Residents throughout Southwest Florida reported feeling light shaking, swaying and vibrations as seismic waves traveled hundreds of miles across the Gulf. While no damage or injuries were immediately reported in Florida, the event drew widespread attention because of its unusual location and strength.

According to historical records, the only stronger earthquake documented in the Gulf of Mexico was a magnitude 6.4 event in 1959 that struck near eastern Mexico and resulted in 25 deaths. The newly recorded magnitude 6.1 quake now ranks as the second-largest known earthquake in Gulf history.

Seismologists consider earthquakes in the Gulf of Mexico relatively uncommon because the region is located in the interior of the North American tectonic plate, far from the major plate boundaries where most significant earthquakes occur. The Gulf does not contain active fault systems comparable to those found along the western United States, making strong earthquakes particularly rare.

The earthquake’s location south of Florida allowed the shaking to be felt over a large area, with reports coming from communities across the state. Many Manatee County residents shared accounts of feeling buildings sway or noticing unusual vibrations during the afternoon.

Despite its strength, the earthquake did not generate a significant tsunami threat. Emergency officials continue to monitor the event, but impacts in Florida appear to be limited to felt shaking.

While earthquakes are not unheard of in Florida, events of this magnitude occurring within the Gulf of Mexico are exceptionally rare and serve as a reminder that seismic activity can occasionally occur even in regions not typically associated with major earthquakes.

On Tuesday, June 9, the City of Bradenton will host a groundbreaking ceremony for its new City Park project at 11:45 a.m. at 1511 Ninth Street West. The event will celebrate the start of construction on the community-focused project, which is designed to provide recreational amenities and public gathering spaces while honoring the city’s history and future growth.

Also on June 9, the Parrish Civic Association and Parrish Area Business Alliance will hold their monthly community meeting at Parrish Community High School’s Media Center. The evening begins with a public forum at 6:30 p.m. featuring Manatee County Emergency Management Public Safety Coordinator Jennifer Rodriguez, who will discuss hurricane preparedness, evacuation planning, emergency supplies and storm recovery. The meeting will also include the presentation of the inaugural Norma Kennedy Scholarship to a 2026 Parrish Community High School graduate.

Nature enthusiasts can begin a summer-long educational series at Palma Sola Botanical Park on June 10. The 2026 Summer Fun Nature Classes will kick off with a beekeeping program led by Master Beekeeper Kevin Lausman from 2 to 3 p.m. Additional classes throughout the summer will cover birding, bonsai, wildlife rescue, botanical journaling, tree biology and more.

Families can enjoy free admission to The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature on June 13 and 14 as part of a special program sponsored by the Rotary Club of Bradenton. Manatee County residents will receive complimentary admission to the museum during the weekend, providing access to exhibits focused on science, nature, history and astronomy.

Sports fans can support local children while enjoying an evening of soccer on June 13. Sarasota Paradise FC will host a fundraising event at Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch beginning at 7:30 p.m. Thirty percent of ticket sales will benefit Manatee Children’s Services and its Child Advocacy Center.

One of the county’s largest events of the weekend returns to the Bradenton Riverwalk on June 13 and 14 when the Fire Charity Fishing Foundation hosts its annual waterfront festival. The free event will feature fishing tournaments, a kids fishing competition, cornhole, live music, food vendors, family activities and a fireworks show scheduled for Saturday evening. Sunday’s activities will include fishing weigh-ins, raffles, auctions and awards presentations.

The week offers a wide range of activities for residents of all ages, from civic engagement and educational programs to outdoor recreation, live entertainment and charitable events. Organizers encourage attendees to check event details before traveling and arrive early for popular activities.

The Hammerheads scored a run in the first, four in the third, and two in the fourth to take a 7-0 lead.

In the top of the fifth, Bradenton scratched across their first run of the game off Jupiter starter Manuel Genao. Pimentel singled, moved to second on a fielder’s choice, and scored on a base hit by Palmer.

The Marauders scored again in the top of the sixth with two runs off Hammerheads reliever Franklin Sanchez. Scherrer and Pimentel worked back-to-back walks, while Cristian Jauregui was hit by a pitch to load the bases. A single by Ramirez drove in Scherrer and Pimentel to make it 7-3.

