HOLMES BEACH – The city is now providing Scentral Park dog park updates at the city website, www.holmesbeachfl.org. The online updates can also be accessed using the QR code posted on the dog park gates.
This QR code is linked to the dog park update page at the city website. – City of Holmes Beach | Submitted
Public Works Director Herb Raybourn provided a dog park update during the Wednesday, Feb. 4, Parks and Beautification Committee meeting.
He said he was still waiting for the roots to take hold for the sod that was planted in a portion of the large dog area in mid-January. He said the cold weather slowed the growing process and once those roots take hold that area would be fertilized with 42-0-0 fertilizer. Later that day, City Commissioner Dan Diggins told The Sun he visited the dog park earlier in the day and when he pulled on the new sod it appeared the roots were taking hold.
The recently resodded portion of the large dog area is expected to reopen in mid-March. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Raybourn said the dog park improvement plan originally anticipated an eight-week closure of the recently resodded area, but that timeline may have to be extended depending on how the new sod performs.
Raybourn said the second phase of the ongoing large dog area resodding will be divided into two smaller small subphases. When that happens, the portion of the large dog area that was recently resodded will be reopened and about half of the remaining large dog area will be resodded, leaving approximately 75% of the large dog area available at all times.
Raybourn said an additional bench and concrete pad will be installed in the currently active portion of the large dog area when that area is temporarily closed for resodding.
“When we go to that side, that bench will be installed,” he said.
Half of the small dog area has been resodded. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Raybourn said about half of the small dog area has been resodded and after approximately eight weeks that resodded area will be reopened and the remaining small dog area will be resodded. He said the earliest full opening of the small dog area would be May 8, depending on how the sod takes.
“For the large dog portion of the dog park, we’re currently anticipating a March 13 opening of the new sodding area. Depending on the how the sod takes, that may get pushed back,” he said.
He said July 2 is the earliest anticipated reopening of the completely resodded large dog area
Raybourn said the issue with the drinking hydrants was determined to be a piece of the plunger that is cost-prohibitive to replace, so a timer valve will be installed to prevent the water from flowing longer than needed.
The dog park update QR code is posted on the dog park gates. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Committee member Mary Lange noted six new palm trees had been planted at the end of the large dog area near the public works department building and the West Manatee Fire Rescue building.
Raybourn said the large dog washing area would be relocated to that end of the park and a new concrete pad will be installed in a manner that helps ensure the water flows and drains in the right direction.
HOLMES BEACH – The Scentral Park dog park in Holmes Beach has been resodded as part of the city’s response to requests and concerns voiced by dog park users during recent city commission meetings and Parks and Beautification Committee meetings.
The dog park users requested more sod and less sandy surfaces, larger shade trees located in different areas, benches being placed side by side, modifications to the dog washing area, electrical service to the shade shelters and more.
Dog park advocate Renee Ferguson played a key role in the recent and planned park improvements. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
During the Jan. 13 city commission work session, dog park user and park advocate Renee Ferguson thanked the mayor, commission and city staff for their efforts that will remain ongoing until all planned improvements are completed. The city has budgeted approximately $29,000 for the past, present and future dog park improvements made or to be made during the current 2025-26 fiscal year that ends Sept. 30
While visiting from St. Louis, Maestro chased and caught his airborne Hurricanine rings while another portion of the dog park was being resodded. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
During the meeting, Mayor Judy Titsworth thanked Commissioner Dan Diggins for the $5,000 donation he made to cover a dog-park related funding shortfall. Portions of the dog park were fenced off during the sod installations, but the park remained open. Featuring large and small dog areas, Scentral Park is located along the 6000 block of Flotilla Drive, near the City Field athletic fields and sports courts.
The new sod was being installed in the large dog area on Jan. 14. – Joe Hendricks | SunThe dog park sod arrived on a semi-trailer. – Joe Hendricks | SunMaestro, from St. Louis, enjoyed his recent visit to Scentral Park. – Joe Hendricks | SunWhile visiting from St. Louis, Maestro, Rick Shetley and Dr. Victoria Meyer stopped by Scentral Park on Jan. 14. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
HOLMES BEACH – Frequent dog park users Renee Ferguson, Nicky Hunt and Tom Evans shared their park-related concerns and desires with the mayor and city commissioners on Dec. 16.
They did so during the public comment portion of a city commission meeting that didn’t include the dog park as an agenda item.
Ferguson, Hunt and Evans were among those who previously shared their dog park concerns with the city’s Parks and Beautification Committee on Dec. 3, with Commissioner Dan Diggins also present.
Mayor Judy Titsworth and the five commissioners support maintaining and improving the city-owned Scentral Park, but they hold differing opinions as to who should guide the planning efforts.
Bailey loves fetching the ball at the dog park. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
As a result of the Dec. 16 discussion, Commission Chair Carol Whitmore plans to schedule a dog park-specific commission work session in January to allow for additional public input and commission discussion.
Commissioners Steve Oelfke and Jessica Patel support a January work session. Commissioners Dan Diggins and Terry Schaefer think the Parks and Beautification Committee and the dog park users should develop a plan before a work session is scheduled.
