HOLMES BEACH – Plans for a new restaurant received unanimous approval from city commissioners despite criticism from a city resident and local business owner.
The new, ultra-modern Bohemian restaurant is slated to take the place of the closed Island Grill at 5910 Marina Drive. A concept by five-time James Beard semifinalist and Anna Maria Island native Chef Jeannie Pierola, the new restaurant will feature both indoor and outdoor dining with the outdoor bar and seating area covered. The restaurant will undergo extensive renovations to feature about 100 seats when it’s complete.
A new outdoor seating area addition is planned to have 50 seats along with a bar under a covered space. – Submitted | Halflants and Pichette
Presenting the site plan to city commissioners for approval during a May 23 meeting, representatives from Halflants and Pichette said the plan with the new restaurant is to provide a fine dining experience for guests while also bringing the indoors outside with the new exterior seating area.
While commissioners were fully in support of the new restaurant plans, not everyone was as happy about the concept.
The owners of Isola Bella Italian Eatery object to plans to create an outdoor seating area for the planned Bohemian restaurant, which would have a host stand for the new restaurant occupying a common area walkway connecting the restaurant locations to a shared parking lot. – Submitted | Halflants and Pichette
Speaking on behalf of her restaurant, Isola Bella Italian Eatery, owner Alessandra Salafia said that while she supports the addition of the new restaurant in the long-vacant space, she doesn’t like what it could do to her business. The building that Bohemian is planned to occupy is also shared with Isola Bella and an office space with the majority of parking for the tenants located in front of the planned Bohemian restaurant and accessed by Isola Bella patrons along a shared walkway. Plans for Bohemian show that the walkway will be partially used by a seating host for that restaurant with entrances to the outdoor and indoor seating located on either side of the concrete path. Salafia said she doesn’t like the idea that Isola Bella’s guests would have to essentially walk through another restaurant to get to her eatery. She also said she feels that the outdoor seating area, which is planned to occupy an area that is now grass, and its accompanying 6-foot tall landscaping barriers would block the visibility of her restaurant.
“Our address is on Marina Drive, not 59th Street,” she said.
Holmes Beach resident Margie Motzer questioned the viability of adding a more intense use to the area. She said that while she’s pleased with the prestige Pierola would bring to the Island along with the aesthetic facelift to the aging building, she’s concerned that adding another 100-plus-seat restaurant to the area will create a greater strain on local resources including water, drainage and other infrastructure.
Seating at Bohemian is planned to be a 53% increase over the seating that was allowed at the Island Grill.
Commissioners considered both women’s comments but proceeded to give the new restaurant their stamp of approval with a unanimous vote in favor of the presented design.
Fly fishermen, and fishermen in general, are always seeking ways to improve our enjoyment of the sport. And while that ultimately boils down to learning ways to be more successful at catching fish, it’s not really numbers that drive a fly fisher’s passion. It’s more personal than that. If it were a numbers game, we would still be fishing with live bait and waiting for the fish to find us. Our path to success is paved with mentors and milestones that redefine our personal passage through a life of fly fishing. It’s experiencing and seeking to understand the natural world and the fish that swim its waters that makes the fly fishing journey so special.
I first picked up a fly rod over 30 years ago and, over three decades, I’ve had many memorable days on the water. When I look back, some of my fondest memories are not about the fish that I’ve caught but the people I’ve met along the way, the personalities I’ve encountered and the friendships fostered. Fly fishers seem to possess a quality that attracts, entertains and enlightens us. No matter where you are in your evolution as a fly angler, I’m sure you’ve had or will have the same experiences. Over my years of fly fishing, one of the most charismatic individuals I’ve encountered in my time was a Belizean named Lincoln Westby.
I met Westby over a decade ago on a blustery morning in March outside my motel in Hopkins, Belize. Due to a strong cold front that had blown through the day before, my transfer to his Blue Horizon Lodge had been delayed. When he asked if I was going to the lodge, I wasn’t sure if he was a guide, the owner or merely a taxi driver. Little did I know that this unassuming man would, in less than a week, teach me more about permit fishing than I had assimilated in over 10 years of stalking this “holy grail” of fly fishing.
Westby’s spry demeanor and sparkling eyes belied his six-plus decades. A Belizean by birth, he has fished the coastal waters of Belize since he was a child. He began his fishing career as a commercial diver and fisherman before following his brothers, Joel and David, as guides to American spin anglers in the late 60s. Except for a stint in the British Army from 1961-67 and two years working on a research ship in Bermuda, he has dedicated his life to learning the ways of the permit, tarpon and bonefish. After working as a guide and manager at nearly every lodge on the Belize coast, Westby had the passion to have his own lodge. With the help and counsel of Will Bauer (now deceased), a longtime permit angler and former Belize lodge owner, the vision of the Blue Horizon Lodge was born.
Westby and his common-law wife, Pearline, leased a small mangrove island from the government with an option to buy. The island was inundated with water on high tides and it took over six months and more than 10,000 boatloads of sawdust and sand to create enough upland to build the first building. Finally, in 1997, Bauer brought the first group of anglers to the lodge and Westby’s dream became a reality.
