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FWC warns boaters to watch out for manatees

FWC warns boaters to watch out for manatees

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Featured, Manatees, Outdoors.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Manatees are on the move this time of year, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding boaters to keep an eye out for the slow-moving marine mammals, especially during November – Manatee Awareness Month.

As water temperatures cool, manatees are migrating to warmer waters. Manatees depend on water warmer than 68 degrees Fahrenheit to survive the winter, so in the fall they travel to springs, power plant discharges and other warm-water sites.

FWC urges boaters to follow all posted manatee protection zones, look out while boating, wear polarized glasses and always give them space. Manatee protection zones are marked by waterway signs. Maps of manatee protection zones are available online at MyFWC.org by clicking on “Data and Maps.”

Collisions with boats remain the leading cause of human-related death for manatees, according to oceanconservancy.org.

“Manatees live in coastal waters, estuaries and rivers, which happens to be where there is a lot of boat traffic. They also feed on seagrasses that grow in sunny, shallow waters, meaning they spend a lot of time close to the surface, putting them more at risk for boat strikes,” according to the Ocean Conservancy website.

Disturbing manatees at warm-water sites can cause them to swim out of those protected areas and into potentially life-threatening cold water.

Manatees are sometimes difficult to see on the water and you may see a swirl on the surface caused by the manatee when it dives, or see an animal’s back, snout, tail or flipper break the surface of the water. You may only hear the manatee when it surfaces to breathe. In any instance, keep your distance and observe passively, according to the FWC.

FWC law enforcement officers are on patrol in state waters to inform boaters of the seasonal manatee speed zones and take appropriate enforcement actions, according to the FWC website. The manatee is protected under federal law by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and by the Endangered Species Act of 1973, which makes it illegal to harass, hunt, capture or kill any marine mammal. The manatee is also protected by the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978, which states: “It is unlawful for any person, at any time, intentionally or negligently, to annoy, molest, harass, or disturb any manatee.”

Do not attempt to handle manatees but instead report injured, distressed, sick or dead manatees to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) or by dialing #FWC or *FWC on a cellphone so responders can assist.

Resources for boaters, educators and other interested members of the public are available online.

Fireside Chats: Chatting about our annual open house

Written by Rodney Kwiatkowski on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News, West Manatee Fire Rescue.

In 1871, from October 8th through the 10th the city of Chicago was ravaged by a fire that destroyed 3.3 square miles. For perspective, the whole of Anna Maria Island is 3.96 square miles. When the great conflagration was finally extinguished, 300 lives perished, the fire burned nearly 18,000 structures, left approximately 100,000 people homeless and cost $200 million in losses (adjusted for inflation, that is $5.4 billion by today’s standards). In 1922, In remembrance of this tragic event, the United States government declared the week surrounding October 9th National Fire Prevention Week. This year, on the centennial of its declaration, National Fire Prevention Week remains the longest uninterrupted national observance.

Fireside Chats: Chatting about our annual open house
The Great Chicago Fire. – Submitted

In the past, in observation of National Fire Prevention Week, West Manatee Fire Rescue District visited public schools and pre-schools within our district and educated children about the power of fire and the many ways in which we, as individuals, and as a community can prevent a repeat of The Great Chicago Fire.

Our observance of National Fire Prevention Week has always culminated in our annual Open house event. Our annual open house is and has always been a free event, hailed by many as “the hottest event of the day” throughout Manatee County, and features fun-filled activities designed to entertain and educate the public regarding fire and life safety. Tragically, the emergence of COVID-19 in early 2020 disrupted this tradition, making 2019’s Open House the last of these occasions before the pandemic forced communities into a long period of quarantining and social distancing. Recently, our community and extended communities to the south of us were battered ferociously by Hurricane Ian.

Throughout various epochs of history, communities have rallied during times like these under a simple, yet powerful, Latin phrase – Post Tenebras Lux, (After darkness, light).

With our community returning to a greater semblance of normalcy in this post-COVID era and with the ongoing and overwhelming outpouring of community cohesion in the name of recovery, we believe it is not only important but necessary, to resume the West Manatee Fire Rescue District Annual Open House tradition and come together as a community. To that end, we are thrilled to announce WMFR will be hosting the return of our Annual Open House on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 11 am until 2 pm at West Manatee Fire Rescue District Station 1, located at 407 67th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34209. Come out, meet your local first responders and enjoy free food, drinks, games, tours of a fire truck and much more. We hope to see you there!

Letter to the Editor: County leaders should support Holmes Beach

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

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

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

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

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

 

Jeannie and Gary Hudkins

Holmes Beach

Castles in the Sand

Mortgage rates scary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BB seal

Bradenton Beach formalizes beach concession fund request

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – The City Commission has adopted city resolution 22-961, which formalizes the city’s pursuit of $105,000 in Manatee County Commission-controlled surplus beach concession funds.

The city seeks the funds to make improvements to public beach and bay access points located throughout the city.

