Commissioners have said they want roads and other infrastructure -- or at least a firm plan for them -- to be in place before approving additional development in north Manatee. Earlier this month, commissioners delayed a 228-home project west of Ellenton-Gillette Road, because of a lack of roads and infrastructure in the neighborhood.

Road blocks

Obtaining right-of-way for park-and-ride sites is a major hurdle for the overall goal of a public light rail system, but it isn't the only one. Manatee County Area Transit manager Ralph Heseler said a more user-friendly system would involve connecting communities to the north and south, to create a line between Sarasota and Tampa. In addition to local funding, federal and state grants could help offset any cost to the county.

Heseler is a native New Yorker who, growing up, watched development flourish around new lines of the Long Island Rail Road.

"From Parrish to Palmetto there's minimal demand now, but as growth and development starts to blossom, they'll really have an interest in that light rail," Heseler said. "It's typically more convenient and faster. It's going to be very critical in the growth issues of this county. Putting this in place is what this region needs."

Beyond Palmetto, the track is owned by CSX Corp., and it stretches northward into Hillsborough County and beyond. CSX also owns the portion of track west of FPL. There the line curves southward to an unnamed rail bridge between the Green Bridge and DeSoto Bridge.

The commercial rail company is in the planning stages for a light rail system in Orlando, according to CSX spokeswoman Meg Sparks. She said the company will not consider the possibility of rail systems elsewhere until the Orlando line is complete.

Getting off track

Though it's too early to estimate how much it would cost, a light-rail system would not come inexpensively. Also, without many homes, retail or office space along the line, it might be difficult to attract riders in Parrish or Palmetto.