08/13/2026
Mr. Palmetto. ❤️ Mr. Wrestler. 🖤 Mr. Wilkes.
Mr. Bryan Wilkes was so much more than a coach, an athletic director, a wrestler, or a motivator. He was Mr. Palmetto.
Yes, he may have favored one sport over another😂, but the truth is, Mr. Wilkes had a love for them all.
Over the last few years, Mr. Wilkes was there for every one of our Palmetto Baseball district wins. He would stand quietly, stay to himself, and watch the game unfold. But when that final moment came—and let’s be honest, our last few district championships came down to the wire—that quiet, short man in the shadows would suddenly explode like a firecracker!
He was behind our boys. He was rooting them on. And when that district trophy was finally placed in their hands, he celebrated right alongside them.
Mr. Wilkes was a pillar not only to Palmetto, but to athletics throughout Manatee County. His work ethic, the stories of running a few miles at 5 o’clock in the morning, and his constant push for everyone around him to be exceptional left an imprint that will never fade.
He pushed Palmetto athletics to be better. To work harder. To believe in themselves. And to never settle for anything less.
Thank you, Mr. Wilkes, for everything you gave to Palmetto and to so many young athletes.
Your footprint is permanent. Your impact is immeasurable. And your presence will forever be missed.
Our deepest condolences go out to the Wilkes family and to everyone whose life he touched.
Rest easy, Mr. Palmetto. You will never be forgotten. 🖤❤️
