Commission postpones vote on Aqua by the Bay

After another day of hearing testimony for and against the highly controversial Aqua by the Bay development, the Manatee County Commission decided Wednesday it needs more time to debate the details.

The commission will resume its discussion about the contested project between El Conquistador Parkway and Sarasota Bay — and possibly vote — on Sept. 29 at 9 a.m.

The decision to postpone a decision comes after months of thumbs up and thumbs down recommendations by county staff and a county advisory panel.

Commissioner Vanessa Baugh made a motion for approval that Commissioner Stephen Jonsson seconded — but both withdrew the motion after Commissioner Carol Whitmore suggested a continuance to work with the developers on more stipulations.