In Anna Maria, inspections of the city pier, both above and below water, were to begin Dec. 13, according to Mayor Mark Short.
However, the work has been delayed aweek due to the winds and wave action coming off Tampa Bay. “We still expect that process to be completed before the end of December.”
Short also reported that on or about Jan. 6, a barge will be brought in to perform the geotechnical inspection for the footprint of the new walkway. That process is expected to be completed, weather permitting, in five to six weeks.
On Dec. 12, the Anna Maria city commission approved an ordinance prohibiting overnight camping and sleeping in public to accommodate a recent state law on the topic.
Also at the Dec. 12 commission meeting, the sheriff’s department presented a plaque to Dan Murphy recognizing his 10 years as mayor and his work with the sheriff’s office during that time.
A temporary pier to provide docking service for the Gulf Islands Ferry is almost complete and the city aniticipates regular ferry service will be restored to the city once it is done.
The city is accepting applications for an open commission seat, due to the resignation of then-Commissioner Jonathan Crane in November.
The deadline to submit an application is Dec. 20.
A public forum will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, at city hall for the candidates where they will be asked to address questions submitted by residents and others.
The commission will then vote Jan. 9 on a new member to the commission.
The city also is accepting applications for open seats on its planning and zoning board.
Short reported Dec. 7 that city this past week focused on the following, “some items more news worthy than others:”
Decorating took place in the park around the Historical Museum as the city prepared for the arrival of Santa on Saturday Dec. 14 and a return visit Dec. 21.
Short also reported the status with the city’s engineers on the timeline and schedule for Phase 1 of the city pier restoration. “At this time, we’re progressing according to plan.”
The mayor noted a focus on city recovery from the September-October hurricanes, including completion of right-of-way debris removal, road repairs and repairs of stormwater drains. He says the city now has turned its attention to clearing and cleaning lesser-used beach access points and rights of way between streets and swales.
Short noted it’s not exciting news, but “all critical as we push to getting back to normal.”
Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth reported Dec. 7 that the city finished debris pickup. “This was accomplished in just a little over seven weeks post Milton.
She noted the building department is still providing no-fee permits for storm recovery work and permits are being processed in a matter of days. Also, the department is still opening to the public on Saturdays.
She said beach sand is still being hauled to Coquina Beach in the wake of the storms, and plans are underway to host a community Christmas party Dec. 20 outside city hall in the park adjacent to the library with Santa on hand for visits with kids and lots of gift giveaways.
Everyone is welcome and everything at the party will be free, thanks to numerous generous sponsors.
There was no response to The Islander emails to Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie and no report from the city.