Anna Maria Island Sun April 3, 2024

Easter, Island-style

Commission promises to preserve parking spaces

Parking spaces will not be sacrificed to extend the multi-use path along Gulf Drive, officials say.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – City leaders have pledged not to eliminate parking places to accommodate the potential extension of the existing multi-use path along Gulf Drive.

On March 28, the Anna Maria City Commission reached a 4-1 consensus to preserve the existing parallel parking spaces along Gulf Drive if and when the multi-use path is extended from Willow Avenue to Magnolia Avenue. Commissioner Gary McMullen opposed the consensus and supports the elimination of those parking spaces if needed.

Mayor Dan Murphy initiated Thursday’s discussion after learning that a group of potentially impacted business owners recently sent a petition to Gov. Ron DeSantis asking him to veto the city’s $250,000 funding request for the path extension project. The petition was also sent to Sen. Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton), Rep. Will Robinson Jr. (R-Manatee) and Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, accompanied by a letter written by petition initiator and Ginny’s and Jane E’s Café owner Paul Foster.

Foster’s letter expressed concern that 13 parallel parking spaces in the vicinity of Palm, Magnolia and Spring avenues would be eliminated if the multi-use path is extended along the same side of the street as the existing path. Accommodating pedestrians,

SEE PARKING, PAGE 24

Hurricane season predicted to be far above average

AccuWeather is calling for an above-average 2024 hurricane season, with 20-25 named storms predicted.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Island dodged direct hits from major hurricanes in 2022 (Ian) and 2023 (Idalia), but this year may be different, according to AccuWeather, whose prediction for 2024 is far above average.

AccuWeather’s team of expert meteorologists is warning people and businesses to start preparing for a frenzy of tropical activity that could have major impacts on the U.S. this hurricane season, which begins on June 1.

The AccuWeather 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast calls for 20 to 25 named storms, with eight to 12 of those storms forecast to strengthen into hurricanes and four to six directly impacting the U.S.

“The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is forecast to feature well above the historical average number of tropical storms, hurricanes, major hurricanes and direct U.S. impacts,”

AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Forecaster Alex DaSilva said. “All indications are pointing toward a very active and potentially explosive Atlantic hurricane season in 2024.”

AccuWeather’s forecast calls for a dramatic shift from the 2023 hurricane season. Nineteen storms were named in the Atlantic basin, but only four had direct impacts in

TOM ROCHE SR. | SUBMITTED

Easter morning dawned at Manatee Beach during the interdenominational worship service presented by Anna Maria Island churches, who shared a message of hope, joy and peace.

City Pier Park will soon be dog-friendly

Dogs may still be prohibited during certain special events.

BY JOE HENDRICKS

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Leashed dogs will soon be allowed in City Pier Park, including during some special events held in the park.

The city of Anna Maria’s code of ordinances currently prohibits dogs and other domestic animals on beaches and in city parks.

“It shall be unlawful for the owner or keeper of any domestic animal to allow or permit any such domestic animal on any beaches, coastal barrier sand dunes or parks located within the city limits,” the current ordinance says.

On March 28, City Attorney Becky Vose presented the city commission with the first reading of Ordinance 24-924, which contained the proposed addition of the following language: “Provided, however, dogs on leashes shall be allowed in parks that are not on the beach or which have coastal barrier sand dunes, as long as no

special event is occurring at such park, and as long as the person accompany ing such dog shall promptly remove any feces deposited by such dog and properly dispose of such feces.”

When discussing the proposed ordinance, Commission Chair Mark Short said, “I do not agree that we should not allow dogs in the park when there’s a special event.”

He noted that leashed dogs are al lowed at the Sarasota farmer’s market and at many other markets and public spaces in the area.

“I don’t see an issue with allowing dogs in the park at any time,” Short said. “We have had them at some of our events, Veterans Day and so on, where there have been people there with their dogs sitting beside them. I think they should be allowed at City Pier Park even if there is a special event.”

Short noted a different city ordinance prohibits dogs on the City Pier and that prohibition will remain in effect.

“The Pier’s not a park,” Mayor Dan Murphy added.

As for allowing dogs during special

events, Commissioner Jon Crane said, “I’m not certain about this because you get too many dogs in an area together and they fight. We have an elderly population and that concerns me a little bit.”

Commissioner Gary McMullen said he sees dogs in City Pier Park during the weekly farmers markets held on Tuesdays. He asked if the market events are considered special events

or reoccurring events. Murphy said the farmers markets are considered special events.

Murphy said more than 1,000 people attend the city’s annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day events and allowing dogs during those events could be disruptive.

Commissioner Charlie Salem asked if the commission could prohibit dogs during certain special events. Murphy suggested the ordinance be crafted in a manner that would allow the commission to prohibit dogs during certain special events while allowing them in general and during other special events. The commission agreed and directed Vose to rewrite the ordinance to reflect that desired revision.

Commissioner Jon Crane recommended installing dog waste stations in the park.

“It’s a small investment and I think we need to do it,” he said, noting the dog owners sometimes forget to bring their own dog waste bags.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Dogs are currently prohibited in City Pier Park in Anna Maria. SEE

ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

City leaders seek to reduce parade trash

Holmes Beach city leaders are looking at what happens when parades are over and the onlookers have left, leaving behind beads, candy and other items that weren’t caught during the fun. Mayor Judy Titsworth said that after seeing the amount of debris left behind following the St. Patrick’s Day parade in March, she wants participants to be more intentional about their throws from parade floats, aiming for people rather than just randomly throwing material to the side of the road, and she hopes that other parade participants will follow suit. Titsworth said she also hopes that participants will throw more eco-friendly and informational items, such as water quality cards that are being redesigned for that purpose, instead of beads or other materials.

Hands Across the Sand protest April 13

Join neighbors and friends on Saturday, April 13 at 3 p.m. for Hands Across the Sand at Manatee Beach just north of the public beach entrance. Participants are asked to join hands to encourage lawmakers to keep their hands off the three Anna Maria Island cities and allow the municipalities to remain intact and practice home rule. The event is sponsored by Save Florida Home Rule. For more information, email savefloridahomerule@gmail.com.

Pine Avenue RFP produces single bid

On Monday, the city of Anna Maria received only one bid, from C-Squared, in response to its request for proposals to construct a one-block prototype area between Gulf Drive and North Shore Drive, part of the Reimagining Pine Avenue project.

Commissioners to discuss paid parking

Bradenton Beach commissioners will consider temporary use permits for paid parking at 900 Gulf Drive N. and 2509 Gulf Drive N. on Thursday, April 4 at 6 p.m. at the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers, 107 Gulf Drive N. Also on the agenda are two proclamations, one for Sexual Assault Awareness Day and another for National Arbor Day.

OPPAGA visit concerns city leaders

A recent site visit by OPPAGA representatives has city leaders worried that the only idea being studied is the elimination of the Island cities.

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

HOLMES BEACH – The Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability study being conducted on the three Anna Maria Island cities is starting to rattle local city leaders.

During a March 26 commission meeting, Mayor Judy Titsworth said she had participated in a conference call with OPPAGA representatives, who recently visited the Island to observe the city’s public works department.

She said that afterwards, she hoped the state representatives were considering public works as a possible department to consolidate across all three Island cities to save money. In talking with Public Works Supervisor Sage Kamiya after the visit, Titsworth said she learned that wasn’t the case. Instead, she said OPPAGA representatives were looking at public works as the only department that would need to remain on the Island if all three cities were eliminated and daily government operations were moved to the city of Bradenton or Manatee County.

