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Miami Herald
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
A Florida politician's home will become a sewage station. How that happened
The city of Bradenton is buying a former city official's home with plans to convert it into a sewage-pumping station as leaders look to address chronic wastewater issues. Public records show the home belongs to former Councilman Bill Sanders, who ran for mayor and lost last year after a years-long history of bitter clashes with other city officials and staff. The Bradenton City Council unanimously approved a $441,000 purchase of the property at 2502 Riverside Drive E. in May. Sanders has owned the home since 2011. But Mayor Gene Brown, who frequently clashed with Sanders on Bradenton City Council, said it's the property's location, not its connection to the former councilman, that makes it an ideal purchase. 'Take every other factor out, what would be the best location and easiest for the project ... it has nothing to do with anything except what's best for the project,' Brown said, noting that the home sustained serious flood damage from Hurricane Helene. Sanders was first elected to the Ward 4 seat in 2018 and lost the race for a second term in 2022. The Bradenton Herald reported in 2022 that city employees and officials had accused him of 'abusive and threatening behavior.' Brown and Sanders most recently faced off in the 2024 mayoral race, which saw both candidates trade harsh insults. Sanders accused Brown of using his position for personal gain, while Brown described Sanders as a liar who makes extreme claims without the evidence to back them up. Sanders did not respond to the Bradenton Herald's request for comment. Project to address Bradenton's sewage problems The city will use part of the .26-acre property to build a temporary lift station to serve the surrounding neighborhood of about 180 residents while the city undertakes a larger project to replace nearby Lift Station No. 13, an old station that officials say is in poor condition. The city's project website says construction of the temporary lift station will take about three months. When it's built, the lift station will be fenced and will not impede the line of sight for nearby residents, City Administrator Rob Perry said at the May 28 meeting. Lift stations pump wastewater from lower to higher ground and move it to the city's treatment facility. Repairing and replacing the city's wastewater infrastructure is a part of the city's 'Face it, Fix it' initiative that includes over $150 million in planned improvements to the wastewater systems. After last year's hurricane season, Brown said he and the city realized how crucial the upgrades would be. In the weeks following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the City of Bradenton spilled millions of gallons of sewage into the Manatee River after the wastewater systems became overwhelmed. 'We had a historic season last year,' Brown said. 'We saw the importance of trying to work through many of our lift stations.' But city officials say that it will take several years to complete over $150 million in planned upgrades. One of the first pieces is combining Lift Stations No. 3 and No. 13. Lift Station No. 13 is one of the city's oldest, at over 70 years old. Perry confirmed the system's deterioration at the council's May 28 meeting. When there are high flood waters like last year's hurricanes, the system is typically underwater, he added. 'If it's hit again, it could compromise the entire area,' Perry said at the meeting. Project aims to protect Manatee River, neighborhoods Installing a temporary lift station on Riverside Drive East will allow the wastewater system to temporarily bypass Lift Station No. 13 and prevent the old system from failing. The city is concerned about what would happen if a major storm flooded the neighborhood and compromised Lift Station No. 13. Putting the temporary lift station in place would give the city a stable pump system for this hurricane season and the next, officials said. 'I'm not willing to take a chance of that station failing and the whole neighborhood going down,' Brown said. 'If that station fails, not only is sewage going into the river, the neighborhood is shut down.' Brown said the construction work could take two to four years, and having a temporary lift station will allow the city to take the rebuild project to the next level and fast-track it. 'It's a win-win for the neighborhood, but it's also a win-win for every community-oriented person in this town,' Brown said. Bradenton to buy former official's home Perry said at the May 28 meeting that the city's public works department determined it was necessary to install a temporary lift station before the rebuild of Lift Station No. 13 can begin. At first, the city contemplated how to install a pump in or adjacent to a roadway or in the pork chop-shaped median in the road. But this led to concerns about blocking the roadway and impeding residents' views, Brown said. Then, the property on Riverside Drive East became available and presented the city with a new opportunity. According to Brown, the property sustained major flooding from Hurricane Helene. 'The house is completely damaged by the flooding,' Brown said. 'No matter who bought the property, it's a total tear down.' The city and seller agreed to a $441,000 price for the property. Before installing the temporary station, the city will need to demolish some of the buildings on the property. The seller on the contract with the City of Bradenton is listed as Ellen Sanders and, according to the Manatee County Property Appraiser, the property also belongs to former Councilman Sanders. City shares future plans for property Brown said the city plans to put the property back on the market as soon as the temporary station is no longer necessary. 'This is a piece of property that we want to purchase for the use of this temporary lift station that, when everything is done … then that property will be back marketable,' Brown said. 'We don't want to turn it into anything. We want to make it where it's back on the market for the neighborhood,' Brown added. City council would have the final say over any future actions regarding the property.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Controversial bill that would limit rebuilding after hurricanes sparks debate: 'It's shortsighted'
