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Tag: Carol Whitmore

Commissioners debate past Gloria Dei purchase offer

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Community News, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – On Jan. 27, city commissioners engaged in an impromptu discussion about the currently vacant Gloria Dei Lutheran Church property last used for church services in January 2025.

Commissioner Terry Schaefer initiated the discussion during his commissioner’s comments when he referenced comments Commissioner Carol Whitmore made about the Gloria Dei property during her town hall meeting at the Island Branch Library on Jan. 22. 

None of the other commissioners attended Whitmore’s town hall meeting, but it was livestreamed and archived at the Anna Maria Island Sun Facebook page.

During the town hall meeting, Whitmore expressed her opinion that the city’s $3 million offer for the church property in mid-2025 was too low and that’s why it was rejected. The property was then placed on the open market with an initial $9.9 million asking price. 

During the town hall meeting, Whitmore said she never saw a specific plan regarding how the church building and church property would be used if purchased by the city.

During the Jan. 27 meeting, Schafer said, “There was an implication that the city was making an offer for which it had no intended specific need or use. Not true.” 

Schaefer said several agencies and entities expressed interest in occupying the church building if purchased by the city.

“You felt our offer wasn’t adequate enough. I want to remind the public that when we made our $3 million offer it followed our appraisals. And our appraisals were based on the current zoning,” Schaefer said. 

The church property is currently zoned Public/Semi-Public (PSP) and that zoning designation does not allow residential or commercial development. 

Schaefer said the property owners’ $9.9 million dollar appraisal was based on the potential to rezone the property for residential or commercial development. 

Regarding the city’s offer, Schaefer said, “It was rejected, but I don’t think it helps our case for anyone of us to say the property is worth more than we offered. And consequently, if we have an opportunity to re-discuss the acquisition of this, it doesn’t put us in a very advantageous position of leverage for our chair to be saying we didn’t offer enough.”

In response, Whitmore said, “We offered our max and they didn’t accept it.”

Whitmore said she asked for a plan regarding the use of the church building and property and was by told by “leadership” that some non-profit organizations were interested in using that space and the School For Constructive Play preschool that previously occupied the church building was interested in returning. 

“We never had a firm plan,” Whitmore said. “I wanted a better plan.”

Schaefer said there has been further dialogue with the church’s representative and the asking price has been reduced to $7.5 million.

Whitmore expressed her view that if someone else buys the property and wants to rezone it, the city can’t deny the rezoning request just because the city wanted the property and didn’t get it. 

Schaefer noted that several years ago the church owners previously sought to rezone two of the three church parcels for residential development and the commission denied those rezoning requests. 

Schaefer acknowledged the current asking price remains too high for the city, but the owner may eventually realize the current asking price may not be a realistic given the current zoning restrictions. 

Whitmore said she doesn’t think the city can afford to pay $6 million to $9 million to buy the property and she doesn’t want the city going into to debt to buy it.

After further discussion about the condition of the church building, City Attorney Randy Mora reminded that commissioners they were in commissioners’ comments and may want to curtail any further debate about the church property in that setting.

Concerns raised about ferry landing efforts

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Featured.

HOLMES BEACH – Holmes Beach resident Daria Grinenko shared her concerns about the behind-the scenes-efforts to bring a Gulf Islands Ferry stop to the Waterline Marina basin. 

On Jan. 13, Grinenko was one of three city residents to express opposition to the ferry stop potentially being located in the Waterline Marina basin. 

When giving public comment again during the Jan. 27 city commission meeting, Grinenko addressed communications that occurred between City Commissioner Chair Carol Whitmore and Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione.

“After the last commission meeting and the subsequent work session, I became concerned that we were not being heard about our opinions on a Waterline ferry stop. I therefore requested, under the Freedom of Information Act, texts and emails between Carol Whitmore and Elliott Falcione,” Grinenko said.

“Beginning last October, there are several texts and emails referencing this ferry stop, including such phrases as ‘the need to educate commissioners’ and that ‘the city is delaying this.’ There’s been no site plan proposal, so I don’t know why all this conversation is going on,” Grinenko said.

“Last week, I witnessed a gathering of Carol Whitmore with Elliott Falcione and three other men at the proposed dock area and the Waterline trolley stop. I have pictures on my phone. In addition, as Carol was driving away, I was sitting at the trolley stop and I heard you (Whitmore) yell to Elliott, ‘We have to make sure we have Dan on our side.’ Elliott responded, ‘Don’t worry, I’ve got Dan covered,’” Grinenko told the commission.

Holmes Beach City Commissioner and Manatee County Tourist Development Council Dan Diggins has publicly expressed his support for his support for a ferry stop somewhere in Holmes Beach since 2024. He was part of the efforts to bring a ferry boat to the marina in 2024 to help determine if a slip near the old Wells Fargo bank building would be a suitable ferry landing location. It was determined that day that there was not enough navigable space for that slip to serve as a ferry landing.

In closing, Grinenko said, “The question I have for you all, that I want you to consider, is how can we be convinced that Carol Whitmore will be able to perform her duties in quasi-judicial (site plan) hearing when it’s clear she’s the one person orchestrating this new use in the boat basin at the Waterline Marina.”

To date, the county has not presented to the city with a proposed site plan regarding the county’s potential purchase of a boat slip or slips in the marina basin for use as a ferry landing.

In response to Grinenko’s comments, Whitmore said, “I’ve been talking since October of last year to all the commissioners. I’m reporting about the ferry and saying that I was meeting with the county, so I have been keeping the board updated since last October – when I asked what the status was and they said they were letting the county deal with it to try to find a spot. When I found a spot (in the Waterline basin), I brought it up before the board, so I’ve been very transparent about that.”

Commissioner Terry Schaefer then said, “I think, by innuendo, there’s some belief that there is a consensus on this commission and I want to make clear there has never been a formal discussion, nor is it appropriate for us as a commission, to have a discussion until the county acts. And the act that they must pursue would be a site plan. So, nothing formally in discussion has occurred, or will occur, until there is a formal application. I think it’s unfortunate, by accident or by implication, that there is this belief in the community that there’s already a consensus to move forward. I, for one, have many questions about this issue. I can only speak for myself. I’m listening, I have questions and nothing formal will happen until such time as the county acts.”

