Latest News

The County’s Development Services Department is now offering a virtual building inspections tool that provides inspection services to contractors remotely.

Manatee County is hosting a Public Information Meeting on Wednesday, February 8, from 6 to 8 PM, at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church to detail an upcoming roadway improvement project on 63rd Avenue East.

Online applications for this board, which hears appeals regarding denied property tax exemptions, petitions relating to assessments, and requests concerning ad valorem tax deferrals, are due February 10, 2023.

Citizens can apply to be considered for one of three openings on the advisory committee on Infrastructure Sales Tax until February 16, 2023.

Manatee County is now accepting applications for a pair of openings on the Construction Trades Board through February 28, 2023.

Manatee County Utilities Department (MCUD) crews continue to focus repair efforts on a leak in the 42” transmission line at the Water Treatment Plant—a repair that has become more extensive than originally believed.

Manatee County Government offices will be closed Monday, January 16, 2023, to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Manatee County's free testing program run by NOMI Health at 1301 8th Avenue W. in Downtown Bradenton will end January 7, and a new testing location will open at the Downtown Bradenton Campus of the Florida Department of Health on January 9.

Visitors to Manatee County’s parks and recreation sites can look forward to a safer and more secure experience in the new year—thanks to the innovative Park Attendant program.

Manatee County Utilities crews are currently working with contractors to make emergency repairs to a leaking pipe in a main transmission line near the county’s water treatment plant.

Customers of Manatee County Utilities—especially those north of the Manatee River—may be experiencing discolored water and a drop in water pressure due to emergency water-main repairs.

Manatee County Government offices will be closed on Monday, January 2, 2023, in observance of New Year’s Day.

Residents are invited to learn more about roadway improvements planned for the 59th Street corridor during a special Community Conversation Saturday, January 14, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at the GT Bray Park Gymnasium.

Manatee County is hosting a Public Information Meeting for the upcoming Bradenton Beach Sewer Rehabilitation project on Gulf Drive from 6th Street South to 13th Street South, Thursday, January 12, from 6 to 8 PM.

Manatee County's popular wall calendars have arrived—just in time for the New Year

Manatee County's Emergency Management Division has coordinated with The Salvation Army to open cold weather shelter space at their Manatee County location.

Hurricane Ian-related debris collections are ending December 23.

As Christmas and New Year’s Day both fall on the weekend this year, County offices and activities will shift a bit during the holiday season.

Manatee County Emergency Management staff has been working with representatives of the Florida Department of Emergency Management and FEMA to continue operations of the site located at 3675 53rd Ave. E. in Bradenton Mondays to Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., to assist residents for the next 60 days.

The 2023/24 application period for non-profit agencies interested in applying for human resources grants to assist Manatee residents will be open from December 16, 2022, to January 25, 2023.

Manatee County is transitioning public hearing advertisements to the Website only, starting January 1, 2023.

Manatee County is seeking input from Condominium and Cooperative Associations related to the new Milestone Inspection law, requiring mandatory structural inspections.

Manatee County Commissioners have reelected District 3 Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners for 2023.

Manatee County's Platinum certification status was renewed by the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC)—and it remains the only Florida county to achieve the long list of sustainability standards.

Manatee County Animal Welfare (MCAW) launches program to help pets find homes for the holidays which will be highlighted at this Saturday's Best Friends Celebration.

Manatee County Public Works infrastructure inspectors are overseeing the work of a contractor restoring the two Northbound left-turn-lanes on Lorraine Road after a void was detected beneath this section of roadway.

A Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) location will be open at the Bradenton Area Convention Center for Manatee County residents Friday, December 2, through Sunday, December 4, for applicants to complete their in-person interview on-site.

Mitchell Teitelbaum, Esq., has been named Manatee County's newest Deputy County Administrator, completing the roster of Deputy Administrators overseeing day-to-day operations.

Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) is making several changes to fixed-route bus service, beginning Saturday, December 3.

Amanda Ballard, Mike Rahn and Jason Bearden were sworn into office as the County's three new Commissioners today during a brief ceremony.

If you’re looking for Santa, we’ve got him—and a whole lot more—at Manatee County’s Annual “A Night Before Christmas” event, Friday, December 9, 2022, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Bradenton’s G.T. Bray Park.

