Time to ring out 2022.
As the last of public COVID-19 restrictions were lifted and many pandemic precautions fell away, news about the coronavirus — which dominated The Islander’s headlines in 2021 and 2020 — was dramatically diminished.
What did make headlines? Disputes over public access and private construction on local beaches, rules related to parking on public streets, efforts to reign in developers and monitor vacation rentals.
Island traditions from Bean Point to Coquina Beach, community celebrations from Pine Avenue to Bridge Street and academic advances at the little school by the bay also made headlines.
So did milestones people achieved and the passing of local legends and leaders.
Read on in Flashback 2022, part one.
January
Developer drops NYE bombshell: Developer Shawn Kaleta dropped a $3.125M bombshell on New Year’s Eve. Attorney Michelle Grantham filed suit against the city of Holmes Beach in federal court on behalf of Kaleta, claiming the city ran a blackball campaign against him, resulting in more than $3 million in damages.
Troubled resort scores legal win: In the legal battle between the city of Holmes Beach and the Bali Hai Beach Resort, the resort notched a victory. Judge Charles Sniffen dismissed a city counterclaim that sought injunctive relief against the resort for continuing to operate a spa and bar/lounge despite a stop work order.
Seepage detected at Piney Point: The Florida Department of Environmental Protection reported the discovery of three “low-volume seepage areas” at Piney Point in east Manatee County. The DEP said less than 3 gallons per minute of “seepage” was observed.
AME PTO cancels school dance: Anna Maria Elementary students would go another year without a dance, as the PTO agreed to cancel the Dolphin Dance due to the coronavirus pandemic and lack of an organizer.
Anna Maria names citizens of the year: Anna Maria’s 2021 Citizen of the Year award winners included Anna Maria Island Historical Society vice president Barbara Murphy, the mayor’s wife, and Joan Voyles, founder and past president of the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island.
Bistro ‘magic’ changes hands: After operating the Beach Bistro for more than 36 years, husband-and-wife founders Sean Murphy and Susan Timmins sold the surfside eatery at 6600 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, to developer Shawn Kaleta and attorney Louis Najmy for an undisclosed sum.
Chamber doles out trolley grants to island-centric nonprofits: The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce awarded grants to 13 nonprofits through the Trolley Giving Back Program during an awards celebration at the Seafood Shack in Cortez.
County bolsters FMM’s Lake Minnie-net camp project: Manatee County commissioners unanimously voted to increase U.S. RESTORE Act funding for a project at the Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez that called for the construction of a net camp replica on Lake Minnie, a pond on the museum grounds.
February
Water taxi makes splash: Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, told officials at a Manatee County Council of Governments meeting that a pilot program for a water taxi could launch by late May.
Trolley ridership remains below prepandemic levels: Ridership on the trolley had not rebounded to prepandemic numbers but the passenger count was on the rise. Ridership in December 2021 was 29,332 compared with 19,164 riders in December 2020 and 38,456 riders in December 2019.
HB lowers speed limit citywide: City commissioners voted 3-1 to approve a resolution establishing a citywide speed limit of 25 mph — effective in mid-February — in an effort to improve safety and better integrate golf carts and low-speed vehicles on city roads.
AM officials discuss Pine Avenue changes: Commissioners reached a consensus and directed Mayor Dan Murphy to work with staff to create a request for proposals for pervious-paver sidewalks, as well as add new and enhance existing crosswalks on Pine Avenue.
Palma Sola committee seeks scenic highway extension: The Palma Sola Scenic Highway Committee met to discuss projects, including expanding the scenic highway in Holmes Beach to the south and to the west.
Euphemia Haye sale puts staff member on top: Ray and D’Arcy Arpke, 41-year owners of Longboat Key’s Euphemia Haye restaurant, sold the eatery to Amy Whitt, a 15-year employee, for an undisclosed sum. The sale was in December but made public in February.
Child nearly drowns in pool: A 2-year-old boy nearly drowned after falling into a swimming pool at a vacation rental property in the 200 block of South Bay Boulevard in Anna Maria, according to a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office report.
End-of-year gifts add up to center success: The Center of Anna Maria Island’s annual fundraising campaign for 2021-22 raised $240,692 in response to a $60,000 matching challenge.
Community key to $16M record home sale: A lavish Anna Maria beachfront estate sold for $16 million, breaking the all-time residential sale record for Manatee County of $13 million for a Longboat Key home sale in July 2020.
March
BB shuttle operator faces scrutiny over out-of-bounds drivers: The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency met at city hall, taking up a conversation with the owner of Easy Parking Group about the fare-free shuttle program that operates between the commercial district and Coquina Beach, including back-and-forth talks over deviation from the route.
COVID numbers dwindle: Anna Maria Island was returning to its prepandemic normal. Since the pandemic’s March 2020 onset, more than 5.8 million cases of COVID-19 were reported in the state, resulting in 71,860 deaths as of March 10, according to the Florida Department of Health.
