The Drift-In reopening brings even more post-hurricane activity back to Bridge Street.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
The Friday morning ribbon cutting ceremony celebrated the Drift-In’s reopening.
Drift-In reopening brings joy to many Holmes Beach ferry
stops explored
The Kingfish Boat Ramp has also been discussed as a potential Holmes Beach ferry stop.
BY JOE HENDRICKS
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – City and county officials hoped to use businessman Jake Spooner’s boat slip in the Waterline resort marina as a Gulf Islands Ferry stop, but the current countyowned pontoon boats are too large to safely navigate that limited space. To be used in conjunction with the Island Bazaar commercial building that Spooner is developing on the former Wells Fargo bank property nearby, Spooner’s boat slip is located in the far southwest corner of the boat basin.
On April 1, Spooner, Holmes Beach Commissioner Dan Diggins and
Waterline dockmaster Tom Jones met ferry captains Nick Francis and Jonathan Davis, ferry operators Trisha and Dennis Rodriguez and Manatee County Project Manager Jeff Anthony when they arrived at the resort aboard the pontoon ferry boat that traveled from downtown Bradenton.
With the ferry docked at the rear of the Waterline resort property, the group discussed whether it was safe to bring the ferry boat, which is 50 feet long and 15 feet wide, into Spooner’s slip. Leaving the ferry where it was, the group walked over to Spooner’s slip and quickly determined the navigable space was too narrow for the ferry boat to safely navigate – a space made narrower by the motors projecting from boats docked on either side of the navigation lane.
SEE FERRY, PAGE 9
BRADENTON BEACH – The Drift-In bar is open again after a prolonged, post-hurricane permitting dispute with the city.
The historic Bridge Street bar once owned by baseball legend Babe Ruth reopened on April 4 at 7 a.m. with a short line of patrons waiting to enjoy their first drinks there since Hurricane Helene’s storm surge badly flooded the bar last September.
Dobie Gray’s hit song “Drift Away” played over loudspeakers in the final minutes before the Drift-In reopened and again after it opened.
Derek and Helena Williams bought the bar from Helena’s parents, Joe and Angie Cuervo, in December 2022.
While standing behind the inside bar as the first drinks were being served, Derek Williams said, “It feels wonderful. It’s awesome to be open again. We love to see all the smiling faces and we’re ready to set this thing off.”
As the first drinks were poured, Toby Keith’s dive bar anthem, “I Love This Bar,” played.
Above-average hurricane season predicted
The CSU report forecasts four major hurricanes during the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – As residents continue to recover from 2024 Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Colorado State University (CSU) hurricane researchers are predicting an above-average 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.
In an April 3 report, CSU researchers forecast 17 named storms during the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season from June 1 to Nov. 30. The researchers forecast nine named storms will become hurricanes and four will reach major hurricane strength (Category 3, 4 or 5) with sustained winds of 111 mph or greater.
The team predicts that 2025 hurricane activity will be about 125% of the average season from 1991–2020, slightly less active than 2024, when hurricane activity was about 130% of the average season.
The researchers cite above-average subtropical eastern Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea surface temperatures as a primary factor for the predictions.
“These conditions will likely lead to a continuation of above-average water temperatures across most of the tropical Atlantic for the peak of the 2025 hurricane season. A warm Atlantic favors an above-average season since a hurricane’s fuel source is warm ocean water. Additionally, a warm Atlantic leads to lower atmospheric pressure and a more
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Planning board supports Drift-In’s major development plan
The Drift-In’s post-hurricane permitting struggles are ending.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH
– The Drift-In’s hurricane recovery-related major development plan now has the support of the city’s Planning and Zoning Board members. On April 2, board members Fred Bartizal, Bill Morrow, Ken McDonough and Dan Morhaus voted 4-0 to recommend city commission approval of the Drift-In’s major development plan. Board member John Burns arrived after the vote occurred.
The Planning and Zoning Board made its recommendation two days before the Drift-In reopened on April 4, as allowed by a temporary use permit the city commission approved on March 20. If approved by the city com-
mission on Tuesday, April 8, the major development plan approval will bring the DriftIn’s permitting challenges to an end.
THE ISSUES
Drift-In owner Derek Williams and his attorney, Scott Rudacille, submitted the major development plan application in response to City Attorney Ricinda Perry’s January determination that some of the Drift-In’s posthurricane improvements, including the construction of a larger tiki bar, required city commission approval rather than the administrative approval given by then-building official Darin Cushing. Cushing was later terminated and Perry later recused herself from representing the city in these permitting matters because Rudacille works for the Blalock Walters law firm in which Perry’s husband, Stephen, is a principal partner.
The permitting delays were also the result of a stop work order that West Manatee Fire Rescue Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski issued due to concerns about the flammability of the organic thatched roof materials originally placed atop the new tiki hut structure. The stop work order resulted in Williams replacing the organic tiki hut roof materials with more flame-retardant synthetic thatched roof materials and the stop work order was lifted.
A long-existing sidewalk and landscaping easement that provides space for sidewalks and landscaping placed on a portion of the Drift-In property further complicated the post-hurricane permitting issues.
THE SOLUTIONS
In Perry’s place, attorney and land use expert Robert Lincoln is serving as special counsel to the planning board and the city commission and
he has successfully guided the city and the bar owner through the emotionallycharged permitting challenges that appear headed for an amicable and mutuallybeneficial solution.
The planning board recommendation includes three stipulated conditions recommended by Lincoln designed to help resolve any remaining concerns with the Drift-In’s major development plan:
• City commission approval of an amended sidewalk and landscape easement or partial release of the same for the portion of the easement area covered by the tiki hut;
• The applicant (Drift-In) shall record a unity of title joining the lands as 120 and 122 Bridge St. prior to a certificate of occupancy being issued for the tiki bar; and
• Development of the property shall be consistent with the major development plan.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board members recommend approval of the Drift-In’s major development plan.
ISLAND NEWS
IN BRIEF
Borggren, Lane nominated for state journalism awards
Two Anna Maria Island Sun staffers have been named as finalists in the 2025 Florida Press Association Weekly Newspaper Contest.
