Latest News

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.