Notices

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (July 23, 2024) - As the number of Manatee County Animal Welfare (MCAW) adoptions has continued to be surpassed by its number of daily intakes, both the Palmetto and Bishop locations have approached high capacity, and the Palmetto Adoption Center cannot take in any additional animals from Bishop until more dogs get adopted.

Due to this critical situation, MCAW urges the community to consider adopting from either their Palmetto Adoption Center, located at 305 25th Street West, or Cat Town, located at 216 6th Avenue East (Bradenton). Adoption fees are currently waived and will continue to be waived while we are at capacity. Both locations are open 7 days a week. Walk-ins are welcome (appointments no longer needed).

MCAW also is welcoming any rescues who might be able to assist in transferring any of the pets. Please contact Lauren.Tryon@mymanatee.org to collaborate.

“The shelter is at the point that every adoption makes a huge difference,” said Commissioner Mike Rahn. “Adopting a pet not only provides a home for a deserving animal but also frees up a space and resources at the shelter to accommodate more animals in need.”

For those unable to adopt but still willing to assist, fosters for dogs and kittens (under eight weeks old) are greatly needed. All supplies are provided. Email Lauren.Tryon@mymanatee.org to get started.

To view current available pets and hours of operation, please visit mymanatee.org/pets.

For up-to-date 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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Bill Logan

Information Outreach Manager

Office: (941) 742-5866

Cell: (941) 274-0930

bill.logan@mymanatee.org

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (July 12, 2024) - Bring beauty and diversity into your landscape with affordable, Florida-friendly plants grown locally by UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County Master Gardener Volunteers (MGV). 

The sale will take place Saturday, October 5, at the Barbara Davis Educational Gardens (1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221) from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Guests can get the best selection of plants and beat the rush with early bird tickets. Starting at $10 per person or $15 per family, the early-bird ticket allows access to the plant sale from 8 a.m. to 9a.m. Regular entry begins at 9 a.m. and is free.

Pre-registration is required on Eventbrite for communication and event-capacity purposes. Contact the UF/IFAS office at (941) 722-4524 for accessibility concerns and special accommodation requests. Only cash or check will be accepted during the sale. 

The annual MGV plant sale is a great opportunity for beginner gardeners to get started on their horticultural journey. Experienced, university-trained MGVs will be available to answer questions about the plants they’ve grown and make recommendations based on each person’s specific needs and site conditions. For veteran plant lovers, the 2024 MGV Plant Sale offers affordably priced plants, unique selection and the opportunity to meet and chat with other green thumbs.

All proceeds from this event go to the operation and maintenance of the Master Gardeners’ Educational Gardens and Greenhouse and to support Master Gardener educational and outreach programs.

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

Bill Logan

Information Outreach Manager

Office: (941) 742-5866

Cell: (941) 274-0930

bill.logan@mymanatee.org

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (July 5, 2024) – Manatee County has an outstanding opportunity for citizens to help shape transportation plans. The Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has three openings for their Citizen Advisory Committee that makes recommendations on regional transportation issues.

The Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) assists the MPO by providing input to the transportation planning process that reflects citizens' views and attitudes. CAC members represent a general cross section of the citizens of Sarasota and Manatee counties, including the cities within the counties. CAC representatives are recommended for appointment by their respective units of local government and are appointed by the MPO Board.

 There are three current vacancies:

At-large Disabled

Unincorporated

Unincorporated

The committee meets at 5 p.m. in the main conference room at the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization Office at 8100 15th Street E. in Sarasota, FL 34243, on the second Monday of months in which an MPO Board meeting is scheduled.

Applications may be found online at  mymanatee.org/advisoryboards and are due on August 9, 2024, at 3 p.m. Commissioners will act upon the nominations at either the August 13 or August 27, 2024, Board of County Commissioners meeting.

For more information on how to become a CAC member contact the MPO office at 941-359-5772 or email Lindsay Heinrich at Lindsay@mympo.org.

