None of us on Anna Maria Island born since the storm of 1921 have ever been through anything like the hurricanes of 2024, Helene and Milton, including building officials.
We had our hurricane plans in place, such as they were, but found ourselves overwhelmed and struggling to meet our most minimal survival needs, with some obligations taking a back seat to simply finding a place to eat and spend the night.
Bradenton Beach was by far the hardest-hit of Anna Maria Island’s three cities, so comparing what they did in Anna Maria and Holmes Beach is not fair to Bradenton Beach Building Official Darin Cushing.
He was faced with inspecting hundreds of buildings, some of which had floated down streets and fallen over sideways and collapsed with only the roof showing, while the worst damage to the north initially observed by reporters after Hurricane Helene was a house fire.
With little help in the early days after both hurricanes hit the Island, he was undoubtedly overwhelmed like the rest of us, but showed up to a hazardous workplace where buildings threatened to collapse and vehicles took on nails in their tires and got stuck in sand dunes that had been transferred from the beach to the neighborhoods.
In short, it was a disaster area.
It remains to be seen if Cushing made a mistake or was negligent in applying the statutory Native American exemption for chickee huts at the Drift-In on Bridge Street, which the city has suspended him for.
Any shortcomings in the application of the statute could potentially be reversed, such as taking out plumbing and electric and clearing the easement.
Cushing has suggested in Facebook posts that there is far more to it than that, and there usually is. The Tuesday, Jan. 28 city commission meeting at 9 a.m. at city hall may shed more light on the issue.
But at minimum, we expect the city to presume Cushing’s innocence and give him an opportunity to clear his name in a fair and impartial hearing before making a rush to judgment and terminating his employment.
And we thank him for his service during this difficult time.
BRADENTON BEACH – Pines Trailer Park residents who recently received city approval to repair their hurricane-damaged mobile homes received a letter on Jan. 4 from Pines Park Investors LLC stating that the park will be closed.
The letter from Pines Park Investors LLC, whose manager is Shawn Kaleta, was received by Pines homeowners on Jan. 4 and reads in part:
“Over the past months, we have conducted extensive financial modeling and assessments to determine the viability of maintaining the park,” according to the letter. “Unfortunately, we have come to the difficult conclusion that Pines Park is no longer sustainable as a trailer park and must be closed.”
The letter does not make it clear what the plans are for the park but states that one option being considered, pending city of Bradenton Beach approval, is allowing continued month-to-month tenancy for some residents, possibly extending up to a couple of years, depending on the overall timeline for vacating the property.
Several Pines residents contacted by The Sun on Jan. 4 chose to reserve comment on the letter.
The letter goes on to state that formal notices will be distributed in the coming weeks in accordance with state law.
“These notices will include all necessary legal information and details to guide you through this process,” the letter continues. “Along with these notices, we will provide agreements designed to assist you in transitioning out of the park, as well as information about resources available to support you during this time.”
How it happened
On Sept. 26, storm surge from Hurricane Helene caused water intrusion into the 86 Pines Trailer Park mobile homes, some of which are directly on the Intracoastal Waterway.
On Oct. 17, city building officials said that FEMA guidelines related to hurricane-related water intrusion classified the properties as having “major” damage. Pines residents were told that regulations state that if the cost to repair a mobile home to its pre-storm state is 50% or more of the structure’s value, then the entire structure must be brought into current floodplain compliance. The city’s floodplain ordinance requires the mobile homes to be elevated to a height of 12 feet. Many residents objected that they were unable financially or practically to comply.
On Oct. 29, fire code and setback regulations were outlined by West Manatee Fire Rescue District Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski, who stated that all new mobile home installations must follow setback guidelines between structures.
At a Nov. 7 city commission meeting, Kaleta said, “The units obviously took on water. There are fire separation issues, there’s mold, there’s structural stability, there’s elevation of the buildings, there’s all these questions. I’ve made a commitment to the residents from our side to keep the park there whatever it can be inside the code. I think that’s a vital part of the community, having residents and having everybody in that community as it exists. I think it’s an important piece of the community to achieve that.”
On Dec. 9, Pines residents received good news from City Building Official Darin Cushing when he notified 83 of the 86 Pines Trailer Park owners that they could repair their hurricane-damaged mobile homes with the proper permits without elevating them.
“We previously provided you with a notice that your property may have been affected by flooding due to hurricanes Helene and Milton, and that a second, more thorough inspection would be performed to gather data critical to making a formal determination as to whether the cost of repairs necessary to restore your building to its pre-damage condition might rise to an amount constituting ‘substantial damage’ as defined in the City’s Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance 21-538,” Cushing’s letter stated.
Following the second inspection, and with a review of the data and of the property values, the city notified residents that repairs could be made with the applicable permits.
“The data suggests that costs to perform repairs and restoration will not constitute a substantial damage repair,” Cushing’s letter stated.
However, some residents remained hesitant to move forward with repairs, saying that questions about the ownership’s intent for the park were still unanswered.
In early December, the parking lot for Pines Trailer Park residents at 201 First St. N. was converted into a public paid parking lot, with a pay-by-plate system in place. Pines residents who required parking had paid $750 per year to park in the lot. A representative for Pines Park Investors told The Sun that residents could continue to park in the lot until Dec. 31 and said a letter would be going out to the residents about its conversion.
Why it happened
The Pines Trailer Park property is currently zoned M-1 (mobile home park).
The Jan. 4 letter gives the following four reasons for the decision to close the park:
“Financial challenges: The park is operating at an unsustainable income level, with high delinquency rates (approximately 75%). While some residents have expressed concerns about amenities needing restoration, such projects – such as waterfront docks – would take years to complete and require significant investment. Combined with delinquency issues, it is not financially viable to operate under these conditions.
Restoration and Compliance: The required renovations for many units to meet the 50% rule for updates would involve considerable investment, which we are aware many residents are unwilling or unable to make, if permits were to even be issued. Additionally, the park’s compliance with fire codes presents a complex and costly challenge, as addressing one unit’s compliance issues often triggers a chain reaction requiring others to come into compliance.
Resident Concerns and Safety: We have received numerous requests from residents wishing to relinquish their deeds, but as a property management team, we are not in the business of owning trailers. Furthermore, the park has faced yearly flooding and other storm-related damages that create unsafe conditions for residents and untenable liabilities for management. This, coupled with instances of harassment toward our team and city officials, has exacerbated the challenges of maintaining operations.
Long-Term Viability: The cumulative impact of delinquency, loss of units, and the need for significant investments makes it clear that the park’s current model is no longer feasible. Additionally, management cannot continue to bear the risk of another storm coming and once again losing almost all income, all of which is essential to remain afloat.”
The letter ends with: “We want to express our heartfelt apologies for the inconvenience and stress this decision may cause. Please know that we are committed to supporting you through this transition and will provide all available resources to ease the process.”
BRADENTON BEACH – Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge #2188 sustained heavy damage during hurricanes Helene and Milton, but lodge administrator Byron Dalton and the lodge officers hope to reopen the social quarters in late April or May.
In late September, Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic storm surge crashed through the dining room windows that face the Gulf of Mexico and destroyed the exterior walls and interior contents in its path. But the social quarters and bar area at the south end of the building fared a little better.
Hurricane Helene tore through the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge’s beachfront windows. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
During the children’s Christmas party held this year at Bradenton Moose Lodge #1223 on Dec. 14, Dalton discussed the damage sustained and the recovery plans being formulated for the beachfront lodge in Bradenton Beach that has more members than any other Moose lodge in the world.
Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge administrator Byron Dalton will help lead the recovery efforts. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“The two hurricanes were quite devasting,” he said.
Dalton and the lodge officers got together, reviewed contractor proposals and decided which contractor they wanted to lead the permitting process and restoration efforts.
The plan is to construct a wall between the social quarters in the south half of the building and the more heavily-damaged dining room and the north half of the building. The social quarters, bar area, restrooms and office area in the southern half of the bright blue building will be repaired first. And when the social quarters reopen, so will the second story deck above it.
