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Year: 2023

AMOB pier improvements making headway

AMOB pier improvements making headway

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – The Anna Maria Oyster Bar (AMOB) took a few more steps in the ongoing process to make several improvements to its Bradenton Beach Pier-based operation.

Led by company president John Horne and operating its Bradenton Beach location as We’re Back Inc., AMOB, since late 2015, has operated in the pier building leased from the city.

We’re Back Inc. also leases the two smaller buildings located next to the main pier building. The yellow-colored space is subleased to Paradise Boat Tours. The salmon-colored space was previously subleased to two retail tenants.

AMOB wants to use that vacant space as a to-go food pickup kiosk that also serves ice cream, alcoholic beverages and more.

When presenting this request in January, Horne also requested the city’s permission to allow alcohol purchased at the to-go kiosk or in the restaurant to be consumed on the Bradenton Beach Pier. An existing city ordinance currently prohibits alcohol consumption on the pier, but alcohol consumption is allowed inside the AMOB restaurant and on the restaurant’s open-air patio.

We’re Back Inc. wants to install three or four tiki hut-like covered high-top tables along the pier railings directly south of the restaurant building.

AMOB pier improvements making headway
The Bradenton Beach CRA pledged a total of $30,000 for the installation of a $60,000 decorative fence that would resemble this fence located elsewhere in Florida. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

We’re Back Inc. also wants to install a $60,000 crab trap and buoy-themed decorative fence along the northern end of the pier property, between the pier parking lot and the Pines Trailer Park. The trailer park side of the fence will be plain wood and will not feature the decorative crab traps.

Horne’s previously requested pier improvements were discussed again at the April 5 CRA meeting and the April 6 city commission meeting.

CRA approvals

During the April 5 CRA meeting, Horne secured from the CRA board a $15,000 contribution for the fence installation. Through the CRA board, he also secured an additional $15,000 in matching funds from Manatee County.

In 2021, the Manatee County Commission approved up to $850,000 in matching funds for the CRA’s yet-to-be-completed floating dock expansion project and the completed dinghy dock replacement project. The county’s $15,000 share of the decorative fence costs will be rolled into the previously approved dock project.

CRA member David Bell requested more time to consider Horne’s requests, but City Attorney Ricinda Perry said the county match expires on Sept. 30 and any additional delays could impact those matching funds. Bell then cast the only opposition vote to Horne’s funding request.

Commission approvals

On April 6, Horne and the city commission resumed their discussion about the requested pier improvements.

According to Horne and Perry, We’re Back Inc. is paying $45,894 in base rent in 2023. The city also receives 2% of We’re Back Inc.’s total gross revenues for its Bradenton Beach operation.

Perry noted the city owns the pier and the city commission must approve any improvements made to it. She said the proposed changes must also be addressed in an amended version of We’re Back Inc.’s existing lease with the city.

After much discussion, the commission unanimously supported We’re Back Inc.’s request to extend its current lease until 2045.

“It’s a long time. I’m happy with their performance, but I’m a little reserved about doing it for the rest of my lifetime,” Commissioner Jake Spooner said before expressing his support for the extension.

At the commission’s request, the amended lease will include language that states the extension only pertains to We’re Back Inc. If Horne, 61, retires, but We’re Back Inc. continues to run AMOB’s Bradenton Beach location, the extended lease remains in effect. If someone else buys We’re Back Inc. and continues to conduct business as We’re Back Inc., the extended lease remains in effect. If We’re Back Inc. is no longer the entity in charge of the pier-based operations, the city commission can terminate the extended lease.

Alcohol consumption

Perry noted an existing city ordinance currently prohibits any alcohol consumption on the pier and that ordinance must be amended before alcohol can be consumed on the pier. We’re Back Inc.’s lease agreement will also have to be amended accordingly.

Horne’s request to allow alcohol consumption on the pier pertains only to alcoholic beverages purchased from AMOB’s new outdoor kiosk or the existing bar inside the restaurant. The alcoholic beverages are to be served in cups bearing the AMOB logo. Alcoholic beverages purchased elsewhere will not be allowed on the pier.

At the request of Police Chief John Cosby, open containers of alcoholic beverages would not be allowed on the floating dock adjacent to the pier. Alcoholic beverages purchased from AMOB and served in sealed to-go containers could be transported from the restaurant area to a boat tied up at the dock.

Before these changes occur, Horne must provide the city with a detailed diagram that shows exactly where alcohol will be sold and consumed on and near the pier.

If the alcohol consumption allowance becomes problematic, the city commission can revoke it. The city commission can also temporarily suspend the alcohol allowance during a children’s fishing tournament or some other family-friendly event taking place on the pier.

None of the commission-supported pier improvements and changes will take effect until the amended We’re Back Inc. lease is finalized and the alcohol ordinance is amended.

Reel Time: All about pompano

Reel Time: All about pompano

Written by Rusty Chinnis on . Posted in Fishing, Outdoors, Reel Time.

Pompano range from the upper eastern U.S. coast to Texas, but the most consistent action is encountered from the Carolinas to Texas. Although they are a relatively common species along our coast, the average angler, unless they are savvy and targeting them, only land them occasionally.

The pompano is a species that has really benefited from the reduction of netting in Florida. Pompano are normally found in groups of 10 to two dozen rather than in true schools. They are erratic in their movements, affected by slight changes in temperature and movements of the tide. They can also be found when spooked by a boat as they “skip” out of the water.

The most common method used to target pompano locally is jigging with a round lead jig with a short yellow or white skirt. These rigs can also be enhanced with a trailer fly or bait on a 12- to 18-inch piece of mono. Some newer models, including Silly Willy Jigs and Doc’s Goofy Jigs, are also effective. Other jigs by lure makers like DOA, including the DOA Shrimp, are also good choices. Pompano are also taken on flies. The best are Clouser-style with lead eyes in white, yellow, pink or a combination of colors.

For anglers who use live bait, the go-to choice is a shrimp or sand flea, small crustaceans that inhabit the surf line along the beaches. When using terminal tackle, a lead sufficient to hold the bait near the bottom is attached between a 12- to 18-inch piece of monofilament line. The weight also functions to raise a puff of sand that will attract pompano. A hook in the 1/0 range is then attached to a 30-pound bite tippet using a uni or non-slip mono loop.

When fishing in and around local passes, many other predators are often encountered, primarily Spanish mackerel and bluefish. The use of swivels can attract the attention of these sharp-toothed gamefish. The 30-pound leader above and below the swivel provides some protection. It is also advisable to use a black swivel that doesn’t produce a flash.

