On Tuesday, July 21, 2026, activists Kelly Bauman and Mary Beth Jones received word that Judge Van Wyk dismissed the case against Sarasota County, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, and Economic Stimulus Working Group, LLC.

While this isn’t the outcome they hoped for, this is a temporary pause, not the end of the road. 

The judge ruled “without prejudice,” which means Kelly has 15 days to file amended petitions. She has already asked the court to keep the petition alive to ensure the case moves forward to the scheduled September hearing. 

The “Oppose Manasota Beach Rd.” team is currently regrouping, mapping out next strategies, and working harder than ever to ensure our community gets a voice.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:
The team is welcoming anyone in the community who can provide legal assistance. As they stated today: “We are determined to see this through to the very end. Thank you for standing with us.”

Stay tuned as this situation unfolds.

Watch the video and go behind the scenes:

Click here for more information about Oppose Manasota Beach Rd.

The post Oppose Manasota Beach Road Hearing: Behind the Scenes (Video) appeared first on Englewood Review.

Both Sarasota County and the Economic Stimulus Working Group had filed motions last month, urging the court to dismiss the case. Their argument was straightforward: the petitions focused on parts of the stormwater pond construction and wetland impacts which an earlier version of the Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) had already approved. According to them, you can’t come back and fight those areas once they’re covered by the amended permit. They also claimed Kelly and Mary Beth never really made their case for why they had the right to bring this challenge. The petitioners fired back with their own responses, right on schedule.

Judge Van Wyk held a hearing over Zoom on July 16. She listened to both sides, then ruled on July 21, 2026: motions granted without prejudice. That means Kelly and Mary Beth get another shot. They’ve got 15 days to file amended petitions, but this time they must stick to the actual changes in the amended ERP: building dry ponds 6 and 7 and reducing wetland impacts. Plus, they’ll need to prove they’ve got standing based on the standards from the Agrico Chemical Corp. v. Department of Environmental Regulation case. Miss the deadline, and the lawsuit dies, sending everything back to the Water Management District.

But that’s only part of what’s unfolding.

Since the hearing on Thursday, July 16, 2026, Kelly Bauman’s been poring over hearing transcripts, checking the court docket. She said in an interview that she was especially caught off guard when the county’s attorneys leaned heavily on the Doctrine of Finality, something she says they’d never mentioned before. “They should not have,” she wrote. “I did not have the opportunity to prepare for it.”

Kelly keeps going back to the root of things. This project got Planning Board approval back in November without support from Jon Thaxton, as she’s quick to remind everyone. The core argument hasn’t changed: no road, no project. It’s that simple.

Recently, Kelly filed a Motion for Official Recognition, asking the judge to formally acknowledge that Sarasota County approved Parcels A & H in January. These parcels sit outside the present boundary of Sarasota National, which raises fresh concerns about spillover impacts.

The crux of their fight ties into the Environmental Resource Permit (ERP). This permit is supposed to examine what future development will do to the area. The ERP insists Basin 11 must be built, but that would need a completely new permit, and it doesn’t mention any impact on Parcels A & H.

Kelly and her group want the judge to recognize that the County’s approval of these parcels changes the game for the road project. They want this on the record.

There’s more. Kelly also discovered that important evidence, photos and exhibits showing flooding and drainage issues, was missing from the official filings sent from the Water Management District to DOAH. She filed a Supplemental Memorandum to get that evidence added to the record, convinced that these details matter for anyone who wants the full picture.

To argue against the dismissal, Kelly lays out five main points:

First, the District already ruled her petition timely and sufficient. Unless someone can prove that wrong, those findings stick.

Second, her property sits right next door—and it’s already been harmed by past permit failures. She’s got the physical evidence and wants her say in a proper hearing.

Third, the District’s own documents make it clear: ending the case outright would harm the CDD’s interests. That, she says, makes her role as a neighbor even more important.

Fourth, her petition spells out specific disputes: flooding, a giant wall, a flawed swale that worsens drainage, and a developer’s plan to rely on a drainage basin that isn’t built.

