Notices

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (August 26, 2025) - Manatee County Government offices, libraries and landfill will be closed Monday, September 1, to commemorate Labor Day.

“On this Labor Day, we pause to honor the hardworking men and women who keep our community strong,” said Manatee County At-Large Commissioner Jason Bearden. The dedication of our workforce helps fuel Manatee County’s growth and prosperity.”

Trash, recycling and yard waste collection in unincorporated Manatee County will shift forward by one day this week, running Tuesday through Saturday, as follows:

Monday's collection moves to Tuesday, September 2.

Tuesday’s collection moves to Wednesday, September 3.

Wednesday’s yard waste collection moves to Thursday, September 4.

Thursday’s collection moves to Friday, September 5.

Friday’s collection moves to Saturday, September 6.

Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) fixed routes and Handy Bus operations will be suspended on Labor Day. The Anna Maria Island Trolley will operate on Labor Day.

Manatee County parks and beaches will be open to the public. Manatee County and Buffalo Creek Golf Courses will be open. The G.T. Bray Recreation Center and John Marble Recreation Center will be open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Walton Racquet Center will be closed, and all check-ins will occur at the main building.

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, Fla. (August 5, 2025)—Manatee County Animal Welfare (MCAW) is seeking information related to a disturbing case of animal abandonment and cruelty currently under active investigation.

On Monday, July 29, animal welfare officers responded to the 1700 block of Lena Road, where they discovered an abandoned crate containing three cats. One cat was found deceased. The two survivors were lethargic, severely underweight, and in critical condition. Evidence suggests the cats may have begun consuming the deceased animal in a desperate attempt to survive.

“This kind of abuse has no place in Manatee County,” said George Kruse, Manatee Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) chair, who has long championed animal welfare efforts in the community. “We stand with MCAW and law enforcement in our commitment to investigate and prosecute this cruelty to the fullest extent of the law.”

The two surviving cats were transported without incident to Bishop Animal Shelter, where they are currently receiving lifesaving care and ongoing medical treatment. Both have shown themselves to be sweet and affectionate, and MCAW hopes to place them in a loving adoptive home once they have fully recovered.

“This is one of the most heartbreaking cases of animal neglect we’ve seen,” said Sarah Brown, director of Manatee County Animal Welfare. “These animals suffered immensely. There is no excuse for this level of cruelty, and we are using every tool available to hold the party responsible.”

Manatee County Animal Welfare is calling on the public to assist in this investigation. Anyone with information related to this case, no matter how small, is urged to call Manatee County Animal Welfare at (941) 742-5933.

Recent legislation signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on May 28, 2025, strengthens Florida's animal protection laws. Trooper's Law makes certain acts of abandonment and neglect, including those that occur during declared disasters, a felony offense. Dexter's Law increases penalties for aggravated animal cruelty and creates Florida's first public registry of convicted animal abusers.

“Animal abuse is not just a violation of the law, it’s a violation of our community’s values,” said Brown. “Help us ensure no animal suffers like this again.”

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, FL (August 4, 2025) — Manatee County celebrated the completion of a transformative road project with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting of the 44th Avenue East Extension. While the celebration took place today, the roadway officially opens to all traffic Saturday, August 9.

“This is a legacy project,” said Manatee Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) Chair George Kruse. “We are pleased to bring this to completion.”

Spanning six major phases and more than a decade of construction, the final segment of the 44th Avenue East Extension adds nearly two miles of new roadway from east of I-75 to Lena Road. The extension includes a new overpass across Interstate 75, a bridge over the reclaimed lake at the Southeast Water Reclamation Facility and a modern roundabout at Lena Road. Designed with the future in mind, the corridor features four lanes, sidewalks, dedicated bike lanes, multi-use trails and enhanced lighting.

The project had its origins as part of the County’s 1968 Concept Development Plan, was reinforced through the 1989 Comprehensive Plan and was committed to action in our Capital Improvement Plans. This dedication serves as a moment to reflect on the community vision, inter-agency coordination and sustained investment that brought this corridor to life.

“Now, after years of planning, engineering and construction, we’re proud to mark the completion of the final piece,” said Manatee County District 5 Commissioner Dr. Bob McCann.

