Holmes Beach commission seats to be decided Nov. 4
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – The three winners in the fourcandidate Holmes Beach City Commission race will be known after in-person voting concludes on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Carol Soustek, Terry Schaefer, Steve Oelfke and Jessica Patel seek the two-year commission terms to be determined by Holmes Beach voters.
On Nov. 4, in-person voting will occur at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The election results will be published that evening at www.amisun.com.
voters requested vote-by-mail ballots for the city election. tional two-year terms in 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2023.
CRA may need separate attorney
BY LESLIE LAKE
SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) members discussed hiring a separate CRA attorney at an Oct. 20 meeting after learning that the city could be out of compliance with statutory requirements.
CRA Chair Scott Bear, Police Chief John Cosby and city Treasurer Shayne Thompson attended a Florida Redevelopment Association meeting from Oct. 14-17 in West Palm Beach.
“First and probably foremost, one of the things they told us is it is probably not a good idea, in fact in one session, it was also suggested that it was illegal, to have the city attorney be the CRA attorney,” Bear said. “So, we need to look for a CRA attorney through Trask. My understanding is they do
have a CRA attorney who can help us, so we need to engage that person really quickly.”
The city has retained the Trask Daignault LLC law firm on an interim basis with Erica Augello as lead attorney. Retired City Attorney Ricinda Perry formerly represented both the city and the CRA.
“We’re finding out that we need specific knowledge attorneys for certain things,” Cosby said. “One size fits all is out the window, so I 100% agree with chairman Scott, we have to get this person on as fast as possible.
I asked Terri (City Clerk Terri Sanclemente) while we were there to call the firm, and she spoke with Erica.”
Cosby said the Trask firm has an attorney that specializes in CRAs and expressed an interest in meeting with
In February, Oelfke, a skilled nursing facility administrator, and planning commissioner at
Neighborhood meeting addresses resiliency project impacts, concerns
The $1.7 million dollar drainage project is expected to begin in a month and take about four months to complete.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – About 30 residents attended a neighborhood meeting held at the corner of Holmes Boulevard and 56th Street on Oct. 24.
The meeting pertained to a $1.73 million sea level rise resiliency and drainage project that will begin soon. The project is expected to improve drainage along portions of 55th Street, 56th Street, Holmes Boulevard, Gulf Drive and Marina Drive.
The 45-minute outdoor meeting provided residents and property
owners the opportunity to ask questions and share their concerns about the short-term project impacts. Attendees were provided with a one-page handout that includes a project map and a QR code linked to the project webpage.
According to the project overview provided at the stormwater management page of the city website, “The city of Holmes Beach is undertaking a major infrastructure improvement along Gulf Drive to address the growing impacts of sea level rise and frequent flooding. This project focuses on enhancing the city’s stormwater management system in one of its most flood prone corridors, where tidal events and heavy rainfall often overwhelm existing drainage.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
From left, Holmes Beach commission candidates Steve Oelfke, Jessica Patel, Terry Schaefer and Carol Soustek participated in the recent candidate forum.
City facing financial repercussions from hurricanes
Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024 resulted in pending demolitions, unoccupied properties and a reduction in tax revenue for the city.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH –Police Chief and Public Works Director John Cosby warned commissioners of continuing financial implications for the city from the 2024 hurricanes at the Oct. 23 city commission meeting.
“Via Roma, Tradewinds, Runaway Bay and Tropic Isles are not open at this time, and are not occupied. They are still going through the process,” Cosby said. “The reason I’m telling you this, and the concern is, none of these properties are going to be up by the end of the year. So, we’re still going to have
a tax issue next year and evaluations end this year. When we get our numbers in June, it’s going to be greatly affected by this.”
According to the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office, “A homeowner may be eligible for a refund of a portion of property taxes paid for the year in which the catastrophic event occurred if the property was uninhabitable for at least 30 days due to a catastrophic event.”
Cosby said there are 11 empty lots at commercial businesses that aren’t currently operating, 12 unoccupied properties where all the necessary improvements haven’t been completed and 31 properties where the building was either torn down or destroyed by the hurricanes.
“There are quite a few permits that are out, and quite a few more coming to get permits, so it’s going to be another year before we see
The now-iconic hurricane-damaged house at 1202 Gulf Drive S. is scheduled for demolition this week.
some relief,” he said. “We’ll see what happens as we move forward.”
Cosby also alluded to issues with FEMA (Federal Emer-
gency Management Agency) reimbursements to the city for hurricane-related expenses.
“We are having some pain with FEMA, I don’t know
where it’s going and I don’t want to hit the panic button, but we are definitely having some issues with them, to the point where I had to ask the state to step in and help,” Cosby said. “We could have some financial issue with what FEMA’s willing to pay for. When I hear, I’ll let you know.”
Code Enforcement Officer Evan Harbus then spoke about city properties that are scheduled for demolition.
“The house at 1202 Gulf Drive S., tomorrow morning there will be a demolition crew and they will demolish the concrete area,” Harbus said. “The home will be removed in the next week and a half.”
Harbus said Queens Gate Resort at 1101 Gulf Drive N. will also be completely taken down.
“Those are the two big ones,” he said.
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.
City approves Augello as interim city attorney
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH
– The city commission unanimously approved Mayor John Chappie’s recommendation that Erica Augello as lead attorney and the Trask Daigneault LLP law firm be appointed as interim city attorney for up to six months.
Augello, also the city attorney for Holmes Beach, did not attend the Oct. 23 commission meeting.
City officials sought an interim city attorney to serve before they choose
a permanent replacement for retired City Attorney Ricinda Perry.
Following an interview by commissioners at an Oct. 7 emergency special work meeting, Chappie made the recommendation to contract with the Clearwater-based Trask Daigneault LLP law firm with Augello as lead city attorney.
“In going through the proposal material, you have the whole gamut of areas of law that we need help on,”
Chappie said. “I think it will be very beneficial not to have just one attorney but to have a team.”
Augello said at that interview that she would be the first point of contact and the person who attends city meetings.
Commissioners questioned Augello and attorney Robert Eschenfelder at the Oct. 7 meeting about topics that included potential conflicts between Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach, Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) experience, fees and the role of city attorney.
“I’m not entirely comfortable with Erica because of her role in Holmes Beach,” Vice-Mayor Deborah Scac -
meeting. “I do like the law firm, but we do have six months to work through this and make sure everything goes smoothly, so I’m open minded.”
Chappie said he thought there could possibly be some issues at times.
“If any issue arises and you have that concern, I would identify it as soon as you can and bring it up to Miss Augello and I’m sure she will respond appropriately to the concern,” said attorney Robert Lincoln, who has been representing Bradenton Beach since
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Commissioner Jan Vosburgh has decided not to run for another term.
But Election Day on Nov. 4 may not be Vosburgh’s last day, according to attorney Robert Lincoln, who represented the city at the Oct. 23 city commission meeting.
“This will be an early issue for your new city attorney,” Lincoln told the commissioners. “My understanding of the law is that she will remain in the seat for quorum and meetings until you go through the process of finding a replacement.”
