Pines owners ask for dismissal of HOA lawsuit
Beach hole concerns deepen
Uncovered holes in the beach sand present dangers to humans and wildlife alike.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Deeply-dug beach holes, and using metal shovels to dig those holes, are becoming a major concern on Anna Maria Island’s beaches; and county officials are asking the three Island cities to adopt local ordinances to help address the problem. Manatee County Natural Resources Department Director Charlie Hunsicker expressed his concerns about unfilled beach holes when giving a presentation to the Holmes Beach mayor and city commissioners on May 13. He plans to make similar presentations to the Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach mayors and commissioners and he hopes all three cities will adopt ordinances that mirror a county ordinance adopted within the past year or so.
Regarding the removal of natural resources, County Ordinance 23-121 states:
MANATEE COUNTY | SUBMITTED County officials are concerned about beachgoers using metal shovels on county beaches.
“No person shall dig, damage, remove, displace or destroy any beach sand, whether submerged or not, or any soil, rock, stone, tree, shrub or plant, or down-timber or other wood or material, or excavate by tool, equipment, blasting, or other means without first obtaining a permit from the director. Exception is made for the building of sandcastles or other sand sculptures, except that the sand used for such activities must not be moved from the general vicinity of its source. The area must be returned to its original state after use.”
SEE HOLE, PAGE 11
The defendant, Pines Park Investors LLC, maintains evictions, closures and notice to purchase were in accordance with state statute
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Pines Park Investors LLC filed a motion for the court to dismiss a lawsuit filed against them in March by the Pines Trailer Park Homeowners Association (HOA). The HOA lawsuit filed in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court claims park ownership failed to comply with state law which rendered the park closure as invalid. The suit also alleges park ownership failed to fulfill its obligations in good faith, did not maintain the park’s common areas following the 2024 hurricanes and did not provide adequate parking in accordance with the city of Bradenton Beach Land Development Code.
The HOA asked, in part, for an injunction against the park closure and the evictions.
“This action arises as a result of defendant’s unlawful actions regarding its failure to maintain and repair the park common area amenities, its defective notice to the association and its illegal and unconscionable actions to illegally close the park and evict the mobile home owners,” according to the HOA complaint.
Memorial bench replacement cost established
City officials encourage planting memorial trees citywide instead of installing memorial benches at beach access points.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Those who lost memorial benches during Hurricanes Helene and Milton will have to pay the city $1,000 to have a new bench built and reinstalled.
Most of the city-made memorial benches damaged, destroyed or displaced by the 2024 hurricanes were located at street-end beach access points.
At the request of the city commission, Holmes Beach Public Works Director Sage Kamiya provided a memorial bench program update on May 13. The update and ensuring commission discussion were partially inspired by previous public
input given by former city commissioner Jim Kihm, who wants to replace the memorial bench previously placed at the 69th Street beach access in honor of his late wife, Connie. The bench program update was also inspired by similar inquiries received from others.
Kamiya said he had a list of 166 memorial benches and 44 of those benches were located after the hurricanes.
“We currently have 29 folks that have asked to have those beach access benches replaced,” he said.
Kamiya provided a detailed explanation of the replacement process, the estimated replacement timeline and the estimated costs. He said the updated bench program is only intended for benches installed within the past 10 years. The bench sponsor is responsible for the replacement cost and must reapply to have a bench replaced. The city
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
Pines Park Investors LLC has asked the court to dismiss a lawsuit filed against them by the Pines Trailer Park Homeowners Association
Three young manatees rehabbing at The Bishop
The young manatees were rescued from various Florida waters.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON – The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature received three young female manatees for secondary rehabilitation.
The largest of the three, Crane, is recovering from cold stress syndrome, and was rescued from Crane’s Bayou near Longboat Key. At the time of rescue, she weighed 355 pounds and now weighs 450 pounds.
Mandalore is an orphaned calf rescued from Blue Springs in Orange City in February. When she was rescued, she weighed 180 pounds and is now 320 pounds.
Kyber is also an orphaned calf who suffered from prolonged exposure to cold water. Rescued from Crystal River, she weighed 200 pounds and now weighs 310 pounds.
Critical Care is considered the first rehabilitation stage and focuses on medical needs and helping manatees recover from injury or illness. Adult manatees with the
greatest knowledge of the wild return to the wild when medically cleared.
Naïve animals with limited understanding of the wild are moved to secondary care. The arrival of Crane, Mandalore and Kyber at the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat marks the next phase in their recovery process.
"It’s always a big day when we get new arrivals to the Parker Manatee Rehabilita-
tion Habitat, with these three joining the list of over 50 manatees we have cared for and returned to the wild," said Andrew Sandall, Chief Executive Officer at The Bishop. “It’s a privilege to play such a key role in the conservation of this majestic species and I’m so proud of our team here for their passion and commitment to making sure these manatees get the best care possible during their time with us.”
Visitors to The Bishop can observe these manatees as they continue rehabilitation. Informational displays near the viewing areas will provide details about their individual cases, the rehabilitation process and the physical requirements for release. The Bishop Museum is located at 201 10th St. W. in Bradenton. Visit the Bishop Museum online at www. bishopscience.org.
BISHOP MUSEUM | SUBMITTED
This trio of young manatees recently arrived at the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat. The manatees are acclimating to their new surroundings.
ISLAND NEWS
IN BRIEF
JOHN LOWENBERG | SUBMITTED
From left, Richard and Joanne Brown, Nancy and John Flynn, Chris and Bruce Meyer, Jeff aTolerton, Patricia Rod, Sharon and Ed Nazzaro, Deb Sneddon and Carolyn and Jerry Newbrough
Island residents support Palma Sola Botanical Park
A strong contingent of current and past Island residents joined 150 others supporting Palma Sola Botanical Park’s annual Garden Party fundraiser on May 10. The botanical park located at 9800 17th Ave. N.W. in Bradenton, across the street from Robinson Preserve, charges no admission fee and is open from dawn to dusk seven days a week except during special events.
City hosting public block party
The city of Anna Maria will host a public block party under the City Pier Park shade sail on Saturday, May 24, from 5-8 p.m. The low-key, potluck-style/BYOB event is intended for residents, guests and visitors. Attendees are asked to bring their own chairs, bring their own beverages and bring a dish to share with others. A portable propane griddle and/or gas grill will be available to keep warm dishes warm. The Stockton Brothers will provide the live music. City Pier Park is located at the corner of Pine Avenue and North Bay Boulevard.
Last day at AME is May 29
The last day of school for Anna Maria Elementary School students is Thursday, May 29, with early dismissal at 1:50 p.m. beginning May 27 through May 29. School is closed on Monday, May 26, for Memorial Day.
Correction
Anna Maria City Commissioner Gary McMullen prefers ferry landing option
C, which proposes the future, county-funded construction of a Gulf Islands Ferry landing alongside the City Pier walkway, between the T-end of the pier and the Anna Maria shoreline. A story in last week’s Sun incorrectly stated a different landing preference for McMullen.
Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.
Cortez resident grows 600-pound pumpkin
While not as large as his 2023 Florida state record-breaking 1,039-pound pumpkin, Cortez resident Tim Canniff’s backyard hobby has yielded an impressive approximately 600-pound pumpkin. “It’s more a tan color than orange this year,” he said. “The growth is very slow right now. The days are numbered.” The weight estimate is based on measurements, he said. He told The Sun in 2023 that at 600 pounds it would take about 10 men to lift it. The record-breaker at over 1,000 pounds had to be hoisted with ropes and chains, placed on a pallet and lifted by a forklift for the official weigh-in. Canniff, a commercial fisherman, starts the seeding process indoors around December. Once planted outdoors, he protects the fruit with a sunshade against the hot Florida sun. He has grown a pumpkin every year for the past 20 years and they’ve ranged in weight from about 100 pounds to his 2023 record-breaker. “You just never know how they’ll turn out,” he said.