Political Cartoonist Steve Borggren was nominated twice in the Original Local Editorial Cartoon Division for the entries, “Fill in the Holes” and “Signs, Signs.” Editor Cindy Lane is nominated in the Editorial Division for “Strange Changes,” https://amisun.com/ editorial-strange-changes/ Awards will be announced at the 2025 Florida Media Conference held July 30 - Aug. 1 in Charlotte Harbor.
Harrison, Costantini receive planning commission appointments
James Harrison has been appointed to fill the Holmes Beach Planning Commission seat vacated by Steve Oelfke when Oelfke was appointed to the city commission to fill the seat vacated by Pat Morton. Harrison advances from his position as the first alter nate planning commissioner to a full-fledged voting member with a term that expires in July 2026. Second alternate Joseph Ireland advances to the first alternate position. When making the planning commission ap pointments on March 25, three city commis sioners voted in favor of first-time applicant Tom Costantini as the new second alternate and two commissioners voted for first-time applicant Mark Hebden to serve in that role. Commissioners praised the accomplishments and experi ence of Costantini and Hebden and said it was difficult to choose between two such highly qualified candidates. Now a semi-retired construction consultant, Costantini spent 45 years working in the construction field as an operations manager, a director of construction, a chief estimator and a senior vice-president. Hebden is a retired architect and president of a 400-employee architecture, planning and engineering firm. The planning commission meets once a month to review land use and development matters for consistency with the city’s comprehensive plan.
Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.
Treasured architectural designer passes away
Emily Anne Smith designed the Bradenton Beach clock tower and several other well-known structures in Bradenton Beach.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Emily Anne Smith, the architectural designer who helped transform Bridge Street into what it is today, has passed away.
According to close friend and longtime office administrator Lea Ann Bessonette, Smith passed away on March 29 at the age of 83. She passed under the care of Hospice at the Lombardo House assisted living facility in west Bradenton. She was born in Atlanta on April 18, 1940.
Bessonette, now 87, spent 40 years working with Smith.
“After 40 years together, you take a deep breath and say, ‘She’s going to the Lord.’ And that’s exactly what she did,” she said.
The still-visible work Smith created with her Designs of Significance by Emily Anne Smith design firm includes the city-owned Bradenton Beach clock tower, first built in 1937 and later restored using Smith’s design. Smith also designed the city-owned Bradenton Beach Pier buildings, including the building occupied by the Anna Maria Oyster Bar. For mother and daughter business partners Barbara and Angela Rodocker, Smith designed the BridgeWalk resort building that includes several groundlevel businesses spaces and the neighboring Bridge Street Bistro/ Island Time restaurant building. Smith designed the Bridge Street Bazaar/Daiquiri Deck building for Jake Spooner and she designed
The Sports Lounge’s exterior façade.
Beyond Bridge Street, the prolific Smith designed the La Costa condominiums at the north end of Bradenton Beach and she designed numerous homes and other commercial structures elsewhere on Anna Maria Island and beyond.
A LIFE’S WORK
According to the Designs of Significance website, www.emilyannesmithdesigns.com, Smith began her career in Atlanta in 1964. She worked as a designer, developer and builder and was one of the first female licensed general contractors working east of the Mississippi River.
Bessonette started working with Smith in Atlanta. After celebrating Bessonette’s 50th birthday, the pair left Atlanta and spent time living on a sailboat near Kissimmee, Florida before sailing to Anna Maria Island in the early 1990s.
“We came to Anna Maria Island on a sailboat up the ICW (Intracoastal Waterway). We came here, parked the boat, came ashore and we’ve been on the Island for the better part of 30 years. Emily saw the
architectural design needs here and she brought the gift the good Lord gave her and put it to work,” Bessonette said. “She did a great deal and Anna Maria Island was in her heart of hearts. When Emily opened her office on Bridge Street, where the jeweler is now, I worked for her after hours.”
While moonlighting for Smith, Bessonette worked full-time for the city of Bradenton Beach, working under longtime City Clerk Alice Baird, who essentially ran the city. Bessonette retired from the city at the age of 65 after securing her retirement benefits and became Smith’s office administrator.
“I’ve been in Emily’s office since,” she said.
In 2018, Smith served as a contracted consultant to the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency and she advised the agency and the city on sign design consistency and other public design matters, accompanied by Bessonette, her ever-present note-taker.
About 12 years ago, Smith, Bessonette and the design firm moved into the Holmes Beach home that Smith designed.
SEE SMITH, PAGE 13
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Emily Anne Smith, left, and her close friend and office administrator, Lea Ann Bessonette, attended many Bradenton Beach city meetings together. Smith redesigned the historic Bradenton Beach clock tower.
Commissioner praises Suncoast Aqua Ventures cleanups
HOLMES BEACH – City Commissioner
Steve Oelfke was among the many volunteers who participated in the Suncoast Aqua Ventures Kingfish South-Grassy Point cleanup event on March 15.
The cleanup efforts extended from the south side of the Kingfish boat ramp area along Manatee Avenue to 28th Street.
Oelfke spoke about the local cleanup during the March 11 and March 25 Holmes Beach City Commission meetings.
“The Grassy Point cleanup was great, so much fun,” he said on March 25 when informing the mayor and commission the cleanup volunteers removed approximately 6,800 pounds of trash and debris from the shoreline and shallow waters. The cleanup included shoreline walkers, kayakers and shallow draft boat operators combing the mangroves and shallow waters in search of trash and debris. Oelfke said he removed a few tires from the water and helped remove a 10-foot section of dock discovered in the mangroves and he encourages Island residents to get involved in local cleanup efforts.
“It’s very rewarding,” he said.
He noted Suncoast Aqua Ventures has supplies available for those who want to create their own cleanup teams and events.
He then mentioned the two-day 8th Annual
HURRICANE: Above-average season predicted
FROM PAGE 1
unstable atmosphere. Both conditions favor hurricane formation,” according to the CSU press release.
