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Petitioners challenge Cortez Bridge decision

Petitioners challenge Cortez Bridge decision

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

CORTEZ – Opponents of the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) plans for the replacement of the Cortez Bridge have filed a petition for a formal administrative hearing before the State of Florida’s Division of Administrative Hearings.

The petition is in response to FDOT’s written announcement on Oct. 10 that stated FDOT’s Office of Environmental Management granted location and design concept acceptance for the bridge replacement project that calls for a 65-foot-tall fixed-span bridge to someday replace the aging drawbridge on Cortez Road.

The FDOT acceptance signaled the end of the Project, Design and Environment (PD&E) study phase and allows the project to move into the design phase. Filed in accordance with Florida Statutes, the petition challenges that FDOT acceptance.

Former Manatee County Commissioner Joe McClash is serving as the qualified representative for the petitioners – a group that also includes former County Commissioner Jane von Hahmann, Cortez residents Linda Molto and Joe Kane, the ManaSota-88 organization, the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) and the Cortez Village Historical Society.

Von Hahmann signed and verified the notarized petition on Oct. 23.

The petition names the State of Florida Department of Transportation as the respondent.

The first page of the 23-page document states all the petitioners would have their substantial interests affected by agency action that permits the existing drawbridge to be replaced with a 65-foot-tall fixed-span bridge instead of a new and drawbridge.

“The 65-foot high level-fixed bridge will impact the maritime culture of the fishing village of Cortez and its fishing industry,” the petition says of FISH’s statutory right to initiate the challenge.

“The 65-foot high level-fixed bridge will create immediate harm to the historic fishing village of Cortez,” the petition says regarding the historical society’s right to challenge.

“Members recreate throughout the region including the area of the Cortez Bridge and have concerns that the fixed span bridge will impact environmental, aesthetic, cultural and natural resources,” the petition says of ManaSota-88’s right to challenge.

“The proposed action of a 65-foot high level-fixed bridge immediately affects the petitioner’s substantial interest in the use of the navigation waters at the Cortez Bridge with a sailboat having a mast height of 60 feet,” the petition says of McClash’s standing as a petitioner.

Taken from a 2017 FDOT video simulation, this illustration shows how the proposed bridge would alter the landing area in Cortez. – Submitted

The petition states von Hahmann has lived in the village of Cortez for 43 years and owns commercial and residential rental property in the village. It also states Kane resides at Fewville, a tiny village located within the historic village of Cortez, and Molto is a 32-year resident of Cortez who lives in one of the oldest houses in the village.

The petition states the FDOT action impacts the various petitioners’ quality of life, environment, financial well-being, mobility and the preservation of the village they enjoy and intend to continue enjoying.

The petition states a 65-foot bridge would create a dangerous intersection of offsetting streets with no safe pedestrian crossing, create an unacceptable increase in noise levels, divide the neighborhood with a wall-like structure and change the aesthetics of the village of Cortez in contravention of the county’s land-use restrictions.

McClash insight

When contacted, McClash said the FDOT attorney has acknowledged the petition was filed and will either accept it as filed or find flaws and request corrections.

Barring a successful motion to dismiss, McClash expects an administrative law judge from the Division of Administrative Hearings to conduct a hearing and issue a recommended order. McClash said FDOT would then issue its own final orders.

“It’s a little bit of an unfair process because the final action goes to the agency that wanted to permit what you’re challenging. Even if you have facts in your favor, the department has a lot of discretion when it comes to entering these final orders.” McClash said.

“I think FDOT definitely missed informing the public of the impact of the 18-foot-high sound walls,” McClash said.

As noted in the petition, McClash and his fellow-petitioners dispute FDOT’s claim that 75% of those who attended a public hearing in 2017 supported the 65-foot bridge option.

McClash said the petitioners’ ultimate hope is that FDOT rescinds its PD&E study-based action, addresses the concerns of the community and opts for a new drawbridge instead.

FDOT response

On Oct. 31, FDOT spokesperson Brian Rick provided The Sun with the state agency’s initial response to the petition.

“We have received the Petition for Formal Administrative Hearing for the Cortez Bridge. The department is highly confident that we followed all applicable state and federal guidelines related to this PD&E study; however, since this now a legal matter, we cannot provide comment,” Rick said via email.

