Anna Maria Island Sun February 25, 2026

Tom Vaught: a newspaper man who loved, and was loved

Commission disputes former city attorney’s billing invoices

An audit of the former city attorney’s invoices revealed “false or incorrect billing entries.”

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN REPORTER | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – City officials acknowledge the city is responsible to pay former city attorney Ricinda Perry $23,782 for services she provided in September and invoiced the city for in October.

However, the mayor and city commissioners do not intend to pay the remainder of the $167,674 in bulk invoices Perry sent the city in October for services she provided dating back to January 2025.

Perry retired as city attorney on Sept. 18.

During the Feb. 19 city commission meeting, City Attorney Erica Augello

was authorized to send a letter to Perry regarding the invoices in question. The letter states the recent audit of Perry’s invoices conducted by City Treasurer Shayne Thompson revealed “false or incorrect billing entries.”

According to the letter to be sent to Perry after Thursday’s meeting, her

INVOICES, PAGE 9

Tom Vaught spent nearly 20 years as a reporter for The Sun.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Longtime Anna Maria Island Sun reporter Tom Vaught passed away on Friday, Feb. 20, at the age of 78.

Tom retired from the Sun in 2020 as he was beginning to cope with the onset of Parkinson’s disease and dementia – conditions that were starting to impact his ability to do what he loved: being a community newspaper reporter.

Tom passed away while receiving hospice care at the Aviata at Palma Sola Bay skilled nursing facility in west Bradenton. He is survived by his beloved wife, Darcy Lee Marquis (Vaught), whom he married on Easter Day, April 15, 2001, on a beach in Holmes Beach.

He’s also survived by his brother, Mike Vaught, who lives in Bradenton; Jennifer Vaught, his daughter from a previous marriage, who lives in Denver, Colorado; and his adopted daughter, Katie Vaught, who also lives in Denver.

On Thursday, Feb. 19, Tom was visited by a Tidewell Hospice chaplain. With Darcy lying by Tom’s side, the chaplain told Tom he’d soon be entering the arms of God. When she finished

SEE TOM VAUGHT, PAGE 11

Boyd amendment could impact proposed cruise port

As of Monday, a similar amendment had not been introduced in the Florida House.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com

TALLAHASSEE – Senate President Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton) filed an amendment to Senate Bill 302 that if fully adopted might make it more challenging to do the dredging needed to accommodate a proposed Knott-Cowen Cruise Port in the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve.

Boyd filed his amendment on Feb. 18. The following day, the Florida Senate voted 38-0 in favor of adding that additional language to the previously filed Senate bill.

As of mid-day Monday, Feb. 23, a similar amendment had not been

introduced in the Florida House of Representatives. Without a matching bill supported by the House, the Senate bill, as now amended, would fail to become new state law. The Florida Legislature’s 2026 legislative session is scheduled to end on March 13. The Florida Senate website lists House Bill 1035 as the rebill to SB 302. As of Feb. 23, the most recent amendment to the House Bill occurred on Feb. 16, and that amendment was not similar to Boyd’s amendment.

In January, Tampa-based Slip Knott LLC and cruise ship terminal operator SSA Marine announced they were exploring the development of a multi-berth cruise ship port in northwest Manatee County on the

SEE BOYD, PAGE 5

FACEBOOK | SUBMITTED

The annual Food and Wine on Pine was one of the many events Tom Vaught covered.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Ricinda Perry announced her immediate retirement on Sept. 18.

BY JOE HENDRICKS

SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com

‘Captain Scott’ shares his lifetime tales

HOLMES BEACH – Longtime Holmes Beach resident and wellrespected fishing guide “Captain Scott” Moore spent an hour sharing tales of his 50 years on Anna Maria Island.

He spoke to approximately 70 people in the community room at the Island Branch Library in Holmes Beach on Thursday, Feb. 19, as part of the Friends of the Island Library lecture series.

After being introduced by Friends of the Island Library volunteer Nancy Deal, Moore set sail on a freewheeling, stream of conscious-style lecture, working without script or a PowerPoint presentation.

Moore said when he was six months old his dad moved the family from Cape Cod Massachusetts to Florida because his dad couldn’t afford the taxes on their Cape Cod home. They eventually wound up in west Bradenton and that’s where he grew up – making many friends on Anna Maria Island along the way.

He said he was standing on the beach one day with his dad watching two fancy charter boats offshore and the men on the boats were whooping it up because they caught a large fish.

“I looked at my dad and said, ‘That’s what I want to do when I grew up.’ And I’ve been blessed to do that,” he said.

He went to Manatee High School but didn’t graduate. He spent time work ing in some of the Island’s notable restaurants, including Trader Jack’s in Bradenton Beach, the Sandbar in Anna Maria and Patty George’s in Longboat Key. He said he was running the kitchen at Patty George’s in the late 70s when told the owner he was going to get his captain’s license.

“There were no guides that fished the bay. They all fished the Gulf,” Moore said of charter fishing business at that time.

He said fishing guides have to catch fish, but they also must entertain their clients – and that’s part of what makes a good fishing guide.

He said John F. Kennedy was once on his boat and that’s still among the highlights of his life. Even though he’s semi-retired, Moore still books more

than a 100 tours a year.

“It’s a nice living, but it’s hard,” he said, noting his son, Justin, is a successful fishing guide.

He told a story about how he was sitting out on the City Pier one early morning drinking coffee and he saw a big tail come out of the water and all the sudden there was a 40-foot sperm

whale splashing around near the back

He said he left to go fishing, and when he returned, some men had tied a rope around the whale’s tail so they could tow it out into deeper water. But, sadly, the next day the ailing whale

He discussed the important role clams and oysters play in cleaning and improving the quality of our natural waters and he encouraged people not to use nitrogen-based fertilizers on

He talked about how well Anna Maria Island recovered from the back-to-back hurricanes that struck in 2024 and said the three Island mayors did a good job dealing with a scenario they were never trained for.

He said he’d like to see a boat ramp at the old Annie’s/Seafood Shack property now owned by the county and he hopes the county someday buys Rattlesnake Key.

In closing, he expressed his gratitude to have lived on Anna Maria Island at such a special time in the Island’s history.

NOW SERVING BOARS HEAD SUB S& SANDWICHES

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Scott Moore educated and entertained the lecture attendees.

ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

Talham sworn in as city commissioner Bradenton Beach resident Robert Talham was sworn in as the new Ward 4 city commissioner by City Clerk Terri Sanclemente during the Feb. 19 Community Redevelopment Agency meeting. Talham fills the seat vacated by former city commissioner Jan Vosburgh, who retired on Nov. 20, ending her 11-year tenure representing Ward 4.

Anna Maria Commission meets Thursday

The Anna Maria City Commission will meet Thursday, Feb. 26, at 10 a.m. After general public comment, the commission will be asked to approve the consent agenda that seeks commission authorization for new City Treasurer Randy Maxson to sign checks, access the city’s investment accounts and conduct certain financial transactions. The consent agenda also seeks commission approval of a city resolution that establishes the annual vacation rental registration fee. The once-a-year registration fee is being increased to $100.20 for every rental occupant allowed by the city’s vacation rental ordinance. The proposed annual fee ranges from $400.80 for a four-occupant vacation rental to $2,905.80 for a 29-occupant rental. Under action items, the commission will be asked to adopt on second and final reading a city ordinance that makes it easier to repair or replace an existing seawall. The commission will also be asked to adopt on second and final reading a parks and recreation ordinance that establishes new regulations for commercial beach and park activities, including beach cabana rentals. Thursday’s agenda does not include a commission discussion about the future use of the City Pier building formerly occupied by Mote Marine. To access Thursday’s meeting by phone, call 1-929-205-6099 and, when prompted, enter the meeting ID: 85392000280.

Correction

The West Manatee Fire Rescue District and the Parrish Fire Rescue District are the only two fire districts in Manatee County that are not partially funded by a millage rate-based ad valorem property tax assessment. A story in last week’s Sun said there was only one such district in the county.

Clarification

Chapter 1601 AMI Women of the Moose assisted with the Sports Lounge chili cook-off fundraiser on Feb. 1. The AMI Women of the Moose donated the hot dogs that were sold for chili dogs, sold home-baked banana bread loaves for $10 each and sold $5 grab bags that contained jewelry and other donated items valued from $5 to $80. The Women of the Moose’s participation in the fundraiser was not mentioned in The Sun’s event coverage.

Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

Stop work order issued at Bradenton Beach Marina

The stop work order was lifted after the unpermitted poles were removed.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN REPORTER | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Acting

Building Official Robert Perry issued a stop work order at the Bradenton Beach Marina property after wooden poles were erected without a city permit.

The Feb. 9 stop work order signed by Perry states “work was commenced without permit, approval.” The stop work order lists the property address as 402 Church Ave.

