- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -
VOL 24 No. 41
June 5, 2024
Summer sizzler CINDY LANE | SUN
The warm colors of a June sunset off Anna Maria Island reflect the sizzling summer that's already begun.
City releases signed coconut palms agreement The palm tree agreement between Bradenton Beach and one of Shawn Kaleta’s LLCs has a term of 30 years. BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – The fully signed agreement between the city and developer Shawn Kaleta for the maintenance of the coconut palm trees on and around Bridge Street was signed by Mayor John Chappie on May 28 and placed into the public record that day. That comes more than a month after the trees were planted the week of April 24 in a public-private partnership between the city and Kaleta. On May 29, City Clerk Terri Sanclemente provided The Sun with
a copy of the agreement signed by Chappie, Kaleta - as Beach to Bay Construction LLC manager - and Sanclemente as witness. The Sun made multiple requests for the document beginning on May 6. The maintenance, indemnification and hold harmless agreement in a public-private partnership between the City of Bradenton Beach and Kaleta, through his LLC, designates responsibility for the tree maintenance to Kaleta and indemnifies the city in the event of injury or damage from the trees. Public-private partnerships between cities and developers are unique to Bradenton Beach among the three Anna Maria Island cities. Both Mayor Dan Murphy of Anna Maria and Mayor Judy Titsworth
SEE PALMS, PAGE 27
Proposed charter amendments presented as ordinances The mayor and commission remain divided on a proposed home rule statement being added to the city charter. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – City commissioners have been presented with separate ordinances containing ballot language and summary language for five proposed charter amendments. City Attorney Becky Vose presented the first reading of the five proposed charter amendment ordinances to the city commission on May 23. The commission will vote on each separate proposed charter amendment on a second and final reading during a June 13 meeting.
'TIS THE SEASONGet The Sun's Hurricane Guide! 16-20 Page 27 Anna Maria Island, Florida
The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper
The proposed amendment ordinances that receive the majority support of the commission will be transmitted to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office for inclusion on the general election ballot this fall. The city charter can only be amended (changed) with the majority support of the city’s registered voters. Anna Maria voters will be asked to vote yes or no on the amendments proposed by the charter review committee and supported by the city commission majority.
HOME RULE
The city commission is divided on a proposed amendment that would add new language to the city charter regarding the protection of the city’s home rule rights.
SEE CHARTER, PAGE 32
KVO SWITCHES RACES from District
3 to District 7. 4
SCHOOL FOR CONSTRUCTIVE Play's
new owner is a former student . 12
www.amisun.com