Due to decreased demand and need, operations at the Manatee County Recovery Center at the Myakka City Community Center will be shifting over the next week.

Manatee County Government offices will be closed Thursday and Friday (November 24 and 25) for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Manatee residents can now submit damage assessments via a new Crisis Track feature.

With minimal effects caused by Tropical Storm Nicole on Manatee County, some services have resumed.

Manatee County’s Veterans Services counselors stand ready to help community Veterans and their family members with any of their needs—not only benefits but other struggles they might have.

Manatee County is opening a pet-friendly “Safe Haven” shelter at Freedom Elementary, beginning today at 10 a.m., for those residents who wish to evacuate voluntarily should they feel their homes could be compromised due to damage from Hurricane Ian.

After careful consideration and assessment, Manatee County Government announces closures and cancellations due to the potential effects of Tropical Storm Nicole.

Manatee County has declared a local state of emergency in advance of Tropical Storm Nicole.

The old Coquina South boat ramp has been replaced with an updated, more resilient structure, and an ADA-compliant walkway and accessory lighting have been added.

Jodie Setnor Fiske, a statewide leader in emergency management and response, joins Manatee County Public Safety as Deputy Chief of Emergency Management.

Community leaders and County officials will gather to dedicate the new facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m., followed by a community celebration from 5 to 6 p.m.

Manatee County buildings will be illuminated green, November 7 through 13, as part of a new national initiative of the National Association of Counties (NACo) to show support for military Veterans.

Manatee County is hosting a Public Information Meeting about the Moccasin Wallow Road improvement, Wednesday, December 14, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Parrish Community High School Auditorium.

Starting Tuesday, November 1, Manatee County bus riders can get from here to there without paying a fare as Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) initiates an 18-month pilot program of fare-free transportation.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today it is opening two Mobile Business Recovery Centers in Manatee County.

In order to meet FEMA timeframe guidelines, all Manatee County residents, with the exception of those living in the Myakka City area, are being asked to have any remaining debris at the curb or right of way adjacent to their property for collection by November 9. Residents in the Myakka City area will have until November 16 to set their debris for collection.

As Manatee County residents continue to restore and recover after Hurricane Ian, a new dedicated Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) has opened at the John Marble Park, at 3675 53rd Ave. E. in Bradenton, to assist with those efforts.

Manatee County will host a Community Conversation at the Myakka City Community Center on Thursday, November 3, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. related to response and recovery from Hurricane Ian, mitigation for future flood events, safe drinking water and evacuations.

The contract between the county and red-light camera vendor Conduent expired at midnight on October 15.

Manatee County low- and very low-income homeowners can apply for financial help for housing rehabilitation and replacement assistance from Manatee County Community and Veterans Services Department through October 24, 2022.

Deputy County Administrator Courtney De Pol has been recognized as a regional business leader, being named one of the 40 Under 40 by the Business Observer.

In just the first 10 days of after-Ian pick-ups across Manatee County, an estimated 122,788 cubic yards of post-storm debris has been transported from curb lines and rights of way to debris-management sites. But there is still more to do.

Myakka City residents with compromised well water are encouraged to pick up bottled water and bleach and drop off their water samples for testing by FDOH at the Myakka City Community Center.

While the floodwaters have mostly receded, the risk remains for residents in the Myakka City area of Manatee County whose drinking water comes from private wells.

Twenty-seven dogs earned their first-time flyer wings yesterday morning when they took off from the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport to rescues and shelters located in New York, Vermont and Maryland.

Manatee County residents can apply for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP).

After more than a week of restoration and repair efforts due to Hurricane Ian, Manatee County’s beautiful beaches, along with the majority of its preserves and parks, are back in business.

Manatee County Utilities has a new leader. Evan Pilachowski, P.E.—currently working with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection—was unanimously approved by the Board of County Commissioners today.

Manatee County debris haulers will begin their collection of storm debris Friday, October 7. For this collection, the county will be separated into western, northeastern, and southeastern service areas.

One of the most heartbreaking post-Hurricane problems faced by communities is the issue of lost and missing pets. Manatee County Animal Welfare (MCAW) is working through those concerns with coordination and compassion.

In the wake of Hurricane Ian, Manatee County officials have downgraded the activation status of the Emergency Operations center (EOC) to a partial activation—maintaining essential recovery and response functions.