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Cortez Bridge design moving forward

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

CORTEZ – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) recently issued a written announcement regarding its ongoing plans to replace the Cortez Bridge drawbridge with a 65-foot, high-level fixed span bridge.

On Oct. 10, FDOT’s announcement stated that on Sept. 18, its Office of Environmental Management granted Location and Design Concept Acceptance for the bridge replacement project.

When contacted by The Sun last week, FDOT spokesman Rick Brian explained by email what “Location and Design Concept Acceptance” actually means.

“Location Design and Acceptance means the final environmental or PD&E (Project, Design and Environment Study) document has been signed and accepted by the FDOT Office of Environmental Management and that the PD&E phase has concluded. The project is eligible to move to the next phase of development, which is the design phase,” Brian responded.

Brian was asked if FDOT has any plans to revisit or reconsider the Cortez Bridge replacement decision originally announced in 2018.

“The 65-foot fixed bridge preferred alternative was accepted by the Florida Office of Environmental Management and is considered final,” Brian responded.

“Design is now underway and right of way is funded in Fiscal Years 2021, 2024 and 2025. Construction is not currently funded in FDOT’s five-year work program,” the recent FDOT announcement said.

As for the next step in the bridge design process, Brian said, “Survey for project has been completed. The design team has begun working on the preliminary design plans following the announcement of the PD&E completion in October.”

Brian said the bridge simulation video used by local news organizations and shared on social media in the wake of the recent announcement is the original simulation FDOT posted at its YouTube channel in September 2017. He said that is the most recent simulation and additional simulations may be created during the design phase.

Brian said FDOT has not issued formal responses to the letter of objection recently received from the Holmes Beach city commission or the city resolution recently received from the Bradenton Beach city commission stating its continued opposition to the 65-foot, fixed-span bridge.

Brian was asked if federal funds, in addition to state funds, could be used to build the new bridge.

“The signed PD&E study allows for federal funds to be used for any future phase of the project, as needed,” he responded.

“Currently, construction is not yet funded on this project,” Brian added.

When fully funded, the bridge replacement project will one day extend from 123rd Street West in Cortez to S.R. 789/Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach.

Brian was asked if the potential construction of a roundabout at the west end of Cortez Road would be included in the bridge design process.

“A roundabout at the intersection of Gulf Drive and Cortez Road is not included in the design plans for the Cortez Bridge project. Based on recent discussions with FDOT, the MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) and Bradenton Beach City Engineer Lynn Burnett, FDOT will look at including evaluation of a potential roundabout at that intersection in a future PD&E study that will also include other ‘complete streets’ improvements along S.R. 789,” Brian responded.

FDOT positions

The Oct. 10 announcement reiterates FDOT’s previously stated position that a 65-foot high-level fixed-bridge will improve traffic flow for vehicles and boats by eliminating congestion and delays caused by bridge openings.

It also notes the initial cost to construct a 65-foot, fixed-span bridge is approximately $23.8 million less than what it would cost to build a 35-foot mid-level drawbridge.

“The 65-foot high-level fixed-bridge will have improved operational reliability, especially in emergency situations and evacuation events, since there are no mechanical moving parts and electrical systems to malfunction, which could potentially close the bridge to traffic altogether. In addition, there is no chance of human error during the operation of a drawbridge,” the recent FDOT announcement states.

“The 65-foot high-level fixed-bridge alternative provides opportunities for greater community cohesion and walkability with a roadway, sidewalks, and public space under the new bridge at 127th Street West. The 65-foot fixed-bridge alternative is high enough to create an open space along the waterfront under the Cortez approach of the bridge. This could support a variety of public uses and amenities that can be implemented at the discretion of the local agencies,” the FDOT announcement states.

Critics of the 65-foot fixed-span bridge fear it will drastically alter the character of Cortez and Bradenton Beach. Concerns have also been expressed about the new bridge negatively impacting residential and commercial properties along that stretch of Cortez Road.

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Cortez Road roundabout proposed

Cortez Road roundabout proposed

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

BRADENTON BEACH – Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) plans to build a roundabout at Cortez Road and Gulf Drive will remain on hold until officials decide where the span of the new Cortez Bridge will touch down.

