Notices

Manatee County Launches Food Drive to Help Local Families in Need

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (October 31, 2025) – Manatee County is partnering with local community organizations to host a Nourish Our Neighbors Food Drive to help stock local food pantries and support families facing food insecurity.

Residents are encouraged to donate nonperishable food and household items at designated collection sites including any Manatee County Library Branch or Manatee County Administration Building (1112 Manatee Avenue W. in Bradenton and 9000 Town Center Parkway in Lakewood Ranch) and the GT Bray Recreation Center (5502 33rd Avenue Drive W. in Bradenton) beginning next week. All donations will directly benefit local families in need.

Most Needed Items Include:

Cereal and cereal bars

Canned tuna, chicken, or meat

Peanut butter

Canned fruits (in juice) and vegetables (low/no sodium)

Canned soup and chili

Pasta and pasta sauce

Shelf-stable milk

Whole-grain cereal and oatmeal

Brown rice

Baking mixes and cooking oil

Salad dressings and tomato sauce

Personal hygiene items and household cleaners

“These donations go a long way in helping our neighbors put nutritious meals on the table,” said Manatee County Community and Veterans Services Director Sarah Brown. “Every item collected makes a real difference for a local family.”

Donations will be accepted beginning Nov. 3, 2025, until further notice. For more information, visit https://mealsonwheelsplus.org/.

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 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