We won’t bury the headline: Oppose Manasota Beach Rd., represented by Kelly Bauman and Mary Beth Jones, made their arguments directly to Judge Van Wyk and now await her decision, one that could determine whether they move on to the official hearing scheduled for September 2026. This hearing cuts to the heart of the fight: Will opponents get their day in court, or will the developers succeed in dismissing the challenge before it even gets off the ground?
On Thursday afternoon, July 16, 2026, supporters gathered at the Englewood Chamber of Commerce. Some brought snacks and drinks; others set up cameras, all of them eager, perhaps anxious, for the outcome. They’ve been out in public on the streets, over and over, fighting through protests and meetings, squarely facing down what feels like an insurmountable opponent: big development. Every gathering brings a mix of hope and challenges. This hearing is another in a long line, just another battle to be heard.
Kelly Bauman arranged to host this Zoom hearing in the Chamber of Commerce’s community room, making space for anyone who wanted to stand with them. People swapped encouragement and offers of support as Kelly and Mary Beth readied their documents, notes, photos, evidence, and the history of their struggle in neatly piled stacks.
Stories of floods, threats to wildlife, safety risks to their own homes, all the reasons that matter here. Nerves ran high. The stakes are too personal and too real for polished confidence. A few minutes before the hearing began, the group held hands and shared a group prayer for strength, for the judge to hear their plea, and a chance at a fair hearing in September.
Then came the hearing. The “David and Goliath” description barely captures the moment. These two women, representing themselves, faced three polished attorneys; attorneys whose immediate goal was to use all their tools in their arsenal to dismiss the case outright. All Kelly and Mary Beth asked for was a shot at a proper day in court, a chance for their own voices and the community to be heard in September.
For now, everything hangs in the balance, waiting on Judge Van Wyk’s decision. No verdict yet. As soon as the verdict is announced, Englewood REVIEW will be there with the breaking news, along with a video featuring interviews with Kelly Bauman and members of Oppose Manasota Beach Rd. The story is far from over, so stay tuned.
