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Commission receives hurricane recovery update

Commission receives hurricane recovery update

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

ANNA MARIA – Mayor Mark Short and General Manager Dean Jones recently provided city commissioners with a hurricane recovery update.

Given during the Dec. 12 Anna Maria City Commission meeting, the update addressed damage assessments, the hurricane-damaged City Pier, a beach replanting project and more.

DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS

Short noted the FEMA field team completed their site assessments a few weeks ago and this week the city will be sending letters to all Anna Maria property owners who appeared to have suffered at least some hurricane damage.

The letters will include information about the hurricane repair permitting process. Short said the city will then use the submitted repair-related permit applications to help determine whether a specific structure has been substantially damaged to the point that it warrants potential condemnation by the city.

Commission receives hurricane recovery update
This beachfront home at the end of Spring Avenue was damaged during hurricanes Helene and Milton. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“We have the FEMA evaluations but we are going to rely on the property owner and the permitting process. We are not going to just go out and make our own decisions on whether or not a property has been substantially damaged. While this is going on, we’re also inputting the FEMA information. We’re using that as a data point,” Short said.

“At this point, we have yet to come across a property that has been deemed totally damaged or substantially damaged to the point that it needs to be condemned. We have not condemned a single property and we have not had a property yet that’s hit that 50% threshold, based on the formula provided to us,” he said.

PIER INSPECTIONS

Short noted the city recently contracted the George F. Young engineering firm to conduct above-water and underwater structural inspections and underwater geo-technical inspections of the City Pier walkway that was heavily damaged and partially eliminated by Hurricane Milton.

The engineering firm is submitting the needed permit applications to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and will design and engineer the pier repairs to be carried out by a yet-to-be-selected contractor.

Commission receives hurricane recovery update
Hurricane Milton wiped out a significant portion of the City Pier walkway. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Short said the Army Corps permits have been submitted and the structural inspections were scheduled to begin on Dec. 13, weather permitting. He said the pier debris piled in the pier parking lot by the humpback bridge will also be inspected in attempt to determine what caused the pier walkway to fail during the hurricane. The inspection process is expected to take about two weeks and will coincide with the geo-technical inspection of the submerged lands the pier pilings are driven into.

Commission receives hurricane recovery update
The extended temporary ferry landing is expected to open on Dec. 19. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Short said a second 30-foot spud barge has been added to the previously installed and temporary Gulf Islands Ferry landing located between the damaged pier and the Lake La Vista jetty. The additional barge extends the ferry landing into deeper water and ferry service to Anna Maria is expected to resume on Thursday, Dec. 19, weather permitting.

BEACH REPLANTING

Short also provided an update on the Stimart family’s “Build Back the Beach” beach replanting project. Short said he received an email from Cindy Stimart stating that all potentially impacted property owners in the project area from Sycamore Avenue to Bean Point have received certified letters and most of those property owners will allow the free beachfront plantings to take place on their property in late January. Short said more information on this project (including volunteer registration and financial donations) can be found at the Good Guardians Collective website.

ADDITIONAL MATTERS

Jones said the city has completed its hurricane debris collection efforts but there are still some debris piles visible throughout the city. He said the city’s code enforcement department is contacting those property owners, who are now responsible for the debris removal. In response to a question posed by Commissioner Gary McMullen, Jones said the city rights of way where debris was placed are being restored.

Jones said hurricane debris has also been removed from three drainage swales and those debris piles would soon be removed. He also said FEMA is accessing the city’s stormwater infiltration system to determine what additional steps might be taken to improve the performance of the city’s stormwater and drainage systems during heavy rains.

Jones said hurricane-related road repairs will begin on Jan. 4 for the city streets that sustained erosion and significant deterioration during the hurricanes.

He said six or seven parking spaces will be created in the City Pier parking lot for those using the temporary post office across the street in City Pier Park.

He said most of the beach access points have been restored but work continues on a couple of beach access points along North Shore Drive.

Jones said the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office has surveyed residential canals in search of debris and derelict vessels and one derelict vessel has already been tagged for removal.

City Pier engineering services approved

City Pier engineering services approved

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

ANNA MARIA – City commissioners have approved a $347,660 contract for the engineering and other preliminary services needed to repair the hurri­cane-damaged City Pier.

On Nov. 19, the commission unanimously approved the contract with the St. Petersburg-based George F. Young engineering firm that will inspect what remains of the pier and provide the city with the engineering, permitting and project management services as part of the pier repair project.

The city has not yet sought proposals from construction firms interested in replacing the missing pier walkway according to the engineering work to be performed by the Young firm.

In early October, Hurricane Milton obliterated a significant portion of the pier walkway, leaving a 75- to 100-yard gap between the T-end pier buildings and the remaining portion of the pier walkway that connects to the shoreline. The pier and the pier-based City Pier Grill and Mote Marine Sci­ence Education & Outreach Center will remain closed until the pier walkway is replaced.

City Pier engineering services approved
There is currently no walkway access to the T-end of the City Pier. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

In late October, the mayor and commission discussed the initial $321,922 proposal submitted by George F. Young Structural Engineer­ing Vice-President Jeremy Lunsford. The firm previously engineered the still-pending Reimagining Pine Avenue project.

Former Mayor Dan Murphy recently informed the commission that some additional services were needed and that would increase the proposal price. Due to a health issue, Murphy did not attend the Nov. 19 commission meeting.

When addressing the commission on Nov. 19, Lunsford said the proposal includes inspections of the remaining portions of the pier, both above and below the waterline. It is hoped that those inspections provide insight into what specifically happened to the pier walkway.

“The remains of the pier will also be inspected to ensure it’s safe,” Lunsford said.

City Pier engineering services approved
The remaining portion of the City Pier walkway will be inspected for safety and structural purposes. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

He noted the engineering team is already reviewing the engineering documents used to construct the cur­rent City Pier, completed in 2020. The previous wooden pier was closed in 2017 and later replaced due to damage inflicted by Hurricane Irma. That pier replacement project cost $7.3 million.

Lunsford said studying the current pier design might help identify what more can be done to prevent similar damage during future storms and the engineering firm will explore different design ideas to see if the pier can be made more resilient to storm damage.

“It’s the nature of where we live,” he added in acknowledgement of the risk of placing a pier in a hurricane-prone environment.

During previous discussions, Murphy noted the T-end of the pier was built using concrete decking and concrete and steel support components. And for budgetary reasons, less-expensive wooden support components were used on the pier walkway. Murphy recommended using concrete and steel support components for the new pier walkway if financially feasible and he estimated the repair costs might be in the $3 million range.

