Neighbors aren’t happy about the plan to extend Manasota Beach Road, and they made that clear Friday, March 6, 2026.
Residents say building this new stretch would destroy Manasota Key. The county’s behind the project, a $15 million extension that would connect Manasota Beach to Wellen Park. Pat Neal, who used to be a Florida senator and now runs Neal Industries, is developing it.
But many people aren’t on board. They organized before, back in February, when residents covered their cars with ribbons and signs and drove out to get the commissioners’ attention.
Over 2,000 people have already signed a petition to stop the extension. The county recently held a meeting to show off the road’s design, but from what the opponents say, nothing in those plans changed their minds.
Many residents living near the proposed road believe the county should spend its money and energy elsewhere. Spending money on River Road is a popular option.
The county has explored widening River Road and Winchester Boulevard, all hoping to ease the region’s notorious traffic. With new schools in Wellen Park, K-8 and High School, and growing neighborhoods, leaders argue solutions must be reached.
People in the community aren’t staying quiet about this. They’ve started petitions like “STOP PAT NEAL: Saving the Wetland, Wildlife, and Preserving Land – STOP MBR Expansion” to push back against the Manasota Beach Road expansion.
Residents from Englewood and nearby areas have come together, determined to stop the project. They believe property rights are being ignored, and the threat to wildlife is real. The campaign says Pat Neal, his company Neal Communities, and other developers keep chipping away at what makes Florida unique. Every new development means more wetlands and open land disappear. Their petition is just one part of a much bigger fight.
Protesters are also concerned about the wildlife living in the wetlands nearby. Residents plan to keep showing up and making noise.