Whitmore acknowledged that she met with Falcione and other county staff members as Grinenko stated.

“I have nothing to hide. If I did, I sure wouldn’t be out there on Marina Drive,” Whitmore said. “They looked over the areas so they can develop a plan to come before the city commission. That’s what they were there for. They know it’s all in their lap now.”

When talking to The Sun later in the week, Grinenko said, “I feel like Carol Whitmore’s not being a neutral party and she’s made up her mind because she’s trying to orchestrate this. That’s not how a commissioner should act. I feel she’s not fulfilling her role as a city commissioner. She’s acting more like a county commissioner and I don’t understand her actions.”

Newly reconfigured Holmes Beach commission elects Whitmore as chair

Reconfigured Holmes Beach commission elects Whitmore as chair

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Community News, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – Steve Oelfke, Jessica Patel and Terry Schaefer were sworn in to their two-year city commission terms on Nov. 18, followed by the newly-reconfigured commission’s organizational meeting, during which Commissioner Carol Whitmore was elected as chair.

Swearing in

During the city election that concluded Nov. 4, incumbent commissioners Oelfke and Schaefer were reelected and Patel was elected for the first time. After receiving the least number of votes in the city election, longtime commissioner Carol Soustek’s time in office has ended.

Newly reconfigured Holmes Beach commission elects Whitmore as chair
From left, Commissioners Terry Schaefer, Jessica Patel and Steve Oelfke were sworn in on Nov. 18. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

City Clerk Stacey Johnston conducted the well-attended afternoon swearing-in ceremony. Johnson provided some back­ground information and her personal appreciation for each commissioner before swearing them in and administering the oath of office.

Whitmore elected chair

The ceremony was followed by the commission’s annual organi­zational meeting, during which the five commissioners select someone to serve as commission chair and someone to serve as the vice chair for the next 12 months. The chair leads the commission meetings and works with the mayor and the city clerk to set the agendas for the commission meetings and work sessions.

Schaefer nominated current Commission Chair Dan Diggins to serve another one-year term in the position. Taking her first action as a new commissioner, Patel nominated Commissioner Carol Whitmore to chair the commission. Patel, Oelfke and Whitmore voted for Whitmore and Schaefer and Diggins voted for Diggins. The commission then unanimously selected Diggins to serve as vice chair.

Regular meeting

During the regular meeting, the reconfigured commission adopted on second and final reading two previously reviewed and discussed ordinances.

The city commission’s adoption of Ordinance 25-06 updates the city’s regulations for seawalls, bulkheads, docks and piers.

According to the memo that Director of Development Services Chad Minor included in the meeting packet, “The ordinance provisions provide clarity to homeowners and contractors on docks, lifts, mooring areas and structures within Outstanding Florida Waters.”

During the planning commis­sion’s final review of the proposed ordinance on Nov. 5, Minor said during the multi-meeting ordinance review process that the city received several letters from property owners in the Seaside Gardens subdivision.

Minor said a provision requested by Seaside Garden property owners along the Watson’s Bayou shoreline now allows those docks to extend 30 feet from the seawall instead of 25 feet. The ordinance also allows shared docks for Watson’s Bayou shoreline property owners, including duplex owners who face additional space restrictions.

The adopted 18-page ordinance also addresses several other specific docking locations and includes diagrams of many of those locations.

The city commission’s adoption of Ordinance 25-13 brings the city into compliance with a recent state law that requires code-compliant plat and replat requests to be adminis­tratively reviewed and approved by city staff without being presented to the city commission.

Minor told city commissioners this was “a necessity ordinance” requested and written by City Attorney Erica Augello in response to the Legislature’s adoption of Senate Bill 784 earlier this year and the ensuing state law that took effect on July 1.

During the recent planning commission meeting, Minor said plat and replat requests are rare in Holmes Beach but the new state law could come into play if the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church property is sold and the new owners want to replat the property for future development.

Traffic signals

The commission voted 5-0 in favor of opting out of a previously reached 20-year agreement with the Florida Department of Trans­portation (FDOT) that obligates the city to maintain the state-owned traffic signals at the Manatee Avenue/Gulf Drive intersection and the Manatee Avenue/East Bay Drive intersection.

Newly reconfigured Holmes Beach commission elects Whitmore as chair
City officials no longer want the maintenance responsibilities for this Manatee Avenue/Gulf Drive traffic signal. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

According to the existing agreement, the city must give FDOT two years notice of the city’s intent to opt out of the agree­ment. The opt-out will take effect July 1, 2028 unless FDOT wants the opt-out to take effect sooner.

The city’s public works depart­ment will continue to maintain the traffic signal at the Gulf Drive/Marina Drive intersection.

Key Royale Drive parking restriction proposed

Key Royale Drive parking restriction proposed

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Featured.

HOLMES BEACH – Parking along Key Royale Drive between Marina Drive and the bridge may soon be restricted to the north side of the street.

Holmes Beach city commissioners discussed the proposed parking restriction on Feb. 25. Public Works Director/City Engineer Sage Kamiya, Mayor Judy Titsworth, Police Chief Bill Tokajer and the majority of the city commission support the parking restriction while Commissioner Carol Whitmore opposes it.

Per commission consensus, the Key Royale Drive parking restrictions will be set forth in a city resolution to be presented for final adoption at a future city commission meeting that will allow for public input. Due to ongoing safety concerns, Tokajer suggested the parking restriction be imposed sooner rather than later.

Kamiya memo

Kamiya also serves as the city’s traffic engineer and on Feb. 14, he sent Titsworth and Tokajer a memo about the Key Royale Drive parking concerns.

Key Royale Drive parking restriction proposed
Public Works Director Sage Kamiya also serves as the city’s traffic engineer.

“During a recent homeowner’s meet­ing it was brought to the city’s attention that the parking of vehicles along Key Royale Drive from Marina Drive to the bridge is becoming a concern for residents,” the memo says. “After investigation with the chief of police, we’ve determined that the significant use of the street for parking on both sides of the streets is causing a safety concern. The majority of parking is being done by landscape and construc­tion companies, which is limiting, even prohibiting, to emergency vehicles.”

Key Royale Drive parking restriction proposed
Vehicles parked along both sides of Key Royale Drive create potential safety issues for passing motorists. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The memo notes that Key Royale Drive serves as a main thoroughfare for approximately 340 residents.

