There’s no doubt the community center in Anna Maria has been abuzz with activity since two hurricanes washed ashore and blew through the island in September and October.
The Center of Anna Maria Island has lived up to its name as a hub for the three cities — this time for recovery and refuge — coordinating volunteer cleanups, housing the School for Constructive Play and hosting a community Thanksgiving dinner — and staff continues to take on projects.
Now comes “Miss Devinne” Whittaker, owner of the DBTB Juice Bar — Devs Bevs — and Bakery at the center.
Whittaker and her partner, chef/owner Ted Louloudes have been at the center for three years and only opened the cafe there a few months ago.
But they’ve got more going on.
Whittaker is hoping to move the city of Anna Maria’s farmers market to the center on Tuesdays starting in January. The market, previously staged at City Pier Park, lost its space to the U.S. Postal Service, which is operating out of a trailer at the park until its facility on Pine Avenue at South Bay Boulevard can be restored.
It’s a win-win all around. The market will continue. The center will be bustling on Tuesdays. And thanks to Whittaker, patrons who relied on the market for food shopping or a visit with folks from Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring will have a place to go.
There is still final approval to come from city commissioner’s at their Jan. 9, 2025, meeting, which, assuming the city OKs the partnership, would put the first market Jan. 14, 2025, at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, and subsequent Tuesdays through May 27.
For more information on Whittaker’s businesses, call 941-713-4375.
To reach the center, call 941-778-1908.
For city hall and market info, call 941-708-6130.