HOLMES BEACH – With two commissioners’ terms up and an uncontested election scheduled for Nov. 8, city leaders recognized Commissioners Jayne Christenson and Kim Rash as they officially stepped down from the dais.
City Clerk Stacey Johnston presents Commissioners Kim Rash and Jayne Christenson with a plaque honoring their service to the city of Holmes Beach. – Submitted | Jayne Christenson
Mayor Judy Titsworth recognized the two for their hard work over the years for the city and its residents while City Clerk Stacey Johnston presented them with plaques. Rash served two two-year terms as commissioner while this was Christenson’s first term.
Rash said that while he chose not to run for re-election this year due to familial commitments, he added “there’s always next year.”
Christenson said she wished she could have continued on as a city commissioner but with a demanding full-time job she didn’t feel that she could give the residents the time and attention they deserved.
During public comment, resident Nancy Deal stepped up to the podium to express her sadness that the two were leaving elected office.
“I am sad because Holmes Beach is soon to lose two commissioners who not only sacrificed their time and energies to serve Holmes Beach residents as all commissioners are supposed to do, but these two commissioners were also forced to sacrifice their honor and their reputations,” Deal said, referencing the scrutiny that Rash and Christenson both faced over their tenures as commissioners.
Resident Barbara Hines also spoke, complimenting Christenson on her work as a commissioner and how prepared she always was for discussions during meetings. “I just think she’s so special,” Hines said. “When I heard she was leaving the commission, I was devastated.”
The Oct. 25 commission meeting and work session were the last official meetings for the two whose terms expire with the November election. Rash announced over the summer that he would not be seeking re-election and Christenson removed herself from the race in October, leaving new- comers Dan Diggins and Greg Kerchner running uncontested races for their first terms on the city commission. A swearing-in ceremony and organizational meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 8 a.m. at Holmes Beach City Hall.
HOLMES BEACH – The commission race has come to an unexpectedly early end with Commissioner Jayne Christen- son announcing her withdrawal ahead of the Nov. 8 election.
Christenson was running for re-election against political newcomers Dan Diggins and Greg Kerchner. She was first elected to the city commission in November 2020. She announced her intent to withdraw her candidacy during commission comments at the end of an Oct. 11 meeting.
Christenson
“With the support of my family and friends, I have made the decision to not seek re-election as a city commissioner in Holmes Beach in the election on Nov. 8, 2022,” she said, reading from a prepared statement.
“This has been a difficult decision based on many factors, most importantly being my work/life balance. I have a demanding job in the bio-pharmaceutical research and manufacturing industry and have recently taken on even more people management and multi-million dollar budget responsibility which requires extensive travel, limiting the time I have to dedicate to the city.”
With Commissioner Kim Rash also not seeking re-election, that leaves two seats open on the city commission and only two remaining candidates qualified by the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office, Diggins and Kerchner.
Kerchner
Despite Christenson’s statement that she would contact the elections office to have her name removed from the ballot, mail-in ballots have already been distributed. The city is home to 2,685 registered voters. Of those, 138 have already cast their ballots as of Oct. 16, according to the Supervisor of Elections Office.
Diggins
Diggins retired to Holmes Beach with his wife in 2011 after a career in aviation. This will be his first time holding an office in the city.
Kerchner is no stranger to the inner workings of the city, having served for several years on the city’s planning commission. He’s currently the planning commission chair, a position he will have to resign before being sworn in as a city commissioner.
Mayor Judy Titsworth ran unopposed for her second and now third terms in office. She will be sworn in for another two-year term in November.
In-person voting will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 8 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive
HOLMES BEACH – Anna Maria Island’s biggest city was home to some of the Island’s biggest issues in 2021.
The year began in the same manner as some previous years, with city leaders facing off in legal battles with the owners of the two-story beachfront treehouse at Angelino’s Sea Lodge. With legal issues still pending in Manatee County Circuit Court, tree house owners Lynn Tran-Hazen and Richard Hazen getting no relief on fines from the Holmes Beach special magistrate during hearings, the fate of the treehouse is still up in the air after almost a decade of legal battles. At the beginning of 2022, the treehouse is still right where it was a year ago – aloft in its beachfront perch with its future undecided, though Tran-Hazen did state in mid-2021 that if once all legal options are exhausted, the court decides in the city’s favor, the couple will have the treehouse removed.
