HOLMES BEACH – The city marked its 75th anniversary with a large, well-attended outdoor celebration at City Field on Dec. 5.
The event was held on the recently resodded City Field grounds that one year ago served as the city’s hurricane debris staging site.
Co-sponsored by the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and Waste Pro, the Friday evening celebration included live music by Trevor Bystrom’s Rooster X-ing and Jah Movement.
City Field was surrounded by food and drink vendors and vending tents, trailers and vehicles occupied by local businesses, service providers and non-profit organizations. The family-friendly celebration included bounce houses and inflatable slides, a heartfelt speech by Mayor Judy Titsworth and the announcement of this year’s Citizen of the Year award winner.
Shortly after 6 p.m., Titsworth stood on stage and said, “What an incredible night. It’s time our community had some fun. This year we celebrate an incredible milestone: 75 years as the city of Holmes Beach. It’s an honor to reflect on how far we’ve come and how this community grew into the vibrant, beloved coastal city we know today.
“As a lifelong resident, I can tell you there’s truly no better place to live, raise a family or visit. People travel from all over the world for our stunning beaches, small town charm and the unique character preserved by our height and density limits,” Titsworth said.
“Holmes Beach was founded 75 years ago by my grandfather, John E. Holmes Sr., along with partners who dreamed of creating a modest tropical community where families and retirees could enjoy Island living. In 1950, we had 65 residents and a property value under $500,000. Today, our value is more than $3.2 billion. That’s a testament to generations of thoughtful planning and community pride,” she said.
“Growing up here meant roaming freely, exploring our rich marine life and supporting local shopkeepers who made the Island feel complete. That sense of place – its biodiversity, simplicity and warmth – is what we have worked so hard to protect. Balancing the needs of residents, visitors and the environment hasn’t been easy, but it’s essential,” Titsworth said.
“Our emergency management team guided us through two catastrophic hurricanes (in 2024), removing 127,000 cubic yards of sand and debris. Everyone remembers ‘Mount Titsworth?’ We’re standing there,” she said of the debris removal efforts that subjected her and the city to criticism from some community members.
“I am deeply grateful to every person who played a role in our recovery,” she added.
She also mentioned the new sea turtle-themed city flags and hats, the city’s improved relations with county officials, the city’s decreased crime rates, Holmes Beach’s economic prosperity and the significant tourist development tax revenues generated by the Holmes Beach resorts and vacation rentals.
“Here’s to 75 years of tradition, resilience and community; and to the bright future ahead for the city of Holmes Beach,” she said.
Titsworth then surprised Hurricane Hanks restaurant owner Brian Mathae when she announced him as this year’s Citizen of the Year award winner.
After Mathae joined her on the stage, Titsworth said, “We’re honoring his unwavering commitment to helping others in the wake of the hurricanes, for going above and beyond in service and providing vital resources.”
She noted Mathae fed first responders and city staff during hurricane recovery efforts and before that housed animals displaced by a fire at the Holmes Beach Business Center. She also praised his support for the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring organization.
“Your impact is immeasurable and you’re a true asset to the community,” Titsworth said.
While standing near the West Manatee Fire and Rescue tent with “Paw Patrol” TV show character Marshal (a fire dog), Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski said, “It’s a beautiful night and a great crowd.”
At the Anna Maria Island Historical Society tent, Holmes Beach resident Carolyn Orshak said, “We recovered. It’s party time.”
Rob Self was born and raised in Holmes Beach and after listening to the mayor’s speech he said, “It’s great to see everybody out here again.”
Holmes Beach resident Tom McFarland said he too was happy to see events happening at City Field again.
