Anna Maria Island Sun April 22, 2020

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 20 No. 28

April 22, 2020

Eight long-term care facilities in Manatee County report COVID-19 cases As of Sunday, Manatee County had the fourth-highest number of reported long-term care facility COVID-19 cases and deaths in Florida.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – Manatee County officials are concerned about the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) among residents and staff members at long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and assisted living facilities.

Manatee County Public Safety Director Jake Saur addressed these concerns during Friday’s emergency county commission meeting.

“Our number one testing concern right now is with our nursing homes. The state has brought in incident management teams to our nursing homes and they’ve started a very big push to get all of those patients and

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Dressed in personal protection equipment, these Manatee County EMTs brought this individual out of the Braden River Rehabilitation Center on Saturday afternoon. workers tested,” he said.

“As of this week, our health department has started issuing involuntary quarantines to some of those nursing home

workers because we know they’re spreading COVID-19.

The state is reserving those tests for the nursing homes.

We have to get into those

nursing homes to make sure they’re following all the proper procedures and that they’re also being tested,” Saur said.

“Our nursing homes and

so forth are taking a hit right now. I’m curious why we’re just hearing this today and why we weren’t on this sooner,” Commissioner Vanessa Baugh said.

“These folks are not going out. It’s coming in from the community. We have people that are dying in nursing homes. We’ve got to get a handle on this,” Commission Chair Betsy Benac said.

“There’s three or four assisted living facilities that we have as hot spots right now,” Commissioner Carol Whitmore added.

DATA REPORTS

On Tuesday, April 7, the twice-daily Florida Department of Health (FDOH) SEE FACILITIES, PAGE 21

Boaters return to reopened boat ramps The public boat ramps were closed on March 26 and reopened on April 13.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – Local boaters took to the water over the weekend after Manatee County’s public boat ramps reopened on Monday, April 13.

The public boat ramps were closed on March 26 by Manatee County Public Safety Director Jake Saur, but the Coquina South boat ramp in Bradenton Beach and the Riverside boat ramp in Palmetto remained opened to commercial fishermen.

The ramp closures were part of the

INSIDE NEWS 4 CALENDAR

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OUTDOORS

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REAL ESTATE

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county’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

On Friday, April 10, Manatee County commissioners voted 4-3 to reopen the boat ramps the following Monday.

Commissioners Vanessa Baugh, Reggie Bellamy, Misty Servia and Priscilla Trace supported reopening the boat ramps. Commissioners Betsy Benac, Steve Jonsson and Carol Whitmore opposed it.

On Sunday, several boaters gathered offshore of Jewfish Key. With a few exceptions, most of the boaters anchored there adhered to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) COVID-19 social

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Fred Garvin, right, and his friend, Jesse, put in at the Coquina South boat ramp Sunday afternoon.

SEE BOATERS, PAGE 13

BRINGING ‘ JOY DURING

PIER LEASE bid proposals

CHALLENGING TIMES. 4

NEW parking measures in Holmes

submitted 3

Beach 11

CLASSIFIEDS 22-23

Anna Maria Island, Florida

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APRIL 22, 2020

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APRIL 22, 2020

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County curfew extended until Tuesday Commission support for the county curfew may be waning.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – The Manatee County Commission voted 4-3 on Friday, April 17 to extend the county’s curfew until Tuesday, April 21, when it was set to be discussed again at the regular Tuesday commission meeting.

The vote was in response to Public Safety Director Jake Saur’s request to extend the curfew for seven more days.

“Manatee County has not yet achieved a flatting of the curve. Our response to COVID-19 is going to continue for some time.

Therefore, sustained efforts to promote social distancing that slow the spread or flatten the curve remain more crucial than ever. Over the next few weeks, while our health and medical community remain on the front lines and under a great deal of stress, we need to be doing all that we can to build and maintain resiliency in ourselves and in our community,” Saur said when seeking the curfew extension.

Saur said COVID-19 cases in Manatee County are now predicted to peak during the week of May 3 instead of on or around April 21 as previously predicted.

When enacted by a 5-2 vote on April 3, the curfew took effect from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily. Travel during that overnight timeframe was supposed to be restricted to the essential businesses, services or activities set forth in Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Executive Order 20-91, which some public officials refer to as a “stay-at-home” order. That order is currently scheduled to expire on Thursday, April 30, unless DeSantis extends it.

During Friday’s meeting, six county residents spoke in opposition to the curfew. They questioned the need for a curfew and said it violated their civil and constitutional rights.

The five doctors who spoke in favor of extending the curfew stressed the need to continue the efforts to “flatten the curve” and “slow the spread” to help prevent a surge of COVID-19 patients from potentially overwhelming the three hospitals in Manatee County.

As he did the week before, Sheriff Rick Wells requested the curfew be extended in part to lessen his deputies’ exposure to those carrying the coronavirus. Wells said more

I think that the curfew’s run its course, but I’d like to waituntil Tuesday to decide.”

Priscilla Trace Manatee County commissioner

county residents are aware of the county curfew than they are of the governor’s executive order. He also said his deputies would continue enforcing and educating the public about the governor’s order with or without a county curfew.

Saur said more than 50 Emergency Medical Service responders have been exposed to the virus since the pandemic began and eight were currently being withheld from active duty.

When he and Wells first requested the curfew on April 3, Saur said EMS was respond-

ing to an average of 100 COVID-19 calls per day. Saur said each call takes an average of two hours, including the time EMTs spend putting on and taking off their personal protective equipment and sterilizing their ambulances and equipment.

Commissioner Priscilla Trace was one of five commissioners to support the curfew on April 3. On April 10, she supported a sevenday extension of a modified curfew. During Friday’s meeting, she made the motion to extend the curfew until Tuesday only.

“I think that the curfew’s run its course, but I’d like to wait until Tuesday to decide.

We should hear from the governor and the president by then. Keep the curfew going until Tuesday and then make the decision on Tuesday,” Trace said.

Commission Chair Betsy Benac supported the curfew during the two previous votes. On Friday, she joined Commissioners Vanessa Baugh and Steve Jonsson in opposing the extension. Benac said she did not support extending the curfew until Tuesday. She supported extending it for seven more days or letting it expire.

Visit www.amisun.com for an update on Tuesday’s curfew decision.

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APRIL 22, 2020

COVID-19 testing shortage concerns county officials County officials hope to purchase COVID-19 specimen collection tests directly, without going through the State of Florida.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – The Manatee County Health Department has no coronavirus (COVID-19) test kits and Manatee County officials and medical professionals are trying to resolve this critical supply shortage.

County Administrator Cheri Coryea and Public Safety Director Jake Saur were scheduled to meet with health care professionals and Manatee County Health Department officials on Monday to discuss purchasing specimen collection kits directly, without going through the state.

The shortage of COVID-19 specimen collection kits was discussed during the county commission’s emergency meeting on Friday, April 17.

Coryea said she had asked the discussion group to provide a number as to how many tests are needed and how many tests can be appropriately

administered in Manatee County. She said she would provide commissioners with more details at their regular meeting on Tuesday.

Commissioner Misty Servia asked Saur why Manatee County has had so far fewer tests than Sarasota County.

Saur said the Manatee County Health Department has run out of specimen collection kits and the state has none to give them.

“We know the state of Florida has run out of tests. Since we last saw our 200 tests we used for our drive-through (testing) the State of Florida has sent us more tests. However, we were told we could not use them and all of the information on all those tests were in Chinese,” Saur said.

Saur said the tests marked with Chinese language were not FDAapproved.

“As of today, they’re going to start replacing those with valid FDAapproved tests. When those come in, we will definitely start using those to start testing the public,” he said.

