ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The subject of a water taxi service comes up often at Manatee County Tourist Development Council meetings, and this was once again the case on Oct. 18 when the longest-serving board member, Ed Chiles, raised the issue to Mark Stuckey, the chief operating officer for the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.
Stuckey had just finished his presentation to the TDC on the latest statistics regarding the airport when Chiles brought up the water taxi issue.
“We’ve been talking about water taxis forever; we’re talking about it again now. At what point are we going to stop talking about it and do something about it?” asked Chiles, addressing Stuckey. “I can’t think of anything more exciting than the ability to connect with a green way to get out to the islands or to Sarasota with something that is cutting edge.”
Stuckey said that the airport’s proximity to railroad tracks that go to downtown Sarasota and downtown Bradenton has been pointed out. As far as the water taxi being linked to SRQ, Stuckey admits that discussion has not been brought up as of late.
Although SRQ has not been active in moving forward with a water taxi service, Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione said they have been making progress.
“We’ve done some due diligence just recently, meeting with some water taxi guys, finding out what they need and what their costs are,” said Falcione, who said they are getting much closer to launching a water taxi program.
“It’s bold, but I think we need to be bold. We aren’t going to build another bridge to the island in our lifetime. We need to do something so we don’t suffer gridlock,” Chiles said.
Falcione concluded the discussion by telling Chiles that they would probably have an update on the water taxi proposal update for the December TDC meeting.
BRADENTON – At the conclusion of the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) meeting last Monday, Chiles Group owner Ed Chiles was honored by the Council for 25 years of service as a TDC member.
Several of his employees and friends quietly entered the meeting at the Manatee County Administration Building to be on hand as Chiles was presented with an inscribed compass by Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) Executive Director Elliott Falcione.
“A leader is someone people want to follow. A leader is a great mentor. A leader is a great listener. A leader is someone who steps up in good times and bad. A leader is consistently unselfish, consistently humble, and consistently runs like a John Deer motor,” said Falcione, speaking of Chiles, whom he refers to as his mentor.
Chiles is owner of the Chiles Group, whose restaurants include The Sandbar in Anna Maria, Beach House in Bradenton Beach and Mar Vista in Longboat Key. Chiles is passionate about conservation, especially concerning the area’s water. He is involved with more than a dozen businesses, committees and organizations focused on the conservation of water, marine life and coastline as well as red tide prevention. Chiles Group restaurants use responsibly-sourced local fish and organic produce from their two organic farms, Gamble Creek Farm of Parrish and 3 Boys Farm of Ruskin.
“If I would have known you were doing this, I wouldn’t have worn shorts,” Chiles joked after being surprised by the TDC, before wiping back a few tears as he thanked his fellow TDC members for the honor.
BRADENTON BEACH – Michael and Nadya Kelly have responded to criticisms and concerns city officials recently expressed regarding their beachfront home and property at 402 Gulf Drive.
The city’s concerns include the potential removal of the Australian pines from the Kelly’s property near the intersection of Cortez Road and Gulf Drive.
On June 14, the Kellys sent a two-page letter to the Bradenton Beach City Commission, and also to the Community Redevelopment Agency, which includes all five city commission members and appointed members Ed Chiles and David Bell. The letter was sent in response to comments City Commissioner and CRA member Jan Vosburgh and CRA member Chiles made during the June 2 CRA meeting.
“I think those Australian pine trees, as you come down Cortez Bridge, are a real eyesore. Most importantly, I think it’s very dangerous. I’ve been talking about this for quite a few years. They should be removed,” Vosburgh said on June 2.
“I am familiar with the condemnation of property. I think we should work very hard at getting rid of that house because that is a terrible eyesore and it doesn’t look like it’s getting any better,” Vosburgh also said in reference to possible state condemnation of the Kellys’ property.
On more than one occasion, Commissioner and CRA member Jan Vosburgh has requested the removal of the Australian pines at the Gulf Drive/Cortez Road intersection. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
During that same meeting, Chiles said, “Australian pines are invasive. They have been designated by the state as invasive – that they shall be taken out, not can be. Jan could not be more right. Those trees are a tremendous hazard right at the most important intersection in the city of Bradenton Beach. When the big storm hits, they’re going over and that’s going to be a real impediment when our public service people are the only people out here trying to saw through all of that.”
At the conclusion of the June 2 discussion, Public Works Director Tom Woodard was directed to get cost estimates for the possible removal of the Australian pines.
