In the early ‘70s, my parents moved to the east coast of Florida, inland from Pompano Beach. They bought a brand new two-bedroom, two-bath condo overlooking the pool for about $20,000. They were in heaven to be away from the New York winters and to live in what they perceived as a “fancy” place.
In those days, Florida offered properties for all retirees in all price ranges to enjoy the sunshine and affordable living. However, things have changed a lot in Florida and it’s not your parents’ Florida anymore.
Those of us who live in Florida don’t have to be told how expenses have gone up in the last several years. Insurance, property taxes and HOA fees have all increased. Nevertheless, buyers are still coming just a little more well-heeded then in previous years. There are Florida counties where the income of people moving in from other states in 2022 surpassed that of existing residents, based on the most recent Internal Revenue Service and Census Bureau data.
Meanwhile, middle-class Florida residents are leaving and looking for a more affordable location. The Carolinas are providing an alternative to Florida, with lower property values and a lower cost of living.
Even mobile home communities, which were always an alternative for low-income retirees, are getting expensive. Most of them are now owned by corporations that may be buying them for investment development down the road.
The real estate developers are focusing their new construction on the high-end market with more upscale offerings. Lakewood Ranch, the master planned community in Bradenton, has properties ranging from townhouses in the $200,000 range to palatial houses listing at more than $3 million. According to Lakewood Ranch data, home sales grew from 2023 to 2025 in two price categories – $1 million-plus and below $300,000 – and decreased in the ranges in between where middle-class retirees would normally buy.
The influx of wealthier buyers is adding pressure to an already difficult housing market. The average home value in Florida was $372,000 in November – a decline from recent years but a significant increase from 2019 when the average was $246,000.
Then there is the ultraluxury market in and around Miami. The insanity of this market is totally unrelated to the average person. According to Miller Samuel, an appraisal and consulting firm, there were four real estate transactions above $100 million in 2025. What would my parents think?
Even the senior living communities in Naples, one of the super high-end housing areas in Florida, are starting at $600,000 and ranging to $9 million. So, if you’re thinking of growing old in a Florida senior care facility, you might have to reassess your plans.
The home pricing betting platforms are also getting very popular. Robinhood and Kalshi are accessible if you’re in the betting mood or just looking for another opinion on buying and selling properties. My opinion is that these platforms can be very dangerous to the average homebuyer who may be getting information based on a national trend and not applicable to their local area.
For sure, my parents would be shocked if they woke up in 2026 and saw the prices on similar two-bedroom, two-bath condos like they bought in 1973. But everything changes, and sometimes it changes too fast. If you’ve lived here for 20 years, you’re sitting pretty, but new retirees to Florida are having sticker shock.
CORTEZ – The Cortez Village Historical Society (CVHS) rolled out a new community educational initiative in partnership with Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) and with support from the Florida Maritime Museum.
The “It Takes a Village” initiative was introduced during the Cortez: Coffee, Culture & Conservation event held at the Cortez Cultural Center on Saturday, Jan. 31.
Funded by a grant from the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, the collaborative project focuses on the connection between a healthy estuary, sustainable seafood and the Cortez working waterfront. The educational initiative features bilingual signage, restaurant table cards, walking guides, a new web page and public events, all designed to encourage residents and visitors to take actions that protect Sarasota Bay.
Speakers at the Jan. 31 program included representatives from SBEP, CVHS, the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) and the Florida Sea Grant/UF/IFAS Extension.
“We’re really happy to have been part of this,” SBEP Executive Director Dr. Ryan Gandy said. “There are very few places we can actually engage with the environment in this area and this is a great place to do so.”
Dr. Angela Collins, of the Florida Sea Grant/UF/IFAS Extension, spoke about the importance of healthy estuaries and the FISH Preserve.
A map of the FISH Preserve is displayed at the Cortez Cultural Center. – Leslie Lake | Sun
“Local seafood exists because we have estuaries like Sarasota Bay right here in our backyard,” she said. “If you look at a satellite image of the state of Florida, you’ll see that most of the coastal systems here are highly developed, highly urbanized. That’s what makes the FISH Preserve so incredibly special. It’s 100 acres of undeveloped land on Sarasota Bay and it really is one of the last true stretches of undeveloped habitat around. Probably 30% of the seafood that’s landed in the Gulf comes through this general region.”
“The fishermen in Cortez are literally feeding the world,” AP Bell Fish Company owner Karen Bell said, noting that mullet and mullet roe coming through Cortez are shipped to Colombia, Taiwan and Italy.
FISH Treasurer Jane von Hahmann spoke about the FISH Preserve.
“There’s one thing that’s remained constant in Cortez for 140 years, and that’s the fishing industry,” she said. “They were challenged with development. They were challenged with the 1995 net ban that took over half the fishing businesses in this community. It could have gone the way of so many other coastal communities but they chose to continue what was a passion for them, what was so historic for them, which was the industry that carries them through even to this day.”
FISH treasurer Jane von Hahmann spoke about the FISH Preserve. – Leslie Lake | Submitted
Von Hahmann said CVHS and FISH have the same mission: the promotion, education and preservation of Cortez, Florida’s commercial fishing industry and the maritime culture and environment on which the community depends.
“That environment is that 100-acre (FISH Preserve) right here,” she said.
“We’re excited it is now open for you,” von Hahmann said. “We were designated a waterfront community back in 1999. And where every other waterfront community was saying we want to bring tourism, we want to build the financial base of our community, we want to build stores and hotels, we said no. We want to maintain the historical value that will always be Cortez.”
The Jan. 31 program included a guided tour of the restored FISH Preserve.
Attendees were also invited to take a self-guided tour of Cortez, using the new map featuring places of interest, key environmental features and boat-to-table restaurants and markets.
ANNA MARIA – Many know Vivian Rose Geller as the little girl who’s growing up at her family’s business, the North Shore Café in Anna Maria.
In January, Vivian Rose, 8, started second grade at Anna Maria Elementary. To her parents’ surprise, she made the bold decision to ride the big yellow school bus.
