AMOB enhancements approved

Final approval for alcohol consumption on the Bradenton Beach Pier still requires an amended and city commission-approved ordinance.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners have tentatively approved the Anna Maria Oyster Bar’s plans to expand their operations on and around the Bradenton Beach Pier at the end of Bridge Street.

On March 2, the commission unanimously approved AMOB owner and pier tenant John Horne’s previously discussed request to operate a to-go kiosk in the city-owned space that AMOB’s We’re Back ownership group previously subleased to others as retail space.

The to-go kiosk will serve alcoholic beverages and serve as the pickup point for to-go food orders. Horne said the kiosk might also be used earlier in the day to serve coffee and pastries if the demand warrants.

After further discussion, the commission expressed its support for AMOB’s request that alcoholic beverages purchased at the to-go kiosk or inside the restaurant be allowed to be consumed on the pier. Alcoholic beverages are currently not allowed on the pier and those purchased elsewhere will continue to be prohibited on the public fishing pier. Alcoholic beverages purchased at the to-go kiosk

At the request of Police Chief John Cosby, only alcoholic beverages served in sealed containers will be allowed on the adjacent floating dock; and those are for those traveling from the restaurant area to their docked boats.

City Attorney Ricinda Perry said an existing city ordinance will have to be amended at a future commission meeting in order to allow AMOB’s exclusive use of the pier for alcoholic beverage consumption.

The commission approved AMOB’s request to install three or four high-top tables with tiki-hut coverings along the railing south of the restaurant building.

The commission also approved AMOB’s previously discussed request to install a crab trap-themed decorative fence along the north side of the pier parking lot. The commission agreed that the city, in some form, will share half the anticipated $56,252 cost to install the decorative fencing.

The city’s half of the fencing costs, $28,126, will be covered by some combination of city funds, Community Redevelopment Agency funds and potentially some additional county commission-controlled tourist tax revenue funds if the funding requested is supported by the county commission or allowed in accordance with an already existing agreement with the county to share half the costs of installing finger piers to the existing floating dock. The city’s finger pier installations are expected to begin later this month.

Horne also said he’d like to repaint the buildings he leases from the city, which the commission said could be done at AMOB’s expense.

Horne told the commission the rent and revenue sharing payments AMOB made to the city last year totaled $120,319 and the revenue sharing figure is expected to increase with the new enhancements.

Horne expects the to-go kiosk and the outdoor tables to be operational as soon as the already in-progress permitting and approval processes are completed. He said the services of a local contractor have already been secured.

WHERE‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE?

AMI Chamber welcomes new members

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce held its new member orientation on March 1 at its office at 5313 Gulf Drive N., Holmes Beach. New members met Chamber President Terri Kinder and staff and learned more about the many opportunities to promote their businesses available to them as members of the Chamber. The Chamber’s newest members are Island Time Boat Tours, Matt and Beth Wright, 941-877-1885, www.islandtimeboattours.com; Kim’s Stay & Play Pet Services, Kim Lockwood, 941-705-4988, www.kimsstayandplay.com; and Yak Shack Watersports, Todd Childers, 941-223-9711.

AMI Chamber to hold lunch at Annie’s

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s next lunch networking event will be held at Annie’s Bait and Tackle, 4334 127th St. W. in Cortez on Thursday, March 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $20 for members and $30 for potential members. There are only 16 spots available, so the chamber recommends anyone wishing to attend do so as soon as possible. To RSVP, email becky@amichamber.org or call 941-778-1541.

Shop at library jewelry sale

Looking for treasures, or the perfect gift? The Anna Maria Island Branch Library is holding its first-ever Friends of the Library jewelry sale at the library at 5701 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach. On Thursday, March 9 from 3-7 p.m. Friends of the Island Library members will get a sneak preview. The public sale is on Friday, March 10 and Saturday, March 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featured items include necklaces, rings, watches, tie tacks, wallets, bracelets, earrings, pins, cufflinks, scarves and many more gently used items, hundreds of them under $5. Cash, all major credit cards and checks are accepted. For more information, call 941-778-6341.