Fifth, the record doesn’t add up. On July 15, the CDD called itself just an “operations and maintenance” entity, but elsewhere it admits it’s a co-applicant. Kelly argues you can’t call the challenge premature if co-applicant status is still in question.

In the end, Kelly asks the court to keep their petition alive and let the case move forward to the September hearing.

For now, the battle over Manasota Beach Rd. pauses. Kelly Bauman and Oppose Manasota Beach Rd. are regrouping, figuring out their next steps.

While they wait, Kelly Bauman and Oppose Manasota Beach Rd. won’t let up. They’re working behind the scenes, determined to see this fight through and make sure the community finally gets its say. They also welcome anyone in the community that would like to provide support and legal assistance. More updates will come as this story unfolds.

The post Manasota Beach Case Dismissed; Activists Vow to Fight On appeared first on Englewood Review.

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.

The post In the Judge’s Hands: Oppose Manasota Beach Road Makes Its Case, Now Waits for the Verdict appeared first on Englewood Review.

This isn’t just another line on the legal calendar for Kelly Bauman or the group Oppose Manasota Beach Rd. Big players like Pat Neal want to shut them down fast. This hearing has actual weight, as a judge will listen, question, and decide if the case can move forward. It’s set for two hours in the middle of the afternoon, but the impact will last much longer.

Kelly says she isn’t coming in empty-handed. She’ll lay out evidence for everyone to see: severe flooding risks, destruction of local wetlands, environmental dangers, and threats to neighborhood safety. Their stance is clear: community voices matter. This fight isn’t about a handful of angry residents; it’s about a shared future. Anyone from the public can tune in, support Kelly, and let decision-makers know: the community won’t step aside for big developers, no matter how loud or well-funded.

Divisions remain, that’s true. But what happens at this hearing will shape the area for years. The choices made now will echo far beyond the next news cycle.

Here’s what Kelly Bauman says about the fight:

“After nearly a year digging through thousands of papers, documents, and permits, it’s hard to believe our elected officials still claim they can’t see what’s right in front of them—clear as day to thousands of us.”

What does Kelly say to those who support the road and say that “it’s in the plan” for some time? 

“They can’t ignore the endless problems. The overall process, the hasty approval, and, frankly, the total lack of due diligence are obvious. Our commissioners had a choice. They could have denied the Unsolicited PPP. Instead, they rushed this through in just 14 days. Fourteen. For a project tangled in decades of permits, shifting ownership, city boundaries, sensitive wetlands, endangered animals, a canopy road, the floodplain, and the Lemon Bay watershed. And let’s not skip over safety—a dangerous intersection, 21,000 cars funneled onto Manasota Key, a barrier island we’re supposed to protect. It’s an embarrassment, a real failure of responsibility. Everyone knows River Road is the evacuation route for Englewood, Port Charlotte, and North Port. That’s where the focus should be—full stop.”

Regarding the actions of commissioners, Kelly admits, “I’m embarrassed to say that both times Mark Smith raised serious doubts about this project, the other commissioners did nothing. They couldn’t even pause to consider. Tom Knight insisted, ‘River Road is too dangerous for the high schoolers; we need Manasota Beach Rd,’ and then shrugged off the rest. The staff just pushed ahead. Fourteen days! It’s outrageous.”

What are her thoughts when people on social media accuse the Oppose Manasota Beach Rd. group and Kelly Bauman of being a small group of angry “complainers”? 

“Englewood and Charlotte County residents should be furious. We aren’t a small group of ‘complainers.’ We’re a large, diverse crowd who’ve recognized the contradictions, the corners cut, the special treatment handed out. We’re not ignoring it. We’re not letting it slide.”

Kelly never imagined she would be here, preparing for this Zoom call and being the spokesperson for this cause. 

“Did I expect to be here? Honestly, no. But once you see the whole picture, you have a responsibility to speak up. I don’t get to look away—and I won’t. It’s shameful our county commissioners don’t feel the same obligation. It’s time they stop making excuses and actually take responsibility.”

Click here for more information about Oppose Manasota Beach Rd.