As Manatee County residents continue to clean-up after Ian, some are having to be extra careful when it comes to their drinking water supply—especially if that water is supplied through a well.

Individuals and families needing assistance due to damages caused by Hurricane Ian can apply for federal assistance online or call and get answers to related questions.

Due to network issues with Verizon, customers cannot dial 9-1-1 in Florida locations from Jacksonville to the Keys.

As Manatee County residents continue to clean-up after Ian, Manatee County Development Services will be working with them to help make faster fixes by expediting permits for hurricane- damaged structures.

Manatee County has made a lot of progress in its efforts to recover from Hurricane Ian.

As Manatee County continues to clean-up and recover following Hurricane Ian, several organizations are providing help for residents and several are looking for help.

Manatee County Parks continue to reopen following Hurricane Ian, while some areas remain closed—for now.

Within 48 hours of Tropical Storm-force winds exiting the region, Manatee County response and resources were being dispatched to a new hazard—flooding in the Myakka City area.

Before and after measurements of the Manatee County beaches along 25 different sites determined there was essentially “zero loss” of sandy beach resource width or depth from Hurricane Ian effects.

Manatee County Utilities workers continue to make progress in their efforts to return the water and sewer services to normal, following the impact of Hurricane Ian, which includes the full ability of customers to use their drains for flushing, showering and laundry needs.

After a week of storm preparations, storm waiting, storm watching and storm clean-up, Manatee County Government is poised to re-open Monday, October 3.

Residents and visitors are finding help in the wake of Hurricane Ian through a variety of resources.

There are still several significant road closures impacting travel through and within Manatee County.

After the storm, the clean-up begins. And as Manatee County residents begin to pick up the pieces post-Ian, collections for garbage and yard waste will go back to typical scheduling—with one major change. Recycling collections will be suspended until further notice.

Water service is back for all county customers as of this afternoon. Manatee County Utilities workers have also been able to provide more water for Sarasota’s needs during this recovery period.

While residents continue to clear their property and take down storm shutters, Manatee County staff is conducting exhaustive damage estimates.

Water service is being restored to the county’s barrier islands and mobile home parks in the wake of Hurricane Ian.

Manatee County residents and visitors are still being asked to “refrain from the drain” to limit wastewater system impacts.

Manatee County Administrator Dr. Scott Hopes reiterated in this morning’s press conference that Manatee County staff and field crews are continuing to answer the call to get the community back to normal.

Real-time damage estimates performed by Manatee County staff show more than 37 million dollars in storm damage—so far.

As winds from Hurricane Ian continue to diminish, Manatee County Public Safety and Administration are lifting the mandatory evacuation orders which have been in effect since Tuesday morning.

Clean up after Hurricane Ian is in high gear in Manatee County with rapid deployment of recovery resources.

With more than 100,000 residents and visitors ordered to leave Manatee County Level A and B evacuation zones, Public Safety officials say we should remain sheltered in place during Ian’s approach.

As winds from Hurricane Ian are beginning to subside, Manatee County crews are mobilizing to begin recovery efforts.

With the latest forecasts of Hurricane Ian showing what will be a significant impact along the Manatee County coastline, Emergency Management officials have EXPANDED the MANDATORY evacuation order and shelter locations.

While the most recent forecast paths of Hurricane Ian are meandering a bit, this storm still shows what will be a significant impact throughout Manatee County.

Following the updated forecast of Hurricane Ian, public safety officials are announcing plans for evacuations, beginning with a MANDATORY Zone A evacuation and VOLUNTARY Zone B evacuation, effective at 8 a.m., Tuesday, September 27.

Storm shelters have been identified for those who have received MANDATORY Level A evacuation and VOLUNTARY Level B evacuations orders that start Tuesday.

Manatee County has declared a local state of emergency in advance of Tropical Storm Ian, allowing County staff to perform any emergency actions needed during the storm.

Emergency Management and Public Safety officials are urging Manatee County residents to monitor Tropical Depression Nine through the weekend as the storm moves slowly toward Florida.

Manatee County is accepting applications, until October 21, for three seats on the Planning Commission—a citizen’s advisory committee that makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on land use items.

