SEBASTIAN — With the recent closure of the restaurant at Fisherman’s Landing, Sebastian’s working waterfront project is back in state compliance, the Sebastian City Council determined Wednesday evening. The city must still modify its management documents as requested by the state.
“We are working on those things now,” City Manager Al Minner told the Sebastian City Council of clarifying the management plan.
Debbie McManus, owner of the restaurant that set up inside the former Hurricane Harbor, shut down the restaurant late last week after discovering that her plans for the eatery exceeded what had been allowed under the city’s grant from the Florida Communities Trust.
“We have soiled our name by not being in compliance,” said council candidate Damien Gilliams.
He said that the city still needs to determine hours for operation, a floor plan, and other issues to fully comply with the state’s grant requirements.
City Council members took exception to Gilliams’ comments that someone from the city should have spoken up about the restaurant not conforming to the requirements.
Mayor Jim Hill said that, over the last year, he visited the former Hurricane Harbor nearly every week and each time, he spoke with a representative from Fisherman’s Landing Sebastian about the vision.
He said that at no time was there discussion there would be a tiki bar or live entertainment or a full menu.
He was “never told anything else” other than it would be a concession stand, Hill said.
When the restaurant opened, Hill said he went to check it out – and found a fish tank in what was supposed to be the food service window.
“There was immediate concern,” Hill said, which he brought to Minner’s attention.
From that point forward, Hill said, the city began working with the non-profit group to address the concerns.
His fellow council members echoed similar sentiments.
Vice Mayor Don Wright said that he is “very optimistic” that the ultimate plan for Fisherman’s Landing will carried out, but cautioned they don’t rush to get it done.
“We don’t want any more misunderstandings,” Wright said.
Minner told the council that the next step is for the city to rework its management plan to address hours of operation and other issues that weren’t incorporated in the lease agreements. He said he has requested time from the state to get that work done.
