ANNA MARIA – Mayor Mark Short told city commissioners that Manatee County officials will respect the city’s wishes regarding the design and installation of a county-funded ferry landing alongside the City Pier.
In January 2024, the 49-passenger pontoon boats currently used by the county-contracted Gulf Islands Ferry service began docking at the public boat landing at the T-end of the City Pier. In October 2024, Hurricane Milton destroyed the landing and the City Pier walkway.
With no landing area, ferry service to Anna Maria remains suspended until a new pier walkway is built and a new ferry landing is installed alongside it. Mayor Mark Short expects the new pier walkway to open in the fall of 2026 and county officials want a ferry landing operational as soon as possible after the pier reopens.
On Sept. 25, Short and the commissioners expressed strong opposition to the latest ferry landing concept proposed by the county. The opposition pertained primarily to the inclusion of a lengthy additional gangway that would serve as a ferry passenger waiting area. Concerns were also expressed about which side of the pier walkway the ferry landing would be installed on.
During the commission’s Oct. 9 meeting, Short said he spoke with a county representative earlier in the week and was told the additional gangway waiting area has been removed from the plans.
In reference to the gangway waiting area highlighted in blue on the county drawings, Short said, “The blue staging area is off the table. That is not going to happen.”
Short said the county has committed to developing a ferry landing concept that meets the approval of the mayor and city commission and he noted that county commission approval is required for a ferry landing installed alongside the city-owned pier. Short said it hasn’t been determined yet if the ferry landing will be a fixed or a floating structure.
In this diagram, the ferry landing is located on the left side of the pier, as viewed from shore. – Manatee County | Submitted
Short said the county also committed to working with the city regarding the type of wave attenuators to be installed near the ferry landing. The county has proposed metal attenuating walls but Short said he suggested the consideration of cement wave attenuators that attract and support fish and other marine life, similar to the attenuators located near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
Commissioners Chris Arendt and Gary McMullen liked Short’s wave attenuator idea.
McMullen said he would oppose a floating ferry landing in part because of the past damage that’s occurred to the floating dock and fingers docks installed alongside the Bradenton Beach Pier and in part because the Tampa Bay waters near the City Pier are much rougher than the inland waters near the Bradenton Beach Pier.
“The bottom line is they want to work with us,” Short said regarding the ferry landing location, its distance from the pier walkway and the type of wave attenuators to be installed.
Commissioner Kathy Morgan-Johnson said she’s concerned about the larger, partially enclosed 90-foot, 100-passenger ferry boat that will soon join the Gulf Islands Ferry fleet resulting in many more passengers congregating on the pier walkway while waiting for a ferry.
The pavilion near the City Pier entrance might be used as a ferry passenger waiting area. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Short said he discussed that with the county representative and one suggestion included using the on-land pavilion area at the pier entrance as the passenger waiting area.
“That’s how Disney does it and it works very well,” General Manager Dean Jones added.
No commission decisions were made and the ferry landing discussions between the city and the county will continue.
SARASOTA – Suncoast Waterkeeper filed a formal Notice of Intent to Sue U.S. Recycling Company on Oct. 3 for alleged ongoing violations of the federal Clean Water Act at its industrial facility located at 1310 Industrial Court.
The environmental watchdog organization claimed that U.S. Recycling has unlawfully discharged polluted stormwater and other contaminants into Hog Creek and Sarasota Bay, waterways that are protected for recreation, wildlife and shellfish harvesting.
“Protecting Sarasota Bay and its tributaries is at the heart of our mission,” said Dr. Abbey Tyrna, executive director of Suncoast Waterkeeper. “When industrial pollution threatens those waters and regulatory enforcement falls short, it’s our duty to act. This notice is about safeguarding the health of our community and the integrity of the bay.”
According to a press release issued by Suncoast Waterkeeper, “The notice outlines numerous alleged violations of the Clean Water Act and the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). Among these violations are failure to develop and/or implement a proper Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), failure to monitor and report discharges as required by law, and the release of non-stormwater pollutants into nearby drainage channels.”
“Sampling conducted by Suncoast Waterkeeper found elevated levels of pollutants such as aluminum, iron, total suspended solids (TSS), and chemical oxygen demand (COD) that exceeded federal guidelines for industrial facilities,” according to the press release. “These pollutants can harm fish and wildlife, degrade water quality, and pose risks to human health. According to research on similar concrete crushing plants in the U.S., it is likely that this operation is harming the Bay with pollutants beyond what the preliminary sampling from Suncoast Waterkeeper revealed.”
Hog Creek, which receives runoff from the U.S. Recycling facility, is listed by the State of Florida as an impaired water body and flows into Sarasota Bay.
“The Clean Water Act allows citizens and environmental organizations to enforce the law when regulatory agencies fail to do so,” the release stated.
Suncoast Waterkeeper intends to file suit in federal court no sooner than 60 days after the notice date unless U.S. Recycling takes immediate and effective action to correct violations, according to the press release.
“U.S. Recycling is just one of many industrial facilities in the region that fail to comply with regulations that are designed to protect the environment,” said Justin Bloom, Suncoast Waterkeeper founder and environmental attorney. “Actions like this are geared towards attaining compliance and ensuring accountability. Recycling concrete is an important activity in a growing community like ours, but it has to be done in a way that protects the environment and the community that relies on clean air and water.”
“Derelict” boats in local waters have been a problem that I’ve been questioned about over the years.
Being on the water myself for almost four decades, it’s been disheartening to see the numbers of these boats steadily increase. They are unsightly for sure but the damage they do to the local grass flats is hidden from the view of most casual boaters.
This wasn’t the case for Capt. Justin Moore, who knows the importance of the grass flats and sees the damage derelict boats do in real time. A boat anchored on a grass flat from a distance might be floating on a high tide but often is resting on and killing grass on a low tide.
The next high tide floats it again, it shifts with the wind, and it settles in a new spot. Last week Moore sent me a video of several “derelict” boats that had recently shown up on the grass flats just off Cortez Key, known in the village of Cortez as Kitchen Key.
