ANNA MARIA – On Aug. 14, Mayor Mark Short presented city commissioners with an overview of the city’s operating expenses projected in the city’s proposed 2025-26 fiscal year budget.
The budget document shared with commissioners lists $6.8 million in total recurring operating expenses, compared to the $6.6 million listed for the 2024-25 fiscal year budget that ends on Sept. 30.
Elected last November, Short, a retired certified public accountant and accounting consultant, is preparing his first city budget. He said the projected 2025-26 operating expenses equate to a 2.95% increase.
“When you look at the recurring operations of the city – to keep the lights on, to keep the streets clean, to keep law enforcement, to do all of that – the budget is less than a 3% anticipated increase,” he said.
The projected recurring operating expenses include $2.09 million for employee wages and benefits, a slight increase from the $1.98 million listed for the current fiscal year. Short said employee wages and benefits combined are projected to increase by slightly more than 5%, with city employees receiving approximate 4% wage increases.
The projected 2025-26 operating expenses include $1.67 million for law enforcement services provided by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, an increase from the $1.52 million listed for current fiscal year.
The projected operating expenses include $1.19 million for contracted professional services – a significant increase from the $547,347 listed for the current fiscal year. Professional services include city attorney services, street sweeping services, stormwater system vacuuming services, vacation rental inspections and the city’s contracted and outsourced building department and building official services. Short said $335,000 of the anticipated professional services increase is attributed to building department services to be provided by Joe Payne Inc.
The proposed operating expenses include $105,000 for Internet Technology (IT) expenses, down from the $155,000 listed for the current fiscal year due to a switch in service providers.
The proposed expenses include $514,871 in anticipated “citywide” expenses that Short said are not attributed to a specific department or service.
“There will be no pier operating expenses this year, I hate to say, but that is a fact,” he said of the hurricane-damaged City Pier walkway to be reconstructed during the coming fiscal year that begins on Oct. 1. Short anticipates the City Pier reconstruction project to be completed in October 2026.
The operating budget includes $885,000 in additional one-time expenses that include $332,000 for a coastal resiliency study that will help the city formulate a long-range stormwater and drainage plan. Short said the resiliency study is eligible for dollar-for-dollar matching grants.
The one-time expenses include $75,000 for a parking study, of which Short said, “You’re all here on the weekends and you know what this place looks like: the wild, wild west, and we need somebody to come in here and give us some advice on how to address that.”
The projected expenses include $103,000 for emergency road repairs still needed because of last year’s hurricanes and $150,000 to restore the city’s long-dormant emergency management department/program.
Short said the recurring and one-time operating expenses combined total $8.1 million.
On Aug. 28, Short will present city commissioners with the projected capital project expenditures for the coming fiscal year. The proposed budget will be presented for final city commission adoption during two public hearings in September.
ANNA MARIA – The Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) recommends that the county commission provide the city of Anna Maria with up to $2 million in tourist development tax revenues to help fund the replacement of the hurricane-damaged City Pier walkway.
Mayor Mark Short presented the city’s funding request during the June 16 TDC meeting at The Center of Anna Maria Island. Short said he’d present similar and additional funding requests to county commissioners and county staff during their meeting with the mayor and city commissioners on Wednesday, June 18 at the county administration building in Bradenton.
Controlled by county commissioners, tourist development tax revenues are generated by the 6% tax the county collects on hotel, motel, resort, condo and other vacation rental accommodations of six months or less. Last year, the tourist development tax generated more than $30 million for the county. Serving as an advisory board, the TDC members review tourist tax-related funding requests and make non-binding recommendations to the county commission.
The TDC members recommended up to $2 million in financial support for the City Pier walkway replacement project. Joe Hendricks – Sun
Short said the estimated cost of the pier walkway replacement and repair project is $7 million to $9 million and he hopes to have the project completed by October 2026 if all goes well.
When addressing the TDC members, Short did not request a specific dollar amount, but the city presentation included in the meeting packet says the city plans to seek up to $3.1 million from the county for pier-related expenditures made in 2025 and up to an additional $4.9 million for pier-related expenditures in 2026.
Short said he’s trying to assemble a funding puzzle without yet having financial commitments in place from any outside funding sources. He said the city won’t know until July 1 whether Gov. Ron DeSantis approves or vetoes the city’s pier-related $1.25 million state appropriation request. He said the city hopes to receive approximately $4 million in pier-related FEMA reimbursements but he doesn’t know if, when or how much FEMA money the city will receive.
The Anna Maria City Pier is expected to remain closed until October 2026. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Short said the city has already spent $223,000 on the pier repair project and he estimates the city will incur an additional $1.1 million in pier-related expenses between now and September – including $239,500 for the demolition of the remaining pier walkway and around $800,000 to repair and remediate the T-end of the pier buildings that he said remain structurally sound. Short said these expenditures will impact the city’s cash flow and financial reserves.
Bradenton Mayor and TDC member Gene Brown asked Short how much the city plans to contribute.
“We know we’re going to have skin in the game,” Short said. “What exactly that number is, I can’t tell you at this point.”
Short said the city’s pier repair project and the county-funded installation of a Gulf Islands Ferry landing alongside the City Pier have to be treated as two separate stand-alone projects and for permitting reasons can’t be intermingled as a single project.
The TDC members sought assurances that the city will allow the county to install a ferry landing that can accommodate the larger boat being added to the ferry fleet later this year.
Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione said a restrictive covenant that ensures the city’s approval of a ferry landing will be included in the funding agreement.
Falcione suggested the $2 million limit and the TDC members unanimously supported Brown’s motion to make that recommendation.
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 – 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.
ANNA MARIA – Newly-elected Mayor Mark Short presided over an emotional farewell ceremony for longtime Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy.
Due to a health issue, Murphy did not attend the ceremony that occurred during the city’s commission’s Nov. 19 swearing-in ceremony and organizational meeting.
