Anna Maria Island Sun December 17, 2025

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 26 No. 12

December 17, 2025

'No vacancy' at Bethlehem Walk

CINDY LANE | SUN

Mary and Joseph and their donkey, above center, begin their search for lodging at the Roser Church Bethlehem Walk in Anna Maria on Sunday night.

Above right, Owen Serra dressed as a wise man and carried a baby goat on the Bethlehem Walk. More on Page 5.

Anna Maria resident restores, donates Christmas bikes

Pine Avenue shines during Holiday Walk of Treasures

Carl Augostini provides bikes for youngsters who might otherwise not have them.

The annual Holiday Walk of Treasures returned after a one-year absence due to the 2024 hurricanes.

BY JOE HENDRICKS

BY JOE HENDRICKS

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Carl Augostini’s Christmas tradition is repairing and restoring donated bicycles to give to underprivileged youngsters.

Augostini, a retired electrical engineer, spends many hours in the garage of his Anna Maria home resurrecting the donated bikes that bring holiday joy to those who receive them.

Many of this year’s bikes were donated by Phil Fifield, who helps with the “Bike Ministry” at the Bayside Community Church in west Bradenton.

“They collect bikes from around the county and give them to people

ANNA MARIA – Pine Avenue was awash in holiday spirit during the Dec. 12 Holiday of Treasures Open House hosted by the Anna Maria business community, the city of Anna Maria and the Anna Maria Island Historical Society.

Pine Avenue was closed on Friday evening so attendees could stroll down the street to visit the participating stores, businesses and organizations – many of which passed out free holiday treats.

The AMI Historical Museum grounds at 402 Pine Ave. are the epi-

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JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Anna Maria resident Carl Augostini’s restored bikes bring holiday joy to youngsters. coming out of prison and to homeless people. They rarely have calls for children’s bikes so Phil gives them to me,” Augostini said on Friday, Dec. 12.

Augostini spoke while waiting for Devine Landscapes and Lawn Main-

SEE BIKES, PAGE 15

IT'S CHRISTMAS in Cortez at the Cortez Cultural Center and Florida Maritime Museum. 9

Anna Maria Island, Florida

The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Jacob Poston, Taylor Snyder, Chris Gaines and Blake Battle grilled and served Beach Bums’burgers and hot dogs. center of the city’s holiday decorations that include a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, additional tree lighting throughout the museum grounds and lighted tunnel-like walkways.

Santa spent the evening outside the museum visiting with youngsters

SEE HOLIDAY WALK, PAGE 20

CORTEZIANS MOBILIZE against

boat ramp at Seafood Shack. 3

LEFFIS KEY RESTORATION in FEMA's

hands. 15

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Cortez residents form coalition to oppose boat ramps at Shack

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

CORTEZ – A group of Cortez residents has mobilized in opposition to the proposed boat ramps at the former Seafood Shack property.

The group, Cortez Concerned Citizens Coalition (CCCC) represents 327 Cortez families. The CCCC is expressing concern about boat ramps in a residential area, citing issues including traffic and congestion, safety, environmental stress, impact on property values and noise issues.

On Sept. 5, 2024, Manatee County commissioners unanimously approved the $13 million purchase of the former Seafood Shack property, consisting of seven upland parcels of approximately 5.9 acres and two submerged land leases of 2.9 acres.

The county purchased the property on Dec. 31 from Vandyk Properties with its anticipated use as a public boating access facility,

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

The possibility of Manatee County installing boat ramps where the Seafood Shack restaurant once stood is a subject of concern for Cortez residents. including a boat ramp, dry storage facility and marina.

The Seafood Shack restaurant and Annie’s Bait and Tackle were demolished in April. Both were compatible with the community

and supported by residents, according to the CCCC. “All residents were surveyed about the property’s redevelopment - 93% responded, 96% are firmly opposed to boat ramps,”

according to the CCCC’s press release.

Neighborhood surveys showed the most desired local amenities are waterfront dining, 94%; bait and tackle shop, 71%; passive waterfront park, 66%; marina, 60%; and marine fueling station, 51%, according to the release.

The coalition was originally formed in 2005 in response to Manatee County’s previous plans to purchase the property to develop boat ramps.

“After educating county commissioners on the unique infrastructure and access challenges to the area, the commissioners voted unanimously to abandon the purchase and proposed project,” according to the press release.

Members of the CCCC plan to attend the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 16 to make their voices heard. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. at 1112 Manatee Ave. W. in Bradenton.

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ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF Holmes Beach clerk announces retirement

Holmes Beach City Clerk Stacey Johnston is retiring and her last day as clerk will be Friday, March 6. Johnston announced her retirement date in a letter sent to Mayor Judy Titsworth on Dec. 8. In her letter, Johnston said she’s enjoyed more than 41 fulfilling JOE HENDRICKS | SUN years of city government City Clerk Stacey Johnston is service in five cities and two retiring in March. states. She spent the past 18 ½ years working in Holmes Beach and she’s served as city clerk since 2011. During her time in Holmes Beach, Johnston also served for six years as the Southwest District director of the Florida Association of City Clerks.

Johnston thanked the mayor, city staff and citizens of Holmes Beach for their support and collaboration and in closing wrote, “I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition during my final weeks and would gladly assist with training my successor. Thank you again for an incredible journey.”

Raybourn named public works director Herb Raybourn has accepted Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth’s offer to serve as the city’s new public works director and city engineer. In the Dec. 9 email that she sent city commissioners, Titsworth stated that Raybourn will begin his city employment on Monday, Raybourn Dec. 29. “Herb comes to the city with a master’s degree in civil engineering and a history of engineering experience in stormwater, capital improvement, grant writing, infrastructure resiliency, land development and public works, among other things,” Titsworth wrote. “Herb is familiar with the city, as he is one of our representatives from RESPEC,” the mayor wrote in reference to the stormwater and drainage consulting services that Raybourn, a Bradenton resident, has provided the city as a member of the RESPEC engineering and consulting firm. Before joining RESPEC in 2022, Raybourn spent eight years as the environmental permitting manager for the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista. Raybourn will fill the vacancies created by Sage Kamiya’s voluntary departure in early October.