Public input
When addressing the commission, Ferguson said the original dog park opened in 2013 after a group of residents asked the city to dedicate a small piece of land for a dog park. The original Scentral Park was located just beyond the outfield of the city-owned baseball field in the City Field recreational complex that includes a soccer field, pickleball courts, tennis courts and a basketball court.
Holmes Beach residents Renee Ferguson advocates dog park improvements. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Ferguson said the original dog park users paid for tree plantings and other amenities and the public works department did an excellent job of maintaining the park. She said when the city decided to relocate Scentral Park to its current location in 2018, the park users were told the new location would be as good or better than the original location. She doesn’t believe that happened.
“We were promised shady trees, grass, irrigation and lights,” she said.
Scentral Park features four shade structures. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Ferguson said the dog park is used every day and there are often 40 or more people and dogs there socializing during peak morning and evening periods.
Ferguson said the city has poured a lot of money into its other recreational amenities but hasn’t made similar dog park expenditures. She also noted the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau promotes the Holmes Beach dog park as tourist amenity.
Anna Maria resident Nicky Hunt said she’s visited the dog park almost daily for the past five years.
“While I appreciate the facility, in truth it is a sad sight and not something the Island should be proud of. It would appear that almost no money has been spent maintaining it, let alone improving it,” she said.
Hunt questioned whether the mayor, commissioners and city staff members ever use the dog park and she said they should listen to those who do.
Regarding the recent tree plantings, Hunt said, “We were given small trees and told nothing bigger was available. I find that hard to be true when you only have to look at the trees being brought in by the landscapers doing the ‘McMansions.’ We ask you to work with us. We want and deserve a beautiful park.”
She also noted dogs aren’t allowed on the Island beaches.
Anna Maria resident Tom Evans said, “We just want a seat at the table. We don’t see any plans in place and we would like to work with you guys so everybody can be happy. I really hate the fact that Longboat Key has a beautiful dog park and we don’t.”
City officials comment
Whitmore said the commission needs to know how much the city currently spends on the dog park and dog park expenditures should be included as specific line items in next year’s budget. She also suggested forming a citizen-led, non-profit organization to raise funds for the dog park.
“We have to have a plan,” she added.
Schaefer said it makes sense to listen to the dog park users and he noted some of the city’s other recreational amenities were funded by donations.
Oelfke said he wants the city to have an excellent dog park and there needs to be a plan and city funding for it. Patel agreed and said dog park users helped fund the original dog park and they shouldn’t be asked to do it again.
Diggins said the dog park users and the Parks and Beautification Committee members should devise a plan to present for commission consideration.
“I 100% don’t agree,” Whitmore responded. “We set the budget. We’re the ones that set policy. We haven’t had a chance to listen to the citizens of the dog park. When I went there the other day, I thought it looked terrible. I hadn’t been there in years.”
Whitmore said the dog park users’ differing demands and requests pull the mayor in several different directions.
Mayor Judy Titsworth said the city has responded to many dog park user requests. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Titsworth said some dog park users want grass and others want sand. She said the irrigation system for the large dog area was recently modified so it’s now completely independent of the baseball field irrigation system. She said irrigation to the baseball field and the dog park were cut off when City Field served as a hurricane debris collection site after the 2024 hurricanes. She now wants to see if the repaired irrigation system helps the existing dog park grass recover.
“We are in our dormant season for grass. If I resod that whole field, that dog park’s going to be closed for season,” Titsworth said. “If it doesn’t recover with the irrigation and the fertilizer, we will relook at it and see if we can find some money to resod it.”
She noted FEMA paid to resod the areas damaged while serving as a hurricane debris staging site.
Holmes Beach resident Mike Deal is a frequent dog park user.- Joe Hendricks | Sun
Regarding the new dog park trees, Titsworth said the city bought the biggest and most appropriate trees available.
Titsworth said when the dog park concerns were recently brought to her attention, she placed it on the agenda for the Parks and Beautification Committee’s next meeting; and the dog park will remain on the committee meeting agendas until the majority of the dog park users are satisfied.
In response to previous requests, Titsworth said the city placed concrete pads under the benches and relocated some benches, expanded the dog washing area and ensured the dugouts had electricity and fans.
HOLMES BEACH – Residents and dog park users shared their dog park concerns and desires during the Dec. 3 Parks and Beautification Committee meeting.
The dog owners’ concerns include irrigation, grass replacement and maintenance, shade tree plantings and the overall maintenance of the city-owned dog park located near the city-owned baseball field and pickleball courts.
Providing separate areas for large dogs and small dogs, the Holmes Beach dog park is the only dog park on Anna Maria Island. Leashed dogs are allowed at City Pier Park in Anna Maria and at Herb Dolan Park in Bradenton Beach. Dogs are not allowed on any of the Island’s beaches.
Development Services Director Chad Minor is currently serving as the interim Parks and Beautification Committee chair and he was joined at the meeting by committee members Debbie Hall and Mary Lange.
A dog park update document dated Dec. 2 was referenced during the meeting.
One side of the printed document says, “Public Works has recently planted five new shade trees, with five additional black olive trees scheduled for planting. Irrigation installation is on track for completion on Saturday, Dec. 6. New benches and concrete pads are currently being scheduled for installation. The dog park watering area is being extended and will include a new concrete pad. Both dog park ‘dugouts’ are planned for upgrades, including new rafters, new roofing and new electrical outlets.”