The post Manasota Beach Road Legal Battle: Judge to Decide on Developers’ Push to Dismiss Case This Thursday appeared first on Englewood Review.

Last Tuesday, June 30, 2026, people gathered for a rally. The street filled with honking horns and banners, neighbors standing up against what feels like an endless push from developers.

Recently, it appeared as if the court would dismiss their case. That didn’t happen. Now, the group faces a new challenge: new motions aim to shut everything down before their hearing even starts.

A judge set a critical hearing via Zoom for July 16, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., to decide if this fight actually goes forward. Kelly Bauman’s ready to present the facts: flooding, wetlands, environmental risks, neighborhood safety. These aren’t just words on paper for her and the residents. They’re talking about the future of their homes, and passions are running high.

The public remains divided. Some want development; others see only more threats to their way of life. Their message is clear: if you care about what happens in the community, you can join the Zoom hearing, back Kelly Bauman, and show that this community won’t just roll over for big developers. 

Local choices like this one echo for decades. Decisions made now become the neighborhoods of our future. That’s why they’re fighting so hard, why they’re asking for your help and why they won’t back down. 

Click here for more information about Oppose Manasota Beach Rd. and how you can help.

The post Manasota Beach Protesters Refuse to Back Down to Big Developers (Video) appeared first on Englewood Review.

The grassroots effort isn’t backing down. Last we checked in, they scored a massive win: their David-and-Goliath battle wasn’t dismissed. It’s moving forward to a formal administrative hearing in September 2026.

Residents have been out on the streets for months now, pushing for transparency and forcing the hands of powerful developers. Kelly’s petition didn’t just make noise; it demanded real accountability. She’s fighting to protect wetlands, wildlife, and neighborhood safety from a wave of overdevelopment.

Still, as of June 25, 2026, the opposition made its next move. They filed two motions to dismiss, a standard play. Kelly was ready for it. “We heard from the judge and her assistant, and they’re setting dates to review the motion to dismiss,” Kelly said. “The Economic Stimulus Working Group filed one, too. We’ll regroup and answer those.” The judge scheduled a hearing for July 16, 2-4 p.m. The details are still coming together, but Kelly wants supporters on standby. “We’ll figure out the rest soon, so mark your calendars,” she said.

The Economic Stimulus Working Group is an 18-year-old consortium of real estate developers and executives led by billionaire homebuilder and former Florida State Senator Pat Neal.

The meeting will occur via Zoom. Kelly plans to keep her evidence front and center, with charts about flooding, the environmental damage, all of it. She’ll be alone on camera, but she’s hoping for community support. “They have to decide that day whether we move forward. I want as many people as possible showing support,” she said. “We’re just regular citizens. What’s the problem? Why won’t they listen? If this process is for citizens, why are they shutting us out?”

To strengthen their case, Kelly’s looking for another expert hydrologist and environmental specialist for September. She believes the judge will hear them out; she says the judge seems fair and focused on facts. “After all, what are they so worried about? A couple of residents, with over 4,000 signatures on their petition.”

The strong backing from the community fuels Kelly day to day. She shared a voicemail that stuck with her: “Hello, good morning. Just wanted to let you know that the community sees you guys, the community hears you guys, and we stand behind you guys 100%. I am a local business owner that sees the struggle you guys are fighting against the new communities and Pat Neal, and it’s a godsend. Thank you, and continue the fight, and we will continue donating. Now, only you guys can save the beautiful side of Florida, which those developers are trying to destroy. Thank you, because the corruption in their pockets has been bought by the lobbyists and the most corrupt in this state. Thank you very, very much.” 

Kelly says people have been reaching out from everywhere: Iowa, Connecticut, Georgia, Ohio, and plenty of folks from Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch. Kelly’s trying to keep up with all the messages. People appreciate the fight for Englewood, for the beach, for nature. It matters.

The group is holding a rally Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Manasota Beach Road and 776. Park at the retention pond, and if you can’t walk, they’ll get you there. Or just honk when you pass, let them know they’re not alone. For information on this rally, click here.

This fight isn’t over, and the Englewood REVIEW will keep covering the story as it unfolds.

