Manatee County Commission Approves AAA High School in 4–3 Vote After Failed Motion to Deny
The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners voted 4–3 on Tuesday to approve the site plan for AAA High School, a proposed 297,300-square-foot public high school in east Manatee County. The decision followed a lengthy discussion and a failed motion to deny the project based on concerns over consistency with the county’s Comprehensive Plan.
The proposal, identified as SSP-25-03 and Resolution R-25-202, allows for the construction of a new high school on approximately 85 acres located north of State Road 70, at the corner of Rangeland Parkway and Post Boulevard, within the Mixed Use Commercial/Activity Center 1 (MU-C/AC-1) future land use category.
County staff had recommended denial, citing issues with location, infrastructure capacity, and alignment with growth management policies. County Attorney Pamela D’Agostino read the formal motion to deny, which was introduced by Commissioner McCann and seconded by Commissioner Bearden. That motion failed 3–4, with Chairman Kruse and Commissioners Ballard, Rahn, and Siddique voting against denial.
Following the failed motion to deny, Commissioner Rahn moved to approve the site plan, with Chairman Kruse seconding. The approval motion carried 4–3, with Commissioners Felts, Bearden, and McCann voting no.
The AAA High School project advances as part of the School District of Manatee County’s long-range plan to meet growing enrollment demands in the Lakewood Ranch and Myakka areas. The approval includes conditions related to infrastructure, transportation improvements, and coordination with county departments to ensure compliance with land development and public service standards.
The decision highlights the board’s ongoing debate over striking a balance between rapid residential growth and infrastructure and planning priorities.