Manatee County

Environmental advocates celebrated a win in Manatee last month with a new law blocking a plan for a new cruise port. But is the Terra Ciea Aquatic Preserve safe from development? Not everyone thinks so.

A new state law aimed at blocking a proposed cruise port in Manatee County may still leave the door open to large-scale development in the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, according to environmental advocates and legal experts.

A controversial proposal that would have required nonprofits receiving Manatee County funding to verify they are not serving undocumented immigrants was withdrawn Tuesday after drawing widespread public opposition and little support from commissioners.

If approved, the measure would require nonprofits to certify that county funds are not used to serve those individuals, a change that could affect at least 86 organizations receiving more than $26 million annually from Manatee County Government.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has sunk the proposal, which was widely criticized by environmentalists.

An amended bill headed to the governor's desk would severely restrict dredging in an area near the Sunshine Skyway that would be used by large cruise ships .

"Florida Matters Live & Local" sits down with Mayor Ken Welch, examines how immigration verification rules would reshape local services in Manatee County, and explores efforts to restore a historic Tampa landmark.

Commissioners are expected to consider a plan to update funding agreements with nonprofits in response to a federal law that bars undocumented immigrants from receiving state and local benefits. Nonprofits that don’t comply would lose their county funding.

The Myakka City resident, who was elected to represent District 1 in 2024, was known for her dedication to constituents and focus on land use, the environment and government accountability.

The amendment was sponsored by state Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, to restrict any dredging in the sensitive marine environment.

A community group informed residents of what's environmentally at stake and discussed hiring lawyers to get ahead of a private company's development process.

The state department of education is working on writing rules that could narrow the scope of the new law.