Former Manatee commissioner returns to private sector

Former Manatee County Commissioner Misty Servia is turning her focus to a business she started two years ago. 

At first, the Planner On Call business was a way for Servia to keep her American Institute of Certified Planners certification fresh while fulfilling a four-year term serving the county, representing District 4. Now it’s a way to satisfy a passion, she says. 

“Just like with everything I’ve done,” she says, “I have a passion for the community and look for ways to serve it.” 

Through the firm, Servia says she’s open to all projects with a land development perspective. Since opening, she’s helped with rezoning projects as well as projects specific to residential subdivisions and schools. 

According to the Planner On Call website, Servia can fulfill any need that falls under: 

• Due diligence
• Neighborhood meetings/representation
• Community outreach
• Comprehensive planning
• Expert witness testimony
• Public hearings
• Rezoning and exceptions
• Code enforcement

Servia’s commissioner role, which covered the southwest area of Manatee County, ended Monday night, Nov. 21, after losing to opponent Mike Rahn during the August primary election. A Republican, she was originally elected in 2018. 

Currently, it’s just Servia running the business. She doesn’t have any expectations to add an employee at the moment but will adapt in the future if needed.  

Before her role as a county commissioner, Servia worked for Tampa-based King Engineering Associates for 12 years. Prior to that, she was a principal planner for the Manatee County Planning Department for roughly 18 years. She’s seen both the private and public sector of planning, and says she enjoys both sides. 

“It’s nice to understand both sides,” she says, adding that it’s been helpful in her new role as business owner. “I’ve looked at land development at all angles.”