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Month: July 2025

Douglas Naeher held without bond on attempted murder charge

Naeher held without bond on attempted murder charge

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Archives.

Updated July 27 at 1 p.m.

BRADENTON – Holmes Beach resident Douglas Naeher, charged in the July 20 attempted murder of his wife, Stephanie Naeher, was ordered to be held without bond by 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Teresa Dees at a July 25 pre-trial detention hearing at the Manatee County Judicial Center.

Naeher has been held at the Manatee County Jail since his arrest on July 21. While on a boat 33 miles offshore of Anna Maria Island, Naeher allegedly stuck his wife multiple times, strangled her while underwater and attempted to leave her in the water. He was additionally charged with domestic battery.

Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Det. Patricia Hetrick testified at Friday’s hearing about the condition of the crime scene and the victim.

“There were blood droplets and smears around the boat,” she said.

Hetrick said the victim showed signs of injury on her head, face, arms, foot, ankle and lower back. Hetrick said since the arrest has been made public, a witness has come forward with information.

“We’re continuing to investigate additional evidence,” Hetrick said. “The witness said he saw a man driving the boat. The man asked him to take the female back to shore with him, he declined and the boat sped off. He (the witness) didn’t see her but said there appeared to be a girl on the floor of the boat under an umbrella.”

Hetrick said the victim expressed concern about Naeher being released.

“She thinks he’ll kill her and finish the job,” Hetrick said.

Douglas Naeher was represented at the bond hearing by attorneys Adam Dunn and Jerome Meisner. He testified that he has strong family ties in the area, does not possess a valid passport and if released, will adhere to GPS monitoring and agree to have no contact with his wife. At least a dozen of his family members were in the courtroom for the hearing.

Naeher said his financial assets include his home at 505 58th St. in Holmes Beach valued at a little over $1 million, a 2017 boat worth $80,000 and a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado truck.

“Those assets are being used to fight this,” Dunn said.

Assistant State Attorney Dickey Hough argued against Naeher being released on bond and said he poses a flight risk and has a history of escape. He cited a 1986 conviction for battery, resisting arrest and escape.

During the hearing, Naeher said, “I’ve got no reason to leave my house. My wife is trying to take it from me.”

Dunn said Stephanie Naeher has a 2024 felony conviction, which he said could lead to a “credibility issue.”

According to Manatee County court records, she was arrested and convicted of several offenses that began when she walked out on a $51 bar tab at the Freckled Fin in Holmes Beach. As a result, on May 22, she was convicted of resisting an officer with violence, battery on a law enforcement officer, possession of alprazolam, fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer and driving while under the influence with an unlawful blood alcohol level.

Dunn also stated that Douglas Naeher filed a dissolution of marriage in June, but it doesn’t appear that his wife has been served yet.

In making her decision to not release Naeher on bond, Judge Dees cited, “incredibly concerning allegations of multiple attempts to murder the victim.” She also said he poses “a high immediate danger to the victim.”

 

Related coverage:
Holmes Beach man accused of attempted murder

Holmes Beach man accused of attempted murder

Holmes Beach man accused of attempted murder

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

HOLMES BEACH – Holmes Beach resident Douglas Scott Naeher, 60, was arrested on felony charges of attempted murder and battery (domestic related) as a result of a July 20 incident involving him and his wife, Stephanie Naeher.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is conducting the criminal investigation. According to the MCSO website, Douglas was arrested on July 21. As of this evening, Douglas remained in custody at the Manatee County Jail.

According to the MCSO affidavit in support of the arrest warrant, the couple lives at 505 58th Street in Holmes Beach. The arrest report lists Doug Naeher Drywall Inc. as his place of employment.

A separate court document indicates that a petition for dissolution of marriage was filed on June 12 but no additional details are available.

According to the affidavit in support of the arrest warrant, the couple has been together for six years, married for three years and were living together at the time of the incident.

On Sunday, July 20 at approximately 7 a.m., the couple boarded the 30-foot powerboat they kept docked in the canal at their home.

“On the way to their destination, the victim (Stephanie) noted that the defendant’s (Douglas) demeanor seemed off, as he was not talkative as usual and appeared to be angry. Once they reached their destination, 33 miles off the coast of Bean Point, the defendant started fishing,” the affidavit says.

“The victim was sitting in a bean bag chair on the port side of the boat in front of the center console. The defendant started to become irate while fishing, due to his line snapping. To avoid an altercation, (the) victim decided to get in the water and float on a pool noodle. While floating, she kept hold of the rope which was tied to the boat. At some point, the defendant untied the rope, put the boat in gear and drove off without her.

“The victim stated she felt the defendant was leaving her out there to die. She then noticed another boat off in the distance. She thinks that’s what prompted the defendant to turn around and come back for her. When the victim climbed in the boat, the defendant began repeatedly punching her on the right side of the head. He then stomped on her head with both feet numerous times. While getting punched and stomped on, the victim stated she went in and out of consciousness,” according to the affidavit.

“In an attempt to save her own life, the victim said she pretended to be dead. She tried to slow her breathing and remain motionless so the defendant would stop hitting her. Once he stopped hitting her, he dragged her by the hair to the rear of the boat and into the water. The defendant then placed both hands around the victim’s throat attempting to strangle and drown her in the water. As he was doing this, he said, ‘I’m going to fu**ing kill you.’ The victim stated she was grasping for air and saltwater was coming out of her nose,” according to the affidavit.

