Manatee County is accepting applications for two seats on the Planning Commission, a citizen’s advisory committee that makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on land-use items. Both seats are vacant, one expiring October 2025, and the other expiring in October 2026.The Planning Commission was established to act as the Local Planning Agency under Section 163.3174, Florida Statutes and to do the following: Carry out such duties as may be prescribed by the Comprehensive Plan. Hold and regulate public hearings on Zoning Atlas Amendment, Developments of Regional Impact and Florida Quality Development. Initiate, review and make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners in regard to adoption and amendment of the text of the Land Development Code.Hold and regulate public hearings on applications for amendments to the text of the LDC. Make its special knowledge and expertise available, upon reasonable written request and authorization of the Board of County Commissioners, to any official, department, board, commission or agency of the County, State or Federal governments. Recommend to the Board of County Commissioners that special studies be performed as may be deemed necessary and property conduct the work of the Planning Commission, subject to the approval of the Board of County Commissioners and available appropriations, to adopt rules of procedure which are not inconsistent with the LDC and are necessary for the administration of the Commission’s responsibility and to govern its proceedings. Perform any other duties which may be lawfully assigned to it.Membership requirements: The Board of County Commissioners appoints members to a four-year term; the Planning Commission consists of seven voting members; they shall be qualified electors in Manatee County and while no particular expertise is required, persons with experience or training in the substantive areas of planning, engineering, environmental science and the development industry shall be considered in the appointment process. Planning Commission members cannot be employed by the County or serve as a member of another land development-related advisory board serving unincorporated Manatee County. The Planning Commission generally meets on the second Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. in the Honorable Patricia M. Glass Chambers, First Floor of Manatee County Administrative Building, 1112 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton. More detailed information on the Planning Commission—established to act as the Local Planning Agency under the Florida Statutes. Applications are due Friday, January 19, 2024, and may be found online. For more information about Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ManateeGov.