BRADENTON BEACH – The Planning and Zoning Board unexpectedly reversed its decision to close the public comment session at its second public hearing on a 106-room hotel/restaurant/retail project on Bridge Street.
An announcement was made at the first hearing on Nov. 1 that when public comment was closed at the end of that meeting, it would remain closed at the Nov. 13 hearing, a continuation of that meeting.
Robert Lincoln, Sarasota-based special counsel to the Planning and Zoning Board, began the Nov. 13 hearing with the announcement that public comment remained closed.
“The public input, citizen portion of the hearing is closed. And there will not be further public participation or input related to the rebuttal or the other information that’s going forward. There will be an opportunity to address the board’s recommendations when the matter goes before the city commission.”
But board member John Burns asked Lincoln, “Should the board and the chair wish to have public comment reopened or is it not allowed by statute, rule or case law?”
“You have the option by a vote of the board to amend your procedures to accept additional public comment,” Lincoln said. “I would suggest that if you do so, you create an issue; following the public comment would have to have another round of rebuttal from the staff and the applicant to address the citizens’ comments.”
Lincoln added that under the board’s established procedures, additional public comment would not be heard.
“If it’s the will of the board it can be reopened?” Burns asked. “You’re referring to our established procedural rules. It would be up to us to reopen it if we wish and then follow your recommendations if we do allow public comment one more time based on the additional information we haven’t seen yet, we could do that, we would offer the applicant time for rebuttal.”
Public comment was reopened shortly over an hour after the beginning of the 6.5-hour hearing.
ANNA MARIA – From the serious gardening enthusiast to the casual plant admirer, this year’s annual Anna Maria Island Garden Club Plant Sale on Nov. 17 had something for everyone.
Each year, the Garden Club holds a plant sale at Roser Church to raise money for beautification projects on the Island. Money from last year’s sale went to pay for the wind sculpture at City Pier Park in Anna Maria.
“A donation was recently made to install a wind sculpture at the Island Branch Library in Holmes Beach, then we’ll do Bradenton Beach,” AMI Garden Club President Kathy Morgan Johnson said. “We also do all of the plants at the library, and we’ve donated to Annie Silver (Community) Center in Bradenton Beach for their new garden.”
Johnson said this year’s sale had a line of people at the door before it even began, and after the first two hours had already surpassed last year’s total sales. The total dollar amount raised is not yet available.
People lined up to shop for a variety of plants at the Anna Maria Island Garden Club’s Plant Sale at Roser Church. – Jason Schaffer | Sun
The plants in the sale come from local nurseries, and since the Garden Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, they get a nonprofit discount, allowing the club to make money from the sale of each plant. Dozens of club members were on hand to assist in the sale.
The club has more than 120 members and holds its meetings at Roser Church. Anyone interested in joining can visit www.amigardenclub.com and sign up online. Members can take part in monthly lunches, field trips, volunteer projects and participate in fundraising efforts such as the plant sale and the flower show, scheduled in January.
BRADENTON BEACH – It’s all in the hands of city commissioners now.
Following a unanimous recommendation for approval from the city Planning and Zoning Board, the future of a 106-room hotel/restaurant/retail project on Bridge Street and Gulf Drive will be decided by the city commission.
The application for the yet-unnamed Bridge Street hotel project includes the hotel, a 60-seat restaurant, 2,485 square feet of retail and 99 on-site parking spaces. Property owners Shawn Kaleta, a local developer, and Jacob Spooner, business owner and Bradenton Beach city commissioner, made the application on Dec. 2, 2022.
After a 6.5-hour public hearing on Nov. 13, P&Z board members John Burns, Fred Bartizal, Ken McDonough, Dan Morhaus and Bill Morrow voted in favor of two separate motions, with conditions attached to their approval. One motion approved the establishment of a Planned Development Overlay District in the C-1 and C-2 district and the second approved the Major Development Plan Application.
The following conditions were recommended for both motions:
City commission approval of the major development plan/site plan accompanying the application;
Development of the property shall be consistent with the major development plan;
Consensus by the commission that the use of the hotel top deck is limited to hotel staff and guests and will not offer food or beverage service;
Consensus by the commission that live entertainment, food and beverages would only be allowed or permitted through a special event permit, approved by the city commission;
Guest drop-off, check-in and check-out shall be accommodated within the first level of the parking garage;
Applicant shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the building official that the loading area can accommodate deliveries from a semi-trailer in order to receive a building permit;
Applicant cannot use any parking spaces wholly or partially on public rights of way to meet parking requirements;
To the extent that the applicant cannot accommodate or seeks to reduce the number of parking spaces, the applicant shall use the special use permit process;
The applicant shall provide landscaping and physical barriers to the existing landscape easement along Gulf Drive.
City staff had also recommended that the hotel be furnished with blackout curtains and educational materials about the protection of sea turtles and prevention of lighting from rooms facing the beach and that the applicants provide an easement for access to the trash receptacles at Daiquiri Deck at 107 Bridge St.
Density vs. Floor area ratio
A disagreement between land use experts on allowable criteria – density versus floor area ratio – for the hotel was put to rest from the city’s perspective by City Planner Luis Serna.
Misty Servia, former Manatee County commissioner and a certified land use planner with 34 years of experience, said on Nov. 1 that the city’s comprehensive plan limits hotel density to just 18 units per acre.
Servia read from the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
“This policy states that hotel/motel/transient units are limited to 18 units per gross acre,” Servia said. “That’s very important because that’s also transcribed in your zoning and Land Development Code. The Comp Plan cannot be modified with the PUD zoning, and your comp plan limits the density to 18 hotel units per acre.”
The proposed 106-room project on 1.61 acres is clearly inconsistent with the comprehensive plan, she said.
“The number of units should be decreased to 28 hotel rooms,” Servia said.
Susan Swift, AICE certified planner, representing the project applicants, disputed Servia’s claim that 18 units per acre applies to hotels.
“That density is meant for residential,” Swift said. “We don’t use units per acre, we use Floor Area Ratio for commercial use.”
Serna said that because the hotel is commercial, the floor area ratio standard applies.
“It is my opinion that the application as proposed is within the PD (planned development) guidelines of the code and the comp plan specifically with regard to density,” Serna said. “As a PD, they can request more density.”
