ANNA MARIA – John Lynch is Anna Maria’s new city commissioner.
On Jan. 9, the four sitting commissioners unanimously appointed Lynch to serve the remainder of former commissioner Jon Crane’s term that expires in November.
Anna Maria businessman Brian Seymour also applied to fill the vacant seat but he withdrew his application on Jan. 4. Seymour’s withdrawal left Lynch as the only remaining applicant and the only participant in the Jan. 7 candidate forum moderated by Mayor Mark Short and attended by commissioners Chris Arendt, Kathy Morgan-Johnson, Gary McMullen and Charlie Salem.
Lynch spent approximately 20 minutes answering 10 questions posed by Short. Lynch said he retired as a senior director of engineering for the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical company in 2023. Before that, he spent 35 years in various supply chain, manufacturing and innovation management roles with Proctor & Gamble. He has a chemical engineering background, managed large construction projects and was the president and secretary of the Michael Lynch Memorial Foundation.
“My brother, Michael, was a firefighter killed on 9/11. He was one of the folks that responded to the south tower. Over a 12-year period, we were able to award over $7 million in scholarships to first responders, their children and other survivors.”
John Lynch participated in a candidate forum on Jan. 7. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Lynch still has a small, self-owned supply chain and innovation consulting company that primarily assists investment banks and he has a charter boat business in Avalon, New Jersey, where he and his wife, Lou Ann, have a second home. He said he has no business interests or conflicts in Anna Maria.
The New York native grew up in The Bronx, lived in New Jersey and lived in Cincinnati for 25 years while working for Proctor & Gamble. He and Lou Ann have an adult son and two adult daughters, including one in Cincinnati who has a chronic illness.
The couple visited Anna Maria often before they bought their North Shore Drive property in 2013, built their home in 2019 and became permanent residents in 2021. Lynch said he spends 7-8 months a year in Anna Maria and also spends time in New Jersey and Cincinnati. When
he’s out of town, he’ll participate in commission meetings remotely or fly back.
In preparation, Lynch read the city commission meeting minutes for the past year. He wants to help improve the city’s storm resiliency to help offset future climate change and he believes his supply chain, engineering and executive leadership experience can help bring city projects to their timely completion.
He said it’s important to the balance the priorities of residents, visitors and business owners.
“Residents are first and foremost, but you need to have those others to make this place the wholesome, growthful community it needs to be.”
Lynch said he has “a collaborative spirit,” listens well, works well with others and has never served as a government official.
Regarding the most significant challenges facing the city, Lynch mentioned storm resiliency, drainage, hurricane recovery and restoring of the “legacy infrastructure” that includes the City Pier and the privately-owned Rod & Reel Pier.
“I think financial stewardship is important,” he said when praising the city’s recent millage rate reduction.
“I am an advocate for home rule. I read about the OPPAGA study. We need to serve the residents of this community and work collaboratively with those other cities. If there’s an ability to consolidate services, we should do that,” Lynch said, noting it’s also important to work collaboratively with state and county officials.
In closing, he said, “I love this place and I think I can make a difference.”
ANNA MARIA – Former city commissioner and mayoral candidate Brian Seymour has withdrawn his application seeking appointment to the Anna Maria City Commission.
Seymour’s withdrawal leaves John Lynch as the lone remaining commission applicant seeking appointment to the city commission on Jan. 9.
Dated Jan. 4 and addressed to Mayor Mark Short, Seymour’s withdrawal letter says, “I am writing to inform you that I would like to remove myself from consideration for the open city commission seat. After much thought over the last few weeks, I have concluded that I can better serve the community as I have been for the past several years, as a regular attendee of city commission meetings and participating when public comment warrants.”
Seymour and Lynch submitted applications seeking appointment to serve the remaining year of former Commissioner Jon Crane’s two-year term. Citing hurricane damage to his Anna Maria home and a desire to live off-Island, Crane resigned in November, creating the commission vacancy.
As a precursor to the commission appointment expected to be made on Thursday, Jan. 9, Lynch and Seymour were slated to participate in a candidate forum at city hall on Tuesday, Jan. 7 at 6 p.m.
After receiving Seymour’s withdrawal letter, Short said Tuesday’s forum would still take place, with Lynch still being given the opportunity to answer written questions previously submitted by the public.
According to his commission application, Lynch is a retired consultant and supply chain executive who also served for 10 years as a high school football coach. His application states he resides in Anna Maria 10 months a year and is a registered Anna Maria voter. He’s involved with the Habitat for Humanity organization and serves as president and secretary of the Michael Lynch Memorial Foundation.
During Thursday’s meeting, the four sitting commissioners – Chris Arendt, Kathleen Morgan-Johnson, Gary McMullen and Charlie Salem – could either appoint Lynch to fill the vacant commission seat or delay the appointment and seek additional applicants.
WITHDRAWAL LETTER
In his withdrawal letter, Seymour stated his decision to withdraw was prompted primarily by his desire to avoid situations where he would have to recuse himself from discussing and voting on matters pertaining to the city’s top two project priorities: rebuilding the hurricane-damaged City Pier and completing the Reimagining Pine Avenue sidewalk installation and safety improvement project.
Seymour owns and operates two businesses along Pine Avenue: the Anna Maria General Store and Pine Avenue Bait and Tackle. He and his business partners also operate the City Pier Grill in pier space leased from the city. The City Pier Grill remains closed until the portion of the walkway obliterated by Hurricane Milton is replaced and any additional hurricane-related pier repairs are complete.
Salem owns commercial property along Pine Avenue and Seymour’s letter notes Salem, the new commission chair, recuses himself from Reimagining Pine Avenue discussions and votes.
“The city already has one commissioner who recuses him on Pine Avenue votes and I fear having two commissioners recusing themselves will not serve in the city’s best interests,” Seymour wrote.
“In addition, as one of two tenants on the City Pier, I would probably have to recuse myself from any votes on that project as well. I think all five commissioners should have a vote on the various stages of the pier rebuild. I believe my input and help from a citizen/tenant standpoint would be more valuable to the city than being on the dais and not being able to vote. I appreciate your understanding and hope that the other candidate is successful in their bid to join the city commission,” Seymour wrote.
Seymour’s letter concludes with well wishes for Short in his new role as Anna Maria mayor: “I look forward to seeing your growth and future achievements as mayor and the growth of our wonderful city I know we both love so much. I stand by and am available any time you may need assistance.”
ANNA MARIA – Jon Crane has resigned from the Anna Maria City Commission. He announced his resignation during the city commission’s Nov.14 hurricane recovery-related emergency meeting.
“ ‘I come here today with a heavy heart,’ as Lyndon Johnson used to say,” Crane said. “I’m resigning. I can’t live on the Island anymore, as much as I love it.”
Later that day, he tendered his formal resignation letter to City Clerk LeAnne Addy.
