NOTE: Article posted as of June 4, 2026
The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) voted on June 2, 2026, to select the Community Development projects that will be included in the County’s FY2026/27 Annual Action Plan draft.
The projects selected were part of the Community Development application process, which was expected to allocate a total of $2.75 in County entitlement funds for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), the HOME Investment Partnership Programs (HOME), and the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) for FY 2026/27.
The selection process was comprehensive, requiring local non-profits and developers to submit a complete application form. An Application Review Committee of nine county staff as well as one member of the Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness, Inc (Continuum of Care Lead Agency) and one member of the Manatee County Housing Authority vetted the quality of the applications, project feasibility, alignment with grant rules, and Community Development Priority Needs and Goals. Their recommendations were then provided to the BCC.
The projects selected for funding are listed below:
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
23654 - Easter Seals Southwest Florida - Campus Kitchen Rehabilitation Project to serve children at the preschool and K-12 Autism Center (under construction). Address: 350 Braden Ave, Sarasota, FL 34243" - $240,000.00
23655 - Food Bank of Manatee - Mobile Produce 2026-27 free fresh produce distribution at Pride Park and Samoset target areas. - $25,000.00
23689 - Genesis Health Services - Facility Expansion to include an increase of 836 sq ft in the dental facility (adding 3 clinic suites and an imaging/exam room), offering free- and reduced-rate comprehensive oral care to low- and moderate-income Manatee County residents. Address: 707 7th Street W., Palmetto, FL 34221 - $310,000.00
23675 - Gulfcoast Legal Services, Inc. - Housing Legal Services 2026-27 to provide Manatee County residents with free access to representation in cases addressing housing issues such as discrimination, predatory lending, foreclosure, substandard housing conditions, and unlawful eviction practices. - $40,000.00
23677 - Helping Up Mission, Inc - Under One Roof Gateway Shelter - General shelter operations - $132,150.00
23672 - Manatee Education Foundation, Inc. / Soar in 4 - Soar Lab Backyard Expansion to include the installation of Kompan play structures, turf, and sunshades. Address: 6413 9th St E, Bradenton, FL 34203 - $180,000.00
23646 - Meals On Wheels PLUS of Manatee, Inc. - Unfunded Senior Meals 2026-27 to prevent hunger for home-bound Manatee County seniors and allow them to age in place without institutionalization. - $25,000.00
23371 - The Salvation Army - Shelter Conversion Project (FY 2025/26 Continuation) - Conversion of homeless congregate shelter for male adults into non-congregate shelter units for families with children. Funding to complete Phases I and II. - $157,940.00
23650 - Turning Points - Project Smile 2026-27 community-based dental clinic, which provides free, high-quality oral care, dentures, and other oral prosthetics to uninsured, income-eligible Manatee County residents. - $75,000.00
Manatee County - Property Management Department - Under One Roof Shelter Kitchen Renovations (FY 2025/26 Continuation) - $200,000.00
23101 - Manatee County - Public Works - Sidewalk Expansion (FY 2024/25 Continuation) - CDBG Target Areas. Design, permit, and construct approximately 6,900 linear feet (≈1.3 miles) of 5-foot sidewalk along 301 Blvd E from 51st Ave E to US 41. - $200,000.00
Manatee County - CVS / Community Development Division - 2026/27 CDBG Administration and Planning - $396,200.00
HOME Investment Partnership Program
23658 - Manatee County Habitat for Humanity - Palmetto Townhomes - Construction of twenty (20) homeownership units (3BR/2BA) for income-eligible Manatee County residents. Address: 903 11th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221 - $111,000.00
23638 - The Salvation Army – FY 2026/27 HOME Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program to provide time-limited rental assistance and rental and utility deposits to Manatee County households at imminent risk of homelessness with incomes at or below 80% AMI. - $200,000.00
23656 - Turning Points - FY 2026/27 HOME Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program to provide short & medium-term rental assistance, rental and utility deposits to Manatee County families with children with incomes at or below 80% AMI. - $250,120.00
Manatee County - CVS / Community Development Division - 2026/27 HOME Administration and Planning - $62,340.00
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
23668 - Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice, Inc. – FY 2026/24 ESG Rapid Rehousing and Homelessness Prevention program will provide housing relocation, stabilization services, and rental assistance to Manatee County residents who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. - $149,069.00
Manatee County - CVS / Community Development Division - 2026/27 ESG Administration and Planning - $12,080.00
The projects not selected can be accessed here: Community Development Project Denials 2026-27
The official decision by the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners can be accessed here: June 2, 2026 BOCC Regular Meeting Agenda Item
Projects selected will be included in the draft FY 2026/27 Annual Action Plan, which will be released for Public Comment between June 29 and July 29th, 2026. On July 28th, 2026, the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners will hold a final Public Hearing and vote on the final adoption of the FY 2026/27 Annual Action Plan. The Plan will then be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which will have 45 days to approve the Plan.
Project approvals are contingent upon Manatee County receiving any required HUD approvals, executing FY 2026/27 Grants Agreements with HUD, and passing all the required Environmental Reviews. The FY 2026/27 performance period starts October 1st, 2026, and ends September 30th, 2027.