Issues to debate in East Manatee

There's no end of contentious issues in East Manatee.

Waterlefe, the community closest to the south landing of the proposed Fort Hamer bridge,is growing restive. Bridge design work is underway, and some of those involved with those plans were out on Upper Manatee River Road today.

For more, see Richard Dymond's story in Wednesday's Herald.

Also, just a few miles south of Fort Hamer is Lakewood Ranch, where community leaders are looking seriously at incorporation.

Jo Anne Dain, a member of the Lakewood Ranch Community Coalition, advises that a presentation is scheduled on city charter concepts 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 14, at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

“Now that the feasibility study has been completed, it is time for residents to think about how we should govern ourselves if we become a city,” said Dain. “A charter is similar to a state constitution. It provides the governance structure for a city. The LWR Incorporation Study Committee prepared a draft, and we want resident feedback. Their opinions matter. Some specific issues that will be addressed include voting districts, how city council members should be elected, and term limits.”

The event is open to the public and free of charge. For more information, contact Dain, at 907-1029 or jgdain@aol.com.

Jim