State Lawmakers Renew Push for Consolidation Talks on Anna Maria Island
Pressure from Tallahassee over the potential consolidation of Anna Maria Island’s three cities has resurfaced as legislators request progress updates from local leaders.
In an Aug. 28 letter, state Sen. Jim Boyd and state Rep. Will Robinson Jr., both of Bradenton, requested that the island’s mayors report on efforts to streamline services and reduce duplication across Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach. The request follows last year’s study by the Florida Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability, which found that dissolving or merging the municipalities could create negative impacts but noted that shared services could bring cost savings.
Boyd and Robinson stated that they would like updates on whether the island cities have explored joint services since the study, how coordination is being addressed in city budgets, and what steps have been taken to reduce costs. The lawmakers set an Oct. 1 deadline for responses, citing efficiency, accountability, and the upcoming 2026 legislative session.
Mayors Mark Short of Anna Maria and Judy Titsworth of Holmes Beach indicated they plan to meet and discuss a possible joint response. Both acknowledged that no significant steps have been taken toward streamlining services, pointing instead to the recovery work still underway after the destructive 2024 storm season.
Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie did not comment directly but presented a draft letter to his city commission that echoed the other mayors’ concerns about the overwhelming demands of storm recovery. His draft also suggested that the different cities have shown limited interest in advancing consolidation discussions, while affirming Bradenton Beach remains open to future talks.
As the deadline approaches, the three island municipalities are weighing how to balance state expectations for efficiency with their ongoing recovery and preparations for the current storm season.