Half-Cent Sales Tax

In the midst of an unprecedented population boom, Manatee County citizens voted in 2002 to approve a half-cent sales tax increase to help pay for school district capital needs including construction of new schools. Between 2002 and 2015, funding from the half-cent sales tax helped build 11 brand new schools and totally rebuild 8 existing schools.

With the half-cent sales tax set to expire in 2017, Manatee County citizens approved a renewal of the half-cent sales tax for school district capital needs on November 8, 2016.

In August 2019, three more schools opened – Barbara A. Harvey Elementary, Dr. Mona Jain Middle and Parrish Community High – bringing the total to 22 new schools.

Due to the renewal of the Half-Cent Sales Tax Referendum: 

• Three new schools were built to relieve overcrowding in the northern and eastern portions of Manatee County. All three schools – Parrish Community High School, Dr. Mona Jain Middle School and Barbara A. Harvey Elementary School – opened in August 2019;

• Aging and outdated equipment such as cooling and heating systems, roofs, traffic and parking surfaces, flooring and playgrounds is being updated and replaced;

• Safety and technology equipment in our schools are being enhanced to meet 21st century needs.