Big Changes Could Be Coming to Manatee County: What You Need to Know

by Adam Miller

Big Changes Could Be Coming to Manatee County: What You Need to Know

Manatee County leaders are making moves that could shake things up for homeowners, businesses, and future developments. A possible building moratorium, fluoride in the water supply, and concerns over transparency have taken center stage in recent discussions. If you live in East Manatee County or are thinking about moving there, these changes might impact you.

Is a Building Moratorium Coming to East Manatee County?

For years, developers have pushed eastward, building thousands of new homes past the Future Development Area Boundary (FDAB), where county utilities officially stop. That could be changing soon.

On January 28, Manatee County Commissioner Dr. Bob McCann introduced the idea of a building moratorium in District 5, which covers East Manatee. His goal? To slow down new residential construction and give the county time to evaluate growth, infrastructure, and environmental concerns.

McCann wasn’t ready to vote on the moratorium just yet. Instead, he wanted an open conversation with residents, commissioners, and builders. The next day, major developers, including Schroeder-Manatee Ranch CEO Rex Jensen, reached out for a meeting, and more are expected to join the discussion.

What’s the Big Deal About the FDAB?

In simple terms, the FDAB is an invisible line that marks where the county’s utilities, like water and sewer services, end. Traditionally, development hasn’t been allowed beyond this boundary. However, that changed in 2023 when the previous county commission approved two major projects—Taylor Ranch and East River Ranch—which will bring nearly 10,000 new homes east of the FDAB.

Now, with new leadership on the commission, there’s an effort to reverse that decision and prevent any more large-scale developments from moving forward past this boundary. Commissioner Carol Felts led the charge by introducing a motion to repeal the amendment that allowed development beyond the FDAB. While this doesn’t immediately stop those two big projects from happening, it sets the stage for stricter development limits in the future.

Why Some Residents Want a Moratorium

Many people in East Manatee County are concerned about rapid growth. More homes mean more traffic, overcrowded schools, and strain on local infrastructure. Some residents also worry about the risk of flooding, especially after heavy storms like Hurricane Debby.

Commissioner McCann acknowledged that not everyone will like the idea of a moratorium, but he believes it’s what his district wants. The discussion will continue at the February 4 commission meeting, with a vote expected soon.

How This Could Affect Lakewood Ranch Businesses

A potential building freeze doesn’t just impact future homeowners—it could also have consequences for businesses. Brittany Lamont, president of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, is keeping a close eye on the situation. Even though McCann insists the moratorium would only apply to residential development, business leaders want to ensure that the economic growth in the area remains steady.

At the time of the late-night commission meeting, most residents had already left, meaning there wasn’t much public discussion. But this issue is far from over.

What’s Going On With Fluoride in the Water?

Another heated topic at the meeting was fluoride in Manatee County’s water supply. Some commissioners suggested removing fluoride altogether, while others argued that it should stay. The problem? The county’s fluoridation system has been broken since 2021—and no one on the commission knew about it until now.

Fluoride is added to drinking water in many places to help prevent tooth decay, but some argue that it may have negative effects, such as lowering children’s IQ levels. During the meeting, dentists presented studies supporting both sides of the argument.

How Much Would It Cost to Fix the Fluoride System?

Restoring the fluoridation system won’t be cheap. Manatee County’s Deputy County Administrator Evan Pilachowski estimated it would cost $2 million and take a year to replace the current system or $1.5 million and three years to install a superior system. If the county decides to move forward with fluoride injections, annual costs would range between $60,000 and $80,000 per year.

Many residents were shocked to learn that the fluoride system had been broken for four years without anyone realizing it. This led to broader concerns about transparency and whether other water quality issues are being overlooked.

What Happens Next?

The county commission will have to vote on whether to reinvest in fluoride or remove it from the water supply altogether. If they choose to stop adding fluoride, they’ll need to update the county’s water ordinance.

The Bigger Picture: Growth, Water, and Accountability

These discussions highlight bigger questions about growth management, government transparency, and infrastructure in Manatee County. Should development continue past the FDAB, or should the county put the brakes on new construction? Is fluoridation necessary, or is it an outdated practice? Most importantly, how can county officials ensure they’re keeping residents informed?

All of these issues will be revisited in the coming weeks, with decisions that could shape the future of East Manatee County.

What are your thoughts on this? Read the full article here.

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