ANNA MARIA – Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth are not on the same page when it comes to the potential consolidation of law enforcement services, with each mayor preferring their city’s law enforcement agency take over policing in both cities.
As is the case in most cities, law enforcement on Anna Maria Island is the most expensive public service provided to residents, visitors and businesses. With the looming threat of state-imposed consolidation facing the three Island cities, the three Island mayors continue to look for cost-cutting measures that would save taxpayers’ dollars and potentially appease state legislators who requested the consolidation study being conducted by the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA).
Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach have their own police depart ments and police chiefs. Anna Maria does not, and instead contracts law enforcement services from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). Led by Sgt. Brett Getman, with additional supervision provided by Lt. John Belt, the MCSO Anna Maria Unit is headquartered in the former city annex building on Pine Avenue.
On April 23, Titsworth met with State Rep. Will Robinson Jr. to discuss consolidation and the concerns associated with that state-imposed scenario. Titsworth then told The Sun that she and Police Chief Bill Tokajer were in preliminary talks with Murphy about the Holmes Beach Police Department taking over law enforcement in Anna Maria.
Titsworth told The Sun the two cities would research the financial numbers associated with the potential consolidation of law enforcement services, and also the potential drafting of an interlocal agreement between the two cities.
Mayor Dan Murphy supports the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office providing primary law enforcement services to all three Island cities. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Murphy addressed then these matters during the May 9 Anna Maria City Commission meeting.
“The article said Mayor Titsworth and I were working together on looking at having Holmes Beach provide police services for the city of Anna Maria and that we were preparing an interlocal agreement to do just that. That’s not the case,” Murphy said.
“Mayor Titsworth and I had a phone conversation shortly after she met with Representative Robinson. I said the elephant in the room is public safety. We’re operating with three separate police forces,” Murphy said.
Murphy noted Anna Maria is paying $1.3 million for contracted MCSO law enforcement services for the current 2023-24 fiscal year, the lowest of the three Island cities.
For the current fiscal year, Holmes Beach budgeted $4.63 million for its police department and Bradenton Beach budgeted $1.77 million. Combined, the three cities budgeted $7.7 million for law enforcement.
“If you really wanted to save the taxpayers’ money, which has always been the caveat in consolidating, that’s what should be looked at,” Murphy said.
Murphy said Titsworth did tell him that she would look into Holmes Beach providing police services to Anna Maria, but he favors a different approach – eliminating the Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach police departments and contracting the sheriff’s office to provide Island-wide law enforcement services.
“I’m very pleased with the services the sheriff is providing us. We have far more scope of services with the sheriff’s department than we could ever have with an Island-wide police force,” Murphy said, noting the sheriff’s office has a helicopter, K-9 officers, detectives, marine patrol officers and more.
“The array of services are almost endless from a public safety standpoint and they’re economical. To me, that would be significant savings,” Murphy said.
When contacted by The Sun the following day, Titsworth confirmed that she and Murphy discussed the two cities sharing a police force.
She then noted Holmes Beach has mutual aid agreements with the sheriff’s office and other law enforcement agencies in Manatee County regarding the sharing of technology, equipment and services. She also said the sheriff’s office provides Holmes Beach with additional assistance during high-volume holiday weekends.
ANNA MARIA – Vacation rental legislation, consolidation, the Gulf Island Ferry service, the Mote Marine outreach center, the Reimagining Pine Avenue planning process and the city’s 100th anniversary were among the city’s top stories of 2023.
Rental bills defeated
In April and May, Anna Maria officials, the city-owned Home Rule Florida website, Island residents and the city’s contracted lobbyist in Tallahassee played key roles in fighting off the Florida Legislature’s annual attempt to preempt vacation rental regulations to the state and strip city and county governments of their authority and ability to enact and enforce local vacation rental regulations. The Home Rule Florida website generated more than 40,000 emails and letters in opposition to the House and Senate vacation rental bills sent to state legislators.
Consolidation opposed
The mayor and city commission took, and continue to take, a non-adversarial approach with the city’s response to the OPPAGA consolidation study requested by state legislators Sen. Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton) and Rep. Will Robinson Jr. (R-Bradenton).
In September, Mayor Dan Murphy sent a letter to Boyd and Robinson that stated that he and the city commission would support consolidating some of the similar city services provided by all three Island cities, but he and the commission do not support consolidating the cities of Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach into one city.
On Nov. 7, Murphy and Commission Chair Mark Short met with OPPAGA representatives and learned that OPPAGA and the Florida Legislature are not required to share the consolidation study report with the three Island cities when the study is completed in 2024.
In mid-November, the city received from OPPAGA a request for information that asked the city to address the pros and cons of the three possible consolidation options: consolidating similar services only, consolidating the three cities into one new Island city or annexing and consolidating the three Island cities into the city of Bradenton.
