Anna Maria Island Sun April 25, 2018

VOL 18 No. 28

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

April 25, 2018

FDOT chooses tall bridge for Cortez The tall, fixed span will replace the drawbridge and cost an estimated $72 million over the next 75 years.

BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

Bradenton beach – The other shoe has been dropped.

After more than 25 years of local resistance to replacing the two drawbridges from the mainland to Anna Maria Island with tall, fixed spans, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced it would build a tall replacement for the Cortez Bridge.

FDOT officials made the announcement at Monday’s Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan

FDOT | SUBMITTED

Planning Organization, a government group that regulates road and bridge construction projects in the two-county area.

The decision caps a long struggle for many residents of Anna Maria Island, who said tall bridges would be out of style on an Island that restricted building heights and limited fast food chain restaurants and retailers.

FDOT officials had narrowed the choices for a new bridge to two: A 35-foot-tall drawbridge with an estimated cost of $95.76 million, or a 65-foot, fixed-span bridge with a price tag of $72.1 million. A third option of repairing the existing drawbridge and extending the life of the structure another 10 to 15 years was deemed not feasible by FDOT. Opinions have varied over the years on which option was the best. In surveys conducted by FDOT, a surprising number of respondents favored the tall bridge. Improved traffic flow and fewer delays from drawbridge openings were reasons cited.

Opponents, however, maintained that not only would the tall bridge be out of place, but it also would pose a danger during hurricane evacuations because it would have to be closed in high winds. Some in Cortez also feared that access to their homes and businesses would be restricted by the mega-bridge.

Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie said Monday he was disappointed in

The top photo shows what the middle span of the new Cortez Bridge may look like, while the bottom left shot depicts the view looking east and the bottom right the view looking west from Cortez.

SEE BRIDGE, PAGE 20

A new hotel is coming to One Particular Harbor Minto Communities and Margaritaville Holdings are joining forces with Floridays Development Company to expand One Particular Harbor to feature a hotel and free-standing restaurant.

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

PERICO ISLAND – A new addition is on its way to the One Particular Harbor development – construction is slated to begin on a hotel and free-standing

restaurant in early 2019.

In an April 17 press release, representatives from Minto Communities and Margaritaville Holdings made the joint announcement revealing a partnership with Sarasota-based Floridays Development Company. The planned 130-room hotel will be the first select-service hotel by Margaritaville. The hotel is set to be located adjacent to the marina and dry dock facilities, currently under construction and slated to open in summer 2018. Additional details on the hotel and its amenities are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

INSIDE NEWS 4 OPINION 6 SUN SURVEY 7 SEAN MURPHY 17 OUTDOORS 22-23 OBITUARIES 24 REAL ESTATE 28-33 SPORTS 34

CELEBRATE

the Derby in style.

Food & Wine. 18

Anna Maria Island, Florida

SUBMITTED | MINTO GROUP INC.

The marina at One Particular Harbor is under construction and expected to open summer 2018.

SEE HOTEL, PAGE 20 Construction on the adjacent hotel and restaurant will begin in early 2019.

HOLES dug on AMI beaches are a problem for humans and turtles. 18 ARREST made in attack on clerk at

Jessie’s Island Store. 3 The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper www.amisun.com

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APRIL 25, 2018

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Suspect arrested in Island assault case Jason Rawlings Bounds, a suspect in the battery case of a clerk at Jessie’s Island Store, is facing charges in the March assault case.

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

SUBMITTED

Beach holes Holes dug on Anna Maria Island beaches have become safety hazards for both humans and nesting sea turtles.

Story on Page 18.

HOLMES BEACH – Police officers have a suspect in custody for the March 22 assault of a clerk at Jessie’s Island Store.

Officers arrested 44-year-old Jason Rawlings Bounds April 17 after the clerk positively identified him as her attacker. The incident was captured on the store’s surveillance system. Bounds is facing one count of battery as a second or subsequent offense, a third-degree felony, and one count of resisting a merchant, a first-degree misdemeanor.

A third-degree felony is punishable by up to five years in prison, five years of probation, and a $5,000 fine if convicted. A first-degree misdemeanor carries a possible sentence of up to one year in prison

and a $1,000 fine. The arrest warrant says Bounds is being held at the Port Manatee Jail.

A report attached to the arrest warrant, completed by HBPD Det. Bounds Sgt. Brian Hall, states the incident occurred at the Island store when the clerk confronted Bounds for concealing beer, milk and beef and cheese sticks in his jacket. Bounds returned the items to the clerk when approached but punched her in the side of the head and abdomen when she threatened to call the police if he didn’t immediately leave the premises.

The punch left the clerk with minor injuries to the side of her face and earlobe. After the attack, the clerk and two customers attempted to restrain Bounds, but he escaped on foot. The clerk was able to positively identify Bounds as her attacker from a photo lineup. He was later located and arrested by law enforcement officers.

This is not Bounds’ first tangle with the law. Hall’s report says Bounds was previously convicted

SUBMITTED | HBPD

Assault suspect Jason Rawlings Bounds was positively identified by the clerk he allegedly attacked in March at Jessie’s Island Store in Holmes Beach. several times for battery and battery-related crimes including one as late as Dec. 7, 2017, in Putnam County, W. Va. His history of battery-related offenses dates back as far as January 1993.

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ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF A celebration for Roe

A celebration of life for longtime Island resident Rosemarie Kontra, who passed away on April 7, will be held this Sunday, April 29, from 3 to 6 p.m. at D Coy Ducks in Holmes Beach. Food will be provided by local chef Ezio Piccione, and music will be courtesy of DJ Rick Schultz. Everyone who knew Roe is invited to come out and celebrate the life of this wonderful friend who left us all much too soon.

Bridge work set Construction crews will be performing maintenance work on the Anna Maria Island Bridge on State Road 64 (Manatee Avenue) during the overnight hours from Sunday, April 30, through Thursday, May 3. Use caution and expect possible delays.

Networking and history on Wednesday The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly Business Card Exchange at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, on Wednesday, April 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. The museum will be open, and the event will be behind the Belle Haven cottage next to Lake LaVista.

The cost is $5 for Chamber members and $10 for prospective members. The Anna Maria Island Historical Society will present its scholarship winners during the event. For more information, call the Chamber at 941-778-1541.

Tag readers, beach use on agenda The agenda for the Anna Maria City Commission’s Thursday, April 26, meeting includes an Arbor Day proclamation; the second reading of a nuisances ordinance; a funding request seeking Tourist Development Council support for trolley station coverings. The mayor will provide a 10-Year Capital Plan budget status report. The commission will discuss potential participation in a license tag reader system and continue its discussion on a customary use ordinance in response to a new state law regarding beach property rights.The consent agenda includes a special event permit for a June wedding and a fee waiver request from the Anna Maria Island Privateers’ annual Fourth of July parade. Thursday’s meeting will start at 6 p.m.

Pavers in the park Anna Maria Commissioners authorized Mayor Dan Murphy to continue his fact-finding efforts regarding the future installation of pavers in City Pier Park. The city plans to spend approximately $25,000 to install pavers under the new shade sail structure and along the paths leading to the public restrooms and the flag pole. Murphy doesn’t expect the pavers to be installed in time for the Memorial Day Patriotic Symphony Salute taking place at City Pier Park Monday, May 28, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

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APRIL 25, 2018

Beach access already in dispute

One beachfront property owner already has No Trespassing signs in front of his beachfront home.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – When discussing a new state law on beach access and private property rights, Anna Maria commissioners heard about an already existing dispute.

On April 12, the mayor, commission and City Attorney Becky Vose heard Jayne Slade-Dashiell and Karen Pacific give sworn public testimony about an encounter they had with beachfront property owner Terry Olesen.

“Today, we’re walking toward the pier, and this guy who’s got signs up came out and started yelling at us saying get off my beach. He said this is private property, and you can’t come on here,” Dashiell said.

Last July, Olesen placed two signs on the beach between his home and Tampa Bay. Olesen’s signs say, “No Trespassing. This beach is private property.”

“I’ve lived here for 31 years and I can’t believe this is happening,” she said.

Dashiell said Olesen cited a 1952 law when claiming his property extends into Tampa Bay. Beachfront property lines are delineated by the erosion control line if beach renourishment has occurred and by the mean high water line if not. Along Florida’s coastlines, the land between those lines and the water is generally considered stateowned public land. Olesen’s beach has not been renourished.

Pacific, from Indiana, has been visiting Anna Maria for 30 years.

“You sacrifice a little if your home is right on the beach because you share it with so many people. We have always been respectful of anybody who lives on the beach, but we walk for exercise and pure enjoyment,” she said.

“Today, this gentleman came out and yelled at us that it was private property, and we were to get off the beach. He called the police on us.

The police came down, and we had to step off the property in order for them to explain that it’s a process you are all working on and hoping to resolve.”

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

This beach front property along South Bay Boulevard is marked by No Trespassing signs.

Pacific said Olesen claimed he owned all the way into the water and asked them to walk on the street.

“As a guest, it just seemed to defeat the whole purpose of my enjoyment here,” she said.

The women’s testimony will help support the customary use ordinance Vose is developing. Adopting the ordinance before the state law takes effect July 1 would provide the city with an affirmative defense if someone sues the city for enforcing an existing customary beach use.

OLESEN’S ACCOUNT

When visited after the meeting, Olesen said his encounter with Dashiell and Pacific was unrelated to the new law and he first discussed these concerns with the mayor five years ago.

Olesen said he didn’t yell at Dashiell and Pacific.

“I say it so often I have a set phrase: ‘Excuse me, I’m sorry, but this is private property.’ Her response was ‘No it’s not,’ so I called the police. While I’m on the phone she’s yelling at me. They don’t see themselves as a problem, but if you deal with it all the time, it’s a major hassle.”

Olesen’s grandparents bought the property in 1952, and he’s lived there since 2000. He said until 2009 the bay water came up to the seawall that borders his patio, and there was no permanent beach.

According to a previous survey, Olesen believes his property line extends to at least a few feet of where the water was that evening. He said he doesn’t mind people walking on the remaining land seaward of his

property, but he plans to get a new survey and install a rope and bollard fence to prevent people from walking on the vegetation he wants to increase for erosion control purposes.

COMMISSION CONCERNS

Vose referenced a federal court case involving Walton County and property owners fencing off beach areas.

“They said a fence is free speech because it’s like sign language. You put a fence up, and people know what you’re saying: Don’t go here.

They talked about fences being covered by free speech under First Amendment rights. We’re going to have to investigate all of that to come up with the right answers,” Vose said.

“This guy seems to think he owns out to the water,” Commissioner Doug Copeland said.

Copeland asked if there was a message Sgt. Mike Jones should relay to deputies when responding to beach trespassing calls.

“There has been a customary use of that entire bay side, so we should not be utilizing our police department to kick people off,” Vose said.

“Can we use our police department to do something about this guy?” Copeland asked.

“It’s become a harassment issue.

He’s harassing our visitors and our residents. He’s using false information,” Commissioner Brian Seymour added.

Mayor Dan Murphy said he’s working with Jones and Vose on solutions to bring to the commission.

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APRIL 25, 2018

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Matthews gets 65 years minimum The daughter of the victim put a picture of her mother, Rebecca Rawson, and herself on an easel as she talked about her loss.

BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

BRADENTON – Eugene Matthews will likely spend the rest of his life in prison for the shooting death of Rebecca Rawson on Jan. 10, 2017.

On Thursday, April 19, Judge Brian Iten sentenced the 84-year-old Parrish resident to life in prison with a 25-year minimum for felony seconddegree murder with a firearm.

He also sentenced him to 30 years on each of two counts of felony attempted murder in the second degree with a firearm. Each count also had a 25-year minimum attached to it.

Rawson’s daughter, Kathryn, who was with her mother when she was mortally

TIFFANY TOMPKINS | POOL PHOTOGRAPHER

From left, Kathryn Rawson put a picture of her and her mother on an easel while she talked about her mother's convicted killer, Eugene Matthews. wounded by a gunshot, spoke before the sentencing decision was read.

“You have taken away a beautiful woman, my mother, my everything,” Rawson said after she took the witness stand. “I will never feel her kiss my head or call me her honey bunny.”

After she returned to her seat, she was heard sobbing.

Matthews took the stand,

saying any sentence would be a death sentence to him because of his age. He alleged the incident started as a home invasion.

According to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, on the day of the shooting, Rebecca Rawson, her daughter and brother-in-law, Rodney, were driving to Matthews’ home in Parrish to pick up Rawson’s dog, which Matthews had been

watching. When she pulled up to the house she was greeted

by Juanita Sills, who also lived in the home. Rodney Rawson called for the dog, which came running outside. Rodney Rawson picked up the dog and headed toward the car.

