News & Updates

Category: News & Events

If you’ve driven across the Green Bridge lately, you’ve probably noticed a striking new addition: 22 American flags flying proudly from the light poles that line the span connecting Bradenton and Palmetto.

The display was installed to mark America’s upcoming 250th anniversary—known as the U.S. Semiquincentennial—but for Shannon Glasgow, president of USA Fence, the tribute carries a deeply personal meaning.

Glasgow was inspired after the Bradenton Area River Regatta in February, when a single flag left flying on the bridge caught his eye during his daily commute. “It just made me feel good,” he said. That feeling connected him to his father, Butch Glasgow, the founder of USA Fence and an Army veteran who served at age 15 and loved both America and Manatee County. Butch Glasgow passed away recently, and Shannon saw the flag installation as a way to honor his memory.

After purchasing the flags, Glasgow reached out to the mayors of Bradenton and Palmetto, who both enthusiastically supported the tribute. In the process, he learned from the Dennis V. Cooper Foundation that the number 22 carries a second, sobering significance: it represents the average number of veterans who die by suicide each day in the United States.

Palmetto Mayor Daniel West says the installation has already resonated deeply with the community. “Our flag is the tie that bonds us,” West said. “I’ve heard people say they were smiling and then crying while driving across. It’s just a wonderful thing to get those emotions from people.”

The flags are scheduled to remain in place through the Fourth of July, though both Mayor West and Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown hope to extend the display longer with permission from the Florida Department of Transportation.

For Shannon Glasgow, the sight remains a powerful reminder of unity. “In today’s society, we all seem to be in different seats and different ways,” he said. “This kind of brings the community together.”

Why This Matters for Point Pleasant

The Green Bridge is more than just a commute route—it’s a visual anchor for our riverside community and a daily reminder of our connection to neighboring Palmetto. This heartfelt tribute celebrates national history while honoring local roots, something that resonates deeply in historic neighborhoods like Point Pleasant. Community-driven displays like this foster civic pride and remind us that small, personal gestures can strengthen the fabric of our area.

Sources: Fox 13 News; Patch Bradenton

Category: News & Events

Manatee County has approved commercial rezoning for a property at SR64/Uihlein, paving the way for a mixed-use development that will include essential community services. The development will include a grocery store of up to 30,000 square feet (potentially an Aldi), a childcare center, a restaurant, and self-storage facilities.

Commissioner Amanda Ballard, who switched from opposition to support, noted that the transfer of entitlements from SMR's Northeast Quadrant was a key factor in her decision, explaining that it ensures "we are not just adding endless traffic to this area. We're taking traffic that was already going to be there because of those entitlements and moving it to a different site."

The approval represents a strategic approach to development that balances growth with traffic management considerations. By transferring existing entitlements rather than creating new ones, the county aims to mitigate the impact of additional commercial activity on local roads while still providing needed services to the growing area.

Why This Matters to Point Pleasant

While this development is located in East Manatee County, its approval has broader implications for development patterns across the county:

1. Traffic Management Precedent: The approach of transferring entitlements rather than creating new ones sets a precedent for how future developments might be evaluated, potentially influencing decisions closer to our neighborhood.

2. Service Access: Additional grocery and childcare options in the county help reduce pressure on existing facilities and provide more choices for residents throughout the region.

3. Development Strategy: This decision reflects a more thoughtful approach to commercial rezoning that considers traffic impacts from the outset—a consideration that could benefit Point Pleasant as we advocate for appropriate development in our area.

As a historic neighborhood concerned with balanced growth, Point Pleasant residents can appreciate the county's efforts to manage commercial expansion in ways that consider broader community impacts.

Sources: [Local coverage of county commission meeting]

Category: News & Events

Manatee County is expanding its popular Gulf Islands Ferry service with the addition of a third vessel, the "Manatee Belle," bringing more seats and improved reliability to the water transit system connecting downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island.

The new vessel adds 91 seats to the existing fleet and features an enclosed, climate-controlled cabin design that will improve passenger comfort and service dependability, particularly during less favorable weather conditions. This enhancement comes as the ferry system celebrates its third year of operation, having transported more than 55,000 passengers in 2025 alone.

"The Manatee Belle is the logical next step for the Gulf Islands Ferry, a larger vessel with indoor seating able to handle more adverse weather conditions," said Tal Siddique, chairperson of the Board of County Commissioners. "The addition of this boat provides ease to both our residents and visitors that continues to enhance multi-modal transportation in our community."

The expanded service helps maintain consistent scheduling and reduces the need for personal vehicles when traveling between the mainland and Anna Maria Island. According to county data, the ferry service helped decrease vehicle traffic by nearly 23,000 cars in 2025, supporting environmental preservation efforts in the Bradenton area.

Funded by the tourist development tax, the Gulf Islands Ferry now operates three vessels that traverse the Manatee River and intercoastal waterways. The energy-efficient design of the boats aligns with the Bradenton Area’s "Love It Like a Local" sustainability initiative.

Service runs daily, weather permitting, with boats departing from the Riverwalk Pier beginning at 7:30 a.m. through 7:30 p.m. to the Historic Bridge Street Pier on Anna Maria Island. Return service from the island begins at 9 a.m. and runs through 9 p.m.

