Manatee County Planning Commission met to consider two rezoning petitions — a 2.54-acre commercial rezone (Carter) and a 27.34‑acre planned residential development (Stevens). The commission denied both rezoning requests after commissioners and residents raised compatibility, access, traffic and drainage concerns.

Discussion Points

•Applicant proffered a 0.35 FAR cap and a restricted schedule of uses
•Applicant proposes gated emergency access as secondary access
•Applicants argued consistency with comp plan and cited technical reports
•Commissioners emphasized need for site‑plan level engineering before approval
•Commissioners requested site‑plan‑level traffic, environmental and drainage analyses
•New commissioner sworn in
•Residents raised concerns about heavy truck traffic and neighborhood compatibility
•Residents raised concerns about narrow 77th Street East, drainage to Frog Creek, and potential loss of privacy
•Staff found GDP lacked required clarity for several specific approvals
•Staff said GDPs lacked completeness in specific approval sections and diagrams

Decisions

•Motion to deny PDR‑2517 passed 5–1
•Motion to deny ZL 2601 passed 5–1

Directions

•Applicant must provide clearer access mapping and technical analyses at preliminary site plan if refiled
•Applicants to provide complete exhibits at subsequent submittals if pursued
•Staff to include denial recommendation in packet to BOCC

Oct

October 20, 2026 - Regular Meeting - 2026-10-20 09:00:00

Manatee County Board of County Commissioners met on 2026-10-20 for a regular meeting featuring proclamations, a contested license agreement for the Cortez bridge construction, three environmental land purchases, changes to the county's cross-connection/backflow program (consent), a heated public discussion and votes on a construction staging license with CEMA Construction, a long public hearing on Bishop Animal Services (facility plans, costs, shade structures), and a unanimous board request for an independent forensic audit of procurement/contract concerns.

Discussion Points

•Advisory board pushed to preserve Lena Road for future east-county facility.
•Commissioners asked about posting schedule, accessibility and integration with agenda pages.
•Contractor said Parcel 2 enables direct barge offloads; neighbors said Parcel 2 was unacceptable for material assembly.
•County staff acknowledged previous direction to limit use south of the pedestrian bridge, but presented a reduced footprint as compromise.
•Form centralizes intake and tags sentiment; staff will accept non-digital submissions and can upload on behalf of citizens.
•Large capital costs and long design-construction schedule for brick-and-mortar replacement vs. near-term operational fixes (shade, sound mitigation).
•Potential cost estimates for an external forensic audit (staff suggested five-figure to low six-figure depending on scope).
•Public raised risks of biennial testing and non-testable dual checks due to debris and failure modes; staff emphasized administrative-code alignment, risk classifications and AMI detection possibilities.
•Requests for public IG briefing on environmental lands-related audit and for comp-plan review; calls for library policy review on voter guides; dementia hub space/funding requests.
•Staff described conservation and hydrologic benefits and restoration priorities, and noted purchase totals, appraisals and a 6.5-acre owner carve-out.
•Whether to use Clerk/IG resources vs. an external firm; scope should include Mosaic-related contracts, specific CIP projects and procurement practices.

Decisions

•Acquisitions approved and budget amendments adopted.
•Board approved direction unanimously.
•Consent approval; no immediate changes to high-risk annual testing requirements.
•Follow-ups noted; some items scheduled for November board and December follow-ups.
•License approved subject to mitigation and coordination.
•Soft launch live; staff to return with minor UX improvements as requested.
•Staff directed to pursue shade procurement and to evaluate Lena Road application.

Directions

•CEMA to work with staff to minimize neighborhood impacts; staff to ensure gating, fencing and limited uses for Parcel 2; FDOT to hold pre-construction outreach session.
•Direct staff to bring procurement package and budget amendment for permanent shade; evaluate concept for Lena Road.
•Staff to consider agenda scheduling for IG briefing, comp plan follow-up after new board seating; staff to advise on library policy/county attorney referral; staff to assess grant/budget options for dementia hub.
•Staff to finalize contracts and return work plan and staffing details to board.
•Staff to prepare scope and procurement plan and to coordinate with Clerk and Inspector General; return to board with timeline and cost estimate.
•Staff to refine visualizations, add easy filters and accept feedback for iterative improvement.
•Staff to study staggered testing and replacement timelines; report back prior to implementation.

Oct

October 15, 2026 - Planning Commission - 2026-10-15 09:00:00

Manatee County Planning Commission considered five major land-use items on Oct. 15, 2026, including sign-stipulation changes for a storage facility in Parrish, multiple rezones and plan-development requests, and a contested 90,000-sq.-ft. BayCare medical office proposal that drew neighborhood opposition. The commission approved three items (including a large GDP amendment) and denied two rezoning/rezone-related requests after extended questions about traffic, wetlands, buffering and compatibility.

