Dear Myakka Community,
I wanted to share a few updates on the work underway across the properties my family owns and manages in Myakka.
I am pleased to share that the dedicated individuals on the TerraNova Equestrian Center team have officially developed a 4-H Club that is focused on educating young people from the ages 8-17 about the care and raising of miniature horses in partnership with Myakka Elementary.
We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to join and learn more about this industry, and the 4-H Club, Small Strides, will do exactly that. Meetings will begin in September and will meet once a month, with the addition of Practice Days, where club members will have more hands-on experiences with miniature horses to embrace the 4-H motto, “Learn by Doing”.
In addition, I am sharing three important updates about what will soon be the Miakka Golf Club. First, as the project has progressed, we have had a dedicated team of environmental consultants, engineers, scientists, designers, and project partners conducting and analyzing water quality test results.
Our third consecutive water quality test, completed June 1, 2026, showed that all monitored areas of the Myakka River corridor remain stable. Key nutrient levels continue to fall within accepted environmental ranges, with no indication that ongoing construction activities are negatively affecting water quality. Protecting the river remains one of our highest priorities, and I believe the water test results continue to show this.
We have also partnered with Native Bird Boxes to install strategically placed, custom-made nesting enclosures throughout the property to help protect Florida’s native wildlife. As part of that broader commitment to environmental stewardship, we have also begun the process of seeking certification through Audubon International’s Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf.
We remain committed to being good neighbors, protecting the natural resources that make Myakka special, and keeping the community informed as this work continues.
For further insights into the initiatives mentioned above, I encourage the community to explore The Myakka Initiative website, where we will continue to provide transparent updates on projects on our properties in Myakka.
Sincerely,
Steve Herrig