Click here for a link to the Oppose Manasota Beach Rd. Petition.

Click here to go to their GoFundMe page.

The post Manasota Beach Road Battle Intensifies as Judge Sets Key July Hearing on Dismissal Motions appeared first on Englewood Review.

This is a big step. For months, Kelly and her group have protested with signs. Kelly filed a petition for an administrative hearing, taking on some powerful interests to force transparency and stand up for her community.

The Englewood REVIEW sat down with Kelly to make sense of the process, talk about what’s happening now, and to see what’s next.

First off, there’s an Order Granting Petition to Intervene. What does that mean?

“The Economic Stimulus Working Group’s attorney represents Pat Neal, who’s the sole member of ESWG. That group is responsible for this piece of the project, so they asked to intervene since this directly affects them on several fronts.”

Are there any hearings or events before September?

“The official hearings are set for September. I have a lot to do before then: preparing witnesses, gathering evidence, and submitting everything before we go to court.”

What do you expect in September? What would be a win?

“A win means no permit, no road. But more than that, I want to show how badly these developments are hurting people who already live here. Sarasota County keeps doing the bare minimum. They make decisions for new residents and more tax money, leaving the rest of us with the fallout. It’s infuriating. More development doesn’t mean better when it keeps making life worse for people already here.”

People keep saying the road is a “done deal.” What is your response?

“It frustrates me, especially when it’s family or friends. Instead of ‘good luck, you can do it,’ they just assume it’s over. But I’m not just complaining. There are real problems with this project. Last year, I told Spencer Anderson, ‘I’ll leave no stone unturned.’ This is about our livelihood, our quality of life for everyone. The wildlife, the barrier island beach is supposed to be protected, not jammed with 21,000 cars a day. My house is set back, so I’m not as directly affected as some, but this fight matters for all of us.”

What happens next? Walk us through the process.

“I’m doing all this pro se, on my own, so it’s not like I’m running a big legal operation. I might have someone with me at the hearing, but that’s not set. Right now, I’m focused on witnesses and evidence, lots of homework since I’ve never done anything like this before.”

How can people help?

“We’re holding a rally Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Manasota Beach Road and 776. Park at the retention pond, and if you can’t walk, we’ll get you there. Or just honk when you pass! Keep showing up to meetings, too. The next County Commissioner meetings are July 7th and 8th. Once the agendas are out, we’ll decide which one to attend.”

For information on this rally, click here.

Big picture, what can the community do to stop overbuilding like this in the future?

“Get involved and stay involved. It’s a lot of work—much more than I ever thought I’d do—but if not you, then who? Hold the commissioners accountable. Try to learn how the process works: public hearings, planning meetings. If nobody shows up, they won’t think about you at all.”

“I don’t like using the word ‘corruption,’ but a lot of legal things happening here still hurt us. Commissioners push through new codes and higher densities without caring about the impact. It’s obvious who’s ‘grandstanding’ for the developers. It makes you sick. Are there shady deals? Maybe, but ‘by your fruits you will know them.’ If the community keeps showing up, maybe they’ll see these projects as personal. Push for the commissioners to come to your street when a project’s being proposed. Make them remember you’re there. File public records requests. Let them know you’re watching and expect real representation.”

Kelly says, “Just because they can doesn’t mean they should. Commissioners like to say their hands are tied, but if they see favoritism or conflicts of interest, like the rest of us do, maybe it’ll force better decisions.”

Click here for more information on Oppose Manasota Beach Rd.

The Englewood REVIEW will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they happen.

The post Part 2: The $15 Million Roadblock—Local Activists Secure Major Victory Over Manasota Beach Extension appeared first on Englewood Review.

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.

The post Advocacy Pays Off: Englewood Residents Secure Hearing Dates in Fight Over Manasota Beach Road Project appeared first on Englewood Review.

For the members of “Oppose Manasota Beach Road,” it’s been a whirlwind of a week. Englewood REVIEW reported earlier on Kelly Bauman’s legal action pushing back against the Manasota Beach Road extension, and since then, the group has been busy making its voice heard. Between public meetings and sidewalk protests, they made sure everyone heard what they had to say.

