Manatee County Commission Notes: 9/22/2026

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 to, or nonadherence to, good governance procedures and the Sunshine Law. The following are the major points from the board’s regular meeting on September 22, 2026.

Link to the Agenda

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Updates to Agenda - September 17 and September 21, 2026

AWARDS/PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS

Proclamations

POW/MIA Recognition Day   

The proclamation honors Americans who were prisoners of war or remain missing in action, recognizing their immeasurable sacrifices and the families who continue on in their absence. It was accepted by the Knights of Columbus Assembly #3192 of Lakewood Ranch, the organization’s patriotic arm that supports and partners with numerous veterans organizations.

I Voted Sticker Winner   

Faith Simpson from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County was honored as her design was selected as the winner of the 2026 "I Voted Sticker".

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month - No presentation was made.  

Commissioner Tal Siddique made a comment that this cancer is a serious issue. Proclamation starts by saying ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths of women in the United States and causes more deaths than any other gynecologic cancer.

Stand Against Veteran Suicide Day   

Suicide is a serious public health issue that affects individuals, families, veterans, first responders, and communities across our nation, and every life lost leaves a lasting impact on loved ones and the community. Proclamation was accepted by Fire Watch, an organization that educates veterans and families on how to help individuals recognize warning signs and connect to services.

CONSENT AGENDA

The League encourages residents to read the full meeting agenda to learn about the approved consent items.

Approved 6-0

CITIZEN COMMENTS (Consideration for Future Agenda Items)

• Kevin MacPherson of DementiAbility spoke about a proposed Dementia Navigation Hub. Their organization applied for and received funding to run a hub. They did not apply for funding for space because the county previously stated they would provide space in a county facility. There has been no further response from the county.
• Martha requested several updates related to the Bishop Animal Shelter, including disclosure of the “good news” mentioned by Administrator Charlie Bishop during a budget meeting. She also asked for the results of the feasibility study requested in June and reiterated her support for a brick‑and‑mortar kennel building. She also described a September 15 incident in which good Samaritans could not turn in dogs after hours and urged the county to establish a clear procedure for accepting animals when the shelter is closed.

ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARINGS - LEGISLATIVE

Item 45. Adoption of Ordinance 26-36, regulating Simulated Gambling Devices and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Stephanie Charlies, Development Services Deputy Director – Countywide

The proposed ordinance prohibits the operation of simulated gambling devices within unincorporated Manatee County, establishes definitions and enforcement provisions, and provides civil penalties for violations. The ordinance is intended to address businesses operating simulated gambling devices that may facilitate unlawful gambling activity, while providing Code Enforcement with an additional civil enforcement mechanism to address violations.

Public Comment

Christina made a proposal to generate revenue for Manatee County by allowing regulated gambling as she runs similar businesses in other states. Siddique responded that her proposal could only be enacted by the State, not Manatee County.

Approved 6-0

Item 46. Adoption of Ordinance 26-42, Data Center Moratorium - PLN2609-0022 - Legislative - Jay Stearman, Planner I - Countywide

The Board held the first of two required public hearings on Ordinance 26-42, which would establish a temporary, 12-month moratorium on new data center and other large-load development applications in unincorporated Manatee County. The temporary pause would allow County staff to evaluate and recommend updates to the Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Code and other regulations addressing issues such as water and electrical demands, appropriate locations, noise, buffering, and compatibility with surrounding uses. The second public hearing and consideration of adoption is scheduled for October 6, 2026.

REGULAR AGENDA

Financial Management

Item 47. Appointment of two (2) Manatee County residents living in the Unincorporated area of the County to the Citizens Oversight Committee for Infrastructure Sales Tax Advisory Board to serve the remainder of a two-year term ending April 4, 2028, Claudia Campos, Chief Financial Officer

Joe LeBourgeois and David Thomas were approved 6-0.

Item 48. Continued Discussion Regarding County Reserve Policy, Claudia Campos, Chief Financial Officer

Campos gave a presentation clarifying financial terms to prepare for Dec 9 workshop and requested input from the Board to assist staff and the County’s partners in preparing for the Reserve and Fund Balance Workshop scheduled for December 9, 2026. This workshop will provide full details and comprehensive view to further evaluate the statutory, financial reporting, debt, credit, liquidity, and long-term financial considerations associated with potential policy changes. The clerk and staff, bond counsel, and financial advisors will be present. Click here for  FY 26 Adopted Budget and FY 2027 Planned Budget.

Property Management

Item 39. Approval and Execution of the Third Amendment to Cooperative Agreement for Central County Complex with Musgrave Real Estate Holding, Limited Partnership, Scott May, P.E., County Engineer– District 5

The item was removed from the Consent Agenda before the meeting. The County must make a $225,000 consideration payment to the Musgraves because it did not move forward in a timely manner on infrastructure commitments made in the original agreement six years ago. Commissioner George Kruse noted that paying the consideration amount is less costly than constructing and maintaining infrastructure prematurely for County use. Approved 6-0

REPORTS

Natural Resources

Item 50. Report on the Duette Preserve Hunt Program, Charlie Hunsicker, Natural Resources Director, and Michael Elswick, Division Manager - District 1

Hunsicker explained the new online system with credit card payment would greatly improve scheduling hunt times and sites within the Duette Preserve Hunt Program. Residents would have an exclusive 24 hour window for reservations before the system would open to the general public. Commissioners Siddique and Ballard commented positively on this significant change from a manual, in-person approach.

CITIZEN COMMENTS CONTINUED

• Marcal was concerned that the Sheriff’s Department and Animal Services lacked coordination and follow through in response to animal cruelty complaints in a case where a kitten was shot.
• Tracey Washington, President of Manatee County NAACP, was concerned about follow up on the maintenance of the Memphis Cemetery. Ballard provided an update that repairs to graves have started, the gates have been repaired, and security cameras have been ordered.

COMMISSIONER COMMENTS

Commissioner Bearden criticized Administrator Bishop for a cancelled AI briefing and failing to provide requested procurement data. He criticized County Attorney D’Agostino for not responding to his request for litigation information. He then requested an October 6 agenda item to discuss terminating Bishop’s contract.

Bishop and D’Agostino argued that his requests exceeded what staff can provide without full Board direction. After prolonged conflict and interruptions, Commissioner Ballard attempted to speak, Bearden continued talking off‑mic, and Chair Siddique ultimately adjourned the meeting.

 GOVERNANCE

Link to Good Governance Guidelines

• Until Bearden’s Commissioner Comments at the end, the meeting was pleasant, concise, polite, and well-run. 
• Two staff PowerPoint presentations, one on the Data Center Moratorium and one on the County Reserve Policy, were delivered during the meeting but were not included with the published agenda. Both presentations were clear, well‑prepared, and provided valuable information for the public. They should be added to the agenda materials for transparency and ease of public access.
• Given the resistance of staff to provide the information requested by Bearden on a timely basis, Bearden should submit each outstanding request as an individual agenda item for the next meeting, including a brief explanation of why the information is needed for decision‑making.
• Commissioners should maintain courteous, respectful dialogue, and no member should speak over another during discussion.