Tampa Contractors Behind Alligator Alcatraz
Introduction
In order to make Alligator Alcatraz a reality, the Tampa Bay Times had to rely on the expertise of several contractors. These contractors were crucial in building the unique and iconic destination, and their contributions should be recognized. Among the contractors involved in this project were CDR Maguire, Doodie Calls, and GardaWorld.
Background
Alligator Alcatraz was a bold and ambitious project that aimed to create a one-of-a-kind tourist attraction in the Tampa Bay area. The idea was to create a large enclosed space where visitors could observe alligators in their natural habitat, without any risk or danger. The project was met with enthusiasm from the public, and the Tampa Bay Times knew they had to deliver an exceptional experience to visitors.
CDR Maguire
CDR Maguire, a Tampa-based construction company, was one of the key players in making Alligator Alcatraz a reality. They were responsible for the design and construction of the alligator habitat, ensuring the safety and comfort of both the alligators and the visitors. With over 70 years of experience in the industry, CDR Maguire brought their expertise to the project, ensuring that the habitat was not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.
Doodie Calls
While alligators were the main attraction, the Tampa Bay Times also had to consider the cleanliness and maintenance of the facility. That's where Doodie Calls, a Tampa-based waste management company, came in. They were responsible for keeping the alligator habitat and the surrounding areas clean and sanitary. With their expertise in waste management, Doodie Calls ensured that Alligator Alcatraz was always in pristine condition for visitors to enjoy.
GardaWorld
The safety of visitors was a top priority for the Tampa Bay Times, and that's where GardaWorld, a global security company, played a crucial role. They provided security services for Alligator Alcatraz, making sure that visitors were kept safe from any potential risks. With their advanced security techniques and highly trained personnel, GardaWorld ensured that visitors could enjoy the alligators without any worries.
Current Scenario
Thanks to the hard work and contributions of these contractors, Alligator Alcatraz has become a popular and successful tourist destination in the Tampa Bay area. Visitors can now safely observe alligators in their natural habitat, without any worries. The project not only provides a unique experience for visitors, but it also supports the local economy and brings attention to the importance of preserving the alligator population.
In conclusion, the success of Alligator Alcatraz would not have been possible without the expertise and hard work of contractors such as CDR Maguire, Doodie Calls, and GardaWorld. They have not only helped build a unique and exciting attraction, but they have also contributed to the growth and development of the Tampa Bay area. We should all be grateful for their contributions to this project.
About the Organizations Mentioned
Tampa Bay Times
## Overview The Tampa Bay Times is Florida’s largest newspaper and a leading regional news organization, renowned for its award-winning investigative and enterprise journalism[5]. Headquartered in St. Petersburg, it covers not only the Tampa Bay area but also three counties and the broader state of Florida, employing about 120 journalists across news, investigations, features, sports, and digital platforms[5]. Its mission is to report the truth and contribute to an informed society, a commitment that dates back to its founding in 1884[5]. ## History The newspaper’s origins trace to the West Hillsborough Times, a weekly established in 1884 in what is now Dunedin, Florida[2][3]. As the region grew, the paper moved to St. Petersburg and was renamed the St. Petersburg Times in 1898[2]. Under the leadership of William Straub and later Paul Poynter, the Times expanded to a daily publication and became a significant voice in civic and community affairs[2][3]. In 2012, reflecting the growing regional identity, it rebranded as the Tampa Bay Times[4]. A defining moment came in 2016 when the Tampa Bay Times acquired its longtime rival, the Tampa Tribune, consolidating its position as the largest newspaper in the southeastern United States[8]. This acquisition marked a major shift in the region’s media landscape and underscored the Times’ role in shaping a cohesive Tampa Bay identity[4][8]. ## Key Achievements The Tampa Bay Times has a distinguished record of journalistic excellence, including multiple Pulitzer Prizes—most notably for investigative and feature writing[3]. Its ownership structure is unique in American journalism: the late Nelson Poynter bequeathed the paper to the Poynter Institute, a school for journalists in St. Petersburg, ensuring its editorial independence[5]. This model has allowed the Times to maintain a strong focus on public service journalism, free from corporate or
CDR Maguire
## Overview CDR Maguire is a nationally recognized, full-service infrastructure and emergency management consulting firm with deep roots in engineering and a growing reputation for innovation in disaster recovery and emergency response. The organization began as an engineering firm and has expanded its scope to include emergency management, disaster health and medical services, and comprehensive consulting for both public and private sectors[4]. ## What the Organization Does CDR Maguire provides a broad range of services, including structural and roadway engineering, transportation design, construction management, environmental services, surveying, and program management[2][3]. The firm is especially notable for its emergency management division, which specializes in rapid response to disasters such as hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and pandemics, managing billions of dollars in recovery funds and coordinating critical resources for government clients[1][7]. CDR Maguire also offers technology-driven solutions, leveraging cloud-based platforms to automate and connect mission-critical business processes during emergencies[4]. ## History and Growth With over 85 years of experience in engineering and consulting, CDR Maguire has evolved from a traditional engineering practice into a multi-disciplinary enterprise. The firm now employs over 350 professionals across eight offices in the Northeast, Colorado, and the U.S. Virgin Islands[3]. Its growth has been fueled by a commitment to innovation, earning national recognition through two Presidential Design Awards and consistent ranking among the Top 500 Engineering and Design Firms[1]. ## Key Achievements - Managed over $2 billion in construction projects and more than $10 billion in disaster recovery efforts[1][7]. - Played a pivotal role in disaster responses, including Hurricanes Matthew, Irma, Michael, and Ian, the 2020 Oregon Wildfires, the 2021 Western Kentucky Tornado, the 2022 Marshall Fire, and the COVID-19 pandemic[7]. - Recognized for rapid, technology-enabled emergency response, such as sourcing critical medical supplies during the early days of COVID-19[4].
