Class sizes are limited. Registration is required for all classes for monitoring safety and assessing need. Without a registration, members will not be permitted into the class, unless there are open spots available. You can reserve your spot 3 days in advance at 12pm (noon) online, click link below. Or you can call up to 2 days in advance (941) 742-5923 if you prefer.
You must be a recreation plus member to reserve a class, drop ins are welcome but limited to availability the day of.
The Handy Bus service is a door-to-door public transportation service provided for individuals with disabilities who are unable to use the regular fixed route buses. It’s an advanced reservation, shared-ride service operated with accessible Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant vehicles.
Eligibility requirements vary by program. Program determination is based on verification of the written application and may also include professional verification and/or an in-person functional assessment.
For more information on ADA Paratransit Service and Transportation Disadvantaged Services, please call (941) 748-2317 or visit the MCAT (Manatee County Area Transportation) website.
Floridians can use the MyACCESS Portal to apply for, manage, and renew their government assistance, including SNAP and Medicaid benefits. For more information visit www.myflfamilies.com/MyACCESS.
Customer Call Center: (850) 300-4323; agents are available from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.Florida Relay 711 or TTY 1-800-955-8771
SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, provides nutritional support for low-income seniors, people with disabilities living on fixed incomes, and other individuals and families with low incomes. SNAP is a federal program administered by the Florida Department of Children and Families Office of Economic Self-Sufficiency (ESS). ESS is responsible for determining eligibility for SNAP using federal guidelines.
The Florida Department of Children and Families does not have a physical location in the Bradenton area; however, local community partner agencies can answer questions and help with applications, providing access to public assistance services.
Assistance is also available in Sarasota:
Sarasota One Stop Service Center: (877) 595-0384
1864 17th Street
Sarasota Florida 34234
Who can apply: Military personnel, including active duty, activated guard duty or activated reserve duty personnel who own or owned property in Manatee County upon which they have homestead exemption and who served for any length of time in a designated combat zone during or subsequent to the 2003 tax year and any qualifying unremarried surviving spouse.
What are you applying for? Reimbursement of the lesser of up to $1,500 or the actual amount of Manatee County's portion of the Ad Valorem Tax bill for each year for which they qualify.
How long do applicants have to apply? Four years following the year during which the qualifying military personnel served in a designated combat zone. The first year for which they may qualify is the 2003 Ad Valorem Tax Year.
How do I find out more? The Veterans Services Division of the Manatee County Community and Veterans Services Department at 1401 3rd Avenue West, Bradenton, 34205. Please call 941-745-3795, ask for a Veterans Services Counselor and mention the Active Combat Duty Grant Program.
Please call the Manatee County Veteran Services office at (941) 745-3795 to make an appointment. Counselors can help you determine your eligibility and build a strong case for benefits.
We are located at 1401 3rd Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205,
Our lobby hours are 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. We are closed for lunch from noon-1 p.m.
Assistance is based on a sliding fee scale for Manatee County residents with incomes less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
For more information, please call (941) 749-3030.
Eligibility is based on household size and gross income. Call (941) 749-3030 to be screened for eligibilty.
Uninsured residents of Manatee County may be eligible to get help with the cost of prescriptions.
Who is Eligible:
- Residents ages 18 and over with incomes less than 100% of the Federal Poverty Level.
- Residents ages 60 and over with incomes less than 125% of the Federal Poverty Level.
- Applicant must be completely uninsured.
Note: This is a program of last resort. Any other available prescription assistance shall be utilized and exhausted prior to an eligible recipient receiving assistance. Residents are eligible for six months.
For more information, please call (941) 749-3030.
Visit the sites below for information on how to contact agencies regarding Affordable Housing Rental Units located in Manatee County:
- Florida Housing Search
- Volunteers of America - Manatee County
- Manatee County Housing Authority - Public Housing and Section 8
- Bradenton Housing Authority - Public Housing and Section 8
Visit the sites below for information on agencies in Manatee County with programs providing emergency assistance for rent and utilities:
If you’ve received a notice from your landlord that might cause you to lose your housing, you should get legal help right away. If you owe your landlord rent, or if there are other problems, you should get legal help now. Do not wait for a rent assistance from a program. Getting advice from an attorney before an eviction is filed can help you in many ways. This legal help is free of charge if you are low income.
