BRADENTON BEACH – A busy night on Bridge Street came to an abrupt halt due to what was believed to be a natural gas leak.
As people wandered among bars, shops and restaurants on June 7, customers at the Bridge Tender Inn were enjoying dinner and drinks by the bay when fire trucks and police began to arrive on Bay Drive South. Bystanders were told to leave the area and Bridge Tender Inn customers were evacuated from the property due to a reported gas leak.
“They narrowed it down to a car. There was a young girl from Georgia that had driven up here from Siesta Key,” said Shannon Altier, assistant general manager at Bridge Tender Inn. “The fire department had really sensitive equipment to detect leaking gas, but they didn’t find anything. It turned out to be a belt from the young lady’s car that eventually had to be towed away.”
According to multiple bystanders, the smell was almost identical to that of natural gas. Altier and the rest of the Bridge Tender Inn staff were relieved to hear the situation posed no danger, but it did cost the establishment a great deal of money due to orders that had already been placed and prepared when patrons were evacuated, as well as about two hours of lost revenue.
“We lost a little bit, but I was honestly just worried about the little girl in the car,” Altier said. “She had no idea what to do. I told her to not drive more than a block, and the car died on Bridge Street a few feet later.”
The incident started around 8 p.m. and according to Altier, fire officials were still on the scene until after 10 p.m. Nobody was injured and no property other than the vehicle with the faulty belt was damaged.
BRADENTON BEACH – The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) members want the CRA-funded Old Town Trams to serve more people who park in the Manatee County-owned parking spaces at Cortez Beach and Coquina Beach.
The unpaved Cortez Beach parking spaces are located along the west side of Gulf Drive South, just south of Bridge Street, from Fourth Street South to 13th Street South. The recently paved and soon-to-be-paved parking spaces at Coquina Beach are located at the south end of the city.
The Old Town Tram shuttle service pilot program is now in its second year and the current one-year contract with Joshua LaRose’s EASYParking Group expires in or around November. Before that contract expires, CRA members must decide whether to continue the experimental pilot program, enter into a permanent contract with LaRose, seek another private operator to provide similar services at no expense to the CRA or simply abandon the publicly-funded tram shuttle concept.
The CRA members’ long-term goal is to install a dedicated tram path along the Cortez Beach parking lot to alleviate the need for the trams to travel in the heavy traffic along Gulf Drive.
County officials have expressed preliminary support for a dedicated path and other tram-related amenities, but those plans can’t be pursued until an extensive utility improvement project that includes the Cortez Beach parking lot is completed. According to CRA member John Chappie, county officials have a definitive timetable as to when that project will start and end.
The other long-term goal is for tram advertising revenues to provide all or most of the funds needed to cover the monthly operating costs.
Concerns and solutions
Each month, LaRose provides a report that details ridership, routes traveled and advertising revenues generated.
During the April 6 CRA meeting, LaRose said the trams generated $5,475 in advertising revenues in March, which equates to 57% of the $9,665 monthly costs, with the CRA paying the remaining $4,190 balance.
LaRose said 5,632 passengers rode the two electric trams in March, with tram drivers picking up 169 passengers at the south end of the Coquina Beach parking lot and 1,102 passengers along Cortez Beach.
City attorney and CRA liaison Ricinda Perry noted the 169 passengers picked up from Coquina Beach equaled about five people per day.
“I certainly wouldn’t recommend this board invest more funds into it if it’s not being used,” she said.
Perry said there are more than 1,300 parking spaces available at the nearby county beaches compared to the dozen or so parking spaces near the Bradenton Beach Police Department where the trams frequently travel.
“The objective is to flip those numbers around. I need to know why that’s not happening on the beachside,” she said.
LaRose said his drivers tell him the heavy traffic presents challenges when traveling to the southern beach parking areas and a dedicated tram path would help. He committed to asking his drivers to get feedback from passengers as to why they don’t utilize the beach parking spaces.
Chappie noted the Cortez Beach parking area is three-quarters of a mile long and could be divided into three primary points to load and unload tram passengers. Chappie said the tram drivers should be driving through the Cortez Beach parking lot rather than on Gulf Drive and be looking for additional passengers along the way.
“The last thing the (tram) driver wants to do is get in that traffic,” CRA member Ed Chiles added.
The Old Town Trams operate seven days a week. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Perry asked LaRose what else can be done to encourage people to utilize the Cortez Beach and Coquina Beach parking spaces as originally intended.
LaRose said he could conduct a test run in late April or early May with one of the two carts only traveling between Bridge Street and the beach parking areas. The operating hours have been added to banners that promote the free service and he suggested placing another banner at or near Coquina Beach.
He also said digital QR codes have been created to share with the businesses in the CRA district. Accessed by cell phone, the QR codes will provide instant information about the tram service and how to hail a ride. To request a ride, call 941-404-6240.
