Economic development official talks about what works— and what doesn’t

While lamenting some deals that got away, one of the region’s elder statesmen of economic development, Mike Meidel, reflects on his decades in the game — and where the state and region can improve.

By Elizabeth Djinis
| 5:00 p.m. April 28, 2021
| 0 Free Articles Remaining!

Mark Wemple. Mike Meidel is retiring April 30 after 17 years as the Pinellas County director of economic development.

Florida

After 17 years, Mike Meidel is retiring April 30 as the Pinellas County director of economic development. Prior to that role, Meidel was the president and CEO of the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce for five years. Prior to the chamber, Meidel held executive roles with Progress Energy and the Florida Department of Commerce.

While the county embarks on a national search for a new economic development chief, Meidel, 61, plans to spend his free time with his nine grandkids, including moving from St. Petersburg to Venice to be closer to family. Meidel recently spoke with the Business Observer on topics ranging from his team’s accomplishments to the future of economic development.