On Wednesday, Oct. 2, City Engineer Lynn Burnett provided the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) with a project update. Burnett said FDOT typically uses a standard-sized footprint when designing a roundabout but has the capacity to design a smaller roundabout.

“They have the ability to do a smaller footprint that doesn’t meet their DOT design standards. Because of the unique nature of the barrier island, they are going to redo their PDE (Project Development and Environment study) based on that footprint and reassess what right of way needs would be involved,” Burnett said.

Burnett said FDOT officials originally considered fast-tracking the roundabout, but concerns arose about installing it at a cost of more than $1 million without knowing exactly where the touchdown span for the new Cortez Bridge will be when that bridge is built.

Burnett said FDOT officials decided it didn’t make sense to do a “throwaway roundabout” now when they could wait a couple of years to design a roundabout based on the known bridge dimensions.

“That was their recommendation, which I fully support. It doesn’t make sense to start a two-year construct project and wreak havoc on this Island just to turn around and do it again,” Burnett said.

Burnett said FDOT officials might look at minor operational improvements to help address safety and congestion concerns at that intersection in the meantime.

“I want the public to know there’s going to be a lot of input from our residents and visitors here,” CRA member and Mayor John Chappie said of the roundabout design process.

“I also have talked to our police chief with regards to a roundabout and he has some concerns. Our police department needs to be part of this conversation. They are fully aware of the issues that have come up in Clearwater,” Chappie said.

When it opened in 1999, the Clearwater Beach roundabout originally included an elevated fountain that was later removed because it obstructed drivers’ vision and contributed to accidents. Over the years, that roundabout has been modified to improve traffic flow and enhance pedestrian safety.

Current realities

Chappie acknowledged the realities of living on a popular barrier island.

“No matter what you design and put in there, there’s going to be times – mostly during season or holidays – when it’s not going to be able to handle the capacity. So, there’s always going to be backup. With their PDE, they’ll be able to determine through their data what design has less backup during the high peak times,” Chappie said.

CRA chair Ralph Cole shared similar sentiments.

“Everybody wants to fix a traffic problem – make it wider, make it bigger. We’ve only got a five-pound sack here, so we can only stick so many potatoes in it. Drive out to Lakewood Ranch at rush hour and you’re in six lanes of traffic sitting there at a five-minute stoplight. The more accessible you make it, the more people are going to come,” Cole said.

“You almost have to accept the fact that you live on a barrier island. Everybody wants to come to it. Get used to it. Plan your time of attack when you go into town. That’s just the way it is,” Cole said.

Burnett said those who participated in the recent FDOT discussion agreed that traffic congestion cannot be eliminated 100% of the time at that intersection.

“There will be those 20,000 people on this Island all trying to get off at the same time and you just have to be patient. However, if 80% of the time you can reduce the delays and the length of time it takes, you’re increasing everyone’s quality of life,” Burnett said.

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

BRADENTON BEACH – Some of the Island’s elected officials are not letting FDOT replace the aging Cortez Bridge with a 65-foot fixed-span bridge without a fight.

Manatee County Commissioner and long-time Anna Maria Island resident Carol Whitmore appeared before members of the Island Transportation Planning Organization at a Sept. 16 meeting to ask for support in taking a stand against the 65-foot bridge. Though Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy was absent from the meeting, Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie and Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth pledged their support in the fight against the fixed-span bridge on behalf of the ITPO. They also agreed to take the topic back to their respective city commissioners to discuss possible city support of the effort.

“I know it can be changed,” Whitmore said of the Florida Department of Transportation decision to replace the aging drawbridge with a 65-foot fixed-span alternative. She added that if the high bridge is built, she feels that it will decimate the character of the historic village of Cortez as well as that of Anna Maria Island.

Whitmore said that she supports the mid-level alternative offered by FDOT in previous presentations to the public – a 45-foot drawbridge that she said would be higher than the current bridge and allow more boat traffic to pass under it without raising the drawbridge as frequently and stopping the flow of vehicular traffic. She also said that because the bridge isn’t as high as the 65-foot alternative, she doesn’t feel that it would damage Cortez and Bradenton Beach like the large bridge would.

“It really isn’t out of our hands,” she said of the design alternatives for the bridge, adding that “no one objects that it needs to be replaced.”

