26 minute read
CALENDAR
ANNA MARIA
10005 GULF DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130 City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information. Oct. 26, 10 a.m. – Historic Preservation board meeting Oct. 28, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting
BRADENTON BEACH
107 GULF DRIVE N. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005 City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information. Oct. 20, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting Oct. 21, noon – City Commission meeting Nov. 3, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting Nov. 3, 2 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting
HOLMES BEACH
5801 MARINA DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800 City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information. Oct. 20, 10 a.m. – Code Compliance special magistrate hearing Oct. 26, 5 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow Nov. 3, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautification Committee meeting Nov. 3, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting
ISLAND-WIDE
Oct. 25, 2 p.m. – Island Transportation Planning Organization meeting, Holmes Beach City Hall Nov. 2, all day – Election day
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 20
Ukulele Instruction for Beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m. Register online at https:// manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/7996369
THURSDAY, OCT. 21
Seashell Shore Walk, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 9 a.m. Register online www.eventbrite.com/e/ seashell-shore-walk-registration-171234556167 RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome. Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Book club, “Caste” by Isabel Wilkerson, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10:15 a.m. Register online https:// manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/8358180 Sunshine Stitchers knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Register online at https:// manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/7996413 Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5 to 8 p.m. Cuban Ranchos Bilingual Tour, Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 6 p.m. Register online www.eventbrite. com/e/172078921687 Teen Nature Night: Sea Turtle Conservation, Robinson Preserve NEST, 840 99th St. N.W., 6 p.m. Register online www.eventbrite. com/e/177366707597
FRIDAY, OCT. 22
Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Register online https:// manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/7958990 Mahjong Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Register online https:// manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/7996694
Privateers mourn the loss of ‘Big John’
BY JASON SCHAFFER
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA - Beloved Anna Maria Island Privateer John “Big John” Swager, 58, died on Oct. 6 at Blake Medical Center after a month-long battle with COVID-19 and pneumonia.
Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Big John knew he loved life, but was particularly passionate about three things: His wife, Cindy ‘Bubbles' and family, Texas barbecue and serving his community through his extended family, the AMI Privateers. On just about any given weekend, John could be found in full pirate regalia reminding children of all ages that not only are pirates real, but they are here to help others, and this tiny Island is full of them.
One of the longest-serving Privateers, John Swager joined the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in the early 1990s and, over the years, served in almost every capacity, most recently as treasurer. His work, along with that of the other Privateers, raised thousands of dollars over the years for the Privateers scholarship fund, a source of pride for all the Island pirates.
“He knew more about the history of the Privateers than any of us,” said Mary "Xena" Lehrman, the current Privateers treasurer. “There are things he remembered that are now lost. We would have an idea to do something we hadn’t done in 15 years and the only person we could turn to who remembered how we did it was John. A lot of our history is gone with his passing.”
Although John was born in Pennsylvania, he always identified as a Texan, having moved there as a child. As he grew up, he developed a love for barbecue and competition cooking, winning awards and traveling across the country in pursuit of his passion. After moving to Anna Maria Island more than three decades ago, John worked as a professional plumber and eventually started his own barbecue business here. If you’ve attended an outdoor event on the Island, you’ve probably tried at least a taste of Big John’s Texas BBQ.
“He was a Privateer to the core - everything he felt, everything he did was for the Privateers,” said Privateer Terry ‘Cookie’ Rapert. “He knew names and events from 30 years ago. He was a walking encyclopedia.”
There will be a memorial service and celebration of John’s life on Monday, Oct. 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. at City Field Park in Holmes Beach. There will be music, food and beverages available, and plenty of friends and neighbors to share their fond memories of this larger-than-life pirate.
JASON SCHAFFER | SUN Above, John rides in the Fourth of July parade and right, helps children solve a pirate mystery at 2021 Snooks Adams Kids Day in Anna Maria.
The city-hosted farmers market features fresh produce and more.