Serna noted the city has taken that position with other planned developments approved recently.
“There’s language in the comp plan that states a hotel is commercial and therefore is subject to floor area ratio rather than density,” Serna said. “Based on that, it’s our opinion they can proceed with the requested density as part of the PD.”
Morhaus questioned the guidelines in the comprehensive plan that allow for just 18 units per acre.
“They can vary setbacks as part of a planned development and density is part of that,” Serna said. “They amend or present their own standards of development and that’s what the PD drawings are for. It’ll be to approve this specific plan of development. That’s within the bounds of the comp plan and the code.”
Applicant rebuttal
The applicants were represented by Bradenton land use attorney Stephen Thompson of the Najmy-Thompson law firm, architect Shaun Luttrell, traffic engineer Jay Calhoun and Swift.
Luttrell presented a Nov. 9 memorandum summarizing the applicant’s response to planning and zoning concerns and questions from the Nov. 1 meeting.
In that memorandum, Luttrell proposed that 17 parking spaces along Third Street be counted toward the off-street parking tabulation, offered free public parking in nine of the 17 parking spots with direct access from Third Street and offered that the applicant open the hotel parking lot to the public as paid valet parking.
In the parking tabulation, there were 140 parking spaces required for the hotel, open-air restaurant, putt-putt golf and retail. Applicants requested a 29.1% parking exception, lowering the number of provided spots to 99. Luttrell also said that in an attempt to limit the number of hotel guests with cars, a credit voucher toward local retail will be provided to those who use rideshare services or taxi to and from the airport.
Board members expressed concerns about parking, particularly the use of public spaces on Third Street and hotel check-in spaces on Bridge Street, noise from the rooftop deck, traffic and delivery and garbage truck clearances.
A public hearing in front of the city commission on the hotel project is scheduled on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. at the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers, 107 Gulf Drive.
HOLMES BEACH – Holmes Beach city commissioners discussed the Florida Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA)’s consolidation study on Nov. 14, which lists the city of Bradenton as a possible annexation destination for Holmes Beach, Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach.
Reading aloud a statement, Commissioner Greg Kerchner said, “When I offered up my last soliloquy, I poured out my concerns over the influence of local developers, about state and county politicians not having our best interests at heart and about the threat of a consolidation being forced down our throats.
Commissioner Greg Kerchner stressed the importance of providing OPPAGA with all the pertinent facts. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“But maybe we can turn this threat into an opportunity. Our job now must be to help the evaluators follow their own guidelines. We must ensure that they learn the unblemished truth about what has already transpired and must guarantee that they have all the facts they need to reach fair and just conclusions so that their recommendations are in the best interests of everyone involved, islanders and off-islanders alike,” Kerchner said.
“We need to wipe away any taint of political wrangling by clearly and fairly highlighting the relevant facts while insisting that all pertinent issues are considered. Unfortunately, this includes all the issues around visitor parking in Holmes Beach, which, for whatever reason, continues to play an outsized role in all our interactions with legislators and other governments,” Kerchner said.
Commission Chair Terry Schaefer said the consolidation of the Island cites would be “the granddaddy of destruction and overriding home rule in our community.”
Commissioners also discussed statements that Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth and State Rep. Will Robinson Jr. (R-Bradenton) made the previous week regarding the study.
Titsworth said she hadn’t planned on addressing the OPPAGA study again until she read Robinson’s comments in the newspaper.
“Just because they’re saying something doesn’t mean it’s true. Just because they keep repeating the same thing doesn’t make it any more true. I don’t know how to respond to this continued narrative – and it’s always directed at me, it’s always directed at our city. We are upholding our charter, our comprehensive plan, our land development code. We care about quality of life. We are showing up to work every day,” she said.
“They keep pointing at the mayor that’s ‘putting up roadblocks,’ the mayor’s ‘that’s not doing what she says.’ I have done every single thing that’s been asked of me except putting unlimited parking in our residential districts. Name me one coastal community that has unlimited parking. There are none. We’ve proven that we have excess parking on any given day. Everybody who wants to can come right now; they just don’t want to because there’s too much congestion and traffic,” Titsworth said.
She noted the city recently created additional public parking spaces along Holmes Boulevard. She also noted she previously took Manatee County commissioners George Kruse and Jason Bearden on tours of the city’s available parking spaces.
“During that peak season tour, there were empty parking spaces in our city right of ways. I showed him (Kruse) the church parking available for overflow. He was amazed. Same thing with Bearden. Spring break, height of season, there were empty parking places everywhere. How can you continue to say we’re preventing families from coming out here? It’s wrong and I’m over the false narrative,” Titsworth said.
Titsworth said the consolidation study is “a power grab from the top down” being driven by state legislators and not by the Island residents and property owners who will have no input on the consolidation study requested by Robinson, Sen. Jim Boyd and the other members of the Manatee County Legislative Delegation.
Titsworth said all three Island cities are thriving.
“Why wouldn’t somebody want the city of Holmes Beach?” she asked. “We have zero debt. We have $12 million in reserves. At a height limit of 36 feet, we have a $3 billion taxable value in our little city of Holmes Beach. The city of Anna Maria is $2 billion. The city of Bradenton Beach is $1 billion. Our three tremendous little cities equal the taxable value of the city of Bradenton and all their high rises and everything else.”
According to the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office, the total taxable value of all Bradenton properties in 2023 is $5.91 billion. The total taxable value of all Anna Maria Island properties is $6.15 billion.
The current millage rates in Anna Maria and Holmes Beach are 2.05 mills. The current millage rate in Bradenton Beach is 2.3329. Bradenton is 5.8351 mills and Manatee County is 6.2326 mills.
“Consolidate us into the city of Bradenton, they just doubled their taxable value. This is not about parking. It has never been about parking. It’s about doing what they want to do,” Titsworth said. “I don’t want to play these games. I want them to leave us alone. I promised OPPAGA we are going to work with you and give you every single thing you want from our city. We are a good city. We have so much to be proud of and we have every right to continue to be a city that serves the people who want to be here.”
Titsworth refuted Robinson’s statement that the Holmes Beach population has declined.
“That is not true. Our population is increasing, and it’s because of the hard work of our commission and our boards; and because it’s paradise out here,” she said.
In his recent statement, Robinson said he would support maintaining the height limits currently established in each of the three cities’ charters.
