BRADENTON BEACH – Fred Bartizal was chosen as the new chairman of the Planning and Zoning Board at the board’s Nov. 5 meeting.
Bartizal, owner of the Bridge Tender Inn, succeeded former chair Bill Morrow.
“A number of years ago, John Burns suggested we try to rotate the chairmanship of the P&Z. I personally thought it’s a wonderful idea, and we’ve had John, Ken and myself each (having) the privilege and honor of sitting in the chair,” Morrow said at the meeting.
Morrow said he has been chairperson for nearly two years and would like to give someone else the opportunity.
In addition to Bartizal and Morrow, the board consists of members John Burns, Ken McDonough and Dan Morhaus.
Morhaus was named vice-chair.
The city’s Planning and Zoning Board is a citizen board which recommends land use policies to the city commission and conducts reviews required for the approval of development proposals, according to the city website.
Each member lives in Bradenton Beach, but no member is an employee of or an elected officer of the city. Each member of the five-member board is appointed for a three-year term.
According to the city website, “The Planning and Zoning Board maintains information on population, property values, the economy, land use and other information necessary in determining the amount, direction and kind of development to be expected in the city.”
The board is also designated as the city’s local planning agency.
“The board monitors and oversees the operation, effectiveness and status of this chapter and recommend amendments to the city commission that are consistent with the comprehensive plan,” according to the city website.
“The board conducts public hearings to gather information necessary for the drafting, establishment, amendment and maintenance of the various elements of the comprehensive plan and to determine if special exceptions are found to be present in any development proposal. The Planning and Zoning Board maintains information on population, property values, the economy, land use and other information necessary in determining the amount, direction and kind of development to be expected in the city,” according to the city website.
BRADENTON BEACH – The Bridge Tender Inn in Bradenton Beach threw a spectacular party on Halloween night.
With that end of Bay Drive South closed for the occasion, the Halloween street party featured a pet costume contest, an adult costume contest, an afternoon trail of treats for youngsters, a multitude of larger-than-life automatons, smoke-filled bubbles, a haunted house, palm readers, live music by Brigid’s Cross and more.
Wayne, from ‘Wayne’s World,’ had a stare-down with one of the Bridge Tender Inn automatons. – Joe Hendricks | SunThis wicked automaton stood watch at the tiki bar entrance. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
And once again, the fun-filled party raised more than $1,000 for the Sarasota-based Vintage Paws Sanctuary that provides homes, medical treatment and assistance for older dogs and terminally ill dogs, including some who’ve been orphaned by the deaths of their senior owners.
Tommy Folmar and Sharon Parker dressed as America’s most popular couple – Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
While enjoying a cocktail, Bridge Tender Inn owner Fred Bartizal said, “We’ve been hosting our Halloween party for about eight years and it gets bigger and better every year. The haunted house is in the dining room and it’s the best we’ve ever had… We do this to draw people to the area and some who’ve never been here before. People have a lot of fun and we raise a lot of money for Vintage Paws.”
A Halloween-themed Jeep and a ghoulish automaton were part of the lavish Halloween decorations. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Paulie Baker, from Brigid’s Cross, served as the master of ceremonies and announcer for the pet costume contest that started around 5:15 p.m. He served in the same role for the adult costume contest that started around 8:30 p.m.
‘Abby the Halloween Witch’ won the pet costume contest. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“Abby the Halloween Witch” won the pet costume contest that featured four decked-out dogs.
“It was a knockdown drag-out decision by the judges between ‘Abby the Halloween Witch’ and ‘Molly the Racecar Champ,’” Baker announced.
Abby’s win earned her a dog bowl and a Frisbee. Molly finished a close second. Sunrise (dressed as Santa’s helper) and the stylish canine tandem of Ocean Lee and Lovey Lee tied for third place.
‘Molly the Racecar Champ’ finished second in the pet costume contest. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
After the contest, Bridge Tender Inn General Manager Sue Shinka said, “We put everything into our party and it shows. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it.”
Shinka said she expected the party to attract 500 or more revelers, adding, “We had a bunch of kids here this afternoon for the trail of treats. We put the lights on and everything and some of them got a little scared.”
The haunted house featured this spooky, skeletal gathering. – Bridge Tender Inn | Submitted
Assistant General Manager Shannon Dunnan said, “This is our best haunted house. It’s very creepy and scary.”
