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Tag: Holmes Beach

City registration coming for golf cart owners

City registration coming for golf cart owners

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

HOLMES BEACH – As commissioners are considering instituting new safety measures for golf carts and low-speed vehicles in the city, a new requirement to register golf carts with the city is also being talked about.

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer brought up the subject during a speed limit discussion at a Feb. 8 commission meeting. Tokajer said that requiring golf carts to be registered through the city would ensure that the vehicles have the safety equipment required by the city and that they are being used solely by residents. A part of the proposed registration requirement would be that golf cart owners would have to be homesteaded residents of Holmes Beach, preventing the vehicles from being purchased by rental owners for the use of vacationers.

The difference between a golf cart and a low-speed vehicle, or LSV, is that a golf cart travels at a slower speed than an LSV and is not required to be registered with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles. Holmes Beach is the only Anna Maria Island city where golf carts are allowed to be driven, which creates a legal issue if they were to be used by vacationers who likely would not know that the vehicles couldn’t be driven legally in Anna Maria or Bradenton Beach, or where the city boundaries are located.

Holmes Beach allows the use of golf carts in the city primarily due to the Key Royale Golf Club being located within the city.

While Tokajer acknowledged that golf carts are generally used primarily by residents of the Island city, he said that there are some golf cart rental companies that conduct business online that could try to rent them in Holmes Beach. He also said that the requirement for proof of a homesteaded property would prevent others from providing them for rentals in the city.

For the registration, Tokajer suggested that owners have to register the golf carts with the city once per year and receive a sticker to put on the carts which would alert police that the operator is a Holmes Beach resident. He said it would also give officers the opportunity to check and make sure that the golf carts are equipped with required safety equipment including a windscreen and seat belts for each passenger.

Anyone found operating a golf cart – not an LSV – in the city without the sticker would be subject to being stopped and potentially fined by police.

The conversation is expected to continue at an upcoming city commission meeting.

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Bali Hai owners hit with more code fines

Bali Hai owners hit with more code fines

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

HOLMES BEACH – The fight between city leaders and the ownership of the Bali Hai Beach Resort is continuing, with the Holmes Beach special magistrate levying fines in excess of $1,000 per day against the beachfront property, topping $176,000 so far with no end in sight.

Special Magistrate Michael Connolly vacated an order imposing fines against the property during a November hearing due to an issue with the proceedings not being recorded at a mid-2021 hearing. At a Jan. 19 code compliance special magistrate hearing, Connolly ruled against the resort in seven separate cases with hefty fines assessed.

In a case alleging change of use on the property – the operation of a bar/lounge without an approved site plan from the city – Connolly ruled in the city’s favor, imposing a $500-per-day fine from Oct. 12, 2021, until the property is brought into compliance by either obtaining an approved site plan, including the bar/lounge as an approved use on the property or demolishing the bar/lounge and returning it to its previous state. As of Jan. 30, the fines had reached $54,500. Connolly also assessed $127.24 in administrative costs.

Speaking on behalf of the property’s ownership, which includes local developer Shawn Kaleta, was attorney Louis Najmy. Najmy argued that the bar/lounge wasn’t a change of use, that it had been an existing use on the property, and therefore wouldn’t require a site plan approval.

In late 2021, Najmy took a site plan before the Holmes Beach city commission, requesting that it be approved to include the bar/lounge and the installation of a spa for the use of hotel guests. While commissioners approved a site plan, it didn’t include the bar/lounge requested by Najmy. That site plan approval has since expired due to not being accepted, signed and recorded by the property owners, meaning that the site plan approval process would have to begin again before it could potentially be approved by commissioners.

The conditional site plan approval is being used as an example of the city’s alleged “blackballing” against Kaleta and his business dealings in the city in his ongoing federal lawsuit.

Other code compliance cases heard by Connolly during the Jan. 19 hearing include repeat violations of work done without permits and work done in violation of a stop-work order.

In the case of work being done without permits, Najmy said, “The Bali Hai’s hands are tied” by the city because after-the-fact permits for the work on the property cannot be issued until a site plan is approved by commissioners.

Speaking on behalf of the city, attorney Erica Augello said that Najmy was “asking for forgiveness instead of permission” and argued that if his client had gone through the proper channels before doing construction work at the Bali Hai, neither party would be in this place where fines were being assessed. She also noted that the resort’s ownership had the opportunity to accept an approved site plan from the city and refused.

Connolly assessed fines of $500 per day from June 11, 2021, until the property is brought into compliance, which is $116,500 as of Jan. 30, plus administrative fees of $127.24.

In the repeat violation case of doing construction in violation of a stop-work order, Connolly ruled that the violation was irreparable because the work has already been completed, assessing a flat $5,000 fine, the maximum allowed under city codes for an irreparable code violation, and $127.24 in administrative fees.

In the case of operating a bar/lounge and spa without a business tax receipt (BTR) issued by the city, Connolly also found a violation. Since it wasn’t a repeat violation, Connolly didn’t assess a fine but ordered that the property come into compliance and receive its BTRs for the two uses by Jan. 31 or face future fines. He did assess administrative costs of $127.24.

The issue that Najmy noted with receiving the BTRs from the city is that the property cannot have any outstanding code violations and receive a BTR. Connolly said he wouldn’t hold on fines due to any pending litigation.

“The cost of doing business in Holmes Beach is complying with the law,” Augello said.

“I really just want this to end,” Najmy said, arguing that the city has placed his client in an impossible situation.

Augello said that if the resort’s owner wants issues with the city to end, they should comply with city codes and cease operations of the bar/lounge and spa until they fix the code issues on the property and can receive the BTRs.