The other side contains an aerial diagram that indicates where the new trees and benches will be placed in the large dog area.
Holmes Beach resident and dog park advocate Renee Ferguson addressed the Parks and Beautification Committee. – City of Holmes Beach | Submitted
Dog owners speak
While providing a brief history of the dog park, Holmes Beach resident and dog park user Renee Ferguson said the original dog park opened in a different location in 2013 and was relocated to its current location in 2018. She noted previous grass seeding and tree planting efforts have not always been unsuccessful.
Holmes Beach resident and dog park advocate Renee Ferguson addressed the Parks and Beautification Committee. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Ferguson said the dog park is used 365 days a year by Holmes Beach residents, Anna Maria Island residents
and visitors and vacationers, and she noted that Manatee County promotes the dog park as a “well-maintained” tourist amenity.
“This is a social network. It’s not just a place where the dogs come and play. This is a place where 40 people meet every day,” Ferguson said. “We need a plan. Sit down with the users of the park. We are dog people. We can work these things out.”
She suggested periodically closing sections of the dog park to allow the grass to rest and recover from the heavy use.
The small dog area includes one of the dog park’s four shade structures. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Holmes Beach resident Mike Shane said dog park users have “been forgotten” regarding the requests and suggestions they’ve made over the years.
“Look at the condition of it. It’s very discouraging,” he said of the dog park that’s partially covered with grass or weeds and partially covered with sand.
Shane was among those who questioned the need for an irrigation system. He said the city’s past efforts to hydroseed the dog park failed and he suggested replacing the grass with sand. He also suggested city officials visit the dog park during the peak morning and late afternoon/evening hours to get a better understanding of its daily use.
“We spend money on things which are not being used and neglect things which are used all the time,” he said.
Holmes Beach resident Mike Deal said he didn’t support replacing the grass with sand because the dogs would get covered with sand.
Anna Maria resident and dog park user Tom Evans said, “None of us are experts on this. We don’t know if it’s going to work or not. You really need to get a landscape architect to come in that understands dog parks; and you need to fund it.”
Anna Maria resident Nicky Hunt said she previously lived near the Holmes Beach dog park for five years and she favors grass over sand. She said she’s aware of a dog park expert from Minnesota who now lives in Anna Maria and might be able to help. She said she’d try to get the man’s name and contact info.
Hunt also noted the county (through the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau) promotes the dog park as a tourist amenity and she suggested seeking county commission-controlled tourist development tax revenues to help fund dog park improvements.
City Commissioner Dan Diggins attended the committee meeting. He also represents the city and the Island as a Manatee County Tourist Development Council member. He acknowledged he doesn’t know much about dog parks and he recently visited the dog park for the first time, accompanied by Mayor Judy Titsworth.
“I think it’s got some pretty good bones, but we need to get an expert in here to tell us how to do it. But before we do that, tell us what it should look like,” Diggins said, noting he was open to the possibility of seeking tourist development tax funding.
Ferguson and others plan to share their dog park concerns and requests with the mayor and city commissioners during general public comment at the Tuesday, Dec. 16 city commission meeting that starts at 2 p.m.
Mayor’s insights
Titsworth couldn’t attend the committee meeting because she was making a live TV appearance in Sarasota that morning to promote the city’s 75th anniversary celebration. She arrived at city hall while the committee meeting was still in progress, but after the dog park discussion ended.
In the city hall lobby, Diggins provided her with a quick recap of the dog park discussion. Titsworth told Diggins she wouldn’t pause the pending irrigation project because it’s needed to maintain the grass that’s still there.
When contacted on Dec. 7, Titsworth said the now-completed irrigation work was a repair project that separated the existing dog park and baseball field irrigation systems. She said the city will try to save the dog park’s existing sod and grass and if that doesn’t work, additional sod installation and other options would be considered.
HOLMES BEACH – The construction crews are out and the dogs are in at the new and improved dog park in Holmes Beach, renamed the Holmes Beach Community Dog Park.
“This has been a dream,” Mayor Judy Titsworth said of the new park during the grand opening ceremony Jan. 25. She added though some people thought the new park would never come to fruition, she hopes that the improved dog park is something that the community can be proud of for a long time. Titsworth also thanked Director of Development Services Eran Wasserman and the entire Public Works department staff for their work to see the plans for the dog park realized.
Second place
Light features
2020
“If the dogs could speak, I think they would say that they approve,” Commissioner Carol Soustek said, watching dozens of dogs frolic in the grass at the new large dog park.
The dog park, located in the newly-renamed Community Park complex located adjacent to Holmes Beach City Hall, features grass and a shell mix area, a long dog run, shaded seating for people and pups, a water drinking fountain and a fire hydrant splash pad where dogs can get fresh drinking water and play in spray. The dog park is separated into two sections, one for large dogs and one for smaller dogs.
“It’s just wonderful,” resident Fran Derr said, looking around the new park.
Resident Renee Ferguson, a dog park user who helped work on the plans for the new park, said that she and her dog Ginger were both excited to see the dog park finally ready and open to the public.
“It’s been a long time coming,” she said.
