Sandra and Jim Murman
photography by win wolloff
Anative of Indiana, Sandra Murman graduated from
Indiana University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Marketing. She was elected as a Hillsborough County
Commissioner in 2010 and then re-elected without opposition
in June 2012. In 2014, she was elected chair of the
BOCC. She previously served as a member of the Florida
House of Representatives from 1996-2004, where she
was the first Republican woman to hold the position of
Speaker Pro-Tempore. A volunteer, an active community
advocate and a public policy leader, Sandra has been
directly involved in more than 20 organizations that
support our community and enhance the lives of children
and families. She spearheaded the Capital Campaign to
raise $16 million to build the new Glazer Children’s
Museum in downtown Tampa and has served as chair of
the board for the Museum.
Jim Murman is a graduate of the University of Tennessee,
a member of the Florida Bar, a member of the law offices
of Barr, Murman and Tonelli in Tampa, and the former
president of the American Board of Trial Advocates. He
has also chaired the Hillsborough County Grievance
Committee, has been a trustee of the Allegheny Franciscan
Foundation, and is the former president of the University
Club of Tampa. Jim was awarded the 2010 Civility and
Professionalism Award by his peers in ABOTA and the
Medallion of Merit Award from Phi Sigma Kappa. Jim
and Sandra have a daughter, Michele.
Why do you live here?
Sandra: I think the better question is why doesn’t
everyone want to live here? Having lived here
now for most of my adult life, I have learned
that it is a great place to work, raise a family,
volunteer, and be successful in a variety
of careers.
Jim: We have lived on Davis Islands for over
40 years, and most of my nine brothers and
sisters live in Hillsborough County.
At what do you excel?
Sandra: I am a connector, who can execute ideas
and bring people together to achieve results.
Jim: Resolving disputes amicably and professionally.
What is your favorite word?
Sandra: Strategic.
Jim: Determination.
What provides you pleasure?
Sandra: I feel joy when I’m involved in organizations
that advocate for children and help others.
Jim: Traveling throughout the U.S. by car, boat,
train or plane.
How do you relax?
Sandra: Some believe that I never relax; but I do,
on my own terms, by running or walking
my golden retriever.
Jim: Walking two miles around Davis Islands every
morning at 5:00 am. I find it the best time to
think and re-energize.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Sandra: There are three that I’ve taken to heart
throughout my career: Don’t be afraid to take
on tough issues; always do what’s right to help
others; and never, ever, ever give up.
Jim: Be fair and ethical in all your dealings.
What don’t people know about you?
Sandra: That I am a sports fanatic for the Bucs and
Rays, I run three miles a day, love Barre Fitness
classes, am mostly vegetarian, and love to cook
my mom’s old recipes.
Jim: I love country music!
What is your motto?
Sandra: Failure is not an option; and get it done.
Jim: Life is absolutely great; enjoy it.
How do you think other people would describe you?
Sandra: As a goal-oriented hard worker and avid
multi-tasker, who is constantly out in the
community finding ways to make a difference.
Jim: Fair, reasonable, personable and seeking
solutions.
What is your fondest memory?
Sandra: Being elected as Speaker Pro Tem of the
Florida House of Representative and being
chosen as an Indianapolis 500 princess and
riding around the Indianapolis speedway
in the pace car.
Jim: Walking our daughter Michele down the
aisle and participating in the Ye Mystic
Krewe of Gasparilla with our son-in-law,
Dr. Michael Bradner.
What would you like to do that you have never done?
Sandra: Run a marathon and own a successful
business like my father.
Jim: Complete the Great Loop, a boat trip around
the Eastern half of the U.S., including the
East Coast, Canada, Great Lakes and
Mississippi River.
How would you describe yourself?
Sandra: Determined, loyal, and a leader.
Jim: Trustworthy.
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158 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015