ANNA MARIA – Hundreds of people showed up to visit Santa Claus during the city’s Santa Stops Here event.
Public Works Manager Ryan Wieland delivered Santa Claus to the City Pier Park shade sail structure at 4 p.m. Friday afternoon and Santa spent the next two hours greeting youngsters and listening to their Christmas wishes.
Each youngster who visited Santa received a small gift bag courtesy of the city and at times the line extended out to the Pine Avenue sidewalk.
Kaylynn, Kora and Kinsley Merchant, from Kansas City, were the first to visit Santa Friday afternoon. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Several youngsters and their families noted they’d attended past Santa Stops events and many attendees and returning attendees were visiting from other states. Isla and Anderson Smith, of Traverse City, Michigan, asked Santa for a Cookie Monster and a remote-controlled monster truck.
Isla Smith cautiously approached Santa, joined by her mom, Samantha, and her brother, Anderson. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Kansas City visitor Kaylynn Merchant said Santa remembered her from last year and noticed the new braces on her teeth that she asked him for last year. Norie and Taylin Leland, from Minnesota, asked Santa for a Barbie doll and a Walking Barbie doll.
Two-month-old Maizie, from South Lyon, Michigan, remained calm when her 19-month-old sister, Malla, began crying. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Some families also wandered over to the City Pier Park playground, where their little ones took a minute to write a quick note to Santa and drop it in his mailbox for delivery to the North Pole.
Three-year-old Toronto resident Goldie Eddolls wrote a quick note to Santa, joined by her mom, Jackie. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“It’s fun that they do this,” Toronto, Canada resident Jackie Eddolls said as her daughter, Goldie, wrote a note to Santa. While visiting Santa, Goldie asked for a baby doll and her sister, Lucy Kitchen, asked for a remote-controlled car.
“This is one of our best events and one of our favorite events,” Deputy City Clerk Debbie Haynes said. “It’s just wonderful to see so many kids with such happy little smiles on their faces. They’ve all got a little tale to tell Santa and some of them are giving him letters.”
Haynes also praised the efforts of the city staff members, including the Public Works Department, who helped organize and prepare for Friday’s event.
Public Works Manager Ryan Wieland delivered Santa to City Pier Park. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Anderson Smith appreciated the gift bag he received. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Return visitors Gabby and Annabelle Kiewiet, from Grand Rapids, Michigan, visited Santa again this year. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Anna Maria City Commission Chair Mark Short attended Santa Stops with his wife, Pat, and their granddaughter, Emmy. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
The line to visit Santa extended out to the Pine Avenue sidewalk at times. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria Island Garden Club and the city are partnering on an $18,000 wind sculpture project for City Pier Park.
The garden club will contribute $6,000 to the project and the city will contribute $12,000.
Garden Club member Pat Short – Commissioner Mark Short’s wife – presented the wind sculpture concept and funding request to the city commission on Oct. 20. After discussing the request, the commission voted 4-1 in support of the project. Commissioner Robert Kingan opposed using city funds for the project.
Made of copper and created by Utah-based sculpture artist Lyman Whitaker and his Whitaker Studio, two rotating Star Dancer vertical wind sculptures will be installed alongside the City Pier Park flagpole. No timetable was given as to when the installation will occur.
AMI Garden Club member Pat Short presented the wind sculpture funding request. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Short said this will be the club’s most significant project to date, adding that the project supports the beautification aspect of the club’s overall mission. The club would
like to be recognized with a plaque placed near the wind sculptures.
“We believe these wind sculptures will create a new point of interest at Manatee County’s number one tourist attraction, the City Pier,” she said, noting that the sculptures, when lit up at night, will look beautiful when viewed from the pier.
This not-to-scale mockup illustrates what the wind sculptures will look like when installed alongside the City Pier Park flagpole. – AMI Garden Club | Submitted
Short said Whitaker’s sculptures have been installed at SeaWorld and Walt Disney World and have been commissioned by several cities and coastal communities. Short said each pole-mounted sculpture will be nearly 17 feet tall and will hold up to Anna Maria’s salt air environment. She said the sculptures can sustain 70 mph winds and 90 mph wind gusts and can be removed if Anna Maria is in the cone of probability for an approaching hurricane.
Short said the garden club would also like to spruce up the flagpole area with some additional landscaping.
Commission feedback
Kingan asked Short why the club chose Whitaker Studios. Short said she first saw Whitaker’s work while visiting an art gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico and she later purchased a smaller Whitaker sculpture while in California.
Commissioner Robert Kingan opposes the use of public funds for the wind sculpture installation. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
After noting the city recently incurred approximately $200,000 in Hurricane Ian- related expenses, Kingan said, “This is a big ask.”
Kingan said he supports public art projects but he doesn’t support the city funding this project at this time.
“It seems to me it could very easily be sourced from private donations. I don’t see why
we should be paying for it,” Kingan said, noting that his wife is a garden club member.
He suggested delaying a decision until more public input could be sought.
