Tag: City Pier Park

Anna Maria honors veterans with parade, recognition ceremony

Anna Maria honors veterans on Veterans Day

Written by Joe Hendricks on November 18, 2025. Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News, Featured.

ANNA MARIA – Colder than usual weather didn’t chill the appreciation, attendance and enthusiasm for the city of Anna Maria’s Old Soldiers & Sailors Veterans Day parade and the post-parade veterans’ recognition ceremony that followed at City Pier Park.

On Nov. 11, spectators of all ages gathered along Pine Avenue to watch the parade. Near City Pier Park, visiting western Michigan residents Ann Hayward, Brenda Manchester and Jill McIntyre shared a blanket while waiting for the parade to begin.

In front of Roser Church, young siblings Maggie, Charli and Millie were bundled up in blankets waiting to see friends and family members march by with the Manatee High School Junior ROTC.

The skies were clear and sunny, the temperature was 48 degrees and a 12 mph northeast wind blew as the procession from city hall to City Pier Park began, with a quartet of Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputies on motorcycles leading the way and performing some riding maneuvers as they went.

The deputies were followed by the Lakewood Ranch High School marching band that would also perform at the ceremony in the park. The Bayshore High School marching band, the Braden River High School band and the Southeast High School Marching ‘Noles also marched in the parade.

Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short and city commissioners Chris Arendt and Kathy Morgan-Johnson rode together in a city-owned low-speed vehicle Jeep driven by Code Enforcement Manager Dave DeZutter.

Because last year’s parade was canceled due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, this year’s parade featured three grand marshals: Army veteran John Fara, Army veteran and former Anna Maria mayor Dan Murphy and Duncan Real Estate owner Darcie Duncan.

Fara was supposed to serve as last year’s grand marshal and he traveled the parade route in a city-owned Jeep driven by Code Enforcement Officer Tom Collins. Murphy and Duncan are the city’s reigning co-citizens of the year. Accompanied by Murphy’s wife, Barbara, they traveled the parade route in the code enforcement department truck driven by City Clerk Amber LaRowe.

Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie rode in a police vehicle driven by a Bradenton Beach Police officer and Holmes Beach Police Chief and Army veteran Bill Tokajer drove a police department ATV down the parade route. A privately-owned green Jeep transported another group of veterans down Pine Avenue.

Army veteran and Holmes Beach Walgreens employee Lance Roy walked the parade route, as did a group of youngsters and employees from The Center of Anna Maria Island, a group representing the Girl Scouts of Gulf Coast Florida and four members of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders Alumni.

The parade vehicles included the sheriff’s office airboat, a West Manatee Fire Rescue fire engine and a Waste Management truck. Holmes Beach-based SeaBreeze Vacation entered two vehicles in the parade and three mounted sheriff’s deputies on horses brought up the rear of the parade.

After the parade, the Lakewood Ranch High School band members took their seats in a large tent that stood where the recently removed Anna Maria Post Office trailer stood for several months after the hurricanes. Many parade attendees and veterans took their seats under the City Pier Park shade sail structure.

Before presiding over his first Veterans Day ceremony, Mayor Short said of the parade: “It was a little chilly, but the turnout was great for this very special occasion.”

The city-hosted Veterans Day parade and recognition ceremony began several years ago, during Murphy’s 10-year tenure as mayor.

“Putting on an event like this is a big responsibility and a lot of hard work,” Murphy said before the ceremony began. “Mark and his staff have done a truly remarkable job. I’m so pleased that they’re carrying on this tradition that has become part of the fiber of the city of Anna Maria.”

Accompanied by his wife, Geraldine, Col. Fernand Verrier said he first served in the Vietnam War from 1962-65 stationed in San Diego as a member of the Navy. He then went to college, earned a degree, enlisted in the Army as a commissioned officer and later retired as a colonel. During his time in the military, he served in Panama, the first Gulf War, Bosnia and at the U.S. Embassy in Yemen.

After Short’s opening remarks, Roser Memorial Community Church Senior Pastor Dirk Rodgers offered the invocation.

“May we treasure this freedom. May we learn to love, respect and support one another in honor of their service,” Rodgers said in appreciation of those who serve and served their country.

The Manatee High School Junior ROTC Color Guard presented the colors, accompanied by Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra drummer Scott Blum.

Directed by Dr. John Wilkerson, the seated marching band performed “The Star-Spangled Banner;” followed by the children from The Center leading the recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.

The mayor introduced the three grand marshals and recognized the elected officials in attendance. He then called forward the spouses and significant others of those who served in the military and city staff members presented each of them with a yellow rose.

The mayor then called forward the veterans according to the military branch in which they served: Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard – and Anna Maria Executive Assistant Barbara Jeffries’ 8-year-old son, Jackson, presented each veteran with a commemorative medal.

After being recognized as the only Coast Guard veteran in attendance, Paul Schloesser said, “This is my ninth year. I love it.”

Short also recognized the U.S. Space Force and the Allied/NATO Forces that had no veteran representatives on hand.

“Thank you again to all our veterans. We appreciate your service and everything you did for us and this country,” the mayor said.

The band then played a medley of military theme songs and the seated veterans were asked to stand to be recognized one more time while their branch’s song played. Wilkerson then called the drumline forward to lead the band through a few more musical numbers that included an instrumental version of Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train.”

Short then called forward and recognized the many city staff members who helped organize and host the Veterans Day events.

“This event could not have been done without everybody you see standing beside me. Thank you to our city staff for yet another successful Veterans Day event,” Short said.

The mayor also thanked the sheriff’s office and everyone else who assisted with the parade and the recognition ceremony.

After the ceremony, Short said, “It was a great ceremony. It was nice to recognize our veterans that are so important to all of us.”

