Hundreds fill ballroom for Ranch incorporation debate (AUDIO)

More than 300 Lakewood Ranch residents flooded The Polo Grill and Bar Fête Ballroom for the East County Observer's Lakewood Ranch Incorporation Debate May 9.

The debate featured speakers Keith Davey and Tom Thomaides, of the Incorporation Study Committee, and Gary Berns and Bob Hendel, of the Friends of Lakewood Ranch. East County Observer Editorial Pages Editor Rod Thomson moderated.

Both groups answered questions from the East County Observer as well as readers and audience members. Most of the discussion centered on taxes, local control and the disputed Hank Fishkind feasibility study.

For complete coverage, see the May 12 edition of the East County Observer.

Scroll down to listen to the debate or download the mp3 here.