Skip to main content

Tag: Anna Maria Island

WMFR logo

WMFR commissioners discuss assessment increase

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, West Manatee Fire Rescue.

BRADENTON – West Manatee Fire Rescue commissioners held their first budget meeting of the year on April 21 and the hot topic was whether to raise the assessment rates for commercial and residential property owners in the district.

WMFR has a non-ad valorem assessment rate, meaning the rate is tied to the size of the building on the property instead of the property value, which is used to determine property taxes. The amount the district can raise assessment rates each year is capped by personal income growth, a five-year rolling number used to estimate increases in taxpayer income.

At the end of the meeting, commissioners were considering three different options – a zero increase, a 2.6% increase and a 4% increase in assessment rates. An option to increase to the allowable limit of 5.46% was deemed too high by commissioners and dismissed. Commissioners will vote at their May meeting to determine the assessment rate for the 2020-21 fiscal year.

At a zero increase, the district would be operating at a loss for the coming year, requiring the use of $189,436 in reserves on top of the estimated $7,285,989 in revenue from property assessments. This would keep the residential base rate at $190.57 plus $0.1124 per square foot over 1,000 square feet and the commercial base rate at $473.62 plus $0.2051 per square foot over 1,000 square feet. At current rates, the full assessment on a 2,000-square-foot residential home is $302.97. The rate for a commercial building of the same size is $678.72.

The second option, a 2.6% increase in the assessment rate, would be the break-even point for the district, requiring no spending from reserves and bringing the total revenue from assessments up to $7,475,424. Under this plan, the assessment rate for a 2,000-square-foot home would be $310.85 and $696.37 for a 2,000-square-foot commercial building.

The third option, a 4% increase, is the one that was recommended by Chief Ben Rigney and the largest assessment rate increase being considered by commissioners. Under the 4% increase, commissioners would have an additional $291,440 in operating funds and would be able to add $102,004 to the district’s reserves to be used in case of an emergency. Reserve funds also are used to save for new equipment, such as a new fire truck, and to float the district’s operating expenses in the early months of the fiscal year before assessment rate funds are received. Under this increase, a residential property owner with a 2,000-square-foot home would pay $315.09 in total assessments to the fire district while a commercial property owner with a 2,000-square-foot building would pay $705.87.

Due to the expected economic downturn as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, commissioners expressed concern that increasing the assessment rate at all could be a burden on property owners but also, that if rates aren’t increased this year and the personal income growth number goes down next year, the district might have more than one fiscal year where it operates at a loss.

Commissioner Al Robinson said he’s concerned about the burden on taxpayers if assessment rates are increased and then the district has a significant rollover from the current fiscal year. He asked staff to look into the past five years of financials to see what the rollover amount typically is for the district. WMFR is currently at the halfway mark at six months in the current fiscal year.

For the 2020-21 fiscal year, beginning Sept. 30, Rigney said that he expects operating expenses to increase $188,653, including required raises for staff and anticipated increases in insurance and other benefits, along with expenses to set up the planned new administration building. He said he expects an increase in operating expenses of $221,009 for the 2021-22 fiscal year, which is also a negotiating year for the firefighter’s union.

After the expenses for a new fire truck expected to arrive in the coming weeks, Rigney said he doesn’t anticipate any additional large expenditures for equipment in the next two to three years or more.

Commissioners are expected to vote on whether to increase the assessment rate for the coming fiscal year during their May 19 meeting.

Related coverage

 

WMFR commissioners review 2019 results

 

WMFR celebrates promotions, awards

Commissioners consider plans for new building

Commissioners consider plans for new building

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, West Manatee Fire Rescue.

BRADENTON – A lot has been purchased, an architect selected and now the first rendering is in for the design of West Manatee Fire Rescue’s new administration building.

The design, created by architects at the Hall Darling Design Studio, tops out at 3,879 square feet and contains office and storage spaces for the fire district’s staff, a kitchen and restroom facilities and a meeting room with a separate entrance that is hardened to survive a Category 5 storm.

Chief Ben Rigney presented the design to commissioners, saying it meets the district’s goals of having a smaller administration building. He added that the quote of $1,469,708 to build the structure falls within budget for the building and keeps the district out of debt, while the hardened meeting room gives the district a base of operations in case of a hurricane. The previous administration building, which was sold more than a year ago, was 11,200 square feet in size.

Rigney said he feels comfortable the district can pay for the construction of the building without borrowing funds using reserve funds and impact fees. He said an official not-to-exceed amount for the project is expected from the architects by August for commissioners to consider. If they agree to move forward with the project, he said the building could be ready to occupy by the middle of 2021. During the April 21 meeting, Rigney said he was looking for direction from commissioners to move forward with the proposed design and floorplan.

Commissioner Randy Cooper, who serves as the board’s liaison on the administration building project, said that while the floorplan as presented is a compromise, it’s one of the best he’s seen within the district’s budget.

While commissioners agreed they liked the proposed design, where they varied was in how to pay for the project.

Though Rigney said the district has the funds to pay for the construction project outright, Commissioner David Bishop said that with the current economic climate and drop in interest rates it might be more beneficial to borrow the funds and save the reserve funds that would be used to finance the building.

