We petition all members of the Manatee Board of County Commissioners to vote in favor for the Long Bar Map Amendment – PA-13-03, the County Wide Text Amendment – PA-13-06, to produce a net positive benefit to both the environment and local economy. A vote in favor of the proposed amendment to the current comprehensive plan of a Residential-9 zone would allow the property to be considered a Mixed-Use zone. Support of the Long Bar Map Amendment and change to the comprehensive plan is important for the following reasons proposed by the concept: -98.5% of existing coastline will be preserved. -Improved water quality due to treatment of run-off from Long Bar Pointe and adjacent properties. -Impact and mitigation (replanting) must be approved and monitored by the following six agencies: The EPA, Florida Fish and Wildlife, US Fish and Wildlife, Army Corp of Engineers, Marine Fisheries, SWFWMD. -Creates destination area for family and friends. -24/7 public access versus another gated community (which is allowed in current amendment). -950+ permanent jobs for both retail and hotel. -Thousands of temporary jobs related to construction, development, and build out over 15 year span. - 52 specifics places in manatee County's "How Will We Grow" ULI Report mirror the Long Bar Pointe Concept. -Most importantly, approval of the comprehensive plan does not authorize any site plan. The amendment must be adopted before submission of site plan application through public hearing process.