Manatee County Advances Conservation, Public Safety and Community Initiatives

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners took action Tuesday on several initiatives focused on long-term community needs, including a proposed environmental lands referendum.

The Board adopted Resolution R-26-095, placing a proposed Environmental Lands Acquisition, Improvement and Maintenance Finance Referendum on the Nov. 3, 2026, General Election ballot. The measure will ask voters whether the County should authorize up to $75 million in general obligation bonds and levy an additional ad valorem tax of 0.16 mills to support environmental preservation projects.

If approved by voters, funding could be used for the acquisition, improvement and maintenance of lands and property interests intended to protect drinking water sources and water quality, preserve fish and wildlife habitat, protect environmentally sensitive lands from overdevelopment and provide public preserves.

“Conservation isn’t a partisan issue in Manatee County,” said District 3 Commissioner Tal Siddique. “Our residents recognize the value of places like Emerson Point and Robinson Preserve. I believe every resident, regardless of where they live in the county, deserves the opportunity to enjoy that same access to the natural environment and the quality of life it provides.”

The measure builds on Manatee County’s existing Environmental Lands Program. Since 2023, Manatee County has acquired more than 300 acres of conservation land, permanently protected an additional 1,483 acres of working rural lands and environmentally sensitive habitat through conservation easements, established two new County preserves, and expanded four existing preserves and one County park.

Additional Board Actions
Commissioners also addressed several other items during Tuesday’s meeting, including:

• EMS and Public Safety Telecommunications: The Board discussed efforts to recognize Emergency Medical Services and Public Safety Telecommunications as essential services in Manatee County, including direction related to formally recognizing the critical public safety functions performed by EMS personnel and 911 telecommunicators. The proposed designation would not alter employee classifications, retirement systems, collective bargaining agreements or compensation. The Board also discussed the long-term operational and funding needs of EMS as demand for emergency services continues to grow. The Board approved a motion directing staff to prepare a resolution designating Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel and Public Safety telecommunicators as essential services. The motion also directs staff to draft an ordinance codifying that designation in the Manatee County Code of Ordinances.

• Animal Welfare: The Board approved a motion directing staff to prepare a comprehensive fiscal and feasibility analysis evaluating the costs and long-term implications of replacing the Bishop Campus’ existing prefabricated kennel structures with a permanent brick-and-mortar facility.

• Project Grace: The Board heard public comment and discussed Project Grace, a proposed indoor sports multiplex at a site located on Premier Sports Campus North in Lakewood Ranch. Following the discussion, the Board approved a motion directing staff to suspend discussions and explore alternative locations for the project and return with additional information that addresses citizen concerns and provides options for future Board consideration.

• Data Centers and Large-Load Development: The Board discussed the potential impacts of data centers and other large-load utility users on infrastructure, utilities and long-term land-use planning before directing staff to prepare a draft ordinance establishing a temporary moratorium on new applications while the County evaluates its land development regulations and considers potential updates.

• Community Investment: The Board also approved the use of $25,000 in Community and Veterans Services funds to support the development of a pocket park in downtown Palmetto, advancing a project the Commission directed staff to identify alternative funding for earlier this summer.

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