Bridge Tender Inn employee Beth Murphy said, “I’ve been here six years and this is the best one yet, for kids and adults.”
‘Lieutenant Dan’ won the adult costume contest. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Dressed as Lieutenant Dan from the “Forrest Gump” movie, Frankie won the adult costume contest and took home a $100 Bridge Tender Inn gift certificate.
Sporting canes and cocktails, a trio of women dressed as “Three Blind Mice” finished second.
‘Three Blind Mice’ finished second in the costume contest. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Adorned in green evening gowns and dressed as “Saturday Night & Sunday Morning” Lory and William claimed third place in the costume contest.
William and Lory’s costumes represented the difference between Sunday morning and Saturday night. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
When contacted the next day, Shinka said, “As we walked around, people told us it was the best Halloween party ever. We had people coming out of the haunted house laughing and smiling. Victor spent two and a half weeks working on the haunted house and he did a great job.”
Smoke-filled bubbles filled the Halloween air. – Joe Hendricks | SunCostumed party-goers danced in the street. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
TALLAHASSEE – Vacation rentals must remain shuttered while restaurants and retail stores can partially open under phase one of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ new plan to reopen Florida’s economy.
Set forth in Executive Order 20-112, the first phase of the governor’s “Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery” takes effect Monday, May 4 and does not have an expiration date.
DeSantis’ executive order does not yet apply to Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, but he said those three counties at the epicenter of Florida’s coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic are making good progress on flattening their curves.
Before presenting the plan details during his Wednesday evening press conference, DeSantis said, “It’s been a tough two months for our country. The coronavirus is a formidable enemy, especially for our elderly and our medically vulnerable populations. We have lost Floridians, which is never an easy thing.”
The Rod & Reel Pier is one of many Anna Maria Island restaurants that closed during the coronavirus pandemic. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“The unprecedented national shutdown has thrown the lives of millions of Americans into economic and social turmoil. Floridians have lost jobs through no fault of their own and many are fearful of what may come next. Others have seen small businesses that represent their life’s work devastated practically overnight. This current crisis has impacted in one way or another 21 and a half million Floridians in life-changing ways. Today, Florida will take a step towards a more hopeful future,” DeSantis said.
Governor Ron DeSantis says he will reopen Florida in a manner that is “Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step.” – Florida Channel | Submitted
DeSantis said he received input and advice from physicians, health care system executives, small business owners, elected officials, unemployed Floridians and law enforcement officials. He also convened the Re-Open Florida Task Force that produced a report and recommendations.
DeSantis said Florida’s reopening plan resembles the three-phase recovery plan guidelines recently released by the federal government. He said the plan will be reviewed daily and decisions pertaining to the implementation of future phases will also be based on data and input from medical professionals and others.
According to DeSantis’ reopening plan:
“Vulnerable individuals should avoid close contact with people outside the home;
“All individuals, when in public, should maximize physical distance from others;
“Avoid socializing in groups of more than 10 people in circumstances that do not readily allow for physical distancing;
Face masks are recommended for all those in face-to-face interactions and where you can’t social distance.”
Restaurants, retail and more
Under the reopening plan beginning on Monday:
Florida restaurants can resume indoor dining at 25% of their normal seating capacity. Outdoor dining can also resume with tables spaced at least 6 feet apart. While dining inside or out, no more than 10 people are allowed in a group.
Bars, pubs and nightclubs that derive more than 50% of their gross revenue from alcohol sales will remain closed.
Retail stores can operate at no more than 25% of their capacity and must abide by CDC and OSHA safety guidelines.
Gyms and fitness centers will remain closed. DeSantis said hair salons, nail salons and other personal service providers cannot yet provide those services but can sell their retail products.
Libraries and museums can reopen at 25% capacity.
Elective surgeries and medical procedures can resume.
Florida schools will continue to operate with distance learning.
Visitors remain prohibited at nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
During press inquiries, DeSantis was asked about businesses that are allowed to be open and businesses that are not.
“There’s no gray area. The order continues the essential business framework, so anyone under that framework is good to go. And then it allows responsible activity to include these new things like the retail. If you were good before, you’re good now,” DeSantis said.
