Manatee County to Name Preserve at David J. Crane Park in Honor of Late Commissioner Carol Ann Felts
The Manatee County Board of Commissioners have unanimously approved a motion for a resolution that would name a newly expanded preserve at David J. Crane Park in honor of the late District 1 Commissioner Carol Ann Felts.
Once the resolution is adopted, the roughly 16-acre expansion of Crane Park will be known as The Carol Ann Felts Preserve at David J. Crane Park, recognizing Commissioner Felts’ enduring commitment to protecting Manatee County’s natural resources and preserving its rural character.
The item was brought forward during commissioner comments by District 2 Commissioner Amanda Ballard. The motion to name the preserve in Commissioner Felts’ honor passed unanimously.
“When Commissioner Felts passed, I wanted to make sure we honored her legacy in a really tangible way,” said Commissioner Ballard. “Under Carol’s leadership with ELMAC and the Board of County Commissioners, David J. Crane Park was recently expanded. Naming this expansion in her honor ensures that her legacy of conservation and service will live on for generations to come in Myakka City.”
Crane Park was recently expanded by 16 acres, further enhancing public access to green space and natural habitat. The newly designated preserve reflects Commissioner Felts’ lifelong dedication to safeguarding Manatee County’s open spaces.
In addition to the preserve naming, the Board also fulfilled another of Commissioner Felts’ longstanding priorities: a motion for the creation of a Rural Lands and Citizens’ Advisory Board. The motion to establish the advisory board was made by Commissioner Ballard and passed by a vote of 6-0.
“Carol wanted to recognize the importance of rural lands as part of Manatee County’s historical and economic contribution; provide insights and advisement on issues that affect rural citizens; ensure communication, services and opportunities are provided in an effective manner that supports areas outside urban and suburban boundaries; and involve both large and small landowners in the future planning and preservation of these areas,” said Commissioner Ballard.
Once the resolution is adopted, the Rural Lands and Citizens’ Advisory Board will provide recommendations to the County Commission on issues affecting rural communities, agricultural lands and conservation efforts, ensuring residents have a direct voice in decisions that shape the future of Manatee County’s rural areas.
Together, these actions honor Commissioner Felts’ vision for preserving Manatee County’s natural landscapes and strengthening community engagement in rural-policy decisions.
During the regular meeting of the Manatee County Board of Commissioners, citizens were also allowed to speak on the late Commissioner Felts’ legacy by sharing stories and playing a video tribute in her honor.
For more information about Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ManateeGov.
