Tag: Australian pines

Coquina Beach drainage project nearing finish line

Coquina drainage project nears finish line

Written by Joe Hendricks on August 22, 2023. Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News, Manatee County.

BRADENTON BEACH – The main components of Manatee County’s drainage improvement project at Coquina Beach are complete.

What remains are the completion of the second unpaved overflow parking area, the installation of an irrigation system and the planting of new trees that will replace the Australian pine trees previously removed.

Manatee County Public Works Director Chad Butzow provided city and county officials with a project update during the Aug. 1 Council of Governments meeting in Palmetto.

“Short of planting trees, we’re finally done,” Butzow said of the two-phase drainage improvement project that began at the south end of the Coquina Beach parking lot in mid-2019.

The drainage improvement project included paving the previously unpaved parking areas using pervious concrete that allows rainwater to drain downward through it and into the new drainage system below.

The pervious concrete in the Coquina Beach parking lot allows rainwater to drain downward through it. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“It was a drainage project. The parking lot just happens to be the drainage system for that,” Butzow said in reference to some people referring to the project as a parking project.

“Within that project, we even added some overflow parking with our geo-web system in the former overflow grass area. Even if it’s a heavy rain, you’ll be stable in there. You won’t be parking in mud. That area will only be open when it’s needed,” Butzow said.

The Coquina Beach parking lot now includes this overflow parking area that can be opened as needed. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The first gated, unpaved overflow parking lot is finished and located north of the picnic pavilions. The second unpaved overflow parking area still under construction is located just north of the first overflow parking area.

The drainage project and parking improvements resulted in the somewhat controversial removal of approximately 200 Australian pine trees.

“I will point out to some of the naysayers, there’s a lot of trees left,” Butzow said.

Butzow referenced the one-for-one tree replacement required by the city as part of the its initial permitting approval for the county’s drainage improvement project. The Bradenton Beach City Commission stipulated each non-native Australian pine tree removed must later be replaced with a new, native Florida tree.

“One tree down, one tree in,” Butzow said, noting he expected the tree plantings to take place within 30 to 45 days.

Butzow said it’s hard to determine whether the mostly completed project created more or fewer beach parking spaces, but there’s an upside either way.

“You get a lot more organized parking is the overall consensus. We’re very thrilled with how it looks and how it feels overall,” he said of the project as a whole.

After a recent rain, standing rainwater pooled in the cul-de-sac near the center of the parking lot. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

According to Manatee County Information Outreach Manager Bill Logan, the revamped Coquina Beach parking lot, including the two overflow parking areas, will provide 1,042 parking spaces.

On the morning of Aug. 16, The Sun visited the Coquina Beach parking lot. Even after a recent rain, most of the parking lot surfaces were dry and free of standing water. But there was some rainwater pooled a few inches deep in the lower-lying paved areas near the cul-de-sac and overflow parking areas toward the center of the parking lot.

When contacted later that day, Logan said, “Regarding drainage, the playground area holds stormwater that falls on it. When it is full, it backs into the pervious parking area at the phase 1 cul-de-sac. It will slowly drain into the drainage system over a couple of days.

“All of the standard parking areas are complete and open to traffic,” he said. “The unfinished area is the second overflow parking lot and tree mitigation area. Irrigation is currently being installed so crews can plant the 80 some-odd trees in the former green space that occupied this area. Once the trees are in, staff will hydroseed the remaining space to get grass growing.”

Property owners open to replacing Australian pines at city’s expense

Written by Joe Hendricks on June 20, 2021. Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – Michael and Nadya Kelly have responded to criticisms and concerns city officials recently expressed regarding their beachfront home and property at 402 Gulf Drive.

The city’s concerns include the potential removal of the Australian pines from the Kelly’s property near the intersection of Cortez Road and Gulf Drive.

On June 14, the Kellys sent a two-page letter to the Bradenton Beach City Commission, and also to the Community Redevelopment Agency, which includes all five city commission members and appointed members Ed Chiles and David Bell. The letter was sent in response to comments City Commissioner and CRA member Jan Vosburgh and CRA member Chiles made during the June 2 CRA meeting.

“I think those Australian pine trees, as you come down Cortez Bridge, are a real eyesore. Most importantly, I think it’s very dangerous. I’ve been talking about this for quite a few years. They should be removed,” Vosburgh said on June 2.

“I am familiar with the condemnation of property. I think we should work very hard at getting rid of that house because that is a terrible eyesore and it doesn’t look like it’s getting any better,” Vosburgh also said in reference to possible state condemnation of the Kellys’ property.

During that same meeting, Chiles said, “Australian pines are invasive. They have been designated by the state as invasive – that they shall be taken out, not can be. Jan could not be more right. Those trees are a tremendous hazard right at the most important intersection in the city of Bradenton Beach. When the big storm hits, they’re going over and that’s going to be a real impediment when our public service people are the only people out here trying to saw through all of that.”

At the conclusion of the June 2 discussion, Public Works Director Tom Woodard was directed to get cost estimates for the possible removal of the Australian pines.

Kellys’ response

City Attorney Ricinda Perry read the Kellys’ letter into the public record during the Thursday, June 17 city commission meeting. The letter notes the Canadian residents purchased their Bradenton Beach home in 1989.

“Like many Canadian and American snowbirds, we spend a substantial amount of time in this island paradise. Our children and their families also visit throughout the year, creating a sanctuary where we continue to create lasting, loving memories,” their letter says.

