BRADENTON BEACH – An ethics complaint filed against Commissioner Jake Spooner has been dismissed.
The complaint, filed with the Florida Commission on Ethics by Bradenton Beach resident Sue Longacre on Sept. 1, alleges that Spooner, a co-owner in the recently approved Bridge Street hotel/restaurant/retail project, had a conflict of interest as a Bradenton Beach commissioner.
“I feel that there is a conflict of interest with Mr. Spooner remaining in the Bradenton Beach public office since Mr. Spooner owns so much commercial and residential property in Bradenton Beach,” Longacre’s complaint reads in part. “The proposed hotel on Bridge Street is within his jurisdiction and currently being considered for more development.”
Spooner recused himself from all hearings related to the hotel project. He is a co-applicant for the project with local developer Shawn Kaleta but was not present at any of the Planning and Zoning Board or City Commission hearings related to the project.
“I do not feel Mr. Spooner recusing himself on any development he owns or is co-owner with (Kaleta) are fair and reasonable actions,” the complaint continues.
Longacre wrote that she opposes Spooner remaining in office.
The city commission unanimously approved the hotel project on Dec. 7.
In a public report and order dismissing the complaint dated Dec. 6, the State of Florida Commission on Ethics cited the following from Florida Statute 112.3143 (3)(a): “No county, municipal or other local public officer shall vote in an official capacity upon any measure which would inure to his or her special private gain or loss.”
“The complaint fails to indicate a possible violation (of that section),” the commission wrote. “To indicate a possible violation of the statute, a complaint must allege, in a factual, substantive, nonconclusory manner, that a respondent voted on a matter that would inure to his or her special private gain or loss. There are not allegations in the complaint the Respondent (Spooner) voted on any matter pertaining to his company’s properties or that any matter pertaining to the Respondent’s company’s properties has come before the city commission for analysis or approval.”
The complaint was dismissed for “failure to constitute a legally sufficient complaint with the issuance of this public report.”
Spooner had no comment regarding the dismissal.
In Spooner’s 2022 statement of financial interests, he lists ownership in these Bradenton Beach properties: 302 23rd St. N., 300 23rd St. N., 2301 Ave. B, 108 Third St. S., 110 Third St. S., 112 Third St. S., 112 Third St. S., 117 Bridge St., 115 Bridge St. and 102 Bridge St.