Seaside Laundromat
Seaside Laundromat, Anna Maria Island’s only 24/7 laundromat, is open again after sustaining significant damage during Hurricane Helene last September. Located at 5400 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach in the Island Shopping Center, Seaside Laundromat has long been a staple for locals and visitors in need of laundry services. Seaside Laundromat offers coin-operated or cashless self-service washers and dryers, professional wash and fold services and professional pick-up and delivery wash and fold services for restaurants, businesses and vacation rentals. Seaside Laundromat is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Premium laundry services are available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last drop-off at 3 p.m. Learn more at www.seasidelaundromatami.com or call 941-900-8941.
Above, Tim Canniff grew an approximately 600-pound pumpkin in his backyard this year. Left, in May 2023, Tim Canniff stood behind his state record-breaking pumpkin weighing 1,039 pounds.
reopens
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The Seaside Laundromat is open again.
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
‘Grace & Glorie’ offered life lessons in season finale
“Grace & Glorie” closed a successful season that was interrupted by two major hurricanes last fall.
BY JOE HENDRICKS
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The Island Players 76th theatrical season ended on a high note with the final performance of “Gracie & Glorie” on Sunday, May 18.
Written by Tom Ziegler and set in the early 1990s, directed by longtime Island Players’ director and actor James Thaggard, co-produced by the Ugly Grouper restaurant and performed by two cast members who had to memorize an 83-page script, “Grace & Glorie” is the tale of an unlikely friendship formed between Grace Stiles (played by Nancy Denton), a 90-year old “backwoods redneck” who’s dying of cancer and Gloria “Glorie” Whitmore (played by Jennifer Kwiatkowski), a middle-aged former New York
City go-getter trying to regain her bearings after suffering a tragic loss and relocating to rural Virgina with her husband, Peter, who’s more easily adapting to a slower-paced lifestyle than she is.
As a new hospice volunteer, Glorie is assigned to drive “20 miles up the mountain” to assist Grace during her dying days. Grace lives in a small cottage on the 500-acre farm and beloved apple orchard where she spent her entire adult life; a property now slated for demolition and redevelopment as a timeshare community.
Despite the backdrop of impending death, “Grace & Glorie” was more introspective, inspirational and funny than it was sad. With no one else sharing the stage, Denton and Kwiatkowski deftly carried all five scenes of the two-act play using acting skills developed and refined during their many years as community theater actors.
At first, Grace wanted noth-
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Set against the backdrop of death, “Grace & Glorie” was an uplifting tale of late-life friendship.
ing to do with Glorie and her big city ways and she made that abundantly clear. But despite her initial exasperations, Glorie was determined to carry out the volunteer assignment she’d been given, and the personal quest that inspired it.
The ice between the drastically different strangers began to thaw when bed-ridden Grace needed to relieve
herself and the pair were forced to contemplate the use of a family heirloom.
The interplay between the two talented actors ranged from reluctance and frustration to sympathy, caring and loving; and Denton and Kwiatkowski brought all those far-ranging emotions to life.
Kwiatkowski’s comedic abilities were on display as Glorie tried to navigate
We Do It AlL!
the complexities of cooking breakfast on a woodburning stove and she encountered some of Mother Nature’s little critters along the way. Kwiatkowski also conveyed Glorie’s hard-earned business sense and the anger and sense of unfairness she felt about Grace’s mountain farm and beloved apple orchard being destroyed.
While portraying Grace’s suspicious, guarded, no-nonsense nature, Denton threw several verbal zingers Glorie’s way and questioned why she was bothering her in her dying days. Denton was equally adept at portraying Grace’s softer, more vulnerable side and her determination to finish knitting a sweater for a 13-year old great-niece she’d never met gave her a final task to complete before death came calling.
As their days and nights together unfolded in Grace’s
The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff
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Cindy Lane
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ON THE AGENDA
ANNA MARIA
10005 GULF DRIVE
FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130
Visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information.
Tuesday, May 20, 2 p.m. Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting
Monday, May 26, City offices closed for Memorial Day
BRADENTON BEACH
107 GULF DRIVE N. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005
Visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information.
Wednesday, May 21, 9:30 a.m., City Commission work meeting
Wednesday, May 21, 1 p.m., Scenic WAVES Committee meeting
Friday, May 23, 10 a.m., Pier Team meeting
Monday, May 26, City offices closed for Memorial Day
Beach cleanup taking place in Holmes Beach
A Memorial Day weekend community beach and shoreline cleanup event is happening Friday, May 30, in Holmes Beach. There’s no registration required and volunteers are asked to simply show up at the 52nd Street beach access and join the Holmes Beach Code Compliance Department, Keep Manatee Beautiful, Waste Pro and other community members in cleaning the beach and shoreline from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
HOLMES BEACH
5801 MARINA DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800
Visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information.
Monday, May 26, City offices closed for Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 27, 2 p.m., City commission meeting, followed by commission work session
So long, farewell
Memorial Day marks exactly eight months since Hurricane Helene flooded Anna Maria Island.
Many friends have left the Island since then, and it was not anyone’s first choice, nor did any leave on their own terms.
My friends, mostly older, had a variety of reasons.
Their kids were concerned about them evacuating before the next storm and staying alone in a hotel for days, weeks or months. Many friends moved closer to their adult children, which is often inevitable - but many left before they were ready.
Some left because it proved too hard to evacuate for days and weeks with dogs or cats or birds; in some cases, there were pet casualties.
Some left because of the likelihood of huge impending homeowners association assessments to pay for damage, and the inevitability of higher monthly dues, forcing out those on fixed incomes.
Some left because a developer shut down their trailer park.
Some left because developers
have been snapping up distressed properties after the storm and intend to build three stories on both sides of neighbors who don’t want to live in a shadowy concrete canyon.
Many had so much damage to their homes they couldn’t afford to pay for it, leading to further gentrification on AMI. Everyone has heard the insurance companies’ 2024-25 mantra, “It’s not covered,” followed by citations to obscure policy provisions that no one ever reads before signing, because everyone was just happy to be able to qualify for any flood insurance on a barrier island.
Even some investors I know are planning to leave, because while they were safe and sound with all their possessions in their northern homes during Helene, they were terrified of
losing their investment properties watching national news about AMI.
Most people I know made a list of pros and cons before deciding to leave.
On the pro side, there’s the beautiful, sparkling, magical Gulf of Mexico with its dolphins and manatees and sunsets, its sea turtles, shorebirds and coquinas, its reef fish, waves and clouds, its moonsets, peace and beauty.
On the con side, there’s the raging, unpredictable, fierce Gulf of Mexico, with its floodwaters pushing several feet of sand into our homes, its theft of protective sand dunes, leaving the beaches flat and unappealing, its slaughter of sea oats and sea grapes and palm trees and saw palmettos and yellow beach sunflowers and purple railroad vines, its insidious approach closer to beachfront properties – and that’s not an optical illusion.
Many of us spent a lot of time trying to identify all the lesser cons to justify our decisions to leave – the Island’s horrible traffic problems during season, the loss of Old Florida to mega-mansions, the red tide, the
difficulty getting and paying for insurance, the already-dwindling supply of friends and neighbors.
But let’s not kid ourselves. All of that pales in comparison to the trauma that everyone experienced to one degree or the other, according to our temperaments and the extent of our bad luck, after Helene and Milton, which - in case we missed the prophecy of Helene - came two weeks later to underline it.
When you boil it all down, it’s hurricanes making everyone flee the Island.
Including, after 23 years on the beach, me.
I was the last person in the world my neighbor thought would ever leave, and she was the last person in the world I thought would ever leave, but, to our mutual surprise, both of us are leaving.