“Amen,” Commissioner Al Robinson said, agreeing with Bishop. “I’m in the amen corner on borrowing the money.”

While Commissioner Larry Jennis said he wouldn’t be opposed to borrowing the funds, Commissioner George Harris said he doesn’t see a reason for it when the district already has the money available. He added that with the effects of statewide shutdowns due to COVID-19 precautions, the economy may experience a downturn which could potentially lower the district’s construction costs.

Robinson said he’s still not in favor of constructing a new administration building due to the cost and that he would like to continue looking for a pre-existing structure in the district to purchase.

Rigney said the total cost of the building plus fees and the purchase of the property is expected to come in around $1.8-1.9 million dollars.

“This is absurd,” Robinson said. “This is ludicrous.”

Bishop said that while it does seem expensive, for a municipal building that has the amenities the fire district needs, including the hardening, he thinks the pricing is good.

Jennis agreed with Bishop, adding that what the district wants, a building that would survive a strong hurricane and still be usable, is a “specialty thing. It’s not a generic building.”

Cooper said he would work with Rigney to judge the feasibility of borrowing the funds for the project and bring options back to his fellow commissioners at an upcoming meeting.

Related coverage

 

WMFR commissioners review 2019 results

 

WMFR board considers building construction

Holmes Beach logo OLD

Commissioners give relief to local businesses

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Business, Restaurants | Bars, Retail.

HOLMES BEACH – Commissioners agreed during an April 28 virtual work session to do away with the fees associated with the city’s business tax receipt program, but only for the coming fiscal year.

Commissioner Terry Schaefer brought the issue to his fellow commissioners’ attention as a way to offer some financial relief to businesses that might be struggling due to COVID-19 closures. Schaefer said he’d like to give the business owners a break on the BTR, which was set to increase by 5% when renewals are due in the fall.

“It’s an effort on behalf of the city to work with our businesses,” Schaefer said, adding that if nothing else, it shows that the city’s leaders recognize the financial hardship that business owners are currently operating under.

He did not suggest doing away with the increase, which is now planned to go into effect for fiscal year 2021-22.

The city brings in about $45,000 in revenue from the BTR program. The 5% increase was approved to help cover more of the costs of administering the program. The work is done by the city clerk’s office to record, issue and renew the city’s BTRs.

City Attorney Patricia Petruff said that she would draft an ordinance for discussion at a future work session that requires business owners to file for new BTRs and renewals without having to pay the associated fee.

Related coverage

 

Holmes Beach parking closed for beachgoers

 

Boaters outnumber beachgoers in Holmes Beach

 

Holmes Beach mayor declares state of emergency

The Center receives financial help

The Center receives financial help

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Center of Anna Maria Island, Community News, Holmes Beach.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Center of Anna Maria Island’s finances are turning around thanks to support from dozens of donors over a few days.

In a May 2 letter, Executive Director Chris Culhane said the week ended with more than $91,000 in donations, helping to quickly reopen The Center’s doors when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted without sacrificing programming.

“The Board of Directors, the staff and I are blown away and beyond grateful,” Culhane said in the letter. “I would like to personally thank each and every one of you for The Center’s continued success.”

During the week of April 27, The Center participated in the Giving Partner Challenge, finished the Carter Challenge, had the Melancon Challenge and received a donation from the city of Holmes Beach.

The Giving Challenge offered a dollar-for-dollar match on funds donated between $25 and $100 over a 24-hour period through the challenge website. The challenge took place from noon on April 29 to noon on April 30. At the end of the challenge, The Center came in at 38 out of 678 participating area nonprofits with $76,938 in donations and $14,108 in matching funds to end the day at $91,046. The Melancon Challenge, created by Holmes Beach residents Mary Catherine and Mark Melancon, matched donations received through the Giving Challenge up to $10,000.

The Carter Challenge, created by Anna Maria residents Bob and Carol Carter, ended at the same time as the Giving Challenge but matched donations of $1,000 or more given directly to The Center up to $10,000. The ladies of the Roser Church Women’s Guild stepped up and donated $1,100 to The Center during the Carter Challenge on April 30.

On April 28, Holmes Beach commissioners voted four to one, with Commissioner Jim Kihm dissenting, to donate $22,500 to The Center for the 2019-20 fiscal year. The amount is the city’s budgeted customary annual donation to the nonprofit.

During the virtual meeting, Culhane spoke on The Center’s behalf, stating that the nonprofit typically needs $200,000 to make up revenue shortfalls from July through December. Before the COVID-19 crisis, which forced the nonprofit to shut its doors to the community in March, Culhane said it was estimated that The Center would end its fiscal year June 30 with $190,000 in the bank. With the loss of memberships, fundraisers and other programming, he told city commissioners that the new estimate is to end the year with $40,000-50,000, far short of the needed funds.

Now, with the funds raised through the various challenges, city donation and the anticipated receipt in a few months of a $150,000 donation from the estate of a private donor who passed away, The Center should be on good financial footing entering the 2020-21 fiscal year July 1.