According to the exhibit that accompanied the resolution in the Oct. 20 meeting packet, the city’s proposal may include, but is not limited to vegetation removal to utilize city rights of way for additional beach parking, installing Geocell grid pavers for parking surfaces, adding ADA-compliant parking spaces, installing additional parking and beach access identification signs, installing trash containers, benches and bike racks, creating a bay overlook at the end of Bridge Street and making pedestrian and bikeway improvements. As required by the county, the city will provide $105,000 in matching funds and/or in-kind services for the project.

The city of Anna Maria seeks $105,000 in surplus beach concession funds for a study of the Lake La Vista inlet. The city of Holmes Beach seeks $105,000 to rebuild or replace trolley stops and to install low-level LED lights in 26 trolley shelters.

According to Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie, the county commission will decide whether to approve or deny any or all of the proposed city projects after the reconfigured county commission is seated following the general election that concludes on Nov. 8.

Chappie noted the county also plans to use surplus beach concession funds to help fund a water taxi service between Anna Maria Island and downtown Bradenton.

Fireside Chats: Talking fire & life safety with WMFR

Written by Rodney Kwiatkowski on . Posted in Community News, West Manatee Fire Rescue.

In early 1933, United States President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) gave the first of many of his uplifting Fireside Chats. FDR used the growing medium of radio as a direct conduit to have “conversations” with the American people regarding the many challenges we were facing at the time. Topics included the ongoing banking crisis, recovery from the Great Depression, the New Deal, record home foreclosures and more.

Fireside Chats: Talking fire & life safety with WMFR
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt – Submitted | The History Channel

The purpose of our series of Fireside Chats is similar in that it is our hope to initiate open communication directly with the people of West Manatee Fire Rescue District about the issues we face as a community regarding fire and life safety. In this column, we will discuss all things fire and life safety related, both from an operational and prevention-based perspective. We’ll even discuss the differences between the two. We will also talk about fire codes, which are broad in breadth and scope, along with codes more narrowly related to specific types of occupancies, a term used to indicate the intended use of a space.

Other chats will feature talks about general everyday threats, such as drowning, and heat-related emergencies including exhaustion and stroke, among others. There also will be discussions on specific seasonal threats during holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Independence Day, hurricane season and more.

Fireside Chats: Talking fire & life safety with WMFR
WMFR responded in Fort Myers during the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. – Submitted | Chief Ben Rigney

Fireside Chats is also an opportunity to learn about what goes on at your local fire station. Here we’ll talk about fire department call types, call volume, trends, demographics and a multitude of other topics. Along the way, much like FDR during his Fireside Chats, we hope to educate, be educated, spread a message that prevents loss to property and life and, most importantly, help our community members to be as safe as possible.

County leaders refuse to increase police beach funding

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

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

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

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

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

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

Utilities turnoff questioned

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

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

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

Kingfish defunding questioned

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

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

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

Anna Maria seeks county funds for inlet study

Anna Maria seeks county funds for inlet study

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News, Manatee County.

ANNA MARIA – City officials are seeking $105,000 in county commission-controlled surplus beach concession funds for a study of the Lake La Vista inlet.

Mayor Dan Murphy presented the funding request to the Anna Maria City Commission on Thursday, Oct. 13.

Murphy said the study would assist the city in its efforts to find a permanent solution that would alleviate the need for the city to pay $250,000-$300,000 every few years to dredge the jetty area that extends into Tampa Bay and connects with the channel that provides access to and from the inland Lake La Vista.

Anna Maria seeks county funds for inlet study
The Lake La Vista area includes the channel that passes under the humpback bridge on North Bay Boulevard. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The funding request will be made in the form of the city commission-approved resolution to now be forwarded to the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) advisory board and then the Manatee County Commission will ultimately approve or deny the funding request.

Murphy said the city would contribute $105,000 in matching funds for the Lake La Vista inlet study which he estimated would cost approximately $210,000.

Murphy said the study would also require input from the Army Corps of Engineers and the West Coast Inland Navigation District.

Additional state and county funds would be sought later for the actual construction or implementation of the long-term solution or solutions identified by the study.

Murphy noted the city submitted a jetty/inlet study-related appropriation request to the state earlier this year. That $207,450 request for state funds was supported by the Florida Legislature but later vetoed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Murphy noted the surplus beach concession revenues are generated by the concessionaires that lease space from the county at the county-owned Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach and the county-owned Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach.

Murphy also noted a project funded by surplus beach concession funds is supposed to benefit the entire Island and a city’s request for the use of those county commission-controlled funds requires the support of all three Anna Maria Island cities.

The cities of Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach have or will adopt similar city resolutions for their cities’ individual $105,000 funding requests. Murphy said the county commission can approve or reject any or all of the funding requests sought by the three Island cities.

Coquina Beach Market opening delayed

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Community News, Manatee County.

BRADENTON BEACH – The Coquina Beach Market has hit a hurricane-sized snag and its projected Nov. 1 opening will be delayed, according to Manatee County officials.

“As crews have been deployed around the county to clean up and repair other parks properties, the site prep and rehab work to get the new site (further south on Coquina Beach) ready have been put on hold temporarily,” according to a Manatee County press release. “The official opening date has been delayed from the originally planned Nov. 1.”

