Veterans honored on Memorial Day
Conducted by Leonard Murphy, the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra performed a heartfelt set of classical patriotic music Monday morning during the city-hosted Memorial Day Patriotic Symphony Salute at The Center of Anna Maria Island. See story on Page 5.
Mayor stops improper beach access parking restriction
In 2022, the resort tried and failed to impose a similar guest only parking restriction.
BY JOE HENDRICKS
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Mayor
John Chappie took swift action in halting a beach resort company’s short-lived efforts to designate public parking spaces at the 23rd Street North beach access point as parking reserved for resort guests only. Owned by the city of Bradenton Beach, the public beach access point and its 10 public parking spaces are located at the west end of 23rd Street North, between the Seabreeze at Anna Maria Island Inn (2300 Gulf Drive N.) and the Seaside at Anna Maria Island Inn (2200 Gulf Drive N.).
According to the Manatee County
Property Appraiser’s Office, Tri Star Properties LLC owns both resort properties that share the Anna Maria Island Inn branding. Dated April 28, the LLC’s Florida limited liability company annual report lists attorney Louis Najmy as the corporation’s registered agent, Daniel Zoller Jr. as an authorized person and Shawn Kaleta as the manager.
A visit to the 23rd Street North beach access point at approximately 11:00 a.m. on May 22 revealed six resort guest only parking signs placed on private property in close proximity to the 10 city-owned public parking spaces.
The signs said, “Seaside Resort & Spa Prime Hotels PARKING ONLY. All vehicles without a visible parking pass will be towed at owner’s expense.” The signs also referenced
SEE PARKING, PAGE 21
Bradenton Beach requests dismissal of Luper lawsuit
Bungalow Beach Resort owner Gayle Luper sued Bradenton Beach over an April decision to deny her paid parking through the use of a resort pass.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – The city of Bradenton Beach is asking for a dismissal of an April 25 lawsuit filed against the city by Bungalow Beach Resort owner Gayle Luper.
Attorney Robert Lincoln is representing the city and he filed the motion to dismiss on May 21.
In his motion, Lincoln stated: “Luper improperly seeks declaratory and injunctive relief to attack a quasi-judicial action and decision of the city commission approving
her application for a temporary use permit to allow parking on her demolished resort property subject to conditions. Luper attacks both the city commission's process and decision following its April 17 hearing. Luper alleges the city commission violated her due process rights and violated her parking rights.”
The motion states: “Luper's sole remedy for attacking the city commission's quasi-judicial decision is a petition for writ of certiorari (pursuant to state statute). This court may not grant either declaratory or injunctive relief and therefore must dismiss counts I and II with prejudice for lack of subject matter jurisdiction.”
According to the Florida Bar Association, “A petition for writ of certiorari is generally used to review
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Utilities work, intersection closure continues near Cortez Bridge
The construction work is expected to continue through the summer months.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
CORTEZ – Motorists and others traveling along Cortez Road West, near the Cortez Bridge and the former Seafood Shack property, will continue to encounter a closed intersection at 127th Street West.
The intersection closure is associated with the Cortez Bridge Utility Relocation project.
The Cortez Road/119th Street West intersection remains open but there’s no outlet near the former Seafood Shack property for motorists who turn north on 119th Street West and travel along Harbour Landings Drive and 126th Street West. 126th Street West remains open but motorists can’t make a left turn from 126th Street West onto 127th Street West, near the humpback bridge, to reach the nearby Cortez Road intersection.
According to the project update Manatee County issued on May
15, “Pipe installation and related activities are ongoing in preparation for FDOT’s construction of the new Cortez Bridge, scheduled to begin in 2026. Construction is currently underway east of the Cortez Bridge on the north side Cortez Road West along the northern shoulder of 124th Court West; on 127th Street West between Cortez Road West and 126th Street West; and on the south side of Cortez Road West between 124th Street West and Avenue A. Work in these areas is expected to continue through summer 2025.
“Construction will also be active west of the Cortez Bridge, on the north and south sides of Cortez Road West, throughout the duration of the project, which is expected to be complete in spring 2026. Construction is active Monday through Friday between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., with after-hours and weekend work to occur on an as-needed basis. Motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians are asked to remain mindful of construction vehicles, equipment, crews, materials and traffic patterns when traveling in and near the construction areas,” the update says.
West. Left, this map is included in the county’s May 15 project update.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Above, the intersection at Cortez Road West and 127th Street West remains closed. A “No Outlet” sign (inset) remains in place at the intersection of Cortez Road West and 119th Street
MANATEE COUNTY | SUBMITTED
ISLAND NEWS
IN BRIEF
Holmes
Beach beach cleanup on Friday
A community beach and shoreline cleanup event will take place in Holmes Beach Friday, May 30, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. 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.
HBPD warns about fake social security email scam
Holmes Beach Police Department is warning about a Social Security email scam. Individuals will receive an email that appears to be from the United States Social Security Administration (SSA), a retirement program run by the U.S. government. The email says your SSA financial statement is now available. It has an official SSA logo and provides instructions for viewing your statement by downloading an attachment. HBPD says the email isn’t from the SSA, however. Downloading the attachment installs software that lets cybercriminals access your computer and allows them to take full control of your device and steal your personal information, banking details and private files. They can then use this information to steal your identity and commit financial fraud. Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to a phishing scam: Never download attachments from unexpected emails. Remember that real government agencies typically communicate sensitive information through paper mail, not email. Check the sender's email address carefully. Scammers often use sender addresses that look like official ones but have small differences.
Snooks Adams Day on Saturday
The Anna Maria Island Privateers will host their annual Snooks Adams Kids Day Picnic at City Field in Holmes Beach, 5801 Marina Drive, on Saturday, May 31, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The family-oriented event features free hot dogs, pizza and drinks, games and prizes and photo ops with pirates. The event is named after Holmes Beach’s first police chief, Willis Howard “Snooks” Adams, who was born in 1917, served as police chief from 1962 to 1978 and passed away in 2010.
Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.
City block party celebrates community
City officials plan to host more community gatherings when the weather cools.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria hosted a community block party at City Pier Park on Saturday, May 24.
Mayor Mark Short and City Commissioner Charlie Salem suggested the event as a way to bring the community together as the post-hurricane recovery process continues for many Anna Maria residents.
The late afternoon, early evening gathering featured live music by The Stockton Brothers, featuring Cam Stockton on guitar and vocals, Tyler Dunn on keyboards and Paul Kunkemoeller on drums. Cam’s brother, Tony, had to sit the gig out as he recovers from a recent surgery.
The BYOB, pot-luck-style gathering featured several tables filled with food, snacks and
desserts community members brought to share with others. The offerings included brownies baked by Mayor Mark Short’s wife, Pat, and a few dozen hot dogs City Commissioner Gary McMullen cooked on his propane griddle that was delivered to the park for the occasion.
