Latest News

10/01/2024

Manatee County is working hard to get back to normal and assess the needs of our neighbors who have been impacted by Hurricane Helene.

How to Deal With All That Sand

09/30/2024

As residents along the Manatee County Gulf Coast continue to clean up from the effects of Hurricane Helene, the overwhelming abundance of sand is proving to be challenging.

Manatee County Volunteer Opportunity

09/30/2024

Manatee County is organizing a community-wide volunteer effort October 1 to 3 to help fully assess our neighbors’ human needs.

Manatee County Continues Helene Recovery

09/30/2024

Manatee County is continuing to recover from the effects of Hurricane Helene, as relief efforts pivot to help meet community needs.

Boil Water Advisory Issued for Anna Maria Island

09/28/2024

After surveying the damage caused by Hurricane Helene during water restoration, Manatee County Utilities has issued a Boil Water Advisory for residents of Anna Maria Island for drinking water only.

Helene Recovery Continues With Animal Event

09/28/2024

As residents across Manatee County continue to clean up and recover from the effects of Hurricane Helene, Manatee County Animal Welfare (MCAW) staff continued to prepare for their Adopt-a-Palooza event.

Manatee County Recovers From Helene

09/27/2024

Hurricane Helene stayed well offshore of Manatee County, but its tropical weather effects have left significant damage.

Helene Impacts Manatee County

09/26/2024

Manatee County Emergency Management and staff have made final preparations to face the brunt of Hurricane Helene. So too have citizens.

Manatee County Braces for Helene

09/25/2024

Manatee County Emergency Management has initiated evacuations for residents and visitors in Level A and is recommending that those in Level B areas also consider evacuating ahead of Hurricane Helene.

Manatee County Evacuation Orders Issued

09/24/2024

Due to the impending weather impacts of Tropical Storm Helene, Manatee County has issued an evacuation notice for any residents living in the Level A evacuation zone and anyone living in mobile or manufactured homes in Manatee County beginning Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 10 a.m.

New Emergency Declaration for Manatee County

09/24/2024

Manatee County has declared a Local State of Emergency (LSE) in advance of anticipated severe weather over the next several days.

Manatee County Prepares for Wet Weather

09/23/2024

Manatee County is preparing for what could be another drenching rain event this week for potential development and impacts along the Gulf Coast of Florida.

Picture of the 100th gopher tortoise released at Duette Preserve

Gopher Tortoise Resort Welcomes 100th Resident

09/20/2024

Manatee County Natural Resources staff welcomed their 100th Gopher Tortoise to its Long-Term Relocation Recipient Site at the Duette Preserve.

Be a Better Human Project Begins in Manatee County

09/17/2024

Manatee County Property Management staffers have started installing a series of trash bag dispensers around the county encouraging residents to pick up trash and debris.

Envision Manatee Continues to Seek Citizen Input

09/09/2024

Manatee County will be hosting an additional Public Information Meeting to discuss updates to the County’s Comprehensive Plan: “Envision Manatee.”

Goblin Gathering to Take Over G.T. Bray Park October 11

09/09/2024

Preparations are underway for Goblin Gathering—Manatee County’s Premier family friendly Halloween experience.

Manatee County Moves to Add Boat Ramps

09/06/2024

The Manatee Board of County Commissioners has voted to buy the Seafood Shack Marina, Bar and Grill in Cortez, an 8.8-acre property, targeted to be developed as a public boating access facility.

44th AVE E Ext Overnight Detour

09/05/2024

As part of the 44th Avenue East Extension Project No. 6, overnight detours of southbound traffic on I-75 will be required as the contractor begins placing structural steel girders for construction of the bridge over the southbound lanes.

Manatee 3-1-1 Extends Services

08/30/2024

Manatee County’s 3-1-1 system—the central contact point for citizens to report any issues—is going to extend operations over the holiday weekend.

Library Card Sign-Up Month

08/28/2024

Unlock a world of free resources, services and opportunities by signing up for a Manatee Library Card in September.