In three cases concerning electrical, plumbing and A/C work done without a permit, Connolly ruled that there was a violation and gave the Bali Hai’s ownership until Jan. 31 to obtain the three required permits or face additional fines at an upcoming code compliance hearing. He assessed $127.24 in administrative costs in all three cases.

For those keeping score, that’s the city of Holmes Beach at seven with the Bali Hai at zero, though Najmy has more than one court case pending appealing the decisions of the city’s representatives and alleging wrongdoing against Kaleta.

Connolly said that while he did assess fines against the resort and its ownership, he doesn’t believe that continuing to assess fines is going to remedy the issues between the city and the resort. He encouraged both parties to meet and try to work out a feasible way forward that would remedy the code violations instead of both sides continuing to pursue the matter through hearings.

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Commissioners plan for county meeting

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

HOLMES BEACH – City and county commissioners are preparing for a face-to-face meeting tentatively scheduled for March, and Holmes Beach commissioners are getting their talking points in order for discussion on several topics.

At a Jan. 25 work session, Mayor Judy Titsworth and city commissioners discussed coming up with a game plan for how to approach the meeting. Commissioners decided they need to present a united front to the county representatives, however, rather than appointing Titsworth to speak on behalf of the city, she asked that all commissioners be prepared to lead and participate in the discussions that they’re passionate about.

Titsworth said she is hoping for a productive dialogue with county commissioners and wants to make sure Holmes Beach city leaders take full advantage of the opportunity. The joint meeting will be open to the public.

Some items for discussion proposed by Titsworth and Holmes Beach commissioners include:

  • Increasing the amount of funding offered by the county for Holmes Beach police officers to patrol county-maintained beaches, beach parking and boat ramps.
  • Expanding the use of tourist development tax funds, a large majority of which is collected from vacation rentals on Anna Maria Island, to include money for bike lanes, sidewalks, street lighting, landscape, pedestrian accesses, stormwater improvements and other projects to make Holmes Beach a safer, more welcoming place for both tourists and residents.
  • Stemming the effects of red tide, blue-green algae and other issues that adversely affect the water quality in and around Holmes Beach and the aquatic ecosystem.
  • Reviewing the improvements planned to take place at the Kingfish Boat Ramp and how they affect parking and picnic facilities at the park. Specifically, Titsworth said she’d like to see the removal of some parking spaces on the south side of Manatee Avenue delayed until construction on the new Anna Maria Island Bridge begins. Removal of the spaces, she said, would adversely affect the boaters who come to Kingfish to launch their boats. Also, the addition of parallel parking spaces by the existing picnic area would remove trees needed for shade and trees used by great blue herons for nesting.
  • Creating a better flow of communication between city and county officials concerning events and additional parking planned at Manatee Beach and the Island Branch Library.
  • Examining unchecked development and growth in Manatee County as it pertains to the increase in the number of potential users for Island beaches. Titsworth suggested speaking with county commissioners about the beach carrying capacity for the Island and asking county officials to fund a beach carrying capacity study, as meets the Florida Department of Environmental Protection beach carrying capacity standard, to determine if the number of people regularly coming to Island beaches is too much for the beach, natural resources and existing infrastructure to handle.

One of the major items anticipated to be discussed is beach parking.

Titsworth said she believes county leaders will push for Holmes Beach commissioners to open more residential street parking during the day for beachgoers, and she reminded commissioners the city provides more than the number of public parking spaces required to receive beach renourishment funding from the state of Florida.

Though required to only provide 324 spaces to receive beach renourishment funding, the city’s interlocal agreement with Manatee County requires just over 500 spaces to be made available for beach parking. Currently, the city of Holmes Beach provides more than 1,200 public parking spaces for beach access.

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Proposed speed limit reduction goes for a vote

Proposed speed limit reduction moving to vote

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

HOLMES BEACH – Drivers may soon have to slow down when traveling through Holmes Beach and it won’t be because of the low-speed vehicles that travel on city streets.

Commissioners considered a proposal to lower the speed limit on all city streets to 25 mph at a Jan. 25 work session, agreeing to move the proposed ordinance forward to a regular meeting for a public hearing and the first of two votes.

If the measure passes both votes by commissioners, the 25 mph speed limit will apply to all city streets, but not the two state roads located in Holmes Beach, which are governed by the state of Florida. The speed limits on Manatee Avenue and on East Bay Drive will remain the same unless changed by the Florida Department of Transportation.

The idea was floated by Police Chief Bill Tokajer in response to safety concerns about speeding vehicles on city streets and the potential hazards to pedestrians, bicyclists and operators of golf carts and low-speed vehicles (LSVs).

An LSV is a mini car, golf cart or other type of lower speed vehicle that is required to be registered with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles to be street legal. Most travel at a top speed of 25-30 mph. A golf cart is a traditional golf cart meant for use on a golf course that is not required to be registered through the DMV and travels at a maximum speed lower than 25 mph. City Attorney Erica Augello said that once a golf cart exceeds 20 mph, it is technically considered an LSV.

Issues that officers are seeing on Holmes Beach roadways include LSV drivers pulling over into bicycle lanes to allow motor vehicles to pass them, drivers traveling faster than the posted speed limit and golf carts traveling on roads with 35 mph speed limits, where they’re not allowed.

By lowering the speed limit citywide to 25 mph, Tokajer said it would ease sign pollution, make it easier for drivers of all kinds to know what the speed limit is, especially on Palm/Marina drives where it changes every few blocks, reduce confusion about where LSVs are allowed to be operated and allow officers to focus their enforcement efforts on keeping LSVs and golf carts off Manatee Avenue and East Bay Drive.

Commissioners will consider the ordinance at an upcoming meeting not yet scheduled.

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New owners take over Beach Bistro

New owners take over Beach Bistro

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Business, Restaurants | Bars.