The Old Town Trams operate daily between the Cortez Bridge and Coquina Beach from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 5-10 p.m.
BRADENTON BEACH – A couple with a vision to work together is making a living doing what they love on Bridge Street – painting windows.
Married for three years, Christina and Jessica Fonseca of M Lynn Creative realized they have talents that complement each other.
“I’ve always been into art,” Jessica said. “I’ve always joked that I have never met an art medium that I didn’t like. If I don’t like it, it’s probably that I’m just not good at it!”
“I’m the business side of this. I have a degree in business administration. I do the marketing, social media and everything involving the business side of this,” Christina said, adding that despite what Jessica may say, her partner has plenty of artistic aptitude.
M Lynn Creative’s completed work is featured at Back Alley Treasures on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. – Jason Schaffer | Sun
The couple is based out of Orlando, but has a special fondness for Anna Maria Island, and has acquired a dozen businesses that utilize their services here on the Island. The Fonsecas admit that despite their marketing skills, a lot of their work comes from word of mouth. Christina Fonseca says despite the rapid growth of their business, they are available for Easter window scenes now, and future holidays have openings as well.
To have M Lynn Creative dress up a window, call 407-259-1450, email marialynn.creative@gmail.com, or follow them on Instagram at mlynn.creative or on Facebook at MLynnCreative.
Bridge Street was the epicenter of the New Year’s Eve celebrations in Bradenton Beach. On a foggy Friday evening, the festivities extended all along the street as residents, locals and visitors welcomed the arrival of 2022 and bid farewell to 2021 – another year in which many experienced joy, sorrow and stress while facing the challenges presented by the ongoing recovery and response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Champagne glasses were lifted at Island Time as 2022 arrives. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
David Higgins and Dana Chaves stopped at Island Time during their New Year’s Eve travels along Bridge Street. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Shots were shared and glasses were lifted at Island Time as midnight arrives. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Still in uniform, Santa visited Bridge Street on New Year’s Eve. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
The Sports Lounge was one of Mike and Amy Cunningham’s New Year’s Eve stops. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Sports Lounge bartender Courtney McGough served up plenty of shots on New Year’s Eve. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
The Drift In’s lighted ball awaits its midnight drop on a foggy Friday evening. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Baby New Year pays his annual visit to the Drift In. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Sheri Rusilowicz and her dog, Arlo, celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Drift In. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Dos-Macs rocked the Drift In. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Trevor Bystrom (center) and his band perform at the Blue Marlin Grill. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
This vehicle was towed from one of the three designated post office parking spaces reserved at all times for post office customers only. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
While visiting from Detroit, Phil Valleaum Steve Perye, Shari Perye and Deanna Rush celebrate Steve’s birthday and New Year’s Eve at the Drift In. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Drift In bartender Sharon Bell hopped on the bar during the New Year’s Eve celebration. - Amy Cunningham | Submitted
The Bridge Tender Inn bartenders carry a “cash only” message on their backs. - Shannon Dunnan | Submitted
BRADENTON BEACH – Take a walk down Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach and you’ll find it difficult not to be in the holiday spirit.
On Saturday, Nov. 20, the city lit the most Christmas lights ever seen on the Island. Street lights, palm trees, business fronts and even the famous clock tower are draped in lights and garland. The centerpiece of this amazing display is a 40-foot tree adorned with thousands of lights and more than 600 hand-placed ornaments.
A 40-foot-tall Christmas tree graces the Bradenton Beach Post Office parking lot on Bridge Street. – Jason Schaffer | Sun
The tree lighting ceremony was an all-day event that began with the early afternoon arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, who arrived by golf cart.
“The reindeer wanted to be here, but it just hasn’t cooled off quite enough for their liking, so we let them stay at the North Pole. They always look forward to coming to Anna Maria Island on Christmas Eve because I treat them with grouper bites before we head over to Miami,” said Santa.
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in Bradenton Beach. – Jason Schaffer | Sun
As the sun set on a beautiful Island afternoon, a crowd of a few hundred people gathered while the Magic of Manatee Sweet Adelines sang traditional carols in front of the tree. At 6 p.m., the crowd chanted a 10-second countdown for Mayor John Chappie, who lit the tree alongside City Attorney Ricinda Perry and Commissioner Ralph Cole. The evening’s festivities continued with an outdoor showing of “A Christmas Story” on an inflatable movie screen next to the tree.
Families enjoy an outdoor showing of ‘A Christmas Story’ in the post office parking lot next to the tree on Bridge Street. – Jason Schaffer | Sun
“This is the culmination of 30 years of hard work in the commercial area of Bradenton Beach. Trimmers Holiday Decor, the company that put up all the lights and decorations, did an amazing job, always here on the spot working to get this done, they’re amazing,” said Mayor Chappie.
This huge holiday undertaking came at a cost of more than $40,000 and was made possible by the Community Redevelopment Agency, the City of Bradenton Beach, and local merchants. The lights come on at sunset and will be in place through the end of December.
