LEGISLATIVE ACTION ITEM
SPONSOR: City Council Vice President Sherri F. Myers
SUBJECT:
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MORATORIUM ON OPENING BRUCE BEACH FOR PUBLIC ACCESS
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RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
That City Council place a moratorium on opening Bruce Beach for public access until a plan has been submitted to the City Council and the Community Redevelopment Agency Board addressing the following:
1. Evaluation of the environmental impact on wildlife habitats
2. Evaluation of environmental impact on vegetation
3. Impact on the displacement of homeless residents and their pets that may be left behind
4. Access for persons with disabilities
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HEARING REQUIRED: No Hearing Required
SUMMARY:
On May 8, 2014, City Council authorized the Mayor to execute a lease agreement with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (“FWC”) for the Bruce Beach property for the purpose of developing a fisheries, habitats, and education, research and restoration facility to be known as the Gulf Coast Marine Fisheries Hatchery and Enhancement Center.
In an email dated June 4, 2018, FWC’s Assistant General Counsel notified the City Attorney that FWC desired to terminate the lease for the Bruce Beach premises. FWC has executed the necessary documents to allow the lease to be terminated by the Parties.
On June 14, 2018, City Council authorized the termination of the lease agreement with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for the Bruce Beach premises.
There have been recent discussions about opening the Bruce Beach property to public access. This item will place a moratorium on opening this property to the public until such a time that the above listed issues have been addressed and presented to the City Council and CRA Board.
PRIOR ACTION:
June 20, 2011 - City Council authorized the Mayor to enter into lease negotiations with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for the Bruce Beach location for the Florida Gulf Coast Marine Fisheries Hatchery and Enhancement Center.
May 8, 2014 - City Council authorized the Mayor to execute a lease agreement with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for the property commonly known as “Bruce Beach” for the purpose of developing the Gulf Coast Marine Fisheries Hatchery and Enhancement Center.
December 8, 2016 - City Council conducted a quasi-judicial hearing and approved the Waterfront Redevelopment District Site Plan for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Gulf Coast Marine Fisheries Hatchery and Enhancement Center to be located at 453 West Main Street.
June 14, 2018 - City Council authorized the termination of the lease agreement with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for the Bruce Beach premises.
FUNDING:
N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None at this time
STAFF CONTACT:
Don Kraher, Council Executive
ATTACHMENTS:
1) None
PRESENTATION: No