“I still believe testing is the only away to get out of this. It’s almost like chasing your tail sometimes: Here’s a good lead on getting some tests and

then they turn out not to be good,” Saur said.

Saur said MCR Health in Manatee County purchased its own tests and is providing COVID-19 testing for those who meet the testing criteria. He said those with a prescription from their personal health care provider can be tested at a MCR Health facility. He said those without a prescription can also be tested at a MCR Health facility if they meet the testing criteria.

“MCR has plenty of tests,” Saur said.

He said Manatee Memorial Hospital purchased specimen collection kits and he thought Blake Medical Center had too.

Commissioner Vanessa Baugh asked Baugh if COVID-19 testing was free.

Saur said there are medical facilities in Manatee County that are charging for coronavirus tests.

Dr. Jennifer McCullen is an obstetrician in Lakewood Ranch. She is also the president-elect of the Manatee County Medical Society. When providing public comment at Friday’s meeting she addressed the cost of purchasing COVID-19 tests.

“They are $60 per test and you’re not getting them for free,” she said.

Commissioner Reggie Bellamy asked

Coryea about the county’s available financial resources as it pertains to purchasing test kits.

“It is a funding issue from the standpoint of the costs of tests, but it’s also an access issue of finding tests that are the appropriate tests. At this point we’re not as concerned about the financial implications,” Coryea said.

Coryea said she has spoken with organizations and individuals in the community who have offered to assist in the efforts to purchase tests directly.

“I don’t feel it’s a funding issue. It’s getting the right information, so the right tests are here and carried out properly,” Coryea said.

Saur said about 1% of Florida’s population has been tested and approximately one half of one percent (.005%) of Manatee County’s population has been tested.

Saur said Manatee County has approximately 460,000 residents.

When asked about reaching a 10% testing threshold, Saur said, “I can tell you 10% for our county would be about 46,000 tests. That is not going to be possible prior to beginning to open up and getting back to work. That’s just not going to be possible.”

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APRIL 22, 2020

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Happy Earth Day from Anna Maria Island Cindy Lane As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses, the Florida Department of Health is no longer monitoring water quality at local beaches because they are closed. Likewise, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is reducing its water testing for red tide.

But local waters have been unusually clear this month, a great reason to get outside and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22.

One Florida event is #GetTrashed, a challenge to take a walk outside with gloves and a plastic bag and pick up enough trash to fill a bag. But wear your mask and stay at least 6 feet from anyone else. Check out more events at www.earthday.org.

Arbor Day is also still being

celebrated on Friday, April 24. Organizers suggest virtual celebrations, like live-streaming a reading of the poem, “Trees,” by Joyce Kilmer on your Facebook page. Check out more virtual celebration suggestions at www. arborday.org/celebrate/alternativecelebration-ideas.cfm.

And if you do nothing else environmental this week, resolve to learn enough about federal oil spill policy to help you decide whom to vote for in the next presidential election, in honor of the 11 people killed in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, which happened 10 years ago April 20.

The spill poisoned the Gulf of Mexico and its marine life with 200 million gallons of oil for nearly three months, some washing up on beaches from Texas to Florida.

The Washington, D.C.-based environmental group Oceana says that the federal government’s proposal to expand offshore drilling to nearly all U.S. waters will result in more spills.

CINDY LANE | SUN

The waters of Tampa Bay off Anna Maria Island were crystal clear earlier this month – a great reason to celebrate Earth Day. “Offshore drilling is still as dirty and dangerous as it was 10 years ago,” said Diane Hoskins, Oceana campaign director. “If anything, another disaster is more likely today as the oil industry drills deeper and farther offshore… When they drill, they spill. The BP disaster devastated the Gulf, and we cannot afford to repeat it. Protecting our environment has never been more important than it is today. President Trump’s plan is still a preventable

disaster if we stand together to protect our coasts.”

In a recent report, Oceana found the Gulf coast suffered significant economic losses following the Deepwater Horizon disaster: • The recreation industry lost more than $500 million, and more than 10 million user-days of beach, fishing and boating activity.

• Fisheries closed and demand for Gulf seafood plummeted,

costing the seafood industry nearly $1 billion.

• Housing markets across the region experienced a decline in prices between 4% and 8% that lasted for at least five years.

Oceana also found the environmental impact of the Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf was unprecedented: • For five years, more than 75% of all dolphin pregnancies failed in the oiled area.

• Bryde’s whales, one of the most endangered whales in the world, decreased by about 22%.

• As many as 800,000 birds died, including up to 32% of laughing gulls and 12% of brown pelicans.

• Up to 170,000 sea turtles were killed by the spill.

• About 8.3 million oysters were killed, and certain populations of fish, shrimp and squid decreased by as much as 85%.

For Oceana’s full report, visit www.oceana.org/hindsight2020.

Then turn off your computer, go outside and celebrate the Earth.

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OPINION

The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper 3909 East Bay Drive, Suite 210, Holmes Beach, FL, 34217 Phone: (941) 778-3986 email: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com

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APRIL 22, 2020

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The silver lining The proverbial saying, “Every cloud has a silver lining,” is used to convey the notion that no matter how bad a situation might seem, there is always some good aspect to it. Is there a “silver lining” in this pandemic we’re experiencing? Well, that would be a real stretch.

But I'll try.

In early March, my primary source of food supply for the Roser Food Pantry (Publix) inadvertently cut me off. Not the store’s fault. That was at the time that bathroom tissue couldn’t be found and all other staples were flying off the shelves due to the pandemic fears. And that was the situation in any store, everywhere. Masks, rubber gloves, paper towels, disinfectant, cleaning supplies… you remember.

ALTERNATIVE SOURCES

A week later, when my first bulk order was denied, I began searching for alternative sources to buy food supplies. No need to worry. I had a relatively full pantry and a healthy bank account. That was until my third weekly bulk order was also denied. Publix’s corporate office was making the decisions on what each store got to restock their

shelves. Of course, my food needs were not on their trucks. Because of the business closings on the Island, we had just opened our doors to Island workers displaced by this pandemic, much the same as we did in the 2017 red tide emergency.

New applications for pantry benefits were coming in weekly. All Island Denominations Board, the Island Chamber of Commerce and Anna Maria Commission Chair Carol Carter, a friend, learned of the pantry’s situation and sent memos out to their extensive list of friends, people and organizations.

They cautioned that this was not a financial need, rather a supply need. A bag of groceries or two was what was needed. The memos all included a list of supplies desired and locations where donations were being accepted.

DONATIONS BEGIN

Two weeks after that, it started; the potential “silver lining” in all of this worldly pandemic anxiety. During food pantry hours, cars began to pull in and leave bags and bags of needed food items.

One Island lady called from Costco and asked, “What do you need? I’m in a buying mood.” Within an hour, she dropped off nearly $500 in

needed groceries.

Publix donated two 800-count bundles of paper bags. People were dropping off grocery bags and cash/checks one after the other. One Island resident joined with a general store owner and conceived of a means to have $6,000 of nonperishable food delivered to the pantry.

An Island resident and manager at FELD Entertainment heard of our need and donated two very large cases of cotton candy. What a treat for the children we serve!

Does a deep sense of community for all involved in fulfilling our short-term need count as a “silver lining?”

You bet it does. Thank you one and all. You know who you are.

Jack Brennan Proud Island resident; Chair of the Roser Food Pantry

ladies on vacation, who brought in things they were still using, washed and pressed, saying “I can replace these things when I am home,” or “Marvelous idea.

I'll start doing this for my local WRC.” Very grateful thanks as always to Duffy’s Tavern, who gives us a place for most of the day to sort, etc. This they do every year. They also keep a large box in the restaurant for the week previously, and it’s usually well-filled by Saturday. They are so generous.