Visit the sites below for information on agencies who provide programs to assist to see if you qualify:
Visit the sites below information on how to contact agencies in Manatee County providing homeless service programs:
View the following brochures for information on the Manatee County homeowner's Rehabilitation and Replacement program:
- SHIP Rehabilitation-Replacement Brochure English Version
- SHIP Rehabilitation-Replacement Brochure Spanish Version
Contact us at 941-749-3030
Visit the sites below for information on agencies providing Senior Services in Manatee County:
Includes access to: Pool, Basketball, Fitness Center, Wellness Orientation, Game/Teen Room
Membership Type | Monthly | 6 Months | Bank Draft (Monthly)* | Annual** |
---|---|---|---|---|
Recreation | $25 | $150 | $25 | $300 |
Family of 41 | $90 | $500 | $75 | $900 |
Additional Family Member2 | $16 | $90 | $10 | $120 |
Silver Sneakers/Renew Active | - | - | - | No Charge |
* Two months upfront required. Bank drafts occur first week of each month.
** Includes 2 guest passes.
For more information, call (941) 742-5923.
Includes access to: Group Exercise Classes, Pickleball, Pool, Basketball, Fitness Center, Wellness Orientation, Game/Teen Room
Membership Type | 1 Month | 6 Months | Bank Draft (Monthly)* | Annual** |
---|---|---|---|---|
Adult/Youth | $35 | $210 | $35 | $420 |
Family of 41 | $130 | $740 | $115 | $1,380 |
Additional Family Member2 | $26 | $150 | $20 | $120 |
Silver Sneakers/Renew Active | $10 | $60 | - | $120 |
* Two months upfront required. Bank drafts occur first week of each month.
** Includes 2 guest passes.
For more information, call (941) 742-5923.
Includes access to: Clay Tennis, Group Exercise Classes, Pickleball, Pool, Basketball, Fitness Center, Wellness Orientation, Game/Teen Room
Membership Type | Monthly | 3 Months | 6 Months | Bank Draft (Monthly)* | Annual** |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Single | $90 | $220 | $375 | $45.83 | $550 |
Couple1 | $140 | $350 | $650 | $75.00 | $900 |
Silver Sneakers/Renew Active | $60 | N/A | $175 | N/A | $250 |
* Two months upfront required. Bank drafts occur first week of each month.
** Includes 2 guest passes.
For more information, call (941) 742-5923.
There are two levels for the Neighborhood Enhancement Grant:
- Level I: $0 - $1,000 No community matching required Must be to neighborhood-wide public benefit
- Level II: $1,001 - $10,000 1-for-1 matching required for funding above $1,000 Must be to neighborhood-wide public benefit. Matching may be in raised dollars or in-kind contributions (sweat equity).
-5 Little League Fields with Lights -2 Baseball Fields with Lights -3 Soccer Fields with Lights

CLAY COURT DAILY FEES Adult - $10.00 (includes tax)
TENNIS MEMBERSHIPS Includes clay courts, pickleball courts, pool, gymnasium, fitness center, wellness orientation, exercise classes, teen/game room, and two guest passes.
- Adult - $10.00 (includes tax)
Tennis Memberships
Includes clay courts, pickleball courts, pool, gymnasium, fitness center, wellness orientation, exercise classes, teen/game room, and two guest passes.
Membership Types | 1 Month | 3 Months | 6 Months | Bank Draft Month | 1 Year |
Single | $ 90.00 | $220.00 | $375.00 | $45.83 | $550.00 |
Couple* | 140.00 | 350.00 | 650.00 | 75.00 | 900.00 |
Silver Sneakers/Renew Active | 60.00 | N/A | 175.00 | N/A | 250.00 |
* Must have the same residence. | |||||
For more information about Memberships, call the G.T. Bray Recreation Center at (941) 742-5923
All applicants are required to create a Neighborly account to access the application and additional required documentation for proceeding with the Neighborhood Action Plan Grant. Please see the process steps below:
- Initial application. Submit the initial application.