“We recommend prohibiting park­ing on the south side of Key Royale Drive from Marina Drive to the bridge and requiring any parking in this area to be along the north side of the road,” the memo says.

The memo states that ‘No Parking’ signs would be installed along the south side of the street and rocks, plantings and landscaping borders would need to be removed from the city right of way along the north side of the street from Marina Drive to 532 Key Royale Drive.

“Residents are not being asked to move mailboxes or driveways,” the memo says.

Commission discussion

When addressing the commis­sion, Kamiya said the city’s code of ordinances already restricts parking on major roadways and landscaping and construction vehicles should not be parked on that portion of Key Royale Drive. He said prohibiting parking on one side of the street would help ensure two open travel lanes remain open for motorists; and at least one lane would remain open if the other lane is occupied by one or more emergency vehicles.

Key Royale Drive parking restriction proposed
Work vehicles parked along Key Royale Drive can alter traffic patterns. – Joe Hendricks | Suun

Whitmore opposed taking any formal action until residents are given more time to respond to the proposed restriction. She said similar issues occur along several other city streets where parking is allowed on both sides.

Key Royale Drive parking restriction proposed
Commissioner Carol Whitmore opposes the Key Royale Drive parking restriction. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Whitmore said she would be “really ticked off” if she lived along the north side of Key Royale Drive and was told she had to remove landscaping elements installed and maintained at the homeowner’s expense.

Although Key Royale Drive is not heavily used by beachgoers and tourists, Whitmore said the parking restriction would eliminate existing parking spaces.

Tokajer disagreed and said, “There is no parking on the south side of the road because there’s a sidewalk there. You can’t park there because you can’t get all four tires off the road.”

Key Royale Drive parking restriction proposed
A sidewalk runs along the south side of Key Royale Drive. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Tokajer said he recently received a call from a resident who almost got hit head-on because two vehicles were traveling in the same lane. Tokajer said motorists can’t see around trucks and trailers parked on the street and that forces them to blindly enter into those restricted travel lanes.

“We need to take some type of action. It’s a safety issue,” he said.

Key Royale Drive parking restriction proposed
Police Chief Bill Tokajer supports the proposed parking restriction. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Commissioner Terry Schaefer noted that Key Royale Drive expands to divided lanes on the other side of the bridge. He suggested every potentially impacted homeowner be­tween Marina Drive and the bridge be individually notified of the proposed parking restriction. City Attorney Erica Augello advised against mailing notices to each potentially impacted property owner because that’s only done for rezoning requests and other major development matters.

Newly-appointed Commissioner Steve Oelfke said his concern pertains to homeowners on the north side of the street bearing the burden of the proposed parking solution.

Due to public safety concerns, Commissioner Dan Diggins supports the parking restriction but he wants it implemented in a methodical manner that makes potentially impacted residents fully aware of the city’s intentions. He noted the city could remove the right of way obstacles at no expense to the home­owner, but the removed items would be discarded, and if a homeowner wishes to relocate and preserve those items, they could incur personal expenses.

“At some point, we have to let them know because they think that property is their own,” Diggins said.

“And they maintain it,” Whitmore added.

Titsworth acknowledged the proposed parking restriction will surprise homeowners on the north side of the street, but she noted the city has the authority to use and preserve city-owned rights of way.

“Unless we need it, we pretty much let people enjoy the use of it. This is one of those cases,” she said of other right of way obstructions that go unaddressed.

Commissioner Carol Soustek said homeowners on the south side of Key Royale Drive were impacted by a previous sidewalk installation and now those on the north side of the street will share the public safety impacts.

Planning commission will not review site plans

Planning commission will not review site plans

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Community News, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – At the advice of City Attorney Erica Augello, city commissioners plan to deny the plan­ning commission’s request to conduct preliminary reviews of major site plan applications.

Augello also advised that major site plan applications not be preliminarily discussed during non-quasi-judicial city commission work meetings.

A site plan is a diagram that il­lustrates a proposed development, redevelopment or significant improve­ments desired by a property owner.

Augello dispensed her legal advice on Jan. 14 while Holmes Beach city commissioners and Director of Devel­opment Services Chad Minor discussed proposed changes to the city’s site plan application review processes. The proposed changes are set forth in Ordinance 25-02 and the ordinance was presented on first reading that day. Adoption is expected during the second and final reading on Tuesday, Jan. 28.

Currently, the planning commission does not review major site plan ap­plications before the city commission conducts an evidence- and testimony-based quasi-judicial public hearing on the proposed site plan.

When initially reviewing the proposed ordinance last year, the planning commissioners recom­mended inserting additional language that would allow them conduct public hearings to review major site plan applications for consistency with the city’s comprehensive plan and land development code. This would be done before the city commission conducts its quasi-judicial public hearing on the site plan application.

The planning commission’s recommended language was included in the ordinance presented to city commissioners on Jan. 14.

“The city planning commission shall hold a properly noticed public hearing to review the site plan application and based on the evidence presented provide a recommendation to the board of commissioners as to whether the application is consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan and land development code.

“The city planning commission may also provide advisory comments to the applicant regarding site design recommendations to increase compatibility of the site with adjacent uses and the surrounding area. After review by the planning commission, the planning and zoning administrator or designee shall prepare a staff report, findings and recommendation for submittal to the city commission for review at a public hearing, including any recommendations provided by the planning commission,” the ordinance said at that time.

Regarding the proposed inclusion of the planning commission in the site plan application review process, City Commissioner Carol Whitmore said, “I don’t support this. This is not a planning commission role. This is one of the biggest jobs of the commission and we should be taking the responsibility for it.”

Whitmore said the planning com­mission’s role is to ensure compliance with the city’s comprehensive plan and allowing them to conduct public hearings to review site plan applications would subject the city to additional attorney fees.

“I respect the planning commission and I love what they do, but this is our job and I don’t feel like giving my job up to another board,” Whitmore said.

Planning commission will not review site plans
City Attorney Erica Augello advised against the planning commission reviewing major site plans. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Augello noted the planning com­mission is an advisory board, not a decision-making body. When conduct­ing a quasi-judicial public hearing, the city commission could not use any evidence or testimony given at a planning commission hearing.