Why This Matters to Point Pleasant

The Gulf Islands Ferry expansion has several points of relevance for our Point Pleasant neighborhood:

1. Enhanced River Access: The ferry operates from Riverwalk Pier, just minutes from Point Pleasant, providing our residents with convenient access to Anna Maria Island without the traffic and parking challenges of driving.

2. Environmental Benefits: By reducing vehicle traffic by thousands of cars annually, the ferry helps preserve the natural beauty of our waterways and reduces carbon emissions—a priority for our riverfront community.

3. Tourism and Economy: Improved ferry service supports local tourism, which benefits nearby businesses and helps maintain property values in historic neighborhoods like ours.

4. Community Connectivity: Multi-modal transportation options like the ferry enhance our neighborhood’s connectivity to regional attractions while minimizing the impact of increased visitation on our local streets.

As a riverfront community committed to preservation and sustainable growth, Point Pleasant residents can appreciate both the practical benefits and environmental stewardship represented by this ferry expansion.

Sources: The Bradenton Times; Manatee County Government

Category: News & Events

Manatee County residents will soon have access to free bulk trash pickup under a new pilot program approved by the Board of County Commissioners. Starting May 1, 2026, the program aims to address ongoing complaints about the previous $59 fee for scheduled bulk collections.

Under the pilot program, each household can place two bulk items at the curb for pickup on a predetermined scheduled day each month. Residents will also be entitled to one annual bulk collection per property—up to 10 cubic yards of a single material type—at no additional cost. The service will be available to all residential customers without any rate changes during the one-year trial period.

Commissioner Amanda Ballard praised the initiative, saying, "This is going to make a big difference for a lot of people." The program was approved unanimously with Commissioner Jason Bearden absent.

To participate, residents should check their scheduled collection day using the County's Resident Information Tool. Certain items—including tires, appliances (white goods), and the annual large-bulk pickup—must be scheduled in advance through the Customer Self-Service Portal. Additional bulk pickups beyond the monthly allowance can still be scheduled for $59 each.

Household hazardous waste and electronic scrap will continue to be excluded from curbside pickup. Residents may drop off these materials free of charge at the Lena Road Landfill or during one of the four remote household hazardous waste drop-off events held each year.

County officials intend to use the pilot program to evaluate participation and efficiency before making long-term decisions about bulk trash collection services. The program represents a direct response to resident feedback about the affordability and accessibility of bulk waste disposal.

Why This Matters for Point Pleasant

Reliable and affordable waste management services directly impact neighborhood cleanliness, property values, and quality of life in Point Pleasant. The previous $59 fee for bulk pickup created financial barriers for residents needing to dispose of larger items, potentially leading to accumulation of unwanted materials in yards or alleys.

As a historic neighborhood with many older homes undergoing renovation and maintenance, Point Pleasant residents frequently need to dispose of construction debris, old appliances, and furniture. This pilot program provides a more equitable solution that supports neighborhood preservation efforts by making it easier for homeowners to maintain their properties.

The county's responsiveness to resident complaints demonstrates the value of community engagement in shaping local services. Point Pleasant residents who participated in voicing concerns about the previous fee structure have directly influenced this positive policy change.

Sources: Bradenton Herald; The Bradenton Times

Category: News & Events

In a significant victory for community advocates and nonprofit organizations across Manatee County, Commissioner Amanda Ballard withdrew her proposal that would have required nonprofits receiving county funding to verify they are not serving undocumented immigrants.

The controversial measure, which was pulled from Tuesday's agenda after lengthy discussion and widespread public opposition, would have affected 86 organizations receiving more than $26 million annually from Manatee County Government. These funds support vital programs including early childhood development, college readiness, shelters, dental care, sexual assault advocacy, and addiction recovery services.

Ballard had argued that taxpayer funds should not support services for people living in the country without legal authorization, citing federal restrictions on certain public benefits for undocumented individuals. However, she acknowledged having "no idea how much, if any, of the county's support helps people living in the country without proper authorization."

During a tense public comment session, eighteen people—most of them nonprofit leaders—lined up to speak against the proposal. Only one person expressed support.

Katie Becker, executive director of Parenting Matters, which provides parenting education and support to families in Sarasota and Manatee counties, questioned the necessity of the measure. "I would like to respectfully ask, do we really need to do this?" she said, noting her organization provides services in multiple settings including libraries, making it nearly impossible to prescreen families for their legal status. Becker warned that Parenting Matters risked losing $90,000 in funding if the measure passed.

Kelly Kirshner, chair of UnidosNow, warned commissioners about the type of overreach the proposed policy could lead to, saying it would create a "patchwork" system of enforcement. "(The policy) attempts to deputize nonprofits—organizations providing child care, tutoring and college prep, addiction recovery, domestic violence services, among many others—into acting now as immigration screeners without legal standards, without training and without protection," Kirshner said. "That is not compliance, that is liability you are now shifting onto your local nonprofits."