Ladies, if you have things to donate during the year, you may drop them off at The Women's Resource Center, 1926 Manatee Ave. or call 941-747-6797.

Denise Johnson, for WRC of Manatee Holmes Beach

Thanks, Island ladies

Every year around June, I’ll be channel surfing and come across a program about the D-Day invasion. I’ll always watch and wonder how those soldiers mustered the courage to leave their Higgins boats and charge down those ramps into enemy fire. Where would we be if they hadn’t?

Thankfully, we’ll never know.

I’m not a particularly anxious person. I know anxiety exists and can be more

On behalf of the Women’s Resource Center of Manatee, I would, belatedly, like to thank all the ladies of the Island who donated during our clothing drive at Duffy's on Saturday, March 14.

Once again the assortment of work clothes, shoes, handbags, jewelry, etc. was amazing.

Very touching were the

Storming the beaches

of a problem for some than for others. Recently, I had to travel as an “essential” worker to a COVID-19 hotspot. It was uncomfortable. No one collects tolls at the Skyway Bridge. The world’s busiest airport is a ghost town. If you experience this after taking in large doses of the 24-hour news cycle, it will give even those less prone to anxiety a weird feeling.

As time passed, I felt more comfortable. I still paused as I went to itch my face.

Shouldn’t I always? I can see how the elderly or those with health conditions may not charge out. Afterall, we didn’t send 70-year-old soldiers to the beaches of Normandy.

I felt anxiety when I crossed the bridge to the mainland.

Your readers may too. Will they die? I honestly don’t know. Do we ever know?

My heart goes out to all of those who have suffered from this virus. Eventually, we will be given a green light by our elected leaders. I hope those that are healthy feel emboldened to run down that ramp. Lucky for us, we’ll be storming the beautiful beaches of Anna Maria and welcoming visitors to enjoy the wonderful restaurants and businesses that so desperately need their support.

Gregory Winsper Bradenton Beach

Drop us a line Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment? Is there something you need to get off your chest? Send us a letter to the editor and have your say. There are a couple of ways to do it. The easiest and most direct is to email The Sun at news@ amisun.com. Remember to put Letter to the Editor in the subject field. Or you can snail-mail a letter to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O. Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Letters should be kept to 300 words or less and must contain your name and the city in which you reside. Personal attacks and obscene language will not be printed. The Sun reserves the right to edit letters for length or content.

APRIL 22, 2020

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February 2020 tourist tax collections compared to February 2019

Anna Maria Bradenton Beach Holmes Beach Manatee County Total*

30% 4% 45% 16%

*(Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Longboat Key, unincorporated Manatee County, Palmetto) Manatee County’s 5% resort tax, or tourist tax, is collected from owners of accommodations rented for six months or less who charge the tax to their renters, in most cases, tourists. About 50% of the tax proceeds are allocated to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau tourism marketing efforts, with 20% allocated to beach renourishment. The tax also funds tourism-related attractions such as the Bishop Museum and the Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria piers. Resort tax increases reflect both increased visitation

and improved tax collection efforts. Amounts shown were collected in February and paid to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office in March.

Manatee County totals include Anna Maria Island cities, Bradenton, the portion of Longboat Key within Manatee County, unincorporated Manatee County and Palmetto. To anonymously report a rental owner who may not be paying the tax, call 941-741-4809 or visit http://www.taxcollector.com/ tdt-evader.cfm Source: Manatee County Tax Collector

Chamber set for virtual luncheon While the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce cannot host its monthly networking luncheons for members and prospective members due to the governor’s stay-at-home order, on April 29 it will be hosting a virtual networking luncheon for members. The virtual luncheon will be held from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29 via Zoom.

Members are invited to provide their own lunch or to order it from a local restaurant.

Everyone attending will be asked to introduce themselves and speak briefly about their business. To attend, Chamber members must register by Monday, April 27 to receive the Zoom login information for the event. To register, email tina@amichamber.org.

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APRIL 22, 2020

Boaters outnumber beachgoers in Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said he counted 144 vehicles at Kingfish boat ramp at 11 a.m. on April 19. The boat ramp has 57 parking spaces.

BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – While Police Chief Bill Tokajer says the beaches were sparsely attended over the April 17-19 weekend, the boat ramps were packed with vehicles.

After a rainy Saturday, Tokajer said he counted 144 vehicles, not including trailers, parked in and around Kingfish boat ramp at about 11 a.m. on Sunday, April 19. The boat ramp has 57 parking spaces. At the 63rd Street boat ramp, parking spaces also were filled early in the day, with some vehicles in the overflow parking area near the city’s dog park.

Despite the large number of boaters, Tokajer said his officers had no problem enforcing the city’s rules barring parking at beach accesses, in the right of way and along city streets

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

On April 19, more than 140 vehicles were crammed into the parking spaces at Kingfish boat ramp and parked across the street on the right of way. through April 30. Over the second weekend that the new parking regulations have been in effect, he said his officers wrote 37 tickets and didn’t tow any vehicles.

“Pay attention to the signs, people,” he said, referring to the banners placed throughout the city advis-

ing drivers that their vehicles will be towed if illegally parked. “Your car can be towed. Do not think that you can get away with a $50 ticket.”

Over the previous weekend, April 10-12, police officers wrote 69 tickets and towed seven vehicles.

“People are starting to pay a little

bit more attention than they were and that’s our goal, to get compliance,” Tokajer said.

The city’s new parking regulations remain in effect through April 30 or until the executive directive is rescinded by Mayor Judy Titsworth.

APRIL 22, 2020

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COVID-19 claims former county commissioner Dr. Gwendolyn Brown also taught Early Childhood Education classes at the State College of Florida.

cases that we’re currently talking about, along with Oneco – and I share a little bit of that with Misty (Servia),” Bellamy said.

Commission Chair Betsy Benac said, “I’ve known Gwen Brown for a very long time. I worked very closely with Gwen Brown and I know the heart she had for her community.”

Commissioner Vanessa Baugh said, “Losing Gwen Brown is very sad. I know that she has had for quite a while now a lot of serious health issues.

God bless her, she will be missed. She was the first black commissioner in Manatee County and that is a phenomenal thing that she did.”

Commissioner Misty Servia said, “I loved Gwen.

I’ve known her for a long, long time. I worked with her and she just was a lovely woman. I’m really sad that she’s gone.”

Later in the week, Whitmore said, “She was a good friend. I talked to her about three weeks ago and she was doing good.”

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – Former County Commissioner Gwendolyn Brown passed away last week due to COVID-19.

Brown was Manatee County’s first black county commissioner and the county’s first black commission chairperson. She was also an early childhood education teacher at the State College of Florida (SCF).

According to Vicki Tessmer, supervisor of board records for the county’s Clerk of the Circuit Court, Brown was elected to the commission in November 1994 and left office in November 2010. She served as the commission chairwoman in 2008.

County Commissioner Carol Whitmore announced Brown’s passing during a Friday afternoon emergency county commission meeting.

“I have some very bad news. Commissioner Gwen Brown died at 2:49 (p.m.) from this terrible disease.

She was at home. She wasn’t in a nursing home.

She wasn’t able to drive, so somebody brought it (the virus) to her. Her family asked me to announce this and to please pray for her. So, for those of you who say you don’t know anybody and can’t put a name to this, Commissioner Gwen Brown, rest in peace,” Whitmore said.

Reggie Bellamy serves as the District 2 commissioner and is currently the only African American member of the current county commission.

“I extend my condolences to the Brown family.

Commissioner Brown was the first African American Commissioner in District 2. She has a

THE EDUCATOR

CAROL WHITMORE | SUBMITTED

County Commissioner Carol Whitmore was good friends with Gwen Brown. legacy in our community and my heart goes out to her and her family. I know her family and I’m very close to some people in her family. From the county commission office to the Brown family, we extend our deepest condolences,” Bellamy said.