“So far, the 2025 hurricane season is exhibiting characteristics similar to 1996, 1999, 2006, 2008, 2011 and 2017,” said Phil Klotzbach, a senior research scientist in the Department of Atmospheric Science at CSU
STEVE OELFKE | SUBMITTED
Suncoast Aqua Ventures co-founder and President Cheryl Huntsinger and Holmes Beach Commissioner Steve Oelfke participated in the March 15 cleanup.
Reef & Beach Clean Up held April 5-6 at Sea Breeze Park in Terra Ceia that included scuba divers and offered more than $5,000 in cash prizes to cleanup volunteers and teams who collected the most anchors, the most trash, the most tires, the most recyclables, the most shoes, the most dimensional lumber, the most chains and metal, the most rope, line and tackle and $300 for the most unique item found on land and sea. Learn more about future cleanups at www. suncoastaquaventures.com.
and lead author of the report. In 2017, Hurricane Irma inflicted significant damage on the Anna Maria City Pier and the Island-wide impacts included damaged mobile homes, residential structures and commercial structures, fallen trees, fallen power lines and flooding.
The CSU team will update its forecasts on June 11, July 9 and Aug. 6.
Address numbers required
in Holmes Beach
Code Compliance Chief James “JT” Thomas reminds Holmes Beach property owners that all structures located in the city require properly-sized street address numbers. Address numbers must be at least 4 inches tall for residences and at least 6 inches tall for commercial structures. For more information, call 941-932-6426 or email jthomas@ holmesbeachfl.org.
The
P.O. Box 15179, Bradenton, FL 34280
Phone: 941-778-3986
email: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com
The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff
Owner | CEO
Mike Field
Editor
Cindy Lane
General Manager
Bob Alexander
Reporters | Photographers
Joe Hendricks
Leslie Lake
Columnists
Louise Bolger
Rusty Chinnis
Contributors
Steve Borggren
Capt. Rick Grassett
Layout Ricardo Fonseca
Advertising Director
Shona Otto
Classified Ads
Bob Alexander
Graphics
Elaine Stroili
Ricardo Fonseca
Distribution
Bob Alexander
Connor Field
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Accounting
Leslie Ketchum
Co-founding publishers
Mike Field
Maggie McGinley Field Family-owned
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Commissioner
invites participation
I want to thank the Holmes Beach citizens for your November vote. Your support was overwhelming, and I will work hard to communicate with our citizens.
The city has welcomed me back to where I started my political career. This city was where I learned that the citizens deserve a response, no matter what that is. I have had citizens contact me regarding the conditions of the Holmes Beach field after we put yard and storm waste on it, and received responses back from the city to find that the ground is safe after everything was removed. Some citizens are concerned about the parking plan for Key
ON THE AGENDA
ANNA MARIA
10005 GULF DRIVE
FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130
Visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information.
April 10, 10 a.m., City Commission April 16, 9 a.m., Planning and Zoning Board
BRADENTON BEACH
107 GULF DRIVE N. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005
Visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information.
Royale Drive. I did not support it, but the majority rules. There are many questions you may have. Contact us.
I will always respond to anyone who wants to hear from the person they voted for. I am sure the other four commissioners do the same.
Visit a meeting and see sausage being made. Don't be afraid to speak up if we are not on the right path.
Commissioner Carol Whitmore Holmes Beach
Thanks to the AMI community
Thank you for helping The Anna Maria Island Historical Society come back from the destruction and devastating effects of Hurricane Helene. With your
April 8, 9 a.m., Special Emergency City Commission
April 8, 1 p.m., City Commission major development public hearing
April 16, 1 p.m., Scenic WAVES April 17, 2 p.m., City Commission paid parking public hearing
HOLMES BEACH
5801 MARINA DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800
Visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information.
April 8, 2 p.m., City Commission meeting and work session
help, the Heritage Day festival was a huge success. Visitors from near and far enjoyed this annual celebration of food, music, the Privateers capture of our mayors, kids games and so much more. This year, like no other, we needed the support of our island communities; from our cities, local shops, vendors, musicians, artists, news media, restaurants, private donors and volunteers. We needed you and you came through for us! Also, a special "shout out" to our wonderful volunteers who rolled up their sleeves and got the job done, whatever it took.
With joy and gratitude for your support,
Judy Hildman, festival chair
Carolyn Orshak, on behalf of the AMIHS board of directors
April 9, 9 a.m., Ad Hoc Clean Water Committee April 9, 3:30 p.m., Planning Commission
BRADENTON
April 15, 6 p.m., West Manatee Fire and Rescue District monthly meeting, 701 63rd St. W.
EVENTS
SUNDAY, APRIL 20
60th Annual Easter Sunrise Service, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 6:30 a.m.
Cortez community picnic on Saturday
The Cortez Village Historical Society is hosting its annual Pot Luck Community Picnic on Saturday, April 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Fulford Dock at the foot of 123rd Street West. Attendees are asked to bring a dish to share. Fish will be provided by A.P. Bell Fish Co.
AMI Chamber awards academic scholarships
Three Manatee County students earned $1,000 scholarships.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH –
The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce recently presented $1,000 scholarships to three outstanding Manatee County students: Gracie JeanCharles, Torianne Hurst and Callaway Johnson. The scholarships were presented during a March 27 AMI Chamber event held at the LaPensee Plumbing, Pools and Air headquarters in Holmes Beach and catered by The Feast restaurant.
Charles will graduate from Palmetto High School with an Advanced International Certificate of Education and in the top 3% of her class. Her
list of accomplishments includes winning the Yale Book Award by the Suncoast Yale Club and the Manatee County Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year. She also served as a Youth advocate. She will attend the University of Florida to pursue a degree in microbiology. Hurst will graduate from Manatee High School in the top 4% of
her class. Her academic excellence includes being a member of the National Honor Society and the Science National Honors Society. She’s also been a mentor in the Penguins Project at the Manatee Performing Arts Center where she mentored children and adults with disabilities as they performed on stage. She grew up on Anna Maria
Island and the Island’s close and supportive community helped her through some difficult times. She will attend Florida State University in pursuit of a degree in computer science.