Elliott Falcione, executive director of Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, had previously said the county-run market would begin on Nov. 1 and run through July 27, 2023 and would be open on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Thursdays from 3 to 8 p.m. He said there will be about 100 vendors, with a different set of vendors each of the two days.

The discussion about the market began when on Aug. 2, the county announced in a press release that it would take over the beach market from Nancy Ambrose, its director for the past decade. The release stated in part: “Artisans and other vendors will be back along the Coquina Beach South promenade, once again, when the 2022-23 seasons opens in November as oversight for the market shifts to Manatee County.”

Ambrose has been moving forward on her plans for a new market in a yet- unannounced venue according to comments on her “Where’s the Market?” Facebook page: “Update on markets – it looks like we will have a Wednesday market – every Wed. from Dec. – May. I will be able to send apps on Nov. 15. I am still working on other things – hopefully, some November dates included.”

Since the county-run market has not been formally approved by county commissioners, it was once again a topic for debate at a recent commission land use meeting.

“I still don’t have any information whatsoever,” said Commissioner George Kruse at the Oct. 6 meeting. “We’re getting half information and saying please vote on this based on half information and trust… (We’re being told) the estimated annual revenue is $225,000. That’s not showing net income or expenses.”

The wheels to change hands for the market began in June when County Administrator Dr. Scott Hopes said that he had been invited to take a tour of the beach area by the director of public safety.

“There was an access barrier to Coquina Beach because of the layout of the beach market,” he said. “Number two, according to the mayor of Braden- ton Beach, the parking for the vendors was interfering with the parking for the beachgoers. Number three, the concessions had expanded the area beyond their contract and they wanted me to see the conditions of the beach firsthand.”

Hopes said the beach market was clearly interfering with access to the public beach.

He said after pulling financials, “Then I discussed with staff what we were investing into the beach market, with maintenance and staff and security. Then I realized this individual (Ambrose) was pulling in $270,000 to $325,000 a year net on public property and was not engaging with staff to ensure that the operations of the market did not interfere with our tourism.”

Hopes told the commission that with their approval, there could be a beach market in November as there has been for the past 10 years.

Now on the sidelines, Ambrose commented on the meeting via the Facebook page:

“Man, I wish the market made that much – the numbers are all wrong. I never even paid myself until the last two years. Even though the numbers are not truthful – that doesn’t even matter as I feel the market will probably gross $150,000 a year max for the county this year. Net may not be much less as Elliott (Falcione) said that there would be about $20k in expenses since they would be using staff,” she wrote.

County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, who is on record as being opposed to the county taking over the market, was the lone “no” vote on a motion by Commissioner James Satcher to table the discussion and vote on the county running the market until a later date, well into November.

Whitmore, who lost her primary seat to Jason Beardon, will not be on the board for the vote.

County commission authorizes water taxi expenditure

County commission authorizes water taxi expenditure

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Community News, Featured, Manatee County.

MANATEE COUNTY – Manatee County commissioners have authorized County Administrator Scott Hopes to spend up to $700,000 to design and build two pontoon boats for use as water taxis to serve Anna Maria Island and Bradenton. 

Manatee County will own the boats and place liens on the vessels to be managed and operated by the Clearwater-based Clearwater Ferry company. 

Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) Executive Director Elliott Falcione presented the funding request to county commissioners during the commission’s Oct. 6 land use meeting. 

County commission authorizes water taxi expenditure
Elliott Falcione is leading the county’s efforts to provide water taxi service between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. – YouTube | Submitted

The county commission has not yet been presented with a formal contract agreement with Clearwater Ferry. Nor have commissioners been presented with the interlocal agreements pertaining to the public day dock in downtown Bradenton, the City Pier in Anna Maria and the floating dock next to the Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach, all contemplated as water taxi stops. The taxis will also stop at the county-owned Coquina South boat ramp in Bradenton Beach. 

With an anticipated start date in February or March, the water taxi service is expected to initially operate from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only. A memo included in the Oct. 6 meeting packet notes that service could be enhanced based on monthly demand and consumer feedback and the routes could be expanded to include additional stops. There is currently no water taxi stop proposed in Holmes Beach. 

County commission authorizes water taxi expenditure

According to the route schedule included in the meeting packet, one water taxi would depart from the Bridge Street Pier at 10:30 a.m. and make its first stop in Anna Maria. The other water taxi would depart from the downtown Bradenton dock at 10:30 a.m. en route to the City Pier in Anna Maria. 

According to the fee schedule included in the meeting packet, a one-way ride will cost $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, $5 for children 3-11 years old and free for children under three. An all-day hopper pass will cost $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 for children 3-11 years old, with those under three riding for free.

County commission authorizes water taxi expenditure

The memo notes the county will spend up to $700,000 to build two water taxis and spend an additional $350,000 per year to subsidize the operation for at least the first two years. The memo lists Coquina Beach Market revenues, surplus beach concession revenues and tourist development tax revenues as funding sources for the water taxi operations.