Regarding the June 2 comments, the letter says, “Such comments would suggest that the elected commissioner is not supporting her constituents in a fair and just manner. A commissioner, or anyone appointed to a committee, best serves the community by upholding ethical values that create a conducive working relationship, and a sense of pride and camaraderie amongst the constituents.

“While Mr. Chiles is correct in asserting that the Australian pine has been declared as ‘invasive’ by the State of Florida, his use of the term ‘shall’ seems to overlook the primacy of the owner in this decision. For example, on Feb. 6, 2006, the Sanibel City Council passed Ordinance 06-021 confirming ‘the rights of private property owners to retain Australian pines that currently exist on their private property,’ except in cases where they present an imminent danger. Similar ordinances represent the current disposition throughout Florida,” the Kellys’ letter states.

Gulf Drive, Cortez Road and the adjacent rights of way in Bradenton Beach are controlled by the state of Florida.

“Although we have not heard from the Florida Department of Agriculture, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Department of Transportation or any other state department that our trees pose an immediate threat, we wish to work cooperatively with the city commission. To this end, we would be prepared to discuss with the city commission the possibility of replacing, at its cost, the Australian pines with an indigenous species that would provide us with the windbreak protection that we have enjoyed from the current trees. This may likely remove any perceived danger to the area while further enhancing the entry to Anna Maria Island,” the Kellys’ letter states.

“It has been confirmed that the city had absolutely no interest in seeking state condemnation of the property or evoking eminent domain rights. We believe that the commission is sincere in this regard and that the commission will continue to respect our private property rights,” the letter states.

According to the letter, the Kellys’ home sustained significant damage during Hurricane Irma in 2017 and substantial repairs were then made in 2018.

“Further repairs were expected to be made in 2020, but plans were postponed by the COVID-19 pandemic. We intend to restore, in a timely fashion, the exterior of the home to reclaim its native Florida character,” their letter says.

When Perry finished reading the letter aloud, Mayor John Chappie said, “I did talk with one of the Kelly’s daughters. They are in for the long haul as residents, they’ve just had some obstacles that are very tough to overcome.”

Related coverage

Bradenton Beach officials want Australian pines removed

Bradenton Beach officials want Australian pines removed

Written by Joe Hendricks on June 6, 2021. Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – City officials would like to remove the Australian pines along the west side of the Cortez Road/Gulf Drive intersection.

The pines appear to be primarily located on residential property at 402 Gulf Drive N., owned by Michael and Nadya Kelly. The Kellys live in Canada and are longtime seasonal visitors to Bradenton Beach since purchasing the beachfront property in 1989. Some of the Australian pines in question may be located in the state-owned Gulf Drive right of way.

City Commissioner Jan Vosburgh requested the issue be addressed during the Wednesday, June 2 Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting. Vosburgh is concerned the pines could topple during a major storm and block the primary evacuation and re-entry route for the city.

Vosburgh again suggested seeking state condemnation of the residential structure or invoking eminent domain rights.

Commissioner Jake Spooner asked if anyone with the city has looked into what could possibly be done regarding the removal of the Australian pines. He also asked whether anyone from the city has researched how far the state right of way extends westward toward the Kellys’ property.

CRA member Ed Chiles owns the Beach House restaurant property directly south of the Kellys’ property. For his Mar Vista Dockside restaurant in Longboat Key, he previously purchased Australian pine benches designed by Sarasota architect Barron Schimberg and manufactured from fallen Australian pines. Earlier this year, the CRA paid for four Australian pine benches to installed in the pocket park in front of the Bradenton Beach Post Office.

“Australian pines are invasive. They have been designated by the state as invasive – that they shall be taken out, not can be. They have an acid mass that kills all the bio-diversity underneath them. Jan could not be more right. Those trees are a tremendous hazard right at the most important intersection in the city of Bradenton Beach. When the big storm hits, they’re going over and that’s going to be a real impediment when our public service people are the only people out here trying to saw through all of that,” Chiles said.

“Conversely, there is tremendous opportunity there. That is the gateway to Bradenton Beach. Whether it’s condemnation, a (traffic) circle there or an icon there, it’s a tremendous opportunity and I thank you for bringing it up,” Chiles said.

“I know somebody that will take those trees, dry them out and make furniture out of them,” he added.

In October 2019, City Engineer Lynn Burnett told the city commission the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) intends to construct a roundabout at the intersection in conjunction with the construction of the new Cortez Bridge that’s expected to begin in 2026.

In April, Burnett presented the commission with her final plans for an FDOT-funded beautification and landscaping project that calls for the future removal of several Australian pines along Gulf Drive North. Those plans do not include the Kelly property.

Wednesday’s discussion concluded with the commission directing Public Works Manager Tom Woodard to get cost estimates for the removal of the Australian pines located on the Kellys’ property and/or the state right of way.

The Sun was unable to reach the Kellys, who have not been able to return to Bradenton Beach from Canada due to the pandemic, according to Mayor John Chappie.

Coquina Beach improvements require more Australian pine removals

More Australian pine removals at Coquina

Written by Joe Hendricks on June 21, 2020. Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – Manatee County commissioners have approved the phase two Coquina Beach drainage improvement plans that call for the removal of 87 additional Australian pine trees.

Native trees will be planted on a one-to-one ratio as replacements for the removed Australian pines, as was the case with phase one of the county project, and in accordance with the city of Bradenton Beach’s land development code. The replacement trees will consist of shady lady black olive trees, gumbo limbos and green buttonwoods.

