Bradenton should retain city land bordering Evers Reservoir

This will be the third letter I have written concerning the City of Bradenton's property west of Evers Reservoir, which is again a concern for the city and its water supply.

Over 40 years I have seen drought conditions drop Evers Reservoir to where you couldn't launch a boat. The normal water level of the old and new lake (1987) went from 14 feet to 8 feet and water restrictions were placed on both city and county residents. Mayor Wayne Poston would remember these times as he was executive editor at the Bradenton Herald and many articles were written about the problem.

Now the property has become available again. Something in the soil, whatever. This gives the city a chance to re-evaluate the idea of selling the property and maybe decide to keep it for a future reservoir, park or other recreational opportunities (fishing, boating, etc.). Once the property is sold, as with all development, it will never be available again as a source for the general public's use.

Water will always be a needed resource, especially with the idiotic development practices and population increases. Public lands, be they city or county, are an important part of Manatee County. This is another chance to correct a major mistake.

Just a thought from a conservative Republican who still cares about this county and its dwindling natural resources. Politicians come and go but their legacy will be their epitaph.

Andy Lee

Bradenton

This story was originally published February 16, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Bradenton should retain city land bordering Evers Reservoir ."