MANATEE COUNTY, FL
County Offices
1112 Manatee Avenue
Bradenton 941-745-3717
www.mymanatee.org
Chamber of Commerce
222 10th Street West
Bradenton 941-748-3411
www.manateechamber.com
Claiming spectacular natural beauty, Manatee County is considered to be part of the South Tampa Bay Area, drawing newcomers to growing communities, wonderful beaches, and a rare quality of life. The county takes its unusual name from the gentle sea cow, or Manatee, seen so frequently in the region’s vast waterways.
Services
Quality educational opportunities for residents of Manatee County are underlined by Manatee County Public Schools and a wide array of options for a private education. Post-secondary education is available close to home at the Manatee Technical Institute, a training center that provides career programs and continuing education courses within its technical curriculum. MTI consistently earns high performance benchmarks and plays a vital role on local, regional, state, and even national levels through notable achievements and contributions, from the adult high school program to a multi-craft vocational training facility. Manatee Community College provides a wealth of two-year programs, including college-track associate degrees, certifications, and training programs on three campuses. The options for a higher education within a reasonable commute are abundant and first-rate in public and private colleges and universities. Among the choices are Eckerd College, the University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Keiser University, the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, National Louis University, the New College of Florida, the Ringling School of Art & Design, the University of Phoenix, the University of Miami at IMG Academies, the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, and Webster University.
Residents of Manatee County can look forward to state-of-the-art healthcare services and facilities, anchored by three major hospitals. The network of supportive services includes a wide range of public programs as well as private clinics and walk-in care centers. More than a dozen emergency medical service units claim an average response time of less than seven minutes. Blake Medical Center in Bradenton provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient medical and surgical services and many specialized programs. Among them are rehabilitation, the Heart Institute, a birthcare center, the neuroscience center, a cancer diagnosis and treatment program, and a wide variety of subacute interdisciplinary services. Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, also in Bradenton, offers a full-service hospital with comprehensive emergency services, a women’s center with obstetrical care, critical care, and both outpatient and inpatient surgery. The third Bradenton hospital, Manatee Memorial Hospital, is a 319-bed acute-care facility with a wide array of specializations. The hospital was recently honored at the International Stroke Conference with the “Stroke Initial Performance Award.”
Lifestyle
Anchored by the leading city of Bradenton, Manatee County is home to the 21st Best Place to Live in Money Magazine and the Second-Best Mid-Size City to Work from Home as listed in PC Magazine. Graced by abundant waterways and breathtaking natural beauty near the Tampa Bay Region, the county has been a popular vacation destination and retirement haven since the 1920s. Eventually, baseball migrated to the warm climate in the form of spring training camps and professional teams. Always striving to maintain its proud heritage and quality of life, Manatee County has been seeing remarkable growth and development in recent decades. Newcomers appreciate the picturesque villages with their Old Florida style neighborhoods and the rural atmosphere that still prevails in the northern section of the county. With more than 150 miles of pristine shoreline, the opportunities for water sports and beach enjoyment are unsurpassed.
Manatee County is an enchanting place for residents of all ages and lifestyles, with home choices ranging from easy-care condominiums to quaint neighborhoods shaded by mature greenery. Neighborhoods tend to be beautiful, many of them offering Florida’s popular features like cathedral ceilings, large-scale windows, shaded courtyards, screened porches, and sparkling swimming pools or romantic spas. Many residential communities offer waterway access or championship golf courses. Anna Maria Island is a unique part of Manatee County. Just seven miles long, this beautiful land mass is home to three charming cities and commands spectacular views. Regardless of where you settle, lush parks, swimming pools, tennis courts, walking paths, bike trails, and stocked lakes are never far from home. Cultural enrichment is highly developed, including art studios and galleries, professional theatre, ballet, chamber music, rock concerts, and the 50-year tradition of the Florida West Coast Symphony. Nearby Sarasota expands the opportunities to enjoy world-class performances in elegant halls. From fine museums and historic sites to contemporary amenities, Manatee County is an idyllic place to call home.