“What this does is bring reality to what we’re dealing with, and you have an individual that was at home and then came down with COVID-19.

District 2 makes up about 70% of the COVID-19

According to a 2009 news release posted at the SCF website, Brown helped students earn Early Childhood Education degrees, a degree that had not previously been offered in Florida.

“Dr. Gwen Brown worked to develop the local Head Start Program in Manatee County.

The demand for qualified, educated teachers has evolved throughout the years as research has shown the importance of early childhood development in preparing children to learn how to read, write and relate to others,” the SCF website says.

“She was my Early Childhood Education professor at SCF. Gwen had a strong passion for children and her community,” former student Amy Hendricks said when she learned of Brown’s passing.

Order Your Local Organic Fresh Produce Box Gamble Creek Farms is now offering two unique produce boxes each week. Pick up your box, packed with a balanced assortment of organic veggies, including salad greens, cooking greens, root crops, fruiting vegetables and culinary herbs.

If you are selecting the Monday box, each also includes a house-made pickled or fermented item from our commissary kitchen examples may include Sauerkraut, Kimchi, Fermented Radishes, Cucumber Pickles, Fermented Sliced Beets.

$30.00 Per Box! gamble creek

To Order Call 941-778-0444

or

SandBarDining.com/ organic-produce

Orders are delivered to the restaurants on Mondays & Thursdays and can be picked up after 12pm. Box contents are farmer's choice and are not individually customizable.

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APRIL 22, 2020

Coleman concerned about Island’s unemployed workforce Poppo’s Taqueria is one of many Anna Maria Island businesses that remain open as the coronavirus pandemic unfolds in anticipation of the ensuing recovery process.

Coleman was asked how the pandemic and the ensuing recovery period might alter the restaurant and business landscapes.

“I don’t think anybody can see the end of this or how it’s going to take shape. I think it’s important to be able to pivot and respond as things occur and hope for the best,” Coleman said.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Like many members of Anna Maria Island’s business community, Mike Coleman is concerned about the impact the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is having on the diverse group of Island employees who depend on its tourismbased economy.

In the mid- to late-2000s, Coleman and fellow resident and businessman Ed Chiles joined forces to develop the Pine Avenue Restoration (PAR) mixeduse project that features residential units above commercial units along Pine Avenue. The Coleman family is also involved in the Poppo’s Taqueria group of restaurants that began with the Anna Maria location on Pine Avenue.

“First, I want to say I believe the local officials have done everything that can to be done to comply with the state orders and protect the freedoms of those who live here. I have nothing but respect for what they’ve done,” Coleman said, while chatting on the Poppo’s porch last week.

“At the same time, I think we need to give some thought to all the people that have been put out of work suddenly and without recourse in the last few weeks. We’re talking hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs. These are people

EMPLOYEE’S PERSPECTIVE

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Poppo’s Taqueria employees Zoe Pizzirillo and Allie Sykeny are among those still fortunate enough to be working. that are dependent on their incomes day to day, week to week and hand to mouth. And now they have no income, and many have no access to unemployment insurance,” Coleman said.

“I’m hoping everyone will join together to get us through this as quickly as possible so those people can get back to work, which is what they want to do. They work in restaurants, they clean houses, they clean vacation rentals and they own small businesses here. I’m concerned that some of the small businesses here are going to close and never reopen.

Other businesses here have managed to pivot, and some of them are staying open just to pay their employees while the business loses money. The impact is hardest at the bottom of the income scale,” Coleman said.

“At Poppo’s, we’re doing everything

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we can to maintain employment at all our stores. We have nine stores. We go from St. Pete to south Sarasota, including our location on Manatee Avenue in Bradenton, and they’re all still open,” Coleman said.

On March 20, Gov. Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order EO 20-7, an order that limits all Florida restaurants that remain open to takeout and delivery service until that order expires on April 30, if it is not extended.

“We were in a position to pivot and I’m grateful for that. Our people have been working for about a year on software that allows for takeout orders, curbside pickup and online ordering.

That put us in a position to survive – not in all of our stores, some of our stores should actually be closed, but we’re keeping them open because the people that work there need the money and need their jobs,” Coleman said.

Allie Sykeny is the general manager of the Poppo’s restaurant in Anna Maria.

“I’m very happy to be working. I have no problem working through all of this.

We’re staying safe and restaurants are actually cleaner in general. We practice sanitation without a pandemic. We had an inspection back in November and we got a 100%. And now we’ve stepped it up a little more. I couldn’t be more grateful to be working,” Sykeny said.

She and her staff wear masks while working and a plexiglass shield has been installed in front of the computer screen used to take orders and process payments.

Sykeny was asked what she envisions for restaurants when they reopen for in-house dining.

“I see 50% of the people that are ready to get back out there and continue normal life and I see the other 50% that are going to be a little more apprehensive about being in public,” she said.

Sykeny was asked what she’s hearing from some of her friends in the hospitality industry who are not working.

Pulling no punches, she said, “They’re suicidal. It’s very sad. It sucks.”

APRIL 22, 2020

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

11

First responders salute area hospital workers Police, firefighters and other emergency workers gave a noisy salute to hospital personnel on Friday afternoon at Blake Medical Center, Manatee Memorial Hospital, Doctors Hospital of Sarasota Emergency Room in Lakewood Ranch and Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. They used their horns and sirens for about 30 seconds and followed it up with cheers and applause for the dedicated health care workers battling the COVID-19 pandemic. Personnel from West Manatee Fire Rescue and the Holmes Beach Police Department came to Blake Medical Center to show their appreciation to doctors, nurses and EMS responders.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

The signs in front of the hospital entrance say it all.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Above, firefighters brought their colorful vehicles.

Right, thanks from the first responders is displayed on the door of a patrol car.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Clockwise above, Hospital staffers offer some love for first responders. Holmes Beach Officer Betts brought his “beachy� patrol car. Amid the noise of the sirens, applause.

Offering the largest selection of spirits, wine & beer on AMI.

5344 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach 941.779.2337 Shop & earn discounts at Hurricane Hanks!

Delivery service now available!

12

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

Lily and The Sun Lily Nolan, 6, of Rockville, Md., reads The Sun to catch up on Island news. Lily is the granddaughter of Pat and Doug Copeland of Anna Maria.

ANNA COPELAND | SUBMITTED

Our building may be closed, but our MINISTRIES continue!

THE GOOD NEWS We invite you to w ship with us online!

www.RoserChurch.com/worship

Every Sunday 10:00 AM Traditional Worship 5:30 PM

soulJourn Praise & Worship

Watch LIVE (interactive) or LATER! Call the office if you need assistance.

Call the church text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin.

FACEBOOK> follow> see first, join a group. Need help? Call the office!

The FOOD PANTRY is open to assist island residents/w kers in need.

The CHAPEL is open 9:00 to 3:00 weekdays f prayer & meditation.

Send PRAYER REQUESTS to info@r erchurch.com call the office.

Call the church office if you would like to talk to a PASTOR. A NON DENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY COMMUNITY CHURCH • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria [near Pier]

941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • Facebook @RoserChurch

APRIL 22, 2020

www.amisun.com

APRIL 22, 2020

THE SUN

13

Most vacation rentals observing law in Holmes Beach

BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com

‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE

HOLMES BEACH – Vacation rentals in Florida remain closed to visitors and, in Holmes Beach, Mayor Judy Titsworth says that so far there have been very few problems with the closures.

Under an order from Gov. Ron DeSantis, all vacation rentals in the state of Florida are closed to rentals of less than 30 days until at least April 30. The order does not apply to hotels, motels and resorts. Locally, the order is being

enforced in Holmes Beach by code compliance and police officers.

