Concession helistop advances to Manatee County commission

The Manatee County Planning Commission on Thursday recommended approval of a proposed helistop at The Concession Golf Club.

Concession Golf Club owners want the helistop for members to be able to use and say the helicopter landing pad, which would not accommodate overnight parking, fueling aircraft or other larger-scale aircraft needs, would have minimal impacts. They’ve located it adjacent to the clubhouse.

“Concession is a place for serious golfers and members of the club are serious golfers. The experience of a first-class golf venue is critical,” Concession attorney Ed Vogler said. “We would do nothing ever that would affect the golf experience. This is demonstrated by no homes on the golf course.”

However, residents of the neighboring equestrian-based Panther Ridge community are concerned the helistop will result in helicopters flying over their properties, spooking horses. They say a helistop is a serious threat to their way of life and the safety of both horses and their riders.

“We, as groups, ride back and forth across State Road 70 all the time,” Panther Ridge resident Carrie Cooper said. “I cannot express how dangerous it would be if group was crossing and a helicopter flew by. Horses are flight animals.”

The Manatee County Commission is slated to consider the item for approval at its May 5 land-use meeting.