The public works department placed a bench at the new bus stop. – Colleen Geller | Submitted
For years, I had noticed the old benches and signage for school bus stops along the north end of the Island, but the children who once waited there had grown up and moved on. When I mentioned to Dean Jones, the head of the Anna Maria Public Works Department, that Manatee County had designated a bus stop for Vivian Rose, they expressed concerns about safety at the corner and they wondered if a more official stop could be created for Vivian Rose.
Just one day later, after Dean researched the bus route and spoke with Mayor Mark Short, a safe and official bus stop was set up for Vivian Rose. A bus stop sign and bench were installed, making it the perfect spot for her to wait for the bus. Neighbors, some on their morning jogs, others walking dogs, all stopped to celebrate the new bus stop with the team who installed the sign and the bench.
When Vivian Rose returned home from school that afternoon, she gleefully spun around the new sign, sat on her bench with a big smile and rushed to her art desk to create a thank-you note for Dean and his crew; and the thank you note was accompanied by a basket of fresh made muffins.
The public works department received a thank-you note and a basket of muffins. – Colleen Geller | Submitted
As a family, we couldn’t feel more welcomed by the community here in Anna Maria. It’s those small, thoughtful gestures that make our little Island feel like something out of a Hallmark movie. Thank you, Anna Maria, thank you Dean and thank you to the public works department.
HOLMES BEACH – On Jan. 27, city commissioners engaged in an impromptu discussion about the currently vacant Gloria Dei Lutheran Church property last used for church services in January 2025.
Commissioner Terry Schaefer initiated the discussion during his commissioner’s comments when he referenced comments Commissioner Carol Whitmore made about the Gloria Dei property during her town hall meeting at the Island Branch Library on Jan. 22.
None of the other commissioners attended Whitmore’s town hall meeting, but it was livestreamed and archived at the Anna Maria Island Sun Facebook page.
During the town hall meeting, Whitmore expressed her opinion that the city’s $3 million offer for the church property in mid-2025 was too low and that’s why it was rejected. The property was then placed on the open market with an initial $9.9 million asking price.
During the town hall meeting, Whitmore said she never saw a specific plan regarding how the church building and church property would be used if purchased by the city.
During the Jan. 27 meeting, Schafer said, “There was an implication that the city was making an offer for which it had no intended specific need or use. Not true.”
Schaefer said several agencies and entities expressed interest in occupying the church building if purchased by the city.
“You felt our offer wasn’t adequate enough. I want to remind the public that when we made our $3 million offer it followed our appraisals. And our appraisals were based on the current zoning,” Schaefer said.
The church property is currently zoned Public/Semi-Public (PSP) and that zoning designation does not allow residential or commercial development.
Schaefer said the property owners’ $9.9 million dollar appraisal was based on the potential to rezone the property for residential or commercial development.
Regarding the city’s offer, Schaefer said, “It was rejected, but I don’t think it helps our case for anyone of us to say the property is worth more than we offered. And consequently, if we have an opportunity to re-discuss the acquisition of this, it doesn’t put us in a very advantageous position of leverage for our chair to be saying we didn’t offer enough.”
In response, Whitmore said, “We offered our max and they didn’t accept it.”
Whitmore said she asked for a plan regarding the use of the church building and property and was by told by “leadership” that some non-profit organizations were interested in using that space and the School For Constructive Play preschool that previously occupied the church building was interested in returning.
“We never had a firm plan,” Whitmore said. “I wanted a better plan.”
Schaefer said there has been further dialogue with the church’s representative and the asking price has been reduced to $7.5 million.
Whitmore expressed her view that if someone else buys the property and wants to rezone it, the city can’t deny the rezoning request just because the city wanted the property and didn’t get it.
Schaefer noted that several years ago the church owners previously sought to rezone two of the three church parcels for residential development and the commission denied those rezoning requests.
Schaefer acknowledged the current asking price remains too high for the city, but the owner may eventually realize the current asking price may not be a realistic given the current zoning restrictions.
Whitmore said she doesn’t think the city can afford to pay $6 million to $9 million to buy the property and she doesn’t want the city going into to debt to buy it.
After further discussion about the condition of the church building, City Attorney Randy Mora reminded that commissioners they were in commissioners’ comments and may want to curtail any further debate about the church property in that setting.
HOLMES BEACH – Anna Maria Island businessman Jake Spooner now plans to demolish the old Wells Fargo bank building at the corner of Gulf Drive and Marina Drive and build a new building in its place.
He hopes the construction of his building will begin as early as March, if all goes well.
In December 2024, the Holmes Beach City Commission approved the site plan for Spooner’s mixed-use project that will feature his ground-level Island Bazaar retail store, an outdoor miniature golf course and a small, stand-alone arcade. Some of the ground-level space will be leased to the Fudge Factory candy and ice cream shop and the second floor will be leased to Ben Sato for a 125-seat, family-friendly restaurant and bar called Mingo’s.
This rendering was presented to the city commission during the site plan approval process in late 2024. – City of Holmes Beach | Submitted
Spooner originally hoped to salvage some of the old bank building’s primary structure, but his engineer recently informed him that constructing a new building is a better option.
When speaking to The Sun, Spooner said, “They originally designed the building to meet FEMA’s 50% rule, but about six months ago we realized we’re not going to meet the 50% rule. Then it was a matter of what part of the existing building do we keep? There was discussion back and forth about retaining the two-story section. The two-story section was built with steel columns, but the second-floor ceilings aren’t the ideal height.
“Then we needed cost figures for the different options, so we had to wait for that. It was then determined that we have to tear down the whole structure. We’ll have a brand-new, flood-proofed building instead of having a portion of a building that’s 60-70 years old,” Spooner explained.
“They’re redesigning the project to include the new building and hopefully the design work will be done in a week or two, if all goes well. We’re going to ask the city for a demolition permit so we can remove the old building and we might have that as early as this week.
“When the city issues us the demo permit, we can start removing the old building. In the meantime, the architect and the engineers will be working on new drawings to submit to the city so we can get a building permit when we’re done with the demolition,” Spooner said.
