BRADENTON BEACH – Retired contractor Robert Talham was appointed to serve as the next Ward 4 city commissioner.
Appointed during the Feb. 5 commission meeting, Talham will fill the commission seat vacated by Jan Vosburgh, whose 11-year tenure representing Ward 4 ended on Nov. 20.
“I think I can help the city,” Talham told the commissioners. “I’ve been a contractor for 50 years.”
Talham’s application indicated he would be out of the area from June through August and Mayor John Chappie expressed concern about Talham’s availability.
“Those three months are prior to hurricane season and also it’s budget time,” Chappie said.
“I will make myself available,” Talham said. “I escape the Florida heat in the summer and I have grandchildren up north I want to see.”
Talham said it would not be a problem for him to fly to Florida if needed and he would be available to phone in to city meetings.
“The only challenge I perceive is if there’s more than one commissioner that is missing. You cannot have more than two appear remotely,” City Attorney Erica Augello said.
Commissioner Ralph Cole made the motion to approve Talham as the Ward 4 commissioner and the motion passed unanimously.
Talham’s swearing in date will be announced by the clerk’s office.
Talham is required to take an ethics training class as well as training in public records law adherence and compliance with Florida’s Government-in-the- Sunshine Law.
“Right now, we’ll consider you as a candidate-elect,” Augello said. “Please do not talk to other commissioners about anything that could come before the city. That would be a violation of the Sunshine Law.”
BRADENTON BEACH – Commissioner Jan Vosburgh has decided not to run for another term.
But Election Day on Nov. 4 may not be Vosburgh’s last day, according to attorney Robert Lincoln, who represented the city at the Oct. 23 city commission meeting.
“This will be an early issue for your new city attorney,” Lincoln told the commissioners. “My understanding of the law is that she will remain in the seat for quorum and meetings until you go through the process of finding a replacement.”
Lincoln suggested that incoming City Attorney Erica Augello confirm his understanding of the law.
“Generally, under Florida law, you don’t leave office until somebody replaces you,” Lincoln said.
“If nobody stepped up right away, she would be in there until replaced?” Commissioner Ralph Cole asked.
“Right. I believe the standard is if nobody ran for your office, you hold on to it,” Lincoln said.
Lincoln said he had not done a deep dive into the issue, but he wanted to raise the issue to commissioners as it might affect the commission’s operations.
“We advertised for people who want to fill the vacant seat. If we didn’t have anyone from that ward step up, then it would be an at-large seat, limited for one year,” Mayor John Chappie said.
Vosburgh has been absent with excuse for the past several commission meetings.
The assistant Supervisor of Elections was unsure of the procedure without first studying Bradenton Beach’s city charter.
According to the charter; “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 (2) meetings then the successor shall be chosen by lot by the City Clerk from the nominees proposed.
In the event that no appointee can be found residing in the ward of vacancy, the Commission may appoint an individual who would otherwise qualify for elective office pursuant to Article III. Elections, Section 2. Qualifications of candidates for elective office.”
BRADENTON BEACH – The park across the street from city hall, referred to only as City Park, will be renamed after longtime City Commissioner Jan Vosburgh.
The discussion of the naming of the beach access park just south of the Beach House parking lot was introduced at the March 6 Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting by Mayor John Chappie.
“I put this item on the agenda, I also have it on the agenda for tomorrow’s city commission meeting,” Chappie said.
The impetus behind naming the park was the need to include it as a named park on a soon-to-be-released bicycle map.
“The Scenic Highway WAVES committee is developing a bike map, a scenic bike map and they are requesting that we officially name the city park, or come up with a name for that area,” Chappie said.
The printing of the bike map is going to be done by the AMI Moose Lodge. Chappie said the map is being produced along with a booklet called, “Your Guide to the Legacy Trail Sarasota and the Gulf Islands” at no cost to the city.
“The other cities have done the same thing, they have theirs ready and they’re about ready to go to print on this one,” Chappie said. “They would just like us to make a decision so that name could be on that actual map.”
City Attorney Ricinda Perry said it was a city commission responsibility to name a park.
“So, again I have it on tomorrow’s commission meeting agenda,” Chappie said. “I would like to see a nice name on the park, it’s the way we honor people once in a while. I’d like to have it called Jan’s Park or Jan Vosburgh Park. That would be my vote.”
“She’s been involved with a number of elected officials and mayors over the years and that alone is worth a Purple Heart,” Chappie added jokingly.
