Tampa Bay Training, LLC

03/05/2026

Excited to hear that my article “Ethical Partnerships in Public Works: Building Trust Between Municipal Agencies and Vendors” will be included in the May APWA Reporter.

Tampa Bay Training provides workforce development for professionals working in public works, utilities, engineering, construction, & local government. FDOT, FDEP, OSHA, HSI & More.

02/06/2026

New Public Engagement Opportunity for EPA's proposed rule "Updating Clean Water Act Section 401 Regulations”

On January 13, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposed rule to revise the existing Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 401 water quality certification regulations. EPA is accepting public comments on the proposed rule through February 17, 2026.

The agency’s CWA 401 Team is excited to announce that EPA will host a third public meeting session on the proposal on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. EST. Those wishing to attend may register here. Attendees may also register for a three-minute time slot to speak. Slots will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis and will be limited by the duration of the meeting. Confirmed speakers will receive a separate email with additional information and instructions.

Learn more at www.epa.gov/cwa-401 or send an email to cwa401@epa.gov.

For any questions related to this announcement, please contact cwa401@epa.gov. Do not respond directly to this e-mail, as this inbox is not monitored.

Section 401 of the Clean Water Act

02/03/2026

Ethical Vendor Relationships Are Critical Infrastructure in Public Works

In public works, our relationships with vendors—consultants, service providers, contractors, and suppliers—are not just transactional. They are foundational to public trust, project success, and community safety.

Ethical partnerships mean:
• Transparent and fair procurement
• Clear scopes and performance expectations
• Timely and reliable payment practices
• Managing conflicts of interest—and even the appearance of them
• Treating vendors as professional partners, not adversaries

Across the country, public works agencies that invest in ethical procurement practices see real results: better project outcomes, stronger competition, fewer disputes, and more resilient infrastructure systems.

There are differences between consultants, service providers, and suppliers of goods—but the ethical principles remain the same. What changes is how we manage scope, performance, and accountability. When done right, these relationships become true win-win partnerships that serve both the public and the professionals delivering the work.

At Tampa Bay Training, we work with public works, utilities, and local government professionals to strengthen these skills through:
• Ethics and procurement training
• Contract and vendor management courses
• Leadership development for supervisors and managers
• Workforce development rooted in real-world public sector challenges

Ethics isn’t just policy—it’s practice. And like any critical skill in public works, it requires training, reinforcement, and leadership commitment.

www.tampabaytraining.com

Tampa Bay Training provides workforce development for professionals working in public works, utilities, engineering, construction, & local government. FDOT, FDEP, OSHA, HSI & More.

01/30/2026

Getting ready to present at the Kimmins / Transcor Safety Day - Awards Luncheon

01/24/2026

Ethics in Public Service: The Why, the How, and the “What Can I Do Better?”

Ethics isn’t just a policy or a code on paper—it’s the foundation of public trust. Every decision we make as public servants reflects not only on us, but on the institutions and communities we serve.

Why ethics matter
Ethical public service builds credibility, transparency, and confidence. When the public trusts us, collaboration improves, outcomes are stronger, and leadership becomes more effective.

How ethical leadership is developed
Exemplary public service doesn’t happen by accident. It is built intentionally through:
• Formal education that strengthens critical thinking and ethical reasoning
• Professional certifications and micro-lessons that keep us current on standards, laws, and best practices
• Real-world experience that tests our judgment and reinforces accountability

Ethics grow at the intersection of knowledge, training, and lived experience.

What can I do better—starting now?
• Ask tough questions before making decisions
• Seek continuing education, not just required training
• Learn from mentors and peers who model integrity
• Reflect regularly on how your actions impact public trust

Ethics is not a destination—it’s a discipline. The best public servants are lifelong learners, committed to improving not only their technical skills, but their judgment, leadership, and character.

Public service is a privilege. Ethical leadership is how we honor it.

01/19/2026

🚧 Safety First: What Makes a ‘Competent Person’ Essential on the Job Site? 🚧

OSHA defines a competent person as someone who can spot hazards—like unstable trenches or faulty equipment—and has the power to fix them right away.

For folks in public works, utilities, and construction, this role isn’t just a title—it’s a lifesaver! It prevents accidents, keeps your team safe, and ensures compliance to avoid hefty fines.

As CEO of Tampa Bay Training, I’ve seen how proper training turns good workers into great protectors. Is your site OSHA-ready?

Learn more at www.tampabaytraining.com or DM us for custom training options!

Tampa Bay Training provides workforce development for professionals working in public works, utilities, engineering, construction, & local government. FDOT, FDEP, OSHA, HSI & More.