“So that’s unfortunate,” she said. “I’m still hopeful because that is such an overreach. That is going to affect people so much. Their everyday lives are going to change so drastically if we don’t have their cities out here and they have to go to the county for everything. Your tax bill, you’re not assured that any of that is coming out here. I think you’re going to get more resistance from the residents and our visitors who love this Island with that type of an option. Unfortunately, I’m almost certain that’s the only one they’re looking at right now.”

Titsworth said that she’s still trying to get dialogue reopened between the city and state Rep. Will Robinson Jr. but hasn’t yet been successful.

Robinson is one of the five state legislative delegation members from Manatee County who ordered the OPPAGA study without the input of the three Island municipal

City to host town hall on consolidation

Holmes Beach leaders are hosting a town hall workshop on Tuesday, April 9, where they plan to share information with the public on the ongoing Office of Program Policy and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) study on consolidation of the three Island cities. City leaders said they hope to educate Island residents, stakeholders and other members of the community about what could happen if the three Anna Maria Island cities are consolidated or eliminated.

governments.

While the three Island mayors said previously that they would support the OPPAGA study with the goal of looking at ways to save taxpayer money across the three cities, they all said they do not support consolidation or elimination of the cities.

The four possibilities being studied by OPPAGA representatives include consolidation of the three cities into one new city, elimination of the city governments and annexation of Anna Maria Island into the city of Bradenton or Manatee County or leaving the Island governments intact.

Titsworth said she believes that the OPPAGA study is focusing on elimination of the cities and annexation into Manatee County to get development rights for the Island. Currently, development on Anna Maria Island is controlled by city regulations. Those regulations would vanish if the city governments are eliminated.

Once the study is complete, City Attorney Erica Augello said that consolidation or elimination of the cities could be forced at the state level as a special act of the Legislature. The OPPAGA study would be submitted with a bill by the beginning of September and then would go through three committees in the House, voted on in the House floor and, if it passes, be put on the consent agenda for the Senate unless someone in the Senate pulls the bill for discussion. If the bill passes those hurdles, it would go to Gov. Ron DeSantis for approval or veto.

Commissioner Carol Soustek said it’s not just the current residents who are being affected by the ongoing study. She said she’s also spoken with potential residents who are holding off on purchasing

Everyone who has any information on the ongoing OPPAGA study and potential impacts to Island residents and property owners is invited to bring that information to share with the public at the meeting, which is open to everyone. Anyone who wishes to speak must appear at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, during the meeting, which will immediately follow the commission meeting at 2 p.m. The meeting also will be streamed live online through the city’s website at www.holmesbeachfl.org, though no online participation will be available.

property on the Island because of the uncertainty of the outcome of the OPPAGA study.

Titsworth said that staff members in all three cities also are working with a cloud of uncertainty hanging over their heads about the future of their jobs. She said the only thing they can do is persevere.

Commissioner Terry Schaefer said he was told that Sen. Jim Boyd, one of the members of the Manatee County state delegation, would meet with him and Titsworth at the end of the legislative session, which ended two weeks ago. Schaefer said he’s losing patience and is drafting a letter to Boyd to try again to set up a meeting to discuss consolidation.

BRADENTON BEACH

Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie confirmed that OPAGGA representatives recently visited the city’s Department of Public Works, headed by Tom Woodard, which is responsible for the maintenance and repair of city-owned streets, sidewalks and traffic signs, street striping, stormwater drains and systems, maintenance of city facilities and parks and street sweeping.

When asked about his thoughts on the OPAGGA study, Chappie said, “We’re going through the process.”

ANNA MARIA

OPPAGA representatives were unable to meet recently with Anna Maria Public Works Manager Roosevelt Jones, who was on bereavement leave, according to Mayor Dan Murphy, who said that Jones is expected to participate in a phone meeting with OPPAGA representatives this week.

- Joe Hendricks and Leslie Lake contributed to this report.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

St. Patrick's Day parade participants toss beads to paradegoers last month.

Charter amendments headed to city commission

The proposed amendments will be presented to the city commission on April 11.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria Charter Review Committee met for the final time on March 28 to review six proposed amendments to the city charter to be presented for city commission consideration on April 11.

The commission can accept, reject or modify any or all of the proposed amendments to be placed before the city’s registered voters in November. One proposed amendment would add the following vision statement to the charter: “The city of Anna Maria will ensure that the single-family detached residential character and home rule of the city is maintained and protected while supporting commercial uses within the commercial and ROR land use categories, while maximizing the enjoyment

of natural and man-made resources by the citizens and minimizing the threat to health, safety and welfare posed by hazards, nuisances, incompatible land uses and environmental degradation.”

The committee proposes building height restriction charter language that says: “Aside from approved exemptions, no building or part thereof shall exceed a height of 37 feet as measured from the crown of the road at the front center of the property to the highest point of any portion of the building.” Similar to the

PARK: City Pier Park will soon be dog-friendly

PUBLIC INPUT

The efforts to make City Pier Park dog-friendly date back to last September when the Planning and Zoning Board members unanimously supported board member Dusty Crane’s request to recommend to the city commission that dogs be allowed in the city-owned park located across the street from the City Pier.

When Crane (Commissioner Jon

Crane’s wife) presented the planning board’s request to the city commission in October, Murphy suggested dogs remain prohibited during special events held at the park, including those offering food service.

As an alternative, Commissioner Robert Kingan proposed installing a small dog park within City Pier Park and designating that as the only area dogs would be allowed. Commissioner Charlie Salem suggested the space between the children’s playground

and the Lake La Vista canal might be a good location for a dog park and the commission took no further action that day.

During the October meeting, Anna Maria resident and dog owner John Kolojeski expressed his support for allowing dogs in the park and for creating a dog park within the park.

During the March 28 meeting, Kolojeski said, “I agree with Commissioner Short. I think dogs on leashes should be allowed at city events. I

city’s building code, the proposed charter provision would exempt chimneys, church spires, elevator shafts, flagpoles, heating and air conditioning devices and solar collectors.

Additional proposed amendments pertain to the conveyance of city-owned property, residency requirements for elected officials while in office, clarification as to which city employees are considered officers of the city and the replacement of gender-specific pronouns.

also think we should have a dog park. What’s happening with that? I think that was fairly well-received.”

The mayor and commission did not respond to Kolojeski’s dog park comment and no further discussion ensued.

The commission doesn’t vote on the first reading of a proposed ordinance. The revised dog allowance ordinance will be presented on second and final reading and a commission vote on Thursday, April 11.

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a letter to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O. Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Letters should be kept to 300 words or less and must contain your name and the city in which you reside. Personal attacks and obscene language will not be printed. The Sun reserves the right to edit letters for length or content.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3

Holy Yoga, Roser Church outdoor stage, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 11:30 a.m.

Mah-jongg for beginners, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-4 p.m.

THURSDAY, APRIL 4

AMI Chamber sunrise breakfast, Minnie’s Beach Café, 5360 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 7:30 a.m., $15 for members or $25 for prospective members

RoserRobics, Roser Church fellowship hall, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to noon

Explore Nature: Manatees, Portosueno Park, 1206 Alcazar Drive, Bradenton, 10 a.m. to noon

Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

FRIDAY, APRIL 5

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

Explore Nature: Tower Talk, Robinson Preserve tower, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m. to noon

Paper crafting with MaryKate Scott, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

SATURDAY, APRIL 6

Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon

Coquina Beach Spring Art & Craft Show, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ask a Master Gardener, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Tram tour, Robinson Preserve, north entrance, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Paper crafting with MaryKate Scott, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

SUNDAY, APRIL 7

Coquina Beach Spring Art & Craft Show, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

MONDAY, APRIL 8

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

Solar eclipse watch party, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 2-4 p.m.

TUESDAY, APRIL 9

Farmer’s Market, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

RoserRobics, Roser Church fellowship hall, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

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

Tram tour, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m.

Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

Rethinking Libraries Community Meeting, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10

Building a burrow, Robinson Preserve education and volunteer office, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon

Holy Yoga, Roser Church outdoor stage, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 11:30 a.m.

Mah-jongg for beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

One-on-one Tech Help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-4 p.m.

Island Time Book Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, APRIL 11

RoserRobics, Roser Church fellowship hall, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

One-on-one Tech Help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to noon.

Homeschool Creature Feature: Gopher Tortoise, Robinson Preserve expansion, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m. to noon.

OneBlood Blood Mobile, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

ON THE AGENDA

ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

Please visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information.

April 11, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting

April 24, 9 a.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting

BRADENTON BEACH

107 GULF DRIVE N.

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005

Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information.

April 3, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting

April 3, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting

April 4, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting

April 17, 1 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting

April 18, noon – City Commission meeting

HOLMES BEACH

5801 MARINA DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800

Please visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information.

April 3, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting

April 9, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting with OPPAGA study townhall to follow

April 10, 9 a.m. – Clean Water Ad-hoc Committee meeting

ISLAND-WIDE

April 15, 9 a.m. – Manatee County Tourist Development Council meeting, Manatee County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton

April 16, 5 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue workshop with board meeting to follow, administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton

April 17, 2 p.m. – Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting, Longboat Key Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key

Commission struggling with CBD regulation

The city of Anna Maria currently prohibits the sale of CBD and hemp products.

BY JOE HENDRICKS

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Revising the city of Anna Maria’s CBD and hemp prohibitions is proving to be challenging for city officials.

Anna Maria’s code of ordinances currently prohibits the sale of any product derived from the cannabis plant, including medical marijuana and CBD and hemp products. The current ordinance was adopted shortly before Florida voters legalized medical marijuana and medical marijuana dispensaries in 2016.

After debating proposed revisions to the existing city ordinance on March 14 and March 28, city commissioners remain divided and undecided as to how to allow Anna Maria businesses to sell limited amounts of CBD and hemp products while still prohibiting medical marijuana sales and discouraging

retail operations focused primarily on CBD sales.

The city’s regulatory quagmire began in late February when Holmes Beach-based CBD vendor Mel Wendell was told she couldn’t sell CBD products at an arts and crafts fair being held in Anna Maria. In response, Wendell told the mayor and commissioner there were other businesses currently selling CBD products in Anna Maria.

The attention created by Wendell’s public statement resulted in the North Shore Café owners receiving a notice of violation for selling food and drink products made with a hemp powder containing a miniscule amount of THC. The Cool Beans AMI coffee shop owners received a similar notice for selling some of the same CBD products sold legally at their Live Naturally store in Holmes Beach.

On March 14, City Attorney Becky Vose presented an ordinance that proposed limiting CBD and hemp sales to no more than 10% of a retail outlet’s

total inventory. The commission agreed that provision would be virtually impossible to enforce and would require an audit of a businesses’ total inventory.

On March 28, the commission reached preliminary consensus on two key points proposed in the ordinance but remained puzzled as to how to regulate CBD sales at brick-and-mortar retail locations and the signage associated with such sales. Federal law prohibits the regulation of sign content.

The commission agrees CBD and hemp sales should be allowed at craft fairs, markets and other special events taking place with a city commission-approved special

event permit, as long as the number of CBD/hemp vendors doesn’t exceed more than 10% of the total vendor roster.

The commission agrees that mobile CBD sales not related to special events should remain prohibited in order to prevent CBD being sold from trucks, trailers, tents and other mobile operations.

The commission also agrees that the fine amounts associated with CBD or hemp sales violations should be established in a separate city resolution.

Commissioner Gary McMullen questioned why the city wants to continue outlawing CBD and

hemp products that are legal statewide and legally sold in Holmes Beach and many other Florida cities.

Along those same lines, Commissioner Jon Crane said, “I’ve got nothing against medical marijuana and I support it.”

Commissioner Kathy Morgan expressed support for the current CBD prohibitions.

Commissioner Charlie Salem asked Vose to research how other Florida cities are regulating CBD sales.

After noting CBD sales are prevalent in most Florida cities, Vose said the commissioners are essentially dealing with a cut-anddried decision to either allow or continue prohibiting CBD and hemp sales and CBD stores in Anna Maria.

These matters will be discussed again at the Thursday, April 11 meeting. In lieu of the ongoing regulatory efforts, Mayor Dan Murphy is giving the North Shore Café and Cool Beans AMI owners an additional 30 days to comply with their notices of violation.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Commission Chair Mark Short, left, leads the city commission that is struggling to revise the city’s current CBD and hemp prohibitions. Commissioner Gary McMullen, right, noted that CBD sales are allowed statewide and take place in Holmes Beach.

Heritage Day features fun, fundraising

Heritage Day is a fun and festive way to raise much-needed funds for the AMI Historical Society.

BY JOE HENDRICKS

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – While celebrating Anna Maria Island’s historic past, the Anna Maria Island Historical Society’s annual Heritage Day celebration raised more than $3,000.

On March 26 at the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum and Historical Park, Heritage Day featured free tours of the museum and the historic Belle Haven cottage, a yarn maker, a basket weaver, other crafters and vendors, face painting and other kid’s activities, live music by the Anna Maria String Band, strawberry shortcake sales by historical society members and food sales by Poppo’s Taquerias.

Titsworth said, “That was a lot of fun and the weather was absolutely gorgeous. I love the historical society. We’ve got so much history here and I just love the fact that’s there’s so many citizens who are willing to contribute to the success of the historical society.”

The highlight of the day was the Anna Maria Island Privateers’ capture, confinement and ransom-inspired release of Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth At noon, the Privateers captured the mayors and held them hostage in “The Old City Jail” until more than $1,000 was raised in ransom to secure their release. The ransom donations included $350 from Titsworth’s husband, Steve, and donations Murphy secured using his cell phone while held captive.

After being released, Murphy said, “It was a lot of fun and it’s always a good cause to help the Anna Maria Island Historical Society. I’m pleased that we were able to do so much in terms of raising money.”

Sold and served by historical society members Barbara Murphy and Karen Gardner, the strawberry shortcake sales featured fresh Plant City strawberries provided by local restaurateur Ed Chiles and shortcake provided by Hometown Desserts.

After displaying her old-fashioned methods to young Hattie Neaton, traditional yarn maker Donna Stansbury said, “It’s fun to show the kids and that little girl learned quick.”

Historical Society president and museum docent Liz Hager said, “We’ve been doing Heritage Day now for a long time at the museum and Heritage Day is better today than it’s ever been. We have unbelievable vendors selling beautiful things, people enjoying strawberry shortcake, a face

The Anna Maria String Band, above, provided live music. Right, Donna Stansbury showed Hattie Neaton from Watertown, Minnesota how to spin raw wool into yarn using an old-fashioned spinning wheel. Lower right, local artist Corine Finnie painted a sea turtle on a small, oval-shaped canvas.

painter, live music and so much more.”

In addition to being an important annual fundraiser, Hager said Heritage Day is also a great way to attract new visitors and passersby to the museum and museum grounds as they wander in to see what’s going on.

“People are walking through Belle Haven and walking through the museum. We hope it teaches them about our Island’s history. The museum is free and completely volunteer-run Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in season, and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside of season,” she said.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

AMI Historical Society President Liz Hager said that Heritage Day is an important annual fundraiser for the museum and the historical society.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

AME PTO seeking donations

The Anna Maria Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is seeking auction donations and sponsors for their April 27 Spring Gala. Anyone in the community wishing to donate should email AMEPTO@gmail. com. More details are available at www.ticketstripe.com/amehustle.

