Commission approves 126-acre East County facilities expansion, including library, EMS station and sports amenities

The Manatee County Planning Commission on Oct. 16 recommended approval of a county-initiated rezoning and revised general development plan for the East County Facilities project (PDPI 19-22), adding roughly 126.33 acres to the existing Premier Sports Campus and expanding permitted public-interest uses.

Deputy County Administrator Brian Parnell told the commission the county aims to "enhance the sports programming for our residents, as well as continue to generate out of town sports business that stimulates the local economy annually." He said the plan includes indoor sports venues, a civic center, up to a 300-key hotel (applicant later clarified the site plan lists 300 rooms), medical and sports performance space, and up to three parking garages.

Katie LaBarr of Stantec, representing Manatee County, described the request as rezoning the southern half of the site to Plan Development Public Interest to ensure consistency with the northern half and to allow flexible, long-term programming. LaBarr said buffers are identified along all property edges and that the GDP is a “bubble plan” intended to provide flexibility for future government decisions on facility placement.

Molly White, Director of Sports and Leisure Services, confirmed that baseball, softball and additional soccer fields are included in the general development plan. Case planner James McDevitt corrected an earlier comment, noting the site plan shows 300 hotel rooms rather than 200.

After brief questions from commissioners and no public comments, the planning commission voted 6-0 to recommend approval. The commission's action sends the rezoning and revised GDP to the Board of County Commissioners for final decision.