BRADENTON BEACH – The “Light Up Bradenton Beach” Christmas tree-lighting ceremony will take place Saturday, Nov. 20 in the Bradenton Beach Post Office parking lot.
Organized by participating Bradenton Beach merchants and restaurateurs, Mayor John Chappie and Police Chief John Cosby, the annual tree-lighting ceremony will feature a 32-foot Christmas tree.
The “Light Up Bradenton Beach” festivities will begin that day at 3 p.m. with Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving on Bridge Street aboard their special golf cart. Santa and Mrs. Claus will make their way to the holiday Kid Zone at Island Time Bar & Grill, which will feature face painting and other kid-friendly activities. Santa and Mrs. Claus will then head to the historic clock tower to accept Christmas wish lists and pose for holiday photos.
At dusk, the holiday fun will shift to the post office parking lot at 116 Bridge St., where The Magic of Manatee – the Bradenton chapter of the international women’s choral group, The Sweet Adelines – will lead the crowd in Christmas carols beginning at 5:30 p.m.
The tree lighting will take place at 6 p.m., followed by more singing and then a special outdoor screening of “A Christmas Story” from 7 to 9 p.m., with the exterior wall of the Sports Lounge serving as the movie screen. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets for the movie screening.
Popcorn, hot chocolate and other treats – including the adult variety – will be available for purchase at the nearby businesses before, during and after the movie.
Christmas on Bridge Street
The tree-lighting ceremony will mark the beginning of the six-week Holidays in Paradise festivities that will continue through New Year’s Day and take place amidst the city of Bradenton Beach’s largest-ever holiday decoration and lighting display.
The Holidays in Paradise events will continue on Saturday, Dec. 4. – Submitted
The annual Christmas on Bridge Street celebration and the coinciding Bradenton Beach Holiday Lighted Boat Parade will both take place on Saturday, Dec. 4.
Beginning at 3 p.m., Christmas on Bridge Street will again feature a Kid Zone that includes face painting and the creation of holiday crafts. The Anna Maria Island Privateers will provide photo opportunities with Santa and his sleigh in the post office parking lot, near the Christmas tree. The acclaimed Dickens Carolers – a professional company of actors and singers in period costumes – will tell stories and sing seasonal songs.
Island troubadour Mike Sales will perform on the Bridge Street Pier before the boat parade.
Featuring food and drink specials, gift certificate sales, “chair-ity massage” and more, nearby retailers and restaurants will host a holiday walkabout that evening.
There will also be a Holiday Swagger photo contest and a grand prize drawing that benefits Turning Points, a local non-profit organization that assists homeless families in Manatee County.
Holiday Boat Parade
Organized by Bradenton Beach Marina owner Mike Bazzy, the third annual Bradenton Beach Holiday Lighted Boat Parade, taking place Saturday, Dec. 4, will begin at 6 p.m., with participating vessels gathering ahead of time near the south end of Jewfish Key.
The Bradenton Beach Holiday Lighted Boat Parade will take place on Dec. 4. – Submitted
The boat parade will travel northwest along the Longboat Pass Bridge and then head north up the Intracoastal Waterway, passing by the Bridge Street Pier and ending at the marina. The boat parade can be viewed from the Longboat Pass Bridge from about 6-6:30 p.m. and from the Bridge Street Pier from about 6:30-7 p.m.
The boat parade is open to powerboats and sailboats and entry is free. The best-decorated boat will earn a $200 cash prize.
Entry forms and additional information can be found at the boat parade website, www.boat-parade.com, or by calling the Bradenton Beach Marina at 941-778-2288.
Those who don’t have a boat of their own can participate in the boat parade as passengers aboard the marina’s “Anna Maria Princess” paddle wheeler. Tickets can be purchased at the boat parade website and the proceeds will be donated to fighting children’s cancer.
The Sun is a media sponsor of the Holidays in Paradise events.
For more information on the Holidays in Paradise events, activities, contests, parking and more, please visit www.lovebradentonbeach.com or call 941-896-2222.
BRADENTON BEACH – Bridge Street is known for its many dining choices and some of the best shopping on the Island. Among the restaurants, gift shops and galleries you will find Searenity Beach Spa & Bou-tiki, which recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary with a ceremonial ribbon cutting, courtesy of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce.
Located at 112 Bridge St., Searenity offers a wide variety of products including soaps, candles, lotions, CBD products, clothing and more. They also offer massage therapy in the location on Bridge Street as well as on the beach.
“We’re the only people from about Naples to the other side of St. Pete that offer massages in a tiki hut on the beach,” said Searenity owner Amanda Escobio Ryan. “We started out just doing beach massages, but I realized that with the extreme summer heat and rain, I really needed an indoor space, so we moved in here. We have three air-conditioned massage rooms.”