Earlier this year, Robinson co-sponsored state legislation that allows Manatee County to build a three-story parking garage at Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach.
“Representative Robinson said he’d respect the limits we have right now, but he told me if he could have had six stories, he could have gotten 1,500 to 1,700 parking spaces,” Titsworth said.
Commission Chair Terry Schaefer believes the consolidation study is motivated by financial interests. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
In support of Titsworth’s comments, Commission Chair Terry Schaefer said, “The commission stands squarely behind you. It seems like some legislators have forgotten where they came from.”
Schaefer expressed confidence that the information provided by each of the three Island cities would support their continued operation as independent cities.
“I was encouraged to hear elected officials will be interviewed. I was discouraged to hear the plan is not to hear from the public,” he said.
Shaefer said he’s been researching the city of Bradenton and Manatee County regarding their debt obligations and financial reserves.
“It’s an eye-opener, folks. Strong positive reserves in all three Island cities. Not so much the case in the alternative. I don’t have any doubt that the whole motivation is financial. I think the garage was a smokescreen. I think it was an issue that they took up to try to taint and create ill will to divide people from off-Island and those of us who live and serve here. I think it backfired,” Schaefer said.
“If anyone is wondering why, the why is the money and the dissolution of charters. Height restrictions go away. If you don’t think there are aggressive developers out there who wouldn’t like to have an opportunity to build something higher than 36 feet in our city and on our beaches, pay more attention to what’s happening where communities don’t have control,” he said.
On Nov. 16, the city of Holmes Beach received a request for information letter from OPPAGA. That letter can be read here.
BRADENTON BEACH – A 6.5-hour city commission public hearing on Nov. 16 for a proposed hotel/restaurant/retail project on Bridge Street and Gulf Drive led to warnings that something more impactful could be built if it is not approved.
Commissioner Ralph Cole suggested a reduction in the proposed 106 hotel rooms to alleviate parking issues. The applicants’ representatives pushed back.
The applicants’ Bradenton attorney, Stephen Thompson, said his clients are close to their breaking point on numbers, and architect Shaun Luttrell indicated the alternative to the hotel project for the applicants could be a mixed-use building on Bridge Street and multi-unit rental properties along Third Street South.
The application for the hotel, a 60-seat restaurant, 2,485 square feet of retail and 99 on-site parking spaces was made by property owners Shawn Kaleta, a local developer, and Jacob Spooner, a Bradenton Beach commissioner.
The applicants are proposing a 106-room hotel along Bridge Street. – City of Bradenton Beach | Submitted
Three of the five commission members, Mayor John Chappie and Commissioners Jan Vosburgh and Cole, were present at the Nov. 16 hearing. Spooner recused himself from the meeting. Commissioner Marilyn Maro has been absent with excuse since January but was present by telephone for part of the hearing.
Cole expressed concerns about parking for the hotel.
Commissioner Jan Vosburgh, Mayor John Chappie and Commissioner Ralph Cole hear testimony at the Nov. 16 public hearing on the proposed hotel. – Leslie Lake | Sun
City Attorney Ricinda Perry responded by saying the applicants have the option to develop the property as is if the project is not approved.
“Am I correct that you produced images today showing you would build a ton of differently-owned rental properties on Third Street South and then a mixed-use development on Bridge Street?” Perry asked Luttrell.
“That’s correct,” Luttrell said.
Luttrell said each of those rental properties would have six units per house with parking spots underneath them.
“Can you testify or Mr. Thompson testify as to what this commission has to consider? There are essentially three things asked for in this development that do not adhere to the current strict zoning that you could build those, I’ll use your term, ‘party house row,’ ” Perry said. “They’re asking for a reduction in parking, they’re asking for a reduction in one of the setbacks and asking for 106 hotel units.”
“If the commission does not agree to give something under the planned development that looks like what has been asked for is there a point which the applicant does not find this financially feasible and would just go to the straight rezone, I mean to the straight current zoning and build what they’re entitled to?” Perry asked Luttrell.
“I’m sure there is a point within those numbers where they would stop the project and pursue a different avenue,” Luttrell said, adding that he didn’t know what that number is.
Luttrell asked if there were issues besides parking that needed to be addressed.
Chappie said he didn’t like the design of the hotel.
“Personally, I don’t like the look of it,” Chappie said. “I like the hotel idea in commercial, I like that idea a lot, similar to what’s across the street.”
“We’ll take everything into consideration and see if we can massage this plan a little bit to get closer to what you’re looking for,” Luttrell said.
Thompson said the applicants had made a number of concessions up to that point.
“We didn’t start at this number,” Thompson said. “We were a lot higher than this number. We’re almost at the breaking point, I’m being honest with you. One of our clients is more than happy to do the vacation rentals.”
“We want to continue with this, but then the issue is, ok, what is the number?” Thompson said, adding that his team will come back with a proposal in advance of the next meeting.
“I’m hopeful we can come to the right number,” Chappie said. “I do have the same fear of party houses.”
Commission vote
“You’ve been given over six hours of information and handouts,” Perry said. “It’s fair to say you need some time to think about things and there’s nothing to say when we come back on Dec. 7 that you can’t get into a substantive discussion.”
“We’re just not there yet,” Chappie said. “I think we can work something out here, I really do, the alternative – I don’t like at all.”
Chappie questioned the effect that the approval of the first reading of the ordinance would have on the ongoing discussion.
Building Official Steve Gilbert clarified.
“You have a first reading that’s been advertised,” he said. “That reading does not set a development order in place nor does it fully authorize a PD back later. I think you can clear your first reading of the proposed ordinance tonight, continue the hearing – I’m not calling it a public hearing, but it’s still an open hearing because we’ve taken public comment already – until the Dec. 7 meeting at which time then you would conclude the hearing and contemplate the second reading of the ordinance.”
“The ordinance just says it allows for a plan, and what we’re currently in the process of doing is determining what that plan is,” Perry said. “Before the second reading and adoption of this ordinance, there must be a plan figured out.”
“If you cannot come to an agreement and if you cannot establish a plan at the December meeting, everything goes away and we start over,” Gilbert said.
“This just keeps us talking, all at the table to see where we end up,” Chappie said.
Vosburgh made the motion to approve the first reading, and to set the second hearing, seconded by Cole. The motion passed unanimously 3-0. Maro was no longer on the call for the vote.