Johnson will graduate from Manatee High School in the top 3% of her class with an AP Capstone Diploma with five dual enrollment classes and college credits from USF. Callaway is active in sports, clubs and volunteering. She took on leadership roles in the Student Council, National Honor Society, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Ballroom Dance and Mu Alpha Theta Math Honors. She was a member of the Sugar Canes dance team and a varsity cheerleader. She plans to attend Baylor University to pursue a degree in accounting.
AMI CHAMBER | SUBMITTED
Gracie Jean-Charles, Torianne Hurst and Callaway Johnson are this year’s scholarship winners.
Bungalow Beach owner seeks paid parking approval
The Bradenton Beach City Commission will host a public hearing on Thursday, April 17 at 2 p.m. to discuss and potentially approve Bungalow Beach Resort owner Gayle Luper’s request for a temporary use permit that would allow her to temporarily use her currently vacant, hurricane-damaged, beachfront resort property at 2000 Gulf Drive N. for paid public parking. Luper’s initial attempt to provide paid public parking without the city’s approval was halted by Code Enforcement Officer Evan Harbus. Luper has
already installed 29 parking bumperdesignated parking spaces, including multiple ADA-compliant spaces, atop her stone-covered vacant property. Luper seeks the temporary use permit as a way to generate revenues while awaiting the post-hurricane permitting approval needed from the city to construct a new resort to replace her historic bungalow-based resort that was destroyed by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Paid parking is allowed in Bradenton Beach and paid parking lots already exist elsewhere in the city.
FERRY: Holmes Beach ferry stop explored
Diggins and some of the others then walked over to the northwest corner of the boat basin to examine a large corner slip in the Keyes Marina portion of the boat basin. Dockmaster Jim Keyes told the group the slip that was then vacant is occupied long-term by a boat that departed earlier that morning. They also looked at a slip located next to the Keyes Marina boat ramp and agreed that none of the options examined that day were viable for the ferry boats, but a smaller boat (30 feet long and 10 feet wide) already owned by the ferry operators might work. Although intrigued by that idea, Diggins acknowledged the smaller boat would pose some logistical challenges as to how and where passengers transition from a larger boat to a smaller boat.
The navigation lane leading to and from Jake Spooner’s boat slip is too narrow for the
The Kingfish Boat Ramp on Manatee Avenue has also been discussed as a potential ferry stop. That area would provide ample docking space but would require docking renovations that could cost the county a few million dollars. The boat ramp is located about a half-mile from Manatee Beach and does not provide the walkability and easy access to restaurants, busi-
nesses and other destinations as the boat basin in the heart of the Holmes Beach business district.
Last year, Diggins and Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione met with Waterline management about using the spacious docking at the rear of the resort as a ferry stop, but for various reasons the resort management doesn’t want that docking space used as a public ferry landing.
With the ferry stop at the hurricanedamaged Anna Maria City Pier currently out of commission, the Gulf Islands Ferry service runs between downtown Bradenton and the Bradenton Beach Pier in Bradenton Beach. The ferry schedule can be viewed and tickets can be purchased at www. bradentongulfislands.com.
Rod & Reel Pier restaurant relocating to Holmes Beach
On March 31, Rod & Reel Pier owner Oliver “Oli” Lemke posted a video on Facebook announcing the opening of the new Rod & Reel Pier restaurant at 3246 East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach in the Benderson Plaza space formerly occupied by the Old Hamburg Schnitzel Haus. “We are so excited to announce an update for the Rod & Reel rebuild process – the new temporary location until our pier can be rebuilt,” the Facebook message says. An opening date has not been announced. The Rod & Reel Pier and restaurant building in Anna Maria were destroyed by Hurricanes Helene and Milton last year and Lemke plans to rebuild a new pier and restaurant building in that location at some point in the future.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
current ferry boats to safely navigate.
The Bungalow Beach Resort property awaits city commission approval for temporary use as a paid parking lot.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
BEACH BEAT
HOLMES BEACH
March 28 11:30 a.m., stolen bicycle, 400 block 71st Street. A visitor to the Island reported to police that a white rented bicycle was stolen from a 71st Street residence. The bicycle, one of four rental bicycles, was left unattended the prior evening. The make and model were unknown.
March 29, 11:15 a.m., Manatee Beach. Trespass after warning and unlawful possession of a debit card. Police observed a man sleeping on a Manatee County bus bench. Police say the man had been trespassed for one year from the park on March 17. According to police, the man became belligerent. He was issued another notice to appear for trespass. During an inventory search, police say the man was in possession of two debit cards not belonging to him. Police say he had attempted to use the cards. He was additionally charged with unlawful possession of a debit card.
Reopening brings joy to many
“We were closed for six long months, but it seems like yesterday,” Williams said. “The essence of the bar’s the same. The people are the same but we had to spruce it up a little bit so it’s safer, better, stronger and ready for whatever comes at it.”
Smoking is no longer allowed inside the bar but is allowed in the tiki hut and at the outdoor bar.
When asked about his expectations for the reopening weekend, Williams said, “I hope we set records. We’ve got a lot of interest from the public.”
While pouring her first drinks at the Drift-In in six months, inside bartender Tiara Hooper was on the verge of tears when she said, “It feels so good to be back behind the bar again.”
While serving the first drinks at the new outside bar, bartender Heather Bailey McNeal said she couldn’t yet put into words how she felt.
“I love it,” she said.
Displaced Pines Trailer Park residents Suzy Smith and Kay Smith were among the first to grab seats at the new inside bar. They now live with family members in Punta Gorda and don’t expect to ever live in the Pines again due to various issues with the mobile home
DRIFT-IN: Planning board supports major development plan
park’s ownership group.
“We wouldn’t miss this,” Suzy said, with her mom sitting beside her. “We wanted to get a good seat. We drove up from Punta Gorda and stayed in the Pines last night. We’ll still be coming up.”
Sitting in the new and expanded tiki hut with family members and family friends, 26-year-old Michigan resident Paige Murphy enjoyed a Bloody Mary and a Lemon Drop shot before making her way to the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport to catch her flight home, taking a new Drift-In T-shirt with her.
While enjoying a coffee and liqueur drink inside the bar, longtime patron Mike Cunningham said, “I feel whole again. A piece of me was missing.”
