Lakeland City Manager Announces Retirement After 23 Years

LAKELAND, FL — City manager of Lakeland, Tony Delgado announced his retirement after 23 years of service to the community, said a press release.

Delgado began his career in January 1997 with the city at the Lakeland Center (RP Funding Center) as the facility’s assistant director. After four years he was hired as part of the city administrative management team. In November 2000 he accepted a promotion to assistant city manager, and a few years later, he became deputy city manager. He was appointed as city manager on January 4, 2016, after a three-month interim city manager appointment.

"This certainly was not an easy decision, and I am honored that I was provided the opportunity to serve the citizens of Lakeland," Delgado said in a press release. "This is such a wonderful and vibrant community, and I am proud to have been part of an outstanding team of public servants who work diligently to assist in making Lakeland a great place to live and work.”

The city announced on Twitter they will begin the broad search for his replacement as soon as possible.

The Commission says that they would like to accelerate a broad search for the City of Lakeland's next City Manager; publishing an RFP for the position as soon as possible. #LKLD
— City of Lakeland (@lakelandgov) June" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/lakelandgo... 12, 2020

His official retirement date is scheduled for September 26, 2020.

The city told Patch that they are definitely going to miss him after his 23 years of service.

Delgado's full retirement letter has been provided by the city, and can be viewed at Delgado's Retirement letter.

“My wife and I believe that this is the right time to explore the next chapter of our lives," said Delgado. "I am extremely proud of the work that that has been accomplished and the opportunities that I have had with the city of Lakeland. I have worked with so many great people over the years and it is those people I will miss most.” He added, “We have a great city commission and staff in place, and I personally look forward to the bright future that lies ahead for this wonderful city.”

Delgado and his wife, Robin have been married since 1993.