Dan Murphy occupied the mayor’s seat for a decade. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Murphy’s wife, Barb, read a statement from her husband that said, “I want to thank the residents of our beautiful city for giving me the privilege of serving as your mayor for 10 challenging years. I also give special thanks to my staff, the commission, the county and our state for your help through ‘thick and thin,’ six hurricanes and a pandemic. It has all been a rewarding experience. Thank you.”
Mayor Mark Short presided over the Nov. 19 farewell ceremony. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
When he began the ceremony, Short said, “I’d like to start by thanking Dan for his 10 years of dedicated service. He always was there and it was always about what’s in the best interest of the city. And Barbara, I want to thank you for allowing him to do that.”
He also said, “It’s not often that someone who’s over 60 years old can say that he found a new mentor and a new advisor and I just want to thank Dan for everything he did for me and everything he did for this city.”
Amanda Romant spoke on behalf of State Sen. Jim Boyd. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Sen. Jim Boyd’s legislative aide, Amanda Romant, read a letter from the state senator that praised Murphy for being a leader and a steward of one of the most beautiful destinations in Florida. His letter said that Murphy understood the importance of community, responsible management of resources and the protection of natural surroundings and he valued the partnerships between local and state government that provide an enhanced quality of life for residents and memorable vacation experiences for visitors.
“You also safeguarded the Island and its residents during this extraordinary storm season. Your leadership and focus have been critical to the timely recovery of Anna Maria. I applaud your commitment to the residents and business owners who contribute to this unique and beautiful beach community,” Boyd stated in his letter.
Barb Murphy accepted an appreciation plaque presented by Dean Jones. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Anna Maria General Manager Dean Jones presented Barb with a plaque expressing the city’s gratitude.
He then said, “Dan Murphy came to the city of Anna Maria with a vision. He wanted to make the city better for its citizens and those that would visit in the future. First came the projects. City Pier Park was his first goal. Taking a park with very little use and making it a place where people could gather, children could play and events could be held to bring this small community together.”
Jones said Murphy initiated several road and drainage projects that made Anna Maria a safer place to live and that he was also a great steward of the city’s finances.
He said Murphy always had a plan, he taught city staff how to be better at their jobs, he knew the strengths and weaknesses of his team and he served as a mentor to many.
“Mayor Murphy could be demanding. He could challenge you and test your limits of being able to complete what seemed like a monumental task. His attention to detail always amazed the staff, along with his endless knowledge. He’s been one of the most influential forces the city’s ever seen. As the page turns, you can rest assured that the city will be in good hands,” Jones said.
Mayor Mark Short presented Barb Murphy with a letter of appreciation from Gov. Ron DeSantis. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Short presented Barb a framed letter from Gov. Ron DeSantis that said, “Dear Mayor Murphy, it is with sincere gratitude that I send my best wishes to you as you depart from your position as the mayor of the city of Anna Maria. The first lady and I appreciate your years of commitment, dedication and public service to the residents and visitors of Anna Maria. You should be very proud of your accomplishments during your tenure, especially the rebuilding of the City Pier and hosting the annual ‘Old Soldiers & Sailors’ Veterans Day parade.”
Semi-retired city employee Debby Haynes presented Barb with a bouquet of roses and thanked her for being the city’s first lady and for always standing by her husband.
Short presented Barb with a painting of the City Pier that hung inside city hall for many years.
“The mayor always loved this and we have requisitioned it to the Murphy household,” he said.
He then read aloud a city proclamation that notes Murphy was raised in St. Petersburg, served in the U.S. Army, was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars and the Vietnam Campaign Medal and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and pre-law from the University of South Florida. The proclamation notes that Dan and Barb have been married for 57 years and have four adult children, seven grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.
The proclamation notes Murphy was a longtime Verizon executive whose career took him to various locations in the U.S. and the Caribbean, but he commuted for work rather than uprooting his family from Anna Maria Island.
“Dan provided steady and unwavering leadership while guiding the city through multiple hurricanes and tropical storms, the construction of the new Anna Maria City Pier, the COVID-19 pandemic and the unprecedented reduction of the city’s property tax millage rate. Dan guided the city commission’s adoption of the city’s short-term vacation rental regulations in 2015 and since then he has the led the city’s successful annual opposition to the state legislature’s attempts to further preempt local vacation rental regulation to the state,” the proclamation says.
“One of Mayor Dan Murphy’s proudest accomplishments is transforming the vacant and under-utilized ‘six lots’ property into City Pier Park, where the city has hosted the seasonal farmer’s market, free movies in the park and two of Dan’s favorite and most meaningful events: the annual ‘Old Soldiers & Sailors’ Parade and Veterans Day recognition ceremony and the annual Memorial Day recognition ceremony honoring those who gave their lives in service to their country.”
The proclamation praises Murphy’s dedication, creative mind, visionary thinking, likeability and integrity and says, “We hope he never underestimates the difference he has made for the city of Anna Maria and the lives that he has touched and made better. Therefore, be it proclaimed by the Anna Maria commission and mayor that Dec. 20, 2024, shall be known as Mayor Dan Murphy Day.”
Murphy will celebrate his 80th birthday on that date.
Luis Laracuente spoke on behalf U.S. Senator Rick Scott. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Speaking last, Sen. Rick Scott’s District Director Luis Laracuente said, “We just wanted to thank the mayor for everything he’s done for the city of Anna Maria, in his role as a veteran and also his friendship and kindness with the senator. We truly appreciate everything he’s done and his leadership through the hurricanes, which does not go unnoticed. He will be receiving a flag that will be flown on top of the capitol on his birthday; and along with it will be a letter from the senator and a certificate from the capitol. We send our congratulations and our appreciation.”
The Nov. 19 appreciation ceremony video is archived at the Anna Maria Island Sun Facebook page.