Augello agreed that a planning commission hearing would provide another layer of public input but it could also create additional legal complications if the city commission denies a site plan application and the applicant appeals the decision. Augello said the applicant could allege the city commission made its decision based on the planning commission review rather than the evidence and testimony presented directly to the city commission.

Augello said planning commission review of a site plan application could also create a “conflict in record evi­dence.” If something was presented at the planning commission hearing and not at the city commission hearing, that could create a potential deviation of information. Augello advised avoiding a “dual review” process for site plan applications and she sug­gested a similar approach for rezoning requests.

Commissioner Carol Soustek serves as the city commission’s planning commission liaison. She expressed her respect for the planning commis­sion and their desire to review site plans but she agrees with Whitmore regarding the avoidance of additional attorney fees.

Commissioner Terry Schaefer noted subjecting site plan applications to a single public hearing provides the public with only one opportunity to provide their input.

The commission unanimously agreed to remove the planning com­mission’s recommended language and move forward toward final adoption of the ordinance as amended that day.

In a related action meant to solicit greater input from the city’s advisory boards, the commission agreed to place monthly advisory board reports on future commission meeting agendas.

After the city commission meeting, Minor sent a revision version of the ordinance to City Clerk Stacey Johnston, with the planning commission’s recommended language deleted.

Planning Commission Response

On Jan. 15, when reviewing the ordinance as amended the previous day, the planning commissioners expressed disappointment with the city commission’s decision, but they acknowledged the city attorney’s legal concerns. After much discussion, the planning commissioners unanimously agreed to reinsert the deleted lan­guage as a symbolic reiteration of their desire for greater transparency in the site plan review process – knowing the city commission will delete that language again before the ordinance is adopted on second reading.

Minor said he would never present a site plan application to the city commission that doesn’t comply with the city’s comprehensive plan and land development code. At the request of the planning commission, Minor agreed to post a notice at the city website when a major site plan ap­plication is received so the public has as much advance notice as possible.

Whitmore seeks return to city commission

Whitmore seeks return to city commission

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

HOLMES BEACH – After working in the private sector for 18 months, former Manatee County commissioner Carol Whitmore is ready to step back into the local political spotlight, this time on familiar ground.

Whitmore is racing against three other candidates in the hopes of landing one of two available seats on the Holmes Beach city commission, the place where she started her political career before being elected as mayor and later elected to the county commission.

If elected, she plans to bring her ability to cultivate good relationships with other elected officials to the table.

“You need people who are willing to be open,” Whitmore said, noting that she has good contacts within Manatee County and with state leaders.

“I can act like a buffer,” she said. “They (other elected officials) want to hear from an elected official who has credibility.”

Whitmore said she’d like to help city leaders let the past go and move forward to build new, better relationships with Manatee County and Florida state elected officials. One of her greatest strengths as an elected official, she said, is building and maintaining relationships while also working in the city’s best interests to benefit the residents and visitors.

“I want to be there to support Judy (Mayor Judy Titsworth) and the commission but try to get us back on track,” Whitmore said.

Over the years, she said she’s seen three attempts to consolidate services across Anna Maria Island. Whitmore said she’s in favor of giving that a try if all three city governments can agree and they’re willing to move slowly to see what works and what may adversely affect the residents and visitors to the Island. She’s not, however, in favor of consolidating the city governments.

“I don’t support consolidating the cities at all. I believe in home rule,” Whitmore said. “I’ve lived here 55 years. I believe in home rule 100%.”

Removing all the existing structures at Manatee Beach to build a three-story parking garage is not a viable solution to traffic issues, she said. Whitmore added that she thinks funding for the project would be difficult to obtain, particularly when there is a county-owned parking garage in downtown Bradenton that needs immediate replacement. She said she thinks there are other solutions available to add public parking spaces, if needed.

Tourist development tax funds, Whitmore said, have a very narrow application under state regulations, though she thinks those monies could potentially be used to advertise or subsidize additional parking options at local churches.

Whitmore also said she hopes to use her public relations skills to help keep residents informed and work to help the three Island cities present a unified front on issues that affect all the municipalities. She said she thinks the strongest skill she can bring to the city is her ability to develop and maintain interpersonal relationships along with her ability to listen to the residents and help find solutions to problems.

“I’m honest,” she said. “And I think if you’re honest, you’ll never get in trouble.”

Whitmore

Whitmore enters commission race

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

HOLMES BEACH – A new contender is putting her hat in the ring for one of two city commission seats up for grabs in November.

Carol Whitmore is a well-known face in the community and in local politics. Previously, she served as a city commissioner in Holmes Beach followed by tenure as the city’s mayor and several years on the Manatee County board of commissioners as an at-large commissioner. Whitmore left local politics in late 2022 to pursue the role of development administrator for Help to Home Inc. Now she said her contract with that nonprofit organization is up and she’s ready to step back into the local political spotlight with the goal of helping her community.

“I love my city,” Whitmore said of the Anna Maria Island community that has been her home for 55 years.

She said that she has no agenda going into the November election other than to try and shine a positive light on Holmes Beach. She added that she hopes to use her relationships with local and state leaders as well as with candidates running in elections throughout Manatee County to help rebuild and reinforce positive working relationships between officials.

“I want to move our city forward and hopefully help rebuild relationships,” she said.

Despite having previously served in the role, Whitmore said she has no interest in running for the mayoral seat in Holmes Beach that’s also up for election this year.

Also in the race for the two commission seats are incumbent Commissioner Dan Diggins and resident Steven Oelfke. Incumbent Commissioner Greg Kerchner has not yet qualified to run for re-election.

Incumbent Mayor Judy Titsworth thus far has one challenger for her seat, Tampa businessman Mike Roth.

Candidate qualifying for the Holmes Beach commission and mayoral seats continues at the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office through Friday, June 14 at noon. For more information on how to file to be a candidate, visit www.votemanatee.com.

Whitmore

Whitmore accepts new role with Help to Home

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Community News, Manatee County.

MANATEE COUNTY – Holmes Beach resident and former Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore is the new development administrator for Help to Home, Inc.

The non-profit organization seeks to provide low-rent housing and other assistance to parents and children threatened by homelessness.

