South Manatee Achieves County's Vision - Fall 2000

We have witnessed the transformation on the north side of University Parkway from rural pastures to suburban shopping and residential. Likewise, U.S. 301 in Manatee County has become a major employment center for both Sarasota and Manatee counties.  How did this happen? In the early 1980s, Manatee County government planned the area's future, installed necessary infrastructure and zoned the land for desired uses.  Properly managed commercial growth reduces the tax burden on residential property owners because commercial properties consume fewer government services, such as emergency services and schools.  Directed vision with excellent implementation achieved the desired results, and residents of Manatee County now reap the tax benefits.