Local

This Manatee nature spot is a local favorite. Will it be conserved or developed?

Stories by Bradenton Herald journalists, with AI summarization

This collection of stories explores the history of Rattlesnake Key, an undeveloped island of over 700 acres near Manatee County and Tampa Bay that faces an uncertain future.

While privately owned, the island has long been frequented by locals as a kayaking, boating and fishing spot, and it also serves as a coastal refuge to native wildlife.

After previous attempts to sell the island for possible development or preserve it as a state or county park failed, Rattlesnake Key was recently purchased by a private company. While specific plans for the property have not been announced, a spokesperson said the plans will "preserve the natural character" of the island.

Here's a timeline of the debate and concern over Rattlesnake Key's future.

2021: PLANS FOR POSSIBLE DEVELOPMENT OF RATTLESNAKE KEY ALARM TERRA CEIA RESIDENTS

Proposed were a resort, shopping village, cruise ship terminal and more, located north of Palmetto, near the south approach to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. | Published June 24, 2021 | Read Full Story by James A. Jones Jr.

2021: MANATEE COUNTY LOOKS TO FUND STATE CONSERVATION OF RATTLESNAKE KEY

In 2021, Florida leaders targeted about 1,000 acres of mangrove forest just south the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on Terra Ceia Bay for conservation. | Published December 27, 2021 | Read Full Story by Ryan Callihan

06/22/21—Rattlesnake Key was part of an area of environmentally sensitive mangrove swamps and flatwoods along Terra Ceia Bay and Tampa Bay that state leaders wanted to conserve. By Tiffany Tompkins

2024: PLAN TO TURN RATTLESNAKE KEY INTO A STATE PARK RUNS INTO ISSUES

In 2024, Rattlesnake Key's owners listed the island for sale as part of a $75 million real estate package after state efforts to but the land for conservation stalled. | Published May 2, 2024 | Read Full Story by Ryan Ballogg

06/22/21—Manatee County is home to some of the last pieces of undeveloped coastline in the Tampa Bay area. By Tiffany Tompkins

2024: STATE CUTS FUNDING FOR RATTLESNAKE KEY CONSERVATION EFFORT

In 2024, state legislators reduced funding for Rattlesnake Key's conservation and left Manatee County in charge of the effort. | Published May 8, 2024 | Read Full Story by Ryan Ballogg

06/22/21—Manatee County is home to some of the last undeveloped coastline in the Tampa Bay area. By Tiffany Tompkins

2025: RATTLESNAKE KEY SOLD TO PRIVATE BUYER. WILL THE MANATEE ISLAND BE DEVELOPED?

Rattlesnake Key, an undeveloped island of over 700 acres in Tampa Bay that state and local officials hoped to conserve as a public park, recently sold to a private buyer. | Published December 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Ryan Ballogg

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.