On June 19, 2025, the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners convened to discuss a significant amendment to the general development plan for the Rain Corners Northeast project. The proposed changes aim to increase commercial and office entitlements from 50,000 to 100,000 square feet and to permit warehousing on approximately 68 acres located at the intersection of State Road 70 and Lorraine Road.

The meeting highlighted the need for additional commercial space in the area, as current entitlements have nearly been exhausted. Scott Bridal, representing the applicant, explained that the existing plan, which was last amended in 2019, had reduced the commercial office square footage significantly, leaving only about 3,500 square feet available for development. The proposed amendment seeks to address this shortfall by allowing for a warehouse flex space, which is expected to cater to local contractors and businesses, thereby generating lower traffic compared to traditional commercial uses.

Bob Schmidt from Land Planning Associates further elaborated on the benefits of the proposed development. He noted that the warehouse flex space would only generate approximately 17 peak hour trips, a stark contrast to the potential 260 trips that could arise from the previously approved commercial office use. This reduction in traffic is particularly relevant given the ongoing construction on State Road 70, which is expected to be completed by early 2027.

The commissioners expressed support for the amendment, recognizing the importance of accommodating local business needs while managing traffic impacts. The discussion underscored the broader context of growth in the Lakewood Ranch area, where over 10,000 homes are already established, indicating a rising demand for commercial services.

As the meeting concluded, the board's approval of the revised development plan is anticipated to facilitate economic growth in the region, providing essential infrastructure and services to the expanding community. The next steps will involve finalizing the amendment and monitoring the ongoing developments in the area, particularly the completion of State Road 70, which is crucial for the project's success.