In defense of developers: They built your home.

I want the people who choose to protest local development to do something: Walk outside of your home and look around. A developer created everything you see. The home you live in, the stores where you shop and the restaurants where you eat... were all created by a developer.

I’m a 41 year-old local, born and raised in Florida. I’ve lived in Bradenton since 1981 and feel I have the right to voice my local opinion. I’ve grown tired of so many residents; part-time and full, who complain about development in Manatee County and attempt to hinder growth. How soon these complainers forget the reason they have a home, the reason they have an abundance of places to shop and enjoy is because of development.

Every residential/commercial project affects nature. This is a fact of life. When your home was built, a part of nature was destroyed. But it’s OK when it was your home. Now that you are settled and have what you want, you complain and attempt to halt future development. This is Florida. People will always want to live here. Deal with it.

But if you are going to protest development, at least be consistent about it. Don’t just protest future projects in your neighborhood. Protest all development, from the beaches to the east county.

I’m always amazed at how so many people near the beaches adamantly protest any growth there. But those same people are often silent when the east side of town is developed.

Local development in Manatee County is how my father provided for my family throughout the years, just like many other local families. I implore you to step outside and look around. And then thank a developer.

This story was originally published May 27, 2017 at 1:58 PM with the headline "In defense of developers: They built your home.."