The Cortez Bridge has undergone several repairs over the past few years to help keep it functional, despite the fact that the bridge has outlived its 50-year lifespan. FDOT has secured funding for a design phase, which hasn’t yet begun, and representatives have publicly stated that the fixed-span bridge is the preferred alternative of the three designs presented to the public. No funds have been secured to construct a replacement bridge or to replace the Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue which is also planned to be replaced with a 65-foot fixed-span bridge.

Whitmore said that when FDOT leaders decided to replace the bridge on Manatee Avenue with a high-span bridge it was agreed that there would not be a high-span bridge linking Cortez and Bradenton Beach. Now she said she expects FDOT leadership to honor that agreement. Chappie said that he too remembers that agreement and supports Whitmore’s efforts to fight for the mid-level drawbridge replacement option.

“The high bridge is going to destroy the ambiance of our two communities,” he said.

The Cortez Village Historical Society has long expressed opposition to the high-span bridge, concerned about historical buildings on both sides of Cortez Road being affected by the access roads of the proposed bridge.

“I know in my heart this will be good for the whole area,” Whitmore said of the mid-level bridge.

Whitmore asked for a letter of support from the ITPO as well as for each mayor to speak with their city’s lobbyist about pushing the issue at the state legislative level.

Despite Murphy’s absence, Chappie and Titsworth agreed to move forward with supporting her efforts and speaking with their city commissioners and lobbyists about supporting the mid-level bridge replacement option.

“You either stand for something or you stand for nothing,” Chappie said. “We need to stand in support of this.”

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

BRADENTON BEACH – The members of the Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials had a lot to think about when Florida Department of Transportation representative Albert Rosenstein appeared before them to give an update on ongoing projects.

Roundabouts

Rosenstein said the two roundabouts planned for Manatee Avenue in Holmes Beach are almost through the department’s approval process. A planned roundabout for Manatee Avenue at East Bay Drive is in the last of three stages of approval. He said that no right of way acquisition is needed for the project, but it will wait for construction until the accompanying roundabout at Manatee Avenue and Gulf Drive can be built.

The roundabout at Manatee Avenue and Gulf Drive, at the main entrance to Manatee Beach, is in the second stage of approval. Rosenstein said this roundabout does require a right of way purchase. Construction on the roundabouts is expected to take place at the same time and is currently not funded. An extension of the northbound turn lane from Manatee Avenue to Gulf Drive is currently funded in the fifth year of the DOT’s current funding cycle.

How to Navigate a Roundabout
To navigate a single-lane roundabout, vehicles are required to reduce speed to 10 to 15 miles per hour when approaching the roundabout. Drivers must look for and yield to bicyclists and pedestrians. The two roundabouts planned for Holmes Beach will have pedestrian crosswalks at each of the four entrances to the roundabout. All vehicles circle the roundabout to the right. Drivers entering the roundabout must yield to the vehicles already in the roundabout. Enter the roundabout when there is a gap in traffic and do not stop or attempt to pass other vehicles. Use a turn signal to indicate when exiting the roundabout.
Drivers should never stop once in the roundabout but can slow down to allow another vehicle to enter. If an emergency vehicle comes through the roundabout, drive to the nearest exit and then move over beyond the splitter island. – FDOT

Anna Maria Island Bridge

Design plans are expected to be complete in late 2019 for the new high-span Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue. The bridge will have a 65-foot navigational clearance with a 74-foot maximum height and a 4 percent grade. A new bridge is planned to lift off and set down in the footprint of the current bridge and be constructed just to the south of the existing drawbridge. Though the new bridge is on the DOT’s advanced project list, Rosenstein said it’s currently unfunded.

Cortez Bridge

Though Rosenstein didn’t know if the plans were still negotiable, he said that the favored replacement for the aging Cortez Bridge is a high-span bridge also with 65 feet of navigable space underneath the bridge. Because the bridge would have to be slightly shorter than the Anna Maria Bridge, Rosenstein said the current projections show the bridge with a 5 percent grade. Currently, the bridge is awaiting the design phase and construction is unfunded. Rosenstein said he expects the concept for the replacement bridge to be officially approved in October. With the Cortez Bridge, he said there will be right of way acquisitions or imposition of eminent domain by the department. The new bridge is planned to be constructed just to the north of the existing drawbridge.