Ferry stop modified
Manatee County’s proposed Gulf Island Ferry stop at the City Pier was a frequent topic of city commission discussion in 2023. In August, commissioners rejected the county’s proposal to install a floating finger dock and submerged pilings and create a gated and locked landing area at the T-end of the pier to be used exclusively by the ferries. In September, the commission approved the county’s plan to simply attach two non-submerged composite pilings to the existing boat landing instead.
The boat landing at the T-end of the City Pier is approved as a Gulf Island Ferry stop. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The anticipated Dec. 8 launch of the ferry service was delayed in part because the U.S. Coast Guard had not yet certified the two 49-passenger pontoon boats to be used for the ferry service between downtown Bradenton, Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach. Uncompleted docking modifications also contributed to the delay. A new anticipated launch date has not been provided.
Mote facility opens
In early May, the long-delayed Mote Marine Science, Education & Outreach Center opened to the public. Located in a city-owned building at the T-end of the City Pier and offering free admission, the outreach center features live and virtual marine life and marine habitat exhibits.
In November, City Commissioner Robert Kingan said that by the end of October, the marine outreach center had received approximately 70,000 visitors since it opened and was averaging about 460 visitors per day.
Reimagining pine avenue project expanded
After not receiving a satisfactory bid for the initial Reimagining Pine Avenue safety improvement project approved in 2022, the mayor and city commission decided to expand the project to include similar safety improvements along Spring Avenue and Magnolia Avenue in hopes of generating more interest from construction companies for an expanded project that has approximately $3.3 million in available state, federal and city funding.
The Reimagining Pine Avenue project will include a prototype test area between Gulf Drive and North Shore Drive. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
In November, the commission supported Mayor Dan Murphy’s suggestion to begin the expanded project in 2024 with a block prototype along Pine Avenue, between Gulf Drive and North Shore Drive. The one-block prototype will serve as a test area for the larger project and will include new paver sidewalks, new crosswalks and new streetlights.
Commission vacancies open
In January, Charlie Salem was appointed to serve the remainder of Carol Carter’s vacated commission term. In November, Salem and Commissioner Jon Crane earned additional two-year terms in office after running unopposed. City Commissioner Deanie Sebring vacated her city commission seat in September and Robert Kingan vacated his commission seat in early December.
The three remaining commissioners – Salem, Crane and Short – will appoint two new commissioners on Jan. 25.
Idalia causes flooding
In late August, the combined arrival of Hurricane Idalia and king tides produced flooding in Anna Maria and throughout Anna Maria Island and Cortez.
Hurricane Idalia and high tides produced significant street flooding in Anna Maria. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
In Anna Maria, some ground-level homeowners experience flood water intruding into their homes. The flooding and street flooding were particularly heavy in some areas along Magnolia Avenue, North Shore Drive and North Bay Boulevard.
City celebrates centennial, more
In late May, the city held the first of two centennial celebrations at City Pier Park. Taking place immediately after the city’s Patriotic Symphony Salute in recognition of Memorial Day, the centennial celebration included a historical presentation by longtime Island resident Tom Aposporos and music from the year 1923 performed by musicians from the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra. Before the celebration, the city purchased ceremonial centennial flags that were displayed along Pine Avenue and Gulf Drive.
In September, a second centennial celebration took place at the park featuring local non-profit organizations, food, beer and wine sales and live music.
In October, the city-hosted farmers’ market at City Pier Park returned for the season. In November, the city hosted its annual “Old Soldiers & Sailors” parade and veterans recognition ceremony. Also in November, the annual Thanks-Living community gathering and potluck dinner took place at City Pier Park.
Other happenings
In March, Sgt. Brett Getman returned to his duties as the leader of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office’s Anna Maria Unit after suffering a major heart attack while on duty in December 2022.
In October, the city commission discussed allowing dogs in City Pier Park, but no final decision has been made.
In November, the city closed on the $1 million purchase of a building previously leased to the city for use as a city annex for the building department. The building department will return to city hall and the Anna Maria Unit of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is moving into the recently purchased building.
In November, German brewer and restaurateur Oliver “Oli” Lemke bought the Rod & Reel Pier and restaurant from Mario Schoenfelder.
Passings
Former Anna Maria Island Sun reporter and copy editor Pat Copeland passed away on June 13 at 76. Her life was celebrated with a ceremony that included a New Orleans-style second-line march down Pine Avenue. Copeland was also the co-founder of the Anna Maria Island Historical Society and Museum.
Pat Copeland left a lasting mark on Anna Maria Island with her reporting, her historical preservation and her dedication to family, friends and community. – Anna Hayden | Submitted
Former Anna Maria City Commissioner Gene Aubry passed away on Dec. 9 at 88. He lived in Palmetto at the time of his death. Aubry served as a commissioner from 2010-13. He moved to Anna Maria in 1985, where he continued to work as an architect after a long and successful career as an architect in Texas and elsewhere.