Matthews then emerged from the house and fired two rounds from a pistol into the air. He fired a third round toward the car and it hit Rebecca

Rawson in the face. The vehicle subsequently backed up and crashed into a gate. Rodney Rawson tried to get the pistol out of Matthews’ hand and another round was fired before the incident ended.

At the hearing, Matthews call Kathryn Rawson a “spoiled brat” who got her mother killed. He said Rebecca Rawson was hit by a bullet that ricocheted.

Matthews called the court a “kangaroo court” and talked about how he felt his home was being invaded and he had to stand his ground, referring to a law that allows people to use force to protect their property.

Matthews then talked about his military duty where he earned two Purple Hearts and two Silver Stars and spilled two gallons of his blood.

After Iten announced the sentence, Matthews was returned to jail. He has 30 days to appeal.

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OPINION

The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper Island Sun Plaza, 9801 Gulf Drive P.O. Box 1189 Anna Maria, FL 34216-1189 Phone: (941) 778-3986 e-mail: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com

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APRIL 25, 2018

Island community comes together for West Coast Surf Shop

BY JANAE RUDACILLE

April 15, 2018, will go down as one of the worst days in Jim and Ronee Brady’s life. And, honestly, in the lives of many on Anna Maria Island.

What started as a regular Sunday morning, ended with a horrific electrical fire, ruining everything that possibly was West Coast Surf Shop. The fire has left the shop almost unrecognizable on the inside.

Everything is burned, disintegrated, and covered in black soot. We know the shop had insurance. However, we also know insurance doesn’t cover everything, and they don’t know how long it will be before any money comes their way. Not to mention the months and months of having to be closed, lost wages, and jobless employees. This literally was the Bradys’ livelihood.

Jim opened Florida’s oldest surf shop in 1964 and it has become an iconic staple on Anna Maria Island.

CAROL WHITMORE | SUBMITTED

Jim and Ronee at the shop from way back in the day.

If you’ve ever been in the shop, you know that chances are you will be greeted with Jim stationed by the sunnies (maybe eating some M&Ms or a chocolate muffin), and Ronee working her magic behind the counter with her hair always perfectly

placed .

They are the dynamic duo. I worked for Jimbo and Ronee for more than eight years at WCSS, and they became my family. I lived on top of the shop when I was 4 with my mother, Carol Whitmore, for many

Take The Sun Survey on Page 7.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Support your local surf shop An Island institution of 54 years had a devastating fire that melted away over five decades of Island history.

West Coast Surf Shop owners Jim and Ronee Brady had been on the east coast for their grandson Giorgio Gomez's surf competition.

When they arrived home five hours later, surf shop staff had as much under control as could be. They got 30 customers out with no injuries and our community was there when Jim and Ronee arrived.

I shopped there at 14 years old, was a member of their softball team at the community center, helped out when they went out of town, had my Island wedding at Roser Church with bridesmaids and groomsmen dressed in surf shop attire with Jim and Ronee in my wedding, shared baby showers together, my daughter, Janae Rudacille, was employed at the shop for eight years and Janae and I lived on top of the shop for many years.

years. Everyone who knows them truly loves them. We are all devastated. As a community we need to come together and show the Bradys we are here for them.

Everyone has been asking how to help. Unfortunately, we can’t all band together and go in with our work boots and clean it up. So, this GoFundMe page is the best alternative. The Bradys would NEVER ask for this. But, luckily for them, sometimes others know what’s best in a time of trauma and uncertainty. This is a time for everyone who wants to do something for them, to donate in any little way we can. We want to show them the love, and that we are all here for them to help them get through this tragic time. We love you Ronee, Jim, Brandi, Giorgio and Izzi.

Long live the old West Coast Surf Shop and here’s to new dreams and new memories. #westcoaststrong.

Thank you in advance to all of you.

Jim and Ronee have had the Island surf shop open seven days a week, 363 days a year for 54 years!

Many Islanders have contacted them and offered a hand. You will find them at the shop, outside, trying to regroup through the insurance and break of business issues cropping up by the minute. A GoFundMe account has been started on Facebook to help them get through the unexpected expenses.

Almost daily, a local restaurant drops off a meal for them.

Please consider contributing or just going by and letting our oldest surf shop in Florida know we have their backs.

Carol Whitmore Holmes Beach

Chamber says thanks vols The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce wishes to thank everyone who attended and participated in the 2018 Beach’N Food Truck & Music

Festival this year. It was a great event with perfect Chamber of Commerce weather. Our sincere thanks go out to the many volunteers who helped and are required to put together an event of this size, and whose assistance help make the festival possible. A very special thank you to CrossPointe Fellowship Church for all of their hours, volunteerism and constant support of our Chamber and our Chamber events.

Hats off to all of you!

Terry Kinder Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce

A sense of community We have been coming to the Island for about 10 years, finally purchasing a home last April. One of the first people to befriend us was Kim Rash, or as he is affectionately known, "Kentucky Kim".

What has historically drawn people to this beautiful Island was its charm, low-key vibe, and sense of commu-

nity. With the building of the big box homes, that serenity and sense of community is rapidly being destroyed.

Not only is Mr. Kim Rash a true friend who would give or help you with anything you need, he is a vanishing breed...a man of his word. His word and his handshake is all that is needed. Kim has worked tirelessly for all of us who live on Holmes Boulevard and all of Holmes Beach as he knows no stranger. Kim has only the best interests of the Island and its residents in mind. He fears, and I believe rightfully so, that the interests of the residents are being overlooked in favor of short-term rental owners and tourists.

This is a community, not a resort. The quality of life that brought the residents here initially is being compromised. Kim's voice is needed.

I sincerely hope he runs for a city government position. He certainly has our vote.

Toni Kennedy Holmes Beach

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APRIL 25, 2018

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THE SUN SURVEY

ON THE AGENDA

PREVIOUS QUESTION: Will you vote for or against the proposed Constitutional amend-

ANNA MARIA

ment to ban oil and gas drilling in Florida's coastal waters?

10005 GULF DRIVE

April 26, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting For information, call 7086130

7

WAVES meeting May 3, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting For information, call 7781005

HOLMES BEACH 5801 MARINA DRIVE

BRADENTON BEACH 107 GULF DRIVE N.

April 25, 10 a.m. – CIP workshop April 25, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting May 2, 9:30 a.m. – CRA meeting May 2, 11 a.m. – Pier Team meeting May 2, 1 p.m. – Scenic

April 26, 6 p.m. – City Commission work session May 2, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautification Committee meeting May 2, 6 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting May 6, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting For information, call 7085800

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOTE: EVENTS ARE FREE UNLESS INDICATED.

63%

I will vote for it.

37%

I will vote against it.

THE SUN SURVEY IS NOT A SCIENTIFIC POLL AND IS USED FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY.

THIS WEEK’S SURVEY

• I approve. Let's get it built asap.

What do you think of FDOT's

• I don't approve. It's just too big and

choice of a 65-foot high bridge to

will ruin the Village of Cortez.

replace the Cortez drawbridge.

To vote, go to www.amisun.com or scan this code to vote by smartphone.

LIKE us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun View The Sun’s online edition at www.issuu.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun

Editor/CEO Mike Field Layout Ricardo Fonseca Reporters Cindy Lane Tom Vaught Joe Hendricks

Kristin Swain Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis Ad director Chantelle Lewin Ad assistants Chris Boniberger Dianne Martin

Classified ads Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Digital/Social Media Editor Cindy Lane Accounting John Reitz

APRIL 25

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

Beach Market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information call 941-518-4431.

Coloring Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, noon.

Gentle chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, noon.

Chess Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 4 p.m.

Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce April Business Card Exchange, Anna Maria Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 5 p.m., $5 per member or $10 per prospective member.

Ambassadogs info station, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 5:30 p.m.

THURSDAY

The Anna Maria Island Sun staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field

WEDNESDAY

APRIL 26

Distribution Bob Alexander Tony McNulty Connor Field Contributors Pat Copeland Steve Borggren Sean Murphy Monica Simpson

Veteran Services Information, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m.

Zumba and mat pilates for seniors, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 10 a.m., $10 per class.

Reserve to maryannbrady@ theparadisecenter.org or 941-383-6493.

Green Explorers: Sampling the Preserve, Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee

Ave. W., Bradenton, 10 a.m.

Reserve to 941-742-5757 ext.4 or coral.bass@mymanatee.org.

Quilting, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

ACBL open pairs duplicate bridge, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 1 p.m., $11 per game with coffee and snacks provided.

Reserve to 941-216-9600 or sjbrill@aol.com.

Jam in the Sand, Anna Maria Island Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

Bingo, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, 6 to 9 p.m.

FRIDAY APRIL 27

Sunrise shutter stroll, Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 8:30 a.m. Reserve to 941-7425757 ext. 9.

NEST Nature Days, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Cheese making, The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 10 a.m., $38.

Intermediate bridge session, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., $10, SEE CALENDAR, PAGE 35

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APRIL 25, 2018

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APRIL 25, 2018

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KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Chief Tom Sousa, right, discusses the terms of his new employment contract with West Manatee Fire Rescue District commissioners.

WMFR’s Chief signs on for three more years West Manatee Fire Rescue commissioners and Chief Tom Sousa reached an agreement to keep him in place as the district’s leader for three more years.

BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER

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BRADENTON – Tom Sousa is staying put as West Manatee Fire Rescue’s chief, at least for three more years.

During an April meeting, Sousa presented commissioners with a proposed contract extending his employment with the district as its chief through April 30, 2021. His current contract expires April 30.

“I’d just like to hear that you’d like to stay,” Commissioner George Harris said to Sousa, who responded with an enthusiastic “yes.”

Under the new agreement, which goes into effect May 1, Sousa will receive a raise and an additional two weeks of vacation time. Commissioners quickly agreed to the terms, voting unanimously in favor of retaining Sousa.

“If you’re happy, I’m happy,” Commissioner Al Robinson said.

“I’m just happy we’re going to get a few more years out of you,” Commissioner Randy Cooper said.

“Chief, thank you for staying for three more years,” Commissioner David Bishop said.

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APRIL 25, 2018

Giving Challenge aids nonprofits There are 10 local non-profits participating in the Giving Challenge.

BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

On May 1, at noon, people will have 24 hours to go online at www.

GivingPartnerChallenge.org and donate money to their favorite cause or causes at the 2018 Giving Challenge.

Serving more than 625 nonprofits in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties, the Giving Challenge doesn’t include every nonprofit or charity in the four counties. Each organization had to demonstrate transparency by developing an indepth profile that is available at www.

TheGivingPartner.org . The Giving Partner lists its programs, leaders, planning and financials. It also lists what project or projects it has planned for the donations.

The Anna Maria Island Historical Society is one of the non-profits that is eligible for donations. President Lynn Brennan said there is a worthy project in mind. “Belle Haven Cottage needs windowsills and paint,� she said. “The wood is rotting, and the paint is flaking and falling off the walls.�

Brennan said Belle Haven is historically important as the older homes on the Island are torn down and replaced by vacation rentals. She said they want to preserve the house for people can see how life was in the

past.

Ed Straight and his wife, Gail, have been operating Wildlife, Inc. in Bradenton Beach for 31 years, He said they need new doors on their cages, and they need to make repairs from Hurricane Irma damage and for day-to-day operations. “The cost of food for the animals has gone up because some of the animals need specialized food,� he said. “We used to get donations from a yearly blood drive, and when that ended, the Giving Challenge became very important to us.�

The Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra has survived 25 years, relying on ticket sales, two fundraisers and donations to operate the county’s only chorus and symphony orchestra.

Member Mary Bell said, “The Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra (AMICCO) has been performing beautiful music and fostering the development of our area's young musicians for 25 years. To do this, we rely heavily on fundraisers and donations. Several of the events we've relied on in the past for funding have recently been discontinued, making the 2018 Giving Challenge even more critical to AMICCO's future.

"We're thankful to the Sarasota Community Foundation and The Patterson Foundation for this great opportunity, and we're working hard to spread the word about the Giving Challenge so current and future patrons can take advantage of it and

help AMICCO keep the music coming!

The Giving Challenge is sponsored by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County with additional support by The Patterson Foundation, as well as support from Manatee Community Foundation, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, and the Herald-Tribune Media Group.

This year, each donation of $25 or more will be matched by the sponsors up to $100.

Ten groups from Anna Maria Island or Cortez are listed for donations. They are: • Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra (AMICCO); • Anna Maria Island Historical Society; • The Center of Anna Maria Island; • Artist’s Guild of Anna Maria Island; • Cortez Village Historical Society Incorporated; • Florida Institute of Saltwater Heritage Inc.; •Friends of Manatee County Animal Services Inc.; • Friends of the Florida Maritime Museum; • Longboat Key Center for Healthy Living Inc. (dba The Paradise Center); • Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, Inc.