Related coverage

 

Reel Time: Supporting Suncoast Waterkeeper: The Giving Challenge

 

Help out local nonprofits during the Giving Challenge

Reel Time: The cobia

Reel Time: The cobia

Written by Rusty Chinnis on . Posted in Fishing, Outdoors, Reel Time.

As local water temperatures fluctuate between seasons in the spring and fall, savvy anglers know to start looking for cobia in area waters.

Often mistaken for sharks whose shapes and coloration they resemble, cobia are long and streamlined with a broad, flattened head. Their upper body is brown with a dark lateral line that extends through the eye to the tail. The brown fades to white on the belly.

Cobia range up to 6 feet in length and can weigh more than 100 pounds. While most anglers target cobia in the Gulf, cobia range widely throughout local bays as well, particularly near local passes. They spawn in the spring and early summer and feed on crabs, small fish and squid.

Several changes to the management of cobia in state waters in the Gulf of Mexico went into effect Feb. 1. These changes were approved at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) meeting last December.

The changes strive to enhance sustainable management of this fishery and were developed in coordination with anglers, charter captains and the Coastal Conservation Association, which had expressed concern about the fishery. The changes will apply to all state waters north of the Monroe-Collier county line. Those changes include:

  • Making the recreational and commercial bag limits for cobia in Gulf state waters the same by reducing the commercial limit from two to one fish per person.
  • Reducing the recreational and commercial vessel limit in Gulf state waters from six to two cobia per vessel, per day. The 33-inch minimum size limit changed to 36-inch fork measurement in March.

Cobia have a way of surprising anglers, so it’s wise to have a rig ready should you encounter one.

Fly anglers who target cobia opt for at least a 10-weight outfit, although it’s possible to land smaller cobia on lighter outfits. A favorite fly is a black bunny tied to resemble a small eel, one of their favorite foods. Anglers fishing conventional tackle most often use live baitfish and live crabs, another of their favorite foods. Cobia will also hit a variety of plugs and lures that imitate baitfish.

This is the beginning of tarpon season and anglers targeting tarpon should be on the alert for cruising cobia. Last week AMI Outfitters owner Steve Traves anchored his boat and jumped on my bow (following social distancing guidelines) on a sand bar bordering Tampa Bay. It wasn’t long before I spotted a cruising stingray with a nice cobia riding his back. Cobia use rays as camouflage darting off them to eat prey that rays spook. After positioning the boat ahead of the ray, Traves made a cast that landed just in front of the ray. He then stripped it to intercept the two fish and the cobia rushed over and ate the fly. Unfortunately, the cobia came straight at the boat and Traves was unable to set the hook.

Later that day I was anchored up along another edge when a manatee came cruising down the bar with a 30-pound plus cobia “glued” to his back. I made a cast to intercept the cobia but hooked the manatee instead. Fortunately, I was able to pull my anchor and get in front of the manatee, freeing my fly. I was able to get several casts to the cobia but this one wasn’t interested in eating.

Captain Justin Moore has been seeing cobia while tarpon fishing and advises anglers to pay attention to any floating objects like flotsam and buoys as well as structure including markers and artificial reefs. Cobia are a worthy adversary for local anglers. They can show unexpectedly and be hard to target but put up a terrific battle and the smaller ones make great table fare.

Vacation rental owner issues plea to mayor

Vacation rental owner issues plea to mayor

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Business, Real estate | Development.

ANNA MARIA – Vacation rental owner Carolyn Hodgson is among those who are upset that vacation rental operations are still prohibited in Florida because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ phase one plans to reopen Florida’s economy took effect Monday according to Executive Order 20-112. Regarding vacation rentals, that order says, “The prohibition on vacation rentals in Executive Order 20-87 remains in effect for the duration of the new order.”

That order, issued on March 27 by DeSantis, states “I hereby order all parties engaged in rental of vacation rental properties to suspend vacation rental operations. Vacation rentals are prohibited from making new reservations or bookings and shall not accept new guests for check-in for the duration of this order.”

“It is devastating me personally and financially not being able to safely rent my home and cover my expenses to do so.” – Carolyn Hodgson, vacation rental owner

DeSantis’ original order excludes hotels, motels, inns, resorts, non-transient public lodging establishments, timeshares and long-term rentals of 30 days or more.

Two days earlier, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy had enacted a local emergency order prohibiting vacation rental companies from accepting new reservations through June 30.

During an emergency city commission meeting on Friday, May 1, the commission took no additional action regarding any existing or additional local vacation rental orders. When asked if his local rental reservations order remained in effect, Murphy said the governor’s reopening plan order overrules it.

Hodgson’s plea

Hodgson is the president and CEO of the Minnesota-based Freight Dynamic shipping company. She emailed Murphy Friday evening and copied DeSantis, Manatee County Commissioner Steve Jonsson and all five Anna Maria commissioners on her “Urgent critical message regarding short-term rental in Florida.”

Hodgson’s email notes she invested in two vacation rental homes in Anna Maria. One is on South Bay Boulevard and the other is on Elm Avenue.

“The only way I can afford them is to rent them out short-term,” she wrote.

