‘Nobody’s scared of DOGE.’ Manatee officials react to DeSantis budget questions
Despite the state’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team coming to audit Manatee County next week, county commissioners say they have nothing to hide.
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Thursday that the state’s DOGE team will audit Manatee County as a part of the task force’s ongoing investigations into local governments. DeSantis said the team’s goal is to uncover any reckless spending and take a closer look at the county’s “expanding budget.”
Members of the state’s DOGE task force will visit Manatee County next Tuesday and Wednesday to look into more than 60 information requests about the county government’s spending. In those requests is specific information about the county’s intent to purchase the Mixon Fruit Farms property.
Despite DOGE calling out the proposed purchase in the audit, the board seemed unconcerned about the investigation. On Tuesday, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a budget amendment to move forward with the $13.5 million purchase of Mixon Fruit Farms.
During the discussion, Commissioner Bob McCann asked county staff if they had all of the information requested by DOGE, which includes assessments and plans made by the county, as well as information from the current owners about revenue, expenses and maintenance.
Manatee officials react to DOGE audit
In response to McCann’s request, Commissioner George Kruse emphasized that the county has nothing to hide and should not fear the DOGE audit.
“If we feel we’ve been doing things properly in Manatee County, and I believe we have, then we just need to continue moving down the road as if we’ve always moved down the road,” Kruse said.
Kruse added that the county should not worry about the DOGE audit if the commission is comfortable with the purchase as long as they can support the purchase by showing it brings more value to taxpayers than its cost.
Following a brief applause from the chambers, McCann said he wanted to make sure staff were prepared, not to admit fear.
“To set the record straight, nobody’s scared of DOGE,” McCann said.
Later in the meeting, McCann doubled-down on his comments.
“Again, we have nothing to hide,” McCann said. “I think that we’re doing everything here that we’re supposed to do by law.”
He and Commissioner Carol Ann Felts added that the audit might help the county by bringing to light past inefficiencies from previous boards and new information.
“We shouldn’t have too much to worry about,” Felts said.
Manatee County’s own DOGE committee
The board also appointed five members to its new Government Efficiency Liaison Committee at the July 29 meeting.
David Otterness, Benjamin Heavener, John Settineri, Mark Stanoch and Don Berg were selected by the commissioners to serve on the committee and support the county’s participation in the state’s DOGE efforts. Applications for the committee, which the board voted to create in May, closed on July 18.
“This is an important board,” Kruse said in a press release. “The intent was to have a broad swatch of people with IT, HR and finance experience. Backgrounds and experience are important.”
DeSantis orders DOGE audit in Manatee County
DeSantis and Florida’s newly appointed chief financial officer, Blaise Ingoglia, visited Bradenton on Thursday to announce the upcoming audit.
The state’s DOGE task force investigates local spending through government records, data systems, physical premises and personnel.
DeSantis said Manatee County became a part of the investigations due to what he claims is a stark difference between the rising property tax revenue in the county and its population growth. He also pointed to the county’s growing reserve fund as a red flag.
After the press conference, Manatee County Government released an official statement saying it appreciates the state’s commitment to financial responsibility.
“Manatee County looks forward to working with the State of Florida and the State DOGE team on their efforts. We are proud of the progress we’ve made here in Manatee County and look forward to identifying ways to improve,” the statement said. “As stewards of public resources, we continue to prioritize responsible budgeting and accountability to our residents.”
This story was originally published July 29, 2025 at 5:26 PM.
