Last week we talked about the real-world problem of Florida homeowner’s insurance. As pointed out, new legislation that attempts to eliminate assignment of claims and thus protect against frivolous lawsuits has been signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The hope is this will encourage new insurance carriers to do business in Florida and retain the existing companies.
This week we’re continuing to bring the real world back, this time, however, it’s for condo owners. Condo homeowners who may have been happily dozing last year could have missed the new Florida condo owner’s requirements, so let’s have a review.
In May, the governor signed a law in response to the 2021 tragic collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida that killed 98 people. Under the new law, structural inspections are required of condo buildings three stories or higher over 30 years old, or 25 years old if within 3 miles of the coast. There are an estimated 2 million residents in the state of Florida who reside in more than 912,000 condominium units that are 30 years old or older and a lot more who are within 3 miles of the coast, including all of Anna Maria Island and most of the Manatee County coastline.
The recertification inspections must be performed by Dec. 31, 2024 by certified inspectors and paid for by the condo associations. The results of the inspections must be turned over to condo owners, condo associations and local municipalities. If the inspections reveal major structural problems, law enforcement agencies and condo associations will determine how to move forward with condo residents, who, of course, have to pay for the inspections and the repairs.
Even if structural repairs aren’t needed immediately, the bill has other major provisions involving reserve requirements that for sure will become a financial headache for condo associations that have put off repairs. Well, now is the time to pay the price for those bad decisions because, under the new law, condos can no longer waive reserves for building components deemed critical to structural soundness. This provision is called the Structural Integrity Reserve Study.
In addition, some condo associations will have to make up reserves waived in prior years and provide new reserves not previously required for certain structural issues. In the past, Florida legislation did not require condo associations to fully fund their reserve studies, giving condo owners and boards a great deal of flexibility. Now, however, the new law requires associations to keep their structural integrity reserves fully funded based on the reserve study or face possible legal action. Obviously, condo associations need to choose their licensed Florida inspectors carefully since what their study shows after their inspection is very difficult to have changed.
As insurance rates go up, Florida condo residents are struggling to comply with these new regulations in the face of a pullback in the real estate market because of increased mortgage interest rates. Higher condo fees that will result after the inspections and reserve mandates will hit long-time condo residents, many of them seniors on fixed incomes.
In spite of insurance issues, recertifications and hurricanes, U.S. citizens still want to move to Florida. According to the Census Bureau, between July 2021 and July 2022, Florida was the top state out of 10 with incoming domestic population migration at 318,855, followed by Texas at 230,961. The rest of the top 10 didn’t even break 100,000.
We may be faced with real-world problems but I doubt that it would make anyone leave. It will smooth out eventually, resulting in stronger building regulations, a good thing for the future of Florida real estate.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – At the celebration of Suzi Fox’s life, local dignitaries, family and friends painted a picture of a dedicated advocate for Island turtles, a fun-loving and funny friend, and a caring mother, sister and grandmother.
Fox, longtime executive director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, died on Sept. 30 after a fall.
More than 150 people attended the event at the Center of Anna Maria Island on Saturday to pay tribute to Fox.
Nanci Banman, Fox’s sister, described Suzi as a force to be reckoned with.
“If you met her, it was like you’ve known her all your life,” Banman said.
Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said it was clear that Fox loved the turtles, the seabirds and the community.
“She believed strongly in what she was doing,” he said.
Turtle Watch board member Diane McCausey said Suzi would be humbled by the turnout.
“The board is working hard with the county and the FWC,” McCausey said. “Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch will continue to grow. It won’t be the same, but we will make her proud.”
Charlie Hunsicker, director of the Manatee County Natural Resources Department, worked with Fox since 1992.
“The turtles that were born on this beach will return again and again,” Hunsicker said. “Think of that continuity and the role Suzi played.”
Hunsicker presented an environmental award from the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association to Fox’s sisters, Kendra Fox and Nanci Banman, and her son, Dereck Norfleet.
“Suzi was very well known across the state of Florida,” Norfleet said, describing her as determined and fearless, and issuing a request to her friends and family: “I ask you all today when you see a beautiful sunset, have a delicious a cup of coffee, hear a good Steely Dan song, think about putting ketchup on steak (don’t do it), walk along the beach and see sea turtle tracks of nests, see something the color periwinkle, her favorite, take the path less traveled, that you think of Suzi and smile.”
You don’t have to convince an angler of the importance of a healthy grass flat or a robust stand of mangroves or persuade them that we’re losing this precious resource at an alarming rate.
Anglers like Capt. Justin Moore, who is on the water over 200 days a year, sees the changes firsthand. Moore has been guiding on Manatee County waters for 24 years. He learned his trade under the tutelage of his father, Capt. Scott Moore, and worries that his son, Jas, will not have some of the opportunities he’s had. That’s why it’s important to empower the next generation of anglers who don’t have a vote but will inherit this landscape. Fortunately, there are a couple of high-profile programs on Anna Maria Island that are doing just that.
The Center of Anna Maria Island engages children in activities that teach sustainability and give them an understanding of the responsibility we all have to be stewards of our paradise. Through curricular units that include recycling, composting, gardening (on their property) and natural nutrition, they make these connections between responsibilities and action.
Bishop Museum and Mote Marine facilitators teach Anna Maria’s young citizens to understand the environment around them and develop a love for its creatures and the environment that supports them and us.
Clean water units are shared annually with students through The Center’s Earth Echo program. Participants in the curricular units collect water samples and analyze them, helping them focus on the importance of clean water. The program was developed after famed oceanographer Philippe Cousteau’s visit to The Center three years ago when he guided those in attendance to “zip tie themselves to the mangroves to protect them!”
This past year, Anna Maria Elementary School (AME) announced it would be home to the world’s first Guy Harvey Academy of Arts and Science. The academy, which focuses on marine sciences, conservation and the arts, is a collaboration between the School District of Manatee County and the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF).
Harvey has devoted his talent, time and resources to protecting oceans, fish populations and reef systems through the development of the Guy Harvey Research Institute at Nova Southeastern University and the GHOF. Those institutions have educated the next generation of environmentalists and made contributions to protecting fish resources and biodiversity in the world’s oceans.
The program will benefit students from other schools as well with field trips and summer camps, and will eventually expand to all elementary schools in the district as well as to complementary programs at King Middle and Manatee High.
Programs like this need to be expanded to give the next generation of anglers and Island residents the tools they will need to protect these endangered marine resources. In the meantime, we the voters need to step up for those who don’t have a vote, empowering them so they have a fighting chance to succeed where we have failed.
Fourteen-year-old Brice Claypoole is a fierce defender of the environment but doesn’t have a vote. That is up to us! – Rusty Chinnis | Sun
In the words of 14-year-old Brice Claypoole, “Vote for politicians who put our future over the deep-pocketed interests who pay them in campaign donations. And spread the word! Inform others on how to properly trim mangroves on their property and the dangers these trees face. Our paradise is in peril, and it takes everyone to stand up to developers and uninformed homeowners to realize the great benefits these trees offer. On behalf of my generation and those of the future, thank you.”