After Jupiter plated two runs off Bradenton reliever Noah Takacs in the bottom of the eighth, Scherrer rocketed a two-run homer in the top of the ninth to make it 9-5. The Marauders went scoreless the rest of the way to finalize a 9-5 win for the Hammerheads.

Genao (2-2) earned the win, letting up a run (zero earned) on five hits, a walk, and three strikeouts over 5.0 innings. Jack Anker (3-3) took the loss, allowing a run on three hits over 2.0 frames.

The Marauders take the day off on Monday before beginning a six-game series against the Tampa Tarpons on Tuesday from LECOM Park. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m.

For more information about the Bradenton Marauders, please call 941-747-3031, visit www.BradentonMarauders.com, or email MaraudersInfo@pirates.com.

The partnership was established after Big Dreams Through Small Steps received an overwhelming number of applications for its AQUAlibrium Drowning Prevention Program, leaving many children on a waitlist for swim lesson assistance. The strong demand underscored the need for expanded access to affordable water safety education and swimming instruction throughout the community.

Through the collaboration, Bayshore Gardens Park and Recreation District will provide qualifying families with eight free swim lessons. The lessons will help children build confidence in the water, learn essential survival skills, and develop safer swimming habits. The effort supports ongoing community initiatives to reduce childhood drownings and improve water safety awareness among families.

The AQUAlibrium Drowning Prevention Program was created by Big Dreams Through Small Steps to reduce childhood drownings by removing financial barriers to swim lessons. The program provides children with opportunities to learn critical water safety skills, including floating, reaching the pool wall, safe entry and exit techniques, and responding appropriately in aquatic emergencies.

Bayshore Gardens Park and Recreation District serves residents of the Bayshore Gardens community in southern Manatee County and offers a variety of recreational amenities along Sarasota Bay. The district features a junior Olympic-size swimming pool, recreation hall, marina, fishing pier, playgrounds, athletic facilities and community gathering spaces that support health, wellness and family recreation.

The new partnership represents a shared commitment to protecting children and promoting water safety. By expanding access to swim lessons, the organizations hope to reduce drowning risks while ensuring more families can benefit from quality aquatic education.

Big Dreams Through Small Steps continues to seek additional funding and community partnerships to address the remaining waitlist and expand the reach of the AQUAlibrium Drowning Prevention Program. The strong response from families demonstrates both the importance of swim instruction and the ongoing need for water safety resources in the community.

As Florida remains surrounded by pools, beaches, lakes and waterways, community leaders say teaching children how to swim is one of the most effective ways to prevent drowning and save lives.

Donate to Sponsor a Child

The nonpartisan forums will feature candidates running in School Board District 2 and District 5 and will be held via Zoom later this month. School board races in Florida are nonpartisan, meaning candidates do not represent political parties and all registered voters may cast ballots for their preferred candidate regardless of party affiliation or whether they are registered with no party affiliation.

The District 2 Candidate Forum is scheduled for Wednesday, June 24, from noon to 1 p.m. Candidates participating include James T. Golden, Sharon Jefferson, Margi Nanney, Cindy Spray and JT White.

The District 5 Candidate Forum will take place Tuesday, June 30, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Candidates in that race are Camden T. Bedinghaus, Jonathan Mullis and Chantal Wilford.

The forums come ahead of the Aug. 18 school board election. Under Florida election rules, a candidate who receives more than 50 percent of the vote plus one additional vote wins outright. If no candidate reaches that threshold, the top two vote-getters in each district race advance to the November general election.

District 4 is not expected to appear on the ballot if incumbent Chad Choate remains unopposed. If Choate is the only candidate to qualify for the seat by the June 12 filing deadline and pays the required qualifying fee, he will be considered elected without appearing on either the August or November ballot.

The League of Women Voters encourages residents to participate in the forums to learn more about the candidates and their positions on issues affecting Manatee County schools before casting their votes.