The AMI Moose Lodge faces the Gulf of Mexico. – Joe Hendricks | SunThe hurricanes created debris piles inside the Moose lodge. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“Hopefully, at the end of April, possibly May, we’ll have the social quarters open and we’ll be serving cocktails, refreshments and meals of some sort. We’ve been looking at possibly putting a food trailer in the parking lot,” Dalton said.
Hurricane Helene’s water and sand intrusion destroyed and displaced the Moose lodge furnishings. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Dalton said the saltwater storm surge damaged the coolers and kitchen equipment that will eventually be replaced, but due to FEMA’s 50% repair value restrictions, he doesn’t envision the kitchen reopening when the social quarters reopen. Due to FEMA annual repair limits, the repair and/or reconstruction of the dining room and the north half of the building will likely be put on hold for another year.
“We’re hoping to get that area stabilized and leveled and possibly use it as an outdoor seating area as people come off the beach,” Dalton said.
The north half of the lodge, on the left, received the most significant damage. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Recovery funds
Dalton said the lodge was fully insured and its insurance claims and FEMA claims are going well. The Moose International fraternity and the Florida Moose Association may also be able to provide some disaster relief funds.
The AMI lodge established a Zelle account to accept monetary donations from Moose members and others who want to help support the repair and restoration efforts. Zelle users can use the “lodge2188@mooseunits.org” email address to donate.
The “Help AMI Lodge #2188 Workers Recover” GoFundMe page raised $3,615 as of Dec. 22 and that money is being used to provide financial assistance for the AMI Moose Lodge employees currently out of work.
When asked what else Moose members can do to help, Dalton said, “The best thing you can do to help is pay your dues, sign new members up and talk about the Moose organization. Your Moose card and Moose membership are good at any Moose lodge in the United States, Canada and Great Britain. Be a Moose. Visit other Moose lodges.”
A beautiful mural still graces the Moose lodge’s main entry area. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
In closing, he said, “We’re going to be OK. It’s going to be a long road, but we will be back bigger and better than we were. God bless the Moose and thank you everybody.”
Mayor Dan Murphy, City Commission Chair Mark Short, General Manager Dean Jones and City Clerk LeAnne all played vital roles in the city of Anna Maria’s privately-contracted hurricane debris removal efforts that earned praise from residents and state officials. Agnelli’s Pools & Construction owner Frank Agnelli and his crew also played a significant role in the debris removal efforts.
Bayfront Park served as the city of Anna Maria’s debris collection and processing center. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
PIERS DAMAGED
Hurricane Helene badly damaged the Rod & Reel Pier’s wooden walkway. Hurricane Milton then finished the destruction of the iconic pier and restaurant/bar owned by Germany-based brewer and restaurateur Oliver Lemke, who hopes to rebuild the pier and restaurant. As of Dec. 27, the “Help Us Rebuild Rod and Reel Pier” GoFundMe page received $86,702 in donations.
This was all that was left of the Rod & Reel Pier after Hurricane Milton. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
After Hurricane Milton, Ross Built Construction co-owner Lee Ross reunited United Kingdom residents Shira and David Schiller with a memorial plaque recovered from the pier wreckage. The plaque honors the Schiller’s deceased 10-year-old son, Max.
United Kingdom residents David and Shira Schiller were reunited with their son’s memorial plaque, which Hurricane Milton displaced from the Rod & Reel Pier. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The city-owned Anna Maria City Pier survived Hurricane Helene with minimal damage but Hurricane Milton then destroyed a 75- to 100-yard section of the pier walkway completed in 2020 as part of the pier replacement project necessitated by the pier damage that Hurricane Irma inflicted in 2017.
The Anna Maria City Pier walkway sustained heavy damage during Hurricane Milton. – Joe Hendricks | SunThe Anna Maria City Pier and pier buildings will remain closed until the needed repairs are completed.
The City Pier will remain closed until the repairs are completed. Mayor Dan Murphy initially estimated the repair costs might be in the $3 million range. In November, the city commission approved a $347,660 contract for the inspection, engineering, permitting and project oversight services to be provided by the George F. Young engineering firm. The city has not yet solicited bid proposals from contractors seeking the pier repair contract.
FERRY SERVICE
Manatee County’s Gulf Islands Ferry service began in January with stops at the Riverwalk Day Dock and the Anna Maria City Pier. Service to the Bradenton Beach Pier began in February.
In January, 8-year-old Marlon Haoui was the first Gulf Islands Ferry passenger to disembark on the Anna Maria City Pier, assisted by crew member Mike Pollard. – Joe Hendricks | SunManatee County had a temporary ferry landing installed near the hurricane-damaged Anna Maria City Pier. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
After being disrupted by hurricanes Helene and Milton, ferry service between Bradenton and Bradenton Beach resumed on Nov. 1. Ferry service resumed at the recently installed temporary ferry landing near the hurricane-damaged City Pier on Dec 26.
RENTAL REGULATIONS OPPOSED
Assisted by a Tallahassee-based lobbyist, and using the city-owned Home Rule Florida website that generated more than 20,000 opposition letters and emails sent to state legislators and Gov. Ron DeSantis, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and City Clerk LeAnne Addy were at the forefront of the successful campaign waged statewide in opposition to the Florida Legislature’s latest attempt to preempt short-term vacation rental regulation to the state and strip Florida cities of their local regulatory rights. In late June, DeSantis vetoed the proposed vacation rental legislation.
Mayor Dan Murphy led the city of Anna Maria’s vacation rental legislation opposition campaign. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
COMMISSION RECONFIGURED
In January, Kathy Morgan-Johnson and Gary McMullen were appointed to fill two vacancies on the Anna Maria City Commission. In November, Dan Murphy ended his 10-year tenure as Anna Maria’s mayor.
Dan Murphy served five consecutive two-year terms as Anna Maria’s mayor. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
After defeating former commissioner Brian Seymour in the mayoral election, former City Commission Chair Mark Short became Anna Maria’s new mayor. Running unopposed, McMullen and first-time candidate Chris Arendt also earned two-year terms in office.
Mark Short is Anna Maria’s new mayor. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
In November, citing hurricane displacement, damage and a desire to leave the Island, Commissioner Jon Crane tendered his immediate resignation and vacated the remaining year of his current commission term. In late-December, Seymour and John Lynch submitted applications seeking the commission appointment to be made in early January.
MILLAGE REDUCED
In June, Mayor Dan Murphy proposed reducing the city of Anna Maria’s ad valorem property tax millage rate from 2.05 to 1.82 mills. When discussed again in late July, Murphy proposed lowering the millage rate to 1.75 mills. The city commission majority later adopted an even lower 1.65 millage rate – the largest known millage reduction to ever occur on Anna Maria Island, according to Murphy.
COMMISSION ACTIONS
In 2024, the Anna Maria City Commission supported allowing leashed dogs in City Pier Park (except during city-hosted special events), temporarily allowing business owners to use two sandwich boards signs and one flag or banner to promote their businesses during the ongoing hurricane recovery period, allowing three Anna Maria businesses to continue selling otherwise prohibited CBD and hemp products and supporting the yet-to-be-installed shade sails over the children’s playground at City Pier Park.
Dogs are now allowed in City Pier Park. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
In response to concerns expressed by some business owners, the city commission in March pledged that the city would not impact the existing parking spaces along Gulf Drive by extending to the north the multi-use path that currently ends at Willow Avenue.
RESTAURANTS SOLD
In July, Ed Chiles sold his Sandbar, BeachHouse and Mar Vista restaurants to the Pinellas County-based Beachside Hospitality Group. The Manatee County Property Appraiser’s website lists the Daytona Beach-based Pine24 Oceanside SB LLC as the property owner for the Sandbar property in Anna Maria that sold for $16.4 million, the BeachHouse property in Bradenton Beach that sold for $9.6 million and the Mar Vista property in Longboat Key that sold for $5.4 million.
Hurricanes Helene and Milton damaged the Sandbar restaurant in Anna Maria, after it was sold earlier in the year. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
OPPAGA STUDY
2024 came and went without Anna Maria Island officials and residents being provided copies of the OPPAGA consolidation study requested in late 2023 by state legislators Jim Boyd, Will Robinson Jr. and others.
