Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Tarpon decides to annex marina

Neighbors who recall the property's rowdy past object, but officials say rules are in place to keep a lid on it.

By NORA KOCH
Published April 14, 2005

TARPON SPRINGS - The controversial Marker 25 Marina set sail Tuesday to be annexed into the city and reborn as a waterfront bait and tackle shop, where boaters could stop for fuel, food and takeout beer and wine.

Despite impassioned pleas from Anclote Village neighbors, city commissioners voted 4-1 to bring the 2.2-acre property, now in unincorporated Pinellas County on the north side of the Anclote River, into the city limits. To become official, the proposed annexation must cruise through a second City Commission vote on April 19.

Marina owner Michael Tsalickis, who also runs Paul's Shrimp House, wants to turn the former restaurant and bar into a waterfront marina that sells bait and tackle, fuel and food. He would sell beer and wine, but only for consumption off premises. He also would store up to 20 boats there on trailers, and additional boats could be stored on wet slips that he would build, according to a preliminary agreement with the city.

But neighbors, some whose families have lived there for generations and others who moved into an upscale subdivision in the past few years, told commissioners they are concerned that annexing the land could allow it to revert back into the rowdy bar and grill they remember. They pleaded with commissioners to consider how allowing the property to go back into business could compromise the safety and peace in their sleepy neighborhood.

Mostly, neighbors railed against the city annexing the property and then allowing Tsalickis to sell beer and wine.

"It seems to me that what we're promoting is drunk boating," said Matthew Troio, who lives in Meyer's Cove.

In 1998, the county granted a variance that allowed Tsalickis to sell beer and wine, which transformed the marina into a loud bar, neighbors say. They told commissioners stories of picking up beer bottles in their yards, watching drunks fall over in their driveways and seeing patrons speed down sleepy Anclote Road.

In March 2004, county officials rescinded the variance after complaints about loud noise and drunken customers.

In May, Pinellas County commissioners denied Tsalickis' proposal to build a fish camp at the marina. That led him to ask Tarpon Springs to annex his property.

On Tuesday, Mayor Beverley Billiris said the property's sordid history wouldn't be repeated if it were in Tarpon Springs.

"We've heard a lot of horror stories about what has happened in the past," said Billiris. "He got away with it because he was in the county."

She noted that Tarpon Springs is known for its strict code enforcement, and that if Tsalickis were violating any codes, he would be cited immediately.

Commissioner Peter Dalacos, who voted against annexing the property, questioned Tsalickis' motive for wanting to annex into the city. While Tsalickis' attorney said it was at least in part because his family has lived in the city for decades, Dalacos wasn't so sure.

"It seems like it's an an end run to avoid dealing with the county," he said.

But Herb Elliott, Tsalickis' lawyer, said it's unfair to consider the property's history and it's speculation to think a bait and tackle shop would revert to a rowdy bar.

Tsalickis agreed to a preliminary list of restrictions that would apply to his property if he were to be annexed. They include:

--Only residents and those who store boats on premises could use the boat ramp.

--Hours of operation would be 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

--Minor boat and trailer repairs could be performed on site.

--No amplified music and no live entertainment would be allowed unless it took place in an entirely enclosed structure.

--Alcohol sold at the shop would have to be taken somewhere else to be consumed.

--Nora Koch can be reached at nkoch@sptimes.com or 727 771-4304.

[Last modified April 14, 2005, 01:15:22]