Mayor Dan Murphy said he’s partially responsible for the funding request.
“I recommend this. I think we have an obligation as a city to address aesthetics and add beauty to the city. It’s more than just functionality. Is it functional? No, it’s not. It’s not like a paved road. It’s not like a drainage ditch. It’s not like a crosswalk or a sidewalk. This is something over and above that,” Murphy said.
Murphy said he expects FEMA to reimburse the city for its recent hurricane-related expenses.
Garden club member and City Commissioner Deanie Sebring said, “I think it’s wonderful that the garden club and others want to work in conjunction with the city. It’s great chance for the garden club, which resides in Anna Maria, to assist the city with beautification.”
Commission Chair Carol Carter said she’s been a member of several ad hoc committees that were unable to garner the community’s financial support for their desired projects.
“I think this would be a good thing for the city to do,” she said. Commissioner Jon Crane’s wife, Dusty, is a garden club member. During public input, she said, “The garden club thought long and hard about this. One of the things our city has is wind and it’s a wonderful reflection of how we could celebrate that.”
Speaking as vice president of the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, the mayor’s wife, Barbara Murphy, said, “This would be modern. This is new and innovative. It would be a beautiful addition to our Island. People could visit the pier, enjoy the wind sculptures and then walk down to the museum.”
ANNA MARIA – City officials have decided not to create a designated food truck zone at the northwest end of Bayfront Park, nor will there be a designated food truck area at City Pier Park.
So far, an alternative location has not been proposed.
The Anna Maria City Commission voted 5-0 on Oct. 13 to deny on second reading the adoption of a city ordinance that would have created a designated food truck zone at Bayfront Park.
The city’s efforts to create a designated food truck zone are in response to a state law enacted by the Florida Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2020. The state law preempts the regulation of food trucks and other mobile food dispensing vehicles to the state and prohibits local governments from enacting or maintaining outright bans on food trucks or requiring non-state-issued licenses, registrations, permits and fees for food truck operations.
In the past, the city of Anna Maria required food truck operators to acquire a special permit from the city, which is no longer allowed by the state.
When the creation of a designated food truck zone was first discussed on July 28, Mayor Dan Murphy said, “We’ve got to do something. The whole city is fair game until we do something.”
On Aug. 11, City Attorney Becky Vose presented the commission with the first reading of a city ordinance that proposed locating the designated food truck area at the far end of Bayfront Park, near the Hibiscus Street and North Shore Drive intersection.
The proposed food truck zone location at Bayfront Park was depicted in this map presented during the Aug. 11 meeting. – City of Anna Maria | Submitted
During that meeting, several residents and residential property owners expressed opposition to the proposed Bayfront Park location be- cause of its proximity to several residential properties. Some suggested the food truck zone be located at City Pier Park instead, which is home to the city’s seasonal farmers market, but the City Pier Park location never garnered any serious consideration from the mayor and commission.
The Oct. 13 food truck discussion began with Murphy noting that he and the commissioners had received numerous emails expressing opposition to the proposed Bayfront Park location.
“My recommendation is to deny adoption of this ordinance and then staff can reconsider this issue and we can take a look at other options as necessary at some point in the future without a definitive date,” he told the commission.
Murphy did not mention any alternative location for the city’s designated food truck zone. During previous discussions, Vose noted some Florida cities restrict food truck operations to specific zoning designations. Anna Maria’s commercial district (C-1) and retail/office/residential (ROR) both allow for restaurant operations.
In response to Murphy’s recommendation, Commissioner Deanie Sebring made a motion to deny the adoption of the proposed food truck ordinance.
Residential property owner Greg Raupp expressed his appreciation for the mayor and commission’s reconsideration of a previously discussed food truck ordinance. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Having previously expressed their concerns in emails sent to the mayor and commissioners, potentially impacted property owners Greg Raupp and Robin Massey thanked the commission for responding to their concerns.
After thanking the commission for reconsidering the proposed ordinance, Raupp suggested doing an impact study if and when a new food truck ordinance is considered.
Robin Massey thanked the commission for rejecting the proposed ordinance. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“I know that you guys really have a hard job. I cannot express how much I appreciate you listening. Thank you,” Massey told the commission.
In response to those comments, Commissioner Jon Crane said, “We very much appreciate hearing from the citizenry in emails and letters and coming to these meetings. It helps us perform our jobs. So, thank you.”
Sebring said she appreciated how many people voiced their opinions about the proposed food truck zone.
“I completely understand. This is the way it’s supposed to work. People actually came and voiced their opinion rather than sat home and got angry that it went through,” she said.
Commission Chair Carol Carter agreed, saying, “This was something the state said we had to make available for this type of business. We were as much taken back, initially, as all of you. We tried to work through it and we definitely need to rethink this.”
ANNA MARIA – City officials are pumping the brakes on their efforts to create a designated food truck area at the northwest end of Bayfront Park.
With potentially impacted residents and property owners expressing opposition and city commissioners voicing concerns, further commission discussion and decision-making has been delayed until Oct. 13 at the earliest.
