Save the date for a HAY-mazing Halloween event at GT Bray: Hay rides, treats & sweets, inflatables, petting zoo, costume contests and spooky photo ops!
Manatee County, FL
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“What did the otter say to the heron?”
“Water you wading for?” 🦦
Thanks to Helen Lewis for capturing this unusual pairing of an Otter and Great Blue Heron appearing to have a little discussion at Robinson Preserve!
The weather this weekend is shaping up to be perfect for getting outside and taking a stroll through one of Manatee County’s many preserves. You never know who you might run into along the way!
mymanatee.org/connect/locati…
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Lace up for the RUN Manatee 5K Series finale at Rye Preserve on Saturday, November 21! Presented by RWP Runs, this family-friendly event is a day of fitness, food and fun for all ages and activity levels.
Start your morning with a warm-up led by a local fitness trainer, followed by a yoga cooldown with a local instructor. Participants can take on the 5K or enjoy the ¼ Mile Fun Run, explore local vendors, and grab a healthy breakfast or lunch. There's plenty to do, even if you're not running!
Ten percent of registration fees will support Foundation for Dreams, which operates Dream Oaks Camp within Rye Preserve and helps children of all abilities enjoy the outdoors and an active lifestyle.
A special thank you to our community sponsors:
➡️ Swag4Brands, @Swag4Brands
➡️ USA Fence, @myusafence
➡️ Bradenton Magazine, @BradentonMag
➡️ Risen Savior Lutheran Church, @RisenSaviorLutheranFL
➡️ Rye Ranch Facebook, @ryeranchfl
Mark your calendar and join us at Rye Preserve on November 21 by signing up here: runsignup.com/runmanateepres…
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🚧 Road Closure Notice 🚧
FDOT will require a closure of Polo Trail at SR 70 as part of the continuing widening project. This closure is required to connect the entrance and exit at Polo Run to the new widening on SR 70.
This interruption will start Oct. 5th and is planned for 30 days, based on the FDOT’s schedule until Nov. 4th. Resident access for Polo Run must use the entrance on Bourneside Blvd for this duration.
✅ Please use the detour route shown on the map graphic, watch for crews, equipment, and allow extra time when traveling through the area.
✅ For more information about road closures in Manatee County, please visit: manateegis.maps.arcgis.com/a…
Thank you for your patience!
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🚧 Road Work Notice 🚧
Starting October 5th through 23rd, Manatee County Public Works will be constructing intersection roundabout improvements at the Experimental Farm Rd (49th St E) and Ellenton Gillette Rd (36th Ave E) intersection. This work will include intermittent lane closures from 9 am – 2 pm.
✅ Please use caution, watch for crews, equipment, and allow extra time when traveling through the area.
✅ For more information on this project, please visit: experimental-farm-rd-interse…
Thank you for your patience!
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🎃 Goblin Gathering is just 3 weeks away! 👻
Get your costumes ready and join us Friday, October 16, from 4 to 7 p.m., at G.T. Bray Park, for an evening of Halloween fun for the whole family! Sponsored by Prime-Time Event Rentals, this spooktacular celebration will feature trick-or-treating with local businesses and organizations, hayrides, inflatables, a petting zoo, spooky photo opportunities and costume contests starting at 6 p.m. with PRIZES (also medals for First-, Second- and Third-place winners in each category).
And this year, your four-legged family members can join the fun, too! Bring your pup for our NEW dog costume contest category (costume contest registration will be during the event from 4 to 5:45 p.m.).
Businesses that would like to donate human or dog gifts to costume contest winners are asked to email eventinfo@mymanatee.org.
📍 G.T. Bray Park: 5502 33rd Ave. Dr. W., Bradenton
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🚧 Road Closure Notice 🚧
Starting September 28th through 30th, Manatee County will require a road closure on 71st St E in Parrish, between 122nd Ave E and US 301. This closure is for utility installation on the Village of Parrish Sewer Expansion Project.
✅ Please use the detour route shown on the map graphic, watch for crews, equipment, and allow extra time when traveling through the area.
✅ For more information on this project, please visit: parrish-village-sewer-manate…
✅ For more information about road closures in Manatee County, please visit: manateegis.maps.arcgis.com/a…
Thank you for your patience!
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We love seeing our team members sharing their voices in the community!
As a member of the Manatee Young Professionals Leadership Committee, Crystal Scherer was recently invited to join a panel at the Manatee Chamber of Commerce Board Retreat to talk all things Young Professionals Leadership Committee.
The panel shared their perspectives on how employers can support professionals ages 21–40 as they navigate today’s workplace, find opportunities for professional growth and build successful careers.
Way to represent Manatee County and help shape conversations around the next generation of local leaders!
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🦟 Manatee County is working closely with the Florida Department of Health and the Manatee County Mosquito Control District to monitor conditions and coordinate mosquito prevention and control efforts throughout the community.
The Florida Department of Health is actively monitoring for mosquito-borne illnesses, while the Mosquito Control District has increased preventative measures to help reduce mosquito populations and minimize potential transmission.
To date, one case of dengue fever has been reported in Manatee County.
The County remains proactive and will continue coordinating closely with our local and state partners to monitor conditions and respond as needed.
💧 Residents can also help reduce mosquito activity around their homes by eliminating standing water and taking precautions to prevent mosquito bites.
Residents are encouraged to:
🪣 **Drain and cover standing water.** Empty water from buckets, toys, kiddie pools, birdbaths, pet dishes, coolers, tires and other items where mosquitoes can breed.