Lunsford did not estimate how long the initial engineering and permitting work would take, but he said the hope is to get the pier operational again as soon as possible. No one associated with the city has publicly estimated how long it might take to complete the pier repair project.

Lunsford said the engineering team has already engaged in preliminary discussions with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Florida Depart­ment of Environmental Protection regarding the accelerated emergency permitting process.

“It’s been a positive conversation with those agencies so far,” he said.

City Pier engineering services approved
A second spud barge will be connected to the rear of the first spud barge previously placed near the damaged City Pier. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The City Pier also served as a landing area for Manatee County’s Gulf Islands Ferry service. A temporary spud barge was recently positioned between the City Pier and the Lake La Vista inlet to serve as a temporary ferry landing. Before ferry service resumed in Anna Maria, it was determined that a second barge is needed to extend the temporary ferry landing out into deeper water. The second spud barge is expected to arrive and become operational in early December.

Related coverage: City Pier badly damaged, temporary ferry landing installed

Commission supports mayor’s pier repair request

Commission supports mayor’s pier repair request

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

ANNA MARIA – City commissioners support Mayor Dan Murphy’s request to pursue a proposed $331,992 contract with the George F. Young engineering firm to assist with the repair of the hurricane-damaged City Pier.

On Oct. 9, hurricane force winds and/or a tornado or waterspout associated with Hurricane Milton destroyed 75-100 yards of the City Pier walkway, leaving the city-owned buildings at the T-end of the pier stranded in Tampa Bay with no pedestrian access.

During the Nov. 1 emergency city commission meeting, Murphy and the commission discussed the proposal received from George F. Young Project Manager Jeremy Lunsford the previ­ous day.

The proposal includes assessing the damage to the pier and what remains of the pier walkway and concrete pilings, locating the submerged remains of the pilings that snapped off during the hurricane, engineering the pier repairs, handling the extensive permitting process and providing project management and oversight for the yet-to-be-selected marine construction firm that will repair the pier.

Commission supports mayor’s pier repair request
The T-end pier buildings are now stranded with no pedestrian access. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

After acknowledging the commis­sioners hadn’t had much time to review the proposal, Murphy sought commission census to accept the bid, study the bid for another week or issue a more time-consuming request for proposals (RFP) that would extend the repair project permitting process beyond the 180-day emergency permitting period currently allowed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Murphy stressed the importance of completing the expedited emergency permitting process during the 180-day time frame if the desire is to get the pier reopened as soon as possible. He and former commissioner Brian Seymour noted the standard permit­ting process for the construction of the current pier took about a year and half to complete.

Participating by phone, Commis­sioner Jon Crane said he was “under­whelmed” by the initial engineering and design work the George F. Young firm did on the Reimagining Pine Avenue safety improvement project and he was reluctant to use the same firm for the pier repair project.

In response, Commission Chair Mark Short noted that he, Murphy and Seymour, the City Pier Grill tenant, were impressed with the George F. Young engineer who recently ac­companied them on a boat trip to the T-end of the pier.

“This guy knew his business,” Murphy said.

Crane later joined the rest of the commission in supporting the use of the George F. Young firm for the pier repair project if a contract can be successfully negotiated. Murphy said the city can seek reimbursement for the expenses associated with the engineering firm’s services.

Commission supports mayor’s pier repair request
This is all that remains of the City Pier walkway. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

As he did on Oct. 24, Murphy again recommended replacing the missing portion of the pier walkway with concrete support components similar to those used at the T-end of the pier that sustained very little damage.

The new City Pier completed in 2020 replaced the old City Pier damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017. The current pier walkway is supported by wooden bents and beams placed atop concrete pilings.

Murphy said the engineering firm will help determine the status and stability of the remaining pier walkway that still connects to the shoreline. Murphy, who leaves office on Nov. 19, said replacing the still-standing portion of the walkway with a new and stronger walkway would likely fall outside of the hurricane-related reimbursement allowances. He noted that’s a decision the new mayor and newly-configured city commission will have to make. What remains of the pier walkway will remain closed until the pier is fully repaired.

On Oct. 24, Murphy estimated it might cost $3 million to repair the City Pier and he’s not yet able to estimate how long those repairs might take.

The George F. Young proposal will be discussed again during the Wednesday, Nov. 6 emergency city commission meeting that starts at 10 a.m.

Related coverage: City Pier badly damaged, temporary ferry landing installed

Ferry service resumes in Bradenton Beach

Ferry service resumes in Bradenton Beach

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

 

BRADENTON BEACH – Gulf Islands Ferry service between downtown Bradenton and the Bradenton Beach Pier resumed on Friday.

The county’s contracted ferry service is currently operating free of charge. Ferry service to the recently installed tempo­rary floating dock in Anna Maria, near the hurricane-damaged City Pier, is expected to resume soon.

Palmetto resident Cathy Brown and Parrish resident Kim Schuerman were the first two passengers to make a post-hurricane trip from Bradenton to Bradenton Beach. Mayor John Chappie and City Attorney Ricinda Perry were on hand to greet them, Capt. Nicholas Francis and mate Terrie Birkett when they arrived.

“I’m so ecstatic to be back at work. I love what I do,” Birkett said.

Brown and Schuerman were on the Island for the first time since back-to-back hurricanes struck in October and November. After disembarking, they spent a few minutes chatting with Police Chief John Cosby, who stood at the top of the ramp that connects with the pier.

Ferry service resumes in Bradenton Beach
Ferry passengers Kim Schuerman and Cathy Brown spoke with Police Chief John Cosby. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“We’re thrilled to see the ferry running again,” Brown told Cosby.

“The restaurants are open and the shops are coming around,” Cosby said. “The ferry will definitely help because we still have all these big trucks driving around. There’s not a lot of parking yet and this area’s very walkable. The ferry’s the best way to come out here right now.”

Cosby noted the Free Island Trolley and the Monkey Bus shuttle service can transport ferry passengers to other destinations Island-wide.

“We’re going to look around and patronize the Island,” Brown said.

“We want to support the restaurants, because that’s the servers’ liveli­hoods,” Schuerman added.

Ferry service resumes in Bradenton Beach
The temporary ferry landing is located next to the Lake La Vista inlet. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Ferry service to Anna Maria is expected to resume after modifications are made to the barge to be used as a ferry landing until the City Pier reopens. Francis said he was out there the previous day and the wind and currents made docking challenging as the barge is currently configured.

“They’re going to make some adjust­ments,” Francis said.

Ferry service resumes in Bradenton Beach
The temporary dock in Anna Maria features a metal gangway and a wooden walkway that provide access between the barge and the shoreline. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

According to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione, the Gulf Islands Ferry service transported 102 passengers during the first weekend of resumed service. As of Monday afternoon, Falcione did not yet know when ferry service would resume in Anna Maria.

