Tampa St. Petersburg, FL, October 7, 2026 — Hillsborough County officials are evaluating proposals for significant new development in the rural area known as Sundance/Little Manatee South. The potential projects include the construction of apartments and retail shops, which would represent a shift from the community’s current agricultural and equine focus. The area is situated near Interstate 75 and borders Manatee County.

The prospect of increased development has raised concerns among many current residents. They express worries that the introduction of apartments and commercial spaces could fundamentally alter the character of their rural community. A key point of contention is the potential impact on the area’s established agricultural and equine heritage, which is a defining characteristic for many living in Sundance/Little Manatee South.

A decision regarding the expansion of the urban service area, which would facilitate such development, is anticipated in the early part of next year. The county’s planning and zoning boards are expected to review the proposals in the coming months. Details regarding the specific developers involved, the exact scope of the proposed apartment complexes, and the planned retail spaces have not yet been fully disclosed or made public.

Residents are actively voicing their opinions and concerns to county representatives as the decision-making process unfolds. The outcome of the urban service area expansion vote will be a critical factor in determining the future landscape and character of Sundance/Little Manatee South.

The developer’s name was not provided in the summary. The specific timeline for when the proposals were submitted was not provided. The exact nature of the impact on agricultural and equine character was not detailed.



Story summarized from the original created by By Lizzy Alspach, Times staff on www.tampabay.com, see more information here.

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