Open Streets Manatee [Palmetto]

Manatee County residents are invited to grab their walking shoes, bikes and rollerblades for this year’s Open Streets Manatee event next month in Palmetto. Open Streets Manatee will be held on Saturday, Nov. 10. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 10th Ave. W. in Palmetto. Open Streets Manatee is a free, pedestrian-friendly celebration that will close 10th Ave. West (from 4th St. W. to 7th St. W.) to car traffic to allow people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to get active and connect with their community. There will be free, family-friendly activities, including yoga, pilates, Zumba, kids bike rodeo, music, bike rides, sidewalk chalk art and more, all presented by locally owned businesses and organizations. Food vendors will be in attendance in addition to local restaurants. The City of Palmetto, in cooperation with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is conducting a feasibility study for possible "complete street" improvements on 10th Avenue. Complete Streets are designed and operated to enable safe, convenient and comfortable access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities. This is part of an overall plan by the City of Palmetto to enhance multimodal mobility along the roadway. FDOT staff will be at the Open Streets event to provide information and gather input regarding the study. “The focus isn’t on driving from A to B anymore,” said Manatee County Mobility Coordinator Chris Speese. “It’s about designing a street that’s safe and comfortable for everyone, whether you’re on your bike, walking, riding a bus, or in your car.” The Manatee Millennial Movement (M3), an organization made up of Manatee County employees born between 1980-1995, wanted to create a sense of community and place while showcasing the hot button topic of mobility. “The team saw no better location than the City of Palmetto and their eclectic community on 10th Avenue West,” said Madison Moyer, the M3 event planning lead. “We are thrilled and humbled to be working with a dedicated group from the City of Palmetto and appreciate their support.” Similar to Cyclovia, Open Streets is a popular event that began in Bogotá, Colombia, where major city streets are temporarily closed every Sunday and re-purposed into safe and open, car-free environments. Open Streets is a celebration of cyclists, pedestrians, runners, skaters and all forms of people-powered movement promoting health (physical activity and wellness) and creating streets that meet everyone's needs and strengthen community connections. For sponsorship, volunteer, and additional event information go to openstreetsmanatee.com. For more information about Open Streets Manatee, contact Madison Moyer at Madison.moyer@mymanatee.org or (512) 573-1136.