ANNA MARIA ISLAND – City and county officials are preparing for Hurricane Milton as the Hurricane Helene recovery efforts continue.
Mayor Dan Murphy and the Anna Maria City Commission held an emergency meeting this morning (Sunday) at 11 a.m. Manatee County public safety officials held a brief hurricane-related press conference at 1:30 p.m. this afternoon.
Anna Maria
The city of Anna Maria’s previously declared local state of emergency remains in effect as Tropical Storm Milton approaches Anna Maria Island as a potential Cat 2 or Cat 3 hurricane with possible life-threatening winds and storm surge.
This morning, Murphy ordered a mandatory city of Anna Maria evacuation effective at noon on Monday. This afternoon, Manatee County issued a mandatory evacuation for zones A and B effective at 2 p.m. Monday.
At 2:30 p.m. today (Sunday), Murphy sent city commissioners an email informing them that a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office re-entry checkpoint will be established at the entrance to the city at noon on Monday, but there is no city curfew in place at this time.
“Our intent is to not allow in sight-seers, party goers and looters and those who simply have no business or purpose in coming to our city at this time of emergency preparation,” Murphy stated in his email that noted the following vehicles will be allowed to pass through the Anna Maria checkpoint:
Vehicles with a city of Anna Maria re-entry tag
Residents with an Anna Maria address, supported by a driver’s license, state-issued ID, mail and deputy discretion.
Anna Maria property owners
Anna Maria vacation rental customers
Anna Maria business owners and employees
County, state and federal restoration employees
Building contractors/employees with an Anna Maria job site
Delivery vehicles (UPS, FedEx, Amazon, etc.)
Transport vehicles (Uber, Taxis, etc.)
Clean up workers with an Anna Maria destination
Debris haulers, street sweepers, etc.
Any other vehicles, at the sole discretion of the deputy on site
City-issued evacuation re-entry tags can still be acquired at city hall until noon on Monday when city hall is expected to close to the public until Hurricane Milton passes.
Debris removal
As of 11 a.m., Murphy was awaiting the arrival of 34 FDOT and/or National Guard dump trucks and claw trucks to help clear the Anna Maria rights of way of Hurricane Helene debris before Hurricane Milton arrives, with a focus on removing the debris along North Shore Drive, from Pine Avenue to the Rod & Reel Pier, and also along Bay Boulevard.
At 3:30 p.m., the following announcement was posted at the city of Anna Maria Facebook page: “The city of Anna Maria has employed debris removal trucks from five agencies to remove debris and deposit it either in Bayfront Park or to the Lena (Road) landfill. Although we have made some progress, the amount of debris is increasing exponentially and consideration must be taken for the impending effects of Hurricane Milton. Accordingly, do not place any further debris in the city right-of-way until after the hurricane passes. This debris can become dangerous projectiles; endangering lives, creating further property damage and blocking access to our streets. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.”
Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach and Manatee County have issued similar debris placement requests.
Murphy said no looting has been reported in Anna Maria, but anything placed in the city right of way can be removed by scrappers and others and that is not considered looting or stealing.
Sandbags
Empty sandbags are available today and early tomorrow near the north end of Bayfront Park. You might want to bring your own shovel and someone to hold the bags while you fill them.
At 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Manatee County officials held a brief Hurricane Milton-related press conference. Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske announced mandatory evacuations in evacuation zones A and B beginning at 2 p.m. on Monday.
Fiske said the Hurricane Milton storm surge is expected to be worse than the Hurricane Helene storm surge and she strongly encourages anyone in evacuation zones A and B to heed the evacuation orders and find safety on higher ground. You can check your evacuation zone level and the potential storm surge inundation for your specific address at: https://www.mymanatee.org/residents/information
School closings
At 3 p.m. (Sunday) the Manatee County School District announced that Manatee County school and school-related will be closed Monday, Oct. 7, through Wednesday, Oct. 9. Some schools will be used as hurricane shelters.
BRADENTON BEACH – Police Chief and Public Works Director John Cosby provided The Sun with an extensive update on Oct. 1 regarding the conditions in the city and when residents, property owners, and business owners might be able to return.
He also addressed the ongoing power restoration efforts, property damage assessments, potential condemnation of damaged structures and mail delivery.
John Cosby stood at the sand-covered Cortez Road/Gulf Drive intersection the morning after Hurricane Helene passed through Bradenton Beach. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Cosby said the damage Hurricane Helene inflicted in Bradenton Beach is much greater than the damage sustained in Holmes Beach and Anna Maria. He also said the recovery efforts in Bradenton Beach are far more daunting and challenging than what the other two Island cities are experiencing.
“We have been declared as ‘catastrophic.’ Gov. DeSantis has been to a lot of disaster sites and he said never seen this much sand moved by a storm,” Cosby said.
“The governor’s visit on Saturday is what got us to the point we’re at now,” Cosby said of the ongoing street-clearing efforts.
“The city of Bradenton Beach greatly appreciates the governor’s visit and assistance. His visit brought to Bradenton Beach the assistance of all the state agencies necessary for the recovery efforts,” Cosby said.
Return access
Cosby said the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has cleared Gulf Drive of sand and debris deposited by Hurricane Helene’s winds and storm surge.
FDOT utilized a small army of trucks and equipment to clear Gulf Drive of sand and debris. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“Gulf Drive is a state road and Gov. DeSantis also authorized FDOT to clear all public roads owned by the city of Bradenton Beach. As soon as FDOT is done clearing the secondary roads owned, we will let residents, business owners, insurance adjusters, vacation rental property owners and property management personnel to return. We will also allow the contractors that the property owners and businesses have contacted to come out and do work,” Cosby said.
“If FDOT gives me the green light on Thursday, then we’ll start this on Friday,” Cosby said of the controlled re-entry process that remains subject to change.
“At that point, you can start cleaning up and assessing your damage. You can stay until the curfew begins at 7 p.m. If you want to bring a van or truck to load up your belongings, you’ll be allowed to do that. That’s why I want residents to have a few days to try to salvage their lives before the general public starts driving around,” Cosby said.
Cosby said residents can resume living in their homes, if they wish, with or without electrical service. Still, there is a fire risk associated with power returning to damaged electrical systems.
Regarding the initial wave of returnees, Cosby said, “I want to give the residents and the business owners a couple days to come out and collect their bearings because they are not prepared for what they are going to see. Some of these people have lost everything and their care and needs are our top priority. They are not prepared when they walk in their house and see that their house is totally destroyed, or see that their vehicles are totally destroyed and there’s two or three feet of sand in their garage. The business owners who’ve returned to Bridge Street are just overwhelmed. When I began talking to them, they were on the verge of tears,” Cosby said.
Regarding future re-entry for the general public, Cosby said, “When the time is right, I will then consider allowing other traffic into the city.”
Cosby provided no specific timetable as to when that additional traffic will be allowed to return, but if all goes well, he expects it could happen at some point next week.
Cosby said those who have questions or concerns, can stop the police department, at 403 Highland Ave, or speak with an officer patrolling the city.
Re-entry requirements
Re-entry checkpoints remain in effect at the Cortez Bridge, the Bradenton Beach/Holmes Beach border and the Longboat Pass Bridge. Tampa Police Department officers will begin assisting the city with those efforts tonight (Oct. 1).
Barring any unforeseen complications, when the first wave of authorized residents, property owners, business owners, and others begin returning later this week through the Cortez Road checkpoint only, they must present a city-issued re-entry tag or some other documentation that supports their entrance to the city.
Residents can also provide a valid driver’s license or state ID with a Bradenton Beach address, a utility bill, or a tax bill specific to their property.
Valid documentation for business owners includes a current re-entry tag or a city-issued business tax license. Business owners who want their employees to return to their workplace via their own vehicles must provide Cosby with a letter containing the business letterhead, the owner’s name, and the name of each employee authorized to return in their own vehicle.
The authorization letters are to be emailed to Cosby at jcosby@cityofbradnetonbeach.com. Cosby will print the employee authorization letters out and provide them to the law enforcement personnel stationed at the Cortez Bridge checkpoint.
Cosby encourages returning employees to share rides or caravan as much as possible to reduce the number of unnecessary vehicles returning, especially those with trailers and trucks coming out to remove the contents of a business.