State funds $23M for Rattlesnake Key: The Legislature’s proposed 2022-23 budget, which still needed to go before Gov. Ron DeSantis, included $23 million for the purchase of Rattlesnake Key to advance plans for a state park near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
Anna Maria clears pier inspection, Mote to move forward: Mayor Dan Murphy said Sarasota-based Infrastructure Solutions Services finished its inspection of the city pier and found it fit to house Mote Marine’s live display tanks.
Holmes Beach evacuates rental units: Police Chief Bill Tokajer, city staff and West Manatee Fire Rescue Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowsi condemned a multifamily building at 2809 Ave. E due to structural hazards. Two of three units were occupied.
County seeks proposals for water taxi service: Manatee County issued an invite to negotiate for water taxi services, advancing the long-discussed push for alternative transportation between Anna Maria Island and Bradenton.
Islander attacked outside AME after hours: Holmes Beach police were investigating a March 23 attack on the Anna Maria Elementary campus that resulted in injuries and the hospitalization of an island resident.
DEP approves plan for 2024 Piney Point closure: The Florida Department of Environmental Protection issued an order approving the conceptual closure plan for the former Piney Point facility.
April
Holmes Beach’s citywide speed-limit reduction off to good start: The early results of Holmes Beach’s 25-mph citywide speed limit were inconclusive but promising. Police Chief Bill Tokajer said the change was implemented without issue and resulted in some improvements.
Pine Ave. gains city’s historic designation: Anna Maria gained a new historic site: Pine Avenue. City historic preservation board members voted 3-0 to approve a certificate designating the commercial area as a historic site due to its central position in the city’s development and the many resources on the avenue.
Holmes Beach launches Earth Day campaign: Code administrator Kim Charron announced the city’s “Say No to Single-Use Plastic” campaign to observe the April 22 Earth Day holiday.
3rd suspect arrested in AME battery: The third of three suspects wanted for a battery of an island resident at Anna Maria Elementary was in custody. Sarasota County sheriff’s deputies arrested Cameron Evans, 18, in Sarasota for his alleged involvement in the incident.
HB officials reverse course on golf cart sunset regulation: Holmes Beach officials eased off the brake on residential golf carts. Commissioners unanimously voted to send a golf cart safety ordinance to a final public hearing and vote minus the planned sunset that would have phased out the vehicles.
AMITW preps for season: The ATVs were prepped. So were the volunteers, as Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring anticipated the May 1 start of the shorebird and sea turtle nesting season.
Man dies following pileup on AMI bridge: One life was lost following a three-car pileup on the Anna Maria Island Bridge. The crash occurred April 12, when a westbound motorist on Manatee Avenue/State Road 64 failed to brake behind a pair of vehicles that stopped for congestion.
Transit agency drops mask requirements: Manatee County Area Transit no longer required passengers to wear face masks following an April 18 statement from the federal Transportation Security Administration.
Bradenton Beach Charter Review Committee assembles: The commission-appointed charter review committee assembled for the first time to discuss possible charter amendments for the general election ballot.
Anna Maria extends Mote-pier timeline: Anna Maria commissioners voted 4-1 to extend a contract through March 1, 2023, with Mote Marine Laboratory for an educational outreach center in the vacant 1,800-square-foot building on the pier.
Beach access dispute heats up: A dispute was heating up over a Holmes Beach property owner’s attempt to restrict beach access. Travis Resmondo, owner of a residence and vacant beachfront lots, claimed the beach access at the terminus of 78th Street was his property.
Kiwanis responds to pastor’s Easter remarks: The Rev. Ed Moss, pastor of CrossPointe Fellowship, directed homophobic remarks at another pastor and the audience for the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island’s annual sunrise Easter service on the beach. The club, meeting after the service, agreed Moss would not be invited to participate in the 2023 service.
BB reaffirms support for clam beds: Commissioners unanimously backed a resolution supporting the state allocation of $2.5 million for bivalve and seagrass pollution control efforts in Sarasota Bay, Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor through an initiative promoted by the nonprofit All Clams On Deck.
BB charter concludes review: The results were in from a review of the city charter. A committee recommended commissioners place several questions — including one proposing the elimination of term limits for elected officials — before voters in November.
Woman drowns at Coquina Beach: A woman drowned April 25 at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Police Lt. Lenard Diaz said the body was removed from the water by the beachgoers.
AM preservation board OKs historic home designation: The Anna Maria Historic Preservation Board, meeting April 26 at city hall, unanimously voted to approve a certificate of designation of a historic property — the first such certificate for a privately owned home in the city.
HB magistrate gives Bali Hai deadline: The Bali Hai Beach Resort owners got a May 11 deadline to come into compliance with Holmes Beach code. Special magistrate Michael Connolly issued two orders April 26 finding a pair of city code violations.
