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Tag: Holmes Beach

Castles in the Sand

Zoom towns

Written by Louise Bolger on . Posted in Business, Castles in the Sand.

They call them “Zoom towns” because so many of the new residents are working remotely and have given up their city and suburban lifestyles for a more relaxed environment in smaller communities. It’s no secret that this massive lifestyle change evolved because of COVID-19, but even now, when the danger of serious infection is substantially reduced, Zoom towns are still popular.

A recent National Association of Realtors survey reported that buyers who purchased homes in the year that ended in June moved a median of 50 miles from their previous residences. This is the highest distance on record, going back to 2005 when the median was a consistent 15 miles. This may not seem like a lot of mileage difference, but 15 miles from Boston, for instance, is still part of the city, but when you go 50 miles, you’re in real country. In New York City and other large metropolitan areas, however, you would need to go a little further than 50 miles to really be getting away from it all.

In the same survey, smaller communities were more popular, with buyers purchasing 48% of the homes. Again, this is a record and is up from 32% a year earlier. By comparison, traditional suburban home purchases dropped to 39% from 51% the previous year and only 10% of home purchases were in urban areas, down from 13% the year before. Naturally, the increased cost of homes and now the increased cost of financing has certainly influenced buyers.

Home buyers who are getting close to retirement are another influence on the popularity of small communities. Many who have the ability to work remotely chose to relocate now rather than after their retirement date. This gave them an edge before mortgage rates and prices went up further and set them up for easing into retirement.

Confirming further the demand for homes in smaller communities, The Wall Street Journal/Realtor.com Emerging Housing Markets Indexes came out at the end of October. It reports that the demand for homes in low-cost cities with strong local economies is, in their opinion, “robust.” This annual survey incorporates economic and lifestyle data, including real estate taxes, home appreciation, unemployment, wages and commute time in their 300 biggest metro area rankings.

This survey places the North Port, Sarasota and Bradenton region at number four in the top 10. Unfortunately, as we all know, North Port has taken a big hit from Hurricane Ian since this survey was completed, so in next year’s survey it will be interesting to see where that area is placed.

The other Emerging Housing Markets were in this order: Johnson City, Tennessee; Visalia-Porterville, California; Elkhart-Goshen, Indiana; Fort Wayne, Indiana; Lafayette-West Lafayette, Indiana; Columbia, South Carolina; Columbia, Missouri; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Yuma, Arizona.

Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com, said, “These more affordable markets continue to offer some opportunity. It doesn’t mean that they’re not seeing a slowdown in their housing markets, but they’re better positioned generally.” In other words, they had faster home sales and lower unemployment rates than the market as a whole, which is attracting buyers in an otherwise difficult housing market. Further, according to an economist at Nationwide Insurance, the trend toward less expensive housing markets looks like it will continue even if home prices start trending down.

I guess all of Florida needs to be considered a Zoom town based on the number of people who have relocated to our state in the past two years. We’re still a state with a lot of smaller, cozy communities, access to waterfront amenities and a friendly business environment. I believe our new diverse residents will only enhance those attributes. Time to pack your laptops and zoom your way to the Sunshine State!

Holmes Beach road work causes traffic delays

Holmes Beach road work causes traffic delays

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Featured, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – Anyone driving through the largest Anna Maria Island city knows that drivers need more patience than usual to make it through the traffic congestion snaking through the center of the community.

With increased traffic due to the start of the winter tourism season and two roadway projects, travel time delays aren’t expected to decrease until at least the end of December.

The issues stem from the start of a long-planned city center roadway renovation project at the intersection of Marina and Gulf drives along with work from a Manatee County utilities project.

The city center renovations include the addition of sidewalks, crosswalks, green space and lighting through the intersection as well as improvements to bicycle and vehicular travel lanes. To accommodate the work currently being done down Marina Drive from the Gulf Drive intersection to just past the Island Branch Library, that section of the road is closed with traffic diverted down Holmes Boulevard and the coastal section of Gulf Drive. Ongoing work includes the installation of concrete curbing and sidewalks, infiltration trenches and new drainage structures as well as regrading and repaving the street.

City Engineer Sage Kamiya said that the work on Marina Drive is scheduled to be mostly completed by the end of December with traffic lanes reopened as work allows. Once work is completed on Marina Drive, additional work will need to be done on Gulf Drive.