On my trip to the Blue Horizon, I had the good fortune to pick a week when Bauer was at the lodge and I was able to fish with Westby on six consecutive days. Each day I was immersed in an endless world of multi-dimensional coral patch reefs that hosted school after school of permit. And while there were few spells of more than 45 minutes between fish, it was Westby’s intimate knowledge of the terrain and the permit that held me spellbound. I fished for four and a half days (and spent a day observing and photographing Bauer and Westby) and landed five permit. The number of opportunities was phenomenal and, while these permit were less pressured than in other locations I’ve fished, that didn’t change their basic nature.
Westby fished by the tides (high rising, high and high falling) and not by time. Keen eyes allowed him to slow motor along the edge of flats looking for fish. A mentor takes you to a new level, reminds you of the complexity of the natural world and feeds your desire to learn.
Lincoln Westby finessed this reluctant permit to eat his crab fly on his fifth presentation. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun
On the day I photographed Westby, he left the boat to stalk a school of feeding permit and I was able to experience a master at work. He made a high looping cast that sent the fly softly to the water’s surface just two feet short of the feeding fish. Not once, but five times, the permit rushed the fly only to turn off at the last minute. Each time Westby waited (when I would have attempted to set the hook) until the fish had just turned off the fly and then gave a three-inch strip that teased the fish back to the fly. On the fifth look, the permit took the fly.
If I had to condense the knowledge I learned in my days with Westby into a short paragraph, it would be that permit are moody, and every presentation and opportunity will be influenced by many factors. The angler must judge the mood of the fish, know where the fly is at all times and take into account the tides, weather, availability of food, wind, structure of the bottom, sun angle and much more. Permit fishing is incredibly demanding, and therein lies its appeal. Quantum leaps in fly fishing can be built up with years of experience or, on occasion, by having the good fortune to learn from a mentor. It keeps it fresh and vital and makes us keen for our next adventure.
ANNA MARIA – The beauty of the Island as a community is the strong sense of volunteerism and giving back. Three young men who grew up in the Island community exemplified the best qualities that locals know and love, coaching 8- to 10-year-old team Westfall’s Lawn Care & Pest Control to ultimate season victory last Tuesday night at The Center.
Head Coach Tyler Brewer, along with assistant coaches Charles “Tuna” McCracken and Javier Rivera, skillfully and compassionately coached 11 little soccer players, getting them through the regular season and first round of playoffs. The three coaches also helped their players in gaining confidence with each game.
With all skill levels on the team, the three graduates of Anna Maria Elementary School and lifelong friends found the strengths of each player and worked with them to hone their personal soccer skills. Ultimately, the individual players came together as a unified team by the end of the regular season.
After amazing semifinal action last Monday night with the top two teams being on the losing side of the stat sheet, teams Cheesecake Cutie and Sato Real Estate sat out during the big championship game last week.
Despite the shutout, the Island Real Estate team, led by the experienced soccer skills of Keith Mahoney, fought hard during all 40 minutes of regulation play. Miles Moss, goalkeeper for Island Real Estate, had 10 amazing stops in the game.
The determined Westfall squad was just too much for their opponent’s offense and defense. Throughout the season, Landon Chatt, Gabriel Foley, Preston LaPensee, Chandler LaPensee, Owen Mahoney, Kellan Oelfke, Asher Patel, Jordy Perez, Colton Sullivan and Julian Whipple-Anderson, along with Moss, all fought hard and had an amazing season under their coach’s direction and leadership.
On the winning side of the field, Brewer’s players showed up for the game ready to win. Keeper Kason Price had 10 big stops to help secure his team’s victory.
Wesley Bekkerus and Callin Westfall put points on the scoreboard for team Westfall with their solid shots against the Island Real Estate defense. Scoring when it mattered while keeping calm heads under pressure became the key to success for the 8- to 10-year-old champs.
Winning the big game, Westfall’s Lawn Care & Pest Control earned the 8- to 10-year-old league soccer championship title. Top row, left to right, Jordan Tobey, Mia Ross, Assistant Coach Javier Rivera, Kason Price, Jordan Steele, Coach Tyler Brewer, Parker Svoboda, Assistant Coach Charles McCracken, Maggie Niedzwick and Madeline Kimmons. Bottom row, from left, Callin Westfall, Ruby Kesten and Wesley Bekkerus. Polea Vacek is not pictured. – Monica Simpson | Sun
In teen soccer action, the number one seed Gulf Drive Café easily moved on to the final round of the playoffs against Shady Lady Horticultural Services. Also going forward to the final game of the season, HSH Designs took their place by winning against Moss Builders in overtime penalty kicks.
Leaving it all on the field, team HSH Designs just could not make the shots to win the game against team Gulf Drive Café.
The hot foot of Luke Dellenger helped to secure the championship win for his team with a hat trick. Protecting the net, Gulf Drive’s goalkeeper Cyrus Ryan made five important stops. Teammate Kegan McGlade made an additional save.