PASSINGS
In March, Bradenton Beach and Pines Trailer Park resident Ellen Scott passed away at 85. In May, Holmes Beach resident and Nautilus condominium complex manager Fritz Dahlquist passed away at 70. In June, LaPensee Plumbing, Pools and Air co-founder Mike LaPensee passed away at 79. In August, former City Pier bait shop bartender and longtime Bradenton resident Brian Blaine passed away at 51. In May, drummer John “Duncan” Edgar passed away in his early 60s. In July, lead singer, lead guitarist and bass player Zack Yoder passed away at 32.
Mike LaPensee was among the notable Anna Maria Island community members who passed away in 2024. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
BEYOND ANNA MARIA ISLAND…
COUNTY ELECTIONS
2,316 Manatee County voters switched their party affiliations to be eligible to vote in the Republican primary races that were decided in August. In the primary election, Island voters helped Tal Siddique defeat April Culbreath in the District 3 Manatee County Commission race. Island voters helped incumbent District 7 at-large County Commissioner George Kruse defeat then-District 3 Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge in the countywide District 7 race.
George Kruse, Tal Siddique and Scott Farrington won their primary and general election races. – George Kruse | Submitted
Island voters also helped former Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office Chief of Staff Scott Farrington defeat Gov. Ron. DeSantis’ appointee, James Satcher, in the supervisor of elections race. After his primary defeat, Satcher had four elections office employees terminated. In November, Siddique, Kruse and Farrington won their general election races.
SEWAGE DISCHARGES
In August, during and after Tropical Storm Debby, the city of Bradenton’s water reclamation facility discharged an estimated 25 million gallons of partially treated or raw sewage into the Manatee River. During that same period, the city of Sarasota discharged an estimated 18 million gallons of partially treated or raw sewage into Sarasota Bay.
The city of Bradenton’s water reclamation facility discharged millions of gallons of partially treated or untreated wastewater into the Manatee River in 2024. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
In November, the city of Bradenton Beach discharged an additional 825,000 gallons of partially treated or raw sewage into the Manatee River and 2,000 gallons of raw sewage into Wares Creek.
In November, a 66-year-old Bradenton man had his leg amputated after contracting vibrio vulnificus (flesh eating bacteria) while fishing in Sarasota Bay near the El Conquistador Parkway.
Throughout the year, the Florida Department of Health issued multiple no-swim advisories for the Palma Sola Causeway area in west Bradenton and the Bayfront Park area in Anna Maria.
FORM 6 CHALLENGED
In February, the South Florida-based Weiss Serota law firm filed federal and state lawsuits challenging a new Florida law that required Florida mayors and city commissioners to file Form 6 financial disclosure forms that include the disclosure of one’s net worth, tangible assets and debts. Mayors and city commissioners were previously required to file the less intrusive Form 1 disclosure form and approximately 100 city officials statewide resigned before the new law took effect on Jan. 1, 2024. In June, a federal judge issued a temporary injunction suspending the Form 6 disclosure requirements for mayors and city commissioners. As of Dec. 31, the Form 6 disclosure requirements remained suspended pending a final verdict.
ANNA MARIA – Ginny’s and Jane E’s Café reopened on Dec. 18 at 7 a.m. The café and retail business had been closed since the pre-Hurricane Helene evacuations took place in late September.
Paul and Tammy Foster bought Ginny’s and Jane E’s in 2012 and the café’s indoor and outdoor seating areas are popular gathering places for residents, seasonal visitors and vacationers alike.
Paul and Tammy Foster have owned Ginny’s and Jane E’s since 2012. – Joe Hendricks | SunPaul Foster, Tammy Foster, daughter-in-law Briana Foster, employee Morgan Lowe, daughter Amanda DeLeo, granddaughter Elody DeLeo and son-in-law Mike DeLeo were among those on hand for the reopening. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“It was great to see people come back and we had a lot of familiar faces,” Paul Foster said late Wednesday morning. “Most of the folks in here today are locals, or regulars that come every year.”
The reopening day clientele also included the Gimlin family, from Missouri, who enjoyed a late breakfast while visiting Ginny’s and Jane E’s for the first time.
The Gimlin family paid their first visit to Ginny’s and Jane E’s. – Joe Hendricks | SunGinny’s and Jane E’s is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Regarding the sense of community that permeates Ginny’s and Jane E’s, Foster said, “Some of these people have been coming to Ginny’s for a long, long time. There’s so many folks that just love to sit in here and see what’s going on and we love that. We have a lot of positive energy here.”
Ginny’s and Jane E’s is located in the old IGA grocery story building owned by the Cagnina family. Hurricane Helene’s floodwaters ruined the old wooden floor that’s now been replaced by a new tile floor. Much of the drywall had to be replaced, as did the kitchen equipment and the coolers.
Ginny’s and Jane E’s features an eclectic array of retail offerings. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“We moved the inventory out before the storms came, so we lost no inventory,” Foster noted.
The coffee bar previously located along the north wall is now located along the south end of the inside dining area, near the sunroom entrance that’s currently boarded as that area still awaits repairs.
The coffee bar has been relocated. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The sunroom has long served as a regular Tuesday and Thursday morning gathering place for the informal Ginny’s and Jane E’s coffee club members, some of whom returned Thursday morning for their much-missed coffee and conversation.
On Wednesday, the iconic Ginny’s and Jane E’s sign was still stored in the sunroom, but the following night it returned to its familiar perch above the main entrance at the corner of Gulf Drive and Magnolia Avenue.
The Ginny’s and Jane E’s sign went back up on Dec. 19. – Paul Foster | Submitted
When discussing the economic impacts of the back-to-back hurricanes, Foster said, “We were a week shy of being closed for three months. There was no revenue for three months, but you still have a lot of the operating costs. I’m just thankful and happy that we’re open. There was a minute or two when I wasn’t sure we were ever going to get here. The place looked like a bomb went off and yesterday we were still putting it back together. But it all came together and we had a lot of our staff helping us.”
Foster said they retained most of their staff but did lose a few employees during the extended closure.
When asked about his expectations for the Christmas holidays and the peak tourist season to soon follow, Foster said, “There’s still a lot of vacation rentals that aren’t open yet, so occupancy’s going to be less. I don’t know what to expect.”
The hopeful message on this retail item seems quite appropriate. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The Fosters live in the Key Royale community in Holmes Beach and like many Anna Maria Island homeowners are temporarily displaced from their home. They are currently living in their fifth-wheel trailer at the Holiday Cove RV resort in Cortez as their home is being repaired.
BUSINESS NEIGHBORS
The two-story Cagnina-owned commercial building is also occupied on the ground level by Snips Hair Design and upstairs by Body & Sol Spa and Wellness, with Island Yoga Space sharing some of the Body & Sol space torn apart by Hurricane Milton.
Also located in the old IGA building, Body & Sol Spa and Wellness, Island Yoga Space and Snips Hair Design remain closed. – Joe Hendricks | SunHurricane Milton severely damaged the upper level of the old IGA building. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Body & Sol owner Amanda Escobio said she hopes to reopen in March and her Sea-renity Beach Spa and Bou-Tiki in Bradenton Beach reopened in late November. Island Yoga Space owner Cindy Phillips looks forward to her March or April return to the building she’s occupied for more than 17 years.
“The owners of the building have been incredibly proactive in getting the ball rolling with repairs so we can be in business again by springtime,” Phillips said.
As of last week, Snips Hair Design remained closed, with plywood still covering the ground-level entrance.
Ginny’s and Jane E’s opens daily at 7 a.m. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Ron Vanderman stopped by to say hello to Paul Foster when Ginny’s and Jane E’s reopened. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Longtime Island resident Neville Clarke dropped by to say hi to Paul Foster. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
The retail inventory was removed before Hurricane Helene hit. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Emmett Tresaugue and the rest of the staff are glad to be working again. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
ANNA MARIA – FEMA financial assistance may be available to Anna Maria Island homeowners who wish to elevate their ground-level homes to avoid future flooding.
Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short made this announcement during the city commission’s Dec. 12 meeting. He told commissioners he invited the city’s FEMA consultant, Del Schwalls, to address the commission and the public on Thursday, Jan. 9. Schwalls assists the city with its flood insurance-related Community Rating System compliance efforts that help provide Anna Maria property owners with reduced flood insurance rates.
