MANATEE COUNTY, FL (August 2, 2022) – Mike Gore, Manatee’s longtime Utilities Director, is retiring after 38 years with Manatee County Government.
Mike started his career in 1984 as a part-time distribution tech, assisting with water service installations and repairing broken water lines. He worked for 14 years with Manatee County Utilities Water Division. In 1998 he became the Lena Road Landfill Superintendent. During Gore’s tenure at the landfill, he helped oversee upgrades that resulted in significant savings. His unique knowledge of both utilities and solid waste—coupled with a dedication to public service—helped him provide critical leadership as Utilities Director for the past decade.
“My entire career has been spent with Manatee County Utilities,” Gore said. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and how well this utility is positioned to meet the concerns of this community moving forward.”
“Mike surrounded himself with highly qualified and motivated staff, keeping succession planning at the forefront of his decision making,” said County Administrator Scott Hopes, who has named Deputy Utilities Director Jeff Goodwin as interim Director.
Goodwin received a Bachelor of Science degree from Guilford College and has worked in the Manatee County Utilities Department since 1998, serving in various capacities—from Supervisor of the Wastewater Laboratory and the Industrial Pretreatment Program to Wastewater Division Manager—and most recently as Deputy Director.
“Jeff is well equipped and ready to serve as Interim Utilities Director, while we begin our search for Mike’s permanent replacement,” said Deputy Administrator Courtney De Pol, who also oversees the department. “Our commitment to ensuring exemplary utility and solid-waste services remains at the forefront of all we do.”