ANNA MARIA – The Center gridirons were buzzing last week with the start of another fun-filled flag football season. With a record number of youth players, topping more than 150 kids between the ages of 4 and 13, the fields were illuminated both Monday and Tuesday night to kick off the season with jamboree scrimmage games.
The new season welcomes back Tyler Bekkerus to The Center after more than 10 years since his departure. His much-awaited return brings back the spirit
of when the adult flag league was first co-created by Bekkerus as The Center’s former assistant athletic director.
As the new recreation director, Bekkerus kept the games running on time and settled into his new role as the adults took to the field for the first time this season on Jan. 12.
In the first game of the night, team Luxury Services dominated the football field against team Gulf Drive Café. Playing four on five, Gulf Drive struggled to stay in the game, but fought to the very end.
Rusher Jasmine Muldoon made two receptions and was credited with a single sack. Muldoon’s constant pressure on the Gulf Drive QBs caused a sack and helped her team capture their first win of the season.
With six passing touchdowns, teammate Tim Holly found the endzone four times for 24 points and Sequiel Marintez made two TD receptions for 12 points.
Marintez’s big game included one interception and three points in extra-point conversions.
In addition to Marintez’s interception, Luxury’s quarterback, Chase Richardson, made three interceptions while playing on defense, including running an interception on Gulf Drive’s extra point attempt into the endzone for two points.
Offensively, Jonathan Soultatos and Dustin Tomacho bolstered their team’s efforts with extra points. Soultatos made five important catches in the game with a single reception by Tomacho.
On the other side of the football, Gulf Drive Café’s Jacob Freda scored two touchdowns and made eight receptions in the season opener.
Credited with one scoring pass, Steven Pavina made seven catches on offense and one interception playing defense for Gulf Drive.
Adding to the team’s scoring, Gabriel Derosia put a point on the scoreboard with an extra point.
Despite the score differential, team Gulf Drive Café made its mark on the field, setting the tone for the rest of the season.
MANATEE COUNTY – Members of the local state legislative delegation are making plans to permanently change the face of Anna Maria Island, beginning with a parking garage and potentially ending with the dissolution of the three Island cities.
During a Jan. 12 legislative delegation meeting, Rep. Will Robinson Jr. brought up beach access, specifically beach access and parking in Holmes Beach. Robinson, a Republican, proposed introducing a bill during the upcoming state legislative session to pre-empt Holmes Beach city leaders’ decision to ban parking garages and allow a four-story parking garage to be built on the Manatee County-owned parcel at Manatee Beach. His fellow Republican members of the delegation, Rep. Tommy Gregory, Rep. Mike Beltran, Sen. Jim Boyd and Sen. Joe Gruters, voted unanimously in favor of the proposal and putting the bill forth for consideration at the state level.
If the proposed bill makes it through all of the levels of state government, including passing votes through committees and the Senate, and gains the approval of Gov. Ron DeSantis, it would allow county commissioners to subvert local governments and issue their own building permits for construction on county-owned property regardless of in which municipality the property is located. It also would allow for the construction of a parking garage in excess of the city of Holmes Beach’s building height restrictions, which limits structures to three stories tall.
Rep. Will Robinson Jr.
“I thought it was incumbent for the Legislature to step in and pre-empt that authority to allow a four-story parking garage if the county commission so votes and funds that parking garage to be built,” Robinson said. “It is fundamental for anyone to be able to visit our public beach and, in my view, parking spaces have been strategically taken away over the last few years under the guise of COVID to not allow folks to access the beach. Folks are getting frustrated – they can’t park, they can’t access the beach, they’re turning around and they’re going back home. And, to me, there’s nothing more important than to allow a person, a taxpayer, who pays for that beach, by the way, to visit that beach.”
Currently, the majority of beach renourishment funding comes from state-funded renourishment programs and the county resort tax, paid by visitors, not local tax dollars.
Dissolving Island cities?
The group also agreed to look into the possibility of engaging The Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability to do a study to see how feasible it would be to dissolve the three city governments on the Island. If that were to happen, Robinson said it would remove the city governments in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach, replacing them with Manatee County commissioners and administration. He said it could be a good tax break for residents who would no longer have to pay city taxes.
Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth issued a statement in reply to the legislative delegation discussions.
Mayor Judy Titsworth
“I am disappointed at the position that Will has taken regarding pre-empting city ordinances to construct a parking garage in a coastal community when the city currently and historically has always exceeded the number of parking spaces required for state-funded beach renourishment and interlocal agreements with the county,” Titsworth said. “As a mayor in his district, I would have appreciated Mr. Robinson to have, in the very least, given notice prior to getting out of his lane in making such a bold move. At this point in time I shouldn’t be surprised about anything that comes from this district. I do not feel Mr. Robinson needed the support of the local delegation to move on this bill but next time he moves on a bill that will affect the lives of our city residents, I hope that he would first reach out to the representatives of the city so he can become better informed. A four-story parking garage at the entrance to our city is not in keeping with the historical character of our quaint city. For this to happen, the potential gutting of our height restrictions would also be in play. These restrictions are in our city charter. This undoubtedly is what led to the next proposal by the representative which is the consideration of the consolidation and/or dissolution of the three Island cities.”
“I believe that is probably the biggest overstep and attack on home rule yet,” she continued. “Holmes Beach has been incorporated for over 70 years. We are a vibrant and prosperous city. Our population continues to grow. Our city is responsible for the majority of the contributions to the tourist development tax in the county and has contributed over $30 million since its inception. We continue to improve roads, sidewalks and storm infrastructure and continue to make public safety a number one goal. We have a very strong commission and numerous appointed boards. All board positions are readily filled by residents who desire to give their time to civic duty. The city of Holmes Beach is proud of not only retaining its residents but providing a tourism experience that is a top vacation destination. Property values continue to soar and our city has investors from all over the world. For a representative to single out Anna Maria Island to study dissolving our city chartered governments is a wake-up for all cities of this state. Because of this, I do not believe this will receive the legislative act that this representative is seeking.”
Robinson said that he feels “very confident” in the proposed legislation and that he feels it will pass during the state legislative session beginning Monday, April 10.
MANATEE COUNTY – Holmes Beach resident and former Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore is the new development administrator for Help to Home, Inc.
The non-profit organization seeks to provide low-rent housing and other assistance to parents and children threatened by homelessness.
“I am honored that Help to Home has chosen me for this worthy cause,” Whitmore said in a press release the nonprofit issued on Dec. 31.
“My goal in life is to make a positive difference in people’s lives and this position will help me do just that. I’ve been going around meeting with Goodwill and other organizations,” she said of her new part-time paid position.
The press release notes Whitmore helped low-income family members find jobs and obtain vocational assistance during her 16 years as a county commissioner.