Adopt-A-Palooza is Coming September 28

08/28/2024

Manatee's largest one-day pet adoption and expo-style event is back at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, Saturday, September 28, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This is the image for the news article titled First-of-its-Kind European Holiday Market to be held at the Bradenton Area Convention Center This Season

First-of-its-Kind European Holiday Market to be held at the Bradenton Area Convention Center This Season

08/22/2024

This holiday season, the Bradenton Area Convention Center will be transformed into an authentic “European” holiday market with a gulf coast twist. Experience will feature artisans, food and drink & immersive video projections

Emergency Declaration Extended Due to Heavy Rain

08/22/2024

Manatee County has extended the State of Emergency due to Tropical Storm/Hurricane Debby as heavy rains continue to fall.

Manatee County Disaster Recovery Center Opens

08/16/2024

FEMA will be opening a Disaster Recovery Center in Manatee County beginning tomorrow to help Florida storm survivors.

Emergency Declaration Extended in Manatee County

08/15/2024

Manatee County has extended the State of Emergency due to Tropical Storm/Hurricane Debby.

Community Initiatives Funding

08/13/2024

The Manatee Board of County Commissioners is continuing to fund important community programs and facilities through budget measures approved today.

“Envision Manatee” Seeks Citizen Input

08/13/2024

Manatee County is hosting another series of Public Information Meetings to discuss updates to the County’s Comprehensive Plan: “Envision Manatee.”

Manatee County Ready to Collect Debby Debris

08/12/2024

Manatee County debris haulers will begin their collection of storm debris tomorrow, August 13. For this collection, haulers will concentrate their initial passes through the most impacted areas of the county first, with multiple sweeps to follow.

FEMA Helping Manatee County Residents

08/12/2024

Florida homeowners and renters in 10 counties, including Manatee, who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Debby may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance.

44th Avenue East Extension Project Overpass Construction to Detour Northbound I-75 in Manatee County

08/09/2024

As part of the 44th Avenue East Extension Project No. 6, overnight detours of northbound traffic on I-75 will be required as the contractor begins placing structural steel girders for construction of the bridge over the northbound lanes.

Animal Welfare Inundated With Lost Pets

08/08/2024

Since August 1, nearly 130 stray animals have been taken in by Manatee County Animal Welfare.

School Zone Speed Enforcement Begins August 12

08/08/2024

Manatee County will begin speed camera enforcement in school zones with the start of the new school year next week.

Manatee County Recovers From Debby

08/07/2024

Manatee County Government is offering help for residents recovering from the effects of Hurricane Debby.

Manatee Experiences Historic Rainfall Due to Hurricane Debby

08/05/2024

Hurricane Debby has brought unprecedented rainfall to our region, resulting in historic flooding and extensive emergency response efforts. Over the past 24 hours, the storm has dumped record-breaking amounts of rain, leading to widespread flooding and dangerous conditions across the county.

Strategic Release of Water From Lake Manatee

08/05/2024

Following record-breaking rainfall, officials have determined that a strategic release of water from Lake Manatee is necessary.

Debby Inundates Manatee County

08/05/2024

Widespread flooding has been reported across Manatee County following the passage of Hurricane Debby.

Manatee Residents Warned of Flood Risk

08/04/2024

As Tropical Storm Debby continues to churn offshore, Manatee County officials are providing residents in high-risk areas with warnings about the increased possibility of flooding.

Tropical Storm Debby Update

08/04/2024

While forecasters monitor its progress through warm Gulf of Mexico waters and predict potential landfall, Manatee County still is anticipating more impacts from Tropical Storm Debby.

Manatee County Encourages Coastal Level A Evacuation Ahead of Tropical Depression Four

08/03/2024

Sandbag Locations & Well Safety

08/02/2024

Manatee County Public Works crews are setting up self-serve sandbag locations for residents who may want to take extra pro-active measures to secure their property in advance of the forecast tropical weather headed here.

Emergency Declaration in Manatee County

08/02/2024

Manatee County has declared a local State of Emergency in advance of anticipated severe weather over the next several days. Commissioners made the declaration during a specially called meeting this morning.

