Thomas Schwarz for Bradenton City Council Ward 3

MEET THOMAS SCHWARZ

Thomas Schwarz has called Bradenton home for more than two decades. He is running for Bradenton City Council because he believes local government works best when connected, accessible, and accountable to the people it serves.

For 22 years, Bradenton has been more than just where Thomas grew up either , its where he built relationships, worked, volunteered, and invested in the community he loves. From playing Little League at G.T. Bray Park to graduating with honors from Manatee High School, his roots in Bradenton run deep.

Thomas continued his education locally, earning an Associate of Arts degree from State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota before graduating from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Professional and Technical Communication and a minor in Sociology. His academic background provided him with a strong foundation in communication, research, analysis, and community engagement: skills he now brings to public service.

Professionally, Thomas brings a unique combination of experience shaped by two industries built around people.

For the past fifteen years, he has worked throughout the hospitality industry, serving as a server, bartender, trainer, manager, and event coordinator. Hospitality taught him that leadership begins with listening, that every problem has a solution, and that trust is earned through consistency, responsiveness, and service.

Alongside his hospitality career, Thomas has spent nine years working in editorial and research communications. As a freelance editor, researcher, and content development professional, he has helped people analyze complex information, develop clear messaging, conduct research, and communicate ideas effectively. This experience sharpened his ability to evaluate issues from multiple perspectives, separate facts from assumptions, and translate complicated topics into practical conversations people can understand.

Beyond his professional work, Thomas has dedicated more than five hundred hours volunteering with local, regional, and national organizations, as well as community initiatives throughout Manatee County. He is a passionate advocate for local businesses, the arts, civic engagement, and strengthening the connections that make neighborhoods thrive.

As Bradenton continues to grow, he believes the city must focus on responsible infrastructure planning, supporting small businesses, preserving community character, and making local government more transparent and accessible for everyday residents.

His campaign is built on a simple idea: That every resident deserves a seat at the table.

Thomas is running to bring a thoughtful, community-driven perspective to City Hall and to ensure that Bradenton’s next chapter is written with the people who call it home at the center of every decision.

CONTRIBUTE TO THE CAMPAIGN

I’m running to bring a more citizen-focused government to Bradenton: one that supports small businesses, uplifts those who’ve been overlooked, and truly listens to its people. This campaign is built on making sure every voice has a seat at the table. Your donation helps fund outreach and spread our message to every corner of the community.

DONATE NOW!

TESTIMONIALS

I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Tommy, and what stands out most is just how genuinely kind and caring he is. He’s the type of person who shows up for others without hesitation, whether it’s helping a team member, listening when someone needs support, or simply going out of his way to make people feel valued.

His empathy and willingness to lend a hand aren’t just occasional, they’re part of who he is every day. I truly believe those qualities would make him an incredible representative for the community.

Melissa Baker

General Manager of Bar Hana, Speaks Clam Bar, and Kojo - Hi Hospitality Group

My time in the military taught me that service is about showing up and putting people and the community first. I’ve seen Thomas doing just that. He’s listening to concerns, supporting local businesses, and working to strengthen the heart of our city. I’m proud to support his campaign.

Sergeant Jennifer Calvo

Bradenton Resident and Military Veteran

As a local manager of a small business in Bradenton, it’s great to see Thomas in the community, listening and learning. We need someone who’s local, getting involved in the needs of the community. I’m proud to support his message and his campaign.

Morgan Moore

Assistant Manager, Local Hair Salon

As a member of the U.S. Army, I value principled leaders with strong skills and a vision that makes sense. Thomas Schwarz is the candidate I feel would best represent our local community and the city of Bradenton. I’m proud to support this campaign for city councilman.

Sergeant First Class James H. Alt

Local Resident & U. S. Army Veteran

As a leader, I’ve had the honor of working with Thomas Schwarz in service to local initiatives, as well as through our shared work for local and national non-profits. Thomas has consistently been a true supporter of change throughout his work in the community. I’ve seen first hand how impactful and effective his ideas are, and I’ll be honest: I want this kind of leadership for Ward 3. The level of direct impact and community care Thomas will provide promises to be second to none. As a lifelong resident of Bradenton, Thomas Schwarz has my full support for Ward 3’s city council.

Alaska Barnard Alt, M. Ed.

Community leader and educator

I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside Thomas and see firsthand how much he genuinely cares about the community he serves. He’s passionate, thoughtful, and a person of real integrity who follows through on what he says. Bradenton would benefit greatly from his leadership, and I’m proud to support him.

Jeff Gibson

Local Resident and Business Owner

Since I’ve known Thomas, I’ve been impressed by the love and dedication he has shown to the community. He actually listens to the thoughts of everyday people and I feel he works endlessly to find resolutions that benefit everyone. Thomas truly cares about making our home a better place to live!