Based on the city charter, which calls for an affirmative supra majority vote by four of the five commissioners, the question remains as to whether the standing commission has the ability to approve the project.
Public comment
During the public comment portion of the Nov. 16 hearing, Seminole-based attorney David Blum, representing six project opponents, said, “As far as the conditions on this plan, if you all adopt the conditions along with the plan and don’t deny, you all are setting yourselves up for a lot of litigation, not from me, but you’re setting yourself up. There’s a part about special events applications that allows you to serve alcohol, which turns it into a commercial space. It gives you the ability to do away with the noise ordinance. So rock on.”
Prior to participating in public comment, speakers are sworn in at the Nov. 16 public hearing on the proposed hotel. – Leslie Lake | Sun
In a departure from the two Planning and Zoning hearings, in which a majority of speakers were in opposition to the project, nearly half the 20 speakers at the Nov. 16 commission hearing spoke in favor of the hotel. At least five of those were employees of businesses in which Kaleta has ownership interests – specifically Prime Vacations and Salt Bar & Table Restaurant.
The Thursday, Dec. 7 hearing will be held at 6 p.m. at the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers, 107 Gulf Drive N.
BRADENTON BEACH – The Christmas season officially began on Bridge Street with the Nov. 18 lighting of the city Christmas tree.
Prior to the event, the Magic of Manatee chapter of the Sweet Adelines serenaded the crowd with a variety of Christmas songs. They sang, “Holly Jolly Christmas,” “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” inviting attendees to sing along to “O Come All Ye Faithful.”
The late John Shaughnessy, a former Bradenton Beach mayor and commissioner who passed away in May, was honored at the tree lighting.
Emcee and local businessman Sherman Baldwin introduced Shaughnessy’s widow, June, and spoke of the former mayor’s vision for Bradenton Beach.
Emcee Sherman Baldwin recognized June Shaughnessy and the accomplishments of her husband, the late John Shaughnessy, who formerly severed as a Bradenton Beach city commissioner and as mayor. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“He would be so proud and happy to be here on a night like this,” Baldwin said. “The vision he saw for this street and Bridge Street pier is nothing short of amazing.”
Joe Cuervo, the former owner of the Drift In, was given the honor this year of lighting the tree.
Former Drift In owners Joe and Angie Cuervo helped light the tree. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“He also brought a vision to this street, always a positive influence and is definitely a part of what makes this street what it is today,” Baldwin said of Cuervo.
Cuervo wished the crowd a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
The illuminated tree brought cheers from the crowd. The 42-foot tree, located at the post office on Bridge Street, lights up the night sky with more than 20,000 lights.
Michael, Mickey and Liam get into the holiday spirit at the Bridge Street Christmas tree lighting. – Leslie Lake | Sun
Following the tree lighting, the movie, “Elf,” was played on an outdoor screen.
The holiday event was sponsored by the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), the city of Bradenton Beach and local merchants.
Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby said the tree lighting typically attracts around 1,000-1,200 people to Bridge Street.
Santa and Mrs. Claus are seated by the tree before the Bridge Street Christmas tree lighting. – Leslie Lake | SunThe Christmas tree stands in the Bradenton Beach post office parking lot. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
ANNA MARIA – On Nov. 16, each of the three Anna Maria Island mayors received a letter requesting information from the Florida Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA), which is conducting a study on consolidating city services and governments.
The study was requested in January by the Manatee County Legislative Delegation that consists of Sen. Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton), Rep. Will Robinson Jr. (R-Bradenton), Sen. Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota), Rep. Tommy Gregory (R-Lakewood Ranch) and Rep. Mike Beltran (R-Apollo Beach).
On Nov. 16, Mayor Dan Murphy and the Anna Maria City Commission discussed the OPPAGA study, the request for information received earlier that day and the initial Zoom meeting that Murphy and Commission Chair Mark Short had with OPPAGA representatives on Nov. 7.
Speaking first, Short said he learned during the Zoom meeting that OPPAGA Staff Director Emily Leventhal is overseeing the three-person team assigned to conduct the study.
“The scope of their project is to look at the possibility of consolidating services across the three Island cities; and separately, to do an analysis of the consolidation of government structure (the three city governments),” he said.
Short said that each city will be analyzed separately, but the analysis and data pertaining to all three cities will likely be combined into a single report.
“Their goal is to provide options with respect to what could be done and provide both pros and cons with respect to each of those options. They told us they are not making recommendations about what to do. It is unlikely they will recommend any specific course of action,” Short said.
Short said the first step for the city is to provide OPPAGA with the requested information by Dec. 8, if possible. He said OPPAGA representatives will also interview city officials as the study continues.
“They will then prepare a report that will be made available to the state Legislature. That report will be made available to them, not to us. Their goal is to have this analysis done by July of 2024. Probably the most surprising thing I heard on this call was that they are not obligated to share their report with us,” Short said.
After noting that OPPAGA is exempt from public records requests, Short said, “They will share it if the Legislature authorizes them to share it with us. Otherwise, they have no obligation to share with us whatever’s in this report, which, personally, I found to be extremely disappointing.”
Mayor Dan Murphy hopes the OPPAGA study can help reduce property taxes. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Murphy provided an overview of the questions posed and information requests made in the letter. Most of them pertain to city services, but there’s also a three-part question about the potential consolidation of the three Island cities and their governments, he said.
The information request period spans from 2018-23. OPPAGA requested a list of current services the city provides, including, but not limited to, law enforcement, public works projects, public safety, elections, solid and liquid waste disposal treatment, code enforcement and building and planning services. OPPAGA wants email addresses and contact information for the appropriate city official to contact for each service listed, and the total budgeted amounts and actual expenditures for each service.
OPPAGA also wants a description of how the city services provided by Anna Maria could be consolidated with the other two Island cities.
Commissioner Robert Kingan said he doesn’t see how the projected cost savings for the consolidation of services between three cities can accurately be estimated.
Regarding the potential consolidation of the three city governments, the OPPAGA request letter says, “Please provide the following information on government consolidation: A description of the benefits and challenges to individual citizens as well as to government operations related to the following potential options for local governance on Anna Maria Island.
“Option 1: All three cities on Anna Maria Island are consolidated into one new city on the island.