Short said it’s been brought to the city’s attention that there are FEMA programs that may benefit Anna Maria and Anna Maria Island residents, including a program that may possibly help fund a significant percentage of the cost associated with elevating a ground-level home for flood prevention purposes.
Short said he asked Schwalls to make a presentation about the elevation assistance program, what it entails, what would be required of the city and what it would mean for residents and property owners interested in pursuing FEMA assistance.
“This all came out in the flood of information we’ve received since the hurricanes. I do think it could be of interest to some of our property owners,” Short said.
Commission Chair Charlie Salem suggested promoting the Jan. 9 presentation on the city’s Facebook page so residents and property owners are aware of it. The meeting is scheduled at 2 p.m. at city hall.
“I know this would be of interest to a number of people in our community,” Salem said.
Anna Maria General Manager Dean Jones agreed and said the presentation might also be of interest to property owners elsewhere on Anna Maria Island.
ANNA MARIA – The first of two city-sponsored “Ring in the Recovery” events drew residents and visitors to Pine Avenue on Saturday afternoon.
A second “Ring in the Recovery” event is scheduled on Saturday, Dec. 21 from 1-5 p.m.
The events are a celebration of the Anna Maria businesses that have reopened since the city was struck by hurricanes Helene and Milton in late September and early October.
‘Barb the elf,’ Mrs. Claus and Santa welcomed Mayor Mark Short. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Mayor Mark Short invited Santa Claus to sit outside the Anna Maria Historical Museum and visit with youngsters, who were also given gifts. Santa (played by Anna Maria General Manager Dean Jones) was joined by Mrs. Claus (his wife, Laurie) and a helpful elf (Administrative Assistant Barbara Jeffries), whose son, Jackson, handed out candy canes while Mike Sales performed Christmas songs.
Mike Sales performed Christmas music. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“We’re trying to show how much we’ve recovered from the hurricanes and we want to promote the businesses along Pine Avenue and throughout Anna Maria. The city is helping get the word out that they are open for business,” Short said. “This is our first celebration. We’ll have another one next Saturday and we hope to see more people here as we ring in the holiday season.”
Short was joined on the museum grounds by his wife, Pat, and several family members who later visited many Pine Avenue businesses.
Attendees included London residents Kelly and Ramanan Rajamanohara and their infant son, Rory.
London residents Kelly and Ramanan Rajamanohara and their infant son, Rory, visited Santa. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Originally from Scotland, Kelly said she’s been visiting Anna Maria since she was 17 or 18 years old. She said they considered postponing their trip, but ultimately decided to vacation on Anna Maria Island as planned.
“My uncle came in the middle of November and said everything was quickly cleaned up,” she said. “It seems a lot quieter, but more businesses are up and running than I expected, which is impressive.”
Ramanan noted more businesses have reopened since they arrived.
Retired U.S. Marine Christian Ulanch and Michigan resident Laurie Schaal said hello to Santa. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Anna Maria resident and retired U.S. Marine Christian Ulanch posed for a photo with Santa, joined by his friend Laurie Schaal, who made a weekend escape from the winter weather in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Schaal asked Santa for some sunny weather before she returned to Michigan on Monday.
BUSINESS RECOVERY
Across the street from the museum, The Island Cabana retail store that reopened on Black Friday had several customers inside browsing and buying.
The Island Cabana is open for business. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Next door, AMI Outfitters owner Jennifer Hagey said she and her husband, David, also reopened their store on Black Friday. She said business has been slow but she hopes business will pick up as more vacation rental guests return.
AMI Outfitters owner Jennifer Hagey is happy to be open again.- Joe Hendricks | SunSloane, Harlow and Emmy Self visited AMI Outfitters. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“It’s just nice to be open again,” she said.
Like most ground-level businesses along Pine Avenue, AMI Outfitters suffered storm surge-related water damage.
“A week before Thanksgiving, we had 4 feet of drywall cut out. We lost furnishings and we lost inventory. We weren’t starting from scratch, but it was pretty close. We appreciate the visitors and the local support we’ve been getting and it’s great to see the locals coming back in,” Hagey said.
Olive Oil Outpost owner Kelly Kari reopened her business on Dec. 10. – Joe Hendricks Sun
Olive Oil Outpost owner Kelly Kari said, “We opened on Tuesday and today we’re just getting things more in order, having our doors open, welcoming everybody back and trying to get our rhythm back that we’ve had for the last 15 years. We took on about 2 feet of water. We had to have the drywall replaced and mold mitigation done. We had to buy new refrigeration equipment and new fixtures but it feels good to be open again. We specialize in olive oil, but we also have wine, cheeses, meats, pastas and pasta sauces,” she said.
She’s keeping her fingers crossed for the upcoming holiday and tourist seasons and she said, “Come on out to Pine Avenue.”
AMI Beach & Dog Supply owner Janalee Gallagher’s dog, Dante, joined her for a photo-op.
AMI Beach & Dog Supply owner Janalee Gallagher said, “We got a foot-and-a-half to 2 feet of water – just enough to take out the drywall and the electrical. We lost most of our dog food and dog treats and our dog shirts, dog bandanas and those kinds of things absorbed a lot of the smell.
“We reopened two weeks before Thanksgiving and we were the first retail store open on Pine Avenue. I don’t know that it did us a lot of good, because there was no traffic, but we’re starting to see a lot of local folks coming out, which is fantastic. And I make sure to thank the people who are coming from out of town. I say thanks so much for not canceling your vacation. We’re glad to be here because some places aren’t coming back. We’re lucky.”
Kiersten Blandon and Hometown Desserts owner Cindy Tutterow worked outside the dessert shop, next to a pink Christmas tree. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Hometown Desserts owner Cindy Tutterow and her employee, Kiersten Blandon, had a table set up outside the dessert shop, next to a pink Christmas tree.
“Today we’re just taking Christmas orders and selling gift certificates and our pretty coffee mugs. We’re going to try to open next Saturday, the 21st,” Tutterow said. “We make all kinds of cakes, including our best seller, key lime coconut cake. We also make pies, cookies, decorated Christmas cookies and some gluten-free items too.”
Blandon said, “I’m excited. I miss working and seeing everybody coming into the shop.”
Shiny Fish Emporium owner Rebecca Preston reopened for Thanksgiving weekend after about 3 feet of water flooded the emporium and damaged her inventory, drywall and displays.
Shiny Fish Emporium owner Rebecca Preston appreciates being open again. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“It’s been quiet, but weekends are better and we are seeing some tourists,” she said.
When describing the emporium’s offerings, Preston said, “A little bit of wonderment. Resort wear, Christmas ornaments, comic books, crafts, European toys, sunglasses from Paris and artisan jewelry.”
Looking ahead to the holidays and the hoped-for peak tourist season, she said, “I’ve had people reach out and say they’re excited to come back and they’re excited the Island is coming back so quickly.”
On his 12th birthday, Gabriel Vasser and his loved ones visited Shiny Fish Emporium. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Imari Deadrick was part of a group of visitors from Detroit who were vacationing in Bradenton while celebrating Gabriel Vasser’s 12th birthday. They took a day trip to Anna Maria Island on Saturday and enjoyed lunch at the BeachHouse restaurant in Bradenton Beach before heading to Anna Maria, where they painted sand dollars while sitting outside Shiny Fish Emporium.
When asked if they had any concerns about their vacation plans, Deadrick said, “We were a little bit nervous, but we have social media now and that kept us updated on how it was looking down here. This is our first trip here and it looks really good. We’re checking off everything we had planned on our itinerary and we leave tomorrow.”
New York residents Kelly and Harper Blanco painted sand dollars at Shiny Fish Emporium. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Kelly Blanco and her daughter, Harper, also sat outside Shiny Fish Emporium painting sand dollars. They traveled from New York, were staying in Tampa for a soccer tournament and decided to take a day trip to Anna Maria.
“I’ve never been to Anna Maria. I love it. We’ll have to come back and stay with our whole family,” Kelly said.
Pizza Social owner Andrew Simonetti offers discounts for local customers. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Pizza Social owner Andrew Simonetti said they reopened the Sunday before Thanksgiving after suffering about 2 feet of water intrusion that damaged their equipment, coolers and the electrical components in the pizza oven. He and his manager did all the restoration work themselves to avoid being on someone else’s timeline.
