Times staff writer
Thursday, January 19, 2012
TAMPA — Steve Daignault is retiring as Tampa's public works and utility services administrator.
"Steve's whole life has been in the service of others, and he did a great job for the people of Tampa," Mayor Bob Buckhorn said in a statement announcing Daignault's retirement and plans to search for a replacement. "He certainly made my transition to mayor very easy. He leaves big shoes to fill."
Daignault, 62, was hired eight years ago by then-Mayor Pam Iorio to oversee the city's public works, solid waste, water, wastewater, stormwater, transportation and contract administration operations. He earns $153,000 annually. His last day is Feb. 3.
Raised in Tampa, Daignault received a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of South Florida. Upon graduation, he joined the Navy and spent 24 years in the Navy Civil Engineer Corps, where his assignments included serving as officer in charge of construction in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. While in the Navy he earned a master's degree in engineering from the University of Florida.
After retiring as a captain in 1995, he worked as the public works director and city major in Cape Coral, then in the private sector, before coming to work at the city of Tampa. After his retirement from the city, Daignault plans to travel with his wife, Victoria.