HOLMES BEACH – Steve Oelfke, Jessica Patel and Terry Schaefer were sworn in to their two-year city commission terms on Nov. 18, followed by the newly-reconfigured commission’s organizational meeting, during which Commissioner Carol Whitmore was elected as chair.
Swearing in
During the city election that concluded Nov. 4, incumbent commissioners Oelfke and Schaefer were reelected and Patel was elected for the first time. After receiving the least number of votes in the city election, longtime commissioner Carol Soustek’s time in office has ended.
From left, Commissioners Terry Schaefer, Jessica Patel and Steve Oelfke were sworn in on Nov. 18. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
City Clerk Stacey Johnston conducted the well-attended afternoon swearing-in ceremony. Johnson provided some background information and her personal appreciation for each commissioner before swearing them in and administering the oath of office.
Whitmore elected chair
The ceremony was followed by the commission’s annual organizational meeting, during which the five commissioners select someone to serve as commission chair and someone to serve as the vice chair for the next 12 months. The chair leads the commission meetings and works with the mayor and the city clerk to set the agendas for the commission meetings and work sessions.
Schaefer nominated current Commission Chair Dan Diggins to serve another one-year term in the position. Taking her first action as a new commissioner, Patel nominated Commissioner Carol Whitmore to chair the commission. Patel, Oelfke and Whitmore voted for Whitmore and Schaefer and Diggins voted for Diggins. The commission then unanimously selected Diggins to serve as vice chair.
Regular meeting
During the regular meeting, the reconfigured commission adopted on second and final reading two previously reviewed and discussed ordinances.
The city commission’s adoption of Ordinance 25-06 updates the city’s regulations for seawalls, bulkheads, docks and piers.
According to the memo that Director of Development Services Chad Minor included in the meeting packet, “The ordinance provisions provide clarity to homeowners and contractors on docks, lifts, mooring areas and structures within Outstanding Florida Waters.”
During the planning commission’s final review of the proposed ordinance on Nov. 5, Minor said during the multi-meeting ordinance review process that the city received several letters from property owners in the Seaside Gardens subdivision.
Minor said a provision requested by Seaside Garden property owners along the Watson’s Bayou shoreline now allows those docks to extend 30 feet from the seawall instead of 25 feet. The ordinance also allows shared docks for Watson’s Bayou shoreline property owners, including duplex owners who face additional space restrictions.
The adopted 18-page ordinance also addresses several other specific docking locations and includes diagrams of many of those locations.
The city commission’s adoption of Ordinance 25-13 brings the city into compliance with a recent state law that requires code-compliant plat and replat requests to be administratively reviewed and approved by city staff without being presented to the city commission.
Minor told city commissioners this was “a necessity ordinance” requested and written by City Attorney Erica Augello in response to the Legislature’s adoption of Senate Bill 784 earlier this year and the ensuing state law that took effect on July 1.
During the recent planning commission meeting, Minor said plat and replat requests are rare in Holmes Beach but the new state law could come into play if the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church property is sold and the new owners want to replat the property for future development.
Traffic signals
The commission voted 5-0 in favor of opting out of a previously reached 20-year agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) that obligates the city to maintain the state-owned traffic signals at the Manatee Avenue/Gulf Drive intersection and the Manatee Avenue/East Bay Drive intersection.
City officials no longer want the maintenance responsibilities for this Manatee Avenue/Gulf Drive traffic signal. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
According to the existing agreement, the city must give FDOT two years notice of the city’s intent to opt out of the agreement. The opt-out will take effect July 1, 2028 unless FDOT wants the opt-out to take effect sooner.
The city’s public works department will continue to maintain the traffic signal at the Gulf Drive/Marina Drive intersection.
HOLMES BEACH – Steve Oelfke, Jessica Patel and Terry Schaefer won city commission seats in the city election that concluded this evening.
According to the unofficial election results posted at the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office website at 8 p.m., Oelfke received 753 votes (32.41%), Patel received 635 votes (27.34%), Schaefer received 498 votes (21.44%) and incumbent Carol Soustek received 437 votes (18.81%). Voter turnout was 40.77%, with 901 ballots cast.
The top three vote-getters earned two-year terms in office. If the election results are certified on Friday, Nov. 7 as expected, Oelfke, Patel and Schaefer will be sworn in by City Clerk Stacey Johnston when the commission meets on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m.
According to Assistant Supervisor of Elections Sharon Stief, there were 2,210 registered voters in Holmes Beach as of election day and 496 voters requested vote-by-mail ballots for the city election. Per state law, vote-by-mail ballot requests no longer carry over from the previous election cycle and a new ballot request must be submitted for each election cycle.
The Holmes Beach election was the only election in Manatee County this fall.
Terry Schaefer will serve another term in office. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Schaefer, a retired bank executive, was first elected to the city commission in 2019 and he was also re-elected in 2021, 2023 and now again in 2025.
Steve Oelfke will serve his first full term in office. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
In February, Oelfke, a skilled nursing facility administrator and a planning commissioner at the time, was appointed to fill the commission seat vacated by long-time commissioner Pat Morton. He will now serve his first elected term in office.
Jessica Patel will serve her first term as a city commissioner. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Patel, a creator and executive director for a non-profit organization and a former journalist, was a first-time candidate and will serve her first term in office.
Carol Soustek’s long run as a city commissioner will soon come to an end. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Soustek, a retired corporate accountant, was appointed to the commission in 2014 and was elected to serve two-year terms in 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2023.
View the election results at the Supervisor of Elections website.
HOLMES BEACH – The three winners in the four-candidate Holmes Beach City Commission race will be known after in-person voting concludes on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Carol Soustek, Terry Schaefer, Steve Oelfke and Jessica Patel seek the two-year commission terms to be determined by Holmes Beach voters.