“Option 2: All three cities on Anna Maria Island were incorporated as part of the city of Bradenton.
“Option 3: All three cities on Anna Maria Island remain as incorporated municipalities on the island and work to consolidate existing services where that makes sense,” the request letter says.
OPPAGA’s request for information does not mention Manatee County as a possible consolidation/annexation option.
Commission discussion
Murphy said he received a phone call from Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown the previous day and Brown told him he had not received any consolidated study-related correspondence from Boyd or Robinson.
According to Bradenton Public Records Liaison Bill Ackles, as of Nov. 18, Brown and the city of Bradenton had not received any correspondence from OPPAGA.
In the consolidation study-related letter that Boyd and Robinson sent to the three Island mayors in August, the state legislators stated their goal was to reduce property taxes by consolidating similar services provided by each Island city.
“If the purpose of this study is to reduce taxes, which is what they said at the very beginning, there might be some good in this,” Murphy said.
However, noting that Anna Maria’s property tax millage rate is 2.05 mills and Bradenton’s millage rate is 5.8 mills, he added, “Can you imagine what that would do to your taxes?”
Short noted the two biggest tax levies on an Anna Maria property owner’s tax bill are the taxes levied by Manatee County and the taxes levied by the Manatee County school district. Short said property taxes levied by the city of Anna Maria only account for approximately 10% of a property owner’s total tax bill.
“I think this is something we can embrace and we might get some good out of it and we might be able to shave people’s tax bills,” Murphy said. “I met with a couple yesterday who showed me their tax bill of $50,000 for their home. They’re not homesteaded. They’re retirees from Atlanta. They built a house and didn’t take into consideration the tax implications. Granted, a lot of that is the school board and Manatee County, but a portion of it is ours. I think the push in the next budget year is to reduce our ad valorem taxes. If OPPAGA can help us do that, let’s do it. If we can reduce taxes, we can attract more people to live here,” Murphy said.
Commissioner Jon Crane said, “I’m going to exercise my right to be a little skeptical.”
During public input, Anna Maria resident John Kolojeski suggested the city do some legal research on annexation and whether the state Legislature can force a community to be annexed into another community.
HOLMES BEACH – Police Officer Andrew Adkins was in his patrol car at the intersection of Manatee Avenue and Gulf Drive on Nov. 7 at 10:41 p.m. when he saw a black Chevy Silverado leave the Manatee Beach parking lot and go straight through a traffic light while in the left turn lane.
Adkins noticed the truck had a tinted license plate cover and initiated a traffic stop in the 700 block of Manatee Avenue. He identified the driver as Christopher Leopard, 46, of Indiana.
“Leopard was acting nervous during the stop and told me he did not have his license. I gathered his name and date of birth and went back to my vehicle,” Adkins said in his official report. “While doing so, he waved out of the driver’s window so I approached the vehicle again. He told me he found his Indiana driver license so I took it from him and returned to my vehicle.”
When Adkins ran Leopard’s license, he found an active warrant from Indiana. Meanwhile, additional units had arrived on the scene to assist. Adkins asked Leopard to exit the vehicle, but he refused, saying his identity had been stolen, which immediately aroused suspicion from the officers. Adkins tried to open the door, but Leopard had locked it and rolled up the window, causing officers to lay spike strips in front of the vehicle, anticipating that he may attempt to flee the scene, which he did.
“I told Christopher to give me the keys and that he is not free to leave but he began fleeing at a high rate of speed eastbound on Manatee Avenue. I got in my patrol vehicle and initiated a pursuit with lights and siren active,” Adkins said in his report. “Leopard was fleeing at speeds of about 120 mph.”
The pursuit continued down the Palma Sola Causeway, and a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputy was able to deploy stop sticks on the truck, according to the report. Although the front driver’s side tire was flat, Leopard continued to flee at a high speed and often into oncoming traffic before hitting the median and crossing back into the correct lane of traffic. Now driving on a bare rim, Leopard continued to drive erratically, running stop lights and refusing to stop. Another spike strip was deployed which caused the truck to slow down, where Leopard then jumped out of the moving vehicle running north on Eighth Street North. The vehicle then veered off the roadway, onto a sidewalk, went slightly up a utility pole wire, and then came to a stop after an impact with a chain link fence.
“I noticed he turned west onto Fourth Avenue West and was proned out on the ground next to Officer Hurt’s patrol vehicle. I took Leopard into custody and secured him in Officer Hurt’s vehicle,” Adkins said. “I placed him under arrest for obstructing an officer’s investigation without violence, fleeing to elude an officer with a disregard for other persons and property and resisting arrest without violence. I also issued him 11 traffic citations for the traffic infractions that occurred during the incident.”
Leopard was arrested and taken to Manatee County Jail and was issued a bond of $8,500. He is scheduled to appear in front of Judge Frederick Mercurio on Wednesday, Jan. 3 in Manatee County’s 12th Judicial Circuit Court.
This is Thanksgiving week, and in spite of or because of our current housing market, we have much to be thankful for. Not everyone in the world can live in their own home, especially in such a beautiful place. Nevertheless, we need to be vigilant because nothing is ever free.
According to Forbes, as of Nov. 16, the average 30-year home mortgage is 7.83% and the average 15-year home mortgage is 7.06%, down slightly from previous weeks. This may not sound great, but the good news is the rates are going down and are somewhat stable. In addition, the Federal Reserve did not raise rates during its last meeting and has signaled they may be holding steady for a while. The stock market heard this loud and clear and has been improving almost every day.
However, buyers who are actively looking for a new home and a new mortgage still aren’t too happy. To find a way to address the buyer’s reluctance to enter into an 8% mortgage, some lenders are offering programs that include future refinance for free. Of course, lenders are looking to fill the hole left by retreating buyers who cannot bring themselves to sign on for an almost 8% home mortgage and attract new borrowers.
But is this really a good deal for buyers? Nothing in the mortgage industry is free and signing on to what looks like a good deal may bite you down the road. Every lender has its own program with a different set of incentives that can be confusing to even astute buyers.
Usually, lenders will give some borrowers a certificate or another type of IOU that gives them access to a credit that can be used to pay for some of the costs associated with a future refinance. Other lenders may roll the future closing costs into the loan amount or waive lender fees and/or appraisal fees for a future refinance.