“It feels good to be open and running a pizzeria again,” Simonetti said. “Business isn’t what it was, but we’ll build back up as more vacation rental homes become available. And we offer a year-round discount to locals. Let us know you’re a local and we’ll apply a discount to your order.”
Nong Klainthind, Woody Tajawandee and Ton Ton Chueakuna represented Sushi Ramen. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The Sushi Ramen restaurant on Gulf Drive is now open and during Saturday’s event, owner Woody Tajawandee and employees Ton Ton Chueakuna and Nong Klainthind set up a table in front of Lazy Turtle Beach Rentals on Pine Avenue and served free samples of chicken curry on rice.
Lazy Turtle Beach Rentals and Anna Maria Island Tours Operations Manager Tom “T-Bone” Anderson said he reopened soon after Hurricane Milton.
“Our building was just high enough that we’ve been able to be open the whole time,” he said. “We had a good Thanksgiving week but the lead up to Christmas is always slow. We’re looking to be busier the week after Christmas.”
Looking ahead to the peak tourist season, he said, “We’ll be back on track just like every other year.”
Pineapple Marketplace vendor Sam Heil is pleased with the progress made. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The multi-vendor Pineapple Marketplace reopened on Dec. 11, and Reclaimed Soul vendors Sam (Samantha) and Jim Heil were there Saturday.
“We’re just excited to be open again. I think we look good considering how we looked a couple months ago,” Sam said, noting some vendors are still bringing back their inventory.
Jim said he and AMI Guy vendor Mark McConnell replaced all the water-damaged display walls that also help separate the vendors.
Kristen Curtis is part of the Beach Bums team. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Next door, the floors inside Beach Bums are being replaced but their golf cart, bike and kayak rentals and limited retail sales are still taking place out on the front deck. Manager Kathy Manning said they hope to be back inside again by Christmas.
The Anna Maria General Store, Dips Ice Cream and gRub Tropical BBQ are open. At the nearby Bayview Plaza, Two Sides of Nature and AMI Cool Beans have reopened and Two Scoops ice cream will reopen this week. The neighboring Waterfront restaurant also recently reopened. At the other end of Pine Avenue, North Shore Café, Poppo’s Taqueria and The Donut Experiment have reopened.
BEYOND PINE AVENUE
Around the corner, The White Egret home interior store at 10006 Gulf Drive owned by Barbara and John Jaeger reopened Saturday. They also own the Egret’s Nest clothing boutique next door.
The White Egret lost its roof during Hurricane Milton.
“All the merchandise we had was put upstairs because we thought we’d get a bigger surge than Helene, so we lost tons of inventory,” John said.
On a brighter note, he said, “We’ve been open since 10 o’clock today. It feels great. We scrambled for a good month trying to get this place ready to go. We were going to try to open the Egret’s Nest first, but the roof leaked during the last rainstorm. We hope to reopen that in January.”
White Egret employees Pamela Kimmey, Cindy Wright and Jackie Wurster are thrilled to be open again. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Director of Operations Pamela Kimmey said, “We are thrilled to be here. It’s been a great day. We have a great team that worked tirelessly to get it to look like this today. We combined the two stores for now, so we have clothing, jewelry, handbags, home interior items, artwork, lamps, gift cards and all our Christmas items. People come in year-round to take a Christmas ornament home as a token of their vacation.”
The reopened businesses along Gulf Drive also include the Nomad Collection, Bortell’s Lounge, Harry’s Grill, the Mademoiselle Paris restaurant, The Porch restaurant, the Beach Hut convenience store, Q’s Beach Boutique, Robin Hood Rentals and Slim’s Place, with Ginny’s and Jane E’s Café reopening on Wednesday, Dec. 18. The Grand Pavilion at Sandbar, at the end of Spring Avenue, has also reopened.
Just what everyone wants right now is a new flood disclosure requirement when selling property. It’s not as if we aren’t aware that Anna Maria Island and the coastal areas of Manatee County could flood after Helene and Milton, it’s just another nail in the coffin for potential sellers.
The new flood disclosure requirements went into effect on Oct. 1, but didn’t get much publicity since it came just before Milton and just after Helene, when coastal residents were busy digging out. Basically, the Florida Statute requires a seller to complete and provide flood disclosure to a buyer of residential real property. The disclosure must be done at or before the time a contract is executed.
There are two points to be disclosed: Whether the homeowner has filed a claim with their insurance provider relating to flood damage on the property and whether they have received federal assistance for flood damage to the property.
The state’s definition of flooding is a general or temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of the property caused by the overflow of inland or tidal waters, the unusual and rapid accumulation of runoff or surface waters from any established water source or sustained periods of standing water resulting from rainfall, particularly a river, a stream or a drainage ditch. The way I read this is that the statute is more of a protection for properties at risk of flooding from rivers than coastal flooding, which is clearly defined by FEMA’s flood zone map.
Nevertheless, even though sellers were always required to disclose anything about the property that would affect the value of the home, adding a specific disclosure for flooding is a good thing. The Seller Property Disclosure form will be updated, making this new law part of the form extending the existing flood sections so that sellers have to provide more information to consumers.
Anna Maria Island has been called a 7-mile-long tropical oasis. For those of us who have lived on, near or worked on the Island, we know this and mourn the damage done by the storms this year. Unfortunately, there are changes to the Island that have been going on for some time but will likely be accelerating in the wake of the damage experienced on the island.
The fulltime population of the Island has been declining steadily. There were double-digit declines in Holmes Beach and Anna Maria and somewhat less in Bradenton Beach according to the last U.S. Census Bureau report between 2020 and 2021. We can only assume that this trend will not only continue but increase when the after-effects of this storm season are added up.
We already know that investors are aggressively buying up properties on the Island that have suffered irreversible damage with an eye to leveling the structures and building even more large three-story homes geared for rentals. We can also expect to see the addition of high-end resort style construction, further elbowing out the private homeowners and retirees.
America’s population has been growing in the southern part of the country for decades. And it has risen especially fast since the pandemic. The South gained an additional 3.9 million people between April 2020 and July 2023 according to the Census Bureau. Deep-pocket investors are looking at this trend, eyeing our beautiful beaches and Gulf waters and aren’t running away.
So, flooding or no flooding, there are plenty of investor groups out there who feel the return on their investment is worth the risk. After all, Milton was a “once in a lifetime event” – you think?
BRADENTON BEACH – City Building Official Darin Cushing has released a list of 25 condemned properties in the city.
It is the only city on Anna Maria Island where properties have been condemned after Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton hit in September and October, disproportionately affecting the southernmost city on the Island.
“I have forwarded this list to our attorney (City Attorney Ricinda Perry), and she is supposed to be drafting a letter to send out to each of the property owners .I’m not sure if she has done this as of yet, ”Cushing stated in his Dec. 2 email to The Sun. “The house that floated down 12th Street S. (1201-A Gulf Drive S.) was already demolished and removed, since it was in the road.”
Three houses already have been demolished by the owners, 2301 Ave. B, 300 23rd St. N. and 304 23rd St. N.
Demolition permits have been applied for at 2000 Gulf Drive N. and 2004 Gulf Drive N.
The other properties on the list are:
201 Gulf Drive S.
306 Gulf Drive S.
401 Gulf Drive S.
403 Gulf Drive S.
501 Gulf Drive S.
807 Gulf Drive S.
1303 Gulf Drive S.
1207 Gulf Drive S.
1203 Gulf Drive S.
1201 B Gulf Drive S.
303 Gulf Drive N.
305 Gulf Drive N.
1200 Gulf Drive N.
1202 Gulf Drive N.
2214 Gulf Drive N.
2301 Gulf Drive N.
100 Fourth St. S.
100 Ninth St. S.
103 12th St. S.
The city of Bradenton Beach condemned 25 properties due to damage from hurricanes Helene and Milton. Many were clustered together and are represented by single markers. – Apple Maps | Submitted
The demolition and removal of condemned properties came up at a Dec. 4 city commission special emergency meeting.
“My biggest concern right now is getting to those homes that are off their foundations or collapsed or leaning over,” Police Chief and Public Works Director John Cosby said.
