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Month: June 2024

Mayor accepts responsibility for misplacement of palms

Mayor accepts responsibility for misplacement of palms

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News, Featured.

BRADENTON BEACH – At the June 5 Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting, Mayor John Chappie accepted responsibility for the Florida Department of Transportation-mandated removal of the newly planted coconut palm trees on Gulf Drive.

“I did make a mistake at the beginning when we had the 19 palms that were planted in the FDOT right-of-way and that’s all on me,” Chappie said.

The trees were planted the week of April 24 on the Gulf Drive South roundabout and traffic islands as part of a CRA-approved project that included Bridge Street. The $50,000 coconut palm project is a public-private partnership between the city and developer Shawn Kaleta’s Beach to Bay Investments LLC.

That portion of Gulf Drive South is a state road and falls under the jurisdiction of the FDOT. The city was notified by FDOT that coconut palm trees are not allowed on state roads due to safety concerns about visibility, along with falling fronds and coconuts.

“Darryl (FDOT Scenic Highway Coordinator Darryl Richard) was very kind and very efficient with trying to get ahold of us,” Chappie said. “Once he got ahold of us I was out of town for a week at the hurricane conference, but within 24 hours, I considered it an emergency situation that those needed to get out of the right of way because they were concerned that it doesn’t meet their standards.”

Chappie said the city would have to fill out a permit form and go through the FDOT process to plant in the traffic islands and roundabout.

“He (Richard) did say, the rule is four inches in circumference,” Chappie said. “The Alexander palms (which were previously in the roundabout) were four inches in circumference but apparently, 10 years ago or whenever it was, there wasn’t needed permission from FDOT to put them in. So my thought was on trying to replace those, they didn’t look very healthy and that’s all on me of course.”

According to Chappie, four of the 19 palms were taken back to landscaper M&F Lawn Care’s yard. Chappie said the trees may be relocated to Lou Barolo Park or the city police department.

Chappie said he will be meeting with Miguel Mancera of M&F Lawn Care and city attorney Ricinda Perry to determine what is needed to finish the project.

Chappie then spoke about the trees along Bridge Street.

“There were a total of 60 palms that have been delivered. We planted 56 palms on Bridge Street, on First Street and the pier dock area,” he said.

Chappie said that four or five of the smaller palms were leaning and didn’t appear to have a good connection with the root ball.

“Miguel assured us that he was guaranteeing everything that was planted,” Chappie said. “I talked to him yesterday. We need to get together to go over everything, to continue to do some of the beautification that we like.”

IRRIGATION PURSUED

Chappie brought up an irrigation system installation on Bridge Street which had received CRA approval for a cost of up to $7,500.

Police Chief John Cosby, who is currently serving as interim public works director following the resignation of Tom Woodard, weighed in.

“I don’t think the amount of money that’s budgeted is going to cover it,” Cosby said. “In order to run the line down the entire street on both sides we’re going to have to lift the bricks out of the crosswalks to put the pipe underneath it, otherwise we’re going to have to bore and boring is very expensive so that brick would have to be removed and the lines run so the whole street has irrigation. I don’t know that $7,000 is going to cover it but we’ll get some estimates and bring those back and we’ll go from there.”

MAYOR RESPONDS

At the June 6 city commission meeting, Chappie responded to press coverage of the city’s lag in producing a fully-executed agreement between the city and developer Shawn Kaleta ensuring Kaleta’s assumption of responsibility for newly-planted coconut palm trees on Bridge Street.

The Sun’s news coverage included a timeline of events, including emails from the city, that showed that a signed agreement for the coconut palms between the city and Kaleta was not in place until May 28 – more than a month after the trees were planted the week of April 24. The Sun also published two editorials criticizing the process and the project.

Chappie did not name The Sun and did not refute any of the facts in the stories.

“As everybody knows, we’re five people up here and we are a weak mayor form of government, we are equal, and we assign people to oversee on certain projects,” Chappie said. Ricinda (City Attorney Ricinda Perry) has gotten the brunt of a lot of projects to do and unfortunately has gotten a lot of the brunt of the criticism.”

Four candidates qualify in Anna Maria

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

ANNA MARIA – The first week of Anna Maria’s two-week candidate qualifying period saw city commission chair Mark Short and former city commissioner Brian Seymour qualify to face each other in the race to succeed departing Mayor Dan Murphy.

Seymour is the business owner of the Anna Maria General Store on Pine Avenue and the co-owner/ operator of the City Pier Grill business that leases city-owned space on the Anna Maria City Pier.

