Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival attracts
thousands
County commission approves $2 million for City Pier project
The $2 million funding agreement does not guarantee the county a City Pier ferry stop.
BY JOE HENDRICKS
SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON – Manatee County Commissioners have agreed to provide the city of Anna Maria with up to $2 million for the reconstruction of the hurricane-damaged City Pier walkway.
On Tuesday, Feb. 10, county commissioners voted 6-1 in support of the city’s funding request, with Commissioner Amanda Ballard casting the only opposition vote.
The county commission pledged the county’s financial support without a written agreement in place that ensures the county can install and operate a Gulf Islands Ferry stop
alongside or near the rebuilt City Pier after it reopens later this year.
Minus such an agreement, county commissioners George Kruse and Tal Siddique cautioned there would be repercussions if Mayor Mark Short and the Anna Maria City Commission ultimately reject a county-funded City Pier ferry stop.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN REPORTER | llake@amisun.com
CORTEZ – Under picture-perfect skies, thousands of attendees at the 44th annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival enjoyed live music, local seafood dishes, arts and crafts and educational exhibits.
The festival took place on Saturday, Feb. 14, and Sunday, Feb. 15.
Known as a “party with a purpose,” the proceeds from the festival support the restoration and preservation of the 98-acre FISH (Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage) Preserve.
Attendees toured the A.P. Bell Fish Company and learned about the history of Cortez’s commercial fishing industry. Educational “Dock Talks” featuring scientists from the Florida Sea Grant program and Allen Garner’s “Tales of Cortez” presentation about the history of Cortez comprised a large part of the festival’s educational component.
First-day highlights of the two-day festival included an awards ceremony and a fishermen’s fashion show.
“Five generations ago, my family settled in Cortez in the late 1800s, along with the Culbreath’s, the Fulfords, the Guthries,” Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown said when addressing the festival
SEE FISHING FESTIVAL, PAGE 19
West Manatee Fire and Rescue seeks additional funding
The fire district’s registered voters will determine if the additional property tax is approved or rejected.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Anna Maria Island and Cortez residents will help determine the fate of a proposed millage rate-based ad valorem property tax sought by the West Manatee Fire and Rescue District (WMFR).
The additional tax sought by WMFR appears on the ballot as this: “Shall the West Manatee Fire and Rescue District be authorized to levy and collect an annual ad valorem tax on real property in an amount not to exceed 1 mill to provide additional operational revenue to fund the district’s fire control and rescue services, infrastructure and facilities,
including emergency medical services?” The WMFR-specific special election will conclude with in-person voting on Tuesday, March 10, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the regular polling locations within the fire district. Vote by Mail ballots have already been mailed out and the deadline to request a Vote by Mail ballot from the
SEE WMFR, PAGE 13
SEE PIER FUNDS, PAGE 5
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
Attendees enjoyed live music, fresh seafood, educational exhibits and more during the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The construction of the new City Pier walkway will be partially funded by Manatee County’s tourist tax revenues.
WMFR | SUBMITTED Use this QR code to learn more about the proposed tax and to calculate the potential tax on your property.
Commission to discuss former city attorney’s invoices
According to an internal audit of 2025 invoices submitted by former city attorney Ricinda Perry, the invoices contain false or incorrect billing entries.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN REPORTER | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – On Thursday, Feb. 19, the Bradenton Beach City Commission will discuss billing invoices submitted by former city attorney Ricinda Perry.
An internal audit of Perry’s invoices alleges “false or incorrect billing entries” for the period from January 2025 through September 2025.
Included in the Feb. 19 meeting packet is a Jan. 9 memo City Attorney Erica Augello sent to Mayor John Chappie, the city commissioners and City Clerk Terri Sanclemente.
“Upon receipt of the invoices, it was noted by staff that some of the entries could not possibly be correct, so an internal audit of the invoices was conducted,” Augello wrote. “The
audit revealed that entries were made for services that could not have possibly occurred on the dates as indicated, that time entries for several days exceeded the number of hours in a day, that entries were not billed at the appropriate rate as agreed upon or that time entries were for unapproved non-legal services.”
Augello will request authorization from the commission on Feb. 19 to send correspondence to Perry regarding the invoices.
In a proposed draft letter to Perry that's included the meeting packet, Augello wrote, “I have been asked to handle the matter of your invoices for city attorney services that were submitted in bulk to the city on October 23, 2025, for services spanning from January 2025 through September 2025.
“The billing, as presented, has been audited and has been found to include false or incorrect billing entries. By way of example, there are a multitude of entries for discussions with staff members on weekends or other days when the staff member was not working, entries that exceed
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
City Attorney Ricinda Perry appeared before the commission on Sept. 16 to address questions about her job performance. She retired two days later.
the number of hours in a day, entries that were billed for unapproved non-legal work related to permit reviews, plans reviews, etc., entries for storm-related work that were billed at higher than the negotiated $150/hour rate, entries for conversations with outside counsel that were not captured on outside counsel's invoices, entries for completing assignments where no work product was received or otherwise not completed as billed, as well as other
similar type entries,” Augello stated in the draft letter to be reviewed by the city commission.
According to Augello’s draft letter, Perry’s unaudited invoices total $167,674 and the audited invoices total $139,685, resulting in a difference of $27,989.
Augello also wrote that according to Perry’s Jan. 25, 2023, engagement agreement, she was required to bill the city monthly.
“As you are in default of the terms of the agreement, the city has no legal obligation to pay invoices that do not conform to the terms of the agreement,” Augello stated in the draft letter. “Pursuant to the engagement agreement, the city is responsible only for the monthly billing that conforms to its terms, or for September’s invoice in the unaudited amount of $24,204.”
Augello added that while the city has concerns regarding the veracity of that September invoice, the city is outside of its 15-day window to challenge those entries.
The Thursday, Feb. 19, meeting will begin at noon in the commission chambers at 107 Gulf Drive N.
ISLAND NEWS
IN BRIEF
Commission to discuss city attorney invoices
The Bradenton Beach City Commission will meet at noon on Thursday, Feb. 19. The commission will discuss a response to the bulk invoices received from former city attorney Ricinda Perry. Also on the agenda is the acceptance of donations for three Wildlife of Anna Maria Island educational signs, a request to authorize Salvatore Alfonso to proceed with an application to amend the city’s land development code, a request to waive storm damage permit fees for Erik Collier in the amount of $1,888, a review of RFP 25-06 for general planning services and a request for a city resolution that states the city’s opposition to offshore oil and gas drilling. Thursday’s meeting will be held in the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers at 107 Gulf Drive N.