The timely video showed the damage and encouraged me to investigate. What I found out was heartening and something I want to pass along. Florida law has defined “derelict” vessels broadly in the past and legislation has made it egregious to address these vessels. But recent legislation enacted this year (Senate Bill 164) introduced stronger requirements around anchoring, long-term mooring permits, clearer authority for law enforcement and greater flexibility for removal funds.
Senate Bill 164 addresses “at risk” vessels. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun
Now the law defines these vessels as “at risk,” so those which might not yet be derelict but show signs that they may become so can be addressed. Vessels can be considered at risk when they:
Are taking on water without the ability to de-water;
Have open or unsealed enclosed spaces;
Have broken loose from anchor or are a mooring risk;
List because of water intrusion; or
Lack effective propulsion.
The “at-risk” category lets FWC and other law enforcement intervene earlier to prevent more serious deterioration.
As the FWC website explains, “Recent legislative changes (effective as of July 1, 2025) strengthened the tools available to FWC. These include:
Clarified ownership definitions: A valid vessel title now acts as prima facie evidence of ownership;
Enhanced requirements for “effective means of propulsion” evaluations if requested by law enforcement;
Public nuisance designations: three citations within 24 months for any at-risk condition can allow a vessel to be declared a public nuisance, which allows removal as if derelict;
Noncriminal infractions expanded (e.g., anchoring long term, expired registrations) to allow mailed citations;
Penalties for repeat offenses escalated: Misdemeanor to felony depending on the number of offenses.
FWC has several programs aimed at preventing vessels from becoming derelict, as well as removing ones already in bad condition:
Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP): Allows owners of at-risk vessels (with at least one warning or citation) to voluntarily surrender the vessel. FWC then disposes of it at no cost to the owner. This aims to reduce future derelict vessel numbers and legal exposure for owners;
Derelict Vessel Removal Grant Program: Provides funding (100% reimbursement) to local and county governments for removing derelict vessels;
Rapid Removal Grants: Cases that meet certain criteria and need more urgent removal can access a faster track for grants;
Block Grant Option: For local governments that have demonstrated capacity (e.g., removed many vessels over past years), FWC allows block grants so they can remove eligible vessels without individual pre-approval for each removal.
FWC law enforcement (along with state, county and local officers) conducts investigations and inspections. When an at-risk vessel is identified, owners may receive warnings or citations. If conditions persist, the vessel may be declared a public nuisance or derelict, triggering removal actions. The law also provides penalties (fines, potential criminal charges) for abandonment or intentional improper disposal.
Ryan Gandy, the incoming executive director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, provided me a link to file a report, and I was pleasantly surprised when I made a call and was promptly connected with a case officer who promised to visit the site and report back. It appears that we finally have some resources that take these nuisance vessels seriously.
On its website, the FWC clarifies the process: “Overall, FWC’s approach is multi-pronged: Defining and distinguishing between “at-risk” and “derelict” vessels; using preventive programs (especially voluntary surrender under VTIP) to reduce the number of vessels sliding into dereliction; leveraging grants (including block grants) to assist local governments; strengthening legal tools and enforcement; and tightening ownership/title responsibilities. The aim is to protect waterways, navigation, habitat, safety and keep state and local costs down by intervening earlier when possible.”
If you know of any vessels that might fall under these definitions, I encourage you to report them. Our marine habitat and the quality of our fishery depend on citizens taking action!
CORTEZ – The stone crab harvest begins on Oct. 15, when traps can legally be pulled from the water.
Commercial crabbers handle the bulk of the annual harvest, but for those recreational fishers who like to try their hand at catching the local delicacy, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has posted the following regulations on its website:
Recreational fishers ages 16 or older must complete a free online stone and/or blue crab trap registration before using the traps. Registration can be done at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. Upon completion, each person will receive unique trap registration numbers that must be included on each trap along with the owner’s full name and address. This no-cost registration will allow FWC to collect important information about these recreational fisheries needed for future stock assessments and management decisions. Harvesters under 16 are not required to register but still must mark their traps with their name and address.
A boat in Cortez carries stone crab traps at the beginning of harvesting season. – Leslie Lake | Sun
Size, catch limits
Only claws may be harvested at a minimum size limit of 2 7/8 inches;
The daily bag limit is 1 gallon of claws per person or 2 gallons per vessel, whichever is less. Harvest from egg-bearing crabs is prohibited;
Traps may be placed in the water 10 days prior to the opening of the season, but may not be tended to until the start of the season when harvesting can begin; and
Legal gear is a stone crab trap (maximum five per person), dip or landing net. Any device that can puncture or injure the crab body is prohibited.
Both claws of a stone crab may be harvested lawfully if they are of legal size, but this leaves the stone crab with a weakened defense against predators, so it is suggested that just one claw be harvested. Stone crabs grow back their claws.
Recreational trapping regulations
Traps must be pulled manually (not by a trap-puller). Any vessel that is rigged with a trap-puller will be considered a commercial vessel and the appropriate licenses will be required;
Traps must be pulled only during daylight hours; and
Traps must not be placed in navigational channels of the Intracoastal Waterways, or in navigational channels maintained and marked by any county, municipal, state or federal governmental agency.
Trap specifications
Maximum trap size is 24 inches by 24 inches by 24 inches or a volume of 8 cubic feet;
Traps can be made from either wood, wire or plastic;
The throat or entrance must be 5½ inches by 3½ inches;
If the throat or entrance is round, it cannot exceed 5 inches in diameter;
The trap must have a degradable panel that is 5½ inches by 3½ inches and is made of cypress or untreated pine slat no thicker than ¾ of an inch;
Wire traps must have at least three unobstructed escape rings (2 3/8 inches in diameter) located on a vertical side of the trap; and
An unobstructed escape ring 2 3/16 inches in diameter to be located within a vertical exterior trap wall for all recreational and commercial plastic or wood stone crab traps is required.
Stone crab harvesting season runs through May 1, 2026.
On Sept. 17, when the Feds lowered the benchmark rate, I thought, about time. Although the ¼ point reduction wasn’t enough to bring buyers out of the closet, it was the Feds’ promise of two more rate reductions before the end of the year that for a fleeting moment put a smile on my face, but maybe a bit too soon.
