STORIES FROM OUR PHILANTHROPIC COMMUNITY
giving coast UNSUNG HERO
A philanthropist who gives his all to the community he lives in and loves, Mark Barnebey is celebrated by friends, family, and his hometown. Barbie Heit Photo by Wyatt Kostygan
BORN, RAISED AND LIVING HIS ENTIRE LIFE IN BRADENTON, Barnebey has dedicated himself to giving back to his hometown. With a Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree and a Law Degree all from Florida State University, it’s fair to say that Mark Barnebey is a true Floridian. Currently a partner with the Blalock Walters Law Firm where he’s been for the past ten years, Barnebey started his law career as the Chief Assistant County Attorney of Manatee County. He served with the County for 13 years before moving on to the Kirk Pinkerton law firm where he stayed for another 13 years and became a partner. While working with the County Attorney’s Office, Barnebey was the senior land use attorney, watching the development of one of the fastest growing counties in the nation. “I was heavily involved in the drafting of the county’s award-winning comprehensive plan from 1986-1989, which largely remains in effect today,” he says. “However, I was also involved in some unusual matters, including preparing the County Public Nudity Ordinance and the County Exotic Animal Ordinance.” Barnebey has had a busy land use and government private practice. On the land use side, he’s been instrumental in obtaining the approvals for a 5,000 acre agrihood new town development, a power plant, an sports arena, and many residential and commercial development projects. On the local government side, he served as City Attorney for Palmetto for the last 14 years and previously served as School Board Attorney for Manatee County, as well as serving as general and special counsel for various other cities, counties and special districts. Shirley Groover Bryant, Mayor of Palmetto has known Barnebey for the past 18-20 years and considers him to be a great friend and an outstanding attorney for Palmetto. “He’s just an upstanding and honest person,” she says. “Palmetto is lucky to have him as he’s a true asset.”
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6/14/22 6:50 PM