The average closing costs for a single-family refinance are approximately $2,500. A lender could offer a credit somewhere between $1,500 and $3,000 for a future refinancing but if the closing costs in the future are less, the difference will not be refunded to you. Also, buy now/refinance later mortgages may have higher initial fees or interest rates or come with time limits.
Since no one knows what the rates will be in the future or what your particular lender will offer down the road, you could be signing up for an unknown. Part of that unknown is whether your credit rating declines or your property value drops and you don’t qualify for a refinance.
It’s always nice to see new ideas that may be available to help buyers, but it might be more beneficial to focus on what you can afford now; don’t assume that the rates will fall in the future and allow you to take advantage of your previous credit.
Refinancing any mortgage is always an option and if interest rates do drop, you’re not tied in to one lender, you can see what the competition is offering at that time. I’m not saying there may not be some great buy now/refinance later programs out there that will be the perfect fit for your finances now, I’m just saying think about the future before you obligate yourself.
Tomorrow be thankful for your family, friends and a bounty of food. Also be thankful for American ingenuity, it makes our country special and offers options for every buyer. Happy Thanksgiving.
Confused? Of course you are, if you’re a potential buyer. We are living through a very dysfunctional housing market and the maze doesn’t look like it’s ending any time soon. Should you buy, should you rent or should you find a tiny accessory home? The answer is different for everyone.
Buying has almost always been favored over renting when it comes to housing. For some, renting is considered “throwing money away” while buying is an “investment.” The truth is the answer is much more nuanced and really depends on what is the right fit for you.
Renting is a short-term solution as opposed to homeownership, which is much more of a commitment in terms of finances, time and labor than renting. Nevertheless, the argument for home ownership has always been building equity and doing as you please with your property.
In today’s real estate world, homeownership is very elusive to first-time buyers. Inventory is in short supply, interest rates are rising and particularly in Florida, insurance is totally unpredictable from one renewal to the next. Right now, the cost of buying a home versus renting one is at the most extreme since at least 1996. The average monthly new mortgage payment is 52% higher than the average apartment rent, according to CBRE, a global commercial real estate services company.
A person buying a home today will pay 60% more for monthly repayment costs than if they had bought the same house three years ago. As a comparison, rents rose by 22% over the same period, a little ahead of the inflation rate but far below the cost of purchasing on a monthly basis.
If the home you’re considering buying is a long-term investment and you can scrape up the monthly costs with a little extra for inevitable repairs, then in the long run you’re better off. But this decision is an individual one based on job security, family needs and the desire to grow equity.
Trying to fill the lack of the affordable property gap are tiny homes or ADUs (accessory dwelling units). These are typically small apartments tucked away in the backyard, over garages or extended out from the main house. They are getting a second look from buyers who are building, and contractors are providing options for these units as part of new construction. This is a growing trend to keep an eye on.
Finally, I feel that in the best interest of homebuyers, I must mention this last item. Realtors – specifically The National Association of Realtors (NAR) – are facing two federal antitrust trials relative to commissions charged. Realtor commissions are typically 6% shared between the listing and the selling agents, creating a potential conflict of interest. Keep in mind this is not set in stone and sellers can ask for a lower rate before they enter into a listing contract.
The first of these two antitrust cases was decided by a jury against the NAR on Oct. 31. The decision will be appealed, and it could take years before there is any final conclusion. The second case has not gone to trial yet, but we can assume there will be more antitrust cases going forward.
This ruling and others that may be coming can possibly change the way business is done in the real estate community. I know how hard most real estate professionals work and how much experience they offer their clients; therefore, I’m staying neutral.
Well, if you were confused before, I just made it a little more confusing. However, renting or buying should not be confusing, it should be well thought out before moving forward.
ANNA MARIA – Youth soccer on the Island celebrated its outstanding players last week. As the 8 to 10-year-old league played the first round of playoff games, the focus was on 12 standout players.
Celebrating the hard work of all of the young players, The Center held the end-of-season awards ceremony. Acknowledged for strong play, Gunnar Maize and Ruby Kesten earned the Most Valuable Player accolades for the 8 to 10-year-olds.
For defensive honors, Aidan Guess was named MVP and Kason Price was voted as the Outstanding Goalie for the season. Stepping up his game as the season went on, Most Improved accolades went Parker Svoboda.
Keeping in the spirit of Center recreational youth soccer, Carson Long deserved the Sportsmanship Award for his age group. Long’s counterpart in the 11 to 14-year-old league was Charlee Maize, recognized for his gamesmanship throughout the season.
Most Improved honors went to Renan Kesten, while Kegan McGlade captured the Defensive MVP award.
Sharing the defensive shoutouts, Jack Zaccagnino was voted Outstanding Goalie. Top player praises in the older age group went to Luke Dellenger and Cecelia Kroth, 11 to 14-year-old MVPs.
In last week’s game play, the 8 to 10-year-old league playoffs started with three games. In the end, fourth-ranked Adrian Griffin Interiors won over La Creperie, moving on to the semifinal round of action.
Team Am I Coconuts and Solid Rock Construction also advanced with their wins over team Isola Bella Italian Eatery and The Porch, respectively.
The older Solid Rock squad was edged out by The Gitt Team – KW On The Water in an overtime shoot-out during regular season 11 to 14-year-old league play.
Playing the final youth game of the week, No. 1-ranked Cheesecake Cuties blew out HSH Designs 6-1.
Adult co-ed recreational soccer semifinal action continued the exciting playoff match-ups. In the third playoff game leading to overtime PKs, fifth-ranked Gulfview Windows & Doors managed to pull out the 4-4 tie in regulation time.
Taking the line and making the shots for Gulfview were Raul Loera, Keith Mahoney, Jesus Martinez and Eric Pullen, against Slim’s Place keeper Steve Oelfke.
Striking against goalie Raul Loera and successful with their PKs for Slim’s Place were Damir Glavan, Yuri Pereira and Kris Yavalar.
During regulation time, Gulfview’s Leo Gonzalez scored two goals, with solos by Mahoney and Martinez to capture the win. William Romberger was credited with two saves, along with Loera’s two stops.
The four goals scored for Slim’s Place, putting the team into OT, were Thomas Mangotic and Glavan, each with a single, and two amazing goals by Lindsey Styka.
