What actually happens after someone says, “I want to build something”?

We talk with Nicole Knapp, Director of Development Services, for a candid and surprisingly fun conversation about how development really works in Manatee County.

Nicole shares her path into this industry and pulls back the curtain on the divisions she oversees: building, planning, zoning, permitting, and impact fees to name a few. If you have ever been confused, frustrated, or curious about the development process, this episode is for you.

We talk about her team and the reality of their workload, including a nearly 10x increase in cases following three hurricanes in late 2024. It is a behind-the-scenes look at public servants navigating growth, recovery, and complexity at the same time.

Nicole walks us through the full development journey, from pre-appl ...