Year: 2024

Holmes Beach: Year in Review

Written by SUN contributor on December 31, 2024. Posted in Community News, Holmes Beach.

TREEHOUSE COMES DOWN

After more than a decade in court, Holmes Beach treehouse owners Lynn Tran and Richard Hazen waived the white flag in July, removing their beloved treehouse from the beach side of Angelinos Sea Lodge. The treehouse was built in 2011 without permits and became the subject of several court cases, ultimately leading to a judicial order to remove the structure. Fans said goodbye to the treehouse over the July 4 holiday. Demolition was completed on Aug. 30.

ELECTION PRODUCES TIGHT RACE

Holmes Beach: Year in Review — Titsworth

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth has two more years in office, winning by a thin margin over political newcomer Mike Roth. Titsworth took home the win by 41 votes. Joining Titsworth on the Holmes Beach dais are re-elected Commissioner Dan Diggins and returning Commissioner Carol Whitmore.

RESIDENTS FIGHT CONSOLIDATION, PARKING GARAGE

Plans by former Manatee County commissioners to build a three-story parking garage at Manatee Beach and consolidate the three Anna Maria Island cities were thwarted by voters. Residents, business owners and visitors all came together to fight against both measures, holding a rally in Holmes Beach in May and a Hands Across the Sand event in April.

PARKING GARAGE PLANS STRUCK DOWN

While Manatee County officials still have permission in the form of a bill approved by the Florida Legislature to build a three-story parking garage at Manatee Beach, those plans are currently on an indefinite hiatus. Voters fought against the parking garage, a project of former county commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, at the polls on Nov. 4. Van Ostenbridge was ousted as the District 3 commissioner and new Commissioner Tal Siddique has pledged to abandon the project.

OPPAGA STUDY RESULTS PENDING

The Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability study by the state concluded in 2024, but the results have not yet been released. Ordered in 2023 by members of the Manatee County state legislative delegation, the study looked at possible alternatives to having three city governments on Anna Maria Island, including consolidation of the three cities into one and annexation into unincorporated Manatee County or the city of Bradenton. The study was met with much criticism by the public. Holmes Beach Commissioner Terry Schaefer says he plans to review the results of the study with Rep. Will Robinson Jr. in the new year.

MILLAGE RATE LOWERED, TAXES UP

Holmes Beach commissioners voted to lower the millage rate from 2.05 to 1.99 mills, a 2.5% reduction for taxpayers. Despite the lowered millage rate, property taxes still went up by 7.63% for owners due to an increase in property values as assessed by the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office.

HURRICANE DEBRIS REMOVAL QUESTIONED

After hurricanes blew through the area in September and October, many residents questioned how well the city was handling debris removal along city streets. Hurricane Helene flooded the Island, leaving mountains of sand behind and Hurricane Milton downed trees and fences and caused widespread wind damage, leaving hundreds of tons of debris in its wake. Debris removal has been completed on the Island.

HURRICANE HELENE FLOODS ISLAND

Hurricane Helene swept past Anna Maria Island in the Gulf of Mexico on Sept. 26, but that doesn’t mean the Island was spared from the storm’s wrath. Police Chief Bill Tokajer said that at one point during the storm, his officers measured 2 feet of water standing in the center of Gulf Drive near city hall. The storm caused major flooding and displaced tons of sand from Island beaches.

HURRICANE MILTON CAUSES WIDESPREAD DAMAGE

Anna Maria Island was evacuated for a second time in 2024 when Hurricane Milton approached, making landfall near Siesta Key overnight on Oct. 9. While Hurricane Helene brought the water, Milton brought the wind, downing trees and power lines and causing widespread damage. Milton hit just two weeks after Helene impacted the area. While debris removal has been completed, recovery efforts are still ongoing.

CITY ENACTS VACATION RENTAL MORATORIUM

After a second major hurricane swept through the area in as many weeks, Holmes Beach city leaders voted to enact a vacation rental moratorium in an effort to keep tourists away while recovery efforts were in their early days. Rental agents and owners opposed the moratorium, which initially banned vacation rentals in the city for 45 days. Commissioners revisited the moratorium in 30 days and opted to end it two weeks early.

LIGHTNING STRIKES TWO HOLMES BEACH BUSINESSES

A thunderstorm on Aug. 22 resulted in a two-alarm fire when lightning struck the Holmes Beach Business Center, damaging two local businesses. The lightning strike hit the roof of the west side of the complex, damaging West Coast Air Conditioning and Heating and Fun and More Rentals. Firefighters from West Manatee Fire Rescue and three other local districts quickly extinguished the fire. No one was injured but the building sustained major damage.

WATER TAXI STOP DISCUSSED

Manatee County and Holmes Beach leaders argued over the potential for a water taxi stop in the Island’s biggest city over the summer. In July and August, county officials made it clear that they want a stop for the Gulf Islands Ferry service in Holmes Beach, preferably somewhere near city center. Holmes Beach city leaders were divided on the idea with some favoring a stop at Kingfish Boat Ramp. Discussions were derailed by the arrival of hurricanes Helene and Milton.

BEACH PARKING BY THE NUMBERS

Public parking for beach access was a hot topic of conversation early in 2024 with Manatee County commissioners vowing to build a three-story paid parking garage at Manatee Beach to create more spaces. City leaders contended that there are more than enough parking spaces available in Holmes Beach for the number of people who can comfortably be accommodated on the beach.

Fishermen report slow mullet season

Written by SUN contributor on December 31, 2024. Posted in Fishing, Outdoors.

CORTEZ – With peak mullet season winding down, local fishermen hoping to cash in by selling their catches at the fish houses are reporting a lesser harvest than in recent years.

“We’ve had one good day in the last two weeks,” said one fisherman, who asked not to be identified. “I don’t know what it is that’s killing the seagrass, but the three of us have been everywhere and the fish just aren’t there.”

According to the University of Florida IFAS website, “Mullet can tolerate a wide range of salinities and can be found in fresh or saltwater. Their diet consists of bacteria and single-celled algae found attached to plants. They pick at the bottom, and scrape seagrasses consuming these.

Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Executive Director Dave Tomasko weighed in on possible factors that could account for a slow fishing season.

“There have been quite a few recent hits to our water quality along with those living resources that depend on adequate water quality,” Tomasko wrote in a Dec. 26 email to The Sun.

