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Judge rules in favor of FDOT in Cortez Bridge challenge

Judge rules in favor of FDOT in Cortez Bridge challenge

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News, Cortez.

CORTEZ – U.S. Magistrate Judge Anthony Porcelli has ruled against the four plaintiffs opposing the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) plans to construct a fixed-span bridge between Cortez and Bradenton Beach, granting FDOT’s motion for summary judgment.

With construction slated to begin as early as 2026 according to FDOT officials, the fixed-span bridge will provide 65 feet of vertical clearance for vessels passing under it.

The new bridge will replace the aging drawbridge that currently provides 17 feet of vertical clearance when the bridge is down.

As noted in Porcelli’s order, “The existing Cortez Bridge was constructed in 1956 to replace the original 1921 wooden bridge connecting Anna Maria Island with the mainland in Manatee County. As constructed, the existing Cortez Bridge consists of an undivided, two-lane, low-level bascule (drawbridge) structure. The results from several bridge inspection reports conducted since 2008 show that the Cortez Bridge has become functionally obsolete and structurally deficient.”

Judge rules in favor of FDOT in Cortez Bridge challenge
Built in 1956, the Cortez Bridge drawbridge is slated to be replaced with a higher fixed-span bridge. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

In the United States District Court Middle District of Florida’s Tampa Division, Porcelli issued his 57-page written order on Aug. 5. The order pertains to the complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief the plaintiffs filed in 2020.

The plaintiffs in the legal action are former Manatee County Commissioner Joe McClash, former Manatee County Commissioner and Cortez resident Jane von Hahmann and Cortez residents Linda Molto and Joe Kane. The complaint names FDOT and FDOT Secretary Kevin Thibault as defendants.

In part, the plaintiffs sought from the federal court:

  • A declaratory judgment that FDOT, when deciding on a fixed-span bridge, violated the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Administrative Procedure Act.
  • An order to vacate the acceptance/approval of FDOT’s Location and Design Concept Acceptance for a 65-foot-high fixed-span bridge that would have significant impacts on the surrounding community.
  • An order to vacate FDOT’s Type 2 categorical exclusion determination.

The plaintiffs also sought a 35-foot drawbridge option as a viable bridge replacement alternative that would not cause the same significant impacts as a 65-foot high, fixed-span bridge.

According to Porcelli’s order, the plaintiffs challenged FDOT’s decision to replace the existing 17-foot-high drawbridge with a 65-foot-high, fixed-span bridge, and FDOT’s decision to forgo an environmental impact statement or an environmental assessment and proceed instead using a categorical exclusion to the National Environmental Policy Act.

The plaintiffs contended FDOT violated the act by arbitrarily and capriciously relying on
an inapplicable categorical exclusion to exempt a major federal action – the construction of the new bridge – from FDOT’s obligation to perform either an environmental impact statement or an environmental assessment. Case law cited in Porcelli’s order

notes the National Environmental Policy Act establishes procedures for agencies to follow when addressing environmental impact issues and procedures.

“NEPA regulations authorize the use of exclusions for those categories of actions which do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment, and which have been found to have no such effect in procedures adopted by a federal agency in implementation of these regulations,” according to Porcelli’s order.

“Plaintiffs contend the Cortez Bridge Replacement Project does not qualify for a categorical exclusion, but FDOT disputes that contention. FDOT contends that the Cortez Bridge replacement project satisfies the criteria for a categorical exclusion,” according to Porcelli’s order.

Plaintiff reactions

When asked about continuing to challenge to fixed-span bridge, McClash said a potential appeal is possible.

Judge rules in favor of FDOT in Cortez Bridge challenge
Joe McClash led the legal challenge to FDOT’s proposed fixed-span bridge. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

When contacted by email, von Hahmann was more animated in her response to Porcelli’s ruling.

“Very sad and very discouraged,” von Hahmann wrote in her response to The Sun. “I feel like there is no road for the general citizenry to take to have their voices and concerns heard at any level of government anymore. I say that because we were involved as citizens from the get-go. In this last go-around, which started in 2013, we continually and consistently voiced our concerns and objections to a high-level fixed-span bridge.