Help to Home has purchased land on 30th Avenue, just west of 14th Street West in Bradenton, and plans to build Hope Village – a community of housing units with below-market rental rates.
“It is an unusual program because it requires each tenant to work with case managers, the local school system and community services to get vocational ‘up-skilling’ to stop the generational cycle of homelessness,” the press release states.
Help to Home board member Steve Wilson said, “As our development administrator, Carol Whitmore offers vast knowledge, great experience and many talents to help us reach our goals. Her understanding of homelessness and the impact it has on the entire family make her the best possible choice to ensure that Hope Village becomes a reality in 2023.”
Help to Home’s fundraising efforts will focus on private donations rather than government funding.
“The absence of government funds will avoid any restrictions on how it helps its tenants get better jobs and become financially independent. It also is not borrowing any money. Hope Village will be economically sustainable when fully built out and occupied, even at below-market rental rates,” Wilson said.
Whitmore said former Anna Maria resident Bob Carter had been assisting Help to Home with its fundraising efforts and he suggested they talk to her.
“I have to thank Bob Carter and I knew Steve Wilson from my time as a county commissioner. We just got approved for 53 units and we’re working hard on it,” she said.
Help To Home also recently added Jerry Marlar, Mike McCoy, Margie Genter and Matt McSwain to the board that already included Rod Urban, April Childers, Bill Hawthorne and Archie Smith.
Lara Malone is coming to The Center of Anna Maria Island for a balance workshop on Wednesday, Jan. 25. The class takes place from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will focus on muscles and body alignment for stable and confident movement. The class is open to all ages with a cost of $35 for members or $45 for non-members to participate. Registration by calling 941-778-1908 or using The Center’s Member Me+ app is required by Jan. 19.
Help clean local beaches
All members of the Anna Maria Island community are invited to come out to The Center Saturday, Jan. 14 to help clean up area beaches. Participants in the cleanup will gather at The Center at 9 a.m. and walk together to the Gulf of Mexico to pick up litter and other trash from Magnolia to White Avenue. The nonprofit’s staff will provide trashbags, gloves, water and a light snack. Additional cleanups are scheduled from 9-11 a.m. on Feb. 11, March 11, April 1 and May 6. No advance registration is necessary.
Play bingo at The Center
Everyone is invited to come out to The Center of Anna Maria Island Friday, Jan. 13 to meet new friends and have fun playing bingo. The classic game will be played from 6-8 p.m. with players competing to win gift cards from local restaurants. Bingo cards are 10 for $10 and blotters are $1 each. Beer, wine and other refreshments will be available for purchase with a donation. The Center is at 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria.
Bishop hosts an Island workshop series
A new kind of workshop is coming this spring to The Center as The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature hosts a new series for children, families and adults. The series kicks off with a discussion on “What is a Museum” on Jan. 18 from 6-7 p.m. for children and families and Jan. 19 from 10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m. for adults. Future workshops for adults include “The Scientific Process” Feb. 2, “Paleontology and Fossils” Feb. 16, “Manatees and Their Environment” March 2, “Our Solar System” March 23, “Capturing Science” March 30, “How We Build” April 6 and “Florida’s Native Wildlife and Adaptations” April 20. Workshops for children and families include “Manatees and Their Environment” Feb. 1, “The Scientific Process” Feb. 15, “Our Solar System” March 1, “Paleontology and Fossils” March 22, “Capturing Science” April 5, “How We Build” April 19 and “Florida’s Native Wildlife and Adaptation” May 3. No registration is required and the programs are all free to the community. The Center is located at 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria.
Learn to play canasta
For anyone who’s ever wanted to learn to play canasta, a new six-week class is coming to The Center of Anna Maria Island. Every Tuesday, Jan. 17 through Feb. 21, players will gather from 12:30-2:30 p.m. to learn American canasta. Opponents will be placed into foursomes and split into two teams to try their hand at the classic card game. The cost is $90 for members or $100 for non-members to participate. Registration is requested by Thursday, Jan. 12 by calling 941-778-1908.
Learn to play American mah-jongg
The Center of Anna Maria Island will be host to a new gaming series where participants will learn how to play the ancient game of mah-jongg Classes take place on Tuesdays, Jan. 17-Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. until noon. All students are required to attend the introductory session on Jan. 17 to participate in additional classes. The cost to attend is $100 per member or $110 for non-members. Registration is requested by Thursday, Jan. 12 by calling 941-778-1908.
Center hosts holiday day camp
To honor the contributions of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and help parents who might not have the day off, The Center’s staff is hosting a day camp for youth on Monday, Jan. 16 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. During this camp, students will participate in a community service project, cleaning the sand at Coquina Beach, followed by a picnic lunch. Campers also will make a craft inspired by King and participate in an educational program about his life and its impact on the nation. The cost is $55 per child and registration is required by Jan. 12. Parents can register their children online at www.centerami.org or by calling 941-778-1908.
Travel with Senior Adventures
Go on an adventure or two this month with Senior Adventures. The group is planning a trip on Thursday, Jan. 19 to the Siesta Key Rum Distillery followed by a lunch at the Siesta Key Oyster Bar. The van leaves The Center of Anna Maria Island for this trip at 9 a.m. with a return planned around 2 p.m. The second January trip is planned to travel to St. Armand’s Circle on Thursday, Jan. 26 to shop and have dinner at the Columbia Restaurant. The group plans to depart from The Center at 3:30 p.m., returning around 9 p.m. The fee for van transportation for each trip is $5 and trips are limited to 14 people. Pre-registration is advised but not required. To reserve your spot, call The Center at 941-778-1908.
Practice adaptive yoga for Parkinson’s
Movement and exercise may help mitigate some of the effects of Parkinson’s disease and The Center is hosting an adaptive yoga class to help those in the community suffering from neuromuscular conditions. The class is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 26 from 1-2 p.m. and is open to the community. Registration by calling 941-778-1908 is requested by Thursday, Jan. 19.
Everything we learn to do in life is learned by repetition. The act of repeating an action over and over actually trains neurons in the brain to fire together, eventually creating neural pathways that, in time, allow us to act without thinking about it.
Consider learning to ride a bike. Did anyone just get on their bike and effortlessly ride? I know I didn’t. It required falling and getting up repeatedly. Now I get on a bike and ride without even thinking about how to balance, steer or anything else that allows me to stay upright. Teaching fly casting reminds me of those things I now take for granted, like riding my bike, driving my car and fly casting. It’s also shown me why it’s harder for people who have been fly fishing for a long time to master the fundamentals (physics) than for some initiates. Those same pathways that assure success also store bad habits that have been developed over time. This first became apparent to me when I gave lessons to someone who had been fly casting for a long time but who had ingrained bad techniques. When I showed them how to properly move the rod tip in a straight line to form a “tight” wind penetrating loop they understood the concept immediately. The eye-opener for student and teacher was when they tried to repeat the proper casting stroke and their ingrained bad habits overpowered their new understanding.
