Anna Maria Island Sun December 24, 2025

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 26 No. 13

December 24, 2025

Christmas in the garden

CINDY LANE | SUN

Christmas in the Garden, A Celebration of Lights and Music, is on display at the Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive on Longboat Key, nightly from 5-9 p.m. through Dec. 31. On New Year’s Eve, the chapel will present a musical performance by John Rinell from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Manatee Belle joins Gulf Islands Ferry fleet

Manatee County commissioners cite budget concerns and public opposition to a boat ramp.

The new boat is expected to be in service sometime in January.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – The new, larger and partially enclosed Gulf Islands Ferry boat, the Manatee Belle, has arrived and is expected begin service in January.

Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione announced the arrival of the new boat during the ferry update presentation he made to the Manatee County Tourist Development Council members on Dec. 15 and the similar update he provided the Holmes Beach mayor and commissioners on Dec. 16.

According to multiple sources, the county is pursuing the potential purchase of a boat slip or boat slips in the Waterline Marina in Holmes

Commissioners considering park at Seafood Shack site

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Manatee Belle has enclosed air conditioned indoor seating and outdoor passenger areas.

Beach. Before Falcione addressed the Holmes Beach Commission, City Attorney Erica Augello advised the mayor and commissioners not to specifically address those ongoing county efforts.

“There is not an active application

SEE FERRY, PAGE 20

BRADENTON – Citing strong opposition from Cortez residents and a lack of funding to complete a proposed boat ramp, Manatee County commissioners floated the idea of making the Seafood Shack site a public park, at least temporarily.

The county purchased the parcel for $13 million last December with the stated intention of constructing a marina with a public boat ramp, but at last week’s meeting, commissioners asked county staff to return in February with two conceptual

DOG OWNERS have more to say about Scentral Park. 4 Page 16 Anna Maria Island, Florida

The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

The former Seafood Shack property is fenced pending a decision by Manatee County commissioners on its future use. designs – one with a boat ramp and one without.

The county conducted five informational community open houses attended by 313 people. Common concerns were traffic congestion,

SEE SEAFOOD SHACK, PAGE 15

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS on and

around the Island. 7-11

BRADENTON BEACH seeks a new city

planner. 3

www.amisun.com

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DECEMBER 24, 2025

DECEMBER 24, 2025

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Bradenton Beach seeks candidates for city planners

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The city is seeking proposals from firms and individuals to provide additional general planning services on a contractual, asneeded basis.

A Request for Proposal (RFP) job description was approved at a Dec. 4 city commission meeting.

“The city anticipates awarding a continuing services contract to one or more firms or individuals. Selected candidate will provide general planning services to the city on an as-needed basis.

There is no guarantee of a minimum amount of work under the continuing contract,” according to the city’s website.

Multiple qualified applicants will be considered.

“It is structured so it can be for multiple companies, multiple people and multiple areas - whatever the city needs at that time,” City Attorney Erica Augello said at the meeting. “You can select multiples, so you have another depth of bench. You can have contracts with all of them so you can pull from whoever you need to for various things without going out to bid.”

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

The mayor, commissioners and ity attorney discuss an RFP for a city planner at a Dec. 4 meeting.

The city currently contracts with M.T. Causley for planning services.

The city is requesting candidates have experience in general planning services with background in, but not limited to, the following potential services: • Comprehensive plan - evaluation of the city’s comprehensive plan, assessment of changes in local conditions, evaluation of any major local issues, assessment of key objective and policies, assessment of concurrency issues, review and evaluation of the plan’s elements, evaluation of climate change impacts,

drafting of any necessary comprehensive plan amendments to reflect any changes in local conditions and changes in state requirements, adoption and transmittal of said amendments to the state, attendance at required staff, planning commission and city commission meetings and hearings, and any other tasks necessary to accomplish these assignments; • Code amendments - consultation regarding land development regulations and the zoning code and drafting and/or review of related ordinances/ resolutions

and/or development orders; • Planning petitions - consultation, review, processing and presentation of various land development issues (e.g., site plans, special exceptions, variances); • Interpretations - of the city’s zoning code and issuance of official interpretations; • Planning studies - perform planning studies; • Meetings - attend staff meetings, commission meetings and planning and zoning meetings; • Community communications - meet with residents, developer and architects; and • Urban planning.

RFP proposal packages are to be received by the city clerk at 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, FL 34217 on or before 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. After the deadline, the proposal will constitute an irrevocable offer to provide the requested services for a period of six months.

An envelope containing the proposal must be sealed and plainly marked “General Planning Services.”

Packages and application criteria are on the city website: www.cityofbradentonbeach.com.

4 THE SUN

ISLAND NEWS

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DECEMBER 24, 2025

Dog owners, city officials to meet next month

Discussions about the dog park's condition are ongoing.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – Frequent dog park users Renee Ferguson, Nicky Hunt and Tom Evans shared their park-related concerns and desires with the mayor and city commissioners on Dec. 16.

They did so during the public comment portion of a city commission meeting that didn’t include the dog park as an agenda item.

Ferguson, Hunt and Evans were among those who previously shared their dog park concerns with the city’s Parks and Beautification Committee on Dec. 3, with Commissioner Dan Diggins also present.

Mayor Judy Titsworth and the five commissioners support maintaining and improving the city-owned Scentral Park, but they hold differing opinions as to who should guide the planning efforts.

As a result of the Dec. 16 discussion, Commission Chair Carol Whitmore

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Scentral Park dog park in Holmes Beach is a popular destination for dogs and dog owners. plans to schedule a dog park-specific commission work session in January to allow for additional public input and commission discussion.

Commissioners Steve Oelfke and Jessica Patel support a January work session. Commissioners Dan Diggins and Terry Schaefer think the Parks and Beautification Committee and the dog park users should develop a plan before a work session is scheduled.