“If all goes well, we’re hoping construction can start as early as March and then we’re looking at a 10-to-12-month construction project. Nothing’s being changed on the site plan. It was just a matter of salvaging the existing structure, or not.”
Spooner emphasized that the city of Holmes Beach has not contributed to the delays in any way.
“The city and the city staff have been pleasant, nothing but helpful and a pleasure to work with,” he said.
When contacted by The Sun, Holmes Beach Director of Development Services Chad Minor said, “We were made aware of the engineer’s recommendation not to utilize the existing structure.”
Minor said a demolition permit will be needed for the removal of the existing structure.
Minor said if the new plans remain consistent and compliant with the original site plan, then no additional city commission approval would be needed. Minor said he and city staff will review the new plans, when submitted, for consistency and compliance and determine if any additional city commission approval is needed.
BRADENTON BEACH – Following the Jan. 21 resignation of Building Official Bill Palmer, city commissioners held a special meeting on Jan. 27 and appointed Robert Perry, of Tew & Taylor, as acting building official for up to six months.
“With the unfortunate resignation of the building official, we are presently without a building official,” City Attorney Erica Augello said. “The city is under contract with Tew & Taylor. They do have several options, and they’ve sent someone here today who could act as the acting building official.”
Augello suggested commissioners put a time limit of six months on the appointment.
“That way, you could determine whether you want to hire another in-house building official, or if you would like to continue with this person as your contracted building official. It’s completely up to you,” she said.
Commissioner Ralph Cole asked if the city could try to find a permanent building official during the time Tew & Taylor is under contract.
“If you decide you want to have a full-time employee like Mr. Palmer was, then the commission could go ahead and interview people and hold public meetings,” Augello said. “You would then appoint a building official via your charter and the appointed acting building official would step down.”
She noted the contract with Tew & Taylor would remain in place for building department services.
“There is a difference between someone who can act like a building official and someone who is an appointed building official,” Augello said. “Every city can only have one appointed building official. While Bill (Palmer) was unable to perform some of those services, they did pick that up. But, if he had to make any determinations on ordinance passages or interpretations of the building code or your land development code, Tew & Taylor didn’t have the authority to do that because they weren’t the building official.”
Mayor John Chappie suggested discussing the options further at the next city commission meeting on Thursday, Feb. 4.
Perry then spoke to the commissioners
“We’re catching up pretty quickly,” he said. “There are a few people working around town without permits, so we’re going to get that tightened up. There’s a lot of unlicensed work that’s happening right now that we’re tightening up on, so the plan is maybe stop by job sites, check permits and check licenses and insurance.”
Perry said a team of three people will be working for the city: a full-time plans examiner, an inspector and himself.
“I think Bill was so busy in the office he couldn’t do all the hurricane damage,” Perry said. “It was just too much.”
Perry said he used to work the entire west coast of Florida for 3 ½ years and is familiar with small building departments up and down the coast. He suggested the commission consider a contract where Tew & Taylor manages the building department, as has been done in other cities.
“Another thing I want to mention is that we do building department services,” Perry said. “We do certain contracts where we take over the whole building department and then we do a 90/10 split where we take 90% of the fees and 10% goes to the city for admin use.”
He said his company would handle permit fees and scheduling.
“What we’ll do is we come in, perform those services and it’s hands-off; it’s an enterprise fund. No money comes out of the city,” Perry said. “It’s pretty much like having your own building department but you don’t have to worry about the fees coming out the general fund. In my opinion, a building department enterprise fund is the way it should be run.”
“Just know that we can help you with that if you want to go that way,” he said. “Or, if you hire somebody here, we can just supplement you on as needed basis. I’ll help you find somebody. I’m not here to make every dime I can. I’m just here to help you try to run this place properly. “
City commissioners unanimously approved a motion to appoint Perry to serve as acting building official for a period not to exceed six months.
By now, most of you are probably aware of the proposed cruise port that would be adjacent to Rattlesnake Key and the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve.
This port, as it is envisioned, would handle the new class of cruise ships that are not able to sail under the Skyway Bridge. With a clearance of between 175 and 190 feet, depending on the tide, passing under this bridge is awe-inspiring. The thought that ships like Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, at almost 250 feet tall, would be diverted to rest at port just north of this vital preserve boggles the imagination.
I’ve fished these waters for almost four decades and regularly take friends and guests there to show them what I consider the best of Manatee County’s many unique natural resources.
Rattlesnake Key was recently purchased by SSA Marine, through a subsidiary called the Rattlesnake Key Preservation Company, ostensibly “to preserve the island’s natural character and keep it in long term conservation for public enjoyment,” according to a company statement. In my opinion, it appears the real reason was to help justify the destruction that will be required to build the port they are proposing.
How we got here in the first place strikes me as very suspicious. Had Rattlesnake Key been protected prior to this proposal, all this would have become a moot point.
In 2022, in partnership with State Rep. Will Robinson Jr., Senator Jim Boyd secured $23 million in state funding with the goal of purchasing Rattlesnake Key. The sale then failed due to a low appraisal by the state.
As Boyd notes in a recent opinion piece, “Buying the property would have forever prevented development, ensuring its protection for generations to come.”
In 2024, they tried again with state funding and a commitment from Manatee County. This failed again due to the disparity between a low state appraisal and the asking price of the 700-acre property.
The state’s recent purchase of four acres in Destin for $38 million, and a state appraisal that justified it, raise serious questions in my mind about how we value land in Florida and the politics that can influence these decisions.
The state values land partly due to its development potential, which in this case shows how that system is flawed. Originally purchased for approximately $8 million in 2016-2017, there have been questions raised about the prior owner’s political donations.
The opposition to the port proposal has been broad and swift, but I worry that deep pockets and political influence might affect the final decision.
Manatee County’s future depends on the natural resources that define and draw visitors and residents to our county. The long-term health of our natural resources and their connection to our economy cannot be overstated.