Lincoln suggested that incoming City Attorney Erica Augello confirm his understanding of the law.
“Generally, under Florida law, you don’t leave office until somebody replaces you,” Lincoln said.
“If nobody stepped up right away, she would be in there until replaced?”
Commissioner Ralph Cole asked.
Vosburgh will not run for re-election
Vosburgh has been absent with excuse for the past several commission meetings.
The assistant Supervisor of Elections was unsure of the procedure without first studying Bradenton Beach’s city charter.
According to the charter; “Whenever there is a vacancy, the Commission shall propose by nomination one or more names of willing and qualified successors for the vacancy. The Commission will then vote among the nominees to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term. If a majority of the Commissioners are unable to fill a vacancy or vacancies after two (2) meetings then the successor shall be chosen by lot by the City Clerk from the nominees proposed.
“Right. I believe the standard is if nobody ran for your office, you hold on to it,” Lincoln said.
Lincoln said he had not done a deep dive into the issue, but he wanted to raise the issue to commissioners as it might affect the commission’s operations.
“We advertised for people who want to fill the vacant seat. If we didn’t have anyone from that ward step up, then it would be an at-large seat, limited for one year,” Mayor John Chappie said.
In the event that no appointee can be found residing in the Ward of vacancy, the Commission may appoint an individual who would otherwise qualify for elective office pursuant to Article III. Elections, Section 2. Qualifications of candidates for elective office.”
SUBMITTED Holmes Beach City Attorney Erica Augello will serve as interim city attorney for Bradenton Beach.
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
Commissioner Jan Vosburgh, pictured at a recent city commission meeting, has decided not to run for another term.
Removing the hurricane-damaged contents is the first step in repairing the City Pier buildings.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The hurricane-damaged contents of the city-owned buildings at the T-end of the City Pier have been removed.
The content removal is the first step of cleaning, remediating and repairing the pier spaces leased to The City Pier Grill and the Mote Marine Science Education & Outreach Center.
During the Oct. 23 city commission meeting, Mayor Mark Short provided a recap of the content removal efforts that began on Oct. 21 using a barge, as the pier is otherwise inaccessible without its walkway. Short and city staff provided commissioners with photos of the two interior pier spaces as and
City Pier buildings emptied
after the contents and some of the hurricane-related mud and muck were removed. Short said mold is present in the buildings as well and that will also have to be remediated.
During a previous city commission meeting, Short said Mote Marine had not yet informed him as to whether or not the Mote facility will return to the pier space provided rent-free by the city.
Earlier this year, City Pier Grill operator Brian Seymour said he and his business partners hope to return to the pier if an extended lease can be negotiated to include some additional modifications they are requesting.
During the Oct. 23 meeting, Short said the repair and remediation work for the T-end buildings will occur simultaneously with the
construction of the new City Pier walkway to be built by Tampa Bay Marine Inc.
Short said he was told the first solid concrete pilings are expected to arrive on Nov. 3, weather permitting, and the first batch of pilings will be installed and then tested upon delivery.
Commissioner Charlie Salem asked if any of the pier building contents were salvageable. Short said that’s
up to the pier tenants to determine and the contents were delivered by barge to a nearby marina for the tenants to inspect and relocate or discard.
Salem asked if the pier buildings remain structurally sound. Short said he didn’t see any signs of structural unsoundness but the drywall, ceiling tiles and some of the other interior elements require replacement.
In response to another question from Salem, Short said nothing he saw during his Oct. 21 visit led him to believe the previous estimate of approximately $800,000 to remediate and repair the T-end buildings will increase.
Short recently told commissioners the total City Pier replacement project cost is now expected to be between $6.2 million and $6.9 million, including the $4.64 million walkway replacement contract with Tampa Bay Marine.
Stewar t and Henr y Moon
CITY OF ANNA MARIA | SUBMITTED
Left, the cooking equipment and other contents have been removed from the City Pier Grill building. Right, the exhibit tanks and other contents were removed from the Mote Marine building.
OPINION
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
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Contributors
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Layout Ricardo Fonseca
Advertising Director
Shona Otto
Classified Ads
Bob Alexander
Graphics
Elaine Stroili
Ricardo Fonseca
Distribution
Bob Alexander
Tony McNulty
Brian Smith
Accounting
Leslie Ketchum
Co-founding publishers
Mike Field
Maggie McGinley Field
Family-owned
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Caminite retiring after 49 years on AMI
On Oct. 1, 1975, I became the new owner of Home Hardware on beautiful Anna Maria Island. The 49 years that followed were one of my greatest joys in my life.
My objective for the store was to expand our inventory, focusing on the needs of the Island residents and tourists. The store was small in square footage, but we expanded by buying the space next to us. With this expansion, we greatly increased product lines in our various departments.
Our success hinged on the Island residents, contractors, property management companies, government agencies and maintenance personnel. My staff and I focused on obtaining
special items that they needed, offering volume pricing and quick availability.
Being on a barrier island, we had opportunities to get to know our customers. I made friendships with many of them, played golf with them, discussed Island news, and shared lively stories and jokes.
For 25 years, my sister, Joan Brown, managed the business. She was skilled at building customer relationships and was dedicated to growing our inventory. When she passed away in 2003, our hearts were broken, and Island residents lost a dear friend.
Anna Maria has changed greatly in 50 years. Back in 1975, there were roughly 2,800 residences on the Island. Today, Anna Maria is populated with over 10,000 homes, new businesses, condominium rentals, an elementary school, a fire department and an expanded police department. Despite the growth, the Island still maintains its tranquil, casual ambiance and warm, friendly residents.
My intention was to maintain ownership for 50 years, but Mother Nature had a different plan for me. Hurricane Helene changed my life and those of everyone on the Island.
To summarize my years as owner of Home True Value Hardware, I experienced the pleasure of your friendship, your loyalty to my business and the knowledge that you passed on to me. At 93
years of age, I treasure the time I spent on Anna Marina Island. Thank you for 49 memorable years. May God bless you all.
Turtle Watch Wednesday a community affair
On Wednesday afternoon, I was standing in a parking lot at Hurricane Hanks having a wonderful time. I was seeing friends, neighbors, islanders all gathered to support Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring. We celebrated being together and having fun. The businesses donated wonderful items to bid on. To all the people who volunteered to put the fundraiser together and those people who spent their money, I say, “Thank you so much.” At the live auction, the chief of the Holmes Beach Police outdid himself and raised about $5,500 for Turtle Watch. Way to go Chief Tojaker. He cares. Everyone there cares about their fellow islanders, and it showed. I am so happy and proud to be a part of this community, I wanted to shout out, “This is the best time I have had in months. So glad to be here with you. Thank you, thank you all.”
Tony Caminite Holmes Beach
Carol Soustek Holmes Beach
SUBMITTED
ANNA MARIA
10005 GULF DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130
Visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information. No meetings scheduled
BRADENTON BEACH
107 GULF DRIVE N. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005
Visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information
Thursday, Nov. 6, 6 p.m., City Commission meeting
HOLMES BEACH
5801 MARINA DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800
Visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information.