Kathleen Cramer, executive director of Turning Points, which assists people at risk of or experiencing homelessness, said needing to check citizenship status of every person before offering help would be time-consuming for her staff. "So if you're going to have us have to look into their status and verify status for 10,000 people, the burden will be overwhelming," Cramer said. "It will slow down the process for everyone, and so we will not be able to serve as many clients as we would, because we're going to have our staff looking into ensuring people's status."

Commissioner Jason Bearden was the only other commissioner to voice support for the measure, saying the county has a right to know how much taxpayer money is "spent on illegal aliens." However, other commissioners made clear the proposal would not have the votes to pass.

"If the nonprofits are violating federal or state law, it's not our job to oversee it," said Commissioner George Kruse. "Why are we inserting ourselves? Why are we all of a sudden the police on federal or state policy?"

Commissioner Tal Siddique added, "I would rather not see this come back. I just don't think that there's a real, meaningful solution here to be had unless there's change at the federal level or case law, because there's a very narrow slice of what we could accomplish."

After hearing from nonprofit leaders and community members, Ballard thanked all stakeholders for voicing their concerns and said she would withdraw the item until she could have more conversations with local nonprofits. She is scheduled to meet with nonprofit leaders Friday to discuss their concerns about the proposal.

"I want to do this in a way, if it does move forward, that I'm not putting people in a situation where they feel scared or uncomfortable," Ballard said. "I want to work collaboratively with nonprofits and figure out a way that this can be done, so that it's not an immense burden, and that we can use taxpayer dollars responsibly and be fiscally responsible without making nonprofits feel that they can't complete their core mission."

While the proposal has been withdrawn for now, the discussion highlights ongoing tensions between government oversight and nonprofit operations in Manatee County. Nonprofit leaders expressed relief at the outcome but remain vigilant as conversations continue.

Relevance to Point Pleasant Neighborhood

This decision directly impacts the Point Pleasant community in several important ways:

1. Community Organizations: Many nonprofits serving Point Pleasant residents receive county funding for programs like after-school activities, senior services, food assistance, and community events. These organizations would have faced increased administrative burdens and potential funding losses.

2. Advocacy Success: The withdrawal of this proposal demonstrates the power of community voice in local government. When nonprofit leaders and residents spoke out collectively, commissioners listened—a valuable lesson for neighborhood advocacy efforts.

3. Service Accessibility: Point Pleasant residents who rely on nonprofit services for childcare, educational support, healthcare access, or emergency assistance could have faced delays or denials if organizations had to screen for immigration status before providing help.

4. Precedent Setting: Had this policy passed, it could have opened the door to similar requirements for other community programs, potentially affecting how neighborhood associations and local groups operate.

5. Resource Allocation: Nonprofits facing increased administrative costs would have had fewer resources available for direct services to Point Pleasant residents, potentially reducing program quality or availability.

The outcome shows that when community stakeholders unite around shared concerns, they can influence county policy decisions that affect neighborhood wellbeing and the organizations that serve our community.

Sources: Bradenton Herald; The Bradenton Times

Category: News & Events

Manatee County commissioners are set to revisit a controversial proposal that would require nonprofits receiving county funding to verify the legal status of the people they serve. The measure, which appears on the commission's Tuesday agenda, would align the county's grantmaking with federal law that restricts certain public benefits for people living in the country without legal authorization.

If approved, the measure would require nonprofits to certify that county funds are not used to serve undocumented individuals, a change that could affect at least 86 organizations receiving more than 6 million annually from Manatee County Government. Nonprofits that don't comply could lose that funding, which supports programs such as early childhood development, college readiness, shelters, dental care, sexual assault advocacy and addiction recovery.

Nonprofit leaders have expressed significant concerns about the proposal. Evelyn Almodóvar, executive director of UnidosNow, stated that her organization does not ask about legal status and would reconsider accepting county funding if required to do so. 'If that's a requirement, we will forgo the funding,' she told reporters.

Commissioner Amanda Ballard, who brought forward the proposal, said the intent is to ensure the county complies with federal law and uses taxpayer dollars appropriately. However, critics warn that the requirement could create bureaucratic burdens, undermine trust in community organizations, and discourage people from seeking help even when they're legally entitled to services.

The proposal would not prevent nonprofits from serving undocumented residents, but they would need to use other funding sources to do so. Exempt from the restriction are programs that provide immunizations, emergency health care, short-term disaster relief and similar services.

Commission Chairman Tal Siddique acknowledged the concerns, stating 'I hope we don't create a situation where too many people will be turned away. We don't want this to impact kids. It's the worst thing we can do. They're already a vulnerable population.'

The discussion comes amid a broader national crackdown on immigration from President Donald Trump's administration. Community leaders, including Veronica Thames of the Manatee Community Foundation, are working to facilitate dialogue between nonprofit leaders and Commissioner Ballard before any process is finalized.

Sources: The Bradenton Times; Bradenton Herald; MySuncoast.com

Category: Feature

In a region where a construction crane can feel as native as a palm tree, the people doing the quiet work of saving older buildings rarely make headlines. That changes at the end of this month.