For ferry schedules and ticketing information, visit the Gulf Islands Ferry website.

Gulf Island Ferry service resuming soon

Gulf Island Ferry service resumes

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach, Featured.

ANNA MARIA – Manatee County’s Gulf Island Ferry service between downtown Bradenton and Bradenton Beach will resume on Friday, Nov. 1.

Ferry service to Anna Maria remains on hold due to concerns about the winds, currents and other conditions at the temporary dock recently installed near the hurricane-damaged City Pier. The hurricane-damaged floating dock in Bradenton Beach, next to the Bradenton Beach Pier, was recently repaired by Duncan Seawall and can again accommodate ferry service.

Gulf Island Ferry service resuming soon
The floating dock next to the Bradenton Beach Pier is ready to receive ferry passengers. – City of Bradenton Beach | Submitted

Regarding the resumption of service, Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione said, “The objective is to start service for the residents that live on the Island and the employees that work on the Island. We’re aware that some people lost their cars in the hurricanes and we’re going to waive the ferry fees until further notice because of the situation. We feel this is a good opportunity to serve our community until people get back on their feet. I don’t know if there’s going to be demand for this so we’re going to take it one week at a time.”

Non-residents and others can also utilize the ferry service.

The temporary ferry landing in Anna Maria was installed due to the extensive damage Hurricane Milton inflicted on the City Pier that also served as a ferry landing. Located near the Lake La Vista Jetty, just north of the hurricane-damaged City Pier, the temporary landing consists of a large barge anchored in place by spud poles, with a metal gangway and wooden walkway providing access to and from the shoreline.

Gulf Island Ferry service resuming soon
A wooden walkway and a metal gangway provide access between the ferry landing barge and the Anna Maria shoreline. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The temporary landing is located within walking distance of the restau­rants, retail shops and other busi­nesses on and around Pine Avenue. It’s also near an Island Trolley stop from which ferry passengers can travel to other destinations Island-wide free of charge.

The Anna Maria commission-ap­proved temporary landing is expected to remain in place until the City Pier is repaired and reopened.

For ferry updates and schedul­ing information, visit the Gulf Island Ferry website.

City Pier badly damaged, temporary ferry landing installed

City Pier badly damaged, temporary ferry landing installed

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

ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria City Pier fared well during Hurricane Helene, but Hurricane Milton erased a large chunk of the pier walkway.

According to Mayor Dan Murphy, the remaining portion of the pier walkway will remain closed until the pier is fully restored, which could take several months. The T-end pier buildings occupied by the City Pier Grill and the Mote Marine Science Education and Outreach Center will also remain closed until the restored pier reopens.

City Pier badly damaged, temporary ferry landing installed
Hurricane Milton took out a lengthy section of the Anna Maria City Pier. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Gone too is the T-end boat landing utilized by Manatee County’s Gulf Island Ferry service, but a temporary floating dock and ferry landing has already been installed near the Lake La Vista jetty entrance.

City Pier badly damaged, temporary ferry landing installed
The ferry landing walkway construction was well underway late Tuesday afternoon. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

This is the second time in seven years that the City Pier has been badly damaged by a hurricane. In 2017, Hurricane Irma inflicted major damage on the old City Pier, which included ripping the roof off the old bait shop building. The pier remained closed until the new City Pier opened in 2020 at a cost of $7.3 million. Four years later, the city finds itself in a somewhat similar situation.

City Pier badly damaged, temporary ferry landing installed
The City Pier looked like this the morning after Hurricane Irma in 2017. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
City Pier badly damaged, temporary ferry landing installed
The new City Pier opened in June of 2020. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

During an emergency meeting on Oct. 17, Mayor Dan Murphy and the Anna Maria commission discussed the City Pier damage, restoration efforts and the temporary ferry landing.

Pier damage

Murphy said 75-100 yards of the pier walkway and dozens of concrete pilings are missing, as are the utility lines and conduits that service the pier buildings. He noted many of the concrete pilings which were driven 40 feet deep snapped off during Hurricane Milton. He suspects this was the work of a waterspout or a tornado. He bases his theory partially on the circular debris field in which some of the pier walkway landed north of the pier and some landed south of the pier. Hurricane Milton also destroyed what remained of the nearby Rod & Reel Pier after Hurricane Helene.

City Pier badly damaged, temporary ferry landing installed
Some of the City Pier decking landed north of the pier walkway. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Murphy said the pier walkway is the weak point of the pier because it’s supported by wood bents and support beams, whereas the T-end of the pier features a concrete deck and concrete support bents. Murphy said the T-end of the pier weathered both storms virtually unscathed other than some water intrusion and some minor damage to the exterior siding of the pier buildings.

Murphy said the city is already in the process of getting damage and repair assessments from engineering firms with pier expertise.

Murphy estimated the repair costs could be in the $3 million range. He did not venture a guess as to how long the repairs might take because the repair and restoration efforts will be partially dependent on the availability of the needed materials and contractors. Murphy expects to receive a combination of federal, state and/or county funds to help pay for the pier repairs.

Pier tenant

During the Oct. 17 meeting, pier tenant and City Pier Grill operator Brian Seymour said he’s already laid off all 15 of his City Pier employees. His monthly lease payments to the city are suspended until the pier reopens. His original five-year lease with the city expires Dec. 31, 2025. He and his business partners have the option to renew the lease for five more years.

City Pier badly damaged, temporary ferry landing installed
The City Pier buildings remain closed for the foreseeable future. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

In addition to the temporary ferry landing, Seymour suggested the city commission give future consideration to assisting the nearby business that will be impacted by another lengthy pier closure – and that might possibly include a City Pier Grill food truck operating in the pier parking lot.

Ferry landing

During the Oct. 17 meeting, the city commission adopted a resolution that approves and establishes the parameters for the county’s temporary floating dock operations near the entrance to the La Lake Vista jetty, just north of the City Pier.

City Pier badly damaged, temporary ferry landing installed
Anchored by spud poles, this barge will serve as a temporary ferry landing. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The resolution allows the county to operate a temporary ferry landing for six months with further extensions possible pending additional city commission approval. At the request of the commission, the resolution allows other vessels to access the floating dock. Those vessels cannot impede the ferry service or be left at the dock unattended.

The temporary ferry landing consists of a large barge held in place by metal spud poles that extend downward from the barge, 20-30 feet into the submerged land below. The barge arrived Monday. By late Tuesday afternoon, the positioning of the barge and the installation of the wooden walkway and metal gangway that connect to the shoreline was nearly complete.

