Biography for Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant
Shirley Groover Bryant is a native of Palmetto, Florida. She graduated from Palmetto High School, Manatee Community College (now SCF), and Florida Southern College. She studied economics and accounting, which serves her well as she manages a city government with a budget of $32 million.
Mayor Bryant worked for 15 years at Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office. She was the Chief Financial Officer for Manatee School for the Arts. She was City of Palmetto Ward 2 Representative from 1993 – 2004 and in 2008 she was elected as Mayor of the City of Palmetto, where she continues to serve today.
Mayor Bryant’s top priorities are accountability to the taxpayers, fiscal responsibility, and transparency in Palmetto’s government. In addition, her efforts are directed at improving Palmetto through redevelopment and revitalization, while she humbly acknowledges that success is possible with the combined talents of her team.
Mayor Bryant and her team seek to make more efficient use of limited tax dollars through the increased use of technology, and the search for grants and outside funding from state and federal agencies to best meet the needs of the citizens of Palmetto today and in the future.
Mayor Bryant serves in the community in a variety of positions:
Chair, Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization
Board Member, Manatee County Tourist Development Council
Board of Directors, Manatee Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors, Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation
Past President and Director Emeritus, Manatee River Fair Association, Inc.
Past President, Board of Directors of the Manatee County 4-H Foundation
Past Chair, Institute of Government Steering Committee
Palmetto Historical Commission
Manatee County Agricultural Museum
Manatee Hundred Club
Mayor Bryant 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 and Mayors’ Feed the Hungry.
Several of the projects that Mayor Bryant and her team have accomplished in the City of Palmetto are redevelopment of Sutton Park (Veterans Park), new MLK, Jr. Park, revitalization of the Riverside Park areas with expanded boat ramps, enhanced Gateway at 8th Avenue and Riverside Drive, incorporating multi-modal components to 10th Avenue, added gateway signage with landscape, and the Fifth Street “Green Street” project. All of the city projects have included enhancements and upgrades such as pavers to improve storm water quality, landscape, as well as pedestrian and transit user paths and cameras for safety.
Mayor Bryant has two adult sons.