Chambers, Changes & Conversations – the official podcast of Manatee County Government
Chambers, Changes & Conversations - the official podcast of Manatee County Government
Podcast Description
Chambers, Changes and Conversations is the official podcast of Manatee County Government on the West Coast of Florida. Our region includes the cities of Bradenton, Palmetto, Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, Myakka, the town of Longboat Key and the communities of Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, Tallevast and Terra Ceia. It's your go-to source for updates on what's happening with our Board of County Commissioners, ways to get involved, public services, and the people shaping our community. Each episode features real conversations with county leaders, staff, and community members as we break down the decisions and initiatives impacting residents every day. Whether you’re a long-time local or new to the area, tune in to stay informed, engaged, and connected to your local government brought to you by Casey Zempel and Stephanie Garrison.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on community updates, public services, and local governance with specific episodes covering topics like the Gateway Greenway Trail System, stormwater infrastructure projects, and affordable housing challenges affecting residents. Other themes include civic involvement and memorable community events, ensuring listeners stay informed and engaged with the ongoing initiatives shaping their area.
Chambers, Changes and Conversations is the official podcast of Manatee County Government on the West Coast of Florida. Our region includes the cities of Bradenton, Palmetto, Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, Myakka, the town of Longboat Key and the communities of Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, Tallevast and Terra Ceia. It’s your go-to source for updates on what’s happening with our Board of County Commissioners, ways to get involved, public services, and the people shaping our community. Each episode features real conversations with county leaders, staff, and community members as we break down the decisions and initiatives impacting residents every day. Whether you’re a long-time local or new to the area, tune in to stay informed, engaged, and connected to your local government brought to you by Casey Zempel and Stephanie Garrison.
In this episode of Chambers, Changes, and Conversations, we sit down with Lee Washington: Marine veteran, longtime Manatee County employee, and now the Veterans Project Manager leading what will be one of the most meaningful projects in our community’s history: the Veterans Memorial Park.
This will be so much more than a resource center and a park – it’s a national model in the making. Located in East Manatee and scheduled to break ground in 2026, the 24-acre Veterans Memorial Park will be a landmark dedicated to honoring fallen service members, Gold Star Families, veterans, and hometown heroes. The park will feature community-driven memorials, walking trails, and serene spaces for reflection, while also setting a new standard for veteran services nationwide.
At its heart will be the Veterans Resource Building: a one-stop hub offering everything from benefit navigation and peer support to caregiver resources, entrepreneurship programs, and incubator space for veteran-owned businesses. Initially launched as a government-led initiative, the park will transition to nonprofit management, ensuring its growth and sustainability for generations to come.
Lee shares his personal journey, the purpose behind the project, and how residents can take part from donating, volunteering, and fundraising for memorial installations to submitting names for future bricks and benches that will honor loved ones.
🎧 Tune in to learn about this legacy project and what Manatee County is doing to honor Veterans.
Learn more, take the survey, and support the project at mymanatee.org/veteranspark.
Contact Lee Washington: [email protected]
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
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