City Pier badly damaged, temporary ferry landing installed
A metal gangplank and a wooden walkway connect the temporary landing to the shoreline. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
City Pier badly damaged, temporary ferry landing installed
The temporary ferry landing walkway looked like this late Thursday afternoon. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The temporary ferry landing is located within walking distance of the restaurants, retail shops and other businesses on and around Pine Avenue. It’s also close to an Island Trolley stop from which ferry passengers can travel to other Anna Maria Island destinations free of charge.

Speaking by phone Tuesday afternoon, Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione discussed the temporary dock and the resumption of the Gulf Island Ferry service.

“The objective is to start service sometime next week (Friday, Nov. 1) for the residents that live on the Island and the employees that work on the Island. We’re aware that some people lost their cars in the hurricanes and we’re going to waive the ferry fees until further notice because of the situation. We feel this is a good opportunity to serve our community until people get back on their feet. I don’t know if there’s going to be demand for this, so we’re going to take it one week at a time,” Falcione said.

Falcione said he’s also been in contact with Bradenton Beach officials who plan to get the floating dock next to the Bradenton Beach City Pier operational to resume ferry service as soon as possible.

On Oct. 17, the city-affiliated Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency authorized spending up to $350,000 to repair the hurricane-damaged floating dock and finger docks. City Attorney Ricinda Perry said the hope is to have the floating dock repaired by the end of October.

For ferry service updates and scheduling information, please visit the Gulf Island Ferry website.

Related coverage:
City Pier Grill operator discusses pier damage
Parents reunited with Rod & Reel Pier memorial plaque
Rod and Reel Pier owner hopes to rebuild

City Pier Grill operator discusses damage, recovery

City Pier Grill operator discusses pier damage

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Business, Featured, Restaurants | Bars.

ANNA MARIA – A few days after Hurricane Milton struck Anna Maria Island, City Pier Grill operator and pier tenant Brian Seymour and his sister, Rebecca, dropped by to view the damage.

During that Oct. 12 visit, Seymour addressed the immediate impacts and future challenges presented by the hurricane ripping away at least 75 yards of the pier walkway and leaving the leased City Pier Grill building and the Mote Marine Science Education and Outreach Center stranded at the T-end of the pier with no walkway access.

“My immediate thoughts are I’m devastated for my employees and staff who it appears aren’t going to have the ability to work out here for at least six months,” he said. “As a business, we can pause everything and wait for the rebuild but our employees need paychecks. They’ve all been notified and they’re starting to job-hunt to supplement their incomes.”

Like Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, Seymour also suspects a waterspout or tornado may have formed during Hurricane Milton and inflicted the damage to the pier.

City Pier Grill operator discusses damage, recovery
Hurricane Milton destroyed a significant portion of the City Pier walkway. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“As I stand here and look at it the damage is so clean cut,” Seymour said. “I would venture to say 60-100 concrete pilings were pulled right out of the ground. Those pilings were driven 40-feet down. It appears we had a tornado come through here and take everything from about 10 feet off the T-end to about 100 feet from the shore.”

He also noted the utility lines, wastewater pipes and gas lines snapped off as well and he was told Mote Marine removed their live exhibits after Hurricane Helene and before Hurricane Milton.

Seymour’s insights

Seymour also owns and operates the nearby Anna Maria General Store and the Pine Avenue Bait & Tackle shop on Pine Avenue.

He was asked what it’s like to be the owner of multiple businesses impacted by back-to-back hurricanes.

“During Milton, the General Store fared well. We lost our solar hot water system but we have a backup system we can activate. As a business owner, with three of my businesses closed for almost two weeks without revenues, the money’s getting tight. It was already the slow time of year. To have a double-whammy like this is hard, but it’s hard on every business up and down this Island. There’s nothing we can do except clean up, try to recover and move forward,” Seymour said.

City Pier Grill operator discusses damage, recovery
The Anna Maria General Store opened briefly after Hurricane Helene, closed for Hurricane Milton and reopened again. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Seymour was asked if he and others might reconsider the risks of operating a business on a barrier island prone to flooding and hurricane damage.

“All those thoughts have gone through my head. I don’t want to speak for other business owners but seeing some of the damage up and down the Island it’s hard for me to believe that every business is going to survive this. Some people will question whether it’s worth the risk of having your business and life dependent on a barrier island. During Helene, when I was wading across four feet of water on Pine Avenue, I really thought it might be time to pick a new place to start my life and businesses over. But we got lucky during Helene. I was able to get the City Pier Grill, the General Store and the bait shop reopened within a couple days, but Milton has substantially hurt our business on the pier,” he said.

City Pier Grill operator discusses damage, recovery
The City Pier buildings stand isolated without a walkway. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Seymour also addressed the emotional toll of being an Anna Maria resident and business owner during times like this; and also his current bid to serve as Anna Maria’s next mayor.

“It’s draining, but I love this city and I am still running for mayor. I hope people know that I’m here trying to support the community, the recovery and the rebuild. I’ve come to the personal conclusion that this is where I want my life to be, so I’m going to do everything I can; and I want all my employees to come back to work eventually,” he said.

Seymour was asked if he’s up for the additional challenge, if elected, of overseeing the city’s ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts after longtime Mayor Dan Murphy leaves office in November.

“Absolutely,” he said. “There’s so much to do, but I’m taking notes and watching what Mayor Murphy does. I think he’s done a great job cleaning up Anna Maria, getting the streets open and cleared of debris and getting the utilities back on. If I do win the mayor’s race, hopefully I can use him as a resource. And if Mark Short wins, I hope he reaches out for my assistance because it’s all about our community first. It’s not about who’s the mayor, who’s the vice-mayor and who’s a commissioner. It’s about Anna Maria,” Seymour said.

Related coverage:
City Pier badly damaged, temporary ferry landing installed
Parents reunited with Rod & Reel Pier memorial plaque
Rod and Reel Pier owner hopes to rebuild

Rod & Reel Pier owner hopes to rebuild

Rod and Reel Pier owner hopes to rebuild

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Business, Featured, Restaurants | Bars.

ANNA MARIA – Rod & Reel Pier owner Oliver “Oli” Lemke hopes to rebuild the iconic pier and restaurant building that was badly damaged by Hurricane Helene and then destroyed by Hurricane Milton.

Rod & Reel Pier owner hopes to rebuild
This is what remains of the Rod & Reel Pier after Hurricane Milton. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

On the evening of Sept. 26 and the morning of Sept. 27, Hurricane Helene pounded the privately-owned wooden pier and restaurant building with high surf and powerful waves leaving the pier walkway in tatters but the restaurant building at the end of the pier still standing.