New state legislation designed to help Floridians prepare for and rebuild after devastating storms could instead end up making resilient reconstruction more difficult. According to reporting by writers from the Miami Herald and Bradenton Herald published in late May by multiple outlets, including the Tampa Bay Times, Senate Bill 180, if signed into law, would provide for further training of emergency teams and a more efficient permitting process to smooth rebuilding. However, the bill might also get in the way of Floridians rebuilding stronger homes after hurricane damage. A building code freeze included in the legislation could allow developers to construct new homes under the same codes that left properties vulnerable in the first place. Additionally, the bill would increase flood insurance rates for "more than 44,000 Floridians" in a dozen communities. Kim Dinkins, policy and planning director at the nonpartisan nonprofit 1000 Friends of Florida, said of the bill, "It's shortsighted." "We said that we want to be more resilient," Dinkins told the local reporters. "When is the time going to be to do that if you can't do anything right after a storm?" Senate Bill 180 was passed by both the House and Senate "with nearly unanimous support." To become law, it would still need to be signed by Governor Ron DeSantis. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted "above-normal hurricane activity" for this Atlantic hurricane season. Experts are forecasting between 13 and 19 total named storms due to factors like "warmer than average ocean temperatures" and the possibility of higher West African Monsoon activity. Generally speaking, hurricanes are a part of typical weather patterns. But human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, have contributed significantly to an overheated planet, thereby supercharging storms. Warmer ocean and atmospheric temperatures are driving more extreme weather events. A study published in February indicates that hurricanes are likely to become more intense and more frequent in the Atlantic and East Pacific Oceans, putting communities at risk. Inland areas are also increasingly in danger. Systems and structures improved for resilience could help residents navigate these storms and their aftermath, especially in areas where hurricanes hit each year, making them harder and harder to recover from. Many in Florida are still trying to rebuild after previous storms. Stronger standards for resilient construction might help them going forward — weaker standards and higher insurance costs almost assuredly won't. Do you think your house could withstand a hurricane? No way Maybe a weak one I'm not sure It definitely could Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. NOAA reported $182.7 billion in damages from weather and climate-related disasters in 2024. Last year's Hurricane Helene, regarded as the deadliest in the contiguous United States since 2005's Hurricane Katrina, caused about $80 billion in damage in the U.S. In mid-May, Paul Owens, president of 1000 Friends of Florida, published an editorial in the Orlando Sentinel stating that "with a two-thirds majority in both houses, the presiding officers could expand the [legislative] agenda to address the existential threat to local land-use planning in Florida, while preserving the good elements in SB 180." While state legislators may still have options to retain the parts of the bill with the potential to save rather than cost residents money and damage, DeSantis may also simply decline to sign the bill as written. As events unfold, Floridians might continue to share their opinions about the legislation with their elected officials. Regardless of what may happen with SB 180, there's more that can and must be done. Residents can voice support for pro-environment policies, such as those prioritizing resilient infrastructure and ecological restoration. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recommended coastal protections like a living shoreline created with plants, reefs, and other natural barriers to reduce erosion and flooding. Residents will also want to prepare for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which began June 1. NOAA has released guidance to help communities get ready, suggesting steps like developing a safe evacuation plan, assembling disaster supplies, and weatherizing homes to reduce damage and even lower energy costs. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Boy, 3, Found Dead After Falling into Backyard Pool: ‘There Are No Words for the Pain'
A 3-year-old boy died on Saturday, May 24, after falling into a pool in his backyard Officials pronounced Kaseyn Clifton dead soon after he arrived at a hospital 'Though his time with us was far too short, Kaseyn filled each day with so much joy," his obituary readA 3-year-old boy has died after falling into a backyard pool in Illinois on Saturday, May 24. According to the Macon County Sheriff's Office, while his mother was out running errands for about 15 minutes, Kaseyn Clifton was home in Decatur with his siblings and an aunt when he opened a back door, wandered outside and fell into the pool, per the Bradenton Herald. When his mom came home, she found him in the pool and a family member called 911. First responders took him to Decatur Memorial Hospital, but officials pronounced him dead soon after, per ABC affiliate WICS. 'Our hearts are broken, and there are no words for the pain we are feeling,' his mother, Jessica Lee Mares, posted on Facebook on Monday, May 26, adding, 'Life is so unfair!!! This world will never be the same without you!' Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The Macon County Sheriff's Office has completed an investigation and did not find signs of criminal activity, according to local news station, WAND. 'Though his time with us was far too short, Kaseyn filled each day with so much joy. Full of life and energy, he had a smile that could light up any room and a giggle that will echo in our hearts forever,' his obituary read. 'He loved playing with blocks, doing puzzles, watching Cocomelon, blowing bubbles, playing at the park, learning his ABCs/counting and cuddling with mommy and daddy,' the obituary continued. A public information officer from the Macon Sheriff's department was not immediately available to provide additional information about the fatal incident. Drowning is the leading cause of death for kids between the ages of 1-4 years old in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Read the original article on People
Miami Herald
21-03-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
This Florida area wanted to cut the dust from construction. Are the new rules working?