- Site visit. County staff will visit the neighborhood to learn more about the project and to visit the project site. Once the project is deemed eligible, the neighborhood representative must complete the neighborhood site visit check list.
- Submit paperwork. The neighborhood will submit their: W9, meeting minutes, 3 bids, and budget through Neighborly.
- Review. The NAPG committee will review the application. If approved, it will be scheduled to be on the next available Board of County Commissioner's meeting agenda.
- BOCC approval. At the Board of County Commissioners meeting, the Board will approve/reject the agenda item.
- Sign agreement. Staff will contact the neighborhood to sign the agreement. Please be advised, no improvements/work can start before having a fully executed contract (all parties have signed).
- Complete the work. The neighborhood will have a year from the signature date of the reimbursement agreement to complete the project. No improvements/work started prior to this date will be reimbursable.
All applicants are required to create a Neighborly account to access the application and additional required documentation for proceeding with the Neighborhood Enhancement Grant. Please see the process steps below:
- Initial application. Submit the initial application below.
- Site visit. County staff will visit the neighborhood to learn more about the project and to visit the project site. Once the project is deemed eligible, the neighborhood representative must complete the neighborhood site visit check list.
- Submit paperwork. The neighborhood will submit their: W9, meeting minutes, 3 bids, and budget through Neighborly.
- Review. The NAPG committee will review the application. If approved, it will be scheduled to be on the next available Board of County Commissioner's meeting agenda.
- BOCC approval. At the Board of County Commissioners meeting, the Board will approve/reject the agenda item.
- Sign agreement. Staff will contact the neighborhood to sign the agreement. Please be advised, no improvements/work can start before having a fully executed contract (all parties have signed).
- Complete the work. The neighborhood will have a year from the signature date of the reimbursement agreement to complete the project. No improvements/work started prior to this date will be reimbursable.
The purpose of this grant program is to strengthen neighborhood associations and communities which they serve. Neighborhoods must have a Neighborhood Action Plan adopted by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). Applications must demonstrate community support and involvement in both the application and implementation phases of proposed projects/programs.
The grants are designed to assist in strengthening and sustaining the social network of the Manatee County community while dealing creatively to address cultural, security, beautification, recreation, and family/ youth issues through resident- driven activities within neighborhoods. Manatee County’s Neighborhood Action Plan Grant (NAPG) provides grants of up to $10,000 to neighborhoods. Grants are awarded on a rolling basis as long as funds last. Projects must be completed within 12 months of receiving funding. Grants may be awarded for any one-time improvement project, activities, or events with a clear public benefit.
In recognition of the sacrifices made by those serving in the Armed Forces, Congress enacted laws to prevent Veterans seeking Federal employment from being penalized because of time spent in military service. By law, Veterans who are disabled or who served on active duty in the Armed Forces during certain specified periods or in military campaigns are generally entitled to preference over non-Veterans both in Federal hiring practices and in retention during reductions in force.
Preference applies in hiring for most Federal, State and county vacancies, and provides a uniform method by which special consideration is given to qualified Veterans. Veterans’ preference laws do not, however, guarantee Veterans a job, nor do they give Veterans’ preference in internal agency actions such as promotion, transfer, reassignment and reinstatement.
Eligibility for Veterans and the spouses of Veterans can vary.
The following is a sample list of projects/programs that would not be eligible for funding:
- Alcohol, tobacco or controlled substances.
- Beverages and food
- Capital items (individual items that would require tracking by County property control, excluding signage/surveillance camera equipment)
- Computer hardware/software and other electronic devices and related equipment
- Daily operating expenses and maintenance
- Duplication of an existing public or private program
- Expenditures or financial commitments made before the organization has signed the funding agreement
- Fines, penalties and associated costs Food/drink for festivals/celebrations
- Funding for organizations located outside of Manatee County
- Fundraising, investment management cost or employee salaries and other associated cost Gift cards/gifts
- Home improvements
- Interior repairs or improvements
- Lodging fees and associated costs
- Ongoing multi-year projects
- Ongoing or operational costs (including salaries/personnel)
- Operating expenses not directly related to the awarded project
- Private transportation expenses including mileage, gas, insurance, car rentals, etc.
