After 12 years of service Commissioner Al Higginbotham is officially hanging up his hat. The Plant City native officially retired last week and is setting the stage for a new chapter in his life.
Higginbotham’s tenure on the Board of County Commissioners brought years of wins to not only his
hometown but the entire county. He focused his entire career on three issues: bringing civility back to the board, focusing on the budget and working on environmental issues.
“I didn’t know if I had left an impact, if I had really made a difference until my farewell,” Higginbotham said. “I think I brought a level of honesty to the table, I really fought to have some civility on the board. My grandfather would say, ‘Look into my eyes boy.’ I would often find myself saying during our meetings, ‘Look into my eyes and see my heart.’”
While his accomplishments on the board are immense it’s the victories in his personal life that have ensured Higginbotham goes down in history as an exemplary hero. In January of 1995 Higginbotham was on a hunting trip when he was struck by a falling tree. His wife was told if he survived the weekend he would never walk again.
With a smile, Higginbotham recounted the tales of him not only being able to walk but literally climbing multiple mountains in the years following the accident. He beat the odds and he said it helped refocus his passion for life. He was determined to not waste a single minute.
Despite his massively shy personality, he became a public speaker, sharing his story and encouraging others. Soon his attention turned to his home county and he realized there was much that needed to be done.
Eastern Hillsborough County, including Plant City, he said were often being ignored by the county. He made it his mission to change the conversation.
“I enjoyed what I did every day,” Higginbotham said. “Every day for me was a gift since that accident in 1995. Every day is special and I’ve tried to make the most of it. We’ve done a lot of backpacking and hiking, I’ve climbed several mountains… Life is not static. If you want to be a part of what’s going on you’ve got to be vocal where things are happening.”
When he realized funding was being diverted away from the Plant City Courthouse toward other projects he stepped in and ensured it went where originally intended. He championed the passage of a variety of ordinances related to sinkhole assistance, dog training and fought for an incentive for the agriculture community to be more efficient with water usage.
Under his guidance and enthusiasm, the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Council was formed and funded. He spearheaded the “Our Budget Matters” process to connect the community to the board.
Then, in a move that stunned the community, he decided to raise the stakes. Higginbotham began traveling the world, meeting with representatives from 34 countries. He felt Hillsborough County was the perfect spot to become the next international destination and he used his own money to begin making the connections that would reshape the community.
“We have a wonderful story to tell,” Higginbotham said. “It’s a great place to live, work and stay. There are so many business opportunities for growth and development.”
With his assistance, the German American Chamber of Commerce established its headquarters in Tampa. The International Indian Film Academy Awards held its first ceremony in the United States right here in Tampa thanks to his connections. He recognized the international devotion to the game of cricket, which is the second most popular world-wide sport following soccer, and helped create Cricket Field at Evans Park. More than 40 adult teams and numerous children’s teams play each season.
Unlike so many politicians, however, he genuinely wishes to avoid the spotlight. To hear him talk, you’d never know the full extent of what he has accomplished.
“I don’t feel comfortable speaking in the first person because my world has been about a board of votes,” Higginbotham said. “I’m really quite shy, this was never my intended career. I try to live my life kind of like the hiker’s code of ethics. You come in, traverse the area, walk along the path and if you see something that’s not right you pick it up. You fix it and leave without a trace.”
The time has come, however, for him to move on. He and his wife are in the process of selling everything they have and the fifth generation Plant Citian is hitting the road. They plan to purchase an RV and travel the lower 48 states with Penny, their Black Mouth Cur, before eventually settling out west closer to their family.
“I miss my kids,” Higginbotham said. “I bristle sometimes, someone said I was retiring because I’m in poor
health. I have a disability, I’m not in poor health. There’s this Whitman poem, it talks about nature remaining through it all. Nature has kept me grounded. I’m going back to nature.”
Higginbotham’s legacy is one Hillsborough County will not soon forget.
It’s nearly impossible for him to go out in public, whether it’s to eat at Fred’s or grab some groceries at Publix, without being stopped by a friendly face. They’re memories he said he will cherish for years to come.
“I’m ready to go do something different,” Higginbotham said. “I love Plant City, I love this community. America is a beautiful country with amazing sights from coast to coast. I’m ready to go see everything this country has to offer. I’d like to say thank you for the memories, thank you for the opportunity. I hope my time on the commission in some humble way has left our community in better shape.”