Notices

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)

Manatee County to Revitalize Park at Martha B. King Middle School Through Strong County–School District Partnership

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (Feb. 12, 2026)—Manatee County will soon begin work to revitalize an existing park at Martha B. King Middle School. The project reflects a continued partnership between Manatee County and the School District of Manatee County focused on enhancing recreational opportunities for students, families, and the surrounding neighborhood.

The proposed site plan includes a series of improvements designed to enhance accessibility, safety, and functionality while building on existing amenities. Planned upgrades include the addition of four new pickleball courts, improvements to existing tennis courts, a children’s playground, and a pavilion. The project also includes a reconfigured parking area with 23 standard and 2 ADA-accessible spaces, and re-sealed asphalt throughout the site.

To improve walkability and connectivity, the plan features a 6-foot-wide concrete sidewalk, enhanced fencing and screening, and defined entry points along 9th Avenue Northwest and 75th Street Northwest. Existing amenities such as restrooms, open field space with added irrigation, and enhanced stormwater retention areas will be preserved and incorporated into the overall design.

Landscaping enhancements are also planned, featuring native and Florida-friendly vegetation providing shade, visual interest, and environmental benefits.

“This project is about more than improving a park—it’s about strengthening a partnership that benefits the entire community,” said Tal Siddique, Manatee County District 3 Commissioner. “By working closely with the School District, we’re able to invest in a space that supports students during the school day and provides a welcoming recreational asset for families and neighbors after hours.”

The revitalized park will continue to function as a shared-use facility, maximizing public investment while supporting active lifestyles, youth recreation, and neighborhood connectivity.

“Our schools are deeply connected to the neighborhoods they serve, and this partnership exemplifies that connection,” said the School District of Manatee County Superintendent Dr. Laurie Breslin. “By partnering with Manatee County Government, we are investing in a facility that supports learning, recreation, and community engagement, ensuring this space serves students and residents well into the future.”

Manatee County staff will continue coordinating with School District leadership as the project advances toward construction. Additional updates, including timing and next steps, will be shared as they become available.

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

Manatee County to Follow Modified Phase II Water Shortage Restrictions

One-Day-Per-Week Outdoor Watering in Effect Beginning February 8, 2026

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (Jan. 28, 2026) – The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) Governing Board has declared a Modified Phase II “Severe” Water Shortage due to ongoing dry conditions across the region. As a result, all residents in Manatee County, including those on private wells, will be required to follow one-day-per-week outdoor watering restrictions beginning February 8, 2026, through July 1, 2026.

The declaration applies to all of Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, and Sumter counties; portions of Charlotte, Highlands, and Lake counties; the City of Dunnellon and The Villages in Marion County; and the portion of Gasparilla Island in Lee County.

The District reported below-average rainfall during the 2025 summer rainy season and a current regional rainfall deficit of approximately 13 inches compared to the 12-month average. Water levels in aquifers, rivers, lakes, and regional public water supplies continue to decline and are below normal for this time of year.

Because outdoor irrigation can account for more than 50 percent of household water use, residents should carefully follow their local watering schedules. In Manatee County, the standard one-day-per-week schedule is based on street address:

Addresses ending in 0 or 1: Monday

Addresses ending in 2 or 3: Tuesday

Addresses ending in 4 or 5: Wednesday

Addresses ending in 6 or 7: Thursday

Addresses ending in 8 or 9, and locations without a discernible address: Friday

Unless stricter local hours are in effect:

Properties under two acres may water only before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.

Properties two acres or larger may water only before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

Low-volume irrigation (micro-irrigation, soaker hoses, and hand watering) is allowed any day and time.

Additional provisions of the Modified Phase II Order include:

Homeowners associations and similar entities may not require increased water use for landscape appearance, plant replacement, or pressure washing.

Residential car washing is allowed only on the assigned watering day.

Aesthetic fountains are limited to eight hours of operation per day.

Pressure washing is allowed once per year or when preparing surfaces for painting or sealing.

Manatee County Utilities, in coordination with Code Enforcement, will enforce the water shortage restrictions. The following penalty structure will apply:

1st violation – Warning

2nd violation – $100 fine

3rd violation – $250 fine

4th and subsequent violations – $500 fine

The County is coordinating with Code Enforcement staff to ensure consistent enforcement of the Modified Phase II provisions.

The order also directs local utilities to report enforcement activity to the Southwest Florida Water Management District and continue coordination with regional water supply partners, including Tampa Bay Water and the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority.

For full details on watering restrictions, visit mymanatee.org/waterrestrictions.

For water-saving tips and conservation resources, visit WaterMatters.org/Water101.

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