32 minute read
CALENDAR
ANNA MARIA
10005 GULF DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130 City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information. May 13, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting May 17, 2:30 p.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting May 27, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting
BRADENTON BEACH
107 GULF DRIVE N. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005 City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information. May 5, 9:15 a.m. – City Commission emergency meeting May 5, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting May 5, 11 a.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting May 6, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting May 11, 9 a.m. – City Commission work meeting May 12, 9:15 a.m. – City Commission emergency meeting May 19, 9:15 a.m. – City Commission emergency meeting May 19, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting
HOLMES BEACH
5801 MARINA DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800 May 5, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautification Committee meeting May 5, 6 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting May 11, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow May 19, 10 a.m. – Code Compliance special magistrate hearing May 25, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow
Island-wide May 10, 2 p.m. – Island Transportation Planning Organization meeting, Holmes Beach City Hall May 18, 6 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue board meeting, administration office, Palma Sola Presbyterian Church, 6510 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, 6 p.m.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
The Island Branch Library is open at 60% capacity. Please wear a face mask/covering. The Tingley Memorial Library is open. The Center of Anna Maria Island is open with social distancing and face masks required. The Holmes Beach dog park (Scentral Park), skate park, basketball courts, pickleball courts and tennis courts are open. Local preserves are open, including Grassy Point Preserve, Neal Preserve, Perico Preserve and Robinson Preserve. Local beaches are open.
WEDNESDAY
MAY 5 Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Golfing for God, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Pkwy, Bradenton, 2:45 p.m. tee time, 5:30 p.m. bible study and dinner, $40 for golf and dinner, $20 for dinner. Reservations required. Reserve to www.roserchurch.com/g4g/.
THURSDAY
MAY 6 RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome. Participants asked to bring bottled water and wear a face mask or shield. Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.
FRIDAY
MAY 7 Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
SATURDAY
MAY 8 Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m. Saturday mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Face masks required. Coastal Cleanup, Coquina Beach Bayside, 2651 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 9 a.m. to noon. Reservations required at www. eventbrite.com/e/151200381411.
SUNDAY
MAY 9 Rise and Shine Power Flow Yoga, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., $10 fee payable online. Bring your own yoga mat. Register at https://parks.mymanatee.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search. html?primarycode=110006 or call 941-7425923 ext. 6042 for more information.
MONDAY
MAY 10 Prevention Plus health screening, Soiree Room, The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, costs vary by test. No prescriptions required. Reserve to 1-888-667-7587.
TUESDAY
MAY 11 Farmer’s Market, City Pier Park, 101 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome. Participants asked to bring bottled water and wear a face mask or shield.
WEDNESDAY
MAY 12 Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
THURSDAY
MAY 13 Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome. Participants asked to bring bottled water and wear a face mask or shield. Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5 to 8 p.m. Marshall Tucker Band, The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 6 p.m. Tickets on sale at www.centerami.org.
FRIDAY
MAY 14 Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce 22nd Annual Golf Tournament benefitting the scholarship fund, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Pkwy, Bradenton, 11:30 a.m. Reserve to 941-778-1541 or info@ amichamber.org. Palma Sola Cleanup and Seaside Safari, Palma Sola Causeway Park, 9917 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 6 to 8 p.m. Reservations required at www.eventbrite. com/e/151211962049.
SATURDAY
MAY 15 Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m. Saturday mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Face masks required.
SUNDAY
MAY 16 Rise and Shine Power Flow Yoga, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., $10 fee payable online. Bring your own yoga mat. Register at https://parks.mymanatee.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search. html?primarycode=110006 or call 941-7425923 ext. 6042 for more information.
TUESDAY
MAY 18 Stroller Stroll, Robinson Preserve expansion kayak launch, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m. Reservations required to coral. bass@mymanatee.org or 941-742-5923 ext. 6034.
BY CINDY LANE
SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Red tide remains in Manatee County after being detected in water samples a week ago.
Background concentrations were found at the Palma Sola Bay Bridge and at Mead Point (Perico Island), according to the most recent Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission weekly report.
Background and very low concentrations were detected at School Key (Key Royale) on Anna Maria Island.
Low concentrations were found at the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria and the Longboat Pass boat ramp in Bradenton Beach.