Crane said he and his wife are under contract to sell their hurricane-damaged home on the 800 block of North Shore Drive and the sale is expected to close in early December.
“I’m going to make this my last meeting because I’m busy with other things too,” Crane said. “I’ve been honored to work with the mayor and fellow commissioners that live in this piece of paradise. It’s been a good thing to be part of the community, working on the commission, considering items of importance to the community. I hope I’ve served the community well. I’m going to miss everybody, but life moves on,” Crane said.
Before joining the city commission in 2019, Crane served as a Planning and Zoning Board member and planning board chairman. His wife, Dusty, is currently a Planning and Zoning Board member and her pending resignation will create another planning board vacancy.
Mayor Dan Murphy, Mayor-elect Mark Short and Commissioner Charlie Salem were among those who thanked Crane for his service to the community.
“Thank you, not just for what you’ve done as a commissioner, but with planning and zoning and all the other things you’ve been actively involved in,” Short said. “We very much appreciate all that and thank you for what you’ve done.”
Audience member Barbara Murphy said, “I want to personally thank Jon and Dusty. They have been huge in the community. Dusty’s involved with the garden club and Jon and Dusty were instrumental with the museum. Jon was docent and vice president (of the Anna Maria Island Historical Society) for a long time and we’re going to miss you so much.”
The Cranes were longtime California residents before they bought their Anna Maria home in late 2011. They discovered Anna Maria during a year-long retirement tour that included a swing through southwest Florida and a visit with friends who lived in Anna Maria.
The Crane’s home was damaged during the two hurricanes that struck Anna Maria Island this year. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
After Thursday’s meeting, Crane was asked if they’re moving because of the hurricane damage their home sustained.
“Yes. Our home was decimated,” he said.
“And the weather’s not getting any better,” he added, regarding the increased frequency and intensity of the severe weather and tidal events that impact Anna Maria property owners.
Crane said he and Dusty still like the area and they might relocate to Bradenton.
In his resignation letter, Crane wrote: “As I announced at the commission meeting today, I am resigning from my position as commissioner on the Anna Maria City Commission. It is with a great deal of regret but it is unavoidable. I feel like I can no longer safely reside on Anna Maria Island. I haven’t lived in my home since Sept. 26 and my property is under a contract of sale. It has been a great honor and privilege to serve alongside the mayor and other commissioners and you and your staff have been terrific.”
Replacement process
Crane is in the first year of another two-year term in office and his sudden resignation creates an unexpected vacancy on the city commission. The city is now accepting applications from those interested in serving the remaining year of Crane’s term. Applications can be downloaded at the city website.
Dec. 20 is the deadline to submit an application. On Tuesday, Jan. 7, the city will host a public forum at city hall during which the commission applicants will answer questions submitted in advance by the public and the media. The four sitting commissioners will then appoint Crane’s successor on Jan. 9.
ANNA MARIA – Kathleen Morgan and Gary McMullen are the newest members of the city commission.
On Jan. 25, commissioners Mark Short, Jon Crane and Charlie Salem appointed Morgan and McMullen to fill the city commission seats previously vacated by Robert Kingan and Deanie Sebring.
Gary McMullen was appointed to complete the commission term that expires in November. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
When making the appointments, the three sitting commissioners individually ranked the two candidates according to their personal preferences. Short, Crane and Salem each listed Morgan as their top choice and McMullen as their second choice, with Crane participating by phone.
The rankings were based in part on the 31 questions Morgan and McMullen answered during a candidate forum held at city hall on Jan. 11.
After the rankings were announced, Morgan was given the option to serve the remainder of the two-year term vacated by Kingan that expires after the November 2025 elections, or the remainder of the two-year term vacated by Sebring that expires later this year, after the November 2024 elections.
While completing the remaining months of Sebring’s vacated term, McMullen can seek election to a full two-year term in November if he so desires.
After the appointments were made, City Clerk LeAnne Addy administered the oath of office to the two new commissioners.
Kathleen Morgan took the oath of office administered by City Clerk LeAnne Addy. – Joe Hendricks | SunGary McMullen was sworn into office by City Clerk LeAnne Addy. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“It feels good to have a full commission again,” Short said as the new commissioners took their seats on the commission dais and participated in the remainder of the meeting.
The reconfigured commission will meet next on Thursday, Feb. 8.
In early December, candidate Sharon Wisniewski withdrew her application. In late December, three additional candidates – John Kolojeski, Pat Olesen and Susan Stephen – said they withdrew their applications to avoid being potentially subjected to the State of Florida’s expanded Form 6 financial disclosure requirements that now apply to elected city officials.
ANNA MARIA – Seeking to fill two vacant city commission seats, Gary McMullen and Kathleen Morgan are scheduled to participate in a candidate forum on Thursday, Jan. 11 at Anna Maria City Hall.
The forum will begin after the conclusion of the regular city commission meeting that starts at 6 p.m.
In what was once a six-applicant field, McMullen and Morgan are the only remaining candidates seeking to fill the commission seats vacated by Deanie Sebring and Robert Kingan.
In late December, commission applicants John Kolojeski, Pat Olesen and Susan Stephen withdrew their applications, citing the state of Florida’s Form 6 financial disclosure requirements that as of Jan. 1 apply to elected city officials.
On his application form, McMullen noted he currently serves as the vice-chair of the city’s Historic Preservation Board.
The one-page application form asks applicants to list two or three reasons why they wish to be considered for appointment to the city commission.
In response, McMullen wrote, “Longtime resident (over 70 years) and as such have a unique perspective of the history of the city and Island. I have been in government management for over 30 years and am a Management Fellows graduate from Florida State. I have knowledge of city operations as one of the first code and parking enforcement officers for the city. One of my goals is to retain and increase our resident base.”
On her application, Morgan wrote, “I believe in supporting the community I live in. I am the president of the AMI Garden Club with 120 members. I serve as secretary of the community center board. I believe my values support AMI city values and I want to keep improving where I live.”
During Thursday’s forum, McMullen and Morgan will have the opportunity to answer some or all of the 30 questions previously submitted in writing by the public and the media. The sitting commissioners and mayor also could submit written questions.
The list includes questions about why the candidates want to serve, what volunteer or service work they’ve done to benefit the Island community, how many commission meetings they’ve attended in the past year, what they see as the biggest challenge facing the city in the year to come, their thoughts on the Reimagining Pine Avenue project, their thoughts on maintaining or eliminating the existing parallel parking spaces along Pine Avenue, their thoughts on the OPPAGA consolidation study and the possible consolidation of the three Island cities and more.
During past commission discussions, there was talk of also allowing forum attendees to pose follow-up questions to both candidates pertaining specifically to questions already included on the compiled list of questions.
On Thursday, Jan. 25, commissioners Jon Crane, Charlie Salem and Mark Short will be asked to individually rank the candidates according to their personal preferences and the two candidates will then be appointed accordingly.