Valid documentation for returning vacation rental owners and property managers includes a re-entry tag or a copy of a city-issued transient public lodging license. Arrangements can then be made for contractors to begin their recovery and restoration work. Returning contractors will be asked to provide a work order or some other documentation associated with the pending work.
This elevated residential structure along Gulf Drive South sustained hurricane damage. – Leslie Lake | Sub
Cosby noted that FDOT and Manatee County personnel are not clearing driveways and driveway entrances at this point and, for now, that remains the responsibility of the property owner. Returning vehicles will not be allowed to park alongside Gulf Drive and must be parked in driveways, along residential side streets, in public parking spaces or in business parking lots.
Due to ongoing public safety and law enforcement concerns, Cosby said the general public, “disaster tourists’ and others without a legitimate reason to return will not be granted access to the city.
Trolley service resumes
While awaiting allowed vehicular access to the city, residents, business owners, employees and others can now return to the city using MCAT’s free Island trolley service. According to Cosby, the free Island trolley buses began traveling through Bradenton Beach at approximately noon today after previously resuming service in Holmes Beach and Anna Maria.
Trolley busses entering Bradenton Beach through Holmes Beach will travel south along Gulf Drive to the S-Curve at 13th Street South. Passengers can get off the bus along the route to access their residential and commercial properties that may or may not have electrical service.
The trollies will turn around at the S-curve and will not travel to Coquina Beach or the Coquina boat ramps, which remain closed. The trollies will then travel north on Gulf Drive and take a right turn (east) on the Cortez Bridge to pick up passengers near the bridge where vehicular access remains restricted. There is no designated parking for trolley passengers so you must find a legal parking place on your own. The trollies will turn around at the Cortez Bridge and proceed north and toward Holmes Beach and Anna Maria. Trolley arrival times will likely be approximately every half-hour, with longer wait times possible.
Power restoration
Cosby said electrical service has been restored in some locations and that remains an ongoing, and sometimes challenging, work in progress.
“The FPL assessment team was out here yesterday and today analyzing and assessing the city’s underground electrical system south of Cortez Road. They are diligently analyzing and assessing the damage and formulating a plan to restore power to the south end of the city,” Cosby said.
FPL is analyzing the damage done to the electrical system at the south end of the city. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Cosby said power has been restored to the police station, city hall and other locations throughout the city.
“FPL has already charged the overhead lines on Gulf Drive and sporadically some people are getting power back. The city’s planning department is working with FPL to ensure that every individual home or building is inspected and certified before receiving electrical services. If the home or building is not certified, the power meter will be removed and the building will not have electricity when the power line is charged,” Cosby said.
Property damage
“People don’t realize how bad it is,” Cosby said. “A picture only shows a certain angle, but not the entire degree of the damage. When talking to the Bridge Street merchants when we first brought them out, I told them before we went over the bridge to be prepared for shock and awe. You are not going to believe what you’re going to see because we’ve never had anything like this. A lot of buildings are going to have to be torn down,” Cosby said.
The storm surge left its mark on this elevated Bradenton Beach home. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Cosby said the storm surge was three or four feet high on Bridge Street and over six feet high in other places, with reported wave heights of eight to 11 feet.
Water erosion threatens the foundation at this home along Gulf Drive South. – Joe Hendricks | SunHurricane Helene demolished this home and deposited it at the end of the street. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“Our building official has already determined that several structures have been condemned and the building department will continue to evaluate structures to determine whether or not they can be occupied,” Cosby said.
Mail service
Today, the city issued a press release regarding mail service that states Bradenton Beach mail service is being temporarily re-routed to the Longboat Key post office at 560 Bay Isles Road for approximately one month. Cosby said the Bradenton Beach post office may have sustained storm damage and many residential mailboxes are buried or missing.
“Starting Thursday (Oct. 3), mail can start being picked up at the Longboat Key post office. There will be no mail delivery until further notice,” he said.
Final thoughts
“The city of Bradenton Beach appreciates the efforts of FDOT, Gov. DeSantis, the state of Florida, Manatee County and the Manatee County Emergency Operations Center, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the West Manatee Fire District, and the other Island municipalities for their response and assisting us with our ongoing recovery efforts,” Cosby said.
Real-time updates and information are being posted daily at the Bradenton Beach Police Department’s Facebook page.
(Sun reporter Leslie Lake contributed photos to this story)
(Editor’s note: As conditions and circumstances continue to evolve, the information provided in this story is subject to change at any time.)
BRADENTON BEACH – In what Mayor John Chappie characterized as a “mistake,” the city learned the hard way that coconut palm trees are not allowed by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) on Gulf Drive South (State Road 789).
The coconut palm trees that were planted the week of April 24 along the Gulf Drive roundabout and traffic islands at the end of Bridge Street were removed on May 24 after it was determined by FDOT that planting the species was not in compliance with state regulations.
“There’s a right tree in the right place, but this is the wrong tree in the wrong place,” FDOT District One Scenic Highway Coordinator Darryl Richard said on May 24.
That section of Gulf Drive falls under the jurisdiction of FDOT.
“The city didn’t apply for a permit, but even if they had, coconut palms are a species that are not allowed there based on FDOT standards and public safety,” Richard said.
Richard said coconut palms violate sight line and vertical clear zone regulations, making them a safety issue for motorists. Another safety concern with the tree is falling coconuts, he said.
“Palm fronds that would fall into the roadway as well as vertical clearance are safety issues,” Richard said. “Coconuts are also one of the safety factors that could present problems.”
Richard said all his correspondence with the city has been verbal and he met with the mayor earlier in the week.
“He (Mayor Chappie) realized the mistake and decided to remove the palms,” Richard said.
Mayor John Chappie, left, is on Bridge Street as the coconut palm trees are removed on Gulf Drive South. – Leslie Lake | Sun
Chappie was on-site during tree removal and spoke to The Sun.
“I won’t make that mistake again,” Chappie said. “FDOT has been really great about explaining and working with us to take care of this.”
The trees were moved by a loader and placed in piles at the paid parking lot owned by Shawn Kaleta at the corner of Bridge Street and Gulf Drive.
The removed trees were transported to a temporary resting place. – Leslie Lake | Sun
Chappie didn’t know the exact number of trees being relocated but, according to a site plan prepared by City Attorney Ricinda Perry, there were more than 15 trees.
“We have to be careful of the location because FDOT rules and regulations are pretty strict about sight vision. And that’s what we’re doing,” Chappie said.
Chappie said the trees that were removed will be replanted on Bridge Street.
“We’re just filling everything in,” Chappie said. “If we want to plant some trees, we have to fill out a plan submittal for anything over 24 inches.”
Pictures of the trees being removed and the circumstances surrounding their removal were posted on May 24 on the Anna Maria Island Sun Facebook page, and the coconut telegraph was busy.
“People are already trying to dodge palm fronds to be able to walk down Bridge Street. Should be interesting to see when the coconuts start falling,” Gay Rosnett wrote.
Jeremy Williams wrote, “This whole thing is an embarrassment. The mayor should resign. Lotta funny business mixed up in here.”
The removed coconut palms were initially placed in a nearby paid parking lot. – Leslie Lake
The trees that were removed were among the 80 coconut palm trees that were planted in the Bridge Street area in April.
The installation of the trees and a private/public partnership with developer Shawn Kaleta were approved at an April 3 Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting following assurances by Perry that a maintenance, hold harmless and indemnification agreement signed by Kaleta would be in place prior to planting in which Kaleta would assume responsibility for maintenance and liability for any damage caused by the palm trees.
As of May 26, after multiple Sunshine Law public records requests by The Sun for a copy of the agreement beginning on May 6, the city has not provided the document.
The question remains as to who would be liable for any damage or injuries caused by the trees.
On May 24, while at the site of the tree removal, Chappie was asked again about the whereabouts of the signed agreement. He deferred questions to Perry.
BRADENTON – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) recently hosted a workshop seeking community input on the development of a Cortez Road corridor vision and action plan.
The Oct. 18 workshop at American Legion Post #24 in west Bradenton drew about 50 community members, FDOT personnel and staffers from the Renaissance Planning consulting firm conducting the workshop.
The Cortez Road corridor extends from 121st Street Court West in Cortez to U.S. 301 in Bradenton/West Samoset. The corridor project is a partnership between FDOT, Manatee County and the Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization, with Renaissance Planning gathering input from the public and other stakeholders.
