Notices

Manatee County Development Services Department Relocating to Lakewood Ranch

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (October 28, 2025) – Manatee County’s Development Services Department will relocate from downtown Bradenton to a new facility in Lakewood Ranch to better serve residents, builders, and business owners.

The department’s current location at 1112 Manatee Avenue West, in the Downtown County Administration Building, will close to visitors on Friday, November 14, and Monday, November 17, as staff complete the move. Beginning Tuesday, November 18, in-person services will resume at the new Manatee County East Campus location at 9000 Town Center Parkway, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202.

This move marks the second County department to establish offices at the East County Campus, joining the Property Management Department already located at the Lakewood Ranch site as a part of the phased approach to staffing the facility.

Development Services assists hundreds of residents, contractors, and developers each month. The department’s downtown permitting lobby currently serves an average of 400 visitors monthly, while the zoning lobby welcomes an additional 200 visitors. The new Lakewood Ranch facility offers expanded parking, improved accessibility, and upgraded service areas designed to enhance the customer experience.

“Our goal is to make Development Services more accessible, efficient, and responsive to the community we serve,” said Nicole Knapp, Manatee County Development Services Director. “This new facility provides the space and resources needed to continue improving customer service and to support the fastest growing areas of Manatee County.”

During the transition, services will remain available through the Accela Online Services Portal at mymanatee.org

For more information about Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. Follow us 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 Celebrates Veterans Day 2025

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (October 29, 2025) – Manatee County Government offices and all Manatee County libraries will be closed Tuesday, November 11, 2025, to commemorate Veterans Day.

“As a Marine Corps veteran, Veterans Day holds a special place in my heart,” said Mike Rahn, Manatee County District 4 commissioner. “It’s a time to honor the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform, standing ready to defend our freedoms with courage and sacrifice. I am proud to stand` alongside them and to serve a community that values their dedication.”

Local Veterans Ceremonies Include the Following

27th Annual Manatee County Stand Down

Manatee County Fairgrounds (1303 17th St. W., Palmetto)

Nov. 1, 2025

8 a.m. - noon

Manatee County and Turning Points will host a free Stand Down event offering vital resources and support to Veterans in need. More than 50 agencies will provide access to social services, healthcare, veterans benefits and career opportunities. A Veterans Amnesty Court will also be available, offering relief from unpaid traffic fees and fines. Attendees can enjoy music, food and family-friendly activities, along with medical screening, haircuts, dental and eye exams, hygiene supplies and assistance with obtaining Florida IDs, driver’s licenses, and transportation. A free shuttle will operate between the Downtown Bradenton Transit Station (1301 6th Ave. W.) and the fairgrounds. For information call, (941) -747-1509.

Bradenton Kiwanis Annual Veterans Appreciation Luncheon

Manatee Performing Arts Center (502 3rd Ave. W., Bradenton)

Nov. 4, 2025

11:30 a.m.

This annual luncheon honors local Veterans with a keynote address from Naomi Copeland, President of Southwest Florida Honor Flight, an all-volunteer nonprofit that transports Veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit national memorials built in their honor. Tickets are free for Veterans but limited and available through the Manatee County Veterans Services office (1401 3rd Ave. W., Bradenton).

Annual Tribute to Heroes Parade & Block Party

Lakewood Ranch Main Street

Nov. 9, 2025

2 - 5 p.m. (Parade steps off at 4 p.m.)

Lakewood Ranch Main Street will welcome thousands to honor local Veterans, active-duty service members, and hometown heroes. Presented by Veteran Air, this free community event features patriotic entertainment, festive floats, food and drinks, and fun activities for all ages. The celebration culminates with the Tribute to Heroes Parade beginning at 4 p.m., featuring community groups, marching bands and Veteran organizations.

Manatee County Veterans Day Ceremony and Parade

Palmetto

Nov. 11, 2025

11:30 a.m.

The Manatee County Veterans' Council and City of Palmetto co-host the annual Veterans Day Parade. All Veteran organizations, JROTC, high schools, and marching bands are invited to participate. The Parade will begin at the Manatee County Fairgrounds at 11:30 a.m. and ends at Sutton Park, following the Veterans Day Memorial Service at 11 a.m. in Sutton Park.