Spectators of all ages lined the Pine Avenue parade route. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Code Enforcement Officer Steve Cooke and Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Anna Maria Unit leader Sgt. Brett Getman assisted with street closures and traffic control. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

The Lakewood Ranch High School marching band marched down Pine Avenue in route to City Pier Park. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

The ROTC color guard led the Manatee High School Jr. ROTC members down the parade route. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Mayor John Chappie represented the city of Bradenton Beach. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Police Chief Bill Tokajer, an Army veteran, represented the city of Holmes Beach. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

These young women led the Bayshore High School band down the parade route. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

The Bayshore High School band marched in the parade. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

This Vietnam War veteran rode with Anna Maria General Manager and Marine Corps veteran Dean Jones. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

This walking group represented The Center of Anna Maria Island. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

The Braden River High School band marched in the parade. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

The Braden River High School band marched to the beat of its drummers. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Army veteran Lance Roy walked in the parade. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

The Girl Scouts of Gulf Coast Florida participated in the parade. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

These members of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleaders’ alumni marched in the parade. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

The Southeast High School band marched in the parade. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

The Sheriff’s Office brought an airboat to the parade. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Waste Pro and West Manatee Fire and Rescue participated in the parade. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

These Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputies rode horses in the parade. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

SeaBreeze Vacation participated in the parade. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

This Jeep transported veterans down Pine Avenue. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Army veteran and former mayor Dan Murphy attended the ceremony with his wife, Barbara. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Pastor Dirk Rodgers gave the invocation during the Veterans Day ceremony. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

The spouses and significant others of veterans received yellow roses. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

The Manatee High School Jr. ROTC color guard presented the colors during the ceremony. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

These two men served in the Air Force. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Several Navy veterans attended the Veterans Day ceremony. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

The Marine Corps veterans received commemorative medals from young Jackson Jeffries. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Army and Navy veteran Col. Fernand Verrier shook hands with Mayor Mark Short. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Paul Schloesser served in the Coast Guard. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

The Lakewood Ranch High School Marching band drumline showed off their percussive skills. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Mayor Mark Short stood with city staff members during the band’s musical performance. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Anna Maria Commissioner Gary McMullen attended the ceremony with his wife, Pam. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Code Enforcement Manager Dave DeZutter and Code Enforcement Officer Tom Collins attended the ceremony after driving city vehicles in the parade. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Anna Maria Administrative Assistant Iris Mavenyengwas, Executive Assistant Barbara Jeffries and volunteer Jackson Jeffries assisted with the Veterans Day ceremony. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Anna Maria General Manager Dean Jones served in the Marine Corps. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Bob and Debbie Haynes enjoyed the ceremony and the parade. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Community Farmers Market opens in new location

Written by Joe Hendricks on October 14, 2025. Posted in Entertainment, Markets.

ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria Community Farmers Market made its season debut in a new location on Oct. 7.

The weekly market that operated last year at The Center of Anna Maria Island, and previously at nearby City Pier Park, has a new home on the grounds of the Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave.

Weather permitting, the relocated market will continue every Tuesday through April from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Nestled between the main church building and Lake La Vista, the market vendors set up their tents alongside parking lot travel lanes that now double as sturdy and spacious footpaths and nicely frame the new market setup.

Thirty-nine vendors were on hand for opening day, including many from last year’s market and many from previous years’ markets. Two produce vendors, Milagro’s Produce and TJ’s Produce, date back to the first year the city-hosted market began in 2018.

The vendors’ opening day offerings included fresh produce, all natural dog treats, local honey, fresh baked bread and biscuits, mushrooms and mushroom products, fresh guacamole, fish dip, seafood, organic juices, matcha drinks, jewelry, crystals and other mystical items, art, back massages and more, with 15-year-old cellist and visiting High Point, N.C. resident Kal Hyun Burgess-Hicks providing the live music.

Market moves

Hurricanes Helene and Milton displaced the city-hosted market in 2024 when the park was first used as a staging area for recovery crews and later as the temporary Anna Maria Post Office.

In January, DBTB Juice Bar & Bakery co-owner, and former city market vendor, Devinne “Dev” Whittaker proposed relocating and expanding the weekly market on The Center’s spacious athletic fields. Whittaker and her fiancé, former Chiles Group head baker Ted Louloudes, co-own the DBTB Juice Bar & Bakery that operates inside The Center.

During the market’s summer offseason, Whittaker spearheaded the move to the Roser Church property.

“We’re at Roser Church now every Tuesday through April because The Center spent some good money on their athletic fields this summer,” Whittaker said on opening day. “We coordinated with the church and they were happy to have us. They said we could do it every year here if we want. It’s a great day, no rain and lots of room. And we’re on Pine Avenue again, closer to where the market used to be.”

The DBTB market offerings included fresh juices and juice combinations, fresh baked sourdough bread, scones, cookies and other baked goods.

TJ’s Produce owner/operator Tillman Thomas noted the market never opened in October before and will end in April instead of May to beat the summer heat. His offerings included tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, watermelon, lettuce, limes, lemons, oranges, cantaloupes, onions, potatoes and more.

Set up near Lake La Vista, Sea-renity Bou-Tiki & Beach Spa owner Amanda Escobio gave visiting Pittsburgh native Joe Pastor a soothing massage.

“This is a relaxing environment and we have more shade here,” she said of the market’s new home.

Returning vendors included but were not limited to Dynasty Guacamole, Hahn’s Handcrafted Lemonade, Mr. Fun Guy (mushrooms) and more.

Doing business as The Chubby Seacows (another name for manatees), vendors Bob and Jeanne Lorendo sold cabinet knobs, small art pieces and other items made with resin, sea glass and crushed shells. They also offered leather purses and fanny packs and more. Next to them, Diannah Hughes sold natural dog treats at her A Bark Above Dog Bakery tent.

One of the market newcomers, Spare Kitchen owner Michael Calvino, began baking fresh, aromatic and multi-flavored buttermilk biscuits when he arrived at the market and he continued doing so as the day progressed. The biscuit flavors included traditional buttermilk, chocolate chip, rosemary and more. The Spare Kitchen also offered Calvino Family Sausage, made with a time-tested family recipe.

“We make everything we sell,” Calvino said.

Next to the Spare Kitchen tent was another group of market newcomers, Sol Sipsters, who sold matcha drinks and more.

Several vendors said they were very pleased with the new location and they look forward to a successful season.

Anna Maria Post Office back home again

Written by Joe Hendricks on October 6, 2025. Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria Post Office reopened in its regular pre-hurricane location at 101B South Bay Boulevard on Oct. 6.

The leased, ground-level post office space experienced significant flood damage during the 2024 hurricanes. During the hurricane recovery efforts, a temporary post office was established across the street at City Pier Park and initially operated out of mail trucks parked beneath the shade sail structure.

The postal operations were later moved into an air-conditioned trailer delivered to the park property. The temporary post office closed at the end of business on Oct. 4 and a handwritten sign taped to the door instructs post office patrons to return to the regular location.

