Helistop discussion fails to take off

Plans for a helistop at The Concession Golf Club will continue to cause a buzz over the summer.

Manatee County commissioners on June 2 voted to continue the item to their Sept. 1 meeting.

Concession attorney Ed Vogler said he is compiling evidence to support the helistop proposal and he believes no more continuances will be required.

“There’s been a lot of emotional feedback that needs to be validated by fact,” Vogler said. “It takes a little time to develop this response.”

Residents of the Panther Ridge equestrian community, and others surrounding The Concession, have spoken against the project, citing concerns for the safety of horses and riders and that the use is incompatible with their communities. They also have circulated an online petition with more than 12,000 signatures nationwide, including about 1,200 from Florida.

Panther Ridge resident Justin Norwood spoke against the helistop proposal and asked the county to look at statewide best-practices on helistops and helipads and make county guidelines on the topic more concrete, before making a decision.

Vogler said the Concession’s request is reasonable and complies with code. He said the helistop would be an amenity to the golf club.

“This would be an amenity for a high-end golf club that would be used by the members and for events,” Vogler said. “It’s not for one member.”

The Concession Golf Club has orders from the Florida Department of Transportation not to allow helicopter landings until they are “approved by regulatory agencies.” It received a cease and desist order May 18 that states The Concession Golf Club must obtain a signed letter from a zoning agency that states the helistop complies with local zoning regulations and is a compatible land use. This step is required before it can obtain certification for the site as a helistop.