ANNA MARIA – An estimated 150 people, and maybe more, attended the City Block Party at City Pier Park on Oct. 24.
Hosted by the city of Anna Maria from 5-8 p.m. and blessed with beautiful weather, the Friday evening event was the first City Block Party of the fall-winter season and served as the follow-up to the inaugural block party in late May.
Attendees included Anna Maria residents, visitors, elected officials and city staff members joined by Holmes Beach residents, a few dogs and anyone else who dropped by the community celebration.
Code Enforcement Manager Dave DeZutter and Code Enforcement Officer Tom Collins grilled the hot dogs provided by the city, Bortell’s Lounge donated some free pizzas and Mayor Mark Short brought some Cuban sandwiches from the Anna Maria General Store.
Attendees brought their own beverages and chairs and many brought dishes, snacks and desserts to share with others.
The Stockton Brothers provided the live music that provoked joyous dancing and an evening closing sing-along under the City Pier Park shade sail.
Joined by his wife, Pat, and several friends at the Oct. 24 party, Mayor Short said, “It’s our first block party this season. We’ve got a great crowd tonight. I’ve said this many times recently, but this is another step in the right direction of getting us back to normalcy after last year’s hurricanes. This is important because it’s all about the community, getting people back together and renewing friendships and acquaintances. It’s the city’s block party, but it’s for everybody on the Island and we’re looking forward to the next one in November.”
Standing beside the mayor, local builder Tyler Lancaster said, “Mark’s done such a good job out here bringing the community together after the hurricanes. It’s beautiful what he’s done.”
Weather permitting, additional Friday evening block parties will be held on Nov. 21, Jan. 9, Feb. 13, March 13 and April 10, with no party during the December holidays.
Accompanied by his husband, Scott, and a visiting friend, City Commissioner Charlie Salem said, “It’s been a great night. The Stockton Brothers are incredible and the fact that this event came out of a couple people in the community wanting to get back to normal is a great thing. Kudos to Mark for putting it together.”
Accompanied by his fiancé, Annamaria, Commissioner Chris Arendt said, “I think it’s wonderful to see the community gathering together again, celebrating our survival and revival in the post-hurricane era and looking forward to our City Pier getting rebuilt.”
Commissioner Gary McMullen also attended the block party.
When asked what brought her to an Anna Maria event, recently married Holmes Beach resident and Anna Maria Garden Club member Becky LoMenzo said, “These incredible people, this great music and this community you’ve just got to love.”
Holmes Beach resident Andrea Routh was joined by visiting Kansas City residents Kathy O’Roark and Alice Zago.
“I love The Stockton Brothers and that’s one of the reasons I came down here,” Routh said.
