Notices

Gulf Islands Ferry Enhances Summer Schedule

Service extended to accommodate strong ridership numbers

BRADENTON, FL (June 10, 2025) – The Gulf Islands Ferry, the Bradenton Area’s popular alternative mode of travel between downtown Bradenton to Anna Maria Island, is bringing back Wednesday service to its weekly schedule. Passengers can now ride the Gulf Islands Ferry five days per week beginning June 18, 2025.

The two 50-foot catamarans ride the waterways between the downtown Bradenton Riverwalk Pier and the Historic Bridge Street Pier on Anna Maria Island.

“As Manatee County continues to welcome visitors this Summer, the Gulf Islands Ferry is easing the traffic on our roadways,” said Manatee County District 3 Commissioner Tal Siddique.

In addition to providing easy transport to the island, the service is an extended commitment to working to preserve and protect the natural beauty of the area for future generations by eliminating carbon emission from car travel to the island. Featuring energy-efficient design elements, the vessels further support the Bradenton Area’s Love It Like a Local initiative and Leave No Trace commitment.

Weather permitting, the boats will depart from the Riverwalk Pier beginning at 7:30 a.m. through 7:30 p.m. to the Historic Bridge Street Pier, on Anna Maria Island with service starting at 9 a.m. through 9 p.m.

For more information and the full schedule, visit www.gulfislandsferry.com or the Bradenton Area Tourism Bureau website.

###

ABOUT THE GULF ISLANDS FERRY

Launched in January 2024, the Gulf Islands Ferry connects downtown Bradenton to Anna Maria Island. This public transportation service, supported by the tourist development tax, was launched in an effort to cut down on high traffic and car use attempting to access Anna Maria Island during peak travel seasons. This year-round service offers a convenient and affordable 45-minute ride to the island all while taking in abundant marine wildlife and the amazing local views of the Bradenton Area from the Manatee River and intercoastal waterways.

The ferry routes are operated by two ADA-accessible catamarans and a soon to come third boat, the Manatee Belle, which will be fully enclosed and offer a faster service out to the island. Up-to-date run times and scheduling can be found at www.gulfislandsferry.com, or riders can call customer service at 727-200-6487.

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, Fla. (June 9, 2025) — Manatee County Animal Welfare (MCAW) is urgently calling on residents to help ease overcrowding at shelters by providing foster homes for kittens in need.

"It’s kitten season here in our county, and our shelters are full of tiny lives waiting for a chance,” said Carol Felts, Manatee County District 1 Commissioner. “Fostering saves lives—it gives these kittens a safe place to grow until they’re ready for adoption.”

When new kittens arrive at Bishop Animal Shelter, they receive medical care and are held temporarily until a foster home becomes available. From there, the foster family cares for the kitten for a few weeks, providing love, monitoring and basic care until the kitten is healthy enough to be spayed or neutered. Once surgery is complete back at Bishop, the kitten is transferred to Cat Town, where it becomes available for adoption.

Fostering is easy, flexible and free. The shelter provides all supplies and medical care, and foster families provide a safe, temporary home. The foster-to-adopt program also allows families to try fostering first and then adopt their pet if it’s a good fit.

“We know this community is compassionate and willing to step up when it matters most,” said Dr. Syna Johnson, medical director at MCAW. “Even a short-term foster or a single adoption creates space and hope for another animal in need.”

There are many ways to support MCAW during cat season. Residents can foster a cat or a litter of kittens, and all supplies are provided. They can adopt from any shelter location or try the foster-to-adopt program if they are still deciding. Donations of food, litter or funds are always welcome. Even sharing a social media post can help connect more pets with loving homes.

Now through the summer, the public is encouraged to foster, adopt, donate or share the message to help ease overcrowding and give these pets a second chance at finding loving homes.

To become a foster, please contact Lauren Tryon at lauren.tryon@mymanatee.org or stop by Cat Town or Bishop Animal Shelter during business hours. Donations are gratefully accepted at any location.

-END-

About Manatee County Animal Welfare:

Manatee County Animal Welfare (MCAW) operates three locations: Cat Town, Bishop Animal Shelter, and the Palmetto Adoption Center. The mission of MCAW is to protect public health and safety by enforcing animal-related laws and ordinances, promote responsible pet ownership, encourage pet adoption and reduce pet overpopulation.

