Your District
Florida's 16th Congressional District — Manatee & Hillsborough Counties
About Florida's 16th Congressional District
Florida's 16th Congressional District stretches across Manatee County and eastern Hillsborough County, encompassing one of the fastest-growing regions in the entire United States. Home to approximately 760,000 residents, FL-16 is a vibrant mix of established neighborhoods, booming suburbs, coastal communities, and rural landscapes that together form a unique and dynamic part of the Tampa Bay region.
From the historic downtown streets of Bradenton to the family-friendly neighborhoods of Riverview and Brandon, from the master-planned communities of Lakewood Ranch to the waterfront charm of Anna Maria Island, this district reflects the full spectrum of Florida living. Our residents include young families putting down roots, retirees enjoying well-earned leisure, veterans who have served our nation, small business owners driving local economies, and agricultural workers who feed our communities.
John Peters is running to represent every one of these neighbors in Congress. He believes that effective representation starts with understanding the places people call home — and the challenges they face every day. FL-16 is not just a number on a map; it is a collection of real communities with real needs, and those needs deserve a voice in Washington that listens first and acts with purpose.
District Map
Florida's 16th Congressional District
Manatee County
Bradenton, Palmetto, Lakewood Ranch, Ellenton, Parrish, Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach, Longboat Key, Myakka City
Eastern Hillsborough County
Riverview, Brandon, Valrico, Fish Hawk, Bloomingdale, Sun City Center, Ruskin, Apollo Beach, Wimauma, Gibsonton, Balm, Lithia
District at a Glance
Communities We Serve
Manatee County
Manatee County forms the western heart of FL-16, stretching from the Gulf Coast beaches of Anna Maria Island and Holmes Beach through the county seat of Bradenton and the rapidly expanding communities inland. This is a region where historic Florida charm meets modern growth.
- Bradenton — County seat and cultural center with a revitalized downtown, thriving arts scene, and deep-rooted community pride.
- Palmetto — A close-knit community along the Manatee River known for its historic character and waterfront access.
- Lakewood Ranch — One of the top-selling master-planned communities in the nation, attracting families, professionals, and retirees alike.
- Ellenton — A gateway community near I-75 with a blend of residential neighborhoods and commercial growth.
- Parrish — One of the fastest-growing areas in Manatee County, with new developments and expanding schools.
- Anna Maria Island — A beloved Gulf Coast barrier island known for pristine beaches, eco-tourism, and a laid-back lifestyle.
- Holmes Beach — A beachside community on Anna Maria Island popular with families and visitors.
- Longboat Key (north) — The northern portion of this upscale barrier island community within Manatee County.
- Myakka City — A rural community with agricultural roots and wide-open spaces in eastern Manatee County.
Eastern Hillsborough County
The eastern portion of Hillsborough County within FL-16 includes some of the Tampa Bay area's most rapidly growing suburbs and established neighborhoods. These communities are home to families, veterans, and working professionals who commute throughout the region.
- Riverview — One of the fastest-growing communities in Florida, with a young, diverse population and expanding infrastructure.
- Brandon — A well-established suburban hub with excellent schools, shopping, and family-friendly amenities.
- Valrico — A sought-after residential community known for top-rated schools and a strong sense of neighborhood.
- Fish Hawk — A premier planned community with resort-style amenities and active community engagement.
- Bloomingdale — A mature, stable neighborhood with easy access to Tampa and Brandon.
- Sun City Center — A vibrant active-adult and retirement community with a large veteran population.
- Ruskin — A historic agricultural community along Tampa Bay experiencing significant residential growth.
- Apollo Beach — A waterfront community known for its manatee viewing center and family neighborhoods.
- Wimauma — A growing rural community with deep agricultural heritage in southern Hillsborough.
- Gibsonton — A diverse community along U.S. 41 with expanding development.
- Balm — A quiet rural area in southeastern Hillsborough County.
- Lithia — A semi-rural community popular with families seeking larger lots and outdoor recreation.
Key Issues Facing Our District
The residents of FL-16 face a unique set of challenges shaped by geography, rapid growth, and the economic realities of life along Florida's Gulf Coast. John Peters has listened to families across Bradenton, Riverview, Lakewood Ranch, Brandon, and every community in between, and he understands the issues that keep people up at night.
Insurance Costs
Florida's property insurance crisis hits FL-16 families especially hard. Homeowners in Bradenton, Palmetto, and across the Gulf Coast have seen premiums double or triple in recent years. In Riverview and Brandon, even families far from the coast are facing skyrocketing rates. John Peters will fight for federal tort reform, encourage insurer competition, and work to stabilize the market so that owning a home in our district remains affordable. Read John's full insurance plan.
Growth & Development
Communities like Parrish, Riverview, and Lakewood Ranch are among the fastest-growing in the nation. With that growth comes strain on roads, schools, water systems, and public services. John Peters believes in smart growth that preserves neighborhood character while investing in the infrastructure our expanding communities need. That means prioritizing federal funding for transportation improvements, water treatment upgrades, and school capacity — not letting growth outpace planning. Read John's economic growth plan.
Hurricane Preparedness
From Anna Maria Island and Holmes Beach to Sun City Center and Apollo Beach, our coastal and low-lying communities face the annual threat of hurricanes. Recent storms have exposed gaps in emergency preparedness, flood insurance accessibility, and disaster recovery timelines. John Peters will push for stronger FEMA response coordination, expanded National Flood Insurance Program access, and resilience investments that protect our communities before storms hit — not just after. See how this connects to lowering insurance costs and responsible federal spending.
Water Quality
Clean water is essential to our quality of life, our tourism economy, and our environment. Red tide outbreaks, nutrient runoff, and aging water infrastructure threaten communities from Bradenton to Ruskin. John Peters supports federal investment in water treatment infrastructure, responsible agricultural runoff management, and protection of Tampa Bay and the Manatee River watershed. Families in Wimauma, Balm, and Lithia deserve clean well water, and our coastal communities depend on healthy waterways. See how this ties into healthcare for our communities.
Traffic & the I-75 Corridor
The I-75 corridor is the backbone of transportation in FL-16, connecting communities from Ellenton and Palmetto through Brandon, Riverview, and beyond. Congestion on I-75, U.S. 301, and State Road 64 costs families hours each week and hurts local businesses. John Peters will advocate for federal highway funding, interchange improvements, and expanded transit options that reduce commute times and improve safety for the thousands of residents who depend on these routes every day. Learn about John's economic growth agenda.
Your Voice Matters
John Peters is committed to representing every community in Florida's 16th District. Share your concerns and help shape the future of FL-16.