He said Sarasota Bay was impacted by four events that adversely affected the bay.

“In June, we had the highest amount of hourly rainfall on record (going back 50 years) due to a tropical wave (not even an organized storm),” he wrote. “The amount of rainfall was thought to be so rare as to only occur every 500 years or so.”

Tomasko wrote that in August there was another “one in 100-year” rainfall event during Hurricane Debby, which caused widespread flooding in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

“In September, we had Hurricane Helene, which gave us the biggest storm surge recorded in Sarasota and Tampa Bay’s history – in most places,” he wrote. “Then, in October, we had a Category 3 hurricane (Milton) hit us. Those storms brought us massive amounts of stormwater runoff, particularly that June rain event, and then with Debby.”

Tomasko noted that in 2024, there was more rainfall than average in a series of intense storms.

“That may be indicative of conditions that are more likely to occur over the next 30 years than was the case in the last 30 years,” he wrote. “Our air is warmer now and so is our water temperature. Both of those are expected to produce conditions that are more likely to cause intensification of tropical weather. Which means we need to get our wastewater and stormwater infrastructure to be more resilient to a changing climate, because summers like 2024 are more likely to occur over the next few decades than was the case in the last few decades.”

SBA loans offer recovery relief

Written by SUN contributor on December 31, 2024. Posted in Business, Featured.

HOLMES BEACH – A new financial option may be available to residents and business owners affected by recent hurricanes.

Anna Nunez appeared before commissioners on Dec. 17 to discuss the U.S. Small Business Administration loans that are available to assist disaster victims. She said the loans are open to businesses, property owners and renters for physical and economic injury loans.

Business physical damage loans are available for up to $2 million to help owners recover from physical and financial losses related to the hurricanes.

Home disaster loans for up to $500,000 are available to help cover damage to a primary resi dence damaged by the hurricanes. Up to $100,000 loans are available to homeowners and renters to cover hurricane-damaged personal items, including furniture, cars and clothing.

Economic injury disaster loans for up to $2 million are available to small businesses and nonprofits to help meet ordinary financial obligations, such as payroll, rent and utilities. These are also known as working capital loans and are designed to help keep small businesses and nonprofits in business while they weather the financial implications related to a disaster.

Nunez said that some of the benefits of SBA loans include a low fixed interest rate, no payments for up to 12 months, no interest for up to 12 months, repayment terms of up to 30 years and no need to wait for insurance to apply. There is no application fee.

Mitigation loans are also available to help people and businesses build back better to help mitigate the effects of future storms.

All information and applications can be found online at www.sba.gov/disaster or by calling 1-800-659-2955.

Nunez encouraged everyone who is eligible to apply. She said there is no obligation to accept a loan if offered and applicants have 60 days to accept the loan once offered.

The deadline to apply for physical damage loans due to Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton is Tuesday, Jan. 7.

The deadline to apply for economic injury disaster loans related to the hurricanes is Saturday, July 11.

When applying for an SBA loan, applicants may see a notice that approvals are on hold due to funding. Nunez said this should not deter anyone from applying for one of the loans and that loans are expected to be fully funded by Congress.

To apply for a loan, homeowners, renters and business owners need to provide email addresses and other contact information, a Social Security number, financial information including income and monthly expenses, a copy of the most recent federal income tax return and any insurance information, if available.

AMI Moose Lodge recovery plans taking shape

Written by Joe Hendricks on December 31, 2024. Posted in Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge #2188 sustained heavy damage during hurricanes Helene and Milton, but lodge administrator Byron Dalton and the lodge officers hope to reopen the social quarters in late April or May.

In late September, Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic storm surge crashed through the dining room windows that face the Gulf of Mexico and destroyed the exterior walls and interior contents in its path. But the social quarters and bar area at the south end of the building fared a little better.

During the children’s Christmas party held this year at Bradenton Moose Lodge #1223 on Dec. 14, Dalton discussed the damage sustained and the recovery plans being formulated for the beachfront lodge in Bradenton Beach that has more members than any other Moose lodge in the world.

“The two hurricanes were quite devasting,” he said.

Dalton and the lodge officers got together, reviewed contractor proposals and decided which contractor they wanted to lead the permitting process and restoration efforts.

The plan is to construct a wall between the social quarters in the south half of the building and the more heavily-damaged dining room and the north half of the building. The social quarters, bar area, restrooms and office area in the southern half of the bright blue building will be repaired first. And when the social quarters reopen, so will the second story deck above it.

“Hopefully, at the end of April, possibly May, we’ll have the social quarters open and we’ll be serving cocktails, refreshments and meals of some sort. We’ve been looking at possibly putting a food trailer in the parking lot,” Dalton said.

Dalton said the saltwater storm surge damaged the coolers and kitchen equipment that will eventually be replaced, but due to FEMA’s 50% repair value restrictions, he doesn’t envision the kitchen reopening when the social quarters reopen. Due to FEMA annual repair limits, the repair and/or reconstruction of the dining room and the north half of the building will likely be put on hold for another year.

“We’re hoping to get that area stabilized and leveled and possibly use it as an outdoor seating area as people come off the beach,” Dalton said.

Recovery funds

Dalton said the lodge was fully insured and its insurance claims and FEMA claims are going well. The Moose International fraternity and the Florida Moose Association may also be able to provide some disaster relief funds.

The AMI lodge established a Zelle account to accept monetary donations from Moose members and others who want to help support the repair and restoration efforts. Zelle users can use the “lodge2188@mooseunits.org” email address to donate.

The “Help AMI Lodge #2188 Workers Recover” GoFundMe page raised $3,615 as of Dec. 22 and that money is being used to provide financial assistance for the AMI Moose Lodge employees currently out of work.

When asked what else Moose members can do to help, Dalton said, “The best thing you can do to help is pay your dues, sign new members up and talk about the Moose organization. Your Moose card and Moose membership are good at any Moose lodge in the United States, Canada and Great Britain. Be a Moose. Visit other Moose lodges.”

In closing, he said, “We’re going to be OK. It’s going to be a long road, but we will be back bigger and better than we were. God bless the Moose and thank you everybody.”