The fate of the beachfront tree house at Angelino’s Sea Lodge still hasn’t been decided so the two-story structure remains aloft in its Australian pine perch. – Cindy Lane | Sun
The relationship between Holmes Beach city leaders and Manatee County commissioners also took a hit in 2021 over public beach parking. To resolve issues from the overcrowding of vehicles in residential areas, city leaders enacted a permit parking program, allowing public parking on some city streets near beach accesses only after 5 p.m. daily. Starting with the Memorial Day holiday weekend in 2021, Manatee County commissioners pushed back, demanding that Holmes Beach leaders reopen all residential streets to public parking to allow for more beachgoers to park in those areas. City leaders held firm to their stance and the argument is continuing in 2022, with a meeting planned to be held between the two parties to discuss issues in the coming months.
Golf cart/low-speed vehicle safety and the future of businesses renting the vehicles was a hot topic in Holmes Beach. – Kristin Swain | Sun
In good news, the city’s multiple Bert Harris lawsuits were concluded in the fall of 2021 with a global settlement option. In exchange for the owners to be able to develop three properties in the city to sizes beyond what is allowed by Holmes Beach building codes, all of the outstanding Bert Harris Jr. Act lawsuits against the city were dismissed. This brought more than three years of litigation to a close, though the residential neighbors of one of the properties weren’t too happy about a large vacation rental being allowed to be constructed in their neighborhood.
Golf cart and low-speed vehicle safety and regulations were a topic among commissioners and business owners all year. With a six-month moratorium stopping the establishment of golf cart and LSV brick-and-mortar rental companies in Holmes Beach set to expire in February, commissioners ended 2021 still discussing how to best regulate businesses and the booming use of the vehicles by visitors and residents in the city. While the discussion moving into 2022 is still on safety, commissioners have largely decided that preventing a business from opening up shop in Holmes Beach won’t stop the influx of the vehicles in the Island city as they can simply be trucked in from another location. To address safety issues, commissioners are considering lowering the speed limit city-wide to 25 miles per hour, requiring every seat on the vehicles to have a seat belt and looking at insurance concerns.
Commissioners Pat Morton, Carol Soustek and Terry Schaefer won another two years on the city commission in the Nov. 2 election. – Kristin Swain | Sun
The Nov. 2, 2021 election brought a familiar face back to the city commission dais as Commissioner Pat Morton was re-elected after losing his seat in 2020 to newcomer Commissioner Jayne Christenson. Also re-elected for additional two-year terms were Commissioners Terry Schaefer and Carol Soustek. This year’s election brought out more than one challenger for the incumbents as residents Renee Ferguson and John Monetti also tossed their hats in the ring for one of the three seats up for grabs on the city commission. Incumbent Commissioner Jim Kihm opted to not run for an additional term.
HOLMES BEACH – After months of campaigning, the 2021 election results are in and Anna Maria Island’s biggest city has three commissioners to swear in later this month.
The night’s big winners are former Commissioner Pat Morton and incumbent Commissioners Carol Soustek and Terry Schaefer.
Schaefer came in as the night’s big winner with the top number of votes at 655, while Soustek came in second with 637 votes and Morton came in third with 629 votes.
Though there were five candidates, only three seats were available on the city commission dais, leaving Renee Ferguson, who received 608 votes, and John Monetti, who received 473 votes, as the fourth and fifth place candidates with no seat on the dais for the coming year.
For Schaefer, this will be his second two-year term on the city commission dais. Morton will be returning to the dais for an additional term after losing his bid for re-election in the 2020 election. This will be Soustek’s fourth full term on the city commission after being first appointed in November 2014 to fill the unexpired term of David Zaccagnino.
A swearing-in ceremony and organizational meeting for Holmes Beach commissioners is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 15 at 9 a.m.
The other item on this year’s ballot for Holmes Beach residents was the consideration of a land swap with Jon Cooper and his family. The land swap received voter approval with 851 votes in favor or 69.64% of votes cast in the matter.
The swap means that, in exchange for a 50- by 100-foot section of right of way, the Coopers give the city of Holmes Beach a section of beachfront property along with $10,000 for dune restoration or another environmental project of city leaders’ choosing. The city right of way, part of an undeveloped street, bisects two sections of the Coopers’ beachfront property.
Now that the land swap is approved, it will go before commissioners to be ratified before becoming official.
Holmes Beach has 2,757 voters. Approximately 45% of Holmes Beach registered voters cast their ballots in this election.
