Yes, all pet stores and breeders in Manatee County must obtain a license from Manatee County Animal Welfare to operate. The license must be renewed annually, but there is no fee for the license. 

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

Pet stores and breeders will be inspected at least twice annually. Additional inspections may be conducted based on complaints or at the discretion of Manatee County Animal Welfare. Inspections will assess compliance with all standards set forth in the ordinance, and inspectors have the authority to enter and inspect any area where animals are housed or cared for. 

If a license is suspended or revoked, the Division may enforce the penalty through Florida Statute 162.30, which allows for civil actions to enforce county ordinances. The county may also seek additional penalties or damages as provided under the Manatee County Land Development Code. 

If a Stop Work Order is issued, all work related to the violation must immediately cease. The order will be given in writing to the property owner, agent, or person doing the work, outlining the conditions for resuming the work. Continuing work after the order is issued is considered an irreparable violation and may result in legal penalties. However, the Stop Work Order can be appealed. 

Applicants must provide proof of compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. The application must also include a detailed description of the facility, including housing, feeding, and medical care arrangements. Additionally, the facility will be inspected by the Division of Animal Services and must meet the Standards of Care outlined in the Ordinance before a license is issued. 

While the deadline to obtain the permit has not yet been determined, Manatee County Animal Welfare staff is working patiently and diligently with both breeders and pet stores to help them meet compliance requirements voluntarily. 

Violations of the ordinance can be addressed through warnings, fines, and/or the suspension or revocation of licenses. Fines for violations are set at $500.00, and licenses may be suspended or revoked for serious or repeated violations. 

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.

This is a list of subsidized senior housing locations in Manatee County.  Please contact each individual location for eligibility and waiting list information.

 

Public Housing and Section 8

 

 

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.