Joan Wulff demonstrates one of her unique, and effective techniques for mastering the casting stroke. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun
This isn’t necessarily bad news for long-time casters but does require them to “retrain” their brain. The same applies to proficient casters who are learning to cast with their non-dominant hand. Try this and you’ll see what I mean instantly. If you’re a right-handed caster, putting the rod in the left hand is like handing it to someone whose mind knows the cast, but has a body that doesn’t cooperate. The good news is that by learning the fundamentals of the cast and practicing them repeatedly, anyone can become an excellent fly caster with time.
Although we’ve established that practice is the key to mastering the cast, there’s another “secret” to supercharging your progress – the frequency of the repetition and establishing a habit. Create a realistic practice schedule that you can stick to. It’s much more effective to practice every day for a few minutes than to practice once a week for hours. Start by practicing at least four to five times a week for 10 minutes. Any additional time will, of course, be a bonus, but the importance of a regular practice schedule cannot be overemphasized. There are lots of resources on the internet to help you perfect your cast and lessons with a caster trained by Fly Fishers International can be invaluable. Some of the best videos I’ve found online feature master casters and instructors like Joan Wulff and Lefty Kreh.Orvis also has excellent resources. Locally, anglers have a great resource in AMI Outfitters on Anna Maria Island. They have complete outfits for beginners and rods and reels that will appeal to the most discriminating fly fisher. Visit them and try different outfits to see what fits your style and your pocketbook. Learning and apply- ing the fundamentals of fly casting and practicing them often will help you avoid learning bad habits or help you overcome them. It’s the secret to fly fishing and a path to an exciting fishing future.
We’re well into January, so it’s time to get back to the real world and one of the real world’s less exciting topics is homeowner’s insurance. Most of us want to go kicking and screaming away from the topic of insurance, especially in Florida which has the highest insurance premium rates in the country, but with the new year, we have some new legislation likely putting you in a much better mood.
Last month, the governor signed legislation to prevent the state’s property insurance market from collapsing under a tidal wave of lawsuits. Not only does this significantly help the state’s budget, but it may also help every homeowner’s budget in Florida as well.
Previously, Florida law has allowed policyholders who want to avoid dealing directly with their insurance companies to assign their claim benefits to contractors who work with trial lawyers. The contractors would often inflate fees, resulting in rejections by insurance companies. Then the attorneys would sue insurers to obtain what they say are legitimate charges, put- ting the insurers in the position to pay the attorneys’ costs if they lose a case. This resulted in insurers being inundated with frivolous lawsuits and passing this cost on to their customers to cover legal costs and risks. Florida insurers had more than 100,000 lawsuits last year, compared to the other 49 states totaling only 24,700.
Many insurance companies have failed and left the state recently and others are also leaving the market because they can’t obtain reinsurance. The new legislation eliminates the assignment of benefits and the requirement that insurers pay plaintiffs’ attorney’s fees if they lose. It also sets up a $1 billion state reinsurance fund to help insurers. The state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, the “insurer of last resort,” will also benefit from the legislation. Homeowners with Citizens policies will be required to accept private coverage from an insurer that offers premiums within 20% of their current Citizens policy. Overall, it could take a while, but the legislation could result in more private companies entering the Florida market with competitive rates benefiting homeowners.
None of this new legislation, however, will help homeowners who are going to war with both their homeowner’s insurance company and their flood insurance carriers in the wake of Hurricane Ian. Floods and the resulting insurance claims are not as clear-cut as they may sound. The definition of flood damage as opposed to wind damage can be interpreted differently by different insurers. This is already resulting in litigation from homeowners who say their carriers aren’t honoring their claims and the insurance carriers saying they aren’t legally obligated to cover the claims.
Trying to distinguish between flood and hurricane damage is more of a challenge than homeowners ever expected. Homeowners are stuck in the middle while insurance companies try and parse what exactly their responsibility is. Measuring how high water rose on the walls of an existing house is one thing but what if the house was built on a slab and it’s gone? Was it the flood or was it the wind?
The fact that just over 40% of the Florida homes in the two coastal counties hardest hit by Hurricane Ian are covered by flood policies doesn’t make it any easier for anyone since these homeowners may be looking to their homeowner’s insurance carriers for compensation. I guarantee a lot of this will end up in court and no one will be happy with the outcome.
Remember when living on the coast in Florida felt like you weren’t actually living in the real world? Well, the real world has invaded us, and its name is insurance.
MANATEE COUNTY – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is levying an $8,500 penalty for the improper mangrove trimming and debris re- moval activities that occurred along the Aqua development shoreline in 2022.
Located between Sarasota Bay and the El Conquistador Parkway in unincorporated Manatee County, the Aqua property (formerly known as Long Bar Pointe) being developed by Medallion Home includes hundreds of single-family and multi-family residential units currently being built during the initial construction phase.
On Dec. 22, FDEP Southwest District Director Kelley Boatwright sent an electronic letter and proposed consent order to Long Bar Pointe LLLP and Medallion Home representative Rob Bosarge. The letter was also sent to Medallion Home President and CEO Carlos Beruff, Medallion Home Manager of Land Development Chris Chavez, FDEP Environmental Specialist Derrick Hudson, FDEP Secretary Shawn Hamilton and Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The letter requested that Long Bar Pointe review, sign and return the proposed consent order by Jan. 3 if in agreement with the proposed terms, or to contact FDEP immediately if not in agreement.
The consent order proposes a settlement between FDEP and Long Bar Pointe LLP. The order notes FDEP personnel inspected the Aqua mangroves on June 17 and Aug. 25 and improper trimming and removal activities were conducted in violation of the mitigation bank permit and general mangrove permit Long Bar Pointe was previously issued in accordance with Florida’s Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act. Coastline Tree Service performed the mangrove trimming and debris removal activities in question.
According to the consent order, FDEP found the following violations occurred:
• Respondent did not properly remove and dispose of all mangrove trimmings over 3 feet long or over 3 inches in diameter.
• Respondent did not evenly distribute the remaining trimmings.
• Respondent reduced a portion of mangrove foliage more than the authorized amount of 25% annually on the waterward extent of the mangrove fringe.
• Respondent did not provide adequate pre- and post-photo documentation of the trimming event.
Taken in August, this photo shows the diameters of some of the mangrove trees and branches cut. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun
The consent order seeks an $8,500 penalty settlement that includes $1,000 for costs and expenses incurred during the investigation and the preparation of the consent order, $3,000 for reducing the mangrove heights by more than 25%, $3,000 for debris removal violations and $1,500 for improper documentation of the trimming activities. The check payment is to include a notation referencing the Water Quality Assurance Trust Fund.
The consent order includes an additional daily fine of $1,000 for each day Long Bar Pointe fails to comply with the consent order requirements. If FDEP is forced to file a lawsuit to recover the stipulated penalties, the agency can seek civil penalties greater than the $8,500 stipulated in the order.
