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Daiquiri Deck manager pleads not guilty to grand theft

Daiquiri Deck manager pleads not guilty to grand theft

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

BRADENTON BEACH – Daiquiri Deck manager and Sarasota resident Tabatha Lynne Dondanville, 27, has entered a plea of not guilty to a felony charge of grand theft.

According to Manatee County Court records, Dondanville is accused of stealing $20,000 from a purse left behind by Daiquiri Deck customer Jasmine Bryant on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7.

Daiquiri Deck manager pleads not guilty to grand theft charge
Tabatha Lynne Dondanville, 27, was arrested on Sept. 8 and charged with grand theft. – Manatee County Sheriff’s Office | Submitted

According to the probable cause affidavit that arresting officer, Bradenton Beach Police Sgt. Lenard Diaz, filed with the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court, “The victim, Bryant, and her girlfriend were at the Daiquiri Deck on Bridge Street. While eating, Bryant laid her purse containing $20,000 cash on the chair beside her. Upon finishing their meal, they got up and forgot the purse on the chair.”

The original complaint arrest affidavit – a separate document obtained directly from the Bradenton Beach Police Department – refers to Bryant’s girlfriend as her fiancé, Emmanuella Saintcyr. That document notes the couple was staying nearby when the incident occurred.

According to the probable cause affidavit, “The cameras showed an employee picking up the purse then later giving it to the defendant. It was placed in the manager’s office, where the money was (allegedly) stolen by the defendant.”

According to the arrest affidavit, “The victim stated she called the restaurant and was told the victim did not leave a purse there. The victim went to the restaurant the next morning. The victim stated she talked to the opening manager, Samantha Mitchell, and that Samantha told her the purse was not found and she had to contact the closing manager.

“The victim advised that’s when she called the police and suddenly her purse appeared from the manager Samantha, but the purse was empty and the money was gone. The victim advised there was a note in the bag that said, ‘Found in the bathroom,’ ” according to the arrest affidavit.

“The video showed the hostess finding the purse on the chair and placing behind a computer near the hostess station. The purse sat on the counter for approximately 20-30 minutes until the male waiter grabbed the purse and walked into the kitchen where the night manager, Dondanville, was at.”

Money returned

“Later in the day, the girlfriend called the manager, Samantha Mitchell, and spoke with her. Samantha admitted to the victim that they did find the money and that it was on its way back to the restaurant as they spoke. The victim decided not to wait and walked over to the restaurant and recorded their conversation with Samantha. On the recording you can hear Samantha stating the money is coming back from Sarasota. Approximately 15 minutes later, Samantha brought a plastic bag with all of the victim’s money in it,” according to the arrest affidavit.

At approximately 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8, Diaz noticed he had a voice message on his phone.

“It was the victim that had left me a message stating that she got her money back from the manager. The victim stated that approximately 1316 hours (1:16 p.m.) she received a call from the manager, Samantha, that she knew where her money was and that if they did not get the police involved that would get her the money back,” according to the arrest affidavit.

Diaz then returned to the restaurant to speak with Samantha Mitchell.

According to the arrest affidavit, “I asked who took the money and Samantha stated, ‘Do I have to tell you?’ I asked Samantha if she wanted to be a witness or an arrestee, because she was more involved than I thought at first. Samantha responded with hesitance and answered, ‘I guess a witness.’ I asked her if she was sure because I could arrest her because of her accessory to the crime. Samantha stated she would rather be a witness. I advised her that I was going to need her to write an affidavit of involvement and she agreed. I asked Samantha again who took the money. She hesitated and said, ‘Tabatha.’ ”

Arrest made

“I asked Samantha to please go get Dondanville. Samantha and Dondanville entered the office a short time later and at this time I began to read Dondanville her Miranda rights. I asked Dondanville who took the money and Dondanville stated, ‘I did.’ Dondanville stated that she had taken the money right after myself and Lt. Cosby left the office the morning the victim called the police, and the reason she took it was because nobody had claimed the money. At this time, I advised Dondanville that she was under arrest for grand theft of $20,000,” according to the arrest affidavit.

“I took Dondanville to the police department. While at the station, Dondanville stated she didn’t understand why she was being arrested because she brought the money back. I advised Dondanville that the statute for grand theft reads: ‘If you temporarily or permanently deprived the owner of their property (money) you have committed a crime.’ I advised Dondanville that she only did bring the money back when they made a deal with the victim that the police would not be involved,” according to the arrest affidavit.

Dondanville was transported to the county jail and later released on a $7,500 bond.

According to Manatee County court records, attorney Ronald Filipkowski filed a not guilty plea on behalf of Dondanville on Sept. 14. An arraignment before Judge Gilbert Smith Jr. is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 2.

When contacted on Monday, Sept. 28, a manager at the Bradenton Beach Daiquiri Deck declined to comment on the incident and whether Dondanville and Mitchell were still employed there.

According to Sarasota County court records, Dondanville entered a plea of nolo contendere (no contest) in 2011 after being charged with petit theft.

According to the notice to appear dated May 20, 2011, “The defendant (Dondanville) placed a shirt, skirt and necklace in her purse then attempted to leave without paying for the items. Security stopped her and retrieved the items. The defendant admitted post-Miranda to the crime.”

Skincare boutique seeks beer and wine service

Skincare boutique seeks beer and wine service

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Business.

BRADENTON BEACH – The new Leah Chavie Skincare boutique at 115 Third St. S. hopes to soon serve beer and wine to its patrons.

On Thursday, Sept. 17, the city commission authorized Building Official Steve Gilbert and City Planner Luis Serna to draft a special use permit order to be signed by Mayor John Chappie and Planning and Zoning Board Chair Ken McDonough as part of the applicants’ alcohol service approval process.

Illinois residents Leah Chavie and Lance Houia recently relocated to Bradenton Beach and opened what is now their second skincare boutique, joining their first one in Chicago that opened 10 years ago.

Their new boutique operates in former office space now leased from the adjacent Old Bridge Village condominiums.

