The latest news on the missing Haleys Motel co-owner Sabine Musil-Buehler is that the Gold Club of Manatee are offering a reward for news about her.
Here is an extract from the breaking news story on The Islander website:
The club is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the whereabouts of Musil-Buehler or information leading to the person or persons responsible for her disappearance.
Also, a reward account established by friends and family exists at Whitney Bank, 5324 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, in the name of the Sabine Buehler Benefit Fund.
The missing person report describes her as about 5 feet 6 inches tall, 136 pounds, with silver hair, green eyes and a German accent.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at 747-3011, ext. 2519, or Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS.
Visit The Islander site here Read the full story here
Come stay with us on Anna Maria Island at annamaria.com
Wednesday, 31 December 2008
Monday, 29 December 2008
Get over the Christmas blues
Hello there, hope you had a great Christmas. Well, now it's all over for another year why not remind yourself of the finer things in life with a stay on Anna Maria Island?
We're about to head into our peak season and what better time to visit this jewel of a vacation destination than right now? Taking a vacation on Anna Maria Island before the place gets busier than usual is a great way to enjoy the fantastic weather without the crowds, get some sand between your toes and have the beach to yourself at sunset.
The temperature here is currently 80 degrees, and it won't dip much below that all week, and yet the crowds don't start arriving for a few weeks yet. You can have all-you-can-eat pancakes and sausages on the patio at the Beach Cafe, stroll along the shoreline and head into Holmes Beach for some vacation mementos, before lazing by the pool in the afternoon. Life is tough on Anna Maria.
Check out the very best in vacation rentals at our website annamaria.com
We're about to head into our peak season and what better time to visit this jewel of a vacation destination than right now? Taking a vacation on Anna Maria Island before the place gets busier than usual is a great way to enjoy the fantastic weather without the crowds, get some sand between your toes and have the beach to yourself at sunset.
The temperature here is currently 80 degrees, and it won't dip much below that all week, and yet the crowds don't start arriving for a few weeks yet. You can have all-you-can-eat pancakes and sausages on the patio at the Beach Cafe, stroll along the shoreline and head into Holmes Beach for some vacation mementos, before lazing by the pool in the afternoon. Life is tough on Anna Maria.
Check out the very best in vacation rentals at our website annamaria.com
Wednesday, 24 December 2008
Good news for everyone
A spot of good Christmas news for rentals agents, hoteliers and anyone connected with the vacation business on Anna Maria Island (that's pretty much everyone then) came with the publication of an article extolling the virtues of our wonderful island paradise.
According to a report in the Islander Newspaper, USA Today writer Kitty Bean Yancey's piece has had an immediate effect on inquiries to the Chamber of Commerce from interested vacationers.
The report reads:
A travel story in the Dec. 11 issue of USA Today about vacationing on Anna Maria Island spawned a frenzy of telephone calls and e-mails to the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce from people looking for accommodation information.
Writer Kitty Bean Yancey’s story described the “Old Florida feel of Anna Maria Island,” particularly the Cedar Cove resort, where the writer stayed a few weeks ago.
Yancey wrote about quiet scenery, no crowds, no chain motels or hotels, no high-rise condos and the “unassuming Old Florida” style of the Island.
Since the article appeared, readers saying they want a vacation far from the bright lights of South Beach, Panama City or Fort Lauderdale have been burning up the telephone lines to the chamber.
“We were swamped after the article appeared,” said chamber president Mary Ann Brockman.
“We had hundreds of telephone calls in one day and close to a thousand e-mails.”
Looks like our little secret is out! Have a great Christmas everyone, see you all soon on Anna Maria. And if you really want to stay in the best the island has to offer, visit annamaria.com
According to a report in the Islander Newspaper, USA Today writer Kitty Bean Yancey's piece has had an immediate effect on inquiries to the Chamber of Commerce from interested vacationers.
The report reads:
A travel story in the Dec. 11 issue of USA Today about vacationing on Anna Maria Island spawned a frenzy of telephone calls and e-mails to the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce from people looking for accommodation information.
Writer Kitty Bean Yancey’s story described the “Old Florida feel of Anna Maria Island,” particularly the Cedar Cove resort, where the writer stayed a few weeks ago.
Yancey wrote about quiet scenery, no crowds, no chain motels or hotels, no high-rise condos and the “unassuming Old Florida” style of the Island.
