Manatee County to hold first-of-its-kind event to improve southwest entrances to county

MANATEE -- Manatee County is looking for ways to improve the look and livability of the county's southern entrances and is seeking the public's input in doing so.

During a first-of-its-kind event called #iSeeManatee , county officials will be seeking feedback from local college students and southwest county residents and business owners about improving the southern portions of the county.

The event will be held Friday, April 17 from 6-9 p.m. at Dolphin Aviation, 8191 N. Tamiami Trail.

Manatee County's Millennial Team is planning the #iSeeManatee event and is hoping to get input on roads, housing, new jobs, educational opportunities and quality of life from the people who live and work near University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee and Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, according to a news release.

The southwest portion of the county is part of the Southwest County Improvement District, which was created to focus on the area's redevelopment.

"Younger voices can get overlooked as a community takes shape, so we're trying to become part of the process," Ogden Clark, a member of the Millennial Team, said in a news release. "At #iSeeManatee, we're going to ask people to tell us what they want this gateway to evolve into to attract students, retailers and employers. This needs to be a vibrant area where you can find good jobs, affordable housing and a good place to meet friends for dinner."

At the event, there will be food, drinks and live music.

For more information, go to mymanatee.org.

Claire Aronson, Manatee County reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7024 or at caronson@bradenton.com. Follow her on Twitter@Claire_Aronson.

This story was originally published March 27, 2015 at 3:10 PM with the headline "Manatee County to hold first-of-its-kind event to improve southwest entrances to county ."