Former City Commissioner Gene Aubry unsuccessfully lobbied for City Pier railings in 2019. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
HOLMES BEACH – In her state of the city address, Mayor Judy Titsworth noted that it’s been one month since the state-mandated Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) study began.
The main purpose of the study is to determine if the three Island cities should be consolidated into one city, into the city of Bradenton, into Manatee County or remain as three municipalities.
The idea was first broached by members of the Manatee County Legislative Delegation during a January meeting where the study request was passed unanimously without notification to or input from any of the three Anna Maria Island cities the study is slated to scrutinize.
While leaders in all three cities said they would support the study looking at ways the cities could share resources to save taxpayer money, they are against consolidation of any kind.
After city leaders were given several months to discuss consolidation of services among themselves, state Rep. Will Robinson Jr. (R-Bradenton) and Sen. Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton) came back in the fall with a letter stating they would be moving forward with the OPPAGA study.
During a Dec. 12 meeting, Holmes Beach Commissioner Dan Diggins said he’d spoken with Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown with one of the topics being the OPPAGA study. When asked, Diggins said that Brown has no interest in annexing the Island into his city.
Titsworth said that while the first wave of records requests from the city are over, she expects more in the coming months before the study concludes in 2024 and thanked staff for their hard work to manage the large number of document requests while also attending to their normal duties.
Later in the meeting, Holmes Beach City Attorney Erica Augello said that while the city can’t initiate a referendum to put consolidation of the three cities on the ballot in November, it doesn’t mean that residents can’t. According to the Florida Department of Elections, in order to have a referendum put on the ballot for voter consideration, at least 8% of the city’s voters who voted in the last presidential election must sign a petition to approve the placement of the referendum on the general election ballot and the action must be financially supported by the residents.
Having a referendum to see how many registered Holmes Beach voters are in favor of or against consolidation could potentially override the state if legislators push for consolidation, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth said she was told the city of Bradenton will be included in the Anna Maria Island consolidation study being conducted by the Florida Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA).
On Nov. 8, Titsworth had her first study-related virtual meeting with OPPAGA representatives. Later that day, she contacted The Sun and said OPPAGA Staff Director of Government Operations Emily Leventhal told her the city of Bradenton will be included in the consolidation study and will be considered as one of several potential annexation options if the three Island cities and city governments are to be eliminated by the state.
Titsworth said she was told that Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown would soon receive a letter from OPPAGA informing him that the city of Bradenton will be included in the consolidation study and may be considered as an annexation option. Titsworth said there were two other witnesses in the room with her during her meeting with OPPAGA representatives.
The following day, Titsworth posted a lengthy consolidation study-related statement at the city of Holmes Beach’s Facebook page titled “The Future of Anna Maria Island: The Fate of Our Cities Are at Stake.”
“In continuing to keep our Holmes Beach residents, property owners and friends informed on issues facing our city, it is important to share with you updated information on the OPPAGA study initiated by our state leaders, and specifically what I learned during yesterday’s OPPAGA Entrance Conference,” Titsworth stated.
“Legislative leadership has tasked this research team, with the support of the entire Manatee Delegation, to conduct an immediate study and to review the potential benefits of consolidation of municipal services and/or government structures for Anna Maria Island.
“During the conference, it was revealed that the city of Bradenton and Manatee County are also included in this study, though they have not yet received correspondence from the research team. There will be large record requests starting next week that the cities will need to respond to, along with more tailored follow-up requests, interviews and potential site visits that will be conducted along the way.
Titsworth
“The research team is anticipating a completion date for July 2024 to present their results to legislative leadership. These recommendations will then be presented to the senior leadership person, most likely (state Representatives) Will Robinson or Jim Boyd. If leadership decides that the report should be published, it will then be available to the cities and the public. Otherwise, the findings and recommendations remain confidential and exempt from public disclosure. It is anticipated that the data gathered and analyzed will provide state leaders with the information needed to determine the fate of our cities,” Titsworth stated.
“The biggest concern I have with this study is that neither the residents nor city officials asked for it. They were not consulted about the development of the scope and remain unaware of the motivations behind this emboldened act of the Legislature. It is my understanding that we are the only coastal cities in Florida being threatened by consolidation, though we may not be the last as there have been more than 80 bills passed by the state Legislature in recent years that have greatly diluted home rule.
“It is unclear what the path forward looks like if state leaders move to consolidate, especially when it is an act not supported by the cities and citizens which are directly impacted. Is a referendum by the people even necessary when the decision is made at the state level? Is the governor tasked to appoint a board to write a new charter, zoning districts, comprehensive plan and land development codes? Is a new charter even needed, or will one city absorb the others; and if so, which city?
“Will the new board respect current density and height restrictions? If there is a new charter, are the grandfathered minimum length of stay restrictions for resort housing to be preserved or will they be removed, turning neighborhoods into motels?
