Tag: Anna Maria

Fireside chats: Vacation rentals

Written by Rodney Kwiatkowski on January 24, 2023. Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News, West Manatee Fire Rescue.

Our community is changing. That’s a given, but communities are always changing, and change isn’t necessarily a bad thing. When it comes to changing communities, the fire district’s goal is to adapt to the change and continue providing the needed services. We are not politicians, but public servants and among the most valuable service we provide is safety. Walk into any supermarket, doctor’s office, library, etc., and you will find occupancy-specific passive and active fire and life safety features designed to protect life and limit the damage caused by fire; fire barriers, fire alarms systems and sprinklers systems to name a few. Local fire districts have done a commendable job of keeping up with the change in these areas. However, there is one area where change has outpaced our ability to keep up… vacation rentals.

Let me be clear, West Manatee Fire Rescue District is not proposing the enactment of any new legislation or ordinance aimed at restricting or prohibiting residential occupancies from renting as transient public lodging establishments; that is not our goal, nor is it our role. As a fire district, we recognize the value both small and large business provides to a healthy, vibrant community. Our objective is life safety!

Safety in vacation rentals

It is estimated that someone is injured in a vacation rental every 44 seconds, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Estimations aside, during the last three years on Anna Maria Island there were 11 structure fires at single-family residential occupancies. Of those 11, eight, or 73%, occurred at licensed transient public lodging establishments (TPLE).

Furthermore, on Anna Maria Island in 2022, not counting on our beaches or in swimming pools located at multi-family occupancies, there were three pediatric drownings or near drownings; of those three, 100% occurred at TPLEs.

The drowning crisis last year provoked a WMFR Water Safety Campaign that was kicked off by a press conference in Holmes Beach where, among other experts, Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge and Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth gave impassioned pleas imploring the public to commit to overseeing young people while in and around our waters. Since then, WMFR has continued its efforts to provide water safety materials to local vacation rental companies. Along the way, questions have been asked as to the extent of oversight the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) has over vacation rentals. This article wishes to address that question.

What is a vacation rental?

Florida Statute 509.242(1) states, “A public lodging establishment shall be classified as a hotel, motel, non-transient apartment, bed and breakfast inn, or vacation rental if the establishment satisfies the following criteria…” Florida Statute 509.242(1)(c) goes on to define a vacation rental as, “Any unit or group of units in a condominium or cooperative or any individually or collectively owned single-family, two-family, three-family, or four-family house or dwelling unit that is also a transient public lodging establishment…” And finally, Florida Statute 509.013(4)(a)(1) defines Transient Public Lodging Establishments as “any unit, group of units, dwelling, building, or group of buildings within a single complex of buildings which is rented to guests more than three times in a calendar year for periods of less than 30 days or 1 calendar month, whichever is less, or which is advertised or held out to the public as a place regularly rented to guests.” Transient public lodging establishments are licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations (DBPR).

There are some exclusions, however. For example, if one had a single-family home and wished to convert it into an assisted living facility, a license from the Agency for Healthcare Administration (ACHA) would be required. Similarly, requirements for daycare centers and nursing home licensure would be required. The aforementioned are occupancies that WMFR has been inspecting annually for years without hesitation or question. WMFR inspects these occupancies utilizing the appropriate prescriptive chapters of the current edition of the Florida Fire Prevention Code.

Fire code and vacation rentals

Florida Statute 633.206(1)(b) Uniform Fire Safety Standards states: “State Legislature mandates local fire jurisdictions protect the health, safety, and welfare of “all-new, existing, and proposed… nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult family-care homes… transient public lodging establishments…” Additionally, it goes on to say in 633.206(2)(b), “All such local authorities shall enforce, within their fire safety jurisdiction, the uniform fire safety standards for those buildings specified in paragraph (1)(b).” Lastly, the Division of State Fire Marshal’s Florida Administrative Code 69A-43 Uniform Fire Safety Standards for Transient Public Lodging Establishments, Timeshare Plans, and Timeshare Unit Facilities further address the required inspections of TPLEs and which specific prescriptive code sections to utilize.

Changing together

As Manatee County, Anna Maria Island and the vacation rental industry continue to grow and change, it is incumbent upon WMFR to keep up with the change. The fire district has a state mandate to protect the health, safety and welfare of those vacationing in transient public lodging establishments. To that end, WMFR wishes to partner with all state and local stakeholders to ensure those living, working and playing within our community are safe. Please join us at our first vacation rental stakeholders meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 10 a.m. at Holmes Beach City Hall.

Salem, Seymour seek city commission seat

Written by Joe Hendricks on January 24, 2023. Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – On Thursday, Jan. 26, the city commission will appoint Charlie Salem or Brian Seymour to fill the commission seat recently vacated by Carol Carter.

Commissioners Mark Short, Jon Crane, Robert Kingan and Deanie Sebring will decide whether Salem or Seymour serves the remaining months of Carter’s two-year commission term, which expires after the city elections in November.

The sitting commissioners will base their decision in part on the presentations Salem and Seymour gave during a city commission workshop on Jan. 19. The two commission applicants each answered the 24 questions they received in advance as part of a new vetting process recommended by Mayor Dan Murphy.

When filling past commission vacancies, applicants were simply given a few minutes to address the commission before the appointment was made. During Thursday’s workshop, Salem and Seymour were given as much time as they needed to address the commission.

The questions were received before State Rep. Will Robinson Jr. and other state legislators who represent Manatee County expressed their desire for the state to preempt the city of Holmes Beach’s building codes so Manatee County can build a public parking garage. Those same legislators also seek a state-funded study pertaining to the potential dissolution of the three Island cities and its city governments.

Introductory remarks

Salem was born and raised in Miami. He and his husband, Scott Toland, moved from Washington D.C. to Anna Maria in 2017. They own a commercial building on Pine Avenue that’s leased to two businesses. Salem serves as a board member for The Center and in 2021 was appointed to the city’s Planning and Zoning Board.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in political science and government and a doctorate degree in law, Salem worked in Tallahassee as a special counsel for the State of Florida’s Office of Planning and Budgeting. He then moved to Washington D.C. to run a state office of federal affairs pertaining to the Hurricane Andrew recovery efforts in south Florida. He then served as legislative director and chief of staff for a U.S. Senator and he finished his time in D.C. working as a public policy director for Microsoft.

