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Manatee County Commissioners Move to Rename Crane Park After Late Commissioner Carol Ann Felts
The board will vote to name part of the park the Carol Ann Felts Preserve, honoring her legacy as a fierce defender of rural life, the environment, and Myakka City's heritage.
Published on Mar. 4, 2026
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Manatee County plans to honor late Commissioner Carol Ann Felts, who passed away suddenly last week at 68. The board will vote today on naming part of Crane Park, in Myakka City where Felts lived, the Carol Ann Felts Preserve. Felts was an eighth-generation Floridian and a longtime community activist who fought for rural life, the environment, and Myakka City's unique heritage before being elected to the board in 2024.
Why it matters
Felts' time as commissioner was brief, but her impact runs deep. The proposal to name part of Crane Park after her highlights her legacy as an unwavering advocate for the county's residents, nature, and rural industries, even before she held elected office.
The details
Commissioner Amanda Ballard, who brought the proposal forward, remembers Felts as 'fiery, spunky, and energetic.' Crane Park itself is more than just a patch of green - it's a community hub with a playground, picnic spots, and sweeping views of the Myakka River. Last year, the county bought extra land to expand the park to nearly 40 acres, something Felts had pushed for and was thrilled about.
- Felts passed away suddenly last week at the age of 68.
- The Manatee County Board of Commissioners will vote on the proposal to rename part of Crane Park the Carol Ann Felts Preserve during their regular meeting on Tuesday, March 4, 2026 at 9 a.m.
The players
Carol Ann Felts
An eighth-generation Floridian and Manatee County Commissioner who was a fierce defender of rural life, the environment, and the unique heritage of Myakka City. She passed away suddenly last week at the age of 68.
Amanda Ballard
A Manatee County Commissioner who brought forward the proposal to rename part of Crane Park the Carol Ann Felts Preserve, remembering Felts as 'fiery, spunky, and energetic.'
What they’re saying
“Carol was a citizen activist for so long—everyone knew her and exactly what she cared about. She loved the wild places in Florida. That park in Myakka was really special to her.”
— Amanda Ballard, Manatee County Commissioner (englewoodreview.com)
“I hope we'll enjoy that additional part of the park.”
— Carol Ann Felts (englewoodreview.com)
What’s next
The Manatee County Board of Commissioners will vote on the proposal to rename part of Crane Park the Carol Ann Felts Preserve during their regular meeting on Tuesday, March 4, 2026 at 9 a.m.
The takeaway
Felts' legacy as a fierce advocate for rural life, the environment, and Myakka City's unique heritage will live on through the renaming of part of Crane Park in her honor. Her unwavering commitment to her community, even before holding elected office, made a lasting impact that will be remembered by residents throughout Manatee County.