During an April 20 discussion with The Sun, Titsworth said that the city was not experiencing issues with vacation rental owners and managers trying to get around the no-check-in rule. Over the April 17-19 weekend, she said that there were no vacation rental properties found to be in violation of the order and that only one property was being investigated by code compliance officers on April 20.

While the properties cannot be rented during this time, Titsworth

said local realtors are seeing a lot of owners taking advantage of their properties not being rented, choosing to occupy their Anna Maria Island properties themselves.

In her April 17 update on the state of the city, Titsworth said that over the Easter weekend, April 10-12, only one vacation rental property was found in violation of the no-check-in order and that property owner was given a $250 fine and was reported to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, along with two others.

BOATERS: Return to reopened boat ramps FROM PAGE 1

distancing guidelines. The FWC guidelines call for no more than 10 people per vessel and that vessels maintain a 50-foot distance from other vessels.

Boat traffic in and around Longboat Pass was also moderately heavy and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit was on scene patrolling those waters.

A visit to Anna Maria Island’s boat ramps Sunday afternoon revealed full parking lots, robust activity and no noticeable social distancing concerns.

Members of the Manatee County Beach Patrol monitored the Coquina North and Coquina South boat ramp parking lots in Bradenton Beach and parking was limited to boat ramp users only.

Fred Garvin and his friend, Jesse, were among those who put in at the Coquina South boat ramp on Sunday.

“I think it’s a good sign of things getting back to normal, but I think it’s important not to go too quick with it. Go a little bit at a time,” Garvin said regarding the gradual loosening of COVID-19 restrictions.

Bradenton Beach Police Officer Devon Straight patrolled the boat ramp parking lots and the adjacent Gulf Drive rights of way where public parking is not allowed.

“Since they’ve reopened the boat ramps, it’s almost like a normal Sunday out here. Both boat ramps have been overflowing and we’re getting calls about parking complaints,” Straight said Sunday afternoon.

“Our biggest concern is at the base of the Longboat Pass Bridge.

That is a state right of way and parking there is reserved for the bridgetender only. A lot of people think that since they can’t park at Coquina Beach, or park at the boat

ramps to go to the beach, they’re parking on the right of ways. We are citing them $50 parking tickets if we catch them doing that. We try to give a warning first, but if we can’t find you, you’re going to get a ticket,” Straight said.

“As it has always been, as long as you can find legal public parking you can access the beaches,” Straight added.

The Kingfish boat ramp in Holmes Beach was also busy on Sunday. By late afternoon, there were still several vehicles and boat trailers parked along the Manatee Avenue right of way across the street. Boat ramp users included boaters, personal watercraft owners and some kayakers who put in along the shoreline west of the ramps.

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THE SUN

OUTDOORS

Tarpon time is coming Reel Time

RUSTY CHINNIS

T

he weather hasn’t cooperated in a long time but as soon as it does, I’ll be out hunting tarpon. It’s a little early for the migration but while I’m waiting for the weather to change, I’ll be planning for the season. The boat is getting cleaned up, I just got the trolling motor tuned up and the outboard serviced. I’m rerigging my spin and fly tackle and tying flies in anticipation of one of my favorite times of the year. Tarpon are one of the premier gamefish that swim local waters and a noble adversary on any tackle. The migration gets into full swing during the month of May and generally runs into August and September for die-hard anglers. These fish are a test of any angler and tackle, running to over 200 pounds. The average runs an astounding 80 to 100 pounds.

We are blessed with some of the best tarpon fishing in the world and the local bars and inshore waters host some of the finest fly and spin fishing to be found anywhere. This isn’t a game of numbers and to the anglers who pursue tarpon it’s the hunt and the action that keep them on the bow for six to eight hours in the hot summer sun.

Tackle should match the size of the quarry and most anglers opt for a 20- to 30-pound spin outfit and 11 to 12 weight fly rod, line and reel. A heavy bite tippet is required because of the size of tarpon and their rasp-like mouth. Fly anglers generally use a 60- to 80-pound tippet while spin anglers choose 80- to 100-pound test. While it might seem like a difficult task to land a tarpon on the fly, or any tackle for that matter, anglers who knows the limits of their tackle can actually land a tarpon in a surprisingly short time. The key is to apply maximum pressure from the hookup never letting up. Neophyte anglers have a tendency to “baby” their tarpon in a misguided attempt to land them. The truth is that the longer you fight a tarpon the better chance you have of losing it.

A properly (IGFA approved) tied tarpon leader used by fly fishers usually runs between 10 and 12 feet and is tapered to properly deliver the fly. The leader includes a class tippet (weakest link) from 16 to 20 pounds that is doubled at both ends to soften the (shock) impact to the class tippet and bite tippet. Key to the whole equation is to have a very sharp hook as tarpon have extremely tough mouths. Conventional leaders vary from angler to angler, but a doubled standing line tied to a leader and then to the bite tippet with a blood knot or Albright Special is recommended.

Flies vary from the classic splayed feather “Keys” style to more complex designs like the “Toad,” and various baitfish imitations. Some fly anglers are not concerned with actually landing a tarpon, preferring to just enjoy the hunt, the hook up and the jumps that usually follow the hook set. They use light bite tippets which allow the tarpon to work through the leader with their abrasive mouths. The key to landing tarpon on the fly is accuracy. The fly must be placed perfectly, move in a precise direction relative to the fish and be at the proper (fishes’) depth.

Even when all of these factors come together, there’s still about a 50% chance that the tarpon will reject the fly.

The go-to bait for spin anglers is a live crab. Small blue crabs can be purchased from bait shops and pass crabs

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

A tarpon can quicken the heart of the most ardent angler. can be dipped from the local passes on a falling tide.

Other effective baits include pinfish, threadfin herring and pilchards. Artificial lures like the DOA Bait Buster and the 4- and 6-inch shrimp, jigs and even top water plugs can be effective. Patience is a critical factor when fishing for tarpon, especially when fly fishing. The most successful anglers find the edge of a sand bar or other underwater feature that tarpon track, anchor in casting range and wait. Sometimes tarpon come at a steady rate but just as often there are long periods of time when the only thing to look at is the water.

This really separates the good anglers from the great anglers.

There are times when you need to move but knowing when and where is a skill that is developed and never mastered.

Once set up, the angler must be able to make a 40to 50-foot cast to a location the size of a dinner plate.

Placement of the fly cannot be overemphasized, because tarpon will seldom vary a foot or two from their path to eat a fly. Although there is always the rare exception, a fly must never travel in a path towards the intended target.

A tarpon’s prey species wouldn’t survive long if it moved towards its aggressor, and tarpon know it. Besides moving away from the fish, the fly must move at the proper pace, be at the proper depth and never slow down when a tarpon is tracking it. Conversely you can’t move the fly too fast, taking it out of a tarpon’s range. If all this wasn’t demanding enough, once a tarpon decides to eat the fly an angler’s mettle is really tested.

Conventional anglers usually look for rolling fish in the near-shore Gulf and motor well ahead of them to intercept their path. Trolling motors can be effective for following a school in deep water but will spook them in the shallows.

One thing that all tarpon anglers should practice is courtesy.

Often a boat has been working long and hard to get properly set up for a shot and a boat running up on the fish will spoil the day for everyone. Tarpon are not trout and attempting to raise the rod to set the hook is a cardinal mistake.

Fortunately, once a tarpon decides to eat there’s no need to make a lightning-fast hook set. When fly fishing, the right set is called a “strip strike,” which involves letting the line come tight and immediately setting the hook with a combination of the line hand and the rod. Conventional anglers should also have the patience to let the line come tight before attempting to hook the fish. Then the angler must at once work to set the hook in the cement-like jaw while being ready for the fish to bolt away from the boat.

