Skip to main content

Tag: farmer’s market

Anna Maria bids fond farewell to Debbie Haynes

Anna Maria bids fond farewell to Debbie Haynes

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

ANNA MARIA – Deputy Clerk and Code Enforcement Manager Debbie Haynes was honored with a retirement luncheon on Friday, Dec. 3.

Haynes was joined at the luncheon by several members of city staff including City Clerk/Treasurer LeAnne Addy and Public Works Manager Dean Jones, as well as Mayor Dan Murphy, city commissioners Jon Crane, Robert Kingan, Deanie Sebring, Mark Short, former commissioner Doug Copeland and Haynes’ husband, Bob.

Those in attendance enjoyed tacos from the Wicked Cantina restaurant in Bradenton Beach and the mayor presented Haynes with a ceremonial key to the city.

“Debbie has played an integral role in almost every facet of the city of Anna Maria with code enforcement, the clerk’s office and all of our special events. I’m going to miss her tremendously. She’s done a superior job, she’s a natural in the positions she’s held and she’ll still be doing some consulting for the city going forward,” Murphy said.

Assistant Code Enforcement Manager Sandy Olson will now serve as the code enforcement manager. Haynes’ other wide-ranging duties will be allocated among other staff members.

When expressing her appreciation for Haynes, Addy said, “When I began my career with the city of Anna Maria, I couldn’t have been more fortunate to have had a co-worker like Debbie, who was hard-working and honest. She worked with me through all the changes that were made and helped do so much to make the office run more efficiently. As more job duties were placed on us, Debbie worked so hard to become successful. The city is losing an amazing employee who put her heart into her work. She will definitely be missed by myself and many others. I wish her an amazing, relaxing and rewarding retirement!”

When discussing her time with the city, Haynes said, “I started as a part-time administrative assistant and became a permanent employee in December 2015. I became code enforcement manager in July of 2018. I can’t believe it’s been that long. It’s literally flown by.”

During the past six years, Haynes played a key role in organizing city-hosted parades, holiday events, movies in the park and the seasonal farmers market that takes place at City Pier Park each Tuesday through mid-May.

“We started small with a couple little events in the park with hot dogs on Memorial Day and July Fourth. Then we did Veterans Day and the mayor said he wanted a parade. This year’s parade was our biggest yet and the farmers market is up to 13 vendors. During the first year, vendors didn’t want to come out here because they didn’t think they’d have any business. We’ve still got the original vendors and it’s taken off from there,” Haynes said.

Anna Maria bids fond farewell to Debbie Haynes
Debbie Haynes’ duties included organizing and managing the city’s seasonal farmers market. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Regarding her retirement, Haynes said, “My husband is already retired and we want to start traveling. We have a camper and we’re looking to expand on our experiences. We’ve done a lot of Florida camping and now we want to start visiting the national parks. I think our first trip is going to be to Yosemite next year. We’ll have fun, enjoy life and spend more time with the kids, grandkids and the family in general. I’ll still be doing some consulting, working mostly from home, but this was my last official day in the office.”

As for what she’ll miss most, Haynes said, “The people.”

“I got my wife back again. I’m happy,” Bob Haynes said. “I retired about two years ago and we’re looking forward to traveling, seeing the grandkids and fishing.”

Outpouring of appreciation

Jones was named Public Works Manager around the same time Haynes began working for the city.

“I’m truly going to miss her. I’m so happy for her, but I’m also heartbroken because she’s such an integral part of our team. We really are a family here. I get to come to work and have a work family and then go home to my family. A lot of people don’t get that at their jobs. Debbie and I worked together putting the parades and the special events together and we always joked about starting our own events planning business. I wish her all the luck in the world. I know we’ll still see her, but I’m really going to miss her,” Jones said.

Commissioner Crane said, “She’s done everything anyone’s asked her to do and she’s done it really well. I’m very impressed with everything she’s touched.”

Commissioner Sebring said, “Debbie was an incredible resource and talent. She would spearhead any project Mayor Murphy threw her way. She’s incredibly knowledgeable and has a real can-do attitude. She will be royally missed!”

