At all public spaces, please continue to follow CDC guidelines for social distancing. Face coverings are required at Manatee County Government public buildings.
The public is encouraged to conduct transactions with the County online or over the phone whenever possible.
Public beaches on Anna Maria Island are now open sunrise to 10 p.m. Residents should not park in the right of ways along Bradenton and Coquina Beaches. Some parking areas near the County's utility construction projects along Bradenton Beach will remain closed for safety. Beach-goers are expected to observe CDC social distancing guidelines.
In an effort to further curb public gatherings and to protect citizens during the COVID-19 public health crisis, the Parks & Natural Resources Department building and facilities closed to the public are listed here.
Closed to the Public
Parks & Natural Resources Department buildings and facilities that are closed to the public include:
- Leffis Key Preserve
- All county basketball courts
- Hockey Rink at Lakewood Ranch Park
- G.T. Bray Park - Bright Outlook #7 - Next to Recreation Center (Closed for Summer Camp - Hours)
- Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 10:30 am - 5:00 pm
- John H. Marble Park - Playground (Closed for Summer Camp through July 31)
- Monday & Wednesday: 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
- Tuesday & Thursday: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
- Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Pavilion rentals - Anna Maria Bayfront large pavilion will remain closed until further notice. Oak Knoll and Cedar Hammock pavilions at G.T. Bray Park are temporarily closed due to construction and Bright Outlook next to the Recreation Center will be available to rent when the center has fully reopened on weekends and restrooms are available.
- Jiggs Landing Outpost cabin and boat rentals, boat tours, concessions (large pavilion rental is available)
- Public Visitor Centers at Robinson Preserve and Emerson Point Preserve
- The NEST at Robinson Preserve
- IFAS Extension Office (Ag & Extension, Palmetto)
Open to the Public
County parks and preserves, except Leffis Key, continue to be open to the public and we want everyone to enjoy the facilities and everything they have to offer.
- Coquina/Cortez Beach, Manatee Public Beach and Bayfront Park are open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. See details above.
- All County boat ramps are open to boaters and trailers only. Please continue to observe social distancing guidelines. Those using kayaks and canoes should use designated launches at County parks and preserves. Ice vending machines at the Ft. Hamer, Coquina North, and Warner's Bayou Boat Ramps are open.
- County Athletic fields open for team practice and competitive play.
- Pavilion rentals for groups of 50 or less (or capacity of pavilion if less). The Anna Maria Bayfront large pavilion will remain closed until further notice. Oak Knoll and Cedar Hammock pavilions at G.T. Bray Park are temporarily closed due to construction and Bright Outlook next to the Recreation Center will be available to rent when the center has reopened on weekends and restrooms are available.
- G.T. Bray Tennis/Pickleball, reservations required - call (941) 742-5923.
- G.T. Bray Aquatic Center, lap swimming only by reservation - call (941) 720-1775. Beginning August 1, family swim and splash pad by reservation only - limited to nine patrons at one time.
- G.T. Bray Swim Lessons and Aqua Fit Classes - call (941) 742-5923, ext. 6021 to register or for more information.
- G.T. Bray Fitness Center and group fitness classes by reservation - call (941) 742-5923.
- John H. Marble Pool, lap swimming only by reservation - (941) 753-0954.
- Clemons Pool at East Bradenton Park, family swim by reservation through July 31 - call (941) 708-5930. The pool will close for season on August 1.
- Lincoln Splash Pad and Pride Splash Pad, first-come first-serve, 10 patrons allowed at one time.
- Restrooms are open at Robinson Preserve, Emerson Point Preserve, and Rye Preserve.
- Summer Blast Camp registrations for G.T. Bray and John H. Marble locations.
- All county tennis and pickleball courts (with restrictions).
- Skate Parks at G.T. Bray Park and Blackstone Park (with restrictions).
- County dog parks remain open.
- Weekend hunting activities at Duette Preserve will continue as scheduled.
- Manatee County Golf Course and Buffalo Creek Golf Course. Rentals are now available. Limited to 50% capacity on indoor dining. The driving range is open.
- Coquina Beach Cafe' and Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe' at Manatee Beach
- Coquina Beach Market is open Wednesdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. through the end of July.
- Rye Preserve Campground (closed July and August for restoration)
The public is encouraged to exercise social distancing when out in public places. Please be mindful of hard surfaces where germs of all types could be present; playgrounds, picnic tables, boardwalk railings, and restrooms to name a few. Amid the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation, we encourage patrons to wash their hands thoroughly and often. Pay attention to details and use good judgement.
Please be assured health officials and the County Administration are monitoring local conditions hour to hour and day to day and will keep us informed of any precautions as they arise.
We encourage you to follow the guidance offered by the Florida Department of Health (DOH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Stay safe, wash your hands and enjoy the great outdoors!
See more County information related to COVID-19 at mymanatee.org/coronavirus.