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VOL 23 No. 13
January 4, 2023
Further discussion planned for resiliency projects The proposed resiliency project is designed to help combat rising tides and storm surges. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
Plunging into a new year JASON SCHAFFER | SUN
Participants gather for a group photo before hitting the water in the 2023 Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge.
Although it was nearly 80 degrees, the Gulf water was cool enough to give a chill to the hundreds at this year’s Shamrock Shiver.
THE PLANS
The plans propose using the city-controlled rights of way between the bay and the eastern edge of Bay Drive South pavement from Fifth Street South to Third Street South as well as the Bridge Tender Inn shoreline property owned by Fred Bartizal to construct a 3-4-foot-high resiliency barrier from the Bridge Street Pier boardwalk to the corner of Fifth Street South.
BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH - Hundreds of people, many in creative costumes, gathered on the sand for the 15th year of the Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge. Although the weather was in the high 70s and the sun was shining the water temperature was a chilly 59 degrees for the annual event held by Clancy’s Freaki-Tiki to raise money for local charities that help area children. “This is hilarious, you guys are killing us with this,” said Rhonda Klaren of Lancaster Pennsylvania. Klaren was enjoying some beach time near the event with her husband, Carl. “They do this where we live; I think they call it the Polar Bear Plunge, but it’s at a boat ramp on a river that is close to literally being
SEE RESILIENCY, PAGE 27
JASON SCHAFFER | SUN
At exactly noon participants rush to be first in the water at the 2023 Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge. frozen. You guys run into water that’s hilariously warm, all things considered. It’s for charity though, so we won’t knock it. The people here are wonderful.” To date, the annual plunge into the Gulf has raised $362,284. This year, the goal was to raise $40,000 with all of the funds going to Feeding Empty Little Tummies, Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee County, Inc. and Take
AUDUBON CHRISTMAS
Page 29
BRADENTON BEACH – One resident’s concerns about a proposed resiliency project garnered enough interest from Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) members to seek an additional plans review. After resident and board member David Bell presented his concerns and suggested alterations to the city’s plans during a Dec. 7 meeting, CRA member John Chappie suggested asking ESA Senior Environmental Scientist Brett Solomon to appear before the board in January or February to review the plans and address those concerns. The board supported that suggestion. “This is one of our big projects for resiliency and we want to do right,” Chappie said. CRA Chair Ralph Cole agreed and said it’s important to consider the potential impacts to the property owners along Bay Drive South.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
CRA member David Bell recently expressed some concerns about the resiliency project plans.
TAKE A LOOK back at the
count finds birds flocking to Manatee County. 23
Anna Maria Island, Florida
Stock in Children of Manatee County, all 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations. A post-plunge party took place at Clancy’s on Cortez Road with the Dr. Dave Band performing and more money raised through raffle tickets, a silent auction and live auction as the party continued. Clancy’s is located at 6218 Cortez Rd. W. in Bradenton.
year’s biggest stories. 9 CONSTRUCTION keeps beach
parking closed for now. 4
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