Nearly a year after first raising concerns, residents say developers in Manatee County have not resolved dust issues from a nearby construction site. The Bradenton Herald reported on similar complaints last April when residents of the Foxbrook subdivision in Parrish said heavy dust from a new housing community caused respiratory issues, poor driving conditions and expensive cleaning costs. After Manatee County government put new rules in place last year, the same problems remain, residents say. After hearing from residents last year, county officials put rules in place requiring developers to create a dust control plan to limit construction impacts on neighbors. Builders must limit land clearing to 100 acres at a time, halt construction activity when wind speeds are above 15 mph and place sod in cleared areas. If developers fail to control the dust leaving their construction sites, they have to shut down construction for a first offense, shut down construction and pay a fine for a second offense and create a revised dust control plan for a third offense. A Manatee County plans to discuss new solutions at an upcoming public meeting. In the meantime, residents say the construction of the nearby Rye Ranch community is causing the same problems as before. 'No regard for the neighbors' Kim Bruenner, 61, who lives with her husband in Foxbrook, said she wants county officials to hold developers accountable for the dust storms. 'They're approving all this development, and they have to do it in a responsible way that's not going to cost their taxpayers thousands of dollars in damages to their home and personal property, and perhaps even be risking their health,' Bruenner said. Marcos Alvarez, 40, who lives with his wife and three young children in Foxbrook, said he sprinkled water to keep the dust down when he built his home. 'They should be held to the same standards as anyone building their house,' Alvarez said. Charlie Terenzio, 36, who lives with his wife and two young children in Foxbrook, said Lennar is not working hard enough to protect residents living across the street from their construction site. 'They have no regard for the neighbors,' Terenzio said. 'They're not really planning for the long-term health of the community, but more so how much land can they tear up and turn into profits as quickly as possible.' Developers respond to dust concerns Danielle Tocco, Miami-based Lennar's vice president of communications, told the Bradenton Herald in a statement that the company is addressing complaints from residents about the dust from Rye Ranch and other nearby developments. 'As one of many builders in the area, Lennar takes community concerns seriously – which is why our construction area is 95% stabilized with mulch and other measures to minimize blowing dust,' Tocco said. 'High winds have disturbed some of the other construction zones to the west and southwest of us, but our team is working diligently to minimize impacts on neighbors.' Tarak Patel, D.R. Horton's Sarasota division president, told the Bradenton Herald in a statement that the company is taking steps to reduce pollutants from their construction sites. 'D.R. Horton and our third-party developers establish stormwater pollution prevention plans and follow the recommendations and best practices established by the EPA on dust control when developing land and constructing homes,' Patel said. Construction dust is a problem for residents in other parts of Manatee County, too. On Tuesday, county officials halted construction at the new SeaFlower community 'because there was not sufficient dust mitigation,' according to county spokesman Bill Logan. Commissioner Carol Ann Felts, who represents District 1, which includes Parrish, said she wants to see stricter rules for developers. 'I think what really brought this to the forefront was that we were having the same issue in town,' Felts said. 'It's not just people that are out in the boonies that are dealing with this. It's everybody's problem.'
