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Commission honors Judge Gilbert Smith with county proclamation as retirement recognition
Summary
The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed July 31, 2026, “Judge Gilbert Smith Day,” recognizing the judge’s decades of local service; family and colleagues attended and Judge Smith thanked the board. The board also made several awards and employee recognitions.
The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners adopted a proclamation recognizing Judge Gilbert Smith’s decades of service and naming July 31, 2026, Judge Gilbert Smith Day in the county. Commissioner George Cruz introduced the proclamation and invited members of the 12th Judicial Circuit to join the bench for the presentation.
Judge Smith, joined by family, colleagues and community members, thanked the board and recalled his public‑service career dating back decades. “I want to thank each of you on the Board of County Commissioners for what you do,” Judge Smith said, adding that the recognition was a surprise and that he appreciated the community’s support. Commissioners and fellow judges paid tribute to his mentorship and scholarship, citing his books on Manatee’s legal history and his service to civic organizations.
The meeting opened with additional ceremonial items: the board adopted an ADA Awareness Month proclamation and recognized staff for a range of awards, including a retirement award for EMS District Chief Keith Locke. County ADA Coordinator Alex Palmer briefed the commissioners on ADA‑related work and his recent certification, and Palmer said staff will continue efforts to increase accessibility across county facilities. The board voted to adopt the proclamations and awards by voice vote.