Incumbent Commissioner Gary McMullen qualified to run for a city commission seat, as did former charter review committee Chairperson Chris Arendt. McMullen was appointed to the commission in January and now seeks election to a full two-year term. Arendt seeks his first city commission term.

Short qualifying to run in the mayor’s race means he must vacate his current city commission seat, win or lose, after the general election in November.

This creates a third opening to be filled in the general election – or filled later by commission appointment if no additional commission candidates emerge during the second and final week of qualifying.

Anna Maria’s qualifying period ends on Friday, June 14 at noon. Qualifying packets can be obtained from the city clerk’s office or the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office.

West Manatee Fire Rescue first responders tend to a 10-year-old West Virginia girl who was struck by a car in the 1300 block of Gulf Drive North in Bradenton Beach. – MARK PLATT | SUBMITTED

10-year-old struck by car in Bradenton Beach

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – A 10-year-old West Virginia girl was fortunate to only have some scratches and bruises after being struck by a car crossing Gulf Drive North in the 1300 block on June 7 around 5:30 p.m.

The accident happened on the west side of Gulf Drive across the street from the Tortuga Resort. According to officers with the Bradenton Beach Police Department (BBPD), who quickly arrived on the scene, the juvenile was crossing the street where there was no marked crosswalk when she was struck by a Ford Mustang traveling south.

West Manatee Fire Rescue arrived on the scene quickly and assessed the girl, determining her injuries were not serious. Still, they transported her to HCA Florida Blake Hospital for further treatment, where she was later released.

Officers said she crossed the road in an area that did not have a dedicated crosswalk, meaning the vehicles on the road had the right of way. They said it’s important for people to know that unless there is a marked crosswalk, pedestrians must wait for traffic to clear before crossing according to Florida Statute 316.130 (10): “Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.”

A local resident witness said he sees dangerous pedestrian crossings regularly and worries there will eventually be a serious incident if people don’t pay closer attention to the rules of crossing the street on foot.

“I see it all the time, people in that area of Gulf Drive cross the street thinking traffic will stop,” Mark Platt said. “There is no marked crossing, and at night it is incredibly dark because of the lack of lighting because of turtle regulations. It’s dangerous, and I worry someone will be seriously hurt or worse; you just can’t see them a lot of the time.”

The driver of the vehicle that struck the juvenile stayed at the scene of the accident, and according to BBPD was cooperative and was not cited for any traffic offenses.

Letter to the Editor: Fond farewell

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

I was saddened to hear that Mayor Dan Murphy had decided not to run for reelection. But only for a minute, because I quickly realized how fortunate Anna Maria has been to have him as mayor for the past 10 years. He has not only been honest but also strong in his attempt to keep Anna Maria, Anna Maria in the face of powerful forces. His accomplishments are many but none greater than the rebuilding of the City Pier. With his vision and hard work, it should be in place for the world to enjoy for many decades to come.

I have witnessed Anna Maria mayors for the last 50 years and it is not a stretch to say he has been the best I’ve seen. So, I thank Dan and his wife, Barbara, for what they have given the city. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement.

 

Doug Copeland

Anna Maria

Suspect charged in Sunny Shores shooting

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Community News, Cortez, Featured.

CORTEZ – A suspect is in custody charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm and one count of battery after a shooting at the Sunny Shores Mobile Home Park the night of June 6.

According to a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office press release, Kevin R. Armstrong allegedly confronted a 33-year-old female who arrived at a residence in the 3900 block of 116th Street West around 8:08 p.m. with two males on a golf cart to retrieve some personal items.

Law enforcement responded to reports of a shootout in Cortez on Thursday, June 6. – Jason Schaffer | Sun

Detectives said that Armstrong and the female victim had been in a domestic relationship, and he had allegedly slapped the victim in the face earlier in the evening.

A verbal altercation between Armstrong and the victim quickly escalated, according to the release. During the argument, Armstrong allegedly grabbed a shotgun and shot at her as she and the two males accompanying her tried to flee the home, resulting in the female victim being shot in the chest.

One of the men with the victim retrieved a handgun from the golf cart and allegedly returned multiple rounds of fire in Armstrong’s direction, but did not hit him. The three, including the injured female, fled the area on the golf cart to 119th Street West and 45th Avenue West, according to the release.

At 8:45 p.m., according to West Manatee Fire Rescue (WMFR) Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski, an unidentified male victim was assessed for a gunshot wound to the foot at 3916 116th St. W. but refused treatment.