For up-to-date 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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Bill Logan

Information Outreach Manager

Office: (941) 742-5866

Cell: (941) 274-0930

bill.logan@mymanatee.org

Manatee County Emergency Medical Services Nationally Recognized for Its Commitment to Quality Care for Heart Attacks & Strokes

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (July 2, 2024) – Manatee County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® EMS Silver Achievement Award for its commitment to offering rapid and research-based care to people experiencing the most severe form of heart attacks and strokes, ultimately saving lives.

Emergency Medical Services staff can begin treatment when they arrive—up to an hour sooner than if someone goes to the hospital by car. EMS staff also are trained to provide resuscitation efforts to someone whose heart has stopped. People who arrive by ambulance may also receive faster treatment at the hospital.

Mission: Lifeline EMS is the American Heart Association's national initiative to advance the system of care for patients with high-risk, time-sensitive disease states, such as severe heart attacks and strokes. The program helps reduce barriers to prompt treatment—starting from when 911 is called to EMS transport and continuing through hospital treatment and discharge. Optimal care for heart attack and stroke patients takes coordination between the individual prehospital providers and healthcare systems.

“Arguably the most important link in the chains of survival for acute stroke and cardiovascular emergencies is emergency medical services and prehospital professionals,” said Edward Jauch, M.D., MS, MBA, Chair of the Department of Research at the University of North Carolina Health Sciences at Mountain Area Health Center. “Early condition identification, stabilization and prehospital interventions, and initiation of actions within the regional systems of care, provide patients with the best chance for receiving expedient definitive therapies, leading to optimal outcomes and maximized quality of life.

The Mission: Lifeline EMS achievement award focuses on agencies’ on-scene care, bringing to the forefront the collaboration and contributions to patient care for prehospital providers.

“Manatee County EMS is honored to be recognized by the American Heart Association for our dedication to providing optimal care for heart attack patients,” said James Crutchfield, Deputy Director of Public Safety. “The Mission: Lifeline® program puts proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, so patients have the best possible chance of survival.”

“This validates our ongoing efforts, showcasing our commitment to top-quality emergency medical services,” said Manatee County District 5 Commissioner Ray Turner.

For up-to-date 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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Bill Logan

Information Outreach Manager

Office: (941) 742-5866

Cell: (941) 274-0930

bill.logan@mymanatee.org

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (July 1, 2024) – All aspiring athletes and fans of fun are cordially invited to celebrate the G.T. Bray Park Rededication and Family Fun Night Friday, July 26, beginning at 6 p.m.

A ceremony at the Recreation Center (5502 33rd Avenue Drive West in Bradenton) will start the festivities with local leaders and members of the Bray family on hand to commemorate what has become Manatee County's recreational hub and the centerpiece of Sports and Leisure Services.

George "G.T." Bray moved to Manatee County in 1942 and dedicated much of his time to improving recreational access for the adults and children of the community. A former president and director of the Manatee River Fair Association, Bray received the Manatee County Distinguished Citizen Award in 1983. He was instrumental in developing several parks, including Blackstone Park in Palmetto and the park that bears his name today.

On March 26, 1985, the Manatee Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) voted to authorize the first phase of a new community park on 59th Street and unanimously agreed to name it G.T. Bray Park. Now, nearly four decades later, the park has undergone $15 million in improvements and enhancements with upgraded facilities, including athletic fields, fitness center, Olympic-sized pool, kiddie pool and splash pad, teen center, clay tennis courts, pickleball, new playgrounds and gym for basketball and volleyball.

“It’s the heart and soul of West Bradenton,” said District 3 Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, who remembers playing youth sports at the park growing up. “Thanks to your Board of County Commissioners, this will be set to welcome families and athletes for another 40 years.”

Following the ceremonial rededication of the park, Family Fun Night will run through 9 p.m. with inflatables, a foam play area, face painting, crafts, backpack giveaway (while supplies last) and food trucks. Live music will be provided by One Night Rodeo, starting at 6:30 p.m. The pool, Walton Racquet Center, fitness center and recreation facility will be open until 9 p.m.