The primary goal is to identify ways to make the Cortez Road corridor safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and others. The study and resulting action plan also will address the connection between the roadway and the development occurring along the corridor. In the coming years, more than 8,500 new homes and residential units are expected to be constructed near Cortez and Anna Maria Island.
This property along Cortez Road is being cleared for the Lake Flores development. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Large-scale land clearing is progressing along Cortez Road between El Conquistador Parkway and 86th Street West. This work is for the 1,300-acre Lake Flores development, which is expected to include 6,500 homes, 2 million square feet of retail space, 1 million square feet of office space, 500 hotel rooms, and a 19-acre man-made lake. The Lake Flores development is expected to continue along the east side of 75th Street West, 53rd Avenue West and El Conquistador Parkway.
According to the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office, ownership of the Lake Flores property currently being cleared was transferred from Whiting Preston’s LF Manatee LLC to the Chicago-based Cortez75W Investors LLC in March 2022. It appears that LF Manatee LLC still owns the large area of undeveloped farmland between 53rd Avenue West and El Conquistador Parkway.
Several multi-family dwellings have already been constructed in the Aqua development along El Conquistador Parkway. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Construction is already occurring along El Conquistador Parkway at developer Carlos Beruff’s partially completed Aqua development. Abutting Sarasota Bay, the Aqua development was approved for more than 2,800 residential units, including single-family homes, multi-family dwellings and a limited number of high-rise buildings.
Preston’s pending Peninsula Bay development near the Sunny Shores neighborhood in Cortez is approved for approximately 2,000 residential units, a boat ramp and marina basin, and commercial, retail and office space.
The Peninsula Bay development is planned near the Sunny Shores neighborhood in Cortez. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
According to the property appraiser’s office, Preston’s Pen Bay 1 LLC owns the two large agricultural properties slated for development as Peninsula Bay. The county sewer line to provide future service to the Peninsula Bay community is currently being installed along Cortez Road.
The Hunters Point development is being constructed near the Cortez Bridge. – Joe Hendricks
Near the foot of the Cortez Bridge, construction is well underway on developer Marshall Gobuty’s Hunters Point development, which will include 86 solar-powered homes.
These current and future developments were mentioned during the workshop.
Workshop discussions
Sitting in small groups, attendees participated in board game-like planning and visioning activities. In the first exercise, attendees were asked to place transparent overlays atop a long, scroll-like corridor map. The overlays represented neighborhoods, town centers and employment hubs.
The Lake Flores development was a topic of workshop discussion. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Cortez resident and former county commissioner Jane von Hahmann’s workgroup noted the Lake Flores development is expected to be developed in a town center-like style that includes stores, restaurants, coffee shops and other establishments and amenities accessible by interior roads.
In the comments section provided for that exercise, von Hahmann summarized her group’s desires and wrote: “Looking for livability, walkability and sense of neighborhood. Have shops, restaurants and services within walking, biking and golf cart distances. Safety for pedestrians and bikes. Provide natural spaces and areas to gather as a community.”
At another table, San Remo Shores Association Past President Lynda Einspar said, “How are you going to build anything if there’s no space?”
During another exercise, participants created their ideal streetscapes, factoring in right-of-way elements that included sidewalks, bike lanes, bus stops, building setbacks and landscaping.
During the final exercise, participants placed colored dots on photographs of various corridor elements they deemed most important.
District 3 Manatee County Commission candidate Tal Siddique’s workgroup listed limited growth, increased safety, nature conservancy and landscaping as corridor priorities.
“I live through this traffic,” Siddique said. “I go to the Island almost every day. I’m seeing Lake Flores and Peninsula Bay coming online and whatever’s done at the other end of Cortez Road with the DeSoto Mall is going to involve more density. A lot of people are upset about the growth that’s happening, and quite a few of them don’t know how many new homes are coming to Lake Flores alone.
“I heard some people discussing a monorail or light rail service from downtown Bradenton to the Island. That was kind of interesting. Nobody wants the extra traffic and the growth that’s happening but you can’t stop or slow growth unless you say ‘no’ to developers,” he said.
Consultant insights
Renaissance Planning consultant Frank Kalpakis said, “My hope is that we can capture the desires of the community and their vision for this corridor that’ll serve as a blueprint for how we design the road. It’s important that we have a transportation system that is aligned with the growth in the corridor. How can growth be organized on the corridor, and how can it be made safer and more walkable?”
Kalpakis doesn’t envision more travel lanes being added to Cortez Road anytime soon.
“We’re really not looking at that yet,” he said.
He mentioned multi-modal transportation options, including automobiles, bikes, pedestrians, low-speed vehicles, mass transit, water transit and more.
“I think there are several opportunities for multi-modal strategies and transportation strategies that provide choices for people to get up and down the corridor,” he said.
“The visioning process will go through January. After that, it’s probably a six-month phase for the action plan and developing strategies for the corridor. The action plan will lay out the implementation strategies and help create an implementation schedule. Based on funding, we’ll lay out the implementation sequence. It’s a collaboration between FDOT, the county and the city of Bradenton,” he said.
Parting thoughts
At the conclusion of the workshop, Einspar said, “I came because I want to support my community, but I didn’t have a lot of hope for this workshop because there’s just no way you can impact the number of cars going back and forth on Cortez Road. They can’t make the road wider. It’s not going to happen. Safety is the biggest thing. We have a blind gentleman who lives in our community and he has a terrible time crossing the street to catch the bus.”
Einspar also participated in the public input process that FDOT initiated several years ago on the replacement of the Cortez Bridge drawbridge. Despite public support for a new and higher drawbridge, FDOT decided to construct a fixed-span bridge that provides 65 feet of vertical clearance. Bridge construction is expected to begin in 2026.
When asked if she thinks the public input provided during the corridor workshop will factor into FDOT’s decision-making, Einspar said, “I think they’re going to do what they want to do.”
Approximately 50 people attended the Cortez Road corridor workshop. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Regarding the workshop, von Hahmann said, “It was interesting, but I don’t know how you turn what’s already existing into a new vision. I’m a little gun-shy given how much input we gave for the bridge and then FDOT just did what they wanted anyway. I hope the remarks we wrote down resonate, but they’re just trying to put a whole lot more people into a very small space.”
Learn more about the corridor study and visioning plan at the project website.
MANATEE COUNTY – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is conducting an extensive study of the Cortez Road corridor from the east end of the Cortez Bridge in Cortez to the tip of U.S. Highway 41 in the West Somerset area.
During the Aug. 1 Council of Governments meeting at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto, FDOT Community Planner and Strategic Intermodal System Coordinator Vitor Suguri and Renaissance Planning Managing Principal Frank Kalpakis provided county and city officials with an overview of the study and what it hopes to accomplish.
Suguri said the study, in addition to transportation elements, also addresses land use and future development along the corridor and will look at the relationships between transportation and land use. He said land use has a great impact on transportation and vice versa and the goal is to integrate both approaches in the study.
The study’s first phase includes meeting with and gathering insight from city leaders, residents, impacted stakeholders and property owners, developers and others. Public input meetings will be scheduled, but none have been scheduled yet pertaining to the western portion of Cortez Road that leads to Cortez and Bradenton Beach.
Suguri noted the lengthy Cortez Road corridor passes through multiple areas and neighborhoods that are different from one another and have different needs. He said three of the top 10 most dangerous segments of FDOT’s District 1 roadways in terms of fatal and serious injury crashes are located along the Cortez Road corridor, including the fourth most dangerous portion of the corridor between East 80th Street West (just west of 75th Street) to 30th Street West, near the Bowlero bowling alley. The next portion, from 30th Street West to 44th Avenue is listed as the sixth most dangerous stretch of road in District 1, which Suguri said includes 570 corridors.
According to the presentation, nine crash fatalities and 63 serious severe injuries have occurred along the corridor since 2015.
“It’s very important for us at the department to focus on safety, making sure whatever improvements we’re doing are not just about speeding up traffic. We want to make sure traffic is flowing safely. We want to make sure pedestrians can walk safely to where they’re going,” Suguri said, noting bicyclist safety is another key component.