The Gulf looms in my mind as a potential danger now, not the haven it always was since my childhood, when crossing the Manatee Avenue bridge to
SEE COAST LINES, PAGE 31
Cindy Lane
Slicker’s Eatery celebrates fourth anniversary
Slicker’s Eatery in Cortez opened Feb. 13, 2021, and hosted a belated fourth anniversary party on Saturday, May 17. Owner Bob Slicker served as the party’s master of ceremonies and the afternoon and evening celebration included live music performed by cellist Trevor Easton and more live music performed by singer and guitarist Steve Paradis. Boiler Room co-owner Josh Wilkinson cooked up some delicious burgers, brats and chicken and Brian Slicker and Kathy Houck were among the guest bartenders. After drinking a celebratory shot of Jägermeister with friends, Bob Slicker said, “It’s amazing to be surrounded and supported by good family, good friends and a great community. The outpouring of support we got while we were closed after the hurricanes, when we reopened in February and during today’s party are more than I could wish for. If it wasn’t for my team and our supportive patrons, we would not be open now; and I’m grateful I get to give it another go.” Visit Slicker’s Eatery at 12012 Cortez Road West or online at www.SlickersEatery.com.
Sandbar Seafood + Spirits gets a makeover
Owned and operated by the Beachside Hospitality Group, the iconic Sandbar Seafood + Spirits restaurant in Anna Maria is introducing some exciting new amenities and a fresh look as part of their now-completed post-hurricane renovations. Catering to beachgoers and early risers, Sandbar Seafood + Spirits now features the Beachside Bites walkup window on the south side of the restaurant and Sweet Willy’s Ice Cream Shoppe inside the restaurant. Serving breakfast sandwiches, fresh pastries, smoothies and other readyto-go and made-to-order breakfast and light fare items, Beachside Bites is open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Offering ice cream made with premium ingredients and rotating flavors, handmade waffle cones crafted daily in-house and old-school sundaes and shakes, the retro-style ice cream shoppe is the first Sweet Willy’s on the Gulf Coast and is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Additional upgrades include new flooring, furniture and lighting, new bar and kitchen equipment
re-engineered for higher efficiency, new privacy fencing and updated lighting in the Grand Pavilion event venue, a refreshed main entrance, freshly paved outdoor spaces with beachside picnic tables and bistro-style seating and expanded retail space with resort wear, gifts and Sandbar-branded merchandise. Visit Sandbar Seafood + Spirits at 100 Spring Ave. in Anna Maria or online at www.sandbardining.com.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Slicker’s Eatery hosted a hurricane-delayed anniversary party.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Slicker’s Eatery owner Bob Slicker is never at a loss for words.
SANDBAR SEAFOOD + SPIRITS | SUBMITTED Sandbar Seafood + Spirits now features the Beachside Bites walk-up window.
BENCHES: Memorial bench replacement cost established
will be responsible for minor maintenance for up to 10 years but bench replacement and major repairs are the responsibility of the bench sponsor; and the sponsor has to provide the city with up-to-date contact information now and in the future. Kamiya said the city will do its best to accommodate original bench locations but some beach access points had up to four benches before the hurricanes struck and that’s too many benches in one spot.
The city-made benches feature a poured concrete foundation, wooden planks and a memorial plaque. The replacement costs include staff time, labor, materials, equipment use and more. Kamiya said it takes about 15 non-consecutive work hours to build and install one bench. He said the public works staff can complete one bench every three weeks or so while also working on multiple other cityrelated tasks and it will take about 87 weeks to replace the first 29 benches. He estimated it would cost the city $1,367 to replace one bench and $39,668 to replace 29 benches; and he noted the current fiscal year budget includes $8,000 for memorial signs and benches.
Commissioner Terry Schaefer suggested, and the other commissioners supported, removing the equipment cost and that helped lower the replacement price.
Commissioner Steve Oelfke asked if using public works personnel to build the benches is the most efficient way to do it. Mayor Judy Titsworth said it was.
“You’re not going to get them any cheaper by outsourcing,” the mayor said.
“This bench program is cumbersome,” she added. “Not only is it dangerous for the sea turtles; there’s too many of them.”
Titsworth said the city stopped installing memorial benches at beach access points and now encourages planting memorial trees instead, which helps enhance the ever-shrinking tree canopy in Holmes Beach and Islandwide. Police Chief Bill Tokajer suggested revisiting the city’s memorial brick program as another alternative.
While expressing sympathy and support for Kihm and others who lost memorial benches and are still recovering from the hurricanes, Commissioner Carol Whitmore suggested using some of the city’s $4 million reserve fund to replace lost benches. Commissioner Carol Soustek suggested, and the commis-
sion supported, the city covering the $12,000 in estimated material costs for the first 29 replacement benches. That suggestion also helped reduce the replacement price to $1,000.
CONNIE’S BENCH
Kihm didn’t attend the May 13 meeting but on May 10 he sent a benchrelated email to the mayor and commissioners. His email noted memorial benches date back to World War I, when families placed benches in public places to help remember loved ones who didn’t return. His email also stated: “Memorial benches provide a physical space to connect with the memory of those no longer with us.”
Regarding his wife’s bench, he wrote, “For those who knew my wife, Connie Kihm, you understand the happiness and positive energy she brought to our Island and our city. We often walked the beach together. We watched sunsets on the beach. Connie truly loved Holmes Beach and appreciated every day that she was lucky enough to live here. Her original memorial bench was generously donated by her dancing sisters: The Starfire Dancers. They wanted to place a bench on the beach that she loved so much … a place where they could sit and rest and remember their dear friend; a place where strangers could sit and wonder who this lady was who was so loved by her dancing sisters and others in the community.”
Kihm’s email noted Connie’s bench and plaque cost $450 in 2020.
“I find it hard to believe that the city’s cost has increased threefold in five years to $1367,” he wrote when encouraging the mayor and commissioners to lower the proposed replacement cost. To inquire about replacing a bench installed within the past 10 years, call the Public Works Department at 941-708-5768 or email skamiya@ holmesbeachfl.org.
JIM KIHM | SUBMITTED
Connie Kihm’s memorial bench at the 69th Street beach access didn’t survive the hurricanes.
‘Captain Scott Moore’ boat ramp sign installed
Formerly known as the North Coquina boat ramp, the Captain Scott Moore boat ramp in Bradenton Beach now features a sign bearing the boat ramp’s namesake: longtime Holmes Beach resident and legendary charter fishing guide Scott Moore. On May 15, Moore’s birthday, Cannons Marina owner David Miller noticed the new sign and sent a picture of it to his good friend. In May 2024, then-District 3 Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge proposed, and the other commissioners supported, renaming the north boat ramp in Moore’s honor and renaming the South Coquina boat ramp the Coquina boat ramp. Regarding the boat ramp that now officially bears his name, Moore said, “It’s a great honor and I’m proud to live in Manatee County, which is one of the best counties in Florida. I’d like to thank the Manatee County Commission and everybody involved in making this happen.”
When addressing the importance of the preserving the county’s natural resources, Moore said, “Growing up and living in Manatee County all these
years, it’s been so important to save our saltwater wetlands; and we do that with parks and preserves. We have a great Parks and Recreation Department in Manatee County and we’ve been able to purchase these wonderful preserves which enhance our fisheries, which in turn enhance our wildlife populations.”
Moore reiterated his often-stated hope that Rattlesnake Point, a barrier Island near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, will someday be designated as a park/nature preserve for future generations to enjoy.
SCOTT MOORE | SUBMITTED
Scott Moore stands in front of the new sign at the Captain Scott Moore boat ramp.
HOLES: Uncovered holes in the beach sand present dangers
In regard to digging holes on a county beach, the ordinance states: “No person shall possess on or about the sandy Gulf beach a metal shovel of the type customarily sold in hardware stores – not a children’s toy – unless part of a construction project permitted under the Florida Building Code or similar law. No person shall dig a hole in the sandy Gulf beach deeper than one foot below surrounding grade unless part of a construction project permitted under the Florida Building Code or similar law.”
Manatee County owns and manages Coquina Beach and Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach and Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach. The county also maintains and manages Bayfront Park in Anna Maria, which is city-owned and includes a beachfront area along the Tampa Bay shoreline. The county does not have the authority to regulate beaches that are not county-owned or countymanaged.