According to Code Enforcement Officer Evan Harbus, the stop work order was lifted after the poles were subsequently removed from the ground.

Harbus stated that as of Feb. 19, there have been no permit requests submitted for a tiki structure at that property.

According to the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office, the marina property at 402 Church Street is owned by the Bazzy Marine Corporation. The 2026 Florida Profit Corporation annual report filed with the Florida Division of Corporations lists Shawn Kaleta as the company president and Louis Najmy and Patrick Bryant as vicepresidents. The Nautilus Bar also operates on the marina property.

PRIOR

STOP WORK ORDER

This is not the first time a stop work order was issued at the marina for work that allegedly began prior to permitting.

In March 2024, a cease-anddesist order on the Nautilus Bar was issued by Building Official Darin Cushing, who’s no longer with the city.

Cushing said he saw an announcement of the bar’s opening on Facebook but he said the opening occurred prior to receiving city permits.

“We received an application for the building permit on April 9,” Cushing told The Sun in 2024.

“After several reviews by the

building department and the fire marshal’s office, the permit was issued on May 1.”

Cushing said an after-the-fact permit is issued when much of the work is already completed.

MARINA EXPANSION PLANS

A plan to replace the marina’s dry storage and boat repair activities with restaurants and retail operations were discussed during the Jan. 16, 2025, Community Redevelopment Agency meeting by then-City Attorney Ricinda Perry.

“There were plans discussed and presented to the building official prior to the hurricane, consisting of interior wall adjustments within the marina building itself, where dry storage is,” Perry said.

Perry said boat repairs and the storage of damaged and derelict vessels sometimes result in oil, gasoline and chemical spills. The goal would be to replace those business activities with services that help create a more functional marina that serves day-trippers, overnight visitors, yachts and others to create “a more functioning commercial segment up there.”

During that 2025 discussion, Mayor John Chappie asked if the marina owner was looking to provide overnight stays on the site.

“There’s also been some talk about whether or not it would make sense financially for them to have a few rooms for overnighting, perhaps on the second floor above the Nautilus Bar, looking over the water,” Perry said. “There’s also been talk about what was described to me as a staging area for food trucks and bands and a kid’s playground. Right now, the only thing that’s been presented to Darin (Cushing) was just taking the internal side of that, partitioning it off and taking out the dry storage and putting in shops and restaurants. The plan, as I understood, is to eliminate all the dry storage inside, all of the boat repairs that are inside, and install retail and restaurants that you can access from the outside as you’re walking down both sides of that marina.”

Perry noted the uninsured marina docks sustained significant damage during Hurricane Helene and it would cost the marina owners millions of dollars to repair them.

An Instagram post shared in March 2024, before the hurricanes struck, included several images of a potential food truck court and outdoor dining area to be created on the marina property. To date, those plans have not materialized.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

In 2025, this sign advertised restaurants and shops coming to The Boatyard and the Nautilus Bar

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

BOYD: amendment could impact proposed cruise port

Knott-Cowen tract of land near Rattlesnake Key and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

That announcement was met with petitions, protests and significant public backlash against the proposed cruise port that has not yet been subjected to any public hearings as part of the permitting process that would entail the Manatee County Commission at some point.

THE AMENDMENT

Boyd’s senate-supported amendment says, “No further dredging or filling of the submerged lands of the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve shall be approved or tolerated by the board except:

“(a) Such minimum dredging and spoiling as may be authorized for public navigation projects or for such minimum dredging and spoiling as may be constituted as a public necessity.

“(b) Such other alteration of physical conditions, including the placement of riprap, as may be necessary to enhance the quality and utility of the preserve.

“(c) Such dredging as is necessary for the purpose of eliminating conditions

hazardous to the public health or for the purpose of eliminating stagnant waters, islands and spoil banks, the dredging of which would enhance the aesthetic and environmental quality and utility of the preserve and be clearly in the public interest as determined by the board.

“(d) Such minimum dredging and filling as may be authorized for the

creation and maintenance of marinas, public boat ramps, piers and docks, and their attendant navigation channels and access roads. Such projects may be authorized only upon a specific finding by the board that there is assurance that the project will be constructed and operated in a manner that will not adversely affect the water

quality and utility of the preserve. This paragraph may not be construed to authorize the connection of upland canals to the waters of the preserve.

“Any dredging and filling pursuant to paragraph (a), paragraph (b) or paragraph (c) shall be approved by the board only after public notice as provided,” the amendment says.

According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, “The boundary of the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve starts at the south end of Port Manatee and extends out into Tampa Bay. The preserve extends as far south as Emerson Point, on the northern bank of the Manatee River. Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve includes several embayments such as Terra Ceia Bay and Bishop Harbor, along with tidal creeks like Frog Creek and McMullen Creek.”

SB 302

SB 302 addresses “Coastal Resiliency.” According to the bill summary listed at the Florida Senate website says the bill addresses, “Prohibiting the board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund from ap-

SEE BOYD, PAGE 13

GOOGLE MAPS | SUBMITTED

The Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve is highlighted in darker blue.

The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff

General Manager

Bob Alexander

Editor

Joe Hendricks

Reporters | Photographers

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Leslie Lake

Columnists

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Contributors

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Layout

Ricardo Fonseca

Advertising Director

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Classified Ads

Bob Alexander

Graphics

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Ricardo Fonseca

Distribution

Bob Alexander

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Accounting

Leslie Ketchum

©2026

Longboard Communications Inc.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

A farewell to Tom

Tom Vaught was the kindest, funniest, most humble person I ever worked with in the news business, and he and his wife, Darcy, and I became instant friends.

Tom worked for the Island Free Press and The Dolphin before they folded, then The Bradenton Herald, where I first knew him. He joined The Anna Maria Island Sun as a reporter more than 25 years ago, shortly before I did, and worked there until his retirement.

I hated saying goodbye to him then, and I hate it even more now.

Almost 10 years ago, former Channel 8 News anchor Bob Hite, a fellow U.S. Marine, helped me talk Tom into telling his war stories about Vietnam for a multimedia Veterans Day piece in The Sun.

It started with a photo over his desk of a scene from “Apocalypse Now” where Robert Duvall tells his troops, “Charlie don’t surf.” As a surfer, I asked Tom what that meant. He said that it reminded him of when he surfed at China Beach in Vietnam while on leave. The enemy never took a break to surf, he said. Then he joked, in his self-deprecating way, that surfing was the closest he came to dying during the war, and that his epitaph could have been, “He surfed his country well.”

Classic Tom, like his signature Hawaiian shirts and his impression of DJ Adrian Cronauer saying “Good morning, Vietnam!”

One Fourth of July, Tom and Darcy came to my home for a fireworks display. We had a great view from my porch overlooking the Gulf, where the fireworks were being launched from a barge. Sometime during the Jimi Hendrix version of “The Star-Spangled Banner” that was playing on my turntable, he went inside. I thought he wanted to hear the song better, but it turns out the fireworks reminded him a little too much of the war.

It’s no surprise that Peace Day at Anna Maria Elementary School became one of Tom’s favorite annual assignments. He also looked forward to covering the Easter sunrise service at Manatee Beach every year, and playing Santa Claus at Island Christmas events.

He loved the movie “Network,” and often declared in the newsroom, “I’m mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!” He also never got enough of the movie, “All the President’s Men,” because it showed that even rookie reporters can shine when a good editor stands up for them.

Tom and I were both radio news reporters back when we had to disassemble pay phone receivers and hook up the wires to a tape deck to transmit interviews back to the control room. He told me once that in Colorado, working in radio news, “I was in heaven.”

Now, he undoubtedly is.

Cindy Lane Bradenton

Help keep the Island a special place

From now until after Easter, our Island will be stressed to the limits by visitors who get to see why we choose to live on Anna Maria Island.

The Island is a wonderful place to live and all three cities on Anna Maria Island have something special to offer. Bradenton Beach has Coquina Beach, as well as Bridge Street which offers fun, restaurants dancing and latenight entertainment. Holmes Beach is the largest city on the Island and offers a pristine and public Manatee Beach and great places to eat and shop. The city of Anna Maria offers the north end of the Island’s beautiful beaches, shopping on Pine Avenue and great places to eat

Enjoy yourself and remember an Island of approximately 4,000 people explodes to around 30,000 people this time of year. All three Island cities have their own public works departments that maintain the infrastructure. The staffing does not increase during tourist season, so your help would be very much appreciated. Please use our trash cans at the end of the beach access points. We would love for you to pick up after yourself and dispose of your trash properly and anything else you can do would be appreciated.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Drive carefully in your rented golf carts and e-bikes and watch the surroundings around you. If you don’t feel like dealing with the traffic, grab the Free Island Trolley or call the Monkey Bus to get wherever you want to go on the Island without the hassle of looking for a parking spot.

