Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bradenton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues with low priority
Unpaved cul-de-sac at 21st Street Court East
A resident asked the city to repave the dirt cul-de-sac behind Just for Girls, a fight he's carried on for five years. Staff confirmed it's in poor shape and will have Public Works Director Colonel Lee research options.
Fire department history and patch redesign
The firefighters' union asked the city to recognize that Bradenton fire protection dates to 1897 — not 1943 as the current patch states — and will bring a redesign recommendation in a few months.
Forfeiture grant awards to community groups
$21,750 in police forfeiture money went to 17 organizations doing youth programs, addiction recovery, and grief support across the city.
Historical signage at Manatee Mineral Springs Park
Reflections of Manatee wants to place 8-10 signs about the Angola settlement and its Underground Railroad role at Mineral Springs Park. Council generally supports it but wants collaboration with nearby historic sites and a review so the park doesn't get sign-cluttered.
SHIP housing rehabilitation loan for 1002 3rd Avenue East
A $71,312 state-funded loan will fix up a homeowner's house on 3rd Avenue East, keeping affordable housing in the city's stock.
Reverend C.D. Lazier Tribute at Norma Lloyd Park
The tribute to Reverend C.D. Lazier at Norma Lloyd Park has been damaged, and a family member raised the alarm. The board wants the advisory board and public art board to weigh in on restoring or rebuilding it — possibly as a community project.
Honoring Viola Welch, First African American RN in Manatee County
Staff is researching whether the city can rename a street near 3rd Street West or add a historical marker for Viola Welch, the first African American registered nurse in Manatee County, who delivered more than 500 babies.
New utility payment system
A new utility billing portal launches September 1 with autopay, text-to-pay, Spanish-language support, and a quick-pay option. Existing autopay users will need to register once in the new system.
Manatee River Turkey Trot
A new Thanksgiving Day run linking Bradenton and Palmetto across the Green Bridge was approved, expected to draw 1,500 to 2,000 runners by 10 a.m.
CRA-owned BPD substation house sale falls through
The buyer of the CRA-owned BPD substation house backed out. Staff will offer it to city employees for 30 days alongside the city's new $50,000 down payment assistance program before listing it traditionally, aiming to return the property to the private market.
Love Park Improvement Project
Love Park improvements are still working through the city's purchasing department; the process raised questions last meeting about whether the city's purchasing policy needs streamlining.
426-foot dock through Braden River mangroves
A unique waterfront lot gets a 426-foot dock through 744 square feet of mangroves, with three years of mitigation monitoring required by the state permit.
MyBradenton 311 App Launch
The city's new 311 app is live — snap a photo of that pothole or missed trash pickup and track the work order. Council members were asked to be cheerleaders and push constituents to use it instead of (or alongside) phone calls.