Longboat Pass Bridge

Beginning June 10, Rosenstein said that repair work will begin on the Longboat Pass Bridge. Construction is expected to take approximately 80 days to complete. Lane closures will occur Mondays through Thursdays from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. with no closures planned on the weekends. Lanes could be closed for up to 15 minutes periodically from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. during the week for testing with no detours planned. Two days of detours for machinery to be brought on or removed from the bridge are planned from midnight to 5 a.m. The days of those detours and the path of the detours are not yet known.

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Written by Tom Vaught on . Posted in Community News, Featured, Transportation.

CORTEZ – Now that the word is out, many people east of the Cortez Bridge feel hurt that the new 65-foot-tall span will be a “mega-bridge” and many are taking a wait-and-see attitude, saying they will likely not live to see it.

At a meeting of the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (F.I.S.H.) on Monday, May 7, the president took that stand, saying, “I feel like batting my head against a wall, but then I think they might not build it in my lifetime.”

Replacing an “obsolete” drawbridge like the current bridge takes a lot of time.

Nothing at the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) gets done without budget money and that takes time. There is money for the design phase, and more money in the 2020 and 2021 budgets for obtaining rights of way.

Karen Bell, who owns a fish house in Cortez, said she is tired of the fight saying, “We’ve been through this over and over.”

Artist Linda Molto, an ardent anti-tall-bridge activist, said the cards are stacked against them. She said she heard that the city of Bradenton Beach was against the tall bridge and they are on the other side of the bridge.

“We need to talk with Mayor (John) Chappie,” she said. “We could join forces.”

In Holmes Beach, Commissioner Judy Titsworth wants to send a letter from the city to the state to oppose the building of the large bridge. Commissioner Carol Soustek agreed saying that she attended the FDOT bridge meetings and didn’t hear many people who were in favor of the large bridge. She said most people were in favor of the 35-foot clearance drawbridge because it seemed to be the best compromise between residents, business owners and FDOT.

“No one endorsed the 65-foot bridge,” Soustek said. “The DOT did that on their own.”

Commissioners agreed unanimously to sign and send a letter.

In Cortez, Tide Tables restaurant is closest to the water on the south side of the bridge. Owner Bobby Woodson said he has mixed feelings.

Bobby Woodson
Woodson

“It might make it easier to get in and out of our parking lot,” he said. “They are going to make a roadway that goes north and south under the bridge, so people won’t have to fight the traffic to get here or leave.”

But, he said he’s disappointed because the new bridge will be out of proportion for the historic fishing village.

He said he feels the high bridge is not the solution to gridlock.

“We need another bridge from Longboat Key to the mainland to keep those people off Anna Maria Island when they go to the mainland,” he said.

East of Tide Tables, the Cortez Trailer Park would be affected by the new bridge because they have two entrances that might have to be connected to a side road that would connect with Cortez Road because the road would be elevated from descending the tall bridge.

Bruce Shearer, owner of Annie’s Bait and Tackle said he might not be alive to see the new bridge. He said the new bridge might make it easier to get into or out of Annie’s, but the tall structure would not fit in with Cortez.

Bruce Shearer
Shearer

“I went to hearings 30 years ago and we told them we didn’t want the tall bridge, but the Manatee Avenue Bridge would be better because it’s longer and there aren’t any buildings nearby,” he said. “They agreed to build the Manatee Avenue Bridge high and that’s what’s happening, but now they’re back and will do the same with this bridge.”

He said the tall bridge isn’t the solution.

“They can build it as high as they want, but there will still be cars backed up to the fire station every day,” he said. “They need to build a bridge from Longboat Key to the mainland where all that new development will be.”

Bradenton Beach Cortez Bridge

City officials blast bridge decision

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

BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners oppose the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) recent decision to replace the Cortez Bridge drawbridge with a 65-foot-tall, fixed-span structure.

Mayor John Chappie, a former Manatee County commissioner, placed the bridge discussion on the agenda for the Thursday, May 3, meeting so commissioners could share their thoughts in a public setting.

“When I was with the county, Commissioner (Carol) Whitmore and myself were the only two elected officials at the county level that flat-out said no, we did not want a high bridge. We wanted the low one of the three options they had,” Chappie said.

“I was disappointed. The Island has its character and it’s definitely not high structures. As we used to say years ago, ‘The trees are taller than the buildings.’ I know change is going to happen, but sometimes it’s just tough to take, this chipping away at the way things were,” Chappie said.