Anna Maria: Year in Review

Written by Joe Hendricks on December 30, 2024. Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

DEBRIS REMOVAL

Mayor Dan Murphy, City Commission Chair Mark Short, General Manager Dean Jones and City Clerk LeAnne all played vital roles in the city of Anna Maria’s privately-contracted hurricane debris removal efforts that earned praise from residents and state officials. Agnelli’s Pools & Construction owner Frank Agnelli and his crew also played a significant role in the debris removal efforts.

PIERS DAMAGED

Hurricane Helene badly damaged the Rod & Reel Pier’s wooden walkway. Hurricane Milton then finished the destruction of the iconic pier and restaurant/bar owned by Germany-based brewer and restaurateur Oliver Lemke, who hopes to rebuild the pier and restaurant. As of Dec. 27, the “Help Us Rebuild Rod and Reel Pier” GoFundMe page received $86,702 in donations.

After Hurricane Milton, Ross Built Construction co-owner Lee Ross reunited United Kingdom residents Shira and David Schiller with a memorial plaque recovered from the pier wreckage. The plaque honors the Schiller’s deceased 10-year-old son, Max.

The city-owned Anna Maria City Pier survived Hurricane Helene with minimal damage but Hurricane Milton then destroyed a 75- to 100-yard section of the pier walkway completed in 2020 as part of the pier replacement project necessitated by the pier damage that Hurricane Irma inflicted in 2017.

The City Pier will remain closed until the repairs are completed. Mayor Dan Murphy initially estimated the repair costs might be in the $3 million range. In November, the city commission approved a $347,660 contract for the inspection, engineering, permitting and project oversight services to be provided by the George F. Young engineering firm. The city has not yet solicited bid proposals from contractors seeking the pier repair contract.

FERRY SERVICE

Manatee County’s Gulf Islands Ferry service began in January with stops at the Riverwalk Day Dock and the Anna Maria City Pier. Service to the Bradenton Beach Pier began in February.

After being disrupted by hurricanes Helene and Milton, ferry service between Bradenton and Bradenton Beach resumed on Nov. 1. Ferry service resumed at the recently installed temporary ferry landing near the hurricane-damaged City Pier on Dec 26.

RENTAL REGULATIONS OPPOSED

Assisted by a Tallahassee-based lobbyist, and using the city-owned Home Rule Florida website that generated more than 20,000 opposition letters and emails sent to state legislators and Gov. Ron DeSantis, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and City Clerk LeAnne Addy were at the forefront of the successful campaign waged statewide in opposition to the Florida Legislature’s latest attempt to preempt short-term vacation rental regulation to the state and strip Florida cities of their local regulatory rights. In late June, DeSantis vetoed the proposed vacation rental legislation.

COMMISSION RECONFIGURED

In January, Kathy Morgan-Johnson and Gary McMullen were appointed to fill two vacancies on the Anna Maria City Commission. In November, Dan Murphy ended his 10-year tenure as Anna Maria’s mayor.

After defeating former commissioner Brian Seymour in the mayoral election, former City Commission Chair Mark Short became Anna Maria’s new mayor. Running unopposed, McMullen and first-time candidate Chris Arendt also earned two-year terms in office.

In November, citing hurricane displacement, damage and a desire to leave the Island, Commissioner Jon Crane tendered his immediate resignation and vacated the remaining year of his current commission term. In late-December, Seymour and John Lynch submitted applications seeking the commission appointment to be made in early January.

MILLAGE REDUCED

In June, Mayor Dan Murphy proposed reducing the city of Anna Maria’s ad valorem property tax millage rate from 2.05 to 1.82 mills. When discussed again in late July, Murphy proposed lowering the millage rate to 1.75 mills. The city commission majority later adopted an even lower 1.65 millage rate – the largest known millage reduction to ever occur on Anna Maria Island, according to Murphy.

COMMISSION ACTIONS

In 2024, the Anna Maria City Commission supported allowing leashed dogs in City Pier Park (except during city-hosted special events), temporarily allowing business owners to use two sandwich boards signs and one flag or banner to promote their businesses during the ongoing hurricane recovery period, allowing three Anna Maria businesses to continue selling otherwise prohibited CBD and hemp products and supporting the yet-to-be-installed shade sails over the children’s playground at City Pier Park.

In response to concerns expressed by some business owners, the city commission in March pledged that the city would not impact the existing parking spaces along Gulf Drive by extending to the north the multi-use path that currently ends at Willow Avenue.

RESTAURANTS SOLD

In July, Ed Chiles sold his Sandbar, BeachHouse and Mar Vista restaurants to the Pinellas County-based Beachside Hospitality Group. The Manatee County Property Appraiser’s website lists the Daytona Beach-based Pine24 Oceanside SB LLC as the property owner for the Sandbar property in Anna Maria that sold for $16.4 million, the BeachHouse property in Bradenton Beach that sold for $9.6 million and the Mar Vista property in Longboat Key that sold for $5.4 million.

OPPAGA STUDY

2024 came and went without Anna Maria Island officials and residents being provided copies of the OPPAGA consolidation study requested in late 2023 by state legislators Jim Boyd, Will Robinson Jr. and others.

PASSINGS

In March, Bradenton Beach and Pines Trailer Park resident Ellen Scott passed away at 85. In May, Holmes Beach resident and Nautilus condominium complex manager Fritz Dahlquist passed away at 70. In June, LaPensee Plumbing, Pools and Air co-founder Mike LaPensee passed away at 79. In August, former City Pier bait shop bartender and longtime Bradenton resident Brian Blaine passed away at 51. In May, drummer John “Duncan” Edgar passed away in his early 60s. In July, lead singer, lead guitarist and bass player Zack Yoder passed away at 32.

BEYOND ANNA MARIA ISLAND…

COUNTY ELECTIONS

2,316 Manatee County voters switched their party affiliations to be eligible to vote in the Republican primary races that were decided in August. In the primary election, Island voters helped Tal Siddique defeat April Culbreath in the District 3 Manatee County Commission race. Island voters helped incumbent District 7 at-large County Commissioner George Kruse defeat then-District 3 Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge in the countywide District 7 race.

Island voters also helped former Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office Chief of Staff Scott Farrington defeat Gov. Ron. DeSantis’ appointee, James Satcher, in the supervisor of elections race. After his primary defeat, Satcher had four elections office employees terminated. In November, Siddique, Kruse and Farrington won their general election races.

