In this episode of Chambers, Changes, and Conversations, we sit down with Lee Washington: Marine veteran, longtime Manatee County employee, and now the Veterans Project Manager leading what will be one of the most meaningful projects in our community’s history: the Veterans Memorial Park.

This will be so much more than a resource center and a park - it's a national model in the making. Located in East Manatee and scheduled to break ground in 2026, the 24-acre Veterans Memorial Park will be a landmark dedicated to honoring fallen service members, Gold Star Families, veterans, and hometown heroes. The park will feature community-driven memorials, walking trails, and serene spaces for reflection, while also setting a new standard for veteran services nationwide.

At its heart will be the Veterans Resource Building: a one-stop hub offering everything from benefit navigation and peer support to caregiver resources, entrepreneurship programs, and incubator space for veteran-owned businesses. Initially launched as a government-led initiative, the park will transition to nonprofit management, ensuring its growth and sustainability for generations to come.

Lee shares his personal journey, the purpose behind the project, and how residents can take part from donating, volunteering, and fundraising for memorial installations to submitting names for future bricks and benches that will honor loved ones.

🎧 Tune in to learn about this legacy project and what Manatee County is doing to honor Veterans.

Learn more, take the survey, and support the project at mymanatee.org/veteranspark.

Contact Lee Washington: [email protected]