Smolarick has spent nearly his entire working life in newspapers, getting his start at 17 selling subscriptions door to door. A 1983 graduate of Pocahontas High School in Pocahontas, Virginia, he began working in circulation sales in Clearwater, Florida, in 1984.
Smolarick spent 25 years at The Tampa Tribune, where he started in circulation in 1986 and moved through a series of sales and management positions. His roles included direct sales manager, advertising manager for Pinellas County and northwest Tampa, and community regional advertising manager.
In August 2011, Smolarick moved into publishing with the Suncoast Media Group. Smolarick published the Venice Gondolier until 2017, then became vice president of DR-Media and publisher of the Highlands News-Sun.
His last day at the Highlands News-Sun was Sept. 18.
“I absolutely adore what I do, and I have every day for over 43 years,” Smolarick said.
That enthusiasm for newspapers and their role in the communities they cover is something Smolarick said he plans to bring to Sandpaper Publishing.
During an introduction to staff at the Navarre Press, Crestview News Bulletin and Santa Rosa Press Gazette, Smolarick said his top priority is continuing to provide quality local journalism.
“It is a sacred and important responsibility that we all share, no matter what we do at the newspaper,” he said.
For Smolarick, that responsibility extends beyond covering the daily news. He views newspapers as part of the fabric of their communities, with a role in recognizing the people, businesses and organizations that make those communities what they are.
That includes events such as business awards, athletic banquets and citizen recognition alongside traditional news coverage.
Sandpaper Publishing owner Sandi Kemp said that commitment to community journalism is more than talk.
“Tim values community journalism and lives and breathes service to the communities he serves. Northwest Florida is fortunate that he has chosen to make the Panhandle his new home and the next place he will serve,” Kemp said.
Smolarick has also spent plenty of time involved in his community outside the newsroom. He coached boys’ basketball at St. Joseph Catholic School for six years and served as president of the North Tampa Little League.
He and his wife, Donna, are relocating to Santa Rosa County. He has three children, four cats and two dogs. Away from newspapers, he enjoys fishing and playing chess and is an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan.
His football loyalties, however, extend beyond Pittsburgh.
“I have two favorite football teams,” Smolarick said. “The Steelers, and anybody playing the Cowboys.”