Hodgson’s email notes she follows the city’s vacation rental guidelines, pays state and local taxes, pays annual licensing fees and pays “many thousands of dollars” in property taxes.

“My monthly mortgage and escrow is nearly $20,000. I have invested over $3 million in property in Anna Maria. It is devastating me personally and financially not being able to safely rent my home and cover my expenses to do so,” Hodgson wrote

Her email notes short-term rentals generate substantial revenues for local restaurants, retail shops, fishing charters and many other businesses.

“This statewide order from the governor cannot be modified and/or made less stringent by either the Anna Maria Commission or myself for the period of time that it may be in force.” – Dan Murphy, Anna Maria mayor

It also says, “You are putting the owners into grave financial recessions. I am asking you from the bottom of my heart, stop prohibiting short-term rental in Anna Maria. You will end up with foreclosures, abandoned homes, angry renters who will never come back and angry homeowners who invested in your town to be individually vilified.”

“Losing March, April and May will result in devastating losses. Adding June or July is toxic and extremely unfair. People will petition, they will protest and rally against the commissioners and governor and it will not bring you the kind of publicity you want or need. The vacation rental management companies will file a lawsuit against the city and state government. Their businesses are being destroyed by this prejudice and extreme unfairness and unwillingness to hear us out and let us make short-term renting safe and available. At least give us a chance to show you. If not, be prepared to reimburse us for our staggering losses and watch the city fall apart from it,” Hodgson wrote in conclusion.

Mayor’s response

On Saturday, Murphy responded to Hodgson and copied those who received her email.

“The city of Anna Maria is currently under the Governor of Florida’s Order 20-112. This statewide order from the governor cannot be modified and/or made less stringent by either the Anna Maria Commission or myself for the period of time that it may be in force. Nor would the city commission or myself choose to lessen its impact,” Murphy wrote.

“We appreciate the courage our Governor has shown in issuing this order, as it is designed to protect human life, limit the spread of COVID-19 virus and is in the best interests and safety of our residents, your clients, our visitors and the general public,” Murphy wrote.

“In view of hurricanes, red tide and possible economic downturns, vacation rental investments have always been considered high risk/high reward. While I certainly can sympathize with the negative impact this pandemic has had upon your personal business ventures in our city, the governor’s actions are designed to protect human life. I am certain you would agree that human life is more important than your next monthly mortgage and escrow payment on your vacation rental investment properties,” Murphy wrote.

In his response, Murphy said threats of lawsuits, protests, rallies and reimbursement should not prevent any elected official from protecting human life and acting in the best interests of public safety.

“These are indeed difficult times and require courage along with difficult decisions,” Murphy wrote.

What to expect on Monday at the beaches

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News.

Manatee County officials today announced details to manage crowds amidst several ongoing construction projects on Anna Maria Island ahead of public beaches opening on Monday.

“There are multiple construction projects ongoing at public beaches, but we’re doing our best to open other areas for parking while these parking spots are unavailable,” Beach Patrol Chief Joe Westerman said. “We want people to come and enjoy themselves at our lifeguarded beaches, but they need to remember social distancing guidelines and they should be respectful of other people who want to visit the beach.”

  • Public parking spots at the county’s three public beaches will be open from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., seven days a week beginning Monday, May 4. There will be approximately 400 parking spots at Coquina Beach, 200 at Cortez Beach and space for 250 vehicles at Manatee Beach. Drivers will be allowed an available space on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Beachgoers will have two hours of free parking each day to enjoy the beach with minimal restrictions. The limit will allow visitors to enjoy the sun, sand and water for a reasonable amount of time while allowing others to visit the beach throughout the day.
  • When they arrive, drivers will be given a two-hour parking pass and a reminder to remain a safe distance from others. Vehicles parked beyond the two-hour time limit will be subject to a parking citation and fine.
  • Typical beach activities are allowed.
  • As always, animals, alcohol, fires, glass bottles and vehicles are not allowed on county beaches anytime. Other beach gear is allowed and sunscreen is encouraged, especially for anyone who hasn’t been in the sun for several weeks.

County officials remind beachgoers that sea turtle nesting season begins May 1 and it’s against the law to touch or disturb nesting sea turtles, hatchlings, or their nests.

For the latest on the community-wide response to COVID-19 visit www.mymanatee.org/COVID-19.

An update on the first day of public beach access will be delivered to County Commissioners at their next meeting on Tuesday, May 5.

View the latest on Manatee County’s community-wide effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by visiting www.mymanatee.org/COVID-19.

First turtle nest of season early

First turtle nest of season early

Written by Cindy Lane on . Posted in Outdoors, Sea turtles.

ANNA MARIA – A loggerhead sea turtle jumped the gun and laid the first nest of the 2020 season on Anna Maria Island’s north end sometime the night of Sunday, April 19, nearly two weeks before the official start of turtle season on May 1.

Suzi Fox, director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, said the turtle appeared to have made a false crawl first in the same area, meaning she came ashore to nest but did not do so right away.

“It’s the earliest a turtle has ever come in here, I think,” said Fox, who began monitoring local beaches early, on April 1.