The CVB will market and promote the service throughout Manatee County and beyond.

Falcione said coolers, beach chairs and other items will be allowed on the water taxis and the water taxi design team hopes to accommodate bicycles too. The Clearwater Ferry website notes Coast Guard regulations prohibit bicycles on the vessels they operate in the Clearwater area. 

“The operator that we’re going to be bringing forth to you has committed to hiring local captains that have local knowledge of the waterways,” Hopes said.

Public input

During public input, county resident Glen Gibellina said of the water taxi service: “It’s going to lose money, but that’s what transit does, and I don’t have a problem with that.”

County commission authorizes water taxi expenditure
County resident Glen Gibellina shared his thoughts on the proposed water taxi service. – YouTube | Submitted
County resident Glen Gibellina shared his thoughts on the proposed water taxi service.

The Clearwater Ferry website includes images of some vessels that feature protective siding and/or windows and some vessels that do not. After noting that he previously operated a parasailing business in Siesta Key and has a 100-ton captain’s license, Gibellina expressed concerns about water taxi passengers being exposed to inclement weather.

County commission authorizes water taxi expenditure
This Clearwater Ferry vessel does not appear to feature protective siding that could be lowered during inclement weather. – ClearwaterFerry.com | Submitted

“You have to protect the inside of that cabin or else it’s going to be a disaster. You need to redesign that shuttle for inclement weather,” he said. 

Gibellina also addressed the potential impact the water taxis could have on Anna Maria Island’s service and hospitality industry workforce. 

“You can turn this into a great workforce shuttle. The tourists might be your bread and butter, but if you can get the workers onto that Island for a reasonable price and timely manner, I think it would be a home run,” he said.

Gibellina noted that workforce transportation could be disrupted by bad weather and he said some employees who use the water taxis will still need ground transport to their workplaces. He also suggested starting the water taxi service earlier in the morning to better accommodate workforce transportation needs.

Commission comments

In response to Gibellina’s comments, Commissioner Misty Servia said, “I’m sure the design is something that will be carefully considered by the staff.” 

She then said, “I would like to see our employers on the Island give passes to their employees – not the county subsidizing it, but the employers on the Island who can do that as a benefit for their employees.”

Commissioner Carol Whitmore noted the City Pier in Anna Maria does not have safety rails in the area proposed for use as a water taxi landing area. The majority of the floating dock in Bradenton Beach does not feature safety rails either. Whitmore asked who would be responsible for any safety improvements needed at the city-owned docking facilities.

“We’ve already gone to all the stopping points. You’re going to have to have ADA compliance,” Falcione said. “You’re going to have to have some floating docks. The Bridge Street Pier is almost there, if not there. The Anna Maria pier’s going to have to get some modifications. The day dock in downtown Bradenton, a little bit.” Falcione previously stated that any water taxi-related improvements made to the city-owned docking facilities would be done at the county’s expense. 

County commission authorizes water taxi expenditure
The Anna Maria City Pier’s vessel landing area may require modifications to accommodate water taxis. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

During Thursday’s meeting, Falcione acknowledged the potential for weather-related service disruptions. 

“Coming out of the Manatee River, that bulkhead gets a little windy sometimes, so there’s going to be times that we’re not going to be able to run the shuttles. That’s why we have an expert with a lot of experience doing business in Florida that can help us,” he said.

“The backup will be our MCAT (bus) service,” Hopes added.

Letter to the Editor: Setting the record straight

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

I’d like to set the record straight.

In the attached TikTok link you will see Dr. Hopes publicly shaming Holmes Beach residents and myself for asking for the water to be left on for our residents who wanted to remain on the island, accusing us of not taking Hurricane Ian seriously—stating that our residents were jeopardizing the water infrastructure for the entire county.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

The county administrator is the one person the Island residents, county residents and municipal leaders should be able to look towards for the facts. Especially during a storm event.

I did call Dr. Hopes I asked that he revisit the order to turn off the water to the island on Tuesday at 6 pm for the Safety of First Responders. Dr. Hopes stated he was on the way to a meeting at the EOC and would discuss and call me back.

I did not make the request because I wanted water for our residents who refused to leave, but because our First Responders, the Holmes Beach Police, Manatee Sheriff’s Department,  West Manatee Fire and Bradenton Beach Police would not be leaving the island until the wind was too dangerous, which at the time of the phone call was not expected till mid-morning Wednesday.

Mayor Titsworth had the same conversation with Commissioner VanOstenbridge, telling him of the first responder, police and fire needs, telling him the island looks deserted because people are taking this seriously and evacuating.

When asked about the evacuation by Dr. Hopes, I advised him that we have clearly put out the message of the mandatory evacuation and the dangers of staying and that most of our residents had taken heed to the warnings, but we will always have a few hold outs that don’t leave.

As Island leaders we could not be prouder of our residents, business and property owners as they took Hurricane Ian very seriously, sandbagging, boarding up businesses and residences and coming to the city hall and police department to get over 1,100 re-entry tags for those who were evacuating to be able to return.