BY JOE HENDRICKS
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The city's seasonal farmers market returned on Tuesday, Oct. 12 to shoppers eager for fresh produce.
The weekly market takes place every Tuesday through May 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., weather permitting, under the shade sail at City Pier Park across the street from the Anna Maria City Pier.
Recently hired Senior Administrative Assistant Amy Moriarty is now coordinating the city’s weekly market. She takes over the duties previously performed by Deputy Clerk/ Code Enforcement Manager Debbie Haynes.
“Our first market of the season Tuesday was great! We had eight vendors, all of which returned from last year. It was very busy from start to finish and a few vendors even sold out early,” Moriarty said.
The returning vendors and organizations included Fivela Produce, Guacamole Holy Paradise, Malagros Produce, Meli Gusto (jams and jellies), Mr. Fun Guy (mushrooms), Ramona Rosibel Malheiro (empanadas), Tillman Produce and Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring.
“Three additional vendors were unable to participate in the first market. Those vendors were the Anna Maria Historical Society, Hahn’s Kettle Corn and King of Guacamole. We have two additional vendors in the final application process, but we anticipate their participation at our next market,” Moriarty said.
Offering Central Asian and Middle Eastern food and desserts, Cuni Tuni will be one of the market’s new vendors. Blooms by the Beach will also be joining the vendor lineup.
“They will have succulent gardens and fresh flower bouquets. Adding a flower vendor was a request from marketgoers, and we’re so happy to answer the request with an island florist,” Moriarty said regarding Blooms by the Beach.
“The city of Anna Maria is thrilled to again host the farmers market at City Pier Park and looks forward to an enjoyable farmers market season. We are following CDC guidelines and not requiring masks, but we have free masks available and multiple hand sanitizer stations,” Moriarty said.
CITY OF ANNA MARIA | SUBMITTED The farmers market features multiple produce vendors. Guacamole Holy Paradise was among the participating vendors on the market’s opening day.
Visitors check out the arts and crafts at a recent Stone Crab Festival.
FILE PHOTO
Cortez Stone Crab and Music Fest returns
The 9th Annual Cortez Stone Crab and Music Festival is back for 2021 and will have plenty to offer. This year’s event will be held on the grounds of the Swordfish Grill & Tiki Bar in Cortez on Nov. 13 and 14. In addition to stone crabs, there will be ample food to enjoy, live music, a kids’ play area and plenty of local vendors. Swordfish Grill & Tiki Bar is located at 4628 119th St. W. Cortez and marker 49 by boat. If you are a vendor and would like to participate, email scmfvendors@gmail. com or visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/cortezstonecrab for a direct download link.
COMMUNITY CHURCH • Sermon Series by Rev. Dirk Rodgers
IN PERSON in the Sanctuary Nursery • Children’s Church ONLINE • Watch LIVE or LATER www.RoserChurch.com
Text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin The CHAPEL is open during o ce hours for prayer and meditation
NEXT
What God has in store for us. What God has in store for us.
941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch
BAYFEST: Return a big hit in Anna Maria
FROM PAGE 1 drove up just to attend Bayfest with his wife and three children. “Couldn’t ask for better weather, either.”
Attendees enjoyed great live music from emcee Mike Sales, Fuse Band, Memphis Rub, Jack’d Up and the Dr. Dave Band. There was something for everyone on the stage and in the streets. Festival-goers could see a great collection of classic cars and feast on anything from healthy vegan food to barbecue, crab, burgers and much more. Wine and beer added to the festivities, and vendors from around the area offered every kind of craft, clothing, art, souvenirs and everything in between to remember the day.
CINDY LANE | SUN Memphis Rub was one of the musical acts at Bayfest in Anna Maria. Dancers enjoy blues from Memphis Rub at Bayfest on Saturday.
JASON SCHAFFER | SUN Evan Schmela, Rachel Schmela, Kate Schmela and Carol Doing arrive on the Island from Denver and two hours later found themselves at Bayfest.