Jig color can be varied according to the water color. Hooks should be of heavy construction, from 1/0 to 2/0, with jig weights varying from a quarter ounce to a full ounce in very fast current. The most important thing to remember is to keep the jig close to the bottom. It is also advisable to jig straight up and down if possible. Most of the local passes contain rocks, ledges and other debris. The action imparted to the jig is another important ingredient for success. The jig must be worked constantly, imparting action with short twitches of the rod tip.

Tipping the jig is not critical if fish are actively feeding but can be the difference between success and failure at other times. Tips should be small enough not to affect the action of the jig.

Successful pompano fishing requires special attention to tide. While they will sometimes feed at various stages of the tide, an incoming tide is often much more productive. The first hour of a falling tide can also be rewarding.

The prime area to pinpoint pompano is in the passes. Other good locations include patch rocks off the beaches and the inshore artificial reefs. The slues along the beaches can also be worth exploring as well as the edges of local grass flats. Water temperature is a factor in the abundance of this species with fall, winter and spring being the best time to target them.

Pompano make worthy adversaries for anglers looking for a challenge and an excellent meal. They have been active locally on the warmups, so rig up and give these challenging fish a try.

Center youth soccer season underway

Center youth soccer season underway

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Soccer, Sports.

ANNA MARIA – Three weeks into the spring adult co-ed recreational soccer league, the kids hit The Center’s pitches for fun-filled games on April 3.

As the youth sports program continues to grow to historic participation numbers and beyond, the energy at the Island’s community center on kids’ soccer nights is contagious. The two 3- to 4-year-old leagues have 20 little players being taught the game by volunteer coaches Lee Dickson and Emily Bekkerus.

Bekkerus’ team, Emily Moss Design, will face coach Dickson’s Cloud Pest Control squad throughout the season, learning more about soccer each week and growing friendships on the field.

While not keeping score, the focus is on the fun of the game while learning how to perform a throw-in, dribble the soccer ball down the field and make passes to teammates.

Continuing to play without counting the goals, the six teams playing in the 5- to 7-year-old league have over 60 little ballers battling each week on the soccer field while learning skills and getting touches on the ball.

With an emphasis on learning the sport and gaining a love for the game, the six volunteer coaches also teach sportsmanship, respect, integrity and teamwork.

Coach Bekkerus takes on two instructional-level teams this season, leading the second team in the 5- to 7-year-old age group with team MI-BOX. Back again this season, Karri Stephens guides the Beach Bums crew.

Coach David Moss brings his family’s athletic skill to team Blenker Boatworks, while Michael Nick finds time in his schedule to coach the youngest Sandbar-sponsored team this season.

Rounding out the league, Jessica Patel steps up to the plate to coach the Ugly Grouper team as Jesse Griffin continues his time as a volunteer coach to lead the Adrian Griffin Interiors squad this season.

Without volunteer coaches, youth sports would not be possible. The phrase “It takes a village” could not be truer than in community center kids’ activities and recreational sports.

As mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles and family friends take the time to coach the Island kids, the spring youth soccer program is headed toward another successful season at The Center of Anna Maria Island.

 

Sun Scoreboard

April 4

8- TO 10-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE
Week 1

 

 

Sato Real Estate (1-0-0) 2

Westfall’s Lawn Care & Pest Control (0-1-0) 1

 

 

Cheesecake Cutie (1-0-0) 4

AMI Coconuts (0-1-0) 1

 

 

Island Real Estate (1-0-0) 1

Solid Rock Construction (0-1-0) 0

 

 

11- TO 13-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE
Week 1

 

Gulf Drive Café (1-0-0) 8

Shady Lady Horticultural Services (0-1-0) 1

 

 

Moss Builders (0-0-1) 5

HSH Designs (0-0-1) 5

 

April 6

Adult Co-Ed Soccer
Week 3

 

Sato Real Estate (2-1-0) 8

Pool America (1-2-0) 4

 

 

Sandbar Seafood & Spirits (2-1-0) 7

Vintage Beach (1-2-0) 2

 

 

Moss Builders (2-1-0) 4

Gulfview Windows & Doors (0-3-0) 3

 

 

Duncan Real Estate (2-1-0) 2

Solid Rock Construction (2-1-0) 1

Castles in the Sand

Honesty is such a lonely word

Written by Louise Bolger on . Posted in Business, Castles in the Sand.

In 1978, Billy Joel won a Grammy Award for his song “Honesty.” The premise of the song was how dishonest relations between lovers can be. But honesty, integrity and straightforwardness of conduct are key elements in a real estate transaction, which essentially is a relationship between people.

It’s been a long time since I wrote about property disclosures when purchasing primarily residential property, so it’s probably time for a few reminders.

In real estate purchases, the buyer needs to be aware of potential problems with the property and employ the proper inspectors to inspect and verify the home is free of major defects. Helping buyers in this area are Florida state laws that require sellers to disclose defects before the property closes. Since 1985, Florida law has provided that with some exceptions, the seller must disclose any facts or conditions about the property that may have a substantial impact on the value or desirability of the property that may not be visibly obvious.

The Florida Association of Realtors provides a standard form that covers many common property characteristics about which buyers want to know. Some of these items are potential claims or court proceedings; nature of condominium or HOA associations rules; boundary issues; status of any sinkholes; any environmental hazards such as asbestos, lead paint, mold, Chinese drywall; damage from wood destroying organisms; flooding or ground leaks; disclosure of the condition of major systems such as central air and heat, plumbing and electrical systems and brands and condition of appliances.

Although sellers are not required to complete and sign this form, they are still required to disclose all relevant information to buyers even when it may not be obvious. The disclosure of hidden problems is, of course, the most important information, and I would be careful if a seller refuses to put in writing the property disclosure information.

Sellers do have some protection regarding disclosure; they are not required to disclose those property defects of which they have no actual knowledge. If buyers discover a material problem after closing, the onus is on them to prove the seller knew about the defect and did not disclose it, as well as justify that the defect has had a substantial impact on the value of the property.

In addition, homeowners do not need to disclose to buyers if the property has been inhabited by a person infected with HIV or AIDS or that a murder or suicide has occurred or is suspected to have occurred on the property. I would add that reports of a property being “haunted” also do not have to be disclosed.

A word of caution: Homeowners may think that if they are selling the property in an “as is” condition, that absolves them from the requirement of full disclosure. This is not the case and sellers will have to disclose any material defects even if the property is listed as “as is” condition.

The lesson here is that buyers need to do their due diligence to uncover any hidden problems in a property. Sellers must adhere to the principles of honesty in making any pertinent disclosures to buyers and instill confidence in the buyers.

