Notices

Manatee County Launches Bulk Pickup Pilot Program, Advances Economic Development and Animal Welfare Initiatives

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (April 7, 2026) –The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners has approved the launch of a Bulk Collection Pilot Program by Manatee County Utilities beginning May 1, 2026, expanding curbside bulk pickup service for residents while collecting data to help evaluate future service options.

Under the pilot program, residential customers will be able to have two bulk items picked up at the curb on a predetermined scheduled regular service day once per month, for a total of 12 collections per year, with no rate changes at this time. The program will also include one annual bulk collection per property (of up to 10 cubic yards) of the same material.

Certain items, including tires and white goods (appliances), as well as the annual large-bulk pickup, will require advance scheduling through the County’s Customer Self-Service Portal at mymanatee.org/css.

“Thanks for thinking about the citizens, this is really helpful,” said District 5 Commissioner Dr. Bob McCann. “This is going to make a big difference for a lot of people,” added District 2 Commissioner Amanda Ballard.

Household hazardous waste and electronic scrap services will not change as part of the pilot program and will continue to not be collected curbside. Manatee County residents may continue to drop off these materials free of charge at the Lena Road Landfill, and the County will continue offering four remote household hazardous waste drop-off events each year. More information is available at mymanatee.org/hhw.

Separately, the board approved the execution of a services agreement with the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation to support economic development activities countywide. The agreement provides annual funding, administered through quarterly payments, and reinforces the County’s commitment to fostering strategic growth, job creation, and a strong local economy.

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners also appointed members to the Animal Services Advisory Board.

Melissa Carman was appointed to Seat 1, representing a citizen with expertise in business development, finance, and/or operations. Katy Demick, Ly Bibiana Salmon Wetzel, and Carol Whitmore were appointed to Seat 2, representing citizens affiliated with nonprofit organizations, agencies, or voluntary associations focused on the care, handling, or rescue of domestic animals.

For Seat 3, which represents citizens who have volunteered at least 80 hours with Manatee County Animal Welfare or a private rescue agency within the past two years, the Board appointed Wendy Gonzales, David Daniels, Kim Bruenner, Kerri Hughes, and Dena Sabou.

The Animal Services Advisory Board provides input to the Board of County Commissioners on policies, programs, and initiatives related to animal welfare, including shelter operations, community outreach, and efforts to promote responsible pet ownership and reduce animal overpopulation.

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

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