IN BRIEF

Holmes Beach commissioners approve rezone for bank

Holmes Beach commissioners have approved the request of Bob Bolus, owner of the long-vacant Bank of America property, to rezone the property from C-1 to C-2. During a June 27 meeting, commissioners voted in favor of the rezoning application.

Stating concerns about increased traffic and creating a potentially dangerous vehicular access situation on East Bay Drive with cars turning left to get to the property, a few commissioners stated that they weren’t in favor of allowing the property to be rezoned. City Attorney Erica Augello reminded them that if the application meets all of the criteria for a rezoning, which Bolus’ did, they were legally required to approve the request.

Speaking on behalf of Bolus during the quasi-judicial public hearing was planner Misty Servia. Servia reminded commissioners that they had granted Publix a rezone from C-1 to C-3 at the old Regions Bank property two blocks away, now a liquor store and pharmacy, without issue.

With a C-1 designation, the property could only be used for office space or for a less intense use such as a bank or doctor’s office. Under the new C-2 designation, Bolus can expand that usage to a retail space or restaurant.

“I just want to develop the property for the best use for the community,” he said.

Before any new business opens on the site, Bolus will be required to submit a site plan for approval from city commissioners.

New recruits fill planning commission roster

After reappointments and the addition of some new members, city commissioners voted during a June 27 meeting to fill up the roster for the Holmes Beach Planning Commission. Re-appointed were current Chair Gale Tedhams and Lisa Pierce, both full voting members of the planning commission, who will each serve another four-year term with the group. Joining them as a full member is Steven Oelfke, who moved up from a second alternate position. Taking the two alternate positions are Joseph Ireland, who beat out current member Deb Sneddon for the first alternate position, and James Harrison, who will take the second alternate position. The commission meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 5 p.m. at city hall. Meetings are open to the public.

Bradenton Beach Commission to hold millage meeting

As part of the 2023-24 budget discussions, a special Bradenton Beach City Commission meeting will be held to discuss proposed millage rates on Tuesday, July 11 at 9:30 a.m. at City Hall in the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers, 107 Gulf Drive N. in Bradenton Beach.