Billy may have had it right in 1978 when he wrote “everyone is so untrue.” But I prefer to believe that most people are basically honest and transparent; hopefully, I’m not wrong.

AMI Moose Lodge hosts Easter egg hunt

AMI Moose Lodge hosts Easter egg hunt

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Clubs, Entertainment, Family fun, Holiday.

BRADENTON BEACH – Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge #2188 in Bradenton Beach hosted its annual Easter egg hunt last Saturday morning.

Ninety-six children were registered in advance to participate in the hunt. Upon arrival, each child received a bucket containing a shovel, a coloring book, assorted toys and more. They then gathered on the Moose Lodge’s Gulf-front patio waiting for the fun to begin.

Hundreds of candy-filled Easter eggs were partially buried in the beach sand between the Moose Lodge and the Gulf of Mexico. One area was designated for kids 5 years old and younger. A second area was designated for kids 6-10 years old.

Shortly after 9 a.m. Senior Regent Joy Shames used a bullhorn as she explained how the Easter egg hunt would unfold.

“No pushing the other kids to get the Easter eggs. We have plenty of eggs. The most important rule is to have fun,” Shames told the children.

AMI Moose Lodge hosts Easter egg hunt
Before the hunt ensued, the children lined up along the edge of the egg hunting area. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Before the hunt began, Shames said, “We are having our annual kids’ Easter egg hunt and we are raising money and support for our children of the Moose and for our seniors. We’re having a raffle as well and we’re here to have fun. And there’s some special eggs that Byron donated. Instead of candy, the kids are going to get some money,” Shames said.

AMI Moose Lodge hosts Easter egg hunt
Senior Regent Joy Shames and Lodge Administrator Byron Dalton helped organize the annual Easter party. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“Everybody likes money, so why not give them a chance to find it,” Lodge Administrator Byron Dalton added. “The Women of the Moose – Joy and her crew – have really done a phenomenal job putting this together.”

About five minutes later, the younger children were asked to line up along one side of the roped-off egg-hunting area. When given the signal, the youngsters dashed into the egg-filled area and the hunt was on. A few minutes later, the older children did the same. Within 10 minutes, all the buried eggs had been found.

AMI Moose Lodge hosts Easter egg hunt
The action was fast in furious in the older kids’ egg hunting area. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
AMI Moose Lodge hosts Easter egg hunt
These girls took a more leisurely approach to Easter egg hunting. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The children and their family members then headed inside the Moose Lodge for more fun-filled activities. As they entered the lodge, the youngsters got a chance to guess how many jelly beans were in one of three jars appropriate to their age group. Four-year-old Bella Russell guessed there were 100 jelly beans in the jar she examined. Her brother, Ezariah, guessed 120 jelly beans.

AMI Moose Lodge hosts Easter egg hunt
Bella and Ezariah Russell guessed how many jelly beans were in the jar. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Playing in groups according to the table where they sat, the children played Hangman, with Lo Bucher and Mica Warner manning the whiteboard that revealed “candy” and “bunny” as some of the winning words. The winning tables received bags of popcorn from Moose volunteer Sherry Fragapane.

AMI Moose Lodge hosts Easter egg hunt
These youngsters enjoyed a game of “Simon Says.”

Some children enjoyed a game of “Simon Says” while the Easter Bunny made her rounds and visited the youngsters and their families.

The children were also treated to breakfast.

During a visit to his table, young Nathan Caskey was asked if he had fun.

“Yeah,” he said, pointing to his pile of eggs. He then gleefully held up a dollar bill he found in one of his eggs – which may have been placed there by his dad, Jon Caskey.

AMI Moose Lodge hosts Easter egg hunt
North Carolina resident Nathan Caskey had a successful hunt. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
AMI Moose Lodge hosts Easter egg hunt
Nathan Caskey found a dollar bill in one of his eggs. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“My kids look forward to this. My in-laws live here and we travel down from North Carolina. On the way down, the kids are talking about the fun they’re going to have. It’s been a tradition for us for eight years now,” Jon said.

AMI Moose Lodge hosts Easter egg hunt
Kane Kish, 3, enjoyed meeting the Easter Bunny. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Canal-related residential dock dispute lingers on

Canal-related residential dock dispute lingers on

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Community News, Cortez.

CORTEZ – A civil lawsuit regarding residential docks located in a canal owned by the Hunters Point Resort & Marina remains unresolved and the court filings continue.

Filed with the 12th Judicial Circuit Court in Manatee County on June 3, 2022, and assigned to Judge Edward Nicholas, the civil lawsuit filed by Hunters Point developer Marshall Gobuty’s Cortez Road Investments and Finance Inc. (CRIF) ownership group named canal-side property owners Jonathan and Sheila Graham, Mark Ibasfalean, Jacquelyn Shepard, Timothy Fitzpatrick, Mary Norman and Wendy and George Kokolis as defendants.

The lawsuit alleges the docks, boat lifts and other structures associated with those residential properties extend more than 25% into the canal now owned by Gobuty and Hunters Point. Each defendant named in the lawsuit owns canal-side residential property along the western edge of the Hunters Point property.

The lawsuit was triggered in part by the Cortez Village Marina ownership group challenging a permit issued by the Southwest Florida Water Management District in 2021 that allows for the construction of the Hunters Point docks.

In March, Administrative Law Judge Bruce Culpepper issued a recommended order in support of the Hunters Point permit being issued and the docks being built. A final order from the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s governing board is needed before the Hunters Point docks can be built.

Changing attorneys

In mid-2022, new pilings for the Kokolis’ desired boat lift were installed in the western end of the canal. This occurred before the lawsuit was filed.

Canal-related residential dock dispute lingers on
Pilings for a new boat lift were installed in the canal in mid-2022. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

A May 3 Zoom hearing before Nicholas is scheduled regarding the Kokolis’ request to withdraw the Mackey Law Group as counsel.

According to the motion filed on March 16, “differences have arisen between Mackey Law Group and Wendy and George Kokolis that require Mackey Law Group’s withdrawal from further representation.”

On March 10, Judge Nicholas issued an order authorizing attorney Fred Moore to represent the Grahams and replace their previous attorney, David Levin.

The allegations

The lawsuit complaint alleges the defendants are maintaining docks, boat lifts and other structures on and in the privately-owned Hunters Point canal and are doing so without the authorization of the canal owner.

With the exception of a boat lift the Kokolis’ installed in the canal in early 2022, most of the other docks, lifts and structures were in place when Gobuty purchased the Hunters Point property and canal in 2016.

The lawsuit seeks the removal of the Kokolis’ boat lift. It also seeks the removal or relocation of the other docks, lifts and structures referenced in the lawsuit.