“I think it’s a great thought,” CRA member Ralph Cole said.
The CRA renaming recommendation was brought up at the March 7 commission meeting, and the commission voted unanimously to rename the area Jan Vosburgh Park.
BRADENTON BEACH – Michael and Nadya Kelly have responded to criticisms and concerns city officials recently expressed regarding their beachfront home and property at 402 Gulf Drive.
The city’s concerns include the potential removal of the Australian pines from the Kelly’s property near the intersection of Cortez Road and Gulf Drive.
On June 14, the Kellys sent a two-page letter to the Bradenton Beach City Commission, and also to the Community Redevelopment Agency, which includes all five city commission members and appointed members Ed Chiles and David Bell. The letter was sent in response to comments City Commissioner and CRA member Jan Vosburgh and CRA member Chiles made during the June 2 CRA meeting.
“I think those Australian pine trees, as you come down Cortez Bridge, are a real eyesore. Most importantly, I think it’s very dangerous. I’ve been talking about this for quite a few years. They should be removed,” Vosburgh said on June 2.
“I am familiar with the condemnation of property. I think we should work very hard at getting rid of that house because that is a terrible eyesore and it doesn’t look like it’s getting any better,” Vosburgh also said in reference to possible state condemnation of the Kellys’ property.
On more than one occasion, Commissioner and CRA member Jan Vosburgh has requested the removal of the Australian pines at the Gulf Drive/Cortez Road intersection. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
During that same meeting, Chiles said, “Australian pines are invasive. They have been designated by the state as invasive – that they shall be taken out, not can be. Jan could not be more right. Those trees are a tremendous hazard right at the most important intersection in the city of Bradenton Beach. When the big storm hits, they’re going over and that’s going to be a real impediment when our public service people are the only people out here trying to saw through all of that.”
At the conclusion of the June 2 discussion, Public Works Director Tom Woodard was directed to get cost estimates for the possible removal of the Australian pines.
Kellys’ response
City Attorney Ricinda Perry read the Kellys’ letter into the public record during the Thursday, June 17 city commission meeting. The letter notes the Canadian residents purchased their Bradenton Beach home in 1989.
“Like many Canadian and American snowbirds, we spend a substantial amount of time in this island paradise. Our children and their families also visit throughout the year, creating a sanctuary where we continue to create lasting, loving memories,” their letter says.
Additional renovations and repairs are planned for this seasonal home at 402 Gulf Drive North. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Regarding the June 2 comments, the letter says, “Such comments would suggest that the elected commissioner is not supporting her constituents in a fair and just manner. A commissioner, or anyone appointed to a committee, best serves the community by upholding ethical values that create a conducive working relationship, and a sense of pride and camaraderie amongst the constituents.
“While Mr. Chiles is correct in asserting that the Australian pine has been declared as ‘invasive’ by the State of Florida, his use of the term ‘shall’ seems to overlook the primacy of the owner in this decision. For example, on Feb. 6, 2006, the Sanibel City Council passed Ordinance 06-021 confirming ‘the rights of private property owners to retain Australian pines that currently exist on their private property,’ except in cases where they present an imminent danger. Similar ordinances represent the current disposition throughout Florida,” the Kellys’ letter states.
Some city officials are concerned about these Australian pines toppling and blocking the Gulf Drive/Cortez Road intersection. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Gulf Drive, Cortez Road and the adjacent rights of way in Bradenton Beach are controlled by the state of Florida.
“Although we have not heard from the Florida Department of Agriculture, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Department of Transportation or any other state department that our trees pose an immediate threat, we wish to work cooperatively with the city commission. To this end, we would be prepared to discuss with the city commission the possibility of replacing, at its cost, the Australian pines with an indigenous species that would provide us with the windbreak protection that we have enjoyed from the current trees. This may likely remove any perceived danger to the area while further enhancing the entry to Anna Maria Island,” the Kellys’ letter states.
The Kellys are willing to have their Australian Pines replaced at the city’s expense. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“It has been confirmed that the city had absolutely no interest in seeking state condemnation of the property or evoking eminent domain rights. We believe that the commission is sincere in this regard and that the commission will continue to respect our private property rights,” the letter states.
According to the letter, the Kellys’ home sustained significant damage during Hurricane Irma in 2017 and substantial repairs were then made in 2018.
“Further repairs were expected to be made in 2020, but plans were postponed by the COVID-19 pandemic. We intend to restore, in a timely fashion, the exterior of the home to reclaim its native Florida character,” their letter says.