On Tuesday, June 16, Sarasota County opened its meeting to public comments on the $15 million Manasota Beach Road Extension Project. The county slipped this into its budget agenda, and neighbors wasted no time showing up. Their primary concern: flooding. This area already fills up with water when it storms, and a lot of residents worry this project will just make things worse.

The group “Oppose Manasota Beach Road” has been fighting since February. Kelly Bauman recently took the fight a step further, filing for a formal administrative hearing with the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The district decided her case deserves attention, so now it’s heading to a state hearing officer.

“We weren’t warned, we weren’t contacted—we found out about this project late in the game,” Bauman told the crowd, encouraging more people to speak up during these meetings.

More residents have been confronting the developers. Many fear not just the flooding but the bigger changes new development might bring. “Developers want to sell houses with direct beach access,” Bauman pointed out. “If we’d known about this sooner, we’d have been there from the start.”

Now, the group’s urging county commissioners to see the site themselves before they lock in any decisions. “Come look with your own eyes,” Bauman says. “Walk the land before you make a call you can’t take back.” She tells neighbors, “Your voice matters. You’re the ones at stake. Don’t let three minutes at a microphone be your only shot.”

During Tuesday’s meeting, members read aloud the Englewood REVIEW article to make sure their frustration was on the record. Here is a video of the reading of the article at the meeting.

The county’s attorney, David Pearce, filed a motion to dismiss Bauman’s petition, something Bauman describes as routine. “They spent a lot of your money on this,” she said, pointing out that multiple lawyers joined the call to shut down a single citizen’s concerns about flooding and wetlands. 

While that legal wrangling was already swirling, the group wasn’t just locked in paperwork. On Wednesday, June 17, they gathered for a demonstration at the corner of Manasota Beach Road. Signs, chants, conversations; one hour making it clear they’re not standing down.

No one’s pretending it’s easy. Many claim the road is inevitable and progress is unstoppable. Others just want transparency, environmental protection, and a voice in the process. 

As for Kelly Bauman, she’s honest about feeling the weight of the moment: “This is bigger than me. I put it in God’s hands and try to do the right thing.” She admits the stress is real, but says faith keeps her steady. “I just want to see justice for the community and to stop this road.”

Click here for the “Oppose Manasota Beach Rd.” Facebook page.

The post Drawing the Line: Residents Take Action to Halt the Manasota Beach Road Extension appeared first on Englewood Review.

Last week, the Englewood REVIEW put a spotlight on Kelly Bauman, who’s basically stepped into the “David vs. Goliath” role, except her Goliath isn’t just one guy. She’s up against the Economic Stimulus Working Group, developer Pat Neal of Neal Communities, Sarasota County’s approval, and $15 million backing of the project. 

You can read the story at this link.

This week, the group isn’t sitting back. They’re showing up in force at three major meetings:

June 16, 9:00 a.m.
Sarasota County Budget Meeting
Robert L. Anderson Administration Center, Venice

June 17, 9:00 a.m.
Public Hearing
Rally/Protest: 10:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m.

June 18, 5:00 p.m.
Planning Meeting
Robert L. Anderson Administration Center, Venice

They want concerned citizens to show up, make noise, and support their cause. You can contact them on Facebook or join them at the meetings to take action.

Last August 2025, The County Commission approved the road project, handing Pat Neal the contract for a half-mile extension. It looked easy at first: big money, a unanimous vote, everything neat on paper. But residents pushed back hard. Protests, meetings, yard signs, people showing up, refusing to just watch it happen.

Kelly Bauman decided protesting wasn’t enough. She filed for an administrative hearing, taking on both Sarasota County Transportation and the Southwest Florida Water Management District to demand accountability under Florida law. She’s determined to dig into every detail and won’t let questionable moves slide by.

If you ask Kelly how to help, her answer is simple: show up. Speak out. Do not be afraid. 

Remember the words of Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

For information, call 941-500-9356 or on Facebook.

The post Extension Tension: The $15 Million Roadblock Group Details This Week’s Must-Attend Meetings appeared first on Englewood Review.