On Nov. 4, in-person voting will occur at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The election results will be published that evening at www.amisun.com.
According to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office, there are currently 2,210 registered voters in Holmes Beach and 473 voters requested vote-by-mail ballots for the city election.
THE CANDIDATES
Soustek, a retired corporate accountant, was appointed to the commission in 2014 and then elected to serve additional two-year terms in 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2023.
Schaefer, a retired bank executive, was elected to the city commission in 2019 and re-elected in 2021 and 2023.
In February, Oelfke, a skilled nursing facility administrator, and planning commissioner at the time, was appointed to fill the commission seat vacated by long-time Commissioner Pat Morton. Oelfke seeks his first term as an elected commissioner.
Patel, a creator and executive director for a non-profit organization and a former journalist, is a first-time candidate.
CANDIDATE FORUM
On Sept. 24, The Sun hosted a 90-minute candidate forum. A partial recap of the forum appeared in the Sept. 29 issue of The Sun and at www.amisun.com and focused on the candidates’ opening remarks and their views on the city’s hurricane recovery efforts, the city budget and millage rate, stormwater and drainage expenditures and the annual stormwater fees paid by Holmes Beach property owners. That night, the candidates also shared their thoughts on several other issues, some of which are recapped below.
REZONING REQUESTS
In response to a question submitted in advance by a Sun reader, the candidates discussed rezoning requests that seek to increase the zoning density and intensity for the use of a property.
“The last rezoning question that came to us was two years ago and we rejected it, when the Lutheran church asked to redevelop two of their three parcels into residential,” Schaefer said. “Our commission has taken a stand not to allow rezoning to increase density.”
Terry Schaefer seeks re-election. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Soustek said the city’s comprehensive plan is the commission’s guiding document for rezoning requests.
“You use that as your guide and we’ve done that very well,” she said.
She noted the commission is bound by law to approve a proposed site plan that complies with city codes and regulations; and the failure do so could result in the city being sued.
“The comprehensive plan is our directive,” Oelfke said. “It can help commissioners make decisions that are going to be in the best interests of the residents.”
“One of first things I did when I decided to run was read that comprehensive plan. I agree it’s not the solution,” Patel said regarding rezoning requests.
Patel noted the comp plan also addresses affordable housing, which remains in short supply.
“When you have four grand a month to spend on a place and you can’t afford to live on this Island, it’s a problem. Maybe changing some ordinances to allow for density where families can live in those areas, that should be open for discussion,” she said.
GLORIA DEI PROPERTY
Earlier this year, the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church’s representatives rejected the city’s $3 million offer to purchase the property and church building for use as a public facility. The property is currently listed for $9.9 million based on the seller’s assumption that the property can be rezoned for residential or commercial development.
“Don’t give up on the city getting the Gloria Dei property,” Soustek said.
As for rezoning the church property, she said, “Again, you use the comprehensive plan. If they met the rules, we’ve got to give it them, but they are very stringent rules.”
Carol Soustek seeks re-election. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“There’s a significant opportunity to keep the structure and the density as it is,” Oelfke said. “I want to see that property and that structure used to benefit the residents and I think it’s worth some money to do that.”
Jessica Patel seeks election for the first time. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“We definitely should not be rezoning it,” Patel said. “We should keep it as it is. We should be looking at different ways to use that property to potentially bring in revenue for the city.”
“The position that the city took was much more realistic than the position that the church took,” Schaefer said. “We made a legitimate offer of $3 million for the property. We had four agencies in the city that wanted to rent space from us.”
SPEED TABLES
The city plans to soon install two speed tables along Key Royale Drive, between Marina Drive and the Key Royale Bridge. At the time of the forum, three speed tables were anticipated.
Soustek said she’d be OK with just one speed table but something needs to be done to discourage speeding there.
Oelfke reluctantly agreed that something must be done, but he wants the speed tables to be constructed in a manner that allows motorists to pass over them while traveling at or near the 25 mph speed limit. He’d also like to see a roundabout constructed at the Marina Drive/Key Royale Drive intersection to make it safer and easier for Key Royale traffic to access Marina Drive.
Patel said the Key Royale residents she spoke with oppose the speed tables and feel the city is taking an unnecessary action to address a small number of speeding motorists.
Schaefer said, “This all started with a request of those neighbors living on the most narrow part of Key Royale Drive. This was not a city initiative. It was the city listening to its constituents about the concerns they had.”
CITY MEETINGS
The candidates discussed what might be done to increase public attendance at the twice-monthly city commission meetings usually held on Tuesdays at 2 p.m.
Oelfke said he has the flexibility to leave work to attend afternoon meetings but many other residents do not so it might be better to hold city meetings in the evening.
“As a commissioner, I need to hear their voices,” he said, noting that meeting times don’t matter if the residents feel the commission isn’t listening to them.
Patel, who works full-time, said more people might show up for evening meetings, in part because many parents have to pick their kids up from school in the afternoon.
“When you have a four-hour meeting, that’s a real sacrifice,” she added.
Patel suggested the city make a greater effort to promote the city meetings on social media.
Regarding the forum attendance that evening, Schaefer said, “I wish we had this type of attendance at our meetings.”
He then noted city meetings are promoted on the marquee sign in front of city hall, noticed on the city website and Facebook page and noticed in the emails the city clerk’s office distributes to registered subscribers.
“All you have to do is contact the city clerk. She will add you to the list. It goes out well in advance of the meetings so you know what the topics are,” he said. “Please show up, because that is the best way to hear directly from the public.”
Soustek said the meetings times changed from evenings to afternoons a couple years ago and that made no impact on meeting attendance.
“We have some loyal people that come because they want to know what’s going on, but we don’t see new people unless something on the agenda affects them,” she said.
