Palmetto attracts business investment, revitalization to diversify tax base

Private and public sector investments continue to stimulate new momentum in Palmetto on the north side of the Manatee River. A new hotel and convention center expansion to the east, improvements at a marina to the west, transportation improvements and a newly announced mixed-use project along the riverfront are poised to revitalize the city’s riverfront and downtown.

Already a popular event venue, the renovation and expansion of the Bradenton Area Convention Center at U.S. 301 and Haben Boulevard will expand the facility’s meeting and banquet capacity, add two outdoor event spaces and connect the convention center to the new Palmetto Marriott. The eight-story hotel, scheduled to open this year, will include 252 rooms, a rooftop lounge, full-service spa, ballroom and outdoor special event flex space.

The long-awaited combination of an expanded convention center with a flag hotel will provide opportunities to host larger and more varied events. The expanded convention center is expected to generate an economic impact of $25 million annually, according to the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.