Upper Manatee River Road Improvements to Begin

07/31/2024

The Manatee County Public Works Department announces the start of construction on Upper Manatee River Road from north of S.R. 64 to the Fort Hamer Bridge in Bradenton. The contractor, Woodruff & Sons, Inc., will begin construction activities starting in August 2024.

BOCC Continues Funding Environmental Projects

07/30/2024

The Manatee Board of County Commissioners is continuing their funding of important environmental initiatives across the county.

BOCC Places Tourist Development Tax Referendum on November Ballot

07/30/2024

The Manatee Board of County Commissioners authorized a vote on an additional one percent to be added to the paid-for-by-visitors Tourist Development Tax on the November 5th ballot.

Illuminating BOCC Community Projects

07/30/2024

The Manatee Board of County Commissioners is helping to brighten ballfields across the county as part of its continued funding of important initiatives.

Animal Welfare Issues Urgent Plea for Adoptions

07/23/2024

Manatee County Animal Welfare has approached high capacity, and the Palmetto Adoption Center cannot take in any additional animals from Bishop until more dogs get adopted. Due to this critical situation, MCAW has suspended adoption fees and is urging the community to consider adopting from their shelters.

UF/IFAS Manatee County Fall Plant Sale Announced

07/12/2024

Affordable, Florida-friendly plants grown locally by UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County Master Gardener Volunteers, will be on sale Saturday, October 5, at the Barbara Davis Educational Gardens from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Manatee County EMS and AHA Mission Lifeline Silver Image

Emergency Medical Services Nationally Recognized for Its Commitment to Quality Care for Heart Attacks & Strokes

07/02/2024

Manatee County Emergency Medical Services has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® EMS Silver Achievement Award for its commitment to offering rapid and research-based care to people experiencing the most severe form of heart attacks and strokes.

Emergency Management Hosting Hurricane Season Q&A

06/26/2024

Manatee County Emergency Management is offering another in-season opportunity to help bring everyone up to speed with Coffee and Questions at the Emergency Operations Center on Friday, July 12.

Algal Bloom May Affect Taste & Odor

06/21/2024

While the presence of algae at elevated concentrations in Lake Manatee can create an earthy and/or musty taste or odor in the treated drinking water, the water remains safe to drink.

Public Safety Partners With MD Ally

06/17/2024

Beginning June 18, Manatee County Emergency Communicators will now be able to transfer non-emergency medical situations to MD Ally telehealth professionals.

Young children at one of the Summer Learning Programs at Downtown Central Library

Summer Learning Program Is a Hit

06/12/2024

Nearly 1,700 students have already signed up for the 2024 Summer Learning Program.

Traffic Signal Technology Coming to Manatee County

06/12/2024

Soon it will be easier and safer for Manatee County emergency vehicles to reach citizens in need by giving them green lights at intersections.

The BOCC during their regular meeting on June 11, 2024

Manatee BOCC Funding Community Projects

06/11/2024

The Manatee Board of County Commissioners is continuing their funding of important initiatives across the county, including transportation, natural resources, parks and recreation.

Emergency Planners Seek Citizen Feedback

06/10/2024

The Manatee County Public Safety Department and Division of Emergency Management is looking for community participation for a Local Mitigation Strategy Planning Meeting on June 26.

Commissioner and other officials break ground on new EMS Station

New North County EMS Station Breaks Ground

06/04/2024

Manatee County Commissioners joined with Manatee County Public Safety officials and other leaders to break ground on the new Manatee County Emergency Medical Services Station No. 22 in Palmetto today.

Animal Welfare Working to Keep Pets and People Together

05/23/2024

A new Animal Community Resource Center on 17th Avenue West in Bradenton is in the works which will provide comprehensive support for pet owners, including medical care and training.

Manatee County Deputy Administrator Honored

05/17/2024

Manatee County Deputy County Administrator Courtney De Pol received the first-ever Next Gen Young Leaders Award from the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance.

