Manatee County Government

Last week Manatee County lost a beloved coach, resident, and namesake of one of our baseball fields, located at GT Bray Park. Coach John Carlock was passionate about his community and the impact he was able to have on those he coached. May his love of baseball live on through the future generations that utilize his field.

Happy National Backyard Day! 🌿🐦 Your backyard can be a thriving habitat for amazing wildlife. From songbirds and butterflies to turtles and lizards. With just a few simple additions, you can make a big difference. Add a bird bath for fresh water, hang a feeder to support local birds, or plant native flowers and shrubs to attract pollinators and provide natural shelter. Small changes create big impact. Celebrate today by turning your backyard into a welcoming space for both you and wildlife! 🌼🌎

Residents are invited to one of several workshop meetings this month and next, regarding Manatee County’s Comprehensive Plan: “Envision Manatee,” the policy that sets the framework for future development: ➡️ Mixon Farms, Wednesday, March 25, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., 2525 27th Street East, Bradenton ➡️ Myakka Community Center, Saturday, March 28, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., 10060 Wauchula Road, Myakka City ➡️ Lakewood Ranch Library, Saturday, March 28, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m., 16410 Rangeland Parkway, Bradenton ➡️ Rocky Bluff Library, Monday, March 30, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., 6750 US Highway 301 N., Ellenton ➡️ Braden River Library, Wednesday, April 1, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., 4915 53rd Ave. E. in Bradenton ➡️ Palmetto Library, Thursday, April 2, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., 923 6th St W. in Palmetto Each workshop will provide an update to the 2045 plan and allow for public input. For more information about the comp plan, please go to mymanatee.org/envision.

Manatee County Commission Chairman Tal Siddique talks about leadership, local government, technology, and the future of Manatee County on this episode of Chambers, Changes, and Conversations. Elected in 2024 and now serving as Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, he shares what it was like going from a first-year commissioner to now leading the entire board, and what residents may not know about some of the major issues pressing today. You can listen to the full episode at mymanatee.org/podcast or your favorite streaming platforms.

♻️ Manatee County takes recycling seriously, and keeping recyclable materials out of our landfill is a top priority. In honor of Global Recycling Day, we’re giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what happens after curbside recycling is collected in Unincorporated Manatee County.* This video highlights the recycling process at Circular Services, where collected materials are sorted and prepared to become brand-new products. Every item recycled correctly helps keep valuable materials out of the landfill. To learn more about what can be recycled and how residential recycling works, visit mymanatee.org/recycling. *For residents of Unincorporated Manatee County only.

New to Florida? Or lived here for years and still wonder what actually happens when a storm is approaching? Come find out! Our Emergency Management team is hosting a Preparedness Presentation and tour of the Emergency Operations Center, where Manatee County coordinates response before, during, and after storms. With hurricane season about 80 days away, it’s a great time to learn how to build a plan, what should be in your emergency kit, and what resources are available to help you prepare. 📅 Thursday, April 9 🕘 9 a.m. 📍 Public Safety Center 2101 47th Terrace E., Bradenton Bring a friend, neighbor, or family member and come see how our community prepares for hurricane season.

We’re gearing up for the 39th Annual Jerry Hill Memorial Fishing Tournament and are looking for dedicated volunteers to help make this incredible community tradition a success! From registration and check-in to event support throughout the day, there are plenty of ways to get involved. This tournament supports conservation and our local waters, and it truly wouldn’t happen without volunteers behind the scenes. If you love the outdoors, care about our waterways, or simply want to give back, we’d love to have you join us. Sign up here: events.humanitix.com/volunteerregis… 🎣💙 Save the Facebook event here: facebook.com/events/2687218…

Get ready to run where the birds are! The Tom Bennett 5K is just around the corner, and this year’s theme celebrates the incredible birds you might spot along the course at Tom Bennett Park. Keep an eye out for beautiful local species like the striking Roseate Spoonbill, the elegant Great Blue Heron, the colorful Little Blue Heron, flocks of White Ibis, diving Lesser Scaup, and maybe even an Osprey soaring overhead. Whether you’re running or walking, it’s the perfect chance to enjoy nature, spot wildlife, and experience one of Manatee County’s beautiful natural areas. 📍 Tom Bennett Park 📅 Saturday, April 11 ⏰ 7 AM Bring the whole family, lace up your running shoes, and come celebrate nature with us!: mymanatee.org/runmanatee

🌳 Notice of Right-Of-Way Tree Trimming 🌳 This work is from 53rd Ave W to El Conquistador Pkwy, between 34th St W and El Conquistador Pkwy has been scheduled to take place beginning 03/23/2026. ✅ Please use caution when traveling through these areas and be mindful of crews and equipment working near the roadway. ✅ For more information, please visit …ing-program-manateegis.hub.arcgis.com Thank you for helping us keep our roadways safe and clear!