JASON SCHAFFER | SUN Pine Avenue filled with people to watch the Dr. Dave Band.
CINDY LANE | SUN MIKE FIELD | SUN A classic car show is a highlight of Bayfest. Left, a 1968 Chevy SS 427 convertible drew admirers, along with hot rods, right.
Pine Avenue became truly pedestrian-friendly during Bayfest on Saturday.
CINDY LANE | SUN
5346 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach (941) 778-5788 | hurricanehanks.com Visit us for a cold one!
We’ve installed 5 Fresh-Aire UV units to provide
Howl-O-Ween to help dogs in need of special care
The Bridge Tender Inn in Bradenton Beach will host a Howl-OWeen party on Sunday, Oct. 31.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Vintage Paws Sanctuary, a Sarasota-based organization that assists aging, orphaned and terminally ill dogs. The party will begin at 3 p.m., with children trick-or-treating at the nearby participating Bridge Street businesses. The dog party also starts at 3 p.m., with dog costume contest judging starting at 4 p.m. and a dog pie-eating contest starting at 5 p.m. Featuring live music by Brigid’s Cross, an adult costume contest, automatons, drink specials, raffles, prizes, commemorative T-shirts and more, the Halloween-themed block party will continue until 10 p.m. The Bridge Tender Inn is located at 135 Bridge Street.
BRIDGE TENDER INN | SUBMITTED
“Promises made are promises kept.”
Four years ago, Bradenton Beach residents voted for CHANGE to eliminate the revolving door and resulting chaos. Between 2009-2017 (8 years), seven mayoral changes and five city clerk changes. Replaced with Stable, Proven, Effective, Dedicated and Unparalleled Leadership John Chappie is “results driven” from the waters on the Bay, to the shores of the Gulf, his involvement and commitment are unparalleled. Together we can continue to accomplish great things for our community. As your mayor, it is crucial for me to deliver. What we know about John Chappie Years invested as a resident 47+ YEARS Volunteer service on boards/comittees 37+ YEARS Bradenton Beach business owner 37+ YEARS
Over the last 4 years, our city has planned for, made applications, and received MILLIONS OF DOLLARS in grants. The funding for major CIP projects will improve the quality of life for all residents of Bradenton Beach. *$3 Million+ STORMWATER/FLOODING PROJECTS Currently moving forward with over $3 Million in designated grants to mitigate stormwater runoff and flooding. ($2.69 million State Grant, SWFWMD Grant, HMGP-FEMA Grant, and City stormwater fees.) *$2 Million UNDERGROUNDING UTILITIESUsing CRA Funds and a $2 Million appropriation grant Bradenton Beach has completed two underground utility projects. * $2.5 Million For the next phase, the City has applied for $2.5 Million to complete the next underground utility project. * $200,000+ 69 DERELICT/ABANDONED VESSELS removed from City waters (over the last 9 years), fully funded with WCIND and Manatee County WCIND funds. * $50,000 Bradenton Beach PD Marine Patrol Boat lift, fully funded by Manatee County WCIND. * $1.2 Million FDOT PRIORITYAs a result of lobbying, FDOT has committed $1.2 Million for Gulf Drive, in Bradenton Beach, a top priority, for a Project Development Environmental Study, (PD&E). Improvements will address safety, flooding, lights, vehicle traffic flow, sidewalks, and bikeways making Gulf Drive a pedestrian friendly “complete street.” Fully funded by FDOT. * $800,000 Bradenton Beach South Channel/City Pier dredging project completed Fall 2021. This all-important project was paid for with grants from the State and WCIND. * $1.5 Million The Convention & Visitors Bureauis providing 50%, ($850,000) of the funds towards the expansion of the City Pier/Floating Dock & Living Shoreline Project.
Total of Grants, $10.6 Million
WHERE‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE?
