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Holmes Beach officials urge county help as unregulated vendors, jet-ski rentals and boat sales grow on causeway and nearshore waters
Summary
City and county officials described an uptick in vendors and recreational rentals on the causeway and nearby waters that raise safety, zoning and nuisance concerns; staff recommended coordination with Bradenton and state agencies (Florida Fish and Wildlife) and called for accident data to support regulatory changes.
Holmes Beach officials told the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners that unregulated commercial activity on the causeway and in adjacent waters has escalated this summer, raising safety and quality-of-life concerns for residents. The city reported multiple jet-ski rental operations, boats selling food and banana-boat rides that, officials said, draw crowds, occupy parking, and operate in swim areas.
"We have three boats that are selling pizza and ice cream...and there's jet skis renting out there," a Holmes Beach presenter said, urging the county for help in crafting enforceable rules. City and county officials said the activity includes signs in the right-of-way and vending in locations not zoned for commercial use.
County staff and legal advisers cautioned that jurisdiction is layered: state jurisdiction extends offshore, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) authorizes buoy placement and exclusionary swim zones, while the Coast Guard assesses navigational impacts. Charlie Hunsicker of Manatee County government recommended the city engage Bradenton officials and state agencies; he said, "...your city needs to talk to the city of Bradenton because people conflate that arrangement as being organized by the county." County staff asked for objective data on accidents, calls for service and incidents before advancing ordinance-level changes.
Potential remedies discussed included stricter sign enforcement in rights-of-way, exploring swim/no-boat zones or boater-exclusion corridors with Florida Fish and Wildlife and the Coast Guard, county-city coordination to define nuisance thresholds, and consistent interlocal policies across islands. Several commissioners emphasized balancing limited commercial activity with public access to beaches and waterways.
Next steps: county staff will help the city coordinate with Bradenton and state agencies and will seek data on accidents and incident volumes to ground any proposed regulatory changes.