Opponent goalie Chase Castagna prevented seven goals for HSH Designs. Helping keep the team in pink in the game, Cecelia Kroth scored the lone goal for her team.
Teammates Braelyn Curtis, Sterling Holiday, Riley Karecki, Sophia Kerr, Krosby Lamison, Kirra Quimby, Briahna Robertson, Brittney Robertson and Brett Shortridge all did their part to get the HSH squad to the final game of the season.
In the final game of the spring soccer season at The Center, the adult co-eds played a thrilling game last Thursday night. The rain in the first half could not dampen the high emotions on the field and sidelines.
It was a big win at The Center for team Pool America, taking home the championship cup. Top row, left to right, Eduardo Schlueter, Sam Parker, Lucas Wilson, Jamie Hutchison and Dean Hinterstoisser. Bottom row, from left, Nate Welch, Chris Klotz, Maxim Panchenko and Robb Marshall. Not pictured
After two halves of play, team Pool America topped the Vintage Beach team by one goal.
Team captain Dean Hinterstoisser was prevented from scoring but is credited with an assist. Chris Klotz and Nate Welch made three total goals. Teammate Sam Parker sailed a beautiful shot over the head of the Vintage Beach keeper in the big game, raising the volume of the Pool America team’s and supporting spectators’ cheers.
Pool America’s goalie Robb Marshall did his part to secure the win with seven saves against a strong Vintage Beach offense.
Making the stops for team Vintage Beach, PJ Smargisso stopped eight shots from the team deemed the “Germans” in the season with strong representation from various parts of the country.
Danny Free had the hot foot for Vintage with a hat trick of his own, along with an assist by team captain Joey Hutchinson. The three goals just were not enough.
With the sound of the final whistle, team Pool America captured the Paul “Ace” Hayward Championship Cup to end another season of Center soccer on Anna Maria Island.
TALLAHASSEE – Florida House Bill 947, sponsored by Manatee County Rep. Will Robinson Jr. to build a parking garage at Manatee Beach, still hasn’t hit Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk.
The bill would allow Manatee County commissioners to approve and issue permits for the planned three-story, 1,500-plus parking space structure at the county-owned beach against local regulations in Holmes Beach, where the beach is located.
The bill passed both the state House and Senate, but as of press time for The Sun, it had not yet been presented to the governor.
Once the bill goes to the governor’s desk, he can choose to veto, sign or ignore it. If DeSantis signs the bill, it becomes law upon gaining his signature. If he chooses to ignore it, it automatically becomes law on July 1. If he vetoes it, the bill dies, and so do Manatee County commissioners’ immediate plans for the parking garage.
A veto from the governor would send the bill back to the House where it would be up for reconsideration in the next regular legislative session. It would require a two-thirds vote of both the House and Senate to overturn a veto from DeSantis.
The bill must be presented to DeSantis for consideration, otherwise, it dies despite earning approvals from state legislators. Once presented with the bill, the governor has 15 days to take action, according to the Florida constitution.
Does the talk of insurance make your eyes glaze over? If it does, join the club. Insurance of all types is complex and difficult to understand but in the case of homeowner’s insurance, condominium insurance and flood insurance, it’s getting worse.
I recently learned that condominium insurance in coastal areas is skyrocketing by as much as double over last year’s renewal. This is primarily because 2022’s busy hurricane and storm season left the southwest coast of Florida with unimaginable damage. Insurance companies have left the state leaving very few options for coastal communities. This has compounded the existing problem of fraudulent lawsuits being brought against insurance companies that would not reimburse for overinflated home repairs.
Now we’re also facing increases in flood insurance based on a 2021 FEMA decision calculating policy costs. FEMA’s new method is to equitably distribute premiums across all policyholders based on the value of their properties in addition to their location. The increases will give sticker shock to everyone in both single-family homes and condos. The good news is that readjustments will be phased in over a period of 10-15 years.
The challenge specifically to condominium associations is to come up with the unexpected premium payment. Most associations will need to special assess their owners which creates a potential problem for owners who are considering selling.
The Florida condominium rider requires a seller of a condominium to make the following representation: “Seller represents that seller is not aware of any special or other assessment that has been levied by the association or that has been an item on the agenda or reported in the minutes of the association within 12 months prior to the effective date of a contract for sale.” This is a mouthful, but it’s pretty clear language. The problem is when does a “potential” assessment need to be disclosed?
Like any other disclosure when selling property, always err on the side of caution and disclose everything. For instance, possible disclosures could include if an improvement that could lead to a future assessment is in the minutes from a previous meeting or on an agenda for an upcoming meeting, if there is any indication that an improvement could lead to a future assessment included in any mailing to any unit owner or even if a conversation with a board member indicates the possibility of an assessment.
Anything that even has a hint of a special assessment needs to be disclosed to a potential buyer to protect the seller from future liability. On the other hand, if a seller truly had no knowledge of the possibility of an assessment and it was never discussed at a meeting or was never an agenda item, the seller is likely protected from post-closing liability.