After opening the service desk’s accordion door on Monday morning, interim Postmaster Kristen Gray said, “Hopefully this feels more normal for our Anna Maria residents. We are working diligently to get it back to 100%.”

Within minutes, Krista Carroll was the first patron to arrive at the service desk, where she turned in her key for her temporary P.O. box across the street and exchanged it for a key to her permanent box.

“I’m so excited for you guys,” Carroll told Gray.

“Thanks, it’s been a journey,” Gray responded.

“It’s great when anything gets back to normal after the hurricanes,” Carroll said.

Gray said P.O. box keys issued before the 2024 hurricanes should still work for the boxes inside the regular location. If your old key doesn’t work, go to the service desk and let them know. Gray asks that post-hurricane P.O. box keys issued for the temporary post office be returned to the service desk at 101B South Bay Blvd. Gray said she doesn’t yet have confirmation as to when the trailer will be removed from the park but she said its removal is already in the works.

The Anna Maria Post Office service desk is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. The lobby is open 24 hours a day and the P.O. boxes are always accessible.

City block party celebrates community

Written by Joe Hendricks on May 28, 2025. Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria hosted a community block party at City Pier Park on May 24.

Mayor Mark Short and City Commissioner Charlie Salem suggested the event as a way to bring the community together as the post-hurricane recovery process continues for many Anna Maria residents.

The late afternoon, early evening gathering featured live music by The Stockton Brothers, featuring Cam Stockton on guitar and vocals, Tyler Dunn on keyboards and Paul Kunkemoeller on drums. Cam’s brother, Tony, had to sit the gig out as he recovers from a recent surgery.

The BYOB, pot-luck-style gathering featured several tables filled with food, snacks and desserts community members brought to share with others. The offerings included brownies baked by Mayor Mark Short’s wife, Pat, and a few dozen hot dogs City Commissioner Gary McMullen cooked on his propane griddle that was delivered to the park for the occasion.

“I’m very happy,” Mark Short said. “The turnout is great, there’s probably a hundred or so people that showed up. Like I said in our commission meeting, this was a ‘science experiment’ for us. It tells me this is something we need to do in the fall, when the weather cools down; and we need to promote the community getting together for events like this. People are seeing people they haven’t seen in a while – chatting, sharing a meal and enjoying some nice music; and we’re utilizing a park that needs to be utilized more.”

“It was great to see so many islanders out enjoying the music and reconnecting with each other,” Salem said. “The fact that this was started by residents looking to keep up their tradition of meeting at the City Pier just shows how resilient our resident community is.”

“I like it,” McMullen said. “I hope it continues when we have cooler weather in the fall. This is a perfect get-together. The Stockton Brothers are good, the crowd is good and it’s good to see everybody that’s here. I hope to be cooking hamburgers at the next one.”

Anna Maria resident and Cool Beans AMI coffee shop owner Morgan Bryant said, “It’s awesome. I love that the community’s coming together and that the city threw a little get-together for the community. It’s a nice thing to do and it’s nice to see everybody. Music, food and drinks bring people together.”

Leslie Vandenberg has lived in Anna Maria since 1991. During the block party, she and her friend, Donna Kamp, sat on a park bench enjoying the food, music, scenery and each other’s company.

“I think it’s lovely, and luckily it’s not too hot,” Vandenberg said. “It’s nice seeing people you don’t see very often – unless you come to the post office. I was just talking to a lady that I hadn’t seen for a while and we of course were talking hurricanes.”

Kamp bought an investment home in Anna Maria in 1981 and became an Anna Maria resident in 2006.

“I think this is really great,” she said. “It’s an excellent idea. People need to get together like this more often to meet their neighbors.”

Holmes Beach resident and Planning Commissioner Richard Brown made his way to Anna Maria to enjoy the block party and he spent some conversing with Anna Maria Planning and Zoning Board member Jeff Rodencal.

“I enjoy this. It’s a great together with friends and family. We get to commiserate and celebrate,” Brown said.

Special event permitting process amended

Written by Joe Hendricks on December 23, 2024. Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – The city has again amended its special event permitting requirements.

When doing so on Dec. 12, the mayor and city commission allowed two previously permitted events to proceed at a different location due to the ongoing hurricane recovery efforts.

The latest amendment to the special event permitting process requires event organizers to submit their proof of insurance and other required documents at least 30 days before the event is scheduled. If the event organizer fails to do so, the city has the right to cancel the event. The previous ordinance required those documents to be provided at least 48 hours in advance.

The newly-amended ordinance also makes permit fees non-refundable.

City Attorney Becky Vose said the new provisions will better protect the city and help ensure that event planners complete their permitting requirements in a timely manner.

In August, the commission amended the special event permitting process in a manner that now provides for significantly higher permit fees that range from $200 to $5,000. To be determined by the mayor, the permitting fee is to be based on the size of the event, the anticipated attendance and the city services needed before, during and after an event, including law enforcement, street closures and trash removal.

The commission agreed that the special event permit applications included in that day’s consent agenda would not be subject to the new requirements adopted that day.

EVENTS RELOCATED

Earlier this year, the commission approved two special event permits sought by Blue Ribbon Events owner Danielle Lynch. The commission approved Lynch’s request to host a multi-vendor art and craft show at City Pier Park on Friday, Dec. 27 and Saturday, Dec. 28 and her second annual “Feed the Peeps” art and craft show at City Pier Park on Feb. 7-8. Those events were approved with the $200 per event permit fee in place at that time.

During the Dec. 12 meeting, Deputy Clerk Fran Berrios told the commission Lynch had to relocate those previously approved events because the park is not currently available. The temporary post office is currently operating at the park.

Lynch will now host her previously-approved events on the grounds of the nearby Roser Memorial Community church. The commission agreed those two events could be relocated with no additional permit fees or requirements. Lynch said she pays the church a “nice fee” for the use of the property and both upcoming events will also serve as food drives for the Roser Food Pantry.

Lynch also addressed the uncertainty created by the $200 to $5,000 permit fee schedule adopted earlier this year. She said the wide-ranging fee schedule now in effect creates uncertainty for event planners. She suggested, and the commission agreed, that the city should develop a more specific fee schedule that provides better clarity regarding special event permitting costs.

