Manatee County Commission Notes: 11/18/25

The League of Women Voters of Manatee County Government Committee observes Manatee County Commission meetings for items of interest to citizens and the League and notes adherence, or lack of adherence, to good governance procedures and the Sunshine Law. The following are the major points from the board’s regular meeting on

Invocation  Pastor Bryan Meadows, Bayside Community Church

Moment of Silence for Manatee County Emergency Medical Technician Christopher Cordes, who unexpectedly passed away.

Pledge of Allegiance Jack Ross, in his Scout uniform, is the 5-year-old grandson of county employee Michelle Perkins and great-grandson of Edward Perkins, a retired Navy veteran. 

Announcements

Updates to Agenda - November 12, November 17

Port Authority

Consent Agenda approved 7-0.

Awards/Presentations/Proclamations

Proclamations

GIS Day, November 17, 2025

Rob Berk, Government Relations Department, accepted. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology is a vital tool for understanding, analyzing, and managing geographic data. November 17 acknowledges and honors the work of our dedicated GIS professionals whose talent and expertise contributes to safety, efficiency, and quality of life for all Manatee residents. Half of county employees use GIS daily.

Requests By Commissioners (Items to be pulled from Consent Agenda)

Commissioner McCann requested pulling items 3, 10, 18, and 26

Consent Agenda

Approved 7-0 (except Items 3, 10, 18, 26)

Citizen Comments (Consideration for Future Agenda Items)

• Pat asked for accessibility decals or visual markers used to identify ADA-compliant features like ramps, curb cuts, accessible entrances, and parking zones like the ones she saw in a recent trip to New Orleans.
• Mark Vanderee of the Waterline Road Preservation Group requested a decrease in the speed limit on Waterline Road (hearing on December 16, 2025, meeting). He also displayed a map of approximately 4 square miles around Waterline and Dam Roads that shows agricultural property and requested that no new construction of subdivisions be approved. 
• Heidi stated that Myakka City residents have been complaining that the Terranova Equestrian Facility is in violation of the agritourism qualifications and has been cited for 44 Code violations. She questioned how compliance inspections will be done to the site, as Terranova now prohibits Code Enforcement personnel from entering the property. 
• Lynette White of Toys for Tots Program asked for a permanent building for the program’s use as the program is more than a one-time a year project. They need a secure, stable building which would reduce the expense of temporary facilities and provide the children with joy, dignity, and normality during the holiday season.  Note: At the conclusion of Item 33, Elliot Falcione, Executive Director of Convention and Visitors Bureau, stated that the Convention Center will find space for Toys for Tots.

Items Removed from the Consent Agenda

Item 3. Authorization to Settle the Blum v. Freedom Sports Association, Inc., City of Bradenton, and Manatee County and to File Suit on behalf of Manatee County against Freedom Sports Association, Inc. for Contractual Indemnity

Assistant County Attorney, Whitney Hodges, stated that the City of Bradenton is not part of this settlement. A motion for Summary Judgment for the City of Bradenton will be scheduled within the next couple of months.

Authorization of Settlement and to File Suit against Freedom Sports Association, Inc. Approved 6-1. McCann voting no.

Item 10. Reimbursement Agreement for DBA Manatee Performing Arts Center

Elliot Falicone, Executive Director of Convention and Visitors Bureau, stated the investment of tourism dollars in a program that appeals to tourists and enhances the quality of life for Manatee County residents is a great opportunity. 

Janene Amick, CEO of Florida Cultural Group, gave a brief presentation on the features of the new four-story building. She stated that having Sara Studios located on the campus of the Manatee Performing Arts Center goes beyond actor/dancers in the spotlight by providing educational opportunities for the people behind the scenes to learn audio, lighting, and business management of arts Centers.

The goal of Florida Cultural Group is to bring all types of performing arts under one roof and in doing so these organizations will share expenses and have more dollars going directly to programming. 

The amended agreement is for a total aggregate reimbursement for construction, equipment, and programming for $4,250,000 from the tourism funds.

Approved 7-0.

Item 18. Modification of Deed Restriction between SMR and Manatee County to clarify the permitted use of the property as professional, general, and administrative office building.

The property purchased by Manatee County for an administration building required deed modification to reflect the current and future use as an office building.

Approved 6-0. Rahn was not available to vote. 

Item 26. Amend speed limits on various corridors.

Vishal Kakkad, Traffic Engineering Division Manager, explained that when staff receives a request from the public, staff reviews existing data, what are the surrounding land uses, crash history, any new roadway improvements, if pedestrians/bicyclists use the roadway, and driver expectations.

Public Hearing will be held December 16, 2025. Approved 7-0.

ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARINGS - LEGISLATIVE

Item 33. Adoption of Ordinance 25-50, amending Section 2-29-27 of the Code of Laws of Manatee County, Florida, providing for a Tourist Development Plan pursuant to Florida Statute Section 125-0104 (3)(1) - Elliott Falcione, Executive Director for Convention and Visitors Bureau

Elliot Falcione, Executive Director for Convention and Visitors Bureau discussed how the funds from the tourism tax revenue are assigned in certain categories and in order of priority. An example of why it’s necessary to amend the ordinance is the addition of the Theatre Conservatory Grant that was approved at this meeting authorizing adding the approval amount to the Arts, Historical, Education, and Cultural Activities fund. Approved 7-0.

Item 34. 1:30 P.M TIME CERTAIN - Adoption of Ordinance 25-60, establishing a Local Curfew for Juveniles - Jodie Fiske, Public Safety Director

Fiske stated the ordinance will apply to youth under age 16 and would establish a curfew from 11 pm to 5 am Sunday through Thursday and 12:01 am to 6 am Saturday and Sunday. 

Commissioner Siddique asked about collaboration with schools. Sarah Brown, Director of Community and Veterans Services, said that coordination is planned if the Board approves the ordinance.

Sheriff Wells supported the curfew’s primary goal to “get them home safely” noting there is no criminal violation for breaking the curfew. 

Chairperson Kruse objected to the determination of a violation being at the discretion of the officer as well as the prospect of profiling young people to determine their age. 

Commissioner Ballard is aware of kids being trafficked in the county and those getting into trouble, so that control and accountability can help.

Commissioner Siddique expressed the worry of many families of color in his district about how officers would confront youth in his district.

Chief of Bradenton Police, Josh Kramer, stated Bradenton has had a curfew in place and appreciates that the county would also have one.

The County Attorney confirmed in response to a question by Commissioner Ballard that the ordinance allows discretion by the officer but only in unincorporated areas of Manatee County. The island towns would have to pass their own ordinance. 

Public comments

• Two citizens opposed the ordinance citing it as “unenforceable” and questioned the use of law enforcement resources to enforce this ordinance rather than other work. 
• Two citizens supported the ordinance.
• Jerry, an outreach worker with Police Athletic League, said he sees the ordinance as a “life and death” issue having seen families lose a child to violence in the community.
• Omar Edwards, School District of Manatee County, gave his full support to the ordinance pointing to evidence that the curfews reduce juvenile crime, protect youth, benefit the community, and are allowed under Florida statutes. 
• Tracey Washington, President of the NAACP Manatee County, supports parents being held accountable. She has reservations regarding the effect on the black and brown community and profiling. She worries about what happens to a youth who resists, especially as she is a mother who has lost an adult child.
• Deputy John Murrell, a 40-year veteran of the Sheriff’s department, felt the curfew is an opportunity for positive interaction between the police and youth in the community. 
• Suzie requested more public hearings before the board votes on this ordinance. She said that the lack of data is concerning. 

Approved 5-2. Kruse and Rahn voting no.

Item 35. Adoption of Resolution R-25-211, designating the future portion of 51st Street West from 53rd Avenue West to El Conquistador Parkway as “Charlie Kirk Memorial Boulevard” - Aaron Burkett, Traffic Operations Division Manager, and Clarke Davis, Deputy Director - District 4     

Commissioner Siddique asked how this sign will be protected from vandalism. Aaron Burkett, Traffic Operations Division Manager, explained that the permanent memorial sign is a large, multi-column sign that is difficult to remove. Defacing could occur but the signs have protective coating that paint does not stick to.

Approved 5-0. McCann, Felts not available to vote.

REGULAR

Community and Veterans Services

Item 36. Administrative Update Regarding the Animal Services Technical Advisory Board and Related Resolution Requirements - Sarah Brown, Director of Community and Veterans Services

Brown introduced Dr. Syna Johnson, Chief Veterinarian of Shelter Operations who presented a proposal to repeal Resolution 15-165 (the Animal Services Advisory Board) and bring back a resolution to create the Animal Services Technical Advisory Board for adoption.

After lengthy discussion of this item by the Board, the following was decided:

1. Do not repeal R-15-165 and set a time to reestablish the Board with membership.
2. Establish the Animal Services Technical Advisory Board (with a sunset) with the following composition of Members: Animal Welfare (1), Local Welfare Shelters (3), State/National Animal Welfare Organization (3), Veterinary/animal health expert (1), Public health, livestock, and wildlife experts (3), Retail (1), Community animal representative (1), Non-voting members, Technical Advisors (specific topic), County Commission Liaison.