Crews will be completing some final touches through the coming week, with the new roadway officially open to drivers by the weekend (just in time for the opening of Manatee County Schools for students on Monday, August 11). The new thoroughfare will make room for around 36,000 more vehicles per day. It also will reduce traffic through State Road 64 and State Road 70 by 21,000 vehicles a day.

"This is an entirely new corridor,” said Public Works Director Chad Butzow. “If you were frustrated on the volume of traffic on (SR) 64 and (SR) 70, this will give you a totally new option."

For more information about Manatee County transportation projects, visit mymanatee.org/transportation.

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, FL (July 30, 2025) — Manatee County is accepting applicants for vacancies for two volunteer Special Magistrate positions to hear and decide rule on alleged violations of Manatee’s Land Development Code and Code of Ordinances, imposing fines against violators.

All Manatee County residents may apply for any of these volunteer positions. Special Magistrates are typically attorneys, retired judges, paralegals, and others who may have a legal background and/or law experience.

The Special Magistrate appointees will fill four-year terms which expire in October 2029 and will serve on a volunteer basis. A full list of qualifications for Special Magistrates can be found in the County's Code of Ordinances Chapter 2-7-21.

The Special Magistrate hearings are generally held on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 9 a.m. in the Honorable Patricia M. Glass Commission Chambers, located on the first floor of the Manatee County Administrative Center at 1112 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton.

Applications are due Sept. 1, 2025 and may be found online at this link.

For more information, call Manatee County Code Enforcement Chief Tom Wooten at (941) 748-2071 or email Tom.Wooten@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

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (July 29, 2025) — The Manatee Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has appointed five individuals to serve on a newly created Government Efficiency Liaison Committee, established to promote transparent, cost-effective public service delivery in alignment with Florida’s Executive Order No. 25-44 and Manatee County Resolution No. R-25-072.

David Otterness, Benjamin Heavener, John Settineri, Mark Stanoch and Don Berg were selected to begin their work to support the County’s participation in the statewide Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative with Manatee County Director of Government Relations Stephanie Garrison and Manatee County Government Relations Manager Brent Anderson. The appointments follow an open application process, which concluded July 18 and reflect the BOCC commitment to citizen engagement and responsible governance prior to the Governor’s announcement last week of the DOGE audit of Manatee County.

“This is an important board,” said Manatee County Commission Chair George Kruse. “The intent was to have a broad swatch of people with IT, HR and finance experience. Backgrounds and experience are important.”

Manatee County Commissioners also voted to purchase and preserve some important properties. Commissioners unanimously approved the purchase of roughly 10 acres of environmentally sensitive land at 950 Rye Road in Parrish, using $858,000 in Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee (ELMAC) funding. Over 70% of voters passed the Conservation and Parks Referendum in November 2020 to pay for the purchase of land and easements for conservation like this, and the ELMAC team is working hard to bring more properties like this to the BOCC for approval. The land is a mix of uplands and forested wetlands. The uplands are primarily pine flatwoods, which are considered rare species habitat, an underrepresented natural community and are important for strategic habitat conservation and will be managed as a part of the expanded Rye Preserve.

The BOCC also voted unanimously to approve the purchase of the former Mixon Fruit Farms property, located at the intersection of 27th St. E and 26th Ave. E., in Bradenton for $13.5 Million.

“We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive response with citizens and organizations that want to be a part of this important work that we’re going to be doing,” said Manatee County District 2 Commissioner Amanda Ballard, who called the purchase of the 39-acre property—which includes a story, pavilion and home—a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to preserve a piece of Old Florida within the urban core.”

Plans for the property have yet to be finalized, but it is hoped that this a space will pay homage to Manatee County’s roots, while also giving the next generation of farmers a place to start. The inclusion of a library branch on site has also been discussed.

A Natural Resources Program Manager will carry out the desired educational events and activities related to this property, developing and managing innovative programs focused on water-quality education and conservation practices, community and micro gardens, composting and soil health, agritourism and cooperative farming models, food security and access to fresh and local produce for diverse segments of the local population. A Sports & Leisure Services Event Supervisor will manage and oversee weddings, continuing to generate revenue while offering a local community space in this area of the County. Also, a Property Management Parks Maintenance Technician and Custodian will ensure the maintenance and care of the property as it is developed.