The appointee who fills Kingan’s vacated seat inherits the remainder of a two-year commission term that expires in December 2025. The appointee who fills Sebring’s vacated seat inherits the remainder of a two-year term that expires in December 2024. Anna Maria City Commissioners earn $400 per month for their service.
Applicant withdrawals
The Form 6 financial disclosure requirements that have long applied to elected state and county officials now require elected city officials and future city candidates to disclose their net worth, income sources and earnings, tangible assets valued at more than $1,000, debts and amounts owed, and more.
On Dec. 29, Stephen sent Mayor Dan Murphy an email notifying him of her withdrawal as a candidate.
“I am withdrawing my name from consideration for the position of city commissioner. Unfortunately, the new laws will impede my desire to run,” she stated in her email.
“In my opinion, public release of my personal financial information is ripe for abuse. If I only was disclosing to the powers that be, it might be a different story. I must wholeheartedly agree with John Kolojeski and Pat Olesen that it’s an invasion of my personal information and subjects me to abuse of said information. It’s my desire to serve the community while choosing not to be part of this government overreach. Thank you and I am very disappointed that I have to do this,” she wrote.
In his Dec. 28 withdrawal email to the mayor, Kolojeski wrote, “The residents of Anna Maria did not need to know the value of an elected official’s oriental rug or art collection; such public information would most interest a thief. Form 6 requirements I personally find onerous and irrelevant to the conflict issues of far greater importance.”
Olesen notified the mayor of her withdrawal on Dec. 22 and later told The Sun she withdrew because of the Form 6 financial disclosure requirements.
In early December, Sharon Wisniewski withdrew her application and recently told The Sun the new financial disclosure requirements did not factor into that decision.
ANNA MARIA – City Commissioner Robert Kingan has vacated his city commission seat.
On Dec. 7, Kingan participated in his final Anna Maria City Commission meeting, ending the two-year term he was appointed to in November 2021.
With Commissioner Deanie Sebring’s mid-term departure in September, Kingan’s departure creates a second vacancy on the city commission. Both vacant seats will be filled by city commission appointment on Thursday, Jan. 25.
As the Dec. 7 meeting neared its end, City Clerk LeAnne Addy presented the attending commissioners with Christmas stockings. The other commissioners’ stockings contained candy canes and bells, but Kingan’s contained lumps of coal. Mayor Dan Murphy joked that Kingan was deemed “the naughty commissioner” for leaving the commission.
As a parting joke, Commissioner Robert Kingan received lumps of coal in his stocking. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
On a more serious note, Murphy then presented Kingan with a wooden plaque containing a ceremonial key to the city and thanked him for his service.
“You’ve done an excellent job. You’ve been a great commissioner; a great example of community service. In two years, you contributed so much. You’re creative. You’re strong. You have direction. You’ve got scope. Thank you for everything you’ve done,” Murphy said.
“Thank you very much. I enjoyed serving,” Kingan said.
Kingan thanked the city staff, the sheriff’s office, the building department and the public works department and referred to them as the people who make the city run.
“Without your dedication, there would not be a functioning city. What you do is vital to making this organization run and it makes our job so much easier,” he said.
To Murphy, Kingan said, “It has been a pleasure to serve with you and this city is extremely blessed to have you as their mayor. You’ve been here 10 years and you’re still going strong. I thank you very much for all you’ve contributed and for our friendship.”
After thanking Kingan, Commissioner Charlie Salem said, “For anybody interested in serving – and for me, who’s new on this panel – this is the person you want to emulate. He’s dedicated. He’s extremely well-prepared. He’s been a great resource and I’m going to miss him.”
Commission Chair Mark Short thanked Kingan for helping the commission face the challenges they faced and for the progress they made during his time in office.
“Good luck Robert, with whatever you decide to do next,” Short said.
Participating by phone, Commissioner Jon Crane said, “I’ll miss you.”
Speaking by phone, City Attorney Becky Vose said, “I just want to thank Commissioner Kingan for all his contributions.”
“It’s been great working with you,” Addy said.
Post-meeting comments
Before leaving city hall, Kingan spent a few minutes with The Sun discussing his departure and tenure as a commissioner.
“It was my first time in a political office. That was very new to me, but the desire to serve the city was there. I felt the Pine Avenue project was something I could contribute to because of my previous career in commercial real estate and development. If there’s one regret I have, it would be that we didn’t get further with the Pine Avenue project. We have a good game plan for Pine Avenue, and including Magnolia and Spring is the way to go. I’d like to continue to be involved with that process to the extent of coming to meetings and giving my input and sharing my experience,” he said.
He cited the May opening of the Mote Marine Science, Education & Outreach Center on the City Pier as the commission’s most significant accomplishment during his time in office.
“It took a long time and a lot of cajoling, but we did get there,” he said.
Echoing comments he made at a previous meeting, Kingan said, “As I said a month ago, I was talking to the Mote Marine manager out on the pier, and they had 70,000 visitors by the end of October. They’re currently running at around 460 a day. If that isn’t a success story, I don’t know what is.”
Kingan was asked what he learned about the city while serving as a commissioner.
“First of all, the city is very well run. The team the mayor has built has done a fantastic job. They are always ready, willing and able to respond to any requests,” he said.
“I like the commission setup. The mayor comes to us and we’re the ones who make the decision. It is a strong mayor form of government, and that puts a lot of onus on that position, but at the same time, as individual commission members, we can contribute and have a real role and responsibility,” he said.
Kingan offered the following advice for his soon-to-be-appointed successor: “Don’t be a one-issue candidate. If you have something that you’re worked up about, you have to get beyond that because this is a position where you’ll be making decisions about a whole range of different issues, some of which you’ve never even thought of. You also need to be willing to read the backup material and put in the work and research to be well-prepared.”
As for what he’ll miss most, Kingan said, “I’ll miss the camaraderie we have. I enjoyed working with the mayor and the other members of the commission, and the range of issues we’ve addressed has been very interesting.”
Kingan said he and his wife, Janet, are having a second home renovated off-Island but will continue using their Anna Maria home as their primary residence for the foreseeable future.
“I may come back (to the commission) a few years down the line, but at the moment I’ve got a lot of things on the go. My wife is having major surgery at the end of January and I need to be available. There are reasons behind this decision,” he said.
ANNA MARIA – With six applicants already seeking to fill two vacant city commission seats, the application period remains open until Friday, Dec. 15.
John Kolojeski recently became the sixth applicant seeking appointment to the city commission in January. Kolojeski joins previous applicants Gary McMullen, Kathleen Morgan, Pat Olesen, Susan Stephen and Sharon Wisniewski in the quest to fill the commission seat vacated by Deanie Sebring in September and the commission seat vacated by Robert Kingan on Dec. 7.