Kellys’ response
City Attorney Ricinda Perry read the Kellys’ letter into the public record during the Thursday, June 17 city commission meeting. The letter notes the Canadian residents purchased their Bradenton Beach home in 1989.
“Like many Canadian and American snowbirds, we spend a substantial amount of time in this island paradise. Our children and their families also visit throughout the year, creating a sanctuary where we continue to create lasting, loving memories,” their letter says.
Additional renovations and repairs are planned for this seasonal home at 402 Gulf Drive North. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Regarding the June 2 comments, the letter says, “Such comments would suggest that the elected commissioner is not supporting her constituents in a fair and just manner. A commissioner, or anyone appointed to a committee, best serves the community by upholding ethical values that create a conducive working relationship, and a sense of pride and camaraderie amongst the constituents.
“While Mr. Chiles is correct in asserting that the Australian pine has been declared as ‘invasive’ by the State of Florida, his use of the term ‘shall’ seems to overlook the primacy of the owner in this decision. For example, on Feb. 6, 2006, the Sanibel City Council passed Ordinance 06-021 confirming ‘the rights of private property owners to retain Australian pines that currently exist on their private property,’ except in cases where they present an imminent danger. Similar ordinances represent the current disposition throughout Florida,” the Kellys’ letter states.
Some city officials are concerned about these Australian pines toppling and blocking the Gulf Drive/Cortez Road intersection. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Gulf Drive, Cortez Road and the adjacent rights of way in Bradenton Beach are controlled by the state of Florida.
“Although we have not heard from the Florida Department of Agriculture, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Department of Transportation or any other state department that our trees pose an immediate threat, we wish to work cooperatively with the city commission. To this end, we would be prepared to discuss with the city commission the possibility of replacing, at its cost, the Australian pines with an indigenous species that would provide us with the windbreak protection that we have enjoyed from the current trees. This may likely remove any perceived danger to the area while further enhancing the entry to Anna Maria Island,” the Kellys’ letter states.
The Kellys are willing to have their Australian Pines replaced at the city’s expense. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“It has been confirmed that the city had absolutely no interest in seeking state condemnation of the property or evoking eminent domain rights. We believe that the commission is sincere in this regard and that the commission will continue to respect our private property rights,” the letter states.
According to the letter, the Kellys’ home sustained significant damage during Hurricane Irma in 2017 and substantial repairs were then made in 2018.
“Further repairs were expected to be made in 2020, but plans were postponed by the COVID-19 pandemic. We intend to restore, in a timely fashion, the exterior of the home to reclaim its native Florida character,” their letter says.
When Perry finished reading the letter aloud, Mayor John Chappie said, “I did talk with one of the Kelly’s daughters. They are in for the long haul as residents, they’ve just had some obstacles that are very tough to overcome.”
BRADENTON BEACH – City officials would like to remove the Australian pines along the west side of the Cortez Road/Gulf Drive intersection.
The pines appear to be primarily located on residential property at 402 Gulf Drive N., owned by Michael and Nadya Kelly. The Kellys live in Canada and are longtime seasonal visitors to Bradenton Beach since purchasing the beachfront property in 1989. Some of the Australian pines in question may be located in the state-owned Gulf Drive right of way.
City Commissioner Jan Vosburgh requested the issue be addressed during the Wednesday, June 2 Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting. Vosburgh is concerned the pines could topple during a major storm and block the primary evacuation and re-entry route for the city.
“I think those Australian pine trees, as you come down Cortez Bridge, are a real eyesore. Most importantly, I think it’s very dangerous. I’ve been talking about this for quite a few years. They should be removed,” Vosburgh said.
Vosburgh again suggested seeking state condemnation of the residential structure or invoking eminent domain rights.
“I am familiar with the condemnation of property. I think we should work very hard at getting rid of that house because that is a terrible eyesore and it doesn’t look like it’s getting any better,” Vosburgh said.
Michael and Nadya Kelly own the residential property at 402 Gulf Drive N. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Commissioner Jake Spooner asked if anyone with the city has looked into what could possibly be done regarding the removal of the Australian pines. He also asked whether anyone from the city has researched how far the state right of way extends westward toward the Kellys’ property.
CRA member Ed Chiles owns the Beach House restaurant property directly south of the Kellys’ property. For his Mar Vista Dockside restaurant in Longboat Key, he previously purchased Australian pine benches designed by Sarasota architect Barron Schimberg and manufactured from fallen Australian pines. Earlier this year, the CRA paid for four Australian pine benches to installed in the pocket park in front of the Bradenton Beach Post Office.