As far as insurance increases, there is a glimmer of hope. The lawsuits against insurers have been somewhat addressed by the Florida Legislature putting in place tort reform starting next year. Hopefully, this will encourage insurers to return to Florida’s enormous marketplace, creating some competition with the benefit of leveling premium costs.
We live in litigious times in a state surrounded by water and prone to hurricanes. Sure, it’s the price we pay for living in what most of us feel is a little bit of paradise. Nevertheless, stay on top of all the insurance issues and what your obligation is for disclosure with a clear eye.
ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria’s Memorial Day Patriotic Symphony Salute and the city’s Centennial Symphony celebration will take place back-to-back at City Pier Park on Memorial Day.
The city-sponsored festivities on Monday, May 29 will begin with the Patriotic Symphony Salute at 10 a.m., followed by the Centennial Symphony celebration at approximately 10:45 p.m.
Lasting approximately 45 minutes, the Memorial Day Salute will honor those who gave their lives in service to their country, as well as the spouses and significant others who also made their own sacrifices. The Memorial Day ceremony will feature the Anna Maria Island Concert Orchestra performing patriotic music and the theme songs for each branch of the United States military.
The Centennial Symphony celebration will pay tribute to Anna Maria’s 100th year as an officially chartered Florida city. Longtime Island resident Tom Aposporos will serve as the centennial celebration’s master of ceremonies. The Anna Maria Island Historical Society is providing him with historical information to share about the official founding of the city and the city’s first mayor, Mitch Davis.
The orchestra will perform some of the songs that were popular in 1923 when the city was chartered.
The Anna Maria Post Office, date unknown. - Submitted | Manatee County Historical Records Library
The Anna Maria City Pier in 1924. - Submitted | Manatee County Historical Records Library
The Manatee riverboat served passengers at the Anna Maria City Pier circa 1911. - Submitted | Manatee County Historical Records Library
A couple strolls the beach with a shotgun and umbrella circa 1910-1915. - Submitted | Manatee County Historical Records Library
A circa 1915 beach cottage. - Submitted | Manatee County Historical Records Library
The Anna Maria Island Center, circa 1980, was the precursor to The Center of Anna Maria Island. - Submitted | Manatee County Historical Records Library
The Anna Maria city office in 1963. - Submitted | Manatee County Historical Records Library
The centennial celebration will pay tribute to Anna Maria’s first mayor, Mitch Davis. - Submitted | City of Anna Maria
Memorial Day and the city of Anna Maria’s 100th anniversary will be celebrated at City Pier Park. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
HOLMES BEACH – Florida House Bill 947 has just one more stoplight to pass before it becomes law, being signed into law – or not – by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
If the bill is signed, Manatee County has the green light to build a three-story, 1500-plus space parking garage spanning the width and breadth of the county-owned parking lot at Manatee Beach. All existing facilities at the beach, including the concession stand, retail and restrooms, would be demolished, with new facilities located in the parking garage.
Some locals and visitors are not happy about what would be the end of an era on Anna Maria Island.
The concession building has been at the public beach for decades, with the roof once functioning as a community dance floor. And while some people don’t mind the potential changes, others don’t want to see the current parking area and concession building demolished.
Carolyn Brown shares a vintage postcard photo of the concession building at Manatee Beach along with a plea for lawmakers, “Please don’t destroy this gem.” – Submitted | Carolyn Brown
The place is important to former Holmes Beach mayor, former county commissioner and long-time Holmes Beach resident Carol Whitmore.
“I have fond memories of the concession area since 1969,” she said. “That was the beach of choice for the islanders to gather. I used to go in the cold months and lay where the patio is currently behind the wall so I was protected from the cold weather. When they had steps leading to the rest, but it was cut off, my daughter and I used to sit at the top being protected by the cold weather to get sun. At one point I lived on top of West Coast Surf Shop with my daughter and I will never forget the public beach and the concession stand area.”
“I have a lot of memories of the public beach,” Holmes Beach resident and charter fishing Capt. Scott Moore said. “Years ago, we actually used to be able to dance on top of the concession building. There were stairs going up to the top and you could see all over and see the sunsets. My biggest memories are of the fishing pier that was in front of the public beach. We miss that. It also made for great surfing. A lot of people would like to have it back so they could fish off it. I know people don’t like changes, but I don’t care about the parking garage. Give my pier back.”
The owners of the West Coast Surf Shop, Florida’s oldest surf shop at the edge of the parking lot where the proposed parking garage would be built, are not happy about the prospect of a three-story structure at the beach.
Ronee and Jim Brady have owned the surf shop at 3902 Gulf Drive for 59 years.
“We don’t need any more concrete,” Ronee said, adding, “We have miles of parking at Coquina Beach that’s been under construction for two years. What about that parking?”
Jim expressed concern about the additional traffic and infrastructure.
“We don’t have the infrastructure for more cars,” he said. “The beach holds 500 cars, at the intersection going to the beach there are 35,000 to 40,000 cars a day and it’s congested. At another 1,000 cars with three people per car, there just isn’t enough room.”