Discussion Points

•Applicant acknowledged after‑the‑fact construction and described PDI as the proper process to provide special approvals and address setbacks.
•Applicant argued original stipulation inadvertently locked in older code text limiting signs to 6 ft/32 sq ft.
•Applicant argued rezone aligns zoning with future land use and surrounding parcels.
•Applicant committed to a 25% trip reduction versus current entitlement and to maintain buffering between the school and commercial uses.
•Applicant presented a 90,000 sq ft medical office plan with 361 parking spaces, primary access on US 301 and a secondary offset on Red Rooster, and stated Swiftmud reduced wetland acreage estimate to ~1.62 acres.
•Applicant withdrew prior request to transfer 100,000 sq ft from school site and described reallocation and FAR commitment.
•Commissioners asked about enforcement and oversight, and staff noted no enforcement action known and that final technical review would be required.
•Commissioners expressed concern about approving density increases without a site plan in a flood‑prone area and about unknown future impacts (lot split, accessory units, stormwater).
•Commissioners requested updated staff reports and assurances on FDOT coordination for access.
•Neighbors argued larger signs would be visually intrusive and create a precedent for larger signage in Parrish.
•Residents testified extensively about safety concerns (school buses, children, horses, cut‑through traffic) and property impacts.
•Staff clarified lot‑split possibilities and stormwater requirements for nonresidential uses.
•Staff explained modern practice is to cite code sections rather than paste code text into stipulations.
•Traffic consultants presented a PM peak hour estimate (~327 trips) and distribution modeling; commissioners remained unconvinced FDOT coordination and mitigation could be completed in a timeline adequate to protect neighborhood safety.
•Wetland scientist described expansion of a wetland since 1986 and a plan to offset small impacts via relocation of a pond and invasive removal.

Decisions

•Amendment to stipulation approved (compliance with PCV overlay).
•GDP modification approved unanimously with conditions and documentation updates.
•PDI 25‑18 approved with conditions; final mitigation verification required.
•PDO25‑33 denied by 6–0 vote.
•Straight rezoning denied by 5–1 vote.

Directions

•Applicant may return with alternative zoning (e.g., RSF 3) or a site plan for more targeted review.
•Applicant to provide detailed mitigation plan and Swiftmud coordination at final site plan; staff to update final reports.
•Applicant to return with FDOT coordination results, specific mitigation measures (turn lanes/signals), updated stormwater and wetland mitigation plan and evidence of mitigation bank credit availability if resubmitting.
•Staff to update ordinance language and correct staff report to reflect action in final documentation.
•Staff to update ordinance language and final reports to reflect applicant's narrowed request and FAR/trip commitments.

Oct

Tourist Development Council 10/12/2026

Manatee County Tourist Development Council meeting covered a public comment on adaptive tourism, a recommendation to fund a Florida–Florida State legacy weekend watch party, updates on SRQ airport projects and passenger growth, tourism performance dashboards for July–August, sports-event economic impact, tide-valve infrastructure funding options, and water-ferry expansion discussion.

Discussion Points

•Airport reported year-to-date passenger growth and record months.
•Allocating 40% of tourism-tax revenue to infrastructure would permit many projects and materially change funding priorities.
•Fuel costs led to temporary service suspensions; Coquina Beach added as a stop.
•July showed increased rental supply and a small dip in occupancy; August had a larger occupancy decline and decreased direct expenditures.
•Members asked about expected attendance, logistics and seating.
•Members suggested pursuing regional partnerships and grant funding to expand routes.
•Officials noted airline engagement and seasonal service restorations.
•One pontoon catamaran is undergoing refurbishment, which staff said should extend service life by about four years.
•Organizers framed the event as a tourism and fundraising opportunity for RISE programs.
•Planned capital projects total roughly $78 million, including a phased parking garage and baggage-claim expansion.
•Sports events generated an estimated $311M economic impact and $2.4M in sales tax.
•Staff recommended a one-year seed and debrief for year two.
•Staff will deliver a full quarterly report with hotel and rental data next week.
•Top sports categories: soccer, dance/gymnastics, lacrosse; staff target indoor events to offset summer slowdowns.
•Using tourism-tax proceeds for infrastructure is legally permitted but requires an independent study paid from tourism-tax funds.

Decisions

•TDC approved recommending $35,000 to the Board of County Commissioners.

Directions

•Chair to raise the tide-valve and funding-policy question with the Board of County Commissioners as part of the two-year budget process.
•Continue targeted recruitment and use of incentives to secure multi-year sports events.
•Forward $35,000 recommendation to Board of County Commissioners for consideration.
•Proceed with design and procurement phases for major projects; return with updates as design advances.
•Return with full July–September quarterly metrics once final data are compiled.
•Staff to pursue grants and return with cost and ridership data to support regional outreach.