HOLMES BEACH – It’s the end of an era at the Beach Bistro.

The award-winning beachfront restaurant’s owners of more than 36 years, Sean Murphy and Susan Timmins, have sold the restaurant to Anna Maria Island developer Shawn Kaleta and attorney Louis Najmy.

New owners take over Beach Bistro
Located right on the sand, the Beach Bistro has an excellent sunset view. – Submitted

The change of ownership was announced on Jan. 27 in a newsletter emailed to fans of the restaurant. The same day, a change was registered with the Florida Secretary of State naming Najmy Thompson P.L. as the registered agent for the property owner, Beach Bistro Inc. The same filing named attorney Louis Najmy as president, director and secretary, and developer Shawn Kaleta as director and vice-president.

In the newsletter, Murphy said that while he and Timmins have enjoyed raising their family around the Bistro and working with the team at the restaurant, they felt that it was time to step back and hand the reins over to a new team of owners, though the names of the new owners were not disclosed in the email.

“We have a long history, a great tradition, of incredibly talented culinarians. We feel strongly that the great team running the Bistro now is one of our finest. Which is why we feel it is the right time for us to step aside and to take pleasure in watching this special little place continue to soar without us. The Bistro staff will do an excellent job of carrying on the Bistro tradition. The people who made it great will continue to make it great. We won’t be far away,” Murphy said in the email.

Continuing, he stated that the couple plans to focus their efforts on their craft bar, The Doctor’s Office, and its adjacent event space, The Doctor’s Garden, both in Holmes Beach.

New owners take over Beach Bistro
Couple Susan Timmins and Sean Murphy opened the Beach Bistro at its current location in 1986. – Submitted

Previously, Murphy and Timmins owned Eat Here, a bistro located in The Shoppes at Waterline in Holmes Beach. However, the bistro was closed, first due to COVID-19 precautions and then due to a gas leak caused by work done in other parts of the shopping center. After closing for renovations in June 2021, Eat Here never reopened.

On the Beach Bistro website, another restaurant, The Bistro BLVD, is listed to be located in downtown Sarasota at the BLVD condominium complex. However, that restaurant has yet to open.

The Beach Bistro has received recognitions from Zagat, The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the James Beard Foundation, Food & Wine and the St. Petersburg Times, among others.

Fines levied for Coconuts owners

Fines levied for Coconuts owners

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

HOLMES BEACH – Special magistrate Michael Connolly isn’t pulling any punches when it comes to renting vacation rental units for a shorter amount of time than is required by city codes.

During a Jan. 19 code compliance special magistrate hearing, Connolly found violations against the owners of several units at The Coconuts, a beachfront vacation rental complex, some of which received fines during the hearing.

Representing owner Flehd Property Service Advertising and Management Inc. at the hearing was Emily Werner. In the case of unit 105/104A, Werner said a notice of violation from code compliance officers was received on Dec. 8 and all bookings of less than seven nights were corrected beginning Dec. 9, though she was unaware that any existing bookings of less than seven days needed to be canceled. Werner added that now she is aware of the issue, the remaining existing bookings for less than seven nights were being canceled or amended to meet the city’s requirements.

Connolly found a violation in the case and assessed administrative costs of $127.24 but didn’t grant the city’s petition to assess a daily fine.

In the case of unit 103/102B, owned by Flehd Modern Inc., Connolly found that renting for less than seven nights was a repeat violation and assigned a fine of $250 per day from Dec. 9 for the days that the property violated the city vacation rental certificate ordinance and costs of $127.24.

For unit 110/203A, attorney Louis Najmy took to the podium, along with co-counsel Michelle Grantham, to represent owner 100 73rd 203A LLC. The case brought before Connolly was a repeat violation for an improper length of stay, less than seven nights. Najmy argued that his client had made every effort to extend all of the existing reservations to seven nights to meet city codes and that now the rentals at the unit comply. He and Grantham also argued that improper notice of the code hearing was given, despite code officers stating under oath that notices were posted at the property and hand delivered to Najmy’s law office.

Connolly refused Najmy’s motion for continuance and found that the property violated city codes, assessing a $500 per day fine from Dec. 18-Jan. 19.

The case of an alleged repeat violation at unit 118/202C at The Coconuts was a little more complicated. The unit is owned by 100 73rd Street 202C LLC. The renters that code compliance officers spoke to rented the unit for a seven-day/six-night rental, which Najmy said he believes complies with city codes.

Connolly required an interpretation from City Planner Bill Brisson on city codes. Brisson said the code would require a seven-night stay, not seven days, leaving it as a violation for the property to be rented for six nights/seven days.

Najmy argued that the paperwork provided by code compliance officers specified seven days and that his client had attempted to come into compliance and believed that they were within the seven-day stays booked at the unit.

Brisson said the code had been interpreted as seven 24-hour periods, technically eight days, since 2007. Najmy said he wouldn’t argue about the interpretation of the code but would like clear direction from the city’s representatives on what rental terms would be compliant so that his clients could make sure they comply with the VRC’s requirements going forward.

Speaking on behalf of the city, attorney Erica Augello said that looking on the rental agency’s website, AMI Locals, the unit was listed as available for a two-night minimum stay, well below the seven nights required by the VRC, which violates the advertising requirements of the code.

Connolly found the property in violation of the ordinance and assessed a fine of $500 per day from Dec. 22 until the property and its advertising are brought into compliance.

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Commissioners consider regulating emotional support animals

Commissioners consider defining ’emotional support animals’

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

HOLMES BEACH – It all started with one well-behaved goat.