Gulfview’s offense kept Oelfke busy during the first 44 minutes of play. Oelfke made 12 big stops in the semifinal game.
In a big win, the young Gulf Drive Café team won their semifinal game by three goals over team Ross Built 5-2. With two goals each by Kevin Roman and Jana Whitehead, along with a single by Eliza Faillace, the Gulf Drive squad earned their spot in the final game of the season.
Credited with an assist to Whitehead’s first goal, Javier Rivera helped his team to victory. Top goalie in the league Charles “Tuna” McCracken made nine saves in the semifinal game.
On the other side of the field, keeper Max Gazzo talked to his team from the backfield and made 13 big stops off of Gulf Drive strikes.
Daniel Hampton and Andrew Ross each had a goal, keeping the Ross Built team alive and in the game.
Ross and his twin brother, Jake, have played sports at The Center since they were eligible to play as little boys. Now adults, they join their father and owner of Ross Built, Greg Ross, on the pitch.
Ross, raised on the Island, talked about the day he would be playing at The Center with his sons in the adult leagues. Together, along with their teammates, the Ross men challenged their opponents each week this season.
The two final adult teams, Gulf Drive Café and Gulfview Windows & Doors, meet up on Thursday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. on The Center pitch to play.
SUN SCOREBOARD
NOV. 7
YOUTH SOCCER – ROUND ONE PLAYOFF GAMES
8 TO 10-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE
#4 Adrian Griffin Interiors 3
#5 La Creperie 0
#3 Isola Bella Italian Eatery 2
#6 Am I Coconuts 2
winner in overtime PKs (2-0)
#2 Solid Rock Construction 5
#7 The Porch 3
11 TO 14-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE WEEK 8
#2 Solid Rock Construction (4-4-1) 3
#3 The Gitt Team
KW On The Water (3-4-2) 3
#1 Cheesecake Cuties (6-1-2) 6
#4 HSH Design (2-6-1) 1
NOV. 9
ADULT CO-ED SOCCER SEMIFINAL PLAYOFF GAMES
#5 Gulfview Windows & Doors 4 winner in overtime PKs (4-3)
BRADENTON – Eighteen trees that were installed in medians in 2006 on Manatee Avenue, using Bradenton Tree Funds, state grants and private donations, are slated for removal by Manatee County.
Ingrid McClellan, Scenic Manatee Coordinator, and author of the 2006 grant proposals that funded the median landscaping, said the landscaped medians project from 75th Street West to 27th Street East cost $159,115, and were installed with the cooperation of the City of Bradenton’s Tree and Land Preservation board to increase the city’s urban tree canopy.
FDOT issued a permit for the proposed plantings on Oct. 23, she said.
The plans are for Manatee County dollars to be used to remove 18 established trees (eight black olive shady lady, eight crape myrtle and two paurotis palm) in five medians on Manatee Avenue between 75th Street West and 43rd Street West. The trees do not require an irrigation system, but the new trees will require up to four irrigation wells, she said – 19 royal palms, four alexander palms, shrubs and groundcover… “then maintenance thereafter of palm frond pruning, fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides,” she wrote. “Doing so does not follow the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Principles.”
She noted that royal palms are “self-pruning,” dropping their 20-40-pound fronds, which can damage vehicles on parking lots and roads.
BRADENTON BEACH – 2023 has been a challenging year for Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center Inc. and a local business is stepping up to help.
With a record number of animals rehabilitated so far this year at the non-profit – 2,665 at the latest count – and the loss of a funding source, an upcoming fundraiser is most welcome.
Daiquiri Deck has recently announced sponsorship opportunities for its first Birdie for the Birdies Putt Putt Tournament on Saturday, Nov. 18 at The Fish Hole miniature golf, 115 Bridge St. near Daiquiri Deck’s Bradenton Beach location.
The proceeds from a mini golf tournament at The Fish Hole in Bradenton Beach on Saturday, Nov. 18 will benefit Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center Inc. – Leslie Lake | Sun
All tournament proceeds will benefit Wildlife Inc.
Since 1988, Wildlife Inc. has provided care to injured and orphaned animals. It is the only rehabilitation facility for birds, mammals and reptiles in the area.
“Our dedication knows no bounds, but we can’t do it without your support. With an annual budget nearing $200,000, we rely solely on the generosity of individuals and private grants to continue our vital work,” according to the Wildlife Inc. website. “We receive no funding from local, state or federal governments.”
“This benefit can help in so many ways,” Wildlife Inc. volunteer Krista Carpenter said. “The Smile program from Amazon has been discontinued, as they focus on giving to specific non-profits. That’s $8,000-$10,000 we lost. This (tournament) could provide the perfect bridge.”
General admission for the tournament is $50 and includes a round of golf for one, a brunch buffet, beverages and access to the after-party. VIP admission is $75 and includes a round of golf for one, a brunch buffet, VIP beverages and access to the after-party.
Players will be split into two groups, the first checking in at 9 a.m. and starting at 10 a.m. The second will check in at 10:30 a.m. and start at 11:30 a.m.
An after-party will follow the tournament with live music, entertainment, a raffle and silent auction and prizes. An awards ceremony begins at 2 p.m. Brunch is served from 10 a.m. to noon and the bar will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“One of the big items is a fly fishing trip for two valued at over $600,” Carpenter said. “That will be a live auction item. Also, there are items from local artists.”
A limited number of tournament sponsorship opportunities are available:
Hall of Famer: $5,000 includes brunch and entry for four, eight mulligans, eight raffle tickets, VIP access, one banner for the registration table, one banner for the afterparty, emcee recognition and four Tervis tumblers;
Professional: $1,500 includes brunch and entry for four, six mulligans, six raffle tickets, VIP access, one banner for the course and four stainless steel tumblers;
Semi-Pro: $1,000 includes brunch and entry for four, four mulligans, four raffle tickets, VIP access and two hole sponsorships;
Caddy: $500 includes brunch and entry for four people, two mulligans and VIP access;
Spectator: $250 includes two sponsorships.
Ball sponsor pricing varies. To secure a sponsorship or register for tournament participation, please visit the Daiquiri Deck website.
CORTEZ – The stone crab harvest season was celebrated under sunny skies at the two-day 11th Annual Cortez Stone Crab and Music Festival.