“In fact, during public meetings held regarding this bridge, the vast majority of those who have to live with this atrocity asked that a lower level, less impactful choice be made. All total, there were 1,229 public comments received on the bridge. Of those, 863 citizens (70%) chose the no-build/rehab option or a 35-foot bascule bridge (drawbridge) replacement and 366 citizens (30%) chose a 65-foot, high-fixed bridge. The bottom line is residents of Cortez and Anna Maria Island, especially Bradenton Beach, be damned,” von Hahmann wrote in her response.

In 2021, McClash and von Hahmann asked the Bradenton Beach City Commission to join the legal challenge as co-defendants. The city commission declined that request.

Judge rules in favor of FDOT in Cortez Bridge challenge
In 2021, Cortez resident Jane von Hahmann encouraged the city of Bradenton Beach to join the legal challenge. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

In response to Porcelli’s order, Von Hahmann was asked if she’ll continue challenging the fixed-span bridge.

“No, I am done. I no longer believe we as citizens can challenge the government at any level and win,” she responded.

City of Bradenton Beach not joining Cortez Bridge lawsuit

City of Bradenton Beach not joining Cortez Bridge lawsuit

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News, Cortez, Featured.

BRADENTON BEACH – The city is not joining a federal lawsuit that opposes the replacement of the Cortez Bridge drawbridge with a higher fixed-span bridge.

The city commission reached this 3-2 decision on Thursday, Aug. 5 in response to plaintiffs Joe McClash and Jane von Hahmann’s final pleas for the city to join the lawsuit filed in March 2020 with the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division.

The lawsuit names the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the Federal Transportation Authority and the U.S. Department of Transportation as defendants. The federal agencies were later dismissed from the lawsuit and FDOT is the lone remaining defendant.

McClash and von Hahmann are former Manatee County commissioners and von Hahmann is a longtime Cortez resident. Cortez residents Linda Molto and Joe Kane are also plaintiffs in the lawsuit. During Thursday’s commission meeting, McClash and von Hahmann said the Cortez-based Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) – which von Hahmann is a member of – is joining the lawsuit as an additional plaintiff.

Mayor John Chappie and commissioners Ralph Cole and Marilyn Maro opposed the city becoming a plaintiff in the lawsuit. Cole said he didn’t think taxpayer funds should be used to oppose a replacement bridge that some taxpayers might support. Chappie again expressed his belief that the plaintiffs should have first sought assistance from the Manatee County Commission. McClash said the county commission has never expressed interest in joining the bridge lawsuit.

City of Bradenton Beach not joining Cortez Bridge lawsuit
Bradenton Beach Commission members Jan Vosburgh, Marilyn Maro, John Chappie, Ralph Cole and Jake Spooner were divided regarding the city joining the federal lawsuit. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The city commission previously agreed to join the lawsuit at a cost not to exceed $15,000. The commission later lowered its not-to-exceed figure to $5,000, but never officially joined the legal challenge.

During Thursday’s meeting, commissioners Jake Spooner and Jan Vosburgh voted in favor of the city joining the lawsuit. Vosburgh expressed her continued support for the city joining at a cost not to exceed $15,000.

Spooner asked whether the city could join the suit without financial exposure to the city and its taxpayers. City Attorney Ricinda Perry said joining any lawsuit could potentially expose the city to attorney fees of an undetermined amount.

McClash again expressed his belief that the plaintiffs’ case would be strengthened by the support of a city government – and that actually was more important than any financial support provided by the city.

McClash and von Hahmann said FISH recently initiated an online fundraising effort in the form of the “Stop the Mega Bridge from devastating Cortez” GoFundMe page. The donated funds will be administered by FISH and be used to help cover attorney fees associated with the legal battle.

Although they did not feel the city should join the lawsuit, Cole and Chappie said they individually oppose the fixed-span bridge and would contribute to the fundraising efforts. Vosburgh and Spooner said they would also contribute.

FISH will host a bridge-related town hall-style meeting at Fishermen’s Hall on Thursday, Aug. 12 at 7 p.m. The meeting is open to the public. Fishermen’s Hall is located at 4511 124th St. W. in the village of Cortez.

Mediation pending

McClash said a mediation session with the plaintiffs and FDOT is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 25. Stephen Tabano will serve as the mediator at a cost of $350 per hour to be shared by the plaintiffs and defendants.