As part of the efforts to protect the Island beaches, those who visit them and the wildlife that inhabits them, Hunsicker encouraged the Holmes Beach mayor and commission to consider adopting a city ordinance that would allow the city’s police officers and code compliance officers to enforce hole digging regulations similar to the county’s. Hunsicker will soon ask the Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach mayors and city commissioners to do the same.
“Everyone wants to come and
build a sandcastle and get buried on the sand, but what we’re seeing now, and what we’ve seen the last several years, is a movement towards this massive work,” Hunsicker said.
His presentation includes a photo of large holes dug several feet deep on county beaches –some with adults standing in them and some with teenagers standing in them.
“Why is this happening? Because they’re out here with garden tools,” Hunsicker said.
“No one’s going to be opposed to a beach pail and a plastic beach shovel and building family traditions and memories about some sandcastle. However, we’ve reached the point where some of these things are just excessive.”
Hunsicker said uncovered holes in the beach sand are even harder to see at night, which can result in people getting injured and sea turtles and other wildlife becoming fatally trapped. His presentation includes a photo of a loggerhead turtle that fell into a beach hole and died on its back, unable to escape.
Hunsicker’s presentation also references an Associated Press news story about a 2024 beach hole collapse in Fort Lauderdale that resulted in the death of a young girl. That story also references three other 2023-24 sand digging incidents that resulted in the deaths of a teenager in each instance.
BEACH RAKER’S OBSERVATIONS
As the county’s primary beach rake operator, longtime Cortez resident Mark Taylor drives a
large John Deere tractor up and down the county beaches towing a beach rake. Based in Holmes Beach but utilized Island-wide, the beach rake collects seaweed, algae, dead marine life and wildlife, trash and other beach debris.
Hunsicker said Taylor once encountered a deep beach hole with a two-year-old child at the bottom of it; had he not seen the hole and then passed over it with the beach rake the consequences could have been disastrous.
At Hunsicker’s request, Taylor addressed the mayor and commission.
“Your police department has had to rope off holes that are bigger than my tractor and rig combined. These holes are dangerous. It’s a real problem,” Taylor said.
Taylor said he has to avoid the holes when raking the beaches and he also expressed concerns about lifeguards and other first responders hitting an unseen hole
while driving on the beach at an accelerated speed.
He said he gets out of his tractor a half-dozen times a day to kindly remind beachgoers to fill their holes before leaving. He also reminds them it’s currently sea turtle nesting season.
Taylor said the county beaches are his top priority but he often operates the tractor and beach rake Island-wide, including while traveling from one county beach to another. During turtle nesting season, Taylor works closely with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch & Shorebird Monitoring Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella to ensure the Gulf shoreline is clear of debris and that the sand is properly sloped for the sea turtles to travel upon.
Taylor supports all three Island cities adopting beach regulations similar to the county regulations.
COMMISSION COMMENTS
Mayor Judy Titsworth said the city recently updated the public
beach access signs placed at city street ends.
Regarding sea turtle awareness, the signs say:
• “Lights out of for sea turtles May 1-Oct. 31;
• “Do not approach turtles or nests;
• “Remove beach furniture at dusk;
• “Leave nests and signs undisturbed;
• “Fill all holes dug in the sand.”
Police Chief Bill Tokajer supports the adoption of a city ordinance that would provide his officers and the city’s code compliance officers with the authority they need to direct beachgoers to fill their excessive holes immediately and return their metal shovels to their vehicles.
“Deeper than your knee is too far,” Tokajer said about enforcing an ordinance that would limit the depth of the holes dug in the beach sand.
City Attorney Erica Augello said she has no legal concerns about the city adopting an ordinance that mirrors the county’s language and she noted the commission could revise the county language if so desired.
The commission reached unanimous consensus in directing Augello to draft an ordinance and present it for first reading at a future commission meeting. Any changes desired by the mayor, commission or city staff can then be incorporated before the ordinance is brought back for second reading and final adoption.
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 sunise; 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
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 will be featured in The Sun.
1. Ms. Querrard’s first grade class: What kind of birds are the ones that run all over on the edge of the waves?
Sanderlings are the small brown and white birds that you see running along the
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 888-404-FWCC (3922).
Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring
Campora,
edge of waves. They are searching for small animals in the sand to eat, like coquina clams that dig themselves into the sand when it is dry but come out to feed when they are underwater.
2. Ms. Querrard’s first grade class: What is the sea turtle’s shell made of? How hard is it?
Sea turtle shells are made of a hard protein called keratin. Keratin is the same material that makes up your fingernails. Their shells are very hard and protect them from predators. Each section of a shell is called a scute and the number of scutes helps us distinguish different species of sea turtles.
Drift-In to display Seafood Shack artifacts
While the Seafood Shack is gone, some of the nautical artifacts there have been salvaged and will soon be displayed at the Drift-In bar in Bradenton Beach. The Seafood Shack, a Cortez waterfront restaurant built in 1971, was demolished recently to make way for the future Manatee County-owned Cortez Marina. Drift-In owner Derek Williams saw an opportunity to preserve and display some local nautical history. “I was interested in preserving some of the things from all the
local changes happening from the hurricanes,” Williams said. “I reached out to the company in charge of the demolition and they were able to allow us over at the
Seafood Shack. We got a number of items and we preserved them.”
He said the county also removed a few key items for preservation. Some of the items to be placed at the Drift-In soon, with pictures posted on their Facebook page, include fish netting with old fishing lures, a wooden Jack Daniel’s barrel and a carved wooden fish.
Derelict boat removed
The derelict boat that washed ashore near the Beach Avenue beach access in Anna Maria on May 12 was removed by Sea Tow by mid-day on May 14. Sgt. Brett Getman from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Anna Maria Unit said the boat had a New York registration number but the boat owner was not located before the boat was removed.
DRIFT-IN | SUBMITTED
Left, old fishing lures were salvaged from the Seafood Shack and will be hung at the Drift-In. Right, a wooden fish cutout was salvaged from the Seafood Shack and will be hung at the Drift-In.
MANATEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE | SUBMITTED
BEACH BEAT
HOLMES BEACH
May 6, 5:16 a.m., 3900 block East Bay Drive. Fleeing to elude, drug possession. While on patrol police observed two individuals riding on a dirt bike with no lights and exiting out of the parking lot of a closed business. Police initiated a traffic stop with lights and sirens but the driver accelerated away from them and made attempts to elude them by driving on the wrong side of the road. The driver lost control of the bike and attempted to climb over a six-foot fence into the backyard of a residence. A taser was deployed. Due to the person being tased, as well as complaints of pain, EMS transported
him to HCA Florida Blake Hospital. A female passenger remained on the scene. The license plate on the dirt bike was assigned to a vehicle with a different VIN. The suspect told police he does not have a valid driver license. Police say a satchel that had been in the driver’s possession contained pipes and suspected cannabis, along with an inmate identification card. The suspected substance tested positive and weighed 148 grams. The suspect was charged with fleeing to elude, loitering and/or prowling, operating a motor vehicle without a valid license, obstruction without violence, operating a motorcycle without a license, failure to register motor vehicle, possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana, possession of drug equipment and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription.
May 6, 9:08 p.m., Gulf Drive N., DUI. Police received a witness report about a female who appeared to be intoxicated and was driving a silver SUV with Nebraska plates. Police located the vehicle which they said was weaving. They conducted a traffic stop; and according to the police reports, the driver emitted a strong odor of alcohol, poor listening and coordination, glassy eyes and an alcoholic beverage in the front cup holder. The suspect agreed to a field sobriety test but when getting out of the car she began walking into Gulf Drive traffic and had to be stopped by officers. She attempted to get away from the police and was placed under arrest for DUI and resisting an officer. The car was towed and she was transported to the police station. Two breath samples resulted in readings of 0.125 and 0.114. While processing her arrest, police located
9.7 grams of marijuana, 19 Lorazepam pills, three smoking pipes with residue and one grinder.