Addressing the somewhat controversial four-way stop temporarily installed at the intersection of Gulf Drive and Holmes Boulevard, Kamiya and Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer released a joint statement on Nov. 4 on Facebook stating that they believe the four-way stop is still the best traffic control method for the area.

The statement said they looked into the installation of a temporary traffic light and putting a police officer at the intersection to direct traffic as alternatives. Using a police officer to direct traffic was dismissed because the intersection is too narrow to allow for an officer to safely direct two-way traffic and reducing traffic to one lane would cause more traffic delays. Cost also was a factor as that solution would require a full-time police officer to be onsite at the intersection.

A temporary traffic light was also dismissed due to not being considered as effective in moving traffic as the four-way stop.

Adding to drivers’ woes is an ongoing potable water project by Manatee County which was supposed to be completed prior to the start of the city center project. Instead, both projects are continuing simultaneously with the county project first disrupting traffic along Holmes Boulevard and then blocking off a section of 52nd Street the week of Nov. 7, which kept traffic along that street limited for most of the week.

Letter to the Editor: Goodbye for now

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Letter to the Editor, Opinion.

I am most proud of my “resident” platform. I ran on that and always held true to it. As I reached out as I bicycled and rode through the neighborhoods, I always let people know that I valued their input on city issues and that I was there if they needed me. I think that is why I received the top votes each time I ran. I was a voice for the people and a voice of reason. I never used my role of commissioner for personal gain.

I helped to strengthen the noise ordinance, I initiated the idea of competitive bidding, promoted better and more sidewalks and better quality of work by contractors and encouraged greater transparency. I tried to make suggestions that would help to build an honest, transparent government and I made decisions that would help to maintain the character of the island. These issues are going to be so important as the commission moves forward.

Just because I am stepping down, for now, does not mean I am gone. I still care about the direction of Holmes Beach.

 

Kim Rash

Former commissioner, Holmes Beach

New Holmes Beach commissioners sworn in

New Holmes Beach commissioners sworn in

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Featured, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – The election is over and two new city commissioners are taking the dais in Anna Maria Island’s largest city.

Just hours after the polls closed in Manatee County, Holmes Beach staff and elected officials were joined by friends, family and community members at city hall on Nov. 9 to swear in new commissioners Dan Diggins and Greg Kerchner. Both will be serving their first two-year terms as commissioners.

New Holmes Beach commissioners sworn in
City Clerk Stacey Johnston swears in Commissioner Greg Kerchner Nov. 9 at city hall. – Kristin Swain | Sun

Mayor Judy Titsworth was also sworn in for her third term as mayor.

Commissioner Pat Morton welcomed both commissioners to the dais and said he hopes that the city’s elected officials will be able to work together in a positive manner going forward.

Commissioner Terry Schaefer echoed Morton’s congratulations and added that he finds it encouraging that there are still residents in the city who are willing to run for office. “Holmes Beach, unlike our two sister cities, has been blessed with people who have concerted and concerned interest in our city government and welfare,” he said. “I’m happy to have you both.”

New Holmes Beach commissioners sworn in
Commissioner Dan Diggins takes his oath as a Holmes Beach elected official. – Kristin Swain | Sun

Offering her congratulations to Titsworth, Commissioner Carol Soustek also complimented city staff for their work and dedication to the city and its elected officials. “Everyone here wants us to succeed,” she said, adding that she believes Diggins and Kerchner will find the staff to be a good resource for them going forward.

“My appreciation goes to the staff,” Titsworth said. “I couldn’t do this job without you and you all make me look really good. We’re a team and that’s the one thing we weren’t when I came on as a commissioner and then as a mayor. The staff wasn’t working together as a team. Well, we are now. We’ve all got the same goal in mind, it’s making the city the best it could ever be and I thank the commission for giving me that support. We have a team up here now. And I love it. Are we all going to agree, no, but we will always be a team and that’s what I am really looking forward to. Thank you. And thank you two for throwing your hats in the ring.”

New Holmes Beach commissioners sworn in
City Clerk Stacey Johnston congratulates Mayor Judy Titsworth on her new term as mayor. – Kristin Swain | Sun

During an organizational meeting following the swearing-in ceremony, commissioners unanimously selected Soustek to continue serving as chair with Schaefer continuing as vice chair for the next year.

