The late Commissioner Felts, who was elected to represent District 1 in November 2024, was found dead at her Myakka City home on February 24. The 16-acre expansion of Crane Park will be named the Carol Ann Felts Preserve at David J. Crane Park, recognising her commitment to protecting Manatee County's natural resources and preserving its rural character. The naming of the preserve follows a motion for the creation of a Rural Lands and Citizens’ Advisory Board, which will provide recommendations to commissioners on issues affecting rural communities, agricultural lands, and conservation efforts.