In 1855, Manatee County was cobbled together from Hillsborough, St. Lucie, and Monroe Counties. Five years later, Josiah Gates and his wife Mary, deeded a parcel of land just eas of present-day downtown Bradenton to be the first county seat. This area, formerly known as the Town of Manatee, merged with the City of Bradenton and now comprises the city's eastern sector. ... more.From here the city expanded, with much of its newest growth concentrated east of town. Today the communities east of Bradenton are as varied as the people who live here. From charming and historic downtown neighborhoods to impressive new master-planned communities—many of them with water access, world-class golf courses and other spectacular amenities—there is an answer to every homebuyers quest for the perfect Florida lifestyle.