Red tide-related respiratory irritation was reported in Manatee County, with fish kills reported in Sarasota County to the south.
Red tide produces a neurotoxin called brevetoxin that can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and more serious illness for people with severe or chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema or COPD, according to the Florida Department of Health. Health officials recommend that people experiencing symptoms stay away from the water, go inside to an air conditioned space, or wear masks, especially during onshore winds.
Consuming shellfish exposed to red tide can cause neurotoxic shellfish poisoning.
Health officials also warn against swimming near dead fish, and advise keeping pets away from dead fish and sea foam, which can contain high concentrations of algae. Pets are not allowed on Anna Maria Island’s beaches, but are allowed on the Palma Sola Causeway on Manatee Avenue leading to the Island.
Environmental officials say that the nutrients phosphorus and nitrogen, which feed toxic red tide algae blooms, were present in the 215 million gallons of polluted water discharged last month into Tampa Bay at Port Manatee from one of the inactive Piney Point phosphate plant’s retention ponds, built into a gypsum stack. The emergency release, which ended April 9, took pressure off the compromised stack to avoid an accidental spill of even more of its contents. The polluted water is spreading into the Gulf of Mexico, according to the University of South Florida College of Marine Science.
RED TIDE REPORT
High
(respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills, water discoloration)
Very low
(possible respiratory irritation)
Medium
(probable respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills)
Low
(possible respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills)
Background
(no effects)
None
(no red tide present)
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
DOCK & DINE
Cruise to the Pier by land or sea! Boat docking is NOW AVAILABLE at the Pier location!
Blue-green algae was detected in nine water samples taken in Tampa Bay from April 23-29 in response to last month’s release of 215 million gallons of polluted water from the closed Piney Point phosphate plant in Tampa Bay, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Analysis has revealed trace levels of cyanotoxins, neurotoxins that are produced by blue-green algae. Bloom conditions continue to be monitored.
Exposure to cyanotoxins can cause hay fever-like symptoms, skin rashes, respiratory and gastrointestinal distress, and, if consumed, liver and kidney damage, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA COLLEGE OF MARINE SCIENCE | SUBMITTED
Piney Point pollution forecast
Scientists at USF’s College of Marine Science in St. Petersburg are forecasting where the plume of polluted water from Piney Point will be on May 4 based on tides, currents and wind. The areas of most concern are indicated in orange and yellow. 215 million gallons of polluted water were released into Tampa Bay at Port Manatee last month from one of the closed Piney Point phosphate plant’s gyp stack retention ponds to take pressure off the compromised stack and avoid an accidental spill of even more of its contents. The water is an acidic blend of saltwater and debris from a Port Manatee dredge project, stormwater runoff, rainfall and “legacy process water” - wastewater from phosphate processing that contains nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen, which feed toxic red tide algae blooms. An accidental leak detected on March 26 led to the discharge, which ended April 9.
Stone crab season better than expected
COVID-19 did not impact the stone crab market as much as expected this season, according to Karen Bell of A.P. Bell Fish Co. in Cortez.
“I was wrong. It’s better than I thought it was going to be. I thought with COVID the price would be terrible,” she said.
On April 30, 160 pounds of claws were delivered to the Bell docks, she said. The season closed on May 1.
The annual season closure date was modified last year from May 15 to May 1 in response to a long-term decline in harvest, and because the stone crab fishery is likely being overfished, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which implemented the early date to increase the stone crab population and build resiliency in the fishery.
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KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN City committee members and staff gather around as Mayor Judy Titsworth dedicates a new red cedar tree in honor of National Arbor Day April 30 at Prince Park.
Celebrating Arbor Day in Holmes Beach
A small group gathered at Prince Park on April 30 but it was a group of happy faces all coming together to celebrate National Arbor Day. In honor of the day, a red cedar tree was planted in the park’s southeast corner. Mayor Judy Titsworth, Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee member Alec Graham, Public Works Administrator Matt McDonough and public works employees all gathered at the park to plant the new tree. Prince Park, located at 121 52nd St., is dedicated to Holmes Beach’s favorite feline resident, a cat named Prince who made his home among the city center businesses before passing away in July 2015. The pocket park was dedicated to his memory in early 2016.
The city of Anna Maria expects to receive about $740,000 in federal funds.