When she arrived around 8 a.m., manager/bartender Doreen Flynn said, “Oh my God. It feels so good to be back. When I got home late
last night, after we finished getting everything ready, I cried tears of joy. I missed everybody. I missed my job. I’ve been here 25 years and I’m not going anywhere.”
At 8:30 a.m., the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, the Anna Maria Island Privateers and several staff members and patrons gathered in front of the Drift-In for a ceremonial ribbon cutting, with Derek Williams and Joe Cuervo doing the honors.
After the ribbon cutting, Joe and Angie Cuervo expressed their appreciation for what their daughter and son-in-law accomplished.
“It’s wonderful that they kept the legacy going. My wife and I are so proud of what Derek and Helena have done,” Joe said.
“We’re thrilled about this and Derek has great taste,” Angie said of the renovations.
Derek and Helena’s
son, Tyler Williams, and General Manager Dan Zelko also played vital roles in the repair and renovation efforts.
“Tyler’s construction knowledge was invaluable to us,” Zelko said. “I am so happy to finally be back here seeing all my people!”
The renovated interior includes an expanded inside seating area, a large roll-up window that faces Bridge Street, a relocated liquor storage area, renovated bathrooms and a new rollup bay door that faces the tiki hut seating area.
And Mannie, the DriftIn’s legendary and muchphotographed mannequin mascot, is back home and positioned in a new location.
The tiki bar area includes a new concrete block bar, a textured concrete floor, a new walk-in cooler and new ice machines.
The Drift-In property is currently divided into two parcels: the parking lot is one parcel and the primary bar building is located on another. The unity of title will combine both parcels into a single property for permitting purposes.
Rudacille said the amended easement to be granted to the city will wrap around the front of the bar building and around to the back side of the building that faces the Pines Trailer Park and eliminate the existing easement that currently extends into the tiki bar area – as it did with the smaller tiki bar that previously stood next to the Bridge Street sidewalk.
The Drift-In easement was one of many easements sought from Bridge Street property owners several years ago. Although discussed by the board members, Williams and Rudacille, Lincoln said the easement issues are not something to be reviewed by the planning board. Board member Dan Morhaus asked Lincoln if the board could ask the city commission to consider standardizing the easements along the entirety of Bridge Street to avoid future conflicts. Lincoln said that’s something the city commission would have to initiate on its own.
Rudacille noted the previously exposed trash dumpster is now enclosed in a fenced area that obscures it from the Pines Trailer Park property and Williams noted beverages will not be served through the new roll-up window that faces Bridge Street. FROM PAGE 3
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Above, it warmed Doreen Flynn’s heart to be behind the bar again. Above right, Tyler Williams, Derek Williams and General Manager Dan Zelko led the restoration efforts.
SMITH: Treasured architectural designer passes away
FROM PAGE 4
“We lived on the top floor and the first elevated living level is where her office is,” Bessonette said of the place she still calls home. “Emily took some bad falls two years ago and stopped working about a year and a half ago.”
WORK PRAISED
Before the April 2 Planning and Zoning Board meeting began, Bradenton Beach
Mayor John Chappie placed a collage of Smith’s design drawings in the commission chambers because he planned to mention her passing during the following night’s city commission meeting. While doing so, the longtime mayor praised Smith for her talents and creativity and he expressed his appreciation for the style and architectural beauty she brought to Bradenton Beach.
When contacted by The Sun, Angela Rodocker said, “Emily might be one of the most creative people I’ve ever met. She loved Anna Maria Island with such passion. Her architectural designs will be a lasting fingerprint and legacy for us to admire for years to come.”
With Smith as their designer, Rodocker and her late mother, Barbara, completed
the BridgeWalk resort construction project in 2002 that fueled the revitalization of what was then a somewhat downtrodden Bridge Street.
“I feel privileged to have worked so closely with her on the BridgeWalk design,” Rodocker said.
When contacted, Spooner said, “Emily was a very kind and wise woman that designed some of the most attractive and unique residential, municipal and commercial structures on the Island and in town. She was a joy to work with and will certainly be missed by many.”
Smith also designed Spooner’s parents’ home.
A personal note Smith posted at her website says, “My procedure to custom design is an adventure of discovery and creativity. It is a path we take together with me as your guide. An adventure you don’t take that often in your lifetime – a discovery where we examine your needs, wants, desires, how and who you entertain, your hobbies, interests, habitual use of space and function which sets the requirement of the floor plans and your tastes for architectural style. A house is not just a home. Your place of business is not just your workplace. Both are where your life happens.”
OUTDOORS
Practice always key to fly casting mastery
Reel Time
’ve mentioned in articles recently the importance of practice for anglers who want to learn and/or improve their fly casting. There are many sources of instruction on fly casting, and good technique learned early will hold you in good stead. By far the best advice is to get instruction by a certified casting instructor. You can find instructors in your area by going to the Fly Fishers International website. This organization gives a comprehensive test both in writing and in the field so you can be sure these instructors are vetted. The site also has lots of instructional videos.
Once you’ve had a lesson on the basics you’ll need to practice to benefit from the instruction. Between lessons it can be helpful to get refresher tips from online videos. A word of caution is in order when searching for videos. Make sure you’re sourcing videos by tested professionals, of which there are many. There are also many others that might give instructions that are confusing or possibly incorrect. And while videos are good for reviewing the fundamentals, you’ll never become a good caster if you don’t physically practice. Science has proven that it’s the repetitive “correct” motion of a cast that builds the pathways in the brain that eventually make casting skills “second nature” just like golf, tennis, biking, soccer and those times you fell repeatedly before mastering walking upright!
SUBMITTED
The Redington Form Game Rod, demonstrated, right, is an excellent choice for fly anglers on the go.
World renowned casters like Lefty Kreh and Doug Swisher (now deceased) and Joan Wolfe have created excellent videos that will stand the test of time. Some excellent current casting instruction videos by trusted sources like Orvis and Rio can also be found online.