People travel to and settle in this area because of the natural coastal beauty of the places we’ve preserved – like Neal Preserve, Perico Preserve, Robinson Preserve and Emerson Point.
In my opinion, the development of a cruise port near Rattlesnake Key and the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve would be a travesty that would degrade this rare coastal habitat and be a long-term negative for our economy.
It’s important that we stay on top of this unfolding story. Attend meetings to express your opinion, write letters to decision makers, sign petitions and join and support organizations like Tampa Bay Waterkeepers and Suncoast Waterkeeper who will be leading the fight against this misguided proposal.
BRADENTON BEACH – A blustery, 45-degree Sunday afternoon set the stage for the inaugural fundraising chili cook-off at the Sports Lounge.
General Manager Courtney McGough welcomed contestants and guests on Sunday, Feb. 1, as crockpots began arriving at noon and the tasting started at 1 p.m.
The chili cook-off doubled as a fundraiser for the Florida English Bulldog Rescue organization in Tampa, and McGough’s four-year-old bulldog, Sadie, added canine charm to the event, greeting guests and soaking up attention throughout the afternoon.
Sadie was the guest of honor at the bulldog-related fundraiser. – Lance Roy | Sun
Chapter 1601 AMI Women of the Moose donated the hot dogs that were sold for chili dogs, baked and sold 30 loaves of banana bread for $10 each and sold 50 $5 grab bags that contained jewelry and other donated items valued from $5 to $80.
AMI Women of the Moose Senior Regent Sandy Ziros served as the cook-offs master of ceremonies, guiding attendees through the chili tasting and the judging while keeping the atmosphere lively and organized.
Guests sampled chili that ranged from eye-watering spicy, to rich and savory – with beef, pork and turkey all represented.
The chili cook-off offered a variety of chili recipes to sample. – Lance Roy
The Sports Lounge provided the chili toppings that included Fritos, cornbread and crackers.
The anonymous judges ranked each entry based on flavor, texture and overall appeal.
Attendee Shannon Jacobs said the gathering was “wonderful,” and she was happy with the turnout and the great selections of chili.
At 3 p.m., the judges awarded first place to Tim and Danielle Ladner for their chili that featured a blend of beef and pork, which they said was perfected through trial and error.
Second place was awarded to Alan Ziros, who crafted a thick, hearty chili.
“I’m not a fan of soupy chili,” he said.
Third place went to Shannon and Adam Smith , who combined family recipes to “make magic in the ground beef” for their chili entry.
From left, third place finishers Shannon and Adam Smith with Courtney McGough and Sadie, the guest of honor. – Lance Roy | Sun
McGough said she was overwhelmed by the support.
“I’m so grateful for everyone who showed up,” she said. “We will definitely be doing this again next year.”
Later that evening, McGough said via text message, “We ended up raising $1,200 for the rescue. It had me in tears how generous people were.”
The crockpots were lined up and ready for the chili tasting. – Lance RoyHot chili was served on a cold winter day. – Lance Roy | SunTammy McCoy and Toni Fisher sold $5 tasting cups to arriving guests. – Lance Roy | SunAlan Ziros took second place in the chili cook-off. – Lance Roy | SunFrom left, event emcee Sandy Ziros with Sport Lounge General Manager Courtney McGough and Courtney’s bulldog, Sadie. – Lance Roy | Sun
(Sun reporter Joe Hendricks contributed to this report)
CORTEZ – Before closing the doors of Slicker’s Eatery after five years in business, Bob Slicker greeted hundreds of well-wishers and friends at a Friday, Jan. 30, pig roast and send-off party.
“My only wish is I hope the love continues. I hope people carry the last five years with them the rest of their lives,” Slicker said.
Beginning at 3 p.m. and taking place inside and outside, the send-off party included musical performances by Tanya McCormick and Steve Paradis. Throughout the evening, many attendees did ceremonial shots with Slicker as he made the rounds while still overseeing the final evening of his regular business operations.
Bob Slicker addressed his many friends and supporters. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
At one point, Amy Moriarity and Amber Tipton stepped to the microphone, joined by Slicker, to present the “Be Like Bob” T-shirts they had made as a final and still ongoing fundraiser for three of Bob’s favorite non-profit organizations: The Blessing Bags Project, the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (F.I.S.H.) and The Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island’s youth reading program.
Tipton and Amy Moriarity showed Bob Slicker the “Be Like Bob” T-shirt. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The fundraising “Be Like Bob” T-shirts can still be ordered. – Amy Moriarity | Submitted
The front of the T-shirt features a photo of Slicker and says, “Be Like Bob.” The back of the shirt includes five “Bobisms” he frequently shared: “143 (code for I Love You),” “Love each other,” “Look for where you can help,” “Choose kindness” and “Much Love.”
The “Be Like Bob” shirts are $25 and can still be purchased by emailing BeLikeBobShirt@gmail.com and including the size and quantity of shirts wanted.
As the farewell festivities began winding down shortly after 9 p.m., Slicker cut a cake, shared pieces of the cake and grabbed the two airplane bottles of liqour on the cake and did another shot with a longtime friend.
When asked how he felt now that his five-year run was almost over, Slicker said, “After five years of love, hard times and great times here at Slicker’s, it’s sweet to see so many people come out and share their love tonight, and during the past few weeks. Our business motto was “to not look the other way,” our slogan was “For goodness’ sake” and for five years that’s what we did.”
The Slicker’s Eatery sign has been removed. – Facebook | Submitted
Having sold out most of their remaining stock, Slicker’s Eatery was closed on Saturday and the business operations concluded with a catered event on Sunday, Feb. 1.
SLICKER’S EATERY
Slicker’s Eatery opened at 12012 Cortez Rd. W. in February 2021. In September 2024, the leased building and its contents were badly damaged by Hurricane Helene’s storm surge and floodwaters. Following the hurricane, Slicker found tables and chairs askew and floating, freezers flipped over, a dumpster pushed into the middle of Cortez Road and an ice machine broken in two and wedged against the door.
With the help of his staff, he reopened the doors to the restaurant in February 2025, 128 days after Hurricane Helene.
