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Beruff Resigns from SWFWMD Board After Approving Permit for Neal's Harbor Sound

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BRADENTON – On the same day that he voted to approve his friend and fellow developer's plan to destroy an acre of high-quality wetlands for a development, Carlos Beruff resigned from his seat on the Southwest Florida Water Management District board.

Beruff had stated his intention to resign in a July letter to Gov. Rick Scott. In the letter, as reported by the Bradenton Herald, the Medallion Home founder advised that other responsibilities were the reason for quitting the 11 person governing board of SWFWMD.

If it receives federal approval, Pat Neal's Harbor Sound would consist of four 10,000 square foot homes and a stormwater system for Neal and his family. The founder of Neal Homes owns 40 acres of Perico Island, located in Anna Maria.

The 10-1 vote to approve Neal's project, which was motioned for approval by Beruff, came after an administrative law judge recommended in June that the board deny a permit for the development. The judge advised that the project would have "adverse cumulative effects on the conservation of fish and wildlife, fishing and recreational values, and marine productivity of Anna Maria Sound, an Outstanding Florida Water.“

Former Manatee County Commissioner and TBT publisher Joe McClash has said he plans to appeal the decision within the 30 day deadline to do so, along with former commissioner Jane Von Hahmann.

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