Commissioner Jan Vosburgh asked if the homeowner is responsible for the demolition and removal of condemned buildings.
“Yes, we do not go on private property,” Cosby said.
“I’m working with Ricinda (City Attorney Ricinda Perry) to get a letter out to individuals,” Building Official Darin Cushing said. “There’s probably 20 that we deemed condemned because they were just a danger and a hazard.”
Vosburgh asked if insurance companies will cover the cost of demolition and removal.
“This issue is quite a few don’t have insurance. These homes have been in the family for generations, so they never purchased any flood insurance, they just have fire insurance and just felt if something happened, something happened, and now of course something happened,” Cosby said. “And now they don’t know what to do and don’t have the funds to do it. The bottom line is, it’s got to be up to them.”
Cosby said those homeowners may have the option to sell the property at a lower cost.
“We, at some point if they don’t comply, will wind up taking them to court,” Cosby said.
“Originally FEMA had put out some guidance that they were going to help cover this cost. We researched it a little better and it’s not quite what it seems it was going to be,” Cosby said. “What they’re doing is, if your house is insured through the Flood Insurance plan, they will offer the homeowner a $30,000 grant to remove that house and also help them construct a house to code.”
This condemned home along Gulf Drive North, near the Cortez Bridge, suffered substantial hurricane damage. – Leslie Lake | Sun
Bradenton Beach participates in the nationwide Community Rating System (CRS). The CRS is a voluntary incentive program that encourages and recognizes the community floodplain management practices that exceed the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program, according to the FEMA website.
“In CRS communities, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the community’s efforts that address the three goals of the program: Reduce and avoid flood damage to insurable property; strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the National Flood Insurance Program; and foster comprehensive floodplain management,” the FEMA website states.
Cosby outlined an example of why it’s critical for the city to comply with the CRS guidelines.
“Five cities down in Lee County got put basically on probation. They lost 25% of their flood insurance. So, if you had a $100,000 flood insurance policy it just went to $75,000 because they violated the build back (rule),” Cosby said. “That’s why it’s so important that we follow this process on the 50/50 rule.”
“I know a lot of people are upset about it but everything that is put in by the state people as they track what Darin and Steve (former Building Official Steve Gilbert) are doing goes directly to FEMA so they see it,” he said. “So basically, these five cities have been told that if they don’t come within compliance, they will lose all their flood insurance, and nobody will be able to get a flood insurance policy in those municipalities.”
Cosby said homes that were elevated and in compliance with current codes received very little damage in the recent hurricanes.
“There’s absolutely no damage to those buildings at all,” he said. “It does work and unfortunately, it’s costly and if you can’t afford it, that’s when the issue comes in. Those people whose houses are up higher and they’re in compliance, why should they lose their insurance because others won’t or can’t make that happen?”
Cosby said it’s up to local governments to follow the appropriate guidelines.
“If you’re not following those guidelines, you’re going to get nailed and we can’t afford that to happen,” he said. “It’s too costly for our homeowners that still have insurance. We don’t want to get in that situation.”
ANNA MARIA – As part of the ongoing hurricane recovery efforts, Anna Maria commissioners are allowing business and restaurant owners to use one additional A-frame sandwich board sign and one promotional flag to help promote their businesses.
On Nov. 19, the city commission adopted Resolution R24-805, which temporarily amends the enforcement of the city’s sign regulations in a manner that allows business owners to display two sandwich boards and one promotional flag per business location until April 30.
Anna Maria businesses are now allowed to display two sandwich board signs to help attract customers. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The resolution was adopted during the regular commission meeting that preceded the swearing in of the new mayor, a returning commissioner and a new commissioner.
The resolution notes that hurricanes Helene and Milton negatively impacted the Anna Maria business community and the commission believes the extra sign and flag allowances will assist the still-recovering businesses.
The city’s code of ordinances allows one sandwich board sign per business address and prohibits promotional flags and those restrictions are expected to resume on May 1, the day after the resolution expires.
The resolution that City Attorney Becky Vose presented specifically references retail businesses, but Vose later clarified that the intent of the resolution applies to all commercial businesses, including restaurants.
Still serving as commission chair during the Nov. 19 meeting, mayor-elect Mark Short said he met with several Anna Maria business owners the previous day and the proposed sign and flag allowances were suggested during that meeting. Short said some businesses are still missing their primary signs and the additional sign and flag allowances would help in that regard.
“I think it’s a good idea,” Commissioner Kathy Morgan-Johnson said.
She then noted that while driving around town, it’s hard to tell which businesses are open.
Anna Maria restaurants are allowed to display an extra sandwich board sign as the hurricane recovery continues. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The resolution initially proposed a Jan. 1 expiration date for the additional sign and flag allowances, but that was extended until April 30 at the suggestion of Commissioner Charlie Salem. That date traditionally marks the end of the peak tourism season and Salem said it gives business owners more time to recoup any additional sign and flag expenses they incur.
Short thanked Anna Maria General Store and Pine Avenue Bait and Tackle owner Brian Seymour for suggesting the proposed sign and flag allowances.
“Thank you for getting this done,” Seymour said in response.
ANNA MARIA – City commissioners have approved a $347,660 contract for the engineering and other preliminary services needed to repair the hurricane-damaged City Pier.
On Nov. 19, the commission unanimously approved the contract with the St. Petersburg-based George F. Young engineering firm that will inspect what remains of the pier and provide the city with the engineering, permitting and project management services as part of the pier repair project.
The city has not yet sought proposals from construction firms interested in replacing the missing pier walkway according to the engineering work to be performed by the Young firm.
In early October, Hurricane Milton obliterated a significant portion of the pier walkway, leaving a 75- to 100-yard gap between the T-end pier buildings and the remaining portion of the pier walkway that connects to the shoreline. The pier and the pier-based City Pier Grill and Mote Marine Science Education & Outreach Center will remain closed until the pier walkway is replaced.
There is currently no walkway access to the T-end of the City Pier. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
In late October, the mayor and commission discussed the initial $321,922 proposal submitted by George F. Young Structural Engineering Vice-President Jeremy Lunsford. The firm previously engineered the still-pending Reimagining Pine Avenue project.
Former Mayor Dan Murphy recently informed the commission that some additional services were needed and that would increase the proposal price. Due to a health issue, Murphy did not attend the Nov. 19 commission meeting.
When addressing the commission on Nov. 19, Lunsford said the proposal includes inspections of the remaining portions of the pier, both above and below the waterline. It is hoped that those inspections provide insight into what specifically happened to the pier walkway.
“The remains of the pier will also be inspected to ensure it’s safe,” Lunsford said.
The remaining portion of the City Pier walkway will be inspected for safety and structural purposes. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
He noted the engineering team is already reviewing the engineering documents used to construct the current City Pier, completed in 2020. The previous wooden pier was closed in 2017 and later replaced due to damage inflicted by Hurricane Irma. That pier replacement project cost $7.3 million.
Lunsford said studying the current pier design might help identify what more can be done to prevent similar damage during future storms and the engineering firm will explore different design ideas to see if the pier can be made more resilient to storm damage.
“It’s the nature of where we live,” he added in acknowledgement of the risk of placing a pier in a hurricane-prone environment.
During previous discussions, Murphy noted the T-end of the pier was built using concrete decking and concrete and steel support components. And for budgetary reasons, less-expensive wooden support components were used on the pier walkway. Murphy recommended using concrete and steel support components for the new pier walkway if financially feasible and he estimated the repair costs might be in the $3 million range.
Lunsford did not estimate how long the initial engineering and permitting work would take, but he said the hope is to get the pier operational again as soon as possible. No one associated with the city has publicly estimated how long it might take to complete the pier repair project.
Lunsford said the engineering team has already engaged in preliminary discussions with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection regarding the accelerated emergency permitting process.
“It’s been a positive conversation with those agencies so far,” he said.
A second spud barge will be connected to the rear of the first spud barge previously placed near the damaged City Pier. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The City Pier also served as a landing area for Manatee County’s Gulf Islands Ferry service. A temporary spud barge was recently positioned between the City Pier and the Lake La Vista inlet to serve as a temporary ferry landing. Before ferry service resumed in Anna Maria, it was determined that a second barge is needed to extend the temporary ferry landing out into deeper water. The second spud barge is expected to arrive and become operational in early December.
