Palmetto still not onboard with 2016 Bradenton Area Riverwalk Regatta but gap closes

PALMETTO -- For the first time since Palmetto officials balked at participating in a second Bradenton Area Riverwalk Regatta, city commissioners extended an invitation to Integrated Strategic Marketing President Mike Fetchko, regatta organizer, to determine Palmetto's future with the event.

Officials met with Fetchko at Monday's Palmetto City Commission meeting with an expected vote on conceptual approval. The vote never took place, but officials ended the 90-minute discussion with Fetchko and incoming Hernando DeSoto Historical Society President Terry Wilson more at ease about the prospects of the city benefitting from a second event.

While there have been discussions between Fetchko, Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione and Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant, Palmetto officials have largely debated the merits of the regatta from the dais. City commissioners have laid out multiple demands, including extending the Formula 2 race course to the north.

Fetchko responded with a 12-point plan to meet all Palmetto needs. Some highlights have already been promised, including moving the DeSoto Pee Wee Fishing Tournament to Palmetto, the Kids Zone, and eliminating the Palmetto fishing pier as a fireworks launching

point to better serve as a spectator viewing area to the Hydrocross stunt show and Winter Championship racing.

Fetchko reiterated land activities such as the BMX stunt show, XPOGO would alternate between Bradenton and Palmetto.

Ward 2 Commissioner Tambra Varnadore said she can see the city and organizers moving in a more positive direction, but a Monday vote would have been premature.

"Until I have things in concrete, this commissioner will not approve this event," she said.

At-large Commissioner Tamara Cornwell said she agreed. While she was pleased Fetchko discussed meeting her one demand of bringing a race over to Palmetto's side of the river, she didn't get the guarantee she needed.

"I hear you saying: 'I think' this can happen, but promises weren't kept last year," she said.

Fetchko said: "Put it in writing and I'll sign it."

Fetchko said he can only guarantee what permits allow him to do, and what is allowed through negotiations with Formula 2, the U.S. Coast Guard and Florida Department of Transportation.

"I have confidence that we can do all those things you are asking, but you have to understand that we have not even started permit discussions until we know Palmetto wants to be involved," he said. "If not, it's another discussion altogether."

City officials have said Palmetto businesses lost money during the regatta, but not one business owner has attended a public meeting regarding the race.

When DeSoto members tried to meet with local business operators to discuss the event, only one showed up at a scheduled meeting.

Wilson said it appears businesses are supportive or "said it's not a big deal."

Bryant said it appears the city commission isn't quite ready to take a vote, but she understands Fetchko's need to get moving. She said she would schedule a special meeting to vote on the regatta in the next couple weeks.

Bryant said a headline Christian concert is her biggest need. Falcione said he will approach the TDC for an additional $25,000 ISM could use to recruit a headline act in combination with a major sponsor. Bryant said she will ask the TDC to double that amount.

Mark Young, Herald urban affairs reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7041 or follow him on Twitter @urbanmark2014.

This story was originally published May 5, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Palmetto still not onboard with 2016 Bradenton Area Riverwalk Regatta but gap closes ."