On June 3, we had the opportunity to speak with Stephanie Stanton from ABC7 during a five-minute live broadcast interview, followed by a longer 11-minute Facebook livestream. Representing Lasting Manatee (CDBG-DR) were Edrick Sweeting, Grant Supervisor (CDBG-DR) and Odugo Ohizu, Communications Coordinator (CDBG-DR).

We were excited to introduce Lasting Manatee and the origin of the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery funding to viewers less familiar with the initiative. We also explained how the first step of preparing for these grant funds was conducting surveys and data analysis to identify unmet disaster recovery needs across the County.

That unmet needs assessment informed the choices presented in our Draft Action Plan—like what categories of disaster recovery projects will be performed with the grant funding, who will be reached with assistance, and eligibility criteria for the potential grant programs. Hearing from the greater community during this 30-day comment period, which ends on June 20, is so important. These interviews gave us a chance to encourage public participation, answer a few common questions, and help people understand where we are in the process.

Both segments ended with an invitation to the public to attend the upcoming meetings (a newly added Lasting Manatee Workshop in West Bradenton on June 10, and the second Lasting Manatee Public Hearing in Palmetto on June 12). We also encouraged citizens to stay informed by visiting our website, at mymanatee.org/lastingmanatee, and by signing up for e-mail updates. 

 You can view the live broadcast interview on the ABC7 website by clicking here, and watch the full Facebook livestream segment by clicking here. More information on the Draft Action Plan and how to submit your comment without attending a public meeting can be found by clicking here.