If it’s a component of a larger project inclusive of other MC services or a broader GDP for county government at Lena-sure. It would be nice or “thoughtful” planning to conceptualize a future Lena Rd facility if we intend to keep the new building at Lakewood ranch. Eventually build it out in modules or pieces over time.
The only hard part is maintaining that planned trajectory and following through on the long term plan. What if any other departments are better served at a central Lena Rd. Location? Motor pool, utilities, code enforcement, road crews, environmental services? Any thoughts?
The original planned location is immediately beyond School House Plaza. In fact you can still see the stubbed out road that was to lead to it. It’s on the edge of the Lena property so it would not impact future overall site plans for the property.
I agree with most of this piece and wrote more on my FB page. But why the accusation that some advocates are only doing so for "personal wins?" What win could any of us be seeking? What gain could any of us receive? I don't understand why Commissioner Krusse and Siddique feel compelled to belittle people that just want a better shelter. The accusation that any of us are motivated by personal gains does not make sense and should be explained. Elected officials should not make broad, generic accusations against citizens without evidence - indeed, without even a hint of how such a charge makes sense. I don't get it. Commissioners Kruse and Siddique should be above that. And as far as the Animal Shelter Fund donations graph at the end - are we being told that tax revenue can be spent on new Admin bldgs, medians in front of Medallion Homes projects, and renting generators - but not a decent public animal shelter? Why are only animal shelters required to fund raise? Did Carlos Beruff pitch in for the medians on El Conquistador?
Another east county location is an excellent idea. I live in Myakka City and unfortunately, many dogs and cats are brought out here and dumped. Over the years, I have had to save many of these from certain death on SR 64. The last time I called Animal Control for one they said due to staffing, it would be three days before they could pick it up. I therefore had to drive it all the way to Bishop myself. Our county can and should do better for the animals and our citizens.
The issues at the Animal Shelter are not being appropriately addressed. The animals are suffering as a result. The temporary shade solutions for them is grossly inadequate and the heat in those “spaces” is unacceptable. Awnings are not air conditioners! The interior space for each kennel is so small that there is no room for adequate bedding for the dogs. Please allow volunteers to enter these buildings
and regular inspections to occur. Areas for adoptions and greetings is not the most important for what the dogs being housed need. Please address what the critical needs of the animals are.
So..... You think the answer to one horrifically gone wrong shelter is to build another? How political of you! Seriously..... Just fix this one first. Stop making excuses, pointing the finger and being like every other spender of our tax dollars and just take ownership of this..... Fix it and be done. Next time.... Do way better! In the time you spend on substack giving us your profound thoughts you could be in the trenches finding out the real problems and coming up with cost effective, dog minded solutions. The paid for opinion piece by the observer is clearly a marketing stunt that most of us aren't actually stupid enough to believe it fall for and should be a complete embarrassment to anyone who calls themselves a journalist. It drips of.... Hey let me do you a favor....
I recently moved to this state under the impression that Florida prides itself on robust animal welfare and rights advocacy. Instead, what I have witnessed at this county-run facility is inhumane. The extreme heat conditions that these animals are being subjected to inside the newly expanded facilities lack the bare minimum protections required to keep them safe. Forcing dogs to endure suffocating Florida temperatures with an explicit lack of structural shade and proper climate mitigation is not acceptable shelter management—it is a form of institutional animal cruelty.According to Manatee County’s own official stance, animal cruelty constitutes any act or omission where unnecessary or unjustifiable suffering is permitted to continue when there is a reasonable remedy available. The local community, dedicated volunteers, and professional trainers have repeatedly raised alarms regarding lack of shade, exposure to extreme outdoor elements, and faulty facility planning. Leaving animals to bake in inadequate structures while commissioners debate administrative logistics is a severe breach of public trust. A $12 million taxpayer-funded expansion should guarantee a state-of-the-art facility, not an environment where animals face heat exhaustion. While I am aware the Board recently voted to bring the University of Florida Shelter Medicine Program back for an on-site review, immediate interim measures must be taken today to cool these kennels before animals die from heatstroke.Please be advised that I am not content to let this sit in committee meetings. If immediate corrective action is not taken to implement climate control and shade structures at the Bishop Animal Shelter, I will be escalating this matter directly to Governor Ron DeSantis, regional and national news media outlets, and statewide animal advocacy watchdogs.These animals have no voice, but the residents of Manatee County do. We expect transparency, accountability, and immediate relief for these animals. I demand to know what immediate actions your office is taking this week to address the heat crisis at the shelter.
Why do we not think about the homeless people on the streets and less about our continued discussions of Bishop and the animal facility? I think the county has done a great job for our four-legged beings.
We think about both. I spend more time on affordable housing than anyone. Commissioner Ballard spends so much time on the homeless that she was brought up to the White House to discuss at a summit. The public has a right to speak up about what they feel passionate about. Recently, it’s been the same group of people pushing for more and more funds to be spent at Bishop but no one coming in to speak against it or for an alternative use of funds.