In reference to Robinson and other state legislators, Salem said, “I’m re- ally concerned about our permanent resident population and the ability of our citizens to be able to govern themselves. That is something I think I could help bring some focus to.”

Seymour was born and raised in the Washington D.C. area and moved to Anna Maria 14 years ago. He spent 20 years working for Marriot International before becoming the owner/operator of the Anna Maria General Store & Deli. He and his business partners also operate the City Pier Grill in space leased from the city.

Seymour was elected to the city commission in 2016 and earned a second term running unopposed in 2018. He resigned from office in September 2019 to devote more time to his business ventures and private life. While in office, Seymour served as commission chair and as vice mayor. Seymour said this is a good time for him to return to the commission.

Applicant presentations

Regarding the most important responsibilities of a city commissioner, Salem listed protecting quality of life, ensuring public safety and being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars.

“I haven’t held elected office, but I’ve been around both the legislative and executive branches of government,” Salem said.

Seymour said it’s important to be open and approachable to everyone and to be open-minded and educated about other people’s concerns.

“Take the personal out of your decisions and do what’s best for the entire community,” he said.

Regarding his skills that would benefit the city, Salem listed “Understanding the political and the policy processes, how the levers of government work and how we can use the resources we have to impact that process.”

Regarding the state legislators’ latest efforts to eliminate the Island cities’ home rule rights, Salem said, “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.”

Regarding his beneficial skills and traits, Seymour said, “I believe I’m pretty open-minded. I might go into a discussion with an opinion but you can change my mind. I’m open to both sides of an idea. I also tend to look at the benefit to others before I look at a benefit to myself.”

Salem and Seymour agree that street paving, stormwater and drainage projects and the pending Pine Avenue safety improvements are the city’s top three core objectives, but neither believes installing bike paths along Pine Avenue and preserving the existing parallel parking spaces should be an either/or proposition. Both said they want to learn more as to why bike paths can’t be installed without eliminating the street-side parking spaces.

If forced to choose one or the other, Seymour said he’d keep the existing parking spaces.

Regarding additional priorities, Salem said, “Given recent developments, I’d say home rule is also very important and something I’ve been working on as part of planning and zoning is restoring the balance between vacationers and the residents. I think that’s also important for home rule. If we don’t have an active population and voter base that cares about the city, we’re not going to be able to withstand the influences from outside of our Island that are trying to govern us.”

Seymour said, “We could potentially lose home rule and they could throw all those codes and ordinances out the window and we could become a high-rise city. That scares me.”

Seymour thinks the city should also prioritize utility infrastructure improvements.

“I think this Island and our city has a considerable problem with utility infrastructure,” Seymour said.

He noted the 500 block of Pine Avenue loses power for six to 12 days a year, even on sunny days. He also said several Anna Maria properties recently experienced non-storm-related Spectrum internet service interruptions on two non-consecutive days.

“It really impacts business when we can’t process payments. How can we partner with FPL and Spectrum to make our grid a little more stable?” Seymour said.

Salem and Seymour both said they’d seek re-election in November if appointed.

They both support the 2.05 millage rate that’s remained in effect for several years. Salem favors the lowest tax rate possible and Seymour is open to lowering or raising the millage rate if needed.

They agree that noise ordinance enforcement is important for maintaining residents’ quality of life. Neither owns vacation rental properties and neither has any conflicts of interest they feel would impede their ability to govern.

AMI fights back against state representatives

Written by SUN contributor on January 23, 2023. Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News, Featured.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – As state representatives discuss bypassing Holmes Beach codes to build a parking garage and dissolving the three Island cities, locals aren’t taking it lying down.

Residents, property owners, business owners, visitors and others who love the Island just the way it is have banded together to get the word out and reach out to Manatee County’s state legislative delegation members in an effort to have their voices heard in Tallahassee.

Led by Holmes Beach resident Laurel Nevans, 950 people had joined Save AMI Cities as of Jan. 23. The Facebook group is dedicated to making the people’s voices heard at the local and state level on both issues.

The battle is focused on a parking garage. Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge wants to build one at Manatee Beach, a property owned by the county but located in Holmes Beach. Before those plans got off the ground, city commissioners voted to not allow multi-level parking structures in their city, a stance echoed by city leaders in Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria. Van Ostenbridge warned city leaders at a public meeting that there would be consequences to their actions.

Now the fight has escalated to the state level with Rep. Will Robinson Jr. initiating a bill to not only override the city’s decision to disallow parking garages but also to break the city’s three-story building height restriction, which is in the city charter. Robinson said he wants to see a four-story parking garage built at Manatee Beach. A four-story garage also would violate the three-story height limitation for unincorporated Manatee County, which is what the Island would likely be merged into if all three Island cities were dissolved by the Legislature.

That possibility arose from state legislative delegation discussions earlier this month to consider hiring the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability to study the feasibility of dissolving the Island’s three cities.

Protestors speak out

Members of Save AMI Cities are writing letters to state representatives and looking at other ways to make sure their opinions on the proposed measures are heard.

The Sun reached out to those members to see what they have to say about the two proposals.

“This ‘taking’ of our local cities diminishes our votes and our ability to get those little things done in our communities,” Binky Rogers said. “We have owned in Bradenton Beach for 35 years and lived here permanently for 14 years. I feel that our mayor and city commission have our best interests at heart, and they are very approachable. The ‘bully’ county commissioners will not worry too much about our small Island except, of course, bringing in more tax dollars from all the high rises that’ll appear. All I can say at this point is think hard about who you vote for. We can’t just ‘pave over paradise and put up a parking lot.’ ”

“I recognize the value of tourism to our little island, but it’s the vibrant, quaint, simple life that we fell in love with and that is slowly being destroyed by developers,” Holmes Beach resident and local Realtor Kelly Gitt said. “I am strongly against the proposal of a parking garage and an advocate of slower speed limits, safe sidewalks/bike lanes and paying a toll to come out to the island. I don’t believe the parking garage has anything to do with protecting our beaches or the slower pace of life we love and appreciate here.”

“I’m a homeowner and small business owner here on AMI,” Bob Casey said. “A parking garage is not the solution and I think the county commissioners know this. How about finishing the parking lot at Coquina? I could be wrong, but I think they have ulterior motives. If they can overrule our three-story building limit it will be like ringing the dinner bell to all the developers. Then AMI will lose its old-school charm that locals and visitors alike enjoy. Our local governments are not perfect (who is?) but they live among us and have our best interests at heart.”