Temporary post office now a full-service facility

Temporary post office now offers full service

Written by Joe Hendricks on December 16, 2024. Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – Operating inside a large trailer parked at City Pier Park, the temporary Anna Maria Post Office is now operating as a full-service postal facility.

Anna Maria Postmaster Sheila Brunger said on Dec. 11 that full-service postal operations began inside the trailer about three weeks ago. Prior to that, limited mail service was conducted out of mail trucks parked under the City Park shade sail.

Home mail delivery has never been available in Anna Maria and residents, property owners and business owners historically have retrieved their mail at the post office.

Brunger said the temporary post office contains 780 post office boxes. The hurricane-damaged post office building across the street on Pine Avenue contained approximately 2,000 and approximately 900 of those were in use when Hurricane Helene hit.

“If they had one over there, we transferred it over here. So, they have the same number, the same address and we reissued the keys to them beginning the Monday before Thanksgiving so they can pick up their own mail again,” Brunger said as a steady flow of residents passed through the temporary post office.

“It’s nice to be inside, but we’d rather be at home in our post office again,” she added.

Brunger doesn’t know yet when the hurricane-damaged post office will reopen but some restoration work has been done. On Dec. 12, an Andy’s Carpet Cleaning van was parked outside the post office building with a hose extending into the post office building. The storm surge-damaged drywall has been removed.

When asked about holiday mailing, postal worker Kristen Gray said, “It’s Christmas time. Mail early.”

“Do it ASAP,” Brunger added. A sign affixed to the front door of the temporary post office lists Dec. 18-21 as the deadlines for gifts to arrive in time for Christmas using priority USPS shipping services.

Mayor Murphy won’t seek re-election

Written by Joe Hendricks on May 28, 2024. Posted in Anna Maria, Community News, Featured.

ANNA MARIA – Dan Murphy will not seek re-election to another two-year term as the city’s mayor.

During the May 23 city commission meeting, Murphy announced he would not run again in the upcoming city elections.

“I’ve decided not to run in November. It’s been fun. Ten years,” Murphy said while trying to hold his emotions in check.

“This will give us all a chance to think about how we go forward,” Commission Chair Mark Short said in response to the announcement that surprised some sitting in the commission chambers.

“Ten years is pretty remarkable,” Short said. “I want to thank you on behalf of all of us in the city and the staff for everything you’ve done, but I know we’re going to have the opportunity to do that again.”

“I’ve got a few more months and I’m not a lame duck. It’s been an honor,” Murphy said.

While sitting in the mayor’s office after the meeting, Murphy said, “It’s been a pleasure and honor for both myself and the first lady (his wife, Barbara).”

As for what’s next, he said, “I think I might look at other avenues within the community to serve, as well as perhaps looking at some educational opportunities, perhaps at the college level, where I can share some of the knowledge I have about local government and dealing with Tallahassee (home of the Florida Legislature).”

When asked if he has any advice for those interested in being Anna Maria’s next mayor, he said, “I could spend hours and days giving advice about how to do this, but I guess I would just suggest that if you’re going to run, be prepared for a tough job, a full-time job. This is not for amateurs.

“You need to be prepared to pretty much give up your personal life and treat this like a full-time job. It’s not for show and it’s not for glory. There’s certainly not much glory but there’s a great deal of reward. It’s a rewarding job. You can accomplish things that you could never accomplish in a private sector and you can really have an impact on your community – a good impact or a bad impact, the exposure’s there for both,” Murphy said.

Murphy’s leaving office at a time when Anna Maria faces the potential forced consolidation or dissolution of the three Anna Maria Island cities and city governments.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

During his time in office, Murphy guided the city through the adoption of the city’s first vacation rental ordinance in 2015. He led the city’s response to Hurricane Irma in 2017 and the lengthy process of replacing the hurricane-damaged pier. He then guided the city commission through the controversial selection of the two tenants that occupy the city-owned pier, The City Pier Grill and the Mote Marine Science, Education and Outreach Center. Murphy led the city’s preparation and response to several other storms and flooding events and also guided the city through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Murphy formulated the plan that transformed an underutilized city-owned property into City Pier Park and it was his idea to install the shade sail structure under which the seasonal farmers market and annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day events he suggested take place.

For the past several years, Murphy played a key role locally and statewide in thwarting the Florida Legislature’s annual efforts to preempt vacation rental regulations to the state and strip local governments of that regulatory authority.

Before his final term expires, Murphy hopes to make some significant headway with the Reimagining Pine Avenue project that’s proved more challenging than originally expected.

WHO’S NEXT?

The mayor is paid approximately $19,500 per year during a two-year term. City commissioners are paid $400 a month.

Anna Maria’s two-week candidate qualifying period for those seeking to serve as mayor or fill one of two city commission seats begins on Monday, June 3 at noon and ends on Friday, June 15 at noon. The qualifying period is preceded by a state-mandated prequalifying period that begins on Monday, May 27.

According to City Clerk LeAnne Addy, qualifying papers will be accepted during the pre-qualifying period but Anna Maria candidates will not be considered qualified until the city’s qualifying period opens on June 3.

Mayoral and city commission candidates are now required to file a Form 6 disclosure form that lists the candidate’s net worth, income sources, debts and tangible assets. Mayors and commissioners are also now required to file additional annual Form 6 disclosure forms while in office.

City Pier Park will soon be dog-friendly

Written by Joe Hendricks on April 1, 2024. Posted in Anna Maria, Community News, Featured.

ANNA MARIA – Leashed dogs will soon be allowed in City Pier Park, including during some special events held in the park.

The city of Anna Maria’s code of ordinances currently prohibits dogs and other domestic animals on beaches and in city parks.

“It shall be unlawful for the owner or keeper of any domestic animal to allow or permit any such domestic animal on any beaches, coastal barrier sand dunes or parks located within the city limits,” the current ordinance says.

On March 28, City Attorney Becky Vose presented the city commission with the first reading of Ordinance 24-924, which contained the proposed addition of the following language: “Provided, however, dogs on leashes shall be allowed in parks that are not on the beach or which have coastal barrier sand dunes, as long as no special event is occurring at such park, and as long as the person accompanying such dog shall promptly remove any feces deposited by such dog and properly dispose of such feces.”

When discussing the proposed ordinance, Commission Chair Mark Short said, “I do not agree that we should not allow dogs in the park when there’s a special event.”