Code Compliance Officer James Thomas provided music for the event while area dog rescues, pet store owners and other vendors came out to show their support for the new park, organized by Caryn Hodge. Some of the vendors included Poppo’s Taqueria, Underdog Rescue, Friends of Manatee County Animal Services, Running Rover, Perks 4 Pets, Manatee County Animal Services, Three Dog Bakery, Shelter Manatee, Live Naturally, Painting with a Twist and Anne Yarborough Pet Photography.
Atlas models his new Community Park scarf complete with an airplane design, illustrating the history of the space that is now the dog park. - Kristin Swain | Sun
Shona Otto of Underdog Rescue gives cuddles to one of several dogs for adoption at the dog park grand opening. - Kristin Swain | Sun
Commissioners Carol Soustek, Jim Kihm, Terry Schaefer and Kim Rash, with his puppy Lucy, hold the ribbon while Director of Development Services Eran Wasserman, Mayor Judy Titsworth and Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore cut the ribbon, officially opening the dog park to the community. - Kristin Swain | Sun
One little puppy wore its pajamas to the dog park party to help stay warm in the cool of the morning. - Kristin Swain | Sun
Theresa and Melissa Rash celebrate the opening of the dog park with Melissa's dog Bella. - Kristin Swain | Sun
Resident Kathy Donner gives treats to her talented pups, Blitzen and Atlas, after they perform a few tricks. - Kristin Swain | Sun
Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore meets Holmes Beach Commissioner Kim Rash's dog Lucy. - Kristin Swain | Sun
One happy puppy is enjoying trying out the new grass dog run. - Kristin Swain | Sun
Ginger and Annie have fun running on the grass at the new dog park. - Kristin Swain | Sun
Dozens of people came out with their furry friends Jan. 26 to celebrate the grand opening of the new dog park. - Kristin Swain | Sun
Caryn Hodge and Fran Derr hang out at the new dog park. - Kristin Swain | Sun
This new Holmes Beach dog park is open and this pup couldn’t be happier to be at the off leash park. - Kristin Swain | Sun
HOLMES BEACH – Projects at the city field complex are underway and showing signs of significant progress, however, some residents are concerned about what the finished product will look like.
City Engineer Lynn Burnett presented plans for the expanded large dog park, multi-use field, walking track and skate park during the Nov. 19 city commission meeting.
Work is already underway in both the skate park and the dog park with drainage work completed in the dog park and elements already being installed at the site of the new skate park. The dog park is currently planned for a December or January grand opening while the skate park is planned to open to the public shortly after. Other openings, including for the multi-use field and tot lot playground are expected later in the new year. Rather than having a single grand opening for the park complex, each area is now expected to have its own public opening.
Workers break up the concrete pad that once housed the city’s tot lot playground equipment in preparation for the installation of the new skate park. – Kristin Swain | Sun
Though the construction is visibly moving forward now, there are some residents who are still concerned about what final product will be unveiled to the public, particularly in the dog park.
Though Burnett presented plans for the dog park, including the fencing, two double gates, a water fountain, seating area for patrons and a fire hydrant-style splash pad for dogs, several dog park users present at the meeting still had questions about what will be included in the park.
Resident Mary Miller said that she feels the overall message coming from city hall concerning the dog park is fear for users that decisions will be made without public knowledge. She said she doesn’t mind seating being moved from the old pavilion, which Development Services Director Eran Wasserman says is in no condition to be moved from the current dog park location, but that she wants to know about the alignment of the benches before they’re installed.
“We just want input,” she said.
Parks and beautification committee member Carol Hatz said she feels that using the old dugout area as seating is too far removed from the majority of the dog park and fears that people will not use it. Wasserman said that the intention is to put in U-shaped seating areas where park patrons can visit and can still have a good view of their pets.
Mayor Judy Titsworth said that her door is always open to residents concerned about the dog park or any other elements of city field. She invited the community to reach out and call either herself or Wasserman with any questions.
Drainage work is completed at the site of the new large Holmes Beach dog park. – Kristin Swain | Sun
For the majority of the elements of the dog park, including ground cover, Titsworth said that Burnett and her team are deferring to suggestions made previously by members of the city’s parks and beautification committee. The suggestions were formed over a period of a year with input from dog park users. She said that fencing in the dog park is expected to go up within the first 10 days of December with construction on the dugouts, turning them into welcoming pavilions for patrons, beginning soon as well.
Commissioner Carol Soustek said that while the plans for what will be taking place in the dog park are done for now, it doesn’t mean that they’re set in stone. She said she envisions the dog park as an evolving element of the city field complex and that changes and additional upgrades will be made as needed over time.
“I think the parks and beautification committee did a tremendous job,” she said.
Titsworth reemphasized how important she feels the dog park is to the city as a whole.
“It’s an important feature for our community and I want the dogs to love it,” she said.
HOLMES BEACH – Dog park users are feeling a bit better about the future of their pooches’ beloved outdoor space after hearing plans for the park from City Engineer Lynn Burnett.
After a misstep the week before, Burnett and Eron Wasserman from LTA Engineers met with more than a dozen interested community members during an emergency Parks and Beautification Committee meeting held at Holmes Beach City Hall. Burnett assured attendees that while some projects in the city field complex, such as the skate park, seem to be moving forward more quickly than others, there is no priority for these other projects over the planned dog park improvements.
