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NewsWUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Politics)October 24, 2026Hillsborough County

Manatee residents blocked a 175-unit development; Live Local brought a 640-unit project they cannot fight

Photo: WUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Politics)

Developers have filed plans with Manatee County to build more than 640 apartment units on a 29-acre property using Florida's Live Local law, bypassing traditional public hearings and leaving neighbors with no public voice in the process. The proposal by Kittle Property Group includes Harborline at Sarasota with 312 rental units and Luminara Place with 331 senior living units, all reserved for residents making less than 60% of the area median income. In response, local residents have organized the Southern Manatee Association for Responsible Transition, collected over 600 petition signatures, and raised $6,200 for a lawyer to challenge the staff's interpretation of the law.

HousingLocal GovernmentDevelopmentZoning
Read the full story at WUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Politics)

Why It Matters

Residents near Bradenton face a massive apartment complex built under state laws that strip away local public hearings, potentially adding traffic to a two-lane road and straining local stormwater infrastructure that failed two years ago.

Key Facts

Each fact below is taken from the article. Click one to see the exact passage.

Who's Mentioned

PersonPeter Powell“Expressed concern about using the Live Local loophole.”OrganizationHomes by Towne“Milwaukee-based developer whose earlier project was rejected.”PersonMike Rahn“Expressed concern about the scale and risk of court costs for taxpayers.”OrganizationSouthern Manatee Association for Responsible Transition“SMART Manatee aims to explore options to halt the project.”PersonDerek Gilliam“Author of the article.”PersonCasey Zempel“Explained that agricultural zoning includes commercial uses.”OrganizationSuncoast Searchlight“Reported on the proposed developments and public records.”PersonGeorge Kruse“Maintains that rejecting the smaller project was an error and noted developers t”OrganizationSarasota County“Contrasted with Manatee County's softer approach.”OrganizationKittle Property Group“Indianapolis-based developer behind the proposed project.”PersonJane Fedorczyk“Spoke about the lack of public comment and expedited development.”OrganizationManatee County“County where the proposed development is located.”PersonJeffrey Weaver“Expressed concern over the congestion the project would bring.”OrganizationCrosspointe Church“Located near the proposed development site.”