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 Nov. 2 election is almost upon us and Holmes Beach voters have to decide between five candidates to fill three seats on the city commission – incumbent Commissioners Terry Schaefer and Carol Soustek, newcomer Renee Ferguson and former commissioners John Monetti and Pat Morton.
Continuing The Sun’s series on how the candidates feel about issues facing the city, this week the five commission candidates are answering the question, “How do you feel about a city manager in Holmes Beach?” in their own words.
Renee Ferguson
“I am aware that people have different perspectives on this issue; that is an essential part of democracy. At this time, I feel our city is in good hands. If the situation should change, I believe this would need to be put before the voters. As the city moves through many changes, we must always focus on what is best for the city at the time in this fluid situation.”
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 don’t feel we have a need for one at this point but every idea deserves a look.”
Pat Morton
“I have a lot of respect for the balance that the charter allows us. I would leave a change of this magnitude up to the charter review committee to consider. This is an elected board. If they feel a change is needed, it would be up to them to draft a referendum to be placed on the ballot. At this time, I think our mayor is doing a great job.”
Terry Schaefer
“I served on the city’s ad-hoc committee which studied the various forms of government in Florida. That experience resulted in a full understanding of the city manager form, strong mayor form, which our charter presently specifies, and the two other forms also allowed. I believe the city manager form has numerous benefits, especially in communities with little or no capable citizen interest and capabilities in serving occurs. City managers bring a specifically degreed person with municipal experience to manage the city’s operations. I believe when and if we reach a period where no qualified citizen with proper capabilities and commitment occurs, that the city manager form would be a viable option. I am not convinced that is the case presently for the following reasons: The balance between a non-voting mayor with veto power, combined with the five commissioners with legislative responsibilities, balances authority concerns. Mayors are elected by the people and serve two-year terms. City managers are hired by the consensus of five commissioners, have no veto power unless provided for by city charter, and can be extended or fired by a simple majority of the commission. For example, Manatee County’s decision by three new commissioners with the support of the chair who fired what the public and county staff considered to be a very loyal and effective county administrator. Presently, we have strong leadership at each department head position, all of whom report to the mayor for overall management. In my opinion, the city is operating effectively with specific expertise at each department and a community-oriented mayor. Discussion of the options is healthy and it would take the consensus vote of registered voters to ultimately decide with a structural change to our city charter.”
Carol Soustek
“Good and bad. Some city managers have done wonderful for their cities, just as some mayors have done wonderful things for their cities. I believe that if the person knows the city and brings their best talents to guide the city and community well, then it is the person, not the title, that the community needs.”
HOLMES BEACH – The vote by mail ballots have already been sent out and Holmes Beach residents are already considering who to vote for ahead of the Nov. 2 election. There are three seats on the city commission up for grabs and five candidates with their hats in the ring.
This week, the candidates speak out on public parking by answering the question “How do you feel about public parking and beach access?” The answers are in each candidate’s own words.
Renee Ferguson
“Six years ago, I had the pleasure of working on the Congestion Committee which was solicited by the city. It was an amazing experience for me because I was able to speak to a lot of residents and business owners. For more than two years we researched and consistently worked with the city to develop a plan which was ultimately implemented last year. There have been some bumps, but there are provisions for permit parking for residents and property owners, and it has helped quality of life in our neighborhoods. The county opened up the elementary school and library parking lots, and this appears to be working. Holmes Beach has more than the state-required number of spots for beach renourishment, and the ULI said that renourishment should not be based on parking anyway. “
John Monetti
“In each topic, 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.
Once more this is a topic that has unfortunately become very divisive. It should not be an us-versus-them topic. It seems like some want to make this a showdown between the city and county while somehow forgetting that there were many Holmes Beach citizens who also resisted policies adopted. All shareholders should be considered.”
Pat Morton
“I support the decreased parking in residential neighborhoods and the permit parking. All beach communities have limits as to what they can safely accommodate.”
Terry Schaefer
“This issue underscores the absolute necessity of HOME RULE. Without this right, Manatee County and the state would be making decisions on parking, traffic, and other civic decisions. I am supportive of our existing parking ordinance and open to future considerations should demands change affecting residents’ needs or compliance with state law concerning renourishment funding. Presently, we provide more beach parking than the state requires for beach renourishment funding and adequate parking for residents, and ample visitor parking during normal times. The rub comes during holidays and extremely high visitor periods, during which 5,000 spaces wouldn’t be adequate and thus, we place residents’ rights above the demands of the county and visitors. It is the county that has promoted the Island and they share the responsibility to provide parking to address the traffic created by their promotion. Beach access is more than adequate in our city and should be to accommodate all, however, parking solutions to accommodate growing demands should not be the exclusive responsibility of the city’s neighborhoods to meet that demand. This issue is only going to intensify and will need steady management by our city.”
