Anna Maria adopting ordinance prohibiting beach holes
The Anna Maria ordinance echoes and expands upon an existing county ordinance.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The city will soon have a “No Holes on Beach” ordinance in effect that prohibits using metal shovels and other gardening tools to dig holes in the beach sand.
On June 12, Anna Maria commissioners unanimously approved the first reading of Ordinance 25-945, a city ordinance that will support the hole digging regulations already contained in Manatee County Ordinance 23-121.
The city ordinance was drafted in response to a previous request made by Manatee County Natural Resources
Director Charlie Hunsicker. Hunsicker recently asked the three Island cities to adopt city ordinances that would regulate beach hole digging activities on city-owned and city-managed beaches not regulated by the county. The county-owned beaches include Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach, Coquina Beach, Cortez Beach and Leffis Key in Bradenton Beach and Beer Can Island (Greer Island) in Longboat Key. The county also manages and maintains the cityowned Bayfront Park in Anna Maria. When requesting the city ordinances, Hunsicker said large, unfilled beach holes present injury risks to beachgoers and first responders and endanger sea turtles and other wildlife.
Using language similar to the county ordinance, the Anna Maria ordinance says, “No person shall possess on or
Pines resident talks about eviction
More than two dozen Pines residents have been served with eviction notices for withholding lot rental payments after Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated park facilities.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Rained-soaked eviction notices taped to trailers and littering the ground at the Pines Trailer Park, along with screws driven into some front doors to prevent entry, have effectively turned what was left of the 86-unit park into a ghost town.
At age 92, Pines resident Helen Hynes expected to repair her 39 Laverne Drive home after Hurricanes Helene and Milton last year and live out the rest of her life there, but instead, she is one of many park residents who have been served eviction notices. Hynes spoke to The Sun on June 14 at the Pines trailer home of her daughter, Suzanne Hynes, where the two currently reside.
BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners discussed the current city ordinance prohibiting the digging of holes on public beaches at the June 5 meeting.
“This was brought up by (Manatee County Natural Resources Director) Charlie Hunsicker a couple of weeks ago at the coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting,” Mayor John Chappie said.
Holmes Beach has since passed a city ordinance prohibiting digging holes on beaches within the city's limits.
“One of the things that was brought up to me is that it would be nice to have all of the three cities with a very similar if not the same ordinance,” Chappie said. “People
don’t know when they’re crossing into different cities.”
The Holmes Beach ordinance prohibits removal of sand or shell and digging on the beach and states in part, “No person shall possess on or about the sandy Gulf beach a metal shovel of the type customarily sold in a hardware store (not a children’s toy) unless part of a (permitted) construction project.”
Chappie said the Bradenton Beach prohibition does not apply to kids digging with small beach shovels but is intended to prevent injuries to people and entrapment of sea turtles caused by larger holes.
“This is dealing with having big garden shovels out there or as somebody phrased it, as ‘an overexcited father with his kids digging
Anna Maria Island, Florida
Helen Hynes has been evicted from her home at 39 Laverne Drive in the Pines Trailer Park. She is one of more than two dozen residents at the park who have received eviction notices for non-payment of lot rent since the 2024 hurricanes devastated the park.
City Pier Grill operators hope to renegotiate lease
Brian Seymour and his business partners would like a roof structure added to the T-end of the pier.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The City Pier Grill & Bait Shop operators want to renegotiate their lease before committing to another five years in the city-owned City Pier building that’s currently closed due to damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024.
Operating as GSM Partners LLC in a pier building leased from the city of Anna Maria, pier tenants Brian Seymour, Vic Mattay and Nick Graham opened the City Pier Grill & Bait Shop on Dec. 10, 2020. Their initial five-year lease with the city expires on Dec. 31. Seymour, Mattay and Graham attended the June 12 city commission meeting. Their desired lease considerations include a lower rental rate, a roof structure for the City Pier Grill side of the T-end deck area, higher capacity electrical service and discon-
tinuing the 10 p.m. pier closures.
Seymour, Mayor Mark Short and the city commissioners spent about 40 minutes discussing the seven-page presentation GSM Partners provided regarding their current and future pier tenancy.
Seymour said GSM Partners has the option to extend the current lease for 15 months to account for the time lost
to the hurricane-related pier closure.
“Not knowing until the pier is almost rebuilt, to reinvest for a 15-month extension probably would not provide for a successful ROI (return on investment) and would not warrant continuing operations on the City Pier,” according to the group’s Power Point presentation.
Seymour said he and his partners
are paying $400 per square foot to lease the city-owned pier space and $40 per square foot to lease the privately-owned space on Pine Avenue occupied by the Anna Maria General Store and Dips Ice Cream.
Seymour hopes to renegotiate a lease that offers a “more equitable” monthly rate and includes credits for days lost due to mandatory pier closures related to hurricanes, tropical storms and other unforeseen circumstances.
Seymour said on average they lost 104 days a year to inclement weather during the first four years of their pier tenancy; and the entire fifth year due to the hurricane damage and pier closure. Seymour said those lost days and revenue fluctuations make it more challenging to recruit and retain staff members and also negatively impact the musicians who provide the City Pier Grill’s live entertainment.
Commissioner John Lynch said many Anna Maria Island business owners face the same weather-related challenges and they don’t receive rent reductions. Seymour said he doesn’t expect credits for days lost to normal
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN City Pier Grill operators Brian Seymour, Nick Graham and Vic Mattay attended the June 12 city commission meeting.
ISLAND NEWS
IN BRIEF
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN The Gulf Islands Ferry boats travel to Bradenton Beach five days a week.
Gulf Islands Ferry service expands
Manatee County’s Gulf Islands Ferry is now operating on Wednesdays, too. On June 10, the county issued a press release that said Wednesday service would return on Wednesday, June 18. The press release does not say how long the Wednesday service will continue. Using two 50-foot, 49-passenger catamaran pontoon boats that travel on the Manatee River and the Intracoastal Waterway, the Gulf Islands Ferry service now operates Wednesday through Sunday between the Riverwalk Day Dock in downtown Bradenton and the Bradenton Beach Pier in Bradenton Beach. A third, larger, ferry boat is expected to join the Gulf Islands Ferry fleet later this summer. Weather permitting, the first ferry departs from downtown Bradenton at 7:30 a.m. and the Bradenton departures continue until 7:30 p.m. The Bradenton Beach departures begin at 9 a.m. and continue until 9 p.m. Ferry service to Anna Maria remains suspended due to hurricane damage the Anna Maria City Pier in 2024. To see the full schedule and purchase tickets online visit www.gulfislandsferry.com.
Bradenton Beach, county officials meet
A joint meeting of the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners and the Bradenton Beach city commission will be held on Wednesday, June 18 at 1 p.m. at the Manatee County Administration Building, Manatee and Osprey rooms, Fifth Floor, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
Agenda items are:
• Future storm recovery options with Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske and Bradenton Beach Police Chief and Public Works Director John Cosby;
• Tourist Development Council needs/Gulf Islands Ferry with Manatee County Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione and Bradenton Beach City Attorney Ricinda Perry;
• Managing traffic in Cortez Beach and Coquina Beach and parking lot rebuild, with Deputy Director of Public Works Clark Davis;
• Shoreline resilience with Manatee County Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker;
• Franchise agreement for sewer and water with Perry;
• Beach patrol with Cosby;
• Annie Silver Community Center with Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie;
• Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery with grants administrator Michele Davis.
Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.
Speed table debate continues
The speed tables are included in an approved street resurfacing project.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – The pending installation of three speed tables along the 500 block of Key Royale Drive remains a topic of debate even though an executed work agreement is already in place.
On April 22, Holmes Beach commissioners voted 4-1 to approve a $233,000 agreement with Superior Asphalt for the multi-street street resurfacing project presented by Public Works Director Sage Kamiya. The commission-approved work agreement includes approximately $24,000 for three asphalt speed tables to be installed along Key Royale Drive between Marina Drive and the Key Royale Bridge. Key Royale Drive is not among the streets to be resurfaced. Commissioner Carol Whitmore opposed the inclusion of the speed tables.
