WORDS & PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst
The Honorable Shirley Groover Bryant, Mayor of Palmetto, has called the city home her entire life. As the youngest of six, Mayor Shirley, as most locals call her, spent much of her childhood helping in the family business, Groover’s Grocery, and now has her office near to the home where she was born and raised.
She graduated from Palmetto High School and Manatee Community College (now SCF). She also attended Florida Southern College, where she studied economics and accounting, which served her well as she managed a city government with a budget of $32 million.
With her priority being raising her two sons, she never saw herself on a path to politics. In hindsight, everything she did was a stepping-stone of knowledge that has made her the beloved Mayor of Palmetto for 16 years.
The “unpredicted” path to politics began in the mid 70’s. While on the Palmetto Planning and Zoning Board, Mayor Shirley was asked to help with planning the first Palmetto 4th of July celebration. It was so successful and rewarding that it led her to find her passion for giving back to and improving her community.
Her next step was becoming the City of Palmetto Ward 2 Representative from 1993 – 2004. While on the City Commission, she concurrently worked at the Property Appraisers Office for 15 years. Her duties included administrative tasks such as payroll and financials, as well as the taxing and appraisal process.
She then had the opportunity to work at the Congressional Office with Katherine Harris, where she gained knowledge about Federal Agencies and Programs, which gave her insight as to how much the Congressional office can help their constituents. “I had no idea at that time how important learning about immigration and the tax sector would play a role in my future,” said Mayor Shirley.
As the Chief Financial Officer at the Manatee School for the Arts in the early 2000s, she was able to gain knowledge about the Manatee County School System and an understanding as to what the needs of our kids are and what kind of budget it takes to be effective.
“Such a diverse background provided me with knowledge in so many different arenas,” said Mayor Shirley. “These experiences (and a little nudging from friends and colleagues) gave me the confidence and desire to run for Mayor of Palmetto in 2008.”
Several of the projects that Mayor Shirley and her team have accomplished in the City of Palmetto are redevelopment of Sutton Park (Veterans Park), new Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, revitalization of the Riverside Park areas, enhanced Gateway at 8th Avenue and Riverside Drive, incorporating multi-modal components to 10th Avenue, added gateway signage with landscape, the Fifth Street “Green Street” project, and the award-winning Connor Park, remediating a brownfield to a beautiful environmental gem. All city projects have included enhancements and upgrades such as pavers to improve storm water quality, landscape, plus pedestrian and transit user paths and cameras for safety.
Mayor Shirley counts it a privilege to participate in events for our First Responders and for Veterans, particularly the Veterans Day Parade. Annually, she helps with Meals on Wheels Plus and Mayors’ Feed the Hungry.
“This community means so much to me and volunteering is just one of the ways I hope that I show that,” added Mayor Shirley. “Just a few of the organizations I have been blessed to donate my time to are Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization, Manatee County Tourist Development Council, Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation, Manatee River Fair Association, Inc., Manatee County 4-H Foundation, Institute of Government Steering Committee, Palmetto Historical Commission member, Manatee County Agricultural Museum, and Manatee Hundred Club member.”
Throughout our interview, one of the many attributes I found endearing about Mayor Shirley was whenever she spoke of her accomplishments; she always used the words we, us, our, and my staff in the conversation. She said several times that “we are only as good as the people we surround ourselves with.”
My assessment of her selfless work ethic was confirmed when I asked City Clerk Jim Freeman about working with Mayor Shirley, and he responded, “It has been a pleasure and honor to work for the Mayor over the past sixteen years. She is a true ambassador for the City, and her passion and hard work is unmatched. She always valued the employees and citizens with a focus on making the City a better place to live and work. As she enters her last few months as Mayor, I wish her all the best and she should be proud of the many successes and accomplishments during her tenure.”
When I asked what she would like to see as her legacy, she took a long pause and said, “while all of our accomplishments in the City office are important, no matter how big or how small the project, I think there are a few that will have a very long-lasting effect on our community. One large project that took many years to finalize is the new Palmetto Marriott Resort and Spa. This is a classic example of patience paying off. It took a lot of meetings, phone calls, time, and compromise to get it right…and we definitely got it right.”
When asked about the Mayor, Palmetto Marriott Resort and Spa Managing Director Tony DeRusso praised Mayor Shirley. “Through the years of working with Shirley I’ve grown a great respect for her unwavering commitment and service to the City of Palmetto. She was instrumental in helping see this project come to fruition and we wouldn’t be here without her support. She kept her faith through good times and challenging times. I am most fond of watching her relate to people and the way she establishes relationships within the community.”
Another long-anticipated project she is proud of and wanted to see completed before leaving office was the HCA Blake Palmetto Emergency Center, which had its ribbon cutting in June of this year.
Shirley’s final year hosting the 13th Annual Palmetto Fourth Fest at its new location at Riverside Park certainly has her going out with a bang! Not even a few drops of rain at the end of the evening could put a damper on the incredible, fun-filled afternoon of bands, vendors, great food, and a spectacular Zamboni Fireworks display.
“Mayor Shirley’s dedication to our community is inspiring. It was my sincere pleasure working alongside Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant to continue the great legacy of the Palmetto Fourth Fest.” said event planner Leah Brown, owner of The Big Idea Strategic Events. “Her vision, leadership, friendship, and unwavering dedication have been instrumental in making this annual event a cherished celebration for our community. Thank you, Mayor Bryant, for your guidance and steadfast support.”
“I have always strived for my legacy to be to leave things better than I found them. I hope that, as their Mayor, the citizens of Palmetto feel that I have succeeded!”
While Mayor Shirley will be spending much of her retirement time with her family, especially her 11-year-old granddaughter, I’m sure we will find her continuing to attend and support many of the same organizations and events she helped to create.
If you run into Mayor Shirley after her retirement in November, say hello! If you’re lucky enough to spend some time with her, ask her about Palmetto’s history… there were so many stories I didn’t have room for in this article. I promise you she is as sweet as Southern Pecan Pie (IYKYK). Okay! I’ll tell you! Shirley has become infamous for her Pecan Pies. Her pies have raised thousands of dollars at fundraiser auctions over the years. I’ve tried it… if you have the opportunity to bid on one, bid high…you won’t be sorry!
