Anna Maria Island Sun August 3, 2022

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 22 No. 43

August 3, 2022

Swimming prohibited at several beaches

Some beaches on Anna Maria Island and Bradenton remained under a no-swim advisory as of Monday.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

ANNA MARIA ISLAND - No-swim advisories remained in effect on Monday for north Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach, north Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach, north Bayfront Park in Anna Maria and south Palma Sola Causeway in Bradenton.

Christopher Tittel, communications director for the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County (DOH-Manatee, said new water samples would be taken on Monday, with results expected by mid-week.

A no-swim advisory is issued when contact with the water at the site could make beachgoers sick.

“We encourage people to go and enjoy the beach regardless of the current water conditions; there’s nothing airborne, so even if you can’t get in the water, you can enjoy the beach,” Tittel said. “It’s one thing to get this on your skin, but people who go in the water with any kind of open wounds or cuts are

A sign posted at Manatee Beach warned beachgoers of a no-swim advisory last week. Despite warnings of high levels of bacteria in the water, many beachgoers enjoyed swimming in the Gulf of Mexico.

SEE SWIMMING, PAGE 27

Tree house owners push for trial date The 11-year-old tree house case is finally headed to trial with attorneys from both sides meeting next week to determine a date.

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

HOLMES BEACH - Tree house owners Lynn Tran and Richard Hazen may soon be getting their wish – a court trial.

Manatee Circuit Court Judge Charles Sniffen has ordered attorneys representing the tree house owners and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to attend a Monday, Aug. 8 case management session with

Page 27

the intent of setting a trial date.

In the lawsuit filed in December 2018 by Tran and Hazen against the city of Holmes Beach and FDEP, the couple asks for a temporary injunction to prevent city and state leaders from removing the two-story beachfront structure they built in 2011 at Angelinos Sea Lodge, 2818 Ave. E, and to stop the accumulation of fines against the property owners.

Tran and Hazen’s case against the city asking for an injunction was dismissed in July 2021 but their case against the FDEP continues. During a July 27 hearing, Sniffen denied the FDEP’s motion for summary judgment because an amended complaint had

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

SEE TREE HOUSE, PAGE 15

The future of the two-story tree house at Angelinos Sea Lodge in Holmes Beach may be decided by a jury.

CANAL-FRONT

HOLMES BEACH officials

property owners sued by neighboring Hunters Point developer. 4

crack down on rental violation. 3

Anna Maria Island, Florida

PELICANS INJURED by

hooks will be banded, tracked. 21

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

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THE SUN

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Jalapeno Margarita - Blanco Tequila -Pressed lime juice -Agave -Basil -Cilantro -Jalapeno (rocks)

941.778.1515 | 111 South Bay Blvd | Anna Maria Island, FL.

AUGUST 3, 2022

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AUGUST 3, 2022

Cases 315 % Positivity 24.66% Deaths 5 % Eligible population vaccinated 72.8% New hospital admissions 77

Manatee County community level of COVID-19 transmission Source: Centers for Disease Control

Tree falls on cars at Cortez Beach A large tree branch fell on July 30, damaging three vehicles near lifeguard tower 3 in the Cortez Beach parking lot. According to Bradenton Beach police, no one was injured and the fallen branch appeared to be a natural occurrence.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

JULY 31

Cases 330 % Positivity 26.24% Deaths 0 % Eligible population vaccinated 72.9% New hospital admissions 73

3

Rental issues lead to penalties

COVID-19 high in Manatee County JULY 25

THE SUN

The family of one Holmes Beach property owner has until Aug. 8 to bring his rental home into compliance or risk fines.

BY KRISTIN SWAIN

SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – Special Magistrate Michael Connolly is giving the family of one property owner time to come into compliance with city codes before facing fines, but not much time.

Connolly has ruled against property owner Daniel Spitzer, who stood accused of violating the city’s vacation rental ordinance by renting his R-1 zoned property for stays of less than 30 days and advertising for shortterm stays. Code Compliance Officer James Thomas said the issues with the property date back to June 2016 and that he has been trying to get Spitzer to come into compliance for years.

Spitzer was unable to attend the July 26 hearing due to being hospitalized with a serious condition, however his daughter-in-law Marissa Spitzer attended by telephone in his absence. She said that she had only recently found out about the issues with the property

when she was notified of the code violation posting at the rental home by a neighbor. She agreed to work to bring the property into compliance but said it might be difficult given her location in New Jersey and lack of access to her father-in-law’s online advertising accounts.

Connolly said that she has until the end of day on Monday, Aug. 8 to remove or alter any advertising for less than 30 day rentals, get a new vacation rental certificate from the city, cancel any short term rentals booked through the end of the calendar year and provide proof to code officers that all scheduled stays of less than 30 consecutive days have been canceled.