The replacement trees for the 103 Australian pines removed from the south end of the beach parking lot during the phase one project last year were planted last week.

Public Works Project Manager Michael Sturm presented the phase two plans to county commissioners on Tuesday, June 16.

The phase two drainage and parking improvements will take place in the center and north parking areas of the county-owned beach in Bradenton Beach. The drainage improvements will include new stormwater pipes and paving the remaining unpaved parking areas with pervious pavement that allows rainwater to drain through it.

Sturm’s presentation noted the completion of phase two would result in more than 900 striped and paved parking spaces at Coquina Beach. Approximately 700 of those paved parking spaces will be created in phase two. Sturm’s presentation notes the previous number of parking spaces was unknown because there was no formal layout for the unpaved spaces.

The estimated phase one cost was $3.36 million. The estimated phase two cost is $3.62 million.

Commission feedback

Holmes Beach resident and County Commissioner Carol Whitmore voiced the only opposition to the phase two plans.

“Now’s probably not even a good time for this to be coming up,” she said in reference to other parking issues that have surfaced on Anna Maria Island.

“Use that $3.6 million on something else we desperately need,” she said.

Commissioner Misty Servia felt differently.

“I am excited about the phase two project, especially when we consider the lack of parking out on the Island. The removal of the Australian pines in favor of native trees that are going to provide shade and canopy to the beach area is a great thing in my opinion. I am ready to make the motion for approval,” she said.

Commissioner Steve Jonsson seconded Servia’s motion and said, “I was certainly in favor of doing phase one first and seeing how that came out. I was out the visiting the site three weeks ago and it came out really well. It was a huge improvement.”

Jonsson said he was skeptical at first of the pervious pavement but seeing the phase one improvements changed his mind.

“I’m looking forward to getting the second phase done. We’ll have those 900 spaces,” he said.

Commissioner Vanessa Baugh referenced a summary of facts included in Sturm’s presentation.

“Originally there were 990-plus Australian pines. In phase one, we only removed 103 of those 990-plus. Then in phase two it would be 87,” she noted.

Commission Chair Betsy Benac asked Sturm if the phase one and phase two improvements would produce more usable parking spaces at Coquina Beach. Sturm said they would.

Benac asked if the Australian pines along the multi-use path would remain in place. Sturm said they would.

Benac said she has not received any negative feedback since the phase one tree removals occurred and the phase one work ensued, and during Tuesday’s meeting, no one provided public comment on the matter.

“I am going to support this due to the fact that we’re going to have more usable spaces with these improvements,” Benac said.

Benac noted the paved parking spaces will provide beach access for all Manatee County residents and visitors.

“I think that’s a good thing,” she said.

The commission voted 6-1 in favor of moving forward with phase two, with Whitmore casting the only opposition vote.

Pines plague parking project

Written by Cindy Lane on December 10, 2019. Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News, Featured.

BRADENTON BEACH – Controversy over Australian pine trees in the Coquina Beach parking lot may slow down or stop the second phase of a $6 million drainage project, county tourism officials learned on Monday.

The county removed 103 of the non-native pines and replaced them with native species in phase one at the southern end of the parking area, scheduled to be completed by February or March, Mike Sturm, project manager at the Manatee County Public Works Department, told Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) members.

Another 126 pines will need to be removed at the northern end in phase two, he said.

Spirited discussions at city and county meetings about removing the first batch of trees caused the project to fall three to four months behind, he said, adding that the city of Bradenton Beach required the county to replace the 103 pines with 103 native, salt-tolerant trees, mostly black olive, gumbo limbo and green buttonwood. The county exceeded the city’s height requirements, choosing trees 8-12 feet high, Sturm said.

TDC Chair and Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore was not appeased by the effort, citing the Australian pines’ shade and aesthetic appeal.

The nearly-completed portion of the southern parking lot “looks like Siesta Beach or one of the other sterile beaches we have south of us… I wanted to save some of the character of Anna Maria Island,” said Whitmore, who voted against the project as a county commissioner. “People come to us because we aren’t a sterile beach like you see in other places in Florida. If you go for phase two, I’m really going to fight it hard,” she said.

In phase two, which Manatee County commissioners have not yet approved, the county public works staff can try to mitigate the impact to the pines by changing the pavement design to save some of them, Sturm said.

But Australian pine opponents, like Island restaurateur and TDC member Ed Chiles, say the trees are unstable in high winds due to shallow root systems and produce acidity that discourages the growth of native plants.

Pines lining Gulf Drive could topple into the roadway, which is a hurricane evacuation route, Chiles said, complimenting the county on removing the pines and on the drainage project’s progress, saying it “provides access to our crown jewel, the beaches.”

The county worked with an expert who determined that 90% of the time, the Coquina Beach parking lot gets an inch of rain or less, he said, so the system is designed to keep the lot dry 90% percent of the time. During a heavy storm, it may take a day or so to clear, he said, but any water coming off Gulf Drive will be routed around the parking area.

The system also should help reduce harmful algal blooms, Chiles said; the project incorporates carbon filters under pervious parking surfaces to help filter out nutrients from stormwater runoff, which will drain into the Intracoastal Waterway.

Pervious concrete was used at Riverwalk and Lecom Field, TDC member and Bradenton Mayor Wayne Poston said.

“It’s worked very well, we’re very pleased with that,” he said, predicting that the improved beach parking lot will attract more visitors and locals when it is finished in January.