Wednesday, Nov. 5, 10 a.m., Parks and Beautification Committee meeting Wednesday, Nov. 5, 3:30 p.m., Planning Commission meeting
ANNA MARIA ISLAND CHURCH SCHEDULES
EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION
4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, Sunday service 9:15 a.m.
CROSSPOINTE FELLOWSHIP
8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, Sunday service 9 a.m.
HARVEY MEMORIAL COMMUNITY CHURCH
300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach, Sunday service 9:15 a.m.
ROSER MEMORIAL COMMUNITY CHURCH
512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, Sunday services 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.
ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH
248 South Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, Masses: Saturday, 4 p.m., Sunday, 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., MondayFriday, 8:30 a.m. All Saints/All Souls service, Sunday, Nov. 2, 3 p.m.
Police chief addresses campaign sign thefts
City commission campaign signs have been reported missing.
BY JOE HENDRICKS
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Police
Chief
Bill Tokajer reminds everyone that it’s illegal to remove a political campaign sign from someone else’s property.
According to Tokajer, all four Holmes Beach City Commission candidates have had their signs removed.
The four candidates seeking the three commission seats to be filled by the city election that concludes on Tuesday, Nov. 4 are Steve Oelfke, Jessica Patel, Terry Schaefer and Carol Soustek.
Tokajer addressed the missing campaign signs during the Oct. 16 city commission meeting.
“We received a call yesterday about some political signs that were taken from Ms. Patel,” he told the commission.
He also referenced a call he received earlier from Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short while that day’s commission meeting was in progress. Short told
Tokajer someone delivered 11 Patel campaign signs to Anna Maria City Hall the previous day and there was surveillance video of the unknown person who did so.
“Every candidate has had signs
election cycles often pit residents against other residents in terms of which candidate or candidates they support.
When contacted the following day, Tokajer said he received and reviewed the Anna Maria surveillance video photographs.
“If we can identify this person, we can find out what their purpose was and where the signs were taken from. Each of our candidates had signs removed by someone unknown, for purposes unknown. If someone thinks a sign is improperly displayed, they need to contact code enforcement for their respective city. Code enforcement will educate the owner of the sign to make sure they are properly displayed,” Tokajer said.
stolen. That is a crime. It happens every year,” Tokajer.
He also noted the two-year city commission terms set forth in the city charter result in a city election taking place every year. He said the annual
Holmes Beach city code prohibits placing signs on city-owned property and in city-owned rights of way. City code also prohibits placing a sign on a property without the property owner’s permission.
When contacted on Oct. 22, Tokajer said he wasn’t aware of the person in the video and the photographs being identified.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Each of the four Holmes Beach City Commission candidates has had campaign signs removed.
Sea turtle season ends with successful fundraiser
Turtle Watch raised more than $30,000.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Sea turtle season officially ends on Oct. 31. Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers are monitoring the one remaining nest left on the Island and checking it daily to see if it hatches. In the last week, Turtle Watch volunteers hosted a booth at Bayfest on Oct. 18 and held their annual fundraiser, the Sixth Annual Suzi Fox Turtle Watch Wednesday, on Oct. 22.
ANNE YARBROUGH | SUN
People peruse the silent auction items at the Suzi Fox Turtle Watch Wednesday fundraiser. Bob Slicker was the auctioneer for the live auction.
“Much fun was had as Turtle Watch and Journey, our mascot, hosted our educational and merchandise booth at Bayfest, teaching attendees about sea turtles and showing off the sea turtle carapace (shell), sea turtle skulls and a view of what a nest looks like underground,” Turtle Watch Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella wrote in an Oct. 24 email to The Sun.
Turtle Watch teamed up with Anna Maria Life, which debuted its Anna Maria Life Through the Lens of Angie Blunt 2026 calendars, complete with a raffle for an original Angie Blunt photograph. All proceeds from the calendars go directly to Turtle Watch.
The fundraising event raised more than $30,000 for Turtle Watch.
“More than 70 VIPs attended the party inside Hurricane Hanks and over 250 people attended the event,” Mazzarella wrote. “High-
Local photographer Angie Blunt
lights were the live auctions for a ride-along with Holmes Beach Chief Tokajer and a ride-along Turtle Watch Experience.”
Mazzarella thanked sponsors A Paradise Realty, Hurricane Hanks/ The Pour House/Hurricane Liquors,
Karen Anderson and Police Chief Bill Tokajer share a moment at the
Winnie, a female loggerhead sea turtle, is still in 10th place in a field of 12 turtles in the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s Tour de Turtles Race that began on Aug. 1. She has traveled 411 miles in the Gulf of Mexico since she was satellitetagged and released after nesting on Coquina Beach on June 23 and 261 miles since the race began. The Tour de Turtles Race ends on Oct. 31. Winnie is swimming to raise awareness about the threat of light pollution and how lighting near shore can negatively impact nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings.
ANNE YARBROUGH | SUN
AMI Turtle Watch Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella speaks at the fundraiser.
Slicker’s Eatery, CabanUp, Harbor Lane Court Vacation Rentals, The Anna Maria Island Sun and Mike Sales Music, as well as all the silent and live auction donors.
Donations are still being accepted at: https://square.link/u/gOEvLCL6
Her participation in the 2025 Tour de Turtles is sponsored by Hurricane Hanks and Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring.
NESTING NEWS
TURTLE NESTS LAID: 544 (528 loggerhead, 16 green) Record: 685 in 2024
FALSE CRAWLS: 828 (797 loggerhead, 31 green) Record: 831 in 2010
NESTS HATCHED: 424 (409 loggerhead, 15 green) Record: 453 in 2022
HATCHLINGS PRODUCED: 30,899 (29,674 loggerhead, 1,225 green) Record: 35,850 in 2022
NEST DISORIENTATIONS: 151 (148 loggerhead, 3 green)
ADULT DISORIENTATIONS: 30 (28 loggerhead, 2 green)
Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring
ANNE YARBROUGH | SUN
Excited raffle winner Cory Jackson at the live auction benefiting the Sixth Annual Suzi Fox Turtle Watch Wednesday fundraiser.
ANNE YARBROUGH | SUN
signs copies of her photo calendar.
ANNE YARBROUGH | SUN
Sixth Annual Suzi Fox Turtle Watch Wednesday fundraiser.
RESILIENCY : Neighborhood meeting addresses resiliency project impacts, concerns
PAGE 1
“The work includes upgrading stormwater pipes, installing new catch basins and reshaping swales to improve water flow and reduce standing water. These improvements are designed to increase the system’s capacity, improve drainage efficiency and reduce the risk of roadway and property flooding. The Gulf Drive project is part of a broader city-wide strategy to modernize stormwater systems and prepare for future coastal challenges.”
The Tampa-based Harris-McBurney Company is the project contractor and Herb Raybourn, from the RESPEC engineering and consulting firm, is the engineer of record.