If the property remains out of compliance, the owner could face fines of up to $250 per day.

While Spitzer said she believes she can meet the deadline, she added that she feels it’s unfair to require residential properties zoned R-1 to be rented for a minimum of 30 days while other properties in the city can be rented for seven days. She said her fatherin-law relies on the rental income from the property.

City Attorney Erica Augello said that while she understands the family’s plight, the code issues have existed on the property for years with the owner’s knowledge.

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THE SUN

ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

Rezoning hearing delayed The public hearing for the proposed rezoning of several residential properties in Bradenton Beach’s Azure Shores subdivision has been continued until noon on Thursday, Sept. 15.

The continuation was announced during the Bradenton Beach City ComCITY OF BRADENTON BEACH | SUBMITTED mission meeting on City staff is proposing that the Thursday, July 21. properties located within the Building Official black-dashed lines be rezoned.

Steve Gilbert and City Planner Luis Serna have proposed amending the city’s zoning map in several areas throughout the city in order to create better consistency between the zoning map and the future land use map contained in the city’s comprehensive plan.

Gilbert and Serna recommend those rezoning efforts begin with more than 20 properties located from Highland Avenue west to Gulf Drive, and from Second Street North to Cortez Road. Those properties are currently zoned multi-family residential (R-3) and city staff is proposing rezoning them to mixed use (MXD). The mixed-use zoning would allow for ground-level retail and other commercial activities with residential units located on the upper levels above. The city’s planning and zoning board opposes the proposed rezoning, as do several potentially impacted property owners who attended the recent planning and zoning board hearing.

Light agenda for Bradenton Beach Commission

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AUGUST 3, 2022

Canal-side homeowners sued in Hunters Point lawsuit

The lawsuit is part of an ongoing dispute between the Hunters Point developer and the owner of nearby Cortez Village Marina.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

CORTEZ – Several property owners along a privately-owned canal are planning their response to a lawsuit filed against them by Hunters Point developer Marshall Gobuty and his Cortez Road Investments and Finance Inc. ownership group.

Filed with the 12th Judicial Circuit Court in Manatee County on June 3 and assigned to Judge Edward Nicholas, the civil lawsuit names canal-side property owners Jonathan Graham, Sheila Graham, Mark Ibasfalean, Jacquelyn Shepard, Timothy Fitzpatrick, Mary Norman, Wendy Kokolis and George Kokolis as defendants.

Around July 20, they were served with summons and copies of the lawsuit complaint many of them had already read about in The Sun. The lawsuit stems from an ongoing dispute over a canal between Cortez Road Investments and the MHC Cortez Village LLC that owns the nearby Cortez Village Marina.

The canal surrounds the Hunters Point property on three sides.

Constructed in the 1950s, the

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Wendy and George Kokolis received a cease-and-desist letter regarding the boat lift being installed, left, across the canal from the Hunters Point property. portion of the canal owned by Gobuty extends from the humpback bridge at 127th Street West (near the Seafood Shack restaurant) to the western boundary of the Cortez Village Marina property. Another portion of the canal extends southward to the northern boundary of the Buttonwood Inlet RV resort property. The canal is used by homeowners, marina patrons and guests at the Buttonwood Inlet and Holiday Cove RV resorts.

The residential properties involved in the lawsuit are located along 126th Street West and across the canal from the northwestern edge of Hunters Point property where 86 solar-powered, net-zero energy-rated townhomes

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

are currently being constructed.

The phase two development plans include a 20-unit hotel/apartment building.

According to Ibasfalean, the defendants have retained an attorney or attorneys in response to the summons.

“We’re going to have to work together on this. We just got served.

This battle is between Hunters Point and the marina, but now that we’re involved, we have to react,” he said.

The lawsuit complaint alleges that the property owners previously constructed and are currently maintaining docks, boat lifts and other structures in the privatelyowned canal without the authorization of the canal owner.

Gobuty seeks the removal of the structures, but a follow-up letter drafted by Gobuty’s attorney, Susan Martin, clarifies that the lawsuit’s actual intent is to ensure that none of the structures extend more than 25% into the canal that’s approximately 65 feet wide in those areas.

“Unfortunately, one of the main areas of concern identified by MHC (Cortez Village Marina) in its suit against CRIF (Cortez Road Investments & Finance) is the area where you maintain your dock.

Your dock, vessels or associated structures exceed 25% of the width of the waterbody. MHC con-

Canal-side homeowner Mark Ibasfalean is among the defendants named in the Hunters Point lawsuit.

SEE LAWSUIT, PAGE 31

With a very light agenda, the Bradenton Beach City Commission will meet Thursday, Aug. 4 at 6 p.m. The commission will be asked to approve three invoices from Colliers Engineering totaling $16,107 and a $21,376 invoice from M.T. Causley for building official and city planner services. The agenda lists no new or old commission business and the only other items listed on the agenda are the mayor and commissioners’ reports.

