Manatee County Board of Commissioners Selects Leadership

December 11, 2024 | Bradenton

The Manatee Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has selected their leadership for the coming year. At-Large Commissioner George Kruse will serve as the BOCC Chair for 2025. District 5 Commissioner Dr. Bob McCann will serve as first vice chairman of the Board next year. Second vice chairman will be District 3 Commissioner Tal Siddique. District 1 Commissioner Carol Ann Felts will serve as third vice chair. District 4 Commissioner Mike Rahn will serve as chairman of the Manatee County Port Authority. Commissioner McCann will be vice chair, and the second vice chair will be District 2 Commissioner Amanda Ballard. Commissioner Saddique will serve as third vice chairman of the Port Authority. Commissioner Ballard will serve as the Tourist Development Council (TDC) Chair. Commissioner Saddique will be the Board’s alternate representative on the TDC. The BOCC approved funding for a variety of high-profile infrastructure and recreation initiatives including the re-branding for the Premier Sports North and Premier Sports Campus South. Commissioners also approved the Execution of Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) of $44,228,316.60 for Premier Campus Racquet & Aquatic Center which will include the construction of administration offices, restrooms, lockers, swimming pools and pickleball courts. Commissioners also voted to approve funding for the East Bradenton Park Splash pad and soccer field and Buffalo Creek Park soccer fields as part of their consent agenda. Commissioners were brought up to speed on the progress of plans for new dog kennels and a sandbag building at the Manatee County Jail. $2.4 million was earmarked for the work, which includes 32 pre-manufactured kennels and sandbag structures including site development, site utilities, concrete slab on grade for the kennels, aluminum ramp and landings, plumbing, ventilation and cooling equipment, electrical, communication and security and fencing. “There are ancillary benefits over and above and beyond the housing of the dogs,” said Commissioner Kruse. “The worst time of the year for the dogs is the summer, and if we can get 32 of them out by the end of Q2, that will help with capacity.” Manatee County also received a Florida Communities Trust (FCT) Parks and Open Space Florida Forever Grant of $1.5 million. This will allow Manatee County to be partially reimbursed for the purchase of the Crooked River Preserve. The award will support the preservation and enhancement of the site and will help provide recreational amenities for public use. For more information about Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ManateeGov.