The designated food truck area is the city’s response to a state law enacted by the Florida Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2020 that gives the state the sole authority to make regulations regarding food trucks and other mobile food dispensing vehicles.
The state law prohibits local governments from enacting or maintaining outright bans on mobile food dispensing vehicles and prohibits local governments from requiring non-state-issued licenses, registrations, permits and fees for food truck operations.
In the past, the city required food truck operators to acquire a special permit from the city, which is no longer allowed by the state.
When first discussing the need for a designated food truck area on July 28, Mayor Dan Murphy said, “We’ve got to do something. The whole city is fair game until we do something.”
The city commission was presented with the first reading of a city ordinance on Aug. 11 that proposed locating the designated food truck area at the far end of Bayfront Park, near the Hibiscus Street and North Shore Drive intersection.
When presenting the ordinance on second reading and anticipated final adoption on Aug. 25, City Attorney Becky Vose also presented an accompanying city resolution that wasn’t discussed on Aug. 11. The location of the designated food truck area will be established by city ordinance and the rules and regulations for food truck operators will be established by a city resolution that can be more easily revised as needed.
The resolution proposes a limit of four food trucks operating on a first-come, first-served basis from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday – including any holidays that fall on those days. The resolution also contained language that stated the food truck operators must comply with all city ordinances, including the noise ordinance.
Public input
Daniel Massey owns the home on North Shore Drive located closest to the proposed food truck area. He asked the commission to include a decibel-specific noise limit on the food truck operations and require the food truck generators to face the park and not his home, which serves as a part-time residence and a part-time vacation rental. He also expressed concerns about rodents being attracted to the food truck area.
Massey said he owns restaurants in Texas and he suggested allowing food truck operations on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, when food truck operators may be less inclined to set up shop in Anna Maria.
Representing some potentially-impacted property owners, attorney Christopher Berg said, “The proposed location would allow businesses to operate next to residential properties. The proposed food truck area would be in conflict with the character of the community.”
Greg Raupp owns the home across the street from Massey’s. He said he and others were shocked when they learned of the proposed Bayfront Park location that he opposes for several reasons, including noise, smell, rodents, traffic safety and congestion. Raupp asked the commission to delay its vote so the proposed location and regulations can be further evaluated.
Kerry Kotouc owns a home on North Bay Boulevard and has been visiting Anna Maria since she was a child. She referenced a Joni Mitchell song and equated the proposed Bayfront Park location to paving paradise and putting up a parking lot.
“I cannot comprehend a more inappropriate location to put food trucks,” she said.
She suggested City Pier Park as a better location and noted that the park is already used for the city-sponsored farmers market.
City Pier Park has been suggested as an alternative location for the designated food truck area. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Kotouc mentioned the long wait times experienced at local restaurants on weekends and expressed her belief that food trucks would provide additional dining options without hurting those restaurants.
North Bay Boulevard resident John Cella said he and many others are not thrilled about the proposed Bayfront Park location and he expressed support for the City Pier Park location instead.
City Pier Grill operator Brian Seymour said he’s not opposed to a designated food truck zone, but the regulations contained in the resolution need more work. Seymour said food truck operators rely on generators because there’s usually no electricity provided. He suggested installing electrical outlets to alleviate the need for generators.
Murphy said he liked that idea. Carter asked if the city could charge vendors for the electricity used. Murphy said the cost to recoup those costs might exceed the cost of providing the electricity for free.
Regulatory concerns
Vose has repeatedly said the city’s food truck regulations have to be considered reasonable by the state. She has also said she’s not aware of existing case law that can guide the city in these efforts.
During last week’s meeting, Commissioner Jon Crane said the proposed Bayfront Park location is “the least obnoxious alternative.”
Commissioner Robert Kingan was pleased when Vose said she believes the city can limit food truck operations to three days a week. Commissioner Mark Short questioned the Friday allowance and suggested food trucks only be allowed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Regarding generator noise, Commissioner Carol Carter asked if the city resolution could be used to specify which types of generators food truck operators use. Vose suggested addressing generator noise through the city’s noise ordinance, which Murphy said needs to be revised.
When Short asked if the city could lease the designated spaces to food truck operators, Vose said the state might consider that to be imposing a fee.
Short questioned whether food truck operators would drive out to Anna Maria on a first-come, first-served basis that doesn’t guarantee them a spot and he asked if the city could use a reservation system. Vose said that might be considered registration, which the state prohibits.
“The more innovative we are, the more likely we are to be sued,” Vose said.
ANNA MARIA – The city hosted its inaugural Santa Stops Here holiday event Friday at City Pier Park.
The city has hosted similar holiday events at the park in past years, but the Santa Stops Here event name is new this year.
The highlight of the event was a visit from Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. Public Works Manager Dean Jones transported Mrs. Claus to the park and Deputy JoAnn Parkinson had the honor of transporting Santa Claus.
“I went to the North Pole to get him,” Parkinson said.