Talham to be sworn in at CRA meeting
Robert Talham will be sworn in as the new Ward 4 Bradenton Beach City Commissioner during the Thursday, Feb. 19, Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting that starts at 9:30 a.m. Also on the agenda is a discussion about compensation for city staff members for time spent working for the CRA. There will also be a discussion about a request for proposals for CRA consulting services. The meeting will be held in the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers at 107 Gulf Drive N.
Paid parking lot opens
Anthony and JoAnn Manali’s city commission-approved paid parking lot is now open at 105 Spring Ave. in Anna Maria, near the Sandbar restaurant. The parking rate is $12 an hour or $90 per day.
Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.
FEMA obligates $3.59 million for City Pier project
A city commission workshop will be the next step in the decision-making process.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has officially obligated $3.59 million in federal funds for the reconstruction and repair of the hurricane-damaged Anna Maria City Pier.
Mayor Mark Short announced the long-anticipated FEMA obligation during the Thursday, Feb. 12, city commission meeting.
During the meeting, the mayor and commissioners had a separate discussion about the future use of the City Pier building vacated by Mote Marine and how to accommodate the county’s desire to install and operate a Gulf Islands Ferry landing alongside or near the City Pier when it reopens.
PIER FUNDS
During the Feb. 12 meeting, Short said the city received an official obligation from FEMA the previous week for a $3.59 million reimbursement in response to the damage the City Pier sustained when Hurricane Milton destroyed most of the pier walkway in October 2024. Short said FEMA’s financial obligation required the approval of the United States Congress.
The $3.59 million in FEMA funds, a previously approved $1.25 million state appropriation and a $2 million funding agreement approved by county com-
Federal, state, county and city
missioners on Feb. 10 will provide the city with $6.84 million for the pier construction and repair project that Short estimates will cost between $7.1 million and $7.8 million.
Short said the city must pay the pier-related expenses as they’re incurred and then seek the promised reimbursement from FEMA and the county. The city is also responsible for any project costs that exceed what’s been pledged by the federal, state and county funding sources.
Short said he felt good about the city receiving nearly $5.6 million worth of pier-related financial commitments within the past week.
PIER USE
On Jan. 27, Short and the city commission hosted a town hall meeting to solicit ideas and community input regarding the future use of the City Pier building that will no longer be used by Mote Marine.
During the Feb. 12 meeting, Short said he sought city commission feedback on what they heard
during the town hall meeting, but he wasn’t seeking pier-related commission decision-making that day. He said a city commission workshop will be scheduled as the next step in the commission’s ongoing decision-making process.
Commissioner Chris Arendt said the commission needs to decide if the Gulf Islands Ferry landing sought by Manatee County officials will be built alongside the City Pier or as a separate stand-alone structure located between the pier and the Lake La Vista jetty, as previously discussed with county officials last May.
During the town hall meeting, Anna Maria Planning and Zoning Board member Jeff Rodencal encouraged the mayor and commissioners to reconsider the stand-alone ferry landing option.
Commissioner Gary McMullen said he thought the commission decided last year to discard the option for a stand-alone ferry landing near the jetty.
“But we had all the strife at
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
funds will be used to rebuild and repair the Anna Maria City Pier.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
PIER FUNDS: County commission approves $2 million for City Pier project
Accompanied by state and federal funds, the county’s contribution will help offset the anticipated $7.1 million to $7.8 million cost to replace the City Pier walkway that Hurricane Milton destroyed in October 2024. The estimated costs also include repairs and remediation for the stillstanding pier buildings that survived the back-to-back hurricanes but experienced flooding, mold formation and other hurricane impacts that require attention.
Before the hurricanes struck, the public boat landing at the T-end of the City Pier served as a ferry landing for the two, open-air, 49-passenger Gulf Islands Ferry pontoon boats the county and its contracted ferry operator put in service in January 2024. Still using the pontoon boats that travel on the Manatee River and the Intracoastal Waterway, the Gulf Islands Ferry service currently operates as a two-point system between the Bradenton Riverwalk Pier in downtown Bradenton and the Bradenton Beach Pier in Bradenton Beach.
COUNTY FUNDS
The county’s contribution to the City Pier reconstruction project will be funded by the 6% tourist development tax the county levies on hotel, motel, resort and vacation rental stays of six months or less.
Last year, Manatee County invested $3 million in tourist tax revenues to purchase a new and larger ferry boat
that features an enclosed passenger area and is expected to begin service soon.
When presenting the city’s funding request to county commissioners on Feb. 10, Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione noted the request was previously reviewed by the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) in June and the
TDC members recommended county commission approval.
“If this is approved by the board, it would be 100% tourist tax proceeds that would pay for this,” Falcione said. District 3 County Commissioner Tal Siddique said the county’s $2 million contribution would help address the frequent complaint that the three Island cities that generate a significant percentage of the county’s tourist development tax revenues don’t receive an equitable share of those county-controlled revenues.
The $2 million interlocal funding agreement between the county and the city is not contingent on an Anna Maria ferry stop.
“The mayor has acknowledged that the city will cooperate and work with the county to find a landing spot in that geographic area for the water ferry,” Falcione said. “We’re probably looking beyond 2027 to get that done because we’ve got to get that City Pier done first.”
Falcione said the Anna Maria ferry landing is not yet in the design phase, but he’s confident the city and the
PIER FUNDS, PAGE 23
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The first Gulf Islands Ferry landed at the Anna Maria City Pier on Jan. 14, 2024.
The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff
General Manager
Bob Alexander
Editor
Joe Hendricks
Reporters | Photographers
Joe Hendricks
Leslie Lake
Columnists
Louise Bolger
Rusty Chinnis
Contributors
Steve Borggren
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Layout
Ricardo Fonseca
Advertising Director
Shona Otto
Classified Ads
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Elaine Stroili
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Bob Alexander
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Accounting
Leslie Ketchum
What statewide recognition says about West Manatee Fire Rescue
BY RODNEY KWIATKOWSKI, WMFR FIRE MARSHAL SPECIAL TO THE SUN
Effective public safety does not begin when an emergency occurs; it begins long before, through planning, prevention, leadership and accountability.
In 2025, West Manatee Fire Rescue (WMFR) experienced a year of independent recognition that offers the community a clear view into how its fire department is structured, led and supported across all levels of service.
Both of Florida’s fire service professional associations – the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association (FFCA) and the Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association (FFMIA) – recognized WMFR leadership during the same year. These honors were peer-driven, statewide recognitions based on performance, impact and contribution to the fire service.
FFCA and FFMIA named WMFR’s Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski as the Florida Fire Marshal of the Year. FFCA also recognized Deputy Chief Jay Johnson as the Florida Executive Fire Officer of the Year and Fire Inspector Josh Adkins as the Florida Fire Inspector of the Year.
