MANATEE COUNTY, FL (May 1, 2023) - Manatee County has made Manatee Public Beach, located at 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217, wheelchair accessible through the installation of a 100 foot-long mat. It is the latest initiative by the County in meeting the accessibility requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), which mandates equal access to public facilities, services and programs for individuals with disabilities.
The T-shaped mat, which is six-feet wide, will push 100 feet into the approximately 400-foot-wide beach area near the Anna Maria Island Beach Café. At the end of that 100-foot run, a 12-foot “landing area” will allow multiple users to rest and enjoy the surf, sand and sunsets. The beach access mat is made of recycled metals—durable and slip-resistant materials—ensuring safety for all users. In addition to wheelchairs, visitors with strollers, rolling carts and coolers also may take advantage of the smoother surface, which will stay in place year-round (except for removal during severe-storm threats).
“We have been wanting to do this for years,” said Carmine DeMilio, Deputy Director for Parks and Grounds and ADA Coordinator for Manatee County’s Property Management Department. "This is another step to help accommodate the disabled community and provide access to world-class amenities and award-winning beaches."
Manatee County beaches have been recognized with numerous awards for their natural beauty and cleanliness. The addition of the beach access mat will further enhance the openness of these beaches, making them more inclusive and welcoming to all visitors, regardless of their abilities. County leaders encourage everyone to try out the new beach access mat and invites individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Manatee County without any barriers.