As Island residents, we want you to have a good time, but remember that the

next-door neighbor where you’re staying may live here year-round and may have to work tomorrow. Please keep the volume down and be respectful of your neighbors, like you would if this was your home. Smile and have a good time. We all appreciate that you decided to spend your vacation with us islanders who at one point were visitors like you.

Please help keep the Island a special place for families to visit and make memories.

Carol Whitmore, Holmes Beach

ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

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

Thursday, Feb. 26, 10 a.m., City Commission meeting Monday, March 2, 5:30 p.m., Stormwater Vulnerability Public Workshop, 5:30 p.m. at The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave.

EVENTS

TUESDAY, FEB. 24

Tingley Memorial Library grand reopening, 111 Second Street N., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to noon.

TUESDAY, FEB. 24, MARCH 3

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, March 4, 1 p.m., Planning and Zoning Board meeting

Thursday, March 5, 6 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

Wednesday, March 4, 10 a.m., Parks and Beautification Committee meeting

Wednesday, March 4, 3:30 p.m., Planning 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.

SATURDAY, FEB. 28, Springfest arts and crafts show, City Field, 6001 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SUNDAY, MARCH 1

Springfest arts and crafts show (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and “Taste of the Island” (noon to 4:30 p.m.), City Field, 6001 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, John Oates and The Good Road Band in concert, The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 8 p.m., opening act at 7 p.m.

BY JUDY TITSWORTH HOLMES BEACH MAYOR SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Holmes Beach mayor addresses growth

This year, as we continue to celebrate 75 years of pride in the city of Holmes Beach, it is both appropriate and necessary that we pause, not only to reflect on where we have been, but to consider where we want to be five, 10, 15 or even 75 years from today. Holmes Beach has always been more than a destination. It is a community – one built on thoughtful planning, stewardship and a deep respect for the natural environment that sustains us. Our commitment to providing exceptional service to residents, property owners, stakeholders and visitors has never wavered. But, as we all recognize, maintaining quality of life in a coastal city with a thriving tourism economy is not without its challenges. What sets Holmes Beach apart is balance. We have worked deliberately to balance the needs of residents with the demands of visitors, economic vitality

with environmental protection and growth with capacity. That balance is something we should be proud of. Today, our taxable property value exceeds $3.2 billion, a testament to decades of smart decisions, community pride and restraint.

But coastal cities like ours are under increasing pressure –pressure from growth, tourism and policies that often limit local authority. Growth will continue. But capacity is not unlimited. When roads, bridges, beaches and estuaries are pushed beyond their limits, leadership requires something more than accommodation: it requires responsibility.

Across the Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay estuaries, the warning signs are clear. When water quality fails, the economic impacts are immediate. When beaches become overcrowded to the point that the experience is diminished, quality of life suffers – not just for visitors, but for the residents who call this Island home.

Let me share a snapshot of what Holmes Beach manages every single day:

• Permanent population: 2,914

• Daily occupancy from 1,480 vacation rentals: 9,318

• Daily motel and hotel occupancy: 860

• Daily beach visitors through public access parking: 1,891

That brings us to nearly 15,000 people on a typical day.

Holmes Beach contributes approximately 25% of Manatee County’s tourist development tax, while safely accommodating a daily population at the upper limits of what this barrier island can sustain. And we do so while remaining one of the top smalltown coastal destinations in the world, sought after for our charm, walkability and turquoise waters. But success brings responsibility. As our community rebounds and grows more resilient –welcoming families, rebuilding after storms and strengthening neighborhoods – we must remain vigilant. Before pursuing trans-

Holmes

portation initiatives designed to bring even more people to this fragile Island, we must fully understand the responsibility we have to our coastal ecosystems: our beaches, wetlands, seagrass and oyster reefs. These ecosystems are not amenities. They are infrastructure. They are economically indispensable.

The MCAT water ferry (Gulf Islands Ferry) anticipated 50,000 passengers in its first year (in 2024), even before expansion to a larger fleet. Proposed cruise-related activity could bring even more visitors. These decisions cannot be

made in isolation and they cannot ignore carrying capacity.

Responsible growth does not mean no growth. It means smart growth. It means recognizing limits, respecting science and understanding that once an ecosystem is compromised, recovery is costly, uncertain and sometimes impossible.

Holmes Beach has always led by example. Our past shows that when we plan thoughtfully and act with courage, we protect not only our economy, but the soul of our community.

I urge our citizens, our partners and our legislators to join us in that commitment. The future of Holmes Beach depends on decisions we make today: decisions grounded in balance, stewardship, and long-term vision. Seventy-five years ago, this city was founded with intention. Let us honor that legacy by ensuring that 75 years from now Holmes Beach remains everything we cherish: resilient, vibrant and unmistakably itself.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth supports responsible growth.

INVOICES: Commission disputes former city attorney’s billing invoices

unaudited invoices totaled $167,674, the audited invoices totaled $139,685 and the resulting difference is $27,989.

In a Jan. 9 memo Augello sent Mayor John Chappie and the city commissioners, Augello stated, “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,”

The commission-authorized letter states, “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 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 referred to Perry’s existing

engagement agreement with the city, which was drafted by Perry and stated her invoices would be submitted monthly and paid monthly.

“From a legal perspective, I think the city is on good footing with saying you’re not responsible for paying those invoices because she’s in breach of her own contract that she drafted,” Augello told the mayor and commissioners.

Augello added that the city does have the ability to negotiate an agreement, but reiterated, that based on the engagement agreement, the city would be able to defend any challenges from Perry in a court of law.

“I will say, I want you to keep in mind that this is a contract just like you would have with anyone else and I want you to treat it like you would

any other contract,” Augello told the commission.

CITIZEN, COMMISSION COMMENTS

Two citizens spoke during public comment and they both supported strict adherence to the contract, as stated in the engagement agreement with Perry.

“My feeling is that the city attorney should stick to legal matters,” Evelyn Stob said.

“If an invoice is supposed to happen monthly, then it should be monthly,” Elayne Armaniaco said. “There’s just too much leeway given and there was certainly too much leeway given with this former city attorney.”

Mayor John Chappie agreed that the city should stick with the contract as written.

“I’m alarmed at the audit,” Commissioner Deborah Scaccianoce said. “It’s disappointing because you put your faith in your city attorney to represent the city and do the right thing and then this happens. This was a breach of trust. We trusted her. She breached that trust.”

“It’s amazing that someone would send an invoice out having spent 26.1 hours in a day. That math never added up,” Commissioner Scott Bear said. “We need to be on record that we have concerns about her invoicing and provide the opportunity to negotiate. She deserves to be paid but pay what’s realistic.”

Bear questioned a contract provision that provided a 12% fee for late payments.

Newly appointed Commissioner Robert Talham questioned the possible legal costs the city might incur if the matter is taken to court.

In response, Augello said, “If this does to go court, there is an attorney’s fee provision. If this has to be enforced in a court of law, and the city is successful, she will be responsible for paying the city’s reasonable attorney’s fees. If we lose, we will be responsible for paying her attorney’s fees.”

Augello then said, “My letter says based on the city’s contract with Ms. Perry, she is in breach because she didn’t get her invoices to the city within 30 days as required. Based on what was presented to the city, the city has the obligation to audit those invoices and make sure they are appropriate.”

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

City Commission members Robert Talham, Ralph Cole, John Chappie, Scott Bear and Deborah Scaccianoce discussed the former city attorney’s billing practices with current City Attorney Erica Augello.

OBITUARIES

Thomas Gray Vaught

Thomas Gray Vaught was born on Jan. 2, 1948, in Kansas City, Missouri and he died on Feb. 20, 2026, in Bradenton, Florida at the age of 78.

Tom is survived by his wife of 25 years, Darcy Lee Marquis (Vaught), of Bradenton; his brother, Michael Vaught, of Bradenton, his daughter, Jennifer Vaught, of Denver, Colorado; his adopted daughter, Katie Vaught, of Denver, and Katie’s children Hailey, Lindsay and Callum Bischof.

Tom was predeceased by his parents, Alice Carolyne and Gilbert Gray Vaught.

In 1963, Tom, Michael and their mother moved to Denver, Colorado. He graduated from high school and joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1968, serving from 1968-70 in Vietnam. In 1971, he became a writer and reporter for KBTR-AM radio in

Denver and graduated from Metropolitan State University in Denver with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and business.

He moved to Anna Maria Island in 1993 and was a reporter and photographer at the Island Free Press, The Dolphin and The Bradenton Herald, where he created the New Home section. Tom worked at The Anna Maria Island Sun from 2000 to 2020. During his career, he was recognized with many state press awards for his local news coverage.