Vacation rentals
During Wednesday’s press conference, DeSantis was silent on vacation rentals and whether he planned to extend Executive Order 20-87, an order that prohibited vacation rental operations through Thursday, April 30.
But the reopening plan executive order released later that evening says, “The prohibition on vacation rentals in Executive Order 20-87 remains in effect for the duration of the new order.”
The first phase of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ reopening plan continues his suspension of vacation rental operations. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
On Wednesday, DeSantis also issued Executive Order 20-111, an order that fills a gap by extending until Monday his vacation rental order (EO 20-87) and his essential businesses/stay-at-home order (EO 20-91).
The Anna Maria City Commission will conduct an emergency meeting at 10 a.m. on Friday to discuss parking restrictions and whether to continue the mayor’s local emergency order that prohibits new vacation rental reservations for guest arrivals through June 30.
The city of Holmes Beach also has local emergency vacation rental restrictions in place.
Local reaction
Soon after DeSantis’ conference ended, local restaurant operators and employees were already making their response plans.
Bartender Staci Wilkinson said Tide Tables in Cortez would be ready to go on Monday.
“We’ve moved all our picnic tables six feet apart. The majority of our seating is outside, so this is great news for us. We still expect a lot of takeout orders too, because not everyone will feel comfortable going out to eat right away. We’re prepared for anything and everything,” she said.
In Bradenton Beach, Bridge Tender Inn owner Fred Bartizal said, “It’ll be nice that people can actually sit in the restaurant with an open container, so it will definitely help. I certainly don’t want to be too quick to open it up completely.”
Drift In manager Doreen Flynn acknowledged social distancing would be a challenge inside the Bradenton Beach bar.
“It’s good that all those employees are getting their jobs back. I just wish we were included. I look forward to seeing Bridge Street open again. I watch the camera at the bar and it’s a ghost town,” Flynn said.
The Drift In in Bradenton Beach has been closed since St. Patrick’s Day. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Drift In bartender Sharon Bell worked her last bar shift on St. Patrick’s Day – the day Florida’s bars closed in accordance with DeSantis’ executive order.
“I don’t understand how having a kitchen makes anyone safer? I feel like if we’re safe, we’re safe; and if it’s still dangerous, it’s still dangerous. I don’t understand how this is an apples-to-oranges situation,” Bell said.
Sports Lounge bartender Courtney McGough somewhat sarcastically said, “I’m glad they (restaurants) can serve alcohol while I wait for another month. I really hope this isn’t too early.”
Swordfish Grill General Manager Bob Slicker said he’s not ready to resume sit down dining yet in the Cortez restaurant.
“For us to open, we must have everything in place. If one of my employees gets sick and I have to shut down for two weeks what good is that? I don’t feel comfortable with it,” Slicker said.
COVID-19 in Manatee County
As of Wednesday evening, Florida had 33,193 reported COVID-19 cases, 5,419 hospitalizations and 1,218 COVID-19-connected deaths, according to the Florida Department of Health’s COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard.
As of Wednesday, there were still no reported COVID-19 cases in the city of Anna Maria. Since the pandemic began in the United States there has been one reported case in Holmes Beach and one reported case in Bradenton Beach.
The Holmes Beach case was reported on April 2. The Bradenton Beach case involved 68-year-old Bradenton Beach resident Tom Sheehan, who died at a Sarasota hospital in late March while being treated for COVID-19 upon his return from a cruise ship vacation.
The FDOH Dashboard is updated at least twice a day. – FDOH | Submitted
As of Wednesday, Manatee County had 564 reported COVID-19 cases, 142 hospitalizations and 49 COVID-19-connected deaths. Of those reported cases, 394 were in Bradenton and 162 were in the 34208 zip code that contains portions of Bradenton, Ellenton and Samoset, making it the zip code with the most reported cases in the Tampa Bay region.
Also as of Wednesday, there were 24 reported COVID-19 deaths associated with nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other long-term care facility residents or staff members in Manatee County. There were 21 such deaths in Sarasota County. Manatee County ranks fourth-highest in the state in that category and Sarasota County ranks fifth-highest.
Ten long-term care facilities in Manatee County listed a total of 97 COVID-19-positive cases among residents and transferred residents and 81 reported cases among staff members.
Regularly updated county-by-county and zip code specific COVID-19 data can be found at the FDOH COVID-19 Dashboard.
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