“The other vessel starting coming closer to their location. The victim believes this is the reason the defendant let go of her. He left the victim in the water battered and gasping for air. He then put the boat in gear and started to drive. The victim was able to interlock her feet around the ladder at the rear of the vessel and hold on. The defendant dragged the victim behind the boat for a short time. The defendant eventually stopped the boat and the victim climbed back in using the ladder.

“When the defendant noticed she was back on the boat, he started to punch and stomp her body several more times. He then dragged her to the back of the boat and shoved her overboard. The victim saw a rope dangling from the rear of the boat and wrapped it around her right ankle just before the defendant started to drive away a second time. The victim got dragged behind the boat for several minutes before she was able to pull herself back onto the rear of the boat,” the affidavit says.

“While he was driving back inland towards Bean Point, the defendant noticed the victim was on the rear of the boat. The defendant let the boat continue driving on its own as he went back to batter her, only stopping when he had to adjust the course of the boat. As they got closer to their residence, the defendant had to actively stay in control of the boat to navigate through the narrow canal to their dock. As the boat slowed, the victim jumped onto the dock and ran to the Holmes Beach Police Department, just a short distance from their residence.

“This was at 1337 hours (1:37 p.m.). Ten minutes later, the defendant was seen on the Holmes Beach Police PD surveillance camera fleeing the scene in his pickup truck. The victim was transported to (HCA Florida) Blake Hospital to be treated for her injuries. She suffered from a concussion and had multiple contusions. Her head and face were swollen and her right eye was completely swollen shut. She had bruises on her arms, neck and face. At this time, the defendant’s whereabouts are unknown,” according to the affidavit.

“Given that the crimes at issue are crimes of violence that were committed in a watercraft against a victim who is a resident of Manatee County, they may be prosecuted in the Circuit Court of the 12th Judicial Circuit under the authority of Section 910.008(3)(f) Florida Statutes,” according to the affidavit.

A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for Friday, July 25.

Commissioners approve easement agreement for Drift-In

Commissioners approve easement agreement for Drift-In

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Business, Restaurants | Bars.

BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners unanimously approved an amended easement agreement regarding the Drift-In property at a July 17 meeting.

The Drift-In had been operat­ing under its temporary use permit, issued on March 20, pending final resolution of condi­tions that included completing a final easement agreement and legal description to be brought back to the commission for final approval.

Attorney Robert Lincoln, representing the city, spoke by telephone to the commission.

“When you approved the major development plan, you approved a concept for a change in the easements that have been previously granted by the prior owners to the city for basically sidewalks and landscaping,” he said.

The agreement that had been proposed was an easement swap between the Drift-In and the city.

Lincoln said the Drift-In is providing an additional easement area along the east end of Bridge Street and wrapping the building to go down Church Street. The city is releasing some of the depth of its easement area.

“What we’re now doing is bringing the actual amended easement back, release the original easements, replace them with the new easements and have the legal description that reflects the agreement that was offered at the prior hearing to change that configuration at the west end,” Lincoln said. “Given that we didn’t have the full legal description and therefore the full easement agreement in front of you last time, we felt that to make sure that everyone was happy today and 20 years from now we would bring it back to the commission for an official vote of approval and authoriza­tion for the mayor to execute on behalf of the city.”

Vice Mayor Deborah Scac­cianoce said she had hoped there would have been a survey showing the location of the easements in addition to the legal description.

“The easement graphic is complicated, and we were concerned about recording it in the actual agreement because the quality degrades,” Lincoln said.

City Attorney Ricinda Perry, who called in to the meeting, said she would have hoped there would be an overlay showing the new easement versus the old easement.

“I want to make sure the landscaping is actually going to fit,” Perry said. “The language as I’m reading it, it says it was south of an existing concrete sidewalk, and I know that the landscaping area is beyond the sidewalk. I’m not understanding the legal description versus what you would normally have a sketch. I think everybody should be extremely clear before deciding on this and give away rights, where your easement actually lies and where the landscaping is.”

Commissioners approve easement agreement for Drift-In
Attorney Scott Rudacille, representing Drift-In owner Derek Williams, speaks to commissioners during discussion of an easement agreement. – Leslie Lake | Sun

Attorney Scott Rudacille, representing Drift-In owner Derek Williams, showed sketches depicting both the existing and proposed easement areas to commissioners.

“The easement does run along the back of the sidewalk,” Rudacille said. “The landscaping that’s included is the landscaping within the pork chop there on the west side and all the landscaping that runs along the front of the Drift-In.”

“When we had our meeting that was the way I understood it, it was the edge of the sidewalk,” Mayor John Chappie said. “What was being offered was to the back of the sidewalk only. Where the sidewalk is now, and the pork chop area is part of the new easement.”

Hurricane-damaged homes set for demolition

Hurricane-damaged homes set for demolition

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – So far, 33 hurricane-damaged homes have been demolished citywide since the 2024 hurricanes, two are permitted for demolition and building officials are now focusing on the removal of three more that do not yet have demolition permits.

The three properties are on the south end of the city at 104 10th St. S., built in 1930, and 801 Gulf Drive S. and 100 Ninth St. S., both built in 1949.

“After Hurricane Milton in October, we had numerous homes that needed to be torn down that were over 50% damaged,” City Code Enforcement Official Evan Harbus said at a July 17 city commission meeting. “We did give them plenty of time, but we are getting letters out and we are on it.”

At recent city commission meetings, Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby noted that homes that were built up to current codes sustained very little damage, while the older ground-level bungalows did not fare as well against the storm surge from Hurricane Helene and the winds from Hurricane Milton.

