Manatee County

Manatee County has so much to offer its residents. Its tropical landscape, welcoming ambiance and pleasing pace of life attract newcomers of all ages who delight in the residential choices our region offers. Whether it’s a restored Victorian jewel, a country club community, retirement setting or more urban lifestyle they’re seeking, those choosing to make our region home find their choices plentiful.

Not only is Manatee County a superb setting for year-round recreation, but it also boasts a relatively low cost of living. Add that to the state’s homestead exemption of $50,000 and the multitude of affordable housing opportunities the county offers and it’s no wonder so many homeowners have chosen to taken advantage of Manatee County’s many assets. New developments continue to spring up across the county

Six Distinctive Communities

Manatee County is comprised of six distinctive and unique communities. Bradenton and Palmetto are the largest and are situated on the mainland facing each other across the Manatee River. Manatee County’s barrier islands are home to the other four communities, including Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach.

Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach & Bradenton Beach

Bordered by three bodies of water, Anna Maria Island lies just south of Tampa Bay. Touching the Gulf of Mexico on its western shore and Sarasota Bay and Anna Maria bays on its eastern shore, the island is the northernmost of a string of barrier islands that continue in a southerly direction similar to the Florida Keys. This seven-mile long island is home to three cities, Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach. The “Old Florida” heritage, preserved by the island’s governmental bodies through the years, affords continuity in the aesthetic beauty of the tropical scenery with only two of the island’s buildings standing more than three stories high.
For more information, visit online at www.visitannamariaisland.com.

Also homesteaded in the late 1800s, Holmes Beach began as the 160-acre residence of Sam and Ann Cobb and embodied acreage from the Gulf of Mexico to Tampa Bay. Although the Cobbs were its first residents, the community was named after its developer, Jack Holmes. Mr. Holmes is credited with creating this 600-acre community nestled in the center of Anna Maria Island. Today, its 5,000 residents take time to relax on the county’s only public beach, wander through the eclectic shops, and dine in its great restaurants. As the island’s largest community, Holmes Beach also offers the greatest assortment of motels, rental condominiums, and marinas.
For more information, visit online at www.holmesbeach.org.

The newer community of Bradenton Beach was incorporated in 1953 and boasts 1,700 permanent residents. In 1921, a wooden bridge provided access between Anna Maria Island and the mainland. When replaced by a newer bridge, the western portion of that original bridge was retained to provide great fishing and is now known as the Bradenton Beach Fishing Pier. The community’s quaint seaside inns, charming motels, and shoreline condominiums house vacationers and natives alike as the community offers a selection of waterfront dining opportunities, a 96-acre beach nearby, and a newly refurbished downtown through which to stroll.

Bradenton and Longboat Key

Bradenton, the largest of Manatee County’s cities, has a history that dates back to the 1840s. Originally knows as the Village of Manatee, it was later named after the sugar magnate, Joseph Braden, whose industrial entrepreneurship continues to make Bradenton a commercial mecca. For over 100 years, Tropicana Products has produced its juice products in the city, and Champs Sports is following suit. Bradenton epitomizes the alluring charm of melding nostalgic beauty with modern convenience. Stretching along the southern bank of the Manatee River, this city is called home by some 50,000 residents, and extends homebuyers and renters a variety of housing options in established neighborhoods as well as newer communities. The quaint downtown district is a thriving hub where county government, industry, healthcare, and the arts are conducted. The city also plays host to the Pittsburgh Pirates’ spring training.
For more information, visit online at www.cityofbradenton.com.

Situated just south of Anna Maria Island, bordered on the west by the Gulf of Mexico and the east by Sarasota Bay, is the barrier island community of Longboat Key which is home to nearly 8,000 permanent residents. This 12-mile long island is especially popular to retirees, and second-home owners who seasonally boost the population to as many as 20,000 in the peak season. The quiet beaches of Longboat Key are also appealing to the many resort seekers who visit each year. Well after the legendary landing of Hernando DeSoto in 1539, the debut of homes on this island began in the early 1900s and some of these homes still remain today. Incorporated in 1955, the development of this community became especially active in the 60s and 70s when the first of the key’s condominiums was built. Superb shopping and dining, full-service luxury resorts and marinas, as well as championship golf and tennis have made Longboat Key one of Manatee County’s most popular destinations.
For more information, visit online at www.longboatkey.org.

Education

Manatee County Schools - Building Tomorrow Today

The Manatee County school system is dedicated to serving students by providing state of the art curriculum, instruction and facilities to promote higher student achievement in preparation for tomorrow’s workforce.

The Manatee County school district has a total enrollment of more than 40,000 students and encompasses 30 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, 5 high schools, and 1 Technical Institute.