ANNA MARIA – Current City Commission Chairman and Vice-Mayor Mark Short will serve as Anna Maria’s next mayor.
Running unopposed, incumbent city commissioner Gary McMullen and former charter review committee chairman Chris Arendt also earned two-year terms on the Anna Maria City Commission.
Anna Maria voters also approved four charter amendments proposed by the charter review committee and supported by the city commission.
Mayor’s race
In the mayor’s race, Short received 378 votes (60.58%) and Seymour received 246 votes (39.42%),” according to the unofficial results posted at the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections website Tuesday evening.
“I would like to thank the voters of the city of Anna Maria for supporting my candidacy for mayor and I look forward to serving the citizens as we go forward,” Short said of his victory.
Short will be sworn into the mayor’s office on Tuesday, Nov. 19. He will succeed Dan Murphy, who served five-consecutive two-year terms as Anna Maria’s mayor.
Short is a retired former partner of the Ernst & Young financial services and consulting firm. He has been a member of the Anna Maria City Commission for the past five years and he’s served as the commission-elected chairman and vice-mayor for the past two years. During the past two months, Short gained hurricane preparation and response experience while assisting Murphy with the city’s response to hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Former city commissioner Brian Seymour also sought the Anna Maria mayor’s seat. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Seymour was an Anna Maria commissioner from 2018 to 2020 before resigning for personal reasons. He owns the Anna Maria General Store, Pine Avenue Bait & Tackle and the City Pier Grill which operates in pier space leased from the city. The City Pier Grill is currently closed due to Hurricane Milton wiping out a significant portion of the pier walkway. The City Pier will remain closed until the missing walkway is replaced.
City charter amendments
During the general election, Anna Maria voters overwhelmingly supported four proposed amendments to the city charter.
Anna Maria voters supported proposed city charter amendment 1, which appeared on the ballot as: “Shall the Anna Maria City Charter be amended to provide a definition for administrative officers of the city?” On this proposed amendment, 498 voters (82.59%) supported it and 105 voters (17.41%) opposed it.
Anna Maria voters overwhelmingly supported proposed city charter amendment 2, which appeared on the ballot as this: “Shall the Anna Maria City Charter be amended to add a height limitation for all structures within the City limits to be no more than two residential/habitable floors and 37 feet above the crown of the abutting road, and include a provision for obtaining a variance?” On this proposed amendment, 531 voters (84.29%) supported it and 99 voters (15.71%) opposed it.
Anna Maria voters supported proposed city charter amendment 3, which appeared on the ballot as: “Shall the Anna Maria City Charter be amended to add language regarding removal of non-qualifying city commissioners and prohibiting city commissioners from holding concurrent municipal or other public office or employment by the city of Anna Maria?” On this proposed amendment, 536 voters (86.59%) supported it and 83 voters (13.41%) opposed it.
Anna Maria voters supported proposed city charter amendment 4, which appeared on the ballot like this: “Shall the Anna Maria City Charter be amended to change the way a special meeting of the city commission may be called, from a call of a single member of the city commission to a call of the majority of the city commission, the chair of the city commission or the city mayor?” On this proposed amendment, 450 voters (74.14 %) supported it and 157 voters (25.86%) opposed it.
ANNA MARIA – Brian Seymour and Mark Short both want to succeed Dan Murphy as Anna Maria’s next mayor, with the winner to be determined in the upcoming election. On Sept. 12, they participated in a candidate forum hosted by The Anna Maria Island Sun at city hall.
Opening remarks
Seymour thanked Murphy for his 10-year tenure as mayor, including during the three years Seymour served as a commissioner. Seymour spent the first 38 years of his life in the Washinton D.C. area and 20 years working for Marriott hotels and resorts at many levels, from banquets to general manager.
“I decided after 20 years in the corporate world I was going to go find a new life. I couldn’t have been luckier to find this little city of Anna Maria. I own three businesses (City Pier Grill, Anna Maria General Store and Pine Avenue Bait and Tackle) and I’m eager to get back involved in city government and help the city continue to move forward,” Seymour said.
Short and his wife, Pat, bought their Anna Maria home almost 13 years ago. They’ve been married 40 years and have three daughters and four granddaughters. In 2017, Short retired as a partner and CPA after 38 years with the Ernst & Young accounting and consultancy firm. Three months later, he joined The Center of Anna Maria Island’s finance committee. In 2019, he was appointed to the city’s Charter Review Committee and then to the city’s Planning and Zoning Board.
“I served on that (the planning board) for several months until I was appointed to the city commission. I actually replaced you, Brian, when you resigned,” Short said, noting he’s been a commissioner for five years and commission chair and vice-mayor for two years.
When asked why he wants to serve as mayor, Short said, “I’ve been actively involved in the city and I’m vested in the city. I know it’s a thankless job and it is certainly not for the money. The city has come a long way. We have a long way to go and some things the city needs to focus on are things I can help with,” Short said.
“It’s definitely not for the $19,000 and change,” Seymour said of the mayor’s salary. “When I was a commissioner, it was $4,800 a year. It’s about having a place in this city and wanting to help the city continue to grow. I’m a good leader. I have good relationships with city staff and the different departments within the city.”
The candidates agree the mayor’s job is a full-time job.
“The residents have come to expect the mayor to be here,” Short said. “I am viewing this as a full-time job. If I’m elected mayor, you’ll see me here.”
“It’s about balance,” Seymour said. “I would be in and out of city hall every day. I have good leadership at my two bigger businesses and the ability to extract myself from those two businesses and implement myself here at city hall.”
The issues
A recent independent investigation of the city workplace cited a “pervasive lack of trust and collegiality amongst co-workers.”
Short said he was required to participate in annual workplace training during his career and he’d require the same of city staff. He’d also consider outsourcing the city’s human resource needs to outside specialists so city employees can express their concerns to unbiased, non-city personnel.
“With regards to managing the staff, it’s the mayor’s job and you have to be hands-on with everybody,” Short said.
