The Bradenton City Council convened on July 23, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including a public hearing on a proposed sidewalk café resolution and discussions regarding the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for the upcoming year.

The meeting began with a review of the proposed sidewalk café resolution, which had previously received unanimous approval from the Planning Commission. The council discussed stipulations for the café, emphasizing the importance of maintaining pedestrian safety and ensuring that the café area remains accessible. Key stipulations included the requirement for the business owner to maintain a state license for alcohol sales, approval of cleaning solutions by the Bradenton Public Works, and a mandate that any future increases in seating must be approved by the city council.

Following the discussion, the council opened the floor for public comments. However, no members of the public chose to speak on the matter. The council then moved to a vote, resulting in unanimous approval of the resolution, including all stipulated conditions.

The next item on the agenda was the proposed use of funds for the 2025-2026 CDBG program. A council member raised a question regarding potential conflicts of interest due to their involvement with Step Up Suncoast, an organization linked to the funding proposal. After consulting with the city attorney, it was determined that the council member should recuse themselves from the discussion.

The meeting continued with presentations from city staff regarding the CDBG projects, with the housing and community development manager and community development representatives providing details on the proposed initiatives.

In summary, the meeting effectively addressed the sidewalk café resolution and initiated discussions on CDBG funding, with a focus on transparency and adherence to procedural guidelines. The council's actions reflect a commitment to community engagement and responsible governance as they move forward with these initiatives.