The first Manatee County Commission meeting of 2026 opened with a “State of the Chair” address, a newer board tradition introduced last year by the …
Manatee County Commissioner Amanda Ballard has filed to seek reelection to serve the county’s District 2 for a second term. This time, unlike her first campaign, the candidate says …
Southern Manatee Fire Rescue is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Firefighter Justin Markey, who died of natural causes while off duty on January 1, 2026. Firefighter Markey proudly served with Southern Manatee Fire Rescue for over 17 years and was a dedicated, respected member of the department. Throughout his career, he exemplified …
As students across Manatee County return to classrooms today after winter break, families are already planning for the next school year. The School District of Manatee County has …
The first full week of the new year will see only two local governments in session, with only the Palmetto City Commission and the Manatee County Commission …
President Donald Trump said Saturday that the United States will “run the country” of Venezuela until “a proper transition can take place,” following the capture of Venezuelan …
Over the past week, red tide was observed in eight samples from Northwest Florida. Bloom concentrations (>100,000 cells/liter) were observed in one sample from Bay County. We continue to …
In Florida, the environmental beat during 2025 featured land purchases and development rights, which tied in to immigration efforts, plus the first bear hunt in a decade and a big …
Fifty-two bears were “harvested” during the recently wrapped 2025 bear hunt, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said in a release Tuesday. The bears were physically …
In 2024, Floridians paid $24 billion more in property taxes than in 2019. Gov. Ron DeSantis claimed during a recent appearance on Varney & Co., a show on Fox Business network, that …
There are no local government meetings scheduled this week. All local government offices will be closed on Thursday, New Year's Day. The City of Palmetto's offices will also be closed …
Over the past week, red tide was observed in 30 samples from Northwest Florida and one sample from Southwest Florida. Bloom concentrations (>100,000 cells/liter) were observed in three …
Manatee County residents who want to help protect land and water resources, working with willing sellers to preserve fish and wildlife habitat and provide for passive recreation …
Can anyone stop Byron Donalds from becoming Florida’s next governor? There’s still more than 10 months until Floridians elect a successor to Ron DeSantis, but there’s no question the …
After Missouri lawmakers passed a gerrymandered congressional map this fall, opponents submitted more than 300,000 signatures seeking to force a statewide vote on whether to overturn the map. But …
There are no local government meetings scheduled this week. …
Manatee County redirected $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding that had been earmarked for sewer infrastructure improvements in the Tallevast community …
“No severe fungal spore types” were found in Lakewood Ranch High School, according to the findings of a final assessment report issued this week by the firm contracted by the district to conduct the study.
Over the past week, red tide was observed in 29 samples from Florida’s Gulf Coast. Bloom concentrations (>100,000 cells/liter) were observed in four samples from Northwest Florida. We …
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from Manatee County Government. Manatee County offices will be closed on the following days: