Debate Over Second High School in Lakewood Ranch
Manatee County commissioners discussed concerns about the proposed second high school in Lakewood Ranch, focusing on traffic impacts along Lorraine Road.
Concerns About Infrastructure
Commissioner Jason Bearden emphasized the need to complete road improvements before approving new developments. He criticized the plan to build a high school off Lorraine Road before finishing the widening project as "dumb growth," contrasting it with the county's talk of "smart growth."
“We cannot continue to just approve things blindly without a plan because our job is to develop infrastructure around these projects.” “When those kids have a head-on collision because we're not having this discussion, then that's on you.” — Commissioner Jason Bearden
Approval Process and Site Plan Debate
The high school's construction at the southwest corner of Rangeland Parkway and Post Boulevard had prior approval from both a previous commission and the Manatee County School Board. The new site plan was added to the meeting’s agenda under “presentations upon request.”
Commissioner George Kruse explained that “presentations upon request” apply to cases with neither public comments nor enough board questions during briefings to require a formal presentation.
Despite the label, a presentation was requested, sparking a heated debate with three separate motions. Ultimately, the site plan passed with a close 4-3 vote. Commissioners Kruse, Mike Rahn, Amanda Ballard, and Tal Siddique voted in favor.
Summary
The commission approved the high school site amid traffic concerns, highlighting tensions between growth and infrastructure planning in Manatee County.
Author’s Conclusion
The debate reveals the challenge of balancing development needs with critical infrastructure upgrades in rapidly growing communities.