Public Works Project Manager Matt Gorman facilitated the Oct. 24 meeting, joined by Interim Public Works Director Anthony Benitez, Raybourn, Detective Brian Hall, Harris-McBurney Vice President Shawn Gilbert, Harris-McBurney Project Manager John Kettell and Harris-McBurney Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) Safety Director Tom Newton.
Gorman said the project is the first phase of a proposed multi-phase resiliency and drainage effort.
“The goal of this project is to improve drainage along 55th and 56th – getting the drainage flowing the correct way, from west to east,” Benitez said, noting the discharge point will be the marina basin along Marina Drive.
“We’re putting 48-inch pipe in,” Kettell added.
Commissioner Dan Diggins asked if residents would see noticeable drainage improvements when the phase 1 project is completed.
“There will be some drainage improvement associated with phase 1,” Raybourn said. “Obviously, when the entire project is developed that improvement will be better, but there will be improvement with phase 1.”
Gilbert anticipates construction starting in about 30 days and the project being completed in about four months.
He said there will be a lot of digging and residents will experience some inconveniences.
Gilbert and Kettell said any portions of brick paver driveways impacted by the project will be removed, stored and reinstalled. Concrete driveways will be replaced and property damage will be repaired.
“There is going to be disruption and we’re going to do our best to work with all the residents and make it a smooth process,” Benitez said.
“You may be parking on the road one night, but it won’t be two nights,” Kettell said. “Hopefully, you can access your driveway every day, but we can’t promise you that.”
“You will still be able to get to your home,” Gorman said.
Hall said short-term streetside parking will be allowed if needed and police officers and code enforcement officers will be informed to not issue parking tickets in those impacted areas. Diggins recommends hanging a reentry tag from the parked vehicle’s rearview mirror so officers know the parked vehicle belongs to a resident.
Gilbert said Newton will be at the job site making sure the rerouted and detoured traffic flows as smoothly as possible.
Newton said he used to be a police officer in Hillsborough County and he knows how to manage traffic.
“We’re going to have to close particular roads for a short period of time. As soon as that’s done, we’ll open that up and move to another location,” Newton said, noting some street closures may last a week or longer.
After referencing traffic problems experienced during a previous city project, one attendee said, “Signs alone do not help. You need some kind of enforcement out there. If you lived on this block, you couldn’t get out of your driveway without someone cursing at you about cutting in line.”
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Residents met with city staff and project representatives during the Oct. 24 neighborhood meeting.
COMMISSION: Holmes Beach seats to be decided Nov. 4
Patel, a creator and executive director for a non-profit organization and a former journalist, is a first-time candidate.
CANDIDATE FORUM
On Sept. 24, The Sun hosted a 90-minute candidate forum. A partial recap of the forum appeared in the Sept. 29 issue of The Sun and at www.amisun.com and focused on the candidates’ opening remarks and their views on the city’s hurricane recovery efforts, the city budget and millage rate, stormwater and drainage expenditures and the annual stormwater fees paid by Holmes Beach property owners. That night, the candidates also shared their thoughts on several other issues, some of which are recapped below.
REZONING REQUESTS
In response to a question submitted in advance by a Sun reader, the candidates discussed rezoning requests that seek to increase the zoning density and intensity for the use of a property.
“The last rezoning question that came to us was two years ago and we rejected it, when the Lutheran church asked to redevelop two of their three parcels into residential,” Schaefer said. “Our commission has taken a stand not to allow rezoning to increase density.”
Soustek said the city’s comprehensive plan is the commission’s guiding document for rezoning requests.
“You use that as your guide and we’ve done that very well,” she said.
She noted the commission is bound by law to approve a proposed site plan that complies with city codes and regulations; and the failure do so could result in the city being sued.
“The comprehensive plan is our directive,” Oelfke said. “It can help commissioners make decisions that are going to be in the best interests of the residents.”
“One of first things I did when I decided to run was read that comprehensive plan. I agree it’s not the solution,” Patel said regarding rezoning requests.
Patel noted the comp plan also addresses affordable housing, which remains in short supply.
“When you have four grand a month to spend on a place and you can’t afford to live on this Island, it’s a problem. Maybe changing some ordinances to allow for density where families can live in those areas, that should be open for discussion,” she said.
GLORIA DEI PROPERTY
Earlier this year, the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church’s representatives rejected the city’s $3 million offer to purchase the property and church building for use as a public facility. The property is currently listed for $9.9 million based on the seller’s assumption that the property can be rezoned for residential or commercial development.
“Don’t give up on the city getting the Gloria Dei property,” Soustek said.
As for rezoning the church property, she said, “Again, you use the comprehensive plan. If they met the rules, we’ve got to give it them, but they are very stringent rules.”
“There’s a significant opportunity to keep the structure and the density as it is,” Oelfke said. “I want to see that property and that structure used to benefit the residents and I think it’s worth some money to do that.”
“We definitely should not be rezoning it,” Patel said. “We should keep
it as it is. We should be looking at different ways to use that property to potentially bring in revenue for the city.”
“The position that the city took was much more realistic than the position that the church took,” Schaefer said. “We made a legitimate offer of $3 million for the property. We had four agencies in the city that wanted to rent space from us.”
SPEED TABLES
The city plans to soon install two speed tables along Key Royale Drive, between Marina Drive and the Key Royale Bridge. At the time of the forum, three speed tables were anticipated.
Soustek said she’d be OK with just one speed table but something needs to be done to discourage speeding there.
Oelfke reluctantly agreed that something must be done, but he wants the speed tables to be constructed in a manner that allows motorists to pass over them while traveling at or near the 25 mph speed limit. He’d also like to see a roundabout constructed at the Marina Drive/Key Royale Drive intersection to make it safer and easier for Key Royale traffic to access Marina Drive.
Patel said the Key Royale residents she spoke with oppose the speed tables and feel the city is taking an unnecessary action to address a small number of speeding motorists.
Schaefer said, “This all started with a request of those neighbors living on the most narrow part of Key Royale Drive. This was not a city initiative. It was the city listening to its constituents about the concerns they had.”
CITY MEETINGS
The candidates discussed what might be done to increase public attendance at the twice-monthly city commission meetings usually held on Tuesdays at 2 p.m.
Oelfke said he has the flexibility to leave work to attend afternoon meetings but many other residents do not so it might be better to hold city meetings in the evening.
“As a commissioner, I need to hear their voices,” he said, noting that meeting times don’t matter if the residents feel the commission isn’t listening to them.
Patel, who works full-time, said more people might show up for evening meetings, in part because many parents have to pick their kids up from school in the afternoon.
“When you have a four-hour meeting, that’s a real sacrifice,” she added. Patel suggested the city make a greater effort to promote the city meetings on social media.
Regarding the forum attendance that evening, Schaefer said, “I wish we had this type of attendance at our meetings.”
He then noted city meetings are promoted on the marquee sign in front of city hall, noticed on the city website and Facebook page and noticed in the emails the city clerk’s office distributes to registered subscribers.
