Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy was all smiles after the Feb. 23 meeting of the Manatee County Tourist Development Council.
The TDC approved funding for two projects in Anna Maria, providing some much-needed cash, Murphy said.
In addition to the two Anna Maria projects, the TDC approved funds for a pathway in the Grassy Point Preserve in Holmes Beach and a request for funds from the Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez.
Jon Crane of Anna Maria asked for $20,000 in matching funds to renovate and improve the Anna Maria Island Museum and Historical Park, 502 Pine Ave.; while Murphy asked for $76,000 to clear and replant Gulffront Park between Magnolia and Oak avenues.
Both requests had approval from Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director Elliott Falcione and the council unanimously approved the funding.
Crane said the historical museum needs to face its entry toward Pine Avenue to draw more visitors. At present, the entrance on the east side of the museum goes unnoticed by passersby.
Additionally, Crane plans to make the museum and historical park more attractive to visitors, and do some marketing.
The museum features exhibits on the history of Anna Maria Island, along with artifacts and items of historical interest, including newspaper archives.
“Considering the thousands of people who walk Pine Avenue every year looking for natural attractions, we needed to do more to highlight and preserve our heritage, our old Florida look and appeal,” Crane said.
TDC member Vern DeSear backed the request: “Preserving our history is one of the most important things we can do to educate visitors and residents.”
The improvements for Gulffront Park, a popular location for beachgoers, will eliminate most exotic plants and retain the mature Australian pines for shade, Murphy told TDC members that people often visit the park to picnic and observe flora and fauna.
Murphy said much of the park is overgrown with invasive plant species and it’s been a dumping ground for unwanted umbrellas, tires, canopies, cans and bottles and even yard waste. The city funded clearing of two of the park’s six parcels of land, but did not have the money to complete the project.
“The TDC has really stepped up to help us and we are grateful for their support of Anna Maria,” he said.
The $100,000 approved for Grassy Point by the TDC was more good news for the island.
TDC member Jack Rynerson was concerned that no restroom facilities are planned at Grassy Point and that parking is inadequate. However, Holmes Beach Commissioner Jean Peelen, a member of the TDC, said the city plans to purchase several lots by the park entrance to meet those needs.
“We do hope to encourage visitors to use the island trolley to get to the entrance, rather than drive,” she said. “This is one of the most pristine parks in Florida.”
Rynerson was satisfied with the plan for more parking, but suggested Peelen and city commissioners discuss restroom facilities.
The motion to fund a boardwalk passed unanimously.
The museum in Cortez will use its allocation from the TDC for improvements and to market the facility to attract more visitors, Falcione said. The museum traces the history of Cortez as an active fishing village from the 1880s to the present.
The funds are derived from the 5 percent tax on rentals of six months or less in the county.