BY JOE HENDRICKS
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria intends to share some of its American Rescue Plan Act funds with the non-profit organizations that operate within the city.
The anticipated sharing of federal funds associated with the Biden administration’s economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic will result in qualified non-profit organizations being partially compensated for revenues lost during the pandemic.
On Thursday, April 22, City Clerk and Treasurer LeAnne Addy last week provided the city commission with an update on the receipt and use of the federal funds. The city expects to receive about $740,000, Addy said at the April 22 commission meeting. The potential uses for that money include responding to public health emergencies, transferring funds to non-profit organizations, making infrastructure adjustments and recouping past revenue losses, she said.
Addy said the covered period for the use of the federal funds is March 2, 2021, through Sept. 30, 2021.
“We’re working on it every day,” she said.
Mayor Dan Murphy referenced the draft version of the request form for lost revenue due to COVID-19 included in the commission’s meeting packet. The form seeks information regarding the non-profit organization’s estimated lost revenues due to the pandemic, information about the organization’s gross income and expenses for the past three years and copies of the organization’s tax returns for the past three years. It also requests information regarding the previous receipt of COVID-19-related funds from other sources.
“There’s a lot of options. Bear in mind, we will be audited by the federal government,” Murphy told the commission. “I want to gather as much information as possible so we can make the right decisions on how much to compensate a nonprofit for its loss of revenue.”
He mentioned The Center of Anna Maria Island, the Island Players, the Anna Maria Island Historical Society and the Anna Maria Garden Club as potential recipients. He said there may be others as well.
“I know all four of them were impacted with some loss of revenue. Should we make them whole? Probably not,” Murphy said.
After noting that some of the services and benefits provided by Anna Maria’s non-profit organizations extend to the rest of the Island community, too, Murphy said, “I think the other cities need to pony up as well.”
Commissioner Jon Crane praised Addy and Murphy for creating the one-page request form.
Regarding previous funding sources used by non-profit organizations, Crane said, “If you got a loan for COVID, that’s a source of funding. It probably ought to not be counted against them.”
Murphy agreed.
Commissioner Mark Short sought clarification on the March-September 2021 coverage period.
“They’re really applying for what happened last year. This is a look back kind of thing, not a looking forward kind of thing?” he asked.
Murphy said that was accurate.
Short then addressed the city’s use of the federal funds.
“The city stands to gain $740,000. What I don’t want us to do is give $740,000 to the non-profits and leave nothing for the city. We need to have a big picture view, vision and plan with respect to how the city would potentially use the $740,000,” Short said, noting this may require some “tough decisions.”
Murphy envisions some of the federal funds being used by the city and some being allocated to non-profits. He said he and city staff have already analyzed the city’s infrastructure needs and the potential use of federal funds to make drainage improvements, and possibly road improvements.
“The final decision is yours as to how this gets spent,” he told the commission.
Commissioner Deanie Sebring noted the American Rescue Plan funds must be spent by 2024.
Murphy said the first installment of federal funds is scheduled to arrive on or before May 11 and the second installment is expected in or around May 2022.
“When May 11 comes, and the money’s in the bank, you’ll have a plan,” Murphy said.
In closing, Crane said, “We shouldn’t think of this as fluff versus potholes. Every one of these non-profits makes our city a better place.”
The commission took no formal actions and made no binding decisions during its April 22 discussion.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN City Clerk and Treasurer LeAnne Addy is playing a key role in the receipt and distribution of the federal funds. Commissioner Mark Short wants to find the right balance when it comes to the city’s use and sharing of the money.
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WHERE‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE?
BY JASON SCHAFFER
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA - Car washes love them but most everyone else finds them to be an incredible nuisance. Twice a year, the Island is invaded by a tiny flying pest known to science as Plecia Nearctic, but better known to Floridians as the lovebug.
And they’re back.
Sometimes called the doubleheaded bug or honeymoon fly, lovebugs don’t actually have two heads, although at first glance they look like they do. Lovebugs are males and females that remain attached, even in flight, for up to several days after mating. Lovebugs don’t bite or sting and are not a health risk to humans, but their enormous numbers do cause real problems during mating season, which occurs late April into May, then again in late August into September.
“They’re not native to here, they’re native to Central and South America. They migrated to the Gulf states to mate. The Florida heat is perfect for them,” said Kaeli Dye, the lead keeper at Sarasota Jungle Gardens. “They’re not considered an invasive species, they don’t do damage to crops, or cause damage to local wildlife; they’re just annoying.”