ADDITIONAL MATTERS
The four candidates agree that paid parking near city-controlled beach access points might be inevitable but none of them support doing it now.
The four candidates agree that beach cabana rentals should remain an allowed activity but additional commercial beach activities that could include watercraft rentals and food and drink vendors present potential concerns.
The candidates agree that vacation rental-related noise ordinance complaints have declined in recent years in most neighborhoods and relations have greatly improved between the city and the short-term rental owners and managers.
All four candidates said they would support the city contracting with a firm to conduct a residents’ survey that asks residents which city issues and concerns are most important to them.
CLOSING REMARKS
During his closing remarks, Schaefer said it would have been nice to run unopposed but he thanked Patel for running. He said that’s another example of the willingness Holmes Beach residents have when it comes to serving on city boards and committees.
“I’m willing to do that and I think I’ve been a contributor. I realize everybody doesn’t agree with every decision I make, but that’s our system. I sleep well at night and there isn’t a decision I made that I regret or believe was wrong. I look forward to serving the city for another two years,” he said.
Soustek said she wants to work more aggressively with the city’s Clean Water Ad Hoc Committee, Suncoast Waterkeeper and other organizations to help address the off-Island sewage spills that negatively impact the Island’s water quality.
She said she’s not giving up on the city’s purchase of the Gloria Dei property and she said the city and its residents must continuing fighting to protect the city’s home rule rights from state legislators who feel a “one law fits all” approach is best.
“I like my job and I want to continue to be your commissioner,” Soustek said.
Oelfke said, “I’m a listener and I care, and I think that’s going to bear good results for the city – to have a city that listens to every stakeholder that’s involved with the city. I want to do things that are going to help the residents.”
He, too, stressed the importance of protecting the natural waters that surround the Island.
Patel said, “I like to help people, I like to make a difference and sometimes you need fresh eyes. Where can we do better, what can we see differently and how can we navigate this in a new and different way? Sometimes you need to visualize new ways, new paths and new ideas. Sometimes you just need something new.”
The Holmes Beach candidate forum video can be viewed here.
HOLMES BEACH – City property owners may soon see their annual stormwater assessment fee increase by as much as 205%, rising from $2.95 per 100 square feet of property to $4.95 or $9 per 100 square feet.
Stormwater fee revenues are used to maintain and improve the city’s stormwater and drainage systems that help the city recover from heavy rains, high tides and flooding.
At $2.95 per 100 square feet, the owner of a 7,500-square-foot property currently pays a $221 annual stormwater fee. At $4.95, that fee would increase to $371. At $9, it would increase to $675 per year.
At $2.95 per 100 square feet, the owner of a 5,000-square-foot property currently pays a $148 annual stormwater fee. At $4.95, that fee increases to $248. At $9, it increases to $450.
City commissioners expect to vote on the proposed fee increase during their Tuesday, July 22 meeting and public input is sought before and during the meeting that starts at 2 p.m. The city has until the first week of August to notify the property appraiser’s office of a stormwater fee increase.
Public Works Director Sage Kamiya presented the proposed fee increase for preliminary, non-voting discussion during the city commission’s June 24 work session.
Kamiya said five extremely heavy rain and flooding events occurred during the second half of 2024 alone, including Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton, and his presentation included a once in every 25 years/24-hour rain event floodplain map in which most of the city was highlighted in blue.
“Currently, if we get that kind of rain event, everything in blue is covered in water,” he said.
The areas highlighted in blue would likely flood during a once in every 25 years/24-hour rain event. – City of Holmes Beach | Submitted
Kamiya said the city spends about $300,000 a year maintaining the stormwater system that currently includes about 4 miles of vertical infiltration trenches, 10 miles of drainage pipes, drainage ditches and swales, WaStop check valves and more. He said the infiltration trenches are designed primarily to clean and filter the water before it’s discharged into the surrounding natural waters, but the trenches held reduce flooding, too.
Kamiya said drainage and flooding complaints have increased in recent years and the city needs to do more to address those concerns.
He also mentioned sea level rise and rising tides: “We know sea level is rising, the tides are getting higher and they’re getting more frequent. All of these projects don’t necessarily solve that, but all these projects have a component that can help that.”
Mayor Judy Titsworth said stormwater and drainage improvements help protect property values.
Projected expenses
Kamiya’s presentation included a detailed breakdown of the $21.9 million for proposed stormwater maintenance and improvement projects he believes are needed during the next five years. He said without a rate increase, some improvements might be discarded or spread out over a much longer period. He said even at the $9 rate, the city might still be a couple million dollars “in the red” after five years if all those projects are pursued.
This map illustrates some of the recent, current and future stormwater improvement activity in Holmes Beach. – City of Homes Beach | Submitted
Kamiya said his $21.9 million estimate assumes about half of those costs being covered by matching grants. Some grants require a 20-30% match from the city, many require a 50% match and grant funds do not cover maintenance costs.
According to Kamiya, the city currently has about $1.86 million available for stormwater-related expenses and maintaining the $2.95 fee would generate $850,000 in stormwater fees during the 2025-26 fiscal year. The $4.95 rate would generate $1.4 million and the $9 rate would generate $2.59 million.
According to Kamiya, the average stormwater fee is currently $195. A $4.95 fee would result in a $296 average fee and a $103 average increase. A $9 fee would result in a $506 average fee and a $314 average increase.
Commission Terry Schaefer said the stormwater fee on his latest property tax bill was $331, which he noted was only a small fraction of his total tax bill.
“In my opinion, we ought to go to the max ($9) right now because the needs are not going to be any less and further storms are going to create greater problems,” he said.