Elf-like Code Enforcement Manager Sandy Olson greeted Santa Claus when he arrived at City Pier Park with Deputy JoAnn Parkinson. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
After being greeted by Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, Santa said, “Thank you for having me. It’s warm down here. No snow.”
Jordyn and Jadyn McQuillen enjoyed their visits with Santa and the gift bags they received. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Santa then spent more than 90 minutes chatting with the youngsters who came to see him. The line of kids and parents extended from Santa’s throne to Pine Avenue. The youngsters received a small gift bag containing a stuffed animal, a rubber-stamping device and more. After speaking with Santa, 9-year old Jadyn McQuillen said, “He’s wonderful.”
Visiting from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Brian Pleune said, “This is fantastic. It’s a great thing to do.”
Grand Rapids, Michigan resident Annabel Kiewiet was among the many who visited Santa. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Sharing his thoughts on the event, Murphy said, “This is the best holiday event that we’ve had yet. I thought all the other ones were pretty good, but this one has the largest attendance. People are lined up for Santa all the way to Pine Avenue. I’m real thankful to the city staff. They worked so hard to put this together and what an excellent job they did. You can see by all the happy faces on the children that this was a successful event. I’m proud to be part of the city of Anna Maria where we can have such an event.”
City Commission Chair Carol Carter said, “I’m thrilled with the number of people. It’s great to see.”
Commissioner Robert Kingan said, “This place is hopping.”
15-month-old Willow Lomb, from Pittsburg, was a little overwhelmed during her visit with Santa. – Joe Hendricks | SunSato Real Estate owner Barbara Sato brought her grandchildren, Juliette and Brandon Sato, to see Santa. – Barbara Murphy | Submitted
During the Santa Stops Here event, the winners of the city’s Bright Holiday Lights decorating contest were announced. Carol and Larry Craft repeated as the residential category winners and The Anna Maria General Store won the business category this year after tying with Beach Bums last year.
The Bright Holiday Lights contest winners received these trophies. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
ANNA MARIA – Pine Avenue will be awash in holiday festivities Friday afternoon and evening. The fun begins with the city of Anna Maria’s Santa Stops Here holiday event at City Pier Park on Friday, Dec. 10 from 4-5:30 p.m.
As the name implies, Santa Claus will pay a visit to City Pier Park and he’s bringing free gifts for the children.
The Santa Stops Here event will feature a holiday sing-along. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The winners of the city’s Bright Holiday Lights holiday decorating contest will be announced during the Santa Stops Here event, which will also feature free refreshments and a holiday sing-along.
As the Santa Stops Here event winds down, the annual Holiday of Treasures Open House gets underway from 5:30-8 p.m.
The event will feature participating businesses along and around Pine Avenue offering free appetizers, light bites, beverages and musical entertainment to those strolling along and taking in the holiday sights and sounds.
The city’s annual Christmas event is now called Santa Stops Here. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Some of the goodies will highlight signature menu items served by Pine Avenue establishments. In past years, free burgers and hot dogs have also been part of the free food offerings. Beach Bums has traditionally offered free burgers and hot dogs fresh off their outdoor grills. The free hot dogs traditionally served at Two Scoops have also proved very popular.
The Anna Maria Island Historical Museum will offer free cookies and refreshments and Santa will make his rounds along Pine Avenue. The free family event is sponsored by the Anna Maria Island Historical Society and the Anna Maria Island Sun.
The Holiday of Treasures Open House provides Pine Avenue merchants an opportunity to showcase their retail offerings. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
ANNA MARIA – The city honored local veterans and their spouses with its Old Soldiers & Sailors Veterans Day parade and a post-parade recognition ceremony.
Returning after a one-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Thursday afternoon parade included marching bands, local veterans, military and first responder vehicles, vintage vehicles, elected officials, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch volunteers, local businesses, a group of children from The Center of Anna Maria Island and more.
Folks lined up along Pine Avenue to watch the parade. – Joe Hendricks | SunA U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard helped lead the parade down Pine Avenue. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Led by a bagpiper, a Marine Corps color guard, “Uncle Sam” and parade marshals Cdr. Michael Riordan and Col. David Pate, the parade began at City Hall at 1 p.m. and traveled down Pine Avenue to City Pier Park. With crowds lining both sides of the street, a light rain began falling soon after the parade started but it quickly subsided and the parade finished under sunny skies.
Cdr. Michael Riordan, left, and Col. David Pate, driving, served as the parade’s grand marshals. – Joe Hendricks | SunNavy veteran Alvan Becker and his son Tim Becker traveled the parade route in this 1968 Camaro. – Joe Hendricks | SunClaudia Gillstrap and Sharon Powell took this military Jeep down the parade route. – Joe Hendricks | SunAmerican Legion Auxiliary member and AMI Privateer Mary Lehrnan waved the American flag while standing at the bow of the Privateer’s Skullywag parade vessel. – Joe Hendricks | SunRyker Burns and his dad, Corey Burns, enjoyed the parade. – Joe Hendricks | SunThe Braden River High School Marching Band was one of four marching bands featured in the parade. – Joe Hendricks | SunMayor Dan Murphy and his wife Barbara were among those representing the city of Anna Maria in the parade. – Joe Hendricks | SunHolmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer guided the department’s Humvee down the parade route. – Joe Hendricks | SunThese youngsters represented The Center in the parade. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“This is great,” Duncan Real Estate owner Darcie Duncan said as the parade passed by her office building.
