Manatee County, Administrative county in Florida, US
Description
Manatee County is an administrative unit along the Gulf Coast in western Florida, between Tampa Bay to the north and the Sarasota County line to the south. The area includes several communities and cities, along with long stretches of shoreline featuring sandbars, rivers, and mangrove forests.
History
The administrative unit was established in 1855 and named after the Florida manatee that lived in the region's rivers and bays at that time. Before European settlers arrived, different indigenous groups inhabited the area and left traces of their way of life at several coastal sites.
Culture
The coastal landscape with its bays and river mouths draws visitors who appreciate the subtropical climate and access to the Gulf of Mexico. On weekdays you can see fishermen casting nets and families strolling the piers, where daily life mixes with tourism.
Practical
The area is easily explored by car, as most places are connected by a network of main roads. Those visiting the coastal stretches should bring sun protection and enough water during warm weather.
Did you know?
At several points along the shore, remnants from pre-Columbian times offer insights into earlier ways of life. These archaeological sites contain pottery and tools dating back to the Woodland period and are now documented by specialists.
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Sunshine Skyway Bridge
33.6 km
Fort De Soto Park
40.1 km
Siesta Beach
30.5 km
Myakka River State Park
27.1 km
John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
22.5 km
Siesta Beach
30.6 km
Cà d'Zan
22.9 km
Gamble Plantation Historic State Park
18.1 km
WGC-Mexico Championship
8.6 km
Egmont Key State Park
41.6 km
Sarasota High School
23.9 km
Mote Marine Laboratory
27 km
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
24.6 km
Zigzag House
27.7 km
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
27 km
De Soto National Memorial
28.4 km
John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art Library & Archive
22.9 km
Florida Railroad Museum
19.7 km
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
23.1 km
John Ringling Causeway
26.4 kmThe Out-of-Door Academy
29.3 km
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
24.2 kmNathan Benderson Park
15.4 km
Lake Manatee State Park
2.4 km
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
24.7 km
Egmont Key Light
41.8 km
Rod and Reel Pier
38 km
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
21 km
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