Commissioner Short said, “We’re certainly going to miss Debbie and everything she’s done for the city. I wish her good luck and success in whatever she decides is next in her life.”

When asked how Haynes helped him as a city commissioner, Short said, “She helped me early on by explaining the rules of engagement, navigating the different aspects of the city and who does what. She helped me get acclimated very quickly.”

When contacted while traveling, Commission Chair Carol Carter said, “Debbie has been my ‘go-to’ person in city hall. She was always ready to help find a solution to any issue. I am so grateful for Debbie’s assistance over the years and will certainly miss her ‘can-do’ attitude. I wish her good times with her husband and much happiness in her retirement.”

Recently hired Senior Administrative Assistant Amy Moriarty will assume some of the duties previously performed by Haynes.

“She’s a great mentor,” Moriarty said.

Anna Maria farmers market returns

Anna Maria farmers market returns

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

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.

Anna Maria farmers market returns
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.

Anna Maria farmers market returns
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 farmers’ market returns

Anna Maria farmers market returns

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

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.

Anna Maria farmers’ market returns
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.

Anna Maria farmers’ market returns
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.

Anna Maria farmers’ market returns
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.”

Anna Maria farmers’ market returns
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.

Anna Maria farmers’ market returns
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.

Anna Maria farmers’ market returns
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.

Anna Maria farmers’ market returns
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
Farmer's market

Farmer’s market more than just food

Written by Sun staff on . Posted in Editorial, Opinion.

Like seasonal fruits and vegetables, the city of Anna Maria’s new farmer’s market is a fleeting pleasure with an expiration date: Tuesday, May 8.

The market’s trial run was an experiment conducted by Mayor Dan Murphy and Deputy Clerk Debbie Haynes, with the City Commission’s blessing. The goal was to attract more people to the Pine Avenue business district while the Anna Maria City Pier remains closed. Judging by the first two markets, that’s mission accomplished.

Approaching stormy weather did not dampen the initial excitement felt when the market debuted on March 20, when four vendors (two of them sharing space) set up around the shade sail at City Pier Park.

The shoppers were eager and the foot traffic was heavy, and the following week produced more vendors and more people.

When expressing support for the market’s inception, Commissioner Doug Copeland lamented the lack of fresh produce on the north end of the Island. With two produce vendors on hand last week, the market provided that, but it also provided something else – a public gathering that helps foster a sense of community.

The market provides a place where locals can reconnect with one another in a new and natural setting. They can also interact with the friendly visitors who are often ostracized simply for being part of a demographic known as vacation rental guests.

The market is an example of the mayor and city commissioners trying to support the business community, full-time residents and visitors all at the same time in a small but significant manner. Does a farmer’s market cure the city’s woes? No, it does not, but getting people to gather regularly in a city park is an effort to be saluted – and hopefully repeated on the other side of summer.

Some vendors at the Anna Maria market are familiar faces at the long-running Beach Market at Coquina Beach on the south end of the Island. Chaperoned by Nancy Ambrose, the Beach Market also offers baked goods, clothing, jewelry, antiques, arts and crafts, live music, good vibes and a lovely stroll down a shaded beach trail. The Beach Market happens each Wednesday through May 9 and most Sundays through the end of July.

The stock market may be a roller coaster ride, but a trip to a local market is always a sound investment.

Farmer's market

Farmer’s market on today

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Business.

Farmers market

Week two of the new Anna Maria Farmer’s Market is underway today until 5 p.m.

This week’s market features a second produce vendor and a larger variety of produce offerings than the limited supply that was available at least week’s weather-shortened market debut.

The weekly market takes place in City Pier Park at the end of Pine Avenue, across the street from the Anna Maria City Pier.

Related coverage

Farmer’s market debuts ‘in the round’

 

Farmer's market

Farmer’s market debuts ‘in the round’

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Business.

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.”

Honey sales
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.”

Debby Haynes Market
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
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.

Anna Maria Farmer's Market
The debut Anna Maria farmer’s market was cut short by rain, but will return next week. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Anna Maria Farmer's Market

Anna Maria farmer’s market to debut Tuesday

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Business.

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.