“I really don’t know if there’s anything we can do about it,” he added, noting that FDOT held several public meetings and gathered public input before making its decision.

Commissioner Jake Spooner suggested sending a letter to FDOT officials. Chappie agreed that it would be a good idea to at least officially voice the commission’s disappointment.

Spooner guessed it would be about 10 years before the funding was available to replace the existing drawbridge. Chappie estimated it might be 5 to 10 years, depending on what the federal government does in terms of passing legislation for infrastructure funding.

The Cortez Bridge was built in 1956.

“None of us want this thing, but what can we do?” Commissioner Randy White said.

White said he spoke with a resident of the Bridgeport condominiums who’s concerned the bridge will butt up against her home.

“Obviously not happy about this,” White said.

“I don’t know anybody who is,” Chappie replied.

White said a large bridge, similar to the Ringling Bridge in Sarasota, doesn’t make sense for a barrier island.

“I feel really bad for the people in Cortez,” he added.

Chappie said FDOT will want members of the Cortez and Bradenton Beach communities to serve on its yet-to-be-formed bridge aesthetics committee. He thinks it’s important for the City Commission and the Scenic WAVES Committee to be represented on that committee.

“Several members of our community should be on that. It’s the entrance to our city and it’s part of the CRA district,” Chappie said.

Commissioner Marilyn Maro said the people she’s talked to are not happy with the decision. She also mentioned the individual meetings city commissioners previously had with FDOT officials.

“They didn’t seem like they were going in that direction. I guess things must’ve changed since they talked to us,” Maro said.

Maro also expressed concerns about bridge users being exposed to higher winds, especially during storms.

“I thought they were leaning more toward the 35-foot mid-rise, with the drawbridge,” Commissioner Ralph Cole said.

“That one was $20-$30 million more. They’re trying to cut costs. They’re going with the cheap bridge,” White replied.

“Obviously they’re going for the maintenance end of it and they don’t have to maintain that span,” Cole added.

White said the fixed-span bridge would also eliminate the salaries paid to bridge tenders.

According to the April 23 press release issued by FDOT, “A fixed bridge is resoundingly the best financial investment for taxpayers. The initial construction cost, including design and construction, saves approximately $23.9 million compared to a new mid-level drawbridge. Over the 75-year life of the bridge, the fixed bridge also saves approximately $11.2 million in operating and maintenance costs compared to the drawbridge.”

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Cortez bridge looking east

A wake up call on the proposed Cortez Bridge

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Guest column, Opinion.

By Dr. Mary Fulford Green

It is believed that if you do not know your history, you are apt to repeat it. I am one who is looking forward to the same outcome for the new Cortez Bridge as in 1995 – no 65-foot, high-rise bridge from Cortez to Anna Maria Island. Hopefully, learning the history will make this come true. So here goes with the history lesson.

Picture this: It is 1994. The Florida Department of Transportation announces a public hearing on the proposed new bridge to the Island. The hearing is scheduled for Manatee Community College (no State College of Florida). However, the weather forecast is for severe thunderstorms, and the county insists “no traveling that night.”

Two members of the Cortez Village Historical Society, Richard Culbreath and Harry Howey, ignore the warning and attend the meeting. They report back to the Society that the plan is to build a 65-foot bridge from Cortez to the Island. It would close 22 businesses and four streets into this little village. As Richard looks at the map, he realizes that his mother would look out onto a bank of dirt as her 123rd Street Court would be closed. This could not be happening. At the next CVHS meeting, it was decided to contact the FDOT. We would tell them that we were in the process of getting Cortez listed as a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. FDOT responded with a request that it be sent a map.

CVHS had received a $1,000 grant from the Florida Department of Historic Resources and had paid this to a Bradenton consultant who had identified 50 structures that were eligible for inclusion. This map with a few more houses listed was in the mail. The new fire station on Cortez Road had just been opened so CVHS requested that the FDOT schedule a public hearing on the new bridge. It was to be held at the station.

In the meantime, the Florida Department of Historic Resources had approved an additional $3,000 to fund the application to the National Register. Another consultant was hired and with an additional $1,800 paid out the total number of structures was increased to 97.