While each award highlights individual achievement, taken
together they reflect something broader: an organization functioning at the highest level.
Fire prevention and community risk reduction form the foundation of modern public safety. Recognition of the Fire Marshal of the Year reflects sustained efforts to reduce risk before emergencies occur through engineering, education, enforcement, community risk assessment, risk reduction programming and collaboration with community partners.
This work plays a critical role in protecting lives and property while contributing to long-term economic stability. Effective prevention is not reactive; it is deliberate, data-informed and integrated into broader organizational strategic planning.
Prevention alone, however, is not sufficient without strong executive leadership to support it. Executive leadership in public safety includes operational readiness, workforce development and organizational accountability. The Executive Fire Officer of the Year award recognizes leadership that aligns training, staffing and response capabilities with the evolving needs of the community. Exceptional operations leadership ensures that when emergencies
do occur, personnel are prepared, systems function as intended and services are delivered consistently and safely.
Behind these recognitions is an organizational leadership philosophy that emphasizes trust, accountability and professional autonomy. WMFR Fire Chief Ben Rigney has focused on assembling qualified leaders, setting clear expectations and allowing those leaders to carry out their responsibilities. This approach has enabled prevention and operations to function collaboratively rather than in isolation, producing sustained results rather than one-time successes.
That leadership philosophy is ultimately reflected in the work that occurs every day in neighborhoods, businesses and public spaces. The Fire Inspector of the Year award highlights the impact of professional, consistent fieldwork that translates policy and standards into tangible safety outcomes. Public education, inspections and other safety compliance efforts often receive little public attention, yet they remain essential to protecting lives and property.
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, Feb. 18, 9 a.m., Planning and Zoning Board meeting Thursday, Feb. 26, 10 a.m., City Commission meeting
EVENTS
TUESDAY, FEB. 17, 24
Anna Maria Community Farmers Market, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
BRADENTON BEACH
107 GULF DRIVE N.
FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005
Visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information
Wednesday, Feb. 18, 1 p.m., Scenic W.A.V.E.S. Committee meeting
Thursday, Feb. 19, 9:30 a.m., Community Redevelopment Agency meeting
THURSDAY, FEB. 19
Friends of the Island Library lecture series, “Captain” Scott Moore on “50 Years on Anna Maria Island,” Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 19, 12 p.m., City Commission meeting
HOLMES BEACH 5801 MARINA DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800
Visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information.
Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2 p.m., City Commission meeting
THURSDAY, FEB. 26
Friends of the Island Library lecture series featuring Nate Jacobs, founder of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
Anna Maria names new city treasurer
Randy Maxson is the city of Anna Maria’s new city treasurer. When introducing Maxson to the city commission on Feb. 12, Mayor Mark Short said, “Randy comes to us from the city of Clewiston, Florida.” Maxson said his wife is from the Bradenton area and they got married on Anna Maria Island 35 years ago. Maxson recently
served as financial director for the city of Clewiston. Before that he did private sector accounting work and he and his wife owned two Beef 'O' Brady's restaurants for 15 years. Maxson succeeds former treasurer LeAnne Addy.
Atlanta Rhythm Section brings classic southern sound to The Center
A sold-out crowd gathered at The Center on Valentine's night.
BY LANCE ROY SUN CORRESPONDENT
ANNA MARIA –The Atlanta Rhythm Section brought its classic southern rock sound to a sold-out crowd at The Center of Anna Maria Island on Saturday, Feb. 14.
Formed in 1970 in Doraville, Georgia, the Atlanta Rhythm Section has been part of the southern rock scene for more than 50 years and the band has released 16 albums.
The evening opened with Nashville-based solo artist Bella Garland. The up-and-coming performer played keyboards and guitar and delivered a soft opening set that spanned pop, country and folk.
The Atlanta Rhythm Section’s current lineup features original lead vocalist Rodney Justo, guitarist and vocalist Dave Anderson, keyboardist Lee Shealy, guitarist
Justo sang lead vocals on the band’s 1972 debut album, “Atlanta Rhythm Section” but left the band before the release of their second album, “Back Up Against the Wall,” which was the band’s first album to feature Ronnie Hammond on lead vocals. Justo returned to the band in 2011.
The Atlanta Rhythm Section kicked off their Valentine’s Day concert with “Homesick” and followed with a steady stream of well-known songs, that
recorded by the Classics IV, “Large Time,” “I’m Not Gonna Let It Bother Me Tonight,” “Jukin’” and their signature songs and biggest hits, “So Into You” and “Imaginary Lover.”
The show ended with, “Back Up Against the Wall.”
Throughout the night, Anderson and Stone delivered extended guitar solos that brought the audience to its feet.
After the show, Justo, 81, reflected on his longevity when asked what keeps him going.
LIVE AT THE CENTER OF ANNA MARIA ISLAND
“Unless I am beat down where I can’t get up, I keep going,” he said.
The concert was sponsored by the Sandbar restaurant and the Cedar Cove Resort and the concert proceeds benefit The Center’s youth programs.
Chris Culhane, executive director of The Center, expressed his gratitude for the strong turnout and the community support.
“We are very overwhelmed by the sold-out concert and have tons of gratitude toward the performers for what they give of themselves to help The Center,”
Culhane said. “We look forward to future events.”
The bar concessions were provided by Sandbar Seafood & Spirits, with food offerings by Poppo’s Taqueria.
The Atlanta Rhythm Section performance was part of the Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series.
The Center and the concert series will present John Oates and The Good Road Band on Sunday, March 1. Tickets are available at The Center website, www. centerami.org/concerts/.
Sunday, March 1st
With Special Guest Patrick Sampson
JEFF HIGGINS/THE CENTER | SUBMITTED
The Atlanta Rhythm Section rocked The Center.
JEFF HIGGINS/THE CENTER | SUBMITTED Left, lead singer Rodney Justo, 81, is still going strong. Right, Bella Garland was the opening act.
Stimart family deemed Anna Maria’s Distinguished Citizens of the Year
Cindy Stimart led the shoreline replanting initiative.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The Stimart family has been named the city of Anna Maria’s Distinguished Citizens of the Year for 2025.
When announcing this year’s winner during the Thursday, Feb. 12, city com mission meeting, Mayor Mark Short said, “We received four excellent nominations this year and the committee unanimously selected the Stimart family for the efforts that they put forth to plant 30,000 plants along the north end of the Island, all along the beach there.”
Short said the Stimart family couldn’t attend that day’s meeting but they’ll be on hand to receive their award during the Thursday, March 12, commission meeting.