MCSO deputies confronted Armstrong at the 116th Street West address, where he was attempting to hide inside the residence, according to the release. After being ordered to surrender to police, he complied and was taken into custody. Other deputies met with the  victims at 45th Avenue West to gather further information.

The female victim was transported to HCA Florida Blake Hospital, where she was treated for a gunshot wound to the chest. As of this morning, she was listed in stable condition.

The investigation is ongoing.

Letter to the Editor: Chamber extends thanks for golf tournament aid

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

On behalf of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, we extend a big “thank you” to the many golfers, sponsors, prize donors, business vendors and volunteers at our 25th Annual Golf Tournament for Scholarships at IMG Academy Golf Club on May 10. Monies received from the tournament go toward our annual scholarship program. The AMI Chamber awards three scholarships each year to Manatee County high school seniors who wish to further their education by attending either a college or trade school.

To our sponsors and prize donors, thank you for donating to this very worthy cause and making a difference! To our volunteers, thank you for your time and welcoming smiles that participants look forward to seeing! To our business vendors, thank you for sharing your services and promotional items with the tournament’s golfers.

Through your contributions, we can continue providing scholarships. We are very appreciative that you helped make this year’s tournament a success!

 

Terri Kinder, president

Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce

Editorial: Signed palm tree agreement better late than never

Written by Sun staff on . Posted in Editorial, Opinion.

The now-signed maintenance, indemnification and hold harmless agreement for the flawed Bridge Street coconut palm tree planting project lists April 1 as the project commencement date, which fittingly coincides with April Fool’s Day.

But Mayor John Chappie and the city’s witness, City Clerk Terri Sanclemente, didn’t sign and fully execute the agreement until May 28 – nearly two months after the listed commencement date.

On May 15, City Attorney Ricinda Perry told The Sun a “signed agreement” existed but a copy couldn’t be provided until Sanclemente returned from vacation on May 28. Local developer and project partner Shawn Kaleta might have signed the agreement on behalf of his Beach to Bay Construction Limited Liability Corporation in mid-May, as Perry’s emails indicate, but the agreement wasn’t legally enforceable until Chappie and Sanclemente signed it.

We appreciate Sanclemente promptly providing a copy of the fully executed agreement upon her return. We thank her for acknowledging that she and Chappie signed the agreement that day and for providing additional project-related documents and answers to our questions. Sanclemente did her job, while others associated with the project failed miserably.

Of the 70 coconut palms planted on and around Bridge Street, one already fell on a Bridge Street sidewalk and 22 others were removed from Gulf Drive South and replanted elsewhere along Bridge Street because FDOT doesn’t allow coconut palms and their falling coconuts and palm fronds along state-owned roads. Bradenton Beach leaders apparently don’t share similar safety concerns about city-owned Bridge Street.

During the month-long gap between the plantings and the mayor’s signature, would the city have been solely responsible for any palm tree-related deaths, injuries or property damage that occurred before the agreement became legally binding?

The Perry-drafted agreement includes indemnification language designed to protect the city from project-related lawsuits. An indemnification clause doesn’t prevent the city from being named in a lawsuit. It simply means the city can try to recoup its lawsuit-related losses from Kaleta and his roster of attorneys. That’s a risky proposition for a city financially desperate enough to sign over control of city-owned assets in exchange for shared project costs.

Perry and her elected accomplices are taking liberties with taxpayer assets that might get them removed by shareholders if they sat on a private sector board of directors. A misguided tree-planting project isn’t the worst sin a local government can commit, but the city attorney shouldn’t be leading the lackadaisical mayor and commissioners by their noses in her efforts to broker questionable public-private partnerships.

This fiasco prompted some Sun readers to call for Perry’s termination and Chappie’s resignation. Neither of those scenarios are likely, but maybe the light shined on this botched affair will cause all involved to think twice before pursuing another partnership with Team Kaleta.

Vote water

Vote water

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

Readers of this column are well aware of the critical state of our coastal waters in Manatee County and beyond. The Dapis (lyngbya) blooms that have persisted from 2020 to this year have brought the issue front and center as the harmful algae bloom choked waters and fouled the air and seagrass beds from the Manatee River to Palma Sola Bay and beyond.

I’ve mentioned in recent columns that these insults to Florida’s environment point to the lack of political will to effect the changes that are necessary to preserve our environment and the economy it supports. The recent move by the Manatee County Commission (Commissioner George Kruse being the lone dissenter) to allow developers to build closer to wetlands at a time when we should be doing just the opposite defies reason. At a state Waterkeeper weekly Zoom meeting a couple of years ago, Florida Sportsman Editor Blair Wickstrom addressed their most recent efforts to elicit support for their Vote Water Initiative. The efforts dovetail perfectly with what groups like Waterkeeper are seeking to address. This advocacy is a continuation of the magazine’s long involvement in protecting Florida anglers’ interests. Florida Sportsman Founder Karl Wickstrom and the magazine have been on the front lines continually lobbying for common sense rules and regulations.

