By STEVE STEINER, Chronicle Reporter
March 22, 2024
Tom Craig, a longtime resident of Inverness since 2015, has announced his candidacy for Seat 4 on the City Council, currently held by Cabot McBride. McBride, who publicly declared at the March 19 regular meeting that he would not seek another term, has served in the position since 2008.
“I talked with Cabot three weeks ago,” said Craig, who was informed by McBride at that time of his decision to step down after his term expires in November. “That’s what put the spark in my head, that now is the time to do this.” Craig expressed his commitment to maintaining the city’s character and the attributes of a “Small Town Done Right.”
“My campaign is grounded in a vision for Inverness to balance growth with our natural environment and the community’s unique character,” said Craig. “Together, we can make Inverness stronger while protecting our small-town charm.”
He added that his approach to policy and spending would be straightforward, prioritizing fiscal responsibility, informed decision-making, and the removal of obstacles to encourage investment for the benefit of all in Inverness. He credited City Manager Eric Williams, city staffers and the City Council for the ongoing process.
“I just want to join a winning team,” Craig said.
Born and raised in the Appalachian mountains of Maryland, Craig highlighted how this upbringing instilled in him a blend of small-town values and a commitment to public service.
Before retirement, he was a successful entrepreneur who transformed a two-person business into a $5 million corporation with 26 stores, including five in Florida. After selling the business, Craig pursued other endeavors, including writing three books currently in print and a fourth tentatively due out in April. These books are part of a series known as “Treasures of the Trails, Citrus County,” reflecting his passion for hiking.
Craig also has extensive hands-on experience with the D.A.R.E (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program, which led him to work with 6,000-7,000 law enforcement personnel across 45 states.
Choosing Inverness as his retirement destination on the suggestion of his father, Craig has become an integral part of the community since his arrival.
“He said, ‘Why don’t I come down and stay in his condo while I decided what to do following retirement,’ which is what I did,” said Craig. He discovered that Inverness offered many of the activities and opportunities he enjoyed, leading his visit to turn into permanent residency.
Additionally, Craig has been involved in various roles within the community, including serving as a Volunteer Advisor for the FSBDC at UCF Advisory Board Council and as a Board Member for the Withlacoochee State Trail. He has also contributed as the COO of Treasures Of The Trails in Inverness, and as a Volunteer Advisor for the PHILLY TRUCE Foundation.
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