Quarterly Catch-Up
An Overview of Bradenton’s Recent Events
BY SHELLY WEST
Fall is upon us, and the summer months are already behind us. Here is a look back over the past few months and the changes that Bradenton and surrounding areas have seen.
City Offices for Sale
In late July, the Bradenton City Council approved the sale of the current site of City Hall and the Bradenton Police Department, paving the way for a major redevelopment project. The plan includes an eight-story apartment building with 350 units, a 14-story hotel with 130 rooms, and a 20-story condominium tower featuring 95 units, a rooftop bar, meeting spaces, and a pool deck with a bar on the ninth floor. Additional features include 20,000 square feet of retail space, 8,600 square feet of restaurant space, and an eight-story parking garage.
The sale requires the city to relocate City Hall by the end of 2025, according to officials. However, the closing is not expected until 2026, as the city must first conduct inspections and surveys to help the developer assess the cost of any off-site mitigation.
At its July 24 meeting, the council also approved a construction agreement with NDC Construction, based in Bradenton, for the new Bradenton Police Department headquarters. The $30 to $35 million project will create a 50,000-plus-square-foot police station, with construction anticipated to begin around December of this year and expected to take 15 to 18 months to complete.
As for City Hall, the city is still in the process of identifying a new location. Officials are exploring multiple properties and options, confident that they will be able to either construct a new building, remodel an existing one, or acquire a suitable space.
Palmetto Resort Now Open
Sarasota-Manatee’s newest resort, the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, began welcoming guests in late July, offering stunning views of the Manatee River where it meets the Gulf of Mexico. This eight story resort features 252 guest rooms and a range of upscale amenities, including a spa, restaurants, and bars, and a recreation area including pickleball courts and a nine-hole course. Once construction at the neighboring Bradenton Convention Center is complete, the two properties will be
connected by a covered walkway. The convention center is undergoing a $48 million renovation to complement the resort’s style and expand its facilities.
New Flights and Destinations
SRQ has announced exciting new flights to several destinations this year, including New York City; Austin, Texas; Des Moines, Iowa; Plattsburgh, New York; and Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Allegiant will be operating the flights to Austin, Des Moines, Plattsburgh, and Portsmouth, while American Airlines will handle the New York City route. You can already book flights to Austin, Des Moines, and Plattsburgh, while the New York City and Portsmouth routes are set to launch in November.
These new routes are part of a broader expansion across Florida airports. SRQ has seen remarkable growth since the pandemic, with steady increases in passenger numbers throughout 2021, 2022, and 2023. Last year, the airport celebrated a 21.5% increase in passenger traffic over the past five years, with over 4 million passengers passing through in 2023.
To accommodate this surge in traffic, the airport is expanding its facilities. A
new ground transportation center with a covered passenger area and an expanded
parking facility are set to open later this year. A new five-gate terminal is planned for 2025, featuring a concession program that will highlight local restaurants and coffee shops.
Breaking Ground for Veterans
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting
America’s first responders, Gold Star families, and military veterans, is taking a
significant step toward eliminating veteran homelessness in Florida.
On Saturday, June 15, 2024, the foundation held a groundbreaking ceremony for
the “Bradenton Veterans Village,” a new residential facility designed to provide
housing and support for homeless veterans. Manatee County generously donated 8.7 acres of land at 4410 66th Street West in Bradenton for the project.
Completion is scheduled for some time in 2025. The village will include an 84-unit
apartment complex, a comprehensive on-site support service center, and a
community of 38 Comfort Homes. In addition to providing wraparound services,
the complex will feature amenities such as a gym, workforce development center,
outdoor amenities center, pickleball court, multipurpose room, game room, and lounges.
Celebrating 30 Years of Service
August 1, 2024, marks 30 years since Manatee County Habitat for Humanity became an independent affiliate. Before 1994, the organization operated alongside Sarasota Habitat under the name Manasota Habitat for Humanity. Recognizing the unique needs of each county, they decided to split, allowing them to better serve the community in Manatee County. Since then, Manatee County Habitat for Humanity has been dedicated to building homes, communities, and hope.
To celebrate this milestone, the organization is planning a year-long series of events from August 1, 2024, to August 1, 2025. Throughout the year, they will share stories from their early days, featuring the first Manatee Habitat homeowner and the
inaugural president.
In honor of their 30th anniversary, a special logo will be incorporated into all communications. A highlight of the celebration will be a 30th Anniversary Birthday Party. The family-friendly event will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025. Manatee County Habitat for Humanity looks forward to marking this milestone with the community and continuing its mission of providing affordable housing for families in need.