SEWAGE DISCHARGES

In August, during and after Tropical Storm Debby, the city of Bradenton’s water reclamation facility discharged an estimated 25 million gallons of partially treated or raw sewage into the Manatee River. During that same period, the city of Sarasota discharged an estimated 18 million gallons of partially treated or raw sewage into Sarasota Bay.

In November, the city of Bradenton Beach discharged an additional 825,000 gallons of partially treated or raw sewage into the Manatee River and 2,000 gallons of raw sewage into Wares Creek.

In November, a 66-year-old Bradenton man had his leg amputated after contracting vibrio vulnificus (flesh eating bacteria) while fishing in Sarasota Bay near the El Conquistador Parkway.

Throughout the year, the Florida Department of Health issued multiple no-swim advisories for the Palma Sola Causeway area in west Bradenton and the Bayfront Park area in Anna Maria.

FORM 6 CHALLENGED

In February, the South Florida-based Weiss Serota law firm filed federal and state lawsuits challenging a new Florida law that required Florida mayors and city commissioners to file Form 6 financial disclosure forms that include the disclosure of one’s net worth, tangible assets and debts. Mayors and city commissioners were previously required to file the less intrusive Form 1 disclosure form and approximately 100 city officials statewide resigned before the new law took effect on Jan. 1, 2024. In June, a federal judge issued a temporary injunction suspending the Form 6 disclosure requirements for mayors and city commissioners. As of Dec. 31, the Form 6 disclosure requirements remained suspended pending a final verdict.

“Birthday Suite” up next for Island Players

Written by Joe Hendricks on December 30, 2024. Posted in Entertainment, Theater.

ANNA MARIA – The Island Players’ 76th season will soon resume with the performance of British playwright Robin Hawdon’s “Birthday Suite.”

Directed by Island Players veteran Heiko Knipfelberg, “Birthday Suite” tells the tale of “Four hotel guests who, for very different reasons, check into adjoining hotel suites, where an unlocked door and an enthusiastic waiter leads to hilarious mistaken identities and misdirected infatuations.”

“One thing leads to another and this gets pretty crazy. It’s very farcical,” Knipfelberg said, chuckling as he spoke.

The second production of the Island Players’ 2024-25 season opens on Thursday, Jan. 9 and closes on Sunday, Jan. 26. Tickets are $18-$28 and on sale now at the Island Players website and at the box office, which during the run of performances is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets can also be purchased at the box office beginning one hour before showtime. The Island Players theater is located at 10009 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria.

The “Birthday Suite” cast features Daniel Coppinger as Tony (an Italian waiter), Eric Johnson as Bob (a civil servant), Pamela Hopkins as Kate (an attractive female), Jeff McMahon as Dick (a psychiatrist) and Sylvia Marnie as Liz (another attractive female).

“The play was chosen by our executive director, Sylvia Marnie. She started a campaign, reaching out to the author and convincing him to let us do his play. That’s a feather in her cap,” Knipfelberg said.

“It’s a very difficult play to put on, but we’re having fun putting it together. Timing is essential,” he said, noting separate scenes unfold simultaneously in the two side-by-side hotel rooms.

“You see both things happening, but the dialogue is only happening at one side of the stage, and then it goes on to the other side of the stage,” Knipfelberg said.

Knipfelberg, a Bradenton resident, said the theater building experienced some minor hurricane-related water damage, but nothing too serious. However, the back-to-back hurricanes that struck Anna Maria Island and the Bradenton/Sarasota area may have prevented some actors and actresses from auditioning for the play. The hurricanes also likely contributed to a smaller than usual production crew.

“So many people have so many other things on their minds,” Knipfelberg said.

McMahon, now an Ellenton resident, responded to a Facebook post seeking cast members.

“He was a community theater actor in the northwest and he asked if I still needed somebody. I had him come over to my house to audition. We read half a page and I knew he was the one I needed,” Knipfelberg said.

When describing the director’s role, Knipfelberg said, “The actors need someone to coordinate their behavior with one another so it all falls into place. The director’s job is to pull it all together so they’re on the same page and working towards the same end in terms of the emotional aspects of the characters and their relationship to each other.”

Knipfelberg has directed a play a year at the Island Players for the past 10 years or so, including, “Mouse Trap,” “39 Steps,” “Unexpected Guests,” “Relatively Speaking,” “Play On,” “Murder to Death” and “Regrets Only.”

Rehearsals began about a month ago and community theater members receive minimal compensation for their time and efforts.

“It’s a labor of love. Nobody’s going to make a living off this,” Knipfelberg said. “It’s fun. I get a kick out of community theater as an actor and director and I like to see people have fun.”

As for what he hopes the audience takes away from the “Birthday Suite” performances, he said, “I hope they enjoy it. I hope they had a laugh and enjoyed themselves. It’s just a crazy little play. There’s no moral statement to be made here. It’s just a silly play and it’s meant to be laughed at.”

Letter to the Editor: Holmes Beach residents lament development vote

Written by SUN contributor on December 24, 2024. Posted in Letter to the Editor, Opinion.

We would like to extend a special thank you to all who spoke during public comment at the public hearing for the extensive site plan application for the former Wells Fargo property in Holmes Beach City Center.

What was previously a “sleepy” bank at an already tenuous intersection where there was a recent fatality, there will now be retail, indoor and outdoor dining, miniature golf, an arcade, a tour boat, an ice cream shop and storage facilities. It will have 125 seats, 93 parking spaces, six golf cart spaces, and 36 bicycle spaces.

There were multiple knowledgeable speakers addressing obvious issues – traffic, safety, noise, parking, exodus of residents from overdevelopment, etc. We were pleased to even have a speaker from Anna Maria, an articulate one we might add, just like the others. Thanks to all!

Regardless, the application passed unanimously. It was reminiscent of the county’s Aqua by the Bay hearings, or the county meeting where wetland barrier protections were rolled back. We will be forthright in adding that all of this has been on the heels of buzz about the applicant’s contributions to the recent mayoral campaign.

When is intensity too much intensity? Commercial zoning is not an unlimited license for special exceptions for development. One speaker said succinctly, “Is there any weight for the residents? The city needs to please the residents, not the developers, tourists and contractors.”

So residents, please hang on. Bridge Street is “coming soon to a theater near you,” smack dab in the middle of Holmes Beach City Center. You might want to heed a bit of advice from a former city commissioner: “Never underestimate how far a 5-year-old can hit a golf ball!”

