It was a busy week for Hunter Jensen, who launched a Change.org petition against a resort proposed at the roundabout on Bridge Street and Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach.
Conceptual development drawings submitted to the city by Luttrell Architectural LLC of Tampa show a 103-room, 206,987-square-foot hotel referred to in the design document as “Bridge St. Hotel.”
The plans include three floors of guest rooms, retail space, a main entry, lobby and lounge, offices, a coffee bar, a putt-putt golf facility and a gym.
The rooftop will feature a swimming pool and outdoor deck.
The properties involved in the proposed development include: 101 Bridge St., formerly the Freckled Fin restaurant; a rental home at 106 Third St. S.; 105 Bridge St., Apt. 1, previously the Island Time Inn; and 219 Gulf Drive S., all either owned or leased by developer Shawn Kaleta and Najmy Thompson PL. According to Manatee County Property Appraisers records for properties owned by Kaleta, Najmy Thompson PL is listed as a registered agent.
The other properties are 108 Third St. S., 110 Third St. S., Unit W, 112 Third St. S. and 117 Bridge St., all registered to Bridge Street Bazaar Inc., which is owned by Jake Spooner, businessman and city commissioner.
Jensen, a political science student at the University of South Florida, moved to Bradenton just over a year ago. He said he launched the petition to protect the esthetic of the Historic Bridge Street District.
“There’s only two main streets on the island,” Jensen said. “If they were to take one of those main streets and turn it into something it’s not, it’s going to hinder the experience for a lot of people who are coming to Anna Maria Island.”
He continued, “For me, Bridge Street is something different. It’s our cultural center. When people come to Anna Maria Island, they are looking to go out to eat, they are looking to shop, they are looking to have fun and they do that all on Bridge Street. By putting a large hotel like that, it’s going to hinder the experience for people.”
Jensen addressed his petition to Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie, state Rep. William Robinson, R-Bradenton, and Bay News 9 news director Susan D’Astoli.
Jensen said he contacted Van Ostenbridge and his aide about his concerns.
“He has been very silent in regard to this,” Jensen said. “He has not reached out to me in email. I think their silence is louder than their words.”
Van Ostenbridge represents the district that includes Anna Maria Island but the commissioner and the county lack jurisdiction on development in the city.
Jensen also contacted the city of Bradenton Beach, including Chappie via email, but received no response as of Jan. 5.
Jensen launched the petition Dec. 30, 2022, and, as of Jan. 7, he had 1,617 signatures toward a goal of 2,500.
The petition on Change.org, is titled “Save Bridge Street” to preserve the “historic value” of Bridge Street.
Meanwhile Spooner, during a Jan. 5 commission meeting, said he would recuse himself at future meetings that deal with the proposed development.
“In an effort to keep my role as an elected official and this commission free of any concern of the transparency or conflicts and to protect the best interests of the community I live and work in, today I have requested and will be filing a notice with the clerk recusing myself as an elected official on any public meetings/discussions on the improvements proposed on Bridge Street,” Spooner said.
According to Florida statutes, “A state public officer may not vote on any matter that the officer knows would inure to his or her special private gain or loss.”
As of Jan, 6, Spooner said he would file the required paperwork Jan. 9.
City officials have said the developer’s proposal is preliminary.
On Dec. 12, 2022, a permit was issued by the city to owners of 219 Gulf Drive S. to demolish the building that had housed Joe’s Eats and Sweets.
On the web
To view the petition, go to Change.org go to “Manatee Residents and Friends Against a Bridge Street Hotel.”