Hurricane-damaged homes set for demolition
The hurricane-damaged home at 103 12th St. S., around the corner from the house at left, also has a demolition permit. – Leslie Lake | Sun

Two other hurricane-damaged prop­erties, 103 12th St. S. and 1201 Gulf Drive S., have been issued demolition permits with removal of those homes imminent, Harbus said.

“The yellow house, the one that’s leaning, I’ve been working with the gentleman that owns it, and he has been trying to salvage whatever he can out of there,” Harbus said. “He’s devastated and we’ve given him some leniency to get windows and certain things out of that property but hopefully within a week, or two or three we will see that house removed.”

The former home at 1201-A Gulf Drive S., a 1930 739-square-foot bungalow, sustained extensive damage when floodwaters lifted it off its foundation and it floated down 12th Street during Hurricane Helene. That property was demolished in October.

Beach cabana rentals under scrutiny

Beach cabana rentals under scrutiny

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Featured.

BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners held their second discussion about commercial beach cabanas on July 17 and will consider the issue again in a special work meeting to be scheduled.

In response to commissioners’ request on July 10 to look into the legal aspects of private cabana companies setting up on public beaches, City Attorney Ricinda Perry drafted an ordinance regulat­ing the commercial use of the beaches by those companies.

“The draft ordinance establishes not a prohibition against the use but a requirement to obtain a commercial beach use permit,” Perry said. “The city could also limit the number of permits and limit where the cabanas could be set up. An exception would be made for those that have property onsite on the Gulf side where they would have cabana activity in front of their business.”

Perry asked the commission if they would like to have an outright prohibition or have control regula­tions.

“What if we do nothing and leave the rules we have in place?” Commissioner Ralph Cole asked.

“There can be no tents at all neither commercial or private,” Perry said.

“The problem is if they put their tents out there and nobody is under them, they’re taking up space that someone else could be using,” Cole said. “I don’t have a problem with them setting up a tent, if someone called them up and said, ‘please bring me out some shade.’ ”

Vice Mayor Deborah Scaccianoce said, “I don’t agree with a complete prohibition. They can’t be putting up empty cabanas and only should be placed when there is active rental for a cabana.”

Commissioner Scott Bear concurred and said he would like to see only tents that are rented, not those that companies are trying to rent.

“I agree with what’s been said,” Mayor John Chappie said. “First it has to be rented before it’s set up and they would still have to have business permit.”

Cole asked if the private com­panies have liability insurance to cover injuries or damage caused by the tents.

“Is there a way to compel them to have liability insurance and to come back if there’s weather to remove them?” Scaccianoce asked.

Police Chief John Cosby said the majority of people on the beaches bring their own tents and asked who would be responsible for the enforcement of private companies.

“This will be an unfunded mandate,” Cosby said. “There’s no money to enforce it.”

Bear said rules require enforce­ment and he would like to see penalties or fees attached.

Perry presented the key points of the draft ordinance:

  • Submission of a site plan showing location, dimensions and number of structures and that structures may not be set up within 100 linear feet of a beachfront boundary;
  • Proof of insurance naming the city as additional insured;
  • Compliance with the Florida Building Code and Florida Fire Code for temporary structures;
  • Daily set up and take down; removal during storms and requir­ing an inclement weather plan and a contact number;
  • Clear pedestrian access 20 feet from the waterline and turtle nests, avoiding sensitive dune areas; and
  • Payment of applicable fees.

Violations may include im­mediate removal of unpermitted structures, fines up to $250 per violation per day, revocation of permits and referral to state wildlife agencies for violations to wildlife habitat.

Chappie said the commission needed some time to conduct research and said the issue will be discussed further at a work meet­ing, with the date to be determined.

Cabana company weighs in

Peery Heldreth, owner of My Beach Concierge with his wife Becky, addressed some of the commission­ers’ concerns.

Heldreth said his company has a general liability policy, uses com­mercial grade tents with 30-inch ground stakes and 2,400 pounds of tie-down straps.

“This is our fourth season, and we do have a business license,” he said. “We try to do this the right way.”

“There’s a lot of falsehoods that’s being represented I think about the industry,” Heldreth said following the meeting.

“I think one of the points they’re making is we’re setting up without reservations and that is not the case,” he said. “I cannot speak for anybody else’s business how they conduct their business. I’m not aware of anybody doing that but I can’t swear it’s not happening.”

He said his company does not set up tents until he has a valid reservation.

“We take them down at the end of every day for many reasons. The biggest reason is it is turtle season,” he said.

The cabana service caters to three groups according to Heldreth: El­derly or people with disabilities who may not otherwise use the beach, families with children and those who are looking for convenience.

Holmes Beach residents oppose fee hikes

Holmes Beach residents oppose fee hikes

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Community News, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – Opposition to increases in stormwater fees and millage were top of mind for more than 50 city residents who made their feelings known to Commissioner Dan Diggins at a July 15 town hall meeting at the Island Branch Library.

“I want to hear what you folks think,” Diggins said at the beginning of the meeting. “Last year was a tough year with the hurricanes. We’re going to set the maximum millage rate next Tuesday. I don’t know what that’s going to be. I wanted the millage rate to be set to about 1.9 and I fought really hard. All the other commissioners and mayor said no we’re going to do two, and we settled at 1.99.”

The Tuesday commission meeting has been rescheduled to Friday, July 25 at 9 a.m.

Holmes Beach residents oppose fee hikes
Holmes Beach Commissioner Dan Diggins wanted to hear from residents regarding the proposed increases. – Leslie Lake | Sun

“I want to hear what you have to say about the budget, and you also heard about the stormwater assessment fees. It was pro­posed to us by the city engineer to raise the storm assessment fees,” Diggins said. “We were going to do that a few years ago and then the American Rescue Act came in and we received $2 million from the feds for storm­water so we didn’t have to raise the fees. That’s all gone now, and that’s why we’re talking about raising the fees.”