Join us for Nature Play Fest 2026 on Friday, May 1 from 5:30–7:00 PM at The NEST at Robinson Preserve! 🌿 Bring the family for an evening of outdoor exploration, hands-on activities, and nature-based fun designed to inspire curiosity and connection with the natural world. It’s the perfect way to unplug, get outside, and make lasting memories together. Don’t miss it — register today: events.humanitix.com/nature-play-fe…🌳 Save the event on FB: facebook.com/share/17z9zejk…

Looking for some green this St. Patrick's Day? Head out with Manatee County Explore and Play to one of our lovely parks, preserves, or beaches and immerse yourself within all the greenery and natural beauty.

The success of this inaugural event was made possible by the incredible staff at GT Bray, Manatee County, and our volunteers from Diveheart. Diveheart provides adaptive scuba experiences that help individuals with disabilities build confidence, independence, and a sense of possibility through the freedom of the underwater environment. Together, we were able to share the gift of scuba therapy with one participant with muscular dystrophy and two children with autism. It was a wonderful day filled with smiles and unforgettable moments. Learn more about Diveheart and view their upcoming programs and events: 🌐 diveheart.org

Just for Veterans and their spouses! A new FREE nutrition class, hosted by Manatee County Veterans Services and made possible by Feeding Florida’s Florida Nutrition Education. Find out how to eat healthier on a budget, Wednesday, March 25, 2 to 3 p.m., at 1401 3rd Avenue, Bradenton (County Veterans Services Office). For more information, contact vets@mymanatee.org or (941) 745-3795. Save the Facebook Event: facebook.com/events/1750870…

We’re proud to share that the Manatee County Natural Resources Department – Education & Volunteer Division has been recognized as a 2026 Outstanding Partner by the Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network! 🌿 This recognition highlights our team’s commitment to connecting Florida’s youth with the outdoors through engaging programs, strong partnerships, and meaningful hands-on learning experiences. By inspiring the next generation to explore and care for our natural spaces, we’re helping build a future where protecting Florida’s natural resources is second nature. Thank you to our staff, volunteers, and community partners who make this work possible. Together, we’re creating more green time and less screen time for the next generation. 🌎💚

🚧 Traffic Advisory🚧 BRADENTON, Fla. –The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is informing motorists about intermittent eastbound and westbound lane closures on State Road (S.R.) 64 from West of Aurora Boulevard to West of Pope Road from March 12 through April 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contractor crews will be constructing right turn lanes, a left turn lane, a driveway entrance, drainage and sidewalks. Please be aware of crews and equipment near the travel lanes during construction. Motorists are urged to use caution while workers are in the area. ✅ Drivers should plan for potential delays, exercise caution while traveling through the area, or seek an alternate route. ✅ For real-time traffic updates, visit FL511.com. FDOT appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as these repairs are made to the roadway.

Manatee Music Series is this Friday! Enjoy this free live concert at GT Bray Park (Presented by HCA Florida Healthcare) on March 20, from 6 to 8 PM. Live music by: Nauti Girl Band Save the Date: facebook.com/share/1SCtLUCk… Bring a blanket or chair. See the full lineup at mymanatee.org/music.

Today is the day! 🎉 Join us for the Inaugural Mixon Farms Market and help us kick off something special. Come out and shop amazing local vendors, enjoy live music, check out the brand-new playground, snap some beautiful photo ops, and explore all the exciting renovations around the farm. We can’t wait to see you there! 🌿Market is from 10 am - 2 pm!!

📢 Public Works Open House Reminder! 📢 Next month, you’ll have the opportunity to come out, get hands-on, and climb into the big trucks and equipment that help keep Manatee County moving. ✅ Join us Saturday, April 18, between 9am and noon at 1022 26th Avenue East, Bradenton. ✅ This FREE event includes hot dogs, drinks, popcorn, and plenty of family-friendly fun!

Visit the new Gold Star Memorial kiosks at Central Library, Braden River Library, and Lakewood Ranch Library. These kiosks honor military members from Manatee County who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, serving as meaningful tributes that help preserve and connect our community with the legacies of these fallen heroes. Manatee Library Information Services' staff assisted Veterans' Services with researching military members who were from Manatee County and died while serving during WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and Gulf Wars. Librarians used a variety of sources including local historical newspapers, local high school yearbooks, images and interviews from the Manatee County Library Historical Digital Collections, genealogy resources, the National Archives, and military history websites.

📢 Public Service Announcement 📢 Manatee County is seeking one resident to fill an At-Large vacancy on the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC). This At-Large position is a valuable opportunity for a community-minded resident to help guide long-term transportation priorities that will impact Manatee County for years to come. This current vacancy is open to any Manatee County resident, whether living in an incorporated city or an unincorporated area. The Citizen Advisory Committee assists the MPO by providing input to the transportation planning process that reflects citizens’ views and attitudes. CAC members represent a cross-section of citizens in Sarasota and Manatee counties, including residents of the municipalities within those counties. CAC representatives are recommended for appointment by their respective units of local government and are appointed by the MPO Board. ✅ You can apply online at mymanatee.org/applyforboard. Applications are due by March 31, 2026