In recent weeks, the mayor and commissioners received several speed table-related emails, some expressing support and some opposition.
The speed tables were not on the June 10 city commission meeting agenda, but a speed table discussion ensued when Key Royale resident Mary Kate Scott mentioned the speed tables after expressing her support for the city’s proposed purchase of the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church property. To date, Scott is the only resident to provide public comment on the speed tables during a city commission meeting.
“I’m personally not in favor, but I’m also not a traffic engineer and therefore may not be the best person to opine,” Scott said. “However, given it was not unanimous, and there is some discussion on these speed bumps, maybe we could consider an implementation adjustment. What if we could have a temporary speed bump installed and see if that has the desired impact? See what the community thinks and if it’s going as planned make it more permanent.”
Mayor Judy Titsworth referenced a temporary speed table installed along Key Royale Drive several years ago when Carmel Monti was mayor.
“It was noisy, it was terrible and nobody liked it,” she said.
Titsworth referenced the permanent asphalt speed tables more recently installed along Sixth Avenue. She said those speed tables work well at the posted 25 mph speed limit.
The speed table debate started as a streetside parking debate. In February, the mayor, commission and city staff discussed limiting streetside parking only to the north side of the 500 block of Key Royale Drive due to complaints received about work vehicles and other vehicles parking in the street, creating visibility issues and narrowing the travel lanes. The mayor, commissioners and city staff later concluded stricter enforcement of the existing parking regulation that requires parking with all tires off the pavement would sufficiently address those streetside parking concerns.
On March 20, Titsworth, Kamiya and Police Chief Bill Tokajer met with a group of 500 block residents who expressed concerns about speeding rather than parking and that led to the proposed speed tables.
“Ever since I’ve been the mayor, people on that street have been complaining about the speeding,” Titsworth said during the June 10 meeting.
She noted the speed limit signs that indicate how fast a vehicle is traveling have not curbed speeding on Key Royale Drive.
“The neighbors keep saying it’s not working. You have to do something for us,” she said. “It’s a long straight stretch of road and a lot of people use it.”
Regarding the speed tables, Commissioner Terry Schaefer said, “This decision was not made quickly.”
Schaefer said he and the other commissioners rely on the insights provided by Tokajer and Kamiya as the city’s traffic experts. He also shared his belief that passing over a speed table at 25 mph won’t cause stress on a vehicle.
“I know it’s not what you had hoped to hear, but I think this is a worthy and rightful approach,” Schaefer told Scott.
“I 100% don’t support this action,” Whitmore said.
In response to a question from Whitmore, Scott said there are 344 homes in the Key Royale community. Represented by the Key Royale Resident Owners Association, that community lies entirely north of the Key Royale Bridge and the bridge is the only way in and out of the neighborhood that’s surrounded by water. The homes along the 500 block of Key Royale Drive are not part of the Key Royale Resident Owners Association.
Whitmore said she understands why some residents want speed tables, but she also understands
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Three speed tables will be installed along the 500 block of Key Royale Drive.
OBITUARIES
John B. Cagnina
John B. Cagnina passed away on May 31, 2025, in Bradenton, Florida.
Born on Sept. 16, 1943 in Tampa, Florida, John's journey through life was marked by his unwavering commitment to his family and friends, his passion for his work and his love for his home and the community on Anna Maria Island. John's early years were spent on the sun-kissed shores of Anna Maria Island, where he developed a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures of life. These formative years were filled with the joys of family and friends, fishing, working at his family's IGA store, watching the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico, and the tranquility of beach life, all of which shaped the man he would become.
Guard instilled in him a sense of discipline and duty. His career included working as a stockbroker for Francis I. duPont and Company, opening a citrus business and forming Southeast Independent Mortgage Company, where he spent the majority of his working career.
An avid reader, John enjoyed staying abreast of financial publications. He was passionate about politics and history and enjoyed friendly discussions of these topics with friends and family. His love for sports never waned, from his early years playing both baseball and football to his later years as a spectator. He was forever faithful to his beloved Gators. John's absence will be deeply felt by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
Doris Marie Silverthorn
honoring Silverthorn by flying flags at half-staff on June 20.
Silverthorn was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Philip Silverthorn (2000); and son, Philip Silverthorn Jr. (2020), of Scaly Mountain, NC.
John graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Business Administration. His time spent in the Florida Army National
He is survived by his wife, Carol Gilley Cagnina; sister, Carmen (Bill) Shea; sister-in-law, Dorothy Surette; aunt, Josie Pollock; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his son, John Michael Cagnina; and his parents, Ignazio E. and Josephine Cagnina. His life story is a testament to his faith, his love for his family and friends, and his belief in the importance of a man's integrity. A celebration of John's life will be held at a later date.
Silverthorn was a Bradenton Beach City Clerk in the 1970s. She also served with the Bradenton Beach Chief of Police in the 1970s and 1980s and retired in 1987, moving with her husband to Scaly Mountain, North Carolina.
The City of Bradenton Beach is
She is survived by children, Susan Silverthorn of Scaly Mountain, North Carolina, Sheri Fannon of Bradenton, Florida, and Gary Silverthorn of Bradenton, Florida. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Nicole Mears (Fannon), James Fannon, Gary Silverthorn Jr., Kaitlyn Grosse (Silverthorn), Anna Maria Silverthorn and Eva Silverthorn; and nine greatgrandchildren, Sophia, Nicholas, Annaka, Mila, Ryker, Hazel, Raidyn, Kali and Layla.
A devoted homemaker, Doris found her greatest joy in her family and the simple pleasures of life, such as camping, spending time outdoors, cooking, sewing and quilting.
Her warm heart, adventurous spirit and generous nature touched all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
Online condolences can be left at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com.
Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment? Is there something you need to get off your chest? Send us a letter to the editor and have your say. There are a couple of ways to do it. The easiest and most direct is to email The Sun at news@amisun.com. Remember to put Letter to the Editor in the subject field. Or you can snail-mail
a letter to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O. Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Letters should be kept to 300 words or less and must contain your name and the city in which you reside. Personal attacks and obscene language will not be printed. The Sun reserves the right to edit letters for length or content.
ANNA MARIA
10005 GULF DRIVE
FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130
Visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information.
Wednesday, June 18, 9 a.m., Planning and Zoning Board meeting 9 a.m., Manatee County Commission and staff meeting with city of Anna Maria, Manatee County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W. fifth floor conference room
Thursday, June 19, city hall closed in observance of Juneteenth Thursday, June 26, 10 a.m., City Commission meeting
BRADENTON BEACH
107 GULF DRIVE N. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005
Visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information.
Thursday, June 19, city hall closed in observance of Juneteenth; CRA and City Commission meetings canceled
HOLMES BEACH
5801 MARINA DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800
Visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information.
Wednesday, June 18, 9 a.m., Clean Water Ad Hoc Committee
Thursday, June 19, city hall closed in observance of Juneteenth Tuesday, June 24, 2 p.m., City Commission meeting
BRADENTON
Tuesday, June 24, 6 p.m., West Manatee Fire & Rescue District meeting, 701 63rd St. W.
Mayor seeks TDC support for pier replacement project
Anna Maria officials are meeting with county officials on Wednesday, June 18.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) recommends that the county commission provide the city of Anna Maria with up to $2 million in tourist development tax revenues to help fund the replacement of the hurricanedamaged City Pier walkway.
Mayor Mark Short presented the city’s funding request during the June 16 TDC meeting at The Center of Anna Maria Island. Short said he’d present similar and additional funding requests to county commissioners and county staff during their meeting with the mayor and city commissioners on Wednesday, June 18 at the county administration building in Bradenton.
