Board Action Advances Land Conservation, Affordable Housing and Community Priorities
Nearly 1,500 acres of Manatee County’s rural landscape is now permanently protected as working agricultural and conservation lands following final action by the Manatee Board of County Commissioners (BOCC).
Commissioners approved the Rural Lands Protection Easements for Mossy Island Ranch and Thundercloud Ranch, completing the County’s role in a partnership with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The easements preserve working agricultural lands while protecting important wetlands, wildlife habitat and open space in perpetuity.
“This is a great example of how we can take the conservation dollars Manatee County voters entrusted us with and make them go much further,” said At-Large Commissioner George Kruse. “By partnering with the state, we’re protecting a significant amount of rural Manatee County while keeping these properties in private ownership, in agricultural production and on the tax rolls.”
- Thundercloud Ranch: encompasses approximately 1,042 acres of working cattle lands, native woodlands, freshwater marshes, wet prairies, lake swamps and forested wetlands. The property also provides an important connection between the Edward W. Chance Reserve’s Gilley Creek Tract and South Fork State Park.
- Mossy Island Ranch: includes 420 acres of working agricultural land and natural areas in Myakka City. The property borders Myakka River State Park and Myakka Prairie conservation easements, lies within the Florida Wildlife Corridor and Myakka River Watershed, and includes Mossy Island Slough.
Together, the two easement acquisitions represent approximately $15.68 million in permanent land protection, with Manatee County contributing no more than $2 million. FDACS is covering the remaining acquisition costs as well as due-diligence expenses, significantly extending the reach of Manatee County’s local conservation investment.
“This remarkable partnership allows us to preserve the agricultural and environmental value of these lands without having to purchase them outright, while doubling or sometimes tripling the acreage we can protect,” said Manatee County Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker. “It keeps working lands working while safeguarding them for future generations.”
With the County’s execution of the easement deeds complete, staff and FDACS will finalize the remaining documents for an anticipated October 2026 closing. FDACS will be the final party to execute and record the easements and will oversee their ongoing monitoring and enforcement.
In Other Board Action:
Simulated Gambling Devices: The Board adopted Ordinance 26-36, broadly prohibiting the possession or use of simulated gambling devices not authorized for legal use under Florida law in unincorporated Manatee County and establishing civil enforcement provisions and penalties for violations. Commissioners also approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office to coordinate enforcement efforts. The ordinance provides County Code Enforcement with an additional civil tool to address businesses operating simulated gambling devices that may facilitate unlawful gambling activity while preserving the Sheriff’s Office’s criminal enforcement authority.
Duette Preserve Hunt Program Builds on 34-Year Tradition: The Board received a staff presentation highlighting Manatee County’s Hunt Program at Duette Preserve, which is entering its 34th year. Established in 1992, the program is one of the longest-running county-operated hunt programs in Florida and has sold out for the past 10 years. Staff highlighted the program’s continued popularity, community traditions and role in supporting wildlife management and conservation goals. Beginning next year, the County plans to implement an online registration system, with Manatee County residents receiving a 24-hour priority registration window before opportunities are released to the general public.
Board Supports Affordable Housing Financing: The Board approved five resolutions on behalf of the Housing Finance Authority of Manatee County supporting financing for affordable housing initiatives throughout the community. The actions include authorization for up to $75 million in single-family mortgage revenue bonds, as well as financing for five affordable multifamily developments: Lotus Vyne, DeSoto Apartments, Luminara Place, Harperline Sarasota, and Orange on 14th Street. Together, the five multifamily projects represent 1,249 affordable housing units for families and seniors in Manatee County, with units serving households across a range of income levels. The resolutions allow the Housing Finance Authority to move forward with the bond financing process for these projects and preserve access to financing for future affordable housing opportunities. No County tax dollars are used for this financing; the revenue generated by the projects, and the County’s action simply grants permission for the issuance of tax-exempt bonds.
Data Center Moratorium: The Board held the first of two required public hearings on Ordinance 26-42, which would establish a temporary, 12-month moratorium on new data center and other large-load development applications in unincorporated Manatee County. The temporary pause would allow County staff to evaluate and recommend updates to the Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Code and other regulations addressing issues such as water and electrical demands, appropriate locations, noise, buffering and compatibility with surrounding uses. The second public hearing and consideration of adoption is scheduled for October 6, 2026.
For more information about Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501, and follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ManateeGov.