BRADENTON — In the non-partisan Bradenton City Council Ward 5 race, Iris Thomas Garcia challenges first-term incumbent Pam Coachman.
Coachman won an 8-point victory over Keenan Wooten in 2020, following careers with the Manatee Clerk of Courts/Comptroller and the Manatee County School District, where she is currently employed.
Coachman was a standout athlete at Manatee High School, where she was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1975. She then attended the University of South Florida, earning a Master of Science degree in Speech and Language Pathology.
Coachman's family has deep roots in the community. She is the daughter of the late Jesse "Milkman" Mitchell, who spent many years delivering milk to the black neighborhoods of Bradenton, Palmetto, and Sarasota. Pam’s mother, also deceased, was Rosie "Nurse" Mitchell, who worked for many years at Manatee Memorial Hospital.
Coachman has been a steadfast advocate for the citizens of her ward, pushing for affordable housing and strategies that benefit small local businesses.
Iris Thomas Garcia was born in the Dominican Republic. She is the widow of the late Rev. Lorenzo Thomas and says she is committed to carrying on his legacy of improving their community.
Garcia's father's work forced the family to travel and relocate often. Though she had begun college in Puerto Rico, the family had moved to Florida before she could complete her degree. Arriving in Florida with "no job experience, no knowledge of English, and no connections," she landed her first job answering phones at Manatee Rural Health Clinic.
As her grasp of the language improved, Garcia went on to work as an English tutor for Title I Migrant students at Palmetto Elementary School. She eventually returned to college to complete both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Educational Leadership.
As her career progressed, Garcia advanced to Dean of Students at Southeast High School and as an adult education teacher at Manatee Technical Institute. She also completed coursework from USF to qualify as a Mental Health Therapist for Centerstone Behavioral Health alongside Child Protective Services.
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WTF
Pam is part of the problem with the current City Council. Rarely does she bring up opposition to anything on the agenda including the questionable ones that should be reviewed. She goes along with the program and that's why the developers love her they know they can count on her for the developers vote.
Her district is still marginalized still has boarded up houses still has crime and drugs and have not seen any forward thinking in moving her district in the right direction. Do we need to bring the blue puppet to the city of Bradenton?
Pam should be "One and done" in my book and should be in yours
For The Record
Monday, September 2 Report this
Debann
Coaching one and done...SOUNDS GOOD !!!!
Monday, September 2 Report this
Debann
That should say Coachman one and done..she's their only there for a paycheck...
Monday, September 2 Report this
ruthlawler
Pam Coachman is by far the best choice to remain on City Council, in my personal opinion. I've listened to and heard from both Coachman and Garcia. Pam Coachman has deep roots in the community, is articulate and experienced in City issues, as well as a strong advocate for the community. Do I always agree with the votes...no. Yet Pam has a grasp as to how the City government functions and how to get things done. Her opponent lacks insight and awareness on City government functions. My vote is for Pam Coachman! Ruth Lawler
Wednesday, September 4 Report this