City of Anna Maria
City Offices
941-708-6130
www.cityofannamaria.com
Chamber of Commerce
941-778-1541
www.annamariaislandchamber.org
The small but charming Anna Maria City is situated on Anna Maria Island, just south of Tampa Bay. This residential community is known for its world-class beaches, friendly residents, and casual Florida lifestyle. The “sister cities” that share the island with Anna Maria are Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach. A number of permanent residents share this island paradise with vacationers and seasonal home owners who appreciate the easy-going attitude and breathtaking views. Anna Maria Island is protected by regulations that limit the stories of homes and buildings, preserving the natural charm of what used to be one of Florida’s best-kept secrets. Today, Anna Maria Island is a national and international destination of choice. Those who live in the serene residential city of Anna Maria enjoy the commercial conveniences in Holmes Beach and the recreational and tourist activities of Bradenton Beach for the best of all worlds.
City of Bradenton
City Offices
941-932-9400
www.cityofbradenton.com
Chamber of Commerce
941-748-3411
www.manateechamber.com
The largest of Manatee County’s cities and the county seat, Bradenton claims a rich history dating back to the 1840s. It was the sugar magnate, Joseph Braden, whose entrepreneurial vision transformed the community into a commercial center. For more than a century, Tropicana Products has manufactured its products in Bradenton, along with a number of other large corporations who call this area home. Bradenton artfully blends the beauty of yesterday with modern conveniences for a rare quality of life. Stretching along the southern bank of the panoramic Manatee River, the city offers a wide variety of home settings and styles that appeal to retirees, families, and seasonal residents. The quaint downtown district is a hub of governmental activity, industry, healthcare, and the arts. From baseball spring training to local theatre, Bradenton offers something for every age group and taste. Lush parks, world-class water sports, tennis courts, golf courses, and historical sites are just a few of the leisure attractions.
City of Bradenton Beach
City Offices
941-778-1005
www.cityofbradentonbeach.com
Chamber of Commerce
941-778-1541
www.annamariaislandchamber.org
The vibrant community of Bradenton Beach provides a charming place to call home at the southern end of Anna Maria Island. The island is near the southern entrance to the Tampa Bay on the Gulf of Mexico, ensuring family-friendly beaches that are ideal for young children. In fact, Bradenton Beach boasts the longest stretch of uninterrupted, supervised, public-access, sugar-sand beaches on the entire “Gulf side” of Florida. Along the mangrove-lined bay side are calm docking and mooring areas. Homes Beach and the city of Anna Maria are the two other municipalities that share the island with Bradenton Beach. The city of Bradenton lies on the mainland and serves as the seat of government and largest municipality in Manatee County. Residents and visitors reach the island via Bradenton area bridges or from Longboat Key across Longboat Pass bridge. Breathtaking views protected by height restrictions for buildings and homes combine with the aesthetic beauty of tropical scenery in this year-round paradise.
City of Holmes Beach
City Offices
941-708-5800
www.holmesbeachfl.org
Chamber of Commerce
941-778-1541
www.annamariaislandchamber.org
One of three cities on Anna Maria Island south of Tampa Bay, Holmes Beach began as a 160-acre private residence in the 1800s. However, the city was later named for its first developer, Jack Holmes, who is credited with creating this picturesque 600-acre community. Nestled in the center of the island, Homes Beach is home to a public county beach. Visitors and residents alike can be seen browsing through the medley of shops or enjoying exceptional seafood in local restaurants. Holmes Beach is distinguished as the island’s largest city with its largest assortment of hospital accommodations, rentals, and marinas. Anna Maria Island is actually the northernmost land mass in a string of barrier islands that continue in a southerly direction similar to the Florida Keys.