Diggins noted commissioners are considering raising the stormwater fee from $2.95 per hundred square feet of property to $4.95 or $9.

“I think nine from two for the stormwater fees, plus raising the millage rate is going to hurt a lot of us,” Laurel Nevans said. “We have seen a great exodus of people who sold out after the floods. Anna Maria is cutting taxes while we’re raising ours. I think if we want to maintain residents, we can’t raise every­thing to the max.”

Nevans said many people are struggling financially following the 2024 hurricanes.

“I think the commission really needs to think about the impact. If we raise millage and stormwater rates, those an­nual rentals are going to go up because landlords won’t absorb that,” she said. “So many people are hurting financially right now that this could be the last nail in the coffin for the community.”

Holmes Beach residents oppose fee hikes
Residents weighed in on the proposed millage and stormwater fee increases. – Leslie Lake | Sun

One resident asked Diggins what the stormwater money is being used for.

“What is the plan to be done differently to solve the water issue – digging more holes that cave in?” she asked.

Diggins said federal grants have dried up and the money is now being used for infrastruc­ture improvement and vehicle maintenance.

“Right now, we’re using half the money for maintenance and the other half of the money to try to get some type of matching grant,” he said. “We ended up replacing storm drains, pipes and whenever we put a shovel in the ground, we find things we didn’t know about. We find things that are crumbling. We used the money for constant repairs.”

Diggins said that people who live on a barrier island do have to accept a certain amount of water.

“We talked about tearing up this parking lot here (at the library) and building a storage facility for the water underneath the parking lot. Then we’d have to pump it back out to the bay. That would cost millions and millions of dollars,” Diggins said.

“We’re just paying more for nothing when you guys are col­lecting more taxes,” the resident said.

“We have 4 miles of infiltra­tion trenches, 10.7 miles of storm pipe under the streets, 2.5 miles of ditches and swales, 125 storm pipe outfalls and 25 tide valves in the canals,” Diggins said. “Even if we don’t increase it, that’s where that money goes.”

“When I moved here in 2010, we probably had 5,000 residents in Holmes Beach, now we have less than 2,000,” Renee Ferguson said. “What I’m concerned about is that the burden is on us. We’re going to take the hit with this $9 fee and we all know it’s up to the rest of us that are left to take on responsibility for the problem we have with flooding.”

She questioned the success rate of the companies the city is using for stormwater solu­tions.

“We don’t know what their success rate is and we don’t know what other coastal cities they’ve done,’’ Ferguson said. “I have no problem knowing my fees have to be raised if I knew that the quality of work and the companies that we’re choosing are actually going to do the work that we’re hiring them to do.”

“Can you tell me then, if you’re going to raise the millage and these fees, what you’re really going to do with this money and why we need it?” Ferguson asked. “This is not the time to hit us. Can we just hold back and see what happens when we reassess these mega mansions that are going up and maybe then come to us and say, we still have to talk to you?”

Nancy Deal said that the city of St. Petersburg has put in pump stations and asked why Holmes Beach can’t do the same. That city received an $8 million matching grant from the state, she said.

“There’s money out there,” Deal said. “There are things our city could have been doing.”

“We’re studying that now,” Diggins said.

Some residents questioned the absence of Holmes Beach commissioners at the town hall meeting.

City Attorney Erica Augello sent an email to commission­ers that explains their absence. In part, it reads, “Just a friendly reminder that as these topics are not just likely to come before the commission, but are definitely coming before the commission, be cautious of any sunshine violations. While it is not a sunshine violation to attend such an event, it is a sunshine violation to participate in such an event if another commissioner is pres­ent and participating. As soon as a second commissioner makes a comment a violation exists as the meeting is not a public meeting that has been properly noticed and minutes taken.”

Related coverage:
Holmes Beach considering millage increase
Significant stormwater fee increase proposed

Anna Maria questions property tax relief without proof of permits

Anna Maria questions property tax relief without proof of permits

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

ANNA MARIA – Fifty-one Anna Maria property owners recently received letters from the city regard­ing their efforts to receive hurricane-related property tax relief without applying for building permits from the city.

The letters pertain to property tax relief sought for properties for which the city has no record of any hurricane repair-related building permits being obtained. The letters inform property owners they have until Aug. 15 to obtain their needed permits, including permits for previously completed repairs. Thirty-six letters reference properties owned by individuals, married couples and trusts and 15 letters reference properties owned by corporations and LLCs. (see the complete list here)

According to the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office, “A homeowner may be eligible for a refund of a portion of property taxes paid for the year in which the catastrophic event occurred if the property was uninhabitable for at least 30 days due to a catastrophic event.

“To be eligible for a partial proper­ty tax refund, the property appraiser must determine the residential property was ‘uninhabitable,’ ” according to the property appraiser’s office. State law defines “uninhabitable” as “the loss of use and occu­pancy of a residential im­provement for the purpose for which it was constructed resulting from damage to or destruction of, or from a condition that compromises the structural integrity of, the residential improvement which was caused by a catastrophic event.”

A copy of the letter obtained from the city’s clerk’s office says, “The city of Anna Maria has received information from the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office indicating this property was uninhabit­able for a period of at least 30 days, resulting in a claim for property tax relief as stipulated in Florida Statute 197.319. This relief is based on a claim that significant damage or destruction occurred as a result of a catastrophic event, in this case either due to Hurricane Helene or Milton.

