Manatee County Commissioners Set Full Agenda for March 3 Meeting
The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners will convene its regular meeting at 9 a.m. on March 3, 2026, with a wide-ranging agenda that includes proclamations honoring the late Commissioner Carol Ann Felts, major utilities funding approvals, park and infrastructure projects, and discussions on dementia services and rural land oversight.
The meeting will begin with the call to order, invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, followed by announcements and public comment. Updates to the agenda from late February will also be addressed before the board moves into awards and proclamations.
Proclamations and Recognitions
Commissioners are scheduled to adopt several proclamations, including one honoring Commissioner Carol Ann Felts. Additional recognitions include 311 Day, Developmental Disability Awareness Month, National Surveyors and Mappers Week, and the 100th anniversary of the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association.
Consent Agenda Highlights
The board is expected to consider a lengthy consent agenda covering legal settlements, housing, tourism, utilities, environmental restoration, and public works.
Among the items is a proposed $200,000 settlement in the Carlton Wilson v. Manatee County case. Commissioners will also consider a mortgage modification that increases the catalytic loan for Legacy Village I by more than $2.2 million.
Tourism-related funding includes a reimbursement agreement with the City of Holmes Beach for a multi-modal path enhancement project.
Environmental and natural resource items include acceptance of a grant agreement for the Hidden Harbor Park Fisheries Habitat Enhancement project, authorization to apply for grants from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for artificial reef deployment and monitoring, and a request to seek funding from the Tampa Bay Environmental Restoration Fund for oyster reef construction.
Utilities and infrastructure projects also feature prominently. Commissioners will review multiple change orders for water treatment and lift station upgrades, approve roadway improvements, including the 9th Avenue NW project, and consider a guaranteed maximum price addendum for the Harrison Ranch Boulevard at U.S. 301 signalization project.
Public Works items include a request to install a speed hump on Palma Sola Boulevard and the classification of surplus equipment. The board will also consider a resolution related to continued service as the designated Community Transportation Coordinator in coordination with the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization.
Regular Agenda Business
Outside of the consent agenda, commissioners will receive a strategic plan progress update and consider matters related to the Bishop Animal Shelter property on 21st Avenue West in Bradenton.
The board will also vote on appointing one applicant to the Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Advisory Committee.
Sports and recreation improvements are on the agenda with a guaranteed maximum price addendum for the Country Club East Baseball Fields project.
One of the most significant funding items involves adopting a resolution authorizing the implementation of a Pipeline Resiliency Project. The proposal includes applying for a Florida State Revolving Fund loan package totaling more than $35 million, with half in principal forgiveness and half in zero-percent interest financing, secured by utility revenues.
Commissioner Discussion Items
Commissioners are slated to discuss a proposed 12-month Dementia Public Safety and Navigation Hub, which aims to enhance support services and coordination for residents and families affected by dementia.
Additional discussion items include a proposal to rename Myakka City’s Crane Park in honor of the late Commissioner Carol Ann Felts and consideration of a Rural Lands and Citizens’ Advisory Board.
The meeting will conclude with county attorney, administrator and commissioner comments before adjournment. Public comment periods are scheduled throughout the meeting, including time allotted for future agenda considerations.
