On September 15, 2025, Lasting Manatee (CDBG-DR)'s Communications Coordinator, Odugo Ohizu, joined Commissioner Amanda Ballard's Town Hall to give a walkthrough of our County's Disaster Preparedness resources, and a breakdown of Lasting Manatee's coming housing recovery programs.

Click the image above to view the full footage of this 17 minute presentation. The slideshow can be viewed and downloaded as a PDF file by clicking here.

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Presentation and Event Recap

On September 15, community members gathered at Bradenton’s 13th Avenue Dream Center for a Town Hall about the future of Mixon Fruit Farms. The event was hosted by Commissioner Amanda Ballard in partnership with UnidosNow and the NAACP. Guests were welcomed with food, a friendly setting, and the chance to connect.

From Lasting Manatee, the team in attendance included our Communications Coordinator Odugo Ohizu, Grant Administrators Ronda Watts and Debbie Roller, and Michele Davis, Manatee County's Grants Division Manager. In the audience were local business leaders, members of Eternity Temple Church’s community network, representatives from our host organizations and other local nonprofits, as well as residents from surrounding areas.

Commissioner Ballard’s Presentation

Commissioner Ballard began by sharing her background and her promise to listen to the needs of the people she serves. She spoke about the history of Mixon Fruit Farms and showed a paper map of how the 40 acres of land may be used in the future. She also answered questions about possible programs, events, and staff that could be part of the project.

Lasting Manatee’s Presentation

Following Commissioner Ballard, Odugo Ohizu gave a presentation that first introduced Manatee County’s multiple comprehensive disaster safety tools, since September is Florida Preparedness Month. The presentation highlighted AlertManatee, MyManatee.org/Storm, 311, the Special Needs Registry, and steps to stay prepared before, during, and after a natural or man-made emergency. Attendees were very interested in learning how to make sure they are safe and ready for storms.

The second part of the presentation focused on Lasting Manatee. She explained how information collected after past hurricanes is helping guide how the County will use $252.7 million in federal recovery funds. The team also shared details about the five Lasting Manatee programs, which will support housing and infrastructure recovery starting in early 2026. The audience showed strong support and asked thoughtful questions.

Community Q&A Highlights

• Have outreach efforts included Rubonia and nearby areas?

• Can smaller contractors, like drywall workers, join the contractor pool?

• How can private people or groups volunteer for recovery projects?

• Can this presentation be given again in Palmetto or at other community centers?

UnidosNow staff also asked Lasting Manatee to keep them involved as outreach expands to serve our Spanish‑speaking community residents - a partnership the team looks forward to strengthening.

Closing

Lasting Manatee extends sincere thanks to Commissioner Amanda Ballard for creating the opportunity to connect with her constituents. The event helped bring people together, share ideas, and build trust. It showed the power of open conversation and teamwork, and the Lasting Manatee team looks forward to keeping the momentum going.