Manatee County Government, Work That Matters

New employee Robert Burke devoted eight years of his life to the U.S. Army, which includes deployments throughout the U.S., Europe and the Middle East during the Persian Gulf War. He achieved the rank of Captain and completed active service as Company Commander of B Company, 1st Battalion, 81st Armor Regiment (Ft. Knox, KY). Burke is now serving as the County Administration Business Services Manager. Veterans living in Manatee County are encouraged to sign up to lead the Pledge of Allegiance at an upcoming Manatee Board of County Commissioners regular meeting by going to mymanatee.org/pledge.

Today, members of Community Health received the Team Award at the Board of County Commissioners meeting. This award if for for their unwavering dedication to improving the lives of our most vulnerable populations. Through robust cross-sector collaboration and an innovative multidisciplinary approach, they have broken barriers and ensured that comprehensive services are delivered at the right time with the right resources. Manatee County's Team Award recognizes individuals who cooperatively work together to perform above and beyond their normal scope of duties and responsibilities to make exceptional contributions in the best interests of Manatee County Government and its citizens.

Congratulations to the 41st Leadership Manatee Class and Manatee County Government team members, Nicole Knapp, Molly White, CPRP, CPT, ACE Certified Health Coach , and Leslie Silverstein! #leadership #manateechamber #manateecounty

Most marketing professionals might have trouble making trash sound exciting, but Recycling Coordinator Mary Oquendo does it with ease. She often schedules landfill and water-reclamation facility tours and attends numerous community and HOA events throughout the year—smiling enthusiastically as she helps answer the public’s questions about their pick-up days, what and what not to place in recycling bins and how to separate debris. Mary also attends school events and provides educational programming to get kids thinking about recycling right. Recently, she collaborated with Information Outreach to produce a few short educational videos, which included recording voiceovers in English and Spanish and appearing alongside Gary the Garbage Guru. Congratulations, Mary, for being named Manatee County’s August Employee of the Month!

Our Community Health Team has been honored with a 2024 NACo (National Association of Counties) Achievement Award for its Community Health Program. This vital program integrates specially trained pre-hospital professionals and community health workers who work collaboratively to close healthcare gaps and improve access for the uninsured and underinsured while decreasing healthcare costs. Pictured (left to right): Community Health Worker/Paramedic Chris R., Community Health Worker/Paramedic Hunter G., Community Health Worker/Paramedic Aaron F., Nurse Practitioner Shannon S., Licensed Clinical Social Worker Sonia S., Medical Case Manager Kate S., Resource Coordinator Ami Y., Homeless Outreach Case Manager Angie S. and Homeless Outreach Worker Tameka F.

As a part of his Eagle Scout projects, Dylan Rawley worked with Manatee County to create nine flag retirement boxes, providing a respectful and meaningful way for residents to retire their American flags. Locations include Braden River, Central, Island, Lakewood Ranch, Palmetto, Rocky Bluff and South Manatee libraries; Veterans Services Office; and Manatee County Admin building. Rawley’s efforts not only honor our nation's symbols but also inspire others to take pride in their community and country.

Learn more about the career opportunities available at Manatee County this upcoming Monday, August 12, at our Downtown Bradenton Administration building, located at 1112 Manatee Avenue West. Bring your resume, and drop in the lobby between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., to chat about our openings with Talent Acquisition Specialists (two of which speak Spanish fluently). To see a list of open positions and to apply, please go to mymanatee.org/jobs.

Candice found one of the 10 manatees from our Discover Manatee Scavenger Hunt! Join the game and once you find one, snap a selfie to share. For a list of locations, go to https://lnkd.in/e2H5XTWS. Good luck!

Manatee County Offices and facilities will remain closed tomorrow (Monday, August 5). At this time, the landfill will be open during regular hours on Monday, and there are no schedule changes for trash pickup in unincorporated Manatee County at this time. In addition, AMI Trolley service has been suspended. For the most up-to-date closures, please go to mymanatee.org/storm.

TROPICAL STORM DEBBY UPDATE: “Residents and visitors need to understand this is going to be a long process,” said Manatee County Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske. The storm has slowed forward movement and increased in strength. 6-12 inches of rain expected. Tropical Force winds extending 140 miles from circulation center. Coastal Flooding due to onshore flow is anticipated over next 24-36 hours. Coastal Level A evacuations and evacuations from low-lying areas are still encouraged. Miller Elementary School (601 43rd St W, Bradenton, FL 34209) for those who wish to evacuate from Coastal Level A. Nolan Middle School (6615 Greenbrook Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34202) is also open. For up-to-date information about evacuation levels, shelters, and sandbag locations, please visit mymanatee.org/storm.