FROM PAGE 4
JOHN MONETTI
“I would preface my response with the recognition that I do not have all the current information available since I currently am not a city commissioner. My feelings on the topics reflect topical knowledge though I do stay abreast of these issues as an interested resident.
I own one. I stay off the main streets and respect the impact I could have on traffic flow if I stray onto our main streets.” PAT MORTON
“I will support the chief and mayor in lowering the speed on Gulf Drive to 25 miles per hour and limit golf carts and low-speed vehicles to roads 25 miles per hour.” TERRY SCHAEFER
“We have established a six-month moratorium on approval of any new dealers while providing the time to study the larger issue of how these vehicles are and should be integrated into traffic patterns and parking. These vehicles have and will become more popular with residents and visitors
and this time to study the trend is appropriate to consider safety of use and effects on traffic flow and parking. There have been many sightings of potential safety concerns and this entire investigation will be open for public comment and suggestion. I believe these vehicles provide efficient transporMonetti tation on the island and that this is the time to explore whether additional controls are necessary to protect the safety of those passengers and whether existing controls are adequate.” CAROL SOUSTEK “Low-speed vehicles. There are a lot of them and safety, not speed, is my concern.”
Morton
Schaefer
Soustek
CITY MANAGER: Candidates offer their views
FROM PAGE 4
TERRY SCHAEFER
“I served on the city’s ad-hoc committee which studied the various forms of government in Florida. That experience resulted in a full understanding of the city manager form, strong mayor form, which our charter presently specifies, and the two other forms also allowed. I believe the city manager form has numerous benefits, especially in communities with little or no capable citizen interest and capabilities in serving occurs. City managers bring a specifically degreed person with municipal experience to manage the city’s operations. I believe when and if we reach a period where no qualified citizen with proper capabilities and commitment occurs, that the city manager form would be a viable option. I am not convinced that is the case presently for the following reasons: The balance between a non-voting mayor with veto power, combined with the five commissioners with legislative responsibilities, balances authority concerns. Mayors are elected by the people and serve two-year terms. City managers are hired by the consensus of five commissioners, have no veto power unless provided for by city charter, and can be extended or fired by a simple majority of the commission. For example, Manatee County’s decision by three new commissioners with the support of the chair who fired what the public and county staff considered to be a very loyal and effective county administrator. Presently, we have strong leadership at each department head position, all of whom report to the mayor for overall management. In my opinion, the city is operating effectively with specific expertise at each department and a community-oriented mayor. Discussion of the options is healthy and it would take the consensus vote of registered voters to ultimately decide with a structural change to our city charter.”
CAROL SOUSTEK
“Good and bad. Some city managers have done wonderful for their cities, just as some mayors have done wonderful things for their cities. I believe that if the person knows the city and brings their best talents to guide the city and community well, then it is the person, not the title, that the community needs.”
Commissioners talk golf cart/LSV regulations
Commissioners are considering regulations affecting golf carts and lowspeed vehicles, including a speed limit change on Gulf Drive.
BY KRISTIN SWAIN
SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Commissioners met Oct. 12 for a work session about potential golf cart and low-speed vehicle regulations, focusing on how to have those vehicles travel safely through the city.
A vehicle defined as a golf cart in Holmes Beach does not require a license plate. Elsewhere on Anna Maria Island, golf carts do require license plates.
A low-speed vehicle can look like a golf cart, one of the mini-cars rented on the Island or other street-legal, non-traditional vehicles. These have license plates and can be driven in all three Island cities, except that they cannot be legally driven on state roads, including Manatee Avenue and East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach, although the vehicles can cross these streets. Because they are not supposed to be driven on Manatee Avenue, they should not be driven across the Anna Maria Island Bridge.
Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said his concerns about golf carts and low-speed vehicles primarily include safety and speed. The slowermoving vehicles on main roads, such as Marina Drive, which has a 35 mph speed limit in some places, can cause issues for car and truck drivers because the lower-speed vehicle slows traffic down. It also creates a safety hazard, he said, because some LSV and golf cart drivers will pull into bicycle lanes to allow cars to pass or cars will pass slower-moving vehicles on the right through the bicycle lane. Both maneuvers are illegal and could seriously injure a bicyclist traveling in the bicycle lane if a driver pulls over without seeing them or stops ahead of the cyclist. Due to traffic congestion, sometimes cyclists move faster than the vehicles, Tokajer said.
His suggestion is to change the speed limit on a section of Gulf Drive along the beach from 35 mph to 25 mph to match the speed limit on the rest of the road. Doing this would give drivers of LSVs and golf carts a way to travel through Holmes Beach while driving only on roads with a speed limit of 25 mph or less.
To direct drivers to the correct path, he said stencils on the street can be used instead of signs and stickers placed on LSV rentals to alert drivers of the requirement to drive only on streets with a 25 mph or less speed limit, along with other regulations.
Tokajer also suggested mandating that all passengers on golf carts and LSVs be required to have their own individual seat belts. For children, a proper child restraint device is required.
The discussion is expected to continue at a future work session.
SUBMITTED | HBPD The streets highlighted on this map are the proposed route a golf cart or low-speed vehicle can travel from one end of Holmes Beach to the other using only streets with a 25 mph speed limit.
Bali Hai site plan one step closer to approval
It’s been a long journey, but a site plan amendment to the Bali Hai is only one public hearing and commission vote away from approval.
BY KRISTIN SWAIN
SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – After more than a year of discussion, countless meetings, code compliance special magistrate hearings and even a lawsuit in Manatee County Circuit Court, an amended site plan for the Bali Hai Beach Resort is in the final stages of approval by Holmes Beach city leaders.
Unfortunately for the hotel’s owners, it’s not the approval they wanted.
At an Oct. 12 meeting, commissioners were presented with three options for approving the proposed site plan. Representing the resort’s owners, including majority owner and developer Shawn Kaleta, was attorney Louis Najmy.
Najmy appealed to commissioners to approve the least restrictive of the three ordinances submitted for commission consideration, which allows for the resort’s bar/ lounge to be reopened, serving only hotel guests, live music by the pool, a spa for hotel guests and restricts special events to 10 per year on the property.
He added that hosting special events at the Bali Hai, such as weddings, was critical to his clients’ investment in the property. After the last meeting where the site plan was discussed in September, he said all golf cart/ low-speed vehicle rentals on the property had ceased permanently and his clients had closed the spa and bar/lounge indefinitely. He added that the fines the city is levying against his clients for code compliance violations on the property of $1,000 per day aren’t motivating the hotel’s owners one way or another.
Before the final public hearing and vote for the site plan approval, Najmy and his clients will have to go back to the drawing board, because commissioners voted unanimously to approve the most conservative option for site plan approval.
The option commissioners selected does not allow for the bar/lounge at all, no live music on the property, and no special events to be held there, though it does allow for the spa. Commissioners also agreed to amend the ordinance to have recorded music played on exterior speakers only from the hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and have all housekeeping equipment stored in an interior space.
A final vote on the site plan amendment is expected to take place Tuesday, Oct. 26.
Seagrass mitigation impacted by algae blooms
The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has approved $23,000 for Coastal Engineering Consultants to complete seagrass planting and monitoring services associated with a recently completed channel dredging project.
The channel runs along the Bradenton Beach shoreline from south of the Bridge Street Pier to the north end of Leffis Key. The additional work to be performed by CEC included planting more than 600 additional seagrass plants in a new location in hopes of accomplishing more lasting results than previous mitigation attempts for dredging completed by Duncan Seawall, Dock & Boat Lift.
