Get a gift, and get a gift!

Holmes Beach code compliance supervisor JT Thomas emcees the Sleigh Bell Social Dec. 14 as he and others from the city’s staff give gifts to children at the holiday party. More, page 18. Islander Photo: Ryan Paice

Callum Johnston, 4, of Parrish, tells Santa Claus Dec. 14 that he wants a robot for Christmas during the Sleigh Bell Social in Holmes Beach. Johnston is the grandson of city clerk Stacey Johnston.

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer, left, presents a plaque Dec. 14 recognizing retired Sgt. Vern McGowan during the Sleigh Bell Social, a continuation of the HBPD’s Chief’s Night Out, which McGowan created in 2016. McGowan volunteered at this year’s event and helped raffle off gifts to children at the event.

Bradenton resident Trinity Dunbar, middle, color turtle ornaments Dec. 14 with her cousins, Christianna Peterson, 7, left, and Kehlani Jones, 3, right, at the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch & Shorebird Monitoring’s tent at the Sleigh Bell Social.

AME fifth-grade students Ella Bourgoing, left, Grayson Enander, Grace Eason and Giuliana Bankert, right, all 10, sing the National Anthem Dec. 14 to kickstart the Sleigh Bell Social in Holmes Beach. Chief Tokajer and wife Thea are looking on.