“I’ve had a lot of dealings with staff issues and different personalities that maybe don’t work well together,” Seymour said. “It comes down to consistent training. There needs to be accountability and a review of the entire city staff, from the top down, to make sure people are in the right positions, given the tools they need and have proper working relationships.”
Seymour and Short disagree on hiring a full-time city administrator or city manager to assist the mayor.
Brian Seymour previously served on the city commission for three years. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“I’m very much in favor of a city administrator-type position to help oversee the city,” Seymour said, noting he’d like the administrator to have human resources experience. “It has become such a large city with so many departments and so many employees. I really believe that would be beneficial.”
“I do not believe the city needs a city manager or a city administrator,” Short countered. “If you read the city charter, that is the job of the mayor. You’re electing someone to do exactly what a city administrator or manager would do.”
Mark Short has served on the city commission for five years. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Both candidates adamantly oppose the consolidation of the three Island cities or annexing them into Manatee County or Bradenton.
Both candidates strongly support the commission’s recent decision to reduce the property tax millage rate from 2.05 to 1.65 mills and maintaining or lowering that rate in the future.
Short and Seymour agree that improving the city’s drainage system to reduce flooding is a top priority and they support Murphy’ pursuit of a resiliency grant to fund a study for the future installation of drainage pumps and pipes.
Both candidates agree the city should use Facebook and other social media platforms to communicate more immediately with residents and business owners, especially regarding weather events and other emergencies.
The candidates agree the $1.3 million budgeted for law enforcement services by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is a wise and prudent expenditure. They both believe the code enforcement department should focus on a wider range of enforcement issues beyond writing parking tickets.
Both candidates would continue Murphy’s use of a lobbyist and the Home Rule Florida website to help preserve Anna Maria’s home rule rights and the city’s ability to regulate vacation rentals.
Seymour and Short support the Reimagining Pine Avenue project and oppose eliminating the existing parallel parking spaces along Pine Avenue. They both oppose making Pine Avenue a one-way street and Seymour opposes making Spring or Magnolia a one-way street. Short said he’d at least look at making Spring or Magnolia a one-way street to create space for a bike path.
Seymour and his business partners operate the City Pier Grill in space leased from the city. The initial five-year pier lease expires on Dec. 31, 2025, and Seymour’s group has the option to renew the lease for five more years.
When asked if this could create a potential conflict of interest, Short noted the mayor’s duties include negotiating the city contracts that require the city commission’s final approval.
“I would be concerned if that contract came up and it was effectively the mayor negotiating with himself,” Short said.
“I have partners in the business,” Seymour said. “That negotiation would need to be pushed out of my hands to the vice-mayor and maybe to the city attorney and then let the city commission decide. I would not be involved with those negotiations.”
Regarding the quality of the natural waters surrounding the city, Seymour said, “It’s a shame what’s happening around us. Yes, we’ve had some significant rainfalls but for Bradenton to still be discharging (sewage) is just uncalled for. I’m tired of seeing Bayfront Park end up on the no-swim advisory. I’m not going to throw a fellow business under the bus at this moment, but there’s one that’s constantly putting sewage into the Bayfront Park area. It’s not acceptable and it needs to be fixed.”
“Water quality starts with us,” Short said. “We need to make sure our infrastructure can handle these 4-, 5-, 6-inch rains we get with minimal impact on the environment. I think we, the Island, need to collectively have our voice heard in Bradenton, in Manatee County, at the DEP and in Tallahassee about our concerns about what’s happening on the mainland. At the end of the day, that water ends up out here.”
Both candidates would support the city regulating and enforcing mangrove protections at the local level.
Closing statements
“I feel confident my friend Mark Short or I would both make excellent mayors,” Seymour said. “I am also a resident here, not just a business owner, and there are times when I do believe enough is enough. I hope you all vote for me. I look forward to potentially serving the residents.”
Short said, “I feel like I have a pretty good pulse as to what is going on with the city, the people working for the city and the concerns of you, the residents. I’ve been committed on this commission and I believe I would be just as committed should you elect me mayor.”
ANNA MARIA – Residents and visitors gathered under the City Pier Park shade sail on Sunday afternoon and evening to celebrate Thanks-Living.
Graced by perfect weather, approximately 50 people attended the annual Thanks-Living celebration that provides an opportunity to share a potluck dinner while mingling with friends and fellow community members.
This year’s bountiful food offerings included appetizers, salads, Pizza Social pizzas, sandwiches, turkey sliders, a wide array of desserts and more.
The Thanks-Living potluck dinner featured a wide variety of food. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
With assistance from the city of Anna Maria and other volunteers, Anna Maria resident Liz Hager helped organize this year’s Thanks-Living community gathering.
“We’re really glad that so many people came and it’s such a beautiful evening. This is a great place to live,” Hager said. “The city was very supportive and put up wonderful Thanks-Living signs for us in several places.”
Anna Maria City Commission Chair Mark Short welcomed the Thanks-Living attendees. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Anna Maria City Commission Chair Mark Short welcomed the attendees.
“We believe this is the fifth Thanks- Living hosted here and we appreciate everybody coming. I was in charge of the weather today. I think I did OK,” he joked.
Anna Maria Commissioner Mark Short encouraged attendees to support the Roser Food Pantry. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“This is a great event for everybody to get together and enjoy each other’s company – and for a lot of us, to catch up with people we haven’t seen in quite a while. I want to thank everybody for being here and I want to thank the people who helped put this event on. The Roser Food Pantry is here and I encourage everybody to make a donation. Enjoy yourself,” he said.
These local residents gathered for Thanks-Living. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
While gathered around a table with his wife, Dusty, and a group of friends, City Commissioner Jon Crane said, “I love small-town community events. It’s heartwarming. I’m very thankful for everybody who’s donated to the Roser Food Pantry and gave of their time to put this together. It’s a nice event.”