According to the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office, Schaefer’s property is 11,238 square feet. At the $9 assessment rate, his stormwater fee would increase by $680 to $1,011.
Regarding the political implications of a fee increase, Schaefer said, “I can’t think of a better time to present to our constituents the need to do this. I think everyone who’s been here for the last year realizes the importance of stormwater abatement and the city doing everything it can.”
Commissioner Steve Oelfke noted the city’s stormwater management efforts and improvements provide property owners with a flood insurance discount that will increase to 25% on Oct. 1 due to the city’s upgraded Community Rating System rating. He also noted the public works department is trying to repair or replace drainage components that have been ignored for 10 or 20 years.
Commissioner Dan Diggins said most of the calls he receives from residents and property owners pertain to stormwater, drainage and flooding.
Maintaining the vertical infiltration trenches are a part of the city’s stormwater maintenance efforts. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Commissioner Carol Whitmore suggested the city launch a publicity campaign to make property owners aware of the potential fee increase. Titsworth said the city will follow the same public noticing requirements used for the annual budget process and it’s up to the residents and property owners to make themselves aware of what’s happening in their city. That said, the mayor and commissioners do want to hear from residents and property owners about the proposed rate increase before or during the July 22 meeting and their email addresses are available at the city website, www.holmesbeachfl.org.
After the meeting, Kamiya said he supports the $9 rate.
Other Island cities
A few years ago, the Anna Maria City Commission raised that city’s stormwater assessment fee from $1 per 100 square feet to $2 per 100 square feet. When contacted last week, City Treasurer LeAnne Addy said the $2 rate remains in effect but the mayor and commissioners will discuss raising it during their upcoming budget sessions. At $2, the owner of a 7,500-square-foot property pays a $150 annual stormwater fee.
Bradenton Beach City Treasurer Shayne Thompson said the city is considering switching to a per-hundred-square-feet stormwater fee calculation formula and away from the current variable-based formula devised by the city’s previous stormwater engineer.
According to the property appraiser’s office, the 2024 stormwater fee for a 7,500 square foot residential property on Fifth Street South was $330.
HOLMES BEACH – Mayor Judy Titsworth and city staff members toured the vacant Gloria Dei Lutheran Church building on April 8 as part of the city’s ongoing efforts the buy the church building and property for public use.
The church held its “Holy Closure” service on Jan. 18 and the Florida-Bahamas Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America is handling the sale of the church building and the 3-acre, three-parcel property at 6608 Marina Drive.
Because the church property is zoned Public/ Semi-Public (PSP) and carries a similar future land use designation, city commission approval would be needed to develop the property for residential or commercial use.
According to city code, “The PSP zoning district is intended to implement the public/semi-public land use category set forth in the comprehensive plan. This district is intended to implement the public/semi-public land use category by recognizing identifiable areas of the community that support public, municipal and semi-public centers, community services and facilities including churches and schools, both public and private.”
The packet for the April 8 Holmes Beach City Commission meeting included a one-page report that Commissioner Terry Schaefer submitted regarding the March 27 meeting that he, Director of Development Services Chad Minor and Public Works Director Sage Kamiya had with George Thurlow, the lead attorney for the Florida-Bahamas Synod that holds the title to the property.
“Mr. Thurlow indicated they would not be listing the property unless the city declines to pursue and that they were aware of the current zoning ordinance limiting potential redevelopment,” Schaefer stated in his report. “An appraisal was produced and left with Chad indicating a beginning asking price of $9.9 million. We were surprised by the appraised value and will be seeking our own if negotiations advance. We stated that the city preferred to retain the building due to its unique architecture. They expressed their appreciation for our intention to retain the structure. The meeting was cordial and I believe a good start to further discussions.”
During the meeting, Schaefer said, “I don’t think we have an abundance of time. We need to move on this as rapidly as we can.”
During her mayor’s report, Titsworth said she, Minor, Kamiya, Building Official Neal Schwartz and Building Inspector/Plans Examiner Scott Drees toured the church building earlier that day.
“I was very impressed with the remediation. They did a really good job,” she said. “It’s in beautiful shape and I just pray to God we can come up with the funding to be able to save that building.”
Regarding the $9.9 million appraisal, Titsworth questioned whether the church’s appraiser took into full account the existing zoning restrictions. As a point of comparison, she noted Manatee County recently bought the former Seafood Shack property in Cortez for $13 million and that property is quite large and sits on the waterfront.
“Let’s say somebody offers them $15 million and they’re going to take it,” Commissioner Carol Whitmore speculated. “We’d have to rezone it, yet we have the right of first refusal. Aren’t we in the middle of something we don’t want to be? We have to be careful about that.”
Schaefer said current PSP zoning is not appealing to developers and that may bode well for the city.
In 2016, city commissioners denied a comprehensive plan amendment sought by church officials who wanted to change the future land use designation to R-2 (multi-family residential) for the two undeveloped parcels and rezone those parcels in the same manner. Church officials hoped to sell the rezoned parcels for development by someone else and use the proceeds to fund continued church operations. In 2018, city officials discussed purchasing portions of the church property, but not the church building, but that sale never transpired.
Intended use
Titsworth said the city’s goal is to preserve the architectural landmark and leave the rest of the property in a natural state.
“If you see that, you know you’re in Holmes Beach,” she said of the triangular-shaped church building and its instantly-recognizable roof structure.
The Gloria Dei Lutheran Church building is located on Marina Drive in Holmes Beach. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Potential uses of the church building could include bringing back The School for Constructive Play preschool that was displaced before the church closed. The preschool currently operates at The Center of Anna Maria Island in Anna Maria. Other potential uses mentioned included providing space for the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring and other organizations. Titsworth said the undeveloped parcels could be used to host outdoor markets, festivals, concerts and be used as undeveloped green space.