Because of the massive numbers of these flying romantics, it is inevitable they will get stuck to vehicle exteriors. That’s where they do their damage.
When alive, the bugs have a neutral acidity, but once they are dead, they become very acidic. After only a few hours they become difficult to remove from windshields, grills, headlights and any other part of a vehicle they are stuck to. If they’re left splattered on a painted surface their bodies begin to eat away at the paint job. They also can clog vehicle filters and intake systems.
Bottom line: Wash them off asap.
“They love white surfaces, so it may not be a great idea to wear white during their mating season,” Dye added.
Other things that seem to attract these pests include freshly painted surfaces, shiny metallic surfaces and hot asphalt. At the peak of mating season, it is virtually impossible to avoid them, and there isn’t much any pest control company can do to get them out of your way. The best that can be hoped for is dry weather, which can cause fewer eggs to hatch.
Some seasons are worse than others and some areas see higher concentrations than others. Predicting exactly when and where lovebugs will appear in the highest concentrations is dicey, at best.
They only live a few days after breeding, which means they are usually gone by summer. The only certainty, however, is that the lovebugs will be back.
JASON SCHAFFER | SUN Lovebug mating season is back, and unfortunately, there is little that can be done to stop this biannual annoyance.
Tourism campaign draws national media to AMI
BY JASON SCHAFFER
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com
BRADENTON - After a year of quarantine, visitors are beginning to once again plan vacations. With tourism being so vital to the economic well-being of Anna Maria Island and Manatee County, public relations campaigns are essential to draw travelers to the area. At last week’s Tourist Development Council (TDC) meeting, the marketing and communications director for the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (BACVB), Kelly Clark, along with Aqua Public Relations Director Megan Brewster, discussed how public relations are being used to encourage tourism in the area.
Over the past six months, the BACVB has put together a multi-phase public relations campaign. Phase one focuses on hyper-local social media influencers. These are people with a strong social media presence that live here in the area. According to Clark, these people are a safe way to spread the word about events and activities that will be of interest to potential visitors. They developed tiered packages based on how many people each social media influencer reached. Top-tier influencers, who reach hundreds of thousands of people, were offered a two-night stay experience. Those with less of a following were offered day trips.
“The itineraries focused on what was open, what was safe, wide-open spaces, and stuff that research showed us people were looking to do if they were considering traveling,” said Brewster. She added that in exchange for hosting the influencers, participating partners received Instagram posts with direct links to their business via @Visit_Bradenton as well as Instagram stories at each stop. The combined audience reach of this phase of the campaign was 380,000 people.
Phase two involved short trip itineraries for some in-state travel writers. Brewster said research showed that short trips would be the first to return after restrictions were lifted. This is known as the “drive market,” since those making this type of trip would most likely be coming by car from within the state of Florida. The slogan “Unwind With Peace of Mind” was used for this phase of the campaign.
“You can come here, we’re being safe, and here’s how we’re doing it,” said Brewster, speaking of the slogan. Brewster also said this phase of the campaign garnered interest from Indulge Magazine, which is produced by the Miami Herald and has a very large reach. Orlando Magazine, a lifestyle magazine for family-oriented professionals in the Orlando area, also visited and did a feature about Anna Maria.
Phase three focused on markets of lift, bringing in travel writers to coincide with Southwest Airline’s inaugural flights to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ). With flights to Houston, Baltimore/Washington, Chicago, and Nashville now added, social media influencers and media from all four of these markets were brought in for a visit. The most influential of these outlets to be hosted on Anna Maria was Forbes Magazine. With an audience reach of 33.7 million people, the in-depth article with multiple photos and interviews with area residents and business owners is great publicity for the area.
Clark reviewed upcoming efforts, which include expanding lift market outreach in appropriate markets, continuing to expand markets showing SRQ passenger demand, expansion of outreach to national outlets, and shifting of focus to family travel in summer.
MEMBERS OF THE MANATEE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL | SUBMITTED A multi-tiered campaign to bring social media influencers and national media to Manatee County results in huge exposure.
Public Works Department appreciates new ATV
The new vehicle is much appreciated by the Public Works Department.
