Debate Over Second High School in Lakewood Ranch
Some Manatee County commissioners expressed concerns about traffic before approving a new high school site in Lakewood Ranch. They argued that Lorraine Road needs widening prior to adding more vehicles to the area.
Commissioner Jason Bearden’s Viewpoint
Commissioner Jason Bearden criticized the current approach, contrasting “smart growth” rhetoric with what he called “dumb growth” by approving a high school near Lorraine Road without completing the postponed road widening project.
“We cannot continue to just approve things blindly without a plan because our job is to develop infrastructure around these projects,” Bearden stated during a November meeting.
“When those kids have a head-on collision because we're not having this discussion, then that's on you.”
Approval Process and Debate
The construction of a high school at the southwest corner of Rangeland Parkway and Post Boulevard had prior approval from the Manatee County School Board and a previous commission. The site plan was brought to a recent meeting under the agenda item “presentations upon request.”
Commissioner George Kruse explained this category applies when no public comments or significant board questions have been raised.
Board Discussion Outcome
Contrary to that definition, a presentation was requested, leading to a heated debate and three motions before a final vote. The site plan was ultimately approved with a 4-3 vote.
- In favor: Kruse, Mike Rahn, Amanda Ballard, Tal Siddique
- Opposed: Three other commissioners
The decision reflects differing priorities between infrastructure readiness and school development in the county.
Commissioner Kruse described “presentations upon request” as “reserved for items that nobody in the public has commented on and nobody on the board asked significant enough questions about during briefings to warrant the assumption of a presentation.”
Author’s summary: The county commission narrowly approved a high school site amidst debate over incomplete road upgrades, revealing tension between growth management and infrastructure planning.