Manatee Commissioners Name New Veterans Connections Hub

A new chapter in Manatee County’s continuing commitment to veterans and their families took shape today, as the Manatee Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) voted 6-1 to name the County’s new Veterans’ Park Valor Commons.

This future Veterans Connection Hub and Memorial Campus, located along Buckeye Road east of Artisan Lakes Parkway, is being designed as a one-of-a-kind public landmark dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of all American military members—past, present and future.

“I think it goes to the valor that our veterans – and those who have gone before us – have done to protect our great country,” said Manatee County District 4 Commissioner Mike Rahn.

The project represents a national model for veteran-supportive design—combining commemorative, educational, and community-centered elements. Plans include:

• Veterans Resource Center – offering benefit services, peer and caregiver support, and a business incubator to assist veteran entrepreneurs.

• Memorial and Reflection Areas – featuring community-driven memorials, service installations, and serene walking trails.

• Public Event Spaces – providing a venue for ceremonies, gatherings, and civic or corporate events that honor those who served.

Initially launched as a government-led initiative, the project will ultimately transition to nonprofit management—ensuring long-term sustainability, community partnership, and philanthropic growth. Efforts are already underway to establish a designated philanthropic fund through the Manatee Community Foundation, which will help leverage private donations alongside County investment.

“Naming this site is more than a ceremonial step—it’s the foundation for everything that follows,” said Manatee County Veterans Project Manager Lee Washington. “It enables us to move forward with branding, fundraising, and expanded engagement with veterans and service partners.”

More than 200 community participants, including 143 veterans, contributed to the initial naming survey conducted this summer. Three leading names emerged—Legacy Commons, Valor Commons, and Veterans Commons—each reflecting the project’s dual focus on remembrance and revitalization.

Residents favored a name that conveys honor, inclusivity, and activity—moving beyond traditional “Park” or “Memorial” titles toward something broader and more forward-looking.

Progress is continuing on site configuration, infrastructure planning, and sustained collaboration with veterans’ groups and service providers. The County is also advancing formation of a nonprofit entity to oversee operations, programs, and private philanthropy.

Site design, infrastructure build-out, and nonprofit formation would be the focus of the initial 12–18-month segment of this project with the next 3-5 years seeing phased campus construction.

Initial deliverables include an entrance road, memorial features, and a temporary or modular structure to provide early veteran and family services once utilities are operational. When complete, the Veterans Connection Hub and Memorial Campus will serve as both a local landmark and regional resource, welcoming veterans and their families from across Florida and beyond.

For project updates, renderings, and future engagement opportunities, visit mymanatee.org/veteranspark

For more information about Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ManateeGov.