Past winner Carl Augostini was nominated again this year for the annual efforts he puts forth to repair and restore donated and discarded bicycles at his own expense so they can be given to underprivileged youngsters during the Christmas holidays. Anna Maria resident Janet Riley was nominated for her constant volunteerism at community events and fundraisers, at The Center of Anna Maria Island, with the Anna Maria Island Garden Club and more. Sun reporter Joe Hendricks, a Bradenton resident, was also nominated.
Husband and wife Cindy and Tryn Stimart led the beach replanting project in response to the shoreline impacts Hurricanes Helene and Milton inflicted in 2024. The Stimart family that splits their time between Lakewood Ranch and Anna Maria helped organize, fund and carry out the “Build Back the Beach” planting initiative that, in January 2025, resulted in more than 300 volunteers planting sea oats, panic grass, railroad vine (also known as morning glory) and dune sunflowers from Bean Point to Sycamore Avenue.
“Cindy Stimart exemplifies the very best of civic leadership, selflessness and community pride. Her extraordinary efforts and lasting impact make her a truly deserving recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award,” Pat Short (the mayor’s wife) wrote in her nomination letter.
Ben Sato, John Dicks and Janet Riley comprised the three-member selection committee, with assistance provided by Anna Maria Executive Assistant Barb Jeffries.
“Thank you to the committee members who participated in this, congratulations to all the nominees and congratulations to the Stimart family for being recognized as Anna Maria’s Distinguished Citizens of the Year,” Mayor Short said.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Tryn and Cindy Stimart spearheaded the “Build Back the Beach” initiative.
Sato Real Estate site plan approved
On Thursday, Feb. 12, Anna Maria City Commissioners unanimously approved the site plan application for Sato Real Estate’s office expansion project that will utilize a relocated cottage built in the 1920s. In October, the cottage was relocated from its original location on Willow Avenue to the rear of the Sato Real Estate property at 519 Pine Ave. The site plan approval allows local contractor Frank Agnelli and his crew to make the foundational preparations, utility connections and other remaining improvements needed to transform the relocated cottage into a second office space. The new space will complement the existing office space the Satos have long operated inside the historic Roser Cottage built in 1912. The site plan approval requires a six-foot high fence and landscape buffering to be installed between the Sato Real Estate property and neighboring Roser Church property that will provide additional offsite parking for the Sato Real Estate operations.
The relocated cottage will soon become part of the Sato Real Estate business operations.
Commission Chair Charlie Salem said he’d like to learn more about the cottage relocation process and he hopes the Satos’ efforts encourage and make it easier for others to relocate and preserve similar ground-level structures. “You really helped keep part of the character of the Island by doing this and I think we’d all like to do that moving forward,” Salem said, with Barbara Sato, and her son, Ben Sato, in attendance.
941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Lawn watering, water use restrictions enacted
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) Governing Board has declared a Modified Phase II “Severe” Water Shortage due to ongoing dry conditions across the region. As a result, all residents in Manatee County, including those on private wells, will be required to follow one-day-per-week outdoor watering restrictions through July 1.
According to the press release issued by Manatee County, “SWFWMD reported below-average rainfall during the 2025 summer rainy season and a current regional rainfall deficit of approximately 13 inches compared to the 12-month average. Water levels in aquifers, rivers, lakes and regional public water supplies continue to decline and are below normal for this time of year.”
In Manatee County, the standard one-day-per-week schedule is based on a property’s street address:
• Addresses ending in 0 or 1 are allowed to water on Monday.
• Addresses ending in 2 or 3 are allowed to water on Tuesday.
• Addresses ending in 4 or 5 are allowed to water on Wednesday.
• Addresses ending in 6 or 7 are allowed to water on Thursday.
• Addresses ending in 8 or 9, and locations without a discernible address, are allowed to water on Friday. Unless stricter local hours are enacted: Properties under two acres may water only before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. Properties two acres or larger may water only before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Low-volume irrigation (microirrigation, soaker hoses and hand watering) is allowed any day and time. Additional provisions of the Modified Phase II Order include: Homeowners associations and similar entities may not require increased water use for landscape appearance, plant replacement or pressure washing. Residential car washing is allowed only on the assigned watering day. Aesthetic fountains are limited to eight hours of operation per day. Pressure washing is allowed once per year or when preparing surfaces for painting or sealing. Manatee County is coordinating with code enforcement staff to ensure consistent enforcement of the Modified Phase II provisions. Warnings will be issued for first-time violations and second violations carry a $100 fine. Third violations carry a $250 fine and fourth and subsequent violations carry a $500 fine.
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WMFR: What statewide recognition says about West Manatee Fire Rescue
Across the fire service, communities experience varying models of prevention and leadership. In some jurisdictions, prevention exists primarily to meet minimum requirements. In others, it is fully integrated into executive planning and operational strategy. Independent recognition from statewide associations clearly recognizes that WMFR reflects the latter model, where leadership structure, professional qualifications and organizational culture are aligned with long-term community safety.
For residents and businesses alike, strong public safety leadership translates into consistency, predictability and long-term community resilience. Furthermore, this kind of recognition provides reassurance that
public safety services are being managed responsibly and with a focus on measurable outcomes. As Fire Chief Ben Rigney has noted, “Awards alone do not define success, but when they are conferred by external, peer-based associations like FFCA and FFMIA, they serve as meaningful indicators of organizational health and stewardship.”
Finally, as public safety challenges continue to evolve, agencies must plan carefully, invest wisely and maintain high professional standards. WMFR’s recognitions in 2025 highlight the importance of qualified leadership, empowered professionals and a prevention-centered strategy, reflecting an organization committed not only to responding effectively, but also to reducing risk and maintaining the confidence of the community it serves.
Investing: Self-service is no service. We offer in-person guidance.
John M. Campora, ChFC®, CRPC Financial Advisor
6400 Manatee Avenue West, Suite B Bradenton, FL 34209
941-779-2499
WMFR: Seeks additional funding
Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office is 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26. The special election is limited to registered voters in the WMFR district.
According to WMFR Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski, the WMFR district that operates as a special taxing district is currently funded only by a square footagebased annual assessment fee levied on property owners within the district.
Kwiatkowski said the district receives no additional funds from Manatee County or the cities WMFR serves, which includes all of Anna Maria Island, the village of Cortez and portions of west Bradenton.
Kwiatkowski said the WMFR district is the only fire district in Manatee County that is not funded by both an annual assessment fee and a millage rate-based ad valorem property tax.
If voters approve the referendum, the Board of Fire Commissioners will set the annual millage rate each year at a rate not to 1 mill – which equates to $1 per every $1,000 of assessed property value.