“All you have to do is contact the city clerk. She will add you to the list. It goes out well in advance of the meetings so you know what the topics are,” he said. “Please show up, because that is the best way to hear directly from the public.”
Boyd to serve as Florida Senate president
On Oct. 14, the Florida Senate Republican Caucus elected state Sen. Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton) to serve as the Florida Senate president for the 2026-28 legislative term. Several Anna Maria Island and Manatee County officials traveled to Tallahassee for the occasion, including Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short, Bradenton Beach Commissioner Deborah Scaccianoce and Holmes Beach commissioners Dan Diggins, Steve Oelfke and Carol Whitmore. After serving as a state representative for eight years, Boyd was elected to the Florida Senate in 2020. The Manatee County Legislative Delegation that Boyd and State Rep. Will Robinson Jr. are members of held its annual meeting and public hearing on Oct. 27 in downtown Bradenton. The Florida Legislature’s 60-day 2026 legislative session convenes on Tuesday, Jan. 13.
Fishing boat strikes Skyway Bridge
TAMPA BAY – A boat struck the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on Oct. 16 and sank, with three fishermen aboard rescued by a U.S. Coast Guard crew.
U.S. Coast Guard Tampa Bay Public Affairs Officer PA1 Riley Perkofski stated in an Oct. 22 email to The Sun that a boat crew
City Block Party celebrates community’s recovery
The Anna Maria City Block Party on Oct. 24 celebrated friendship and community. An estimated 150 people attended the party at City Pier Park. Hosted by the city of Anna Maria and blessed with beautiful weather, the Friday evening event was the first City Block Party of the fall-winter season and served as the followup to the inaugural block party in late May. Weather permitting, additional Friday evening block parties will be held on Nov. 21, Jan. 9, Feb. 13, March 13 and April 10, with no party during the December holidays.
from U.S. Coast Guard Station St. Petersburg safely transferred the fishermen after their vessel hit the bridge dolphins. The concrete dolphins are used to protect structures from possible impact by ships.
No injuries were reported, according to Perkofski.
Due to potential discharges of fuel and oil, a boom was deployed around the sunken vessel and responders worked to mitigate and prevent environmental impact.
“There are currently no concerns regarding the structural integrity of the dolphin or the bridge,” according to Perkofski.
BEACH BEAT
HOLMES BEACH
Oct. 15, 9 a.m., 6900 block of Palm Drive. Hit and run. Police responded to reports of a vehicle/pedestrian crash that resulted in minor injuries. The female victim, an Indiana resident, said that she and her sister were traveling south on Palm Drive when they reached a crosswalk. The women told police that northbound traffic stopped and they began crossing the road. The women told police that a white older model vehicle, possibly a Camry or Corolla, struck her before coming to a stop. The unidentified male driver screamed at the woman before leaving the area, police reports stated. The woman stated she would recognize the male if she saw him again.
Oct. 16, 11:20 a.m., Gulf Drive. Fraud. A financial leader from a local bank reported a fraudulent check to police. On Oct. 3, a customer came into the bank with a U.S. Treasury check for $5,053. After verification of the check, it was deposited into the customer’s account and he then made a withdrawal of $3,400. Police said he attempted to make another withdrawal the same day from a different branch of the bank and was denied due to suspicious activity. The check was checked through another system and was shown to have been issued to someone else. The check was flagged as counterfeit/ fraud. The bank contacted the U.S. Treasury and the check was canceled and $5,034 was returned. The bank was left with a negative $3,400 balance. Holmes Beach detectives are conducting further investigation.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
HOLMES BEACH CODE COMPLIANCE | SUBMITTED Island beaches have a trash gathering buddy
Bradenton Beach resident Buddy Odom has been picking up trash on Anna Maria Island’s beaches for more than 15 years and on Oct. 24, Holmes Beach Code Compliance Officer Sandy Olson rewarded him with a “Be A Good Human” Islanders 4 Clean Water T-shirt and a hurricanethemed city challenge coin. Code Compliance Chief James “JT” Thomas said, “I see him on the beach picking up trash every day, so we gave him a shirt and our coin. He was very happy.”
Cortez Village Historical Society seeks volunteers
The Cortez Village Historical Society is seeking a volunteer to help catalogue its collection of historical materials. This is an opportunity to work hands-on with Cortez’s unique heritage and support our mission to preserve the village’s story for future generations.
No prior experience is required, just an interest in local history and attention to detail. The schedule is flexible.
The Cortez Cultural Center is seeking friendly volunteers to serve as greeters and docents. Share the rich history of the fishing village, welcome visitors and
help keep the heritage alive. No experience is needed, just a warm smile and love for the community.
The Cortez Cultural Center is also looking for a volunteer to spearhead a new edition of the beloved community cookbook, “Cooking in Cortez.” If you enjoy writing, organizing recipes and preserving local traditions, we’d love your help! This is a chance to celebrate the flavors and heritage of Cortez while creating something meaningful for generations to come.
Contact the Cortez Cultural Center by email at cvhs2016@aol.com.
Bridge Tender Inn hosts Halloween party
The 2024 hurricanes destroyed the Inn’s animatronic figures, but this year’s party goes on, featuring three costume contests.
BY LESLIE LAKE
SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – The 2024 hurricanes may have taken the animatronic figures, the bubble machine and the hearse that the Bridge Tender Inn was known for at Halloween, but the party will still go on this year.
“The animatronics were destroyed in the storms, and we haven’t had the funds or time to replace them. The priority was fixing the building,” said manager Sue Shimka, adding, “It took us 15 years to get all the animatronics.”
The Bridge Street alley on the west side of the Bridge Tender is decorated with skeletons, and, as in years past, there will be a kids’ costume contest, a dog costume contest and an adult costume contest, all with cash prizes.
Despite the animated Halloween figures being destroyed in the 2024 hurricanes, the party tradition continues at the Bridge Tender Inn as the adjacent alleyway is decorated with skeletons.
“We’re still doing Halloween, but it’s going to be a little more low-key,” Shimka said.
The party on Friday, Oct. 31 at 135 Bridge St. features Brigid’s Cross at 2 p.m., a kids’ costume contest at 5 p.m., a dog costume contest at 5:30 p.m., Justin Recor at 6 p.m. and an adult costume contest at 10 p.m.
Leading up to Halloween, 5-month-old Asher Morey wore this pumpkin outfit on the beach in Holmes Beach while accompanied by his grandmother, Drift-In bartender Heather Bailey.
HEATHER BAILEY | SUBMITTED
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
The CRA board discussed compliance with statutory requirements at the Oct. 20 meeting.
CRA: May need separate attorney
FROM PAGE 1
them once the agreement with the firm is signed, which was scheduled at the Oct. 23 commission meeting.
Bear said that there were two statutory updates, one in 2019 and one in 2024, that impact the CRA board.
“We need to do a couple things,” Bear said. “The update required that as of Dec. 1 this year every CRA must submit a status report. We’re going to need to work with the CRA attorney, once that person is under contract to get on that report, because we’ve got about a month to put it together and then brought back to this board for approval.”