In late 2021, a Holmes Beach couple appeared before city commissioners after a passing boater reported their pet goat to code compliance officers. The goat is not just a beloved pet, it’s also an emotional support animal that neighbors signed a petition to encourage city leaders to allow to stay in their neighborhood despite livestock not being allowed in the city of Holmes Beach. And while city leaders had no problem giving the couple permission to keep the emotional support goat, it brought up a larger question about emotional support animals in the city, one that commissioners are trying to get a handle on through new regulations.

After the incident with the goat, then-City Attorney Patricia Petruff suggested that commissioners consider some type of regulations or acknowledgment of emotional support animals in city codes to prevent potential issues. With Petruff’s retirement as city attorney in December, new City Attorney Erica Augello is tackling the issue. And while it was discussed during a Jan. 11 commission work session, commissioners agreed to postpone passing a resolution or ordinance until Augello could do more research into state regulations concerning emotional support animals.

In a draft ordinance presented by Augello that was prepared by Petruff prior to her leaving the city, regulations in Holmes Beach concerning emotional support animals would require a permit through the city to register and keep an emotional support or service animal. Augello suggested commissioners consider adopting definitions of emotional support and service animals, noting that she’s anticipating that the Americans with Disabilities Act will be updated sometime in the future to more closely align the two types of assistance animals.

Another thing for commissioners to consider is the types of animals that can be used as service, emotional support or other assistance animals. While some may consider traditional pets, such as dogs or cats, as emotional support animals, Augello noted that there is a wider variety of animals that are considered by their owners as emotional support animals and that whatever regulations commissioners pass concerning the keeping of these animals by city residents, that needs to be taken into consideration.

While the conversation about animals is currently paused, it is expected to be taken up again by commissioners at a future work session.

Celebrating 40 years at the Island Library

Celebrating 40 years at the Island Library

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

HOLMES BEACH – Though it’s been around since 1965, the Island Branch Library’s doors officially opened at its current location in 1982, making this year one to be celebrated.

For the 40th anniversary of the library’s location at 5701 Marina Drive, the Friends of the Island Library are working with library staff to plan some special events for the community to help celebrate the library and its positive contributions to the community.

Kicking off the fun for the winter/spring season is the Friends-sponsored lecture and travel series, held this year in the fellowship hall at Roser Memorial Community Church to accommodate more people and social distancing. The popular lecture series began Jan. 13 with Steve Blass of the Pittsburgh Pirates and continues each Thursday at 2 p.m. into March.

Upcoming speakers include Cathy Slusser on Jan. 20 with “Cross Country Tails,” Dr. Tim Berra and “All Things Bourbon” on Jan. 27, “Dive into Reading” with John and Amanda Horne on Feb. 3, Mary Scharf and “Southeast Guide Dogs” on Feb. 10, “Walking the Inca Trail” on Feb. 17 with Joe Arena, Robert Gaglio and “Venice Empire from the Lagoon” on March 3 and Dr. Beth Brady’s “All About Manatees” presentation on March 17.

The very popular Friends of the Island Library book sale is planned outdoors in the library’s parking lot on Saturday, Feb. 26. Friends President Julie Perry said that this year’s book sale should be one of the best ever as many books have been donated for the event. Donations of gently used hardcover and paperback books, DVDs and children’s books are welcome and can be dropped off at the Island Branch Library during business hours or deposited in the after-hours book return drop box.

Proceeds from the book sale, as well as the Friends membership drive, are being used to help fund the many community programs that the group sponsors and purchase new furniture for the library. An open house anniversary celebration for the library is being planned this spring for the community when a check from the Friends for the new furniture will be presented.

The book sale isn’t the only time the community can take home a book from the library without having to worry about returning it. A carousel of beach-read books is available in the library every day for free along with a selection of books near the front of the library available for purchase.

Another way the Friends are encouraging the community to get involved and celebrate the library’s 40th anniversary is through a new program called “An Appetite for Books,” in which local eateries and the library promote each other. The program, launching Jan. 30, has four sponsors this year. Ginny and Jane E’s is the first sponsor partner from Jan. 30 through Feb. 5. On Feb. 10, the Friends are partnering with Pizza Social. Feb. 13-19 will feature Hometown Desserts and the final restaurant partner for this year is the Blue Marlin from Feb. 20-26.

In partnering with the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s Trolley Grant Awards, Branch Supervisor Aileen Valdes said that the library will be home to Sprout backpacks, early literacy and STEM kits for children up to age eight. The kits can be checked out by parents or guardians and help foster learning through books, toys and other objects. The Sprout backpacks will be exclusive to the Island Branch Library and can be checked out by anyone with a Manatee County library card.

Valdes said that to be a member of the Manatee County library system, you either need to present picture identification with a Manatee County address, provide proof of owning or renting a residence in the county or pay the $25 annual fee for a non-resident library card.

To join the Friends of the Island Library, visit the library to fill out a membership card or go online to the Friends website. Annual membership tiers go from $10 for an individual, $15 for a family membership, $25 for a library lover, $50 for a patron membership, $100 for a benefactor and up to $300 to have your name or the name of a loved one inscribed on a brick on the library’s honor wall. All Friends memberships at levels of $25 or more come with a tote bag. Tote bags can also be purchased at the library for $10.

Builder and city head back to court

Builder, city head back to court

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

HOLMES BEACH – City leaders and local developer/builder Shawn Kaleta are no strangers to meeting each other in court. This time, Kaleta’s attorney, Michelle Grantham, has filed a suit against city leaders in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida Tampa Division alleging that city leaders are discriminating against him and his various businesses in the city.

