ANNA MARIA – Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells and other members of the sheriff’s office expressed their appreciation for former Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and his 10 years in office.
During the Dec. 12 Anna Maria City Commission meeting, Capt. Lou Licata presented Murphy with a plaque on Wells’ behalf, accompanied by Lt. John Belt and Sgt. Brett Getman from the sheriff’s office Anna Maria Unit.
“This is in recognition of Mayor Murphy’s service to the city of Anna Maria,” Getman said.
Licata then said, “We wanted to make sure you got the proper recognition that you deserve from the sheriff’s office. You’ve always been a huge advocate for us and for the unit out here. It doesn’t go unnoticed or unappreciated. I definitely appreciate it and I know Sgt. Getman does, as well as Lt. Belt and all the way up to the sheriff.”
Licata read aloud the inscription on the plaque presented to Murphy for his exemplary leadership that began in November 2014 and ended on Nov. 19.
“His commitment, vision and tireless support profoundly impacted our community,” the plaque says, noting Murphy’s partnership with the sheriff’s office strengthened public safety and created a safer city for its residents and visitors. The plaque expresses Wells’ and his office’s gratitude and offers best wishes for Murphy in his retirement.
“Thank you very much. I am enjoying my retirement. I’m honored that I received such a beautiful plaque,” Murphy said.
Murphy then thanked Mayor Mark Short and the reconfigured city commission for the farewell ceremony that took place on Nov. 19. Murphy couldn’t attend the ceremony because he was hospitalized at the time, but he was able to later watch it in its entirety via Facebook video. During the ceremony, Short proclaimed Dec. 20, 2024 (Murphy’s 80th birthday) to be “Mayor Dan Murphy Day” in Anna Maria.
“I emotionally probably couldn’t have handled it had I been here,” Murphy said. “But laying in that bed, I only could think of how grateful I was to have worked with each one of you and how much we accomplished over the years – you and the staff.”
Referencing the mythical King Arthur and his court while expressing gratitude for his own decade in office, Murphy said, “It was just remarkable. It was a piece of Camelot.”
Murphy mentioned the strong alliance the city and the sheriff’s office have forged during the many years the sheriff’s office has served as the city’s contracted law enforcement agency, which he noted was the only such alliance in Manatee County.
“It has worked so well and it’s proven itself time and time again,” Murphy said, noting the sheriff’s office helped the city through six hurricanes and a pandemic during his time as mayor.
He said contracting the sheriff’s office continues to be a cost-effective means to provide the city with a law enforcement agency that offers a wide array of services and resources.
“I hope you’re able to keep that alliance live and well,” he told the new mayor and commission.
In conclusion, Murphy said, “Without any further ado, I’m going to boogie out of here,” which he did, shaking hands with many in attendance as he exited the commission chambers.
MANATEE COUNTY – Commissioners have unanimously approved the county’s 2021-22 fiscal year budget, which will take effect when the new fiscal year begins on Oct. 1.
When adopting the budget on Tuesday, Aug. 14, commissioners also approved a plan set forth by County Administrator Scott Hopes that will reduce by .2 mills the ad valorem property tax rate assessed by the county next year. According to a press release issued by the county last week, this will be Manatee County’s first property tax cut since 2008.
The millage rate decrease will result in many owners seeing an approximate $50 decrease in their next property tax bill, according to another release.
“The millage reduction is made possible largely by another year of significant increases in local property values. Under the current tax rate, rising values would have resulted in a $21 million increase in revenues over the current fiscal year. Instead, commissioners unanimously approved the .2 mill reduction, which returns $8.3 million to taxpayers,” the press release states.
“The board of county commissioners also approved the largest five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) in Manatee County’s history, totaling more than $997 million dollars of investments in infrastructure, public safety, parks and our environment. The county commission is investing $350.3 million in transportation projects, $80.3 million in parks, and $39.1 million in public safety projects,” the press release notes.