“The tourist board advertises Anna Maria as ‘a taste of Old Florida,’ then does everything it can to destroy that,” resident Janis Ian said.

“It begs the question of what the motivation is for the county commissioners and legislators to try and control AMI,” part-time Island resident Barbara Trinklein Rinckey said.

Chris Arendt referenced an Urban Land Institute study that notes that additional parking on the Island will not solve issues related to reaching maximum capacity for people and vehicles on the seven-mile Island. Arendt called both proposals by the legislative delegation “sham proposals.”

“It’s intimidation, plain and simple,” Arendt said. “Fact is every single Island conservative I know, and that’s many, are vehemently opposed to both the proposals. That should tell you all you need to know.”

“This is outright intimidation to control our Island towns,” Barbara Quinn said. “A garage won’t help the massive traffic caused by overdevelopment.”

“The Manatee County commission wants to keep their thumb on the cash cow that is AMI,” Laura Siemon Seubert said. “And a certain county commission member didn’t get his way, he essentially ran to ‘daddy’ to step in and make the other kids play with him. The county doesn’t care if we turn into another Panama City Beach or Fort Lauderdale. They only see the dollar signs with each bed tax. The ironic thing is a parking garage won’t help the bottom line. The day trippers that will use the parking garage aren’t spending the night. There is no financial gain from a parking garage. And as far as the three cities becoming one? All the charm and uniqueness of the Island will disappear.”

“I thought we lived in the United States?” Bradenton Beach resident Chris Johnson questioned. “Have any of the commissioners talked to the Islanders to see how we feel on the Island? This Island has been in my family’s blood for four generations, and we have protected the Island for years. The beaches are beautiful but there is more to this Island than beaches.”

An island in the sun

Written by Louise Bolger on January 23, 2023. Posted in Business, Castles in the Sand.

I clearly remember traveling to the Caribbean islands when I was still living in the cold northeast and wondering what it would be like to live and work in such a beautiful place. Do high heel shoes become a thing of the past, to be replaced by flip flops, and do you immediately discard anything that says 100% wool, not to mention pantyhose? I did all of this and never looked back except to be grateful that I found this particular Island when I did.

Don’t misunderstand; I am very pro-real estate and most of the homes on Anna Maria Island are tasteful, new and built to current hurricane building codes, making them safer than their one-level ranch ancestors. Nevertheless, these days if I visit a small island, I can’t help comparing it to Anna Maria Island and can’t even imagine what the next 10 years will bring.

For now, let’s see what the December sales statistics for Manatee County have to say, reported by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee:

Single-family homes closed 29.7% fewer properties from December of last year. The median selling price was $507,000, up 10.2% from last year, but the average selling price was $610,237, down 0.6% from last year. The median time to contract was 27 days this December compared to six days last December, and the month’s supply of available properties is three months this year compared to 0.6 last year.

Condos closed 24.2% fewer properties from December of last year. The median selling price was $344,475, up 13.7% from last year, but the average selling price was $364,057, down 3.6% from last year. The median time to contract was 19 days compared to six days last year, and the month’s supply of available properties was 2.7 months this December compared to 0.5 last year.

The consensus of opinion is that 2022 has been a change or shift in the market and we are seeing that as well. Dr. Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, indicates that inflation has been dropping and consumers can expect mortgage rates will likely fall as well.

In addition, although there are fewer sales, we have a significant increase in listings, making more properties available. Our market is still, however, considered a seller’s market per the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee.

An island – really just a spit of sand in the Atlantic Ocean – that made all these feelings come roaring back was a one-day stop at a totally undeveloped island called Half Moon Cay, a private island owned by one of the major cruise companies. The actual name for this dot of paradise is Little San Salvador Island 100 miles southeast of Nassau in the Bahamas. Half Moon Cay’s size is close to Anna Maria Island’s, but you would never know it driving around. There are only a handful of homes, a beautiful lagoon, a tourist center with shops and a spectacular unspoiled beach.

That said, based on a recent profile of Anna Maria in the Wall Street Journal, Anna Maria, “a tropical oasis,” is Florida’s second-most expensive zip code (34216) as ranked by median listing price, according to realtor.com. Anna Maria city is topped by Miami’s Fisher Island, pretty good company.

As Anna Maria keeps growing and property values keep going up, I wonder what would happen to lovely Little San Salvador if civilization invaded their beach. Every time I read a profile of Anna Maria in a national publication it leaves me shaking in my flip-flops, but that’s progress and this is an island in the sun.

State representatives rock Island residents

Written by SUN contributor on January 12, 2023. Posted in Uncategorized.

MANATEE COUNTY – Members of the local state legislative delegation are making plans to permanently change the face of Anna Maria Island, beginning with a parking garage and potentially ending with the dissolution of the three Island cities.

During a Jan. 12 legislative delegation meeting, Rep. Will Robinson Jr. brought up beach access, specifically beach access and parking in Holmes Beach. Robinson, a Republican, proposed introducing a bill during the upcoming state legislative session to pre-empt Holmes Beach city leaders’ decision to ban parking garages and allow a four-story parking garage to be built on the Manatee County-owned parcel at Manatee Beach. His fellow Republican members of the delegation, Rep. Tommy Gregory, Rep. Mike Beltran, Sen. Jim Boyd and Sen. Joe Gruters, voted unanimously in favor of the proposal and putting the bill forth for consideration at the state level.

Contact Manatee County state representatives

Rep. Will Robinson Jr.

District office: (941) 708-4968

Capitol office: (850) 717-5071

Email: Will.Robinson@myfloridahouse.gov

Rep. Mike Beltran

District office: (813) 653-7097

Capitol office: (850) 717-5070

Email: Mike.Beltran@myfloridahouse.gov

Rep. Tommy Gregory

District office: (941) 893-5434

Capitol office: (850) 717-5072

Email: Tommy.Gregory@myfloridahouse.gov

Sen. Jim Boyd

District office: (941) 742-6445

Capitol office: (850) 487-5020

Email: boyd.jim.web@flsenate.gov

Sen. Joe Gruters

District office: (941) 378-6309

Capitol office: (850) 487-5022

Email: gruters.joe.web@flsenate.gov

If the proposed bill makes it through all of the levels of state government, including passing votes through committees and the Senate, and gains the approval of Gov. Ron DeSantis, it would allow county commissioners to subvert local governments and issue their own building permits for construction on county-owned property regardless of in which municipality the property is located. It also would allow for the construction of a parking garage in excess of the city of Holmes Beach’s building height restrictions, which limits structures to three stories tall.