Carol Soustek
“We are blessed to have so many beach accesses and they are open to all. Designated parking spots are on the access roads and across on the streets. We are a small city. We do not have ample land to have unlimited parking. So many want to come and we do not have the capacity to handle the demand. I voted to remove street parking in the residential areas along the beach for safety reasons. The results have shown this was the right move.”
HOLMES BEACH – The five candidates for three city commission seats in Holmes Beach are counting down the days of the election. With voters already receiving mail-in ballots and those voting in person getting ready to head to the polls Nov. 2, there are only a few more weeks for the candidates to make their stance on city issues known.
This week, we asked, “How do you feel about the balance in Holmes Beach between renters and residents?” The answers are in each candidate’s own words.
Renee Ferguson
“There is an expression that the horse may have left the barn. The Comprehensive Plan and ULI Study are clear about the importance of balance. I believe we missed a huge opportunity years ago to address this matter. Our island changed from being “The Best Kept Secret in Florida” to being discovered and promoted daily by the TDC both nationally and internationally. Holmes Beach brings approximately 30% of the total county resort taxes from rentals operating in our residential neighborhoods. Our city sees very little of that, and it must be used for promotion and advertising of tourism. I will promote having a liaison with the TDC to have a stronger voice regarding receiving our fair share.”
John Monetti
“In each topic, 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.
Fortunately, we do have varied zoning in Holmes Beach with differing rental limitations. I personally was a commissioner who instrumentally steered us to those compromises.”
Pat Morton
“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
“I have referred to this subject in previous answers, it is that balance that we attempt to achieve. Methods, ordinances and codes from the past must be re-evaluated in order to adjust to current and future trends. That approach is continually addressed by staff and the commission; the parking ordinance and upcoming discussion of golf carts are examples of this necessary process. With continuing volume of visitors coupled with the strong objective to maintain desired quality of life advantages, solutions must be addressed continuously to protect the rights of all, which is why I believe it to be one of the two most important issues facing the city. I pledge to be open-minded in helping find the solutions benefitting our community, not just catering to a small group of vocal citizens. Essentially, I believe the solutions must benefit the majority of all concerned.”
Carol Soustek
“In the beginning, when we became discovered by the tourist trade, there was no balance between visitors and residents. The new commission began working on a code department to regulate issues and bring violators into compliance. The commission passed ordinance after ordinance regulating parking, pools, number of guests, loud parties, noise and more. We developed a vacation rental certificate which gave us the information we needed and gave rental companies direction on what we expected from them. We have come a long way and we still are looking at ways to improve where we can.”
HOLMES BEACH – The November election is almost upon us and five candidates are competing for three seats on the city commission. To help Holmes Beach voters make an informed decision at the polls, The Sun asked each candidate to express their opinion on several issues facing the city. Here, candidates answer the question “How do you feel about noise in residential neighborhoods?”
Renee Ferguson
“Noise continues to be a concern for our city. We have had excellent discussions on this subject in regular commission meetings and work sessions. Our city has been successful in implementing some valuable ideas suggested by both commissioners and residents. We are a resort destination and suffer some of the same pains as other resort cities and can look to them for ideas. I am convinced that as long as we continue to listen to our residents and resort housing managers and work together, we will make further progress on resolving this issue to improve quality of life.”
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. Noise is an issue that has been divisive for decades. It is a subject that lends itself to having certain folks never being satisfied. I would be more inclined to be centrally positioned. We have codes that can be utilized to create compromise.”
Pat Morton
“Unfortunately, the only issue we are really having is daytime noise of children swimming in pools. These families may someday be our residents. I do not believe in ticketing children in pools. A friendly visit by code compliance seems to do the trick.”
Terry Schaefer
“This subject has been studied for in excess of six months and recently acted upon by passage of an amended ordinance providing the Code Compliance and Police Departments further tools to regulate the issue. In addition, I suggested and the commission unanimously approved retention of our magistrate hearing attorney to research defendable methods utilized by other Florida communities proven to be effective addressing nuisance properties. The results will be submitted to the commission and staff for consideration within the forum of open meetings allowing for public input. Our departments responsible for monitoring and enforcing these measures have done an effective job addressing the issue with a spirit of fairness and protection to neighbors while educating visitors to the rules of conduct required. Excessive and repeating violating properties are well known by staff with additional efforts extended, in order to maintain compliance and hopefully harmony between residents and visitors. When citations and fines are warranted, they are issued.”