Registration is required to attend the virtual forums. Additional information about sc

hool board elections and the candidate forums is available through the League of Women Voters of Manatee County and local voter education resources.

Register for District 2 forum

Register for District 5 forum

Mayor Dan West said Palmetto continues to attract new residents and businesses, prompting city leaders to focus on infrastructure investments that can support future development while maintaining the community’s character.

One of the city’s most significant upcoming projects is Patriot Park, a $5 million recreational facility planned on more than three acres near 14th Avenue West and 10th Avenue West. The park will feature tennis, pickleball and basketball courts, a pavilion, a walking track and open green space for community use.

The site has long served as an informal recreational area for local residents. City leaders say the new park will transform the space into a modern destination while preserving its role as a gathering place for families and outdoor activities.

In addition to the park project, Palmetto is pursuing its Complete Streets initiative, a downtown improvement project that would revitalize 10th Avenue West from the riverfront marina to Palmetto High School. Planned upgrades include new pavement, sidewalks, lighting and other infrastructure improvements designed to improve accessibility and encourage economic development.

City officials believe the project will make it easier for residents and visitors to walk between downtown businesses, shops and attractions while improving overall safety and connectivity.

Local business owners have expressed support for downtown improvements but remain concerned about maintaining adequate parking. As more businesses open and activity around the marina increases, parking availability has become a growing issue for merchants along 10th Avenue West.

Business owners say sufficient parking will be critical to ensuring the success of existing and future businesses as redevelopment efforts continue.

West is scheduled to meet with the Florida Department of Transportation to discuss the Complete Streets project. Meanwhile, the groundbreaking ceremony for Patriot Park is planned for July 4, marking a major milestone in the city’s efforts to prepare for future growth and expand recreational opportunities for residents.

The event, AMI’s Got Talent, is scheduled from 6 to 10 p.m. at The Center of Anna Maria Island, located at 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria. Proceeds will benefit the Grace Irwin Memorial Fund and the Children’s Cancer Research Fund.

Organizers say the event will showcase some of the island’s most talented performers while promoting community involvement and support for a cause that impacts families across the country. Guests can expect live entertainment, community spirit and opportunities to contribute to ongoing cancer research efforts.

The Grace Irwin Memorial Fund was established in memory of Grace Irwin and supports initiatives aimed at helping children and families affected by cancer. The annual fundraiser has become a growing community tradition, drawing support from local businesses, volunteers and residents.

Tickets are available for $25 each, with reserved tables for eight available for $500. Organizers encourage attendees to purchase tickets in advance and help support the event’s fundraising efforts.

This year’s event is sponsored by Sato Real Estate & Vacation Rentals, Agnelli Pools and Construction, Mason Martin and Adrian Griffin Interiors.

More information and tickets are available online at the event registration page.

Emergency crews from West Manatee Fire Rescue and Manatee County EMS responded at approximately 1:30 p.m. on June 7 to the 1300 block of 83rd Street N.W. following reports of a child who had been submerged in water and was initially unresponsive.

According to WMFR Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski, first responders arrived to find the child out of the water and immediately began providing medical care.

The child’s condition improved rapidly while in the care of emergency personnel. He became alert and conscious before being transported by ground ambulance to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg as a trauma alert for further evaluation and treatment.

Officials said the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation, and no additional details were immediately available.

West Manatee Fire Rescue used the incident to remind residents and visitors of the importance of water safety, particularly during the summer months when children spend more time around pools and other bodies of water.

Safety officials emphasized the importance of constant adult supervision, designating a dedicated water watcher, maintaining pool barriers and enrolling children in swim lessons as key measures to help prevent drowning incidents.

According to a construction notice released by Manatee County, traffic in both directions has been shifted onto newly constructed eastbound lanes. The temporary change allows crews to continue work on the north side of the roadway, including construction of future westbound travel lanes.

The traffic shift is expected to remain in place while the new westbound lanes are built. Once that phase is complete, westbound traffic will be moved onto the newly constructed lanes on the north side of the corridor. Construction activities are expected to continue throughout the project area, with final roadway resurfacing scheduled for late 2026.

