One state appropriation is better than none.
Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy announced June 13 that Gov. Ron DeSantis had vetoed two out of three of the municipality’s appropriation requests for fiscal 2024-25.
The governor vetoed:
- $250,000 for the expansion of a multiuse path on Gulf Drive from Willow Avenue to Magnolia Avenue;
- $250,000 for a public comfort station on city-owned property “in close proximity to the Gulf beaches.”
Murphy said both appropriations were included in the state’s tourist development fund, which was largely axed by the governor.
The city’s surviving appropriation request is for $94,000 to evaluate alternatives for improvements to the Lake LaVista channel, which often requires dredging.
Murphy, at a meeting June 13, requested city commission consensus to authorize him to request funds for the comfort station from the Manatee County Tourist Development Council.
He said the project was the top priority between the two vetoed appropriations and the city could explore using ad valorem revenue to pursue the comfort station if it did not get the TDC’s approval.
Commissioners authorized Murphy to go before the TDC to request funding for the comfort station.