According to the ad valorem calculator posted at the WMFR website, the owner of a home in Holmes Beach with a taxable value of $548,958 would pay an additional $274 tax if the annual millage rate was set at .5 mills for that tax cycle. The WMFR tax would be $548 if the board set the annual rate at 1 mill.
Kwiatkowski said the district’s most recent annual operating budget was approximately $12 million and the district currently has 58 employees.
When asked how voter approval of the proposed property tax would impact the services provided by WMFR, Kwiatkowski
said the additional funds would help support WMFR staffing and facilities, infrastructure, emergency response apparatus and equipment and more.
“Everything is impacted by funding,” he said.
When asked what happens if the referendum fails, he said, “Because the other districts have both funding mechanisms in place and we do not, our funding could eventually, potentially, be far less than the other districts and that could create an imbalance. But, we would continue to provide the absolute best service that we can provide. In 2023, we were the Fire District of the Year in the state of Florida. Our staff are some of the best in the state. We’re going to work hard and serve the people of our district either way because we’re going to give them everything we have to protect the public. That’s not going to change.”
To learn more about the proposed tax, and to calculate the potential tax impact on your property, visit www.wmfr.org/ ad-valorem-calculator.
WMFR | SUBMITTED
West Manatee Fire and Rescue serves Anna Maria Island, the village of Cortez and portions of west Bradenton.
OUTDOORS
Scallopalooza 2026: “Taking Action to Preserve Our Bay”
n Saturday night, March 7, Sarasota Bay Watch will hold its 16th annual major fundraising event, Scallopalooza. This year’s theme is “Taking Action to Preserve Our Bay.” Scallopalooza is an annual fundraising gala that directly supports Sarasota Bay Watch’s mission to protect and restore Sarasota Bay through habitat restoration, water quality improvement, marine debris removal and environmental education programs.
Scallopalooza 2026 will be held at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium and the doors open at 5:30 p.m. Held annually in Sarasota, each year's Scallopalooza brings together supporters, community members and conservation advocates for an evening
of fundraising and celebration.
Individual tickets are $150 and the price decreases for tickets purchased for groups of six, eight or 10. Tickets can be purchased at www.sarasotabaywatch.org.
Your Scallopalooza ticket gives you access to the full gala experience, including an open bar, craft cocktails, great food, silent auction, raffles and the opportunity to support Sarasota
Bay Watch’s conservation initiatives.
The event is a coastal casual gala-style event. Guests are encouraged to wear relaxed yet stylish attire suitable for an evening by the bay. Coastal casual may include sundresses, linen shirts, lightweight button-downs, polos, dressy sandals or loafers. Comfortable, breathable fabrics and beach-inspired colors are perfect for this fundraising event.
Besides individual participation, Scallopalooza offers multiple sponsorship opportunity tiers for businesses and organizations that want to support Sarasota Bay Watch while gaining visibility in the community. Sponsorship packages include event recognition, marketing exposure and additional benefits.
All guests can participate in the silent auction and raffles during the event. These fundraising activities help generate additional support for Sarasota Bay Watch’s conservation programs.
If you would like to get involved with the work Sarasota Bay Watch is doing to protect Sarasota Bay, and support their mission, visit the Sarasota Bay Watch website. Make sure you take note of the organizations that are major sponsors of this important fundraising effort. As their motto says, “A healthy bay is everybody’s business,” literally and figuratively! I hope to see you there.
RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN
Members of Sarasota Bay Watch celebrate their work at the Neville Marine Preserve in Little Sarasota Bay.
RUSTY CHINNIS
2026 Anna Maria Island Sun Readers’ Choice
Auto Service
Bait
Bank (include location)
Bike Rental
Boating
Business Business People
& Places
ENTRY FORM (Must be completed for votes to be accepted)
People & Places Food & Entertainment
I am at least 18 years of age or
RULES
Please read carefully. To vote in The Sun’s Readers’ Choice Awards you must use an official entry ballot published in The Sun. Copies and faxes will not be accepted. The ballots will appear in The Sun on Feb. 11, Feb. 18, Feb. 25. Only one ballot per person is allowed. At least 10 CATEGORIES must be filled in for the ballot to count and the entry form must be completed. Complete ballots may be dropped off at Anna Maria Square, 3909 East Bay Drive, Ste. 210, Holmes Beach Anna Maria Chamber office 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach or you can mail it in to The Sun Newspaper, P.O. Box 14311,Bradenton, FL 34280.
All ballots must be in by Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at Noon. Prizes in the drawing may not be transferred. Winners are drawn at random from all entries and you don’t have to buy anything to win. Accepting the prizes means winners agree to the use of their names and photographs in subsequent ads and news stories. You must be 18 years or older to participate. Ballots which show signs of tampering will not be counted. We reserve the right to reject any ballot(s) or disqualify any contestant(s).
FESTIVAL: Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival attracts thousands
crowd. “We’re proud to be part of the community and continue to grow this festival because the preservation of our waters is one of the most important things, so fishing lives on forever.”
“We’re just blessed to have families that love this place so much to be here for five generations,” FISH Treasurer Jane von Hahmann told the crowd.
Awards were presented to Florida Maritime Museum curator Torey Chase and FISH and Cortez Village Historical Society volunteer Bob Hooper.
“This is for Torey Chase for the Cortez Village Community Service Award,” master of ceremonies Bob Slicker said.
Hooper received the Cortez volunteer service award.
“Bob (Hooper) is a volunteer for the past five years. He has reworked the firehouse kitchen. He has built the little gnome city at the Cortez Cultural Center. He’s the guy that if you need it done, he will get it done,” von Hahmann said.
Von Hahmann presented a community service award to the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island.
“The next award is going to a group on Anna Maria Island and they’re a small but mighty group of people. It’s the Anna
Maria Island Rotary Club,” von Hahmann said. “Nobody stepped up like they did after the two storms we had in 2024. Not only did they provide vouchers for replacement of appliances, but they also gave them bedding and they gave their time and energy to help clean up.”
When introducing Rotary Club member Judy Rupp, Slicker said, “Judy spent every day after the storm going to every single house around this neighborhood for months and months and months. When the storm happened, one of the first people I called was Judy.”
“Thank you very much. It was a pleasure and a privilege to work in Cortez,” Rupp said. “We just wanted the Cortezians to stay.”
The inaugural John Stevely Memorial Award went to Allen Garner. Garner has been working on the restoration of the FISH Preserve, which included land clearing, bridge and trail construction and a picnic pavilion.
“I am a member of the FISH board, but today I’m also a very proud son,” Alex Garner said. “My father is a born-and-raised Cortezian. He took that passion he had for this community and the waterfront and he brought that with him his entire life. Dad, you preserved not only the land, but the history and the way of life that make this village special,” Alex said.