“According to building department records, we have no information indicating you have submitted permit applications for any work on your property subsequent to Hurricanes Helene and Milton relating to building repairs, rebuilds, renova­tion or demolition. Florida building codes and city of Anna Maria ordinances require building permits be issued for any repair, rebuild, renovation or demolition work prior to such work being performed,” according to the letter. “If work was performed, or is being per­formed, on this property that required building permits under Florida Statutes or city codes, the city requests such permits be applied for by August 15. An eligible prop­erty owner or the contractor that performed any such work may apply for the permits. Permit fees based on the city’s fee schedule will be assessed for all permit applications submitted, including penalties for work previously performed or work currently in progress.”

The letter states that if no work was performed that would require building permits, the property owner is asked to submit an email that includes a statement of the property owner’s intent to perform or not perform any hurricane-related repair work.

“Under city ordinances, any non-conforming property must be repaired and all work completed and inspected within one year after an event causing damages. If the work is not complete by that time, and the city commission has not granted a time extension waiver to complete the work, the property must be brought to conforming status,” according to the letter.

No property tax increase in Bradenton Beach budget

No property tax increase in Bradenton Beach budget

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – City com­missioners held a work meeting on July 15 to hold preliminary discussions about the upcoming 2025-26 budget.

According to the numbers presented at the meeting, total city revenues are projected to be $5,652,680 for the 2025-26 fiscal year, with expenditures projected at $5,045,506.

“A formal budget will be put together and there will be two public hearings (in September) on that,” Mayor John Chappie said. “Today is a preliminary discussion. This is just making sure everybody has an opportunity to answer questions.”

There is no planned increase in property taxes.

“The decision was made that we would not increase property taxes,” Bradenton Beach Police Chief and Public Works Director John Cosby said. “There was discussion about going to the rollback rate. We decided that by implementing the fees that we’ve been discussing over the last couple years, that this was the year we were going to do it. That happens to coincide with what happened with the hurricanes.”

Cosby said the city has seen an 11% reduction in property values due to the hurricanes.

“We have been discussing raising certain fees to bring them more in line with what the other cities are doing and you’re seeing that happen now,” Bra­denton Beach Police Chief and Public Works Director John Cosby said. “We had toyed with raising the property tax. I personally walked the neighbor­hoods after the storm and people need more time to get situated. I think this is just the right thing to do.”

Cosby said that some city expendi­tures have been put on hold.

“We made some decisions not to do some capital improvement projects,” Cosby said. “New vehicles were going to be purchased and we talked about adding some personnel in the planning and police department and we’re going to put those on hold. As we’re going through this cycle with FEMA, we aren’t 100% sure what projects are go­ing to fly and what percentage they’re going to get through the system.”

Cosby said that the city received $1.1 million in FEMA funding through the state to offset storm-related costs after storm debris removal was completed.

“Half of the projects were in the CRC (FEMA Consolidated Resource Center), which is the final approval to be funded,” Cosby said. “Then we will be getting 100% of those costs back. We decided to lay low this year because we are still going to responsible for 12.5% of our total damage from the hurricanes.”

Cosby said the city has requested its consultant to apply for a hardship through FEMA.

“The city is too small to incur the types of costs we’re having to incur due to the hurricanes,” he said. “Next year once we see where we’re at with FEMA and if we can get some assistance from FEMA to cover some of our losses, this budget could look a lot different next year.”

Millage rate and reserves

“The budget is built with not changing the millage of 2.3329,” City Treasurer Shayne Thompson said. “It functions as it is, it’s a moving target, so this is not the absolute be-all end-all number, but the goal was put some healthy amount back in reserves that were taken this year from the storm. We’re looking at putting back close to $320,000 into reserves in the coming year, so keeping the millage the same accomplishes that goal.”

“If you’re a coastal community, you should have 35% in reserves,” Cosby said. “In some of the budget years when there was money left over, instead of putting it back into the general fund, we put it back in uncommitted reserve. That was by far, one of the smartest things we have done as a city, because we’ve been able to weather this event, with two back-to-back category three hurricanes within 10 days.”

In discussing the millage rate, Commissioner Ralph Cole said that Bradenton Beach should ask Manatee County to contribute to policing in the city.

“We set our millage rate, the county sets their millage rate, and because they set their millage rate high, it puts the burden on us,” Cole said. “We need more money from the county for policing out here with all the people that are coming. Between the two entities we need to figure out something without raising the taxes on people that live here. We need to put more of our tax dollars where they come from.”

City employees will be receiving a 5% salary increase with no change in benefits.

“Last year the cost of living was set at 2.5% and we all got together and we decided 2.5% for a raise would put us at 5% and that is a nice increase for all the employees,” City Clerk Terri Sanclemente said. “I know it’s a little less than last year but it’s still a good raise.”

The city commission approved the following proposed expenditures:

  • Administration $868,905
  • Commission $188,157
  • Police $2,131,795
  • Emergency operations $95,400
  • Code enforcement $74,691
  • Planning $527,618
  • CRS $70,883
  • Pier $155,770
  • Streets and roads $515,251
  • Stormwater $242,026
  • Facilities $144,010
  • Sanitation $2,500
  • Capital projects, reserves $28,500.
Center of Anna Maria Island football, soccer standings

Center Scoreboard: soccer and flag football

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Football, Soccer, Sports.

