BRADENTON – The debate has raged through several meetings and workshops and the sides are clear. Developers and phosphate miners want to be able to destroy or “mitigate” wetlands more easily, while many citizens oppose a policy that they see as detrimental to our environment and unsustainable for future water supplies. Manatee County Commissioners will vote on Tuesday (see full agenda), though so far, the developers seem to have the upper hand.

County staff says that the proposed amendment to the land development code simply seeks to codify long-held practices. Meanwhile, environmentalists say that's the problem – the county has for too long been granting exceptions to its established ordinance and should begin following it, rather than loosening standards.

The issue is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. time certain at a meeting that begins at 9 a.m. in the BOCC chambers of the county administration building. The public is welcomed to attend and give comment prior to the vote.

Related:

The Cui Bono Wetland Ordinance

Wetlands on the Chopping Block in Manatee County