A.P. Bell Fish Company owner Karen Bell presented the Pioneer Award to long-
time Cortez resident and fisherman Rich ard Culbreath, who was in attendance with his wife of 70 years and his extended family.
“I want to say on a personal note, I have known Richard and his family my entire life,” Bell said. “He is a man of integrity and honor and I feel lucky to have him in my life and part of this community.”
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
Shrimp and rice was served at the festival.
LESLIE LAKE | SUN Isaiah served grouper and crawfish at the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival.
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
Kim Williams and Brian Macias served grouper sandwiches. Below, Seth Miller participated in the fishermen’s fashion show.
REAL ESTATE
Frozen in place
For a long time, we’ve been saying that real estate is frozen in place, but on February 2nd it was confirmed by none other than Punxsutawney Phil. With respect to Phil, the polar vortex is what’s really causing the frigid weather we’ve been experiencing since early January. Furthermore, meteorologists are predicting that the extreme cold spell the eastern part of the country has been experiencing will be extended. So, how does the arctic air hanging around affect the housing market?
Castles in the Sand
housing market and give first-time buyers a foot on the property ladder.
The most helpful thing that can happen is the polar vortex keeps pushing down and putting pressure on the northeastern states, driving the homeowners who have been toying with the idea of moving south to finally say, “I’ve had enough of this.” But changes in the weather are only short-term. What the country needs is some long-term permanent programs that will jump-start the
In an effort to achieve this, the government is looking into a variety of system changes in financing and investing to help stimulate the process and the culture of the housing market. There are ideas being thrown into the pot by the president, Congress, bankers and builders – all aimed at property affordability.
The president offered the first step in his new housing plan by taking measures to ban Wall Street firms from buying single-family homes, easing up on the competition for first-time buyers.
He also announced a plan to let Americans tap into their 401(k) retirement plans for a down payment.
Next came mortgage policies, starting with a 50-year mortgage. Sounds crazy? It did to me at first, but it also sounded crazy when we started financing smartphones and long-term loans for our cars, not to mention leasing. Yes, it’s true that you will likely never pay off the 50-year mortgage, but in reality most homeowners don’t pay off a 30-year mortgage, so why not give them the opportunity to build equity and have the pride of ownership?
However, the downside of a 50-year mortgage is increasing the housing shortage even more and pushing prices higher. The same with lowering the mortgage rates: according to the AEI Housing Center analysis, if mortgage rates fall to 4.5%, for example, without an increase in housing supply, home prices would increase by one-tenth over the next three years.
Finally, government officials and builders alike feel that flooding the market with new affordable housing may get first-time buyers into a home but will negatively affect the people that already have a home. The end result of this will be driving down home prices for both new construction and current homeowners. Therefore, as you can see, there is no quick fix. Whatever happens in the real estate market affects the entire economy, so it has to be tweaked very carefully. Likewise, since all real estate is local –driven by local zoning, environmental and land-use policies – coming up with a national policy will be virtually impossible.
On February 2nd, Phil the groundhog came out of his underground home, saw his shadow and ran right back in. Since Phil is never wrong, we can look forward to six more weeks of cold, cold weather, but will it keep real estate frozen too? Only Phil knows.
LOUISE BOLGER
Doyle and Reese prevail
Steve Doyle, left, and Del Reese, right, hold the winner’s trophy after a 22-7 win over Bob Mason and Bob Baker in the final match at Anna Maria Horseshoes on Wednesday, Feb. 11. On Saturday, Feb. 14, four teams met in a playoff after each went 3-0 during pool play. In the semi-finals, Bob Hawks and Bob Mason took out Billy Silver and Jay Disbrow 21-1, while Reese and Tom Farrington moved on after a 22-6 win over Bob Lee and Bill Galbally. In the final, Reese and Farrington jumped out to a 14-0 lead but could not hold on and they lost 21-17 to Hawks and Mason to win the day’s competition.
Key Royale Golf Club scores
MONDAY, FEB. 9 - MODIFIED STABLEFORD & SKINS GAME
First place: Tom Solosky, +5
Second place: Ed Harrel, Ron Huibers, Greg Shorten, +4
One skin: Eric Lawson, hole 5
TUESDAY, FEB. 10 - LOW NET SCORE & LOW PUTS
Flight A
First place: Judy Christenson, 28
Second place: Linda Brockway, Lisa Edmonds, 32
Third place: Rene Champan, Debbie DuVernay, 33
Flight B
First place: Anette Hall, 27
Second place: Judy Menchek, 28
Third Place: Sue Wheeler, 34
Low putts: Terry Westby, 13
Chip-ins: Connie Livanos, hole 9, Jan Turner, hole 3
THURSDAY, FEB. 12 - SCRAMBLE/SHAMBLE COMBO, PAR 50
First place team: Eric Lawson, Jana Samuels, Larry Solberg, 45
Second place team: Dave DuVernay, Marcia and Tim Friesen, Bob Paine, 46
Third place team: Tim Dunigan, Jenny and Ron Huibers, Bill MacMillan, 48
McCalls Beach Castle Condo 5310 Gulf of Mexico Dr., #16, LBK 2BR/2BA/ A4673264/ $699,000
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Perico Bay Club
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Runaway Bay Condo 1801 GulfDrN., #160, BradentonBeach
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Trailer Estates Mobile Home 6519 TexasStreet, Bradenton 2BR/1.5BA
A4676206/ $180,000
Marsha Winegarden (248) 563-2820
Elfi Starrett (941) 720-3528
ANNA MARIA HORSESHOES | SUBMITTED
Jeff
Andrew & Brooke Doucett
Betsy Hagan Chelsea Oelker
Kathy Harman
Dee Munn
Scott Toland
George Myers
Suzy Korinek
Amy Ward
Hannah Hillyard
PIER FUNDS: County commission approves $2 million for City Pier project
MANATEE COUNTY | SUBMITTED
County Commissioner George Kruse expects the city officials to approve an Anna Maria ferry stop.
FROM PAGE 5
county will come to an agreement that allows that to happen. Falcione estimated the county-funded ferry landing will cost the county at least another $1 million. Ballard, who also chairs the TDC, questioned the county committing $2 million to the City Pier replacement project without having a firm commitment from the city for a ferry stop. “What I hear you saying is not a very
MANATEE COUNTY | SUBMITTED
Manatee County Commissioner Amanda Ballard opposed the $2 million funding agreement.
strong statement that the ferry will be able to land at the new pier as it did in the past,” Ballard said.