“I am honored that Help to Home has chosen me for this worthy cause,” Whitmore said in a press release the nonprofit issued on Dec. 31.

“My goal in life is to make a positive difference in people’s lives and this position will help me do just that. I’ve been going around meeting with Goodwill and other organizations,” she said of her new part-time paid position.

The press release notes Whitmore helped low-income family members find jobs and obtain vocational assistance during her 16 years as a county commissioner.

Help to Home has purchased land on 30th Avenue, just west of 14th Street West in Bradenton, and plans to build Hope Village – a community of housing units with below-market rental rates.

“It is an unusual program because it requires each tenant to work with case managers, the local school system and community services to get vocational ‘up-skilling’ to stop the generational cycle of homelessness,” the press release states.

Help to Home board member Steve Wilson said, “As our development administrator, Carol Whitmore offers vast knowledge, great experience and many talents to help us reach our goals. Her understanding of homelessness and the impact it has on the entire family make her the best possible choice to ensure that Hope Village becomes a reality in 2023.”

Help to Home’s fundraising efforts will focus on private donations rather than government funding.

“The absence of government funds will avoid any restrictions on how it helps its tenants get better jobs and become financially independent. It also is not borrowing any money. Hope Village will be economically sustainable when fully built out and occupied, even at below-market rental rates,” Wilson said.

Whitmore said former Anna Maria resident Bob Carter had been assisting Help to Home with its fundraising efforts and he suggested they talk to her.

“I have to thank Bob Carter and I knew Steve Wilson from my time as a county commissioner. We just got approved for 53 units and we’re working hard on it,” she said.

Help To Home also recently added Jerry Marlar, Mike McCoy, Margie Genter and Matt McSwain to the board that already included Rod Urban, April Childers, Bill Hawthorne and Archie Smith.

Anna Maria Island loses a beloved Renaissance man

Anna Maria Island loses a beloved Renaissance man

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

HOLMES BEACH – Resident Dr. André Renard passed away on Nov. 22 at the age of 82.

Renard, a plastic surgeon, was married to former Manatee County Commissioner and former Holmes Beach Mayor Carol Whitmore. He passed away at the couple’s home in Holmes Beach, where they were married and lived together for 29 years.

“He died of complications due to Parkinson’s disease,” Whitmore said.

Renard was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2012 and he retired from his medical practice in 2014.

Whitmore is a registered nurse and she helped care for Renard when his health began to fail.

“He was bedridden for the past month and a half or so and required total care. I promised him he would never get a bedsore and he didn’t,” she said.

A love story

Renard and Whitmore got married in 1994.

“We met at a party in Holmes Beach and my girlfriend that I went with met her future husband that same night,” Whitmore said.

“André loved art and polo. He was a self-trained artist who never had an art lesson. He played polo all over the world before I met him. He was born and raised in Belgium. He was a general practitioner in Belgium for five years. He then came to America and did a residency in plastic surgery in Jacksonville. Polo is what brought him to this area. He drove down from Jacksonville because he heard there was a polo field in Sarasota. I met him about seven months after he started practicing medicine in St. Petersburg, but he wanted to be closer to the polo field in Sarasota. When we first met, he was offered a job in Brussels, Belgium, but he didn’t want to leave me or this area,” Whitmore said.

“Our marriage worked well. He worked a lot and I was busy being a nurse, a mayor and a county commissioner. I’m a type-A personality. I’m not always easy to get along with and he could always bring me back down to Earth. We had a good relationship because we understood each other,” Whitmore said.

Whitmore has a daughter, Janae Rudacille, from a previous marriage.

When asked about Renard, Rudacille said, “He was an incredible stepfather. He was supportive and helpful in anything I did. He was kind and passionate and funny. He gave back to people who were less fortunate and he would treat patients who didn’t have money or insurance.”

Renard is also survived by two daughters and a son from a previous marriage.

Medical practice

Renard practiced medicine in Manatee County and Sarasota County and performed surgeries at Blake Medical Center, Sarasota Memorial Hospital and other local hospitals.

“On Oct. 30, the Manatee County Medical Society recognized André during their annual gathering and Janae and I went on his behalf,” Whitmore said. “He was among the first surgeons in Florida doing micro-surgery thumb transplants in Jacksonville in the 1980s. He also spearheaded the transgender surgery team in Jacksonville. He helped convince Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s radiology department to start doing sentinel node biopsies for breast cancer patients back when you used to have to go to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa for that.”

“He was a fierce supporter of COVID precautions and totally believed in infection control. He had tuberculosis when he was 8 years old. They isolated him and his parents sent him to a castle in Switzerland. The castle was full of kids who had been exposed to TB and he stayed there for a year. He said it was wonderful. He went to school and skied all the time,” Whitmore said.

Renaissance man

“André was a respected physician. He was nice to everyone. He was well-educated and spoke four or five different languages,” Whitmore said. “He was a Renaissance man. He was into the art of the old masters and he was also into pop art. He was 14 years older than me. Unlike me, he was very worldly in terms of traveling. He opened up a whole new world for me. His art was really wild and people were surprised that it came from someone his age. He was also the cover editor for the Florida Medical Journal for a few years. He drew the magazine covers.”

Renard’s art was featured in a New York art expo in August 2014. In December 2014, Renard’s “cuts and brushes” exhibit was featured at The Studio at Gulf and Pine in Anna Maria, which at the time was owned by the late Rhea Chiles.

The gallery is now owned by Rhea’s son, Ed Chiles, who said, “André was a unique person – a great doctor, a very talented artist and someone you loved being around. He was one of the individuals that makes our Island and our community a special place. It was difficult to watch him go through the health challenges he faced in his last years and Carol was selfless in her support of him.”

Renard’s art can be viewed on Facebook at André Renard Art.

On Monday, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott called Whitmore and offered his condolences.

That same day, Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie said, “André was a super guy. He was such a kind man and an amazing artist and surgeon. Carol and André were a perfect match. They complimented each other and they both gave back to the community. André was one of those amazing people that you’re lucky to run into in your lifetime.”

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said, “Not only was André a talented physician, but he was also an incredible artist. My prayers are with Carol. Her dedication to André over the years serves as an inspiration to all married couples.”

The family hopes to host a celebration of life at the polo grounds in Lakewood Ranch but those plans are still being finalized.

