- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -
VOL 24 No. 40
May 29, 2024
City recognizes veterans on Memorial Day
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
With Mayor Dan Murphy serving as master of ceremonies, veterans were recognized according to their military branch during Anna Maria’s Memorial Day Patriotic Symphony Salute at City Pier Park. The Palmetto High School Junior ROTC presented the colors, and the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” and other patriotic songs to honor those who gave their lives for their country.
No signed agreement released on palm trees The coconut palm tree agreement is a public/private partnership between developer Shawn Kaleta and the city of Bradenton Beach. BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – After multiple requests by The Sun to the city for the release of a signed agreement in a city partnership with developer Shawn Kaleta for the installation and maintenance of coconut palm trees on Bridge Street, the nearly three-week-long waiting game for the document has thus far come up empty. The installation of 80 coconut palm trees on and around Bridge Street was approved at an April 3
Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting following assurances by City Attorney Ricinda Perry that a maintenance, hold harmless and indemnification agreement signed by Kaleta would be in place prior to planting in which Kaleta would assume responsibility for maintenance and liability for any damage caused by the palm trees. The trees were planted the week of April 24. The first request from The Sun for the signed agreement was made by email on May 6 and received no response. Subsequent email and in-person requests by The Sun were made on May 7, May 15, May 17 and May 23. The May 15 email request to the city clerk for a copy of the signed
SEE PALMS, PAGE 11
Mayor Murphy won’t seek re-election Dan Murphy has been the Anna Maria mayor for the past 10 years. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Dan Murphy will not seek re-election to another two-year term as the city’s mayor. During the May 23 city commission meeting, Murphy announced he would not run again in the upcoming city elections. “I’ve decided not to run in November. It’s been fun. Ten years,” Murphy said while trying to hold his emotions in check. “This will give us all a chance to think about how we go forward,” Commission Chair Mark Short said in response to the announcement that surprised some sitting in the commission chambers. “Ten years is pretty remarkable,” Short said. “I want to thank you on
PALM TREES and other shady endeavors. 6
SEE MURPHY, PAGE 19
LOCAL DINER loses lease, leaving
AMI. 8
MEET THE NEW PRINCIPAL at Anna
Maria Elementary. 13
Page 21 Anna Maria Island, Florida
behalf of all of us in the city and the staff for everything you’ve done, but I know we’re going to have the opportunity to do that again.” “I’ve got a few more months and I’m not a lame duck. It’s been an honor,” Murphy said. While sitting in the mayor’s office after the meeting, Murphy said, “It’s been a pleasure and honor for both myself and the first lady (his wife, Barbara).” As for what’s next, he said, “I think I might look at other avenues within the community to serve, as well as perhaps looking at some educational opportunities, perhaps at the college level, where I can share some of the knowledge I have about local government and dealing with Tallahassee (home of the Florida Legislature).” When asked if he has any advice for those interested in being Anna Maria’s next mayor, he said, “I could spend hours and days giving advice
The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper
www.amisun.com