In July, Gobuty’s attorney, Susan Martin, sent the defendants a letter that said, in part: “Your dock, vessel and associated structures are not in compliance with Manatee County regulations because they exceed 25% of the width of the canal. We believe that we can amicably resolve this issue without the costs associated with protracted litigation.”

After receiving their court summons, the defendants hired attorneys to represent them.

Dock owner’s defense

On Dec. 6, Levin filed a motion for summary judgment on behalf of the Grahams.

That document notes Jonathan Graham acquired the canal-side property from his father, Donald Graham, in 2012. At that time, a dock and boat lift already extended from the Grahams’ property into the waters of the abutting canal.

The motion states a member of the Graham family has owned the property since 1987 and in 1994 Donald Graham obtained from Manatee County a construction permit to build a boat lift at the already-existing dock.

In 2015, Jonathan Graham obtained from Manatee County a construction permit to remove and replace the existing dock with a new dock to be located in the same footprint as the existing dock, with the previously installed boat lift remaining where it was.

“The issued permit stated the new dock would not exceed 25% into the canal,” the motion for summary judgment notes.

Canal-related residential dock dispute lingers on
Highlighted in blue, the Grahams’ property is one of the canal-side properties referenced in the lawsuit. – Manatee County Property Appraiser – Submitted

The motion references a public hearing held by the Manatee County Commission in January 2018. While seeking commission approval for the Hunters Point development, attorney Caleb Grimes testified that Gobuty filed a declaration which allows homeowners along the canal to maintain and repair their docks.

In December 2021, Graham was notified that Gobuty filed a complaint against him with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) regarding the alleged non-compliance of the Grahams’ dock and boat lift. In January 2022, FDEP notified Graham the investigation did not reveal any FDEP violations.

In August 2022, Gobuty filed a complaint with the Manatee County Code Enforcement Department alleging the Grahams’ dock was built without a permit and potentially exceeds the county regulation that prohibits structures from extending more than 25% of the width of the canal.

The ensuing investigation conducted by Code Enforcement Supervisor Kristopher Weiskopf concluded the Grahams’ dock and lift were permitted, approved and no violations existed.

“Nevertheless, CRIF has continued to maintain its action against the Grahams, even after knowing that the allegations made against the Grahams were not supported by the material facts necessary to establish its claim,” according to the motion.

The summary judgment hearing scheduled for Feb. 2 was canceled before the hearing took place and it has not been rescheduled.

Proposed legislation could impact AMI condo owners

Proposed legislation could impact AMI condo owners

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News, Featured.

TALLAHASSEE – Two bills currently working their way through the Florida Legislature could significantly impact condominium associations and condominium owners on Anna Maria Island and throughout the state.

Working in unison, Senate Bill 154 and House Bill 1395 seek to clarify and expand the condominium-related legislation the Legislature adopted during a special session last year as Senate Bill 4-D.

The House of Representatives’ staff analysis for HB 1395 also addresses the origins of SB 4-D: “On June 24, 2021, Champlain Towers South, a 12-story beachfront condominium building in the town of Surfside, partially collapsed resulting in the death of 98 people. In response, during Special Session, 2022D, SB 4-D was enacted to provide building safety inspection requirements (milestone inspections) and reserve requirements (structural integrity reserve study) for condominium and cooperative association buildings.”

As of Monday morning, SB 154 and HB 1395 proposed mandatory inspection timelines for condo buildings that are at least three stories tall and 30 years old or older, with additional inspections required every 10 years after that. According to the staff analysis of HB 1395, there are currently more than 2 million Floridians occupying condo buildings that are 30 years old or older.

Proposed legislation could impact AMI condo owners
The three-story Bridgeport condominiums in Bradenton Beach could be impacted by the proposed regulations. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

According to SB 154, “If a building reaches 30 years of age before December 31, 2024, the building’s initial milestone inspection must be performed before December 31, 2024.”

The new legislation would delete from last year’s legislation the 25-year milestone inspection requirement for buildings located within three miles of the coastline. Regardless of coastline proximity, all qualifying condo buildings would be subjected to the 30-year inspection requirements.

The term “milestone inspection” refers to a structural inspection of a condo building and its load-bearing elements, walls and primary structural systems. To be conducted by a licensed architect or engineer, the milestone inspection is to determine the general structural condition of the building as it pertains to safety and to identify any maintenance, repair or replacement needed for those structural components.

The proposed legislation would also require impacted condo associations and condo owners to create and set aside reserve funds for structural inspection studies and for any needed structural repairs or maintenance activities which would include roof replacements and exterior painting. Condominium owners are currently allowed to waive state-imposed reserve requirements.

Clarification pending

As of Monday morning, the proposed legislation would likely impact the most common form of condo buildings on Anna Maria Island: those with ground-level parking areas and two elevated, habitable living levels above the parking.

Further and final clarification is still being sought as to whether ground-level parking will be counted as a story when determining how many stories a condo building has. If ground-level parking is counted as a story, the impact on Anna Maria Island would be significant. If not, the impact would likely be limited to the seven-story condo buildings at the Martinique condo complex in Holmes Beach.

Height limit restrictions imposed by all three Island cities now prohibit the construction of any buildings more than three stories tall and ground-level parking counts as a story. Bradenton Beach Building Official Steve Gilbert said he’s not aware of any three-story condo buildings on the Island that feature ground-level living units rather than ground-level parking.

On these issues, St. Petersburg-based lobbyist Travis Moore is representing the Florida Legislative Alliance which is part of the national Community Associations Institute. Cortez condo resident and former Bradenton Beach condo resident Connie Morrow is the delegate for the Florida Legislative Alliance and her focus is on condominium-related issues.

On Monday morning, Moore and Morrow were among those who participated in a Zoom meeting with State Rep. Vicki L. Lopez (R-Miami/Dade), the original sponsor of HB 1395. Monday’s discussion addressed the possibility of amending the proposed legislation in a manner that would not impact three-story condo buildings with ground-level parking and two upper living levels. According to Morrow, Lopez was at least open to the idea, but Moore said he doesn’t expect that change to happen.

When contacted late Monday morning, Moore said, “If you have three stories, including ground-level parking, this will affect you.”

Proposed legislation could impact AMI condo owners
The three-story La Costa condominiums in Bradenton Beach could be impacted by the proposed legislation. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

One- and two-story condos would not be affected by the proposed legislation as it currently stands.

Moore noted change is always possible during a legislative session.

“This is a snapshot of where we are right now. There are changes being contemplated. They are moving through the legislative process that ends May 5th. As of right now, they’re working to make it very clear that if it’s three floors or more, it affects you,” Moore said.