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DECEMBER 17, 2025

County seeks cooperation from Island mayors for multimodal trail

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Mayor John Chappie expressed support at a Dec. 4 city commission meeting for Manatee County’s application for a BUILD grant to construct a multimodal trail spanning the length of Anna Maria Island.

Chappie referenced a Dec. 3 email he received from Manatee County Strategic Partnership and Development Manager Justin Intorica.

In that email, Intorica outlined the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program.

The fund will provide awards ranging up to $25 million for eligible capital projects which include transportation improvements that enhance safety, mobility, connectivity and economic competitiveness.

The project concept for the grant would be the construction of a continuous 6-foot multimodal path that extends from the Longboat Pass

Bridge in Bradenton Beach north through Holmes Beach and into Anna Maria. Intorica asked for collaboration among the three Island cities to strengthen the competitiveness of the application and demonstrate intergovernmental collaboration.

“I think it’s a great opportunity.

The county will take the lead to write a grant opportunity for all of us,” Chappie said. “I talked to the other two mayors (Mark Short of Anna Maria and Judy Titsworth of Holmes Beach) and they’re aware of it. I told them I was bringing it up today.”

Chappie said he plans to meet with Short and Titsworth in January. The deadline for the grant application is Feb. 24, 2026.

“I like the idea of a multi-use trail, and the county is willing to foot the bill to put everything together,” Chappie said.

ANNA MARIA RESPONSE

On Dec. 11, Anna Maria commissioners unanimously supported the county’s application for the BUILD grant.

Short said county officials reached out to all three AMI mayors the previous week seeking the three Island cities’ preliminary support for the county’s pursuit of the grant.

“It doesn’t mean we’re committed to doing it,” Short said when noting the three cities would have input as to where the path is located and what the end product looks like.

“I think it’s long overdue,” Commissioner Chris Arendt said.

Commissioner Gary McMullen agreed. Citing past concerns and opposition expressed by Anna Maria business owners who don’t want any of the parallel parking spaces along Gulf Drive eliminated to accommodate the city’s northward extension of an existing multi-use path, Commissioner Charlie Salem said he was glad the city would have input as to where the grant-funded path would be located.

As of Dec. 12, the Holmes Beach Commission had not yet publicly discussed the BUILD grant.

Sun reporter Joe Hendricks contributed to this story.

Salem, MorganJohnson sworn in

SUBMITTED

After running unopposed during the recent city election cycle, returning Anna Maria city commissioners Charlie Salem and Kathy Morgan-Johnson were sworn into their two-year terms in office on Dec. 11. The commission then elected Salem to serve another year as commission chair, with Commissioner Gary McMullen again serving as vice-chair.

DECEMBER 17, 2025

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No vacancy at Bethlehem Walk The Virgin Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging on Christmas Eve was re-enacted in Anna Maria on Sunday evening, with Roser Church members, residents, visitors and a menagerie of farm animals and pets during the annual Bethlehem Walk.

Families dressed as shepherds, angels and townsfolk journeyed down Pine Avenue into neighborhoods and past a restaurant full of puzzled diners with a llama, a donkey and several goats, chickens and dogs in tow.

At each stop, Mary and Joseph asked for shelter and were told, “No vacancy,” but everyone sang carols in between destinations, and finally found shelter for the Holy Family at Roser Church, where a living nativity scene preceded a celebration with desserts and fellowship.

CINDY LANE | SUN

Clockwise above, Becky Bixler, left, and Lesley Foulk donned angel-wear for the Bethlehem Walk. Roser Church Pastor Dirk Rodgers carried a goat for part of the Bethlehem Walk. Asher Wayne Morey portrayed the infant Jesus.

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Privateers bring Santa to City Field The Anna Maria Island Privateers brought Santa and his sleigh to City Field in Holmes Beach on Saturday.

They also brought their pirate ship-themed Skullywag parade vessel to the afternoon event that was held as scheduled even though the Privateer’s Christmas parade that was supposed to precede it was canceled earlier in the week due to low community participation. Making the best of the cards they were dealt, the Privateers provided free pizza, hot dogs, chips and drinks to the attending kids and adults while also providing free books, plastic pirate swords and eye patches to the youngsters – many of whom climbed aboard the Skullywag to check it out. Privateers’ President Kelly

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Privateer MaryAnn “Maz” Zyla handed out plastic swords, eye patches and books.

Left, Santa visited with Rose, Morgan, Finn and Lily Bryant.

“Moulin” Sparkman and Privateer MaryAnn “Maz” Zyla said they were disappointed about canceling their parade. Given Anna Maria Island’s changing demographics, they said it might be time to do away with the Christ-

mas parade and instead expand their annual Christmas celebration in Holmes Beach. “We do this as a give-back to the community. This is something we hold near and dear to our hearts,” Sparkman said of the annual event.

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BEACH BEAT

gumbo was $100 and the container $80. The case remains under investigation.

BRADENTON BEACH

Dec. 7, 10:58 p.m., 4000 block Gulf Drive. Criminal mischief with property damage, obstruction. Police observed a sedan traveling northbound on Gulf Drive at a high rate of speed. The driver pulled into a parking lot and turned back onto Gulf Drive, accelerating upon seeing the patrol car. A traffic stop was conducted in which police said there was a heavy odor of alcohol and marijuana coming from the vehicle, and the driver showed glassy eyes and slurred speech.

Police reports stated the driver and a passenger were juveniles. While attempting to handcuff the driver, police stated he resisted before being detained. While in the back

Dec. 5, 8:44 p.m., 100 block 12th Street N. Burglary. An unidentified burglar with an apparent taste for gumbo entered a home and removed food that had been prepared for a family gathering. The homeowner stated to police that he had prepared a pot of gumbo the day prior and placed it in the refrigerator and when he arrived at the home it was missing. The homeowner told police that the home had new locks installed and the keys were taped to the inside of the front door. The garage was accessible and the foyer where the keys were located was unlocked. The value of the

of the patrol car, the driver had removed the handcuffs and was “banging around.”