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www.amisun.com

APRIL 25, 2018

THE SUN

Code enforcement moves outside for community forum Holmes Beach Code Enforcement officers took the party outside for a community forum, deciding to host their informational session at city field instead of inside city hall.

The forum, attended by more than a dozen people, featured a demonstration of how law enforcement officers use noise meters to record sound levels when responding to a complaint, as well as discussions on how light along the shoreline can adversely affect sea turtles and how to help protect honey bees. Representatives from Waste Pro and Bins Be Clean also were on-hand to discuss how their services work and give demonstrations using their trucks. Refreshments were provided by the Holmes Beach Police Department and Small Town Creamery.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Clockwise from above, Bob Baublitz of Waste Pro introduces gathered community members to one of its new fleet of trucks, a collection vehicle that runs on natural gas instead of gasoline. Holmes Beach Commissioner Judy Titsworth learns about beekeeping from local honey maker Eva Ionita. CJ Hahn with Synergy Lighting discusses how using the right amber or red lighting in shaded fixtures during sea turtle season can make the difference between life and death for hatchlings searching for the water at night. Rather Welch, one of the owners of service Bins Be Clean, discusses how the service cleans trash bins using pressure washing apparatus on their truck and little to no chemicals.

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Funding request supported On April 12, the Anna Maria City Commission joined the Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach commissions in supporting The Center of Anna Maria Island’s request for $100,000 in County Commission-controlled surplus beach concession revenues. The Anna Maria Commission’s support was contingent on a previously-presented

resolution that ensures transparency with the city regarding the Center’s financial and operational records.

If approved by county commissioners, the Center will use the county funds to purchase exercise equipment, remodel restrooms and repair and maintain its athletic fields.

APRIL 25, 2018

www.amisun.com

APRIL 25, 2018

THE SUN

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Mayors disagree over the need for license plate recognition technology A request for surplus concession funds is moving forward without a line item for a proposed license plate recognition system on Anna Maria Island.

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

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ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Mayors and commissioners from all three Island cities have been working on a list of projects to submit to Manatee County for surplus concession fund use. The one project they haven’t been able to agree on is the use of concession funds for $50,000 in initial costs for a license plate recognition (LPR) camera system.

After a lengthy debate at the April Coalition of Barrier Islands Elected Officials meeting, the three mayors agreed to remove the project from the concession funds ask list. Without the line item for the license plate recognition system, the list had already been approved by a vote from Anna Maria city commissioners. The list passed with Bradenton Beach commissioners April 19. Now the amended list needs to pass a vote from Holmes Beach commissioners April 24, after press time for The Sun, to move forward for consideration by Manatee County commissioners.

Though it takes agreement from the leaders of all three Island cities to request use of the more than $1.2 million in concession funds, access to the money is restricted

by Manatee County commissioners who have the final say regarding what projects can be funded and how much financial support those projects will get from the fund.

Manatee County commissioners

also have the right to refuse the entire list of projects from the Island cities and use the concession funds for other county projects.

“This is a wish list,” Holmes Beach Commissioner Carol Soustek said of the project list.

Though she agrees with the proposal for the LPR system on the Island, she said she doesn’t want to hold up submittal of the list because of the $50,000 ask.

One person who didn’t agree with the funding of an LPR system is Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy.

Murphy worries that the system will lead to a data breach, compromising the private information of residents and visitors or lead to abuse by local law enforcement with people’s comings and goings being monitored.

“This is a scary thing to develop without knowing what the implications are,” he said.

He added he would like to have a discussion on the architecture of the system and its databases before continuing talks about funding the project.

The proposal for the system, from Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer, would have eight cameras installed at different points on the Island, two on the west end of the Anna Maria Island Bridge, two on the west end of the Cortez Bridge, two at 27th Street near the Holmes Beach/Bradenton Beach border, one on East Bay Drive and another one monitoring southbound traffic on Gulf Drive near the Beach House restaurant.

Tokajer said the positioning of cameras on the Island would be almost identical to the positioning planned for the same proposed system to replace the aging one on Longboat Key. The Vigilant system takes two

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy voices his concerns about privacy if a license plate recognition system is installed on Anna Maria Island. photos as vehicles pass – one of the license plate and one of the vehicle. The driver is not photographed. If an active alert is out on the vehicle, such as an expired tag, warrant for the owner’s arrest or a silver or amber alert, a notification is sent to law enforcement officers along with the two photos taken by the system.

Officers can then use the multidirectional cameras to determine which way on the Island the vehicle went. In the event of a crime, such as a robbery or an attack, officers can query the system’s records to see what vehicles passed the camera locations during a certain time period and which direction they went in.

The only data the system records are the two photos taken of the vehicle as it passes camera locations.

SEE LPR, PAGE 20

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APRIL 25, 2018

Anna Maria says goodbye to Bert Harris The city of Anna Maria has settled its Bert Harris claims without a court battle or monetary settlements.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria is settling its last remaining Bert Harris claims.

City Attorney Becky Vose presented three Bert Harris settlement claim counter offers to Anna Maria Commissioners on April 12.

“I’m very happy to say these are the last ones. Once this gets done, we’re finished,” Vose told the commission.

The commission voted 5-0 in favor of the counter offers proposed for a vacation rental at 201 South Bay Blvd and another for two claims at 513 N. Bay Blvd.

Because she lives next door, Commissioner Carol Carter recused herself from voting on the settlement counter offer for the vacation rental at 237 Willow Ave owned by William and Nedra Townley.

The commission approved the settlement offer 4-0.

Regarding 201 South Bay Blvd., the written claim information presented to commissioners says the property owner, AMI Bayfront LLC, was demanding six persons per bedroom in each of the three two-bedroom units and eight persons in each of the two three-bedroom units.

Vose’s recommendation said, “Offer two persons per bedroom plus two

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

From left, the owner of this vacation rental property on South Bay Boulevard has been offered a maximum occupancy of 34 rental guests. The owner of this vacation rental property on North Bay Boulevard has been offered at maximum occupancy of 14 guests. persons for each unit subject to I). Confirmation that number of units and/or bedrooms have not been increased since building first built.

II). Inspection to confirm the number of units and bedrooms, with a maximum of 34 persons in structure.”

Regarding 513 North Bay Blvd, owned

by Mighty Palm LLC, Vose wrote, “In settlement of both claims, the city of Anna Maria offers a variance from the vacation rental ordinance to permit a maximum of 14 overnight guests if a six-bedroom house is built. In the event a six-bedroom house is not built, then the owner shall have the right to apply under the vacation rental ordinance for a maximum occupancy of two overnight guests

per bedroom or second living area, plus an addition two guests, not to exceed a total of 14 overnight guests, and the city shall grant such occupancy.”

On April 18, Vose was asked about the recent offers and the status of all previous settlement offers as well.

“All were accepted. We are just still waiting on a few executions, but for all practical purposes they are done,” she said.

In 2016 and early 2017 the city received 112 Bert Harris claims from property owners who sought greater vacation rental occupancy limits than the maximum of eight persons per rental property allowed by the vacation rental ordinance commissioners adopted in

2015.

Named after its sponsoring state legislator, the Bert J. Harris, Jr. Private Property Rights Protection Act was adopted as state law in 1995. It allows property owners to file claims seeking compensation to offset property value that has been diminished by a governmental action.

The deadline to file a vacation rental ordinance-related Bert Harris claim in Anna Maria expired in early 2017. The city has settled all its claims by granting occupancy exceptions. This city has not had to make any monetary settlements, and none of the claims had to be settled in court.

APRIL 25, 2018

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The pros and cons of raising the homestead exemption An increase in the homestead exemption state-wide might be positive from some property owners and produce a higher tax bill for others.

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

FLORIDA – A state constitutional amendment will be on the November ballot that will have an impact on the amount of taxes residential property owners pay if passed by voters.

The proposed amendment would increase the homestead tax exemption by $25,000, pushing the exemption up from $50,000 to $75,000, excluding school district taxes. Currently, a homesteaded property with an assessed value of $200,000 receives a $50,000 exemption, meaning that tax percentages are only applied to $150,000 of

the home’s value. If the amendment, known as Amendment 1, passes with Florida voters, as of Jan. 1, 2019, that same property would only be taxed on $125,000 of its assessed value. If the measure doesn’t curry favor with voters, the homestead exemption will remain at $50,000.

The way Florida’s current homestead exemption works is first that it applies only to homes that are the primary residence for their owners. Secondly, the $50,000 exemption is a combined amount from two previous amendments to the state constitution.

The first amendment, from 1980, exempts the assessed value of a home between $0 and $25,000 from property taxes, excluding school taxes. The second constitutional amendment, made in 2008, exempts the assessed value of a home between $50,000 and $75,000, resulting in a maximum combined amount of $50,000.

If the proposed constitutional amendment passes, the assessed value of a home between $125,000 and $150,000 will also be exempted, creating a maximum exemption of $75,000 for homeowners.

While lowering the amount of assessed value homesteaded residents pay sounds good in theory, one possible outcome is that local municipalities will have to raise ad-valorem tax rates to make up for the loss of funds.

Because Manatee County is not considered fiscally-constrained by the state, neither the county nor its municipalities would receive state funds to help make up the loss in tax revenue, the primary source of income for local governments.

To compensate for the loss, local governments would be faced with a decision – cut budgets or increase tax rates to make up for revenue shortfalls.

A cut in budgets could mean decreased government-supported services

for residents. An increase in the tax rate could mean homesteaded property owners would be paying the same amount even with the homestead increase or that other property owners, including businesses, rental properties, and vacation rentals, would pay more in taxes to make up the difference in revenue.

In Holmes Beach alone, Scott Tussing with the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office estimates the city would lose $28,524,343 in value if the proposed amendment passes with voters. That would equal an estimated loss of revenue for the city of $64,179.77, using the 2016 millage rate as a guide. It would be up to city leaders to determine how to best make up the lost revenue.

Florida voters will get to have their say on whether or not to increase the homestead exemption when Amendment 1 appears on ballots Nov. 6 or earlier if a special election is called.

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THE SUN

www.amisun.com

APRIL 25, 2018

www.amisun.com

APRIL 25, 2018

THE SUN

17

Uncle George the fashion plate

BY SEAN MURPHY SPECIAL TO THE SUN

M

y uncle George generally looked like he had fallen off the back of a lobster boat and then rolled around in a barn.

He wore a battered 7-up cap, a grubby grey sweatshirt and green dungarees tucked into the tops of his rubber boots.

The boots had battled in the trenches of horse poop Uncle George had trucked onto his suburban front lawn. The poop was for his blueberry farm.

He only created the farm to drive his suburban neighbors to madness.

George kept his look for Sunday mass. He always barreled into church late, lurched into the front pew, glared down the priest and then crossed his booted legs and snapped open his newspaper.

The snap of that paper said it all.

Uncle George had made a minor fortune developing Nova Scotia’s 7up distributorship.

As a teenage entrepreneur, George started selling 7up at hockey games and then graduated to hustling cases to bootleggers.

Occasionally he had to dress up for business trips to Boston and New York.

I was about 10 when I discovered that George had a closet full of English-tailored suits and monogrammed shirts.

I found his marvelous wardrobe while in earnest search of more carnal wonders.

The older cousins had told us that George stashed his Playboys under his shirts.

Father Pepperoni was the junior priest in our little parish.

He was in charge of the altar boys, and so he was the priest who heard most of our confessions.

It was those Playboys under George’s shirts that ran me afoul of Father Pepperoni.

I knew looking at George’s Playboys was a sin because it felt sinful.

I had to rid myself of the guilty burden on my soul in the confessional.

By the age of 10 my confessions had fallen into a comfortable ritual.

“Bless me father for I have sinned.” Then I recited the same old misdemeanors.

“I told a lie twice. I hit my sister twice. I stole candy from my brother.”

Father would penalize me with 10 Hail Mary’s and rattle off the absolution prayer.

Five minutes in the pew murmuring my penance prayers and I was clean and up and out.

My problem was that George’s Playboys did

not fit the pattern. They were not your run of the mill 10-Hail-Mary’s kind of sin.

I was not certain exactly what commandment I had broken, but I did not care to get into the details.

In religious class – every morning from 9 to 9:30 – the sisters went through all the possible permutations of breaking every one of the commandments.

We spent weeks on the seventh commandment learning about different types of theft and how stealing McGillicuddy’s peaches was not as bad as armed robbery.

We went over the hundreds of ways you could take the Lord’s name in vain and bearing false witness.

But when the good sisters got to the sixth commandant there was just a lot of awkward silence and out-to-recess.

We figured out that number six was about the sins of the flesh, but the sisters were not forthcoming with any details.

