Notices

Manatee County to Host Operation Sandbag Drive-Thru Event on June 26

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (June 22, 2026) - With hurricane season underway, Manatee County is encouraging residents to start preparing now, rather than waiting until a storm is in the forecast.

To help residents get started, Manatee County Public Safety Department, in partnership with Community and Veterans Services (CVS), is hosting Operation Sandbag, a free drive-thru sandbag distribution event on Friday, June 26, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Public Safety Complex, 2101 47th Terrace E., in Bradenton.

Residents can receive up to 10 pre-filled sandbags per household. There are no eligibility requirements for in-person pickup other than being a Manatee County resident.

“Preparedness is one of the easiest ways residents can help protect their homes and families during hurricane season,” said Commission Chair Tal Siddique. “We encourage residents to take advantage of this opportunity and make a plan before a storm is in the forecast.”

In addition to the drive-thru event, Manatee County will provide home delivery of 10 sandbags to qualifying residents who are unable to attend in person. To qualify, residents must be:

60 years of age or older

Transportation dependent

Living in Flood Zones A or B

Deliveries will begin the afternoon of the event and continue as needed. Eligible residents can request delivery through an online form that screens for flood zone and transportation access. Residents who do not qualify for delivery automatically will receive event details and a link to the County’s sandbag locations map.

“The best time to prepare is before there is a storm to track,” said Manatee County Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske. “Operation Sandbag gives residents an opportunity to take simple steps now so they have resources available if they’re ever needed.”

Through this partnership, County departments are working together to ensure eligible residents have access to additional support during the hurricane season.

“Preparedness looks different for every household,” said Manatee County Director of Community and Veterans Services Sarah Brown. “By working together, we're helping remove barriers and making sure residents who may need extra assistance have access to resources that can help them prepare for potential flooding.”

For more information about hurricane preparedness, flood zones, evacuation levels and Manatee County's seven self-serve sandbag locations available throughout hurricane season, visit mymanatee.org/storm or call 3-1-1.

For more information on Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or contact Manatee County Government Communications at news@mymanatee.org or call (941) 745-6397 (NEWS). Follow them 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 to Open Animal Welfare Resource Center, Expanding Access to Community Pet Care

MANATEE COUNTY, FL. (June 10, 2026) — Manatee County will celebrate the opening of its new Animal Welfare Resource Center on June 17, expanding access to affordable and no-cost veterinary services for residents to help keep pets healthy, housed, and out of shelters.

“The Animal Welfare Resource Center represents a major investment in both animal welfare and the families who love their pets,” said George Kruse, Manatee County commissioner. “By increasing access to preventive veterinary care, we can help residents keep their pets at home, reduce shelter intake, and build a stronger, more compassionate community.”

Made possible through a $305,750 grant award from the Bishop-Parker Foundation, pending formal acceptance by the Board of County Commissioners and execution of the necessary agreements, the CARE Program will provide spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, and basic wellness services to qualifying residents, rescue organizations, and high-need animal populations.

A separate $50,000 grant previously accepted by the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners from the Manatee Community Foundation also provided critical medical equipment needed to support veterinary services at the center.

The center will serve as the home of the CARE Program (Community Animal Resource & Enhancement), a new initiative designed to provide targeted veterinary services to underserved communities throughout Manatee County. The program is expected to directly benefit approximately 1,000 to 2,000 residents and 2,500 to 4,000 animals annually while helping reduce pet surrender, prevent unwanted litters, and alleviate pressure on local shelters.

“Animal welfare starts long before a pet enters a shelter,” said Michael Strollo, communications coordinator for Manatee County Community and Veterans Services. “This center gives families access to the resources they need to care for their pets while helping create better outcomes across our community.”

Manatee County will officially open the Animal Welfare Resource Center during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9 a.m. on June 17th at 401 17th Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205.

For more information about Manatee County Animal Welfare programs and services, visit mymanatee.org/pets.

For more information on Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or contact Manatee County Government Communications at news@mymanatee.org or call (941) 745-6397 (NEWS). Follow them 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 Publishes NOFA for $125M Post Hurricane Infrastructure Recovery Program

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (May 28, 2026) — Manatee County has published the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the Infrastructure Recovery & Resiliency Program, the County’s major infrastructure initiative under the federally funded Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG DR) program, established as Lasting Manatee. The full notice is available now at LastingManatee.org. Pre-applications for the program will open on June 1 at 12:00 p.m., giving eligible entities their opportunity to submit projects for consideration.

The Infrastructure Recovery & Resiliency Program supports long-term storm resiliency improvements across Manatee County, with population-based allocations that give each municipality a voice in shaping local recovery.

Examples of potential projects include stormwater upgrades, drainage improvements, flood mitigation infrastructure, roadway and bridge resiliency enhancements, utility hardening, water and wastewater system improvements, and shoreline stabilization.

“This is the largest infrastructure investment the County has ever managed,” said Manatee County District 4 Commissioner Mike Rahn. “We look forward to working hand-in-hand with our municipal partners to execute countywide storm resiliency improvements that reduce risk and future losses from disasters.”