Whitmore reflects on election results

Whitmore reflects on election results

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Community News, Manatee County.

HOLMES BEACH – Holmes Beach resident Carol Whitmore’s tenure as a Manatee County commissioner will end in November.

Seeking a fifth term in office, Whitmore lost the At-Large District 6 Republican primary race to Jason Bearden. During the primary election that concluded on Aug. 23, Bearden received 28,011 votes (61.54%), Whitmore received 11,532 votes (25.33%) and Carol Ann Felts received 5,977 votes (13.13%). Whitmore raised $139,576 in campaign contributions, Bearden raised $108,282 and Felts raised $11,080.

Whitmore reflects on election results
County Commissioner Misty Servia was also defeated in her Republican primary race. – Supervisor of Elections | Submitted

Facing no Democratic candidate in the general election, Bearden will be sworn in as the new District 6 commissioner soon after the Nov. 8 election results are certified.
Incumbent District 4 County Commissioner Misty Servia lost her Republican primary race to Mike Rahn. Rahn received 4,714 votes (62.47%) and Servia received 2,832 votes (37.53%). Facing no Democratic opponent in the general election, Rahn will claim the District 4 seat in November.

Incumbent Commissioner Reggie Bellamy defeated former County Commissioner Charles Smith in the District 2 Democratic primary race. Bellamy received 2,637 votes (63.9%) and Smith received 1,490 votes (36.1%). Bellamy faces Republican challenger Amanda Ballard in the general election.
Of Manatee County’s 276,298 eligible voters, 86,426 (31.28%) voted in the primary election.

Whitmore reflects

When contacted by The Sun, Whitmore shared her thoughts on the election results, her time in office and what’s next for her.

“I’m disappointed, but it’s not the end of the world. Voter turnout was disappointing, but that’s to be expected in a primary election. I was surprised at the final margin, but a lot of misinformation, false narratives and keywords were given to the voters and the election results show that. Political action committees took me out, not my opponent. Jason Bearden is a four-year resident of Manatee County. He was encouraged to run by Commissioner James Satcher, who I defeated in 2018. His philosophical beliefs and the current political climate were the reasons he won – and he would not debate me because his team told him not to. Jason Bearden has many flaws and he did not report his true income, his bankruptcy and other things the public needed to be aware of to make an educated vote,” Whitmore said.

Whitmore was asked if the margin of victory in her and Servia’s races say anything about the political climate in Manatee County and the county commission’s continued shift to the far right.

“Manatee County is a very red county and I am a proud Republican,” Whitmore said. “The right fringe of our party has taken over for now, but that won’t last. True Republicans will bring the party back. When my opponent puts on his Facebook page that he will hook somebody up with a QAnon contact, that’s something we should all be concerned about.”
In 2020, incumbent Republican commissioner Priscilla Trace lost her primary race to Satcher. Whitmore was asked if she had any thoughts as to why three incumbent Republican commissioners have been unseated in the past two elections.

“Because we voted for Cheri Coryea to serve as the new county administrator when Ed Hunzeker left. We were told by some to vote for someone else, but I vote the way I want. We also voted for the Musgrave property on Lena Road to be purchased and utilized for county services in east and north Manatee County. That purchase was recommended by county staff but some commissioners and candidates decided to make it a political issue during the 2020 election cycle,” Whitmore said.

Whitmore was asked if she’s concerned about the current state of the county government and the county administration now led by County Administrator Scott Hopes.

“Yes, we have one commissioner who violated her oath of office and has a hearing in November. We have another commissioner who admitted to having an affair in 2021 and is going to court soon for allegedly driving under the influence,” Whitmore said. “We have a county administrator who considers himself the eighth commissioner and his communication skills are severely lacking. He’s spending taxpayer dollars like I’ve never seen before. He’s also trying to control the messaging and prohibiting or stifling commissioners from doing our jobs for our citizens. He’s making deals without the commission’s approval and forgetting that we, the commission, are the ones that set policy, not him. At the upper management level, employee turnover is the highest I’ve ever seen,” Whitmore said.

Accomplishments

Whitmore was asked what accomplishments as a county commissioner make her feel most proud. Her list began with improved communications with elected officials in the city governments within Manatee County.

She also mentioned the efforts to make the county animal shelter a no-kill facility, banning the retail sale of dogs and cats in pet stores, adopting anti-tethering and animal abuse ordinances and the county’s acquisition of the Bishop Animal Shelter.

Whitmore said she never voted in favor of raising property taxes and on more than one occasion voted in favor of lowering the millage rage, which she said she will do again before leaving office this fall.

She’s also proud of her work with the elder abuse program, the animal abuse task force, providing indigent care funds for uninsured patients, providing support for the homeless, pushing for more affordable housing, supporting the construction of the Fort Hamer Bridge and trying to keep county residents safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before joining the county commission, Whitmore served as a Holmes Beach city commissioner and then as the mayor of Holmes Beach. She also worked as a registered nurse until last year.

As for what’s next, Whitmore said, “I’ve had had so many calls in the past week and that humbles me. I’ve also received many job offers. Right now, I just want to finish my duties as a commissioner, and my husband has been very ill during the past three months and I will continue to help care for him.”

When asked if this marks the end of her political career, Whitmore said, “Nope, just wait and see.”

AMI officials seek change in tourist tax spending

AMI officials seek change in tourist tax spending

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – Manatee County tourist taxes are required to be used primarily to promote tourism and tourism-related projects, but some local officials, including Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie, want to change how the money is spent.

When anyone rents accommodations for six months or less in the county, they must pay a 5% tourist tax, earmarked for a state-mandated list of uses, including tourism marketing efforts, tourist attractions and beach renourishment. Anna Maria Island is the largest contributor of tourist tax funds in the county.

Chappie addressed members of the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) during public comments at an Aug. 15 meeting, suggesting that the law regarding how the tourist tax is spent be changed to include funding for infrastructure due to the recent tourism boom since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.

“I just wanted to remind you that hopefully during this next state legislative session coming up, to really talk with legislators to try to change where the funds can be spent for our tourist tax dollars,” he said. “Back in the 70s when I got here, the lots on the Island were platted and there were three to six people on these lots. What’s happened over the last decade, through no action of our own for the most part, is we’re cramming in 12 to 22 people on the same 75×100 lots.”

