A second attempt to gain approval to continue the Gulf Drive Market at the Gulf Drive Cafe & Tiki, 900 Gulf Drive N., failed at the Feb. 2 Bradenton Beach city commission meeting.

For the second straight meeting, those favoring and those opposed to the market’s continuance through April 29 expressed opinions to the commissioners, who listened to an hour of public comment on the subject.

During the Jan. 26 commission meeting, the majority of the opinions expressed opposed extending the market’s permits based on traffic and safety concerns. Those same issues again were raised by citizens.

Some speakers said they didn’t have a problem with the market, but would like to see it in a different location other than on Gulf Drive.

“I’m not against the market and I’m happy it’s doing well,” said Jake Spooner, owner of the Fish Hole on Bridge Street. “My concern is that this is the slow season and look at what it’s doing to traffic. Can you imagine what it will be like in a month when we are in season? It’s like putting up a dam on Gulf Drive.”

Spooner and several other speakers recommended moving the market to Coquina Beach as an alternative.

Former Bradenton Beach Commissioner Janie Robertson offered a different solution.

“The vendors are not the problem,” said Robertson. “The vehicles on Gulf Drive are not the problem. From what I can tell, the problem is the pedestrians. They are not being channeled properly across Gulf Drive.”

Robertson suggested more police attention toward pedestrians to ensure they cross Gulf Drive at the appropriate crosswalks.

Robertson said every time traffic stops, “which is about every 20 seconds,” pedestrians are causing longer delays by crossing the street between cars. She also said she’s heard the trolley drivers are having difficulty maintaining their schedule due to the traffic slowdown.

News that the Gulf Drive Market would be reconsidered at the Feb. 2 meeting resulted an influx of e-mails to the city. The majority of those e-mails expressed support for the market.

The opinions of those speaking at the meeting, however, appeared to be split down the middle.

Commissioner Gay Breuler, who made the motion to approve the market permit at the previous meeting, again motioned to approve extending the market’s special event permit, which expired Jan. 29. The market had been operating on a trial basis.

For the second time, Breuler’s motion failed for lack of a second.

City attorney Ricinda Perry then offered commissioners a third option, advising they could once again attempt to approve the event on the conditions that the Gulf Drive Cafe owner address traffic conditions, as well as to consider the possibility of relocating the market.

“I want to first and foremost thank the vendors for their hard work,” said cafe representative Pete Barreda, who submitted the permit application. “I think at this point, I’ll just let the issue die.”

Commissioners Ric Gatehouse, Jan Vosburgh and Ed Straight said they could not support the market based on the public input that had taken place during recent weeks.

“I think it’s a great idea, but bad location,” said Vosburgh. “Our job is the safety and welfare of our citizens and I received many complaints as Ward 4 commissioner. I got elected to serve the citizens of Bradenton Beach and, by voting for it, I feel like I’m not doing my job.”

Breuler said that’s the reason she voted for the market to continue, citing the overwhelming response she had from the public in support of the market.

Citing some 50 e-mails in favor of the market, Breuler said, “Someone mentioned something about listening to the people. That is what the people are telling us, and that is why I made the motion.”

The Feb. 2 meeting was the first commission meeting for Gatehouse, who made an opening statement before the meeting commenced.

Gatehouse thanked his fellow commissioners for giving him the opportunity to serve and thanked John “Scooter” Tillison, who also had submitted an application to serve.

“Emotions have run high over this appointment, and one can only hope that the same enthusiasm will translate at election time,” said Gatehouse. “For my part, I will do my best to serve the citizens of this city and of my ward. I bring no personal agenda to this seat.”

Gatehouse said he would research every issue brought before the commission and, when necessary, seek the appropriate advice from city staff.

“Those who know me, know I’m fiercely independent,” he said. “I will base all decisions on the facts.”