Rod & Reel Pier owner hopes to rebuild
Hurricane Helene badly damaged the Rod & Reel Pier. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Rod & Reel Pier owner hopes to rebuild
Hurricane Helene took out most of the pier walkway. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

On Oct. 9, Hurricane Milton’s high winds smashed to pieces what remained of the Rod & Reel Pier and scattered its remains in the waterfront yards of several houses northwest of the pier. All that remains now is the famous Rod and Reel Pier sign, the locked front gate, and the skeletal remains of some pilings and deck supports.

Rod & Reel Pier owner hopes to rebuild
Hurricane Milton turned the Rod & Reel Pier into several piles of rubble. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Rod & Reel Pier owner hopes to rebuild
The destruction of the Rod & Reel Pier left behind a large debris field. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

At one point during Hurricane Milton, the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport measured a 120-mph wind gust and some locals suspect a tornado or waterspout may have inflicted the fatal blows upon the Rod & Reel Pier while also wiping out a significant chunk of the nearby Anna Maria City Pier walkway.

Rod & Reel Pier owner hopes to rebuild
German brewer and restauranteur Oliver Lemke bought the Rod & Reel Pier in 2023. – Oliver Lemke | Submitted

Lemke, a Germany-based brewmaster, brewery owner and restaurant owner, bought the Rod & Reel Pier from fellow German and longtime Rod & Reel Pier owner Mario Schoenfelder last November. He now faces the monumental task of rebuilding his investment.

When communicating with The Sun via email on Oct. 15, Lemke said, “There’s no definite plan on how to proceed yet. Right now, we are gathering information trying to assess our situation. We will do everything within our means to rebuild the pier, but there are many issues to conquer.”

Rod & Reel Pier owner hopes to rebuild
The Rod & Reel Pier in November 2023. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

When asked if the Rod & Reel Pier was insured, Lemke said, “There is no insurance whatsoever. The former owner never had the pier insured for hurricane or flood. I really tried hard to change that. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to get insurance on a building like this, over water.

“This is by far the worst blow I’ve had to take in my 25 years of business life. There’s not only a lot of money lost that we’ll have to pay off for many years to come, but it’s also terrible because I waited for many years to get the opportunity to invest in a U.S. restaurant that fit me so well, personally and business-wise,” Lemke said in his email.

No cost estimate has been provided yet for the potential Rod & Reel Pier replacement. In 2017, Hurricane Irma badly damaged the nearby city-owned Anna Maria City Pier. That pier replacement project completed in 2020 cost $7.3 million.

Help needed

After Hurricane Helene, Lemke organized the “Help Us Rebuild Rod and Reel Pier” GoFundMe online fundraising page. As of Oct. 17, there were 497 donations totaling $45,275.

Rod & Reel Pier owner hopes to rebuild
Not much is left of the Rod & Reel Pier walkway. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The updated post-Milton GoFundMe page now says, “The pier has been an iconic part of this community for over 75 years – a place where locals and visitors alike come to enjoy fresh seafood, stunning Gulf views, great fishing and a taste of ‘Old Florida.’ But recently, our Island faced a devastating blow. Hurricane Helene hit hard, followed by Hurricane Milton which finished what Helene had started. On a Thursday morning, I got the heartbreaking call from our manager, Adina. The pier was gone. Seeing the photo of the destruction was one of the most difficult moments of my life. I know so many of you here understand what that loss feels like. It’s not just a building, it’s a place filled with memories, history and the spirit of Anna Maria Island.”

Rod & Reel Pier owner hopes to rebuild
The birds now have the Rod & Reel Pier to themselves. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“We’re determined to rebuild the Rod & Reel Pier but we can’t do it alone. There’s no insurance to cover the damage, no big investor to back us up. It’s just us – the community, the visitors, the people who love this place – and we need your help to bring it back. This isn’t just about rebuilding a restaurant. It’s about restoring a piece of the Island’s soul and helping our team of over 40 employees get back on their feet. The pier is more than wood and nails: it’s a gathering place for generations of families, a spot where memories are made, and we want to ensure it continues to be that special place for generations to come,” the GoFundMe page says.

Rod & Reel Pier owner hopes to rebuild
Some of the Rod & Reel Pier rubble came to rest in front of this waterfront home. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“To show our appreciation, we will engrave the names of those who donate $100 or more on a new wall of honor at the pier as an everlasting reminder of the community spirit that made this possible. Your support, whether financial or through spreading the word, will help us make the Rod & Reel Pier stronger than ever. Together, we can bring this beloved part of Anna Maria Island back to life,” the GoFundMe page says.

Related coverage:

Parents reunited with Rod & Reel Pier memorial plaque

 

Recovery process continues in Anna Maria

Recovery process continues in Anna Maria

Recovery process continues in Anna Maria

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

ANNA MARIA – As hurri­cane recovery efforts con­tinue, the city’s focus shifts to debris removal efforts that began on Monday morning.

“Our top priority now is to get household goods out to the right of way and picked up,” Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said. “This is a long process and it will continue until it’s complete.”

Murphy said the first priority is remov­ing the mattresses, furniture and other household goods and the two contracted debris removal companies will send trucks though most areas two or three times per week. There are also dumpsters located at Bayfront Park and debris can be taken there. For now, the removal of trees, palm fronds and other natural debris is a secondary concern.

The previously enacted re-entry checkpoint was suspended Sunday and the previously-enacted curfew was lifted Monday.

Damage assessment

Murphy and his wife, Barb, evacuated their Anna Maria home before Hurricane Helene arrived and he returned Friday morning to assess the damage and lead the recovery efforts.

“The city is severely damaged,” he said. “Almost every home, except the new and higher ones, likely had some water intrusion. My wife’s car went underwater and is destroyed. The homes along South Bay took on 2-3 feet of water, some maybe more. Most of the businesses, residences and the historical museum on Pine Avenue had water intrusion on the ground floor. In our city an­nex building, we had 6 inches of water but no extensive damage.”

A visit to the museum on Saturday revealed a brown line on the side door that indicated where the floodwaters rose to approximately 3 feet.

Recovery process continues in Anna Maria
The rising floodwaters at the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum left a mark on the outside wall. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

As of Monday morning, water and sewage service was restored, electrical service was mostly restored and the city streets were clear and accessible with one exception: “Sycamore Avenue’s washed out. It’s destroyed,” Murphy said.

Recovery process continues in Anna Maria
The sun set on Anna Maria Saturday evening after a long and trying day. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“The beaches are eroded and dangerous,” Murphy said.

The City Pier reopened Monday morning despite some minor damage to the landing area used by the Gulf Island Ferry service. The City Pier Grill and Mote Marine outreach center didn’t open Monday.

Recovery process continues in Anna Maria
Ginny’s and Jane E’s Café in Anna Maria is expected to reopen in a few weeks.

