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Staff recommends natural-preservation designation for Bird Island and Sunken Island
Summary
Planning Commission staff recommended that HC/CPA 26-04 (Bird Island and Sunken Island) be found consistent with the comprehensive plan and designated Natural Preservation, noting wetland habitat, coastal high hazard area location and support from Audubon and Port Tampa Bay.
Planning Commission staff presented HC/CPA 26-04 on April 13, 2026, a small-scale privately initiated comprehensive plan amendment to classify Bird Island and Sunken Island (approximately 49.72 acres in the Alafia River) as Natural Preservation.
Staff noted the islands are currently unclassified on the Future Land Use Map, are within FEMA V.E flood zones and coastal high-hazard areas, and have been identified by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission as critical nesting habitat for thousands of birds. Agency review returned no objections; the Environmental Protection Commission recommended conservation easements and reiterated that any restoration or enhancement would be addressed outside the plan-amendment stage.
Staff concluded the amendment is consistent with Coastal Management, Environmental and Sustainability policies and community-plan guidance for the Gibsonton area. Applicant representatives and Port Tampa Bay representatives were available and supportive; staff and the EPC will coordinate any future conservation or permit-related actions.
The Planning Commission received the staff presentation; no formal public opposition was recorded in the transcript portion available. If the commission advances the recommendation, the item will be considered by the Board of County Commissioners.