Oct

October 8, 2026 - Land Use Meeting - 2026-10-08 09:00:00

Manatee County Board of County Commissioners met Oct. 8, 2026 for a land‑use hearing. The board approved a 12‑month moratorium on data centers, several rezones and GDP amendments (including a 108‑unit affordable project), accepted multiple development plan amendments, heard public comment on procurement and county administration, and voted on appointments and consent items.

Discussion Points

•Applicant lowered AMI target from previously proposed 70% to 60% AMI for deeper affordability; traffic study waiver based on ITE PM trip threshold; final access and parking to be reviewed at FSP.
•Applicant requested funding and asked for agenda placement if a motion could not be made that day.
•Developer reduced multifamily and increased commercial uses to reduce water/wastewater and external trips; planning commission recommended approval; questions focused on infrastructure timing, school impact and affordable housing removal.
•List of votes and indicates items continued for future hearing.
•Staff recommended 12‑month moratorium to allow definition and regulatory work on data centers and large‑load customers; commissioners raised water, power and noise concerns; public asked for longer pause and workshops.

Decisions

•Adopt 12‑month moratorium (Ordinance 26‑42)
•Adopt DRI amendment and companion GDP amendment
•Approve GDP amendment

Directions

•Staff to analyze school trip impacts at FSP if a school is proposed.
•Staff to follow up on county‑provided space options and next agenda availability.
•Staff to verify LURA documentation and impact‑fee incentive eligibility at FSP.

Oct

October 7, 2026 - Special Meeting

Manatee County board held a special meeting on Oct. 7, 2026 to review and approve recommended awards from the Lasting Manatee (CDBG-DR) infrastructure recovery and resilience program, approving municipal awards and restructuring county project recommendations after debate about prioritizing stormwater work versus a public safety logistics center.

Discussion Points

•Board asked clarifying questions about scoring and why some pre-applications did not advance.
•Feasibility, permit and easement timelines for projects like Pierce Drain.
•Feasibility, permitting and easement timelines for Pierce Drain projects and HUD grant-period constraints.
•How the mitigation set-aside operates and the requirement that activities tie back to 2024 disasters.
•Limits of contingency (~$10M) and the risk of committing contingency to nonprofit awards vs. retaining for overruns.
•Nonprofit requests for IRRP funding and how they would be paid from existing contingency.
•Staff presented municipal recommendations and reminded that public comment cannot materially change submitted applications.
•Stormwater projects vs logistics center; tradeoffs of immediate neighborhood mitigation vs generational operations investment.
•Whether logistics center is generationally impactful vs immediate need for stormwater mitigation.
•Which projects meet HUD\u0019s national objectives and how DOB reviews eliminate duplicate funding.

Decisions

•Approved municipal awards and authorized staff to execute subrecipient agreements.
•Approved the swap: logistics center removed; Pierce Drain added; IRRP funding package approved.
•Board removed the logistics center and approved Pierce Drain instead.
•Motion to study a nonprofit funding tranche was withdrawn; board will not allocate contingency at this time.

Directions

•Staff to proceed with legal review and prepare subrecipient agreements; staff to post approved projects to GIS dashboard and provide updates.

Oct

October 6, 2026 - Regular Meeting - 2026-10-06 09:00:00

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners met on Oct. 6, 2026 but lacked a quorum; the board opened a public hearing on Ordinance 26-42 (data center moratorium) and continued adoption to Oct. 8, 2026 at 9 a.m. Public commenters alleged a coordinated effort and sunshine-law violations; commissioners debated whether to discuss or seek termination of County Administrator Charlie Bishop’s contract before a new board takes office. The meeting was adjourned after a motion to do so.

Discussion Points

•Attorney advised board can continue hearing in absence of quorum but cannot take testimony or conduct other business.
•Attorney read and applied R-25-013 to limit actions in the absence of a quorum.
•Commissioner Bearden's item moved to Thursday at his request.
•Costs and practicalities of terminating a contract within weeks of a board transition, including severance and interim pay.
•Public commenter alleged a coordinated effort and sunshine-law violations tied to the continuance.
•Scheduling and rescheduling of agenda items due to light agenda and absent commissioners.
•Whether the present board should act on County Administrator Charlie Bishop's contract before a new board takes office.

Decisions

•Adoption hearing for Ordinance 26-42 continued to 10/08/2026 at 9:00 a.m.
•Continue hearing to 10/08/2026 at 9:00 a.m.
•Meeting adjourned after motion; items moved to Thursday and Oct. 20 meeting confirmed.
•No formal board action on the allegation during Oct. 6 meeting; matter remains in the record.
•No formal board decision on administrator contract during Oct. 6 meeting.