City of Bradenton Beach not joining Cortez Bridge lawsuit
Fixed-span bridge opponent Joe McClash made a final plea for the city of Bradenton Beach to join the lawsuit. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Tampa-based attorney Matt Farmer will represent the plaintiffs at the mediation session and as the case moves forward. McClash said Farmer estimated his legal representation would cost approximately $25,000 in total.

McClash said the administrative record that details at great length FDOT’s bridge selection process was filed by FDOT on June 30. The plaintiffs were then given 45 days to amend their complaint and add additional plaintiffs. According to McClash, the plaintiffs’ amended complaint was to be filed by Tuesday, Aug. 10.

Regarding the standards of law that apply to this case, McClash said, “We have to find the actions of the FDOT to be arbitrary, capricious, abuse of discretion and otherwise not in accordance of law. That’s a pretty high standard, but I believe we have two major winning points.”

McClash referenced a law that changed in or around 2018 regarding categorical exclusions to the bridge replacement process that began nearly a decade ago.

“FDOT approved this 65-foot bridge in what they call a Type 2 categorical exclusion. There’s an environmental standard they have to comply with. Usually, they have to do an environmental study. They chose to do an exception. It’s important to note the law changed and they can’t take advantage of this exclusion if there’s a bridge permit required – and they need a bridge permit. Also, if there’s encroachments into the flood plain, they’re not supposed to take advantage of this exclusion,” McClash said.

“When they made their decision in 2019, this rule was in effect. The attorney agrees. They might have really screwed up. That would be to our advantage,” he added.

After Thursday’s meeting, McClash said he understood the city commission’s financial concerns but he was disappointed with the decision to not join the lawsuit.

Settlement offer

In August 2020, the plaintiffs proposed a settlement agreement that called for FDOT to rescind its plans for a fixed-span bridge and instead replace the existing bridge with a new drawbridge that would provide 35 feet of clearance when the bridge is closed. FDOT has not accepted that offer.

Built in 1956, the existing drawbridge provides between 17.5 and 21 feet of clearance when the bridge is closed, depending on the source cited.

In January, FDOT officials said the state agency plans to put the bridge replacement project out to bid in late 2025 and construction is expected to begin in 2026.

Bradenton Beach joining Cortez Bridge lawsuit

Bradenton Beach joining Cortez Bridge lawsuit

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News, Cortez.

BRADENTON BEACH – The city of Bradenton Beach is joining plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit that opposes replacing the existing Cortez Bridge drawbridge with a fixed-span bridge.

On Thursday, March 18, Mayor John Chappie and Commissioners Marilyn Maro, Jan Vosburgh and Jake Spooner voted in favor of the city becoming the fifth plaintiff in the federal lawsuit. Commissioner Ralph Cole did not attend Thursday’s meeting.

The commission-approved motion states the city’s legal costs are not to exceed $15,000. At the request of City Attorney Ricinda Perry, attorney Chuck Johnson will provide the city’s outside legal counsel in this matter.

In 2019, the commission unanimously adopted a nonbinding resolution opposing the proposed fixed-span bridge. The city will now join former Manatee County Commissioner Joe McClash, former Manatee County Commissioner Jane von Hahmann, a longtime Cortez resident, and Cortez residents Joe Kane and Linda Molto as plaintiffs in the federal lawsuit filed in March 2020 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida in Tampa.

The lawsuit names the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), FDOT Secretary Kevin J. Thibault, the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration Administrator Nicole R. Nason as defendants.

The lawsuit challenges FDOT’s plans to replace the existing Cortez drawbridge, built in 1956, with a fixed-span bridge that provides 65 feet of vertical clearance. According to a 2015 FDOT case study, the existing drawbridge provides 17.5 feet of vertical clearance when the bridge is down. As a compromise, the lawsuit’s plaintiffs support a new drawbridge with 35 feet of vertical clearance.

The Cortez Bridge drawbridge was built in 1956 and the aging bridge now needs to be replaced. – Submitted

FDOT spokesperson Brian Rick said in February that the fixed-span bridge originally estimated to cost $66.5 million is now expected to cost $77 million due to inflation. FDOT District Secretary L.K. Nandam also cited that $77 million figure during a presentation he gave in January. Both FDOT representatives indicated the bridge replacement project is currently moving forward as planned. The project is now expected to be put out to bid in late 2025, with construction to start in 2026.