The patrol car’s rear wires and camera were damaged. Police recuffed him, then reportedly saw the handle of a gun in the driver’s pocket. The firearm was reportedly loaded, with one round in the chamber and six rounds in the magazine.

During a search of the car, police reportedly recovered two marijuana cigarettes and open alcohol containers. Police

DECEMBER 17, 2025

reportedly pepper sprayed the juvenile due his behavior in the police vehicle. The juvenile was brought to Palma Sola ER to be medically cleared, and was picked up by a guardian.

The vehicle was towed. He was charged with criminal mischief with property damage and obstructing an officer without violence. He also received citations for speeding and failure to stop at a stop sign. The juvenile passenger was also picked up by a guardian.

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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.

Wednesday, Dec. 24 - Friday, Dec. 26, City offices closed for Christmas holiday

EVENTS THURSDAY, DEC. 18

Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce business card exchange, 5313 Gulf Drive N., Holmes Beach, 5-7 p.m.

THURSDAY, DEC. 18 – SUNDAY, DEC. 21

Palma Sola Botanical Park’s Winter Nights Under the Lights, 9800 17th Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 6-9 p.m.

941-798-9010

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BRADENTON BEACH

7

HOLMES BEACH

107 GULF DRIVE N. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005

5801 MARINA DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800

Visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information.

Thursday, Dec. 18, 9:30 a.m., Community Redevelopment Agency meeting Thursday, Dec. 18, 12 p.m., City Commission meeting – Canceled Wednesday, Dec. 24 - Friday, Dec. 26, City offices closed for Christmas holiday

Visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information.

Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2 p.m., City Commission meeting, followed by City Commission work meeting Wednesday, Dec. 24 - Friday, Dec. 26, City offices closed for Christmas holiday

FRIDAY, DEC. 19

Family Fun Night, The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 6-8 p.m.

SUNDAY, DEC. 21

Brunch with Santa, Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

TUESDAY, DEC. 23

Anna Maria Community Farmers Market, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

NIGHTLY

Christmas in the Garden, “A Celebration of Lights & Music,” nightly through Dec. 31 with special musical presentations and refreshments on Dec. 19 and Dec. 22 at 6 p.m. and a New Year’s Eve celebration on Dec. 31 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. featuring a musical performance by John Rinell.

Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m., free.

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It’s Christmas in Cortez Families gathered at the Florida Maritime Museum and the Cortez Cultural Center for the Christmas in Cortez celebration on Saturday, which featured games, crafts, bounce houses and a visit from Santa Claus. Lily and Grayson Preston visited with Santa in the Cortez Cultural Center, a restored cottage that once stood in Bradenton Beach.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

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Moose Lodge hosts kids’ Christmas party

The Bradenton Beach Police Department delivered Santa to the beachfront Moose Lodge.

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 & 10:00 AM

IN THE SANCTUARY 10 AM Program for children & youth

CHRISTMAS EVE 4:00 • 7:00 • 9:00 Roser Church

ONLINE • Watch LIVE or LATER

RoserChurch.com

Receive the eNewsletter • Sign up at RoserChurch.com/contact-us

The CHAPEL is open during office hours for prayer and meditation 941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch “...a beautiful place to explore your faith...”

BY JOE HENDRICKS

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge #2188 hosted its annual children’s Christmas party on Dec. 13.

More than 80 children were signed up in advance for the holiday event that started with the children receiving gift bags as they entered the lodge.

While enjoying French toast sticks for breakfast, the youngsters received a visit from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and later searched for the 10 homemade Christmas ornaments crocheted by Moose member Janet Curran and taped to the bottom of 10 dining room chairs.

Moose member and event organizer Sandra Zenzel read aloud her favorite Christmas book, “ ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” with the children reciting some of the more familiar lines. Zenzel said she still reads the book to her son (now in his 50s) and his family.

Just before 11 a.m., the children began singing “Here Comes Santa Claus” before

DECEMBER 17, 2025

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Santa received a ride from the Bradenton Beach Police Department.

Santa arrived on the beach as a passenger in a Bradenton Beach Police Department vehicle.

The children enthusiastically greeted Santa as he made his way to the gift-laden Christmas tree inside the lodge, where he was joined by Mrs. Claus. Assisted by Rudolph and some Moose volunteers, Santa and Mrs. Claus gave a wrapped gift to each child as they were called forward one at a time by name.

“Santa Claus is here with all his helpers and this is our annual Christmas party for the local kids and Moose children,” Lodge Administrator Byron Dalton said. “There’s nothing better than making kids and families smile during the Christmas holidays.”

DECEMBER 17, 2025

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AME students shine at science fair Anna Maria Elementary School in Holmes Beach hosted its STEM night on Dec. 11, featuring a science fair, book fair, wildlife encounter and carols to usher in the Christmas season.

ANNE YARBROUGH | SUBMITTED

Fourth grade teacher James Milhaven and students enjoyed looking at their science fair projects during STEM Night on Dec. 11.

ANNE YARBROUGH | SUBMITTED

Above left, AME Curriculum Specialist Rhea Skaggs played Christmas carols on the piano during STEM night. Singing along were students Leia Martinez, Makkaya Johnson and Lydda Dorton. Owen Simonetti, above, front, and Kye Taylor enjoy learning with Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Inc. volunteer Krista Carpenter at STEM night.

CRA board to discuss statutory requirements Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency members will discuss compliance with statutory requirements at the Thursday, Dec. 18 meeting at 9:30 a.m. Discussions will center around the CRA consultant and an update of the CRA plan and

memoranda from the CRA attorney addressing 2019 statutory changes and a Dec. 1 report required by Florida Statute 189.0694. The meeting will be in the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers, 107 Gulf Drive N.