Controlled by county commissioners, tourist development tax revenues are generated by the 6% tax the county collects on hotel, motel, resort, condo and other vacation rental accommodations of six months or less. Last year,
We know we’re going to have skin in the game. What exactly that number is, I can’t tell you at this point.”
the tourist development tax generated more than $30 million for the county.
Serving as an advisory board, the TDC members review tourist taxrelated funding requests and make non-binding recommendations to the county commission.
Short said the estimated cost of the pier walkway replacement and repair project is $7 million to $9 million and he hopes to have the project completed by October 2026 if all goes well.
When addressing the TDC members, Short did not request a specific dollar amount, but the city presentation included in the meeting packet says
the city plans to seek up to $3.1 million from the county for pier-related expenditures made in 2025 and up to an additional $4.9 million for pierrelated expenditures in 2026.
Short said he’s trying to assemble a funding puzzle without yet having financial commitments in place from any outside funding sources. He said the city won’t know until July 1 whether Gov. Ron DeSantis approves or vetoes the city’s pier-related $1.25 million state appropriation request. He said the city hopes to receive approximately $4 million in pier-related FEMA reimbursements but he doesn’t
know if, when or how much FEMA money the city will receive.
Short said the city has already spent $223,000 on the pier repair project and he estimates the city will incur an additional $1.1 million in pier-related expenses between now and September – including $239,500 for the demolition of the remaining pier walkway and around $800,000 to repair and remediate the T-end of the pier buildings that he said remain structurally sound. Short said these
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The TDC members recommended up to $2 million in financial support for the City Pier walkway replacement project on June 16. Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short addressed the TDC members.
Mark Short, Anna Maria mayor
April 2025 tourist tax collections
*(Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Longboat Key, unincorporated Manatee County, Palmetto)
Manatee County’s 6% tourist development tax (resort tax) is collected from hotel, motel, resort, condo and other short-term vacation accommodations rented for six months or less.
Amounts shown were collected in April and paid to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office in May. A third of the tax revenues are spent on marketing and almost 17% is spent on beach renourishment.
In Anna Maria, April tourist tax revenues increased from $419,643 in 2024 to $540,675 in 2025 – a $121,032 increase.
In Bradenton Beach, April tourist tax revenues decreased from $136,217 in 2024 to $109,202 in 2025 – a $27,015 decrease.
In Holmes Beach, April tourist tax revenues increased from $800,053 to $814,966 – a $14,913 increase.
In unincorporated Manatee County (the areas located outside of the six chartered municipalities), April tourist tax revenues increased from $1,082,630 in 2024 to $1,208,377 in 2025 – a $125,747 increase.
In Manatee County as a whole, April tourist tax revenues increased from $2,915,894 in 2024 to $3,286,690 in 2025 – a $370,796 increase.
Tourist development taxes are also collected in Bradenton, Palmetto and the Manatee County portion of Longboat Key.
In 2024, Manatee County’s annual tourist development tax revenues topped $30 million for the first time.
Tourist development tax revenues are controlled by the Manatee County Commission and are sometimes shared with local municipalities to help fund tourism-related projects and enhancements first reviewed by the Manatee County Tourist Development Council.
To anonymously report a rental owner who may not be paying the tourist tax, call 941-741-4809 or visit http://www.taxcollector.com/tdt-evader.cfm.
Source: Manatee County Tax Collector
Summer social
The Cortez Village Historical Society and the Florida Maritime Museum co-sponsored a free family-friendly summer social on June 14. The event featured crafts and activities, scavenger hunts and an unveiling of Mullet Meadows, a new gnome-themed village, at the Cortez Cultural Center.
512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria
LESLIE LAKE |
AM BEACH HOLES: Anna Maria adopting ordinance prohibiting beach holes
about any beach a metal shovel or comparable gardening tool of the type customarily sold in a hardware store (not a children’s toy) unless part of a construction project permitted under the Florida Building Code or similar law.”
The proposed ordinance drafted by City Attorney Becky Vose originally stated no hole shall be dug deeper than 2 feet below the surrounding grade.
Commissioner Charlie Salem suggested changing the hole depth restriction to 1 foot to be consistent with the county ordinance and the similar Holmes Beach ordinance adopted earlier that week.
The revised Anna Maria ordinance now says, “No person shall dig a hole in the beach deeper than 1 foot below the surrounding grade unless part of a construction project permitted under the Florida Building Code or similar law.”
The city of Bradenton Beach has a 2008 ordinance in place that addresses in general terms the use of tools to excavate on a beach and Bradenton Beach commissioners are not revising that ordinance.
The Anna Maria ordinance authorizes code enforcement officers and law enforcement officers to enforce the hole digging prohibitions and violators will be subjected to a fine to be established by a separate city resolution.
“Each incident or separate occurrence of an act that violates this section shall be deemed a separate offense,” according to the ordinance.
PUBLIC INPUT
Anna Maria resident and Planning and Zoning Board member Jeff Rodencal has lived on the Bean Point beachfront for almost 25 years and he’s seen many large holes dug in the
sand during that time. He supports the city ordinance but noted as originally written it might restrict city personnel’s ability to fill an abandoned hole.
“You need equipment to fill the holes back in. I’ve seen holes 7-8 feet wide, 2 or 3 feet deep,” he said. “This ordinance seems to prevent that from happening.”
General Manager Dean Jones said the public works department usually uses a skid steer loader to fill in large beach holes and he suggested adding language to the ordinance that allows city personnel to do what’s necessary to return the sand to its natural state.
Participating by phone, Vose agreed with those suggestions.
Rodencal also said many beach areas used by the public are actually private property and those property owners shouldn’t be prohibited from planting trees and other landscaping on their beachfront property.
“A lot of the beach technically isn’t public and this document is aimed at public beaches,” Rodencal said. “The beach is really private land. It is my property. I would be hopeful that the city would also respect the homeowner’s rights to be able to garden in their backyard.”
He also mentioned the recent Build Back the Beach volunteer replanting project along the Bean Point shoreline, which Salem noted was a citypermitted endeavor.
In response to Rodencal and Jones’ comments, Vose added to the following language to the ordinance: “It shall not be considered to be a violation of this section for a homeowner, when planting plants in the private beach behind the homeowner’s home, to use a metal shovel or gardening tool so long as any hole that is dug is appropriately filled by the later of eight hours after the digging of the hole or sunset, whichever is
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Beachfront property owner Jeff Rodencal’s insights helped improve the proposed city ordinance.
earlier. It shall also not be considered a violation for a governmental representative to use any appropriate means to return sand to a hole to restore the beach to its natural state.”
City resident and North Shore Café co-owner Colleen Geller asked if the ordinance would prohibit kids from using plastic shovels and pails to dig small holes in the sand.
“It does not prohibit beach toys,”
Mayor Mark Short said. “Sand in a bucket is not considered a garden tool, but if we see people walking out there with garden shovels and stuff they’re going to be stopped; and if we see them on the beach, the intent of this ordinance is to remove them from the beach, irrespective of whether or not there’s a hole there. This will hopefully prevent that from happening.”
“The folks that are going to be enforcing this know the difference between kids digging a hole and making a sandcastle and somebody digging and leaving a hole that’s a danger to other people and wildlife,” Salem added.
“I have seen actual bunkers out there. I’m confident the new ordinance would help curtail a lot of that,” Jones said. Short said the city will update its beach access signs to include the shovel and gardening tool prohibitions and public awareness and education will be part of the ongoing enforcement efforts. The city ordinance will be presented for second reading and final adoption on June 26.
