Online helistop petition gains momentum

Opponents of a proposed helistop planned at The Concession Golf Club say they have gathered 11,200 signatures on an online petition site opposing the helistop.

The Care2 petition, authored by Daniela Drillmann, urges the Manatee County Board of Commissioners to vote against the plan when they consider it June 2. The item originally is supposed to go in front of the board at the May 5 land-use meeting, but county staff said the applicant will ask for a continuance to the June meeting. 

Manatee County Planning Commissioners on April 14 recommended approval of the project by a 4-2 vote. Some of those who have signed the petition say the noise associated with helicopters flying over the area would spook horses and generally disrupt a tranquil setting.

In a press release on Wednesday, Drillman wrote, "We feel this is not customary at a golf club as more than 99% of the golf clubs in Florida do not have them. Furthermore, it is inconsistent with the surrounding communities. Panther Ridge is made up of nine communities including five subdivisions catering to equestrians. Take offs and landings of helicopters directly adjacent to our riding and walking trails is a dangerous mix.”

Concession attorney Ed Vogler said the helistop would not accommodate overnight parking, fueling aircraft or other larger-scale aircraft needs, and would have a minimal impact. The proposed location is adjacent to The Concession’s clubhouse, and farther away from Panther Ridge homes than originally proposed in April 2015.

The applicant’s study indicated noise from the helicopter landings would be no worse than from trucks passing residences.