The communities of Sundance and Little Manatee South in Hillsborough, Florida are places where natural beauty surrounds us, where families can enjoy the tranquility and splendor of our local environment. But our way of life and the integrity of these ecosystems are under grave threat. Developers plan to introduce projects that conflict with our fundamental community values and environmental priorities. 

These development proposals have been made without regard to the long-term impact on our natural resources. Our community plan, which was crafted with care and the input of local residents, is being ignored and put aside in favor of short-term financial interests.

The construction activities proposed risk irreversible damage to habitats that countless species depend on, as well as the scenic vistas that we cherish. This habitat currently supports our protected Florida Panther, Bald Eagle, and Gopher Tortoises, along with many other wildlife.

The commissioners responsible for approving these developments must honor the vision and plan of our community. It's essential to push for sustainable and compatible development practices that do not sacrifice our environment or our quality of life. The residents of Sundance and the Little Manatee area deserve to decide what happens in our backyard and preserve what we hold dear.  

We urge Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners to:

• Preserve the rural character of the Little Manatee South Community. 
• Reject land use amendments and rezonings that allow urban expansion. 
• Protect agriculture, conservation lands, and wildlife habitat.
• Respect the vision and priorities of existing residents.

Little Manatee South is not an area designated for urban expansion.

It is an established rural community with valuable farmland, sensitive environmental resources, and a clear vision for the future.

The residents of Little Manatee South support planning policies that:

• Preserve agriculture.
• Protect wildlife habitat.
• Safeguard groundwater and floodplains.
• Maintain low-density rural living.
• Direct growth to areas already served by urban infrastructure. 

Our community does not support policies that would convert this area into another corridor of subdivisions, homes, apartment complexes, commercial buildings, or warehouses. 

Future Growth and Development Framework
The residents of Little Manatee South believe that any future growth must be carefully planned to protect the natural resources, rural character, and quality of life that define this community.

Development should occur only when it can be demonstrated that it will preserve open space, protect water resources, maintain wildlife habitat, and avoid placing additional strain on roads, emergency services, and public infrastructure.

This Community Plan extends beyond the traditional planning horizon to establish a long-term vision through 2075. That vision is rooted in a simple principle:  Growth must respect the land, not overwhelm it.

I implore you to sign this petition to stop the encroachment on our homes and ecosystems. Protecting our environment is not just an aesthetic choice, it is a commitment to preserving a legacy for future generations. Stand with us in advocating for responsible development and securing the future of our cherished community. Your signature can influence decision-makers and be the voice of reason during these critical times.

Let's come together to safeguard the future of the Little Manatee South community by encouraging a balanced approach that fully considers environmental preservation and the desires of the existing community. Sign the petition and make your voice heard!

POSITION STATEMENT
The undersigned express opposition to any proposed Comprehensive Plan amendments, Future Land Use Map changes, rezonings, or development approvals that would result in land use intensification inconsistent with the existing Rural Future Land Use designation for the Little Manatee South Community Area.

We affirm that the rural designation of this area is a deliberate and adopted planning policy intended to preserve rural character, protect agricultural lands, conserve environmentally sensitive areas, and prevent premature urban sprawl into rural-designated lands.

We further believe that introducing incompatible or urban-scale development into this area would be inconsistent with the adopted Comprehensive Plan and would negatively impact the long-term viability, character, and environmental integrity of the community.

We assert that approval of incompatible urban-scale or intensified development in this area would be inconsistent with adopted Comprehensive Plan policies intended to:

Preserve rural character and rural lifestyle;
Protect agricultural lands and working landscapes;
Conserve environmentally sensitive lands, wetlands, and wildlife corridors;
Prevent premature urban sprawl into rural-designated areas; and
Ensure development is supported by adequate infrastructure and services.