After more than six decades of service, Mary Bryan, the longest-serving employee in Tampa’s history, is retiring. A celebration was held Friday in her honor, where city officials, colleagues, friends and family gathered to recognize Bryan’s extraordinary career and lifelong commitment to public service. Bryan started working for the city in the early 1960s, turning down a job offer from Busch Gardens because, as she put it, “Tampa called first.” “I also applied at Busch Gardens because I wanted to ride the rides,” Bryan said. At the time, she was just 18 years old and became the first city employee to be issued an electric typewriter. Over the years, she held positions in numerous departments, including housing, code enforcement, zoning, and the city attorney’s office. Most recently, she served as legislative aide to Tampa City Council member Charlie Miranda. MORE: https://www.wtsp.com/article/life/heartwarming/city-of-tampa-employee-retires-after-62-years-mary-bryan/67-3f13b9ab-24b9-4566-bd3f-884ca630a6ae