Diggins and Kerchner take the seats recently vacated by former commissioners Kim Rash and Jayne Christenson. Rash made the decision during candidate qualifying over the summer to not run for a third term. Christenson initially qualified to run for re-election but decided to withdraw her candidacy prior to the election.

Letter to the Editor: Leaders, preserve Island character

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Letter to the Editor, Opinion.

Years ago, I attended the Aqua by the Bay hearings where I was introduced to a typical MO: A corporation requests a special exception which is not supposed to have a negative impact, but it usually does. It’s a trade-off. A site plan is approved that disturbs the public and/or environment to the benefit of a private entity.

Many experienced people like Joe McClash and Jane von Hahmann spoke with great detail showing how the request did not comply with the comp plan or code. It was said that their $25 drawing was even more detailed than the applicant’s. The county chambers were overflowing. However, as we well know, the county approved the plan anyway.

Subsequently, the corporation bulldozed a conservation area and backpedaled on a stipulation giving the public a checkpoint on progress. Issues related to a retaining wall and mangrove trimmings ensued. It was only through the persistence of environmental groups that prompted DEP intervention. But the damage was already done.

Within a 900-foot radius in Holmes Beach between city hall and city center, minimally, there have been special exceptions in Resolutions 14-04, 16-07, 17-03, 22-08, and a settlement in the residential zone. In addition, during a recent site plan review, it was discovered that there had been egregious unacknowledged special exceptions over the years. Honoring and allowing special exceptions while saying that you are adhering to the code seems like an oxymoron.

It is these repeated approvals of special exceptions and the unaddressed violations which chip away at the intended city character which is well outlined in the comprehensive plan and code.

Lack of space is a common denominator of many of our city issues, and it is the density related to these special exceptions that is creating a negative impact. There will be a trade-off; testimonials are abundant from residents who have moved, as well as the dwindling few who remain.

Residents are not asking for special exceptions when they desire a normal quality of life that is promised in the code. We ask city leaders to please have vision and preserve the unique Island character.

 

Margie Motzer

Holmes Beach

City leaders recognize commissioners’ contributions

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Featured, Holmes Beach.

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 leaders recognize commissioners’ contributions
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.

Castles in the Sand

The death of old Florida

Written by Louise Bolger on . Posted in Business, Castles in the Sand.

Florida’s changed a lot in the over 20 years I’ve lived on the Gulf coast, and it’s changed even more as a result of COVID-19. But the biggest change to southwest Florida and the entire coastline south of Tampa may come as a result of Hurricane Ian.

Now that the flood waters are receding and everyone is assessing the damage from the storm, we’re starting to get a feel for the damage to real estate values. Feedback from brokers is that the investors and buyers are now out in force looking for properties to buy in as-is condition. One broker from Englewood predicts that home prices will increase for at least another 12 to 18 months because of the additional demand.

Buyers from out of state have not changed their minds and are motivated to buy before prices increase further because of the anticipated additional shortage of properties to buy in the aftermath of the storm. In addition, they have not been discouraged by the increased costs associated with fortifying homes against wind and flooding.

The fallout from the insurance companies is still unknown, but anyone purchasing a coastal home now is calculating that additional cost into their affordability factor.

Of course, Anna Maria Island and other barrier islands on the coast that did not have major damage will be looked at by buyers and seasonal renters. This could prove to be an even busier rental season for Anna Maria Island with higher price tags for rentals and purchases alike.

Assuming all of the above, where does that leave the average buyer who wants to live on the coast? Unfortunately, many will be forever priced out of coastal living because of a combination of building codes and the increased costs of flood and homeowners’ insurance.

The most recent update to Florida building codes from 2020 includes provisions to seal roof decks, as well as longer standing requirements to install impact-resistant windows or shutters and an update to stronger connections between the roof, walls and foundation.

As previously stated, homeowner’s insurance companies are requiring condos and single-family homes to install new roofs before they will provide an insurance policy. This is happening even if there are currently no leaks or damage to existing roofs, if they are over a certain age.

According to a recent report by CoreLogic, there are nearly 33 million homes at risk of hurricane-force wind damage along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts in Florida, so the amount of property updating required is substantial.

