Annual Report
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Letter of Support for the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority

Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority

(TBARTA) Re: Letter of Support for the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority (TBARTA) Dear Governor DeSantis, 

As Tampa Bay continues to expand, existing transportation infrastructure is reaching capacity. Congestion and a lack of connectivity between counties create silos that restrict the free movement of individuals and currency. Deficient systems have a high opportunity cost and lower quality of life. 

The Tampa Bay business community offers commitment and support to the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority (TBARTA), which works to advance regional transportation needs in Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, and Pinellas counties. TBARTA supports 3,696,184 people across the five counties: representing 3,257 square miles, 140,000 businesses, and nearly 1.5-million jobs. Collaboration between the business community, the Florida Department of Transportation, and the Executive Office of the Governor is necessary to create sustainable funding for ongoing operations. 

TBARTA serves as the primary mechanism for regional transit planning and operations and a unifying body for collaboration. There is a clear regional consensus from business leaders that an appropriation from the 2022-2023 General Appropriations Act will propel TBARTA’s work forward, improving connectivity within county boundaries and across the region. 

Of the $1,375,000 requested, one million dollars will support TD Tampa Bay, enhancing accessibility for the transportation disadvantaged via a multi-modal plan. The remaining budget supports operations for TBARTA, allowing the organization to continue advancing transportation plans and practices. 

TBARTA’s role in planning and implementing transportation options serves the market, rather than political jurisdictions, magnifying its capacity to build critical infrastructure for regional success. As such, Tampa Bay’s business community supports the appropriation and asks for your favorable review. 

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. 

Sincerely, 

Bemetra Simmons
President and CEO Tampa Bay Partnership 

Chad Loar 
Regional President – West and Central FL, PNC Bank Chair | Tampa Bay Partnership 

Bob Rohrlack, DBA 
President and CEO, Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce 

Craig Richard 
President and CEO, Tampa Bay Economic Development Council 

Michael Maurino
Executive Director, Westshore Alliance 

Chris Steinocher 
President and CEO, St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce 

Jason Mathis 
President and CEO, St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership 

Lynda Remund 
President and CEO, Tampa Downtown Partnership 

Bill Cronin 

President and CEO, Pasco Economic Development Council 

Dr. Cynthia Johnson, EDFP 
Director, Pinellas County Economic Development

Brian Auld 
President, Tampa Bay Rays, Secretary/Treasurer | Tampa Bay Partnership 

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The Tampa Bay Partnership is composed of a coalition that helps unite the collective voices and influence and hone in on a unified message to address regional challenges and achieve what no individual or organization can accomplish alone.

Media Contact:
Shannon Kalahar
skalahar@tampabay.org
727.741.5440

C.J. Mintrone

Regional President and Head of Corporate Banking, West Florida, PNC Bank

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C.J. Mintrone is regional president and head of Corporate Banking for PNC Bank in West Florida, responsible for overseeing all lines of business, sponsorships, philanthropic and branding efforts important to PNC’s strategy.
 
Mintrone was named regional president in July 2026 and brings more than 20 years of industry experience, including 15 years at PNC, to this role.
As executive vice president and head of Corporate Banking for West Florida, he leads a high-performing team delivering PNC’s comprehensive banking solutions to corporations with revenues exceeding $100 million. He is the national co-leader for PNC’s Corporate Sales Development (CSD) team,, where he drives sales strategy, marketing, and growth initiatives across PNC’s Corporate Banking markets nationwide.
 
Mintrone is active in the community and serves as a board member of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, vice chair of the advisory board of Make-A-Wish Tampa Bay, and a board member of Junior Achievement Tampa Bay. He is also on the finance committee of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. In addition, he serves on the executive advisory council for the University of South Florida Muma College of Business and on the Tampa Bay Partnership workforce board.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a specialty in finance (Cum Laude), from the University of Florida and is a graduate of Leadership Tampa (2013).