Notices

Manatee County Advances Fresh Start Initiative, Honors Those Who Shaped Our Community

Manatee County, Fla. (March 24, 2026) — The Manatee Board of County Commissioners has approved a key milestone for the Fresh Start initiative, marking another addition to the County’s ecosystem of support for people in need. This action starts a transformational project aimed at addressing homelessness, while separate items recognize community leaders and support citizen engagement.

Fresh Start Phase 1 Approved

Commissioners approved the next step to move forward with Phase 1 of the Fresh Start program. Fresh Start will provide temporary housing and support services to help people get back on their feet. Phase 1 construction is expected to begin in late April 2026 and follow a 180-day schedule.

Phase 1 includes:

62 beds

Kitchen and dining facilities

Laundry and lounge areas

Office and consultation space

Outdoor secure areas with shade structures

“Fresh Start is about more than shelter, it’s about creating a pathway forward,” said District 2 Commissioner Amanda Ballard. “By pairing shelter with supportive services, we’re helping individuals rebuild their lives while strengthening our community as a whole.”

Phase 2 is currently in design, with construction documents expected in May 2026 and a GMP anticipated later this summer. Pending approval, mobilization could begin in Fall 2026 with a 180-day construction schedule. Phase 2 is expected to add 84 beds and expanded support facilities.

Additional Board Actions

The Board also approved several items recognizing community legacy and supporting public engagement:

Named the Washington Park Community Center the “Lawrence C. and Clifford B. Livingston Community Center” (Resolution R-26-027)

Named the addition at David J. Crane Park the “Carol Ann Billberry Felts Preserve at David J. Crane Park” (Resolution R-26-038)

Appointed the following residents living in the Unincorporated Manatee County to the Citizens Oversight Committee for the Infrastructure Sales Tax Advisory Board (two-year terms):

John A. Mele

Wayne Stellfox

Moving Forward

The Fresh Start initiative and accompanying Board actions highlight Manatee County’s balanced approach to addressing immediate needs while planning for long-term community success.

“This is what responsible government looks like,” Ballard added. “We’re investing in our ecosystem of support, honoring those who shaped our community, and taking real, measurable steps to support our most vulnerable residents.”

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

Bradenton Area To Host “Golf Coast Drive” Beachfront Golf Experience During Senior PGA Championship Week:

Environmentally responsible golf event to showcase Coquina Beach and support youth development through First Tee Sarasota/Manatee

BRADENTON BEACH, FL. – March 19, 2026 – The Bradenton Area’s sugar-white sands will set the stage for Golf Coast Drive, a one-of-a-kind beachfront golf experience set to tee off on April 13 at Coquina Beach to kick off the week of the Senior PGA Championship.

The event invites participants to take their swing from the Bradenton Area’s world-renowned beaches while promoting environmentally responsible recreation. Using biodegradable golf balls, participants will hit shots into the Gulf waters in three beachside challenges: a longest drive competition into the gulf, a closest-to-the-pin contest featuring floating offshore targets and a mini-golf course.

“Golf Coast Drive is a fun and inclusive way to celebrate championship golf while also highlighting the beach bliss of the Bradenton Area,” said Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Chairperson, Tal Siddique. “Along with the Senior PGA Championship here at the Concession Golf Club, we’re excited to welcome fans and visitors to experience our coastline in a whole new way.”

The one-day event will also feature a sunset skills showdown with celebrity guests. They will earn points through driving, pitching and putting challenges on the beachfront. The team with highest score will be crowned champion of the inaugural Golf Coast Drive.

The day’s events include a youth clinic in partnership with First Tee Sarasota/Manatee, a golf-based nonprofit which uses programs to teach life and leadership skills to young people across the region. Through partnerships with organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs, the Newtown Connection, Girls Inc., and the Palmetto Youth Center, the organization provides free access to golf instruction and mentorship. So far this year, the program has reached more than 1,000 local youth.

“This exciting event will help participating youth sharpen their skills in a new and exciting way,” said Lisa Krouse, chief executive officer of First Tee Sarasota/Manatee said. “Tying together our young athletes with champion and professional golfers will be a treasured experience.”

Later in the week, The Concession Golf Course is hosting the Senior PGA Championship from April 16-19, the first time the event will be held in the state of Florida since the year 2000.

Timeline:

April 13th 1pm-7pm

1:00pm: Media participation and interviews

1:30pm-3:00pm: Open to the public

3:00pm- 5:00pm: First Tee Youth Clinic

5:00pm-7:00pm: Sunset skills showdown and trophy ceremony

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Keenan Singleton, Communications Manager

Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

941-773-6000

keenan.singleton@bacvb.com

About the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

As an accredited Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), The Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (BACVB) is responsible for promoting tourism to Bradenton, Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key areas through strategic domestic and international advertising, public relations and marketing efforts. In an effort to raise the profile and boost the economy in Manatee County, the BACVB works with consumers as well as meeting and event planners to highlight the destination’s sugar-white sand and turquoise waters, fresh seafood, arts and culture, rich history and the easy pace of authentic Florida island life globally. For more information, visit www.bradentongulfislands.com.

Manatee County Launches Mixon Farms Market March 15

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (Mar. 5, 2026)—Manatee County is proud to announce the kickoff of the new Mixon Farms Market, launching Sunday, March 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mixon Farms, 2525 27th Street East, Bradenton, FL 34208.

The inaugural event will feature a variety of local vendors offering fresh foods, handmade goods and specialty items. Families can also enjoy live music while they shop and explore a special “Ag Adventure Day” with a touch a tractor area showcasing real tractors, farming tools and agriculture up close. Guests will also be able to tour the Gazebo and Grand Pavilion, where a styled mini wedding showcase will highlight the venue’s charm and event possibilities.

The Mixon Farms Market is designed to bring the community together while supporting local small businesses and entrepreneurs. The market aims create a recurring destination where residents can shop local and connect with area growers, makers and vendors.

Following the March 15 kickoff, the market will continue on the third Sunday of the month in April and May. The regular season will run September through May, providing an ongoing opportunity for residents to enjoy fresh products and community-centered experiences.

“Preserving local agriculture is essential to maintaining the character, economy and heritage of Manatee County,” said District 2 Commissioner Amanda Ballard. “The Mixon Farms Market not only supports our local farmers and small businesses, it also creates meaningful opportunities for residents to connect directly with the people who grow their food and sustain our agricultural traditions.”

Vendor Opportunities Available

Local farmers, artisans and small businesses interested in participating in future markets are encouraged to apply. Vendors can request information and sign up by emailing mixon@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)