Counterpoint: https://www.yourobserver.com/news/2026/may/13/tired-spending-money-animal-shelters/
If it’s a component of a larger project inclusive of other MC services or a broader GDP for county government at Lena-sure. It would be nice or “thoughtful” planning to conceptualize a future Lena Rd facility if we intend to keep the new building at Lakewood ranch. Eventually build it out in modules or pieces over time.
The only hard part is maintaining that planned trajectory and following through on the long term plan. What if any other departments are better served at a central Lena Rd. Location? Motor pool, utilities, code enforcement, road crews, environmental services? Any thoughts?
The original planned location is immediately beyond School House Plaza. In fact you can still see the stubbed out road that was to lead to it. It’s on the edge of the Lena property so it would not impact future overall site plans for the property.
I agree with most of this piece and wrote more on my FB page. But why the accusation that some advocates are only doing so for "personal wins?" What win could any of us be seeking? What gain could any of us receive? I don't understand why Commissioner Krusse and Siddique feel compelled to belittle people that just want a better shelter. The accusation that any of us are motivated by personal gains does not make sense and should be explained. Elected officials should not make broad, generic accusations against citizens without evidence - indeed, without even a hint of how such a charge makes sense. I don't get it. Commissioners Kruse and Siddique should be above that. And as far as the Animal Shelter Fund donations graph at the end - are we being told that tax revenue can be spent on new Admin bldgs, medians in front of Medallion Homes projects, and renting generators - but not a decent public animal shelter? Why are only animal shelters required to fund raise? Did Carlos Beruff pitch in for the medians on El Conquistador?
Another east county location is an excellent idea. I live in Myakka City and unfortunately, many dogs and cats are brought out here and dumped. Over the years, I have had to save many of these from certain death on SR 64. The last time I called Animal Control for one they said due to staffing, it would be three days before they could pick it up. I therefore had to drive it all the way to Bishop myself. Our county can and should do better for the animals and our citizens.
The issues at the Animal Shelter are not being appropriately addressed. The animals are suffering as a result. The temporary shade solutions for them is grossly inadequate and the heat in those “spaces” is unacceptable. Awnings are not air conditioners! The interior space for each kennel is so small that there is no room for adequate bedding for the dogs. Please allow volunteers to enter these buildings
and regular inspections to occur. Areas for adoptions and greetings is not the most important for what the dogs being housed need. Please address what the critical needs of the animals are.
Well said, George! I agree one hundred percent.
So..... You think the answer to one horrifically gone wrong shelter is to build another? How political of you! Seriously..... Just fix this one first. Stop making excuses, pointing the finger and being like every other spender of our tax dollars and just take ownership of this..... Fix it and be done. Next time.... Do way better! In the time you spend on substack giving us your profound thoughts you could be in the trenches finding out the real problems and coming up with cost effective, dog minded solutions. The paid for opinion piece by the observer is clearly a marketing stunt that most of us aren't actually stupid enough to believe it fall for and should be a complete embarrassment to anyone who calls themselves a journalist. It drips of.... Hey let me do you a favor....
I recently moved to this state under the impression that Florida prides itself on robust animal welfare and rights advocacy. Instead, what I have witnessed at this county-run facility is inhumane. The extreme heat conditions that these animals are being subjected to inside the newly expanded facilities lack the bare minimum protections required to keep them safe. Forcing dogs to endure suffocating Florida temperatures with an explicit lack of structural shade and proper climate mitigation is not acceptable shelter management—it is a form of institutional animal cruelty.According to Manatee County’s own official stance, animal cruelty constitutes any act or omission where unnecessary or unjustifiable suffering is permitted to continue when there is a reasonable remedy available. The local community, dedicated volunteers, and professional trainers have repeatedly raised alarms regarding lack of shade, exposure to extreme outdoor elements, and faulty facility planning. Leaving animals to bake in inadequate structures while commissioners debate administrative logistics is a severe breach of public trust. A $12 million taxpayer-funded expansion should guarantee a state-of-the-art facility, not an environment where animals face heat exhaustion. While I am aware the Board recently voted to bring the University of Florida Shelter Medicine Program back for an on-site review, immediate interim measures must be taken today to cool these kennels before animals die from heatstroke.Please be advised that I am not content to let this sit in committee meetings. If immediate corrective action is not taken to implement climate control and shade structures at the Bishop Animal Shelter, I will be escalating this matter directly to Governor Ron DeSantis, regional and national news media outlets, and statewide animal advocacy watchdogs.These animals have no voice, but the residents of Manatee County do. We expect transparency, accountability, and immediate relief for these animals. I demand to know what immediate actions your office is taking this week to address the heat crisis at the shelter.
Why do we not think about the homeless people on the streets and less about our continued discussions of Bishop and the animal facility? I think the county has done a great job for our four-legged beings.
We think about both. I spend more time on affordable housing than anyone. Commissioner Ballard spends so much time on the homeless that she was brought up to the White House to discuss at a summit. The public has a right to speak up about what they feel passionate about. Recently, it’s been the same group of people pushing for more and more funds to be spent at Bishop but no one coming in to speak against it or for an alternative use of funds.