Clermont City Manager Darren Gray was the guest speaker at a recent Kiwanis Club of Clermont meeting. Gray has led numerous successful initiatives including a series of community-wide visioning sessions that drew more than 1000 people and a new “Choice of Champions” brand.
Gray thanked all veterans for their service and gave an overview of his life as a veteran. He was born in Indiana and raised by a single mother. She relocated to Kissimmee. Gray has always had an interest in government and his country. He was President of the Student Council and recruited by a Navy Recruiter. His basic training was done at Great Lake in Chicago and after basic training chose to be an Operational Specialist. He was sent to South Virginia Beach for his specialized training. At the completion of these trainings, he was sent to Australia, Thailand and Singapore.
Gray served two years on the US Midway where their mission was to track submarines. He spent two years in North Japan near Russia. On his return home, he attended the University of Maryland and then UCF where he got a degree in Public Administration. He used the GI Bill to help pay for his college education. He attributes the military and navy for guiding him in his career journey.
He proudly mentioned a few of the projects the city is working on, including:
* The city’s boat ramp, which will officially open on January 10.
* The Olympus Project, near Hwy 27 and Lake Louisa Road. The 10-year project will begin in 2020 and continue through 2030.
- Wellness Way – A planned community project.
- The annual State of the City Address on Thursday, January 30 at 7:30 am at Clermont City Center, 620 W. Montrose St. Clermont. An RSVP is requested by January 23 if you’d like to attend. For additional information, contact the City of Clermont at 352-241-7358.
At the completion of his presentation, President Charles Seaver thanked him for his service and wished him well with all the upcoming City Projects.