Directions

•Follow procedure: continue hearing to a time certain; staff to update notice.
•No termination motion made on Oct. 6; matter remains for future agenda(s).
•Staff to update agenda and public notices to reflect continuance to 10/08/2026 at 9:00 a.m.
•Staff to update agendas and notices for the continued hearings and moved items.

Oct

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The Palmetto City Commission and Community Redevelopment Agency workshop discussed revisions to a proposed city logo and fee options for Ordinance 2026-04 on unsolicited proposals. No formal action on either item was recorded; the meeting also announced a fireworks permit for the evening’s consent agenda.

Discussion Points

•Commissioners discussed cost recovery, refunds, deposits, applicant impact and additional project-value tiers.
•Commissioners discussed design, color, tagline and application options for the proposed city logo and seal.
•Commissioners offered feedback but did not select a final design.
•Commissioners weighed flat, tiered and project-value-based fee options, including the initially proposed $25,000 flat fee.
•The City Attorney said the ordinance had gone through first reading.

Directions

•The City Attorney said she could bring the tiered option to a future workshop.

Oct

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The Palmetto City Commission approved first readings of data center and smoke shop moratoriums and an easement vacation, and approved several consent items. Commissioners also discussed a wastewater treatment plant purchase and Veolia contract extension, park improvements, and other city projects.

Discussion Points

•Commissioner Cornwell asked what the Tiger Dam system would do for the city. The City Attorney said it had been presented to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, but the city might choose another option; he also said staff thought another pump was needed due to recent wastewater treatment plant issues.
•Commissioner Cornwell asked whether the vehicles associated with item 4f were being purchased.
•Commissioner Whitaker asked whether utilities remained in the easement; the record says it was confirmed none were present.
•Cornwell asked what Tiger Dam would do for the city. Rayan said it had been presented to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in connection with a consent order, but the city might use another approach.
•Cornwell requested timelines for larger city projects and for Planning and Zoning review of the moratorium.
•Rayan reported a concrete pad at Patriot Park and said vertical construction would begin soon.
•Rayan reported a request for vendor applications related to the WWTP and said the city had requested a 30-day extension. He said Veolia verbally confirmed it would agree.
•Rayan said staff thought another pump should be purchased because of recent wastewater treatment plant issues.
•Staff said temporary wastewater filters were installed and the facility was in compliance, while no permanent action had been taken.
•The commission reached consensus to proceed with the stated timeline.
•The ordinance proposes a 365-day moratorium on establishing specified businesses and products in every city zoning district.
•The ordinance text describes a proposed moratorium on applications related to data centers, large-scale data centers and other large-load customers within Palmetto City limits.
•Tyler reported benches installed around the Connor Park gazebo.
•Williams raised the need for a light at 17th Street and 14th Avenue; Rayan said he would follow up.

Decisions

•Consent items 4a-4d were approved; tally not stated.
•Items 4f, 4g and 4h were each approved 5-0.
•The agenda was approved 5-0 with item 4e removed and item 4h added.
•The commission approved item 4g by a 5-0 vote. The minutes do not establish which specific equipment was purchased.
•The commission approved the first reading 5-0; no final adoption was recorded.
•The first reading of Ordinance 2026-14 was approved 5-0; the ordinance was not finally adopted at this meeting.
•The first reading of Ordinance 2026-16 was approved 5-0; no final adoption was recorded.
•The motion directing preparation of the MOU passed 5-0; execution of the extension was not recorded.

Directions

•Rayan said he would follow up on the streetlight request.
•Staff was authorized to advertise for appropriate public hearings.
•Staff was directed to schedule appropriate public hearings.
•Staff was directed to schedule the appropriate public hearings.
•The Legal Department was directed to prepare an MOU extending the agreement through Jan. 31.

Oct

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The Palmetto City Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board met Oct. 5, 2026 and approved a Declaration of Restrictive Covenant with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) for the conditional closure of the Connor Park Remediation Project; the motion passed 4-1. Board members also asked staff for concise project updates and discussed park amenities.

Discussion Points

•No public comment; motions carried as recorded.
•Notices are required only to property owners within the CRA jurisdiction; attorneys participated online; covenant will not obligate Ms. Coleman to future parcel actions.
•Placement of picnic tables and gazebo benches at Connor Park; request that consultants provide new information only.

Decisions

•Agenda approved 5-0; consent minutes approved 5-0; covenant approved 4-1.
•Board approved the Declaration of Restrictive Covenant with FDEP by a 4-1 vote.

Directions

•Authorize CRA Presiding Officer to execute covenant; staff to take actions necessary to carry out terms.

