Stephanie Garrison

Even BOCC meetings don’t always allow this much depth. Hear directly from Manatee County Commission Chairman @talsiddique on the budget, economic development, and the real decisions shaping our county. Listen now! MyManatee.org/podcast

@Delta please recognize Michelle working Sky Priority check in at @SRQAirport - she helped us with a sticky ticket situation and made our travel nightmare go away in a flash! Incredible customer service, thank you Michelle!

Manatee County Animal Welfare has animals ready to find their furever homes. Listen to more about the exciting new updates coming from Manatee County Community and Veterans Services at mymanatee.org/podcast

Great conversation tonight led by our FMD team and Results 1st in Lakewood Ranch about the Manatee County budget, where your tax dollars go, and what a millage rate reduction could mean for local services. We appreciate the thoughtful questions and com… mymanatee.org/tax.

There is a Planning Commission Meeting this Thursday, March 12, at 9 am at the Manatee County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave W. Find the agenda here: agendaonline.mymanatee.org/OnBaseAgendaOn… You can watch it live on Facebook and YouTube. Link to YouTube can be found in the quick links on our homepage. To make a call in comment, check the agenda above for the zoom link and instructions!

Same county. Same community. Same commitment. Our Customer Experience Team works right here in Manatee County—serving the community they live in.

In this episode of Chambers, Changes & Conversations, we sit down with the leadership behind Manatee County’s Sports & Leisure Department to talk about how these spaces serve far more than recreation — they serve people. We explore why parks and libraries aren’t just “nice-to-haves,” but critical public services that support physical health, mental wellness, lifelong learning, and community connection. From youth sports leagues to quiet library corners, these spaces shape daily life in ways residents may not always see.

The Run Manatee 5K Series is currently seeking vendors for one or all three of our upcoming 5K events. This is a great opportunity to promote your business, connect directly with runners and spectators, and be part of a fun, high-energy race-day atmosphere. Vendors will have the chance to engage with a diverse and active community while gaining valuable exposure. To apply or learn more, visit mymanatee.org/eventvendor. To checkout race day dates visit: mymanatee.org/runmanatee

Today, Floridians reset their clocks yet again losing an hour of sleep. It’s time we pass the Lock The Clock bill and make this the last time we do this.

Love nature? Love birds? 🐦🌿 Join our Manatee Run 5K Series as we celebrate the Year of the Birds! A unique bird will be featured at each race, making every run a fun, nature-inspired experience. First up: Tom Bennett Park, spotlighting our beautiful roseate spoonbill! 🩷 Lace up your shoes and join us to run or walk while keeping an eye out for these vibrant, unmistakable birds along the way. Whether you’re chasing a new PR or just enjoying the scenery, this is one series you won’t want to miss! 🏃‍♀️🌳 Sign up today: mymanatee.org/runmanatee Photo credit: Helen Lewis

Where does your property tax go? What services might be affected if the board of county commissioners changes the millage? Learn more and share your input at our workshops - mymanatee.org/tax

To serve our community of Rubonia, Lasting Manatee is excited to host our next Community Meeting on Wednesday, March 11! Join us from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Rubonia Community Center - 1309 72nd Street East, Palmetto, FL 34221. We'll be taking a deep dive into Lasting Manatee's coming assistance for hurricane damages and answering your questions on: 🏠 Our programs for home repair, replacement, and buyouts 🛠️ Our infrastructure and mitigation programs ✅ Suggestions for documents to prepare ahead of an application 📢 How to sign up for an alert when programs launch Learn more here: lastingmanatee.org/pages/calendar

We’re hosting interactive workshops designed to help residents better understand how the County budget works and where your taxes go. See the schedule: Mymanatee.org/tax Learn how millage rates are set, how property taxes are calculated and how funding decisions support…

Manatee County Government is saddened to announce the sudden passing of District 1 Commissioner Carol Ann Felts. Now that her family has been notified, we can confirm this news with our community with deep sorrow and respect. Commissioner Felts was a dedicated public servant and a steadfast advocate for the residents of District 1. Throughout her tenure, she worked diligently to represent her constituents, strengthen community partnerships, and advance initiatives that supported the well-being of Manatee County and its residents. “Commissioner Felts cared deeply about the people she served,” said Commission Chair Tal Siddique. “Her commitment to District 1 and to the future of our county was evident in her leadership and service. She will be greatly missed by her colleagues, County staff, and the community.” The Manatee County Commission will formally recognize Commissioner Felts during its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The Board will take time to honor her service and legacy. Out of respect for Commissioner Felts’ family, no additional details are being shared at this time. The County extends its deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all who were touched by her life and service. Further information regarding memorial arrangements will be shared as it becomes available.

Commissioner Felts was kind to me. She made us smile. Going through our trash changes last year, she wasnt afraid to get in the weeds but she was just as eager to laugh, calling hersef the “trash queen.” She was even a great sport to hop into one of our … ift.tt/n9gumQs

🌳 Tom Bennett Park has something for everyone! 🌞 From an ADA-accessible playground and beautiful walking and hiking trails to beach volleyball and a frisbee golf course, this park is the perfect place to bring the kids, go for a peaceful walk or relax with a good book. And it’s also the first stop in our Run Manatee Series. What better way to see the whole park than joining us on race day?! Register at mymanatee.org/runmanatee.