On April 30, the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation (SAHP) will host its annual Heritage Awards Dinner, honoring 11 individuals, organizations, and project teams for outstanding work in historic preservation across Sarasota County. The awards — now in their ninth year — cover the full spectrum of what preservation actually looks like on the ground: architecture, skilled trades, scholarly research, adaptive reuse, and organizational advocacy.

"We are proud to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary efforts of these award winners," said Dave Baber, chairman of the SAHP board of directors. "Each project demonstrates how preserving history can enhance our future as a city and county."

A Century-Old School Gets a Second Life

One of the standout honorees this year is Bay Haven School of Basics Plus, Sarasota's 1926 public school designed by architect M. Leo Elliott — a figure whose school designs helped define the city's early civic architecture. The campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Architect Todd Sweet of Sweet Sparkman Architecture and Interiors led a careful restoration that preserved Bay Haven's signature architectural features while making the building fit for continued use as a modern public school. The Heritage Awards jury specifically cited "the long-term commitment by both the architect and the client to the community" — a rare acknowledgment that preservation is as much about patience as it is about craft.

The Lamolithic House: Mid-Century Modern, Saved Again

Also recognized: homeowners Mark and Lorrie Bogart, who rehabilitated the Lamolithic House on Siesta Key — a 1948 home designed by Ralph Twitchell and Paul Rudolph, two giants of the Sarasota School of Architecture. The term "lamolithic" refers to a construction technique pioneered by concrete innovator John Lambie, using reinforced concrete to achieve the thin planes and airy modernist forms that became the region's postwar signature. The Bogarts' restoration retained character-defining materials while strengthening the structure for long-term use — exactly the kind of private stewardship that keeps irreplaceable architecture alive when no public funding exists to save it.

A Farmhouse Finds Its Next Chapter

The Phillippi Estate (Edson Keith) Farmhouse, built in 1916 as the first structure on what is now Phillippi Estate Park, received the Adaptive Reuse and Organizational Achievement award. The clapboard farmhouse has served as private residence, workers' quarters, and guest lodging across more than a century of Sarasota history. A collaborative restoration by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources and the Friends of Sarasota County Parks — celebrated at a ribbon-cutting in April 2025 — is transforming the building into a public interpretive center. The jury called it a model collaboration between county staff, preservation professionals, and community volunteers.

Why This Matters Beyond Sarasota

For residents of Point Pleasant and historic neighborhoods throughout the Bradenton area, the Heritage Awards are more than a Sarasota story. They are a reminder of what is possible when communities decide that old buildings are worth fighting for — and when the people who own, restore, and study them are recognized rather than ignored.

As award recipient Paul van Deventer put it: "We're seeing so much get torn down. It feels important to add something back to the history. It's not about a money-making venture — it's about saving what's there and documenting its past too."

Other 2026 honorees include the Lord-Higel House in Venice (adaptive reuse by the City of Venice and Black Gold Coffee Roasters), builder Pat Ball for more than five decades of preservation-sensitive construction, and historian Kristine Ziedina for historical research. The full list reflects a preservation community that is broader, more collaborative, and more urgent than ever.

The Heritage Awards Dinner takes place Thursday, April 30, 2026. For tickets and information, visit preservesrq.org.

Sources: Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation; Your Observer; Sarasota Magazine

Category: News & Events

Manatee County commissioners will vote April 7th on whether to approve a $300,000 contract with the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp., potentially restoring public funding for local business recruitment after a six-month hiatus.

The proposed agreement comes with significantly stricter performance metrics and transparency requirements compared to the previous contract that expired in September 2025. County commissioners had expressed concerns about return on investment and lack of information when they voted 4-3 not to renew the previous $336,900 contract.

Under the new terms, the EDC must meet quarterly benchmarks including:

• 10 qualified leads and conversion of 5 into active projects each quarter
• Responding to site selection inquiries within two business days
• Conducting 15 business retention and expansion visits quarterly

Annual goals include creating 150 jobs, securing $25 million in capital investment, and achieving positive return on investment. The contract allows for termination with 30 days notice if the EDC fails to meet metrics or reporting obligations.

This decision comes after leadership changes at the EDC, including the retirement of longtime CEO Sharon Hillstrom in December 2025 and the appointment of interim CEO Amanda Parrish in January 2026.

The outcome of this vote will significantly impact economic development efforts throughout Manatee County, including the Point Pleasant area, by determining the level of public support for business attraction and retention initiatives.

Sources: Business Observer; Patch Bradenton

Category: News & Events

Sarasota city commissioners have approved a construction agreement for the revitalization of the shoreline at Bay Park, a project that will stretch from just north of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall to the west side of Centennial Park.

The resilient shoreline project aims to better protect the park from storm surges while also treating, capturing, and cleansing stormwater before it enters Sarasota Bay. According to Bay Park Conservancy Chief Operating Officer Diana Shaheen, the shoreline will be built roughly 4 1/2 feet eastward to provide enhanced storm protection.

The project includes rain gardens that will allow water to "trickle down to get held if it needs to when we get rainstorms and then cleanse before it gets put out back into Sarasota Bay," Shaheen explained.