“We want to open it up to as many folks as possible,” Minor added.
Titsworth said the use would depend on how the purchase is funded, if funding can be secured. She said the Manatee County Commission-controlled tourist development tax revenues are the city’s best bet for outside funding. Last year, the tourist development tax generated approximately $30 million in tax revenues and a significant portion of those revenues were generated by resort and short-term vacation stays on Anna Maria Island. According to state law, tourist development tax revenues can only be used to promote or enhance tourism.
Titsworth said she and Minor prepared a preliminary funding proposal sent to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione seeking his suggestions and support for the funding request that would ultimately require county commission approval.
“The city desires to maintain this significant piece of property and envisions through acquisition the creation of a Holmes Beach multi-use cultural and event center,” the request form says. “The iconic structure has the potential to become an art, education, environmental and cultural event center for the community. In addition, the project scope includes the incorporation of an 8-foot multi-use path that will provide enhanced mobility and connection from the cultural center property to the existing 8-foot path leading to the city of Anna Maria and the existing 6-foot path leading to City Center (in Holmes Beach).”
The funding request seeks an estimated $3.5 million for the property acquisition, $250,000 for building repair and rehabilitation and $289,000 for the multi-use path, totaling $4.03 million.
Titsworth acknowledged that depending on the available funding sources, the city could alternatively use the property for emergency operations, hurricane debris staging and/or the public works department and those uses could result in the church building being demolished.
“We have to keep multiple visions going at the same time. If this (funding) bucket isn’t good, you might have to go to another,” she said.
Regarding the preservation of public space and undeveloped green space, Commissioner Carol Soustek said, “It’s essential that you offer that to your community, especially as the community’s getting more crowded.”
HOLMES BEACH – Longtime City Commissioner Pat Morton has resigned and recent city commission candidate and current Planning Commissioner Steve Oelfke is expected to serve in that role until the next city election in November.
Morton joined the commission in 2003 and he announced his resignation during the city commission work session that followed the city commission meeting on Feb. 11.
At the start of the regular meeting, Morton noted he’d been gone for about six weeks. He spent two weeks near Asheville, N.C. assisting hurricane-related flood victims before visiting family members in West Virginia. He briefly mentioned the social media criticism the city of Holmes Beach received for its hurricane cleanup and debris removal efforts and he later returned to that topic when announcing his resignation.
“I’ve been on the city commission for 22 years. I’ve always said when I become not happy with serving on the commission, not enjoying it, I was going to resign. We got chastised. It’s been shameful what people said about us on social media. We tried to keep everything safe for the citizens of Holmes Beach,” he said during the work session.
He also mentioned the vacation rental management companies that publicly opposed the city’s short-lived, hurricane recovery-related vacation rental moratorium.
“I don’t appreciate that,” he said.
“We’ve got some very fine residents that live in Holmes Beach and I’ve met a lot of them. I call them my ‘extra family.’ That being said, I will resign from the city commission as of today. I’ve enjoyed 21 and a half years. It’s done,” he said.
After praising the city commission, Police Chief Bill Tokajer and the Holmes Beach Police Department, Morton said, “We have an awesome group running our city. It’s horrible what they were saying about us. How they wanted to get rid of us.”
During the initial cleanup and debris removal efforts, Morton defended the city on Facebook, which prompted criticism aimed at him too. He also made inaccurate Facebook statements alleging the city of Anna Maria was not following FEMA debris removal requirements and would not qualify for FEMA reimbursement.
Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy publicly disputed and dispelled those allegations and he and the Anna Maria Commission suggested Morton focus on Holmes Beach.
COMMISSION REACTS
After Morton’s announcement, Commission Chair Dan Diggins said, “Pat, we’re really sorry to see you go; sorry it affected you this way.”
He later said, “People’s perspective on things doesn’t mean it’s accurate.”
Commissioner Terry Schaefer said, “Anyone who devotes, on a volunteer basis, 21-and-a-half active years of their life to any municipality is owed a debt of gratitude. I’ve had the pleasure of working with you at the commission level for six years and I’ve always respected your down-to-earth approach to city governance. It’s always a practical, logical approach, not a political approach. You were the voice of many people in our community. You brought that sense of reason to our deliberations.”
The following day, Schaefer told planning commissioners that Morton is moving to West Virginia.
During the work session, Commissioner Carol Soustek said, “Pat was from the old regime. Twelve years ago, the new regime showed up and Pat joined in. We took a city that was facing bankruptcy and turned it around.”
Soustek said Morton’s longtime employment at the Ace Hardware store in Holmes Beach and his interactions with customers there gave him a great feel for the pulse of the city.
“They felt comfortable bringing him their problems. He was a conduit to a lot of things we did up here,” Soustek said. “When you lose a person of his quality in public service, you’re losing a very important part of your city government. It is hard for people to understand what you give up when you come up here. You are a target, but what you do with what you have been given is so important.”
Before returning to the city commission late last year after a long tenure as a county commissioner, Commissioner Carol Whitmore served for many years as a Holmes Beach commissioner and as mayor.
“I’ve been with him since day one. He’s a good guy,” she said, noting Morton did a “wonderful job” as the city commission’s Waste Pro liaison.
Mayor Judy Titsworth praised Pat Morton’s civic service. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Mayor Judy Titsworth said, “If you looked up the definition of ‘civic duty,’ you would see Pat’s picture. I hope the community understands just how important it is to get people up there that are only here for civic duty. They’re not here for a political climb. They’re not here for the power. They’re here for their civic duty because they love this city so much. That’s Pat; that’s all of us here.”
Tokajer said, “You’ve been a champion for the police department since I got here. I appreciate you and all the love you’ve shown to my officers over the last 12 years.”
Diggins then raised the topic of appointing Morton’s successor.