Tom and Darcy married on Easter Sunday, April 15, 2001, on a beach in Holmes Beach. Their passion for each other was echoed in their dancing at American Legion events and local fundraisers and events.

Tom’s compassion for his fellow human beings was contagious and endearing. He was a proud Marine, man, reporter and husband. Semper Fi.

Robert Toale and Sons is handling the arrangements and services will be announced. His burial at Manasota Memorial Park in Bradenton and military honors at the Kirby Pelot Stewart American Legion Post 24 in Bradenton are being planned.

St. Patty’s Day parade participants sought

Presented by Duncan Real Estate, the annual Anna Maria Island St. Patrick’s Day parade will take place Sunday, March 15, from 4-6 p.m. Non-profit organizations, businesses, families and friends are invited to be part of this Island tradition. The parade starts at Holmes Beach City Hall and ends at The Center of Anna Maria Island in Anna Maria. Who can participate?

• Non-profit organizations

• Personal golf carts and personal vehicles

• Business vehicles and floats

There is no entry fee for nonprofit organizations. The entry fee for golf carts and personal vehicles is $10. The entry fee for business vehicles is $50 and there’s a suggested $150 entry fee for business floats. Entry forms are due by Friday, March 6. Register online at www.centerami.org/events. For more information, call 941-7791908.

TOM VAUGHT: a newspaper man who loved, and was loved

delivering her spiritual message, the chaplain began singing the gospel song, “I’ll Fly Away,” which includes the lyric, “Some glad morning when this life is over, I'll fly away to a home on God’s celestial shore.” The song brought tears to those in the room.

“You know how much I love you and I always will,” Darcy told Tom as she lay beside her dying husband.

While speaking by phone on Saturday, Feb. 21, Darcy said, “I know his soul is in heaven, but part of his soul is still here with me. He’s all around me here. For 30 years, he held me up and took such good care of me, and I know he’s right here with me, still trying to hold me up. I’d always take my right hand and touch Tom’s heart, his body and his forehead and say ‘Heart, soul and mind, Tom and Darcy together forever.’”

FAMILY THOUGHTS

Speaking by phone, Mike Vaught, said, “Being the younger brother, I looked up to him growing up, and he was a great big brother. He was pain in the ass sometimes. I wanted to play baseball and he wanted to read. He was a good brother and a good person.”

Tom was a member of the United States Marine Corps from 1968 to 1970 and he followed his brother to Vietnam

“When I joined the Marine Corps, I think I was in boot camp, or I was already in Vietnam, and I got a letter from my mom saying, ‘Your brother joined the Marine Corps.’ I said, ‘Wow,’ because I never thought he’d go in the Marine Corps, so I was really proud of him for doing that,” Mike said. “He was close to Da Nang and I was by the DMZ (Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone) up north. We got three days off together, because we were brothers in country together.”

Tom later followed his younger brother to Florida too, after Mike moved to Bradenton in 1990.

“He came down a little later, stayed with me and my wife and decided to stay,” Mike said.

“He’s been sick for so long. I miss going to breakfast with him every Sunday at Popi’s

“ This place has an amazing collection of spirits.” Josh

Place on Manatee Avenue. He loved the paper. He loved being a disc jockey and he was still telling me stories about John Denver a year ago, when he could still talk. He did what he wanted and he loved it, so he had had a really good life. I love him and I’ll miss him,” Mike said.

Communicating via email from Colorado, Jennifer said, “My dad was a late-night radio DJ for KMJI-FM Magic 100 here in Denver from 19881991. He worked hard for that job and he loved it so much.

“He was a big car guy and always had a cool car to show off when he was younger, from a 1960s British MG, to

a 1955 Ford pickup and his beloved 1986 Dodge Shadow.

“He was an amazing father who read me bedtime stories every night, taught me to walk, talk, ride a bike, be kind, listen to people and, of course, fish. Our favorite pastime in the summers on the Island was late-night fishing. We would hit the Circle K for a Big Gulp and some peanuts and head to the City Pier around 9 p.m. and stay late into the night.

“Darcy was his third wife, but by far the literal love of his life. He would do anything for her and his favorite thing was dancing with her.

“He always heralded his

time with The Dolphin and The Sun as his best years, doing his dream job. He loved all the people he met and he loved covering city hall meetings – though I thought they were super boring,” Jennifer said.

SUN LOSES A FRIEND

During his nearly 20 years with The Sun, Tom covered breaking news and city commission meetings and he really loved covering community events held at the Anna Maria Elementary school, the Anna Maria Island Art League, the Anna Maria Island Garden Club, the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, the annual Bayfest festival, the annual Symphony on the Sand concert and more. He also moderated The Sun’s city commission candidate forums.

AMI Sun founder, former editor and former owner Mike Field said, “Tom was one of the first people we approached when we launched The Sun back in 2000. We were looking for reporters who were familiar with the Island and who were willing to take a chance – a flying leap, really – and join our slightly crazed, upstart crew.

“Tom initially declined, as he already was working at the Bradenton Herald and our offer contained absolutely no guarantees of job security. Then, as he would later say,

SEE TOM VAUGHT, PAGE 12

9:00 a.m. TO 10:00 p.m. DAILY 5344 Gulf Drive Holmes Beac h (941) 779-BEER hurricaneliquors.com

“Spent t he week in Anna Maria Island and out of all the liquor stores on t he island, t his is by far t he best one, wit h t he best prices and t he most selection. The staf f was very friendly ” Heat her

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“ These guys had t he best selection , decent prices, and were overall just good people.” Matt hew

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FACEBOOK | SUBMITTED

Darcy and Tom loved to dance.

FACEBOOK | SUBMITTED

Tom Vaught, U.S.M.C

TOM VAUGHT: a newspaper man who loved, and was loved

he saw our first edition, immediately changed his mind and ultimately would spend nearly 20 years working at The Sun.

“A gentle soul at heart, Tom endeared himself to just about everyone he met. His approach to covering the news mirrored his approach to life: Be honest, be kind and treat people fairly. His sources and the subjects of his stories often became his friends; his friends often became lifelong. He was a compadre. He will be well missed,” Field said.

AMI Sun Graphic Designer Ricardo Fonseca said, “Tom was a terrific journalist and a true asset to the Island’s community news. From the first day of school coverage at Anna Maria Elementary, the community markets, The Center bowling tournament, The Island Players reviews and countless other Island events, Tom had a great sense of how to tell an informative story. He also had a great photographic eye for capturing just the right photo to accompany his story. As his co-worker, I will personally miss his wit and humor that he was never without. My prayers go out to Darcy and his family.”

holiday open house events. I missed him when he retired. With the recent passing of Robert Duval and Jessie Jackson, he will have good company on the weekly bus to heaven. Prayers to Darcy.”

AMI Sun cartoonist Steve Borggren said, “I always enjoyed chatting with him. Such a pleasant man. Rest in peace my friend.”

AMI Sun Graphic Designer Elaine Stroili said, “It made me so sad to hear about Tom. When I started at the Sun in 2002, Tom was one of the first people I met at the office in Anna Maria. He made me feel welcome in my new work environment and I appreciated that very much. I remember his hunt-and-peck style of typing – two-fingered peck, peck, peck. He told goofy jokes, and he could get a bit scattered at times, but he was a really nice man. And of course, he loved playing Santa during the Anna Maria

LIVE AT THE CENTER OF ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Former Sun Advertising Director Chantelle Lewin said, “I worked with Tom at the Bradenton Herald and he was so excited to come work at the Sun newspaper. He brought his journalism professionalism to The Sun and helped it grow into what it is today. He embraced everything about his job and he loved his beats. He met the love of his life, Darcy, they got married and they went to all the events he covered. Tom loved playing Santa and he never missed an opportunity to be in the Veterans Day parade. He was a man with a great sense of humor and he had a wonderful smile.”

Former Sun Advertising Assistant Christine Boniberger said, “I will always remember Tom fondly. He was a kind man and a good reporter. May he rest in peace. Prayers to his family.”

Sun editor and reporter Joe Hendricks said, “When I first came to The Sun as a part-time stringer in 2012, Tom was always willing to share his historical knowledge and the background story on the issues, people and connections I just beginning to learn about and write about. Tom was funny, kind, helpful, encouraging and supportive. Tom was beloved on Anna Maria Island and he’ll forever be a part of the Island’s history that he helped document through his writing and his photographs.”

Some of Tom’s stories and photos can still be found at The Sun website, www.amisun.com, by entering Tom’s name in the search feature.

AMI LOSES A FRIEND

Longtime family friend Nancy Ambrose said, “Tom Vaught was a dear friend. We celebrated holidays with Tom and Darcy and they were like family to Dave and I. Tom had a personality bigger than life and it was always a pleasure to listen to his stories. Any celebration was always more fun with Tom. It was so funny years ago when we both worked for (competing) Island newspapers and

ELAINE STROILI | SUBMITTED

Co-workers Elaine Stroili and Tom “Santa” Vaught enjoyed the holiday open houses.