“I thought it was incumbent for the Legislature to step in and pre-empt that authority to allow a four-story parking garage if the county commission so votes and funds that parking garage to be built,” Robinson said. “It is fundamental for anyone to be able to visit our public beach and, in my view, parking spaces have been strategically taken away over the last few years under the guise of COVID to not allow folks to access the beach. Folks are getting frustrated – they can’t park, they can’t access the beach, they’re turning around and they’re going back home. And, to me, there’s nothing more important than to allow a person, a taxpayer, who pays for that beach, by the way, to visit that beach.”

Currently, the majority of beach renourishment funding comes from state-funded renourishment programs and the county resort tax, paid by visitors, not local tax dollars.

Dissolving Island cities?

The group also agreed to look into the possibility of engaging The Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability to do a study to see how feasible it would be to dissolve the three city governments on the Island. If that were to happen, Robinson said it would remove the city governments in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach, replacing them with Manatee County commissioners and administration. He said it could be a good tax break for residents who would no longer have to pay city taxes.

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth issued a statement in reply to the legislative delegation discussions.

“I am disappointed at the position that Will has taken regarding pre-empting city ordinances to construct a parking garage in a coastal community when the city currently and historically has always exceeded the number of parking spaces required for state-funded beach renourishment and interlocal agreements with the county,” Titsworth said. “As a mayor in his district, I would have appreciated Mr. Robinson to have, in the very least, given notice prior to getting out of his lane in making such a bold move. At this point in time I shouldn’t be surprised about anything that comes from this district. I do not feel Mr. Robinson needed the support of the local delegation to move on this bill but next time he moves on a bill that will affect the lives of our city residents, I hope that he would first reach out to the representatives of the city so he can become better informed. A four-story parking garage at the entrance to our city is not in keeping with the historical character of our quaint city. For this to happen, the potential gutting of our height restrictions would also be in play. These restrictions are in our city charter. This undoubtedly is what led to the next proposal by the representative which is the consideration of the consolidation and/or dissolution of the three Island cities.”

“I believe that is probably the biggest overstep and attack on home rule yet,” she continued. “Holmes Beach has been incorporated for over 70 years. We are a vibrant and prosperous city. Our population continues to grow. Our city is responsible for the majority of the contributions to the tourist development tax in the county and has contributed over $30 million since its inception. We continue to improve roads, sidewalks and storm infrastructure and continue to make public safety a number one goal. We have a very strong commission and numerous appointed boards. All board positions are readily filled by residents who desire to give their time to civic duty. The city of Holmes Beach is proud of not only retaining its residents but providing a tourism experience that is a top vacation destination. Property values continue to soar and our city has investors from all over the world. For a representative to single out Anna Maria Island to study dissolving our city chartered governments is a wake-up for all cities of this state. Because of this, I do not believe this will receive the legislative act that this representative is seeking.”

Robinson said that he feels “very confident” in the proposed legislation and that he feels it will pass during the state legislative session beginning Monday, April 10.

Anna Maria: The Year in Review

Written by Joe Hendricks on January 4, 2023. Posted in Anna Maria, Community News, Special Sections, Year in Review.

ANNA MARIA – Reimagining Pine Avenue, Mote Marine, food trucks and noise violations were among the top new stories in Anna Maria in 2022.

Projects

Mayor Dan Murphy and the city commission spent much time in 2022 discussing the pending Reimaging Pine Avenue safety improvements planned to include new sidewalks along both sides of the street, new and improved crosswalks and possibly some new streetlights. The safety improvements to be made in 2023 will be partially funded by a $1.28 million state appropriation received in 2022. In September, the commission decided not to pursue a project-related roundabout and delivery truck turnaround at end of Pine Avenue near the trolley stop and the city pier.

In April, the commission granted Mote Marine Laboratory a lease extension to complete the long-delayed installation of an educational outreach center on the city pier that was originally expected to open in March 2022. The extension gives Mote Marine until March 2023 to complete the interior buildout and exhibit installation in the city-owned pier building. According to Murphy, that work is now underway.

Adopted in September, the city’s $11.4 million 2022-23 fiscal year budget maintained the existing 2.05 millage rate and included $1.75 million for stormwater and drainage improvements and maintenance and $799,000 for street paving.

Issues & actions

In July, the mayor, commission and city attorney began working on a proposed ordinance intended to establish a designated food truck zone that would limit where food trucks can operate in Anna Maria in response to a state law enacted in 2020 that prevents local governments from prohibiting food truck operations.

In August, Murphy proposed, and the commission supported, locating the food truck zone at the far end of Bayfront Park, near the Hibiscus Street and North Shore Drive intersection. Due to concerns voiced by the public, the commission and the mayor, the proposed food truck ordinance was rejected and discussions have not yet resumed.

In May, at the city’s request, Special Magistrate Gerald Buhr deemed a vacation rental home at 313 Magnolia Ave. to be a public nuisance because three noise violation citations were to guests staying there during a 12-month period. In June, the city filed a lawsuit against the Mangoes on Magnolia LLC ownership group seeking a court ruling that would prohibit the home from being operated as a short-term vacation rental for one year.

Several legal filings have ensued, but a hearing before Manatee County Circuit Court Judge Edward Nicholas has not yet been scheduled.

In July, Buhr deemed a vacation rental home at 205 South Bay Blvd. to be a public nuisance due to three noise violation citations being issued to guests staying there within in a 12-month period. The property is owned by Shawn Kaleta’s Beach to Bay Investments LLC and managed by his AMI Locals real estate firm. A $313 lien was later placed on the property for the administrative fees and costs incurred by the city. Kaleta’s legal team is appealing the special magistrate’s ruling.

Also in July, the commission authorized the issuance of building permits for the construction of a new beachfront home on a previously vacant lot at 105 Elm Ave. The commission authorization was contingent on property owner Fedora Campbell providing additional drainage elements at her expense and FDEP reviewing the proposed plans, both of which occurred.