In the paperwork filed Dec. 31, Kaleta states he is filing for damages, along with declaratory and injunctive relief, alleging deprivation of property and civil rights by the city. The filing alleges that city leaders have violated Kaleta’s right to free speech and equal protection under the law, both protected by the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

The lawsuit argues that city leaders have passed regulations specifically targeting Kaleta and his businesses, particularly concerning the development and regulation of short-term rentals, and that he is held to a different standard by the city for the operation of his businesses than other business owners. It also argues that Kaleta, along with his development and rental properties, are singled out by the city for code enforcement and other potential violations and that city leaders publicly subject Kaleta to slander and blackballing.

Included in the lawsuit is the ongoing struggle between the city and Kaleta over the operation of a bar/lounge at the Bali Hai Beach Resort. Kaleta and Louis Najmy, serving as the attorney for the resort’s owners, have argued before the Holmes Beach code compliance special magistrate and city commissioners that there was a bar/lounge previously existing on the property, granting Kaleta the right to have one serving alcohol to patrons now. Due to the remodel of the space used as a bar/lounge at the Bali Hai, along with the introduction of a spa service area and construction work done at the site without prior building permits, the property ended up before city commissioners in 2021 for a site plan approval. After being discussed by commissioners at several meetings, commissioners eventually voted to not allow the operation of the bar/lounge on the resort property, one of the stipulations of the site plan approval. This action is listed in the current lawsuit as one example of how city leaders are allegedly discriminating against Kaleta and his businesses.

The lawsuit also alleges that the city and its special magistrate, attorney Michael Connolly, who is not mentioned by name in the paperwork, have arbitrarily regulated and fined Kaleta’s businesses.

The relief sought through the court by Grantham on Kaleta’s behalf includes having a trial by jury, a declaratory judgment on the city’s policies, interpretations, practices and actions as they related to the protection of Kaleta’s rights to free speech and equal protection clauses under the Constitution, an order by the court granting Kaleta injunctive relief ordering the city “to cease the unconstitutional and unlawful practices directed at plaintiff’s (Kaleta’s) ability to be properly notified and represented at code enforcement hearings, be treated fairly at code enforcement hearings, conduct his business, including hotel/motel and short-term vacation rentals, in compliance with city code and without arbitrary interruption by the city, and order the city, their officers, agents, employees and attorneys to cease from making false and slanderous public statements regarding plaintiff and his businesses and to record all future code enforcement hearings.” Other relief sought would require the city to issue a public apology to Kaleta through local newspapers and award Kaleta damages, pre-judgment interest, reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.

At press time for The Sun, the case had not been assigned to a judge and no hearings have been scheduled.

In the Manatee County Circuit Court, Kaleta had a win against the city as Judge Charles Sniffen denied the city of Holmes Beach’s motion to dismiss the second amended counterclaim submitted on behalf of the Bali Hai during a Jan. 5 hearing held by teleconference. The case before Sniffen concerns the operation of the bar/lounge and right of the bar/lounge to serve alcohol at the Bali Hai resort property.

Attorneys for the city argued that the second amended counterclaim failed to state a cause of action upon which relief could be granted and that the promissory estoppel claim listed in the second amended counterclaim should be dismissed with prejudice, arguing that city leaders never gave the Bali Hai’s representatives a promise that alcohol could be served indefinitely at the property.

With Sniffen’s denial of the city’s motion, the case will move forward in Manatee County Circuit Court.

Related coverage

 

Special magistrate reconsiders fines

 

Coconuts owner faces off with city code officers

 

Legal issues put a damper on wedding plans

Holmes Beach: The Year in Review

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Featured, Holmes Beach, Special Sections, Year in Review.

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.

LSV, golf cart talks take a turn

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

HOLMES BEACH – A new idea is before Holmes Beach city commissioners to help make streets safer for golf carts, low-speed vehicles, motor vehicles, bicyclists and everyone else – lowering the speed limit citywide to 25 mph.

In previous years, lowering the speed limit anywhere in the city has been met with concern from commissioners and residents because of a potential increase in time that it would take to travel along Holmes Beach’s main thoroughfares. Now, with a moratorium in place to give commissioners time to work on regulations for LSV rental companies and a boom in the use of the vehicles by residents and visitors, setting a citywide speed limit is being strongly considered with the support of Chief Bill Tokajer and City Engineer Sage Kamiya.

For the safety of golf cart and LSV users, commissioners have been considering lowering the speed limit along one stretch of Gulf Drive in the A-1 district from 35 mph to 25 mph and pushing the limited speed vehicles into more residential neighborhoods and off Palm/Marina Drive. During a Dec. 14 work session, Kamiya proposed a different solution – lowering the speed limit citywide to 25 mph or less.

In a Dec. 20 talk with The Sun, Tokajer said that he supports lowering the speed limit citywide for several reasons. The first is that it would eliminate the need to have a golf cart/LSV trail through Holmes Beach that would push more of the vehicles into residential neighborhoods where the speed limit is already 25 mph.

He said that by setting a 25 mph citywide speed limit, the need to educate visitors on the city’s LSV speed regulations and what streets they can drive the vehicles on would be eliminated because they could be driven on any city street other than Manatee Avenue and East Bay Drive, where the speed limit will remain 35 mph for the foreseeable future. Those two streets are state roads and regulated by the Florida Department of Transportation, which has stated in memos to the city that golf carts and LSVs are not permitted to be operated on the two state roads.

In Holmes Beach there are only a few city-controlled areas where the speed limit is 35 mph – about three blocks in front of Anna Maria Elementary School on Gulf Drive, 10 blocks along Palm Drive and about eight blocks on Gulf Drive.

During his presentation to commissioners, Kamiya said that he drove three times through the city’s various 35 mph corridors to determine what the average time savings would be at 35 mph versus 25 mph. From White Avenue to 27th Street along Gulf/Marina Drive, he determined that the difference in travel time averaged 58 seconds. From White Avenue to Gulf Drive along Marina Drive, he determined that the average difference in travel time was only 28 seconds.

