Manatee County holds Adopt-A-Palooza
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Manatee County holds Adopt-A-Palooza
Manatee County Animal Welfare is hosting an Adopt-A-Palooza event on Saturday. Over 100 cats and dogs are up for adoption. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m at the Bradenton Area Convention Center. There will be raffles and auctions in addition to local vendors.
With over 100 cats and dogs up for adoption, everyone is sure to find a perfect match for their family.
Adoption fees will be waived in place of a donation to Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare.
Dogs and cats of all sizes, breeds and ages are ready to find their forever homes, including some that have been waiting at the shelter for over two years.
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Some of the dogs that will be there include 5-year-old Bella, 1-year-old Tito, 4-year-old Smuckers, 6-year-old Primo and 3-year-old Hitch.
The event will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bradenton Area Convention Center at 1 Haben Blvd, Palmetto, FL 34221.
Adopt-A-Palooza is free for all to attend, and there will be raffles and auctions in addition to local vendors offering a variety of products and services for pet parents.
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Twenty-Three Cats Rescued From Boat in Florida Look Forward to Life on Land
23 cats were found living on a boat tied to a pier in Florida. The boat had no ventilation and the it’s likely the boat overwhelming smelled like feces and urine. The owners of the boat were dealing with housing issues, they still remained faithful to the animals. The cats are now available for adoption at Bishop Animal Shelter, located at 57st Ave., Bradenton, and Cat Town at 216 6th Ave, FL 34209. The original owners are continuing to work with MCAW to safely trap and sterilize the five remaining cats, which they plan to keep. The County has offered to cover the cost of sterilization. Whether you adopt, foster, or simply share their story, you can be part of giving these cats the fresh start they deserve. Every life deserves a chance to thrive. Meet them today at Bishop. Animal Shelter – 57st Avenue, Bradenton. Visit www.mymanatee.org/pets or call 941-742-5933.
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Yes, Florida is well know for it’s “WTF” moments or as we say here, “‘What the Florida’ is happening?!” And in late April 2025, it happened again. Although the human Floridians in this case were doing the very best that they could in this situation. It was the location of the 23 felines that were involved in the story that caused the ‘WTF’ reaction of most people. Because those almost 2 dozen animals were living alone on a boat tied to a pier.
A Different Kind of Boat Rescue for Floridians
The local police and animal rescuers from Manatee County Animal Welfare convened at the disturbing dock scene. After receiving calls from concerned citizens, they had discovered the cats “surviving” in less than ideal conditions. Sadly, they found 23 cats living in the small boat anchored near the King Fish Boat Ramp and jumped into action. There was no ventilation and the it’s likely the boat overwhelming smelled like feces and urine.
Thankfully, they were able to contact the owners of the boat who fully cooperated with everyone. And like many other stories of animal hoarding, it started with good intentions and continued that way. Although they themselves were are dealing with housing issues, they still remained faithful to the animals. Each day they would visit the boat, sometimes by kayak, and feed the felines. But it wasn’t going to be a permanent solution for any of them. With the Florida hurricane season hitting coastal areas HARD and astronomical insurance/rental rates, they are likely suffering like thousands of other Floridians. And more so, the millions of displaced stray and feral animals in Florida. It’s very possible that some of these felines were ‘rescued’ after a natural disaster that left their former locations uninhabitable.
“There was no doubt the owners cared about the cats, but the space simply wasn’t equipped for that many animals,” said Steve Bell, field services supervisor with Manatee County Animal Welfare told reporters . “After talking with us, they made the incredibly difficult but selfless decision to surrender the majority of the cats.” The 23 cats, ranging in age from one to seven years old, were safely transported by boat and brought to Bishop Animal Shelter, where they were immediately evaluated, vaccinated, and cared for by the shelter’s veterinary team.
No More Sea Legs for These Cats
But the cats were going to have a second chance at life now. No more will they rock back and forth on the waves in the boat, but in the arms of their future families.
“This was a large and unexpected intake, but our team at Bishop acted quickly and compassionately to ensure each cat received the care it needed,” said Bell. “These cats were given warm baths, clean bedding, medical attention, and most importantly, hope.”
While many of the cats remain at Bishop, some have already been transferred to Cat Town, MCAW’s feline-specific shelter in Bradenton, to help accommodate the intake and prepare the cats for adoption. The original owners are continuing to work with MCAW to safely trap and sterilize the five remaining cats, which they plan to keep. The County has offered to cover the cost of sterilization.
The thankful former cats are also opening up to their rescuers and loving the attention.
A number of them are available for adoption now and deserve nothing less than the best! A few have even ALREADY been adopted which is just wonderful to see. We also truly hope the humans involved are able to care for themselves and that this helps improve their lives too. Every life deserves a chance to thrive. <3
The cats are now available for adoption at Bishop Animal Shelter, located at 5718 21st Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34209, and Cat Town at 216 6th Ave. E., Bradenton, FL 34208. Whether you adopt, foster, or simply share their story, you can be part of giving these cats the fresh start they deserve. Meet them today at: Bishop Animal Shelter – 5718 21st Ave. W., Bradenton Cat Town – 216 6th Ave. E., Bradenton www.mymanatee.org/pets View adoptable pets: Call: 941-742-5933
Also, be sure to follow them for their upcoming Annual Adopt-a-Palooza event!
