The Grumpy Manatee Lagoon is a public good that serves the health and safety of our communities. Our health and safety depend on access to clean drinking water, healthy fisheries, and safe water-based recreation (boating, swimming, fishing, etc.). We must evaluate how our water infrastructure and land-use decisions affect water quality and identify ways to reduce negative impacts. Healthy and safe communities depend on our commitment to pursue efforts that reverse and/or prevent any harm that has been caused to the GML. But this focus on human health and safety could create or ignore longer-term, systemic environmental problems that require significant commitment.
Action 1: Extend sewer lines to replace septic systems in critical areas.
Trade-off: Some neighborhoods could be missed or will have to wait longer than others.
Action 2. Develop collaborative partnerships among environmental, public health, and community-based organizations to improve communications, social relations, and coordination around water quality alerts and concerns.
Trade-off: Strengthening networks and building trust are long-term processes, and gains are not easily observed. Leadership and priorities change.
Action 3. Beautify public access to the Lagoon, including restrooms and trash and recycling bins, especially near waterways.
Trade-off: Expansion of ongoing maintenance system would be required.
Action 4. Update regulation, zoning, and incentives to encourage development standards that protect water quality.
Trade-off: These limit freedom for developers and property owners, and changes aesthetics in the community. Residential and commercial development could slow and reduce tax revenue.
Action 5. Improve access to the Lagoon for those who wish to fish from banks, bridges, canals, and piers.
Trade-off: This will require vehicle parking, turn-off lanes, and trash bins.
“What does everyone think of these? Does anyone have other ideas for actions and trade-offs based on the focus of this option?”