Old Soldiers and Sailors Parade

Anna Maria Island

Nov. 11, 2025

11 a.m.

The City of Anna Maria will host its annual Veterans Day Parade along Pine Avenue, concluding at City Pier Park. Residents and visitors are encouraged to attend and honor local veterans.

Parrish Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony

7550 Fort Hamer Road, Parrish

Nov. 11, 2025

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The Parrish Civic Association will host the first Parrish Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony at the new Parrish Community Park on Fort Hamer Road. The event will include family activities, community participation, and a public ceremony, with plans to make this an annual tradition.

16th annual Veterans Day Mass at Sarasota National Cemetery

Sarasota National Cemetery Patriot Plaza (9810 State Highway 72, Sarasota)

Nov. 11, 2025

2:45 p.m. arrival, Mass begins at 3 p.m.

Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to allow time for parking and walking to Patriot Plaza. This annual Mass honors vetera

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (October 9, 2025) – Manatee County is inviting residents, local organizations and community partners to help celebrate a new beginning for one of the area’s most beloved landmarks during “Mixon In Bloom,” a public event marking the County’s official purchase of the former Mixon Fruit Farms property.

The event will be held Friday, November 7, at 10 a.m. at 2525 27th Street East, Bradenton, featuring a symbolic “Passing of the Key” ceremony to signify the property’s transition from private to public hands.

Following the ceremony until 1 p.m., attendees will take part in a community planting and beautification project. County staff, local organizations and volunteers will help landscape, plant new greenery, and clean up the grounds as part of the site’s transformation.

“This will be a community service and team-building kind of event,” said Manatee County District 2 Commissioner Amanda Ballard. “We want this to be the opportunity for our neighbors, local groups and volunteers to literally help this space bloom.”

The celebration comes after the Manatee Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) unanimously approved the $13.5 million purchase of the historic 39-acre property, which includes the former Mixon Fruit Farms store, event pavilion, commercial kitchen, and house.

Under the County’s plan, Mixon’s legacy as a community gathering and agritourism destination will continue. The site will remain available for weddings, farmers markets and private events while expanding public uses. Commissioners also approved staffing dedicated to site operations, events coordination, and natural resources programming.

Future project phases could include expanded library services, with mobile library vehicles stationed at the site in the near term.

For more information about Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. Follow us 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, FL (October 7, 2025) – Manatee County is turning trash into treasure through a new partnership with Johnson Controls, Inc. (JCI), that will capture methane gas from the Lena Road Landfill and convert it into clean, marketable energy.

The initiative, called “Renewable Natural Gas (RNG): From Waste to Worth,” was approved by a 5-1 vote of the Manatee Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) today. Commissioner Bearden was in opposition, and Commissioner McCann was absent for the vote. The project marks a major step forward in the County’s efforts to make its utility operations more sustainable, efficient and environmentally responsible.

“This is a free revenue source on stuff that we’re currently just burning off,” said Manatee County Commission chair George Kruse. “We owe it to the taxpayers to try to maximize outside revenue so we can eliminate some of their costs.”

Under the agreement, Johnson Controls will design, build and operate an on-site renewable natural gas facility that transforms landfill gas—primarily methane—into pipeline-quality renewable fuel. That fuel will then be sold on the open market, generating a new stream of revenue for taxpayers while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“This project takes something we’ve always had to manage—landfill gas—and turns it into something valuable,” said Pat Shea, Manatee County Utilities Director, who presented the proposal to the Board. “By capturing and converting methane into clean energy, we’re improving our environmental footprint and creating financial benefits for our residents. It’s truly a win-win for Manatee County.”

In addition to producing renewable fuel, the project will generate Environmental Attributes, such as renewable energy credits, carbon offsets and federal Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs). These credits, which can be traded or sold, represent measurable reductions in greenhouse gases and reinforce Manatee County’s commitment to sustainability.

The partnership with Johnson Controls includes a Guaranteed Energy, Water and Wastewater Performance Savings Contract, which ensures the County will see measurable results. If the project doesn’t meet its savings goals, Johnson Controls is responsible for covering any shortfall—protecting taxpayer investment.