Carol Soustek
“Respect for each other is key. Renters and residents love the Island and just want to be here for as long as they can. Islanders want to show off their paradise and visitors wish they lived here. For the most part, I see a good balance on the noise and we have very good practices and laws in place to handle any overly happy visitors.”
HOLMES BEACH – When voters go to the polls this November, they’ll be deciding more than just who will take three open seats on the city commission. They also will be deciding if the city completes a land swap with a local property owner.
Jonathan and Jessica Cooper appealed to city leaders over the summer to swap a 25-by-100-foot section of a 50-by-100-foot city right of way bisecting their property at 104 34th St. for a 2,911-square-foot trapezoid section of beachfront property they own. The couple’s attorney, Maggie Mooney, said that they would also be willing to pay $10,000 for dune restoration at a beach access point near their property or donate $10,000 to the city to be used for an environmental project of the city leaders’ choice.
While Mooney said the property is planned to be used exclusively for the use of the Coopers and their friends and family, if the land swap passes with voters, the couple also is willing to sign an agreement that the property will not be rented for a period of 10 years. The agreement would go with the land if the property is sold within that timeframe. Jonathan Cooper is the head coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
A 2019 charter amendment requires the land swap issue to go before voters rather than leaving it in the hands of Holmes Beach elected officials.
If it passes with voters, the land swap will increase the size of the buildable section of the Coopers’ lot. If the land swap doesn’t pass, the Coopers still have options to use the city right of way bisecting their property.
A recent issue at 127 50th St. in Holmes Beach illustrates what options owners with adjoining properties have concerning unimproved city rights of way.
In both instances, the abutting right of way is an unimproved road, meaning that it was originally planned to be an extension of an existing road but that road was never built. In speaking with The Sun, Mayor Judy Titsworth said in these instances that the right of way cannot be annexed into the property owner’s private property without being put before voters, but it can be used as an access point.
Titsworth said an abutting property owner can pave the unimproved road right of way, creating an access point to their property, which is what happened on 50th Street. She said the property owner has to pay to improve the right of way to city standards for a road and provide infiltration for stormwater. The resident’s property will still have to meet all setbacks, onsite parking requirements, stormwater infiltration and other building regulations on the private property, not on the right of way.
For the Cooper property, Titsworth said they could construct their home with the garage facing the beach, where the right of way in question is located, and use the entire right of way to access their driveway and garage even if the land swap isn’t approved by voters.
What Titsworth said abutting property owners can’t do is to use the right of way as a driveway, parking area, build on it or use it as an extension of their property, such as putting out chairs, a tiki bar or storage shed on the right of way. For any of those uses, the property would have to be annexed into the private property by receiving voters’ blessing at the polls.
If the Cooper land deal passes with voters during the Nov. 2 election, it will go back before city commissioners to be ratified by ordinance.
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 – Qualifying is over, and five candidates are entering the race for three open seats on the Holmes Beach city commission with the Nov. 2 election as the finish line.
Commissioners Carol Soustek and Terry Schaefer are the two incumbents hoping to hold on to their spots on the dais.
Soustek
If re-elected, this will be Schaefer’s second term as a commissioner. He was first elected to the city commission in November 2019.
Schaefer
Soustek was first appointed to the commission Nov. 25, 2014 to fill the unexpired term of previous commissioner David Zaccagnino. She was elected to the commission in 2015 and re-elected for two more terms in 2017 and 2019. If re-elected in November, this will be her third two-year term on the city commission.
Joining Soustek and Schaefer in this year’s race are Renee Ferguson and former city commissioners John Monetti and Pat Morton.
Monetti
This is Ferguson’s first attempt at joining the city commission, though she has actively participated in commission meetings and attended meetings regularly as a Holmes Beach resident.
Ferguson
Morton, who served as a city commissioner for 17 years, is hoping for another go at a seat on the dais after losing in 2020 to Commissioner Jayne Christenson.
For Monetti, winning in November would mark a return to the city commission after a nearly 10-year hiatus. Previously, Monetti has served not only on the city commission but also on the planning commission.
Morton
Commissioner Jim Kihm, whose term also expires in November, opted to not run for a third term as commissioner.
In an Aug. 27 email to his fellow commissioners and The Sun, Kihm said that he had decided not to run for re-election due to personal reasons.