When presenting the special use permit request, Gilbert said, “They just want to add beer and wine as a service to their clients when they come in for a relaxing day at the spa.”

Gilbert said the boutique property is located in a C-1 zone district and the city’s land development code requires a special use permit for beer and wine sales in that zoning district – in addition to a state-issued alcohol license.

Gilbert said the special use permit process typically includes a $2,500 application fee and public hearings before the Planning and Zoning Board and the city commission. But there is a provision in city code that allows city staff to request authorization to work with the mayor and planning board chair to expedite the process and reduce the application fee.

“In this particular case, the business in its location meets all the requirements of the land development code. The beer and wine license is tied to an internal business process,” Gilbert said.

Skincare boutique seeks beer and wine service
The Leah Chavie Skincare boutique is located at 115 Third St. S. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Providing public comment as an Old Bridge Village resident, Planning and Zoning Board member David Bell asked if the special use permit would run with the land or expire if the current tenants vacate the building.

The commission stipulated the special use permit will expire if the current tenants leave.

“Can they become a package store? Can they become a bar?” Bell also asked.

“Bars are prohibited in a C-1 zone district and a special use permit won’t get you there,” Gilbert said.

Mayor John Chappie noted the special use permit is for beer and wine only.

Commissioner Marilyn Maro, a longtime beautician and cosmetologist, asked if the state of Florida allows alcohol service in an establishment that holds a state-issued cosmetology license.

City Attorney Ricinda Perry said she’s been offered wine at several salons in Florida, but she suggested a stipulation that notes the special use permit approval shall not conflict with any other state or local licensing requirements.

During a visit to the boutique on Thursday, Chavie and Houia discussed their new business venture.

“We just moved down here from Chicago. We came here for Valentine’s Day and loved it. When the quarantine was going to happen, we packed up our dogs, drove 19 hours and stayed at the Anna Maria Inn for two months,” Chavie said.

“We have our own skincare line, makeup and other products. Now we’ll have beer and wine. We’re going to try to do charcuterie boards, hummus platters and light bites. We may do some meditation classes and Lance does motivational speaking,” she said.

Houia is the CEO of TruSlf and plans to soon launch the TruSlf social media platform he says will serve as a more positive alternative to Facebook. He’s already created the Anna Maria Island Businesses Facebook group that now lists 131 members.

“We are over the moon about being here and looking forward to seeing where we go,” he said.

Chavie said the couple intends to travel back and forth between Bradenton Beach and Chicago to conduct their business operations.

Airbnb suspends rental listings at ‘party houses’

Airbnb suspends rental listings at ‘party houses’

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

BRADENTON BEACH – Airbnb has announced a crackdown on “party houses” throughout Florida that includes suspending Airbnb listings for an unknown number of vacation rentals in Bradenton Beach.

“As a part of this effort, over 40 listings across the state that have received complaints or otherwise violated our policies on parties and events have been suspended from the Airbnb platform. This follows Airbnb’s policy change to ban parties at Airbnb listings globally until further notice,” according to a press release received from Airbnb spokesperson Laura Rillos on Friday.

“The vast majority of hosts in Florida contribute positively to their neighborhoods and economy, and they also take important steps to prevent unauthorized parties – like establishing clear house rules, quiet hours, and communicating in advance with their guests. Our actions today address the small minority of hosts who have previously received warnings about hosting responsibly or have otherwise violated our policies,” the press release states.

“The actions were communicated to the hosts over the past week, and the suspensions were spread throughout the following counties across the state: Alachua, Broward, Duval, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Miami-Dade, Okaloosa, Orange, Palm Beach, St. Johns and Walton,” according to the press release. “We cannot provide addresses for the suspended listings out of respect for the privacy of the hosts and homeowners,” the press release notes.

When contacted Friday, Rillos confirmed that all the Manatee County suspensions occurred in Bradenton Beach.

Airbnb actions

The listing suspensions are part of Airbnb’s ongoing efforts to lessen the negative impacts Airbnb rentals have on their neighbors, according to the company.

“Today we’re announcing a global ban on all parties and events at Airbnb listings, including a cap on occupancy at 16. This party ban applies to all future bookings on Airbnb and it will remain in effect indefinitely until further notice,” says an Aug. 20 press release posted at the Airbnb website.

“We’ve historically allowed hosts to use their best judgment and authorize small parties such as baby showers or birthday parties if they’re appropriate for their home and their neighborhood. Last year, we began imposing much stricter limits, starting with a global ban on ‘party houses’ – listings that create persistent neighborhood nuisance,” the press release says.

“We also launched a 24/7 neighborhood support hotline to communicate directly with neighbors and help us effectively enforce the party house ban. The hotline is staffed with trained agents so that neighbors can reach us directly with their concerns. Issues raised by Floridians through this hotline led directly to many of the listing suspensions announced today,” the Aug. 20 press release says.

Airbnb complaints and concerns can be reported to Airbnb’s neighborhood support team by calling 855-635-7754. Complaints can also be initiated online at www.airbnb.com/neighbors.

Regarding these recent actions, the Aug. 20 press release says, “This complemented new initiatives to stop unauthorized parties, as well as restrictions on allowing guests under the age of 25 without a history of positive reviews to book entire home listings locally. When the pandemic was declared, and social distancing became an important element in promoting public health and responsible travel, we updated our policies. We started by removing both the ‘event-friendly’ search filter from our platform as well as ‘parties and events allowed’ house rules from any event-friendly listings. Most importantly, we introduced a new policy requiring all users to adhere to local COVID-19 public health mandates.”

In the press release, Viviana Jordan, Airbnb manager of public policy in Florida, said, “It’s critical that we take steps to reduce the number of large parties and events and we support the efforts of local officials to put a stop to irresponsible behavior. We hope to raise greater awareness of our 24/7 neighbor hotline so that we can continue to strengthen the enforcement of our party ban across the state of Florida.”

