Anna Maria Island may lose its community center due to a lack of funds.

Joan Voyles and Mary Zion come to the Anna Maria Island Community Center as a way to exercise and socialize.



“I am able to see people and see what’s going on in the community,” said Zion.



Mary Clark and Carl Pearman also come to the center several times a week to play pickleball.



“Pickleball is my passion right now. I use this as my source of exercise and it’s a very good one,” said Pearman.



However, the center may be forced to close due to lack of funds. Currently, the center only has $60,000 left in its operating account, which is enough money to stay open for 30 days.

In 2007, the community center was rebuilt and the mortgage is more than $8,000 a month.

Since many services for low income families are free, the center relies on big donors. Many of those donors have moved off the island.

Residents say the center is worth saving.

“The center is the heart of our community,” said Clark.

Right now the center is turning to the community for help to figure out ways to keep the community center running.

It will take about $700,000 to cover losses and enough money to keep them afloat for the next year and a half.

The center has 14 full time employees who would lose their jobs if they center was to shut down.

