Holmes Beach puts focus on consolidation concerns in 2024

The city of Holmes Beach was under fire from state and county leadership all of 2023.

And, with potential consolidation of the municipality lingering on the horizon, that might not change in 2024.

Mayor Judy Titsworth and Commissioners Terry Schaefer, Carol Soustek, Dan Diggins and Greg Kerchner told The Islander the week beginning Dec. 18 that they were primarily concerned with state-led consolidation efforts heading into the new year.

Rep. Will Robinson Jr., R-Bradenton, sparked the controversy in January 2023 when he questioned the number of municipalities needed to govern the island at a Manatee County Legislative Delegation meeting.

Robinson proposed the delegation commission a study into the potential consolidation of the island cities and the delegation unanimously backed the study, which began in November.

The study is projected to be completed by July.

“Although government closest to the people is generally more responsive, accountable and effective, I am concerned county and state leaders are no longer seeing the value in small local government,” Titsworth told The Islander Dec. 19. “First it was a bill for a state-mandated parking garage and now the threat of consolidation and/or the elimination of our cities.”

“This overreach by state leaders is extremely concerning and never would I have ever imagined this to happen to our beloved Anna Maria Island, one of the world’s best-kept secrets,” she added.

Schaefer, who chairs the commission, told The Islander Dec. 18 that he was interested to see if the study could lead to taxpayer savings without losing the serviceability or responsiveness the city provides.

“It’s one thing to say we can save money,” Schaefer said. “But we’ll see if they can prove that we can save money and not decrease service and responsiveness.”

Diggins wrote in a Dec. 19 email to The Islander that he was hopeful for a “better path” to address the delegation’s concerns.

“I can only hope that in the new year, our county and state representatives can foster a better and more productive relationship with island city leaders,” Diggins wrote. “That way, everyone can enjoy the uniqueness of the island without all the drama.”

On a related note, three city officials expressed excitement for the 2024 election cycle and the possibility of changes in county leadership.

Titsworth said, “As a citizen of Manatee County, I am most excited about the upcoming 2024 elections.”

Schaefer said he was “hopeful, if not excited” to work with different county leadership since the current county commission has proven to be a “stone wall” for funding from the tourist development council coffers.

Kerchner wrote in a Dec. 19 text message to The Islander that he was excited to see increased political interest at the grassroots level.

“Folks who may have never been involved in local issues now getting engaged via social media, letters to the editor, public forums, even protests. I honestly believe that is why we now have some quality candidates running for seats on our county commission. That brings potential for meaningful change,” he wrote.

Soustek told The Islander Dec. 21 that she was most excited for the city to host more community events, like the Oct. 17 open house at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

She said city staff enjoyed hosting the event and she hoped the city would continue to provide similar offerings to bring people together and introduce them to the municipality.

Commissioner Pat Morton did not respond to calls from The Islander before the press deadline.