He noted that leashed dogs are allowed at the Sarasota farmer’s market and at many other markets and public spaces in the area.

“I don’t see an issue with allowing dogs in the park at any time,” Short said. “We have had them at some of our events, Veterans Day and so on, where there have been people there with their dogs sitting beside them. I think they should be allowed at City Pier Park even if there is a special event.”

Short noted a different city ordinance prohibits dogs on the City Pier and that prohibition will remain in effect.

“The Pier’s not a park,” Mayor Dan Murphy added.

As for allowing dogs during special events, Commissioner Jon Crane said, “I’m not certain about this because you get too many dogs in an area together and they fight. We have an elderly population and that concerns me a little bit.”

Commissioner Gary McMullen said he sees dogs in City Pier Park during the weekly farmers markets held on Tuesdays. He asked if the market events are considered special events or reoccurring events. Murphy said the farmers markets are considered special events.

Murphy said more than 1,000 people attend the city’s annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day events and allowing dogs during those events could be disruptive.

Commissioner Charlie Salem asked if the commission could prohibit dogs during certain special events. Murphy suggested the ordinance be crafted in a manner that would allow the commission to prohibit dogs during certain special events while allowing them in general and during other special events. The commission agreed and directed Vose to rewrite the ordinance to reflect that desired revision.

Commissioner Jon Crane recommended installing dog waste stations in the park.

“It’s a small investment and I think we need to do it,” he said, noting the dog owners sometimes forget to bring their own dog waste bags.

PUBLIC INPUT

The efforts to make City Pier Park dog-friendly date back to last September when the Planning and Zoning Board members unanimously supported board member Dusty Crane’s request to recommend to the city commission that dogs be allowed in the city-owned park located across the street from the City Pier.

When Crane (Commissioner Jon Crane’s wife) presented the planning board’s request to the city commission in October, Murphy suggested dogs remain prohibited during special events held at the park, including those offering food service.

As an alternative, Commissioner Robert Kingan proposed installing a small dog park within City Pier Park and designating that as the only area dogs would be allowed. Commissioner Charlie Salem suggested the space between the children’s playground and the Lake La Vista canal might be a good location for a dog park and the commission took no further action that day.

During the October meeting, Anna Maria resident and dog owner John Kolojeski expressed his support for allowing dogs in the park and for creating a dog park within the park.

During the March 28 meeting, Kolojeski said, “I agree with Commissioner Short. I think dogs on leashes should be allowed at city events. I also think we should have a dog park. What’s happening with that? I think that was fairly well-received.”

The mayor and commission did not respond to Kolojeski’s dog park comment and no further discussion ensued.

The commission doesn’t vote on the first reading of a proposed ordinance. The revised dog allowance ordinance will be presented on second and final reading and a commission vote on Thursday, April 11.

Anna Maria celebrates Thanks-Living

Written by Joe Hendricks on November 20, 2023. Posted in Entertainment, Events.

ANNA MARIA – Residents and visitors gathered under the City Pier Park shade sail on Sunday afternoon and evening to celebrate Thanks-Living.

Graced by perfect weather, approximately 50 people attended the annual Thanks-Living celebration that provides an opportunity to share a potluck dinner while mingling with friends and fellow community members.

This year’s bountiful food offerings included appetizers, salads, Pizza Social pizzas, sandwiches, turkey sliders, a wide array of desserts and more.

With assistance from the city of Anna Maria and other volunteers, Anna Maria resident Liz Hager helped organize this year’s Thanks-Living community gathering.

“We’re really glad that so many people came and it’s such a beautiful evening. This is a great place to live,” Hager said. “The city was very supportive and put up wonderful Thanks-Living signs for us in several places.”

Anna Maria City Commission Chair Mark Short welcomed the attendees.

“We believe this is the fifth Thanks- Living hosted here and we appreciate everybody coming. I was in charge of the weather today. I think I did OK,” he joked.

“This is a great event for everybody to get together and enjoy each other’s company – and for a lot of us, to catch up with people we haven’t seen in quite a while. I want to thank everybody for being here and I want to thank the people who helped put this event on. The Roser Food Pantry is here and I encourage everybody to make a donation. Enjoy yourself,” he said.

While gathered around a table with his wife, Dusty, and a group of friends, City Commissioner Jon Crane said, “I love small-town community events. It’s heartwarming. I’m very thankful for everybody who’s donated to the Roser Food Pantry and gave of their time to put this together. It’s a nice event.”

The Thanks-Living attendees include a group of friends from Germany who frequently visit Anna Maria.

Visitor Regina Ruh said, “We’ve come many times to Anna Maria to vacation and this is my third Thanks-Living here.”

Her friend, Ute Iffland, said, “We visited the Island 10 years ago for the first time and we fell in love. On Tuesday, we were at the farmers market (also held at City Pier Park).”

Roser Food Pantry Co-Chair Jack Brennan manned the food pantry donation table and later said, “It’s been a heck of a last couple weeks of raising money for the food pantry. Thanks-Living raised over $300 and we also collected some non-perishable food items. In October, the “Witch Sisters” raised over $1,200 during the Halloween celebrations. We appreciate the Island organizations and being part of this incredibly community-minded city.”

The first Thanks-Living was held in 2019 and was organized by the “For the Love of Anna Maria Island” community task force that consisted of Carol Carter, Janet Kingan,

Commission discusses dogs at City Pier Park

Written by Joe Hendricks on October 25, 2023. Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – Leashed dogs may soon be allowed in City Pier Park, but not during special events or holiday events, and not in the children’s playground.

The city commission may also consider installing a dog park at the city-owned park.

Commissioners discussed dog-related matters on Oct. 19 at the request of the Planning and Zoning Board (P&Z).

On Sept. 21, P&Z member Dusty Crane initiated a discussion about the City Pier Park dog prohibition that many residents were unaware of. In recent months, “No Dogs Allowed” signs appeared around the perimeter of the park. Similar signs are affixed to the City Pier Park children’s playground fence.

The signs reference city Ordinance 38-28, which states, “It shall be unlawful for the owner or keeper of any domestic animal to allow or permit any such domestic animal on any beaches, coastal barrier, sand dunes or parks located within the city limits.”

The P&Z members unanimously directed Crane, a dog owner, to appear before the commission to request the ordinance be amended to allow dogs in City Pier Park while maintaining the pet prohibitions elsewhere.