Borrowers who have been waiting for relief from high rates might have to keep waiting. Just to be clear, mortgage rates aren’t set by the Fed, so unfortunately, don’t bet on any major drops soon. For a brief moment in time, the average rate on a standard, 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage drifted down to 6.26%. This was the lowest level in nearly a year, then a week later edged back up to 6.3%. Now we’re hearing that it’s not expected to change much going forward.
The Mortgage Bankers Association recently estimated that mortgage rates would actually increase to 6.5% by the end of the year – what? Why is this happening? While anxious homebuyers are watching the Fed, what they should be watching is the bond market and treasuries in particular.
The big boys on Wall Street are watching the long-term bond yields, which have been drifting lower for several reasons. Among them is the expectation that the Fed will soon start cutting interest rates but also raise the risks of a recession. One big reason that home loan rates have been high in recent years is that banks have been buying fewer mortgage bonds. I don’t know about you, but my head just exploded.
Meanwhile the average homebuyer just wants to get their life moving again. This is what you get when half the country refinances to a 2-3% mortgage – housing gridlock.
There’s an interesting story I read in early September about the danger of having an ultra-low-rate mortgage, so here goes: Once upon a time, there lived a nice young couple with two adorable little girls close to the beach in Florida. Even though their life seemed like a fairy tale, it wasn’t, and they decided to divorce. Sad as this was, their story became sadder still when they realized they couldn’t sell their home and afford to live separately near their children. And this is where it got complicated.
This couple, like many others in the country, took advantage of rock bottom mortgage rates in 2020 at roughly 2%. This was, of course, a good financial plan at the time, however, now that they are divorced, they are experiencing the “lock-in effect.” Basically, homeowners staying in place and not moving because they don’t want to give up their low interest mortgage creates a complicated lifestyle for the couples and the children. This couple has decided to both live on the same property, he in what they call the “beach bungalow” and she in a 19-foot Airstream trailer in their yard. Both have access to both properties, and the children are traded back and forth. And other ex-spouses are also finding a way to keep their mortgage by leaving the kids living in the house with the parents rotating in and out.
With the interest rates still high and the shortage of homes pushing prices up, it looks like couples like these will have this fractured living arrangement for a while. It’s a sad state of affairs when the only reason you talk to your ex-spouse is because you have a 2% mortgage. How on Earth did we get here?
ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria Island Historical Society celebrated the grand reopening of the historic Belle Haven cottage on Oct. 1 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce.
Dozens of people attended the Wednesday evening ceremony that included free beverages and appetizers and marked the final chapter in the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum’s recovery from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Before the ceremony, Holmes Beach resident, Historical Society member and museum docent Carolyn Orshak stood outside the cottage and said, “We are celebrating our last hurdle in the museum being back to normal. It’s a celebration of resiliency. We’ve had the museum open since the middle of March. This 100-plus-year-old building withstood the flood waters, but an inch and a half to 2 inches of floodwater seeped in, so the floors had to be done. They look fabulous.”
Docent Carolyn Orshak talks about the 1930s-era table setting. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
During Hurricane Milton, the cottage lost a screen door, which was the only additional damage.
The elevated wooden cottage sits higher off the ground than the neighboring ground-level museum building made of concrete block and originally built as an icehouse. The museum structure withstood the hurricanes but the museum interior and some of the historical artifacts sustained significant flood damage during Hurricane Helene.
This 1926 postcard shows Belle Haven cottage in the foreground and the Lotus Cottage right behind it. – AMIHS | Submitted
According to an informational sign near the cottage entrance, Belle Haven was built above the water and alongside the City Pier in the 1920s. After a large storm washed it into Tampa Bay, Island resident Lyman Christy bought the displaced cottage and hired a salvage crew that used a barge to recover it and transport it to his property on Palmetto Avenue.
Over time, a sleeping porch, kitchen, bathroom and plumbing were added to the cottage that served as the Christy family home for more than 50 years and as a rental cottage for another 25 years. When the cottage was slated for demolition in 2000, the Historical Society led the efforts to relocate the cottage in 2001 to its current location on the museum property at 402 Pine Ave.
Belle Haven cottage was moved to the museum property on Nov. 27, 2001. – AMIHS | Submitted
The artifacts inside the cottage include the wood burning stove that the Island Players theater group borrowed for their recent production of “Janus,” and a 1930s-era table setting that includes hand-painted Chinese dishware.
The artifacts inside the single bedroom include a wedding dress that’s been worn by four generations of brides from the same family and Lyman Christy’s travel trunk that’s been with the cottage for 75-plus years.
“Thank you to every person who put their blood, sweat and tears into renewing this cottage and this museum. They are so much a part of our Island’s story,” Orshak said. “This ends a year of intense emotion, finding friendships where we never knew they existed and our community coming together.”
The museum is located at 402 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Offering free admission and still operating on its annual off-season schedule for the rest of 2025, the museum and cottage are open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Museum volunteers and docents are needed and those interested can sign up at the museum during regular hours. For more information, call 941-778-0492 or visit the Historic Society website.
Belle Haven cottage can be visited during regular museum hours. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
The Island Players recently borrowed the cottage’s wood-burning stove. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
This wedding dress displayed in the cottage bedroom has been worn by four generations of brides. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Lyman Christy’s trunk remains in the cottage he lived in. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
The Historical Museum features artifacts from the Island's past. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
The museum provides a glimpse of Anna Maria's early years. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
This museum exhibit references the Island's local newspapers. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Trails and bridges to connect the east and west sides of the FISH (Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage) Preserve are nearing completion. Landscape architect Allen Garner, who completed much of the work at the preserve, showed off the work on Oct. 4 highlighting the features of the 98-acre space.
Some bridges at the FISH Preserve span waterways that connect to Sarasota Bay. - Leslie Lake | Sun
Some bridges at the FISH Preserve span waterways designed to be kayaked. - Leslie Lake | Sun
A picnic pavilion under construction features hand-carved finials. - Leslie Lake | Sun
Allen Garner, who designed many of the upgrades at the FISH Preserve, gives an Oct. 4 tour. - Leslie Lake | Sun
Sarasota Bay is visible at the south end of the preserve. - Leslie Lake | Sun
A future trail will be lined with shell at the FISH Preserve. - Leslie Lake | Sun
An old bottle found at the FISH Preserve. The 98-acre site was formerly a dumping ground. - Leslie Lake | Sun
ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria Post Office reopened in its regular pre-hurricane location at 101B South Bay Boulevard on Oct. 6.
