Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short, in an April 11 email to The Islander, said the city entered an agreement with HR Direct for services, including a hotline for employees to call in confidence regarding employment issues.
“This takes that process completely out of city hall and provides third-party resources to address (employment) issues or concerns,” Short said.
Short also said notification from the FEMA Community Rating System said the city achieved a Class 5 rating for the upcoming flood insurance cycle. This is an improvement from the current Class 6 rating, which translates to an additional 5% savings on premiums for property owners.
“Our property owners will now enjoy a 25% reduction in premiums that will go into effect Oct. 1,” the mayor wrote.
Short touted completion of a shoreline stabilization project along North Bay Boulevard from the city pier to the Lake LaVista inlet, where riprap was added. In addition to stabilization, Short said the result gives definition to a small beach and boardwalk.
Finally, he said the city issued a request for proposals on April 11 on demolition work related to the walkway at the city pier. Bids are due by 11 a.m. May 16.
Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth, in an April 11 email, announced the introduction of a city flag — a first for the municipality, she said.
The flag was designed by the mayor and the city’s digital and media strategist, Matt McDonough, with input from staff over about a year.
The city launched the flag, heavy in symbolism, to mark the 75th anniversary of the 1950 incorporation, with planning ongoing for a celebration in the fall.
The city flag is flying with the U.S. flag at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.
Stay tuned — the city is setting up a drop-ship web address for flag orders.
— Bonner Joy