With major public and private investments underway, officials are working to turn Manatee County’s oldest city into a destination of its own, one that balances growth, tourism, and redevelopment with the charm of its historic roots.
The Palmetto Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is leading several projects designed to improve the downtown area and waterfront while encouraging more visitors and residents to spend time in the city.
CRA Executive Director Rowena Young said the goal is to create a vibrant downtown while protecting what makes Palmetto unique.”We’ve been here since the 1800s,” Young said. “It’s a quaint, historic, down-to-earth community where we want vibrancy, but we also want to keep the character of Palmetto.”
One of the newest developments broke ground Tuesday: an 8,000-square-foot retail destination in front of the Palmetto Marriott Resort and Spa.
The project is expected to open in December and will include a coffee shop, restaurant, and retail space aimed at improving walkability for hotel guests and visitors near the Bradenton Area Convention Center.
Officials say the broader investment in the area is expected to bring significant economic returns.