Deputy clerk named employee of year Deputy City Clerk Michelle Lowe is the city of Holmes Beach’s employee of the year for 2025.

Mayor Judy Titsworth and City Clerk Stacey Johnston presented the award to Lowe during the Dec. 16 city commission meeting.

Before announcing the winner, Titsworth said, “This year’s recipient has only been with the city for a few years but has already had an incredible impact within our administration department. This individual is known for her excellent customer service skills and never hesitates to accept a challenge. Even with her already-busy workload, she took on many additional duties over the past year without complaint and demonstrated an exceptional desire to succeed. She is smart, computer savvy and when faced with an

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

From left, Mayor Judy Titsworth, Deputy Clerk Michelle Lowe and City Clerk Stacey Johnston celebrate Lowe’s award. unknown she will figure it out. Her energy is truly exuberant. The recipient’s supervisor (Johnston) shared: ‘I am so fortunate to have this individual as my assistant. She can see the big picture, is dependable, loyal and has all the attributes I seek in an excellent employee.

Her ambition and desire to learn as much as she can reminds me so much of myself when I first started out in my profession and I wish her nothing but the best as she continues to grow in her career. The city is genuinely fortunate to have such a dedicated person on staff.’ ”

PUBLIC INPUT

When addressing the commission, Ferguson said the original dog park opened in 2013 after a group of residents asked the city to dedicate a small piece of land for a dog park. The original Scentral Park was located just beyond the outfield of the city-owned baseball field in the City Field recreational complex that includes a soccer field, pickleball courts, tennis courts and a basketball court.

Ferguson said the original dog park users paid for tree plantings and other amenities and the public works department did an excellent job of maintaining the park. She said when the city decided to relocate Scentral Park to its current location in 2018, the park users were told the new location would be as good or better than the original location. She doesn’t believe that happened.

“We were promised shady trees, grass, irrigation and lights,” she said.

Ferguson said the dog park is used every day and there are often 40 or more people and dogs there socializing during peak morning and evening periods.

Ferguson said the city has poured a lot of money into its other recreational amenities but hasn’t made similar dog park expenditures. She also noted the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau promotes the Holmes Beach dog park as tourist amenity.

Anna Maria resident Nicky Hunt said she’s visited the dog park almost daily for the past five years.

SEE DOG PARK, PAGE 23

Hurricane Hanks owner named citizen of year Hurricane Hanks owner Brian Mathae is the city of Holmes Beach’s 2025 citizen of the year.

When formally announcing the award winner during the Dec. 16 city commission meeting, Mayor Judy Titsworth said the annual award is given to someone who demonstrates outstanding and unselfish service and makes a significant impact on the community. Titsworth said Mathae was currently vacationing, which is why she previously announced him as this year’s winner during the city’s 75th anniversary celebration on Dec. 5. “Mr. Mathae received the 2025 Louis Strickland Citizen of the Year award for his unwavering commitment to helping others in the wake of the 2024 hurricanes. He went above and beyond in service and provided valuable resources after the storm,” Titsworth said. She also noted that when the Holmes Beach Business Center caught fire in August 2024, Mathae used his coffee shop to house dogs that were displaced from the animal clinic in the business center.

Titsworth said Mathae fed city staff members after the 2024 hurricanes and he supports local conservation efforts.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Brian Mathae, left, learned he was the city’s citizen of the year when Mayor Judy Titsworth announced it during the city’s 75th anniversary celebration.

“His impact is immeasurable and it is the reason he’s been selected as this year’s award recipient,” Titsworth said.

She then read aloud the inscription on the award plaque that says, “A shining example of community leadership, with sincere gratitude for your outstanding contributions.” Titsworth said the annual award is named after former Holmes Beach resident Louis Strickland, who worked as a bagger at Publix and often escorted female customers to their cars.

He also attended many city meetings and was very engaged in the community.

DECEMBER 24, 2025

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Hurricane-damaged Wildlife Inc. holds grand reopening

BY LESLIE LAKE

SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The grand reopening of the hurricane-damaged Wildlife Inc. animal rehabilitation center was held on Dec. 16, but Gail Straight likes to say the facility never really closed.

Despite flooding from Hurricane Helene, which caused the loss of use at Wildlife Inc. – co-founders Gail and Ed Straight’s home and the attached animal care facilities – Gail continued to accept some animals for rehabilitation following the storm.

“I take care of the animals, she does the talking,” Gail said as volunteer Krista Carpenter described the timeline of events following the hurricane at the open house.

“We were ‘closed,’ and I do mean quotation marks around that,” Carpenter said. “The day after the hurricane hit, we were here. People were bringing us animals, and this

wonderful human being (Gail Straight) wouldn’t say ‘No.’ ” Carpenter said the facility accepted more than 1,200 animals in 2025.

“We didn’t really open until October and we were at 900 in October,” she said. “We have had bobcats, we’ve had coyotes, bald eagles, all sorts of animals.

And we never say ‘No.’ ” Carpenter said that the Straights stayed at a friend’s house nearby after Hurricane Helene, but Gail checked in at the facility daily.

“They were blessed that they have a friend that allowed them to stay on the Island within a block and a half of here and they were able to still rehab baby squirrels, raccoons, possums, baby birds, injured animals, animals that were scared that had been blown, and floated and terrified,” Carpenter said.

“First thing in the morning she would come down here and feed them.”

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

From left, Rotary of Anna Maria Island president Jim McDaniel, Atle Underthun, Rebecca Gill, Gail Straight (seated), Judy Rup, Krista Carpenter, Cindy Thompson, Ashley Chiles and Donna and Ray Holton attended the Wildlife Inc. open house on Dec. 16.

All heating pads were destroyed, so heating rocks were warmed in a microwave at the Straight’s temporary home, Carpenter said.

