26th Annual Manatee County Stand Down, Amnesty Court, and Hurricane Relief

Turning Points and its partners are hosting the 26th annual Manatee County Stand Down on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Manatee County Fairgrounds, 1303 17th St. West in Palmetto.

Stand Down focuses on helping veterans and non-veterans who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness connect to resources and receive critical needs services. Everyone who comes to Stand Down receives services that day. Everyone is welcome to attend, especially now with our community ravaged by three hurricanes.

Tunnel to Towers is participating for the first time this year at Stand Down as a sponsor and veterans service provider. Additional sponsors include MCR Health, Manasota Elks #2734, Lakewood Ranch/Sarasota Elks #2855, Manatee County Government, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Palmetto Station, Christian Care Alliance, Tropicana, Mayors Feed the Hungry, Aetna, and others.

Services include hot lunch, distribution of hygiene products, giveaways, haircuts, general and mental health exams, dental and vision services, veteran services, a Career Fair, and an Amnesty Court. Plus, there is live music, food, fun, and great camaraderie all morning! Over 500 attendees and volunteers attend. Opening ceremonies start the Stand Down at 8:00 a.m., with services following thereafter.

During the past few years, the Stand Down Amnesty Court by the 12th Judicial Circuit Court has dismissed over $90,000 in fines and court fees for our local veterans. Veterans Amnesty court is open to Manatee County and Sarasota County veterans who are asked to bring their VA card or DD-214 and a driver's license.

Veterans Amnesty Court can assist with the following:
- Unpaid court fees/fines (closed cases)
- Unpaid traffic fines/fees
- Driver's license assistance

Turning Points is partnering with over 50 local organizations including: Bay Pines VA Medical Center, The Salvation Army, Centerstone, CareerSource Suncoast, MCR Health Services, Manatee County Health Department, JFCS, LECOM, Goodwill Manasota, Bring on the Ministry, Hope Family Services, Whole Child Manatee and many Veterans, religious groups, and other organizations. The full list of partners will be listed on our website - https://tpmanatee.org/events/26th-annual-manatee-county-stand-down/ . Volunteers are still needed – contact Carolyn Nielsen at cnielsen@tpmanatee.org.

Stand Down is a life-changing event for many of the veterans we will see on November 2. It is absolutely amazing to see the transition that can occur in a struggling veteran's life upon accessing services at Turning Points.

Margi Dawson
Director of Development, Turning Points