Suncost businesses eagerly await upcoming changes following local government changes

MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (WWSB) – After Manatee County residents made their voices heard in Tuesday’s primary election, a number of changes are expected to take place at the Board of Commissioners and other local government bodies.

One issue that many residents are relieved about is housing development and its impact on infrastructure and the environment.

Nonprofits like Suncoast Waterkeeper and Keep Manatee Beautiful say they are looking forward to these changes.

Suncoast Waterkeeper Executive Director Abbey Tyrna said, “As a ranger, educator, scientist and advocate, Suncoast Waterkeeper will continue to push for greater protection of wetlands and wetland buffers in Manatee County in an effort to reverse the damage done by the current BOCC. By protecting wetlands and wetland buffers, we can improve downstream water quality and mitigate floodwaters, which is so important in a warmer future. We look forward to working with the next Manatee County Commission to make water quality, flood control and wildlife habitat a top priority.”

Jennifer Hoffman, executive director of Keep Manatee Beautiful, says her organization is committed to making the neighborhood a better place and believes some of the primary contest winners are perfect for accomplishing that goal.