“We know that just designing a safe roadway is not going to answer all the problems. There are multiple things involved with safety, so we want to take a system-wide approach. It takes all of us to bring it together. It’s policymaking, it’s how we interact with our community, it’s law enforcement and emergency management. It’s everybody working together to bring a good solution and that’s why we want to involve as many people as possible in this plan, so we can come up with good solutions,” Suguri said.
The presentation slide illustrates the most dangerous portions of Cortez Road in terms of vehicular fatalities and serious injuries. – Submitted | FDOT
“It’s a commuter corridor. It provides access to the beaches. It serves multiple functions. It’s important to understand that in terms of developing a vision to respond to and facilitate the type of function that it serves,” Kalpakis said. “We’re looking at traffic conditions today and how conditions will be in the future as the corridor grows and as more people move into the area. Looking at safety conditions and the safety record in the corridor, which is not really good. That’s really the intent; to make sure the transportation strategies that we’re developing will make safe conditions for everyone.”
Regarding the anticipated study timeline, Suguri said, “We have about six months to complete this stage of the project. We’re already conducting interviews. We met with some of the commissioners and we’re scheduling more of those meetings. We have an extensive stakeholder list. We’re going to be engaging with them one-on-one, not only on how the roadway functions, but also on their plans for future development along the corridor.
“We’re also in the process of collecting data. We want to produce an existing conditions report that shows what the corridor is like today, what are the hot spots and where do we need to focus. We’re going to combine that with the information we get from the public to formulate those strategies. By fall and late winter we should have a vision plan and some high-level strategies we can offer,” Suguri said.
Suguri said the next steps include finalizing the transportation and land use existing conditions report, conducting more stakeholder interviews and preparing a community story video.
“It’s best to hear from the community so we can share with the public, so it’s not DOT leading the way, it’s really the community taking leadership,” he said.
Suguri said a visioning workshop is anticipated in October that will give the public a chance to talk to FDOT officials and highlight what they feel are problem areas and hot spots. Suguri said a project website will also be created.
Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie expressed support for the study.
“I see this as a great opportunity, especially for the west side to be involved. FDOT is footing the bill on this so let’s get involved. We have traffic issues trying to get to and from the Island and there’s all the development that’s going to be taking place on the west side in the next few years.”
Along the west end of Cortez Road, 86 new homes are currently being built as part of the Hunters Point development, approximately 2,000 residential units are approved for the nearby and pending Peninsula Bay development and 6,500 residential units are approved for the pending Lake Flores development along Cortez Road and the El Conquistador Parkway.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The city commission will decide whether the Anna Maria-owned portion of Gulf Drive will be included in a $1.5 million Island-wide Gulf Drive corridor study.
The commission is expected to make its decision on Thursday, May 25.
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Engineer/Design Manager Craig Fox presented the proposed study during the May 8 Island Transportation Planning Organization (ITPO) meeting held at Anna Maria City Hall.
FDOT will fund the Gulf Drive corridor study, which is expected to begin in November and take a maximum of two years to complete. Fox said the study area will extend along the entire portion of Gulf Drive/State Road 789 in Bradenton Beach, from the Longboat Pass Bridge to the Bradenton Beach/Holmes Beach border.
In Holmes Beach, the study will continue along East Bay Drive to the Manatee Avenue intersection. The study area continues from the Manatee Avenue/Gulf Drive intersection and along Gulf Drive through Holmes Beach to the Gulf Drive/Palm Drive intersection. The study then continues along Gulf Drive to the Holmes Beach/Anna Maria border. The study area in Holmes Beach will not include Marina Drive or the portion of Gulf Drive between Walgreens and the West Coast Surf Shop. The Anna Maria commission is to decide if the study continues along Gulf Drive to Pine Avenue.
Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Executive Director David Hutchinson said the cities of Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach requested the study and FDOT decided to include the Anna Maria portion of Gulf Drive as well.
Fox said the cities can use the study results to pursue state and federal funds to implement the potential street and right-of-way improvements identified in the study.
Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy reminded Cox that the city, not the state, owns the portion of Gulf Drive located in Anna Maria and has owned it since the state turned over ownership and maintenance of that road in the early 1970s. Murphy said the city has already studied and improved the city’s portion of the road.
Murphy asked Cox if the city can opt out of the study. Cox said the city can.
Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie said the goal is to come up with a consistent design that meets FDOT’s basic complete street standards which include sidewalks, multi-use trails, crosswalks and more.
“This complete streets study is clearly about safety and mobility, and having this information so funding can hopefully follow to move forward and do something,” Chappie said.
Holmes Beach Commissioner Dan Diggins asked why Marina Drive is not included in the study area. He was told safety and drainage improvements have already been made there.
Commission briefed
During the May 15 city commission meeting, Murphy briefed the commissioners about the proposed study. He said he received the latest version of FDOT’s 46-page scope of services document the previous evening and would send it to them. Murphy asked the commissioners to review the proposed study for further discussion and decision-making on Thursday, May 25.
The FDOT document is titled “Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Studies Barrier Island Complete Streets Improvements.” It lists two main project objectives – implementing recommendations made in the previously completed Barrier Island Traffic Study and reducing flooding along the Gulf Drive/SR 789 corridor.
Murphy told the commission he’s not a big fan of these types of studies and he’s seen three or four studies done on the Island in the past that have not yet resulted in any significant follow-up action.
In 2014-15, the three Island cities and Manatee County partnered on a $125,000 Island-wide Urban Land Institute study which to date has not produced any significant study-related actions.
Murphy referenced the Sarasota-Manatee Barrier Island Traffic Study initiated in 2016 and completed in 2020 that recommends extending the Manatee Avenue right turn lane near the Manatee Avenue/Gulf Drive intersection, which has not happened yet.
According to the traffic study-related phase 2 report dated 2018 and posted at the MPO website, FDOT plans to include the Manatee Avenue right turn lane extension as part of the future Anna Maria Bridge replacement project that currently has no announced start date.
When contacted after he reviewed the FDOT plans, Murphy said, “It’s up to our city commission to decide if the city wants this to go forward. I have thought all along that it was odd for FDOT to come into a city and do a study without first at least discussing what is being studied and why. I am comfortable that we now have it under control and the commission will make that decision Thursday night.”
BRADENTON – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) hosted a public information meeting to provide new details about the pending Cortez Bridge replacement project.
The informal setting at Kirkwood Church in Bradenton on Jan. 31 provided attendees an opportunity to view informational panels detailing various design and aesthetic aspects of the fixed-span bridge planned to replace the existing Cortez Road drawbridge, built in 1956.
FDOT representatives were on hand to answer questions and discuss the plans that include several recommendations provided by the Bridge Aesthetics Committee (BAC), which consists of 11 local residents, condominium owners and business owners who have met several times since the committee was formed in mid-2020. Comment sheets allowed attendees to share their written comments on the plans.
The informational slides, a 19-minute video presentation and more can be viewed at the project website. Comments can still be submitted online at the project website. Comments received by Feb. 10 will be included in the meeting summary to be released in late February or early March.
“I hope they got an under- standing of where we’re at with the current design of the bridge and hopefully we’ve been able to answer some of their questions,” FDOT Design Project Manager Ryan Weeks said during the meeting.
FDOT Communications Specialist Adam Rose said, “We’re showing the design of the bridge, as well as taking comments to better fit the bridge needs for the local public and the traveling public. We’re trying to facilitate every aspect of transportation we can on this bridge.”
Rose said FDOT has not yet decided what will happen to the existing drawbridge once the new bridge is completed. He said bridge replacement projects often result in the demolition of the old bridge, but some old bridges are converted into fishing piers instead.
“The department will eventually make that decision. We haven’t made that decision yet,” Rose said.
BAC member Connie Morrow attended the meeting and said, “The Department of Transportation worked with the aesthetics committee from the very beginning. One of the things we asked for was assurance that what we did and what we produced would carry through regardless of the height of the bridge so our efforts would not be a waste.”
The new bridge will feature four curved observation points. – FDOT | Submitted
Morrow said the images and information presented Tuesday night accurately reflect the BAC members’ recommendations, which include multi-column bridge piers, a sand-colored bridge and bridge columns, blue railings and light poles, four curved and bench-less observation points and a multi-wave design pattern for the retention walls at both ends of the new bridge.