City Engineer Lynn Burnett and Eron Wasserman make adjustments to a map of the dog park to help meet the needs of the park’s users. – Kristin Swain | Sun
Currently, she said demolition of the former tot lot and the skate park is in progress, followed by the relocation of the construction area in the parking area on the northeast side of the complex to the site of the former skate park near public works. The next step forward for the city field complex is to begin grading, drainage and resloping work to improve drainage in the area. During this phase, Burnett said the clay will be removed from the current baseball diamond and, once drainage work is complete, the new surfaces for the dog park will be installed. While some of the drainage and resurfacing is done, she added that the new and current dog parks will be closed due to the fencing having to be removed for a period of about 45 days. The dates that the dog park will be closed have yet to be determined though drainage and resurfacing work is expected to take place beginning in June and continue through August.
In the last 30 days of construction, currently planned for late August and September, Burnett said community members will really see the dog park begin to take shape as the ground cover is laid, fencing is put back up, shade structures are constructed, benches placed, trees planted and other elements are placed in the new park. A soft opening for the new and improved dog park is currently planned for some time in October.
Dog park users seemed pleased with the plan, with some offering suggestions including where to place the four access points planned to the park, one on each side of the fencing, how to place pathways for easy access by handicapped visitors and extending the fence between the small and large dog parks by about eight feet into the planned large dog park to give the small dogs a little more play area. The proposed expansion of the small dog park also would give Burnett the opportunity to relocate the shade structure in the small dog park to allow pet parents to view their dogs playing along the common fence line. Burnett said the shade structure in the large dog park will likely be replaced rather than moved to the new park location because she said moving it would cost more money and would damage the structure.
She recommended using both grass and a shell and sand mixture recommended by the parks and beautification committee for ground cover in the large dog park. Attendees agreed to the idea, but some were concerned that grass in some areas would be worn away by frequent use even with irrigation in the park.
In the future, Burnett said that more public meetings would be held for updates on improvements as the project progresses, beginning with the capital improvement plan update planned to be presented during a future city commission budget work session.
HOLMES BEACH – Little visible movement has been made on the city’s plans to relocated and improve the dog park, and it’s leaving users feeling frustrated.
During the May 1 Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee meeting, City Engineer Lynn Burnett was expected to uphold a commitment made during her second quarter capital improvement projects update to city commissioners, that she would present resurfacing, grading and drainage plans at the committee’s May meeting. Several dog park users showed up to hear about Burnett’s plans for the park, but Burnett herself was a no-show and her associate, Eron Wasserman, said that he had no plans for the dog park to present.
Resident and dog park advocate Renee Ferguson said that she, along with other park users, felt frustrated after helping to develop a plan for the park, being put on hold due to the renovation of the city field complex and then seeing no action being taken on the dog park while plans are in action for the skate park and other facilities.
“We seem to be put at the end of the agenda rather than the beginning of the agenda,” she said, adding that the dog park is one of, if not the most utilized park in the city.
Park user Terry Green said that he has several concerns about previously presented plans for the park, including parking, access to entrances from parking areas and whether or not the existing dog park pavilions will be saved and reused in the new location.
Parks and beautification committee Chair Zan Fuller said that she understands the frustration felt by park users. She said that committee members hadn’t seen updated or detailed plans for the new park facilities either and agreed to attempt to set up a meeting between the interested parties and Burnett for the week of May 8. A meeting was held May 7 after press time for The Sun.
HOLMES BEACH – A new large dog park is on the way, but construction isn’t scheduled to begin any time soon.
City Engineer Lynn Burnett gave commissioners an update during their Feb. 12 meeting on the status of the city field complex, including the dog park. She said improvements are scheduled for the park, including relocating the large dog park, but that improvements in the area are taking place in stages. The first stage, she said, was to relocate the tot park.
Public works employees began the task of dismantling the playground equipment and removing it from its previous Marina Drive facing location in January. Due to necessary improvements needed, the equipment is still at the public works facility awaiting installation at its new location near the pavilion at city field.
The second stage is already underway, to demolish the existing skate park and relocate the construction staging area from beside the existing dog park to the former skate park site near public works. Burnett said the demo on the old skate park is taking longer than expected because city workers are having to consult with Manatee County Utilities before the concrete pad can be demolished, due to the site having once been a house.
Timing with dog park renovations also is an issue, Burnett said. Though the existing park is planned to remain open during construction, she recommended not beginning construction on the new park until after the Island’s peak tourism season passes.
During public comment, dog park user and Holmes Beach resident Renee Ferguson asked commissioners to remove the two large umbrella shade structures placed in the north end of the large dog park in 2018. She said the umbrellas are not useful, people do not use them, and they’re taking up space that could be used to allow dogs to run freely. She also asked that construction on the new dog park be programmed to begin as quickly as possible.
“It’s booming in that park right now,” Ferguson said. “If we could get it moved quickly, I think it would benefit everyone.”
Burnett said she would come back before commissioners at their first meeting in March with a more detailed update on the dog park.
HOLMES BEACH – The year 2018 was filled with court cases, city renovations and a highly-contested election for city commissioner and mayoral seats. Here are some of the highlights from this past year.
Treehouse
The treehouse case, concerning a two-story treehouse built in an Australian pine with additional supports on the erosion control line in front of the Angelinos Sea Lodge, began the year with a refusal by the United States Supreme Court to hear the case. Though city leaders pushed to have the unpermitted structure removed, the treehouse ends the year still aloft in its perch overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Owners Lynn Tran and Richard Hazen filed court documents in mid-December seeking a temporary injunction to prevent demolition of the treehouse. The case goes back to court in early January 2019.