CRA meeting canceled The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 3 has been canceled. The CRA board will meet again on Wednesday, Sept. 7.

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AUGUST 3, 2022

THE SUN

5

Another vacation rental home deemed public nuisance A potential suspension of the rental's cityissued vacation rental license has not yet been discussed.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Due to repeated noise violations, special magistrate Gerald Buhr has deemed a vacation rental home at 205 South Bay Blvd. to be a public nuisance.

Buhr awarded the city a $150 administrative fee, $62 for postage fees and $100 for the services of the court reporter who transcribed the hearing.

The vacation rental is owned

by Shawn Kaleta’s Beach to Bay Investments and managed by Kaleta’s AMI Locals property management and real estate company.

In May, Buhr declared a vacation rental home at 313 Magnolia Ave. to be a public nuisance due to three noise

violation citations being issued to guests staying there during a 12-month period.

That property is owned by the Mangoes on Magnolia LLC that lists Mukesh Patel and three others as its authorized representatives. In June, the city commission authorized City Attorney Becky Vose to file a civil lawsuit against those property owners seeking a one-year suspension of that property’s city-issued vacation rental license. That case has not yet gone to court.

The city commission has not yet discussed whether a similar lawsuit will be filed against the owner of the rental home at 205 South Bay.

CITY’S CASE

Buhr presided over the code enforcement hearing at city hall on July 26. While presenting the city’s case, Anna Maria Code Enforcement Manager Sandy Olson noted three noise ordinance violation citations were issued within a six-month

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

This vacation rental home at 205 South Bay Blvd. has been the subject of numerous noise complaints and noise ordinance violations. period to guests staying in that vacation rental home. The noise violations occurred on Sept. 5, 2021, Jan. 22 and March 5.

“The city is also seeking a ruling that the property at 205 South Bay Boulevard is a public nuisance. Section 26-95 of city of Anna Maria’s code of ordinances states that three

or more violations occurring at the same premises within any 12-month rolling period shall be deemed prima facia evidence that the premises is a public nuisance,” Olson said.

Manatee County Sheriff’s Deputy Adesh Ragoonanan issued all three noise violation citations and he testified to

the validity of each citation.

He said all three violations involved loud talking and loud music coming from the pool area. Olson noted each of the violating guests paid the $35 fine and the property owner and management company were notified of the violations.

Testimony was also provided by two full-time city residents who live near the vacation rental home.

Tara O’Brien said she and her family live around the corner and three homes away from the vacation rental home. She said she’s called the sheriff’s office twice about that home. She said the first time was in September, when a DJ was playing loud music after midnight.

Olson asked O’Brien how that noise impacts her life.

O’Brien said she has two teenage boys and the noise heard coming from the rental home late at night impacts the family’s sleep.

SEE RENTAL, PAGE 9

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THE SUN

OPINION

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

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AUGUST 3, 2022

The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff Owner/CEO Mike Field Editor Cindy Lane General Manager Bob Alexander Reporters/Photographers Joe Hendricks Jason Schaffer Kristin Swain Columnists Louise Bolger Rusty Chinnis Contributors Steve Borggren Captain Rick Grassett Leslie Lake Monica Simpson Tom Vaught Captain Dave White Anne Yarbrough Layout Ricardo Fonseca Digital Editor Kristin Swain Advertising Director Shona Otto Advertising Assistant Pamela Lee Classifieds Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Distribution Bob Alexander Connor Field Tony McNulty Brian Smith Accounting Leslie Ketchum Co-founding publishers Mike Field Maggie McGinley Field Family-owned since 2000

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Candidate opposes parking garage While Holmes Beach commissioners seek to ban multi-level parking structures, apparently County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge seems to believe a three-story parking garage built at Manatee Beach will address beachgoers’ needs.

It will not.

City commissioners stated the reasons for the ban were the negative impact of an increase in beach vehicular traffic as well as implying that Manatee Beach is either currently at capacity, or close to it during peak days. It is. I did a beach ride-along with the chief on July 4. The umbrellas were nearly touching each other.

That’s with only 400 parking spaces.

Building a three-level parking facility at Manatee Beach would

nearly triple the number of parking spaces and exceed the number of spaces at Coquina Beach.

In a stretch of beautiful beach, slightly less than a mile in length, Coquina has 15 individual changing stations, three separate restroom facilities and six lifeguard stations. Manatee Beach has one restroom facility, four changing stations and one lifeguard station – all centrally located.

To match the length of Coquina, Manatee Beach would extend from 30th Street to 48th Street, with the facilities in the middle.

If a parking garage is constructed, where do all these folks go?

And how do they get there?

And avail themselves of what amenities?