But the Australian pines made the beach “look like the Island,” he said.

“I think Carol’s right,” he said. “You get a new puppy and everybody forgets about the old dog who has served you so well.”

“I lost this one,” Whitmore said. “As a TDC member for a long time now, I just don’t want the character to be inching away… I’m just trying to preserve a little bit of the character and that to me was a big thing. But they’re gone.”

Related coverage

County submits Coquina Beach tree replacement plan

County commission approves Coquina Beach tree removals

City to county: ‘Not so fast’ on tree removal

County commission approves Coquina Beach tree removals

Written by Joe Hendricks on June 24, 2019. Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News, Manatee County.

BRADENTON – Manatee County commissioners have approved removing 97 more Australian pines from the south Coquina Beach parking lot, bringing the total so far to 103, including six already removed earlier this month.

The approved phase one tree removals are part of the county’s two-phase Coquina Beach stormwater and drainage improvement project. The $3.1 million first phase plan includes paving all the unpaved access roads and parking areas in the south parking lots with pervious concrete, which will allow rainwater to drain through it and into an underground filtration system that discharges into Sarasota Bay and/or Longboat Pass.

The project also includes the construction of a Florida Department of Transportation-funded sidewalk along the west side of Gulf Drive.

Commissioners Vanessa Baugh, Steve Jonsson and Misty Servia supported Commissioner Priscilla Trace’s motion to remove the trees at the Tuesday, June 18 commission meeting. At-large commissioners Betsy Benac and Carol Whitmore opposed the decision. Commissioner Reggie Bellamy was not present.

The adopted motion approves the removal of all 103 non-native Australian pines slated for removal in phase one and calls for their replacement with another unspecified type of tree. At Servia’s request, the amended motion includes a request for the creation of a landscaping plan as soon as possible.

The fates of approximately 130 more Australian pines slated for removal in phase two have not yet been determined. The adopted motion calls for the commission to reevaluate the phase two plans to determine if the project is extended to the center and northern parking lots, and if so, how many more trees will be removed.

When making her motion, Trace said she doubted the commission would approve phase two.

The commission chose not to pursue an alternative plan that would have saved approximately 50 trees scheduled for phase one removal.

Commission comments

Whitmore, the commission’s only Island resident, made a motion to terminate the project. Her motion died without a second from another commissioner.

“Please listen to our community’s pleas – from the Island all the way out to Lakewood Ranch – to not change the character of our beaches,” Whitmore said.

The meeting packet included 1,010 petition signatures that local Realtor Mike Norman and others collected in an attempt to save the trees.

“We did not know about the trees. It was never mentioned,” Whitmore said. “I respectfully ask that you find out from our legal counsel what it’s going to cost to cancel this contract.”

Benac then said, “I remember the workshop when we talked about pervious pavement. I honestly don’t remember voting to go forward with the project. I don’t know that we’ve ever seen a site plan that shows what’s happening at this site.

“Are we paving the whole thing? It’s not just about the trees. I’m concerned we’re going to have real pushback from people that are going to be horrified by us creating a Siesta Key-type parking lot,” Benac said.

“Yes, we’re proposing to pave every bit of parking area over time,” Butzow confirmed.

“If I had my way, I’d get rid of all the Australian pines,” Trace said, noting the commission approved an unrelated $300,000 three-year expenditure for exotic plant removals earlier that day.

“I don’t think we’re really changing the feel for that beach. I think they need to go, and we need to replant them with better shade trees,” Jonsson said.

Staff input

Newly-confirmed Public Works Director Chad Butzow, Project Manager Michael Sturm and Parks and Grounds Division Manager Carmine DeMilio explained the project in detail before the commissioners voted.

“This is a stormwater drainage project that happens to include a parking lot because the drainage system is the parking lot,” Butzow said of the pervious concrete.

DeMilio said the project will address flooding issues that sometimes cause the parking lots to be closed.

The county spends $30,000 annually grading the unpaved surfaces to alleviate potholes, he said, adding that county staff spends significant time picking up fallen branches. He shared a photo of an Australian pine branch that recently landed on a parked vehicle.

Sturm said a certified arborist recommended the tree removals because the excavation for the paving would damage the trees’ shallow root systems. Sturm said raising the surfaces to be paved was discussed, but the arborist said burying the roots under 10 inches of topsoil would kill the pines.

Sturm said the arborist recently proposed an alternative that could save approximately 50 phase one pines designated for removal.

“He said I probably should have told you this in the beginning. What we can do is trim some roots and prune the tops so they’re not susceptible to the wind. It’ll take them about a year to recover, but in that time the roots will grow back and the trees will re-foliate, ” Sturm said.

“We were ill-prepared and we were well into the project when we discovered the trees were in harm’s way.” – Chad Butzow, Manatee County Public Works Director

Butzow said staff did not recommend the pruning option, but it could be done. The commission took no action on that option.

Butzow said the phase two plans call for the removal of 126 to 129 additional Australian pines, which would leave 76 percent of the existing pines still standing.

“Nothing’s being touched that is water-side of the walking trail,” Butzow said.

Sturm said phase two design revisions could save 80-90 percent of those trees: “It will take a little more work, but we can save the trees if that’s what you want to do.”

Butzow said the original plans only called for the removal of the 13 trees in direct conflict with the paving plans and that’s how the project was presented during a previous commission work session.

“We definitely missed on that one. We were ill-prepared and we were well into the project when we discovered the trees were in harm’s way,” Butzow admitted.

