Tina Barber keeps the city in line as a Code Enforcement Officer and loves getting to share her love of history and her community with everyone she meets.
When you first meet Tina Barber, her passion for her job practically radiates from her pores.
This isn’t a woman who dreads going to work in the morning. Every day, she strives to ensure the city is the best it can be and that those that call it home add to the character that sets Plant City apart.
As a code enforcement officer, she said there’s definitely misconceptions that they just drive around looking for things to fine people for.
Luckily, thanks to the leadership of Trey Towles and the transparent hearts of his team, that misconception seems to be changing.
Barber was born and raised in Plant City and, while she spent 19 years in Kansas following her graduation, she returned to her roots and said she’s proud to play an active role in helping keep the cogs turning in the city she holds so dear.
“I didn’t expect to take my job and the things people say so personally sometimes,” Barber said. “I’ve been told I’m passionate about my work and that’s true, but that means sometimes this job can hurt. You’re dealing with people in the community sometimes that don’t want help, but they have to have it. You have to be strong and that’s a hard line to walk. Then you find a family that needs help and you’re able to help them get it, and two years later they come back and are telling you, ‘Thank you.’ That means the whole world.”
Barber’s journey to city employee almost didn’t happen. She was working for a company at a desk doing administrative duties. She wasn’t happy with her life and ended up working with Mike Gartz from I Hate My Trainer and getting involved with Dietetic Consulting Services, Inc. She lost 165 pounds and the thought of sitting still for hours on end every day drove her mad. A friend recommended she apply for an open code enforcement position with the city.
It was the very last day, but she walked in and applied. When interviewed, she was asked why she wanted to be a code enforcement officer. Without a second thought she replied, “Preserving our history, while also moving forward” was something that meant the world to her. She got the job.
Every day is something new and she said you never know what you’ll find or what new obstacle will pop up. You’re always learning and changing. It’s a challenge, but Barber has never been one to shy away from something just because it’s hard.
“My parents, they really taught us all about work ethic,” Barber said. “(My father) worked for the same company from the time he was 18 until he retired. He never missed a day of work, no matter how sick he was. My mother was a nurse and worked nights and dad worked days and both were just so dedicated to their jobs.”
Sometimes her mother would take Barber with her to the hospital during her shift. Barber remembers the many veterans she came to adore and is proud to say she now spends a majority of her free time giving back. One of the iconic bomber girls that welcomes veterans home from their Honor Flights, Barber and her friends dress up in the traditional 1940s and 1950s style and travel around to car shows and events raising money to send even more veterans on the trip of a lifetime. She said nothing compares to seeing the looks on their faces when they step off a plane and see massive throngs of people cheering and welcoming them home.
Her fitness journey also led to her leading her own weight loss group in Plant City. Using the knowledge of her friend, who runs Dietetic Consulting Services, Inc., the group meets at Bruton Memorial Library or Krazy Kup and Skypes in with the nutritionist. Then they discuss their stories, share healthy recipes and build each other up as they prepare to enter the next month. They meet the third Saturday of every month at 10:30 a.m. and have more information on Bruton’s website.
“You just need to do what you love and then you’ll love what you do,” Barber said. “I tell my daughter all the time that I don’t care what she does in life as long as she is happy. Never lose yourself chasing something you think you’re supposed to want. Do what you truly love. And take a moment to focus on organization. You can juggle so many things, your job, your projects, your organizations, if you’re properly organized. You can’t mix things. You need to give whatever you’re at 100 percent.”
Get to know Tina
What’s the best advice you’ve gotten?
Just to be kind to everyone. It’s simple, but it’s the most important.
What’s your favorite book?
I’m not sure about my favorite, but I’m actually reading the “Magical Connections” by L.F. Macklemore right now. It’s a series, but they’re really good. They’re great for so many reasons, but I was drawn to them because they’re Scottish and that’s my husband’s heritage. I’m Irish and that is a big part of our lives. Plus it’s a love story and who doesn’t love that?
Who is a woman that’s inspired you?
My mother. She has always been a caretaker. She’s a nurse and retired from the VA hospital. She’s always taken care of everyone, like my grandma until she passed away. She’s also really big into her church. She’s just such a caring and loving person.
What do you hope to see change in Plant City in the next 10 years?
I’m really big into the historical part of Plant City, so I think I would like to see that history showcased more. There’s so much history downtown from the houses to the buildings. There’s history everywhere you turn.
Which three words would you use to describe yourself?
Caring, goal-minded and respectful.
What’s the hardest life lesson you’ve learned?
I guess the hardest lesson I learned would have to be that not everybody is as honest and truthful as they seem.
