**Manatee County commissioners have officially decided to purchase the historic Mixon Fruit Farms property for $13.5 million.**

The county's acquisition of the historic Mixon Fruit Farms aims to preserve this local landmark for county programming and events, with future plans for a library and commercial teaching kitchen. This purchase reflects Manatee County's commitment to maintaining cultural heritage while enhancing community resources.

**Manatee County Government’s finances will be audited by the State of Florida’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), as announced by Governor Ron DeSantis during a recent news conference in Bradenton.**

Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Manatee County's finances will undergo a state audit by the Department of Government Efficiency to evaluate fiscal management and spending practices. This audit reflects the state's commitment to ensuring financial responsibility and transparency in local governance.

**New Learner License Requirements for Teens Effective August 1, 2025**

Effective today, teens in Florida seeking a learner license must complete a new 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course, replacing the previous 4-hour course requirement. This change aims to enhance driving safety education for young drivers statewide.

**Manatee County School Board selects four semi-finalists for the new superintendent position.**

The Manatee County School Board has narrowed down the search for a new superintendent to four semi-finalists, with opportunities for community feedback and public engagement sessions in mid-August. This process is crucial for selecting a leader who will guide the district toward future educational success.

**Over 200 cats rescued from a single Manatee County residence**

In a collaborative effort involving Manatee County Animal Welfare and several rescue organizations, over 200 cats were rescued from a single residence where a resident had been feeding a rapidly growing stray population. The resident cooperated fully during the operation, highlighting the situation as a compassionate misjudgment rather than neglect.

**Manatee County Commissioners to Decide the Future of Mixon Fruit Farms**

On July 29, Manatee County Commissioners will vote on purchasing the 40-acre Mixon Fruit Farms property to preserve it as a heritage site. The Mixons are eager to sell below appraisal to prevent the land from being developed into 150 townhomes, with Commissioner Amanda Ballard proposing agricultural leases and a regional farmers market to maintain the area's Old Florida charm.

**The American Heart Association recognized Manatee Memorial Hospital’s ER at Bayshore Gardens**

Manatee Memorial Hospital’s ER at Bayshore Gardens has been honored with the Bronze Get With The Guidelines® recognition from the American Heart Association for its excellence in caring for severe heart attacks (STEMI). This accolade underscores the hospital's commitment to delivering rapid, research-based treatment for life-threatening conditions.

**Over 200 Siamese and Siamese-mix cats rescued from a single Manatee County residence**

In a coordinated effort involving Manatee County Animal Welfare and various rescue partners, over 200 Siamese and Siamese-mix cats were rescued from a single residence. The owner cooperated fully, seeking assistance to manage the growing cat population while ensuring the animals' well-being.

**Draft 2025/26 Annual Action Plan Released for Public Comment**

Manatee County has released the draft 2025/26 Annual Action Plan, inviting public feedback on community development projects funded by federal grants like CDBG, HOME, and ESG. The public comment period ends on July 29, 2025, offering residents an opportunity to engage and influence local initiatives.

**Manatee County commissioners will decide on the future of Mixon Fruit Farms on July 29.**

Manatee County commissioners are set to decide on potentially purchasing Mixon Fruit Farms to preserve its historic 40 acres as microfarmland and a farmers market. Commissioner Amanda Ballard supports the preservation effort, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the county's agricultural heritage amid development pressures.