- September 5, 2026
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Though he has 45 years of experience in government, Howard Tipton’s three-and-a-half-year tenure as town manager of the town of Longboat Key holds a special place in his heart.
“It’s different here,” Tipton said. “I’d always done things on a large scale. I enjoyed those — they were wonderful communities, and we did a lot of good stuff over the years — but this has just been special. Here, you get to know every street and every neighborhood. It’s been so much more rewarding because of the relationships you can build in a small community.”
Tipton’s last day with the town is Sept. 14, closing the book on a career that has spanned the state.
The small size of Longboat Key allowed Tipton to provide a personal touch. Town employees celebrating birthdays or anniversaries always received hand-written cards from Tipton.
“Regardless of your role, he makes everyone feel seen and appreciated,” said Executive Assistant Savannah Cobb. “Even from the very top, he makes sure every single person is known.”
He was accessible, sure to answer or return calls from commissioners, town staff and residents alike. And each month, the Bayfront Park Recreation Center hosted what became known as “Tip Talks,” where Tipton and other town leaders made themselves available to residents for questions on whatever topic they wished. “The floor is yours,” Tip would say at the beginning of each meeting.
Tipton, 68, started as town manager in January 2023. In just three and a half years, the makeup of town staff around him has evolved. Acting in the role of CEO of the town, Tipton played a large part in that evolution.
In his tenure, Isaac Brownman, who was public works director for seven years, was promoted to assistant town manager. It was a decision that kept Brownman and his valuable knowledge of town operations on the key.
“Isaac was actually looking to leave,” Tipton said. “We had a director who had left, and I was able to make that position into the assistant and keep him as part of our organization. He knows the undergrounding projects, he knows utilities, he has the relationships with Sarasota County. He is just critical.”
Charlie Mopps was promoted from project manager to fill Brownman’s former public works director position — another slam dunk promotion.
BJ Bishop, who has served on town commission since 2020 and was on the Planning and Zoning Board for 14 years before that, said elevating the right people to the right roles is something Tipton has a knack for.
“He looks for people that have incredibly positive attitudes who understand that we are, as a town, a customer-based workforce,” Bishop said. “Isaac and Charlie both personify finding solutions, have positive attitudes and they’re always willing to go the extra mile.”
He didn’t only hire internally, though that is typically the most natural and easy way to fill vacant positions. Tipton cast a net across the state and nation to fill the police chief and town clerk vacancies.
Celine Kidwell, who was hired as clerk this summer, came from Eloy, Arizona. Police Chief Russ Mager was recruited from Delray Beach on the other coast of Florida. Though there were internal applicants for both vacancies, the new hires have been applauded by town commissioners, town staff and residents alike.
“I think he’s got a good eye for talent and certainly knows the ins and outs of municipal government well enough to know whether somebody is effective at what they do,” Planning, Zoning and Building Director Allen Parsons said. “Pound for pound I would put the staff here at the town up against any government organization or private organization.”
Howard Tipton’s corner office in Town Hall provides a view of the recently completed Bay Isles Road medians.
Floral plantings bloom where boring white shell sat before, one of the many projects Tipton oversaw during his tenure that beautified Longboat Key. In one of those medians is a drop box for water bills about 3 feet above the road. When Hurricane Helene approached Longboat Key, Tipton looked out at that grey, metal box from his office as the waters slowly rose.
“The water went over that mailbox. Then the power cut off, and it rose more,” Tipton remembers.
He rode out the storm, and in the aftermath of both 2024 hurricanes, Tipton worked nonstop.
“Tip is a doer, and no one worked harder during the hurricanes and in the months afterwards than he did,” Bishop said. “And he certainly inspired and reminded our staff that our first responsibility is to the community, and no one exhibited that on a daily basis more than he did.”
Parsons described Tipton’s demeanor in the weeks and months of recovery as even keeled. His skills in communication helped residents stay up to date on the progress of repairs, and his vast experience in government was vital as the town worked with FEMA, two counties, state agencies and neighboring municipalities.
“He had the ability to navigate those things and work effectively to be able to bring in the right kinds of people and resources,” Parsons said. “He helped with direction on what are the priorities, restoring services and getting the town back on its feet.”
Parsons, Bishop and Cobb each say his dedication to the job was unmatched. That wasn’t new for Tip. When he worked in Orange County, for example, the expectation was 80-hour work weeks.
“We were in there early in the morning and late at night and weekends, and that’s just what it took to get it done,” Tipton said. “And I learned so much from all the folks there, but there was no work-life balance.”
His dedication to his job followed him on each step of his career, but those who worked under Tipton felt a work-life balance that he may not have had.
“I only worked directly for him for a year and a half, and during that time I was out for three months on maternity leave. I had two babies while working here, and he has been nothing but supportive during this phase of my life,” Cobb said. “As a mom working full-time, I couldn't have asked for a more supportive boss, and I am forever thankful for that.”
One concrete example of Tipton’s support for town staff was the decision to change the town’s operating hours. The 9-to-5 on Longboat Key became a 7:30-to-4. That decision saved employees who commute to work, as most do, from the gridlock that comes with the busy winter season.
“It’s paradise, but it’s work. And sometimes it’s work just to get here,” Tipton said. “We try to be flexible, understanding that if somebody’s coming from Parrish or Palmetto or wherever, if we can still get the work that we need to get done and be somewhat flexible in our in our approach, then you know, why not?”
The above quote is an example of his leadership style. It’s never “I” did something when Tip talks about the town’s successes during his tenure.
“He is not one to take credit,” Bishop said. “He lets other people’s light shine through.”
Government management runs in the family.
“My father was a city manager, so I blame him for my career choice,” Tipton will say through a grin. “Growing up, we went to council meetings or city events, so I kind of grew up with that bent.”
His career was noteworthy. He led huge counties like Orange, St. Lucie and Brevard. His impact on Florida touches every corner of the state, even in places he did not work directly.
“The entire state is grieving his retirement because he is so exceptional,” Bishop said. “Not just an exceptional county leader, but an exceptional man.”
Tipton recently took a trip to South Africa where he attended a funeral for a friend. As he contemplates his next chapter of life beyond his profession, that funeral provided perspective to him.
“At funerals, nobody talks about what you did for work. They talk about family and relationships. As I think about my legacy, it’s a family legacy. How can I be a better husband, father, grandfather and brother,” Tipton said. “I have been selfish in my career, but my wife has been at my side for 41 years, and I owe her my full and undivided attention.”
It wouldn’t have been this soon if it was up to him, though. Health issues made the decision to retire for him.
“That’s what makes it so hard to leave. I’m not going out when I wanted to go out. I wanted to be here for another five, seven years. However long I could keep walking,” Tipton said. “To have to go out for health reasons is just beyond frustrating.”
Though the manner of his departure is frustrating, that’s not close to the word that comes to mind when he thinks about his past three years on Longboat Key.
It’s grateful.