After a fly angler’s initial hook set, attention must go immediately to clearing (getting the loose line off the deck) SEE REEL TIME, PAGE 15

APRIL 22, 2020

www.amisun.com

REEL TIME: Tarpon time is coming FROM PAGE 14

the line. In most cases the angler has been stripping in line when the fish bites and the hook is set. That line can easily foul on the angler, the rod or the reel. The protocol is to take your attention from the fish to the line at your feet. Hold the rod away from your body and let the excess line pass through your stripping hand in a circle made with the thumb and the forefinger. Once the line is “on the reel” set the hook with several more strip strikes, using the rod. Conventional anglers often use circle hooks which don’t require a hook set.

They just need to let the line come tight and enjoy the action.

In any case, a tarpon cannot be aware of the angler on the other end until the hook set.

While it’s important to exert maximum pressure on the tarpon during the fight, anglers must yield on jumps. On the jump the standard maneuver is to thrust the rod forward to relieve pressure on the line. This prevents the tarpon from breaking off if it lands on a taught line. This maneuver is known as “bowing to the king.”

It’s customary to start the engine and get as close to the tarpon as possible after the initial and subsequent long runs.

This allows the angler to apply maximum pressure. If a tarpon is a hundred yards from the boat, the stretch of the

line makes it impossible to apply any real pressure.

If you’re looking for a good jump shot here’s a great tip. When a tarpon makes any long run, motor close to it, applying only enough pressure to make sure the hook doesn’t dislodge. As soon as you are in place, frame the shot you want and then have the angler apply maximum pressure. Most times the tarpon will make a jump that’s close enough to the boat to get the angler and the fish in the shot. It’s not a sure thing, but when it works it can present an awesome photographic opportunity. Finally, don’t try and rush the tarpon when it gets near the end of the fight. Keep the pressure on but don’t clamp down and try to force the fish to the boat. In the end it’s a game of odds. Every time I think I’ve discerned a pattern, the tarpon teach me a new lesson! Good action can be found right through July and beyond for fly anglers while the best month for conventional anglers is generally June. Tarpon fishing is a challenging endeavor, but it’s well worth the effort when you finally get that first scale-rattling jump. Now repeat after me, “I’ll remember all this, learn it and reread so I don’t make any mistakes.” Good luck with that, but I guarantee you those are some of the most exciting mistakes you’ll ever make.

THE SUN

15

Big snook, reds prowling inshore waters CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE

With the spring time upon us, the water temperatures are high and the fish are moving in. Although the charter business has slowed down drastically, we are still taking a local client or 2 here and there. Just like every other business here in our state, this is typically our busiest time of the year.

We here at Anna Maria Charters are taking this social distancing thing very seriously. Taking time with our families and catching up on our to do lists are the priority now. If we do take a charter, we are only taking 3-4 anglers at a time. Fortunately, we are still allowed to spend time on the waterways. So we’ve been both inshore and offshore this past week.

Inshore, the snook and redfish are enjoying the lack of fishing pressure. Getting big snook and reds hasn’t been much easier than it is right now. Also, the mangrove snapper are starting to move in and lots of Spanish mackerel are around.

Offshore, African pompano, blackfin tuna, cobia, red grouper and big mangrove snapper are biting. We’re fishing depths from 60 to 120 feet. Live and dead sardines are the best bait we’ve found right now.

We hope you’re staying safe during these trying times.

Stay positive and stay productive!

Joey Rearden, of Atlanta, hoists a big red grouper caught with Captain David White of Anna Maria Charters.

CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE SUBMITTED

16

I

THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

APRIL 22, 2020

Changes in the pandemic age

f the pandemic taught us anything, it’s how quickly everything can change, and the real estate market is no exception.

We went from a blow-out real estate market, overflowing restaurants, planning high school and college graduations to hoarding toilet paper, wearing face masks and checking daily infection counts in less than a month.

What’s ahead for the real estate market, both local and national, is anyone’s guess; unfortunately, there are likely dark clouds on the horizon. With businesses closed, employees laid off and people unable to move around the country, buyers and sellers may have to take a pause. Even with continuing historically low mortgage interest rates, if a buyer can’t qualify because of job loss, it will take a toll on the health of the markets. In addition, available inventory may eventually be impacted because homeowners don’t want strangers coming into their homes and will opt not to list properties for who knows how long.

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER Meanwhile, homeowners who have lost jobs are struggling with impending mortgage payments, flooding their mortgage companies with requests for help. In addition, they’re having trouble getting through waiting on the phone for hours to reach a real person who may be working from home and having their own personal and technical difficulties.

The stimulus legislation says homeowners hurt by the coronavirus or its fallout can ask their mortgage servicer for a so-called forbearance. This means their monthly payments are interrupted for up to six months and an additional six months can be requested after that. They

don’t have to prove they have been hurt by the coronavirus since, if the loan is backed by the government, the mortgage servicer is generally expected to grant the request. Since about 70% of U.S. mortgages are backed or insured by a federal agency like Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or FHA, this will be a non-issue for most borrowers.

What is not specified in the law is when borrowers have to make up the missed payments. Some homeowners are assuming that they don’t have to make up the payments ever, certainly incorrect. But even when they understand this, there’s still confusion as to how the funds will be made up. The Department of Housing and Urban Development told servicers that holders of FHA mortgages can compile the missed payments into a second, interestfree home loan for borrowers to pay off after the original mortgage.

However, for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans, which represent about half of

the country’s mortgage market, that offer was not made. Instead, federal regulators have instructed servicers to work with borrowers and to consider letting them tack their missed payments on to the end of their loan, but are not mandating it.

Lenders, like everyone else, are operating in the dark with no way of predicting the scope or duration of the pandemic and shutdown. Economist Mark Zandi with Moody’s says as many as 30% of Americans with home loans, about 15 million households, could stop paying their loans if the economy remains closed through the summer or beyond.

Are we in for a big wave of foreclosures similar to the housing bubble bursting in 2008? Let’s hope not, but since our real estate market was so strong and so much in demand, it’s not a bad calculation to assume it will be one of the first to come back even in a big downturn. Chin up and stay safe.

www.amisun.com

APRIL 22, 2020

OBITUARIES Sinclair “Bubba” Gurnee Stewart Jr. Sinclair “Bubba” Gurnee Stewart Jr., age 93, of Anna Maria, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at Stonehenge Assisted Living facility in Blairsville, Georgia. Bubba was born on Jan. 27, 1927 in Montclair, NJ, son of the late Sinclair G. Stewart Sr. and late Jeanne Elisabeth Chaffee Stewart. Bubba dearly enjoyed family, friendships, fishing, boating, grilling, tennis and exercising. He and his wife Martha retired to Anna Maria in 1990.

They were both very active in the Anna Maria community, including the Community Center, Roser Memorial Church, Bridge Club and the Anna Maria Historical Society. They received the Citizens of the Year award in 2007. Bubba owned and operated Georgia Oak Floor Distributors for over 30 years. He was preceded in death by his wife Martha, in 2007, and son Peter, in 1997.

Bubba’s surviving children include daughter and son-in-law Leigh and Mike Fann of Blairsville, GA; son and daughterin-law Andy and Debbie Stewart of

Cumming, GA; daughter and son-in-law Jill and Calvin Ogle of Sandpoint, ID; and son and daughter-in-law Ray and Angela Stewart of Suwanee, GA; seven grandchildren, Phillip Fann, Scott Fann, Emily Ogle Wirick, Eddie Ogle, Madelynn Ogle, Ryan Stewart, and Sam Stewart, and 12 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at a later date at Roser Memorial Church in Anna Maria, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Roser Memorial Church in Anna Maria, FL in Bubba’s memory. Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is handling arrangements.

