TAMPA, Fla. — It’s a heated debate among residents and Manatee County commissioners that seems to never end. Manatee County commissioners approved a major development in Myakka City that’s got residents fed up with more development.

What You Need To Know

  • East River Ranch received the green light from commissioners to develop the project

  • The project would bring more than 5,000 homes, a school, a fire station, and more than a million square feet of commercial space near Lake Manatee

  • Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge voted in favor of this development, sayingit's a necessity for the community

  • East River Ranch is the sixth approved development entirely east of the boundary line that was put in place in 1989 to limit urban sprawl through 2040, but it has exceptions to the rule

Living the country life has always been a dream for Linda Nash. Brushing her horse Honey is more than just a bonding experience.

“It’s therapy, you know. It’s good for your mental health,” she said.

This lifestyle is a major reason why Nash moved to Myakka City. Growing up in St. Petersburg was a different story.

“I got tired of the crowds and the hustle and bustle,” she said.

 For more than 20 years, she’s owned her spacious 15 acres of land.

“It’s just a peaceful way of life, a completely different way of life living on the farm,” she said.

Manatee County commissioners recently gave the green light for development to begin construction in eastern Manatee County. The project would bring more than 5,000 homes, a school, a fire station, and more than a million square feet of commercial space near Lake Manatee.

“I don’t think East River Ranch is an asset to this community,” Nash said.

Nash says the development will reduce the current benefits of country life — the quietness, the natural habitat for animals, and open fields.

“East River Ranch is just going to be full of people, cars, cars, traffic, mini storage units, and this is what it should be: nice ranchers, cool breeze, animals,” she said, emphasizing.

Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge voted in favor of this development. He says it’s a necessity for the community.

“We have a housing shortage in Manatee County. It’s a company that has a great reputation in Manatee County for building beautiful homes and a perfect setting when it comes to its accessibility through the 44th Avenue extension through a side road that’s going to be built from 64 and 675,” he said.

Manatee County created a Future Development Area Boundary in 1989 to limit urban sprawl through 2040. However, there are exceptions to the restriction, for example, if a new development borders a current development west of the line.

“Just to be clear of the location of the property, this is Lakewood Ranch proper and Lakewood Ranch received an extension, and this property abuts the Lakewood Ranch extension. It borders 675 to the east, and to the west. It’s contiguous with Lakewood Ranch,” he explained.

East River Ranch is the sixth approved development entirely east of the line, and it’s a short drive from Nash’s house to the proposed site.

“It’s a shame that this way of life is going to disappear and soon. It’s sad,” Nash said.

Others in the community agree with Nash. A sign is visible that says, “Stop Over Development. Hold the Urban Boundary Line.”

“All we want is to preserve our rural lifestyle,” Nash said.

It’s a contrast of opinions on Manatee County’s future. Preservation or community growth. Either way, East River Ranch is the next stage.

According to Ostenbridge, he says it could be more than a year before construction begins.

 


Courtesy: Manatee County