The Thanks-Living attendees include a group of friends from Germany who frequently visit Anna Maria.
This group of friends from Germany enjoyed Thanks-Living. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Visitor Regina Ruh said, “We’ve come many times to Anna Maria to vacation and this is my third Thanks-Living here.”
Her friend, Ute Iffland, said, “We visited the Island 10 years ago for the first time and we fell in love. On Tuesday, we were at the farmers market (also held at City Pier Park).”
Jack Brennan accepted food and monetary donations made to the Roser Food Pantry. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Roser Food Pantry Co-Chair Jack Brennan manned the food pantry donation table and later said, “It’s been a heck of a last couple weeks of raising money for the food pantry. Thanks-Living raised over $300 and we also collected some non-perishable food items. In October, the “Witch Sisters” raised over $1,200 during the Halloween celebrations. We appreciate the Island organizations and being part of this incredibly community-minded city.”
The first Thanks-Living was held in 2019 and was organized by the “For the Love of Anna Maria Island” community task force that consisted of Carol Carter, Janet Kingan,
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Bradenton Beach voters have eliminated the term limits that previously applied to the city’s mayor and city commissioners.
Bradenton Beach’s registered voters supported three other amendments to the city charter and rejected one proposed amendment.
Election results
U.S. Senator – Marco Rubio
U.S. House District 16 – Vern Buchanan
Florida Governor – Ron DeSantis
Attorney General – Ashley Moody
Chief Financial Officer – Jimmy Patronis
Commissioner of Agriculture – Wilton Simpson
State House District 70 – Mike Beltran
State House District 72 – Tommy Gregory
Manatee County Commissioner District 2 – Amanda Ballard
Manatee County Commissioner District 4 – Michael Rahn
Manatee County Commissioner At-Large – Jason Bearden
According to the unofficial election results posted at the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office website Tuesday evening, 213 voters (51.08%) supported eliminating term limits and 204 voters (49.92 %) opposed doing so.
The term limits previously set forth in the city charter limited elected officials to serving three consecutive two-year terms in the same elected office.
Eliminating term limits allows incumbent Ward 2 City Commissioner Marilyn Maro, who ran unopposed in the election, to serve a fourth consecutive term in office. Had voters retained term limits, Maro would not have been allowed to serve another consecutive term and would have term-limited out of office.
The election results allow incumbent Commissioner Marilyn Maro (shown here with her husband Ed) to serve another term in office. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Running unopposed, and not impacted by the term limit vote, Ward 4 Commissioner Ralph Cole also earned another two-year term in office.
Running unopposed, incumbent Commissioner Ralph Cole earned another term in office. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Eliminating term limits would have also resulted in Mayor John Chappie and Ward 1 Commissioner Jake Spooner term-limiting out of office in November 2023 after the completion of their current terms.
Bradenton Beach was the only city on Anna Maria Island that had term limits.
Maro and Cole will be sworn in to their next terms on Monday, Nov. 21 at 10 a.m.
Additional charter questions
Bradenton Beach voters supported charter amendment question 2, which read as follows: “The current city charter requires a ward commissioner to reside in the ward they represent. Should the city amend its charter to establish a procedure to temporarily fill the ward seat for one term with an at-large commissioner if no ward resident is available or willing to run for office?”
According to the unofficial election results, 226 voters ( 54.46%) supported charter amendment 2 and 189 voters (45.54 %) opposed it.
The election results now allow the commission to fill a short-term vacancy with an appointee that lives anywhere in the city.
Voters rejected ballot question 3, which read as follows: “The current city charter requires the city to provide a special election to fill a vacancy that results in more than six months from a resignation required by Section 99.012, Florida Statutes. Should the charter be amended to allow for all vacancies to be appointed by the city commission?”
According to the unofficial election results, 253 voters (61.26%) opposed this proposed charter amendment and 160 voters (38.74%) supported it.
Retaining this charter provision means the city must continue to hold a special election to fill any commission seat being vacated for more than six months.
By a one-vote margin, Bradenton Beach voters supported charter amendment question 1, which read as follows: “Currently the city charter vests authority in three arbitrators to hold forfeiture of office proceedings against an elected official with costs to be borne by the city. Should the city revise its charter to eliminate the three arbitrator-panel procedure and replace it with the former forfeiture provision utilizing the city commission to conduct the proceedings?”
According to the unofficial election results, 206 voters (50.12%) voters supported this charter amendment and 205 voters (49.88 %) opposed it.
The results mean the city commission can now initiate forfeiture of office proceedings against a sitting commission member without using outside arbitrators. Removing an elected official from office still requires the majority support of the city’s registered voters.
Logistical in nature, charter amendment 5 pertained to commission actions that require a city ordinance. The ballot question read as follows: “Currently the city charter sets forth actions requiring an ordinance. Should the city amend the charter to remove employee personnel benefits and procedures from this section and require actions of the city regarding employee personnel benefits and procedures to be adopted in a public meeting through a resolution of the commission?”
According to the unofficial election results, 237 voters (59.10%) voters this charter amendment and 164 voters (40.9%) opposed it. Approval of this amendment streamlines the manner in which city employee benefits and employee procedures are addressed by the commission.
The charter amendments were proposed earlier this summer by the city commission-appointed charter review committee that was guided in its review process by City Attorney Ricinda Perry. The city commission then unanimously supported placing the five committee-recommended charter amendment questions on the ballot.
Anna Maria
Running unopposed, incumbent Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and incumbent city commissioners Deanie Sebring and Mark Short earned additional two-year terms in office. The trio will be sworn in during the commission’s organization meeting on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 1:30 p.m.
Holmes Beach
Running unopposed, first-time candidates Dan Diggins and Greg Kerchner won seats on the Holmes Beach City Commission. Incumbent Commissioner Kim Rash did not seek reelection and incumbent Commissioner Jayne Christenson withdrew from the race after she qualified to seek reelection. Diggins and Kerchner are to be sworn in Wednesday morning, Nov. 9.
