The History of Manatee County, Florida
Manatee County, Florida is located along Tampa Bay, and was "discovered" by Hernando DeSoto in 1539. The area was home to the Tocobagan Indian tribe, until the group faded from existence. The Seminole Tribe claimed the area shortly thereafter.
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Early History
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Florida became an American territory in 1821, with the area south of Tampa Bay deemed Manatee County in 1855. The area's name is homage to the manatees that live in Florida waterways.
Settlement
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Josiah Gates, along with Hector and Joseph Braden, settled the area in 1842 by purchasing large parcels of land. Manatee County became a major port shipping citrus and livestock on Tampa Bay to Sarasota, New Orleans and Key West.
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Population Growth
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In the 1920s Florida experienced a population surge due to the appeal of the warm climate. Manatee County offered less expensive real estate than Florida urban areas. Agriculture and fishing industries sustained the Manatee County economy through the 1930s depression.
Modern Manatee County
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Modern Manatee County is comprised of Bradenton, Palmetto, Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach, Longboat Key, Holmes Beach, Ellenton, Parrish, Lakewood Ranch and Myakka City.
Tourism Industry
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Tourism is a major part of the economy, with 27 public beaches and 150 miles of coastline attracting thousands of vacationers and winter residents annually.
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