Their plan resonated with me immediately, so I reached out to Wickstrom to hear more about Vote Water’s goals. He responded quickly with a passionate and well-reasoned argument. “If you had to pick one reason for the lack of success in protecting our state’s water from continual degradation, it would have to be lack of political will from our elected officials to get something done,” said Wickstrom, vice president of Vote Water.

“What we have in the state of Florida (and Manatee County) is a political problem, not a party issue, but when it comes to fixing the state’s water, the political problem requires a political solution,” Vote Water President Ray Judah emphasized. “Democracy isn’t a spectator sport. If you truly want to have clean air, clean water and public officials that represent the public interest instead of the special interest, the people that vote need to be informed.”

That’s the same argument I’ve used on these pages, pointing out the shared responsibility we as voters have to effect much-needed change.

The Vote Water initiative highlights not only politicians’ votes but also the amount of money they accepted from special interests. That “dirty money” is a part of the Voter Guide that the organization wants to spend more time on going forward. As the adage says, you have to follow the money. It’s clearly the case in politics.

“In order for people to be represented, to have a true democracy, we need to help make taking money from a special interest, such as the phosphate industry, toxic,” emphasizes the organization.

Don’t be fooled into believing what candidates promise, especially as the election approaches. If you care about our coastal resources don’t vote Democrat or Republican. Check the candidates’ voting records on the water we drink and that the fish we pursue swim in. If we don’t, we may well be voting against our self-interest. The future of fishing in Florida and the economy hangs in the balance. VOTE WATER!

Youth soccer champs close spring season

Youth soccer champs close spring season

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

ANNA MARIA – After weeks of regular season youth soccer action on the Island, two teams come out on top after winning the season-ending games last week. The Intuitive Foundation, also known as “the Pickles,” won their match against Solid Rock Construction in the 8- to 10-year-old soccer league.

Off the hot foot of Gunnar Maize, the Pickles won 3-0. Parker Svoboda assisted one of Maize’s three goals to help the team win.

Sawyer Leibfried and Elijah Roadman both had big games in goal with eight and five saves each for The Intuitive Foundation and Solid Rock, respectively.

The older kids finished the season 2-1 in a close one with Westfall’s Lawn Care & Pest Control winning over HSH Design by a single goal.

Youth soccer champs close spring season
Eight- to 10-year-old league youth soccer champions, “the Pickles,” are also known as team The Intuitive Foundation. Top row from left are Assistant Coach George Maize, Gunnar Maize, Parker Svoboda, Coach Brooke Svoboda, Sawyer Leibfried and Alexander Czajkowski. Bottom row from left are Silas Whitehead, Bailey Shenbaum, Caroline Svoboda, Gia Ciasullo and Henry Leibfried. Also pictured are Jacek Czajkowski and Brian Leibfried. – Submitted | Charles “Tuna” McCracken

With both teams’ goalies finishing with nine stops against the strikes of their opposition, HSH’s Jack Zaccagnino and Austin Guess, playing for Westfall, finished the season strong.

Westfall’s goals came off the boots of Ryk Kesten and Lucas Signor, with an assist by Declan Lee. The strong leg of Beau Canup scored the only point for the HSH squad.

After a play-in round of soccer, the adult playoffs began last week, just as the kids’ season came to a close. Beach House Waterfront Restaurant and Solid Rock Construction both advanced to the first round of playoffs after winning their play-in games on May 29.

Moving on to the second round of play are teams Salty Printing, Ross Built Custom Homes, Pool America and Progressive. Games will be played at The Center of Anna Maria Island on the evening of Thursday, June 6, with continuing playoff action on Thursday, June 13.

SUN SCOREBOARD

 

MAY 28

 

YOUTH SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

 

8- TO 10-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE

 

 

The Intuitive Foundation 3

Solid Rock Construction 0

 

 

11- TO 14-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE

 

Westfall’s Lawn Care & Pest Control 2

HSH Design 1

 

 

MAY 29

ADULT CO-ED SOCCER PLAY-IN ROUND

 

Beach House Waterfront Restaurant 4

Diamond Turf 3

 

 

Solid Rock Construction 5

Language Services Association 0

 

 

MAY 30

ADULT CO-ED SOCCER – ROUND ONE PLAYOFFS

 

Salty Printing 3

Moss Builders 1

 

 

Ross Built Custom Homes 3

Sato Real Estate 1

 

 

Pool America 3

Beach House Waterfront Restaurant 2

 

 

Progressive Cabinetry 6

Solid Rock Construction 3

School for Constructive Play’s next chapter

School for Constructive Play’s next chapter

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Community News, Schools.

