Still dealing with hurricane damage? Manatee launches relief assistance center
Manatee County Government is opening a new assistance center to help residents with their applications for disaster-recovery support.
The Lasting Manatee Intake Center will open on June 1, giving residents an accessible, in-person avenue when applying to the county’s Home Recovery Program. The center will assist with applications for damage caused by Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton in 2024.
Support is available through federally funded Community Development Block Grant- Disaster Recovery funds, locally known as Lasting Manatee. This center is meant to help residents who may not have reliable internet or computer access, or simply need additional assistance, navigate the application process.
The county received more than $252 million in disaster-recovery funds to address unmet housing, infrastructure and mitigation needs caused by the 2024 hurricane season.
Staff at the center will help homeowners understand eligibility requirements, complete applications, answer questions and connect residents with available resources, according to the county.
Manatee launches disaster relief center
The center at 1012 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning June 1.
“Recovery is not one-size-fits-all,” said Commissioner Tal Siddique. “For many residents, especially seniors, individuals with disabilities or families still working to stabilize after the storms, an in-person intake center removes barriers and provides direct support from someone who can walk them through the process, step by step.”
The Lasting Manatee Intake Center will be located at 1012 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
The Home Recovery Program helps eligible homeowners repair, reconstruct, elevate or replace storm-damaged homes that have unmet recovery needs after other assistance, according to the county.
“Residents have until June 30 to begin the application process,” the county said.
Homeowners are encouraged to review eligibility criteria, sign up for updates and begin the application process at LastingManatee.org.
Funds available for storm resilience
The county also announced that the Infrastructure Recovery & Resiliency Program will launch on June 1.
This program focuses on infrastructure improvements to lessen the impact of future storms.
“Eligible projects may include stormwater system upgrades, drainage improvements, flood mitigation infrastructure, roadway and bridge resiliency enhancements, utility hardening, water and wastewater system improvements and shoreline stabilization efforts,” the county said.
During the opening of this program, Lasting Manatee will review projects submitted by the county government’s infrastructure departments as well as its local municipalities. Projects will be awarded funding at a meeting this October.