During the time Slicker and his team were working on putting the restaurant back together, while also repairing damage to his own home, he found time to engage in several charitable activities.
On Thanksgiving Day, 2024, hundreds of people gathered under tents in front of Slicker’s Eatery to enjoy a free turkey dinner with all the trimmings.
Slicker was also involved in Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island initiatives to give away bicycles, donate cars and provide refrigerators to those impacted by the hurricanes.
He said he now plans to get some rest, spend some time with his grandchildren and catch up on his reading.
Folks gathered at Slicker’s Eatery one last time. – Leslie Lake | SunWell-wishers gathered under tents at Slicker’s Eatery for the send-off party and pig roast. – Leslie Lake | SunBarb Jeffries and Sunshine Bechler worked the outside bar. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
HOLMES BEACH – Holmes Beach resident Daria Grinenko shared her concerns about the behind-the scenes-efforts to bring a Gulf Islands Ferry stop to the Waterline Marina basin.
On Jan. 13, Grinenko was one of three city residents to express opposition to the ferry stop potentially being located in the Waterline Marina basin.
When giving public comment again during the Jan. 27 city commission meeting, Grinenko addressed communications that occurred between City Commissioner Chair Carol Whitmore and Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione.
“After the last commission meeting and the subsequent work session, I became concerned that we were not being heard about our opinions on a Waterline ferry stop. I therefore requested, under the Freedom of Information Act, texts and emails between Carol Whitmore and Elliott Falcione,” Grinenko said.
“Beginning last October, there are several texts and emails referencing this ferry stop, including such phrases as ‘the need to educate commissioners’ and that ‘the city is delaying this.’ There’s been no site plan proposal, so I don’t know why all this conversation is going on,” Grinenko said.
“Last week, I witnessed a gathering of Carol Whitmore with Elliott Falcione and three other men at the proposed dock area and the Waterline trolley stop. I have pictures on my phone. In addition, as Carol was driving away, I was sitting at the trolley stop and I heard you (Whitmore) yell to Elliott, ‘We have to make sure we have Dan on our side.’ Elliott responded, ‘Don’t worry, I’ve got Dan covered,’” Grinenko told the commission.
Holmes Beach City Commissioner and Manatee County Tourist Development Council Dan Diggins has publicly expressed his support for his support for a ferry stop somewhere in Holmes Beach since 2024. He was part of the efforts to bring a ferry boat to the marina in 2024 to help determine if a slip near the old Wells Fargo bank building would be a suitable ferry landing location. It was determined that day that there was not enough navigable space for that slip to serve as a ferry landing.
In closing, Grinenko said, “The question I have for you all, that I want you to consider, is how can we be convinced that Carol Whitmore will be able to perform her duties in quasi-judicial (site plan) hearing when it’s clear she’s the one person orchestrating this new use in the boat basin at the Waterline Marina.”
To date, the county has not presented to the city with a proposed site plan regarding the county’s potential purchase of a boat slip or slips in the marina basin for use as a ferry landing.
In response to Grinenko’s comments, Whitmore said, “I’ve been talking since October of last year to all the commissioners. I’m reporting about the ferry and saying that I was meeting with the county, so I have been keeping the board updated since last October – when I asked what the status was and they said they were letting the county deal with it to try to find a spot. When I found a spot (in the Waterline basin), I brought it up before the board, so I’ve been very transparent about that.”
Commissioner Terry Schaefer then said, “I think, by innuendo, there’s some belief that there is a consensus on this commission and I want to make clear there has never been a formal discussion, nor is it appropriate for us as a commission, to have a discussion until the county acts. And the act that they must pursue would be a site plan. So, nothing formally in discussion has occurred, or will occur, until there is a formal application. I think it’s unfortunate, by accident or by implication, that there is this belief in the community that there’s already a consensus to move forward. I, for one, have many questions about this issue. I can only speak for myself. I’m listening, I have questions and nothing formal will happen until such time as the county acts.”
Whitmore acknowledged that she met with Falcione and other county staff members as Grinenko stated.
“I have nothing to hide. If I did, I sure wouldn’t be out there on Marina Drive,” Whitmore said. “They looked over the areas so they can develop a plan to come before the city commission. That’s what they were there for. They know it’s all in their lap now.”
When talking to The Sun later in the week, Grinenko said, “I feel like Carol Whitmore’s not being a neutral party and she’s made up her mind because she’s trying to orchestrate this. That’s not how a commissioner should act. I feel she’s not fulfilling her role as a city commissioner. She’s acting more like a county commissioner and I don’t understand her actions.”
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – On Dec. 19, StayTerra Vacations filed a civil lawsuit against Jennifer Warren-Kaleta, AMI Premier Properties and 21 property-specific LLCs.
On that same day, StayTerra Vacations filed a similar civil lawsuit against Kiri Stewart, Magnolia Cottages LLC and 10 property-specific LLCs (as previously reported by The Sun).
The Warren-Kaleta and Stewart lawsuits contain similar allegations related to a $105 million business transaction StayTerra Vacations struck with Prime Business in 2024.
Filed with the 12th Judicial Circuit Court in Bradenton, the lawsuit complaint names StayTerra Vacations LLC, Prime Vacations LLC and GSP Prime Holdings LLC as plaintiffs.
The plaintiffs seek compensation for damages of not less than $9 million. The plaintiffs also seek a temporary restraining order and temporary and permanent injunctions that would prohibit the defendants from allegedly “continuing to engage in unfair and deceptive trade practices.”
The lawsuit names as defendants Jennifer Warren-Kaleta, AMI Premier Properties Inc. and 21 property-specific LLCs that include 91 Avenida Veneccia LLC, Palmetto Panama LLC, RE 106 9th LLC, 107 Maple Ave. LLC, 117 Palm Ave. LLC, 3605 Gulf Dr. LLC, 112 Palm Ave LLC, 107 Palm LLC, 3602 6th LLC, Island Savvy Ventures LLC, 209 65th LLC, 100 73rd LLC, 216 Palmetto Ave LLC, 305 Magnolia LLC, 9405 Gulf Drive LLC, 303 Pine LLC, 104 9th St. SK LLC, Gulf View Beach House LLC, 301 22nd LLC, 741 Jacaranda LLC and 307 Magnolia LLC.
