The Handy Bus service is a door-to-door public transportation service provided for individuals with disabilities who are unable to use the regular fixed route buses. It’s an advanced reservation, shared-ride service operated with accessible Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant vehicles.

Eligibility requirements vary by program. Program determination is based on verification of the written application and may also include professional verification and/or an in-person functional assessment.

For more information on ADA Paratransit Service and Transportation Disadvantaged Services, please call (941) 748-2317 or visit the MCAT (Manatee County Area Transportation) website.

Floridians can use the MyACCESS Portal to apply for, manage, and renew their government assistance, including SNAP and Medicaid benefits.  For more information visit www.myflfamilies.com/MyACCESS.

Florida Relay 711 or TTY 1-800-955-8771

SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, provides nutritional support for low-income seniors, people with disabilities living on fixed incomes, and other individuals and families with low incomes. SNAP is a federal program administered by the Florida Department of Children and Families Office of Economic Self-Sufficiency (ESS). ESS is responsible for determining eligibility for SNAP using federal guidelines.

The Florida Department of Children and Families does not have a physical location in the Bradenton area; however, local community partner agencies can answer questions and help with applications, providing access to public assistance services. 

DCF Inquiry
Use the following form to submit a question to our team or submit a complaint to the Office of Ombudsman.
DCF Inquiry Web Form(850) 717-4199 

Public Benefits and Services
Office of Economic Self Sufficiency Mail Center
P.O. Box 1770
Ocala, FL 34478-1770
Fax: 1-866-886-4342

Assistance is also available in Sarasota County:
Sarasota One Stop Service Center: (877) 595-0384
1864 17th Street
Sarasota Florida 34234
FAX: (941) 316-8100
You may do the following at the Sarasota One Stop Service Center without an appointment: 
•    Drop off any documentation 
•    Provide ID for authentication 
•    Use a computer to apply for government assistance 
•    Receive Department Forms
All other services at the Sarasota One Stop Service Center are by appointment only. Click here to make an appointment: https://myflfamiliesappt.cxmflow.com/

Pet stores and breeders will be inspected at least twice annually. Additional inspections may be conducted based on complaints or at the discretion of Manatee County Animal Welfare. Inspections will assess compliance with all standards set forth in the ordinance, and inspectors have the authority to enter and inspect any area where animals are housed or cared for. 

If a license is suspended or revoked, the Division may enforce the penalty through Florida Statute 162.30, which allows for civil actions to enforce county ordinances. The county may also seek additional penalties or damages as provided under the Manatee County Land Development Code. 

If a Stop Work Order is issued, all work related to the violation must immediately cease. The order will be given in writing to the property owner, agent, or person doing the work, outlining the conditions for resuming the work. Continuing work after the order is issued is considered an irreparable violation and may result in legal penalties. However, the Stop Work Order can be appealed. 

While the deadline to obtain the permit has not yet been determined, Manatee County Animal Welfare staff is working patiently and diligently with both breeders and pet stores to help them meet compliance requirements voluntarily. 

This is a list of subsidized senior housing locations in Manatee County.  Please contact each individual location for eligibility and waiting list information.

Public Housing and Section 8

Manatee County Animal Welfare offers a year-round Pet Food Pantry program. Please call (941) 742-5933 to arrange for pickup of supplies at their Palmetto shelter location, or at the Bishop Animal Shelter, 5718 21st Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34209.