Storm response demonstrates spirit of humanity in Manatee County

In the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, our community has worked tirelessly to meet the needs of individuals, families and businesses. Manatee County government, the cities, nonprofit organizations, businesses and individuals stepped up to provide leadership, communication, comfort and solutions to unprecedented challenges.

As a member of the county’s Emergency Operations partnership, the Bradenton Area EDC experienced firsthand the deliberations and rapid response activities as county government collaborated with the cities to address vital needs of the community. I was impressed by the dedication of all of the public sector employees who placed their personal needs second to the important work demanded of their municipal roles.

At the Bradenton Area EDC, we continue to support Manatee County employers with information and resources necessary to restore business operations. In speaking with leaders of established businesses, I’m hearing a great deal of concern for the well-being of employees whose homes or vehicles have been damaged or destroyed. Their compassion outweighs the consideration of getting employees back to work — our business owners in Manatee County are leading with their hearts in assisting employees with access to essential resources.

We saw across social media the many ways that local businesses stepped up to help members of the community with basic needs and services. Hancock Whitney Bank distributed ice, water and food at the branch in Holmes Beach. Gettel Automotive provided free coffee for all responders at the company’s Bradenton location. First Watch Restaurants provided free meals at The Center of Anna Maria Island, offering both nourishment and a sense of community for residents, employees and volunteers on the storm-ravaged island.

FELD Entertainment housed search and rescue vehicles and Sheriff’s Office boats, while offering to serve as an alternative facility for FPL line crews. OE Wheels offered heavy-duty boxes and warehouse space. Spectrum Custom Molds offered its parking lot for responders, and towing if needed.

Lakewood Ranch held a gathering where first responders and linemen received a free meal from food trucks at the event, while the community collected food and supplies for those in need because of the hurricanes. Another collection was scheduled for the Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch.

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, working with the Center of Anna Maria Island, provided numerous supplies, volunteers and resources to residents and businesses in the island communities. 

Oysters Rock Hospitality assisted response crews with supplies and food, and activated the “Shuckin’ Good Cause” fund to raise donations to support the company’s displaced employees after the destruction of two restaurants. In partnership with the Manatee Community Foundation, the fund also supports Manatee County hospitality workers in need.

The Mosaic Company pledged $200,000 to match donations to Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee. The Rapid Response Fund of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation provided grants totaling more than $500,000 in life-sustaining support to nonprofits helping those in need. 

These are just a few of the many examples of Manatee County businesses stepping up to meet this challenge. Such generosity and compassion demonstrates the spirit of humanity that exists in our community. It’s something we can all be proud of.

As our community recovers from the destructive hurricanes, we are mindful that residents and businesses in Manatee County are working through storm recovery steps. We hope that by Friday, November 8, you will be ready to join together to network and learn at our Annual Update Luncheon. We are meeting at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Our program this year is especially timely as we look ahead and consider how to future-proof our businesses. Six panelists from the region will share insights on their leadership succession plans as the next generation takes the reins of legacy companies in our community.

Let’s gather and support one another in moving forward, as we always do in Manatee County. You’ll find event registration details on our website at BradentonAreaEDC.com.