Manatee, Sarasota voters to decide land conservation funding Nov. 3

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Voters in Manatee and Sarasota counties will decide Nov. 3 whether to pay for land conservation to protect clean water and wildlife and to leave room for floodwater.What is on the ballotManatee County voters will see one question: a $75 million bond for natural preserves, funded by a 0.16 mill property tax over 20 years. Charlie Hunsicker, the county’s director of natural resources, said a yes vote “will allow us to spend money for acquisitions and important maintenance” of those properties.Sarasota County voters will see two questions. The first would extend an existing quarter mill tax through 2049. The second would authorize up to $250 million in bonds to buy land faster.Brie Ondercin, Sarasota County’s land acquisition coordinator, said a quarter mill is 25 cents for every $1,000 of property value. For a $200,000 property, “you pay $25 a year with the program,” she said.Supporters and opponentsSupporters say preserving wetlands gives floodwater somewhere to