When Hurricane Michael hit the Panhandle town of Mexico Beach, it didn’t take long for the area to recover with high-end homes, gated communities and beachfront condos supplanting the original old Florida cottage nature of the area. This is certainly going to happen in parts of southwest Florida where many homeowners do not have flood and/or homeowner’s insurance and are planning not to return. Just to prove that “deep pocket” money isn’t afraid of storms, The Ritz Carlton Residences on Estero Bay, located just south of Fort Myers Beach, is breaking ground next year with units starting at $2.8 million.

I still have my crystal ball handy from Halloween and it’s telling me Florida’s real estate values are strong and may actually get stronger because of Hurricane Ian. The downside is will “old Florida” be gone forever? The crystal ball is saying, “Why are you asking that question? You know the answer.” Unfortunately, I do.

The Doctor’s Office plans to expand

The Doctor’s Office plans to expand

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – The doctor is in at The Doctor’s Office, a local cocktail bar, and he may soon be serving up an expanded menu in a larger space.

Commissioners voted 4-1, with Commissioner Kim Rash dissenting, to approve the first public hearing of a proposed site plan amendment to turn the local bar into a restaurant.

Owner Sean Murphy, formerly of the Beach Bistro, presented a plan to Holmes Beach commissioners during an Oct. 11 work session asking for consideration to add a full-service restaurant to The Doctor’s Office operation in the adjacent event space known as The Doctor’s Garden. If approved by commissioners at a final public hearing, the new restaurant will have 66 seats, 50 inside and 16 outside, serving dinner nightly after 5 p.m. with lunch service available on Saturdays and Sundays.

Police Chief Bill Tokajer said during the Oct. 25 initial public hearing on the proposed site plan amendment that he’s spoken with representatives at West Manatee Fire Rescue who have given their approval of the requested number of seats for indoor and outdoor dining at the proposed restaurant space.

Rash was absent from the work session discussion but was present for the first public hearing on the site plan amendment.

Margie Motzer, a resident who lives near the bar, said she’s concerned about the impact on the neighborhood if the bar is allowed to expand into a restaurant. She said the increased indoor and outdoor seating added to the other nearby restaurants, bars and vacation rental properties could increase the noise and traffic through adjacent residential neighborhoods. Citing a section of the city’s comprehensive plan, she noted that city leaders are tasked with preventing the encroachment of commercial businesses in residential neighborhoods and she fears the restaurant could negatively impact nearby property values.

Resident Barbara Hines, a former member of the city’s planning commission, also spoke against allowing the bar to transition to a restaurant, noting the possibility of increases in traffic and noise.

Nancy Deal said she was concerned about parking for the restaurant, noting that she’s observed patrons and employees of the bar parking in inappropriate areas, such as across the street at a nearby laundromat.

Commissioner Jayne Christenson also expressed concern about parking because of the Doctor’s Office need for off-site parking contracts due to there not being enough dedicated parking onsite. She said that city leaders allowed off-site parking with the Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club at the adjacent former

Wells Fargo site and, when the bank closed, the resort lost the ability to use that parking area. Murphy said that the off-site parking contracts have a 90- day cancellation notice clause that would give him time to find additional parking for patrons.

Commissioner Terry Schaefer said that he could see parking being a problem at the site.

Rash said he hasn’t had one resident call and tell him that they favored approval of the site plan amendment but that he’s had several calls from people who don’t want the bar to turn into a restaurant. He added that he feels it would create too much of an impact on an already congested area.

Murphy said his intent with the restaurant is to keep it as a small, intimate venue for patrons to enjoy a meal.

Commissioner Carol Soustek said that the site plan amendment application met every requirement laid out in the comprehensive plan. “I see nothing wrong with approving this site plan,” she said, noting that Murphy had met every requirement set out by the city.

The site plan will be scheduled for a final public hearing by commissioners.

Letter to the Editor: County leaders should support Holmes Beach

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Letter to the Editor, Opinion.

As a descendant of the Holmes family who built Holmes Beach, Mayor Judy Holmes Titsworth exudes the same passion and love for this city as her father, mother and grandparents. Her family’s aim was to offer a true paradise for every resident and visitor, evidenced by all streets ending with public access to our city’s treasured sandy beaches. Mayor Titsworth is currently working diligently to ensure that her family’s vision is carried on, respecting the delicate balance between residents’ quality of life and our visitors’ recreational pleasure.

