County commissioner John Chappie wins Bradenton Beach seat

Election Day was busy Tuesday on Anna Maria Island with Manatee County Commissioner John Chappie winning the Bradenton Beach Commission Ward 4 seat.

In the city of Anna Maria, Anna Maria incumbent Commissioner Nancy Yetter was re-elected with 466 votes, and newcomer Brian F. Seymour won the other seat with 452 votes, according to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office.

Chappie, who ran against Pines Trailer Park resident William “Bill” Vincent, received 370 votes. Vincent received 230.

“I feel great. Bill Vincent was a great candidate. I have a new friend — we both have said that,” the 64-year-old Chappie said. “I’m looking forward to getting started on the big challenges that we have on the island, in Bradenton Beach.”

Chappie, who filed to run in June, served as Bradenton Beach mayor from 2001-07 and several terms as vice mayor in 1997, 1999, 2000-01 and 2007-08, according to the Manatee County government website. He said he will address the issue of vacation rentals in Bradenton Beach’s residential neighborhoods and work to establish a controlled anchorage in the waters by the Historic Bridge Street Pier.

Vincent said he was sorry he disappointed his supporters.

“But having said that, we’re very very proud of the very positive, very proactive, upbeat campaign,” he said. “We’re very proud of that.”

A referendum question on whether to adopt a residential building moratorium ordinance was also passed in Bradenton Beach with 444 votes, more than three times the number of votes of those who said “no” — 146. Ordinance No. 16-464 establishes a six-month moratorium on the acceptance, review and issuance of building permit applications for all residential units in two of the city’s zoning districts that will contain more than four rooms that will be or can be used for bedrooms or sleeping areas. This also applies to duplexes limited to two bedrooms.

“The moratorium passing, that was great,” Chappie said. “As I said all along, that to me was probably the major challenge we are facing today on the island.”

Yetter said she was thrilled and honored by her win.

“I promise to continue to do the best I can to represent the best interests of the residents of the city of Anna Maria,” she said, adding that she plans to get Bert Harris claims filed against the city resolved.

Seymour said he was humbled.

“I’m just thankful for the opportunity,” he said, “and I look forward to serving all the residents of the city.”

This story was originally published November 8, 2016 at 5:58 PM with the headline "County commissioner John Chappie wins Bradenton Beach seat."