At the time, Wendy and Robert Jordan owned the adjacent home at 107 Elm and opposed the permitting request because the construction of Campbell’s new home seaward of their home would obstruct their view of the beach. The Jordans’ opposition efforts included the Preserve AMI publicity campaign launched in 2021. The Jordans purchased their home in 2021 for $4 million and in December sold it to the Ohio-based DePalma Corporation for $4.15 million, according to the warranty deed.

Politics

In 2022, the city of Anna Maria and lobbyist Chip Case led the statewide efforts to defeat the Florida legislature’s annual attempt to preempt vacation rental regulation to the state and take away the city’s ability to regulate vacation rentals at the local level. Those efforts were aided by citizen participation and the city-owned Home Rule Florida website. In August, the mayor and commission decided to switch lobbyists and entered into a contract with the Tallahassee-based Corcoran Partners lobbying firm for the 2023 legislative session that begins March 7.

Running unopposed in the November election, Murphy and incumbent city commissioners Deanie Sebring and Mark Short earned additional two-year terms in office. In December, the commission selected Short to serve as the new commission chair for the coming year. On Dec. 15, longtime commissioner Carol Carter vacated the remaining 10 months of her two-year commission term because she and her husband, Bob, relocated to Sarasota County. The commission will appoint her successor on Jan. 26.

Passings

On Aug. 1, longtime Anna Maria resident and former Anna Maria Elementary School Principal Jack Dietrich passed away at the age of 92.

On Aug. 14. Anna Maria resident, businessman and Pine Avenue Restoration co-founder Mike Coleman passed away at the age of 74.

Special events

In May, the city hosted its annual Memorial Day Patriotic Symphony Salute at City Pier Park. In October, the city’s seasonal farmers market resumed weekly operations. Around that time, the city-sponsored Movies in the Park film screenings resumed.

In November, the city hosted its annual “Old Soldiers & Sailors” Veterans Day parade post-parade recognition ceremony. In December, the city hosted its annual Holiday Bright Lights decorating contest and Santa Stops event at City Pier Park, followed that evening by the merchant-sponsored Holiday of Treasures open house along Pine Avenue.

Hurricanes

In late September, Hurricane Ian left many Anna Maria residents and businesses without electrical and water service for varied lengths of time, but the physical damage was mostly limited to downed trees, downed power lines, downed fences and downed street signs. In November, Hurricane Nicole had no significant impact in Anna Maria.

Arrivals & Departures

In January, Building Official David Gilson departed after accepting a similar position with the city of New Port Richey. In May, he reversed course and returned as the city’s building official.

High school graduate Destin Gollamudi served as the city’s summer intern before heading to Gainesville in August to start his freshman year of college at the University of Florida.

In July, Public Works Manager Dean Jones departed after accepting a position with the city of Bradenton’s Public Works Department. Ryan Wieland was promoted from within to serve as Jones’ successor.

In August, City Planner Chad Minor departed after accepting the city planner’s job in Holmes Beach. After relocating from Texas, Ashley Austin succeeded Minor in Anna Maria.

In November, Deputy Patrick Manning left the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office’s Anna Maria Unit and was reassigned to the Manatee County Judicial Center in downtown Bradenton en route to his anticipated retirement.

In December, Administrative Assistant Kristin Olsen left the city’s employment for personal reasons.

Gulfview wins Hayward Cup

Written by Monica Simpson on December 12, 2022. Posted in Soccer, Sports.

ANNA MARIA – After nearly 45 minutes of Island soccer action, playoff underdogs Gulfview Windows and Doors came out on top. With nine saves in the game against the likes of Danny Anderson, JD Webb, Pedro Gonzalez and Will Kretzmann, Tuna McCracken was arguably the game’s MVP.

McCracken’s cat-like reflexes and perfect placement kicks helped take the Gulfview team led by Keith Mahoney to victory against the talented and physically powerful Sato Real Estate squad.

Playing down the first 10 minutes of the game, Gulfview had a player advantage on Sato.

Raul Loera led the Gulfview team in scoring last Thursday night with a hat trick. Loera’s three goals were complemented by a single by Thomas Magnotic, giving the team the 4-3 win in the final game of the season.

Mahoney was credited with an assist in the big win. His team made it to through to the end with strong play by Chris Culhane, David Kesten, Zach Long, Brandon Rolland and Asli Gunsel.

On the other side of The Center’s pitch team, captain Josh Sato stood on the sidelines only able to watch his team lose by one goal.

Sato stepped down from the team prior to the start of playoffs knowing he would be away for his wed- ding. Kretzmann, Sato’s replacement, matched the talented skills of the veteran player, scoring two goals in the championship game.

Gonzalez had a solo goal, while teammate Webb made an assist.

Protecting the net for Sato was Mark Rudacille, credited with two big saves in the game, helping his team to stay in the game, along with the strong defense of the Sato squad.

Finishing the season with dynamic play and sheer athleticism, Danny Anderson showed no quit in the game, diving and flying until the final whistles.

Anderson’s teammates Brian Leib- fried, Jacek Czajkowski, Ben Sato, Lindsey Styka and Justine Wells all contributed with strong team play to finish the regular season ranked second going into the playoffs.

The naming of the Paul “Ace” Hay- ward Cup champions set the stage for the adult kickball league’s championship game to be played Monday night. With Captain Ron’s Crew pitted against Paddy Wagon, it is anyone’s game to win.

Sun Scoreboard

Dec. 5

Adult kickball
Semifinal playoff games

Captain Ron’s Crew 9

General Bums 6

Paddy Wagon 22

The Salty Dolphins 12

Dec. 8

Adult soccer

Championship game

#5 Gulfview Windows and Doors 4

#2 Sato Real Estate 3

Bethlehem Walk has very happy ending

Written by Jason Schaffer on December 12, 2022. Posted in Churches, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – There are plenty of inns on Anna Maria Island, but the “No Vacancy” signs were out for Mary and Joseph as they walked with their animals and several angels searching for shelter in Anna Maria on Sunday.

The annual Bethlehem Walk, held by Roser Church, portrayed the struggle faced by Jesus’ parents as they desperately searched for and were continuously denied shelter as they walked the streets of Bethlehem.

A large crowd followed them as they went from inn to inn until they were eventually offered lodging in a local stable.

“This is an annual event that we’ve been doing for many years to keep Christ at the center of Christmas,” Roser Pastor Dirk Rodgers said. “We just wander the streets of Anna Maria and reenact the story of Mary and Joseph looking for a place to stay. We wind up back here at the church, which is the manger in our story, then announce the birth of Jesus and then celebrate Christmas here with a little fellowship at the end.”

