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Invest in Our Future

Join Anthony Drake in shaping a better future for Manatee County. Discover our plans for growth, infrastructure, and employment opportunities as we build a thriving community.

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Locals Barber Shop

Invocation @ Turning Points Veterans Event

Kiwanis Bradenton Veteren Luncheon

About Me.

As a husband, father, foster parent, entrepreneur, and community leader, I have dedicated my life to building strong people, healthy families, and effective organizations. My wife, Melinda, and I are foster parents in Manatee County, an experience that has reinforced the importance of stable systems, accountability, and compassionate leadership that truly serves children and families.

For more than a decade, I have led and helped grow organizations across Manatee and Sarasota Counties, including Vision Church—an organization on the cusp of significant growth and expanded community impact. Leading in this environment has required strategic planning, team development, financial stewardship, and the ability to unite people around a shared vision while navigating real-world challenges.

Beyond church leadership, I have invested in mentorship and entrepreneurship, helping individuals develop skills, confidence, and purpose while strengthening the economic and social fabric of our region. My background in pastoral leadership has shaped my values and commitment to integrity, but my focus has always been on developing leaders, building healthy organizations, and creating sustainable growth.

As a husband and father of four, I share the priorities of Manatee County families—affordable housing, safe neighborhoods, quality education, and responsible infrastructure. As County Commissioner, I am motivated to lead with discipline, collaboration, and heart to ensure Manatee County grows responsibly and remains a place where families can thrive for generations to come.

Platform Talking Points

Smart Growth and Building Standards

  • Implement a Growth Readiness Checklist requiring developers to prove that schools, roads, and utilities are ready before approval.

  • Introduce a “Concurrency Plus” ordinance that prevents permit approvals if critical infrastructure (roads, schools, sewer, emergency services) are over capacity.

  • Encourage infill and redevelopment projects through zoning incentives and streamlined permitting.

Implementation Steps:

  1. Direct the Planning Department to develop a countywide Infrastructure Capacity Index updated quarterly.

  2. Amend zoning codes to require concurrency verification as part of project submittals.

  3. Offer density bonuses or fast-track approvals for infill projects that revitalize underused areas.

Accountability & Public Engagement

Make government transparent, accountable, and inclusive in growth decisions.

Policy Actions:

  • Create a Public Development Dashboard showing every active project, its infrastructure commitments, and progress.

  • Require two public hearings for any major rezoning or land-use change.

  • Launch a Citizens Advisory Committee on Growth composed of residents from each district.

Implementation Steps:

  1. Partner with county IT to develop a public online portal updated monthly.

  2. Amend county ordinances to mandate pre-approval hearings for all large-scale development proposals.

  3. Recruit and appoint 15–20 local residents to a permanent advisory board on growth and infrastructure.

Fiscal Responsibility & Sustainable Funding

Ensure taxpayers are not burdened by the cost of new growth.

Policy Actions:

  • Enforce a “Pay-As-You-Grow” system where developers fund their share of infrastructure through updated impact fees.

  • Establish an Infrastructure Reserve Fund to prepare for long-term maintenance and road expansion.

  • Conduct a 10-year Infrastructure Audit to identify critical needs and prioritize spending.

Implementation Steps:

  1. Direct the Finance Department to conduct a full impact fee review every 3 years.

  2. Pass a resolution earmarking a portion of growth-related revenues for infrastructure reserves.

  3. Require annual public reporting of infrastructure expenditures and remaining capacity.

Upcoming Events

Meet and Greet the Manatee County District 6 candidates. Come support my candidacy for Manatee County Commissioner District 6!
When
Nov 17, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Where
Palmetto,
4611 4th Ave E, Palmetto, FL 34221, USA
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Latest Updates

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Volunteer Opportunities

Drake's campaign kicks off with strong support. Stay tuned for more updates!

Join us at Bradenton Convention Center Oct 25 or 26th at our table for more information.

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Paid for by Anthony Drake, Republican, for Manatee County Commissioner District 6 at Large

Anthony Drake for Manatee County Commissioner

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