The post-parade veterans ceremony at City Pier Park included Bishop Michael Garrison providing the prayer invocation, trumpeter Alan Evans performing Taps and the Lakewood Ranch High School band performing the National Anthem.
During the National Anthem, there was a military flyover featuring a bright yellow, World War II-era T-6 Texan airplane piloted by Jimmy Hayes – a type of plane used to train WWII fighter pilots.
Jimmy Hayes piloted this T-6 Texan during the flyover of City Pier Park. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
During the ceremony, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, a U.S. Army veteran, called forward and recognized the spouses and significant others of those who served in the military. He then called forward and recognized the attending veterans according to the military branch in which they served.
Military veterans were asked to come forward to be recognized by the appreciative crowd. – Joe Hendricks | SunU.S. Marine Corps veterans Dave “Watchdog” Miner and Public Works Manager Dean Jones shared a handshake during the ceremony. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The ceremony concluded with the Lakewood Ranch High School Marching Band performing Tribute to America and The Horse.
After marching in the parade, the Lakewood Ranch High School Marching Band performed at the post-parade ceremony. – Joe Hendricks | SunMayor Dan Murphy thanked the city staff for organizing the parade and post-parade ceremony. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
After the ceremony, Murphy said, “I think it was a tremendous success and way beyond my expectations. It was a great tribute to our country and our veterans and their spouses and significant others. Events like this bring us together as a community to celebrate one particular thing – the fact that people served our country. And the city staff did a fantastic job putting this event together.”
Members of the AMI Historical Society scooped and served Tyler’s Gourmet Ice Cream during the free ice cream social. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Following the ceremony, many folks wandered over to the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum for an ice cream social where Historical Society volunteers served up free ice cream provided by Tyler’s Gourmet Ice Cream in Cortez.
ANNA MARIA – The city will host its annual “Old Soldiers & Sailors” Veterans Day parade on Thursday, Nov. 11 at 1 p.m., this year featuring a warbird flyover.
Last year’s parade and veterans ceremony was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parade participants will travel down Pine Avenue from Anna Maria City Hall to City Pier Park, where a veterans recognition and appreciation ceremony will take place under the shade sail structure at about 1:30 p.m.
The annual parade serves as a salute to veterans of the United States military. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The parade will feature four high school marching bands, military and law enforcement vehicles, a Marine Corps honor guard, youngsters from The Center, the AMI Privateer’s “Skullywag” parade vessel, floats, decorated vehicles, walking groups, state and local politicians and more.
The post-parade veterans ceremony will include a flyover featuring at least one World War II-era airplane, the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance led by a 100-year-old World War II veteran, a special tribute to veterans and their spouses and patriotic music performed by the marching bands.
A veterans recognition ceremony will take place at City Pier Park after the parade. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“It’s going to be exciting. It’s going to be a good parade,” Mayor Dan Murphy said. “The purpose of these events that we put on is to bring a sense of community to our city and to our Island – to bring everybody together, to meet, greet and in some cases renew acquaintances, and in other cases make new acquaintances.”
ANNA MARIA – The city’s seasonal farmers market returned on Tuesday, Oct. 12 to shoppers eager for fresh produce.
The weekly market takes place every Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., weather permitting, through May 10 under the shade sail at City Pier Park across the street from the Anna Maria City Pier.
Recently-hired Senior Administrative Assistant Amy Moriarty is now coordinating the city’s weekly farmers market. She takes over the duties previously performed by Deputy Clerk/Code Enforcement Manager Debbie Haynes.
“Our first market of the season Tuesday was great! We had eight vendors, all of which returned from last year. It was very busy from start to finish and a few vendors even sold out early,” Moriarty said.
The returning vendors and organizations included Fivela Produce, Guacamole Holy Paradise, Malagros Produce, Meli Gusto (jams and jellies), Mr. Fun Guy (mushrooms), Ramona Rosibel Malheiro (empanadas), Tillman Produce and Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring.
Guacamole Holy Paradise was among the participating market vendors on opening day. – City of Anna Maria | Submitted
“Three additional vendors were unable to participate in the first market. Those vendors were the Anna Maria Historical Society, Hahn’s Kettle Corn and King of Guacamole. We have two additional vendors in the final application process, but we anticipate their participation at our next market,” Moriarty said.
Offering Central Asian and Middle Eastern food and desserts, Cuni Tuni will be one of the market’s new vendors. Blooms by the Beach will also be joining the vendor lineup.
“They will have succulent gardens and fresh flower bouquets. Adding a flower vendor was a request from marketgoers, and we’re so happy to answer the request with an island florist,” Moriarty said regarding Blooms by the Beach.