Dick and Margie Motzer

Holmes Beach

Ross Built soccer champs

Written by Monica Simpson on December 24, 2024. Posted in Soccer, Sports.

ANNA MARIA – As another sports season came to a close at The Center of Anna Maria Island, the adult co-ed soccer champions earned their stripes last Thursday night against the top-ranked Solid Rock Construction team.

After the Moss team ended Pool America’s season in the round one playoff game played last week, the Ross Built Custom Home squad had their way with Moss Builders on the Island pitch.

Team Ross Built worked their way to the top after defeating Moss Builders in penalty kicks after regulation play to end the first semifinal game last Wednesday. Team Bubble Binz fell victim to the offense of the Solid Rock team in the second round two playoff game.

After spending the season on top, the Solid Rock Construction team worked hard with Raul Loera in goal. The Ross Built offense kept Loera busy during the two halves of play in the final game of the season.

Loera recorded 12 saves in the game for Solid Rock.

Teammates Erica Nielsen and team captain Keith Mahoney each put a point on the scoreboard. Mahoney made the assist on Nielsen’s goal.

Ross Built kept the Solid Rock defense busy to help clinch the win. Mack Heitchue and Kevin Roman finished with a goal and assist each, while Zacharieah Anabtawi had a solo goal in the game.

Adult winter sports at The Center starts on Thursday, Jan. 9 with gridiron action and Thursday, Jan. 23 in the gymnasium with indoor soccer.

SUN SCOREBOARD

DEC. 18

ADULT CO-ED SOCCER – PLAYOFFS ROUND 1

Solid Rock Construction 4

Gulf Drive Café 2

DEC. 19

ADULT CO-ED SOCCER – PLAYOFFS ROUND 2 – SEMIFINALS

Moss Builders 2

Ross Built Custom Homes 2

Ross Built winner in overtime PKs

Solid Rock Construction 3

Bubble Binz 1

ADULT CO-ED SOCCER – CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Ross Built Custom Homes 3

Solid Rock Construction 2

Did FEMA leave a gift under the tree?

Written by Louise Bolger on December 24, 2024. Posted in Business, Castles in the Sand.

It’s Christmas, and I hope you and your loved ones are enjoying some peace of the season after the harrowing few months we all have experienced. Unfortunately, for many, we’re not done with the restoration and/or rebuilding and understanding Manatee County’s procedures and FEMA’S 50% rule is confusing, to say the least.

Manatee County defines “substantial damage” as “damage of any origin sustained by a building or structure where the cost of restoring the building or structure to its before-damaged condition would equal or exceed 50%.”

They go on to say that if a building is substantially damaged or improved it must be brought into compliance with flood damage prevention regulations. This includes elevating the building to Flood Protection Elevation or Design Flood Elevation. Likewise, all electrical and mechanical equipment, bathrooms and laundry rooms must be elevated as well or removed.

They also indicate that the county, following the National Flood Insurance Program requirements, has the responsibility to determine “substantial damage” and “substantial Improvement.” If it is determined that the FEMA 50% rule applies, then the county will estimate market value by using the tax assessment value of your structure, excluding land and features.

This is a good time to point out that on the Manatee County Property Appraiser website (ManateePAO.gov) there is a new addition in red that will tell you what the FEMA value for your property is. These values are as of Jan. 1, 2024, so they are within a year old, but I can’t guarantee that this is the exact number that the county will consider.

I am no expert on FEMA’S 50% rule and a close reading of Manatee’s post-storm guidance can make your eyes glaze over. This is meant to be a guideline and hopefully I hit on some of the major points in an otherwise complex program. Do yourself a favor and don’t read it on Christmas Day.

We do have the November sales statistics available to report on from the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee: Manatee County closed 15.5% more single family homes compared to last November. The median sale price was $430,000, down 11.5% from last year and the average sale price was $559,764, down 9.4%. The median time to contract was 45 days compared to 24 last November. New listings were up 14% and the month’s supply of available properties was 3.9 months, up 14.7%.

Manatee County condos closed 17.7% fewer properties compared to last November. The median sale price was $309,900, down 11.8% and the average sale price was $345,065, down 12.3%. The median time to contract was 53 days compared to 31 days last year, new listings were up 17.5% and the month’s supply of available properties was 6.6 months, up 50%.

Next week I’ll do a deeper dive into these numbers and what the realtor association’s opinion is. However, as you can see, with the exception of single family homes, all other segments are negatively impacted.

A few weeks ago, I went to the Manatee River holiday boat parade and was so happy and proud that this community has pulled itself together and chose to celebrate rather than dwell on the negative. It was a great turnout and the boat owners should be congratulated for lifting all of our spirits.

As a friend of mine perfectly said, “Let’s not allow the circumstances to steal our joy during this beautiful time of the year.” Have a merry Christmas!

New Years Resolution: Vote Water

Written by Rusty Chinnis on December 24, 2024. Posted in Environment, Fishing, Outdoors, Reel Time.

I’ve reported frequently about concerns for our coastal waters in Manatee County and beyond. Loss of seagrass, lyngbya blooms, sewage releases, more frequent and stronger hurricanes and hundred-year rain events, months apart.

These insults to Florida’s environment point to the lack of political will to effect the changes that are necessary to preserve our environment and the economy it supports. Until recently, former Manatee County commissioners even voted to let developers build closer to our wetlands.

Now facing an uncertain political future when climate issues are likely to fall farther down on the national agenda, the recent election of pro-environment Republican Manatee County commissioners is a bright spot that highlights an important point. The health of the environment shouldn’t be a partisan issue. Economic realities aside, we all need clean air and water to survive and prosper.

That’s why you’ll find a Vote Water bumper sticker on the front of my car. I vet candidates not by party but by the actions (votes) they’ve taken on issues that affect the quality of the air that I breathe, the water I drink and the fish I pursue. Unfortunately, unscrupulous politicians separate us from the things we all depend on using wedge issues that may matter but pale in comparison.

If you’re looking for a way to source information on candidates and how they’ve voted, and join concerned anglers and voters, check out the “Vote Water” Initiative. The efforts dovetail perfectly with issues that groups like Suncoast Waterkeeper, Captains For Clean Waters and others are seeking to address.