“Today I am announcing my decision not to see re-election as commissioner for the city of Holmes Beach for personal reasons,” Kihm’s email reads. “I have enjoyed serving the people of Holmes Beach over the past four years and I feel that I am leaving the city in good hands as I finish out the rest of my current term. I would like to thank all the voters for putting their trust in me and electing me to serve them. I have made every effort to serve to the best of my ability.”
Kihm
City commissioners serve two-year terms on the dais. When Holmes Beach voters cast their ballots in November, the top three vote-getters will take the open commission seats. Voters are allowed to support up to three candidates at the polls, one for each available position.
With a five-person city commission, the coming election may prove to be very important for the future of Anna Maria Island’s largest city as most ordinances and resolutions require only a simple majority of three votes to pass or fail commission approval. A large change in the commission lineup could potentially mean big changes for how the city is governed.
Updated Nov. 8, 2020 – HOLMES BEACH – The city has two commissioners to swear in on Monday, Nov. 16.
With four candidates – Commissioner Pat Morton, Commissioner Kim Rash, candidate Jayne Christenson and former commissioner Rick Hurst – and two seats on the dais available, the top two vote-getters took home the win – Christenson and Rash.
Rash was the top pick of voters, bringing in 991 votes, or 28.73% of the total votes. Christenson came in second with 874 votes at 25.34%, with Hurst coming in third with 856 votes and Morton coming in last with 728 votes, ending Morton’s more than a decade on the city commission dais.
Commission candidate Jayne Christenson and Commissioner Kim Rash wave to voters as they enter and leave the polls Nov. 3 with some of their supporters. – Kristin Swain | Sun
This will be Rash’s second term on the city commission.
Christenson will be serving her first term as a city commissioner, having previously served the city on the planning commission and the parking/congestion committee.
The city of Holmes Beach had one polling place for both of the city’s precincts, St. Bernard Catholic Church. The tallies for voters showed that out of the 2,823 registered voters in Holmes Beach, 1,183 voted by mail, 420 took advantage of early voting and 756 came to the polls on election day. The total voter turnout for the city was 2,359, or 83.75% of eligible voters casting their ballots.
Early in the day on Nov. 3, there were lines outside St. Bernard’s to vote. Much of the wait time was attributed to COVID-19 precautions but the lines didn’t dissuade voters from casting their ballots in person.
Outside of the polling location, candidates Christenson, Morton and Rash were camped out with signs, supporters and snacks for voters.
Commissioner Pat Morton greets voters as they enter the parking lot at St. Bernard Catholic Church. – Kristin Swain | Sun
Also up for re-election this year was Mayor Judy Titsworth. Once the candidate qualifying period ended, Titsworth was the only candidate who emerged, earning her another two years on the dais as mayor.
Pending the certification of the election results, the city of Holmes Beach has an organizational meeting and swearing-in ceremony planned for Monday, Nov. 16 at 9 a.m. at city hall. The public is welcome to attend but everyone is required to wear a mask when inside city hall and practice social distancing.
HOLMES BEACH – With the Nov. 3 election nearly upon us, mail-in voting already begun and early in-person voting beginning Oct. 19, voters have a limited amount of time to finish making their selections for local and federal offices before casting their ballots.
In Holmes Beach, there are four candidates vying for two commission seats – Jayne Christenson, former commissioner Rick Hurst, Commissioner Pat Morton and Commissioner Kim Rash. Voters can select two candidates when casting their ballots. Whoever the top two vote-getters are will get the two-year commission terms.
With the final weeks of the campaign looming, The Sun has given each candidate the opportunity to address the public one final time to give their message to voters in their own words.
Jayne Christenson
Christenson
When I moved to Holmes Beach with my family in 1989, I knew this was the community where we belonged. In 2007, my husband and I became permanent residents of Holmes Beach and still live in the same home my parents bought in 1989. It has been a wonderful community to raise our family in.
If I am elected as your city commissioner, I will work to be more proactive at positive engagement with residents and businesses. Citizens expect transparency, accountability and better communication from city government and I am willing to deliver.
Suggestion: I would love to see our police officers get to know our community residents and businesses by being more engaged with those who live in Holmes Beach. Roll down the Ford Expedition window and say hello when you are driving by.