The farmers market features multiple produce vendors. – City of Anna Maria | Submitted
“The city of Anna Maria is thrilled to again host the farmers market at City Pier Park and looks forward to an enjoyable farmers market season. We are following CDC guidelines and not requiring masks, but we have free masks available and multiple hand sanitizer stations,” Moriarty said.
ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria will host its annual Memorial Day Patriotic Symphony Salute at City Pier Park on Monday, May 31.
City Pier Park is located across the street from the Anna Maria City Pier.
Last year’s Memorial Day salute was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Memorial Day salute will take place from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and conclude with the performance of patriotic music by the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra – with the chorus members not participating in this particular event. The symphonic performance is expected to begin at 10:30 a.m.
The ceremony will begin with a Marine Corps color guard and drummer marching from Roser Memorial Community Church to the City Pier Park flagpole for the presentation of the colors and the placement of a memorial wreath.
Mayor Dan Murphy will then recognize the attending members according to the military branch in which they served. Murphy will also recognize the spouses and significant others of the veterans who served their country.
Murphy is an Army veteran and Public Works Manager Dean Jones is a Marine Corps veteran. During recent city commission meetings, both men have expressed how much this event means to them personally, and to the many veterans who are part of the local community.
Volunteer members of the For the Love of Anna Maria Island community task force will hand out small American flags to attendees. Commission Chair Carol Carter is a member of that group.
ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria’s weekly farmers market is back. The seasonal market opened its third year of operations at City Pier Park on Tuesday, Oct. 15.
From now until mid-May, the farmers’ market will continue every Tuesday at City Pier Park, weather permitting, from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. – with the exception of Christmas Eve, on Tuesday, Dec. 24.
City Pier Park is located at the corner of Pine Avenue and North Bay Boulevard.
“We’re excited to have the market up and running with the majority of our vendors back with us. Our new vendor, Dominga’s Flowers, is a nice addition to an already great product variety. From all accounts everyone was very happy with the opening day turnout and looking forward to another great season,” market manager Debbie Haynes said.
Dominga’s Flowers is a new addition to the market. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The opening day vendors included Fibela Produce, Milagros Produce, Tillman Produce, Bella’s Gourmet Cuisine, Dominga’s Flowers, Hahn’s Gourmet Kettle Corn, Holy Paradise Guacamole, Meli Gusto gourmet products, Mr. Fun Guy’s Mushroom Store & More, Painting With a Fish, Saucy Guys and the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring organization.
Peas, mushrooms and more can be found at the city of Anna Maria’s farmers market each Tuesday. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“I can walk right down the street and go to the market. It’s so convenient,” Anna Maria resident Lynn French said while purchasing tomatoes, radishes and raw turmeric from Tillman Produce. French said raw turmeric is hard to find and Tillman noted he’s one of the three-year-old market’s original vendors.
Tillman Produce was selling hard-to-find raw turmeric. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Market visitors Aisling, Noleen and Niamh McQuaid purchased fresh banana bread before making their return trip to Boston later that day.
“It’s fabulous,” Noleen McQuaid said of the bread, and of the market she and her daughters have visited before.
Selling hot sauces, local honey, spice mixes and more, Saucy Guys vendor Neil Currie said, “We’ve been here since the beginning. It’s a great market. We love it. We’ve met some great people out here – and a lot of people from all over the country that buy from our online store when they’re back home.”
Saucy Guys Jim Brannon and Neil Currie are among the market’s original vendors. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Currie’s business partner Jim Brannon said, “Right now I have orange blossom honey. Everybody kept asking for it, but it’s been hard to come by. I finally got some yesterday.”
“It’s beautiful here,” vendor Angelo Cannistraci said while working his first Anna Maria market selling mushrooms and more at Bill Nelms’ Mr. Fun Guy tent.
“It’s a fantastic market,” Holy Paradise Guacamole vendor Michael Valdes said, noting his offerings included fresh guacamole, tomato salsa and pineapple-mango salsa.
Milagros Produce vendor Tony Martinez was assisted by his seven-year-old son, Aidenn, and another family member.
Milagros Produce vendor Tony Martinez and his seven-year-old son, Aidenn. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
At her Painting With a Fish tent, Kelly Hunt explained how she presses raw fish into paint and then onto canvas to create her art.
“All my fish are caught locally around Anna Maria Island. I’m big on conservation. I don’t use the fish once and throw it out. I refreeze it and use it for my classes at the Florida Maritime Museum,” Hunt said.
Kelly Hunt displays her fish paintings. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Hunt also sells T-shirts that contain prints of her work and the GPS coordinates of where that particular fish was caught.
She also had on hand a few copies of the book G.B. Knowles wrote with and about her father, charter fishing Captain Scott Moore: “Captain Scott Moore’s Snook Fishing Secrets.”
Moore dropped by to visit his daughter and while there he signed a copy of the book an out-of-state visitor was buying for her oldest son.
