The Barrier Island Elected Officials have decided to approach Manatee County as a unit to discuss the Lake Flores development.
The development, located south of Cortez Road along 75th Street is a 1,322-acre mixed-use development proposed to have 6,500 residential units and 3 million square feet of commercial properties.
During the July 15 meeting at Longboat Key Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, Anna Maria commissioner Doug Copeland expressed concern about plans for the infrastructure of the new community, particularly to address traffic concerns.
“If you drive into Bradenton or Sarasota during season it’s difficult to get anywhere,” Copeland said. His concern extends to the island, where he anticipates the development’s residents will go to the beach.
“Try to come to the island. You can’t get to it,” he said, referring to traffic during season. “Try to get over the Green Bridge. You can’t do it. This doesn’t just impact the island.”
Holmes Beach Commissioner Jean Peelen suggested drafting a letter from the four municipalities, to the county and city of Bradenton on the issue.
Copeland agreed, but said the letter shouldn’t just be island-specific.
Longboat Key town manager Dave Bullock said he’d like to invite representatives from Manatee County and Bradenton to a future BIEO meeting to discuss any plans for traffic relief.
Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy agreed to spearhead the project, offering to write a draft of the letter for consideration by BIEO members.
Members also discussed a proposed constitutional amendment to allow solar power companies to offer payment plans for residential solar systems. Copeland spoke in favor of the amendment, saying residents should be given choices with regard to residential energy sources.
Bullock reported that Longboat Key has applied for permits to dredge Longboat Pass and New Pass. The dredging is estimated to start in April 2016 and continue through the summer. Sand gathered from the dredging will be used to renourish eroded beaches on Longboat Key.
Murphy said that although new equipment has been placed on the Anna Maria cell tower, it is unclear when it will become operational or when other carriers will be added to the tower. He said it’s doubtful that any carriers other than Verizon and AT&T will be added due to roaming agreements between the two cellphone giants and other providers.
And AT&T is lagging in its planning.
Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson said his city is working to complete ongoing projects and is preparing for the restructuring of sidewalks and Gulf Drive from the Bradenton Beach line to the city’s border with Anna Maria.
Johnson said an alternate island bike path is beginning to take shape. The path is being planned to take riders on back streets to avoid heavy vehicular traffic on the main roads.
“It’s a quiet time for us right now,” Johnson said. “Time for us to step back, reflect and plan for the future.”
Manatee County looks at 75th Street development
Development near Anna Maria Island is knocking on Manatee County’s doors.
Lake Flores, being developed by the owner, Manatee Fruit Company, will be considered Aug. 6 by the Manatee County Board of Commissioners, according to county planner John Osborne.
A 20-year build-out is expected for Lake Flores, originally proposed in 2014 for the mixed-use zone, according to a county staff report.
Holmes Beach Commissioner Jean Peelen added her concern that, “Harbor Isles keeps expanding, expanding and expanding.”
Harbor Isles, a development by Minto Communities, is building in stages on Perico Island near the bridge to Anna Maria Island. It’s waterfront is on Anna Maria Sound with views of the island.
“And I’ve been told they’re going to put high-rise apartments there,” she added.
— Kathy Prucnell