HOLMES BEACH – Anna Maria Island businessman Jake Spooner now plans to demolish the old Wells Fargo bank building at the corner of Gulf Drive and Marina Drive and build a new building in its place.
He hopes the construction of his building will begin as early as March, if all goes well.
In December 2024, the Holmes Beach City Commission approved the site plan for Spooner’s mixed-use project that will feature his ground-level Island Bazaar retail store, an outdoor miniature golf course and a small, stand-alone arcade. Some of the ground-level space will be leased to the Fudge Factory candy and ice cream shop and the second floor will be leased to Ben Sato for a 125-seat, family-friendly restaurant and bar called Mingo’s.
This rendering was presented to the city commission during the site plan approval process in late 2024. – City of Holmes Beach | Submitted
Spooner originally hoped to salvage some of the old bank building’s primary structure, but his engineer recently informed him that constructing a new building is a better option.
When speaking to The Sun, Spooner said, “They originally designed the building to meet FEMA’s 50% rule, but about six months ago we realized we’re not going to meet the 50% rule. Then it was a matter of what part of the existing building do we keep? There was discussion back and forth about retaining the two-story section. The two-story section was built with steel columns, but the second-floor ceilings aren’t the ideal height.
“Then we needed cost figures for the different options, so we had to wait for that. It was then determined that we have to tear down the whole structure. We’ll have a brand-new, flood-proofed building instead of having a portion of a building that’s 60-70 years old,” Spooner explained.
“They’re redesigning the project to include the new building and hopefully the design work will be done in a week or two, if all goes well. We’re going to ask the city for a demolition permit so we can remove the old building and we might have that as early as this week.
“When the city issues us the demo permit, we can start removing the old building. In the meantime, the architect and the engineers will be working on new drawings to submit to the city so we can get a building permit when we’re done with the demolition,” Spooner said.
“If all goes well, we’re hoping construction can start as early as March and then we’re looking at a 10-to-12-month construction project. Nothing’s being changed on the site plan. It was just a matter of salvaging the existing structure, or not.”
Spooner emphasized that the city of Holmes Beach has not contributed to the delays in any way.
“The city and the city staff have been pleasant, nothing but helpful and a pleasure to work with,” he said.
When contacted by The Sun, Holmes Beach Director of Development Services Chad Minor said, “We were made aware of the engineer’s recommendation not to utilize the existing structure.”
Minor said a demolition permit will be needed for the removal of the existing structure.
Minor said if the new plans remain consistent and compliant with the original site plan, then no additional city commission approval would be needed. Minor said he and city staff will review the new plans, when submitted, for consistency and compliance and determine if any additional city commission approval is needed.
HOLMES BEACH – City and county officials hoped to use businessman Jake Spooner’s boat slip in the Waterline resort marina as a Gulf Islands Ferry stop, but the current county-owned pontoon boats are too large to safely navigate that limited space.
To be used in conjunction with the Island Bazaar commercial building that Spooner is developing on the former Wells Fargo bank property nearby, Spooner’s boat slip is located in the far southwest corner of the boat basin.
On April 1, Spooner, Holmes Beach Commissioner Dan Diggins and Waterline dockmaster Tom Jones met ferry captains Nick Francis and Jonathan Davis, ferry operators Trisha and Dennis Rodriguez and Manatee County Project Manager Jeff Anthony when they arrived at the resort aboard the pontoon ferry boat that traveled from downtown Bradenton.
Shown here behind the Waterline resort, the current ferry boats are 50 feet long and 15 feet wide. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
With the ferry docked at the rear of the Waterline resort property, the group discussed whether it was safe to bring the ferry boat, which is 50 feet long and 15 feet wide, into Spooner’s slip. Leaving the ferry where it was, the group walked over to Spooner’s slip and quickly determined the navigable space was too narrow for the ferry boat to safely navigate – a space made narrower by the motors projecting from boats docked on either side of the navigation lane.
The navigation lane leading to and from Jake Spooner’s boat slip is too narrow for the current ferry boats to safely navigate.
Diggins and some of the others then walked over to the northwest corner of the boat basin to examine a large corner slip in the Keyes Marina portion of the boat basin. Dockmaster Jim Keyes told the group the slip that was then vacant is occupied long-term by a boat that departed earlier that morning.
They also looked at a slip located next to the Keyes Marina boat ramp and agreed that none of the options examined that day were viable for the ferry boats, but a smaller boat (30 feet long and 10 feet wide) already owned by the ferry operators might work. Although intrigued by that idea, Diggins acknowledged the smaller boat would pose some logistical challenges as to how and where passengers transition from a larger boat to a smaller boat.
Jake Spooners boat slip is located in the bottom left corner of this photo. – Google Maps | Submitted
The Kingfish Boat Ramp on Manatee Avenue has also been discussed as a potential ferry stop. That area would provide ample docking space but would require docking renovations that could cost the county a few million dollars. The boat ramp is located about a half-mile from Manatee Beach and does not provide the walkability and easy access to restaurants, businesses and other destinations as the boat basin in the heart of the Holmes Beach business district.
Last year, Diggins and Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione met with Waterline management about using the spacious docking at the rear of the resort as a ferry stop, but for various reasons the resort management doesn’t want that docking space used as a public ferry landing.
With the ferry stop at the hurricane-damaged Anna Maria City Pier currently out of commission, the Gulf Islands Ferry service runs between downtown Bradenton and the Bradenton Beach Pier in Bradenton Beach. The ferry schedule can be viewed and tickets can be purchased at the Gulf Islands Ferry website.
HOLMES BEACH – Three years ago, Ben Sato opened his gRub tropical barbeque restaurant in Anna Maria. He now plans to open Mingo’s Rooftop Restaurant and Sports Bar in Holmes Beach with his brother, Jason Sato, as his business partner.
Mingo’s name is derived from the word flamingo and a flamingo holding a tropical drink is featured in the restaurant logo.
The Mingo’s logo includes a flamingo enjoying a tropical drink in a tropical setting. – Ben Sato | Submitted
The 125-seat, family-friendly restaurant and bar will occupy the second floor of the former Wells Fargo bank building at the corner of Gulf Drive and Marina Drive, at 5327 and 5325 Gulf Drive.
The former bank building and properties are being redeveloped by Island businessman Jake Spooner. The space leased to Mingo’s will sit atop Spooner’s ground-level Island Bazaar retail store and the space leased to The Fudge Factory candy and ice cream shop. Spooner’s business operations will also include a miniature golf course on the east side of the property and a small, stand-alone arcade.
The diagram illustrates how the Island Bazaar property will be developed. – Smith Architects | Submitted
Ben will oversee the pending interior buildout of the restaurant space and the day-to-day business operations when Mingo’s opens in late 2025 or early 2026. He recently gave The Sun a tour of the vacant space to be transformed into Mingo’s.
“I’ve known Jake forever. We grew up on the Island together. It’s a great location and being up top here will give us great visibility,” he said.
The wall behind Ben Sato will be removed and a new wall will be built about where he stands. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The exterior wall at the south end of the Mingo’s space will be removed so the interior restaurant space can be extended further south towards Gulf Drive, leaving enough space for a covered deck at the south end of the building. In the center of the deck area will be an artificial turf-covered play area where cornhole and other games can be played.
The cinder blocks indicate where the covered deck will be. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“The footprint of the building’s going to be the same. We’ll have a fun vibe with a turf area outside for the kids to play,” Sato said. “The restaurant concept is elevated bar food – bar food with a little twist on it.”
The Mingo’s menu will include “Tachos” (nachos made with tater tots), other types of nachos, chicken wings, seafood tacos, flatbreads, salads and more. gRub sells beer and wine but not liquor, so liquor service will be a new experience for Sato; and he’s already developing some signature frozen cocktails with a focus on tequila-based drinks.
“We’ll have full liquor but it’s not going to be a party atmosphere. This concept will be more focused on kids because of the miniature golf course and that’s how I approached the menu, the layout and the vibe,” he said.
Mingo’s will open at 11 a.m. and close at 10 p.m., when the miniature golf course closes.
“We won’t have late-night hours,” he said.
The former Wells Fargo bank building will be transformed into the Island Bazaar, The Fudge Factory and Mingo’s. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The south end of the expanded interior space will feature an accordion-style door that can be opened to create an open-air feel inside the restaurant.
“We’ll open it up so it’s basically indoor-outdoor seating with a breeze,” Sato said.
Mingo’s will have a tropical appearance and feel that highlights the pink and teal colors often associated with Florida. The exposed “wave ceiling” will have cloth hanging from it that creates a wave effect when the breeze moves it.
