The Englewood REVIEW just got the latest update on the ongoing fight against the Manasota Beach Rd. project.
Development in Englewood always stirs up debate, and last week, the “Oppose Manasota Beach Road” group found themselves busier than ever.
On June 16, Sarasota County held a public comment session about the $15 million Manasota Beach Road Extension Project. Concerned residents turned out in droves, and flooding dominated the conversation. The area already deals with heavy stormwater. Residents worry that this new road will only make things worse.
But the debate isn’t just happening at meetings. Kelly Bauman, a local resident, took things further. She filed for a formal administrative hearing with the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The agency agreed the complaint deserved a closer look, and now the case heads to a state hearing officer.
“We weren’t warned, we weren’t contacted—we found out about this project late in the game,” Bauman said. She used the chance to urge more neighbors to speak up.
Frustrated residents have been pressing developers, saying the project risks changing the soul of their Gulf Coast town for the sake of giving Wellen Park residents easier beach access.
This week, there’s news to share. On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, Bauman gave this update: “Here we are. How did we get here? Diligence, digging, support, and prayer. When I sent off the response this morning, I asked everyone in our group and my family to pray. We just want things done right. With the SWFWMD, we want people to understand the impacts we believe we’ll feel.”
They’ve kept at it, not backing down and not accepting “no” for an answer. The persistence paid off. Bauman says, “Within 20 minutes, we got a response from the DOAH announcing hearing dates! I was shocked and excited. I’m grateful. It’s refreshing not to be shut down.”
The administrative hearing will run from September 21 to 23 and again on September 25, 2026, starting each day at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
For Bauman and the Oppose Manasota Beach Rd. group, it’s a rare bit of optimism. “Imagine a year of this, of not feeling heard. Now, at least at this stage, the judge seems to want to let citizens have their say. I hope this inspires more people to dig in and get involved, especially when their quality of life is on the line.”
Note: This is the first of a two-part story. The Englewood REVIEW will publish the concluding segment on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
For more information about Oppose Manasota Beach Rd. click here.
