About - Harold E. Byrd Jr. in Bradenton, FL

Share My Vision

Harold E. Byrd, Jr., MPA, J.D.

I am the son of the late Rev. Harold E. Byrd, Sr. and Former Manatee County School Board Member, Ruby Byrd. I am married to Sharon Byrd. A product of the Manatee County School District, I received my B.A. from Eckerd College with a major in business management. Later, I received a Juris Doctor from Florida A & M College of Law. After that, I attended the University of Phoenix where I received my Master of Public Administration degree in December of 2015.

Over the years, I have worked at the local, state, and federal levels of government. Also, I have served as Ward 5 Councilman in the city of Bradenton from 1989-1995 and 2007-present.

Redevelopment Specialist

While councilman for the City of Bradenton, I embarked on a mission to obtain certification as a Redevelopment Professional by the Florida Redevelopment Association. I have twice been selected as Vice Mayor and am currently serving as vice chairman for the Bradenton Community Redevelopment Agency.

Affordable Housing Advocate

An active member of the Florida League of Cities, I have served as a vice-chairman and chairman of the state intergovernmental relations committee. As chairman of that committee, I lobbied for the passage of the William E. Sadowski Affordable Housing Act which has provided funding for affordable housing for more than 20 years. I am also actively involved with the Florida Black Caucus of Local Elected officials (FBC-LEO).

Community Activities

Long involved in community service, I have served on many boards, such as:

United Way of Manatee County – Board of Directors (Former Member)
Big Brothers / Big Sisters – Board of Directors (Former Member)
Manatee Council on Aging – Board of Directors (Former Member)
St. Paul Baptist Church – (Member)
Harold E. Byrd, Sr. Educational Foundation - Executive Director 1998 – Present, Salvation Army Advisory Board – (Former Member)
Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) - Vice Chairman (Former)

Awards and Recognitions

Likewise, I have received awards are for my dedication and community service. These awards include:

Community Service Award - South Atlantic Regional Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
Community Service Award - March of Dimes, Mayor’s Citation - City of Sarasota
Human Service Award - Manatee Opportunity Council
Citizen of the Year - Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Community Service Award - The National Forum For Black Public Administrators
Outstanding Service - Manatee County Tourist Development Council
Community Service Award - Beracah Seventh Day Adventist Church

Dedicated Public Servant

Public service has always been a part of my life. This will continue to be a major focus of my work. With my latest educational attainment, I would like to utilize my many years of government experience to teach public policy and law at the collegiate level.

My Plans for Bradenton