City of Palmetto
City Offices
941-723-4570
www.palmettofl.org
Chamber of Commerce
941-748-3411
www.manateechamber.com
Although one of the largest of the county’s municipalities, Palmetto has managed to retain a small-town feeling and casual atmosphere. This pleasant coastal community enjoys easy access to Interstate 75 for quick trips to Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Sarasota, and Bradenton. International airports and two seaports are nearby. Port Manatee is adjacent to Palmetto on the north and serves as a growing gateway for national and international markets. Across the Manatee River from Bradenton, Palmetto claims a rich heritage preserved in historical preservation and sites like Palmetto Historical Park. This downtown park complex houses the city’s first post office, a classic Carnegie Library, the Manatee County Agricultural Hall of Fame, and a wedding chapel. In addition to other public parks, Palmetto is close to public beaches and the Gulf of Mexico as well as numerous bays for world-class water sports and fishing. Visitors flock to Palmetto during the annual two-day Tomato Festival.
Ellenton
County Offices
941-745-3717
www.mymanatee.org
Chamber of Commerce
941-748-3411
www.manateechamber.com
Situated just a short drive from Palmetto east of Interstate 75, the unincorporated community of Ellenton is best known as the home of a sprawling factory outlet complex and Historic Gamble Plantation. The latter is distinguished as the only antebellum plantation house surviving in peninsular Florida. Families will appreciate the addition of a state-of-the-art ice skating complex with a fitness center, video game room, party rooms, and conference facilities. Many gated developments have sprung up in the Ellenton area, some that offer golf courses or other developed recreational amenities in addition to contemporary homes. Pockets of older neighborhoods dot the area as well, contrasting with newer tract construction.
Lakewood Ranch
Community Information
www.lakewoodranch.com
County Offices
941-745-3717
www.mymanatee.org
Chamber of Commerce
941-748-3411
www.manateechamber.com
The award-winning Lakewood Ranch development sprawls over 8,500 acres to offer a spectacular master-planned community that has yet to be incorporated. Nevertheless, Lakewood Ranch is one of the fastest-growing areas in Manatee County, encompassing the finest in residential, recreational, and commercial development. Distinctive villages cater to a wide variety of lifestyles and tastes, offering everything from townhomes to elegant estates. Residents of this desirable community are able to share dramatic landscapes that blend forest with wetland preserves and hundreds of species of native wildlife. The premier recreational facilities include Lakewood Ranch Country Club and Athletic Center, 54 holes of championship golf, the Sarasota Cricket Club, world-class polo fields, lush parkland, sparkling lakes, and pristine nature preserves. Readers of Sarasota Magazine recently voted Lakewood Ranch as the “Best Neighborhood,” recognizing not only the value and visual appeal of residential properties but the excellent schools and healthcare facilities.
Longboat Key
Town Offices
941-316-1999
http://longboatkey.org
Chamber of Commerce
941-383-2466
www.longboatkeychamber.com
Just south of Anna Maria Island, bordered on the west by the Gulf of Mexico and the east Sarasota Bay, the barrier island community of Longboat Key is especially popular with retirees and seasonal home owners. This 12-mile long island claims a modest population that swells during peak season, partially due to an influx of resort visitors. The first homes to be build on Longboat Key sprang up in the early 1900s, some of which remain today as reminders of the area’s rich history. Longboat Key incorporated in 1955, and community development was especially brisk during the ’60s and ’70s when the first condominiums were constructed. Wonderful shops, fine and casual dining, luxurious resorts, picturesque marinas, abundant wildlife, and championship golf and tennis have contributed to Longboat Key’s reputation as one of the most popular destinations in Manatee County. The Longboat Key Center for the Arts features a permanent collection, traveling exhibits, art classes, workshops, and cultural events.
Parrish
Village Civic Association
www.parrishflorida.com
County Offices
941-745-3717
www.mymanatee.org
Chamber of Commerce
941-748-3411
www.manateechamber.com
Located in the rural northern section of Manatee County, the long-established but unincorporated community of Parrish offers a blend of Old World charm and vibrant new residential construction. The local Civic Association promotes a strong community spirit in this developing village, where residents are working together to build amenities including social and recreational attractions including a Community Center. Residents enjoy local festivals and celebrations including the Parrish Heritage Day Parade, a public golf course, YMCA classes and activities, local restaurants, and easy access to Manatee County’s more developed urban centers. Recreational opportunities close to home include world-class cultural attractions, virtually unlimited water sports, spectator sports, championship golf courses, and lush parks filled with sports equipment and amenities.
