Manatee County Administrator Resigns During Meeting: Report

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — County administrator Scott Hopes abruptly resigned from his position during a Manatee County Board of County Commissioners work session Tuesday, according to multiple reports.

He stepped down from the role rather than have his contract terminated by the board, according to the Bradenton Times.

Hopes’ resignation is effective immediately. He’ll receive severance pay equal to 120 days as a lump sum payment.

According to his separation agreement, he resigned without cause and remains in good standing with the county, WUSF reported. He’ll also be paid out for remaining vacation and sick days.

“I do want to thank the board for the opportunity to serve the people of Manatee County in this capacity. Our team has accomplished a majority of what the board wanted us to accomplish,” he said, according to the Bradenton Herald.

He was appointed to the role on an interim basis in April 1, 2021, and confirmed by commissioners in a 5-2 vote less than two months later. Before this, Hopes served on the School Board of Manatee County.

He replaced the previous county administrator, Cheri Coryea, who was forced to step down from the position by a slate of new county commissioners, who were elected to their roles in November 2020.

Following Hopes' resignation, Lee Washington, director of community and veteran services, was named acting county administrator, the county shared on its Facebook page.

“I can’t say enough how thankful I am for your confidence, not only in me but as you can see, with those that stand with me—we stand united and moving forward in ensuring that we carry out the priorities set by this Board,” Washington said. “As a team, we want to assure staff that we will always ensure they have the tools and the resources they need to be effective, and we look forward to the challenge.”