Seeking city assistance

On March 4, von Hahmann asked the city commission to consider joining the lawsuit. On March 18, McClash made his plea to the commission.

“It’s been a little over a year since we filed our claims against the 65-foot fixed bridge,” McClash said.

He noted the plaintiffs are not trying to prevent the existing drawbridge from being replaced, but feel it’s important to the Cortez community to challenge FDOT’s plans to replace it with a much larger fixed-span bridge.

Bradenton Beach joining Cortez Bridge lawsuit
The Cortez drawbridge is in need of replacement, according to FDOT. – Submitted

McClash said the lawsuit includes five claims for relief that question whether FDOT followed federal rules during its decision-making process. The legal challenge was filed according to the federal Administrative Procedure Act. McClash said the plaintiffs originally attempted to challenge the bridge planning process at the state level, but because FDOT assumed the responsibility of the federal government for the project, the challenge must be filed in federal court.

“It’s a review of the record. It’s not a typical lawsuit. We’re at a point now where DOT is responsible for producing the administrative record – everything they did to follow procedures required to comply with the federal rules. Once we receive that, we’ll be able to determine what specific rules they did violate. We have reason to believe there were a few,” McClash said.

Claims for relief

The first claim for relief alleges FDOT failed to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regarding the evaluation of the potential socio-cultural effects a fixed-span bridge could have on the impacted communities.

McClash said these concerns include community cohesion, local plan consistency and mobility.

“There was a list of things FDOT was supposed to do during this evaluation that we feel they failed to do,” he said.

The second claim for relief alleges FDOT failed to comply with NEPA requirements when reviewing the bridge’s potential aesthetic effects.

“How will the bridge affect vistas and viewsheds and blend visually with the area adjacent to many community focal points?” McClash said.

The plaintiffs believe FDOT failed to make the public aware that a fixed-span bridge will require noise barrier walls near the touchdown points on the Cortez and Bradenton Beach ends of the bridge. McClash said the proposed touchdown area in Cortez would extend approximately 200 yards farther east than it does now.

“There has to be a wall-like structure built to hold up the dirt. You’re creating this wall that divides Cortez, which is something that’s not allowed in our opinion,” McClash said.

The third claim for relief alleges FDOT used inaccurate survey data that demonstrated a bias for a fixed-span bridge, and thus failed to comply with its own policies regarding NEPA compliance.

McClash disputes FDOT’s claim that a fixed-span bridge would increase the level of service for motorists using the bridge from a level D to a level B.

“Whether the bridge is up or not, you’re not going to improve it to a level B. If you have a fixed bridge, there are more cars parked on top of the bridge,” he said.

The fourth claim alleges FDOT failed to comply with NEPA flood plain requirements.

“They didn’t do any flood plain analysis,” McClash said.

The fifth claim alleges FDOT failed to satisfy NEPA requirements about informing elected officials and community members of the details included in the Project Development and Environment review.

“They’re supposed to look at the unique characteristics of the geographical area such as proximity to historic or cultural resources, wetlands and also the effect on human environments,” McClash said.

He also said he’s not aware of a light pollution analysis being conducted.

McClash believes the city joining the lawsuit would give the plaintiffs a stronger position in a courtroom setting or during a review of the case conducted by a judge.

“We asked for a judge to provide some type of judgment that they did, in fact, violate some of these rules. What you’re debating with the federal court is that the records exist and FDOT violated the rules of picking this bridge,” McClash said.

“We also provide that they consider the 35-foot bridge is a viable option compared to the 65-foot bridge. The 35-foot bridge would fit between the shorelines of where the existing bridge is,” McClash said, noting that option would not require noise walls.

“Hopefully, we could convince FDOT that’s still a viable option,” he said.

McClash proposed starting a GoFundMe fundraising effort to help offset future legal costs incurred. He also said he could continue to do most of the “heavy lifting” in this case.

Commission consideration

Perry said the city doesn’t want to be seen as leading the charge for the original pro se plaintiffs, who are representing themselves. She also said she doesn’t currently have time to represent the city in this case, which is why she recommended Johnson.