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OUTDOORS

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We protect what we love Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

S

everal years ago, I remember watching a tribute to the late John Lewis, the Black American politician and civilrights leader. Lewis encouraged people to speak up and act when they see wrongs that need to be righted. While Lewis will be remembered for his bravery in the face of incredible hostility and hatred centered on human rights, his message, I believe, speaks to the threat facing local waters and the habitat that supports it.

Coastal habitats plays a pivotal role in the lives of everyone that resides and works on the Suncoast, from construction workers

in Lakewood Ranch to the charter fishing guides that support their families and our passion as anglers. That’s why it’s so important that we protect these irreplaceable treasures so that future generations might have the same opportunities we’ve had.

You’ve read in this column about the pressures on our fisheries and the insults to water quality and habitat that underpin our passion and our economy.

It’s critical that we support organizations like Suncoast Waterkeeper, Oyster River Ecology and Sarasota Bay Watch that are addressing these issues.

Through outreach, education and advocacy these organizations defend communities against the threats to clean water and habitat.

Suncoast Waterkeeper, founded

by Sarasota environmental attorney Justin Bloom, has been effective in forcing municipalities

from St. Petersburg to Sarasota to adhere to the laws set down in the landmark Clean Waters Act. The legislation, signed into law in 1972, establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the U.S. and regulating quality standards for surface waters. Locally the law has allowed Suncoast Waterkeeper to force municipalities to address and redress the release of wastewater that has raised nutrient levels in local waters to dangerous levels.

Fortunately, it’s not too late to save these precious resources.

Sarasota County, in a settlement with Suncoast Waterkeeper, just had a ribbon-cutting ceremony dedicating a $210 million dollar advanced wastewater system.

We all need to do our part by voting for proposals and leaders (both locally and federally) that support habitat protection and

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

Brent Wilson, of Sarasota, with a 26-plus inch trout he landed near Port Manatee last week. enhancement, as well as clean water. You can check a candidate’s voting record at the non-partisan League of Conservation Voters at www.lcv.org. For someone with no voting record, it’s enlightening to explore what interests are supporting their campaigns.

Join with Suncoast Water-

keeper to help with local clean water initiatives at www.suncoast waterkeeper.org. Learn about Sarasota Bay Watch and their work at www.sarasotabaywatch. org, and to learn about restoration at scale (17 acres of oysters), visit Oyster River Ecology. If we don’t step up, who will?

DECEMBER 17, 2025

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BIKES: Resident restores, donates Christmas bikes FROM PAGE 1 tenance owner David Daniels to arrive with the pickup truck and trailer he uses to deliver the bikes to the Light of the World church in Sarasota where he is a member.

Augostini usually keeps the restored bikes in his garage, but this year’s gift-ready bikes were kept in a storage container at Custom Carts in Bradenton, owned by Kurt Didier.

“As I worked on them, he picked them up and put them in the storage container for me,” Augostini said.

“We’ve known Carl for 20 years,” Didier said. “He does repairs and works on chargers for us. We wanted to help Carl and his great cause.”

The annual bike retrieval day is a family affair and Carl’s youngest son, Craig, Craig’s wife, Lisa, Carl’s daughter, Carla, and Carla’s

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

From left, Derek Dobbertin, Carl Augostini, Bill Augostini, Carla Dobbertin, Craig Augostini and Lisa Augostini helped load the donated bikes in the trailer and pickup truck. husband, Derek Dobbertin, help load the bikes into Daniels’ trailer. This year, they were joined by Carl’s older brother, Bill Augostini, a Columbus, Ohio resident who’s spending the winter in Florida.

“We’ve got 51 bikes and four scooters. This is a record for me,” Carl Augostini said. “All of them are for kids between the age of 12 and 2 or 3 years old.”

This year’s collection included “Paw Patrol,” “Barbie,” “Pinkalicious” and “Hello Kitty” bikes

and some bikes came with helmets too.

“I love to see kids get bicycles. I want to get them off the iPads and off the phones and get out there and get that exercise and enjoy a bike ride. That’s why I do it,” Augostini said.

Last year, Augostini had to restore several bikes twice after Hurricane Helene’s storm surge soaked the bikes’ moving parts in corrosive saltwater.

“Everything went smoothly this year,” he said.

Pastor Peter Greenidge

helped Daniels retrieve the bikes.

“To see a man who is 87 years of age continuing to do this wonderful ministry of providing bicycles for the kids is awesome,” Greenidge said. “These bikes will be given away tomorrow at our Christmas Extravaganza. I want to express our gratitude to Carl for the wonderful work he’s done and the families he’s helped.”

Daniels, who spent a couple of seasons in the NFL as a receiver for the Seattle Seahawks, said, “I do this because I believe kids should have gifts at Christmastime – and one thing you must have as a kid is a bicycle, so you’re not watching the other kids riding their bikes and you don’t have one. We appreciate Carl doing this and to see the smiles on their faces when they receive these bicycles is priceless.”

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Signs and barriers are placed at Leffis Key during its closure.

Leffis Key Preserve remains closed pending FEMA review

BY LESLIE LAKE

SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Manatee County’s Leffis Key Preserve remains closed following damage from the 2024 hurricanes and a county spokesperson said the timeline for reopening is dependent on an ongoing review by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Manatee County Deputy County Administrator Bryan Parnell responded to a resident’s email request for information about reopening the 21-acre preserve at 2351 Gulf Drive S., across from Coquina Beach, writing, “The county is actively working through the federal FEMA approval process to secure funding for the necessary repairs. Because these repairs were not completed under an emergency authorization, FEMA’s review timeline is

SEE LEFFIS KEY, PAGE 17

16 THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

DECEMBER 17, 2025

What’s the future of housing?

E

veryone who owns real estate, lives in real estate, finances real estate or sells real estate is buying crystal balls for Christmas; 2026 was expected to be a steadier housing market, but so far, there are no significant signs of stability.

