May 2021 in Pictures

Manatee County Government
MCGov Voices
Published in
4 min readJun 2, 2021

May provided a number of opportunities for us to recognize the hard work and dedication of valuable staff who provide vital services to our community. We also held the County’s first pet clinic. We can’t wait to see what June brings!

Economic Development Week May 9–15, 2021

Left: We celebrated #ManateeMomentum during Economic Development Week on our social media pages. Middle: The “Spot the Shop” game allowed people to guess the shop connected to the image of an iconic statue, mural or other landmark. Right: We showcased some local businesses that have gotten funding through Manatee CARES programs.

Redevelopment and Economic Opportunity Department (REO) was created in October 2016 to focus county efforts on the redevelopment and revitalization of urban areas of the county and to create greater economic opportunities for residents and businesses with our housing, community and economic development projects and programs.

During Economic Development Week we highlighted our Economic Development team’s efforts and achievements in the community, while also shining a spotlight on local businesses.

Read about the forward-facing momentum that is gaining ground in Manatee County in this guest blog post by Economic Development Manager Ruth A. Buchanan, MBA, CEcD.

Board of County Commission Meeting — May 11, 2021

Top Left: May Employee of the Month Paula Pesmark. Bottom Left: Information Technology, Public Safety and County Administration staff recognized for collaborating on the county’s COVID-19 data dashboard. Top Right: REO staff recognizing Economic Development Week. Bottom Right: First responders recognizing Emergency Medical Services Week.

Paula Pesmark was celebrated as Manatee County Government’s May Employee of the Month! Paula has been with the county for almost 17 years and currently works as Building Supervisor. She supervises a custodial crew and is responsible for the health and cleanliness of many Manatee County facilities.

A team of Information Technology, Public Safety and County Administration staff were recognized for working together to quickly and effectively get important COVID-19 data out to the public during the pandemic.

Earlier this month, the Board of County Commissioners designated May 9–15, 2021 as National Economic Development Week. Economic developers attract and retain high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions.

The board also recognized May 16–22, 2021 as Emergency Medical Services Week. Emergency Medical Services is a vital service to the community and these teams are ready to provide lifesaving care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

See more photos from the meeting here.

Public Works Week — May 16–22, 2021

Top Left: Fleet Maintenance tech repairing a MCAT bus. Bottom Left: Field Maintenance crews clearing drainage canals. Top Right and Bottom Right: Field Maintenance crews are responsible for the maintenance, repair and enhancement of more than 1,450 miles of roadway.

From field workers maintaining stormwater pipes and ditches to bus drivers to engineers designing new bridges, you may not realize all the ways our Public Works team of nearly 500 makes an impact in your daily life.

Read more about Public Works in this guest blog post by Public Works Strategic Affairs Manager Ogden Clark.

EMS Week — May 16–22, 2021

Left: EMS Chief James Crutchfield, Paramedic of the Year Sherri Pellien, EMT of the Year Justin Woods and Public Safety Director Jake Saur. Right: Manatee County EMS workers administer vaccines at one of the County’s COVID-19 vaccination sites.

From treating patients with COVID-19 to administering the vaccines to homebound seniors, Manatee County Emergency Medical Service professionals have been on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic, putting the wellbeing and safety of their community before their own. The career can be difficult, challenging and stressful — especially over the last year.

In his guest blog, Manatee County EMS Chief James Crutchfield thanks our local heroes for dedicating their lives to keeping Manatee County healthy and safe.

Manatee County Animal Services Pet Clinic — May 23, 2021 at G.T. Bray Park

Manatee County Animal Services (MCAS) hosted their first pet clinic. With Hurricane Season starting soon, Manatee County Animal Services wants to make sure pet owners are prepared in the event of a storm. MCAS offered free pet vaccination, microchip and licensing clinics for residents of Manatee County.

Visit www.mymanatee.org/petclinic for details about any future pet clinic events.

Board of County Commission Meeting — May 25, 2021

Left: Lee Washington, Ava Edhe, Renee Medina, Commissioner Reggie Bellamy, and Commissioner Vanessa Baugh recognizing Memorial Day. Right: Dr. Scott Hopes

The board recognized May 31, 2021 as Memorial Day, where we pay tribute to the fallen heroes who died in service to our country.

The Board of County Commissioners also approved Dr. Scott Hopes as our official County Administrator. Hopes has served as the acting administrator since April 1.

Take a look at more pictures from the meeting here.

As we move through the month of June, we look forward to the events and adventures to come! To check out upcoming June events visit our county calendar. Stay tuned for June 2021 in pictures!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Flickr for updates and videos/photos. Visit our website for other general information.

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Manatee County Government
MCGov Voices

We strive to serve the 411,000+ people who live here with excellence, preserving & enhancing the quality of life in Manatee County.