BOYD: amendment could impact proposed cruise port

FROM PAGE 5

proving the dredging or filling of the submerged lands of the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve unless such dredging and filling occurs for certain reasons; authorizing certain dredging and filling of submerged lands and placement of certain shorelines and seawalls within the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve; authorizing the erection of certain structures within aquatic preserves; requiring the Department of Environmental Protection, by a specified date, to develop guidelines and standards for naturebased methods to address coastal resiliency and to adopt rules, subject to legislative ratification, for a statewide permitting process for such coastal resiliency, etc.”

SIDDIQUE’S INSIGHTS

On Feb. 19, Manatee County Commissioner Tal Siddique mentioned Boyd’s amendment in his “Making Waves” Substack blog titled, “New Legislation Protecting the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve.”

In that blog, Siddique wrote, “This amendment would enshrine additional protections for the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve to limit large-scale dredge & fill projects – the kind a certain cruise terminal project would use.”

Regarding SB 302 as a whole, Siddique wrote, “SB 302 began its life, in my view, as a great piece of legislation creating a statewide framework for how Florida can use nature-based solutions

to improve coastal resilience. Projects such as mangrove replanting and living shorelines would be formalized in state statutes and grant funding would be provided through the Resilient Florida Grant Program. This issue focuses on the Aquatic Preserve, the amended language, and how you can advocate for it.”

When asked about the potential impact Boyd’s amendment might have on the cruise port, Siddique said, “What will be interesting though is whether the bulkhead rights become preempted by this legislation or not. Those rights predate any aquatic protections. Attorneys and a court would have to decide that.”

BEACH BEAT

BRADENTON BEACH

Feb. 10, 9 p.m., 300 Bay Drive S. Criminal mischief. A tenant in a third-floor unit reported hearing loud banging sounds from the floors below. The tenant opened the window and reportedly saw a heavyset male wearing a red scarf, a dark jacket and carrying a backpack trying to open the doors of the office unit. The tenant called 911, but the suspect left before the police arrived. The complex president told police that the trim around the door’s window was ripped off. He said the suspect had attempted entry the previous night. He estimated the damage to the door at around $500. The case remains under investigation.

City hosting stormwater vulnerability workshop

The city of Anna Maria will host a stormwater vulnerability public workshop at The Center of Anna Maria Island on Monday, March 2, from 5:307 p.m. Residents, business owners and property owners are invited to share their thoughts on how the city should evaluate and address current and

HOLMES BEACH

Feb. 10, 5:48 p.m., 4000 Block Gulf Drive. Operating a motor vehicle without a license (fifth offense) and immigration detainer. Police spotted a male driving a pickup truck whom the officer recognized from a prior arrest for driving without a license. Police conducted a traffic stop and the driver stated he did not have a driver’s license anywhere and only has a Mexican passport. The driver, a non-resident, has been living and working in Florida for seven years, according to the police report. The man was arrested and transported to the Manatee County Jail. Police reported the man has no lawful immigration status in the United States, so the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) was notified. An MCSO-deputized immigration officer met with the man at the jail and an immigration detainer was placed in effect.

future flooding risks. The workshop will provide an open forum to share ideas, ask questions, discuss current and future flooding risks and share concerns about specific flood-prone areas. Attendees will learn what the city is doing to address flooding impacts and assess flood vulnerabilities. No formal action will be taken during the public workshop. The Center is located at 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria.

Bradenton Beach officials concerned about offshore drilling

The resolution will be based on a similar resolution adopted by the Holmes Beach City Commission.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN REPORTER | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners discussed future approval of a city resolution that opposes offshore oil and gas drilling in the eastern portion of the Gulf.

“I wanted to put this on the agenda because I think it’s a good idea,” Mayor John Chappie said during the Feb. 19 commission meeting. “We went through one oil spill a long time ago and I don’t want us to have to go through that again.”

Included in the meeting packet was a resolution adopted on Jan. 13 by the Holmes Beach City Commission, which City Attorney Erica Augello, the former Holmes Beach city attorney, said was drafted by her law firm, Trask and Daignault.

The Holmes Beach resolution

We went through one oil spill a long time ago and I don’t want us to have to go through that again.”

John Chappie, Bradenton Beach mayor

states, “The U.S. Department of the Interior’s recent 2026-2031 offshore leasing program, which includes proposed leasing in the newly designated ‘South-Central Gulf of America’ area, which poses potential risk to Florida’s Gulf Coast and is strongly opposed by coastal communities and bipartisan state leadership. The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of America resulted in the largest marine oil spill in history, causing extensive and lasting, environmental, economic and public health harm across Florida’s coastline, including impacts to the city’s marine ecosystems, fisheries,

tourism economy and community well-being.”

On Dec. 4, the Congressional Delegation from Florida issued a bipartisan letter to the executive branch of the federal government expressing opposition to oil and gas drilling off Florida’s coasts.

The Holmes Beach resolution notes coastal tourism, fishing and outdoor recreation industries generate over $250 billion annually.

A motion to direct Augello to create a Bradenton Beach resolution opposing offshore oil and gas drilling was unanimously approved.

Volunteers needed for Great American Cleanup

Local volunteers are needed for the Great American Cleanup event to be conducted by Keep Manatee Beautiful and various community partners on Saturday, March 7, from 9 a.m. to noon at multiple locations along the Manatee Avenue Causeway and Perico Island. Participants will remove litter and debris as part of the ongoing efforts to protect local waterways and improve public spaces. Participants can choose from the following cleanup options:

• Water-based cleanup – bring your own kayak or paddlecraft

• Beach cleanup at the Kingfish Boat Ramp

• Causeway cleanup at Palma Sola Causeway

• Roadside cleanup at Neal Preserve Volunteer check-in begins at 9 a.m., followed by cleanup activities from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Lunch will be provided to all registered volunteers and cleanup supplies will be available. Advance registration is encouraged. Additional information and registration details are available at www.ManateeBeautiful.com.

Volunteers and firefighters safeguard Mt. Vernon homes

BY RODNEY KWIATKOWSKI WMFR FIRE tMARSHAL

BRADENTON – Volunteers moved door to door throughout the Mt. Vernon 55+ condominium community in west Bradenton on Saturday, Feb. 21, with ladders in hand and a shared mission: protecting lives through prevention.

Coordinated by West Manatee Fire Rescue District (WMFR) in partnership with the American Red Cross, volunteers installed 232 smoke alarms in 87 homes in one of WMFR’s largest senior communities.

Xavier Reeves, community disaster program manager for the American Red Cross, was joined by American Red Cross volunteers, WMFR Prevention Bureau staff, members of Bayside Community Church (West Bradenton Campus) and roughly a dozen members of the West Manatee Firefighters Union (IAFF Local 2546), who volunteered their day to help install smoke alarms and provide fire and life safety education.

The Sound the Alarm initiative is part of the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign – a nationwide effort aimed at reducing home fire deaths and injuries by providing free smoke alarms and fire prevention education.

According to the National Fire Protection Association:

• Three out of five home fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms.

• The risk of dying in a reported home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms.

For older adults, early warning can be especially critical as mobility limitations and medical conditions may slow escape time during an emergency.

When asked about the initiative's broader impact, Reeves said, “This initiative is about

WMFR | SUBMITTED

WMFR Firefighter/Paramedic Casey Fishback installed a smoke alarm, accompanied by American Red Cross representative Paige Eddens.

more than installing devices; it’s about protecting lives and building resilience within the community. When volunteers, faith partners and firefighters stand shoulder-to-shoulder like this, we’re creating safer homes and stronger neighborhoods.”

Firefighter/Paramedic David Miller of WMFR and Local 2546 said the event reflects a broader commitment within today’s fire service.

“Our firefighters are always ready to respond when someone calls 911,” Miller said. “But the true success story is when a smoke alarm activates early and a family gets out safely, or when a tragedy is prevented altogether. Installing working smoke alarms is a layer of protection and one of the most effective steps we can take to protect our residents, especially our seniors.”

Volunteers moved house-to-house throughout the day installing alarms, testing existing units and reviewing home fire escape plans with residents.

By day’s end, 232 new layers of protection had been added across the Mt. Vernon community, a powerful reminder that public safety is strongest when it begins at home.

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).

Springfest returning to Holmes Beach

Springfest 2026 will include an open-air painting contest and a food tasting event.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – The Springfest arts and crafts show returns to City Field in Holmes Beach on Saturday, Feb. 28, and Sunday, March 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days.