The LLC associated with this property at 741 Jacaranda Road in Anna Maria is named as a lawsuit defendant. – Google Maps | Submitted
According to the Florida Division of Corporations, Jennifer Warren-Kaleta is listed as the manager and registered agent for AMI Premier Properties Inc. She is also listed as the manager for 18 of the property-specific LLCs named as defendants.
Her ex-husband, Shawn Kaleta, is listed as the manager of three of the defendant LLCs: 104 9th St. SK LLC, 301 22nd LLC and 741 Jacaranda LLC.
According to Manatee County court records, the couple finalized their divorce on Nov. 4, 2021.
The Bradenton-based Najmy Thompson law firm is listed as the registered agent for 18 of the defendant LLCs and attorney Louis Najmy is listed as the registered agent for three of the defendant LLCs.
StayTerra is represented by the Sarasota-based Williams Parker Harrison Dietz & Getzen law firm and the New York City-based Paduano & Weintraub law firm.
The Warren-Kaleta case is assigned to Circuit Court Judge Stephen Mathew Whyte.
STAYTERRA STATEMENT
Shawn Kaleta is not named as a defendant in either of the Dec. 19 lawsuits, but he is mentioned in both lawsuits. He is also named specifically in a Jan. 29 statement Dan Gagnier, managing partner of New York City-based Gagnier Communications, emailed to The Sun on behalf of StayTerra.
“Following numerous attempts to resolve these matters in good faith, StayTerra and affiliated entities have filed claims to prevent Mr. Kaleta and his close family, friends, business associates and related entities from reneging on the benefit of the bargain that was struck when they acquired Mr. Kaleta’s vacation rental property management business in September 2024.
StayTerra and its affiliated entities remain focused on delivering superior service for their homeowners and guests each and every day,” Gagnier stated.
StayTerra Vacations previously filed a similar lawsuit in Delaware.
On Sept. 30, the StayTerra Vacations LLC vs. Kaleta lawsuit was filed with the Delaware Court of Chancery, according to the www.law.com website.
The lawsuit complaint appears to be sealed, but according to the www.law.com summary, StayTerra Vacations LLC, GSP Prime Holdings LLC and Prime Vacations LLC are listed as the plaintiffs in the Delaware lawsuit.
The defendants are listed as Shawn T. Kaleta, Tri Star Properties LLC, Tristar Pd LLC, Tristar Properties Acquisition Prime LLC, Tristar Seaside Tropic LLC, 1015 Fleming St LLC, 111 Cedar Ave LLC, 171 McKinley LLC, 791 Jacaranda LLC, Anna Maria Beach Resort LLC, Bali Hai JV LLC and Coconut Beach Resort LLC,
The Delaware case type is listed as “Commercial law: restrictive covenant, trade secret dispute.”
LOCAL LAWSUIT TIMELINE
On or around Sept. 18, 2024, Garnett Station Partners (GSP), through StayTerra, closed on a transaction with the founders, owners and certain other seller entities to acquire a majority stake in Prime Business. The founders and owners of the Prime Business are identified in the lawsuit complaint as Shawn T. Kaleta and Roman Eckert.
The rental management business is referred to in the complaint as Prime Business. The complaint states the founders managed 1,100 vacation rental properties at the time of the business transaction, including approximately 130 properties owned or controlled by the defendants.
“The founders and owners of the Prime Business recognized they needed liquidity for their real estate development business,” the complaint states.
Through an Equity Purchase Agreement (EPA), StayTerra acquired the equity interests and certain other companies comprising the Prime Business for a purchase price of approximately $105 million, with $70 million in cash and $35 million in rollover equity in GSP Prime Holdings, the parent company that owns StayTerra Vacations.
The complaint notes the GSP investment firm has more than $3.5 billion in assets under its management.
The six Kaleta/Eckert-affiliated companies involved in the 2024 transaction included AMI Locals, Anna Maria Island Accommodations, Anna Maria Vacations, Siesta Key Luxury Property Rentals, Lido Key Vacations and Tropical Sands Vacations.
According to the terms of the EPA, the owners/founders of Prime Business agreed they would not compete in any way, or recruit or solicit employees or service providers for a period of five years.
“As a condition to the closing of the transaction, the founders and owners of the Prime Business delivered a Master Property and Rental and Management Agreement (PMA),” the complaint notes.
The PMA agreement granted the plaintiffs the exclusive right to collect management fees for the properties for a minimum of seven years. The lawsuit alleges the properties were transferred to circumvent adherence to that agreement.
“Less than thirteen months after pocketing the consideration comprised of approximately $105 million of cash and rollover equity, the defendants embarked on a deliberate, bad faith scheme to eviscerate the benefit of the bargain plaintiffs struck by facilitating purported transfers of the founders’ membership interest in the defendant seller-JK Property Companies that owns the Seller-JK Properties that are subject to the master PMA to defendant AMI Premier, which is ostensibly owned and controlled by defendant Warren-Kaleta,” the complaint alleges.
The complaint alleges that in each of the transfer agreements, the founders and owners of the Prime Business, “falsely represented they had the full power to transfer their interests in the Seller-JK Property Companies subject to the master PMA without obtaining the consent or approval of any other person.”
Following the transfer agreements, the defendants claimed JK Properties is no longer subject to the master PMA, according to the lawsuit complaint.
On Oct. 7, 2025, Warren-Kaleta and AMI Premier Properties received a cease-and-desist letter from the plaintiffs.
“They were undeterred by that letter and have continued to actively engage in their scheme,” the complaint alleges.
As of Monday, Feb. 2, the defendants had not filed an initial response to the lawsuit.
As of Monday, Feb. 2, Warren-Kaleta and Najmy had not responded to the Sun’s request for their comments on the lawsuit.
