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NewsTampa Bay TimesSeptember 7, 2026Hillsborough

Profiles of Tampa Bay regional workers and their public service roles

This article highlights the daily responsibilities of various local workers who maintain public infrastructure and facilities across the Tampa Bay region. It profiles individuals working in beach maintenance, farriery, airport horticulture, and arena ice operations.

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Why It Matters

Residents rely on these specific municipal and private-sector roles to maintain the cleanliness, safety, and operational standards of public spaces like beaches, airports, and sports arenas.

Key Facts

  • Jason Pagano operates a 3,800-pound rake to clean three miles of Treasure Island beach.
  • Pagano was named the City of Treasure Island's 2025 Field Employee of the Year.
  • Beach maintenance includes coordinating with sea-turtle nesting surveyors and removing debris like chairs and trash.
  • Kent Nauert has worked as a farrier for 46 years, beginning his career after graduating from Tarpon Springs High School in 1980.
  • The Tampa International Airport landscaping team manages 40 to 50 different types of plants throughout the terminal.
  • The ice crew at Benchmark International Arena requires up to 20 members on game days.
  • Ice crew members must attend at least 70% of the Tampa Bay Lightning's home games, including the postseason.

Who's Mentioned

locationBenchmark International Arena“Site of ice maintenance operations for the Tampa Bay Lightning.”personAli Murdock“Assistant ice operations manager and Zamboni driver at Benchmark International A”personJesus Perez“Horticultural technician at Tampa International Airport.”personJason Pagano“Beach maintenance technician for the City of Treasure Island and 2025 Field Empl”personKristina Zakarkaite“Lead horticulturist at Tampa International Airport.”organizationCity of Treasure Island“Employer of beach maintenance staff.”personKent Nauert“Farrier with 46 years of experience in the Tampa Bay area.”locationTampa International Airport“Site of interior landscaping operations.”personMario Medina-Soto“Horticultural technician at Tampa International Airport.”