Since the article appeared, readers saying they want a vacation far from the bright lights of South Beach, Panama City or Fort Lauderdale have been burning up the telephone lines to the chamber.
“We were swamped after the article appeared,” said chamber president Mary Ann Brockman.
“We had hundreds of telephone calls in one day and close to a thousand e-mails.”
Looks like our little secret is out! Have a great Christmas everyone, see you all soon on Anna Maria. And if you really want to stay in the best the island has to offer, visit annamaria.com
Monday, 22 December 2008
Have your say on bridge
Anna Maria Island residents are being asked for their views on the future of the Anna Maria Island Bridge. The bridge, currently in the final stages of a $10.1 million refurbishment, is a hot topic of debate among planners and locals alike.
The Florida Department of Transportation is seeking comments on the future of the structure by December 31, following a workshop at St Bernard Catholic Church on Tuesday, December 16.
The workshop spelled out the options FDOT is considering for the future of the 51 year old drawbridge and public comments will be considered while planning which course to take.
Those options, according to the Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper, include whether to further rehabilitate the current structure, or replace it with a new one. There are three choices for a replacement: a 21-foot-high drawbridge, a 45-foot-high drawbridge or a 65-foot-high fixed-span bridge. Other choices include whether to build the new bridge a little to the north or the south of the current bridge and whether to have sidewalks on both sides of the bridge roadway or just one side.
You can get a copy of the questionnaire that FDOT handed out at the workshop by logging onto http://www.annamariaislandbridge.com/pi.htm and click on the “Workshop Survey” sheet, print it out, fill it out and mail it to the address on the page.
The Florida Department of Transportation is seeking comments on the future of the structure by December 31, following a workshop at St Bernard Catholic Church on Tuesday, December 16.
The workshop spelled out the options FDOT is considering for the future of the 51 year old drawbridge and public comments will be considered while planning which course to take.
Those options, according to the Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper, include whether to further rehabilitate the current structure, or replace it with a new one. There are three choices for a replacement: a 21-foot-high drawbridge, a 45-foot-high drawbridge or a 65-foot-high fixed-span bridge. Other choices include whether to build the new bridge a little to the north or the south of the current bridge and whether to have sidewalks on both sides of the bridge roadway or just one side.
You can get a copy of the questionnaire that FDOT handed out at the workshop by logging onto http://www.annamariaislandbridge.com/pi.htm and click on the “Workshop Survey” sheet, print it out, fill it out and mail it to the address on the page.
Thursday, 18 December 2008
Nourishment not for all
The news that Anna Maria's beaches would benefit from renourishment by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection was greeted with great joy - but not by all.
Some of those who live in the beach area on North Shore Drive will not be included in Manatee County’s next beach renourishment project.
The Anna Maria Islander reports: 'The FDEP marker that separates Anna Maria’s bay side from the sea side is about 200 yards north of the Rod and Reel Pier. Properties north and west of the marker are “seaside,” according to the DEP, and eligible for inclusion in state and federally funded beach renourishment projects.
'Properties south of the marker are considered “bayside” by the DEP and are not eligible for beach funding.'
The federal government will fund 50 per cent of the renourishment project, which got the green light after the city ensured it had the required number of public parking spaces to participate in the program, while the state of Florida and Manatee County will each provide 25 per cent. The county’s portion is funded by the resort tax collected on room rentals.
Some of those who live in the beach area on North Shore Drive will not be included in Manatee County’s next beach renourishment project.
The Anna Maria Islander reports: 'The FDEP marker that separates Anna Maria’s bay side from the sea side is about 200 yards north of the Rod and Reel Pier. Properties north and west of the marker are “seaside,” according to the DEP, and eligible for inclusion in state and federally funded beach renourishment projects.
'Properties south of the marker are considered “bayside” by the DEP and are not eligible for beach funding.'
The federal government will fund 50 per cent of the renourishment project, which got the green light after the city ensured it had the required number of public parking spaces to participate in the program, while the state of Florida and Manatee County will each provide 25 per cent. The county’s portion is funded by the resort tax collected on room rentals.
Monday, 15 December 2008
Boaters beware of manatees
Anna Maria Island is famed for its wildlife, which people from all over the world come to see in its natural habitat. But one of our annual visitors, the manatee, is under constant risk from death by motor boat users.
While there are plenty of measures in place to deter speedsters on our inland waterways, some parts of Florida are offering a timely reminder to take care when out on the water.
The Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that manatees have swarmed into South Florida in huge numbers in the past few weeks, driven south by cold weather and traveling routes that increase their risk of fatal collisions with boats.
It says: 'Since Thanksgiving, boats have killed two manatees in Palm Beach County and one in Broward, according to preliminary reports. Increased marine patrols began in both counties last month, and biologists are urging boaters to keep a close watch to avoid harming the large sea mammals. Two things are different this year: their increased numbers and more frequent movement, possibly because of fluctuating temperatures, as they leave warm-water refuges in search of food and return when the temperature drops.
"What's unusual is you have a lot of manatees in the traveling zones, traveling back and forth on the Intracoastal Waterway between Broward and Palm Beach counties," said Christy Hudak, a research associate with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. "That does raise the risk."
So, remember, watch out for manatees, they deserve and need our protection.
While there are plenty of measures in place to deter speedsters on our inland waterways, some parts of Florida are offering a timely reminder to take care when out on the water.
The Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that manatees have swarmed into South Florida in huge numbers in the past few weeks, driven south by cold weather and traveling routes that increase their risk of fatal collisions with boats.
It says: 'Since Thanksgiving, boats have killed two manatees in Palm Beach County and one in Broward, according to preliminary reports. Increased marine patrols began in both counties last month, and biologists are urging boaters to keep a close watch to avoid harming the large sea mammals. Two things are different this year: their increased numbers and more frequent movement, possibly because of fluctuating temperatures, as they leave warm-water refuges in search of food and return when the temperature drops.
"What's unusual is you have a lot of manatees in the traveling zones, traveling back and forth on the Intracoastal Waterway between Broward and Palm Beach counties," said Christy Hudak, a research associate with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. "That does raise the risk."
So, remember, watch out for manatees, they deserve and need our protection.
Sunday, 7 December 2008
Santa Claus came to town
Anna Maria got an early visit from Santa this week as the red-suited one handed out gifts outside the Islander office in Holmes Beach, with a little help from the AMI Privateers.
It was another great evening of fun and all the shops opened up for the evening, offering free Christmas treats and specials for the many visitors. The Privateers, dressed in their usual pirate garb, were a real hit once again, and Santa was a busy man all night.
Santa Claus also will spend much of the day on the Island on December 13, when he will star in the Privateers' Christmas Parade, hand out gifts at the post-parade party at Coquina Beach and then put in an appearance at Christmas on Bridge Street from 5-9pm in Bradenton Beach.
The parade is scheduled to begin at 10am at Bayfront Park in Anna Maria City and head south, traveling through Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach to conclude at Coquina Beach.
After the parade, children and adults are invited to attend the Privateers’ party with Santa at Coquina, where Santa holds court on the group’s ship.
It promises to be another fun evening!
If you want to join the privateers, visit their website here
It was another great evening of fun and all the shops opened up for the evening, offering free Christmas treats and specials for the many visitors. The Privateers, dressed in their usual pirate garb, were a real hit once again, and Santa was a busy man all night.
Santa Claus also will spend much of the day on the Island on December 13, when he will star in the Privateers' Christmas Parade, hand out gifts at the post-parade party at Coquina Beach and then put in an appearance at Christmas on Bridge Street from 5-9pm in Bradenton Beach.
The parade is scheduled to begin at 10am at Bayfront Park in Anna Maria City and head south, traveling through Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach to conclude at Coquina Beach.
After the parade, children and adults are invited to attend the Privateers’ party with Santa at Coquina, where Santa holds court on the group’s ship.
It promises to be another fun evening!
If you want to join the privateers, visit their website here
Wednesday, 3 December 2008
Getting native in Bradenton Beach
Anna Maria Islander reports an interesting story about how an advisory committee in Bradenton Beach is asking the city commission to adopt a policy for using Florida-friendly native plants in future municipal projects.
The request, approved by a unanimous voice vote of the ScenicWAVES Committee on November 17, also asks the commission to approve a policy that would encourage Florida-Friendly plantings in private projects.
Earlier this year, members of the committee toured the grounds at Anna Maria City Hall, where they were impressed with the native plants used.
Several committee members said they were less impressed with recent Bradenton Beach landscaping projects that used non-native, non-drought tolerant plants.
The committee acted on the request as the public works department is preparing to improve landscaping on Bridge Street, one of the city’s two main business corridors.
The request, approved by a unanimous voice vote of the ScenicWAVES Committee on November 17, also asks the commission to approve a policy that would encourage Florida-Friendly plantings in private projects.