MPO unveils long range transportation plan

New bridges, roundabouts in AMI’s future

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News.

MANATEE COUNTY – Work is finally done on the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (MPO) long-range transportation plan and it lists some big changes for Anna Maria Island.

New roundabouts, replacement bridges and a sea-level rise study are components of the plan that MPO representative Leigh Holt presented to Island Transportation Planning Organization (ITPO) members during a Monday, Sept. 14 meeting held via Zoom.

The plan, titled Transform 2045, extends to the 2045 fiscal year and is scheduled to be updated every five years. The plan is a draft scheduled for presentation to the MPO board during a Monday, Sept. 21 meeting, with a final draft to be presented on Thursday, Sept. 24 for a 30-day public comment period before going for final approval during the Monday, Oct. 26 MPO meeting.

Holt said that all three Island bridges are on the plan – the Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue, the Cortez Bridge and the Longboat Key Bridge. With a new 65-foot-high design already completed for the Anna Maria Island Bridge, funding is needed for construction. The Cortez Bridge, connecting the historic Cortez fishing village to Bradenton Beach, is set to enter the design phase with funds for right-of-way acquisitions proposed for fiscal years 2021, 2024 and 2025. Holt said that studies are planned for the Longboat Key Bridge before any decisions about repair or replacement are made.

The “complete streets” projects proposed by Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach city leaders, allowing for multi-modal transportation on main thoroughfares on the Island, are fully funded in the plan, according to Holt.

She added that plans to create a trail system for bicyclists and pedestrians from downtown Bradenton to 75th Street on Manatee Avenue and across Longboat Key and St. Armands Key to the Ringling Bridge in Sarasota also are in the plan. Holt said that $25 million has been set aside for the projects.

Other fully-funded projects in the plan include enhancing the Island’s gateways and installing roundabouts at the intersection of East Bay Drive and Manatee Avenue and at Manatee Avenue and Gulf Drive at the entrance to Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach. While Holt said that the roundabouts were previously planned for construction when the replacement bridge on Manatee Avenue is built, she said now they could be constructed before the bridge goes in. Additionally, the intersection of Cortez Road and Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach also is being looked at as a potential location for a roundabout although there are space concerns, and due to the size of the 65-foot planned replacement bridge for the Cortez Bridge, the two projects might have to be constructed at the same time.

Resiliency projects also are on the plan with a sea-level rise risk assessment to be conducted over the next 18 to 24 months. Holt said the purpose of the risk assessment is to study the effects of potential storm surge on the barrier islands and allow local municipalities to apply for some of the $75 million in funding set aside in the plan over the next 20 years for projects to mitigate risk.

Congestion management projects include extending the northbound turn lane to Gulf Drive on westbound Manatee Avenue in Holmes Beach back to the intersection with East Bay Drive to allow for easier traffic flow around motorists traveling to Manatee Beach. Holt said there’s also a project on the plan to do work at the intersection of Cortez Road and 75th Street in Bradenton to help facilitate the flow of traffic to the Island.

She said that the MPO is looking at restarting the Beach Express bus service from 75th Street and Manatee Avenue to the Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach as well as allowing buses to move past slow or stopped motorist traffic on the bridges using the shoulder and the possibility of adding a dedicated bus lane on land along the two Island access corridors.

Holt added that the MPO also is looking at creating on-demand transportation services for travel from the mainland to the Island’s beaches where travelers can make a reservation on their schedule. She said they’re also trying to encourage employers to use vanpools to get employees to Island businesses.

To view the entire plan or submit public comments on the plan elements, visit the MPO website.

The Drift In is back in business again

The Drift In is back in business again

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

BRADENTON BEACH – The Drift In is open again and now offers a limited food menu.

The Bradenton Beach bar reopened Friday, Aug. 14 after being ordered to close on Tuesday, Aug. 4.

“They came in and told us we didn’t have a license to serve food, so we had to close. I was not told what the complaint or violation was. Somebody turned us in. I have a pretty good idea who it was, but I’m not going to say,” owner Joe Cuervo said.

Cuervo said he has not seen a copy of the complaint that led to the Drift In in Bradenton Beach and the Drift In in Bradenton being ordered to close on the same night.

“I had to get a restaurant/hotel license, but they were very accommodating,” Cuervo said of his food licensing interactions with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

“We’ve got our air fryer, our pizza oven and we’re legal now. We’ll be serving pizzas, sandwiches, chicken tenders, French fries and onion rings. Stuff that is very simple,” Cuervo said.

The Drift In is back in business again
The Drift In now has the basic appliances needed to prepare a limited food menu. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Cuervo said his new hotel/restaurant license cost him approximately $200 and is a separate license that now works in unison with his long-held 4COP liquor license.

Cuervo said to maintain his status as an establishment that allows smoking, his food revenues cannot exceed 10% of total gross revenues.

Cuervo hopes to reopen the Drift In in Bradenton in a similar fashion soon.

Openings and closings

This is the second time the Bradenton Beach Drift In has reopened during the pandemic.

On March 17, Gov. Ron DeSantis prohibited Florida bars, nightclubs and other establishments that generate more than 50% of their revenues from selling alcohol for on-site consumption. Stand-alone bars were limited to package and takeout services only.

On June 5, DeSantis allowed bars to reopen at 50% capacity. But in response to a surge in new COVID-19 cases among younger people, DBPR Secretary Halsey Beshears issued an emergency order on June 26 that again prohibited stand-alone bars and other non-restaurant establishments from selling alcohol for on-site consumption.

On July 1, Beshears amended his order in a manner that currently allows bars with food licenses to operate at 50% capacity. Bars without food licenses remain limited to takeout and package service only, and night club operations remain prohibited.

Operating procedures

Drift In patrons are required to wear masks or face coverings when entering and exiting the bar, and also when getting up from their seats to use the restrooms.

“I’ve lost a ton of money, so we’re going to do what we need to do to stay open. We’re playing by the rules. We’re doing everything that’s expected and more,” Cuervo said.

