Manatee County Expands Rye Preserve with Nearly 10 Acres of Riverfront Land

Manatee County leaders have approved the purchase of 9.7 acres of riverfront property to expand Rye Preserve in Parrish. The acquisition marks the second recent addition to the popular East Manatee nature area, following a 4.5-acre purchase in June aimed at protecting the preserve’s eastern edge and the historic Rye Cemetery from nearby development.

The newly acquired parcel sits at the park’s entrance on the western edge and features a mix of pine forest and wetlands, along with 1,200 feet of natural shoreline along the Manatee River. County officials say these landscapes are valuable for conservation and will enhance the scenery available to visitors.

The $858,000 purchase will be funded primarily through the county’s Environmental Lands Program, which uses a voter-approved tax to secure land for conservation. About $58,000 of the total cost will come from Public Works funds to accommodate a planned expansion of Rye Road from two to four lanes. Public Works will also reimburse the Environmental Lands Program for any portion of the land used in the road project.

The property has been neglected and will require an estimated $12,000 in cleanup, including the removal of debris, derelict vessels, and an abandoned trailer. County staff will also address trespassing issues reported in the area. Once cleared, the land will be managed as part of Rye Preserve without additional staffing or operating costs.

Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the purchase, which is expected to close by the end of August. A public opening date for the new section of the preserve has not yet been announced.