- Projects typically funded under other sources such as County (or City) department operating budgets, Capital Improvement Program, Community Development Block Grant Program Projects which conflict with existing County plans/policies
- Projects/programs already funded from another source (including current operating budgets)
- Projects/programs that have already been completed
- Salaries for administration
- To replace funding lost from other funding sources
- Trophies and awards and associated cost
Please check the following map to see if your neighborhood qualifies for the Neighborhood Action Plan Grant. You can view the Neighborhood Action Plan Zones here.
Manatee County Veterans Services offers expert guidance and help in:
- Understanding the complete claim process
- Rules and regulations of the VA system
- What is necessary for an effective VA claim
- How to appeal a claim that has been denied
- How to apply for other state and local benefits
Some time limits do apply to health care, vocational rehabilitation and education benefits, so be sure to ask about your eligibility.
We can assist you with applying for or provide resources for:
- Service Disability and Pension
- Education Benefits
- Burial Benefits
- Health Care
- Home Loans
- Life Insurance
- Property Tax Exemptions
- Survivor Benefits
- Veterans Preference
- Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Services
- Active Military Combat Duty Grant Program
- Upgrading military discharges
We may be able to help you obtain the following documents:
- Discharge papers
- Military personnel and medical records
Manatee County manages many grant-funded programs to assist elderly residents. The programs provide services which enable seniors ages 60 and older to remain in their homes or the home of their caregiver. Some programs require a
co-pay based on a sliding fee scale developed by the state. Nursing home and Assisted Living care is avoided or delayed through use of the following services:
- Homemaker: Service includes housekeeping, meal planning and preparation, laundry services, and shopping for groceries, medical supplies and incidentals.
- Personal Care: Services are directed at preserving the health of the elderly by assisting with personal hygiene and dressing, changing of bed linens, and preparing small meals.
- Emergency Alert Response: An electronic surveillance service that monitors homebound seniors by linking them to a communication response center, which responds to emergencies.
- Home Delivered Meals: Furnishes a nutritious noon-time meal delivered to the client's home.
- Medical Transportation: Service available to elderly persons who are without a method of traveling to medical appointments.
- Adult Day Care: Benefits adults who may be isolated and can profit from participation in a group setting.
- Respite Care: Affords supervision and companionship in the home, for physically disabled or mentally impaired seniors. This program is designed to periodically relieve the primary caregiver.
- Community Referrals: Program involves connecting seniors to other services available in the community (such as legal services) which are provided on a volunteer or at cost basis.
For more information, call the Manatee County Elder Helpline: (941) 742-5818.
Priority shall be given to neighborhoods that pursue a project within their Neighborhood Action Plan. The following list is suggestive, not exhaustive, of projects that may fall within the spirit of the program. Projects must be neighborhood specific. Department director shall have final authority approving projects.
The following project list is suggestive, not exhaustive, of projects that may fall within the spirit of the program. Projects must be neighborhood specific.
Character: “Placemaking” through the creation or enhancement of assets that are a source of pride and neighborhood identity.
- Beautification (landscaping, art, clean-ups)
- History (landmark restoration or other celebrations of the neighborhood’s past)
- Appreciation programs (Yard of the Month, Neighborhood Hero)
- Free Little Library Book Exchange Social Events that bring neighbors together (block party, youth event, holiday party, etc.)
Leadership: Training neighborhood leaders or teams, and developing skills, for neighborhood governance or action.
- Communication (directory, website, newsletter)
- Workshops or conferences (tuition support, cost of instructional materials)
- Teambuilding experiences and exercises
Safety: Equipping the neighborhood with knowledge or tools to prevent, prepare for, confront or respond to incidences of crime, danger or disaster.
- Educational programming on pedestrian and bicycle safety
- Community Emergency Response Team training & other disaster-preparedness exercises or resources
- Neighborhood Watch (Start-up funds to purchase vests, flash lights, etc.)
Environment: Protecting water & energy resources, and native plants & animals (Note: That only Florida-Friendly landscaping will be considered)
- Improving water quality in our watersheds (ditches, canals, retention ponds)
- Removing invasive species (Brazilian Peppers, Air Potato, etc.)