Sunday Market wraps up for season

Ginny’s & Jane E’s Sunday Market will hold the last market of the season on Sunday, April 7 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shop for vintage items, art, antiques, furniture, repurposed collectibles, nautical jewelry and many more treasures at Anna Maria City Pier Park, 101 N. Bay Blvd. in Anna Maria.

Chamber golf tournament reservations available

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce has sponsorship opportunities and foursomes available for its golf tournament to benefit the chamber’s scholarship fund. This year’s tournament will take place on Friday, May 10 at IMG Academy Golf Club in Bradenton. The cost is $650 per team or $170 per golfer. Golfer

registration includes golf, lunch, gift bag, green fees, cart fee, prizes, beer and beverages on course and dinner. For more information and to get registered, or for sponsorship opportunities, call the chamber at 941-778-1541 or info@amichamber. org.

Roser Church

SUNDAY WORSHIP

8:30 AM & 10:00 AM

IN PE RSON • in the Sanctuar y Nurser y • Children’s Church

ONLINE • Watch LI VE or LATER RoserChurch.com

Sign up to receive the eBulletin at RoserChurch.com/contact-us The CHAPEL is open during o ce hours for prayer and meditation 941-778-0414

512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA –

Hundreds of children and their families gathered on the beach at Sandbar Seafood & Spirits on Saturday for the restaurant’s 36th Annual Easter Egg Hunt and bonnet contest.

Sand flew as children searched for eggs on the beach. Kids and adults later competed in a contest for the most festive Easter bonnet.

The top three adult bonnet winners were Lorie Terranova in first place, followed by Lisa Meadows in second and Shawn Templeton in third.

Scrambling for eggs

The top three winners in the kids’ bonnet division were Alexandria and Blaire, who tied for first place, with Lindsay in second and Jackie in third.

The free event, hosted by Sandbar owner Ed Chiles, featured live music by Chuck Caudill, visits with the Easter Bunny, crafts and food.

Event sponsors were The Anna Maria Island Sun, The Fudge Factory, Shiny Fish Emporium, The Fish Hole Miniature Golf and Compass by Margaritaville.

Above left, Jake Borchik, 2, waits for the beginning of the Easter egg hunt at the Sandbar on March 30. Above right, sisters Gracie and Callie relax with their baskets of Easter eggs following the egg hunt at Sandbar Seafood & Spirits on Saturday. Left, Lisa Meadows took second place in the Easter bonnet contest at Sandbar Seafood & Spirits on Saturday with her tropical-themed hat.

“ This place has an amazing collection of spirits.” Josh

“Spent t he week in Anna Maria Island and out of all the liquor stores on t he island, t his is by far t he best one, wit h t he best prices and t he most selection. The staf f was very friendly ” Heat her

“ The guys here was very helpful and knowledgeable. They had some great choices on bourbon.

“ These guys had t he best selection , decent prices, and were overall just good people.” Matt hew

“Great

“Amazing selection knowledgeable staf f and best ser vice on t he island” Vicky

LESLIE LAKE | SUN Sisters Blaire, 5, and Alexandria, 3, won first place in the children’s division of the bonnet contest at Sandbar Seafood & Spirits on Saturday.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Hundreds of children participated in the Sandbar Seafood & Spirits 36th Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Lorie Terranova took first place in the adult division of the Easter bonnet contest at Sandbar Seafood & Spirits on Saturday.

Two area high school seniors were awarded $1,000 scholarships by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH - The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Business Card Exchanges are always a great networking event, but the March 28 exchange at LaPensee Plumbing, Pools and Air was extra special for two area high school seniors who were each awarded $1,000 college scholarships by the chamber.

Bryanna Sparks and Jacob Burdette were on hand to accept their awards and meet Island business owners and managers.

According to AMI Chamber President Terri Kinder, money for the scholarships is raised through the organization’s

AMI Chamber awards scholarships

annual Bayfest event, as well as the annual chamber golf tournament.

“Portions of the proceeds from those two major events is what funds our scholarships,” Kinder said. “We have a committee that does the scholarship awards. This year we had a record 26 applications for the scholarships. They all go to the committee, which scores the scholarships.”

Only two of three scholarships were given out at the event. One of the winners, Nathan Rupprecht, was away with his family for spring break, so his award will be given at the next April business card exchange with the Anna Maria Island Historical Society. Kinder said the historical society, which will be awarding its own scholarships at the upcoming exchange, was gracious enough to allow the chamber to award its final chamber scholarship then.

BRYANNA SPARKS

Sparks is graduating from Manatee High School after excelling in its Medical Academy and serving in leadership roles as president of both Future Health Professionals and the National Honor Society. She also serves

as webmaster for Key Club. Sparks has been active in Girl Scouts since 2011, including receiving the Gold Award for her focus on maternal mental health. She also has over 300 hours of community service, including Downtown Ministries, Blake Hospital

and work with the homeless population.

Sparks plans to earn her bachelor’s degree in biology and then work toward her goal of becoming a pediatrician in Bradenton, attending LECOM for her doctorate in osteopathic medicine.

JACOB BURDETTE

Burdette is graduating from Manatee High School in the top 1% of his class. His long list of honors includes AP Scholar Distinction, AP Capstone Diploma, White M, National Honor Society, Junior Manatee & Boys State Leadership and more. Burdette is also an Eagle Scout and has more than 225 hours of community service. Burdette has been accepted to the University of Florida to pursue a bachelor’s in business finance and a master's in business administration with a minor in chemistry.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Bryanna Sparks and Jacob Burdette proudly accept their $1,000 scholarships from the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce at the March 28 business card exchange at LaPensee Plumbing, Pools and Air in Holmes Beach.

Jardine to perform at The Center

The Bradenton Gulf Island Concert Series presents Al Jardine and his Endless Summer Band at The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria on Saturday, April 6. With the opening act at 7 p.m., the co-founder of the Beach Boys is scheduled to go on stage at 8 p.m. Tickets to see the guitarist, vocalist and songwriter are available at the box office from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday or at https://centerami.org/ events/. Ticket prices start at $59. For more information, visit www.centerami.org or call 941-778-1908.

Youth musical participants sought

The youth choir at Roser Memorial Community Church is seeking some new people to join the cast of “Noah’s Rockin’ Ark Adventure.” The play is scheduled to take place on Friday, May 10 at 7 p.m. at the church, 512 Pine Ave., as a Mother’s Day gift for the parents of those participating and in the community. Rehearsals begin on Friday, April 5 at 5:30 p.m. in the church sanctuary. There will be five weeks of rehearsals for those participating in speaking and singing roles. There also are lots of parts available for children willing to be animals in the ark. The musical is open to children ages 7-13. No previous experience or affiliation with any church is required, just show up at the first rehearsal or contact director Craig Ramberger at craig@roserchurch.com with questions.

BEACH BEAT

HOLMES BEACH

3/22, 9 p.m., information, 3801 East Bay Drive. The officer was dispatched in reference to stolen bicycles. The husband and wife complainants said the previous night, they left their condo to go out for drinks. When they left, their two bikes were locked on their bike rack. When they returned home about four hours later, the bikes were gone. A search of the area turned up no security video, and there was no evidence of who cut the locks and took the bikes.

3/23, 2:30 a.m., information, 3900 Gulf Drive. The officer responded after receiving a report of someone throwing an egg at a vehicle. The victim was at the intersection of Gulf Drive and Manatee Avenue when she heard something hit her vehicle. Since there was only one vehicle in the vicinity,

she chased down the vehicle, which had been stopped by Bradenton Beach police. The driver of the second vehicle admitted to throwing the egg, but the officer said because the egg did not damage the victim’s car and could not be considered dangerous, no charges could be brought in the incident.