“Renewable Natural Gas: From Waste to Worth” highlights Manatee County’s innovative approach to resource management—transforming landfill gas from a waste byproduct into a renewable energy asset that supports both the environment and the community. Construction of the RNG facility is expected to begin following permitting and interconnection approvals, with operations anticipated to start within the next two years.

For more information about Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. Follow us 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, FL (October 7, 2025) – The Manatee Board of County Commissioner (BOCC) has helped deliver a new and needed home for a Christmas charity and moved forward with funding of several important initiatives during its regular meeting Tuesday.

Board members approved an agreement to allow the Marine Toys for Tots to use a warehouse on the former Mixon Farms Property free of charge through the end of the year to house donated toys, bikes and games during their annual drive and distribution period as part of their Consent Agenda.

The BOCC also unanimously approved the County’s continued participation in the Mobile-Integrated Health Model (MIH) Communities Project, including an appropriation of $101,000 to be used for MIH services provided in Model Communities in Florida with the intent to reduce Emergency Medical Services (EMS) utilization.

Through this initiative, Manatee County helps close gaps in care, reduce avoidable 911 calls and emergency room visits, and support better health outcomes for vulnerable residents. By partnering with the State of Florida and sharing performance data, Manatee County has become a recognized leader—operating the longest-running MIH program in the state and demonstrating how this model can strengthen community health for everyone.

“I think this is a wonderful program,” said Manatee County District 5 Commissioner Dr. Bob McCann. “I think it’s very important for people to realize what a wonderful program this is.”

The board also approved $2.9 million in funding to finish and furnish the second floor of the Lakewood Ranch Library. This will include Library Services offices and flexible community space.

A Guaranteed Maximum Price of $5.5 million was approved for building the new Lake Manatee EMS station and another $7.4 million for construction of the new Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at Premier.

The board approved reimbursement agreements totaling $1.6 million for the design of Moccasin Wallow Road and voted to accept a state-funded $98,700 grant for design of a sidewalk along Morgan Johnson Road (from 13th Ave E. to SR 64).

Moving forward, commissioners unanimously approved display guidelines for the Manatee County Library system, ensuring the promotion of the library’s mission. They also authorized a waiver of tipping fees for a series of upcoming planned community cleanup events at various locations throughout the county.

For more information about Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. Follow us 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, FL (October 6, 2025) – Manatee County Government has announced the launch of “Cortez,” a new interactive digital assistant designed to help residents and visitors quickly find answers to common questions on the County’s public website.

The chatbot, Cortez—named after Manatee County’s historic fishing village—serves as both a digital assistant and the County’s friendly mascot. Cortez brings a local identity to the latest in customer-service technology, available 24/7, to provide clear, conversational and accurate information on frequently asked topics, such as:

Garbage, recycling and storm-debris pickup schedules

Property taxes, permits and utility payments

Parks, libraries and recreational activities

County Commission meetings and agendas

Road closures, construction projects and transit updates

“Cortez represents a big step forward in making County services more accessible,” said Manatee County District 3 Commissioner Tal Siddique. “AI is changing the way we work, and in county government, it will revolutionize how we address the needs of our residents.”

Cortez will also offer links to more detailed resources and provide guidance on how to connect directly with County staff when a question requires a personal response. The tool is built to evolve over time, learning from citizen interactions to improve accuracy and expand the range of questions it can answer.

Residents can find Cortez beginning today by visiting mymanatee.org

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

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Manatee County Information Outreach

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

news@mymanatee.org

Premier SuperCopa and SuperCopa+ Lock In Multi-Year Agreement with

Premier Sports Campus

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (July 8, 2025) —Youth soccer’s elite are coming to Florida’s West Coast in a big way. Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch is thrilled to announce a multi-year agreement to host the prestigious Premier SuperCopa and SuperCopa+ championships in 2026, 2028, and 2030. These exclusive, invitation-only tournaments will bring the nation’s top U9–U17 teams to Florida’s West Coast thanks to a powerhouse partnership with U90C Sports and the regional tourism alliance between the Bradenton Area Tourism Bureau and Visit Sarasota.