Mary and Joseph (Sophie Bernet and Noah Goodkind) begin their journey to find a room at an inn with their animals as Roser Church in Anna Maria began their annual Bethlehem Walk on Sunday. – Jason Schaffer | Sun

Unlike a Christmas play or pageant, this event is open to anyone who wants to walk the route. The church even pro- vides costumes for those that want to dress the part but don’t have a costume. Many enjoyed walking the route with Mary and Joseph (Sophie Bernet and Noah Goodkind), their cow and donkey and plenty of angels, who also carried animals including chickens and goats.

The animals for the Bethlehem Walk were provided by Addie’s Pony Parties, and were central to the event. There were plenty of children who were happy to carry an animal, and everyone in attendance had to get at least one petting session with the beautiful and docile creatures that seemed to be very comfortable with their roles in the story.

Rodgers said that Roser is unique in the fact that they are non-denominational, and welcome everyone for not only this event, but every service held at the church. He said because the church is aware that many tourists come to the Island and want to go to a church, they are welcoming of anyone from any denomination whether local or from thousands of miles away.

“I just want everyone to know that in these troubled times, Christmas is a message of hope that God is with us through these things,” Rodgers said. “He sent His son to encourage us and help us find hope in these times.”

Lester Family Fun Day lives up to its name

Written by Jason Schaffer on December 6, 2022. Posted in Center of Anna Maria Island, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – Sunshine, warm weather, tasty food and plenty of attractions made the 20th Annual Lester Family Fun Day at The Center of Anna Maria Island the perfect event for families to get outside and enjoy themselves.

The event, sponsored by Holmes Beach residents Joey and Chuck Lester, took place Saturday, Dec. 3.

“This is so great, being out here in the sun with the kids, and it doesn’t cost a fortune,” said Anna Rotz, of Bradenton, who brought her daughter, Katie. “It’s December and it’s 80 degrees and the sun is shining; only in Florida!”

DJ Freeze did an excellent job of keeping the music upbeat with both kids and their parents dancing outside, as well as hosting a dance battle between Santa and the Grinch (spoiler alert, Santa won). There was a huge slide, bounce ball and other attractions that allowed the kids to burn off some energy while parents chatted and mingled.

The highlight of the event again this year was the helicopter golf ball drop. People could purchase a numbered golf ball which was loaded onto a helicopter. When the chopper hovered over a makeshift golf hole in the field behind the center, the balls were dropped. The ball that came closest to the hole won $1,000. The children loved the helicopter, and one lucky parent almost certainly loved their big win.

Inside, there were plenty of activities and crafts, a poinsettia sale and treats for all to enjoy.

Zoom towns

Written by Louise Bolger on November 14, 2022. Posted in Business, Castles in the Sand.

They call them “Zoom towns” because so many of the new residents are working remotely and have given up their city and suburban lifestyles for a more relaxed environment in smaller communities. It’s no secret that this massive lifestyle change evolved because of COVID-19, but even now, when the danger of serious infection is substantially reduced, Zoom towns are still popular.

A recent National Association of Realtors survey reported that buyers who purchased homes in the year that ended in June moved a median of 50 miles from their previous residences. This is the highest distance on record, going back to 2005 when the median was a consistent 15 miles. This may not seem like a lot of mileage difference, but 15 miles from Boston, for instance, is still part of the city, but when you go 50 miles, you’re in real country. In New York City and other large metropolitan areas, however, you would need to go a little further than 50 miles to really be getting away from it all.

In the same survey, smaller communities were more popular, with buyers purchasing 48% of the homes. Again, this is a record and is up from 32% a year earlier. By comparison, traditional suburban home purchases dropped to 39% from 51% the previous year and only 10% of home purchases were in urban areas, down from 13% the year before. Naturally, the increased cost of homes and now the increased cost of financing has certainly influenced buyers.

Home buyers who are getting close to retirement are another influence on the popularity of small communities. Many who have the ability to work remotely chose to relocate now rather than after their retirement date. This gave them an edge before mortgage rates and prices went up further and set them up for easing into retirement.

Confirming further the demand for homes in smaller communities, The Wall Street Journal/Realtor.com Emerging Housing Markets Indexes came out at the end of October. It reports that the demand for homes in low-cost cities with strong local economies is, in their opinion, “robust.” This annual survey incorporates economic and lifestyle data, including real estate taxes, home appreciation, unemployment, wages and commute time in their 300 biggest metro area rankings.

This survey places the North Port, Sarasota and Bradenton region at number four in the top 10. Unfortunately, as we all know, North Port has taken a big hit from Hurricane Ian since this survey was completed, so in next year’s survey it will be interesting to see where that area is placed.

The other Emerging Housing Markets were in this order: Johnson City, Tennessee; Visalia-Porterville, California; Elkhart-Goshen, Indiana; Fort Wayne, Indiana; Lafayette-West Lafayette, Indiana; Columbia, South Carolina; Columbia, Missouri; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Yuma, Arizona.

Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com, said, “These more affordable markets continue to offer some opportunity. It doesn’t mean that they’re not seeing a slowdown in their housing markets, but they’re better positioned generally.” In other words, they had faster home sales and lower unemployment rates than the market as a whole, which is attracting buyers in an otherwise difficult housing market. Further, according to an economist at Nationwide Insurance, the trend toward less expensive housing markets looks like it will continue even if home prices start trending down.

I guess all of Florida needs to be considered a Zoom town based on the number of people who have relocated to our state in the past two years. We’re still a state with a lot of smaller, cozy communities, access to waterfront amenities and a friendly business environment. I believe our new diverse residents will only enhance those attributes. Time to pack your laptops and zoom your way to the Sunshine State!

The death of old Florida

Written by Louise Bolger on November 1, 2022. Posted in Business, Castles in the Sand.

Florida’s changed a lot in the over 20 years I’ve lived on the Gulf coast, and it’s changed even more as a result of COVID-19. But the biggest change to southwest Florida and the entire coastline south of Tampa may come as a result of Hurricane Ian.

Now that the flood waters are receding and everyone is assessing the damage from the storm, we’re starting to get a feel for the damage to real estate values. Feedback from brokers is that the investors and buyers are now out in force looking for properties to buy in as-is condition. One broker from Englewood predicts that home prices will increase for at least another 12 to 18 months because of the additional demand.

