Palmetto officials first to approve 2017 Bradenton Area River Regatta

PALMETTO -- The Bradenton Area River Regatta has been a lengthy and hot topic in the city of Palmetto during the approval process of the first two events, but the Feb. 4, 2017, Formula 2 racing regatta received approval without so much as a discussion. Palmetto, on Monday, became the first to approve the regatta with approvals from the city of Bradenton and Manatee County expected soon.

Event organizer and president of ISM USA Mike Fetchko said this year's regatta theme will be "Free Family Fun" in keeping in the spirit of what the regatta is all about for Manatee County.

"On behalf of the Powerboat Super League F2 Circuit and HydroCross Jet Ski Circuit, and other related outstanding partners, ISM USA enthusiastically looks forward to the return of the third annual Bradenton Area River Regatta on Feb. 4, 2017," said Fetchko. "Discussions to further improve this successful signature event for the region has already begun with key sponsors such as Bright House and event partners such as the DeSoto organization for expanded concessions and event enhancements."

Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant said despite the weather not cooperating during the second annual regatta, event organizers working in partnership with DeSoto Historical Society had "put together a great plan."

DeSoto's Tom Murphy said, "It's been a great partnership with ISM USA and the city. It's a wonderful opportunity to showcase some of the improvements Palmetto is making to its waterfront," including the $1 million improvements at the Riverside Park West boat ramp, the upcoming Florida Department of Transportation multi-modal trail that will kick off Phase 1 soon, the seawall repairs and the current installation of the living shoreline project.

Fetchko said Formula 2 and the HydroCross Jet Ski circuit said they both "love the city of Palmetto. We'll have the same plan for the 2017 regatta and have some recommendations to make it even better. It will stay free, stay family friendly and above all else, stay safety oriented both on and off the water."

Rain and cold dampened the 2016 regatta, keeping attendance down. However, thousands still came to brave the elements to see as much racing as the weather would allow. Weather will always be the unknown factor when a planning a water event a year out, but Fetchko said along with Manatee County, "the cities of Bradenton and Palmetto have tremendously contributed to make this a premier national venue for the circuit's drivers, racers, and fans. It is a significant testament to the area's leadership."

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

This story was originally published April 18, 2016 at 8:44 PM with the headline "Palmetto officials first to approve 2017 Bradenton Area River Regatta ."