Bradenton Beach will remove all Australian pine trees from Herb Dolan Park and also at city-owned beachfront property in the 1100 block of Gulf Drive North.
Mayor Chappie identified 11 trees — two Australian pines to be removed near the Gulf side of Gulf Drive North and nine Australian pines at Herb Dolan Park in the 2500 block of Avenue A.
“They are dirty, nasty trees and there’s a great mangrove shoreline there,” Chappie said, referring to the Australian pine trees at Herb Dolan “And one of the things that we’ve discussed long-term to do in that park is to create more of a scenic overview area along there.”
“It’s a real recreation destination,” Chappie added.
“Everybody that I’ve talked to in that area loves the idea,” he said. “It will create an unbelievable view. We are really blessed to have the property over there for the children’s park and pickleball and basketball courts.”
Australian pine trees are a tropical evergreen tree native to Australia, the South Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia, according to the University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants’ website.
The trees can grow up to 150 feet tall and have an aggressive growth rate. They are classified as an invasive exotic species as they hinder the growth of native vegetation.
Australian pines also lose branches easily and can topple in high winds due to shallow root systems.
In 2022, the city removed two felled Australian pines from Herb Dolan children’s park after Hurricane Ian.
Commissioner Debbie Scaccianoce motioned to approve and accept a bid from Harley’s Tree Service for $7,500 and was seconded by Commissioner Ralph Cole.
The motion passed 4-0. Commissioner Marilyn Maro was absent with excuse.
Funds for the tree removal will come from the half-cent sales tax.
In other matters, the commission approved motions to donate funds to the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, and the Annie Silver Community Center 103 23rd Street N., Bradenton Beach.
Commissioners voted 4-0 to donate $1,568 to the Center of AMI and $3,182 to Annie Silver.
Commissioners also voted 4-0 to permit the Sundown Get Down event in the city’s commercial center on Bridge Street. The event, presented by Leah Brown of the Big Idea, a strategic event planning company, will be 4-10 p.m. on the third Thursdays July-December.
The city will close the street for the event and waived some alcohol and noise ordinances for the event.
The next commission meeting will be at noon Thursday, July 18, at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.