Is a Building Moratorium the Solution to East Manatee County’s Growth Challenges?

by Adam Miller

Is a Building Moratorium the Solution to East Manatee County’s Growth Challenges?

Manatee County is at a crossroads. With traffic congestion at an all-time high and concerns over hurricane flooding mounting, local leaders are grappling with the realities of rapid development. Now, some county commissioners are floating the idea of a building moratorium, hoping to put a temporary halt to new development until the region’s infrastructure can catch up. But is this the right move? Or will it only add fuel to an already heated debate between commissioners, developers, and residents?

The Tipping Point: Rapid Growth and Infrastructure Concerns

For years, East Manatee County has seen a surge in development, fueled in part by policies that allowed major master-planned communities—such as Lakewood Ranch—to expand farther eastward. However, the infrastructure necessary to support this growth has struggled to keep pace. Roads remain gridlocked, stormwater drainage remains an issue, and concerns about hurricane resilience continue to mount.

Do you believe growth has outpaced the county’s ability to provide necessary infrastructure? Should developers be required to contribute more toward these improvements before proceeding with new projects?

A Shift in Leadership, A Shift in Priorities

Following the 2024 elections, Manatee County’s leadership has taken on a different tone. Once dominated by developer-friendly voices, the County Commission now includes members pushing back against unchecked expansion. Commissioners Robert McCann, Carol Felts, and Jason Bearden have emerged as vocal opponents of further development until critical infrastructure issues are addressed.

During a heated commission meeting, McCann took a firm stance, stating: “This isn’t working at all. Builders want to put houses in before we have roads, before we have stormwater drainage taken care of, before we have even the river cleaned out.”

This push for a pause on development is a direct response to years of frustration among residents who feel their quality of life is being compromised. But is a building moratorium the best way to fix these issues, or could it have unintended consequences?

The Developer Dilemma: Cooperation or Conflict?

Recognizing the need for dialogue, McCann has called for a meeting with three of the most influential developers in the region—Pat Neal, Rex Jensen, and Carlos Beruff—to discuss potential solutions. He referenced Palm Beach County as an example of how cooperation between county officials and developers led to progress without resorting to a moratorium.

Should developers be given the opportunity to propose solutions before any moratorium is put in place? Or has the time for negotiations passed?

Legal Battles Loom as Development Faces More Scrutiny

The new wave of resistance to unchecked development has also led to increased legal challenges. Developers are now bringing attorneys to meetings where final approvals—once considered routine—are now under intense scrutiny.

Darin Parks, an attorney representing developers, voiced his frustration, stating: “Our clients are unfortunately having to pay for our time to be here. It’s not insignificant to prepare for this in the unlikely event that there is a decision to deny plats that do comply with Florida law and the Manatee County land development code.”

Does this increased legal pressure signal a necessary check on development, or is it an unnecessary roadblock that could deter future investment in the county?

A Divided Commission: Finding the Middle Ground

Not all commissioners are on board with the proposed moratorium. While some believe it’s a necessary step to address long-standing infrastructure concerns, others argue that the county should focus on alternative solutions, such as revising impact fees or updating land development codes.

Commissioner Talha Siddique expressed skepticism, warning that the moratorium discussion is overlooking the deeper infrastructure issues at play. “We have to keep in mind that the infrastructure issues are affecting everybody here, and we need to be a serious board that presents serious issues.”

Meanwhile, Commissioner George Kruse, who has long advocated for sensible solutions to growth, questioned whether a moratorium is the right path forward. “At some point, getting to the middle is a good place. I don’t speak in absolutes… I think a moratorium is a bit of an absolute.”

Should the county take a more measured approach to growth, or is a moratorium the only way to force real change?

What Happens Next?

With mounting pressure from both residents and developers, the future of East Manatee County’s development remains uncertain. The commissioners will need to decide whether to move forward with a formal moratorium or find alternative ways to address the county’s infrastructure concerns.

One thing is clear: the decisions made in the coming months will have a lasting impact on the region’s growth, economy, and quality of life.

What are your thoughts? Do you think a temporary building moratorium is necessary, or are there better ways to handle the challenges facing Manatee County? Let us know in the comments below!

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