Earlier this year, members of the committee toured the grounds at Anna Maria City Hall, where they were impressed with the native plants used.
Several committee members said they were less impressed with recent Bradenton Beach landscaping projects that used non-native, non-drought tolerant plants.
The committee acted on the request as the public works department is preparing to improve landscaping on Bridge Street, one of the city’s two main business corridors.
Friday, 28 November 2008
Bridge work suspended
Just so you know, the rehabilitation construction work on the Anna Maria Bridge will be suspended during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Officials with Quinn Construction Inc, the Florida Department of Transportation contractor hired to do the project, said there will be no construction activity until Monday.
Until then, the south sidewalk will be closed but the north sidewalk will remain accessible.
If you have any questions, contact Audrey Clarke, AMI Bridge Rehabilitation Public Information Officer, at (941) 792-0369.
Until then, the south sidewalk will be closed but the north sidewalk will remain accessible.
If you have any questions, contact Audrey Clarke, AMI Bridge Rehabilitation Public Information Officer, at (941) 792-0369.
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
We're still talking turkey on Anna Maria
The economy may be going cold but Anna Maria Island, Florida, is still as hot as ever for Thanksgiving – and we’re not just talking about the weather. With fewer travelers expected this year by most traditional US vacation destinations as the effects of the economic downturn hit home, it seems many families are finding it hard to break the habit of a Thanksgiving stay on their favourite vacation island.
Director of island rental company Anna Maria Vacations, Bob Perryman, says that occupancy rates for Thanksgiving are as high as ever – it seems there are some things we just won't give up for the holiday.
"We haven't noticed anything like a drop-off in people wanting to stay over Thanksgiving compared with previous years," said Perryman. "If anything we're busier this year than in the past. The people who are contacting us are those who return to Anna Maria year after year and they seem determined not to give up their family traditions, despite the worrying signs of the economy."
Anna Maria Island, with its seven miles of continuous beach and famous sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico, has long been an open secret among US and international travelers. But being popular should not make businesses on the island complacent, and Perryman admits they will all have to work hard to ensure a vacation on Anna Maria remains affordable amid the prevailing economic gloom.
Many of those return visitors have taken advantage of some of the special web-only rates on http://www.annamaria.com a concession Perryman believes is vital in meeting halfway those customers worried about finances but in need of a vacation.
"We can't just sit back and expect the people to arrive like they always have, just because they always have," says Perryman. "Any downturn in the economy is going to affect us all, so we have to make sure that when people think about returning to Anna Maria, or maybe coming here for the first time, that they continue to see it as the best option. There is a lot of competition out there, but anyone who has ever been here knows there is nowhere quite like Anna Maria Island."
To take advantage of some of the special web-only rates and last-minute seasonal special offers visit http://www.annamaria.com
Director of island rental company Anna Maria Vacations, Bob Perryman, says that occupancy rates for Thanksgiving are as high as ever – it seems there are some things we just won't give up for the holiday.
"We haven't noticed anything like a drop-off in people wanting to stay over Thanksgiving compared with previous years," said Perryman. "If anything we're busier this year than in the past. The people who are contacting us are those who return to Anna Maria year after year and they seem determined not to give up their family traditions, despite the worrying signs of the economy."
Anna Maria Island, with its seven miles of continuous beach and famous sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico, has long been an open secret among US and international travelers. But being popular should not make businesses on the island complacent, and Perryman admits they will all have to work hard to ensure a vacation on Anna Maria remains affordable amid the prevailing economic gloom.
Many of those return visitors have taken advantage of some of the special web-only rates on http://www.annamaria.com a concession Perryman believes is vital in meeting halfway those customers worried about finances but in need of a vacation.
"We can't just sit back and expect the people to arrive like they always have, just because they always have," says Perryman. "Any downturn in the economy is going to affect us all, so we have to make sure that when people think about returning to Anna Maria, or maybe coming here for the first time, that they continue to see it as the best option. There is a lot of competition out there, but anyone who has ever been here knows there is nowhere quite like Anna Maria Island."
To take advantage of some of the special web-only rates and last-minute seasonal special offers visit http://www.annamaria.com
Monday, 24 November 2008
Take the stress out of travel
We are expecting a large influx of visitors to Anna Maria Island over the holiday period, for what they hope will be a relaxing vacation away from the stresses of everyday life. Ideally, you would want to get that break off to the perfect start, which means getting through the airport as easily and quickly as possible.