BY JOE HENDRICKS
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria Public Works Department has a new all-terrain vehicle (ATV) that’s already had a positive effect on the department and its employees.
“We purchased an all-terrain vehicle for the Public Works Department to use in swales and the areas that require four-wheel-drive, as well as on the beach where we have to pick up trash and garbage, fill in holes and things of that nature,” Mayor Dan Murphy told the city commission on Thursday, April 22.
The commission had previously approved the purchase.
“Since we’ve gotten the vehicle work has greatly improved. We’re able to be more flexible. The manhours have become more effective,” Public Works Manager Dean Jones said.
“It’s just a wonderful vehicle to have. It’s amazing how much one vehicle can change the morale of the group and our ability to get more work done in shorter periods of time. It’s really been a godsend and money well-spent,” Jones said.
According to Jones, the ATV cost about $20,000 and was purchased a few weeks before the April 22 meeting.
During that meeting, the commission adopted a city resolution that allows the non-street legal vehicle to be operated on public streets by city staff when conducting city business.
“You can’t get a tag for this vehicle,” Murphy told the commission.
ANNA MARIA PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT | SUBMITTED This new ATV vehicle is now part of the city of Anna Maria’s vehicle fleet.
BARBARA MURPHY | SUBMITTED
Belle Haven Cottage sign restored
Al Gilchrist, a longtime member of the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, and a docent and settler’s bread baker for the AMI Historical Museum, recently restored the Belle Haven Historic Cottage sign that stands on the museum grounds along Pine Avenue in Anna Maria.
Boat, personal watercraft collide near Longboat Pass
The accident caused no fatalities.
BY JOE HENDRICKS
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – While operating a tour boat for Paradise Boat Tours on Sunday, Captain John (Mike) Draayom helped pull a male and a female from the Intracoastal Waterway DC FANS! Reduce Your A/C Bill near Longboat Pass and the Coquina boat ramps. Draayom said the tour boat was travTOUCH FREE VOICE CONTROL! CAPT. JOHN DRAAYOM/PARADISE BOAT TOURS | SUBMITTED Capt. John (Mike) Draayom helped rescue two people from the Intracoastal Waterway eling south on the ICW at about 5:45 on Sunday. The cowling from the personal p.m. when he spotted two people in the watercraft reportedly flew into the boat and water near a boat and a personal wa- Selectstruck a passenger. Models Now tercraft that appeared to be floundering Parts & just north of mile marker 47. who was injured, Draayom said, “From
Services Available“We came upon two folks in the wa- Sheriff’s Office of a boating accident both individuals were transported to what I’m told, the cowling came off the ter and they were in pretty bad shape. near North Coquina Boat Ramp in a hospital for treatment. The vessel Jet-Ski, went into the boat and hit her.” We were able to lower our ladder and Manatee County,” FWC Public Infor- operator and PWC passenger were The man driving the boat told assist them up onto the vessel. I called mation Officer Bryce Phillippi said in uninjured,” according to Phillippi. Draayom that the boat and the person911 and we took them to the closest a prepared statement. The FWC is the “I’m glad we came along when we al watercraft collided, he said, adding boat ramp (Coquina South) and waited lead agency in the investigation. did because there was a lot of boats that he did not know the cause of the there for EMS,” Draayom said. “The FWC, MCSO marine unit, going pretty fast through that area at collision.
“We were able to pick up the two Jet- Manatee County Fire Rescue and the the time,” Draayom said. “The gentle- Draayom said he had passengers Skiers and there was a lady in the boat United States Coast Guard responded man in the water was struggling pretty aboard the tour boat while the events that was injured as well,” he said. to the scene of a two-vessel boating hard. If he wasn’t wearing a life vest, transpired.
“On Sunday, at approximately 5:30 accident involving a 17-foot vessel he could have been in serious trouble. “They were just fine. I apologized p.m., the Florida Fish and Wildlife Con- and a 10-foot personal watercraft. The He walked away. She got transported profusely and they remained seated servation Commission (FWC) received personal watercraft operator and the with rib issues.” throughout the whole thing, just watchnotification from Manatee County vessel passenger received injuries and Regarding the female boat passenger ing,” he said. FREE BASIC INSTALL
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FROM PAGE 4
under the high-density residential criteria, and changing that zoning would have consequences.