When addressing the commission, Crane said, “Many residents and visitors were not aware of the prohibition of dogs in the park until the new signage was installed.”

She said dog owners would be responsible for keeping their leashed dogs under control when visiting the park and must pick up their dog’s waste. She said providing a dog waste station at the park would help keep the park clean. She added that those who don’t clean up after their dogs could be ticketed and fined under another city ordinance.

Crane said allowing dogs would improve the park experience for residents and visitors.

Commissioner Robert Kingan, a dog owner, asked Crane if nearby Bayfront Park was also part of the request. Crane said the board’s request pertained only to City Pier Park.

Mayor Dan Murphy asked if the dog allowance would remain in effect during the farmers market and other special and holiday events held at the park, some of which feature food being served.

“That’s a concern I have, especially the food,” he said.

Crane said she’d be okay if dogs remained prohibited during certain events and activities.

“If you want to put that into the amendment, that would be fine,” she said.

Kingan said it might be confusing to allow dogs in the park but prohibit them during certain events. He suggested installing a designated dog run or a fenced-in dog park that limits dogs to a specific area of the park.

Commissioner Charlie Salem said there’s enough space between the playground and the Lake La Vista canal for a dog park that would help attract more people to the park.

Dusty’s husband, Jon, is a member of the city commission. He said allowing dogs in the park would be good for the residents who walk their dogs in that area. He suggested asking the city attorney to draft an amended version of Ordinance 38-28 for future consideration.

Commission Chair Mark Short noted the commission was dealing with two separate issues – allowing dogs in the park and creating a dog park. Short suggested separating the two issues by first amending the ordinance to allow dogs in the park and then continuing the dog park discussion. He suggested the dog park could be included in the Reimagining Pine Avenue project.

The commission reached an informal consensus to move forward with amending the ordinance in a manner that would still prohibit dogs during certain park events and in the children’s playground.

During public input, city resident and dog owner John Kolojeski said, “I love your idea about a dog park.” He noted the nearest dog park is in Holmes Beach.

“It would be wonderfully convenient, but you’re going to have to appropriate for a fence and offer doggie bags and a repository for their waste. Thank you for thinking of it and thank you to our presenter,” Kolojeski said.

Murphy said more public input is needed before any final decisions are made.

“I think this requires a degree of public input as well. There are a lot of people that are totally opposed to this and they need to be heard from. And there are others who are totally in favor of it. We’ve only heard one side of it,” he said.

Related coverage

Board suggests allowing dogs at City Pier Park

Anna Maria farmers market returns

Written by Joe Hendricks on October 17, 2023. Posted in Anna Maria.

ANNA MARIA – The city-sponsored weekly farmer’s market has returned to City Pier Park.

Featuring 13 vendors, the market will be held every Tuesday through May 7, 2024 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The market started on a trial basis in March 2018, then resumed the following fall and has continued since then. Taking over for the now-retired Debbie Haynes, Deputy City Clerk

Fran Berrios now organizes and manages the market under and around the City Pier Park shade sail structure. Berrios said the vendor roster is set for the season and vendor applications are no longer being accepted.

“We’ve had a great turnout, the weather’s beautiful and the people are happy,” she said on opening day, Oct. 10.

Jimmy Hernandez manned the Dynasty Guacamole vendor booth that featured fresh guacamole and salsas.

The Milagros Produce booth offered a wide variety of locally grown vegetables and fruits.

Rosibel Malheiro operates the Bella’s Gourmet Cuisine booth and she’s among the original market vendors that have participated each year since the market started. Her booth offers pasta, various kinds of ravioli, including lobster ravioli, porcini mushroom sauce, marina sauce, empanadas and more.

When asked how it felt to be back at the market, Malheiro said, “Lovely. It’s a beautiful day and we have a lot of regular local customers.”

The Anna Maria Bake House, part of the Chiles Hospitality group, was among those who made their market debuts on opening day, offering sourdough, ciabatta and Cuban bread.
“We started as a bread program for the Sandbar restaurant in 2015,” head baker Ted Louloudes said. “Recently we became Anna Maria Bake House, making all the breads and desserts for the Chiles Hospitality restaurants. We also make breads and pastries for the Gamble Creek Farm market in Parrish.”

In a neighboring booth, Gamble Creek Farms also made its market debut, offering organic produce that included eggplant, okra, squash, lemongrass, chives, plantains, turmeric, papaya and more.

“We’ll be here every Tuesday through May,” vendor Tricia Snow said.

At the Spiked Pickles booth, vendor Chip English sold craft beer-infused pickled goods.

“We partner with breweries in the state of Florida. We utilize their beer to make a different kind of pickle through lacto-fermentation. We work with about 24 different breweries in Florida. If it grows in Florida and it’s in season, we will pickle it,” English said.

His offerings include pickled green beans, red onion, jalapenos, peppers, cucumbers and more.

“This is our third year. We have some very loyal customers that come back year after year. We sold a lot today,” English said.

When asked what he likes about the Anna Maria Farmers Market, English pointed across the street to the City Pier and Tampa Bay and said, “Look at the view.”

Now in her third year at the Broccobabe booth, Lelia Tavrides sold broccoli greens (the leaves and greens from broccoli plants), broccoli microgreens and kits to grow broccoli greens and microgreens at home.

“Most people are familiar with broccoli sprouts and the microgreens have the same benefits. They’re nutrient-rich and contain antioxidants. I use them in smoothies, sandwiches, omelets salads and anywhere you would use greens,” Tavrides said.

She also offered fresh dill, arugula, basil, orange mint, tomatoes and more.

At his Surferdude Cooks tent, vendor Roman Strykowski sold Marek’s Authentic Polish Food, of which he is an independent distributor.

“It’s authentic Polish food, all manufactured in Chicago by Poles. Our sausage doesn’t have any gluten, no fillers, no corn starch. They’re made with meat imported from Poland, are made in the old traditional way and contain less sodium than most American sausages,” he said.

His offerings included several varieties of frozen and fully-cooked sausages, pierogi and more.

Strykowski said Marek’s is the only nationwide company that uses Polish flour to make its pierogis.