A vastly reduced crew of Turtle Watch staff is monitoring the beaches by ATV this season – for their own safety, no beach walkers will be allowed to volunteer to spot nests on foot due to the coronavirus pandemic, much to the dismay of some volunteers, Fox said.

Turtle Tips

During sea turtle season, May 1 – Oct. 31, please follow these tips:

– Turn off lights visible from the beach and close blinds from sundown to sunrise; lights confuse nesting sea turtles and may cause them to go back to sea and drop their eggs in the water, where they won’t hatch. Light can also attract hatchlings away from the water.

– Don’t use flashlights, lanterns or camera flashes on the beach at night.

– Remove all objects from the sand from sundown to sunrise; they can deter sea turtles from nesting and disorient hatchlings.

– Fill in the holes you dig in the sand before leaving the beach; they can trap nesting and hatching sea turtles, which cannot live long out of the water.

– Don’t use wish lanterns or fireworks; they litter the beach and Gulf.

– Do not trim trees and plants that shield the beach from lights.

– Never touch a sea turtle; it’s the law. If you see people disturbing turtles, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

Every volunteer on an ATV has a mask, Fox said adding, “We are using hand sanitizer and wipes. We want as few volunteers as possible on the beach for their safety.”

Due to social distancing concerns, Fox requests that if anyone sees a Turtle Watch ATV, please do not flag down the driver to chat. Instead, call 941-778-5638, email Fox or visit the organization’s new website or its Facebook page.

Fox also asks that people observe turtle lighting regulations to keep turtles and people safe – light sources should not be able to be seen from the beach – and that people don’t leave their beach chairs on the beach after sunset because they can entrap nesting sea turtles – and, in a few months, their hatchlings.

Beach chairs should not be an issue because beaches remain closed in Manatee County due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to Manatee County Information Outreach Manager Nicholas Azzara.

Beach renourishment is still planned for this summer, and Turtle Watch will work around the project, which turtles need as much as people do as beaches erode, leaving less room to nest, Fox said.

Last year, a record number of turtle nests was laid on the Island – 544, beating the 2018 record of 534.

Turtle Trail scavenger hunt is on

Just in time for the beginning of the sea turtle nesting season on Anna Maria Island on May 1, the Turtle Trail scavenger hunt has begun.

The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is launching the Turtle Trail to provide residents and their families with a safe and enjoyable activity to take part in while socially distancing.

In partnership with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, the CVB is encouraging residents and business owners to put stuffed animals, figurines, statues, photos or illustrations of sea turtles in windows, on mailboxes or in other visible places for families to search for while out on walks together. For those in need of a turtle to display, the CVB has created a printable coloring page that can be downloaded here.

Those who take part by putting a sea turtle on display or heading out with family to follow the trail are also encouraged to share images of their turtles or those they find on Instagram using #BradentonAreaTurtleTrail.

Officers enforce new parking measures

Officers enforce new parking measures

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – The Easter weekend was a busy one for Holmes Beach police officers as they worked to enforce the city’s new no parking mandates.

Beginning April 10, no parking orders went into effect in the city, blocking parking at all beach accesses, along city streets and in the right of way. Banners were placed throughout the city warning drivers that violators would be towed and beach accesses were blocked by police barricades. Some private parking areas where businesses were closed also were blocked off to prevent illegal parking on April 12.

Also on Sunday, officers and tow truck drivers created a staging area at the then-closed Kingfish Boat Ramp where 7 vehicles were towed on Sunday. In a conversation with The Sun on April 13, Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said that he had nine officers out on April 12 to help educate drivers. He said that his officers warned drivers as they parked that if they left the vehicle it would be towed at their expense. Without that, he said that the number of cars towed would have been much higher, around 40-50. For the drivers whose vehicles were towed, Tokajer said the vehicles were towed to the boat ramp instead of in town and officers gave the drivers a ride to Kingfish to pay to retrieve their vehicles while pointing out all of the banners and signs the drivers had passed warning of the city’s new parking policies.

Tokajer said that officers gave drivers 69 parking tickets over the weekend to help educate them that the new parking regulations would be enforced. He added that he had five tow trucks from different companies on Sunday to tow illegally parked vehicles. With Kingfish reopening on April 13, he said that if needed, officers may set up a towing staging area across the street instead of using the area for overflow boat trailer parking.

Both Tokajer and Titsworth said the new parking regulations are designed to help discourage people from coming to the beach and encourage them to abide by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ stay at home order, which is set to expire at midnight on April 30. Tokajer said he felt the new parking regulations helped with social distancing and keeping large groups from gathering.

The new parking regulations remain in force until at least April 30 or when Mayor Judy Titsworth rescinds her executive directive.

In Bradenton Beach, Lt. John Cosby said that there were no issues with illegally parked vehicles over the weekend. While the city remains under a state of emergency, drivers are advised to not park in the First Street North municipal parking lot, at the Coquina and Cortez county beach parking lots or in barricaded areas. Bradenton Beach police officers are strictly enforcing the new rules and violators may be ticketed or have their vehicles towed at their own expense.

