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Tag: Brian Haddix

Year in Review: Beyond the Island

Year in Review: Beyond the Island

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Community News, Manatee County, Special Sections, Year in Review.

MANATEE COUNTY – Beyond the confines of Anna Maria Island, a canal dispute, mangrove trimmings and a proposed water taxi service were among The Sun’s top news stories in 2022.

Hunters Point

In Cortez, the construction of 86 Hunters Point homes continued while a hearing was conducted and completed regarding a dock permitting dispute.

The permitting dispute involves Hunters Point developer Marshall Gobuty’s Cortez Road Investments and Finance Inc. ownership group and the Cortez Village Marina’s MHC Cortez Village LLC ownership group.

In 2021, the Southwest Florida Water Management District gave Cortez Road Investments the environmental resource permit needed to construct the docks. That permit was then challenged by MHC Cortez Village.

The multi-day hearing began in June 2022 and concluded in September. Attorneys representing Cortez Village Marina argued the proposed docks would impede navigation along the canal and negatively impact their clients who have larger boats.

The attorney representing Gobuty argued the new docks would not significantly impede navigation and she repeatedly noted the man-made canal in question is privately owned by Cortez Road Investments and MHC Cortez Village LLC has no existing usage agreements for the canal.

The parties involved in the permitting dispute are still awaiting a recommended order from administrative law judge Bruce Culpepper, to then be followed by a final order issued by the water management district’s governing board.

In separate but related actions that took place in 2022, Cortez Road Investments filed a civil lawsuit seeking a court order that would prohibit Cortez Village Marina clients from using the privately-owned canal.

Cortez Road Investments also filed lawsuits against several canal-side property owners requesting that their docks and other structures be made fully compliant with the county’s dock regulations that prohibit any docks, boat lifts and other structures from extending more than 25% into the canal which is approximately 65 feet wide in those areas.

To date, several legal filings have been made but no hearings have been held regarding the canal-related lawsuits.

Aqua mangroves

In late April and early May, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) personnel inspected the mangrove trimming activities that occurred along the shoreline of the Aqua development (formerly known as Long Bar Pointe) located between Sarasota Bay and El Conquistador Parkway in unincorporated Manatee County.

Year in Review: Beyond the Island
The mangroves to the left were not trimmed, the mangroves to the right were trimmed to create better views for those who will occupy Aqua’s multi-family residential units. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

In mid-May, FDEP issued an inspection report that stated, “Unauthorized trimming activity was not evident at time of the inspections. However, no pre- or post-photographs, pre-trimming notification or post-trimming notification was provided to the department.”

In late August, in response to additional complaints about the mangrove trimmings not being properly removed,

FDEP Southwest District Director Kelley Boatwright issued a warning letter to Medallion Home representative Rob Bosarge and Aqua developer and Medallion Home CEO and president Carlos Beruff.

“During the inspection, department personnel noted the following: All trimmings over 3 feet long or over 3 inches in diameter were not properly removed and disposed of offsite. Remaining trimmings were not evenly distributed. A portion of mangroves appeared to be reduced more than 25% of foliage annually. Adequate pre and post photo documentation of the trimming event was not provided,” Boatwright said in the letter.

In the letter, she went on to say, “On July 12, department personnel notified you that potential violations existed at the site and you were requested to take corrective actions within 30 days. On August 25, a follow-up site visit was conducted and violations did not appear to be adequately addressed. To date, the potential violations have not been resolved.”

Water taxis

In October, Manatee County Commissioners authorized County Administrator Scott Hopes to spend up to $700,000 to design and build two pontoon boats to be used as water taxis for the downtown Bradenton to Anna Maria Island water taxi service the county plans to launch in early 2023.

In November, the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) recommended the Manatee County Commission allocate $950,000 in resort tax revenues to help fund the county-initiated water taxi to be operated and managed by the Clearwater Ferry Company.

Initially operating Friday through Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., the water taxis are expected to travel between downtown Bradenton, the Anna Maria City Pier, the Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach and the Coquina South boat ramp. An exact launch date has not yet been provided.

Commission chair

District 3 County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge served as the Manatee County Commission Chairperson in 2022 and he will serve in that role again in 2023.

Year in Review: Beyond the Island
Kevin Van Ostenbridge served as the Manatee County Commission chairperson in 2022. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Passing

Longtime Anna Maria Island resident Brian Haddix passed away at Tidewell Hospice in Bradenton on June 21.