Butzow said the omission of a landscaping plan was also an error on his part.

Contact Manatee County commissioners by clicking on their names at the county website.

Related coverage:

City to county: ‘Not so fast’ on tree removal

County Commission authorizes removal of six Australian pines

Proposed tree removals delayed

City to county: ‘Not so fast’ on tree removal

Written by Joe Hendricks on June 24, 2019. Posted in Featured.

BRADENTON BEACH – City Building Official Steve Gilbert has the city commission’s support to issue a stop work order on a county drainage project that would remove at least 103 and possibly up to 232 Australian pines from Coquina Beach.

This comes in response to the Manatee County Commission’s 4-2 decision on Tuesday, June 18 to remove 97 more Australian pines from the south end of the Coquina Beach parking lot as part of the county’s drainage and paving project. Six pines already were removed earlier this month.

“I think they knew they were going to have to take trees out, they just didn’t divulge it. They didn’t tell us there might be an impact to the trees.” – Steve Gilbert, Bradenton Beach building official

“This would not be ‘Stop, halt, desist and take everything out.’ It would be ‘Take a break and let’s talk about this,’ ” Gilbert told the commission on Thursday, June 20.

Gilbert, City Attorney Ricinda Perry and the commission agreed to first extend the courtesy of putting the county on notice before issuing a stop work order that would bring the county project to a temporary halt.

The city’s land development code prohibits planting Australian pines and other non-native nuisance species, but the code requires replacing each prohibited tree removed with an allowed species on a one-to-one basis. City code also requires the replacement trees to be at least five feet tall.

Memo issued

On Friday, Gilbert sent a memo to Manatee County Project Manager Michael Sturm.

“The city is hereby placing the applicant on notice that Manatee County must come into compliance with this Land Development Code. Please prepare and submit a plan showing the location of all trees to be removed in the project area, along with a signed/sealed landscaping plan to show the locations of the replacement trees, including a list of the tree species proposed. We will then amend the project application to include the landscaping plan,” Gilbert’s memo said.

“Please be advised that the Land Development Code authorizes the city of Bradenton Beach to stop work on a project when situations such as this arise, until sufficient information is provided to assure compliance with the code. Rather than take this action, my office would prefer that we collaborate on a solution. We ask that you take steps to prevent the removal of any trees until this matter is fully resolved. This is a matter of importance, and time is of the essence. We would like to meet with you as soon as possible to review the situation and the requirements,” Gilbert’s memo concludes.

“If you’re taking out 240 trees you will replace them with 240 trees,” Gilbert told the Sun earlier in the week.

He said county officials never mentioned tree removals when seeking the city-issued approvals and permits.

“I think they knew they were going to have to take trees out, they just didn’t divulge it. They didn’t tell us there might be an impact to the trees,” Gilbert said.

City permitting

The county-owned beach is within the city limits and the county project requires city approvals and permitting.

On March 1, 2018, the city commission unanimously approved the project’s proposed lot coverage that County Engineer Sia Mollanazar said would include 47,437 square yards of pervious concrete and 1,098 square yards of impervious pavement.

On June 13, 2018, Sturm sent City Engineer Lynn Burnett an email that said he and Mollanazar would appreciate the city waiving its permit fees.

The agenda item request that Burnett submitted for the June 21, 2018 commission meeting said the estimated permitting fees would exceed $100,000 and delay the project. The commission unanimously approved the county’s request, except for some minimal administrative costs.

During his two appearances in Bradenton Beach, Mollanazar never mentioned tree removals.

On April 10 of this year, Gilbert issued the county a zoning and land use permit that noted the county paid only $500 of the $48,190 that could have been charged in permitting fees, saving the county $47,690.

Commission discussion

During last week’s meeting, Mayor John Chappie said he talked to Manatee County Commission Chair Steve Jonsson. Chappie suggested the county money would be better spent addressing stormwater issues slightly to the north at Cortez Beach, where Gulf Drive and the adjacent bike lane are frequently flooded.

Vice Mayor Jake Spooner said the county project could have been designed with less impact on the trees had the county obtained a stormwater permit. Instead, county staff chose to place the drainage and paving improvements in the existing footprint of the parking areas and access roads. This alleviated the need for a state-issued stormwater permit.

Spooner questioned the wisdom of completing the project’s first phase when there is now some doubt as to whether county commissioners will approve the project’s proposed second phase.

“The majority of the parking’s still going to be flooded down at the other end,” Spooner said of that potential scenario. “There’s a lot I don’t understand about this.”

Commissioner Ralph Cole said he supports the county efforts to discharge cleaner stormwater into the nearby natural waterways, but he said removing that many trees could negatively impact air quality.

Chappie and Commissioner Randy White said they didn’t recall hearing anything about tree removals when the county project was proposed to the commission.

When contacted earlier in the week, Chappie and Spooner both said they were very disappointed by the county commission’s decision, but they thanked commissioners Betsy Benac and Carol Whitmore for opposing the project as currently planned.

“I had hoped that at the very least the county would have considered the option of cutting down 50 trees and trimming the others,” Chappie said.

https://amisun.com/2019/06/24/county-commission-approves-coquina-beach-tree-removals/

Related coverage:

County Commission authorizes removal of six Australian pines

Proposed tree removals delayed

County Commission authorizes removal of six Australian pines

Written by Joe Hendricks on June 7, 2019. Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON – Six Australian pines will be removed from the Coquina Beach parking lot for now and a comprehensive project report will be presented to Manatee County Commissioners on Tuesday, June 18.

