Island mayors wary of mainland growth

The town of Longboat Key is one of four municipalities that are signing letters this summer asking Manatee County Administrator Ed Hunzeker and city of Bradenton Mayor Wayne Poston to provide insight on how they are planning for an influx of growth in west Bradenton in the coming years.

During a Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting July 15 at Longboat Key Town Hall, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and other officials, including Longboat Key Vice Mayor Terry Gans, entered into a discussion about how new developments called Lake Flores and Long Bar Pointe in west Bradenton will bring thousands of homes and thousands of commercial space and eateries to the area along Sarasota Bay.

“We had a lengthy discussion regarding development on the mainland and its impact upon our barrier island resources and infrastructure,” Murphy’s draft letter states. “With the recent rebound of housing development in the area, it would be reassuring if we had some insight and understanding as to the plans both Manatee County and the city of Bradenton have in place to channel this growth.”

Both Manatee County and city of Bradenton officials are being asked to attend a future Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting so the issues can be discussed and the mayors of Longboat Key, Bradenton Beac, Holmes Beach and Anna Maria can discuss their issues with growth, traffic and infrastructure.

All four island mayors will sign a letter to be sent to the county and city officials.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].