Holmes Beach adopts beach hole digging ordinance
The city of Holmes Beach has a new ordinance in effect that prohibits using metal shovels to dig holes in the sand at city-owned and city-regulated beaches. Unanimously adopted by Holmes Beach city commissioners on second and final reading on June 10, Ordinance 25-09 says, “No person shall possess on or about the sandy Gulf beach a metal shovel of the type customarily sold in a hardware store (not a children’s toy) unless part of a construction project permitted under the Florida Building Code or similar law.” The city ordinance also
says, “No person shall dig a hole in the sandy Gulf beach deeper than 1 foot below surrounding grade unless part of a construction project permitted under the Florida Building Code or similar law.” The commission adopted the city ordinance at the request of Manatee County Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker, who sought to expand the hole digging prohibitions already in effect on county-owned and countyregulated beaches. The Anna Maria City Commission is in the process of adopting a similar ordinance.
a huge hole’ and then they don’t fill them back in and somebody could trip and get hurt,” he said.
Chappie said he recently received an email from a man who wrote that his wife was in the hospital after falling into a large hole at the beach.
“She hurt herself pretty badly apparently, so I think it is needed,” he said.
City Attorney Ricinda Perry said the city already has a city ordinance on the books which prohibits digging on the beaches and beach accesses.
Perry referred to Sec. 46-36 - Removal of Natural Resources - under city ordinance number 08-404 which has been in place since 2008.
“No person in a park shall dig, remove or displace any beach sand, whether submerged or not, or any soil, rock, stone, tree, shrub or plant, down timber or other wood or material, or
make any excavation by tool, equipment, blasting, or other means or agency,” that section states.
The ordinance states, “Park means a park, golf course, playground, beach, recre ational center or any other area in the city, owned or used by the city, and devoted to active or passive recreation.”
“If you look at it, I don’t see the need to do anything more,” Perry said. “We have something on the books that prevents this from happening.”
The 2008 Bradenton Beach ordinance doesn’t limit or specify the depth of a hole that can be dug in the beach sand. The Manatee County, Holmes Beach and Anna Maria ordinances limit the depth of a hole dug in the beach sand to 1 foot.
PENALTIES AND ENFORCEMENT
“If a code enforcement officer from the county or somebody from the city is around at the right time and place, that’s
subject to difficulty applying a penalty for it,” Perry said. “The penalty that’s in the code that’s applicable is any person violating the provisions of this article shall be subject to expulsion from the park.”
She said the city has concurrent jurisdiction on the beaches with Manatee
“If they (Manatee County) have an ordinance with a fine associated with it, then we can have that particular fine be applicable,” Perry said.
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In a 2023 photo, four hatchlings were found stuck in a hole by Holmes Beach Code Enforcement officers.
Commissioner Scott Bear asked if the city could assess fines for violations.
Perry said there is nothing in Holmes Beach’s proposed
penalties and modifications as they relate to code enforcement and traffic violations.
“If you don’t write it in the ordinance then it’s
A person convicted of violation of this code could receive a fine of not more than
“The way I see this, the city could issue a ticket like we do with turtle lighting issues and some other irreversible harm and add this to the ticket book for removal of sand, but it can’t exceed $500 per incident.”
Cosby said city fines and possible increases will be discussed at a Wednesday, June 25 city budget meeting.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND TURTLE WATCH AND SHOREBIRD MONITORING
SUBMITTED
SPEED TABLE: Debate continues
FROM PAGE 4
why some Key Royale residents don’t, and she doesn’t feel the Key Royale residents were given an opportunity to share their speed table concerns at a city commission meeting.
Titsworth said the president of the Key Royale Resident Owners Association sent an email to association members encouraging them to email the mayor and commissioners about the speed tables.
“He also has a sports car that’s about 6 inches off the ground. He’s concerned about that,” Titsworth said. “Everybody has their concerns, but I have to look at public safety.”
Titsworth said the 500 block residents requested the speed tables and that was also the case with the Sixth Avenue speed tables
“Now we have residents on Second Avenue that are also asking for it,” she said.
“52nd Street too,” Tokajer added.
Commissioner Steve Oelfke said he recently drove down Sixth Avenue to experience those speed tables.
“It’s uncomfortable at 25 miles per hour,” he said. Regarding the Key Royale Drive speed tables, Oelfke said, “I would hope that if speed tables are put in that it’s not quite as aggressive as those because that was pretty significant. Sixth Street is a cut-through. I wouldn’t consider it a thoroughfare, whereas this is a thoroughfare.” Whitmore said she’s not aware of a serious or fatal accident ever occurring along Key Royale Drive.
“I think we’re overreacting. We’ve got to have some data. We can’t just do it because some neighbors are asking for it,” Whitmore said, bringing the impromptu speed table discussion to an end.
When contacted later about the anticipated speed table installation date, Titsworth said, “We have executed the contract for the speed tables along with other asphalt work throughout the city and we are waiting on a date from the contractor.”
TURTLE TIPS
During sea turtle season, May 1 –Oct. 31, follow these tips to help turtles:
• Turn off lights visible from the beach and close blinds from sundown to sunrise; lights confuse nesting sea turtles and may cause them to go back to sea and drop their eggs in the water, where they won’t hatch. Light can also attract hatchlings away from the water.
• Don’t use flashlights, lanterns or camera flashes on the beach at night.
• Remove all beach chairs and other objects from the sand from sundown to sunrise; they can deter sea turtles from nesting and disorient hatchlings.
• Fill in the holes you dig in the sand before leaving the beach; they can trap nesting and hatching sea turtles, which cannot live long out of the water. You might also accidentally dig
into an unmarked nest. To report large holes or other turtle obstacles, call:
- City of Anna Maria code enforcement — 941-708-6130, ext. 111.
- City of Bradenton Beach code enforcement — 941-778-1005, ext. 280.
- City of Holmes Beach code enforcement — 941-778-0331, ext. 260.
• Level sandcastles before leaving the beach; they can block hatchlings from the water.
• Don’t use balloons, wish lanterns or fireworks; they litter the beach and Gulf, and turtles can ingest the debris.
• Do not trim trees and plants that shield the beach from lights.
• Never touch a sea turtle; it’s the law. If you see people disturbing turtles, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404FWCC (3922).
Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring
ASK TURTLE WATCH
Students from Anna Maria Elementary School submitted questions to Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella about sea turtles. Each week two of their questions and Mazzarella’s answers are featured in The Sun.
MRS. DAVIS’ FIFTH GRADE CLASS - WHAT DO YOU CALL A GROUP OF SEA TURTLES?
A group of sea turtles is called a bale. Also, a nest of sea turtle eggs is called a clutch.
MRS. MAUK’S FIRST GRADE CLASS - DO THE TURTLES STAY WITH THEIR FAMILIES?
Unlike people, sea turtles do not stay with their families. The mother sea turtles lay their eggs in the sand and leave their babies (hatchlings) to hatch, find their way out of the nest and travel to the water on their own. Even though all the brother and sister hatchlings come out around the same time, they do not stick together once they reach the water.
Sea turtle false crawls on the rise
Turtle Watch asks people to be mindful of lights on the beach at night.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Anna Maria
Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring reported sea turtle nesting was a little slower this week than last week, and while it’s unclear whether any records will be broken, they are expecting a good year.
Turtle Watch volunteers report seeing a lot of false crawls this season. There have been 357 so far with the season officially beginning on May 1. The record was 831 in 2010.
“False crawls are what we call it when a turtle comes up on the beach but turns around without nesting. There's no way to truly identify why a turtle false crawled, but sometimes they are spooked by people walking on the beach at night,” Turtle Watch Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella wrote in a June 18 email update.
Turtle Watch conducts their patrols in the morning so as not to disturb nesting turtles and recommends that people stay off the beach at night during nesting season.
“Even the most conscientious person can inadvertently spook a turtle that is coming onto the beach to nest,” Mazzarella wrote. “If you are on the beach at night, please remember not to use white lights on the beach (this includes cell phones and flash photography) and if you use a red light, point it directly at the ground. If you come across a sea turtle, stay at least 20 feet away from the turtle, out of her line of sight.”