Local residents Cindy Weiner and Peter Mebel, who visit the park almost daily, expressed strong support for the project. "We consider ourselves extremely lucky because we live very close to the park. We come out here. Its like our own little jungle in the backyard," they said, adding that the protection is especially valuable for their visiting grandchildren.

Construction is expected to begin at the end of April or early May and will take approximately eight months to complete. The project is part of the Bay Park Conservancys larger "Building More Park for All for the Community" initiative.

Sources: WWSB ABC7

Category: News & Events

A new public sculpture has arrived on the Manatee River waterfront — and it makes music.

The Singing River, created by Miami-based artist Reinaldo Correa and his studio, was installed this month at Mineral Springs Park (1312 Second Ave. E.) as part of Bradenton's Riverwalk East expansion. The piece features a series of laser-cut tubes suspended overhead that catch the river breeze and produce a soft, chime-like hum — an intentional nod to a centuries-old legend about the Manatee River itself.

Rooted in River Folklore

The design draws from a 1986 book, The Singing River, by Joe and Libby Warner, which recounts a Native American legend that the Manatee River once emitted an audible hum. Researchers have suggested the sound may have resulted from a natural chemical reaction between tannic acid from palmetto root runoff and the river water. Correa says he and his team were moved by that story.

"We were really inspired by the folklore behind the singing river and the Manatee River itself," Correa said. "We decided to create this beautiful, elegant canopy that was really indicative of the flow of the river, but that actually sang as well."

Chosen from nearly 120 submissions through a City of Bradenton call for artists, Correa's proposal stood out for its "really great connection to the history of the river itself," according to Jeff Burton, the City's Community Redevelopment Agency executive director.

What to Expect

The sculpture glows at night, its colors echoing Florida sunsets. By day, the overhead tubes whistle quietly in the breeze, creating what Correa describes as acoustics that are "designed so that it's very subtle." The installation also incorporates redesigned park landscaping; together, the full project cost $525,000.

"This piece of art interacts with the river. It interacts with the breeze that's blowing by. It interacts with the colors in the sky," Burton told the Bradenton Herald. "And those are all environmental, and they all tell a story about this beautiful river that's been here forever."

City Councilman Kemp Schuessler called it a "significant piece that will attract people to the Riverwalk" at the March 25 CRA meeting.

Why This Matters to Point Pleasant

Mineral Springs Park sits on the eastern stretch of the Riverwalk, within easy walking distance of Point Pleasant. Public art investments along the waterfront bring more visitors and energy to our neighborhood corridor — and this one specifically honors the deep, pre-colonial history of the river that runs along our doorstep. The three-year development process behind the sculpture reflects exactly the kind of thoughtful, community-rooted approach to public space that residents in historic neighborhoods value.

If you haven't visited Riverwalk East lately, this is a good reason to go.

Sources: Bradenton Herald

Category: News & Events

A new affordable apartment project is proposed for eastern Manatee County, with paperwork recently filed with Manatee County Development Services.

The development — called SR 64 Apartments — would bring 252 affordable multifamily residential units to 15005 State Road 64 East, located north of SR 64 East, east of Lorraine Road, and west of Zipperer Road. The project encompasses two land parcels totaling approximately 10 acres.

Plans call for three buildings of 84 units each, arranged around a central pond, with an amenity center, pool, and dog park included in the design.

The parcels carrying the project were previously rezoned from agricultural to general commercial through public hearings before the Manatee County Commission — a land-use shift that paved the way for this type of residential development.

No construction timeline has been announced. The filing represents an early stage in the county's development review process.

Why It Matters for Our Neighborhood

Every major rezoning and land-use shift in Manatee County sends signals about how our region is growing — and where. The SR 64 corridor has seen growing development pressure in recent years. Affordable housing proposals like this one often surface in areas where land costs are lower than in established urban neighborhoods, and they reflect broader county planning priorities.

As Manatee County continues to navigate growth, decisions about where density goes — and at what cost to farmland, greenspace, and infrastructure — affect communities countywide, including historic neighborhoods like Point Pleasant. The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) has separately been pressing the County Commission to preserve reimbursement programs that support ownership-level affordable housing in the 80–120% AMI range.

Residents who wish to track this project can monitor filings through Manatee County Development Services.

Sources: Bradenton Herald; The Bradenton Times – BOCC Notes 3/24/26

Category: News & Events

The seat that shapes Manatee County zoning and development policy is now officially open for a special election.

Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 26-76 on March 24, formally declaring a vacancy on the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners in District 1. The vacancy was created by the unexpected passing of Commissioner Carol Ann Felts last month. Because more than half of her four-year term remains — over 28 months — Florida law requires the seat be filled by a special election, not a gubernatorial appointment.

By Friday, March 27, the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections had opened the District 1 race for the 2026 election cycle. At least nine candidates had already signaled their intent to run, many of whom had previously filed for the 2028 cycle while awaiting the executive order. Those filings are expected to shift to the 2026 special election in the coming days, and additional candidates may yet enter the race.