For more information on Manatee County Government, visit online at www.mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. You can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/manatee.county.fl and on X, @ManateeGov.

Manatee County Information Outreach

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

news@mymanatee.org

MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (June 3, 2025) — As part of its ongoing efforts to help residents prepare for severe weather, Manatee County is making self-service sandbag locations available to the public throughout the entire 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

Beginning immediately and continuing through November 30, 2025, residents can access sand and bags at the following locations from dawn to dusk daily:

• Blackstone Park – 2112 14th Ave. W., Palmetto

• Myakka Community Center – 10060 Wauchula Rd., Myakka City

• Palma Sola Park – 7815 40th Ave. W., Bradenton

• Parrish Park Overflow Parking – 77550 Ft. Hamer Rd., Parrish

• Rubonia Community Center – 1309 72nd St. E., Palmetto

• Rye Preserve – 905 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish

• Manatee County Stormwater Facility – 5511 39th St. E., Bradenton

Each location is self-service, so residents should bring their own shovels and be prepared to fill and transport the sandbags themselves. Bags and sand are provided at the locations while supplies last.

A map of sandbag sites is available at mymanatee.org/storm by clicking on the "Sandbags" tab.

“Having sandbags ready ahead of a storm can make a big difference in protecting homes and property,” said Manatee County Commission Chair George Kruse. “We encourage residents to prepare early and make use of these resources now—before a storm is on the way.”

Residents are also reminded to stay up to date on local storm alerts and preparedness resources throughout the season by visiting mymanatee.org/storm and following Manatee County Government on social media.

For more information on Manatee County Government, visit online at www.mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. You can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/manatee.county.fl and on X, @ManateeGov.

Manatee County Burn Ban to Expire

MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (June 3, 2025) — Manatee County officials have announced that the county-wide burn ban, issued due to dry weather conditions, will expire at 11:59 PM on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

The decision comes after recent rainfall and improved humidity levels have helped reduce the risk of wildfires in the region.

“We’ve seen a positive shift in weather patterns, and conditions are trending in the right direction,” said Manatee County Commission Chair George Kruse. “If these improvements hold, the ban will expire as scheduled, and residents will be allowed to resume limited outdoor burning activities.”

Until the ban officially expires, all current restrictions remain in place.

Note: The open burning of yard waste and garbage remains prohibited year-round under existing county ordinances.

County officials will continue monitoring conditions and will notify the public immediately if an extension becomes necessary.

For more information on Manatee County Government, visit online at www.mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. You can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/manatee.county.fl and on X, @ManateeGov.

###

Manatee County Information Outreach

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

news@mymanatee.org

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (June 2, 2025) – Manatee County is seeking qualified applicants to fill four openings for its nine-member Tourist Development Council (TDC). The TDC makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners concerning the effective operation of the projects set forth in the Tourist Development Plan and the uses for which Tourist Development Tax revenues may be expended.

Eligible candidates must be either Owners/Operators or General Managers of motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks, or other short-term lodging establishments located within Manatee County and subject to the county’s 6% resort tax. Each appointment will serve a four-year term.

All applicants must be registered voters in Manatee County.

Applications are due by June 30, 2025, and may be found online at www.mymanatee.org/advisory_boards

The Tourist Development Council meets on the third Monday (occasionally the second Monday), every other month at 9:00 or 9:30 a.m. at varying locations throughout Manatee County.

For more information, interested applicants should contact Leanne Keeling at the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at Leanne.Keeling@BACVB.com or by calling (941) 729-9177 ext. 3944.

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

###

Leanne Keeling

Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

941-729-9177 ext. 3944

Leanne.Keeling@BACVB.com

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (May 30, 2025) – Manatee County is taking the next step in its long-term storm recovery efforts with its Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR), branded as Lasting Manatee by publishing their Draft Action Plan for the $252,711,000 in funding and opening it to the community for an official 30-day comment period.

“I think we’ve all read the draft report,” said Manatee Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) Chair George Kruse during a presentation in the May 20, 2025, BOCC meeting. “It was way more detailed than I expected, an extensive report.”

The Draft Action Plan outlines how the County will use the funds to rebuild impacted areas, restore infrastructure, and harden Manatee County against future storms—particularly for low- and moderate-income households and communities. All Manatee County residents and organizations are encouraged to share their comment during the official 30-day comment period, which runs from May 21 through June 20, 2025.