According to Moore, most of the condo-related legislation passed in 2022, 2023 and 2024 would not take effect before Jan. 1, 2025.

When interviewed on Saturday, Moore said prior to the 2022 adoption of SB 4-D, Florida had no inspection standards in place for aging condo buildings. During the 2022 session, the Senate members focused more on inspection requirements and the House members focused more on reserve funds and other financial elements. The resulting legislation left gaps legislators and others are now trying to address.

Inspections and reserves

Under the legislation, if an initial phase 1 structural inspection identifies structural deficiencies that require structural repairs, a more-extensive phase 2 inspection would be required.

“All these reports and inspections go to the condo owners and the local building official. If they find damage that has to be addressed, they’ll be told by the local building department that they have to get this done and they have 365 days to start the repairs. The building officials are the ones with the ability to enforce this, or to condemn a building. The condo associations can’t just say ‘We’ve got these repairs that need to be done’ and do nothing about it,” Moore said.

Moore said condo boards provide their association members with a fully-funded annual budget that includes reserves for four specific categories. The association members then vote on whether or not to waive state-imposed reserve funding requirements that would increase their annual assessments.

“With a condo, you might have a hundred different owners that all have a say. So, the decisions are not made the same way regarding maintenance and keeping the buildings well-fortified,” Moore said.

“After Dec. 31, 2024, you can no longer vote to waive the reserves on these structural integrity items. Painting is considered structural because of the waterproofing element. You could waive reserves on other things like renovating the clubhouse or buying new pool furniture. There are some condo associations that haven’t been reserving funds for 20 years. They’ll need to catch up and their association assessments will go up,” Moore said.

Moore noted some longtime condo owners now live on fixed incomes but over the years their condos accumulated increased equity and value. Moore said it probably won’t happen during the current legislative session, but efforts will be made to create a program that would allow condo associations to take out a loan and allow condo owners who can’t afford to write a $10,000 to $20,000 assessment check to pay back their portion of the loan when they sell their unit.

“If you want to just write the check that’s fine, but there should be an option that allows people some flexibility,” Moore said.

The Senate and House bills have each already passed through two committee stops with the unanimous support of Republicans and Democrats alike.

Moore is confident additional amendments made in the two bills’ final committee stops will produce matching bills to be sent to the Senate and House floors for final votes, and then to Gov. Ron DeSantis to sign into state law.

“We’ve been working with the Governor’s office and all indications are that he’s on board. Anything can happen with the legislative process, but it is expected to pass,” Moore said.

Condo owner insight

Morrow and her husband, Bill, live in a three-story condo building in Cortez. They also own a condo in a two-story building at Runaway Bay in Bradenton Beach.

“The whole point of this is safety and the management of safety. The collapse of Surfside exposed the fact that Florida condo owners have been able to vote every year to not fund a reserve. With this legislation, associations will have to have a reserve for critical structural components. It forces people to budget and set up a stream of revenue through the annual association assessment to fund those structural elements.

“Condominium owners on Anna Maria Island are going to be compelled to have a reserve study done, with a focus on the structural elements. They are going to have to build a plan to address the major structural elements and estimate when those structural elements will need to be repaired or replaced. The next thing is to build a strategy to collect the resources to be able to fund those repairs and major maintenance,” Morrow said.

When asked what happens to a condo association that currently has no reserves set aside, Morrow said,

“They will have to establish a reserve and begin contributing to that reserve in order to meet the structural requirements identified through the structural integrity reserve study. They’re going to have to start saving. If they’ve lived and owned in that building, they’ve contributed to its natural deterioration. What we have done previously here in Florida is to allow owners to ignore those obligations. Now the state is saying we have no choice. We cannot ignore those structural elements.”

Morrow supports the efforts to help find alternative funding support for condo owners and associations.

When asked if the proposed legislation is good or bad, Morrow said, “This is an improvement over last year. They had to come back for a special session and what they pushed out had a lot of gaps, but it was a needed step in the right direction. Now they’re going through the process of refining it and cleaning it up and this is good.”

Garage bill rolling through House

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Holmes Beach.

TALLAHASSEE – Proponents of a parking garage facility at Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach had another good week in the state capital with a bill to allow the garage to be built passing its final committee meeting in the Florida House of Representatives.

The bill, sponsored by Manatee County Rep. Will Robinson Jr. and supported by Manatee County commissioners, passed the Local Administration, Federal Affairs and Special Districts Subcommittee, Regulatory Reform and Economic Development Subcommittee and State Affairs Committee, all with a unanimous favorable vote despite some Holmes Beach residents and city officials speaking out against the proposal.

Now the bill goes for a second reading and vote on the House floor before moving to the Senate, if approved, where it will undergo a similar committee approval process before making its way to the floor for a vote. If the parking garage bill passes votes in both the House and Senate, it will make its way to Gov. Ron DeSantis to either be rejected or signed into law on  July 1.

Holmes Beach residents and local officials haven’t been silent when it comes to the parking garage bill. Mayor Judy Titsworth, along with members of city staff, made the journey to Tallahassee for the first of three committee hearings on March 15 to speak out against the bill. Members of the group Save AMI Cities sent letters to members of each committee in lieu of appearing in person. Police Chief Bill Tokajer sent letters opposing the parking garage to each committee. Commissioner Greg Kerchner appeared in person in the capitol on March 31 to speak at the final committee hearing.

While Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge is a vocal supporter of building the three-story parking garage, estimated to have 1,500-1,700 spaces – as opposed to the approximately 430 parking spaces currently available in the Manatee Beach parking lot – County Commissioner George Kruse said he’s approaching the proposition cautiously. Kruse said he wants to see numbers and how spending around $45 million to build the garage would benefit the county’s residents at large.

If approved, the garage construction is anticipated to begin in 2024 and take about two years to complete. The provisions of the bill would allow Manatee County to issue its own building permits for the project, bypassing approvals by Holmes Beach, where parking garages are only allowed by special exception.

Piney Point well to begin operations

Piney Point well to begin operations

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Community News, Manatee County.

PALMETTO – Two years after an intentional discharge of contaminated water stored in ponds atop the Piney Point phosphogypsum stacks, Manatee County utilities crews will begin disposing of the remaining wastewater in a new deepwater injection well.

Operations will begin next week, according to a March 28 statement from Manatee County Information Officer Bill Logan.

The well will hold Piney Point’s process water in a confined saltwater aquifer over a half mile below the surface under the Floridan aquifer, the state’s drinking water source. The phosphate process water, which will be drained from the reservoirs atop nearby phosphogypsum stacks, will be pre-treated before injection. Work on the pre-treatment facility has been underway since earlier this year, according to Logan.