“Even with the millage reduction, the budget invests heavily in local infrastructure improvements. Nearly $350.3 million in transportation and road projects, plus significant investments in public safety and law enforcement highlight the $923 million budget. The adopted budget includes new investments in the county’s workforce to respond to increased capital projects workloads and service levels,” according to the press release.
The anticipated workforce increases include:
14 new sheriff’s office deputies, one resource assistance program deputy to focus on homeless issues, one body-worn camera deputy to lead the education and training for new technology and one school resource officer.
14 new positions in the Building and Development Services Department.
12 new paramedics.
One new 911 telecommunicator, two 911 customer services representatives and one customer services representative for 311 data entry.
The list of county roads to be widened from two lanes to four lanes as part of the five-year CIP plan includes:
59th Street West from Cortez Road to Manatee Avenue ($23.4 million).
63rd Avenue East from U.S. 301 to Tuttle Avenue ($16.2 million).
75th Street West from 20th Avenue West to Manatee Avenue ($11.1 million).
Commissioners’ comments
In one of the press releases, County Commission Chair Vanessa Baugh stated, “I think Dr. Hopes and (Chief Financial Officer Jan) Brewer have done a fabulous job in this budget. It is wonderful to be working on such a large infrastructure program to help the traffic congestion in our county because of the population growth and to give the citizens a reduction in millage for the first time since 2008.”
“We have embarked on an aggressive road improvement campaign while simultaneously cutting taxes. Major road improvements have been budgeted for District 3,” District 3 Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge stated in the release.
“With the increase in property values, we were fortunate to have $100 million more than we did last year. With the values on the rise and all the new construction, we were able to lower taxes and leverage a line of credit to get these roads and critical transportation needs going,” Holmes Beach resident and At-Large Commissioner Carol Whitmore stated in the release.
“You are seeing things move in the county at a rate in the county that you haven’t seen in some time. We are going to get a lot of things done,” Hopes stated in the release.
Law enforcement
According to the press release, “The largest one-year investment in the budget remains in the areas of law enforcement and public safety. Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells’ annual budget will increase by $12.6 million to cover funding for 14 new deputies, an additional patrol boat to expand marine responses, one resource assistance program deputy to focus on homeless issues, one body-worn camera deputy to lead the education and training for new technology, one school resource officer and one Domestic Violence Unit Detective.”
“In partnership with Sheriff Wells, we have identified an increased investment to meet the safety needs of our rapidly growing population,” Hopes stated in the press release.
MANATEE COUNTY – On Friday afternoon, Manatee County commissioners voted to enact a temporary countywide curfew that took effect at 11 p.m. Friday night and remains in effect until further notice.
The countywide curfew prohibits non-essential travel – travel that is not for food, medicine, essential supplies or employment – between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. seven days a week.
The commission majority approved the curfew as an additional measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Commissioners Betsy Benac, Reggie Bellamy, Misty Servia, Priscilla Trace and Carol Whitmore supported the curfew.
Commissioners Vanessa Baugh and Steve Jonsson and opposed the curfew. Baugh and Jonsson said they did not think the curfew was necessary. They felt Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Executive Order 20-91 – which took effect Friday morning and pertained to essential and non-essential businesses and services – provided law enforcement with all the enforcement powers they needed.
Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells and Manatee County Public Safety Director Jake Saur requested the curfew. Mayors and local law enforcement agencies throughout Manatee County also requested the curfew during a previous emergency operations policy group meeting.
What it means
The curfew prohibits non-essential travel – travel that is not for food, medicine, essential supplies and employment – between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. seven days a week.
The curfew was enacted by the commission majority’s adoption of Manatee County Resolution R-20-053.
According to the resolution, “A curfew is hereby established, effective immediately, for all of Manatee County. All pedestrian and vehicular movement, standing and parking, except for:
(a) persons commuting to and from places of employment;
(b) the provision of fire, police, emergency and hospital services;
(c) the transport of medical patients;
(d) utility work;
(e) state and local government employees and officials providing services;
(f) emergency calls by physicians;
(g) food delivery services;
(h) and walking of domestic animals are allowed during curfew hours.”