Vosburgh said she lived in Utah when a new highway was built to accommodate the winter Olympics. Vosburgh said the noise walls associated with that project had the unintended effect of creating more noise.

“It was horrible,” she said.

Spooner said he likes the idea of starting a GoFundMe account to help offset the legal costs incurred.

Maro said she supports joining the lawsuit because she doesn’t want to see Cortez – one of the last working fishing villages in Florida – negatively impacted by a fixed-span bridge.

“Yes, it is about the village of Cortez, but it’s also about the Island and Bradenton Beach and what we are struggling to preserve and enhance. This doesn’t enhance anything,” Chappie said, adding that a fixed-span bridge is not going to reduce the traffic congestion motorists encounter on Gulf Drive after crossing the bridge.

DAR recognizes Cortez women with awards

DAR recognizes Cortez women with awards

Written by Cindy Lane on . Posted in Community News, Cortez.

CORTEZ – Three Cortez women, local historian Dr. Mary Fulford Green, artist Linda Molto and former Manatee County Commissioner Jane von Hahmann, were honored on Friday by the Manatee Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, based in Anna Maria.

The March awards highlight both Manatee History Month and Women’s History Month in recognizing women’s contributions to the preservation of the historic fishing village of Cortez, according to Manatee Chapter DAR Regent Kathy Doddridge, who presented the awards at the Kirby Stewart American Legion Post in Bradenton.

The trio are “ordinary women who have achieved extraordinary things,” she said.

Dr. Mary Fulford Green

The DAR National Historic Preservation Recognition Award was awarded to Dr. Mary Fulford Green, who was unable to attend for health reasons.

DAR recognizes Cortez women with awards
Dr. Mary Fulford Green, dressed as her grandmother during a history talk she gave recently at the Cortez Cultural Center, was awarded the DAR Historic Preservation Recognition Award. – Cindy Lane | Sun

Doddridge detailed highlights of her life. Born in Cortez in 1925, Green is the granddaughter of 1887 Cortez settlers William Thomas Fulford and Sallie Adams of Carteret County, North Carolina, whose Cortez home Fulford lives in.

She was valedictorian of her 1942 Bradenton High School class (now Manatee High School) and earned a B.A. in science, M.A. in chemistry and Ph.D. in education from Florida State College for Women (now Florida State University) in Tallahassee.

She was a founder of Hope Family Services in 1979 and served as president of Manatee County’s Mental Health Association for seven years.

Green was instrumental in establishing the Cortez Village Historical Society (CVHS) in 1984 and in getting the village of Cortez on the south side of Cortez Road on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.

With fellow award-winner Linda Molto, Green wrote “Cortez – Then and Now” in 1997; they also produced the Walking Tour Map of the Cortez Fishing Village.

Robin Schoch, who accepted the award for Green, said that Green has also worked on successfully opposing a 65-foot-tall bridge from Cortez to Anna Maria Island, a proposed marina development in the village, and the proposed purchase of the Cortez Trailer Park.

Linda Molto

Originally from Toronto, Canada, Cortez artist Linda Molto also received a National Historic Preservation Recognition Award.

She moved to Florida in 1965 and purchased a 1920s home in Cortez village, next to the parsonage of the Church of God. When the parsonage was slated for demolition in 1992, she protested at a CVHS meeting, joined the group and remains an active member.

Molto worked with Green on obtaining National Register of Historic Places status for Cortez.

She has served on the board of FISH (Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage) since its inception in 1991, and was instrumental in purchasing land east of Cortez village to create the FISH Preserve. She organized the Cortez Historic Homes Tour in 2004-05 to help pay for preserve property.

Molto is currently involved in protesting the proposed 65-foot-tall bridge from Cortez to Anna Maria Island.

Molto showed the DAR group a piece of artwork she created of the first person she met in Cortez, a young boy selling mangos for 2 cents each.

Cortez is “a place that you don’t see anymore, where it feels like home,” she said.

While residents have their differences, above all, they are neighbors who are there for each other, she said.

Jane von Hahmann

FISH board member and former Manatee County Commissioner Jane von Hahmann was presented the DAR Community Service Award for her longstanding support for FISH.

Established in 1991, FISH sponsors the annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, which provides funds to restore, maintain and enlarge the 98-acre FISH Preserve.