HOLMES BEACH – The School for Constructive Play (SCP) has been an Island landmark for decades, with hundreds of little feet walking through the school’s doors over the years.

The original preschool opened in 1989, and the institution as so many know it has been under the thoughtful care of Pam Bertrand.

Bertrand started at SCP as a substitute teacher and raised three of her children in the original little schoolhouse on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria. In 1995, she started working full-time at the school, eventually running the programs.

A decade later, she had the opportunity to buy the school from Maria Richards, and, as Bertrand says, “The rest is history.”

Fast forward two decades later and a move to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church on Marina Drive in Holmes Beach, and Manatee County native Kelly Stewart is ready to step into the shoes of “Teacher Pam” as the new owner of the School for Constructive Play.

Stewart, a former student at the preschool and graduate of Manatee High School, started working as a full-time teacher in 2019. With a good amount of the early childhood education curriculum completed, Stewart said, “I decided to take a job at the preschool when Teacher Rainia moved,” after Bertrand asked for her assistance while the search for a new teacher began. The temporary job soon became permanent, and the next chapter of the preschool began.

“When Teacher Pam asks you for something, you say absolutely, what do you need?” Stewart said.

Stewart’s life at the School for Constructive Play began by entering Teacher Pam’s classroom when she was only a year old in 1997 and continued until she graduated from the school to attend Anna Maria Elementary School. The family history of working or attending the school included Stewart’s brother, Cory, who started at SCP when he was 3 years old.

School for Constructive Play’s next chapter
New School for Constructive Play owner Kelly Stewart (top row, far left) with her class and teacher Pam Bertrand, circa 2001. – Submitted

Stewart would often find herself walking through the doors to help, volunteer or visit, and eventually, work. Currently working with the 1- and 2-year-olds, Stewart recalls having frequent conversations with Bertrand about the love of the school and the people who make it so special.

Even a short move recently to California could not keep her away from the SCP. Quickly moving back, the final decision was made that she would be the successor to the tradition of the preschool, with big shoes to fill.

Those who have raised their kids in the area have heard the legendary stories surrounding the fun the children have had over the years at the preschool. Not only the parents and students have fond memories of Teacher Pam, but the teachers who have worked with and for her consider her family.

Friends and co-workers Barb Burgess and Chrissy McCracken have had years of working side by side with Bertrand. Burgess said, “Pam is like a sister from another mother… truly an amazing friend, mom and teacher.”

“Teacher Pam is such a strong woman, is always smiling and has one of the kindest hearts you will ever come across,” McCracken said.

More recent additions to the teaching staff are equally as fond of Teacher Pam. Long-time SCP parent, friend and now teacher Dina Franklin recalls her son’s experience.

“Tyler was so lucky to have had the experience of learning and growing up in SCP with Pam and all the other wonderful teachers during that time.”

One of the newer teachers, Gracie Lewis, expressed her memories of Teacher Pam.

“(She) welcomed me with open arms and always treated me like family,” she said. Recalling the respect everyone has for Bertrand, Lewis said, “When Teacher Pam asks you to get into the dumpster, you get into the dumpster.”

Countless former parents, students and SCP teachers have the same sentiments toward Teacher Pam. Former students who eventually became teachers at the preschool, Rainia Lardas and Gussie Lardas, definitely echo the message of their counterparts.

“Pam is my forever boss. She is not only so knowledgeable but also so kind,” Rainia Lardas said. To this day, Bertrand is her first phone call if she has a question about childcare.

Gussie Lardas, now an elementary school teacher in Manatee County, recalls, “I have known Pam my whole life. She gave me my first job at SCP when I was 16. Working at the preschool with Pam has taught me a lot about the type of teacher I want to be for my students.”

For Bertrand, the small events that made the students excited about learning are highlights of a wonderful career. From visits by farm animals, firemen and Santa Claus to learning to write their names, each memory lives bright in her mind.

Stewart plans to continue the preschool’s traditions and environment of fun while learning. While she plans to stay in the classroom during the transition, she hopes to be able to focus on developing the program and strengthening the school. Staying as a familiar face in the classroom and being a support to all of the teachers is important to her.