“I learned a lot opening gRub and I’m excited to open Mingo’s,” Sato said.
HOLMES BEACH — A new family-friendly complex is coming to the corner of Gulf and Marina Drives now that city leaders have approved the site plan.
Business owner Jake Spooner is planning a second Island Bazaar at the new location with a putt-putt course, a fudge shop, a candy shop, an arcade and a second-floor restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining. The original Island Bazaar is at 3304 E. Bay Drive. Spooner’s Bridge Street Bazaar is at 107 Bridge St. in Bradenton Beach.
The site covers 1.3 acres and is planned to feature three separate buildings – one where the former Wells Fargo bank building is, a smaller one where the drive-through lanes were located on the east side of the bank, and a third for storage and the arcade. The smaller building will be home to a candy shop on the bottom floor and a fudge shop on the top.
The restaurant, which Spooner said would be leased to an independent operator, is planned to have 26 outdoor seats and 100 indoor seats.
This aerial rendering shows an overview of all the planned improvements and buildings for the former Wells Fargo bank site in Holmes Beach. – Submitted
The putt-putt course is planned for the area previously paved for the drive-through bank lanes. Mark Smith, who presented the plan for the property to commissioners, said a 6-foot tall fence would be installed to prevent golf balls from going into traffic and being a hazard on the road. The property is also planned to be surrounded by landscaping to reduce noise and potential hazards.
While commissioners and city staff spoke in favor of the project, noting that it ticks all of the boxes to receive a special exception as laid out in the city’s ordinances and land development code, residents weren’t as enthusiastic.
Resident Margie Motzer questioned the amplified music planned as background music for the putt-putt course. She said she felt the project would cause disruption for nearby residents.
Adjacent residential property owner Dan Howl said he felt it was a very intense use for the area and doesn’t want to see parking for the entertainment facility overflowing into adjacent parking lots or onto his street, Sunrise Lane. Howl said he’d like to see the traffic study that was completed for the project.
City Engineer Chad Minor noted in his staff report approving the project that he saw no significant traffic impact to the area as a result of the installment of the planned entertainment facility.
Resident Debbie Danziger said she’s concerned that the project will adversely affect residents and significantly impact traffic flow along Marina and Gulf drives.
“You’re just asking for trouble,” she said.
“I love the idea. I love the presentation. I’m just not sure we can accommodate it physically,” Anna Maria resident Perry Parkman said.
“All of the people involved in this project are Island residents,” Jason Sato said in defense of the planned complex. “Jake (Spooner) wants to be a good neighbor. Traffic is always going to be bad. It’s a bigger problem than one business.”
“I approve the project,” Commissioner Carol Soustek said during comments. “I think it’s a good one.” She said she has some concerns about the multitude of businesses planned for the site but thinks those issues will resolve themselves once construction gets underway and the project owners see what demand there is in the city for the planned services.
Once the vote was taken, Spooner stood to address commissioners and members of the public assembled for the meeting.
“Thank you very much,” Spooner said. “We’re going to be good neighbors.”
BRADENTON BEACH – Following the vacancy left by the Dec. 28 resignation of Commissioner Jake Spooner, city commissioners discussed the course of action to fill his position at a Jan. 4 meeting.
The discussion also included the possible redistricting of the city’s four ward boundaries.
Spooner, a commissioner since 2015 from Ward 1, ran unopposed in 2022 and was sworn in for a two-year term in November 2023. He said he resigned because of the state’s expanded financial disclosure requirements that now apply to all Florida mayors and city commissioners holding office as of Jan. 1.
Mayor John Chappie and Commissioners Ralph Cole and Jan Vosburgh attended the Jan. 4 meeting while Commissioner Marilyn Maro and City Attorney Ricinda Perry phoned in.
“There is a process our charter dictates that we go through,” Chappie said. According to Section 8 of the City Charter, Filling of Vacancies: “Whenever there is a vacancy, the commission shall propose by nomination one or more names of willing and qualified successors for the vacancy. The commission will then vote among the nominees to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term. If a majority of the commissioners are unable to fill a vacancy or vacancies after two meetings, then the successor shall be chosen by lot by the city clerk from the nominees proposed. If no appointee can be found residing in the ward of vacancy, the commission may appoint an individual who would otherwise qualify for elective office.”
“There are two things we’re dealing with that are both dealing with this particular issue,” Perry said. “One is the changing or review of the ward boundaries and also changing the numbers of three and four so they’re sequential in our city. Right now it’s one, two, four, three.”
Perry said part of last year’s charter review process was to make sure the four wards are evenly balanced for the number of registered voters.
“This comes directly with recommendations from the Supervisor of Elections,” Perry said. “If you recall it was almost a year ago, maybe a little longer, the city formally requested from the Supervisor of Elections their data and analysis.”
The Supervisor of Elections produces maps and boundary descriptions for the four wards, she said.
“The charter review committee had recommended the city redistribute that once that data was available from the Supervisor of Elections,” Perry said. “It wasn’t until much later in the year, almost right before the deadline for the November election, that the Supervisor of Elections produced that data to the city. And at that time (City Clerk) Terri Sanclemente and I had discussions with the Supervisor of Elections as to when would be the best time for the city to take up this issue and look at redistributing the voters. “
She said Assistant Supervisor of Elections Scott Farrington had asked the city to hold off until after the elections to avoid confusion.
“Now that the election is over, this would be the time for the city commission to look at those recommendations that came from Mr. Farrington,” Perry said.
She suggested the city take up the redistricting issue first, which is done by resolution.
“Once that issue is fully addressed, then I believe the city commission can take up appointments for Mr. Spooner’s seat,” Perry said.
If no candidate steps forward from Ward 1, Perry explained the next steps.
“Then it becomes an at-large seat temporarily for the remainder of that term,” Perry said. “Until the next election cycle, then it would become a ward seat again if anyone wants to run.”
Perry said the commission would discuss the issue again on Thursday, Feb. 1 at 6 p.m. in the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers, 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach.
Prior to that meeting, Perry said she plans to reach out to Farrington to ensure the data received last year from the Supervisor of Elections has not changed.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Bradenton Beach City Commissioner Jake Spooner has resigned because of the state’s expanded Form 6 financial disclosure requirements that now apply to all Florida mayors and city commissioners holding office as of Jan. 1.
Spooner is one of many city commissioners in Florida who recently resigned because of the new law and the impacts are also being felt in Anna Maria and Longboat Key.
The Form 6 financial disclosure requirements have long applied to elected state, county and city officials in some of Florida’s larger cities. The Florida Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis expanded the disclosure requirements earlier this year when creating the new state law that now requires elected city officials to annually file a Form 6 disclosure form.
All elected mayors and city commissioners in office as of Dec. 31 are required to file a Form 6 disclosure form by July 1. The expanded financial disclosure requirements also apply to future candidates seeking election to a city office, and to the nine appointed members of the Florida Commission on Ethics.
Bradenton Beach impacts
Spooner was elected in 2015 and remained in office since then. He tendered his resignation in an email sent to City Clerk Terri Sanclemente, Mayor John Chappie and others on Thursday.
“Please accept this letter as formal notification of my resignation from the Bradenton Beach City Commission and CRA, effective December 28, 2023,” Spooner wrote. “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve our community and work towards betterment alongside such dedicated individuals. My time on the commission has been deeply rewarding and educational. I have cherished the opportunity to contribute to our city’s growth and to collaborate on initiatives that have improved our residents’ quality of life. However, due to recent changes in the state law pertaining to financial disclosure requirements for city officials, I find it necessary to step down from my position at this time. Thank you for the opportunity to serve Bradenton Beach. It has truly been a meaningful period in my life. I look forward to watching the city continue to thrive and prosper in the future and know it is in good hands.”
While in office, Spooner suggested the city use its contracted lobbyist to pursue state appropriations. This led to the city receiving millions of dollars in state funds for undergrounding utility lines and other projects. Spooner also proposed the addition of the new finger docks at the Bradenton Beach Pier. He was also a proponent of using Community Redevelopment Agency funds to decorate Bridge Street and the city entrance during the Christmas holidays.
The remaining commission members will appoint someone to fill Spooner’s vacated seat. According to a Florida Commission on Ethics spokesperson, a commissioner appointed after Jan. 1 is still required to file a Form 6 by July 1.
Anna Maria impacts
When contacted by The Sun, sitting Anna Maria commissioners Mark Short, Jon Crane and Charlie Salem each said they were not resigning.
“I just hope it doesn’t discourage others from getting involved,” Salem said.