3/24, 4:30 p.m., criminal mischief, 102 68th St. The officer responded to a female victim who advised she had accidentally parked in a reserved spot at her family’s vacation rental parking lot. She said during the time her car was parked there, someone had keyed her car. The officer was advised that a rental company employee had told the victim that the renter in the unit that the parking space was reserved for had called and complained about the space being taken. The officer observed several long scratches on the victim’s vehicle, and searched for security camera footage of the area, but there was none. The renter who complained denied causing damage to the vehicle, and due to a lack of evidence, the case was closed.

NOAH’S ROCKIN’

Ark Adventure

Noah’s SodaShoppe

All kids, ages 7-13 are invited to be in the musical!

An informational meeting/1st auditions for kids (and parents) will be held on FRIDAY, APRIL 5 AT 5:30 PM , 5 in the Roser Church Sanctuary There will be 5 weeks of rehearsals. The musical will be presented Friday, May 10 at 7:00 PM!

A MUSICAL presented by Roser Youth Performing Arts

Written by Ken Medema & Mark Cabaniss • Arranged by Ruth Elaine Schram

READ MORE: RoserChurch.com/musical

For more information call the church o ce at 941-778-0414 or email Craig Ramberger, Director of Music Ministries: craig@roserchurch.com

941-778- 0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @Roser Church

SUBMITTED

Horseshoe victors

From left, Bob Lee and Tom Skoloda teamed up to win the day's competition on March 27; on March 30 it was Herb Schutt and Tom Farrington earning the day's the top spot. On March 27, three teams met in a playoff after each went 3-0 during pool play. The bye went to father and son team Dom and Dom Livedoti. Bob Lee and Tom Skoloda beat Rod Bussey and Steve Kriebel 22-12 to move into the final. Lee and Skoloda cruised into the winner’s circle after a 21-2 win over the Livedotis. Three teams also advanced on March 30 after each went 3-0 with the bye going to Herb Schutt and Tom Farrington. In the semi, Bussey and Gary Howcroft moved on after a 23-8 win over Lee and Bob Baker. Schutt/Farrington earned the day’s bragging rights after a 21-3 win over Bussey/Howcroft.

Bunny & Pirates holding grand finale Saturday

The venue will close permanently in mid-April.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

CORTEZ – After seven years in business as a pub, market and live music venue, Bunny & Pirates Bazaar is closing and will be having a grand finale celebration on Saturday, April 6.

Beginning at 3 p.m., the farewell event will feature live music, food trucks, raffle prizes and a silent auction at 12404 Cortez Road W.

Bunny & Pirates business owners Elizabeth Shore and Jeffrey O’Connell announced the unexpected closing on Facebook on March 16 after lease negotiations stopped with building owner Shawn Kaleta.

The pair opened Bunny & Pirates in 2017 as a coastal store selling new and vintage items, snacks and craft beer. The following year they launched the pub and live music.

In a press release to news outlets, Shore wrote in part:

“Announcing that we have been forced to close the venue has been among the most difficult things we have ever endured. We evolved the beer garden over time with the grassroots help of friends and family. Everyone pitched in, and we transformed our outdoor space with many helping hands. There is something special about being part of helping one another. We brought people together around common human needs - a place of belonging and friendship.”

Shore wrote that customers became part of their extended friends and family.

“It’s obvious from the reaction of our community over the last couple of weeks since we announced our sudden closing how much our familiar vibe resonated with so many people,” she wrote. “We became a destination for friends to meet; there is heart and soul in what we created. Our brand developed over time because of the love of our friends and customers.”

Shore characterized Cortez as a sleepy Florida town when Bunny

& Pirates first opened.

“Our salty, humble place lets people of all backgrounds let their hair down, grab a music shaker, and enjoy life without pretense. Its absence will be a terrible loss,” Shore wrote. “Yes, change, growth and business are essential, but so are the riches of our history, family values and helping our neighbors.”

Shore wrote that old Florida history is being erased.

“You can't buy the love and respect that Bunny & Pirates has in our community,” she wrote.

Over the years the pair has managed to overcome numerous business challenges.

“We made it through Hurricane Irma, which delayed our opening, the long red tide in 2018, our first year in business, the 2020 COVID shutdowns during our second anniversary, the resulting 2021 supply chain crisis, the 2022 great resignation, and the 2023 rising inflation prices.”

Bunny & Pirates will close permanently in mid-April, according to Shore.

OUTDOORS

Support local waterways during Giving Challenge 2024

Reel Time

o you support organizations that help protect the environment and our fisheries but can’t seem to find the time to get involved by volunteering or participating in events? You can help fund the efforts of these organizations during the 2024 Giving Challenge being held April 8-9. During the 24-hour event, donations will be matched, so a $100 donation provides $200 to support the nonprofit’s efforts. While there are many worthy organizations to choose from, let me suggest three local nonprofits whose work has had a significant impact on the health of the Suncoast and Sarasota Bay. Suncoast Waterkeeper, Oyster River Ecology and Sarasota Bay Watch, while having different missions, all support the health of our local estuaries.

The Giving Challenge is a 24-hour online giving opportunity that connects about 700 nonprofit organizations with passionate donors and community members to support

Go to the Giving Challenge website to read about the mission of the different nonprofits that benefit from local donors and philanthropic organizations.

diverse causes and create enduring impacts in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties.

Since 2012, the Giving Challenge has provided more than $75 million in unrestricted funding over eight challenges.

Your donations during the Giving Challenge can transform nonprofit organizations through meaningful relationships and partnerships, all while strengthening their potential reach.

The Giving Challenge is hosted by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, with giving matched by The Patterson Foundation. Keep up with the latest on social media with #GivingChallenge2024 and #BeTheOne.

To learn more, visit the Community Foundation of Sarasota County website at www.givingchallenge@ AFSarasota.org or call 941-556-7171.

These nonprofits support the important work being done in the region and deserve the support of every citizen who appreciates the natural world which supports the local economy.

April fishing forecast predicts tarpon

CAPT. RICK GRASSETT

This is a great month for snook on shallow flats. Reds and trout will also be more active as the water warms and baitfish become more plentiful. You might find Spanish mackerel, blues and pompano in passes or on deep grass flats. Look for Spanish mackerel, false albacore (little tunny), cobia and tripletail in the coastal Gulf of Mexico this month. Tarpon should also make an appearance in back-country areas and in the coastal Gulf later in the month.

Tarpon will become more plentiful this month as resident fish make their way out of rivers and creeks and early arriving migratory fish begin to show along beaches, particularly by the end of the month. Water temperature in the Gulf is a key factor with 80 degrees being an optimum temperature. As the water warms towards that, fish will become more plentiful.

Resident fish may be rolling on deep grass flats in some of the same places that you find trout, laid up on edges of shallow grass flats or along sand bars. Spin anglers might score with a DOA Shrimp, Baitbuster or 4” CAL Shad Tail while fly anglers might connect with a black Deceiver or Tarpon Bunny fly. Keep your tarpon tackle rigged and ready this time of year so you’re able to take advantage of any opportunity that arises.

Snook should be staging on flats, around sand and oyster bars, on points of islands and around docks and bridges close to passes in the ICW. Spin anglers should score with CAL jigs and a variety of plastic tails including the 4” CAL Shad, DOA Baitbusters or surface walking top water plugs, like the DOA PT. Fish the edges of bars and potholes when the tide is low and mangrove shorelines or points of islands when the tide is high. You’ll also find snook around docks and bridges in

the ICW. Night snook fishing should be productive with small white flies, like my Grassett Snook Minnow fly, CAL jigs with shad tails and jerk worms, DOA Shrimp and Tiny TerrorEyz. Fish peak tidal flows for the best action. Reds will spend more time

feeding on shallow flats due to more plentiful bait. Look for them in potholes, the edges of bars and around docks when the tide is low. You should find them higher on flats over shallow grass or around mangrove shorelines when the tide is high. I like a 1/16-oz. CAL jig with a

shad tail or jerk worm for reds in shallow water. They are easy to fish in shallow water, come in multiple colors and are a good way to find reds. My Grassett Flats Minnow is my “go to” fly for reds. It fishes well in shallow water and its bend back design makes it very weedless. You may also find big trout in skinny water in many of the same places that you find reds. The same lures, flies and techniques used to find and catch reds will also work for big trout.