The Moccasin Wallow Road Segment 2 project stretches from Bay Winds Parkway to Grand River Parkway and carries an estimated construction cost of $35 million. Work began in December 2024 and is currently scheduled for completion in September 2026.

Residents and commuters can expect nighttime construction activities, operation of trucks and heavy equipment, staging of materials within public rights-of-way, the presence of construction crews and typical construction-related noise throughout the project.

Officials are reminding drivers to use caution while traveling through the work zone and remain alert for changing traffic patterns, workers and construction equipment.

Additional project information is available at the project website, www.moccasinwallowroad.com, or by calling 941-213-1141.

The Marauders will sport brand new throwback jerseys and hats to honor their impact and legacy. The first 500 fans in attendance will take home a commemorative Bradenton Nine Devils baseball card set.

Members of the Marauders front office, including General Manager Craig Warzecha, and Coordinator of Fan & Community Engagement, Karena Ballard, wanted to create a brand to honor the legacy of the Nine Devils with a modern twist. Pittsburgh Pirates Creative Team, including Cat Dumm, David Sharpensteen, Will Wyss, and Rachel Elder, were able to bring their idea to life. Input on the brand and logos was well received from the Nine Devils Ambassadors Committee, including Lydia Copeland, daughter of former Nine Devils player James “Sonny” Copeland.

“It was really special the first time this organization got the opportunity to represent the Nine Devils, and now for us to be going on year number six it shows the passion for this former club by the community as well,” said Marauders General Manager Craig Warzecha. “We take great pride in how we want this team represented, and we had the opportunity to especially do that this year with the updated branding that I think the fans will enjoy.”

The Marauders are also partnering with the Manasota Black Chamber of Commerce and will host a postgame concert by Jah Movement.

For more information about the Bradenton Marauders, please call 941-747-3031, visit www.BradentonMarauders.com, or email MaraudersInfo@pirates.com.

In the top of the fifth, Bradenton began the scoring against Jupiter starter Walin Castillo. Rynders lifted a solo homer to left, putting the Marauders up 1-0. Josh Tate singled, moved to second on a balk, and scored on a double from Sammy Stafura to make it a 2-0 ballgame.

Andres Valor recorded a fly out against Martinez to end the bottom of the sixth, capping off a 6.0 inning shutout performance with a season-high eight strikeouts.

In the top of the eighth, the Marauders scratched across a run against Hammerheads reliever Luis Ramirez. Eddie King Jr. and Edgleen Perez notched back-to-back singles to put runners on third and first. Antonio Pimentel plated King Jr. on a base hit, making it a 3-0 ballgame.

After Jupiter scored a run off Bradenton reliever Roilan Portuondo in the bottom of the eighth, the Marauders responded in the top of the ninth against Hammerheads reliever Jake Faherty. Rynders, Stafura, and King Jr. all worked walks to load the bases. Perez singled to right, scoring Rynders to make it 4-1.

Cain shut the door in the bottom of the ninth, finalizing a 4-1 victory for Bradenton.

Martinez (1-2) earned the win, letting up three hits, a walk with eight strikeouts over 6.0 scoreless innings. Castillo (1-4) took the loss, letting up two runs on five hits, two walks with six strikeouts over 5.0 frames. Cain (2) collected the save, allowing a hit with two strikeouts over a scoreless inning.

Bradenton and Jupiter play the series finale of a six-game set on Sunday with first pitch set for 12:30 p.m.

For more information about the Bradenton Marauders, please call 941-747-3031, visit www.BradentonMarauders.com, or email MaraudersInfo@pirates.com.

As the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins, The Patterson Foundation is strengthening our region’s resilience by committing $500,000 to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund. The funding will support ongoing and future long-term recovery and resilience efforts in areas of Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties impacted by hurricanes and other disasters.

The Community Foundation established the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund in 2022 in response to Hurricane Ian’s catastrophic impact. All contributions to the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund are dedicated to long-term recovery efforts. These needs are identified in the months following an event such as a hurricane, after initial emergency response and short-term relief efforts have concluded.