– Sun reporter Joe Hendricks contributed to this story.

Related coverage

Bradenton Beach issues parking enforcement announcement

Holmes Beach parking closed for beachgoers

Coquina Beach south parking lot closing Monday

Local entrepreneurs give to save animals

Local entrepreneurs give to save animals

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Business, Retail.

ANNA MARIA – Mark and Christine McConnell are not your average business owners. The two created a line of t-shirts, hats and other items sold at the Pineapple Marketplace but most, if not all, of their profits go to help local animal rescue nonprofits in the area.

The foray into retail is a new venture for both of them, Mark said in a conversation with The Sun. The couple has two lines of shirts called AMI Guy and AMI Gal and featuring a distinctive turtle logo. The shirts are all long-sleeved and provide 98% protection from the sun.

“It’s just a really good product,” Mark said of the shirts.

When he came up with the idea, Mark said he taught himself how to use Photoshop and Illustrator to design and digitize the drawings for the lines’ surfboard and turtle designs. With some help from other local business owners, including friends at HowLuckyAMI and the Pineapple Marketplace, Mark said AMI Gal is now out-selling AMI Guy, the original line, and they’re looking to add new designs in the future.

The turtle logo is a best seller for the AMI Guy and AMI Gal lines. – Submitted | Mark McConnell

One thing you’ll notice upon seeing the couple’s booth at the front of the Pineapple Marketplace, a Pine Avenue store featuring 30 vendors selling everything from crafts to clothing and jewelry, is the signs on top of the clothing racks advertising that purchases help fund local animal rescues.

Mark said that he’s been donating to local rescue organizations since his arrival in Anna Maria Island seven years ago. After being joined by Christine, the idea to give as much as they could to the animal rescues evolved into the business they now run using local printers and suppliers to create their products. In the past three months, he said they’ve been able to donate $3,000 to local rescues. Some of the rescues they’ve helped include Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, UnderDog Rescue of Florida and Forget-Me-Not, a large dog/pitbull rescue in Bradenton.

“We’re trying to just keep getting as much money as we can to rescues,” Mark said.

Christine said that the rescues they’ve donated to so far are ones that they’ve had experience with. The couple adopted one of their puppies from UnderDog and Christine volunteers with Forget-Me-Not. As for AMITW, Mark said he has a lot of respect for the work the organization does and that “it’s a great cause.”

The couple said they’re open to helping additional organizations in the future.

In the future for their clothing line, Mark is working on websites for the AMI Guy and AMI Gal shirts as well as new designs. The physical retail space is planned to remain at the Pineapple Marketplace where the couple also volunteers.

Governor extends vacation rental order

Governor extends vacation rental order

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News.

TALLAHASSEE – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has extended a previously issued executive order that prohibits short-term vacation rental operations statewide.

On Friday, DeSantis issued and signed Executive Order (EO) 20-103.

“I hereby extend Executive Order 20-87 until April 30, unless extended by subsequent order,” EO 20-103 says.

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, DeSantis originally set forth his temporary vacation rental prohibitions and restrictions in EO 20-87 – an order issued on Friday, March 27 and enacted on Saturday, March 28.

“I hereby order all parties engaged in rental of vacation rental properties to suspend vacation rental operations. Vacation rentals are prohibited from making new reservations or bookings and shall not accept new guests for check-in for the duration of this order,” EO 20-87 said.

The governor’s directive did not apply to hotels, motels, inns, resorts, non-transient public lodging establishments, timeshares or long-term rentals of more than 30 days.

“DBPR shall revoke the vacation rental license of any party that violates this order or otherwise advertises vacation rental opportunities during the duration of this order; and DBPR shall alert the state authorities to evidence of violations or attempts to violate this order,” EO 20-87 said.

As a result of Friday’s extension order, the expiration date for DeSantis’ vacation rental prohibitions now coincides with the expiration of DeSantis’ essential services order, EO 20-91 – an order some refer to as a ‘stay-at-home’ order.

As of 5 p.m. Saturday, EO 20-103 was not yet posted at the governor’s website and the governor’s website made no mention of EO 20-87 being extended. The most recent executive order posted at the governor’s website was EO 20-102 on Thursday, April 9.

Local concerns

DeSantis’ delay in extending his vacation rental order caused trepidation for local officials who felt the need to discuss and/or enact local vacation rental-related emergency orders of their own.

On Thursday, Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth issued Emergency Directive 20-5, a directive pertaining to “prohibitions on residential rental properties.”

At Thursday evening’s Anna Maria City Commission meeting, it was noted DeSantis had not yet extended EO 20-87. This prompted discussion as to what, if anything, the city might need to do if DeSantis did not extend his order.

On Tuesday, March 24, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy issued an emergency order that temporarily prohibits new reservations for vacation rental stays of less than 30 days in Anna Maria.

“There shall be no new reservations for an arrival date of March 26 through June 30 of less than 30 days. Reservations with an arrival date on or subsequent to July 1 are excluded from this order,” Murphy’s order said.

Murphy issued his local order three days before DeSantis issued his statewide order.

