Clerk of Court Operations to Cease at Local History Museums

The Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller announces that its Historical Resources Department will discontinue operations of the Manatee Village Historical Park, Palmetto Historical Park, Manatee County Agricultural Museum, and Florida Maritime Museum on Sept. 30, 2024.

Beginning Oct. 1, 2024, Manatee County Government will take over the operation of these four historical sites under the county’s Sports & Leisure Department.

The Clerk’s Office expresses sincere gratitude to the Historical Resources Department staff, community leaders, volunteers, and local residents for their dedication over the last 40 years in preserving the history and heritage of Manatee County.

A Historic Legacy

Over the last four decades, in partnership with local municipalities and nonprofits, the Historical Resources Department of the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller has led the restoration, preservation, and stewardship of numerous historical structures, boats, a steam locomotive, and the construction of many building replicas in its effort to preserve the material record of Manatee County’s development and history.

The department has received several awards from state and national associations for its outstanding work in preservation and heritage education. These achievements were made possible through partnerships with nonprofits that have contributed significantly to the stewardship of the historic structures and grounds at each site.

The department’s staff, trained museum professionals, have served hundreds of thousands of people through site visits, outreach programs, field trips, and Manatee History Day, a thematic history competition that engages local students in historical research and serves as the local affiliate of National History Day.

The Board’s Vote

Despite the department’s many accolades, on Sept. 12, 2023, the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners voted 6-1 to remove the four historical museums from the Historical Resources Department of the Clerk and terminate Clerk funding for staff and operations.

While the Clerk’s Office disagrees with the board’s decision, the office is committed to ensuring a smooth transition so these sites will continue to serve the community for decades to come.

Published date: July 31, 2024