“I urge all citizens to pay attention to decisions being made at the local and state level. Do these leaders have your best interests at heart? These decisions will have a profound effect on quality-of-life issues. Our unique small-town identities and a century of history could soon be lost to consolidation and to the neighboring city of Bradenton,” Titsworth stated.
Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and City Commission Chair Mark Short participated in their first virtual meeting with OPPAGA representatives on Nov. 7.
When asked about that meeting later in the week, Murphy said, “Commissioner Mark Short and I did indeed meet with OPPAGA representatives this week. I feel obligated to first inform our city commissioners as to the status of the study. I will discuss what was covered at our next city commission meeting on Thursday, Nov. 16.”
Last week, Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie also participated in his first virtual meeting with OPPAGA representatives. As of Monday afternoon, Chappie had not responded to The Sun’s requests for comment on his meeting with OPPAGA officials.
Study requested
OPPAGA serves as the research and analysis arm of the Florida Legislature and supports the Legislature by providing data, evaluation, research and objective analyses used to make legislative decisions.
Since the AMI consolidation study was first requested in January by the Manatee County legislative delegation, the general assumption was if the cities of Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach were consolidated by the Florida Legislature, the three Island cities would either be consolidated into one Island city and city government, or the three cities would be annexed into Manatee County and the three existing city governments would be eliminated. The possibility of the three Island cities being annexed into the city of Bradenton adds a new twist to the ongoing consolidation discussions.
The delegation consists of Sen. Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton), Rep. Will Robinson Jr. (R-Bradenton), Sen. Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota), State Rep. Tommy Gregory (R-Lakewood Ranch) and State Rep. Mike Beltran (R-Apollo Beach).
Boyd
Touted in part as a means to reduce property taxes for Anna Maria Island property owners, the study pertains to the potential consolidation of the similar services currently provided separately by all three Island cities and/or the possible consolidation of the three cities or the elimination of the three cities and their respective city governments.
The delegation put the study request on temporary hold to provide the three Island mayors time to discuss and devise potential areas of consolidation services with potential cost savings to be identified with law enforcement, code enforcement, public works, building departments and permitting and other services currently provided by all three cities. Those mayoral consolidation discussions produced no tangible results.
On Aug. 21, Boyd and Robinson sent letters to three Island mayors informing them of the delegation’s renewed pursuit of the OPPAGA consolidation study.
On Oct. 31, Murphy and Short received a letter from OPPAGA Coordinator P.K. Jameson; Titsworth and Chappie received similar letters.
In her letter to Murphy and Short, Jameson wrote, “As directed by the Legislature, the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability is reviewing the potential benefits of consolidating municipal services and government structures for Anna Maria Island.
“OPPAGA expects to begin this review immediately. To assure the least disruption to your agency, OPPAGA staff would like to meet with you or your representative to discuss the procedures for this review. Your office will be contacted in the near future to establish an appropriate time and place for the meeting. Thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions, please contact Emily Leventhal.”
Additional responses
On Nov. 9, The Sun emailed Leventhal seeking confirmation that she told Titsworth the city of Bradenton would be included in the study and considered as a potential annexation option. That email also contained questions about the actual implementation of any consolidation or annexation actions.
Later that day, The Sun received a phone call from OPPAGA General Counsel Janet Tashner.
“Unfortunately, we’re not able to comment; and I can tell you it’s a little early for these questions. The study just began,” Tashner said.
Tashner was asked if she could at least confirm whether the city of Bradenton will be considered as one possible annexation option.
“They’re not going to know what those possibilities are until the study’s complete,” Tashner said.
On Nov. 9, The Sun emailed Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown and Public Information Officer Jeannie Roberts inquiring as to whether Brown had yet received any correspondence from OPPAGA, Boyd or Robinson regarding the consolidation study.
Roberts responded with an email that said, “The city of Bradenton is advising media to contact the offices of Rep. Will Robinson or Sen. Jim Boyd, as this is a state initiative.” The Sun again asked Roberts or Brown to provide a copy of any OPPAGA-related correspondence Brown received or receives.
On Monday morning, Bradenton Records Management Liaison Officer Bill Ackles acknowledged The Sun’s records request. As of Monday afternoon, no consolidation study-related correspondence was yet provided and Brown had not responded to The Sun’s inquiry.
On Nov. 9, The Sun emailed Boyd seeking his insight on the city of Bradenton being included in the consolidation study. As of Monday afternoon, Boyd had not responded.
Robinson response
On Nov. 9, The Sun emailed a similar inquiry to Robinson. On Nov. 10, Robinson called The Sun and spoke briefly about the consolidation study. He said the city of Bradenton is one of many possible consolidation/annexation options. The other options could also include no consolidation or annexation at all, consolidating the Anna Maria Island cities into one Island city or annexing the Island cities into Manatee County.
