An Anna Maria committee was set to review nominations for citizen of the year but a Jan. 22 meeting to discuss nominations and more was canceled moments before the start.
Citing a personal emergency for a member of the Anna Maria Distinguished Citizen of the Year Committee, city administrative assistant Stephanie Janney sent committee members an email canceling and then seeking scheduling input.
The agenda included nominating and electing committee leadership and reviewing nomination guidelines, but the meeting did not occur.
Also slated for review were four nominees:
- Carl Augustino of Spring Avenue, who was nominated by neighbor Ernest Broderson;
- Jimmy Malfese of Alamanda Road, nominated by Tripp Sebring;
- Lynn Brennan of Oak Avenue, nominated by Patricia Walter;
- Joan and the late Carl Voyles of Loquat Drive, nominated by Anna Maria Commissioner Carol Carter.
Broderson’s nomination touted Augustino’s generosity of time and effort to rebuild bicycles for donation, as well as the use of his expertise to repair neighbors’ golf carts and scooters while “never asking for compensation.”
The nomination for Malfese emphasized his dedication to the island and all that makes it special with everyone he meets. When he’s not working at the Rod & Reel Pier, Malfese can be found there, volunteering to teach children how to bait a hook, cast a line and haul in their catch.
“This may not sound like a lot but if you’re a parent visiting the pier or a resident bringing your child or grandchild out to fish, you will appreciate Jimmy’s incredible contribution,” Sebring wrote in his nomination letter to the committee.
Walter cited Brennan’s dedication to the community through her involvement with volunteer organizations, including All Island Denominations, which assists locals in need of emergency help.
In her nomination of the Voyles, Carter wrote that the couple served the city in a variety of ways. Carl Voyles was parade marshal two years for the Veterans Day Parade and Joan contributes to the arts community.
Carter also noted the couple’s support for the Center of Anna Maria Island, Anna Maria.
When the committee meets, members will discuss the nominees and vote, either by secret ballot or voice vote, according to the agenda.
The committee will complete and deliver a tally of votes to the clerk’s office for presentation to the city commission.
The city clerk said Jan. 25 that the award likely will be presented in February.
Anna Maria City Hall is at 10005 Gulf Drive.
For more information, call the clerk’s office at 941-708-6130.