Notices

Manatee County Set to Dedicate North County EMS Station #22

November 25, 2025

Manatee County Set to Dedicate

North County EMS Station #22

MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (November 25, 2025) – Manatee County officials, community partners and residents are invited to celebrate the official ribbon cutting of the County’s newest EMS station on Monday, December 8, at 2 p.m. The event marks a major milestone in expanding services and strengthening the County’s commitment to safety, accessibility, and high-quality public infrastructure.

The modernized facility includes enhanced security features, improved operational capabilities, and upgraded amenities designed to better serve residents and support County staff. It will feature nearly 4,500 square feet of space with an apparatus bay to house up to four first-response vehicles, offices for district leadership and EMS crews, kitchen, day room, a decontamination room, laundry and sleeping quarters. These enhancements reflect the Board of County Commissioners continued focus on responsible investment and long-term community benefit.

“I’m proud to see this vision brought to life for the people of Manatee County,” said Manatee County District 1 Commissioner Carol Ann Felts. “It provides the infrastructure and tools our teams need today—while ensuring we remain ready for the growth and opportunities of tomorrow.”

Manatee County EMS is the primary 911-emergency response service to the residents and visitors of Manatee County—responding to all prehospital medical calls for service in the 748 square miles of the county and 150 miles of coastal waterways.

The public is encouraged to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony, tour the facility, and meet the staff who will operate it.

EVENT DETAILS

What: Ribbon Cutting for Manatee EMS Station #22

When: Monday, December 8, 2025, at 2 p.m.

Where: 2950 Moccasin Wallow Rd. in Palmetto

Who: Manatee Board of County Commissioners, County leadership, staff, community partners, residents

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

Manatee County Thanksgiving Closures and Service Changes

November 24, 2025

Manatee County Thanksgiving Closures and Service Changes

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (November 24, 2025) — Manatee County Government offices will be closed Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28, 2025, for Thanksgiving.

Garbage, yard waste, and recycling in unincorporated areas are postponed one day on Thanksgiving Day. Thursday’s collections will occur on Friday, November 28 with Friday’s collections taking place on Saturday, November 29. The regular schedule resumes Monday, December 1.

Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) Administration and Sales and Information offices are closed Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after Thanksgiving. Fixed route and Handy Bus services will not be available on Thanksgiving Day, but those services will resume on Friday, November 28.

All Manatee Library locations will close at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26. Branches will remain closed Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28. All locations will reopen at 9 a.m. on Saturday, November 29.

Manatee County parks and natural preserves will be open to the public. The Manatee County Golf Course and Buffalo Creek Golf Courses will close early on Thursday but will be open normal hours on Friday, November 28.

The G.T. Bray Recreation Center will close at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26, and will remain closed Thursday and Friday. The facilities will reopen with normal hours Saturday, November 30. Aquatic facilities at Bray and Lincoln Parks will be closed Thanksgiving Day.

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

Manatee County Launches Food Drive to Help Local Families in Need

October 31, 2025

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 Commissioners Name New Veterans Connections Hub

November 18, 2025

Manatee Commissioners Name New Veterans Connections Hub

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (November 18, 2025) –

A new chapter in Manatee County’s continuing commitment to veterans and their families took shape today, as the Manatee Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) voted 6-1 to name the County’s new Veterans’ Park Valor Commons.

This future Veterans Connection Hub and Memorial Campus, located along Buckeye Road east of Artisan Lakes Parkway, is being designed as a one-of-a-kind public landmark dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of all American military members—past, present and future.

“I think it goes to the valor that our veterans – and those who have gone before us – have done to protect our great country,” said Manatee County District 4 Commissioner Mike Rahn.

The project represents a national model for veteran-supportive design—combining commemorative, educational, and community-centered elements. Plans include:

Veterans Resource Center – offering benefit services, peer and caregiver support, and a business incubator to assist veteran entrepreneurs.

Memorial and Reflection Areas – featuring community-driven memorials, service installations, and serene walking trails.

Public Event Spaces – providing a venue for ceremonies, gatherings, and civic or corporate events that honor those who served.

Initially launched as a government-led initiative, the project will ultimately transition to nonprofit management—ensuring long-term sustainability, community partnership, and philanthropic growth. Efforts are already underway to establish a designated philanthropic fund through the Manatee Community Foundation, which will help leverage private donations alongside County investment.

“Naming this site is more than a ceremonial step—it’s the foundation for everything that follows,” said Manatee County Veterans Project Manager Lee Washington. “It enables us to move forward with branding, fundraising, and expanded engagement with veterans and service partners.”

More than 200 community participants, including 143 veterans, contributed to the initial naming survey conducted this summer. Three leading names emerged—Legacy Commons, Valor Commons, and Veterans Commons—each reflecting the project’s dual focus on remembrance and revitalization.

Residents favored a name that conveys honor, inclusivity, and activity—moving beyond traditional “Park” or “Memorial” titles toward something broader and more forward-looking.

Progress is continuing on site configuration, infrastructure planning, and sustained collaboration with veterans’ groups and service providers. The County is also advancing formation of a nonprofit entity to oversee operations, programs, and private philanthropy.

Site design, infrastructure build-out, and nonprofit formation would be the focus of the initial 12–18-month segment of this project with the next 3-5 years seeing phased campus construction.

Initial deliverables include an entrance road, memorial features, and a temporary or modular structure to provide early veteran and family services once utilities are operational. When complete, the Veterans Connection Hub and Memorial Campus will serve as both a local landmark and regional resource, welcoming veterans and their families from across Florida and beyond.

For project updates, renderings, and future engagement opportunities, visit mymanatee.org/veteranspark

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 Information Outreach

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

news@mymanatee.org

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