Manatee County Commissioners Set to Approve Key Infrastructure, Housing, and Community Initiatives at May 20 Meeting
The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners will convene for its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, with a comprehensive agenda that will include infrastructure improvements, affordable housing initiatives, ceremonial proclamations, and grant authorizations.
The meeting will begin with an invocation by Pastor Todd Poppell of First Baptist Church in Palmetto, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Veteran Services Counselor and military veteran Anthony Allford.
Commissioners are expected to present proclamations recognizing Emergency Medical Services Week (May 18–24), Memorial Day (May 26), National Drug Court Month, and National Stop the Bleed Day (May 22). Feeding Tampa Bay will also deliver its annual report to the board.
Among the most significant items on the consent agenda, the board will consider three resolutions authorizing the use of eminent domain for priority transportation projects:
60th Avenue East from US 301 to Mendoza Road
Port Harbour Parkway East Extension
Intersection improvements at Ellenton Gillette Road and Mendoza Road
Commissioners will also move forward on major infrastructure contracts, including water main crossings, lift station rehabilitations, and the renovation of John Marble Park’s pool, pump house, and restroom facilities. An emergency agreement for Lake Manatee Dam repairs is also on the agenda for ratification.
In grant and funding matters, the board will vote on the submission of FY 2025–2026 West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND) funding applications, authorize a federal request through the Natural Resources Conservation Service for stormwater system repairs, and execute a revised SBA disaster loan data sharing agreement.
Affordable housing will take center stage as the board adopts Resolution R-25-071, approving a list of county-owned land to be designated for affordable housing development. Commissioners will also vote on a contract to acquire North Pine Island environmental land for long-term conservation.
Legislative hearings will include adoption of Ordinance 25-29, aimed at clarifying court cost collections in traffic cases, and approval of a grant application under the Rebuild Florida Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for backup power at Nolan Middle School.
Additional items will include acceptance of a grant for medical equipment at the Animal Welfare Community Center, review of the HUD Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Action Plan, and discussion of the Light Up Manatee roadway lighting initiative.
The board will also address various legal settlements, insurance renewals, and budget adjustments across county departments.
The meeting will be broadcast live on Manatee Government Access TV and streamed online via the county’s website. Members of the public will be able to participate in person or through virtual and phone-based comment options.