ANNA MARIA – City commissioners have asked Mayor Dan Murphy to approach Mote Marine for a final proposal outlining its plans to create a Marine Educational Outreach Center at the end of the City Pier.
The proposed 1,800-square-foot center would be operated by Sarasota-based Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium inside the vacant, city-owned building next to the City Pier Grill & Bait Shop. The vacant building is one of two city-owned buildings constructed at the T-end of the pier during the pier replacement project completed in 2020.
The Mote Marine facility is one of several potential uses presented during a special city commission meeting held inside the vacant building on Feb. 10. Additional options included a full-service restaurant, a special events venue, a retail shop or some combination of those uses. The commission then held a follow-up meeting Wednesday, Feb. 17 at which Commissioner Mark Short cast the only opposition vote to the exclusive pursuit of the Mote Marine facility.
Options considered
On Feb. 10, Mote Marine representatives proposed a Marine Educational Outreach Center that would require the city to raise $500,000 of the anticipated $555,000 needed for the initial design and installation.
The proposal calls for Mote Marine to cover an estimated $444,000 in annual operating costs, including $303,212 for staffing. The proposal requests that the city pay an estimated $9,500 per year in utility bills and does not offer the city any monthly lease payments.
Mayor Dan Murphy led the Feb. 17 discussion held inside the vacant pier building. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
When reviewing those options on Feb. 17, Murphy discussed other options, including a special events venue that he estimated would generate $60,000 to $75,000 in annual revenues for the city and cost the city and its taxpayers an estimated $275,000 to make the building habitable for that use.
Murphy said it might cost slightly less than that to complete the city’s portion of the buildout and improvements needed for a full-service restaurant offering 50 to 60 seats and limited storage capacity.
In 2020, Ugly Grouper LCC offered to lease both pier buildings and some additional outdoor deck space for $14,000 per month. The commission rejected that offer.
Murphy estimated a retail shop would generate approximately $70,000 in annual revenues for the city and require the city to spend $175,000 to $200,000 to ready the building.
Murphy then presented an additional option not discussed at the previous meeting – a covered, open-air cantina that would require the demolition of three existing exterior walls, with the bar and office located near the remaining wall. Murphy estimated an open-air cantina could generate between $55,000 and $75,000 in annual revenues for the city and the city would incur an estimated $225,000 to $250,000 in demolition and buildout costs.
This simple floor plan illustrates the potential layout of an open-air cantina located on the City Pier. – City of Anna Maria | Submitted
Murphy noted the cantina would potentially compete with the City Pier Grill – whose operators currently pay the city $6,000 per month to lease the smaller pier building.
“Is the purpose of government to compete with businesses or is it to complement businesses? My feeling is government should do what the private industry can’t do. I think we need to complement businesses,” Murphy said.
When providing public input, City Pier Grill operator Brian Seymour noted his partnership group’s lease with the city allows them to bid on any proposed use of the currently vacant building. Seymour said if his group was selected to operate an open-air cantina that could complement their existing business.
“If it’s a different vendor over here it would definitely be competition, and would probably hurt both businesses,” he added.
Seymour said a regular full-service restaurant with such limited seating capacity would likely have to be expensive to be profitable.
Murphy acknowledged Seymour’s group does have the right of first refusal for any option the city chooses for the other building, providing they can provide the same services the city desires for that additional space.
Murphy said the purpose of the day’s meeting was to narrow down the potential options and provide him with direction as to which option or options to pursue.
Commission comments
Commissioner Jon Crane said the Mote Marine proposal would enhance the city while also enhancing environmental awareness.
“I hear from some people that we ought to maximize the potential of all exploitable resources. That’s not the mission of this commission, although I don’t think we should be wasting money either. I do think with clever negotiation skills the mayor might be able to come up with something with the Mote people where we might get a buck or two,” he said.
Short said he was intrigued by the open-air cantina concept and he doesn’t share the mayor’s desire to narrow down the options at this time. Instead, he suggested issuing a broad request for proposals (RFP) seeking bids for any proposed use of the pier building.
“After the meeting last week, I felt like everyone had made up their mind without knowing enough information. I still believe today there’s not enough information for us to make up our minds,” Short said.
Commissioner Mark Short does not feel the options should be limited this early in the selection process. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Commission Chair Carol Carter said she opposes another protracted RFP process similar to the previous RFPs that failed to produce a suitable tenant for the still-vacant building.
Crane said evaluating a broad range of RFP responses would be comparing “apples to oranges.”
Citing 45 years of fundraising experience, Carter said the Manatee County Tourist Development Council is not the only potential funding source for the proposed Mote Marine facility. She suggested the Manatee Community Foundation and private donors might also provide funding.
Public support
When expressing her support for the Mote Marine proposal, Anna Maria Island Historical Society President Liz Hager said, “We think it would be a great complement to what we do. It clearly shows the city and the Island care as much about the environment and history as they do the beaches.”
Longtime Anna Maria resident John Dicks said he’s thrilled with the Mote Marine proposal and he considers the City Pier to be a “community treasure” that should provide the public with a place to be enjoyed by people of all ages.
“I believe there would be an upsurge of people on this Island, myself included, who would want to make contributions to see that happen,” Dicks said.
He also suggested local businesses might be willing to sponsor the various Mote Marine exhibits.
Commission decision
When expressing his support for the Mote Marine proposal, Commissioner Joe Muscatello said, “I look at this the same way I would look at a city park. We’re not in this to make money – and even if we have to spend city money to get this going, I think we should.”
Muscatello said the open-air cantina intrigued him too, but that option wasn’t considered when a previous commission approved the pier design.
Muscatello made the motion for Murphy to proceed with getting a final proposal from Mote Marine. Crane seconded the motion and Carter and Commissioner Deanie Sebring also supported it.
