BRADENTON BEACH – In what Mayor John Chappie characterized as a “mistake,” the city learned the hard way that coconut palm trees are not allowed by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) on Gulf Drive South (State Road 789).
The coconut palm trees that were planted the week of April 24 along the Gulf Drive roundabout and traffic islands at the end of Bridge Street were removed on May 24 after it was determined by FDOT that planting the species was not in compliance with state regulations.
“There’s a right tree in the right place, but this is the wrong tree in the wrong place,” FDOT District One Scenic Highway Coordinator Darryl Richard said on May 24.
That section of Gulf Drive falls under the jurisdiction of FDOT.
“The city didn’t apply for a permit, but even if they had, coconut palms are a species that are not allowed there based on FDOT standards and public safety,” Richard said.
Richard said coconut palms violate sight line and vertical clear zone regulations, making them a safety issue for motorists. Another safety concern with the tree is falling coconuts, he said.
“Palm fronds that would fall into the roadway as well as vertical clearance are safety issues,” Richard said. “Coconuts are also one of the safety factors that could present problems.”
Richard said all his correspondence with the city has been verbal and he met with the mayor earlier in the week.
“He (Mayor Chappie) realized the mistake and decided to remove the palms,” Richard said.
Chappie was on-site during tree removal and spoke to The Sun.
“I won’t make that mistake again,” Chappie said. “FDOT has been really great about explaining and working with us to take care of this.”
The trees were moved by a loader and placed in piles at the paid parking lot owned by Shawn Kaleta at the corner of Bridge Street and Gulf Drive.
Chappie didn’t know the exact number of trees being relocated but, according to a site plan prepared by City Attorney Ricinda Perry, there were more than 15 trees.
“We have to be careful of the location because FDOT rules and regulations are pretty strict about sight vision. And that’s what we’re doing,” Chappie said.
Chappie said the trees that were removed will be replanted on Bridge Street.
“We’re just filling everything in,” Chappie said. “If we want to plant some trees, we have to fill out a plan submittal for anything over 24 inches.”
Pictures of the trees being removed and the circumstances surrounding their removal were posted on May 24 on the Anna Maria Island Sun Facebook page, and the coconut telegraph was busy.
“People are already trying to dodge palm fronds to be able to walk down Bridge Street. Should be interesting to see when the coconuts start falling,” Gay Rosnett wrote.
Jeremy Williams wrote, “This whole thing is an embarrassment. The mayor should resign. Lotta funny business mixed up in here.”
The trees that were removed were among the 80 coconut palm trees that were planted in the Bridge Street area in April.
The installation of the trees and a private/public partnership with developer Shawn Kaleta were approved at an April 3 Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting following assurances by Perry that a maintenance, hold harmless and indemnification agreement signed by Kaleta would be in place prior to planting in which Kaleta would assume responsibility for maintenance and liability for any damage caused by the palm trees.
As of May 26, after multiple Sunshine Law public records requests by The Sun for a copy of the agreement beginning on May 6, the city has not provided the document.
The question remains as to who would be liable for any damage or injuries caused by the trees.
On May 24, while at the site of the tree removal, Chappie was asked again about the whereabouts of the signed agreement. He deferred questions to Perry.
Related coverage:
Editorial: Palm trees and other shady endeavors
No signed agreement released on palm trees