May 10, 11:42 p.m., 5300 block Gulf Drive. Battery. Police were called to a bar in reference to a fight. The complainant said a female had battered him by “smacking him in the face.” He said he was trying to leave the area and the woman followed him and his friends to their car. Police said the man had a red mark on his left eye. The man said he did not wish to press charges. The woman told police one of the men made a racist comment toward one of her friends. Police said the woman appeared to be noticeably intoxicated.
BUSINESS
Auto Service
Holmes Beach Auto Service
5333 Gulf Drive
Holmes Beach, 779-0487
Bait & Tackle Shop
Keyes Marina
5501 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 778-1977
Bank
Hancock Whitney Bank
5324 Gulf Drive
Holmes Beach, 778-4900
Bike Rental
Beach Bums Rentals
427 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 778-3316
Boating Store
Keyes Marina
5501 Marina Drive
Holmes Beach, 778-1977
Car Wash
Sun & Suds Car Wash
6412 Manatee Ave W. Bradenton, 564-3072
Carpet Cleaner
Fat Cat Carpet Cleaning
3801 9th Ave W. Bradenton, 778-2882
CBD Store
Edibles N More 5368 Gulf Drive
Holmes Beach, 855-334-2530
Clothing Store
Two Sides of Nature
101 S. Bay Boulevard
Anna Maria, 779-2432
Convenience Store
Anna Maria General Store
503 Pine Ave
Anna Maria 779-9200
Dry Cleaner
Courtesy Cleaners 7421 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton, 794-5145
Electrician
Anthony’s Heating & Cooling 778-0100
Fine Dining
The Waterfront
111 S Bay Blvd.
Anna Maria, 778-1515
Fitness
Prosper Bradenton 7449 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, 313-207-8506
Floor Coverings
Tradewinds Tile & Stone
5917 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton, 941-896-9640
Florist
Blooms by The Beach
2501 Gulf Drive
Bradenton Beach, 778-2555
Gift Shop
Beach Bums
427 Pine Ave
Anna Maria 778-3316
Golf Cart Rental
Beach Bums
427 Pine Ave
Anna Maria, 778-3316
Grocery Store
Publix Supermarket 3900 East Bay Drive
Holmes Beach, 778-5422
Hair Salon
Acqua Aveda Salon, Spa and Store 5311 Gulf Drive
Holmes Beach, 778-5400
Hardware Store
Ace Hardware 3352 E Bay Drive Holmes Beach, 778-0999
Heat & Air
Anthony’s Heating & Cooling 778-0100
Home Builder
Gagne Construction
214 Pine Ave Anna Maria, 778-3215
Hotel/Motel
Silver Surf Resort
1301 Gulf Dr N Bradenton Beach, 778-6626
House Cleaner
Higor Cleaning Services
501 Pine Avenue Anna Maria, 941-212-6941
Jewelry Store
Bridge Street Jewelers 129 Bridge Street Bradenton Beach, 896-7800
Liquor Store
Time Saver Liquor Store 5353 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, 778-1524
Marina
Keyes Marina 5501 Marina Dr Holmes Beach, 778-1977
Men’s Apparel
Beach Bums
427 Pine Ave Anna Maria, 778-3316
Non Profit
The Center of Anna Maria
407 Magnolia Ave. Anna Maria, 778-1908
Outdoor Sports Store
Dicks Sporting Goods
4108 14th St. W. Bradenton, 751-6900
Painter
Cabinet Renew 1629 W University Pkwy Sarasota, 941-837-8676
Pest Control
Anna Maria Pest Control 11610 3rd Ave. E. Bradenton, 778-1630
Pet Grooming
The Paw Spa 5343 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, 778-0885
Pet Store
AMI Beach & Dog Supply CO.
313 Pine Ave Anna Maria, 713-8970
Pharmacist (tie)
Todd CVS 611 Manatee Ave Holmes Beach,778-1411
Teresa at Walgreens 3200 East Bay Drive Holmes Beach, 778-0451
Pharmacy
CVS
611 Manatee Ave Holmes Beach,778-1411
Plumber
Air & Energy
555 6th Ave. W. Bradenton, 778-0773
Pool Cleaner
Stand Up Pools
Pool Contractor
Agnelli Pools & Construction 7411 Manatee Ave. W. #200 Bradenton, 778-4333
Real Estate Associate
Cindy Quinn
Sato Real Estate Inc.
519 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 778-7200
Real Estate Company
Sato Real Estate Inc. 519 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 778-7200
Rental Company
Sato Real Estate Inc.
519 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 778-7200
Resort
Anna Maria Resorts
Tradewinds Beach Resort 1603 Gulf Drive North Bradenton Beach, 779-0100
Roofer
Trust Mike Roofing 5300 Gulf Dr Holmes Beach 807-6507
Retirement Community National Church Residences
Service Station
Shell Station 5424 Marina Dr Holmes Beach 778-6903
Shopping Center Pineapple Marketplace 425 Pine Ave Anna Maria, 216-4226
Souvenir Shop Beach Bums 427 Pine Ave Anna Maria, 778-3316
Spa
Aluna Day Spa 2219 Gulf Dr N Bradenton Beach 778-8400
Women’s Apparel
Beach Bums
427 Pine Ave Anna Maria, 778-3316
PEOPLE & PLACES
Architectural Design
Beacon Home Design 2423 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton. 941-962-7571
Architect
Beacon Home Design 2423 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton. 941-962-7571
Art Gallery
Artist Guild Gallery 5414 Marina Dr Holmes Beach 778-6694
Artist
Kristi Marie Photography
Attorney Nick Sato 2071 Ringling Blvd. #400 Sarasota, 861-4400
Band The Dr. Dave Band drdaveband.com
Bar & Grill
Harry’s Grill 9903 Gulf Drive Anna Maria, 567-5999
Bartender
Kayla
gRub Tropical BBQ 415 Pine Ave Anna Maria, 900-2874
Beach Coquina Beach
Boat Captain Lance Plowman
Florida Fishing Fleet 941-720-6147
Business Person
Mike Zeppi
Anthony’s Heating & Cooling 778-0100
Caterer
Ben Sato
gRub Topical BBQ 415 Pine Ave Anna Maria, 900-2874
Chef
Ben Sato
gRub Topical BBQ 415 Pine Ave Anna Maria, 900-2874
Chiropractor
Natural Healing Arts
David Zamikoff 6220 Manatee Ave W 761-1100
Dentist
Island Dental Spa 3909 E Bay Dr Ste #205 Holmes Beach, 778-2204
Doctor
Stephen Pelham, M.D. 3909 East Bay Drive #100 Holmes Beach, 778-1007
Eye Care
LensCrafters
6725 Mantee Ave W Bradenton 746-4300
Financial Planner
Edward Jones
John Campora 6400 Manatee Ave W Suite B 779-2499
Fishing Charter
Captain Will Osborne Fishing Charters 941-580-7293
Individual Entertainer
KoKo Ray 538-8724
Interior Design
Margaret Navy James & Co. Interior Design 941-962-4421
Massage Therapy
Aluna Wellness 2219 Gulf Dr N Bradenton beach, 778-8400
Personal Trainer
Breanna Newton Home Fitness by Bre dnewton@airguaranteed.com
School
Anna Maria Elementary 4700 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, 708-5525
School Teacher
Ms. Veen
Palmetto Elementary 1540 10th St. W. Palmetto, 941-723-4822
Veterinarian
Dr Bystrom
Island Animal Clinic5343 Gulf Dr Unit 900 Holmes Beach 778-2445
Veterinarian Clinic
Island Animal Clinic5343 Gulf Dr Unit 900 Holmes Beach 778-2445
View Bean Point
Waiter/Waitress
Linda Kissell
Harry’s Grill 9903 Gulf Drive
Anna Maria, 567-5999
Yoga Studio
Aluna Wellness 2219 Gulf Dr N Bradenton beach, 778-8400
FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT
Asian Restaurant
Island Ocean Star 902 S Bay Blvd Anna Maria, 251-6940
Bagel Shop
Ginny’s & Jane E’s 9807 Gulf Drive Anna Maria, 778-3170
Bakery
Hometown Desserts 507 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 896-3167
Barbeque
gRub Tropical BBQ
415 Pine Ave
Anna Maria, 900-2874
Boat Tour
Ben Webb - AMI Dolphin Tours
5325 Marina Drive
Holmes Beach, 281-3461
Breakfast
Ginny’s & Jane E’s
9807 Gulf Drive
Anna Maria, 778-3170
Burger
Harry’s Bar & Grill 9903 Gulf Drive Anna Maria, 567-5999
Café 5350 Pour House 5350 Holmes Beach, 251-3681
Candy Store
Dips Ice Cream 503 Pine Ave Anna Maria, 778-1706
Deli
Scott’s Deli
5337 Gulf Drive Ste. 300 Holmes Beach, 778-3000
Festival
Cortez Fishing Festival
German Restaurant
Lucky Frog Restaurant 4625 Cortez Rd. W. Bradenton, 795-2132