Spring Lake
Pollution at Spring Lake in Holmes Beach has remained an issue not only for the residents surrounding the man-made lake but also for city leaders seeking ways to clean up the lake and prevent future pollution. Currently, the previously brackish lake is acidic and cannot support marine life. City Engineer Lynn Burnett is presenting commissioners with a survey determining the amount of solid pollutants in the water and options for removal to return the lake to a healthy saltwater or freshwater state.
Brown water and silt fill the once-clear basin of Spring Lake in Holmes Beach. – Kristin Swain | Sun
Skate park
The city’s skate park has been closed for renovations throughout 2018. At the beginning of the year, city officials were considering rehabilitation of the current park. By the first of December, commissioners voted unanimously to move the skate park to run along Marina Drive with an enlarged concrete park design, costing a budgeted $150,000. If an additional $100,000 can be raised in the next eight months, a skate bowl will be added to the park.
Dog park
One of the most controversial conversations of the year concerned how to improve the city’s dog park. After nearly a year of deliberation between city leaders, dog park users and the city’s parks and beautification committee, a design was created that allows the small dog park to remain where it is and relocates the large dog park to a section of the baseball diamond, which will be repurposed as a part of larger plans to remodel the city field complex. Construction is set to begin in early 2019.
City Field
Plans to renovate city field underwent several renovations themselves. Now with a set rough layout for the park complex, renovations are expected to begin early in the new year. The tot lot is being relocated to the opposite side of the park, from near Marina Drive to adjacent to the existing park pavilion. The baseball diamond will be remodeled as part of the dog park renovations and pick up games can be played in the larger multi-use field. With the skate park being relocated, the staging area will be moved to the old skate park location near public works. The only hitch in Burnett’s plans for the park is the newly planted city Christmas tree, located in an area she’d planned as a grand entrance to the multi-use field. Mayor Judy Titsworth vowed to work around the tree to prevent moving and potentially killing the 10-year-old blue cypress.
After months of debate, Holmes Beach commissioners have agreed to a revised layout for the city field complex, as shown in this rendering by City Engineer Lynn Burnett. – Lynn Burnett | Submitted
Bert Harris
Holmes Beach received its first Bert Harris case win in court as the court upheld the city’s occupancy restrictions of six people or two per bedroom, whichever is greater, in short-term rental properties. More cases are set to be heard by Manatee County Circuit Court judges in 2019.
City manager
Over the summer, commissioners voted not to put a charter amendment on the ballot in 2019 to allow Holmes Beach voters to decide if they want a city manager or not. Instead, commissioners agreed to leave it up to the newly elected charter review committee to place on the ballot. If charter review members decide to not address the issue, commissioners agreed to reconsider before the deadline to submit charter amendments for the November ballot.
City election
The 2018 election brought several newcomers to the table, including Joshua Linney who challenged Judy Titsworth for the mayoral seat, and Kim Rash, who, along with Don Purvis, went head-to-head with incumbent Commissioner Pat Morton to claim one of two available seats on the city commission. Rash was elected with the highest number of votes, Morton was re-elected to another two-year term and Titsworth won a term as mayor in a landslide against Linney.
HOLMES BEACH – A new plan is on the table for the city field complex and commissioners are ready to start seeing progress made on the planned renovations.
After going through a few different attempts, City Engineer Lynn Burnett, with the help of commissioners and public input, finally hit on a layout for the complex that meets the needs of users and helps to better utilize the space.
With the newly approved layout, the large dog park will expand to .86 acres and take over much of the current baseball diamond and outfield leading to the fence separating the field with the small dog park. The small dog park is staying in its current location. During construction on the park complex, planned for the current and 2019-2020 fiscal years, Burnett said the large dog park will remain open for users until the new one can be completed.
Bocce ball courts, horseshoe pits and shuffleboard courts will be relocated to part of the area currently used as the large dog park. The construction staging area on the northeast side of the park will be relocated to the current skate park area, adjacent to public works. Parking will take up the current staging area. The tot lot is planned for relocation near the existing gazebo, where it can be expanded in the future, and the skate park is planned for expansion along Marina Drive. Burnett also suggested ringing the complex with a jogging track with exercise stations and utilizing the area in front of public works as a future overflow parking area. She said the Anna Maria Island Privateer’s Skullywag land-bound ship would not have to be relocated.
The remaining park area is planned as a multipurpose field that can be used for festivals, community events, or bases can be laid down for a pickup baseball game.
A memorial tree with dedication plaque located in the Marina Drive facing area of the park complex will remain in its current location.
Commissioners agreed unanimously to move forward with the proposed plan. Burnett said that while the tot lot can be relocated in-house using public works employees, she will have to come back before commissioners with contracts to be approved for the other work to be done.
“I like it,” Commissioner Pat Morton said of the project.
“I think it’s great,” Commissioner Rick Hurst said, congratulating Burnett on a job well-done.
HOLMES BEACH – Renovations at the city’s dog park now hinge on City Engineer Lynn Burnett’s master plan for the city park complex.