Turtle nests laid: 209 (Record: 543 in 2019)
False crawls: 357 (Record: 831 in 2010)
Nests hatched: 0 (Record: 453 in 2022)
Hatchlings produced: 0 (Record: 35,850 in 2022) Hatchling disorientations: 0
Adult disorientations: 17
Nests remaining on beach: 209
Source: Anna Maria
Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring
KAREN ANDERSON | SUBMITTED
Left, Turtle Watch volunteer Katie Titsworth documents a loggerhead false crawl. Right, Turtle Watch volunteers find a loggerhead false crawl at Bean Point.
Jack crevalle - the ultimate underappreciated adversary
ack crevalle are often underappreciated but are one of the toughest targets an angler will encounter. These tenacious juggernauts are not sought after by most anglers. The majority of jacks are caught by anglers fishing for trout, redfish, snook and other species. Small jack crevalle are even considered “trash” fish by many anglers. Once they hook one over 5 pounds, they usually have a new appreciation of these “bulldogs” of the sea. During the summer months, it’s not uncommon to see large schools of big jack crevalle along local beaches when tarpon fishing. They cruise in packs, pursuing schools of baitfish. While even small jacks can put up a feisty battle, larger members of the species are incredibly challenging. A big jack on the west coast will run about 15-20 pounds and can put up an awe-inspiring
fight. It’s not uncommon for a 10- to 15-pound fish to wage a long battle even on a 12-weight fly rod used for tarpon. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate these marauders, and while I don’t usually target them, I never turn down a cast at a big fish. When you encounter large schools of fish, the best choice of lures is a popper. There’s something about the disturbance on the surface that drives them wild. Catching one on a fly meant for a tarpon is another challenge, but there’s a trick to enticing them. On numerous occasions, I have fished the edges of a school of feeding jacks only to have them inspect and turn down my flies. After a little experimenting, I found the “secret” was to toss the fly into the center of the school and to strip as fast as possible. The fact that the fly is surrounded by jacks seems to kick in competition and the fly is usually taken after only a couple of strips. Once the hook is set, jack crevalle make long head-shaking runs before settling into a circling pattern where they use their wide bodies to put up as much resistance as possible. The battle is usually won when
the angler is able to get their heads out of the water, robbing them of much of their power. Even after an exhausting battle, they are easily revived and seem relatively unscathed by the experience.
On occasion, local anglers will encounter big jacks schooled under local bridges to the Gulf. They will attack a plug, popper or other noisy lure with a ferocity that’s awe inspiring but are tough to control before they can make a run under the structure and are lost on the barnaclestudded bridge pilings. A trick anglers can employ is having a fellow angler toss a hook-less ‘teaser” under the bridge to pull them away from the structure. Then it’s possible to get them under “control” before they can reach structure. Jacks don’t have teeth, so a heavy leader isn’t necessary, but they don’t seem to be particularly leader shy. When one is hooked, it needs to be fought just like a tarpon, with maximum pressure from the time of the take until they are ready to land. When they travel the beach, they are usually in large schools; while inshore, they are more likely to roam in pairs or small schools. If you think jacks aren’t worth the effort, cast a popper to a school of big fish sometime and try to keep it away from them. I guarantee you’ll have a new appreciation for this underappreciated predator.
RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN Capt. Rick Grassett with a large jack crevalle he landed while tarpon fishing.
RUSTY CHINNIS
Pier walkway demolition to proceed
On June 12, Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short provided city commissioners with an update on the pending demolition of the remaining City Pier walkway and the removal of the demolition debris and the submerged hurricane debris that Hurricane Milton left in its wake. On May 27, city commissioners authorized Short to execute a $239,500 demolition and debris removal contract with Quality Marine Construction. During the June meeting, Short said the contract with Quality Marine was signed and he met with someone from the company to discuss the demolition and debris removal logistics. Short said the demolition process will likely begin with scuba divers tying buoys to the submerged concrete pilings and walkway debris so the barge operator and debris removal team know where those submerged items are located. Short expects the demolition activity to begin this month.
‘Danger’ buoys installed near City Pier
Eight “danger” buoys have been placed in the water near the missing portion of the Anna Maria City Pier walkway. On June 12, Mayor Mark Short told city commissioners that four buoys are now located on each side of the missing pier walkway. Short said the buoys are there to warn boaters to stay out of the area where submerged pier walkway pilings and walkway debris lie below the surface in relatively shallow water. Short said the buoys were placed far enough away to not be impacted by the pier walkway demolition and debris removal process expected to begin later this month. During a previous city meeting, it was stated
On June 12, a boat traveled inside the newly-installed “danger” buoys.
that the “danger” buoys are advisory markers and are not legally enforceable.
On the other side of the Lake La Vista jetty, the legally enforceable vessel exclusion zone markers offshore of the Bayfront Park
shoreline have been replaced after going missing during the back-to-back hurricanes that struck Anna Maria last year.
The vessel exclusion zone markers warn boaters and personal watercraft operators that motorized vessels are not allowed in that offshore wading and swimming area. Those who violate the Bayfront Park vessel exclusion zone prohibition can be ticketed and fined.
MAY 23-AUGUST 30
THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY 7PM & 9P M
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN What remains of the City Pier walkway will be demolished and removed.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
REAL ESTATE
Challenges of selling condos
Florida is condo heaven. If you’re interested in condo living, Florida offers condos in all price ranges, in all locations and with a variety of amenities and floor plans. The condo selling challenges we’re facing in Florida is both a good and bad thing.
The bad thing is that condo associa tions are now being held to a standard of disclosure that they previously never had to prove. Many associations now have to pass milestone structural inspections by a qualified contractor and inspector. They need to disclose their financial position and disclose adequate funds in their reserves to meet future necessary repairs.
Castles in the Sand
LOUISE BOLGER
This is also a good thing. Knowing an association is structurally sound and that it has adequate funding for the future can make units more attractive to potential buyers. Buyers will likely not get scared off by associations that can prove their structural integrity and financial soundness.
In addition, special assessments have
become the boogie man of condos in recent years. Some of these assessments have to do with the age of the buildings or repairs mandated by the state, as well as the fact that previous boards neglected to fully fund their reserves. Other assessments are for unplanned expenses like storm repairs and increases in insurance. The best way to handle special assessments that have already been voted on by the condo board or even one that may come up in the near future is to be fully transparent. Hiding the fact that special assessments are looming will not only discredit sellers but will send buyers running. There are no mandates dictating who pays for special assessments. However, sellers need to
be prepared to cover any special assessments already voted on and leave future assessments as a negotiating point. The idea is to make buyers feel comfortable with their investment.
The Florida condo market is taking a hit on all sides. The median price of a condo in the state was down 9% in April from a year earlier compared to the single-family home market, which had a 3% drop in April per Redfin.
That said, in my opinion, the condo market will return once the state structural mandates are fulfilled and reserves are replenished. Buyers love condo living and, remember, owning a single-family home does not relieve you of repairs, structural expenses and increased insurance costs. The difference is you’re not spreading out the financial shortfall with 50 or 100 other owners, it’s all on you. If you add up dollar to dollar what the cost of single-family homeownership is compared to paying condo HOA fees, you will be surprised how close they are. Whether you’re selling a condo or
single-family home now, more than ever you need to be transparent and disclose everything and anything about the property. This includes any facts or conditions about the property that may have a substantial impact on the value or desirability of the property that may not be visibly obvious.
Any potential claims, court proceedings and - as discussed - pending special assessments all need to be disclosed. Disclosure can be in the form of a written disclosure form or a verbal disclosure. I strongly encourage everyone to disclose on one of the disclosure forms available as an additional measure of transparency. You’ll be happy to know that you are not required to disclose if a homicide, suicide or death took place on the property and if in your view the property is haunted, crazy as that sounds. Like any real estate investment, condos can be good or bad, and like any property, pricing competitively to the market is the most important thing followed closely by transparency.