“Preparedness is more than having supplies on hand or a plan for when a storm approaches — it also means ensuring our region has resources at the ready to cover the needs that emerge long after the winds and waters subside,” said Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation. “The Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund has proven to be a powerful vehicle for strengthening long-term recovery across our region. With this investment, The Patterson Foundation is strengthening our collective capacity to navigate inevitable future storms with resilience.”

The Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund is specifically focused on supporting vital community resources in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties to improve individual, family and community resiliency while helping people rebuild their lives beyond initial reconstruction. This includes mental and behavioral health, legal services, case management, children and youth services, as well as efforts identified by Long Term Recovery Groups within each county such as rebuilding and repairing homes, and replacing damaged furniture and appliances, all of which make homes safe and livable. The Fund directs contributions to local nonprofit organizations supporting long-term, long-range recovery programs to sustain human service agencies in our region, as well as efforts to rebuild stronger, more resilient communities.

“As this year’s Atlantic hurricane season gets underway, we all hope that it will be quiet and unremarkable, but we also know that now is the time to prepare for the next storm,” said Jessica Muroff, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. “The Patterson Foundation’s generous gift to the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund will assist the many residents who are still struggling with the aftermath of previous hurricanes and help our community become more resilient against future threats. We are beyond grateful for their support for this important initiative.”

The Patterson Foundation supports the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund through direct contributions and donation-match opportunities to incentivize community giving. Since its inception, the Fund has become a vital resource for the region. The Fund has raised more than $10.7 million since 2022, including more than $4 million in total support from The Patterson Foundation.

Although disasters throughout the world are growing in size, frequency and severity, research shows that disaster-related support is currently declining. This is amid a growing need for philanthropy to fill the gap that federal- and state-level changes have left in the nation’s response and recovery structure, especially with regard to long-term recovery. When disaster strikes, a majority of donations are made within the first week when media coverage is high, with most only going toward immediate relief, leaving a critical gap in long-term recovery efforts. While funding for reconstruction and recovery has increased over the years, it still accounts for only 12.7 percent of disaster funding, with immediate response and relief continuing to dominate donations according to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s 2025 State of Disaster Philanthropy Report.

In addition to long-term recovery, the Community Foundation meets immediate relief needs of individuals and families in our region through its Season of Sharing initiative. A trusted, time-tested safety net, Season of Sharing covers expenses related to housing, utilities, transportation and childcare to help avoid compounding financial setbacks that can be the result of a missed payment.

Donations to the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund or Season of Sharing can be made online at www.cfsarasota.org/donors/support-our-community#donate or by sending a check (payable to Community Foundation of Sarasota County) to Attn: Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund or Season of Sharing, 2635 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34237. All donations are tax-deductible.

For more information about the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund or Season of Sharing, please visit CFSarasota.org.

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About The Patterson Foundation
​The Patterson Foundation is a fully endowed charitable entity strengthening people, organizations, and communities in ways that foster wide participation around shared quality-of-life aspirations. For more information, please visit thepattersonfoundation.org.

About the Community Foundation of Sarasota County
​The Community Foundation of Sarasota County is a public charity founded in 1979 by the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council as a resource for caring individuals and the causes they support, enabling them to make a charitable impact on the community. With assets of $605 million in more than 1,600 charitable funds, the Community Foundation awarded grants and scholarships totaling $44.7 million last year in the areas of education, the arts, health and human services, civic engagement, animal welfare and the environment. Since its founding, the Community Foundation has been able to grant more than $542 million to nonprofits in our community thanks to the generosity of charitable individuals, families and businesses. For more information, visit cfsarasota.org or call 941-955-3000.

The new garden is a collaborative effort between the UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County and Manatee County, providing residents with a shared space to grow native plants, pollinator-friendly gardens and fresh produce while learning from agriculture specialists.

The garden was created to encourage residents to connect with nature and one another while enjoying the benefits of gardening. Organizers say the space honors the legacy of Patricia and Dr. Carroll Geraldson, whose contributions to the community helped shape Manatee County’s agricultural heritage.

County and extension officials expect the garden to become a vibrant gathering place where residents can share knowledge, grow healthy food and support local pollinator populations. The project also promotes environmental stewardship and hands-on learning opportunities for gardeners of all experience levels.

