Notices

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (Jan. 7, 2025) – Manatee County’s Veterans Services and Transportation divisions have launched a new free on-demand transportation option to help veterans easily reach their medical appointments.

Starting today, ‘Manatee Moves’ will directly connect county veterans to their health providers by utilizing a rideshare service. Accessible through a smartphone app, Manatee Moves is open to all pre-registered veterans who can walk on their own, or who use an assistance device like a folding walker.

According to Manatee County Veterans Services Officer Renee Medina, Manatee Moves will help to remove obstacles that can prevent veterans from accessing the critical care and health services they need.

“This initiative reflects our deep commitment to ensuring that veterans can easily and reliably receive the medical attention they deserve, without the added stress of transportation challenges. Our goal is to make their well-being a top priority, and we are honored to play a role in improving their quality of life," Medina added.

Manatee Veterans do not need to be currently enrolled in other county services provided by the Veterans Services division. However, they must be verified, which can be done by contacting the county Veterans Services office.

Riders are limited to two one-way trips per day (for example to and from a doctor’s office), and trips are restricted to Manatee County boundaries.

Service hours are 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For those unable to utilize the mobile app a trip can be booked by calling (941) 747-1739, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Riders can book their travel up to two days in advance.

The app is now available to download on Apple and Android devices.

For more information about Manatee County Veterans Services call (941) 745-3795, send an email to vets@mymanatee.org, or visit mymanatee.org.

For more information about Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. 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

Athletics and Aquatics Center at

Premier Sports Campus Groundbreaking

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (January 3, 2025) – East County residents and sports enthusiasts are invited to join Manatee County leaders for groundbreaking ceremonies at the new Athletics and Aquatics Center at Premier Sports North Campus (16350 Rangeland Pkwy., Lakewood Ranch) on Thursday, January 30, 2025, beginning at 1 p.m.

The highly anticipated 44,000-square-foot facility will include a competition-sized swimming pool, therapy pool, locker rooms, restrooms and a geothermal yard. The state-of-the-art center also will offer 24 pickleball courts—including 14 covered courts—walking trails and parking for approximately 166 vehicles.

“This expansion reflects our ongoing commitment to providing top-tier recreational facilities and programs for our community,” said Manatee County District 5 Commissioner Dr. Bob McCann.

Established in 2011 in Lakewood Ranch, the Premier Sports Campus quickly gained recognition for its meticulously maintained fields and state-of-the-art facilities. Hosting a wide range of regional and national competitions the property has become a hub for sports tourism, drawing athletes, families and coaches from all over the world. That original 127-acre site purchased from Schroeder-Manatee Ranch (SMR) in 2017 is now known as Premier Sports Campus South. The additional 111 acres the County purchased from SMR to the north, where the Athletic and Aquatic Center will be built, will go by the name of Premier Sports Campus North.

This continued attention to programming and facilities represents Manatee County’s pledge to enhance community assets and engagement. Residents and visitors can look forward to a bright future filled with new opportunities to play, compete and gather.

“We can’t wait to put a shovel in the ground,” said Manatee County Director of Sports and Leisure Services Molly White.

Construction is expected to take about a year and a half to complete, with the new facilities ready for play by late summer or fall of 2026.

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

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Manatee County Information Outreach

Manatee County Boat Ramps Open for Business

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (December 31, 2024) – Boaters and water enthusiasts can rejoice as Manatee County has reopened boat ramps affected by recent storms.

The Capt. Scott Moore (formerly Coquina North) and Coquina South boat ramps are now available to the public following extensive repairs and cleanup efforts necessitated by this year’s hurricanes. The restoration process included the removal of derelict vessels from nearby waters and repairs to the docks themselves to ensure safe and accessible conditions for all users.

The boat ramps sustained significant impacts from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The recovery efforts, spearheaded by Manatee County Government, involved:

• Repairs to ramp infrastructure to ensure safety and usability

• Clearing of debris and removal of storm-damaged vessels

• Sand-sifting operations to restore beaches and berms

“We are thrilled to reopen these facilities,” said Manatee County Director of Natural Resources Charlie Hunsicker. “These ramps are essential for our community’s recreational and commercial boating activities.”

Manatee County’s continuing efforts to repair coastal infrastructure has been very effective, with beach-side facilities showing signs of return to normal. Parking remains limited in some areas, and there are still portions of the public beach areas which remain closed at this time. Beachgoers are encouraged to stay safe and observe all posted warnings and advisories to help ensure a pleasant visit.

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

Bill Logan

Information Outreach Manager

Office: (941) 742-5866

Cell: (941) 274-0930

bill.logan@mymanatee.org

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (December 31, 2024) – The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) located at the Palmetto Branch Library (923 6th St. W., Palmetto) will be closing at 7 p.m. Jan. 25, 2025.

