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 2/17/2026.
Invocation – Reverend Brock Patterson, Longboat Island Chapel
Pledge Of Allegiance - Julia Drackett, Worksite Wellness Manager, in honor of her grandfather, Sergeant Charles "Chuck" W. Haskett, who served in the United States Army Air Force
Announcements
Updates to Agenda - February 10, February 12 and February 13, 2026
Awards/Presentations/
Proclamations
First Biblical Baptist Church's Grand Reopening and Rededication Ceremony
The church received severe damage from Hurricane Milton and just reopened after major renovations. The dedication ceremony was on February 8, 2026. Pastor Guy Francois thanked Commissioners for the proclamation.
NAACP President Tracey Washington accepted the Proclamation and stated that the community come a long way but still has a way to go.
Requests By Commissioners (Items to be pulled from Consent Agenda)
Commissioner McCann requested Items 4, 5, 6, 11, 15, and 16 be pulled from consent agenda.
CONSENT AGENDA
Approved 7-0.
CITIZEN COMMENTS (Consideration for Future Agenda Items)
Commissioner Felts suggested, and Ballard agreed, that a Rural Lands and Citizens Advisory Committee was supported in the past and would like to revisit establishing this type of committee.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
Financial Management
4. Authorization to Issue a Piggyback Purchase Order for Two (2) Infilled Synthetic Turf Systems for Property Management Department at Premier Sports Complex - David Arbalaez Montoya, Project Manager, Property Management– District 5
McCann questioned spending $1.67 million for 2 synthetic turf fields. Michelle Worley, Property Management, said that the turf was included as part of a larger project that was approved by the BoCC on January 6, 2026. This item was pulled from the overall project budget to reduce costs due to the County purchasing the product directly from the manufacturer.
With further questions, Worley related that the turfs are engineered to be pervious (water can drain through the turf) and that the fields are estimated to be used 225 days/year by local clubs and out-of-county tournament play.
Approved 6-1. McCann opposed.
5. Authorization to Issue a Purchase Order to Erickson Marine Corporation for One (1), 30’ Contender Step Hull Rescue Vessel with Custom Modifications for Emergency Response’s - Matthew Case, Fleet Services Division Manager, Multiple Districts
McCann questioned the need and expense for a boat to do rescue.
Jodie Fiske, Director of Public Safety, said were done using the Manatee Sheriff Office (MSO) boat, but this rescue vessel is for the beach areas that are currently unmanned (no lifeguards), such as Bean Point. The MSO vessel was used in 97 rescues in 2025. Beach Patrol Boat will operate and maintain the vessel. The Coast Guard and Fish and Wildlife do not provide rescue services along the beach.
Approved 7-0.
6. Execution of Agreement No. 25-R088187LP for Professional Design Services for Public Works Fleet Maintenance Facility - Sidney Seymour, Project Manager – District 5
The project consists of design services for the new Public Works fleet maintenance facility including: garage with maintenance, parts storage, crew support, etc. McCann asked if the project, at Lena Road and SR 64, is funded and was assured it is in the budget.
Commissioner Kruse added that the property was purchased in 2020 for County facilities.
Approved 7-0.
Government Relations
11. Consent to enter into Economic Stimulus Public/Private Development Agreement for "Project Grace", and authorizing execution of the Economic Development Agreement - Stephanie Garrison, Government Relations Director - District 5
McCann questioned if the county had already agreed to this project and was reassured that the staff would return later with more details and to get approval.
Elliott Falicone, Director of Convention & Visitors Bureau, said that Project Grace, is a private-public partnership for an indoor sport venue for hockey, figure skating, etc. The County is providing the property on a land/lease agreement and the Icemann Development Manatee LLC is providing $50 million for the construction.
Commissioners commented that it is an amazing opportunity for children in the County.
Approved 7-0.
Public Safety
15. Approval for staff to Secure the Doors and Windows located at 3817 71st Terrace East, Sarasota - Steven and Matthew Crittenden, CE2505-0533 - Jodie Fiske, Public Safety Director - District 4
Approved 7-0.
16. Approval for staff to Secure the Perimeter of the Pool located at 3817 71st Terrace East, Sarasota - Steven and Matthew Crittenden, CE2511-0350 - Jodie Fiske, Public Safety Director - District 4
Items 15 and 16 are regarding the same property. They have two different code enforcement numbers.
