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Manatee County foster families have stepped up to help Animal Services (MCAS) empty the kennel over the past week. Manatee County residents can help the shelter maintain its record low numbers in coming days.

Department of Health staff today collected specimens from 50 potential COVID-19 patients during the first day of collections at the Bradenton Area Convention Center. Vacancies remain for patients with prescriptions to book appointments over the remaining days of collections.

Manatee County Health Department will host a drive through specimen collection site for patients with a prescription at the Bradenton Area Convention Center from Thursday, March 26 through Sunday, March 29.

County leaders today announced several updates in the community-wide response to the COVID-19 response.

In an effort to further curb public gatherings on popular beaches and to protect citizens during the COVID-19 public health crisis, Manatee County officials today announced that beach access is now restricted at Beer Can (Greer) Island. Additionally, all county- and city-owned boat ramps will close temporarily Thursday, March 26 at 6 a.m. All Manatee County beaches remain closed.

During a time when toilet paper can be hard to come by, Manatee County Utilities officials are reminding residents to avoid flushing anything except toilet paper. Wipes, tissues, paper towels and other products simply shouldn't go down the drain.

Recognizing the adverse economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic for area residents, Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) is offering free fixed route transit and Handy Bus service starting on Monday, March 23, including the MCAT Route 99 buses that travel into Sarasota County.

County and municipal officials today announced that the beaches of Anna Maria Island will close tomorrow, March 20 at 6 a.m. Beach closure signs and barricades will alert drivers to the closure.

In accordance with The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America, which recommend avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people, Manatee County Government will be closing all public buildings to the public for walk-in services for the next 15 days. All buildings will remain close beginning at 8 a.m. on March 18.

Manatee County Commissioners declared a local state of emergency shortly after Public Safety and Health Department leaders urged Manatee County residents not to panic but to take the coronavirus seriously and to practice good hand washing and social distancing.

To prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus Manatee County Utilities Department will close the lobby of its administration building located at 4410 66th Street West, Bradenton..

Emergency declaration allows local officials to respond more quickly, efficiently to meet urgent needs in the community

Manatee County Administrator Cheri Coryea marked the completion of a successful first year on the job by delivering the 2019 Annual Report to County Commissioners today.

Contacting Manatee County for non-emergency help will become easier than ever before on March 11 when ten unique County information and request lines will be consolidated into one. Manatee County's new One Call Resolution Center will officially begin taking calls on March 11 at 3:11 p.m.

Soccer and softball players have sparkling improvements to return to when spring leagues begin at Blackstone Park next weekend. A new dog park at Blackstone will also open, becoming Palmetto's first park for pups.

Manatee County residents will have an opportunity to get free expert advice on preparing their homes and families for Hurricane Season at Manatee County's first Hurricane Preparedness Expo next month.

Community leaders are invited to attend the Manasota Neighborhoods Summit on Feb. 21, hosted by Neighborhood Services staff from Manatee County, Sarasota County and the City of Sarasota.

Manatee County Commissioners today unanimously confirmed the appointment of Jacob Saur as the County's new Public Safety Director. Saur previously served as the County's Emergency Communications chief and has worked for the County since 2001.

Manatee County is seeking public comment on its updated Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS), a plan for how to proactively prepare for and handle disasters and emergencies in the community.