Sadly, Manatee County commissioners, especially those strongly tied to developers, are fighting Mayor Titsworth at every perceived opportunity. In deference to developers, county commissioners proposed the construction of a multi-level garage in our city, hoping to lure in as many visitors as possible. Knowing our city’s infrastructure limits as well as our city charter code, the idea was denied unanimously by the entire Holmes Beach city commission. This set off a petty stalemate by county commissioners to shun or refuse this city’s requests at every opportunity. Funds and grants are now denied by the county, and the necessary collaboration between city and county commissioners (such as the emergency actions taken during the recent hurricane) is misreported by county commissioners to imply poor city leadership. There is nothing further from the truth; such behavior by the county commissioners is sheer destructive pettiness.

Our mayor, Judy Titsworth, dedicates over 60 hours of her weekly life analyzing how our city optimally operates and implements programs to ensure that it does. She has a dedicated interest in our environment, its land, waters and wildlife, and is currently focused on restoring our island’s pristine water quality. And, as an enormous bonus to all of us, she just happens to be a kind, honest person and a genuine good soul. Our heartfelt thanks to Mayor Titsworth for caring so deeply for our island, its residents, and its tourists. Aided by the united support and cooperation among our city commissioners and our police force, Holmes Beach is very fortunate to have an entire group of dedicated, good people directing our city. Thank you, Mayor, city commissioners, and our entire police and code enforcement team. We very much appreciate all you do for our little paradise.

Please, Manatee County commissioners, start giving our city your support and assistance, not your back.

 

Jeannie and Gary Hudkins

Holmes Beach

Castles in the Sand

Mortgage rates scary

Written by Louise Bolger on . Posted in Business, Castles in the Sand.

“Boo!” all you ghosts and goblins. If you’re afraid of what’s lurking behind those Halloween masks, I’ll give you something to really be scared of – the 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate has cracked 7%. I bet I have your attention now.

According to Realtor.com, as higher mortgage rates have thinned out the competition for homes, properties are now sitting on the market longer. That has led to a 26.9% national increase in inventory in September. However, that doesn’t mean buyers will have an easier time finding a property.

The housing shortage, which caused home prices to spike, isn’t even close to being filled. The nation still has 42.6% fewer homes for sale than in 2019 and it doesn’t look like the situation will get much better anytime soon. Even builders are spooked during the month of Halloween and are slowing down construction.

However, not much of this applies to Florida where real estate prices are holding their own. The state emerged as a housing hot spot during the pandemic, attracting retirees, remote workers, as well as those looking to leave more expensive parts of the country. Home prices in Miami increased the most among the nation’s 50 largest metropolitan areas in September, jumping 28.3% year over year. Home prices also were up 18.2% in Orlando and 17.2% in Tampa.

Time to see what Manatee County’s sales statistics are for the month of September as recorded by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee:

Single-family closed sales are down 37.5% from last September. The median sale price is $517,193, up 20.3% from last year, and the average sale price is $624,142, up 7.6% from last year. The median time to sale is 62 days. Last year it was 48 days. The month’s supply of inventory is 2.7 months.

Condos closed 35.9% fewer properties when compared to last year. The median sale price was $337,000, up 18.2%, and the average sale price was $401,183, up 24.7%. The median time to sale was 57 days compared to 41 last year, and the month’s supply of inventory is 1.9 months.

The trend of fewer sales is continuing, and prices are leveling off somewhat every month. However, prices continue to be strong compared to last year and inventory has not significantly increased. We’re still in a sellers’ market, although it appears that everyone is having a wait-and-see attitude regarding the economy.

Gone are the days of bidding wars and multiple offers on a property as soon as it comes on the market. Realtor.com reported that nationally 19.5% of sellers cut the price of their home in September. As previously stated, some buyers can no longer qualify for loans and others have thrown up their hands and given up or are switching to adjustable-rate mortgages.

As of Oct. 20, the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage was 7.25% per Forbes, the average 15-year fixed rate mortgage was 6.47% and the average 5/1 ARM was 5.42%. A 5/1ARM means the rate is fixed for 5 years and then can adjust each year after that. With a lower rate offered for an ARM, buyers have a better chance of qualifying for a loan but have to worry about the rate readjusting in 5 years to one they may not be able to afford. There are no good choices for the average buyer.

