[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 135 (Tuesday, August 5, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E752]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING 63 YEARS OF PUBLIC SERVICE BY CITY OF TAMPA EMPLOYEE MARY 
                                 BRYAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KATHY CASTOR

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 5, 2025

  Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career 
and contributions of Mary Bryan, a spirited and dedicated public 
servant whose love of the City of Tampa knows no bounds. Mary served 
her Tampa neighbors for over 63 years, which began after her high 
school graduation in 1962. She holds the record for the longest-serving 
employee of the City of Tampa. I congratulate Mary on an incredible 
career and thank her for her unwavering dedication to the Tampa Bay 
Community.
  Mary began her career in the early redevelopment office of Urban 
Renewal in 1962 and remained there until 1972. She assisted in the 
first wave of City of Tampa renewal and redevelopment programs. She 
continued her work in the housing, code enforcement and zoning 
department before beginning in the city attorney's office. Mary was the 
principal and trusted grants writer responsible for awards totaling in 
the tens of millions of dollars to the city annually.
  Mary served under 11 mayors and 59 city council members, and she has 
helped Tampa Bay grow into the thriving community it is today. Mary 
worked in the legal department as City Attorney James Palermo's 
Assistant until 2011. She then returned as the legislative aide to City 
Council member Charlie Miranda, where she will finish out her tenure as 
a City of Tampa employee.
  Serving as an aide to Charlie Miranda, Mary garnered a reputation 
that no constituent request was out of reach. From potholes to a noisy 
neighbor, she ensured that everyone's requests were accounted for. Mary 
is known for her vast institutional knowledge, willingness to help and 
tenacity. She was known for calling up an administrator and speaking 
plainly, cutting through red tape to make sure the job at hand got done 
in a timely manner.
  In 2023, Mayor Castor awarded Mary the Josephine Howard Stafford 
Memorial Award, an award given to a woman employed by the City of Tampa 
who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to her position and 
community. Mayor Castor has commented that, ``There's rarely a night I 
go home and it's not dark outside, and if there is another car in the 
lot, it's Mary's.''
  For over the past twenty years, Mary has also set up the holiday 
decorations at Old City Hall. Even through her hard work, she always 
made time to spread cheer.
  Mary's colleagues say she is not only an effective fighter, but her 
dedication reflects deep care for her neighbors. Occasionally when 
residents have appeared before the city council, some have felt 
intimidated by a list of suits and procedural rules. She has, at times, 
held people's hands to help them navigate city-level bureaucracy. 
Stephen Michelins, a city planner in the 1970's, said, ``When people 
would get stuck, she'll go out in the audience and grab them and say, 
`Come here.' She's been the friend of thousands.''
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my neighbors in Tampa Bay and the citizens 
of Florida, I am proud to honor Mary Bryan for her service to the City 
of Tampa. Mary dedicated her life ensuring that everyone had a place in 
Tampa Bay. It is hard-working and selfless public servants like Mary 
that make Tampa the welcoming and generous place it is today. Our 
community is eternally grateful for Mary's immense contributions.

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