For the first time in our 32-year history, we’ve received a state appropriation, and it’s a big one. The State of Florida has awarded Manatee Habitat $750,000 in its 2026–27 budget to help prepare the site for our future Palmetto townhome community.
Made possible through the support of Senator Jim Boyd and Representative Will Robinson, this funding will cover critical infrastructure costs, allowing work to begin in early 2027. It’s a major step toward creating even more affordable homeownership opportunities for hardworking families in Manatee County.
While homes often get the spotlight, every neighborhood starts with infrastructure. Roads, utilities, drainage, and site preparation are essential before construction can begin—and they’re also some of the most expensive parts of building a community. By helping cover those costs, this investment allows more donor dollars to go directly toward what matters most: building homes.
“Infrastructure is one of the most expensive barriers in building our communities, and this appropriation removes a significant obstacle, allowing us to help more local families through affordable homeownership,” said Bernie Quinn, President and CEO of Manatee County Habitat for Humanity. “We are deeply grateful to Senator Jim Boyd and Representative Will Robinson for championing this investment in our mission and our community.”
Senator Jim Boyd echoed the importance of investing in the foundational infrastructure needed to create a new neighborhood.
“This investment in Manatee Habitat for Humanity paves the way to build more homes for hardworking families in Manatee County. It covers many of the unseen, but very important fundamentals for a new neighborhood, such as roads, utilities and drainage. I’m proud to support this initiative to expand opportunities for more families in our region to achieve the American Dream of homeownership,” said Senator Jim Boyd.
The support behind this appropriation is especially meaningful because both legislators have longstanding connections to Manatee Habitat.
Senator Jim Boyd has supported our mission for years. In fact, his office sponsored one of the very first Habitat homes built by our affiliate, and members of Boyd Insurance volunteered alongside future homeowners to help build it.
Representative Will Robinson has also been a dedicated partner. Through his work with Blalock Walters, the firm has provided pro bono legal services to Manatee Habitat since our founding. Most recently, Robinson oversaw the closing of Barry’s Habitat home, a memorable milestone for both Barry and our organization.
Robinson also played a key role in securing this historic appropriation, sponsoring the request in the Florida House of Representatives and working alongside Senator Boyd to help get it approved in the state budget.
“This appropriation is a historic first for Manatee County Habitat for Humanity. Habitat’s mission of ‘bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope’ will be greatly enhanced by this appropriation, as it represents a meaningful investment in affordable homeownership for families right here in our community. I’m proud to have sponsored this appropriation request in the Florida House of Representatives and am grateful to have successfully worked with Sen. Boyd to get this important matter approved in Florida’s state budget. I look forward to celebrating with everyone at the groundbreaking,” said Representative Will Robinson.
This investment is also part of a much larger success story. According to Habitat for Humanity of Florida, every Habitat funding request submitted to the Florida Legislature this year was approved—an unprecedented achievement that reflects growing statewide support for affordable homeownership.
As we look ahead to breaking ground on our future Palmetto community, we’re grateful for the partners, supporters, and advocates who continue to believe in our mission. Together, we’re not just building homes—we’re building stronger communities and creating more opportunities for local families to achieve the stability and security of homeownership.