Park to replace cistern Silver Surf gets initial approval for bike rentals

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH

– Removing a cistern that is no longer func tional was the subject of conversation at a Com munity Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting on April 5.

The cistern, located between the Bradenton Beach Pier and the Pines Trailer Park, is behind a chain link fence. Once removed, the plan is to make that area into a small park.

“It was used to supply water to the irrigation system in the concrete planter boxes that used to be on Bridge Street,” Public Works Director Tom Woodard said.

CRA members directed Woodard and City Attorney Ricinda Perry to get cost estimates for the cistern removal from two engineering firms.

The removal of a cistern in Bradenton Beach will require uncapping a drainage pipe that will empty into Sarasota Bay.

As part of the project, the drainage outflow pipe will be uncapped, allowing stormwater to

The Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board recommends special use permit approval for bike racks.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The Planning and Zoning Board has voted unanimously to recommend approval for bicycle rentals at Silver Surf Resort, located in a residential zone.

City code allows retail activities in R-3 residential zones with a special use permit.

• Bike racks shall be in conformance with plans submitted to the board;

• The rentals will be limited to the guests of Silver Surf;

• Only human-powered, nonmotorized bicycles will be rented; and flow into the bay. Details pertaining to the stormwater discharge are expected to be addressed in the engineering phase of the proposed project.

• A limit of three racks of four bicycles each will be allowed, for a total of 12.

Silver Surf owner Angela Rodocker requested the board to recommend the placement of three bicycle racks holding a total of 12 bikes at the front of the property where picnic tables are now.

At an April 5 Planning and Zoning meeting, board members submitted a recommendation to approve the request with the following four stipulations:

Building official Steve Gilbert noted, “Ms. Rodocker has in the past had special exception approval for rental of bicycles for the property at Silver Surf at 1301 Gulf Drive N. Due to some COVID, maybe some vendor abandonment, the use was not in place consistently for two years per the land development code so it expired and we’re back in front of you for special use permit process now to go back in with rental for bicycles.”

The City Commission will make the final decision on allowing the bike rentals.