In early 2023, the three Anna Maria Island Cities were blindsided when the local officials elected to represent them threatened to sponsor legislation to forcefully dissolve the Island Cities. Then, in Fall 2023, these same public servants announced they had ordered an OPPAGA study to decide the consolidation issue. They are looking at having the three Island Cities annexed into City of Bradenton. The results of this study are exempt from Sunshine Laws, and thus, it is up to the same reps who are trying to usurp local control if the affected citizens will be privy to the results of this study.

We the undersigned are opposed to forced consolidation, as well as any legislation designed to control Anna Maria Island without the input of the residents and business owners who will be hurt. We furthermore demand that the results of the OPPAGA study be made public. Finally, the Citizens of Manatee County demand a voice in the future of our County, and we demand any issues that will affect our homes be put on the ballot for citizen input, rather than be decided in closed door meetings with no citizen input whatsoever. 

In sum:

• We oppose forced consolidation of the 3 Anna Maria Island Cities (Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach);
• We oppose annexation of the Island Cities into the City of Bradenton;
• We demand the OPPAGA Study results be made public.