Anna Maria General Store and City Pier Grill owner/operator Brian Seymour said he hoped to open his general store on Pine Avenue on Tuesday and the City Pier Grill soon. Ginny’s and Jane E’s Café owner Paul Foster anticipates reopening in a few weeks.

Murphy suspects the Waterfront and Sandbar restaurants sustained significant water damage.

Recovery process continues in Anna Maria
The Rod & Reel Pier walkway was shredded by the storm. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Hurricane Helene inflicted major damage on the privately-owned Rod & Reel Pier. Most of the pier planks are gone, the utility lines are exposed and the restaurant building is damaged. A sign on the gate says, “Pier closed until further notice.”

Recovery process continues in Anna Maria
The Rod & Reel Pier restaurant now sits at the end of a storm-damaged pier. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Unlike previous storms, the city used its City of Anna Maria Face­book page to provide real-time updates and information before, during and after the hurricane.

Vacation rentals

Hurricane Helene’s impact on the vacation rental community will be significant. On Sunday, Duncan Real Estate owner Darcie Duncan said all their guests evacuated before the hurricane hit and were given refunds or used travel insurance to offset lost lodging days.

“We cancelled our guests through October and we’ll keep our November guests informed as we assess our properties. We just don’t know yet,” Duncan said. “I know we’re resilient and we’ll get back up but with the extensive damage to the restaurants and stores those people will need some time to recover; and our guests need something to do when they’re here.”

Duncan said those impacted by cancellations are being offered refunds or credits for future stays and many are opting for future stays.

“Most of our guests have been extremely accommodating,” she said.

“I would say 90-95% of the ground-level structures we handle are flooded and we do have some total losses. With the elevated rentals, it’s pool damage and other ground-level damage. Now that the power’s coming back on, we’re being very cautious with the houses that flooded. There was a house on fire on Oak Avenue about an hour ago,” Duncan said.

Duncan Real Estate is doing damage assessments for rental owners who don’t live in the area and will help their clients secure the services of contractors and other restoration professionals.

“Because we’ve had such mass damage, how hard will it be to get materials? The resources are going to be spread thin. There’s only so many contractors and there’s so much to rebuild. I think we’re in for a really long haul,” Duncan said.

The Rod & Reel Pier and restaurant remains closed until further notice. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

The Rod & Reel Pier and restaurant remains closed until further notice. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

A Spectrum work crew worked well into Saturday evening as part of their service restoration efforts. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

A Spectrum work crew worked well into Saturday evening as part of their service restoration efforts. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

The city of Anna Maria’s re-entry check point was established Saturday morning and Sunday. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

The city of Anna Maria’s re-entry check point was established Saturday morning and Sunday. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

A generator powered city hall after the electrical service failed. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

A generator powered city hall after the electrical service failed. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

County Commission approves third ferry

Commission approves third Gulf Island Ferry boat

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Community News, Manatee County.

MANATEE COUNTY – County commissioners have approved a $3 million budget amendment to fund the purchase of a third Gulf Island Ferry boat.

On June 11, Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione presented the funding request to commissioners for the purchase of a 60-foot, partially enclosed, 93-passenger boat to expand the Gulf Island Ferry fleet to three boats.

The budget amendment also provides additional funds for the current ferry service operations between the Riverwalk Day Dock in downtown Bradenton, the Anna Maria City Pier and the Bradenton Beach Pier.

County Commission approves third ferry
BACVB Executive Director Elliott Falcione presented the funding request on June 11. – Manatee County | Submitted

Falcione hopes to present a purchase order for commission approval in late June before the commission takes its annual summer recess.

Falcione noted the Gulf Island Ferry service began on Jan. 12 with two 49-passenger, open-air pontoon boats and is now operating Wednesday through Sunday, at least through June. The county and the contracted ferry operators will take a month-by-month approach to scheduling during the slower summer months.

Falcione said the pontoon ferries are currently carrying more than 200 passengers a day and carried 14,000 passengers between the initial launch and the end of May.

Regarding the initial purchase of the two pontoon boats, Falcione said, “We had to figure out if the mainland to the Island (route) would work. We always knew the hopper service up and down the Island would work. If the mainland to the Island didn’t work, we would still use those pontoon catamarans out on the Island.”

When addressing the need for a larger boat to handle the river run between downtown Bradenton and the City Pier, Falcione said, “We have suspended 41 days due to wind chop on the Manatee River going out to the mouth of the river. That 41 days is a loss of about 11,000 passengers.”

He noted ferry service at the City Pier has been suspended 10 times due to water currents and other factors.

When presenting a diagram of the proposed vessel, Falcione said 67 seats will be enclosed with air conditioning and heat, two wheelchair spaces, an ADA-compliant restroom and 24 additional open-air seats.

County Commission approves third ferry
This diagram illustrates what the county desires as a third ferry boat. – Manatee County | Submitted

“It’ll be heavier. It’ll be a little bit faster. It should mitigate 60-70% of the weather that we’re dealing with today. The frustrating thing is, if you approve this today, it’s going to take a year to build,” he said.

The larger enclosed ferry will operate between downtown Bradenton and the Anna Maria City Pier – or the Bradenton Beach Pier if conditions require doing so. The two pontoon boats will then operate between the two Island piers and eventually to one of the county boat ramps near Coquina Beach.

The county plans to apply for a federal transportation grant that would cover 80-85% of the funds needed to purchase a second enclosed ferry boat a year or so after the first enclosed ferry boat arrives. County staff has also been directed to eventually implement a ferry stop near the convention center and new Marriott hotel in Palmetto.

Regarding the ferry service becoming a plausible transportation option for Island employees who live on the mainland, Falcione said the long-term goal is to have an express ferry service that leaves for the Island at 7 a.m. and returns around 5 or 6 p.m. with regular ferry service and MCAT buses augmenting the express service.

“We’ve got to figure out a way to not charge the employees to incentivize them to ride the service. We’ll get there and we might be able to find a sponsor,” he said.

For tickets, schedules and other information, please visit the Gulf Island Ferry website.

Mayor Murphy won’t seek re-election

Mayor Murphy won’t seek re-election

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

ANNA MARIA – Dan Murphy will not seek re-election to another two-year term as the city’s mayor.

During the May 23 city commission meeting, Murphy announced he would not run again in the upcoming city elections.

“I’ve decided not to run in November. It’s been fun. Ten years,” Murphy said while trying to hold his emotions in check.

“This will give us all a chance to think about how we go forward,” Commission Chair Mark Short said in response to the announcement that surprised some sitting in the commission chambers.

“Ten years is pretty remarkable,” Short said. “I want to thank you on behalf of all of us in the city and the staff for everything you’ve done, but I know we’re going to have the opportunity to do that again.”

