11 Christmas Wishes for Manatee County in 2026

• Widen Riverview Boulevard
• Install a sidewalk on 59th St., north of Manatee Avenue
• Offer to take over landscape and mowing maintenance for the rest of the Causeway from C.O.B. Same for C.O.B.’s sewage operations
• Double financial support for social services like Turning Points, Our Daily Bread, and the many other service agencies that are keeping the social fabric of Manatee County intact. You have the money. Current unrestricted cash is $790.2 million
• Provide property taxpayer relief in the form of lower millage rates and a variable property tax credit
• Continue to financially support low-income apartment and home financing. According to the Assessor’s office, 243 new low-income apartments added to the tax rolls this year.
• Per Commissioner George Kruze’s excellent article on housing, reform zoning and reduce unnecessary building regulations to increase low-income and affordable housing availability.
• Begin to seriously address the pervasive bacterial contamination in North Palma Sola Bay (According to Suncoast Waterkeeper data, 10 months out of 12, it is unsafe to use.)
• Praise for the world class natural beauty in North and South Robinson Preserve and continue to maintain and nourish the revitalized and beautiful highway medians.
• Continue to seriously evaluate and value Mr. Glenn Gibellina’s remarks to the Commission.
• And finally, have a Happy and Blessed Holiday Season !

Mike Meehan, CFA, MBA 12/16/25