Realtor.com recently researched and prepared a 2026 housing forecast. They concluded that mortgage rates will average 6.3%, easing affordability pressures slightly. Home prices will rise modestly by 2.2% and existing home sales should climb to about 1.7%. None of this is earthshaking, but it is a meaningful gain from this year. Nevertheless, home sales will remain well below normal as high prices and financing costs continue to hold back demand.

At the same time, for sale inventory will continue to recover, up nearly 9% year over year. For homebuyers and sellers, this represents a shift to a more balanced market, offering breathing room and negotiating power that favors buyers.

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER The mortgage rate lock, which is, in effect, caused by extremely low rates during the pandemic years, has left many homeowners with a strong reason to not move even if they have the need and desire to do so. Recent data showed that four out of every five homeowners with a mortgage has a rate below 6% and many are at 3% or slightly above.

Home prices are expected to continue to climb in 2026, however, inflation is expected to outpace these gains. Essentially, this means that home prices will decline slightly after inflation is adjusted.

The good news is that after higher-thanexpected mortgage rates in most of 2025,

the rates are finally starting to relax, especially in the second half of the year.

The expectation is for rates to drop into the low 6% range.

All home buyers will benefit from lower rates and more inventory. However, it’s the first-time buyers who will benefit the most by finding an opportunity to get into their first home. The real estate market is driven by these first-time buyers since they will likely be moving up to a larger and more expensive property in the years ahead, keeping the real estate train rolling.

Realtor.com also included local market predictions in metro areas around the country. North Port/Sarasota/Bradenton are the metro areas we are part of. The prediction for us, therefore, is 2026 sales growth year over year up 0.8%, and the 2026 price growth year over year down 8.9%. Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater is the next closest metro area to us. The prediction for this area is 2026 sales

growth year over year down 3.1% and the 2026 price growth year over year down 3.6%. If you’re interested, you can print out all of the metro areas from the Realtor.com website.

I heard about the Realtor.com report from a television interview with Bill Pulte, who is the director of the Federal Housing and Finance Agency (FHFA) for the country. He oversees Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan divisions. His take on this housing forecast was a lot rosier than mine was after reading it myself. I suppose that’s his job, but keep in mind that Bill Pulte owns Pulte Homes, a large nationwide developer of new homes - just saying.

Since real estate markets affect all aspects of the economy and personal lives, everyone is anxious about the new year. You can always depend on your crystal ball, but better get on Santa’s list before he runs out. It looks like there will be a rush on them before Christmas Eve.

DECEMBER 17, 2025

OBITUARIES Ronald H. Tutewiler

Ronald H. Tutewiler passed away on June 3, 2025, in Bradenton, Florida. He is now in Heaven breathing freely and taking long walks on the beach with his many relatives and four golden retrievers that have preceded him.

Ron was born on May 6, 1937 in Battle Creek, Michigan, the son of George “Jack” and Thela Tutewiler.

He graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1955 where he played the trombone in the band and jazz band. As a young man, Ron enjoyed driving stock cars at Galesburg Speedway.

Ron worked at Michigan Bell Telephone for 34½ years, taking an early retirement in 1990. After a couple years of finishing projects at the house on Crooked Lake, he worked part-time at Barry County Telephone for a few years.

Ron married Gail Foster in 1981 at Richland Covenant Church in Richland, Michigan. They lived at Crooked Lake in Delton for more than 17 years. He loved to fish for bluegill off his dock, cruise the lake

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 25 YEARS

in his pontoon and entertain his many friends and family. He fell in love with golden retrievers when a coworker gave him a 7-year-old golden named Paulo. Paulo was the first of five golden retrievers they would have.

In 1994, Ron and Gail started spending winters at their condo on Anna Maria Island. He enjoyed riding his bike all over the Island, to Longboat Key and St. Armands Circle. They went to amusement parks, were members of Mote Marine and enjoyed entertaining many family and friends on their Florida vacations.

Ron and Gail later sold the Crooked Lake home and moved to a more permanent home in North Beach Village on Anna Maria Island. Ron loved to walk the beach for hours and walk his two golden retrievers around the Island. They spent summers at Sandy Pines in Dorr, Michigan for five years, then rented cottages on lakes closer to family and in 2010 bought a condo in Richland, Michigan for the summers. In Florida, after 30-plus years on Anna Maria Island, they moved to a home in northwest Bradenton.

Ron and Gail were members of Roser Memorial Community Church on Anna Maria Island. They were

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season ticket holders at the Island Players for over 30 years.

Even after 35 years in Florida, Ron was an avid Michigan sports fan, especially rooting for the Detroit Red Wings, but followed them all.

He is survived by his wife, Gail; four children from his previous marriage to Shirley Barnes: Ronda Ernsberger of Delton, Michigan, Kathy Williams of Battle Creek, Michigan, Terri (Carl) Linsley of Battle Creek, Michigan and Greg (Tammy) Tutewiler of Ceresco, Michigan; 13 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; three greatgreat-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Joan Gryczka.

A funeral was held on June 12 at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego, with burial at Mountain Home Cemetery.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, Jan. 5 from 4-6 p.m. at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach.

Contributions in memory of Ron may be directed to Roser Memorial Community Church in Anna Maria or to the Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida. Messages of condolence may be posted at www.

WinkelFuneralHome.com.

LEFFIS KEY: Preserve remains closed pending FEMA review FROM PAGE 15 longer and is still underway. We are currently finalizing the project’s scope of work and confirming the budget needed to move forward.”

Parnell wrote that the county shares in the community’s frustration over how long the process is taking.

“The county has completed many post-storm repairs across our preserves using in-house crews, but Leffis Key requires a full redesign and specialized construction, making it more complex than other projects,” he wrote.

Once FEMA provides a final determination, the county will share a timeline for reopening, according to Parnell.

In addition to the acres of trails, Leffis Key has a 26-foothigh hill where one can get a panoramic view of Sarasota Bay and the Gulf.