Aqua response
On behalf of Long Bar Pointe, Chavez sent Hudson a Jan. 4 email that said, “Carlos Beruff is currently in Asia and is 12 hours ahead. We have emailed him so that he is aware of
the consent order. We cannot sign, or communicate that we are not in agreement, until he reviews.”
Chavez informed Hudson that Bosarge no longer works for Medallion Home and all future correspondence should be sent to Andy Kern.
When contacted on Jan. 6, FDEP Public Information Specialist Brian Humphreys said, “DEP has been in contact with staff at Aqua by the Bay. It is our understanding they are reviewing our consent order and we anticipate having their response soon.”
Suncoast Waterkeeper response
FDEP’s investigations were initially prompted by citizen complaints the agency received in early 2022 – with additional correspondence and photographs later received from the Suncoast Waterkeeper organization.
In August, the Suncoast Waterkeeper board sent a letter to FDEP officials that was critical of the agency’s initial inspection efforts and the lack of penalties imposed. That letter also expressed concerns about the significant amount of mangrove debris that had not been properly removed.
Taken in August, the photo reveals some of the trimming debris left behind. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun
Regarding the consent order, Suncoast Waterkeeper board member Rusty Chinnis said, “This would not have happened if we had not pounded it. They cut more of the mangroves than they were allowed to cut. FDEP initially reviewed the mangrove cuttings, said everything was fine and gave them a pass.”
Despite past criticisms, Chinnis, The Sun’s outdoors columnist, praised the FDEP staff members’ recent efforts.
“I think the people at FDEP care and they do a good job. They’re underfunded and I don’t think the powers that be are giving them the authority to do what they need to do. When Rick Scott was governor, he basically eviscerated it and allowed the developers to police themselves. We see where that got us,” Chinnis said.
“If done properly, mangrove trimming can create views while still protecting the mangroves, but that’s not being done. The enforcement is weak and $8,500 is the cost of doing business,” he said.
The FDEP graphic highlights some of Florida’s mangrove trimming regulations. – FDEP | Submitted
Regarding mangrove trimming in general, Chinnis said, “We have documented to FDEP the fact that people have been cited for mangrove violations and were not given any penalties; and a couple years later, the same people are caught again because there were no repercussions.”
ANNA MARIA – Sgt. Brett Getman is recovering from a heart attack he suffered while on duty on Dec. 19 and he credits Deputy Jared Leggett and others for saving his life.
Getman has led the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Anna Maria Unit since January 2020. Leggett transferred to the Anna Maria Unit in early December.
On Tuesday, Jan. 3, Getman and Leggett spoke during a press conference held at Anna Maria City Hall and organized by the Sheriff’s Office in response to press inquiries from The Sun and Fox 13 Tampa Bay.
Also in attendance were Getman’s mother, Vicki Getman, his father, Ron Getman, his daughter, Abbey Getman, his sister, Amy Lock and his brother-in-law, Keith Lock, who serves as a Manatee County EMS district chief. Getman’s daughters Sophia and Savannah were unable to attend.
Family members Ron Getman, Vicki Getman, Abbey Getman, Amy Lock and Keith Lock joined Sgt. Brett Getman (center) at the press conference. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Tampa-based American Heart Association Communications Director Johnny Johnson also attended the media event that coincidentally occurred the morning after NFL player Damar Hamlin experienced cardiac arrest during the nationally televised Buffalo Bills-Cincinnati Bengals football game.
“On Dec. 19th, around 10:30 in the morning, we got a call for a trespassing complaint. We located the subject on the beach and made the arrest,” Getman said.
The alleged criminal activity occurred at an unlocked vacation rental home at 806 North Shore Drive. The incident sheet names 26-year-old Devon Keith Guidry as the alleged offender and lists unarmed burglary of an unoccupied dwelling as the alleged offense. Getman said he located the suspect on the beach near Magnolia Avenue.
“We’ve had issues with the same subject before but we hadn’t been able to pinpoint him at a location. He was going into unlocked vacation rentals. We’ve stressed to the rental companies that their cleaners and other contractors need to lock the doors when they leave,” Getman said.
“I came back to the office (in the city hall building) and started doing my report. I was sitting at the desk typing and everything just went black. Thank God Deputy Leggett was in the office with me. If he wasn’t there, I would not be here. The medics treated me quickly and transported me to Blake Medical Center (HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton).”
Deputy Jared Leggett visited Sgt. Brett Getman at the HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton. – Amy Lock | Submitted
Getman referred to his heart attack as a “widowmaker” – the type of heart attack that occurs when the heart’s largest artery is blocked.
When asked how he felt, Get- man said, “I’m doing OK. I’m sticking to the advice of my doctors and doing what they tell me. It’s cliché to say it’s a true blessing, but that’s exactly what it is. I have a second chance at this life. I know that I have something more to give and something more that I have to provide for my children. I wasn’t meant to go yet.”
When asked when he might return to work, Getman said, “It’s up to the doctors. There’s no timetable right now for a return.”
Lt. Lou Licata is currently in charge of the Anna Maria Unit.
Leggett’s actions
“We do a lot of our reports in our cars. On this day, I went back to the office,” Leggett said. “We started having a conversation about what we were going to charge the defendant with. Just after we finished our conversation, he (Getman) fell out of his chair. At first, I thought he was having a seizure. I checked for a pulse. He didn’t have one. I started CPR immediately and started doing chest compressions. On the desk where he sits was the AED (defibrillator). I grabbed the AED after two rounds of CPR. I hit the shock button and gave him his first round and started CPR again. About five or six minutes in, Sgt. Tommy Fraser from the Holmes Beach Police Department showed up and was able to relieve me on CPR so I could go get a VBM (breathing device) and start working on his airway. I had one in my truck.”
Leggett was a firefighter and an EMT before joining the sheriff’s office nearly 11 years ago and Keith Lock was one of his EMT instructors.
“It all kind of goes full circle,” Leggett said. “Sgt. Getman is a perfect example of how important CPR is. If you have the opportunity to learn CPR and AED usage it could save a life. I’ve done CPR on other individuals, but this is my sergeant, my supervisor, my friend I’m trying to save. I’m grateful he’s still here with us.”
While being transported to the hospital, Getman received a police escort through the Holmes Beach detours.
“I thank God for Deputy Leggett and Sgt. Fraser. I also want to thank West Manatee Fire Rescue and Manatee County EMS. And my surgeon Dr. Baig was phenomenal. I remember talking to him and saying, ‘Don’t let me die. I have my kids.’ I want to thank everybody for their love and support,” Getman said.
Regarding Hamlin’s on-field cardiac arrest, Getman said, “Obviously, it got my attention. It’s more personal now when I see anything like that.”
Deputy Jared Leggett and Sgt. Brett Getman shared a hug after their press conference. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Heart Association
“It’s an amazing story. Everything happened the exact way it’s supposed to,” Johnson said of Getman’s close call. “We want to tell people that CPR is easier than you think. You only need to know two steps: call 911 and then push hard and push fast until help arrives. There’s no liability risk for trying to save somebody’s life. Good Samaritan laws will protect you. Contact the American Heart Association at Heart.organd we can help you find CPR training, and you can learn hands-only CPR in two minutes with thevideo at our website. We encourage everyone to feel comfortable performing CPR.”