“The public comment will be incorporated into the final action plan and then submitted to HUD by June 30,” said Grants Administration Division Manager Michele Davis. “We will include our responses to the comments within that action plan.”

The County is hosting two public hearings to collect feedback and engage with residents:

Tuesday, June 3, 2025

6:30 p.m.

John Marble Recreation Center

3675 53rd Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34203

Thursday, June 12, 2025

6:00 p.m.

Eternity Temple Church

716 29th St E, Palmetto, FL 34221

Public comments may also be submitted via web form, email, voicemail, or postal mail until June 20, 2025. The finalized Action Plan will be submitted to HUD for approval on June 30, 2025.

“We’re committed to making it easy and accessible to get informed,” says Lasting Manatee’s Communication Coordinator Odugo Ohizu, “even ensuring a hard copy of the Draft Action Plan is available to read at any full-service library in the county.”

For more details, or to read and comment on the Draft Action Plan, visit mymanatee.org/lastingmanatee#actionplan. A hard copy of the document can be read at any Manatee County Library except for the children’s Little Discovery Center.

For more information on Manatee County Government, visit online at www.mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. You can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/manatee.county.fl and on X, @ManateeGov.

###

Manatee County Information Outreach

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

news@mymanatee.org

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (May 19, 2025) – Manatee County has been recognized by the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (TBPRC) with a series of awards for its continued cooperation, community coordination and solution sharing with fellow governments in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas Counties.

“This is our 31st year celebrating what you all do in the communities,” said Wren Krahl, TBRPC Executive Director. “These awards honor our local governments and their best practices.”

The Herman W. Goldner Award for Regional Leadership – the highest honor for an individual -- was presented to Manatee County Director of Natural Resources Charlie Hunsicker. Named for the former Mayor of St. Petersburg and Founding Father of the TBRPC, the award was presented to Hunsicker for his continued work with the County (since 1977) on a wide variety of environmental issues, from conserving land to beach renourishment.

“It’s all about public service,” said Hunsicker, acknowledging the work of his colleagues in the Natural Resources Department. “It’s been a pleasure to be – and continue to be – your public servant.”

The Manatee Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) received a Future Region Award in the Natural Resources & The Environment category for the Anna Maria Island Hurricane Storm Recovery for the Department of Natural Resources, joining with the County’s Property Management and Public Safety teams to provide rapid response to the management of Hurricane Helene’s storm damages by providing a central island location for collection and treatment of storm-deposited beach sand across the cities of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach and the Town of Longboat Key. As a result, 35,000 cubic yards of beach-compatible sand were returned to the island’s public beaches (saving taxpayers $2,500 per person) while another 65,000 cubic yards of incompatible sand were saved for future infrastructure projects (saving the County over one million dollars).

“We needed to manage the sand as a resource,” said Manatee County District 3 Commissioner Tal Siddique. “We rebuilt this beach, and we rebuilt the dune systems that are going to continue to provide protection for the next hurricane season.”

The County was also recognized with an award in the Community Service category for its partnership with Turning Point’s Operation Smile, which offers free dental assistance to adults with low income and no insurance. Over the past decade, the County has invested more than $600,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding to help provide new smiles for some 3,000 residents.

For more information on Manatee County Government, visit online at www.mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. You can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/manatee.county.fl and on X, @ManateeGov.

###

Manatee County Information Outreach

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

news@mymanatee.org

The Manatee Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has voted to move forward on the purchase of a property that will serve as an additional campus for Manatee County Government.

“There is a lot of benefit to this,” said Manatee County Commission Chair George Kruse. "We have a unique opportunity to buy a property at a tremendous discount to purchase that is turnkey with cubicles already in place to create better efficiency for this government.”

The BOCC unanimously approved the execution of a $24 million contract for the purchase of a property located at 9000 Town Center Parkway in Lakewood Ranch. This move will not change the county seat. BOCC and Land Use meetings, including workshops, will still take place in the downtown Commission Chambers at 1112 Manatee Ave. W. in Bradenton.

This approval is the first step toward moving some departments to a new building that better aligns with the County’s growth pattern. The property is approximately 11.28 acres and includes a two-story, 101,000-square-foot, partially furnished office building with over 600 parking spaces. The additional campus positions some County services closer to where much of the residential and commercial growth is occurring.