Ryan also owns Searenity’s sister spa, Body & Sol Spa and Wellness in Anna Maria, which offers yoga, facials, manicures, pedicures and more ways to look and feel your best.
Ryan has been a member of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce for more than a decade and was excited to be honored with the ribbon cutting. Along with Ryan’s husband, children and friends, many Chamber members were on hand, as well as Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie.
Searenity Spa & Bou-tiki is open by appointment for massages and the shop hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and later on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Find them online.
BRADENTON BEACH – The Old Town Tram continues to make progress in ridership, route consistency and advertising revenues.
The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) contracts Joshua LaRose and his Sarasota-based EasyParking Group to provide two electric trams, the tram drivers and the support services for the park-and-ride shuttle program. The pilot program is an attempt to address the lack of parking that exists in and around the Bridge Street area.
With a financial commitment of slightly more than $100,000, the CRA-funded one-year pilot program for a park-and-ride shuttle service was launched in November. The program currently employs two electric trams in the CRA district, which extends from the Cortez Bridge to Fifth Street South. As part of the designated route, the trams also travel outside of the CRA district boundaries to transport passengers who park in the county-owned Cortez Beach parking lot along the west side of Gulf Drive, from Fifth Street South to 13th Street South.
The pilot program encourages visitors to park at Cortez Beach and elsewhere in the CRA district and utilize the free tram service to get to and from the businesses and attractions along Bridge Street and elsewhere in the CRA district. The tram route also encompasses the parking areas near the Bradenton Beach police station and the Bradenton Beach Marina, at city hall after normal business hours, along Bridge Street and near the Bridge Street Pier.
Ridership and revenues
While attending the Wednesday, June 2 CRA meeting by phone, LaRose said the Old Town Trams provided 4,393 rides in May, and 737 of those rides were to or from the Cortez Beach parking area. He said the peak ridership was on Sundays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Fridays.
At the end of each month, LaRose submits an invoice to the CRA for the monthly services provided. The invoices average approximately $9,000 per month before the advertising revenues generated by signage placed on the trams are deducted. LaRose receives the advertising revenues directly and deducts those revenues from the monthly payment sought from the CRA.
The May invoice totaled $9,200. The amount to be paid by the CRA was $6,225 after the subtraction of $2,975 in advertising revenues. LaRose said he expects to receive an additional $1,800 to $1,900 in June when the Bridge Tender Inn, the Bradenton Beach merchants group and an unnamed ice cream shop join the existing tram advertisers.
LaRose said the anticipated addition of those three new advertisers and securing additional advertisers to fill the remaining ad spaces would produce advertising revenues that would cover approximately 85-90% of the tram program’s total monthly operating costs. If that happens, The Old Town Tram program would be close to achieving the financial self-sufficiency envisioned by the CRA members when they approved the pilot program.
“Congratulations CRA board,” CRA member Ed Chiles said of the progress being made.
Call for a ride
LaRose said the direct phone line available for those seeking rides generated 1,045 calls hailing rides in May. That’s in addition to the riders who simply grab a ride when a tram passes by every seven to 15 minutes or so. To arrange a free ride within the CRA district, call 941-404-6240.
The tram route map is posted at the Old Town Tram website. – EasyParking Group | Submitted
The Old Town Trams operate from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. On Sunday, the service stops at 9 p.m. The route map and more information can be found at the Old Town Tram website.
Banner criticism
During Wednesday’s meeting, the CRA members briefly discussed a text message Mayor John Chappie and others received from Bradenton Beach resident and business owner Mike Norman. Norman’s text pertained to the tram banner installed earlier this year at the intersection of Gulf Drive and Cortez Road. Additional banners were placed near the Cortez Beach parking area and near the east end of the Cortez Bridge.
This Old Town Tram banner is located at the Cortez Road/Gulf Drive intersection. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
In his text message, Norman referred to the banner design as “stupid.”
“It says ‘park and ride.’ Park where? Ride where?” Norman stated in his text message that also questioned who came up with the banner design.
Norman’s text message included a sketch for a sign he feels would be more informative. His sketch features the words “Plenty of free parking” with an arrow pointing south. Below that, appear the words, “At Coquina Bch. Ride the Free Tram to Bridge St.”
Bradenton Beach resident Mike Norman suggested this design for future tram banners or signs. – Mike Norman | Submitted
The trams are authorized to travel all the way to Coquina Beach, but the demand for rides that far south has thus far been low, according to LaRose.
Regarding the banners, City Attorney Ricinda Perry said she, LaRose, BridgeWalk resort owner Angela Rodocker and Rodocker’s husband worked on the banner design at no cost to the city. She also noted Rodocker placed that same design and information on a billboard along Cortez Road at no cost to the city.
“This was the decision the board went with based upon on all of that labor,” Perry said of the banner design. “We have at least one individual who feels it’s not directing folks to where the tram is actually located, and he does not care for the look of the banner that’s out there.”