Widely regarded as the pinnacle of youth soccer competition in the U.S., Premier SuperCopa and SuperCopa+ feature elite clubs and emerging talent from across the country. The events are more than just championships, they’re defining moments in youth athletic careers, set in a world-class destination that offers both top-tier play and unforgettable off-the-field experiences.

“The Bradenton and Sarasota Areas have become a favorite destination for our teams and their families as they look forward to competing for America’s Championship,” said Chris Zembik, Director of Operations for U90C Sports. “We’re grateful to both destinations for their shared vision in delivering exceptional youth sports experiences that blend top competition with everything Florida’s West Coast has to offer.”

Backed by U90C Sports, a national leader in youth soccer development, the Premier SuperCopa brand has earned a reputation for its high standards, diverse competition, and electric atmosphere. This long-term commitment to Premier Sports Campus cements Florida’s West Coast as a national hub for elite youth sports.

“This partnership brings incredible energy and visibility to our community,” said Manatee County District 2 Commissioner Amanda Ballard. “These events not only deliver high-impact competition, but they also provide an economic stimulus to our community that ultimately continues to enhance the quality of life for our residents.”

Premier Sports Campus, located in the heart of Lakewood Ranch in the Bradenton Area, offers 23 professional-grade fields, exceptional amenities, and easy access to sugar-sand beaches, award-winning restaurants, and world-class attractions.

Admission is free for spectators, making it the perfect family-friendly way to experience high-caliber youth sports in paradise.

About Premier SuperCopa

Premier SuperCopa provides the highest level of competition available in the United States for U9 - U12 boys and girls competitive youth teams. With nationwide teams being invited, the Premier SuperCopa is providing not only the best competition, but also the most diverse competition across the country. “Do You Have What It Takes?”

About Florida’s West Coast

Florida's West Coast, made up of the Bradenton Area Tourism Bureau and Visit Sarasota County, represents a true authentic Florida paradise boasting 51 miles of pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters including Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key and Siesta Key. Full of diverse activities for people of all ages and abilities, the region is packed with fresh Florida seafood and the state’s oldest continuously operating historic fishing village, incredible arts and culture including a circus history museum, natural blueways and preserves, professional and amateur sports and a rich heritage. For more information, visit www.bradentongulfislands.com or www.visitsarasota.com. 

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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Keenan Singleton, Communications Manager

Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

941-773-6000

keenan.singleton@bacvb.com

MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (July 8, 2025) - Manatee County Veterans Services has partnered with Bay Area Legal Services to offer free monthly legal clinics for veterans at its Bradenton office, beginning this month.

“This partnership with Bay Area Legal Services is about standing by our veterans, not just in words but in action,” said Mike Rahn, Manatee County District 4 Commissioner. “Manatee County is proud to provide a welcoming space where those who’ve served our nation can access the help they need and deserve.”

These clinics provide veterans with access to legal guidance on civil issues, such as housing, benefits, family law and more—at no cost. Meetings are now taking place in the conference room at Manatee County Veterans Services, located at 1401 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205. Upcoming clinic dates can be found on the Manatee County Veterans Services Public Calendar, and appointments can be scheduled directly by calling Bay Area Legal Services at (813) 232-1343.

"We are committed to ensuring our local veterans continue to have access to these critical legal resources," said Renee Medina, Veterans Services Division Manager. "When we learned Bay Area Legal needed a new space, we immediately opened our doors to support this important mission."

Veterans in need of legal support are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. This new partnership ensures Manatee County remains a steadfast advocate for the wellbeing and dignity of those who have served.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit: bals.org/areas/manatee-county

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About Bay Area Legal Services:

Bay Area Legal Services is a nonprofit, public interest law firm that provides civil legal assistance to low-income residents and veterans across the Tampa Bay region.

About Manatee County Veteran Services:

Manatee County Veteran Services assists veterans and their families in securing benefits and services earned through military service. From benefits counseling to advocacy, the division is committed to serving those who served.

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

Manatee County Information Outreach

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

news@mymanatee.org