Construction Surge Reshapes Manatee Schools as Growth Accelerates in East County

As Manatee County’s population continues to surge, so does the demand for more educational space, and the School District of Manatee County is answering with a trio of major construction projects across East County schools.

At the center of the district’s expansion is the new Lake Manatee K-8, located at 17210 Academic Avenue in Lakewood Ranch. The elementary portion of the school is set to welcome students on August 11, marking the first phase of the $105.6 million campus project. While finishing touches are underway, the school is on track to open on time. The second phase, which will house the middle school grades, is scheduled for completion in August 2026.

Designed to alleviate overcrowding at nearby B.D. Gullett Elementary, Lake Manatee K-8 features five primary buildings connected by canopy walkways on a 40-acre site. It includes separate loops for parent and bus drop-off, a large courtyard, two parking areas, and a covered play zone. Once complete, the school will accommodate up to 1,692 students.

Meanwhile, Carlos E. Haile Middle School is undergoing a major upgrade through a $45.2 million HVAC renovation project that also includes the addition of ten new classrooms. The improvements go beyond air systems, with new ceilings, LED lighting, carpeting, paint, and smart screen technology across the campus. The project also upgrades safety systems and is nearly complete, with just the locker room renovation remaining, scheduled to wrap up in July. Once finalized, Haile’s capacity will increase from 788 to 1,253 students.

At Tara Elementary School, a $35.2 million renovation is modernizing the entire campus. Four new classrooms are being added, and significant infrastructure improvements are being made to plumbing, lighting, floors, roofing, and traffic flow. Safety enhancements include new fencing and secured administrative spaces. The work is being done in phases, with cafeteria and kitchen upgrades next, followed by final classroom additions. The full project is expected to conclude by November.

Project Overviews:

• Lake Manatee K-8

  • Location: 17210 Academic Avenue, Lakewood Ranch

  • Cost: $105,609,281

  • Completion: Elementary phase August 2025; Middle school phase February 2026

  • Capacity: 1,692 student stations

  • Construction Manager: NDC Construction

  • Architect: HKS, Inc.

• Carlos E. Haile Middle School

  • Location: 9501 State Road 64 East, Bradenton

  • Cost: $45,204,358

  • Completion: Final phase by August 1

  • Capacity Increase: From 788 to 1,253 student stations

  • Construction Manager: Halfacre Construction Company

  • Architect: Long & Associates

• Tara Elementary School

  • Location: 6950 Linger Lodge Road, Bradenton

  • Cost: $35,259,423

  • Completion: November 2025

  • Capacity Increase: From 700 to 793 student stations

  • Construction Manager: Creative Contractors, Inc.

  • Architect: Sweet Sparksman Architecture and Interiors

As East Manatee continues to grow, district officials say these projects are key to supporting the educational needs of a booming community.