Local environmental group ManaSota-88 opposes the deep injection well on several grounds, including that wells are subject to failure, and that leaks of the contaminated water – which is also slightly radioactive – could poison the state’s drinking water.

ManaSota-88 is among five environmental groups, including Sarasota-based Suncoast Waterkeeper, that sued the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and Piney Point owner HRK Holdings LLC on June 24, 2021 seeking to hold both responsible for negligence in managing the site. A pretrial conference is scheduled on July 12 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida in Tampa; a trial is scheduled for Aug. 7.

In a separate lawsuit, HRK Holdings was sued by FDEP in Manatee County Circuit Court in 2021, a case that remains open with no hearings scheduled.
In 2021, FDEP authorized the emergency discharge of 215 million gallons of wastewater from the former phosphate plant into Tampa Bay to avoid a potential flood after a leak was discovered in the waste storage system. Surrounding homes and businesses were evacuated.

From March 30 to April 9, 2021, the wastewater poured into the bay, adding an estimated 186 metric tons of nitrogen, exceeding typical annual nitrogen loads in a matter of days, according to a report released by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program. The nitrogen worsened toxic cyanobacteria blooms that peaked in June, followed by a bloom of toxic red tide algae that caused fish kills, triggering the cleanup of more than 1,600 metric tons of dead fish, according to the report.

The well, drilled to a depth of 3,300 feet, was completed by Fort Myers-based Youngquist Brothers Inc., working with consultants ASRus of Tampa and Manatee County utilities staff. By working with FDEP, crews were able to expedite the well project.

“The cooperation and collaboration with the DEP have been key in getting this project fast-tracked,” Manatee County Utilities Director Evan Pilachowski said. “We are so pleased that we are to this point in the process already.”
“We are excited to write the final chapter of this Piney Point story,” Manatee County Commission Chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge said. “The teamwork involved in this important project – from the receiver to the DEP, to the consultants and our hard-working staff – have brought this to fruition.”

Sgt. Getman returns to Anna Maria Unit

Sgt. Getman returns to Anna Maria Unit

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – After suffering a major heart attack in December, Sgt. Brett Getman is back on duty and again leading the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office’s (MCSO) Anna Maria Unit.

Getman’s heart attack occurred on Dec. 19. He returned to his full-time law enforcement duties on March 29.

“On Wednesday, the 29th, I was released to come back to full active duty. It feels great. I was a little anxious about getting back to work for the first time in a couple months, but I love being out here in Anna Maria. I love the citizens. I love the businesses. I have a great relationship with everybody, so it’s good to be back to what I like to call my second home,” Getman said.

When his heart attack occurred, Getman was on duty, filling out a report and working in the MCSO satellite office in the city hall building. Deputy Jared Leggett was also in the office at that time and his quick actions likely saved Getman’s life.

Lifesaving actions

On Jan. 3, Getman and Leggett participated in a press conference held at city hall.

“I came back to the office and started doing my report. I was sitting at the desk typing and everything just went black,” Getman said during the press conference. “Thank God Deputy Leggett was in the office with me. If he wasn’t there, I would not be here. The medics treated me quickly and transported me to Blake (HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton).”

Getman referred to his heart attack as a ‘widowmaker’ – the type of heart attack that occurs when the heart’s largest artery is blocked.

Sgt. Getman returns to Anna Maria Unit
Deputy Jared Leggett and Sgt. Brett Getman shared their stories during a Jan. 3 press conference. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

During the press conference Leggett said, “We do a lot of our reports in our cars. On this day, I went back to the office. We started having a conversation about what we were going to charge the defendant with. Just after we finished our conversation, he fell out of his chair. At first, I thought he was having a seizure. I checked for a pulse. He didn’t have one. I started CPR immediately and started doing chest compressions.

“On the desk, where he sits, was the AED (defibrillator). I grabbed the AED after two rounds of CPR. I hit the shock button and gave him his first round and started CPR again. About five or six minutes in, Sgt. Tommy Fraser from the Holmes Beach Police Department showed up and was able to relieve me on CPR so I could go get a VBM (breathing device) and start working on his airway. I had one in my truck.”

Leggett was a firefighter and an EMT before he joined the sheriff’s office 11 years ago.

Lifestyle changes

While standing outside of city hall Friday morning, Getman discussed his return to work, his recovery and the lifestyle changes he’s made.

“I’ve dropped a significant amount of weight. I live off chicken, fish and a lot of vegetables. I’m drinking a lot of water and staying hydrated – no soda and no carbonization whatsoever. I’m exercising and walking a couple miles a day. It’s a definite lifestyle change, but when you’re given that second chance you don’t want to take it for granted,” he said.

Getman’s heart attack reshaped his outlook on life.

“It changes a person. It changed me wholeheartedly. You look at a lot of things differently. You don’t take things so seriously and you don’t let the little things bother you anymore. You just can’t. You just move on. I’m thankful every day that I can wake up and come back to work and look at the ocean and spend time with my family and see everybody,” Getman said.

“It’s cliché to say you’re thankful, but I can’t thank Jared enough for being there when he was –

and West Manatee Fire Rescue and Sgt. Fraser from Holmes Beach, Doctor Baig and all the medical staff. You’re indebted to them for the rest of your life. It’s still emotional at times, when you sit back and think about it, but life goes on and you’ve got to live it,” he said.

Getman acknowledged there’s a certain amount of stress associated with being the leader of a law enforcement unit.

“Thankfully, I have a good administration that gives me a lot of support. They are taking on more of the workload that I used to carry. With that, I’ll be able to manage everything else out here just like I used to and it will be just fine,” he said.

Getman’s return coincides with the Island’s peak tourist season.

“The city’s busy. It’s nice to see everybody out and about. It’s nice to see all the activity and all the kids around. I’m just enjoying the scenery out here,” he said.

Reel Time: Anatomy of a fishing rod

 Reel Time: Anatomy of a Fishing Rod

Written by Rusty Chinnis on . Posted in Fishing, Outdoors, Reel Time.

Every angler’s fishing rod, be it a spinning rod, a fly rod or a casting rod, is constructed in a similar way and has the same basic parts. Have you ever wondered why one rod is more expensive than another? Knowing the basic components of a rod will help you understand their construction, action and why one rod costs what it does. This is valuable information in determining which rod is best for you.

A rod’s blank is constructed from a product known as prepreg. This fibrous material is impregnated with resin and wrapped around a mandrel, which is removed after the blank is formed, giving the rod its basic round shape. This blank holds the guides, ferrules, handle, reel seat and fighting butt.

