Notices

“A Night Before Christmas” is a Holiday Highlight

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (November 22, 2022) – If you’re looking for Santa, we’ve got him—and a whole lot more—at Manatee County’s Annual “A Night Before Christmas” event, Friday, December 9, 2022, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Bradenton’s G.T. Bray Park.

The night of family fun—highlighted by visits and photo-ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus—will also include face painting, bounce house, the movie “Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas” (presented by Double Deez Chicago Style Hot Dogs) playing at the amphitheater and—new for 2022—a foam zone.

Local vendors will be showing their holiday spirit, and a fabulous food truck line up will ensure that dinner is covered! Entry to the event is FREE; however, a suggested donation of one new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots, per family, is kindly requested.

Wristbands will be sold for $5 apiece to allow access to the foam zone, bounce house, face painting, a special photo-zone for keepsake pictures and more. Pre-sale wristbands will be available at the G.T. Bray Park front desk, beginning December 2. They will be on sale on a cash-only basis at the event entrance on the day of event.

G.T. Bray Park is located at 5502 33rd Avenue Drive West in Bradenton. Visitors may access the park from 59th St. W. or 51st St. W. and are asked to park near the Recreation Center off of 33rd Ave. Dr. W.

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

###

Bill Logan

Information Outreach Manager

Office: (941) 742-5866

Cell: (941) 274-0930

bill.logan@mymanatee.org

Manatee County Area Transit Enhances Bus Routes

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (November 28, 2022) – Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) is making several changes to fixed-route bus service, beginning Saturday, December 3. The changes will enhance transit service along several important corridors and provide more appealing transportation options for commuters in Manatee County.

Route 2, which serves Samoset, East Bradenton and the Manasota Industrial Park, will now have service every 30 minutes, all day, Monday through Saturday. Trips will depart DeSoto Station at :05 and :35 past the hour.

Route 4, which serves 9th Avenue East and West, will have changes to its routing only on the WEST side on the way to and from the route, ending at Blake Hospital. Trip times will remain consistent with the existing schedule.

Route 75, the Beach ConneXion Shuttle, which travels from 75th St West to Manatee Public Beach, will operate 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. This seasonal route will help address beach parking issues and is free of charge—like all MCAT services.

Route 12, which serves State Road 70, will no longer enter the campus of Manatee Technical College. Passengers are instructed to use the bus stop on State Road 70.

All changes to MCAT route schedules will be available for pick-up on each bus and online at mymanatee.org/MCAT. Passengers can also call the MCAT Rider Information Line at (941) 749-7116 for more information.

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

###

Bill Logan

Information Outreach Manager

Office: (941) 742-5866

The sale to the PUBLIC is December 5th. Sergeant Jeffcoat is in charge of the program, should you or anyone else have any questions his extension is 2841.

6-inch Poinsettia Pots $5.00 each

8-inch Poinsettia Pots $10.00 each

Check, Debit, Credit Cards Only. NO CASH

Open to public 8am to 2 pm closed for lunch 11am-1130am.

14470 Harlee Road Palmetto 33451

Myakka City Recovery Operations to Wind Down

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (November 18, 2022) – Due to decreased demand and need, operations at the Manatee County Recovery Center at the Myakka City Community Center will be shifting over the next week.

Beginning this weekend, the water and chlorine distribution site at the Myakka City Community Center at 10060 Wauchula Road will limit operating hours. On Saturday, November 19, and Sunday, November 20, the distribution site will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Laundry and shower facilities will be available during those hours, as well.

The site will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, November 21, Tuesday, November 22, and Wednesday, November 23—which will be the final day of its official operation.

Starting Friday, November 25, bottled water, and a limited amount of chlorine for well disinfection will be available at the Myakka City Community Center.

Residents with questions about water safety and testing are encouraged to call the Florida Department of Health at (941) 748-0747. For questions about community outreach and water distribution, call 3-1-1.