“To make the most complete decision, the delegation has asked that the OPPAGA study analyze each and every option, including doing nothing,” Robinson said later via text message.
On Nov. 10, Robinson provided The Sun with a lengthy written statement regarding the OPPAGA study and what prompted it.
Robinson
“Growing up, my mom and dad would take me to Anna Maria Island a lot. We would visit for the day, go to the beach and bring a bagged lunch, as we didn’t have a lot of money. I still enjoy to this day going out there. It is paradise. My public battle on beach parking and access is solely focused on allowing all families the chance to enjoy our great beaches, including those that cannot afford to live on the Island or pay the high weekly vacation rental fee,” Robinson stated.
His statement addressed the state legislation adopted and approved by Gov. Ron DeSantis earlier this year which allows Manatee County to build a three-story parking garage at Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach despite the city’s continued opposition.
“Unfortunately, roadblock after roadblock was put up by the city of Holmes Beach to reasonably solve this issue and the Legislature was forced to act. That (parking garage) bill passed unanimously – all Republicans and all Democrats in both the House, 116-0, and the Senate, 39-0. The mayor of Holmes Beach blamed the Legislature for not understanding the issue. Believe me, they did.
“Many members could not believe the restrictions put in place by Holmes Beach to take away parking that had existed for decades, with the goal of making it more difficult to allow anyone to visit the Island. In that battle, many residents on the Island reached out to ask that we look at the political structure of the Island. Because of the over-regulatory policies, traffic and ability to sell homes at a high price, residents are fleeing the Island.
“About a year ago, the Manatee County legislative delegation unanimously requested a study from OPPAGA to analyze all the political options for the Island. Senator Boyd and I met with the three Island mayors earlier this year and they asked for us to pause the OPPAGA study so they could work on coordinating services. The delegation paused the study, in good faith, to allow that important work to continue. Unfortunately, the mayor of Holmes Beach blocked any progress, fearing that would lead to consolidation. Senator Boyd and I sent another letter to the mayors asking them to work on coordination. Mayor Chappie outlined wonderful suggestions and Mayor Murphy committed to find ways to save taxpayer money. Unfortunately, the mayor of Holmes Beach once again offered no help or coordination. Left with no option, the independent state agency, OPPAGA, has begun work on the study. The Island cannot function long-term with residents fleeing, selling their homes and creating more vacation rentals, budgets souring with out-of-control regulation – like in Holmes Beach restricting reasonable beach parking.
“The study will look at all options available to make the Island stronger and more efficient. On a 7-mile stretch of land, do we really need three police departments? Do we need three building departments or public works departments all with different standards and ways of doing things? Do we need three city commissions and three mayors with never-ending rising revenues but a plummeting resident population?” Robinson stated.
“I don’t have all the answers to any of these questions because we don’t have the data, and I have not heard from all the residents. The OPPAGA study will look at all options, including doing nothing. The study will take several months to complete and it is my strong opinion that if a change is made, the (existing) building height on the Island should be 100% legally protected from going any higher, as that is critical to the charm and quality of life on the Island,” Robinson stated.
“Even though the mayor of Holmes Beach continues to block progress and any reasonable coordination, I urge the mayors to get back in a room and find ways to save taxpayer money. I am happy to play whatever role you need and offer any help. The Legislature is forced to proceed with this study because residents have asked us for help and some have told me they are scared to speak up for fear of repercussions from the city of Holmes Beach.
Robinson noted none of the 2023 city commission races on the Island were contested and all eight incumbent commissioners seeking reelection ran unopposed. He noted there hasn’t been a contested commission on the Island since 2021.
He noted that as of 2023, Bradenton Beach had 644 registered voters, Anna Maria had 925 and Holmes Beach had 2,638.
“As the voting population continues to dwindle, will there be enough eligible islanders to fill all of the mayor and commission seats? Overall, the Island has lost a significant amount of its voter population in 15 years, even as Florida has exploded in growth. Over the last 20 years, the Island has exploded in vacation rental growth, while the resident and voting population has plummeted. That trend does not seem to be ending. And, just to the north, the town of Longboat Key has more population than all three Island cities combined and is on a bigger island,” Robinson stated.
“Now, more than ever, we need to make the Island stronger and more efficient to bring down taxes, reduce unnecessary regulation and preserve our beautiful beaches for everyone. This study will provide invaluable data that will allow us to review every feasible option available for the Island. It is imperative the Island gets on a better path that reduces taxes, unnecessary and burdensome regulations and is more welcoming to all residents, most especially in greater Manatee County, who also pay taxes to support our beautiful beaches,” Robinson stated.
Titsworth has consistently maintained that her city government is not attempting to restrict parking.
Financial impacts
Consolidating the three Island cities into one Island city or annexing the three cities into the city of Bradenton or Manatee County would have significant financial impacts. If the three Island cities were consolidated into one Island city, the annual property tax revenues currently received by each respective city would be controlled by the Island’s newly-created governing body.
