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Council permits Lost Kangaroo sidewalk cafe with alcohol sales, keeps sidewalk access rules
Summary
The council approved a special-use permit allowing a sidewalk cafe serving alcohol outside Lost Kangaroo (406 12th Street West), with conditions including a 5-foot ADA clearance and limits on removable furniture and indemnity agreements.
Bradenton City Council unanimously approved a special-use permit (Resolution 25-03) to allow Lost Kangaroo, at 406 Twelfth Street West (Old Main Street), to operate a sidewalk cafe that serves alcoholic beverages on the adjacent public sidewalk.
Owner Robert Woodring told council Lost Kangaroo has operated on that block for more than 15 years and requested formal authorization to continue food and alcoholic beverage service at four sidewalk tables (12 seats) and two heavy benches. Assistant Director Greg DeLong told council that under the city’s form-based code sidewalk cafes with alcoholic beverage sales require council approval; the code permits sidewalk cafes with up to 20 seats administratively if no alcohol is served.
Staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval with standard conditions. Those include: maintaining at least a five-foot pedestrian clearance on the sidewalk for ADA access, removing movable furniture nightly, providing an indemnity agreement for use of the public sidewalk, and obtaining all state and local licensing for selling alcohol. DeLong said the applicant asked that two heavy wooden benches remain on the sidewalk when the business is closed and council approved that request as part of the permit.
Planning staff and the commission found the request consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan and the form-based code’s goal of an active, walkable downtown; the Planning Commission recommended approval (4–0). Council approved the stipulations and the sidewalk-cafe permit by a 5–0 vote. Council and staff said they will inspect the public sidewalk to ensure the 5-foot ADA clearance is maintained and that the Downtown Action Team and Public Works will coordinate upkeep.
Why it matters: Downtown sidewalk cafes are a long-standing part of Bradenton’s Main Street character; this decision formalizes the Lost Kangaroo’s operation and clarifies conditions for pedestrian access and liability while allowing the business to continue outdoor service.
