Manatee Commissioners Approve Opioid Funding

MANATEE COUNTY — In a parallel effort to address public health and community stability, the Manatee  County Commission has unanimously approved the distribution of $1 million in opioid settlement funds through the Opioid Impact Grant. This countywide initiative supports programs focused on prevention, response, recovery and evaluation related to opioid misuse and its impacts.

The county received applications from 28 agencies requesting more than $12.4 million in total funding. After a competitive review process conducted by a six-member committee—including county staff and local substance-abuse experts—the following six agencies were selected for funding for Fiscal Year 2025–2026:

• Safe Children Coalition: $270,000
• Harvest House: $68,000
• Operation PAR: $252,066
• Turning Points: $109,231
• School District of Manatee County: $250,703
• Manatee County EMS/Community Health: $50,000

“This is really important,” said Manatee County At-Large Commissioner Jason Bearden.

Each recipient will enter into a formal agreement with the County, with the contract period running from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. County staff will provide oversight, performance tracking, and technical assistance throughout the contract year to ensure measurable, effective outcomes.

This funding augments the “Under One Roof” program, which will complement other regional partners, such as Turning Points, Centerstone, the Salvation Army, and Fresh Start Manatee, helping to build a coordinated, compassionate continuum of care in Manatee County. A $554,000 outlay to Helping Up Mission (which will be running the Under One Roof facility) is also a part of the FY 26 Implementation Plan for the Opioid funding.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the facility will be held on October 1, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Under One Roof Shelter, located at 202 57th Ave. E., Bradenton, FL.

Commissioners will also take up future Non-Profit funding priorities and appropriations in a special work session scheduled for tomorrow, August 20, 2025. Topics will include investments in Health & Human Services to strengthen non-profit organizations that address critical community needs, such as healthcare access, mental health services, housing, aging, community, and children's services.