Manatee County is set to celebrate Halloween in a safe and fun-filled environment during the 20th Annual Goblin Gathering from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, October 14, at GT Bray Park.

Manatee County Animal Welfare is partnering with Best Friends Animal Society on a pet adoption campaign this weekend, encouraging people to choose to adopt, not buy, their next pet.

County Commissioners unanimously approved next year's budget and a plan to reduce next year’s property tax rate by .30 mills from the Tentative Budget while continuing significant investments in local roads, infrastructure and public safety.

Manatee County is keeping its eyes on agriculture through ongoing support and partnerships with the University of Florida (UF) and its Agricultural Extension program.

Manatee County has secured $232 million in funding on the bond market to speed up nearly 20 high-profile capital improvement and infrastructure projects.

The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) HUB helps provide up-to-date information on some of the most important aspects of significant current Manatee County roadway projects.

Manatee County Economic Development is providing sandbags at three locations from September 14 through 23, for business owners and operators in flood-prone areas.

Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) driver David Davis was named the Para-Transit Operator of the Year by the State of Florida Commission for Transportation Disadvantaged (CTD).

Mark your calendars for FITFest Manatee 2023—a celebration of healthy lifestyles in one of Manatee County’s most inviting natural settings—Saturday, February 18, 2023, at the NEST at Robinson Preserve.

Manatee County is teaming with the Florida Housing Coalition to help build affordable housing and provide opportunities for mission-based organizations and minority-owned or led businesses to participate in this process.

Manatee County Government offices will be closed Monday, September 5, to commemorate Labor Day.

An additional 30 spaces will be accessible at the Hidden Harbor Park truck and trailer parking lot (adjacent to Fort Hamer Boat Ramp) when it officially opens Friday, September 2, 2022.

The indoor recreation center at G.T. Bray Park will be closed Thursday, September 1, and Friday, September 2, 2022, for needed repairs.

On August 27, Manatee County EMS employees will see their salaries increase as part of a new pay structure approved by the Manatee County Board of Commissioners.

Both Fitch Ratings and Moody's Investors Service have assigned top ratings to Manatee County. The two services also provided a very high grade for the $212 million revenue improvement and refunding bonds series 2022.

Manatee County is accepting applications for both a judge and a physician to serve on the Children’s Services Advisory Board (CSAB) for a three-year term.

Over the next several weeks, construction crews will work to reconfigure Cooper Creek Boulevard, from University Parkway north to the entrance of the Shoppes at UTC.

Manatee County residents interested in helping protect land and water resources, preserve fish and wildlife habitats and provide for passive recreation are invited to apply for one of five positions now available on the Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee.

More than 150 vendors have responded to initial survey requests, expressing their interest in continuing to work with the new Coquina Beach Market management team, which is making plans to create a more enjoyable experience for beachgoers.

Following the announced changes in management for the popular Coquina Beach Market, it has become clear that coordinated communication is going to be a key component of making the ongoing efforts a success.

Artisans and other vendors will be back along the Coquina Beach South promenade for a new season, which starts in November, with oversight for the market shifting to Manatee County.

After 38 years with Manatee County Government, Utilities Director Mike Gore is retiring.

Per a press release from the Department of Health Manatee today, no-swim advisories have been lifted for four Manatee beaches.

Manatee County Commissioners have proposed a new spending plan for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23), including—for the second year in a row—a millage rate reduction.

Manatee County Animal Welfare is hosting an official ribbon cutting and open house at the Bishop Animal Shelter Friday, August 5, 2022, celebrating and commemorating the donation of the facility.

Manatee County Commissioners recognized two members of the Information Outreach team for first-place accolades in the National Association of Government Communicators (NAGC) annual Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Awards.

MCAT leaders invite interested job seekers to stop by the Transit Complex on Saturday, July 30, from 9 AM to 1 PM, to find out more about this community-focused job that starts at $17.80/hour.

The Manatee County Public Library System will be expanding and standardizing its hours at all locations in a phased approach, starting August 1, 2022.

Due to getting consistently great reviews from travelers, Robinson Preserve has earned a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Award, ranking them among the top 10% of properties with best activities.

Manatee County Utilities leaders want to remind customers that Friday’s garbage and recycling collections will happen tomorrow (Saturday, July 9).