Manatee County Animal Welfare (MCAW) will host Adopt-A-Palooza, the county’s largest one-day dog adoption event, on Saturday, May 31, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto, FL. “Adopt-A-Palooza is a fantastic opportunity for our community to come together and give these dogs the loving homes they deserve,” said Carol Ann Felts, Manatee County District 1 Commissioner. “The compassion and support shown by our residents make a real difference in the lives of these animals.” Co-hosted by Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare (FoMCAW), Adopt-A-Palooza is dedicated to finding loving homes for animals in need. Dozens of adoptable dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages will be available.
All Photos property of Manatee County Animal Welfare/Bishop Animal Shelter/Cat Town
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Sarah Brown Named Director of Community and Veterans Services
Sarah Brown has been serving as the Deputy Director for Community and Veterans Services at Manatee County since December 2023. Prior to that, Brown spent over seven years as the Division Chief for Manateer County Animal Welfare. Under her leadership, she brought the shelter to a no-kill status, maintaining a 90% or higher save rate since October 2017. Brown will also be recognized on March 13th as a 2025 Spirit of Manatese honoree. She holds a master’s degree in public administration, a bachelor’S degree in journalism (with a specialization in Public Relations) and has earned Project Management and Executive Leadership Certifications.
– The Manatee Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has unanimously confirmed Sarah Brown as the new Director of Community and Veterans Services (CVS).
Sarah had been serving as the Deputy Director for Community and Veterans Services at Manatee County, overseeing Probation, Veterans Services, and Animal Welfare since December 2023.
“You have my full and absolute support in your previous role,” said Manatee County Commission Chair George Kruse. “You have my full and absolute support in your future role, and I look forward to continuing to work with you and seeing you grow this department even further.”
Brown helped organize the largest volunteer outreach initiative in Manatee County history during Milton, leaned forward, and held a successful Adoptapalooza/reunification event in the wake of back-to-back-to-back hurricanes. Prior to that, Brown spent over seven years as the Division Chief for Manatee County Animal Welfare, where she played a pivotal role in advancing animal welfare initiatives and programs. Under her leadership, she brought the shelter to a no-kill status, maintaining a 90% or higher save rate since October 2017.
Brown was recently honored by the Manatee Chamber of Commerce with the prestigious Chair Award for her exemplary leadership through three devastating storms this past summer, serving as the Human Services Branch Director in the County’s Emergency Operations Center. She will also be recognized on March 13th as a 2025 Spirit of Manatee honoree.
She holds a master’s degree in public administration, a bachelor’s degree in journalism (with a specialization in Public Relations) and has earned Project Management and Executive Leadership Certifications.
“I am so honored to be leading this amazing group serving Manatee County,” she said. “Community and Veterans Services touches every resident – from the youngest to oldest – every day.”
CVS staffers manage programs and services that help Manatee County residents in improving in all stages of life and learning. Children’s Services works with kids through age seventeen through an array of prevention, intervention, and treatment programs, while Adult and Aging Services helps keep older residents stay relevant – and active. Veteran Services provides that important link for over 40,000 vets — and their dependents – to get the benefits they have earned.
County Probation works to supervise and monitor defendants, as ordered by our county’s courts. Manatee County Animal Welfare helps maintain public safety and health through the enforcement of laws and ordinances related to animals, promoting responsible pet ownership and adoptions and working to reduce pet overpopulation.
The Neighborhood Connections division provides resources to residents who are willing to help themselves — creating more livable communities, while Community Development workers empower people and strengthen neighborhoods to create healthy, viable communities through affordable housing initiatives and programs.
Manatee County Animal Welfare to host Adopt-A-Palooza May 31
Adopt-A-Palooza is the county’s largest one-day dog adoption event. The goal is to clear out its shelter and find forever homes for their animals. The event will be held on Saturday, May 31, from 11 a.m to 3 p.m. at the Bradenton Area Convention Center. Proceeds from the event will benefit Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare (FoMCAW), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works hand in hand with MCAW.
The event will be held on Saturday, May 31, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. The goal is to clear out its shelter and find forever homes for their animals.
“Adopt-A-Palooza is a fantastic opportunity for our community to come together and give these dogs the loving homes they deserve,” said Carol Ann Felts, Manatee County District 1 Commissioner. “The compassion and support shown by our residents make a real difference in the lives of these animals.” Co-hosted by Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare (FoMCAW), Adopt-A-Palooza is dedicated to finding loving homes for animals in need. Dozens of adoptable dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages will be available. The free family-friendly event will include a marketplace with vendors offering a variety of products, services, and resources for pet owners. Proceeds from the event will benefit Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare (FoMCAW), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works hand in hand with MCAW to enrich the lives of shelter animals by raising funds to provide additional resources and medical care. “Our goal is to connect as many dogs and cats as possible with families ready to provide them with love and care,” said Sarah Brown, director of Community and Veterans Services for Manatee County.
Manatee County has achieved a no-kill status since 2017.
All fees for pets adopted from MCAW will be waived in lieu of a donation made to FoMCAW. Manatee County residents are required to license their new pet for an additional $20 tag fee.
All pets from MCAW are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. Please note that on the day of the event, the Palmetto Adoption Center will be closed to the public. Cat Town Adoption Center will remain open and will also offer waived adoption fees for all cats. The Bishop Animal Shelter, which handles lost and found pets and select adoptions, will operate during its regular business hours. While appointments are preferred at all locations, walk-ins will be accommodated based on availability.
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Source: https://www.wfla.com/news/local-news/manatee-county/manatee-county-holds-adopt-a-palooza/