Family thoughts
Vicki Getman said, “I think God has something else planned for Brett and our family had our miracle at Christmas. He’s only 48 years old. He’s too young. The doctor at Blake was absolutely wonderful.”
Ron Getman said, “We’re just so happy that Jared was available to save our son’s life. Had he not been there, we would’ve had a funeral instead of a Christmas celebration.”
CORTEZ – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will host a public information meeting for the pending Cortez Road bridge replacement project.
FDOT’s in-person presentation is scheduled on Tuesday, Jan. 31 from 6-8 p.m. in the Kirkwood Presbyterian Church’s Pfrangle Hall at 6101 Cortez Road in Bradenton.
The in-person meeting will be an open house-style event that allows attendees to review the bridge project materials at their own pace. Attendees can pose questions and comments to attending project team members but no formal presentation will be given.
FDOT will provide online access to the public meeting materials that address design details and aesthetics, construction phasing and traffic maintenance associated with its plans to replace the existing drawbridge, built in 1956, with a fixed-span bridge that at its highest point will provide 65 feet of vertical clearance for vessels passing below it. The informational meeting is not advertised as a continuation of the fixed-span vs. drawbridge debate that continues to be a source of opposition for some residents and elected officials.
The existing Cortez Bridge drawbridge was built in 1956. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“The same information will be presented at both the live in-person venue and online at the project website so attending both is not needed,” according to the recent meeting-related newsletter distributed by FDOT.
On Tuesday. Jan. 24, the online meeting materials will be posted at the FDOT District One road projects website.
Comments or questions may be submitted during the public meeting, at the project website or to FDOT Project Manager Ryan Weeks by phone at 863-519-2837, by email at Ryan.Weeks@dot.state.fl.us, or by regular mail addressed to Ryan Weeks, Florida Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 1249, Bartow, Florida 33831.
“While comments about the project are accepted at any time, please submit your comments by Feb. 10 to be included in the meeting summary,” the FDOT newsletter says.
According to the road projects website, “The project includes the bridge and roadway approaches from SR 789/Gulf Drive (in Bradenton Beach) to 123rd Street West (in Cortez), a distance of about 0.9 miles.”
The website notes FDOT previously formed a Bridge Aesthetics Committee (BAC) consisting of community representatives from Cortez and Bradenton Beach to provide input on the bridge’s aesthetics. The committee members include Joe Adorna, Mike Bazzy, Karen Bell, Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie, David Galuska, Connie Morrow, Ann Marie Nicholas, Joe Rogers, Jeff Vey, Gloria Weir and Bobby Woodsen.
Several BAC meetings and additional small group meetings occurred between August 2020 and November 2021 and future meetings will be added as more information becomes available.
The fixed-span bridge will include a buffered pathway for pedestrians and bicyclists. – FDOT | SubmittedAccording to the website, “To date, the BAC has determined the following, may be altered in the final design:
“Preference is for aesthetically enhanced multi-column pier with a waterline footing. The exterior face of the column would be in line with the exterior face of the bridge deck. Cheekwalls would extend from the top of the pier to the underside of the deck at all pier locations.
“Preference is for four overlooks, located on the north and south side of the bridge at the two piers on either side of the main channel.
“Preference for substructure lighting on the exterior faces of the pier columns.
“A custom ‘wave’ infill pattern is suggested for the bridge pedestrian railings.”
According to the Cortez Bridge website, “The design phase of Cortez Bridge began in October 2019 and is anticipated to be completed in spring 2025. Right-of-way is funded in fiscal years 2022, 2023 and 2024. Construction is funded in fiscal year 2025.”
According to the project-specific website, “The need for the project was based on the functional obsolescence and structural condition of the existing bridge. Due to the naturally corrosive saltwater environment, the bridge continues to deteriorate and will need additional repairs in the future. The condition of the bridge is anticipated to deteriorate further as the structure has exceeded its 50-year service life. Replacement of the bridge will address the condition of the structure and reinforce the connection between Anna Maria Island and the mainland of Manatee County.”
MANATEE COUNTY – Beyond the confines of Anna Maria Island, a canal dispute, mangrove trimmings and a proposed water taxi service were among The Sun’s top news stories in 2022.
Hunters Point
In Cortez, the construction of 86 Hunters Point homes continued while a hearing was conducted and completed regarding a dock permitting dispute.
The permitting dispute involves Hunters Point developer Marshall Gobuty’s Cortez Road Investments and Finance Inc. ownership group and the Cortez Village Marina’s MHC Cortez Village LLC ownership group.
In 2021, the Southwest Florida Water Management District gave Cortez Road Investments the environmental resource permit needed to construct the docks. That permit was then challenged by MHC Cortez Village.
The multi-day hearing began in June 2022 and concluded in September. Attorneys representing Cortez Village Marina argued the proposed docks would impede navigation along the canal and negatively impact their clients who have larger boats.
The attorney representing Gobuty argued the new docks would not significantly impede navigation and she repeatedly noted the man-made canal in question is privately owned by Cortez Road Investments and MHC Cortez Village LLC has no existing usage agreements for the canal.
The parties involved in the permitting dispute are still awaiting a recommended order from administrative law judge Bruce Culpepper, to then be followed by a final order issued by the water management district’s governing board.
In separate but related actions that took place in 2022, Cortez Road Investments filed a civil lawsuit seeking a court order that would prohibit Cortez Village Marina clients from using the privately-owned canal.
Cortez Road Investments also filed lawsuits against several canal-side property owners requesting that their docks and other structures be made fully compliant with the county’s dock regulations that prohibit any docks, boat lifts and other structures from extending more than 25% into the canal which is approximately 65 feet wide in those areas.
To date, several legal filings have been made but no hearings have been held regarding the canal-related lawsuits.
Aqua mangroves
In late April and early May, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) personnel inspected the mangrove trimming activities that occurred along the shoreline of the Aqua development (formerly known as Long Bar Pointe) located between Sarasota Bay and El Conquistador Parkway in unincorporated Manatee County.
The mangroves to the left were not trimmed, the mangroves to the right were trimmed to create better views for those who will occupy Aqua’s multi-family residential units. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
In mid-May, FDEP issued an inspection report that stated, “Unauthorized trimming activity was not evident at time of the inspections. However, no pre- or post-photographs, pre-trimming notification or post-trimming notification was provided to the department.”
In late August, in response to additional complaints about the mangrove trimmings not being properly removed,
FDEP Southwest District Director Kelley Boatwright issued a warning letter to Medallion Home representative Rob Bosarge and Aqua developer and Medallion Home CEO and president Carlos Beruff.