Cuervo said the independently licensed hot dog cart operation that was doing business in the parking lot three nights a week before the initial bar closures occurred may soon return to further supplement the food offerings.

Cuervo said he hasn’t heard anything from the state regarding when Florida’s bars will be allowed to reopen at full capacity.

“I haven’t heard one word. They can open up Disney and Universal and all these other places, but they won’t let the little local bar open? It’s ridiculous. Nail salons and hair salons are open and those are one-on-one services that require contact with each other. With us, you’re handed a drink over the counter. In a restaurant, you order a drink, the server tells the bartender, the bartender makes the drink and hands it to the server and the server hands it to you,” Cuervo said.

Due to social distancing requirements, live music will be limited to the outdoor seating area.

Reopening again

After returning to work Friday evening, Drift In manager Doreen Flynn said, “We have a true food license so there won’t be any other issues. We’re all good now and nobody can shut us down. We are continuing to social distance. I took out some barstools and our tables are six feet apart.”

The Drift In is back in business again
Masks or face coverings are required when moving about inside the bar. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Regarding the complaint that shut the two bars down, Flynn said, “The complaints are confidential, and they told us they do not come to an establishment unless they get a complaint because they don’t have the manpower.”

Flynn said Anchor Inn owners Darla and Bobby Tingler previously obtained a food license to avoid a similar fate.

“Darla and Bobby really helped us, and their handyman, Jeff, helped us make the needed modifications for our food preparation area,” Flynn said.

Mask requirements on Anna Maria Island

Written by Cindy Lane on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News.

Anna Maria Island’s three cities have differing requirements for wearing face coverings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Anna Maria

Every person working, living, visiting or doing business in the city of Anna Maria shall properly wear a face covering in any indoor location, other than their home or residence, and maintain social distancing from other people, excluding family members or companions.

Exceptions:

  • Children under the age of 2;
  • People for whom a face covering would cause impairment due to an existing health condition;
  • People working in a business or profession who do not have interactions with other people;
  • People working in an office when all interactions with others are done with social distancing as recommended by the CDC;
  • People eating and/or drinking at a restaurant; provided, however, that face coverings must otherwise be worn in restaurants.
  • People exercising and social distancing at fitness centers.

Bradenton Beach

Bradenton Beach commissioners have not passed a mandate on masks, and unless they do, a Manatee County resolution is in effect in Bradenton Beach.

Everyone must wear a face covering while inside a business.

Exceptions:

  • Situations in which individuals maintain 6 feet or more distance between persons. This exception does not apply to employees who are present in the kitchen or other food and beverage preparation areas of a business establishment. Nor does it apply to employees serving food or beverages.
  • Children under the age of 6.
  • People who have trouble breathing due to a chronic pre-existing condition or people with a documented or demonstrable medical problem.
  • Public safety, fire, and other life safety and health care personnel who are already governed by their respective agencies.
  • Restaurant and bar patrons while eating or drinking. Face coverings must be worn when entering and exiting the establishment and while otherwise standing within 6 feet of other patrons.
  • Individuals inside a lodging establishment, including hotel and motel rooms, vacation rentals and timeshares.

Holmes Beach (expires Aug. 25)

Owners, managers, employees, customers or patrons of businesses must wear a face covering while in that business.

Exceptions:

  • Restaurant customers or patrons while dining and/or consuming beverages while seated at a table;
  • Gym patrons in a workout or class where at least 6 feet of distancing exists with the next closest person;
  • Barbershop or beauty salon customers or patrons when wearing a face covering would reasonably interfere with receiving services;
  • Business owners, managers and employees who are in an area of a business that is not open to customers, patrons or the public, provided that 6 feet of distance exists between employees. This exception does not apply to employees who are present in the kitchen or other food and beverage preparation area of a restaurant or food establishment. When an owner, manager or employee is in their place of employment but not within 6 feet of another person, that owner, manager or employee does not need to wear a mask;
  • Bar patrons while consuming beverages and/or food;
  • A lodging establishment guest when inside of the lodging unit including but not limited to a hotel room, motel room, vacation rental unit, timeshare unit or similar unit.
  • When a customer of a business asserts that he or she has a disability that prevents the individual from wearing a mask, the owner, manager or employee of the business may exclude the individual, even if they have a disability, as they pose a direct threat to the health and safety of employees and other customers, even if asymptomatic, and shall accommodate the disabled individual in a manner that does not fundamentally alter the operations of the business or jeopardize the health of the business’s employees and other customers, such as providing curb service or delivery or other reasonable accommodation.

Related coverage

 

County Commission adopts mandatory mask resolution

Gail Garneau honored as retirement nears

Gail Garneau honored as retirement nears

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

BRADENTON BEACH – Longtime Bradenton Beach Code Enforcement Officer Gail Garneau is retiring at the end of the month, with July 31 being her final day.

On behalf of the city and the city commission, Mayor John Chappie and City Clerk Terri Sanclemente honored Garneau with a proclamation and a bouquet of red roses during the Thursday, July 16 commission meeting.

After inviting Garneau to come forward, Chappie read the proclamation aloud.

“Whereas Gail Garneau has submitted her resignation as code enforcement officer; Whereas Gail Garneau has served as a code enforcement officer for 15 years; Whereas Gail Garneau served with such dedication and devotion to her position of code enforcement officer; Whereas Gail Garneau remained unselfishly dedicated to her position and her performance of her duties as a code enforcement officer; Now, therefore, we the municipal council of the city of Bradenton Beach, do hereby commend Gail Garneau for her excellent record of service as the code enforcement officer and extend the thanks of the citizens of the city of Bradenton Beach for a job well done,” Chappie said.

“Thank you, Gail,” Chappie added before giving her a socially distanced air-hug.

“It’s a wonderful farewell and I thank you very much. It’s been a pleasure working for the city and this is a new chapter in my life,” Garneau said.

