Top: Mayor Gene Brown invited everyone from the audience to stand with Judge Smith after he was presented with a proclamation and key to the City of Bradenton. Bottom: Judge Smith, friends and colleagues gather for a photo after the proclamation ceremony by the Manatee County Board of Commissioners. Courtesy of City of Bradenton and Manatee County Government
Farewell to a dedicated public servant
It’s been proclaimed far and wide – from City Hall in downtown Bradenton to the County of Manatee – that July 31, 2026, will be known as “Judge Gilbert Smith Day” in honor of his decades of service as a circuit judge, attorney, loyal Boy Scout, dedicated Kiwanian, and published historian of the local community.
City of Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown presented Judge Smith with a key to the city and a copy of the proclamation on July 21st. A week later, Judge Smith was honored by the Manatee Board of County Commissioners with a second proclamation.
At both events, Judge Smith, the devoted public servant, was surrounded by his family, friends, fellow Kiwanis members, colleagues from the bench and court staff with whom he has worked and volunteered many years.
Topping off a month of accolades, Judge Smith threw a party and invited more than 100 folks to gather and break bread, share memories and catch up in the jury assembly room at the Manatee County Judicial Center. It was inspiring to see how many lives he has touched over the years.
As the final remarks were made, Court Administration presented Judge Smith with a flag that was flown over the judicial center and helped unveil his retirement portrait that will adorn the walls of this local house of justice.
Congratulations on your retirement, Judge Smith!