 

William L. Tokajer
Chief of Police
Holmes Beach Police Department

Anna Maria Island prepares for Hurricane Ian

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News, Featured.

SEPT. 29, 10:20 A.M. UPDATE: Holmes Beach police have announced that Anna Maria Island is back open for residents.

SEPT. 29, 10 A.M. UPDATE: Manatee County evacuation orders have been lifted and shelters are closing this morning. Utility crews are assessing system damage. Anna Maria Island is still closed to residents with drivers being turned around at the base of the Anna Maria and Cortez bridges while first responders and work crews assess the state of the Island. Residents can access Flamingo Cay and Perico Island on Manatee Avenue. Anyone out driving is asked to be cautious of downed or sagging powerlines, storm debris and standing water.

SEPT. 28, 5 P.M. UPDATE: Manatee County officials have asked that residents who still have water limit what goes down their drains. With lift stations losing power and water treatment facilities at capacity, along with potable water breaks reported, residents are asked to limit toilet flushing, showering, doing dishes and doing laundry.

Hurricane Ian made landfall around 3:10 p.m. near the Captiva Islands and Sanibel as a Category 4 storm. Manatee County is under a flash flood warning until 7 p.m., an extreme wind warning until 6 p.m. and an ongoing storm surge warning for coastal low-lying areas.

SEPT. 28, 10 A.M. UPDATE: Power outages are expected to occur in our area over the next several hours. Hurricane Ian has been upgraded to a Category 4 storm and our area is already experiencing high winds and rain. The storm is expected to make landfall to our south late morning or early afternoon today. The Sun will post updates here and on our Facebook page as we’re able due to internet and power outages. Everyone, stay inside, stay safe and we’ll see you on the other side.

SEPT. 27, 5 P.M. UPDATE: The National Hurricane Center’s latest update is showing that Hurricane Ian is expected to come onshore near Port Charlotte early Wednesday afternoon as a possible major hurricane. If the storm follows the current track, it’s anticipated that it will approach the Manatee County area early Thursday, Sept. 29 around 2 a.m., potentially as a Category 1 storm.

The peak storm surge warning for Anna Maria Island and Cortez has been lowered to an estimated maximum of 4-6 feet. The estimated storm surge for Anna Maria Island and Cortez has been reduced to 1-3 feet above ground level.

Manatee County officials announced that water and sewage lift stations on Anna Maria Island will be turned off at 6 p.m. today, Sept. 27. Water and sewage services will not be restored until after the storm threat has passed. County Administrator Dr. Scott Hopes warned residents that sewage lift stations, needed to operate toilets, will not work if electricity is out.

Westbound traffic on Manatee Avenue and Cortez Road to Anna Maria Island from the mainland became restricted at 4 p.m. today and will be closed by 8 p.m. this evening. Traffic lanes will not reopen to the Island until local law enforcement and first responders determine that it’s safe for residents to return.

SEPT. 27, 11 A.M. UPDATE: Manatee County has issued mandatory evacuation notices for zones A and B with a voluntary evacuation notice in place for zone C. If you’re unsure of your evacuation level, visit the county website for more information.

County officials advise that all residents should be sheltered where they plan to ride out the storm as of 8 p.m. tonight when some of the first effects of Hurricane Ian are expected to be felt in the area. All county shelters are now open. A list of shelters in the area can be found here.

All pet owners are advised to bring their pets inside for the duration of the storm. Manatee County Animal Services will close today and not reopen until safe to do so after Hurricane Ian has passed.

All of Manatee County, including Anna Maria Island, is under a flash flood warning beginning Sept. 28 and continuing through Friday, Sept. 30.

Anna Maria Island, Cortez, Perico Island, Flamingo Cay and parts of coastal unincorporated Manatee County are under a storm surge warning. While most areas can expect storm surge of over 3 feet, some areas of the Island, including in Anna Maria and Holmes Beach, can expect storm surge of over 6 feet during high tide. The National Hurricane Center’s storm surge flood map is consistently being updated online as the storm’s track is updated. Peak storm surge along coastal Manatee County is expected to be between 5-9 feet.

City commission regular and work session meetings in Holmes Beach scheduled for today at 5 p.m. have been canceled. Commissioners will go forward with a final budget hearing and emergency special meeting at 5:01 p.m. today via Zoom. The public is invited to participate online or by telephone.

SEPT. 26, 5 P.M. UPDATE: Manatee County is now under a hurricane warning from the National Weather Service. Anna Maria Island and surrounding low-lying areas in Manatee County also are under a storm surge warning. The storm surge warning is in effect until Friday, Sept. 30 and states that the Island could see waters rise 3 feet or more above sea level. Peak storm surges could exceed 10 feet in some areas if Hurricane Ian arrives in the area at high tide.

SEPT. 26, 2 P.M. UPDATE: Closures have been announced for Manatee County.

Manatee County schools are closed for students and staff beginning tomorrow. Schools will be closed until the threat of Hurricane Ian has passed.

