Despite a series of new rules aimed at curbing construction dust, many Manatee County residents say developers and builders still aren't doing enough to protect their neighborhoods from the growing nuisance.

For more than a year, residents—particularly in fast-growing areas like Parrish—have raised concerns about thick clouds of dust blowing in from nearby construction sites. Complaints of breathing difficulties, poor visibility while driving, and the rising cost of home and car cleanings have prompted local officials to crack down.

In April 2023, The Bradenton Herald first reported on widespread frustration in the Foxbrook subdivision, where residents said dust from a new housing development blanketed their homes. Those early concerns led Manatee County officials to require developers to submit dust control plans, limit land clearing to 100 acres at a time, stop work when wind speeds exceed 15 mph, and lay sod to reduce exposed soil.

But some residents say the results have been minimal at best.

“The storm that caused all this dust was predicted on the Weather Channel and the news stations for about a week,” said Elizabeth Arnold, a Parrish homeowner who continues to deal with the fallout. “It didn’t sneak up on the builders. They knew it was coming. I think their basic attitude was, ‘The storm’s coming, and people will probably get a lot of dust at the beginning, but it’ll rain, and that will solve our problem,’ which is callous and cavalier, but it saved them a lot of money, they didn’t have to run the water trucks.”

Dalton Nelson, another resident, echoed the sentiment that current rules aren't enough to hold builders accountable. “Nine times out of 10, any particular developer at the cost of facing these fines is going to say, ‘Yeah, go ahead and rack up the fines. We’re going to pay them and we’re going to continue to get this project done, because time is money, and we can’t afford to have this job drag on any longer,’” he said. “They want those $400,000, $600,000, million-dollar houses in there more than they care about the little neighbor next door.”

New Rules Aim to Strengthen Enforcement

In response to continued complaints, the Manatee County Commission recently approved another round of rules in a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Carol Ann Felts was absent for the vote, but the rest of the board supported additional requirements for construction sites over 100 acres.

Under the new regulations, contractors must now:

• Install live-feed cameras at large-scale developments
• Designate a clear haul path for construction equipment
• Submit weekly reports on dust control activities

Commissioner George Kruse acknowledged that these new measures are unlikely to solve the problem overnight.

“We’re working on a better solution,” Kruse said. “We’re not going to get you to the fix today. What we are going to do is be able to better monitor what’s wrong while we work on that fix.”

Long-Term Solutions Still in the Works

Officials say they aren’t done yet. Additional ideas being considered include requiring builders to complete one phase of construction before starting the next, capping the total area under development at any one time, and implementing stricter air quality and dust monitoring requirements.

Commissioner Tal Siddique, who represents the district that includes the new SeaFlower development in West Bradenton, said he believes some developers are open to cooperation.

“I think some of the land developers are likely willing to work with us,” Siddique said. “After all, they are seeding some of the land. But the fundamental problem is the people that see this as the cost of doing business.”

County leaders are also researching what other fast-growing communities are doing to reduce the environmental impact of rapid construction. More proposals are expected to be discussed at future commission meetings.

In the meantime, many residents remain frustrated, calling for stronger enforcement and better protections for people living near active construction zones.

Originally reported by Tampa Bay Times.