Manatee County Addresses Affordable Housing, Flood Mitigation and Beach Projects
MANATEE COUNTY, FL (April 15, 2025) – The Manatee Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has earmarked $5.6 Million for a catalytic loan to help develop 156 affordable housing units in Bradenton.
In December 2024, the BOCC agreed to negotiate the loan for One Stop Housing to build new apartments at its Forest Cove property at 1478 45th Ave. Cir. W. in Bradenton. The site has been home to 36 affordable apartment units, but the developer is partnering with local employers to expand its offerings.
“I think this is going to be an amazing project in the right location,” said Manatee Commission Chair George Kruse. “This is truly an effort to provide what the community needs.”
One Stop Housing representatives previously briefed commissioners, estimating the cost to build the development at $28 million with funding through investments from local businesses, a bank loan and the catalytic loan from Manatee County. Planners say Forest Cove will eventually house over 300 working families within three communities connected to a public center with amenities once completed. A variety of studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom units will be available.
The BOCC also voted unanimously to purchase a 93-acre property along Golf Course Road and Gamble Creek in Parrish for use in storm water improvement, floodwater mitigation, future road widening and bridge replacement. A new stormwater park will help provide 300 acre-feet of flood storage as part of the $9.5 million purchase. Natural habitats will be managed to support wildlife and passive recreational activities on the property.
County Administrator Charlie Bishop shared an update from Congressman Vern Buchanan’s office that $3.1 Million in federal funding has been awarded to Manatee County for the Coquina Beach Engineered Project making permanent repairs as a direct result of Hurricane Idalia. This work includes the replacement of beach-quality sand obtained from the borrow area in Longboat Pass and work to return the Coquina Beach area to pre-Hurricane Idalia conditions.
For more information on Manatee County Government, visit online at www.mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. You can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/manatee.county.fl and on X, @ManateeGov.