Sep

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The Palmetto City CRA Board met September 28, 2026 (hybrid). The board approved the meeting agenda and consent items (each vote 5-0), pulled a Palmetto Place tax-increment reimbursement request for consideration Oct. 19, and received project updates from CRA Director Rowena Young on a redevelopment plan update, Mosaic covenants, the Slicks property DEP closure order, several park and corridor projects, and outreach to local businesses.

Discussion Points

•Consent agenda items approved 5-0.
•Consider impacts of ad valorem property tax changes.
•Cornwell recommended encumbering funds to protect multi-year projects.
•Cornwell requested accelerated 8th Avenue design work, DOT coordination, and integration with existing projects.
•DEP has not issued the closure order despite indication in February.
•MLK Park delayed by rain; CO expected within weeks.
•Motion to approve agenda carried 5-0.
•Need to update redevelopment plan to reflect completed projects and boundary resolution history.
•Palmetto Place TIF item pulled and scheduled for Oct.19.
•Residential restriction cleared; additional covenants remain.
•Schedule RMA presentation Oct. 19 and pursue piggyback contract.
•Staff considering unsolicited proposals and an RFP; pursuing alley vacation to improve site.
•Staff have spoken with business owners including Starbucks and Zaxby's.
•Staff provided requested information to prior property owner and are awaiting a response.
•Staff to contact DEP to follow up.
•Staff to issue RFQ and prepare operational and maintenance provisions.
•Williams suggested outreach to Dairy Queen and questioned Palmetto Place extension timing.
•Women's Club closeout targeted for first two weeks of November.

Decisions

•Agenda approved
•Consent agenda approved
•Palmetto Place item pulled to Oct. 19

Directions

•Prepare RFQ and operational provisions for board review.
•Staff to begin corridor studies with in-house CCNAs and to perform targeted business outreach.
•Staff to contact DEP for status update.
•Staff to provide RMA publications and present Oct. 19.

Sep

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City Commission/CRA Workshop on Sept. 28, 2026 considered FDOTPalmetto Trail PD&E study (staff asked for authority to sign Typical Section Package) and a proposal to activate a temporary downtown pocket park on a City-owned parcel; commissioners probed safety, costs, permitting and grant-process concerns.

Discussion Points

•Activated crossing treatments recommended; final choice deferred to design.
•FDOT described route, widths, tunnel constraints, and proposed crossing treatments.
•FDOT estimated $15.7M total; City-specific estimate not prepared.
•FDOT requested City concurrence and signature on the Typical Section Package to finalize the PD&E study.
•Manatee County prioritizing part of the middle section for implementation using grant funds.
•PDMS had a $25,000 county grant and private contributions; staff said no additional City funding was requested.
•PDMS proposed a temporary, relocatable pocket park to support downtown business and evening activity.
•Timing adjustments can be made to accommodate wheelchair users and clearance intervals.

Directions

•PDMS to provide required DEP closeout documentation and conditional-use information; PDMS and staff to coordinate communications to the Board as requested.
•Staff to check operation of existing local crossings as requested by Commissioner Smith.
•Staff to distribute the Typical Section Package for continued review and to coordinate with FDOT on minor edits.
•Staff to request a City-overlayed map and an order-of-magnitude City cost estimate from FDOT.

Sep

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The Palmetto City Commission met Sept. 28, 2026 to adopt the FY 2027 millage and budget, approve zoning and sign permits, authorize a Waste Management rate addendum, and receive updates on several redevelopment and utility projects. Commissioners continued a large multifamily general development plan to Oct. 19 and heard staff updates on CSX due diligence, wastewater privatization procurement, and Patriot Park construction.

Discussion Points

•Applicant described 28 lots incorrectly zoned after 2024 storms; staff noted P&Z recommended approval.
•Enhanced bulk collection fee rates and absorption within $100,000 allowance; missed pickup complaints and truck-camera access request.
•Four firms replied to letters of interest; technical solicitation provisions being prepared.
•Mast-arm design finalized; FDOT review required; CVS property acquisition pending; City has eminent domain authority but prefers negotiation.
•Mayor reviewed percentage change from rolled-back rate and uses of ad valorem revenue.
•Measured sign area excludes brick supports; applicant agreed to emergency messaging compatibility.
•Phase Two results expected within about a week; due diligence extended to January; ALTA survey estimated at ~$30,000.
•Report of an LPR camera on 4th Avenue; clarification of county vs. city operations; commitment to inspect location.
•Revised plans submitted but not yet reviewed; quasijudicial matter caution.

