New permanent display honoring nearly three decades of recipients will be dedicated in memory of longtime County aide Richard Reidy
Hillsborough County, Fla. (Oct. 5, 2026) - Hillsborough County will unveil a new permanent display honoring the distinguished government officials and civic leaders who have helped shape the community through exceptional leadership and public service. The Ellsworth G. Simmons Good Government Award Wall will be unveiled at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, in the lobby of Frederick B. Karl County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33602.
The wall will be dedicated in memory of Richard "Rich" Reidy, a longtime aide to Board of County Commissioners Chair Ken Hagan, who died Nov. 11, 2025, after battling cancer. During more than two decades in public service, Reidy became a trusted resource for colleagues and residents alike and was affectionately referred to as the "8th Commissioner" for his deep knowledge of County government and his ability to work behind the scenes to get things done. The Good Government Award display was Reidy's vision, making its permanent home in the County Center a fitting tribute to a public servant who spent his career helping people and strengthening the community he served.
The Ellsworth G. Simmons Good Government Award has recognized individuals and groups who have improved Hillsborough County government through leadership and vision since 1997. The award is named for Ellsworth G. Simmons, a respected government and civic leader who served seven years on the Hillsborough County School Board before serving 21 years on the Board of County Commissioners from 1951 to 1972, including 18 years as chairman.
The display will include a perpetual plaque preserving the names of award recipients, photographs highlighting the most recent honorees, and a dedicated plaque recognizing the current recipient and their contributions. As new recipients are selected, the display will be updated annually, creating an evolving tribute to generations of leaders whose service has helped strengthen Hillsborough County.