Accepting children as young as a year old, SCP prepares Island area kids for elementary school with VPK classes for 4- and 5-year-old children. The preschool has more than 15 years of VPK instructional experience with limited seating each year.

Stewart hopes the school can eventually bring back the afterschool program for young elementary school students.

“My goal is to grow and eventually expand SCP while maintaining that sparkle that makes this place so special,” Stewart said.

“Turning the preschool over to Kelly Stewart is an honor,” Bertrand said.

Preparing to hand over the brightly lit torch for the School for Constructive Play, she sends a message to the Island community.

“I could never thank the parents enough for allowing me to be a part of their child’s life,” she said. “I have truly been blessed. All of the children have given me so much joy and happiness. Their love, humor and pure honesty is unmatched. I have had the best job. I shouldn’t even call it a job, it’s joy.”

Cameras to ticket school zone speeders

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

HOLMES BEACH – Changes are coming to the school zone in front of Anna Maria Elementary School and drivers need to take note to avoid a ticket.

“This isn’t about making a buck, it’s about safety,” Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said of the planned camera system.

The system, being provided by Blue Line Solutions, is intended to catch drivers who speed through the school zone and who illegally pass school buses during school zone hours. City leaders in Holmes Beach are entering into the agreement through a piggyback agreement from one recently executed in Hollywood, Florida.

Though the speed limit on Gulf Drive is typically 25 mph, it drops to 15 mph when the yellow flashing beacon activates before and after school hours when there is more traffic in the area and kids are crossing the street.

With the new system, it will be easier to enforce the school zone speed limit with the system automatically generating speeding tickets for offending drivers. A representative for Blue Line, Dave Bocchino, said that the system uses artificial intelligence to identify illegal activity in the school zone and generate tickets, allowing for law enforcement services to be reallocated to other areas, if needed.

Bocchino also said that the system is funded by offenders, meaning that no charges will be billed to the city for the camera system, installation or services provided by Blue Line. The company recoups the cost of operation through an administrative fee charged and fines issued to traffic offenders. Rather than making money or “a cash grab,” he said it’s about making school zones safer for students.

A study conducted by Blue Line in the AME school zone showed 327 speeders over a five-day period going 11 mph or more through the school zone while the flashers were on indicating the lowered speed limit. Starting 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after the flasher times in the morning and afternoon, Bocchino said the study showed 1,300 drivers going through the school zone at speeds in excess of 11 mph over the speed limit. With the camera system, he said the company sees an average reduction of 90% in school zone speeding incidents.

Tokajer said the camera system would only be used to enforce speeding in the school zone while the flashers are on in the mornings and afternoons, when students are moving about in the area. He added that he’s spoken with representatives from AME who are in favor of the camera system.

Blue Line collects a $25 per incident fee along with a monthly fee of $2,500 per camera plus a $15-per-incident processing fee. All fees are subtracted from the gross amount of tickets issued through the system.

The camera system is being installed under a law passed by the state Legislature and approved by Gov. Ron DeSantis that allows camera enforcement of speeding and illegal school bus passing in school zones as of July 1, 2023.

Bocchino said in addition to the camera system and operation, Blue Line also offers an included public education component to help spread the word through the community that the camera system is in place and what to expect when driving through the school zone during school zone hours.

After meeting with several potential vendors while at the Florida Chief’s Association annual conference, Tokajer said that he selected Blue Line because the company has a local presence in Sarasota and charges less in administrative fees to offenders than some other companies.

In addition to the new system, Tokajer said that Director of Public Works Sage Kamiya also completed a Florida Department of Transportation study that shows the one-block-long school zone is not large enough to meet the department’s standards. When the cameras go in, he said the school zone will be restriped and extended by 100 yards to the north and 200 yards to the south.

Drivers won’t have to worry about the new system or the larger size of the school zone until classes resume in August.

Commissioners passed the first reading of an ordinance allowing for the regulation of the school zone. City Attorney Erica Augello said that the ordinance is required to enforce regulations in the school zone.

Palm tree landscaper awaiting payment from city

Palm tree landscaper awaiting payment from city

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – Since April 24, Miguel Mancera’s landscaping crews have been busy laying stone, planting and, in some cases, removing and replanting multiple coconut palm trees on and around Bridge Street.

Mancera, the owner of M&F Lawn Care in Bradenton, sent an invoice to the city on April 19 for a $25,000 down payment toward the $50,000 cost of the trees and landscaping work, and as of May 30, he said he has not received payment.

