Sandshaker plans to abate noise
BY LISA NEWELL Gulf Breeze News lisa@gulfbreezenews.com

If the Sandshaker owners get their way, they will construct a cover and deck to help contain the noise some say is keeping them from having a good night's sleep in the core area of Pensacola Beach.

Representatives for the popular watering hole offered a plan for approval by the Santa Rosa Island Authority showing a covered area and a new deck over the where the band performs outside the facility.

However, the Sandshaker's master leaseholder, Richard McAlpin of the Comfort Inn, refuses to give permission to the Sandshaker to make the improvements.

John Asmar, attorney representing the Sandshaker, said the SRIA should grant approval as long as the project did not violate the term of the lease or any government regulations.

However, most of the board members expressed a reluctance to "get in the middle" of the master- and subleaseholders.

The issue is tabled till the next board meeting on March 19.

In other action, the Santa Rosa Island Authority:

Granted approval for a floating concession boat to operate 600 feet offshore of the Quietwater pier. The business, Steamers Sanbar, is owned by Jon Eversmeyer who operates a similar business in Georgetown, Grand Cayman.

Approved a new business called Wet/Outboards on the Boardwalk. It is owned by Mike and Lee McLaughlin, owners of Lee Tracy boutique on the boardwalk.

Approved a wedding business with horse and carriage. A1derful Ceremony & Carriage of Dreams is owned by Harold Garrett.

Approvd a beach service behind the new Holiday Inn Express. Lawrence L. Porto is the owner.

Tabled a proposal to allow a concession vendor to operate at Park East and Fort pickens Gate as the sublessee of The Market, owned by Halford Harris. Board members instead discussed issuing a request for proposals to determine who wins the contract.

Tabled a proposal by Portofino to erect a concession tent for Portofino residents and guests on the Gulf Beach near Portofino resort. Dr. Thomas Campanella said a similar business is a beach service, but "they rent to everyone."

The next meeting is March 19 at 5 p.m. at the SRIA board room.