City Field is located at 6001 Marina Drive. Admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring canned goods and other non-perishable food items to assist the Roser Food Pantry in Anna Maria.

The Springfest arts and crafts show will feature painters, photographers, woodworkers, jewelers and other

artists, makers and creators selling their unique works.

In addition to the arts and crafts show, Springfest 2026 will also feature a plein air (open-air) art competition and, on Sunday only, the “Taste of the Island” food tasting event.

“ISLAND PLEIN AIR”

Local artists are invited to participate in the “Island Plein Air” art competition that will feature artists painting in a live setting in and around the festival area on Friday, Feb. 27, and Saturday, Feb. 28. Visitors can watch the artists at work and listen to them discuss their work as it’s being created.

The completed plein air paintings will be displayed and offered for sale

during a silent auction held under the City Field pavilion on Sunday, from noon until 5 p.m. The entry fee is $29 for artists and $100 for a businesssponsored entry.

Cash prizes will be awarded for the Best of the Island, People’s Choice and Award of Merit categories. Full contest rules and application details can be found at www.blueribbonevent.com.

“TASTE OF THE ISLAND”

Taking place Sunday only, “Taste of the Island” will spotlight the Island’s vibrant food scene and feature many of the Island’s favorite local restaurants serving small plates priced from $4 to $10. The “Taste of the Island” eateries will be operating on 59th Street, from noon until 4:30

p.m. The “Taste of the Island” food sales will utilize $1 food tickets, and $50 and $100 tasting ticket books can be purchased in advance at www. blueribbonevent.com.

The food tickets will be tallied at 4:30 p.m. At 5 p.m., the restaurant that receives the most tickets will be pronounced the People’s Choice award winner and receive a $500 cash prize, a plaque and a trophy.

Also on Sunday, Community Cocktails will be sold by Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce from noon until 4:30 p.m. From noon until 2 p.m., country radio personalities Maverick and Lulu will be on hand giving away free concert tickets.

Vendor and artist applications and more information can be found at www.blueribbonevent.com.

The Waterman 2026: Fishing For a Purpose

Reel Time

he annual Waterman Fly Fishing Tournament was held Friday and Saturday, Feb. 20 and 21. The two-day, fly-only Redfish tournament with a Snook Calcutta was a sellout, with a total of 150 anglers and 77 teams.

The fishing boundaries were wide-ranging and included the west coast of Florida, from Crystal River to the southernmost tip of Sanibel Island. The photo submission format and the use of the iAngler Tournament phone app made it possible for fishermen in this entire range to participate.

The tournament culminated

in an awards banquet and raffle at the Bradenton Yacht Club on Saturday evening with special guest Andy Mill – tarpon angling phenom and co-host of the popular Mill House Podcast with his son, Nicky.

Mill participated in a question-and-answer session with tournament founder and Tampa Bay Waterkeeper (TBWK) Chairman Adam Fernandez and members of the audience.

This year’s tournament took on special significance with the looming threat of the proposed Knott-Cowen Cruise Port, which has been covered in this space and will remain a focus going forward.

The 150 anglers, fishing mostly in teams of two, received a tournament shirt, a Tampa Bay Waterkeeper cap, dinner for two at the awards ceremony and one

raffle ticket for each angler. Target species were redfish and snook. Scoring was done by the highest combination of the two longest redfish caught between day one and day two. Fernandez, in his introduction at the evening’s awards ceremony and raffle, went out of his way to thank TBWK Executive Director Justin Tramble for his efforts. Tramble “has taken my idea for a tournament to the next level,” he said. Tramble was up next and he credited his wife Rebeka, the volunteers and the many anglers who have made his efforts, and those of the organization, bear fruit.

According to Tramble, “This annual gathering of fly-fishing anglers – some of the best in the state – drives our organization’s fight to protect our local marine habitat. It’s an exciting opportunity to shine a light on

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

Special guest Andy Mill addressed the participants at the 2026 Waterman Tournament banquet at the Bradenton Yacht Club.

Tampa Bay and our surrounding waters. As the continued fight against the Skyway cruise port takes shape, events like the Waterman fuels our ability to stay in the fight.”

The winner of the Snook Calcutta was Greg Dini with a 40-inch linesider. The largest redfish was landed by Kyle Nalls and measured 36.75 Inches.

consisting of anglers Sean Kersting and Trip Saunders, captured first place with a combined length (two redfish)

Team Darkhorse, consisting of anglers Vince Azoy and Kyle Nalls, won second place with a combined length of 62 inches.

The third-place winner was Team Triple B anglers Christopher Dierlam and Greg Peterson, with a combined length of 61.75 inches.

Special thanks are in order for everyone who participates in and supports the tournament and those who are working tirelessly to protect the waters and habitat of the Tampa Bay region.

To join in the protection of local water visit the Tampa Bay Waterkeeper and Suncoast Waterkeeper websites.

RUSTY CHINNIS

John Oates is still exploring his musical road

The show will feature Hall & Oates' hits, Oates’ solo material and songs by artists that influenced him.

BY JOE HENDRICKS

SUN REPORTER | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – John Oates & The Good Road Band are coming to The Center of Anna Maria Island on Sunday, March 1, and singer, songwriter, recording artist Patrick Sampson will be the opening act.

According to Wikipedia, Oates co-wrote many of Hall & Oates’ top hits, including “Sara Smile,” “She’s Gone,” “Out of Touch,” “You Make My Dreams,” “I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do)” and “Maneater.” He also co-wrote and sang backing vocals on the song “Electric Blue,” which was a Billboard Top 10 hit for the Australian band, Icehouse.

“Although many people around the world know him as the co-creator of the pop group Hall & Oates, this versatile

THE CENTER | SUBMITTED

John Oates & The Good Road Band are coming to town. Oates has released several solo albums in addition to his work with Hall & Oates.

artist’s musical roots run deep,” the John Oates website says.

According to recent John Oates setlists shared at Setlist.Fm.com, his recent performances featured a mix of Hall & Oates’ hits, his own solo material and covers of songs by Chuck Berry, Curtis Mayfield, Sam & Dave and others.

“Working and moving to

Nashville in the early 2000s, John was embraced by the burgeoning Americana music community. Surrounded by kindred spirits, and with their help, he began to tap back into his earliest musical DNA to establish and redefine himself,” his website says. “The results of which have been seven solo albums, multiple singles and

many classic collaborations. In 2024, this body of work has manifested itself in a collection of songs and an album called ‘Reunion.’”

CONCERT INFO

The doors will open at 6 p.m. and Sampson will start his opening set at 7 p.m.

When announcing this show,

Sampson, a Watertown, New York, native, posted the following message at his Facebook page: “I will also be debuting a new song that night, written and recorded specifically for the Bradenton area and Anna Maria Island, which will also be out March 1st!” John Oates & The Good Road Band will hit the stage around 8 p.m.

Tickets start at $65 and are available online at www. centerami.org/concerts. The Center is located at 407 Magnolia Avenue in Anna Maria.

FROM MASTODONS AND MANATEES TO METEORITES

THERE’S SOMETHING HERE FOR EVERYONE! R EVER ONE!

PATRICK SAMPSON | SUBMITTED Patrick Sampson will debut a new song written about Bradenton and Anna Maria Island.

THE CENTER | SUBMITTED

REAL ESTATE

January weather wasn’t the only thing chilly Castles

One of the reasons I moved to Florida was because when I’m cold the only thing I can think about is how cold I am. I was really cold in January, but not as cold as the national real estate market, which apparently couldn’t think of anything else either.

In January, national home sales fell 8.4%, the biggest monthly decline since February 2022. Remember that what happens on a national level does not always affect local real estate trends, but there certainly is an influence, particularly when it comes to the overall financial health of the country. A little bit further in this column we’ll look at the Manatee County sales statistics for January, which will be an interesting comparison.

in the Sand

of historic low levels of available properties, which is not improving the comfort level of potential buyers either.

available properties was 4.6 months, with no change from last year. The bright spot was pending sales, which were up 17.4%.

So, why was January so bad? Snowstorms and freezing weather all along the east coast certainly didn’t help; and neither did the erratic economic reports coming out of Washington. Which is too bad since the housing market was starting to show signs of recovery, fueled by a slight drop in

LOUISE BOLGER

mortgage interest rates. The decline came after sales rose in three of the previous four months. Even the surveyed economists were surprised, since they were predicting a much smaller decline of 4.6%.

Although December home sales rose, home prices also rose. In addition, the 30-year mortgage rates are hanging out at just above 6% and making no sign of moving, which is giving buyers another reason to sit back. Lawrence Yun Who is the chief economist for the National Board of Realtors. He indicates that improving affordability should bring buyers back to the market, but it’s not because of the public’s lack of an improving comfort level. Also, home prices continue to rise because

In January, the national medium singlefamily existing home rose to $396,800, a 0.9% increase from last year. Manatee County’s median existing home price in January was $480,495, a very slight decrease from last year.

