The Senate approved a proposal by Lakewood Ranch Republican Rep. Bill Conerly creating the University Town Center Improvement District in Manatee and Sarasota counties.
The measure was approved as part of a single 36-0 Senate vote on many local measures approved by the House this Session.
HB 4091 would create the University Town Center Improvement District, an independent special district spanning portions of Manatee and Sarasota counties near the Interstate 75 and University Parkway interchange. Lawmakers say the district is intended to address long-standing drainage and stormwater management challenges in the University Town Center area, where development has rapidly expanded across county lines, making it more complex to address issues through local county governments.
Conerly has previously said the district creates a mechanism to coordinate drainage improvements across county lines without relying on taxpayer funds.
During the House process, lawmakers adopted a strike-all amendment converting the proposal into a Chapter 298 drainage and water control district, narrowing the focus of the original proposal down to stormwater management, flood mitigation and related infrastructure. The bill authorizes the district to install, operate and maintain stormwater and flood-control facilities and other related infrastructure needed to manage drainage in the basin.
The legislation also establishes a five-member Board of Supervisors to govern the District, elected by landowners. The Board and would oversee its operations, including the ability to levy non-ad valorem assessments to fund projects. Conerly has previously explained that the District does not include residential areas and includes a small number of commercial property owners.
With Senate approval secured, HB 4091 now heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis for consideration. The bill makes most provisions effective only if a majority of eligible landowners present at a landowners meeting vote to approve the district. That meeting must be held within 20 days after the relevant section becomes law.