Decisions

•Adopt Resolutions 2026-16 and 2026-17
•Authorize Waste Management addendum
•Conditional Use Permit approved
•Continue hearing to Oct. 19
•Rezoning approved

Directions

•Chief to inspect and report back to Commission.
•Staff to complete review and return Oct. 19.
•Staff to finalize procurement package and provide list of respondents to Commissioner Williams.
•Staff to review local collection schedule and request truck-camera access; contractor to provide update Oct. 19.

Sep

September 24, 2026 - Budget Meeting - 2026-09-24 17:30:00

Manatee County commissioners held a public hearing Sept. 24, 2026, and adopted the FY27 budget, millage rates and a five-year Capital Improvement Plan; the hearing included extended public comment pressing the board to fund a permanent animal shelter and a lengthy discussion about how the infrastructure sales tax is allocated by district.

Discussion Points

•Enterprise funds concentrated in water projects (wastewater/potable water ~96.8% of enterprise CIP).
•First-year CIP funding is allocated; later years remain projections.
•Multiple residents asked for $10–14M in FY27 to build a brick-and-mortar shelter and increase operating staff and pay.
•Staff presented FY27 budget and CIP; commissioners questioned IST allocations and reserve changes.
•Volunteers described unsafe heat and the lack of durable kennels at the current site.
•Whether IST funds should be spent proportionately by district; how staff prioritizes IST projects; whether the board or staff ultimately decides allocations.

Decisions

•Adopt five‑year CIP (first-year funding authorized).
•Adopt FY27 budget and related resolutions; adopt five‑year CIP (first-year funding allocated)

Directions

•Provide Exhibit C project list clarifications.
•Staff and Animal Services Advisory Board to prepare recommendations and cost estimates; brief the board within weeks.
•Staff to provide detailed breakdowns and briefings on CIP and animal shelter funding options.
•Staff to provide detailed project lists and allocation breakdowns from the IST Exhibit C and to brief the board on IST allocations.
•Staff to provide periodic status briefings and detailed project breakdowns.

Sep

September 24, 2026 - Joint Meeting with the Longboat Key Town Commission

Joint meeting between the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners and the Town of Longboat Key covering a roundabout redesign, a proposed north-end community center interlocal and $825,000 funding request, Coquina Beach peak‑season access options, TDT (tourism development tax) interlocal renewal, a Longboat Key wastewater force main project, and FEMA reimbursement concerns.

Discussion Points

•County has not identified a funding source for the request
•County to review municipal projects and consider awards at a special Oct. 7 meeting
•FDOT involvement required for changes affecting state road
•FDOT will fund and administer construction but deferred advertisement to July 2027
•Funding mentioned in transcript: 'over 24,600,000' external funds; '$15,000,000 in grants'; and a $9,500,000 0% interest loan; transcript also contains a conflicting '246,000,000' figure that needs verification
•ILA requests $825,000 over three years with FY27 $200K identified; years 2–3 contingent on amendment 3
•Leak in June 2020 prompted urgency; 6,000 ft of slip‑lining rehab completed
•Officials discussed the risk that FEMA funding could be decentralized to states, increasing administrative burden and payout delays
•Only ~$464,000 obligated so far; pending debris reimbursement (~$4M) and beach renourishment (~$28M)
•Peak congestion caused by drawbridge delays, back‑in parking friction, and multiple access points
•Potential pilots: deputy staffing, temporary barriers, modified access points
•Project design completed by Kimley Horn (June 2026) and expanded to ~2,000 feet
•Project: redundant subaqueous force main, >2 miles of HDPE pipe; design/permitting began Jan 2020
•TDT interlocal expires 09/30/2028; town uses TDT for beach nourishment
•Town has executed leases and seeks county programming funds
•Town reported ~$34M in combined FEMA/state public assistance requests (Helene and Milton)
•Town reports ~$4.3M in TDT received from county since 2018 and county contributed ~$2.69M to 2021 nourishment
•Town to fund utility relocations and brick pavers; construction estimated ~18 months

Directions

•County attorney to review ILA; staff to return with funding options and finalized agreement
•County to bring interlocal renewal and funding items forward for board consideration; municipal staff to coordinate with county grants team
•County to share notes from staff meeting with FEMA in DC; staff to offer EOC/Peregrine tour and data integration support for damage documentation
•Staff to coordinate final advertisement and tie‑in work with FDOT and county engineers
•Staff to draft pilot scenarios, coordinate with MPO/FDOT and sheriff's office, and return with cost and scheduling recommendations
•Town to secure final permits (FDEP, Army Corps), finalize GMP, procure materials and contractors; county to offer permitting coordination and EOC tour

Sep

September 22, 2026 - Regular Meeting - 2026-09-22 09:00:00

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners held a regular meeting on Sept. 22, 2026. The board adopted an ordinance regulating simulated gambling devices, approved an amendment and payment related to the Musgrave property, discussed a 12-month moratorium on large data-center applications (no final action), continued reserve-policy planning and heard multiple public-comments about animal welfare and cemeteries.

