The Bradenton Beach City Commission unanimously approved a major development plan April 8 for the Drift-In AMI, allowing for the full reopening of the Bridge Street bar.
The vote followed a public hearing to address a permitting and easement dispute tied to the reconstruction of a covered outdoor tiki bar on the patio at 102 Bridge St.
Acting city attorney Robert Lincoln guided the commissioners through the hearing. Property owner Derek Williams was represented by attorney Scott Rudacille of Blalock Walters P.A., which employs the husband of city attorney Ricinda Perry, prompting her to recuse herself from the proceedings.
“Your decision has to be based on two things,” Lincoln told commissioners. “Competent substantial evidence, the staff report, written reports and the testimony you’ll hear today at the hearing.”
Controversy over the bar’s post-hurricane rebuilding stemmed from permits issued by former building official Darin Cushing, who approved the plans without city commission oversight.
Cushing was placed on administrative leave Jan. 22 and later dismissed. According to Perry, the scale of the project warranted classification as a major development, requiring public notice and a formal hearing.
Construction at the Drift began in December 2024 following damage by hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Rudacille presented a revised development plan requesting the city modify its existing easement to accommodate the new tiki hut.
City planner Luis Serna gave an overview of the staff findings.
“We have reviewed this plan under the review criteria of major use development,” Serna said. “Our finding is that the development does comply with the criteria and we are recommending approval of this.”
Following the staff recommendation, Lincoln outlined the steps to bring the property into compliance. He said the Drift’s original building and the new tiki structure sit on separate parcels, which need to be unified to release the easement space.
Pines Trailer Park resident Elayne Armaniaco spoke during public comment about the importance of Bridge Street establishments like the Drift-In.
“The Drift has been really good neighbors to such a large residential area,” Armaniaco said. “Many of the Pines neighbors not only support the Drift as patrons but they also volunteer for their philanthropic and charitable activities. We consider it an extension of our own social activities.”
Commissioner Ralph Cole moved to recommend approval of the major development and was seconded by Commissioner Jan Vosburgh. The motion passed 5-0.
The Bradenton Beach planning and zoning board had recommended approval April 2.
A unity of title and easement changes still must be filed and completed before the business can achieve its final certificate of compliance.
After the meeting, Mayor John Chappie said, “It came out the way it needed to come out. With the repair work and the renovations that they’ve done. It’s never looked better.”
“We’re back,” Chappie said of the Bridge Street commercial area’s return from the damage by two hurricanes. “Bridge Street is now almost complete.”
With the approval, Williams and the Drift-In’s team indicated they will focus on the future.
“We are very excited to have this process completed and very proud to have it done in a way that the city and the government needed it to be done,” Williams said.
He also expressed thanks to those who went to the Drift’s April 4 reopening.
“Friday was a special day for the Drift and I can tell you that for as long as we have kept records, our sales were up 400% over our best days on record. We’ve gotten a wonderful response.”