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Public Safety Coordinating Council (PSCC)

Purpose

Public Safety Coordinating Council (PSCC)

The Public Safety Coordinating Council (PSCC) is established in accordance with Florida Statute 951.26. The statute requires each county to create a public safety coordinating council to assess local correctional and criminal justice needs and to develop recommendations that promote public safety and efficient use of resources.

Florida Statute 951.26 outlines the required membership and responsibilities of the Council, including assessment of correctional needs, development of a local correctional facilities plan, and coordination of criminal justice initiatives.

In Manatee County, the PSCC serves as a collaborative body that brings together representatives from key components of the criminal justice system, including:

  • Judiciary

  • State Attorney’s Office

  • Public Defender’s Office

  • Law enforcement agencies

  • County administration

  • Corrections and detention services

  • Treatment and service providers

  • Community stakeholders

The PSCC evaluates criminal justice trends, jail population data, program effectiveness, and funding priorities to support informed decision-making. The Council makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners and other local partners regarding policies, programs, and funding strategies that enhance public safety and improve justice system outcomes.

In addition, pursuant to PSCC Resolution R12-212, the PSCC conducts the local review process and determines funding allocation for Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds. 

Sober Living & Residential Care Task Force

The Public Safety Coordinating Council (PSCC) has established a Sober Living & Residential Care Task Force to examine issues related to sober living homes, residential recovery settings, and related community impacts within Manatee County.

The Task Force operates under the PSCC and includes representatives from the judiciary, State Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, law enforcement, probation, behavioral health and substance use providers, code enforcement, zoning, county administration, and other system stakeholders. The Task Force expands upon the PSCC’s existing multidisciplinary structure to support coordinated review, planning, and system-level recommendations.

The purpose of the Task Force is to:

  • Assess the current landscape of sober living and residential recovery settings in Manatee County
  • Identify gaps in coordination, oversight, placement practices, enforcement processes, and community response
  • Review existing practices involving criminal justice, behavioral health, housing, and local government systems
  • Evaluate certification standards, operational practices, and interagency coordination strategies
  • Develop recommendations for improved system coordination, accountability, public safety, and recovery support services

The Task Force may review issues related to:

  • Court-ordered placements and supervision practices
  • Recovery residence certification models
  • Coordination between service providers and criminal justice agencies
  • Zoning, code enforcement, and neighborhood impacts
  • Data collection, communication, and best practices from other jurisdictions

Recommendations developed by the Task Force may be presented to the PSCC, Board of County Commissioners, partner agencies, and other stakeholders for consideration and potential implementation.

The Task Force focuses on system coordination and policy review and does not investigate individual facilities or duplicate active law enforcement investigations.

Membership Requirements

Council Membership Requirements

Membership of the Public Safety Coordinating Council (PSCC) is prescribed by Florida Statute 951.26 and PSCC Resolution R12-212

Florida Statute 951.26 establishes the required membership categories for each county’s public safety coordinating council, including representatives from the judiciary, state attorney, public defender, law enforcement, county administration, corrections, and community-based service providers.

Manatee County Resolution R12-212 formalizes the Council’s structure and local implementation.

Because Council membership positions are established by statute, vacancies are not publicly advertised. Appointments are made in accordance with the requirements set forth in Florida Statute 951.26 and applicable County procedures.

Questions regarding statutory appointments may be directed to the Advisory Board liaison.

Meeting Schedule

The Public Safety Coordinating Council (PSCC) meets on the following dates in 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.:

  • January 21, 2026
  • March 25, 2026 (rescheduled from March 18)
  • May 20, 2026
  • July 15, 2026 - Cancelled
  • September 16, 2026
  • November 18, 2026

Meeting Location

Unless otherwise noticed, meetings will be held at:

Manatee County Government Administration Building
Manatee/Osprey Room – 5th Floor
1112 Manatee Avenue West
Bradenton, FL 34205

Additional public seating with live video viewing may be available in the Dolphin Room (5th Floor).

Public Notice Information

Meeting dates, times, and locations are subject to change.

The Council may reschedule regular meetings or call special meetings as necessary in accordance with applicable public meeting laws.

Updates will be posted on this webpage.

Application

FY 2025 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) – Public Notice and Opportunity for Comment

Original Public Notice Date: March 20, 2026
Proposed Application Packet Available: March 23, 2026
Public Comment Period: March 23 – April 22, 2026
Federal Funding Requested: $131,226

Manatee County intends to apply to the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), for $131,226 under the FY 2025 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program – Local Formula.

Proposed Use of Funding

Manatee County proposes to use JAG funds to support law enforcement technology, officer safety, and training initiatives.

Longboat Key Police Department – Body-Worn Camera System: $82,158

The proposed project includes five body-worn cameras, accessories, video management software, and associated components and maintenance services. The system is intended to improve transparency, accountability, evidence collection, and documentation of officer-citizen interactions.

Bradenton Police Department – Law Enforcement Training Equipment: $49,068

Proposed purchases include:

  • Obstacle Course Materials – $25,800

  • Turf/Sand Safety Surface – $20,000

  • Two 100-pound Agility Training Dummies – $3,268

The equipment will support physical readiness, tactical training, officer safety, and operational preparedness.

Total Proposed Federal Funding: $131,226

Manatee County proposes to administer the grant and procure approved equipment directly in accordance with applicable procurement requirements.

Application Documents Available for Public Review

The proposed application materials are available below:

  • FY 2025 JAG Program Narrative – [PDF link]

  • FY 2025 JAG Proposed Budget and Budget Narrative – [PDF link]

  • March 24, 2026, BOCC Agenda Item and Supporting Documents – [Agenda link]

  • Resolution No. R-26-044 – [PDF link]

Governing Body and Advisory Review

March 24, 2026: The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners reviews the proposed FY 2025 JAG application and budget.