Trout should be plentiful on deep grass flats. I like to drift and cast ahead of my drift with CAL jigs and a variety of plastic tails or DOA Deadly Combos. Fly anglers should score with weighted flies on sink tip fly lines. I tie Clousers with Ultra Hair on long shank hooks so that they are durable and will hold up to toothy and rough mouth fish. Deep grass flats with a close proximity to passes are usually good due to strong tidal flow.

CAPT. RICK GRASSETT | SUBMITTED Greg Stepanski, of Tampa, with a Spanish mackerel caught on a plug.

OBITUARIES

Dickson L. Dunsworth Sr.

Dickson L. Dunsworth Sr., 83, of Bradenton, Florida, died March 19 in his assisted living home, The Villas of Holly Brook.

Born Aug. 2, 1940, in Peoria, Illinois, the son of Lawson and Thelma (Boyer) Dunsworth, he was a devoted husband of 43 years to Patricia Ann (Byers) Dunsworth. He is survived by one daughter, Theresa (Ron) Miller of Centerville, Virginia; three sons, Dickson (Peggy) Dunsworth Jr., of Ballwin, Missouri, Dennis Dunsworth of Bradenton, Florida, and Darrin (Cyndee) Dunsworth of Macomb, Illinois. He was grandfather to

Jessica (Matt) Kirkpatrick, Jennifer (Craig) Burroughs, Breanne (Elliott) Wisnasky, Alyssa (Ryan) McClellan, Dalton Dunsworth, Davis Dunsworth, Lily Dunsworth and Mae Dunsworth; and Papa the Great to Brooke and Abbey Kirkpatrick, Declan McClellan and Della Wisnasky. Dickson was a dear uncle, brother-in-law, godfather, Boy Scout leader, friend and mentor to many.

He worked for McDonough Power Cooperative for 43 years. He was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church in Holmes Beach, Florida and St. Paul's Church of Macomb, Illinois.

A Memorial Service will be scheduled summer of 2024 in Macomb. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Tidewell Foundation Hospice Program.

John and Amanda Horne receive Spirit of Manatee Award

The owners of the Anna Maria Oyster Bar, with a location on the Bradenton Beach Pier, are recognized for their philanthropy by the Manatee Community Foundation.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH

– Anna Maria Oyster Bar (AMOB) owners John and Amanda Horne were recently recognized by the Manatee Community Foundation for their philanthropic efforts. The Hornes received the Mary E. Parker Lifetime Spirit Award at the Manatee Community Foundation Spirit of Manatee Awards ceremony on March 13 at the Bradenton Area Convention Center. They were nominated by the

Pace Center for Girls, Manatee; The Patterson Foundation’s Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading; SunCoast Blood Centers and Tidewell Foundation.

According to the AMOB website: “Amanda’s passion for education at all stages of life has deep roots, having served PACE Center for Girls - Manatee for years on the board of directors, including two terms as chair. Along with her husband, John, she also helped pioneer a scholarship fund for adults returning to higher education at State College of Florida, USF Sarasota-Bradenton and Manatee Technical College through the Horne & Moon Scholarship Social.”

In 2017, the couple piloted the Dive Into Reading summer reading program at the Ellenton AMOB.

“This program has won

according to the AMOB website. “Dive Into Reading has expanded to include five

rising first, second and third graders, along with 354 volunteer mentors. In 2019, the

Sarasota School District piloted the program and 2020 saw Dive Into Reading expand into DeSoto County.”

The Hornes often open their home to fundraisers for the Pace Center for Girls, Women’s Re-source Center and Cancer Support Center, among others.

Other awards included:

• Lorenzo Liberti, Young Spirit Award, nominated by Turning Points;

• The Sertoma Club of Bradenton, Community Spirit Award, nominated by Turning Points;

• Johnette Isham (posthumous), Charles Clapsaddle Community Spotlight Award, nominated by Realize Bradenton, Inc.; and

• H. Lawrence Clark, Leadership Spirit Award, nominated by Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County and Pace Center for Girls.

Real estate in earthquake mode

The day I was scheduled to fly home from my visit to the wild, wild west, the news broke that the National Association of Realtors had settled legal claims relative to real estate commissions. When I finally returned home very early the next morning, I was faced with an avalanche of real estate information which I will attempt to boil down.

In a nutshell, everything about the way we buy and sell homes is in the process of changing. Traditionally, real estate agents’ commissions were paid by the seller out of the proceeds of the sale when the property closes and split between the selling and listing agents. Starting this summer, that long-standing model is being shaken to its core.

The NAR reached a nationwide settlement claiming that the industry conspired to keep agent commissions high. They agreed to abandon longstanding industry rules that have required most home sale listings to include an upfront

Castles in the Sand

offer telling buyers’ agents how much they will get paid. As a result, the commissions most home sellers have paid real estate agents for decades, generally between 5% and 6%, among the highest in the world, will be more negotiable. A note here, real estate commissions could be negotiable between the homeowner and the listing agent in the past, however, they always had to be stated on the listing agreement so the buyer’s agent knew what the split was.

Starting in July, most homebuyers will have to sign agreements saying how much their agents will be paid. If sellers don’t want to cover those costs, buyers might have to agree to pay their selling

agent. If this arrangement stands, it will be particularly difficult for first-time buyers or buyers who don’t have a surplus of cash to pay agents out of their own pockets.

Most sellers at the outset will opt to continue paying the commission for the buyer’s agent, recognizing they need the buyer’s agent to help with their home sale. It is possible and likely that little will change for buyers and sellers in the immediate future. Sellers are accustomed to including the cost of a buyer’s agent in their sale price, but over time new brokerage business models could emerge as everyone settles into a different reality.

The entire real estate industry is based on the spirit of cooperation between buyer’s agents and seller’s agents. A lot goes on behind the scenes between these two brokers since it’s to their advantage to make the negotiations come together. I would hate to see this new world order create an adversarial relationship between the buyer and seller agents. I do believe

that after the dust settles and agents begin to develop methods to work together to their benefit and the benefit of their clients, everyone in the transaction will find a way through it.

Remember that real estate transactions also affect mortgage brokers, title companies, inspectors and closing agents who are carefully watching what’s going on. The paperwork at the beginning will be confusing and may be difficult to explain to the buyers and sellers, but this is the hand the industry has been dealt. Next week, we’ll look at the effect on real estate brokers as a profession and some of the future possibilities.

The day the news broke about the first serious change to the real estate industry in decades happened to be St. Patrick’s Day. I’m still not sure if the industry had the luck of the Irish that day or just a wake-up call to the confusion it left in its wake. To be continued…

LOUISE BOLGER

HURRICANE: Season predicted to be far above average

the U.S. last year. Hurricane Idalia hit Florida as a Category 3 storm in August, directly affecting Anna Maria Island. Tropical Storm Harold soaked southern Texas in August. Tropical Storm Ophelia brought gusty wind and rough surf to North Carolina in September. Lee swiped the New England Coast as a tropical rainstorm, before making landfall in Nova Scotia.

DaSilva says there are four factors that indicate this year will possibly be record breaking. The first problem is that ocean temperatures are very warm, and that’s basically food for hurricanes.