“Australian pines are invasive. They have been designated by the state as invasive – that they shall be taken out, not can be. They have an acid mass that kills all the bio-diversity underneath them. Jan could not be more right. Those trees are a tremendous hazard right at the most important intersection in the city of Bradenton Beach. When the big storm hits, they’re going over and that’s going to be a real impediment when our public service people are the only people out here trying to saw through all of that,” Chiles said.
City officials believe these Australian pines at the Cortez Road/Gulf Drive intersection pose a threat to public safety. – Joe Hendricks
“Conversely, there is tremendous opportunity there. That is the gateway to Bradenton Beach. Whether it’s condemnation, a (traffic) circle there or an icon there, it’s a tremendous opportunity and I thank you for bringing it up,” Chiles said.
“I know somebody that will take those trees, dry them out and make furniture out of them,” he added.
In October 2019, City Engineer Lynn Burnett told the city commission the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) intends to construct a roundabout at the intersection in conjunction with the construction of the new Cortez Bridge that’s expected to begin in 2026.
In April, Burnett presented the commission with her final plans for an FDOT-funded beautification and landscaping project that calls for the future removal of several Australian pines along Gulf Drive North. Those plans do not include the Kelly property.
Wednesday’s discussion concluded with the commission directing Public Works Manager Tom Woodard to get cost estimates for the removal of the Australian pines located on the Kellys’ property and/or the state right of way.
The Sun was unable to reach the Kellys, who have not been able to return to Bradenton Beach from Canada due to the pandemic, according to Mayor John Chappie.
Rounding a corner outside of Virginia City, Montana, I pulled to the side of the road to marvel at the vista. From horizon to horizon the Madison River Valley stretched out below, an invitation to one of the most geologically and ecologically diverse regions on earth. For the next week I would be fishing and exploring an area anchored to the south by Hebgen Lake, Earthquake Lake and the Madison River flowing from Yellowstone National Park.
The world’s first national park and the largest in North America, Yellowstone sits atop North America’s largest volcanic field. The caldera (a large cauldron-like hollow) was formed when land collapsed following the last of three super-eruptions that took place over the past 2.1 million years. It’s a land of steaming springs, geysers, bubbling mud pots and soaring landscapes that almost defy imagination.
I began my adventure the next morning entering the park at West Yellowstone in the pre-dawn hours. I explored an area I had not ventured into in my past trips to the area, heading towards the Lamar Valley to the north. Usually crowded with tour buses and visitors in August, I was treated to large stretches of road and scenery devoid of cars and people, a rare and unexpected benefit of the pandemic. That morning felt like the first day of creation and I marveled at the vast volcanic-sculpted landscape, the fields of grazing bison, antelope, mule deer and soaring eagles. Over the next week I would visit the park two more times, but as I left the park that day, I was looking forward to exploring the fishing opportunities afforded by the Madison River and Lake Ennis.
This past summer I had spoken with Captain Harrison King, a friend based in Cortez who splits his time guiding locally and in Montana. When I told him I would be fishing near Dillon, he suggested I let him introduce me to fishing opportunities in the area near Ennis, Montana. Situated on the banks of the Madison River, and flanked on three sides by the Gravelly Range, the Madison Mountains, and the Tobacco Root Mountains, it’s one of the west’s most iconic fly-fishing destinations. I took him up on his offer on Monday and was joined by friend and local restaurateur Ed Chiles, who has a summer home in the area.
We began the day on Lake Ennis, a large impounded section of the Madison River where King specializes in targeting large brown and rainbow trout that cruise the lake, rising to the clouds of mayflies and other insects there. Known as “gulpers” for the sound they make as they feed, this is one of my favorite ways to catch trout. The wind was down as we started and we all were able to feed brown and rainbow trout as they picked from the surface. When the wind came up, King returned to the ramp and we trailered his drift boat to the Madison, where we fished a long segment of the river.
Once again, I spent quality time just sitting back and absorbing the amazing scenery. Although the fishing was a bit slow that day, Chiles managed to entice several quality rainbow and brown trout to his dry flies. At the end of the day we both agreed that the combination of experiences that day was one of the most unique adventures we had ever had.
During my visit I stayed at the Driftwaters Resort, just downstream from Earthquake Lake and facing the magnificent Gallatin Mountains. This RV park features six cabins and the Drift Wood Restaurant where I spent my evenings enjoying the scenery and the culinary creations of chef Tim Sylvester and the service and hospitality offered by his wife, Trudy.