For those on the go who might not be able to carry a fly rod around or who have limited space to practice, consider purchasing a Redington Form Rod. The rod
offers beginners and veteran fly casters the opportunity to tighten and tune their casting and improve form. The rod is perfect for the angler on the go, as it can easily be broken down and thrown into your tote or luggage. The practice rod comes with its own custom tapered RIO® fly
line, appropriately weighted to the rod for a more accurate experience. See a certified instructor, review the basic cast occasionally online and practice, practice, practice. Doing this with purpose will greatly enrich your fishing experience, whether it’s in fresh or salt water.
RUSTY CHINNIS
Kiwanis Club hosting Easter Sunrise Service
The annual Easter service draws 1,000 to 2,000 worshipers.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island will celebrate its 60th annual Easter Sunrise Service on Sunday, April 20.
The 6:30 a.m. service will be held at Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive.
The annual Easter service attracts 1,000 to 2,000 worshipers. There will be ample parking in the beach parking lot, the free AMI Trolley will start running at 6 a.m. and the Anna Maria Beach Café will open at 6:30 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets.
“Our Island has been through a lot this year with a tropical storm and two hurricanes but we are ‘Anna Maria Strong’ and proud to be able to come together and celebrate for our 60th anniversary of the Kiwanis of Anna Maria
Island Easter Sunrise Service with our Island churches,” according to the Kiwanis press release.
“Come and share this celebration on the beach as we show our gratefulness for this Island we call our paradise. It is truly an uplifting service as the Island churches participate,” the press release says.
Rev. Phillip Schweda of St. Bernard Catholic Church will deliver this year’s sermon. Belinda Strickland of the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation will deliver the invocation. Senior Pastor Dirk Rodgers of the Roser Memorial Community Church will deliver the offertory and the benediction
and Rev. Stephen King of Harvey Memorial Community Church will deliver the scripture readings.
Island business owner Morgan Bryant will sing inspirational Easter music and worshipers are invited to sing along.
The offertory collected in association with the Easter Sunrise Service will be divided among the Island churches and the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island. The sunrise service program handout is posted at the Kiwanis Club website, www.amikiwanis.com, and online donations can be made to assist the Island churches and the Kiwanis Club.
Roser Church hosting Palm Sunday, Easter services
Roser Memorial Community Church in Anna Maria will host two Palm Sunday services on Sunday, April 13 at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Directed by Greg Ramberger, the musical services will feature the Roser Cantata Choir, the Roser Ringers Handbell Choir, the Roser Youth Performing Arts Choir and a chamber orchestra. Everyone who attends a Palm Sunday service will receive a palm cross. Roser Church’s Holy Week celebrations will also include Maundy Thursday on Thursday, April 17 at 7 p.m., Good Friday on Friday, April 18 at noon, an Easter Sunday service inside the church at 8:30 a.m. and an outdoor service at 10:30 a.m. Roser Church is located at 512 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria. For more information call the church office at 941-778-0414, email info@roserchurch.com, visit roserchurch.com or on Facebook. The services will be streamed live on the Roser Church YouTube Channel.
ROSER CHURCH | SUBMITTED Craig Ramberger will again direct the Palm Sunday choir and orchestra.
FILE PHOTO
The Easter Sunrise Service at Manatee Beach is a long-standing religious tradition.
REAL ESTATE
The new real estate reality
It’s been six months since Hurricane Milton invaded us and every day we still feel the effects of the storm. Most of us are either continually rebuilding, cleaning up or juggling finances to get our lives back to where they were before the storms.
Last week we talked about buyer and seller remorse, but the deeper emotional issues are losing your home and your possessions. Most people have an emotional attachment to their homes and their community. Seeing disruption or actual loss has a lasting effect. A home is part of a community of friends, family, neighbors and memories.
Castles in the Sand
leaves many homeowners worrying about their future financial security.
This is the report from The Realtor Association for condos in Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach. The median sale price was $535,000 this February, down 13.7% from last year and the average sale price was $553,333, down 26.1%. New listings are up 6.7%.
Adding to the emotional loss is the sudden financial hardship of losing one’s home or experiencing major and costly repairs. Most people invest a huge portion of their net worth into their home and have accrued a great deal of equity, so watching it go literally down the drain
For Island people who have made the decision to move, selling after a major disaster can be challenging at best. These are the sales numbers the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee provided for the two zip codes on Anna Maria as of February: Zip code 34217, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach single-family homes: The median sale price in February was $1,105,000, down 39% from last February. The average sale price was $1,414,583, down 52.4% from last year, and new listings are up 33.3%.
Obviously, the single-family numbers look far worse than the condos, likely because there are so many single-family homes that were not elevated and had severe damage selling for reduced numbers compared to last year. The majority of condos are elevated and experienced less damage, at least from flooding.
Anna Maria, zip code 34216, had a median sale price of $1,750,000, down 12.5% this February compared to last year. The average sale price was $1,808,333, down 27.6% from last February. Finally, new listings in Anna Maria are up 31.6%.
Selling your home in the aftermath of a disaster requires patience and a fair amount of creativity. These properties
need to be marketed as the future value, not the present value. There is great investment opportunity on the Island and based on the number of visitors in the past month, people still want to vacation here. Buyers, especially younger buyers, are very much influenced by climate change and the effects that it will have on a barrier island. So, a balance has to be struck when listing the benefits and financial investment available on Anna Maria Island. You can’t hide that we experienced a serious series of storms, and you have to be honest about damage sustained, but here again, we’re looking at future growth. The effects of the storm, both physically and monetarily, are deeply unsettling. The physical landscape of the community changes and people move away, leaving a constant feeling of loss. It’s important to stay focused on how Anna Maria Island was before the storm and know it will come back right along with property values.
LOUISE BOLGER
DRIFT-IN: Reopening brings joy to many
FROM PAGE 11
Performing as a solo act later that morning, singer/ guitarist Tommy Balbo was the first musical act to play in the new tiki hut, followed by Dos-Macs returning to their regular Friday afternoon “Liquid Lunch” gig.
Later that night, Rob Hamm & The Daily Specials christened the relocated and expanded inside music area.
“It was so amazing to be back,” Hamm said Satur day morning. “The place looks beautiful. The crowd was amazing and filled with energy. Seeing so many old friends and meeting new ones made it a perfect night to come back.”
