More accolades for Suzi Fox

Charlie Hunsicker, left, director of the Manatee County Department of Natural Resources, presents a plaque posthumously recognizing the late Suzi Fox for outstanding achievements by the Florida Shore & Beach Preservations Association. The award was to be presented at the National Conference on Beach Preservation and Technology in February, an event that, Hunsicker said, Fox was expected to attend before her untimely death Sept. 30, 2022. Hunsicker noted that the award is a special honor and not given every year. He presented the plaque to Fox’s sisters, Nanci Banman and Kendra Fox, and her “adopted” son, Dereck Norfleet at a Jan. 14 celebration of life at the Center of Anna Maria Island. At the celebration, Mayor Dan Murphy also gave remarks and Islander publisher Bonner Joy presented a proclamation on behalf of Bradenton Beach naming the first day of turtle season, May 1, “Suzi Fox Day.” Islander Photo: Bonner Joy

Kendra Fox, right, and Nancy Bxxxx, sisters of the late Suzi Fox, as well as cousin Linda Erfourth, smile Jan. 12 on receiving a plaque honoring Fox as the city of Anna Maria’s 2022 Citizen of the Year. Fox, who led and developed Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring for about 30 years, died last September from health complications following a May 2022 car crash. Last year’s winners, Joan Voyles and Barbara Murphy, left, presented the posthumous award. A celebration of life for Fox was held Jan. 14 on the beach. Islander Photos: Ryan Paice

Anna Maria’s 2021 Citizen-of-the-Year winners Joan Voyles, left, and Barbara Murphy, middle, present the city’s 2022 Citizen of the Year award Jan. 12 to former Commissioner Carol Carter. Carter was elected to the city commission in 2013 and appointed chairperson in 2019. She also was a frequent contributor to the Center of Anna Maria Island and helped create Thanks-Living, an annual community potluck dinner held ahead of the holiday season at City Pier Park.