Prepreg has fibers that have a unidirectional (straight) orientation. The fibers can be made of different materials including fiberglass, graphite, boron or Kevlar. Some rods are made (laid up) from a prepreg that has additional fibers that run around or at an angle to the unidirectional fibers. This gives the rod additional strength and influences flex, stiffness – and price.

A rod’s scrim refers to a lightweight material that forms an additional lining under the primary fibers and helps in working the material when it is wrapped around the mandrel. Scrim can be straight or woven and adds what is known as “hoop strength” to the finished rod.

The parts of a rod consist of a blank with a butt section, a fixed hood, a reel seat, a sliding hood, a locking ring, handle, guides, ferrules and a tip. The butt section is the cork part of the rod behind the reel seat that fits into a fighting harness or into the stomach when playing a fish. On a spinning and casting rod, it’s where the non-dominant hand holds the rod. The reel seat is where the reel foot is placed either on or near the blank, while the hoods secure the reel to the rod. The fixed hood is the metal receiver where one end of the reel foot is placed. The sliding hood is the rear receiver that holds the other end of the reel foot. The locking ring is a nut that puts pressure on the sliding hood and holds the reel securely in place. The cork handle is where the dominant hand is placed. Guides hold the line along the length of the blank. The ferrules connect the sections of a rod. The tip, as the name implies, is the section at the top of the rod.

You may also have heard the term “taper.” A rod’s taper refers to the diameter of a rod from the butt to the tip. The taper affects the rod’s action. Most rods have either a fast action (stiff) or a slow action (flexible).

When you’re shopping for a new outfit, knowing the parts and construction of a rod will help you make an informed decision. The most important part of the rod and the one that most affects its price, and your buying decision, is the blank. The materials and the method of construction of the blank determine its price. The least expensive rods are made from fiberglass while the expensive ones are constructed with graphite, boron and Kevlar. While fiberglass may be good for a beginner, the more expensive rods are a better choice for the seasoned angler. Armed with this information you’ll have the knowledge you need to determine how much you spend on a rod. This decision can positively affect your angling efficiency and enjoyment.

McCracken saves game

McCracken saves game

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Soccer, Sports.

ANNA MARIA – With youth soccer underway with Spirit Week, the adult co-ed soccer league continued with action-packed play on Thursday night.

Game one of week two once again did not disappoint as Duncan Real Estate’s Charles “Tuna” McCracken lit up the goalkeeper box with catlike reflexes and 11 recorded saves. After a close loss in week one play, the Duncan squad had something to prove against team Pool America.

With cries from Pool America’s Chris Klotz to keep the soccer ball away from Duncan Real Estate’s captain Kevin Roman, the veteran player seemed to do exactly what he spiritedly pleaded with his teammates not to do.

To his defense, Roman was all over the soccer field last Thursday night. The single goal and two assists by Roman do not even begin to describe his presence on the field.

In a close 4-2 game, team Pool America just could not keep the soccer ball away from the feet of Roman or get past the hands of McCracken. The scoring for Duncan was spread among three other hot feet.

Single goals by Eric Pullen, Tim Holly and Murat Akay put three more points on the scoreboard and ultimately gave Duncan Real Estate their first win.

Taking their first loss of the season, Pool America managed to get two shots past McCracken.

Off a pass from Dean Hinterstoisser, Klotz scored his only goal in the game. In the loss, Pool America’s Hinterstoisser put the other point on the board for his team.

Robb Marshall made eight stops in the fifth game of the season.

With the end of week two, six teams have a 1-1-0 record.

Solid Rock Construction’s team ended the night of soccer with a 7-2 win over Sandbar Seafood & Spirits. The win put the team on the top of the chart with two wins.

Going into week three seeking their first win, Gulfview Windows & Doors lost to Sato Real Estate by one goal.

Week one’s season opener winner, Vintage Beach, lost to Moss Builders by four goals.

This Thursday’s results should shake up the rankings going into mid-season play.

 

 

Sun Scoreboard

March 30

Adult Co-Ed Soccer
Week 2

Duncan Real Estate (1-1-0) 4

Pool America (1-1-0) 2

Sato Real Estate (1-1-0) 5

Gulfview Windows & Doors (0-2-0) 4

Moss Builders (1-1-0) 8

Vintage Beach (1-1-0) 4

Solid Rock Construction (2-0-0) 7

Sandbar Seafood & Spirits (1-1-0) 2

Castles in the Sand

Real estate potpourri

Written by Louise Bolger on . Posted in Business, Castles in the Sand.

Think of the real estate market as one big pot. Into the pot you throw in the asking price of a property, selling price, availability of properties, mortgage interest rate and your personal credit score. When you analyze all these ingredients, you’ve got a pretty good idea of the active real estate market and your ability to purchase.

Last week we discussed the Manatee County sales for the month of February, in which closed sales were down and the median selling price was up for both condos and single-family properties compared to last year.

Nationally, however, sales of single-family homes were down over twice what ours were, 22.6% compared to 10%, according to the National Association of Realtors. Nationally, the median single-family sales price fell 0.2% compared to last year to $363,000. Manatee County’s median single-family selling price was up 2.5% to $490,000 compared to last year. So far, our local market, although slowly adjusting, is outpacing the national market.

As for interest rates, as of this writing, the average 30-year fixed rate is just below 7%, which generally gives a boost to the number of sales. Remember last week we talked about buyers being “rate sensitive” – this may wake them up. However, the Federal Reserve at a March meeting raised the baseline rate by a quarter percent, hinting that they may be slowing down these regular increases. Every time there is a rate increase, we hold our breath to see what, if any, impact there will be on the home mortgage market.

I also noticed the number of cash buyers is gradually going down every month. In February, cash buyers for single-family homes were down 20.5% from a year ago and cash buyers for condos are down 23.9% from last year. It’s hard to say how much impact interest rates have on cash buyers. Buyers with cash frequently offer an all-cash contract, which enhances their negotiating ability, and then take a mortgage on the property after closing. With higher and fluctuating interest rates, that will likely change the cash buyer’s thinking on this strategy.

Finally, with interest rates higher than a year ago, credit scores are more important than ever. A small boost to your credit score can make a big impact on the cost of buying a home. Raising your credit scores in the time before applying for a mortgage is the most tangible way to reduce costs related to purchasing a home. You may not have any control over the increase in prices or lack of inventory, but credit scores are totally in your control.

The object is to get that credit score at or over 760 to obtain the most advantageous interest rate. The first thing to do is look at your credit report from all three of the credit reporting agencies. Check for errors, such as someone who has fraudulently attempted to get credit under your name, if a loan is not recorded as paid or a credit card you dropped is still showing as active.

