Attention, residents of Manatee County! As we approach the festive season, it's time to get familiar with some important holiday schedule changes. A warm holiday greeting from your local government!
Manatee County offices will be taking a well-deserved break on the following days: Christmas Eve (Wednesday, December 24, 2025), Christmas Day (Thursday, December 25, 2025), and New Year's Day (Thursday, January 1, 2026).
But here's where it gets controversial... garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection will be suspended on these days. If a holiday falls on your scheduled pickup day, be aware that collections will be delayed by one day for the remainder of that week. Regular collection days will resume on the following Monday, so plan your waste management accordingly!
Now, let's talk about some recreational options. Manatee County public parks, preserves, and beaches will remain open for your enjoyment. However, if you're planning a golf outing, note that the Manatee County and Buffalo Creek golf courses will be closed on Christmas Day.
The G.T. Bray Recreation Center and John Marble Recreation Center will have slightly adjusted hours during the holidays. They will close early at 5:30 p.m. on December 23 and December 31, and remain closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Normal hours will resume on December 26 and January 2, 2026, respectively.
For those looking to take a dip, the pool hours at GT Bray and Lincoln Aquatic Center will be limited. Lap swim will be available on December 24 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., with family swim from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The pools and splash pads will be closed on Christmas Day. On December 31, lap swim hours will be from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., and family swim will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aquatic facilities will also be closed on New Year's Day.
And this is the part most people miss... the Manatee County Public Library locations will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. So, if you were planning a last-minute book return, you might want to reconsider!
Lastly, all Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) buses will stop running early on Christmas Eve, at 3 p.m. The Anna Maria Island Trolley will also have an early finish, stopping at 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve. There will be no fixed route or Handy Bus service on Christmas Day or New Year's Day. However, the Anna Maria Trolley will operate on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays throughout the Christmas break.
Stay informed, and have a wonderful holiday season, Manatee County!