You may also sign the family guest book and send condolences online at www. mountainviewfuneralhome.com.

David A. Miles David (Davey) Miles, age 97, passed away on April 13, 2020 of natural causes.

His memorial service will be held at a later date.

He is survived by his children, Sandy Miles, David (Duke) Miles and Sharon O’Connor; granddaughter Katie O’Neill; great-grandchildren Alexis, Jordan and Madison as well as many extended family members and good friends. He is preceded in death by his wife, Beverly, and son-in-law Billy O’Connor.

Davey will be remembered for his amazing loving and giving spirit, his wit

THE SUN

and always looking at the brighter side of life. He worked at Mack Trucks and then owned several “Dave’s Coffee Shops” in N.J. After moving to Anna Maria, he became the custodian at Roser Memorial Community Church for many years. After retiring, he was still very involved with the activities of the church and eventually became their “Ambassador.”

Donations in Davey’s memory can be made to Roser Memorial Community Church’s “Trustees Special Memorial Fund,” P.O. Box 247, Anna Maria, FL 34216.

George Patrick Dunne George Patrick Dunne, 37, of Palmetto, FL, passed away April 9, 2020. George was born in Manatee County, FL, firstborn of Dr. John and Maleta Dunne. He was a lifelong resident of Manatee County. He did reside in other locations associated with his education and military service, but always considered Manatee County his home, which is where he resided upon his passing. He graduated from Bradenton Christian School in 2001 and attended Valley Forge Military Academy where he received an A.A. degree, after which he enrolled at USF (Tampa, FL) where he earned his Bachelor’s degree.

George was a 1st Lieutenant in the

17

Florida National Guard for approximately 12 years, during which time he was deployed to the Middle East in 2010, where he served as Brigade Surgeon. He was employed with Manatee County EMS prior to and upon returning from his deployment.

George served many communities throughout the Greater Tampa Bay area as a staff paramedic in various ERs to include Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg, FL, Bardmoor ER in Largo, FL and as a regional burn unit specialist. His personal hobbies and interests were most always centered around boating, fishing, firearms and Star Trek movies, and most of all BBQing with friends. He was preceded in death by his father, John V. Dunne (M.D.) as well as his paternal grandparents. He is survived by his mother, Maleta Dunne, of Palmetto; his younger sister, Erin Dunne, also of Palmetto; his maternal grandparents, Rev. George Clark/Virginia “Mimi” Clark of Tallahassee; and his wife, Sarabeth (Russell) Dunne and their unborn child. According to his wishes, his remains will be cremated and entombed at Sarasota National Cemetery at a later date. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes and Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, a GoFundMe, "George Dunne's Memorial Fund,” is established to create a college fund for their child.

Condolences may be made to www. brownandsonsfuneral.com.

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THE SUN

BEACH BEAT ANNA MARIA No new reports

BRADENTON BEACH

4/1, burglary, 110 12th St. S. A burglar broke in and stole items including a firearm and ammunition.

4/9, trespassing, 300 block of East Bay Drive. An unknown person or persons broke into a vacant vacation rental house and stayed for a few days.

4/14, grand theft, 400 block of 10th St. S. A bicycle was stolen.

CORTEZ

No new reports.

HOLMES BEACH

4/10, petty theft, Dunkin Donuts, 3302 East Bay Drive. A customer “flimflammed” a clerk out of $129.03.

4/10, trespass warning, 200 block of 69th Street. At the request of the complainant, the officer issued a trespass warning to a man, possibly homeless, who was hanging out with his elderly mother. The complainant thought the man was tying to get money from her.

4/11, ignoring an emergency order against renting units, 211 67th St. The Holmes Beach Code Enforcement officer asked for help in a violation of the code.

The police officer issued notices to appear in court to the rental owner and renter.

4/12, traffic violations, 5200 block of Marina Drive.

The officer on patrol noticed a classic Chevrolet with no working taillights. The driver said he had just bought the car and didn’t know the lights were inoperable. The officer found out the license plate was assigned to another vehicle the driver owned.

The driver also admitted he had no insurance. The officer seized the plate and had the car towed.

4/14, alcohol on the beach, 68th Street beach. The officer on patrol saw a male and female drinking beer in violation of the code. They were ticketed.

www.amisun.com

APRIL 22, 2020

What to do when calling 911 Though the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has captured everyone’s attention, it’s not the only reason people need to call 911. In an emergency, to help keep the community and first responders safe, Manatee County leaders ask that community members take a couple of additional steps when calling 911 for help. First,

in addition to providing your name and location, make sure to also list any symptoms you’re experiencing when calling 911, especially those that could indicate a COVID-19 infection, including fever, difficulty breathing, cough and any respiratory illnesses. After calling 911, the patient should go outside to wait for paramedics and other first responders to arrive to

reduce any potential exposure to the virus for first responders, even if the patient isn’t experiencing coronavirus symptoms. Anyone who believes they are experiencing coronavirus symptoms or that they’ve been exposed to the disease should contact the Manatee County Health Line at 941-2426649 before calling 911 or seeking other medical attention.

www.amisun.com

APRIL 22, 2020

THE SUN

Commission meeting goes on

19

New playground

Holmes Beach commissioners are holding their regular meeting on Tuesday, April 28 at 6 p.m. along with a work session to follow. Both meetings will be held virtually with call-in instructions on the city’s website and at the city clerk’s office prior to the start of the meeting. For more information, visit www. holmesbeachfl.org or call 941-708-5800.

nearly finished Construction on the new playground at the Holmes Beach city field complex is almost complete with most of the new equipment already installed.

Correction:

A story in last week’s Sun listed the wrong date for an upcoming Bradenton Beach City Commission meeting. That virtual meeting took place on Thursday, April 16.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

LO C A L LY K N OW N . G LO B A L LY C O N N E C T E D.

S H O R E AC R E S 867 N Shore Drive Ken Kavanaugh, Jr & Margo Love Story 941-799-1943 A4454292 $1,850,000

C OV E S O U N D YAC HT C LU B 12903 Yacht Club Place Gregory Zies & Kathy Valente 941-779-3081 A4455943 $1,200,000

M A I N S A I L B E AC H I N N 107 66th Street 12 Kristi Berger & Deborah Capobianco 941-730-3801 A4452254 $875,000

K E Y R OYA L E 602 Baronet Lane Hannah Hillyard 941-744-7358 A4447974 $779,000

W E L L S B AY H A R B O R 710 S Bay Boulevard Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4461640 $2,100,000

M A I N S A I L B E AC H I N N 103 66th Street 10 Kristi Berger & Deborah Capobianco 941-730-3801 A4452245 $572,125

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 304 29th Street A & B Jody Shinn 941-705-5704 A4435660 $500,000

SUMMER SANDS 1007 Gulf Drive N 111 Laura Rulon 941-896-2757 A4443268 $499,000

N O R T H P O I NT H A R B O U R 609 N Point Drive Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4455659 $1,190,000

V I LL A S O F H O LM E S B E AC H 206 52nd Street 3 Kathy Harman 941-900-9828 A4464002 $989,000

B AY PA L M S 7802 Palm Drive A & B Laura Rulon 941-896-2757 A4462950 $625,000

M A I N S A I L B E AC H I N N 101 66th Street 6 Kristi Berger & Deborah Capobianco 941-730-3801 A4452260 $600,000

SMUGGLERS L ANDING 4113 129th Street W 206 Kathy Valente 941-685-6767 A4455881 $480,000

PA L M A S O L A B AY C LU B 3412 79th Street Circle W 303 Brittany Clemen & Pamela Miller 941-761-7349 A4448091 $435,000

NEW CONSTRUCTION

MSC MORTGAGE | MSC TITLE | MS&C COMMERCIAL NEW HOMES & CONDOMINIUMS

T I DY I S L A N D 10 Tidy Island Boulevard Kathy Marshall 941-900-9777 A4452203 $489,000

OPEN HOUSES SUNDAYS 1–4 PM

michaelsaunders.com

8 8 8 . 552 . 52 2 8

michaelsaunders.com L I C E N S E D R E A L E S TAT E B R O K E R

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THE SUN

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Starbucks orders, casually 6 Carnival staples 11 Chance 15 Perform better than 16 Scandal-plagued energy company 17 Witness’ promise 18 #1 hit for Jerry Lee Lewis 21 Squealed on the bad guys 22 Oscar winner Kazan 23 Lemonlike fruit 24 Grocery chain with a red-and-white logo 26 Like the Ninja Turtles 28 #1 hit for the Beach Boys 33 Vornado product 34 Landscaping tree 35 Peter was the first one 37 Application 38 Federal retirement org.

