MANATEE COUNTY, FL (April 21, 2026) – Manatee County is taking a major step forward in long-term disaster recovery with the official launch of its Home Recovery Program on May 1, 2026, part of the federally funded Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) initiative, a $252,711,000 investment, and the broader Lasting Manatee program.

Beginning May 1, eligible residents may submit pre-applications through LastingManatee.org, marking the transition from planning to action as the County begins delivering critical housing assistance to those impacted by hurricanes Debby, Helene, and/or Milton.

The Home Recovery Program provides repair, reconstruction, and elevation assistance for storm‑damaged homes, prioritizing the most impacted residents. The program is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and represents a significant investment in the County’s long-term recovery and resilience.

According to program officials, the pre‑application phase allows residents to begin the process of securing assistance. Eligible pre-applicants will be able to complete their applications starting June 1, with a structured review process that includes eligibility verification, home inspections, and funding awards.

Residents are encouraged to visit LastingManatee.org now to prepare to apply when the portal opens May 1.

The Home Recovery Program is one of several initiatives under Lasting Manatee, which is focused on housing recovery, infrastructure resilience, and long-term community stability following recent storm events.

“This is about more than rebuilding homes, it’s about restoring stability, strengthening neighborhoods, and delivering on our commitment to our residents,” said Manatee County Commission Chair Tal Siddique.

For more information about the Home Recovery Program and other Lasting Manatee initiatives, visit LastingManatee.org.
 
The Board of County Commissioners also approved Resolution R-26-025 and a lease agreement with Friends of the Pelicans, Inc., to utilize the former Palmetto Animal Shelter as a future seabird rehabilitation facility. This partnership will help expand regional capacity to rescue and rehabilitate injured pelicans and other coastal wildlife, addressing a growing need while advancing long-term plans for the site. “Its close proximity to the Skyway Fishing Pier—one of the region’s leading sources of seabird injuries—makes transforming this former county animal shelter into a dedicated rehabilitation facility a true win-win for taxpayers and anyone who cares about protecting our coastal wildlife,” said Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker.
 
Additionally, commissioners approved Resolution R-26-048 to develop a Model Manatee County Government Civics Education Program. Designed for local high school students, the program will provide hands-on experience with county government, encouraging civic engagement and helping cultivate the next generation of community leaders.