ANNA MARIA – Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells and other members of the sheriff’s office expressed their appreciation for former Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and his 10 years in office.
During the Dec. 12 Anna Maria City Commission meeting, Capt. Lou Licata presented Murphy with a plaque on Wells’ behalf, accompanied by Lt. John Belt and Sgt. Brett Getman from the sheriff’s office Anna Maria Unit.
“This is in recognition of Mayor Murphy’s service to the city of Anna Maria,” Getman said.
Licata then said, “We wanted to make sure you got the proper recognition that you deserve from the sheriff’s office. You’ve always been a huge advocate for us and for the unit out here. It doesn’t go unnoticed or unappreciated. I definitely appreciate it and I know Sgt. Getman does, as well as Lt. Belt and all the way up to the sheriff.”
Licata read aloud the inscription on the plaque presented to Murphy for his exemplary leadership that began in November 2014 and ended on Nov. 19.
“His commitment, vision and tireless support profoundly impacted our community,” the plaque says, noting Murphy’s partnership with the sheriff’s office strengthened public safety and created a safer city for its residents and visitors. The plaque expresses Wells’ and his office’s gratitude and offers best wishes for Murphy in his retirement.
“Thank you very much. I am enjoying my retirement. I’m honored that I received such a beautiful plaque,” Murphy said.
Murphy then thanked Mayor Mark Short and the reconfigured city commission for the farewell ceremony that took place on Nov. 19. Murphy couldn’t attend the ceremony because he was hospitalized at the time, but he was able to later watch it in its entirety via Facebook video. During the ceremony, Short proclaimed Dec. 20, 2024 (Murphy’s 80th birthday) to be “Mayor Dan Murphy Day” in Anna Maria.
“I emotionally probably couldn’t have handled it had I been here,” Murphy said. “But laying in that bed, I only could think of how grateful I was to have worked with each one of you and how much we accomplished over the years – you and the staff.”
Referencing the mythical King Arthur and his court while expressing gratitude for his own decade in office, Murphy said, “It was just remarkable. It was a piece of Camelot.”
Murphy mentioned the strong alliance the city and the sheriff’s office have forged during the many years the sheriff’s office has served as the city’s contracted law enforcement agency, which he noted was the only such alliance in Manatee County.
“It has worked so well and it’s proven itself time and time again,” Murphy said, noting the sheriff’s office helped the city through six hurricanes and a pandemic during his time as mayor.
He said contracting the sheriff’s office continues to be a cost-effective means to provide the city with a law enforcement agency that offers a wide array of services and resources.
“I hope you’re able to keep that alliance live and well,” he told the new mayor and commission.
In conclusion, Murphy said, “Without any further ado, I’m going to boogie out of here,” which he did, shaking hands with many in attendance as he exited the commission chambers.
