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Residents urge Manatee County commissioners to slow comprehensive-plan update and protect rural areas
Summary
Multiple residents raised concerns during public comment that the county is moving too quickly on a 700‑page comprehensive plan update, warning that proposed thoroughfare and zoning changes threaten Myakka City's rural character and wetlands; commissioners encouraged specific policy feedback and noted the board retains final authority.
Dozens of residents told the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners on May 21 that the county should not rush its comprehensive-plan update and must do more to protect rural areas such as Myakka City.
Heidi Menichime, speaking near the start of public comment, said the plan is not due until 2027 and said residents lack adequate representation in eastern areas: "We don't even have to have this done till 2027... We the People elected you... to work for us, not the developers," she said, urging commissioners to "do better."
Other commenters made similar points. Mark Vanderie and a phone commenter urged a pause so a newly elected board could weigh in; they also raised wetlands, stormwater and traffic concerns tied to recent land‑use approvals. Vanderie said small or degraded wetlands still perform ecological functions and warned against incremental losses of habitat.
Commissioners responded by asking commenters to identify specific policies they support or oppose rather than general objections. Chair (presiding) and Commissioner Amanda Ballard said the board, not consultants, has final authority over policy and encouraged residents to be specific about which policies they find problematic. Ballard noted existing local agricultural initiatives — including a food forest at Mixon and planned farm-incubator ideas — and invited public engagement on those programs.
The discussion highlighted two recurring points: residents' frustration with process and timelines, and technical concerns over stormwater modeling and traffic analyses (several speakers asked about NOAA Atlas 14 standards and the Mill Creek watershed). Staff indicated certain design standards were not applied to particular files when adjacent parcels had previously approved designs, and said more detailed technical work occurs at later plan and permitting stages.
Next steps noted at the meeting: commissioners encouraged commenters to submit targeted policy objections to staff or to testify about specific elements; staff will continue technical review as projects return for site‑plan and permitting stages.