Manatee BOCC Continues Community Funding

05/14/2024

The Manatee Board County Board of County Commissioners has continued to fund important initiatives across the county, including community organizations, public safety, transportation and support services.

Manatee County EMS Receives Accreditation

05/14/2024

Manatee County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has received Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) accreditation for its compliance with national standards of excellence.

New Manatee County Attorney Begins Work

05/09/2024

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners has named Pamela D’Agostino as the new County Attorney, replacing Bill Clague, who retired in March.

Manatee County to Honor Gold Star Family

04/26/2024

Manatee County Community and Veterans Services will join with the Gardeners Out East Garden Club on Saturday May 4, 2024, at 10 a.m., for the dedication of a Gold Star Memorial at the Lakewood Ranch Library to pay tribute permanently to Gold Star Families whose loved one paid the ultimate price defending the United States of America.

Kate Barnett standing with her Human Resources team outside of the Manatee County Government Downtown Admin building

Kate Barnett Confirmed as HR Director

04/23/2024

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) unanimously confirmed the appointment of Kate Barnett as the County government's new Human Resources Director today.

A dock on the property of Crooked River Ranch

Manatee County to Receive $5 Million NOAA Grant Toward Crooked River Ranch Purchase

04/23/2024

Manatee County has received a $5 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to help fund its recent purchase of property along the Manatee River known as Crooked River Ranch.

Colony Cove Pipeline Replacement Project Meeting

04/19/2024

A Public Information Meeting for the upcoming improvements to the wastewater collection system in Colony Cove’s South neighborhood will be held on Thursday, April 25.

Children’s Services Gap Survey

04/08/2024

Now through June 14, residents are encouraged to let leadership know what they think of current County children’s programming and assistance by taking the Children’s Services Gap Survey.

Image of a soldier with flag draped over him

Annual VA Benefits Update Meetings

03/29/2024

Get a rundown of VA Benefits at one of five annual meetings facilitated by our Veterans Services' Counselors.

Map showing the east segment of the Erie Road Improvements project

Erie Road Improvements Project East Segment Public Information Meeting Announced

03/20/2024

A Public Information Meeting for the upcoming improvements to Erie Road, from Martha Road to US 301, will be held on Wednesday, March 27, at Parrish United Methodist Church.

Gulf Islands Ferry Expanding Service to Five Days Per Week

03/18/2024

Catch a ride on the water, Wednesdays Through Sundays.

Manatee County Receives Federal Funding Commitments

03/15/2024

High-profile public projects and important infrastructure initiatives will benefit from recent federal funding commitments. The U.S. Senate and House membership have voted to advance a $460 billion spending package which includes more than $12 billion in earmarks.

Manatee Music Series Coming to GT Bray Amphitheater

03/13/2024

The Manatee Music Series Spring Edition will showcase one main artist on Third Thursdays of the month, in March, April and May at the GT Bray Amphitheater, located at 2811 51st Street West (Bradenton), from 6 to 8 PM.

Emerson Point Preservation Expansion

03/12/2024

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) voted unanimously today to purchase a 97-acre parcel of land adjacent to the existing Emerson Point Preserve for conservation.

Recent Roadeo at the MCG Transit Fleet Facility

Regional Transit Teams to Compete in ROADeo

02/29/2024

Spectators are invited to watch the best Bus Operators compete at the annual Tampa Bay Area Regional Bus Roadeo and Technology Expo on Sunday, March 10, at the Manatee County Transit Fleet Facility.

Thursday Service for Gulf Islands Ferry Now Available

02/28/2024

The Gulf Islands Ferry will enhance its weekly service to offer Thursday departures beginning February 29.

Picture of the mural that was placed on the wall of Creekwood Commons Shopping Center (Parrish)

Manatee County Helps Neighborhoods Thrive

02/28/2024

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners approved nearly $37,000 in funding initiatives through neighborhood grants.

Manatee County Proposes Impact Fee Increase

02/23/2024

The Manatee Board of County Commissioners has approved a motion to the increase the assessment of impact fees a total of 50 percent over the next four years—the maximum increase supported by Florida Statute.

