Holmes Beach Commissioner Carol Whitmore snapped a photo from the gallery Oct. 14 in the Florida Senate chambers as state Sen. Jim Boyd is applauded during the Republican Caucus Designation Ceremony. Boyd will serve as Senate president for the 2026-28 term. Island officials attending included Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short, Holmes Beach Commissioners Dan Diggins, Steve Oelfke and Whitmore and Bradenton Beach Commissioner Deborah Scaccianoce.
HB Mayor Judy Titsworth said the crowd numbered exceeded 1,000 at the No Kings rally she attended Oct. 18 in Bradenton. Islander Photo: Mo Cassidy
Holmes Beach is selling memorabilia at city hall in advance of the Dec. 6 anniversary party. Islander Courtesy Photo
Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short emailed The Islander Oct. 17, saying there was “not much new news this week.”
Short was in Tallahassee for part of the week attending a ceremony for Bradenton Republican Jim Boyd. The Florida Senate Republican Caucus unanimously elected Boyd as the president-designate for the 2026-28 legislative term, which begins after the November 2026 elections.
Short wrote that Manatee County and the island cities were well represented at the ceremony.
“Otherwise,” Short wrote, “we are working through logistics and preparing to start the pier walkway rebuild and our swale renovation projects.”
In addition, the week beginning Oct. 13, Short said, the city was focused on preparing for Bayfest on Pine Avenue.
On Oct. 18, Short texted, “Back from my stint at Bayfest … and everyone is so happy it’s back.
“Another step back to normalcy.”
Short also said the city is looking forward to its first block party of the season, which will be 5-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, at City Pier Park.
Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth also texted The Islander Oct. 18.
She had a busy week, although she was not along for the Tallahassee trip.
She’s still planning with staff the events and merchandise that will be featured at the Holmes Beach Anniversary party at city field on Dec. 6.
Titsworth said she took part Oct. 18 with family members in a No Kings rally on Cortez Road in Bradenton.
“The No Kings, We Love Our Democracy event was amazing,” the mayor said. “Over 1,000 participants. Elbow to elbow. Everyone was cheering and waving flags and signs and people driving past us were very supportive.”
— Bonner Joy