- Habitat enhancement for native animals.
Health: Increasing access to nutritious diets, physical or mental fitness opportunities, or health education.
- Community gardens
- Trails, stretching stations, playgrounds, equipment storage, meditation gardens
- Presentations from health professionals.
Please note: Eligible projects for gated communities would only include invasive species removal, or any projects that are outside of the gates (typically, landscaping and/or neighborhood sign replacements/repairs).
The following project list is suggestive, not exhaustive, of projects that may fall within the spirit of the program. Projects must be neighborhood specific. Department director shall have final authority approving projects.
Character: “Placemaking” through the creation or enhancement of assets that are a source of pride and neighborhood identity.
- Beautification (landscaping, art, clean-ups)
- History (landmark restoration or other celebrations of the neighborhood’s past)
- Appreciation programs (Yard of the Month, Neighborhood Hero)
- Free Little Library Book Exchange Social Events that bring neighbors together (block party, youth event, holiday party, etc.)
Leadership: Training neighborhood leaders or teams, and developing skills, for neighborhood governance or action.
- Communication (directory, website, newsletter)
- Workshops or conferences (tuition support, cost of instructional materials)
- Teambuilding experiences and exercises
Safety: Equipping the neighborhood with knowledge or tools to prevent, prepare for, confront or respond to incidences of crime, danger or disaster.
- Educational programming on pedestrian and bicycle safety
- Community Emergency Response Team training & other disaster-preparedness exercises or resources
- Neighborhood Watch (Start-up funds to purchase vests, flash lights, etc.)
Environment: Protecting water & energy resources, and native plants & animals (Note: That only Florida-Friendly landscaping will be considered)
- Improving water quality in our watersheds (ditches, canals, retention ponds)
- Removing invasive species (Brazilian Peppers, Air Potato, etc.)
- Habitat enhancement for native animals.
Health: Increasing access to nutritious diets, physical or mental fitness opportunities, or health education.
- Community gardens
- Trails, stretching stations, playgrounds, equipment storage, meditation gardens
- Presentations from health professionals.
Please note: Eligible projects for gated communities would only include invasive species removal, or any projects that are outside of the gates (typically, landscaping and/or neighborhood sign replacements/repairs).
Several organizations offer food distribution sites for those in need:
Feeding Tampa Bay:
Feeding Tampa Bay website
(813) 254-1190
Meals on Wheels Plus:
Meals on Wheel Plus website
(941) 747-4655
Florida Department of Children and Families:
Floridians can use the MyACCESS Portal to apply for, manage, and renew their government assistance, including SNAP and Medicaid benefits. For more information visit www.myflfamilies.com/MyACCESS.
- Customer Call Center: (850) 300-4323; agents are available
from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Florida Relay 711 or TTY 1-800-955-8771 - SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, provides nutritional support for low-income seniors, people with disabilities living on fixed incomes, and other individuals and families with low incomes. SNAP is a federal program administered by the Florida Department of Children and Families Office of Economic Self-Sufficiency (ESS). ESS is responsible for determining eligibility for SNAP using federal guidelines.
- The Florida Department of Children and Families does not have a physical location in the Bradenton area; however, local community partner agencies can answer questions and help with applications, providing access to public assistance services.
- Assistance is also available in Sarasota:
Sarasota One Stop Service Center: (877) 595-0384
1864 17th Street
Sarasota Florida 34234
Need help with pet food and supplies? Manatee County Animal Services offers a year-round Pet Food Pantry Program. Please call (941) 742-5933 to arrange for pickup of supplies at their Palmetto shelter location or at the Bishop Animal Shelter, 5718 21st Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34209.
Manatee County Animal Welfare offers a year-round Pet Food Pantry program. Please call (941) 742-5933 to arrange for pickup of supplies at their Palmetto shelter location, or at the Bishop Animal Shelter, 5718 21st Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34209.
You may use our services if you are one of the following:
- Veteran
- Veteran's dependent
- Surviving spouse or child of a Veteran
- Reservist or National Guard member
- Active-duty service member