Manatee County Commissioners Help House “Toys for Tots” for Holiday Season and Continue Investing in Community Needs
The Manatee Board of County Commissioner (BOCC) has helped deliver a new and needed home for a Christmas charity and moved forward with funding of several important initiatives during its regular meeting Tuesday.
Board members approved an agreement to allow the Marine Toys for Tots to use a warehouse on the former Mixon Farms Property free of charge through the end of the year to house donated toys, bikes and games during their annual drive and distribution period as part of their Consent Agenda.
The BOCC also unanimously approved the County’s continued participation in the Mobile-Integrated Health Model (MIH) Communities Project, including an appropriation of $101,000 to be used for MIH services provided in Model Communities in Florida with the intent to reduce Emergency Medical Services (EMS) utilization.
Through this initiative, Manatee County helps close gaps in care, reduce avoidable 911 calls and emergency room visits, and support better health outcomes for vulnerable residents. By partnering with the State of Florida and sharing performance data, Manatee County has become a recognized leader—operating the longest-running MIH program in the state and demonstrating how this model can strengthen community health for everyone.
“I think this is a wonderful program,” said Manatee County District 5 Commissioner Dr. Bob McCann. “I think it’s very important for people to realize what a wonderful program this is.”
The board also approved $2.9 million in funding to finish and furnish the second floor of the Lakewood Ranch Library. This will include Library Services offices and flexible community space.
A Guaranteed Maximum Price of $5.5 million was approved for building the new Lake Manatee EMS station and another $7.4 million for construction of the new Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at Premier.
The board approved reimbursement agreements totaling $1.6 million for the design of Moccasin Wallow Road and voted to accept a state-funded $98,700 grant for design of a sidewalk along Morgan Johnson Road (from 13th Ave E. to SR 64).
Moving forward, commissioners unanimously approved display guidelines for the Manatee County Library system, ensuring the promotion of the library’s mission. They also authorized a waiver of tipping fees for a series of upcoming planned community cleanup events at various locations throughout the county.
For more information about Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ManateeGov.