Golf Course
Pinebrook Ironwood Golf 4260 Ironwood Cir Bradenton, 792-3288
Grouper Sandwich
Cortez Kitchen 4528 119th St. W. Cortez, 941-900-1506
Ice Cream Shop
Two Scoops Ice Cream 101 S. Bay Blvd. Anna Maria, 779-2422
Italian Restaurant
Solo’s Pizza
3244 E Bay Dr. Holmes Beach, 778-8118
Key Lime Pie
Hometown Desserts
507 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 896-3167
Live Theater Island Players
10009 Gulf Drive
Anna Maria, 778-5755
Margarita
Wicked Cantina
101 7th St. N. Bradenton Beach, 281-2990
Mexican Restaurant
Wicked Cantina
101 7th St. N. Bradenton Beach, 281-2990
Most Romantic Restaurant
The Waterfront
111 S Bay Drive
Anna Maria, 778-1515
New Restaurant
Salt Bar and Table 2519 Gulf Drive N Bradenton Beach 896-9897
Night Spot
Harry’s Bar & Grill
9903 Gulf Drive
Anna Maria, 567-5999
Pier
Rod and Reel Pier
875 North Shore Drive
Anna Maria, 778-1885
AMI Beach & Dog Supply Co. caters to dogs, cats and humans
For the second consecutive year, Sun readers named AMI Beach & Dog Supply Co. as the best pet store.
“Last year was a hard year and we’re honored to win again,” owner Janalee Gallagher said in reference to the Island business community being hit by two major hurricanes last year.
“There are several big box stores immediately off the Island, but we are the only dog and cat-related pet store on the Island,” she said. “Being the only pet store on the Island, we really have to provide everything: medicinal products, dog and cat food, toys and treats, leashes, collars, souvenirs and more. We carry a little bit of everything and we try to service the locals and the tourist population.”
The AMI Beach & Dog Supply Co. offerings also include sun block for dogs
AMI BEACH & DOG SUPPLY CO. | SUBMITTED Owner Janalee Gallagher and her beloved 15-year-old dog, Arrow, outside the new business location in Holmes Beach.
and canine-grade CBD products.
“A lot of dogs are storm sensitive or they have travel anxiety once they get to Anna Maria,” she said of calming effect provided by CBD products.
Gallagher said souvenir sales account for a significant portion of her sales: “Most people don’t travel with their dog. They miss them when they travel so they buy them a bandana,
a collar or some other souvenir to take home. The guilt gift.”
AMI Beach & Dog Supply Co. also caters to humans.
“The beach is our identity here and we carry dog and beach-themed T-shirts, hats, pillows, rugs, tumblers, dish towels, water toys, life preservers and more,” Gallagher said.
After five years on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria, AMI Beach & Dog Supply Co. recently moved to the Island Shopping Center in Holmes Beach, at 5402 Marina Drive.
“We’re right next to Small Town Creamery and across the parking lot from True Value Hardware,” Gallagher said. “We’re excited. We’re starting fresh here and we think this is going to provide a better business opportunity for us, with a little more foot traffic. But we’re going to miss our tight little Pine Avenue community.”
Pizza
Pizza Social 308 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 251-4070
Restaurant (Overall) The Waterfront 111 S Bay Drive Anna Maria, 778-1515
Seafood Restaurant Anna Maria Oyster Bar Oysterbar.net
Specialty Cocktail Dr. Office 5312 Holmes Blvd. Holmes Beach, 213-9926
Specialty Gourmet
gRub Tropical BBQ
415 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 900-2874
Sub/Sandwich
Scott’s Deli 5337 Gulf Drive Suite 300 Holmes Beach, 778-3000
Takeout
Minnie’s 5360 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, 778-4140
OUTDOORS
Reel Time on the Road: Fishing The Soque
he Soque River is a 30-milelong tributary of the Chattahoochee River in northeastern Georgia whose watershed, headwaters and mouth lie entirely in Habersham County. The river has a vibrant heritage dating back to the Native American tribes that originally inhabited the region. The name "Soque" is said to be derived from the Cherokee word for "raccoon" because the area was known for its profusion of raccoons.
The river played a major role in the early settlement of the region by providing water for agriculture, industry and transportation. In the
19th century, the river powered sawmills, grist mills and other industries along its banks.
Today, the Soque River is known for its scenic beauty and excellent fly fishing opportunities. The river is a popular destination for fly fishing, primarily for its natural beauty and population of trophysized trout.
The river is protected by the landowners who realize the importance of a sustainable trophy trout fishery, and by a nonprofit organization, the Soque River Watershed Association (SRWA), that’s dedicated to protecting and restoring the river. The SRWA was established in 1998 by local residents and focuses on protecting the river’s water quality and ecological integrity.
The Soque River is unique in the state, as it begins and ends within Habersham County; and it serves as a vital headwater tributary to the Chattahoochee River, which supplies 70% of Atlanta’s drinking water. The final destination of the waters that spring from Habersham County is the Apalachicola River that empties into the Gulf, in Northern Florida.
This past Friday, I fished the Soque’s upper reaches, near Batesville, Georgia, with my longtime friend Bob Seeger of Blue Ridge, Georgia. We spent the day on
a stretch of the river managed by Dragonfly Lodge, with guide Phil Culver. After meeting Culver in nearby Batesville, we drove a short distance to the river and donned waders and boots while Culver rigged our fly rods with leaders and flies. During the day, we fished several stretches of the river. At first the trout were picky, until Culver discovered the nymph patterns that the trout were keyed in on. For the balance of the day, we had some of the best fishing that either of has ever seen.
Fishing a combination of double nymphs and dry flies with nymph droppers, we estimated that we caught between 15-20 trout from
22-24 inches. These trout weighed in at 6-8 pounds and put up excellent fights that featured runs, jumps and headshaking rises to the surface. The highlight of the day was a rare catch by Seeger of a Kamloops rainbow trout, a fish in the steelhead family that’s renounced for its vivid colors and fight. Besides being one of the best days of fishing, the ambiance along the river’s banks made for an exciting and relaxing experience. An experience we both look forward to exploring in the future. For more information, or to book a trip on these storied waters, contact Culver at 707-768-8922.
RUSTY CHINNIS
RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN
Bob Seeger caught a rare Kamloops rainbow trout while fishing the Soque River
COAST LINES: So long, farewell
the Island and watching the pelicans glide over the bridge’s edge always promised a happy day of surfing, sunbathing and fun with friends ahead.
Now, it’s a blackhearted lover who lulled us into a false sense of security while planning a malicious betrayal behind the scenes that left us in pieces.
The Gulf never promised us anything, but we decided that it was good and true and beautiful and could never harm us. We wanted it to be so with all our hearts and thought that our faith and deep love for it would make it so.