This year, the festival netted about $60,000, von Hahmann told the group, close to last year’s net, and attracted more than 20,000 people over the two-day event in February. She has been the co-chair of the festival for the past nine years.

FISH has removed invasive plant species from the preserve, planted native vegetation and created tidal channels.

Outside the preserve, FISH projects include the restoration of the 1890 Burton Store, turning the Church of God into Fishermen’s Hall, renovating the FISH Boatworks and the Cortez firehouse and more.

Von Hahmann also has volunteered with the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program and opposed large developments including Aqua on the Bay and the 65-foot-tall bridge proposed from Cortez to Anna Maria Island.

Cortez has been battling encroachment for 135 years, von Hahmann told the group, adding, “You can’t know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve been.”

Cortez Mural

New mural a welcome sign in Cortez

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Community News, Cortez.

CORTEZ – Rose Lipke’s “Welcome to Historic Cortez Village” mural now graces the east wall of the Village Center plaza near the corner of Cortez Road and 119th Street West.

Cortez residents and plaza owners Jane and Rocky von Hahmann commissioned the work and Lipke spent about a week working on the 11- x 30-foot mural she completed on Thursday, June 14.

“When people see this mural, we want them to know this is what Cortez is and this is the way we want it to stay – not the parking lot they’re trying to turn it into by putting in some big bridge and more traffic going to the beach,” Jane von Hahmann said, while standing near the mural with Lipke on Friday.

It was noted there are no Aqua by the Bay high-rises or fixed span bridges in the mural.

“I left that out,” Lipke said.

“The tallest thing in it is Bird Island,” von Hahmann said.

Jane and Rose
Jane von Hahmann, left, and her husband commissioned the mural painted by Rose Lipke. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“Jane wanted something on the wall because it’s the first thing you see when you’re coming into Cortez. We picked things that symbolize where we are and who we are in the village: the net camp, a kicker boat pulling a net, mangroves, Bird Island and a waterfront view. I’m hoping it will inspire people to help keep what we have,” Lipke said.

“We used to have a different mural on that wall but somebody asked my son (Eric Von) to paint over it when he was 10 years old, and he did without asking mom and dad,” von Hahmann said. “We decided it was time to welcome people into the village and Rosie’s my go-to girl. She’s our village artist. It looks great. It tells a story of what we are. I was just blown away by how she captured what the bay looks like. She finished it yesterday.”

Von Hahmann pointed to the boiled peanuts sign in Lipke’s rendering of the net camp and said the sign used to hang on the camp that still stands offshore.

“We used to call it the ‘love shack’ when we were teenagers,” Lipke joked.

Time-lapse video on Lipke’s Facebook page shows the mural coming to life. On Friday, she mentioned the heavy stucco on the side of the block building and said she forgot how hard that material was to paint on.

She compared painting a large mural to her other recent works.

“It’s a little more challenging at this age. I remember it being more fun when I was younger. It was so damn hot out there that I about melted. I was drinking three gallons of water a day,” she said, noting the job took 25-30 hours.

Lipke was born and raised in Cortez and now lives in northwest Bradenton. She’s been painting and drawing all her life.

“Rocky remembers when I used to draw pictures and hand them to you guys over the fence when you had the surf shop over there,” she said.

“That would’ve have been in the 70s, early 80s,” von Hahmann noted.

This is not Lipke’s first Cortez mural.

“I did the mural with the big map on the side of A.P. Bell Fish Co. the year of the net ban,” Lipke said of the still-visible artwork she created in the mid-1990s.

She also painted murals on Anna Maria Island at Shell Land Gifts and the Green Turtle Shell & Gift Shop, but she said those murals are no longer visible.

Her recent work includes the Swordfish Grill sign and the 25-foot Fiberglass and Styrofoam hammerhead shark that hangs in parking lot shared by N.E. Taylor Boatworks, the Cortez Kitchen and the Swordfish Grill.

“I do all the Monkey Buses too,” she said.

Lipke’s name, company name (COZArt) and phone number appear in the lower right-hand corner of the new mural that serves a secondary purpose as a giant business card.

When asked what services she provides, Lipke said, “Signs, logos, murals – I’ll paint pretty much anything on anything, and if you need a 25-foot hammerhead, I’m your girl.”