Building Wars

Participants: Anna Maria City and Holmes Beach City commissions and local property owners

Decision: The residential construction battles on Holmes Beach and Anna Maria Island exemplify the changing face of the waterfront communities. During the past five years, the size of homes and rental properties has grown significantly. Believing that the character of the islands is under attack by large rental buildings, a vocal group of residents and city officials have launched regulatory efforts that have frozen most new residential development.

After a failed vote for a building moratorium in early 2012, the Holmes Beach City Commission reversed itself and approved a moratorium on building permits for substantial development in its Residential 2 (rental) district in late December. Spearheaded by the Commission Chair Jean Peelen, the stop was explained as necessary to give the commission time to compose new building rules.