizes that Plant City's police and fire departments are underfunded and struggling to compete with nearby cities for talent. He will champion better pay, training, and equipment for first responders — ensuring they have the resources to keep neighborhoods safe.
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Tony is committed to open, honest leadership. He will advocate for greater public engagement, clearer communication from city leaders, and full transparency in decision-making so residents always know what’s happening and how their voices are being heard.
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Tony envisions a Plant City where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. He will promote small business growth, invest in workforce development, and support programs for youth, families, and seniors, building a community where no one is left behind
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