Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short initiated his weekly news for The Islander Aug. 22 with an opening remark that there was “more or less a business-as-usual week here at the city.”
He shared a few newsworthy items while working on the municipal budget, planning repairs to the Anna Maria City Pier and pondering the pay scale.
Short said the city planning and zoning commission welcomed a new member, Don Buswell-Charkow, at its Aug. 20 meeting.
Also at that meeting, P&Z Chair David Haddox was recognized for serving more than 2 1/2 years as a member, as well as for the assistance he provided the city related to waterways management over many years.
Short said Haddox resigned from the P&Z because he is leaving the island.
“We thanked him for all the assistance and involvement he provided to the city for a number of years,” the mayor said.
Short announced the city will be holding its annual Veterans Day parade and ceremony on Nov. 11. Plans are well underway, he said, “and we look forward to hosting the event again and recognizing our veterans and their families.”
The city also will be taking part in an annual Christmas holiday walk, including a visit from Santa Claus Dec. 12.
Short said there’s more to come on the events.
Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth replied Aug. 23 to The Islander by text, with a note on the winddown to the summer season in the city.
“All departments are doing great and enjoying the slower season,” she said.
Titsworth acknowledged that the past year “was a gut-punch to all … it will probably take longer to bounce back. I am hoping this next season will be successful enough to help everyone get back on their feet.”
— Bonner Joy