INDOOR SOCCER – WEEK 5

8- TO 10-YEAR-OLD DIVISION

Revive Nutrition 4 (4-0-1)
Moss Builders 0 (1-3-1)

Diamond Turf 3 (3-2)
Mi-Box 0 (1-4)

11- TO 14-YEAR-OLD DIVISION

Poppo’s Taqueria 6 (4-1)
Westfall’s Lawn Care & Pest Control 3 (4-1)

AMI Outfitters 7 (2-3)
Jiffy Lube 4 (0-5)

ADULT FLAG FOOTBALL – WEEK 4

Bubble Binz 48 (2-1)
Solid Rock Electrical 31 (2-1)

Salty Printing 35 (3-1)
Cortez Pump & Sprinkler 12 (2-2)

Slim’s Place 39 (3-0)
Reel Coastal Properties 12 (0-4)

Coaster Continent 54 (3-1)
G.I. Bins 19 (0-4)

In fishing, as in life, just be nice

In fishing, as in life, just be nice

Written by Rusty Chinnis on . Posted in Fishing, Outdoors, Reel Time.

When was the last time you got upset when you were on the water? Was it when someone cut you off while you were poling a shoreline, or maybe when they motored up to that school of tarpon you had been positioning yourself well ahead of? Maybe it was someone who had gotten a little too close to where you’re anchored and fishing, i.e., in your “comfort zone.”

If you were like me, your first reaction might have been to get upset or even to throw your hands up and yell expletives. It took a long time for me to realize that strategy only upset me and often made the situation worse. To give you an example, I would be set up on a line on the beach waiting for tarpon when a Jet Ski would appear and run back and forth right on the line the tarpon were traveling. My first response was to get upset, throw my hands up in a one finger salute and yell something like, “Hey, ******* it’s a big Gulf of Mexico out there!” That kind of a response was most often met with a return of my salute and multiple close passes just out of casting range.

Now, I wave them over and tell them what a nice day it is to be on the water. Then I explain what I’m doing and politely ask them to stay clear of my fishing lane. Almost always they respond with an apology and explain that they didn’t realize what I was doing.

The same goes for those times when I’m fishing inshore and another angler gets in my “comfort zone.” It’s important to realize that we have no idea what’s going on with the other anglers we’re sharing the water with. They could be fishing to eat, indulging a passion, finding solace from a traumatic experi­ence, enjoying a day with friends and family, or just getting some relaxation. We all get caught up in our fishing at times and let our awareness drift as we stalk a school of fish or head to the next spot we’re going to target. Most anglers start out with areas in mind where they’ve caught fish before, and more often these days we either find someone there or nearby. All too often, this can mean that fishermen get crowded together, which has the potential to ruin everyone’s experience. There are lots of places to fish, so if you find someone else nearby, move on to another location. You may even find that you discover fish or a fishing spot you didn’t know about.

I generally hunt fish by poling in shallow water or in schools along the beaches. When I encounter another angler, I either ask them if it’s OK to pass or just give them a wide berth. Most everyone appreciates this gesture and will tell you to proceed, but sometimes they want you to stay completely away, even if there’s little chance of disturbing the action. If this is the case, I don’t argue, I just move on. Even though I don’t fish offshore, I know that many anglers work hard to find a ledge or hard bottom where they target fish and they carefully guard it, never overfishing it. One of the worst things they experience is anglers who look for spots that others are fishing. Most often they don’t have the same respect as the original angler and mark the spot on their GPS, returning later to catch every fish they can. If care isn’t taken, it’s possible to ruin a good hole by overfishing it.

Fishing schooling species like tarpon, Spanish mackerel, little tunny and kingfish requires a stealthy approach; savvy anglers work the edges of a school where they know predators patrol for prey. They understand that a careful approach is their best chance of success. Anglers who don’t know the ropes often troll right through schools of baitfish and breaking fish, causing them to sound and ruining the action for everyone. When anglers take the time to consider others on the water, everyone wins.

Fishing should be fun, and with a little consider­ation, it can be. When you’re on the water, make it a habit to stay well away from other anglers and if you encounter someone who isn’t playing by those rules, move on. Show them the courtesy they don’t show you.

Disasters may have silver lining

Written by Louise Bolger on . Posted in Business, Real estate | Development.

Last week we talked about the future restoration and look of Cortez after the storms and after the county’s purchase of the Seafood Shack property. This week we’ll cover an emerging trend in the country where communities that have been struck by a disaster are frequently rebuilding richer and more exclusive – sound familiar?

Natural disasters can be galvanizing for a community where people come together to help neighbors and share information about contractors, painters, debris removal and just about anything else. It also presents an opportunity for developers and investors to swoop in and leave their mark on the area.

Homeowners who have received government aid and insurance payouts are rebuilding sturdier homes and meeting updated building codes. In addition to adding another layer of storm protection in the rebuilt homes, homeowners also have the opportunity to remodel damaged areas. This will ultimately translate into a more valuable and marketable property.

Unfortunately, there are low-income homeowners who have more problems navigating the bureaucratic procedures to file for disaster aid and may not have personal funds to close the gap until the funds are available. Also, on Anna Maria Island, longtime residents with beachfront property handed down through families frequently did not carry homeowner’s insurance since the premiums were higher than the value of the building. Many of these cottages and older one-level homes have been sold to developers for the land value. Renters of course can get evicted or choose to move from damaged properties and are facing higher costs and a short supply of rentals.

What this means for Anna Maria Island and Cortez is a change in the profile of the communities. The slow pace of living in these communities is changing, replacing an Old Florida vibe with a jazzier vibe and new, larger homes capable of entertaining family get-togethers and weddings.