“During the inspection, department personnel noted the following: All trimmings over 3 feet long or over 3 inches in diameter were not properly removed and disposed of offsite. Remaining trimmings were not evenly distributed. A portion of mangroves appeared to be reduced more than 25% of foliage annually. Adequate pre and post photo documentation of the trimming event was not provided,” Boatwright said in the letter.
In the letter, she went on to say, “On July 12, department personnel notified you that potential violations existed at the site and you were requested to take corrective actions within 30 days. On August 25, a follow-up site visit was conducted and violations did not appear to be adequately addressed. To date, the potential violations have not been resolved.”
Water taxis
In October, Manatee County Commissioners authorized County Administrator Scott Hopes to spend up to $700,000 to design and build two pontoon boats to be used as water taxis for the downtown Bradenton to Anna Maria Island water taxi service the county plans to launch in early 2023.
In November, the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) recommended the Manatee County Commission allocate $950,000 in resort tax revenues to help fund the county-initiated water taxi to be operated and managed by the Clearwater Ferry Company.
Initially operating Friday through Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., the water taxis are expected to travel between downtown Bradenton, the Anna Maria City Pier, the Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach and the Coquina South boat ramp. An exact launch date has not yet been provided.
Commission chair
District 3 County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge served as the Manatee County Commission Chairperson in 2022 and he will serve in that role again in 2023.
Kevin Van Ostenbridge served as the Manatee County Commission chairperson in 2022. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Passing
Longtime Anna Maria Island resident Brian Haddix passed away at Tidewell Hospice in Bradenton on June 21.
Longtime Island resident Brian Haddix passed away in 2022. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
ANNA MARIA – Reimagining Pine Avenue, Mote Marine, food trucks and noise violations were among the top new stories in Anna Maria in 2022.
Projects
Mayor Dan Murphy and the city commission spent much time in 2022 discussing the pending Reimaging Pine Avenue safety improvements planned to include new sidewalks along both sides of the street, new and improved crosswalks and possibly some new streetlights. The safety improvements to be made in 2023 will be partially funded by a $1.28 million state appropriation received in 2022. In September, the commission decided not to pursue a project-related roundabout and delivery truck turnaround at end of Pine Avenue near the trolley stop and the city pier.
Mote Marine’s educational outreach center is expected to open in late March. – Mote Marine | Submitted
In April, the commission granted Mote Marine Laboratory a lease extension to complete the long-delayed installation of an educational outreach center on the city pier that was originally expected to open in March 2022. The extension gives Mote Marine until March 2023 to complete the interior buildout and exhibit installation in the city-owned pier building. According to Murphy, that work is now underway.
Adopted in September, the city’s $11.4 million 2022-23 fiscal year budget maintained the existing 2.05 millage rate and included $1.75 million for stormwater and drainage improvements and maintenance and $799,000 for street paving.
Issues & actions
In July, the mayor, commission and city attorney began working on a proposed ordinance intended to establish a designated food truck zone that would limit where food trucks can operate in Anna Maria in response to a state law enacted in 2020 that prevents local governments from prohibiting food truck operations.
This map illustrates the proposed, and later rejected, designated food truck zone. – City of Anna Maria | Submitted
In August, Murphy proposed, and the commission supported, locating the food truck zone at the far end of Bayfront Park, near the Hibiscus Street and North Shore Drive intersection. Due to concerns voiced by the public, the commission and the mayor, the proposed food truck ordinance was rejected and discussions have not yet resumed.
In May, at the city’s request, Special Magistrate Gerald Buhr deemed a vacation rental home at 313 Magnolia Ave. to be a public nuisance because three noise violation citations were to guests staying there during a 12-month period. In June, the city filed a lawsuit against the Mangoes on Magnolia LLC ownership group seeking a court ruling that would prohibit the home from being operated as a short-term vacation rental for one year.
Several legal filings have ensued, but a hearing before Manatee County Circuit Court Judge Edward Nicholas has not yet been scheduled.
Guests staying at this vacation rental home at 313 Magnolia Ave. received three noise violation citations in a 12-month period. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
In July, Buhr deemed a vacation rental home at 205 South Bay Blvd. to be a public nuisance due to three noise violation citations being issued to guests staying there within in a 12-month period. The property is owned by Shawn Kaleta’s Beach to Bay Investments LLC and managed by his AMI Locals real estate firm. A $313 lien was later placed on the property for the administrative fees and costs incurred by the city. Kaleta’s legal team is appealing the special magistrate’s ruling.
Also in July, the commission authorized the issuance of building permits for the construction of a new beachfront home on a previously vacant lot at 105 Elm Ave. The commission authorization was contingent on property owner Fedora Campbell providing additional drainage elements at her expense and FDEP reviewing the proposed plans, both of which occurred.
The vacant beachfront lot in the foreground is now being developed. The existing home in the background was recently sold. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
At the time, Wendy and Robert Jordan owned the adjacent home at 107 Elm and opposed the permitting request because the construction of Campbell’s new home seaward of their home would obstruct their view of the beach. The Jordans’ opposition efforts included the Preserve AMI publicity campaign launched in 2021. The Jordans purchased their home in 2021 for $4 million and in December sold it to the Ohio-based DePalma Corporation for $4.15 million, according to the warranty deed.
Politics
In 2022, the city of Anna Maria and lobbyist Chip Case led the statewide efforts to defeat the Florida legislature’s annual attempt to preempt vacation rental regulation to the state and take away the city’s ability to regulate vacation rentals at the local level. Those efforts were aided by citizen participation and the city-owned Home Rule Florida website. In August, the mayor and commission decided to switch lobbyists and entered into a contract with the Tallahassee-based Corcoran Partners lobbying firm for the 2023 legislative session that begins March 7.
Running unopposed in the November election, Murphy and incumbent city commissioners Deanie Sebring and Mark Short earned additional two-year terms in office. In December, the commission selected Short to serve as the new commission chair for the coming year. On Dec. 15, longtime commissioner Carol Carter vacated the remaining 10 months of her two-year commission term because she and her husband, Bob, relocated to Sarasota County. The commission will appoint her successor on Jan. 26.
Passings
On Aug. 1, longtime Anna Maria resident and former Anna Maria Elementary School Principal Jack Dietrich passed away at the age of 92.
Jack Dietrich passed away in August. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
On Aug. 14. Anna Maria resident, businessman and Pine Avenue Restoration co-founder Mike Coleman passed away at the age of 74.
Mike Coleman passed away in August. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Special events
In May, the city hosted its annual Memorial Day Patriotic Symphony Salute at City Pier Park. In October, the city’s seasonal farmers market resumed weekly operations. Around that time, the city-sponsored Movies in the Park film screenings resumed.
In November, the city hosted its annual “Old Soldiers & Sailors” Veterans Day parade post-parade recognition ceremony. In December, the city hosted its annual Holiday Bright Lights decorating contest and Santa Stops event at City Pier Park, followed that evening by the merchant-sponsored Holiday of Treasures open house along Pine Avenue.