For up-to-date 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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Bill Logan

Information Outreach Manager

Office: (941) 742-5866

Cell: (941) 274-0930

bill.logan@mymanatee.org

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (June 28, 2024) – Manatee County is accepting applications for six seats on the Children’s Services Advisory Board (CSAB). The 13-member CSAB is required by Ordinance and appointed by the Manatee Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) to track local data and interests regarding children and families in Manatee County. Annually, they are also required to review applications and provide recommendations to the BOCC for nonprofit investment.

The CSAB year begins with a full-day retreat in October. June through January, the CSAB typically meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 3 p.m. During the annual program funding review process, which runs February to May, the review meetings are weekly beginning at 3 p.m. All CSAB meetings are scheduled at the Manatee County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, unless noted otherwise.

Three of the open positions must have candidates provided by the following entities (terms of service are listed with each seat):

Department of Children and Families (10/01/24 - 09/30/27)

Manatee County School Board (10/01/24 - 09/30/26)

United Way (10/01/24 - 09/30/27)

The other seats to be filled include:

Two Child Advocates (10/01/24 - 09/30/27)

One Licensed Mental Health Professional (10/01/24 - 09/30/27)

All applicants must reside within Manatee County to be considered. Applications open July 1, 2024, and will close August 14, 2024.

To qualify for consideration, candidates must submit an application and resume.

For more information, call (941) 748-4501, ext. 3485, or email Kristi.Hagen@mymanatee.org

For up-to-date 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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Bill Logan

Information Outreach Manager

Office: (941) 742-5866

Cell: (941) 274-0930

bill.logan@mymanatee.org

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (June 17, 2024) – Manatee County Public Safety has joined forces with public safety telehealth provider MD Ally to improve healthcare for residents and create a stronger and more resilient public safety system.

This partnership—known as Manatee Telehealth—will help increase the range of services available to 911 dispatchers, allowing them to connect non-emergency callers with a healthcare professional trained in emergency medicine via telehealth. This will enhance healthcare options for the community and improve access to care.

Beginning June 18, Manatee County Emergency Communicators will now be able to transfer non-emergency medical situations to telehealth professionals in real-time. Trained experts can conduct virtual visits with patients, providing treatment recommendations, prescriptions, transportation to medical facilities, behavioral health support and connections to local community resources from the comfort of their homes.

Manatee Telehealth services can handle a variety of common 911 call types, including prescription refills, chronic pain, cold and flu symptoms, gastrointestinal issues, skin conditions and migraines. This approach will allow the County to better support patients while freeing up essential Public Safety personnel and ambulances to handle urgent emergencies.

"We are proud to partner with MD Ally to offer services that meet our community's needs," said Deputy Director of Public Safety James Crutchfield. "This is going to partition off non-emergent calls out of the 911 system to get them connected to a provider."

Manatee County Public Safety is dedicated to improving outcomes for its residents. The implementation of Manatee Telehealth in 911 dispatch is innovative, and leadership is looking forward to the positive impact it will have on the community.

About MD Ally: MD Ally partners with Public Safety systems to expand their service offerings to include telehealth. This allows dispatchers and first responders to connect non-emergency individuals with telehealth and virtual community paramedicine in real-time. To learn more about MD Ally, visit mdally.com.

About Manatee County Public Safety: The Manatee County Public Safety Department consists of six divisions, each serving a special purpose or function to ensure the safety of our citizens and to preserve or enhance the quality of life in the county. Public Safety works daily with citizens, elected officials and other county law enforcement and fire agencies toward these ends. The common thread among these Public Safety divisions is that they respond directly to the needs of the citizens of Manatee County, often for emergencies and sometimes for routine community services.

For up-to-date 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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Bill Logan

Information Outreach Manager

Office: (941) 742-5866

Cell: (941) 274-0930

bill.logan@mymanatee.org

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (June 12, 2024) – Manatee County Public Library System (MCPLS) is thrilled to announce that nearly 1,700 students have already signed up for the 2024 Summer Learning Program. But there’s still plenty of room for more.