Citing the city charter, City Attorney Erica Augello said, “A vacancy on the commission shall be filled by appointment of the commission. Such appointment shall receive the approval of the majority of the remaining members and shall be for a term expiring at the end of the next city general election. The unexpired term, if any, shall be filled by election.”
Titsworth referenced the 2024 election in which Diggins and Whitmore won the two open commission seats. Oelfke finished third with 20.6% of the votes and Bill Romberger finished fourth with 11%. Titsworth said the city could solicit applications or defer to the recent election results. Soustek said that’s how she originally became a commissioner after losing a close election.
Planning Commissioner Steve Oelfke is expected to serve the rest of Pat Morton’s term. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“We already know who that is. He happens to be here,” Whitmore said of Oelfke’s presence.
She asked if the vacancy could be filled without advertising the open position. Augello said there’s nothing in the charter or state election law that requires a vacant seat to be advertised but the commission can’t take an official action during a work session.
Oelfke is expected to be appointed on Tuesday, Feb. 25 and serve what remains of Morton’s two-year term that expires in November.
An farewell reception for Morton will be held Wednesday, Feb. 26 from4:30–5:30 p.m. in the Doctor’s Garden at The Doctor’s Office in Holmes Beach, 5312 Holmes Blvd. The reception will begin with a plaque presentation, followed by an informal gathering with refreshments served. The city extends an open invitation to all residents.
HOLMES BEACH – Voting by mail is already underway and the five candidates vying for three seats on the city commission only have a few weeks left until the Nov. 2 election to let voters know where they stand on the issues. This week, they give their thoughts in their own words on the use of golf carts and low-speed vehicles in Holmes Beach by answering the question, “How do you feel about golf carts and low-speed vehicles?”
Renee Ferguson
“We are beginning to make strides on this issue. Our commissioners established a moratorium on future golf cart businesses, we have shared ideas with our sister cities and our traffic engineer is looking at other paths for directing traffic. We need input from all stakeholders to look at alternatives to achieve our goal of safety on this issue.”
John Monetti
“I would preface my response with the recognition that I do not have all the current information available since I currently am not a city commissioner. My feelings on the topics reflect topical knowledge though I do stay abreast of these issues as an interested resident.
I own one. I stay off the main streets and respect the impact I could have on traffic flow if I stray onto our main streets.”
Pat Morton
“I will support the chief and mayor in lowering the speed on Gulf Drive to 25 miles per hour and limit golf carts and low-speed vehicles to roads 25 miles per hour.”
Terry Schaefer
“We have established a six-month moratorium on approval of any new dealers while providing the time to study the larger issue of how these vehicles are and should be integrated into traffic patterns and parking. These vehicles have and will become more popular with residents and visitors and this time to study the trend is appropriate to consider safety of use and effects on traffic flow and parking. There have been many sightings of potential safety concerns and this entire investigation will be open for public comment and suggestion. I believe these vehicles provide efficient transportation on the Island and that this is the time to explore whether additional controls are necessary to protect the safety of those passengers and whether existing controls are adequate.”
Carol Soustek
“Low-speed vehicles. There are a lot of them and safety, not speed, is my concern.”
HOLMES BEACH – The November election is looming and there are five candidates seeking the support of voters to earn one of three seats on the city commission for the next two years.
The candidates include incumbent Commissioners Terry Schaefer and Carol Soustek, former commissioners John Monetti and Pat Morton and political newcomer Renee Ferguson.
The Sun reached out to each candidate and will feature their answers to some of the issues facing the city of Holmes Beach and its residents, beginning this week with the question, “Why should voters cast their ballots for you?”
Renee Ferguson
Regularly attends Holmes Beach city commission meetings, planning commission meetings, code compliance special magistrate hearings, parks and beautification committee meetings, Island Transportation Planning Organization meetings, Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials meetings, and Manatee County board of county commissioners’ meetings
Served on the Holmes Beach parking and congestion committee, code enforcement committee, form of government ad-hoc committee and dog park committee
Owned and operated an executive search firm for 28 years in Princeton, New Jersey, and as president of her professional personnel association
Volunteer work includes the Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida, Anna Maria Island Historical Society, Suncoast Waterkeeper, Friends of the Island Library and Roser Memorial Community Church
11-year resident of Holmes Beach
Q: Why should voters cast their ballots for you?
“My civic responsibility to make our city the best coastal city in Florida is evident in my resume. For 11 years I have stepped up and served. I have been appointed to committees, volunteered at city functions, advocated for the city dog park, and attended and participated in commission meetings and work sessions. I have done hours of research in order to address areas that I felt needed resident input or clarification. I have committed myself to my city and its residents. I am a team player and a good listener. I strive to achieve fairness and compromise. My background is in Human Resources and this has taught me how to develop partnerships to bring people together for the betterment of all.”
John Monetti
John Monetti
Formerly served three terms as a Holmes Beach city commissioner and five years on the planning commission
Worked as the general manager of the Columbia Restaurant on St. Armands Circle for 27 years
Part of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association for 20 years, served three years as its president
Volunteer work includes The Center of Anna Maria Island, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce and Anna Maria Elementary School Parent/Teacher Organization
26-year full-time resident of Holmes Beach
Q: Why should voters cast their ballots for you?
“To elect a well-rounded individual who will try to offer a balanced approach to issues. I am a 26-year resident of Holmes Beach that can see perspectives as a family man with a wife and five children raised here, but also cognizant of our business community. They are not mutually exclusive.”
Pat Morton
Pat Morton
Formerly served for 17 years as a Holmes Beach city commissioner, was first elected in 2003
Formerly served with the United States military and currently works part-time at the Holmes Beach ACE Hardware
Member of the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association and certified by FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute
Previously served as Holmes Beach city commission liaison to Waste Pro, Holmes Beach police pension board and Manatee County Emergency Operations Center
23-year Holmes Beach resident
Q: Why should voters cast their ballots for you?