If the three cities were annexed into the city of Bradenton, that city would then receive those property tax revenues. If the three Island cities were annexed into Manatee County, the county would receive those property tax revenues.
For the current tax year, the taxable value of all properties in Holmes Beach is $3.14 billion. The total taxable value in Anna Maria is $2.03 billion and $981 million in Bradenton Beach.
A property owner’s tax bill is calculated using the annual millage rate established by each specific governing body. Anna Maria and Holmes Beach’s current 2.05 millage rates are the lowest in Manatee County. The millage rate in Bradenton Beach is 2.3329 mills. The millage rate in Bradenton is 5.8351 mills and Manatee County’s 2023-24 millage rate is 6.2326 mills.
One mill equals $1 in property taxes owed per $1,000 of assessed taxable property value.
The millage rate calculation formula is: Taxable value divided by 1,000 multiplied by the millage rate equals the property tax owed.
BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners continue to express concerns about legislative actions recently proposed by State Rep. Will Robinson Jr. and other state legislators.
On Jan. 12, Robinson (R-Bradenton) and his fellow Republican members of the Manatee County legislative delegation announced their intent to pursue state legislation that could potentially allow Manatee County to preempt the city of Holmes Beach’s land development code in order to build a multi-story parking garage on county property to provide more parking for beachgoers and other visitors. Robinson and his fellow state legislators also announced their desire for a state-funded study regarding the possible consolidation or elimination of the three Island cities and city governments.
Led by Sen. Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton), the Manatee County legislative delegation also includes Sen. Joe Gruters, Rep. Tommy Gregory and Rep. Mike Beltran. State legislators began a special 12-day legislative session on Monday, and their regular annual 60-day legislative session begins on March 7.
Bradenton Beach concerns
On Feb. 2, the Bradenton Beach Commission again discussed these legislative matters. Mayor John Chappie noted that City Attorney Ricinda Perry referenced the state legislators’ efforts in a letter she sent to the accounting firm that annually audits the city’s finances. In that letter, Perry identified current or potential legal actions or litigation that could impact the city’s finances.
“The city of Bradenton Beach has been placed on notice that Representative Robinson may propose a study funded by the Florida Legislature to determine if the three Anna Maria Island Cities – Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach and Anna Maria – should be consolidated or dissolved,” Perry stated in her Jan. 31 letter.
“The impacts of this would impair all existing contracts, leases, franchise agreements, employment agreements, endowments and retirement accounts. There has been real property gifted to the city that may have reverter clauses. The city would cease to exist if the special act creating the municipality would be repealed and the city was dissolved by the Florida Legislature,” Perry’s letter said.
“To date, the city has not received notice that the study has been authorized, nor has the city received notice that Representative Robinson has filed a local house bill to dissolve the city,” Perry’s letter said in closing.
Perry noted eliminating the city would also eliminate the city charter. Among other things, the city charter includes height restrictions that prohibit the construction of high-rise structures.
Perry receives legislative updates from the city’s contracted lobbyist, Dave Ramba. Ramba believes Robinson will push for the consolidation study during this year’s legislative session and wait until the 2024 session to decide what to do with the recommendations made in the study. Perry said the study is one of Robinson’s top legislative priorities.
Perry also spoke with Florida League of Cities attorney David Cruz and was told the League will be part of the efforts to defeat the legislative actions sought by the Manatee County delegation.
“This is a new attack on home rule,” Perry said.
Perry said she spoke with Robinson, too. She said he’s concerned about the tax burdens placed on the Island’s taxpayers and wants to know whether consolidating some or all of the services provided by each of the Island cities would reduce those tax burdens.
After noting that people voluntarily chose to live and own property on Anna Maria Island, Perry said, “If the extra (property) tax is the concern, then by virtue of his claim every municipality in the state is an overtax on people and every county should be a county with no municipalities in it.”
Chappie noted the city only receives a small percentage of the tax revenues Manatee County collects in Bradenton Beach.
Perry said Robinson also feels the three Island cities, in general, need to find or create more parking for beachgoers and visitors, but one city in particular (Holmes Beach) is the state legislators’ main concern.
On Jan. 30, Chappie, Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth and Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy met with Robinson and Boyd at Anna Maria City Hall in a private meeting arranged by Murphy.
During Thursday’s commission meeting, Chappie shared some of what was discussed during that meeting, and also during his previous meetings with Titsworth and Murphy. Chappie said the three mayors have had some preliminary discussion about possibly consolidating some of the services provided by each of the three cities, including flood plain management, the flood insurance-related Community Rating System, code enforcement and things of that nature.
“We’re looking at that and that was part of the request from our legislators,” Chappie said.
Commissioner Ralph Cole addressed the potential consolidation or elimination of the city’s police department.
“It’s good to have your own police department. They know the people, how the area works and what’s going on in each neighborhood,” he said.