County Administrator Cheri Coryea provided this update at the beginning of the commission’s Thursday, June 6, land use meeting. Her update pertained to the 102 Australian pines recently slated for removal as part of the county’s two-phase Coquina Beach parking and stormwater drainage project.

“We have an urgent matter we need to address. As you know, we’re reviewing the project of the Coquina drainage. We have received a recent update on some additional trees we may need to remove, but we don’t have all of those details. I’m here this morning to ask the board if we can move forward with removing six trees,” Coryea said.

“In the original plan, there were 30 trees in that area to be removed. We’re just asking for six at this moment. The six trees in question are in the path of the next area of the stormwater drainage that must be put in,” Coryea said.

Five of the six pines being removed are located near the open space and playground at the south end of the beach park. The sixth tree is located further to the north.

Coryea said the Woodruff & Sons construction company is now mobilized and working, and the construction materials are also on-site.

“By doing this, we won’t have to demobilize or move materials. That would cost us a great deal and require us to move some things out in lieu of the June 18 meeting,” Coryea said.

Commissioner Priscilla Trace made the motion to authorize the removal of six trees.

Commissioner Misty Servia asked if those trees were all located in the parking area.

“Yes, and I did confirm they are six Australian pines,” Coryea said. “We’ve made a count, there are 991 Australian pines out at that location – a total of over 1,500 trees that we’ve mapped.”

Commissioner Carol Whitmore asked how much additional delays would cost the county and how it might impact sea turtle nesting season.

“That’s going to be part of your report. If we can allow them to proceed with just those six, we’ll be able to finish that small portion and it will not create a delay until after your June 18th meeting,” Coryea said.

Whitmore also mentioned an email Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie sent Coryea and the commissioners requesting the project be redesigned.

Coryea said a complete redesign is “highly unlikely.”

Commissioner Betsy Benac said she would support Trace’s motion but noted the commission needs a full picture of what’s proposed for the entire project.

“A lot of people are very concerned. People love that beach. The six trees is okay, but I’m not committing at all to what will happen. It needs a lot more input,” Benac said.

She also said she asked County Attorney Mickey Palmer to review the Woodruff & Sons contract.

Commissioner Reggie Bellamy said he talked to local businessman Ed Chiles about potential recycling opportunities and he asked if the county plans to reuse the wood from the removed trees.

“It may be an opportunity to take lemons and make lemonade,” Bellamy said.

“That’s a good idea,” Commission Chair Steve Jonsson said.

Jonsson opened the discussion to public comment but there was none – the impromptu tree discussion was not noticed in advance.

The commission voted 7-0 in support of removing the six trees.

Coryea said the June 18 report will include maps that detail the locations of trees to potentially be removed and the costs and impacts of incurring any additional delays. She said the project engineers will be on-hand for the meeting that will also provide citizens the opportunity to express their views.

County commission meetings start at 9 a.m. It is not yet known what time the tree removal discussion will occur. Meeting agendas are posted at the county website.

Public opposition

When contacted on Thursday, Chappie said, “Before the meeting on the 18th, Cheri will be meeting with me to go over what the report says.”

He also said, “I just got off the phone with Mike Norman and he’ll have 1,000 petition signatures that he’s getting to me.”

The petition signatures represent the public opposition to the tree removals. That opposition swelled after the city resident and owner of Mike Norman Realty complained to Chappie and Vice Mayor Jake Spooner after seeing Cindy Lane’s photograph and cutline in the May 22 issue of The Sun.

The concerns expressed by Norman and others prompted an emergency city commission meeting on May 24. Chappie then conveyed his commission’s concerns to county commissioners on May 28.

On Friday, Chappie hand-delivered 1010 petition signatures to Coryea and/or Jonsson.
“We the undersigned, love the Australian pines at Coquina Beach. We beseech you to come up with an alternate plan for the Coquina drainage project that does not include cutting down these majestic trees,” the petition language says.

During the week, Chappie and Jonsson exchanged several emails regarding the Coquina Beach project.

On Monday, June 3, Jonsson sent Chappie an email that said, “Do you think Bradenton Beach, perhaps the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency), would be interested in putting some money towards any redesign work if we go that way?”

After discussing that possibility with the CRA on June 5 and the City Commission on June 6, Chappie is authorized to pursue that possibility if it’s given county consideration.

Related Coverage

Proposed Tree Removals Delayed

County’s Plan to Remove Coquina Beach Trees Meets Opposition

Proposed tree removals delayed

Written by Joe Hendricks on May 31, 2019. Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – More than 100 Australian pine trees designated for removal at the south end of the Coquina Beach parking lot will not be removed, at least until Manatee County commissioners review a comprehensive staff report on the project.

County Administrator Cheri Coryea announced the delay during the county commission’s Tuesday, May 28 budget work session, responding to remarks made by Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie during citizens’ comments.

On Friday, May 24, the Bradenton Beach Commission held an emergency meeting and authorized Chappie to send Coryea a letter expressing the commission’s concerns about the proposed tree removals and the lack of communication from the county about the plans.

Project permitting

Heavy equipment is already on site and some preliminary work has occurred for the first phase of the two-phase Coquina Beach drainage and parking lot improvement project.

Proposed tree removals delayed pending county staff report — These Australian pines along the south entry road are currently slated for removal. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

In May, Manatee Public Works Department Project Manager Michael Sturm sent county staffers Carmine DeMilio and Jeff Streitmatter an email containing the subject line: “Coquina Phase 1 Australian Pine Removal.”

