Manatee County residents push for more protection for Myakka River

MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Manatee County residents are fighting for more protection for the Myakka River, but state legislation could complicate future decisions. 

Growing up along the river means this is where Lindsey Leigh feels most at peace.

“You feel so connected to nature when you’re here—anywhere along this river,” she said.

Leigh said she and her four kids come to the Myakka Road bridge, over the river, every week.

“It’s really magical. I even watch my kids when we come out here—you can see their nervous systems regulate,” she said.

That’s why protecting this river means so much to her.

“This is old Florida,” she said. “You can literally hear all the birds and insects. It’s just such a beautiful space. And to get rid of wild Florida in the name of development and profit seems crazy to me.”

She’s not alone. Other advocates include the Myakka River Management Coordinating Council. They, too, are worried about development and are working to make a change.

Earlier this month, the council sent an email to Manatee County commissioners to push for a protection zone for the river. They proposed that residential structures are set 150 feet back from the protection zone and that dark-sky regulations are implemented in a five-mile radius.

Becky Ayech, a member of the council, said, “The Myakka River in Manatee County is mostly surrounded by ranch land. So this is the time to get this protection zone in place, so that when development comes, it will be protected.”

At an Aug. 19 meeting, Manatee County commissioners postponed a wetlands protection discussion, with Chairperson George Kruse citing concerns it would violate a new state law that prohibits local governments from adopting more restrictive land development regulations.

But Lindsey hopes the county will continue those conversations despite the law.

“So SB 180 could certainly stop or prolong the process of allowing our elected officials to put forth a motion like that. I mean, it is a big ask. And we recognize that there are many organizations that have tried to do this in the past and failed. But I feel like right now it’s so critical, with all the building going on that we’re actively watching,” she said.

As residents like Lindsey continue to fight for better protection, she hopes the county will help preserve the river, too.