Manatee County Government offices and all Manatee County libraries will be closed Wednesday, November 11, 2026, in observance of Veterans Day.
“Veterans Day is an opportunity to recognize the men and women who have answered the call to serve our country and the sacrifices they and their families have made along the way,” said Manatee County District 4 Commissioner and Marine Corps veteran Mike Rahn. “As a veteran myself, I know that service doesn't end when the uniform comes off. Our veterans continue to make a difference in our communities every day, and I'm proud to be part of a county that recognizes and values their contributions.”
Trash, Recycling, Bulk and Yard Waste Collection
Trash, recycling, bulk and yard waste collection in unincorporated Manatee County will continue as regularly scheduled on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11. There will be no changes to collection schedules due to the holiday.
Manatee County Animal Welfare
Manatee County Animal Welfare locations, including Bishop Animal Shelter and Cat Town, will be closed to the public. Animals will continue to receive care, and volunteers are welcome during normal volunteer hours. Residents who need assistance with a sick, injured or aggressive animal should call 941-742-5933 and select option 1 for emergency dispatch, and an on-call Animal Welfare officer will respond. Calls about animals that are not sick, injured or aggressive should be made during normal business hours. Lost and found pet services remain available at mymanatee.org/pets.
Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT)
Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) fixed-route services, Handy Bus operations and the Anna Maria Island Trolley will operate on their regular schedules.
Manatee County Sports and Leisure and Natural Resources
Manatee County parks, beaches and preserves will be open to the public. Manatee County and Buffalo Creek Golf Courses will also remain open. The G.T. Bray Recreation Center, John Marble Recreation Center and Walton Racquet Center will be closed. All County aquatic centers, including G.T. Bray, John H. Marble and Lincoln, as well as all county splash pads will also be closed.
Manatee County Libraries
All Manatee County libraries will be closed Wednesday, November 11, and will reopen Thursday, November 12.
Lasting Manatee Intake Center
The Lasting Manatee Intake Center in downtown Bradenton will also be closed in observance of Veterans Day.
Residents are encouraged to join communities across the region in honoring the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces through a variety of ceremonies, parades and special events.
Bradenton Christian School PAC Gymnasium (3304 43rd St. W., Bradenton)
November 6, 2026
8:30 a.m. breakfast; 9:30 a.m. ceremony
Bradenton Christian School will host a special breakfast and ceremony honoring local veterans and recognizing their service and sacrifice. Attendees are asked to RSVP by October 30.
State College of Florida, Bradenton Campus (Outside Building 14)
November 9, 2026
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
SCF Manatee-Sarasota Veteran Services will host its annual Veterans Day celebration featuring interactive activities, including a tug-of-war competition, thank-you card making, paracord bracelet making and opportunities to sample military Meals Ready to Eat (MREs). Local military recruiters will also be available.
Manatee Performing Arts Center (502 3rd Ave. W., Bradenton)
November 10, 2026
11:15 a.m. doors open; noon program
The Bradenton Kiwanis Club will host its annual Veterans Appreciation Lunch to recognize local veterans and thank them for their service. Tickets are free but required, with limited availability. Veterans can pick up tickets at Manatee County Veterans Services (1401 3rd Ave. W., Bradenton).
Mote Science Education Aquarium will offer free admission to veterans and their immediate families in recognition of Veterans Day. Veterans must present valid proof of military service upon arrival. Reservations can be made by calling 941-388-6683.
103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria
November 11, 2026
10 a.m.
The City of Anna Maria will host its annual Old Soldiers and Sailors Ceremony, bringing the community together to honor veterans and recognize their contributions to our nation.
Parrish Community Park (7550 Fort Hamer Road, Parrish)
November 11, 2026
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Parrish Civic Association will host its annual Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony, featuring community participation, patriotic tributes and food trucks. The parade begins at 10 a.m., traveling from the Fort Hamer Road roundabout to Erie Road before looping back along Fort Hamer Road. A Veterans Day ceremony will follow at approximately 11 a.m.
Manatee County Fairgrounds and Sutton Park, Palmetto
November 11, 2026
10:15 a.m. parade; 11 a.m. memorial service
The Manatee County Veterans Council and City of Palmetto will co-host the annual Veterans Day Parade, beginning at the Manatee County Fairgrounds and concluding at Sutton Park. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m., featuring guest speaker Lorna House and recognition of the Veteran, Auxiliary and Civilian of the Year award recipients.
Roskamp Institute, Sarasota
November 11, 2026
10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
The Roskamp Institute will host its annual Veterans Day Open House, offering visitors an opportunity to explore research and resources through self-guided information stations and laboratory tours. The free event will also feature a Veterans Day ceremony presented by the Booker High School Color Guard at noon. Breakfast and lunch will be available.
Patriot Plaza, Sarasota National Cemetery (9810 State Road 72, Sarasota)
November 11, 2026
2:45 p.m. opening ceremony; 3 p.m. Mass
The Diocese of Venice will host its 17th annual Veterans Day Catholic Mass, offering prayers for deceased veterans, active-duty service members and all who protect our nation's freedoms. The outdoor service is open to the public, and military members are encouraged to wear their uniforms.
Town Center Green (600 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key)
November 11, 2026
4 – 6 p.m.
The Town of Longboat Key will host a Veterans Day tribute featuring Commissioner Steve Branham, a retired U.S. Coast Guard rear admiral, as the featured speaker. The approximately 30-minute ceremony will be followed by live music, food trucks and refreshments.
Multiple Locations
November 14–16, 2026
The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota will present its annual concert dedicated to veterans, active-duty service members and their families. Performances include:
Saturday, November 14, at 3 p.m.: Parrish Community High School Performing Arts Center.
Sunday, November 15, at 3 p.m.: Riverview High School Performing Arts Center.
Monday, November 16, at 7:30 p.m.: State College of Florida's Neel Performing Arts Center.
Veterans, service members, and their families are invited to attend these special performances honoring military service.
Manatee County encourages residents to participate in these community events and join in recognizing the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of those who have served our nation.
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