J.C. Garrison, John Stevely inducted into Manatee Agricultural Hall of Fame
PALMETTO -- The Manatee County farming community has a long memory.
On Thursday, the Manatee County Agricultural Hall of Fame inducted two new members -- pioneer nurseryman J.C. Garrison, who died in 1975 at age 55, and John M. Stevely, sea grant extension agent for Manatee County from 1979 to 2014.
"Forty years has gone by since the passing of my father, but I know the qualities that he inspired in many others, especially young people, will live on," said Larry Garrison on behalf of the Garrison family.
J.C. Garrison came to Manatee County in 1922 as a toddler, and graduated from Manatee High School. He served as an U.S. Marine during World War II.
He was manager and later owner of Fraser Nursery, Manatee County's first plant foliage nursery. In addition to his own business, he assisted other growers in starting greenhouses and nurseries. He employed FFA students and other youth, some of whom entered the horticulture business.
The late nurseryman was a mover and shaker active in politics and a leader on the Manatee Memorial Hospital Board.
J.C. Garrison's nephew, Ralph Garrison, described his uncle as a forward thinker never satisfied with the status quo.
"Throughout history, great people are defined not so much by what they have accomplished," Ralph Garrison said. "There has always been a service to what they do. This is where we find inspiration from the past."
Brenda Rogers, director of the Manatee County Community Services Department, inducted Stevely into the hall of fame.
Stevely is a noted international expert in sponge ecology and sponge fishery management. He introduced the fish venting tool and developed best management practices for successful catch and release of deepwater reef fish, Rogers said.
Stevely won respect for his analysis of the economic impact of artificial reefs and red tide, and habitat restoration, Rogers said.
He is recognized for his efforts to spotlight the importance of the local fishing industry, and has served on the planning committee for the Cortez Fishing Festival for many years.
"I got to know John as colleague, a mentor, and a family man. I have benefited from his experience, wisdom and encouragement," Rogers said.
Stevely said he was grateful for many things Thursday.
"I am blessed to be here today, I am blessed for my family, and I am blessed that I came to this area of Manatee County 37 years ago. Because of the wonderful people, this is a wonderful place to live and has a wonderful quality of life," Stevely said.
Stevely and Garrison are the 95th and 96th inductees, respectively, into the hall of fame.
Also recognized: Pankti Parikh of Southeast High School, winner of the Manatee Farm City Week speech contest, and Micah Gallagher of Braden River High School, winner of the essay contest.
James A. Jones Jr., East Manatee reporter, can be contacted at 941-745-7053 or on Twitter@jajones1.
This story was originally published November 19, 2015 at 6:26 PM with the headline "J.C. Garrison, John Stevely inducted into Manatee Agricultural Hall of Fame ."