School administrators and staff strive to create a balanced, cohesive education program for students from the first day they enter the school system until the day they graduate. From pre-K through the elementary grades, emphasis is placed on teaching the basics for a solid foundation of academic skills. Honors and language courses are introduced during the middle school years in preparation for the transition into high school where students proceed with college preparatory or a vocational focus. Numerous clubs, sports, and arts activities are offered, as well as a selection of advanced placement courses at all high schools and dual enrollment courses through Manatee Community College.
To learn more about Manatee County schools, please visit our website at www.manatee.k12.fl.us.

THE VISUAL ARTS

 Art and culture is alive and well in Manatee County, thanks in great part to the deep-seated support of the Manatee County Cultural Alliance, an organization dedicated to promoting the county’s many cultural resources. Yet another group providing residents and visitors with access to several galleries, classroom space and a wealth of exhibition and learning opportunities in the area of the visual arts is ArtCenter Manatee.

By providing opportunities for amateur and professional artists to exhibit together and coordinating instructional programs for artists of every skill level, this arts society is helping to further the enjoyment of the visual arts in the communities that comprise Manatee County. A host of privately owned galleries and independent groups operating on both the mainland and its neighboring islands round out the county’s cultural calendar with exhibition dates, courses and special events.

More Cultural Opportunities

While the visual arts play a vital role in the county’s cultural make-up, the performing arts hold an equally important position. The county features regular performances by the renowned Manatee Players, based out of the Riverfront Theatre. On nearby Anna Maria Island, live productions have filled the stages of the Island Playhouse for the past 40 years. The Manatee Ballet also enjoys a loyal following, providing fan with a regular source of cultural entertainment.

From chamber music to rock concerts, Manatee County and its neighboring communities offer a wealth of opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy music. The Florida West Coast Symphony, backed by a 50-year tradition of entertainment, fills the calendar from September through June with symphonies, chamber concerts and even a six-concert Masterworks Series held in the Neel Auditorium at Manatee Community College.
Museums & More

The state’s most significant cultural asset – the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art – is easily accessible to Manatee County’s residents and visitors. Located across from the University of South Florida’s New College Campus, this official state art museum’s 66-acre complex features a host of galleries housing works of the world’s most acclaimed artists, including an outstanding collection of paintings by Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens.

Also located on the museum campus is the Ringling’s restored winter home, known as Ca’d’Zan. Venetian for “House of John,” this mini-palace delights hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, as do the Circus Galleries, which house a whimsical collection of art and artifacts commemorating the circus. The Asolo Theater, also located on the grounds of the complex, features the Harold E. and Esther M. Mertz theatre which was brought from Scotland and is a majestic 500-seat former opera house.

Nature & Science

A day spent at the South Florida Museum and Bishop Planetarium in Bradenton gives visitors a wealth of insight into Florida’s natural history and scientific significance. In addition to perusing numerous exhibits detailing the state’s rich history and archaeology from prehistoric times through the high-tech space age, this museum also houses a local favorite: Snooty.

As the oldest living manatee born in captivity, Snooty, who has lived at the museum’s Mary E. Parker Aquarium for more than 50 years, has the distinct pleasure of serving as the county’s official mascot. Over the years, more than a million visitors have greeted him there and even more are flocking to see his new partner, Mo.

If it’s stargazing you’re interested in, you’ll find plenty to do at the adjacent Bishop Planetarium. From daily star shows to sensational laser light displays, the planetarium offers space-lovers of all ages the ultimate in out of this world experiences.

FLORA & FAUNA

City Island, located just south of Longboat Key, is home to one of the region’s true treasures: the Mote Marine Laboratory. This fascinating facility is ideal for those interested in learning more about Manatee County’s plentiful marine life. In addition to a 135,000-gallon shark tank and a multitude of other tanks occupied by native sea creatures, there’s also a touch tank that gives visitors a hands-on aquatic experience.

By venturing across the street to the Ann and Alfred Goldstein Marine Mammal Research and Rehabilitation Center, visitors can grasp a better understanding of southwest Florida’s aquatic mammals, including Loggerhead Sea Turtles, Green Turtles and the famed West Indian Manatee.

For those who favor flora, there’s the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, featuring a wide assortment of plants indigenous to Manatee County’s warm, tropical weather. Situated on the waterfront, these gardens also house a world center for the study and cultivation of orchids, a favorite pastime for many local horticulturalists!

Boating & Fishing

Because Manatee County is virtually surrounded by water and threaded by various waterways, boating and fishing are amongst its most popular activities. Some 30 plus marinas and eight boat ramps are available to serve this thriving pastime, making it all the easier for anglers to access the Gulf of Mexico, not to mention the region’s bays, rivers and bayous. The inland waterways and gulf shore provide fertile fishing grounds for such tasty favorites as pompano, flounder, redfish and trout. The Gulf of Mexico yields larger catches, including grouper, tarpon, mackerel and kingfish.