Eligible applicants include Manatee County Government and the County’s local municipalities. Nonprofit organizations with an active 501(c)(3) designation may also submit a pre-application to help identify unmet infrastructure needs. While nonprofits cannot serve as Applicants, municipalities or the County may choose to partner with a nonprofit and apply on its behalf if its proposed project is eligible and aligns with HUD and program requirements. In all cases, the County or municipality must serve as the Applicant and support implementation of any awarded projects.

Municipal, County, and nonprofit representatives with interest are encouraged to review the NOFA and Program Guide for the Infrastructure Recovery & Resiliency Program, which can be found at www.lastingmanatee.org/pages/documents.

For more information on Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or contact Manatee County Government Communications at news@mymanatee.org or call (941) 745-6397 (NEWS). Follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ManateeGov.

Manatee County Opens Applications for $1.2 Million Housing Repair Program

Applications now open for eligible home repairs, accessibility upgrades, and replacement assistance.

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (May 06, 2026) – Manatee County has opened applications for $1.2 million in housing rehabilitation and replacement assistance for eligible low- and very low-income households through The State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program.

“For many residents, a needed repair or accessibility improvement is not a luxury,” said George Kruse, Manatee County District 7 commissioner at-large. “This program helps remove some of those barriers and gives families the opportunity to improve their living conditions in a meaningful, lasting way allowing them to stay safely in the home they already have.”

The funding, available through the county’s SHIP Housing Rehabilitation/Replacement Program, will help qualifying homeowners complete critical repairs, accessibility upgrades, and other improvements that allow them to remain safely and independently in their homes.

Eligible households must be in unincorporated Manatee County or the City of Palmetto and meet program income and property value requirements. To qualify as a special needs household, at least one member of the home must have a developmental disability, disabling condition, or receive SSD/SSDI or other disability benefits.

The program provides 0% interest-deferred payment 20-year loans for code-related repairs to single-family homes and, in some cases, the replacement of dilapidated single-family housing structures. Funding may also support home modifications, adaptive devices, and other improvements that enhance accessibility, safety, and overall livability.

“These improvements can directly affect someone’s daily quality of life,” said Michael Strollo, Manatee County Community and Veterans Services communications coordinator. “Whether it’s addressing a serious repair or making a home more accessible, this program is designed to help households remain safer, more stable, and better supported.”

Entry forms are now available on Manatee County’s Rehabilitation / Replacement Program webpage. Residents who need help completing or submitting an online entry form can call (941) 749-3029.

Applications will be accepted through May 15, 2026, and county staff will conduct a lottery-style drawing on May 19, 2026, to determine the order in which applications will be reviewed. Funding will be awarded to eligible households who meet all requirements until all available funds have been committed.

For more information on Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or contact Manatee County Government Communications at news@mymanatee.org or call (941) 745-6397 (NEWS). Follow them 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 Opens Applications for $550,000 Housing Repair Program Serving Special Needs Households

Applications now open for eligible home repairs, accessibility upgrades, and replacement assistance.

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (April 14, 2026) — Manatee County opened applications today for more than $550,000 in housing rehabilitation and replacement assistance for eligible low- and very low-income special needs households.

“For many residents, a needed repair or accessibility improvement is not a luxury,” said Geroge Kruse, Manatee County commissioner at large. “This program helps remove some of those barriers and gives families the opportunity to improve their living conditions in a meaningful, lasting way allowing them to stay safely in the home they already have."

The funding, available through the County’s SHIP Housing Rehabilitation/Replacement Program, will help qualifying homeowners complete critical repairs, accessibility upgrades, and other improvements that allow them to remain safely and independently in their homes.

Eligible households must be in unincorporated Manatee County or the City of Palmetto and meet program income and property value requirements. To qualify as a special needs household, at least one member of the home must have a developmental disability, disabling condition, or receive SSD/SSDI or other disability benefits.

The program provides 0% interest-deferred payment 20-year loans for code-related repairs to single-family homes and, in some cases, the replacement of dilapidated single-family housing structures. Funding may also support home modifications, adaptive devices, and other improvements that enhance accessibility, safety, and overall livability.

“These improvements can directly affect someone’s daily quality of life,” said Michael Strollo, Manatee County Community and Veterans Services communications coordinator. “Whether it’s addressing a serious repair or making a home more accessible, this program is designed to help households remain safer, more stable, and better supported.”

Entry forms are now available on Manatee County’s Rehabilitation/ Replacement Program webpage. Residents who need help completing or submitting an online entry form can call (941) 749-3029.

Applications will be accepted through April 29, 2026, and county staff will conduct a lottery-style drawing on May 1, 2026, to determine the order in which applications will be reviewed. Funding will be awarded to eligible households who meet all requirements until all available funds have been committed.

For more information, including eligibility requirements, visit www.mymanatee.org.

For more information on Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or contact Manatee County Government Communications at news@mymanatee.org or call (941) 745-6397 (NEWS). Follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ManateeGo