Holmes Beach residents oppose fee hikes
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Opposition to increases in stormwater fees and millage were top of mind for more than 50 city residents who made their feelings known to Commissioner Dan Diggins at a July 15 town hall meeting at the Island Branch Library.
“I want to hear what you folks think,” Diggins said at the beginning of the meeting. “Last year was a tough year with the hurricanes. We’re going to set the maximum millage rate next Tuesday. I don’t know what that’s going to be. I wanted the millage rate to be set to about 1.9 and I fought really hard. All the other commissioners and mayor said no we’re going to do two, and we settled at 1.99.”
The Tuesday commission meeting has been rescheduled to Friday, July 25 at 9 a.m.
SEE TOWN HALL, PAGE 15
No property tax increase in Bradenton Beach budget
No tax increases or changes in the millage rate are proposed.
BY LESLIE LAKE
SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners held a work meeting on July 15 to hold preliminary discussions about the upcoming 2025-26 budget. According to the numbers presented at the meeting, total city revenues are projected to be $5,652,680 for the 2025-26 fiscal year, with expenditures projected at $5,045,506.
“A formal budget will be put together and there will be two public hearings (in September) on that,” Mayor John Chappie said. “Today is a preliminary discussion. This is just making sure everybody has an opportunity to answer questions.”
There is no planned increase in property taxes.
“The decision was made that we would not increase property taxes,”
Bradenton Beach Police Chief and Public Works Director John Cosby said. “There was discussion about going to the rollback rate. We decided that by implementing the fees that we’ve been discussing over the last couple years, that this was the year we were going to do it. That happens to coincide with what happened with the hurricanes.”
Cosby said the city has seen an 11% reduction in property values due to the hurricanes.
“We have been discussing raising certain fees to bring them more in line with what the other cities are doing and you’re seeing that happen now,” Bradenton Beach Police Chief and Public Works Director John Cosby said. “We had toyed with raising the property tax.
Anna Maria questions property tax relief without proof of permits
The city letter addresses permitting requirements for property owners seeking hurricane displacement-related property tax reductions.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Fifty-one Anna Maria property owners recently received letters from the city regarding their efforts to receive hurricanerelated property tax relief without applying for building permits from the city.
The letters pertain to property tax relief sought for properties for which the city has no record of any hurricane repair-related building permits being obtained. The letters inform property owners
they have until Aug. 15 to obtain their needed permits, including permits for previously completed repairs. Thirty-six letters reference properties owned by individuals, married couples and trusts and 15 letters reference properties owned by corporations and LLCs. According to the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office, “A homeowner may be eligible for a refund of a portion of property taxes paid for the year in which the catastrophic event occurred if the property was uninhabitable for at least 30 days due to a catastrophic event.
“To be eligible for a partial property tax refund, the property appraiser must determine the residential property was ‘uninhabitable,’ ”
SEE LETTER, PAGE 12
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
Holmes Beach commissioner Dan Diggins held a town hall meeting on July 15 at the Island Branch Library.
Hurricane-damaged homes set for demolition
Thirty-three homes have been demolished in Bradenton Beach since Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. Five more are slated to be demolished.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – So far, 33 hurricane-damaged homes have been demolished citywide since the 2024 hurricanes, two are permitted for demolition and building officials are now focusing on the removal of three more that do not yet have demolition permits.
The three properties are on the south end of the city at 104 10th St. S., built in 1930, and 801 Gulf Drive S. and 100 Ninth St. S., both built in 1949.
“After Hurricane Milton in October, we had numerous homes that needed to be torn down that were over 50% damaged,” City Code Enforcement Official Evan Harbus said at a July 17 city commission meeting. “We did give them plenty of time, but we are getting
letters out and we are on it.”
At recent city commission meetings, Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby noted that homes that were built up to current codes sustained very little damage, while the older ground-level bungalows did not fare as well against the storm surge from Hurricane Helene and the winds from Hurricane Milton.
Two other hurricane-damaged prop-
erties, 103 12th St. S. and 1203 Gulf Drive S., have been issued demolition permits with removal of those homes imminent, Harbus said.
“The yellow house at 1203 Gulf Drive, the one that’s leaning, I’ve been working with the gentleman that owns it, and he has been trying to salvage whatever he can out of there,” Harbus said. “He’s devastated and we’ve given him some leniency to get windows
and certain things out of that property but hopefully within a week, or two or three we will see that house removed.”
The former home at 1201 Gulf Drive S., a 1930 739-square-foot bungalow, sustained extensive damage when floodwaters lifted it off its foundation and it floated down 12th Street during Hurricane Helene. That property was demolished in October.
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
The hurricane-damaged home at 1203 Gulf Drive S. has a demolition permit and is expected to be demolished within weeks, according to the city's code enforcement official.
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
The hurricane-damaged home at 103 12th St. S., around the corner from the house at left, also has a demolition permit.
ISLAND NEWS
IN BRIEF
Millage rate, stormwater fee set to be adopted on Friday
Two Holmes Beach City Commission meetings originally scheduled for Tuesday, July 22 will be held instead on Friday, July 25 at 9 a.m. During Friday’s special commission meeting, commissioners are expected to adopt this year’s maximum property tax millage rate. The commission recently discussed increasing the current 1.99 millage rate to 2.1812 mills to help offset an 8.3% decline in Holmes Beach property values. The maximum millage rate adopted on Friday could be lowered before two budget adoption hearings in September but it cannot be increased after Friday’s vote. During the regular city commission meeting, commissioners will decide whether to increase the current stormwater assessment fee from $2.95 per 100 square feet of property to $4.95 or $9 per 100 square feet. Commissioners will adopt on second and final reading a city ordinance that establishes 6-foot maximum height for seawalls. At the request of Commissioner Carol Whitmore, the commission will engage in additional discussion about commercial activities taking place on public beaches and public lands. The meeting agendas and the live and archived meeting video can be viewed at the city website, https://www.holmesbeachfl.org/ government/escribe.php.
Bungalow Beach hearing next week
A quasi-judicial public hearing regarding the use of a parking lot for public parking at Bungalow Beach Resort, 2000 and 2104 Gulf Drive N., will be heard by special master Marisa Powers on Tuesday, July 29 at 9 a.m. The administrative appeal hearing will be in the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers, 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach.
AME open house on Aug. 7
Anna Maria Elementary School will have an open house for returning students on Thursday, Aug. 7. For students entering kindergarten through second grade and VPK students with last names beginning with A-M, the open house will be from 4:30-5:15 p.m. For students entering grades three through five and VPK students with last names beginning with N-Z, the open house will be from 5:15-6 p.m. Attendees may drop off school supplies, meet staff and visit classrooms.
Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.
Beach cabana rentals under scrutiny
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners held their second discussion about commercial beach cabanas on July 17 and will consider the issue again in a special work meeting to be scheduled.
In response to commissioners’ request on July 10 to look into the legal aspects of private cabana companies setting up on public beaches, City Attorney Ricinda Perry drafted an ordinance regulating the commercial use of the beaches by those companies.
