Development Services demonstrated a new centralized online public-comment form and automated packet generator intended to reduce staff time spent managing multiple submission channels and to improve transparency; staff said the soft launch produced estimated annual staff-hour savings of roughly 396 hours.

The Manatee County Commission unanimously approved contracts and budget amendments to acquire Myakka Valley Preserve (554.5 acres, $14.2M), Bunker Hill Preserve (156.4 acres, $2.05M) and an accessory parcel, with operations funded by the environmental lands millage and acquisitions paid from bond proceeds.

Following repeated public concerns about procurement, several commissioners voted to request an independent forensic audit of selected contracts and procurement practices; the board directed county staff to scope the audit and to coordinate next steps with the Clerk and Inspector General.

After extensive neighborhood testimony raising safety and cut‑through concerns and detailed questioning about wetlands and FDOT access, the planning commission voted 6–0 to deny BayCare’s PDO/PSP for up to 90,000 square feet of medical office at US 301 and Red Rooster Road.

The board approved a General Development Plan amendment to increase a previously‑approved 90‑unit multifamily project to 108 units, all capped at 60% AMI, with staff and applicant saying the project uses 4% tax credits and will provide on‑site amenities and transit access.

The board adopted an amended development order and companion GDP for Parish Lakes, reducing multifamily units, increasing commercial/office space, and aligning infrastructure and build‑out timelines; the ordinance passed 5‑1 with one commissioner opposed.

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously Oct. 8 to adopt a 12‑month moratorium on applications for large data centers and similar "large‑load" customers to give staff time to recommend zoning, water and energy safeguards for the county.

Commissioners used the Oct. 6 meeting to argue over whether the current board should consider terminating County Administrator Charlie Bishop’s contract now or allow the incoming board to make that decision; one commissioner warned early termination would cost the county tens of thousands in severance and interim pay.

A consultant briefed commissioners on HUD requirements for CDBG-DR awards, national objectives (LMI, limited clientele, urgent need), the 70% LMI target across the full allocation, and how mitigation set-asides and duplication-of-benefit reviews shaped recommendations.

Multiple commissioners told the board the CDBG-DR funds should be concentrated on stormwater and drainage projects; after extended debate and legal/feasibility clarifications the board redirected funds toward Pierce Drain.

The county board unanimously approved recommended CDBG-DR infrastructure awards to six municipalities, including $15.2 million for Bradenton and $3.62 million for Palmetto, authorizing staff to execute subrecipient agreements and begin project implementation.

After extended debate about priorities, the board voted unanimously to remove a proposed public-safety logistics center from the recommended IRRP package and reallocated funds to the Pierce Drain automated outfall project, adjusting the IRRP portfolio to target stormwater mitigation.

The board opened the public hearing on Ordinance 26-42, a proposed data center moratorium, and officially continued adoption to Oct. 8, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. because a quorum was not present; attorneys noted no testimony beyond the continuance could be taken today.

County stormwater staff presented draft amendments to the stormwater management design manual that would use NOAA Atlas 14 or watershed‑specific rainfall parameters, adopt street‑level inundation performance standards, and rely on recently completed watershed management plans to refine flood mapping and design criteria.

Staff presented a proposed 12-month moratorium (Ordinance 26-42) on data center and large 'load customer' applications to allow code and comprehensive-plan updates; public commenters supported the pause and the board deferred final action to a second hearing.

Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brown told county commissioners the redesigned Broadway roundabout at State Road 789 is complete (Kimley Horn, June 2026) but FDOT deferred advertising to July 2027; construction is expected to start Jan–Feb 2028 and take about 18 months.

Longboat Key utilities manager Jesse Camburn outlined plans to install a redundant subaqueous sewer force main across Sarasota Bay (over two miles of HDPE pipe) to replace a 50‑year‑old main; the town reported it has secured external funds (transcript: 'over 24,600,000') including $15,000,000 in grants and a $9,500,000 0% interest loan and is awaiting an Army Corps individual permit with a hopeful January construction start.

Town officials said they have submitted roughly $34 million in FEMA/state public assistance requests for storms Helene and Milton but only about $464,000 has been obligated so far; the town is awaiting millions more for debris and beach renourishment and officials raised concerns that FEMA's future funding model may shift to state administration.

County CFO presented a FY27 tentative net budget of about $1.5 billion (gross $3.7B) and a five‑year capital improvement plan totaling $2.3 billion; transportation dominates CIP spending and staff highlighted reserves and timetables for millage certification.