Jodie Fiske, Director of Public Safety, said there was a structure fire, squatters moved-in, and the structure has continued to deteriorate. Adjacent residents have requested that the home and pool be secured. The cost to do this is between $3,000 - $4,000 (including staff time) and will be a lien on the property.
Approved 7-0.
REGULAR
Property Management
Item 14. Execution of a Non-Binding Letter of Intent between Manatee County and Community Assisted and Supported Living, Inc., for the properties located at 907 and 1003 63rd Avenue East, Bradenton, Florida 34203 - Peter Morrow, Property Acquisition Division Manager - District 2 D’Agostino
Charles Meador, Deputy Director of Property Management presented the Letter of Intent (LOI). The county will convey the property “as is” for the use in furthering CASL’s (Community Assisted & Supported Living, Inc.) mission to provide safe, affordable, and permanent support housing. The LOI will expire 3-years after the date of execution by both parties; the purchase price is $0; all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the LOI shall be the sole responsibility of CASL.
Scott Eller, CASL Founder and CEO, said that in addition to affordable housing, the proposal includes a 10-20,000 square foot community center that will provide after-school programs with a focus on academics and other services for area residents. The goal is to construct 200 units.
Ballard said this project is consistent with the Board’s goal of increasing housing density and affordability in areas where they are needed.
The income range for residents will be 35-60% AMI (Area Median Income); with the majority being 60% AMI. This is lower than the usual Manatee County affordable housing AMI of 120% .
Approved 7-0.
Community and Veterans Services
Item 19. Adoption of Resolution R-26-006, reinstating, and amending the Manatee County Animal Services Advisory Board (ASAB), including membership categories and operations; repealing and replacing Resolution 15-165 - Dr. Syna Johnson, Chief Veterinarian, Shelter Operations, Community and Veterans Services - Countywide
Dr. Johnson, Chief Veterinarian, Shelter Operations, discussed both items 19 and 20 regarding two different committees approved in January 2026. Staff recommended changes in the composition of the committees to expand the Citizen Advisory Board membership from 7 to 11 members. The Technical Advisory Board will be the field experts who will assist the Citizens Board as well as staff in meeting the needs of animals in Manatee County.
After approval, the next step is to post the Citizen Advisory positions for 21 days and, then the list of interested citizens will be brought to the Board for selection.
Approved 7-0.
Item 20. Adoption of Resolution R-26-017, establishing the Animal Services Technical Advisory Board (ASTAB) to provide technical expertise in support of the Animal Services Advisory Board and Manatee County Animal Welfare Division - Dr. Syna Johnson, Chief Veterinarian, Shelter Operations – Community and Veterans Services - Countywide.
(See comments on Item 19.)
Approved 7-0.
Financial Management
Item 26. Budget 101 Meetings Update - Claudia Campos, Interim Chief Financial Officer, and Stephanie Garrison, Director of Government Relations
Public meetings to discuss the proposed county budget for the next fiscal year will be held between 6 – 7:00 pm on the following dates and at these locations:
March 3 – Palmetto Library
March 5 - Rocky Bluff Library
March 11 – Lakewood Ranch Townhall
April 9 - Bridge Church
April 28 - South Manatee Library
Government Relations
Item 22. Presentation/Update on Manatee County Day, Brent Anderson, Government Relations Manager - Countywide
Anderson, Government Relations Manager, stated that the first-ever reception for Manatee County Day with the Florida Legislature was a great success with over 80 people attending. All county requested projects were funded in the House bill with an additional $5.5 million in funding proposed by the Senate. The funding isn’t final until the Governor approves.
Garrison presented an ACE (Accountability/Civility/
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Felts brought up the issues of dust pollution due to high winds on Sunday which were reported in the 311 system, but follow-up was slow. Chad Butzow, Public Works Director, stated the procedural problem was corrected and county staff were on site addressing the residents’ concerns. He confirmed that fines would be imposed on violators.
GOVERNANCE
Link to Good Governance Guidelines
Basic information was left out of the agenda for Item 6, (Lena Road and SR 64 project) which makes it difficult for the public to respond.
Comments
No comments on this item
Only paid subscribers can comment
Please log in to comment by clicking here.