Feb. 22, 2026, 5:30 a.m. ET
When Michael Lowe became the first African American firefighter with the City of Bradenton in 1975, it didn’t just get the community’s attention.
It got his younger brother’s, too.
“I saw him be the first and it inspired me,” Garry Lowe said. “Made up my mind that’s what I wanted to do, too.”
And he did, becoming the Palmetto’s first African American Police Chief in 2001.
They were also an inspiration to young James “JT” Thomas, the first African American code enforcement officer for Bradenton in 1996, then Manatee County and Holmes Beach after that.
“They were my mentors,” he said. “I remember them saying, ‘Keep your head straight, stay out of trouble, go to work, be the best at it and don’t give up.’”
These trailblazers will be honored Thursday by the Manatee County Democratic Black Caucus as part of Black History Month. For details, visit manateedemblackcaucus.org.
Now 73, the elder Lowe spent 27 years with the BFD, retiring as a lieutenant.
“I had a lot of guys from up north who were used to it and guided me. The local ones knew my grands and knew I came from good stock. Chief (Gene Gallo) did, too. Made me feel better.”
Thursday’s honor is deserving, yet bittersweet.
“It’s pretty good, but I just wish more young Blacks would get a career in firefighting.”
African Americans represent less than 10% of firefighters nationwide. BFD has 72 firefighters and five are African American, but has other minorities, too.
Chief Tim Geer, who served under Lowe, said BFD actively recruits minorities, often successfully, but retaining them is challenging.
“Ours is a demanding job. Mike Lowe can vouch for that.”
Thursday’s honor resonates with Lowe’s 64-year-old brother, who retired in 2010 after 29 years on the force.
“It was an awesome career. I think I made an impact for everybody, not just Blacks. I made sure of that, reaching out around the community.”
Thomas, now 57, is 30 years into his profession, the last 10 in Holmes Beach.
His being a people person has been vital after 2024’s devastating hurricanes.
“People lost everything. You try to feel what they feel. We’ve learned how to use code enforcement to help people, not give them a hard time. We try to help people get their insurance, their FEMA money, get their houses fixed.”
Thursday’s honor gives him pause, too.
“I just wanted to do something different. I wasn’t looking to be the first of anything. I’m not trying to be the last either.”
· Ageless Nunzie Marinelli is 96 years young.
· Props to Braden River High’s Class 2A State Championship Girls Weightlifters, the first state championship team in the school’s 20-year history.
The Lady Pirates were led by Payton Mangay-Ayam, their first-ever state champion, winning Olympic and Traditional at 129 pounds.
Five teammates dominated in Olympic, including Chloe Pogoda, second (183); Jeaniya Edwards, second (199); Taylor Ford, third (139); Ellen Lehman, third (129); and Emily Parcells, fourth (139).
River’s state championship team also includes Ava Bennett, Payton Hirts, Erika Garcia, Camilla Mohammadbhoy, Angelina Nguyen, Jazmin Ortega, Leighton Paul and Emmy Seavey.
Coach Jordan Borges’ assistants are Ashely Avellan, Tom Sherwood and JV coach Stacia King.
· Dr. Douglas Jungman was inducted into the International College of Dentists, the profession’s oldest and largest international honor society.
· Teen Court Supervisor Yantee Hines is new vice-president of the Florida Association of Teen Courts Board of Directors.
· And Lieutenant Jeremy Bertolino received the Manatee County Sheriff’s Outstanding Service Award for helping MCSO host the 2025 U.S. Police Canine Association nationals.
Vin’s People runs Sundays. Email Vin Mannix at vinspeople@gmail.com. Or call 941-962-5944.
