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City to make offer on Gloria Dei property

City to make offer on Gloria Dei property

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

HOLMES BEACH – Mayor Judy Titsworth is authorized to make an initial $3 million offer for the city’s proposed purchase of the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church property.

The 6,437-square-foot church building and 3-acre, three-parcel property at 6608 Marina Drive were last used for church services in January and the city is being given the first chance to buy it before it is listed on the open market.

The property carries Public/Semi- Public (PSP) zoning and future land use designations that don’t allow residential or commercial development.

City officials hope to purchase the building and property and use it as a public facility that also provides additional public green space. If sold to another buyer, city commission ap­proval would be needed to rezone the property for residential or commercial development.

City to make offer on Gloria Dei property
If purchased, the three-parcel church property would provide additional green space for public use. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Three valuation appraisals have been obtained – one by the seller and two by the city. The seller’s appraisal assumes the property would be rezoned for commercial or residential development. The city’s appraisals assume the current zoning and future land use designations will remain the same.

In late March, City Com­missioner Terry Schaefer, Development Services Director Chad Minor and Public Works Director Sage Kamiya met with George Thurlow, the attorney representing the Florida-Bahamas Synod that holds the title to the church property. They were told the appraisal obtained by the property owner values the building and property at $9.9 million.

On May 8, Westrock Ap­praisal provided Titsworth with an 87-page market valua­tion analysis appraisal report that values the building and property at $2.1 million. On May 20, Bluemark Valuation Advisors provided Minor with a 113-page appraisal report that values the building and property at $2.77 million.

The Bluemark appraisal says, “Originally constructed in 1960, the building has undergone renovations over the years. However, at the time of inspection, it was judged to be in fair condition, with visible signs of deferred maintenance. At the time of inspection, deferred maintenance was observed throughout the structure, largely due to the initiation of interior demolition intended to mitigate flood damage caused by Hurricane Helene in September 2024. The demolition, which began shortly after the storm to prevent mold and related issues, revealed various forms of storm-related damage. Notable conditions included missing drywall, damaged doors, deteriorated bath­rooms, damaged roof covers and missing kitchen cabinets among other deficiencies. Based on visual observations, some minor renovations have been initiated since the event; however, no cost estimates were provided to address the remaining repairs.”

Commission authorization

On May 27, City Commission Chair Dan Diggins asked the commission to authorize the mayor to make an initial offer on the building and property.

Based on the higher of the two appraisals the city obtained, City Attorney Erica Augello suggested the com­mission authorize Titsworth to make a $2.7 million initial offer that could serve as a starting point for further nego­tiations if needed. If Titsworth and the property owners can agree on a price, Titsworth would then need commission authorization to move forward with the purchase.

Schaefer made a motion to authorize the mayor to make a $3 million “good faith offer” on the church property and he estimated the interest rate on a long-term loan would likely be in the 6.75% to 7% range.

“I have total confidence in her ability to negotiate the best deal,” Commissioner Carol Soustek said before the com­mission voted 4-1 in support of Schaefer’s motion. Diggins voted no because the $3 million offer exceeds the $2.77 million Bluemark appraisal.

When contacted later in the week, Titsworth said, “I thank the commissioners for support­ing my vision of securing this property for the community. We have much public support for this purchase and it will be a true asset to the city if we are able to come to a mutually agreeable purchase agreement. My hope is that we can seek assistance from the community and our local construction industry to repair the building so we can secure a home for our displaced preschool as quickly as possible.”

Public input

School For Constructive Play owner and former church building tenant Kelly Stewart expressed her support for the purchase. After being displaced from the church building due to damage sustained during Hur­ricane Helene, the Island’s only preschool currently operates at The Center of Anna Maria Island in Anna Maria. Kelly hopes to form a private-public partner­ship with the city to return her preschool to its former location.

City to make offer on Gloria Dei property
School For Constructive Play owner Kelly Stewart hopes to return her preschool to its former location on the church property. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“Although The Center has been a huge blessing during this time after the storm, our littlest Island citizens need a secure place that is their own,” she told the commission.

