The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners will hold its next regular meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 25, with a wide-ranging agenda that includes nonprofit funding, school zone speed limits, infrastructure projects, environmental initiatives, simulated gambling devices and several public hearings.
Commissioners will meet in the Honorable Patricia M. Glass Chambers at the Manatee County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W. in Bradenton. Residents may attend in person or watch the meeting live through Manatee County’s online broadcast or Manatee Government Access television channels.
Among the regular agenda items, commissioners are scheduled to consider recommendations for fiscal year 2026-27 funding through the Children’s Services Dedicated Millage. The board will also consider nonprofit investment recommendations for Adult Health and Human Services programs.
Commissioners will consider establishing a Rural Communities Advisory Board, which would provide another avenue for addressing issues affecting Manatee County’s rural communities. The proposal calls for adoption of Resolution R-26-105.
Another item would authorize county staff to continue working with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Gaming Commission on revisions to a proposed ordinance regulating simulated gambling devices.
The board is also scheduled to consider a Suncoast Prosper Scholarship Funding Agreement and receive a follow-up presentation on results from Manatee County’s artificial intelligence pilot with Digibuild.
Public Works will bring school zone speed limits before commissioners, while commissioner-requested discussion items later in the meeting include Flock cameras, reducing speeds for traffic and pedestrian safety, and an update to the county’s reserve policy.
The consent agenda contains dozens of additional county matters covering transportation, utilities, stormwater, parks, natural resources and property. Projects include work associated with the Duette Bridge replacement, Fort Hamer Road expansion, Lockwood Ridge Road and State Road 70 intersection improvements, Bowlees Creek watershed flood mitigation and repairs to hurricane damage at Coquina Beach.
Environmental items include work connected to the Manatee County Oyster Restoration Project, Passage Key Inlet sand search and borrow area design, and a proposed long-range beach erosion control budget plan for submission to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Commissioners will also consider authorization to apply for funding for the Twin Dolphins Marina Pier design and permitting project and an agreement supporting the Coastal & Heartland National Estuary Partnership’s conservation and management plan.
Several advertised public hearings are scheduled. Commissioners will consider an ordinance regulating engine compression release braking on Verna Bethany Road between State Road 64 and State Road 70, changes involving the Aviary at Rutland Ranch Community Development District, and renewals of certificates for Ambitrans Medical Transport and Duette Fire and Rescue.
A quasi-judicial hearing will consider a request to designate the Johnson Helm House at 2104 53rd Ave. E. in Bradenton as a local historic landmark.
The meeting will also include recognition of Manatee County’s August Team Member of the Month and proposed proclamations recognizing Alexandra de Roos Day and International Overdose Awareness Day.
Residents will have opportunities to provide public comment during designated portions of the meeting. Written comments may also be submitted online, and telephone participation is available for non-quasi-judicial matters. People who want to speak in person may attend the meeting at the county administration building.
The agenda notes that the previously scheduled Light Up Manatee project status update has been deferred until Sept. 1.
The Aug. 25 meeting agenda contains 68 numbered items before county attorney, county administrator and commissioner comments and adjournment.