Purchasing an existing building is significantly more cost-effective than constructing a new facility. A tenant currently occupies the first and second floors. The move(s) would occur in phases to accommodate the tenant’s departure. Even after closing ─ anticipated to be on or before September 1, 2025 ─ several weeks of preparation will be necessary before any employees or departments can relocate.

Space created in the downtown Administration Building will be used to accommodate the future growth of the State Attorney, Supervisor of Elections, County Attorney, Probation and Guardian Ad Litem. Other facilities would be repurposed to support EMS, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office and housing empowerment initiatives, while also helping the County comply with new state requirements to provide shelters or designated areas for individuals experiencing homelessness.

“I’m excited about bringing this forward,” said Manatee County District 2 Commissioner Amanda Ballard, “and I think it will be good for the entire county.”

For more information on Manatee County Government, visit online at www.mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. You can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/manatee.county.fl and on X, @ManateeGov.

Manatee County Information Outreach

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

news@mymanatee.org

Manatee County “Big Bin Advantage” to Streamline Waste Collection

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (April 30, 2025) – Manatee County Utilities customers soon will be able to experience the “Big Bin Advantage,” a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing waste-collection services for residents in unincorporated areas. This program introduces larger, more efficient rolling bins for garbage collection, aligning with industry best practices and allowing for future service improvements.​

"We’re teaming up with our haulers to roll out a better, more reliable collection system,” said District 1 Commissioner Carol Ann Felts. “This proven technology is already working in nearby areas. We know any change takes some getting used to, but this update is important to keep up with the needs of our growing community.”

Residents will receive free 96-gallon garbage bins, which they can begin using immediately. These larger receptacles are designed to accommodate increased waste volumes, reduce litter, and support the County waste haulers as they transition to more efficient, automated collection systems.​ Here is a video highlighting the production process for the bins.

“The Big Bin Advantage represents a significant step forward in modernizing our waste-management services,” said Patrick Shea, Manatee County Utilities Director. “By adopting larger, standardized bins, we are aligning with industry standards that prioritize efficiency, environmental responsibility, and customer convenience.”​

The move to larger bins supports the county’s ongoing efforts to streamline waste collection. Currently, garbage, recycling, and yard waste pickups occur on different days, leading to multiple truck visits each week. The new system will help consolidate these services, allowing all pickups to occur on the same day, thereby reducing truck traffic and wear on neighborhood roads.​

In addition to the new bins, the County is implementing automated-collection methods, enhancing worker safety, reducing operational costs and improving overall service reliability.​ The Big Bin Advantage also complements Manatee County’s already-in-place single-stream recycling program, which simplifies the recycling process by allowing residents to place all recyclable materials into a county-provided container without the need for sorting. ​

Residents will begin receiving their new bins in the coming weeks, with full implementation expected by October 6, 2025. For more information about the Big Bin Advantage and other waste-management initiatives, please visit mymanatee.org/BigBin, contact Manatee County Utilities Customer Service at (941) 792-8811 or dial 3-1-1.​

For more information on Manatee County Government, visit online at www.mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. You can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/manatee.county.fl and on X, @ManateeGov.

###

Manatee County Information Outreach

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

news@mymanatee.org

WaterWise Manatee Program to Bring Smart Water Meters to Manatee Utilities Customers

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (April 7, 2025) – Manatee County Utilities is launching the WaterWise Manatee program, a major infrastructure upgrade that will provide 150,000 customers with new high-tech water meters.

The transition to this advanced metering infrastructure system will enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and promote environmental sustainability improving access to water meter data, eliminating the monthly process of driving or walking by each home and business.

“This investment in smart technology benefits everyone in Manatee County,” said Manatee County Commission Chair George Kruse. “By reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and saving time, WaterWise Manatee is a win for our residents and the environment.”

Installation of the new smart meters will begin on April 21, 2025, and is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. Manatee County will notify customers with postcards mailed prior to the work occurring in their neighborhood. During the installation process, water service at each customer’s home or business will be interrupted for approximately 10 minutes. While workers will need access to the meter, customers do not need to be present or take any action and there is no charge for the meter upgrade.