On Wednesday, Oct. 6, City Attorney Ricinda Perry told the CRA members algae blooms contributed to the failure of the previous seagrass planting efforts. The CRA members debated using another firm to complete this final phase of the project, but ultimately decided CEC would do the additional seagrass planting and monitor those results for one year. Another firm will then be hired to conduct the seagrass monitoring for the following four years, as required by the state. It was also noted that the city must soon install signs that designate the navigation channel that now provides greater water depth and better usability for boaters.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN The additional seagrass planting is to take place in the waters south of the Bridge Street Pier.
LOVE AMI?
SCAN TO LEARN MORE & SEND YOUR MESSAGE
AME still COVID-free as school cases drop countywide
BY JASON SCHAFFER
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH - After experiencing a fifth straight week of no COVID-positive staff or student cases, it’s possible things may be slowly returning to normal after a scary start to the 2021-22 school year that began just as the nation was bracing for the new Delta variant of COVID-19.
Manatee County schools saw the fewest new staff and student cases since the beginning of the school year, with six staff and 35 students testing positive for COVID-19 over the past week.
There have been arguments among parents, school board members and the highest levels of state and national government officials over how to handle masks in school and staff vaccine mandates. In Manatee County, the School Board decided not to violate Gov. Ron DeSantis’ ban on mask mandates in school. Since the county didn’t violate the mandate because its version had an opt-out clause, no state funds were withheld from the county or its elected board members.
“Would it have mattered if they made them all wear masks? Honestly don’t think so,” said Ken, a parent of a student at Anna Maria Elementary, who asked that The Sun not publish his last name. “I think things are slowing down because of the vaccines and the fact so many people have had COVID and have antibodies. This is a sign we’re headed for herd immunity.”
According to the CDC, it is reommended to continue to take every possible precaution including vaccines, masks, handwashing and sanitization.
MANATEE COUNTY SCHOOLS COVID-19 Oct. 7 AME - 0 staff, 0 students Manatee County - 1 staff, 13 students Total since first day of school (AME) - 0 staff, 13 students Total since first day of school (county) - 365 staff, 2,524 students
Oct. 15 AME - 0 staff, 0 students Manatee County - 1 staff, 2 students Total since first day of school (AME) - 0 staff, 13 students Total since first day of school (county) - 371 staff, 2,559 students
.99299 & UP
S PRICED $ $ 99 to 299
TO STORE FOR DETAILS. PRIOR SALES RS. DAN'S FAN CITY, LLC LIC#EC13004528
ALSO AVAILABLE! LARGEST SELECTION OF INDOOR & OUTDOOR FANS ANYWHERE!LARGEST SELECTION OF INDOOR & OUTDOOR FANS ANYWHERE!
Inventory On Hand!
FAN-tastic FAN-tastic In-Store In-Store Warranties! Warranties!
Styles To Fit Every Decor!
Reno
$179.99
DESIGN
YOUR FAN
ASK US HOW
Bradenton 1808 Cortez Road 755-3262
Open Open 7 7 Days Days A A WeekWeek Parts, Parts, Services Services & & Installation Installation Available Available
Island Gallery West to host art walk
Island Gallery West in Holmes Beach invites you to visit the gallery at 5368 Gulf Drive for its upcoming art walk. The event will take place on Friday, Nov. 12 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and is open to the public. In addition to great art from local artists, there also will be drinks, a variety of treats and live music. For more information, visit www.islandgallerywest.com or call 941-778-6648.
Locally Owned and Operated 45 Stores County finalizes Bradenton Nationwide Beach dock expansion funding
On Tuesday, Oct. 12, the Manatee County Commission approved an interlocal agreement that officially authorizes up to $850,000 in previously supported matching county resort tax funds for the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency’s dock expansion and dinghy dock replacement project at and near the Bridge Street Pier.
Administrative assistant moving on
Administrative Assistant Stephanie Janney is leaving the city of Anna Maria and taking a similar position with the town of Longboat Key. Her tenure with the city ends this week. “I wanted to wish Stephanie all the luck in the world. I will really miss working with her. She’s a great lady,” City Attorney Becky Vose said during last week’s city commission meeting.
2021