The amazing scenery and fishing opportunities afforded by Montana’s vast wilderness should be on any angler’s bucket list.
For accommodations, contact Driftwaters Resort at 406-682-3088 and visit their website at www.driftwatersresort.com. For an expert introduction to the fishing opportunities in Montana or locally, contact Captain Harrison King at 941-525-8495. Check out King and his wife Laura’s Facebook Page at 941 Outfitters.
ANNA MARIA – It was a winter wonderland for around 70 children and their parents at the Sandbar restaurant on Wednesday at the Lawton Chiles Christmas for Kids Party.
Sandbar owner Ed Chiles, son of the late Florida governor, was there with his wife, Tina, daughter, Ashley, and a host of volunteers plus DJ Chuck Caudill with a bagful of Christmas
music. The children were members of RMCA, a non-profit agency that provides care and education to migrant children, and Head Start Rise and Shine Early Education Program.
As the kids came into the pavilion with their parents, Ed Chiles remembered when he promised to carry on his father’s tradition almost 20 years ago.
“I was proud when my employees voted to name it after dad,” he said. “It never fails to put me in the Christmas spirit.”
After the families got seated, the kids got up to explore. There were bounce houses on the beach. The morning’s fog made them look eerie. There was an inflatable pirate’s ship with an inflatable parrot on a mast. There was face painting, and holiday crafts featuring cartoon characters.
The children surrounded Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Dora the Explorer and Woody from Toy Story. They posed for pictures and gave the characters hugs. Then lunch was served with
chicken fingers, French fries, mac and cheese, salad, fruit and more.
After that, the kids were told Santa was nearby and they moved to the parking lot. Suddenly, a siren sounded, and a West Manatee Fire Rescue truck pulled up, and Santa waved and stepped down.
He was immediately surrounded by kids. Santa moved through the pavilion to a structure on the beach with a chair and packages. Staff from the Sandbar and the two guest agencies got the packages to Santa to distribute.
“I want to thank my staff, the volunteers and everyone who made this possible for these many years,” Chiles said. “They help keep the spirit alive.”
ANNA MARIA – Ed Chiles is the City of Anna Maria’s 2018 Citizen of the Year.
Chiles owns the Sandbar restaurant, The Studio at Gulf and Pine and is a partner in the Pine Avenue Restoration Project that provides space for several Anna Maria businesses. His Chiles Group also owns the BeachHouse restaurant in Bradenton Beach and the Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub in Longboat Key.
City Commission Chair Brian Seymour presented Chiles the award during the Thursday, Jan. 24 commission meeting. Chiles was accompanied by his wife, Tina, his daughter, Ashley, and several well-wishers.
Before the presentation, Chiles shared his thoughts on the award.
“It’s an honor to join the group of people that have received this award and have made contributions to the City of Anna Maria. The city has given me and my family more than I could have ever given the city,” he said.
When presenting the award, Seymour thanked selection committee members Pat Copeland, Margaret Jenkins and Mary Seine for their efforts. He also recognized Barbara Murphy, Cindy Richmond and John Chambers as this year’s other nominees.
Seymour said Chiles received several nominations and he read aloud two of the nomination forms received, beginning with one submitted by local realtor Barbara Sato.
“I think it’s about time he’s awarded citizen of the year. He is constantly giving back to the community. He truly cares about our hometown. He is a great supporter of our school, our community center and anything that benefits our town. Over the years, many people have asked Ed for many things. Ed is always there, saying not just yes, but what else can I do? Not to mention the multiple events Ed does, from fireworks to fundraisers,” Sato wrote.
Seymour then read the nomination submitted by former Mayor Fran Barford and her husband, George.
“He uses his love of the City of Anna Maria and his resources to make it even better. Ed serves on boards and committees when asked and is always looking out for the well-being of our city. He actively supports education and never says no when asked to be involved. This involvement is not something new for him. He has been making positive things happen for many years in our city,” the Barfords wrote.
“The city has given me and my family more than I could have ever given the city.” – Ed Chiles, Anna Maria’s Citizen of the Year
Seymour also relayed a story on behalf of Mayor Dan Murphy, who was on vacation.
Seymour said Murphy appreciated the assistance Chiles provided when the red tide outbreak began affecting Anna Maria’s beaches. Murphy contacted Chiles about getting county assistance with the beach cleanup efforts.
“He enlisted your help and support and within 15 minutes it was taken care of – and I believe you were in Montana at the time,” Seymour said to Chiles.