Ronee recalls the dances on the concession roof in the 1960s and 70s.
“They used to have steps going up to the top and they had dances up there,” she said. “That building has a lot of history and that’s a shame to lose it.”
A crowd gathers well before sunset on May 11 to listen to live music, eat dinner and enjoy the view at the Anna Maria Island Beach Café at Manatee Beach. The beach café building, along with restrooms and a retail shop, is planned to be demolished as part of a plan to build a parking garage at the site. – Kristin Swain | Sun
Tanner Enoch, whose family has owned the Manatee Beach concession for the past 12 years, is taking a wait-and-see approach.
“We have a good partnership with Manatee County. We work with the county and we appreciate their ongoing effort to make improvements,” Enoch said. “Right now, my understanding is they’re seeing if they’re able to do this. I’m not super concerned.”
Enoch said his family’s beach concessions at Manatee and Coquina Beaches employ around 70 people.
“We’re happy with what we have here and we hope it doesn’t change anytime soon,” he said.
While too young to see it personally, Enoch said he has seen old pictures of the beach concession building when it had a rooftop dance floor.
More than 200 people took to The Sun’s Facebook page to have their voices heard.
“We’ve been vacationing there for years and plan to buy a home eventually,” Kensy Carter said. “If the parking garage happens, we will have to find a new spot. I can’t imagine how crowded the beaches would be. The quaint vibe we love so much would be ruined.”
“Ever since moving to the Island in 1999, we have enjoyed eating at the Manatee Beach café,” Suzanne Lansing Moderhak said. “Our kids/grands call it ‘pancakes on the beach.’ We have met our Canadian friends every Wednesday night for years during season for dinner to eat and listen to the music. We are very disappointed in the decision to tear it down for 2 years while an unnecessary parking garage is built.”
“This cafe and beach area is an iconic part of AMI, with decades of memories for so many!” Laura Lynch said, adding that she feels having a concrete parking garage as the first impression of Anna Maria Island for visitors is “a travesty,” a sentiment echoed by many others, including Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth, who led opposition to the garage.
Multi-level parking garages are not an allowable use within the city of Holmes Beach, where Manatee Beach is located, unless commissioners approve a special exception.
Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge took his plan to build a parking garage at the county-owned beach to the local state legislative delegation when he concluded that Holmes Beach commissioners would not approve the use. Legislators gave his plan their unanimous approval, translating the request into a bill that passed both the state House and Senate. DeSantis can choose to sign, veto or ignore the bill, which would put it into law automatically.
If the bill becomes law, Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse said he estimates it would take about a year to get shovels in the ground to start construction of the parking garage if it’s approved by a majority of county commissioners.
Estimated to cost around $45 million with at least a two-year construction time, the garage would have to have paid parking to pay for construction and upkeep, estimated at $2 per hour per vehicle, Van Ostenbridge said.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The city commission will decide whether the Anna Maria-owned portion of Gulf Drive will be included in a $1.5 million Island-wide Gulf Drive corridor study.
The commission is expected to make its decision on Thursday, May 25.
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Engineer/Design Manager Craig Fox presented the proposed study during the May 8 Island Transportation Planning Organization (ITPO) meeting held at Anna Maria City Hall.
FDOT will fund the Gulf Drive corridor study, which is expected to begin in November and take a maximum of two years to complete. Fox said the study area will extend along the entire portion of Gulf Drive/State Road 789 in Bradenton Beach, from the Longboat Pass Bridge to the Bradenton Beach/Holmes Beach border.
In Holmes Beach, the study will continue along East Bay Drive to the Manatee Avenue intersection. The study area continues from the Manatee Avenue/Gulf Drive intersection and along Gulf Drive through Holmes Beach to the Gulf Drive/Palm Drive intersection. The study then continues along Gulf Drive to the Holmes Beach/Anna Maria border. The study area in Holmes Beach will not include Marina Drive or the portion of Gulf Drive between Walgreens and the West Coast Surf Shop. The Anna Maria commission is to decide if the study continues along Gulf Drive to Pine Avenue.
Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Executive Director David Hutchinson said the cities of Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach requested the study and FDOT decided to include the Anna Maria portion of Gulf Drive as well.
Fox said the cities can use the study results to pursue state and federal funds to implement the potential street and right-of-way improvements identified in the study.
Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy reminded Cox that the city, not the state, owns the portion of Gulf Drive located in Anna Maria and has owned it since the state turned over ownership and maintenance of that road in the early 1970s. Murphy said the city has already studied and improved the city’s portion of the road.
Murphy asked Cox if the city can opt out of the study. Cox said the city can.
Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie said the goal is to come up with a consistent design that meets FDOT’s basic complete street standards which include sidewalks, multi-use trails, crosswalks and more.
“This complete streets study is clearly about safety and mobility, and having this information so funding can hopefully follow to move forward and do something,” Chappie said.
Holmes Beach Commissioner Dan Diggins asked why Marina Drive is not included in the study area. He was told safety and drainage improvements have already been made there.
