Bradenton City Council on July 23 approved a public‑purpose resolution that clears the way for the city to pursue eminent domain for a small, storm‑damaged property if the contract to acquire it cannot close in time for urgent sewer repairs.

Councilmember Moore said the action is aimed at preventing a catastrophic failure: “It is not anybody’s desire that we continue in hurricane season with the current situation at Lift Station 13,” she said during the meeting. City staff told council the station is old, floods at high tide and a collapse would disrupt service for about 170 homes.

Why it matters: Lift Station 13 sits at a low, riverfront location and has experienced repeated flooding and structural deterioration. Staff and council described the approved step as a contingency so the city can quickly install a temporary lift station and bypass piping while it completes a longer design and construction program. A temporary pump and piping would reduce the risk of sewage backups and repeated emergency repairs.

What council approved: Councilmember Moore moved to find a public purpose and authorize pursuit of eminent domain if negotiations fail; the motion was seconded and the item was approved by council (vote recorded as approved). Staff said grant funding for the project is in place and expires next year, creating a schedule pressure to act.

Staff explanation and timing: Public‑works and legal staff explained the technical need. A city representative said Lift Station 13 ‘‘traditionally floods’’ and that the existing concrete structure was built decades ago and has thinned in places; if it collapsed, the consequence would be loss of collection for roughly 170 homes. Staff described the short‑term plan: install a temporary package lift station and overland bypass piping or connect directly to an upgraded Lift Station 3 while the longer‑term collection and station improvements proceed.

Neighborhood impact and next steps: Council members stressed minimizing neighborhood disruption during construction and asked staff to speed installation of the temporary station. Staff said they will pursue the purchase first and use the court process only if title or deed issues prevent a timely close. If eminent domain were used, the court would set compensation based on an appraisal and the city would seek an order of immediate possession to limit service interruptions.

Ending: Council emphasized the project is urgent because of imminent storm season and an existing state grant timeline; staff said the goal is to have bypass pumping and temporary facilities in place as soon as possible to protect the neighborhood and public health.