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Commission approves multiple final plats amid resident concerns about Gamble Creek flooding
Summary
The board approved three final plats — Salt Meadows Phase 2b, Costera Parkway and Buckeye Trails Phase 2b — while residents pressed commissioners to pause approvals until county flood/stormwater analyses are complete.
The Board of County Commissioners approved several final subdivision plats on Jan. 14 while residents warned that recent flooding tied to the Lake Manatee/Gamble Creek watershed requires a pause for additional study and mitigation.
Salt Meadows Phase 2b (103 lots off State Road 62 in Parrish) was approved after staff said the plat met statutory criteria; the vote was 4–3 with Commissioners Feltz, McCann and Bearden recorded in opposition. Several residents and community speakers asked the board to delay final approvals in the Gamble Creek watershed until the county's independent investigation into the August flooding has been completed and analyzed. "It is irresponsible to continue approving projects in these watersheds that elevate the land and change the natural flow of stormwater," said resident Anthony Shulo during public comment.
Staff said the county will provide a third-party analysis addressing Lake Manatee, Mill Creek and Gamble Creek and that a stormwater work session was scheduled for Feb. 19. Commissioner Feltz and others urged a cautious approach, citing historical flooding and the need to ensure infrastructure and stream channels can handle added runoff from new subdivisions.
The board also approved a final roadway plat for Costera Parkway (a roadway plat within the Newport Isles/Sweetwater Gateway area). That plat passed 5–2, with Commissioners Feltz and Bearden voting in opposition; staff confirmed the roadway has been constructed and the plat meets Chapter 177 criteria for recording. Buckeye Trails Phase 2b, a final plat for 11 single-family lots, was approved 4–3 with Feltz, McCann and Bearden opposed.
Why it matters: Residents downstream of Gamble Creek and other watersheds told commissioners that land-raising and new developments have contributed to recent flood damage and road failures. Commissioners and staff agreed on the need for further analysis; staff said a county-led work session and third-party studies are planned.
Next steps: Staff told the board a work session to review stormwater operations and third-party analysis is scheduled for Feb. 19; staff will present the county's findings and mitigation options for committee and board consideration.