According to the county resolution, “Social gatherings of 10 or more people that do not constitute essential services or essential activities as those terms are defined in the Governor’s Executive Order 20-91 are prohibited.”
According to the county resolution, “The prohibitions set forth herein shall embrace all publicly owned property, all public spaces and all privately owned property (excepting the interior space of residences) within Manatee County, including all municipalities within the county, excepting the Town of Longboat Key.
According to the resolution, “The restrictions set forth herein shall remain in place until such time as terminated by the Board of County Commissioners or seven days from the effective date of this resolution, whichever is sooner.
“Notwithstanding, the foregoing, the chairperson (or in her absence, any vice-chairperson) of the Board of County Commissioners, after consultation with the Director of Public Safety (or in his absence, the Emergency Management Officer) is empowered to extend the period of the prohibitions declared herein, in seven-day increments, by memorandum,” the resolution says.
County Commission Chairperson Betsy Benac led the discussion and decision making on the proposed curfew. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“Any person violating any provision of this Emergency Resolution is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in Section 252.50, Florida Statutes,” according to the resolution.
Enforcement powers
Late Friday afternoon, Manatee County issued a press release pertaining to curfew.
“Under the supplemental local emergency resolution, Manatee Sheriff’s Office and municipal police department officers now have the ability to issue citations to anyone not in compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order 20-91 & 20-92,” according to the press release.
“Law enforcement will now also have the ability to cite outside group gatherings on private property. Under Florida Statute 252.50, those who violate the State Emergency Management Act are guilty of a second-degree misdemeanor and can be served a notice to appear order,” according to the press release.
During Friday’s meeting, Wells and Saur told the commission the curfew would protect law enforcement officers and first responders who face a critical stretch in April as COVID-19 cases are expected to climb steadily in Manatee County and throughout the state of Florida.
The press release notes the curfew also gives law enforcement agencies the ability to enforce group gathering restrictions on private property, in conjunction with Governor DeSantis’ Executive Order 20-91 & Executive Order 20-92.
Curfew request explained
“We’re at a pivotal point to make a difference and to flatten the curve,” Saur said. “I do believe with a curfew, the public should know they shouldn’t be out on the roadways. The curfew is a time when you should be at home.”
Saur said several EMS staff have already needed to be quarantined because of accidental exposure to COVID-19. He voiced concern that as the virus continues to spread, law enforcement officers and other first responders will become depleted by sickness or quarantine. For that reason, he said additional local restrictions are needed now.
“We are receiving an average of 100 COVID-19 calls a day. Each coronavirus call takes two hours to complete. At night and on weekends, other medical emergencies still occur, like trauma, people having accidents. That still occurs every day and every night,” Saur told the commission.
The county’s press release notes the commissioners were leery of infringing on personal freedoms, but ultimately voted 5-2 to approve the resolution in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and to protect first responders.
“I want to make sure everyone’s civil liberties are protected but we could argue that COVID-19 has already led to some restraints on our civil liberties when you think about the travel ban and the quarantine,” Commissioner Misty Servia said.
“The public should realize we take this very seriously but we’re doing the best we can in extremely bad times,” Commissioner Priscilla Trace said.
“Before today’s action, local COVID-19 restrictions were only enforceable on public property such as public beaches and public boat ramps. County and city officials say the public has largely heeded those restrictions, but group gatherings at private residences – such as vacation rental homes, recreation centers and event halls – continue to pose a public health risk,” the press release said.
State-mandated boat ramp and marina restrictions
During Friday’s meeting, Assistant County Attorney Bill Clague also addressed the impact DeSantis’ essential services order, Executive Order 20-91, now has on Florida’s boat ramps and marinas.
Assistant County Attorney Bill Clague explained the impact Governor Ron DeSantis’ essential businesses and services order has on boat ramps and marinas. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“It’s very difficult to understand how it works because the governor’s order is challenging. There’s Miami-Dade (County) orders attached to it and those orders reference other orders that are not attached to it. Right now, the governor’s order does require privately run boat ramps and marinas to be closed, with the exception for commercially licensed saltwater fishermen. That wasn’t the case until this order was issued, but now they are closed, along with the public boat ramps. It’s very hard to find, you have to dig for it to understand what’s going on,” Clague told the commission.