March 25, 2026: The Public Safety Coordinating Council reviews proposed project uses and makes funding recommendations.

Public Comment Opportunity

Manatee County invites residents, neighborhood organizations, and community-based organizations to review the proposed application and submit comments regarding the proposed use of JAG funding.

Public Comment Period: March 23 – April 22, 2026
Comment Deadline: April 22, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

Comments may be submitted to:

Renese Remy
Criminal Justice Policy Coordinator
renese.remy@mymanatee.org

Comments received will be documented and considered as part of the federal application process.

Federal Application Schedule

April 23, 2026: Planned federal application submission.

May 1, 2026: Final federal JustGrants application deadline.

Final funding and implementation remain subject to approval by the U.S. Department of Justice.

FY 2026 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) – Public Notice and Opportunity for Comment

Original Public Notice Date: August 26, 2026
Proposed Application Packet Available: August 31, 2026
Public Comment Period: August 31 – September 30, 2026
Federal Funding Requested: $120,475

Manatee County intends to apply to the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), for $120,475 under the FY 2026 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program – Local Formula.

Proposed Use of Funding

Manatee County proposes to use FY 2026 JAG funds to replace outdated vocational laundry and pressing equipment at the Manatee County Sheriff's Office Central Jail.

The equipment currently used in the vocational laundry and pressing program is approximately 10 to 23 years old. Frequent repairs, obsolete parts, and equipment downtime affect the reliability of the program.

Proposed Equipment

The project includes:

  • Combination single-buck and sleeve pressing unit

  • Collar and cuff press

  • Laundry leggers and trap set

  • Topper finisher and utility press

  • Automatic leggers and mushroom topper press

  • Steam iron components and stands

  • Accessories, installation, and necessary steam-system components

The replacement equipment will support vocational training and provide incarcerated individuals with practical, current-industry skills that may assist with employment readiness and successful reentry.

Proposed Project Budget

Funding SourceAmount
FY 2026 Federal JAG Funding$120,475
Manatee County Sheriff's Office Operating Funds$22,061
Total Estimated Project Cost$142,536

The additional Sheriff's Office funding is not a required federal match.

Manatee County will administer the grant in coordination with the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. No subawards are proposed.

Project Goals

The proposed project is intended to replace obsolete equipment, reduce downtime, maintain reliable vocational training operations, support approximately 265 training participants annually, and support approximately 115 annual training completions.

Application Documents Available for Public Review

  • FY 2026 JAG Program Narrative – [PDF link]

  • FY 2026 JAG Proposed Budget and Budget Narrative – [PDF link]

  • September 1, 2026, BOCC Agenda Item and Supporting Documents – [Agenda link]

  • FY 2026 JAG Resolution – [PDF link]

Governing Body and Advisory Review

September 1, 2026: The proposed application and budget are provided to the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners for review.

September 16, 2026: The Public Safety Coordinating Council reviews and approves the proposed funding recommendation.

October 1, 2026: The 30-day governing body review period is completed.

October 8, 2026: The Chief Executive Certification is signed by BOCC Chair Tal Siddique.

Public Comment Opportunity

Manatee County invites residents, neighborhood organizations, and community-based organizations to review the proposed application and submit comments.

Public Comment Period: August 31 – September 30, 2026
Comment Deadline: September 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

Comments may be submitted to:

Renese Remy
Criminal Justice Policy Coordinator
renese.remy@mymanatee.org

Comments received will be documented and considered as part of the County's application review process.

Federal Application Schedule

October 9, 2026: Grants.gov application deadline.

October 15, 2026: Planned JustGrants submission.

October 16, 2026: Final federal JustGrants application deadline.

Final funding and project implementation remain subject to federal approval.

Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) - Program Overview

In accordance with Florida Administrative Code 11D-9.001, the Public Safety Coordinating Council (PSCC) conducts the review process and makes all local funding recommendations for Justice Assistance Grant allocations.

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program is the primary federal source of criminal justice funding for state and local governments. Administered by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), JAG funds support a broad range of activities designed to improve public safety and strengthen the justice system, including:

  • Law enforcement operations and equipment

  • Prosecution, defense, and court programs

  • Crime prevention and community-based initiatives

  • Corrections and community supervision, including reentry services

  • Drug treatment and enforcement efforts

  • Technology, data, planning, and evaluation projects

  • Services for crime victims and witnesses

  • Mental health and crisis response programs

Manatee County uses JAG funds to support local strategies that enhance community safety, reduce crime, and improve outcomes for individuals involved in the justice system.

FY25 Federal Funding Status

The FY25 JAG allocation for Manatee County is $131,226. This funding supports locally identified priorities to enhance law enforcement effectiveness and public safety outcomes.

The Public Safety Coordinating Council (PSCC) reviewed potential project uses and made funding recommendations at its March 25, 2026, meeting.

Manatee County has submitted the required application materials to the U.S. Department of Justice. Final funding approval and implementation details are subject to federal review and award processing.

Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.

Meeting Info

June 29, 2026, Update:

Public Safety Coordinating Council (PSCC) Meeting Cancellation – July 15

The Public Safety Coordinating Council (PSCC) meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, at 12:00 p.m. has been canceled.

The next regularly scheduled PSCC meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 16, at 12:00 p.m. at the following location:

Manatee County Administrative Center
5th Floor – Manatee and Osprey Rooms
1112 Manatee Avenue West
Bradenton, FL 34205

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Members