We, the undersigned residents and concerned citizens of Myakka City and the greater Manatee County area, strongly oppose Terranova’s request to rezone their proposed residential development from 5-acre minimum lots to 1-acre minimum lots. This proposed change—and the broader development already underway—poses a serious threat to our environment, infrastructure, and quality of life.

❗ OUR CONCERNS:

1. It Violates the Future Development Area Boundary (FDAB):

This project is east of the FDAB, which exists to preserve rural land and prevent urban sprawl in environmentally sensitive and under-resourced areas.

2. It Will Worsen Flooding:

Surrounding neighborhoods are already severely flood-prone. Terranova is building “high and dry,” displacing stormwater runoff into adjacent communities with no public stormwater infrastructure to absorb it.

3. It Threatens the Myakka River and Aquifer:

Runoff from pesticides and fertilizers used on the planned 18-hole golf course will pollute the Myakka River, endangering wildlife and entering the aquifer that feeds our private well systems.

4. It Lacks Basic Infrastructure:

This area has no sewer, no public water, and no roads capable of handling this scale of development. Our two-lane roads and lack of emergency infrastructure make higher density development dangerous and unsustainable.

5. It Sets a Dangerous Precedent:

Terranova has already developed under agricultural loopholes. Allowing this rezone opens the door to further inappropriate development throughout rural Manatee County.

✅ OUR REQUEST:

We respectfully urge the Board of County Commissioners to:

 • Deny Terranova’s request to reduce minimum lot sizes from 5 acres to 1 acre.

 • Uphold the integrity of the FDAB and rural zoning policies.

 • Require full environmental review and infrastructure planning before any further approvals.

 • Protect the Myakka River, local aquifers, and residents’ well water from contamination.

 • Preserve the rural character, safety, and sustainability of Myakka City.

Our community deserves responsible development that respects our land, water, and way of life. We are united in opposing this reckless expansion.