Hurricanes
In late September, Hurricane Ian left many Anna Maria residents and businesses without electrical and water service for varied lengths of time, but the physical damage was mostly limited to downed trees, downed power lines, downed fences and downed street signs. In November, Hurricane Nicole had no significant impact in Anna Maria.
Hurricane Ian toppled street signs in Anna Maria. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Arrivals & Departures
In January, Building Official David Gilson departed after accepting a similar position with the city of New Port Richey. In May, he reversed course and returned as the city’s building official.
High school graduate Destin Gollamudi served as the city’s summer intern before heading to Gainesville in August to start his freshman year of college at the University of Florida.
In July, Public Works Manager Dean Jones departed after accepting a position with the city of Bradenton’s Public Works Department. Ryan Wieland was promoted from within to serve as Jones’ successor.
Ryan Wieland became the new Public Works Department Manager in 2022. – City of Anna Maria | Submitted
In August, City Planner Chad Minor departed after accepting the city planner’s job in Holmes Beach. After relocating from Texas, Ashley Austin succeeded Minor in Anna Maria.
Ashley Austin became the new city planner in 2022. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
In November, Deputy Patrick Manning left the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office’s Anna Maria Unit and was reassigned to the Manatee County Judicial Center in downtown Bradenton en route to his anticipated retirement.
In December, Administrative Assistant Kristin Olsen left the city’s employment for personal reasons.
BRADENTON BEACH – Old Town Trams, an anticipated dock expansion project, additional utility line undergrounding, eliminating term limits and Hurricane Ian damage were among the top news stories in Bradenton Beach in 2022.
Tram extension
In early November, the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) members voted 3-2 in favor of extending the CRA-funded Old Town Tram parking shuttle program for another six months. Beginning in late January, the county sewer rehabilitation project taking place along Gulf Drive South for the next year or more will temporarily decrease the number of Cortez Beach parking spaces available for tram users.
The Old Town Tram parking shuttle program was continued for an additional six months. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Projects
Ongoing permitting issues with the Army Corps of Engineers prevented the dock expansion project alongside the Bridge Street Pier from taking place in 2022. The permitting issue pertains to the CRA’s desired eastward extension of the existing floating dock in order to accommodate additional finger piers. The Army Corps of Engineers has not yet approved the CRA’s request to extend the floating dock by approximately 40 feet to the east, toward the T-end of the pier.
These plans illustrate the finger docks to be installed perpendicular to the existing floating dock near the Bridge Street Pier. – City of Bradenton Beach | Submitted
In early November, City Attorney Ricinda Perry said she expected the CRA to soon receive an approved sovereign submerged land lease permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), allowing the premanufactured finger docks to be installed and connected to the existing floating dock while awaiting the dock extension approval. The floating dock is also expected to serve as a landing area for the downtown Bradenton to Anna Maria Island water taxi service Manatee County plans to launch in early 2023. At year’s end, the finger pier installations had not begun.
The public dinghy dock near the clock tower boardwalk was replaced in 2022. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Colliers Engineering & Design completed the plans for a $2.1 million flood control project designed to improve drainage and reduce flooding in the vicinities of 20th Place North, 21st Place North, the southern end of Avenue A and the southern end of Avenue B. The flood control project is being funded by a $2.6 million state appropriation. The city has until June 30, 2024, to complete the project expected to begin at some point in 2023.
A state-funded flood control project is expected to improve drainage and reduce flooding along the Avenue A and 20th Place intersection. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The state appropriation also provided the funds for the city to purchase a new TYMCO Model 435 Regenerative Air Sweeper truck for $154,352.
Using state funds, the city purchased a new street sweeping truck. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The CRA members held several discussions in 2022 that resulted in the completed plans for a currently unfunded Bay Drive South resiliency project that would create a resiliency barrier along Bay Drive South Shoreline and help protect that area from rising tides, king tides, storm surges and sea level rise.
In September, the CRA board approved a $195,853 binding cost estimate provided by Florida Power & Light for the next phase of utility line undergrounding project expected to take place along Third, Fourth and Fifth streets south, Bay Drive South and Gulf Drive South in 2023.
The utility lines along Bay Drive South are expected to be undergrounded in 2023. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
In September, the CRA board approved a $195,853 binding cost estimate provided by Florida Power & Light for the next phase of utility line undergrounding project expected to take place along Third, Fourth and Fifth streets south, Bay Drive South and Gulf Drive South in 2023. The city also received $3 million in state appropriation funds for future undergrounding projects outside the CRA district that extends from the Cortez Bridge to Fifth Street South. City officials still await the removal of 33 side-street utility poles associated with a previously completed undergrounding project along Gulf Drive South.
A proposed hotel project on and around Bridge Street is now in the early permitting stages. – City of Bradenton Beach | Submitted
In December, the building department received the initial permit applications for a proposed hotel construction project involving multiple properties along Bridge Street, Gulf Drive South and Third Street South. The submitted plans propose a total of 103 upper-level hotel units, 126 ground-level parking spaces, a rooftop pool and deck area, ground-level retail space and a ground-level miniature golf course. Developer Shawn Kaleta and Bradenton Beach businessman and City Commissioner Jake Spooner are listed as the property owners for the proposed hotel project.
City elections
In November, Bradenton Beach voters approved a charter amendment that eliminated the term limits that previously limited the city’s mayor and city commissioners to serving no more than three consecutive two-year terms in office, allowing incumbent Ward 2 Commissioner Marilyn Maro to serve another term in office. Maro ran unopposed in the November election. Eliminating term limits also means Mayor John Chappie and Spooner can seek additional terms in office during the 2023 election. Running unopposed, Ward 4 Commissioner Ralph Cole also earned another two-year term in office.
City Commissioner Marilyn Maro (shown here with her husband, Ed) will serve another term in office. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
City voters also supported a charter amendment that now allows the commission to appoint someone from outside of a specific commission ward to fill a vacant commission seat if no one from that ward is willing to serve.
Hurricane damage
In late September, Hurricane Ian inflicted significant damage on two waterfront mobile homes in the Pines Trailer Park. The hurricane also damaged at least four mobile homes in the Sandpiper Resort Co-Op at the north end of the city. The hurricane also damaged the police department roof and those repairs are now pending.
This mobile home in the Pine Trailer Park suffered hurricane damage. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
This mobile in the Sandpiper Resort was damaged during Hurricane Ian. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Special events
The Bradenton Beach City Commission and CRA provided the Bridge Street merchants with $2,000 of combined financial support for the merchants’ annual Christmas tree lighting event, Christmas on Bridge Street and the annual Holiday Boat Parade.
The Bridge Street merchants’ holiday celebration included this magnificent Christmas tree located in front of the Bradenton Beach Post Office. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Passing
In April, former Bradenton Beach resident and Sunshine Law lawsuit defendant Reed Mapes passed away. At the time of his death, Mapes was the only defendant still appealing a 2019 court ruling that Mapes and five other former city advisory board members violated Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Law when discussing official city business outside of a properly noticed public meeting.