Tokajer said that the proposed citywide speed limit would be less confusing for motorists and golf cart/LSV users. He added that it would also reduce sign pollution in the city, eliminating the need for signs pointing to golf cart/LSV-friendly streets and allowing for many of the speed limit signs already in the city to be removed.

For Holmes Beach police officers, the change to a citywide speed limit would allow them to worry more about enforcing safety regulations such as the occupancy of LSVs and golf carts and the city’s seat belt regulations rather than being concerned about which speed zone the vehicles are being operated in.

The discussion will continue in January at an upcoming commission work session.

Related coverage

 

LSV talks proceed slowly

 

Commissioners talk golf cart/LSV regulations

 

Holmes Beach candidates sound off on golf cart/LSV use

Public gives input on comprehensive plan changes

Public gives input on comprehensive plan changes

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

HOLMES BEACH – Work on the proposed revisions to the city’s comprehensive plan are almost complete and planning commissioners are seeking input from the public on the changes they’ve come up with.

About 30 members of the public along with city staff, Mayor Judy Titsworth and Commissioner Terry Schaefer gathered on Dec. 8 at City Hall for a town hall meeting on the comprehensive plan held by the city’s planning commissioners. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the proposed changes to the comprehensive plan and get feedback from members of the community. From residents to business owners and visitors, everyone was invited to come and have their opinions heard.

Planning commissioners will discuss the feedback they received at an upcoming public meeting. However, those who were unable to attend may submit public comment by email through the middle of January at cityclerk@holmesbeachfl.org.

The comprehensive plan is a document that is adopted by city commissioners to provide a guide for the future of Holmes Beach and what types of policies they should implement in the city. There are 10 elements to the comprehensive plan: Future Land Use; Property Rights; Infrastructure; Capital Improvements; Coastal Management and Conservation; Recreation, Open Space, Arts and Culture; Transportation; Housing; Intergovernmental Coordination; and Public School Facilities. Here are the primary proposed changes to each element:

Future Land Use

– Added objective relating to the city’s desire to promote arts, culture and creative design

– Added language which reinforces the city’s stated vision and values

Property Rights

– New element being added to comply with recent legislation enacted by the Florida Legislature

  • Four statements of rights that require the city to consider private property rights in all local decision-making

Infrastructure

– Continue to urge Manatee County to eliminate all septic tanks and to hook up to the central sewer system when available

– Incorporate drainage projects within the five-year schedule of capital projects

  • Pursue mitigation efforts associated with stormwater, drainage and floodplain management

Capital Improvements

– Language added to reinforce the city’s stated vision and values to fund strong safety programs, such as police, fire and emergency personnel

– Emphasis on sharing of school recreation facilities, including funding if appropriate

– The five-year schedule of capital improvement projects has been updated

– Removal of:

  • Rigid and poorly-worded guidelines for prioritization of capital improvement projects
  • Rigid levels of service for recreational facilities
  • Outdated lists of capital improvement projects
  • Outdated concurrency management section so that provisions in the Land Development Code can be updated as needed

Coastal Management and Conservation

– Reorganization of elements

– Objective added to address energy efficiency, waste reduction and other sustainability measures

– Objective added regarding the protection of habitat and endangered/threatened species

– Objective added to address the city’s desire to promote ecotourism

– Objective added to reduce impervious surfaces

Recreation, Open Space, Arts and Culture

– Incorporation of arts and culture as a part of recreation activities

– Maximize and continue improvement of municipal recreation facilities

– Protection of Grassy Point Preserve as a conservation asset while providing passive access

– Emphasis on linking transportation generators and attractors with bicycle and pedestrian paths

Transportation

– Added policies to improve transit routes, options and facilities

– Added objective related to the city’s mission to improve the resiliency of transportation facilities

Housing

– Policies added to maintain and encourage affordable and workforce housing

– Objective added to address the city’s desire to encourage energy efficiency and sustainability

– Objective added to encourage resilient building practices

– Objective added to address the city’s desire to encourage development within the mixed-use overlay district to promote the live, work, play lifestyle within the city

Intergovernmental Coordination

– Objective added to emphasize the city’s position that home rule and local authority be preserved

Public School Facilities

– Language added to reinforce the city’s position that Anna Maria Elementary should be retained as a community school

– Re-establishment of the Manatee County School District’s responsibility to adequately fund capital improvements for public schools

– Removal of redundant policies

To learn more about the proposed changes to the comprehensive plan and how they can affect the future of Holmes Beach, visit the LaRue Planning website.

City recognizes outstanding community service

City recognizes outstanding community service

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

HOLMES BEACH – City commissioners gave community members and staff cause to celebrate with the presentation of their annual awards and community service recognitions.

During their final meeting of the calendar year, commissioners recognized community members who served on Holmes Beach committees and outstanding staff members. They also presented the third annual Louis Strickland Citizen of the Year Award.

Mayor Judy Titsworth was joined by City Clerk Stacey Johnston in recognizing former members of the city’s Parks and Beautification Committee for their years of service to the community. The recognitions included former members Susan Anderson, Carol Hatz, Allyson Gilles and Donna Ryan. None of the parks members were present for the presentation.

Titsworth also recognized former Planning Commissioner Barbara Hines for her years of service on that committee. Hines joined the planning commission as an alternate in 2012 before becoming a full member just a few weeks later in December 2012. She stepped down from the planning commission in August 2021, choosing to ask to not be reappointed to allow for someone else to have the opportunity to serve the city in that position.

“I cannot thank you enough,” Titsworth said to Hines, presenting her with a plaque commemorating her years of service.

