Why rural slice of Tampa Bay area feels under siege from creeping development

This photos shows the view looking north on Myakka Road with the Myakka River going under the bridge on September 24. [ TIFFANY TOMPKINS | TNS ]

Residents and officials who oversee the Myakka River are worried about the impacts of development inching closer to one of the region’s final frontiers.

Some Myakka City residents are worried about growth threatening the rural way of life that many moved there to pursue, and the Myakka River Management Coordinating Council said increased buffers are warranted. However, with Senate Bill 180’s restrictive language, there isn’t much county officials can do to limit nearby development.

At a recent Manatee Board of County Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Carol Ann Felts brought forward a discussion about what the county could be doing to preserve Myakka.

While a federal preservation designation could be on the way, county staffers are also looking at a more immediate solution by adding more boots on the ground to enforce code violations near the river.

Those who live closest to the Myakka River and the state park say it’s crucial that the county preserves the area from development impacts.

“For us, it’s not just a river. It’s a way of life,” Myakka resident Lindsey Leigh said at the meeting. “The Myakka (River) is a gem for all of us. It defines Myakka City, it represents the rural character and natural beauty that makes our area so special.”

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