Why This Matters for Point Pleasant and Bradenton Neighborhoods

The Manatee County Commission approves rezonings, variances, comprehensive plan amendments, and development agreements across unincorporated Manatee County. Its decisions set precedents on density, land use intensity, environmental protections, and infrastructure funding that affect neighboring municipalities too.

At the March 24 BOCC meeting, commissioners were already wrestling with the tension between state-mandated zoning preemptions and local communities seeking to protect their character. Residents from Myakka City voiced alarm over creeping development threatening rural land and water quality. Commissioner Kruse noted that state bills like SB 180 are actively limiting local zoning authority — making the composition of the BOCC even more critical for neighborhoods that want a strong local voice on development issues.

What to Watch

As the candidate field takes shape, Point Pleasant residents and Bradenton neighborhood advocates will want to pay attention to where candidates stand on:

• Historic preservation and neighborhood character
• Density and infill development in established neighborhoods
• State preemption of local zoning authority
• Environmental protections and stormwater management
• Affordable housing policy and community benefit agreements

The qualifying deadline and election date will be announced by the Supervisor of Elections. Follow updates at votemanatee.gov.

Sources: The Bradenton Times (March 27, 2026); Manatee County Commission Notes 3/24/26

Category: News & Events

At the Manatee County Commission meeting on March 24, 2026, a recurring theme emerged that should concern every resident invested in protecting the character of historic neighborhoods: the state of Florida is increasingly taking zoning decisions out of local hands.

Commissioner Kruse explicitly noted during the meeting that SB 180 and other state legislation are impacting local governments' ability to affect zoning decisions, citing the Live Local Act as a specific example of a state law the county is bound to follow — even when it conflicts with local priorities.

The Live Local Act, passed in 2023 and expanded since, allows developers to bypass local zoning restrictions in many cases to build multi-family housing at densities that local communities would otherwise reject. While affordable housing is a genuine need, the law's broad preemption powers have alarmed preservation-minded residents across Florida.

Myakka City Residents Sound the Alarm

The issue was given a human face by Myakka City residents who addressed the commission during public comment. Four residents — Heidi, Sloan, Lindsey, and Elizabeth — described what they called "creeping development": two golf courses already in place and a housing development proposed for their rural community, raising concerns about threats to the Myakka River and agricultural way of life.

One resident, Lindsey, described how her family's advocacy to reject a significant increase in housing density zoning resulted in their family being targeted with a lawsuit. It is a sobering reminder that standing up for your neighborhood can carry real personal risk.

Why This Matters for Point Pleasant

Point Pleasant's historic character depends on local zoning protections. When state law overrides the ability of Bradenton and Manatee County to enforce those protections, our neighborhood's future becomes more vulnerable to developer-driven density proposals that could permanently alter the streetscapes, scale, and spirit of the community.

The pattern emerging in Myakka City — incremental approvals, mounting density, lawsuit pressure on residents who object — is exactly the kind of trajectory that historic neighborhoods need to watch for and act against early.

What You Can Do

Stay informed on upcoming Bradenton City Council and Manatee County Commission agendas. Public comment periods are your most direct avenue to make the community's voice heard. The League of Women Voters of Manatee County publishes meeting notes (linked below) as a valuable resource for tracking what's happening at the county level.

If you have concerns about a specific development proposal near Point Pleasant, reach out to us at protectthepoint.org — we track these issues so you don't have to.

Sources: The Bradenton Times — Manatee County Commission Notes: 3/24/26 (published March 26, 2026), League of Women Voters of Manatee County Government Committee

Category: Feature

Every year, the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation (SAHP) does something simple and sobering: it names the six historic places most likely to disappear.

The 2025 Six to Save list, released in November, spans more than a century of local history — from a 1912 rusticated block house that predates the Florida land boom to a pair of 1961 Sarasota School masterworks facing redevelopment pressure. Together, these six places are a cross-section of how this region was built, who built it, and what we stand to lose if advocacy fails.

For residents of Point Pleasant and neighborhoods like it, the list is a mirror. The same forces at work in downtown Sarasota — rising land values, permissive zoning, and a state legislature increasingly hostile to local preservation authority — are reshaping older neighborhoods throughout Manatee and Sarasota counties.

The Six

The J.B. Turner House (1912) on Fruitville Road is one of the oldest buildings still standing in downtown Sarasota — and one of only two original structures left on what was once a modest residential street. Its owner is a developer. Without a protective designation, it sits exposed.

The U.S. Garage Building (1924) on Pineapple Avenue was Sarasota's first commercial garage, a land-boom survivor that later became a local model for adaptive reuse. It now sits within a multi-parcel assemblage assembled for a proposed 18-story condominium. The demolition plan is on the table.

The Blackburn Point Swing Bridge (1925) in Osprey is one of the last working hand-crank swing bridges on Florida's Gulf Coast. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it has survived one county rehabilitation — but that life extension is expiring, and a new engineering review will determine whether it gets another chance or gets replaced entirely.

Luke Wood Park and the Mable Ringling Memorial Fountain (1931/1936) in downtown Sarasota were once a formal civic garden donated by a local family and embellished by the Sarasota Garden Club in honor of the Ringling legacy. Street expansions, wastewater infrastructure, and decades of deferred maintenance have left little of the original design intact. A community group called Miracle on Mound is working to restore it.

