About
The Parrish Civic Association (PCA) was established on November 18, 1981, as a nonprofit entity officially recognized by the State of Florida under the 501(c)4 classification, typically designated for Volunteer Fire Departments. Lamar Parrish, along with a dedicated group of local volunteers, believed that for the Fire Department to thrive, it required formal recognition as a legitimate entity. To facilitate this growth, the department hosted Fish Fry Suppers at the Parrish Elementary Schoolhouse, featuring local entertainment. On April 9, 1982, the Florida Legislature officially created the Parrish Fire District, which subsequently received approval from the Governor. The district was established to provide fire protection, fire prevention, and rescue services over an area of 97 square miles in unincorporated Manatee County. Now operating as an Independent Special District in Manatee County, the Parrish Fire District continues to serve its community.
Key Accomplishments:
- Successfully brought the YMCA to Parrish from 2009 to 2020.
- Collected oral histories from the descendants of Parrish’s founding families between 2012 and 2013.
- In 2013, the Parrish Arts Council produced a community play titled “Red Rooster Tales,” showcasing the story of the Parrish Community.
- Highlighted century-old homes and structures in the Village of Parrish through featured articles in the This Old House book.
- Launched the annual Parrish Hometown Christmas Event for the community in 2016.
- Advocated for and successfully implemented a traffic light at the intersection of U.S. Hwy 301 and CR 675, with the support of Commissioner Priscilla Whisenant Trace.
- Helped preserve the name of Parrish in the naming of the new community high school, Parrish Community High School, in 2019, with assistance from Commissioner Priscilla Whisenant Trace
- Beautification project – adding mural to the Old Whidden’s Grocery Store now Parrish Supermarket depicting the Early History of Parrish at 12330 US Hwy 301 N., Parrish Florida 34219.
The History of Parrish
The community was named Parrish for the Parrish Family that moved into the area in the late 1800s and gave back so much to this town, such as land for the railroad, church, and school property. The town was bustling with lots of commerce in this era, such as four packinghouses, a blacksmith shop, general stores, drug store, mercantile, grocery, pool hall, post office, doctors, and barbershop. Many of the residents were farmers of citrus, vegetables, as well as cattle. It was a close-knit community, neighbors looking out for each other. Whatever the need, food, clothing, building a barn, mending fences, taking cattle to market, the people all pitched in to help.
The Post Office was Established
A post office was established in 1879. When the paperwork was sent to Washington, the name was misspelled. It was registered as Parish. The post office was moved several times through the years but when the new post office was built around 1950, the Postmaster reviewed the registration papers and found the error, it was corrected to the correct spelling of Parrish.
Parrish Today
Today, Parrish is the northeast center of Manatee County with roads to Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Wachula, Arcadia, Palmetto, Bradenton, and Sarasota, Anna Maria Island to name a few. Parrish is the fastest growing area in Manatee County if you are looking for a community with a small-town feel. Check us out!