I determined that what my cousins and I had done by poking around in George’s Playboys was a sin against number six.

That particular confession was the first confession of the school year, and I was a little out of practice having sinned with impunity all summer vacation.

I launched into the same old litany.

“I told a lie twice. I hit my sister twice. I stole

my brother’s candy and I committed adultery."

There was a rattling noise as if Father had woken up and slipped in his chair.

He gasped and then blurted, ”You did what?”

It scared me half to death. He had never done anything before but mumble Latin stuff at me.

He was obviously upset.

And then he wanted details. ”What did you do. Who did you do this with?"

I was terrified. I just wanted out of there.

“I dunno Father, I just know I committed adultery.”

And then I was up and moving.

Father was out of the little door on the confessional and coming after me, cassock skirts flying.

“Wait! Wait ! This is serious.”

Not what I wanted to hear.

I took the genuflection at the rear of the church in a slide, splashed myself with some holy water in lieu of a real sign of the cross and disappeared across the front lawn.

He never really caught up to me, and I never did share the details.

Occasionally I caught him watching me with a querulous look.

It might have been awe and wonder.

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THE SUN

APRIL 25, 2018

Holes on beach dangerous to people, turtles

BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com

Holes on the beach are no longer accidents waiting to happen.

Two children recently got trapped in a hole that they dug on the beach, Manatee County beach raker Mark Taylor said. A man jumped in, pushed them out of the hole and got stuck himself before finally making it out.

After trying to fill in the hole, shoveling by hand, Taylor climbed up on the tractor and began using it to fill in the hole.

The tractor got stuck.

One hole he filled in was so big – deeper than the tractor is tall – that it took another tractor and a four-wheeldrive pickup truck to get the tractor out of the hole. When the holes are as deep as the tractor is tall, the tractor could flip over, he said.

And it’s not only the big ones that are dangerous.

“What would happen if you stepped into a small four-foot-deep hole?” he asked. “You can do as much damage with a small, deep hole as a large one.”

About a third of the people he asks to fill in the holes before they leave the beach actually do, Taylor said. When he comes back the next day in the tractor, he finds that people have some-

MARK TAYLOR | SUBMITTED

Small, deep holes can be just as dangerous as big shallow ones to people and sea turtles. times placed chairs around their hole to protect it so they can keep digging in it the next day.

By law, that must stop on May 1, the beginning of the six-month sea turtle nesting and hatching season on the Island.

Chairs and other objects must be removed from the beach at night, and holes, which can trap turtles, must be filled in.

But Suzi Fox, director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, is also worried about people.

Without ordinances in all three Island cities, police can do nothing, even when they spot a dangerous hole in the sand, she said.

Join Sister Keys cleanup Saturday Help clean up the Sister Keys and get a free lunch at Mar Vista during the 7th Annual Sister Keys Cleanup on Saturday, April 28, from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

Meet at Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub, 760 Broadway, Longboat Key, and travel by boat to Sister Keys, the largest undeveloped islands from Tampa Bay to Charlotte Harbor and a Sarasota Bay Watch adopted island.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, developers sought to build the Shangri Isle Club on the mangrove islands. But thanks to the efforts of the Sister Keys Conservancy, the town of Longboat Key purchased the keys in 1992, ensuring their preservation.

From 2007-2011, a $1 million dollar mitigation project removed all invasive flora, replacing them with native species and creating a two-acre wetland. The islands are now

one of the best examples of a thriving native marine environment on the west coast of Florida.

The cleanup includes removing trash and debris from the island and removing invasive plant species like Brazilian peppers to maintain the native grandeur of the key.

Bring your own vessel or sign on as crew to catch a ride on a volunteer boat. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, gloves, sunglasses, water and shoes. The event qualifies for community service hours for students.

Following the cleanup, a complimentary lunch will be provided for volunteers.

If arriving at Mar Vista by car, consider carpooling and park considerately on the streets in Longboat Key Village where parking is allowed. Do not park in the restaurant parking lot.

For more information, call 941-232-2363.

Anna Maria is working on an ordinance, Fox said, suggesting that Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach use the same ordinance to save money on attorney fees and make enforcement standardized Island-wide.

“I think the quicker, the better,” Fox said, since turtle season is only a few days away. “The less obstacles turtles have to work around, the more energy they will save for their nesting duties.”

Other ordinances around the state limit shovels to 14 inches, including the handle, she said.

“It’s surprising how much damage

TURTLE TIPS During sea turtle season, May 1 – Oct. 31, follow these tips: • Turn off lights visible from the beach and close blinds from sundown to sunrise; lights confuse nesting sea turtles and may cause them to go back to sea and drop their eggs in the water, where they won’t hatch. Light can also attract hatchlings away from the water.

• Don’t use flashlights, lanterns or camera flashes on the beach at night.

• Remove all objects from the sand from sundown to sunrise; they can deter sea turtles from nesting and disorient hatchlings.

• Fill in the holes you dig in the sand before leaving the beach; they can trap nest-

you can do with toy shovels,” Taylor said, citing a Panama City ordinance that prohibits metal shovels and imposes a $25 fine for holes bigger than a washtub.

“It used to be young guys on spring break, but this year it’s been more young families with their kids” digging the holes, he said.

This week, Taylor is using the beach rake tractor to smooth out the shoreline to make it easier for nesting turtles to access the beach.

No turtles had nested as of Monday, April 23, Fox said, adding that Turtle Watch volunteers have been scouring the beaches at dawn each morning since April 1.

They have found two snowy plover nests, a threatened species in Florida, and black skimmers – another state threatened species – are starting to nest in Holmes Beach, she said.

Loggerhead turtles, the most common sea turtles on the Island, already are coming ashore to nest on Florida’s east coast, she said, adding that it won’t be long for the west coast girls to arrive here.

Last year’s sea turtle season on the Island was a record, with 488 nests and 25,379 hatchlings that made it to the Gulf of Mexico.

ing and hatching sea turtles, which cannot live long out of the water.

• Don’t use wish lanterns or fireworks; they litter the beach and Gulf.

• Do not trim trees and plants that shield the beach from lights.

• Never touch a sea turtle; it’s the law. If you see people disturbing turtles, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888404-FWCC (3922).

BIRD TIPS During bird nesting season, March through August, please follow these tips: • Never touch a shorebird chick, even if it’s wandering outside a staked nesting area.

• Teach kids not to chase birds – bird parents may abandon nests if they’re disturbed.

• Don’t feed birds – it encourages them to fly at people aggressively and is not good for their health.

• If birds are screeching and flying at you, you’re too close.

• Avoid posted bird nesting areas and use designated walkways to the beach.

• Keep pets away from bird nesting areas.

• Keep the beach clean; food scraps attract predators such as raccoons and crows to the beach, and litter can entangle birds and other wildlife.

• If you see people disturbing nesting birds, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888404-FWCC (3922).

www.amisun.com

APRIL 25, 2018

THE SUN

19

Repairs underway at West Coast Surf Shop Community support rolls in for Jim and Ronee Brady in the wake of an electrical fire that almost destroyed the West Coast Surf Shop.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Jim and Ronee Brady are already speeding down the road to recovery after an April 15 electrical fire devasted their business at the West Coast Surf Shop.

And now, the community is reaching out a helping hand.

As of April 23, a GoFundMe page began by Janae Rudacille has collected more than $7,000 to help rebuild the oldest surf shop on Florida’s Gulf Coast and help both the owners and staff members recover from the tragedy. The fundraiser’s goal is listed as $75,000.

The store, opened by Jim Brady in 1964, has become iconic on Anna Maria Island.

When a transformer on a neon

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Repairs to the West Coast Surf Shop are currently underway with the hopes of the store reopening within three to six months after an April 15 electrical fire. sign malfunctioned, it started an electrical fire that damaged the exterior of the building, the second floor, attic space, and destroyed the Bradys’ merchandise stock.

West Manatee Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Ben Rigney said though the fire was put out within a matter of minutes, damage to the building is estimated at $250,000. The

quick response of the store’s staff and firefighters meant no injuries were reported, and the fire was put out with minimal damage to the structure.

Jim Brady said he and his

wife hope to have the surf shop repaired and up and running in three to six months.

WMFR commissioners agreed unanimously to invite the store’s staff working at the time of the fire to the May commission meeting for a presentation of an award for their quick response and bravery in the situation. During the fire, two store clerks escorted an estimated 30 patrons safely out of the burning building.

“The staff was very proactive,” WMFR Chief Tom Sousa said.

Though Rudacille notes on the fundraiser page that the Bradys have insurance, she said her goal is to give the community a way to rally around the business owners and help support them with unexpected expenses and lost income that insurance may not cover.

For more information on the fundraising campaign, visit https://www.gofundme.com/ west-coast-surf-shop-amp-thebradys.

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APRIL 25, 2018

BRIDGE: Tall bridge chosen for Cortez FROM PAGE 1

FDOT’s decision, but he understands the state wants to have as few traffic interruptions as possible.

He said they have a duty to make sure the new bridge doesn’t impact the entryway to the city, the bike path that goes under the current bridge and Bridgeport condominiums north of the current bridge landing.

“The new bridge would land just north of the current bridge and that would definitely impact Bridgeport Condominiums,” he said. “We need to make sure it would not impact Bradenton Beach negatively.”

Chappie said the tall bridge would be out of style with the city.

“We used to say we were unique because the trees were taller than the buildings but that might not be true anymore with that bridge,” he said.

Chappie said the plans call for an aesthetics committee, like the Anna Maria Island Bridge replacement project.

“We’re going to have to make sure we’re well represented and make sure

the decisions they make are for the betterment of Bradenton Beach and the Island,” he said.

Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore said she also did not like the decision. She pointed out there was a deal made 25 years ago between FDOT and Island elected officials to replace the Anna Maria Island Bridge with a tall, fixed span if they would leave the Cortez Bridge as a medium height drawbridge that would open to boating less than the current bridge because more boats would fit under it.

Longtime Cortez resident Dr. Mary Green said the new bridge would be a fiasco.

“It will close five roads and during storm season, it would have to be closed to traffic sooner in high winds,” she said. “I want to know how much federal funding would go into the project because in 1995, they put a rule in the Federal Register that says you cannot use federal funds to negatively impact historic areas, and Cortez is a historic area.”

Former Manatee County

HOTEL: Coming to One Particular Harbor FROM PAGE 1

SUBMITTED

This photo shows where the new Cortez Bridge will end to the west, next to the Bridgeport condominiums.

Commissioner Jane von Hahmann, a Cortez resident, said she was disappointed in the FDOT decision, but not surprised.

“I hoped and prayed they would decide in favor of Cortez, but it didn’t happen,” she said. “It seems more and more decisions are being made in favor of people who don’t live here.”

Florida Department of Transportation information specialist Zachery Burch said if all the relevant government agencies support it, they would start working on the details to come up with a final plan.

He said the tall bridge would require extra roads to make some businesses accessible and there would

be some benefits.

“It would create more parking and there would be roads on both ends running beneath the bridge connecting the north to the south,” he said. “We might have golf cart lanes or canoe/kayak launching areas and fish cleaning stations.”

He confirmed there would be an aesthetics committee formed in the future with local representatives to decide the decorative details and landscaping.

The tall bridge recommendation now will go to FDOT in Tallahassee for final approval. If it gets the green light, design of the bridge could begin later this year. The project currently is not funded.

“We are thrilled to be partnered with Minto Communities and Margaritaville to create what we are certain will be a landmark destination on Florida’s Gulf Coast,” Angus Rogers said in the press release.

Rogers serves as the chief executive officer of Floridays Development Company.

The free-standing restaurant, a LandShark Bar and Grill, also will be the first on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

LandShark is a Margaritaville brand.

“We are excited to welcome the award-winning development team at Floridays to the Margaritaville family and expand our presence in one of the most desirable Gulf Coast settings,” Jim Wiseman said in the press release. Wiseman is the president of Margaritaville Development.

The hotel and restaurant will join an already planned retail and restaurant space located adjacent to the property’s marina.

The deep-water marina is planned to include 128 dry boat slips, 55 wet slips, a

ships store and live entertainment along with retail spaces.

The 220-acre private community has several residential neighborhoods with Margaritaville being just one of them. The Margaritaville segment, located closest to the marina site, features 132 two and three-bedroom units with a Margaritavilleinspired design inspired by the songs and lifestyle of Jimmy Buffet.

Units are available for purchase from the high $400,000s, some with views of Anna Maria Island Sound. Each neighborhood has its own pool and amenities with access available for residents to the Harbor Sound clubhouse and beach.

Model units are available for viewing during sales center hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The development is located at 12300 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

For information, contact Minto at 1-888-827-3061 or visit www.OPHMintoUSA.