Discussion Points

•Announcement of change to online registration with resident-priority window; continued in-person, site-specific safety training.
•Bearden requested extensive records and set deadlines; county attorney said compiling the data would be time-intensive and recommended board direction for large requests.
•Bishop agreed to provide a narrower procurement disbursement report by Oct. 5 but resisted fulfilling the entire scope within the requested time.
•Commissioner Cruz emphasized contractual obligations tied to the original purchase.
•NAACP leader asked about cemetery cameras and repair progress.
•Public commenters expressed water-supply concerns and urged permanent restrictions.
•Public comment recommended high licensing and restricted venue counts; staff noted state authority limits; board updated motion to include MOU.
•Resident alleged inadequate animal-control response and delays in handling a euthanized kitten.
•Staff outlined past timelines, remaining obligations (mitigation bank credits, floodplain compensation, utilities) and the negotiated damages amount.
•Staff said email confirmations and phone support will continue to handle complex inquiries.
•Staff summarized statutory background and described the proposed 12-month moratorium.

Decisions

•Approve and execute 3rd amendment; authorize $225,000 payment.
•No board vote recorded; follow-up tasks assigned to county admin for partial deliverable.
•No final action taken; second hearing to be scheduled.
•Operational change approved to implement next season.
•Ordinance 26-36 adopted; MOU execution authorized
•Staff committed to follow up with the speakers and to report back.

Directions

•Authorize payment of $225,000 and instruct staff to return with contract approvals for mitigation and construction.
•County administrator to provide procurement disbursement report by Oct. 5; broader requests require board direction.
•Execute MOU with sheriff's office; staff to manage implementation and report back
•Implement online registration and resident-priority access; continue in-person training and provide email confirmations.
•Staff to follow up promptly with animal services and sheriff's office on the specific case and provide cemetery camera and repair updates to the NAACP representative.
•Staff to return with proposed ordinance language and recommended amendments for a future hearing.

Sep

September 17, 2026 - Planning Commission - 2026-09-17 08:00:00

A Manatee County Planning Commission session covered proposed stormwater design manual amendments, a 12-month moratorium draft on large-scale data centers, and multiple land-use and rezoning items including affordable housing, storage and commercial site proposals and large master-plan amendments; several items advanced to the Board with recommendations or were denied by the Commission.

Discussion Points

•Applicant confirmed underground retention/filtration tanks under parking sized to current SWFWMD standards.
•Applicant will reduce parking to 1.5 spaces/unit based on transit proximity and market study showing larger family units.
•Concern about legal risk from SB 180 and potential court challenges; staff acknowledged litigation risk.
•Introduce street level‑of‑service design standards that restrict allowable inundation by roadway function (evacuation routes to local streets).
•Need to define geographic scope (unincorporated county; Seaport Manatee clarified as unincorporated).
•Recognize adopted watershed management plan inundation mapping as best available information for design in those watersheds.
•SB 44 requires definitions and water/energy safeguards; moratorium would buy time to draft local regulations.
•Staff proposed adopting NOAA Atlas 14 or watershed parameters and to use the more protective value when they conflict with older FIRMs.

Decisions

•Commission recommended approval (6–0).
•Commission recommended approval of moratorium to the Board (6–0).

Directions

•Staff to draft ordinance and associated comp‑plan/LDC amendments and present to the Board; staff to notify applicants per pending‑law doctrine (notify on Sept. 4 publication).
•Staff to draft specific manual language and cross‑references to the Land Development Code for future public hearings and to email the status spreadsheet to commissioners upon request.
•Staff to update stormwater condition and include in transmittal to the Board and in FSP review.

Sep

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At the Sept. 14, 2026 Palmetto City Commission/CRA workshop the Commission honored officers after an AED-assisted cardiac arrest response, reviewed a city branding proposal, discussed proposed one-year moratoria on data centers and retail smoke shops, and launched planning talk for 8th Avenue revitalization; no ordinances were adopted.

Discussion Points

•Commissioner requests for stronger color, clearer palm detail and emphasis on the Green Bridge.
•Estimate of three smoke shops in the city, two on 8th Avenue.
•Length of moratorium and possibility of earlier termination if regulations are adopted.
•No approval; staff to revise and return.
•Options to narrow moratorium to vaping products or limit geographically; question over CBD inclusion and product-definition clarity.
•Presentation of lifesaving awards and how donated AEDs were used in a July cardiac arrest response.
•Priority on CRA incentives, landscaping, historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and coordination with FDOT for right-of-way.
•Scope of moratorium (water, electricity, siting, compatibility) and potential tax implications.
•Senate Bill 180 timing and limits on local restrictions; recommended coordination with October 2027.
•Staff to identify planning consultants, scope, and cost estimates.
•Survey results (482 responses) and proposed seal, logos, color palettes and three taglines.
•Use moratorium discussion to scope corridor-planning for 8th Avenue, 10th Street approach and 7th Street to new hotel.