Buyers from out of state have not changed their minds and are motivated to buy before prices increase further because of the anticipated additional shortage of properties to buy in the aftermath of the storm. In addition, they have not been discouraged by the increased costs associated with fortifying homes against wind and flooding.

The fallout from the insurance companies is still unknown, but anyone purchasing a coastal home now is calculating that additional cost into their affordability factor.

Of course, Anna Maria Island and other barrier islands on the coast that did not have major damage will be looked at by buyers and seasonal renters. This could prove to be an even busier rental season for Anna Maria Island with higher price tags for rentals and purchases alike.

Assuming all of the above, where does that leave the average buyer who wants to live on the coast? Unfortunately, many will be forever priced out of coastal living because of a combination of building codes and the increased costs of flood and homeowners’ insurance.

The most recent update to Florida building codes from 2020 includes provisions to seal roof decks, as well as longer standing requirements to install impact-resistant windows or shutters and an update to stronger connections between the roof, walls and foundation.

As previously stated, homeowner’s insurance companies are requiring condos and single-family homes to install new roofs before they will provide an insurance policy. This is happening even if there are currently no leaks or damage to existing roofs, if they are over a certain age.

According to a recent report by CoreLogic, there are nearly 33 million homes at risk of hurricane-force wind damage along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts in Florida, so the amount of property updating required is substantial.

When Hurricane Michael hit the Panhandle town of Mexico Beach, it didn’t take long for the area to recover with high-end homes, gated communities and beachfront condos supplanting the original old Florida cottage nature of the area. This is certainly going to happen in parts of southwest Florida where many homeowners do not have flood and/or homeowner’s insurance and are planning not to return. Just to prove that “deep pocket” money isn’t afraid of storms, The Ritz Carlton Residences on Estero Bay, located just south of Fort Myers Beach, is breaking ground next year with units starting at $2.8 million.

I still have my crystal ball handy from Halloween and it’s telling me Florida’s real estate values are strong and may actually get stronger because of Hurricane Ian. The downside is will “old Florida” be gone forever? The crystal ball is saying, “Why are you asking that question? You know the answer.” Unfortunately, I do.

Island Players take on Neil Simon

Written by Jason Schaffer on October 31, 2022. Posted in Entertainment, Theater.

ANNA MARIA – The Island Players 2022- 23 season kicked off Sept. 15 with a solid production of James Yaffe’s “Cliffhanger,” and they look to keep the momentum going with the next play.

Neil Simon’s “I Ought to be in Pictures,” directed by Kelly Wynn Woodland and starring Mark Shoemaker, Tahlia Chinault and Diana Shoemaker debuts Friday, Nov. 4 at the Island Playhouse in Anna Maria.

“Unlike some Neil Simon plays, this is much more character-centered, and kind of quietly and sweetly emotional,” Wynn Woodland said. “It features a lot of what you’d expect from a Neil Simon play with comedy and characters.”

The play is the story of Libby Tucker, who travels across the country from Brooklyn to Los Angeles in the hope of starting a film career with the help of her estranged father, whom she hasn’t seen in more than a decade, but who is in the movie business. However, her father, Herb Tucker, has a case of writer’s block and is dealing with plenty of problems of his own, including with his relationship with his girlfriend, Steffy.

This is the second of five plays the Island Players will present in the 2022-23 season and will run from Nov. 4-14 at the Island Players theater.

Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased by calling 941-778-5755 or visiting the box office located at the theater at 10009 Gulf Drive, which opens 10 days prior to the start of each production and is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.islandplayers.org.

Mortgage rates scary

Written by Louise Bolger on October 25, 2022. Posted in Business, Castles in the Sand.

“Boo!” all you ghosts and goblins. If you’re afraid of what’s lurking behind those Halloween masks, I’ll give you something to really be scared of – the 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate has cracked 7%. I bet I have your attention now.

According to Realtor.com, as higher mortgage rates have thinned out the competition for homes, properties are now sitting on the market longer. That has led to a 26.9% national increase in inventory in September. However, that doesn’t mean buyers will have an easier time finding a property.

The housing shortage, which caused home prices to spike, isn’t even close to being filled. The nation still has 42.6% fewer homes for sale than in 2019 and it doesn’t look like the situation will get much better anytime soon. Even builders are spooked during the month of Halloween and are slowing down construction.

However, not much of this applies to Florida where real estate prices are holding their own. The state emerged as a housing hot spot during the pandemic, attracting retirees, remote workers, as well as those looking to leave more expensive parts of the country. Home prices in Miami increased the most among the nation’s 50 largest metropolitan areas in September, jumping 28.3% year over year. Home prices also were up 18.2% in Orlando and 17.2% in Tampa.

Time to see what Manatee County’s sales statistics are for the month of September as recorded by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee:

Single-family closed sales are down 37.5% from last September. The median sale price is $517,193, up 20.3% from last year, and the average sale price is $624,142, up 7.6% from last year. The median time to sale is 62 days. Last year it was 48 days. The month’s supply of inventory is 2.7 months.

Condos closed 35.9% fewer properties when compared to last year. The median sale price was $337,000, up 18.2%, and the average sale price was $401,183, up 24.7%. The median time to sale was 57 days compared to 41 last year, and the month’s supply of inventory is 1.9 months.

The trend of fewer sales is continuing, and prices are leveling off somewhat every month. However, prices continue to be strong compared to last year and inventory has not significantly increased. We’re still in a sellers’ market, although it appears that everyone is having a wait-and-see attitude regarding the economy.

Gone are the days of bidding wars and multiple offers on a property as soon as it comes on the market. Realtor.com reported that nationally 19.5% of sellers cut the price of their home in September. As previously stated, some buyers can no longer qualify for loans and others have thrown up their hands and given up or are switching to adjustable-rate mortgages.

As of Oct. 20, the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage was 7.25% per Forbes, the average 15-year fixed rate mortgage was 6.47% and the average 5/1 ARM was 5.42%. A 5/1ARM means the rate is fixed for 5 years and then can adjust each year after that. With a lower rate offered for an ARM, buyers have a better chance of qualifying for a loan but have to worry about the rate readjusting in 5 years to one they may not be able to afford. There are no good choices for the average buyer.