Doodie Calls
Doodie Calls is a private company specializing in portable sanitation and mobile infrastructure solutions, founded in 2018 and headquartered in Spring Hill, Florida. Its core mission is to provide high-quality rental equipment with exceptional customer service, focusing on clean, reliable, and accessible portable restroom and sanitation products for various events and job sites[1][2][3]. Initially concentrating on strategic growth within the Tampa metropolitan area, Doodie Calls has expanded rapidly and now serves 34 counties across Florida. The company’s fleet comprises over 300 luxury trailers, including standard restroom trailers with multiple stalls, shower, laundry, bunk, and ADA-compliant trailers. Additionally, it offers a wide range of portable toilets, including handicap-accessible units, flushable models with sinks, hand wash stations, and holding tanks[1]. Doodie Calls is distinguished by its commitment to timely delivery and customer satisfaction, supported by a growing team that ensures efficient handling of both small and large-scale projects. The company’s revenue is estimated between $1 million and $5 million, with a workforce of approximately 11-20 employees. Its leadership includes President and Owner Kyle Simmons and Vice President Jeffrey Simmons[2][3]. A notable recent achievement is the acquisition of Heritage Sanitation, a Houston-based portable sanitation provider, marking a significant step in expanding Doodie Calls’ geographic and market reach beyond the Southeast United States[4]. This move underscores the company’s ambition to become a leading national player in portable sanitation. Doodie Calls is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating, reflecting its strong reputation for quality and reliability in the sanitation rental industry[3]. It leverages modern technology, including PHP and web analytics tools, to optimize operations and customer engagement[2]. Overall, Doodie Calls represents a dynamic, growth-oriented business at the intersection of sanitation services and mobile infrastructure technology.
GardaWorld
**GardaWorld: A Global Leader in Security Services** GardaWorld is a Canadian-based private security firm founded in 1995 by Stephan Crétier as Trans-Québec Security Inc. Initially, Crétier invested $25,000, and the company was later renamed GardaWorld in 1999[1][2]. Today, GardaWorld is one of the largest privately-owned security companies globally, employing over 120,000 people as of January 2022[1]. **What GardaWorld Does** GardaWorld provides a wide range of security services, including armored car services, airport passenger screening, access control systems, and internal corporate fraud investigations[2]. The company also offers security services for embassies and military bases, as well as to fossil fuel companies worldwide[2]. Additionally, GardaWorld has expanded into advanced technologies like AI-enhanced surveillance systems through its ECAMSECURE platform[3]. **History and Achievements** GardaWorld's international division began operations in 1984, and the company has since grown to become a global leader in the security industry[1]. In 2015, GardaWorld acquired Aegis, a British security company operating in Iraq[2]. Despite facing challenges, such as incidents involving armored truck crashes and legal issues in Afghanistan, GardaWorld has continued to expand its services and technologies[1][2]. **Current Status and Notable Aspects** In October 2024, GardaWorld was recapitalized in a C$13.5 billion transaction, allowing management to take a majority ownership stake[4]. The company remains committed to its core values of integrity, trust, vigilance, and respect, positioning itself as a leader in tech-enabled security services[5]. GardaWorld's Crisis24 platform provides travel risk management and crisis-security consulting, further solidifying its global presence[3]. Despite past controversies, GardaWorld continues to innovate and grow, making it a significant