Commission briefed
During the May 15 city commission meeting, Murphy briefed the commissioners about the proposed study. He said he received the latest version of FDOT’s 46-page scope of services document the previous evening and would send it to them. Murphy asked the commissioners to review the proposed study for further discussion and decision-making on Thursday, May 25.
The FDOT document is titled “Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Studies Barrier Island Complete Streets Improvements.” It lists two main project objectives – implementing recommendations made in the previously completed Barrier Island Traffic Study and reducing flooding along the Gulf Drive/SR 789 corridor.
Murphy told the commission he’s not a big fan of these types of studies and he’s seen three or four studies done on the Island in the past that have not yet resulted in any significant follow-up action.
In 2014-15, the three Island cities and Manatee County partnered on a $125,000 Island-wide Urban Land Institute study which to date has not produced any significant study-related actions.
Murphy referenced the Sarasota-Manatee Barrier Island Traffic Study initiated in 2016 and completed in 2020 that recommends extending the Manatee Avenue right turn lane near the Manatee Avenue/Gulf Drive intersection, which has not happened yet.
According to the traffic study-related phase 2 report dated 2018 and posted at the MPO website, FDOT plans to include the Manatee Avenue right turn lane extension as part of the future Anna Maria Bridge replacement project that currently has no announced start date.
When contacted after he reviewed the FDOT plans, Murphy said, “It’s up to our city commission to decide if the city wants this to go forward. I have thought all along that it was odd for FDOT to come into a city and do a study without first at least discussing what is being studied and why. I am comfortable that we now have it under control and the commission will make that decision Thursday night.”
PALMETTO – Even though Anna Maria Island and most of Manatee County dodged the worst of Hurricane Ian last year, there were still plenty of lessons learned, and the community was reminded of how much of a threat a major hurricane is to the area, especially those living on the barrier islands like AMI.
Even with the storm turning in its final hours of approach to the Island, many still went close to a week without power and there was significant wind damage. To help the community be better prepared for future hurricanes, Manatee County hosted the Third Annual Hurricane Preparedness Expo on May 18 at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto.
The expo featured more than 50 booths with valuable information about how to survive a storm. There was plenty to take away from the event, but the theme echoed by most experts was to be prepared, take watches and warnings seriously, and when told to evacuate, to do so as quickly as possible.
There were rescue vehicles from multiple agencies that do search and rescue in the county, law enforcement was on hand to answer questions and dozens of vendors were on hand to answer questions about everything from stormproof doors and windows to how to take care of pets during a disaster.
“We begin to mobilize long before a major storm hits the area,” said Gary Weinstein, of the Red Cross Manatee County. “Getting food, water, medical supplies and other anticipated post-disaster necessities is vital to help those in need after the storm.”
Carolyn Nielson of the Manatee County Salvation Army echoed the Red Cross regarding being prepared and being ready to step in when needed. The Red Cross had its relief truck on hand at the event.
“We come out and not only get food and water to people in the community that need us, but we also serve first responders and those helping in the effort after a storm who work long hours to serve others,” Nielson said.
Sun Coast Blood Center was on hand as well, and stressed the need to give blood before a disaster hits.
“It takes a bit of time for blood donated to be processed, so waiting until after a disaster isn’t the best option,” Sun Coast Blood Center’s Whitlie Turner said. “Now, before hurricane season, is when we really encourage people to come out and give blood.”
ANNA MARIA – The city commission will use $183,000 in remaining American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to help pay for the future installation of new streetlights along Pine Avenue.
On May 11, Mayor Dan Murphy presented the city commission with his proposed use of the remaining federal funds. The commission unanimously approved the mayor’s request.
The city previously received $882,500 in ARP funds as part of the federal government’s COVID-19 recovery efforts. A significant portion of those funds was earmarked and used for drainage improvements and maintenance of the city’s drainage system, including the recent maintenance work along North Bay Boulevard.
ARP funds also were used to fund the $50,000 Reimagining Pine Avenue study and some were earmarked for future use for Pine Avenue safety improvements that will include new sidewalks, new streetlights and new and improved crosswalks.
Murphy said the city has approximately $183,000 in ARP funds left to spend. He said he expects it will cost more than $200,000 to replace the existing Pine Avenue streetlights with the more decorative and aesthetically pleasing light poles and fixtures desired by city officials.
Commission Chair Mark Short said the $288,000 originally earmarked for the Reimagining Pine Avenue Project plus the additional $183,000 being proposed by Murphy would total approximately $460,000 in ARP funds dedicated to the Pine Avenue project.
Murphy noted that last year the city received a $1.6 million state appropriation for the Reimagining Pine Avenue project and this year they expect to receive an additional $1.4 million state appropriation that’s currently awaiting Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signature. The additional $1.4 million would allow the project to be expanded to include Magnolia Avenue, Spring Avenue and portions of Gulf Drive. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) oversees the city’s expenditure of the state funds.