"We are excited to see this enthusiasm for the Summer Learning Program,” said Assistant Library Services Manager Lyn Begraft. “Reaching 1,696 sign-ups in the first week is a testament to the library's outstanding efforts in promoting summer learning and providing an engaging program. This momentum indeed promises a summer full of reading, learning and fun for all participants."

The Summer Learning Program, open to youth ages 0-17, runs through July 31, 2024. This year’s theme is “Adventure Begins at Your Library” with each library branch representing a different National Park, offering an immersive experience designed to promote literacy and learning. Families are invited to celebrate literacy together with milestone book prizes, engaging events, Bradenton Marauders tickets and the chance to win the Grand Prize.

The success of the 2024 Summer Learning Program is made possible by the generous support of the Manatee Library Foundation.

For more information about this year’s Summer Learning Program, please contact Chris O’Hara at chris.ohara@mymanatee.org or visit the webpage at mymanatee.org/summerreading.

For up-to-date 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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Bill Logan

Information Outreach Manager

Office: (941) 742-5866

Cell: (941) 274-0930

bill.logan@mymanatee.org

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (June 11, 2024) – The Manatee Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) received an update on the pilot program designed to make it easier and safer for emergency vehicles to reach citizens in need by giving them green lights at intersections. 

With an average response time of 8.04 minutes and the County's dispatch center handling an estimated 1,500 calls per day, Manatee County EMS already does a great job of saving lives and serving our taxpayers. This system should help improve response and transport times even more.

“When someone’s experiencing a medical emergency, seconds matter,” said Manatee County Public Safety Deputy Director James Crutchfield. “With this technology, we’re estimating 11 seconds can be saved at each intersection. That adds up quick.”

Manatee County EMS is excited to leverage this technology to benefit taxpayers in one of the fastest-growing counties in the country. The EMS Signal Priority/Pre-emption Pilot Project will be focused on several traffic lights in the US 41/US 301 and SR 64 corridors. Using $300,000 of an allocated $1,000,000 of Generational Impact funding, staff identified 24 intersections along the target corridors.

“This is going to be awesome for EMS to have this out there and being able to use the system,” said Manatee County Commission Chair Mike Rahn.

In coordination with Florida Department of Transportation, Cities of Bradenton and Palmetto and County EMS and Fleet Divisions, Public Works staff have installed field devices at the traffic-signal locations and installed activation devices in 10 EMS vehicles (8 ambulances and 2 supervisor vehicles). Following testing and fine-tuning during the month of May, the system is expected to be fully operational within the next week.

“This was a monumental lift,” said Manatee County Public Works Director Chad Butzow. “Within the next week, we feel the system will be fully up and running the way it’s been designed.”

County staff will continue to monitor and adjust the system based on feedback from the EMS team and other involved agencies.

Watch the Video to Learn More

For up-to-date 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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Bill Logan

Information Outreach Manager

Office: (941) 742-5866

Cell: (941) 274-0930

bill.logan@mymanatee.org

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (June 3, 2024) – Discover ways to get involved in local government and learn how to make a real difference with the Manatee County Neighborhood Ambassador Citizens Academy.

Workshops will be held every Wednesday evening from 6 to 7:30 p.m., August 7 to September 25, 2024, at the Lakewood Ranch Library, 16410 Rangeland Parkway, Bradenton, FL, 34211 (with the August 14 session at the Central Library in Downtown Bradenton). The free program will provide participants insight into functions of local government, show the steps of organizing a neighborhood organization, offer an overview of the budgetary process and so much more.

The Citizens Academy is open to all residents aged 18 and up and offers the chance to interact with County staff and community leaders while providing an outstanding opportunity to get an insider’s perspective on how local government operates and how citizens can engage actively in shaping the future of our community.

For more information and to register, visit the Citizens Academy Webpage or contact Laura Ruiz, (941) 748-4501, ext. 6929, or email laura.ruiz@mymanatee.org

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

###

Bill Logan

Information Outreach Manager

Office: (941) 742-5866

Cell: (941) 274-0930

bill.logan@mymanatee.org