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Manatee County Overview 
Friendly people…  Business friendly
Located in Florida’s Tampa Bay metro region, the Greater Bradenton Area encompasses the cities of Anna Maria, Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, Longboat Key, Palmetto, and numerous communities in the unincorporated area of Manatee County, such as Lakewood Ranch, Ellenton and Parrish.
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Nestled at the south end of Tampa Bay and bordered by the Gulf of Mexico, the Greater Bradenton Area offers the business advantages of the Tampa Bay Region, the neighborly lifestyles of Manatee County, and the proximity to recreational and cultural experiences of central Florida.
The Manatee Riverwalk is the downtown business district that boasts two cities on the move, Bradenton and Palmetto. The mile-wide Manatee River connects the two cities and provides a pleasant setting for businesses and residents alike.  Waterfront festivals, cultural events, and farmers’ markets, along with government center activities bring the County’s diverse communities together.
golfWithout losing the small town charm and appeal, finance, business services, restaurants, healthcare and cultural organizations are showing strong signs of growth.  Over $350 million of capital investment has either been completed or is in process for projects located in the Manatee Riverwalk district.
While Bradenton and Palmetto are the two largest incorporated cities in the County, the island cities of Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, and Longboat Key offer lifestyles with their own set of personalities.
Miles and miles of white beaches, water sports, premier golf courses, and proximity to major tourist attractions make the island communities prime vacation spots, but more and more people are discovering that they can enjoy the amenities all year long whether they live on the island or mainland.
Lifestyle
Select a new home in one of the many diverse neighborhoods and communities, including quiet island beaches, luxury condominiums on Longboat Key, traditional neighborhoods, and numerous golf course communities near I-75.

Access the experience of central Florida with its world-renowned attractions such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, and Busch Gardens…or…simply enjoy the quiet beaches of Anna Maria Island.

Sports enthusiasts have more than 40 local golf courses, an abundance of parks with playing fields, and the IMG/Bollettieri Tennis, Baseball, and Golf Academies.  Professional sports, such as baseball, football and hockey, are only an hour or less away.  Manatee County hosts spring training for the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team.
Manatee County and Tampa Bay offer a cultural smorgasbord.  Dine at award winning restaurants, local pubs, or beachside cafes.  Touring “Broadway” plays and other world class performing acts are found at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Van Wezel, and the Mahaffey Theater.  View art at the Ringling Museum, historical exhibits at the St. Petersburg Museum, or science exhibits at the Museum of Science and Industry.  Community theater is popular at the Riverfront Theater or the Island Players.  Festivals, visual and performing arts, and cultural events abound in Manatee County.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL * MANATEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
P.O. BOX 321 * 222 10th Street West * Bradenton, FL 34206-0321 * Phone: +1 (1-941) 748-3411 * E-mail: Info@manateeEDC.com