UF to hold free workshop on land use, growth management

MANATEE -- As new developments continue to be approved by both Manatee County and the municipalities, some residents are raising concerns about uncontrolled growth.

Manatee County residents will have the chance to hear from land use and growth management experts on Monday about some of the common issues raised.

"I think it will provide some insight into land use decision making not just Manatee County but our cities and how the state of Florida generally handles growth," said John Osborne, Manatee County planning official.

At 6 p.m. Monday, the University of Florida's Center for Building Better Communities will "discuss growth management and the common issues raised by many fast-growing Florida communities like Manatee County," according to a news release. The free workshop will be held in the Longboat Key room at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, One Haben Blvd., Palmetto.

After the UF experts presented to the county's planning commission, Osborne said the county felt it "would be good really for everybody to hear the conversation." Osborne said the conversation with the planning commission was "really good."

"It's an update on land use decision making and how it is done in the state of Florida," he said. "It is sort of a constantly changing thing."

While the public is invited to the workshop, which will last until 9 p.m., local elected officials have also been invited, Osborne said.

Monday's workshop will be a "30,000 foot level of land use and growth management in Florida," Osborne said, adding that if people have topics they are more curious about, they may invite UF to return.

"It is something that I think we need to do on a regular basis," he said. "I think a lot of parts of Florida would really benefit from having this community conversation so everyone gets on the same page on how to make decisions on land use."

The workshop will give the public "insight on what any handcuffs may be present on these bodies," Osborne said.

"Florida is a very strong private property rights state," Osborne said.

Claire Aronson, Manatee County reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7024. Follow her on Twitter@Claire_Aronson.

This story was originally published February 24, 2016 at 2:31 PM with the headline "UF to hold free workshop on land use, growth management ."