“The hill was planted with native dune and coastal ridge plants such as sea oats, beach elder, dune sunflower, southern red cedar, green buttonwood, sea grape, gumbo limbo, Hercules' club, Jamaica dogwood and strangler fig,” according to Manatee County’s website. “In addition, over 20,000 marsh grass plants, such as smooth cordgrass, saltwater cordgrass and salt jointgrass were installed along the banks of the tidal ponds. The plant installation was accomplished with volunteer labor that included hundreds of school children, local environmental clubs and citizens.”

Site amenities include footpaths that circle and scale the hill, benches and 1,500 linear feet of boardwalks that meander through the mangrove forest, with strategically placed viewing platforms penetrating the open water, according to the Manatee County website.

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McCalls Beach Castle Condo 5310 Gulf of Mexico Dr., #16, LBK 2BR/2BA / A4673264/ $699,000 Miguel Rosa (941) 477-5928

One Particular Harbour Condo 392 Aruba Circle #102 3BR/3BA / A4662726 / $779,000 Becky Smith (941) 773-1954 Elfi Starrett (941) 720-3528

Lakebridge Villa 3625 57th Ave Dr W. #43, Bradenton 3BR/2BA A4672591/ $324,900 Greg Leksich (260) 450-2114

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Harbor House South Condo 400 Golden Gate Pt #11, Sarasota 3BR/2BA / A4671447/ $1,350,000 Miguel Rosa (941) 447-5928

Anna Maria Island Single Family Home 519 Villa Rosa Way, Anna Maria 4BR/4/5 BA / A4671485/ $5,000,000 Ed Taaffe (636) 346-6165

Heritage Village West Condo 4158 66th St Cir W. #4158, Bradenton 2BR/2BA A4674035/ $155,000 Mary Collandra (941) 704-7095

Bayshore on the Lakes Condo 3915 Lake Bayshore Dr., Bldg. F306 Bradenton 2BR/1BA A4668719/ $125,000 Del Carr (941) 928-8810

7411 Manatee Ave W., Ste 100, Bradenton 3403 El Conquistador Pkwy., Bradenton 1440 First St.,Sarasota 8141 Lakewood Main St. Ste N109, Lakewood Ranch

17

Whitney Beach Condo 6701 Gulf of Mexico Dr., #311 LBK 1BR/1BA / A4640305/ $798,000 Ed Taaffe (636) 346-6165

Cambridge Village Condo 6429 Renssalaer Drive, Bradenton 2BR/2BA A4673477 / $324,000 Jennifer Delbo (941) 281-9940 Gary Wojciechowski (941) 777-5522

SCAN QR CODE FOR THIS WEEKEND OPEN HOUSES

18 THE SUN

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DECEMBER 17, 2025

Island business community loses beloved ambassador Susanne Arbanas was loved by the many Island business owners.

BY JOE HENDRICKS

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Island business community lost a great friend and ambassador with the recent passing of Susanne Arbanas.

According to close friends, she was discovered deceased at her apartment in west Bradenton on Dec. 8. She was 67 years old and is survived by her 98-year-old father and Holmes Beach resident, Ron Arbanas, and her brother, Keith, who lives elsewhere.

In 2010, Arbanas opened Anna Maria Island Concierge Services and she spent several years connecting Island visitors with the various services provided by Island and Island-area businesses. Her LinkedIn page notes that she was AMI Concierge Services’ “Director of Contagious Enthusiasm.”

During her career, Arbanas also worked at the Compass Hotel Anna Maria Sound in west Bradenton and previously worked as a resort host and concierge at the Waterline Marina Resort in Holmes Beach when it opened in 2017. From 2008-10 she served as the membership coordinator for The Center of Anna Maria Island.

Arbanas moved to the Island from Australia about 15 years ago. In Australia, she worked as a hotel manager and guest relations manager.

Before that, she worked in Australia as an airport manager after spending 15 years as a flight attendant for Continental Airlines.

At the time of her passing, Arbanas was a longtime member of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce

board of directors and also served as one of the Chamber’s volunteer ambassadors.

“Susanne was a huge advocate for the businesses and the Chamber,” Chamber President Terri Kinder said. “She spent a lot of time connecting chamber members with other chamber members that could be of assistance. If there was something a business owner needed, Susanne always knew someone to refer them to so they could work together.

She had a huge impact on the businesses and she will be greatly missed.”

Anna Maria resident Trish Edwards and Pineapple Marketplace owner Maricia Mattick were two of Susanne’s closest friends.

“She was outgoing and always trying to promote and help the businesses out here,” Mattick said. “She was always at the Chamber events and she encouraged me, as a business owner, to go too. We tried all the new restaurants when they opened and I

CHEESECAKE CUTIE/FACEBOOK | SUBMITTED

Susanne Arbanas loved and promoted the Anna Maria Island business community. met a lot of businesspeople because of her. I’m going to miss her as a friend.”

Edwards said, “I met her in 2010 or 2011 when she was doing her

concierge business and we became friends. She knew everybody, she was super-friendly and she liked promoting everybody on the Island who had a business. She was such a good person and she wanted all the businesses to succeed. She had great stories about living in Australia and she was fun to hang around with.”

Longtime family friend and Ginny’s and Jane E’s Café owner Paul Foster said, “Susanne was a great ambassador and a big promoter for the Island’s small businesses. She always had something positive to say. She had a lot of friends on the Island, she was big part of the community and we’re definitely going to miss her.”

“She was a wonderful spirit and always positive,” AMI Rotary Club President Jim McDaniel said.

“Susanne was a true inspiration who led by example with her enthusiasm.

We should all be more like her,” Slicker’s Eatery owner Bob Slicker said.

DECEMBER 17, 2025

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THE SUN

19

Blue Öyster Cult brings musical magic to The Center Blue Öyster Cult delivered the goods during their Center concert appearance.

BY JOE HENDRICKS

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Blue Öyster Cult put on a stellar and well-received outdoor concert at The Center of Anna Maria on Dec. 10.

