MANATEE COUNTY, FL (March 11, 2025) – The Manatee Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is asking for public input and ideas for improving the US 41 corridor in an initiative called “Vision 41.”
Two upcoming public “Open House” events will detail proposed improvements to the streetscape along the US 41 corridor, from the Manatee County Line (University Parkway) north to Bowlees Creek. The information sessions are scheduled as follows:
March 26, 2025 – 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
South County Library
6081 26th St. W., Bradenton
April 2, 2025 – 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Powel Crosley Mansion
8374 N Tamiami Tr., Sarasota
“We’re trying to attract economic development to the 41 Corridor which will be great for us,” said Manatee County District 4 Commissioner Mike Rahn, as he introduced planners from Fawley Bryant Architecture and Green Street Associates, who detailed initial proposals to beautify and rejuvenate the first phase of the project during a presentation to the BOCC on March 4, 2025.
“This is a great opportunity for us to collaborate in a public-private partnership to make US 41 a better place to have business; for families to be in the area; for the college students and for the airport,” he continued, ticking off the notable stakeholders in the region who have been a part of brainstorming and community workshops and who also stand to benefit from the area enhancements.
From re-establishing planted medians in the so-called University Mile -- which connects the campuses of University of South Florida Sarasota Manatee Campus (USFSM), New College and the Florida State University (FSU) Ringling College of Art and Design – to encouraging urban mixed-use development, commissioners were intrigued by the proposals for the initial phase of the pilot program. However, they were concerned that this initiative gets past the planning phase(s).
“What can we do to make this different than the times we have done this in the past?” asked District 2 Commissioner Amanda Ballard.
Potential costs, and possible funding mechanisms have been discussed by the BOCC as well as proposed changes to development codes, which could spur even more creative development in the region. Commissioners pointed to a desire for robust public participation in the process.
These meetings will allow the public to learn more about the proposed improvements to the US 41 Corridor. Guests will be invited to view project boards and plans. Project staff also will be on hand to answer questions and provide other project-related information. There will be no formal presentation, and guests may arrive any time between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Further information may be obtained at
mymanatee.org/vision41.
“We have a lot of momentum with SRQ, with New College, with USF,” said Commission Chair George Kruse. There’s a lot of opportunity to build on that.”
“Let’s keep this pushing forward, “said Commissioner Rahn (whose district contains much of the Vision 41 area). “After we do all the community engagement, let’s bring it back and say, ‘here’s where we’re at, here’s what the public wants,’ and let’s move this forward.”