| Manatee County Overview |
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| Friendly
people… Business friendly |
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| Location |
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Nestled along the
southwest coast, in what is widely recognized as Florida’s Gulf Coast,
Manatee County sits within the vibrant Tampa Bay Metropolitan Area. This
mid-size Florida county stretches over 741 square miles of land and miles
upon miles of coastline and beaches. Access to major arterial highway
networks, public transportation and international airports makes travel in
and out of Manatee County easy and efficient.
Commuters take advantage of a large web of interstate and intrastate
highway systems that wind throughout the area. |
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| Part of Florida’s lively Gulf Coast, Manatee County is a haven
for active outdoor enthusiasts and beachgoers, drawing in millions of
visitors from all over the world each year. Residents take pleasure in the
county’s easygoing outlook and excellent resources including high quality
housing, education and healthcare, while businesses relish in its location,
established infrastructure and overall business-friendly climate. Manatee
County has much to offer those looking to relocate permanently…or those just
hoping to get away for a relaxing vacation. |
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| The county is comprised of six distinct cities, which include
Bradenton and Palmetto on the mainland, and Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach,
Holmes Beach and Longboat Key located on its barrier islands. Unincorporated
Manatee County includes Ellenton, Parrish and Myakka City, with Lakewood
Ranch standing as a prominent master planned community located southeast of
Bradenton. |
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| Business &
Industry |
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Situated within
the Tampa Bay Metropolitan region—the 12th largest media market in the
U.S.—Manatee County continues to be a vastly appealing place for businesses
of all sizes and types. A number of attributes contribute to the advantageous
economic climate of Manatee County, including its high quality of life that
attracts a diverse, highly skilled labor force and business base; strong,
established infrastructure; excellent transportation options through major
highways, international airports and Port Manatee; and outstanding support
and training opportunities through area institutions of higher learning and a
multitude of local business-oriented organizations. |
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| The county’s economy is fueled by a diverse base including
manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, service industries, high-technology
companies, business services and many other prominent sectors. Large and
small, internationally known and locally owned, companies of all kinds are
successfully blended together within Manatee County. |
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| Healthcare |
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Manatee County is
well prepared to serve the healthcare needs of its cherished residents and
visitors. In addition to the host of public health services, walk-in clinics,
and medical practices representing a wide range of specialties and
subspecialties, and 12 emergency medical service units, are three prominent
hospitals dedicated to the overall well-being of the community. |
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| Lifestyle |
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| Life in Manatee County is supported by a strong quality of life.
The area has much to offer, with nationally recognized educational and
healthcare resources, abundant recreation complemented by a fantastic climate
and a thriving business sector leading the way. Adding to all of this is the
availability of diverse, quality housing options sure to appeal to newcomers.
Single professionals, families and retirees alike are attracted to the
unmatched lifestyle of Manatee County and its surrounding areas. Access the experience of central Florida
with its world-renowned attractions such as Walt Disney World, Universal
Studios, Sea World, and Busch Gardens…or…simply enjoy the quiet beaches of
Anna Maria Island. |
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| Recreation |
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| Miles of beaches, prime golf courses, numerous local and state
parks and recreation areas, plus an abundance of excellent recreational
programming through the County’s Parks and Recreation Department—not to
mention the area’s wonderful climate!—have made Manatee County THE place for
any recreational endeavor. |
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| Beaches &
Water Fun |
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World-class
beaches line Manatee County, providing residents and guests with plenty of
diversions and gorgeous views. The sandy beaches of Anna Maria Island,
Longboat Key and Manatee County’s mainland are ideal for a day with the
family and offer a distinct experience for beach lovers. Activities range
from swimming, fishing, kite surfing and parasailing to scuba diving,
snorkeling, kayaking and more. More than 30 marinas and eight boat ramps
allow for quick access to miles of waterways, bayous and rivers that wind
throughout the county, as well as the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay. |
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| Natural Outdoor
Areas |
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| Manatee County is teeming with beautiful outdoor recreation
areas that offer a host of active and passive leisure opportunities offering
ample activities including boating, freshwater fishing, kayaking, canoeing,
hiking, camping and picknicking. |
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| Golf |
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| Nearly two-dozen public and private golf courses can be accessed
within a 30-minute drive of Manatee County, with many of the finest courses
located right within the immediate area. |
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| Attractions |
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| Museums |
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Manatee County
and the surrounding area is home to a number of distinct museums, offering
patrons an entertaining educational experience. The South Florida Museum, the
state’s largest museum of its type and is the home of the area’s manatee
mascot, Snooty, the oldest living manatee to be born and raised in a
protected environment. There is also
the Crosley Museum, Family Heritage House Museum, Florida Gulf Coast Railroad
Museum, G.WIZ-The Hands-On Science Museum, John & Mable Ringling Museum
of Art, Manatee County Agricultural Museum, and the Sarasota Classic Car
Museum. |
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| Historic Sites |
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| The people of Manatee County take pride in maintaining the
area’s deep heritage and have established a multitude of preserved historical
sites allowing patrons the chance to step back in time. There is the Madira
Bickel Mound State Archaeological Site, DeSoto National Memorial Park, Cortez
Historic Fishing Village, Palmetto Historical Park, Manatee Village
Historical Park and Gample Plantation. |
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| Sports
Entertainment |
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Manatee County
and its surrounding region are teeming with opportunities for the sports
enthusiast. There are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL) Tampa Bay Lightning
(NHL), Tampa Bay Rays (MLB). Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB) also make a presence in
the spring, as the Pirates play ball at Bradenton’s McKechnie Field. The area
also offers opportunities to view and participate in such sports as golf,
tennis, polo, cricket and archery. |
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| Arts &
Entertainment |
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| Arts |
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| Manatee County’s cultural community is bursting with life, with
everything from modern venues and an acclaimed art museum to theatrical,
musical and dance troupes calling this area home. Thanks to such leading
organizations as the Manatee County Cultural Alliance, ArtCenter Manatee,
Manatee Players, the Artists Guild of Manatee, Village of the Arts, Palmetto
Art Center and a multitude of other related entities, the area’s arts and
entertainment scene is well supported and continuously expanding. |
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| Theatre |
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| There is certainly no shortage of high quality theatre in the
area including the Manatee Players, Powel Crosley Estate, Island Players
Community Theater, and the Asolo
Repertory Theatre. |
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| Music &
More |
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| A
variety of music and dance companies travel through Manatee County, with
several established right in the area.
The Sarasota Orchestra, the oldest continuously running orchestra in
Florida. There is also the Sarasota
Opera, Sarasota Pops Orchestra and the Anna Maria Island Community Chorus and
Orchestra. |
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