During Thursday’s commission meeting, Murphy said the rationale behind his local order was to reduce the churn of people coming in and out of Anna Maria on a weekly basis, as part of the city’s efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19.

During Friday afternoon’s emergency Manatee County Commission meeting, county commissioners voted 7-0 in favor of sending DeSantis a letter requesting that he extend his vacation rental order until April 30.

When presenting the request, County Administrator Cheri Coryea said DeSantis had not yet extended his vacation rental order. It was noted the letter was requested and suggested by the Island city mayors and other city officials during Wednesday’s emergency operations policy group meeting.

Lack of notice

When contacted Saturday afternoon, Duncan Real Estate owner Darcie Duncan said she had not been informed that DeSantis extended his vacation rental order.

“We have not been informed of the governor’s extension, and I just checked. We have had nothing,” Duncan said.

Duncan was asked if she was notified when DeSantis issued his original vacation rental order on March 27.

“We didn’t get anything from the governor’s office. I found out through a news outlet,” she said.

Duncan said her company was not expecting any new short-term rental arrivals this week.

“We’re not encouraging anyone to come. We tried to deter everybody when we were on a ‘stay-at-home’ order because we knew it was the best thing to do,” Duncan said.

Duncan said she received notice from the city of Anna Maria when Murphy enacted his local emergency order in March.

Duncan said she received notice from Titsworth when she issued her emergency directive on Thursday.

Duncan said was informed in advance of Friday’s request for the county commission to send a letter to DeSantis seeking an extension of his vacation rental order.

As of Saturday, the city of Bradenton Beach had not enacted any emergency vacation rental restrictions and continued to operate according to the governor’s now-extended order.

Related coverage

 

Anna Maria addressing rental complaints locally

 

Governor suspends vacation rentals

 

Holmes Beach parking closed for beachgoers

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Featured, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – Visitors to local beaches may have a surprise if they park on city streets, at beach accesses or along the right of way. Beginning at 6 a.m. on April 10, Holmes Beach police officers will tow violators at the violator’s expense.

A press release from the HBPD on April 9 stated that all city parking would be closed, except that on private property, to discourage people from congregating at the beach. All Manatee County beaches, including Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach, remain closed to the public.

In an April 9 conversation with The Sun, Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth said that the decision to close the remaining parking at beach accesses, along with street and right of way parking, was made after officers witnessed a larger than normal amount of people on the beach April 8. She said the point is to discourage people from coming to the beach and, rather than issuing a parking ticket that a driver may dismiss or ignore, officers will be towing the vehicles at the owner’s expense.

“Anyone who is illegally parked will be towed,” she said.

To help with outreach for the new parking regulations, Titsworth said that new banners had been purchased to place throughout the city to inform residents and visitors of the penalties for parking illegally.

She added that while she understands that people may feel “cooped up” staying at home, it’s still very important for everyone to stay home as much as possible and practice social distancing when they go out to stop the spread of coronavirus.

According to an emergency directive issued by Titsworth on April 9, the new parking regulations will continue through midnight April 30 unless terminated through the official action of the mayor.

Related coverage

Island beaches ‘closed’ but still accessible

Manatee County public beaches closing Friday 

Holmes Beach mayor declares state of emergency

Holmes Beach logo OLD

Mayor issues executive order for vacation rentals

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – Mayor Judy Titsworth wants vacation rentals in her city to remain on hold at least through April 30.

On April 7, Titsworth issued an executive order requiring all vacation rental owners and managers to stop taking new reservations and to cease check-ins until Gov. Ron DeSantis lifts the state-wide stay at home order. The governor’s order is currently set to expire on April 30.

Titsworth’s order is in response to coronavirus concerns and in an effort to slow the spread of the disease. As of April 9, Holmes Beach had one confirmed case of COVID-19, the only case so far on Anna Maria Island.

In Titsworth’s April 8 daily status of the city report related to COVID-19, she said that the city’s vacation rental management companies informed city hall staff that there are many rental check-ins scheduled for the weekend of April 10-12.

In an April 9 discussion with The Sun, Titsworth said she spoke with several rental agency representatives who are expecting check-ins this weekend and needed help to cancel the reservations. By issuing the order, she said it gives the rental agencies the ability to cancel upcoming reservations. Titsworth added that all of the vacation rental managers she’s spoken with are on board with not allowing vacation rentals through the end of the month.

DeSantis issued an order March 27 stopping new vacation rentals in Florida for 14 days. Those 14 days expire on April 10. Titsworth said that during an April 8 policy group conference call with the leaders of neighboring municipalities and Manatee County that it was decided to ask county leaders to reach out to the governor’s office to see if the order stopping vacation rentals could be extended to match the length of the stay at home order.

If the order is not extended, Titsworth has instructed city attorney Patricia Petruff to draft an emergency directive prohibiting any check-ins at vacation rentals and any advertising of residential vacation rental properties until May 1.

Police and code compliance officers are enforcing the city’s no new check-in mandate for vacation rentals.