LPR: Mayors disagree over the need FROM PAGE 13

That data is kept for a period determined by a set of parameters created during system set up. Tokajer said while the system will be available to the Manatee County Sherriff’s Office, Bradenton Police, Bradenton Beach Police and Longboat Key Police, access to searches and other query functions will be limited to ensure there’s no abuse of the system. He said each officer accessing the system will have to log in and specify why a query is being conducted and what the officer is looking for.

“If you are a normal citizen and your driver’s license or registration isn’t expired, your vehicle isn’t stolen and there are no warrants out for your arrest, then you have nothing to worry about with this system,” Tokajer said.

He added the system works the same way as LPR systems on Longboat Key, at local airports and on Florida’s toll roads, recording the exact same information.

“If you’ve ever driven across the Sunshine Skyway Bridge or across Longboat Key, that information’s already been recorded,” he said.

Murphy said his primary concern is that the system creates a database he feels may not be necessary and the possibility of a way for hackers to gain access to information through the Vigilant system and the state-wide and national systems it interfaces with and receives alerts from. He said he fears inadvertently opening a digital back door into other systems that could lead to a massive data breach before the hack was ever discovered.

“It’s the interfaces that kill you,” he said.

Longboat Key Mayor George Spoll said while his city’s current system isn’t as effective as city leaders would like, there have been no data breaches to contend with. He said the current system with five cameras is operating at about 40 percent. The city is current-

ly looking into replacing the system with an eight-camera Vigilant system.

“The architecture needs to be understood along with the connectivity between systems,” Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson said. “I am comfortable with pursuing that before we actually spend money on the dang thing.”

“We all need more information,” Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie said. While he said he’s in favor of putting cameras at Island access points, he shares Murphy’s concerns that eight total cameras might be too much, and he would like to do more research before agreeing to project funding.

With the concession funds off the table for now, City Engineer Lynn Burnett said other funds, including gas tax monies, are available to the project.

Including startup costs and monitoring, Tokajer estimates the eight-camera system will cost about $140,000 for five years. If Bradenton Beach city leaders dismiss the project but Holmes Beach

commissioners want to move forward, he’s also looking into a five-camera system that would be located entirely within that city. No camera locations are planned for Anna Maria.

“I’ve spoken individually with all of my commissioners, and, after addressing their concerns, they’re all in favor of it,” Tokajer said of the project.

Also in favor of the project is Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale.

“I agreed with the plate readers,” he said. “It’s a great tool for law enforcement. Look how it helped solve that murder case over in Longboat Key. We recently had a hit and run here in Bradenton Beach with a pedestrian.

“If we would have had the tag readers we would’ve probably been able to find out who it was,” Speciale said.

“With every tool that involves technology, there’s a chance for abuse. You just have to hope that the people using the technology don’t abuse it.”

APRIL 25, 2018

FOOD & WINE

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Celebrate the Derby in style

Brian Mathae HURRICANE HANKS

W

e recently celebrated our one-year anniversary of living on this beautiful island.

It’s been an incredible experience so far, and the time seems to have clipped past us. Despite dedicating almost every waking moment to the operations of Hurricane Hanks and Hurricane Liquors, I am feeling more and more in tune with the local scene, including the traditions and celebrations. That’s why I couldn’t be more excited to be attending my first ever Kentucky Derby party!

At first thought it seemed odd to me that there would be so much celebration around a two-minute race. One hundred twenty seconds and it’s all over! I heard about the

fancy hats and the cocktails, but that was about it.

While researching the history of the event, I discovered it is the longest running sporting event in the United States. There is probably no other event that is steeped in as much tradition as the Kentucky Derby. Inspired by the Epsom Derby in England and the Grand Prix de Paris Longchamps, Meriwether Lewis Clark set out to create an equally notable race in the states.

On May 17, 1875, the very first Kentucky Derby drew an impressive crowd of 10,000 spectators. Its been run every year since, even during profound times in our history, like both World Wars.

It’s events like these that bring communities together. While the race is the impetus of the celebration, it’s the gathering of friends and family and the traditions that have been born from it that are to be celebrated. Traditions that include Derby hats, seersucker suits, mint

Kentucky Hot Browns Ingredients (8 servings)

• 4 eggs • ¼ c. milk • 8 slices thick cut bread • 10 Tbs. butter • 2 lbs. roast turkey breast, sliced • 2 Tbs. flour • 2 ½ c. heavy cream • ¾ c. grated Swiss cheese • ¼ c. grated Parmesan cheese • Pinch nutmeg • Salt and pepper • 24 slices crisp cooked bacon • Fresh parsley

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Mint juleps and Kentucky hot browns are a perfect pairing for any Kentucky Derby party. julep cocktails and classic food is what is most enjoyable.

We’re in the food and cocktail business, so I asked our Chef Harvey for a suggestion on a special we can run Derby day. His first thought was Kentucky hot browns.

Directions Cheese sauce

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream; bring it to a boil, whisking continuously until the mixture has thickened (about 5 minutes). Whisk in the shredded cheese and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste

Egg-battered bread

Whisk together the eggs, milk and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Dip each slice of bread, allowing bread to remain in the mixture until completely soaked through. Heat 4 tablespoons of butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat

They are delicious and relatively easy to prepare. Similar to the Derby, these sandwiches have a long Kentucky history, having been created at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Ky., in 1926. We will also have plenty of mint juleps on hand.

After all, it is the official drink of the Derby since 1938. And for those who feel mint juleps are a terrible waste of bourbon, we have a great selection of bourbon available at Hurricane Liquors.

and cook 4 slices of bread until golden brown on both sides. Remove the bread, add another 4 tablespoons of butter and sauté remaining 4 slices of bread.

1 ½ c. ice crushed in blender 2 oz. bourbon Club soda

Sandwiches

Peel 2-inch strip of lemon rind and cut into long thin strands. Cut lemon in half and rum lemon around rim of glass to moisten it. Pour sugar on a small plate and dip moist glass rim to coat it evenly with sugar. Pour remaining sugar into glass. Add 4 mint sprigs to the glass and muddle until soft. Fill glass with ice, pour in bourbon and fill to the rim with club soda. Let stand for about 2 minutes until glass is frosty. Garnish with remaining mint sprig and lemon peel strands.

Serve with a straw and additional sugar to taste.

Roll the turkey breast slices and place evenly among the egg-battered bread slices. Pour hot cheese sauce over each slice. Top with 3 slices of bacon and chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Classic Mint Julep Ingredients (1 serving)

1 lemon 2 tsp. sugar 5 fresh mint springs, washed

Directions

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APRIL 25, 2018

Spring training: part 2 Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

L

ast week we discussed some of the exciting opportunities that spring offers. This week I wanted to share some of the special prospects this particular season presents anglers. I was fortunate to get some great information from local fishing legend and guru Captain Scott Moore.

Moore reports that the cooler water temperatures we are experiencing have been great for fishing. One of the main things that should help you catch more fish is that cooler water temperatures translates into finding fish in shallow water. Moore says that trout and snook in particular are foraging in water as shallow as 12 inches. Live bait is relatively easy to come by and very effective, but anglers who can’t find bait or don’t want to should be able to score using top water plugs and flies, according to Moore.

A word of caution on plugs, in particular the treble hooks that adorn them. Be sure to bend down the barbs. You’ll be glad you did because it will make fish and you or a fellow

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Kellan Hunt holds a 28-inch trout that he caught while fishing with his grandfather, Captain Scott Moore. For more on this fishing prodigy go to youtube.com. angler easier to release. Besides barbs aren’t needed if you keep your line tight when fighting a fish. Jigs also will be effective with scented tails being a good option. These artificials will catch snook and trout and are also effective for most every fish that swims local waters including redfish. If SEE REEL TIME, PAGE 24

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Sustained temps improve fishing CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE

We are finally getting some sustained temperatures around our little island. This will make fishing get better and better as we roll on into May. We here at Anna Maria Charters are starting to see a few tarpon showing up. That’s always a good sign. Spotted seatrout fishing remains great, with the average fish being in the 17- to 18-inch range. Spanish mackerel and kingfish are around pretty thick as well.

Offshore, there are lots of blackfin tuna showing up on the wrecks out there. We’ve been getting nice red grouper, mangrove snapper and African pompano as well. We’ve had some nice flat days in the mix, enabling us to push out to the depths that hold these bigger fish.

The dates for American red snapper season were just released. For hire vessels with federal permits get a bit longer season than recreational anglers.

Season starts June 1 and continues to July 22. We really enjoy taking anglers for these fish. They are great fighters and amazing table fare. Give us a shout if you’d like to target these guys.

CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action on several trips recently in Sarasota Bay catching and releasing trout to 20 inches, Spanish mackerel and blues on flies and

CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE | SUBMITTED

Wyatt Turner and Shaw Wacter, from Valdosta, Ga., show off a pair of beautiful American red snapper caught last June with Captain David White, of Anna Maria Charters.

CAL jigs with jerk worms. We fished deep grass flats with clear intermediate sink tip fly lines and jigs on spinning tackle.

Dylan Lewis and Matt Schenk, both from Colorado, had great action catching and releasing trout and Spanish mackerel on Clouser flies on a trip with me in Sarasota Bay on Tuesday. Steve and Doug Sutter, from Sarasota, also had good action with trout, Spanish mackerel and bluefish on Clouser flies and CAL jigs with jerk worms while fishing Sarasota Bay with me on Friday.

Capt. Kevin Wessel and I were the instructors for an IWFA (International Women’s Fishing Association) fly casting clinic on Saturday. Sponsors included CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, Orvis, Simms and Denise Freihofer. Students received fly casting instruction and sharpened their fly casting skills before hitting the water in Boca Grande for a funament next week.

There should be good action with trout, blues, Spanish mackerel, pompano and more on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay. Fishing shallow water for big trout, snook and reds with lures and flies is challenging, although they should also be a good option now.

Fishing dock lights in the ICW at night is always a good option for snook and more. Our natural resources are under constant pressure. Please limit your kill; don’t kill your limit.

Grady-White & Yamaha Sale Save up to $7.5K on a new Grady and get upto 5 years of warranty on a new Yamaha.

6040 Gulf of Mexico Driv v e, Longboat Key | 941-- 383-1311

canno ons.co om

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OBITUARIES

43rd Street Chapel, Bradenton, is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

Alan A. 'Al Tate' Palella Alan A. ‘’Al Tate’’ Palella, 79, Anna Maria, Fla., died April 15, 2018.

Born in Loraine, Ohio, he moved to Tampa, Fla., as a child and then he moved to Anna Maria Island, Fla., in 1973. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and former owner of Bortell’s Lounge on Anna Maria Island.

Predeceased by his parents, Pasquele and Mary (Miller) Palella; his sons, Michael and Anthony; three brothers and two sisters; he is survived by his wife of 40 years, Marie. A celebration of life will be 4 to 7 p.m., Saturday, May 5, 2018 at Bortell’s Lounge, 10002 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory

Craig Alan 'Bub' Buehrer Craig Alan “Bub” Buehrer, 63, passed away peacefully at home from esophageal cancer on March 16, 2018, at 6:20 a.m. He was surrounded by his loving family.

He is survived by his mother, Eunice G. Buehrer, of Bradenton; wife, Camellia Buehrer; son, Calin Buehrer; grandson, Bradley Buehrer; stepson, Matthew Reagan, of St. Augustine; brother, Carlton David Buehrer; and sister-inlaw, Mary Davis-Buehrer, of Sarasota, FL. There are many dear relatives and friends scattered throughout the US. Born in Traverse City, Mich., on June 25, 1954, he moved to Longboat Key in 1960 and lived in the area until moving to St. Augustine in 2001. Craig was an avid fisherman and hunter. He loved music, swimming, Aikido and travel.

He went to Anna Maria Elementary School and was a graduate of Manatee High class of 1972. Craig was a

APRIL 25, 2018

devoted husband, doting father and grandfather, and the best friend anyone could ask for.

In lieu of flowers, donate to Community Hospice (https://www.communityhospice.com)

Lucette Gerry Lucette Gerry, 79, of Anna Maria, went to be with the Lord she loved on Thursday, April 12, 2018. Lucette struggled with dementia for more than 10 years. She also battled breast cancer 11 years ago that recently returned and had metastasized.

Lucette was born in 1938 in Saint-Stanislas-de-Kostka, Quebec Canada, and was one of 10 children of Marie-Ange Legroulx and Orphe Viau. Lucette met her husband, Kenneth Gerry, in Puerto Rico and married in Honolulu, Hawaii. They had two sons and were married for 37 years.

She moved to Anna Maria Island in 1974 and became a U.S. citizen in 1977.