Chappie says because of this large increase, the infrastructure of the Island is suffering. He noted that public safety, law enforcement, sewer lines, lifeguards and services that are being stressed by the large increase in visitors are in desperate need of additional funding. He believes the tourism tax should be the source of those much-needed funds.

Of the $2,838,590 collected in tourist taxes in June 2022 (the latest figures available) in Manatee County, $1,405,389 came from the three Anna Maria Island cities, accounting for almost half of the total for the county. At $890,927.24, Holmes Beach collected more tourist tax dollars than both Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria combined.

“We need to get on this and try to be able to use the TDC dollars for other things other than drawing more tourists in here,” Chappie said. “We love our tourists, I’m not jamming on the tourists at all, they’re a major part of our economy, but we can’t go on the way it is right now. We need other sources of funding for these important needs our communities have.”

Commissioner Carol Carter of Anna Maria also addressed the TDC, agreeing with the mayor’s plea. Carter said Anna Maria has more than 800 vacation rentals in a city that covers only one square mile. She said while permanent residents average 1.8 people per house, vacation rentals tend to average nine people per house.

“Just for your information, the state legislature did make some exceptions some years ago for TDC for the three counties in the panhandle, kind of focused on Panama City and all the tourist involvement that they have there for public safety reasons,” Carter said. “So, there is a precedent, and I just reinforced what Mayor Chappie said about the next legislative session.”

Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore also weighed in on the discussion, saying that despite Holmes Beach being the Island’s primary source of tourist tax dollars, it still has not had the funds to replace its pier.

Later in the TDC meeting, Research Data Services’Ann Wittine presented her state of tourism update featuring the latest available statistics related to the tourism industry in Manatee County from June of 2022.

“We got very used to those arrows pointing up,” she said. “What we saw in June was a slight rollback in numbers in June of 2022, but what I really want to emphasize is that, compared to our benchmark in 2019, pre-COVID, our visitors are up 25.8%, room nights are up 25% and economic impact is up 38.4%.”

Wittine said the reason for the recent dip in numbers is because, in 2021, the area was seeing a huge surge in visitation driven by the fact that people were getting vaccinated in record numbers in the first quarter of 2021 and therefore more apt to travel. Room occupancy is also slightly down in 2022 at 79.3% compared to 88.1% in June of last year. It is still higher than in June 2019 when it stood at 74.7% pre-COVID. The average daily room rate is up though, at $209.19 per day in June 2022 compared to $195.19 in June 2021.

While the Island is used to seeing a large number of tourists from Florida, those numbers have actually dipped 19.8% from June 2021, but are up 126% from 2019, showing the effect COVID travel restrictions had on people who didn’t leave Florida during the height of the pandemic. For the fiscal year to date, visitation is up 14.1% from June of 2021 and economic impact is up 27.2%, standing at $1,284,951,900. That number is 47.6% higher than in June 2019.

RDS’s traveler sentiment study showed that 78.8% of prospective travelers to Florida were optimistic about personal health, but only 54.4% were optimistic about personal finances, compared to 70% in June 2021. When asked how close things are to returning to normal, 46.5% of people said they were close, compared to 51% last year. The biggest concern for prospective travelers was gas prices. Wittine’s data shows an expected dip in tourism numbers until at least October.

Anna Maria mayor endorses Whitmore

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Letter to the Editor, Opinion.

I have worked with County Commissioner Carol Whitmore over the past eight years during my tenure as mayor of the city of Anna Maria. During that period of time, she has shown a keen interest in our city and our island community. She has:

  • Attended city commission meetings, listened to our commissioners and residents and shown interest in our concerns;
  • Proactively advised us of potential changes and direction from Manatee County and the state which may impact our city; and
  • Assisted us in garnering funds to make improvements to our infrastructure.

Sometimes we agree on issues while at other times we disagree. But either way, Commissioner Whitmore has always been interested in Anna Maria. I have never met or spoken with her opponent, nor has he ever taken the time to contact us, nor has he ever come to a meeting, nor has he shown the least amount of interest in some of the challenges facing the city of Anna Maria.

It has been my experience over the past eight years that most candidates who run for a county commission seat have shown interest in our city. That would include Commissioners George Kruse, Kevin Van Ostenbridge and former Commissioner Betsy Benac, along with Ed Hunzeker, Matt Bower, David Zaccagnino and others. Some have lost elections while others have gone on to win, but either way, each has taken the time to show an interest in our community and understanding our challenges. Commissioner Whitmore’s opponent has never done so.

For the sake of our city and our Island community, I endorse Carol Whitmore for county commissioner. I firmly believe she is the only candidate who cares about our city and our residents.

 

Dan Murphy

Mayor, City of Anna Maria

County commissioner accused of theft

County commissioner accused of theft

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

HOLMES BEACH – Manatee County voters are no strangers to political antics when it comes to local elections, but the case of the disappearing election signs has turned serious, with an accusation of theft.

The problem began when Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore removed three campaign signs promoting Jason Bearden, the opponent for her at-large commission seat. Two of the signs were located on private property and one was on city right of way.

During a June 22 press conference held outside Holmes Beach City Hall, Whitmore said that two of the signs she removed were on properties owned by local developer Shawn Kaleta. She said she contacted Kaleta, who said he had not given permission for the signs to be placed on his property.

Whitmore said she removed the signs and took them to the Holmes Beach Police Department, where she made a statement to officers noting that the city’s sign ordinance only allows for political signs to be placed in the city during the 45 days leading up to an election. According to the city’s sign ordinance, candidates cannot start placing their election signs until Saturday, Sept. 24.

Police Chief Bill Tokajer said that the signs were turned over to the city’s code compliance division to be collected by Bearden.

Once the news of the sign removal came out, Bearden publicly demanded that Whitmore be arrested and charged with theft.

Speaking to The Sun, Tokajer said that Whitmore was not being charged or fined in relation to the sign removal. However, he issued a warning to the community that election signs are to be placed on private property only with the property owner’s permission and that signs can only be legally moved or removed by the property owner, police or code compliance officers.

While Whitmore joked about turning herself in to police during her press conference, she adamantly maintained that “Carol Whitmore did nothing wrong.”