The Warriner Residence (1961) is a nationally recognized example of Sarasota School architecture — clean lines, cypress cladding, outdoor rooms — recently listed for sale without local historic designation in a neighborhood where midcentury homes are routinely torn down.

And the Lawyers Professional Building (1961), architect Frank Folsom Smith's first independent project, anchors a stretch of East Main Street with its shaded courtyard and one-story scale. Its parcel is zoned for significant height. It has changed hands multiple times as redevelopment interest intensifies.

The Bigger Fight

SAHP Program Director Erin DiFazio didn't mince words when the list dropped. "With the challenging legislation coming out of the state effectively crippling local government's ability to safeguard historic places," she said, "we have our work cut out for us."

That legislative pressure is real. Florida's legislature has repeatedly moved to preempt local zoning and land-use authority — the same tools that preservation advocates depend on to protect historic neighborhoods. When cities and counties lose the ability to say no, the burden falls entirely on public pressure, nonprofit advocacy, and individual property owners willing to steward what they have.

It's a dynamic Point Pleasant knows well. Historic overlay districts — the kind that protect Cortez Fishing Village and Terra Ceia in Manatee County — exist only where communities organize and demand them. As preservation expert Cathy Slusser, a 36-year veteran of Manatee County's historical resources department, put it plainly: "If the residents don't want it, it's not going to be imposed on them."

What You Can Do

The Six to Save program isn't just a list — it's a call to action. SAHP is actively working on a Historic Preservation Transfer of Development Rights program with the City of Sarasota, which would give property owners financial incentives to preserve rather than demolish. Public comment at city and county hearings has already made a difference: community support helped the Mira Mar Plaza (a 2024 Six to Save selection) secure a zoning change that made its restoration financially viable.

If you're in Point Pleasant, the lesson is clear: preservation wins when neighbors show up. Learn about your own neighborhood's historic character. Find out whether an overlay district could work here. And watch what happens to those six buildings in Sarasota — because what goes there sets the precedent for what comes next.

Sources: Sarasota Magazine (Nov. 20, 2025); Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation, preservesrq.org; Your Observer (Jul. 2, 2025)

Category: News & Events

If you have been watching the Manatee River run lower than usual this spring, there is a reason: Southwest Florida is in the grip of a serious drought, and state water managers are responding with some of the strictest outdoor watering restrictions in years.

On March 25, 2026, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) Governing Board voted to declare a Modified Phase III "Extreme" Water Shortage across the entire region — including all of Manatee County. The new restrictions take effect April 3, 2026 and run through July 1, 2026.

What the Restrictions Mean for Point Pleasant Residents

Under the Modified Phase III order, all outdoor irrigation — including residents on private wells — is limited to one day per week, based on your address:

• Address ending in 0 or 1: water on Monday
• Address ending in 2 or 3: water on Tuesday
• Address ending in 4 or 5: water on Wednesday
• Address ending in 6 or 7: water on Thursday
• Address ending in 8 or 9: water on Friday

Watering hours are also reduced. Unless your city or county has stricter hours, you must water between 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m. or 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. Properties under one acre may only use one of those two windows.

Low-volume hand watering and micro-irrigation (soaker hoses, drip lines) is still allowed any day, but only before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.

Other Notable Rules

• Restaurants must only serve water upon request.
• Car washing at home is only allowed on your lawn watering day, with a shutoff nozzle.
• Aesthetic fountains are limited to four hours per day.
• HOAs may not enforce rules that require residents to water more than allowed.
• Starting 14 days after the order takes effect, utilities will issue citations without first issuing a warning.

Why It Matters for Our River Community

The Manatee River is at the heart of Point Pleasant — its health directly affects our neighborhood, our property values, and the wildlife that makes this stretch of Bradenton so special. The District reports a 13.7-inch regional rainfall deficit over the past 12 months, with aquifer levels, river flows, and public water supplies all significantly below normal for this time of year.

Outdoor water use accounts for more than 50 percent of household water consumption. Reducing irrigation is one of the most impactful things residents can do to help the river and the region recover.

For your specific watering schedule and any local City of Bradenton rules (which may be stricter), check with the City or visit WaterMatters.org/Restrictions.

Sources: Southwest Florida Water Management District water shortage order (March 25, 2026), via The Bradenton Times — https://thebradentontimes.com/stories/district-declares-modified-phase-iii-water-shortage,190608

Category: News & Events

A major city-led development project is moving forward in Bradenton that could reshape the area around LECOM Park and deliver new community amenities to neighborhoods near downtown — including, potentially, areas close to Point Pleasant.

The City Park project, announced by city leaders this week, is a multi-phase initiative centered on expanding LECOM Park and its surrounding grounds. Plans call for three new baseball fields, significantly increased parking, and infrastructure upgrades aimed at attracting state and national youth and amateur baseball tournaments. City leaders say the tournament draw is designed to boost tourism and local business revenue — particularly for restaurants and hotels that already see strong business during spring training season.