“The draft ordinance establishes not a prohibition against the use but a requirement to obtain a commercial beach use permit,” Perry said. “The city could also limit the number of permits and limit where the cabanas could be set up. An exception would be made for those that have property onsite on the Gulf side where they would have cabana activity in front of their business.”
Perry asked the commission if they would like to have an outright prohibition or have control regulations.
“What if we do nothing and leave the rules we have in place?”
Commissioner Ralph Cole asked.
“There can be no tents at all neither commercial or private,” Perry said.
“The problem is if they put their tents out there and nobody is under them, they’re taking up space that someone else could be using,” Cole said. “I don’t have a problem with them setting up a tent, if someone called them up and said, ‘please bring me out some shade.’ ”
Vice Mayor Deborah Scaccianoce said, “I don’t agree with a complete prohibition. They can’t be putting up empty cabanas and only should
be placed when there is active rental for a cabana.”
Commissioner Scott Bear concurred and said he would like to see only tents that are rented, not those that companies are trying to rent.
“I agree with what’s been said,” Mayor John Chappie said. “First it has to be rented before it’s set up and they would still have to have business permit.”
Cole asked if the private companies have liability insurance to cover injuries or damage caused by the tents.
“Is there a way to compel them to have liability insurance and to come back if there’s weather to remove them?” Scaccianoce asked.
Police Chief John Cosby said the majority of people on the beaches bring their own tents and asked who would be responsible for the enforcement of private companies.
“This will be an unfunded mandate,” Cosby said. “There’s no money to enforce it.”
Bear said rules require enforcement and he would like to see penalties or fees attached.
Perry presented the key points of the draft ordinance:
• Submission of a site plan showing location, dimensions and number of structures and that structures may not be set up within 100 linear feet of a beachfront boundary;
• Proof of insurance naming the city as additional insured;
• Compliance with the Florida Building Code and Florida Fire Code for temporary structures;
• Daily set up and take down; removal during storms and requiring an inclement weather plan and a contact number;
• Clear pedestrian access 20 feet from the waterline and turtle nests, avoiding sensitive dune areas; and
• Payment of applicable fees.
Violations may include immediate removal of unpermitted structures, fines up to $250 per violation per day, revocation of permits and referral to state wildlife agencies for violations to wildlife habitat.
Chappie said the commission needed some time to conduct research and said the issue will be discussed further at a work meeting, with the date to be determined.
CABANA
COMPANY WEIGHS IN
Peery Hildreth, owner of Beach Concierge with his wife Becky, addressed some of the commissioners’ concerns.
Hildreth said his company has a general liability policy, uses commercial grade tents with 30-inch ground stakes and 2,400 pounds of tie-down straps.
“This is our fourth season, and we do have a business license,” he said. “We try to do this the right way.”
“There’s a lot of falsehoods that’s being represented I think about the industry,” Hildreth said following the meeting.
“I think one of the points they’re making is we’re setting up without reservations and that is not the case,” he said. “I cannot speak for anybody else’s business how they conduct their business. I’m not aware of anybody doing that but I can’t swear it’s not happening.”
He said his company does not set up tents until he has a valid reservation.
“We take them down at the end of every day for many reasons. The biggest reason is it is turtle season,” he said.
The cabana service caters to three groups according to Hildreth: Elderly or people with disabilities who may not otherwise use the beach, families with children and those who are looking for convenience.
City-wide emergency texting system being developed
The system would allow city officials to text participants about emergencies.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners unanimously reached consensus approving Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby to develop a proposal for a city-wide emergency texting system.
At a July 17 commission meeting, Cosby gave commissioners an overview of the system, TextMyGov, which would allow emergency alerts to be sent by the police department to those who opt in to the service.
“This will allow the police department, once people sign up, to click on an icon and enter in their phone number,” Cosby said. “If we have messaging we need to get out, we can send text messages.”
There will be three operators
for the texting system, BBPD administrative assistant ChrisAnn Allen, BBPD Lt. Lenard Diaz and Cosby.
“It will take 30 days to get it set up and we’d like it in place before the height of hurricane season, late August, early September, just in case something should happen, and we could get messaging out,” Cosby said. “We will still post what we are doing on the police department’s Facebook page, but this is more direct.”
“If something were to happen and Lt. Diaz and I were out here, we could go ahead and send a text,” Cosby said. “This is a one-way system so people cannot respond back to the text.”
Vice-mayor Deborah Scaccianoce expressed concerns about privacy issues and public records related to use of the system.
“We have to remember people have unlisted phone numbers for a reason and there are people who are protected by statute whose personal information is
not releasable,” Scaccianoce said. We have to make sure that people are aware if they sign up, that this is public record.”
Cosby said there is a disclaimer to that effect when people sign up for the service.
“People have to read it and click that they understand it,” he said.
He said both Longboat Key and Holmes Beach are already using this system.
“I spoke to Chief Tokajer (Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer) and they’re very happy with this system,” Cosby said.
“I would like a consensus to move forward with this and have the mayor sign the contract and then we can get this up and running,” he said.
According to City Clerk Terri Sanclemente, the annual cost of the service is $2,300.
Cosby said he will bring the proposal back for final approval at the next city commission meeting, scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 7.
AMOB opens tiki hut
Top, Oysters Rock Hospitality CEO John Horne, center, and Eleni Sokos, Oysters Rock Hospitality executive vice president, are surrounded by Anna Maria Oyster Bar employees and friends as they cut the ceremonial ribbon to celebrate the new tiki structure over the restaurant’s outdoor patio on July 16.
Above, city officials, business people, friends and employees of Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the pier attended the ceremony and raised a toast to celebrate the new tiki structure.
Feel secure this storm season with a KOHLER Whole -Home Standby Generator!
Of fer valid on select standby generators. Generator must be purchased between July 15th and September 5th with installation by the end of the year
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Holmes Beach residents deserve break, not tax hike
As Holmes Beach works to recover from the back-to-back hurricanes in the fall of 2024, city officials are proposing a property tax millage hike and an increased storm water infrastructure fee. Let’s be clear: this is the wrong move at the worst possible time.
Residents are still dealing with insurance claims, home repairs, lost income and trauma. Life hasn’t returned to normal – and won’t for some time. Asking people to pay more now isn’t just tone-deaf; it’s unjust.
Before turning to taxpayers, the city should first examine its own spending. Have departments been asked to trim non-essential expenses? Has Holmes Beach exhausted options for grants, state aid or federal disaster funds? Many cities face post-disaster challenges – but passing the burden to already-struggling residents shouldn’t be the default.