The Center of Anna Maria Island and all Manatee County Libraries will close at end of business today, reopening after the storm threat has passed. The Anna Maria City Pier will close at noon Sept. 27 and remain closed until further notice.

There will be no trash, recycling or yard waste collection on Wednesday until after the storm threat passes. Due to evacuation notices for Anna Maria Island, collection services may end early on Tuesday.

All Manatee County facilities and buildings will close to the public at close of business today with the exception of the county administration building which is scheduled to close to the public after a scheduled county commission meeting the morning of Sept. 27.

Shelters in Manatee County will open tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. Manatee County officials ask that no one go to a shelter prior to the 8 a.m. opening on Sept. 27. A list of shelters is available online. Everyone going to a shelter needs to bring their own cot or sleeping bag and personal items.

Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells has announced that emergency services will be very limited once winds hit a sustained 45 mph. He advises that officers will do their best to respond but may not be able to get to all areas of the county while the effects of Hurricane Ian are being felt in the area. Emergency services in Manatee County, including EMS, fire response and law enforcement will all be limited during the storm event.

Storm surges, high winds and heavy rain are expected to begin as early as 2 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 27 and continue through early morning Friday, Sept. 30. A mandatory evacuation is effective beginning at 8 a.m. Sept. 27 for zone A, which includes Anna Maria Island, and a voluntary evacuation for zone B. Manatee County Administrator Scott Hopes recommends that everyone be where they intend to ride out Hurricane Ian by tomorrow night at 8 p.m. Hurricane Ian is predicted to have a high probability of spinning off tornadoes.

Anna Maria Island will be closed down at sundown tomorrow afternoon, Sept. 27. Water utility services will be shut off one hour after sundown tomorrow afternoon and Hopes said service will not be restored until it can be safely determined that the system has not sustained any significant damage.

SEPT. 26, 12:10 A.M. UPDATE: A mandatory evacuation of zone A, including Anna Maria Island, Perico Island, Cortez and parts of unincorporated Manatee County, has been issued by Manatee County effective at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 27. Evacuation of zone B is advised but not mandatory.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Residents and city leaders in the three Island cities are preparing for potential impacts this week from Hurricane Ian as the storm is projected to pass by to the west in the Gulf of Mexico as a major hurricane.

As of the National Weather Service’s Sept. 26 11 a.m. briefing, the Tampa Bay area, including Manatee County, is under a hurricane watch with the storm expected to rapidly intensify. Hurricane Ian is currently expected to pass by the area as a category 2 or 3 storm. Early forecasts predict 7-10 inches of rain in our area and storm surges of 5-8 feet. Impacts from Hurricane Ian are expected to begin in Manatee County as early as Wednesday evening and continue through Thursday, Sept. 29.

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer and Mayor Judy Titsworth said the Island is anticipated to be under a mandatory evacuation by 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 27. While residents will not be forced to leave, it is important to note that emergency services, including police, fire response and EMS, will not be available during a storm. West Manatee Fire Rescue personnel will be required to leave the Island once sustained winds exceed 45 mph.

Anna Maria

A state of emergency has been declared by city officials. Residents are advised to prepare for impending impacts from Hurricane Ian. A sandbagging station has been set up for residents at Bayfront Park, however, supplies of sandbags and sand are limited. Reentry tags are available for residents at city hall with proof of residency.

Bradenton Beach

City officials declared a state of emergency during an 11 a.m. meeting this morning. Manatee County staff have delivered pre-filled sandbags to Coquina Beach for residents over the weekend but those supplies have quickly been depleted. Reentry tags for residents are available at the Bradenton Beach Police Department with proof of residency.

Holmes Beach

Titsworth declared a local state of emergency for the city early Monday morning. Sand and sandbags are available as supplies are replenished at the Manatee Beach and by the pickleball courts at city field. Reentry tags are available for residents with one tag being issued per residence at the Holmes Beach Police Department.

The Holmes Beach Code Compliance Special Magistrate hearing scheduled for 10 a.m. Sept. 27 has been canceled. The city commission meeting and work session scheduled to follow the budget hearing at 5:01 p.m. on Sept. 27 have been canceled. Titsworth said she anticipates that the budget hearing also will be canceled due to the mandatory evacuation.

The Sun will continue to update this post as more information becomes available.

County leaders play blame game over Kingfish funding

County leaders play blame game over Kingfish funding

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

MANATEE COUNTY – A proposed project at Kingfish Boat Ramp won’t be happening and county leaders are placing the blame for it squarely on the shoulders of city officials in Holmes Beach.

County staff members, with County Administrator Scott Hopes adding his voice to the group, said they are prepared to cancel grant funding of $4,500,000 from the Gulf Coast Consortium for planned renovations at the boat ramp, including paving, adding launch lanes, bathrooms, new dock facilities and other changes.

Two of the proposed changes that garnered the most public attention were the planned removal of dozens of trees along with the removal of a popular tree-shaded picnic area and the elimination of parking spaces to serve as a stormwater retention area until the Anna Maria Bridge is one day replaced. Though it’s designed, construction on a new bridge is not yet funded through the Florida Department of Transportation.

