Manatee County Prepares to Move 550 Employees Into New Lakewood Ranch Administration Building

Manatee County is preparing to expand its government operations into a new administration building in Lakewood Ranch, marking one of the county’s largest logistical undertakings in years. The two-story, 101,312-square-foot complex at 9000 Town Center Parkway will complement the current administration building in downtown Bradenton, with moves scheduled in stages through 2027.

The county purchased the former TriNet building and its 11-acre site for $23.5 million, with total costs including renovations expected to reach $34.83 million. Officials say the investment is offset by more than $5.5 million in computers, furniture, and equipment left behind by TriNet, which had transitioned to remote operations during the pandemic.

The building has space for about 600 employees. Approximately 550 county staff members will relocate from various departments, including Development Services, Public Works, Human Resources, Property Management, Financial Management, Government Relations, and County Administration. County Administrator Charlie Bishop, deputy administrators, and all seven commissioners will also maintain offices there, while keeping their current offices and the commission chamber in downtown Bradenton.

Cary Knight, director of Property Management, is overseeing the move and emphasizes the opportunities the new site provides for collaboration and efficiency. Shared workspaces, large meeting rooms, and in-house training capabilities are expected to reduce costs and enhance operations.

The first wave of moves is scheduled for the Property Management department, likely by October 31. Development Services and Public Works will move into the first floor, which has been vacant since TriNet vacated the property. The second floor remains occupied by the Federal Emergency Management Agency until early 2026, pushing back the relocation of additional departments until February.

Departments will relocate over weekends to minimize disruptions, with staff expected to return to work by Monday afternoons. Human Resources may move at any time, while Financial Management will wait until after the next budget cycle.

The Lakewood Ranch building features 602 parking spaces and modern office amenities, including break rooms, privacy pods, and a mini cafeteria. Beyond office space, the county plans to repurpose areas left by TriNet, including a large check-printing room, which will house drone operations, IT customization, and 3D printing for office needs.

Officials expect the building to be fully occupied by January 2027, with Knight noting that the additional capacity and land make the investment a long-term asset for the county.