Raising taxes now suggests the city’s first instinct is to collect more revenue rather than cut costs. That’s not fiscal responsibility – it’s taking the easy way out. This is a moment for restraint, not expansion. Families are cutting back, delaying repairs and stretching every dollar. City Hall must do the same. No new capital project or
Drop us a line
Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment? Is there something you need to get off your chest? Send us a letter to the editor and have your say. There are a couple of ways to do it. The easiest and most direct is to email The Sun at news@amisun.com. Remember to put Letter to the Editor in the subject field. Or you can snail-mail
initiative should come before the financial stability of our residents. Yes, storm water infrastructure matters – but so does keeping people in their homes. Reallocating existing funds, delaying lower-priority projects or conducting an audit to identify waste should all be considered before imposing new taxes.
Holmes Beach doesn’t need higher taxes. It needs leaders willing to make hard, smart choices that protect – not punish – those who call this city home. Residents have endured enough. We need relief, not more taxes.
a letter to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O. Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Letters should be kept to 300 words or less and must contain your name and the city in which you reside. Personal attacks and obscene language will not be printed. The Sun reserves the right to edit letters for length or content.
Kim Rash Former Holmes Beach commissioner
ANNA MARIA
10005 GULF DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130
BRADENTON BEACH
107 GULF DRIVE N. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005
HOLMES BEACH
5801 MARINA DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800
Visit www.cityofannamaria. com or contact city hall for more information.
Thursday, July 24, 10 a.m., City Commission meeting
Visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information.
Wednesday, July 23, 10 a.m., Pier Team meeting
Visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information.
Thursday, July 24, 11:30 a.m., Police Pension Board meeting Friday, July 25, 9 a.m., City Commission regular meeting and special budget meeting.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND CHURCH SCHEDULES
CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION EPISCOPAL CHURCH 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, Sunday service 9:15 a.m.
CROSSPOINTE FELLOWSHIP 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, Sunday service 9 a.m.
HARVEY MEMORIAL COMMUNITY CHURCH
300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach, Sunday service 9:15 a.m.
ROSER MEMORIAL COMMUNITY CHURCH
512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, Sunday services 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.
ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH
248 South Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, Masses: Saturday, 4 p.m.; Sunday 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.; Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m.
Commissioners approve easement agreement for Drift-In
The Drift-In had been operating under a temporary use permit pending a final easement agreement.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners unanimously approved an amended easement agreement regarding the Drift-In property at a July 17 meeting.
The Drift-In had been operating under its temporary use permit, issued on March 20, pending final resolution of conditions that included completing a final easement agreement and legal description to be brought back to the commission for final approval.
Attorney Robert Lincoln, representing the city, spoke by telephone to the commission.
“When you approved the major development plan, you approved a concept for a change in the easements that have been previously granted
by the prior owners to the city for basically sidewalks and landscaping,” he said.
The agreement that had been proposed was an easement swap between the Drift-In and the city.
Lincoln said the Drift-In is providing an additional easement area along the east end of Bridge Street and wrapping the building to go down Church Street. The city is releasing some of the depth of its easement area.
“What we’re now doing is bringing the actual amended easement back, release the original easements, replace them with the new easements and have the legal description that reflects the agreement that was offered at the prior hearing to change that configuration at the west end,” Lincoln said. “Given that we didn’t have the full legal description and therefore the full easement agreement in front of you last time, we felt that to make sure that everyone was happy today and 20 years from
now we would bring it back to the commission for an official vote of approval and authorization for the mayor to execute on behalf of the city.”
Vice Mayor Deborah Scaccianoce said she had hoped there would have been a survey showing the location of the easements in addition to the legal description.
“The easement graphic is complicated, and we were concerned about recording it in the actual agreement because the
quality degrades,” Lincoln said.
City Attorney Ricinda Perry, who called in to the meeting, said she would have hoped there would be an overlay showing the new easement versus the old easement.
“I want to make sure the landscaping is actually going to fit,” Perry said. “The language as I’m reading it, it says it was south of an existing concrete sidewalk, and I know that the landscaping area is beyond the sidewalk.
I’m not understanding the legal
description versus what you would normally have a sketch. I think everybody should be extremely clear before deciding on this and give away rights, where your easement actually lies and where the landscaping is.”
Attorney Scott Rudacille, representing Drift-In owner Derek Williams, showed sketches depicting both the existing and proposed easement areas to commissioners.
“The easement does run along the back of the sidewalk,” Rudacille said. “The landscaping that’s included is the landscaping within the pork chop there on the west side and all the landscaping that runs along the front of the Drift-In.”
“When we had our meeting that was the way I understood it, it was the edge of the sidewalk,” Mayor John Chappie said. “What was being offered was to the back of the sidewalk only. Where the sidewalk is now, and the pork chop area is part of the new easement.”
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
Attorney Scott Rudacille, representing Drift-In owner Derek Williams, speaks to commissioners during discussion of an easement agreement.
City, FEMA disagree on road project
Bradenton Beach officials are working through a disagreement with FEMA on road repairs.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Police Chief and Public Works Director John Cosby told city commissioners that FEMA agrees with some of the city’s hurricane expenses but is disputing the city’s road project proposal.
“On our roads, we’ve been having some disagreement with FEMA on the damage that was done to the roads,” Cosby said at the July 17 city commission meeting. “They had sent somebody out to do a site inspection we did not agree with that site inspection.”
Cosby said the city filed everything that was required, took bids and chose Cathcart Construction Co., the lower of two competitive bids for roadwork.
“I’ll give you an example, Eighth Street South is pretty torn up, and FEMA says there’s
only $300 worth of damage,” he said. “So, we got the state involved and the state is assisting us in that. We also hired a geo-engineer to get core samples and give us a report.
FEMA is trying to say the road is not damaged, even though it doesn’t exist. So, we’re moving that forward.”
If denied by FEMA, Cosby said an appeal will be filed, which he said will take some time.
“For our debris, we’ve been obligated and paid for that already,” he said. “That was the $1.1 million 'pushdown' money we received.”
Additionally, under emergency services, $78,000 has been obligated by FEMA, but not yet paid.
“That was for quick fixes. We needed to do some things to stop damage from further occurring,” he said. “So hopefully we’ll receive those funds soon.”
“One of the nice things that FEMA did do for us is, all of our projects are small projects, so we had projects that were over $1 million, but the way
they divided them up, they all became small, which is quicker with auditing,” Cosby said. “Once they’re signed off on, they can go, so that was good news.”
Cosby said Woodruff and Sons Inc. is continuing stormwater work.
“I authorized public works to put bollards across the roadway so people can’t drive on it, because what’s happening is when people drive on it, it creates ruts and water doesn’t go where it’s supposed to,” he said.
Cosby said the city has five building and equipment projects and is working with FEMA to receive reimbursement of insurance deductibles.
“We have 16 total projects in parks – that includes the Seventh and Eighth Street docks and the boat lift – and that’s all in FEMA formulation also,” he said.
“Overall, things are moving well except for that one sticky situation with the roads,” Cosby said. “Hopefully we can overcome that.”
Sea turtle disorientations on the rise
Check your swimming pool and skimmer for sea turtles daily if you live near the water.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA ISLAND –Sea turtle hatchling disorientations have skyrocketed in the past week, according to Kristen Mazzarella, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring’s executive director.