“WaterWise Manatee represents a significant step forward in modernizing our county’s water infrastructure,” said Patrick Shea, Manatee County Utilities Director. “With the implementation of this program, we can improve operational efficiency, provide better customer service, and contribute to water conservation efforts.”

As the technology is rolled out to neighborhoods across the county, it will become a key tool for conservation, offering Manatee County Utilities and its customers real-time data on water usage. Future “Phase II” system enhancements will allow customers to monitor their water use online and receive alerts for water flow/consumption, helping them to conserve water and detect issues early.

For more information, visit mymanatee.org/WaterWiseManatee.

For more information on Manatee County Government, visit online at www.mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. You can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/manatee.county.fl and on Twitter, @ManateeGov.

###

Manatee County Information Outreach

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

news@mymanatee.org

Manatee County Library Sets Sail for a

Summer of Reading Adventure

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (April 4, 2025) – Ahoy, young readers! The 2025 Manatee County Library Summer Learning Program is back, inviting kids and teens up to age 17 to embark on a reading journey from May 31 through August 1. Chart your course through books, earn fantastic rewards, and discover the treasures of reading all summer long.

“This is a great opportunity to track progress all summer,” said Manatee County District 2 Commissioner and Library Board Liaison Amanda Ballard. “The incentives are bonuses to the real prize of learning.”

For every five hours of reading, participants earn a free book and an entry into the Grand Prize raffle. Reading beyond 20 hours unlocks additional raffle entries and brings them closer to the chance to become a Kid Librarian. Along the way, readers who reach 10 hours will earn a free round of mini golf at Smugglers Cove (with one paying golfer), and those who reach 20 hours will receive a ticket voucher to the August 2nd Bradenton Marauders baseball game.

Participants can pre-register now on the Manatee Library Beanstack page and start logging reading hours for the Summer Learning Program on May 31 when the program starts. Grand prize raffle prizes depend on age, but include pirate themed squishmallow, wooden pirate ship craft, a pirate lego set, and a drone.

Don’t miss this chance to set sail on a summer full of stories, prizes, and fun! More information on the Summer Reading Program can be found at this link. The 2025 Summer Learning Program is proudly sponsored by the Library Foundation of Manatee County.

For more information on Manatee County Government, visit online at www.mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. You can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/manatee.county.fl and on Twitter, @ManateeGov.

###

Manatee County Information Outreach

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

news@mymanatee.org

Gold Star Memorial Kiosk

Manatee County is honored to host the unveiling of the Gold Star Memorial Kiosk, a tribute to the families of fallen service members, in the lobby of the Manatee County Administration Building (1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton) Friday, May 23, 2025, at 10 a.m.

This event will bring together local dignitaries, community leaders, veteran organizations, and Gold Star families to commemorate the sacrifices made by our local heroes. A "Gold Star Family" refers to the immediate family of a U.S. military member who has died while serving in the armed forces, and the term originated during World War I with the use of service flags.

“This is an opportunity to honor those who’ve paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom,” said Manatee County District 4 Commissioner – and Marine Corps Veteran – Mike Rahn (who will also serve as emcee for the event). “We are pleased to unveil this interactive display in time for Memorial Day.”

The kiosk will offer updated biographical information for local Gold Star members organized by War, WWI through 1958 (including WWII and Korean War). Those biographies will be included under their corresponding War in the Memorial. After 1958 the Veteran must have died while engaged in an action against an enemy of the U.S., or while engaged in a military operation involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, or while in service with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict. Each war will contain a description and details about how Manatee County supported each War. Each war will open to the individual Gold Star Member’s biography.

Local families are invited to help complete the memorial with biographical information, including name, hometown, date of death, age, a uniformed pic, any veterans’ life photos, assigned unit, how they died, details on the life of the veteran and their ties to Manatee County. Information included in the kiosk will be from research and audio interviews with friend(s) and/or family member(s) who wish to contribute the legacy of their loved one. Sound clips from those audio interviews will be included in the Gold Star biography.

The ceremony will feature remarks from key officials and representatives, including other Manatee County Commissioners and Administrators who have served in the armed forces. A Gold Star Family representative and Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., who represents Florida’s 16th Congressional District will also speak prior to the unveiling.

For more information on Manatee County Government, visit online at www.mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. You can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/manatee.county.fl and on Twitter, @ManateeGov.