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:
- Clemons Pool at East Bradenton Park is closed for the season
- Lincoln and Pride Splash Pads are closed for the season
- Pavilion rentals - 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
Open to the Public
County parks and preserves are 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 Anna Maria Bayfront Park are open sunrise to 10 p.m.
- Leffis Key
- 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.
- All County athletic fields
- All County basketball
- Hockey Rink at Lakewood Ranch Park
- Pavilion rentals (100% capacity). Note: 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.
- G.T. Bray Recreation Center and Fitness Center resume normal operating hours Monday, October 12. The Teen Center will open too!
- G.T. Bray Child Watch with advance reservation (minimum of 2 days) - call (941) 742-5923
- G.T. Bray Tennis/Pickleball, 2-6 day reservations - call (941) 742-5923
- G.T. Bray outdoor drop-in pickleball will resume soon. Watch for a published schedule on the Bray Recreation Facebook page.
- G. T Bray Teen Center
- G.T. Bray Aquatic Center, reservations no longer required
- G.T. Bray Private Swim Lessons and Aqua Fit Classes - call (941) 742-5923, ext. 6021 to register or for more information
- G.T. Bray group exercise classes by reservation - call (941) 742-5923.
- John H. Marble Pool, reservations no longer required
- All County tennis and pickleball courts (social distancing restrictions)
- Skate Parks at G.T. Bray Park and Blackstone Park (social distancing restrictions)
- County dog parks
- Weekend hunting activities at Duette Preserve will continue as scheduled
- Manatee County Golf Course and Buffalo Creek Golf Course. Rentals are available and the driving ranges are open. Indoor dining 100% capacity.
- Coquina Beach Cafe' and Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe' at Manatee Beach. Outdoor dining with social distancing / Indoor dining is currently closed.
- Coquina Beach Market will resume on Sundays November 1, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Rye Preserve Campground
- The NEST at Robinson Preserve - open on Saturday mornings and accepting rental applications (75% capacity)
- IFAS Extension Office (Ag & Extension Service, Palmetto)
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.