On April 27, the city commission voted 4-1 to reject the lone bid received in response to the city’s most recent request for proposals (RFP) to install brick paver sidewalks along both sides of Pine Avenue. For the third time, the Sarasota-based C-Squared construction firm was the only firm to bid on the project, with their latest bid being $1.38 million.
During the May 11 meeting, Murphy said streetlights weren’t included in the latest RFP because FDOT standards require streetlights that are larger and taller than what the mayor and commission envision for Pine Avenue. State funds can’t be used for non-FDOT-approved streetlights and an alternative funding source had not yet been identified when the RFP was issued. Using ARP funds resolves that problem.
Murphy said the next RFP will include sidewalks and streetlights and will specify the specific funding sources for each of those elements. The city’s public works department will tackle the crosswalk improvements.
Commissioner Charlie Salem asked Murphy if including streetlights in the next RFP would attract more bidders.
“I do believe that. I feel pretty confident or I wouldn’t make this proposal,” Murphy replied.
Regarding the use of ARP funds, Commissioner Deanie Sebring said, “I think it’s a great idea. I think the citizens and the visitors would appreciate that, especially since it’s quasi-free money.”
In April, Commissioner Jon Crane opposed rejecting C-Squared’s latest bid. During Thursday’s meeting, he said he remained skeptical that increasing the project scope would attract more bidders but he supported the mayor’s funding proposal.
On May 19, Suncoast Aqua Ventures conducted the first-ever underwater cleanup of the Manatee River’s downtown bridges. Partners for the event included Keep Manatee Beautiful, Force Blue Special Ops Veterans, Reef Innovations, Dive, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s dive team and the Ocean Conservancy. A total of 40 divers, 35 kayakers, three personal watercraft and numerous other landside volunteers were on hand to assist in the cleanup.
As one would expect, there was lots of fishing debris found around the Green Bridge fishing pier. The take included fishing nets, tackle and fishing poles.
A volunteer retrieves a ladder from the Manatee River near the DeSoto Bridge. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun
The railroad and DeSoto Bridge yielded a variety of debris, including the remnants of a boat that sank at the Bradenton Boat Docks. Other items included a stove, sink, refrigerator and AC unit. In addition, what appeared to be the contents of a kitchen were removed from the bottom, including a coffee pot, cookware, dishes and a fire extinguisher as well as four ladders, bicycles, traffic cones, a trolling motor and numerous car and boat batteries.
Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown was on hand helping with the effort and provided six City of Bradenton public works helpers to assist with trash removal from the dock staging area.
Also on hand providing support was the city of Bradenton and Palmetto police and Palmetto Mayor Shirley Bryant.
Event sponsors included Waste Pro, Marriott International, Chris Craft Boat Builders and Mila’s on the Manatee.
Suncoast Aqua Ventures was founded in 2017 by scuba divers and friends Troy Brown and Cheryl Huntsinger. The duo was motivated to take action after witnessing the plethora of human trash littering the underwater environment they love.
From its humble beginnings, the passion spread to other divers which resulted in their annual competitive “Reef and Beach Cleanup,” formerly held every year at the Bradenton Yacht Club. In 2023 it will be held at a new location, SeaBreeze Park, 55 Horseshoe Loop Road in Terra Ceia.
Over the past six years, dedicated volunteers have removed over 50 tons of trash from coastal waters.
The group has formed successful alliances with other organizations that share their vision of the responsible stewardship of our coastal ecosystem. School service organizations, corporations and municipalities throughout the area have come together to support their cause. Now the organization has expanded to doing monthly targeted cleanups and post-hurricane events. Over time, they have motivated hundreds of volunteers to make a difference in restoring the beauty of our fragile ecosystem.
You can join their efforts and learn about upcoming events online.
ANNA MARIA – With all three soccer leagues winding down at The Center, the championship games are in sight for the youth and adult Island ballers.
Last Tuesday night the number one and two seed teams in the 8- to 10-year-old league had a bye week as their reward for finishing the regular season on top. The Cheesecake Cutie team finished number one with 15 points in the season and a 5-1-0 record.
The Sato Real Estate squad came in a close second with 12 points and four wins in the six-game regular season.
Four scorers put up the points for team Westfall’s Lawn Care & Pest Control last week to put the team into the next round of playoffs. Wesley Bekkerus, Madeline Kimmons, Maggie Niedzwick and Callin Westfall each made a goal against AMI Coconuts goalkeeper Andre Harwood.
The Westfall offense kept Harwood on his toes during the first-round playoff game, making 10 saves in the match. In the opposite goal, Westfall is credited with a save, along with teammate Kason Price’s seven stops.
Scoring the lone goal for AMI Coconuts, TJ Hagey and his teammates could not get past their opponents’ defense and find the net.
Westfall’s Lawn Care took on Sato Real Estate Monday in the first youth semifinal game. In the second game this past Monday, Cheesecake Cutie played team Island Real Estate, the winner of the second quarterfinal game last week.
In post-regulation time penalty kicks, Island Real Estate secured the second semifinal slot, winning against Solid Rock Construction.