No one representing the city of Bradenton Beach was copied on Sturm’s email, which states, “The certified Arborist has determined that the trees shown on the attached PDF are a risk for beach visitors if left in place. His conversation was that the 10-inch-deep excavation that will occur to construct the curb located on each side of the concrete drive and parking areas will threaten the stability of the shallow foundation roots known to occur with Australian pine trees. His recommendation was to remove 102 trees. I have also included the cost associated with the removal and disposal of the trees.”

Dated May 9, the attached $144,441 change order submitted by Woodruff & Sons included $71,775 for tree removal and $2,652 for root pruning by Terry’s Tree Service. When addressing the county commission, Chappie referenced the change order, which he first saw earlier that day.

The drainage and parking project at the county-owned beach requires a city-issued building permit. On April 10, the county received from the city a land use and zoning permit. The permitting request presented to city commissioners earlier this year included no mention of tree removals.

The county’s original 100 percent design documents include language that says the contractor shall protect all existing structures, utilities, driveways, sidewalks, fences, trees and landscaping or repair or replace them to equal or better than pre-construction conditions. The design document also says, “All existing trees shall remain unless otherwise noted.”

Mayor addresses county

Chappie thanked Coryea for her quick response to the city’s letter before reading it aloud to county commissioners.

“The city of Bradenton Beach is adamantly opposed to the trees being removed. We are extremely hopeful the county will not follow through with such a disturbing act that would change the great character of Coquina Beach.

“Australian pines, despite their designation as an invasive nuisance tree, do provide tremendous benefits for our residents, visitors, as well as the birds and wildlife. This is the right plant in the right location. Further, there are no homes or structures in danger of being harmed by a limb or tree. These trees enhance the park and provide a tremendous tree canopy for the south end of the Island,” Chappie said.

“We strongly encourage the county commission to take some time and reconsider the destruction and removal of the Australian pine canopies. The guiding light needs to be ‘Save the trees.’ This is a large park, there are significant open area spaces. I believe there is great opportunity for us to be creative and the city would be more than happy to assist. The city is also requesting a special city commission meeting with a county representative to explain this plan. We just want to understand what’s going on,” Chappie said.

County response

Commissioner Carol Whitmore said she sent Coryea an email containing questions she has about the tree removals and project contract.

Commissioner Betsy Benac said, “Those trees provide shade. As we all know from this weekend, shade is invaluable. I’ve heard many stories about Australian pines and that they aren’t good for habitat. Well, they’re good for this habitat. I certainly would want to do everything we can to save the shade.”

Coryea said, “We anticipated possibly giving you information, but as this unfolded over the last day or so we would rather quickly pull together a full and comprehensive report. We want to look at how many trees in totality are in that area and give you some idea of the approach of what that removal is.

“There’s no removal today. We held them off. We will plan to act quickly though,” Coryea said, noting delays incurred now could impact the project timeline in January or February.

“So, we’re not doing anything until we hear from you guys?” Whitmore asked.

“There’s no removal that’s going to happen today,” Coryea said.

“You just said ‘today,’ ” Whitmore responded.

Coryea clarified no tree removals would occur until county commissioners reviewed the staff report.

“We don’t want to put our project at risk either. We’ll make sure we’re back here shortly,” Coryea said.

Commissioner Vanessa Baugh asked if another type of tree could be planted to replace the Australian pines removed. Coryea said that would also be included in the report.

“I just don’t want a line of new palm trees, that’s no shade,” Whitmore said.

In response to comments she saw posted on Facebook, Whitmore also stated the Town of Longboat Key is not involved with the Coquina Beach project.

Follow-up communication

On Wednesday, May 29, Manatee County Information Outreach Manager Nick Azzara addressed the tree removals in an email he sent to a television journalist. He later shared that email with The Sun.

“There are no plans to remove all the Australian pines at Coquina Beach and there are no plans to remove trees that provide shade along the nearby exercise trail. There are nearly 1,100 Australian pines there today and a small percentage are recommended for removal,” Azzara wrote.

At week’s end, the staff report had not yet been presented and no additional public discussion had occurred. The county commission has a budget work session at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 4 and a land use meeting at 9 a.m. on Thursday, June 6.

Related Coverage

County’s plan to remove Coquina Beach trees meets opposition

County’s plan to remove Coquina Beach trees meets opposition

Written by Joe Hendricks on May 26, 2019. Posted in Awards, Awards 2020, Bradenton Beach, Community News, Manatee County, Special Sections, Third Place.

BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners are surprised and dismayed to learn that Manatee County plans to remove up to 120 Australian pine trees from the south end of the Coquina Beach parking area.

The proposed tree removals are part of the first phase of a two-phase stormwater and drainage improvement project that includes paving the beach parking lots with permeable materials.

Third Place

Local Government Reporting

2020

In response to calls received from city resident Mike Norman and others, Mayor John Chappie scheduled an emergency city commission meeting on Friday, May 24. The 45-minute session ended with Chappie being authorized to send County Administrator Cheri Coryea a letter expressing the commission’s concerns. The letter will include a request for county representatives to come before the commission to explain the county’s plans regarding tree removal and tree replacement.

Chappie said he’s heard that the number of trees to be removed has jumped from 30 to 60 to 120.