The leased, ground-level post office space experienced significant flood damage during the 2024 hurricanes. During the hurricane recovery efforts, a temporary post office was established across the street at City Pier Park and initially operated out of mail trucks parked beneath the shade sail structure.
The temporary post office at City Pier Park closed on Oct. 4. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The postal operations were later moved into an air-conditioned trailer delivered to the park property. The temporary post office closed at the end of business on Oct. 4 and a handwritten sign taped to the door instructs post office patrons to return to the regular location.
This sign is taped to the door of the now-closed temporary post office at City Pier Park. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
After opening the service desk’s accordion door on Monday morning, interim Postmaster Kristen Gray said, “Hopefully this feels more normal for our Anna Maria residents. We are working diligently to get it back to 100%.”
On Oct. 6, interim Postmaster Kristen Gray opened the accordion door to the now-active service desk. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Within minutes, Krista Carroll was the first patron to arrive at the service desk, where she turned in her key for her temporary P.O. box across the street and exchanged it for a key to her permanent box.
“I’m so excited for you guys,” Carroll told Gray.
“Thanks, it’s been a journey,” Gray responded.
“It’s great when anything gets back to normal after the hurricanes,” Carroll said.
Krista Carroll, right, was greeted by interim Postmaster Kristen Gray and Clerk Jonathon Lavigne. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Gray said P.O. box keys issued before the 2024 hurricanes should still work for the boxes inside the regular location. If your old key doesn’t work, go to the service desk and let them know. Gray asks that post-hurricane P.O. box keys issued for the temporary post office be returned to the service desk at 101B South Bay Blvd. Gray said she doesn’t yet have confirmation as to when the trailer will be removed from the park but she said its removal is already in the works.
The Anna Maria Post Office reopened at 101B South Bay Blvd. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The Anna Maria Post Office service desk is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. The lobby is open 24 hours a day and the P.O. boxes are always accessible.
BRADENTON BEACH – City officials are seeking an interim city attorney prior to choosing a permanent replacement for former City Attorney Ricinda Perry, who retired on Sept. 18.
Commissioners discussed options at their Oct. 18 meeting and were advised by attorney Robert Lincoln, who has previously done work for the city.
“Given my scheduled and other commitments, I’m not in a position to take over and give you what you need as interim city attorney,” Lincoln said. “You will end up going to an RFP (Request for Proposal) and do a comprehensive search to get a city attorney and I think you should take your time.”
Lincoln recommended interim support of an experienced attorney as the commission goes through the process of determining a permanent replacement for Perry.
“I got the go-ahead from Mayor Chappie to contact a few people and try to come back with at least two individuals or firms that would be willing to serve as interim city attorney that I knew of personally or by reputation and feel comfortable recommending to you,” he said.
City Attorney Ricinda Perry read aloud her resignation statement on Sept. 18. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Lincoln suggested scheduling a work meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 7 for commissioners to meet with his recommended attorneys.
“Erica Augello, who is currently city attorney of Holmes Beach is one and she’s part of Trask Daigneault Law Firm. They do municipal work, that’s their focus,” Lincoln said. “The other person is Regina Kardash. She’s been the town attorney for Indian Shores and Redington Beach. She’s had a lot of experience with small coastal communities.”
Rates for Trask Daigneault are $280 per hour and Kardash is $250 per hour for regular services and $350 per hour for litigation.
“I went online, and the Trask firm is all municipal. I think they represent about 14 municipalities,” Chappie said. “I’ve talked to the mayor of Holmes Beach and they seem to think the world of Erica and the firm and everything they’ve done in legal issues. I also called the mayor of Anna Maria and the firm that represents them is the Voss law firm. Becky Voss seem very qualified as well.”
The name of attorney Robert Eschenfelder of Trask Daigneault was also mentioned, Chappie said.
“I’m very familiar with members of the Trask law firm, especially Rob Eschenfelder. I worked very closely with him at Manatee County,” Vice Mayor Deborah Scaccianoce said. “He’s outstanding and I know Trask has been very successful in lawsuits that have been lodged against Holmes Beach.”
Lincoln said Augello is the person he spoke to and she is indicating she would be responding for the firm.
“It might make sense for her to take it on,” Lincoln said. “Let’s just say the potential other kinds of issues that would show up are dealing with potentially different responses to the government or legislature on the consolidation issue or negotiating an interlocal agreement.”
Lincoln said the firms that are likely to bid for the city business on a permanent basis would probably include Trask Daigneault, the Dickman firm from Naples and the Voss firm.
“I recommend to come back on the 16th (the next regular city commission meeting) with a resolution to appoint an interim city attorney for a period of six months or until you appoint a complete city attorney,” Lincoln said. “That’s because the city attorney’s job, even if interim, is still a charter position and technically it should be filled by a majority vote of the commission.”
Commissioner Scott Bear questioned who Trask is going to recommend and expressed concern about potential conflicts if Augello, who represents Holmes Beach, is appointed.
Chappie said he and Police Chief John Cosby met with the principal partner at the Trask firm.
“I think at least three of the members of their firm I would be very comfortable with in dealing with city business,” Chappie said.
Lincoln said he would represent the city at the Oct. 16 meeting and would continue to handle city land use and planning and zoning issues for as long as he is needed.
Commissioners reached a consensus to hold a special meeting with Augello and Eschenfelder on Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 10 a.m.
“Then we can plan to set a final decision for the 16th depending on what comes out of that meeting,” Lincoln said.
ANNA MARIA – The city is suing Noslens Inc. and its controlling officer, Steven Nelson, alleging that he fraudulently claimed ownership of the city-owned Luana Isles canals and yacht basin.
On Oct. 2, City Attorney Becky Vose filed a lawsuit in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court in Manatee County naming the city as plaintiff and Noslens Inc. and Nelson as defendants. The complaint notes that Noslens Inc. is a Florida corporation with a principal address of 305 Spring Ave. in Anna Maria.
The Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office lists Noslens Inc. as the owner of 10.9 acres of residential waterways that abut waterfront homes located along Iris Street, Holly Road, Poinsettia Road, Gladiolus Street, Tern Drive, Gull Drive, Pelican Drive, Jacaranda Road, Hammock Road and Hammock Circle, ownership disputed in the lawsuit.
“Defendants’ filing of a fraudulent quitclaim deed has created a genuine and justiciable controversy concerning ownership and control of the Luana Isles canals and yacht basin,” the city’s lawsuit alleges.
“Title companies have questioned the city’s ownership, closings have been delayed or conditioned upon improper and fraudulent releases and property owners have been subjected to demands for illegal and extortionate payments. A present, practical need exists for judicial declaration confirming that the canals and yacht basin are and always have been dedicated to the public, owned in trust by the city and not subject to private ownership by defendants.”
Poinsettia Road, Gladiolus Street, Tern Drive and Gull Drive are referenced in this old plat map. – Manatee County Property Appraiser | Submitted
The complaint states that in 1962, a Florida corporation named West Coast Properties of Clearwater Inc. – referred to in the complaint as “Original West Coast Properties” – dedicated the plat of Luana Isles and that plat forever dedicated the canals and yacht basin collectively known as the “Luana Isles Canals” to the public, as recorded with the county.
The complaint claims that the “Original West Coast Properties” corporation dissolved in 1969 and that in December 2021, Nelson created a new Florida corporation under the same name, “West Coast Properties of Clearwater Inc.” and referred to in the complaint as “Fraudulent West Coast Properties.”
The complaint notes that Nelson created Noslens Inc. in January 2005. According to the Florida Division of Corporations, Noslens Inc. filed for dissolution on Sept. 26 and is now listed as inactive.
Initial discovery
Attorney Garret Barnes made the city aware of the issue after discovering the quitclaim deed when assisting with the sale of an Anna Maria home located along the deed-impacted waterway.
On Aug. 1, Barnes sent Manatee County Property Appraiser Charles Hackney a letter pertaining to Nelson’s quitclaim deed actions.
“This letter is to inform you of a wild deed that affects approximately 94 or 95 waterfront homes and lots on Anna Maria that I consider a wild, and possibly illegal, deed (that) affects the value of the properties if not corrected,” Barnes’ letter said.
“Enclosed please find your printout of a Parcel ID No. 7070615009 which is purportedly owned by Noslens, Inc. The picture shows that the parcel is a body of water or canals on Anna Maria, Florida. I recently did a closing on a related waterfront property and discovered this. Enclosed are the two plats for Luana Isles that you will see had dedicated the canal and yacht basin to the public forever,” Barnes’ letter said.
Barnes’ letter details the “original” and “fraudulent” West Coast Properties corporations and the incorporation of Noslen’s Inc. – information later included in the city’s lawsuit complaint.
This old plat map references Iris Street, Holly Road and Jacaranda Road. – Manatee County Property Appraiser | Submitted
“This is a new and ‘wild’ deed that basically conveys the canal system from one of his companies to another one of his companies to try and create some type of ownership interest. West Coast Properties of Clearwater, Inc. simply did not own this property to convey and it seems to me like he is trying to establish some type of ownership of all the canals which includes areas outside of the platted lots including the canals,” Barnes stated in his letter.
On Sept. 4, Barnes sent a letter to attorney Justin Foster at the 12th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office.
“Enclosed please find a letter to the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s office that shows an attempt by a person/company trying to steal real estate/property rights from individuals and the state/county in Manatee County,” Barnes stated in his letter to Foster.
“I am a real estate attorney in Manatee County and came across this ‘scheme’ in closing a piece of property that is affected by this scenario and my client was forced to pay $5,000 to ‘clear’ title to this person. Please call me at your earliest convenience to discuss this horrible situation that affects over 100 tax paying citizens in Manatee County,” Barnes wrote.
When contacted on Oct. 6, Barnes said he has not received a response from the state attorney’s office and he’s not aware of Nelson’s quitclaim deed activities being reported to any other law enforcement agency.
Lawsuit allegations
“On Jan. 4, 2022, the ‘Fraudulent West Coast Properties’ purported to convey the Luana Isles Canals to Noslens Inc. via quitclaim deed, even though it had no ownership interest in the property,” the city’s lawsuit contends. “The quitclaim deed reflecting this fraudulent conveyance was recorded in the public records of Manatee County, thereby clouding title to the public waterways.”
“Defendants thereafter engaged in a scheme to sell interests in the fraudulently titled waterways to nearby property owners, falsely demanding such property owners pay for a quitclaim deed to such interest as necessary to protect their own property’s title and creating a burden upon property sales and closings. Defendants’ actions are wrongful, fraudulent and contrary to law,” the complaint alleges.
“Section 817.535, Florida Statutes, prohibits any person from filing or directing another to file, with the intent to defraud or harass, any instrument in the official records which affects or purports to affect an interest in real property, knowing or having reason to know that such instrument is false, fictitious or fraudulent,” according to the complaint.
“Defendants knowingly created a sham corporation and executed a false deed with the intent to deceive property owners and the city and extract fraudulent payments. Defendants filed or caused the filing of the false instrument with the intent to defraud and harass the city of Anna Maria and its residents, to cloud title to public property and to extort money from affected waterfront property owners through demands for releases and payments,” the complaint alleges.
“As a direct and proximate result of defendants’ fraudulent filing, the city of Anna Maria has sustained injury, including but not limited to clouds on title to public property held in trust for the benefit of the public; impairment of the city’s ability to exercise full dominion and control over its public waterways; the necessity of legal action to quiet title, protect the public’s rights and prevent continuing fraud; harm to affected property owners whose property sales and closings have been obstructed or burdened by defendants’ false claims; and damage to the reputation of the city of Anna Maria, undermining public confidence in its ability to safeguard community assets and interests,” the complaint alleges.