Perry referenced Norman’s proposed sign design and said his suggestions could be taken into consideration if and when the CRA members decide to install permanent tram signs.
“If it’s working right now, we need to just leave it, and down the line maybe something more permanent,” CRA Chair Ralph Cole said.
BRADENTON BEACH – Banners are now in place as part of the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency’s (CRA) ongoing efforts to make more people aware of the free Old Town Tram service.
The free park-and-ride shuttle service is provided within the CRA district that extends from the Cortez Bridge to Fifth Street South and includes the Bridge Street business district.
One banner is at the entrance to the city at the west end of the Cortez Bridge. Another is south of the Gulf Drive/Bridge Street roundabout at the Fourth Street South intersection that marks the north end of the Cortez Beach parking lot, where drivers are encouraged to park and catch the free tram to their destination.
This Old Town Tram banner is located just north of the Cortez Beach parking lot, which is among the locations serviced by the free trams. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
A third banner is located near the east end of the Cortez Bridge in hopes of catching the eyes of folks headed over the bridge and into Bradenton Beach.
The free electric trams also serve the parking areas near the Bradenton Beach Police Station and the Bradenton Beach Marina, the city hall parking lot after normal business hours, Bridge Street, the Bridge Street Pier and elsewhere throughout the CRA district.
The Old Town Trams make frequent passes by the Cortez Beach parking lot south of the Bridge Street/Gulf Drive intersection. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Traveling a designated route, a tram is expected to pass by any given point along the route every 10 minutes or so – and the ringing of a ship’s bell signals a tram’s approach.
Upon parking, pickup can also be arranged by calling 941-404-6240. More information, including a tram route map, is available online.
BRADENTON BEACH – Drivers should pay close attention to the signs when parking in front of the BridgeWalk resort in Bradenton Beach.
BridgeWalk resort owner Angela Rodocker has received additional assurances from the city regarding her exclusive use of three Bridge Street parking spaces. On Thursday, Jan. 21, the Bradenton Beach City Commission adopted Resolution 21-940, a resolution that codifies in writing the verbal agreement Rodocker and her late mother, Barbara Rodocker, reached with the city regarding the development of the BridgeWalk resort and retail shops in 2000.
The three parking spaces along the 100 block of Bridge Street have long been designated for the exclusive use of BridgeWalk resort guests while checking in, but that exclusive use is often ignored by others in search of a hard-to-find parking space, especially on weekends.
The adopted city resolution now supports and further clarifies the development approvals granted in 2000.
When presenting the resolution to the city commission, City Attorney Ricinda Perry said, “That parking agreement is not a new approval. That was a use that was already granted and approved verbally but missed somehow – we could arguably state it was scrivener’s error – in the final approval prepared by the attorney at that time.”
When addressing the commission, Rodocker said, “The reason this even came up is because I kept having to deal with people parking there. From the very beginning of this, I always believed that BridgeWalk had exclusivity over those three spots, and that’s what I think should be honored.”
Rodocker said some drivers in the community have the wrong impression about the public’s use of the reserved parking spaces along Bridge Street. She said she recently had to call the police in response to a verbal confrontation that ensued with a man who questioned the BridgeWalk parking restrictions.
“My staff has had to deal with this on and off for years, so I want my signage to be strong and I will fulfill it – which means it’s going to be uncomfortable for some local people for a little while,” Rodocker told the commission.
“There’s been way too many verbal things going on between my staff and people. There’s just so much miscommunication, even for the police department. The guys don’t even know what to do if somebody’s parking there and I call. We just need clarification,” Rodocker said.
Rodocker offered to make the three reserved check-in spaces available to the public during non-peak hours, similar to the after-hours parking allowances provided at the post office parking lot.
Police Chief Sam Speciale said it would be easier for his officers to enforce a parking prohibition that remains in effect at all times, so the BridgeWalk resort parking restrictions will be in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“That way there’s no question about what those three places are for. That way Angela doesn’t have to deal with people and it’s easier for us to take care of it,” Speciale told the commission.
The commission unanimously supported the resolution request and the resort’s need for the three reserved parking spaces.
These signs help designate the BridgeWalk resort’s reserved parking spaces.- Angela Rodocker | Submitted
Those who continue to improperly park in the reserved spaces now do so at the increased risk of being ticketed and possibly towed. When contacted later, Rodocker said she’ll soon be adding new signs that reinforce the existing signs that say, “Check-in Parking Only Please.”
“I’m so happy that we’re going to get this resolved. The last thing I want to do is have somebody’s car towed away, but we may have to do it to get the message across,” Rodocker said.
BRADENTON BEACH – Refinements to the recently launched parking tram pilot program are sought by the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) that’s funding it.
The intent of the pilot program is to encourage those visiting the Bridge Street business district to park a few blocks south at Cortez Beach, or elsewhere in the CRA district, and ride the free trams to and from where their vehicles are parked.
