The residents of Little Manatee South in Hillsborough County are disappointed, confused, and deeply concerned by recent news that Manatee County leaders have requested and received millions of dollars in state funding for the design and construction of a new Interstate 75 interchange located in Hillsborough County.
This proposed interchange would be placed in an area of active agricultural land with no existing roadway connection and would have a significant impact on the surrounding rural community, including Sundance and Sundance Trails, rural equestrian residential neighborhoods characterized by large lots, open space, and a longstanding connection to the agricultural landscape that surrounds them.
What is especially confusing is that for years, residents of northern Manatee County have been told that a Buckeye Road interchange was the priority. A Buckeye interchange has been included in long-range transportation planning and would address existing and future transportation needs within Manatee County. Many residents would support that investment because it aligns with the needs of the communities who live there.
A Buckeye Road interchange would also provide a connection to Manatee County’s existing transportation network and to the Port Manatee area, rather than directing public investment toward an interchange in Hillsborough County.
Instead, Manatee County leaders have chosen to champion funding for a different interchange across the county line in Hillsborough County, one that many of the residents directly impacted have repeatedly opposed.
This raises an important question: Why are taxpayer resources being directed toward a new interchange in another county while long-discussed transportation needs within Manatee County remain unresolved?
The concern among residents is not simply about one roadway project. This interchange would open the door to significant changes in one of our region’s most environmentally sensitive areas, affecting wildlife habitat, wetlands, aquifer recharge areas, agricultural lands, and the Little Manatee River watershed. Residents are also concerned that public infrastructure investments could accelerate development pressures while the long-term costs and impacts are ultimately borne by taxpayers and surrounding communities.
Infrastructure decisions of this magnitude require transparency and meaningful public involvement. Residents deserve to know why priorities changed, who benefits from these decisions, and how the long-term impacts on both counties were evaluated.
Growth and transportation planning affect everyone, but those decisions must be made openly and responsibly. Our neighbors in northern Manatee County deserve leaders who prioritize the needs identified in their own communities, not projects that create uncertainty for neighboring communities while bypassing existing transportation priorities.
Dr. Cori Campbell
Hillsborough County
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rayfusco68
The answer is in your letter. The developers want to build in that area and this interchange is needed to attract customers. The fact that Manatee County funds are being used in another County needs serious questioning.
Friday, July 31 Report this
sewmanatee
I do not even understand how one County can ask for funds for building in another County. I also don't understand how it got approved and the money sent. This definitely needs to be looked into. We have no business in Hillsborough County.
Friday, July 31 Report this
vwaters
As usual, this is one of those "follow the money" situations. We need to know who owns and/or has eyes on development of that rural Hillsborough area. If that county is interested in developing the area, then why oh why would Manatee County pay any part of it. If it affects water and environmental concerns for Manatee, then we certainly should be part of the discussion, but let Hillsborough pay for THEIR development. At the very least, this whole situation should have been fully explained to voters in both counties. It's not too late, Manatee commissioners.
Friday, July 31 Report this
lmseybold
I think the corridor will reach all the way into Manatee County and tie in with Ft. Hammer Rd. I think it's called hccpa 26-11 corridor map
Saturday, August 1 Report this