Gail Garneau honored as retirement nears
Mayor John Chappie and City Clerk Terri Sanclemente presented Gail Garneau with a city proclamation and a bouquet of roses. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

She said her arrival with the city was similar to longtime Building Official Steve Gilbert’s arrival in 2007, when he thought he was starting a temporary two-week assignment.

“Like Steve, I started here 15 years ago, and it was only in a temporary position for a couple weeks. Fifteen years later, I’m still here. I’m looking forward to trying something different, like sleeping in, and I’ll miss everyone that I’ve worked with all these years,” Garneau said.

“You’re part of our family and we greatly appreciate it,” Chappie said.

“It makes me cry to think you’re going to be leaving us,” Commissioner Jan Vosburgh said. “You’re such a big part of the city. You’ve been absolutely wonderful.”

Garneau thanked Vosburgh and said she’s looking forward to following city matters without a code enforcement officer emblem on her shirt.

Participating by phone, Commissioner Ralph Cole said, “Thank you very much for your service.” Cole extended his wife, Beth’s, thanks as well.

Later that day, Garneau provided via email some additional thoughts on her retirement.

“My 15 years working as the code enforcement officer for Bradenton Beach has been a challenging and rewarding period in my career. I have been working in the legal field for 45 years now and it’s time now to retire from this type of work and concentrate on the next chapter in my life. It has gone by fast. I am looking forward to traveling when the opportunities arise,” she wrote. “I offer my thanks to my colleagues for their support. And what’s more, I’ve come to regard those I work with as almost a second family. I also want to thank the community of Bradenton Beach, and I count myself lucky to have served the residents and business owners during my tenure. I have made a lot of friends in Bradenton Beach and look forward to spending more relaxing time in the city.”

Successor sought

Later in the meeting, the commission authorized the advertising for a new code enforcement officer to serve as Garneau’s successor. Chappie said the position pays between $32,704 and $49,000 annually, depending on experience, and requires a 40-hour workweek. Chappie said Gilbert and City Attorney Ricinda Perry would help craft the advertisement and Gilbert would interview the applicants.

Masks remain optional in Bradenton Beach

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

BRADENTON BEACH – The Bradenton Beach City Commission is not mandating that masks and face coverings be worn and there are no plans to close the county beaches during the Fourth of July weekend.

During this morning’s weekly emergency city commission meeting, Mayor John Chappie said County Administrator Cheri Coryea informed him that the county has no meetings scheduled this week to consider closing the beaches before or during the Fourth of July weekend. Manatee County commissioners are currently on their annual summer break.

The only reference to masks and face coverings made at today’s meeting came in the form of a letter the city received from Lynn Selander.

“As a very concerned citizen of Bradenton Beach, of a certain age with underlying medical conditions, I am asking that you take decisive action to join with our neighbors in Holmes Beach to protect the health and safety of our community members by requiring face masks/coverings to be worn in public,” Selander’s letter said.

“Recommending is not enough. Since Manatee County opened the beaches, Publix, Walgreens, CVS and other stores serving Island residents have been overwhelmed by visitors taking a ‘vacation’ from the COVID pandemic, not wearing masks and not maintaining social distancing.

“The preponderance of our resident population falls into the at risk category. The CDC and responsible medical experts are clear that wearing face coverings significantly reduces the spread of the COVID virus. This is a very small thing we can all do that can mean the difference between life and death for ourselves and the vulnerable among us as our infection numbers in continue to spike.

“This is not a political issue. It is a human issue. Please step up and mandate the wearing of face coverings in public as part of the Bradenton Beach response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Selander wrote.

The commission did not discuss the letter after City Clerk Terri Sanclemente read it into the public record. The commission did extend the city’s local state of emergency for another seven days.

WMFR logo

Two fire commission seats up for election

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, West Manatee Fire Rescue.

BRADENTON – If you live in the West Manatee Fire Rescue District and have ever thought about running for fire commissioner, now may be your chance.

In the Nov. 3 general election two seats on the fire commission – those now held by Commissioners Larry Jennis and Randy Cooper – will be up for grabs. Cooper has already stated that he will not be running for re-election.

WMFR’s commissioners serve four-year terms on the dais.

To qualify as a candidate, the person must be a registered Manatee County voter and reside in the WMFR district, which stretches across unincorporated Manatee County on the west, encompassing the cities of Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach, along with Cortez, Palma Sola and much of northwest Bradenton.

Though pre-qualifying papers already can be submitted to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office, candidate qualifying officially begins at noon on June 8 and ends at noon on June 12. All paperwork must be submitted prior to the deadline.

Before the end of the qualifying period, all potential candidates must appoint a campaign treasurer, open a campaign bank account and file the required paperwork as well as collect the signatures of 25 registered voters who reside in the district. A fee of $0.10 is required per signature as a verification fee. If a candidate cannot pay the fee, an oath of undue burden must be filed to have the fee waived. Candidates also must file a statement of candidate, candidate oath, a statement of financial interests and either a $25 qualifying fee or certificate of petition verification.

All candidates are required to designate a campaign treasurer and open a campaign account before accepting any campaign contributions. For fire district candidates, any candidate who does not collect campaign contributions and whose only expense is the filing or signature verification fee is not required to appoint a campaign treasurer or open a campaign account. Filing fees are not required to be drawn from a campaign account.

All candidate information can be found on the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections website under the candidate information tab. Forms can also be found on the website or picked up from the Supervisor of Elections Office. All paperwork must be submitted for verification to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office at 600301 Blvd W. in Bradenton prior to the qualifying deadline.

The 2020 general election will be held on Nov. 3.

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Alternate administration building plan rejected

Alternate administration building plan rejected

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, West Manatee Fire Rescue.

BRADENTON – The majority of West Manatee Fire Rescue’s commissioners agreed to continue moving forward with the construction of their own administration building rather than purchase suites in a shell building near Blake Medical Center.

Commissioner Al Robinson brought the idea back to the table during a May 19 meeting, asking realtor J. Daniel Douglass to provide information on a shell building on 21st Avenue West in Bradenton.