The city commission anticipated filling two vacant commission seats on Jan. 25. On Dec. 22, Anna Maria City Commission applicant Pat Olesen informed Mayor Dan Murphy and City Clerk LeAnne Addy that she was withdrawing her application for potential appointment to the city commission in late January. Olesen told The Sun she withdrew because of the Form 6 disclosure requirements.
On Thursday (Dec. 28), commission applicant John Kolojeski withdrew his application for similar reasons. In the email he sent to Murphy, Kolojeski stated he was reluctantly withdrawing his application after speaking to Joe Burns at the Florida Commission on Ethics the previous day and confirming that if appointed he would be subject to the Form 6 financial disclosure requirements.
Anna Maria resident John Kolojeski withdrew his application for potential appointment to the Anna Maria City Commission. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“In my opinion, the residents of Anna Maria did not need to know the value of an elected official’s oriental rug or art collection; such public information would most interest a thief,” Kolojeski stated in his email. “The most important information a voter needs is not required by the new law, namely does a candidate have financial interest in any business subject to actual or potential regulation by the city, e.g., real estate or construction, etc. What interests are financially supporting a candidate? Form 6 requirements I personally find onerous and irrelevant to the conflict issues of far greater importance.”
On Friday, commission applicant Susan Stephen withdrew her application, leaving Gary McMullen and Kathleen Morgan as the two remaining applicants as of 1 p.m. Friday.
In the withdrawal letter she sent to Murphy on Friday, Stephen stated, “I am withdrawing my name from consideration for the position of city commissioner. Unfortunately, the new laws will impede my desire to run. In my opinion, public release of my personal financial information is ripe for abuse. If I only was disclosing to the powers that be, it might be a different story. I must wholeheartedly agree with John Kolojeski and Pat Olesen that it’s an invasion of my personal information and subjects me to abuse of said information.”
On Dec. 13, commission applicant Sharon Wisniewski withdrew her application. It is not known if the new financial disclosure requirements factored into her withdrawal.”
If two new Anna Maria commissioners are on Jan. 25 as previously anticipated, the new commissioners will have to their first Form 6 by July 1.
Holmes Beach impacts
When contacted on Thursday, Holmes Beach City Clerk Stacey Johnston said no resignations were tendered in Holmes Beach. Johnston said she provided the mayor and commissioners with access to Form 6 training materials and other information well in advance of the new disclosure requirements taking effect.
After contacting the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office, Johnston confirmed that the city’s elected charter review board members will continue to file Form 1 disclosure forms when qualifying for election and will not have to file Form 6.
Holmes Beach Commissioner Terry Schaefer recently expressed his concerns about the financial disclosure requirements that now apply to elected city officials. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Holmes Beach Commissioner Terry Schaefer expressed concerns about the Form 6 disclosure requirements during the commission’s Nov. 14 meeting after attending a presentation that Florida Commission on Ethics Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel Steven Zuilkowski gave after the conclusion of the Nov. 9 ManaSota League of Cities meeting.
“It’s very onerous. It requires detailed financial information, down to the bank accounts, their respective balances, securities and net worth. Is this going to thwart people in the future from even considering running if they have to open their financial statements to the public?” Schaefer said.
Schaefer questioned whether the disclosure requirements would also discourage residents from serving on the city’s non-elected committees and boards.
In response to that concern, Johnston said, “It is not for the committees. It’s only for the elected officials, which are the six of you.”
Longboat Key, statewide impacts
After taking office in March, Longboat Key Town Council member Debbie Murphy submitted her resignation letter on Nov. 20 and her resignation took effect Dec. 24.
“I feel my privacy is being infringed upon in being required to submit the new financial disclosure form and am unwilling to provide personal net worth information being requested. I find these requirements to be more onerous and intrusive than I am willing to share with the public,” she stated in her resignation letter.
Statewide, the new financial disclosure requirements caused many elected city officials to resign. According to various new outlets, four of the five St. Pete Beach Commission members resigned and at least 18 elected municipal officials in Pinellas County resigned. Three elected city officials in Pasco County resigned, the Naples vice-mayor resigned, three North Palm Beach City Commission members resigned and a Fort Myers Town Council member resigned because of the new financial disclosure requirements.
Disclosure requirements extensive
Most Florida mayors and city commissioners were previously required to file the Form 1 disclosure document that doesn’t require a disclosure of net worth. Form 1 requires the disclosure of income sources but not the amount of income received. Form 1 requires the disclosure of business interests, real estate holdings and major debts but does not require the specific amounts of those holdings and debts.
During the Florida League of Cities annual conference in August, Zuilkowski and Commission on Ethics Executive Director Kerrie Stillman gave a presentation titled, “Let The Sunshine In: Everything you need to know about Form 6.”
The presentation is posted at the Florida League of Cities website and provides detailed information about the Form 6 disclosure requirements and the now-mandatory electronic filing process.
Form 6 requires elected officials to report their net worth at the end of the previous calendar year. It requires the disclosure of all income sources and the amount of income earned. It requires the disclosure of bank accounts and year-end balances. It requires the disclosure of land and real estate holdings, tangible and household assets valued at more than $1,000, stock and investment accounts, financial debts and liabilities that exceed $1,000 and the amount owed to each creditor, with the exception of credit card debt and taxes owed.
Senate sponsor
The expanded Form 6 financial disclosure requirements are the result of the new state law created earlier this year with the Florida Legislature’s adoption of Senate Bill 774, and the matching committee substitute bill adopted by the House of Representatives. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the expanded disclosure requirements into law in May.
Sen. Jason Brodeur (R-Sanford) sponsored SB 774. When contacted by The Sun, Brodeur’s office said he was unavailable for a phone interview but his aide provided a written statement Brodeur shared with other media outlets.
State Sen. Jason Brodeur sponsored the Senate bill that expanded the financial disclosure requirements. – FlSenate.gov | Submitted
“Before the bill took effect, the following individuals holding public office were required to file a Form 6: The governor, the lieutenant governor, executive cabinet members, legislators, state attorneys, public defenders, clerks of circuit courts, sheriffs, tax collectors, property appraisers, supervisors of elections, county commissioners, elected superintendents of schools, district school board members, Jacksonville City Council members – including the mayor, compensation claims judges, the Duval County Superintendent of Schools, Florida Housing Finance Corporation Board members, Florida Prepaid College Board members and members of each expressway authority, transportation authority, bridge authority or toll authority,” Brodeur stated.
“City officials, presumably with the highest spending authority and the lowest vote count thresholds, have very little transparency, so the bill lined them up with everyone else in public office,” he stated.
“The Florida Commission on Ethics said during their public testimony when the bill was heard in committee that more people filed to run for public office last year than ever before, so there likely won’t be a lack of good people running for office. Similar arguments were made by county commissions, school boards and constitutional officers when it became a requirement that they submit a Form 6, and we’ve had no shortage of candidates for any of those positions,” he stated.
“I’m not so much concerned about their pay as I am about their spending authority. It takes 82 votes in the Legislature to spend taxpayer dollars. In a city, you can spend tens of millions of dollars with as little as three votes. Taxpayers deserve transparency. If a simple disclosure that hundreds of other elected officials already do makes someone quit, then voters should be glad,” Brodeur stated.
Ethics Commission insights
When contacted by The Sun, Stillman provided additional insights on the Form 6 financial disclosure requirements first promulgated in 1977.
“It is not a new form. It has been around for decades. It’s a new requirement for city commissioners and mayors. The biggest difference between Form 1 and Form 6 is the requirement to provide net worth and to list specific income amounts,” Stillman said.
“This change is something that’s been recommended by the (Ethics) Commission since 2015 or 2016. Over the years, it has been in bills that have been debated in legislative committees, and the Florida League of Cities was closely following and active in the issue,” she said.
“The state of Florida has very broad public records laws and prioritizes transparency. The filing of financial disclosure forms does provide transparency to the public. The ethics laws, the disclosure requirements and the transparency are designed to help bolster the public’s trust in their government and help identify potential conflicts of interest. The exercise of an official completing the form each year helps the official remember where their interests are and helps them avoid potential conflicts of interest,” Stillman said.
Stillman said Form 6 filers are not asked to provide bank account numbers, social security numbers and other sensitive information. She noted the new law also eliminates paper filing and requires all Form 6 filings to be done electronically using the Ethics Commission’s online filing system.
When qualifying to run for a mayoral or city commission seat, non-incumbent candidates must now fill out Form 6, print a copy of the filed form and submit it to the applicable election qualifying officer, which is generally the supervisor of elections office. Incumbent city candidates seeking reelection must provide their qualifying officer with a printed receipt of their most recent Form 6 filing.
