A 20 yr. old County Master Development Plan (Ellenton, Mantee Co, FL) now threatens to destroy 18.75 acres of virgin old growth forest to build 70 homes by Pulte Builders. 

This old growth forest is unique because it is home to the Critically Endangered Florida Panther, which is documented on video in our community. We have verified sightings of our National Bald Eagles, Bobcats with Cubs, Egrets, egg bearing turtles, 40 different migrating birds and many other wildlife. They exist here, in our urban area, because of this tract of land. There are < 230 Florida Panthers alive in the State of Florida. They WILL NOT SURVIVE if we do not take into account their existence and preserve areas of green corridor expansion! This 18.75 acres is in Ellenton, FL and it is in the critical Panther expansion corridor (April National Geographic-Florida Panther).

Construction development is imperative to meet housing needs. However, it must be done strategically, it must be adaptable to change in the economy and in the ecological impact it will have on the land, the wildlife, the habitat, as well as the flow of nature’s water system. Our communities are working to stop this destruction by rallies, letters, media, newspapers and petitions.

Please sign and help us Save the Florida Panther and the unique wildlife! The Manatee County Commissioners make their decision, Thursday, June 3rd...9am.