“Because I have a tremendous history and proven record in supporting our residents and business owners. Balance is key. Too much legislation to benefit only one aspect of the city will tip the scales in only one direction. I will continue to look at the entire picture. This, after all, is a wonderful place to visit but an even better place to live and raise a family.”
Terry Schaefer
Terry Schaefer
Incumbent commissioner, first elected in November 2019
Serves as city commission liaison to the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, Anna Maria Elementary School, The Center of Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach police pension board. Alternate liaison for legislative matters and the Manatee County Emergency Operations Center
Worked for 35 years in banking and business management
Volunteer work includes 16 years as a public school board member in Belleville, Illinois and 12 years as a board member of the Southwestern Illinois Development Authority
Member of the Key Royale Club and served on the Holmes Beach Form of Government Ad-Hoc committee
Q: Why should voters cast their ballots for you?
“I believe voters can have the confidence that my deliberations and opinions are based on solid research, fact-finding and the ultimate effect my decisions and vote will have on our community. My knowledge and experience of our city’s operations, gained over the past years’ service, provide the basis of evaluating each issue and deciding what the net benefit to our community will be. I also believe that it is vital to listen to my fellow commissioners’ statements concerning issues prior to my ultimate decision and vote. I have the time and desire to serve the city and will continue to invest the time in preparation for meetings in order to be fully prepared to discuss all agenda items. In addition, I have the lifelong desire to help when and where I can be effective.”
Carol Soustek
Carol Soustek
Incumbent commissioner, first elected in November 2014
City commission liaison to code compliance, Grassy Point Preserve, Manatee County Emergency Operations Center, planning commission and parks and beautification committee
Worked as a corporate accountant for more than 50 years
Volunteer work includes Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, Serving Anna Maria and Friends of the Island Library
Served as chair of the Holmes Beach Island Congestion Committee in 2013
Q: Why should voters cast their ballots for you?
“Much depends on your commissioners taking the right path for you. Please look at my voting record and you will see the ordinances I have voted on. Limited bedrooms in structures to four, larger setbacks between properties, house sizes to lot ratios, noise restrictions, safety on our roads and in our homes, protection of wildlife, dunes and sea oats, reduced parking in our residential areas, better site plans, mask regulations, vacation rental regulations. These are just a few of hundreds.”
HOLMES BEACH – City commissioners may have more questions than ever after a lengthy discussion about charging residents a $15 fee for parking decals allowing them to park on designated “permit-only” streets in residential neighborhoods.
Since the Island hosts thousands of visitors each month, and the majority arrive by motor vehicle, the parking of these vehicles on residential streets to gain access to Gulf beaches is an obvious concern for residents, especially now, during spring break and the busy spring tourist season. Holmes Beach Ordinance No. 20-10 was established to provide controlled parking in residential areas by permit.
The Holmes Beach City Commission – Jason Schaffer | Sun
Commissioner Jayne Christenson proposed the adoption of a resolution to eliminate the $15 fee currently in place to obtain a parking decal from the city.
“I would like to propose two things,” Christenson said: “That we either do away with the fee completely; I don’t believe that residents should be charged a fee to be able to park in front of their own homes. If we can’t compromise on that, possibly what an alternative could be, if you live on a permit-only street, you shouldn’t have to pay.”
Personally affected by this fee, Christenson noted that she has four vehicles, which means $60 to her.
Christenson
“I refuse to pay $15; it’s the principle of the matter,” she said.
Commissioner Christenson also suggested that money from a $1.8 million grant that the city is getting from either the county or state could be moved around to offset the permit fee for residents. She was not specific on the grant, its intended use or how this movement of money would take place.
Chairperson Jim Kihm joined the discussion saying, “If we didn’t charge a permit fee, everybody would want a permit, and the administration cost would be very expensive for the city.” Kihm offered a compromise, suggesting the first parking decal could be free to residents, and subsequent decals would remain $15.
Commissioner Terry Schaefer pointed out that very few of the permits had been issued in the six months since they began, and that based on the number of permits obtained (171), there didn’t seem to be a lot of interest from residents. He also said that he supported the $15 fee and it was a “nominal cost.” The fact that the fee was low was echoed by most of the commissioners, as well as by Mayor Judy Titsworth and Police Chief William Tokajer. Commissioner Christenson seemed to be the lone holdout on the amount of money.
“Since March 1st, the city has issued 267 tickets, and only 13 of those tickets were for parking without a permit in permitted areas, which means the system is working well,” Tokajer said.
Speaking about Chairperson Kihm’s suggestion to offer the first permit free, Tokajer said, “If you give one permit free, you give the permit to residents who live on a permit parking road, not the entirety of the city, because that would give 4,000 residents the opportunity to come to city hall and get a permit without paying anything. That would be costly in generated time and work from the city.”
While it seemed a compromise on the matter was soon to come, the debate had just begun.
The mayor took to the podium multiple times during the lengthy discussion, pushing to keep the fee in place.
“People do not like taxes, so we’re trying to base fees on who is using them. There is a perk for people who live on permit parking-only streets. They don’t have off-Island people parking on their streets,” Titsworth said.
Commissioners Carol Soustek and Kim Rash didn’t seem to have a problem with the fee either, but were on board with the idea of the first permit being free.
Once the majority of commissioners were in agreement that one free permit per resident was a plausible compromise, it remains for them to decide if this will apply to only full-time residents or all homeowners, which would include those who own property, but mostly used that property as a vacation rental.