“Ninety-nine percent of everything in this room is new, all the shelving, containers, incubators are new,” Carpenter

said. “We had baby incubators donated from a hospital, there were three of them. We could get up to 12 little containers in there and all three of them during bird season were full. We had nothing (after the hurricane).”

The non-profit rehabilitation center, which relies

primarily on donations, lost refrigerators and freezers, incubators, washer and dryers, shelving and walls.

The Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island was among the donors that helped the facility get fully back up and running, donating $3,000 to the Straights and another $3,000 to Wildlife Inc. Members of the Rotary Club received a tour and thanks at the Dec. 16 open house.

“They helped us to get the refrigerator and the appliances,” Straight said.

“We want to say thank you,” Carpenter said. “Without you we wouldn’t have had a freezer. The owls you see in there, they eat $4,000 worth of food. We had to pay two to three times that because we couldn’t get large amounts.

Without you we wouldn’t be able to cook the chicken that we give the raccoons and possums. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

6 THE SUN

OPINION

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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 Tony McNulty Brian Smith Accounting Leslie Ketchum Co-founding publishers Mike Field Maggie McGinley Field Family-owned since 2000 ©2025 Longboard Communications Inc.

Drop us a line Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment? Is there something you need to get off your chest? Send us a letter to the editor and have your say. Email The Sun at news@amisun.com and write Letter to the Editor in the subject field. Letters should be kept to 300 words or less and must contain your name and the city in which you reside. Personal attacks and obscene language will not be printed. The Sun reserves the right to edit letters for length and content.

DECEMBER 24, 2025

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EVENTS MONDAY, DEC. 29

End of year dinner, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, 4-6 p.m.

TUESDAY DEC. 30

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 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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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 the Christmas holiday

BRADENTON BEACH

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

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

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

HOLMES BEACH

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

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

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

KIWANIS | SUBMITTED

Ring, Christmas bells Kiwanis of Anna Maria Island member Darrel Shinn helps ring the bell for the Salvation Army and has done so for 36 years.

941-798-9010

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DECEMBER 24, 2025

Magic of Christmas at AME Anna Maria Elementary's fifth-grade class performed "The Magic of Christmas" play before going on holiday break.

ANNE YARBROUGH | SUBMITTED

Livingston Griffith heads out with a smile after a fantastic fifth-grade play at AME.

ANNE YARBROUGH | SUBMITTED

Anna Maria Elementary fifth graders performed "The Magic of Christmas" last Wednesday. Above, from left, Phoenix Harwood, Miles Moss, Livingston Griffith, Henry Leibfried and Luke Plummer take front stage during the performance.

ANNE YARBROUGH | SUBMITTED

ANNE YARBROUGH | SUBMITTED

Above and below, Anna Maria Elementary's fifth-grade class performed "The Magic of Christmas" play last week.

Elves bid farewell to students going on holiday break Above, from left, Nicole O'Neill, Principal Mary Fradley, James Milhaven, Kim Sherburne, Stephanie Davis and Rhea Skaggs dressed as elves on the last day before Christmas break at Anna Maria Elementary School.

Left, Anna Maria Elementary School staff dressed as elves and took to the roof to surprise students on Dec. 19.

DECEMBER 24, 2025

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Winter nights

9

ANNA MARIA ISLAND CHURCH SCHEDULES CROSSPOINTE FELLOWSHIP

8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach Sunday service 9 a.m.

Christmas Eve service: 6 p.m.

Winter Nights Under the Lights at Palma Sola Botanical Park in northwest Bradenton featured acres of lights and decorated trees, Santa Claus, holiday music and a holiday market.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION

4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach Sunday service 9:15 a.m.

Christmas Eve services: Carols 4:30 p.m.; Service 5 p.m.

Christmas Day service: 9:15 a.m.

HARVEY MEMORIAL COMMUNITY CHURCH

300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach Sunday service 9:15 a.m.

Christmas Eve candlelight service: 6 p.m.

ROSER CHURCH

512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria Sunday services 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Christmas Eve services: 4 p.m., 7 p.m., 9 p.m.

ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

248 South Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach Masses: Saturday, 4 p.m., Sunday 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m.

Christmas Eve vigil Masses: 4 p.m., 6 p.m.

Christmas Day Masses: 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and noon.

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Sweet business Fourth-generation candymaker Peter Vrinios makes candy canes the old-fashioned way at the Fudge Factory on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. His family has been in the candy business since 1898. According to Vrinios, candy canes originated as a treat to keep children from being restless in church, with the hook shape representing the shepherd’s staff of Christ.

CINDY LANE | SUN

DECEMBER 24, 2025

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Renegades bring Christmas joy to three families The Renegades have been helping local families celebrate Christmas for nearly 20 years.

BY JOE HENDRICKS

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The Bradenton chapter of the Renegades motorcycle club delivered a truckload of Christmas gifts to the Drift In bar on Dec. 19.

The Renegades brought Christmas joy to three local families who will now have many presents to open on Christmas day.

Renegade Jay Dash said, “We’re dropping off presents for six kids and three families. It’s always good to give back to the community.”

This year’s recipient families were Fritzner Dessame and his children, David and Davena Dessame; Trina Carnegie and her child, Tradyn Lopez; and Mackenzie Morgan and her children, Vayda, River and Remington Anasis.

The Renegades have been assisting families at Christmas for nearly 20 years and have partnered with the Drift In for the past six or seven years. The Renegades received $5,300 in monetary donations this year from local bar and businesses patrons that included Drift In patrons.

The Renegades begin their annual holiday fundraising efforts in late October.

The annual gift giving efforts are a tribute to Suzie Miller, the late mother of Renegade member Tim “Chopstixxx” Miller and his brother and fellow Renegade, Dave Miller, who’s currently not living in the Bradenton area.

“Twenty-four years ago today, my mom passed away in a motorcycle accident.

