Accomplishments

As Commissioner 2012 - 2018, as Commission Vice Chair 2012, as Commission Chair 2013 - 2018

As a lifelong resident of Holmes Beach, I can certainly attest that there is no better place on earth to live and raise a family. In addition, people come from all over the world to visit this beautiful city, its sandy white beaches, and tranquil blue waters. If I could sum it up in just a few words it would be “a safe, family friendly community with true coastal charm”. This is why Anna Maria Island is known for being one of the top 5 vacation destinations in the world for its small-town vibe. Its height restrictions and low density play a significant role in the preservation of its character which is rich in history and culture. It has been challenging to retain balance between all who wish to enjoy this island community but is essential in retaining quality of life and preserving the environment. There are very few vacation destinations in the state that provide a true “old Florida” atmosphere and it is embraced by so many looking to slow down, relax, and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

I became a commissioner during the time developers were poised to change the identity of the island. Small coastal cottages in the R-2 district were being torn down and replaced with large multi bedroom “party” type houses. It was determined the coastal charm of the community was in jeopardy. There was a heightened demand by citizens for local legislation to address these challenges facing the city as many conflicted with the comprehensive plan. Much of this legislation was in addressing the loss in quality of life, increase in noise complaints, and the increased demands on the residential districts being used as short-term rentals. These local ordinances included:

• Represented the board in mediation proceedings to allow a path forward for a large hotel development to become compliant with city codes, ordinances, and density.
• The adoption of Living Area Ratio (LAR)
•  Re-establishing intent of the code and ordinances by strengthening regulations requiring duplex homes to have a party wall.
• Amendments to the Noise Ordinance
• Replaced the Code Enforcement Board with a Special Magistrate
• Established setbacks for pools to allow for drainage, landscape screening and buffers.
• Established Single family/4 and Duplex/2-bedroom maximum in R-2 District, thus limiting large party houses in short-term zoning districts.
• Established a Vacation Rental Certificate and inspection ordinance.
•  Re-established Corner Lot required front yards.
• Established earthmoving/lot fill regulations.
• Established Formula Business regulation. 
• Established the Development Review Committee for site plan reviews.

As Mayor 2018 - Present

After serving 6 years as a commissioner, I felt it time to run for Mayor in 2018. The city is a strong mayor form of government with key department heads and chartered positions. Many of these departments needed the support from a mayor with true leadership capabilities who saw value in this form of government. My history of the island, business background, and 6 years’ experience as a commissioner allowed me the opportunity to have much success as Mayor.

• Improvements were made to The Clerk’s department in IT, online pay, software, records, and agenda management.
• The Code Compliance Department received additional staffing and office space.
• The Planning Department was improved, and the Role of Director of Development Services created. The department’s ability to address site plan approvals, special exceptions, land swaps, ROW vacate requests, variances, and all land development code proposed changes has been streamlined. The Comprehensive Plan has been updated and the Land Development Code is currently being updated.
• The Building Department received the support they needed with new staffing, improved policies and procedures and the implementation of online permitting and inspections allowing for timely plans review and permitting. Building permit fees were reduced. The on-staff floodplain manager and the DRC coordinator continue to be responsible for improving the city’s CRS rating and increasing the discounts received by property owners for their flood insurance.
• City employees received much needed support by the establishment of the Human Resource Department and updates to the employee handbook and compensation study.
• The Public Works Department improved with the hiring of a Superintendent of Public Works, Engineering Specialists, additional maintenance workers and equipment operators. Technology was greatly improved with online inputting of work orders and tracking. Hydrodynamic modeling of the entire city and updated GIS mapping of the entire storm infrastructure system was completed. A Vulnerability Assessment of the entire city is currently being completed to afford us the opportunity for additional grant opportunities.
• Due to the retirement of two key charter personnel, a new city attorney and city treasurer were successfully vetted and hired with the consensus of the commission.
• Police Department communication technology was upgraded, and the city now utilizes License Plate Readers technology, and automated online pay for parking tickets. Crime has been reduced in the city by 75%.