I am concerned when I hear of residents leaving Holmes Beach due in part from the growth of short-term vacation rental homes continuing to pop up in our neighborhoods, primarily in the R-2 zone near the beach. The weekly turnover of renters every seven days has brought increased traffic, noise, and affected the peaceful enjoyment and quality of life for residents. Aligning our priorities of balance between residential properties and vacation rentals in our neighborhoods is critical to maintaining our Island character.
Anna Maria Island can benefit from better collaboration and partnership between the three Island cities. I will work together with all city representatives as one voice when interacting with state and county officials. This is especially important when trying to communicate the negative impact that the Tourist Development Council (TDC) advertising is having on Anna Maria Island and Holmes Beach. On average, 10,000 people annually are moving to Manatee County. Holmes Beach cannot support the parking requirements for all the people who want to go to the beach. I will look for opportunities to include county officials in these discussions especially since they are the recipient of the 5% tourism tax.
With my career experience in corporate business, I will provide budget oversight to
achieve smart financial decisions. Holmes Beach is not a traditional city with traditional expenses. If elected, I will be watchful of the spending and when asked to approve a project or an expense outside of the normal operating budget, I will question, “Is this good for residents and our Island character?”.
In closing, I am asking for your vote for Holmes Beach City Commissioner. I would be honored to represent the residents and businesses of Holmes Beach. Please visit my website and/or follow my Facebook page.
Rick Hurst
Hurst
I earned an engineering degree from the University of Michigan. I accepted a doctorate fellowship at Northwestern University, however, I changed my path and decided to pursue a career in software development. I developed a software product that, to this day, is the leading product in its industry. I later was part of a start-up automation company in the automotive industry which grew quickly. The company’s success and subsequent sale provided me the opportunity to serve as the president of a multi-national corporation. I believe I am well-qualified for the job of commissioner.
My family and I moved to Holmes Beach because it appeared to be a wonderful and a welcoming beach community. We attended many events at city field. We loved it. We were living in paradise with a great community.
Soon after our arrival, these events dwindled away as did the welcoming beach community. We learned there was a small group of residents who were affecting this. This group felt the increase in visitors had ruined their private paradise. They were well-organized and started the process of getting candidates elected. I give them credit for the things they achieved early on. They stopped the excessive building and created the initial regulations for vacation rentals. However, their continued resentment and unrealistic zero-tolerance for visitors has resulted in an endless cycle of more laws, more fines, more code enforcement and higher budgets.
I’ve had many conversations with people, including residents seeking to make simple improvements to their property, regarding their interactions with our city and our policies. Too often I hear the phrase, “Holmes Beach is the worst.” I take tremendous pride in our community; however, I understand their frustration.
We can change this by taking a hard look at how we do things and why we do them. I believe we can achieve harmony between residents and visitors by developing smarter solutions that are more positive in nature, benefit a broad range of residents/stakeholders, work better and will be more cost-effective. These solutions will not come from a group of commissioners who emanate from the same inner circle, who want to perpetuate this endless cycle of more laws, fines and code enforcement. The development of new ideas and great solutions to complex problems will require input and brainstorming of ideas from more residents and stakeholders. This will only happen if we elect city officials who can think outside the box, who believe we need fresh ideas to solve our complex issues. I am that commissioner.
I have a five-point plan for a stronger Holmes Beach that can be summed up by “Seek input, ask hard questions and build a sense of community.” This plan is outlined in my ad in this edition of The Sun.
Please vote for Rick Hurst on Nov 3rd and start the process of challenging the status quo.
Pat Morton
Morton
I would like to once again ask for your continued support as your city commissioner. In my years as a commissioner, I have been able to listen to the concerns of our citizens, the business owners and our Island guests. It became very apparent that we were at risk of losing the quaint charm of our Island city.
Residential homes were being replaced by big party houses. The peaceful quality of life replaced by noise, trash and congestion. Our own tourism industry changed as the snowbirds that we embraced were being replaced by a completely different clientele.
As a commissioner, I took action. Legislation was passed to bring balance back to these neighborhoods. I am very pleased to say that people are once again moving back to our community. I supported improving the city park which will continue to play a role in bringing young families back. As a member of this community, I would like to thank all who contributed generously to this park as it is something we can all be proud of.
We have many great things planned for the coming years in our city. We will continue to sponsor stakeholder meetings and town halls for the benefit of our businesses and residents. Resiliency and clean water are very important to me and I will fully support the mayor in addressing these concerns.
I promise to continue to be the voice of the residents and of our business owners. Please continue to reach out and share any and all of your concerns. I work for you and, as a veteran, it is my honor to continue to serve you.
