The Big Picture Manatee

Government Corruption or Fiscal Responsibility?

Welcome back to The Big Picture Manatee! In part 2 of our discussion on the highly controversial Musgrave Property, we are joined by Mitch Maley from The Bradenton Times to dive deeper into this complex issue. If you haven’t seen part 1, find it here: https://youtu.be/XM0ugFPz8G0?si=mC-WN4mrlUv0VIoiOriginally purchased to address essential county needs such as landfill overflow and improving sheriff response times, the Musgrave Property has since been co-opted by special interests for political gain. With misleading messaging clouding the true intentions of the property, we explore the original deal and what the future holds now that it is slated to be sold. Will the Musgrave Property be turned into more development, further exacerbating the issue of skyrocketing land prices in the area? And how will the community meet its needs without this valuable piece of land? Join us as we unravel the layers of this contentious topic and strive for a clearer understanding of the situation at hand. Subscribe now to stay informed on all things Manatee County!

Update: Community Survey and Former Administrator's Legal Battle

In this episode, Cheri Coryea, Misty Servia, and Reggie Bellamy discuss critical topics that you won't want to miss. 📋 **Community Survey Update:** Learn about the Citizens Survey available online on the county's website. Share your feedback on important issues like roads, parks, public safety, and the environment. Your voice matters, so don't miss this opportunity to make a difference! Survey can be found here: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/e845f02432a4485f9069f2ce78ae92c8 **Former County Administrator Update:** Get the latest on the criminal case of former County Administrator Scott Hopes. Discover the recent developments, including a request for the judge's recusal and Scott Hopes' plea of not guilty. Dive into the discussion as the team provides insights and analysis on this significant matter. 🔊 Don't miss out on these crucial updates and discussions! Listen now on your favorite podcast platform or visit our website to catch the episode. Stay informed, stay engaged, and let your voice be heard in shaping the future of Manatee County! #BigPictureManatee #CommunityUpdates #StayInformed 🌴🎧

Transparency (or lack thereof) in Our Local Government

Have you noticed the myriad of ways where transparency in our local county government has disappeared?From late county calendar adjustments to limitations on public comments, it's crucial to shine a light on these issues.In our latest episode of The Big Picture Manatee, we delve deep into the challenges surrounding transparency in our local government. We discuss various examples, including late entries into the agenda and the removal of public comments on social media.Join us as we discuss what's really going on, and explore how these issues impact our community.Your voice matters, so let us know if you've noticed these problems too. Together, let's advocate for a more transparent and accountable local government!

Breaking: Former County Administrator Scott Hopes Charged with 3 Felonies

🚨📢 **Breaking News Show** 📢🚨 Today, we're diving deep into the recent bombshell surrounding former County Administrator Scott Hopes.As reported by multiple outlets, Hopes has been charged with not one, not two, but three felonies by the State Attorney's office. This news has sent shockwaves throughout our community and sparked intense discussions.We understand the importance of staying informed, which is why we encourage you to seek out official records and documents for yourself. Your engagement and awareness are crucial as we navigate through these challenging times together.Thank you for joining us for this breaking news update. Stay tuned for more updates and discussions! 🌟

County Land, Public Use or Developer Abuse? Insights from Mitch Maley

Exploring the Musgrave Property Saga with Mitch Maley!Join us in this insightful video as we sit down with the esteemed Dennis "Mitch" Maley to delve into the intricate details of the Musgrave property deal. Mitch, a seasoned journalist from The Bradenton Times, shares his wealth of knowledge and sheds light on some burning questions: 1. Opposition to the Original Deal: Explore the arguments made by those opposing the Musgrave property deal in 2020. Were the claims of a high purchase price valid? Mitch breaks down the details.2. Win-Win for County and Landowner: Reflect on the overall benefits of the Musgrave property purchase for the county and the landowner. Understand why the Musgraves were reluctant to sell, especially for major housing projects. 3. Historical Context and Open Secrets: Unearth old articles dating back to 2005, emphasizing Roger Musgrave's steadfast stance against selling. Discover insights from the Manatee County Property Appraiser's Office and the intense developer interest. Navigate through the 2019 Business Observer article predicting a sale over $70 million and the anticipation of a "legacy project." Mitch addresses the open-secret perception of the property's high value and its desirability for developers. Q: Future Development Prospects: Despite the Musgraves' wishes, Mitch shares his perspective on whether a major development is inevitable for the property. 🗣️ Join the conversation, gain valuable insights, and unravel the hidden truths surrounding the Musgrave property. Don't miss this in-depth discussion with Mitch Maley!

Episode 1: Searching for a New County Administrator - Manatee County

Welcome to The Big Picture Manatee! In this inaugural episode, we’re discussing Manatee County’s search for a new County Administrator. Should we do a national search? And if so, why?
Hear from former Manatee County Administrator, Cheri Coryea, as well as former County Commissioners Reggie Bellamy and Misty Servia.