Interest in the new garden has been strong, with all available plots already claimed. Residents who would like to participate are encouraged to join the waitlist.

For more information or to be added to the waitlist, residents can contact Brittany Atkinson at brittanyatkinson@ufl.edu.

Created to foster family stability, the Connected Manatee Program ensures families get vital support proactively, keeping minor setbacks from escalating. By connecting families to rental assistance, community resources, healthcare services, benefits assistance, and other supports, the program helps prevent evictions and promotes long-term stability and well-being. Operating within a trusted, school-connected setting, the Connected Manatee Program reduces barriers to care and ensures families can access the help they need when it matters most.

Services available through the Connected Manatee Program may include:

• Community Resource Navigation and referrals
  • Benefits Assistance, including support with SNAP, Medicaid, Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), and unemployment applications
  • Rental Assistance to help prevent housing instability

• Connections to healthcare and dental resources
  • Additional community supports tailored to each family’s unique needs

“When families have reliable access to food, housing, healthcare, and other critical resources during these crucial months, it relieves immense pressure, keeps households secure, and ensures parents have the solid foundation they need to protect and nurture their families all year long,” said Kathleen Cramer, CEO of Turning Points.

The Connected Manatee Program currently serves families connected to:

• Lincoln Memorial Middle School

• Palmetto Elementary School

• Tillman Elementary School

• Blackburn Elementary School

• Palm View K-8 School

• Families of School District of Manatee County employees

The program operates from the Family Support Center located behind Lincoln Memorial Middle School in Palmetto and remains available during the summer months to ensure families continue receiving support while school is out of session.

“Challenges don’t take a summer break,” said Cramer. “Our team remains available to help families access resources, maintain stability, and navigate difficult circumstances throughout the year.”

Families from the eligible schools and School District employees are encouraged to request an appointment by calling 941-209-7498.

For more information about the Connected Manatee Program or Turning Points’ services, visit http://www.tpmanatee.org.

About Connected Manatee Program
The Connected Manatee Program is a collaborative initiative powered by Turning Points and the School District of Manatee County. The program helps families access food assistance, housing support, healthcare resources, benefits assistance, and other community services before challenges become crises. Through early intervention and personalized support, the Connected Manatee Program works to improve family stability and student success.

About Turning Points
Since 1995, Turning Points has provided pathways to hope, health, and housing stability for individuals and families in Manatee County. Programs include Community Resource Navigation, Rental and Utility Assistance, Free Medical and Dental Care, Veterans Services, Connected Manatee Program, and Day Resource Services. Last year, more than 9,000 individuals benefited from Turning Points programs and services. Learn more at http://www.tpmanatee.org.

The Connected Manatee Program is made possible through the generous support of the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation.

During its meeting last Wednesday, the council approved first readings of two ordinances that would send the proposed changes to voters if they receive final approval next week.

One proposed amendment would impose term limits on both the mayor and city council members. Under the measure, elected officials would be limited to serving three consecutive four-year terms in the same office. The restriction would take effect beginning with the January 2028 term. Officials who reach the three-term limit would be required to wait two years before running again for the same position.

The second proposed amendment would modify the mayor’s role within city government. Currently, the mayor serves as the ex officio president of the council and is authorized to cast a vote in the event of a tie among the city’s five ward council members.

If approved by voters, the amendment would remove the mayor’s designation as ex officio president of the council and eliminate the ability to cast tie-breaking votes. The revised charter language would also explicitly state that the mayor is not a member of the city council.

The council is scheduled to hold final readings and public hearings on both ordinances on June 10. Council members could still reject either proposal at that time, preventing it from appearing on the November ballot.

While no formal proposal has been presented, county leaders and island officials have acknowledged that parking availability remains a significant challenge, particularly during peak tourism seasons. The discussion comes as local governments continue searching for ways to improve mobility and manage the growing number of visitors traveling to the island’s beaches and attractions.

Parking at public beach access points on Anna Maria Island has traditionally been free, a feature that many visitors view as a benefit compared to other Florida beach destinations where hourly parking fees are common. Visitors often cite free parking as one of the island’s unique advantages.

