The Pasco County Commission set aside some time during its Aug. 8 meeting to honor Andy Taylor, a legislative aide who is leaving the county to accept a job with Tampa Electric Co. (TECO.)
Taylor was Pasco County’s first legislative aide, serving under former Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore.
He assumed that role in February of 2019 and continued in that capacity under Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman, after Moore stepped away from public service.
Taylor was heavily involved in Moore’s efforts to raise money and plan a universal playground, serving children of all ability levels, at the Wesley Chapel District Park, according to a resolution, adopted by the county board.
He also was involved in Pasco County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and in the county’s economic development programs.
More recently, Taylor worked closely with Weightman to help the Pasco County Legislative Delegation and the county’s governmental affairs team to secure a $1.5 million appropriation for much-needed sidewalks near schools.
He also worked closely, first with Moore and then with Weightman to research issues and prepared for board meetings.
The legislative aide was known for having an eagle eye, when reviewing materials in the board’s agenda packet, and for his passionate devotion for promoting the county’s sports tourism efforts, the resolution says.
He is joining TECO’s state and regional affairs team, as regional manager for Pasco and East Hillsborough counties.
A number of people turned out to celebrate Taylor’s recognition by the Pasco County Commissioner.
Among those supporters were Pasco County Property Appraiser Mike Wells and Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano, members of the Florida’s Sports Coast tourism team, Taylors friends and other county employees.
County board members expressed their appreciation for Taylor’s efforts, with his former boss, Moore, doing so via a video from his vacation and his current boss doing so, from the board dais.
Taylor expressed gratitude for the honor.
He noted it was something of a full-circle moment for him.
It turns out that Taylor and Weightman have known each other for years.
Taylor previously was an aide to former Hillsborough County Commissioner Al Higginbotham and Weightman was aide for former Florida Speaker of the House Will Weatherford.
When Pasco created its role for a legislative aide, it was Weightman who told Taylor about the opening and encouraged him to go after it.
Published August 30, 2023
