A series of new beautification and community enhancement projects are coming to Parrish following approval by the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) of funding dedicated specifically to improvements within the Parrish Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District.
The Board approved Budget Amendment Resolution B-26-105, transferring $558,100 from reserves in the Parrish TIF Fund to support six projects intended to enhance community identity, celebrate local history and veterans, and create new opportunities for residents to connect.
The approved funding includes:
$175,000 for a Parrish Community Garden
$200,000 for Parrish Community welcome signs and installation
$80,000 for veterans banners, signal box wraps, hardware and installation
$75,000 for landscape improvements at the Fort Hamer Road roundabout
$28,100 for placemaking and architectural services through Fawley Bryant Architecture
An additional $6,500 from Parrish TIF reserves will support associated wayfinding improvements.
“This is exactly what TIF dollars are intended to do—reinvest funds generated within a community back into that community in a way residents can see and experience,” said At-Large Commissioner George Kruse. “From celebrating our veterans and Parrish’s history to creating a community garden and improving some of our most visible corridors, these projects give us an opportunity to invest in the character of the community at the same time.”
Preliminary mapping has identified potential locations along portions of U.S. 301 and Fort Hamer Road, with additional locations being evaluated. The concepts include veteran recognition banners as well as banners highlighting Parrish’s history and community identity.
The Parrish Civic Association (PCA) is working with County staff on the initiatives, including a process to recognize local veterans through the banner program. The goal is to have an initial group of veteran banners ready in conjunction with the community’s Veterans Day activities in November. Opportunities for community members to sponsor banners are also being explored.
“The Parrish Civic Association is incredibly thankful to County staff, the County Administrator and the BOCC for helping make it a reality,” said Jennifer Hamey, President of the Parrish Civic Association. “The community garden will provide an opportunity to bring neighbors together, while the banners, historical signs, roundabout beautification and welcome signs will allow residents to travel through the heart of Parrish and share in its history, celebrate our veterans and help make Parrish feel even more like home.”
Other projects will focus on highly visible public spaces throughout the TIF district. Potential banner locations have been mapped along U.S. 301 from the Moccasin Wallow Road area south toward Fort Hamer Road, as well as portions of Fort Hamer Road. Traffic signal boxes are also being evaluated for custom wraps that can incorporate imagery and designs reflective of Parrish.
Project designs, locations and implementation schedules will continue to be finalized as the individual initiatives move forward.
In Other Board Action
Garrison confirmed as Deputy County Administrator: The Board confirmed Stephanie Garrison as Manatee County’s Deputy County Administrator. Garrison joined the County in January 2025 as Director of Government Relations, overseeing Legislative Affairs, Grants, Economic Development, Communications, Records, Customer Experience and Process Improvement. In her new role, she will provide executive oversight for seven County departments, including Government Relations, Development Services, Public Safety, Community and Veterans Services, Financial Management, Information Technology and Human Resources.
Campos confirmed as Chief Financial Officer: Commissioners confirmed Claudia Campos as Manatee County’s Chief Financial Officer. Campos brings more than 23 years of local government experience and has served as Interim CFO since January 2026. She began her public-service career with the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller before joining County Government in 2018. As CFO, Campos will oversee financial planning, budget development and administration, procurement, grants financial oversight and stewardship of public resources.
Commissioners Vote to End Project Grace Negotiations: District 5 Commissioner Dr. Bob McCann made a motion directing staff to cease negotiations and not move forward with the Project Grace indoor sports and entertainment complex. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Tal Siddique and passed unanimously, 6-0.
For more information about Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501, and follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ManateeGov.