But in its depths, it held the power to destroy our lives, homes and businesses,
and with the dispassionate approach of an executioner, with no opportunity to have a trial, plead for mercy, or even say goodbye, it did. So goodbye, beach, with your wild, creative and destructive beauty; goodbye, lifelong dream of a lifelong beachfront cottage; goodbye
surfing and swimming and sunsets.
We who reluctantly leave graduate on to the next thing, whatever that may be, as survivors - stronger in some ways, weaker in others – but always, always Island girls and boys in our hearts.
City officials attend hurricane conference
In preparation for the upcoming hurricane season, representatives from the city of Bradenton Beach attended the Governor’s Hurricane Conference in Palm Beach the week of May 12. The conference provides attendees with up-to-date information for hurricane preparedness. Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1.
$15
MAY 23-AUGUST 30
THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY 7PM & 9P M
TICKETS AVAILABLE STARTING MAY 1
backyard
BRADENTON BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT | SUBMITTED Police Chief and Public Works Director John Cosby, Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie (front row) City Treasurer Shayne Thompson, City Attorney Ricinda Perry and Code Enforcement Officer Evan Harbus (back row) attended the Governor’s Hurricane Conference.
CINDY LANE | SUN
One of the last Anna Maria Island sunsets before Hurricane Helene.
REAL ESTATE
All real estate Is local, especially now
My favorite real estate expression is “all real estate is local,” which I have used in this space many times. But what exactly does that mean?
Essentially it means that real estate markets are significantly influenced by local factors and conditions, rather than national or global trends. Also, it means that property values, demand and investment potential can vary greatly even within the same city or across the street.
This is important to the value of property because growth, population trends, school districts, amenities and local regulations all impact property values and demand. Relying solely on national or global trends can lead to poor decisions because they don’t capture the nuances of local markets. Therefore, when you read the following national statistics recently appearing in the Wall Street Journal according to Intercontinental Exchange, a financial technology and data company, keep this in mind: The metro areas that had the biggest increase in home
Castles in the Sand
prices in April compared to a year ago are: Bridgeport, Conn., Scranton, Pa., Hartford, Conn., Syracuse, N.Y. and New York, N.Y. These increased ranged from a high of 7.3% to 6.4%.
The biggest decreases were in Lakeland, Fla., Tampa, Fla., Austin, Texas, North Port, Fla. and Cape Coral, Fla. These declines ranged from a high of 7.5% to 2.2%.
The report also compares home prices vs. change in housing inventories. For example, New York’s prices increased 6.4% in April while inventory was down 46% from pre-pandemic levels. This trend continued through the Midwest down through Texas and Florida ending in Cape Coral, Fla with a
decline in prices of 7.5% in a year.
Also influencing these numbers is the amount of southern migrating occurring from 2020 to 2024. During that time, the south’s population grew 5.1% with Florida and Texas benefiting the most. Florida’s population increased 8.5% and Texas’ population increased 7.4% during this period, per the Census Bureau.
In response to the increase in population, builders started building in areas of Florida in particular that were farming communities. There are now new home communities going up in west Bradenton and north of the Manatee River in Parrish, inflating the number of properties on the market in Manatee County.
Nationally, the supply of homes for sale is still around 16% below pre-pandemic levels, according to Realtor.com. which is not what Florida is experiencing. Homeowners who locked in low mortgage rates a few years ago are reluctant to sell their homes and take on new mortgages with a higher borrowing
cost, and buyers are still waiting for lower interest rates.
The wrap-up on these numbers is that the Northeast and Midwest home prices continue to rise in all major markets. In the South, particularly in Texas and Florida, prices are flat or falling. And in the West, prices are rising in some markets and falling in others.
In addition, the overall U.S housing market is far less active than it was a few years ago when mortgage rates were low and remote work allowed people to move farther from their offices. Again, I would not bet money on any of this. I’m not saying it’s not true only that it can change in a heartbeat. As soon as the snowbirds from all over the country and Canada figure out that Florida’s prices are dropping, and new construction is readily available, they will come back in force looking for a bargain. Everything in life is dictated by what’s happening in your state, county, and street. All real estate is local; you better believe it.
LOUISE BOLGER
‘GRACE & GLORIE’: offered life lessons in season finale
little cottage, the women began to better understand each other as they discussed and examined their own life choices, each other’s life choices, their marriages and parental experiences, their religious faith (or lack thereof) and the losses they suffered along the way.
As those conversational explora tions deepened, Grace and Glorie questioned the overall meaning of life, the purpose of their own lives and whether their lives had made any dif ference in the grand scheme of things. And as their shared journey neared its end, Denton and Kwiatkowski engaged in a tender scene of surrender and triumph involving facial makeup and a video camera.
Denton and Kwiatkowski earned every bit of applause they received after each performance. As did Thaggard for the direction and guidance he provided his two hand-picked actors during their challenging but rewarding theatrical pursuit.
ROLL THE CREDITS
Hats off to the stage, set, sound and lighting crew members who helped transform the Island Players’ stage
into a mountain cabin that dispensed wisdom and important reminders about the power of friendship, the meaning of life, embracing each other’s differences and making the best of whatever and whomever comes your way. And kudos for the similar work they performed during the season’s previous productions. And let us not forget the ushers, ticket takers, box office workers and other volunteers who helped make “Grace & Glorie” and the other plays
performed this season an enjoyable experience for the residents, visitors, donors and advertisers who support the Island Players and help ensure community theater remains a thread in the cultural fabric of Anna Maria Island.
SEASON INTERRUPTED
performances when Hurricane Helene struck the Island and the city-owned theater building.
The ensuing recovery process resulted in the cancellation of the mid-November production of “Doublewide Texas Christmas.” The season resumed on Jan. 19 with the romping romantic comedy, “Birthday Suite,” followed by the comedic murder mystery, “Death by Design,” in which Thaggard had a starring role.
Island Players’ Executive Director Sylvia Marnie starred as Liz in “Birthday Suite” and when looking back on the season she said, “The 2024-2025 season was a struggle due to the two hurricanes, but once again our amazing resilience pulled it together and we marched on even though many of our volunteers had lost their homes. We had some incredible generosity from several businesses and individuals alike and we were humbled by the outpouring of love and concern from our theatre community.”
The Island Players’ 2025-26 season will be announced during the first week of July.
The Island Players’ 2024-2025 season began Sept. 19 with “Crimes of the Heart,” a production that came to a grinding halt after six
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Jennifer Kwiatkowski (left) starred as Glorie. Nancy Denton (right) starred as Grace.
Public Works, Police Department honored
Joined by the Public Works Department staff on May 13, top photo, Mayor Judy Titsworth proclaimed May 18-24 as National Public Works Week in Holmes Beach. When reading the proclamation aloud, the mayor said public works professionals and the services they provide are vitally important to the people of Holmes Beach. Joined by Police Chief Bill Tokajer, right, the mayor proclaimed May 11-17 as National Police Week in Holmes Beach in honor of the more than 800,000 law enforcement officers currently serving in the United States and the more than 24,000 officers who lost their lives in the line of duty since the first recorded officer’s death in 1786.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Center of Anna Maria Island soccer, basketball scores
YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE
8-TO 10-YEAR-OLD DIVISION – WEEK 6
Beach Bums 2 (5-0-1)
Solid Rock Construction 1 (2-2-2)
Moss Builders 3 (4-0-2) Adrian Griffin Interiors 2 (0-4-2)
Shady Lady Horticultural Services 2 (2-3-1)
The Fish Guy Aquarium Services 0 (1-5)
11-TO 13-YEAR-OLD DIVISION – WEEK 7
Westfall’s Lawn Care & Pest Control 4 (4-3)
AMI Outfitters 1 (1-6)
La Creperie 5 (7-0) Solid Rock Construction 0 (2-5)
14-TO 17-YEAR-OLD DIVISION – WEEK 7
Better On Bikes 6 (4-3)
HSH Design 3 (0-7)
Moss Builders 5 (4-3) The Gitt Team –KW On The Water 2 (6-1)
ADULT SOCCER LEAGUE – WEEK 8
Moss Builders 8 (7-1)
Florida Impact Windows 0 (4-1-3)
Sato Real Estate 3 (3-4-1) Pool America 2 (2-4-2)
Hampton Painting 3 (4-2-2)
Bubble Binz 3 (2-5-1)
Language Services
Associates 5 (4-1-3)
Ross Built 5 (4-3-1)
Duncan Real Estate 5 (2-3-3) Slicker’s Eatery 4 (0-8)
ADULT 3V3 BASKETBALL
Game 1: Slim’s Place (5-0) beat Primetime Lending (1-4)
Game 2: Slicker’s Eatery (2-3) bested Salty Printing (2-3)
Game 3: Moss Builder (4-1) won over Luxury Services (4-1)
Game 4: Solid Rock Construction (4-1) got the win against Bradenton Home Inspections (2-3)
Game 5: Coaster Continent (1-4) got the Victory over Edible Cookie Dough Café (0-5)
Farrington, Livedoti prevail
On May 14, two Anna Maria Horseshoes’ teams met in the final game after each team went 3-0 during pool play. In the final game, Tom Farrington, left, teamed up with Dom Livedoti and they beat Gersey Fernandes and Tim Sofran 23-13. On May 17, Fernandes got revenge, winning the final game 21-8 over Sofran and Livedoti to win the day’s competition.