She was the former owner of the White Sands Beach Resort and Tropical Breeze Beach Club for more than 30 years, all while raising two kids and volunteering

at Anna Maria Elementary School. Upon retirement, she began volunteering with local churches. She helped out at St. Bernard Church, did street and prison ministry with Christian Retreat, was part of the Sacred Heart Charismatic and prayer group, helped to teach English to migrant workers and people new to our country with Sister Nora at Project Light in Bradenton, along with many other groups. Lucette was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister, Huguette Viau L’Abbe, and brothers, Jean-Guy Viau, Jean-Claude Viau, Jean-Aime Viau, Gilles Viau, and Andre Viau. Lucette is survived by her two sons, Ken Gerry (wife, Kathy Gerry) and Jeff Gerry (wife, Joy Gerry); two grandsons, Kristopher Gerry and Kevin Gerry; sisters Pierrette Viau, Yvette Viau and Claudette Viau; and many nieces and nephews.

There will be a memorial Mass held at Thursday, April 26, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Bernard Catholic Church. 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made on her behalf to Roskampinstitute.org, a local nonprofit that does treatment and research for dementia.

REEL TIME: Spring training: part 2 you're ngling for redfish, don't forget an old standby, the gold spoon. Spoons are particularly good for fishing shallow water because they’re weedless and won’t get hung up in the grass beds.

Moore also suggests live bait, including shrimp, under a popping cork. For those anglers not familiar with popping corks, the sound and action of the cork attracts reds as well as other species. When they investigate, the bait is presented to them on the proverbial silver plate. I’ve even had reds strike the popping corks.

Moore has also been catching some nice flounder, including a 25-inch flatty”late last week. He suggests anglers concentrate their efforts on the sand adjacent to a healthy grass flat. Live bait and jigs are good options.

Tarpon have been on lots of people’s minds lately with quite a few fish (for this early in the season) showing up along the beaches. In my experience it will be later in the season (mid-May) before there is any reliable tarpon fishing in local waters, but those willing to put in the time have a good chance at seeing a few tarpon.

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IN THE SANCTUARY 10:00 AM Nursery & Church School 8:45 AM Adult Sunday School 9:00 AM Adult Book Study

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512 Pine Ave • Anna Maria

FROM PAGE 22

941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • www.facebook.com/RoserChurch

My advice would be for anglers to station (anchor) their boat on an edge along the beach or a sand bar and be patient.

If you notice a fish or a school taking a track either deeper or more shallow, reposition the boat. Otherwise stay put. The key will be to be prepared. Have rod and bait or fly ready for a quick presentation.

Besides the bay, the Gulf would be an excellent place to prospect. Spanish mackerel, kingfish, big Jack crevalle and cobia are all on the move and will show up on area beaches in the spring.

Target them around schools of bait or

any structure. One great place to explore would be the dredge hole off Anna Maria Island. This trough, dug during a dredging project, will concentrate bait and gamefish. The shallows along the beaches are a good place to find schools of foraging Jacks. A well-placed cast with most any bait or artificial will be effective, but I prefer top water plugs and flies. Whatever you fish for and wherever you go don’t miss out on some of the best spring weather we’ve had in a long time. Good fishing!

APRIL 25, 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

FAMILY FUN At the library The Island Branch Library, at 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, has a number of activities for young and old.

This week’s listings include: • Wednesday, April 25, Coloring Club, noon to 1 p.m.; Chess Club, 4 to 6:30 p.m.

•Thursday, April 26, A veteran's service officer will be available to help, 9 to 11 a.m.; quilting, 10 a..m. to noon.

• Friday, April 27, Forty Carrots, Partners in Play, 10 to 11 a.m.; mah jongg, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

• Saturday, April 28, CPR training, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Call the library at 941-778-6341 for information.

Seniors get together On Friday, April 27, Senior Adventures members will hold their monthly book sale and pot luck lunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Paperback books are 50 cents and hard covers are $1. There are new titles in stock, and the public is welcome. There will also be crafts and jewelry repairs. For information on Senior Adventures, call Kaye Bell at 941-538-0945.

ART Dieter Lau IGW’s May artist Dieter Lau will exhibit his digital art as the May featured artist at Island Gallery West at 5368 Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach.

Lau is an award-winning photographer working both in traditional and

non-traditional methods. He is best known for his experimentation of 3-D design by taking reality and transforming it into fantasy Lau’s journey began in Berlin, Germany, where he worked as an architectural contractor until he moved to the U.S. in 2000. He has a keen appreciation of historical buildings using lines and shapes to bring the past into the present. Another of his interests is photographing motorcycles where he uses software programs to recreate his masterpieces. Lau’s work is available in limited edition and custom sizing.

Regular gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through. For more information, visit www.islandgallerywest. com, Facebook or call 941-778-6648 .

NATURE Kids sample estuary kitchen Green Explorers between six and 12 years old are invited to Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W, Bradenton, from 10 a.m. to noon to sample foods found there. Using hands-on discovery and the participants’ own creativity, attendees will have a chance to play in nature. Green Explorers is a low structure, highly social and experienced based activity. Reservations are required by emailing coral.bass@ mymanatee.org or calling 941-7425757, ext.4.

Enjoy morning nature photography Join the Manatee County Parks and Recreation Department on a shutter stroll through Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W, Bradenton, on Friday, April 27, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Bring a camera to catch the birds and land and water-based critters as they start another day. Learn tips and tricks for

shooting wildlife, landscapes and the play of morning light over the lagoon.

This program is suitable for adults.

Reservations are required by calling 941-742-5757, ext. 9.

Explore the NEST The Manatee County Parks and Recreation Department’s new Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science and Technology (NEST) at Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, is proving popular with naturalists of all ages. The next opportunity to explore is will be from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. on Friday, April 27.

Walk the grounds of the historic Reasoner Tract and observe botanical giants collected from around the world. Explore the canopy boardwalk among the banyans, climb to the top of the crow's nest, take in breathtaking panorama views and make an exciting exit from the building via a slide. Learn about upcoming programs and new additions to Robinson Preserve.

This program is suitable for all ages; no reservations required. For more information, call 941-742-5923, ext. 6039.

Robinson Preserve by wagon Robinson Preserve at 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, is massive and one great way to explore it is by a countyowned wagon. There will be an opportunity to do so on Saturday, April 28, from 9 to 10 a.m. These special tours provide access to portions of the preserve that normally would take 30 to 45 minutes to reach by foot. A naturalist tour guide will interpret the land's history, habitat, wildlife, and plants.

This program is suitable for all ages.

Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The county recommends arriving 15 minutes in advance and meet at the wooden ramp near the screened-in pavilion.

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Try kayaking The Manatee County Parks and Recreation Department is offering an opportunity to try kayaking for the first time at Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton, on Saturday, April 28, from 9 a.m. to noon.

WayneAdventures will give a threehour class during which students will explore the marshes and mangroves of the preserve with time enough to try out kayaking and get some coaching, too. For those interested in learning how to load a kayak on your car, a demo will follow. This program is suitable for adults who can meet the County's minimum eligibility requirements . Ten kayaks and gear are available from the county’s West Coast Inland Navigation District-funded fleet on a first-come first-served basis. All participants must wear a life jacket.

Reservations are required. Call 941742-5757 ext. 7.

Blacksmithing class offered The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, is offering a much anticipated blacksmithing class where students will make their own hand-forged BBQ tools, led by Leslie Tharp, a Gainesville-based metal artist, on Saturday, May 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Learn how to work step by step to taper, twist, rivet hot metal together to create a complete BBQ set. This workshop is open to students 18 years of age or older. No prior blacksmithing experience is needed. The class will be held outside. Students need to bring: lunch, water, and wear proper clothing (cotton based clothing, denim pants, and closed toed shoes).

The class fee is $250 and pre-registration is required. Visit FloridaFolkSchool.org to register.

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No diving?

The "No Diving" sign on the humpback bridge over Lake LaVista inlet in Anna Maria didn't hold much water with these 10 young visitors, who spent part of Saturday afternoon leaping from the bridge railing.

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START fund-raiser Sunday night’s Earth Day event at the Studio at Gulf and Pine raised money to sustain START’s (Solutions to Avoid Red Tide) Gulf Coast Oyster Recycle and Renewal (GCORR)Program.

The program takes used oyster shells from restaurants to build new oyster reefs in local waters.

The fund-raiser attracted a full house and rave reviews from participants who dined on sustainable seafood and other selections prepared by Chefs

from the BeachHouse, Mar Vista and Sandbar restaurants.

The program keeps used shells out of landfills and eliminates the need to excavate and pay for fossil shells. The shells that are collected when placed in local waters yield 19 percent more new oysters than fossil shells. Besides the GCORR project, START is a leader in efforts to cleanup and sustain area waters. For more information visit their website at start1.org.

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Above, Ed Chiles’ general manager Robert Baugh explains the GCORR program to the audience. At left, Ed Chiles and Sandy Gilbert, CEO of START. Below, from left, chefs are Erik Walker, Mar Vista; Rich Demarse, Sandbar; and Will Manson, BeachHouse.

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REAL ESTATE

APRIL 25, 2018

Faux housing Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER

W

e hear about a lot of fakes and things that are not genuine these days, so much in fact that sometimes it’s impossible to separate the faux from the real. However, up to now, we were always able to tell a real house from a faux one, but that’s all changing and maybe for the good.

Food, water and shelter are basic human needs that must be met before anything else is considered. Never-the-less, the world we live in is without adequate housing according to a report by the World Resources Institute’s Ross Center for Sustainable Cities. There is, however, a new Austin, Texas, based startup called ICON that is unveiling

its approach to combating this shortage in housing by using low cost 3D printing.

ICON has developed a method for printing a single story 650 square foot house out of cement in only 12 to 24 hours, a fraction of the time it takes for new construction.

The company has partnered with New Story, a nonprofit vested in international housing solutions, and it is planning a community of 100 homes in El Salvador.

Using a Vulcan printer, ICON can print an entire home for $10,000, with plans to reduce those costs down to $4,000. It also can print an 800 square foot structure, close in size to the average New York City apartment of about 866 square feet.

There is a living room, bedroom, bathroom and porch, and although there are a few other companies that have printed homes, they are more like huts than homes.

ICON says using cement as a common material helps normalize and provides sturdiness to the structure.

If you’re like me, by now you’re wonder-

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A 3D house from “The Verge,” an online tech publication. ing how exactly does a 3D printer produce a home or anything else for that matter.

Here’s what my research has taught me. 3D printers can make pretty much anything and will eventually replace factory production of many everyday articles, but since the economics aren’t there yet, who knows how long it will take.

The example I found compares 3D printing to your regular home printer, which

instead of staining the paper with letters, actually sits the letters on top of the surface of the page. Presumably, if you print over that same page a few thousand times, the ink would build up enough layers to create a 3D model of each letter. After an object is designed, a toy, a cup or a house, the 3D printer keeps adding layers upon layers to create the final object. Since each layer is SEE BOLGER, PAGE 32

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WMFR begins two-year budget process West Manatee Fire Rescue commissioners will be facing a difficult decision when they set 2018-19 assessment rates in May.

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

BRADENTON – West Manatee Fire Rescue district leaders are entering the budget process for the 2018-19 fiscal year already looking ahead to 2019-20.

Chief Tom Sousa and the district’s administrative staff presented commissioners with preliminary financial plans stretching across multiple fiscal years during a budget workshop session. The main focus was on the coming 2018-19 fiscal year, beginning Oct. 1, and the following 2019-20 fiscal year.

Staff presented commissioners with a proposed conservative budget for 2018-19 with no increase to resident and business owner fire assessments.

“We’re proposing a stripped down

budget for next year,” Sousa said, adding that an increase to assessments would be needed the following year to support increased costs and capital expenditures to replace aging equipment. Equipment needs include new air packs for firefighters, upgrades to the thermal imaging units in each fire engine, replacement of aging computers for staff and the replacement of a battalion chief ’s vehicle. The district also budgets to replace four sets of firefighters’ gear every year.

A savings plan also is proposed to replace a nearly 20-year-old fire engine without putting the district into debt in 2019-20 utilizing some of the estimated $700,000 in surplus funds from the pending sale of the district’s administration building. Sousa said he expects a nearly $1 million carryover from the 201718 fiscal year due to the building sale and planned capital purchases that were not made.

The proposed zero assessment increase budget would require the use of $1,530,000 of the district’s

reserves. With $1 million of those funds saved and earmarked specifically for capital expenditures, the actual reserve pull would be closer to $500,000.

Sousa said the district’s general reserves fluctuate depending on what capital expenditures are being made during the year. In the current fiscal year, the general reserve fund is at $5,231,573. Under the proposed 2018-19 budget the reserves are projected to increase to $6,101,966 including funds set aside for future equipment and fire engine purchases.