As far as mortgage rates stand, 6.1% is the current average, which is down from about 6.9% last year. Days on the market are also increasing. Therefore, many sellers are deciding to remove their property from the market rather than cut prices.

It’s time to look at the sales statistics reported by the REALTOR Association of Sarasota and Manatee: single-family homes closed 10.8% fewer properties this January compared to last. The median price was $480,495, down 0.1% from last year, and the average sale price was $647,324, down 2.3%. The median time to contract was 58 days, compared to 49 days last year, and the month’s supply of

Condos closed 1.7% fewer properties. The median sale price was $305,000, down 9.2%; and the average sale price was $366,887, down 10.1% from last year. The median time to contract was 65 days, compared to 60 days last year; and the month’s supply of available properties was 7.2 months, compared to eight months last year. Pending sales were also up from last year by 3.2%.

The Association of Realtors is sticking by its position that during the last several months the market has settled and everyone is adjusting to the “new normal.”

A final word about interest rates: 6.1% is not a terrible interest rate. Yes, it’s about double what the average was in 2020, and because of that, we may have created a generation of buyers who expect artificially low interest rates. I’ve said this before, but the likelihood of seeing 3% to 4% interest rates again is about the same as me moving back to the northeast, so it’s time to jump in the market.

Island Players search for love, ‘The Second Time Around’

The Island Players invite audiences to fall in love all over again with “The Second Time Around,” a warm, witty romantic comedy by celebrated playwright Henry Denker that proves it’s never too late for a fresh start.

Samuel and Laura, both widowed and very much alive to the possibilities of life, have found love later than expected. Their decision to live together without marriage, however, sends shockwaves through their well-meaning but meddlesome adult children. What follows is a charming, laughfilled exploration of family dynamics, independence and the courage it takes to choose happiness on your own terms.

Preston Boyd is directing “The Second Time Around.” Rehearsals are well under way.

Directed by Preston Boyd, this endearing production balances humor with heart, offering sharp dialogue, relat -

able characters and moments of genuine tenderness. With its thoughtful take on second chances and modern love, “The Second Time Around” resonates across generations, reminding audiences that love does not come with an expiration date.

“The Second Time Around” is co-produced by Sato Real Estate

The Island Players Theatre is located at 10009 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria. Tickets are $28 for adults and $18 for students. Tickets can be purchased online at www. theislandplayers.org and also at the theater box office. For more information, call the box office at 941-778-5755.

CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, 1249 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota, will hold an Orvis-Endorsed flyfishing school on Saturday, March 7. Designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, the class will focus on basic fly-casting principles, improving casting skills and correcting faults. Certified Instructor Capt. Rick Grassett will also cover saltwater fly-fishing techniques, leader construction and fly selection. The class costs $225 per person, runs from 8:30 a.m. to approximately noon and includes the use of fly tackle and a workbook. Optional instructional guided fly-fishing trips are also available for an additional fee. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at 941-349-4400 to make reservations.

McCalls Beach Castle Condo

5310 Gulf of Mexico Dr., #16, LBK

2BR/2BA/ A4673264/ $699,000 Miguel Rosa (941) 477-5928

403N Bay Blvd., Anna Maria

4BR/3BA / A4682522/ $2,650,000

Perico Bay Club

801Waterside Lane, Bradenton 2BR/2BA /A4679914/ $375,000

BeckySmith(941) 773-1954

Elfi Starrett(941) 720-3528

BA / A4671485/ $5,000,000 Ed Taaffe (636) 346-6165

Morton Village Condo

5400 34 St W., #H12, Bradenton th 2BR/2BA

A46533993/ $259,000

Marsha Winegarden (248) 563-2820

1801 GulfDrN., #160, BradentonBeach

2BR/2BA /A4677458/ $465,000

Becky Smith(941) 773-1954

Elfi Starrett (941) 720-3528

Anna Maria Island Single Family Home

RunawayBay Condo

Anna Maria Island SingleFamilyHome

RICK GRASSETT | SUBMITTED

Learn to fly-fish or sharpen your skills with Capt. Rick Grassett.

LAND PLAYERS | SUBMITTED

CENTER SCOREBOARD

11-13 FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 6)

Sato Real Estate 28 (3-3)

Impact Florida Windows 18 (2-4)

Cloud Pest Control 19 (2-4) USA Fence 15 (3-3)

Slim’s Place 13 (6-0)

Reed Physical Therapy & Fitness 7 (2-4)

82 West Home Inspections 52 (6-0) G.I. Bins 6 (0-6)

14-17 FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 6)

Moss Builders 44 (5-0)

Wings ‘N Things 26 (1-5)

Swordfish Grill 26 (5-0) MI-Box 13 (1-4)

HSH Design 26 (2-3) Better on Bikes 6 (2-3)

ADULT FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 5)

Reel Coastal Properties 40 Sandbar 25

Coaster Continent 36

Salty Printing 32

The Fish Guy Aquarium Services 39

Edible Cookie Dough Cafe 21

Beach House Real Estate 31

Moss Air 26

Solid Rock Construction 39

Slim’s Place 13

ADULT FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 3)

Salty Printing 39 (2-3)

Moss Air 19 (1-4)

The Fish Guy Aquarium Services 41 (5-0) Coaster Continent 39 (4-1)

Sandbar Win by FF (2-3) Slim’s Place FF (0-5)

Reel Coastal Properties 32 (4-1)

Edible Cookie Dough Cafe 13 (1-4)

Solid Rock Construction 33 (3-2)

Beach House Real Estate 20 (3-2)

ADULT 35+ SOCCER (WEEK 6)

Hogan’s Pool Services & Repair 5 (4-0-1)

Emily Moss Designs 3 (2-3-0)

Bubble Binz 5 (1-2-2)

Language Services Associates 5 (1-3-1)

ADULT INDOOR SOCCER (WEEK 6)

Solid Rock Construction 12 (2-2-1)

Salty Printing 8 (1-3-1)

Slim’s Place 12 (2-2-1)

Sato Real Estate 7 (3-1-1)

Key Royale Golf Club scores

MONDAY, FEB. 16 - MODIFIED STABLEFORD & SKINS GAME

First place: Chas Smith, +4

Second place: Buddy Foy, Rick Arnold, Shawn Mobley, +3

Skins: Brian Hogan hole 1, Brian Comer hole 2, Matt White hole 3

TUESDAY, FEB. 17 - LOW NET SCORE

Flight A

First place: Debbie DuVernay, 30

Second place: Linda Dorsey and Helen Pollock, 31

Third Place: Marcia Friesen and Nina McSparren, 33

Flight B

First place: Jan Turner, 29

Second place: Connie Livanos, 32

Third place: Sue Christenson, Terry Westby and Sue Wheeler, 34

Chip-ins: Linda Dorsey hole 4, Jan Turner hole 8

Birdies: Linda Dorsey, Hole 3

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 18 – GLOWING PAR-3

Forty golfers competed in a par-3 match with the course lit and glowing. Monica, Lawson, Eric Lawson, Marcia Friesen and Tim Friesen won

the tournament, shooting 26 (-1).

The fun-filled evening also included lighted games of cornhole with Dave DuVernay and Dee Munn as the winners and a putting contest won by Lisa Edmonds and Buddy Foy.

THURSDAY, FEB. 19 - SCRAMBLE

First place team: Mike Cusato, Marcia & Tim Friesen, 29 - 3 under par

Second place team (tie): Tony Donnelly, Tom Nelson, Peter Soleveld, Tom Solosky, 30 (-2) and Dave DuVernay, Dave Ricci, Nub Turner, Tom Young, 30 (-2)

KRC | SUBMITTED

Tim Friesen, Marcia Friesen, Monica Lawson and Eric Lawson won the par-3 tournament.

Fishing forecast heats up for March

BY CAPT. RICK GRASSETT

There should be good fishing action with reds, trout and snook in skinny water in March as baitfish become more plentiful. Look for Spanish mackerel, cobia, tripletail and false albacore (little tunny) in the coastal Gulf waters. Night snook fishing in the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) should also be a good option this month.

SNOOK

This should be a good month for snook fishing at night around lighted docks and bridge fenders in the ICW. Live shrimp, DOA Shrimp, CAL jigs with shad tails and small white flies, like my Grassett Snook Minnow, usually work well at night since glass minnows and shrimp are the predominant bait. Focus on shadow lines where light meets dark and fish strong tides for the best action. Although snook may also be found in rivers, creeks or canals in March, they will also start to move onto shallow flats, particularly on sunny afternoons when it’s warm, and the like larger profile lures like CAL jigs with jerk worms, DOA Baitbusters, the DOA PT soft plastic top water lure or wide profile flies like Clousers, Deceivers and EP flies, for snook on the flats.