With the re-structuring of departments and improved qualifications and experience of city staff, the success in receiving grants has allowed for many improvements in the city. In addition, it is with great appreciation to the community who donate both money and time for the improvements to city

parks. Additional funding resources include:

• HMGP Funding for stormwater improvements to City Center 
• State Appropriation funding for stormwater improvements on Gulf Drive
• SWFMUD funding for infiltration in right of ways
• Community funding for skatepark bowl
• Annual Funding by The Hagan Family Foundation for pickle ball courts, playground, baseball field amenities, park lighting, and exercise equipment
• Anonymous donations for shuffleboard courts, pre-lit Christmas tree, and clean water initiatives
• Concession funding for improvements to bike paths, pedestrian crossings, dog park, and skate park
• Beach patrol funding for Kingfish boat ramp and public beach
• Tourist Development Tax funding for improvements to Grassy Point
• FDEP Grant for Florida Resilient Planning for citywide vulnerability assessment
• Sarasota Bay Estuary grant for educational and rain garden enhancements at city parks.
• American Recovery Plan funding for city center improvements on Marina and Gulf Drive, multi-use path design, and city-wide stormwater pipe replacements
• WCIND funding for Police Boat
• FDLE Funding for Police Radios

Capital improvements are essential in addressing not only failing infrastructure but to address the increased use by visitors and guests: 

• The entire corridor of our downtown commercial district on Marina drive received a new seawall, new underground storm infrastructure and infiltration, new road surfaces at raised elevations, pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements which include push button rapid flashing pedestrian crossings, bike lanes, native landscaping, and improved lighting.
• Water quality improvements were made to Spring Lake.
• Failing seawalls were replaced at 63rd , 67th , Spring Lake, Key Royale, and the boat ramp.
• Bike Lanes widened and marked on Gulf Drive, Marina Drive, and Palm Drive between Manatee Avenue and Anna Maria.
• Trolley Shelters were added, improved, or replaced and the addition of solar lighting is in progress.
• Rapid Flashing Pedestrian Beacons installed and continually added throughout our roadways.
• Dredging completed at 65th and 63rd St. boat basins
• Increased road resurfacing and sidewalk replacements
• City owned boat dockage upgrades with water and electricity
• Physically identified, improved, marked, and mapped all required parking for beach access parking. This parking meets and greatly exceeds the number of parking spaces required for continued beach renourishment.

As Mayor, I assist the commission on all proposed legislation, quality of life opportunities, and health and public safety concerns which include:

• Establishment of the Clean Water Ad hoc Committee and the islanders4cleanwater initiative
• The adoption of the International Property Maintenance Code by reference
• The adoption of regulations on motorized vehicles and autocycles
• Establishment of regulations on fertilizers by reference
• Establishment of limits to beach parking in residential neighborhoods and adoption of permit parking program
• Success in Bert Harris challenges on vacation rental occupancy and favorable settlements to development challenges
• Passage of resolution in opposition to offshore drilling activities in local waters
• Passage of resolution in opposition to Marine Finfish Aquaculture in local waters
• Passage of resolution in favor of resolving fishing and pelican conflicts at the Skyway Pier
• Passage of resolution encouraging Manatee County, and State Legislature, and FDEP to strengthen regulations on phosphate mining
• Passage of resolution adding Juneteenth as an observed holiday
• Passage of resolution addressing the issues of Algae blooms and red tide
• Passage of resolution opposing legislation diluting home rule
• Increase of green space by the generous donation of 22+ acres of land from the Hames Family Trust and the city funded acquisition of properties adjoining grassy point
• Adoption of all tires off roads to be consistent with Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach
• Prohibition of cigarette smoking on beaches and parks
• Adoption of the Post Disaster Recovery Plan
• Adoption of the city procurement policy
• Adoption of the Administrative Code
• Adoption of the Emergency Comprehensive Plan

As a lifelong resident, the ability to raise my children in this city instilled in me the value of community. As a Commissioner and Mayor, I understand the importance of providing spaces and activities that promote public health and interaction of our citizens and guests whether through exercise, recreational facilities, beach clean ups and/or community events. I encourage community participation through events such as:

•  Raised 100,000 for the community skatepark by our “fund the bowl” initiative
• National Night Out
• Sleigh Bell Social
• Beach Clean ups
• Sea Oat planting
• Best Management Practices certifications for Landscape Maintenance Contractors.
• Benefits of Native Landscaping workshop
• Turtle Season Do’s and Don’ts workshop
• Celebrating Cities Open House
• Islanders 4 Clean water initiatives.
• Vacation Rental Stakeholder workshops

Government Certifications, boards, and Memberships:

• Member of the Board of Directors for the Florida League of Mayors
• Certifications from the Florida League of Cities Institute and the Advanced Institute for Elected Officials
• AMI representative for the Island Transportation & Planning Organization 2021/2023
• Served on the MPO board 2021/2023.
• Served on the Public Transportation Task Force 2021/2023

FEMA certifications:

• Introduction to Incident Command System
• Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response
• Fundamentals of Emergency Management
• Leadership and Influence
• An Introduction to the National Incident Management System
• Emergency Management for Senior Officials
• Recovery from Disaster Local Governments Role
• Rapid Needs Assessment
• Municipal Emergency Management 101
• Crisis Leadership & Decision Making
• National Response Framework, an Introduction
• Intermediate Incident Command System for Expanding Incidents G-300