“I’m very happy,” Mark Short said. “The turnout is great, there’s probably a hundred or so people that showed up. Like I said in our commission meeting, this was a ‘science experiment’ for us. It tells
me this is something we need to do in the fall, when the weather cools down; and we need to promote the community getting together for events like this. People are seeing people they haven’t seen in a while – chatting, sharing a meal and enjoying some nice music; and we’re utilizing a park that needs to be utilized more.”
“It was great to see so many islanders out enjoying the music
SEE BLOCK PARTY, PAGE 19
Hearing scheduled for Pines’ lawsuit dismissal request
The lawsuit hearing will be held via Zoom on July 28.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – A July 28 hearing is scheduled for a judge to decide on a motion filed by Pines Park Investors LLC to dismiss a lawsuit filed against them by the Pines Trailer Park Homeowners Association (HOA).
The July 28 hearing will be held at 2:30 p.m. via Zoom video conferencing with the Circuit Court Judge Edward Nicholas presiding.
The Pines Trailer Park Homeowners Association filed the lawsuit on March 28 in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court, asking in part for an injunction against the park closure and threatened evictions.
Represented by Sarasota-based attorney David Fredericks, the lawsuit claims park ownership
Hearing is scheduled for Pines owners’ lawsuit dismissal request.
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 and did not provide adequate parking in accordance with the city of Bradenton Beach’s land development code.
Representing Pines Park Investors LLC, Davie-based Attorney Shawn Arbeiter, filed a 25-page motion to dismiss on May 5 that laid out the ownership group’s
reasons for the dismissal request
The motion to dismiss maintains the evictions and park closure were done in accordance with Florida Statute 723, which governs mobile home parks.
The motion claims the HOA does not have authority as a properly formed HOA to represent all the Pines homeowners. The motion states the Right to Purchase notice given to homeowners to purchase the mobile home park for $75 million complies with state statues.
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The Stockton Brothers had the ladies up and dancing.
Veterans honored on Memorial Day
The Memorial Day Patriotic Symphony Salute is an annual tradition in Anna Maria.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria’s Memorial Day Patriotic Symphony Salute honored those who gave their lives in service to our country. The ceremony also recognized those who served and survived.
Held on Monday, May 26, this year’s Patriotic Symphony Salute took place inside The Center of Anna Maria Island gymnasium because a portion of City Pier Park is still being used as a post-hurricane temporary post office.
The annual Patriotic Symphony Salute was initiated nine years ago by then-mayor, Dan Murphy, an Army veteran who served on a gun boat in the Mekong River Delta during the Vietnam War in 1968 and 1969.
“I’m so pleased this tradition is being carried on and that we’re honoring our veterans and recognizing the sacrifices they made for our country,” Murphy said before the ceremony began. “That’s why I started this: to
honor and give recognition to those who made the ultimate sacrifice of giving their life for their country.”
The annual Patriotic Symphony Salute features the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra, conducted by Leonard Murphy.
Presiding over his first Memorial Day ceremony since being elected mayor last fall, Mayor Mark Short invited Bishop Michael Garrison to give the invocation.
“On this Memorial Day, we gather to remember; we gather to give thanks; we gather to honor all whose ultimate sacrifice has ensured the blessing we experience in these United States,”
Garrison said. “In our nation’s history, more than a million women and men have lost their lives in our nation’s conflicts. Give us grace as a people to value and appreciate their sacrifice that provides the freedom we enjoy.”
After the Manatee High School Jr. ROTC Color Guard and orchestra
drummer Dave Morgan presented the colors, an orchestra trumpeter played “Taps” in honor of those who perished in the line of duty.
After the orchestra performed “The Star-Spangled Banner,” Short thanked
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Anna Maria Mark Short presided over the city’s Memorial Day Patriotic Symphony Salute.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
A trumpeter played “Taps” after the Manatee High School Jr. ROTC Color Guard presented the colors.
The Anna Maria Island Sun
P.O. Box 15179, Bradenton, FL 34280
Phone: 941-778-3986
email: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com
The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff
Owner | CEO
Mike Field
Editor
Cindy Lane
General Manager
Bob Alexander
Reporters | Photographers
Joe Hendricks
Leslie Lake
Columnists
Louise Bolger
Rusty Chinnis
Contributors
Steve Borggren
Capt. Rick Grassett
Layout Ricardo Fonseca
Advertising Director
Shona Otto
Classified Ads
Bob Alexander
Graphics
Elaine Stroili
Ricardo Fonseca
Distribution
Bob Alexander
Connor Field
Tony McNulty
Brian Smith
Accounting
Leslie Ketchum
Co-founding publishers
Mike Field
Maggie McGinley Field
Family-owned since 2000
©2025
Longboard Communications Inc.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Island Players appreciate Sun’s coverage
On behalf of the Island Players, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for Joe Hendricks’ exceptional article, “Grace & Glorie share life lessons in Island Players’ season closer.”
Mr. Hendricks’ insightful and thorough coverage not only highlighted the talents of our cast
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.
Monday, June 2, 11:30 a.m., Seawall Repair/ Restoration RFP 25-002 bid opening
EVENTS
SATURDAY, MAY 31
Snooks Adams Kids Day Picinic, City Field, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
SUNDAY, JUNE 1
Story Time & Pottery Painting, Distractions on the Island, 5306 Holmes Blvd., Unit 800, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m., learn more at DistractionsArtStudio.com
and crew but also delved deeply into the essence of our theater, its people and our creative process. His dedication to understanding and portraying the intricacies of our production is unparalleled and has not gone unnoticed. We share his sentiments regarding the remarkable performances delivered by Nancy Denton and Jennifer Kwiatkowski. Moreover, we are profoundly appreciative of his recognition of
BRADENTON BEACH
107 GULF DRIVE N. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005 Visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information. Wednesday, June 4, 9 a.m., Police and General Pension Board meeting Thursday, June 5, 6 p.m., City Commission meeting
TUESDAY, JUNE 3
Family Storytime, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m., ages 0-6, no registration required.
Mahjong for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m., no registration required.
MONDAY, JUNE 2 – FRIDAY, JUNE 6
True North Alaskan Adventure Vacation Bible School, for kids entering kindergarten through those who’ve completed 5th grade,
the collective efforts that bring our productions to life. This letter represents a unified voice of appreciation from our entire team – cast, crew and volunteers alike. We are honored to have such thoughtful journalism spotlighting our work and we hope to see Mr. Hendricks in our audience for many seasons to come.