Before the PKs, each team scored a single goal. Solid Rock’s Matthew Darak and Island Real Estate’s Preston LaPensee took the teams to a kickoff to determine who played the Cheesecake squad.
With seven and eight saves respectively, goalies Isaac Roadman, for Solid Rock Construction, and Miles Moss, for Island Real Estate, helped secure the overtime play.
Solid Rock Construction’s Elijah Roadman made the only PK for his team. Under the pressure of overtime play, Owen Mahoney and Jordy Perez each made their penalty kicks, helping to secure Island Real Estate’s place in the semifinals.
The winners of the league go head-to-head on May 23 at 6 p.m. in the final game of the season.
The 11- to 13-year-old teams finished their regular season games last week with Gulf Drive Café defeating Shady Lady Horticultural Services 4-3 and HSH Designs winning over Moss Builders 5-2.
Monday night the Gulf Drive team was scheduled to play team Shady Lady in the semifinals. The other semifinal matchup put HSH Designs against Moss Builders to determine the championship game scheduled for May 23 at 7 p.m.
Adult co-ed soccer semifinal play last Thursday night saw the second seed Pool America winning by one goal against the eighth seed Moss Builders.
In the second game of the night, Vintage Beach, ranked seventh, beat the third seed Sandbar Seafood & Spirits 6-3.
The Paul “Ace” Hayward championship game is scheduled for Thursday night at The Center to end another season of soccer on the Island.
According to Lawrence Yen, whom I quote frequently, “It’s a unique market condition.”
Coming from the chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, this is saying something considering all of the other unique markets we’ve lived through. This particular unique market is the continuation of a lack of inventory even though sales are down in most areas of the country including many parts of Florida, as well as ours.
The problem is that a large portion of homeowners in the country don’t want to sell. This group may actually want to sell and move on to a larger family home or retire to a smaller home, but they feel they are locked into very low-rate mortgages. The “golden handcuffs” homeowners find themselves locked into are keeping the supply of homes for sale unusually low.
The lack of properties is not the first time this has happened. The sub-prime mortgage crisis slowed things down, as did COVID-19 when buyers rushed to snap up larger homes when remote work and school necessitated more family space.
So, what happens when supplies go down or at least don’t go significantly up? Supply and demand kicks in and prices go up. A healthy housing market is traditionally described as having four to six months’ supply of homes. Right now, Manatee County is at 2.7 months for single-family homes.
However, builders are getting a boost from the lack of resales and are starting to build again now that the supply chain is improving. And home improvement contractors are also benefiting since those homeowners who are staying put are expanding and remodeling.
According to the mortgage data firm Black Knight, as of March 31, nearly two-thirds of primary mortgages had an interest rate below 4%. In addition, about 73% of primary mortgages have fixed rates for 30 years; these mortgages are “golden” and something homeowners won’t easily give up. Current mortgage rates are approximately in the mid-6% range and have fortunately been steady for a while.
The April sales statistics for Manatee County were released at the end of last week so it’s time to report what the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee published.
Single-family homes in Manatee County hit a record median sale price of $570,000, 10.7% more than in April last year. This surpasses the previous record for median home prices, meaning so far, our local market continues to be strong relative to the country as a whole. Here’s the rest of the story.
Single-family homes closed with 4.3% fewer properties from April of last year. The median sales price was $570,000, up 10.7% from last April, and the average sale price was $735,779, up 0.9%. The median time to contract was 28 days versus five days last year. New pending sales were up 30.2% and the month’s supply of properties was 2.7 months.
Condos closed 15.8% fewer properties from April of last year. The median sales price was $380,795, up 8.8%, and the average sale price was $452,160, up 12.9%. The median time to contract was 27 days versus five days last year. New pending sales were up 4% and the month’s supply of properties was 3.5 months.
One of the advantageous side effects of this unique market is the fact that in spite of inflation and job layoffs, the housing market and housing prices may stay strong nationally. Not great news for marginal buyers or first-time buyers, but buyers with equity from a previous home and income to cover the additional mortgage rates will keep things afloat.
Unique can be a good or a bad thing; either way, we’re still struggling with a lack of inventory.
The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce wishes to thank everyone who participated in our 2023 Golf Tournament for Scholarships at IMG Academy Golf Club. We wish to acknowledge our Presenting Sponsor, Tom Sanger Pool & Spa, our Apparel Sponsor, Jay Pros, and our Gold Sponsor, LaPensee Plumbing/Pools/Air. To our golfers, volunteers, food and beverage sponsors and the many businesses who donated raffle prizes, our heartfelt thanks for making this another successful great day on the links. The Chamber of Commerce weather provided everyone involved with an outstanding day of golf and fellowship. We appreciate all of the support and hope you can participate again for 2024!
Manatee County citizens can take action by signing a petition to request that Gov. Ron DeSantis veto CS/HB 947 allowing Manatee County to permit a parking garage without meeting the Land Development Codes and Comprehensive Plans approved by the City of Holmes Beach. Sign the petition here.