“We appreciate it and congratulations. There is no one more deserving,” Seymour said before presenting Chiles with the award that contains a key to the city.
“I haven’t been in here in a while and I know you all appreciate that. I appreciate that. I spent a lot of time in this chamber over the years,” Chiles said, addressing those in attendance.
Chiles said he’s privileged that Anna Maria has always been a part of his life.
“I came here in utero when my mom (Rhea Chiles) was pregnant,” Chiles said.
His father, Lawton, was the governor of Florida from 1991 to 1998.
“Whatever little I’ve given, I’ve been given a lot more,” Chiles told the audience.
The award presentation was preceded by a reception in the commission chambers that featured bite-sized treats from Hometown Desserts and fruit punch that City Clerk LeAnne Addy concocted using her mom’s recipe.
ANNA MARIA – Despite red tide in area waters since early August, tourism grew in Manatee County during the fiscal year October 2017 through September 2018, according to the county’s tourism consultant.
“If you consider the challenges we have had, and to some extent, still have, the data for the fiscal year really are impressive,” Walter Klages, of Research Data Services, told the Manatee County Tourist Development Council on Monday, Dec. 10.
Visitation grew by 1.6 percent over the last fiscal year to 724,200 visitors, “a significant number,” Klages said, producing an economic impact near $977 million.
Occupancy was down nearly 14 percent in August from August 2017 and down nearly 22 percent in September from September 2017, but red tide was not the only reason, he said, pointing out an increase in available vacation rentals.
“Looking ahead, we have challenges with the environment,” Klages said. “The tide has a significant impact, but looking down the road, I think our markets are strong and next year we will see significant growth again. I don’t think the stigma is going to carry very significantly into the season.”
Carol Whitmore
“This red tide has caused a blip,” TDC Chair Carol Whitmore said, adding that her home’s canal had dead fish in it three weeks ago, but no longer has an odor.
“Our Island is starting to fill up, and that’s a good thing,” she said.
Anna Maria City Pier progress
Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy updated council members on the progress of the construction of the new Anna Maria City Pier; the historic pier was demolished after damage done by Hurricane Irma in 2017.
The city has a contract to build the pier platform, partially funded by up to $1.5 million in tourist tax funds, he said, adding that materials will be barged across Tampa Bay, alleviating road congestion on Anna Maria Island.
The platform is contracted for completion by Aug. 26, 2019, Murphy said, with the first pilings scheduled to be driven next month.
The restaurant and bait shop are scheduled to be completed by January 2021; an unavoidable delay resulted from permitting problems with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and FEMA, he said.
New tourism initiatives
Several initiatives are underway to promote more than just Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key beaches to visitors.
Ed Chiles
Former Bond girl and star of “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” Jane Seymour is scheduled to have a cookoff with TDC member and Island restaurateur Ed Chiles next month while visiting the area for an undisclosed Riverwalk event, said Elliott Falcione, director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB).
Four “unplugged” concerts, including one by folk singer Judy Collins, are in the planning stages at The Center of Anna Maria Island in Anna Maria and the Manatee Performing Arts Center in Bradenton, he said. The TDC voted to recommend that Manatee County commissioners approve the plan on Tuesday, Dec. 18.
The council also approved a recommendation to the commission that $50,000 in tourist taxes be allocated to a Women’s Entrepreneurial Empowerment Summit at the Bradenton Area Convention Center or IMG Academy.
“We are starting to brand the Bradenton Area as a viable conference destination,” Falcione said.
Sean Walter, the CVB’s sports commissioner, reported that in fiscal year 2017-18, the county hosted more than 90 events in 16 sports, ranging from Frisbee to hockey.
Sports further diversifies the destination so that environmental impacts from red tide are not as devastating, Falcione said.
“What a way to finish the year,” Chiles said, citing the new developments, including news that Allegiant Air will add nine new nonstop destinations at Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport.
“It’s been tough but there is reason to be optimistic,” he said. “We could use a little good news out here, and we have gotten a lot of great news today.”
ANNA MARIA – The weather on Wednesday, Dec. 12 was perfect for the Lawton Chiles Christmas for Kids. It was sunny and just cool enough to make it feel like Christmas; and it was an early Christmas.
The kids came from Head Start at Rise and Shine Early Learning Center in Bradenton and RCMA non-profit child development center in Palmetto.
– Tom Vaught | Sun
After they arrived, the kids enjoyed jumping in the bounce houses on the beach, hanging out with Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Dora the Explorer, Woody and Elmo, doing crafts, having their faces painted and listening to seasonal music from Chuck Caudill.