“I have payroll to meet every week,” Mancera said, adding he has 12 employees. “They haven’t paid me yet. I called Ricinda (City Attorney Ricinda Perry) and she is supposed to talk to Thompson (City Treasurer Shayne Thompson).

Mancera said he paid for the stone and trees out of pocket in anticipation of payment by the city.

“I don’t know the exact amount, but it cost more than half (of the $50,000),” he said. “There was more than 20 yards of rock, so that was $6,000 just for the rock.”

M&F Lawn Care was hired by the city to plant up to 80 coconut palm trees on and around Bridge Street, as well as to lay white river rock.

The tree planting project is a city partnership with developer Shawn Kaleta. According to the city clerk, Kaleta made his agreed-upon donation of $10,000 toward the project on April 10.

Palm tree landscaper awaiting payment from city
Some of the coconut palm trees that were removed from Gulf Drive South were replanted along the approach to the Bradenton Beach Pier. – Leslie Lake | Sun

Mancera, who has done work for both the city and Kaleta, said he had been contacted by Perry and Kaleta for the tree project.

“They called me up and I met them a couple of times on Bridge Street so they could show me where to plant the trees,” he said.

On May 24, Mancera’s crews were back to remove what he said were 22 of the coconut palms that they had planted in the roundabout and traffic islands of Gulf Drive South as part of the project.

The trees were removed after the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) informed the city that coconut palms were not allowed on state roads due to safety concerns about sight lines along with falling palm fronds and coconuts. That section of Gulf Drive South falls under the jurisdiction of the FDOT.

“We took out 22 trees and we replanted 18,” Mancera said. “Some were replanted on Bridge Street, some in front of the parking lot at the Pines Trailer Park and some along the pier across from the oyster restaurant (Anna Maria Oyster Bar). I don’t know about the other four.”

The city clerk sent The Sun a copy of the April 19 M&F Lawn Care invoice which showed a total cost of $50,000 for the landscaping and planting of the palm trees. M&F had requested a $25,000 down payment which was due within 30 days or subject to a 1.5% late charge.

The invoice was marked with a handwritten: “OK to pay. JRC (Mayor John Chappie’s initials).” The city clerk confirmed by email on May 30 that payment had not been made.

Editorial: Signed palm tree agreement better late than never

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Jewfish Key withdraws application to be removed from LBK

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News, Longboat Key.

LONGBOAT KEY – The Jewfish Key Preservation Association has withdrawn its application to be removed from the jurisdiction of the Town of Longboat Key.

Attorney Aaron Thomas of the Najmy Thompson law firm represents the association. On May 31, he sent an email to Longboat Key Town Attorney Maggie Mooney formally withdrawing the “voluntary contraction” petition submitted on Jan. 16.

“Please be informed that the association, along with the property owners of Jewfish Key, has decided to formally withdraw and revoke the Voluntary Contraction Petition,” Thomas wrote. “This decision comes as we are currently in the process of reassessing the Voluntary Contraction Petition in light of the findings and recommendations contained within the Requested Contraction of Jewfish Key Feasibility Study conducted by the Town of Longboat Key.”

No specific reason was given.

The 139-page study prepared by the town includes a summary of the petition and a brief history of the contraction area, the town’s departmental and consultant analyses prepared by department heads from finance, planning, zoning, building, public works, police and fire departments and a market/economic analysis by consultant Willdan Financial of the contraction area relating to the statutory feasibility study criteria provided for in Florida Statutes Chapter 171. Also included are relevant maps, a staff analysis of Florida Statutes, historical documents and town department head credentials and biographies.

The study was prepared to fulfill statutory requirements and was intended to be used by the town commission to evaluate the feasibility of the requested contraction and decide whether to initiate contraction proceedings or to reject the petition, according to the study introduction.

Thomas wrote that since there was no longer a petition or proposal for commissioners to consider at the June 3 commission meeting, the item should be removed from the meeting agenda.

If the contraction had been pursued and was successful, Jewfish Key would have become part of unincorporated Manatee County.

Mooney notified Mayor Ken Schneier and town commissioners of the withdrawal by email: “The purpose of this email is to share with the Town Commission an email transmitted this morning from the attorney for the Jewfish Key Preservation Association withdrawing and revoking the Contraction Petition submitted on Jan. 16, 2024.”

Despite the withdrawal, Mooney wrote that the commission should still plan on convening to open the public meeting since the session was noticed to the public.

“Given the withdrawal, there will not be a presentation from town staff on the Jewfish Key contraction request as previously identified in the meeting agenda and no further town commission action or discussion on the matter is required,” she wrote.