“Look at the amount of crime out here on the Island and tell us we haven’t done a good job,” Cole said in comparison to crime rates experienced elsewhere in the county.
Regarding consolidation in general, Chappie said, “I don’t think the numbers actually work. We’re going to look at all that.”
“It would be a disaster for this area,” Cole said.
ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy proposes communicating rather than waging war with state legislators over parking garages and the potential consolidation or elimination of Anna Maria Island’s three city governments.
During the Jan. 26 Anna Maria City Commission meeting, Murphy discussed his approach in reaction to State Rep. Will Robinson Jr. and other members of the Manatee County legislative delegation recently expressing a shared desire for state legislation that could allow Manatee County to preempt the city of Holmes Beach’s building regulations in order to build a public parking garage for beachgoers. The local delegation of state legislators also seeks a state-funded study regarding the potential consolidation or dissolution of the three Island cities and city governments.
Murphy referenced headlines that ran on the front pages of local newspapers. One read, “AMI fights back against state representatives.” The other read, “Holmes Beach readies options for counterattack.”
Murphy, who served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, said, “Being a combat veteran, I can tell you that those are fighting terms and they mean war. All you need to do is look at Ukraine and you can see how much is resolved by war. A lot more could be resolved through negotiation.”
Murphy said he already met with Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth and Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie to discuss these concerns.
“We discussed these issues, the parking issues, Rep. Robinson’s comments, who might be behind all of this and what the purpose is,” Murphy said.
“I’m a firm believer in ‘Occam’s Razor.’ Occam was a medieval philosopher. Occam came up with this brilliant idea that the most obvious answer to the question is probably the correct solution. I firmly believe that what’s behind all this is Representative Will Robinson. This is the person that made the comments. So, I picked up the phone and called him. Representative Robinson and I discussed his intent. He said he’s had a lot of grief and phone calls and complaints from his constituents about not being able to get a parking place at the beach, and that includes our city,” Murphy said.
State Rep. Will Robinson Jr. recently proposed preempting city building codes and studying the potential consolidation of the Island cities and governments. – MyFloridaHouse.Gov | Submitted
Murphy said Robinson mentioned a past meeting in which Robinson, State Sen. Jim Boyd, Titsworth and others discussed the possibility of the county constructing a public parking garage in Holmes Beach. Murphy said Robinson left that meeting with the impression that a parking garage would at least be considered. Murphy said Robinson was then shocked and surprised when the Holmes Beach Commission adopted an ordinance that strengthened the city’s existing parking garage prohibitions.
Murphy said Robinson also told him he gets complaints from Island property owners about their taxes being too high. He said Robinson wonders if taxes could be reduced by consolidating some of the similar services provided by the three cities. Murphy said Robinson told him that he’s not advocating for the consolidation of the three cities.
Murphy asked Robinson if he’d meet with the Island mayors to discuss these issues face-to-face. Murphy then called Boyd, had a similar conversation and asked Boyd if he’d be willing to meet with Robinson and the mayors. Murphy said he, Titsworth, Chappie, Robinson and Boyd agreed to meet on Monday, Jan. 30, in a private, closed-door setting at Anna Maria City Hall.
“We need to sort through the issues and people need to be able to say what they want to say. I don’t know what the outcome of that meeting might be. It might be a miserable failure on my part to try to stop a war from happening between the cities, the Island and the state of Florida. That’s what my intent is,” Murphy said.
“I realize that no good deed goes unpunished, but I think it’s the right thing to do. I wasn’t elected to throw gasoline on the fire. I was elected to get things done. The first step in getting things done is communicating. Having open and honest communications, if for no other reason than there’s no more surprises and we don’t have to worry about Occam’s Razor anymore because we know what the answer is and who’s behind it. That’s what the mission is,” Murphy said.
In response, Commissioner Jon Crane said, “Godspeed.”
Commissioner Deanie Sebring said, “If we can discuss how we all can work together that’s going to go a long way.”
Newly appointed Commissioner Charlie Salem said, “It’s clear that they have a particular point of view and it looks like there could be some room for discussion. They did a lot of this without consulting the Island. Time is short. The legislative session starts in a few weeks. I think it will be important to have some measurable outcomes from this discussion with them, and on their part to signal that they’re interested in two-way communication as well. It’s admirable that you picked up the phone to call them. I encourage you to get something out of that meeting that will make us all more comfortable.”
Past communications
In June 2020, Senate President Bill Galvano and Robinson sent a letter to Titsworth about the on-street parking reductions that occurred in Holmes Beach in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In part, that letter said, “Representative Robinson and I are writing today to share our growing concern with myriad impacts of locally-imposed restrictions on public parking in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has come to our attention that on-street parking has recently been reduced by at least 45 percent, impacting the ability of residents and visitors to patronize local businesses and participate in recreational activities on our beaches. Florida’s legislature has invested significant taxpayer dollars to support the long-term health of our local beaches, yet local government is now eliminating parking, effectively restricting public access to public beaches. We respectfully request that you re-evaluate plans to reduce on-street parking.”
