Di Bartolomeo Launches District 5 Volunteer Group to Empower Residents

Joe Di Bartolomeo, who previously ran for the District 5 seat on the Manatee County Commission, has announced the formation of a new volunteer group to empower residents to navigate community issues and local government processes better.

The new nonpartisan organization will focus on helping District 5 citizens understand and address opportunities and challenges within their communities. Its goal is to offer guidance and support and ensure residents can effectively communicate with the county commission and other administrative branches.

A resident of Tara Preserve, Di Bartolomeo has noted that many residents are often unsure which local governing body to approach with issues. His experiences during the campaign revealed that approximately 70% of the residents he spoke with were unaware of their district, indicating a need for clearer community engagement.

The volunteer group plans to have one to two representatives from each community within District 5, meeting quarterly to discuss relevant issues and potential solutions. Di Bartolomeo has already secured about a dozen volunteers and aims to hold the inaugural meeting by the end of February, with the exact details still being finalized.

The initiative will welcome participation from all District 5 residents and emphasize collaboration and collective action. Di Bartolomeo believes that a unified approach will give residents a stronger voice when addressing local matters. He highlighted a recent community effort opposing a proposed Home Depot on Lorraine Road as an example of how collective advocacy can influence decision-making.

Additionally, the group aims to stay proactive by monitoring county commission agendas, particularly when many residents may be away, such as the summer months. Di Bartolomeo hopes to create a network where members can act as information gatherers and community advocates.

Despite his ongoing involvement in local advocacy, Di Bartolomeo has no plans to run for elected office again. He wants to focus on personal pursuits and enjoy his retirement years.