Notices

Manatee County to Reopen Cold Weather Shelters Ahead of MLK Jr. Holiday

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (Jan. 16, 2026) – With frigid temperatures in the forecast, Manatee County, in partnership with community organizations, is opening cold weather shelters to help residents stay safe and warm ahead of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The Salvation Army will open a cold weather shelter at its Manatee County location, 1204 14th St. W., Bradenton, with check-in beginning at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 18, and Monday, Jan. 19.

In addition, Under One Roof, located at 407 57th Ave E., Bradenton, will open a cold weather shelter for women only. The facility will open its doors at 2:45 p.m., earlier than its normal 3 p.m. check-in time.

Both locations will operate as normal on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026.

Transportation to Under One Roof and the Salvation Army will be available through Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT), at 2:30 p.m., from Turning Points, located at 701 17th Ave W, Bradenton.

Turning Points also will be open to provide warmth and coffee during the cold weather.

Residents are encouraged to help spread the word to anyone who may need a warm, safe place during the cold temperatures.

For more information on Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org.

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Manatee County Information Outreach

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

news@mymanatee.org

Manatee County Offices Closed on MLK Day

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (January 12, 2026) – Manatee County Government offices will be closed Monday, January 19, 2026, to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Garbage, yard waste and recycling in unincorporated areas of Manatee County will be collected one day later than your scheduled pickup day for the rest of that week. Regular collection days will resume Monday, January 26.

Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) and the Anna Maria Island Trolley will operate normal daily routes. All Manatee County Public Libraries will be closed for the holiday and will resume normal hours on Tuesday, January 20.

Manatee County’s publicly owned natural preserves, parks and beaches will be open to the public. Manatee County and Buffalo Creek Golf Courses will be also open.

GT Bray and John Marble Recreation Centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a modified group fitness schedule. The Walton Center Building at GT Bray will be closed, so all racquet center patrons should enter though the main entrance. The GT Bray Pool will be open normal hours (7 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.). The Lincoln Aquatic Center Pool will be closed for staff training.

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

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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