Scott Moore signed a copy of “Captain Scott Moore’s Snook Fishing Secrets” for these out-of-town visitors while visiting the Anna Maria farmers market last week. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
ANNA MARIA – It was a great beach day last Saturday with blue skies and gentle breezes, but a group of kids and their parents decided to spend some time with a band of pirates at a park across the street from the city pier.
Privateer Roque Pastorius made colorful pirate discs. – Tom Vaught | Sun
The late Willis Howard “Snooks” Adams began Snooks Adams Kid’s Day in 1954 when he took some Island boys to the beach in his Jeep to the south end of the Island for swimming and a cookout. Over time, girls were included and after a few years, the party was moved to Manatee Beach. The Lions Club and local residents helped out as the size increased and in 1980, Snooks turned the event over to the Privateers, but he still helped out as his health allowed. The Privateers moved it to Bayfront Park in Anna Maria.
This year, Manatee County rented out Bayfront Park so they got permission to move it to City Pier Park, and they utilized the sail shades to their advantage. There were games to play, bubbles to chase, buried booty to unearth and a pirate’s lunch of hot dogs, chips, pizza and soda to enjoy. Some of the kids wore pirate outfits, and a few of them got prizes for best effort.
The Holmes Beach Police Department was well represented with Chief Bill Tokajer, Anna Maria Elementary School Resource Officer Josh Fleischer, Sgt. Vern McGowan and Det. Brian Hall manning a tent and passing out brochures and goodies.
The Privateers were pleased with their new location and said they would try to get it again, according to one member.
“The county charged us a lot of money to use Bayfront Park, and we’re a non-profit group,” said Privateer Roque Pastorius. “The money we saved will go toward scholarships.”
ANNA MARIA – The City of Anna Maria will host a Memorial Day ceremony under the shade sail structure at City Pier Park on Monday, May 28 beginning at 10 a.m.
The Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra is scheduled to perform patriotic music from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
“It should be a tremendous, patriotic and inspiring event. It’s all patriotic tunes and the orchestra is really looking forward to it,” Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said.
Rev. Ed Moss of CrossPointe Fellowship will give the invocation at 10 a.m. Murphy will then welcome and recognize the dignitaries and government officials in attendance.
Joined by a trumpeter and a bagpiper, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard will present the colors and Taps will be performed. Lt. Col. Bob Johnson (U.S. Army, Ret.) – the mayor of Holmes Beach – and Capt. George Barford (U.S. Navy, Ret.) will place a memorial wreath.
Murphy, an Army veteran who served in Vietnam, will recognize all veterans in attendance and their spouses and significant others.
City Pier Park is located across the street from the Anna Maria City Pier, at the corner of Pine Avenue and South Bay Boulevard. First-come, first-served free seating will be available for about 400 people. Parking will be available near the pier and along South Bay Boulevard.
Free park-and-ride trolley service will be available near the entrance to the city at CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive.
ANNA MARIA – Anna Maria’s new farmer’s market got off to an excellent, albeit abbreviated start Tuesday morning.
Positioned in a semi-circle around the edge of the shade sail structure in City Pier Park, the four vendors who braved the anticipated stormy weather were greeted at 11 a.m. by a large gathering of eager shoppers.
Selling fresh produce and herbs, Judy Thomas had the longest lines of the day and was nearly sold out shortly after noon.
Thomas’ offerings included cucumbers, tomatoes, potatoes, radishes, zucchini, fresh herbs and more. Visiting from Truman, Minn., and wearing a “Wanderlust” T-shirt, Kim Krueger bought of bunch of fresh mint. When asked what she was going to do with it, she said, “Make mojitos.”
Emily Fletcher samples some of the local honey sold by Neil Currie of Saucy Guys. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Krueger said she planned to coat the rims of her mojito glasses with the local honey she bought from the Saucy Guys, who were set up next to Thomas. Also selling a wide variety of spicy but flavorful homemade hot sauces, the Saucy Guys consist of Neil Currie (a retired pastor) and Jim Brannon (a retired carpenter). Curry said they’re both former cardiac patients and because of that, their products contain very little sodium.
Paul Groesbeck, visiting from Traverse City, Mich., rode his bike to the park. After sampling one of the hot sauces, he said of the new market, “It’s a great destination.”
Visiting from Eau Claire, Wisc. with camera in hand, 15-year-old Emily Fletcher tried the local honey and said, “I love it.”
Deputy Clerk Debbie Haynes is the driving force behind the Island’s new farmer’s market. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Her dad, Lee, said they were drawn to the market by the large promotional sign they saw. In additional to the banner sign at the south end of the park, banner signs were also placed at the entrance to the city and at the entrance to the Island on Manatee Avenue, in Holmes Beach.
After visiting Thomas’ produce tables, former Denver resident and newly-arrived Holmes Beach resident Cindy Clark sampled some of the hot sauces while shopping with her daughter Chrissy Clark, who preceded her by a few months in moving to the Island.