Thankfully, this Thanksgiving season — traditionally the busiest travel time of the year — there are designated security lanes for families.
The Transportation Security Administration is opening these "family lanes" at virtually every airport — including the three major airports in South Florida — to make things easier for parents with children and inexperienced travelers, and maybe make the whole process a bit smoother for all security lanes. By cutting down on the numbers of those needing special assistance and carrying above the allowed amount of gels and liquids in reguar lines, there will be shorter queues for those regular travelers.
At least that's the theory.
However you get here, don't forget to check out the offers on annamaria.com
Thankfully, this Thanksgiving season — traditionally the busiest travel time of the year — there are designated security lanes for families.
The Transportation Security Administration is opening these "family lanes" at virtually every airport — including the three major airports in South Florida — to make things easier for parents with children and inexperienced travelers, and maybe make the whole process a bit smoother for all security lanes. By cutting down on the numbers of those needing special assistance and carrying above the allowed amount of gels and liquids in reguar lines, there will be shorter queues for those regular travelers.
At least that's the theory.
However you get here, don't forget to check out the offers on annamaria.com
Thursday, 20 November 2008
Worldwide audience
Anna Maria Island is getting global attention, thanks to the success of a website run from Bradenton Beach. The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau launched a new website last January, and industry insiders are now comparing it to McDonald's and Nikon's websites because of its success.
Take a look at this video from ABC7 news.
Florida Gulf Islands brand marketing will be awarded five industry awards at a gala in New York City in January. Check out their website here
Take a look at this video from ABC7 news.
Florida Gulf Islands brand marketing will be awarded five industry awards at a gala in New York City in January. Check out their website here
Tuesday, 18 November 2008
Thanksgiving present from Bush
Anyone travelling to Florida, and Anna Maria Island, for Thanksgiving this year may be in for a nice surprise in the airport terminal. Travelers may recall a surprisingly trouble-free experience last holiday season when military air space was freed up to help reduce crowding at airports and prevent flight delays.
Hoping to repeat that success, President Bush yesterday announced the Pentagon once again will open two corridors of airspace from Florida to Maine, normally used for military exercises, to create a 'Thanksgiving express lane' for commercial flights.
Sounds like one less thing to worry about over the holiday season at least.
Bush’s action last year followed consumer protests from Floridians and others who objected to long delays at airports.
A White House summary of steps taken to ease travel also includes an unprecedented effort to reduce air congestion by boosting flight capacity at some of America's busiest airports, working with the Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Security Administration to make more staff available to speed up check-in and boarding and to help passengers affected by cancellations and delays and advancing a regulation to hold airlines accountable for how they treat passengers during long delays.
Hoping to repeat that success, President Bush yesterday announced the Pentagon once again will open two corridors of airspace from Florida to Maine, normally used for military exercises, to create a 'Thanksgiving express lane' for commercial flights.
Sounds like one less thing to worry about over the holiday season at least.
Bush’s action last year followed consumer protests from Floridians and others who objected to long delays at airports.
A White House summary of steps taken to ease travel also includes an unprecedented effort to reduce air congestion by boosting flight capacity at some of America's busiest airports, working with the Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Security Administration to make more staff available to speed up check-in and boarding and to help passengers affected by cancellations and delays and advancing a regulation to hold airlines accountable for how they treat passengers during long delays.
Monday, 17 November 2008
Blaze at Haley's Motel
The cause of Sunday night's fire at Haley's Motel is still being investigated by fire officials. A duplex at the motel co-owned by Sabine Musil-Buehler, who has been missing since November 4, became fully engulfed but the fire did not damage the motel’s main structure.
The disappearance of Ms Musil-Buehler and the blaze are not currently being linked, according to chief Jay Romine of the Holmes Beach Police Department at a press conference Monday.
"Although speculation has taken place to connect these two incidents, at this time it is simply speculation - while it is a possibility, nothing has been determined at this point to confirm that," he said.
An entire building burned down at the motel in the 8100 block of Gulf Drive on Holmes Beach at around 7:20 p.m. and took 20 firefighters from West Manatee and Longboat Key Fire Departments to extinguish. There were no injuries.
Musil-Buehler, 49, who co-owns the motel with her husband, Thomas Buehler, has been missing since election day.
