Manatee County wetlands vote postponed

Residents planning to speak in favor of, or against, Manatee County reinstating 50-foot wetland buffers and repealing an ordinance that currently allows development beyond the Future Development Area Boundary this Thursday will have to wait. 

Commission Chair George Kruse canceled the Aug. 21 meeting in order to postpone voting on the issues that, if approved, might violate Senate Bill 180.

SB 180 prohibits local governments from adding “more restrictive or burdensome” amendments to its comprehensive plan or land development code. 

“It’s become apparent to everybody that there is no intention of people from Tallahassee allowing us to fight in court,” Kruse said. “Everything is teeing up for the fact that they intend to just try to suspend people from office.” 

Kruse cited threats from the state to remove elected officials in Key West, Fort Myers and Orange County for taking actions that are thought to violate SB 180. He argued that too much damage could be done if Gov. Ron DeSantis replaces the majority of the commission.

The governor's decision would have to go before the Senate when it reconvenes in January, but until then, DeSantis could appoint temporary replacements. 

Commissioners Carol Felts and Tal Siddique pushed back to at least allow a discussion, but ultimately, caution won out.

Staff members will open and close the meeting, and the public will only be able to comment on the continuance of the items.