We do this for her,” Miller said. “We find a family or families with no affiliation to us, we get a list of what kids want or need and we go to the local bars to get donations

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

This year, the Renegades provided Christmas gifts for three local families.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Vayda Anasis loved her Fire 7 tablet and her Magic 8 Ball toy.

David Dessame was happy to receive a new soccer ball.

Tradyn Lopez has a new basketball.

to buy the gifts with; and the Drift is one of our biggest supporters. The wives and girlfriends go shopping and we have a big wrapping party and everybody comes over and wraps presents all night,” Miller said.

Miller said the children of the Renegade members help with the annual gift giving efforts and that instills in them a desire to give back to the community and help the less fortunate.

“This year, two of our families have special needs children and we’re able to help them out with stuff they need for school too,” Miller said. “They’ll open one

or two gifts tonight and take the rest home to open on Christmas Day. We’ll provide them with meals during the holidays too.”

Drift In manager Doreen Flynn said, “I’m so excited that they collected enough money to give Christmas presents to three families. I’m so proud of them.”

She said Drift In patrons started filling the donation jar in mid-November and donated quite a bit of money.

“We have always been the family bar and we like to donate and get involved here on the Island,” Flynn said.

Drift In owner Derek Williams said,

“We’re glad to be a part of The Renegades long-standing tradition of supporting local families in need. We want to make a difference in our community.”

“Thank you to The Renegades for making this Christmas extra special,” Mackenzie Morgan said.

“Thank you so much, God bless and Merry Christmas,” Trina Carnegie said.

“Christmas definitely wasn’t on the list this year but these guys made it possible.”

“Thank you so much. We appreciate it, and Merry Christmas,” Fritzner Dessame said.

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Queens Gate gone Demolition began on the Queens Gate Resort, 1101 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, on Dec. 16 following extensive damage from the 2024 hurricanes. According to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s office, the 13-unit hotel was built in 1966 and there are two additional residential units onsite. The property owner is listed as UADA Corp., with the registered agent listed on the Florida Division of Corporations website as Mauro Cesq Santos in Miami, Florida.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

The Queens Gate Resort in Bradenton Beach was recently demolished due to damage from the 2024 hurricanes.

Hap Happy H Ha app ppy H Ho Holidays oli lidays From F om Fr o Y Yo our Friends F ie Fr iends at a An A hony’s! ho s Your Anthony’s!

ny Lil’ To

941-778-0100

www.AnthonysAirConditioning.com

You Don’t Need New Until We Say You Do!

DECEMBER 24, 2025

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Angie Blunt calendar sales to benefit Turtle Watch Sales of the Anna Maria Life: Through the Lens of Angie Blunt calendars have raised $8,644.36 for Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch. The fundraising goal is $20,000.

The 2026 calendar is online at https://annamarialifeshop. com/. The calendars are also available at The Anna Maria Island Chamber Of Commerce, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach; Lazy Turtle Beach Rentals, 314 Pine Ave., Anna Maria; Ginny 's & Jane E's, 9807 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria; Sea-renity Beach Spa & Bou-tiki, 112 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach; and Artist Haven AMI, 5351 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

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Erica Augello participated in her final Holmes Beach City Commission meeting with her successor and Trask Daigneault law firm partner Randy Mora also in attendance on Mora Dec. 16. The city commission unanimously approved Mayor Judy Titsworth’s appointment of Mora to serve as the Holmes Beach city attorney beginning on Jan. 1. Titsworth noted that Mora provided the city with legal services in the past, including representing the city in a prolonged legal battle over the removal of a tree house on the beach. According to a document Augello included in the meeting packet, Mora also successfully represented the city in 60 property rights-related Bert Harris Act lawsuits and three additional lawsuits. “He’s a real asset; and if I have to go, he is the person I would choose to take my place,” Augello told the commission. Augello will still represent the Holmes Beach Code Compliance Department and will continue to serve as interim city attorney for the city of Bradenton Beach – a position she was appointed to in October, which may become a permanent assignment in 2026. When recently speaking to The Sun, Augello said her departure as the Holmes Beach city attorney was prompted by scheduling and availability needs within the law firm and is unrelated to the legal services she’s providing in Bradenton Beach.

14 THE SUN

OUTDOORS

DECEMBER 24, 2025

Rebuilding oyster habitat Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

O

n Dec. 20, Oyster River Ecology (ORE) board member Rob Brown and I participated in an ORE rag pot installation in the upper Manatee River near Redfish Point. The volunteer event, a partnership with the Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP), was a hands-on restoration work day that focused on rebuilding oyster habitat in the Manatee River.

The event, scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon at the Eileen Reef near Parrish, brought together volunteers passionate about marine conservation and ecosystem recovery. In an hour and 15 minutes, the volunteers installed approximately 2,000 rag pots that mimic the complex habitats that oysters form

naturally, helping to enhance local reef structure, improve water quality through filtration and support diverse aquatic life.

The rag pots were the brainstorm of ORE Founder and Executive Director Damon Moore and provide a cost-effective and ecologically friendly reef substrate that establishes new surfaces for oyster larvae to settle and grow. The oyster rag pots (ORPs) are made by dipping cotton rags in a cement mixture and shaping them into pot-like forms.

Volunteers launched kayaks along the river in Parrish and paddled approximately half a mile to the reef site. Once there, they received training and were divided into small teams led by ORE staff. Teams worked within pre-marked zones to install the ORPs at 1-foot intervals, a process that maximizes habitat coverage while minimizing disturbance to the river bottom.

The event was scheduled to coincide with an extremely low tide which ensured a water level (about 6–18

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

A small quadrant of the Oyster River Ecology restoration site shows oysters beginning to attach to rag pots placed during prior events. inches) that was more accessible and safer for volunteers to work in the tidal flats. Work included carrying materials, placing the rag pots and collecting tools and materials before paddling back to shore.

