Manatee Clerk’s Office Welcomes Summer Smith-Pope as Public Relations Specialist

The Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s Office announces and welcomes Summer Smith-Pope as the new Public Relations Specialist.  Smith-Pope is in charge of the Clerk’s internal and external communications, website and social media, along with growing and maintaining media relations and promoting positive public awareness.

Smith-Pope takes the position as Public Relations Specialist after working in the news industry for nearly 20-years. She most recently worked at Bay News 9 as a Reporter/Anchor and during her time there, developed numerous local contacts and connections throughout Manatee County. Smith-Pope holds her Master’s Degree in Journalism from Florida A & M University and her Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications from Florida State University.

“I am thrilled at the opportunity to support the Clerk’s mission and objectives of helping protect public funds and public records while promoting the importance of the Clerk’s Office in the community, like transparency and citizen service,” said Smith-Pope.  “I hope to better educate the community about what exactly the Clerk’s Office does and how beneficial this office is to them.”

During her time in the news business, Smith-Pope had the pleasure of working with Clerk of Court, Angel Colonneso.  Colonneso says she is happy to have Smith-Pope join her amazing team and says she started working with her office at a crucial time. “Summer started with us just in time to assist with getting the word out about Administrative Orders impacting our services as a result of the coronavirus and let citizens know how we could still help them with alternative access to our office,” said Colonneso.  “Our office handles over 1,000 statutory functions for our citizens. Communication is key when assisting citizens on processes and procedures that impact their lives. The wealth of resources and services that the Clerk oversees belong to the people and I want to help get this information out to our citizens. Summer is the perfect fit to help us get this message out and I am delighted to have her on our team.”

Customers and employees are invited to send their messages of congratulations or welcome to the Clerk’s Office to Smith-Pope by contacting her at: summer.smith-pope@manateeclerk.com.

Contact info:
Summer Smith-Pope
Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s Office
1115 Manatee Avenue West
Bradenton, FL 34205
941-741-4007