Palmetto High School is in mourning this week after the passing of its athletic director, Bryan Wilkes. Confirmed by ABC7, Wilkes was a true Suncoast native, born and raised in Bradenton and a graduate of Southeast High School. He dedicated nearly two decades of his life to Palmetto High, first as the founder and head coach of the wrestling program in 2005, and later as athletic director starting in 2020.
The school’s football team posted a heartfelt tribute on social media, calling Wilkes “Mr. Palmetto.” They wrote, “His infectious smile and unmatched passion for everything Palmetto will be forever missed. We will carry you in our memory and honor you with our daily preparation and play!” Those words capture the kind of leader Wilkes was, someone who built programs from the ground up and poured his heart into every student athlete who walked through the doors.
His age and cause of death have not yet been released. What is clear is the deep impact he had on the Manatee County community. Athletic directors often work behind the scenes, coordinating schedules, managing budgets, and supporting every team. Wilkes did all of that with a smile that people clearly remember. If you have a memory of Coach Wilkes or a story about how he impacted your family, we’d love to hear it. Share it in the comments below.