“I’ve got a few more months and I’m not a lame duck. It’s been an honor,” Murphy said.

While sitting in the mayor’s office after the meeting, Murphy said, “It’s been a pleasure and honor for both myself and the first lady (his wife, Barbara).”

As for what’s next, he said, “I think I might look at other avenues within the community to serve, as well as perhaps looking at some educational opportunities, perhaps at the college level, where I can share some of the knowledge I have about local government and dealing with Tallahassee (home of the Florida Legislature).”

When asked if he has any advice for those interested in being Anna Maria’s next mayor, he said, “I could spend hours and days giving advice about how to do this, but I guess I would just suggest that if you’re going to run, be prepared for a tough job, a full-time job. This is not for amateurs.

“You need to be prepared to pretty much give up your personal life and treat this like a full-time job. It’s not for show and it’s not for glory. There’s certainly not much glory but there’s a great deal of reward. It’s a rewarding job. You can accomplish things that you could never accomplish in a private sector and you can really have an impact on your community – a good impact or a bad impact, the exposure’s there for both,” Murphy said.

Murphy’s leaving office at a time when Anna Maria faces the potential forced consolidation or dissolution of the three Anna Maria Island cities and city governments.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

During his time in office, Murphy guided the city through the adoption of the city’s first vacation rental ordinance in 2015. He led the city’s response to Hurricane Irma in 2017 and the lengthy process of replacing the hurricane-damaged pier. He then guided the city commission through the controversial selection of the two tenants that occupy the city-owned pier, The City Pier Grill and the Mote Marine Science, Education and Outreach Center. Murphy led the city’s preparation and response to several other storms and flooding events and also guided the city through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mayor Murphy won’t seek re-election
Mayor Dan Murphy, left, and City Commissioner Dale Woodland inspected the pier damage inflicted by Hurricane Irma in 2017. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Mayor Murphy won’t seek re-election
The new Anna Maria City Pier was built under Dan Murphy’s guidance. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Murphy formulated the plan that transformed an underutilized city-owned property into City Pier Park and it was his idea to install the shade sail structure under which the seasonal farmers market and annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day events he suggested take place.

Mayor Murphy won’t seek re-election
Mayor Dan Murphy helped transform the former ‘six lots’ property into City Pier Park. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

For the past several years, Murphy played a key role locally and statewide in thwarting the Florida Legislature’s annual efforts to preempt vacation rental regulations to the state and strip local governments of that regulatory authority.

Before his final term expires, Murphy hopes to make some significant headway with the Reimagining Pine Avenue project that’s proved more challenging than originally expected.

WHO’S NEXT?

The mayor is paid approximately $19,500 per year during a two-year term. City commissioners are paid $400 a month.

Anna Maria’s two-week candidate qualifying period for those seeking to serve as mayor or fill one of two city commission seats begins on Monday, June 3 at noon and ends on Friday, June 15 at noon. The qualifying period is preceded by a state-mandated prequalifying period that begins on Monday, May 27.

According to City Clerk LeAnne Addy, qualifying papers will be accepted during the pre-qualifying period but Anna Maria candidates will not be considered qualified until the city’s qualifying period opens on June 3.

Mayoral and city commission candidates are now required to file a Form 6 disclosure form that lists the candidate’s net worth, income sources, debts and tangible assets. Mayors and commissioners are also now required to file additional annual Form 6 disclosure forms while in office.

Ferry service to Longboat Key discussed

Ferry service to Longboat Key discussed

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Business, Featured, Tourism.

LONGBOAT KEY – Gulf Islands Ferry service may one day be expanded to the north end of Long­boat Key, but that isn’t expected to happen in the immediate future.

Future ferry service was one of the topics discussed during the joint meeting that Manatee County and Longboat Key officials participated in on April 30 at the county admin­istration building in downtown Bradenton.

Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione said the county and the Town of Longboat Key have and will continue to discuss if, when and how the county’s Gulf Islands Ferry service might one day be expanded to Longboat Key.

Town Manager Howard Tipton said there have been preliminary discussions about using the town dock near the Mar Vista restaurant, which is also within walking distance of the Shore restaurant. Tipton plans to survey potentially impacted Longboat Key residents to gauge how they feel about a ferry stop there.

Ferry service to Longboat Key discussed
The canal behind the Whitney Plaza in Longboat Key is probably too shallow to accommodate the ferries. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Falcione said the canal behind the Whitney Plaza along Gulf of Mexico Drive at the north end of the key is too shallow to accommodate the ferries and he doesn’t envision the ferries traveling to the residential and resort areas further south.

“We’re talking. We’re not there yet,” Falcione said, noting that county resort tax revenues would fund any dock improvements needed in Long­boat Key.

FERRY INSIGHTS

Falcione also shared some general insights on the county-contracted ferry service that began in January and currently features stops at the Riverwalk Day Dock in downtown Bradenton, the Anna Maria City Pier and the Bradenton Beach Pier.

Initially operating on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the service was later expanded to include Thursday and Wednesday service. Falcione said the five-day service will continue through the month of May. Service days may be reduced during the summer months.

Falcione said county staff is working on extending ferry service to the Coquina South boat ramp by the end of the year to accommodate Manatee County residents who want to travel to Coquina Beach.

Ferry service to Longboat Key discussed
The county hopes to have a ferry stop at the South Coquina boat ramp in Bradenton Beach by year’s end. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Falcione said the two 49-passenger pontoon boat ferries transport 300-350 passengers per day, weather permitting, reducing the number of automobiles traveling to the Island.

“Since we started, we’ve served about 9,000 passengers. The chal­lenge that we face is we’ve lost 25 days due to the weather,” Falcione said.

Falcione said the county and the contracted ferry operator are research­ing the construction of a high speed, partially-enclosed 90-passenger ferry that would help minimize the service days suspended due to rain, wind, waves and other factors.

The larger, faster ferry would travel the Manatee River between downtown Bradenton and the Anna Maria City Pier and the two pontoon boats would then service Anna Maria Island – and potentially Longboat Key. Falcione preliminary discussions have occurred with the city of Bradenton Beach about docking the pontoon boats there overnight in that future scenario.

Ferry service to Longboat Key discussed
The Bradenton Beach Pier currently serves as one of Anna Maria Island’s two ferry stops. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Falcione said it would take about a year to build the larger ferry and grants are being sought to help fund it.

Falcione also expects the ferry service to eventually be expanded to the convention center in Palmetto and the new 252-room Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa next to the convention center.

Falcione acknowledged the ferries are not yet a primary source of trans­portation for the Anna Maria Island workforce that commutes from the mainland – due in part to the uncer­tainty posed by suspended service days. He said a partially enclosed high-speed ferry might help.