BEACH BEAT
BRADENTON BEACH
June 6, 10:49 p.m., 500 block of Gulf Drive. Vehicle burglary. Police were dispatched to a vehicle burglary in progress at a condo complex. According to police reports, two males matching the suspects’ descriptions were seen exiting the parking garage. The officer gave verbal commands to the two males to stop and get down on the ground and put both males in handcuffs. Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach police responded. The vehicle’s doors were processed for fingerprints. After completing the investigation, one of the suspects was released from custody and the second was placed under arrest.
HOLMES BEACH
June 3, 2:39 a.m., 3000 block of Gulf Drive. DUI. A 32-year-old Bradenton man was charged with driving under the influence following a traffic stop for an expired tag and registration plate lights out. Police report that during the traffic stop, the man was uncooperative and did not follow commands to stay in his vehicle. When backup officers arrived and the man was told to exit his vehicle, police say he tensed and turned when being put in handcuffs. According to police there was a strong odor of alcohol coming from the man’s breath and his eyes were bloodshot
and watery. He reportedly admitted to have been drinking “a couple of beers.” Police said he refused field sobriety exercises. Once at the Holmes Beach Police Department he submitted to a breath test with results reportedly of 0.117 and 0.119. The legal limit is 0.08.
June 7, 5 a.m., 56th Street. Found firearm. A vacation rental representative notified police to report a Smith & Weston pistol had been left in one of the rentals. The prior renter, a man from Ohio, was contacted by police and he confirmed that he had flown back and forgot to pack his firearm. The man said he would not be returning to retrieve the gun and it was entered into HBPD for safekeeping.
June 7, 9:52 p.m., Manatee Beach. Domestic battery. Police were dispatched to Manatee Beach on reports of physical violence in progress. A witness told police they observed a man and woman in a heated conversation which escalated to the man throwing sand in the victim’s face. When the man reportedly head-butted the victim, other beachgoers intervened and the police were called. The victim declined to press charges.
June 8, 5:23 p.m., 4000 block of Gulf Drive. Theft of property. A woman reported to police that she had two cell phones and approximately $200 in cash stolen from her backpack. As she was sitting at a bus stop an unknown male began rummaging through her bag. The man then jumped onto a trolley toward 75th Street in Bradenton. Police brought the victim to the causeway and she saw the man sitting on a bench there. Police said she positively identified him, but he was not in possession of the phones or cash and no arrests were made.
Small Town Creamery reopens
As the Anna Maria Island business community continues to recover from the 2024 hurricanes, the Small Town Creamery ice cream shop in Holmes Beach is one of the Island’s most recent business reopenings. Owned by the father and son team of Dennis and Max Miller, Small Town Creamery first opened in March 2017. Located at 5404 Marina Drive in The Island Shopping Center, the creamery reopened during the shopping plaza’s grand reopening celebration on June 6. “It was great,” Dennis Miller said. When asked how it feels to be open again, Miller said, “It was
long overdue and a long journey back.” He said the floors were damaged, the air conditioning and electrical systems had to be replaced and the cabinets, countertops and equipment also had to be replaced. “Business is great and it feels great to be open and back in the swing of things,” he said. Small Town Creamery currently has 24 employees and the creamery’s offerings include ice cream, milk shakes, malts, homemade fudge, homemade cookies, homemade roasted nuts, classic candy and more. Small Town Creamery is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
From left, Jayme Prandine, Max Miller, Dennis Miller, Natalie Lemons and Carter Howard were Small Town Creamery’s June 12 work crew.
PINES: 92-year-old resident talks about eviction
“It’s been really difficult. Emotionally, it’s been horrifying. That was my permanent home,” Hynes said.
“I’m so disappointed. We had a beautiful community here. Everybody knew everybody. Everybody for the most part got along. There were little ruffles here and there, but it was family. If something happened, it got taken care of in the community. We had holidays here; we had birthdays here. We celebrated everything in the clubhouse. Anything you needed happened within this little community. And all that was destroyed,” she said. “It was taken away by the floods and the storms but also by the heartlessness, absolute heartlessness of Shawn (Kaleta, park manager). And there was no consideration whatsoever of this as a community and people in this community. Only for the land and what’s the value of the land and property. It’s very sad.”
Hynes moved to the Pines Trailer Park in 2013 from Marblehead, Massachusetts and described how she fell in love with the area.
“My son moved to Sarasota and we came to visit him there,” she said. “The next time we came, we rented a place on Gulf Drive and that was it for me. My daughter and I
walked up here (to the Pines) and I said, ‘I could live here.’ It was such a beautiful little community.”
Hynes and her daughter are among the few who remain at the park.
“We don’t have anybody here. Quite a few people have turned over their deeds (to owners Pines Park Investors LLC),” Hynes said. “I don’t understand that at all.”
LEGALITIES
More than 24 eviction notices for non-payment of lot rent from park owners Pines Park Investors LLC were filed in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court at the rate of several new notices each week since April. Hynes was served on May 13.
In her response to the notice, Hynes submitted a letter to the court which stated in part, “My name is Helen Hynes and at 92 years old, I am the oldest resident of Pines Trailer Park. My primary residence has been at 39 Laverne Drive for the past 13 years. I want to address my reason for withholding the rent for #39 of late.
At 39 Laverne I depended heavily on the park facilities, the clubhouse, the laundry machines and the parking lot particularly. Some (attorneys) have told us to withhold rent due to the almost complete lack of care and upkeep of the park and some have
money in a place where, not only would it be unreasonable to try to live, but where someone with much larger means is intent on trying to force us out.”
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
Legal notices are taped to the door and litter the ground around a trailer at the Pines Trailer Park as more than two dozen residents have been served eviction notices.
advised us to pay the lot fee in spite of the abandonment of care.
I think, if I knew I could afford to, I would keep our lot rent up to date and not risk losing my home and investment. I would, ideally, love to move back into my own home and stay there for the rest of my life, but given what’s happening, I’m not sure it’s wise to spend the balance of our
On June 5, the court denied setting a hearing time for Hynes stating, “No legal defense was raised. While the Court is not unsympathetic to the hardships that may have led to the Defendant falling behind in rent, since the Defendant has not timely deposited rent, the Plaintiff is entitled to an immediate default. Further, while the Defendant lists a variety of non-compliance issues with the Landlord, she attaches no documentation in support of any potential notice of withholding rent as required by Chapter 83, F.S. Any delay must be sought through the Plaintiff.”
Some Pines residents have told The Sun they withheld lot rent payments for a number of reasons, including disrepair of the park and amenities following the hurricanes, unfulfilled assurances made by Kaleta in October and uncertainty about the park’s continued existence.
On Jan. 4, residents were informed that the park would be closing, with an anticipated closure date of July 31.
SEE PINES, PAGE 22
PINES: 92-year-old resident talks about eviction
three units, has also received eviction notices, and was at the October meetings.
FEELING ABANDONED, BETRAYED
Hynes said after the hurricanes last fall, residents felt they had been left on their own.
“We did not see one person here (from the LLC) after the hurricane,” she said. “No laundry facilities, no clubhouse, nothing. Nobody was here. We knew we were abandoned.”
“I think Brien (former park manager Brien Quinn) called people to come move some stuff - refrigerators and stoves and mattresses - that were rotting in the street. He did what he could.”
Hynes said that park residents had two meetings with Kaleta and his representative, Sam Negrin, in October.
“We met a couple of times in October at Salt,” Hynes said. “Right after he (Kaleta) said people didn’t have to pay lot rent, that changed immediately. Two meetings at Salt, then quiet, then the parking was taken away. Nothing was the truth, nothing was ever said that you could rely on as factual.”
Ryan Pfahler, a Pines homeowner of
“Shawn Kaleta said at that meeting, ‘Right now, I’m not collecting rent. If the park is usable, pay rent, if not then don’t,’ ” Pfahler told The Sun on June 12.
Pfahler said he felt the entire situation was intentional.
“That was a set-up,” he said. “First we were told don’t pay rent, then they closed the parking lot and made it public parking in December because they said they weren’t receiving rent and now we’re getting sued for not paying rent.”