Low- and very low-income Special Needs homeowners in Manatee County can apply for financial help through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program for housing rehabilitation and replacement assistance from the Manatee County until July 22 at 5 PM.

Manatee County will hold an online Community Workshop to discuss a County-Initiated Text Amendment to the Land Development Code (LDC) regarding agritourism activities on properties located in Manatee County, July 21 at 7 PM.

On July 3 and 4, people can ride the ConneXion Shuttle between 75th Street West and Anna Maria Island free of charge.

The volunteer board makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners about priorities and expenditures of the County’s dedicated millage for children’s services.

In the ongoing effort to write the final chapter in the Piney Point site closure, Manatee County officials are working with the FDEP to make minor modifications in its disposal permits.

Residents who want to help protect land and water resources, preserve fish and wildlife habitats and provide for passive recreation are invited to apply for one of two open positions on the Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee.

Eligible applicants who are involved in the tourism industry or have demonstrated an interest in tourism development are encouraged to apply for one of two openings until July 15.

Harmon offers an extensive background in employee relations, with leadership roles in both the public and private sectors. She currently serves as the HR Director for Community Health Systems (Venice).

Three positions to help combat homelessness and one position in response to opioid litigation have been added to the Public Safety team. Each offers a competitive salary and opportunity to implement proactive solutions.

After recent studies found that the approximately 30-year-old concrete and steel County Admin building parking garage has begun to weaken from the inside out, a replacement plan is being made.

Former Director of Transportation for Sarasota County Schools and Director of Transportation and Vehicle Maintenance for Manatee County Schools, Jason Harris, has been named Transit Division Manager.

Board of County Commissioners unanimously approve Development Services Director Courtney De Pol as a Deputy Administrator for Manatee County Government.

Fixed-route bus service enhancements will go into effect Saturday, June 11.

Sandbags are being offered at 4000 Gulf Drive (Holmes Beach) on a first-come, first-served basis, and general public self-serve locations are available at both the Rubonia and Myakka Community Centers.

With heavy rains and wind predicted with threats of flooding through the weekend, Manatee County leaders are shutting all County-Operated pools and aquatic centers Saturday, June 4, and Sunday, June 5, 2022.

While “new” residents are especially encouraged to do their homework before a storm threatens, local emergency managers are encouraging ALL Manatee residents to check their location, status and plans now—even if they’ve been through storms before.

In an effort to allow even more recreational access to the swim-and-splash amenities at the new Lincoln Aquatic Center, there will now be two separate swim sessions daily through August 6.

Manatee County Government offices will be closed Monday, May 30, to commemorate Memorial Day.

Sheila McLean has accepted the assignment of Interim Chief Financial Officer for Manatee County Government, bringing with her three-and-a-half decades of financial management experience.

After an unprecedented demand for opening weekend access, Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources leaders are excited to announce the initial operating hours of the Lincoln Aquatic Center.

Manatee County is accepting applications for seven seats on the Affordable Housing Advisory Board, a volunteer committee that makes recommendations to County Commissioners to encourage or facilitate affordable housing.

The Lincoln Aquatic Center facility is already a hit, taking less than eight hours for all the test-splash slots to fill up at the soft-opening Memorial Day Weekend located in Palmetto.

Individuals and families can reserve a two-hour swim slot over Memorial Day Weekend at the brand-new multi-million-dollar Lincoln Aquatic Center.

The 6th Annual Adopt-A-Palooza will be held on Saturday, May 21 at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Boulevard in Palmetto. Hours are 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission and parking are FREE.

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners honored Manatee County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) with a proclamation to kick off EMS Week (MAY 15 to 21) 2022. At the same time, Manatee County EMS unveiled a brand new 50th-Anniversary "throwback" designed ambulance.

Ahead of a planned trip to the Nation’s Capital this week, Manatee County leaders are releasing a list of their Federal Legislative Priorities.

Scores of tennis and pickleball enthusiasts joined Manatee County leaders today to dedicate the new newly renovated C.V. Walton Racquet Center at G. T. Bray Park.

In one of the fastest-growing, most vibrant, and evolving counties in the country, Manatee County Development Services is streamlining its processes to help monitor and coordinate that growth.

Manatee County residents will have an opportunity to get expert advice on keeping themselves, their families and their property protected at Manatee County's Hurricane Preparedness Expo.

