The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners will hold its next regular meeting on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, marking a departure from the board’s previous Tuesday meeting schedule. The meeting will take place in the Patricia M. Glass Chambers at the Manatee County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Avenue West in Bradenton.
Commissioners face an extensive agenda covering transportation improvements, infrastructure funding, public safety, county operations, and community programs.
Among the major discussion items is a proposed update to county regulations governing bicycles, electric bicycles, and electric scooters. Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske will present information on potential changes to Ordinance 25-35, which addresses requirements for operating these devices.
Transportation projects will also receive considerable attention. Commissioners will consider a reimbursement and impact fee credit agreement with Benderson Development Company for transportation improvements, along with an impact determination letter related to the Bradenton-Palmetto Connector project.
Additional transportation-related items include improvements to the Ellenton-Gillette Road and Mendoza Road intersection, continued design work on Moccasin Wallow Road, and several public transit funding agreements. The proposed transit agreements involve the Anna Maria Island Trolley, Cortez Road service, Route 99 along U.S. 41, and transportation assistance for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
A public hearing will address proposed changes to the county’s Infrastructure Sales Tax project and equipment list. The proposal would add two transportation projects, including a major roadway improvement and an intersection improvement, along with associated budget amendments.
Commissioners will also discuss the county’s approach to future audits, including potential audit scope and procurement procedures. Another regular agenda item calls for approval of a revised 2026 commission meeting calendar.
Several community and public service initiatives are included on the consent agenda. Commissioners will consider the proposed closure of We Care Manatee, the reallocation of fiscal year 2027 funding, and measures intended to maintain continuity of healthcare services.
Other proposals include authorization to hire seven grant-funded employees to support the Lasting Manatee Program and permission to pursue federal funding through the Opioid Affected Youth Initiative.
Infrastructure improvements make up a significant portion of the agenda. Proposed actions include roof replacements at the Manatee County Central Library and the county’s transit fleet maintenance facility, improvements to wastewater treatment facilities, and continued engineering work associated with the Cortez Road and Manatee Avenue West bridge replacement projects.
The board will also consider $35,000 in one-time funding for the Florida vs. Florida State Legacy Weekend Tailgate and Watch Party, along with agreements involving Premier Sports Campus and management services for Buffalo Creek and Manatee County golf courses.
County Administrator Charlie Bishop is scheduled to lead a discussion on planning for potential impacts of Amendment 3 in Manatee County. Additional reports will address short-term rental regulations and technology, data, and process improvements within county government.
The meeting will include recognition of the November 2026 Team Member of the Month and agencies involved in the Aviata roof collapse response. Commissioners will also consider proclamations recognizing Farm City Week and Model Manatee County Government Civics Education Program Day.
Residents may attend the meeting in person, submit written comments, or participate by telephone on eligible agenda items. Public comments on non-quasi-judicial matters may be provided by calling 1-888-788-0099 or 1-877-853-5247 and entering meeting ID 865 6745 4691.
The meeting will be broadcast live through the Manatee County Government website and on Manatee Government Access television channels, including Spectrum Channel 644, Frontier Channel 30, and Comcast Channel 20.
The complete November 18 agenda, including supporting documents and public participation information, is available through the county’s online meeting portal at https://agendaonline.mymanatee.org/OnBaseAgendaOnline/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=813&doctype=1.
Residents planning to attend should note the Wednesday meeting date rather than the previously customary Tuesday schedule.