Bear said the 2024 update stipulates there cannot be events in the CRA without a specific plan.
“The other thing is, during an event, you have to have a table set up with a handout that you provide to people that are there explaining how the event helps with the redevelopment of the CRA,” Bear said. “So, we’re going to have to pretty quickly work with someone to get that together and then figure out how we’re going to man a booth and do the handouts and explain it. That’s going to be a big issue for events within the CRA going forward. It could result in some really ugly actions if it were proven not to be consistent with that statute.
“One of the other things that I took away was in 2019 there was legislation that said every CRA will sunset in 2039 regardless of what is in the plan,” Bear said. “So, our current CRA plan has us going into 2046 or 47. That doesn’t matter, the legislation sunsets us in 2039, unless and this was the thing I took away, unless we do a resolution from the CRA to the city commission requesting approval to extend the sunset beyond 2039. So, we’re going to need to get that resolution done quickly.”
Bear said the legislation set a date of March 1, 2026 to have the resolution approved and in place.
“The last thing I took away is, there are very specific things that need to be included in the CRA plan and also on the website,” Bear said. “We do have a CRA page on the city website, so we’re OK there. One of the first things I think we need to do is get the CRA attorney to review our plan and make sure it’s complying with the legislation.”
“I think the three of us have a clear path forward, we just have to get the right people into place and move forward,” Cosby said.
“Some of the presenters have availed themselves to help us,” Thompson said. “One had been the CRA director in Palmetto, and Delray Beach has expressed an interest to help us as we move forward.”
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
The promise of philanthropy
hilanthropy in Sarasota and Manatee counties is a well-organized network of foundations and active donors with a strong focus on community resilience, enhancing nonprofits’ capacity to grow and responding to local challenges.
Two of the main nonprofits that work to protect the waters and marine habitat of the area, Sarasota Bay Watch and Suncoast Waterkeeper, have both been able to make a larger impact thanks to grants from local foundations like the Barancik Foundation, the Manatee Community Foundation, the Community
Foundation of the Gulf Coast, the Mote Scientific Foundation and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County (CFSC).
In April, CFSC awarded $322,450 to 29 nonprofit organizations to enhance operations, support technology upgrades and strengthen strategic planning in the region.
The Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation played an important role in capacity building for Sarasota Bay Watch and awarded a two-year, $200,000 grant to Suncoast Waterkeeper. In addition, the Mote Scientific Foundation (not related to Mote Marine Laboratory) has been the driving force behind Suncoast Waterkeepers’ ongoing water quality testing.
Last week I had the pleasure of attending an event at the new St. Regis Resort on Longboat Key that was organized by Sarasota
Magazine. Sarasota Magazine supports local philanthropic works by highlighting the work of nonprofit organizations, fundraising events and community initiatives across Sarasota and Manatee counties. Through its editorial features and digital outreach, the magazine amplifies the work of nonprofits, raising
awareness of their missions, highlighting donor opportunities and celebrating impactful partnerships. By doing so, Sarasota Magazine helps connect the philanthropic community with causes in arts, education, health, environment and human services, enhancing visibility for organizations that might other-
wise struggle for recognition.
The St. Regis was the perfect venue for this event. Hotel Manager Kara Hardiman welcomed guests and pointed out that their commitment to the larger community was best summed up by a quote from Lora Whitney (Whitney Beach): "We are determined to create a space of sanctuary that celebrates the natural beauty of our region at the same time as it encourages education, exploration and implores us to slow down and make memories with each other."
Besides expressing pride in being part of a women-led management team, the resort commissioned a painting by Lauren Marshall entitled, “Matriarchs of The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort.” The painting honors (and they named their
RUSTY CHINNIS
RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN Guests listen to a panel discussion of the challenges and opportunities facing nonprofits.
REEL TIME: The promise of philanthropy
exquisite suites after) women who were in their words “… trailblazers whose impact shaped the region’s cultural, scientific and philanthropic landscape.” They include Caroline Astor, the undisputed queen of New York society in the gilded age and Eugenie Clark, the pioneering marine biologist who founded Mote Marine Laboratory in 1955 and broke barriers for women in science. Others include Lora Whitney, Marie Selby, Mable Ringling, Irene Colson (a vital figure in Sarasota’s early African American community), and Katherine Klauber, the president and general manager of the Colony Beach Resort, now home to the St. Regis. The resort features an “Under the Sea Lagoon” - a 500,000-gallon saltwater habitat containing reef fish, rays and other marine animals,
guided by a staff of resident marine biologists/aquarists who educate guests about the ecosystem. Their children’s club, called the Reef Rangers, offers a “marine explorer camp” where younger guests engage with aquatic life and learn about local marine environments and species.
A highlight of the evening was a panel discussion among the leaders of local foundations that centered on the challenges facing nonprofits and the area’s most vulnerable citizens they serve due to federal funding cuts. A part of the discussion centered around strategies to continuing serving the needs of environmental nonprofits that support the basis of the region’s appeal, and those most in need. The evening was an inspiration and a terrific opportunity to get to know and mingle with the region’s most engaged philanthropists.
Fish flats or Gulf in November
CAPT. RICK GRASSETT
You may find blues, Spanish mackerel and pompano mixed with trout on deep grass flats in November. You should also find larger trout in skinny water along with reds. Snook will stage around bars and on shallow flats as they make their move towards winter areas. Action in the coastal Gulf with false albacore, tripletail, Spanish mackerel, blues and more should explode!
You should find snook staging around docks and bridges in the ICW and along sand bars and in potholes on shallow flats. They may be along mangrove shorelines when the tide is high. I like CAL jigs with 3” shad tails and surface walking top water lures like the DOA “PT” in shallow water for snook. CAL jigs with shad tails or jerk worms, DOA TerrorEyz, DOA Shrimp and small white flies, like my Grassett Snook Minnow, will work well around dock and bridge fender lights.
Fish the strongest tides for the best action. Reds will spread out on shallow grass flats in November. You should find them along bars, in potholes or around docks. Look for them along mangrove shorelines when the tide is high, but they are just as likely to be roaming with
mullet schools in shallow water. CAL jigs with shad tails, grubs or jerk worms and gold spoons should work well for reds in shallow water. Fly anglers may score with lightly weighted flies, such as Clousers, spoon flies or my Grassett Flats Minnow fly.
SEE GRASSETT, PAGE 21
CAPT. RICK GRASSETT | SUBMITTED
Keith McClintock, of Lake Forest, Illinois, had good action catching and releasing snook and redfish while fishing with Capt. Rick Grassett in a previous November.
REAL ESTATE
Cool market, maybe?