Pfahler said Pines residents were waiting for confirmation that the park would remain open but said there was no communication until residents were told in January that the park was being closed at the end of July.
“There was no communication, nobody knows what to do,” Hynes said. “Suzanne pays our lot rent here, but we don’t know what’s going to happen next. You really feel at this age you should be settled into a peaceable life.”
SUN
LAWSUIT PENDING
The Pines Homeowners Association filed a lawsuit in March against the LLC in part to stop the park closure and evictions. Pines Park Investors LLC filed a motion to have the lawsuit dismissed and a hearing on that motion is scheduled for July 28. At
a recent Bradenton Beach city commission meeting, Negrin said the LLC consists of approximately 15 investors.
Hynes said she and her daughter will likely move somewhere off the Island.
“It won’t be on the Island. If we had those kind of resources we wouldn’t be living in a trailer park,” she said.
She said her personal belongings are still in her trailer.
“I understand that after the eviction notices, the places have been locked up,” adding that she thought her trailer was still accessible.
Plans for the park after July 31 have not been disclosed, but Pines resident Joe Klingler told The Sun on June 14, “There were a couple of guys walking around here with clipboards a couple of weeks ago. I asked them what they were doing, and they said they were here to prepare bids to either demolish or drag some trailers out.”
The Sun requested comment regarding any plans to remove structures at the park from a Pines Park Investors LLC representative, but did not receive a response.
LESLIE LAKE |
Some of the trailer doors at Pines Trailer Park have been screwed shut.
Pines Trailer Park post-Helene timeline
2024
• On Sept. 26, storm surge from Hurricane Helene caused water intrusion into the 86 Pines Trailer Park mobile homes.
• On Oct. 17, city building officials said that FEMA guidelines related to hurricane-related water intrusion would classify the properties as
having major damage.
Pines residents were told that FEMA regulations state that if the cost to repair a mobile home to its pre-storm state is 50% or more of the structure’s value, then the entire structure must be brought into current floodplain compliance. The city’s floodplain ordinance requires
mobile homes to be elevated to 12 feet.
• On Oct. 29, fire code and setback regulations were outlined by West Manatee Fire Rescue District Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski, who stated that all new mobile home installations must follow setback guidelines between structures.
• At a Nov. 7 Bradenton Beach city commission meeting, Pines Park Investors LLC manager Shawn Kaleta said, “The units obviously took on water. There are fire separation issues, there’s mold, there’s structural stability, there’s elevation of the buildings, there’s all these questions. I’ve made a commitment to the residents from our side to keep the park there whatever it can be inside the code. I think that’s a vital part of the community, having residents and having everybody in that community as it exists. I think it’s an important piece of the community to achieve that.”
• On Dec. 9, Pines residents received good news from then-City Building Official Darin Cushing when 83 of the 86 Pines Trailer Park owners received a notice from the city that they could repair their hurricane-damaged mobile homes with the proper permits. Some residents remained hesitant to move forward with repairs, however, saying questions about
the Pines ownerships’ intent for the park were still unanswered.
“We previously provided you with a notice that your property may have been affected by flooding due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and that a second, more thorough inspection would be performed to gather data critical to making a formal determination as to whether the cost of repairs necessary to restore your building to its pre-damage condition might rise to an amount constituting 'substantial damage' as defined in the City’s Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance 21-538,” Cushing’s letter stated. Following the results of that second inspection, and with a review of the data, as well as a review of the property values, repairs could be made with the applicable permits, according to the letter.
“The data suggests that costs to perform repairs and restoration will not constitute a substantial damage repair,” Cushing’s letter stated.
• In early December, the parking lot for Pines Trailer Park residents at 201 First St. N. was converted into a public paid parking lot without notice to residents. Pines residents who required parking had paid $750 per year to park in the lot. A representative for Pines Park Investors LLC told The Sun that residents could continue to park in the lot until Dec. 31 and said a letter would be going out.
2025
• On Jan. 4, Pines Park Investors notified homeowners of their decision to close the park. The reasons given were financial challenges, restoration and compliance, resident concerns and safety and
long-term viability.
• In a Jan. 27 letter to the Pines Trailer Park HOA, park ownership offered to sell the mobile home park to the residents for $75 million. Pines Park Investors LLC had purchased the 2.78-acre waterfront mobile home property on Aug. 5, 2023 from The Jackson Partnership LLLP for $16.25 million.
• The Pines Trailer Park Homeowners Association filed a lawsuit on March 28 against park owners Pines Park Investors LLC asking in part for an injunction against the park closure and threatened evictions.
• Pines Park Investors LLC filed a motion for the court to dismiss the lawsuit filed against them in March by the Pines Trailer Park Homeowners Association. A hearing on that motion is scheduled for Monday, July 28.
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
A writ of possession hangs on one trailer at the Pines Trailer Park.
ISLAND SPORTS
CENTER SCOREBOARD
ADULT SPRING SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP
Duncan Real Estate 3
Sato Real Estate 2
ADULT 3V3 BASKETBALL
Solid Rock Construction W Slicker’s Eatery
Primetime Lending W Coaster Continent
Luxury Services W
Edible Cookie Dough Café
Slim’s Place W Salty Printing
Moss Builders W Bradenton Home Inspections
JUNE 5 - SCRAMBLE
First Place Team - Jim Bailey, Terry Schaefer and Bill Shuman, 29, 3 under par
JUNE 9 - MODIFIED STABLEFORD
First Place - tie between Mike Clements, John Kolojeski, Bill MacMillan and Chuck Patrick, +2
JUNE 12 - SCRAMBLE
First Place – Three-way tie between the team of Bill MacMillan, Charlie Porter and Gary Razze and the team of Chuck Patrick, Deb and Dave Richardson and the team of Mike Clements, John Kolojeski and Terry Schaefer.
Fernandes, Farrington, Augustine victorious
Gersey Fernandes posted the only 3-0 record during pool play and won the day’s competition at Anna Maria Horseshoes on June 11. On June 14, Tom Farrington and Steve Augustine teamed up to win the day’s championship after going 3-0 during pool play.
TDC : Mayor seeks support for pier replacement project
FROM PAGE 8
expenditures will impact the city’s cash flow and financial reserves.
Bradenton Mayor and TDC member Gene Brown asked Short how much the city plans to contribute.
“We know we’re going to have skin in the game,” Short said. “What exactly that number is, I can’t tell you at this point.”
Short said the city’s pier repair project and the county-funded installation of a Gulf Islands Ferry landing alongside the City Pier have to be treated as two separate stand-alone projects and for permitting reasons can’t be intermingled as a single project.
CITY PIER: Grill operators hope to renegotiate lease
rainy, cold and windy weather.
Isolated with no walkway that provides pedestrian access, the pier buildings currently have no power, utility or water service. Seymour said he and his partners have no idea how much it will cost to restore their leased space to its pre-hurricane condition.
He said the City Pier Grill was supposed to receive 800 amps of electrical power and the city only provided 400 amps. He said more power is needed to fully accommodate the restaurant equipment and other technological needs.
Seymour and his partners want the city to install a roof structure over the currently uncovered seating area at the T-end of the pier using the $75,000 previously budgeted, but not spent, to install shade sails over the uncovered deck area used by City Pier Grill patrons and others. Seymour doesn’t believe shade sails are a good option at the end of the pier.
The pier tenants want the roof structure to include drink rails on the north and west sides of the open-air structure. Seymour said the current seating capacity is 65 to 80 seats, depending on whether the benches are counted as seats. He said the drink rail stools would add 40 more seats and the increased seating would help
deck area.
provide liquor service in addition to the current beer and wine offerings. Lynch and Commissioner Chris Arendt questioned how the proposed roof structure and drink railings would impact fishing from the T-end of the pier.
ADDITIONAL CONCERNS
Seymour said generations of pier users used to enjoy fishing on the pier late at night and a lot of people complain about the pier not being open 24 hours a day like it was before the previous mayor and commission decided the pier would close and the
main gate would be locked at 10 p.m.