Revisions to the parking tram program were discussed on Wednesday, Jan. 6.
The discussion began with City Attorney Ricinda Perry asking CRA members how they want to handle the monthly invoices received from Joshua LaRose. LaRose heads the Sarasota-based EasyParking Group that is providing the CRA with two golf cart-like electric trams and the tram drivers.
The CRA recently received an $8,675 monthly invoice from the EasyParking Group for services provided in December, which was the first full month of tram operations. The CRA also received a $5,360 invoice for the first partial month of service in November.
Perry asked the CRA members if they want city staff to simply pay the monthly invoices as they arrive or place them on the monthly consent agenda for board review and payment authorization.
CRA chairman Ralph Cole said he wants the invoices included on the monthly consent agendas and the other board members agreed.
The parking tram program encourages visitors to park at Cortez Bridge and ride the free tram to Bridge Street. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Advertising revenues
During past CRA discussions, Perry and the board members expressed hope that advertising panels placed on the two trams would generate enough revenue to cover all or most of the pilot program expenses. The long-term goal is for ad revenues to create a breakeven tram operation.
During Wednesday’s meeting, Perry said the proposed ad rates were originally based on how much revenue is needed per month to break even.
“What Joshua found was no one was willing to pay that,” Perry said. “Times are tough for businesses and they’re looking to be judicious with their expenses on advertising. I accept nothing, or I accept a reduced price for the advertising,” Perry said.
“I don’t believe if we fill the signage on the trams in its entirety that we will break even,” she added.
Operating as a separate but related city entity, the Bradenton Beach CRA receives $400,000 to $500,000 per year in annual tax revenues. During past discussions, Cole expressed concerns that the proposed tram pilot program could potentially require a large portion of the CRA’s annual tax revenues.
During last year’s contract discussions with the EasyParking Group, Perry said the CRA could terminate the one-year pilot program at any time.
With no ad revenues, the $8,675 per month pilot program would equate to $104,100 in CRA expenditures during a 12-month span.
During Wednesday’s meeting, Perry said she was aware of current and pending advertising commitments that total about $2,475 to $2,575 per month.
“That’s certainly not going to cover the $8,675,” she said.
The current advertising commitments leave the CRA responsible for about $6,200 in monthly tram operating costs.
The board members unanimously agreed that LaRose should be responsible for securing the ad revenues because his company stands to benefit the most if the pilot program succeeds and becomes permanent.
Tram travel range
The CRA district boundaries extend from the Cortez Bridge to the southernmost property lines along Fifth Street South.
During Wednesday’s meeting, members discussed whether the CRA-funded trams should travel outside the CRA district, and under what circumstances that should occur.
A tram charging station is located outside the Public Works building. -Joe Hendricks | Sun
CRA member Jake Spooner suggested putting GPS tracking devices on the trams to monitor where they travel and how often they travel outside the district they are supposed to serve.
Spooner said long trips made outside the district boundaries result in diminished service within the district – and can also result in additional downtime while the electric trams are being recharged.
Perry shares Spooner’s concerns, but she also understands the logic in giving an elderly couple or an intoxicated person a ride to accommodations or a home located north of the Cortez Bridge.
Cole said he wasn’t overly concerned about the trams traveling outside the CRA district as long as they achieve the goal of transporting more customers to the businesses within the CRA district.
When providing public input, BridgeWalk resort owner and tram advertiser Angela Rodocker said, “This tram was designed specifically to relieve parking issues that we have on Bridge Street. It was not designed to provide transportation for people all over the Island who live here. We have a free trolley and there are multiple resources like the Monkey Bus or Uber for people who are trying to get home who live here on the Island. If you go outside of this tram’s design, you have already set it up to fail.”
The board members agreed that the trams should remain primarily within the CRA district and trips outside the district should be limited and only occur when justified.
The board agreed that LaRose should research a cell phone app and other potential means for tram users to request a ride, and they agreed that the CRA should pay for standardized signs at designated tram stops.
The board wants LaRose to start attending the monthly CRA meetings in-person or by phone to discuss his monthly invoices and address any concerns, questions or suggestions the CRA members have.
According to LaRose’s initial ridership reports, the CRA trams provided 1,994 rides in November and 2,980 in December. The highest single-day ridership to date was the 173 rides provided on Dec. 24.
The Jan. 6 discussion concluded with the members unanimously agreeing that the monthly reports provided by LaRose should include illustrations that show where the trams have traveled and also provide analysis and suggestions for additional service improvements.
BRADENTON BEACH – Folks flocked to Bradenton Beach and the south end of Anna Maria Island to celebrate the Fourth of July.
At 9:30 a.m., a short line of vehicles towing personal watercraft and boats waited to put in at the Coquina South boat ramp. The recently fire-damaged dock along the north side of the ramp was closed but the ramp itself remains open. In orderly fashion, boats, personal watercraft and kayaks entered and exited the water as a sunny Saturday morning unfolded.
