Manatee Habitat Receives First-Ever State Appropriation to Launch Future Palmetto Townhome Community
Manatee County Habitat for Humanity has received its first state appropriation in the organization’s 32-year history, securing $750,000 in Florida’s 2026-27 state budget to help prepare the site for a future affordable townhome community in Palmetto.
The funding will support critical infrastructure work, including roads, utilities, drainage and site preparation, allowing construction activities to begin in early 2027. Habitat officials said the investment will help reduce one of the largest expenses associated with developing new neighborhoods, enabling more donor contributions to be directed toward building affordable homes for local families.
The appropriation was made possible through the support of State Sen. Jim Boyd and State Rep. Will Robinson, both of whom have longstanding ties to Manatee Habitat for Humanity.
Habitat President and CEO Bernie Quinn said infrastructure costs are among the biggest challenges in developing affordable housing communities and that the funding removes a significant obstacle to expanding homeownership opportunities in Manatee County. He also expressed gratitude to Boyd and Robinson for supporting the organization’s mission.
Boyd has been involved with the organization for many years. His office sponsored one of the first Habitat homes built by the Manatee affiliate, and members of Boyd Insurance volunteered alongside future homeowners during construction.
Robinson has also been a longtime supporter through his work with the law firm Blalock Walters, which has provided pro bono legal services to Manatee Habitat since the organization was founded. He recently oversaw the closing of a Habitat home for a homeowner named Barry, marking another milestone in the partnership.
The funding is part of a broader statewide effort to expand affordable homeownership. According to Habitat for Humanity of Florida, every Habitat funding request submitted to the Florida Legislature during this year’s budget process was approved, marking an unprecedented level of state support.
Habitat officials said the appropriation represents an important step toward breaking ground on the future Palmetto community and expanding opportunities for hardworking families in Manatee County to achieve affordable homeownership.