Short opposed the motion and made a separate motion to pursue the open-air cantina as a second option. His motion died without a second from another commissioner. Murphy said the cantina concept could be further evaluated if the Mote Marine proposal doesn’t pan out. He also noted the Mote Marine proposal is not a simple undertaking.
“I’m going to have to manage the buildout of this space. I’m also responsible for going out and getting funding. That takes a lot of time, so I would like my efforts focused in one direction,” he said, noting he would provide the commission with an initial status update on Thursday, Feb. 25.
ANNA MARIA – Doris “Deanie” Sebring is now an Anna Maria City Commissioner.
Anna Maria resident Sharon Wisniewski also applied to serve the two-year commission term vacated by Commissioner Amy Tripp when she moved to North Carolina earlier this year after qualifying to run unopposed in the November election.
Sebring’s appointment took place during the commission’s Thursday, Dec. 3 organizational meeting at which Commissioner Mark Short and Mayor Dan Murphy were first sworn into their new two-year terms in office after running unopposed. Commissioner Carol Carter was then appointed to serve as commission chair for another year, with Short serving as vice-chair.
Mayor Dan Murphy was sworn into another two-year term in office. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Commissioner Mark Short will serve another term on the city commission. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Before the vacant commission seat was filled, Sebring and Wisniewski had five minutes each to address the commission.
Going first, and accompanied by her diabetic-alert dog Humphrey, Sebring said she and her husband, Tripp, moved to Anna Maria four years ago.
“We chose to move here and build our forever home because we love the feel of the city, the quaintness of the small, hometown businesses and the feeling of being safe. I have no hidden agenda or political interests other than to serve the community,” she said.
“Anna Maria is a major tourist destination. While I knew that when I moved here, I also understand that we can’t let tourists’ interests overpower the interests of the people who call Anna Maria home. There has to be a healthy balance between tourism and businesses and the residents,” Sebring said.
Sebring said she supports the home rule rights the commission has thus far managed to preserve, despite the annual challenges from the state legislature.
“I feel it’s important to have local authority over rentals. You cannot effectively rule when you’re so far removed,” Sebring said.
“I also would like to continue the progress the city has made with regards to sidewalks. In a beach community that is mainly a walking town, I think sidewalks are a necessity. Not to mention, motorists are trying to dodge huge potholes and maneuver flooded streets. I’d like to find a way to make our streets safer for residents and our visitors and I do have ideas for that,” Sebring said.
Doris “Deanie” Sebring listed sidewalks, streets and local vacation rental regulation as some of her top priorities. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Sebring said she grew up in Louisiana and helped run the family business. At the age of 18, she moved to California and began working in the accounting department of an automobile dealership that later named her general manager.
When she was 32, she moved to Tampa, opened her own business and developed a clientele that consisted of more than 550 auto dealerships throughout the United States. In doing so, she invented and marketed an email- and Q-code-based database as part of a lost key recovery program utilized by consumers and auto dealerships at a time when people were still leery of sharing their email addresses.
“While running my business in Tampa, I raised three children on my own. I was board member of the garden club in the historic south Tampa district and was a key member of the fundraising team. I wrote for the magazine Hyde Parking Living. I’ve written two children’s books and I’ve done the children’s circuit for Barnes & Noble. Since moving to the Island, I have been active with the Anna Maria Garden Club,” Sebring said.
“I’m organized, I’m dependable, I’m dedicated and up for the task. I love this island as much as anyone here in this room and I want to preserve the beauty, the character and quaintness that brought me and my family here to remain forever,” Sebring said.
Wisniewski’s qualifications
Wisniewski said her husband’s family ties on Anna Maria Island date back to the 1950s.
“We love living here and we currently live in the house my husband’s grandfather built in 1959,” she said.
Wisniewski said their daughter and son-in-law are the owners/operators of the Pizza Social restaurant on Pine Avenue.
Sharon Wisniewski cited her military experience when addressing the city commission. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“I was a commissioned officer in the United States Army for 31 years. I retired as a full colonel. We retired in 2014 and became full-time residents here in Anna Maria in 2015,” she said.
Wisniewski said her military service provided her with a wide range of experience and knowledge regarding budgets, facilities, personnel, staffing, recruiting and more.
“My background is human resource management, but as an officer, you’re often asked to do things out of your comfort zone. I’ve managed budgets from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars,” she said.
She also said she managed upwards of 350 people at a time who were dispersed over a wide geographic area.
Appointment made
After the applicants spoke, Murphy said, “We are very fortunate as a city, and as a municipal government, to have two very highly qualified candidates to consider for this position. You have such unique and fantastic backgrounds, both of you.”
Carter, Short and commissioners Jon Crane and Joe Muscatello were then asked to rank Sebring and Wisniewski as their first and second choices. Crane, Muscatello and Short ranked Sebring as their first choice. Carter ranked Wisniewski as her first choice and the appointment went to Sebring.
Updated July 3, 2020 – ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy and the Anna Maria City Commission have extended the city’s mandatory mask order for another seven days.
The emergency mask order originally enacted on June 25 as City Order #33 was amended during a special commission meeting Thursday morning. The amended order, City Order #36, is now posted at the city website.
Similar to the original mask order, the amended and extended order only applies to certain indoor places. But City Order #36 also includes new recommendations regarding outdoor waiting areas and vacation rentals.
“Every person working, living, visiting or doing business in the city of Anna Maria shall wear a face covering in any indoor location, other than their home or residence, when not maintaining social distancing from other persons, excluding family members or companions,” the amended order says.
The order lists the following exceptions:
Children under the age of two years;
People for whom a face covering would cause impairment due to an existing health condition;
People working in a business or profession who do not have interactions with other people;
People working in an office when all interactions with others are done with social distancing as recommended by the CDC;
People eating and/or drinking at a restaurant; provided, however, that face coverings must otherwise be worn in restaurants.