Seymour said making his staff responsible for closing the pier and restrooms, clearing the pier of occupants and locking the gate at 10 p.m. subjected his staff to confrontations with the public, some of which included threats of violence. When the pier reopens in the summer or fall of 2026 as currently expected, Seymour and his partners want the public works department and/or the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office to take over those responsibilities. They also want the city and the
The TDC members sought assurances that the city will allow the county to install a ferry landing that can accommodate the larger boat being added to the ferry fleet later this year.
Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione said a restrictive covenant that ensures the city’s approval of a ferry landing will be included in the funding agreement. Falcione suggested the $2 million limit and the TDC members unanimously supported Brown’s motion to make that recommendation.
sheriff’s office to provide greater enforcement of the pier rules that include no smoking, no bicycles, no animals and no jumping or diving off the pier. Seymour said asking his staff to enforce those rules subjected them to additional confrontations.
Seymour and his partners want more transparency regarding the costs shared with the city that include pressure washing the pier, lighting maintenance, parking area maintenance and more. They would also like the same sign allowances given to Mote Marine. Seymour said Mote Marine was allowed to place a sign on the side of their leased building that faces the Anna Maria shoreline and the City Pier Grill was not.
Commission Chair Charlie Salem thanked Seymour, Mattay and Graham for the insights they provided.
“It’s a lot to think about. I appreciate all the time and effort you put into this,” Salem said, noting the commission will try to do what is best for the city and the city’s pier tenant, whoever that may be. Seymour didn’t seek a commission vote but he said he and his partners need a commitment soon regarding the roof structure and the renegotiation of the lease. He also noted they must give the city six months’ notice if they plan to vacate the pier space.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The City Pier Grill operators want a roof installed over the uncovered portion of the pier’s T-end
CLASSIFIEDS
COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE
HAVE YOU BEEN thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! Duplexes, multi family, small resorts? Call BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216
CLEANING SERVICE
TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570 or 941-565-3931
CONSTRUCTION/ INSURANCE
WE SPECALIZE IN: WIND
Mitigation forms, 4-POINT forms, DECK safety and evaluation. State Certified since 1990. Call Mike Conley 941-778-2385. Straight Inspection Service. Veteran Owned
EMPLOYMENT
ROSER CHURCH SEEKS part-time Assistant Facilities Administrator to cover Friday to Sunday and special events. Read the Job Description RoserChurch. com/job-opportunity.
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-725-0073.
KERN & GILDER CONSTRUCTION, INC New Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CBC 1261150. Call the Office. 941-7781115. NEW OFFICE ADDRESS: 1878 59th Street W Bradenton, FL 34209
API’S DRYWALL REPAIR 15+ years experience. Free estimates. No job too small. Love to help you. Call 941-524-8067.
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.
CCS DRYWALL REPAIRS We are local. Family owned & operated since 1991. Free Estimates. Licensed/Insured/Bonded. License # SCC131149803 Call 941-713-6531.
HURRICANE DAMAGE? I’m an Island resident. Pressure washing, tree work, fence repair, mailbox replacement. Also see ads under “Landscaping & painting. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315
FROM HOME TO BUSINESSES, we build it all. You’re Reliable General Contractor for new construction, water damage, restoration 941-894-7549 or email at@constructionatr.com
BATHROOM REMODEL STARTING at $1999 Limited Time Promotion (labor only) McGhie Construction Inc. State certified CBC 1258471 Call 813-966-3707 Free Estimates
START TO FINISH, Custom Carpentry, Accent Walls, Drywall and much more 941-565-2165
HANDYMAN: Repairing two homes on AMI. Carpentry, painting, flooring, minor electric and plumbing, etc. Self-starter, Work your schedule, full or part time. Call or text Darryl, 813-439-0516.
HOME SERVICE
HATE TO COOK? Long time Island resident. Can help with cooking, laundry and many things around your house. Many compliments on cooking. References available. Please Call or Text 941685-0045.
LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE
R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941
ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal. Sweeping, blowing, and weeding. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing. Call Bill Witaszek 941307-9315
SHELL DRIVEWAYS & LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell and Lime rock driveways and scapes. Also River Rock, Sand, Mulch, & Soil. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067
DEVINE DESIGN LANDSCAPE - Professional Landscape and Design Services for your entire property. Irrigation services, Tree Removal and trimming, Sod, Mulch, Fencing, Pavers and Landscape Lighting. Commercial and Residential. Call 941-4656015 DevineDesign7@ yahoo.com
MOVING & STORAGE
MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-8095777.
PAINTING & WALLCOVERING
PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates. 941-812-0507
“WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Wallpaper installation/ removal. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455
DONALD PERKINS ABRACADABRA PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-705-7096
PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident. Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Minor repairs & carpentry. Free estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315
TRUE TONE PAINTING. Painting, power washing, epoxy floors and more, No job too small. Please call 941-224-4020 www. truetonepainting.com
PEST CONTROL
ANNA MARIA PEST CONTROL Call 941-7781630
POOL SERVICES
FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 18 + Years Experience. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657
COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893
PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS
TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941-5653931.
REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE
Have you been thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! GULF FRONT, CANAL FRONT, BAY FRONT CONDOS or HOMES ASK for BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216
LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589
HOLMES BEACH Partial Gulf View & Intracoastal views 5BR/4BA/4CG Custom built home private pool, elevator, all tile flooring. Best Price $2,600,000. Sharon Hightower RE/MAX Alliance Group 941-330-5054.
PERICO ISLAND
3BR/2BA single family home 2 car garage great community Clubhouse, pool, fitness room, sauna, sold furnished $699,900. Sharon Hightower RE/ MAX Alliance Group 941-330-5054.
BEST DEAL ON THE ISLAND
$2.6 million custom built 5 bedroom 4 bath pool home gulf views roof top deck, elevator, 3 car garage, income producing property. Sharon Hightower Remax alliance group 941-330-5054
FOR SALE - PERICO
BAY CLUB New Price for 2BR/2BA villa with Water View! 2 CAR GARAGE, open floor plan & high ceilings! $374,400 Call Erin Leathem at The Anna Maria Sales Team at Island Real Estate 941448-5616
RENTALS: ANNUAL
ANNUAL RENTAL CENTRAL HOMES BEACH
3BR/2BA completely remodeled. Walk to beach, school, trolley, shopping. $2595/mo Call 941-7136743
HOLMES BEACH 209 83rd St.: 2BR/2BA private pool, large screened lanai! $3000/mo. Water, trash, lawn care included. Also pool care. Annual, unfurnished. 1 Year lease. 1st, & $4500 security deposit Call 941-809-2488
BEAUTIFUL PERICO BAY Club Condo! 2BR/2BA, Second Floor Unit $4750/ mo seasonally, $2500/mo annually +Security Deposit Please call 941-7781979 for more details.
.WATERFRONT ANNA MARIA ISLAND exclusive Key Royal home. 2BR/2BA/2CG. Completely remodeled. Pool, Dock with Boat lift. Walk to beaches and golf course. Pet friendly. Fenced yard. Non-smoking. Annual Rental. Unfurnished. Call owner 941-704-7336 $7500/mo. Available 7/1/2025
YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS this rare opportunity to live on Anna Maria Island. Please call the office at 941-778-1979 to see this 2BR/2BA $2975/ mo renovated home with a beautifully landscaped large backyard.
HOLMES BEACH 2nd FLOOR living. 1BR/BA, bonus room. Just updated. New appliances. No hurricane damage. Carport under home. No pets/no smoking. $2000/mo. Call 860-922-3857
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
AVAILABLE NOW! SEASONAL RENTAL Beautiful bright renovated condo 2BR/2BA - 1 floor Perico Bay Clubgym, tennis, hot tub, pool, parking $4700/ month Call 612-802-8357
TRANSPORTATION
ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete $85. Sarasota $40. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-7795095
