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AMOB enhancements progressing

AMOB enhancements progressing

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

BRADENTON BEACH – The Anna Maria Oyster Bar (AMOB) is getting closer to completing several improvements sought for its Bradenton Beach Pier-based restaurant operations.

On July 20, the Bradenton Beach City Commission approved the request made by the AMOB ownership group, We’re Back Inc., to remove and replace several sabal palm and black olive trees currently located in the city-owned pier parking lot.

The AMOB ownership group had hoped to replace the existing trees with taller maypan coconut palm trees, but due to liability concerns, the city commission stipulated no trees from which coconuts could drop are allowed in the public parking lot at the foot of the pier. The commission also stipulated the removed trees must be replanted or replaced in other locations on a one-to-one basis.

AMOB enhancements progressing

This crab trap-themed fence in south Florida inspired the decorative fence desired by the AMOB ownership group. – We’re Back Inc. | Submitted

Building Official Steve Gilbert said the installation of a decorative crab trap-themed fence that will replace the existing chain link fence between the city-owned parking lot and the Pines Trailer Park remains on hold until the fire marshal reviews and approves the potential fire risk posed by the wooden crab trap fence facade.

AMOB enhancements progressing
AMOB’s crab trap-themed fence will replace the existing chain link fence between the parking lot and the Pines Trailer Park. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) previously agreed to contribute $30,000 toward the $60,000 fence installation. The CRA anticipates recouping $15,000 of that contribution from Manatee County as part of the recently completed floating dock expansion project for which the county is providing 50% in matching funds for the total project costs.

Gilbert also said he still needs to review the diagrams needed to issue a conditional use permit previously approved by the city commission. The conditional use permit will allow alcoholic beverages purchased from AMOB to be consumed only on the pier, where alcoholic beverages have historically been prohibited.

AMOB enhancements progressing
The new to-go food kiosk and service bar are ready to go, but were not yet in operation. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The commission-approved to-go food kiosk and service bar recently installed in an adjacent auxiliary building that AMOB leases from the city is ready for use but was not yet in operation at week’s end.

AMOB enhancements progressing
Three umbrella-covered tables are now in place alongside the pier entrance railing. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Three new umbrella-covered tables have been temporarily installed along the pier entrance railing south of the main restaurant building. Those tables will eventually be replaced by permanent tiki hut-covered tables.

AMOB CEO John Horne told The Sun he planned to meet with Mayor John Chappie on Monday, July 24 to further discuss AMOB’s desired improvements and implementation timelines.

Oyster Bar plans enhancements for it's pier location

Oyster Bar proposes enhancements at pier location

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

BRADENTON BEACH – The Anna Maria Oyster Bar (AMOB) wants to enhance and expand its operations at and around the Bradenton Beach Pier.

The desired enhancements include alcohol consumption being allowed on the public fishing pier at the end of Bridge Street.

AMOB leases the main restaurant building at the foot of the pier from the city of Bradenton Beach. AMOB also leases the adjacent smaller city-owned structures subleased to Paradise Boat Tours and formerly subleased to the Tide & Moon and Room With A Hue retail operators.

AMOB CEO John Horne presented the proposed enhancements to the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) on Jan. 11.

The improvements include a walk-up bar and a to-go food kiosk to be located in the space previously occupied by Tide & Moon and Room With A Hue. Horne said the walk-up bar would be used by restaurant customers while waiting for a table. During morning hours, the walk-up bar would offer coffee and other morning items.

Oyster Bar proposes enhancements at pier location
AMOB plans to convert this leased structure into a walk-up bar and to-go food kiosk. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The proposed enhancements include tiki hut-like covered tables along the pier entrance railing south of the restaurant building; a decorative crab trap and buoy-themed fence located between the pier parking lot and the neighboring Pines Trailer Park; photo-op frames that offer a view of the mooring field and Intracoastal Waterway as backdrops; the reconfiguration of the main entryway and the expansion of the public restrooms.

When presenting the proposed modifications, Horne requested that alcohol purchased at the restaurant or the new walk-up bar be allowed to be consumed on the pier. Alcohol is currently allowed on the AMOB patio but not on the pier itself. If the alcohol allowance is approved, alcoholic beverages purchased elsewhere would still not be allowed on the pier.

Oyster Bar proposes enhancements at pier location
Alcohol consumption is already allowed on the AMOB patio that faces the Bridge Street Pier. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Oyster Bar proposes enhancements at pier location
Alcohol consumption is currently prohibited on the Bridge Street Pier. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

CRA members John Chappie, Jan Vosburgh and Marilyn Maro expressed some concerns and possible opposition to the proposed alcohol allowance. Chappie said later he’d consider allowing alcohol consumption on a trial basis. CRA member Ralph Cole said he’s okay with alcohol being consumed on the pier because the pier features safety rails, but is concerned about alcohol consumption on the adjacent floating day dock that doesn’t have safety rails. CRA members Jake Spooner and David Bell expressed support for the proposed alcohol allowance and Police Chief John Cosby said it would not create significant enforcement issues.

Oyster Bar plans enhancements for it's pier location
The improvements include a crab trap-themed fence like this fence in Islamorada. – AMOB | Submitted

Horne said the crab trap and buoy-themed fence was inspired by a fence he saw in the city of Islamorada. He said the crab traps and buoys would be attached to the AMOB side of the cypress wood fence that would replace the existing chain link and vinyl fencing. The Pines residents would only see a new wooden fence on their side.

Horne asked the CRA members to consider sharing the estimated $56,252 cost to install the new decorative fencing. The CRA members express preliminary support for the funding request and directed Chappie and City Attorney Ricinda Perry to speak with county staff about seeking a Tourist Development Council (TDC) recommendation and Manatee County Commission approval for the county to cover 25% ($14,063) of the estimated fence expenses using tourist tax revenues. The CRA would then cover 25% of the fencing costs and AMOB would cover 50% ($28,126). Perry said the county might also be willing to help fund some of the other proposed modifications that would improve the pier experience for visitors, including the expanded public restrooms.

As the discussion concluded, the CRA members expressed initial consensus support for the proposed enhancements but they agreed that more discussion is needed regarding alcohol consumption on the fishing pier.

Perry said she would draft a modified concessionaire’s agreement that reflects the proposed enhancements and uses. She said the modified agreement and the desired alcohol allowance will require city commission approval because the city, not the CRA, leases the pier buildings and the surrounding spaces to AMOB.