City Order #36 includes new language that says, “Businesses are requested to strongly encourage face coverings and social distancing for customers and persons waiting in line outdoors for service. Also, vacation rental owners and management companies are requested to give out informational material, such as a copy of this order, to each of their vacation rental customers upon check-in.”
A violation of the mask order is punishable by a code enforcement citation that carries a $50 fine per violation. During Thursday’s meeting, Murphy said no citations had been issued for mask violations to date and the city had not received any complaints about non-compliance.
When Thursday’s discussion began, Murphy addressed expanding the order to include outdoor public spaces.
“It’s very difficult for me to tell you that you have to stay 6 feet away from your husband or your wife or your child while you’re on vacation outdoors in the state of Florida. I think it would be nice if everybody wore face masks, but I don’t think we can infringe upon people’s personal rights that much. And I know we can’t enforce it. I think it’s going too far,” Murphy said.
Outdoor waiting areas
The new language regarding outdoor waiting areas arose from concerns raised by commissioners Jon Crane and Mark Short, based on what they’ve seen outside some restaurants and other food establishments, including ice cream shops.
Crane suggested expanding the mask order to include outdoor waiting areas, but the commission did not go that far.
Commissioner Jon Crane expressed concerns about outdoor waiting areas at restaurants. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Commissioner Joe Muscatello asked if the city was going to encourage that masks be worn on the City Pier. The commission did not address the pier in its amended mask order, but Murphy said free masks are available at the pier entryway when the pier is open.
Commissioner Amy Tripp agreed with Crane and Short, but said enforcement of the outdoor waiting areas would be challenging. She recommended calling on business owners and patrons to use common sense instead.
Muscatello shared feedback he received from business owners.
“They don’t want to see a shutdown and they would go along with anything we came up with that was helpful,” he said.
Muscatello also provided personal perspective as a city resident.
“We seem to be so focused on the tourists. I think our first priority ought to be the residents. I pay a hell of a lot of property taxes to live here and I’m afraid to go to my own beach. We are here to serve the 1,500 people who live here and not the 40,000 people who come here to visit. I feel like a prisoner in my own home,” he said.
Commissioner Joe Muscatello said residents need to be the city’s first priority. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Commission Chair Carol Carter suggested the non-binding language regarding outdoor waiting areas. She said face coverings in waiting areas not only protect patrons, but they protect the employees too.
“When we heard about places that closed, it’s been because an employee has shown signs of being infected with COVID,” Short added.
Regarding outdoor waiting areas, Murphy said, “The message should be we don’t want to legislate something – and that we will if we have to. The onus is at the point of contact at the restaurant itself to make sure this is done, not city hall.”
Under the local state of emergency, Murphy has the authority to extend the mask order every seven days without calling a special commission meeting to do so.
Murphy said the updated mask order would be emailed to business owners and vacation rental owners and agents.
To assist businesses, the city is offering free signs that reference the mask order. To request those signs email depclerk@cityofannamaria.com.
These signs now appear at the Waterfront Restaurant & Craft Bar and other restaurants and businesses in Anna Maria. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
ANNA MARIA – Mark Short has been appointed to fill the Anna Maria City Commission seat formerly held by Brian Seymour, who resigned in August.
Short will serve the remainder of the two-year commission term that expires in November 2020.
On Thursday, Sept. 26, Commissioners Carol Carter, Doug Copeland, Amy Tripp and Dale Woodland unanimously selected Short over fellow candidate Jack Bergbom.
The appointment process began with a request for public comment, but there was none. Mayor Dan Murphy introduced the two candidates who applied to fill the vacant commission seat, noting that Bergbom was not present, although the clerk’s office had notified him of the meeting.
Turning to Short, Murphy said Short was currently a member of the city’s Planning and Zoning Board and has lived in Anna Maria long enough to have “sand in his shoes.” Short also served on the city’s Charter Review Commission earlier this year.
Short addressed the commission before the selection process took place. He said he and his wife, Pat, have owned their Anna Maria home since 2012. Two years ago, he retired after a 38-year career in the field of mergers and acquisitions and also as a Certified Public Accountant.
“I’ve always been one to get involved wherever we’ve been,” Short said, noting that he also became a member of The Center’s financial committee in 2018.
In addition to his financial background, Short said he thought being a newer resident of the city would bring a new perspective to the commission.
City Clerk LeAnne Addy then provided the four commissioners with a ballot form on which they were asked to individually rank the two candidates in terms of their first and second choices. The ballot also contained a “none of the above” option.
All four commissioners ranked Short as their first choice and Bergbom as their second choice.
“Congratulations Mr. Short,” Murphy said after Addy tallied the results.
Before being sworn in, Short tendered his written resignation from the Planning and Zoning Board. Addy then administered the oath of office and Short took his seat on the dais to participate in the rest of the meeting.
Mark Short takes the oath of office administered by City Clerk LeAnne Addy. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
During the commissioners’ reports toward the end of his first meeting, Short said, “I’m looking forward to being on the commission and working with all of you.”
“Thank you for stepping up,” Murphy said.
“Yes, absolutely. Thank you,” Carter added.
Another appointment pending
After the city elections conclude in November, Short, Tripp, commissioner-elect Carter and commissioner-elect Jon Crane will appoint someone to fill the seat to be vacated by Woodland.
Carter and former Planning and Zoning Board Chair Crane are running unopposed in the 2019 city elections. Woodland sought re-election but failed to qualify when he paid his qualifying fee with a personal check instead of with a check issued from a registered campaign account.
After the two-week qualifying period closed, Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Mike Bennett told Woodland he’d been withdrawn from the race for the city’s three available commission seats.
Woodland said he hopes to be reappointed to serve another term. After the November elections, Woodland’s newly-vacated seat will be filled using the same application and appointment process used to fill Seymour’s vacant seat.