The governor’s executive order does not prohibit boating or fishing, nor does the county curfew.
City Administrator Cheri Coryea said the two county-owned golf courses would remain open and private golf courses can also remain open. But it was noted that golf course clubhouses and country clubs are not allowed to sell alcohol for consumption on-premises and their restaurants and kitchens are limited to takeout and delivery food service only, as our all Florida restaurants at this time.
Friday’s county commission meeting can be viewed on demand on the county’s YouTube channel.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Manatee County’s public beaches on Anna Maria Island are closed until further notice as of Friday, March 20.
Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach March 21-22. - Troy Morgan | PhotosFromTheAir.com
Bean Point in Anna Maria March 21-22. - Troy Morgan | PhotosFromTheAir.com
Anna Maria beach March 21-22. - Troy Morgan | PhotosFromTheAir.com
Bradenton Beach March 21-22. - Troy Morgan | PhotosFromTheAir.com
Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach March 21-22. - Troy Morgan | PhotosFromTheAir.com
Anna Maria Island beaches March 21-22. - Troy Morgan | PhotosFromTheAir.com
Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach March 21-22. - Troy Morgan | PhotosFromTheAir.com
The beach closures are a precautionary measure being taken because of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
On Thursday, March 19, Manatee County issued a press release that said, “County and municipal officials today announced that the beaches of Anna Maria Island will close tomorrow, March 20, at 6 a.m.”
“Resort guests, those who live on the Island and those who can find a legal public parking space outside of those areas that are closed will still have access to the beach at this time. We still want you to keep the six-foot distance and no groups larger than 10.” – Lt. John Cosby, BBPD
The press release also said, “Manatee County lifeguards will remain on duty from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily to ensure the safety of those who disregard the closure. A double red flag indicating no swimming will fly from lifeguard stands.”
The gates at Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach remain locked. – Joe Hendricks
The county-owned parking lots at Coquina Beach and Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach closed Friday morning as announced. So did the parking lot at Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach. The gates at Coquina Beach and Manatee Beach are locked and signs affixed to the gates say, “Beach closed.”
The ungated Cortez Beach parking areas along Gulf Drive South are closed and blocked by barricades, plastic tape and “Beach closed” signs.
The Cortez Beach parking lots in Bradenton Beach are closed. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Intended enforcement
Thursday afternoon, Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer issued a press release in response to the county’s announcement.
“The Holmes Beach Police Department and Code Compliance Department are enforcing this policy by eliminating public parking. We will continue to proactively patrol the beach to be sure our residents and guests are following the guidance of social distancing. Many additional parking areas will be changed to no parking zones. The enforcement guidelines will change based on the daily observations,” according to Tokajer’s press release.
These Bradenton Beach police officers were stationed at the main Coquina Beach entrance Friday morning. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Lt. John Cosby, of the Bradenton Beach Police Department, said, “Resort guests, those who live on the Island and those who can find a legal public parking space outside of those areas that are closed will still have access to the beach at this time. We still want you to keep the six-foot distance and no groups larger than 10.”
Cosby and Tokajer said they had no plans to close the street-end beach accesses.
The beach accesses in Holmes Beach remain open. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
On Friday morning, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy issued an email addressing the city of Anna Maria’s beach closures.
“Although our beaches remain closed to the general public, they are open to residents and their guests while practicing safe social distancing. There are sheriff deputies as well as city and county code enforcement officers posted at many beach access points to enforce and clarify this position,” according to Murphy’s email.
Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells addressed the beach closures during a county press conference Friday afternoon.
Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells said law enforcement does not want to arrest people who enter the closed beaches. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“First and foremost, I want to assure the citizens of Manatee County that we are not out on the beaches trying to arrest people who do show up there and maybe have not received the message. We are asking for voluntary compliance. We are not there trying to incarcerate people for walking on the beach. That is not the goal,” Wells said.
