BRADENTON, Fla., Oct. 25, 2026 —
Manatee County voters have a land-and-water question waiting near the end of their ballots. On Nov. 3, 2026, the county will hold a bond referendum asking whether it may borrow money to protect natural lands. Launchpad Digital doesn't take sides. Here's what the official notice says, so you can decide for yourself.
The question, in plain English
The ballot measure is titled the Water Quality Protection, Overdevelopment Prevention, Natural Lands Preservation, and Public Preserves General Obligation Bonds Referendum. It asks whether Manatee County should:
- Levy an additional 0.16 mill ad valorem tax. A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's taxable value, so 0.16 mill works out to 16 cents per $1,000.
- Issue general obligation bonds not exceeding $75,000,000, maturing within 20 years, paid from property taxes.
- Provide annual public audits.
What the money could be used for
According to the ballot language, the money would go toward acquiring, improving and maintaining lands and property interests to protect drinking water sources, water quality, wildlife habitat, and natural and environmentally sensitive lands from overdevelopment, and provide public preserves.
How it passes
Voters will mark For Bonds or Against Bonds. If a majority of the votes cast are in favor, the bonds are approved and may be issued. If fewer than a majority vote yes, the county will not issue the bonds.
How to vote
The Manatee County Supervisor of Elections lists these dates:
- Early voting: Monday, Oct. 19, through Sunday, Nov. 1, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
- Vote by mail: The deadline to request a ballot was Oct. 22. Voted ballots must be in the Supervisor of Elections office by 7 p.m. on Nov. 3.
- Election Day: Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and you must vote at the polling place assigned to your precinct.
The Supervisor's site also lets you look at your personalized sample ballot and track your mail ballot. Results will start posting at 7 p.m. on election night.
Have questions?
The Supervisor of Elections office is at 600 301 Blvd. W., Suite 108, in Bradenton, and can be reached at (941) 741-3823. The county's public notice, with the full ballot text, is posted on MyManatee.org.
Sources
- Manatee County, "Public Notice of Bond Referendum": https://www.mymanatee.org/connect/meetings-and-events/public-notices/meeting-details/public-notice-of-bond-referendum
- Manatee County Supervisor of Elections, "General Election – November 3, 2026": https://www.votemanatee.gov/2026-general-election/
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