The one-page application form is available in person from the city clerk’s office by email at amclerk@cityofannamaria.com, or online at www.cityofannamaria.com by clicking the “I Want To” tab at the top of the city homepage.
During the Dec. 7 city commission meeting, Mayor Dan Murphy said that having six candidates, and possibly more, may require some procedural revisions for the applicants’ public forum to be held at city hall on Thursday, Jan. 11 at 6 p.m.
The applicant presentation process was first used in January when Charlie Salem and Brian Seymour applied to fill the commission seat vacated by Carol Carter. One at a time, the two applicants were given as much time as they needed to answer 24 questions provided to them in advance. Those presentations resulted in Salem being appointed to the commission.
During Thursday’s meeting, Murphy said the format would likely need to be adjusted to accommodate a forum featuring six or more applicants. He added that the city has already received at least 30 questions to potentially be posed to the applicants.
Murphy suggested that the order in which questions are answered be rotated so each applicant gets a chance to answer some questions first, some questions last and some in the middle.
Salem suggested grouping the questions into similar categories.
Commission Chair Mark Short suggested capping the Jan. 11 forum to no more than two hours.
Commissioners authorized Murphy to work out a revised forum format as he sees fit.
The city will continue accepting written questions from the public until Wednesday, Dec. 27. The compiled questions will be presented in advance to the candidates on Friday, Dec. 29.
On Jan. 25, commissioners Short, Salem and Jon Crane will each rank all the candidates in order of their personal preference, with the combined scores then determining who fills the two vacant seats. The resident appointed to fill the seat Deanie Sebring vacated in September will serve until December 2024. The resident appointed to fill the seat vacated by Robert Kingan in December will serve until December 2025.
ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy and the city commission have established the timeline that will be used to fill two vacant city commission seats.
In late September, Commissioner Deanie Sebring vacated the remaining 14 months of her two-year commission term. The commission seat held by Commissioner Robert Kingan will be vacant in December after his current two-year term expires. Kingan chose not to seek reelection and no other candidate chose to run in this year’s race, which also sees commissioners Jon Crane and Charlie Salem running unopposed for additional two-year terms in office.
The person appointed to fill Sebring’s vacant seat will serve the remainder of a term that expires in December 2024. The person appointed to fill Kingan’s vacant seat will serve a term that expires in December 2025.
The commission generally meets two Thursdays a month (once in the afternoon and once in the evening), with additional meetings scheduled as needed. Commissioners earn $400 per month for their service.
On Oct. 19, Murphy and the four sitting commissioners made slight revisions to the previously discussed appointment timeline.
The city will begin soliciting candidate applications on Nov. 1, with applications available from the city clerk’s office or online at www.cityofannamaria.com. The application period closes on Friday, Dec. 15.
From Nov. 1 to Dec. 27, the city clerk’s office will accept candidate questions submitted by the public, the media, the mayor and the sitting commissioners. Questions can be emailed to amclerk@cityofannamaria.com. On Dec. 29, the compiled questions will be provided to the commission applicants who will then present their answers during a public forum at city hall on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024 at 6 p.m. Forum attendees will be allowed to pose follow-up questions to the written questions addressed or not addressed by the candidates.
The two vacant commission seats will then be filled by commission appointment on Thursday, Jan. 25. The appointments will be based on the individual candidate rankings made by sitting commissioners Mark Short, Jon Crane and Charlie Salem. The two top-ranked candidates will be appointed.
During Thursday’s meeting, Crane questioned whether Kingan might be willing to serve a one-year appointment and then vacate that seat with one year remaining. Murphy said he would discuss that possibility with Kingan. After the meeting, Kingan was asked about his interest in serving one more year. He said at this time he has no intention of doing so.
ANNA MARIA – City Commissioner Deanie Sebring has vacated her city commission seat.
Sebring participated in her final commission meeting on Sept. 21. In October, she and her husband, Tripp, are moving to France. The remaining months of Sebring’s two-year term will be filled by a commission appointment to be made in January. Her term expires in December 2024.
Thursday evening’s regular city commission meeting was preceded by a budget adoption hearing. Before the budget meeting began, Sebring shared some thoughts on her departure and her next adventure.
“I am following my intuition. I am moving to Biron, France. I looked at a map and something made me say I was moving to France, and that was it. That day, we started putting the wheels in motion,” she said.
In the small commune/domicile of Biron, Sebring will pursue artistic interests that include working with
Angélique de Labarre and creating paintings of the late American-born French entertainer Josephine Baker. She will also continue her efforts to expand universalism.
Sebring moved from Tampa to Anna Maria in 2017. In December 2020, she was appointed to fill the city commission seat vacated by Amy Tripp. Running unopposed in 2022, Sebring was elected to serve another two-year term.
When asked what she learned as a commissioner, Sebring noted a commissioner doesn’t always get what they want because commission decisions are made by consensus. Sebring was alone in her past support for the elimination of the parallel parking spaces along Pine Avenue as part of the pending Reimagining Pine Avenue safety improvement project. She believes eliminating those streetside parking spaces would make Pine Avenue safer for pedestrians.
Referring to the potential consolidation of the three Anna Maria Island cities, Sebring said, “I think more people need to put their name in the hat to become a commissioner, especially if they want Anna Maria to continue to be a city.”
Regarding the commission as a whole, Sebring said, “I love the fact that it’s people who truly care about the community. I think this commission does a wonderful job. We have people with different backgrounds and it’s nice that we all have different ideas about different things. Dan Murphy is an incredible mayor and I very much respect him.”
When the budget meeting began, Murphy presented Sebring with a plaque containing a ceremonial key to the city. He described Sebring as “a bundle of energy” who got involved with the Anna Maria Island Garden Club, the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, the city commission and the community.
Deanie Sebring received a key to the city from Mayor Dan Murphy. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“You’ve left your imprint here in the city of Anna Maria and we are so appreciative to have had you as a citizen of our city. It’s going to be difficult to replace you and we’re going to miss you. Thank you for everything you’ve done for the city,” Murphy said.
Sebring then said, “I will definitely miss everyone here. I’ve never felt I would have so many friends and meet so many people. It’s actually been the most incredible experience of my entire life. This little town was a safe haven for me and my husband for many different reasons. Anna Maria’s probably the most spectacular city I’ve ever had the pleasure of being a part of.”
Sebring’s last action as a city commissioner was to join the rest of the commission in approving the interlocal agreement that allows the county to use the City Pier as a Gulf Island Ferry stop. She then departed the regular commission meeting still in progress to attend a previously planned social gathering.
Appointment timeline
After Sebring departed, the mayor and remaining commissioners discussed the process and timeline that would be used to appoint someone to serve the remainder of Sebring’s term. At the same time, the commission will appoint someone to fill the two-year vacancy created when Commissioner Robert Kingan’s two-year term expires in December because he decided not to seek reelection.
