Tom Barnette's Page

If you live in Tampa Bay, Why are you here?

I moved to Florida to begin my career in tourism in 1977 and at the same time founded Euro-American Tours. Euro-American is a "Student Tour Operator" which operates both domestic and international trips for independent / private schools around the USA. We have been very fortunate to have flourshed and grown over the 30 thirty history of the company.

How long have you lived here?

31 years

What neighborhood do you live in, why did you choose it and what do you like about it?

I chose Brooksville - Hernando County because it is a pleasant place to live yet less than an hours drive from downtown Tampa and its fantastic airport. I am not in a "neighborhood" but instead on a picturesque 17 acres which is truly my little piece of paradise.

If you were to move to a different neighborhood, what would it be and why?

At the present time, I live by myself and do not plan on relocating or moving.

What is your favorite thing about Tampa?

After hours is great but the business climate is even better. I founded my business in Tampa Bay in 1977 and find it hard to believe that I would have found any other city to be as open and hospitable as Tampa. Overall, Tampa Bay has been incredibly good to me.

What kinds of things are you involved in?

I serve on the following four Boards -
- Gulf Ridge Concil Boy Scouts of America Executive Board
- Florida Aquarium Foundation Board
- Visit Florida Board Of Directors
- Pasco-Hernando Community College Foundation Board
Between the volunteerism and work I also am able to find ample time for fun evening activites with friends etc. I enjoy simple things as well as nice dinners and fine dining.

Tell us about what you do.

I am fortunate to be able to oversee two very busy, completely unrelated businesses.

In 1977 I founded (with three other people) a student tour operator called Euro-American Tours. Euro-American has operated continuously for 31 years offering custom designed international and domestic trips to private / independent schools throughout the United States. Over the past three decades Euro-American has orchestrated programs for over 350 schools and 70,000 students and teachers. The most popular destinations are Italy, England and France. The domestic destinations served are primarily Washington DC, NY and Florida. To gain a better understanding of HOW we work visit EAtours.com.

The second business with which I am involved is Business Development Strategies, LLC (aka B.D.S.). B.D.S. is a consulting firm which primarily works with larger companies who desire to receive entitlements for land use issues. Thus, our usual focus is to work as a liason with specific, usually county related, governmental officials and administrators (i.e. county commissioners) to facilitate appropriate communication.

If you live in Tampa, Why do you stay?

It has become my home. I have numerous wonderful friends and belong to some very nice private clubs, etc. It offers the somewhat relaxed atmosphere which I find hospitable and commfortable.

Where else have you lived?

Atlanta, Georiga - Lucerne, Switzerland, - London, England

What kinds of things are you interested in seeing on Brand Tampa?

Don't really know