We inadvertently became involved with city issues a decade ago. We attended almost every Holmes Beach Commission meeting and work session for several years. We have attended some Anna Maria, Manatee County and WMFD meetings as well and continue to stay educated. With this ever-evolving landscape of quality of island life, our mantra has evolved into “Preservation of Neighborhoods.”
We recently Googled Holmes Beach zoning and discovered a highly prioritized real estate website. A section specifically referencing HB R-2 to R-4 zones perked our interest: “The typical buyer for these zones is someone who would like to rent the property weekly for most of the time. Warning! If you plan on living in the property or visiting for multiple months be aware that it can be noisy.”
Until recently our immediate block in an R-2 zone consisted of 100% permanent residents; even with new construction, we remain predominantly permanent, full-time residents with a strong neighborhood watch. This may be a rarity, however, we had never seen documented numbers for the percentage of residences versus TPLEs (commercial rentals) per zone. (Transient Public Lodging Establishments are clearly defined in state statute.) We proceeded with public records requests from the county appraiser, city, and WMFD. Curiously, none has a count of the number of TPLEs per zone.
After re-reading our entire Comprehensive Plan and Municode Zoning sections multiple times, we know without reservation that the intent is for preservation of residential character. It is not mentioned just casually; it is staunchly entrenched repeatedly.
Many people locally and statewide have worked diligently towards preservation of residential character. Home Rule initiatives, neighborhood initiatives, and initiatives with city, county and state governments have sought to protect our neighborhoods.
We are not naive. We have followed numbers and trends as well as the imminent prospects of consolidation or dissolution of the island cities. However, there are coastal cities which have successfully preserved their character. These cities properly reference their residential zones, respect their guiding documents, enforce prescribed ordinances and encourage resident input.
We encourage upholding guiding documents in efforts to preserve intended residential character and hope that others respect that initiative by encouraging permanent residents as well. Our communities, our beloved AME, our churches, our quality of life, and even retention of our island cities depend on it.
Dick and Margie Motzer
Holmes Beach