Besides restoration work, the installation day served as a communitybuilding experience. Following the installation, volunteers gathered for a tailgate lunch provided by TBEP that offered volunteers a chance to

celebrate their achievement, connect with fellow conservationists and learn more about ORE’s efforts to enhance the local marine environment.

Oyster River Ecology’s efforts are part of a broader movement to restore degraded oyster reefs, habitats that once flourished along Florida’s coasts but have been diminished by overharvesting, pollution and habitat loss.

ORE’s mission is to engage volunteers in practical, science-based restoration techniques like rag pot installation. ORE not only helps rebuild vital marine ecosystems but also educates and empowers the community to take part in meaningful environmental stewardship.

To learn more about ORE’s mission, discover insight into local history (the Manatee River was originally named the Oyster River) and to be part of this gamechanging movement, visit ORE’s website at www. oysterriverecology.org.

DECEMBER 24, 2025

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 25 YEARS

SEAFOOD SHACK: Commissioners considering park for site FROM PAGE 1 water quality, preserving the character of the area and a boat ramp’s traffic and noise impacts on adjacent neighborhoods.

Cortez resident Mark Havens characterized the county’s public information surveys as inconsistent and unscientific.

“You collected a total of 967 responses.

Using the current estimated 458,000 people residing in Manatee County, you collected feedback from .2% or 2/10 of 1% of your constituents, an insignificant response rate.”

Kathleen Strakes, HOA president of Harbor Landing Estates, said, “In 2005, the then-board of county commissioners voted unanimously to purchase the Seafood Shack property for the purpose of installing boat ramps. The citizens of north Cortez united under the Concerned Citizens for Cortez Coalition to inform the commissioners on the infrastructure challenges of the area that proved that boat ramps could not be located safely on the site.”

Mark Silagy, president of Cove Pointe Condominium Association and a coalition board member, expressed concerns about traffic safety.

“There are unique infrastructure challenges in our area as well as existing traffic congestion. Our residential roadways cannot safely accommodate boat ramp traffic,” he said. “These narrow winding streets have

hazardous 90-degree blind corners that are impossible for vehicles towing boats to navigate without encroaching completely into the opposite lane.”

Michael Albert, president of Mariner’s Cove, said 96% of residents oppose the inclusion of boat ramps in the redevelopment plan.

“This is a call for smart sustainable growth that benefits all county residents and visitors without compromising the safety and quality of life in Cortez,” he said.

COMMISSION RESPONSE

“The need for a boat ramp to relieve the pressure on the existing Anna Maria ramps dates back almost 15 years when we began discussing options and alternatives to service the area south of Manatee River,” Manatee County Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker said. “The last 11 years we have been working with the developer of the Peninsula Bay and we found the cost of that development public/private partnership was too great to meet the objectives of our ramp relief and we backed away. And we did so almost simultaneously with the opportunity to acquire what we call the Cortez Marina, Seafood Shack.”

Hunsicker said there is roughly $4-$5 million in funding for improvements to the property, adding that the site is a possible landing site for the county-owned Gulf

Islands Ferry.

“We have very limited public funds,” Commissioner Tal Siddique said.

“The initial thought is to come back with two conceptual plans,” Manatee County Deputy County Administrator Bryan Parnell said, adding that there will be a focus on traffic flow through the property.

“There’s a lot wrong with this, there’s a lot of public safety issues,” Commissioner Bob McCann said. “How much does it cost to start planning and permitting?”

Parnell noted that the property will have to be rezoned based on what is designed.

“Can this be done without a boat ramp there?” McCann asked.

“Without a boat ramp that would not be in line with the original requirement and the funding that was approved for the project,” Parnell said. “The original CIP project that we moved funding from was for boat ramps.”

“It sounds like there’s a lot of objections to this by the people that actually live in the area there,” McCann said. “How are we going to make sure they have a cohesive area where they live and enjoy their life?”

“I don’t have an answer to that question,” Parnell said. “Right now, we’re directed to execute the project to build boat ramps and that’s what we’re moving on. “ McCann said he would vote against boat ramps. Meeting attendees applauded.

THE SUN

15

“I think we’re rushing this a little. When we went under contract we didn’t anticipate Helene and Milton,” Commissioner George Kruse said. “We’re also rushing this at a questionable budget time. We don’t know what our taxes are going to look like after November’s ballot initiative. If you think you’re building whatever your concept plan is for $5 million, you’re delusional.”

Kruse suggested that for the short term, the property could be developed as a park with a concession and playground.

“I’m not saying that’s the final plan,” he said, adding he would like to see a concept plan with boat ramps and without boat ramps.

“We owe it to the public to show them both,” Commissioner Mike Rahn said.

“I don’t know if we have the funding for a boat ramp,” Commissioner Amanda Ballard said. “I don’t dislike the option of parceling out and selling portions to private businesses and then utilizing those funds to make what we have better. “ “We have enough right now to proceed with design master planning of the site,” Parnell said.

“If we only have the money to do the plans, and we don’t have the money to do the building, there’s no real hurry to build this,” McCann said.

Siddique made a motion to authorize staff to develop conceptual plans including some with and without boat ramps. It passed 5-1 with McCann opposed. Commissioner Jason Bearden was absent.

16 THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

DECEMBER 24, 2025

Legislation would eliminate property taxes

I

t’s been an interesting month, but then, December usually is. Lost in the gay atmosphere of the holidays, it’s easy not to notice that business goes on as usual, and this December didn’t disappoint.

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ property tax elimination plan was back in the news and this time I read it. There are several house joint resolutions that are being considered for the 2026 ballot. All of them to some degree are aimed at abolishing property taxes on properties that are homesteaded. These are the key proposals: • HJR 201: Eliminates non-school property taxes for homesteads entirely; • HJR 203: Gradually phase out nonschool property taxes over 10 years by increasing exemptions annually; • HJR 205: Exempt residents 65 and over from non-school property taxes; • HJR 207: Add a 25% homestead exemption on assessed value for non-school taxes; and • HJR 209: Add a $100,000 exemption for insured homesteads.

