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Madeira Beach okays John's Pass cruise boat

 
SCOTT KEELER   |   Times  Visitors crowd the boardwalk at John's Pass Village. A new cruise boat was recently approved for the village.
SCOTT KEELER | Times Visitors crowd the boardwalk at John's Pass Village. A new cruise boat was recently approved for the village.
Published July 20, 2018

MADEIRA BEACH — John's Pass will soon have another major draw for visitors. The Calypso Breeze, a cruise boat operated by Starlite Cruises, could soon begin offering afternoon lunch and evening dinner cruises, seven days a week.

The boat, which can carry up to 150 passengers, is similar to the popular Starlite cruises the company runs out of Clearwater Beach and South Pasadena.

The cruise boat service was part of an alcoholic beverage license approval the City Commission considered at a recent meeting. The area where the boat will be based is zoned commercial marine and has had gambling boats operating there in the past.

The approval came despite concerns expressed by some John's Pass merchants and business owners about overburdening an already tight parking situation and worsening traffic problems. Congested roadways hampering safety vehicles' ability to operate, and noise from amplified music on the boat's outdoor deck were other issues.

Phil Henderson, president of Starlight Cruises, said the boat would have a positive impact on John's Pass Village, as the people taking the cruises would also patronize the businesses. In deciding to locate at John's Pass Village, Henderson said "we want to be in the center of activity."

City Planning Director Linda Portal said the parking situation had been "a big concern" for the businesses at John's Pass. But she said the landlord of the parking garage had provided more than twice the spaces required to the cruise company, based on city codes.

Despite the assurances of adequate parking, Mark Hubbard of Hubbard's Marina was not convinced.

While he described Starlite Cruises, the boat operator, as "very reputable and very good for the community," he said the parking garage is packed for six months during the season.

"The idea of bringing in another operation and increasing the (parking) burden is negligent as far as the landlord is concerned," Hubbard said.

"As far as the city is concerned, parking is a major issue," Hubbard said. "It is difficult to try to take on another burden."

The parking garage was originally built by the Hubbard family but is no longer owned by them.

Other John's Pass business owners had concerns about the cruise boat's impact on parking.

"This would create a parking nightmare," said business owner George Lewis. "It's backed up now, and I don't know where everybody's going to fit."

As an alternative, Lewis suggested the cruise boat "go across the pass to Gator's."

Missy Hahn, president of the Treasure Island and Madeira Beach Chamber of Commerce, said chamber members were "supporting Hubbard's request not to issue this license."

"Parking is a problem," Hahn said. "This is going to hurt the existing businesses."

Corey Hubbard spoke of public safety issues.

"Already there are lines of cars waiting to get into the garage," she said. "This will increase congestion and make it extremely difficult for emergency vehicles to come inside the Village."

City Manager Jonathan Evans said he and his staff recognized the potential problems, and he has met with safety officials.

"We have some ideas, and think we can improve the traffic flow," Evans said.

Commissioner Deby Weinstein, who lives along the cruise route, had concerns about noise from amplified speakers on the outdoor deck. At the commissioner's request, the boat operators agreed to go beyond the city's noise ordinance and limit outside music to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The city ordinances specify an 11 p.m. shutoff on weekends.

Craig Taraszki, an attorney representing Starlite Cruises said, "We know the town's criteria. Whatever we do will be compatible."

"I can't think of a more perfect place to have a cruise boat come in and out of," Taraszki said. "It's a perfect use and will be a great asset to that area and to the community."

The commission voted 4 to 1 to approve the alcoholic beverage permit, which clears the way for the cruise boat to operate.

Commissioner John Douthirt said he was satisfied.

"You have answered the questions, and answered positively," he told the cruise boat operators.

"Parking would always be a problem, but this is an established and class operation. The Calypso Breeze will be a good neighbor and be good for business here," Weinstein said.

Commissioner Nancy Hodges cast the lone dissenting vote.

"I have a good relationship with a lot of the tenants and merchants at the Pass," Hodges said. "I feel that we need to really protect them."

She told the boat operators, "I'd love to have you there, I really would. I love your concept, but I'm very concerned about the parking and safety."