Carrie Smith, Community Relations Director, started with the Pelicans in 2006, she interned in the community relations department and also assisted in promotions and game day decorations. Smith graduated from the University of West Florida with a public relations degree. Smith’s nickname is the “Tarprider”. Before a game, a normal Florida afternoon rain shower was heading toward the stadium. As the staff and field crew was pulling the tarp on the field, Carrie lost her footing, slipped and fell right to the tarp. Once a tarp is being pulled, it is hard to stop so she just sat there on the tarp as it was pulled across the field. She did try to get up, but did not succeed. The Pensacola native is active in her church, St. Mark Methodist and is a member of Florida Public Relations Association. Tarprider is a huge fan of Alabama football and the Atlanta Braves and she insists that Whataburger ketchup is the best around.

carrie@pensacolapelicans.com