Manatee County Sheriff's Spokesman Dave Bristow said: "You know, when we got the call last night obviously we were quite interested so the detectives were out here last night and that's kind of where we are. We still don't have any concrete information as to where she might be."
The disappearance of Ms Musil-Buehler and the blaze are not currently being linked, according to chief Jay Romine of the Holmes Beach Police Department at a press conference Monday.
"Although speculation has taken place to connect these two incidents, at this time it is simply speculation - while it is a possibility, nothing has been determined at this point to confirm that," he said.
An entire building burned down at the motel in the 8100 block of Gulf Drive on Holmes Beach at around 7:20 p.m. and took 20 firefighters from West Manatee and Longboat Key Fire Departments to extinguish. There were no injuries.
Musil-Buehler, 49, who co-owns the motel with her husband, Thomas Buehler, has been missing since election day.
Manatee County Sheriff's Spokesman Dave Bristow said: "You know, when we got the call last night obviously we were quite interested so the detectives were out here last night and that's kind of where we are. We still don't have any concrete information as to where she might be."
Friday, 14 November 2008
Sand for signs...
Anna Maria city officials have taken the first step in getting on board an extensive beach nourishment program - putting up signs telling visitors where to park.
State officials visited the city a few months ago and one of the suggested improvements they advised were the placement of new signs directing drivers to parking lots.The fear was that Anna Maria would be excluded from the island-wide project to spread extra sand on all reaches because they were not meeting requirements on parking spots and signs leading to them.
In February, Anna Maria city commissioners were warned that Manatee County might not have the money to give the city for the 2011 project because of belts being tightened across the state in anticipation of economic downturn.But Anna Maria public works director, George McKay, took Florida Department of Environmental Protection representatives on a tour of the town a few months ago, during which they made suggestions on how to improve their chances of obtaining money. “We’ve put up signs showing you where the parking is; it’s more explanatory,” he said. “The number of parking spots is well over the number we need. There’s no doubt in my mind we’ve met the requirements.”In February officials said the city needs about $3million in state funding to be included in the renourishment project, although it is unclear yet how much is in the pipeline. The total cost to restock the entire island is almost $40million.The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has allocated dollars only for the central beach project that stretches from Holmes Beach to Cortez Beach — areas that had been eroded by hurricanes in previous years.
Anna Maria Mayor Fran Barford said: “We knew we had the parking, that really wasn’t an issue for us. They determined we have enough, so that is not a reason not to renourish our beaches. We don’t generate the bed tax dollars the other cities do, but people come here to our beaches.”
County and city officials are meeting on December 2 to discuss further the plans for restocking the island's beaches.
State officials visited the city a few months ago and one of the suggested improvements they advised were the placement of new signs directing drivers to parking lots.The fear was that Anna Maria would be excluded from the island-wide project to spread extra sand on all reaches because they were not meeting requirements on parking spots and signs leading to them.
In February, Anna Maria city commissioners were warned that Manatee County might not have the money to give the city for the 2011 project because of belts being tightened across the state in anticipation of economic downturn.But Anna Maria public works director, George McKay, took Florida Department of Environmental Protection representatives on a tour of the town a few months ago, during which they made suggestions on how to improve their chances of obtaining money. “We’ve put up signs showing you where the parking is; it’s more explanatory,” he said. “The number of parking spots is well over the number we need. There’s no doubt in my mind we’ve met the requirements.”In February officials said the city needs about $3million in state funding to be included in the renourishment project, although it is unclear yet how much is in the pipeline. The total cost to restock the entire island is almost $40million.The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has allocated dollars only for the central beach project that stretches from Holmes Beach to Cortez Beach — areas that had been eroded by hurricanes in previous years.
Anna Maria Mayor Fran Barford said: “We knew we had the parking, that really wasn’t an issue for us. They determined we have enough, so that is not a reason not to renourish our beaches. We don’t generate the bed tax dollars the other cities do, but people come here to our beaches.”
County and city officials are meeting on December 2 to discuss further the plans for restocking the island's beaches.
Welcome to my blog
Hello and welcome to a brand new blog on all that's going on in Anna Maria Island, a jewel of a place on Florida's gulf coast. I will be keeping you up to date with the news, what's going on, where to go when you come visit, providing details of attractions and what you should see when you're here.
I hope you enjoy it, do let me know if you think there is something missing or just give us a shout to say hello!
I hope you enjoy it, do let me know if you think there is something missing or just give us a shout to say hello!
Thursday, 13 November 2008
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