Merle Bishop, Faicp, Cpm Email & Phone Number

Winter Haven, Fl, Us

450 N. Wilson Ave., Bartow, Fl 33830

The Planning and Zoning Commission advises and makes recommendations to the City Commission regarding applications for amendments to the CIty's Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Map and requests for Conditional Uses or other special designations on property within the City. The P&Z Commission also serves as the Local Planning Agency for the Comprehensive Plan pursuant to the Community Planning Act, Ch. 163, Part II, Florida Statutes.

United States

Provide professional urban planning services to public and private clients throughout Florida. https://www.pennoni.com/

Winter Haven, Florida

Oversees the growth management activities and functions for a Central Florida City with a population of over 36,000. This includes comprehensive planning, zoning, land development, engineering, building permitting & inspections, two Community Redevelopment Areas (CRAs), the CDBG program, and a municipal airport (Gilbert Field). The Growth Management Department provides long-range strategies for the City's long range planning and revitalization, and the preservation of its character, neighborhoods, and natural environment.

The American Planning Association - Florida Chapter, provides statewide leadership in the development of sustainable communities by advocating excellence in planning, providing professional development for its members, and working to protect and enhance the natural and built environments. Worked on several initiatives taken while serving as Chapter President, including the Sustainability Committee, Young Planners Group, Great Places in Florida Award program, and participation in the Florida Local Government Coalition (FLGC).

Apa Administrative Office: Tallahassee, Fl

A volunteer position to provided leadership for Florida's largest professional planning organization. Served on the Chapter's Executive Committee since 2005. Spearheaded a comprehensive revision to the Chapter's Strategic Operational Plan and updated the Standard Operations and Procedures Manual. Implemented numerous new initiatives, including a new committee on sustainability, established a Young Planners Group, and participation with the Florida Local Government Coalition (FLGC).

Lakeland, Florida Area

Spcialize in Land use planning and land entitlements. Provide assistance to local government in community visioning, comprehensive planning, land development regulation preparation, Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). Preparation of Impact Assessment Statements, Applications for Development Approval of DRIs, expert testimoney in land use planning.

Bartow, Florida

Responsible for the growth management functions for a large Central Florida County consisting of 2,048 sq. mi. and a total population of over 600,000. The Dept. includes a staff of 135 and an annual budget of $12 million. Functions include Comprehensive Planning, Metropolitan Planning Organization, Land Development Regulations, Code Enforcement, County Engineering, and Building Permitting & Inspections.

Bartow, Floridaa

Supervision of 20 professional planners, annual budget of $1.9 million, maintain the County’s Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Regulations through periodic amendments, supervise staff reports and recommendations for zoning actions and Comprehensive Plan Amendments.

Bartow, Florida

Managed 6 County Divisions, including Planning, Development Services, Building Permits & Inspections, Code Enforcement, Engineering Services, and Social Services (CDBG programs). Used my negotiation and consensus building skills to work with a large, diverse citizen's advisory committee to rewrite the County's Comprehensive Plan. Automated the building permitting process and established a Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) for a 3,000 acres industrial/business park center.

Bartow, Florida

Managed the County's planning functions, including preparation of the County's first Comprehensive Plan and a comprehensive rewrite of the County's zoning code. Initiated and led a local assistance program to provide comprehensive planning and zoning assistance to four small municipalities in the County.

Worked in systems ecology research for Howard T. Odum, PhD. on thesis project which dealt with affects of cypress wetlands on surrounding pineland forest. Developed a detailed land use and vegetation cover map for Alachua County, Florida. Participated in a graduate planning studio which involved the development of a Geographic Information System (GIS) for land use related decision making and problem solving.

Orlando, Florida

Working in Oragne and Osceola Counties advising landowners on forestry management practices. Worked closely with city and county agencies on urban environmental issues and urban forestry applications. Worked with the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council on several projects, including a recreation facilities survey. Worked with the Orange County School District on environmental eduation programs. Conducted field survey work. Gave public presentations on forest ecology and environmental issues.

Master'S Degree, Environmental Engineering

Bs, Environmental Engineering

Certified Pubic Manager, Florida Center For Public Management, Cpm Certification

The Certified Public Manager program is a nationally-recognized program for training and developing public managers and supervisors..