Hoping you have a fun Halloween in spite of soaring interest rates. Relax, some things you can’t control, so drink the witches’ brew and steal the kids’ candy. I guarantee you’ll feel better.

Letter to the Editor: Nightmare at Gulf Drive and Holmes Boulevard

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Letter to the Editor, Opinion.

It’s a scary location and those of us in Anna Maria city and the north side of Holmes Beach who pass through the intersection often should understand. With the City Center road closure on Marina Drive and the still ongoing work on Holmes Boulevard, all traffic (each car) must come to a stop at this intersection. Action to date by Holmes Beach authorities amounts to a fourth stop sign be- ing strapped to a telephone pole.

As drivers go through the intersection, the game of whose turn is it is interesting – while also frightening – to experience as unkind gestures and words are exchanged. Add pedestrians navigating the intersection on the single crosswalk across Gulf Drive. My wife and I have survived a near miss while I have witnessed more as drivers are now faced with five decisions.

In the morning, several delivery trucks stop on Holmes Boulevard servicing the many businesses in the area. Gridlock occurs, drivers are out of cars arguing with delivery truck operators, again exchanging gestures and salty language. One would think you were in Manhattan, not our island paradise.

It’s October, a “quieter” time on the island, less traffic and people. This situation will only get worse.

A few suggestions:

1. A cop to direct traffic during the busiest hours;

2. A temporary street light system intelligently programmed to reduce backups and flow traffic;

3. Transition the parallel parking on the west side of Holmes Boulevard by the Freckled Fin to a Deliveries Only space to assure two travels lanes remain open;

4. Add a much-needed crosswalk across Holmes Boulevard to Vinny’s Kitchen to connect the many shops on both sides of the street.

Happy Halloween and be safe.

David Barstow

Holmes Beach

Former Holmes Beach commissioner arrested for domestic battery

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Community News, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – A call to police resulted in the arrest of a former Holmes Beach city commissioner after an altercation at his home.

The incident happened on Oct. 13 when Mauri Zaccagnino called police in reference to a fight with her husband, former Holmes Beach Commissioner David Zaccagnino, 52.

Officers Chris Bennett and Ryan Welch responded to the Zaccagnino residence in Holmes Beach to get statements from both parties.

Former Holmes Beach commissioner arrested for domestic battery
Zaccagnino

“Mrs. Zaccagnino made contact with us outside the residence a couple houses down the street, and advised that she had called,” Bennett wrote in his report. “She stated that the two of them were cleaning out a closet to place things in storage in the attic and began arguing over what was going to be placed where, when Mr. Zaccagnino intentionally pushed her with open hands off a step stool she was standing on.”

Bennett’s report goes on to say that Zaccagnino began to throw items, but not at his wife, and kicked the stool at her.

While police say she was visibly shaken and crying during their interview, she admitted there were no physical injuries, and an examination of her arms and face showed no signs of injuries to the officers.

Zaccagnino told police his wife had been badgering him, and corroborated the statement his wife made regarding the argument about what to put in storage. He went on to say that he walked away, at which time she followed him and continued to badger him, according to the report. Zaccagnino also denied pushing his wife off the stool, stating he was actually the one who had been standing on the stool during the argument.

After interviewing both parties, police handcuffed Zaccagnino, arrested him for misdemeanor domestic battery and transferred him to Manatee County Jail, where he was released on $500 bond the next day.

If convicted, he faces up to a year in jail and up to a $1,000 fine for the first-degree misdemeanor offense.

County leaders refuse to increase police beach funding

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – A request for funding to the city’s police department to help cover the expense of beach patrols was approved by Manatee County leaders, but the approved amount wasn’t as much as city leaders hoped for.

During an Oct. 11 commission meeting, Holmes Beach Police Department (HBPD) Chief Bill Tokajer said that $46,412 had been offered to the city as compensation for officers patrolling the county-owned Manatee Beach and Kingfish Boat Ramp. While the amount is the same as was given to the department the previous year, it didn’t include the increase that city leaders were hoping for.

Tokajer said that the funding doesn’t come close to covering the more than $250,000
per year in manpower and other costs officers have documented and presented to county commissioners in the past. He said he’d spoken to Manatee County Administrator Scott Hopes and was told that despite delays to the project, city leaders were being blamed for the loss of grant funding for renovations at Kingfish Boat Ramp and, as a result, no increases in police funding were being considered.