The Island Players Anna Maria
HOLMES BEACH
5801 MARINA DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800
Visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information. Tuesday, May 27, 2 p.m., City Commission meeting, followed by commission work session Monday, June 2, 10 a.m., Summer Turtle Talks by Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch & Shorebird Monitoring Wednesday, June 4, 3:30 p.m., Planning Commission meeting
Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., free summer event, dinner served at 5:30 p.m. with parents invited. Learn more and register online at www.RoserChurch.com/ vbs-vacation-bible-school.com.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4
Tech Help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-4 p.m. by one-on-one half-hour appointment
MEMORIAL DAY: Veterans honored
well-known musician in the Sarasota area.
everyone for coming. He also thanked the color guard and he recognized the former mayor for his role in founding the city’s annual Memorial Day salute.
Short then asked the spouses, significant others, widows and widowers of veterans to come forward to be recognized and receive a yellow rose from city staff. Members of each military branch were then called forward and recognized according to the branch they served in, with the orchestra performing each branch’s theme song as those veterans came forward.
After the service members were honored, Short turned the proceedings over to Leonard Murphy for the symphonic salute.
Before the first song, the conductor said, “I would like to recognize one individual, a good friend of mine. Joe Bruno Sr. celebrated his 98th birthday two days ago. He’s a Navy veteran and served on the battleship New Jersey. He’s known in this area as ‘Mr. Trumpet.”
Bruno comes from a family of circus musicians and musicians and was a
The symphony salute began with “Tribute to the Armed Forces.” Additional selections included “America the Beautiful,” “The Mansions of the Lord,” “American Patrol,” and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
Before performing John Phillip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” Leonard Murphy told a humorous tale about his service as a Navy bandsman in 1954 and being ordered to march in an ad-hoc Fourth of July parade through a small town outside of Cannes, France – a musical endeavor that earned Murphy and his Navy bandmates a mid-parade beer break after playing the beloved song at the request of an American parade attendee.
The symphonic performance ended with the conductor asking the audience members to stand and join in singing “God Bless America.”
During his closing remarks, Mayor Short offered a special thanks to his wife, Pat, because this Memorial Day also marked the couple’s 41st wedding anniversary.
Left, Leonard
Below,
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Above, left, former Mayor Dan Murphy, center, was among the Army veterans recognized.
Above, North Shore Café owners Colleen and Scott Geller attended the ceremony with their daughter, Vivian Rose.
Murphy conducted the chorus and orchestra.
audience members stood and sang "God Bless America."
City receives Gloria Dei property appraisal
The attorney representing the property owner presented a $9.9 million asking price in March.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – City officials received a $2 million property appraisal for the city’s potential purchase of the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church building and property that has not been used for church operations since mid-January.
While giving his commissioner’s report on May 13, City Commissioner Terry Schaefer, a former bank executive, said he, Mayor Judy Titsworth and Development Services Director Chad Minor met with Hancock Whitney bank representatives to discuss potential bank financing for the city’s purchase of the building and property at 6608 Marina Drive. According to Schaefer’s written report, the meeting occurred on May 7.
“We had a very good meeting,” Schaefer told the commission. “They are supportive of this acquisition. They have an interest in providing funding.
We won’t know what amount of funding is necessary until we negotiate a potential purchase price; and whether we are going to receive any county or state funding. The lookout for that is not real strong at this time.”
Schaefer said the city seeks a similar meeting with Wells Fargo bank representatives.
“We did get our first appraisal for the church,” Titsworth said. “We asked for two.
The first one came in at $2 million, which is more in line with what we were thinking.”
During a late March meeting with the attorney representing the FloridaBahamas Synod that holds the title to the church property city officials were told the initial asking price was $9.9 million.
Schaefer’s written report says city officials consider the church’s initial appraisal to be “based on commercial development of the site.”
Titsworth said she hopes the city can self-fund or finance the acquisition so the building and property can be used for community purposes rather than the tourist-related activities that would be required if county commission-controlled tourist development tax revenues are used to fund or help fund the city’s purchase.
She said the city purchasing the building and property itself would allow The School for Constructive Play preschool to potentially return and additional space might be provided for the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce and other organizations.
“It would be my dream that we can still keep it a public-private partnership. That would be great. It depends on what the price is going to be,” Titsworth said.
SCHAEFER’S REPORT
According to Schaefer’s written report, he, Titsworth and Minor met with Hancock Whitney Branch Manager Pat Shahinian and Vice President of Commercial Banking Tony Gabriel.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Holmes Beach officials hope to purchase the Gloria Dei church building and property. SEE GLORIA
Commission discusses Tingley Library’s future
City commissioners discussed the future of the Tingley Memorial Library.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners and librarian
Eveann Adams met on May 21 to discuss the future of the Tingley Memorial Library, funding for repairs and a renewed conversation about raising the library building for parking underneath.
Built in 1994, Tingley Memorial Library in Bradenton Beach is a non-profit corporation and is independent of the county library system. It was originally funded by benefactor Beulah Tingley.
“I wanted us to hear from board members and to discuss where we are and our thoughts for the future,” Mayor John Chappie said. He asked Building Official Bill Palmer to outline the repairs needed to the building.
“The stairs are in pretty good condition but there are significant repairs needed to be done to the ramp; or probably replace the whole thing altogether,” Palmer said. “The columns underneath the decking have a lot of decay. The landing where the air conditioner is is not in good shape and the soffits have hurricane damage.”
Police Chief and Public Works Director John Cosby said the air conditioning duct work will need to be replaced.
“It’s old and is developing condensation. It has a commercial-sized air conditioner and at some point that’s going to have to be replaced; and that’s going to be very expensive,” Cosby said. “It’s hard to zone the library off because it’s one big open space, so the cost is going to be extraordinary when it comes time to do that.”
City Treasurer Shayne Thompson provided a financial snapshot of the library.
“The library typically costs anywhere from $50,000 to $60,000 a year to run,”
Thompson said. “Last year, the roof was done and it increased to $103,000. The library bequeath fund the city is managing has a balance of $165,400, so barring anything unusual that’s roughly three years of funding before the bequeath is exhausted.”
Representing the library was Adams, who is currently serving as the board treasurer while a new library board is being assembled. Thompson said Adams told him the library has a little over $100,000 in funds that are outside the city’s control.
Adams said the original Tingley bequeath was more than $600,000.
“We have known for a long time that one of these days the bequeath was going to run out,”
Chappie said. “It wasn’t going to last forever and that’s the pickle we’re in right now with the financials and the building
structure. We’re getting to a point that we have to figure out what we’re going to do with the library as far as the structure itself and where the funds would come from. We’re going to have to start doing something (about the repairs) and there just isn’t money there.”
Adams suggested splitting costs with the city for the repairs.
“In the past, we have sometimes split the budgets with the city. We’ve had the new air conditioner and (termite) tenting and things like that,” Adams said. “Numbers have probably gone down a little bit because people are starting to move away, but it hasn’t been a real significant difference in attendees.”
Commissioner Deborah Scaccianoce suggested ways to bring people into the library – including rainy day videos for kids.
