Manatee County Restores Wetland Buffer Protections After Commissioner McCann Motion
MANATEE COUNTY – In his first major legislative action since joining the Manatee County Board of Commissioners, District 5 Commissioner Robert McCann led a successful effort to restore wetland buffer protections previously reduced in October 2023.
On Jan. 7, McCann motioned to reverse the prior decision that had cut additional wetland buffer requirements and defaulted to the state minimums. The motion passed with a 6-1 vote, with Commissioner Mike Rahn opposing the measure.
Despite initial resistance from Commissioners Tal Siddique and Amanda Ballard, who advocated deferring to the county attorney, four commissioners supported McCann’s initiative and ensured its passage.
The approved motion voided the ordinance reducing the buffers and reinstated the original language requiring additional protections. This action came after Commissioner Jason Bearden's unsuccessful attempt in September 2024. Bearden’s motion had been modified on the advice of County Attorney Pamela D’Agostino, who recommended allowing staff and the attorney’s office to review the issue further before proceeding with Comprehensive Plan amendments.
During the Jan. 7 meeting, Development Services Director Nicole Knapp indicated that the county couldn’t fully reverse the decision until the Comprehensive Plan was officially amended. Bearden sought clarification from D’Agostino, who responded that she had not yet had sufficient time to review the matter.
The board’s decision marks a significant step in restoring environmental protections for Manatee County’s wetlands.