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.

Get Involved

Locals Barber Shop

Invocation @ Turning Points Veterans Event

Kiwanis Bradenton Veteren Luncheon

About Me.

As a Senior Pastor, husband, father, entrepreneur, and mentor, I’ve dedicated my life to building people, strengthening families, and serving the community I love. For over a decade, I’ve led local Churches in both Manatee County and Sarasota, guiding individuals and families through life’s challenges with faith, compassion, and integrity. My years of pastoral leadership have taught me how to listen to diverse perspectives, bring people together, and make difficult decisions guided by conviction and accountability — the same skills our county needs in leadership today.

Beyond the pulpit, I’ve worked to empower others through mentorship and entrepreneurship, helping people discover their purpose and potential while contributing to the economic and social well-being of our region. As a husband to Melinda and father of four, I understand the hopes and concerns of Manatee County families — from affordable housing and safe neighborhoods to good schools and strong infrastructure.

My experience in leadership, stewardship, and service has prepared me to lead not just with vision, but with heart. I believe effective leadership starts with listening, grows through collaboration, and succeeds through faith and integrity. As County Commissioner, I will apply those same principles to ensure Manatee County grows responsibly, serves its residents faithfully, 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:

Direct the Planning Department to develop a countywide Infrastructure Capacity Index updated quarterly.
Amend zoning codes to require concurrency verification as part of project submittals.
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:

Partner with county IT to develop a public online portal updated monthly.
Amend county ordinances to mandate pre-approval hearings for all large-scale development proposals.
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:

Direct the Finance Department to conduct a full impact fee review every 3 years.
Pass a resolution earmarking a portion of growth-related revenues for infrastructure reserves.
Require annual public reporting of infrastructure expenditures and remaining capacity.