Residents Push for Myakka River Protections as State Law Raises Hurdles
Manatee County residents are urging local leaders to safeguard the Myakka River from encroaching development, but a new state law may complicate the path forward.
The Myakka River Management Coordinating Council recently sent an email to county commissioners calling for stronger protections. Their proposal includes creating a designated protection zone, requiring homes to be set back at least 150 feet, and implementing dark-sky regulations within a five-mile radius to limit light pollution.
Council member Becky Ayech emphasized the importance of acting now, noting that much of the land surrounding the river in Manatee County remains ranchland. She said establishing protections before large-scale development arrives would be critical in maintaining the river’s natural character.
The request came just as county commissioners postponed a discussion on wetlands protections during their Aug. 19 meeting. Chairperson George Kruse said moving forward could risk violating new state legislation that prohibits local governments from adopting land development rules stricter than those set at the state level.
Despite the legal uncertainty, residents continue to push for stronger safeguards. Many, like Lindsey Leigh, see the river as a vital part of Florida’s natural heritage. Families visit weekly, drawn to the river’s wildlife and tranquility, and advocates say unchecked development could erase those experiences for future generations.
For now, the future of added protections remains uncertain. The council and community members are asking county leaders to find a way to balance growth with conservation, ensuring the Myakka remains a refuge of wild Florida even as surrounding areas change.