Project details
The bridge replacement project contract is scheduled to be awarded to a contractor in the summer of 2025 and construction is expected to begin in late 2025 or early 2026.
The new bridge will be built north of the existing bridge, with horizontal curves at each end of the bridge that bring the traffic flow into alignment with the existing roadway. Motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists will continue using the existing bridge until the new bridge is completed.
At its highest point, the fixed-span bridge will provide at least 65 feet of vertical clearance
for vessels passing below. The new bridge will be 68 feet and 3 inches wide and consist of two 12-foot-wide travel lanes (one in each direction), two 10-foot-wide shoulders and two 10-foot-wide sidewalks buffered by concrete barriers.
The roadways approaching the bridge will feature two 11-foot-wide travel lanes (one in each direction), 6-foot-wide bike lanes and 10-foot-wide sidewalks.
The east end of the project will include the construction of a new road called Hunters Point Way that will connect Cortez Road and 127th Street West and provide access to businesses and homes in that area.
Coastal Watersports owner John Cadmus attended Tuesday’s meeting to learn more about the new bridge’s potential impact on his business. He wondered if parking spaces, bike racks and pedestrian amenities would be installed under the Cortez side of the bridge.
“They don’t seem to have parking under the bridge,” he said after speaking to FDOT representatives.
Bridge Aesthetics Committee member Connie Morrow shared her insight on the bridge plans, with FDOT Design Project Manager Ryan Weeks standing by her side. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Coastal Watersports owner John Cadmus discussed the bridge plans with FDOT Design Project Manager Ryan Weeks (right). Joe Hendricks | Sun
“I think it’s going to be a great project. I’m supportive of the bridge, but I’m concerned that there’s no end date for the construction. They couldn’t tell me if it would be two years or five years,” Cadmus said.
Stormwater retention
The plans include three stormwater retention ponds identified as stormwater maintenance facilities along the southwest end of the bridge in Bradenton Beach. One retention area, SMF 3-1, is located near the Bradenton Beach police station. Two more are to be located near the Bradenton Beach Marina, including one, SMF 3-3, that will extend under the new bridge and impact the existing pedestrian and bike pathway there.
Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie is concerned about the retention area SMF 3-1 being located at the north end of the police department parking lot, which has metal railings that can be removed to provide direct vehicular access from Highland Avenue to Cortez Road if Gulf Drive is blocked during a storm, hurricane or other emergencies.
One of the proposed retention ponds would block emergency access to Cortez Road through the removable rails at the end of the police department parking lot. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“This is vital for public safety,” Chappie said of the railings.
During Tuesday’s meeting, Chappie shared his concerns with Weeks.
“We’ve been told they’ll be making accommodations in that area and they understood our concern, but on the drawing, nothing’s changed. The retention pond is in the way,” Chappie said.
The online video notes the bridge replacement plans don’t include improvements to the Gulf Drive/Cortez Road intersection. Chappie said FDOT is planning a separate complete streets project during the 2023-24 fiscal year that may address safety concerns with the existing sidewalks and crosswalks there.
CORTEZ – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is holding a public information meeting on the Cortez Bridge replacement project on Tuesday, Jan. 31 from 6-8 p.m. in the Kirkwood Presbyterian Church’s Pfrangle Hall at 6101 Cortez Road in Bradenton.
Documents to be presented are available online for those who cannot attend at the project website.
The in-person meeting will be an open house-style event that allows attendees to review the bridge replacement project materials at their own pace. No formal presentation will be given, but meeting attendees can pose questions to project team members and leave written comments as well.
Comments can also be emailed to FDOT Project Manager Ryan Weeks at Ryan.Weeks@dot.state.fl.us, mailed to Ryan Weeks/Florida Department of Transportation, District One, P.O. Box 1249, Bartow, Florida 33831-1249 or submitted online at the project website.
The project materials pertain to the construction of a fixed-span bridge that will replace the existing drawbridge. The materials presented for public review include a 19-minute video, presentation slides, display boards and a 3D animation.
The video provides details about the bridge construction process and the aesthetic design elements selected by the 11-member Bridge Aesthetics Committee (BAC), which includes local residents, business owners and Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie.
The Cortez Bridge drawbridge was built in 1956 with an anticipated 50-year service life. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The narrated video notes the existing drawbridge that will be replaced was constructed in 1956 with an estimated 50-year service life, and multiple bridge repair and maintenance projects have occurred within the past 20 years.
The 90% completed plans will be submitted in the summer of 2023. Final design plans will be submitted in the spring of 2025. The construction project will be awarded to the chosen contractor in the summer of 2025 and construction is slated to begin in late 2025 or early 2026.
The new fixed-span bridge will be 2,930 feet long and consist of 19 spans. The existing drawbridge is 2.616 feet long, with 53 spans.
The new Cortez Bridge will be built north of the existing drawbridge. The top image shows the Bradenton Beach end of the bridge. The bottom image shows the Cortez end of the bridge. – FDOT | Submitted
The new bridge will be built north of the existing bridge, with horizontal curves introduced at each end of the bridge to bring the alignment back to match the existing roadway alignment. Motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists will continue to use the existing bridge until the new bridge is capable of handling that traffic.
A minimum vertical clearance of 65 feet will be provided above the 100-foot-wide navigational channel located below the center of the bridge and delineated by a fender system.
The new bridge will provide at least 65 feet of vertical clearance at its highest point, with a delineated navigation channel below. – FDOT | Submitted
There will be retaining walls at four locations: two at the west end of the bridge and two at the east end of the bridge. The walls will serve as transitions from the bridge to the roadway. The BAC selected a multi-wave design pattern for the walls.
Retaining walls will be built at both ends of the new bridge. – FDOT | Submitted
BAC members considered nine different pier styles and selected multi-column piers with cheek walls. The committee considered nine pedestrian railing alternatives and chose the wave infill pattern. They considered three overlook options and selected the rounded, open overlook shape, without benches.
The BAC members selected the color pallet that will include blue railings, sand/tan for the bridge and piers and white and off-white for accents. They also selected the outside face lighting option.
The new bridge will feature blue railings and light poles. – FDOT | Submitted
Three stormwater retention ponds will be located along the west end of the bridge in Bradenton Beach: one in front of the Bradenton Beach police station, one in front of the Bradenton Beach Marina and another in front of the Bradenton Beach Marina that will extend under the first span of the bridge and require the existing pedestrian and bike path under the bridge to be reconfigured.
A new road called Hunters Point Way will connect Cortez Road to 127th Street West. – FDOT | Submitted
One retention pond will be located on the east end of the bridge, near the Hunters Point Resort & Marina property. The eastern side of the project will also include the construction of a new road called Hunters Point Way that will connect Cortez Road and 127th Street West and provide access to the Seafood Shack, Tide Tables and the other businesses and homes in that vicinity.
CORTEZ – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will host a public information meeting for the pending Cortez Road bridge replacement project.
FDOT’s in-person presentation is scheduled on Tuesday, Jan. 31 from 6-8 p.m. in the Kirkwood Presbyterian Church’s Pfrangle Hall at 6101 Cortez Road in Bradenton.
The in-person meeting will be an open house-style event that allows attendees to review the bridge project materials at their own pace. Attendees can pose questions and comments to attending project team members but no formal presentation will be given.
FDOT will provide online access to the public meeting materials that address design details and aesthetics, construction phasing and traffic maintenance associated with its plans to replace the existing drawbridge, built in 1956, with a fixed-span bridge that at its highest point will provide 65 feet of vertical clearance for vessels passing below it. The informational meeting is not advertised as a continuation of the fixed-span vs. drawbridge debate that continues to be a source of opposition for some residents and elected officials.
The existing Cortez Bridge drawbridge was built in 1956. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“The same information will be presented at both the live in-person venue and online at the project website so attending both is not needed,” according to the recent meeting-related newsletter distributed by FDOT.
On Tuesday. Jan. 24, the online meeting materials will be posted at the FDOT District One road projects website.
Comments or questions may be submitted during the public meeting, at the project website or to FDOT Project Manager Ryan Weeks by phone at 863-519-2837, by email at Ryan.Weeks@dot.state.fl.us, or by regular mail addressed to Ryan Weeks, Florida Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 1249, Bartow, Florida 33831.
