Holmes Beach is close to calling a halt to new entrepreneurs hoping to cash in on golf cart and low-speed vehicle rentals.
Commissioners unanimously voted Aug. 10 to send a moratorium ordinance on new golf cart and LSV rental businesses to a second public hearing and final vote.
If licensed with the state, LSVs are allowed on roadways with speed limits of 35 mph or less under state chapter 316. The use of golf carts on roadways is prohibited by state law unless a municipality allows for their operation.
Holmes Beach city code allows people to operate golf carts on any street with a speed limit of 25 mph or lower, as well as requires all golf cart and LSV drivers to possess a driver’s license.
However, Commissioner Jayne Christenson, who proposed the moratorium July 27, has said the city’s regulations don’t do enough to mitigate the issues caused by the slow-moving vehicles.
Her proposed moratorium would prohibit the issuance of business licenses to any new golf cart/LSV rental company for six months so commissioners could explore potential regulations.
The moratorium would not impact existing businesses or any business that applied for a license with the city by the date of the initial discussion, July 27.
Christenson said she spoke with Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and Commissioner Carol Carter to encourage cooperation in the northern city.
“We need to partner up better and work with our island cities,” Christenson said.
Resident Nancy Deal supported exploring additional regulations for golf carts and LSVs, claiming the vehicles create safety concerns and traffic congestion. She asked commissioners to limit their use to roadways with a 25-mph maximum speed limit.
“Something needs to be done about golf carts traveling our streets,” Deal said. “It’s pretty irritating to get stuck behind a golf cart going 17 miles per hour.”
She also recommended the city explore creating a joint committee with Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach to identify problems and solutions associated with golf carts and low-speed vehicles.
Commissioner Kim Rash moved to send the moratorium to a second reading.
Commissioner Terry Schaefer seconded the motion, which passed.
The next meeting will be at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 24, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.