Citizen-led Comp Plan rewrite forum to be held July 29

You’re Invited. Your Voice Matters. This is a citizen-sponsored community forum created by residents, for residents. It is not sponsored by Manatee County, and county staff or officials are not organizing this event.

The goal is simple: to help our community better understand the proposed Comprehensive Plan, discuss what it could mean for Manatee County's future, and provide a place where neighbors can ask questions, share ideas, and learn together.

Many residents have expressed that they still have questions about the proposed Comprehensive Plan and want a better understanding of its potential impacts before important decisions are made. This forum is an opportunity to become informed, hear different perspectives, and participate in a respectful community discussion.

Whether you’re deeply involved or just beginning to learn about the Comprehensive Plan, everyone is welcome. An informed community is a stronger community, and your participation matters.

Who: CITIZEN-SPONSORED PUBLIC FORUM INVITATION (by Community Planning Manatee)
What: REVIEW/DISCUSS THE PROPOSED MANATEE COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN (Comp Plan)

When: JULY 29, 2026 (WEDNESDAY), 5:30 to 7:30 PM
Where: LAKEWOOD RANCH LIBRARY, Room A, 16410 Rangeland Pkwy, Bradenton, FL
Why: The comp plan is Manatee County’s legal framework for current and future development. It was recently rewritten, and a draft was published in late April 2026. The Board of County Commissioners will vote to approve or deny the draft at the hearing on August 6, 2026. Preliminary public scrutiny of the draft reveals significant negative impacts to existing County citizens.

AGENDA: Hour 1
Five Guest Speakers to Highlight Key Elements of the Comp Plan
Speaker 1- Mark VanDeRee, P.E. (Waterline Road Preservation Group): Intro, history, purpose, overview.

Speaker 2- Heidi Lynn (East County Activist): Harmful elements, specific negative impacts.
Speaker 3- Ken Piper (Concerned Citizen): Specific omissions, processes, procedures, recommendation.
Speaker 4- Andra Griffin (Community Activist & Watchdog): Conflicts of interest, Govt lacking candor.
Speaker 5- Special Guest: How did we get here; how do we fix it.

AGENDA: Hour 2
Public Forum for Comments, Statements and Discussion.

Contact: Community Planning Manatee at: CompPlanManatee@yahoo.com