Ultimately, the contest between Whitmore and Bearden will be decided by voters during the Nov. 8 general election. The last day to register to vote in the general election is Oct. 11.

Bird nesting discovered in trees slated for woodchipper

Bird nest discovered in trees slated for woodchipper

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Birds, Featured, Outdoors.

HOLMES BEACH – Some Manatee County commissioners may have given up on the fight to save more than 80 trees planned for destruction at Kingfish Boat Ramp, but city officials and residents hope the discovery of an active great blue heron nest in one of the trees will change minds.

County Commissioner Carol Whitmore led the fight during a recent meeting to save the pines and palms slated for destruction or relocation at Kingfish as part of planned renovations at the popular park. However, Commission Chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge said that he didn’t think saving the trees is a fight that commissioners can win with the renovation plans already at 100% completion and a fall 2023 deadline for finishing the project looming.

Concern grows over Kingfish bird nests
Two great blue herons are believed to have at least one fledgling in an active nest perched in the branches of an Australian pine at Kingfish Boat Ramp. – Submitted | Jean Bystrom

Of the 120-140 trees in the park, more than 80 are planned to be removed or relocated to make way for more parking. All of the Australian pine trees, which provide shade along the shoreline and a place for birds to nest, are slated for destruction. As of May 28, dozens of trees at the boat ramp had been marked with caution tape, indicating they are to be removed, though no timeline for the removal was available as of press time for The Sun.

Some are hoping that the discovery of an active bird nest in one of the Australian pines will spur state representatives to halt the destruction of the trees and accompanying picnic area.

While Australian pines are considered an invasive species by the state of Florida, great blue herons are a protected nesting bird species, meaning that while an active nest is located in one of the pines, that tree cannot be disturbed. However, once fledgling herons leave the nest, the tree can be taken down under current regulations. With more and more trees that provide nesting areas for birds being demolished, some area residents are hoping that the nest will be enough to save the trees from the woodchipper.

Concern grows over Kingfish bird nests
All of the shade trees lining the picnic area at Kingfish Boat Ramp are marked for removal. – Kristin Swain | Sun

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth sent an email to county commissioners asking them again to reconsider the plans for Kingfish and to involve city leaders in any future design plans. Though Kingfish is located in the city of Holmes Beach, it is a county-owned and maintained facility.

During a May 24 city commission meeting, Titsworth said that several of the trees are planned for demolition to make room for a trolley stop to accompany a 100-foot pier that may eventually be a stop for a water taxi, though county leaders have not applied with the city for a change of use for the property. She said that she’d sent photos of the nesting herons to state representatives with the hope that they will step in to halt the destruction of the trees. Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission representatives have documented several great blue heron nests in the trees at Kingfish, many with fledglings, she added.

“I think we can be better than that,” she said of the planned tree removal.

Titsworth said the county’s renovation plans will have to go through the city’s planning commission approval process before permits can be issued. She added that if permits are approved, a note will be added that any change of use on the property, such as the addition of a water taxi stop, will require Holmes Beach Commission approval.

Resident Joe Arena said in an email to The Sun that he and his family are saddened by the planned destruction of the picnic area. He said that he and his wife have spent a lot of time relaxing at the picnic tables, enjoying the shade and bird watching.

Area resident Teal O’Fee said she hopes that county commissioners will listen to the concerns of their constituents over the destruction of the trees and nesting area and change course. She said she’s hoping more people will lend their voices to the cause and that a solution can be found to preserve the area.

As of press time for The Sun, no specific opportunities for public comment on the Kingfish renovations was scheduled with Manatee County commissioners, however, all commission meetings are open to the public and offer a public comment opportunity on any topic of concern.

The next county commission meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 7 at 8:30 a.m. at the Manatee County Government Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W. in Bradenton.

Related coverage

 

Kingfish renovations make room for water taxi

 

Trees get the ax in Kingfish renovation plans

Kingfish renovations make room for water taxi

Kingfish renovations make room for water taxi

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

HOLMES BEACH – City and Manatee County leaders aren’t seeing eye to eye on the county’s renovation plans for the Kingfish Boat Ramp, where one vision includes a water taxi stop.

Responding to allegations that she would delay the issuance of building permits for the project, Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth released a string of emails between herself, Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore and County Administrator Scott Hopes. The emails put Titsworth on record as stating that she could not delay the issuance of permits.

They also show that Hopes said an unexpected use at the boat ramp is being planned for – the future dockage of a water taxi service.

In a joint meeting earlier this year of city and county leaders, the potential for a water taxi service to Anna Maria Island from the mainland was mentioned. During that meeting, Titsworth noted that Holmes Beach does not have a place for a water taxi to dock, unlike the cities of Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach, which both have large bayside piers located within walking distance of those cities’ primary business districts.

At that meeting, she said that if county leaders want to pursue a water taxi site in Holmes Beach, the only place she could see with the potential for a dock site would be Kingfish Boat Ramp. She noted that the boat ramp is located several blocks from Manatee Beach, which could make taking the water taxi less attractive for beachgoers who bring a lot of gear for a day on the sand.

In the email conversation, Titsworth responded to the allegations made on the dais during a May 17 county commission meeting and said that she and the city’s staff fully support eliminating four to five parking spaces to allow more than 20 shade trees and the picnic area to remain intact at Kingfish.

In response, Hopes said that the county intends to use Kingfish as a stop for a future water taxi service, making the area that’s now a picnic spot a possible beach trolley stop for transportation to the public beach. The May 18 email goes on to say that the water taxi vendor the county is considering is incorporating Kingfish as the Holmes Beach service stop.

In her response, Titsworth asked whether a different trolley stop location could be considered, how many boaters could be displaced by the addition of a water taxi service at Kingfish and when city commissioners could expect to see a proposed site plan showing the new use at the park.

Hopes responded that the site plan already under consideration by staff with the Holmes Beach Building Department was valid, though it doesn’t include a water taxi, and asked that the permit applications for construction at Kingfish be processed as already presented.

Because Kingfish has a recreational zone, if a water taxi is to be brought to the park it will require an updated site plan to be brought before Holmes Beach commissioners for consideration to allow a change of use for the boat ramp. A dock to accommodate the water taxi also will have to be permitted for construction.

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Trees get the ax in Kingfish renovation plans