Importantly, the project is not just about baseball. Mayor Gene Brown and city officials emphasized that the expansion also includes a new community center intended to serve underdeveloped Bradenton neighborhoods, along with a public city park featuring a splash pad. Those community-facing elements signal a potential quality-of-life investment for residents who live near the stadium corridor.

Local business owners are already expressing optimism. At least one business owner near the park — located between two hotels that regularly fill during Pittsburg Pirates spring training — said the tournament influx could provide economic activity that extends well beyond the traditional baseball season.

No specific timeline for construction phases has been publicly announced, and community input sessions have not yet been scheduled. Residents near downtown Bradenton — including in the Point Pleasant neighborhood — would be well-served to follow the project closely as plans develop, particularly regarding traffic, parking, and how the community center and park spaces are designed to serve existing residents versus tournament visitors.

Stay tuned for updates as the City of Bradenton releases more details on public engagement opportunities for the City Park project.

Sources: MySuncoast/WWSB ABC7 (March 25, 2026) — https://www.mysuncoast.com/2026/03/25/bradenton-city-park-project-moves-forward-with-lecom-park-expansion/

There is a small wooden church in Bradenton that has survived yellow fever, the threat of demolition, and the relentless march of development. Today, it faces its next test — and a statewide coalition of preservationists has stepped in to help.

The 1887 Church at Manatee Village Historical Park was named to the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation's 2025 "Florida's 11 to Save" list — an annual designation that puts the state's most endangered historic sites in the spotlight and mobilizes expert resources and funding to help save them.

A Congregation That Persevered

Construction on the church began in 1887 but was briefly halted by a yellow fever outbreak sweeping through the community. The congregation persevered, completing the wooden structure in 1889. When it finally opened its doors, it became the first Christian congregation established on the Florida mainland south of Tampa — a distinction that makes it not just a local landmark, but a piece of Florida's foundational spiritual and community history.

For decades the church served its community. But by the mid-20th century, like so many historic structures, it faced an uncertain future. In 1975 — slated for demolition — it was saved by a group of determined local citizens, relocated to its current home, and made a cornerstone of the newly established Manatee Village Historical Park as part of Florida's Bicentennial preservation effort. The 1860 Manatee County Courthouse was moved alongside it.

A Living Museum Under Threat

Today, Manatee Village Historical Park is an open-air museum preserving the pioneer heritage of Manatee County's founding period (1840–1918). The park is managed in partnership with the Friends of Manatee Village, a nonprofit whose acting president, Andrea Knies, has been a driving force behind getting the 1887 Church the attention it needs.

"You can't replace history," Knies told Bay News 9. "And I also think historic buildings obviously cannot be replaced."

Knies, who has volunteered with historic societies since she was 15 years old, submitted the church's application to the Florida Trust's 11 to Save program herself — believing the designation would open doors to funding and expertise that the organization couldn't access alone. "We are going to have experts from all over the state," she said. "They're going to come together to help us with creative ways to make sure that we are able to preserve this building to its historical accuracy."

The need is real. The church requires a new roof and significant structural stabilization — the kind of work that demands both resources and specialized expertise in historic construction methods.

What "11 to Save" Means

The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation announces its 11 to Save list annually. Sites are nominated by the public and reflect places that local communities consider irreplaceable. The program is explicitly designed not just to raise awareness, but to trigger collaborative, custom solutions for each property — connecting local organizations with statewide preservation networks, funding sources, and technical expertise.

The 2025 list was announced at the Preservation on Main Street conference in Fernandina Beach. Alongside the 1887 Church, it includes the Magic Beach Motel in Vilano Beach, the St. Johns River Lighthouse in Duval County, the entire city of Cedar Key, and the Apalachicola Arsenal Officers Quarters.

"The 2025 Florida's 11 to Save reflect the extraordinary breadth and depth of stories that make up the cultural mosaic of our state," said Florida Trust Board President Mike Cosden. "By safeguarding these sites, we're not just preserving buildings and landscapes, but also the diverse histories and voices that contribute to our shared heritage."

The Suncoast has been well represented on the list in recent years. In 2024, the ancient indigenous burial mounds on Tidy Island in Bradenton and Warm Mineral Springs and Spa in North Port were both recognized. In 2023, Sarasota's Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall made the list.

Why It Matters to Neighborhoods Like Ours

The story of the 1887 Church is, in many ways, the story of every historic neighborhood: a community that built something meaningful, nearly lost it, saved it through collective will, and now must fight again to keep it.

For those of us in Point Pleasant, that arc is familiar. Historic structures don't preserve themselves. They survive because people decide they matter — and then do the work.

If you'd like to support the effort, the Friends of Manatee Village welcomes volunteers and donors. Learn more at manateevillage.org.

Sources: Pulse of Manatee (July 2025), Bay News 9 (August 2025), Florida Trust for Historic Preservation (floridatrust.org)

We're excited to launch this space for sharing updates directly with our neighbors.

What to expect

• Meeting recaps — summaries of planning board and council hearings
• Action alerts — when your voice is needed most
• Wins and progress — celebrating what we've protected together

Stay engaged, stay informed. The Point is worth fighting for.