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SUN contributor

SUN contributor

March 17, 2017
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March 6, 2023
By SUN contributor

Letter to the Editor: What is AMI’s carrying capacity?

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) under the Division of Recreation and Parks has the responsibility of planning the use and management of Florida’s public lands and water areas…
February 28, 2023
By SUN contributor

Fire department plans vacation rental changes

MANATEE COUNTY – At the urging of members of the district’s fire prevention bureau, West Manatee Fire Rescue’s board has approved changing the status of short-term rentals in the district fro…
February 28, 2023
By SUN contributor

Letter to the Editor: Show some respect

I have to express my disappointment at the lack of respect and consideration the Holmes Beach commission gave to the two residents that got up to speak at Tuesday’s meeting. The residents…
February 20, 2023
By SUN contributor
Bill filed to build beach parking garage

Bill filed to build beach parking garage

HOLMES BEACH – Just like the traffic headed to Anna Maria Island on holidays, an effort by Florida legislators to build a parking garage at Manatee Beach is inching forward. House Bill 947 was filed…
February 14, 2023
By SUN contributor

Fire district looks at reclassifying vacation rentals

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Vacation rentals are a popular use of residential properties both on the Island and in unincorporated Manatee County where West Manatee Fire Rescue’s district is located. Now dist…
February 7, 2023
By SUN contributor
The curious case of the missing parking signs

The curious case of the missing parking signs

HOLMES BEACH – Residents who live near beach access points have noticed something strange happening over the past week – some permit parking only and no parking signs have been disappearing f…
February 7, 2023
By SUN contributor

Letter to the Editor: Message to state representatives

I strongly oppose your efforts to do away with home rule on Anna Maria Island. The three cities are unique, which adds to the appeal of the Island, and they deserve to rule themselves accordi…
February 7, 2023
By SUN contributor
Merger or dissolution could erase local city regulations

Merger or dissolution could erase local city regulations

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The recent proposal by Manatee County’s state legislative delegation to fund a study to determine the feasibility of combining or eliminating the three Anna Maria Island c…
January 31, 2023
By SUN contributor

Island officials unite to preserve home rule

HOLMES BEACH – Anna Maria Island’s elected officials are uniting to preserve home rule in the face of recent attempts by state legislators to circumvent local parking ordinances and fund a study to d…
January 26, 2023
By SUN contributor

Letter to the Editor: Try ‘park and ride’

My family and I have visited Anna Maria Island for more than 30 years and we have witnessed firsthand how the place is strangling itself with its popularity. Our three-month stay ends at the…
January 26, 2023
By SUN contributor

Letter to the Editor: Dissolution of AMI cities

The state of Florida appears to have a strong legal argument for the authorization of the founding and dissolution of cities. However, if you take a step back, the formation of cities is comm…
January 26, 2023
By SUN contributor

Letter to the Editor: Open letter to AMI representatives

This is a copy of the letter I have sent to: Rep. Will Robinson Jr. Rep. Mike Beltran Rep. Tommy Gregory Sen. Jim Boyd Sen. Joe Gruter Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbri…
January 26, 2023
By SUN contributor

Letter to the Editor: Robinson right

First of all, I am a believer of home rule. However, when a government creates an atmosphere of dictatorial leadership, it has failed and must be changed. It is time for a change and I think…
January 26, 2023
By SUN contributor

Letter to the Editor: Keep AMI low-rise

Reference recent “bombshell” articles; it appears money and greed have purchased Bradenton power. Busting height restrictions will destroy our “old Florida” uniqueness and ignores our less…
January 26, 2023
By SUN contributor

Letter to the Editor: Home rule at risk

I would like to thank you for your coverage of the controversial local bills being introduced by Rep. Will Robinson. It is extremely important that we educate all on the dire consequences of…