The Sporting Life

Golf is also another favorite pastime, and with more than two dozen public and private courses from which to choose – not to mention at least 200 more within a short drive – Manatee County and its neighboring communities are a virtual golfing paradise.

Baseball and more Baseball

There’s no shortage of professional sporting events for visitors and residents of Manatee County to enjoy, either. In the spring, crowds flock to award-winning McKechnie Field where the Pittsburgh Pirates hold their spring training and exhibition games. There’s also the opportunity for Major League Baseball spring training enjoyment in nearby Sarasota, where the Sarasota Red Sox train. And within a half hour’s drive to the north, fans of America’s favorite pastime can visit Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

PERFECT PARKS

The Manatee County area is home to a virtual wonderland of parks, recreation areas and public beaches offering everything from swimming to fishing to surfing! Some of the favorite spots include:

Anna Maria Bayfront Park – Situated along the shallow waters of Anna Maria Sound, this park is ideal for those who want to fish, swim, shell, and picnic or explore by boat.
Beer Can Island – This remote island, inhabited only by native vegetation and located in Longboat Pass, is solely reachable by boat – making it the perfect spot for peaceful picnics or sun- drenched naps!

Cortez Beach on Anna Maria Island – The many jetties located just offshore this wide expanse of beach draw more than their share of fishermen.

Coquina Beach – A multitude of recreational and picnic facilities are located within this 96-acre park, which is situated on Anna Maria Island’s southernmost point.

G.T. Bray Park – One of the county’s largest public properties, this 140-acre sporting complex features jogging and bike paths, a tennis complex, various athletic fields and a swimming pool. There’s also a gymnasium complete with programs for all ages, two full-size golf courses and two gulf-side beaches staffed with lifeguards.

Lake Manatee State Recreation Area – A 2,400-acre lake complete with a swimming beach lies at the center of this 556-acre park, which offers its visitors the convenience of its picnic, boating, camping and fishing facilities.

Happy Trails Canine Park – 3-acre fenced-in dog part at G.T. Bray Park. Amenities include doggie drinking fountain and free waste bags, plus an enclosed area for small, fragile and young dogs. Dogs must have current license tag and have current rabies vaccination.

Manatee Public Beach – One of the county’s favorite spots for sun-worshipping, this stretch of shoreline, which is located along Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach, has even been known to draw surfers from time to time!

Myakka River State Park – With the distinction of serving as Florida’s largest state park, this natural treasure invites its visitors to stroll along nature trails, experience airboat rides and take advantage of tram tours. There’s also camping, biking and canoeing.

Palma Sola Causeway/Palma Sola Bay – Swimming, boating, dog-walking and water skiing are favorite pastimes along these sandy stretches of beach, located on Manatee Avenue West.

Health Care

Manatee County residents have access to two major hospitals as well as a wide range of public health care services and privately operated walk-in clinics. In addition, the county’s 12 Emergency Medical Service units pride themselves on getting you to the hospital quicker, maintaining an average response time of 6.05 minutes. Seventy percent of the area’s physicians, nearly 440, are registered with the Manatee County Medical Society.

Columbia Blake Medical Center

Blake Medical Center is the only area hospital to be rated as one of America’s Top 100 hospitals and has been included in that honor for five years. The Joint Commission of the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has also recognized Blake by awarding its highest honor, “Accreditation with Commendation,” on four consecutive surveys. In addition to these honors, it has received the esteemed rank of OSHA VPP Star Status. Blake Medical Center is a 383-bed, acute-care, full-service medical center and a leading provider of quality, affordable healthcare.

Manatee Memorial Hospital

Founded in 1953, Manatee Memorial is currently celebrating 50 years of caring for the citizens of Manatee County, and continues to be a major health care provider for the region. Located on the banks of the Manatee River, Manatee Memorial Hospital is the county's oldest and largest hospital. In 2003, it was voted “Best Hospital” for the ninth year in a row by the Bradenton Herald - East Manatee Herald’s Readers' Preference Poll. It joins the ranks of elite healthcare providers who have earned a score of 98% or above from the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.
To learn more about Manatee Memorial Hospital, please visit our website at www.manateememorial.com.

Manatee Glens

Manatee Glens promotes prevention and recovery for people and communities touched by crisis, mental illness and addictions. Our primary goal is to restore lives and bring families together by providing service to children, adolescents, adults and seniors individually or in family sessions in a variety of settings.

Founded in 1955, Manatee Glens Corporation, a charitable organization, is the area’s oldest and largest provider of mental health and addiction treatment services. Manatee Glens is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospital Organizations and licensed by the State of Florida.

Manatee Glens employs over 400 people including psychiatrists, licensed therapists, and other allied health professionals.