Hoping you have a fun Halloween in spite of soaring interest rates. Relax, some things you can’t control, so drink the witches’ brew and steal the kids’ candy. I guarantee you’ll feel better.

Erosion expected to resolve naturally

Written by Leslie Lake on October 25, 2022. Posted in Beach, Outdoors.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – While the Island missed a direct hit from Hurricane Ian, the effects of the Sept. 28 storm included beach erosion, primarily on the north end of the Island.

The good news for Manatee County, however, is that the sands are expected to return over the next several months without county intervention.

“For Anna Maria Island, the majority of beach sands were blown or drawn into a shallow sand bar directly offshore of the beaches along North Shore Drive and are expected to return over the next six to nine months with seasonal onshore winds and wave currents,” according to Charlie Hunsicker, Manatee County National Resources Department director, in an email to The Sun.

Hunsicker said the majority of Gulf-facing beaches along the Island saw little or no effects of erosion at all.

“Manatee County participates in the state’s critically eroded beach program requiring an annual survey of beach conditions to track how the beach is approaching the time when renourishment is needed to continue to provide storm protection,” Hunsicker said. “We have already commissioned this year’s annual survey and will await its findings to determine how far along in years we are to the next erosion event, keeping in mind that a strong hurricane at any time has the potential to quickly remove vast stretches of beach, sacrificing it and the protection it provides to save residential and commercial structures and evacuation roadways upland from the beach.”

In 1992-93, the first beach nourishment of Anna Maria Island was commenced to protect upland infrastructure. Since then, approximately 6.9 million cubic yards of sand from offshore borrow areas have been placed by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers contractors.

Only private property owners who have given permission through a state-approved process that sets a seaward Erosion Control Line (ECL) are eligible for publicly-funded renourishment efforts, Hunsicker said.

“In Manatee County, property owners from approximately 79th Street North in Holmes Beach all the way south to Longboat Pass have given this permission, along with a one-half mile length of beach bordered roughly between Magnolia and Elm streets in the city of Anna Maria. Residents outside these limits in the city of Anna Maria have not given their consent to the establishment of an Erosion Control Line, especially along North Shore Drive, and are not eligible for county, state or federal renourishment programs,” he said.

Bayfest delivers the party by the pier

Written by Jason Schaffer on October 18, 2022. Posted in Entertainment, Events, Festivals.

ANNA MARIA – In its second year since returning after a hiatus due to COVID-19, the 21st Bayfest celebration last Saturday offered something for the entire family.

A substantial portion of Pine Avenue in Anna Maria was closed for most of the day to make room for vendors offering a little bit of everything. This family-friendly event has been a perennial favorite for both locals and visitors for two decades, and 2022 delivered on the promise of fun.

“I love the Dr. Dave band, and was so happy to hear they’d be headlining again this year,” said Marty Haskins, a Bradenton resident who says he never misses Bayfest. “The food is fantastic and I love the fact they relax the rules and let you enjoy a few beers while you rock out to your favorite band with the backdrop of some of the most beautiful water on the planet.”

Haskins wasn’t alone in taking advantage of the ability to shop, eat and drink on Pine Avenue during the festivities. It was all smiles and dancing in the street as the Trevor Bystrom Band, Lisa and the Island Hoppers, the Karen and Jimmy Band and the Dr. Dave Band brought unique sounds that had something for everyone. There was also plenty of distinctive Island art, jewelry and specialty items that would be difficult to find in the same place outside of an event like Bayfest.

Many people said that this year’s crowd seemed to be a bit less than in previous years, despite the Island being busier than normal for October due to Hurricane Ian rerouting many vacationers who had planned to stay farther south. There are also many people affected by Ian who have come to the Island while cleanup efforts continue at their homes. Many speculated that the road closure on Marina Drive in Holmes Beach may have had something to do with lower attendance. Vendors reported slower sales than last year, and there was ample room to roam without being enveloped by a crowd.

“We’ve been raising money for our Campaign for Ukraine and selling Cuban sandwiches from our booth here, but we haven’t had to call the restaurant to send more food since brunch,” said Bob Slicker, owner of Slicker’s Eatery in Cortez. “There’s definitely not the crowd we expected, but everybody’s having fun, and that’s what’s important.”

Party by the pier; Bayfest delivers — A rainbow arcs over the stage at Bayfest in Anna Maria. – Jason Schaffer | Sun

Despite a smaller crowd than in years past, festivalgoers were having fun and spending time with friends and family on a beautiful day. There were a couple of rain sprinkles, but they were kind enough to cast a rainbow directly over the stage and the City Pier late in the afternoon, a photo op that many took advantage of.

“We’re down here visiting from Oklahoma City. We have great friends that live here and we just love spending time with them,” said Jake Hodges, who was visiting with his wife and two young children. “We love how relaxed and laid back this Island is, and this event is really nice. It’s our first Bayfest.”

Hodges’ daughter, Hattie, said she loves the beach, a sentiment echoed by her brother, Everett. Police reported no incidents, just a day of fun at Bayfest, hosted by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce.

Anna Maria hosts parking study meeting

Coquina Beach added as new ferry stop

New setup time in effect for Anna Maria beach cabana rentals

78th Street beach access trial to begin soon

Flying over AMI during Labor Day weekend

Bradenton Beach Commission adopts 2026-27 budget

Anna Maria hosts parking study meeting

Coquina Beach added as new ferry stop

New setup time in effect for Anna Maria beach cabana rentals

78th Street beach access trial to begin soon

Flying over AMI during Labor Day weekend

Bradenton Beach Commission adopts 2026-27 budget

Proposed federal rule change threatens fishing

The Under the Sea Lagoon Experience

Salty Dawg: The thin line

The Sportsman Swap is back

Salty Dawg: The opinion of otters

Residents express concerns about sea turtle safety

It’s hot outside, let’s take a break

Surfside collapse impacts today’s condo owners

Tailgatin’ Sports Tavern opens in Cortez

April, May, June tourism remained strong

Too many people, too few homes

Great-grandson’s mural pays tribute to Sports Lounge’s Chicago roots

Center’s summer campers learn skimboarding

Skim competition returns to Anna Maria

Team Cablish & Gentile wins chamber golf tournament

Pat Carlucci discusses ‘Baseball in Paradise’

CENTER SCOREBOARD: Reel Coastal Properties claims flag football title

Lori Waggoner wins Key Royale Club’s match play tournament

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