ANNA MARIA HORSESHOES | SUBMITTED
PINES: owners ask for dismissal of HOA lawsuit
POST-HURRICANE TIMELINE
The 86-unit waterfront mobile home park sustained flooding during Hurricane Helene last September. On Oct. 17, Bradenton Beach Building Official Darin Cushing told the homeowners that FEMA guidelines characterized any unit in which water covered the floors as “substantially damaged.” That triggered the city floodplain ordinance requiring the units to be brought up to code, which included elevation of up to 12 feet.
On Dec. 9, however, 83 of the 86 Pines Trailer Park homeowners were told by the city that they may repair their hurricane-damaged mobile homes, with the proper permits. On Jan. 4, however, the homeowners received notification from the park’s ownership group, Pines Park Investors LLC, that the park was being closed in July.
OWNERS’ RESPONSE
Park Investors LLC provided adequate notice to residents and the HOA in the event of a planned eviction due to a change in land use.”
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. Managed by local developer Shawn Kaleta, Pines Park Investors LLC purchased the 2.78-acre waterfront mobile home property on Aug. 5, 2023, from The Jackson Partnership LLLP for $16.25 million.
In the 25-page motion to dismiss, Davie, Fl.-based Attorney Shawn Arbeiter laid out the ownership group’s reasons for the dismissal request. The motion maintains the evictions and the park closure were done in accordance with Florida Statute 723 (also known as the Florida Mobile Home Act), which governs mobile home parks.
“Plaintiff seeks to derail the lawful transition of the park – as a result of terrible circumstances – with invalid legal claims,” the motion states. “Pines
In December, the parking lot at 205 1st Street N. (which had been used for an annual fee by park residents who did not have available parking) was converted into a paid public parking lot. On April 22, residents who were up to date on their lot rental payments were notified they could park free of charge in the lot “until further notice.”
The motion to dismiss also claims the HOA does not have the authority as a properly-formed HOA to represent all the Pines homeowners.
“Plaintiff lacks standing to bring claims because plaintiff has failed to properly plead that they are a valid homeowners’ association and thus are not permitted to represent all of the Pines homeowners,” the motion states. “This error is not merely a technical oversight, it strikes at the heart of their standing to bring this case. By failing to properly plead that they have satisfied these statutory requirements, the plaintiff has failed to state a cause of action in that regard as to counts and therefore all counts should be dismissed for lack of standing.”
The motion states the “Right to Purchase” notice made to the homeowners to purchase the mobile home park for $75 million complies with the state statue.
“The statute does not say at the market price or at the fair market
price. The statute simply says at the price,” the motion states. “The defendant delivered a legally sufficient notice to the plaintiff as to their right to purchase the mobile home park at the price and under the terms and conditions in the written notice.
“Plaintiff seeks to enjoin the defendant from closing the park and from evicting mobile homeowners, but the plaintiff fails to cite to any underlying claim or statute that specifically authorizes such relief,” the motion states.
The motion concludes, in part, with the following claim: “There can be no irreparable harm if very few persons are residing in Pines Trailer Park because of the damage the park has sustained; and if there are persons residing in the park, those residents are likely there without properly pulling permits from the city, which the city has required in order to reside in one of the mobile homes considered substantially damaged.”
The defendant also asked for an award of attorney’s fees and costs in defending the lawsuit.
FUN IN THE SUN
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 THE FOLLOWING: WIND Mitigation forms, 4-POINT forms, DECK safety and evaluation. State Certified since 1990. Call Mike Conley 941-778-2385. Straight Inspection Service.
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.
EXPERIENCED NAIL TECHNICIAN and hair stylist, call for appointment. A Hair Day 941-795-5227
HEALTH CARE
NOW AVAILABLE HEALTH
CARE at your home by Certified Nursing Assistant! 12 years experience. Call Dennis Church 815-519-3993
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. NEW 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 941-9621194
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
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 941-3305054.
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
FOR SALE HOLMES BEACH by Owner. 2nd floor. No hurricane/water damage. Carport underneath home. Call 860-922-3857
LOOKING TO MOVE off the island or purchase your very own home away from home?
Tranquility awaits in this lovely, 2BR/2BA villa in Perico Island! Renovated in 2020. New roof 2021. AC 2024. Two car garage. Beautifully furnished. Hurricane impact windows. Waterview. NO FLOODING OR DAMAGE FROM HURRICANES. $538K. Karen Parsons, Good Life Realty 407233-7059
MINUTES TO BEACH. Newer Designer Home5 bedrooms, Caged pool-Luxury living. Memorial day Special $50,000 off & new furniture included. 573480-6977
408 MAGNOLIA ANNA MARIA -Make an offer! 6 bedroom -2023 built home. $300,000 income yearly. Shows like a luxury display. Christine Kourik Re/Max 314-440-7574
5708 HOLMES BLVD, Holmes Beach- Seller said Make an offer! Completely remodeled 4 bedroom -High Income Property. Sold furnished. Christine Kourik Re/Max 314-4407574
BRADENTON BEACH
$479,900 OBO! located Across from beach. Sold furnished. Top of the line luxury Remodeled condo Christine Kourik Re/Max 314-440-7574
HOLMES BEACH LUXURY CONDO with beach view. No busy road to cross! $845,000 Sold turnkey furnished. Weekly Rental zone. Christine Kourik Re/ Max 314-440-7574
BUSINESS & SERVICE
RENTALS: ANNUAL
ANNUAL RENTAL minutes to beaches 2BR/2BA Condo. Water/cable included, pool, washer/ dryer. $1595/mo. Call 941713-6743
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
ANNUAL RENTAL! ISLAND
CONDO on Flotilla Dr in Holmes Beach available June 1st. 2BR/2BA, second floor up, Max 4 occupancy, Sorry, no pets. Completely Renovated AND Furnished! 2 parking spaces, one covered. Complex offers pool and tennis courts
$2750/month Application with background check required. Call Carol with Island Real Estate, 941345-1300
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.
BRADENTON BEACH NEWLY RENOVATED 2BR/1BA downstairs, walk to beach & Bolan park. $2350/mo First, last & $800 deposit. Call 941-705-4737.
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.
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 Club - gym, tennis, hot tub, pool, parking $4700/ month Call 612-802-8357
WATERFRONT 2BR/2BA first floor condo available May and/or June. Additional months considered. Two pools, tennis/ pickleball, one block from beach, shopping. Call/ text Kathy 973-219-0335. Sorry, no pets.
TRANSPORTATION
ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete $85. Sarasota $40. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-779-5095
