STOP PAT NEAL: Saving the Wetland, Wildlife, and Preserving Land - STOP MBR Expansion

Pat Neal, of Neal Communities (+ other entities), as well as many other developers, have been destroying what makes Florida so great. With his overdevelopment we lose acres upon acres of land and wetlands. This petition is a small piece of a much larger picture.

OPPOSE MANASOTA BEACH ROAD (MBR) EXPANSION (Venice & Englewood FL)

1. Public Safety & Environmental Risk:
This project threatens the safety of existing residents and the habitat of PROTECTED Gopher Tortoises, Sand Hill Cranes, and the ENDANGERED Florida Panther. Florida Stormwater Management rules require "no adverse off-site impact" and FS 337.61 does not supersede those safety standards. Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) has put in writing that they too "question whether he relocates the Gopher Tortoises" and that they "tend to find he's [Pat Neal] not the most honest person." FWC suggests making the public aware and "more eyes on him".
These residents didnt use to flood. Since the neighboring BeachWalk home community was developed, these residents flood. The existing MBR floods. The land floods. The wildlife homes are risked and harmed due to human overdevelopment.

2. Questionable Process & Influence
Sarasota County (SC) previously purchased and studied the Keyway Road Route with a complete analysis by Beasrch. Emails show Pat Neal lobbied against Keyway Road and boasted about brining residents of his development (Boca Royale) to oppose it instead of support MBR. PNeal conditioned his support of MBR ONLY if Keyway Road project received a cancellation status.
Pat Neal mocked East MBR residents referred to them as "Jerry Springer Row" acting as if they were subpar to any other resident in PNeal's developments. PNeal urged SC to use a short 2 person review - naming which people he wanted for that review. This is NOT his decision, but the County listened.

3. Lack of Required Notice & Legal Concerns
Residents have deeds dated back to 1912. The land and plat show MBR as a PRIVATE road. SC, which seems to be steamrolling this MBR project forward NEVER had the legal ownership or right to adjust maps, land use, or arrange agreements to develop MBR. SC has not produced residents with eminent domain documentation or processes. SC continue to forge forward -- illegally. The land has been stolen since NO transfer of this road land has been done between residents and gov. (FS 336.01-336.10)

4. Private-Public Partnership (PPP)
It must benefit the PUBLIC, not a single developer. Emails from/Pat Neal show evidence of multiple favors from SC demonstrating preferential treatment and showing evidence contrary to public interest. This PPP does not supersede any other FL Statute (FS) - for example any county road lawfully established that affect property owners, notice to residents, and mutual agreements made between residents and SC.

What Happens Next?

- Pat Neal to be held to county rules and regulations.
- All MBR advancement halted until proper procedures are followed.
- SC provide certified proof of east MBR and show evidence of documentation of the communications to/from residents discussing this road.
- Ensure FULL COMPLIANCE with Fl Stormwater Mgmt standards and FEDERAL Environmental Protections.

If these are not done skillfully and to its deepest thorough review and adherence, this endangers local residents, wildlife, and the public's trust.
We urge SC to reject or suspend MBR Expansion project until further notice.