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER The governor is in favor of eliminating all property taxes on primary homes, viewing them as paying “rent to government.” The legislative approaches favor a menu of options for voters on the ballot.

The impact of any one of these options could raise home values by 7% to 9%, which could be a boom for current owners but harder for first-time buyers and renters.

Governments would need new revenue to replace lost property tax and even if school property tax is preserved, other taxes could be eliminated, impacting overall budgets.

The next step for these constitutional amendments is passing the Legislature and then being approved by Florida voters in the November 2026 general election.

The other piece of December business-asusual is the meeting of the Federal Reserve on Dec. 10. At that meeting, rates were reduced by a quarter of a percent, which was the third straight cut this year. However, the vote was not unanimous, and the indication is that it could be the last rate cut for a while.

As usual, when the Feds cut rates, it does not always translate into lower mortgage rates, but it does give an overall feeling of stability in the country’s financial position.

So, let’s take a look at the November Manatee County sales statistics released by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee: Single-family homes closed 13.7% fewer homes this year compared to last year. The median sale price was $487,233, up 13.3% from last year, and the average sale price was $653,655, up 9% from last year. The median time to contract was 59 days this year compared to 45 days last year. Active listings are up 8.4% compared to last year and the month’s supply of properties is 4.2 months, up 7.7%.

Condos closed 16% more properties this year compared to last year. The median sale price was $308,000, down 0.6% this year compared to last year, and the average sale price was $332,602, down 3.6% compared to last year. The median time to contract was 74 days compared to 53 days last year and there were 3.4% more listings this year compared to last. The month’s supply of properties was 6.5 months, down 1.5%.

It’s pretty clear that the Manatee housing market is still struggling from last year’s hurricanes; so far there is no clear narrative or direction. Buyers and sellers will be faced with ups and downs in the early part of the new year and hopefully find their footing going forward.

If Florida is successful in passing almost any type of property tax relief, I agree it would be a boom to real estate. Watch what goes on in the Legislature as the new year progresses.

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season enjoying celebrations with friends and family.

DECEMBER 24, 2025

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 25 YEARS

BEACH BEAT BRADENTON BEACH Dec. 14, 10:02 p.m., 500 block Gulf Drive.

Warrant arrest. While examining random license tags, police said they learned of a warrant for the registered owner of

one of the vehicles. Police conducted a traffic stop on Cortez Road West and determined the 46-year-old female driver from Bradenton had an outstanding warrant for driving with a revoked license in Sarasota County. The driver claimed to have no knowledge of the warrant. Family members came to the scene to remove the vehicle.

THE SUN

OBITUARIES James "Chris" Drake

James "Chris" Drake, 62, died on Dec. 11, 2026. He was born on Nov. 28, 1963 and grew up in Speedway, Indiana just a few blocks away from the Speedway race track, also known as "The Brickyard."

At the age of 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and after boot camp he was stationed at Ft. Hood, Texas for two years.

After he transitioned out of the Army, he moved back to Speedway and lived there for a few years. While living in his hometown, he apprenticed with a locksmith to become a certified locksmith.

After that, he received an opportunity to move to Bradenton Beach, Florida in 1993. His first job on the Island was at Key West Willy's. Two months after

moving to Bradenton Beach, he broke his neck when he dove in the water to rinse off before heading to work.

He survived and made a full recovery and worked six more years at Key West Willy's. He worked at various other places on the Island, as well as doing locksmithing. He received the nickname of "Locksmith Chris" from the locals. The woman that would later become his wife started out as a customer that needed her locks secured. They were married on the beach surrounded by family and friends.

He was a good man who loved nature and could make friends with any animal. If anyone was in need of help, he was there. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Patricia "Patti" Drake; daughter, Heather Drake; son, Christopher Drake; stepson, Derek Guenette; and grandchildren, Annabelle, Danielle, Jada, Scarlet, Alexis and Cooper.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later time.

WAGNERREALTY.COM CELEBRATING 86 YEARS OF REAL ESTATE EXCELLENCE 941.727.2800

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

Park Acres Estates Villa 608 Park Circle Bradenton 1BR/1BA A4673632/ $135,000 Michelle Simmons (941) 232-8810

OFFICES 3639 Cortez Rd W. Ste 200, Bradenton 3226 East Bay Dr., Holmes Beach 5380 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Ste 101, Longboat Key

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

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 25 YEARS

DECEMBER 24, 2025

We’re Local. We’re Global.

LONGBOAT KEY 311 Firehouse Ct | 3 BD 3/1 BA 2,352 SF $2,799,000 Kathy Harman 941.900.9828

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 403 20th Pl N | 7 BD 7/1 BA 3,112 SF $3,500,000 Kathy Harman 941.900.9828

HOLMES BEACH 215 65th St 3 BD 2/1 BA 2,184 SF $1,645,000 Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941.744.7358

BRADENTON WEST 6413 Pigeon Plum Way 3 BD 3 BA 2,700 SF $1,250,000 Dee Munn & Scott Toland 407.346.4422

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 512 77th St | 3 BD 3 BA 2,796 SF $2,799,000 Kathy Harman & Bobbie Banan 941.900.9828

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2713 Avenue C 3 BD 2 BA 1,477 SF $1,199,000 Kathy Harman & Betsy Hagen 941.900.9828

BRADENTON WEST 11116 Sanctuary Dr 3 BD 2 BA 1,836 SF $750,000 Cheryl Roberts & Betsy Hagen 941.266.1450

BRADENTON WEST 6061 Fairway Ln #1411 2 BD 2 BA 1,224 SF $234,000 Brooke Doucett & Andrew Doucett 941.586.3522

Scan to explore all Anna Maria Island listings!