🧴 **Use insect repellent.** Apply repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient to exposed skin or clothing as directed.
👕 **Cover up outdoors.** Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts, long pants and closed-toe shoes when spending time outside.
🔗 Learn more about dengue, prevention and when to seek care at FloridaHealth.gov/Dengue.
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Correction: there are no cases in Manatee County. There was a case initially attributed to Manatee County because the individual worked in Manatee County but resided in Hillsborough County. The state has since notified us that the case will be attributed to Hillsborough County based on the individual’s county of residence.
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Spotted from above on Anna Maria Island: Two manatees cruising along the shoreline, offering a glimpse of the incredible wildlife you can encounter while visiting our local beaches. Keep an eye out. You never know what you might spot!
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🚧 26th Ave E at 27th St E 🚧
The project design has been revised from the original plan to reconstruct the existing two-lane roadway from 26th Avenue E. to 38th Avenue E. The updated project will focus on improvements along 27th Street E. from 26th Avenue E. to 30th Avenue E., improving traffic flow and connectivity for residents and the surrounding community, including the historic Mixon Fruit Farm property, Pirate City, and Johnson Middle School.
✅ For more information on this improvement, please visit: 26th-ave-e-at-27th-st-e-impr…
Thank you for your patience!
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🚧 37th St E Speed Tables 🚧
Both locations are now complete. These new speed tables will help encourage slower speeds, improve driver awareness and support safer travel for everyone using the roadway.
✅ For more information on Safe Streets Manatee, please visit: transportation-safety-improv…
Thank you for your patience!
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Mixon Market is back! Join us this Sunday, September 27, for the start of a new weekly market season at Mixon Farms! Shop local vendors, support small businesses and enjoy the community atmosphere. The market will take place every Sunday from September 27, 2026, through May 30, 2027, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
📍 Mixon Farms: 2525 27th St E, Bradenton, FL 34208
Check out the Mixon Farms Market Facebook page
to see the upcoming vendor lineup. Have vendor questions? Contact marketsbydev@gmail.com.
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For 34 years, Manatee County’s Hunt Program has brought hunters together at Duette Preserve, creating a lasting tradition of outdoor recreation, wildlife management and community connection.
Established in 1992, the program continues into its 34th year with a 2026–27 season featuring big game, turkey, small game and charity hog hunts, along with a free youth hunt that includes a raffle and lunch for participating young hunters.
Before heading into the preserve, every hunter participates in a rules and safety orientation, offering an opportunity to connect with park rangers, ask questions and learn more about the guidelines that help protect both participants and the preserve.
As one of Florida’s longest-running county-operated hunting programs, the Hunt Program reflects Manatee County’s commitment to responsible wildlife management, conservation and keeping a hometown hunting tradition alive. With the program selling out for the past 10 years, its legacy continues to grow.
mymanatee.org/services-and-a…
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📞 Reminder Manatee County may be calling — and we want to hear what you think!
Manatee County has launched its first-ever Community Survey to learn more about what matters most to citizens.
The survey will be independently conducted by the University of South Florida (USF), with 1,250 residents randomly invited to participate throughout September and October. If you are called on your landline or cell phone, please participate in the survey. Your responses will be anonymously and confidentially recorded.
Results are expected in December and will help establish a benchmark as we work toward making the Community Survey an annual opportunity to measure community sentiment and help guide future planning and decision-making.
Findings will be presented to the board and posted on our website.
Your voice can help us continue working toward an even better Manatee County. View more information at mymanatee.org/connect/news-a…
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Fairy Fest was nothing short of magical! Families spent the day filling Robinson Preserve with laughter, smiles and a little fairy magic. From story time and fairy training to creating fairy wings and art, there was something magical around every corner. Tinkerville and the Mushroom Kingdom brought the magic to life, creating a day full of imagination, creativity and unforgettable memories.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for a magical day at Fairy Fest!
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🚧 Lane Closure Notice 🚧
The Upper Manatee River Rd Improvements Project will require overnight, alternating traffic lane closures starting tomorrow Wednesday, September 23rd.
The overnight work, from 9 PM – 5 AM will be to perform TECO gas main relocation work as required for the widening improvements. The location is from SR 64 to just south of the Ft. Hamer bridge. This effort is anticipated to be needed until October 21st and will NOT be in effect Friday through Sunday.
✅ Please continue to use caution, watch for crews, equipment, and allow extra time when traveling through the area.
✅ For more information on this project, please visit: upper-manatee-river-road-pro…
Thank you for your patience!
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🚧 Harrison Ranch Blvd Raised Crosswalks 🚧
Concrete work at Location 4 is complete. Construction at Locations 1, 2 and 3 remains pending.
✅ Please continue to use caution, watch for crews, equipment, and allow extra time when traveling through the area.
✅ For more information on this project, please visit: harrison-ranch-blvd-raised-c…
Thank you for your patience!
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Our Natural Resources Department has received authorization from the Florida Forest Service to burn 10 separate piles at Emerson Point Preserve today.
Burning these piles will clear the way for groundcover restoration projects taking place in the Preserve in the very near future.
There may/will be some visible smoke noticeable from the Preserve. ECC and North River Fire Department have both been notified.
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Better monitoring means better information when it matters most.
Manatee County is using Peregrine to bring real-time water level information from across the watershed into one place, helping our teams see changing conditions more clearly and make quicker, more informed decisions.
That improved situational awareness also helps Utilities and Emergency Management communicate important information to residents more effectively before and during significant weather events.
Learn more in this Spectrum Bay News 9 story: bit.ly/4xHbr2z
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