“The library has not been in the front of anyone’s mind, and it’s been closed. I think the inti-
macy of this library is awesome,” Scaccianoce said. “If we want to keep this library, we need to work toward bringing people back.”
She suggested introducing book clubs, as well as looking at grant opportunities for funding.
“I think it’s important to cut to the chase,” Chappie said. “The city’s hands are tied in a lot of ways. It’s the board that needs to be active to do this stuff.”
Commissioner Scott Bear asked if the city is still contemplating raising the library building and placing parking underneath, which could potentially result in the city bearing the cost of the ramp and stairs as part of the project.
“We have talked about it for a couple of years at least,” Chappie said. “If we could raise it and move it to get the maximum amount of parking spaces and create a paid public lot in the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency), then CRA funds could
come into play. We went out for an RFP (request for proposals) in 2020 and we didn’t get any nibbles. I still think it is a good option to try to elevate it.”
Chappie suggested a partnership between the library and the Annie Silver Community Center.
The commission unanimously approved the appointment of Scaccianoce as liaison to the library board.
“You’ve got a new board (pending), so it’s an opportunity for you ladies to think outside the box,” Scaccianoce said.
“On the city side, we need to get some pricing and go out for an RFP and see if we can get that building elevated and moved; and we want to talk a little bit more about the multiuse aspect,” Chappie said. “That could be a way to solve several of our problems and we’d be able to funnel some moneys from the city that’s already being spent here if we put code enforcement or something there on one side. We can’t afford to sit on our hands anymore. The money’s running out folks.”
The library is currently closed and is being used as a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan center.
A note posted on the library’s front door says, “Library closed until further notice. Any books returned may be returned to the bookdrop on the left. No late fees.”
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Commissioners discussed Tingley Memorial Library repairs and the potential elevation of the library building.
GLORIA DEI: City receives property appraisal
PAGE 8
The report notes the county’s appraised property value is approximately $3.2 million and the city’s appraisals will be based on the church property’s current zoning. The threeacre, three-parcel property carries Public/Semi-Public (PSP) zoning and future land use designations that do not allow for residential or commercial development. Rezoning the property for residential or commercial use would require city commission approval.
“There was discussion surrounding potential separation of the two northern properties to coincide with FEMA funding source requirements,”
Schaefer states in his report that also mentions tourist development tax revenues as a possible funding source.
“We did indicate that the city was told it is the priority buyer and the property would not be listed unless the city declined to go forward,” the report says.
“The bank indicated they were interested in assisting and would endeavor to providing terms based on their underwriting requirements, favorable to the city’s strong financial condition.”
Commissioners prioritize CDBG-funded projects
Bradenton Beach will be allocated $530,069 of the $252.7 million awarded to Manatee County.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners conducted a May 19 work meeting as they continue working toward fulfilling the program requirements to receive county-controlled Community Development Block Grant disaster relief funds.
In January, Manatee County was identified as a direct recipient of CDBG-DR funds to address unmet needs resulting from Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton in 2024.
“Lasting Manatee” is the name of the Manatee County allocation program that will distribute the $252.7 million Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) grant the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded the county.
Bradenton Beach commissioners previously met with Manatee County Grants Manager Michelle Davis on May 8 to learn more about the CBDGDR funds to be shared with the municipalities in Manatee County, including the three Anna Maria Island cities.
The funds for specific stormrelated projects are to be allocated in proportion to each city’s percentage of the total county population, which is currently 441,095 residents. With 916 residents, Bradenton Beach will be allotted .21% of the $252.7 million awarded to the county, which equates to $530,069 for the city.
The program requirement timeline is:
• Allocation of unmet needs: current
• County commission approval of draft action plan: May 20
• Draft action plan published for public comment: May 21
• Public hearings for comments and feedback: May 21-June 20
• Submission of action plan to HUD: June 20.
“This is our road map for the next several years,” Mayor John Chappie said.
Commissioner and CRA Chair Scott Bear updated the commission on the project and priority list for the city. He said the first issue would be undergrounding the electrical lines in the portions of the city where that has not yet been done.
“The second one was the Bay Drive resiliency and shoreline protection that was brought up at the previous meeting,” Bear said. “The next one is there were some issues about the sand and inlets getting inundated – here’s a filter system you can install to prevent the pipes from clogging.”
Bear said even if the project costs
This is our road map for the next several years.”
John Chappie, Bradenton Beach Mayor
exceed the allocated $530,000, the city may have options to pursue additional grants to help fund those projects.
“We’re just trying to get the most done in the city with the funds that we are expecting,” Bear said.
Police Chief and Public Works Director John Cosby asked the commission to consider including existing issues in the city’s priority list.
“I’d like to look at correcting the (drainage) issue at 24th street. I’d like to look at cleaning all these dams out. I would also like to reconfigure the piping on Bridge Street so the street properly drains,” Cosby said. “I’d hate to see us start a new project when we already have issues. I think we should correct these first before we try to go out and do anything else.”
Cosby said not everything should be based on hurricane flooding.
“I’m talking more about those sudden downpour storms in the summer that cause all this backup,” he said.
“I know Helene was one of the biggest tidal surges we’ve had since 1921, but if everything was built up
COFFEE | FOOD | WINE |
in the right way we could minimize some of the damage,” Commissioner Ralph Cole said. “12th Street North is a hot spot as far as the water running though there. All that sand, with the rocks and everything piled in there at the end of the street, blocked that totally; and when it rained afterwards in the next event, it flooded real quickly. It’s just like the one on Bridge Street – opening up the pipe and putting the drainage back.”
“We’re only really dealing with, at a maximum, $530,000 and we talked at our last meeting about trying to get the biggest bang for the buck,” Chappie said. “I would like to see us take some of this money and fix some of these problems that were created by erosion and the storm,” Cole said. “It will help for resiliency next time.”
Bear said the list of projects was essentially a wish list to be submitted for county review the following day and a motion to approve the city’s project category list for the CDBG-DR funding was passed unanimously.
Learn more about CDBG-DR funding at www.LastingManatee.com.
| SPIRITS
MANATEE COUNTY | SUBMITTED
Mantee County is sharing the $252.7 million federal grant funds with the local municipalities.
Black skimmer colony numbers dwindle
Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers have removed the bird closure around a colony of black skimmers as the birds’ numbers have declined since their appearance in April. The black skimmers had been exhibiting courting and mating behaviors and Turtle Watch volunteers were hopeful the birds would be nesting in the area. With the dwindling numbers however, it’s likely the birds found another nesting location, according to an email from Turtle Watch Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella. If they had nested, it would have been the first time since 2017 that Anna Maria Island
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.