All national and local publications and real estate websites cover the real estate market. And as I’ve said many times, all real estate is local, so a small town on Big Sur in California will be wildly expensive compared to a small town in Tennes see. It doesn’t mean one is nicer than the other, but it does mean that one area may be preferred over another. Therefore, when you look at national statistics, keep this in mind. The Case-Shiller National Home Price Index measures home prices across the country. In the 12 months they analyzed, ending in July, home prices rose 1.7%, which was down from 1.9% from the previous year. This was the weakest price increase since July 2023. Based on this report, their conclusion is that the housing market has downshifted to a lower gear, and has essentially stagnated. New York City, of course, leads the pack with an average 6.4% rise for the year in
Castles in the Sand
home prices. Chicago and Cleveland are next highest in increases. By contrast, several Sunbelt and West Coast markets that were recently red-hot are now faring far worse. Our neighbor, Tampa, fell 2.8% for the year, coming in at the bottom of the list of 20 metro areas surveyed. Phoenix, also a hot western city, last year recorded lower prices for homes compared with the same months a year earlier. Nevertheless, there are signs that the American housing market picked up later in the summer. Sales of pending homes rebounded in August ahead of the Federal Reserve interest rate cut, according to the National Association of Realtors.
Talking about local listings and sales, let’s look at the September statistics published by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee:
Single-family homes closed 24.4% more properties than last year, and cash sales were up 40.4%. The median sale price was $470,000, exactly the same as last year, and the average sale price was $593,139, down 5.6% from last year. New pending properties were up 9.6%, and the median time to contract was 60 days compared to 47 days last year. Finally, the month’s supply of available properties was 4.2 months compared to 3.9 months last year.
Condos closed 31.7% more properties than last year, and cash sales were up 55.6%. The median sale price was $296,500, down 7.3%, and the average sale price was $306,864, down 12.7%. New pending properties were up 3.7%, and the median time to contract was 92 days compared to 73 days last
year. Finally, the month’s supply of available properties was 6.3 months compared to 6.0 months last year.
The Realtor Association sees a steady momentum with buyers returning after a flat 2024. It does look like a slight change going on and as the Case-Schiller National Home Price Index indicated, there seemed to be the beginning of a rebound in August.
Closed sales are up for both singlefamily and condos in Manatee County, likely reflecting lower list prices. However, what interested me the most was the increase in cash transactions compared to last year, 40.4% for single-family transactions and 55.5% for condo transactions.
You should live where you and your family are comfortable and happy, and if you happen to accrue some equity, that can’t hurt either. Not everyone can live in Big Sur, but Florida also has some amazing views.
LOUISE BOLGER
GRASSETT: Fish flats or Gulf
You may also find big trout along with reds in shallow water this month. The same lures and flies that you use for snook and reds in shallow water will also work for trout. You’ll also find trout on deep grass flats in water from 3-7 feet deep. I like to drift and cast quartering ahead of my drift with CAL jigs, DOA Deadly Combos or weighted flies on sink tip fly lines to locate trout. In addition to making a series of drifts to find fish, look for baitfish on the surface or birds to find them. I feel that it’s important to protect large trout, which are usually female breeders. Full regulations and details can be viewed at https://myfwc.com/ . You may also find blues, Spanish mackerel, flounder or pompano on deep grass flats this month. The techniques to find them are the same as for trout, although blues and Spanish mackerel may feed on the surface, making them easier to find. Likewise with pompano that may skip on the surface when
you run or drift past them. When that happens, circle back upwind and drift back through the area, casting ahead of your drift. I like a 1/16 or 1/8-ounce chartreuse CAL jig head with a gold grub for pompano. You’ll need to add wire or heavy fluorocarbon when toothy fish are around to keep them from biting you off. You may find flounder on a mixture of grass and sand, particularly on the edges of bars or in potholes. This a great month for fishing the flats or the coastal Gulf. Since the action in the coastal Gulf is seasonal and will end when it gets cooler, I like to fish there when conditions allow it. However, if that’s not for you or if conditions won’t allow it, there will be plenty of action for a variety of fish on shallow and deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by agricultural, industrial 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!
Sign up for fly fishing school Nov. 22
CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, 1249 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota, will hold an Orvis-endorsed fly fishing school on Saturday, Nov. 22. The course, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basic fly casting principles, improving casting skills and correcting faults. Instructor Capt. Rick Grassett will also cover saltwater fly fishing techniques, leader construction and fly selection. The cost for the class, which will run from 8:30 a.m. to approximately noon, is $225 per person and includes the use of fly tackle and a workbook. Optional instructional guided fly fishing trips are also available for an additional fee. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at 941-349-4400 or info@cbsoutfitters.com to make reservations.
Jeff & Jennifer Jordan
Andrew & Brooke Doucett
Betsy Hagan
Joe McCall
Chelsea Oelker
Kathy Harman
Dee Munn
Scott Toland
George Myers
Suzy Korinek
Amy Ward
Hannah Hillyard
ISLAND SPORTS
CENTER SCOREBOARD
ADULT BASKETBALL WEEK 4
MI-Box 20, 17, 21 (1-2-1)
Slim’s Place 20, 21, 19 (1-2-1)
Salty Printing Win by Forfeit (1-3-0)
Solid Rock Construction Forfeit (2-2-0)
Island Lumber 22, 21, 22 (3-1-0)
Bradenton Home
Inspections 19, 8, 20 (3-1-0)
ADULT SOCCER WEEK 5
Moss Builders 2 (2-1-1)
Ross Built 2 (2-2-1)
Language Services
Associates 6 (2-2-0)
Impact Windows 2 (2-2-1)
Bubble Binz 4 (2-2-0)
Duncan Real Estate 3 (2-3-0)
Pool America 3 (5-0-0)
Sato Real Estate 2 (3-2-0)
Slim’s Place 3 (1-3-0)
Solid Rock Construction 2 (1-4-0)
YOUTH SOCCER
8- TO 10-YEAR-OLD DIVISION WEEK 4
Adrian Griffin Interiors 6 (4-0-0)
Beach Bums 1 (0-4-0)
Vida Sports Ministry 4 (2-1-1) AMI Outfitters 2 (1-3-0)
Moss Builders 2 (3-1-0)
Solid Rock Construction 1 (1-2-1)
11- TO 13-YEAR-OLD DIVISION
Print Wizards 4 (4-0-0)
Solid Rock Construction 3 (1-3-0)
La Creperie 7 (2-2-0) AM I Coconuts? 0 (1-3-0)
KEY ROYALE GOLF CLUB SCOREBOARD
OCT. 20 - MODIFIED STABLEFORD
First PlaceLarry Pippel, +4 Second Place - Herb Clauhs, Marty Hicks and Jim Hill tied, +1
OCT. 21 - LOW NET SCORE
First Place - Rene Chapman, 29 Second Place - Brenda Solleveld and Mary Wilkie tied, 32
Rene Chapman birdied Hole #2
CHIP-INS
Rene Chapman - Hole #3
Marty Clark - Hole #1
Terry Westby - Holes #1 & #3
OCT. 23 - COMBINATION SCRAMBLE/ SHAMBLE WITH A PAR OF 43
First Place Team - Bob Baker, Leo Burke, Jackie Gorski and Warren Stevens, 39, 4 under par Second Place Team - Ken Kari, Steve Martin, Ken Nagengast and Larry Solberg tied the team of Rod Hammonds, Marty Hicks, Bill MacMillan and Dale Miller with a score of 42, 1 under par
Hawks, Kriebel victorious
Bob Hawks, left, teamed up with Steve Kriebel and won the final 22-10 over Gary Howcroft and Tom Farrington and ended up in the winner's circle on Oct. 22 at Anna Maria Horseshoes. On Oct. 25, Farrington and partner Neil Hennessy won the day’s competition after a 23-10 victory over Gersey Fernandes and Kriebel in the final.