Public Comment

Two citizens agreed that citizen oversight of animal services is needed.

• Motion to direct county administration to prepare the appropriate Resolution creating the Animal Services Technical Advisory Board and bring back the resolution at a future meeting. (7-0)
• Motion to bring back the existing R15-165 for the Animal Services Citizens Advisory Board on December 16, 2025, for the Board to discuss advertising for membership. (7-0)

Government Relations

Item 38. Name Selection for The New Veterans Park, Stephanie Garrison, Government Relations - District 1   Visual 1, Visual 2, Visual 3

Carlos Decasada, Project Manager, described the lengthy process taken to elicit input from the community for the 24-acre parcel approved for the park in 2024. Public comment was elicited through a survey conducted from April to August augmented by face-to-face meetings with veterans’ groups throughout the county, as well as through the school district. Over 70% of respondents were veterans and the most frequent words used to describe the park included legacy, valor, and veterans. 

The commissioners were evenly positive toward either Veterans or Valor. Because the campus features a Veterans Connections Hub, and other naming opportunities, it would be good to agree on the overall name. 

Commissioner Rahn moved to select Valor Commons as the name for the campus. Motion approved 6-1. McCann voting no.

Public Works

Item 39. Manatee County Vision 41 Project, Clarke Davis, Deputy Director, Traffic Management, District 4 

Commissioner Rahn spoke of the Vision 41 project which began a year ago with the goal of re-envisioning Route 41 (the Tamiami Trail) from University Parkway to Bowlee’s Creek. Stu Henderson, Director, Fawley Bryant Architecture and John Osbourne, Green Street Associates, reviewed the progress. Business and community input was gathered through 9 workshops, online surveys, and discussions at New College.

The presentation identified some of the design elements that would be the least complicated to achieve, such as streetlights and defined crosswalks. 

Commissioners Siddique and Bearden had a lengthy list of questions and concerns such as sources of funding for the project. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds can be used for sidewalks, street scenes, bus stops, and other aesthetics. 

Sarasota has been a good partner in discussions to date.

Commissioner Siddique moved to authorize staff to continue Phase 2 and 3 planning and bring back to the Board a specific streets-cape project for consideration.

Public Comment

Matt and Glen both supported the project.

Motion approved 7-0.

COMMISSIONER AGENDA ITEMS

Item 40. Commissioner Roles and Involvement with County Staff and Procedures - Kruse  

Commissioners have always been required to adhere to Florida Statute 125 regarding the roles and duties of Commissioners versus the roles and duties of the Administration. Recently the BoCC received an email containing the Development Services SOP/Business Processes due to a “Commissioner requesting this information.” Chairperson Kruse brought this matter up to remind commissioners that they have no control or say over staff, including whether they attend a particular event or how they do their job. 

Commissioner Bearden seemed to object reading from a document that described the function of the commissioners as policy, budget, fiscal oversight, capital improvement, and oversight of the county administrator and departments and questioned the leadership of the administration.

McCann weighed in that since the Board does have hiring authority for the county administrator so the BoCC commissioners can ask him something directly. Commissioner Kruse reiterated that commissioners don’t have authority over line-staff. 

The county attorney clarified forcefully that the Board can only hire and fire two people: the County Administrator and the County Attorney. They can be exposed to personal liability if they exercise authority over any other county staff. 

Commissioner Comments

• Commissioner Felts said the first Veterans Day parade in Parrish was a great “coming together” for the community.
• Commissioner Ballard announced that the first movie night at Mixon Park was a success. 

GOVERNANCE

Link to Good Governance Guidelines

Making the discussion of the curfew at a time certain was considerate of the public. They are able to make public comment and plan their day.

Commissioners are improving in their use of the microphones.

Commissioners need to keep in mind what decision needs to be made on an item at that meeting rather than covering all contingencies. An example is Bearden belaboring issues regarding Vision 41 when they have a future work session scheduled and the decision is whether to move forward working on the program.

Regarding the youth curfew:

• Commissioner Kruse mentioned that regulation is government overreach regarding the curfew and a number of other items. The job of the government is to protect community health, safety, and welfare. Regulations that protect youth would fit firmly within the basic function of government.
• The public did voice their concern about enforcement of the curfew in communities of color; this wasn’t addressed by the county sheriff or the city police chief.
• There was a lack of data about youth crime and the effectiveness of curfews that informs the citizens.

The League continues to encourage staff to assure inclusion of PowerPoint and other supporting information on any item that is coming before the BoCC in the agenda packet prior to the meeting, such as the presentation for Item 36 regarding the animal shelter. Citizens deserve to be able see that information before and after the meeting