“Sea surface temperatures are well above historical average across much of the Atlantic basin, especially across the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean and the Main Development Region,” DaSilva explained.

AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter said there is high confidence that that sea surface temperatures across the Atlantic basin will remain well above the historical average throughout the 2024 hurricane season.

“When you look back at historical sea surface temperature in the Atlantic’s Main Development Region, recent average water temperatures jump off the chart. They are the highest observed this early in the season in the available records,” Porter said. “This is a very concerning development considering this part of the Atlantic Ocean is where more than 80% of the storms form which go on to become tropical storms or hurricanes.”

AccuWeather also blames the flipping from El Nino to La Nina for the forecast. Even though the Pacific Ocean is thousands of miles away from the Atlantic, what happens there has major impacts on

severe weather in Florida; especially hurricanes. During an El Nino pattern, waters in the eastern Pacific are warmer than the historical average. In La Nina, sea surface temperatures in the eastern Pacific are cooler than the historical average. In short, this leads to less

wind shear over most of the Atlantic basin, which when mixed with the warmer water, makes for perfect conditions for tropical development.

Other factors include weather patterns in Africa. A stronger African jet stream could jump-start the development of storms long before

they make it here to the states. The strength, orientation and position of a feature known as the Bermuda-Azores high pressure area can have a major influence on the formation of tropical storms and hurricanes.

AccuWeather expert meteorologists say the Bermuda-Azores High can be offset farther south and east compared to the historical average, due to warmer sea surface temperatures.

While this forecast may not sound too good for Florida, or anywhere in the path of hurricanes, it remains a prediction, and many predictions don’t live up to expectations. Whether any given season is predicted to be intense, or more mild than usual, anyone living in the potential path of tropical storms or hurricanes should be well stocked and prepared for the worst, whether it happens or not. Preparation can save property and lives.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Forecasters predict a higher-than-average 2024 hurricane season.

PARKING: Commission promises to preserve parking spaces

joggers, bicyclists and more, the path currently extends from the entrance of the city to Willow Avenue and connects to a multi-use path in Holmes Beach.

In November, the city’s $250,000 funding request was submitted to the Florida Senate and the Florida House of Representatives via Senate local funding initiative request #1512, sponsored by Boyd, and House funding request form, HSE form #2599, sponsored by Robinson.

is in the “construction” phase and “shovel-ready,” with an estimated fall 2024 start date and a summer 2025 completion date.

The House funding request form poses the following question: “Is there any documented show of support for the requested project in the community including public hearings, letters of support, major organizational backing or other expressions of support?”

As part of the still-pending Reimagining Pine Avenue safety improvement project, the commission previously discussed but took no action on the potential elimination of 50 or so parallel parking spaces located along Pine Avenue. Former commissioner Deanie Sebring and current commissioners Kathy Morgan FROM

“The funds will be spent to complete the multi-use path and drainage facility along Gulf Drive,” the Senate funding request form says. The Senate request form says the city plans to contribute $250,000 in city funds to the proposed project that

It has never been the city’s intent, nor is it now our intent, to eliminate parking spaces.”

Dan Murphy, Anna Maria mayor

party, for the area to be served?

commission or the public.

The city’s response is: “Yes. Businesses, visitors and residents have all expressed a desire to see the current multi-use path expanded on Gulf Drive, from Willow Avenue to Magnolia.”

The House request form also poses this question: “Has the need for the funds been documented by a study, completed by an independent third

The city’s response says, “Yes. George F. Young, Inc. has done a study on this as the engineering firm that is working on the project.”

Neither funding request form references parking or eliminating parking.

The commission has previously discussed extending the multi-use path as a desired future project, but to date no formal plans or completed studies have been presented to the city

THE BEST GE TS

PARKING: Commission promises to preserve spaces

FROM PAGE 24

and Gary McMullen have expressed support for eliminating those Pine Avenue parking spaces and that support contributed to the Gulf Drive business owners’ concerns.

COMMISSION DISCUSSION

On March 28, Murphy addressed the petition and the business owners’ concerns previously reported by The Sun. He sought, and later received, commission consensus in support of not eliminating parking spaces to accommodate an expanded multi-use path and to possibly create more parking if possible.

“It has never been the city’s intent, nor is it now our intent, to eliminate parking spaces,” Murphy told the commission.

“The author of this petition seems to think there’s no way to run the multi-use path to Magnolia unless you eliminate parking spaces. That simply isn’t true.”

Murphy mentioned three potential options that would preserve those parking spaces: extend the path along the other side of Gulf Drive from Willow to Magnolia, shift Gulf Drive over to create enough space to extend the path along the same of the street or relocate the existing parking spaces to the other side of Gulf Drive.

Foster recently told The Sun that Reimagining Pine Avenue project engineer Gerry Traverso told him in 2021 that due to the limited amount of available space in that area, extending the multi-use path would eliminate those existing Gulf Drive parking spaces. At the time, Traverso was contracted by the city through the George F. Young engineering firm referenced on the House funding request form.

“He never did work on this project because we’ve never had a study to address it. Traverso knew nothing about the multi-use path,” Murphy said.

“I would have appreciated at least a phone call before all these businesses signed a petition, so that I could clarify what the city’s policy is - not eliminating parking. When we submitted a document requesting a quarter million dollars to Sen. Boyd and Rep. Robinson in January, it said this project would be parking neutral, meaning we’re not eliminating any parking,” Murphy said.

The mayor was referring to a Jan. 8 email from City Clerk LeAnne Addy to the city’s lobbyist, Bethany McAlister, in response to a follow-up question about parking neutrality.

McMullen asked Murphy why the multi-use path wouldn’t be extended to Pine Avenue and said, “It just doesn’t make any sense to me to stop at Magnolia when everyone wants to go to Pine.”

“It’s a matter of resources and money, so we take it a piece at a time,” Murphy responded.

Commissioner Mark Short acknowledged differing opinions have been previously expressed about eliminating the parallel parking spaces along Pine Avenue, but he said it’s always been the commission’s intent to preserve those spaces.

“The last thing I want to see happen is the city lose any parking spots, especially in the commercial area,” Short said.

“I’m opposed to parallel parking on Pine because you can’t see around those cars,” McMullen countered.

PETITIONERS SPEAK

When addressing the commission, Foster said, “I’m the one that started the petition. It wasn’t my intention to catch you guys off guard. It was my intention though to stop the funding for this funding request. The request is very black and white. It says, ‘businesses, visitors, residents have all expressed a desire to see the current multi-use path expanded from Willow Avenue to Magnolia.’ ”

Foster said he and the other business owners who signed the petition and attended Thursday’s meeting never expressed a desire to extend the multi-use path: “I just want to run my business and

be a good citizen. This scared me because I do know the impact those parking spaces have.”

John Cagnina is one of the owners of the building leased to Ginny’s and Jane E’s, Body & Sol Spa & Wellness and Snips Hair Salon, three of the seven businesses whose owners signed the petition. Cagnina also signed the petition.

He said eliminating those 13 spaces along Gulf Drive would be a catastrophe.

“Those parking spaces turn over two, three, four times a day,” he said, noting this can amount to more than 300 people using those spaces per day.

Cagnina requested the commission instead direct bicyclists down Willow Avenue and away from the heavily-congested commercial district that lies ahead along Gulf Drive. He said it’s nerve-racking to drive through that area when bicyclists and pedestrians are coming from every direction.

In response, McMullen said, “The people won’t go down Willow and make a detour. They’re going to keep going right down Gulf with their bicycles.”

Cagnina said a designated bike path down Willow Avenue would be more inviting to bicyclists and might encourage more of them to use that alternate route.

“Right now, it’s just a road,” Cagnina said.