HOLMES BEACH – Commissioner Kim Rash is no stranger to city politics. After volunteering in and around his neighborhood and building fences for the city, he took the plunge and was elected for his first term as city commissioner in 2018. Now he’s hoping to earn a second term on the dais in the 2020 election.
Rash has been a Holmes Beach homeowner for 20 years and a full-time resident for 14 years with his wife of 43 years, Theresa, and their dog, Lucy. The two also are longtime members of St. Bernard Catholic Church.
Rash has been the owner/operator of a fencing company for more than 40 years. Community members can see some of his work at the Holmes Beach Dog Park and around the tot lot playground at city field.
Along with the three other candidates for the two spots available on the Holmes Beach City Commission – Jayne Christenson, Rick Hurst and Pat Morton – Rash was asked to respond to four questions. Each candidate’s answers will be published in The Sun.
What do voters need to know about your involvement in the community?
Many residents refer to me as a “boots-on-the-ground” commissioner. I may not have the traditional hobbies like golf or fishing, but I get great satisfaction from helping people. For 19 years, I have helped residents in times of need. I often walk and bike the streets of our city talking to residents and asking how I can help. I am an engaged commissioner – I answer phone calls and respond to emails in order to listen and advocate for residents.
I have served as Holmes Beach commissioner for the past two years, organized an early-morning July 5 beach cleanup that’s continued for nearly a decade and is often held in conjunction with Holmes Beach Code Compliance, WastePro and resident volunteers. I have constructed multiple dog park fences over the years. In June, I installed the tot lot fence with the help of Public Works. I’ve built and installed bike racks and trash can fences at beach accesses and installed irrigation and planted native beach flowers at the 72nd Street access.
Why are you running for Holmes Beach City Commission?
Even prior to my commission seat, I was a voice for the residents. As Holmes Beach commissioner, I furthered that cause. I listen and advocate passionately. I am a team player and dedicated to effectively collaborating and negotiating for practical and efficient solutions. I bring common sense and a successful business background to the commission. If re-elected, I feel I can do even more because there is so much more to do. I have a proven track record that demonstrates I lead with the best interests of our residents and our city in mind.
During my time on the commission I have spoken for the residents and opposed the 300% stormwater tax increase. Through my efforts, the commission compromised on a stormwater increase at half the proposed rate. I have worked to strengthen our noise ordinance to give residents back the peaceful enjoyment of their homes. I’ve challenged interested parties for ways to trim the budget and have fought wasteful spending of taxpayer money by helping to steer the city from single-source contracting bids to sourcing multiple bids for projects and engaged new sources to ensure our city was getting competitive prices.
If elected, what would be your priority to work on with your fellow commissioners?
– and –
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the city today?
I believe that our first priority and biggest challenge is BALANCE. Each year, there are approximately 10,000 new residents coming to Manatee County and more than 750,000 Island visitors. Manatee County has more than 400,000 residents, many of whom take daily trips to the beach regularly. We have a very small and finite amount of space for an ever-increasing number of people. I believe that it will be imperative for our city commissioners to work with county commissioners/state elected officials to find solutions for the unique issues caused by this rapidly increasing population. Holmes Beach residents are my top priority and should not incur the financial burdens, the daily stresses and increasingly negative impact that have been caused by the numbers and the extensive TDC promotional advertising. To date, our city does not receive an adequate amount of funding from the county to accommodate all of the visitors. I will advocate for county/tourist development tax dollars to assist our city in managing this daily impact. We need Manatee County commissioners to be responsive and active in finding solutions for alleviating traffic congestion and parking issues, funding a larger portion of the police and code compliance department officers needed to enforce the increasing number of people that come to our Island and result in exacerbated issues, funding for strained and failing infrastructure and proactively communicating to all of our visitors the ways they can help us protect this beautiful and unique Island for future generations.
HOLMES BEACH – With Commissioner Pat Morton absent, a motion to give city commissioners a $250 per month stipend raise failed on a tie.
At the suggestion of the 2019 Charter Review Commission, city Commissioner Carol Soustek brought up the idea of giving the city’s commissioners a small raise, bringing their monthly stipend up from $500 to $750. The stipend amount was last raised in 2007. Any change in the stipend amount wouldn’t affect what the sitting commissioners are compensated for the elected position. A current commissioner’s stipend would only be changed after he or she is re-elected. It would also affect any newly elected commissioners.
If the change in stipend amount had been accepted by commissioners, it would have resulted in an annual raise of $3,000 to $9,000 annually or $750 per month. Commissioners currently receive a monthly stipend of $500 for their service to the city.
“I think this is very warranted to those who take their job very seriously,” Soustek said. “It’s not a small job anymore; it’s a big job.” She added that increasing the stipend would show more respect for the hours commissioners spend researching and preparing for city meetings in order to make the best decisions they can for the residents.
“Commissioners are not just a face anymore,” she said. “It’s a job, and you have to do it if you really want to fulfill your promise as a commissioner.”
Commissioner Jim Kihm agreed with Soustek, adding that he felt the city should keep up with what other cities of their size are offering commissioners and that raising the amount of the stipend could encourage more people to run for a seat on the dais.
Commissioner Rick Hurst disagreed with the idea of increasing the stipend to encourage future commission candidates to run for elected office.
“My opinion on this is that I didn’t run for the money,” he said, adding that he doesn’t want to encourage future candidates to run based on the compensation they would receive if elected.
“I’m doing it strictly to serve the residents of Holmes Beach,” Commissioner Kim Rash said, agreeing with Hurst that he didn’t want people to run for office because of a financial incentive. “I just do it because I love Holmes Beach,” he said.
With Soustek and Kihm voting for the raise and Rash and Hurst voting against it, the motion to raise the commissioners’ stipend failed on a tie without Morton there to break it.