Many of these properties are owned by investors or investor groups and are designed for renting and although Anna Maria always had many properties that were available for rent, it still maintained the quality of Island life. Many islanders now fear the Island will never be the same.

A good example of how a Category 5 storm changed a community in Florida is Hurricane Michael, which hit the Pan­handle in 2018. Panama City had an older, slightly tattered downtown area which has been restored with trendy restaurants and boutiques and an increasing popula­tion. Brokers specializing in waterfront properties say wealthy buyers are arriving in growing numbers, raising the economy and value of properties considerably.

While we were talking hurricanes, which I swore I wouldn’t do, I found some interesting statistics from the FSU Florida Climate Center. Starting with the Great Mi­ami Hurricane in 1926 through Milton in 2024, there have only been three Category 5 hurricanes, nine Category 4 hurricanes and 10 Category 3 hurricanes. Don’t get too comfortable with these numbers since the one-two punch of Helene, a Category 4, and Milton, a Category 3, did an incredible amount of damage prior to making landfall compounded with a 4-foot storm surge.

Nevertheless, populations have increased in three of the most severely hit Florida communities. Andrew in Miami was a Category 5, Charley in Charlotte County was a Category 4 and Ian in Lee County was a Category 4 – all increased their populations substantially within a three-year period after the storm.

I’m standing by my prediction from last week about the value of properties in Cortez. I also believe that Anna Maria Island will enjoy an increase in property values as well. You may not like the new vibe, but you may really enjoy the increasing trends in value.

Lower stormwater fee increase preferable

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Archives.

In the aftermath of the devastating 2024 hurricane season, our initial thought was that the suggested increase in Holmes Beach stormwater fees is a small price to pay. However, research suggests that more time is needed to study the issue.

First, increased rates do not necessarily guarantee the most effective stormwater mitigation. Land acquisition for pumps and reservoirs has been identified as a major component of stormwater management and has been skillfully managed by other Florida cities. Cape Canaveral is a role model for stormwater planning and grant utilization. St. Petersburg has the Shore Acres Resiliency Infrastructure Project where they are currently using a $1 million state grant towards another pump construction.

While Holmes Beach had a $12 million reserve, there were available properties on the market in the $1-2 million range that could have provided the needed space.

Second, in 2020, former Manatee County Commissioner Joe McClash wrote “Proposed Stormwater Utility Fee Would Be an Unfair Tax.” He explained that the fair way of calculation is by usage. Holmes Beach calculates using lot area, while many Florida municipalities calculate using impervious coverage. It is the impervious surfaces which displace the water and more fairly represent the impact.

In Holmes Beach, commercial properties are allowed 70% impervious coverage; residential properties are allowed 40%, yet the fees are calculated at the same rate for all “real property.”

We have properties which have maxed out their impervious area, elevated their lots and pools and installed walls. All impacts are not created equal.

Third, Mr. McClash mentioned how governments themselves contribute when they make special exceptions such as rezones which increase densities. Holmes Beach has honored multiple rezones despite resident opposition. We know firsthand that, despite code, excessive landfill is sometimes brought in and required swales are omitted. The City Center project elevated parts of Marina Drive by a foot, and now, property owners are being charged to remedy the additional flooding that it most assuredly created.

Fourth, contrary to the thought that this is the perfect time for presenting this increase, it may contribute one more layer to the litany of reasons for the exodus of residents.

Urgency does not necessarily make the most productive outcomes. Now may be the opportunity to make fees more appropriately “user based.” Perhaps approving the 4.95% rather than 9% now would be a modification that would allow the city time to address the need for calculations based on impervious coverage rather than lot area.

Dick and Margie Motzer

Holmes Beach

 

Bradenton Beach businesses, residents to see increased fees

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News, Feature.

BRADENTON BEACH – To offset a budget shortfall of $350,000 from post-hurricane tax exemptions, city commissioners have voted to add revenue sources that include increases to short-term rental license fees, building department fees and parking ticket fines.
“As a result of the storms, our ad valorem revenue has gone down about 14% this year. To put a dollar figure on that, that’s $350,000 give or take,” City Treasurer Shayne Thompson told commissioners. “That’s driven mainly because of a Florida Statute that allows
for a property owner who can’t inhabit their home for 30 days or more to request an exemption on property tax.”
He said Manatee County has 11,000 people who have requested such exemptions this year. “What the decrease has done is leave the city in a position to have to replace $350,000 in addition to put some in reserves. As we’ve all seen, having a healthy reserve allowed us to
weather this storm better than most,” Thompson said.
He presented a plan that he said was multi-pronged and would raise revenue but not raise taxes.
“One of the prongs is our TPLE (Transient Public Lodging Establishment) license. We’ve had the same fee structures since 2017,” Thompson said. “The reality is we need to raise it.