ANNA MARIA – Jon Crane has resigned from the Anna Maria City Commission. He announced his resignation during the city commission’s Nov.14 hurricane recovery-related emergency meeting.
“ ‘I come here today with a heavy heart,’ as Lyndon Johnson used to say,” Crane said. “I’m resigning. I can’t live on the Island anymore, as much as I love it.”
Later that day, he tendered his formal resignation letter to City Clerk LeAnne Addy.
Crane said he and his wife are under contract to sell their hurricane-damaged home on the 800 block of North Shore Drive and the sale is expected to close in early December.
“I’m going to make this my last meeting because I’m busy with other things too,” Crane said. “I’ve been honored to work with the mayor and fellow commissioners that live in this piece of paradise. It’s been a good thing to be part of the community, working on the commission, considering items of importance to the community. I hope I’ve served the community well. I’m going to miss everybody, but life moves on,” Crane said.
Before joining the city commission in 2019, Crane served as a Planning and Zoning Board member and planning board chairman. His wife, Dusty, is currently a Planning and Zoning Board member and her pending resignation will create another planning board vacancy.
Mayor Dan Murphy, Mayor-elect Mark Short and Commissioner Charlie Salem were among those who thanked Crane for his service to the community.
“Thank you, not just for what you’ve done as a commissioner, but with planning and zoning and all the other things you’ve been actively involved in,” Short said. “We very much appreciate all that and thank you for what you’ve done.”
Audience member Barbara Murphy said, “I want to personally thank Jon and Dusty. They have been huge in the community. Dusty’s involved with the garden club and Jon and Dusty were instrumental with the museum. Jon was docent and vice president (of the Anna Maria Island Historical Society) for a long time and we’re going to miss you so much.”
The Cranes were longtime California residents before they bought their Anna Maria home in late 2011. They discovered Anna Maria during a year-long retirement tour that included a swing through southwest Florida and a visit with friends who lived in Anna Maria.
The Crane’s home was damaged during the two hurricanes that struck Anna Maria Island this year. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
After Thursday’s meeting, Crane was asked if they’re moving because of the hurricane damage their home sustained.
“Yes. Our home was decimated,” he said.
“And the weather’s not getting any better,” he added, regarding the increased frequency and intensity of the severe weather and tidal events that impact Anna Maria property owners.
Crane said he and Dusty still like the area and they might relocate to Bradenton.
In his resignation letter, Crane wrote: “As I announced at the commission meeting today, I am resigning from my position as commissioner on the Anna Maria City Commission. It is with a great deal of regret but it is unavoidable. I feel like I can no longer safely reside on Anna Maria Island. I haven’t lived in my home since Sept. 26 and my property is under a contract of sale. It has been a great honor and privilege to serve alongside the mayor and other commissioners and you and your staff have been terrific.”
Replacement process
Crane is in the first year of another two-year term in office and his sudden resignation creates an unexpected vacancy on the city commission. The city is now accepting applications from those interested in serving the remaining year of Crane’s term. Applications can be downloaded at the city website.
Dec. 20 is the deadline to submit an application. On Tuesday, Jan. 7, the city will host a public forum at city hall during which the commission applicants will answer questions submitted in advance by the public and the media. The four sitting commissioners will then appoint Crane’s successor on Jan. 9.
BRADENTON BEACH – Beginning with the mobile home parks, individual damage assessments are being conducted by the city along with state damage assessment teams.
The city of Bradenton Beach and vendor partners with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) began conducting post-hurricane assessments of properties on Nov. 14.
“They are starting at the north end with Sandpiper,” according to the City of Bradenton Beach Building Department Facebook page. “The city has been broken into six zones, after Sandpiper is completed, they will begin, in teams of two, the rest of the city. Each team will be assigned a different zone.”
The 20 state inspectors from AC Disaster Consulting may be identified by their vests and lanyards. If you are not home, or do not want them in your home, damage assessments will be conducted on the outside of the home.
According to the City of Bradenton Beach Building Department:
“Damage assessments are conducted to:
• Guide City and County response efforts;
• Determine the severity and magnitude of the event;
• Quantify the damage to homes and businesses impacted by the disaster;
• Assess the need for federal assistance and estimate disaster impact to businesses, individuals and families; and
• Determine whether local resources will be sufficient to effectively respond and recover from the incident.”
State damage assessment teams will wear identifying lanyards. – Submitted
The assessment determines what was damaged, as well as when, where and how damage occurred. These assessments start the eligibility determination for disaster recovery programs, such as FEMA’s Public Assistance and Individual Assistance Programs, and other potential programs, according to the city Building Department Facebook page.
Substantial improvement and substantial damage determinations will be confirmed at the time of building permit in accordance with City Ordinance No. 21-536, which states:
For applications for building permits to improve buildings and structures, including alterations, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, change of occupancy, additions, rehabilitations, renovations, substantial improvements, repairs of substantial damage and any other improvement of or work on such buildings and structures, the Floodplain Administrator, in coordination with the Building Official, shall:
1) Estimate the market value, or require the applicant to obtain an appraisal of the market value prepared by a qualified independent appraiser, of the building or structure before the start of construction of the proposed work; in the case of repair, the market value of the building or structure shall be the market value before the damage occurred and before any repairs are made;
2) Compare the cost to perform the improvement, the cost to repair a damaged building to its pre-damaged condition, or the combined costs of improvements and repairs, if applicable, to the market value of the building or structure;
3) Determine and document whether the proposed work constitutes substantial improvement or repair of substantial damage; the determination requires an evaluation of previous permits issued for improvements and repairs as specified in the definition of “substantial improvement;” and
4) Notify the applicant if it is determined that the work constitutes substantial improvement or repair of substantial damage and that compliance with the flood resistant construction requirements of the Florida Building Code and this ordinance is required.
“We greatly appreciate your willingness to allow our community inspectors to assess the condition of your property as this is required by the NFIP to protect lives and investment from future flood damages,” the city Building Department Facebook post continues.
“The City of Bradenton Beach must enforce these requirements for federally backed flood insurance to be made available to city residents and property owners at discounted rates based upon the Community Rating System (CRS). Please visit https://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance for more information or if you have any questions about this process or the inspectors, please contact us immediately by calling the Bradenton Beach Building Department at 941-778-1005.”
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – At a time when some Anna Maria Island property owners are trying to save their hurricane-damaged homes, developer Shawn Kaleta is seeking investors to help him redevelop Anna Maria Island with a focus on luxury accommodations.
On Nov. 8, The Sun obtained a copy of a prospectus-like document containing the title: “Anna Maria Island Development Fund.” The seven-page PDF document that references Kaleta and his business endeavors includes the following quote: “Our vision is to revitalize and elevate Anna Maria Island, enhancing its appeal as a premier luxury destination. Similar Destinations: Naples, Florida.”
The document also states, “Outdated homes have been impacted in the storms, leaving room for only new, safer luxury construction.”
AMI Development Fund
The second page of the AMI Development Fund document bears the title “Developer Shawn Kaleta and Team” and states: “Leading the Island Development Fund is Shawn Kaleta, a seasoned 20+ year Anna Maria Island real estate developer who owns over 1 Billion in real estate assets and is Anna Maria’s largest real estate holder. Over the past 20 years, Shawn has owned, developed and constructed over 1000 homes on the island and has played an integral role in building Anna Maria into the luxury vacation destination it is today. On top of his personal holdings and developments, Shawn and his companies own and operate many businesses on Anna Maria including 3 property management companies, 3 hotels, 2 restaurants, a real estate brokerage, and a marina as well as many other businesses in Key West, Siesta Key, Lido Key and Casey Key.
“Due to Shawn’s insatiable appetite for the continued improvement and growth of Anna Maria Island, property values will continue to rise as they have under his influence for the past 20 years while he continues to transform the island into one of the top vacation destinations in the country.”
The third page, titled Market Outlook and Future Vision, states in part: “Growth of Real Estate Prices on Anna Maria: The vast improvement of housing quality on the island will lead real estate values to appreciate rapidly. Projected FED (federal) interest rate reductions will see an increase in property values of real estate at a 15-20% rate. Vacation Rental market provides high rental rates for end users to capitalize on.”
