Palmarrish

County Commission

What the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners is deciding that matters for Palmetto, Parrish and Ellenton, and how to take part.

Latest

From the edition of thursday, sept. 24, 2026.

  • Final 2027 budget vote: Thursday, Sept. 24

    Commissioners unanimously backed a tentative $1.51 billion net budget ($3.7 billion including reserves and grants) on Sept. 10. It includes a small tax-rate cut that Commissioner George Kruse estimated at about $1.80 a year per homeowner. It's the fourth cut in five years. They also gave their $1 million discretionary fund back to residents.

    Source: Your Observer

  • County administrator's job on the Oct. 6 agenda

    At the Sept. 22 meeting, Commissioner Jason Bearden asked to add ending County Administrator Charlie Bishop's contract to the Oct. 6 agenda, saying he wants to hear public comment first. Commissioner Bob McCann also said he wants to hear from the public.

    Source: Your Observer

  • Parrish Town Center approved

    On Sept. 3 the board approved an expanded plan for up to 174,000 sq ft of shops at US 301 & SR 62, capping the three big stores at 100,000 sq ft combined and dropping a proposed cell tower. Details below.

    Source: Tampa Bay Beacons

  • Joint session with Longboat Key

    The Commission and the Longboat Key Town Commission hold a joint work session Thursday afternoon, Sept. 24.

    Source: The Bradenton Times via NewsBreak

  • Lakewood Ranch: no ice rink, more townhomes

    At a Sept. 9 town hall, residents learned an ice rink is off the table at Premier Sports Campus North, though commissioners say something will be built there. Florida's Live Local Act also allows 224 townhomes on Lorraine Rd without a Commission vote. Staff pointed residents to the county's 311 app for problems like flooding.

    Source: Your Observer

On your Nov. 3 ballot

  • District 1

    Liz Arnold (R), Sari Lindroos-Valimaki (D), write-in Jack May. Open seat.

  • District 2

    Incumbent Amanda Ballard (R) vs. Charles B. Smith Sr. (D).

  • District 4

    Incumbent Mike Rahn (R) vs. write-in Allison Sneed.

  • District 6 (countywide)

    Tara Poulton (R) vs. Reggie Bellamy (D). Open seat; every Manatee voter can vote in this race.

Source: WWSB. We don't endorse candidates.

How to attend or watch

Commission meetings start at 9 am in the County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W, Bradenton. Agendas, meeting dates and live video are on the county's meeting calendar.

Anyone can speak during public comment. Check the meeting's agenda for how comment works that day. For problems like street flooding, county staff recommend the Manatee County 311 app.

Something coming up that North County should know about? Tell us.