City recognizes outstanding community service
Former Planning Commissioner Barbara Hines, right, is honored for her years of service to the city of Holmes Beach by Mayor Judy Titsworth, left, and city Clerk Stacey Johnston. – Kristin Swain | Sun

Hines thanked city leaders for the acknowledgment of her service on the planning commission.

Titsworth presented Code Compliance Administrative Assistant Kim Charron with the 2021 Employee of the Year Award. In thanking Charron, Titsworth said that she’s the first person to step up and help out wherever needed with any task, no matter what department. Charron came to the city of Holmes Beach in December 2020. The mayor was joined in recognizing Charron by Code Compliance Supervisor James Thomas, who thanked commissioners for allowing him to hire Charron.

“She’s a great employee,” he said of Charron. “She’s the best that we have.”

In other recognitions, Titsworth awarded the city’s Community Partnership Award to the Hagen Family Foundation for their ongoing support of the city, particularly in providing funding for city parks and other public spaces. In 2021, the foundation provided $56,000 to build dugouts at the city field ball field – they are currently under construction by public works staff – and to purchase exercise equipment for a walking trail. The trail, planned for installation at the city field complex located adjacent to Holmes Beach City Hall, is currently in the design phase.

The final award of the evening was the third annual Louis Strickland Citizen of the Year Award, which is given to an individual for outstanding community service. This year’s award was given to Deb Sneddon, who was surprised by the honor.

City recognizes outstanding community service
Holmes Beach resident Deb Sneddon, left, is surprised as she is given the Louis Strickland Citizen of the Year award by Mayor Judy Titsworth, center, and city Clerk Stacey Johnston during a Dec. 14 commission meeting. – Kristin Swain | Sun

Sneddon is a six-year resident of Holmes Beach who coordinates community volunteer opportunities and events with her neighbors, ranging from providing Valentine’s Day cards for area first responders and gift baskets to thanking veterans with a celebratory dance party and gathering $2,500 at a Halloween fundraiser for Hope Family Services and other efforts to better the community.

“I cannot thank you enough. You are so deserving of this award,” Titsworth said to Sneddon, presenting her with the award.

“It’s a pleasure to live here and it’s a pleasure to be around people who are ready to step up and support this community and their neighbors in a way that is really unlike any other place that I’ve been. This really goes out to everybody because everybody is ready to do that,” Sneddon said, thanking city leaders for the award.

Commission splits on dress code decision

Commission splits on dress code decision

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

HOLMES BEACH – In trying to ease rifts among Holmes Beach commissioners, new commission Chair Carol Soustek inadvertently gave them something to argue about.

Soustek presented her fellow commissioners with a proposed Code of Core Values for Civility and Ethics created by altering a document adopted by the city of Dunedin.

The code sets out expectations and rules of conduct for commissioners, noting that other cities have similar guidelines for commissioners.

Commissioner Kim Rash shows off one of his custom-made T-shirts with the statement, “I represent the residents” printed on the front. – Kim Rash | Submitted

“You’re held to a very high standard when you’re elected and everything you do is a reflection upon your city. It’s not like when you leave this dais you can go rob a bank. It wouldn’t be very good for the city,” she said, adding that she feels the proposed guidelines eliminate any gray areas in how commissioners conduct themselves.

The values outlined in the document include integrity, ethics, communication, teamwork, leadership, quality of work and recognition of each other’s individual contributions to the Holmes Beach community. Commissioners didn’t express any issues with those items.

The one that caused a disagreement was the stewardship addition made by Soustek, which stated: “I shall strive to make a positive role model as a city commissioner. Proper attire should always be appropriate to the situation. While in the commission chambers, clothing with slogans or words, political or otherwise, shall not be worn. No food is allowed in the chambers. The smell, noise or transfer to documents when eating food can be disruptive. Drinks will be allowed by the city commission and staff but when not in use, the container needs to be capped securely and not placed on the dais.”

While Commissioners Pat Morton and Terry Schaefer agreed with the stewardship provision, Commissioners Jayne Christenson and Kim Rash did not.

Rash said that he felt the dress code section of the stewardship provision was targeted at him for the custom-made T-shirts he has worn in recent months when attending city meetings. The shirts previously were brought under fire by Mayor Judy Titsworth, who said that she felt that statements like “I represent the residents” were misleading because she said all elected officials represent the residents, not just Rash. Rash, who has a T-shirt with that statement, ran both his election and re-election campaigns with a similar slogan.

During the Dec. 14 meeting, he argued that forbidding him to wear the shirts to a commission meeting was a violation of his constitutional First Amendment right to free speech. Rash pressed for city leaders to obtain a ruling from Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody on whether or not instituting the dress code would be a violation of his or any other commissioner’s civil rights.

“In my research, dress codes cannot discriminate on the basis of controversial messages on clothing. I do not feel that my T-shirts have been controversial in nature, but the chair and the mayor obviously believe otherwise,” Rash stated. “There is nothing destructive or vulgar about statements about the city officials supporting residents who elect them to serve in office, in my opinion.”

City Attorney Patricia Petruff said that she was unprepared to have a discussion about the legality of a dress code, however, she said that dress codes were consistently implemented in the school system for both students and staff without, to her knowledge, infringing on civil liberties. She encouraged commissioners to table the discussion until more information could be gathered and presented by either herself or incoming city attorney Erica Augello.

Christenson said that while she’d be willing to discuss a dress code for commissioners, she didn’t feel that its placement in a code of ethics was warranted, stating that she doesn’t believe it’s an ethics issue. She urged her fellow commissioners to consider removing the provision and discussing it as a separate item.

“I felt that this was a nice document,” she said, adding that she would like to see provisions for civility, respect for the individual, creativity and innovation, efficiency, adaptability and organizational sensitivity added.