The bridge hearing

The date was set for the public hearing. That day, Harry Howey noticed that the Bradenton Beach City Council was meeting in the afternoon. He rushed across the bridge and invited the group to attend the meeting on the new bridge. The council members responded with, “What bridge?” The group attended and heard the plans for the 65-foot bridge. It would have taken many feet off of Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach. Mayor Katie (Pierola) and the council members were added to the opposition to the FDOT plan.

The CVHS representative went to Tallahassee and was told that the $3,000 would be granted but that the application was not properly prepared. Her response had always been, “If you can design a form, I can fill it in.” With help from a very capable state consultant, the application was submitted and defended before the state committee in Tallahassee. That committee was chaired by Dr. Janet Matthews from Sarasota. She was the author of the book “Edge of Wilderness.” She is now on the faculty at the University of Florida.

Historic district

On March 16, 1995, Cortez, with its 97 historic structures, was listed as a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. Please note that March 16 is the birthday of William Thomas Fulford, the 20-year-old man who bought the first tract of land in Hunters Point, now called Cortez (he is my grandpa).

The 65-foot bridge that would have devastated Cortez would not be built. Federal funds cannot be used to negatively impact a Historic District. The current bridge was then constructed.

Now, 23 years later, the FD0T is favoring another 65-foot bridge to be built 200 feet north of the present one. So here we go again. This one would close five streets into the south side of the village.

What would be the impact on the village and on Manatee County? Consider the impact on the fishing industry if you like eating fresh fish. No, this industry is not the number one in the county. So forget the millions of dollars in lost income from the fish that are wholesaled to other places.

Just consider the impact on Manatee County’s number one industry – tourism! It is estimated that as many as 3,000 to 4,000 people come into Cortez every day to buy either fresh fish or cooked seafood. They visit the 12 establishments located in the village.

The 65-foot bridge or the 37-foot bridge? Which is the better choice for Cortez, Anna Maria Island and Manatee County? You can guess my answer. What is yours? I am voicing mine to FDOT. Maybe we should also contact our local, state and federal political representatives. This is a wakeup call for all to become involved.

Cortez bridge looking east

No answer yet on Cortez Bridge

Written by Tom Vaught on . Posted in Community News, Transportation.

CORTEZ – Residents of this historic fishing village will have to wait a bit longer to find out what the future holds for the replacement of the Cortez Bridge. One thing certain is the drawbridge that has stood since the mid-1950s will be replaced with either a 35-foot drawbridge or a 65-foot fixed-span.

Following a two-year Project Development and Environment study hosted by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), both proposals have supporters and detractors. While the fixed span could eliminate traffic jams when the drawbridge opens for boaters, many Cortez Village residents say the tall bridge would be out of scale with their historic cottages. Business owners along Cortez Road West voiced fears of losing their access to customers who would be whizzing by, trying to keep up with the traffic.

FDOT Information Specialist Robin Stublen said Hurricane Irma delayed their decision-making process.

“Because of the hurricane, we extended our deadline for submitting comments from Sept. 12 to Sept. 30,” he said. “Now we’re tabulating the input and factoring that information into the equation. We won’t have a decision until after Thanksgiving.”

Once the decision is made, the next step will be for FDOT officials to secure money for engineering and construction. That is something they could not do without knowing what they are building. They estimated the drawbridge option would cost $104 million, while the fixed-span bridge would cost about $72 million. The difference in cost is due to the moveable bascule on the drawbridge.

Cortez bridge public input

Crowd tells FDOT what kind of Cortez Bridge it wants

Written by Tom Vaught on . Posted in Community News, Cortez, Transportation.

BRADENTON – The meeting hall at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church was packed with approximately 170 people Thursday night as the public got its final say on the future of the Cortez Bridge.

The current structure is a drawbridge with a 17 1/2 foot clearance built in 1956 along the route of the original wooden bridge to the Island. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has ruled the bridge is functionally obsolete because it only has two lanes and is made from materials not used in modern bridges.

FDOT pared down a number of choices to three: a high-level, fixed span with a 65-foot high clearance; a mid-level drawbridge with a 35-foot clearance; and a no-build repair project, with the most likely choice being between the two new bridges. After two years of public input, the fixed span option has the edge in polls taken at previous hearings. Most of the speakers at Thursday’s meeting appeared to favor a mid-level drawbridge.

