Candidate: Charles B Smith

Friends,

My name is Charles B Smith and I am a candidate for Manatee County Commission District 2. I was born in Batavia, New York and grew up in the Palmetto area from childhood. I am still a proud resident!

My family owns and operates several businesses within Manatee County.
Notably, for over a half-century we have operated Manatee Harvesting Company Inc. We are proud to have provided employment for thousands during that time. We started as migrant farmers with parents that taught us the value of hard work at a very early age.

In 1990, at the age of 26, I was elected as the first African American to ever serve on the Palmetto City Commission. While on the Commission, I established the first Housing Authority in the History of Palmetto. This initiative was designed to help remove slum and blight in city housing and to create small business partnerships. In addition, I served as Vice Mayor of Palmetto. I am also a Graduate of the (FRA) Florida Redevelopment Academy and hold several state certifications.

Most recently I served as Manatee County Commissioner. As County Commissioner my priority was to protect our economy and tax base. My reputation has been as an advocate for businesses in our community

I am also a Founding Member and Former Chair of the Manatee-Sarasota Chapter of The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). In addition, I have served on the State and National Board of Directors of SCLC. 

On December 20, 2015 I was awarded a Doctor Of Divinity Degree from

Bethesda Biblical Institute. I am also an ordained Deacon.

Thank you so much for your consideration and valuable time. Please feel free to reach out to me. Will you join me today?

 Charles B. Smith, DD.