Anna Maria resident complains about new streetlights

Anna Maria resident Janis Ian, an acclaimed singer-songwriter in the 1960s-’70s, speaks during public comment at a Dec. 9 city commission meeting to complain about the light from a pair of new streetlights installed on Pine Avenue in recent months. Ian said the lights do not conform to the “old-fashioned” roadway’s decor, are too bright and result in light pollution that prevents people there from seeing the stars. Islander Photos: Ryan Paice

One of two streetlights on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria at the heart of a resident’s Dec. 9 complaint about their brightness and style. Mayor Dan Murphy said the city is working to install shields to direct light downward and is exploring new streetlights as part of its “Reimagining Pine Avenue” project. Public works manager Dean Jones said the lamp shields should be installed by the end of the month.