Manatee Commission Delays Action on Wetland Buffers and Growth Boundaries
A long-anticipated public debate over Manatee County’s wetland protections and development boundaries will not take place this week. Commission Chair George Kruse canceled Thursday’s meeting, postponing votes on whether to reinstate 50-foot wetland buffers and repeal an ordinance that permits growth outside the county’s Future Development Area Boundary.
Kruse cited concerns that moving forward could conflict with Senate Bill 180, a state law barring local governments from adopting land-use rules considered more restrictive than state requirements. He pointed to recent warnings from Tallahassee and cases in Key West, Fort Myers, and Orange County, where officials risked suspension for similar actions.
Under the law, Gov. Ron DeSantis has the authority to suspend local officials who violate state statutes and appoint temporary replacements until the Senate reconvenes in January to review the decision. Kruse said allowing a vote could jeopardize the stability of the commission.
Commissioners Carol Felts and Tal Siddique favored at least holding a discussion, but the majority agreed to delay. County staff will briefly open and close Thursday’s meeting, with public comment limited only to the continuance of the items.
The postponement means that both supporters and opponents of stricter environmental rules will need to wait for a new hearing before any changes can be considered.