With no increase in 2018-19, Sousa recommended a 4 percent increase in assessment rates in 2019-20, which would increase the assessment for a 2,000 square-foot home by $11 and a 2,000 squarefoot commercial space by $26. The move would bring in an estimated $276,000 in additional revenue for the district.

His only concern with the proposed plan is the potential for public backlash if an amendment

passes in November increasing homestead exemptions by $25,000.

If the amendment curries favor with voters, Sousa worries that municipalities will raise their tax rates to help make up lost revenue. Though the district operates on an assessment instead of ad-valorem basis, he expressed concern that taxpayers would just see WMFR as giving them another increase.

Commissioners were divided on the subject, agreeing to look at two assessment rate proposals in May when they must set the assessment rate. One proposal will be at a zero percent increase while the second will be at a 2 percent increase, splitting the needed four percent over two years to minimize the impact to residents and business owners. The increase amount would be carried over into the 2019-20 fiscal year.

“I’m on the fence,” Commissioner David Bishop said.

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Thanks Deputy Stewart On April 22 someone shot off a firework in Anna Maria that scared Gibson, the dog, so much he took off running.

His owners stayed up all night looking for him, and on the next morning, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Steven Stewart found Gibson and took him to his owners.

The owners wanted to offer Stewart a reward but that’s not allowed, so they donated $900 in Gibson’s name to the SPCA.

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Ted Stevens and the Doo-Shots play Las Vegas

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

LAS VEGAS – Ted Stevens and the Doo-Shots checked Viva Las Vegas off our band to-do list.

On Saturday, April 21, we played a well-received 45-minute set at the Bailiwick Pub inside The Orleans Hotel & Casino as part of the 21st annual Viva Las Vegas rockabilly weekend in Las Vegas, Nev. Playing to a crowd that included a dozen or so friends and supporters from Florida, the afternoon show kicked off with “Hot Under the Collar.” The setlist consisted solely of original material written by Ted and included “Cursed Cadillac,” Cracked Dash,” “She’s Got All That Too and a Real Tattoo,” “Twice as Far,” “Exit Zero,” “16 Missed Calls,” “She’s Got a Bottle of Scotch ...” and “Center Stage.”

As I sat there playing the drums, I felt deeply appreciative for the opportunity to play a gig in Las Vegas at the largest rockabilly festival in the United States – and appreciative that some of our friends were there to see it.

JEN CASTILOW | SUBMITTED

Ted Stevens and the Doo-Shots on stage at the Bailiwick Pub during the Viva Las Vegas rockabilly festival in Las Vegas.

After the show, we made our way out to The Orleans Arena parking lot to check out the car show and the vendors while waiting for Jerry Lee

Lewis to take to the large outdoor stage, followed by this year’s headliners, The Stray Cats.

Playing their first U.S. show in

more than a decade, The Stray Cats played to a packed crowd and reminded everyone why they remain at the forefront of the rockabilly revival they helped start in the 1980s. Without The Stray Cats, Ted Stevens and the Doo-Shots might not exist, so it was really cool to see the band that inspired so many other rockabilly bands, including us.

This was my first trip to Las Vegas and my four-day stay afforded me the opportunity to check out the ultramodern vibe on The Strip and the old-school sights, sounds and street festival atmosphere of Fremont Street in old Las Vegas.

One of the highlights of my trip was drinking a beer 106 floors above the city inside the circular, spaceshiplooking Stratosphere Tower that provided a spectacular 360-degree view of Las Vegas at night.

They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but the fond memories we made there last week came back to Florida with us. And it’s good to be home.

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

BR ADENTON 5004 Riverview Boulevard Pam Taylor 941-920-2301 A4175714 $2,485,000

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ANNA MARIA 105 Park Avenue Ken Kavanaugh, Jr 941-799-1943 A4400428 $2,795,000

BR ADENTON 4919 52nd Avenue W Leah Secondo 941-545-4430 A4199274 $550,000

BR ADENTON 1317 Calle Grand Street Deborah Capobianco 941-704-2394 A4214765 $463,583

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 6300 Flotilla Drive 99 Kathy Marshall 941-900-9777 A4208643 $379,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 3708 Gulf Drive 1 Hannah Hillyard 941-744-7358 A4209523 $1,250,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 200 S Harbor Drive 1 Ken Kavanaugh, Jr 941-799-1943 A4215175 $1,250,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 5300 Gulf Drive 306 Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4400024 $643,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2509 Avenue C A Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4208163 $595,000

NEW CONSTRUCTION

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

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RENTAL ANNA MARIA ISLAND 448 63rd Street 1 Bed 1 Bath 1244 SqFt $1,250 Maria Kagin 941-779-4150 A4215272

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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BOLGER: FAUX HOUSING - FROM PAGE 31

very complex, it will have the ability to create moving parts like hinges and wheels.

Hard to wrap your brain around this one, right? Never-theless, ICON also has plans to start building homes in the United States, so watch out. Sounds like the perfect beach house to me.

This isn’t fantasy, and it’s not really faux, since real life homes are being created. 3D printing will gradually start creeping its way into our lives, probably before we even notice. In the meantime, doing something positive with the technology that really helps people is a great thing. Nothing fake about that.

www.amisun.com

APRIL 25, 2018

www.amisun.com

APRIL 25, 2018

THE SUN

33

Marine Rescue #1 in Florida Marine Rescue Chief Joe Westerman shows Bradenton Beach commissioners the Beach Patrol of the Year award given to Manatee Count Marine Rescue Division by the Florida Beach Patrol Chiefs Association. The award goes to the best agency in the industry in recognition of its elite public service to the community. “This is a big award for us. When I became chief three years ago, it was my mission to make sure that we had the best agency on the west coast, if not the state of Florida, and we’ve achieved that goal,” Westerman told the commission.

CITY OF BRADENTON BEACH | SUBMITTED

Call The Best in Buying and Selling Anna Maria Island!

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34

THE SUN

SPORTS

APRIL 25, 2018

Beach Bums champions:

Youth basketball lit up the court

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Last Tuesday night proved to be the close championship game predicted by fans, parent, players and coaches. The number one and number two teams went head-to-head in a 36-minute battle on the hard court. In the end, Team Beach Bums’ three-point lead gave it the championship.

Bryce Higgins started off the game with the first two points for Slim’s Place, that finished in first place during the regular season because of a forfeit

by Beach Bums.

Beach Bums’ Connor Ludwig hit a three-point shot three minutes into the game, only to be met with a goal by Tyler Brewer, Slim’s Place’s top scorer. Higgins hit two more shots in the half, giving his team the lead and momentum.

During the first half of play, Beach Bums’ hot hand, Brock Soletti, had shooting problems. Uncharacteristically, Soletti found himself at the free throw line missing both shots.

David Daigle hit two shots back-toback, advancing Slim’s Place’s lead to 12-3. Buckets by Travis Bates and his team gave his team a nine-point lead with five minutes left in the first half of the championship game.

The hard long shot by Evan Christenson was rebounded by Tuna McCracken giving his first score of the game.

Soletti matched the hoop with one of his own moving the score to 22-13.

Horseshoes happenings On April 18, three teams advanced to the knockout round after each went 3 and 0 during pool play. Bob Rowley drew the bye and watched Bob Lee and Ron Slaugh move into the final after taking out Myles Macleod and Adin Shank 21 to 18. Lee and Slaugh rolled to a 23 to 10 win over Rowley and earned the days bragging rights. Hank Huyghe walked his way to the winners circle on April 21 after posting the only 3 and 0 record.

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Beach Bums crowned youth basketball champions. Pictured left to right: Brock Soletti, Evan Christenson, Coach Ray Gardner, Matthew Spiedel, Jeremiah Sculco, and Connor Ludwig.

Christen was fouled going up for the score giving him two shots at the line.

Hitting both of them gave Beach Bums a little pep in its step during the last minutes of the game. Scoring by Ludwig, McCracken and Jeremiah Sculco narrowed Slim’s Place’s lead to five points at the end of the half.

Still looking to find his groove, Brock Soletti’s brother Shane entered the game. The brotherly competition flipped the switch for B. Soletti.

To start the second half, both teams came out aggressive and quick. When the game finally slowed down, Brewer made a smooth layup.

Matthew Spiedel made the first of two three-pointers with 13 minutes left in the competition, making it a twopoint game.

With the score 30-28, Slim’s Place called a timeout to regroup and work widen the lead.

From downtown, both Daigle and B. Soletti net the long shot. Beach Bums called a timeout with 11 minutes on the clock.

Returning to the court, B. Soletti was fouled during a shot attempt. Making one of two free throws, Beach Bums made it a open point game.

Dribbling the basketball all the way down the court, weaving in and out of traffic, McCracken drove down the lane for a layup. Spiedel’s second three-point shot tied the game for the first time in the game.

Scoring went back and forth, and the spark of B. Soletti was finally lit with a layup and three-pointer, giving Beach Bums its first lead of the game with only two minutes left in regulations time.

Ludwig hit both of his free throws only to be followed by behind the arc shot by Daigle.

Hoping to retain the lead, Beach Bums called a timeout with five seconds left on the clock. B. Soletti got the throw in alone under the hoop for a quick bucket to end the championship game with the score 43-46.

SUN SCOREBOARD TUESDAY, APRIL 17 YOUTH BASKETBALL – THIRD PLACE GAME Bins Be Clean Blue Lagoon

YOUTH BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME Beach Bums Slim’s Place

11 16

46 43

THURSDAY, APRIL 19 ADULT CO-ED SOCCER Acqua Aveda Moss Builders

W (by forfeit)

Slim’s Place Lancaster Design

2 6

Ross Built Mar/Kis Insurance

5 2

Sato Real Estate Legler Flynn Law

1 6

www.amisun.com

APRIL 25, 2018

THE SUN

35

HBPD officers educate and feed the community

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

HOLMES BEACH – Police officers want community members and visitors alike to be safe while visiting the city. To help achieve that goal, Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer hosted a community forum April 13 and followed up the informational session with burgers and sausages grilled by the Chief’s Grill Team. The event was the first time the team had a chance to fire up a grill donated to the department

by Waste Pro. The community forum drew more than two dozen participants to listen in and ask questions on topics including bicycle and golf cart safety, active shooter situations, home safety and the department’s other outreach efforts. The community forum was one in a series hosted by different city hall departments to help the community become more familiar with city administration and law enforcement.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Above, Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer’s grill team, Officer Josh Fleischer, left, and Det. Sgt. Brian Hall, right, grill up hamburgers and sausages for members of the public after a community forum presentation at City Hall.

Left, HBPD Chief Bill Tokajer receives a round of applause after revealing to more than two dozen community members that crime rates have dropped in the city for the fourth year in a row.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FROM PAGE 7 includes coffee and cookies. Reserve to maryannbrady@theparadisecenter.org or 941-383-6493.

Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

Sunset drum circle, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

SATURDAY APRIL 28

Naturalist-led wagon tour, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m.

CPR training, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reserve to 941-778-6341.

Kayaking for first timers, Robinson Preserve 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. Reserve to 941-742-5757 ext. 7.

Kombucha 101, The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 10 a.m., $38.

ACBL open pairs duplicate bridge, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico

Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 1 p.m., $11 per game with coffee and snacks provided. Reserve to 941-2169600 or sjbrill@aol.com.

SUNDAY APRIL 29

Beach Market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information call 941-5184431.

MONDAY APRIL 30

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

Social bridge games, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, noon.

TUESDAY MAY 1

Yoga with Cheryl Kaiser, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 10 a.m., $10.

Reserve to maryannbrady@theparadisecenter.org or 941-383-6493.

Preschool story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Farmer’s market, City Pier Park, 101 Bay Blvd. N., Anna Maria, 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

Mahjong for beginners, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., $10, snacks are provided.

Reserve to maryannbrady@theparadisecenter.org or 941-383-6493.

ACBL open pairs duplicate bridge, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 1 p.m., $11 per game with coffee and snacks provided. Reserve to 941-2169600 or sjbrill@aol.com.

Tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

36

THE SUN

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 __ jacket: soldier's protection 5 Reeded woodwinds 10 Like some humor 13 NASA prefix 14 Grow fond of 16 Elisabeth who played Finlay on "CSI" 17 Video game preview 19 Window section 20 Naturally bright 21 College sr.'s test 22 Elevator name 23 Exemplary 27 Commercial cow 30 Before, in verse 31 Many Louvre paintings 32 Columnist Maureen 33 End of most work wks.

34 Arresting image?

37 Boxing legend 38 Romantic jewelry item 40 "A Wrinkle in Time" director DuVernay 41 Sewer entrance 43 Past its prime 44 "My turn!"

45 Soccer score 46 Mineo of film 47 Muse of memory 48 Latin phrase about certain effects of alcohol 52 Johns, to Elton 53 Finish in front 54 Long look 58 Riga resident 59 Social sin ... and what 17-, 23-, 38- and 48-Across are guilty of?

