Earl M. Starnes Papers

Collection

Identifier: MSS 0379

Staff Only

Scope and Content

The Earl M. Starnes Papers primarily include books, articles, papers, and research planning material created during his time working for the state government and University of Florida. Also included is material related to his various consulting projects in Florida and the Caribbean, photographs from his early private architectural practice, general correspondence, and Starnes' master's thesis and dissertation work as well as a copy of his curriculum vitae.

"Series I: Publications and presentations" dates from 1970 to 2009. This series primarily contains material concerning Starnes' work on research papers, articles, books, and presentations concerning state planning, land use, environmental research, and growth management. Also included are speech files and conference reports. Represented here is Earl Starnes' work for the Florida State Government as Director of the Division of Mass Transit Operations for the Department of Transportation from 1971 to 1972 and then as Director of the Division of State Planning from 1972 to 1975. Also included is his work as a professor at the University of Florida from 1976 to 1993 and his work as Professor Emeritus after his retirement. Of particular interest are annotated drafts for his book Lessons Learned? The History of Planning in Florida.

"Series II: Consulting projects" dates from 1975 to 2011. This series contains files related to specific consulting projects Starnes worked on concerning land use, redevelopment plans, growth management, and environmental planning. The majority of these projects concern areas in Florida and the Caribbean. Of particular interest are the materials relating to the Florida Greenways Project, Jamaica, and St. Kitts.

"Series III: Private architectural practice" dates from 1956 to 1971. This series contains material related to Starnes' private architectural work prior to his academic and state government career. Included are two binders containing photographs, slides, maps, and sketches related to his early architectural work including the First Unitarian Church in Dade County, Florida.

"Series IV: Correspondence" dates from 1981 to 2009. This series primarily contains general correspondence concerning the various consulting projects, research, and teaching activities of Earl Starnes. Also included is personal correspondence, letters from Florida Governor Bob Graham, and committee correspondence.

"Series V: Thesis, dissertation, and curriculum vitae" dates from 1973 to 1977 and includes Starnes' master's thesis and dissertation from his time at Florida State University as well as a copy of his curriculum vitae and an additional list of papers, articles, books, and other works he contributed to.

Dates

Creation: 1956-2009

Creator

Starnes, Earl M. (Person)

Access

The collection is open for research.

Biographical/Historical Note

Earl Maxwell Starnes was born on September 14, 1926 in Winter Haven, Florida. During World War II he served with the United States Coast Guard from 1944 to 1946. After the war Starnes studied at Florida Southern College, before attending the University of Florida where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Architecture in 1951. After graduation, he worked for a variety of architectural firms in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, eventually opening his own practice, Starnes and Rentscher and Associates, in 1957.

In 1971 Starnes began working for the State of Florida, first as director of the Division of Mass Transit Operations for the Department of Transportation, and then from 1972 to 1975 he served as director of the Division of State Planning under Governor Reubin Askew. While working for the state, Starnes continued to further his education earning a Master's Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Florida State University in 1973. From 1976 until his retirement in 1993, Starnes served as the director of the University of Florida's newly created Urban and Regional Planning program.

Throughout his career, Starnes worked on a variety of growth management and planning projects ranging from town and city redevelopment plans to national planning policies for Caribbean nations. He also served as an expert witness in land use and comprehensive planning cases in Florida and worked on the statewide greenway planning project. Starnes authored numerous research papers and publications including his book Lessons Learned? The History of Planning in Florida which he co-authored with Florida State University Professor Richard Rubino in 2008.

Extent

5.22 Linear feet (9 Boxes and 1 oversize flat folder)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Earl M. Starnes was a growth management and planning expert who served as the director of the Florida Division of State Planning from 1972 to 1975 and as a faculty member of the University of Florida from 1976 to 1993. His papers primarily include books, articles, papers, and research planning material created during his time working for the state government and the university. Also included is material related to his various consulting projects in Florida and the Caribbean, photographs from his early private architectural practice, and general correspondence.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged into five series: "Series I: Publications and presentations," "Series II: Consulting projects," "Series III: Private architectural practice," "Series IV: Correspondence," "Series V: Thesis, dissertation, and curriculum vitae." All series are arranged chronologically except for series II which is arranged alphabetically by topic.