Choosing between city commissioners wasn’t the only decision Holmes Beach residents had on Election Day.
Almost 70% of voters cast ballots in the Nov. 2 election, approving a proposed land swap at 104 34th St., with 856 votes for and 371 against.
The swap involves the city transferring ownership of 2,500 square feet of right of way alongside the property to its owners in exchange for 2,911 square feet of beachfront property along the erosion control line, as well as a payment to the city of $10,000 toward an environmental project.
Property owners Jon Cooper — coach of the Stanley Cup-winning Tampa Bay Lightning — and wife Jessica Cooper proposed in May to make the exchange, which would reshape the property so they could build a new home to replace the existing structure, which encroaches on the city right of way.
The city charter requires that ordinances vacating or changing uses of direct and indirect beach access must be approved by commission and referendum vote.
Commissioners approved the item for ballot inclusion in June.
“Holmes Beach has been our home for the past seven years and this solidifies it will continue to be so for many years to come,” Jon Cooper wrote in a Nov. 3 email to The Islander. “We thank our fellow Holmes Beach citizens for standing with us so we can build a better beach together.”
— Ryan Paice