May
ITPO talks causeway congestion: At a meeting at Holmes Beach City Hall, Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth, chair of the Island Transportation Planning Organization, sparked a conversation about congestion along the Palma Sola Causeway and roadway safety on the stretch of State Road 64/Manatee Avenue that bisects a popular roadside beach destination and gateway to the island.
HB explores algae remediation: Holmes Beach Clean Water Committee Chair Ron Huibers urged city commissioners to take a more active approach while presenting the advisory board’s recommendations for remediating harmful algae blooms.
AM mulls 1 bid, prospects for Pine Ave.: Mayor Dan Murphy said the city received a single bid in response to its request for proposals to improve Pine Avenue’s sidewalks, crosswalks and lighting in the first phase of the city’s efforts to “reimagine” the corridor.
AME-PTO board elected ahead of 2022-23 year: New officers for the 2022-23 AME Parent-Teacher Organization board were sworn into office at the final AME-PTO board meeting of the 2021-22 school year.
Bradenton Beach retains outdoor expansion for businesses: The city commission chambers was at full capacity for a May 19 meeting as business owners, employees and residents turned out for a “sunset review” of measures enacted to alleviate indoor capacity limits placed on businesses due to COVID-19 restrictions. The commission decided to extend the measures.
BB reaches consensus on ballot questions: Commissioners agreed on questions — including a proposal to eliminate term limits — for the Nov. 8 ballot.
78th St. neighbors sue over beach access: The dispute over restricted access to a beach path in Holmes Beach reached the 12th Judicial Circuit Court as property owners in the neighborhood sued another owner.
Above-normal season forecast: The 2022 Atlantic hurricane season forecast called for an “above-normal” season of 14-21 named storms, including 6-10 hurricanes.
Anna Maria takes ‘party house’ to court: Anna Maria officials wanted to send a message to vacation rental owners who allowed repeat noise violations. City commissioners reached consensus May 26 to pursue litigation against Mangoes on Magnolia LLC, the corporate owner at 313 Magnolia Ave., seeking a court-ordered one-year suspension of rental activity.
Anna Maria breaks up bidding for Pine Ave. improvements: Anna Maria commissioners unanimously voted to scrap a request for proposals to complete a project that included a series of improvements for Pine Avenue.
June
FISH approves plans to inject preserve with waterways: At a June 6 meeting at Fishermen’s Hall in Cortez, the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage board approved a Sarasota Bay Estuary Program/Environmental Science Associates conceptual plan to install waterways in the nonprofit’s nature preserve.
AM moves toward beach build approval: Anna Maria commissioners unanimously voted June 9 to award a right-of-way use permit allowing the development of vehicle access to an undeveloped beach lot at 105 Elm Ave.
Longboat considers boating restrictions at Beer Can: Longboat Key officials were working to establish a prohibition zone for motorboats on the southeast side of Greer Island.
Sign skirmish signals hot race: Political signage was stirring up the winds of election season in Holmes Beach. At-large Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, a Holmes Beach resident, delivered three of her opponent’s signs to the HBPD, signs she removed from properties because she said they were posted too early. The city, however, said the ordinance Whitmore cited wasn’t being enforced due to constitutional issues.
EPA issues permit for Gulf aquaculture project: Ocean Era netted a big catch. The Hawaii-based company announced June 12 that it landed a long-sought permit from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, advancing plans for an aquaculture project about 40 miles off the Manatee/Sarasota coast in the Gulf of Mexico.
Controversy over rezoning arises for Bradenton Beach P&Z: Members of the Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board rejected a staff-written ordinance proposing a zoning change that deviated from board recommendations.
Contractor hired to complete Coquina project: A new contractor was hired to work on a parking lot renovation at Coquina Beach. The Manatee County Board of Commissioners selected Woodruff & Sons Inc. to complete the stalled parking lot project in Bradenton Beach.
LBK restricts motorboats at Greer Island: Longboat Key commissioners adopted an ordinance designating two restricted boating areas on Greer Island, aka Beer Can Island.
AM P&Z supports paid parking at Gulf Drive lot: Members of the city’s planning and zoning board unanimously voted to recommend city commission approval of a site plan that would allow paid public parking and associated signage in the Sandbar Restaurant’s overflow lot at 9902 Gulf Drive.
HB pushes forward with parking garage prohibition: Holmes Beach commissioners reached consensus to send a proposed ordinance that would amend the land development code to prohibit multilevel parking structures within city limits to a first reading and public hearing.
HB commissioners adopt ‘all tires off road’ ordinance: Holmes Beach city commissioners voted 4-1 to adopt an amended ordinance requiring motorists parking in rights of way to position all tires off roadways where sidewalks are not present.
School district announces conservation academy: The School District of Manatee County announced plans to establish the Guy Harvey Academy of Arts and Science at Anna Maria Elementary School in Holmes Beach.
Look for the second part of the year-in-review in the Jan. 4 edition of The Islander.