When Diggins asked about enrollment numbers, Stewart said she currently has 50-60 students and another 15-20 students on a waiting list.

She said her preschool clientele includes families that live on the Island and parents that work on the Island and returning to the church building would help ensure the Island-based preschool continues to serve as a feeder school for Anna Maria Elementary.

“I implore you to keep this property in the hands of the community,” she said.

City to make offer on Gloria Dei property
The church building’s uniquely-shaped roof is missing some shingles. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

When expressing her support for the purchase, city resident and Planning Commissioner Gale Tedhams said, “I have different reasons. I think it’s an iconic building. I looked up the architect. He is famous in this area. I’m afraid if we don’t get it, it will be torn down and we’ll lose a very historic, iconic building.”

Victor Lundy designed the triangular-shaped church building that features a unique and memorable roof configura­tion. Lundy was part of the Sarasota School of Architecture architectural movement that was active from 1941 to 1966.

Tedhams supports the building and property being used for “cultural, artistic and peaceful” purposes that benefit the community.

Related coverage:
City officials discuss buying Gloria Dei property

Gloria Dei church closes, property to be sold

Gloria Dei church closes, property to be sold

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Churches, Community News, Featured, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – Gloria Dei Lutheran Church has closed and city officials hope to purchase the building and property if financially feasible.

On Jan. 18, the church hosted a Holy Closure service as its final service. The church and its 3-acre property will be put on the market and the Florida-Bahamas Synod of the Evan­gelical Lutheran Church of America is handling the sale.

According to a message shared at the Gloria Dei website, “On Jan. 1, the Synod Council assumed responsibility for all decisions re­lated to the property, its contents and the transition process. The congregation of Gloria Dei will no longer be an active congregation. Continued worship at Gloria Dei for any additional time is not feasible.”

The message includes a statement from Tampa-based Bishop’s Assistant Rev. Ron Rose: “We were warmly invited to attend and participate in worship at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bradenton. This congrega­tion is dealing with similar issues affecting small congregations every­where. They look forward to getting to know us and to exploring future possibilities. We want to maintain the close bonds and support we have as a church family. We can continue to worship together at Redeemer as we plan for a successful transition to a new congregation.”

Video of the final service is posted at the church’s Facebook page, accom­panied by a single comment from Elle Orr that says, “A sad day for sure.”

 City interest

When discussing the pursuit of resiliency grants and other state and federal funds with city commissioners on Jan. 14, Mayor Judy Titsworth mentioned the church closure and the future sale of the building and property at 6608 Marina Drive.

Gloria Dei church closes, property to be sold
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church recently hosted its Holy Closure farewell service. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Titsworth wants to pursue the finan­cial assistance needed to purchase the property for use as city-owned green space. The potential funding sources include a federal FEMA grant, a state appropriation or revenues from the county commission-controlled tourist development tax fund. Titsworth said Congressman Vern Buchanan already offered his assistance.

Titsworth said the city might have to put some “ skin in the game” as well and that could entail taking out a loan or dipping into the city’s reserve fund.

“Three acres? This is our one chance to get a great place like that. That’s what I think reserves are for,” she said.

Commissioner Carol Whitmore said that Sen. Jim Boyd told her that Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to reduce the state appropriations given to local governments this year.

City Director of Development Services Chad Minor said he recently spoke with Rose about the pending sale.

“I expressed our interest in having a seat at the table as they consider future plans for that property,” Minor said. “Once they get their appraisal, they will be putting it on the market. They have a responsibility to their group and they’re going to get the highest and best price they can for that property; and we’re more than welcome to throw our hat in the ring.”

Titsworth said the green space could be used for art festivals, a farmers market and other public uses.

“It’s something that could be a trea­sure for the people that live out here,” she said, noting the property could also be used as a temporary hurricane debris staging area if needed.

Gloria Dei church closes, property to be sold
The School For Constructive Play preschool is displaced by the church closure. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Whitmore said the School For Constructive Play is displaced from the church building and is temporarily operating at The Center of Anna Maria Island and pursuing the licensing needed to operate a preschool there.

