Manatee County Commissioners to Vote on Fluoride Ban, Affordable Housing Loan, and Multimillion-Dollar Infrastructure Projects
The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners will meet Tuesday, April 15, 2025, with a packed agenda featuring critical decisions on water quality, housing, and public infrastructure. The session includes major funding allocations, legal settlements, and policy changes, as well as several community recognitions.
Key Proclamations and Presentations
National Arbor Day will be officially recognized in Manatee County on April 25.
Public Safety Telecommunicators Week will honor local dispatch professionals April 13–19.
Commissioners will also recognize St. Mary’s Missionary Baptist Church Day and the 30th Anniversary of Turning Points, a nonprofit serving the homeless.
Consent Agenda Highlights
Budget Amendments and Funding: Over $215 million in budget amendments will be considered, including:
A $200 million disaster recovery note reimbursement resolution (R-25-059).
$15 million for conservation and parks capital expenses (R-25-062).
Road & Utility Projects:
Multiple change orders for major projects like 44th Avenue East Extension, Moccasin Wallow Road, and North Service Area Force Main Replacements.
Approval of Nature Coast Mitigation Bank credit purchase for the Fort Hamer Road and Bridge Expansion project.
Library and Parks Projects:
A change order to advance work on the East County New Library.
Re-execution of HUD grant agreements for the Lincoln Park pedestrian bridge and Fort Hamer Bridge improvements.
Legal Settlements: The board will take no action and let multiple settlement offers expire involving lawsuits filed by residents, including four related to the Puccia and Kerestesy families, with proposed settlements ranging from $35,000 to nearly $200,000.
Regular Agenda and Public Hearings
Fluoride Ban Proposal: Ordinance 25-025 will be considered to end fluoridation in the county’s public water supply—a move expected to draw both public support and opposition.
Affordable Housing Investment: Commissioners will vote on a $5.66 million catalytic loan to Forest Cove of Manatee, LLC, to boost the availability of income-based rental units.
CIP and Traffic Program Review: Updates on the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and revisions to the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program will also be reviewed.
Community Development District: Ordinance 25-022 proposes establishing the Riversong Community Development District in northeast Manatee County.
School Site Plan: Resolution R-25-055 would approve the site plan for a new Artisan Lakes Elementary School.
Commissioner Proposal: Commissioner Kruse is proposing a refund of all $100 civil citations and related fees issued between August 12, 2024, and February 5, 2025.
Public Safety and Environment
Local Mitigation Strategy Plan Update: Resolution R-25-057 authorizes the county’s 2024 update to its FEMA-recognized disaster mitigation strategy.
Airport Agreement: An interlocal agreement will enable the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority to collect user fees via the Accela permitting system.
Environmental Donations: The county will accept a $10,000 donation from the Hunter Skidmore Legacy Fundto support natural resource programs.
The full agenda, including backup documents and access to livestreaming, is available at agendaonline.mymanatee.org. Public participation is encouraged both in-person and online.