“While comments about the project are accepted at any time, please submit your comments by Feb. 10 to be included in the meeting summary,” the FDOT newsletter says.
According to the road projects website, “The project includes the bridge and roadway approaches from SR 789/Gulf Drive (in Bradenton Beach) to 123rd Street West (in Cortez), a distance of about 0.9 miles.”
The website notes FDOT previously formed a Bridge Aesthetics Committee (BAC) consisting of community representatives from Cortez and Bradenton Beach to provide input on the bridge’s aesthetics. The committee members include Joe Adorna, Mike Bazzy, Karen Bell, Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie, David Galuska, Connie Morrow, Ann Marie Nicholas, Joe Rogers, Jeff Vey, Gloria Weir and Bobby Woodsen.
Several BAC meetings and additional small group meetings occurred between August 2020 and November 2021 and future meetings will be added as more information becomes available.
The fixed-span bridge will include a buffered pathway for pedestrians and bicyclists. – FDOT | SubmittedAccording to the website, “To date, the BAC has determined the following, may be altered in the final design:
“Preference is for aesthetically enhanced multi-column pier with a waterline footing. The exterior face of the column would be in line with the exterior face of the bridge deck. Cheekwalls would extend from the top of the pier to the underside of the deck at all pier locations.
“Preference is for four overlooks, located on the north and south side of the bridge at the two piers on either side of the main channel.
“Preference for substructure lighting on the exterior faces of the pier columns.
“A custom ‘wave’ infill pattern is suggested for the bridge pedestrian railings.”
According to the Cortez Bridge website, “The design phase of Cortez Bridge began in October 2019 and is anticipated to be completed in spring 2025. Right-of-way is funded in fiscal years 2022, 2023 and 2024. Construction is funded in fiscal year 2025.”
According to the project-specific website, “The need for the project was based on the functional obsolescence and structural condition of the existing bridge. Due to the naturally corrosive saltwater environment, the bridge continues to deteriorate and will need additional repairs in the future. The condition of the bridge is anticipated to deteriorate further as the structure has exceeded its 50-year service life. Replacement of the bridge will address the condition of the structure and reinforce the connection between Anna Maria Island and the mainland of Manatee County.”
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The new sign is up, and visitors can once again rest assured that they are headed to the island they intended to visit.
A sign telling motorists they were 5 miles from “Anna Marie Is” was recently installed on Manatee Avenue near 75th Street after an accident destroyed the original sign.
Local veterinarian Denise Vondrasek noticed the error and called The Sun, which called Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) Executive Director Elliot Falcione. He was not available for comment at the time, and an office staffer said it was not something their department handles.
Several calls to three regional departments of the Florida Department of Transportation yielded results after a representative said a work order would immediately be submitted to correct the error.
After The Sun’s original story about the sign, CVB Communications Manager Nicholas Azzara said he made a subsequent call to assure the work order was put into place to resolve the issue.
The island is the largest source of tourist tax funds in Manatee County.
CORTEZ – U.S. Magistrate Judge Anthony Porcelli has ruled against the four plaintiffs opposing the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) plans to construct a fixed-span bridge between Cortez and Bradenton Beach, granting FDOT’s motion for summary judgment.
With construction slated to begin as early as 2026 according to FDOT officials, the fixed-span bridge will provide 65 feet of vertical clearance for vessels passing under it.
The new bridge will replace the aging drawbridge that currently provides 17 feet of vertical clearance when the bridge is down.
As noted in Porcelli’s order, “The existing Cortez Bridge was constructed in 1956 to replace the original 1921 wooden bridge connecting Anna Maria Island with the mainland in Manatee County. As constructed, the existing Cortez Bridge consists of an undivided, two-lane, low-level bascule (drawbridge) structure. The results from several bridge inspection reports conducted since 2008 show that the Cortez Bridge has become functionally obsolete and structurally deficient.”
Built in 1956, the Cortez Bridge drawbridge is slated to be replaced with a higher fixed-span bridge. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
In the United States District Court Middle District of Florida’s Tampa Division, Porcelli issued his 57-page written order on Aug. 5. The order pertains to the complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief the plaintiffs filed in 2020.
The plaintiffs in the legal action are former Manatee County Commissioner Joe McClash, former Manatee County Commissioner and Cortez resident Jane von Hahmann and Cortez residents Linda Molto and Joe Kane. The complaint names FDOT and FDOT Secretary Kevin Thibault as defendants.
In part, the plaintiffs sought from the federal court:
A declaratory judgment that FDOT, when deciding on a fixed-span bridge, violated the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Administrative Procedure Act.
An order to vacate the acceptance/approval of FDOT’s Location and Design Concept Acceptance for a 65-foot-high fixed-span bridge that would have significant impacts on the surrounding community.
An order to vacate FDOT’s Type 2 categorical exclusion determination.
The plaintiffs also sought a 35-foot drawbridge option as a viable bridge replacement alternative that would not cause the same significant impacts as a 65-foot high, fixed-span bridge.
According to Porcelli’s order, the plaintiffs challenged FDOT’s decision to replace the existing 17-foot-high drawbridge with a 65-foot-high, fixed-span bridge, and FDOT’s decision to forgo an environmental impact statement or an environmental assessment and proceed instead using a categorical exclusion to the National Environmental Policy Act.
The plaintiffs contended FDOT violated the act by arbitrarily and capriciously relying on
an inapplicable categorical exclusion to exempt a major federal action – the construction of the new bridge – from FDOT’s obligation to perform either an environmental impact statement or an environmental assessment. Case law cited in Porcelli’s order
notes the National Environmental Policy Act establishes procedures for agencies to follow when addressing environmental impact issues and procedures.
“NEPA regulations authorize the use of exclusions for those categories of actions which do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment, and which have been found to have no such effect in procedures adopted by a federal agency in implementation of these regulations,” according to Porcelli’s order.
“Plaintiffs contend the Cortez Bridge Replacement Project does not qualify for a categorical exclusion, but FDOT disputes that contention. FDOT contends that the Cortez Bridge replacement project satisfies the criteria for a categorical exclusion,” according to Porcelli’s order.
Plaintiff reactions
When asked about continuing to challenge to fixed-span bridge, McClash said a potential appeal is possible.
Joe McClash led the legal challenge to FDOT’s proposed fixed-span bridge. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
When contacted by email, von Hahmann was more animated in her response to Porcelli’s ruling.
“Very sad and very discouraged,” von Hahmann wrote in her response to The Sun. “I feel like there is no road for the general citizenry to take to have their voices and concerns heard at any level of government anymore. I say that because we were involved as citizens from the get-go. In this last go-around, which started in 2013, we continually and consistently voiced our concerns and objections to a high-level fixed-span bridge.
“In fact, during public meetings held regarding this bridge, the vast majority of those who have to live with this atrocity asked that a lower level, less impactful choice be made. All total, there were 1,229 public comments received on the bridge. Of those, 863 citizens (70%) chose the no-build/rehab option or a 35-foot bascule bridge (drawbridge) replacement and 366 citizens (30%) chose a 65-foot, high-fixed bridge. The bottom line is residents of Cortez and Anna Maria Island, especially Bradenton Beach, be damned,” von Hahmann wrote in her response.
In 2021, McClash and von Hahmann asked the Bradenton Beach City Commission to join the legal challenge as co-defendants. The city commission declined that request.
In 2021, Cortez resident Jane von Hahmann encouraged the city of Bradenton Beach to join the legal challenge. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
In response to Porcelli’s order, Von Hahmann was asked if she’ll continue challenging the fixed-span bridge.
“No, I am done. I no longer believe we as citizens can challenge the government at any level and win,” she responded.
BRADENTON BEACH – City officials are concerned about higher than expected engineering costs for a state-funded beautification and landscaping project along Gulf Drive North.
To date, Lynn Burnett’s LTA Engineers firm has been paid $48,205 for engineering and design services related to a beautification project to be funded with a $104,246 grant from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
The beautification project is planned on state-owned rights of way along the SR 789/Gulf Drive corridor, primarily between 23rd Street North and 12th Street North, with engineering and design plans subject to FDOT review and approval.
In April 2021, Burnett presented what were described then as the final design plans and specifications for the project, which have since been revised after FDOT input.