REDS

Live bait anglers should do well on shallow flats with pilchards for reds, snook and trout. Reds should be more active as the water warms and baitfish become more plentiful. Higher tides, as we head into spring, will allow them to spend more time feeding in shallow water. Look for them over shallow grass, along mangrove shorelines and around oyster bars when the tide is high. You should find them in potholes and along sand bars when the tide is low. I like the shallow flats of north Sarasota Bay for reds this month. I like 1/16-ounce CAL jigs with shad tails and jerk worms to locate reds. Fly anglers should score with my Grassett Flats Minnow fly, fished on a 10’-12’ leader.

You might also find reds around docks when the tide is low. Look for deep water under docks with a good tidal flow for the best action. A 1/8-ounce CAL jig with a shad tail or grub or a weighted fly fished on a clear intermediate sink tip fly line with a 6’ leader with should work well for dock fishing.

BIG TROUT

You may find big trout in skinny water in many of the same places that you find reds. Blind cast seams

where grass meets sand or focus on light-colored bottom, in potholes on top of sand bars, where you may be able to sight fish them. In my opinion, it’s important to protect larger trout, which are usually female breeders, that are important to the health of our fishery. The full regulations and details for all species can be viewed at www. myfwc.com.

You should also find trout plentiful on deep grass flats along with Spanish mackerel, blues, flounder or pompano. I like to make a series of drifts, casting ahead of the drift with CAL jigs with shad tails, DOA Deadly Combos or an Ultra Hair Clouser fly tied on a long shank hook and fished on a clear intermediate sink tip fly line to locate fish.

MACKEREL, BLUES,

Live bait anglers should score with live shrimp or pilchards under a popping cork. Look for birds, bait showering out of the water or boils on the surface that will indicate fish feeding below. When mackerel and blues are around, you may need to add 6” of 40# to 60# fluorocarbon or wire to your leader. Top water plugs and fly poppers also work well when blues and mackerel are around and may help locate them by attracting them from further away.

Anna Maria Horseshoes defeats Trailer Estates

On Monday, Feb. 16, pitchers from Anna Maria Horseshoes and Trailer Estates gathered for a friendly competition at the Anna Maria City Hall pits and Anna Maria Horseshoes came out on top 15-13. In regular action on Wednesday, Feb. 18, Tom Farrington and Bob Baker won the final match 22-4 over Bob Mason and Tom Skoloda to win the day’s competition. On Saturday, Feb. 21, there was a four-team showdown after each team went 3-0 during pool play. In the semi-finals, Skoloda and Tim Sofran won 21-1, taking out

Anna Maria Horseshoes and Trailer Estates met in the pits.

Del Reese and Lee Pochet, while Bob Rowley and Bill Galbally moved on after edging out Adin Shank and Bob Baker 21-20. The

final match was a runaway as Skoloda and Sofran rolled past Rowley and Galbally 21-0 to earn the day’s bragging rights. AM HORSESHOES | SUBMITTED

TOM VAUGHT: a newspaper man who loved, and was

loved

people thought we should be enemies, not best friends. Tom was a great friend and the most loving husband to Darcy. He loved her with all his heart. Tom loved the Anna Maria Island community and enjoyed going to all the events and capturing it on film. He truly loved being with everyone and meeting people at events.”

Current Holmes Beach City Commissioner and former mayor Carol Whitmore said, “Tom is the example of a stellar community newspaper reporter. He's always kind, did his background work on the issues and checked his facts before his print deadline. I got to know him over the years and I considered him a true friend.”

and comprehensively. Most importantly, he appreciated and enjoyed living here. He has been missed. He left a legacy that journalists should admire and copy.” FROM PAGE 12

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth said, “I loved Tom, he was a kind man and a terrific reporter. He really loved what he did and it showed in his reporting. I am so sorry to hear of his passing, as he will be truly missed by all who had the pleasure to know him.”

Anna Maria resident and Anna Maria Island Historical Society board member Barb Murphy said, “Tom was a very likable guy and always eager to report on an event. He enjoyed taking part, as well as reporting on a happening. He was totally devoted to his wife Darcy and would many times show up with her. Thank you, Tom, for your love of the Island and your reporting.”

Beach resident Nancy Deal said, “Tom was a good, kind man who loved AMI and its environs. He did his best to research issues that impacted our community. He was always present at important events and wrote carefully

Holmes

FACEBOOK | SUBMITTED Tom Vaught had friends of many feathers.

MARK RATLIFF | SUBMITTED Tom Vaught loved and lived the Island lifestyle.

NANCY AMBROSE | SUBMITTED

Darcy joined Tom at many events he covered.

AMI Historical Society accepting scholarship applications

The Anna Maria Island Historical Society (AMIHS) will select a high school senior and/or a current student enrolled in a college, university, trade or vocational school who is a resident of one of the three Anna Maria Island cities, or a student who works at an Island business, to receive a $2,000 scholarship for the 2026-27 school year. The deadline for postmarked applications is Tuesday, March 31. Applications can be obtained from high school guidance offices, the AMIHS Museum at 402 Pine Avenue in Anna Maria or online at www.amihs.org/ scholarship. Completed applications can be mailed to the AMI Historical Museum, PO Box 4315, Anna Maria, FL 34216.

Established in 1998, the scholarship program was named in honor of Pat Copeland, one of the founders of the society. Although Pat passed away in 2023, her legacy and dedication to the museum, Island history and education continue through this scholarship. Over $65,000 has been awarded to outstanding students since the program’s inception. The

funds come from the sale of the society member’s homemade Settler’s Bread.

Established in 1990, the Anna Maria Island Historical Society and the museum focus on collecting, researching, preserving and exhibiting materials and artifacts related to the history of the Island and its three cities. With the museum, the “Old City Jail,” Belle Haven Cottage and the Historical Park, the institution offers a compelling collection of exhibits for visitors and residents. Learn more at www.amihs.org.

ANNA HAYDEN | SUBMITTED

The scholarship is named after Historical Society co-founder Pat Copeland.

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

HOLMES BEACH KEY ROYALE neighborhood yard sale event. 9am-1pm Saturday February 28th. Follow Key Royal Drive to Multiple canal homes.

HUGE RUMMAGE SALE

Friday & Saturday 2/272/28 8am-1pm Furniture, Housewares, Clothing, Electronics, Tools and much more. 3606 Pinebrook Circle

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.

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!! 941-7131893

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS

TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941-5653931.

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

Have you been thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! GULF FRONT, CANAL FRONT, BAY FRONT CONDOS or HOMES ASK for BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216

LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589

WATERFRONT SEASIDE GARDENS townhouse, End Unit, 2B/2B, 40’dock, Boat Lift, New Seawall and patio. Outside shower. Sold As Is $650,000.00 609-231-9564

GULF VIEWS AND INTRACOASTAL VIEWS, 5 bed 4 baths, elevator, 3 car garage, roof top deck, FURNISHED pool, outdoor kitchen, 2014 custom built home, 4101 4th Street Holmes Beach. $2,420,000. BEST VALUE ON THE ISLAND. Sharon Hightower RE/MAX Alliance Group 941-330-5054

NEW LISTING SANDY POINT Condo 2BR/2BA NEW flooring, new bathrooms, updated kitchen, screened porch, high ceilings, new roof, siding, partial furnished, 2 car tandem parking. $515,000. Sharon Hightower RE/ MAX Alliance Group 941-330-5054

PERICO ISLES 3BR/2BA single family great water views, western view sunsets. Community pool club house, walk to AMI. Roof 2 years, a/c, new interior and exterior paint. BEST PRICE $595,000. 106 Magnolia Way Bradenton Fl. 34209. Sharon Hightower RE/MAX Alliance Group 941-330-5054

AFFORDABLE 3BR/2BA SINGLE FAMILY home new flooring, new paint, new roof, kitchen updated, fenced lot, 1 car garage.6310 Georgia Ave Bradenton Fl. 34207. $389,000 Sharon Hightower RE/ MAX Alliance Group 941- 330-5054

SARASOTA BAY R/V PARK

1BR1BA cabin 12 Sea Grape Totally updated/$38,500 1 mile from beach Pic or app..402-223-8068

RENTALS: ANNUAL

ANNUAL RENTAL CENTRAL HOMES BEACH 3BR/2BA completely remodeled. Walk to beach, school, trolley, shopping. $2595/mo Call 941-7136743

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

HOLMES BEACH DUPLEX, 2BR/2BA, unfurnished, elevated with covered parking and storage. Walk to beach, shops, and restaurants. Annual $2500/ 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 941201-2190

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@franmaxonreal estate.com.

TRANSPORTATION

ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete $85. Sarasota $40. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-7795095