“Many hatchlings were found in pools and had to be taken to Mote for rehabilitation (from chlorine ingestion) and will be taken offshore and released by boat into the sargassum line,” Mazzarella wrote in a July 18 email.
When hatchlings reach the water, they start what's called a “swim frenzy,” where they use the energy that they have absorbed from their yolk sac to swim for three to six days in order to reach the floating sargassum line far out in the Gulf of Mexico.
“Once they reach the sargassum line, they stop swimming and find refuge in the sargassum where food is plentiful and where they are camouflaged from predators,” she wrote. “If they start swimming for several hours in a pool, they not only ingest harmful chlorine, but they also use up some of that
energy and if placed back in the water, will likely stop swimming before they get to the sargassum line and may find it hard to find food or hide from predators.”
Mazzarella reminded those with pools on the beach side to check pools and pool skimmers daily for hatchlings.
“If you find a hatchling in a pool, call Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch's 24/7 hotline, 941-301-8434, so that one of our permitted and trained volunteers can come retrieve the hatchling, assess its health and take it to rehabilitation.”
The hotline is available for any hatchling or adult sea turtle in distress.
SEE SEA TURTLES, PAGE 11
HANS UWE DUERR | SUBMITTED
Volunteers rescued a loggerhead turtle hatchling that got stuck in a hole on its way to the Gulf.
Auditors declare Bradenton Beach to be in good financial condition.
City receives annual audit report SEA TURTLES: Disorientations rising
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – The city received its independent audit for the 2024-25 fiscal year, and auditors declared the city to be in good financial shape.
The annual audit was conducted by the Sarasota-based CS&L accounting firm. On July 15, auditors Randy Dillingham and Jeff Gerhard presented the 62-page report to the mayor, city commissioners and department heads.
“We had no difficulties encountered in performing the audit,” Dillingham said. “This is the part where I would like to say thank you to Terri (City Clerk Terri Sanclemente) and Shayne (City Treasurer Shayne Thompson) and the chief (Police Chief John Cosby) and the mayor (John Chappie) and everybody involved in the audit process. We do ask for quite a bit of audit information.”
Dillingham said there were no material weaknesses or disagreement with management in performing the audit.
The audit documents include the accounting reports along with the city’s financial statements and notes.
“It’s the city’s responsibility to establish and maintain internal controls and financial statements and it’s our responsibility to audit them,” Dillingham said. “These are the city’s financial statements and results.”
The scope of the audit follows generally accepted auditing standards, as well as governmental auditing
standards, he said.
“This year, because you spent over $750,000 of state financial assistance, we also follow the Florida state single audit,” Dillingham said. “You’ll see when Jeff (Gerhard) covers the financial statements, you spent almost $2.2 million in state financial assistance this year.”
“The general fund, CRA and library fund have total assets of $6.3 million compared to liability of $1.2 million, leaving a fund balance of roughly $5 million, of which $2.2 million is an unassigned balance that you can use for operations of whatever the commission requests,” Gerhard said.
“We look at that number as a percentage of 2024 general expenditures and that number is about 31%.”
Gerhard said that was a good outcome, especially considering the 2024 hurricane impacts.
“We usually talk to you about what’s a good policy for keeping some extra funds in there for hurricanes or rainy days. We usually say 25% and you’re above and beyond that,” he said.
Thompson noted that the 31% number is much higher if adjusted for capital expenses from the hurricanes.
“If you look at last year’s compared to this year, on the audit itself it breaks down the percentage of what that number looks like,” Thompson said. “Keeping in mind it’s based on the expenses last year. We had some very heavy capital expenses that normally wouldn’t be a recurring expense. So, if we adjust for what we would normally see year after year and take away the capital improvements, we look more like 48%.”
“Overall, a really healthy-looking
balance sheet,” Gerhard said.
Gerhard said the city’s unrestricted net position is $2.9 million.
“That’s a good positive number,” he said.
Gerhard said the city’s pension plans have $619,000 in total assets and those assets grew $332,000 from contributions and some of that from investment income.
“As those plans are newer, you don’t have benefits pulled out of it at this point,” he said.
Looking at expenditures. Gerhard said the city’s general fund has a $685,000 positive net change, and the CRA has a $523,000 net change.
“The one issue is the library fund,” he said. “Those resources and fund balances is limited so roughly there’s a year and a half to two years where that fund will be either depleted or in the negative. That’s going to be an issue if you want the library to continue or will have to get some other funding for it.”
In summary, Gerhard said the city is in good financial shape.
“We have really good people doing what they need to do so thank you to the staff for making this all come together, especially in a challenging year,” Commissioner Ralph Cole said.
Sanclemente said, “This is why we’re so tough and stringent when it comes to spending city funds.”
“We have a great team,” Chappie said. “It’s not always easy. You don’t tell us what we want to hear, tell us what we need to hear.”
“Adherence to our own internal controls is paramount to have a healthy reserve,” Thompson said.
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FROM PAGE 10
“Please make sure to shield, turn off or install turtle friendly bulbs on any lights that can be seen from the beach and close your blinds after dark. Also, don't use flashlights, cell phone lights or lanterns on the beach at night as they can disorient hatchlings,” Mazzarella wrote.
Turtle Watch volunteers found a hatchling stuck in a hole one morning last week.
“If not found, it would've likely died from exposure and heat exhaustion,” Mazzarella wrote. “One of the best ways anyone can volunteer to help sea turtles is to walk the beach around sunset to pick up trash and fill in holes so that the beach is nice and clean and flat for sea turtles and their hatchlings at night.”
NESTING NEWS
Turtle nests laid: 502 (490 loggerhead, 12 green) Record: 543 in 2019
False crawls: 789 (763 loggerhead, 26 green) Record: 831 in 2010
Nests hatched: 48 (48 loggerhead, 0 green) Record: 453 in 2022
Hatchlings produced: 2,656 (2,656 loggerhead, 0 green) Record: 35,850 in 2022
Hatchling disorientations: 15 (15 loggerhead, 0 green)
Adult disorientations: 27 (26 loggerhead, 1 green)
Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring
LETTER: Anna Maria questions property tax relief
according to the property appraiser’s office. State law defines “uninhabitable” as “the loss of use and occupancy of a residential improvement for the purpose for which it was constructed resulting from damage to or destruction of, or from a condition that compromises the structural integrity of, the residential improvement which was caused by a catastrophic event.”
A copy of the letter obtained from the city’s clerk’s office says, “The city of Anna Maria has received information from the
Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office indicating this property was uninhabitable for a period of at least 30 days, resulting in a claim for property tax relief as stipulated in Florida Statute 197.319. This relief is based on a claim that significant
damage or destruction occurred as a result of a catastrophic event, in this case either due to Hurricane Helene or Milton.
