On August 23, 2018, the Florida Municipal Loan Council announced the closing of its 27th series of fixed-rate bonds, issuing $7.595 million of bonds. Using the FMLC’s bond program, the Series 2018A bonds were issued on behalf of the City of Bradenton to finance the construction of a public parking garage.
Located in downtown Bradenton, the new garage will house roughly 500 parking spaces and cost approximately $13.8 million. Construction has already begun, and the garage is expected to be completed in early 2019. It replaces a parking ot behind the City Centre that was shared by City Hall and the Police Department.
The ground floor of the garage will include a 7,500-squarefoot office for the Manatee Chamber of Commerce. Also on the ground level, four to five stores will cover 5,000 square feet. Behind the stores, there will be 100 parking spaces reserved for a hotel being constructed across the street. An additional 400 parking spaces will be available to the public. The project includes a second-floor balcony that overlooks Main Street and can be used for special events. The project also includes an exterior plaza with green space between the garage and the City Centre.