This advocacy is a continuation of Florida Sportsman magazine’s long involvement in protecting Florida’s angler’s interests. Founder Karl Wickstrom and the magazine have been in the forefront in lobbying for common sense rules and regulations.

In Wickstrom’s words, “If you had to pick one reason for the lack of success in protecting our state’s water from continual degradation, it would have to be lack of political will from our elected officials to get something done.”

“What we have in the state of Florida (and the nation as a whole) is a political problem, not a party issue, but when it comes to fixing the state’s water, the political problem requires a political solution. Democracy isn’t a spectator sport. If you truly want to have clean air, clean water and public officials that represent the public interest instead of the special interest, the people that vote need to be informed.”

That’s the same argument I’ve used on these pages pointing out the shared responsibility we as voters have to effect much-needed change.

The VoteWater team highlights politician’s votes but also the amount of money they accepted from special interests. “The Dirty Money part of the Voter Guide is definitely something we want to spend more time on in 2025 and beyond,” VoteWater board member Wil Revehl said. “As the adage says, you have to follow the money. It’s clearly the case in politics.

“In order for people to be represented, to have a true democracy, we need to help make taking money from a special interest, such as the phosphate industry, toxic,” emphasized Revehl.

Once again, those who love Florida’s natural treasures and anglers can thank Florida Sportsman for taking a major role in effecting the change that our elected officials have avoided. I encourage you to learn about and to support the effort by joining the coalition, volunteering, spreading the word, donating to the cause and voting for politicians that have a track record of voting for clean water and healthy fisheries. Don’t be fooled into believing what candidates promise, check their voting record.

What better resolution to adopt this New Year? Vote Water. The future of fishing, Florida’s natural wonders and the economy hang in the balance.

Special event permitting process amended

Written by Joe Hendricks on December 23, 2024. Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – The city has again amended its special event permitting requirements.

When doing so on Dec. 12, the mayor and city commission allowed two previously permitted events to proceed at a different location due to the ongoing hurricane recovery efforts.

The latest amendment to the special event permitting process requires event organizers to submit their proof of insurance and other required documents at least 30 days before the event is scheduled. If the event organizer fails to do so, the city has the right to cancel the event. The previous ordinance required those documents to be provided at least 48 hours in advance.

The newly-amended ordinance also makes permit fees non-refundable.

City Attorney Becky Vose said the new provisions will better protect the city and help ensure that event planners complete their permitting requirements in a timely manner.

In August, the commission amended the special event permitting process in a manner that now provides for significantly higher permit fees that range from $200 to $5,000. To be determined by the mayor, the permitting fee is to be based on the size of the event, the anticipated attendance and the city services needed before, during and after an event, including law enforcement, street closures and trash removal.

The commission agreed that the special event permit applications included in that day’s consent agenda would not be subject to the new requirements adopted that day.

EVENTS RELOCATED

Earlier this year, the commission approved two special event permits sought by Blue Ribbon Events owner Danielle Lynch. The commission approved Lynch’s request to host a multi-vendor art and craft show at City Pier Park on Friday, Dec. 27 and Saturday, Dec. 28 and her second annual “Feed the Peeps” art and craft show at City Pier Park on Feb. 7-8. Those events were approved with the $200 per event permit fee in place at that time.

During the Dec. 12 meeting, Deputy Clerk Fran Berrios told the commission Lynch had to relocate those previously approved events because the park is not currently available. The temporary post office is currently operating at the park.

Lynch will now host her previously-approved events on the grounds of the nearby Roser Memorial Community church. The commission agreed those two events could be relocated with no additional permit fees or requirements. Lynch said she pays the church a “nice fee” for the use of the property and both upcoming events will also serve as food drives for the Roser Food Pantry.

Lynch also addressed the uncertainty created by the $200 to $5,000 permit fee schedule adopted earlier this year. She said the wide-ranging fee schedule now in effect creates uncertainty for event planners. She suggested, and the commission agreed, that the city should develop a more specific fee schedule that provides better clarity regarding special event permitting costs.

Planning board members must be city residents

Written by Joe Hendricks on December 23, 2024. Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – The three sitting members of the Anna Maria Planning and Zoning Board (P&Z) have rejected the idea of allowing non-residents to serve on the city advisory board.

With the recent departures of members Dr. Jose Erbella and Dusty Crane, the board is down to three members: Chairman David Haddox and members Doug Copeland and Jeff Rodencal.

Haddox recently told The Sun that he and his wife, Marsha McAllister, plan to put their Anna Maria home on the market soon and relocate to another state when it sells, creating another planning board vacancy.

The agenda for the planning board’s Dec. 11 meeting included an informal workshop-style discussion about planning board membership. The agenda packet included language found in the city code of ordinances that says, “There is hereby created a planning and zoning board consisting of no less than three and no more than five members who shall be qualified electors (registered voters) and residents of the city.”

During past city commission meetings, it has been stated that approximately 70% of the residential properties in Anna Maria are used as short-term vacation rentals rather than permanent residences.

“The fundamental question is how do we get more participants on P&Z?” Rodencal asked.

He initiated discussion on allowing non-resident Anna Maria property owners or business owners to serve on the planning board that reviews land use and development matters and makes non-binding recommendations to the city commission.

“I’ve been a member of the Planning and Zoning Board off and on for over 30 years. Other than the first few years I was on this board, we’ve had issues getting members. It’s not a new issue,” Copeland said.

“If we open it up to non-residents, we’re signing away our city. Investors will be allowed to be on this board. They will not represent us, as residents, and we will see the end of our city government,” he said.

After acknowledging Copeland’s concern, Rodencal suggested allowing just one non-resident to serve on a board otherwise comprised of city residents. Rodencal said a business owner might offer a different perspective and he noted the city of Bradenton Beach allows a non-resident business owner (Bridge Tender Inn owner Fred Bartizal) to serve on its Planning and Zoning Board.

“We can certainly keep going the way we’re going, but it seems like we’re always struggling to get people,” Rodencal said.

“As we have for 20 years,” Copeland replied. “I certainly wouldn’t take Bradenton Beach as an example of how we want to govern.”

Haddox said someone recently suggested inviting the city’s Historic Preservation Board members to also serve as planning board members. The Historic Preservation Board consists of Sharon Wisniewski, Jack Brennan and Tom Wagner. Haddox noted the preservation board members would have to meet the city residency requirements to serve on the planning board.

