**Manatee County purchased a property in Cortez for $13 million in late 2024 to build boat ramps addressing countywide water access demand, and a local coalition is now pushing on this issue.[1]**

This breaking news from December 16, 2025, involves direct governmental action by Manatee County on public infrastructure in the specified area, with the Cortez coalition advocating amid the county's plans.[1]

**A new local history book, Lakewood Ranch: A Legacy of Living with the Land, was published, chronicling the community’s transformation and highlighting Lakewood Ranch’s growth, economy, and leadership under Schroeder‑Manatee Ranch.** The book describes the community’s history, its role as a major regional employer, and quotes Rex Jensen, President and CEO of Schroeder‑Manatee Ranch.

**Roy McBean Boys & Girls Club to be rebuilt/expanded:** After years of repairs, the Roy McBean Boys & Girls Club in Newtown plans to replace the existing 21,197 sq. ft. building with a new ~21,760 sq. ft. facility and pursue rezoning/site-plan approval so the current structure can remain in use until the new building is finished.

**Manatee County Launches Housing Rehabilitation and Replacement Program**

Manatee County has initiated a new program offering 0% interest loans for housing repair or replacement to low- and very-low-income homeowners in unincorporated areas or Palmetto. This effort aims to improve living conditions and support community enhancement, with entry forms now available and a selection lottery scheduled for January 16, 2026.

**Manatee County is breaking ground on Valor Commons, a first-of-its-kind veterans connection hub and memorial campus.** This governmental announcement from the official Manatee County website highlights a new facility to connect veterans and first responders with resources and serve as a memorial site, marking a key community development initiative.[4]

**Lakewood Ranch ranks No. 1 best-selling master-planned community for seventh year.** The community, spanning Sarasota and Manatee counties, has held the top spot per RCLCO for seven consecutive years, with over 77,000 residents, ongoing expansions like new villages, builders, a retirement community, schools, library, and Premier Sports Campus upgrades driving growth.

**Governor Ron DeSantis proposes transferring USF's Sarasota-Manatee campus to New College of Florida.** The plan, part of the 2026–27 budget released last week, would give NCF over 32 acres, new residence halls, and a lab, with a handover deadline of October 30, 2026; USF students and staff would not transfer, amid NCF's enrollment and ranking struggles post-conservative overhaul.

**Garbage-to-Energy Project at Lena Road Landfill**

Excerpt: Manatee County is advancing its environmental sustainability efforts by expanding its methane conversion initiative at the Lena Road landfill, transforming landfill waste into valuable energy. This project highlights the county's commitment to innovative waste management solutions, supporting both ecological and economic benefits for the community.

Manatee County will break ground on Valor Commons, a new Veterans Connection Hub and memorial campus, with a public ceremony scheduled for January 14, 2026, at 1 p.m.; the county says the campus will include a veterans resource center, memorial and reflection areas, public event spaces, and a long-term plan to transition operations to nonprofit management supported by a dedicated fund through the Manatee Community Foundation[3].

**2025 Florida Winter Cup & Showcase soccer tournament underway at Premier Sports Campus.** This elite youth event, now in its 11th year, is being held from December 12–14 with U11–U19 brackets, including invitation-only Super Groups for top teams, and attracts both domestic and international participants.