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NewsMySuncoast / WWSB (ABC Sarasota)October 29, 2026Sarasota County

Manatee County approves over $100 million for stormwater and hurricane recovery infrastructure

Photo: MySuncoast / WWSB (ABC Sarasota)

Manatee County commissioners approved more than $100 million in infrastructure investments funded by federal disaster recovery allocations to reduce flooding and repair damage from recent hurricanes. The first round of funding targets low- and moderate-income neighborhoods with historical flooding issues through drainage improvements, stormwater technology, and wastewater upgrades. Projects include automated outfall structures designed to lower water levels in stormwater facilities prior to predicted storms.

InfrastructureEmergency ManagementFloodingPublic WorksCommunity Development
Read the full story at MySuncoast / WWSB (ABC Sarasota)

Why It Matters

Residents in neighborhoods with chronic flooding histories, such as Center Lake, Shady Brook, Pearce Drain, and Bowlees Creek, will see targeted drainage improvements and automated water-control gates intended to reduce future flood risks.

Key Facts

  • Manatee County approved more than $100 million in initial infrastructure investments for stormwater, drainage, wastewater, and public facility protection.
  • Approximately $66 million is allocated to six public works projects in eligible low- and moderate-income areas with a history of flooding.
  • The funding includes $24.9 million for Pearce Drain automated outfall structures and $19.1 million for Bowlees Creek automated outfall structures.
  • Other targeted locations for public works improvements include Center Lake, Shady Brook, Meadors Subdivision/Pennsylvania area, Sylvan Oaks, and Glen Creek.
  • Automated outfall structures use water-control gates to lower water levels in stormwater facilities prior to predicted storms, creating additional flood storage.
  • Fifteen automated outfall structures have already been installed throughout the county.
  • The projects are funded through Manatee County's $252.7 million federal Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery allocation.
  • The county set aside up to $125 million for the Infrastructure Recovery and Resiliency Program to support repairs and improvements to publicly owned infrastructure.
  • Projects must complete applicable federal reviews and required agreements before funding can be committed or spent.
  • Residents can track project details via an interactive map at www.lastingmanatee.org.
  • The infrastructure program is separate from the Lasting Manatee Home Recovery Program, which assists individual homeowners with remaining hurricane damage.

Who's Mentioned

locationShady Brook“Area experiencing historical flooding”locationBowlees Creek“Site allocated for automated outfall structures”PersonAshley Schnitker“Grants division manager for Lasting Manatee”OrganizationWWSB“Publisher of the news article”locationGlen Creek“Area designated for public works improvements”locationPearce Drain“Site allocated for automated outfall structures”locationMeadors Subdivision/Pennsylvania area“Area designated for public works improvements”locationCenter Lake“Area experiencing historical flooding”OrganizationABC7 News“News outlet broadcasting interviews with county officials”PersonTom Gerstenberger“Engineering division manager for Manatee County Public Works”locationSylvan Oaks“Area designated for public works improvements”locationManatee County“Local government approving infrastructure investments”otherHurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton“Recent storm events prompting recovery efforts”OrganizationLasting Manatee“Organization managing disaster recovery programs and mapping”