Busy Week Ahead in Manatee County Features Candidate Forum, Town Hall, Free Pet Clinic, Sandbag Distribution and America250 Event
Manatee County residents will have a variety of opportunities to learn, engage, prepare and celebrate during a busy week of community events scheduled between June 22 and June 29, 2026.
The week begins on Monday, June 22, with District 5 Manatee County Commissioner Dr. Bob McCann hosting a town hall meeting from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Rocky Bluff Library in Ellenton. Residents will have the opportunity to discuss local issues, ask questions and hear updates on county matters. The event will be held at the library located at 6750 U.S. 301 North.
Election season takes center stage on Thursday, June 25, when the Manatee Tiger Bay Club hosts a County Commissioner Candidate Forum for Districts 1 and 2 at the Manatee Performing Arts Center in Bradenton. Doors open at 11 a.m., and the forum runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Candidates scheduled for the District 1 race include Elizabeth Arnold, John Dunn, Michael Harrison, Adam Johnson, Sari Lindroos-Valimaki, Mark Stanoch and Leland Taylor. District 2 candidates include Edward Bailey Jr., incumbent Amanda Ballard and Charles B. Smith Sr. The event is designed to help voters learn more about the candidates and their positions ahead of the election.
On Friday, June 26, Manatee County’s Department of Public Safety will hold its Operation: Sandbag Support drive-thru event at the Public Safety Center from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents can receive up to 10 free sandbags per household as part of hurricane preparedness efforts. County officials encourage residents to take advantage of the event before the peak of storm season arrives.
The community will also gather on Saturday, June 27, for a special America250 celebration honoring the Greatest Generation. The event features a complimentary screening of World War II with Tom Hanks at the Manatee Performing Arts Center beginning at 5 p.m.
The program will include a reception with light refreshments and a patriotic musical performance by members of The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota. Manatee County Veteran Services Division Manager Renee Medina will participate in a post-screening discussion. Admission is free, but tickets are required and limited to four per household. Contact the Box Office at 941-748-5875 to reserve a seat.
Animal lovers have another opportunity during the week as Manatee County Animal Welfare hosts free pet vaccination and microchipping clinics at Bishop Animal Shelter, located at 5718 21st Avenue West in Bradenton. The clinics run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and are available to Manatee County residents. Pet owners must schedule appointments in advance, with a limit of three pets per household. Cats must be transported in carriers and dogs must remain on leashes.
Residents looking for a creative outdoor activity can visit Palma Sola Botanical Park on Tuesday, June 23, for a Rock Painting class from 10:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Led by Kathy Hoersting of Bradenton Rocks!, participants will paint rocks that can later be hidden in gardens and around the community for others to discover. The class costs $3 per rock and is part of the park’s 2026 Summer Fun Nature Classes series. Organizers encourage attendees of all ages to participate in the popular activity, which combines art, creativity and community engagement.
With opportunities ranging from civic engagement and hurricane preparedness to history, education and pet care, the final full week of June offers something for residents across Manatee County.