Making her market debut in the Red’s Farm booth, Julie Richie said, “We’re selling pastured chicken, pork and eggs. It’s regenerative farming. They’re in poultry netting and we move it every day so they get fresh ground. It allows them to fertilize the ground but not over-fertilize it. It really is great for the land but for the birds and pigs as well. We have pigs in a wooded area. It’s our first day and our first year at the market. I heard about it from another vendor at another market. It’s great. It’s been busy.”

At the Hahn’s Handcrafted Lemonade booth, original market vendors Garrison and Chanhsy Hahn enjoyed their market return.

“We’ve been here since the beginning. We love the people here and the atmosphere. This is my favorite market. It’s a beautiful day and the customers are nice,” Garrison said.
“It’s local produce and local products,” Chanhsy added.

As one of the market’s large produce vendors, Fibela Produce offers a wide range of fresh produce.

At the Devs Bevs booth, company owner Devinne Whittaker sold the fresh-pressed juices she also sells daily inside The Center of Anna Maria Island. Whittaker made her debut at the Anna Maria market this month and is a regular vendor at the downtown Bradenton market.

“This is my first time at this one. I grew up here, I live out here and I’m happy to be part of something in my community. It’s amazing. I’m almost sold out,” she said.
Whittaker shared a sample of her Funky Lemonade wellness shot and said, “It’s for allergies, congestion and gut health. It kind of opens up your sinus cavities,” she said of the slightly spicy concoction that includes pepper, garlic and turmeric.

“All my juices are good for specific ailments. I started my company and helped my mom beat stage 4 cancer by juicing and plant-based eating. She’s two years in remission now,” Whittaker said.

The Mr. Fun Guy booth offered several varieties of dried mushrooms, tinctures and other mushroom-based products.

Original vendor Thomas Tillman manned the Grumpy’s Farm Market booth that’s part of Tillman Farms. His offerings included raw honey, homemade bread, tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, celery, zucchini and peppers. When asked what he likes about the Anna Maria market, Tillman said, “It’s local and we’ve got a lot of variety.

“The weather’s nice, sales are good and we’re running out of things,” Tillman said as noon approached.

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch volunteers Kathy Noonan and Barbara Riskay manned the Turtle Watch booth that offered in exchange for a donation several turtle and sea-life-related items such as shirts, books, hats, cooling towels, books, license plates and Christmas ornaments. The proceeds generated at the market booth help fund the organization’s sea turtle monitoring, protection and preservation efforts.

Board suggests allowing dogs in City Pier Park

Board suggests allowing dogs at City Pier Park

Written by Joe Hendricks on October 3, 2023. Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – Efforts are afoot to allow leashed dogs at City Pier Park.

Section 38-28 of Anna Maria’s code of ordinances addresses domestic animals and currently prohibits dogs and other domestic animals in city parks and other public spaces.

During the Sept. 21 city commission meeting, Commissioner Jon Crane foreshadowed the pending efforts to allow dogs in City Pier Park while still prohibiting them in other city-owned parks.

During the city’s Sept. 10 centennial celebration at City Pier Park, some event attendees told Crane they didn’t know dogs weren’t allowed in the park.

Crane, a dog owner himself, said to the commission, “Since when can’t we have dogs at City Pier Park?”

Crane said Mayor Dan Murphy provided him with a copy of the ordinance that prohibits dogs in the park.

“I think there’s going to be some movement in this regard, having dogs allowed in City Pier Park. I think it might come from Planning and Zoning, but I’m not sure. It might be something we ought to think about,” Crane told the commission.

Crane said allowing dogs in City Pier Park would be different than allowing them in Bayfront Park, which abuts Tampa Bay and provides space where children and adults can play in and along the water. He noted that if dogs are allowed in City Pier Park, their owners must clean up after them.

“I’m not proposing it this second, but I think it’s going to be coming down the pike. Everyone should think about it,” Crane said.

None of the other commissioners commented on his remarks.

The city ordinance has been in place for a long time but no one seems to know exactly when the “No Dogs Allowed” signs first appeared at City Pier Park. Crane said he and several others first noticed them during the September centennial celebration.

Board discussion

During the Sept. 27 Planning and Zoning Board meeting, board member Dusty Crane, Commissioner Crane’s wife, initiated an impromptu discussion on allowing dogs in City Pier Park.

“I think it’s over-restrictive for residents and visitors. Along with that, I’d like to institute two things. One would be a poop station. The other would be a fine if the owner of the dog does not clean up its waste,” she said.

“And of course, no pets in the play area,” she said about the City Pier Park children’s playground. “And they all have to be leashed and under control.”

Crane said she’d like to see language added to the existing ordinance that would create an exception that allows dogs in City Pier Park.

“I’ve had a lot of people surprised to see the signs go up,” she said.

Planning board Chairman Jose Erbella said he doesn’t own a dog and he didn’t know dogs weren’t allowed in the park. He asked how the Planning and Zoning Board would proceed with such a request.

City Planner Ashley Austin and City Attorney Becky Vose said the board should direct one of its members to attend a city commission meeting and ask the city commission to direct city staff to address the matter.

Board member David Haddox made a motion to delegate Crane to address the city commission on the issue, including leash and clean-up requirements. The board voted 4-0 in support of Haddox’s motion.

City budget approval expected Thursday

Written by Joe Hendricks on September 19, 2023. Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – The city commission will host a second and final public hearing for the adoption of the city’s $17.89 million 2023-24 fiscal year budget on Thursday, Sept. 21 at 5:01 p.m.

During the coming fiscal year, the city expects to receive $14.68 million in revenues, including $4.2 million in ad valorem property tax revenues generated by maintaining the current 2.05 millage rate. The budget includes $3.2 million in existing fund balances reserves, net and assets carried over from the 2022-23 fiscal year that ends Sept. 30.

The $14.68 million in budgeted expenditures includes $2.84 million for general government expenses, $1.36 million for law enforcement and public safety, $4.42 million for the public works department, $984,506 for the planning and development department, $454,525 for parks and recreation, $1.74 million for stormwater and drainage improvements and maintenance, $2.6 million for capital outlay projects, and $192,344 in debt service.

The budget includes 6% wage increases for all city employees, including 3% annual salary increases and 3% one-time lump sum wage payments due Oct. 1.

The proposed expenditures include $1.74 million for stormwater and drainage improvements and maintenance, and approximately $3.3 million for the expanded Reimagining Pine Avenue project that will include new sidewalks, crosswalks and streetlights.