When asked, Stillman said elected fire district board members are not required to file a Form 6 and will continue to file Form 1.
“Currently, there are about 26,000 Form 6 filers. With the addition of city officials, we anticipate that amount will double. Our staff is prepared to assist all these officials as they transition to this new form. They’ll have access to our filing system beginning in January,” Stillman said.
She noted that financial disclosure forms, a video tutorial and answers to frequently asked questions are available at the Ethics Commission website.
“We’re ready to help the folks comply and adjust to the Form 6 requirement,” Stillman said.
The original version of this story was updated on Friday, Dec. 29 at 1:25 pm
BRADENTON BEACH – A 6.5-hour city commission public hearing on Nov. 16 for a proposed hotel/restaurant/retail project on Bridge Street and Gulf Drive led to warnings that something more impactful could be built if it is not approved.
Commissioner Ralph Cole suggested a reduction in the proposed 106 hotel rooms to alleviate parking issues. The applicants’ representatives pushed back.
The applicants’ Bradenton attorney, Stephen Thompson, said his clients are close to their breaking point on numbers, and architect Shaun Luttrell indicated the alternative to the hotel project for the applicants could be a mixed-use building on Bridge Street and multi-unit rental properties along Third Street South.
The application for the hotel, a 60-seat restaurant, 2,485 square feet of retail and 99 on-site parking spaces was made by property owners Shawn Kaleta, a local developer, and Jacob Spooner, a Bradenton Beach commissioner.
The applicants are proposing a 106-room hotel along Bridge Street. – City of Bradenton Beach | Submitted
Three of the five commission members, Mayor John Chappie and Commissioners Jan Vosburgh and Cole, were present at the Nov. 16 hearing. Spooner recused himself from the meeting. Commissioner Marilyn Maro has been absent with excuse since January but was present by telephone for part of the hearing.
Cole expressed concerns about parking for the hotel.
Commissioner Jan Vosburgh, Mayor John Chappie and Commissioner Ralph Cole hear testimony at the Nov. 16 public hearing on the proposed hotel. – Leslie Lake | Sun
City Attorney Ricinda Perry responded by saying the applicants have the option to develop the property as is if the project is not approved.
“Am I correct that you produced images today showing you would build a ton of differently-owned rental properties on Third Street South and then a mixed-use development on Bridge Street?” Perry asked Luttrell.
“That’s correct,” Luttrell said.
Luttrell said each of those rental properties would have six units per house with parking spots underneath them.
“Can you testify or Mr. Thompson testify as to what this commission has to consider? There are essentially three things asked for in this development that do not adhere to the current strict zoning that you could build those, I’ll use your term, ‘party house row,’ ” Perry said. “They’re asking for a reduction in parking, they’re asking for a reduction in one of the setbacks and asking for 106 hotel units.”
“If the commission does not agree to give something under the planned development that looks like what has been asked for is there a point which the applicant does not find this financially feasible and would just go to the straight rezone, I mean to the straight current zoning and build what they’re entitled to?” Perry asked Luttrell.
“I’m sure there is a point within those numbers where they would stop the project and pursue a different avenue,” Luttrell said, adding that he didn’t know what that number is.
Luttrell asked if there were issues besides parking that needed to be addressed.
Chappie said he didn’t like the design of the hotel.
“Personally, I don’t like the look of it,” Chappie said. “I like the hotel idea in commercial, I like that idea a lot, similar to what’s across the street.”
“We’ll take everything into consideration and see if we can massage this plan a little bit to get closer to what you’re looking for,” Luttrell said.
Thompson said the applicants had made a number of concessions up to that point.
“We didn’t start at this number,” Thompson said. “We were a lot higher than this number. We’re almost at the breaking point, I’m being honest with you. One of our clients is more than happy to do the vacation rentals.”
“We want to continue with this, but then the issue is, ok, what is the number?” Thompson said, adding that his team will come back with a proposal in advance of the next meeting.
“I’m hopeful we can come to the right number,” Chappie said. “I do have the same fear of party houses.”
Commission vote
“You’ve been given over six hours of information and handouts,” Perry said. “It’s fair to say you need some time to think about things and there’s nothing to say when we come back on Dec. 7 that you can’t get into a substantive discussion.”
“We’re just not there yet,” Chappie said. “I think we can work something out here, I really do, the alternative – I don’t like at all.”
Chappie questioned the effect that the approval of the first reading of the ordinance would have on the ongoing discussion.
Building Official Steve Gilbert clarified.
“You have a first reading that’s been advertised,” he said. “That reading does not set a development order in place nor does it fully authorize a PD back later. I think you can clear your first reading of the proposed ordinance tonight, continue the hearing – I’m not calling it a public hearing, but it’s still an open hearing because we’ve taken public comment already – until the Dec. 7 meeting at which time then you would conclude the hearing and contemplate the second reading of the ordinance.”
“The ordinance just says it allows for a plan, and what we’re currently in the process of doing is determining what that plan is,” Perry said. “Before the second reading and adoption of this ordinance, there must be a plan figured out.”
“If you cannot come to an agreement and if you cannot establish a plan at the December meeting, everything goes away and we start over,” Gilbert said.
“This just keeps us talking, all at the table to see where we end up,” Chappie said.
Vosburgh made the motion to approve the first reading, and to set the second hearing, seconded by Cole. The motion passed unanimously 3-0. Maro was no longer on the call for the vote.
Based on the city charter, which calls for an affirmative supra majority vote by four of the five commissioners, the question remains as to whether the standing commission has the ability to approve the project.
Public comment
During the public comment portion of the Nov. 16 hearing, Seminole-based attorney David Blum, representing six project opponents, said, “As far as the conditions on this plan, if you all adopt the conditions along with the plan and don’t deny, you all are setting yourselves up for a lot of litigation, not from me, but you’re setting yourself up. There’s a part about special events applications that allows you to serve alcohol, which turns it into a commercial space. It gives you the ability to do away with the noise ordinance. So rock on.”
Prior to participating in public comment, speakers are sworn in at the Nov. 16 public hearing on the proposed hotel. – Leslie Lake | Sun
In a departure from the two Planning and Zoning hearings, in which a majority of speakers were in opposition to the project, nearly half the 20 speakers at the Nov. 16 commission hearing spoke in favor of the hotel. At least five of those were employees of businesses in which Kaleta has ownership interests – specifically Prime Vacations and Salt Bar & Table Restaurant.
The Thursday, Dec. 7 hearing will be held at 6 p.m. at the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers, 107 Gulf Drive N.
BRADENTON BEACH – A long-awaited public hearing by the Planning and Zoning Board on a proposed 106-room hotel at the intersection of Bridge Street and Gulf Drive South brought an overflow crowd to city hall, many of whom were opposed to the hotel project.
At the Nov. 1 meeting, WMFR Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski ensured the room’s 51-person capacity was adhered to. Audio of the meeting was streamed outside for those who were not allowed to enter due to over-capacity.
Some public hearing attendees stood outside city hall and listened to the hearing through an outdoor speaker because the commission chambers were full. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The Land Development Code application for the yet-unnamed Bridge Street hotel project includes the hotel, a 60-seat restaurant, 2,485 square feet of retail and 99 on-site parking spaces. Property owners Shawn Kaleta, a local developer, and Jacob Spooner, business owner and Bradenton Beach city commissioner, made the application on Dec. 2, 2022.
This architectural drawing included in the planning board meeting packet refers to the proposed resort hotel as ‘The Bridge Hotel.’ – City of Bradenton Beach | Submitted
The 4.5-hour meeting consisted of city staff recommendations, public comments and a presentation by applicant’s representatives.
No resolution was reached, leading to a continuation of the discussion scheduled on Monday, Nov. 13 at 10 a.m.
“We are meeting today for a public hearing to consider a major development consisting of a resort hotel, retail space, and parking, along with an ordinance by the City of Bradenton Beach amending the zoning atlas of the city of Bradenton Beach, for 1.61 acres, more or less, of real property located at 101, 105 and 117 Bridge Street, and 106, 108, 110 and 112 Third Street South, establishing a Planned Development Overlay District within the C-1 and C-2 zoning districts, providing for findings and providing for an effective date,” P&Z Chair Bill Morrow said at the start of the Nov. 1 meeting.
Planning and Zoning Board members Fred Bartizal, John Burns, Bill Morrow and Dan Morhaus reviewed the proposed hotel plans. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Planning and Zoning Board members were asked to confirm that they had no ex-parte communications concerning the project and that they had no conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise, in the hotel project. Board members Morrow, Fred Bartizal, John Burns and Dan Morhaus replied that they did not. Ken McDonough was absent with excuse from the meeting.