Members of the Parks and Beautification Committee, along with several members of the public, presented their ideas for renovations to the dog park at a May 8 commission work session.
Commissioner Judy Titsworth added her idea as well, saying it might be a good time to look at relocating the dog park to another part of the city park complex, possibly to the northeast area near the basketball and tennis courts currently being used as a construction staging area.
Titsworth said the current park poses some location problems, including being close to residential housing and leaving parkgoers in danger of being hit with fly balls from the neighboring baseball diamond.
Rather than investing the $50,000 allocated to dog park improvements in the current location, she suggested looking at relocating it to build a new and improved dog park and leave the current one open during construction. If commissioners decide to go in that direction, minimal improvements will be made to the current dog park to make it better for patrons in the interim.
Commissioners instructed Burnett to look at the park complex as a whole and come back before them quickly with a suggestion to keep the dog park in place or where to relocate it so that improvements can get underway.
“Look at the whole park as a blank slate,” Commissioner Rick Hurst advised Burnett.
Commissioner Carol Soustek said she wants to see action taken to improve the dog park now rather than potentially waiting years to see a master plan for the entire park.
If the park is going to be moved, improvements suggested for the interim include replacing rusted fence posts, addressing drainage issues, adding potable water stations and looking at the ground cover issues.
If the park stays in place, committee members suggested $38,500 in changes, including replacing the fence, adding benches, adding large trees for shade, adding water bottle filling stations where owners can fill dog bowls, using a combination of crushed shell and sand as ground cover instead of grass and dirt and installing a fire hydrant style fountain for dogs to play in. Additional entrances with push button access also were suggested, along with netting to prevent baseballs from flying into the dog park.
Dog park users spoke in favor of both options, though all agreed they want to see improvements happen quickly no matter where the park is located.
“It’s important that we get this project right,” Renae Ferguson said, asking commissioners for a project timeline. “I don’t want to be pushing a wheelchair when this is done.”
Burnett said that stormwater improvements scheduled for Flotilla Drive should help alleviate some of the dog park’s drainage problems. She agreed to develop a master park plan and come back before commissioners with her recommendations.
“We have an opportunity here to improve an important recreational area in our city, and I’m looking forward to seeing a vision for it,” Ferguson said.
HOLMES BEACH – The plans have been several months in the making but now members of the parks and beautification committee have a date to propose their recommended improvements to the city’s dog park to commissioners.
That date is Tuesday, May 8 during the commission workshop immediately following the 6 p.m. regular meeting. Committee member Joshua Linney said he hopes everyone who has been a vocal member of the public during the planning process will be at the commission workshop to offer public comment.
Committee members met May 2 for their last meeting of the season. They used the time to go over their final recommendations before presenting to commissioners and take public input on the proposed park improvements.
Resident Karen Zimmerman offers her thoughts on the proposed improvements to the dog park to members of the Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee. – Kristin Swain | Sun
Priorities for the dog park project include adding infiltration trenches, resurfacing the area, adding trees for shade and benches for seating with pavers underneath to prevent digging, and changing out the current fencing for a vinyl- coated one that is more resistant to rust. Adding water filling stations for water bottles and dog bowls along with an additional access gate for maintenance and push-button gates for public access also are suggestions favored by committee members. Committee members estimate their recommended improvements will cost $44,930, a little less than the $50,000 commissioners budgeted for park renovations.
“I think you guys have done an amazing job,” resident Renae Ferguson said to committee members.
While some ideas, such as slightly expanding the park and adding a security system to limit the use of the park to dog owners who register their pets with the city, are still on the table, members of the public came up with their own list of park improvements they’d like to see.
Several people spoke up about the need for a splash pad for pets playing in the park during the hot summer months.
“The splash pad makes perfect sense,” park user Mary Miller said. “We live in Florida; it’s hot.”
Other recommendations from the public include the elimination of planned shrubs on the outside of the fence to block sound because the plants could block sight lines for park users and a net-like shield to block balls from entering the park from the adjacent baseball diamond. Users agreed they’d also like to see the large signs with park rules removed from inside wooden shelters where they say the signs block much-needed airflow.
Dog park user Don Anthony said if more funds were needed to make all the park improvements, he feels that dog park users will be willing to donate toward the project.
“The effort is there, and the money is there if we can be sure it goes to the dog park,” he said.
Closing the meeting, Linney thanked everyone for their comments and continued input throughout the planning process. “I hope you’ll all be there on Tuesday,” he said.
HOLMES BEACH – Dog park users and members of the Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee are finally making some progress in determining changes to present to commissioners for the city’s dog park.
During a special committee meeting, users and committee members discussed how each would like to see the $50,000 in funds allocated for park improvements used. Some of the ideas, which will be presented to commissioners when a fully-formed plan is in place, include redoing the rusting fence, adding benches, adding turf in areas where grass doesn’t grow and putting in new water fountains for dogs and their humans.
Other ideas are to add access gates, change gate access to a push button system, add landscaping in and around the park and add sunshades. At the end of the meeting, after public input, committee members also amended a previous vote, agreeing to present an idea to commissioners to expand the park slightly by squaring it off on the south end where the park curves around the city’s ball field.
Committee member Joshua Linney said squaring off the south end of the park will add a small amount of space to the large dog park, allowing for more dog run areas, and also may allow committee members to move the dividing fence line between the large and small dog parks, giving both more room.