Commissioner Robert Kingan’s commission term expires in December. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
In November, the city clerk’s office will begin accepting applications from Anna Maria residents interested in serving on the commission. The commission appointments will be made in early January, with each sitting commissioner numerically ranking the applicants in order of their personal preference. One applicant will be selected to serve the remaining months of Sebring’s current term and one applicant will be selected to serve the two-year term as Kingan’s successor. Applicants can state their preference for a one or two-year appointment.
A week before appointments are made, the applicants will participate in a public question and answer session at city hall answering questions posed by the sitting commissioners, the public and the media.
ANNA MARIA – City officials are still exploring incentives that might be pursued in hopes of retaining current full-time city residents and attracting new ones.
The mayor and city commission have held three discussions on the possibility, legality and financial feasibility of offering property tax breaks, grants and/or additional building use allowances as incentives. In exchange for those incentives, the city would seek from property owners a voluntary restrictive covenant that would prohibit the property from being used as a short-term vacation rental for 20 to 30 years.
On June 22, Commissioner Charlie Salem initiated the first discussion about incentivizing full-time city residents and those who rent their homes to others on a long-term or annual basis, which in turn might provide more on-Island housing for Island employees.
Anna Maria Commissioner Charlie Salem is spearheading the efforts to incentivize full-time residency. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Salem shared a one-page document citing U.S. Census Bureau data that shows Anna Maria’s population declined from 1,814 in 2,000 to 1,504 in 2010 and to 968 in 2020. Mayor Dan Murphy recently stated that 70% of Anna Maria’s residential dwellings are short-term vacation rentals.
Salem proposed including up to $75,000 in the city’s 2023-24 fiscal year budget for a feasibility study that would help determine what could be done to incentivize full-time residency. That expenditure is tentatively included in next year’s budget but a final commission decision is still pending. Salem also proposed a city-initiated marketing campaign that would promote Anna Maria as a destination for full-time residents.
On July 13, City Attorney Becky Vose shared with the commission some research she did in response to the June discussion. She said state law prohibits the city from providing property tax reductions only to certain property owners. The only tax reduction the city can legally offer is a reduction of the annual millage rate that would apply to all taxable properties in Anna Maria and reduce the city’s ad valorem tax revenues. Vose said city-funded grants could be a possible alternative. She also said there aren’t any state restrictions on a city-initiated marketing campaign.
On Aug. 3, Vose told the commission a marketing campaign would be the most risk-free approach and she doesn’t think the city would encounter any legal or legislative impediments in doing so. She suggested the marketing campaign target the growing number of professionals who work at home and no longer report to an office or workplace on a regular basis.
“I no longer go into my office. After COVID, I learned that I was so much more effective working at home; and I think there are an awful lot of people, particularly up north, like that,” she said.
Vose said she knows attorneys who moved to Florida but continue to remotely practice law in New York and New Jersey.
Although city-initiated tax breaks are not allowed, Vose said the city could lobby the Florida Legislature and governor to adopt a new state law that would allow local governments to provide property tax incentives in cities that have lost a certain percentage of permanent residents. She acknowledged that could be a challenging undertaking and she suggested speaking to the city’s contracted lobbyist about the prospect.
She also addressed the possibility of the city giving financial grants to property owners who voluntarily enter into restrictive covenants.
“That would be a very sizable investment,” she said, noting that Florida’s Marketable Record Title Act allows restrictive covenants for up to 30 years, with additional renewals possible.
No specific dollar figures were mentioned while discussing potential grant incentives.
Vose also addressed the city providing additional land use allowances that could include additional lot coverage, living area ratios or parking allowances for those who enter into restrictive covenants. Vose said that’s something the city could try, but she’s concerned that a successful legal challenge could result in vacation rental properties getting greater lot coverage and density than before.
She also addressed the previously-discussed idea of allowing small additional dwelling units to be built in the backyards of residential properties.
“That would have to be tied to a restrictive covenant because we cannot have a living unit in the city that was not permitted to be a vacation rental unless it was through a restrictive covenant,” she said.
“My primary concern about all this is the potential for litigation, which could be expensive to defend. I don’t think there’s any chance of us having any litigation with regard to marketing, but most of the other things would be subject to possible challenges. If they were challenged after we already allowed a lot of additional building, that wouldn’t be good for the city. And there’s always the possibility of the Florida Legislature ruling restrictive covenants prohibiting vacation rentals are no longer legal,” Vose said.
Commission input
Commissioner Robert Kingan said he’s in favor of a marketing campaign as a non-contentious starting point. He questioned what would happen when a property owner who signed a restrictive covenant passes away and the next of kin or next owners are bound to an agreement they didn’t sign.
Commissioner Jon Crane said a marketing campaign would be the least contentious approach, but it may also be the least effective. He said it’s unlikely that photographs of waves crashing on the beach and people enjoying fried fish sandwiches would encourage people to become permanent residents and forgo the potential rental earnings their homes could generate.
Commissioner Jon Crane questions the effectiveness of a marketing campaign but is intrigued by a potential legislative effort at the state level. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Crane said he’s intrigued with the idea of lobbying for state legislation that would allow the city to provide tax breaks to full-time residents. He believes tax incentives would be more effective than trying to seduce permanent residents with a marketing campaign.
Commissioner Deanie Sebring agreed. She also said she doesn’t support allowing property owners to build additional living spaces because they’d likely be used as vacation rentals.
Participating by phone, Salem thanked Vose for her research and legal insights. Salem supports asking the city’s lobbyist about pursuing new state legislation, but he also wants to pursue a marketing campaign and conduct a feasibility study regarding restrictive covenants.
Salem noted the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) has been incredibly effective at marketing Anna Maria Island as a vacation destination. He wondered whether similar marketing strategies could be used to attract full-time residents.
Crane suggested Salem speak to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione about the marketing techniques and marketing platforms the TDC uses.
“I’ll talk to anyone who’s got good ideas for how to attract permanent residents here,” Salem said.
Commissioner Mark Short is concerned about potential backlash from current full-time residents. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Commission Chair Mark Short said, “If we were to pursue something, I think we could get backlash from the existing residents. Some of them may say this is a great opportunity, but I have a feeling there’s also a good chunk of people that would say ‘Why would we want to add more density?’ and so forth.”
Salem said restrictive covenants could be offered to current residents too.
“That’s the model other cities have used with grants to incentivize permanent residents to remain, and when they sell their house, for it to become a long-term rental or another owner-occupied dwelling,” Salem said.
Short noted no one knows yet what the incentive costs would be for the city.
In response, Salem said, “That’s where we would need to get some expertise from the study, to figure out what the pickup rate could be, what the number would need to be to incentivize people and if it was worth the city’s revenues to encourage that?”
The incentives discussion will continue at a future meeting.