City Attorney Becky Vose noted the state of Florida has a dual office holding prohibition that would prevent someone from simultaneously serving on the planning board and the historic preservation board, but the city commission could adopt a “work-around” ordinance that allows that to happen.

“I would certainly support that,” Haddox said.

“I think we should pursue getting joint membership,” Copeland said in agreement.

Haddox said Mayor Mark Short also proposed another possible solution: If more than one person applies to fill a vacant city commission seat, the person, or persons, not appointed could be invited to serve on the planning board.

Copeland said the Planning and Zoning Board has been a “stepping stone” for many Anna Maria commissioners, including himself, Short and Crane.

No formal action was taken on these discussion items but City Planner Ashley Austin said she would draft some proposed language to discuss again at a future meeting.

Ordinance prohibits sleeping in public places

Written by Joe Hendricks on December 23, 2024. Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – The city has a new ordinance in place that prohibits sleeping and camping in public places.

Adopted by the city commission on Dec. 12, Ordinance 24-937 brings the city into compliance with a state law enacted by the Florida Legislature earlier this year with the adoption of House Bill 1365. The state law prohibits counties and cities from authorizing or allowing public camping or sleeping on public property without certification provided by the Florida Department of Children and Families.

City Attorney Becky Vose told commissioners the state law is intended to prevent public encampments like those that occurred in Seattle and other major cities in recent years and a local ordinance is needed to enforce the state-mandated sleeping and camping prohibitions.

According to the adopted city ordinance, “The city of Anna Maria has a significant interest in providing a safe and pleasant environment for its citizens, business owners, visitors and its homeless population by eliminating public camping or sleeping on any public property, public building, or public right-of-way.”

The commission discussed removing the ordinance language that says, “Sleeping on park benches at any time is prohibited” and “Sleeping anywhere at the City Pier at any time is prohibited.”

Although the hurricane-damaged pier is currently closed, City Pier Grill operator Brian Seymour encouraged the commission to leave that language in place because people sleeping on the pier has been problematic at times.

Sgt. Brett Getman, of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Anna Maria Unit, also requested that language be left in the proposed ordinance. Getman said his deputies will use their discretion when discerning the difference between someone who inadvertently falls asleep in a public place and someone who intentionally attempts to sleep in a public place.

Getman said the deputies are trained to assist the homeless by trying to connect them with services rather than issuing tickets or arresting them for one-time minor infractions.

The commission agreed to leave that language in place. The commission also established a $100 fine for each cited violation of the new ordinance and a new citation can be issued every hour if someone continues to violate the sleeping and camping prohibitions.

Minor course changes possible for city dock provisions

Written by Joe Hendricks on December 23, 2024. Posted in Community News, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – The Holmes Beach Planning Commission met on Dec. 4 for the first time since August, with all five members and both alternate members present.

The planning commission consists of Chairperson Gale Tedhams, Vice-Chair Jim McIntire, Lisa Pierce, Steven Oelfke and Richard Brown, with Joseph Ireland serving as the first alternate and James Harrison serving as the second alternate. Tedhams welcomed the members back and expressed her hope that everyone successfully weathered hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Development Services Director Chad Minor and City Clerk Stacey Johnston also participated in the meeting. Minor and the commission members continued their previous discussion on amending the dock provisions contained in the city’s municipal code.

DOCK PROVISIONS

Minor proposes adding definitions for the terms “boathouse,” “dock,” “finger dock,” “watercraft,” “mooring area” and “mean high water line,” which he said are mentioned but not defined in the current municipal code.

Minor does not propose changing the existing setback requirements for docks or the distance a dock can extend into the water.

“Everyone seems to be following the mooring rules pretty well,” he said.

Minor referenced the individually-platted mooring areas located on individually-platted submerged lots in various canals throughout the city. The meeting packet included aerial photographs of the 85th Street Canal, the T-end canal between Baronet and Concord lanes on Key Royale, the Marina Court Canal, the 83rd Street Canal, the 77th Street Canal and the 68th Street and 69th Street canals.

Minor said ownership of these individually-platted mooring areas does not necessarily coincide with the nearest residential structure and the existing city code doesn’t address these areas, most of which already contain docks.

He said the individually-platted mooring areas are generally about 10 feet wide and about 25 feet long.

“Under our current code, which doesn’t address these, it would be impossible for a 10-foot-wide slip to accommodate a 10-foot setback,” he noted.

Minor said a building permit would be required to install a new dock or lift in one of the individually-platted mooring areas and he proposed that no part of the installation, including the watercraft, extend more than 25 feet into the waterway, as measured from the seawall, or extend beyond the lot lines of the adjacent parcels or boat slips.

Minor said the city clerk wanted to make some comments about tweaking the existing code as it pertains to the city-owned boat slips administered by city staff. Johnston said the existing code requires too many steps for evicting a lessee from a city-owned dock space. She also feels the 60-day application period for those on the waiting list results in a city-owned slip sitting vacant for too long.

According to the city website, Holmes Beach residents can rent city-owned boat slips in the following locations: Marina Drive T-ends located between 72nd and 77th streets and the Sunrise Boat Basin located at 28th Street and Avenue B. The annual fee is $600 at the Marina Drive T-ends and the fee at the Sunrise Boat Basin is $425.

“Right now, we do not have any open spots for both locations,” the city website notes.

Minor said he would incorporate the changes discussed that evening into the proposed provisions to be reviewed again at the planning commission’s Jan. 15 meeting. Minor also hopes to present the planning commission members with some proposed seawall provisions.

MEETING TIMES

Included in the meeting packet was a memo from Johnston regarding City Commissioner Carol Soustek’s request to start the monthly planning commission meetings at 2 p.m. rather than 5 p.m.

Johnston’s memo noted most city meetings now take place during the day, when city staff is available during normal business hours.

Tedhams noted some planning commission members still hold regular day jobs. Pierce said her work schedule would prevent her from attending 2 p.m. meetings. Oelfke said he leaves work early to attend the 5 p.m. meetings but he could adjust his work schedule to accommodate a 3:30 p.m. start time. The commission agreed to start their Jan. 15 meeting at 3:30 p.m.

Ginny’s and Jane E’s reopens

Written by Joe Hendricks on December 23, 2024. Posted in Business, Featured, Restaurants | Bars.

