Council approves contract extension cap, race permit and solid‑waste plan; tables East Bradenton Park; staff reports major wastewater emergency purchases

Bradenton City Council on Aug. 27 approved several administrative items, held votes on a consultant contract extension and event permits, tabled a county-led park improvement proposal, and heard staff briefings on emergency wastewater system purchases.

Key council actions

- Visioning contract (Stantec) extension: The council approved a limited second extension of the Stantec visioning contract and directed staff to finalize and close out the report with limitations on further expenditures. The council capped additional spending at $5,000 and carried the motion 4–0 (one member absent). Planning director Robin Singer and staff said the extension is intended to allow staff to package and edit graphics and prefatory material from the draft report so that useful elements can be published while acknowledging shortcomings identified by council members.

- Bradenton Riverwalk events permit: The council approved a permit for the Bradenton Riverwalk half marathon, 10K and 5K races, to be held March 1, 2026. Kelly Thomas, event review coordinator, said organizers expect about 300 runners and that the permit will be contingent on FDOT and the City of Palmetto approvals. Motion carried 4–0.

- Solid-waste plan for…