In February 2022, Robinson, Boyd and State Rep. Tommy Gregory sent Titsworth a similar letter that said in part, “As members of the Manatee County Legislative Delegation, we are writing today regarding the ongoing locally-imposed public parking restrictions in Holmes Beach. Manatee County residents and visitors should not be turned away from our beaches due to parking restrictions. As a delegation who has secured taxpayer dollars for beach renourishment, we respectfully request you reexamine your decision and approach to reduce on-street parking.”
BRADENTON BEACH – Protecting home rule rights will be the city commission’s top priority during the state legislative session that convenes on March 5.
Home rule rights and the ability to self-govern at the local level were already a top priority before Bradenton-based State Rep. Will Robinson Jr. and the Manatee County legislative delegation announced their shared desire to preempt home rule rights at the state level so Manatee County can build a public parking garage in Holmes Beach. The delegation, which also includes Republican state senators Jim Boyd and Joe Gruters and state representatives Tommy Gregory and Mike Beltran, are also requesting a state-funded study regarding the potential dissolution or consolidation of the three Island cities.
During the Bradenton Beach Commission’s Jan. 19 meeting, commissioners unanimously agreed that fighting the state legislators’ latest efforts to eliminate the city’s home rule rights would be a top priority for the city and its contracted lobbyist, Dave Ramba.
Prior to the meeting, Mayor John Chappie provided the commissioners with a two-page list that detailed the commission’s 2023 legislative priorities. The list was prepared before Robinson and his fellow state legislators expressed their intentions regarding home rule rights and the potential consolidation or elimination of the three Island cities.
According to the priorities list, “Home rule is why no two cities are alike. Intrusion on home rule from the state or federal government undermines the constitutional right of citizens to govern themselves.”
During the Jan. 19 meeting, City Attorney Ricinda Perry said, “There have been two additions I think the city should implement into this based on the Manatee County delegation meeting: The elimination or consolidation of the Island cities as well as the usurpation of home rule authority on height restrictions for parking garages.”
Chappie then said, “I totally agree. I had a discussion with Rep. Robinson. I voiced my concerns and disappointment and he told me his reasoning, which I disagree with. It is concerning. It is disappointing. As I told our representative, government’s supposed to work from the bottom up, not from the top down. This is local stuff. This isn’t even really party politics, it’s about the best type of governance that they think would be best for us. Who do they think they are?” Chappie said.
“Yes, we depend on the state and federal governments for certain things, but we’re responsible at the local level for health, safety and welfare. If we need something, we go to our legislators. That’s not what happened in this case and it’s a state of affairs. The three Island cities are going to be working together to correct this injustice,” Chappie said.
Chappie said he was meeting with Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth the following day. He also said that Perry will work with the Florida League of Cities on these legislative concerns.
Commissioner Ralph Cole said state legislators should focus their efforts on providing state funds for undergrounding utility lines, adding and improving sidewalks and other projects that benefit local communities.
Cole questioned whether a state pre-emption that allows parking garages to exceed city-specific building heights would then lead to the construction of other high-rise structures. He also said Manatee County needs to finish the drainage improvement project at Coquina Beach that’s temporarily reduced parking for beachgoers.
Commissioner Jake Spooner said state legislators should focus more on undergrounding projects, stormwater and drainage improvements and other infrastructure improvements.
Additional priorities
Another home rule-related legislative priority pertains to the continued local regulation of short-term vacation rentals. The city commission supports legislation that repeals the state preemption of the local regulation of short-term rental properties.
“Please reject efforts to restrict our abilities to locally respond to the needs of our community,” the priorities list says.
The commission supports property insurance reform that would address increasing insurance rates, claim duration processes, policy cancellations and benefits assignments.
Commissioners also support the expanded use of Manatee County’s 5% tourist development tax – much of which is generated by lodging establishments on Anna Maria Island. The priorities list notes Bradenton Beach has a resident population of approximately 1,200 people, but during weekends, holidays, peak tourist periods and busy beach days, more than 30,000 people occupy the city at any given time. The commission supports legislation to expand the use of those restricted tourist development tax revenues to also help fund additional policing services and infrastructure improvements.
The commission supports the preservation of the communication services tax and the local business tax and opposes legislation that modifies, restricts or eliminates municipalities’ authority to levy or collect those tax revenues that help fund city services.
The commission also supports legislation that provides recurring funding sources for programs and projects that preserve and enhance water quality and/or mitigate the negative environmental and economic impacts of red tide and other harmful algae blooms that threaten public waterways.
The commission unanimously approved the revised legislative priorities list that now includes the commission’s opposition to the legislative actions proposed by Robinson and the Manatee County legislative delegation.