39 Couple of million?

42 Farm food 43 Justice __ Bader Ginsburg 45 Get going 48 Have bills 49 #1 hit for Johnny Rivers 53 “Let’s get together” 54 Best-liked, briefly 55 Kite carrier 58 Italy’s Villa d’__ 60 One of 12 on a die 64 #1 hit for Jim Croce 67 Brit’s kitchen floor 68 Abates 69 Threw in 70 Dispatch, as a dragon

71 Oboist’s supply 72 Hired thugs Down 1 Easy runs 2 General feeling 3 Dodge Viper engine 4 Slowly, in music 5 Drunkard 6 Genuine 7 Undecided 8 Advice giver on SiriusXM Radio 9 Canon camera named for a dawn goddess 10 Winter vehicle on treads 11 Convertible type 12 Tiny margin of victory 13 Another, in España 14 “__ what?”

19 One of a pair of cartoon slackers 20 It’s over in France 25 National econ. stats 27 Grow fond of 28 Go from E to F? 29 __ a customer 30 “Soon” 31 Emphatic word of

Answers to 04-15-20 Crossword Puzzle.

refusal 32 What salmon do upstream 33 Stole from a coat store?

36 __ contact 40 River through Dublin 41 Span. miss 44 Neighborhood pal, in slang 46 Attorney general under Ronald Reagan 47 Blows one’s stack 50 Mohammad __ Pahlavi: last shah of Iran 51 Farm contraption 52 Engage in to excess 55 OPEC units 56 Mass transit option 57 Barry Humphries alter ego Dame __ 59 Mix, as salad 61 Extinct bird 62 __ Stacy: Spider-Man love interest 63 They might be loose or tight 65 Ka __: southernmost Big Island point 66 Purse

APRIL 22, 2020

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APRIL 22, 2020

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21

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Bradenton Health Care on Cortez Road (left) and Braden River Rehabilitation Center are two of eight long-term care facilities in Manatee County that has reported COVID-19 cases or deaths connected to facility residents or staff members.

FACILITIES: Eight long-term care facilities report COVID-19 cases FROM PAGE 1

Joint Information Center Data Reports included for the first time a list of counties reporting COVID-19 cases involving long-term care facility residents and/or staff members.

The April 7 FDOH/Joint Information Center morning data report listed 23 long-term care facility COVID-19 cases in Manatee County. Those reports did not yet include long-term care facility deaths.

The April 15 evening FDOH data report was the first to also include long-term care facility resident and staff member deaths, and that report cited 45 positive cases and eight deaths associated with long-term care facilities in Manatee County.

GOVERNOR ORDERS FACILITIES NAMED

Gov. Ron DeSantis addressed nursing home concerns at his Saturday press conference.

DeSantis said members of the Florida National Guard are now going into nursing homes and doing spot testing to try to identify asymptomatic staff members who may be infected with COVID-19.

“We are telling the Guard to expand the strike teams into the assisted living facilities,” DeSantis said.

“Since the beginning of this crisis, probably our number one point of emphasis has been on long-term care and nursing home facilities.

Very early on we put strong guidance and regulations in place so that staff members – anyone who entered a facility – had to be screened for coronavirus symptoms. We also prohibited outside visitors,” DeSantis said.

“What we found is you may have everyone doing everything right in one of these facilities, but you could have a staff member who’s not symptomatic and it can spread throughout the

staff and spread to the residents very quickly,” DeSantis said.

“I told the Surgeon General from the beginning that we want to put as much information out as you can. I don’t think you should be identifying individual patients by name. I have now directed him that it is necessary to release the names of the facilities where a resident or staff member has tested positive for COVID-19,” DeSantis said.

LOCAL FACILITIES IDENTIFIED

Saturday evening’s FDOH data report email then included for the first time a link to an untitled four-page report that listed county by county every long-term care facility in Florida that reported positive COVID-19 cases or deaths. That list only includes the names of the facilities and the counties they are located in. It does not provide the number of cases or deaths at a specific facility.

The following Manatee County facilities were included in Saturday’s list: • Braden River Rehabilitation Center, 2010 Manatee Ave. E. in Bradenton; • Bradenton Health Care, 6305 Cortez Road W. in Bradenton; • Brookdale Bradenton Gardens, 5612 26th St. W. in Bradenton; • Casa Mora Rehabilitation and Extended Care, 1902 59th St. W. in Bradenton; • Manatee Springs Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, 5627 Ninth St. E. in Bradenton; • Residence at Bay Vue, 105 15th St. E. in Bradenton; • Riviera Palms Rehabilitation Center, 926 Haben Blvd. in Palmetto; • Westminster Point Pleasant, 1700 Third Ave. W. in Bradenton.

Saturday evening’s FDOH data report listed 68 positive long-term care facility resident or staff COVID-19 cases and

As of this week, our health department has started issuing involuntary quarantines to some of those nursing home workers because we know they’re spreading COVID-19.”

Jake Saur, Manatee County Public Safety Director

13 deaths in Manatee County. Sunday evening’s FDOH data report listed 120 long-term care facility cases and the same 13 deaths.

Sun Facebook fan Brenda Smonskey saw the list on The Sun's website and discovered that her employer, Beneva Lakes Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Sarasota, is on the list of long-term care facilities reporting COVID-19 cases.

"Thank you," she posted on The Sun's Facebook page. "I work PRN (as needed) at Beneva Lakes and was not informed."

According to the list, long-term care facilities accounted for nearly 29% of the county’s 415 reported COVID-19 cases and nearly 42% of the county’s 31 reported COVID-19 deaths.

As of Sunday evening, Manatee County had the fourth highest number of long-term care facility cases and deaths in Florida, trailing only MiamiDade County, Broward County and Palm Beach County.

Sunday evening’s data report email referenced the statewide numbers and said, “There are currently 307 long-term care facilities with positive cases of COVID-19. Of the 1,825 cases of residents or staff in long-term care facilities, 179 have died.”

No additional facilities in Manatee County were named in Sunday

evening’s facilities’ list.

BRADEN RIVER ISSUE

On April 17, the Lakeland-based newspaper The Ledger reported it obtained a document from the Florida Medical Examiners Commission that contained information on 59 confirmed COVID-19 deaths at nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and assisted living facilities in Florida.

According to The Ledger story and its reference to the April 14 Florida Medical Examiners Commission report, four of the seven long-term care facility deaths in Manatee County reported at that time were connected to the Braden River Rehabilitation Center.

On Saturday, The Sun requested from the Florida Medical Examiners Commission the document referenced

by The Ledger.

The Sun received the following response from spokesperson Gretl Plessinger: “We haven’t released information from the Medical Examiners Commission on COVID-19.

We are compiling the information received by the commission.”

Plessinger said she would provide that information when it becomes available.

22

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