“When we get into attire and what we can eat and drink in the room, I think it’s a little overreaching,” Christenson said. While she said she’s open to the discussion, she felt it’s more of a policy decision versus an ethics issue. She suggested discussing the two items as a separate building policy.

While commissioners did not vote to remove the stewardship provision, a majority did seem agreeable to adopting the Code of Core Values for Civility and Ethics with the inclusion of the provisions suggested by Christenson. They agreed with Petruff’s suggestion and voted unanimously to table the discussion to be brought up at a future meeting.

“I think it’s a very good step forward,” Schaefer said of the proposed code of core values, noting that he felt Soustek hit on some very good points in the proposed document that he would like to see instituted.

Morton said that he feels the adoption of the document was long overdue and that he would like it extended beyond elected officials to include city staff as well. Mayor Judy Titsworth noted that a similar code is included in the Holmes Beach employee handbook.

Soustek said that the matter was brought directly to a regular meeting instead of first being debated at a work session because she’d like to start the new year with an understanding of what is expected of city commissioners going forward.

“We’re five individuals as a group. Decisions are a group decision and I have seen some of this being splintered and I’m tired of it,” Soustek said, adding that for the commission to make great progress in the future to move forward she feels that the group needs to work more toward unification.

“We are responsible for being very good at what we do. I don’t want people to start laughing at my commission. I want them to start respecting this commission and thinking they do an excellent job,” she said.

Soustek said that the purpose of the code was to address issues that she’s noticed and have been brought to her attention by the public.

“I want us to move into a new year with clear understanding and no question of what this commission is responsible for,” Soustek finished.

Titsworth added that she hopes adopting the proposed code or one similar will help city commissioners to be more like “statesmen” when representing the city of Holmes Beach.

Events calendar

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Tuesday, Dec. 14

Farmer’s market, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome.

Family story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Reserve online

Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Register online

One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Reserve online 

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 15

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Lawton Chiles Christmas for Kids Party, Sandbar Restaurant, 100 Spring St., Anna Maria, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Ukulele Instruction for Beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m. Register online at manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/8315413

AMI Chamber Business Card Exchange, Mainsail Beach Inn, 101 66th St., Bradenton Beach, 5-7 p.m., $5 for members or $10 for non-members. Reserve online 

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

CrossPointe Fellowship Christmas Concert, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 16

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome.

Island Library Book Club, “The Midnight Library,” Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10:15 a.m. Reserve online 

Sunshine Stitchers knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-4 p.m. Register online

Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5-8 p.m.

AMI Chamber business card exchange, Mainsail Beach Inn, 101 66th St., Holmes Beach, 5 p.m., $5 for members or $10 for prospective members. Reserve online

Shutter Stroll, Robinson Preserve, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 5:15 p.m. Register online

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 17

Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10-11 a.m. Register online

Mahjong Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Register online 

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 18

Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m.

Saturday mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Face masks required.

Master Gardener Tour, Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. Reserve online 

Families Flock Together: Ornament Making, Robinson Preserve, screened pavilion, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m., $5. Reserve online 

Meditation, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m. Reserve online 

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

Seeing Stars, Robinson Preserve, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 6:30 p.m. Reserve online 

Sunday, Dec. 19

Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 8-10 a.m.

Roser Memorial Community Church Christmas Cantata, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Rise and Shine Power Flow Yoga, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton 10:30-11:45 a.m., $10 fee payable online. Bring your own yoga mat. Register online or call 941-742-5923 ext. 6042 for more information.

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 20

Episcopal Church of the Annunciation Hanging of the Greens, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m.

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m. Music begins at 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 21

Winter Solstice Sunrise Paddle, Robinson Preserve, north entrance, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 6 a.m. Reserve online 

Farmer’s market, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations are welcome.

Santa visits story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m.

Family story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Register online 

Mahjong Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Register online 

Tech Help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-2:30 p.m. Register online 

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 22

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ukulele Instruction for Beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m. Register online 

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 23

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome.

Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5-8 p.m.

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 24

Christmas Eve

Saturday, Dec. 25

Merry Christmas!

Sunday, Dec. 26

Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 8-10 a.m.

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Rise and Shine Power Flow Yoga, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton 10:30-11:45 a.m., $10 fee payable online. Bring your own yoga mat. Register online or call 941-742-5923 ext. 6042 for more information.

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 27

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m. Music begins at 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 28

Farmer’s market, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations are welcome.

Wonder Walk, Robinson Preserve, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m. Reserve to coral.bass@mymanatee.org.

Family story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Register online

Tech Help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-2:30 p.m. Register online 

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 29

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tortoise Talk, Robinson Preserve Valentine House, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m.

Ukulele Instruction for Beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m. Register online

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 30

Seashell Shore Walk, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 9 a.m.

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome.

Seaside Quilters, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Register online

Sunshine Stitchers knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Register online

Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5-8 p.m.

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 31

New Year’s Eve

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 1

Happy New Year!

Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m.

Manatee Audubon Society Birding Tour, Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 8:30 a.m.

Saturday mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Face masks required.

Shamrock Shiver sponsored by Clancy’s Irish Pub, Cortez Beach between Fourth St. South and 12th St. South, Bradenton Beach, noon. All proceeds benefit The Blessing Bags Project, Feeding Empty Little Tummies, Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee County and Parenting Matters Charities.

Sunshine Stitchers knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Reserve online 

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 2

Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 8-10 a.m.

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Rise and Shine Power Flow Yoga, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton 10:30-11:45 a.m., $10 fee payable online. Bring your own yoga mat. Register online or call 941-742-5923 ext. 6042 for more information.

Tuesday, Jan. 4

Farmer’s market, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome.

Family story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Reserve online

Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Register online

One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-2:30 p.m. Reserve online