Mopps returns to Longboat after seven months in Venice

Charlie Mopps, who left the employment of Longboat Key in January, returns to the town’s Public Works Department on Wednesday as program manager, Town Manager Tom Harmer told the Town Commission on Tuesday.

Mopps’ last day with the town was Jan. 14 before he started as Public Works director for the city of Venice. He will return on Wednesday to his new role in Longboat Key, serving in a senior role to Public Works Director Isaac Brownman, overseeing all major construction projects for the town.

In Venice, Mopps replaced former Venice Public Works Director James Clinch, who was promoted to assistant city manager in October 2021.

In April 2019, began working for the town after holding project manager positions from 2001-2016 with Charlotte County and from 2016-2017 with Atkins, which is part of the Canadian-based engineering company SNC-Lavalin. Mopps also has served as a police officer in North Port.

Mopps also served as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve from May 1993 to January 2016. He has a bachelor’s degree in marine affairs and military science from the University of Rhode Island.

Last year, Town Manager Tom Harmer awarded Mopps the Town Manager Award for his work on the beach renourishment project.

Fire Chief Paul Dezzi also recognized Mopps in November 2021 with the Chief’s Award. Mopps won the award for his oversight of the rebuilding of Fire Station 92 at 2162 Gulf of Mexico Drive and the renovation of Fire Station 91 at 5490 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Combined, the construction costs exceeded $5 million.

Project Manager James Linkogle announced his retirement from Longboat Key last month, stepping away after 23 years.