A colony of black skimmers in Bradenton Beach in April has likely moved to another nesting location.
has had a colony of nesting black skimmers. Previous colonies failed due to human interference. “We will continue to monitor the beaches of AMI for courting and nesting
MRS. DITZEL’S THIRD GRADE CLASS - HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR THE TURTLE EGGS TO HATCH?
It takes approximately two months for sea turtle eggs to hatch, but it depends on the temperature of the sand, the color of the sand and whether or not the nest was rained on or washed over by the tide. The hotter and dryer the sand is, the faster the nest hatches. The cooler the sand is, the longer it takes to hatch. On Anna Maria Island, we have
behavior by black skimmers, least terns, snowy plovers and American oystercatchers and educate people about how to protect all shorebird species on the island,” Mazzarella wrote.
white sand, so it takes longer to hatch than on a beach that has dark sand, like Venice.
MRS. DITZEL’S THIRD GRADE CLASS - HOW LONG CAN A SEA TURTLE STAY UNDERWATER (HOLD ITS BREATH FOR)?
When resting, sea turtles can hold their breath for several hours. However, when they are active, they must come up for air every five to seven minutes.
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: 941-7781005, ext. 280.
- City of Holmes Beach
code enforcement: 941-7780331, 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
NESTING NEWS
Turtle nests laid: 66 (Previous record: 543 in 2019) False crawls: 93 (Record: 831 in 2010) Nests hatched: 0 (Record: 453 in 2022) Hatchlings produced: 0 (Record: 35,850 in 2022) Hatchling disorientations: 0 Total adult disorientations: 5 Nests remaining on beach: 66
Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring
SUBMITTED | KATHY DODDRIDGE
This Gulf Drive home, damaged by Hurricane Helene in September and red-tagged by the city of Bradenton Beach, was demolished last week.
Police chief addresses e-bikes, e-motorcycles
The city of Holmes Beach is enforcing the state and city laws that apply to electronic bikes and other motorizeds devices.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – As a followup to a previous city commission discussion, Police Chief Bill Tokajer provided an update on the state and city laws that apply to electric bikes (e-bikes) and higher wattage electric motorcycles.
During the May 13 city commission meeting, Tokajer said, “You had asked me about the e-bikes and the problems with the e-bikes so I did a little bit of research. I found out that there’s different levels. They have to be 750 watts or less; they have to have pedal operation as well. The e-bikes you’re seeing out there that have a stationary foot peg, they are not e-bikes; and they have as many as 8,000 watts instead of the 750.”
“These other ones, with the foot pegs, are going as high as 60 miles an hour. I’ve seen them on our roads and I’ve seen guys driving on the sidewalks
on them and it looks like a little dirt bike. It’s an electric motorcycle that’s unlicensed, unregistered and they have no license to be on them. It is a motorcycle,” Tokajer said. “If they’re under 21, they have to have a helmet and you’re not seeing anybody with a helmet. I sent out pictures of ones that I’ve seen out here and I’ve looked them up online. They’re actually listed as an e-bike off-road vehicle when they sell them.”
Tokajer instructed his officers to increase their enforcement of the state and city laws applicable to e-bikes and e-motorcycles.
According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department, “If you wish to operate any two or threewheel motorcycle whose engine size is more than 50 cc, you are required to have a motorcycle endorsement on your driver license or hold a ‘motorcycle only’ license. Please note that anyone driving a motorcycle without an endorsement is violating the law.”
When Commissioner Dan Diggins asked if the higher wattage models are being rented on the Island, Tokajer said, “Every one rented on the Island that I’ve seen has pedal power.”
HOLMES BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT | SUN
This informational graphic was posted on the Holmes Beach Police Department’s Facebook page.
MORE INFORMATION
The following day, Tokajer shared a copy of an email he sent to the mayor, city commissioners and city attorney. His email said Florida Statute 316.003 defines an electric bicycle as “A bicycle or tricycle equipped with fully operable pedals, a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and an electric motor of less than 750 watts which meets the requirements of one of the following three classifications:
• “Class 1 electric bicycle means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the electric bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
• “Class 2 electric bicycle means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the electric bicycle and that ceases to provide assistance when the electric bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
• “Class 3 electric bicycle means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the electric bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour.”
Tokajer’s email referenced Florida Statute 316.20655, which says, “An electric bicycle must operate in a manner so that the electric motor is disengaged or ceases to function when the rider stops pedaling or when the brakes are applied.”
SEE E-BIKE, PAGE 15
E-BIKE: Police chief addresses
Tokajer’s email referenced City Ordinance 62-87, which says, “Motorized scooters, mopeds, segways, motor scooters, commercial megacycles, autocycles and motorized bicycles are prohibited from being operated on all sidewalks within the city limits; provided, however, that segways which are part of a guided tour may use city sidewalks for short distances to provide safe access to streets with speed limits of 25 miles per hour or less.”
Tokajer’s email contained links to retail websites that include photos resembling the emotorcycles he’s seen on the Island. One looks like a full-sized dirt bike and advertises 8,000 kilowatts of power and a maximum speed of 75 mph. Another looks like a powerful mini-bike/ dirt bike.
The Holmes Beach Police Department recently posted similar information on its Facebook page and included two new graphics pertaining to e-bikes and other motorized devices.
“Whether you’re cruising to the beach or commuting around town, it’s important to know the rules of the road for electric bikes and other motorized devices in the city of Holmes Beach,” the post says.
“Not all e-bikes are created equal. If it has a throttle, can’t be pedaled manually or exceeds certain speeds, it may be classified as an electric motorcycle, which means it must be registered, you must have a motorcycle endorsement (and) riders under 21 must wear a helmet.”
The post references the state’s electric bike classifications and says, “If your e-bike doesn’t fit these classes, it’s likely a motor vehicle and you must follow all motor vehicle rules.”
The post advises riders to ride responsibly, obey stop signs and traffic lights, ride with the flow of traffic and follow all traffic laws.
The post ends with the following message: “These rules help keep our sidewalks safe, our roads clear and our community connected. Let’s share the road and protect what makes Holmes Beach special.”
three different
HOLMES BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT | SUN
The graphic illustrates
classes of e-bikes set forth by state law.
Reel Time on the Road: A Drift on the Chattahoochee
Reel Time
have always had a fascination with rivers. As an angler more at home in saltwater, rivers are an enigma of sorts. Flowing rivers are often metaphorically used in life by spiritual masters like Buddha and Gandhi. One of those rivers, the Chattahoochee, flows near our cabin in Sautee. I have fished the upper reaches of the river for years but only recently was introduced to a “lower” section of the river about 15 miles downstream from Helen, Georgia. Last week, my wife and I floated the river from the Highway 115 bridge to Wildwood Outfitters at the foot of the Duncan Loop Bridge. The trip along the river is like a liquid hike, showcasing some of the most picturesque features of the Unicoi Mountain foothills.
laurel, wild roses and multicolored wildflowers. The river has exposed metamorphic and igneous rock that date from the Precambrian to the early Paleozoic period, approximately
trees flush with springs green leaves and the ancient boulders wrapped in lichens were a feast for the eye and a bit of a distraction for an angler. Our guide, Wes McElroy, of Unicoi
“Eventually
all things merge into one, and a river runs through it.”
