Bradenton Beach CRA throwing tram into park

The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency board voted Dec. 6 to terminate its contract for the Old Town Tram service.

CRA members were following up on their September promise to reevaluate the tram contract with Old Town Tram, which began operation in 2020 and was meant to shuttle people between parking lots at Coquina and Cortez beaches and the CRA district, where parking is limited.

The district, bordered by Cortez Road, Sarasota Bay, Fifth Street South and the Gulf of Mexico, was deemed blighted in 1992, allowing for incremental tax revenue to promote restoration and growth, including tourism.

The service, operated by EZ Parking Group, consists of two free-to-ride shuttles funded with CRA money and advertising on vehicle signage.

The long-term goal, as outlined by the CRA board that consists of the commission, mayor, restaurateur Ed Chiles and Bradenton Beach resident David Bell, was for the tram to pay for its operation with advertising funds.

In September, the CRA determined there was not enough advertising revenue to fund both vehicles and budgeted $10,000 to carry the service through the end of the year.

Mayor John Chappie encouraged EZ Parking owner Josh LaRose Dec. 6 to continue with the service privately.

LaRose said advertising might generate enough money for the operation of one tram.

“I can keep one car going if all the advertisers stay with maybe some reduction on the time frame,” LaRose said, adding that hours of operation might need to change.

“It’s encouraging, I think, that you said it could survive on its own with one (tram) cart,” Chappie said. “We haven’t been satisfied. It has served for a while and I think it was worth a shot. In the time we have done it, it has given you a lot of data to give you an idea about what you can and can’t do with advertising.”

Commissioner Jake Spooner, a Bridge Street business owner, thanked LaRose for his efforts.

“We’ve talked about this a lot and which direction this is going to go. I’d really like us to consider this again down the road,” he said.

Commissioner Ralph Cole, who chairs the CRA, said if it continues to operate, the tram should be funded with advertising revenue.

“I feel it should be privatized and I don’t think the CRA should cover the cost of it,” he said.

Commissioner Jan Vosburgh motioned to cease the tram contract Dec. 31 and was seconded by Chappie. The motion passed by a vote of 6-0. Chiles was absent with excuse. Commissioner Marilyn Maro attended the meeting by phone.

The Islander reached out to LaRose by telephone Dec. 6 to inquire about his plans for the tram but, as of press time Dec. 12, he did not respond.

The next CRA meeting will be at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 3, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.