Residents of Manatee County Seek Additional Safeguards for Myakka River

MYAKKA CITY, Fla. –
Some Manatee County residents are advocating for stronger protection of the Myakka River and its floodplain. However, concerns persist that Senate Bill 180 may obstruct the County Commission from implementing these additional safeguards.

This initiative has gained traction as the rural region faces mounting development pressures.

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Local perspective:

The Myakka River holds profound significance for Lindsey Leigh, who recalls how it has shaped her life.

“My husband and I grew up by the river and on the water. We are now raising our children here,” Leigh stated in her interview with FOX 13.

As development continues to encroach upon Myakka City, Leigh and her community are fervently working to ensure the river’s protection.

“Development along the river is escalating. Two large golf courses are currently being built, with numerous properties awaiting approval north of them,” she explained.

The backstory:

About 40 years ago, Sarasota County implemented heightened protections for its segment of the Myakka River. Conversely, Manatee County has yet to succeed in passing similar measures.

Standard protections are currently in place for the River in Manatee County.

Big picture view:

On August 8, the Myakka River Management Coordinating Council proposed an ordinance to establish a protection zone around the Myakka River. The proposed boundaries would extend 50 feet beyond the ordinary high-water line or the maximum extent of wetland vegetation, or the FEMA 100-year floodplain—whichever offers the most comprehensive protection for the river.

No fill would be permitted within 150 feet landward of this boundary, and residential structures would also face a 150-foot setback. Additional regulations regarding light pollution and noise would be applied within a five-mile radius of the protection zone.

“This is a non-partisan issue; it’s about protecting our river, which is unique and special,” Leigh emphasized.

Dig deeper:

Concerns regarding Senate Bill 180’s implications loom large, as the bill contains provisions beneficial to developers, potentially hampering local land-use regulations. The legislation prohibits local governments from enacting any regulations deemed “more restrictive or burdensome.”

Manatee County officials have recently suspended plans to enhance wetland buffers due to potential legal issues and fears of disciplinary action against commissioners.

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Why you should care:

Leigh and her neighbors remain committed to advocating for the preservation of the Myakka River in Manatee County.

“Establishing this protection order is crucial before irreversible changes occur. Once the damage is done, it cannot be undone. We need to act now,” Leigh stated.

She urges community members to contact their commissioners and emphasize the importance of conserving the river’s identity for future generations.

“I want my children and grandchildren to grow up in the Florida I cherish. We all fear that we are witnessing its gradual loss,” she lamented.