Notices

Manatee County accepting applications for Planning Commission

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (January 20, 2025) – Manatee County is accepting applications for one seat on the Planning Commission, a citizen’s advisory committee that makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on land use items.

There is a vacant seat on the Planning Commission.

The Board of County Commissioners will appoint one person to finish out a term that expires on October 14, 2028; the Planning Commission consists of seven voting members who are qualified electors in Manatee County. While no particular expertise is required, persons with experience or training in the substantive areas of planning, engineering, environmental science and the development industry shall be considered in the appointment process.

More detailed information on the Planning Commission—established to act as the Local Planning Agency under the Florida Statutes—can be found: https://www.mymanatee.org/government/government-information/advisory-boards/advisory-board-detail/planning-commission.

Planning Commission members cannot be employed by the County or serve as a member of another land development-related advisory board serving unincorporated Manatee County.

The Planning Commission generally meets on the second Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. in the Honorable Patricia M. Glass Chambers, First Floor of Manatee County Administrative Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Applications are due Wednesday, February 11, 2026, and may be found online at https://www.mymanatee.org/government/advisory_boards/apply_for_an_advisory_board/advisory_board_application_form

For more information about Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ManateeGov.

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Manatee County Information Outreach

NEWS line: (941) 745-6397 (NEWS)

news@mymanatee.org

Manatee County Seeking Applicants for Citizens Oversight Committee

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (January 9, 2026) – Manatee County is looking for four (4) citizens to be a part of the advisory committee on Infrastructure Sales Tax.

The committee -- which makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners -- meets periodically and prepares an annual report reviewing spending of the half-cent infrastructure sales tax approved by voters in 2016.

Committee applicants must reside in unincorporated areas of Manatee County.

The term of this appointment is for two (2) years. All meetings will be publicly noted. The committee meets periodically at 5:30 p.m. at the Manatee County Government Administrative Center, Conference Room “The Vault”, 7th Floor, 1112 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34205.

Applications are due February 9, 2026 and may be found online at mymanatee.org/government/applyforboard

For more information, call (941) 745-3773 or email Candice.Cruz@mymanatee.org

For more information about Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ManateeGov.

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Manatee County Information Outreach

NEWS line: (941) 745-6397 (NEWS)

news@mymanatee.org

Manatee County’s Under One Roof Gateway South Welcomes First Clients

MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (December 22, 2025) — Manatee County Government announces that the Under One Roof “Gateway South” Shelter is now welcoming its first clients, marking a major milestone in the County’s ongoing efforts to support women impacted by addiction, homelessness, and trauma.

Gateway South is a women-focused shelter and recovery center designed to provide a safe, secure, and healing environment where clients can access critical services under one roof. The facility is staffed and programmed through Helping Up Mission (HUM) and works in close coordination with community partners including Turning Points, Centerstone, the Salvation Army, and Fresh Start Manatee to create a compassionate continuum of care across Manatee County.

“This project reflects our shared commitment to meeting people where they are and providing real pathways to stability and hope,” said Manatee County District 2 Commissioner Amanda Ballard. “By opening Gateway South to its first clients, we are delivering on a promise to invest in solutions that change lives and strengthen our entire community.”

The Gateway South facility is located at 407 57th Ave. E., Bradenton, transforming a former Sheriff’s Office building into a center for healing and recovery. The project was funded in part by opioid settlement dollars, HUD’s HOME-ARP Program, and Manatee County contributions.

The Gateway South facility includes:

Safe and secure accommodations for women in recovery

Supportive services, case management, and healthcare coordination

Therapeutic spaces and modern technology infrastructure

Secure, respectful, and trauma-informed design

“This is more than the opening of a facility—it’s the beginning of a new chapter for the women we serve,” said Sarah Carter, Program Manager of the Gateway South Women’s Shelter. “Gateway South was intentionally designed to be trauma-informed, respectful, and supportive, so every woman who walks through our doors feels safe, valued, and empowered to begin her recovery journey.”

Gateway South builds on the County’s broader Under One Roof initiative, which focuses on aligning partners, services, and resources to address homelessness and substance use disorder through collaboration and long-term recovery solutions.

For more information about Under One Roof Gateway South and Manatee County’s housing and recovery initiatives, visit www.mymanatee.org.

For more information about Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ManateeGov.

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Manatee County Information Outreach

NEWS line: (941) 745-6397 (NEWS)

news@mymanatee.org

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