First Watch got a permanent outdoor-dining OK for 34 plaza seats

The planning board on May 19 approved a special OK for outdoor full-service food and drink at the new First Watch in Anastasia Shopping Plaza, 1081 A1A Beach Boulevard — extra plaza seats that, under last year’s code change, stay with the property and never have to come back.

Staff described a restaurant just under 4,000 square feet with 10 outdoor tables and 34 outdoor seats. David Loetscher told the board the plan was what the operator wanted and hoped to open June 8. One neighbor letter raised patio music; Loetscher said the patio would have music but would not blast it.

Staff said once a restaurant has outdoor dining it stays forever — no clock, no new trip when ownership changes. Staff also said the board, not City Commission, now decides this kind of ask. That is a permanent plaza expansion decided one board down from the elected dais.

A motion to approve was seconded and carried with nobody opposed.