More than 50 years after they formed in Long Island, New York, the five-piece band led by original lead vocalists and guitarists Eric Bloom and Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser also featured longtime bandmates Richie Castellano on guitar, keyboards and vocals, Danny Miranda on bass and vocals and Jules Radino on drums.

The quintet delivered an energetic 16song, career-spanning set that highlighted Bloom and Roeser’s songwriting skills, their still-sublime lead vocals and each band member’s musical prowess.

The show started with the piano and synthesizer driven “Dr. Music” from the band’s 1979 album, “Mirrors,” followed by “Before the Kiss, a Redcap” from their 1972

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Blue Öyster Cult rocked The Center of Anna Maria Island on Dec. 10. debut album and the raise-your-glass biker anthem “Golden Age of Leather” from their 1977 album, “Spectres” – during which 81-year-old Bloom deftly delivered the lyrical vow: “We made a vow to give it all we had to give, we made a vow to die as we had lived.”

Bloom also took lead vocals on “That Was Me,” from the 2020 release, “The Symbol Remains.”

The 78-year-old Roeser then took over lead vocal duties on the band’s 1981 hit song, “Burnin’ For You.” After “Cagey Cretins,” “ME 262,” “Harvest Moon,” “Hot Rails to Hell” and a beautiful rendition of “E.T.I. (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence),” Castillo took over the lead vocals and delivered a haunting rendition of “Tainted Blood” (also from “The Symbol

Remains”) – a song that tells the tale of a vampire whose immortal love and soulmate dies after she drinks tainted blood, leaving him alone for eternity.

Roeser then sang “Then Came the Last Days of May,” the tale of an ill-fated trio of young men seeking to get rich quick with an over-the-border drug run that turned deadly.

Next came the well-known crowd-pleaser “Godzilla,” followed by instrumental piece “Buck's Boogie” that served as an extended intro for the band’s most well-known song, “(Don't Fear) The Reaper.” After a quick break, the band finished the night with their classic rock and roll anthem, “Cities on Flame With Rock and Roll.”

The seven-piece, Pittsburgh-based BB Steals 80’s LIVE! opened the show with an hour-long set of hits from the 70s and 80s originally performed by Journey, Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, Joan Jett, Simple Minds and others, with their cover of Pittsburgh native Donny Iris’ “Ah! Leah!” as a show highlight.

Reggae legends The Wailers will headline The Center’s first concert of 2026 on Saturday, Jan. 24.

Commission approves Manali’s paid parking lot Anthony and Joann Manali have Anna Maria Commission approval to move forward with their plans to operate an automated paid public parking lot on their commercially zoned property at 105 Spring Ave. The commission approved the variance request and the site plan on Dec. 11. Up until 2024, the couple leased their undeveloped shell and sand covered parking areas to the neighboring Sandbar restaurant. The couple’s paid parking lot will be located next to the Captain Anthony’s Seafood Market they own and operate at 107 Spring Ave., on the commercially zoned property that also contains their home. The Planning and Zoning Board reviewed the variance request and site plan in November and unanimously recommended city commission approval of both items. While standing outside city hall after receiving the commission approvals, Joann said the parking lot installation

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Manali-owned property at 105 Spring Ave. will soon serve as a paid parking lot for beachgoers, restaurant patrons and others. would begin as soon as possible, perhaps as early as this week. Anthony, a commercial fisherman, jokingly said he might not have to catch quite as many fish and shellfish after their parking lot starts generating revenues. Two other privately-owned paid parking lots already operate within a block or two of their Spring Avenue properties.

20 THE SUN

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 25 YEARS

HOLIDAY WALK: Shines on Pine Ave.

Anna Maria Horseshoes Scoreboard Tim Sofran, left, ended up in the winner's circle after beating Bob Hawks and Steve Kriebel 21-5 in a matchup of two 3-0 teams at Anna Maria Horseshoes on Dec. 10. On Dec. 13,Tom Farrington, center, teamed up with Steve Doyle, right, to earn the day’s bragging rights after a 21-12 victory over Bob Palmer and Billy Silver in the final.

DECEMBER 17, 2025

FROM PAGE 1

ANNA MARIA HORSESHOES | SUBMITTED

KEY ROYALE GOLF CLUB | SUBMITTED

Key Cup Tournament winners The winners of the annual Key Cup Tournament at Key Royale Golf Club in Holmes Beach played on Dec. 10.

The tournament, which attracted 48 golfers, was played with a similar format to the Ryder Cup. Divided into two teams of 24 each, the teams played two nine-hole match play events. The red team prevailed over the green team 13 1/2 to 10 1/2 to win the event, with each red team member receiving a coveted drinking cup.

In the closest to the pin contest on Hole #3, Helen Pollock won at 22' 8" for the ladies. Bob Rowley won for the men at 12' 1". On Hole #8, Dolly Darish was closest to the pin at 25' for the ladies and Rob Perkins was closest for the men at 11" 2". Debi Wohlers won the long drive contest for the ladies, while Brian Hogan bested all the men. After the event, all enjoyed lunch on the patio with their favorite refreshment.

and at 6 p.m., city staff members lit the city’s tree after Santa counted down from five.

“We’re glad to have the holiday walk back.

There’s a lot of people here and this is another sign of things being back to normal again after last year’s hurricanes,” Mayor Mark Short said after the tree was lit.

Museum volunteers passed out free wine and popcorn and the Parrish Community High String Quintet played Christmas music.

Down the street, a long line of people waited outside Beach Bums for the free grilled cheeseburgers and hot dogs that have become a staple of the annual holiday event.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Rock n’ Eggroll owners Cristy and Alex Ulate participated in their first holiday open house.

SEE HOLIDAY WALK, PAGE 23

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DECEMBER 17, 2025

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 "Cabaret" star Minnelli 5 Word with sweet or candy 9 Bolivian city ESE of Lima 14 Long-horned goat 15 Part of a Hawaiian honeymoon, perhaps 16 Thumbnail, e.g.