Held on Nov. 11-12 at the Swordfish Grill and Tiki Bar parking area, the festival typically draws more than 5,000 attendees with more than 2,000 pounds of stone crab consumed.
More than 2,000 pounds of stone crab claws are sold at the Cortez Stone Crab Festival each year. – Leslie Lake | SunThis youngster rode the shark at the Cortez Stone Crab and Music Festival. – Leslie Lake | Sun
Live music, local seafood, crafts and a kid’s zone were featured.
“The festival celebrates the heritage of Cortez and the kickoff to stone crab season,” said Adam Sears, general manager of Swordfish Grill.
This year’s theme was “Crack a Cold One” since stone crab claws are served cracked and cold.
The 11th Annual Cortez Stone Crab Festival theme was “Crack A Cold One.” – Leslie Lake | SunLance Plowman prepares coconuts for the Cortez Curse Rum Nuts drinks. – Leslie Lake | Sun
Stone crab season runs from Oct. 15 to May 1. Stone crabs are harvested for their claws and then returned to the water, where the claws will regenerate.
The festival was the brainchild of John Banyas, a fourth-generation fisherman from Cortez and owner of the Swordfish Grill, Cortez Kitchen, Cortez Bait and Seafood Inc., and N.E. Taylor Boatworks – named for Banyas’ grandfather.
Fresh stone crabs were the stars of the Cortez Stone Crab and Music Festival. – Joe Hendricks | SunJosh Calvert cracked and served the fresh stone crabs, as he’s done at every Cortez Stone Crab Festival since the festival began. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The Cortez Kitchen is closed for renovations and is expected to be open around the end of November, but during the festival, the space was used for festivalgoers to enjoy Rum Nuts coconut-filled rum drinks.
Cortez Kitchen is scheduled to reopen soon. The space was used at the Cortez Stone Crab Festival to serve Cortez Curse Rum Nuts rum coconut drinks. – Leslie Lake | SunJeff and Summer served “Rum Nuts” cocktails inside the renovated Cortez Kitchen. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Saturday’s music lineup on the festival main stage was Mikey Silbaugh of Concrete Edgar, Mushroom Soup, Uncle John’s Band and Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones. On the Swordfish Grill Tiki Deck, the Saturday music line-up was Ted Stevens, the Stockton Brothers and Tim Chandler.
RJ Howson played with Berry Oakley & Friends. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The festival’s main stage music lineup on Sunday was Ted Stevens and the Doo-Shots, Berry Oakley and Friends, Twinkle and Rock Soul Radio and Trever Bystrom’s RX featuring Zion Albert. On Sunday, playing at the Swordfish Grill Tiki Deck were Taylor Opie, the Billy Rice Trio and Steel Vibes.
Folks stood in line Sunday afternoon to get a serving of fresh stone crabs. – Joe Hendricks | SunA large tent provided attendees with a shaded area to eat, drink and listen to the live music. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The festival has a charitable component. All proceeds from draft beer sales will benefit the non-profit Blessing Bags Project. The Bradenton-based organization is dedicated to providing basic critical needs to the homeless and less fortunate. Blessing Bags volunteers manned the draft beer area.
“Big Storm Brewery is graciously donating the beer trailer,” Sears said.
Parking was available at the FISH (Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage) Preserve, adjacent to the festival and was manned by FISH volunteers. Parking proceeds benefited the non-profit FISH.
Shoppers perused the arts and crafts offerings at the Cortez Stone Crab Festival. – Leslie Lake | SunArtist Mike Parrott displays his paintings for sale at the Cortez Stone Crab Festival. – Leslie Lake | Sun
Festival sponsors were Anna Maria Banana Boat Rides, A. Shadow Designs, Big Storm Brewery, Blenker Boat Works and Marina, Cortez Bait and Seafood, Florida Fishing Fleet, Fun Boat Tours, Visit Gulf Islands of Manatee County, N.E. Taylor Boatworks, The Suncoast Post, Sande Caplin and Associates, Swordfish Grill, The Anchor Inn, Wieffenbach and Reinhart Law, Wine Bow, Ameris Bank, Anderson Dock and Seawall, Duncan Real Estate, Junk-it-away, Spectrum Reach and Taylor High Pressure Washing
BRADENTON BEACH – A sweet holiday tradition that began with Peter Vriner’s grandfather in 1898 in Champaign, Illinois lives on in Bradenton Beach.
Using his grandfather’s recipe and original equipment, Vriner will demonstrate the 125-year-old candy cane-making techniques at the Fudge Factory, 117 Bridge St. on Friday, Nov. 17 at 6 p.m.
“It’s exactly the same way it was done in 1898,” Vriner said.
His grandfather, Peter George Vrinios, a Greek immigrant who changed the family name to Vriner, opened Vriner’s Confectionary in Champaign, and over the years, the business was run by generations of the Vriner family. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 and was visited by many celebrities.
“President Kennedy gave a speech in the back of a railroad car right there by the confectionary,” Vriner said. “He had one of our candy canes and said it was the best he ever had.”
He said Al Capone had been a regular customer who enjoyed marshmallow sundaes. Eleanor Roosevelt enjoyed their chocolate sodas. Roger Ebert visited almost daily when he worked at the News-Gazette, and REO Speedwagon’s R.E.O./T.W.O. album cover was photographed at the confectionary shop.
The shop closed in 1997, and when Vriner decided to move to Florida in 2004, he couldn’t bear to leave the candymaking equipment behind.
“I didn’t know what I was going to do with a 100-pound marble table, copper kettles and gas burners, but I didn’t want to drop the tradition, so I brought it all with me,” he said.
He said he approached Ben Kaminecki at the Fudge Factory in 2004 and asked if he would be interested in working as a team on the candy canes during the holiday season.
“He said yes and we’ve been partners ever since,” Vriner said.
Vriner begins with cooking the mixture and after 30 minutes, pours it out onto the same 100-pound 6×4-foot marble slab that his grandfather used.
The final step of the traditional candy cane making process will take more than an hour and yield about 100 candy canes. – Jason Schaffer | Sun
“Then I add the peppermint flavor and ball it up, then I use a hook to turn it,” he said. “I put the three colors together on a heated table and pull out about 100 canes.”
The public is invited to watch the demonstration, and children may form their own candy canes for purchase.