During a Sept. 13 county commission meeting, Hopes and other members of staff said that the reason the grant funding was being canceled is that a permit for construction from the city could not be obtained in time to complete construction before the November 2023 expiration of a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) permit. As that permit had already been granted multiple extensions by the department, staff members said it couldn’t be extended again. In addition to the outstanding construction permit from the city, other permits also were mentioned as still needed for the project, including one from Manatee County.

Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge said he would like to see if there’s some way to recoup the funds that the county has already spent on the project in staff time, engineering fees and other costs. He suggested suing the city, but was cautioned against that action by the county attorney, who stated that the permit application hadn’t been denied by city leaders.

In an Aug. 25 email to Hopes, Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth said that the permit application was progressing through the city’s approval process for site plan changes. She said she was told by city staff that the changes planned for the boat ramp required site plan approval by the city commission to comply with Manatee County codes under the annexation agreement for the boat ramp. Titsworth said that city staff notified the county’s representative for the project, Michael D’Angelo, of the site plan approval requirement on June 7 and 22. She added that building department staff was notified by the county’s project engineer on July 6 that the Kingfish project was put on hold. With no further communication from county representatives, Titsworth said she instructed city staff to continue with the internal site plan review, which was almost complete as of Aug. 25.

She added that she believes some of the delay with the project was due to county leadership signing a lease for the Kingfish property with the Florida Department of Transportation instead of FDEP.

In a Sept. 15 email to The Sun, Titsworth said that city leaders only had two points
of contention concerning the Kingfish project, the removal of Australian pine trees that provide shade and nesting habitats for birds along with the picnic area and the elimination of parking spaces on the east side of the boat ramp to turn that area into a stormwater retention area.

“This in no way held up any permitting process as Florida statutes do not give us that authority,” she said.

In a Sept. 14 email to city and county commissioners, Titsworth said, “Holmes Beach does not have the authority to withhold permitting. This had nothing to do with additional parking. The hold up was that the planning administrator made the county aware that the annexation agreement required Holmes Beach to administer the permit using the county’s own rules which required site plan approval. I am disheartened by the continued misinformation and deviation from the truth. These improvements also required a new lease between the county and DEP as the original lease was done in error as the ownership of the land was not FDOT. Unfortunately, the county could not complete this in the time constraints of the grant. This is no fault of the city.”

Water taxi plans detailed

Water taxi plans detailed

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News, Featured, Manatee County.

MANATEE COUNTY – The county’s chief tourism official briefed county commissioners on Sept. 13 on plans in the works for a water taxi between Anna Maria Island and Bradenton, including new funding sources.

Revenues generated by the county-controlled Coquina Beach Market will help fund the water taxi, said Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Revenues generated by the 5% tourist development tax levied on vacation rentals, resorts and other lodging establishments in Manatee County could also be used, as could surplus beach concession funds, he said. Falcione is working with Manatee County Public Works Director Chad Butzow and Transit Division Manager Jason Harris to develop the water taxi service under the direction of County Administrator Scott Hopes.

In August, Falcione told the Anna Maria City Commission he hoped to present a formal contract proposal to county commissioners on Sept. 13, but he told county commissioners that day that some final details were still being worked out with the proposed water taxi company.

Falcione said he and Hopes plan to present a formal contract proposal to the county commission on Tuesday, Sept. 27 and he plans to present the tourist development tax funding request to the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) in October.

Falcione said the water taxis would travel from the day dock in downtown Bradenton to the Anna Maria City Pier, and then to the floating dock at the Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach and then to either the Coquina North or Coquina South boat ramp. The return trip would include stops at the Bridge Street Pier and the Anna Maria City Pier on the way to downtown Bradenton. The inclusion of a Coquina boat ramp destination, located across the street from Coquina Beach, triggers the ability to use tourist development tax proceeds for the water taxis, he said.

More details

Falcione said the water taxi program would feature two 49-passenger pontoon catamaran boats operating simultaneously between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. He anticipates the service beginning in February or March and initially operating from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Falcione repeatedly referenced a Clearwater-based company that’s operated a water taxi service since 2015. Falcione did not mention the company’s name, but he later confirmed for The Sun that Clearwater Ferry is the company the county is negotiating with.

Clearwater Ferry currently operates a water taxi service three days a week that includes stops in downtown Clearwater, the Clearwater Beach municipal marina, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, North Clearwater Beach and Dunedin, according to its website.

Falcione said water taxi passengers would pay $8 for a one-way ride or $10 for an all-day pass, with discounts given for seniors and children. The no-cash operation will accept electronic payments only.

Falcione mentioned the Anna Maria Commission’s request that the Island’s hospitality and service industry employees be allowed to ride the water taxis for free when commuting to work.

“We’re looking at that. We think it’s palatable. There’s some pros and cons to that,” Falcione told county commissioners.

He then noted the water taxi company already has experience and case study data pertaining to employee ridership. County Commissioner Misty Servia said business owners should provide water taxi passes to their employees as an employee benefit.

