It is unclear what level of commercialization — if any — will be allowed on Anna Maria’s shores.
And it might be a while until that picture comes into focus.
City commissioners reached consensus Aug. 14 to explore code changes to potentially allow some level of commercialization on the beach.
City code currently prohibits all commercial activity in its coastal conservation and recreation zones.
Tents are also prohibited in the coastal conservation zone, where only monopole equipment like umbrellas are allowed.
However, neither prohibition is enforced.
Mayor Mark Short previously said that cabana rental services will be allowed to continue operating on the city’s beaches until the commission comes to a final decision on what level of commercialization will be allowed.
He opened the Aug. 14 discussion by asking if commissioners wanted to keep the current code and enforce its prohibition on all commercial activity on the beach, or explore changes to enforce down the line.
City attorney Becky Vose said the municipality has options for addressing beach commercialization, including the licensing of certain franchises to limit rogue businesses from springing up.
Commissioner Gary McMullen supported prohibiting all commercial activities on the beach except for cabana rental services, which he argued have been operating on the city’s shores for “years and years.”
Commissioner John Lynch agreed with allowing beach cabanas, which benefit public health by protecting users from UV rays and sunburns.
He said bringing equipment to and from the beach could be a strenuous task for some people, but cabana rental services provide a way around that problem.
Lynch said it was “common sense” to allow beach cabanas, and added that he did not believe advertising on the tents was an issue.
Commissioners Christopher Arendt and Kathleen Morgan also voiced support for allowing beach cabanas.
During public comment, resident John Dicks warned against allowing any level of commercialization on the beach.
He said doing so could change the “hometown friendly” character of the city’s shores. He instead supported enforcing the municipality’s current prohibition on all commercial activity.
“Frankly, I’m wondering why you even have to open the door (to beach commercialization),” Dicks said. “The world’s not going to end if we don’t allow rental cabanas on our beaches.”
“Where do we draw the line if we start making exceptions?” he added.
On the other hand, Perry Heldreth, owner of Anna Maria-based My Beach Concierge, said his cabana rental service helps many beachgoers who are unable to bring out and set up beach equipment themselves.
Heldreth said his service also helps families, who can focus on their kids instead of setting up equipment.
He asked the city commission to consider allowing cabana rental services like his on the beach, even in the coastal conservation zoning district.
Former Commissioner Brian Seymour, who owns the Anna Maria General Store, encouraged the commission to organize a workshop with the business community to gather feedback on the matter.
Commissioner Charlie Salem said the city welcomed all feedback.
“We have a lot of work to do on this,” he said.
Short said the discussion on beach commercialization may be revisited as early as the city commission’s next meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.