“We would be taking away dwelling unit density from them. Which is why we’re recommending making this (the future land use map) consistent with the historic use and the current use rather than rezoning it and potentially causing damage to their property value by changing future land use back to what it was before this map was done,” Gilbert said.
Board member Bill Morrow asked if the Sandpiper Resort community is currently configured to nine units per acre. Gilbert said the current density is much higher than that.
“There are two choices to be made here: one is to revert back to high density for that entire parcel and a future developer could fit quite a few units in there. If you keep it the way it is, future developers are not going to be able to pack as many buildings or dwelling units in there. The second option is to change it (the future land use designation) back so that the mobile home park remains conforming to current zoning, but that also gives them the ability, if they choose to sell the property, to develop the property at 18 units per acre,” Gilbert said.
“I see no benefit to the city nor to adjacent properties in changing it back to the way it was,” Burns said.
The board voted 5-0 in support of Burns’ motion to recommend the city commission amend the zoning map to match the nine units per acre currently allowed by the future land use map, despite the recommendations of Gilbert and Serna. GULF DRIVE NORTH
The board also discussed the map inconsistencies that exist in the 2500 and 2300 blocks of Gulf Drive North.
The future land use map currently designates those areas as R-2 medium density residential with a C-2 general commercial zoning designation.
“All the uses on the property are commercial,” Serna said of the existing property uses.
Serna and Gilbert recommended amending those future land use map designations to Retail/Office/Residential (ROR) in order to be consistent with the existing zoning and current uses of those properties.
Burns expressed concerns that commercially zoned property with an ROR future land use designation would allow new structures to be built with 90% lot coverage.
“You might have 90% lot coverage when you get done with the parking lot, but building coverage, no,” Gilbert responded.
Board member Fred Bartizal said he likes the existing zoning the way it is.
“Why change it?” Burns asked.
“Because the uses of the property are not residential,” Serna replied.
Serna said the Circle K property is zoned C-2 but the future land use designation is medium density residential.
“That’s where the inconsistency is,” he noted.
Burns asked if a new Circle K building could be built on that property if a storm or some other disaster destroyed the existing structure.
In response, Gilbert said, “Not really, because C-2 zoning is not consistent with the medium density dwelling as established by the future land use map. The future land use map says zero to nine dwelling units per acre and no commercial development is to occur there. It’s a residential land use. Your commercial zoning is not consistent with your comprehensive plan and the existing uses there would become nonconforming uses. In order to make them conforming, you either change the future land use map or you change the zoning. To preserve the character of what’s up there now, the future land use map goes to ROR and the zoning goes to mixed-use, rather than commercial.”
“The comp plan is saying that should be residential and what’s on the ground isn’t residential. That’s all we’re trying to fix,” Serna said.
“You’re opening a can of worms to fix it,” Burns replied.
Serna said not allowing commercial structures in those areas could subject the city to legal challenges.
“They could sue the city and that’s the concern we’re trying to address. We don’t want to take away anyone’s rights through down-zoning,” Serna said.
Regarding properties made non-conforming with city code due to past or future commission actions, Serna said, “They can exist as long as they’re not destroyed, but the owners of those properties could rightly come and say we’ve had a development right under zoning and now it’s being taken away.”
Board member Fred Bartizal expressed concerns about making zoning revisions that could potentially allow for more intense development.
“What worries me is there’s some pretty smart developers out there right now with some real smart lawyers. If we change any of them, will it make it easier for them?” he said.
Board chair Ken McDonough noted the challenge for the city is what happens if a property owner wants to develop a property where there are inconsistencies between the zoning and future land use maps.
“What do you do? Do you go by the zone map? Do you go by the future land use map?” he asked.
“That’s why we’re having this discussion,” Gilbert said. “There’s a vacant lot next to the Circle K. It’s zoned C-2. The land use is duplex and they want to put in shopping. If we follow the zoning it will become a duplex.”
The board unanimously supported Burns’ motion to recommend the city commission change the zoning map to match the current future land use map, which is medium density residential, R-2 – which allows single-family residences or multi-family duplexes and apartments, despite what Gilbert and Serna recommended.
Gilbert noted that before any final map revision decisions are made by the city commission, all potentially impacted property owners will be notified and will have the opportunity to address the P&Z board and the city commission when future public hearings are held.
Luis Serna, City Planner
