Latest reporting from the Local Government desk.
Manatee County commissioners approved more than $100 million in federal disaster recovery funding for 22 stormwater and flood-mitigation projects, including a $24.9 million automated outfall project at Pearce Drain that officials say could reduce repeated flooding in Center Lake.
Local Government
The Manatee County School Board meets Tuesday, Sept. 15, to vote on a 2026-27 teacher salary plan, formalize the completion of two new $75 million elementary schools and approve a Carnegie Hall performance trip for Manatee High chorus students.
Local Government
The School Board of Manatee County heard construction updates on the $144 million Rangeland High School in Lakewood Ranch and Bayshore High School renovations at a Sept. 1 workshop, along with a preview of the district's 2027 state legislative priorities.
Local Government
Manatee County commissioners debated short-term rental enforcement at a packed Sept. 2 workshop, weighing a $237,000-plus Granicus complaint system and potential 90-day suspensions while rental owners pushed back on penalties they called financially devastating.
Local Government
The School Board of Manatee County will hold a public hearing Tuesday, Sept. 8, to vote on final 2026-27 millage rates of 6.275 mills and a $1.67 billion budget, giving Lakewood Ranch taxpayers a last chance to weigh in.
Local Government
Manatee County voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to approve a 0.16-mill property tax funding up to $75 million in land conservation bonds, including a new agricultural easement tool that could protect East Manatee ranchland at a fraction of land-purchase cost.
Local Government
Sarasota County commissioners approved a $13.1 million purchase of a building at 4081 N. Lakewood Ranch Blvd. from Centauri Specialty Insurance Company, earmarking the site as a Public Utilities Administration Building with a total budget appropriation of nearly $15.84 million.
Local Government
Manatee County commissioners moved forward Aug. 25 with a proposed ordinance that, if adopted, would give the Sheriff's Office additional enforcement tools against roughly 25 illegal gambling arcades in unincorporated Manatee County. The first of two required public hearings is expected Sept. 22.
Local Government
Manatee County commissioners voted 5-0 on Wednesday to ban Flock license plate reader cameras from county parks, facilities and buildings, citing privacy concerns amplified by a Sarasota officer's recent arrest for misusing the surveillance technology.
Local Government
Establishment-backed Republicans won three of four Manatee County Commission primaries on Aug. 18, with neighborhood activist Elizabeth Arnold the lone grassroots winner; all four races advance to the Nov. 3 general election that will shape growth policy governing Lakewood Ranch.
Local Government
A Manatee County advisory board member alleges county administration violated its own resolution by canceling 25 agenda items and barring the Animal Services Advisory Board from discussing shelter operations, setting up a potential confrontation at the county commission's Aug. 25 meeting.
Local Government
Rep. Bill Conerly defeated challenger John Phillips 64%-36% in the Aug. 18 Republican primary for Florida House District 72, advancing to face Democrat Harvey Shifrin on Nov. 3 as Lakewood Ranch residents watch debates over SB 180, HOA reform and Amendment 3 play out in Tallahassee.
Local Government
Two freestanding emergency rooms are planned along State Road 64 near Lakewood Ranch, addressing a gap affecting roughly 45,000 residents who lack convenient emergency access. BayCare's proposal won unanimous planning commission approval Aug. 13 and heads to county commissioners next.
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