Citing weather concerns and travel on the Intracoastal Waterway, Commissioner Carol Whitmore expressed concerns about using pontoon boats as water taxis.

Hopes said county funds would be used to subsidize the upfront capital equipment costs
that include the two boats. He said liens would be placed on the boats and the liens would later be removed after enough revenues have been generated to cover those initial costs.

“It’s not as simple as us going out and buying boats,” Hopes said.

Falcione said the county may have to make some county-funded improvements to the proposed water taxi landing locations in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Bradenton.

Commissioners Vanessa Baugh and Reggie Bellamy asked whether the water taxis would accommodate bikes, coolers, beach chairs and other items used by beachgoers.

“We’ll look at all that. The amenities the families want to bring out are really important,” Falcione said.

According to the Clearwater Ferry website, U.S. Coast Guard regulations do not allow bikes on board their vessels. The Clearwater Ferry website also notes their vessels do not have restrooms.

To better serve county residents, Commissioner James Satcher suggested including water taxi stops along SR 64 and US Highway 301.

Regarding future expansion, Falcione said, “This is just the basic infrastructure to get it going. This is what we and the third-party operator feel would give our best chance for short-term success.”

Falcione said future expansion would likely include service to the new hotel being built next to the convention center in Palmetto.

“We see it going to Longboat Key at some point. We see it going to Sarasota. We’re going to focus on Manatee County and get it started. As we learn, we’ll branch out and add partners,” Falcione said.

County, vendors face off on takeover of beach market

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News, Featured, Manatee County.

BRADENTON BEACH – Manatee County commissioners debated the county’s takeover of the Coquina Beach Market last week as vendors defended ousted organizer Nancy Ambrose.

The beach market saga began publicly on Aug. 2 when, in a press release, Manatee County Information Director Bill Logan announced that the county would take over the market from Ambrose.

At an Aug. 18 county commission land use meeting, Commissioner Carol Whitmore voiced her opposition.

“I think this needs to be decided by the board if we’re going to do this,” Whitmore said. “I don’t believe in the board interfering with the private sector in this. I don’t want to run a market.” The issue arose again on Sept. 13 when Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) gave an update to the board.

“For many months, the county administrator has been going through an optimization process organizationally allowing certain positions to gain more responsibility bandwidth,” Falcione said. “This additional bandwidth gives an expertise and oversight ability to operate the beach market at the county-owned park, allowing the proceeds to go to the community.”

Falcione said one market objective is to provide tourists and residents what he called a unique beach market experience that complements the current assets on Anna Maria Island. He also characterized the county-run market as a source of revenue for the proposed water taxi initiative.

Falcione said the county-run market will begin on Nov. 1 and run through July 27, 2023 on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursdays from 3-8 p.m. He said there will be about 100 vendors, with a different set of vendors each of the two days.

“We stand ready to move this forward,” he said. “We’re ready to roll.”

Commission opposition

Whitmore voiced her opposition to the idea of a county-run market.

“I can’t believe this board would actually want to run a business and take it away from the private sector,” she said, adding, “We’re not in the world here to have a business.”

Whitmore added, “This is probably going to get passed – it has been rammed through already.”

Commission Chairman Kevin Van Ostenbridge voiced his support for the county-run market.

“This is a taxpayer asset being monetized by someone else and the taxpayer is receiving very little in return,” Van Ostenbridge said. “We’re now using that asset to fund a water taxi to lower the number of cars by moving the same number of people hopefully out to the Island.”

Commenting on the water taxis, Whitmore said, “We couldn’t get anybody to bid on it so I hear we’re buying the water taxis and we’ll pay ourselves back. Who gave that authority to do that?”

Commissioner Misty Servia said she could have supported the county-run market, but the proper process was not followed.

“This should have come to the board to ask the board what they wanted to do before the administrator made all of these plans to run the market in a different way,” Servia said.

Vendors weigh in

Van Ostenbridge then opened the floor to citizen comments.

Several Coquina Beach Market vendors who worked under Ambrose’s oversight of the market spoke about her in glowing terms.

“Nancy worked around the clock to provide us a beautiful work environment,” said Amanda Champ, characterizing Ambrose as the vendors’ biggest advocate.

“Nancy was the matriarch of this beach market,” Champ said. “There are many people that love her.”

Vendor Victoria Dargan said, “I have been honored to have been part of the market for the last six years. It’s been run as the best market I’ve ever seen and to have it taken away from Nancy and this shift is very difficult for us to accept.”

Dargan said that changing the days of the market and losing Sundays will negatively impact her livelihood, along with many others.

“We don’t even know right now who’s going to be accepted (in the new market),” she said.

Jean McDonald, a self-described small family business vendor, called the market a consistent safe space in which she generated income.

“That woman has the highest integrity,” McDonald said of Ambrose. “The market is a community of hardworking individuals from all walks of life. Nancy played a huge role in the success of our business.”

Ambrose is currently looking at other market venue options.

A Facebook page, “Where is the Market?” has garnered 1,200 members – many of whom are vendors who have worked with Ambrose and are expressing loyalty and a willingness to follow her to a new venue.