Regatta Christian concert all but canceled; FDOT approves Green Bridge closure
MANATEE -- A Christian concert in Palmetto on the opening night of the Feb. 6-7 Formula 2 racing regatta on the Manatee River has been pulled from the programing, but the overall event continues as scheduled.
And the news officials have been waiting for: The Florida Department of Transportation has approved the permit to close the Green Bridge on Feb. 7.
Because of a contractual clause for bands playing in the Jan. 14 St. Petersburg Winter Jam, negotiations fell through with the headline Christian act.
Rumors were circulating that organizers were talking with the popular Christian contemporary band Building 429, which is scheduled for the Winter Jam. According to Palmetto Community Redevelopment Agency Director Jeff Burton, bands playing in the St. Pete concert were required to sign a contract that they would not play within 50 miles of Winter Jam for six months leading up to the concert.
Burton, with experience putting on concerts featuring nationally known bands, made some inquiries in an unofficial capacity for the regatta's organizers.
"There's been no progress since we were told that the negotiations didn't work out," said Burton. "Building 429 was one name that I heard, but I heard other names as well. The CRA has done four major concerts, so I know there is a lot that goes into putting one of those things together. Right now, it all goes back to the folks putting on the race."
Bradenton Area Convention Center Executive Director Elliott Falcione said the Friday night Christian concert has been pulled from
the regatta programming and he is now looking in a different direction.
Bradenton Downtown Development Authority Executive Director David Gustafson said he isn't giving up on the Christian concert just yet, but acknowledged that it has been pulled from the program.
"I would call it more in jeopardy," said Gustafson. "There are so many partners that have jumped on board for this event, and I'm a guy that will never say never, especially when we are trying to promote a good, fun, family event in Palmetto. What we do need is a partner to sponsor a possible concert, and I'll put that call out to the public right now."
Gustafson told Palmetto officials that he wouldn't give up on the concert until three weeks out from the event. If a concert can't be re-established as part of the programing, Gustafson expressed confidence that something could be put together to help draw an estimated 100,000 regatta visitors into Palmetto.
The city will still host a portion of the food vendors for Saturday's event and the expected-to-be-completed new boat ramps at Riverside Park are still scheduled to serve as the dry dock for competitors.
The 5K Falcon Run and 1K Fun Run from Bradenton into Palmetto is still scheduled. Regatta-goers also will have parking opportunities to get to the Green Bridge spectator viewing area from Palmetto and to cross the bridge to Riverwalk, where the majority of the land events are taking place.
Palmetto officials are expressing disappointment but understanding.
"Something like this has never occurred before, so it's hard to say whether we are losing out on anything or by how much if we don't have the concert," said Burton.
The FDOT permit to close the Green Bridge from 4 a.m.-11 p.m. Feb. 7 arrived via email just before noon on Monday. It was one of the biggest obstacles still facing the event organizers. Gustafson said he felt the environmental permitting process would be completed sooner and the FDOT approval, while expected, was still a relief.
"I can't thank FDOT, the cities and the county enough for how well everyone is working together," he said.
It will be a full bridge closure, but the far southbound lane will remain accessible to emergency vehicles. Gustafson said the environmental permit should be approved soon.
Mark Young, Herald urban affairs reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7041 or follow him on Twitter @urbanmark2014.
This story was originally published December 23, 2014 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Regatta Christian concert all but canceled; FDOT approves Green Bridge closure ."