Kim Rash
Rash
I would like to thank all of the people who voted for me in my first election in 2018. I would also like to thank those of you who did not vote for me but gave me the opportunity to gain your vote during the last two years.
I have been the voice for many residents and businesses when needing assistance from city hall. Throughout my time on the commission, I believe I have made a difference with my common-sense approach. Some of my accomplishments over the last two years include:
I worked to strengthen the noise ordinance to give residents back the peaceful enjoyment of their homes. Now, we are working with Code Compliance and the Holmes Beach Police to ensure our ordinances are being enforced. I continue to advocate for the police officers to be more visible in our neighborhoods and get to know our residents.
I fought wasteful spending of taxpayer money by helping to steer the city from single-source contracting bids to pricing multiple bids for projects to ensure competitive prices.
I opposed the 300% stormwater tax increase. Through my efforts of teamwork and negotiation, the commission compromised on a stormwater increase at half the proposed rate.
I advocated and successfully worked with the commission to not increase the millage rate on our property taxes.
I tried to work with the other commissioners to get every residential household one free parking permit only to get defeated in a 3/2 vote.
I advocated to keep benches at the rear of the beach for all to have a spot to watch sunsets.
Many residents refer to me as a “boots-on-the-ground” commissioner. I may not have the traditional hobbies like golfing or fishing, but I get great satisfaction from helping people. I am a voice for the residents. I listen and advocate passionately. I am a team player and dedicated to effectively collaborating and negotiating for practical, efficient solutions for our residents. I bring common sense and a successful business background to the commission. If re-elected, I strongly believe 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 interest of our residents and our city in mind. I can’t do this without your vote! Help me represent you by voting Kim Rash on Tuesday, November 3rd! Thank you for your support.
Holmes Beach voters go to the polls Nov. 3 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 South Harbor Drive. Early voting takes place at several different locations across Manatee County Oct. 19 thru Nov. 1. Mail-in ballots have already been mailed and can be returned by mail with 70 cents postage by Oct. 24, dropped off at any early voting location or at the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office. For more information, visit the supervisor of elections website.
HOLMES BEACH – Commissioner Pat Morton has been on the city’s dais for 17 years and he’s hoping that voters give him two more when they cast their ballots in the Nov. 3 election.
Morton, a 26-year resident of Holmes Beach along with his wife, Gailene, was first elected to the city commission in November 2003. He and his wife are members of CrossPointe Fellowship. If you haven’t been to a commission meeting but Morton looks familiar, you might have also seen him working at the local ACE Hardware.
On the commission, Morton serves as the city’s liaison to Waste Pro, the Manatee County Emergency Operations Center and the Holmes Beach Police Pension Board. He’s also a member of the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association and has been certified by FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute.
With two seats on the city commission up for grabs in the Nov. 3 election, Morton faces off against incumbent Commissioner Kim Rash and former commissioner Rick Hurst along with fellow Holmes Beach resident Jayne Christenson. To help voters get to know each candidate a little better, The Sun asked each candidate to answer the same four questions. Here are Morton’s answers.
What do voters need to know about your involvement in the community?
Having served as a commissioner for 17 years and currently as vice chair, I think I am most proud of my commitment in enacting legislation in helping to restore balance in our residential neighborhoods. Retaining our residents is crucial as we try to keep our churches, schools, professional offices and small mom-and-pop stores and our Community Center.
I have participated in the adoption of land area ration, strengthened the definition of what constitutes a duplex and helped create a more effective noise control ordinance. I strongly recommended increasing setbacks for polls, the implementation of the vacation rental ordinance and the regulation of front yard encroachments. I helped in the implementation of the formula business ordinance, low speed vehicle ordinance and electronic scooter ordinance. I supported the regulation in earth moving and fertilizers, including the addition of the international property maintenance code in our city. I am currently working on changes to our landscaping/native tree ordinance and adding a permit parking ordinance to our city.
Staying safe through the COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for our residents and business owners. I have fully supported all directives in response to this crisis and fully support the face mask mandates.
Why are you running for Holmes Beach City Commission?
I have a strong regard for the city of Holmes Beach and a commitment to civic duty. Having served in both the military and now in office, it has allowed me the opportunity to make a difference. I would like to continue to give back and be the voice of the citizens, of whom I have the privilege of speaking to every single day.
If elected, what would be your priority to work on with your fellow commissioners?
I would continue to improve our city amenities, which include resiliency in all our continued capital improvements.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the city today?