Highlighting what’s new and exciting in Manatee County’s G.T. Bray Park, a ribbon cutting for new pickleball courts -- and the dedication of a newly-named street -- will take place Friday morning, May 6.

On National Arbor Day 2022, Manatee County is “taking it to the streets” to show off a unique way to help soften urban hardscapes by planting shrubs, plants and trees in medians between traffic lanes.

Emergency Management personnel and Manatee County leaders were able to survive a Category 3 Hurricane simulation today at the county’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). It was only a drill!

Manatee County has an opening for a citizen member on the 2022 Value Adjustment Board (VAB) – whose members hear appeals regarding denied property tax exemptions, petitions relating to assessments, and requests concerning ad valorem tax deferrals.

Manatee County is now accepting applications for four openings on the Construction Trades Board. Two (2) openings are for consumer representatives, and two (2) others are for state-licensed contractors

Local job seekers can learn about – and apply for -- “Work that Matters” at Manatee County's upcoming Job Fair. Hiring managers from Manatee County Government will be on hand to showcase and recruit for many of their current, open employment opportunities.

Following the announced retirement of two managers, Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) workers were relieved to hear that the road ahead is clear.

In a five-page memorandum to County Commissioners, Manatee County Administrator Scott Hopes is addressing concerns identified in a a recent Inspector General Investigation Report into allegations of favoritism and misconduct in the county’s Building and Development Services Department.

Following the release of an Investigation Report into allegations of favoritism and misconduct in the former Building and Development Services Department, Manatee County Administrator Scott Hopes made it clear that things have changed.

Manatee County Code Enforcement personnel are doing their part to assist with residents’ Spring Cleaning this year… but they will continue their “sweeps” activities right through the end of 2022.

Manatee County has officially taken over the management and operation of the Bishop Animal Shelter from the Bishop Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Manatee County.

To increase its outreach efforts, Manatee County’s Procurement Division will host a Supplier Outreach Symposium for suppliers to meet with Manatee County departments.

Leaders with the Manatee County Utilities Department (MCUD) want to remind residents of the importance of conserving water during Florida’s “Dry Season.”

Construction to expand and renovate the Coquina Key Boat Ramp on Gulf Drive South on Bradenton Beach is ready to begin. Contractors will close the facility on March 21.

With an eye to enhancing service, increasing community engagement, and fostering more efficient and effective processes, Manatee County Government is reorganizing to better serve the County’s mission.

Lee Washington, a long-time leader in Manatee County Veterans and Community Services, has been named to Director of Neighborhood Services. Mr. Washington – who had been serving as Interim Director – was unanimously approved by Manatee County Commissioners today.

Making the needs of Manatee County citizens known -- in no uncertain terms -- all seven commissioners combined their voices for a message to the Florida Legislature.

A pair of new leaders started their supervisory roles with Manatee County Government today. Courtney De Pol takes over as the Director of Building and Development Services and Andrew T. (Drew) Richardson is the new head of Information Technology Services.

Drilling is underway at the Piney Point Deep Injection Well (DIW) site on Buckeye Road in Palmetto. The drilling commenced just before 10 am today, with Dr. Hopes at the controls, actually drilling the first few feet -- exactly eight months after the County submitted the initial application for the well’s construction on April 22, 2021.

County Commissioners yesterday elected District 3 Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners for 2022.

Patricia Adams, Transit Operator with Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) for nearly 15 years, has been named Manatee County’s 2021 Employee of the Year.

Manatee County Government Redevelopment and Economic Opportunity (REO)'s #ManateeMomentum campaign won a Bronze Rank honors for Innovation in Economic Development Week from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The award was presented this week at an awards ceremony during the IEDC Annual Conference.

Starting next week, Manatee County will offer one-on-one support to anyone who needs help applying for Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) funds which are being distributed to help those who have fallen behind on rent payments because of losses from the pandemic.

One day after the federal ban on renter evictions was extended through the end of June, Manatee County is making another push to remind local renters and landlords that help is available for those who have fallen behind on rent payments as a result of losses from the pandemic.

Manatee County Administrator Scott Hopes is inviting all County residents – and anyone else who is interested -- to check out the 2021 Manatee County Annual Report.