BB OKs temp permit for Drift-In
The Bradenton Beach City Commission voted unanimously March 20 to approve a temporary use permit for the Drift-In AMI, allowing the main bar and a newly constructed tiki bar to open once equipment installations and inspections are completed.
The 5-0 vote marked a significant step forward for Derrick Williams’ business, which has been closed since the 2024 hurricane season. There was storm damage and then the bar, 120 Bridge St., faced permitting and construction issues in the recovery drive.
The temporary use permit allows the business to reopen while public hearings scheduled for April will address permitting and easement issues related to the construction of a covered outdoor bar.
Construction of a tiki hut began after a permit was approved Dec. 6 by former Bradenton Beach building official Darin Cushing, allowing the replacement of a smaller structure with what the application described as a “custom-built authentic chickee hut with a thatched palm roof.” However, following a dispute over the permit between the city and Cushing, he was ousted.
Williams has faced hurdles in securing approval for reopening, including code compliance, fire safety inspections, construction changes and new permitting for a major development that required a public hearing.
During the March 20 meeting, Williams and his legal counsel, Mark Barnebey of Blalock Walters, P.A., addressed commissioners, confirming that city requirements were met for compliance with the temporary use permit application.
“Once I get out of here today, if you say ‘yes’ and Mr. Palmer says ‘yes,’ I have people at the ready. I will complete the installation. I will get the place opened safely,” Williams said.
Bradenton Beach building official Bill Palmer, hired Feb. 15, said, “The applicant has submitted all the proper permits that he needs for what he’s doing.”
Williams was joined at the meeting by employees and patrons, many of whom spoke to support the business.
Mayor John Chappie acknowledged the progress made but emphasized the importance of compliance with city regulations.
“We want to get all of our businesses back,” Chappie said. “The Drift is an iconic place. We do want it to get back open. I apologize that we had the wrong information. It should have never happened but we have to go through the process of what our laws say.”
Robert Lincoln, acting as city attorney, explained the conditions of the temporary permit.
“The motion would be to approve a temporary use of the tiki hut, including but not limited to, the bar and surface area, the outdoor seating, the ice machines and the walk-in cooler as depicted on the site plan submitted by the applicant,” Lincoln said.
All the commissioners expressed support, including Jan Vosburgh, who said, “I am for the bar. It doesn’t look to me like there’s a problem.”
“There are so many people who have lost so much, and my goal as a commissioner is to get this place (Bradenton Beach) back up and running the way it was before,” Commissioner Ralph Cole said.
After brief deliberation, Cole motioned to approve the temporary permit, seconded by Vosburgh. The motion passed unanimously, to applause from those in attendance.
Williams and his team announced on Facebook that the Drift would reopen Friday, April 4:
“Our family would like to say THANK YOU to the Bradenton Beach Commission today for the support. We are grateful for the opportunity to reopen a business that’s been at the heart of Bradenton Beach for 100 years.”