The opinion piece in the Oct. 26 issue of The Islander does not accurately reflect the facts.
I have long stated that the Anna Maria comprehensive plan and the zoning code prohibit vacation rentals in the R-1/R-2 Residential Zoning District. The vacation rental special interest group disagrees and states that vacation rentals are allowed.
To resolve this dispute, I suggested that the city seek a declaratory judgment, which simply asks for a judge’s interpretation of the comprehensive plan and the code to finally determine whether vacation rentals are allowed in the residential zoning district, i.e. “Judge, what does our code mean?”
A ruling determining that vacation rentals are not allowed would have prevented all of the lawsuits because a property owner can not recover under Bert Harris for an illegal use.
Instead of following my suggestion, the commission adopted the vacation rental ordinance. This ordinance was adopted unanimously by the commission in an effort to control the negative impact of vacation rentals.
The lawsuits have been caused by the vacation rental investors attacking the ordinance and filing Bert Harris claims to assert losses allegedly caused the ordinance.
The lawsuits are not in response to my suggestion that a court interpretation be sought.
Finally, I note that Brian Seymour agrees with all of Nancy Yetter’s and my positions concerning the city except for vacation rentals, where he will not state his position. His attempt to hide his position is not surprising considering 60 percent of his campaign contributors are vacation rental owners or managers. I expect that he would be an advocate for vacation rentals.
Anna Maria Commissioner Chuck Webb
Editor’s note: The Islander made an effort to interview Chuck Webb about his re-election bid and he did not respond. The Islander also invited Webb to its candidate forum and he did not attend.