Gary Jones

Gary Jones serves as the Economic Development Officer for Pinellas County, Florida, where he plays a pivotal role in advancing public infrastructure and community revitalization through strategic procurement initiatives. Responsible for overseeing capital improvement projects and operational support services, Jones leads the acquisition of planning, engineering, and site development services essential to enabling new economic zones and enhancing public facilities. His work directly supports the agency’s mission to align public investments with long-term regional growth objectives, ensuring that procurements prioritize safety, functionality, and sustainable development outcomes. He typically manages complex, multi-phase contracts involving land preparation, utilities coordination, and public space modernization. Jones collaborates with a diverse network of contractors, including civil engineering firms, environmental consultants, and construction management firms experienced in municipal infrastructure. His procurement approach emphasizes long-term vendor partnerships grounded in performance-based outcomes and compliance with state and federal construction standards. He actively engages with local and regional firms familiar with Pinellas County’s regulatory environment, fostering relationships that prioritize reliability, technical proficiency, and community impact. While specific set-aside data is not currently available, Jones demonstrates a clear institutional commitment to equitable contracting practices, consistently encouraging participation from small, minority-owned, and locally based businesses. His procurement patterns reflect a preference for socioeconomic programs such as 8(a), HUBZone, and SDVOSB certifications, aligning with Pinellas County’s broader goals of inclusive economic growth and workforce development. His primary procurement focus centers on NAICS categories related to engineering services (541330), land development (237990), and public infrastructure construction (237310). He specializes in acquiring services for site grading, stormwater management, roadway alignment, and public facility upgrades, requiring deep technical expertise in municipal planning codes and environmental compliance. Jones’s domain knowledge ensures that acquisitions support resilient, future-ready community assets.