MANATEE COUNTY, FL (October 20, 2026) – The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners approved the purchase of approximately 711 acres of environmentally significant land during Tuesday's regular meeting, advancing the County's efforts to protect natural resources, preserve wildlife habitats and expand public access to conservation lands.
The Board approved three purchase agreements, totaling $16.25 million for two properties: the approximately 554.5-acre Myakka Valley Preserve in eastern Manatee County and the approximately 156.4-acre Bunker Hill Preserve in Parrish.
The purchases are being funded through Manatee County's voter-approved conservation lands program, which was established to protect environmentally sensitive lands, water resources and wildlife habitats from overdevelopment.
Together, the acquisitions represent a significant investment in protecting environmentally sensitive lands, strengthening ecological connections and creating new recreational opportunities. The preservation of Myakka Valley Preserve also represents an important step in addressing concerns about overdevelopment within the Myakka River watershed, while providing opportunities to restore natural water systems, improve flood attenuation and protect the area's ecological integrity for future generations.
"These acquisitions are about protecting what makes Manatee County special and making sure future generations have the same opportunities to enjoy our natural environment that we do today," said Manatee County Commission Chairman and District 3 Commissioner Tal Siddique. "We're preserving hundreds of acres of important habitat, protecting our waterways and creating opportunities for residents to explore and appreciate these lands for generations to come."
Myakka Valley Preserve: Connecting Conservation Lands
The Board approved two purchase agreements, totaling $14.2 million for approximately 554.5 acres near Anson Road and State Road 70 in rural Myakka.
Adjacent to the County's existing Triple Oak Preserve, the acquisition will create an approximately 661-acre conservation area within the Florida Wildlife Corridor, helping connect important habitats between Duette Preserve and Myakka River State Park.
The property provides opportunities to restore native habitats and wetlands that support species such as the Florida scrub-jay, eastern indigo snake and Florida panther. Future recreational opportunities could include hiking, biking, birdwatching, horseback riding and fishing, with the potential for limited special opportunity hunts also being evaluated.
Bunker Hill Preserve: Protecting the Little Manatee River Watershed
Commissioners also approved the $2.05 million purchase of approximately 156.4 acres along Taylor Grade Road in Parrish for the future Bunker Hill Preserve.
The property includes native hardwood forests, wetlands and pastureland along the South Fork of the Little Manatee River. Its preservation will support ongoing efforts to protect the watershed, restore natural habitats, improve water quality and advance the long-sought designation of the Little Manatee River as a National Wild and Scenic River, an initiative championed by members of Congress, including Congressman Vern Buchanan.
Future plans include invasive species removal, habitat restoration and recreational opportunities such as hiking, biking, picnicking and wildlife observation.
Investing in Manatee County's Natural Future
Both acquisitions were reviewed through the County's Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Advisory Committee (ELMAC), which evaluates properties for their conservation value and makes recommendations to the Board.
The purchases are supported through the County's Environmental Lands Program, utilizing funding associated with voter-approved conservation initiatives.
Following completion of the acquisitions, the County's Natural Resources Department will oversee restoration, long-term management and planning for future public access.
"Protecting these properties gives us an opportunity to restore natural systems important to Florida while connecting existing conservation lands forming a viable corridor for the movement of wildlife," said Manatee County Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker. "These are the kinds of investments that will continue providing environmental benefits long after the initial acquisition."
In other Board Action
Board Supports Affordable Housing Financing: Commissioners approved three resolutions supporting the financing of affordable housing projects in Manatee County. The actions authorize the Housing Finance Authority of Manatee County to issue up to $112.9 million in multifamily housing revenue bonds for the Flats at 5th, Palms at Manatee River and Tuscany Lakes projects.
Together, the projects involve 794 affordable-housing units, including the construction of 108 units at Flats at 5th and the acquisition and rehabilitation of 338 units at Palms at Manatee River and 348 units at Tuscany Lakes. Affordability requirements for the projects will remain in place for at least 50 years, with Flats at 5th carrying a minimum 99-year affordability period.
Board Pursues Shade Structures at Bishop Animal Shelter: Commissioners voted unanimously to direct County staff to work with the Procurement Division to bring back a budget amendment for shade structures at the Bishop Animal Shelter. The shade structures are intended to protect animals, staff and volunteers from Florida's elements in the shelter's outdoor areas. Staff will coordinate with Procurement on the project and present the budget amendment to the Board for consideration at a future meeting.
SUN Trail Project Advancement: Commissioners directed staff to evaluate funding sources and options to advance the SUN Trail’s Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study, estimated at $2 million. Staff will also coordinate with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and other appropriate agencies to assess the project's feasibility, scope, cost and timeline before returning to the Board with recommendations.