Public input
During public input, Holmes Beach resident Fran Derr offered her insights. Derr said she lives in the Key Royale subdivision and helped establish a welcoming committee for new Key Royale residents.
Fran Derr said some Anna Maria residents are moving to the Key Royale subdivision in Holmes Beach where short-term vacation rentals are prohibited. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Derr said seven of the last eight homeowners who moved into the Key Royale subdivision in 2023 already lived on Anna Maria Island, and six moved from Anna Maria into the Key Royale subdivision that carries an R-1 zoning designation that doesn’t allow rentals for less than 30 days at a time.
The zoning designation Derr referenced was in place before July 1, 2011, when the Florida Legislature and the governor enacted a new state law that now prevents local governments from prohibiting short-term vacation rentals.
The cities of Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach had no such pre-2011 restrictions in place and cannot impose them now.
Derr said she asks new Key Royale residents why they moved to Key Royale and she’s often told it’s because of the 30-day restriction on vacation rentals and the sense of community that fosters.
“We conquered that in our neighborhood because we have an HOA and we don’t allow weekly rentals,” unlike most Island neighborhoods, Sebring said.
ANNA MARIA – Charlie Salem now serves in the Anna Maria City Commission seat recently vacated by Carol Carter.
Salem will serve the remaining months of the two-year commission term that expires after the city elections in November. Former commissioner Brian Seymour was also considered for the commission appointment.
On Jan. 26, commissioners Jon Crane, Robert Kingan, Deanie Sebring and Mark Short ranked the two applicants according to their own first and second preferences. Crane, Kingan and Sebring ranked Salem as their first preference and Seymour as their second. Short ranked Seymour as his first preference and Salem as his second. The applicants received one point for a first preference and two for a second preference. Salem received five points, Seymour received seven and Salem won the seat with the lowest total score.
City Clerk LeAnne Addy swore Charlie Salem into office after the appointment was made. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
City Clerk LeAnne Addy then swore Salem into office before he took his seat on the dais and participated in the rest of the meeting as a voting member.
Applicant presentations
For the first time, the appointment process featured a standalone commission workshop on Jan. 19 that allowed the two applicants to answer 24 questions provided in advance. The workshop also allowed Salem and Seymour to highlight their professional and political accomplishments.
Salem holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and government and a doctorate degree in law. He worked in Tallahassee as a special counsel for the State of Florida’s Office of Planning and Budgeting and then moved to Washington D.C. to run a state office of federal affairs pertaining to Hurricane Andrew recovery efforts in south Florida in the early 1990s. He then served as legislative director and chief of staff for U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Indiana) and finished his time working in the D.C. area as a public policy director for Microsoft.
Seymour served as an Anna Maria commissioner from late 2016 to late 2019. He owns and operates the Anna Maria General Store & Deli on Pine Avenue and he and his business partners operate the City Pier Grill in a pier space leased from the city.
Former commissioner Brian Seymour also applied to fill the vacant commission seat. – Joe Hendricks | SunSalem and Seymour’s presentations helped the four sitting commissioners make their appointment the following week. When filling past vacant commission seats, the applicants were simply given a few minutes to address the commission before the appointment was made using the same ranking process.
Mayor Dan Murphy proposed the new candidate vetting process.
“I think this is a good process. I think it’s a much better process than what we were using in the past,” Murphy said after Salem was sworn in.
“It was great to learn more about the candidates. I think this was the best way to do it,” Short said. Crane and Sebring agreed.
“As a participant in the process, I thought it was well-thought-out,” Salem said.
Kingan thanked Salem and Seymour for putting themselves forward as candidates.
“Either of you would have been a very good addition to this commission. I very much hope, Brian, that you will remain in contention because I think you’re an asset to the community and definitely have what it takes,” Kingan said.
Workshop insights
During the workshop, Salem referenced the recently-expressed desires of State Rep. Will Robinson Jr. and other members of Manatee County’s legislative delegation for a state-funded study regarding the possible elimination or consolidation of the three Island cities and the three city governments.
Robinson and his fellow legislators also announced their pursuit of state legislation that could allow Manatee County to preempt the city of Holmes Beach’s building codes and build a multi-story public parking garage.
“I’m really concerned about our permanent resident population and the ability of our citizens to be able to govern themselves. I have a background in putting together coalitions. I would use that experience to help craft a strategy to work with the commission, the mayor and our lobbyist on this issue,” Salem said during the workshop.
During the workshop, Seymour expressed concerns about the utility grids in Anna Maria and throughout the rest of the Island. He said Anna Maria experiences power outages even on sunny days and Spectrum internet service was recently down for two non-consecutive days, which he said impacts businesses’ ability to process payments.
“How can we partner with FPL and Spectrum to make our grid a little more stable?” Seymour said.
During Thursday’s meeting, Salem referenced Seymour’s concerns and said, “He raised an issue last week around utility liability that I frankly hadn’t considered. I’d like to dive into that a little deeper.”
The Anna Maria City Commission consists of Charlie Salem, Deanie Sebring, Mark Short, Jon Crane and Robert Kingan, who work in unison with non-voting mayor Dan Murphy. – Joe Hendricks | SUnDuring the workshop, Salem and Seymour both said they’d seek reelection if appointed. Both will have the opportunity to run in the fall election that will determine who fills the commission seats currently held by Crane, Kingan and Salem.
ANNA MARIA – Longtime community members and city officials Carol and Bob Carter are moving to Sarasota County in December.
The Carters moved into their Anna Maria home in 2001. Carol’s departure will create an 11-month vacancy on the city commission to be filled by commission appointment.
Bob’s departure will create a vacancy on the city’s Planning and Zoning Board. In 2019, he and Dick York received Anna Maria’s Distinguished Citizen of the Year award for their work with the Home Rule Florida organization and website.
On Saturday, Nov. 12, Carol submitted her resignation letter to Mayor Dan Murphy.
“Bob and I will be relocating in December to south Sarasota County for a quieter life – at 26 feet above sea level – nearer our sons and their families in Naples,” she wrote.
“It’s been an honor for me to serve and represent the residents of our city and Anna Maria since Nov. 14, 2013, when I was sworn in as a commissioner for my first two-year term. Now, five terms and almost 10 years later, I resign my position on the Anna Maria City Commission as of Dec. 16. If acceptable, my final commission meeting would be Dec. 15,” she wrote.
In December, Carol Carter will leave the city commission she’s been a member of since 2013. – Joe Hendricks | Sun“It is difficult to express how much this experience, with its responsibilities, has changed my life. I will forever value the trust relationships that have developed for me with my fellow elected officials and the Anna Maria city staff members both past and present. That learning curve of all the inner workings between local, county and state officials, our local ordinances, county and state laws and the indominable state of Florida Sunshine Law continued for all my years in office,” she wrote.
