Anna Maria Island officials spent millions to purchase six lots at the end of Pine Avenue in 2011.

But little has come of the purchase as the lots remain vacant while officials try to decide what to do with them.



The area is called City Pier Park but the land is not exactly inviting or park-like. Still, the city is paying $225,000 a year for the land that includes little more than sand, a few patches of grass and dying trees.



Considered a prime location, the lot sits across from the city pier at the end of Pine Avenue. The city bought the six lots of property for $2.8 million in 2011.



Despite throwing around ideas for the land for three years, little has been done with the property - save for the planting of a few trees. The lack of movement has even led some officials to wonder if the city should sell the land.



"We haven’t been quick to make decisions," said City Commissioner Dale Woodland. "In fact, it's not just making decisions. I think one of our bigger problems is we have changed our mind through different commissions and we kind of put ourselves in a box.



"I think we have illuminated at least in the short term getting support from our citizens."



Woodland is encouraging city residents to voice their opinion about the property by contacting city commissioners.



Meanwhile, city leaders plan to discuss the property at a June 12 meeting.