The proposed capital expenditures include $306,000 to install shade sails above the children’s playground at City Pier Park, to expand the existing shade sail structure and to install shade sails at the T-end of the Anna Maria City Pier.

The proposed capital expenditures also include $200,000 for city hall consolidation and improvements, $275,000 to study permanent alternatives to dredging the Lake La Vista channel entrance every two or three years, $500,000 to install a standalone public restroom facility on the city hall/city parking lot property, $21,200 to redesign the Island Players parking lot, $75,000 for a stormwater pumping station design study, and $500,000 to extend the existing multi-use path along Gulf Drive.

The 2023-24 budget also includes $75,000 to potentially study if and how incentives can be given to retain and attract full-term residents and long-term renters.

Incentives proposed for permanent Anna Maria residents

Written by Joe Hendricks on June 26, 2023. Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – The city’s 2023-24 fiscal year budget may include a feasibility study aimed at attracting and retaining permanent residents through property tax breaks and building code incentives.

On June 22, with Mayor Dan Murphy absent, the city commission participated in the first of at least three preliminary three budget meetings to occur before the final budget and the yet-to-be proposed millage rate are finalized during two public hearings in September.

Thursday’s 30-minute budget meeting focused on capital outlay projects and other potential miscellaneous expenditures.

The budget proposes $325,000 for road repaving and Commission Chair Mark Short said there are only about four streets left in the city that have not been repaved in recent years.

The proposed budget includes $1.93 million for the Reimagining Pine Avenue safety improvement project that will include new sidewalks, crosswalks and streetlights along Pine Avenue.

The Pine Avenue sidewalk and crosswalk improvements will be funded by a $1.28 million state appropriation approved last year. The Pine Avenue streetlight improvements will be made using $460,000 in remaining American Rescue Plan funds previously provided by the federal government.

The proposed budget includes an additional $1.41 million in recently approved state funds to expand the Reimagining Pine Avenue project to include portions of Magnolia Avenue and Spring Avenue.

The budget proposes $525,000 for the ongoing maintenance of the city’s existing stormwater and drainage systems, $1.21 million for stormwater-related capital improvements and $75,000 to design a pumping station to address frequent flooding along Archer Way.

Additional projects

The proposed budget includes $1.8 million in additional potential capital projects that will require further commission discussion and decision-making.

The potential projects include $156,486 to install shade sails over the children’s playground at City Pier Park, $79,660 to expand the existing City Pier Park shade sail structure and $69,912 to install shade sails over the T-end of the City Pier.

The budget proposes $200,000 for improvements to the city hall building that would allow building department personnel to vacate the rented annex building on Pine Avenue and return to city hall, with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Anna Maria Unit possibly moving into the annex building.

The budget proposes $275,000 to engineer and permit a permanent solution for the Lake LaVista jetty and canal area that would eliminate the need to dredge that area every two or three years.

The budget proposes $500,000 to construct stand-alone public restrooms on the city-owned property that contains City Hall, the Island Players theater and a public parking lot.

“This has come up because of the number of people using the beach and going into the stores and coming in here (city hall) to use the facilities,” Short said.

The budget also proposes $21,200 to redesign the Island Players parking lot to make it more disabled accessible and to include a designated passenger drop-off area.

The budget proposes $500,000 to extend the multi-use path along Gulf Drive that currently extends from the entrance of the city to Willow Avenue.

Incentivizing residents

To retain and attract permanent residents, Commissioner Charlie Salem proposes budgeting $75,000 for a feasibility study pertaining to property tax breaks and building allowances being given to residential property owners who voluntarily agree to deed restrictions that would prohibit them for 25 years from renting their homes out for less than six months at a time.

Salem said Murphy supports the idea, which has also been discussed with City Planner Ashley Austin.

Citing U.S. Census data, the one-page document Salem shared with commissioners noted Anna Maria’s population declined from 1,814 in 2000 to 1,504 in 2010 and 968 in 2020.

Salem cited three primary goals: Retaining existing permanent residents through tax and building code incentives, marketing Anna Maria as a place to relocate for permanent residents and creating a better long-term rental market that allows more Island employees to live in Anna Maria.

To attract new residents and families, Salem suggests enacting building code incentives that include enhanced lot coverage, living area ratio and parking requirements in exchange for a voluntary deed restriction, with property tax relief as another potential incentive. Salem noted more people work from home these days and Anna Maria is an excellent place for that.

To increase the availability of long-term rentals, Salem and Austin suggest allowing code-compliant accessory buildings to be used as long-term rentals of more than six months, with a deed restriction in place.

Salem suggests creating a marketing plan to attract long-term residents and encourage existing residents to take advantage of any incentives given.

“I think it’s an excellent idea,” Commissioner Robert Kingan said, noting the city must be able to recapture benefits given to a property owner who agrees to a deed restriction and later tries to walk away from it.

Short suggested asking the City Attorney Becky Vose to provide her legal insight on Salem’s proposal before funding and conducting a feasibility study.

Vose said she would conduct that legal research because there’s no reason to conduct a study if the proposed deed restriction concept isn’t legally sound.

“This is a pressing issue,” Kingan said. “If it legally passes muster, we should fast-track this because we don’t have a lot of time. A lot of people are leaving.”

The commission reached a unanimous consensus in preliminary support of all the proposed expenditures, including the feasibility study.

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.

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Young woman dies after fall on Egmont Key

Pines Trailer Park owners to reveal new concept

Bradenton officials to review causeway regulations

2024 hurricanes still impacting Egmont Key

Bradenton Beach plans to maintain current millage rate

Mail voting, early voting underway in primary elections

Young woman dies after fall on Egmont Key

Pines Trailer Park owners to reveal new concept

Bradenton officials to review causeway regulations

2024 hurricanes still impacting Egmont Key

Bradenton Beach plans to maintain current millage rate

Shorebird nesting season coming to a close

Monitoring Anna Maria Sound’s seagrass loss

Mangroves: Critical habitats under threat

Salty Dawg: Two dolphins

Organize your fishing gear

Tropical Storm Bertha impacted 189 turtle nests

The storm before the law

Real estate market optimism

Public comment sought for Aqua’s proposed gabion wall

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El Niño and your equity

StayTerra files amended lawsuit complaints

Center’s summer campers learn skimboarding

Skim competition returns to Anna Maria

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