HOLMES BEACH – After eight years as mayor, preceded by six years as a city commissioner, Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth participated in her final city commission meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 27.
During the meeting, Commission Chair Carol Whitmore asked Titsworth and the other commissioners to gather in front of the dais to present the mayor with a plaque that expresses the city’s appreciation.
Toward the end of the meeting, Titsworth gave her farewell remarks. She will continue serving as mayor until newly elected mayor Dan Diggins is sworn in on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 9 a.m.
MAYOR’S FAREWELL
“I’d like to thank the community for showing so much support. It has been an honor to serve. I truly mean that,” Titsworth said.
Titsworth, a member of the Holmes family that founded Holmes Beach, noted her family’s connection with the city spans five generations. She said her family history and the prodding of then-Commissioner Pat Morton convinced her to first seek a city commission seat.
Regarding her transition to mayor, she said, “Right out of the gate, there was so much to do. I’m glad I was a commissioner first. There was so much that had to be done with our codes and ordinances to address real quality of life issues of our citizens – because of everything that was happening and how they were butchering the codes at that time. We really had to strengthen our codes and ordinances. We had some tremendous commissioners back then. I’m so proud of everything that we were able to accomplish back then,” Titsworth said.
“And then it got to the point where we got the ordinances shored up. It was time to deal with the administration end. Fourteen years ago, we had Australian pines growing over out of foundations of that hotel right next door. That site plan should have been voided. It should have been revoked 12 years prior. We didn’t have a planner on staff. We had a building official that was also the superintendent of public works, and we just weren’t governing. So, all I can say is all of you out there who wanted smaller governments, be careful what you ask for because you can’t go back. You go back, you’re going to fail.
“We had to react to years of neglect and we had to build a team of experienced professionals that know what to do – to where I’ve pretty much worked myself out of a job. I really enjoyed the job because I’m a worker. I’m a problem solver. It was so enjoyable to work with the staff. We accomplished it all. Now, when I show up at 8 o’clock every morning, my phone’s not ringing, there’s nothing to do. So, it’s time. It’s an easy time to pass it off to somebody else who’s going to bring new things to the job,” Titsworth said.
“I can’t thank the staff enough for the experience of being able to be a mayor for this great city. We have had a lot of tears, we’ve had a lot of laughter, but we have really built some tremendous relationships – not only with the community, but with each other,” Titsworth said.
To the commission, she said, “I really support everything you’ve done as commissioners. It’s not an easy job, but I feel really good about handing the job over at this point in time in my life.”
Titsworth said she spent the past 14 years looking ahead and considering how every decision made would affect the city. She said that led to many sleepless nights.
She mentioned the past efforts of some county commissioners and state legislators whose attacks on the city’s home rule rights included an unsuccessful push to build a parking garage at the county-owned Manatee Beach. State legislators also floated the idea of consolidating the three Anna Maria Island cities.
“Thank you KVO (Kevin Van Ostenbridge) and thank you Will Robinson and Senator Boyd. Yes, I lost a lot of sleep, but we stood firm. We stood firm and we ended up, as always, on the right side of history. And there’s a lot to be said for that, because there’s a lot of commissioners, there’s a lot of mayors that can’t say that,” she said.
“We’ve done it all. Pandemic, the attacks on home rule and then the biggest catastrophes to have ever hit the city (the 2024 hurricanes). They say these trials – these things that you don’t expect that happen, and they disrupt your life – they make you who you are. They make you a better person – and I believe it made everybody a better person from living through that experience. And it was ugly, yep. It was smelly, yep. But I think we all came out better for it. I thank every single department and I thank every single commissioner that was on this journey with me,” she said.
As for what’s next, she said, “I look forward to tomorrow, living in the present, not worrying so much about the future.”
COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS
Whitmore, a former Holmes Beach mayor, said, “I just want to thank you for everything. You’ve done a really good job. I would never want to be mayor. All the regulations you have now that the state has put on you. It never used to be like that, but now we’re just overregulated. So, thank you for your service.”
Commissioner Jessica Patel noted she and Titsworth didn’t always agree, but she appreciates the mayor’s efforts.
“I know that this is a thankless job, and it’s a hard job. You stuck by your guns, believing in what you believed in and doing what you felt was right for this city. It says a lot about your dedication and about your beliefs. And the fact that you did that for 14 years is really commendable,” Patel said.
Commissioner Steve Oelfke said, “Thank you for everything you’ve done, and developing a team that is so good. It’s just a pleasure to work with them. I know you’ve really enjoyed the team that you’ve now developed, but it’s not just you, I enjoy working with them. I am encouraged by the team that’s been built here. I feel honored to be a part of it, and to continue doing that. So, thank you.”
Oelfke thanked Titsworth for having an open line of communication and always answering his questions as one of the newer commissioners.
Commissioner Terry Schaefer said, “I think that the city owes you a debt of gratitude. You’ve put your family heritage to work. The pride you have in our community – not just because it’s named after your family, but more importantly than that, the time you invested in fixing what needed to be fixed that has resulted in the betterment of our city.”
Schaefer praised Titsworth for being a good administrator. He said her mayoral values now permeate the city staff, and Titsworth’s greatest accomplishment is the city staff she assembled.
“The assemblage of the incredible professional staff that we have that will carry on the work. It’s been a pleasure,” he said.
Participating in his final meeting as a city commissioner, Dan Diggins, a mayoral candidate, did not comment on Titsworth’s accomplishments or her pending departure.
STAFF COMMENTS
City Attorney Randy Mora thanked Titsworth for her service to the public trust and her efforts to enhance the public’s trust in its city officials.
“I have spent the last roughly 10 years of my career getting to know you. First as your litigation counsel, and ultimately as your city attorney. It has been an absolute pleasure and joy. That is a result of the time and dedication you’ve given your community. Thank you for that. You have been a good and faithful servant to your community and I really appreciate that.”
Police Chief Bill Tokajer said, “I want to say thank you to the mayor. It was 14 years ago that you gave a phone call to me asking me if I would be interested in taking the chief’s position if it came open. It’s been the highlight of my 47 years of policing, to be the police chief for the city of Holmes Beach. I love it here.
“I will miss your smiling face when I see you every morning. You’ve been on the right side of history. It’s been a pleasure to work for you. I’ve worked for many mayors and you are by far my favorite. Thank you very much. I love you, I will miss you, and I’ll be coming over to your place for a cigar and some bourbon,” Tokajer said.
After noting that he’s worked with a lot of mayors and managers during the past 26 years, Development Services Director Chad Minor said, “I can honestly say that I’ve never met anyone in your position that cares about and loves their city as much as you do. It is undeniable how much you care about this city. I know your name is associated with it, but the things that you focus and concentrate on are not self-interest things. They’re things that are for the betterment of the community. Not everyone gets into politics for the right reasons, as we know, but you’ve been a nice bright light in a sometimes dim political world. I have not met anyone who loves their city as much as you do and it’s been an honor serving you. I hate to see you go, but thank you for everything,” Minor said.
City Clerk Marina Hovious said, “Mayor, thank you so much for always believing in me. I’ve also worked with a lot of elected officials and you’re just really special. Thank you.”
