Ep. 23, Palmetto Mayor Dan West

We sit down with Palmetto Mayor Dan West for a deep dive into the history, heritage, and heart of Manatee County. Before he ever served on the Palmetto City Commission or stepped into the Mayor’s office, Dan built a career as an agriculture teacher and spent 20 years working and eventually leading the Manatee County Fair. That background shapes how he leads, how he sees community, and how he thinks about the future of a growing agricultural county.

We trace the roots of Florida’s agricultural identity, including Dan’s passion for elevating and preserving agriculture in Manatee County. Be prepared to learn something new; this conversation is full of stories you didn’t know you needed, from the origins of Palmetto's ag traditions and the local decisions that keep them alive.

If you want to understand Palmetto’s past, its growth, and why agriculture remains the backbone of Florida’s future, this episode is a must-listen.

Keywords: Palmetto Mayor Dan West, Manatee County history, Florida agriculture, Florida Agricultural Flag, Manatee County Fair, agriculture education, local government leadership, Chambers Changes and Conversations podcast.