Norman Maclean, “ A River Runs Through It”
Outfitters in Helen, introduced me to the river a couple of years ago (as reported in Reel Time in 2022). Since then, it has been on my A-list when we visit the area; and on this trip, I wanted to introduce my wife, Christine, to the river’s natural bounty. We didn’t plan this as a fishing trip, as I have always done before, because I wanted to enjoy the beauty of the float as well as get in a bit of fishing too. The shole bass we targeted on this part of the river are bedding in May
SEE REEL TIME, PAGE 24
RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN
RUSTY CHINNIS
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Sarasota Fishing Forecast for June
CAPT. RICK GRASSETT
Tarpon should be plentiful in the Coastal Gulf this month as big schools of fish migrate along our beaches. Also look for cobia, tripletail and false albacore (little tunny) in the Coastal Gulf. Catch and release snook fishing should also be good in and around passes and in the surf. Fishing should also be good on deep grass flats for a variety of species.
Tarpon fishing should be strong this month as schools of fish increase in size and numbers. They will head off shore to spawn close to new and full moons. Set up in travel lanes along the beach at first light in the morning and cast live crabs, baitfish, DOA Baitbusters and Swimming Mullet to them.
I travel well offshore along the beach in the morning to avoid disturbing schools of tarpon that may be traveling close to the beach. Once you’ve reached the area you intend to fish, ease into the beach with an electric trolling motor and set up in your spot. You can anchor or drift, depending on conditions. Give other anglers several hundred yards of space. Since fish may be moving both north and south, set-
ting up too close to another angler may negatively affect their fishing. Tarpon fishing is very dependent on conditions and there are a lot of variables that need to come together to be successful. Use tackle that’s heavy enough to land them as quickly as possible. When fly fishing, I use 12-weight rods and
large arbor reels capable of holding 300 yards or more of backing. I use a variety of baitfish, shrimp or crab fly patterns fished on floating fly lines. The shallower the water, the easier it is to get your fly in front of a fish when fly fishing. Stake out or anchor in travel lanes to get shots at them.
When spin fishing, I usually drift a couple of live baits under a float while we wait for tarpon schools to pass by. Blind casting with DOA Baitbusters or Swimming Mullet, if you’re in the right spot, can also be productive when fish are moving past you but not showing well on the surface. The CAL 4” Shad Tail/Swimbait with a heavy weedless hook is also a good tarpon bait, especially when sight fishing. You should find snook in the surf, in passes and around docks and bridges in the ICW (Intracoastal Waterway) near passes. You can walk the beach and sight fish them in the surf with fly or spinning tackle. Small baitfish fly patterns, CAL jigs with shad tails and jerk worms or DOA shrimp should all work well. The same lures and flies that work in the surf will also work well at night. Snook will congregate in passes around the new and full moons to spawn. They will usually be in deep channels in these areas. Bouncing a DOA TerrorEyz or Baitbuster in bridge channels or passes can be an effective technique in these areas.
MAY 23-AUGUST 30
THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY 7PM & 9P M
CAPT. RICK GRASSETT | SUBMITTED
Capt. Rick Grassett and Mason Ondercin, from Sarasota, with a tarpon Mason caught and released in the Coastal Gulf while fishing with Grassett. SEE GRASSETT,
REAL ESTATE
Insurance rates going down?
There’s a lot of reasons not to want to think about insurance. It’s expensive, confusing and boring. However, according to those in the know, Florida insurance rates may be starting to tick down or at least stabilize. Floridians have faced major increases in their homeowners and automobile insur ance premiums in recent years. Florida also ranked as one of the worst states in the country for lawsuit abuse and our courts were flooded by frivolous claims. Our out-of-control litigation rules were a major reason that insurance premiums for both homeowners and automobiles were among the most expensive in the country. It was so bad in Florida that in 2019 about 8% of all homeowners’ claims filed in the U.S. were filed in Florida. In addition, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, Florida accounted for 76% of all claims that turned into lawsuits that year. Why would any insurance company want to do business in Florida?
Castles in the Sand
LOUISE BOLGER
The property insurance market was in a crisis and the Florida legislature acted to end frivolous lawsuits and abusive tactics by lawyers, while protecting people with legitimate legal claims. The regulatory authority was enhanced and penalties were imposed on any insurer that failed to pay customers’ claims properly and promptly.
The benefits of these reforms are now kicking in. Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation announced in February that nearly two-thirds of automobile premiums are declining between 6% and 10.5% this year and more is expected.
Homeowners’ insurance rates are also on the right track. According to S&P Global,
Florida premiums only increased 1% on average. This was the lowest rate of increase in the nation and well below the rate of inflation. This bodes well for the future with the hope that further stabilization will make insurance premiums more affordable in the years ahead. Having a healthy insurance market means everything to the value of properties, as well as aiding current homeowners and potential buyers to enter into a more affordable position. Time to review the April sales statistics for Manatee County published by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee: Single-family homes closed 1.9% fewer properties this April compared to last. The median sale price was $464,000, down 12.5%, and the average sale price was $618,422, down 13.9%. The median time to contract was 50 days, compared to 44 last year, and the month’s supply of available inventory is 5.2 months, compared to 3.9 months. New listings were up 14.1% and new pending sales were down 3.2%.
Condos closed 1.1% fewer properties this year, the median sale price was $300,220, down 14.8% and the average sale price was $343,558, down 21.1%. The median time to contract was 63 days compared to 44 days last year and the month’s supply of available properties was 8.2 months compared to 6.3 months last year. New pending sales were down 8.3% and new listings were up 8.1.
These numbers are showing a stabilization of the market, meaning the declines are not as significant as they were previously. The Realtor Association still maintains “that the data reflects a market in transition, characterized by a stabilizing inventory, softening prices and a steady sales activity.”
Finally, Florida is setting the groundwork for other states to follow. Georgia and Texas are also considering legislation similar to ours. Whatever helps to improve our real estate market is fine with me, even if it’s boring.
PARTY: City block party celebrates community
enjoying the food, music, scenery and each other’s company.
and reconnecting with each other,” Salem said. “The fact that this was started by residents looking to keep up their tradition of meeting at the City Pier just shows how resilient our resident community is.”
“I like it,” McMullen said. “I hope it continues when we have cooler weather in the fall. This is a perfect get-together. The Stockton Brothers are good, the crowd is good and it’s good to see everybody that’s here. I hope to be cooking hamburgers at the next one.”