When Perry finished reading the letter aloud, Mayor John Chappie said, “I did talk with one of the Kelly’s daughters. They are in for the long haul as residents, they’ve just had some obstacles that are very tough to overcome.”
BRADENTON BEACH – City officials would like to remove the Australian pines along the west side of the Cortez Road/Gulf Drive intersection.
The pines appear to be primarily located on residential property at 402 Gulf Drive N., owned by Michael and Nadya Kelly. The Kellys live in Canada and are longtime seasonal visitors to Bradenton Beach since purchasing the beachfront property in 1989. Some of the Australian pines in question may be located in the state-owned Gulf Drive right of way.
City Commissioner Jan Vosburgh requested the issue be addressed during the Wednesday, June 2 Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting. Vosburgh is concerned the pines could topple during a major storm and block the primary evacuation and re-entry route for the city.
“I think those Australian pine trees, as you come down Cortez Bridge, are a real eyesore. Most importantly, I think it’s very dangerous. I’ve been talking about this for quite a few years. They should be removed,” Vosburgh said.
Vosburgh again suggested seeking state condemnation of the residential structure or invoking eminent domain rights.
“I am familiar with the condemnation of property. I think we should work very hard at getting rid of that house because that is a terrible eyesore and it doesn’t look like it’s getting any better,” Vosburgh said.
Michael and Nadya Kelly own the residential property at 402 Gulf Drive N. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Commissioner Jake Spooner asked if anyone with the city has looked into what could possibly be done regarding the removal of the Australian pines. He also asked whether anyone from the city has researched how far the state right of way extends westward toward the Kellys’ property.
CRA member Ed Chiles owns the Beach House restaurant property directly south of the Kellys’ property. For his Mar Vista Dockside restaurant in Longboat Key, he previously purchased Australian pine benches designed by Sarasota architect Barron Schimberg and manufactured from fallen Australian pines. Earlier this year, the CRA paid for four Australian pine benches to installed in the pocket park in front of the Bradenton Beach Post Office.
“Australian pines are invasive. They have been designated by the state as invasive – that they shall be taken out, not can be. They have an acid mass that kills all the bio-diversity underneath them. Jan could not be more right. Those trees are a tremendous hazard right at the most important intersection in the city of Bradenton Beach. When the big storm hits, they’re going over and that’s going to be a real impediment when our public service people are the only people out here trying to saw through all of that,” Chiles said.
City officials believe these Australian pines at the Cortez Road/Gulf Drive intersection pose a threat to public safety. – Joe Hendricks
“Conversely, there is tremendous opportunity there. That is the gateway to Bradenton Beach. Whether it’s condemnation, a (traffic) circle there or an icon there, it’s a tremendous opportunity and I thank you for bringing it up,” Chiles said.
“I know somebody that will take those trees, dry them out and make furniture out of them,” he added.
In October 2019, City Engineer Lynn Burnett told the city commission the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) intends to construct a roundabout at the intersection in conjunction with the construction of the new Cortez Bridge that’s expected to begin in 2026.
In April, Burnett presented the commission with her final plans for an FDOT-funded beautification and landscaping project that calls for the future removal of several Australian pines along Gulf Drive North. Those plans do not include the Kelly property.
Wednesday’s discussion concluded with the commission directing Public Works Manager Tom Woodard to get cost estimates for the removal of the Australian pines located on the Kellys’ property and/or the state right of way.
The Sun was unable to reach the Kellys, who have not been able to return to Bradenton Beach from Canada due to the pandemic, according to Mayor John Chappie.
BRADENTON BEACH – In the upcoming fall elections, Bradenton Beach voters will again be asked if they want to eliminate the term limits currently imposed on the city’s elected mayor and city commissioners.
The City Commission on Thursday unanimously supported on first reading an ordinance that provides ballot language for the possible elimination of term limits. The ordinance will be provided to the Supervisor of Elections Office after being adopted on second and final reading on Thursday, June 3.
This ballot language is expected to appear on the 2021 ballot for Bradenton Beach voters. – City of Bradenton Beach | Submitted
The ballot language, drafted by City Attorney Ricinda Perry, says: “The current city charter provides that no person may hold the same elected office for more than three consecutive terms, or portions thereof, with each term lasting two years. Should the city amend its charter removing term limits, while maintaining the requirement that each term shall last for two years?”
Voters will be asked to vote yes or no on that question.
