MANATEE COUNTY, FL (April 26, 2024) – The Manatee Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is continuing its funding of important initiatives across the county, including community organizations, public safety, transportation and support services.
During the regular BOCC Meeting Tuesday (April 23, 2024), commissioners moved $926,052 into the Parks and Recreation Fund to pay for improvements to the Pump Room and restrooms at the under-construction John Marble Park. Once reopened, the park will feature a not only a new pool complex but also a double gymnasium, fitness center, splash pad, a new picnic pavilion and fencing. Work on this project is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
More than $1.8 million was appropriated from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grants to community organizations, including Allean’s Loving Care, Centerstone of Florida, Gulfcoast Legal Services, Meals on Wheels PLUS, Turning Points Project Smile, Homeowner Down Payment Assistance, Homeowner Rehab/Replacement Program and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Administration.
An additional $157,050 of grant revenue in the CDBG Grant Fund from a HUD Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) is going to the Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness.
A total of $682,569 of grant revenue in the Home fund from HUD for the FY 23/24 Home Investment Partnership (HOME) will be distributed between Can Community Health, Manatee County Habitat for Humanity, The Salvation Army and Manatee County Community & Veterans Services.
“Keeping our community partners funded is vital,” said At-Large Commissioner Jason Bearden. “Your board is pleased to continue to fund these important initiatives.”
Emergency Services will purchase 40 new Transport Ventilators with a $616,534 transfer of funds. An additional $252,686 will go toward the purchase of a high-water rescue vehicle for the Beach Patrol Division of Manatee County Public Safety.
$1.4 million is being transferred from reserves in the Local 5-Cent Capital Projects fund to the Ellenton Gillette Road at Mendoza Road (37th Street East) Intersection Improvements project for land acquisition and associated overhead costs.
An additional $1.6 million is being earmarked for intersection improvements at 44th Avenue East at Uihlein Road, 44th Avenue East at Wood Fern Trail, Rangeland Parkway at Uihlein Road and Rangeland Parkway at New Haven Boulevard.