Which bait salesman is the better catch?
Sherman Baldwin, Paradise Boat Tours captain and operator of Paradise Activity Center, a new recreational concierge business on the Historic Bridge Street Pier, has exclusive rights to sell bait on the pier. The arrangement stems from a no-compete clause in the lease his landlord, restauranteur John Horne, has with the city of Bradenton Beach.
But another bait business with approval from city officials preceded him.
Baldwin wrote a Jan. 25 email to city commissioners saying he could have his bait tank up and running in five days. But, before that happens, he said, he’d like the city to resolve the situation with bait salesman John Maguire.
With the city’s encouragement, Maguire began selling bait last summer from his boat at the pier day dock, following the eviction of the restaurant-bait operation at the pier. Now, with the AMOB restaurant and two retail units on the pier — including Baldwin’s business — operational, Maguire is still selling bait from his boat.
He says he has no intention of leaving, having found the boat-based bait business both productive and profitable. And he enjoyed dispensing fishing advice to his buyers.
City officials have not officially asked him to close his business.
Baldwin fears people will blame him if Maguire leaves the pier.
Seeking clarity, Baldwin asked the city to “once and for all” either compel Maguire to leave the pier or put something in writing, effectively letting him know that city officials plan to allow Maguire to sell bait at the pier.
— Ed Scott