“Thank you, Mayor Murphy and commissioners Short, Crane, Sebring and Kingan for your support and confidence during our years working together for the greater good of our Island community. I hope I am leaving this special place better prepared to meet the challenges ahead,” she stated in her letter.
In his response to Carol’s resignation letter, Murphy wrote, “It is with a great deal of regret that we accept your letter of resignation. Thank you for all that you have done for our city and our Island community to make it a better place to live. You have left a positive and indelible mark on Anna Maria through your many contributions.”
On Friday, the couple attended the city’s “Old Soldiers & Sailors” Veterans Day parade and the recognition ceremony at City Pier Park. When asked about their pending move, Bob said he and Carol both grew up in rural areas and want to return to a more rural lifestyle.
“Carol and I have lived on the Island for over 20 years. We’ve really enjoyed it but as we look to where we want to spend the next 10 or 20 years it’s going to be in a more peaceful place. We’re looking at five acres out east in south Sarasota County. We’ll probably have a few animals and invite some of our friends from the Island to come to our ‘petting zoo,’ ” Bob said.
“We’re really looking forward to this chapter of our lives together. We will miss the Island and we’ll be happily and peacefully watching from the sidelines. When we bought here this was a very different place. It was over 70% residential then and now we’re in the low 20%. That was fine for the period that we were here, but we’re looking forward to a new chapter in our lives together. We have friends in Sarasota and I’m still within 27 minutes of my office in Sarasota,” Bob said.
When contacted later in the week, Carol said, “We look forward to the next phase of our lives and changing gears for the next 10-15 years if we’re fortunate and our good health continues. I’m 75 and I think it’s time to regroup and do some different things to keep me invigorated,” she said.
As a soon-to-be-resident of unincorporated Sarasota County, Carol doesn’t anticipate running for a county commission seat, but she may volunteer to assist the county government in some other fashion.
She also hopes to get involved with the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, working on wetland and land conservation and preservation.
“I come from an agricultural background and I hope to get more involved in that type of thing,” she said.
The couple has joined the Church of the Redeemer Sarasota and they plan to get involved in some of the many endeavors taking place there, including the ongoing Hurricane Ian recovery efforts that include repairing and replacing damaged homes and churches. Carol said the church has also helped displaced Afghan refugees get settled in southwest Florida.
“They have all kinds of outreach activities that I’m going to get involved in. I think it’s important to stay active and I want to do that, reinventing myself for the next 10-15-20 years,” she said.
Carol was asked what she’ll miss most about living in Anna Maria.
“I certainly will miss the involvement representing people in our city and having them come to me with issues that are important to them. I’ll miss being a commissioner and working with the constituents. I also miss riding my bike or walking up the street to Ginny’s and Jane E’s to have a cup of coffee or tea and chatting with people I know. I’ll miss going to the community center too,” Carol said.
Carol was asked if there’s anything she won’t miss about living in Anna Maria.
“The golf carts, the bicyclists that don’t abide by the rules of the road and the pedestrians that don’t abide by the rules,” she said.
ANNA MARIA – A familiar face has returned to the Anna Maria City Commission on a temporary basis.
On Thursday, July 8, the four-member commission unanimously appointed former Commissioner Doug Copeland to serve the remaining months of former Commissioner Joe Muscatello’s current term. Muscatello vacated his seat on Thursday, June 24 because he and his wife, Melissa, were relocating to his home state to operate a bed and breakfast they purchased in West Virginia.
Copeland was the only applicant who sought to fill the vacant seat on a short-term basis. He did not address the commission before the appointment was made, but he did include a brief statement in the application he submitted on Friday, June 25.
Copeland’s statement read as follows: “Dear Mayor and Anna Maria City commissioners, As important as I feel that commissioners should be elected by the voters, I am convinced it is critical to have a full commission. This not only prevents ties but brings another voice to the discussion. I believe I’m in a unique position to fill the vacant seat. I have over 20 years’ experience as a member and chairman of P&Z (Planning and Zoning Board). In the past, I have been elected to the commission and have served multiple terms as commissioner and chairman. This experience will allow me on day one to be a fully functioning member of the commission. I hope that you will select me to fill this interim position.”
Copeland decided not to seek reelection in 2019.
Before Thursday’s appointment was made, Mayor Dan Murphy told the commission they had two choices: appoint Copeland or allow the commission seat to remain vacant until the results of the November elections are certified. Commissioners Carol Carter, Jon Crane, Deanie Sebring and Mark Short unanimously supported Copeland’s appointment.
“Congratulations Doug. You’re now considered a repeat offender,” Murphy joked after the votes were cast.
After being sworn in by City Clerk LeAnne Addy, Copeland took his seat on the dais and participated in the remainder of the commission meeting.
Not seeking election
Before Thursday’s meeting began, Copeland told the attending media members that he would not seek election to a full two-year term in the November city elections. Copeland said he wanted that known now so those considering seeking a two-year term were aware of his long-term intentions. He encourages those interested in serving on the commission to run for office in the fall elections.
Doug Copeland will serve on the commission until the next commissioner is elected and seated. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Anna Maria’s two-week candidate qualifying period begins at noon on Monday, Aug. 16, and ends at noon on Friday, Aug. 27. Candidate packages can be obtained from the city clerk’s office or the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office in Bradenton.
The commission seats currently held by Carter and Crane will also be filled as a result of this year’s city elections. Carter and Crane have both indicated they will seek reelection.
ANNA MARIA – Country roads are taking City Commissioner Joe Muscatello home.
“I’m going back,” Muscatello said as he presented the mayor and commissioners with parting gifts bearing the likeness of his home state, West Virginia, during his final commission meeting on Thursday, June 24.
“First of all, I want to say I’m not dying and Missy and I are not getting a divorce,” he quipped. Muscatello and his wife, Mellissa, have bought a bed and breakfast in Shepherdstown – a university town located about 75 miles northwest of Washington D.C.
“I don’t drink coffee, I hate eggs and I don’t get up early either, so it may be a bed and lunch,” Muscatello joked.
City officials affectionately said farewell to Muscatello, whose term was scheduled to expire after the November city elections are certified until he announced his early departure.
After good-heartedly teasing Muscatello about his abbreviated 18-month term in office, Mayor Dan Murphy presented him with a commemorative wooden plaque and thanked him for his service to the city.
“We’re sad to see you go, but I understand life transitions are important,” Commission Chair Carol Carter added.
“It’s been a great 18 months,” said Muscatello, before asking Administrative Assistant Stephanie Janney to play a recording of John Denver’s “Take Me Home Country Roads” – a song that references West Virginia, where he was born and raised.
“It’s a beautiful state and I do hope you’ll visit,” Muscatello said before asking those in the room to join him in singing the familiar chorus: “Country roads, take me home, to the place I belong, West Virginia, mountain mama, take me home, country roads…”
“I love all of you,” he said. “Thank you all.”