Amy Ward

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Nowhere but here.

Connect with a local. 941.896.9981 6000 Marina Drive 113 | Holmes Beach, FL 34217 | michaelsaunders.com

DECEMBER 24, 2025

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 25 YEARS

THE SUN

19

Horseshoe pitchers donate to Meals on Wheels Before the action started at Anna Maria Horseshoes on Dec. 17, Jay Disbrow presented a check for $800 to Tricia O'Brien from Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee on behalf of the pitchers, carrying on a longstanding tradition by the group of donating to local charities. Then Bob Hawks made quick work of the competition after posting the only 3-0 record during pool play, earning the day’s bragging rights. On Dec. 20, Tom Farrington followed in Hawks’ footsteps, posting the only 3-0 record to win that day’s competition.

ANNA MARIA HORSESHOES | SUBMITTED

MacMillan scores hole-in-one Bill MacMillan scored a hole-in-one at Key Royale Golf Club on Dec. 19. Using his 5-wood on Hole #3, measuring 132 yards, it was his second career holein-one. Bill then treated the golfers to traditional beverages.

KEY ROYALE GOLF CLUB | SUBMITTED

20 THE SUN

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 25 YEARS

DECEMBER 24, 2025

FERRY: Manatee Belle joins Gulf Islands Ferry fleet FROM PAGE 1 with the city, but there have been preapplication meetings with the city with regard to a water taxi or ferry location in Holmes Beach. If there’s any questions, I would ask that they not be with relation specifically to the city of Holmes Beach because that is likely to come before you,” Augello said. Falcione, the mayor and the commissioners heeded her legal advice.

FALCIONE’S PRESENTATION

Operated by a contracted third party, the Gulf Islands Ferry service is part of the county’s public transit system that also includes the free countywide MCAT bus service and the Free Island Trolley bus service on Anna Maria Island.

Falcione’s presentation included a photo of the Manatee Belle. He told the Holmes Beach Commission the new boat will likely be put in service at some point in January.

He said the $3 million the county spent to purchase the new boat was 100% funded by the 6% tourist development tax levied on motel, resort and vacation rental stays on the Island and throughout Manatee County.

Falcione said the Manatee Belle can accommodate approximately 96 passengers and the enclosed interior seating area includes air conditioning and heat.

The Manatee Belle also has an open-air area at the stern of the boat.

Falcione said the ferry captains and crew members are currently conducting sea trials and the U.S. Coast Guard still has to sign off on its commercial use

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The stern of the Manatee Belle includes an open-air passenger area. before it can be put in service.

The Manatee Belle is now docked at the Twin Dolphins marina in Bradenton, not far from the Bradenton Riverwalk Pier in downtown Bradenton that serves as the mainland ferry stop. The Gulf Islands Ferry service currently consists of two smaller, open-air catamaran pontoon boats that travel between downtown Bradenton and the Bradenton Beach Pier on the Manatee River and the Intracoastal Waterway. The Manatee Belle will initially travel that same route between downtown Bradenton and the Bradenton Beach Pier.

The ferry service that began at the Anna Maria City Pier in January 2024 was suspended later that year when back-to-back hurricanes destroyed most of the pier walkway. The walkway is now being rebuilt and county officials hope to install a new ferry landing alongside the Anna Maria City Pier that’s expected to fully reopen in the fall of 2026.

When the City Pier reopens, the 100,000-pound Manatee Belle is expected to make the primary trips between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria and the two

30,000-pound, 49-passenger pontoon boats will be used as “Island hoppers” that travel between the various Anna Maria Island ferry stops.

Falcione told Holmes Beach commissioners the county plans to soon add a ferry stop at the Coquina Boat Ramp, across the street from Coquina Beach at the south end of Bradenton Beach. He said the county also plans to eventually establish a ferry stop at the Palmetto Estuary in Palmetto, across the street from the Palmetto Marriott Resort and the county’s recently renovated convention center.

Falcione said the ferry service’s primary goal is to reduce traffic congestion near and on Anna Maria Island. He said in the second year of service, just under 50,000 passengers rode the ferries in 2025. He estimated that resulted in approximately 22,000 fewer vehicles traveling to and from the Island using Manatee Avenue and Cortez Road.

He said the weatherrelated suspension of service days decreased in 2025 and

is expected to further decrease when the Manatee Belle becomes operational.

Falcione said the Manatee Belle will also help further the ongoing efforts to implement free ferry service for employees who work on the Island and commute from the mainland.

The current ferry schedule can be viewed and tickets can be purchased at www.bradentongulfislands.com/ gulf-islands-ferry.

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DECEMBER 24, 2025

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Chill (with) 5 Storied meanies 10 Au naturel 14 Ancient theaters 15 Steaming mad 16 Limburger feature 17 __ history 18 Get connected 19 Blu-ray kin 20 Casual departure from a pub crawl after just one drink?

23 Easily fooled sort 24 Mai tai liquor 25 Celebrity with a book club 28 "Rub-a-dub-dub" location, in a classic rhyme 30 Big name in transparent Band-Aids for toddlers?

33 Cartomancy deck 34 O'Reilly purchase 35 Bora Bora, e.g.

Answers to 12-17-25 Crossword Puzzle

36 Confident shout from a Moulin Rouge dancer?

39 "Stop living in the __!"

