Notices

County offices to close November 11; community events planned to honor local veterans

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (November 2, 2026) – Manatee County Government offices and all Manatee County libraries will be closed Wednesday, November 11, 2026, in observance of Veterans Day.

“Veterans Day is an opportunity to recognize the men and women who have answered the call to serve our country and the sacrifices they and their families have made along the way,” said Manatee County District 4 Commissioner and Marine Corps veteran Mike Rahn. “As a veteran myself, I know that service doesn't end when the uniform comes off. Our veterans continue to make a difference in our communities every day, and I'm proud to be part of a county that recognizes and values their contributions.”

Trash, Recycling, Bulk and Yard Waste Collection

Trash, recycling, bulk and yard waste collection in unincorporated Manatee County will continue as regularly scheduled on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11. There will be no changes to collection schedules due to the holiday.

Manatee County Animal Welfare

Manatee County Animal Welfare locations, including Bishop Animal Shelter and Cat Town, will be closed to the public. Animals will continue to receive care, and volunteers are welcome during normal volunteer hours. Residents who need assistance with a sick, injured or aggressive animal should call 941-742-5933 and select option 1 for emergency dispatch, and an on-call Animal Welfare officer will respond. Calls about animals that are not sick, injured or aggressive should be made during normal business hours. Lost and found pet services remain available at mymanatee.org/pets.

Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT)

Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) fixed-route services, Handy Bus operations and the Anna Maria Island Trolley will operate on their regular schedules.

Manatee County Sports and Leisure and Natural Resources

Manatee County parks, beaches and preserves will be open to the public. Manatee County and Buffalo Creek Golf Courses will also remain open. The G.T. Bray Recreation Center, John Marble Recreation Center and Walton Racquet Center will be closed. All County aquatic centers, including G.T. Bray, John H. Marble and Lincoln, as well as all county splash pads will also be closed.

Manatee County Libraries

All Manatee County libraries will be closed Wednesday, November 11, and will reopen Thursday, November 12.

Lasting Manatee Intake Center

The Lasting Manatee Intake Center in downtown Bradenton will also be closed in observance of Veterans Day.

Local Veterans Day Events

Residents are encouraged to join communities across the region in honoring the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces through a variety of ceremonies, parades and special events.

Bradenton Christian School Veterans Breakfast and Ceremony

Bradenton Christian School PAC Gymnasium (3304 43rd St. W., Bradenton)

November 6, 2026

8:30 a.m. breakfast; 9:30 a.m. ceremony

Bradenton Christian School will host a special breakfast and ceremony honoring local veterans and recognizing their service and sacrifice. Attendees are asked to RSVP by October 30.

SCF Veterans Day Event

State College of Florida, Bradenton Campus (Outside Building 14)

November 9, 2026

11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

SCF Manatee-Sarasota Veteran Services will host its annual Veterans Day celebration featuring interactive activities, including a tug-of-war competition, thank-you card making, paracord bracelet making and opportunities to sample military Meals Ready to Eat (MREs). Local military recruiters will also be available.

Bradenton Kiwanis Veterans Appreciation Lunch

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

November 10, 2026

11:15 a.m. doors open; noon program

The Bradenton Kiwanis Club will host its annual Veterans Appreciation Lunch to recognize local veterans and thank them for their service. Tickets are free but required, with limited availability. Veterans can pick up ticket