ANNA MARIA – The city hosted a town hall meeting regarding the future use of the City Pier building previously occupied by Mote Marine.
Many who spoke during Tuesday, Jan. 27, meeting would like to see a full-service, sit-down restaurant on the pier.
Mayor Mark Short scheduled the town hall meeting because he and the city commission wanted to hear what the public wants to see in the hurricane-impacted pier space vacated by Mote Marine. The building previously occupied by Mote Marine is the larger of the two city-owned buildings at the T-end of the pier.
Anna Maria General Store owner/operator Brian Seymour and his business partners hold the lease on the smaller pier building from which they operated The City Pier Grill & Bait Shop from 2020 until Hurricane Milton ripped away the City Pier walkway in October 2024. The smaller pier building does not provide space for indoor seating.
The City Pier Grill & Bait Shop operated from the smaller building from 2020 until the 2024 hurricanes struck. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Before opening the town hall meeting up for public input, Mayor Mark Short said the pier replacement project that includes the construction of a new pier walkway and also includes repairs and remediation to the hurricane-impacted pier buildings and the replacement of utility lines and other infrastructure needs is now estimated cost between $7.1 million to $7.8 million.
Short said that cost estimate doesn’t include the higher amperage power supply and the interior buildout that might be needed to operate a larger, full-service restaurant on the pier.
Short said his goal is to have the City Pier fully reopened at some point this fall.
Short said the county’s desire to install a Gulf Islands Ferry landing alongside the new City Pier walkway to accommodate the larger, partially enclosed 96-passenger ferry boat (Manatee Belle) the county could result in 90 passengers getting off the boat and 90 more passengers waiting to board the boat at the same time and that too would impact the future use of the pier buildings.
Short said he doesn’t want the City Pier to become exclusively used as a staging area for the county’s ferry passengers and he wants the pier to remain available to all users.
Commissioner John Lynch said he believes the mayor and commission are embracing the county’s ferry service but there are “critical issues” that need to be addressed regarding the flow of all those additional people on the pier.
Short said he and the commission need to have a pretty good sense of how the pier buildings will be used before the pier walkway is fully constructed and completed by March 31.
PUBLIC INPUT
Short asked that one town hall attendee at a time come forward at a time to suggest a potential use of the pier building to be discussed before another potential use was suggested.
Speaking first, Anna Maria resident Amir Banaly said he’d like to see the larger pier building used as a coffee shop.
“I think it’s very simple to accommodate and accomplish without any changes,” he said.
Anna Maria resident Janis Ian suggested a coffee stand with one or two New York City-style hotdog carts.
“I think a hot dog cart on the pier would look cool,” Ian said.
Janis Ian shared her views on the future use of the larger pier building. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
She also encouraged the mayor and commission not to be held hostage by the county regarding the impacts a larger ferry boat would have on the pier operations.
Seymour suggested an operation similar to what former pier tenant Mario Schoenfelder did until Hurricane Irma closed the previous pier in 2017. Schoenfelder operated the City Pier Restaurant in the larger pier building and a bait shop and draft beer bar in the smaller building.
Seymour said he and his business partners still have 15 months remaining on the hurricane-suspended lease that was scheduled to expire on Dec. 31, 2025. He said he and his partners also have the option to lease the pier for five more years beyond the remaining 15 months that will resume when the pier reopens.
Brian Seymour expressed interest in leasing both city-owned pier buildings. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Seymour said it may not make sense for him to resume his City Pier Grill operations in the small building only. He said he would be interested in leasing both pier buildings to operate a sit-down restaurant in the large building and use the smaller building as a bait shop that serves draft pier and provides additional storage space.
Anna Maria resident Cory Jackson said he’s president of Anna Maria Beach Cottages and his rental guests tell him they would like a to see a sit-down restaurant on the pier again.
“I think it’s very critical that we have a restaurant,” Jackson said.
Anna Maria resident and planning and zoning board member Jeff Rodencal suggested revisiting a previously discarded idea to install a stand-alone ferry landing between the pier walkway and the Lake La Vista jetty and he encouraged the commission to consider not landing all the ferry passengers on the City Pier at all.
No decisions were made during the town hall meeting and the future use of the City Pier buildings will remain an ongoing topic of conversation for the mayor and commission until some decisions are made.
CORTEZ – The Cortez Village Historical Society (CVHS), in partnership with the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) and support from the Florida Maritime Museum, is launching a community education initiative on Saturday, Jan. 31.
The collaborative project is titled “It Takes a Village,” and it highlights the connection between a healthy estuary, sustainable seafood and Cortez’s historic working waterfront.
“Our grant from the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) has made it possible for us to move forward with our mission of preserving Cortez by focusing on maintaining a healthy estuary – a key element of our village’s commercial fishing tradition,” CVHS President Cindy Rodgers said. “This incredible estuary has been a food source for humans for thousands of years and the backbone of the Cortez economy for over a century. Now we will connect thousands of ‘boat to table’ seafood customers, village residents and visitors with an opportunity to help in large and small ways.”
The 98-acre FISH Preserve is located in close proximity to Sarasota Bay. – SBEP | Submitted
The educational initiative will feature bilingual signage, restaurant table cards, walking guides, a new web page and public events – all designed to encourage residents and visitors to take actions that will protect Sarasota Bay.
The initiative will be introduced during the “Cortez: Coffee, Culture & Conservation” event taking place Saturday, Jan. 31, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Cortez Cultural Center at 11655 Cortez Road W.
The event will be hosted by SBEP, CVHS, Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) and Florida Sea Grant/UF/IFAS Extension.
The program will include a discussion of the “It Takes a Village” initiative and its goals, followed by a guided tour of the restored FISH Preserve and its new trails and bridges. The enhancements at the 98-acre coastal preserve were made possible by a grant from the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation.
Attendees will also be invited to take a self-guided tour of Cortez using the new map that features places of interest, key environmental features and the village’s ‘boat-to-table’ restaurants and markets.