“Defendants are engaged in an illegal and extortionate scheme predicated upon a ‘wild deed’ which violates plaintiff’s rights pursuant to a clear dedication of the Luana Isles Canals to the public. Unless enjoined, defendants will continue to assert ownership over public waterways and extort payments from property owners and property purchasers, resulting in ongoing uncertainty, blocked and delayed transactions, interference with public rights, and damages to the reputation of the city of Anna Maria, Anna Maria Island, Manatee County and the State of Florida, all of such injuries not being compensable by money damages alone,” the complaint alleges.
“The city requests the court enter judgment in the city’s favor and against defendants and declare the Jan. 4, 2022, quitclaim deed fraudulent, null and void; enjoin the defendants from recording or attempting to record any further false, fictitious or fraudulent instruments affecting property owned by the city or dedicated to the public; award the city its actual damages, including reputational damages, together with prejudgment interest; award the city its reasonable attorney fees and court costs; award punitive damages sufficient to punish defendants and deter similar conduct and grant such other and further relief as the court deems just and proper,” according to the complaint.
In closing, the complaint states that “Plaintiff requests judgment requiring defendants to provide a full and complete accounting of all money received from property owners in connection with their fraudulent claims; to disgorge all such funds, to reimburse affected property owners for their losses and expenses; to pay plaintiff’s attorney’s fees, costs and such other relief as the court may deem just and proper.”
LEON COUNTY – Manatee County is among several municipal plaintiffs filing suit seeking declaratory and injunctive relief from a controversial hurricane recovery-related state law enacted earlier this year.
Signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis on June 26, the new law created by the Florida Legislature’s adoption of Senate Bill 180 and its matching bill in the House of Representatives prohibits city and county governments from adopting land development regulations that are more cumbersome or restrictive than the regulations in place as of Aug. 1, 2024.
Fort Lauderdale-based Weiss, Serota, Helfman, Cole and Bierman attorney Jamie Cole filed the lawsuit on Sept. 29 in the Second Judicial Circuit Court in Leon County.
The lawsuit seeks a court order declaring that the enactment of SB 180 violates the Florida Constitution and the Florida Statutes that codify local home rule powers, deems the preemptions in the new state law to be impermissibly vague and invalid and prohibits the state from enforcing the new law.
On Sept. 2, Manatee County commissioners voted 6-1 in favor of the county joining the lawsuit.
In addition to Manatee County, the named plaintiffs include city of Destin, the city of Lake Alfred, the town of Windermere, the city of Delray Beach, the city of Deltona, the city of Weston, the city of Alachua, the city of Stuart, Orange County, the town of Mulberry, the city of Naples, Miami Shores Village, the town of Lake Park, the city of Fort Lauderdale, the town of Jupiter, the city of Edgewater, the city of Pompano Beach, the town of Dundee, the town of Cutler Bay, the village of North Palm Beach, the village of Pinecrest, the city of Margate, the town of Palm Beach and the city of Homestead.
The lawsuit names as defendants Florida Secretary of Commerce Alex Kelly, Executive Director for the Florida Division of Emergency Management Kevin Guthrie, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, Florida Department of Revenue Executive Director Jim Zingale and Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia.
The complaint cites Section 28 of the new Florida Statute that states, “Each county listed in the federal disaster declaration for Hurricane Debby, Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton, and each municipality within one of those counties, may not propose or adopt any moratorium on construction, reconstruction or redevelopment of any property damaged by such hurricanes; propose or adopt more restrictive or burdensome amendments to its comprehensive plan or land development regulations; or propose or adopt more restrictive or burdensome procedures concerning review, approval or issuance of a site plan, development permit or development order before October 1, 2027, and any such moratorium or restrictive or burdensome comprehensive plan amendment, land development regulation, or procedure shall be null and void ab initio. This subsection applies retroactively to August 1, 2024.”
A case overview provided on page two of the 46-page complaint says, “This is an action by a large number of
Florida municipalities and counties challenging Senate Bill 180, a law that was enacted in the 2025 legislative session that represents the largest incursion into local home rule authority in the history of Florida since the adoption of the Florida Constitution in 1968. SB 180 purports to be ‘an act relating to emergencies’ supposedly designed to assist people rebuild properties that were damaged in hurricanes. But, as the result of a last minute amendment, and in a classic example of log rolling and stealth legislating, SB 180 goes much further, freezing all local land development regulations and comprehensive plans in place on August 1, 2024, declaring that any ‘more restrictive or burdensome’ amendments to such regulations that were enacted by any of the 67 counties or 411 municipalities in Florida between August 1, 2024, and October 1, 2027, are ‘void ab initio.’”
The complaint says, “SB 180 should be declared invalid and the defendants should be enjoined from enforcing it.”
Manatee County referenced
Earlier this year, due to concerns about potentially violating the new state law, Manatee County commissioners delayed voting on reverting back to the county’s previous and more restrictive wetland buffering regulations.
The complaint notes some local governments received letters from Florida Department of Commerce advising them that certain planning and zoning regulations are in direct conflict with Section 28 of the new state law.
The complaint says, “Manatee County received such a letter on April 15 regarding two proposed comprehensive plan amendments, in which Florida Commerce states it previously declared the proposed comprehensive plan amendments ‘null and void’ and that Manatee County, nonetheless, thereafter continued to move toward final adoption. The letter states the proposed ordinances may be violative of Section 28 for being a ‘restrictive or burdensome’ procedure for obtaining a development permit after a disaster – without purporting to identify what it was more restrictive or burdensome than, or to whom it was more restrictive or burdensome. The letter also states the proposed amendments may violate Section 3 of SB 180 regarding impact fees.”
Although the Island cities of Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach are not plaintiffs in the lawsuit, Holmes Beach city attorney Erica Augello recently said the outcome of the SB 180 lawsuit will impact every Florida city and county one way or another.
ANNA MARIA – City Commissioners unanimously authorized Mayor Mark Short to sign a contract with Tampa Bay Marine Inc. to rebuild the Anna Maria City Pier walkway destroyed by Hurricane Milton.
When presenting his recommended contractor to city commissioners on Sept. 30, Short said Gibsonton-based Tampa Bay Marine’s $4.64 million base bid was the lowest of the nine bids received. The other bids ranged from $5.3 million to $12 million.