“There are two matters to be voted on,” attorney Robert Lincoln said, representing the Planning and Zoning Board in the quasi-judicial hearing. “One will be the question of the proposed major development, the site plan, and it has to meet the enumerated criteria, I think it’s section 407 or 410 of the code. The other question before you today is whether or not to approve the planned development overlay rezoning. That involves a separate vote and motions, and a separate, different criteria. You have to apply the competent substantial evidence you hear today to the extent you hear it, to the various criteria.”
“The interpretation of the code, the legal questions, are generally up to you,” Lincoln said to P&Z members. “In interpreting the code, you can take the advice of your city planners.”
The vacant former Freckled Fin property and the vacant former Joe’s Eats & Sweets property are part of the applicants’ planned development overlay district rezoning request. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Shawn Kaleta’s Bridge Street Resort LLC owns the Island Time Inn on Bridge Street that would be demolished to make room for the new hotel. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The Planning and Zoning Board is a recommending body that will either recommend city commission approval or denial of the proposed hotel project. The city commission has its own public hearings scheduled on Thursday, Nov. 16 at noon and on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m.
City planner recommends approval, with conditions
City planner Luis Serna AICP presented the staff report.
“I will just summarize the important parts (of my report),” Serna said. “To summarize the project, the parcels total approximately 1.6 acres. They’re located in a mixed-use Bridge Street Commercial Land Use category and the Bridge Street Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) district. The parcels currently contain commercial uses, including a hotel, two restaurants, previously developed vacant land and attached single-family dwellings… The applicants are proposing to develop this under the PD (planned development) regulations which are intended to provide flexible zoning overlays with the submission of a custom plan of development for the site.”
Bradenton Beach Building Official Steve Gilbert, left, and City Planner Luis Serna, right, recommend approval of the proposed hotel project. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Serna read from his Oct. 25, 2023, memorandum to the Planning and Zoning Board in which he cited the applicable land development code requirements: Sect. 211.4, Criteria for Zoning Map Amendments; Section 307.13, PD Overlay District and Section 410.7, Review of Major Development Plans.
In reading a section that provides for the review criteria for major developments, Serna said, “The project currently proposed 17 parking spaces that partially encroach into the right of way of Third Street South. This parking encroachment is similar to existing parking encroachments that occur along Bridge Street. This issue may be addressed as a component of the proposed PD review.
“The use will not cause substantial injury to the character of the area, and the value of the other property in the neighborhood, if subject to the conditions recommended below,” he said.
The proposed resort hotel plans include a rooftop deck and swimming pool. – City of Bradenton Beach | Submitted
Those conditions are that the hotel will be furnished with blackout curtains and education about the protection of sea turtles and prevention of ambient lighting from rooms facing the beach, and the applicants will provide an easement for access to the trash receptacles at Daiquiri Deck at 107 Bridge St.
“There is some encroachment into parking spaces on the right of way,” Serna said. “That could be handled as a part of the planned development process.”
Following Serna’s presentation, P&Z members drilled down on parking, potential overload of water volume and usage, traffic impacts and turtle lighting.
“There were two or three different times you said you were in agreement but requested additional information on some critical items to make a decision,” Morhaus said to Serna. “How can we evaluate this without the responses?”
Planning and Zoning Board member Dan Morhaus is concerned about the applicants’ request to reduce the project’s total parking requirements. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“That’s regarding concurrency management,” Serna said. “We have not received any information on that. Perhaps the applicant can address that.”
Serna said the applicants did provide reports on water and sewer usage as well as traffic impacts, and he is requesting additional information about adequate fire flow.
“If you had 106 rooms with toilets, will our sewage system be able to handle that?” Morhaus asked.
“We would have to have evidence from county utility companies,” Serna said.
Morrow expressed concern about the hotel lighting and its impact on sea turtles.
“The plans that were submitted were sea-turtle friendly fixtures with amber bulbs,” Building Official Steve Gilbert said.
“How many parking spaces are required for a 106-room hotel?” Burns asked Serna. “According to the attorney (Lincoln), we’re looking at a major development. We can’t look at PD until we’re done with deciding which way we’re going with the major development and then they’re asking for a rezone to the PD.”
“While you look at major development plan, you’re looking at what’s proposed,” Lincoln said. “They’re allowed to ask for relief.”
Lincoln referred to the process as a “chicken and egg thing.”
“They go together,” he said. “Rezoning is contingent on the site plan. The site plan is the basis for asking for relief on the PD.”
“We can’t see the degree of relief that is being asked for,” Burns said. “If we’re going to let them ask for it, we may as well know how much. We have a hotel of 106 rooms, how many spaces are required?”
“One space per unit and an additional 10%,” Gilbert said. “That’s 117 spaces and 15 for the restaurant.”
Serna said 133 total spaces are required, and the applicants are proposing 99 spaces.
Planning and Zoning Board member John Burns wants to know exactly how many hotel parking spaces the applicants propose and how many parking spaces the city’s land development code could require. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Burns asked if that includes staff.
“Right now, we’re looking at 117 for the hotel for patrons and staff,” Burns said. “Now we’re at 132? The restaurant is going to require staff.”
Serna said general standards for restaurants apply to patrons and staff.
“We would need to ask the applicant what the intended operation was to get a number,” Burns said. “We have no indication of how many retail units there are.”
“One space per 250 square foot gross floor area for retail,” Gilbert said.
“So, 2,450, we’re looking at 10 parking spaces?” Burns said.
“There’s 17 (spaces) on Third Street South,” Gilbert said. “There’s a number of existing spaces at the Daiquiri Deck that are shared. That is nine additional spaces and one or two handicapped spaces.”
It was noted that approximately two-thirds of each of those proposed 17 street-side parking spaces would be located on city-owned right of way.
The 17 proposed hotel parking spaces along Third Street South, shown at the bottom of this illustration, would be partially located on the city-owned right of way. – City of Bradenton Beach | Submitted
“This would be the utilization of city right of way,” Burns said. “This being the shared land use on both Third and Second (Bridge Street) where the property owners own a piece and the city owns a larger piece.”
“Those parking spaces, about two-thirds of each of those are owned by the city,” Burns said. “If those are removed, then we have a further reduction. The other issue is those parking spaces on Third have their access restricted to go through the hotel multi-use property. This is under the strict control of the facility, meaning the public has no access to public lands provided by the city. This is why I’m asking on the parking requirement.”
The parking report provided by the applicants is too vague for actual use, Burns said.
“When you add all these up, it comes up as more than 133. So, the applicant is asking for a reduction in parking? That issue concerns me,” Burns said.
“They’re talking about using shuttle services as a reason for reduction in parking,” he added. “We have taxpayer-supported parking spaces and we have taxpayer-supported conveyances that would be used for private enterprises.”
Morhaus suggested reducing the number of hotel rooms to meet the city’s parking requirements.
Public Comment
Seminole, Florida-based attorney David Blum and land planner Misty Servia were retained by Bradenton Beach property owners Bob Bolus and Christine Johnson, and hotel opponent Hunter Jensen. Servia said they also were representing the neighborhood surrounding the hotel. In a departure from the three-minute time limit to speak for individuals and five minutes for those representing others, Blum and Servia requested 30 minutes to address the board. They were granted 15 minutes.
During the hearing, attorney David Blum, left, represented Bradenton Beach condo owner and part-time resident Bob Bolus, right, and a group of citizens who oppose the proposed hotel. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“The applicant in this situation is seeking rezoning of a PD district, but the staff has not advertised or analyzed rezoning, which is a quasi-judicial matter,” Blum said. “The staff report indicates the applicant is adding the PD overlay administratively, which goes against statute.”
Blum asked for public records, which he was told were voluminous and would be provided after the meeting, based on what he said were comments by Bradenton Beach City Attorney Ricinda Perry.
“The comment is improper for a city attorney in a quasi-judicial hearing,” Blum said. “We shouldn’t have these conversations outside this hearing.”
Blum presented a copy of a Facebook conversation in which Perry apparently “liked” a comment supporting the hotel project.
Attorney David Blum presented a copy of a Bridge Street hotel-related Facebook comment that City Attorney Ricinda “liked” with a thumbs-up emoji. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
On Dec. 22, City Attorney Ricinda Perry posted this Facebook comment at the Island Ratz Unite Facebook page in response to other comments that were critical of the newly-proposed hotel project. – Facebook | Submitted
“There is no mention of rezoning in the notice,” Blum said. “The notice is defective which renders this proceeding subject to challenge.”