We’ve come up with a hybrid solution that doesn’t impact the mom and pop that has a duplex that lives in half and rents half.”
He proposed the same fee structure, $150 per year, for a home that has up to four occupants.
“Each occupant above the four would be an additional $100 per occupant. That would shift the burden to, I hate to say it, but party houses,” Thompson said. “The ones that have the largest occupancy are the ones that also cause the most burden on infrastructure and staff.”
He said the city currently has 561 TPLE licenses. Of that number, 192 have four occupants or less.
He said the average occupant count is seven, and in applying the new fee structure, the average cost would be $450 for an annual license.
“In the opinion of staff, we don’t feel we’re burdening an investor,” Thompson said. “The reality is if you’re renting your property for $11,000, $450 or $600 per year won’t deter you from renting it.”
Commissioner Ralph Cole asked how this increase would affect hotels. Thompson said motels and hotels are exempt.
Commissioner Scott Bear asked how the fees compare to other Island cities.
“In Anna Maria they’re looking at redoing theirs right now,” Thompson said. “We’re about half of where they are right now. Looking at Holmes Beach’s model, theirs is current, and they charge $100 per occupant period.”
Thompson addressed the fee structure in the city’s building department.
“We last changed it in 2022. We now have more staff on board more than we had,” he
said. “Bill (City Building Official Bill Palmer) made me aware that by statute we can have reserves for operations of the building department equal to two years of expenses. In that hiatus of fees, we’re waiving fees due to the hurricane, it wouldn’t have put the building department in a deficit position, and we could draw on that reserve. Bill is looking at adding other fees that other cities have done.”
The moratorium on hurricane-related building fee waivers ends at the end of this month.
Thompson said there are some fees in place in Holmes Beach that Bradenton Beach could implement.
“For example, a stop work order in Holmes Beach, if they put a red tag on a door is $500, it they do it twice it’s $1,000. That will be part of the new increased fee structure,” he said.
Thompson said the fees will help build up a reserve so if another storm event comes, the city is not waiting for FEMA reimbursement.
“To bring us competitive with parking lots, we’d be raising the parking ticket fines from $75 to $100,” Thompson said.
He summarized the city’s goal with the increased fees.
“The goal is to put us in a position to break even. The city must have a balanced budget by
statute. And without raising taxes to get to that spot and put $300,000 give or take into reserves for next year. With those things it makes up for that shortfall and it keeps us in a healthy position.”
A motion to approve and direct staff to make changes as discussed for the 2025-26 budget was unanimously approved.

Reel Time: Waterkeepers guide hurricane recovery grants

Written by Rusty Chinnis on . Posted in Outdoors, Reel Time.

The waters on Florida’s Gulf Coast are more than the scenery, wildlife and beaches, they are also a lifeline for fishing guides. Following the 2024 hurricane season, which brought widespread damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, many who depend on healthy waters for their livelihoods are still struggling to recover.

In response, Suncoast Waterkeeper and Tampa Bay Waterkeeper are teaming up to provide much-needed financial aid to local recreational fishing professionals impacted by these storms. Thanks to a grant from the International Game Fish Association’s Worldwide Anglers Relief Fund, eligible captains and guides can apply for competitive grants of up to $1,000 to help cover lost income and recovery expenses.

“The recreational fishing industry plays a vital role in safeguarding our local waters, often serving as the first line of defense by reporting pollution incidents,” said Dr. Abbey Tyrna, executive director of Suncoast Waterkeeper. “We’re proud to support this community and give back to those who faced economic hardship during the 2024 hurricane season.”

Application details:

  • Open: July 26 – Aug. 2
  • Who’s eligible: Recreational fishing industry professionals impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, including charter captains, operating within the Suncoast and Tampa Bay regions. Priority will be given to those who work full-time in the recreational fishing industry.
  • Required documentation: A valid U.S. Coast Guard captain’s license, proof of insurance, completed W-9 form, verified proof of trip cancellations or revenue loss (booking records, customer statements).

Apply at https://bit.ly/WARF_grant beginning July 26.

“Charter captains are the tip of the spear when it comes to our coalition of water quality advocates in Tampa Bay,” said Justin Tramble, executive director of Tampa Bay Waterkeeper. “This industry took a significant and unfortunate hit during last season’s historic hurricane season. We are honored to stand with our partners to support our community.”

Grant recipients will be announced on Aug. 15. Funds will be awarded based on the applicant’s primary service area, either the Tampa Bay or Suncoast region.

This effort is made possible by the Worldwide Anglers Relief Fund (WARF), established in 2017 in partnership with Costa Sunglasses. Since its inception, WARF has distributed over $305,000 to fishing communities impacted by natural disasters across the U.S., Caribbean and Central America, helping local guides recover and rebuild. Suncoast Waterkeeper and Tampa Bay Waterkeeper share a united mission to protect and restore the waters of the region to ensure fishable, swimmable, and drinkable water for all.

Together, these Waterkeeper organizations are committed to supporting and giving back to the fishing community that has been heavily impacted by natural disasters, standing alongside those who support and depend on healthy waters.

To learn more about and join the work of Suncoast Waterkeeper and Tampa Bay Waterkeeper, visit their websites at https://www.suncoastwaterkeeper.org/ and https://www.tampabaywaterkeeper.org/

Center of Anna Maria Island football, soccer standings

Center Scoreboard

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Football, Soccer, Sports.

INDOOR SOCCER – WEEK 4
8- TO 10-YEAR-OLD DIVISION

Revive Nutrition 9 (3-0-1)
Mi-Box 6 (1-3)

Diamond Turf 5 (2-2)
Moss Builders 4 (1-2-1)

11- TO 14-YEAR-OLD DIVISION

Poppo’s Taqueria 5 (3-1)
AMI Outfitters 1 (1-3)

Westfall’s Lawn Care
& Pest Control 13 (4-0)
Jiffy Lube 3 (0-4)

ADULT FLAG FOOTBALL – WEEK 3

Moss Builders 39 (1-2)
G.I. Bins 19 (0-3)

Coaster Continent 36 (2-1)
Edible Cookie Dough Café 20 (0-2)

Bubble Binz 26 (1-1)
Salty Printing 14 (2-1)

Solid Rock Construction 27 (2-0)
Reel Coastal Properties 19 (0-3)

Slim’s Place 52 ( 2-0)
Cortez Pump & Sprinkler 18 ( 2-1)