Charles D. Hines, Esq. Joins The Bay Park Conservancy’s Board of Directors

 Former Sarasota County Commissioner brings over 30 years of professional experience and community-led leadership to the BPC

The Bay Park Conservancy (BPC), the non-profit organization responsible for overseeing the redevelopment of 53-acres of City-owned land along Sarasota Bay into a public park, is pleased to announce that Charles D. Hines, Esq. has joined its board of directors. Hines brings a wealth of experience to the BPC board including over 30 years of legal expertise as well as eight years of county-wide elected service as a Sarasota County Commissioner.

“As a lifelong resident of Sarasota County, I am excited to continue my service working with this transformational project for our community.  The Bay Park will unite the best of our community attributes, including the arts, culture, environmental protection, education, social connectivity, and open space that will be accessible to all. I look forward to working alongside an impressive and thoughtful board of professionals and civic-minded individuals. “

In addition to practicing law for more than 30 years in Sarasota County, Hines has owned a regional medical supply company in Southwest Florida and has also served on the West Coast Inland Navigation District, a four-county special taxing district, twice as chairman. He also held two chairman positions with the Sarasota County Commission. Since 2012, he has been an active member of the Florida Association of Counties, serving in various leadership roles, on its Board of Directors and on multiple advisory committees.

“Charles’s experience, not only as a legal expert, but also as a community leader with remarkable public service experience identified him as a natural fit and strong addition to The Bay Park Conservancy’s board,” said Cathy Layton, BPC Board Chair. “Charles’s commitment to his community aligns with The Bay’s vision and our guiding principles to ensure our park is open, accessible, free and welcoming to all. We are thrilled to have Charles join our amazing team as we build a park for our community and the greater Gulf Coast region.”

Hines’s leadership and commitment to our community, alongside his relationships with local, state, and federal officials and organizations will strengthen the BPC’s long-term vision for the future of The Bay Park. Hines’s public service and community leadership experience includes chairman positions with the Tourist Development Council and West Coast Inland Navigation District and board positions with the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County, Gulf Coast Consortium, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, Charlotte Harbor Estuary Program, Florida Association of Counties and more.

Hines holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida’s Frederic G. Levin College of Law Master of Laws in Law and a Bachelor of Arts, Political Science and Government from the University of Florida.