Servia, a former Manatee County commissioner and a certified land use planner with 34 years of experience, spoke next.
“I want to make sure Bradenton Beach does the right thing,” she said. “I want to make sure you follow your comprehensive plan and land development code. This redevelopment opportunity is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I want everyone to come together and get it right.”
Certified land use planner Misty Servia said the city’s comprehensive plan limits hotel/motel/transient units to 18 units per gross acre. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Servia read from the city’s comprehensive plan.
“This policy states that hotel/motel/transient units are limited to 18 units per gross acre,” Servia said. “That’s very important because that’s also transcribed in your zoning and land development code. The comp plan cannot be modified with the PUD zoning, and your comp plan limits the density to 18 hotel units per acre.”
The proposed hotel with 106 rooms on 1.61 acres is clearly inconsistent with the comprehensive plan, she said.
“The number of units should be decreased to 28 hotel rooms,” Servia said. “And the height or usable stories be reduced to three to comply with the comp plan.”
Servia also addressed what she said was a deficiency in parking for the hotel.
“The parking study was provided by the applicants because they can’t meet the minimum standard in your land development code,” she said.
After the meeting, Servia told The Sun that Bolus is prepared to file and fund a lawsuit if the project is approved by the city commission.
Twelve people spoke in opposition to the hotel project, many citing traffic and noise concerns. Two speakers, Jim Hassett and Drift In owner Derek Williams, spoke in favor of the hotel project.
On behalf of himself and other Capri Condo owners, Colorado-based architect Steve Steinbicker expressed the group’s opposition to the proposed hotel. The Bradenton Beach condo that he shares ownership of is advertised as an Airbnb vacation rental and is registered with the city as a vacation rental. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Longtime Bradenton Beach resident Jim Hassett spoke in support of the proposed resort hotel. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Additionally, 13 emails opposing the project were read into the record by Deputy City Clerk Christine Watson.
Applicant’s presentation
Stephen Thompson, a land attorney with the Najmy Thompson law firm, represented the project applicants. The presentation also included land planner Susan Swift, traffic engineer Nathan Poole and project manager and architect Shaun Luttrell.
Architect Shaun Luttrell and attorney Stephen Thompson represent property owners and project applicants Shawn Kaleta and Jake Spooner. Kaleta and Spooner did not attend the public hearing. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“This may be the most important decision the city is going to be making about Bridge Street,” Thompson said. “I think the city has been planning for this type of development for many years.”
Planning and Zoning Board member Fred Bartizal posed questions about hotel access for delivery trucks and garbage trucks and the use of city-owned rights of way for hotel-affiliated parking spaces. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, comp plan and land development codes identify Bridge Street as the commercial center, he said.
“We felt the city had laid the groundwork for this type of development, because all your plans really encourage this type of use,” Thompson said. “When you take this proposal and you match it against your CRA plan, this plan meets the goals of your plan.”
The Fudge Factory and Fish Hole miniature golf properties owned by Jake Spooner’s Bridge Street Bazaar Inc. are included in the hotel plans.- Joe Hendricks | Sun
Thompson said this is a superior plan and will set the standard for redevelopment in the Bridge Street area.
“We’re not asking for any special waivers on height,” Luttrell said. “We’re 29 feet above the design flood elevation. I hope I can put that concern to rest.”
In traffic and parking mitigation efforts, he said there will be shuttle service to and from the airport and a charge for onsite hotel parking to encourage the use of shuttle service.
Luttrell showed a slide showing parking spaces on Third Street South.
“I’m having an issue with the parking,” Morhaus said. “They’re asking for a variance and taking away 17 spaces from the city.”
Luttrell said an option would be to integrate parallel parking on Third Street.
“The fundamental issue appears to be parking,” Thompson said, suggesting that a revised parking plan be presented at the next meeting.
Poole said, based on a traffic study, the hotel will generate a car every two minutes.
“We’re not talking about a major traffic generator here,” Poole said.
Certified land use planner Susan Swift said the number of hotel rooms allowed should be based on the commercial development’s floor area ratio and not the 18 units per acre stated in the city’s comp plan. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Swift, an AICE-certified planner, disputed Servia’s claim that 18 units per acre apply to hotels.
“That density is meant for residential,” Swift said. “We don’t use units per acre, we use Floor Area Ratio (FRA) for commercial use.”
Swift also explained that the rooftop pool area is not to be considered a fourth floor.
“The LDC explains that excludes open-to-the-air areas,” she said. “This project does meet the height requirements.”
The experts disagree
“She’s wrong,” Servia said about Swift’s comments following the meeting. “They are grasping at straws. The comp plan states there are 18 units allowed per acre. If it only went by FAR, there would be hotels springing up all over.”
“You can never waive the comp plan,” she said. “It’s the law.”
The Nov. 13 meeting will be open to the public, but, as it is a continuation of the Nov. 1 meeting where public comment was closed, there will be no opportunity for members of the public to speak.
(Sun reporter Joe Hendricks contributed to this story)
BRADENTON BEACH – A major development permit application and initial site plans have been submitted for the proposed development of a hotel complex at the corner of Bridge Street and Gulf Drive South.
Architect Shaun Luttrell submitted the land development code/major development permit application and site plan documents on Dec. 2. The permit application lists Shawn Kaleta and Jacob Spooner as the owners of the various properties associated with the proposed development.
Kaleta is a well-known developer on Anna Maria Island. Spooner is a Bradenton Beach businessman and commercial property owner and a member of the Bradenton Beach City Commission and the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency. As a sitting city commissioner, Spooner would have to recuse himself from any commission discussions and votes pertaining to the proposed hotel development.
The submitted site plan proposes 206,987 square feet of total development with a total of 103 hotel units. The ground-level floor plan includes a miniature golf course located along Gulf Drive South and retail space located along Bridge Street, west of the existing Spooner-owned Bridge Street Bazaar and Daiquiri Deck building.
This floor plan illustrates the ground-level, first-floor elements of the proposed development. – City of Bradenton Beach | Submitted
The first-floor plan includes additional retail space east of the Bridge Street Bazaar building, the main hotel entrance, the hotel lobby, a coffee bar, a hotel lounge and hotel offices. The site plan indicates 114 regular parking spaces, eight handicapped parking spaces and four golf cart parking spaces for a total of 126 parking spaces.
The second-floor plan includes 47 hotel units, some with private balconies, a kitchen area, a dining area, a fitness area and a storage/maintenance area. The third-floor plan includes 56 hotel units, some with private balconies, a conference room, a spa and a housekeeping area. The floor plans also include a rooftop swimming pool and deck. The anticipated cost of the hotel project is not known.
Properties included
The permit application lists the following addresses for the properties that would be combined to develop the hotel and other amenities as proposed: 219 Gulf Drive S., 101, 105 and 117 Bridge St. and 106, 108, 110 and 112 Third St. S.
The currently vacant building at 101 Bridge St. is among those that would be demolished to make room for the new hotel. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
According to the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office, the property at 101 Bridge St. S. is owned by the 205 Sycamore LLC, which, as of April, listed attorney Louis Najmy as its registered agent and Kaleta as a manager and authorized person. The Najmy and Kaleta-affiliated Tampa Bayshore Trust LLC owns the adjacent hotel property at 105 Bridge St. and the property at 106 Third St. S.
According to the property appraiser’s office, the undeveloped property at 108 Third St. S., the neighboring properties at 110 and 112 Third St. S. and the commercial property at 117 Bridge St. are owned by Bridge Street Bazaar Inc., which, as of April, listed Spooner and his mother, Deborah Sniadach, as its registered officers.
The proposed development includes 103 hotel units. – Submitted | City of Bradenton Beach
According to the property appraiser’s office, the former Joe’s Eats & Sweets property at 219 Gulf Dr. S. (at the corner of Third Street South) is owned by AMI Plaza LLC, which, as of March, listed attorney William Saba as its manager and Firkins Nissan Inc. as authorized persons. AMI Plaza LLC is not referenced as a property owner in the permit application.
The Sun reached out to Saba and Najmy with no reply as of press time to determine whether AMI Plaza LLC is involved in the proposed hotel development.
Long road ahead
“The plans are very preliminary,” Bradenton Beach Building Official Steve Gilbert told The Sun on Friday.
According to Gilbert, a proposed development carrying a major development designation must be reviewed by the city’s Planning and Zoning Board and then approved by the city commission. Gilbert said multiple land development code interpretations will be required and multiple land use issues will need to be addressed before the proposed development can be advertised for public hearings before the planning board and city commission.