Short said he, city staff members and members of the George F. Young engineering firm reviewed the nine proposals received and further researched Tampa Bay Marine before recommending them as the city’s preferred contractor.
Short said the bid lowers the previously estimated total pier replacement and repair project costs to between $6.2 million and $6.9 million – a decrease from the $7 million to $9 million previously estimated.
The total estimated cost includes the previously completed design and engineering work, the previously completed demolition and debris removal work, the still pending repairs, remediations and restorations needed for the T-end pier buildings that survived the hurricanes and some additional costs associated with the installation and reconnection of electrical, water and sewage lines.
Short said the contract calls for Tampa Bay Marine to complete the construction of the pier walkway by March 31 but additional work will still be needed before the pier is fully open and operational.
“I’m not saying the pier’s going to open on March 31st. I’m still looking at fall of next year,” Short said. “The critical step is getting this walkway up and running.”
The new City Pier walkway will be built atop solid concrete pilings.
“It will be built to the same standards of the T-end of the pier, which means solid cement, no more spun cast pilings,” Short said.
Hurricane Milton destroyed a large section of the City Pier walkway, leaving the pier buildings isolated and inaccessible except by boat. The surviving section of the pier walkway has since been removed. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The City Pier walkway destroyed last year by Hurricane Milton was part of the previous City Pier replacement project completed in 2020 after Hurricane Irma damaged the historic wooden City Pier in 2017.
The 2020 total pier replacement project featured a pier walkway made of composite wood decking and a wooden support structure placed atop hollow, spun concrete pilings. The 2020 project also included the construction of the T-end pier buildings that were damaged in 2024 but remain standing on the concrete platform that was built atop solid concrete pilings. According to the city clerk’s office, the total cost for the 2020 pier replacement project was $6.8 million
To be completed simultaneously at an additional cost, the pending repair, remediation and restoration of the still standing pier buildings and T-end deck area will begin in a few weeks when a barge is used to help remove the equipment and interior contents of the pier buildings occupied by the City Pier Grill and the Mote Marine Science Education & Outreach Center before the hurricane struck.
The work needed to return those T-end spaces to a habitable condition will include roof repairs, window repairs, door replacements, decking repairs and the complete repair and restoration of the public restrooms. Short said the city is responsible for all those costs. He did not say who would do that work.
Commissioner Charlie Salem asked if Mote Marine plans to return to the pier and what their responsibilities and obligations might be.
“I have spoken to Mote, but we do not have a commitment one way or the other yet from them,” Short said.
City Pier Grill operator Brian Seymour previously said he hopes to resume his pier-based operations if a modified lease agreement is negotiated.
After the commission authorized the Tampa Bay Marine Inc. agreement, Commissioner Chris Arendt said, “Great work mayor.”
“Let’s get this thing built,” Commissioner Gary McMullen added.
After the meeting, Short said, “This has been a long time coming. I am relieved that we have a commitment in place for the biggest piece of the pier rebuild. We’ll get this thing ready to go as soon as possible.”
Short said Tampa Bay Marine will begin building the new walkway when the 100 or so solid concrete pilings needed to do so arrive.
Funding
A $1.5 million state appropriation will help fund the pier replacement and repair project. The mayor and commission anticipate Manatee County contributing $2 million of tourist development tax revenues to the project but the county contribution now appears to be contingent on city commissioners approving the installation of a county funded ferry landing alongside the new pier walkway.
Short previously said the city hopes to receive up to $4 million from FEMA for the pier replacement project but the actual reimbursement amount and the receipt date remain unknown.
Taking effect on Oct. 1, the city’s 2025-26 fiscal year budget includes a $4 million loan to help cover the city’s upfront pier replacement costs while awaiting FEMA funds. Some of the borrowed $4 million will also be used for stormwater and drainage improvements and to help complete the Pine Avenue sidewalk installation project.
HOLMES BEACH – Public Works Director and City Engineer Sage Kamiya tendered his resignation and will soon serve as the city engineer for the city of Sarasota.
After serving as Holmes Beach’s public works director, city engineer and traffic engineer for slightly more than four years, Thursday, Oct. 9 will be Kamiya’s last day with the city.
Mayor Judy Titsworth said Senior Project Manager Anthony Benitez will serve as the interim public works directors and the permanent position will be advertised. Tray Thorpe will continue serving as the maintenance supervisor.
After making Titsworth aware of the anticipated offer from the city of Sarasota, Kamiya sent Titsworth his resignation letter on Sept. 24.
“It is with heavy heart that I’m tendering my resignation with a little over two-week notice. I have received an offer which is a great next step opportunity for me, both professionally and for my family. I sincerely appreciate that you’ve entrusted me with the leadership of our great public works team. I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish during my time here,” his letter said in part.
When contacted by phone on Oct. 2, Kamiya was asked if anyone with the city encouraged him to leave.
“No, it was on my own volition. It’s a conversation I’d been having with the city of Sarasota for over a year. I told them ‘no’ a couple times previously and it got to the point where I decided to take it,” he said.
“In some ways, it’s a lateral move, but in other ways it’s an advancement because I’ll be able to work on some bigger projects. As an engineer, it’ll be good for me professionally to do some things that are larger and have a bigger scope. The largest project I worked on in Holmes Beach was the City Center project, which was about $3 million. One of the projects I’m going to be involved with in Sarasota is over $45 million. As an engineer, you like bigger and more complicated challenges, so that’s exciting and interesting to me,” he said.
“I’ll miss my team. We have a really good public works department and there are some great people there. We’re taking care of yesterday, fighting today’s fires and preparing for tomorrow – and things weren’t quite that way when I inherited the department. I’ll miss Mayor Judy and the community. She has been super supportive and she provided the resources we needed to get the job done; and the community has been welcoming.”
Mayor’s comments
“Sage will be missed. He was a tremendous asset to our city and he was able to shape the public works department into something I am most proud of,” Titsworth said.
“He and I were able to shape a tremendous public works department that went after and received a lot of grant money. He was awesome to work with. He allows me to sleep better at night. The commissioners absolutely love him.