Don’t apply for any new credit or financing until your home shopping and mortgage application is completed. If possible, pay down your debts or ask for a higher limit on your credit cards. Lenders consider how much debt you have compared to how much your line of credit is. It’s always better to have more credit available even if you don’t need it.

I never said it wasn’t complicated to buy a home and a potpourri of knowledge is essential. Shakespeare’s witches may say that the real estate market is all trouble and toil, but in the end, it’s all worth it.

Letter to the Editor: The good fight

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Letter to the Editor, Opinion.

If there is anything positive that comes from the recent attacks on home rule, it is how this threat has brought people from all over the world together in a fight to save Anna Maria Island and the three cities responsible for creating and retaining its character.

Anna Maria Island continues to receive recognition for being one of the best small coastal towns with its old Florida charm. I am proud of past policymakers and thank them for preserving our cities and creating a great destination for families to enjoy a day at the beach and the best place to live on Earth.

With numerous bills threatening our cities each year, our responsibility as engaged citizens and leaders has become much more essential. Detrimental decisions made today may not be able to be undone. Once paradise is lost, only a hurricane can wash away the many mistakes made by man. We have not listened to alternatives presented by transportation experts such as the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and FDOT. The ULI study suggested using shuttles or regional transit from the mainland to transport visitors to the Island. A 1,500- to 1,700-space parking garage doesn’t even come close to being a solution. The county and state’s unwillingness to take heed of studies paid for by county and state funding is unfathomable.

I truly appreciate all citizens for keeping up efforts in opposing big government and the continued attacks that these bills inflict on our cities.

“A hundred years after we are gone and forgotten, those who never heard of us will be living with the results of our actions.” – Oliver Wendell Homes

 

Judy Holmes Titsworth

Mayor, Holmes Beach

Parking garage bill speeds through committees

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Holmes Beach.

TALLAHASSEE – A bill proposing to build a three-story, 1,500-plus-space parking garage in Holmes Beach is speeding toward approval.

House Bill 947, proposed by Manatee County Rep. Will Robinson Jr., passed the Regulatory Reform and Economic Development Subcommittee on March 22 with the unanimous approval of all members present at the Florida House of Representatives with a change to line 15, submitted by Robinson, addressing the enforcement of the bill. The line states that the parking garage can be constructed within the “territorial boundaries of the city of Holmes Beach, without obtaining any permit, approval, consent, or letter of no objection from the city of Holmes Beach.”

The bill is now in the State Affairs Committee for consideration before moving to the House floor for a vote. If the bill passes those two votes, it moves on to the Florida Senate for consideration. If approved there, it would go to Gov. Ron DeSantis’s desk on July 1 to be vetoed or signed into law.

Though not in Tallahassee this week, Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse appeared before the Local Administration, Federal Affairs and Special Districts Subcommittee on March 15 to voice his support for the bill.

In a talk with The Sun, Kruse said he was in the state capitol for another matter, but the trip coincided with the first committee hearing on the parking garage bill and he wanted to lend support to Robinson.

The hearing was also attended by Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth along with several members of city staff. Titsworth, along with many Island residents and property owners, opposes the construction of a parking garage at Manatee Beach, which is owned by Manatee County but located in Holmes Beach. City leaders passed an ordinance in 2022 banning the construction of multi-level parking garages in the city except by special exception. Though parking garages were previously not an allowable land use in the city without a special exception, the passage of the ordinance bolstered the prohibition after county commissioners began discussing the possibility of building a parking garage in the city as an answer to beachgoer parking constraints.

Kruse said that while he understands that a special exception hearing before city commissioners could have been undertaken by the county, he thinks it would have been a waste of time, effort and taxpayer money due to city commissioners’ passage of the parking garage ban, resulting in county commissioners pushing the matter to the state level.

As of press time for The Sun, Kruse is the only Manatee County commissioner to have taken Titsworth up on her offer to tour the city’s available beach parking. Kruse said he embarked on the parking tour following a town hall meeting he held at the Island Branch Library, and said he spent more than two hours touring city streets and talking with the mayor about parking.

“We looked at probably 100% of the parking spaces,” Kruse said. “I said it when I was up in Tallahassee, I 100% gave Holmes Beach credit. What they’re working on right now is great. What they’re working on is going to be much more hospitable, much more welcoming to residents of Manatee County, staycationers and tourists.”

Holmes Beach city leaders are working to remove sign pollution, placing green numbered parking spot indicators near beach access points and working on an interactive app, with the installation of parking sensors, that can alert visitors to where available parking is located in real-time. The city also provides a map on its website that identifies public parking areas.

“I think everything that Holmes Beach is doing is amazing. It’s great. It’s going to make a world of difference,” Kruse said, adding that he feels that the bill at the state level may be pushing city leaders to work to resolve parking issues.

And though he said the city is addressing parking in as much as they have the capacity to do so, he doesn’t feel the solutions or even the proposed parking garage will fix all of the parking and traffic issues on Anna Maria Island. Even with the loss of the 400-plus parking spaces currently available at Manatee Beach, the parking garage would net 1,000 or more parking spaces, which Kruse said could potentially help provide more spaces for Manatee County residents and visitors.

“I do not think putting a parking garage there is going to fix our parking problem,” he said. “I support the concept of the parking garage. I support Rep. Robinson’s bill.”

“At the end of the day this is a large project in a large CIP within the county that has hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars of projects,” Kruse said. “So, I need numbers first. I need financials first. I’m a realist and I’m somebody who assesses everything with facts. So, I, at the end of the day, need to see where is $30-45 million coming from? What is the timeline for completion? What are we going to do with 400-plus parking spots in the interim during construction? That’s information I don’t have yet because the bill hasn’t passed yet, so we haven’t gone through it. We get to our CIP discussions in the summer when we go through budget, so this hasn’t come up specifically. I support the concept of allowing the county a very reasonable height and reasonable footprint to build additional parking for citizens of the county. Is it 100% guaranteed it’s going to get built? Probably. I know my board. ButamI100%soldonit?Ineedtosee where those numbers are coming from. Is that the best use of $45 million? And maybe it is. I support the concept. I support the idea of giving us the option. And I think that’s the heart and soul of it.”

Kruse added that he feels there could be better answers to the parking and traffic congestion issues on the Island, primarily the installation of a third lane on the Anna Maria Island Bridge along Manatee Avenue to allow for a dedicated first responder and transit lane. With a dedicated transit lane, he said he feels people would be more likely to ride a shuttle service to the beach with their gear if it allowed them to bypass traffic. The reconstruction of the Anna Maria Island Bridge is on the Florida Department of Transportation’s project priorities list but is unfunded.