“The Cortez community is an important partner for SBEP. Residents deeply care about the health and cultural significance of their local environment; and their new educational initiative, ‘It Takes a Village,’ along with their stewardship of the FISH Preserve, exemplifies that commitment,” said Megan Barry, public outreach manager for the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program.
The Jan. 31 coffee event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. To register visit the EventBrite website.
Learn more at the Cortez Village Historical Society website.
BRADENTON BEACH – The three-day Coquina Beach Seafood & Music Festival kicked off Friday evening, Jan. 23, at the south end of Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach.
The festival was hosted and organized by Paragon Festivals.
Attending residents and visitors sampled fresh-cooked seafood from vendors serving shrimp, crab, lobster, oysters and other coastal favorites.
Live music filled the temporary festival grounds throughout the weekend, with a rotating lineup of bands performing beach-inspired grooves, classic rock, island rhythms, soulful jams and Cajun-influenced sounds.
Prodigal Sons opened the music festival on Friday evening. – Lance Roy | Sun
Performing as Prodigal Sons, Dana Lawrence, Tom McNulty and Johnny Mac opened the festival Friday night, performing a mix of Americana, Cajun, folk and Irish-inspired tunes. Additional musical performances by Westbound and Down, Twinkle & Rock Soul Radio and others entertained the festival attendees.
Attendees enjoyed a variety of vendors at the festival. – Lance Roy | Sun
Seafood was the focal point of the event, with vendors offering a wide range of dishes including Cajun-fried alligator, coconut shrimp, grouper, red Argentine shrimp and lobster-based specialties. Many meals were prepared on-site, giving guests the opportunity to watch as their food was cooked fresh.
Sandy Heisler, a seasonal resident from Ohio, praised the selection, saying, “Everything is awesome.”
Sandy Heisler, a seasonal resident from Ohio, praised the wide variety of food offerings. – Lance Roy | SunAn artistic shrimp bowl, ready to serve. – Lance Roy | Sun
Several attendees echoed similar sentiments, noting the variety of menu options available.
Atlantic City, New Jersey-based Vagabond Kitchen & Tap House owner Tom Harris has been featured on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives” television show. As a festival vendor, he featured his three-way sandwich combo and his crab cake sandwiches.
Tom Harris takes an order from festival attendees. – Lance Roy | Sun
Before reaching the food, drink and music areas, visitors passed through rows of arts and crafts booths featuring handmade artwork, clothing, jewelry and specialty items that included Caribbean-inspired spirits.
At the Island Dream Waves booth, Corpus Christi, Texas, resident Ryan Engelke showcased epoxy artwork, home goods and décor designed with a coastal theme.
Ryan Engelke showcased epoxy artwork, home goods and décor designed with a coastal theme. – Lance Roy | Sun
The festival offered a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, with many guests setting up beach chairs near the music stage or finding shaded spots to enjoy their meals. The beachfront location allowed visitors to enjoy views of the Gulf while attending the event.
Taking place on Saturday and Sunday too, the festival provided attendees with a weekend of food, music and community gathering at a scenic beachfront park.
HOLMES BEACH – More than 70 people attended a Jan. 22 presentation by Friends of the Pelicans Inc. founder Jeanette Edwards.
The presentation was given at the Island Branch Library and those who attended learned about the characteristics of, and the perils to, brown pelicans.
More than 70 people learned about brown pelicans at the Island Branch Library. – Leslie Lake | Sun
Edwards described the changing appearance of brown pelicans during their lifetime.
“A juvenile pelican is full-sized when they leave the nest. They are all gray with very white bellies and they stay like this for the first few years,” she said. “An adult pelican has a silver body, a very black belly, a white head and a white neck; and the interesting thing is, when they are ready to mate the top of their head turns yellow. After they mate, the top of their head goes back to white and they get a brown neck. It’s kind of like a wedding ring.”
Brown pelicans hover up to 100 feet in the air and their wingspan is eight feet.
“As their wing feathers change color, when folded in they make a perfect heart,” Edwards said.
When folded, pelican wings form a heart shape. – Leslie Lake | Sun
“A healthy pelican weighs between four to six pounds, but the ones that we rescue are more like two to three pounds,” she said. “They’re very underweight and often dehydrated.”
One of the perils to the brown pelican is fish carcasses found at fishing piers and boat ramps.
“Their bills act like a cast net as they gather the tiny bait fish into their mouth and they drain all the water out so they can swallow the meal whole,” Edwards said. “Unfortunately, because they have a large bill, they can eat large fish. The carcasses and large fish get lodged in their throat. They can’t get them down and they end up starving to death. If they manage to get a small part down, then often it punctures their stomach and they can die.”
She noted it’s illegal to throw carcasses and fish to pelicans, but that law is rarely enforced.
“That’s something we want to get working on – trying to get a law that says it’s illegal to throw carcasses in the water. Hopefully, that can help with the problem,” Edwards said.
Friends of the Pelicans founder Jeanette Edwards shows chart outline brown pelican deaths from fishing entanglements. – Leslie Lake | Sun
Pelicans can live for 40 years, but Edwards said 30% of them won’t survive their first year.
“The reason is fishing line entanglements are the number one cause of death of brown pelicans,” she said. “They make their homes in the rookeries in the islands along the coast of Florida. They have a specific home and will try to go back, even when they’re tangled up in line or dragging a fishing pole.”
She said bait is most abundant at fishing piers, which is where most entanglements in fishing line happen.
“The longest and highest fishing piers in the country are the Sunshine Skyway fishing piers,” Edwards said. “Every day, pelicans are hooked and entangled at both the north and south pier. We’ve estimated that 10 pelicans a day are hooked.”
Edwards showed videos of pelicans she and volunteers have rescued at Miguel Bay, near the south Skyway fishing pier.
“After being entangled at the fishing pier, brown pelicans go home to their rookeries. This is a sight most people never see, and what we hope to prevent is the way they suffer and die alone and struggling,” she said.
Edwards’ presentation was part of the Friends of the Island Library “Lecture and Travel Series” that takes place each Thursday afternoon through February.
