The Anna Maria Island Sun Newspaper

Vol. 15 No. 44 - September 2, 2015

FEATURE

Shoreline access to be restricted

Anna Maria Island Sun News Story

joe hendricks | sun

The bayside shoreline at the south end of the Island has long
been used by swimmers, kayakers, Jet-Skiers and others.

BRADENTON BEACH – Manatee County officials are enacting a no entry zone for kayakers, canoers, jet-skiers, swimmers and others south of the South Coquina Boat Ramp, between the boat ramp and the entrance to Longboat Pass.

The no entry zone that prohibits swimming, wading and other forms of entry on the Gulf side along Coquina Beach and the pass will be extended around the bayside and up to the south boat ramp.

The county hopes to have this in effect and under enforcement during the Labor Day weekend, depending on when the new signs can be manufactured and installed.

In order to discourage park-like activities in that area, the picnic pavilion, tables and grills will be removed and later relocated across the street.

Some Australian pines located near the south ramp restrooms will be removed to make room for additional boat trailer parking; and gates will be used to limit vehicular traffic on the access road parallel to Gulf Drive. The access road will remain open to foot and bike traffic and will still provide access to Leffis Key.

When county staffers Charlie Hunsicker and Alan Lai Hipp presented their plans to county commissioners, some were surprised to hear about the expanded no entry zone.

Hunsicker and Hipp said their concerns stem from the presence of boats entering and exiting the boat ramps in an area increasingly populated by other users in waters subject to unpredictable currents and tides.

“The boat ramp has evolved over time to become a boat ramp and a park,” Hunsicker said.

He said the goal is to focus on boat launching while decreasing other uses that put people in harm’s way. Hipp mentioned safety concerns pertaining to the nearby county barge ramp and the high volume of boat traffic traveling through Longboat Pass.

Hipp said launching and parking capabilities needed to be expanded, especially during peak use periods, including the commercial fishing season.

Marine Rescue Division Capt. Joe Westerman, Director of Safety Bob Smith, Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale and Mayor Jack Clarke expressed their support.

Speciale said this is an opportunity to do something proactive by eliminating potential problems before they occur.

Westerman said congestion near the Marine Rescue building impedes his unit’s ability to access their headquarters, and he expressed concerns that a speeding motorist would someday strike someone coming off of Leffis Key.

Commissioner Carol Whitmore said she was OK with removing the picnic amenities, but expressed concerns about limiting the public’s access to the waterway and the access road and the removal of the Australian pines.

“I don’t remember talking about that,” she said in regard the commission’s preliminary discussions with staff.

Commission Chair Betsy Benac said removing public access to the water did not sit well with her.

Commissioner Robin DeSabatino said, “We need to make sure everyone’s safe. I support this.”

In reference to previous incidents and accidents, Commissioner John Chappie said, “It’s not that bad things can happen, it’s that bad things have already happened.”

Commissioner Charles Smith also supported the changes that did not require commission approval.

During public input, Shawn Mayo said, “We launch our Jet-Ski’s there and have for years. It seems like something’s being taken away ... where will the canoers, kayakers, Jet-Skiers and paddle boarders go that really deserve direct access to the Gulf of Mexico?”

Hunsicker suggested Jet-Skiers use the boat ramp, while others use the shoreline just south of the North Coquina Boat Ramp to launch non-motorized vessels, which he said would provide folks an opportunity to find their sea legs before venturing into congested waters.

The north boat ramp remains closed for safety reasons, but the general area remains open and is scheduled for major repairs and renovations later this year or early next year.

While launching his kayak Thursday afternoon, Matt Rackowski said, “I’m a Navy veteran. If I want to launch my kayak I’m going to do it. If they don’t like it, they can give me a ticket.”


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