Anna Maria officials look for new year possibilities
By Tal Reeve
Islander Reporter
As a new year begins, it signals a fresh start and new beginnings. It’s a time to reflect and wish for both the practical and impossible, a time to look forward.
Anna Maria’s officials made wish lists for the city. Some wishes, by their admission, are doable, while others, not so much.
Commissioner Nancy Yetter hopes 2016 brings respect for Anna Maria Island from visitors.
She hopes by everyone showing more reverence for the island’s rules and natural beauty there will be less need for tough police and code enforcement.
Yetter said if she could make any wish, it would be for the Manatee County Tourist Development Council to halt promoting tourism to the island for a year.
“It’s not going to happen,” Yetter said. “But the relief it would create with traffic would be nice.”
Meanwhile, Commissioner Carol Carter hopes more people come to live full-time on the island.
Carter, a founding member of Anna Maria Island: Home Sweet Home, is working with Holmes Beach Commissioner Jean Peelen and former Bradenton Beach Commissioner Janie Robertson to attract islanders willing to support their cause.
Carter’s wish is to see AMI:HSH grow and see results in 2016.
AMI:HSH has grown to almost 100 members.
Commissioners Chuck Webb and Dale Woodland hope to gain more home rule power, specifically in dealing with vacation rentals.
The city’s rental regulations are scheduled to begin April 1.
Woodland also said he hopes 2016 will bring a solution to parking problems. He said he’d like to see parking around the city similar to the current parking plan for the beach-end streets.
On the 100 block of streets along the shoreline, parking alternates annually on only one side of the street.
Woodland said he’d like to take the switching plan further — citywide.
Commissioner Doug Copeland’s 2016 desires are focused on the Anna Maria City Pier and nearby park.
In July, the city and county had an underwater survey team take a close look at the 100-year-old pier to see if any major repairs needed to be done. The results are not yet known, but Copeland hopes any needed repairs can be done in an inexpensive and timely manner.
He’s also suggested the City Pier Park should develop into a better green space for residents and tourists.
Mayor Dan Murphy agreed.
In May, the City Pier Park Committee presented a plan to improve the empty field. The first phase was to build a restroom that is expected to open in January.
But funding lacks, although the city accepted a $5,000 donation Dec. 17 to continue improving the park from resident Terry Tucker.
Murphy said Anna Maria would happily accept more donations.
Murphy had one last wish for the city. He would like Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson and Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon to issue proclamations declaring Anna Maria “the best city on the island” to live full-time.
BB officials look forward
By Ed Scott
Islander Reporter
Harmony and completed projects inside city hall. Walkability and beauty outside its doors.
That’s what the members of the Bradenton Beach Commission say they hope for in 2016.
Commissioner Jan Vosburgh, who supported then-Vice Mayor Jack Clarke last year in his bid to unseat Mayor Bill Shearon, seeks a year of healing between Shearon — who was re-elected in November — commissioners and city staff.
“We need good, positive relations between all parties to show appreciation and to instill confidence,” Vosburgh said. “When this happens, we can do the job we were elected and hired to do … and that’s to serve the residents and business owners in Bradenton Beach.”
One of those projects — a completed revision of the city’s land development code — is a top priority for Commissioner Ed Straight.
“That’s going to be a big task for this coming year,” Straight said. “Getting that completed would be my” wish for 2016. “It’s overdue. It’s the future direction for development. It’s outdated. So it’s got to be caught up to date.”
Shearon wishes for “a more walkable, bicycle-friendly island community to help alleviate traffic congestion.
“If you’re in a hurry, you are on the wrong island,” he said.
Commissioner Ralph Cole would like people who are walking or biking the island to enjoy the views without intrusive power lines.
“It would be nice to have all of our poles underground,” like Longboat Key,” he said. “It’s a dream, but it’s not a far-fetched dream.
“On a barrier island, it would be better. When you look up and see all the wires, it looks like a bad wire job in your house.”
Cole also said he wants to see more beach accesses created and for “everything to go smooth” at city hall.
Taking a lighter approach, Shearon wishes “the words ‘red’ and ‘tide’ were not used in the same sentence.” He dreams of a tunnel from the mainland to the island, with underground parking, and for “a police escort for our trolley service during heavy traffic congestion.”
Commissioner Jake Spooner said his wish for Bradenton Beach in 2016 is “that we’re all careful not to throw the baby out with the bath water with new regulations.”
Holmes Beach officials share wishes
By Kristin Swain
Islander Reporter
Everyone has a new year’s wish, including the elected officials in Holmes Beach.
“My wish is for peace and happiness in the city,” Mayor Bob Johnson said. “Also, that my wife is fully recovered (from a car crash) and doesn’t want to go zip-lining in Costa Rica.” Johnson and his wife, Denise, who is recovering from injuries sustained from a car accident, took a trip to Costa Rica over the holidays.
Commissioner Carol Soustek wished happiness for the community and had a wish for herself, “I want a new body. I lost mine somewhere and am looking for it,” she said, laughing.
“My holiday wish is that everyone is well and strong and able to be with family and loved ones,” said Commissioner Jean Peelen.
Commissioner Pat Morton said he wished for health and happiness for everyone in the coming year.
“I hope this year will mark the end of the frustrations of many of our residents and that they will once again find peace within our city and enjoy sharing it with family, the community and our tourists,” Chair Judy Titsworth said.
Commissioner Marvin Grossman said, “Peace on Anna Maria Island and neighborly goodwill to all,” is his New Year’s wish for both his family and the community.
Commissioners next meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.