Officials from the cities of Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach agree that congestion and limited parking are ongoing concerns. Local leaders say additional parking options and transportation alternatives will likely be necessary as visitation continues to increase.

County officials noted that they have spent years working with island municipalities to identify solutions aimed at reducing traffic and improving access. Those efforts have included support for multimodal transportation options such as the free Anna Maria Island trolley service and the expansion of water-based transportation through the Gulf Islands Ferry program, which launched operations in 2024.

Holmes Beach leaders indicated that county staff are currently gathering information and studying how other Florida communities manage paid parking systems. Any future proposal would likely involve examining different pricing structures, enforcement methods, and potential impacts on residents, visitors, and local businesses.

The discussion also comes as local governments evaluate long-term revenue sources amid broader conversations about property taxes and municipal funding. Some officials have suggested that paid parking could provide an alternative source of revenue while helping regulate parking demand in heavily visited areas.

County tourism officials emphasized that no paid parking concept has been presented to the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners. However, staff members are researching parking models used throughout Florida so they can provide information and recommendations if county or city leaders choose to pursue the concept in the future.

For now, paid parking on Anna Maria Island remains under study, with county and city officials continuing to evaluate options that could help balance visitor access, transportation needs, and quality of life for residents.

State lawmakers reached a budget agreement on May 29 for the upcoming fiscal year. The spending plan now awaits approval from Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has the authority to veto individual appropriations before the fiscal year begins in July.

Among the largest local infrastructure allocations is $5 million for the Fort Hamer interchange project, a long-planned transportation improvement intended to address growing traffic demands in eastern Manatee County. Another $1.5 million is proposed for the replacement of the Singletary Road Bridge.

Manatee County could also receive $3 million for the extension of 51st Street West between 53rd Avenue West and El Conquistador Parkway. County commissioners previously voted to name the future roadway Charlie Kirk Memorial Boulevard.

Programs addressing homelessness are also included in the budget. Fresh Start Manatee is slated to receive $1.3 million for Phase 2 of its expansion project, which aims to increase temporary housing capacity and support services for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Municipal governments across the county are in line for significant infrastructure funding as well. The City of Bradenton is set to receive approximately $5 million for wastewater improvements, including upgrades at the Water Reclamation Facility and the relocation of Lift Station No. 8.

The City of Palmetto has several projects included in the budget, totaling more than $7 million for sewer system upgrades, water meter improvements, complete streets enhancements and recreational facilities. Barrier island communities are also included, with funding proposed for stormwater resilience projects in Bradenton Beach, a new public works building in Anna Maria and resiliency improvements in Holmes Beach.

Public safety projects include nearly $900,000 for a High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk beacon system near East Manatee Fire Rescue Station 9.

Health care and social service organizations would also benefit from the budget. BayCare Hospital Manatee is slated to receive $2.5 million for its neonatal intensive care unit, while Pace Center for Girls Manatee is allocated $2.5 million for facility improvements. Centerstone of Florida is included for more than $714,000 in funding.

Education represents the largest share of the proposed appropriations. The Early Learning Coalition serving Manatee County is allocated more than $16.1 million, while the School Readiness Program would receive nearly $17.9 million and the Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program more than $8.3 million.

The School District of Manatee County’s workforce education programs are set to receive more than $10.5 million, while nursing education initiatives receive additional support through the PIPELINE program.

The State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, stands to receive substantial funding, including $36.6 million for operating funds and approved baccalaureate programs, $7.5 million for the Parrish campus, $3.5 million through the State CDL Consortium, and additional student success and nursing education funding.

The Manatee County Clerk of Court is also included in the budget with funding from both general revenue and federal grants to support child support services.

While local leaders are optimistic about the potential investments, all appropriations remain subject to gubernatorial review. Last year, DeSantis vetoed several Manatee County funding requests, including appropriations for Fresh Start Manatee, Rural Health Services and the Veterans Connections Hub.

The final funding levels for Manatee County projects and programs will be determined when the governor signs the state budget ahead of the new fiscal year.