Powel Crosley Estate’s Annual Open House

02/22/2024

The Powel Crosley Estate Foundation and the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau are pleased to invite the public for free tours of the historic Powel Crosley Estate during a two-day open house event on March 5 and 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Reconditioned Apple iPads for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Manatee County

BOCC Funds Community Initiatives

02/15/2024

The Manatee Board of County Commissioners is continuing its funding of important initiatives across the county, including affordable housing, public safety, recreation and support services.

Lorraine Road Improvements Public Meeting

02/15/2024

A Public Information Meeting for the upcoming improvements to Lorraine Road (from S.R. 64 to 59th Avenue East) will be held Thursday, February 22, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the FDOT Manatee Operations Center.

Veteran’s Memorial Park Planned

02/14/2024

The Manatee Board of County Commissioners has approved funding for the initial plans and design work to establish a Memorial Park to salute Veterans on a 24-acre piece of County-owned property at 5431 Buckeye Road in Palmetto.

School Zone Speed Cameras Coming to Manatee County

02/13/2024

Manatee Board of County Commissioners has approved the installation of School Zone Speed Cameras throughout the county.

Manatee County to Dedicate Roberto Clemente Way

02/13/2024

The Manatee Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has unanimously proclaimed that the Manatee County-owned section of 27th Street East shall be named “Roberto Clemente Memorial Way.”

Manatee County Animal Services Offering Fee-Waived Adoptions for “One & Only” Pets Starting Valentine's Day

02/12/2024

Manatee County Animal Services is running a "One & Only" special promotion starting on Valentine’s Day where adoption fees will be waived for the pets in our adoption centers who prefer to be your special only pet.

Ferry Service Adds New Bridge Street Pier Stop

02/05/2024

The Gulf Islands Ferry will expand service to the historic Bridge Street pier in the City of Bradenton Beach starting Friday, February 9, barring any inclement weather.

DeLeon to Receive MBCC Award

02/01/2024

Manatee County Neighborhood Connections Division Manager Debbie DeLeon has been selected to receive the Manasota Black Chamber of Commerce President's Award for her commitment to community service.

Adoption Event Reimagines Reality Show

01/31/2024

Inspired by the drama and excitement of the dating show The Bachelor, the "Barkelor" Dog Adoption Event at Rocky Bluff Library on Saturday, February 10, will give attendees the chance to meet the most eligible dogs from Manatee County Animal Welfare.

2024 Manatee Neighborhood Summit

01/30/2024

Network with neighborhood leaders, volunteers and community partners at the upcoming 2024 Neighborhood Summit, Friday, February 23, hosted by our Neighborhood Connections team.

Rubonia Resilience Summit Held

01/26/2024

Community leaders, pastors and concerned citizens gathered Wednesday night (January 24, 2024) at the Bible Baptist Church of Palmetto to talk about ways to support this historic—and historically flood prone—community.

Child reaching for a book at Lakewood Ranch Library

Library Advisory Board Applications Reopened

01/26/2024

Manatee County is accepting applications for five seats on the expanded Manatee County Library Advisory Board through February 16, 2024.

Manatee County Projects Move Forward

01/25/2024

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners is continuing their funding of important initiatives across the county, including Public Safety, Recreation and Support Services.

ECC Achieves Third Triple ACE Accreditation

01/25/2024

For the third time in a row, Manatee County Public Safety’s Emergency Communications Center has obtained the unprecedented achievement of the coveted Triple ACE Accreditation from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch.

Manatee County Water Quality Improving

01/24/2024

During this week's regular Manatee County Board of County Commissioners meeting, Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker explained several ways that the County is working proactively to protect water quality.

Manatee County Honors Employee of the Year

01/23/2024

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners has named Paul Panik as the Employee of the Year for 2023.

Florida Panther Sighting in Manatee Preserve

01/20/2024

Manatee County’s efforts to preserve and maintain natural habitat are drawing attention from environmentalists and from the native species these preserves are trying to protect after the recent game-cam sightings of a male panther moving through the County’s Duette Preserve.