According to the permit application, the present and proposed zoning designations for the various properties are C-2 (general commercial) and the present and proposed comprehensive plan use designations are Mixed Use Bridge Commercial.
BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners plan to discuss the possibility of charging for parking in some city-owned parking lots.
During the July 7 city commission meeting, Commissioner Jake Spooner requested that a city commission workshop be scheduled to discuss potential paid parking.
“I was going to ask the board if there’d be any appetite to have a workshop on the possibility of paid parking in the city lots,” he said.
“I think that would be wonderful,” Commissioner Jan Vosburgh said.
“I agree,” Mayor John Chappie added. “We briefly discussed it a little while back and I know you’ve been working with the (police) chief.”
Chappie asked Spooner to work with City Clerk Terri Sanclemente to schedule the requested commission workshop, which will also include insight from Police Chief John Cosby.
He noted the scheduling of a commission workshop does not mean the commission is already committed to the idea of paid parking.
“We’re going to hear what Commissioner Spooner has prepared, and discussion with the chief, and see where we’re at,” Chappie said.
Past discussions
Spooner has suggested paid parking in the past. During the June 1 Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting, he suggested paid parking in city-owned parking lots as a means of generating additional revenue to help subsidize the CRA-funded Old Town Tram program; and to also help fund additional policing within the CRA district that extends from the Cortez Bridge to Fifth Street South. In response, Chappie said he didn’t want to see paid parking lots located all over the city.
More than a year ago, when discussing the potential replacement of the aging city hall building, Spooner suggested building a new city hall/police department building near the existing police department and public works buildings and converting the existing city hall property into a paid parking lot. Spooner estimated this would generate enough revenues to pay off the new city hall complex in 10 years and continue to provide the city with additional revenues after that.
In response to that suggestion, Chappie and Vosburgh expressed opposition to converting the city hall property located across the street from the Gulf of Mexico into a paid parking lot.
A new trend?
On Thursday, July 14, the Anna Maria City Commission is expected to approve a site plan amendment that will formalize the existing paid parking in a lot owned by Ed Chiles and the Sandbar restaurant ownership group.
Located near the Sandbar, the automated paid parking kiosk provided by Joshua LaRose’s Easy Parking Group charges $5 per hour or $30 for eight hours of paid public parking that is open to anyone on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking in that lot is not restricted to Sandbar restaurant patrons only.
One of the Sandbar restaurant’s parking lots now offers paid public parking. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
LaRose’s company also provides paid parking kiosks in downtown Sarasota and in Siesta Key. He is also the service and equipment provider for the Bradenton Beach CRA’s Old Town Tram service.
The anticipated approval of the Sandbar’s paid parking program may inspire other private and public property owners to follow suit as a means of generating additional revenues while also providing more public parking on Anna Maria Island.
BRADENTON BEACH – The Anna Maria Island Privateers staged a friendly fundraising invasion of Bradenton Beach City Hall Friday evening.
The invading Privateers captured City Commissioner Jake Spooner inside city hall and shackled him to the mast of the Skullywag – the Privateer’s 65-foot pirate ship-themed vehicle that dropped anchor in the City Hall parking lot.
Privateer John “Lil’ John” Rutherford tracked down Commissioner Jake Spooner inside City Hall. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
For good measure, the ransom-seeking Privateers also snatched City Attorney Ricinda Perry and Commissioner Jan Vosburgh.
Commissioner Jan Vosburgh proclaimed Friday to be Privateers’ Day in Bradenton Beach. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
In her quest for freedom, Vosburgh was forced to turn over a ceremonial key to the city and proclaim Friday, Jan. 8 as Privateers’ Day in Bradenton Beach.
Mayor John Chappie and the city commissioners were given advance notice of the pending invasion during Thursday night’s commission meeting. Armed with a plastic sword, Chappie put up a valiant but short-lived fight to prevent the Privateers from storming city hall Friday evening in search of Spooner.
Mayor John Chappie tried in vain to defend City Hall from the friendly invaders. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
In response to the ransom demands that Privateer Liaison Officer Tim “Hammer” Thompson announced from the foredeck of the Skullywag, Spooner, Perry, Chappie and the assembled citizens ponied up $650 in donations to free the captured city officials. The money raised during the ceremonial invasion will assist the Privateers’ ongoing efforts to provide scholarship assistance to local college students.
Standing aboard the Skullywag, and joined by additional chamber representatives for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce President Terri Kinder presented the Privateers with a proclamation that provides the Island-based non-profit organization with the authority to pillage and plunder their way about the Island during their year-long 50th anniversary celebrations.
Members of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce joined the Privateers aboard the Skullywag for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Friday’s festivities concluded with the Privateers inviting those present to join them in the celebratory sharing of snacks, grog and champagne. The Privateers then boarded the Skullywag and sailed over to the Drift In to continue their marauding ways.
The Privateers arrived at Bradenton Beach City Hall aboard their flagship, Skullywag. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Conducted entirely in the spirit of fun, fundraising and celebration, the theatrical invasion of City Hall was planned well in advance of the real-life events that unfolded at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C. earlier in the week. Similar fundraising invasions are being planned on the government fortresses in Anna Maria and Holmes Beach.
Thieves Market returns
Taking place in a new location this year, the Privateers’ seasonal Thieves Market will kick off at the G.T. Bray Recreational Center, 5502 33rd Ave. Drive W. in Bradenton, on Saturday, Jan. 16 from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.
The Privateers’ Thieves Market returns on Saturday, Jan. 16. – AMI Privateers | Submitted
The Thieves Market’s traditional Coquina Beach location is not available this season due to drainage, stormwater and landscaping improvements taking place there.
Thieves Market offerings will include pre-owned treasures, handmade jewelry, apparel, sporting goods, antiques, food trucks, baked goods, fresh vegetables, a kids’ zone, live music and much more.
The monthly pirate-style flea markets will continue on Saturday, Feb. 20, Saturday, March 20 and Saturday, April 17. Market admission is free for shoppers. Market vendors pay $50 per market date to secure a 12×25-foot vending space. Larger spaces also are available.
If you’d like to hawk your wares at the Thieves Market, please contact Kim “Syren” Boyd at 931-639-0986 or reserve your space online at the Privateer’s website, www.amiprivateers.org.
The proceeds raised at the Thieves Markets will assist the Privateers’ ongoing mission of “Pirates for kids and community.”
Scholarship fundraising party
Replacing the Privateers’ Christmas party that was postponed in December, the Privateers will host a scholarship fundraising party at the Drift In in Bradenton Beach at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30. The fundraising efforts will include the infamous ‘Lotto Board’ raffle that earns the winner a $100 bill and $300 worth of scratch-off lottery tickets that could be worth a pirate’s fortune.
BRADENTON BEACH – After a tie vote by the Bradenton Beach City Commission, face coverings remain mandatory inside Bradenton Beach businesses in accordance with Manatee County’s mandatory face-covering resolution.
Thursday evening, city commission members voted 2-2 on a proposed city ordinance that would have made face coverings optional but mandated that businesses post signs recommending face coverings.
The tie vote resulted in the proposed ordinance not being adopted, leaving the city still subject to the county face-covering resolution adopted by a 4-3 vote of the Manatee County Commission on July 27.
According to the county resolution, “An individual in a business establishment must wear a face covering.”
The county resolution includes exemptions for those who can maintain 6 feet or more of social distance inside a business, for children under 6 and for those with breathing issues or pre-existing medical conditions.
The county resolution does not apply in cities that adopted local face-covering mandates, including Anna Maria and Holmes Beach.
The county resolution is now being challenged in court by Pastor Joel Tillis and State Rep. Anthony Sabatini (R-Lake County).
The proposed Bradenton Beach emergency ordinance was modeled after the emergency ordinance adopted by the Bradenton City Council on July 15.
Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie and Commissioner Marilyn Maro supported the adoption of the proposed emergency city ordinance, which would have resulted in the city essentially opting out of the county’s face-covering mandate because the city ordinance would have superseded it.
Commissioners Jan Vosburgh and Jake Spooner opposed the city ordinance and chose instead to stay in line with the county resolution.
Commissioner Ralph Cole previously expressed opposition to the county resolution, but he was unable to attend Thursday’s meeting due to a family emergency.
Chappie was the only commission member who attended Thursday’s meeting in person. Maro, Spooner and Vosburgh participated remotely, as did City Attorney Ricinda Perry.
Proposed ordinance
Two days earlier, during the Tuesday, Aug. 4 emergency special commission meeting, the commission, minus Vosburgh, who was absent, directed Perry to draft an emergency ordinance modeled after the city of Bradenton’s emergency ordinance.