Directions

•Mayor and City Clerk to begin work to identify planning resources and return a scope and cost estimate to the Commission.
•Staff to actively develop regulations during the moratorium and return ordinance for formal consideration; coordinate timing with state law.
•Staff to return revised ordinance for formal hearing.
•Staff to review and clarify language regarding CBD and vaping products and to consider zoning parallels.
•Staff to revise branding materials per feedback and return for future consideration.

Sep

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The Palmetto City Commission met Sept. 14, 2026, and approved tentative millage and the tentative FY2027 budget, adopted multiple resolutions and an ordinance vacating rights-of-way for the Manatee River Fair Association, authorized eminent-domain negotiation for a CVS turn-lane acquisition, and ratified $391,539 in emergency expenditures to install a temporary wastewater filtration system after plant flows exceeded capacity. Commissioners also heard public comment on HB 105 (smoking restrictions in parks), an election mailer, and officer search concerns.

Discussion Points

•City submitted a purchase proposal based on appraisal and said grant funding was available
•Commissioners asked for transparent evaluation process
•Commissioners noted comments and suggested staff follow-up for policy matters
•Commissioners raised concerns about operator notification, maintenance, and responsibility for costs
•Multiple public commenters supported restricting smoking in public parks (HB 105)
•Operator Veolia notified City that flows exceeded design capacity and filtration underperformed
•Other commenters raised election mailer and officer search concerns
•Planner presented maps and concluded rights-of-way were not needed for future mobility
•Public hearing opened and closed with no extended public testimony recorded during the hearing itself
•Resolution authorizes continuing privatization procurement under Chapter 180
•Resolution finds public need for turn lane and establishes authority to use eminent domain if negotiation fails
•Staff and EOR decided to deploy temporary filtration equipment from Aqua Aerobic Systems and BearingPoint Construction
•Staff presented percentage change from rolled-back rate and intended uses of ad valorem revenues
•Staff will solicit letters of interest and later proposals; timeline and evaluation steps described
•Supporters emphasized improved emergency access and clarified map locations

Decisions

•Adopted Resolution 2026-20 to continue the process
•Adopted tentative millage and tentative FY2027 budget by 5-0 votes
•Commission ratified $391,539 emergency expenditures for temporary filtration
•Ordinance 2026-13 approved 5-0
•Public comments recorded; no policy action taken at meeting
•Resolution 2026-12 adopted authorizing eminent-domain authority if negotiations fail

Directions

•No formal action taken during meeting
•Potential staff research and agenda placement if Commission requests
•Proceed with negotiations and involve litigation counsel if needed
•Publish required notices and return for final budget adoption hearings
•Record ordinance and reserve easements for utilities and public access
•Staff to inspect existing filters and compare repair costs with planned phase three improvements
•Staff to provide documentation to FDEP and pursue reimbursement from Veolia
•Staff to send invitations to qualified operators and present evaluation approach if legally permissible

Sep

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The Palmetto City Special General Employees’ Pension Board of Trustees approved four changes to pension investment management: three transfers to named active managers and a passive strategy for international growth. The board also approved the meeting agenda.

Discussion Points

•Ford recommended Systematic.
•Members compared manager performance, benchmark results and risk; the one-year Boston Partners return trailed its benchmark by about 10 percentage points.
•Owens said there was no clear winner among the active managers and suggested considering a passive strategy.
•Rodgers asked how distributions were funded; Owens said they could facilitate rebalancing and were not always taken from one asset class.
•The board compared Columbia and Congress and discussed approximately $650,000 invested in the fund.
•The listed active managers and indexes included ClearBridge, Capital Group, Harding Loevner, Renaissance, MSCI EAFE and MSCI ACWI ex USA.
•The review said each manager met the 6.75% return assumption; Owens reported Anchor held approximately $715,000 for the quarter.
•The search list included Kayne Anderson, Federated MDT, Neuberger Berman, Systematic and the Russell Index.

Decisions

•The board approved adopting a passive strategy for the International Growth allocation, 7-0.
•The board approved the agenda 6-0.
•The board approved transferring all Mid-Cap Value funds from Anchor to Boston Partners, 6-0.
•The board approved transferring the Small Cap Growth funds from Geneva to Columbia, 7-0.
•The board approved transferring the Small Cap Value funds from Kayne Anderson to Systematic, 6-0.

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