Out of the four units in the building, Douglass said there are three units available with a total of 6,140 square feet. The building, designed to serve as medical offices, currently holds one medical office and is a shell building with sprinklers, a ceiling and air conditioning already installed. Located across the street from the Bishop Animal Shelter, the property features a total of 29 parking spaces and does not meet the hardened hurricane-force wind load that commissioners previously said is wanted for the district’s new administration building.

Robinson urged his fellow commissioners to carefully consider purchasing all three units and selling one if the district finds it doesn’t need that much space for administrative staff.

Douglass said that the three units could be purchased for $549,000 and would cost about $614,000 to build out as office space, ending with a total purchase price of $1.2 million, not including condominium fees associated with the property. He added that the building is an as-is purchase.

Commissioner Randy Cooper said he was concerned with the lack of ability to store or stage equipment at the site as it has much less space for parking than the currently planned administration building.

Commissioners Larry Jennis and George Harris both said they have concerns about the building. Some of those concerns voiced by Jennis include that the building isn’t hardened and doesn’t have adequate parking space. Harris added that the location also is problematic, being well outside of WMFR’s district.

Chief Ben Rigney said he’s been working with representatives from Hall Darling Design Studio and expects to have a not-to-exceed price for construction of the district’s new administration building for commissioner consideration in August.

In April, Rigney presented a potential design for the new administration building that features office space, storage and a hardened conference room that could be used as a westside emergency operations center in the event of a hurricane. The building is currently planned for construction on a lot purchased by the district in 2019 and located off Manatee Avenue behind the Fountain Court Shopping Center.

“I think we’re making good progress,” Jennis said of the potential construction project.

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WMFR commissioners discuss assessment increase

WMFR commissioners vote on assessment increase

WMFR commissioners vote on assessment increase

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News, West Manatee Fire Rescue.

BRADENTON – Property owners in the West Manatee Fire Rescue District will see an increase in their assessment rate when TRIM notices are mailed in the fall.

During a May 19 meeting, commissioners voted 3-1 with Commissioner Al Robinson dissenting, to raise the assessment rate 2.6% over the current year’s rates. Commissioner David Bishop was absent.

At the 2.6% increase, the district’s revenue will increase by $189,436, eliminating the need for district leaders to draw from reserves to meet anticipated needs including capital projects and projected increases in insurance, pension fund contributions and a potential increase in employee compensation. Commissioner Larry Jennis reminded his fellow board members that the coming year is a bargaining year with the firefighters’ union. For the 2020-21 fiscal year, WMFR’s staff projects bringing in $7,475,424 in revenue from assessments.

With the increase, the base rate for a residential property increases to $195.53 from $190.57 with the square foot rate increasing from $0.1124 to $0.1153. The total assessment rate for a 2,000 square foot residential building will increase from $302.97 to $310.85.

For commercial buildings, the base rate will increase from $473.62 to $485.94 with the square foot rate increasing from $0.2051 to $0.2104. The total assessment rate for a 2,000 square foot commercial building will increase from $678.72 to $696.37.

Before the vote was taken, Commissioner Al Robinson expressed concern about raising the assessment rate in a year that has produced financial hardship for many property owners.

“I’m not in favor of raising anything,” Robinson said. “We have plenty of money.”

Chief Ben Rigney said that the district’s staff typically spends about 95% of the funds budgeted each year. Any rollover amounts are put into savings for future capital expenses, equipment purchases or emergency savings in case of a natural disaster.

“I think it’s very evident that our staff has been frugal in spending taxpayer dollars,” Commissioner George Harris said, adding that he believes the board makes a sound decision each year concerning assessment rates.

Each year, the amount that commissioners can increase the assessment rate is based on a rolling five-year personal income growth number or PIG. This year, the maximum amount allowed for an increase is 5.46%. Because he expects the next year’s PIG to be much lower, Rigney asked commissioners to consider a 4% increase, which was rejected by board members.

“I know it was a tough decision but we have to do what’s best for the district,” Commissioner Randy Cooper said after the vote had been taken.

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Bradenton Anna Maria Island Longboat Key

TDC recommends opening vacation rentals

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Business, Tourism.

MANATEE COUNTY – The Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) took the first step on Monday to reopen vacation rentals countywide, including on Anna Maria Island.

TDC Chair and Manatee County Commissioner Misty Servia persuaded fellow TDC members to recommend that Manatee County commissioners remove the COVID-19 prohibition on short-term vacation rentals.

Under Gov. Ron DeSantis’ plan effective Monday, county commissioners can submit a plan to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation for approval to allow short-term vacation rental properties to reopen to guests. The plan would likely require working with owners and managers of vacation rentals to come up with strategies to meet the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) requirements for disinfecting and cleaning of units between guests.

Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), said that he’s been working with other west coast Florida county leaders to help develop a plan for vacation rentals that would provide some consistency for owners and visitors.

Servia added that coordination with the leaders of the three Anna Maria Island cities, where many of the county’s short-term rentals are located, would be a key component to success. Falcione said that no matter what plan is enacted, it will be up to the city leaders to oversee the operation of the vacation rental properties.

Local vacation rental owners who spoke during public comment said they are ready to reopen their units to visitors and are willing to abide by any necessary regulations to keep their properties safe for renters.

The recommendation passed in a unanimous vote. Members Ed Chiles, an Island restaurateur, and Wayne Poston, mayor of Bradenton, were absent from the meeting.

Marketing during COVID-19

The new short-term marketing recovery plan, debuted by Falcione and Dave DiMaggio, has two implementation phases. Phase one involves bringing visitors in from drivable markets, including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Orlando, West Palm Beach, Miami-Dade and Broward counties and Atlanta with plans to expand the advertising area up as far north as Memphis and Nashville and as far west as New Orleans.

Palm Beach, Miami-Dade and Broward counties are the worst three counties in the state for COVID-19, with nearly 27,000 cases, according to the Florida Department of Health.