Bradenton Beach is the only city on Anna Maria Island that imposes term limits on its elected officials.
Due to a previously adopted charter amendment regarding commission candidate residency requirements, there was some confusion in 2016 as to whether the city’s term limits had inadvertently been eliminated by the voter-adopted residency amendment. Clarification was then sought from city voters during the 2016 elections and Bradenton Beach voters determined they wanted the existing term limits to remain in effect.
Those election results resulted in commissioners Ed Straight and Jan Vosburgh term-limiting out of office. In 2019, Vosburgh was elected to serve another two-year term and she plans to seek reelection in the fall. Mayor John Chappie’s term also expires in November and he’s expected to seek another term.
During Thursday’s meeting, Chappie said he’s remained silent on term limits, but he has and does fully support eliminating them – in part because there are now fewer full-time residents and fewer potentially interested commission candidates in the city.
Vosburgh said she fully supports eliminating term limits, too. She cited the knowledge experienced commissioners bring to the commission and the learning curve new commissioners must navigate.
Commissioner Jan Vosburgh term-limited out of office and was later elected to serve again. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Commissioner Jake Spooner is serving his third term in office, a term that expires in November. Spooner has run unopposed in all three of his commission races and has not announced whether he will seek reelection, although he has informally expressed interest in serving another term.
Perry also has informally expressed her opinion that Spooner can seek another term because some of his time in office has been served as an at-large commissioner and some has been served as the Ward 1 commissioner. This is due to city voters eliminating and later restoring the city’s four geographically determined commission wards. Perry has not yet provided a formal legal opinion on this matter, nor has the commission directed her to do so.
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.
Updated Aug. 18, 2019 – BRADENTON BEACH – When informed that former City Commissioner Jan Vosburgh plans to challenge him for his Ward 3 commission seat, Commissioner Randy White said today he will not seek re-election.
“With reconsideration, I am withdrawing my candidacy for city commission. I recognize my inability to schedule my physical attendance at short-notice special meetings,” White stated in a text message he sent to The Sun.
White has missed several recent city meetings and in the past six months has participated in many meetings by phone.
White said personal considerations also factored into his decision. His wife is a Canadian citizen who lives in Toronto.
“It is the responsibility for all candidates to commit that they will be physically able to serve the residents. I appreciated the opportunity to be your commissioner and encourage others to run,” White said in his text message.
Last week, Vosburgh and White filed their preliminary paperwork with the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office. The preliminary forms name the candidates’ campaign treasurers and state they understand the requirements placed on them by Chapter 106 of the Florida Statutes.
Vosburgh served 6½ years as a Bradenton Beach commissioner before she term-limited out of office in 2016.
Former commissioner Jan Vosburgh seeks a return to the Bradenton Beach commission. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“I’m proud of my past accomplishments as a commissioner. The city is running well under Mayor John Chappie and I want to be part of the work that still needs to be done. If elected, I will be devoted to serving our citizens and the city,” Vosburgh said.
Ward reconfiguration
White is serving the second year of his inaugural two-year term in office. He took office in 2017 after defeating incumbent commissioner Ralph Cole in the Ward 3 race.
In 2017, city voters also eliminated the city’s geographically-based commission wards and Cole was later appointed to fill the commission seat Chappie vacated after he won the mayor’s race in that same election cycle.
In 2018, Cole and Marilyn Maro were elected as at-large commissioners. That year, city voters also restored the commission wards in support of a charter amendment proposed by the charter review committee.
Earlier this year, when the city commission established the ward boundaries that now apply to the 2019 elections, the boundaries were changed in a manner that left White in Ward 3 and placed Cole in Ward 4.
Due to the 2017 elimination of wards and the 2018 restoration of wards, White would not have been eligible to run in 2019 had those boundaries not been changed. Ward 3 now encompasses the entire area between the south side of the Cortez Bridge and the southern city limits at the Longboat Pass Bridge.
The southern boundary of Ward 4 is now the north side of the Cortez Bridge. In 2020, Cole will be eligible to run for election as the Ward 4 commissioner if he wishes.
Other races
As of today, no additional candidates had filed preliminary paperwork to run against Chappie in the mayor’s race or Commissioner Jake Spooner in the Ward 1 commissioner’s race.
Bradenton Beach’s week-long candidate qualifying period begins at noon on Monday, Aug. 26 and ends at noon on Friday, Aug. 30.
For more qualifying information, visit the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections website or call the city clerk’s office at 941-778-6311.