Page 4, titled “Investment Details,” notes that the goal is to raise $50 million in the next 3 to 3.5 years, with 10% of the funding to come from the general partner (Kaleta) and 90% to come from the limited partner investors with a 50-50 general partner/limited partner profit split. Apparently, in exchange for his 10% investment, Kaleta would receive 50% of the profits and the other investors would share the remaining 50% of the profits.
Page 4 contains the following bullet points:
“Investment and returns to be distributed upon sale of each home;
Each home treated as its own individual deal;
Sale of home for investment and leisure purposes;
Investments will be redistributed at a first in first out basis;
No management fee.”
Page 4 also states: “18-22% expected yearly IRR” regarding the internal rate of return on the investment.
Targets
Page 5 contains a cash flow analysis for two residential properties located on Anna Maria Island.
The cashflow analysis of the first property is for an “Inland Lot – New Build” at 110 Ninth St. N. As of Nov. 4, the 110 9th St LLC was registered as a Florida Limited Liability Company with the Florida Division of Corporations. The LLC lists attorney Louis Najmy as its registered agent and Kaleta as its manager.
This home at 110 Ninth St. N. in Bradenton Beach suffered hurricane damage. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
According to the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office, the only property with that address on Anna Maria Island is located in Bradenton Beach, not Anna Maria, as the prospectus claims. The FEMA market value of that home was $787,128 as of Jan. 1. The owner is listed as the Constance C. Novak Trust.
FEMA market value is the improvement value (the structure or structures on the property) plus 15%, according to Bradenton Beach Building Inspector Darin Cushing.
The cost analysis lists a $900,000 land purchase price, an additional $10,000 in closing costs and $910,000 as the capital required. Regarding the construction costs, the cashflow analysis lists $50,000 for design and permitting, $1.325 million for hard costs and $325,000 for soft costs, totaling $1.7 million on construction costs.
The cashflow analysis includes an additional $170,000 in construction loan interest expenses, bringing the total estimated construction cost to $2.78 million, with an estimated sale value of $4.5 million. The cashflow analysis does not provide any additional details on the design and permitting costs or the hard costs and soft costs.
The home at 709 Fern St. in Anna Maria sold for $855,000. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The cashflow analysis for the second property is for an “Inland Lot – Renovation” at 709 Fern St., Anna Maria. As of Nov. 4, the 709 Fern LLC was registered with the Florida Division of Corporations. The LLC lists Najmy as its registered agent and Kaleta as its manager.
According to the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s office, that property contains a ground-level, single-story residential structure with a FEMA market value of $626,678 as of Jan. 1. The owner is listed as the Karen E. Sparks Declaration of Trust.
The cost analysis lists an $800,000 land purchase price, with an additional $10,000 in closing costs totaling $810,000 for the capital required. According to the Stellar MLS listing, the home and property at 709 Fern St. sold on Nov. 8 for $855,000, which is $55,000 more than the purchase price listed on AMI Development Trust document.
The MLS listing includes this note: “Storm damaged selling as is. Options available: remove structure and build new on a beautiful island location or maybe restore this charming beach cottage to its original state adding flood proofing technology.”
The cashflow analysis for the 709 Fern St. property lists $5,000 for design and permitting, $50,000 for hard costs and $95,000 for soft costs, totaling $150,000 for projected construction costs. The analysis lists $960,000 as the total project cost, with an estimated sale value of $1.5 million.
For the 110 Ninth St. property, the “Investor IRR Analysis” lists no anticipated capital return in year one and a $1.202 million capital return in year two. Regarding the 709 Fern St. property, the Investor IRR Analysis lists a $729,000 investment and a $961,500 capital return in year one.
The final page of the seven-page document is a “build gallery” that contains six renderings of interior views and patio and pool views of a non-specified property or properties.
On Friday afternoon, The Sun reached out to Kaleta and Najmy seeking seeking comment on the Anna Maria Island Development Fund. No response was given.
Asset amendments
The AMI Development Fund document states that Kaleta owns three property management companies and a real estate brokerage.
According to the Florida Division of Corporations, the Prime Vacations LLC created for that property management company in 2021 still listed Kaleta as its LLCs authorized person and Najmy as its registered agent as of April 25.
On Oct. 30, an amendment to the articles of organization for the Prime Vacations LLC was filed and now lists the Plantation, Florida-based CT Corporation System as LLC’s current registered agent and the New York City/Park Avenue-based GSP Prime Buyer LLC as the LLC’s manager. Kaleta’s managerial status with Prime Vacations LLC is now listed as “removed.”
On April 25, the AMI Locals LLC associated with the AMI Locals real estate company listed Kaleta as its manager and Najmy as its registered agent. On Oct. 30, those articles of organization were amended in a similar manner which now lists CT Corporation System as the LLCs current registered agent and GSP Prime Buyer LLC as the LLC’s manager, with Kaleta’s managerial status “removed.”
It is not known what, if any, ownership share Kaleta still has in AMI Locals and Prime Vacations.
ANNA MARIA – City commissioners support Mayor Dan Murphy’s request to pursue a proposed $331,992 contract with the George F. Young engineering firm to assist with the repair of the hurricane-damaged City Pier.
On Oct. 9, hurricane force winds and/or a tornado or waterspout associated with Hurricane Milton destroyed 75-100 yards of the City Pier walkway, leaving the city-owned buildings at the T-end of the pier stranded in Tampa Bay with no pedestrian access.
During the Nov. 1 emergency city commission meeting, Murphy and the commission discussed the proposal received from George F. Young Project Manager Jeremy Lunsford the previous day.
The proposal includes assessing the damage to the pier and what remains of the pier walkway and concrete pilings, locating the submerged remains of the pilings that snapped off during the hurricane, engineering the pier repairs, handling the extensive permitting process and providing project management and oversight for the yet-to-be-selected marine construction firm that will repair the pier.
The T-end pier buildings are now stranded with no pedestrian access. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
After acknowledging the commissioners hadn’t had much time to review the proposal, Murphy sought commission census to accept the bid, study the bid for another week or issue a more time-consuming request for proposals (RFP) that would extend the repair project permitting process beyond the 180-day emergency permitting period currently allowed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Murphy stressed the importance of completing the expedited emergency permitting process during the 180-day time frame if the desire is to get the pier reopened as soon as possible. He and former commissioner Brian Seymour noted the standard permitting process for the construction of the current pier took about a year and half to complete.
Participating by phone, Commissioner Jon Crane said he was “underwhelmed” by the initial engineering and design work the George F. Young firm did on the Reimagining Pine Avenue safety improvement project and he was reluctant to use the same firm for the pier repair project.
In response, Commission Chair Mark Short noted that he, Murphy and Seymour, the City Pier Grill tenant, were impressed with the George F. Young engineer who recently accompanied them on a boat trip to the T-end of the pier.
“This guy knew his business,” Murphy said.
Crane later joined the rest of the commission in supporting the use of the George F. Young firm for the pier repair project if a contract can be successfully negotiated. Murphy said the city can seek reimbursement for the expenses associated with the engineering firm’s services.
This is all that remains of the City Pier walkway. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
As he did on Oct. 24, Murphy again recommended replacing the missing portion of the pier walkway with concrete support components similar to those used at the T-end of the pier that sustained very little damage.
The new City Pier completed in 2020 replaced the old City Pier damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017. The current pier walkway is supported by wooden bents and beams placed atop concrete pilings.
Murphy said the engineering firm will help determine the status and stability of the remaining pier walkway that still connects to the shoreline. Murphy, who leaves office on Nov. 19, said replacing the still-standing portion of the walkway with a new and stronger walkway would likely fall outside of the hurricane-related reimbursement allowances. He noted that’s a decision the new mayor and newly-configured city commission will have to make. What remains of the pier walkway will remain closed until the pier is fully repaired.
On Oct. 24, Murphy estimated it might cost $3 million to repair the City Pier and he’s not yet able to estimate how long those repairs might take.
The George F. Young proposal will be discussed again during the Wednesday, Nov. 6 emergency city commission meeting that starts at 10 a.m.