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, FL (June 30, 2025) – Manatee County is accepting applications for six (6) seats on the Children’s Services Advisory Board (CSAB). The CSAB makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners about priorities and expenditures of the County’s dedicated millage for children’s services.

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 – 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.

Applications for the following seats will be accepted through August 1, 2025:

Judge - Family Law Division (1 seat)

Physician (1 seat)

Child Advocates not affiliated with any agency receiving county funds (2 seats)

Criminal Justice Representative (1 seat)

Licensed Mental Health Professional (1 seat)

All prospective board members (except for the judge seat) must be a resident of Manatee County.

To qualify for consideration, candidates must submit an application and resume and provide answers to supplemental questions (page 4 of the Advisory Board Application). Applications can be found here.

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

Gulf Islands Ferry Enhances Summer Schedule

Service extended to accommodate strong ridership numbers

BRADENTON, FL (June 10, 2025) – The Gulf Islands Ferry, the Bradenton Area’s popular alternative mode of travel between downtown Bradenton to Anna Maria Island, is bringing back Wednesday service to its weekly schedule. Passengers can now ride the Gulf Islands Ferry five days per week beginning June 18, 2025.

The two 50-foot catamarans ride the waterways between the downtown Bradenton Riverwalk Pier and the Historic Bridge Street Pier on Anna Maria Island.

“As Manatee County continues to welcome visitors this Summer, the Gulf Islands Ferry is easing the traffic on our roadways,” said Manatee County District 3 Commissioner Tal Siddique.

In addition to providing easy transport to the island, the service is an extended commitment to working to preserve and protect the natural beauty of the area for future generations by eliminating carbon emission from car travel to the island. Featuring energy-efficient design elements, the vessels further support the Bradenton Area’s Love It Like a Local initiative and Leave No Trace commitment.

Weather permitting, the boats will depart from the Riverwalk Pier beginning at 7:30 a.m. through 7:30 p.m. to the Historic Bridge Street Pier, on Anna Maria Island with service starting at 9 a.m. through 9 p.m.

For more information and the full schedule, visit www.gulfislandsferry.com or the Bradenton Area Tourism Bureau website.

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ABOUT THE GULF ISLANDS FERRY

Launched in January 2024, the Gulf Islands Ferry connects downtown Bradenton to Anna Maria Island. This public transportation service, supported by the tourist development tax, was launched in an effort to cut down on high traffic and car use attempting to access Anna Maria Island during peak travel seasons. This year-round service offers a convenient and affordable 45-minute ride to the island all while taking in abundant marine wildlife and the amazing local views of the Bradenton Area from the Manatee River and intercoastal waterways.

The ferry routes are operated by two ADA-accessible catamarans and a soon to come third boat, the Manatee Belle, which will be fully enclosed and offer a faster service out to the island. Up-to-date run times and scheduling can be found at www.gulfislandsferry.com, or riders can call customer service at 727-200-6487.

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

MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (June 3, 2025) — As part of its ongoing efforts to help residents prepare for severe weather, Manatee County is making self-service sandbag locations available to the public throughout the entire 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

Beginning immediately and continuing through November 30, 2025, residents can access sand and bags at the following locations from dawn to dusk daily:

• Blackstone Park – 2112 14th Ave. W., Palmetto

• Myakka Community Center – 10060 Wauchula Rd., Myakka City

• Palma Sola Park – 7815 40th Ave. W., Bradenton

• Parrish Park Overflow Parking – 77550 Ft. Hamer Rd., Parrish

• Rubonia Community Center – 1309 72nd St. E., Palmetto

• Rye Preserve – 905 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish

• Manatee County Stormwater Facility – 5511 39th St. E., Bradenton

Each location is self-service, so residents should bring their own shovels and be prepared to fill and transport the sandbags themselves. Bags and sand are provided at the locations while supplies last.

A map of sandbag sites is available at mymanatee.org/storm by clicking on the "Sandbags" tab.

“Having sandbags ready ahead of a storm can make a big difference in protecting homes and property,” said Manatee County Commission Chair George Kruse. “We encourage residents to prepare early and make use of these resources now—before a storm is on the way.”

Residents are also reminded to stay up to date on local storm alerts and preparedness resources throughout the season by visiting mymanatee.org/storm and following Manatee County Government on social media.