Manatee County has 867 cases as of Monday.

DiMaggio said that when deciding which markets to spend advertising dollars in, the overall health of the area and whether it’s a COVID-19 hotspot will be considered first along with how economically stable the target markets are.

The second phase involves bringing airline passengers back to the area. DiMaggio said that the success of phase two involves coordinating and sharing data with local airports, including Tampa International Airport and Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. For some of this data, he said he would be looking closely at the information provided by Anne Wittine of Research Data Services, the county’s tourism consultant, to see how comfortable people feel about travel and flying to their vacation destinations.

Wittine presented the results of a travel sentiment pulse poll which showed numbers trending upward over the past two weeks toward people being more comfortable with travel and ready to take a vacation. While 52% of the people polled are concerned about reopening the state too quickly, Wittine said that 15.9% of people say that travel is essential to them and they’re ready to get back out there. Of the people who participated in the poll, Wittine said she’s seeing a trend toward people’s intent to travel increasing in the late summer months, specifically July. She added that of the people willing to travel, 78.2% of them feel most comfortable traveling by car, which lines up with the first phase of the TDC’s new marketing plan.

DiMaggio said the second phase includes continuing to target drivers and targeting fliers from the Midwest and northeast of the United States.

He said he expects that some segments of the market will be slower to recover, including people who travel for sporting events, work conferences and travelers from the United Kingdom and Central Europe.

Falcione said that he would be utilizing a month-to-month budget approach, periodically re-evaluating how and where the CVB’s limited advertising budget is spent to determine where those funds will have the most impact to help get the local tourism economy back up and running.

The TDC next meets June 15 at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto.

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Beach reopenings welcomed by most, questioned by some

Beach reopenings welcomed by most, questioned by some

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Coquina Beach, Cortez Beach and Manatee Beach are open again.

By order of the Manatee County Commission, the county beaches and beach parking lots on Anna Maria Island reopened at 10 a.m. this morning.

Public Safety Director Jake Saur closed the county beaches and beach parking lots on March 20 in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. But the beaches were never totally off-limits to Island residents, vacationers and those who found parking spaces.

Beach reopenings welcomed by most, questioned by some
The Bridge Street Bazaar in Bradenton Beach reopened with new plexiglass shields to protect the employees. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Monday also marked the return of outdoor dining, with tables spaced at least 6 feet apart and indoor dining at 25% capacity according to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ phase one reopening plans, which took effect Monday.

These masked friends from Tampa – Caroline, Abby and Lesley – enjoyed lunch at Ginny’s and Jane E’s in Anna Maria on Monday. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Many of the Island’s retail businesses also reopened Monday in accordance with the 25% capacity set forth in DeSantis’ executive order.

Beach reopenings welcomed by most, questioned by some
The Ugly Grouper in Holmes Beach was open for lunch on Monday. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The entryways to Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach and Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach are now staffed by county workers who hand drivers 5 by 7 cards with COVID-19 safety tips on one side and the handwritten date and arrival time on the other.

The dashboard cards provide county code enforcement officers the information they need to issue $25 parking citations to those who linger too long – with no tires chalked.

“If you’re away from people and keeping your distance, you can be out in the open air enjoying the sunshine, water and sand.” – Tina Miller, Bradenton resident

“Our goal today is to be courteous and helpful to the people who want to enjoy the beach,” Manatee County Code Enforcement Officer Zach Stiscak said, noting the goal is to educate beachgoers, not ticket them.

Construction projects at Manatee Beach and Coquina Beach have reduced parking capacity at both beaches. When a parking lot becomes full, entry will be delayed until cars leave and make room for others.

The main entrance at Coquina Beach is open. Drivers can also pull through the Coquina South boat ramp parking lot and under the Longboat Pass Bridge to access the south parking lot.

The beach restrooms are open, but the concession stands are not.

With no gated entryways, enforcement of the two-hour parking limit at Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach was minimal.

The parking lot at Bayfront Park in Anna Maria remains closed.

Back to the beach

Amanda Daughtry and her two sons were among the first to arrive at Manatee Beach Monday morning.

“We are out of the house and so excited,” she said, noting she didn’t think their beach visit would expose them to greater risk.

Bradenton resident Tina Miller sat on the beach with two friends from Michigan.

“Opening the largest playground in Manatee County for large gatherings sends the wrong message.” – Bill Tokajer, Holmes Beach Police Chief

“I am so happy they reopened the beaches. If you’re away from people and keeping your distance, you can be out in the open air enjoying the sunshine, water and sand. Thank you, Manatee County,” Miller said.

Manatee Beach was busy but not packed, and for the most part beachgoers practiced social distancing. The same was true at Cortez Beach and at Coquina Beach, where Bradenton residents Judy and Dennis Schultz enjoyed beach time with seasonal Cortez residents Deb and Bob Bates.

“We missed it a lot,” Judy Schultz said.

“We’re snowbirds and we haven’t been able to come to the beach. I’m thrilled that I get to spend a couple days here before we go back to Michigan,” Deb Bates said.

Police perspective

The Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach police departments are not assisting with the enforcement of the two-hour parking rule. And Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer doesn’t think the beaches should be open yet.

Tokajer said that message was conveyed to county commissioners last week before they made their decision.

“Opening the largest playground in Manatee County for large gatherings sends the wrong message. The commissioners need to listen to the medical professionals who are telling everybody the numbers in Manatee County are still too high. Opening the beach indicates the virus is over and everything’s OK, but there’s still the opportunity for this virus to be spread to our workers at Publix, CVS, Walgreens and at our restaurants. That puts our residents, workers and officers in harm’s way.

“Holmes Beach will continue to have no parking on our streets, right of ways and beach accesses and violators will be ticketed and possibly towed,” Tokajer said.

Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale is concerned about the lack of parking at Coquina Beach.

“You’re going to get people from across the state who decide to go to the beach and they’re going to get here and find out there’s no parking because of the construction,” Speciale said.