One of the face painters was local artist Corey Wright.
“I read about the Christmas for Kids and wanted to be a part of it,” she said. “I found out they were going to have face painting, so I called them.”
– Tom Vaught | Sun
Around noon, they enjoyed a buffet lunch and then Santa arrived on a fire truck from West Manatee Fire Rescue. As he walked toward the kids, they swarmed around him.
– Tom Vaught | Sun
Finally, he got to his chair on the beach and passed out presents.
This year’s event was bittersweet as it was held on the 20th anniversary of the death of former Florida Governor Lawton Chiles.
Chiles Group owner Ed Chiles noted that as he watched the kids playing on the beach.
“After he died, I named this event after him,” Chiles said, adding he thought his father would be happy.
BRADENTON BEACH – Mayor John Chappie, City Attorney Ricinda Perry and the city of Bradenton Beach have invited 75 Bradenton Christian School third-graders to participate in the “Youth In Politics – Elementary Students Take Over Local Government Day” pilot program.
Taking place at Bradenton Beach City Hall and several other locations throughout the city, the inaugural event has been scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 25.
It will coincide with Florida City Government Week 2018, taking place Oct. 22-28. Supported by Gov. Rick Scott’s 2017 proclamation, City Government Week is sponsored by the Florida League of Cities (FLC).
According to the FLC website, Florida City Government Week was created to help raise public awareness about the services cities perform and the workings of city government.
“Cities are encouraged to involve their local schools, businesses, media and civic clubs in planning City Government Week activities,” the FLC website says.
The third-graders will be divided into three groups and each group will participate in a mock City Commission meeting at city hall. Student mayors and commissioners will rule on the fictional “Case of the Barking Dog,” which involves a noise complaint and a permitting request to build a dog house. Other students will serve as the building official, the city clerk, police officers and newspaper reporters.
While one group is conducting its commission meeting, the other groups will visit the police department, the Bradenton Beach Fire Hall and possibly the Public Works Department. Students will also walk across the street from city hall to the beachfront City Park to visit volunteers and animals from Wildlife Inc. Education & Rehabilitation Center and AMI Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring.
Resident volunteers will read to students at Tingley Memorial Library and Commissioner Marilyn Maro will host play activities at Lou Barolo Park.
Anna Maria Oyster Bar President John Horne will provide a healthy lunch buffet at the Historic Clock Tower on the Bridge Street Pier and Beach House owner Ed Chiles and executive chef Will Manson will provide a sustainable seafood and farm fresh food tasting extravaganza.
Paradise Boat Tours’ General Manager Sherman Baldwin offered to take the students on a boat tour and Commissioner Jake Spooner, owner of The Fish Hole, is offering free putt-putt golf.
Commissioner Ralph Cole, owner of Coastal Watersports, offered to give a boating safety class near City Park and said he’d asked members of the county marine patrol to join him.
Commission all in
Chappie and Perry presented their concept to the City Commission on Thursday, Oct. 4. The commission fully supported the event and authorized Chappie’s request to issue a press release.
“There is something for everyone and we look forward to making this Youth In Politics program a lasting one to show the next generation that government can be fun, positive and great,” the press release says.
Perry’s daughter, Victoria, is a member of this year’s third-grade class at Bradenton Christian School. The school was selected for the pilot program because of the short time frame and the school’s status as a private school. Chappie and Perry hope to garner interest from the Manatee County School Board during this year’s event and include Anna Maria Elementary and other public schools next year.
City Attorney Ricinda Perry helped organize the “Youth In Politics” student event. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“When the mayor and I were talking, I said I’m sickened by the way politics have become viewed in our nation. I think this is an opportunity for our city and our elected officials to reach the next generation and teach them the right way to run politics – while also sharing the beauty of what Bradenton Beach is,” Perry said.
“When I sat down with the teachers and my leadership team at the school I had a number of them say, ‘I didn’t know Bradenton Beach had all this. I want to bring my family out to visit.’ I see this also as a grassroots opportunity to bring 75 kids out, experiencing our city and taking that story home,” Perry said.
As a secondary benefit, Perry believes the student event would provide additional exposure for the Bradenton Beach business community that’s still recovering from red tide.
“We also talked about having designated reporters to do a story on the adventure here,” Chappie said, expressing hope that the students’ stories might appear in local newspapers and in FLC’s “Quality Cities” magazine.
“I’m amazed at how excited people are,” Chappie said.