“Sage has a great opportunity with the city of Sarasota with room for advancement. I can match his pay. It wasn’t about the pay, but I can never give him that advancement he’d get with Sarasota,” Titsworth said. “I told him I was proud of him and I can understand why he’d want to take it.”
When asked if Kamiya was forced out or encouraged to leave Holmes Beach, Titsworth said, “No. Neither.”
Looking ahead, Titsworth said, “We’ve got a lot of projects and a lot of things going on right now. We’ll lose Sage’s knowledge but Anthony and Tray will step up. We’ve used RESPEC as our stormwater consultants and they’ve got a good handle on our stormwater projects. Hopefully, the citizens won’t feel Sage’s departure too much.”
Egmont Key, located just north of Anna Maria at the mouth of Tampa Bay, has a rich and diverse history. For centuries, it was a landmark for native peoples and Spanish explorers on Florida’s Gulf coast.
Due to increased shipping in the area and numerous groundings, a lighthouse was built in 1848. When the Great Hurricane of 1848 struck that September, tides 15 feet above normal washed over the island and damaged the lighthouse.
Another storm did additional damage, prompting Congress to appropriate funds to rebuild the lightkeeper’s residence and the lighthouse. In 1858, the lighthouse was reconstructed to “withstand any storm.” That lighthouse stands today as one of Florida’s oldest.
During the Third Seminole War in the 1850s, the island was used as a military outpost. In the Civil War, Confederate forces briefly occupied it before Union troops took control. During the Spanish-American War of 1898, Egmont gained importance when Fort Dade was constructed as a massive coastal defense system designed to protect Tampa Bay. Gun batteries, brick roads and buildings which thrived with military activity were abandoned by 1923.
Egmont’s history also had an ignoble chapter when it served as a holding site for Seminole Indian prisoners before their forced removal west. Today, most of the island is a National Wildlife Refuge and state park, preserving both its natural beauty and historic ruins while also providing sanctuary for birds, gopher tortoises and sea turtles.
On Sept. 27, Suncoast Aqua Ventures (SAV) helped preserve this rich ecosystem by conducting the Great Egmont Key Cleanup. Suncoast Aqua Ventures, along with The Tampa Bay Estuary Program and Egmont Key Alliance, had collaborated for three months to plan this large scale and desperately needed cleanup. Most of the debris removed from the island was storm-related debris washed ashore during Hurricanes Helene and Milton last year. In total, volunteers removed over 23,240 pounds of debris.
The Great Egmont Key Cleanup netted more than 11 tons of debris and trash. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun
Unfortunately, seeing the piles of debris people had collected and staged over the past year in anticipation of the cleanup prompted some weekend visitors to add their daily picnic trash to these piles. Seeing the bins, upright with trash in them, gave the illusion that there was a regular trash pick out there, which there isn’t! In fact, there have been no park rangers or harbor pilots living on the island since the storms. Their small communities were completely destroyed.
Visiting the Island frequently and watching these piles grow week to week prompted SAV President Cheryl Huntsinger to start reaching out to Tampa Bay area partners for assistance. The three organizations came together with local citizens, including many from Anna Maria, to pull off the largest one day cleanup of Egmont Key in many years.
Over 250 volunteers registered to ride out on three different ferries, including Anna Maria Dolphin Tours. In addition, over 100 people came on private vessels. Numerous partners provided support with dumpsters, barges and boats to haul the trash and two boats with cranes to lift the heavy bags from the beach to transport vessels. SAV provided all the supplies needed, transportation for over 120 passengers and a fantastic free lunch as a reward for our volunteer efforts.
A great deal of the cleanup was accomplished with volunteers filling three dumpsters and boats making a total of nine trips to the mainland with trash. Unfortunately, building sea conditions in the afternoon halted progress, so there are still piles of debris on the beach that needs to be removed. SAV is watching weather conditions and coordinating with their partners to return and remove the remaining debris from the west side of the island.
SAV also hopes to be allowed access to the bird sanctuaries before nesting season starts again. These areas were off limits to volunteers but needs attention as well.
All in all, it was a great day for everyone who participated. Islanders who enjoy Egmont are encouraged to take their trash home with them and help remove the remaining debris.
HOLMES BEACH – The Sixth Annual Suzi Fox Turtle Watch Wednesday fundraising event for Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring will be on Wednesday, Oct. 22 from 4-6 p.m. at Hurricane Hank’s, 5346 Gulf Drive.
“This is our largest fundraiser,” Turtle Watch Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella said. “This year we would like to purchase two new UTVs. Ours are old and at least two need to be replaced. Our volunteers do the best they can with these, but they’re used for six months in sand and salt water.”
The non-profit Turtle Watch is staffed entirely by volunteers. Since 1983, Turtle Watch has coordinated conservation efforts for nine miles of Manatee County shoreline.
“In over four decades, we monitored 19,460 turtle activities and protected 9,506 nests. This includes at least 421,765 hatchlings that departed the beach to become a future generation of sea turtles that will return to the region as they reach maturity – in about 30 years,” according to the Turtle Watch website.
The Oct. 22 event will feature music by Mike Sales, silent and live auctions with Bob Slicker as auctioneer and raffles, all with items donated by local businesses and individuals. Mazzarella said there will be about $20,000 worth of live and silent auction items.
“The big raffle items include a ride-along Turtle Watch patrol and a ride-along with the Holmes Beach police chief,” Mazzarella said. “Another is what we’re calling Hook, Line and Slickers. Capt. Pete Charters will take you out to catch fish and then Bob Slicker cooks it up.”
A Yeti cooler full of cheer is now at Hurricane Hank’s and raffle tickets can be purchased there in advance of the event.
“Businesses took a hit last year and we really appreciate their support,” Mazzarella said.
Last year’s Turtle Watch Wednesday was canceled due to hurricanes and the sales of calendars with photographs by Angie Blunt helped Turtle Watch get through the year.
“We were able to use the funds from those for our educational programs, including putting rack cards in rentals to give out to visitors, and programs in schools,” she said.
There will be an educational booth at the event where attendees can learn about sea turtles and meet Turtle Watch volunteers.
“We’re hoping for good weather and lots of fun,” Mazzarella said.