When addressing that concern, County Commissioner George Kruse said,
“Here’s the reality. We never have any assurance of anything. However, we have relationships with our municipalities. Relationships are fragile. We’ve spent a lot of money in good faith on these boats because we had some assurance of a landing where these boats need to go. They’re not day cruises that we go out to the Gulf and come back after catching a few fish. They’re supposed to take people someplace and they’re alleviating the traffic on the Island more than they’re alleviating traffic for unincorporated Manatee County.
“And if by chance we do not have that after we put $2 million into that pier, used our political capital up in Tallahassee to advocate for an appropriation and spent money on a larger, enclosed boat to get there, then that’s going to have a significant impact in terms of the trust factor between the municipalities. We’re spending this money in good faith that we’re going to have a place put this boat when it gets there. We have a great relationship with all three of those Island cities right now, but those
MANATEE COUNTY | SUBMITTED
County Commissioner Tal Siddique expects continued cooperation between the city and the county regarding a ferry landing.
relationships only last when they’re reciprocal in both ways. So, I would anticipate this not being an issue going forward,” Kruse said.
Echoing Kruse’s sentiments, Siddique said, “At the end of the day, trust is a two-way street. We’re willing to work with you if you’re willing to work with us. But after the investment we’ve made into this pier, if you’re not going to work with us, and you’re just going to spit in our faces, I am not going to work with any city in this county that does this to us.”
Kruse made the motion to approve the execution of the up to $2 million interlocal agreement between the city and the county and Siddique seconded the motion.
Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short addressed the commissioners before they cast their votes. He said the city and the county have a good working relationship and he agrees that it’s in everyone’s best interest to maintain that relationship as the pier and ferry landing projects move forward.
“I understand the concerns about that water ferry landing. We have been working with the county on different options and that will continue,” Short said.
Short noted the pier replacement permits the city received from the Army Corps of Engineers and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection require the new pier walkway to be built in the exact same footprint as the previous pier walkway. Short said those permits don’t allow the county’s ferry landing to be included as part of the walkway replacement project and the ferry landing must be pursued as a separate future project.
MANATEE COUNTY | SUBMITTED Mayor Mark Short addressed the county commission.
We’re
spending this money in good faith that we’re going to have a place put this boat when it gets there.”
George Kruse, Manatee County Commissioner
THIRD FERRY
When speaking to The Sun on Friday, Feb. 13, Falcione said the new ferry boat is expected to begin service soon between the Bradenton Riverwalk Pier and the Bradenton Beach Pier. He said the floating dock next to the Bradenton Beach Pier that currently accommodates the 30,000-pound pontoon ferry boats can also accommodate the new boat that weighs approximately 100,000 pounds.
“The city of Bradenton Beach, led by Mayor Chappie, have been great partners. We are getting really close to putting the third ferry into operation –close as in this month. It’s paramount that we get this new boat in service. During the last couple weekends, the winds prohibited us from using the pontoon catamarans. If we had the third ferry running, it would have cut through those winds and chop. The number one priority is getting that third ferry into service,” Falcione said.
CENTER SCOREBOARD
8-11 ALL GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 5)
Print Wizards 27 (4-0-1)
Sato Real Estate 6 (3-1-1)
Emily Moss Designs 19 (2-3-0) Poppo’s Taqueria 0 (0-5-0)
8-10 FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 5)
Adrian Griffin Interiors 19 (4-0-0)
Sato Real Estate 14 (1-3-0)
Shady Lady Horticultural Services 19 (4-0-0)
Solid Rock Construction 0 (2-3-0)
USA Fence 25 (3-2-0)
Grooms Motors & Automotive 15 (0-4-0)
11-13 FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 5)
82 West Home Inspections 14 (5-0-0)
Impact Florida Windows 13 (2-3-0)
Sato Real Estate 35 (2-3-0)
G.I. Bins 0 (0-5-0)
Reed Physical Therapy & Fitness 26 (2-3-0)
Cloud Pest Control 8 (1-4-0)
Slim’s Place 28 (5-0-0) USA Fence 6 (3-2-0)
14-17 FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 5)
Swordfish Grill 31 (4-0-0)
HSH Design 13 (1-3-0)
Solid Rock Construction 34 (2-3-0)
Wings ‘N Things 20 (1-4-0)
Moss Builders 39 (4-0-0)
MI-Box 19 (1-3-0)
ADULT FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 4)
Moss Air 14 (1-2)
Reel Coastal Properties 6 (2-1)
The Fish Guy Aquarium Services 40 (3-0)
Sandbar 20 (1-2)
Beach House Real Estate 33 (2-1)
Salty Printing 28 (1-2)
Coaster Continent 41 (3-0)
Solid Rock Construction 40 (1-2)
Edible Cookie Dough Café 27 (1-2)
Slim’s Place 24 (0-3)
ADULT 35+ SOCCER (WEEK 5)
MG Construction 8 (2-2-0)
Bubble Binz 5 (1-2-1)
Hogan’s Pool Service & Repair 5 (3-0-1)
Language Services Associates 2 (1-3-0)
ADULT INDOOR SOCCER (WEEK 5)
Pool America 13 (2-2-0)
Salty Printing 3 (1-2-1)
Solid Rock Construction 10 (1-2-1)
Slim’s Place 10 (1-2-1)
OBITUARIES
Katherine “Kit” Redeker
Katherine ‘Kit’ Redeker, 96, passed away peacefully on Feb. 7, 2026.
Born on Jan. 14, 1930, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to the late John and Grace Klosterman, Katherine enjoyed her large family of eight brothers and one sister.
She graduated from Kalamazoo Christian High School in 1948. She married the love of her life, Dale Russell Redeker Sr., on May 22, 1951. They had a year-long honeymoon in Panama while Dale served in the United States Army. Kit and Dale had four children: Dale Jr. (Marilyn), who proceeded his parents in 2011, and Susan, David and Timothy (Laura). Katherine adored her granddaughters, Sedona (Allen) Crow and Abrye Redeker.
Over the years, on a sunny day, you might have seen Kit riding her three-wheel bike around Anna Maria Island as she visited Anna Maria Island businesses to collect bingo prizes for the Annie Silver Community Center. She was known for her kindness and great sense of humor, and she will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held at CrossPointe Fellowship in Holmes Beach on Friday, Feb. 20, at 11 a.m. In June, a memorial service will be held at Hope Reformed Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
FUN IN THE SUN
CLASSIFIEDS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BRIDGE GAMES EVERY FRIDAY 12:30 at Roser church starting February 6, 2026. call 314-324- 5921.
BOAT SLIP NEEDED
ISO boat slip for sale preferably that already has a lift & water & will fit min of 22’ center console. . Kelly Gitt The Gitt Team Keller Williams on the Water 941-799-9299.
COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE
HAVE YOU BEEN thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! Duplexes, multi family, small resorts? Call BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216
CLEANING SERVICE
TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570 or 941-565-3931
EMPLOYMENT
MAINTENANCE MAN NEEDED part -time hotel on Anna Maria Island please call: 941-778-1010
GARAGE SALE
YARD SALE Friday & Saturday 2/20 & 2/21, 9-2pm. 529 67th St. Holmes Bch, FL
HEALTH CARE
NOW AVAILABLE HEALTH CARE at your home by Certified Nursing Assistant! 12 years experience. Call Dennis Church 815519-3993
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
RENOVATION SPECALIST
ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-725-0073.
KERN & GILDER CONSTRUCTION, INC New Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CBC 1261150. Call the Office. 941-778-1115. OFFICE ADDRESS: 1878 59th Street W Bradenton, FL 34209
GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 20+ years. Call Neil. Cell 941-962-1194
JSAN CORPORATION
Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.
GORILLA DRYWALL REPAIR, LLC. 15+ years of experience. Free Estimates. Let’s solve your Drywall problems together. Call 941-286-0607.
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
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 941-685-0045.
LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE
R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941
ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal. Sweeping, blowing, and weeding. Weekly, bimonthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing. Call Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315
SHELL DRIVEWAYS & LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell and Lime rock driveways and scapes. Also River Rock, Sand, Mulch, & Soil. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067
MOVING & STORAGE
MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-809-5777.
PAINTING & WALLCOVERING
PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates. 941-812-0507
“WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Wallpaper installation/ removal. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455
DONALD PERKINS ABRACADABRA PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-705-7096
PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident. Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Minor repairs & carpentry. Free estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315
RETIRED LIFETIME PAINTER. Works alone. $27 per hour. Insured 502817-6786
PEST CONTROL
ANNA MARIA PEST CONTROL Call 941-7781630
POOL SERVICES
FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 18 + Years Experience. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657
COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-713-1893
PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS
TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941-565-3931.
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
RENTALS: ANNUAL
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PRICED TO SELL!
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PERICO ISLAND single family home 3BR/2BA lake views, newer roof, a/c, 2 car garage $595,000. Sharon Hightower RE/MAX Alliance Group 941-330-5054
ISLAND SINGLE FAMILY HOME 3BR/2BA pool, immaculate, elevated, 2 car garage walk to the beach. $1,330,000. weekly rental, call Sharon Hightower RE/ MAX Alliance Group 941-330-5054
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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.
AMI BRADENTON BEACH 6 month or one year lease. Furnished 2BR/1BA. $1700/mo water, cable TV, internet included. Call/ Text 517-548-1327
ANNUAL HOLMES BEACH duplex, 2BR/1.5BA, unfurnished, elevated with covered parking and storage. Close to beach, shops, and restaurants. $2600/mo. Call 941-779-7822
RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION
ANNA MARIA ISLAND CONDOS Large pool, beach access, free WiFi, 1&2 Bedroom $900 to $1200 per week redekercondosonami.com Tim 941-704-7525
TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455
SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates. Contact Barb Grace 941-201-2190
JANUARY- MARCH 2027- Looking for a cute 1 bedroom villa close to the beach for 3 months? $5,700/mo + taxes/fees. Give us a call! Fran Maxon Real Estate 941-778-2307 rentals@franmaxon realestate.com.
TRANSPORTATION
ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete $85. Sarasota $40. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-779-5095
BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY
CITY PIER: FEMA obligates
FROM PAGE 4
that town hall about the overcrowding on the pier, especially if the general consensus seems to lean towards a restaurant,”
Arendt said. “And there was concern about safety and having way too many people on that pier at one time.”
When discussing the future use of the vacant pier building, the mayor and commissioners are factoring in the county’s desire to utilize the City Pier area as a landing spot for the county’s new $3 million enclosed ferry boat that will carry approximately 96 passengers. The new boat offers twice the capacity of the 49-passenger pontoon ferry boats that began landing at the City Pier’s public boat landing in January 2024.
Arendt said the commission also needs to decide if the building formerly occupied by Mote Marine will remain an enclosed structure or be transformed into an open-air structure that provides more open space and possibly more seating for ferry passengers and other pier users.
McMullen said he prefers an open-air restaurant/tiki bar that serves seafood and provides additional seating space for ferry passengers.
Arndt said an open-air restaurant would be more weather-dependent than a fully enclosed structure.
McMullen said other Island restaurants use drop-down curtains and space heaters to offset weather conditions.
Business partners Brian Seymour, Vic Mattay and Nick Graham operated their City Pier Grill & Bait Shop in the smaller pier building from December 2020 until Hurricane Milton rendered that pier space unreachable and unusable in October 2024. The grill operations featured window service for food and beverages and provided no indoor seating.
During the town hall meeting, Seymour expressed interest in leasing the larger pier building too. He said it may not make financial sense to resume the City Pier Grill operations in the smaller building only – for which they have 15 months remaining on their original and temporarily suspended five-year lease.
$3.59 million
for City Pier project
MANATEE COUNTY | SUBMITTED
County staff presented these potential ferry landing concepts to city commissioners in May 2025.
On Feb. 12, Commissioner Charlie Salem said he doesn’t expect the city to have more clarity on the county’s ferry landing plans before the commission decides the future use of the vacant pier building.
“We’re going to have to move forward with what we think is the best use for the pier and take into account as many variables as we can,” he said.
“First and foremost, we have to decide what we do with our pier, irregardless
of what the county wants in the ferry landing,” McMullen said. “It’s up to us if they have a big ferry on our pier and how we accommodate that.”
Participating by phone, Commissioner John Lynch said the first priority is to determine what’s best for the city regarding the use of the vacant pier building. He said the second priority is to determine how the city can accommodate a ferry landing When providing public input, construction company
owner Frank Agnelli asked if the new pier walkway is being built to accommodate a larger ferry boat that weighs approximately 100,000 pounds.
Short said the county was told from day one that the ferry landing must be a separate structure that’s connected to the City Pier by a walkway or gangway.
“The (county) commission did approve the $2 million to assist the city with respect to rebuilding the pier. The county commission was not happy that we have not given them an absolute commitment that the water ferry landing will end up somewhere at our pier. They expressed some concern about that being a scenario that may not happen, but we have to do what we believe is the right thing for our pier. A water ferry landing has to accommodate our pier, not the other way around.”
Salem said county officials should be encouraged to attend the city commission workshop to get a better understanding of the city’s ferry landing concerns and considerations.