When asked for further clarification on the extent of the beach closures, Manatee County Information Outreach Manager Nick Azzara said, “In the announcement we sent yesterday, when we closed the beaches, we tried to make clear that this was largely a self-policing exercise and that we were relying on our residents and visitors to make a good faith effort in heeding those warnings. We’re asking people to avoid the beaches.”
Manatee County Public Safety Director Jake Saur said there were no plans to close the county boat ramps.
The parking lots at the Coquina boat ramps are supposed to be used by boaters only. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Tour of the beaches
The Sun made a tour of the Island beaches on Friday.
At Coquina Beach late Friday morning, two officers and two vehicles from the Bradenton Beach Police Department were stationed at the main entrance where the gate was open so the free Island trolley could continue making its regular stops.
The beach concession stand was closed and there were only two people walking the shoreline of the otherwise empty beach.
Across the street, the North and South Coquina boat ramps were open to boaters. Manatee Beach Patrol personnel were stationed at the entrances to both boat ramp parking lots and they turned away those who sought to park there for non-boating purposes.
To the north along Cortez Beach, there were people on the beach, but not in large numbers.
The beach between the Moose Lodge and the BeachHouse restaurant in Bradenton Beach had a moderate number of beachgoers. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Slightly north of that, there were people on the beach between the Moose Lodge and the BeachHouse restaurant, some in the water.
At approximately 3:45 p.m., there were fewer than a dozen people at Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach and the central part of the beach was empty. The beach areas south of Manatee Beach were much busier.
The central section of Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach was empty Friday afternoon. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Because of the executive order that Gov. Ron DeSantis issued Friday afternoon limiting Florida restaurants to takeout service only, the tiki bar was already closed. The AMI Beach Café and gift shop closed later that day and remains closed until further notice.
Two blocks north of Manatee Beach, the 45th Street beach access was open as usual. There were people on the beach, but not in large numbers. The beach areas north of the 45th Street beach access were much busier.
The beach north of the 45th Street beach access in Holmes Beach was very busy Friday afternoon. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Those entering the city of Anna Maria at the north end of the Island are now greeted by a digital sign that says, “Beaches closed.” A similar sign stands near the new City Pier.
The Bayfront Park parking lot is closed and blocked by “Beach closed” signs and plastic tape.
There are two new mounted “Beach closed” signs at the entrance to the North Bay Boulevard beach access that leads to Bean Point.
“Beach closed” signs are now posted at beach accesses in Anna Maria.- Joe Hendricks | Sun
Murphy told The Sun he plans to add additional signs that say, “Residents only.” He said city residents may be asked to provide identification and rental guests may be asked to show proof of rental when accessing Anna Maria’s beaches.
Vacationing Wisconsin residents Mary and Ralph Cornell were parking their bikes by the dune walkover before taking a walk on the Bean Point beach.
Wisconsin residents Ralph and Mary Cornell want to continue visiting the beaches while vacationing in Anna Maria. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Regarding the beach closings, Mary Cornell said, “I think it’s the wise thing to do. They’re just trying to keep the number of people down, but it allows the local residents and people like us who stay for a long period of time to walk the beach. We don’t gather in big groups. We just want to be able to see the beach and the sunsets. You have great sunsets here and we really don’t want to miss those.”
There were about 20 people on that stretch of the Bean Point beach, including a few families.
These folks enjoyed the beach at Bean Point Friday late Friday afternoon. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Just after sunset, there were still many cars parked at the Palma Sola Causeway on Manatee Avenue despite the presence of several “Beach closed” signs.
At 10:30 Saturday morning, an occupied police car from the Bradenton Police Department was parked at the east end of the non-barricaded causeway parking area. There was no one on the beach and no other cars parked on either side of the causeway.
The Bradenton Police Department patrolled the causeway beaches on Saturday. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
When contacted Saturday afternoon, Lt. Cosby said everything was going fine and they had not had any problems.