“According to building department records, we have no information indicating you have submitted permit applications for any work on your property subsequent to Hurricanes Helene and Milton relating to building repairs, rebuilds, renovation or demolition. Florida building codes and city of Anna Maria ordinances require building permits be issued for any repair, rebuild, renovation or demolition work prior to such work
being performed,” according to the letter. “If work was performed, or is being performed, on this property that required building permits under Florida Statutes or city codes, the city requests such permits be applied for by August 15. An eligible property owner or the contractor that performed any such work may apply for the permits. Permit fees based on the city’s fee schedule will be assessed for all permit applications submitted, including penalties for work previously performed or work currently in progress.”
The letter states that if no work was performed
that would require building permits, the property owner is asked to submit an email that includes a statement of the property owner’s intent to perform or not perform any hurricane-related repair work.
“Under city ordinances, any non-conforming property must be repaired and all work completed and inspected within one year after an event causing damages. If the work is not complete by that time, and the city commission has not granted a time extension waiver to complete the work, the property must be brought to conforming status,” according to the letter.
The city sent permit-related letters to 51 Anna Maria property owners.
Public input meetings scheduled on Cortez Marina project
The first of five public meetings will be on Thursday, July 24 from 5-7 p.m. at The Bridge Church in Bradenton.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
CORTEZ - Manatee County commissioners are asking for public input and ideas for the future Cortez boat ramp and marina at the former Seafood Shack property.
“We want to see the input from the community on this project,” Manatee County District 3 Commissioner Tal Siddique stated in a July 11 Manatee County press release. “We are going to make sure your input is accounted for.”
The first of five public meetings will be on Thursday, July 24 from 5-7 p.m. at the Bridge Church, 4000 75th St. W. in Bradenton. The meetings will consist of hands-on design tables and visual preference and access surveys.
“Manatee County Government is starting with a blank slate to design a vibrant public boat launch and waterfront destination at The Cortez Boat Ramp and public input is being sought,” according to a Manatee County press release. “Every dock plank, parking space and amenity will reflect the community’s vision, so project managers are opening the doors wide for citizens to contribute their creativity, concerns and aspirations.”
The county purchased the property – seven upland parcels of approximately 5.9 acres and two submerged land leases of 2.9 acres – on Dec. 31, 2024 for $13 million.
“Following a series of damaging hurricanes in 2024, the existing structures were deemed unsafe, leading to an adjustment in redevelopment timelines,” according to the press release.
Annie’s Bait and Tackle Shop on the Seafood Shack parcel was demolished on April 16.
Demolition of the Seafood Shack, a Cortez waterfront restaurant and events venue since 1971, began on April 21.
According to the county press release, the Cortez site has the potential to increase the number of boat trailer parking spaces by up to 25% countywide.
Additional public meetings with Siddique are scheduled on:
• Wednesday, Aug. 6, 5-7 p.m., Manatee Central Library, 1301 First Ave. W., Bradenton;
• Monday, Aug. 11, 5-7 p.m., Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach;
• Wednesday, Aug. 13, 5-7 p.m., Rocky Bluff Library, 6750 U.S. 301, Ellenton; and
• Monday, Aug. 18, 5-7 p.m., Lakewood Ranch Library, 16410 Rangeland Pkwy., Bradenton.
In fishing, as in life, just be nice
Reel Time
RUSTY CHINNIS
hen was the last time you got upset when you were on the water? Was it when someone cut you off while you were poling a shoreline, or maybe when they motored up to that school of tarpon you had been positioning yourself well ahead of? Maybe it was someone who had gotten a little too close to where you’re anchored and fishing, i.e., in your "comfort zone.”
If you were like me, your first reaction might have been to get upset or even to throw your hands up and yell expletives. It took a long time for me to realize that strategy only upset me and
often made the situation worse.
To give you an example, I would be set up on a line on the beach waiting for tarpon when a Jet Ski would appear and run back and forth right on the line the tarpon were traveling. My first response was to get upset, throw my hands up in a one finger salute and yell something like, “Hey, ******* it’s a big Gulf of Mexico out there!”
That kind of a response was most often met with a return of my salute and multiple close passes just out of casting range.
Now, I wave them over and tell them what a nice day it is to be on the water. Then I explain what I’m doing and politely ask them to stay clear of my fishing lane.
Almost always they respond with an apology and explain that they didn’t realize what I was doing.
The same goes for those times when I’m fishing inshore and another angler gets in my “comfort zone.” It’s important
to realize that we have no idea what’s going on with the other anglers we’re sharing the water with. They could be fishing to eat, indulging a passion, finding solace from a traumatic experience, enjoying a day with friends and family, or just getting some relaxation. We all get caught up in our fishing at times and let our awareness drift as we stalk a school of fish or head to the next spot we’re going to target. Most anglers start out with areas in mind where they’ve caught fish before, and more often these days we either find someone there or nearby. All too often, this can mean that fishermen get crowded together, which has the potential to ruin everyone’s experience. There are lots of places to fish, so if you find someone else nearby, move on to another location. You may even find that you discover fish or a fishing spot you didn’t know about.
I generally hunt fish by poling in shallow water or in schools along the beaches. When I encounter another angler I either ask them if it’s OK to pass or just give them a wide berth. Most everyone appreciates this gesture and will tell you to proceed, but
sometimes they want you to stay completely away, even if there’s little chance of disturbing the action. If this is the case, I don’t argue, I just move on. Even though I don’t fish offshore, I
RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN
TOWN HALL: Holmes Beach residents oppose fee hikes
FROM PAGE 1
“I want to hear what you have to say about the budget, and you also heard about the stormwater assessment fees. It was proposed to us by the city engineer to raise the storm assessment fees,” Diggins said. “We were going to do that a few years ago and then the American Rescue Act came in and we received $2 million from the feds for stormwater so we didn’t have to raise the fees. That’s all gone now, and that’s why we’re talking about raising the fees.”
Diggins noted commissioners are considering raising the stormwater fee from $2.95 per hundred square feet of property to $4.95 or $9.
“I think nine from two for the stormwater fees, plus raising the millage rate is going to hurt a lot of us,” Laurel Nevans said. “We have seen a great exodus of people who sold out after the floods. Anna Maria is cutting taxes while we’re raising ours. I think if we want to maintain
residents, we can’t raise everything to the max.”
Nevans said many people are struggling financially following the 2024 hurricanes.
“I think the commission really needs to think about the impact. If we raise millage and stormwater rates, those annual rentals are going to go up because landlords won’t absorb that,” she said. “So many people are hurting financially right now that this could be the last nail in the coffin for the community.”
One resident asked Diggins what the stormwater money is being used for.
“What is the plan to be done differently to solve the water issue – digging more holes that cave in?” she asked.
Diggins said federal grants have dried up and the money is now being used for infrastructure improvement and vehicle maintenance.
“Right now, we’re using half the money for maintenance and the other half of the money to try to get some type of matching grant,” he said. “We ended up replacing storm drains, pipes and whenever we put a shovel in the ground, we find things we didn’t know about. We find things that are crumbling. We used the money for constant repairs.”
Diggins said that people who live on a barrier island do have to accept a certain amount of water.
