Enforcement begins against signs, sales on causeway

The Palma Sola Scenic Highway CME is cracking down on signs and sales on the causeway.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON – Members of the Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity (CME) discussed the lack of compliance with city regulations and state statutes prohibiting signs and sales on the Palma Sola Causeway at an Aug. 9 meeting.

City of Bradenton Community Services and Code Compliance Manager Volker Reiss said the city allows vending permits on private property, but not on public property, like the causeway.

“Signs on the right of way are not allowed anywhere in the city of Bradenton,” Reiss said. “In the past, we allowed a sandwich board sign on Palma Sola Causeway for vendors, but not anymore, except for vinyl wrap and magnetic signs on vehicles.”

On Aug. 13, the city’s code enforcement staff launched a planned enforcement project on the causeway with the Bradenton Police Department, to last three consecutive weekends.

The Palma Sola Causeway is a segment of the Palma Sola Scenic Highway, a 4.5-mile stretch of S.R. 64 (Manatee Avenue West) that extends from 75th Street in Bradenton to the city of Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island.

It is designated as a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) right of way and, as such, CME member Ingrid McClellan said vendors are prohibited from advertising there as well as accepting cash for services.

Despite the prohibition, vendors on the causeway display banners and sandwich signs advertising activities such as personal watercraft and boat rentals.

Vendors are pulling out bollards to make access for their equipment and are blocking the small watercraft launch on the southeast corner designated for the public, she said.

The city’s code enforcement staff deals with civil offenses. Offenses under Florida Statute 337.406 are criminal and must be addressed by law enforcement, which is why the Bradenton Police Department is involved, she said. An offense under the statute is a misdemeanor.

As of Oct. 1, a new code enforcement officer will be hired and work one weekend day. When talking to the vendors, the first conversation will be a warning, depending on the vendor’s reaction, Reiss said. He said citations could be issued for repeat offenses.

“No standard has been given to the vendors,” McClellan said. “This will educate them to comply.”

The CME board cited both the city of Bradenton’s Land Use Regulations Ch. 5 Prohibited Signs pages 16-17 and Florida Statute 337.406, Prohibited Uses of the Rights of Way – display of advertising, solicitation and sale. The Florida Statute states in part: “Such prohibited uses include, but are not limited to, the free distribution or sale, or display or solicitation for free distribution or sale, of any merchandise, goods, property or services.”