It always seemed like a no-brainer that Reginald “Reggie” Garcia would get involved in politics and work within the legal system in some capacity when he grew up. After all, his father, Bernard “Skip” Garcia, was an influential Tampa campaign leader. His grassroots efforts and tenacity helped Malcolm Beard upset incumbent Ed Blackburn Jr. to become the Hillsborough County sheriff in the 1960s. Skip also worked on the successful campaign of state Treasurer and Insurance Commissioner Tom O’Malley. Afterwards, Skip was appointed deputy fire marshal, working under four subsequent state treasurers.
