TREASURE ISLAND – Attorney Brian Battaglia suggested to commissioners Feb. 16 that an independent panel be formed to solve the problems of Sunset Beach residents.
Battaglia, who represents 16 Sunset Beach homeowners unhappy with rowdy neighborhood conditions, requested time to address commissioners during a workshop after filing a lawsuit Jan. 29 on behalf of the Sunset Beach residents.
The plaintiffs contend that large groups of young patrons who frequent Caddy’s on the Beach, 9000 W. Gulf Blvd., and the nearby public beach interfere with their property rights, which in turn lowers their property values and quality of life.
Battaglia outlined the problem in detail and closed by suggesting the city form an independent commission consisting of Sunset Beach residents and Caddy’s owner Tony Amico, “that will address these issues.”
“You need to come up with a resolution and a plan,” Battaglia said. “There needs to be swift action.”
Battaglia said the residents of Sunset Beach are “in need” of action by the city.
“My clients want Caddy’s to succeed but they want fair and balanced (action by the city),” said Battaglia.
Battaglia displayed photographs that showed people urinating in residents’ front yards and others carrying large amounts of beer and other beverages to the beach.
“Treasure Island has not done everything it can do to keep this under control,” said Battaglia. “Caddy’s is no longer just a beach bar. It’s now an entertainment mecca.”
Battaglia compared the rowdiness to recent problems the county was forced to address on Shell Island and compared it to a local version of the Gasparilla parade, Tampa’s annual pirate celebration that often gets rowdy.
“You’ve got to quit kicking the can down the road,” Battaglia said. “Sometimes it takes guts and leadership. You cannot continue to ignore the problem any longer.”
In addition to the lack of enforcement of open container ordinances, Battaglia said the city was wrong to allow Caddy’s to use a parcel of land zoned residential for parking at a commercial enterprise.
City Planner Lynn Rosetti later noted that the RM-15 zoning for a lot used in connection with commercial venture was not in violation of the city’s comprehensive plan.
“The comprehensive plan is very supportive of parking,” she said.
Amico said taking away parking is not going to solve the issue.
“I admit there are some problems,” said Amico. “But I don’t think limiting parking is going to solve the problem.
“A lot of things happen that are not anything to do with Caddy’s,” Amico added. “A lot of these same things happen elsewhere. It’s a police issue, not a Caddy’s issue.”
Police Chief Tim Casey told commissioners Feb. 2 that stepped up law enforcement would be taking place this spring and summer around Caddy’s and violators would be arrested. In the past, officers issued citations.
In addition, Casey said two video cameras would be installed on city property north and south of Caddy’s to allow officers in the city’s communication center to monitor activity in the area.
Casey said the lenses of the cameras would be shielded to show only what’s happening on the beach.
“This will ensure the privacy of the residents in the area,” he said.
The total project cost is $11,880, which will be paid for with police forfeiture funds.
Sunset Beach resident Ray Green said the city needs to consider the needs of Sunset Beach residents more.
“Just be fair and logical on requests by staff and consider the residents of Sunset Beach,” Green said. “It’s not your job to make Caddy’s more successful. You’re elected to serve by the people, for all the people.”
