Dot-Dash-Dit Islands meeting postponed due to technical issues
The meeting scheduled Thursday to discuss the Dot-Dash-Dit Islands becoming Manatee County’s first critical wildlife area has been postponed until August.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission cited administrative errors as to why the meeting didn’t happen Thursday evening.
A new meeting date is set from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, at Manatee County Rocky Bluff Library, 6750 U.S. 301 in Ellenton. Citizens are welcome to comment on the suggested year-round closure of the islands and 100-foot buffer zone to protect birds that nest on the islands.
On June 22, FWC staff identified 10 potential new critical wildlife areas. The Dot-Dash-Dit Islands are three mangrove islands at the mouth of the Braden River and can be seen while driving on State Road 64.
Critical wildlife areas are designated to protect shore birds and their nesting habitats. The Dot-Dash-Dit Islands are home to the only coastal wood stork colony in the Tampa Bay area.
Hannah Morse: 941-745-7055, @mannahhorse
Public comment for the Dot-Dash-Dit Islands
Who: You and the FWC
What: Public comment for the Dot-Dash-Dit Islands to become a critical wildlife area
Where: Manatee County Rocky Bluff Library, 6750 U.S. 301, Ellenton
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 11
This story was originally published July 21, 2016 at 7:42 PM with the headline "Dot-Dash-Dit Islands meeting postponed due to technical issues."