The site will continue to operate Monday – Saturday from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. until then except for New Year’s Day (Jan. 1, 2025) and MLK Day (Jan. 20, 2025) providing the following services:

• Assistance with FEMA applications

• Guidance on Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans

• Information on local and state recovery programs

• Crisis counseling and housing assistance

After the center closes, survivors will still have access to disaster recovery resources and support through the following methods:

• Online: Visit FEMA’s website at fema.gov for detailed information and application services.

• Phone: Call FEMA’s helpline at 1-800-621-3362 for assistance.

• Mobile App: Download the FEMA mobile app for updates and additional resources.

Local officials encourage residents to visit the DRC before its closure to ensure they have all the necessary information and assistance to continue their recovery journey. “We’re committed to helping our community recover fully from this disaster, and we encourage everyone who needs assistance to take advantage of these services while they’re available,” said Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske.

Residents of Manatee County may have been impacted by more than one storm this season. If you applied for FEMA assistance after Hurricane Helene and have additional damage from Hurricane Milton, you will need to apply separately for Milton and provide the dates of your most recent damage. Those who sustained loss from Hurricanes Helene or Milton have one week remaining to apply for federal assistance. The deadline is Jan. 7, 2025.

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

Work on Manatee County Central Library Continues

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (December 23, 2024) – Crews are actively working to repair Manatee County’s Central Library, which sustained significant damage during this year’s hurricane season. While the library remains closed to the public, efforts are underway to restore this vital community resource.

The Central Library, located at 1301 Barcarrota Ave, Bradenton, FL 34205, experienced damage that exposed infrastructure and rendered the facility unfit for public use. Although a definitive reopening date is not yet available, Manatee County is committed to completing the necessary repairs as quickly as possible.

“We want to assure the community that reopening the library is a priority,” said Library Services Manager Tammy Parrott. “Public access will only be granted once all necessary repairs are completed.”

Despite the closure, library staff continue to provide services. Curbside pickup, the popular “Ask a Librarian” online feature, and the ability to reserve and transfer materials to other branches are available to ensure uninterrupted access to resources. Additionally, public-facing staff have been temporarily relocated to other branches to assist patrons.

Understanding the library’s importance to the community, particularly during tax season, staff are exploring alternative ways to provide tax assistance services starting in February 2025. Updates on these plans will be shared as they become available.

The County appreciates the community’s patience and understanding during this challenging time. For updates on the library’s status and information about alternative services, please visit the Manatee County Library website.

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

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Bill Logan

Information Outreach Manager

Office: (941) 742-5866

FEMA Moved from the fair grounds to Palmetto Library

923 6th Street West Palmetto Fl 34221.

Hours 7am to 7pm Monday thru Sunday.

**Closed on Thanksgiving Day **

Back open on Friday 7am to 7pm

Manatee County Welcomes FEMA Assistance

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (Oct. 14, 2024) – As Manatee County continues with the recovery process following Hurricane Milton, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is aiding in the efforts.

A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is being set up at GT Bray Park gymnasium (5502 33rd Avenue Drive West, Bradenton). Today’s hours are 1 to 7 p.m. The DRC is a one-stop location, designed to help answer residents' questions about disaster recovery and give referrals to agencies that may provide further assistance and status of application(s) being processed by FEMA or other agencies.

When applying for FEMA assistance after multiple disasters, citizens should be ready to describe what damage occurred and on what date to ensure federal disaster assistance from storms is not duplicated. Keep all receipts for expenses associated with each disaster, including:

Home repairs

Repairs to a septic system, water well or private road

Purchase of a generator or chainsaw

Replacement of personal property items such as appliances

Vehicle repairs or replacement

Insurance settlement or denial

FEMA assistance will not cover losses already covered from a previous disaster but can help with new damage caused by Hurricane Milton. Eligible survivors affected by multiple hurricanes can receive Serious Needs Assistance and Displacement Assistance in multiple incidents.

If you have already created a Login.gov account, you may use that same account to access both applications.

FEMA is reaching out to applicants who may have been affected by multiple storms to provide necessary support for their recovery. These calls may come from unfamiliar area codes or phone numbers. If you are concerned about verifying that FEMA is trying to reach you, call the helpline at 800-621-3362.

Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews, housing inspectors, and other officials will be working in areas that have been impacted. These individuals will carry official photo identification badges.

During this recovery time, it is important to remember that FEMA representatives never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications. Their services are free. Don’t believe anyone who promises a disaster grant in return for payment. Don’t give your banking information to a person claiming to be a FEMA housing inspector. FEMA inspectors are never authorized to collect your personal financial information.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, report it immediately to your local police department or sheriff's office, or contact Florida’s Office of the Attorney General by calling 866-9-NO-SCAM (866-966-7226) or visit myfloridalegal.com. To file a fraud complaint, go online to Scam Report.

If you have knowledge of fraud, waste, or abuse, you can report these tips – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – to the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. You can also email StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov to report a tip.

Please continue to monitor the County's social media accounts for updates. Official storm information from Manatee County is always updated at mymanatee.org/storm.

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Manatee County Communications

ESF-14

Office: (941) 749-3531