May Mann Jennings was a pioneering leader in Florida whose influence extended far beyond her tenure as First Lady during Governor William Sherman Jennings’ administration (1901–1905).
As President of the GFWC Florida Federation of Women’s Clubs (1914–1917), she shaped Florida’s legislative and environmental future. Jennings was instrumental in forming the Florida State League of Women Voters, establishing Royal Palm State Park and served as its Director of Operations from 1915 to 1936. She played a critical role in creating the State Board of Forestry, the State Park Service, and a reservation for Seminole Indians.
Jennings founded the Florida State Library in Tallahassee and advanced the creation of Everglades National Park by securing state land. Her advocacy for education reform included a constitutional amendment for school bonds, the Ten-Mill School Tax, compulsory education laws, and promoting women as school board members and jurors. She supported infrastructure improvements through good-roads laws, road bond amendments, and wildlife conservation initiatives.
Mrs. Jennings also championed humane education, mechanical voting machines, tick eradication, stock fencing, and state reapportionment. Her progressive vision and tireless advocacy solidified her legacy as one of Florida’s most influential reformers, all before women had the right to vote.