During Tuesday’s meeting, Perry said he had legal concerns about the county resolution and questioned its constitutionality.
Modeled after the Bradenton ordinance, the proposed Bradenton Beach ordinance presented Thursday evening said, “Each business establishment shall post a sign visible at each public point of entry, which sign shall either advise persons entering that face coverings are required or requested to be worn within the business establishment; or notify persons entering that the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the wearing of face coverings in public, particularly where social distancing cannot be maintained.”
Perry inserted additional language that said, “Notice shall also be provided that states that individuals with a religious, physical or mental limitation preventing them from wearing a face covering are exempt.”
Using language contained in the Bradenton ordinance, the proposed ordinance said, “The legislative intent of this ordinance is to educate and encourage members of the public to wear face coverings within enclosed business establishments. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to mandate the wearing of face coverings nor require the owner or operator of any business establishment to mandate or otherwise enforce the wearing of face coverings.”
Commission discussion
“Its purpose and intent is to do the least intrusive means that has not been legally challenged,” Perry said of the proposed ordinance.
She noted the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and the local law enforcement agencies are responsible for enforcing the county resolution.
City Attorney Ricinda Perry has legal concerns regrading the county resolution. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“The Bradenton ordinance takes that onus off the police officer and places it on those who are engaging in business. They need to be the ones who are policing the masks. It’s a bit of a friendlier approach towards the mask policy, as opposed to the Manatee County mandate,” Perry said.
“It’s mandating that businesses place mask notices on all of their locations, but it allows the business owner to decide whether or not they want to make that a mandate of their store or not,” Perry clarified in response to a question posed during public input.
Vosburgh referenced the 4-1 commission consensus reached during the commission’s emergency meeting on July 28. With Cole in opposition, the majority consensus reached that day was to not take any action and remain under the umbrella of the county resolution.
“Frankly, I was very surprised we put this on the agenda because we just voted on this a week ago. With what’s going on in Bradenton Beach, I reluctantly have to vote again to go along with the county,” Vosburgh said.
Spooner asked Lt. John Cosby if the city’s police officers had encountered any problems or confrontations since the county resolution took effect.
“No, we haven’t had any reported problems up to this point,” Cosby replied.
“I’d like to just stay in line with the county if there hasn’t been any problems with enforcement,” Spooner said. “I don’t want to have the businesses and their employees get in confrontations with people. Right now, it’s real easy for the employees to say, ‘It’s the law,’ and that kind of ends any confrontation.”
Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie supported the proposed city ordinance. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Chappie then made his motion to adopt the proposed city ordinance. After the tie vote occurred, Perry said the commission could continue the matter until next week, when Cole would be present to serve as the tie-breaker. Chappie made that motion and Maro seconded it, but Vosburgh and Spooner opposed the continuation and the motion failed as the result of another 2-2 vote.
The county resolution can be viewed and downloaded at the county website.
BRADENTON BEACH – The Bradenton Beach City Commission now recommends, but does not require, that masks or face coverings be worn in Bradenton Beach.
The Bradenton Beach Commission engaged in its first public mask/face covering discussion during its weekly special emergency city commission meeting this morning.
During the meeting, Mayor John Chappie and Lt. John Cosby, from the Bradenton Beach Police Department, also expressed concerns about an ad that recently appeared in the Miami Herald encouraging people to come to Anna Maria Island.
Mask discussion
The mask discussion was inspired by public comments made by resident Connie Morrow.
“One of the things I’ve noticed is that the commission has not discussed wearing masks. I would appreciate it if the members of the commission would discuss the pros and cons of wearing masks – or putting out a strong recommendation for people to wear masks in Bradenton Beach, especially given the continued increase (in COVID-19 cases). I’d like to know what your thinking is,” Morrow said.
Vice Mayor Jake Spooner responded first.
“Thank you, Mrs. Morrow. I know it’s a touchy subject for some. It’s not for me. I would definitely do what you’re saying – that we highly recommend everyone wear a mask. I know there’s certain issues with enforcement and things along that line, and I’m sure everybody has their own opinions and views on it, but I highly recommend everyone visiting or living in the city of Bradenton Beach please wear a mask and please follow all CDC and WHO guidelines. That’s the best we have to try and get control of the situation,” Spooner said.
Commissioner Jan Vosburgh held a slightly different view.
“From what I see, everybody is wearing masks. I don’t see people not wearing masks at the Publix. I still feel we should go by the county and the state, whatever they recommend,” she said.
Mayor John Chappie spoke next.
“I agree with Connie. I like the idea of the strong message. I think the program the county is starting, ‘Mask Up Manatee,’ is sending out a strong message,” he said.
Chappie said the city should put out a similar message, and he and City Clerk Terri Sanclemente could put together a public service announcement along those lines. He also said the Mask Up signs, when received from the county, will be distributed to Bradenton Beach businesses.
Chappie also suggested placing a mask message banner at the entrance to the city, at the west end of the Cortez Bridge.
Chappie noted one-third of the city consists of county-owned beaches (and boat ramps) and that attracts a lot of visitors who drive in from Hillsborough County and Polk County.
“Anything we can do to try to get them to be personally responsible is important,” Chappie said.
Spooner said he likes the “Mask Up” catchphrase because it’s short and catchy.
Commissioner Marilyn Maro said she liked Morrow’s suggestion about issuing a city recommendation. Maro said she’s observed many people in Bradenton Beach wearing masks, but she’d like to see the vacation rental management companies provide their guests with a written message that encourages them to wear masks when they are out in public.
Commissioner Ralph Cole then shared his view on masks.
“I believe that there are certain situations that you should mask up, especially people that are more susceptible and have the underlying conditions,” he said. “Everybody that needs to wear a mask should wear a mask and protect yourself.”
Cole said he would like the public service announcement to encourage the proper disposal of disposable masks.
“Encourage people not to throw masks on the beach and on the ground, leaving a contaminated mask laying around. I’m finding several masks every day dug into the sand,” he said.
Chappie said he’s seen a lot of discarded masks lying around too.
Regarding the coronavirus and the city’s response, Cole said, “It’s out there. It’s something we’re going to have to live with. We should not go above what the CDC does, what the state recommends and the county.”
Lt. John Cosby, from the Bradenton Beach Police Department, said the city has three sandwich board signs that could be placed along Bridge Street with new inserts that encourage people to wear masks.
Visitors to Bradenton Beach City Hall are required to wear masks or face coverings. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
BRADENTON BEACH – Running unopposed, Mayor John Chappie, Commissioner Jake Spooner and former Commissioner Jan Vosburgh each claimed two-year commission terms in a city that had no city elections this year.
Chappie, Spooner and Vosburgh will be sworn in at Bradenton Beach City Hall on Monday, Nov. 18 at 3:30 p.m.
Jake Spooner will serve a third term as Bradenton Beach commissioner. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Chappie, a former mayor and county commissioner, will be serving his second consecutive current term as mayor after defeating then-Mayor Bill Shearon in 2017.
Former commissioner Jan Vosburgh will return to the commission this month. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Spooner, a local business owner, will be serving his third consecutive term as a commissioner. He has run unopposed in each of his three commission campaigns.
Vosburgh will return to the commission after term-limiting out of office three years ago.
As city commission members, Chappie, Spooner and Vosburgh will also serve on the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) that has several CRA-funded projects in the works and in the planning stages.
John Chappie will serve a second consecutive term as the mayor of Bradenton Beach. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Vosburgh will take over the Ward 3 seat currently held by one-term Commissioner Randy White, who opted not to seek reelection. White works as a commercial airline pilot based out of New York and his wife is a Canadian citizen who lives in Toronto – a city he often spends time in while visiting her.
“I’m looking forward to serving the citizens of Bradenton Beach again, joining Mayor John Chappie and the other commissioners. I was a commissioner for six and a half years, so it shouldn’t take long to catch up,” Vosburgh said.
Incumbent Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie, incumbent Commissioner Jake Spooner and former Commissioner Jan Vosburgh are the only candidates to qualify for the three seats up for election in Bradenton Beach.
Now running unopposed, Chappie will serve another two-year term as mayor and Spooner will serve a two-year term as Bradenton Beach’s Ward 1 commissioner when their current terms expire in November.
Running unopposed, Vosburgh will serve a two-year term as the new Ward 3 commissioner, replacing Randy White. White did not seek reelection and his first term in office expires in November.
Commissioners Ralph Cole and Marilyn Maro are not up for reelection until 2020.
