Manatee County Advances Fresh Start Initiative, Honors Those Who Shaped Our Community

MANATEE COUNTY — The Manatee Board of County Commissioners has approved a key milestone for the Fresh Start initiative, marking another addition to the County’s ecosystem of support for people in need. This action launches a transformational project to address homelessness, while separate items recognize community leaders and support citizen engagement.

Fresh Start Phase 1 Approved
Commissioners approved the next step to move forward with Phase 1 of the Fresh Start program. Fresh Start will provide temporary housing and support services to help people get back on their feet. Phase 1 construction is expected to begin in late April 2026 and follow a 180-day schedule.

Phase 1 includes:

• 62 beds
• Kitchen and dining facilities
• Laundry and lounge areas
• Office and consultation space
• Outdoor secure areas with shade structures

“Fresh Start is about more than shelter, it’s about creating a pathway forward,” said District 2 Commissioner Amanda Ballard. “By pairing shelter with supportive services, we’re helping individuals rebuild their lives while strengthening our community as a whole.”

Phase 2 is currently in design, with construction documents expected in May 2026 and a GMP anticipated later this summer. Pending approval, mobilization could begin in Fall 2026 with a 180-day construction schedule. Phase 2 is expected to add 84 beds and expanded support facilities.

Additional Board Actions
The Board also approved several items recognizing community legacy and supporting public engagement:

• Named the Washington Park Community Center the “Lawrence C. and Clifford B. Livingston Community Center” (Resolution R-26-027)
• Named the addition at David J. Crane Park the “Carol Ann Billberry Felts Preserve at David J. Crane Park” (Resolution R-26-038)
• Appointed the following residents living in the Unincorporated Manatee County to the Citizens Oversight Committee for the Infrastructure Sales Tax Advisory Board (two-year terms):
  • John A. Mele
  • Wayne Stellfox

Moving Forward
The Fresh Start initiative and accompanying Board actions highlight Manatee County’s balanced approach to addressing immediate needs while planning for long-term community success.

“This is what responsible government looks like,” Ballard added. “We’re investing in our ecosystem of support, honoring those who shaped our community, and taking real, measurable steps to support our most vulnerable residents.”