Mayor Judy Titsworth said with increases in costs over the past year, the county offering the same amount of money as in the previous fiscal year was actually defunding the patrols.

The issue of funding for HBPD patrols of county properties is the latest chapter in a list of ongoing problems between the city and county.

Utilities turnoff questioned

As Manatee County prepared for impacts from Hurricane Ian and evacuations were called for on Anna Maria Island, county leaders announced that water would be turned off to the Island the afternoon prior to the anticipated arrival of the storm. Tokajer said in a statement that he had called county officials to ask them to delay the turn off of water and sewer utilities to allow those services to continue for first responders who would not yet be evacuating.

During a Sept. 27 press conference about the storm and evacuation process, Hopes claimed that Tokajer had contacted him to request utility services remain on for residents who weren’t evacuating. Hopes went on to state that he would not be extending the time for the utility turnoff because he didn’t want to risk damage to the county’s utility infrastructure. Hopes also urged residents to take the storm and evacuation orders seriously.

A week after the storm passed, Titsworth issued a statement on Oct. 5 through the HBPD’s social media page stating how proud she was of city staff for their assistance to residents and property owners before and after the hurricane. She also publicly commend- ed the city’s residents for heeding the evacuation orders and leaving prior to the storm. During a Sept. 27 commission meeting, city leaders had even joked that the storm had fixed the traffic problems on the Island due to so many people evacuating.

Kingfish defunding questioned

The battle over utility turn-offs prior to Hurricane Ian was preceded by disagreements over why county officials were forced to return grant funds for planned Kingfish renovations. Hopes and county commission Chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge both stated during public meetings that the renovation plans had to be abandoned because permits were being held up in the city’s building department. Hopes said the permits Department of Environmental Protection couldn’t be extended another time. County staff members also noted during a commission meeting that the grant funds couldn’t be extended either.

Titsworth said in a city commission meeting that the city doesn’t have the power to hold up permits, nor had that happened in the case of Kingfish. She added that the city’s building department staff had been working with county members for months to get the permits approved and continued working on the permit applications after being told by county leaders that the project would be put on hold.

Issues between the city and county stem back to when Van Ostenbridge first took
the dais and demanded that Titsworth and city commissioners end their resident-only permit parking program near the beach and allow public on-street parking for beachgoers throughout the city. City leaders refused to change their stance on public parking on residential streets, stating that Holmes Beach has more public parking spaces than the other two Island cities and that they won’t sacrifice residents’ quality of life.

Island city leaders set sights on beach concession funds

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – City leaders on Anna Maria Island are planning to present plans to Manatee County commissioners in hopes of using excess beach concession funds for projects in each city.

To access the funds, elected officials in each city have to present projects that benefit tourism and visitors on the Island, the officials in each city must agree to the projects and the projects and funding have to be approved by county commissioners.

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth said that the fund has grown to more than $300,000. Now, each city is putting forth its own list of projects.

In Anna Maria, city leaders are seeking a 50/50 match in the amount of $115,250
to get an engineered permanent solution to issues causing the Lake LaVista Channel to become unnavigable. The channel provides access to kayak and paddleboard launches, a landing dock for visitors coming to the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum, a launching point for commercial nature tours and boater access. City leaders estimate that the development of a design along with permitting will cost $230,500, excluding construction.

In Bradenton Beach, officials are asking for $105,000 for a 50% match to improve public beach and bay access points, including additional pavers, signage, bike racks, benches, trash containers and pedestrian and bicycle path improvements.

Holmes Beach city leaders voted unanimously on Oct. 11 to request $105,000 in funding for low-level LED lighting for trolley shelters along with rebuilding five trolley shelters and replacing two. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $210,000. The concession funds would provide a 50/50 funding match.

Titsworth warned commissioners that “time is of the essence” in requesting funding as Manatee County Administrator Scott Hopes has set his sights on the excess concession funds as a potential source of monies for a proposed water taxi service from downtown Bradenton to Anna Maria Island.

Christenson withdraws from commission race

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Featured, Holmes Beach.

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.

Jayne Christenson
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.

Greg 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.

Dan Diggins
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