42 Olympic event with masks 43 Crete's highest pt.

47 Question of quality?

49 Decathlon equipment 50 "Chopped" contestants 51 "Corduroy" writer/illustrator Freeman 52 Center of Dallas?

53 Request to a bartender, and what must be done to the last words of 20-, 30-, 36-, and 47-Across for the answers to match their clues 58 Prefix with conductor 60 Banjo sound 61 __ plaid: fabric also known as Prince of

THE SUN

Wales check 62 "Your turn," in radio lingo 63 Decadent dessert 64 Blow hard 65 "Downton Abbey" title 66 Got in on a deal 67 Gels Down 1 Travels on foot 2 Girls in Tech founder Gascoigne 3 Decent, in golf 4 "Archie's Pals 'n' __": classic comic book series 5 Massage option 6 Stable figure 7 Newman's Own rival 8 Historic British school 9 Pop in the mail 10 Temporary art media 11 Some modifiers 12 Eye cell that plays a role in night vision 13 Hosp. areas 21 "Facts!"

22 __ choy 26 Early ISP 27 Garden tool 29 Visitor who leaves money under a kid's pillow 30 Public walkway 31 Cleveland's lake 32 "The rest is obvious" abbr.

34 Spices (up)

37 Still 38 __ acid 39 Snap 40 Bat wood, once 41 Like some glasses 44 Glacial hue

45 Least exciting 46 Says yes 48 "Shoot!"

49 Managed to avoid 51 "Inferno" poet 54 James of blues

55 Victor's shout 56 Acerbic 57 Fleecy boots 58 Santiago sun 59 "Hadestown" Tony nominee Noblezada

21

22 THE SUN

CLASSIFIEDS

ANNOUNCEMENTS EARLY DEADLINE FOR CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE 12/31 EDITION IS FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 AT 3PM EFFECTIVE DEC 12TH AT THE CENTER, Bridge games on Friday 12:30 PM. Call 314-324-5921 for seating.

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

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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Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.

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

HOME SERVICE HATE TO COOK? Long time Island resident.

Can help with cooking, laundry and many things around your house. Many compliments on cooking.

References available.

Please Call or Text 941685-0045.

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

GORILLA DRYWALL REPAIR, LLC. 15+ years of experience. Free Estimates.

Let’s solve your Drywall problems together. Call 941-286-0607.

R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks.

Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941

CCS DRYWALL REPAIRS We are local. Family owned & operated since 1991. Free Estimates. Licensed/Insured/Bonded. License # SCC131149803 Call 941-713-6531.

ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal.

Sweeping, blowing, and weeding. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing. Call Bill Witaszek 941307-9315

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 LOCAL ISLAND RESIDENT 30+ years of experience. Licensed & insured. Professional Services. Carpentry, Painting, Drywall and More. Reliable, Honest, Quality work. FREE estimates- Call Brian 941-220-8300

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POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 18 + Years Experience.

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

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DECEMBER 24, 2025

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Call today to place your ad: 941-778-3986

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REAL ESTATE

DOG PARK: Owners to meet with city officials FROM PAGE 4 “While I appreciate the facility, in truth it is a sad sight and not something the Island should be proud of. It would appear that almost no money has been spent maintaining it, let alone improving it,” she said.

Hunt questioned whether the mayor, commissioners and city staff members ever use the dog park and she said they should listen to those who do.

Regarding the recent tree plantings, Hunt said, “We were given small trees and told nothing bigger was available. I find that hard to be true when you only have to look at the trees being brought in by the landscapers doing the ‘McMansions.’

We ask you to work with us. We want and deserve a beautiful park.”

She also noted dogs aren’t allowed on the Island beaches.

Anna Maria resident Tom Evans said, “We just want a seat at the table. We don’t see any plans in place and we would like to work with you guys so everybody can be happy. I really hate the fact that Longboat Key has a beautiful dog park and we don’t.”

CITY OFFICIALS COMMENT

Whitmore said the commission needs to know how much the city currently spends on the dog park and dog park expenditures should be included as specific line items in next year’s budget. She also suggested forming a citizen-led, non-profit organization to raise funds for the dog park.

“We have to have a plan,” she added.

We ask you to work with us.

We want and deserve a beautiful park.”

Nicky Hunt, dog park user

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Holmes Beach resident Mike Deal is a frequent dog park user. Bailey loves fetching the ball at the dog park.

Schaefer said it makes sense to listen to the dog park users and he noted some of the city’s other recreational amenities were funded by donations.

Oelfke said he wants the city to have an excellent dog park and there needs to be a plan and city funding for it. Patel agreed and said dog park users helped fund the original dog park and they shouldn’t be asked to do it again.

Diggins said the dog park users and the Parks and Beautification Committee members should devise a plan to present for commission consideration.

“I 100% don’t agree,” Whitmore responded. “We set the budget. We’re the ones that set policy. We haven’t had a chance to listen to the citizens of the dog park. When I went there the other day, I thought it looked terrible. I hadn’t been there in years.”

Whitmore said the dog park users’ differing demands and requests pull the mayor in several different directions.

Titsworth said some dog park users want grass and others want sand. She said the irrigation system for the large dog area was recently modified so it’s now completely independent of the baseball field irrigation system. She said irrigation to the baseball field and the dog park were cut off when City Field served as a hurricane debris collection site after the 2024 hurricanes.

She now wants to see if the repaired irrigation system helps the existing dog park grass recover.

“We are in our dormant season for grass. If I resod that whole field, that dog park’s going to be closed for season,” Titsworth said. “If it doesn’t recover with

the irrigation and the fertilizer, we will relook at it and see if we can find some money to resod it.”

She noted FEMA paid to resod the areas damaged while serving as a hurricane debris staging site.

Regarding the new dog park trees, Titsworth said the city bought the biggest and most appropriate trees available.

Titsworth said when the dog park concerns were recently brought to her attention, she placed it on the agenda for the Parks and Beautification Committee’s next meeting; and the dog park will remain on the committee meeting agendas until the majority of the dog park users are satisfied.

In response to previous requests, Titsworth said the city placed concrete pads under the benches and relocated some benches, expanded the dog washing area and ensured the dugouts had electricity and fans.

24 THE SUN

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