When contacted by The Sun, The Center’s Executive Director Chris Culhane said the School For Con­structive Play obtained a temporary displacement permit from the state Department of Children and Families and they are working with DCF to obtain the permits and licensing needed to keep the preschool there if needed.

Titsworth said she will work with Minor, Public Works Superintendent Sage Kamiya and the city’s lobbyist to identify the most favorable uses of the building and property in terms of pursuing federal, state or county funding.

“Things like green space, soccer fields, a public-private partnership with an art league, allowing the school back in. Something where it can still be used for the community,” Titsworth said.

Regarding the church’s architecture and unique roof structure, she said, “It’s a landmark. I’d like to rehab the building and get it back to its glory. It’s a gorgeous building.”

Minor noted the property carries public/semi-public zoning and future land use designations. Commissioner Dan Diggins asked if the property could be used for commercial pur­poses. Minor said that would require a comprehensive plan amendment, a future land use map amendment and a rezoning amendment.

Titsworth noted that about six years ago, the church leaders sought to rezone a portion of the property to allow the construction of residential duplexes. Those efforts failed because the commission wanted that property to retain its public/semi-public land use and zoning designations.

Bringing the informal discussion to a close, Commissioner Terry Schaefer said, “We need to be prepared when we get the nod to sit at the table. I’m also working on other sources of funding this. If we get that chance, we don’t want to be in a position to say we’re interested but we don’t know how to fund it.”

School for Constructive Play’s next chapter

School for Constructive Play’s next chapter

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Community News, Schools.

HOLMES BEACH – The School for Constructive Play (SCP) has been an Island landmark for decades, with hundreds of little feet walking through the school’s doors over the years.

The original preschool opened in 1989, and the institution as so many know it has been under the thoughtful care of Pam Bertrand.

Bertrand started at SCP as a substitute teacher and raised three of her children in the original little schoolhouse on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria. In 1995, she started working full-time at the school, eventually running the programs.

A decade later, she had the opportunity to buy the school from Maria Richards, and, as Bertrand says, “The rest is history.”

Fast forward two decades later and a move to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church on Marina Drive in Holmes Beach, and Manatee County native Kelly Stewart is ready to step into the shoes of “Teacher Pam” as the new owner of the School for Constructive Play.

Stewart, a former student at the preschool and graduate of Manatee High School, started working as a full-time teacher in 2019. With a good amount of the early childhood education curriculum completed, Stewart said, “I decided to take a job at the preschool when Teacher Rainia moved,” after Bertrand asked for her assistance while the search for a new teacher began. The temporary job soon became permanent, and the next chapter of the preschool began.

“When Teacher Pam asks you for something, you say absolutely, what do you need?” Stewart said.

Stewart’s life at the School for Constructive Play began by entering Teacher Pam’s classroom when she was only a year old in 1997 and continued until she graduated from the school to attend Anna Maria Elementary School. The family history of working or attending the school included Stewart’s brother, Cory, who started at SCP when he was 3 years old.

School for Constructive Play’s next chapter
New School for Constructive Play owner Kelly Stewart (top row, far left) with her class and teacher Pam Bertrand, circa 2001. – Submitted

Stewart would often find herself walking through the doors to help, volunteer or visit, and eventually, work. Currently working with the 1- and 2-year-olds, Stewart recalls having frequent conversations with Bertrand about the love of the school and the people who make it so special.

Even a short move recently to California could not keep her away from the SCP. Quickly moving back, the final decision was made that she would be the successor to the tradition of the preschool, with big shoes to fill.

Those who have raised their kids in the area have heard the legendary stories surrounding the fun the children have had over the years at the preschool. Not only the parents and students have fond memories of Teacher Pam, but the teachers who have worked with and for her consider her family.

Friends and co-workers Barb Burgess and Chrissy McCracken have had years of working side by side with Bertrand. Burgess said, “Pam is like a sister from another mother… truly an amazing friend, mom and teacher.”