Mayor optimistic about vacation rental bill’s fate

Mayor optimistic about vacation rental bill’s fate

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

ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy is growing increasingly confident that the Florida Legislature’s latest attempt to preempt vacation rental regulation to the state will once again fail.

Proposed and supported by the Florida Legislature earlier this year, Senate Bill 280 and its matching companion bill, House Bill 1537, seek to take short-term vacation rental regulation and the regulation of short-term rental advertising away from Florida cities and counties and place that authority solely with the state.

Sen Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton) and State Rep. Will Robinson Jr. (R-Bradenton) are among the many state legislators who voted in favor of the proposed legislation.

To become new state law, the proposed legislation must be transmitted to Gov. Ron DeSantis. If the governor supports the legislation, he can sign it into new state law effective July 1 or allow it to become new state law without his signature of support. He can also kill the proposed legislation by vetoing it.

“The bill has not been placed on the governor’s desk,” Murphy told the Anna Maria City Commission on May 23.

Murphy said he and the city’s contracted lobbyist have no idea if or when the proposed vacation rental regulation will ever be transmitted to the Gov. Ron DeSantis.

“The good news is the governor’s staff has a multitude of concerns about the bill itself, starting with some of the input we gave them,” Murphy said.

The proposed state legislation would eliminate Anna Maria’s existing short-term vacation rental occupancy limits and replace them with more generous occupancy limits that would be virtually impossible for the city to enforce.

The city input the mayor referenced pertains to Anna Maria’s vacation rental guest population quickly increasing by an estimated 32% if the city’s occupancy limits are eliminated, which the mayor said would further strain the city’s already-strained infrastructure systems.

Murphy said DeSantis’ staff also has political concerns about the legislation, including a carve-out exemption for Flagler County, the home of Speaker of the House Paul Renner. The proposed carve-out would create a grandfathering exemption for Flagler County’s current vacation rental regulations.

“They’ve got a list of concerns. When I get the word that it’s headed to the governor’s desk – and we should get at least a day or two of advance notice – we’ll crank up HomeRuleFl.com to bombard letters to the governor for a veto,” Murphy said.

“We’re in a very good spot. That’s what our lobbyist said, but it’ll be back next year. It’s not going to go away. This is going to be a continual struggle,” Murphy cautioned.

When asked, the mayor and city attorney said they didn’t know when the deadline is to transmit bills to the governor.

Reimagining Pine Avenue one step at a time

Reimagining Pine Avenue one step at a time

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

ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy has proposed a block-by-block approach to installing permeable brick paver sidewalks along Pine Avenue where meandering unpaved paths currently exist.

New crosswalks would also be installed across Pine Avenue in a similar block-by-block fashion as part of the long-desired Reimagining Pine Avenue safety improvement project.

The existing concrete sidewalks along Pine Avenue will remain in place for now and potentially be replaced with brick paver sidewalks later.

When initiated, the sidewalk and crosswalk improvements will be funded by a state appropriation previously approved by the Florida Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis.

New streetlights will be installed later using different, non-state funding sources.

In recent years, the commission, at the mayor’s recommendation, has rejected four previous project-related bids received from the Sarasota-based C-Squared construction company.

C-Squared’s most recent bid was $1.38 million to install a one-block Reimagining Pine Avenue prototype area between Gulf Drive and North Shore Drive. The prototype would have included new brick paver sidewalks along both sides of Pine Avenue and new crosswalks. The bid did not include street lighting.

On May 23, the mayor proposed a new approach to securing a local contractor or contractors to do the work in a more piecemeal fashion. Murphy said he engaged in preliminary discussion with the project engineer as to how to go about the piecemeal approach to installing the brick paver sidewalks one block at a time, beginning with the stretch of Pine Avenue between Gulf Drive and North Shore Drive. Murphy said three local contractors have expressed interest in the project.

“That’s a good sign,” he said. “One contractor told me, ‘You finally have an approach that makes sense and I want to bid on it.’ ”

Murphy said the city’s public works department may be able to assist with the crosswalk installations.

Murphy said once the brick paver sidewalks are installed in the unpaved paths, the concrete sidewalks will be replaced by brick paver sidewalks, to be followed by new street lighting.

Murphy said with the commission’s support he’d work with the project engineer and the Florida Department of Transportation – the state agency controlling the expenditure of the state funds – and figure out how to move forward with the solicitation of bids.

The city commission expressed preliminary support for the block-by-block, one-step-at-a-time project approach and now awaits additional information from the mayor.