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.

Anthony Drake is a husband, father of four, pastor, and proud Manatee County resident since 2013. Married to his wife Melinda, his best friend, Anthony has built his life around faith, family, and service. Together, they homeschool their children and are deeply invested in raising the next generation with strong values and purpose.

As a conservative leader grounded in Christian principles, Anthony believes in serving others with integrity, humility, and accountability. He is not a career politician, but a community servant who feels called to step forward out of love for Manatee County and its residents. While he does not claim to have all the answers, he believes strong leadership starts with listening, learning, and doing what is right.

Anthony’s platform is rooted in balance, stewardship, and local strength:

Protecting Our Natural Beauty
Anthony is committed to preserving the unique environment of Manatee County, especially treasured areas like Myakka. He believes protecting our natural resources is essential for future generations.
Responsible Growth & Infrastructure
He supports smart, well-planned growth that includes proper infrastructure. Anthony believes growth is both natural and necessary—but must be done responsibly to avoid overburdening our community.
Supporting Local Businesses & Workforce
Anthony believes locally owned businesses are the backbone of Manatee County. He supports thoughtful development that allows these businesses to grow and continue employing local residents.
Faith, Family, and Community Values
As a pastor, Anthony has dedicated his life to mentoring young men, strengthening marriages, and serving families. He brings those same values into his leadership approach.

Anthony Drake is running to serve—not to build a political career, but to make a meaningful difference. His candidacy is driven by a deep love for Manatee County, a commitment to its people, and a belief that leadership should always come from a place of faith, integrity, and a servant’s heart.

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.