The commissioners vote unanimously, despite opposition about flooding, traffic and environmental impact.
Original Air Date: August 29, 2025
Host: Developer Pat Neal did get his road cutting travel time to beaches for residents of Wellen Park, one of the biggest and fastest growing new developments in the region. The Sarasota County Commission let him shift the originally planned south county connector to a different location, expanding Manasota Beach Road. Taxpayers will bear most of the cost, but Neal and the commissioners argue Neal’s road is better and will cost less. Dania Hefley reports.
Dania Hefley: On Wednesday, the Sarasota County Commission approved a public-private partnership to extend Manasota Beach Road. The county’s comprehensive plan originally had the connector road further north. This decision has sparked both strong support and vocal opposition from the community. The project is an unsolicited proposal from a working group led by developer Pat Neal and is being presented as a cost-effective solution for a much-needed piece of infrastructure. Sarasota County’s Transportation Director, Spencer Anderson, confirmed the financial details…