When neighbors of a defunct equestrian center near Bradenton fought off a proposed housing development in 2025, they thought they had saved the area from more flooding and traffic that would come with the 175-unit rental community.
The community never imagined a new proposal would resurface with nearly four times the number of units. And now, they have no public voice in the process.
Developers have filed plans with Manatee County to build more than 640 apartment units on the 29-acre property through Florida’s controversial Live Local law. By setting aside 40% of the project as affordable housing, the development can bypass traditional public hearings and government scrutiny — meaning this time, the neighbors will have few options to fight back…