Lt. John Cosby said, “People are ready to get out, they’re tired of being locked down. But the more people that come out, the more interaction they’ll have with all the Island’s law enforcement officers, and that puts our people at risk,” Cosby said.

Officers enforce new parking measures

Officers enforce new parking measures

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

HOLMES BEACH – The Easter weekend was a busy one for Holmes Beach police officers as they worked to enforce the city’s new no parking mandates.

Beginning April 10, no parking orders went into effect in the city, blocking parking at all beach accesses, along city streets and in the right of way. Banners were placed throughout the city warning drivers that violators would be towed and beach accesses were blocked by police barricades. Some private parking areas where businesses were closed also were blocked off to prevent illegal parking on April 12.

Also on Sunday, officers and tow truck drivers created a staging area at the then-closed Kingfish Boat Ramp where 7 vehicles were towed on Sunday. In a conversation with The Sun on April 13, Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said that he had nine officers out on April 12 to help educate drivers. He said that his officers warned drivers as they parked that if they left the vehicle it would be towed at their expense. Without that, he said that the number of cars towed would have been much higher, around 40-50. For the drivers whose vehicles were towed, Tokajer said the vehicles were towed to the boat ramp instead of in town and officers gave the drivers a ride to Kingfish to pay to retrieve their vehicles while pointing out all of the banners and signs the drivers had passed warning of the city’s new parking policies.

Tokajer said that officers gave drivers 69 parking tickets over the weekend to help educate them that the new parking regulations would be enforced. He added that he had five tow trucks from different companies on Sunday to tow illegally parked vehicles. With Kingfish reopening on April 13, he said that if needed, officers may set up a towing staging area across the street instead of using the area for overflow boat trailer parking.

Both Tokajer and Titsworth said the new parking regulations are designed to help discourage people from coming to the beach and encourage them to abide by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ stay at home order, which is set to expire at midnight on April 30. Tokajer said he felt the new parking regulations helped with social distancing and keeping large groups from gathering.

The new parking regulations remain in force until at least April 30 or when Mayor Judy Titsworth rescinds her executive directive.

In Bradenton Beach, Lt. John Cosby said that there were no issues with illegally parked vehicles over the weekend. While the city remains under a state of emergency, drivers are advised to not park in the First Street North municipal parking lot, at the Coquina and Cortez county beach parking lots or in barricaded areas. Bradenton Beach police officers are strictly enforcing the new rules and violators may be ticketed or have their vehicles towed at their own expense.

– Sun reporter Joe Hendricks contributed to this story.

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Bradenton Beach issues parking enforcement announcement

Bradenton Beach issues parking enforcement announcement

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

BRADENTON BEACH – In anticipation of Easter weekend, the city of Bradenton Beach has issued a public service announcement regarding parking enforcement.

“Parking to be strictly enforced. Barricades and closed municipal parking lots. While under a declared local state of emergency, law enforcement will be strictly enforcing illegal parking and unauthorized vehicles in barricaded areas. C.O.B.B (city of Bradenton Beach) will be issuing tickets and may use the services of authorized towing companies,” the city’s public service announcement says.

“Please do not park your car illegally. Please do not disturb any barricades. Please do not park in the First Street North municipal parking lot or the Coquina and Cortez county beach parking lots. If you have been towed, call the C.O.B.B Police Department at 941-778-6311,” the public service announcement says.

Bradenton Beach issues parking enforcement announcement
The city of Bradenton Beach issued this public service announcement Thursday afternoon. – City of Bradenton Beach | Submitted

Island-wide concerns

Earlier in the day, the Holmes Beach Police Department issued a public service announcement pertaining to parking enforcement.

During Thursday afternoon’s telephonic Anna Maria City Commission meeting, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy referenced that announcement that he said he had only recently been made aware of.

At 11:27 a.m. on Thursday, Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer emailed Murphy a copy of the Holmes Beach Police Department’s public service announcement.

“Wanted to give you a heads up on our plan for parking. We are hearing that people are planning to come to the beach for Easter Weekend willing to take a $50 parking ticket,” Tokajer wrote in his email to Murphy.

On Wednesday evening, an informal message that originated from the city of Holmes Beach was shared with city officials in Bradenton Beach. That informal message addressed concerns about the possibility of “people planning on filling up cars with people and taking the parking ticket to go to the beach this weekend.”

That shared information contributed to the city of Bradenton Beach issuing its public service announcement Thursday afternoon.

In response to what was happening elsewhere on the Island, Murphy told the Anna Maria commissioners he would be devising a contingency plan that afternoon with Sgt. Brett Getman from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Anna Maria Unit.

Murphy said that contingency plan would address any potential impacts the parking enforcement efforts taking place in Holmes Beach might have on the city of Anna Maria and its residents.

As a last resort, Murphy said he could consider establishing a checkpoint at the entrance to the city of Anna Maria that would limit access to the city and result in some vehicles being turned back toward Holmes Beach. Murphy said he does not want to take that action, but would consider it if absolutely necessary.

In 2017, Murphy briefly limited access to the city during the initial cleanup efforts associated with Hurricane Irma.

Bradenton Beach issues parking enforcement announcement
The parking lot at Bayfront Park in Anna Maria remains closed. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Beaches closed?

On Thursday, March 19, Manatee County issued a press release that said, “County and municipal officials today announced that the beaches of Anna Maria Island will close tomorrow, March 20, at 6 a.m.”

The county announcement resulted in the public parking spaces at Coquina Beach and Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach being closed. It also resulted in the public parking lot at Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach being closed.

However, local law enforcement agencies in all three Island cities are still allowing people to gather on the Island beaches in groups of less than 10 people and gather at least six-feet apart from other beachgoers and groups.

Local law enforcement officers conduct regular patrols of the beaches, but they have not been ordering people off the beaches or issuing citations to those on the beaches, many of which are located near street end beach access points.

Bradenton Beach issues parking enforcement announcement
The Coquina Beach parking lot in Bradenton Beach remains closed. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

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