“We talked about tearing up this parking lot here (at the library) and building a storage facility for the water underneath the parking lot. Then we’d have to pump it back out to the bay. That would cost millions and millions of dollars,” Diggins said.
“We’re just paying more for nothing when you guys are collecting more taxes,” the resident said.
“We have 4 miles of infiltration trenches, 10.7 miles of storm pipe under the streets, 2.5 miles of ditches and swales,
MAY 23-AUGUST 30
THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY 7PM & 9P M
LESLIE LAKE | SUN Holmes Beach Commissioner Dan Diggins held a town hall meeting on July 15 at the Island Branch Library.
REAL ESTATE
Disasters may have silver lining
Last week we talked about the future restoration and look of Cortez after the storms and after the county’s purchase of the Seafood Shack property. This week we’ll cover an emerging trend in the country where communities that have been struck by a disaster are frequently rebuilding richer and more exclusive - sound familiar?
Natural disasters can be galvanizing for a community where people come together to help neighbors and share information about contractors, painters, debris removal and just about anything else. It also presents an opportunity for developers and investors to swoop in and leave their mark on the area.
Castles in the Sand
LOUISE BOLGER
Homeowners who have received government aid and insurance payouts are rebuilding sturdier homes and meeting updated building codes. In addition to adding another layer of storm protection in the rebuilt homes, homeowners also have the opportunity to remodel damaged areas. This will ultimately translate into a more valuable and marketable property.
Unfortunately, there are low-income
homeowners who have more problems navigating the bureaucratic procedures to file for disaster aid and may not have personal funds to close the gap until the funds are available. Also, on Anna Maria Island, longtime residents with beachfront property handed down through families frequently did not carry homeowner’s insurance since the premiums were higher than the value of the building. Many of these cottages and older one-level homes have been sold to developers for the land value. Renters of course can get evicted or choose to move from damaged properties and are facing higher costs and a short supply of rentals.
What this means for Anna Maria Island and Cortez is a change in the profile of the
communities. The slow pace of living in these communities is changing, replacing an Old Florida vibe with a jazzier vibe and new, larger homes capable of entertaining family get-togethers and weddings.
Many of these properties are owned by investors or investor groups and are designed for renting and although Anna Maria always had many properties that were available for rent, it still maintained the quality of Island life. Many islanders now fear the Island will never be the same.
A good example of how a Category 5 storm changed a community in Florida is Hurricane Michael, which hit the Panhandle in 2018. Panama City had an older, slightly tattered downtown area which has been restored with trendy restaurants and boutiques and an increasing population. Brokers specializing in waterfront properties say wealthy buyers are arriving in growing numbers, raising the economy and value of properties considerably.
While we were talking hurricanes, which I swore I wouldn’t do, I found some
interesting statistics from the FSU Florida Climate Center. Starting with the Great Miami Hurricane in 1926 through Milton in 2024, there have only been three Category 5 hurricanes, nine Category 4 hurricanes and 10 Category 3 hurricanes. Don’t get too comfortable with these numbers since the one-two punch of Helene, a Category 4, and Milton, a Category 3, did an incredible amount of damage prior to making landfall compounded with a 4-foot storm surge. Nevertheless, populations have increased in three of the most severely hit Florida communities. Andrew in Miami was a Category 5, Charley in Charlotte County was a Category 4 and Ian in Lee County was a Category 4 - all increased their populations substantially within a threeyear period after the storm.
I’m standing by my prediction from last week about the value of properties in Cortez. I also believe that Anna Maria Island will enjoy an increase in property values as well. You may not like the new vibe, but you may really enjoy the increasing trends in value.
BEACH BEAT
HOLMES BEACH
July 2, 12:21 p.m., Holmes Boulevard. Theft. The complainant told police he had received a quote in March for $4,200 for a new garage door from Generations Garage Door LLC. The quote was later updated to $5,731 which included a hurricane-rated door and opener. The homeowner told police he had made five deposit payments through Zelle totaling $2,500. After several months and several text messages, the company never came to do the work, the homeowner stated. After repeated calls and messages, he asked for a refund, but said he received no response. The homeowner said he had no other option but to report theft to police. The case was forwarded to the detective bureau.
July 4, 1:45 a.m., Marina Drive.
Contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Police reported while on patrol they observed two juveniles, one of whom was carrying an open can of alcoholic seltzer. The juvenile
confirmed their age was 17. Police asked where they had obtained the alcohol and were told that it was from a friend’s parent at their room at a hotel. The juveniles said it was provided to them by a friend’s mother with the mother’s knowledge. Officers went to the hotel and learned that the juveniles from the group were staying in different rooms, with one group of juveniles in a room with no adult supervision and in possession of alcohol. The parents of the two juveniles were called, and one of the parents came from Tampa to Holmes Beach. The juveniles gave sworn statements. Officers went to the hotel and called the parents of the juveniles in the hotel room reportedly containing alcohol. Police said that room had hundreds of dollars of beer and liquor littered throughout the room, with many open containers. Hotel management decided to evict those staying in the hotel rooms and police issued trespass warnings. The mother, who reportedly provided the alcohol, became irate and attempted to negotiate for them to stay. Police filed a capias request with the State Attorney’s office against the mother for 10 counts of child neglect without great bodily harm, 10 counts of contributing to
the delinquency of a minor and one of hosting an open house party. As one of the juveniles was reportedly the woman’s son, police reported the incident to the state Department of Children and Families.
REEL TIME: In fishing, as in life, just be nice
FROM PAGE 14
know that many anglers work hard to find a ledge or hard bottom where they target fish and they carefully guard it, never overfishing it. One of the worst things they experience is anglers who look for spots that others are fishing. Most often they don’t have the same respect as the original angler and mark the spot on their GPS, returning later to catch every fish they can. If care isn’t taken, it’s possible to ruin a good hole by overfishing it.
Fishing schooling species like tarpon, Spanish mackerel, little tunny and kingfish requires a stealthy approach; savvy anglers work the edges of a school where they know predators patrol for prey. They understand that a careful approach is their best chance of success. Anglers who don’t know the ropes often troll right through schools of baitfish and breaking fish, causing them to sound and ruining the action for everyone. When anglers take the time to consider others on the water, everyone wins.
Fishing should be fun, and with a little consideration, it can be. When you’re on the water, make it a habit to stay well away from other anglers and if you encounter someone who isn’t playing by those rules, move on. Show them the courtesy they don’t show you.
July 4, 5:41 p.m., Manatee Beach. Animal cruelty. Police responded to Manatee Beach in reference to a distressed dog left in a vehicle. The dog, a small breed with dark fur, was found in the unattended vehicle, which was turned off and the windows rolled down approximately 1 inch. Police said the dog showed signs of heat distress and was panting, breathing rapidly and had a visibly elevated heart rate. According to police reports, the outside temperature was 85 degrees with 78% humidity. Police used a lockout kit to enter the vehicle and transported the dog to the Holmes Beach Police Department where it was given food and water. Police left a note on the vehicle and at 8:05 p.m., the owner came to retrieve the dog. The owner said they had checked the dog every hour and provided water, but police said there were no signs of a water bowl in the vehicle. A capias request was submitted to the State Attorney’s office for review.
