As of November 27, 2025, the most recent governmental news in Manatee County is that **Manatee County Government offices are closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on November 27 and 28**, including adjustments in services such as garbage and recycling collection being delayed by one day, transit services suspended on Thanksgiving Day, and library and recreation center closures or modified hours around this period[1][3][4][5]. This is the key official update available for today affecting Manatee County and surrounding areas.

There are ongoing concerns about mold issues at Lakewood Ranch High School, with reports indicating that air conditioning is turned off during nights, weekends, and holidays, contributing to the problem.

Sarasota County allocated nearly $30 million from Resilient SRQ funds, supplemented by federal grants, to dredge Hudson and Whitaker Bayous and expand the Celery Fields holding capacity. These projects aim to improve stormwater flow and reduce neighborhood flooding, with completion expected in four to five years.

**North County EMS Station Dedication**

Manatee County is enhancing its emergency services with the dedication of the new North County EMS Station #22, aimed at improving response times and service quality for the region. This development signifies a significant investment in public safety infrastructure to better serve the local community.

Based on the search results available for November 26, 2025, the most recent breaking news regarding governmental information in the Manatee County area is:

**Manatee County Thanksgiving Closures and Service Changes** – Manatee County Government offices are closed today (Wednesday, November 26) and will remain closed Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28, 2025, for the Thanksgiving holiday.[3] During this closure period, garbage and yard waste collection in unincorporated areas is postponed one day, with Thursday's collections occurring on Friday and Friday's collections moved to Saturday.[3] Additionally, all Manatee Library locations close at 6 p.m. today and remain closed through Friday, reopening Saturday at 9 a.m.[3] Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) fixed route and Handy Bus services will not operate on Thanksgiving Day but resume Friday.[3]

Operation Thanksgiving provided Thanksgiving meals to active-duty military personnel from MacDill Air Force Base, highlighting local efforts to support veterans and service members.

**Veterans Tribute Exhibit at Ringling College**: The seventh annual "Portraits of Courage" exhibit at Ringling College of Art and Design honors local veterans with portraits created by students, running through December 5. The event aims to bridge generational understanding and celebrate military service.

**Investigation into the Death of a Man in Police Custody**

Excerpt: Bradenton authorities are probing the circumstances surrounding the death of a man who died after being transported to the hospital following his arrest. This incident has sparked a local investigation to uncover the details and implications of the situation.

The most recent breaking governmental news for today, November 25, 2025, concerns a newly enacted curfew ordinance in unincorporated Manatee County for children under 16 years old. The Manatee County Commission approved the curfew 5-2 on November 19, 2025, which imposes a $50 fine for minors caught unaccompanied in public during curfew hours and an additional $50 fine for parents who knowingly allow the violation. The curfew took effect immediately in unincorporated areas, while municipalities like Bradenton already have their own curfews and others would need separate ordinances. The policy has sparked concerns among some residents regarding government overreach and potential profiling, especially in minority communities. Commissioners debated balancing youth safety with parental rights and fair enforcement[4].

This story is the latest major governmental action affecting residents in the Manatee County area as of today.

**Urban Air Adventure Park near Lakewood Ranch**: A 60,000-square-foot family entertainment park opened recently off Interstate 75 near University Town Center, including trampolines, ninja warrior courses, and rock climbing walls. The project was completed by a local construction company and cost $18.5 million, promising a safe and exciting experience for families.