But Kelly Bauman suggests this may not be the end of opposition against the developer-initiated project.
By Ramon Lopez
Original Air Date: September 24 2026
Host: Pat Neal, the developer behind megaproject Wellen Park, is trying to get taxpayers to fund an expansion of Manasota Beach Road that would create a straight shot to beaches. One rural resident filed suit but then dropped it. WSLR News reporter Ramon Lopez is trying to find out what’s next for the resistance in and around historic Englewood.
Ramon Lopez: In a little noticed action, the Sarasota County Commissioners on Tuesday heard from County Attorney Joshua Moye. He said the East Manasota Beach Road Extension controversy had reached “a favorable result, which is dismissal of the case.”
Pat Neal and Kelly Bauman
Earlier this year, petitioner Kelly Bauman challenged a proposed environmental resource permit issued by the Southwest Florida Water Management District regarding extension of East Manasota Beach Road. The matter was set for an administrative judge hearing on September 21.
But on September 9, Bauman filed a motion requesting a voluntary dismissal and cancellation of the final hearing. The administrative law judge handling the case then entered an order dismissing it. And she referred the matter back to SWFWMD, which then issued a final order.
Moye told the commissioners that construction of the road should now be able to proceed. This, since all applicable time periods to file a petition for a hearing to challenge the permit have run out.
The order of dismissal states: “Petitioner cannot submit a timely amended petition to challenge the district’s issuance of a permit.” The dismissal order was accepted by the county commissioners without comment, and the matter appeared legally put to rest.
But WSLR has learned that the controversy may still be rekindled by the beach road extension opponents.
A bit of background here. Bauman was set to challenge issuance of the SWFWMD permit linked to the controversial beach road extension that she aimed to scuttle.
The Beach Road buildout involves a two-mile stretch that would connect River Road and Englewood Road. Back in August 2025, Pat Neal pitched the road extension to reduce travel time to beaches for residents of Wellen Park. It’s one of the newest, biggest and fastest growing developments in the region. On the other hand, affected locals along Manasota Beach Road fear unwanted traffic congestion and future flooding.
The Sarasota County Board of Commissioners approved the road extension to help mitigate both beach and school traffic. It’s part of a public-private partnership. And the county earmarked $15 million to turn a dirt road that is currently off the beaten path into paved roadway.
The permit showdown was set to take place at the September 21 hearing. But Bauman, who lives on the quiet country road, and is the point person for opponents of the planned road buildout, asked the Sarasota County Commission to delay the hearing at the September 8 commission meeting. This, so she can better prepare her challenge.
She asked for an extension of the discovery deadline and continuance of the final hearing. But her request fell on deaf ears. And the next day, September 9, she moved to end the matter. She chose to withdraw, not delay or request another extension.
The motion to withdraw her petition and cancel the final hearing cited her inability to properly represent herself because of a rushed timeline.
Bauman said she would not receive or review the technical material in time to prepare for the hearing.
Kelly Bauman
Stated Bauman: “It takes immense courage to stand up for yourself and equal courage to recognize when the system’s timelines prevent a fair fight.”
Bauman said her withdrawal is not based upon resolution or abandonment of her substantive concerns regarding flooding, drainage and environmental impact.
She also said it was a grave disappointment to see the patterns of development favoring developers over and over again. She talked about the hypocrisy of some commissioners and the shrugging off of responsibility. She said, “Perhaps the commissioners would act differently if they got paid when and if they actually represent the people.”
WSLR spoke to a disappointed Bauman by phone Wednesday night.
Among other things, she said: “SWFWMD filed a motion after my withdrawal the following day. I may be responding to that.”
She elaborated: “I do not agree with what SWFWMD filed, so I may respond to that. I don’t want to say much more, but I don’t agree with how they filed it.”
Regarding Pat Neal, she said “I think it’s extremely offensive how he has been able to get his way quite often in the county.”
Bauman said she wasn’t going to move. “We will play it out. I probably will file something. I’ll just leave it at that.”
This is Ramon Lopez for WSLR News.
WSLR News aims to keep the local community informed with our 1/2 hour local news show, quarterly newspaper and social media feeds. The local news broadcast airs on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6pm.