Applications open for vacant seat
The city of Anna Maria is now accepting applications to fill the vacant seat.
Tuesday, July 6 is the deadline to apply to serve the remainder of Muscatello’s current term. The commission plans to appoint his short-term successor on Thursday, July 8. The application form is available at the city website or the city clerk’s office.
If so desired, the commission appointee can seek election to a full two-year term during the upcoming city elections. The two-week qualifying period for the Anna Maria elections opens at noon on Monday, Aug. 16 and closes at noon on Friday, Aug. 27. Qualifying paperwork can be obtained from the city clerk’s office or the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections office.
During Thursday’s meeting, the commission discussed whether to fill the short-term vacancy or allow the vacant seat to remain vacant until after the city elections. Murphy recommended filling the vacancy as soon as possible and the commission voted 5-0 to do so.
“We have some very heavy duty topics and issues to solve between now and November and the (elected) commissioner would not be seated until December,” Murphy said.
The mayor noted the commission must soon discuss and make decisions regarding the “Reimagining Pine Avenue” study and the proposed solutions that stem from that study. The commission must also engage in further discussion regarding the planned expenditure of approximately $370,000 in American Rescue Plan funds, and the commission must soon help develop the city budget for the 2021-22 fiscal year that begins Oct 1.
Murphy said he’s concerned that a four-member commission could potentially lead to 2-2 tie votes.
“There’s a potential for deadlocks. Deadlocks would lead to gridlock,” he said. “If we fill this vacancy through an appointment, then you’d have to have an election in November anyway.”
Former City Commissioner Doug Copeland attended Thursday’s meeting and his presence was noted during the commission discussion.
Former Commissioner Doug Copeland appears to be the leading candidate to serve the remainder of Joe Muscatello’s commission term. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“I’m aware of a very good, experienced, competent candidate who’s actually in the chamber today. I think it would help us address the weighty issues on the table. I can’t imagine someone in our populace more capable of stepping in immediately,” Commissioner Jon Crane said without mentioning Copeland by name.
Crane asked City Attorney Becky Vose if an appointment could be made without first advertising the vacancy and allowing others to apply.
In response, Vose said, “I would highly recommend that you have a public announcement. That person (Copeland) can respond and probably would get picked, but I would not shortcut the process. You could decide tonight to have an announcement made tomorrow. I’m uncomfortable recommending that you subvert the process completely.”
As he’s done previously, Muscatello, who was appointed himself, reiterated his overall desire that commissioners be elected rather than appointed whenever possible. Last year, Deanie Sebring was appointed to fulfill the commission seat vacated by Amy Tripp. Crane ran unopposed for his current term and Commissioner Mark Short was appointed to his first term in office before running unopposed last year.
After the meeting, Copeland said he would submit his application Friday morning. He feels his past experience as a commissioner and a Planning and Zoning Board member would benefit the city in the short term, but he was non-committal about running for a full two-year term later this year. Copeland did not seek reelection in 2019.
ANNA MARIA – As one of his final acts as an Anna Maria commissioner, Doug Copeland requested the adoption of a city resolution that urges federal and state legislators to support the long-delayed ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment.
Copeland did not seek reelection in November and his time in office will officially end on Thursday, Dec. 5. The Thursday, Nov. 14 commission meeting was Copeland’s final regularly scheduled city meeting. At that meeting, City Attorney Becky Vose introduced Resolution R19-753.
“This was specifically requested by Commissioner Copeland,” Vose said.
Copeland then said, “It came to my attention that there are concurrent bills in the Florida Legislature – the House and the Senate – supporting the ERA. It’s the 100th anniversary of women getting the right to vote. It’s been 40 years since the ERA was first sent out to the states. Thirty-seven of them have passed it; 38 are required. Florida could and should be the state this year that could put it over the top. I’m more confident that the state of Virginia will do that this year.
“I would have a hard time if I were asked to explain to my wife, daughters and granddaughter why I have rights guaranteed in the Constitution that they don’t. I think it’s time that women are recognized with the same rights as men,” Copeland said.
The resolution notes an amendment to the U.S. Constitution must be ratified by three-fourths of the 50 states.
“Congress finally passed the Equal Rights Amendment in 1972, but then limited the time for ratification for the necessary 38 states to seven years. By 1979, only 35 states had ratified the Equal Rights Amendment. Since 1979, two more states have ratified the Equal Rights Amendment, but the 37 states still fall just one state short,” the resolution says.
“The time limit has run out for the 38 states,” Copeland said. “There’s legislation being proposed in Washington that would extend that time limit, so I encourage the city to pass this resolution.”
Copeland was referencing S.J. Resolution 6, which was introduced to the U.S. Senate in January.
The commission unanimously adopted resolution R19-753 and copies will be sent to the governor and the state Legislature urging them to make Florida the 38th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment.
Thanks given
Before serving multiple terms as a city commissioner, Copeland served on the Planning and Zoning Board for approximately 20 years. As a commissioner, Copeland also recently represented Anna Maria Island on the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC).
Copeland’s final meeting provided his peers with the opportunity to recognize his service to the city.
“Thank you for all you’ve done to help me since I’ve been the mayor,” Mayor Dan Murphy said. “You’ve made my job easy, you’ve made it rewarding and you’ve made it fun in spite of the arguments we’ve gotten into. You leave behind a tremendous legacy of contributions.”
Murphy said one of Copeland’s many contributions was the development of Gulf Front Park, the coastal preserve that extends from Oak Avenue to Magnolia Avenue. Murphy said Copeland helped secure TDC funds for that project.
“Jon Crane’s got some tough shoes to fill,” Murphy said of Copeland’s incoming successor.
Commissioner Carol Carter praised Copeland for his knowledge, his historical perspective and his understanding of city ordinances.
“Your good humor was always a credit to you too,” Carter said.
Copeland thanked Murphy for making his time as commissioner so rewarding.
“I want to thank the various commissioners for the work we’ve done. We haven’t always agreed, but after a decision was made there wasn’t backbiting and infighting. We worked together as a team. I want to thank the voters for allowing me to serve,” Copeland said.
He then thanked the city staff.
“This city is so fortunate with the staff we have. Everyone does their job, they work hard, they care about the city and are always helpful. I appreciate all the time they’ve given me, and I just wanted to say thank you,” Copeland said.
“I want to personally thank Commissioner Copeland for his service that goes back many, many years,” Commissioner Amy Tripp said.
Vose then said, “I really enjoyed working with you. It made my job easier, particularly when you were the chair. You’ve just done an incredible job. I’ve see seen a lot of city commissioners in different cities and you’re really good. I’m going to miss you.”
City Clerk LeAnne Addy said, “I want to thank Doug for being a commissioner and teaching all my staff and everyone else all that we have learned.”
