Flood Awareness Week, scheduled for March 9th through 15th, 2026, was a primary focus. The mayor emphasized the city’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program, which helps residents access flood insurance at reduced rates. The program encourages higher regulatory standards to minimize flood risks. During the meeting, the planning and community development director introduced initiatives for the upcoming Flood Awareness Week. These include distributing informational postcards and setting up a flood information table at the Saturday morning market on March 14th. The table will provide resources on flood zones, storm preparedness, and include FEMA publications.

The importance of community involvement in improving the city’s Community Rating System (CRS) rating was highlighted, as a better rating could lead to lower flood insurance rates for residents. Acknowledgment was given to the chief building official for managing recovery efforts after past storms, with appreciation expressed for the team’s continued efforts to enhance flood management. The council stressed the necessity of community patience and cooperation with new flood management requirements.

The purchase and sale agreement with PHBGF Ventures LLC for downtown redevelopment was another critical agenda item. The property, designated as surplus, was advertised for sale, resulting in one offer. The agreement considers an existing lease with shuffleboard courts, which will remain until 2028. The discussion focused on ensuring the contract aligns with ongoing leases and responsible development, considering environmental and community impacts. The council expressed the need for transparency and community engagement as the project progresses, particularly given the economic benefits anticipated from redeveloping adjacent brownfield sites.

The council also delved into the development of a multifamily housing project aimed at creating a mixed-income environment in downtown Bradenton. The project is expected to contribute to local economic growth, with projections estimating that the Community Redevelopment Agency will collect approximately $2.4 million over the next 14 years. This development aligns with the CRA plan and Florida statutes, supporting workforce housing for essential personnel like teachers and nurses. The council discussed the importance of maintaining separate real estate contracts and CRA incentives to ensure clarity in the process. The project is expected to enhance the availability of attainable housing, thus lowering costs for essential workers and contributing to the city’s vibrancy.

Further discussions highlighted the need for collaboration among local businesses to support downtown development. A downtown business alliance was proposed to foster better communication and cooperation among merchants, leveraging existing organizations like the chamber and Economic Development Council. Concerns about a potential liquor store opening at a former car wash site were addressed, with a call for clarity on such developments.

The council also addressed homelessness, recognizing that simply moving individuals along is insufficient. A collaborative effort with social service agencies was suggested to provide comprehensive assistance. The council acknowledged the need for structured support for the homeless population, rather than spontaneous food and clothing distributions that might lead to other issues.

A significant donation of nearly one million dollars from local Rotary clubs was announced to support special adaptive equipment for children in the community. Additionally, an upcoming gala hosted by the Manatee Service Club was highlighted for its role in supporting children in the county.