It was a year packed with challenges.
In light of struggles, cutbacks and changes due to the novel coronavirus, Holmes Beach staff and officials worked together to support the city, including striving to satisfy residents and vacationers.
“Striking that balance between visitors and residents has been an ongoing issue in Holmes Beach for many years,” Mayor Judy Titsworth said Dec. 22. “But amazing progress was made in 2020, even with the pandemic. The community really came together to support our parks, which I think was so important during this difficult time.”
The city addressed alternative forms of transportation, vacation rental ordinances, updates to the city’s recreational complex and extensive stormwater improvements in 2020.
“It was amazing that the generosity of the community allowed us to add so much to our parks,” Titsworth said, listing the new skate park, shuffleboard, Bocce ball and pickleball courts among the achievements.
Commission Chair Jim Kihm also cited the importance of community involvement in 2020 and said he hopes 2021 brings more communication between residents and business owners.
“I really enjoy getting out in the city and talking with people about their concerns,” he said. “Among my resolutions for next year is to spend more time interacting with people in the city.”
Kihm said the current commission is “very committed and involved in making the city a great place to live, visit and work.”
Commissioner Carol Soustek shared similar sentiments, adding that she hopes county officials and their staff recognize the importance of the three island municipalities — Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach.
“We have got to get the county to acknowledge these are cities out here, not just beaches,” she said. “And we need them to come out here and figure out what is going on and get the true flavor of the island. It is all about communication.”
Commissioner Kim Rash, who refers to himself as “the voice of the residents,” also acknowledged that communication would be vital in 2021.
“We did great in 2020, but I know we have more to do on the noise issues from rentals and more to do to help with traffic on the island,” Rash said. “It has gotten much better with the regulations we added in the past year and also, the police department has done an excellent job of enforcing those regulations.”
Commissioner Terry Schaefer said environmental concerns are at the top of his list for 2021.
And addressing those concerns will be a project that connects the three cities, as well as the county.
“Each accomplishment done collectively will support our entire community,” he said. “We all deal with the same issues and working together will be the best way to provide solutions for the benefit of all.”
Newly elected Commissioner Jayne Christenson echoed the others, saying discussions with the county on traffic, parking and environmental impacts are key to the new year.
“I want to see a positive change in communications with the county,” she said. “In the past we have operated on our own out here on the island and taken what was given to us. I think this is the year to step up and look for partnership opportunities with the county. I feel like we might have woke them up.”
Christenson said parking concerns, a controversial issue addressed following street closures due to the pandemic, created a dialogue with county officials about challenges faced by island residents and business owners.
“It woke up the sleeping bear,” she said. “Let’s hope 2021 is the year to bring us all together.”
Kihm also said communication with the county would be key to success in 2021.
“We are all in this together,” he said. “Now is the time.”
Bradenton Beach officials unresponsive
Bradenton Beach officials, including Mayor John Chappie and the city’s four commissioners, did not respond to calls from The Islander during the week beginning Dec. 21 asking about their hopes and goals for 2021.
— Ryan Paice