Committee member Dennis Groh proposed adding coco plums to the outer perimeter of the park to beautify the exterior while also helping to block sound from the park for surrounding residential homes. Committee members voted to add the plants to two sides of the fencing, but leave one open to allow easy sight lines for park goers. Also around the perimeter, committee members agreed to propose black, vinyl-coated fencing with four gates into the park, two for each side, along with maintenance entrances for city workers.
Inside the park, the vote was to add benches, add a metal sunshade to each side of the park, put in water fountains for both humans and dogs to use and add pavers underneath the benches. With the pavers, committee members hope to discourage dogs from digging underneath the benches.
Wolf Fibar, a material designed for use in dog parks that resists bacteria and resembles wood mulch, is recommended to be used experimentally underneath one bench to see how the dogs react to the new substance. Two trees are planned to be added to the interior of the park as a part of April Arbor Day celebrations.
Committee members said City Engineer Lynn Burnett is working to address the drainage situation in the park to prevent future flooding during rain events.
One item that was a hot-button issue for dog park users is current access to the park. Despite new large signs being added to the dog park advising of rules and regulations, users said only two gates to the park were opened, creating an access issue.
“I don’t understand what it takes to open a gate,” resident Don Anthony said. “What is preventing us from getting a sign and opening the south gate today?”
Public Works Foreman Dave Benton said part of the issue with putting up signs, which would allow gates to be opened, is the ongoing push to renovate the park. With work already being planned for the area, he said it would be preferable to wait until work is completed before placing the signs.
Committee member Zan Fuller committed to speaking with Mayor Bob Johnson and working to rectify the situation temporarily while park improvements are in the planning phase.
“Some of the things will be an easy fix,” Fuller said, “and some things will take some time.”
“Ya’ll have done wonders today,” Anthony said near the close of the meeting. “You’ve done more today than has been accomplished in years.”
As plans for dog park improvements continue to evolve, anyone with suggestions is asked to contact Linney at jlinney@holmesbeachfl.org to have their comments considered by committee members and discussed at a future meeting.
HOLMES BEACH – Planning is underway for improvements at the Holmes Beach Dog Park.
Members of the city’s parks and beautification committee met Jan. 10 with interested residents to discuss the areas of the park being looked at for improvement, including fencing, gates, potable water supply, landscaping, and screening. While a blueprint hasn’t been created for the improvements, committee members have identified the primary points of concern for dog park users.
During the meeting, committee members agreed that the size of the park should not be extended further east, toward residential homes, than it currently is at its widest point. One item being considered is squaring off the park, removing the center curve to make the edges of the park equal width to the center. Another option is to extend the park to the sides.
Committee member Zan Fuller said that while some options for expansion are under consideration, no decision has been reached to recommend to city commissioners.
“At this time we’re not getting into the details of what we want to do,” she said.
Resident Sheryl Smargisso said with her bedroom facing the dog park she’s concerned about noise if the park is expanded.
In addition to considering replacing the current chain link fencing with either vinyl coated or galvanized chain link, committee member Dennis Groh said a part of the revitalization plan will be to plant shrubbery around the front and sides of the park outside the fence. The back part of the fence, which attaches to the city baseball field, will not have shrubbery. With shrubbery, Groh said he hopes the look of the park will be improved as well as a noise buffer provided for nearby residents. He plans to use coco palms, a short palm tree that can grow up to 10 feet wide, to provide the barrier.
Other landscaping plans include planting three or more dog-friendly trees on each side of the park to provide shade and exploring ground cover options.
Both committee members and the public in attendance were able to agree that using grass isn’t effective due to the flooding and heavy traffic in the park. Committee member Joshua Linney suggested using a mulch called Woof Fibar. Linney said the mulch would be attractive in the park and is designed with furry friends in mind. It packs down the more it’s walked on, is safe for puppy paws, and resists bacteria growth, allowing it to be cleaned by the sprinklers that regularly water the park. Before committing to using the mulch as ground cover, committee members discussed the possibility of setting up a trial area of the park to see how the mulch performs in real-world conditions.
Linney said he would get a quote on the ground cover mulch, different fencing options and for installing a push button gate to access both the small and large dog parks to eliminate the need for public works employees to unlock multiple gates per day. New gates also will provide a simpler locking mechanism for users, some of whom said they struggle to open and close the current gates while holding on to their dogs’ leashes.
“We know the fence and the gates need to be redone,” Linney said. “It’s not a safe or sanitary environment for pets or people.”
Public Works Foreman Dave Benton said new signs are on the way to the dog park which warn users of prohibited activities and rules for the park. Placement of the signs at gates will allow city workers to open more access points to the park and reduce liability to the city. Signs are expected to be installed by the end of January.
Though planning is taking place, some dog park users are frustrated by a lack of action to implement plans. Resident Don Anthony said he’s been a part of the conversation between the city and residents to implement improvements in the park for more than three years but hasn’t seen any change take place.
“There is complete apathy toward dog park people,” he said. Anthony worries that though plans are in the works, the actual improvements may not manifest.
Groh asked the members of the public to “trust the process.”
Linney thanked attendees for their input, adding that committee members are committed to seeing the project through.
“We’re only trying to do the best possible job for you,” he said.