TOWN HALL: Holmes Beach residents oppose hikes
FROM PAGE 15
125 storm pipe outfalls and 25 tide valves in the canals,” Diggins said. “Even if we don’t increase it, that’s where that money goes.”
“When I moved here in 2010, we probably had 5,000 residents in Holmes Beach, now we have less than 2,000,” Renee Ferguson said. “What I’m concerned about is that the burden is on us. We’re going to take the hit with this $9 fee and we all know it’s up to the rest of us that are left to take on responsibility for the problem we have with flooding.”
She questioned the success rate of the companies the city is using for stormwater solutions.
“We don’t know what their success rate is and we don’t know what other coastal cities they’ve done,’’ Ferguson said. “I have no problem knowing
my fees have to be raised if I knew that the quality of work and the companies that we’re choosing are actually going to do the work that we’re hiring them to do.”
“Can you tell me then, if you’re going to raise the millage and these fees, what you’re really going to do with this money and why we need it?” Ferguson asked. “This is not the time to hit us. Can we just hold back and see what happens when we reassess these mega mansions that are going up and maybe then come to us and say, we still have to talk to you?”
Nancy Deal said that the city of St. Petersburg has put in pump stations and asked why Holmes Beach can’t do the same. That city received an $8 million matching grant from the state, she said.
“There’s money out there,” Deal said. “There are things our city could have been doing.”
“We’re studying that now,” Diggins said.
Some residents questioned the absence of Holmes Beach commissioners at the town hall meeting.
City Attorney Erica Augello sent an email to commissioners that explains their absence. In part, it reads, “Just a friendly reminder that as these topics are not just likely to come before the commission, but are definitely coming before the commission, be cautious of any sunshine violations. While it is not a sunshine violation to attend such an event, it is a sunshine violation to participate in such an event if another commissioner is present and participating. As soon as a second commissioner makes a comment a violation exists as the meeting is not a public meeting that has been properly noticed and minutes taken.”
ISLAND SPORTS
Second Place Team - Gary Razze, Deb and Dave Richardson and Quentin Talbert, 30, 2 under par
JULY 15 - LOW NET SCORE
First Place - Helen Pollock, 29
Second Place - Sue Wheeler, 31
Third Place - Linda Dorsey, 34
BUDGET: No property tax increase in Bradenton Beach budget
FROM PAGE 1
CENTER SCOREBOARD
INDOOR SOCCER – WEEK 5
8- TO 10-YEAR-OLD DIVISION
Revive Nutrition 4 (4-0-1) Moss Builders 0 (1-3-1)
Diamond Turf 3 (3-2) Mi-Box 0 (1-4)
11- TO 14-YEAR-OLD DIVISION
Poppo’s Taqueria 6 (4-1) Westfall’s Lawn Care & Pest Control 3 (4-1)
AMI Outfitters 7 (2-3) Jiffy Lube 4 (0-5)
ADULT FLAG FOOTBALL – WEEK 4
Bubble Binz 48 (2-1) Solid Rock Electrical 31 (2-1)
Salty Printing 35 (3-1) Cortez Pump & Sprinkler 12 (2-2)
Slim’s Place 39 (3-0) Reel Coastal Properties 12 (0-4)
Rene Chapman chipped-in on Hole # 5
JULY 17 - SCRAMBLE
Three teams tied for First Place with a score of 30, 2 under par: Jim Bailey, John Kolojeski, Scott Mitchell and Bill Shuman; Joe Coyne, Keven Loveland, Ken Nagengast and Steve Vasbinder; and Mike Cusato, Chuck Patrick and Deb and Dave Richardson.
Coaster Continent 54 (3-1) G.I. Bins 19 (0-4)
KEY ROYALE CLUB SCOREBOARD
JULY 10 - SCRAMBLE
First Place Team - Kevin Breheny, Joe Coyne, Rich Salzburg and Warren Stevens, 29, 3 under par
Sofran wins in landslide
On July 16, Tim Sofran and Gersey Fernandes posted the only 3-0 record during pool play and won the day’s competition at Anna Maria Horseshoes. On July 19, two teams met in the final, Sofran, above, ended the week in style after throwing a barrage of ringers to take out Bob Hawks and Jay Disbrow 21-2 and ended up in the winner's circle.
"I personally walked the neighborhoods after the storm and people need more time to get situated. I think this is just the right thing to do.”
Cosby said that some city expenditures have been put on hold.
“We made some decisions not to do some capital improvement projects,” Cosby said. “New vehicles were going to be purchased and we talked about adding some personnel in the planning and police department and we’re going to put those on hold. As we’re going through this cycle with FEMA, we aren’t 100% sure what projects are going to fly and what percentage they’re going to get through the system.”
Cosby said that the city received $1.1 million in FEMA funding through the state to offset storm-related costs after storm debris removal was completed.
“Half of the projects were in the CRC (FEMA Consolidated Resource Center), which is the final approval to be funded,” Cosby said. “Then we will be getting 100% of those costs back. We decided to lay low this year because
we are still going to responsible for 12.5% of our total damage from the hurricanes.”
Cosby said the city has requested its consultant to apply for a hardship through FEMA.
“The city is too small to incur the types of costs we’re having to incur due to the hurricanes,” he said. “Next year once we see where we’re at with FEMA and if we can get some assistance from FEMA to cover some of our losses, this budget could look a lot different next year.”
ANNA MARIA HORSESHOES | SUBMITTED
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
Bradenton Beach commissioners and staff discuss the preliminary 2025-26 budget at a July 15 work meeting.
FUN IN THE SUN
CLASSIFIEDS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
THRIVE BEACH YOGA: All Levels Welcome! 100 Pine Ave on AMI. 8:30am every Saturday & Sunday, $15 PreRegistration required at ThriveYogaFit.com
I HAVE SANDBAGS. Need filled and delivered in Holmes Beach. $2.00 per bag. Penney 941-9936485
COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE
HAVE YOU BEEN thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! Duplexes, multi family, small resorts? Call BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216
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TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570 or 941-565-3931
CONSTRUCTION/ INSURANCE
WE SPECALIZE IN: WIND Mitigation forms, 4-POINT forms, DECK safety and evaluation. State Certified since 1990. Call Mike Conley 941-778-2385. Straight Inspection Service. Veteran Owned
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-725-0073.
KERN & GILDER CONSTRUCTION, INC New Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CBC 1261150. Call the Office. 941-7781115. NEW OFFICE ADDRESS: 1878 59th Street W Bradenton, FL 34209
API’S DRYWALL REPAIR 15+ years experience. Free estimates. No job too small. Love to help you. Call 941-524-8067.
GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 20+ years. Call Neil. Cell 941-9621194
JSAN CORPORATION
Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.