The reopening celebra tion continued Saturday and Sunday as the DriftIn’s hurricane recovery process reached its end, with some final permitting issues to be finalized by the city commission on April 8.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The new outdoor bar is made out of concrete blocks with a concrete top.
ANNA MARIA HORSESHOES | SUBMITTED
Galbally, Heiger win at pitch
Bill Galbally, left, teamed up with Bob Heiger on April 5 to post the only 3-0 record during pool play to win the day’s competition. On April 2, two teams met in the final; Norm Good and Tim Sofran jumped out to an early lead and cruised to a 23-3 win over Steve Kriebel and Gersey Fernandes to earn the day’s bragging rights.
Rowley wins men’s KRC tournament
Forty KRC men began play in the Key Royale Club's 2025 Men's Individual Handicap Match-Play Tournament on Feb. 18 in Holmes Beach. Golfers played 38 18-hole matches over five weeks ending on March 18, when Bob McSparren played Bob Rowley in the final match for the championship. Rowley prevailed, winning three holes up with two holes to be played to become the 2025 champion.
IN OTHER PLAY:
MARCH 31 - MODIFIED STABLEFORD
First Place - Kevin Breheny, +7
Second Place - Jim Hitchen and Bob Rowley tied, +5
Third Place - Rob Perkins, +4
APRIL 1 - LOW NET SCORE
Flight A
First Place - Louise Clemens, Linda Dorsey and Margret Layh tied, 31
Second Place - Sue Porterfield, 32
Third Place - Debra DuVernay, 33
FLIGHT B
First Place - Jana Samuels, 27
Second Place - Judy Christensen, 30
Third Place - Carol Patterson, 31
FLIGHT C
First Place - Terry Westby, 26
Second Place - Annette Hall, 29
Third Place - Susan Christenson, 30
APRIL 3 - SCRAMBLE
First Place Team - Tony Bettis, Debra DuVernay, Lance Elson and Jenny Huibers, 26, 6 under par
Second Place Team - David Julian, Rod Hammonds and Al Waal, 28, 4 under par Third Place Team - Jim Bailey, Jeff Griener,
John Kolojeski and Bill MacMillan tied the team of Larry Davis, Julia Fay, Eric Lawson and Bob O'Brien, 29, 3 under par
KEY ROYALE CLUB | SUBMITTED Bob Rowley won the Men's Individual Handicap Match-Play Tournament at Key Royale Club.
A4637353/ $450,000 Becky Smith (941) 773-1954
A4638503/ $1,299,000 Jennifer Delbo (941) 281-9940
FUN IN THE SUN
CLASSIFIEDS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
THRIVE BEACH YOGA: All Levels Welcome! 100 Pine Ave on AMI. 8:30am every Saturday & Sunday, Wednesdays (Oct-May). $15 PreRegistration required at ThriveYogaFit.com
BOATS
BOAT ARE SELLING
VERY WELL. Season is here. Northerners are shopping now. Great Timing! We Also Buy Boats. Please visit- IslandBoatSales.net- 942228-3489Boatsalesflorida@Gmail. com
27' COM-PAC MK/II
SAILBOAT - 1989 in v/ good condition, no storm damage, ready to sail. New bottom paint and Genoa, 2yr old autopilot, chart plotter, 20A smart charger, enclosed head, propane stove w/oven, 6'1'" headroom, more info online. $21,500. 727-4794919
24’ Walk around cabin. POLAR. Any Reasonable Offer. Depth recorded, Radar, ship to shore radio. Sleeps 2. Tandem trailer. Boat located at Cross Point Fellowship Church on AMI. Call 813-215-1727 (Leave Message)
2003 BOSTON WHALER
130 Sport with Bimini and Trailer. Great Condition, needs motor. $5200.00 609-231-9564
COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE
HAVE YOU BEEN thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! Duplexes, multi family, small resorts?
Call BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it {SOLD 941-232-2216}
CLEANING SERVICE
TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570 or 941-565-3931
EMPLOYMENT
SHAMPOO ASSISTANT
P/T for busy island salon, retired professionals welcome. 941-387-9897 Irina
EXPERIENCED NAIL TECHNICIAN and hair stylist, call for appointment. A Hair Day 941-195-5227
NOW HIRING: THE WHITE EGRET We are seeking someone creative to fill a part time position at our boutiques! Flexible days but weekend availability required. We are also looking for a handyman on an as needed basis. Please inquire in person or call 941-778-3782
HEALTH CARE
NOW AVAILABLE HEALTH CARE at your home by Certified Nursing Assistant! 12 years experience. Call Dennis Church 815519-3993
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
RENOVATION SPECALIST
ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-725-0073.
KERN & GILDER CONSTRUCTION, INC New Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CBC 1261150. Call the Office. 941-7781115. NEW OFFICE ADDRESS: 1878 59th Street W Bradenton, FL 34209
GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 20+ years. Call Neil. Cell 941-9621194
JSAN CORPORATION
Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.
GORILLA DRYWALL REPAIR, LLC. 15+ years of experience. Free Estimates. Let’s solve your Drywall problems together. Call 941-286-0607.
CCS DRYWALL REPAIRS
We are local. Family owned & operated since 1991. Free Estimates. Licensed/Insured/Bonded. License # SCC131149803 Call 941-713-6531.
HURRICANE DAMAGE?
I’m an Island resident. Pressure washing, tree work, fence repair, mailbox replacement. Also see ads under “Landscaping & painting. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315
FROM HOME TO BUSINESSES, we build it all. You’re Reliable General Contractor for new construction, water damage, restoration 941-894-7549 or email at@constructionatr.com
TANGERINE GROUP INC
British Building standards, AMI based, commercial/ residential General Contractor and Real Estate, 941-350-9940
LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE
R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941
ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal. Sweeping, blowing, and weeding. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing. Call Bill Witaszek 941307-9315
SHELL DRIVEWAYS & LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell and Lime rock driveways and scapes. Also River Rock, Sand, Mulch, & Soil. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067
DEVINE DESIGN LANDSCAPE - Professional Landscape and Design Services for your entire property. Irrigation services, Tree Removal and trimming, Sod, Mulch, Fencing, Pavers and Landscape Lighting. Commercial and Residential. Call 941-4656015 DevineDesign7@ yahoo.com
MOVING & STORAGE
MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-8095777.