Anna Maria resident and Cool Beans AMI coffee shop owner Morgan Bryant said, “It’s awesome. I love that the community’s coming together and that the city threw a little get-together for the community. It’s a nice thing to do and it’s nice to see everybody. Music, food and drinks bring people together.”
Leslie Vandenberg has lived in Anna Maria since 1991. During the block party, she and her friend, Donna Kamp, sat on a park bench
“I think it’s lovely, and luckily it’s not too hot,” Vandenberg said. “It’s nice seeing people you don’t see very often – unless you come to the post office. I was just talking to a lady that I hadn’t seen for a while and we of course were talking hurricanes.”
Kamp bought an investment home in Anna Maria in 1981 and became an Anna Maria resident in 2006.
“I think this is really great,” she said. “It’s an excellent idea. People need to get together like this more often to meet their neighbors.”
Holmes Beach resident and Planning Commissioner Richard Brown made his way to Anna Maria to enjoy the block party and he spent some conversing with Anna Maria Planning and Zoning Board member Jeff Rodencal.
“I enjoy this. It’s a great together with friends and family. We get to commiserate and celebrate,” Brown said.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
A modified version of The Stockton Brothers performed the live music.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Gary McMullen, Mark Short, Pamela McMullen and Pat Short enjoyed the community gathering.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Donna Kamp and Leslie Vandenberg spent some time catching up.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Holmes Beach resident Richard Brown and Anna Maria resident Jeff Rodencal enjoyed their conversation.
PARKING: Mayor stops improper beach access parking restriction
Manatee Towing and the towing company’s phone number.
Photographs, comments and questions about the resorts’ new selfimposed parking restrictions appeared on Facebook earlier the week.
In June 2022, The Seabreeze at Anna Maria Island Inn tried to impose similar guest only parking restrictions at that location but the city quickly put an end to those efforts. It was stated back then that resort guests can park in the public beach access spaces but the spaces cannot be reserved for resort guests.
SIGNS REMOVED
The new guest only parking signs were removed by resort personnel on May 22, early in the afternoon. When speaking to The Sun an hour or so later, Mayor Chappie said he first noticed the new signs on May 19 or 20 and he then contacted Police Chief John Cosby and City Attorney Ricinda Perry.
“I was very disappointed,” Chappie said. “We’ve been getting calls and we were hesitant to say go ahead and park there because we didn’t want anyone
This guest only parking sign was removed from The Seabreeze at Anna Maria Island Inn property. The city of Bradenton Beach owns the beach access and public parking spaces at the west end of 23rd Street North.
to have their cars towed. That’s why I wanted to get this taken care of before Memorial Day weekend started. That’s everybody’s parking.”
Chappie said when he and Code Enforcement Officer Evan Harbus arrived at the beach access property earlier that afternoon, some resort employees were already in the process of removing the signs, as directed by resort management.
“We made it clear this is public parking and they can’t regulate parking in a public right of way,” Chappie said.
“I told them if they didn’t remove the signs we’ll end up putting bollards up; and I reminded the guys there today that these parking spaces are also counted for beach renourishment. The signs needed to come down and they took them down.”
When asked if overnight parking is allowed in beach access parking spaces, Chappie said he wasn’t sure
but he would look into it.
Regarding the previous incident in 2022, Chappie said, “I remember it well. They were told they can’t regulate parking in a public right of way.”
To report an improper or suspected improper public parking restriction, call the Bradenton Beach Code Enforcement Department at 941-7781005, ext. 227.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Kiwanis Club awards scholarships
On May 24, the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island awarded two $1,000 scholarships to Isabella Tovar. Tovar is a member of the State College of Florida Key Club and will begin taking classes at the University of South Florida in Tampa in July. One scholarship was provided by the Robert (Bob) LaMastro family and the other was provided by the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island Foundation. This week the club will host its final weekly meeting for the summer. During the summer months, the club will meet monthly on June 14, July 12 and Aug. 9. Weekly meetings will resume on Sept. 6.
AME fifth graders graduate
KIWANIS CLUB OF AMI | SUBMITTED
From left are Kiwanis Scholarship Committee member Claudette Welch, scholarship recipient Isobella Tovar and scholarship committee member Patricia Webster.
The fifth grade class of Anna Maria Elementary School graduated on Friday, May 23, and they’re headed for middle school in the fall. ANNE YARBROUGH | SUBMITTED
LAWSUIT: Bradenton Beach requests dismissal of Luper lawsuit
quasi-judicial orders of county, municipal or state agencies that cannot be appealed to the district courts of appeal under the Administrative Procedure Act.”
In his motion, Lincoln stated: “The city commission must, and did, conduct a hearing to consider Luper's application for a temporary use permit for the razed parcels. The city commission was required to, and did, apply the standards set forth (in the city’s land development code) to Luper's application and the facts shown at the hearing. Defendant, city of Bradenton Beach, requests the court enter an order dismissing counts I and II and the entire action, with prejudice, for lack of subject matter jurisdiction.”
HEARING AND LUPER’S LAWSUIT
The lawsuit filed by Tampa-based Attorney John A. Anthony on April 25 names Luper Enterprises, Inc. and Coastal Sound Investments LLC as the plaintiffs and the city of Bradenton Beach as the defendant.
Luper’s lawsuit stemmed from a decision by the Bradenton Beach City Commission at an April 17 quasijudicial public hearing to deny the use of the currently vacant resort property at 2000 Gulf Drive N. for paid parking using a resort pass.
Commissioners questioned the resort pass request for the beachfront bungalows that were destroyed during Hurricane Helene.
During the public hearing, Luper and her attorney, Stephanie Anthony, maintained that as a working resort, a resort pass, which includes parking and access to a private area of the beach, was appropriate because other Luper-owned properties affiliated with the multi-property resort remained operational following the hurricanes.
After a nearly 2.5-hour quasi-judicial hearing in which City Planner Luis Serna recommended denial of the application, city commissioners denied the paid public parking lot application but allowed a temporary use permit for Luper, resort guests and employees to use the lot no later than 9 p.m.
The city commission placed the following restrictions on the property:
• Parking at the razed parcels (the lot where the bungalows were) is permit -
ted for a period of one year or 30 days from the issuance of a building permit;
• Parking at the razed parcels is limited to 17 parking spaces, per the city-issued Transient Public Lodging Establishment license;
• No trailers, recreational vehicles, campers or buses are allowed to park at the razed parcels, and no tailgating, overnight parking or paid parking shall be conducted;
• Only employees, agents or registered guests of the resort are allowed to park at the razed parcels;
• Parking at the razed parcels is limited to 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. enforced by a towing service secured by Luper.
DISPUTE TIMELINE
Hurricane Helene destroyed many of 14 original Bungalow Beach cottages. The buildings were condemned and by Feb. 1
the razed parcels had been cleared of the demolition debris.
