What to know in Manatee: skepticism on wetland protection; surprise county admin candidate
Commissioners are establishing a second wetland mitigation bank in Manatee County, but environmental advocates are skeptical since the move comes days after commissioners took steps forward on a plan that cuts county-level wetland protections.
The decision has raised eyebrows after the board decided to push the plan to strip the county's local wetland protections forward last week, and advocates say it is instead just another step in facilitating development further.
Commissioners also decided to punt the county administrator decision — although they added the acting administrator to the list of candidates — and are moving forward on a new soccer complex near Palmetto and Parrish.
County to create a new wetland mitigation bank
Manatee County commissioners unanimously voted Tuesday to give the county administrator authority to move forward with the wetland mitigation bank program and begin to hire four staff members to manage it.
Commissioners also unanimously voted to establish a long-term recipient site for Gopher Tortoises relocated from properties under development.
Last week: Developers, Mosaic win big as Manatee County set to strip its own wetland protections
Manasota-88 Chairman Glenn Compton criticized the decisions and told the Herald-Tribune the effort falls in line with plans to reduce Manatee County's wetland protections because of pressure from the development industry.
"What is happening is the Manatee County Commission is focusing to achieve one objective: granting a developer a permit," Manasota-88 Chairman Glenn Compton told the Herald-Tribune. "Wetland mitigation banking enables the developer to write a check and start the bulldozer. The value of the land destroyed is not factored into the deal."
During the meeting, commissioners highlighted the effort as an example of local environmental protection.
"I just don't see any downside to this," District 5 Commissioner Ray Turner said. "Obviously, our county is very environmentally friendly."
Bishop named as candidate for county administrator gig
Uncertain they've found their man, commissioners are now considering acting County Administrator Charlie Bishop for a permanent role at the helm of the county.
St. Pete Beach Operations Manager Andrew Butterfield led the pack of four candidates that interviewed for the Manatee County administrator position last week. Uncertain that they have found their man, commissioners voted to take things slow and interview him, and now Bishop, for the role once again.
ICYMI: Four candidates interview for Manatee County administrator job
"The person I have in mind, I really liked him I'm just not ready to ask him to the prom yet," Commissioner Mike Rahn said.
Commissioner Jason Bearden made the suggestion and attempted to appoint Bishop to the role permanently then and there until the rest of the board pumped the brakes.
Commissioners will revisit the decision during the Sept. 12 county meeting.
New soccer complex
Commissioners will consider a proposal to build a new Soccer complex at Buffalo Creek Park, and former American Rescue Plan Act funds could be used for the effort.
More: Things to know in Manatee: Creative finance management, new public safety director
Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to direct staff to prepare a plan for the project, which could bring four new soccer fields to Buffalo Creek Park located between Palmetto and Parrish. The proposal is expected to come before the board in about six months.
The cost is estimated between $12 million and $14 million. The county has earmarked about $6 million in former ARP funds for the project. The county used $7 million in ARP funds to supplement its payroll, which freed the same amount in general funds for county use without restrictions after the financial maneuver.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: A surprise administrator candidate; more wetland mitigation in Manatee
