The Manatee County Chamber of Commerce has spent decades perfecting the art of answering questions asked by newcomers and visitors to the area.
They range from the offbeat to the crucial, but regardless the chamber tries to answer each one as usefully - and truthfully - as possible.
Here are a few examples:
Useful
Who are the utility and cable companies in the Manatee area?
Florida Power and Light, Verizon, Brighthouse.
Where and when do the Lipizzaner stallions train?
In Myakka City. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays November through April.
Where can I see Manatees in the wild?
At the power plant in Apollo Beach.
Where's the library? (Probably the most frequently asked.)
1301 Barcarrota Blvd
What's the status of the 'Pink Hotel'?
Closed, since the collapse of the housing market has stalled plans to have it go condo. Its new owner is trying to get it renovated, possibly with an eye toward its return to its previous use as an assisted living facility. and trying to get renovated
Where can newcomers look for jobs?
There are a number of places, but the chamber has developed a practice of referring them to www.jobfocus.com or www.badenton.com.
Where's the tax , driver's license and property appraiser's office?
The tax office is at 819 301 Blvd West; the property appraiser's is 915 4th Ave. W., the driver's license office is at 3611 First St. E.
Where's the nearest hotspot for wireless internet.
At the chamber building, XXX
Who is Snooty?
The oldest manatee living in captivity. Snooty turned 59 this year.
How many miles of coastline does Manatee County have?
27 miles of sandy beaches with a total of 170 miles of waterfront
And then there are the questions that can give even a seasoned veteran pause for a moment.
Here are a couple of them:
Can you bring mattresses into the state of Florida or will they mildew?
Yes, you can bring a mattress. Mildew's a problem, but we still have to sleep somewhere.
How many armadillos are there in Manatee County?
No one really knows for sure. But for the most recent, best guess, contact Animal Control at (941) 748 4501. We're still not sure why you're wondering, though.
What is the size of grain of sand on our beaches?
Very fine. Much finer than the kind you'll find up north, or on the other coast.
Which of your beaches is closest to the water?
All of them are pretty close. Pick the one that's closest to you.
