This is part of a study by the research arm of the state legislature to study combining Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach, de-annexing all three cities, or combining them with the city of
County pushes forward on HB parking garage - Anna Maria Islander islander.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from islander.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Now, some of the city’s rules regarding short-term rentals are in jeopardy, along with similar rules in other coastal communities across the state, including Redington Beach and Indian Rocks Beach.
McGuinness, whose actions in Surfside are sure to be further scrutinized in the weeks ahead, was the Building Official in Holmes Beach from 2015 to 2019. By the time he resigned, reportedly while being disciplined, he had strong critics, among them former city commissioner Pat Morton.
“He was a lot of talk,” Morton said. “I was very unhappy with him. I think he had too big of an ego if I’m being straight and blunt.”
On Monday, Morton reaffirmed what he said at a 2017 meeting, which was that McGuinness took a three-week vacation without telling the commissioners or anyone at Holmes Beach City Hall. McGuinness was supposed to make an important presentation while on vacation, one that had to be rescheduled. He also left approved permits unissued during his time away, which did not sit well either.