SWFMD Votes to Permit Neal Development Despite ALJ Decision

BRADENTON – On Tuesday, the Southwest Florida Water Management District voted to permit a proposed development by Pat Neal on Perico Island, despite an administrative law judge's recommended order that it be denied.

Neal hopes to be able to destroy high quality mangroves on the island in order to build a four-home subdivision he's calling Harbor Sound on 2.47 acres of a 40-acre parcel the developer owns in a trust. The houses are planned for about 10,000 square feet each.

Joe McClash, 22-year Manatee County Commissioner and TBT publisher, challenged the permit and was later joined by FISH, Manasota-88, Suncoast Waterkeepers and Sierra Club. A hearing was held in February, and the recommendation from the judge was to deny the permit. However, final action was in the hands of SWFMD.

Fellow Manatee County developer Carlos Beruff, who sits on the water management district's board, motioned for approval of Neal's permit request and it was approved with just one dissenting vote.

McClash says they will appeal the decision in the district court of appeals, where they hope case law precedent will be set that will make it easier to enforce the existing rules the next time such a permit is requested.