FDOT came prepared to push the fixed span with depictions of the two bridges on placards and in videos. They estimate the cost of the mid-level bridge at more than $104 million compared to more than $72 million for the tall bridge. They pointed out the landings for the two bridges were essentially the same and they compared the open-air view with the high bridge to the crowded look with the low bridge, but many Cortez residents felt the tall bridge was out of place with the historic fishing village.

The public speaks

FDOT project manager Marlon Bizerra spoke about the low bridge being vulnerable to storm surge. Former Save Anna Maria (SAM) member Nancy Deal noted that Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore complained recently that her car was almost blown into another car recently when the winds started gusting and she said a tall bridge would make traffic more exposed to high winds as a storm approaches.

As for the idea that a tall bridge would keep traffic flowing, she said, “We don’t care about getting 150,000 more people on the island.”

Robert Baker, from the Island, said the tall bridge wouldn’t be worth the increased traffic flow.

“I don’t like the 65-foot bridge, I like the 35-foot drawbridge,” he said.

“A high wind would blow cars off the high bridge,” said Margaret Jenkins, of Anna Maria.

Hernando Carillo, an architect and urbanist from Bradenton Beach was opposed to the tall bridge.

“We don’t need that superstructure,” he said. “It would change the scale of Cortez.”

Island resident Barbara Hines said she prefers the no-build alternative.

“I don’t need the smoke and mirrors being used to sell us on the big bridge,” she said.

Bob Rosen, of Holmes Beach, drew chuckles when he said, “You can hold your applause, I’m for the tall bridge.”

Nobody applauded.

Ed Kolodzieski of Longboat Key said he might not be allowed to come home for his views.

“I don’t think the time saved with the tall bridge would be worth it,” he said. Cortez is a special place and so is Bradenton Beach. I don’t want to ruin their ambience with a tall bridge.”

Barbara Hug got a spirited round of applause when she said, “What we really need is another bridge from the mainland to Longboat Key.”

The public has until Sept. 12 to add their views by sending them to Marlon Bizerra, Project Manager, Florida Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 1249, Bartow, FL 33831 or e-mail marlon.bizerra@dot.state.fl.us.

FDOT will announce their decision at a future meeting.

Cortez bridge

Cortezians prepare for bridge hearing

Written by Tom Vaught on . Posted in Community News, Transportation.

CORTEZ – Approximately 30 citizens braved the thunderstorms Saturday afternoon at Fisherman’s Hall to discuss strategy for the final public hearing on a replacement for the Cortez Bridge set for Thursday, Aug. 31, at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church.

Some of the speakers were veterans of confrontations with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) over replacement attempts to build large fixed-span bridges to replace the Anna Maria Island and Cortez drawbridges, including members of Save Anna Maria (SAM), the citizens’ action group formed to fight the AMI bridge replacement.

Artist Linda Molto talked about the earlier confrontations with FDOT, saying they don’t always tell the truth. Another FDOT foe felt the same way.

Cortez bridge hearing
Cortez artist Linda Molto addresses the meeting of residents on the Cortez Bridge. – Tom Vaught | Sun

“It’s a replay from 30 years ago,” said former Island newspaper editor Joe Kane. “This is still a democracy.”

The hearing is for FDOT to gather information from the public as to the future of the bridge. Choices are to replace the 17-foot clearance drawbridge with a 35-foot clearance drawbridge or a 65-foot clearance fixed-span structure.

Residents of the historic fishing village feel the high bridge is not suitable for Cortez and they worry that businesses along Cortez Road West would lose their roadside access.

SAM veteran Nancy Deal said FDOT will have a plan for the meeting, and so should the public.

“The first part of the meeting will be an open house with FDOT officials answering questions,” she said. “The second part will be a presentation and we need to make a list of talking points so we can ask questions while everyone is listening.”

Deal said they need to point out that recent thunderstorms forced the Sunshine Skyway Bridge to close because of high winds, one of the opposition’s arguments against the high bridge.

“County Commissioner Carol Whitmore said recently her car got blown around on a bridge during a storm,” Deal said.

Kane had a warning for the opposition not to give up too soon.

“They (FDOT) will make it sound like their decision is final, but it’s not,” he said.

For more information, visit FDOT’s study.