County Makes Push for Pets
By Lisa Neff
Looking for a couch companion?
Seeking a walking buddy?
Adopt-a-Palooza, Manatee County’s largest one-day pet-adoption expo, is set for 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, May 31, at the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto.
The annual event includes opportunities to visit with more than 60 pet vendors, participate in auctions and raffles and see about 100 animals available for adoption.
The county presents the event — free to attend — along with Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare, a nonprofit that raises money for shelter animals, most of which are strays.
Manatee County’s animal welfare division houses animals at three main locations: Manatee County Cat Town, 216 Sixth Ave. E., Bradenton; Palmetto Animal Shelter, 305 25th St. W., Palmetto; and Bishop Animal Shelter, 5718 21st Ave. W., Bradenton.
As the county is promoting its Adopt-a-Palooza, it’s also marking progress on the Bishop Animal Shelter expansion project, a multiphase construction campaign to improve facilities for animals, staff and the public and allow for the eventual closure of the Palmetto shelter.
On April 29, a project contractor began mobilization for phase 1, which could be completed before the end of 2025, according to a notice from the county.
Improvements in the first phase include:
• Installation of prefabricated kennels;
• Installation of secure fencing for play yards;
• New parking areas;
• Placement of a staff trailer for staff services.
As of mid-May, the county said some sitework already was completed, including the removal of tree stumps, soil sampling and placement of silt fencing, as well as a site review by the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
Phase 2 of the work will involve construction of a modern administration and adoption building.
The county took over the management and operation of Bishop three years ago this month.
The Bishop Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals donated the 14.47-acre property, including an old adoption center, a house and an intake facility, in March 2022.
If you go
Manatee County’s annual Adopt-a-Palooza is 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, May 31, at the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto.
The event is presented by Manatee County Animal Welfare and Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare.
For more, go to mymanatee.org/pets.
Artist renderings show plans for Manatee County’s Bishop Animal Shelter expansion project, a multiphase construction effort. Courtesy Photo