Cops and taxman get more space in Manatee

BRADENTON — Manatee County Commissioners, in an effort to find more space for the sheriff's office and tax collection department, approved the purchase of two commercial properties for more than $3 million.

Commissioners, in a 7-0 vote, approved $2.9 million to purchase and renovate the former Bright House building on Ninth Street West, according to a release. The Manatee Sheriff's Office plans to use the 25,188-square-foot facility, south of downtown Bradenton, for Child Protective Services, county officials say. The Sheriff's Office has proposed using a state grant to provide a lease payment that would cover the annual debt service payment for the purchase price.

Commissioners also unanimously approved the $375,000 purchase of the former ABC Liquor building at 904 West 301 Blvd. The county, according to the release, plans to demolish the 7,582-square-foot building and construct an 8,500-square-foot facility for the Manatee County Tax Collector's Office to expand driver license operations.