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Commission denies permit for retaining wall in Myakka River protection zone after public and commissioner objections
Summary
The board voted 5–0 to deny a two-part request (variance and major work permit) for a 364-foot retaining wall at Lazy River Village Marina inside the Myakka River protection zone, citing healthy mangrove fringe, low erosion evidence, and preference for non‑hardening alternatives.
The Sarasota County Commission voted 5–0 on May 19 to deny a variance and a Water & Navigation Control Authority major work permit that would have authorized a 364‑foot retaining wall at Lazy River Village Marina within the Myakka River Protection Zone.
Planning staff described the two‑step request and showed aerial imagery and site photos. Howard Burna of Planning & Development Services said the proposed vinyl pile‑driven wall would be at the top of bank, landward of mean high water and behind an established mangrove fringe. Staff concluded the mangrove system appeared well‑established, that the shoreline is not in a high‑energy location, and that alternatives exist.
Several commissioners voiced reservations about permitting hardened shoreline in the wild‑and‑scenic portion of the Myakka River. Commissioner Smith said he saw no evident erosion on site and expressed reluctance to permit shoreline hardening in the Myakka. Commissioner Knight said the mangroves appeared healthy and that hardening the river was unwarranted.
River advocate John Miller, who has opposed similar projects for decades, testified that the shoreline showed little historic erosion, urged denial and suggested non‑hardening alternatives such as minor roadway curb changes to manage stormwater and reduce bank erosion.
With no applicant present to speak at the hearing, the board debated and moved to deny both A (variance) and B (major work permit). The amended motion to deny both parts of the application passed 5–0; staff will prepare a formal denial resolution. Commissioners directed staff to consider alternatives and asked that the Myakka River Management Coordinating Council be notified of such permit proposals in a timely manner.
The board's action preserves the current mangrove fringe and blocks the proposed hardening structure from proceeding without further application and demonstration of need.
