Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/332945
the city commissioners about the need for the dredging. Testimony and video evidence showed people walking across the site of the former channel, barely getting their knees wet. Getzoff said that as recently as 2009, there was a "remnant channel" leading to the boat basin outside Armour's home. And what a home it is. It is the most valuable residence in the county, appraised for tax purposes at $13.4 million. Patterned after the casino at Monte Carlo, at 39,000 square feet, it is second in size only to John Ringling's old place up the street on Bay Shore Road. Armour would like to dock his $3.5 million Viking 74 sport fisherman vessel in his boat basin, but getting to it is the problem. On Wednesday evening, June 18, Armour's new attorney, Matthew Taylor of Bradenton, pre- sented more evidence and testimony to the Board of Adjustment that the channel is there and still navigable, although by boats smaller than a 74-footer. HOW FAR BACK CAN YOU GO? After all witnesses were sworn in to tell the truth, the five-member Board of Adjustment proceeded with its hearing. The city previously As presented to the board, this is picture-perfect proof the old channel is navigable at 'mid-tide' by a boat drawing 30 inches of water. Boat owner Mike Abbott (foreground) responded to questions from attorney Matt Taylor, who was handling the blown-up images. Photo by Stan Zimmerman Sarasota News Leader June 20, 2014 Page 27