17 E-readers?

20 Beauty spot 21 Something to build on 22 Cost fig.

23 Member of K-pop's BTS 25 Holds or saves, e.g.

27 Retro taper 30 Printing press?

35 Component of many detergents 37 Wiped out 38 Tolerate, quaintly 39 Contort Answers to 12-10-25 Crossword Puzzle

42 Spot for some Christmas decorations 43 Home of the Vols 45 More than is necessary 47 Zambonis?

50 Filler syllables 51 Wide band 52 German woman 54 Item that's waxed 57 Dabbling duck 59 Possible response to 41-Down 62 Magnifying glass?

66 Cast list 67 Move by small increments 68 Messes up 69 Bring to bear 70 Take to a booth 71 Overdo the aftershave, say

Down 1 "Lip Gloss" rapper __ Mama 2 African wading bird 3 Epsilon follower 4 Rink moves 5 Ringing sounds from old trolley bells 6 "__ Planet": David Attenborough series 7 Bright beams 8 Revealing lifestyle choice?

9 Magic show, for one 10 "__ imagining things?"

11 Walk worriedly 12 Factors in baby clothing sizes 13 Ingredient in marmalade 18 Map guidance 19 "Tell Mama" singer James 24 Grace closer 26 Pincher 27 Beetle with brakes 28 Tony winner Rivera 29 Legislative addition 31 Sister of Calliope 32 Likely to storm off 33 Unequivocal turndown 34 Perfect places 36 Watches over 40 Spot for some Christmas decorations 41 "Ha, so true" 44 Worthy of a handwrit-

ing award 46 "Shogun" setting 48 Fraction of a min.

49 "To clarify ... " 53 Supervised by 54 Kingly address

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55 Fort guarded by the U.S. Mint Police 56 Shetland element 58 Sole 60 Large fantasy antagonist

61 Beyoncé's "If I __ a Boy" 63 On the authority of 64 Classic TV brand 65 "I expected better from you"

21

22 THE SUN

CLASSIFIEDS

ANNOUNCEMENTS EARLY DEADLINE FOR CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE 12/24 EDITION IS FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 AT 3PM EFFECTIVE DEC 12TH AT THE CENTER, Bridge games on Friday 1 PM. Call 314-324-5921 for seating.

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Call BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216

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Call 941-756-4570 or 941-565-3931

CONSTRUCTION/ INSURANCE WE SPECALIZE IN: WIND Mitigation forms, 4-POINT forms, DECK safety and evaluation. State Certified since 1990. Call Mike Conley 941-778-2385. Straight Inspection Service. Veteran Owned

EMPLOYMENT PART TIME SHAMPOO ASSISTANT for island salon.

Retired professionals welcome. 941-387-9807.

MAINTENANCE MAN NEEDED part -time hotel on Anna Maria Island please call: 941-778-1010

FOR SALE GAS POST HOLE DIGGER .

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SOUTHWEST HOME IMPROVEMENT Michigan General Contractor 30+ yrs. Experience. Large or small projects. Budget minded knowledgeable tradesman will complete your project start to finish: On Time/ On Budget. Call Mike 616-204-8822

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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

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

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident. Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior.

Minor repairs & carpentry. Free estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315

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

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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

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BEAUTIFUL PERICO BAY Club Condo! 2BR/2BA, Second Floor Unit $3500/ mo seasonally, $2300/mo annually +Security Deposit Please call 941-7781979 for more details.

PERICO BAY CLUB3BR/2BA, 1,800 sf unfurnished condo six or twelve months rental. $2,700/mo available beginning in December 2025. Call Bill 412-9250908 for details AMI BRADENTON BEACH 6 month or one year lease. Furnished 2BR/1BA. $1700/mo water, cable TV, internet included. Call/ Text 517-548-1327

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Contact Barb Grace 941201-2190 SNOW BIRD SPECIAL: DISCOUNT for multiple months. 2BR/2BA 2nd Floor Condo in HOLMES BEACH. POOL, Tennis/Pickleball, in-unit laundry, WIFI, screened lanai, covered parking.

AVAILABLE 2025/26 Season beginning December 2025. Beautiful, bayside seating area.

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Text 941-962-0971 WINTER WEEKS AVAILABLE 6505 Gulf Dr. Holmes Beach. www.gulfbeachbungalows. Call Lisa 267566-8577

TRANSPORTATION ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete $85. Sarasota $40. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates.

Contact Jeanne. 941-7795095

DECEMBER 17, 2025

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BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY FLOOR & TILE

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HOLIDAY WALK: Shines on Pine Ave. FROM PAGE 20 Next door, at the Pineapple Marketplace, Reclaimed Soul booth owner/operators Samantha and Jim Heil passed out wine-based margaritas; DJ Grinch (Beach Bums employee Ryan Williams) played Christmas songs and Rock n’ Eggroll owners and market newcomers Alex and Cristy Ulate introduced attendees to their eggroll offerings.

At the Anna Maria General Store, owner Brian Seymour and his staff served free cookies and 15 gallons of eggnog spiked with five gallons of spiced rum.

At the northeast end of the street, Two Scoops Ice Cream and the Cool Beans AMI coffee shop welcomed residents and visitors alike.

The Duncan Real Estate & Vacation Rentals office at the corner of Pine Avenue and Los Cedros Drive was very busy, due in part to the free wine offered and the roasted oysters served by the Anna Maria Oyster Bar at Duncan Real Estate owner Darcie Duncan’s annual request.

After trying her first-ever oyster, Melissa Burt said, “I didn’t realize they were so good.”

“We love doing this. It’s nice to see the community out and about,” Duncan said.

The folks at Pizza Social had a streetside booth set up and across

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Santa counted down the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree. the street the Flip Flop Shop & Candy Stop served free wine and cookies.

At the southwest end of Pine Avenue, Liv Baker and Riley Greenlee passed out free saltwater taffy samples at the entrance to the busy Chocolate Emporium, and Donut Experiment owners Charity and Corey Curyto passed out free samples of their freshly made and creatively frosted donuts.

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DECEMBER 17, 2025