GORILLA DRYWALL REPAIR, LLC. 15+ years of experience. Free Estimates. Let’s solve your Drywall problems together. Call 941-286-0607.
CCS DRYWALL REPAIRS We are local. Family owned & operated since 1991. Free Estimates. Licensed/Insured/Bonded. License # SCC131149803 Call 941-713-6531.
HURRICANE DAMAGE?
I’m an Island resident. Pressure washing, tree work, fence repair, mailbox replacement. Also see ads under “Landscaping & painting. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315
FROM HOME TO BUSINESSES, we build it all. You’re Reliable General Contractor for new construction, water damage, restoration 941-894-7549 or email at@constructionatr.com
BATHROOM REMODEL STARTING at $1999
Limited Time Promotion (labor only) McGhie Construction Inc. State certified CBC 1258471 Call 813-966-3707 Free Estimates
START TO FINISH, Custom Carpentry, Accent Walls, Drywall and much more 941-565-2165
HANDYMAN: Repairing two homes on AMI. Carpentry, painting, flooring, minor electric and plumbing, etc. Self-starter, Work your schedule, full or part time. Call or text Darryl, 813-439-0516.
HOME SERVICE
HATE TO COOK? Long time Island resident. Can help with cooking, laundry and many things around your house. Many compliments on cooking. References available. Please Call or Text 941685-0045.
LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE
R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941
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SHELL DRIVEWAYS & LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell and Lime rock driveways and scapes. Also River Rock, Sand, Mulch, & Soil. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067
DEVINE DESIGN LANDSCAPE - Professional Landscape and Design Services for your entire property. Irrigation services, Tree Removal and trimming, Sod, Mulch, Fencing, Pavers and Landscape Lighting. Commercial and Residential. Call 941-4656015 DevineDesign7@ yahoo.com
MOVING & STORAGE
MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-8095777.
PAINTING & WALLCOVERING
PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates. 941-812-0507
“WIZARD OF WALLS”
Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Wallpaper installation/ removal. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455
DONALD PERKINS ABRACADABRA PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-705-7096
PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident. Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Minor repairs & carpentry. Free estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315
TRUE TONE PAINTING. Painting, power washing, epoxy floors and more, No job too small. Please call 941-224-4020 www. truetonepainting.com
PEST CONTROL
ANNA MARIA PEST CONTROL Call 941-7781630
POOL SERVICES
FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 18 + Years Experience. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657
COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893
PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS
TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941-5653931.
REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE
Have you been thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! GULF FRONT, CANAL FRONT, BAY FRONT CONDOS or HOMES ASK for BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216
LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589
FOR SALE - PERICO BAY CLUB New Price for 2BR/2BA villa with Water View!
2 CAR GARAGE, open floor plan & high ceilings! $374,400 Call Erin Leathem at The Anna Maria Sales Team at Island Real Estate 941448-5616
FOR SALE. 3BR/2.5BA Town House. No flooding. Beautifully furnished. Walk to shop! $1.1 million CAPETOWN VILLAGE 3BR/3BA Bradenton.
$499,000 FURNISHED CONDO with deeded boat dock. Pool . Furnished. Adorable. No flooding. $649,000 Brenda Boyd May. Boyd Realty 941-730-8589.
RENTALS: ANNUAL
ANNUAL RENTAL CENTRAL HOMES BEACH
3BR/2BA completely remodeled. Walk to beach, school, trolley, shopping. $2595/mo Call 941-7136743
HOLMES BEACH 209 83rd St.: 2BR/2BA private pool, large screened lanai! $3000/mo. Water, trash, lawn care included. Also pool care. Annual, unfurnished. 1 Year lease. 1st, & $4500 security deposit Call 941-809-2488
BEAUTIFUL PERICO BAY Club Condo! 2BR/2BA, Second Floor Unit $4750/ mo seasonally, $2500/mo annually +Security Deposit Please call 941-7781979 for more details.
YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS this rare opportunity to live on Anna Maria Island. Please call the office at 941-778-1979 to see this 2BR/2BA $2975/ mo renovated home with a beautifully landscaped large backyard.
AMI HOUSE 4BR/3BA Master suite with walk in closet, private study. Large yard. Water view. Walk to Beach. 12 month minimum. Call 203-223-1119.
ANNUAL RENTAL 2BR/2BA Palma Sola Bay in a 55+ community. $1850/ mo. includes water, sewer, garbage, cable & wifi. Call or text 304-532-2667
RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION
ANNA MARIA ISLAND
CONDOS Large pool, beach access, free WiFi, 1&2 Bedroom $900 to $1200 per week redekercondosonami.com Tim 941-704-7525
TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455
SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates. Contact Barb Grace 941201-2190
SEASONAL RENTALHOLMES BEACH - 2BR/2BA Bayside Condo. POOL, Tennis, Pickleball, Beautifully updated. Available starting December 2025. Call Jack at 312-835-2323 or for photos and details
TOP FLOOR OCEAN VIEW
2BR/2BA rental available August 15th 3 month minimum rent. $5-10k prorated. Utilities included 201-317-6922 owner operated
TRANSPORTATION
ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete $85. Sarasota $40. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-7795095
BUDGET: No property tax increase in Bradenton Beach budget
FROM PAGE 20
MILLAGE RATE AND RESERVES
“The budget is built with not changing the millage of 2.3329,” City Treasurer Shayne Thompson said. “It functions as it is, it’s a moving target, so this is not the absolute be-all endall number, but the goal was put some healthy amount back in reserves that were taken this year from the storm. We’re looking at putting back close to $320,000 into reserves in the coming year, so keeping the millage the same accomplishes that goal.”
“If you’re a coastal community, you should have 35% in reserves,” Cosby said. “In some of the budget years when there was money left over, instead of putting it back into the general fund, we put it back in uncommitted reserve. That was by far, one of the smartest things we have done as a city, because we’ve been able to weather this event, with two back-to-back category three hurricanes within 10 days.”
In discussing the millage rate, Commissioner Ralph Cole said that Bradenton Beach should ask Manatee County to contribute to policing in the city.
“We set our millage rate, the county sets their millage rate, and because they set their millage rate high, it puts the burden on us,” Cole said.
“We need more money from the county for policing out here with all the people that are coming. Between the two entities we need to figure out something without raising the taxes on people that live here. We need to put more of our tax dollars where they come from.”
City employees will be receiving a 5% salary increase with no change in benefits.
“Last year the cost of living was set at 2.5% and we all got together and we decided 2.5% for a raise would put us at 5% and that is a nice increase for all the employees,” City Clerk Terri Sanclemente said. “I know it’s a little less than last year but it’s still a good raise.”
The city commission approved the following proposed expenditures:
• Administration $868,905
• Commission $188,157
• Police $2,131,795 • Emergency operations $95,400 • Code enforcement $74,691 • Planning $527,618 • CRS $70,883 • Pier $155,770 • Streets and roads $515,251 • Stormwater $242,026 • Facilities $144,010