For more information on Manatee County Government, visit online at www.mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. You can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/manatee.county.fl and on X, @ManateeGov.

The Manatee Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has voted to move forward on the purchase of a property that will serve as an additional campus for Manatee County Government.

“There is a lot of benefit to this,” said Manatee County Commission Chair George Kruse. "We have a unique opportunity to buy a property at a tremendous discount to purchase that is turnkey with cubicles already in place to create better efficiency for this government.”

The BOCC unanimously approved the execution of a $24 million contract for the purchase of a property located at 9000 Town Center Parkway in Lakewood Ranch. This move will not change the county seat. BOCC and Land Use meetings, including workshops, will still take place in the downtown Commission Chambers at 1112 Manatee Ave. W. in Bradenton.

This approval is the first step toward moving some departments to a new building that better aligns with the County’s growth pattern. The property is approximately 11.28 acres and includes a two-story, 101,000-square-foot, partially furnished office building with over 600 parking spaces. The additional campus positions some County services closer to where much of the residential and commercial growth is occurring.

Purchasing an existing building is significantly more cost-effective than constructing a new facility. A tenant currently occupies the first and second floors. The move(s) would occur in phases to accommodate the tenant’s departure. Even after closing ─ anticipated to be on or before September 1, 2025 ─ several weeks of preparation will be necessary before any employees or departments can relocate.

Space created in the downtown Administration Building will be used to accommodate the future growth of the State Attorney, Supervisor of Elections, County Attorney, Probation and Guardian Ad Litem. Other facilities would be repurposed to support EMS, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office and housing empowerment initiatives, while also helping the County comply with new state requirements to provide shelters or designated areas for individuals experiencing homelessness.

“I’m excited about bringing this forward,” said Manatee County District 2 Commissioner Amanda Ballard, “and I think it will be good for the entire county.”

For more information on Manatee County Government, visit online at www.mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. You can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/manatee.county.fl and on X, @ManateeGov.

Manatee County Information Outreach

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

news@mymanatee.org

Manatee County “Big Bin Advantage” to Streamline Waste Collection

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (April 30, 2025) – Manatee County Utilities customers soon will be able to experience the “Big Bin Advantage,” a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing waste-collection services for residents in unincorporated areas. This program introduces larger, more efficient rolling bins for garbage collection, aligning with industry best practices and allowing for future service improvements.​

"We’re teaming up with our haulers to roll out a better, more reliable collection system,” said District 1 Commissioner Carol Ann Felts. “This proven technology is already working in nearby areas. We know any change takes some getting used to, but this update is important to keep up with the needs of our growing community.”

Residents will receive free 96-gallon garbage bins, which they can begin using immediately. These larger receptacles are designed to accommodate increased waste volumes, reduce litter, and support the County waste haulers as they transition to more efficient, automated collection systems.​ Here is a video highlighting the production process for the bins.

“The Big Bin Advantage represents a significant step forward in modernizing our waste-management services,” said Patrick Shea, Manatee County Utilities Director. “By adopting larger, standardized bins, we are aligning with industry standards that prioritize efficiency, environmental responsibility, and customer convenience.”​

The move to larger bins supports the county’s ongoing efforts to streamline waste collection. Currently, garbage, recycling, and yard waste pickups occur on different days, leading to multiple truck visits each week. The new system will help consolidate these services, allowing all pickups to occur on the same day, thereby reducing truck traffic and wear on neighborhood roads.​

In addition to the new bins, the County is implementing automated-collection methods, enhancing worker safety, reducing operational costs and improving overall service reliability.​ The Big Bin Advantage also complements Manatee County’s already-in-place single-stream recycling program, which simplifies the recycling process by allowing residents to place all recyclable materials into a county-provided container without the need for sorting. ​

Residents will begin receiving their new bins in the coming weeks, with full implementation expected by October 6, 2025. For more information about the Big Bin Advantage and other waste-management initiatives, please visit mymanatee.org/BigBin, contact Manatee County Utilities Customer Service at (941) 792-8811 or dial 3-1-1.​

For more information on Manatee County Government, visit online at www.mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. You can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/manatee.county.fl and on X, @ManateeGov.

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Manatee County Information Outreach

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

news@mymanatee.org