62 Significant others, in modern slang 63 __ Creed

64 Windy City daily, familiarly 65 Take a wrong turn, say 66 "Spider-Man" actor Willem 67 Racy Snapchat message Down 1 Passing fancies 2 Oniony soup ingredient 3 Military force 4 Powdered drink mix brand 5 Be a debtor of 6 Place for mixed drinks 7 Surgery ctrs.

8 Political refugee 9 Shop 10 "Such sad news!"

11 Written in mystical, ancient letters 12 "Holy moly!"

15 Candy box size 16 Thread holders 18 Vague sense 24 Liveliness 25 Of the Great Lakes, only Ontario is smaller than it

Answers to 04-18-18 Crossword Puzzle.

26 Diana of "Game of Thrones" 27 Mild cheese 28 Kinks title woman with "a dark brown voice" 29 Campaign ad target 33 Naturally evolving 34 Pop's __ Vanilli 35 Fertility clinic egg 36 Sticky strip 38 Interlibrary __ 39 Strong sound from the savanna 42 Raises, as a sail 44 Newspaper extras 46 New York lake named for a Five Nations tribe 47 Yucatรกn native 48 "Gee!" 49 Musical shortcoming 50 Brightly colored 51 Snicker 55 Send packing 56 Computer operating system 57 Pride Month letters 60 NBA official 61 __ Balls: Hostess treats

APRIL 25, 2018

APRIL 25, 2018

CLASSIFIED

ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMMERCIAL SALES

HAULING

THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Lynn at 813758-3234 or lbrennan47@ gmail.com

RESORTS: Bradenton Beach 13 units $4,999,000. WAREHOUSE 9300 Sq. Ft. Machine Shop with heavy duty elect or Car Storage, So Many Possibilities. Near SRQ Airport $595,000 Island Real Estate Ask Alan Galletto 941-232-2216

SITE CLEAN-UP to trash outs we can handle it all.

Call us for your dumpsters/ trash needs today 941-7538772

ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s.

BABY SITTER RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student.

Call or text Isabel 941-5457995

BOATS: SALES & RENTALS 2005 PATHFINDER 24' with trailer, 250 HP Yamaha 4 Stroke, custom aluminum tower with dual controls, Garmin 94V fish finder/ GPS, Power Pole, Jack Plate, Motorguide trolling motor, call Greg 941-7059969

CARPET CLEANING QUALITY COUNTS. CARPET cleaning. Upholstery cleaning. Tile & grout cleaning. Island's favorite cleaner. Manatee Chamber Member. Great price/free estimates. Call 941-7561082

CLEANING SERVICE TOTAL HOME SERVICE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial & Rentals.

Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570 THOMPSON CLEANING SERVICE CommercialResidential-Marine.

Island Based Company.

Seasonal Deep Cleaning-Weekly-Occasional.

Call for Free Estimate.

317-908-9483

AUTHORITY ONE SERVICES. Residential/Commercial/Vacation Rentals & Construction Cleaning.

Also Power Washing, Windows, Paver Sealing & Roof Cleaning.

Ask about your Senior Citizens Discount Call 941-251-5948 or 941565-3931

Call us today! 941-778-3986

COMPUTER SERVICES EMPIRE COMPUTER SERVICE Computer problems fixed in your home or office. The fastest friendliest service around.

Serving the Island since 2004.

Call 941-739-6424

EMPLOYMENT

ISLAND INSURANCE OFFICE in need of licensed agent.

Minimum 220 or 440 license.

Minimum 3 years experience. Email resume to brent. moss@greatflorida.com HELP WANTED 3 POSITIONS AVAILABLE. Full time night cashier, part time nightcashier/cashier assistant. Part time Deli position. Please apply in person at Jessie's Island Store 5424 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. See Jimmy or April for more details.

LOOKING FOR PART TIME Summer Camp Counselors for Elementary School Age Campers. Send resumes to Will@centerami.org NEED FULL TIME reliable, clean, drug free dishwasher for night shift. Pay negotiable depending on experience. Harry's Grill.

Call 863-244-7745 NAIL TECH EXPERIENCED – take over clientele at established LBK salon.

Excellent long term opportunity, flexible schedule 941-387-9807

FISHING CHARTERS CAPT. MAC GREGORY Fishing Charters. Full Day, Half Day, Night, Inshore & Near Shore. 941-809-5783 U.S.C.G. Certified/Insured

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES ROSER THRIFT SHOP Open 9:30am-2pm, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday. 10am1pm Saturday Donations preferred 9am-11am Wednesdays. 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Phone 941-779-2733

HOME IMPROVEMENTS TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates.

Neil 941-726-3077 RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-7250073.

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CRC1327296.

Call Jerry Kern 941-7781115 www.kernconstructioninc.com GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194 WALY PRECISION PAINTING: painting, drywall, stucco, and remodeling, commercial/residential, licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-4656324 www.WalyPrecisionPainting.us DECKOUT MASTER CARPENTER Everything Patio & Dock Decking Work Repair, Replace, Maintenance Work, Cleaning, Treatments, New Decks.

Also Handyman/Painting work to home or office.

Call RICHARD Bespoke Service 941-448-3571 Island Resident.

FENCING, CAN'T GET ANYBODY? Wood, Vinyl. New or Repair. Call Richard. Free Estimates.

941-448-3571 Bespoke Services.

LIGHTHOUSE PROPERTY INNOVATIONS LLC State Certified General Contractor (Lic. #CGC 1515821) New Construction, Renovations & Additions. Call 941-266-7500

THE SUN

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 SHELL DELIVERED AND spread $55/yd. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770 STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell driveways and scapes. Also Rock, Mulch, & Soil. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: NORMS TOWING gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 05/23/2018, 09:00 am at 1855 63RD AVENUE E. BRADENTON, FL 34203, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. NORMS TOWING reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

1FAFP4041YF158278 2000 FORD 1HGCM66844A037197 2004 HONDA 1M9SD30366S567753 2006 MONTONE MFG. CO 2FTRX17L31CA75455 2001 FORD 2MEFM74W0YX720190 2000 MERCURY 5J6YH2H77AL006686 2010 HONDA

LOST & FOUND LOST THICK STERLING Silver Ring between the Moose and Beach House Restaurant. Call 941-2431444 LOST I-PHONE 8 Plus on Cortez to Gulf Dr to Holmes Beach. LifeProof Greenish Case. Call 224545-4274 FITBIT LOST THURSDAY February 22 on Bradenton Beach near Sandpiper heading south. Wristband is Plum color. Call 440901-8586.

MOVING & STORAGE MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-809-5777.

TWO MEN and a TRUCK. Movers who care. Local and Long distance. www. twomen.com Call 941-3591904. We sell boxes!

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.

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455

37

COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893

PRINTING CUSTOM DIGITAL PRINTING "Your printing dream to reality" Specializing in Dye sublimation Printing.

Graphic Design. Performance Active ware. Logo Design. Call Rhonda 330-550-4847

PROFESSIONAL PRESSURE & WINDOW WASHING AUTHORITY ONE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction and Vacation Rentals . Also available Power Washing, Roof Cleaning and Windows.

Call 941-251-5948

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident.

Quality Workmanship.

Interior/Exterior. Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315 BAYSIDE COMMERCIAL PAINTING. David Padyani Call 941-565-9446 or Larry Zimmer 941-2248123 Licensed & Insured

PETS ARE YOU WANTING to vacation and not worry if your pet is lonely. I will overnight in your home, so your animal can stay in his own environment. Home Sitting is also available.

Great References. Call Mary 941-405-2496

POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE. AMI & West Bradenton. Certified Pool Operator. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-737-5657

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

FROM THE LOW $300’s. Only minutes from the beach, this new active adult community is perfectly located just south of Manatee Ave, off Village Green Pkwy.

Perfectly designed, open 2BR or 3BR/2BA plus den & 2CG floor plans.

Luxurious amenities, pool, spa, gym, pickle ball and fenced-in dog park. HOA only $209/ month. Models open daily. Contact us 941254-3330 www.MirabellaFlorida.com INCREDIBLE NEW CONSTRUCTION Home on Pine Ave! Prime location to shops, restaurants, bay and beach! $1,995,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086 CANAL FRONT HOMES Holmes Beach - Key Royale GULF FRONT CONDOS Gulf Place, L’Plage, Vista Grande & MORE. Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 941-232-2216

AMISUN.COM

38

THE SUN

CLASSIFIED

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE INVESTOR'S DREAM and only 4 houses from the beach, adorable 2BR/2BA beach cottage in the North End for $629,000. Call Kathleen White Island Real Estate at 941-773-0165.

AnnaMariaSales.com

REALTORS: NEED THAT WATERFRONT BOAT SOLD NOW-ASAP? Island Boat Sales Is the answer for 20 Years-Retail-WHOLESALE. Dave Struber/ Owner 941-228-3489

REAL ESTATE: OPEN HOUSE OPEN HOUSE 3BR/3BA 2 car garage, canal, pool, dock, lift 3807 Royal Palm Dr. San Remo Shores, Saturday & Sunday. 1-4PM Call 941705-9969

SUNDAY APRIL 29 By Owner. 1-4pm. 2BR/2BA Deep Water Canal front Condo in Palma Sola Harbour (off Cortez Rd) 9525 Azure Cove. Check out our ad on Zillow

Call us today! 941-778-3986

RENTALS: ANNUAL 3BR/2.5BA TOWNHOUSE CONDO, 1450 s/f on 2 floors. 2 pools, private beach access. Furnished or unfurnished. Washer / Dryer. Screened lanai & 1 car garage. Water, sewer, trash, basic cable, pest control included.

Background & credit required. $3000/mo. $3000 security. Longboat Key. EXECUTIVE LEVEL LUXURY 2BR/2BA Condo at River Dance. Spacious waterfront home.

Granite counters, crown moldings, split bedroom plan, elegant tile floors, soaking tub! Downstairs private theater / media room can be reserved for movies. Workout facility, business center, social room, pool table.

Pickle ball, tennis, basketball courts, putting green. Live in exciting Riverfront Downtown community. Breathtaking views Manatee River and Green Bridge. Near "Downtown District", Manatee Performing Arts Center, Old Main Street, new shops/ restaurants, Downtown Live music Series, Saturday Farmers Market , River Walk & splash park, skate park. Water, sewer, trash & basic cable included 2BR/BA HOLMES BEACH water view, possible boat dock rental, second floor with pool & tennis.

Water, sewer, trash & basic cable included $1950/mo. first, last & security. Ask for Ed DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www. teamduncan.com

ANNUAL RENTAL and CONDOMINIUM Association management serviced by (2) offices open 7 days a week! Contact junew@ islandreal.com – 941-3451295 - Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island, Inc. ONE BLOCK TO BEACH 2BR/1BA new appliances, gas stove, washer/dryer, attached garage. $1700/mo Ground floor Call 941-5805747 or 386-451-5530

3BR/2BA HOME less than 2 blocks to the bay and beautiful beaches of Anna Maria Island.

Central Air, New tile thru out, updated kitchen and bath, nice private yard with workshop/ shed. $3000/mo. Call 708-268-4530 for more information.

3BR/2BA DUPLEX Upstairs $1600/mo plus security.

Holmes Beach. Call 941725-4190

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455

ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fl Condos. Pool beach access, fully equipped $650-$800/ wk Redekercondos.com 941-704-7525

APRIL 25, 2018

2018 SEASONAL RENTALS Available: 2BR/1BA Gulf front from $3,850 per month, 2BR with sleeping loft from $3,850 per month. Three month minimum. Horizon Realty of Anna Maria 941-778-0426 kringco@tampabay.rr.com GREAT RATES! Weekly, Monthly. 3BR/2BA NW Bradenton. Call Grace 941-201-2190 HOLMES BEACH 1.5 BLOCKS to Beach.

Completely updated 2BR/2BA. Available October 2018 to April 1, 2019. $4500/mo Nelson & Associates Real Estate.

Call 863-640-1864

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $165. Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www.amitaxi.com ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all airports, appointments, casino, cruises, etc. Tampa $65. Sarasota $30. Pets welcome. Very dependable.

Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-779-5095

ADMIRAL TOWN CAR Professional chauffeur, taxi prices! Airports (1@ $75, 10 $150 to Tampa), Appointments anywhere.

Credit cards accepted. Phil 941-320-1120 admiraltowncar@gmail.com, Licensed & Insured

ROGER'S AIRPORT SERVICE. Tampa, St. Pete/ Clearwater, Sarasota/ Bradenton. Call Roger 941773-1469

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APRIL 25, 2018

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Call today to place your ad: 941-778-3986 MOVERS

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APRIL 25, 2018