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

###

Bill Logan

Information Outreach Manager

Office: (941) 742-5866

Cell: (941) 274-0930

bill.logan@mymanatee.org

Manatee County Launches Resident Damage Reporting Tool

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (Thursday, November 10, 2022) – Manatee County has launched a resident reporting feature of Crisis Track, the County’s current damage assessment software—available now for residents and business owners.

The reporting tool, which can be accessed by visiting https://www.crisistrack.com/public/manateeFL/request.html, allows residents to report damage that they see in the county.

“Crisis Track is a proven tool. The new resident reporting feature allows us to work in partnership with our residents to quickly assess and pinpoint areas of damage in real-time after a major weather event like Tropical Storm Nicole,” said Courtney De Pol, Deputy County Administrator.

The tool requires the resident to enter the type, location and description of the damage. An option to upload images of the damage is also included. Once the damage report is submitted, it is sent to the County’s Damage Assessment Team for further evaluation and field verification.

If someone has an issue with using the self-reporting link, they should contact 311 to report the damage.

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

###

Bill Logan

Information Outreach Manager

Office: (941) 742-5866

Cell: (941) 274-0930

bill.logan@mymanatee.org

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (November 4, 2022) – The Coquina South boat ramp is once again open—following more than eight months of renovations to improve its structural durability, docking capacity and overall functionality.

The old boat ramp, located at Gulf Drive South on Bradenton Beach, was demolished and replaced with an updated, more resilient structure. The new ramp has a double-lane launch with extended armoring to prevent ramp scour from propeller wash.

In addition, both the north and south accessory docks have been replaced with approximately 500 feet of composite decking to increase the docking capacity. ADA-compliant walkway access and accessory lighting has also been completed, along with the replacement of the concrete seawalls.

The $1.7 million project was officially completed (and reopened for public use) October 31, 2022.

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

###

Bill Logan

Information Outreach Manager

Office: (941) 742-5866

Manatee County Area Transit Goes Fare-Free

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (October 28, 2022) – Starting Tuesday, November 1, Manatee County bus riders can get from here to there without paying a fare as Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) initiates an 18-month pilot program of fare-free transportation.

Passengers will not have to pay on MCAT buses in Manatee County. Fares will still be collected on the Sarasota County portion of the Route 99 service linking Downtown Bradenton, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) and Downtown Sarasota.

At-Large Commissioner George Kruse initially suggested looking at free fares in September, pointing out that what is collected represents a small part of the $20 million Manatee County spends on Transit—especially after the costs associated with fare collection are calculated. He also noted that the free fares are already working in Manatee County—with the popular Anna Maria Island Trolley.

“If we start treating transit like infrastructure instead of like a service, I think you're going to start seeing a massive improvement in people's lives,” said Commissioner Kruse.

The Board of County Commissioners asked for a pilot program that could stimulate and encourage the use of mass transit and reduce operational costs by eliminating fares. Adopted on September 27, Resolution R-22-186 makes all fixed route fares free and complimentary beginning November 1.

The Riding MCAT page has the latest on routes and rules. MCAT Customer Service is available at (941) 749-7116 for more information.

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

###

Bill Logan

Information Outreach Manager

Recovery Resources Available for Manatee County Businesses

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (October 27, 2022) – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today it is opening two Mobile Business Recovery Centers in Manatee County.

At these locations, the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of South Florida (USF) and SBA disaster specialists can help impacted small business owners understand available state and federal disaster loans, determine eligibility and apply.

The first center is located at the Manatee County Chamber of Commerce - Lakewood Ranch, at 4215 Concept Court, and is operating 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday and Friday, October 27 and 28, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, October 29.

A second center will operate at the State College of Florida - Bradenton, 5840 26th St. West, Building 8, Bradenton, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday, October 31, through Wednesday, November 2.

At the state level, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan (EBL) Program. The loan program provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses who experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Hurricane Ian.

Loans approved through the Emergency Bridge Loan Program are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a disaster impacts a business and when a business has secured longer-term recovery funding, such as federally or commercially available loans, insurance claims or other resources.

