Environment Army Corp Tells Neal Not to Kill Mangroves on Perico Island

BRADENTON — In a letter sent to Pat Neal on Thursday, the Army Corp of Engineers sent a clear message: If you want to develop, don’t kill the mangroves. Neal needs approval of three entities – the City of Bradenton, SWFMD and the Army Corp of Engineers – before he can destroy mangroves for development on Perico Island. If any one of them denies permission, the irreplaceable environment of the mangroves will remain protected. The letter should come as no surprise, as three federal agencies have thus far recommended denial.

Citizens have been very vocal about the mangroves requested to be destroyed by Neal, writing almost a hundred letters opposing the project. 22-year Manatee County Commission veteran, Joe McClash, who challenged a permit about to be issued by SWFMD, responded that he was "hopeful that the laws and rules protecting mangroves would finally be respected." McClash was joined by four environmental organizations in the legal action. He said he is optimistic that the evidence they presented "will prove the state violated rules protecting the mangroves."

The hearing took place in February, and a decision could take up to three months. McClash and his partner groups have also been critical of the City of Bradenton for violating their rules protecting mangroves and standards for development in a coastal area. The city rezoned over 40 acres without a public hearing.

City officials have refused to officially comment on the rule violations for almost a year, though they had vowed to on several occasions. The city’s action can also be challenged for violating their rules but only after a plat is signed. So far, the city has approved the site plan, but the plat has yet to be signed. McClash and Sierra Club have requested that the city rescind their action since it was based on inaccurate data and does not comply with its codes for development or its comprehensive plan.

The political climate protecting the environment has said to have changed under Governor Scott’s administration. The governor has made it a priority to reduce the state’s oversight protecting the environment. As a result, developers are routinely receiving permits that do not comply with the rules. One of the few options for citizens and advocacy groups is to mount an expensive legal challenge to the permits and city approvals. Critics complain that the fact that developers have millions at stake, while challengers make no money and get no reimbursement when they win, serves to discourage citizen oversight.

Anyone wishing to donate toward the cost of this permit challenge can forward contribution to ManaSota-88, Inc, P.O. Box 1728, Nokomis, Florida 34274, and indicate that the donation is for the Harbor Sound/Neal permit challenge.