Manatee County Utilities Department Bids Farewell to Two Key Deputy Directors

This week, Manatee County said goodbye to a long-serving Utilities Deputy Director, marking the start of significant changes within the county’s Utilities Department. Katie Gilmore, who oversaw water and potable water operations, completed her final day at the Lake Manatee Water Treatment Plant on Friday after a nearly 20-year career with the county. Her tenure, which would have reached two decades on September 30, leaves a notable gap in leadership. Gilmore’s contributions included pioneering efforts to combat blue-green algae outbreaks and ensuring the safety and reliability of the county’s water supply.

The department will soon face another departure. Kevin Morris, the Deputy Director overseeing wastewater operations, has announced that his final day with the department will be October 4. Morris, who joined the county in 2021 after more than two decades at the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority, brought extensive expertise to the Utilities Department.

Both resignations, submitted just days apart, have been confirmed as personal decisions by the two officials. Their absence is expected to be felt within the department, given the leadership and specialized knowledge they contributed. While these changes may seem sudden, Utilities Director Patrick Shea expressed confidence in the department's ability to maintain its operations and build upon the foundation laid by Gilmore and Morris.

With transitions already in place, the county is poised to navigate the departures smoothly. As Gilmore and Morris move on, their legacies of dedication and service will undoubtedly shape the future of the Manatee County Utilities Department.