“At this time, Ms. Luper advised the city of her plan to reopen the razed parcels to continue parking in the manner that had been conducted by the resort for over 25 years,” Luper’s complaint states. “Ms. Luper was then advised by the city that she must file a parking permit in order to continue to charge a resort fee for parking.”
Luper applied online for the permit on Feb. 3 and said she spoke to Serna on Feb. 4 about the proposed plan to reopen the razed parcel for resort-fee parking to the public. She said Serna advised her that he saw no issues with the plan.
“The resort consists of three separate but interconnected areas. The razed parcels acquired in 1999, the duplex parcel (2103 Ave. C) acquired in 1999 and the single-family parcel (2108
Gulf Drive N.), acquired and incorporated into the resort in 2024.”
According to the complaint, the razed parcels have continuously supplied parking, including overflow parking, for operations at all the resort properties.
On March 14, a portion of the parking lot was reopened for parking at the rate of $50 per-car, per-day for 29 parking spaces.
“After parking approximately 14 cars on the morning of March 14, Evan Harbus, in his capacity with the Code Enforcement Division of the city, directed that all parking at the razed parcels cease immediately,” the lawsuit complaint states. “The city’s officials advised that any vehicles violating these instructions would be towed, including vehicles owned by the plaintiffs, vehicles of resort employees, its construction or maintenance-related crews, previous and potential guests and the paying public.”
On March 16, Luper submitted an application for temporary parking.
“The resort, properly permitted to conduct a defined and legitimate business, has never ceased operating even for a day and has continuously charged a resort fee of $50-$59, which included parking,” the complaint states. “The resort charging a resort fee to the public for parking and amenity use is a consistent and well-founded practice employed by several similar resorts in the region, frequently known as a ‘resort pass.’”
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Gayle Luper hoped to use her vacant resort property as a paid public parking lot while awaiting hurricane-related reconstruction.
Center of Anna Maria Island soccer, basketball scores
REEL TIME:
FROM PAGE 16
Key Royale Golf Club scores
MAY 19 - MODIFIED STABLEFORD
First Place - Quentin Talbert, +5 Second Place - David Desrosiers, +4
MAY 20 - LOW NET SCORE
No reported results
MAY 22 - SCRAMBLE
First Place - Janelle Clements, Ron Huibers, Tom Solosky, Bill Sweeney, 28, 4 under par. 2nd Place - John Hackinson, Scott Mitchell, Tom Nelson, 29, 3 under par.
Hawks enjoys perfect week in horseshow pits
At Anna Maria Horseshoes, there was no need for a playoff as there were two outright winners this week. On May 21, Bob Hawks and Tim Sofran teamed up and posted the only 3-0 record during pool play to earn the day’s bragging rights. On the 24th, Hawks and Gersey Fernandes posted the only 3-0 record to win the day’s championship, keeping Hawks perfect for the week.
GRASSETT: June fishing forecast
Fishing for reds should also be good in June. Look for them over shallow grass along mangrove shorelines or around oyster bars when the tide is high. You’ll find them in potholes or edges of flats when the tide is low. Top water plugs will work well, especially early in the day. I like to cover water with CAL jigs and shad tails or jerk worms to find them. Fly anglers should score with baitfish fly patterns like my Grassett Flats Minnow. You may find trout, Spanish mackerel, bluefish or pompano in passes or on deep grass flats this month. I like to drift deep grass flats and cast
3V3 BASKETBALL – WEEK 6 Slim’s Place (6-0) beat Slicker’s Eatery (3-3)
Luxury Services (5-1) bested Primetime Lending (1-5)
Moss Builders (5-1) won over Solid Rock Construction (4-2)
Coaster Continent (2-4) defeated Bradenton Home Inspections (2-4)
Salty Printing (3-3) beat Edible Cookie Dough Café (0-6)
ahead of my drift with CAL jigs and shad tails or jerk worms or DOA Deadly Combos. Fly anglers should score by drifting and casting ahead of the drift with Ultra Hair Clouser flies tied on long shank hooks on an intermediate sink tip fly line. You’ll need to add a few inches of heavy (40 or 50-pound) fluorocarbon when toothy fish are in the mix. Trout regulations in southwest Florida are a bag limit of three fish per person and a six-fish boat limit. Trout must be from 15” to 19,” with one allowed per vessel over 19”. In my opinion it’s important to protect larger trout, which are usually female breeders. Full regulations
and details for all species can be viewed at https://myfwc.com/. In addition to tarpon, look for Spanish mackerel, false albacore, cobia and tripletail in the Coastal Gulf this month. Although none of them may be thick, I’ve encountered all of them before in June. Keep your eyes open for bird activity or “breaking” fish to find albies and mackerel. Cobia and tripletail may be found around crab trap floats; however, I’ve seen cobia swimming with tarpon schools before. Medium spinning tackle and a DOA Shrimp or CAL jig will get the job done for all of them, although your tarpon tackle would also work well for a big cobia. An 8 or 9-weight fly rod with
and require the knowledge of a seasoned guide like McElroy to locate. As a native Georgia freshwater fish species, shole bass are primarily found in the Chattahoochee and Flint rivers and are often confused with largemouth bass. When the bass are on the bed guarding their new brood, they don’t feed actively but a well-placed cast will elicit a defensive strike. McElroy has developed a keen eye for the areas where shole bass make their beds so we interspersed some targeted casts along the way. Over a four-hour float, we managed to get a number of strikes and caught two large shole bass.
One of the catches happened as I was casting from a sandy bank where we had beached the boat. I hooked a nice male that spit the hook; and figuring it was guarding a bed, I made another cast in the same direction. On the retrieve, I felt a tap and suddenly saw a large female tracking my lure up the sand bank. It made several lunges before it tipped up and took the imitation. Following McElroy’s advice, I waited a split second before setting the hook. The fish made several short hard runs before thrashing at the surface and giving McElroy an opportunity to net it. After several quick pictures, we revived the fish and set it free.
Getting a chance to actually sight-fish a shole bass in the river’s swift current was an experience I’ll never forget, and a fitting end to a beautiful day in the mountains of north Georgia. If you ever find yourself in this part of the world, I highly recommend a float down one of the south’s most beautiful rivers.
To get information on fishing the area, or to book a trip, contact McElroy at Unicoi Outfitters, 706-878-3083 or check out their web site, www.unicoioutfitters.com.
a floating or clear sink tip fly line is adequate to catch everything except a big cobia, in which case your 12-weight tarpon fly tackle will work well. There are lots of options in inshore waters or the Coastal Gulf this month. If pulling on a 100-pound tarpon isn’t for you, fishing pressure is usually light inshore this month so snook, reds, trout and more should also be good options. Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, toxic spills and discharges, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
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 DIRECTORY
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! SEA-
SONAL 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