The original plans called for the removal of several Australian pine trees along Gulf Drive North and the planting of green buttonwood and wax myrtle trees, coconut palms, cabbage palms and various shrubs, grasses and other groundcover materials. At the request of FDOT, the tree removals and tree plantings are no longer included in the plans.
The beautification project plans originally called for the removal of some of the Australian pines located along Gulf Drive North. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Although Burnett no longer serves as the city’s primary engineer, she remains the engineer of record for this project. On Thursday, Feb. 17, she appeared before the commission to discuss the engineering efforts to date and her latest project-related invoice for $2,910.
Working as a subcontractor, ZNS Engineering Project Landscape Architect Joe Collins is assisting LTA Engineers with the beautification project and participated in Thursday’s meeting by phone.
Throughout Thursday’s discussion, commission members repeatedly expressed concerns about the engineering costs already equating to nearly half of the grant funds – and potentially escalating to as much as $60,000 before the project is completed, with LTA Engineers providing future on-site inspections and oversight.
The grant money can only be used to pay for the actual landscaping and beautification work and cannot be used for engineering and design services. According to City Treasurer Shayne Thompson, the engineering and designs costs are being paid from the city’s general fund as part of the $129,000 originally earmarked in the 2020-21 fiscal year budget for the project, which includes the grant money.
Mayor John Chappie said Burnett originally estimated the engineering and design costs would be about $30,000. He asked why some basic design elements that are supposed to comply with existing FDOT general standards required additional revision and review.
Collins noted the project is subject to FDOT quality control standards that apply to utility lines, setbacks, rights of way, fire hydrants and other existing elements – including “no-plant zones” that prohibit plants and landscaping in areas where they could potentially injure someone involved in an automobile accident.
Burnett said FDOT’s expedited 60-day review process was supposed to be completed in September but has taken six months to get to this point in the process. Collins and Burnett said they’ve never encountered such significant review-related delays when working with FDOT.
City commissioners questioned Lynn Burnett about the engineering and design costs. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Commissioner Jake Spooner questioned why deleting the tree removals and the tree plantings from the plans resulted in a significant cost in engineering and design services. Collins and Burnett said removing the trees from the plans required additional engineering, design and review for the shrubs and other lower-level plantings that remain in the plans.
Burnett noted Chappie and others were previously made aware of FDOT’s tree removal and tree planting concerns and she was instructed to continue with the project that now has an extended June 2023 completion deadline.
When expressing his displeasure, Commissioner Ralph Cole noted taxpayer dollars are being spent on the project regardless of who is to blame for the increased costs.
Chappie asked Burnett if there is anything she could do in terms of working with the city to help lower the design and engineering costs. Burnett said she’s already written off $10,000 for work related to the project and she’s not in a position to provide the city with any additional free services.
Chappie noted FDOT Landscape Architect Darryl Richard is the city’s primary contact for the project and he suggested the commission hear from Richard and get FDOT’s perspective before making any project-related decisions. The commission agreed with Chappie’s suggestion.
UPDATED JAN. 14, 2022 – BRADENTON BEACH – City officials are not yet willing to accept the maintenance responsibilities for the brick paver sidewalk the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) installed along Gulf Drive North.
Before doing so, the city commission wants the city’s contracted engineering firm, Colliers Engineering, to conduct an independent review of the FDOT project.
Using large brick pavers, the sidewalk was installed in the FDOT-owned right of way along the eastern side of Gulf Drive North, from the S-curve at Avenue C to 10th Street North. The installation began in early October.
Installation of the brick paver sidewalk took place near the Runaway Bay condominiums in October. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
During the Thursday, Jan. 6, city commission meeting, Mayor John Chappie said Public Works Director Tom Woodard received an email stating FDOT accepted the project as finalized.
“We weren’t there to do the final inspection,” Chappie said. “We still have items that we haven’t received yet. I think it’s a perfect opportunity for us to use Colliers and their expertise to look at this and determine the quality of work done and what we’re getting into if the city accepts this. I’m not satisfied with it. I have concerns about the public safety. I’m concerned about the unevenness. It only takes a little bit of a misstep and you’re flat on your face.”
Woodard told the commission he received an invitation to attend the Dec. 14 walkthrough but he was unavailable that day. He said he was informed of a second walkthrough, which he believed was later canceled. Woodard said he also received an email stating FDOT had accepted the sidewalk project as finalized.
Chappie said the city has asked FDOT’s project team for copies of its as-build plans, earthwork records and soil compaction tests.
“In my opinion, if you’re in a FDOT right of way you have to have compaction tests,” Chappie said.
Woodard said he wasn’t sure whether the FDOT contractor did soil compaction tests for the sidewalk project. He noted compaction tests are often used when installing crosswalks and parking areas subject to heavy vehicular traffic.
FDOT response
On Tuesday, Jan. 11, The Sun received the following email response from FDOT Communications Specialist Adam Rose.
“The department invited the city of Bradenton Beach to both the 90% walkthrough of the project that took place on 12/14/2021 and the 100% final walkthrough that took place on 12/27/2021. The city did not have a representative that was present during those walkthroughs, nor did we receive any requests for rescheduling or cancelation. Working with local governments is important to the department and we always look forward to finding the best solutions facing the communities we serve,” Rose stated in his response.
Lingering concerns
Chappie noted the city, in September 2020, entered into an agreement with FDOT to maintain and repair the completed sidewalk. City Attorney Ricinda Perry said former City Engineer Lynn Burnett brought the proposed FDOT project to the city but she and her LTA Engineers firm are no longer involved with the project.
A sample of the oversized brick pavers, on the left, was presented to the city commission in May. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
In May 2021, the commission was presented with a sample of the oversized brick pavers to be used for the sidewalk project, which at that time raised concerns. While the installation was underway in October, the commission expressed concerns about potential tripping hazards and the manner in which the brick pavers were being installed.
Woodard told the commission he shares the mayor’s concerns.
The sidewalk installation required repairs to the adjacent bike lane. – City of Bradenton Beach | Submitted
“I don’t have an issue with sweeping it once we have a sweeper. My issue is with the work that was done in the bike lane and adjacent to the bike lane. It’s a patchwork of asphalt. I just don’t have a lot of confidence in it. If they wanted to continue to maintain the bike lanes and the striping and the asphalt, I don’t have a problem with that, but that’s not what the agreement was,” Woodard said.
Asphalt from the bike lane patches can be found in the spaces between the brick pavers. – City of Bradenton Beach | Submitted
When contacted later, Woodard explained that in some places there’s asphalt from the bike lane patches in the spaces between the pavers, which inhibits rainwater from draining into the drainage system below.
“We were excluded from the final sign-off, yet the city is contractually obligated for maintenance in the future,” Perry said. “If we feel this is not built to standards that are in the best interest of Bradenton Beach, and provide health, safety and welfare for the folks using it, we need something to back that up in order to address the legal obligations in the contract for maintenance. Having a professional opinion prepared by an engineering firm puts the city in the best position of strength.”
Commissioner Jan Vosburgh asked Perry if the city can be held responsible if someone is injured while using the new sidewalk.
“Right now it is in the FDOT right of way, it is a FDOT project and FDOT is claiming that it was done to the proper standards that would eliminate falls and hazards to the public using it,” Perry said.
Perry noted that in a litigious society the city could still be named in a lawsuit if a sidewalk user is injured while the maintenance responsibilities are being resolved.
Vosburgh asked if the sidewalk responsibilities can be legally transferred to FDOT. Perry said the only legal approach she sees at this juncture is to make a claim that the completed project is outside the scope of what the city accepted in the signed agreement; or that the completed project does not satisfy the city’s safety requirements because the city considers the sidewalk to be unfinished and unsafe.
“I can’t get to that step until I feel I have the evidence to support the city, and that evidence I’m asking for is an engineering review,” Perry said.
Perry recommended the commission adopt a motion that formally states the city is postponing its final acceptance of the FDOT project until all requested documents have been received from FDOT and an independent review has been conducted by Colliers Engineering.
The commission adopted the recommended motion after first adopting a separate motion authorizing Colliers to perform the requested engineering review, and to also review two unrelated potential grant-funded projects at a total cost not to exceed $10,000. One of the additional engineering reviews pertains to a potential Gulf Drive North landscaping project and the other pertains to a stormwater-related hazard mitigation grant.