Related coverage

Anna Maria addressing vacation rental complaints locally

Mayor requests temporary end to vacation rentals

Governor suspends vacation rentals

Celebrate Easter with Roser Church

Celebrate Easter with Roser Church

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Churches, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – Congregations may not be able to gather this year due to the governor’s orders to stay at home and not gather in groups of more than 10, but that’s not stopping the Holy Week ministry at Roser Memorial Community Church.

The Holy Week services begin with Maundy Thursday on April 9. Between noon and 2 p.m., the Roser Chapel will be open for a drop-in communion service. During the service, all COVID-19 guidelines will be observed including limiting the number of people in the chapel at any one time, disinfecting and cleaning, and maintaining social distancing of six feet between people.

This year’s Good Friday service, “He Took My Place,” will be broadcast live online April 10 at 7 p.m. on the Roser website. The service also will be available to watch after the live broadcast on the Roser YouTube page.

On Easter Sunday, April 12, the 10 a.m. traditional worship service will be streamed live online followed by the 5:30 p.m. SoulJourn contemporary worship service. During the 10 a.m. service, the flower cross traditionally decorated by congregation members will be in the sanctuary. Once the service concludes, it will be placed outside the church for the public to view, along with Easter lilies, which can be purchased in honor or memory of a loved one for $7. The names of those honored with the lilies will be in the Friday April 10 e-bulletin.

Currently, the church is closed to the public but the chapel remains open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for individual prayer and meditation. A sanitizing station is located inside the door and the chapel is cleaned and sanitized twice daily.

The Roser Food Pantry also remains open to offer assistance to the community. While the food pantry is well-funded financially due to generous donations, the ability of volunteers to purchase items in bulk has been diminished by the current demand on supplies due to the coronavirus’s effect on the community. Volunteers are asking for help in purchasing needed supplies including canned soups, vegetables, beans, meat and fish, peanut butter, jelly, boxed meals such as macaroni and cheese, canned fruit, fruit juice, rice, pasta and cereal. Donations can be dropped off in front of the church office at 512 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria during office hours. A cart for the food pantry is located just outside the office door for donations. A full list of needed items is available online.

To request assistance from the food pantry, contact a pastor or make a prayer request, contact the church office at 941-778-0414 or email info@roserchurch.com.

Related coverage

Holy Week celebrations

Roser Food Pantry needs your help

 

First coronavirus case reported on Island

First coronavirus case reported on Island

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Featured, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – The first case of COVID-19 has been reported on Anna Maria Island and the patient is from Holmes Beach.

When the 10 a.m. coronavirus data came out April 2 from the Florida Department of Health, it showed 73 cases in Manatee County with 50 of them in Bradenton, four in Lakewood Ranch, two in Palmetto, one in Ellenton and one in Holmes Beach. There also are five cases in Longboat Key with three on the Manatee County side of the island and two on the Sarasota County side.

As of April 5, there were 135 cases of COVID-19 in Manatee County with three deaths and 28 hospitalizations, according to data from FDOH.

In Holmes Beach, Mayor Judy Titsworth has been issuing a state of the city report related to coronavirus daily for the past two weeks. Her update April 2 acknowledged the newly identified coronavirus case and reiterated her April 1 request, addressing Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order 20-91 ordering all Floridians to limit their movements outside of the house to essential activities, such as grocery shopping or going to the pharmacy, or providing essential services to the community. Titsworth asked that all residents stay at home, if possible, and practice social distancing when it’s necessary for them to leave their homes.

Titsworth extended the city’s state of emergency for an additional seven days, ending on April 6 with the option to extend for another seven-day period to be re-evaluated on a weekly basis. Currently, all city offices are open but the doors of city hall remain closed to the public. The April 14 city commission meeting and work session both are canceled.

She added that the city’s beaches and boat ramps both remain closed, though people are still allowed to go to the beach in groups of 10 or less as long as they practice social distancing, leaving 10-15 feet between groups. At the end of the day on March 31, Titsworth closed all of the city’s parks including the dog park, skate park, basketball court and tennis/pickleball courts to the public to discourage groups of more than 10 people forming and encourage residents to practice social distancing, remaining at least six feet from each other to reduce the community spread of coronavirus. On April 3, she reopened the large dog park with the pavilions remaining closed to discourage socialization by pet parents. Parks and the beaches are all being monitored by Holmes Beach police officers.

She also said that city code compliance officers are monitoring the occupancy levels at Holmes Beach motels, hotels and short-term rentals on a daily basis. On March 25, she sent a letter out asking that all vacation rental owners and agents stop taking new reservations until further notice. On March 27, DeSantis suspended all vacation rental check-ins in the state for a period of 14 days.

In the April 2 report, Titsworth noted that nine out of the 20 properties checked that day by code compliance officers were found to be in violation of the city and governor’s orders and advertising mandates, still allowing for booking and check-in of guests. She said that code and police officers will be monitoring in person and online advertising to make sure that no check-ins take place at vacation rentals. Any property owners or managers found to be in violation will be cited and reported to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Titsworth’s daily updates can be found on the city’s website.

Related coverage

 

Mayor requests temporary end to vacation rentals

 

Mayor discusses the state of the city

 

Boaters adapting to new coronavirus restrictions