PAINTING & WALLCOVERING
PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates. 941-812-0507
“WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Wallpaper installation/ removal. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455
DONALD PERKINS ABRACADABRA PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-705-7096
PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident. Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Minor repairs & carpentry. Free estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315
TRUE TONE PAINTING. Painting, power washing, epoxy floors and more, No job too small. Please call 786-318-8585
PEST CONTROL
ANNA MARIA PEST CONTROL Call 941-7781630
POOL SERVICES
FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 18 + Years Experience. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657
COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893
PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS
TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941-5653931.
REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE
Have you been thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! GULF FRONT, CANAL FRONT, BAY FRONT CONDOS or HOMES ASK for BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216
LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589
HOLMES BEACH Partial Gulf View & Intracoastal views 5BR/4BA Custom built home private pool, elevator, all tile flooring. Best Price $2,600,000. Sharon Hightower RE/ MAX Alliance Group 941-330-5054.
GATED COMMUNITY ESTUARY 3BR/3.5BA, pool, 12 ft ceilings, open floor plan, Gorgeous kitchen, 2019 built all tile floors a must see Sharon Hightower RE/MAX Alliance Group 941-330-5054
ESTURARY A GATED COMMUNITY Neal built 3BA/2BA with salt water pool built in hot tub, wine fridge, gas cook top, plantation blinds, near Robinson Preserve 2018 built.$1,275,000. Sharon Hightower Remax Alliance Group 941-330-5054
GLENN LAKES 3BR/2BA Inground pool, full lake views, new kitchen, new floors, fresh paint, move in ready $595,000. Sharon Hightower Remax Alliance Group 941-330-5054
8144 37th AVE CIR WEST
$1,299.000 Bike to beach. 4 bedrooms plus Den. Newer designer Pool home 3900 sqf. Christine RE/MAX 314-440-7574 202 75th, ANNA MARIA $2,500,000 4 bedrooms. Private elevator-2000 SQF Home with garage, Pool, GREAT INCOME PROPERTY! Christine RE/MAX 314-440-7574
5708 HOLMES BLVD, ANNA MARIA, $2,400,000 -Like New 4 bedroom home, garage, pool, Great income -in rental program. Christine Re/Max 314-440-7574
ANNA MARIA- $3,995,00016,000 SQF WATERFRONT LOT+HOME. TEARDOWN OR REMODEL .Space for large dock. Weekly rental zone. Christine Re/Max 314-440-7574
104 29 #3 HOLMES BEACH $850,000 2 bedroom condo. Updated, sold furnished. Beach view Across from beach Christine Remax 314-440-7574
REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE
35’ MONTANA 5TH
WHEEL with 4 slides, tie-down in Sarasota Bay RV Park. Furnished, built-on shed. Awnings/ gutters on all slides. Sofa bed, 2 recliners, fireplace, queen bed, double sink. $20,000 518-719-6507
FOR SALE - PERICO
BAY CLUB New Price for 2BR/2BA villa with Water View!
2 CAR GARAGE, open floor plan & high ceilings! $374,400 Call Erin Leathem at The Anna Maria Sales Team at Island Real Estate 941448-5616
GREAT VIEW Perico Bay
Club 2BR/2BA, 1st Floor
Direct Bay View Garage, New Air, Water Heater, Tile Roof
Renovated, like new Everywhere: Flooring, Cabinets, Countertops, Inside
And Outside New Paint 1153 Edgewater Circle VERY DESIRABLE / GREAT VALUE Guard Gated Community—Minutes to Beach
352-339-3478 Lew
$495,000
OPEN HOUSE: SUNDAYS 1-4
RENTALS: ANNUAL
ANNUAL RENTAL minutes to beaches 2BR/2BA Condo. Water/cable included, pool, washer/dryer. $1795/mo First Month Free. Call 941-713-6743
ANNUAL RENTAL HOLMES
BEACH 2BR/2BA New appliances W/D in unit. Ground level, off street parking, pet friendly. First mo. + security. $2100/mo. Call 941-565-8407
HOLMES BEACH 209 83rd St.: 1BR/1BA efficiency apartment. Small but cute! $1700/mo. 2BR/2BA private pool, large screened lanai! $3500/mo. Water, trash, lawn care included. Also pool care. Annual, unfurnished. 1 Year lease. 1st, last & security. Call 941-809-2488
BEAUTIFUL PERICO BAY
Club Condo! 2BR/2BA, Second Floor Unit $4750/ mo seasonally, $2500/mo annually +Security Deposit Please call 941-7781979 for more details.
AVAILABLE NOW! ANNUAL RENTAL Beautiful sunny renovated condo 2BR/2BA - 1 floor Perico Bay Club Gym, pool, hot tub, tennis, parking $2500/month Call 612802-8357
RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION
ANNA MARIA ISLAND
CONDOS Large pool, beach access, free WiFi, 1&2 Bedroom $900 to $1200 per week redekercondosonami.com Tim 941-704-7525
FULLY FURNISHED
2BR/2BA Condo in Holmes Beach. Includes all utilities, cable, internet, and trash. Seasonal, monthly or 6-month lease available March 1, 2025. Call Jack at 312-835-2323
TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455
SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates. Contact Barb Grace 941-201-2190
AVAILABLE NOW! SEASONAL RENTAL Beautiful bright renovated condo 2BR/2BA - 1 floor Perico Bay Club - gym, tennis, hot tub, pool, parking $4700/ month Call 612802-8357
55+TURN KEY OFF SEASON very nice elevated 2BR/2BA, water view wrap around deck, w/ parking,, pool & 4 minutes walk to beach, No smoking 941-226-4008
TRANSPORTATION
ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete $85. Sarasota $40. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-7795095
AMISUN.COM
AIRPORT SHUTTLE
Quality Transportation: 10 Years by Lewber 352339-3478.