John Marble Rec Center Under Construction

Manatee County Continues Commitment to Recreation

01/19/2024

Manatee County is continuing to fund upgrades and enhancements to its world-class recreational amenities, creating enhanced leisure opportunities for residents and visitors.

Public Meeting for Fort Hamer Road PD&E Study

01/19/2024

Manatee County invites you to an Alternatives Public Information Meeting for the Fort Hamer Road Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study (CIP Numbers 6054767 & 6054768) from Upper Manatee River Road to US 301.

Manatee County to Break Ground on ADA-Accessible Playground

01/17/2024

Manatee County is holding a groundbreaking ceremony on January 30 for the first accessible playground in the county.

Manatee County Upgrades Water Filtration

01/16/2024

Crews at the County’s water treatment facility are completing work on an innovative new filter system as part of the Lake Manatee Ultrafiltration Upgrade Project.

Convention Center Expansion Construction Advances

01/16/2024

The Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is underway with a $48 million renovation and expansion of the Bradenton Area Convention Center.

One of the recipients (second from right) of free dental care at Turning Points

Manatee County to Receive 2024 Audrey Nelson Award

01/12/2024

By helping Turning Points provide free dental care through the use of Community Development Block Grant funding, Manatee County will receive the 2024 Audrey Nelson Award at the NCDA’s winter conference on Friday, February 2, in Washington, DC.

Manatee County Funds Trail System

01/10/2024

The BOCC approved $2.1 million to be added to the design and construction budget for segments of Manatee County’s Gateway Greenway Multipurpose Trail system, a vital component of the multi-county, non-motorized Gulf Coast Trail, stretching from Hernando County to Collier County.

Manatee County Names Director of Utilities

01/10/2024

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners has unanimously approved Patrick Shea as Director of the Utilities Department.

Planning Commission Notice

01/10/2024

As a quorum will not be met for the Planning Commission meeting on Thursday, January 11, 2024, all agenda items are scheduled to be addressed during a special meeting on January 26, 2024, at 9 a.m. by the Planning Commission.

Lakewood Ranch Library at Dusk (DEC 2023)

Lakewood Ranch Library Grand Opening January 12

01/03/2024

Manatee County is putting the finishing touches on the new Lakewood Ranch Library, located at 16410 Rangeland Parkway, which will officially open to the public immediately following a ribbon-cutting ceremony January 12 at 10 a.m.

A view of Elwood Community Garden with individual plots

Manatee County Helps Grow Community Garden

01/02/2024

The Elwood Park Community Garden is opening after a small ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, January 13, at 10 a.m.

44th Avenue East Set to Fly Over I-75

12/18/2023

The highly anticipated last link of the 44th Avenue East project is now officially underway, following a groundbreaking earlier this morning.

Rahn to Chair Manatee County Board in 2024

12/12/2023

Commissioner Mike Rahn (District 4) has been selected as the 2024 Chair of the Manatee Board of County Commissioners.

Manatee County Donates Land for Veterans Housing

10/10/2023

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has voted unanimously to convey a County-owned piece of property to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation to develop the property as affordable housing for veterans.

Manatee Preserves Highlight Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail Sites

09/14/2023

Robinson Preserve—noted for its diverse avian populations—has been added to the Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail sites.

A group of people using various courts at the C.V. Racquet Center

G.T. Bray Courts Listed as a Top 25 Facility

08/13/2023

Pickleball Magazine has named the C.V. Walton Racquet Center as a Top 25 Great Places to Play Pickleball.

Roadmap to Address Homelessness

05/16/2023

The Florida Housing Coalition has developed an actionable Roadmap to Address Homelessness Report for the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners, which offers actionable and effective strategies for addressing and reducing homelessness.

ADA accessible mat being installed at Manatee Public Beach

Mat Provides an ADA Accessible Walkway on Beach

05/01/2023

Manatee Public Beach is now wheelchair accessible through the installation of a 100 foot-long mat.