“We’ve had several residents that are up in arms. We understand they are invasive trees, but they have been a part of our community for decades. They provide a lot of shade. I’m very concerned with the increase in the number of healthy trees they say they’re going to remove,” Chappie said.

Chappie said when Norman called him he called Coryea.

“When she saw the number of trees to be removed she kind of pulled the reins back to slow it down so she would have time to inform the county commissioners what is happening here,” Chappie said.

Chappie said Coryea planned to discuss this matter with county commissioners on Tuesday. He added he does not recall tree removal being part of the plans the county submitted to the city when seeking a city-issued building permit. He also noted the city gave the county a substantial break on its permitting fees.

“I feel like we need to pump the brakes a little bit, look at the alternatives and see what else can be done,” said Bradenton Beach City Commissioner Jake Spooner. “It’s a beautiful forest down there.”

Spooner said the trees provide shade for humans and habitat for birds and animals. He also pointed out that they are part of the tree canopy that earned Bradenton Beach its Tree City USA designation. He suggested reconfiguring the project to reduce the need for tree removal.

“I would suggest going to the county and the guiding light should be save the trees, and everything flows below that.”
– Mike Norman, Bradenton Beach resident

Spooner said he called Manatee County Public Works Project Manager Michael Sturm after receiving calls from Norman and several other residents and Sturm suggested residents contact him directly. Sturm’s email address is Michael.Sturm@mymanatee.org.

The project engineers and designers need to explain to the commission their plans and potential alternatives, the commissioner said. If trees must be removed, he said he’d like them replaced with mature trees.

“I think it’s been 15 years since those gumbos were planted on the causeway and they’re still not where you can park a car under them and get some nice shade,” he said.

He said people park under the trees at Coquina Beach so their cars aren’t so hot when they return from the beach.

“I was really caught off guard by this. Thank goodness it was in The Sun and Mr. Norman called me and we’re able to at least try to do something to save them,” Spooner said of the photograph published in last week’s Sun.

Commissioner Ralph Cole said he was unaware of the county’s plans and shocked by the number of trees slated for removal.

“I can’t believe they were going to remove all the shade. I could see if you had to remove some or thin out some to put a pathway through, but not removing all of them,” Cole said.

City Commissioner Marilyn Maro said the city should have been informed of the county’s plans.

“I didn’t know anything about this. The people have voiced their opinion and I think they should voice more of their opinions. Something is missing in the puzzle here,” she said.

Additional input

“People on this Island don’t want those trees cut down,” Norman told the commission. “I would suggest going to the county and the guiding light should be save the trees, and everything flows below that. Task the engineers with Plan B. If you can’t figure it out, find some engineers that can because there has to be a better way of doing this.”

City resident and planning and zoning board member John Burns noted the city’s land development code does not require a permit to remove Australian pines. He suggested asking the county’s arborist what measures could be taken to preserve as many as possible.

“It is nice to have some shade down there and I don’t care whether it’s invasive shade,” Burns said.

Before receiving unanimous commission support to send a letter to Coryea, Chappie echoed Norman’s comments and said, “The guiding light needs to be saving the Australian pine trees.”

Related coverage:

Proposed tree removals delayed

City to county: ‘Not so fast’ on tree removal

County commission approves Coquina Beach tree removals

County submits Coquina Beach tree replacement plan

Pines plague parking project

More Australian pine removals at Coquina

County Commission authorizes removal of six Australian pines

Tingley Memorial Library options discussed

County providing additional funding for pier repairs, ferry enhancements

City rejects Pines Trailer Park lot split application, expects new development plans

Revised condo inspection ordinance now addresses habitable stories

City responding to Cushing lawsuit subpoena

Shorebird nesting season has begun on Anna Maria Island

Tingley Memorial Library options discussed

County providing additional funding for pier repairs, ferry enhancements

City rejects Pines Trailer Park lot split application, expects new development plans

Revised condo inspection ordinance now addresses habitable stories

City responding to Cushing lawsuit subpoena

Shorebird nesting season has begun on Anna Maria Island

Planning a successful fishing adventure

Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers host fly-casting clinic

Reel Time: Remembering Captain Zach

Reel Time on The Road: Fishing the Chass

On the Cusp: legislative action needed

The Waterman 2026: Fishing for a purpose

Selling your home gives you big tax breaks

Hidden issues in your future home

Non-commercially-rented beach cabanas still allowed in coastal conservation zones

The thaw has begun

Izzy’s Place opens at former Slicker’s Eatery site

Tips on selling in a funky market

Lori Waggoner wins Key Royale Club’s match play tournament

City to install guideline signs at pickleball courts

CENTER SCOREBOARD: flag football and soccer

CENTER SCOREBOARD: flag football and soccer

CENTER SCOREBOARD: flag football and soccer

Center Scoreboard: flag football and soccer

Sections

Latest Stories

Political Cartoon

What statewide recognition says about West Manatee Fire Rescue

2026 brings change and consistency

Political Cartoon

Thanks to Carol Soustek

Coast Lines: So long, farewell

Sections

Latest Stories

Churches of Anna Maria Island

Churches of Anna Maria Island

Insider’s Island – The insider’s guide to outdoors AMI

Readers’ Choice Awards 2025

Churches of Anna Maria Island

Tag: Australian pines

Kellys’ response

Commission feedback

Commission comments

Staff input

Memo issued

City permitting

Commission discussion

Public opposition

Project permitting

Mayor addresses county

County response

Follow-up communication

Third Place

Local Government Reporting

2020

Additional input