COMMISSION: Holmes Beach seats to be decided Nov. 4
Soustek said the meetings times changed from evenings to afternoons a couple years ago and that made no impact on meeting attendance.
“We have some loyal people that come because they want to know what’s going on, but we don’t see new people unless something on the agenda affects them,” she said.
ADDITIONAL MATTERS
The four candidates agree that paid parking near city-controlled beach access points might be inevitable but none of them support doing it now.
The four candidates agree that beach cabana rentals should remain an allowed activity but additional commercial beach activities that could include watercraft rentals and food and drink vendors present potential concerns.
The candidates agree that vacation rental-related noise ordinance complaints have declined in recent years in most neighborhoods and relations have greatly improved between the city and the short-term rental owners and managers.
All four candidates said they would support the city contracting with a firm to conduct a residents’ survey that asks residents which city issues and concerns are most important to them.
CLOSING REMARKS
During his closing remarks, Schaefer said it would have been nice to run unopposed but he thanked Patel for running. He said that’s another example of the willingness Holmes Beach residents have when it comes to serving on city boards and committees.
“I’m willing to do that and I think I’ve been a contributor. I realize everybody doesn’t agree with every decision I make, but that’s our system. I sleep well at night and there isn’t a decision I made that I regret or believe was wrong. I look forward to serving the city for another two years,” he said.
Soustek said she wants to work more aggressively with the city’s Clean Water Ad Hoc Committee, Suncoast Waterkeeper and other organizations to help address the off-Island sewage spills that negatively impact the Island’s water quality.
She said she’s not giving up on the city’s purchase of the Gloria Dei property and she said the city and its residents must continuing fighting to protect the city’s home rule rights from state legislators who feel a “one law fits all” approach is best.
“I like my job and I want to continue to be your commissioner,” she said.
Oelfke said, “I’m a listener and I care, and I think that’s going to bear good results for the city – to have a city that listens to every stakeholder that’s involved with the city. I want to do things that are going to help the residents.”
He, too, stressed the importance of protecting the natural waters that surround the Island.
Patel said, “I like to help people, I like to make a difference and sometimes you need fresh eyes. Where can we do better, what can we see differently and how can we navigate this in a new and different way? Sometimes you need to visualize new ways, new paths and new ideas. Sometimes you just need something new.”
The forum video can be viewed at www.amisun.com.
FUN IN THE SUN
CLASSIFIEDS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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HOME IMPROVEMENTS
RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-725-0073.
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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
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RESIDENT 30+ years of experience. Licensed & insured. Professional Services. Carpentry, Painting, Drywall and More. Reliable, Honest, Quality work. FREE estimates- Call Brian 941-220-8300
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Michigan General Contractor 30+ yrs. Experience. Large or small projects. Budget minded knowledgeable tradesman will complete your project start to finish: On Time/On Budget. Call Mike 616-204-8822
HOME SERVICE
ALL AROUND HANDYMAN
Lawn maintenance, landscaping, trimming/removal trees. Boarding house for storms. Free estimates. Call 941-447-9266
HATE TO COOK? Long time Island resident. Can help with cooking, laundry and many things around your house. Many compliments on cooking. References available. Please Call or Text 941685-0045.
LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE
R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941
ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal. Sweeping, blowing, and weeding. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing. Call Bill Witaszek 941307-9315
SHELL DRIVEWAYS & LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell and Lime rock driveways and scapes. Also River Rock, Sand, Mulch, & Soil. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067
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 941-2322216
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
FOR SALE - PERICO BAY CLUB New Price for 2BR/2BA villa with Water View! 2 CAR GARAGE, open floor plan & high ceilings! $374,400 Call Erin Leathem at The Anna Maria Sales Team at Island Real Estate 941448-5616
RENTALS: ANNUAL
ANNUAL RENTAL CENTRAL HOMES BEACH 3BR/2BA completely remodeled. Walk to beach, school, trolley, shopping. $2595/mo Call 941-7136743
BEAUTIFUL PERICO BAY Club Condo! 2BR/2BA, Second Floor Unit $3500/ mo seasonally, $2300/mo annually +Security Deposit Please call 941-7781979 for more details.
AMI HOUSE on CANAL. Annual. 4BR/3BA walk to beach. $3700/mo. Plus utilities & deposit. Call 203-223-1119
Coming Soon- Cortez area 3BR/2BA Home, garage, new kitchen, large yard. $2,850/mo. Contact Fran Maxon Real Estate for details 941-778-2307.
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
SNOW BIRD SPECIAL: DISCOUNT for multiple months. 2BR/2BA 2nd Floor Condo in HOLMES BEACH. POOL, Tennis/Pickleball, in-unit laundry, WIFI, screened lanai, covered parking. AVAILABLE 2025/26 Season beginning December 2025. Beautiful, bayside seating area. Pool/Beach toys, Bikes included. Call Jack 312-835-2323 for more info/photos.
WINTER APARTMENT
1BR/1BA a few houses from the Gulf. 4-6 months rental. $3500/month. Call
2BR/2BA W. BRADENTON. December January February March available. Inclusive $3000/mo or $2750. Text 941-962-0971
HOLMES BEACH 2BR/1BA fully furnished. One block to White Ave and beach. Available March/April 2026. Monthly preferred. Call Sue 941-465-9461
TRANSPORTATION
ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete $85. Sarasota $40. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-779-
RESILIENCY : Neighborhood meeting addresses resiliency project impacts, concerns
FROM PAGE 10
Kettell said the construction company will do its own utility location work before construction begins. If there’s a conflict between a drainage pipe and an existing waterline, the water will be turned off for a few hours while an additional waterline is installed to circumvent or accommodate the new drainage pipe. Kettell said residents, property owners and vacation rental management companies will be notified of any anticipated or emergency water shutoffs and his cell phone number will be provided. Regarding the dewatering pumps that will be used to remove water where digging occurs, Kettell said Harris-McBurney uses
pumps that are quieter than those used by some other construction companies and the pumps will be covered with dog house-like temporary structures that further minimize the noise.
“We’d appreciate it if you didn’t turn our pumps off, because people do,” he said.
Raybourn and Benitez said the $1.7 million phase 1 project is being 50% funded by a Resilient Florida grant and 50% funded by the city.
Diggins, Gorman and Kettell told residents to contact them with any concerns that arise during the construction process and several residents thanked the city officials and company representatives for meeting with them.