Before the commission reached its 4-1 consensus, McMullen said, “I’m against saying you can’t do anything to the parking spaces.”

After leaving city hall, Foster said, “I feel a tremendous amount of relief. All but one of them agreed they would not touch that parking. I’m happy with the outcome and I’m going to let the state know as well. This is not about politics, it’s about our livelihoods.”

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Business owners want to preserve the parallel parking spaces along Gulf Drive.

SPORTS

Sato claims adult indoor soccer championship

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

ANNA MARIA – To close out the winter 2024 sports season at The Center of Anna Maria Island, the adult indoor soccer players went into round two of the playoffs last Wednesday knowing that if they won, they would advance to the championship game in only a few very short minutes.

In the first game of the night, second-ranked team Pool America lost to the Sato Real Estate team 9-5. Coming into the night as the third seed, Sato Real Estate was ready to play off of the win against Slim’s Place the week prior.

Pool America had a bye in round one playoff action.

Team Bucky Construction faced the same fate in the semifinal round against ServisFirst Bank. Fourth-ranked team Servis beat team Mi-Box to earn their round two seat. Top-ranked Bucky Construction had the week to rest.

The week off for Pool America and Bucky Construction seemed to work as a disadvantage for the two top-ranked teams. ServisFirst Bank’s win matched them up against Sato Real Estate in the final indoor soccer game of the season.

Having the apparent advantage of playing the first game of the

sively widened its lead with the final whistle blowing to a 9-6 win for the slightly favored squad. As the indoor soccer season ends, the play on the outdoor pitch starts with spring adult co-ed and youth soccer on the Island.

night, Sato Real Estate led the championship game going into halftime 3-2. As the game clock ticked, the fatigue of playing back-to-back games started to take its toll on team ServisFirst Bank.

Team captain Josh Sato protected his team’s goal for the duration of the match, with 14 recorded saves. Servis shared the goalkeeping duties between Scott Cooper and Robert Fellowes. Cooper finished with three stops, while Fellowes put three saves in

the game stats.

The game’s 15 points came off the boots of Sato Real Estate’s Ted Hurst and Nate Welch, scoring four and three goals, respectively, as well as two goals for each of the ServisFirst Bank scorers Nate Stotler, Luca Vecchio and Fellowes.

James Noblett and Sato each added a single point for the Sato Real Estate team, contributing to the team’s solid win.

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MONICA SIMPSON | SUN Winter indoor soccer season champs, Sato Real Estate, moved up from third seed to be the big winners. From left are Raul Loera, Kris Yavalar, James Noblett, Josh Sato, Nate Welch, Ted Hurst and Damir Glavan.

FUN IN THE SUN

CLASSIFIEDS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Kathy Primeau at 989-560-6381.

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SALON SUITE / TREATMENT ROOM Available in Anna Maria Body & Sol Spa and Wellness has a private office for rent. Perfect for a hair stylist (shampoo bowl and plumbing in place), acupuncturist, or counselor/therapist. Looking for a monthly rent, not a per use fee. Please text the biz owner, Amanda, at 941-896-2222

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PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates. 941-812-0507

“WIZARD

OF WALLS”

Established 1980

Prompt quality service. Wallpaper installation/ removal. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455

DONALD PERKINS ABRACADABRA PAINTING

LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-705-7096

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident. Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Minor repairs & carpentry. Free estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315

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REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

Have you been thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! GULF FRONT, CANAL FRONT, BAY FRONT CONDOS or HOMES ASK for BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216

LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589

NEW PRICE! New roof! New Floors! New paint! New Ceiling! CONDO for sale, 2BR/2BA, 1639 SF, 6904 10th Ave. W., Village Green on cul-desac. 1-car garage, large Florida room, dine-in kitchen plus dining room, large pantry, built-in china cabinet, walk-in closet, lots of storage, laundry room, lush landscaping, pool, walking/running track, 5 miles to AMI, near medical, shopping, preserves. Price Reduction! $335,000. Lisa Varano, Wagner Realty, 941730-9060.

FOR SALE - PERICO BAY CLUB Waterfront Beauties! 2 & 3 bedroom models w 2 car garages! Call Today for more info! Erin Leathem at The Anna Maria Sales Team at Island Real Estate 941-448-5616

FOR SALE - 5400 GULF

Completely updated coastal beauty! Gulf Front 55+ neighborhood commu-nity! Call Erin Leathem at The Anna Maria Sales Team at Island Real Estate 941-448-5616

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

FSBO NORTH-END ANNA

MARIA 3BR/3BA, canal home, 2 car detached garage, fireplace, dock, quiet dead-end street 941-345-7429.

ANNA MARIA HOME

$2,900,000 1 house from beach 3 bedroom pool & spa 2 years old. Christine Kourik Remax 314-440-7574

2BR/2BA ALL NEW PAINT, windows. Quartz countertops, new kitchen, all new laminate flooring, New master bathroom, sunroom, washer dryer, New shaker doors, new baseboards. New A/C & New water heater. Move in condition.

$329,900. Sharon Hightower Re/max Alliance group 941-3305054.

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ANNUAL RENTALS WANTED! We have well qualified tenants for beach and mainland annual rentals, Full management or Finders fee. Call today for details. Ask for Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 513-382-1992.

ANNUAL GROUND LEVEL, 1BR/1BA condo, pool, close to the beach. $1800 monthly. Call 941-7784800

IN OVER 55 COMMUNITY ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND.. Totally remodeled 2BR/1.5BA, ground level cottage with adjacent parking. Stacked W/D and three air/heat mini splits. Heated pool on site; pickleball courts one block away. Gulf is 300 steps and the bay 200 steps from your porch. Rent includes all utilities and Wi-Fi. Annual rent $2,500 per month. 6 month rent is $4000 per mo. Call Tim 507-3828880.

STEPS TO THE BEACH!

Annual or semi-annual raised 2BR/2BA fully furnished duplex with new interior and fully-equipped kitchen, washer/dryer, carport for 2 vehicles on Ave B, Bradenton Beach $3500/mo + utilities Available April 1, 2024 Text or call Nicholas Cibel @ 202-744-8200

ANNUAL RENTAL: Located in beautiful Perico Bay Club, just 2 miles from Anna Maria Island. Gated community with 24 hour security. This villa home has 2 bedrooms, 2 updated bathrooms, updated kitchen, end unit, screened deck and 2 car garage. Unfurnished/No pets. Text 908-875-0299 for more information.

ANNUAL RENTAL, $2750, 2BR/1BA cottage w/ porch, NEW A/C, close to beach, washer/dryer, up-dated kitchen w/DW. Dolores Baker Real Estate 941-778-7500.

FULLY FURNISHED

3BR/2BA home in Holmes beach. Annual rental only. Great location. $4,000. per month. Contact us at 941 778-4410.

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION

TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bed-room. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455

SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates. Contact Barb Grace 941-201-2190

ANNA MARIA ISLAND

CONDOS Large pool, beach access, free WiFi, 1&2 Bedroom $900 to $1200 per week redekercondosonami.com Tim 941-704-7525

FOR RENT (SUMMER AT THE BEACH) AMI updated 5 star condo. Available May to November (monthly with Multi-month discount). Million$ water view, first floor, 2BR/2BA, beautiful water view deck, walk to beach, pool, tennis (smoke free/no pets) Owner/ renter email NOW market-reps@aol.com or 570-239-0431

HOLMES BEACH2BR/2BA Bayside Condo. POOL, Tennis, Pickleball, Beautifully updated. 2024 Summer & Fall Monthly Rental. Call Julie at 312-835-3054 or email shellpointhaven@ gmail.com for photos and details

TRANSPORTATION

ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete $85. Sarasota $40. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-7795095