Eligible small businesses, with two to 100 employees, may apply for loans of up to $50,000 through the program. Businesses must also be located in Florida, have been established prior to September 24, 2022, be located in an eligible county, must have been economically or physically damaged by Hurricane Ian, have a credit score of 600 or above and must have repaid all outstanding EBLs.

Low-interest Business Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans are also available from the SBA to eligible businesses, following the announcement of a Presidential disaster declaration that began September 23.

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working-capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical-property damage.

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) has also activated their disaster programs. For Hurricane Ian assistance, please call the FSA Producer Hotline at 1-877-508-8364, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information on Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @ManateeGov.

###

Bill Logan

Information Outreach Manager

Person is having a mental issue that require the police please contact Mobile Crisis, they will come out with police. Mobile Crisis 941-720-5014.

*********Mobile Crisis 941-720-5014***********

Business Recovery Centers in Bradenton

Florida SBDC Network – Small businesses in Manatee County impacted by Hurricane Ian will be able to receive

help applying for state and federal disaster loans at temporary Mobile Business Recovery Centers opening in

Bradenton.

The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

will open temporary Mobile Business Recovery Centers (BRC) this week and next at the following locations:

Dates Location

Thursday, Oct. 27 - Friday, Oct. 28

(9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.) and

Saturday, Oct. 29 (10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.)

Manatee Chamber of Commerce

Lakewood Ranch

4215 Concept Ct. Bradenton, FL 34211

Monday, Oct. 31 - Wednesday, Nov. 2

(9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.)

26 West (State College of Florida)

5840 26th St. W. Building 8,

Bradenton, FL 34207

At these locations, Florida SBDC at USF and SBA disaster specialists will be available to help impacted small

business owners understand available state and federal disaster loans, determine eligibility, and apply.

“We are saddened to see and hear the stories of damage and loss that small businesses in our state have

suffered,” said Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network. “We want small businesses to know we’re

here to help and are committed to their recovery.”

Carl Hadden, regional director of the Florida SBDC at USF, added, “I am proud of the way our Florida SBDC at USF

team has stepped up to meet the needs of businesses impacted by Hurricane Ian. SBDC consultants meet business

owners at the crossroads of whether they will close their business or if they are willing and able to reopen. The

SBDC/SBA team provides business owners with information, resources, and encouragement to help rebuild and

reopen their businesses.”

At the state level, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has activated the Florida Small Business

Emergency Bridge Loan (EBL) Program. The loan program provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small

businesses who experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Hurricane Ian.

Loans approved through the Emergency Bridge Loan Program are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a

disaster impacts a business and when a business has secured longer term recovery funding, such as federally or

commercially available loans, insurance claims, or other resources.

Manatee County Ends Red Light Camera Program

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (October 25, 2022) – Manatee County has ended its Red-Light Camera program.

The contract between the county and red-light camera vendor Conduent expired at midnight on October 15. Conduent will no longer process payments and all mailings have stopped. Any Notice of Violation that has been issued by Conduent is null and void. The vendor is no longer answering calls to the number listed on the back of the Notice(s) of Violation.

The closing of the red-light camera program does not affect other red-light violations issued by law enforcement. All Uniform Traffic Citations (UTC) issued by Manatee County Sheriff's Office are still in effect and can be paid at the county courthouse.

Anyone who receives a Notice of Violation in the mail and has any questions can call Manatee County Code Enforcement at 941-748-2071.

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

###

Bill Logan

Information Outreach Manager

Office: (941) 742-5866

Displaced Vessel Hotline 1-850-488-5600

Please pass along the website and phone number for Displaced Vessels 1-850-488-5600 open M-F 8am – 5pm

Callers should be prepared to provide the vessel’s registration number, current location and detailed description.

FWC creates hotline to address thousands of vessels displaced by Hurricane Ian | FWC (myfwc.com)

Starting on 08-08-2022 we will be going to a Monday - Saturday 9am-6pm schedule. IF and when the volumes increase in the future we will adjust accordingly, but this will be the new operational hours moving forward.

1301 8th Ave West Bradenton