Several personal watercraft entered the water at the Coquina South boat ramp. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
At the south end of the Coquina South boat ramp property, families and friends set up tents along the Sarasota Bay/Intracoastal Waterway shoreline, while others enjoyed the solitude of fishing from the seawall near the Longboat Pass Bridge.
By 10 a.m., the South Coquina boat ramp parking lot was nearly full, as was the North Coquina boat ramp just up the street.
These Coquina Beach beachgoers kept closer company than others. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Across the street at Coquina Gulfside Beach, beachgoers were setting up tents and settling in for a day at the beach. Social distancing was practiced to varying degrees. Some groups and individuals maintained greater distances and others preferred to be in closer proximity to one another.
Social distancing was possible at Coquina Beach and practiced by many. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Just offshore, a pair of parasailers took to the sky and a Coast Guard plane flew along the Gulf of Mexico shoreline. Under the shade of the Australian pines, several groups gathered with family and friends for Fourth of July picnics.
Parasails and personal watercraft dotted the Coquina Beach shoreline. – Joe Hendricks | SunThis trio found solace in the shallow water at Coquina Beach. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
To the east, several boats gathered offshore of Jewfish Key, with several boats flying American flags in honor of Independence Day. Other boaters preferred to beach their boats at nearby Beer Can Island.
The sandbar off Jewfish Key was a popular Independence Day destination for boaters. – Joe Hendricks | SunSome boaters spent the day at Beer Can Island. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
To the north, the scene was similar on a smaller scale at Cortez Beach. Beachgoers and beach accessories lined the beach and sightseers and fishermen stood upon the nearby groin the extends out into the Gulf of Mexico.
Holiday beachgoers lined the Cortez Beach shoreline. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
A little further north, more beachgoers gathered near the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge and the BeachHouse restaurant.
On Bridge Street, restaurant patrons enjoyed lunch and adult beverages, pedestrians walked the sidewalks, some wearing masks and some not, shoppers perused the retail shops and the Drift In bar was open for takeout and package service only in accordance with the governor’s current restrictions.
Anna Maria Oyster Bar shuttle driver Harry Miller and his dog Tully enjoyed a day off on Bridge Street. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
At 12:30 p.m., a trio of tow trucks passed by Cortez headed south, possibly awaiting calls for their services as legal parking spaces became more difficult to find.
BRADENTON BEACH – City officials and business owners in and around the Bridge Street business district agree that a parking shuttle program is a good idea.
But no one has stepped forward yet and offered to acquire and operate the electric trams needed to operate a pilot program for a park and ride shuttle service that utilizes county-owned parking spaces Cortez Beach and the north end of Coquina Beach.
These matters were discussed at a special CRA meeting on Friday, Feb. 21.
The half dozen or so business owners who attended Friday’s meeting are also members of the Bradenton Beach Area Merchants association which has expressed support for the parking tram program but no desire to run it.
City Attorney Ricinda Perry provided CRA members and meeting attendees with the detailed research she gathered on parking tram operations implemented in the cities of Stuart and Fort Pierce.
Perry’s presentation addressed upstart and operating costs, operational responsibilities, insurance requirements and costs, routes and route changes, hours of operation, designated stops or on-demand service, tram types and sizes, battery life and battery replacement and much more.
The city of Stuart’s tram program features a 2.2-mile route with 14 specific stops and also allows passengers to flag down trams between stops.
Stuart’s tram program utilizes city employees and includes 12 drivers operating six trams seven days a week. In fiscal year 2019, the city of Stuart budgeted $215,771 for its tram program. That consists of $150,965 for professional services including salaries and benefits, $29,806 for operating expenses and $35,000 for capital outlay.
Perry said she envisions using three trams, which would significantly reduce those costs.
Perry said the Fort Pierce tram program utilizes volunteer drivers. It began as an on-demand service but later transitioned into a program whose primary function is to shuttle users back and forth between their desired destinations and a parking garage.
Perry noted the CRA and the city of Bradenton Beach have not budgeted any money for a tram program in the current 2019-2020 fiscal year, and no funds were committed last week. Potential funding sources include existing CRA funds, advertising revenues and additional financial support from the Bradenton Beach business community.
Path to a pilot program
CRA member Ed Chiles said the goal has always been to include a dedicated tram pathway that runs parallel to Gulf Drive in the Cortez Beach parking lot south of Bridge Street. There have also been previous discussions about a possible tram hub at the north end of the Cortez Beach parking lot.
A dedicated tram path and hub located on county property would require county commission approval. County commissioners have some offered preliminary support for the tram idea, but they’ve also expressed concerns county parking spaces being used to serve the Bridge Street business district.
These are two types of trams that could be used for a parking shuttle service in Bradenton Beach. – Submitted
Perry and others have noted a pilot program could be started without the county’s support.
CRA chair Ralph Cole mentioned the need for signs at the entrance to the city that direct drivers to the designated parking areas. Chiles mentioned the need for a cell phone app too.