Year in Review: Beyond the Island
Longtime Island resident Brian Haddix passed away in 2022. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

 

Brian Haddix remembered…

Brian Haddix remembered

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

BRADENTON – Longtime Anna Maria Island resident Brian Haddix passed away at Tidewell Hospice on June 21.

Brian was 52 years old when he passed. That day, Brian’s son, Elijah, shared the news of his father’s death on Brian’s Facebook page.

“I’m here to pass on the very sad news that my father is no longer with us. Please feel free to remember and tell stories in the comments below. Thank you, and God bless,” Elijah wrote.

Elijah’s post produced 116 comments as of Sunday morning.

Tracy Wimpy wrote: “Sweet Elijah, I’m so very sorry to hear of your daddy’s passing. He was such an amazing and sweet friend to us and everyone he met.”

Brian Haddix remembered…
Shana Sawyer Miller and Brian Haddix enjoyed some special moments together before his passing. – Shana Sawyer Miller | Submitted

Shana Sawyer Miller wrote: “There’s so many memories I can think of, but I think the greatest ones I’ll ever have of your dad Elijah is the first time I saw him in 35 years and got to hug him, and when we slow danced on the beach at sunset to a playlist I made of songs that we’d sent each other over time. ‘Come Away with Me’ by Nora Jones was the first song. Some friends helped me out and set up white lights around a beach tent. I surprised him with that, and we danced under it. He’ll always be a part of me wherever I go and whatever I do. He made me appreciate the little things again. He loved the wrestling event you brought him to. I know he was afraid he’d be too sick, but he made it and he had a great time.”

Mike Larimore wrote: “The lasting memory of your dad is that ‘Core’ smile and his upbeat take on life in general, regardless of circumstances. He was a good man and we were lucky to know him.”

Sissy Quinn noted Brian’s active Facebook presence and wrote: “I for one will miss his many posts of beauty, kindness, education, etc. He was a real treasure!”

Darcie Duncan wrote: “Your daddy was such a sweet friend to me and so many others for so many years.”

Cindy Thompson wrote: He was a one-of-a-kind soul and has a huge tribe of friends, and island locals who can all remember a “Hardcore” story from first-hand experience. He will be missed and remembered in every island sunset.

Christopher Banan wrote: “His kindness and humble spirit was a great example of the Island brotherhood we experienced back in the day that barely exists now, mostly because everyone has gone their separate ways and a lot of old school friends have moved away or passed on.”

Brian Haddix remembered…

Before his passing, Brian Haddix and his dog, Roscoe, enjoyed a boat ride provided by his friend Rob McGrath. – Rob McGrath | SubmittedRob McGrath helped organize the Brian Haddix benefit at Bunny & Pirates Bazaar in Cortez last December. On his own Facebook page, McGrath wrote: “I’m very sad to hear of your passing today. I am very thankful that you were in good hands and not suffering at the Hospice house. I’m really glad we were able to pull off the benefit for you. I know it provided for you while you couldn’t work. I’m glad you got to take the train ride you always wanted to do. I’m also glad your heart found love in your last days. I’m thankful I was able to get you out on the water one last time too. You may not have died with all the toys, but you had a lot of friends who truly cared about you and that says so much more than any possessions. You always had a smile to share and the biggest heart. That’s probably why you had so many friends. You will be missed by many, but all the great times we all shared together will last us forever. Here’s to all the good times, the scraps, the early days at The Center and the tears of laughter we all shared with each other. Most of all, you will be remembered for that great big heart of yours.”

To McGrath’s post, Rose Lipke added: “Fair winds and following seas my friend.”

A memorial service/celebration of life for Haddix is currently being discussed, but no plans had been formalized or announced as of Sunday.

Brian Haddix remembered…
Brian Haddix enjoyed a wealth of friends and memorable experiences during his life on and around Anna Maria Island. – Rob McGrath | Submitted
Brian Haddix benefit taking place Sunday

Brian Haddix benefit set for Sunday

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

CORTEZ – A fundraiser will be held for Brian “Hardcore” Haddix at Bunny & Pirates Bazaar on Sunday, Dec. 19 from noon until 5 p.m.

Haddix, 52, was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer that has now metastasized into stage 4 lung cancer as well. He’s also dealt with other health issues in recent years.