Next to the Saucy Guys was well-known Island figure Cindy Thompson selling her Inhale Salt Spa Himalayan Pink Salt Sole water and homemade Paradise Spice packets, one of which is called “Anna Maria Island Blend.”
Cindy Thompson brought her Inhale Salt Spa and Paradise Spice goods to Tuesday’s market opening. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Pronounced “so-lay,” Thompson’s Sole water consists of large chunks of pink Himalayan salt contained in a small sealed glass jar with a wood spoon attached to the side. She explained to a new customer how you pour purified water over the salt chunks, let it soak overnight and then drink a spoonful each morning to reap the health benefits of more than 80 natural minerals.
In between sales, Thompson said she’s been waiting 10 years for a farmer’s market in Anna Maria.
Job well done
Market Coordinator Debbie Haynes said she was thrilled with the turnout and she noted that four more vendors postponed their debuts due to approaching weather that would later cut the market short around 2 p.m. due to rain, lighting and a tornado watch.
Haynes’ day job is Deputy Clerk/Treasurer for the city of Anna Maria. She and Public Works Manager Dean Jones originally planned for the vendors to set up their own tents at the northwest end of the park, but they instead had them set up around the perimeter of the shade sail structure because of the possibility of rain.
As the market entered its second rain-free hour, Haynes said she really liked the market-in-the-round feel it created and she suggested that might become the configuration of choice. Thompson said she loved the impromptu sail shade configuration and she envisioned it being even nicer with a full roster of vendors completing the circle.
Haynes said the city was able to get the vendors liability insurance for $42 each through the Florida League of Cities. The temporary policies are good until late May, when the market’s trial run could come to its seasonal end.
Haynes’ husband, Bob, was also on hand, serving as a volunteer at the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring organization’s informational table.
Mayor Dan Murphy stopped by and was quite pleased with the turnout. He said he noticed more foot traffic than usual on Pine Avenue on a Tuesday morning, which was a driving factor in creating a weekly market. The hope is that the farmer’s market will attract folks to the Pine Avenue area and help offset in some small way the Anna Maria City Pier being closed until a new one is built.
The market will continue every Tuesday, weather permitting, through May.
Vendors are still wanted and those interested can contact Haynes at 941-708-6130, ext. 121 or email her at depclerk@cityofannamaria.com.
The debut Anna Maria farmer’s market was cut short by rain, but will return next week. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria’s new farmer’s market is scheduled to make its debut on Tuesday, March 20.
Taking place in City Pier Park, near the corner of Pine Avenue and South Bay Boulevard, the market is scheduled to run from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
According to Mayor Dan Murphy, the city has six vendors lined up for the market debut and more vendors have expressed interest in participating in future markets.
Tillman Thomas will be selling produce and organic produce. Mr. Fun Guy will be selling fresh and dried mushrooms. Saucy Guy will be selling barbeque sauce and salsa. AMI Aquaponics will be selling microgreens and edible plants. Hahn’s Kettle Corn will be selling kettle corn and Cindy Thompson will be selling Himalayan salts and other seasonings and rubs.
Interested vendors can contact Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Debbie Haynes at 941-708-6130, ext. 121 or email her at depclerk@cityofannamaria.com.
Insurance requirements addressed
City officials originally hoped to start the farmer’s market on March 6, but there was a lack of eligible vendors due to the city’s liability insurance requirements. Murphy and the Anna Maria Commission resolved those issues when the commission approved a plan proposed by Murphy that allows the city to acquire liability insurance for its vendors through the Florida League of Cities (FLC).
During the commission’s March 8 meeting, Murphy said 17 vendors were interested in the market, but only two carried their own insurance. Murphy said the insurance policies are needed in case someone gets sick or dies as a result of eating produce or other goods sold in City Pier Park, which is city property.
He told commissioners the city could acquire a policy through the FLC that would provide coverage for 15 market sessions at total cost of $70 per vendor. City Attorney Becky Vose supported the plan, which provides $1 million in liability insurance.
Each vendor will pay the city $70 to participate in the market’s anticipated 10-week trial run. Vendors do not have to pay any additional fees to reserve space in the market. It is hoped the market will bring more visitors to the Pine Avenue business district while the Anna Maria City Pier remains closed.
The market will consist primarily of fresh produce and other natural products not intended for on-site consumption. The goal is to establish a market that does not create direct competition for the Pine Avenue businesses, which are also invited to participate.
“I’ve been an advocate for the market from the beginning and if we can get 10 vendors out there I think it would be an attraction. I would be in favor of the city taking the insurance and then passing the cost along to the vendors. Since there is no other cost, it’s pretty reasonable for them,” Commission Chair Doug Copeland said.
Commissioner Dale Woodland asked about insurance requirements at other local markets.
“What’s the difference between us and Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach?” he said.
“Evidently there’s people selling at the markets there that don’t have insurance, or the city went and purchased insurance to cover themselves or they’ve got an organizer who has the insurance. Those are the three alternatives. I asked the same question myself,” Murphy said.