Perry said one of the first decisions that needs to be made is who’s going to operate and manage the desired tram program.
It was noted there are currently two gas-powered trams being privately operated in the Bridge Street area: one by the Anna Maria Oyster Bar and one by the Blue Marlin Grill. It was also noted that CRA member Jake Spooner will soon be required to operate a tram shuttle seven days a week, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., when his new building on Bridge Street opens soon.
After 90 minutes of discussion that included insight from business owners, CRA member John Chappie made a motion calling for the CRA to partner with the Bradenton Beach Area Merchants to develop a parking tram pilot program and for Perry to work with the merchants to define the functioning model of that program.
Chappie’s motion also called for City Engineer Lynn Burnett to provide engineering drawings and for Perry and Burnett to work with Lt. John Cosby and Public Works Director Tom Woodard on safety concerns and signage. That motion was adopted by a 7-0 vote.
The CRA members adopted a second motion by a 6-1 vote that directed Perry, Burnett and Cosby to work with Chappie to prepare a pilot program presentation to present to county officials. CRA member David Bell opposed that motion because he felt it was premature and more information is still needed.
Monday meeting with merchants
On Monday, Feb. 24, Perry met with business owners and Bradenton Beach Area Merchants members Lynn Horne, Sherman Baldwin, Ryan Davis and Fred Bartizal.
“There is no option that they can identify for creating a pilot program that is sponsored by the merchants,” Perry said of that meeting. “Their concerns include cost, ADA compliance, construction activities by Manatee County and the ability to secure trams prior to the upcoming peak season.”
Perry said she will recommend the CRA issue request for proposals seeking a third party to operate a parking tram program on a trial basis if the members want to continue this pursuit.
BRADENTON BEACH – A fleet of delightfully lit and decorated boats will pass along the Bradenton Beach shoreline during the second annual Bradenton Beach Holiday Boat Parade.
Setting sail on Saturday, Dec. 14, the Holiday Boat Parade is hosted and organized by Bradenton Beach Marina and its president, Mike Bazzy.
The parade will begin at 7 p.m. near the south end of Jewfish Key, travel past the Longboat Pass Bridge, head north through the Intracoastal Waterway and pass by the Bridge Street Pier before ending at the Bradenton Beach Marina. The boat parade is expected to last 60 to 90 minutes.
Boat owners are invited and encouraged to display their holiday spirit by entering their decorated vessels. Entry is free and open to powerboats and sailboats. Cash prizes will be awarded in multiple categories, including the category for best lighting and the category for most holiday spirit.
Entry forms can be downloaded from the boat parade website, www.boat-parade.com.
The Holiday Boat Parade coincides with the Christmas on Bridge Street holiday event taking place on Bridge Street that afternoon and evening.
The parade can best be viewed from the Bridge Street Pier from 7:30-8 p.m., or before then from the Longboat Pass Bridge as the parade gets started.
Those without a boat can catch a ride aboard the Bradenton Beach Marina’s old-fashioned paddlewheeler, the Anna Maria Princess. Space is limited, so please call 941-778-2288 to reserve your spot.
The Holiday Boat Parade is sponsored by the Bradenton Beach Marina, the city of Bradenton Beach, the Bridge Street Bazaar, the Bridge Tender Inn, the BridgeWalk Resort, Paradise Boat Tours, Yolo Parasail and The Anna Maria Island Sun.
For more information, visit the boat parade website, call John or Mike at 941-778-2288 or email dockmaster@bradentonbeachmarina.com.
BRADENTON BEACH – Kids on Bridge Street got a surprise Saturday night, a visit from Santa Claus at the Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Christmas in July on Bridge Street at the Drift In. The Privateers and Drift In raised $2,500 for next year’s scholarships by holding raffles and serving a potluck dinner inside the bar. In the parking lot, people enjoyed cool refreshments while listening to live music from Dos Max.
Bridge Tender Inn and Dockside Bar employees Dana Coty and Carlee Griffin paired up and purchased the winning ticket for the liquor basket. Bridge Tender employee Denise Hendricks purchased the winning ticket for the Lotto Board that contained $320 in lottery tickets and two $50 bills.
Drift In manager Doreen Flynn said she was happy that some local employees won those raffle prizes. She also noted that Santa Claus took a break from his summer vacation and made an appearance at the annual fundraiser. She also thanked Privateer Shelly “Fireball” Hill and Pines Trailer Park resident Ellen Scott for making this year’s Lotto Board and assisting with the fundraising efforts.
Privateer Tim “Hammer” Thompson said the first $1,000 raised Saturday night will go toward the purchase of Christmas gifts for this year’s adopted Christmas family or families. The remaining $1,500 will be placed in the Privateer’s scholarship fund.
“It all ends up going to kids one way or another,” Thompson said, noting that a similar fundraiser will take place in December.
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