“The colon cancer spread and settled in my lungs,” he said, noting he begins chemo and radiation treatments on Jan. 6.

Sunday’s benefit will include a potluck dinner and a musical jam session. Attendees are asked to bring a potluck dish to share, and musicians are invited to drop by to perform at the open jam.

“Let’s do this for Brian! Let’s all get together and show him some love. Stuff a few dollars in his pocket while you are there. He is going to need all the help he can get,” says the benefit preview shared on Facebook.

Donations from local businesses are still sought for fundraising raffle prizes. All proceeds will go directly to Haddix. In addition to the preparations being made by Bunny & Pirates’ owners Elizabeth Shore and Jeffrey O’Connell, Rose Lipke and Cindy Thompson are gathering raffle prizes and other donations for Haddix. Donations can be dropped off at Bunny & Pirates Bazaar, at 12404 Cortez Road W. in Cortez. For more information regarding donations and assisting Haddix, please contact Lipke by text message at 941-405-5374 or by email at Rosemlipke@gmail.com.

“Brian is one of the kindest, most gentle souls the Island has ever known. Even as kids at the community center, Brian had a kind word, a warm smile and a generous attitude that continues to this day. He truly embodies the definition of a pure heart. He’s given so much of himself to all of us individually that it spills into a community service that he doesn’t even realize he’s doing. It’s just his nature. It’s time we all show him how much he means to us and how much we love him,” Lipke said.

“I’ve known Brian for over 25 years. He truly is the kindest soul with a heart of gold. He is accustomed to helping others. Due to his diagnosis and other unfortunate circumstances he now needs us, his ‘AMI Tribe,’ to help him. With his basic needs covered, he will be able to put his energy into his upcoming cancer treatments,” Thompson said.

Publix, WalMart and Winn Dixie gift cards donated directly to Haddix are also very helpful.

Haddix’s truck broke down in August and he now often relies on the MCAT bus service to get around. Efforts are afoot to get him a used vehicle so he can drive himself to medical appointments and run his errands. In the meantime, folks can help by giving him rides.

Island ties

Haddix was born in Lexington, Kentucky. He grew up in Anna Maria, has spent the past 40 years in the area and still lives in Anna Maria.

“We were probably one of the poorest families on the Island,” he said of those early years.

As a youngster, Haddix spent much of his time at the youth center that would later become The Center of Anna Maria Island.

“That’s where our brothership grew,” he said of the enduring relationships formed there.

Haddix graduated from Manatee High School in 1988. During his high school years, he formed a friendship with Holmes Beach resident Carol Whitmore, who for several years has served as a Manatee County commissioner.

“When I was a teenager, a lot of times I had to walk home from Manatee High School. Carol used to pick me up when I hitchhiked back to the Island. She worked as a nurse at Manatee Memorial Hospital. She’s helped me a lot with my medical issues and also with my son’s education,” Brian said.

As a single dad, Haddix raised his son, Elijah Haddix, on the Island. Elijah, now 23, lives in Winter Haven and will attend Sunday’s benefit.

Brian Haddix benefit taking place Sunday
Brian Haddix raised his son, Elijah Haddix, on Anna Maria Island. – Brian Haddix | Submitted

“Brian’s a really nice guy and I love him. I know he’s going through a tough time now and he’s had some struggles in the past,” Whitmore said. “He raised his son on his own. I was homeless when I was young. I know what it’s like to struggle, so I’ve tried to help Brian and Elijah.”

Working man

After high school, Haddix spent 10 years working for Jack Bass Marine Construction. He helped build many seawalls and docks on the Island during the 1990s. He also helped improve many of the Island’s beach access points.

Before the net ban was enacted in the mid-1990s, Brian also spent time crabbing and mullet fishing. He later spent many years working as a doorman at several local bars.

“I’ve worked at practically every bar on the Island and in west Bradenton. That’s how I got to know all the bands,” he said.

In 2010, Haddix worked on a crew that dredged several canals in Anna Maria and Holmes Beach. He said he also helped refurbish the pilings on the Anna Maria Bridge on Manatee Avenue.

Haddix administers the Anna Maria Island Locals Facebook page where he shares photos of the Island’s sunsets, wildlife, nature and more. He also shares old photos of the Island and provides historical details about the Island’s past. He also administers the MerLife Facebook page that embraces the love of water and the beauty and mystery it holds.