ANNA MARIA – Ginny’s and Jane E’s Café reopened on Dec. 18 at 7 a.m. The café and retail business had been closed since the pre-Hurricane Helene evacuations took place in late September.

Paul and Tammy Foster bought Ginny’s and Jane E’s in 2012 and the café’s indoor and outdoor seating areas are popular gathering places for residents, seasonal visitors and vacationers alike.

“It was great to see people come back and we had a lot of familiar faces,” Paul Foster said late Wednesday morning. “Most of the folks in here today are locals, or regulars that come every year.”

The reopening day clientele also included the Gimlin family, from Missouri, who enjoyed a late breakfast while visiting Ginny’s and Jane E’s for the first time.

Regarding the sense of community that permeates Ginny’s and Jane E’s, Foster said, “Some of these people have been coming to Ginny’s for a long, long time. There’s so many folks that just love to sit in here and see what’s going on and we love that. We have a lot of positive energy here.”

Ginny’s and Jane E’s is located in the old IGA grocery story building owned by the Cagnina family. Hurricane Helene’s floodwaters ruined the old wooden floor that’s now been replaced by a new tile floor. Much of the drywall had to be replaced, as did the kitchen equipment and the coolers.

“We moved the inventory out before the storms came, so we lost no inventory,” Foster noted.

The coffee bar previously located along the north wall is now located along the south end of the inside dining area, near the sunroom entrance that’s currently boarded as that area still awaits repairs.

The sunroom has long served as a regular Tuesday and Thursday morning gathering place for the informal Ginny’s and Jane E’s coffee club members, some of whom returned Thursday morning for their much-missed coffee and conversation.

On Wednesday, the iconic Ginny’s and Jane E’s sign was still stored in the sunroom, but the following night it returned to its familiar perch above the main entrance at the corner of Gulf Drive and Magnolia Avenue.

When discussing the economic impacts of the back-to-back hurricanes, Foster said, “We were a week shy of being closed for three months. There was no revenue for three months, but you still have a lot of the operating costs. I’m just thankful and happy that we’re open. There was a minute or two when I wasn’t sure we were ever going to get here. The place looked like a bomb went off and yesterday we were still putting it back together. But it all came together and we had a lot of our staff helping us.”

Foster said they retained most of their staff but did lose a few employees during the extended closure.

When asked about his expectations for the Christmas holidays and the peak tourist season to soon follow, Foster said, “There’s still a lot of vacation rentals that aren’t open yet, so occupancy’s going to be less. I don’t know what to expect.”

The Fosters live in the Key Royale community in Holmes Beach and like many Anna Maria Island homeowners are temporarily displaced from their home. They are currently living in their fifth-wheel trailer at the Holiday Cove RV resort in Cortez as their home is being repaired.

BUSINESS NEIGHBORS

The two-story Cagnina-owned commercial building is also occupied on the ground level by Snips Hair Design and upstairs by Body & Sol Spa and Wellness, with Island Yoga Space sharing some of the Body & Sol space torn apart by Hurricane Milton.

Body & Sol owner Amanda Escobio said she hopes to reopen in March and her Sea-renity Beach Spa and Bou-Tiki in Bradenton Beach reopened in late November. Island Yoga Space owner Cindy Phillips looks forward to her March or April return to the building she’s occupied for more than 17 years.

“The owners of the building have been incredibly proactive in getting the ball rolling with repairs so we can be in business again by springtime,” Phillips said.

As of last week, Snips Hair Design remained closed, with plywood still covering the ground-level entrance.

Ginny’s and Jane E’s opens daily at 7 a.m. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Ron Vanderman stopped by to say hello to Paul Foster when Ginny’s and Jane E’s reopened. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Longtime Island resident Neville Clarke dropped by to say hi to Paul Foster. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

The retail inventory was removed before Hurricane Helene hit. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Emmett Tresaugue and the rest of the staff are glad to be working again. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Tingley Memorial Library options discussed

County providing additional funding for pier repairs, ferry enhancements

City rejects Pines Trailer Park lot split application, expects new development plans

Revised condo inspection ordinance now addresses habitable stories

City responding to Cushing lawsuit subpoena

Shorebird nesting season has begun on Anna Maria Island

Tingley Memorial Library options discussed

County providing additional funding for pier repairs, ferry enhancements

City rejects Pines Trailer Park lot split application, expects new development plans

Revised condo inspection ordinance now addresses habitable stories

City responding to Cushing lawsuit subpoena

Shorebird nesting season has begun on Anna Maria Island

Planning a successful fishing adventure

Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers host fly-casting clinic

Reel Time: Remembering Captain Zach

Reel Time on The Road: Fishing the Chass

On the Cusp: legislative action needed

The Waterman 2026: Fishing for a purpose

Selling your home gives you big tax breaks

Hidden issues in your future home

Non-commercially-rented beach cabanas still allowed in coastal conservation zones

The thaw has begun

Izzy’s Place opens at former Slicker’s Eatery site

Tips on selling in a funky market

Lori Waggoner wins Key Royale Club’s match play tournament

City to install guideline signs at pickleball courts

CENTER SCOREBOARD: flag football and soccer

CENTER SCOREBOARD: flag football and soccer

CENTER SCOREBOARD: flag football and soccer

Center Scoreboard: flag football and soccer

Sections

Latest Stories

Political Cartoon

What statewide recognition says about West Manatee Fire Rescue

2026 brings change and consistency

Political Cartoon

Thanks to Carol Soustek

Coast Lines: So long, farewell

Sections

Latest Stories

Churches of Anna Maria Island

Churches of Anna Maria Island

Insider’s Island – The insider’s guide to outdoors AMI

Readers’ Choice Awards 2025

Churches of Anna Maria Island

Year: 2024

Recovery funds

DEBRIS REMOVAL

PIERS DAMAGED

FERRY SERVICE

RENTAL REGULATIONS OPPOSED

COMMISSION RECONFIGURED

MILLAGE REDUCED

COMMISSION ACTIONS

RESTAURANTS SOLD

OPPAGA STUDY

PASSINGS

COUNTY ELECTIONS

SEWAGE DISCHARGES

FORM 6 CHALLENGED

EVENTS RELOCATED

MEETING TIMES

BUSINESS NEIGHBORS