The commission passed a third motion directing Perry to prepare a legal opinion regarding the city’s maintenance obligations for the new sidewalk.
As of late Monday morning, FDOT had not provided comment to The Sun regarding the city’s concerns.
BRADENTON BEACH – The Florida Department of Transportation’s installation of a brick paver sidewalk along Gulf Drive North was temporarily complicated by a broken water pipe.
The construction accident occurred on the morning of Thursday, Oct. 21. The broken pipe contributed to the ongoing Gulf Drive traffic delays associated with the FDOT-funded sidewalk replacement project.
The broken water pipe also impacted water pressure for some Bradenton Beach residents. During Thursday afternoon’s Bradenton Beach City Commission meeting, Commissioner Ralph Cole said his residential water service was impacted by the broken pipe.
At 4 p.m. Thursday afternoon, FDOT Community Outreach Manager Barbara Catlin responded to an email inquiry from The Sun.
“The contractor hit a water source and it has been repaired. This can happen in construction environments. Teams were in place to supervise this situation, including FDOT, Manatee County and the city of Bradenton Beach. Water will return to full pressure now,” Catlin stated in her email.
City Attorney Ricinda Perry also expressed concerns about project-related signage impeding sidewalks and bike lanes and she asked that the signs be repositioned accordingly.
Concerns have been expressed about project signage impeding sidewalks and bike lanes. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Ongoing concerns
City officials continue to express concerns about FDOT’s sidewalk replacement project. The concerns pertain in part to the use of oversized brick pavers and the manner in which they are being installed along Gulf Drive North, from Ninth Street North to the S-curve near the southern end of Avenue C.
City officials are also concerned about FDOT’s expectation that the city will maintain and repair the brick paver sidewalk after the state-funded installation is completed.
On Wednesday, Oct. 13, Bradenton Beach Public Works Director Tom Woodard shared the city’s concerns with FDOT Construction Project Administrator Christopher McInnis.
In his email, Woodard stated, “I understand the difficulties of your position and with the project environment, but on behalf of the city commission, residents and visitors, I need to again express concerns with the installation of the brick paver sidewalk. In our estimation, there are numerous tripping hazards, uneven surfaces and (we) believe that the asphalt fill on the borders is too thin to last and will ultimately become another hazard for walkers and bikers, as well as a constant maintenance issue/expense for the city.
Safety concerns and solutions have been discussed regarding the currently uneven sidewalks. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“I have been informed that the city is not willing to accept the responsibility/liability for the sidewalk if what currently exists is the finished product. For the city to be willing to accept the maintenance and responsibility, FDOT will need to contact the city’s legal department to see if the commission is willing/able to adjust the agreement,” Woodard wrote.
On Thursday, Oct. 14, Woodard received an email response from FDOT Operations Center Engineer Trisha Hartzell.
In her response, Hartzell stated, “Thank you for your email expressing your concerns on the paver project initiated by the city of Bradenton Beach, funded and constructed by the department and maintained by the city of Bradenton Beach. We respectfully ask that you please be patient with us during the construction phases of this project, as no portion within the limits of construction is at 100% final completion. There is still a lot of work left on this project.
“A little education about the installation process: It is being performed in multiple layers and after the pavers are installed they are being tamped down to even them out. The pavers are being installed per standard specifications and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, with no greater than 2% cross slope. However, the existing sidewalk is out of compliance with specs and ADA requirements. Therefore, we will also be replacing sections of the sidewalk to meet the pavers and have a smoother transition back into compliance,” Hartzell wrote.
“In reference to your comment with regards to the asphalt, again this is currently a temporary construction condition and we ask for your patience during the construction process. What you see backfilled in the asphalt is cold patch the contractor will be milling and resurfacing from the edge of the travel lane to the pavers. In the interim, a temporary condition needs to exist for safety. Originally, the Manatee County UWS plans called for their contractor to remove and replace the asphalt from the edge line to the pavers, however, we have been informed that this work was removed before the contract was finalized. Therefore, we will be adding work to this contract to leave it in an acceptable and safe condition,” Hartzell wrote.
“We will have two walk-throughs on this project before a final acceptance and transfer of maintenance takes place. The city will be invited to these walk-throughs and it is imperative that you are in attendance. This project is a partnership between the city of Bradenton Beach and FDOT and I encourage you and your team to reach out to me with any concerns so that we can discuss and address them before shedding a negative light into the community. This paver project was initiated by the city and the department came forward with the means to accomplish it. At the end of the day, we all want the same thing: a safer, more efficient product to relieve flooding issues for safety and community success,” Hartzell wrote.
BRADENTON BEACH – City officials share some lingering concerns about the permeable brick paver sidewalk the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is installing along Gulf Drive.
The concerns include potential safety and tripping hazards and the city’s future liability and maintenance responsibilities.
Funded and supervised by FDOT, the sidewalk project calls for the replacement of the existing concrete sidewalk along Gulf Drive North, from Ninth Street North to the s-curve near the south end of Avenue C.
The larger, permeable pavers being used for the FDOT sidewalk project are approximately a foot thick and are much thicker than standard-sized brick pavers. It’s hoped the thicker pavers will provide greater stability and durability alongside the heavily traveled state road and state-owned right of way.
In May, a comparative example of the larger-sized brick pavers (on the left) was provided to city commission members. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
According to the post-project maintenance agreement with FDOT which Mayor John Chappie, City Clerk Terri Sanclemente and City Attorney Ricinda Perry signed in September 2020, the city will be responsible for the future maintenance of the FDOT-installed sidewalk.
According to the agreement, “It is understood and agreed by the parties that upon completion of the project, the local agency (the city of Bradenton Beach) shall be responsible, at its costs, for maintenance of said project. Maintenance items to be maintained by the local agency shall include, but not be limited to: removal of graffiti, pervious pavers and aesthetic features. The local agency shall maintain pavement surfaces free from residue accumulation, algae, vegetation and other slip or trip hazards. The local agency shall sweep, vacuum, edge and provide weed control along the project corridor from 10th Street to Avenue C, only at the permeable brick paver locations. The local agency shall ensure the safety of the public by repairing shifted pavers and maintaining the permeable brick pavers and any other safety features within the project corridor. The local agency shall maintain and repair the permeable brick pavers at its sole cost and expense, in a good and workmanlike manner and with reasonable care.”
Before entering into the agreement with FDOT, the mayor, city commissioners, public works director and city attorney expressed concerns about the use of the oversized pavers and the ongoing maintenance responsibilities and costs to be incurred by the city.
Chappie addressed the city’s ongoing concerns during the Thursday, Oct. 7 city commission meeting.
“It’s not what we expected. We don’t really have high expectations of how successful it’s going to be. We have put FDOT on notice of our grave concerns with regards to safety, the tripping hazards and how it’s being installed. We don’t want to increase any extra liability on our city for something FDOT is doing,” Chappie told the commission.
“I worry about pavers. You are going to trip on pavers. They can’t be even all the time,” City Commissioner Jan Vosburgh added.
“It’s their right of way, their sidewalk,” Chappie responded.
Mayor John Chappie is among those concerned about the new sidewalk being installed by FDOT. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Chappie noted Public Works Director Tom Woodard had communicated the city’s concerns to FDOT officials. Woodard emailed FDOT Construction Project Administrator Chris McInnis on Monday, Oct. 4.
“I just wanted to touch base with you about the sidewalk replacement/brick installation project, as a few concerns with the installation have been brought to my attention. I just need to be sure that correct installation oversight and inspection is taking place? The brick appears to be wavy with some potential trip hazards. I’m sure the abundant groundwater and with the weight/size of the bricks it makes for a difficult installation, but we need to be sure we get the best end result possible,” Woodard stated in his email.
In the response he sent Woodard that day, McInnis wrote, “The installation of the pavers are being installed per plan and manufacturer specifications. The contractor is doing their best to provide a quality product. The contractor and I have been working close together in making sure that all the concerns of the department, county and Bradenton Beach are mediated. Any and all concerns regarding the safety of the finished product will be addressed.”
After receiving a copy of that email exchange, Chappie sent Woodard an email that said, “Thanks for putting FDOT on notice of our grave safety concerns. This type of design, using blocks, have inherent challenges with installation. Thanks for staying on top of this project.”