“The St. Regis is going to employ a lot of folks,” County Commissioner Mike Rahm said of the new resort opening in Longboat Key at the former Colony Beach Resort location later this year.

Longboat Key Commissioner Debra Williams said Longboat Key busi­nesses struggle to attract and retain employees because of the transporta­tion challenges and lengthy travel times. She said workforce transporta­tion should be the top priority and ferrying folks to restaurants should be a secondary goal.

Ferry tickets can be purchased at www.gulfcoastwatertaxi.com.

City Pier Park will soon be dog-friendly

City Pier Park will soon be dog-friendly

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

ANNA MARIA – Leashed dogs will soon be allowed in City Pier Park, including during some special events held in the park.

The city of Anna Maria’s code of ordinances currently prohibits dogs and other domestic animals on beaches and in city parks.

“It shall be unlawful for the owner or keeper of any domestic animal to allow or permit any such domestic animal on any beaches, coastal barrier sand dunes or parks located within the city limits,” the current ordinance says.

On March 28, City Attorney Becky Vose presented the city commission with the first reading of Ordinance 24-924, which contained the proposed addition of the following language: “Provided, however, dogs on leashes shall be allowed in parks that are not on the beach or which have coastal barrier sand dunes, as long as no special event is occurring at such park, and as long as the person accompany­ing such dog shall promptly remove any feces deposited by such dog and properly dispose of such feces.”

When discussing the proposed ordinance, Commission Chair Mark Short said, “I do not agree that we should not allow dogs in the park when there’s a special event.”

He noted that leashed dogs are al­lowed at the Sarasota farmer’s market and at many other markets and public spaces in the area.

“I don’t see an issue with allowing dogs in the park at any time,” Short said. “We have had them at some of our events, Veterans Day and so on, where there have been people there with their dogs sitting beside them. I think they should be allowed at City Pier Park even if there is a special event.”

Short noted a different city ordi­nance prohibits dogs on the City Pier and that prohibition will remain in effect.

“The Pier’s not a park,” Mayor Dan Murphy added.

As for allowing dogs during special events, Commissioner Jon Crane said, “I’m not certain about this because you get too many dogs in an area together and they fight. We have an elderly population and that concerns me a little bit.”

Commissioner Gary McMullen said he sees dogs in City Pier Park during the weekly farmers markets held on Tuesdays. He asked if the market events are considered special events or reoccurring events. Murphy said the farmers markets are considered special events.

Murphy said more than 1,000 people attend the city’s annual Memo­rial Day and Veterans Day events and allowing dogs during those events could be disruptive.

Commissioner Charlie Salem asked if the commission could prohibit dogs during certain special events. Murphy suggested the ordinance be crafted in a manner that would allow the commission to prohibit dogs during certain special events while allowing them in general and during other special events. The commission agreed and directed Vose to rewrite the ordinance to reflect that desired revision.

Commissioner Jon Crane recom­mended installing dog waste stations in the park.

“It’s a small investment and I think we need to do it,” he said, noting the dog owners sometimes forget to bring their own dog waste bags.

PUBLIC INPUT

The efforts to make City Pier Park dog-friendly date back to last September when the Planning and Zoning Board members unanimously supported board member Dusty Crane’s request to recommend to the city commission that dogs be allowed in the city-owned park located across the street from the City Pier.

When Crane (Commissioner Jon Crane’s wife) presented the planning board’s request to the city commission in October, Murphy suggested dogs remain prohibited during special events held at the park, including those offering food service.

As an alternative, Commissioner Robert Kingan proposed installing a small dog park within City Pier Park and designating that as the only area dogs would be allowed. Commissioner Charlie Salem suggested the space between the children’s playground and the Lake La Vista canal might be a good location for a dog park and the commission took no further action that day.

During the October meeting, Anna Maria resident and dog owner John Kolojeski expressed his support for allowing dogs in the park and for creating a dog park within the park.

City Pier Park will soon be dog-friendly
Anna Maria resident John Kolojeski supports allowing dogs in City Pier Park. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

During the March 28 meeting, Kolojeski said, “I agree with Commis­sioner Short. I think dogs on leashes should be allowed at city events. I also think we should have a dog park. What’s happening with that? I think that was fairly well-received.”

The mayor and commission did not respond to Kolojeski’s dog park comment and no further discussion ensued.

The commission doesn’t vote on the first reading of a proposed ordinance. The revised dog allowance ordinance will be presented on second and final reading and a commission vote on Thursday, April 11.

Gulf Islands Ferries now running five days a week

Gulf Islands Ferries now running five days a week

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Business, Featured, Tourism.

MANATEE COUNTY – The Gulf Islands Ferry service will expand service to five days a week beginning Wednesday, March 20.

Featuring stops at the City Pier in Anna Maria, the Bradenton Beach Pier and the Riverwalk Day Dock in downtown Bradenton, the ferry service will now run Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., weather permitting.

In a press release issued by Manatee County, Executive Director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Elliott Falcione said, “Adding Wednesdays helps further our goal of taking cars off the road and getting people into the restaurants and shops in downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island by utilizing our incredible water asset, the Manatee River.”

According to the press release, the ferry service that launched in mid-January has averaged 360 riders per day, which in turn reduces the number of cars traveling to and from the Island.

“The ferry is a great alternative to sitting in traffic,” Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge said in the press release. “This form of multi-modal transportation not only can get you to the Island, but also alleviates the need to find a parking space.”

Passengers can now track the location of the two catamarans using the Manatee My Stop App that allows ferry riders to see where the ferry is, while also tracking Manatee County Area Transit services that include the county buses and the free Anna Maria Island trolley.

For up-to-date information on service times, tickets and scheduling, call 941-357-2587, text 727-200-6487 or visit gulfislandsferry.com.

Ferry service now includes Thursdays

Ferry service now includes Thursdays

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Gulf Islands Ferry service that features stops in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and downtown Bradenton now operates on Thursdays too, as of Thursday, Feb. 29. The ferries now run Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., weather permitting.

“As we press forward with the Gulf Islands Ferry service, it’s imperative we increase the availability to accommodate our residents and visitors during peak season,” Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione said in a county-issued press release.

“Adding Thursdays allows those in the Bradenton area to have four days per week to enjoy our stops in downtown Bradenton, the Anna Maria City Pier and the historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach,” Falcione said.

Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge said, “This is part of our continued commitment to boost multi-modal transportation in our community, helping families spend less time in traffic and more time together.”

For information on times, tickets and scheduling, call 941-357-2587, text 727-200-6487 or visit the Gulf Islands Ferry website.