“Teacher Pam is such a strong woman, is always smiling and has one of the kindest hearts you will ever come across,” McCracken said.

More recent additions to the teaching staff are equally as fond of Teacher Pam. Long-time SCP parent, friend and now teacher Dina Franklin recalls her son’s experience.

“Tyler was so lucky to have had the experience of learning and growing up in SCP with Pam and all the other wonderful teachers during that time.”

One of the newer teachers, Gracie Lewis, expressed her memories of Teacher Pam.

“(She) welcomed me with open arms and always treated me like family,” she said. Recalling the respect everyone has for Bertrand, Lewis said, “When Teacher Pam asks you to get into the dumpster, you get into the dumpster.”

Countless former parents, students and SCP teachers have the same sentiments toward Teacher Pam. Former students who eventually became teachers at the preschool, Rainia Lardas and Gussie Lardas, definitely echo the message of their counterparts.

“Pam is my forever boss. She is not only so knowledgeable but also so kind,” Rainia Lardas said. To this day, Bertrand is her first phone call if she has a question about childcare.

Gussie Lardas, now an elementary school teacher in Manatee County, recalls, “I have known Pam my whole life. She gave me my first job at SCP when I was 16. Working at the preschool with Pam has taught me a lot about the type of teacher I want to be for my students.”

For Bertrand, the small events that made the students excited about learning are highlights of a wonderful career. From visits by farm animals, firemen and Santa Claus to learning to write their names, each memory lives bright in her mind.

Stewart plans to continue the preschool’s traditions and environment of fun while learning. While she plans to stay in the classroom during the transition, she hopes to be able to focus on developing the program and strengthening the school. Staying as a familiar face in the classroom and being a support to all of the teachers is important to her.

Accepting children as young as a year old, SCP prepares Island area kids for elementary school with VPK classes for 4- and 5-year-old children. The preschool has more than 15 years of VPK instructional experience with limited seating each year.

Stewart hopes the school can eventually bring back the afterschool program for young elementary school students.

“My goal is to grow and eventually expand SCP while maintaining that sparkle that makes this place so special,” Stewart said.

“Turning the preschool over to Kelly Stewart is an honor,” Bertrand said.

Preparing to hand over the brightly lit torch for the School for Constructive Play, she sends a message to the Island community.

“I could never thank the parents enough for allowing me to be a part of their child’s life,” she said. “I have truly been blessed. All of the children have given me so much joy and happiness. Their love, humor and pure honesty is unmatched. I have had the best job. I shouldn’t even call it a job, it’s joy.”

The importance of socializing your child early

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Guest column, Opinion.

By Pam Bertrand

As the director at School For Constructive Play, my 30ish years in early childhood education have produced many parent questions.

Some questions are asked in a panic, “She touched a banana pepper during dinner and must have touched her face because it’s on fire. What do I do?!” The answer to this question is to take a deep breath, get some milk, and put it on her face. The child in this story was 100% OK; her face is as fresh as a daisy, and to repay me for my awesome advice, she eventually came to work for me. She, too, would one day pass that wisdom on to another frantic parent like her mother.

Other questions are asked in less of a panic and more in regard to the philosophy at our little Island preschool. Among the most common question is, “According to your philosophy, what are the benefits of socializing my child early?”

By socializing your child early and implementing a play-based learning strategy, you are helping them to:

  • Develop a positive self-image. This enables a child to be successful in a learning environment and provides the building blocks for personal development throughout the child’s life.
  • Learn to handle their emotions in an appropriate way. Children have strong feelings. They are often confusing and beyond their control. By socializing your child early, you are helping them learn to understand, label and express their feelings towards themselves and others in appropriate ways.
  • Develop a sense of personal responsibility. When children are given opportunities to make choices and solve problems with others, they begin to learn how the world around them operates and how they function in it. In a safe and loving environment, children begin to learn their actions have consequences not just for themselves but for others as well.
  • Learn to trust and care about those around them. Through the relationships they make by socializing with their peers and teachers, children begin to develop the ability to give and receive affection and understanding. They start to learn to trust themselves and others around them.