Certainly, matching or exceeding Coquina parking capacity with a third or a quarter of available facilities seems like a bad way to treat visitors.

Also, non-residential Coquina Beach has its parking spaces stretched out evenly spaced over the entire beach.

We don’t have that option, as our beach is mainly in residential neighborhoods.

Also, if a parking garage is built at Manatee Beach - where will the 400 beachgoer vehicles park during construction?

Where will beach workers park their dozen or so vehicles?

There will have to be some type of accommodation made for all these vehicles during construction.

Certainly, street parking for more than 400 additional vehicles is not a reasonable accommodation during the construction phase.

If the county wants to build a parking garage, the above issues have to be addressed. But by then, most likely our planned ban will prevent construction.

Dan Diggins Holmes Beach Commission candidate

Drop us a line Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment? Is there something you need to get off your chest? Send us a letter to the editor and have your say. There are a couple of ways to do it. The easiest and most direct is to email The Sun at news@amisun.com. Remember to put Letter to the Editor in the subject field. Or you can snail-mail a letter to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun,

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

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AUGUST 3, 2022

ON THE AGENDA

ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

FREE

HOME DELIVERY

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

No meetings in August.

BRADENTON BEACH

107 GULF DRIVE N. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005

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

Aug. 4, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting Aug. 17, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting Aug. 18, noon – City Commission meeting

HOLMES BEACH

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

Call for Details

778-3986

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

Aug. 3, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting Aug. 10, 9 a.m. – Clean Water Ad-hoc Committee meeting

ISLAND-WIDE

Aug. 16, 6 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue board meeting, administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton Aug. 17, 2 p.m. – Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting, Anna Maria City Hall

THE SUN

MONDAY, AUG. 8

Sunset Tai Chi, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., 6:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, AUG. 9

Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5-8 p.m.

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

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

Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, 11:30 a.m.

Tech Help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-3:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUG. 5

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 10

EVENTS

THURSDAY, AUG. 4

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

SATURDAY, AUG. 6

Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 7 a.m.

Volunteer planting day, Leffis Key, 2649 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 8-11 a.m.

Saturday mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon.

Island Time Book Club, “Malibu Rising” by Taylor Jenkins Reid, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, AUG. 11

Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5-8 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUG. 12

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

7

Escape the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 1-4 p.m.

SATURDAY, AUG. 13

Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 7 a.m.

Saturday mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon.

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

Escape the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 2-5 p.m.

Music on the Porch, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 2-4 p.m.

TUESDAY, AUG. 16

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

Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, 11:30 a.m.

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

One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-3:30 p.m.

8

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

AUGUST 3, 2022

Unregistered vacation rental owner faces potential fines If imposed, the daily fines would accrue from June 4 and continue until the vacation rental units are registered with the city.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The owner of a large home and smaller cottage at 714 Jacaranda Road has until Wednesday, Aug. 10 to register his vacation rentals or face a retroactive daily fine of up to $250 per day.

If the rental units are brought into compliance by Aug. 10, the daily fines will not be imposed.

If the fines are imposed, they will accrue from June 4 until the date the vacation rental home and cottage are registered with the city. If the fines are not paid, the city can place a lien on the property and collect the accruing fines if and when the property is sold.

These matters were discussed during the code enforcement hearing at city hall on July 28 with special magistrate Gerald Buhr presiding.

According to Anna Maria Code Enforcement Manager Sandy Olson,

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

This home and cottage at 714 Jacaranda Road are being used for unlicensed short-term vacation rental activities.

Odessa, Florida resident Yosmany Cuellar purchased the home and adjacent cottage in September 2021 and has been using both structures as non-registered short-term vacation rentals. Cuellar did not attend the July 28 hearing.

According to Olson, Cuellar was notified of the ongoing vacation rental

violations on June 4 and again on June 22 and as of July 28 had not responded to the city notices or registered his vacation rental units.

During the hearing, the city sought and received from Buhr an order for Cuellar to comply with the city’s vacation rental registration requirement on

or before Aug. 10, with total allowed occupancy of eight guests for the home and cottage combined. The city also sought and was granted the award of $150 in administrative fees and $15.95 in postage fees.

Olson said she was made aware of the illegal vacation rental activities by the city’s contracted online monitoring service.

She said no address was listed in the rental advertisement, but she recognized the home and drove over to confirm that the home and cottage being advertised were located at 714 Jacaranda Road. Olson said the property was being illegally rented when she made her site visit.

Olson included in her evidentiary exhibits a screenshot of an online aircover advertisement for the main home being offered to 12 guests for $1,473 per night, and reviews posted by guests who previously stayed in the house since Cuellar bought it. Olson also included a screenshot of an online aircover advertisement that offered the cottage to four guests for $285 per night, along with reviews posted by previous cottage guests.

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THE SUN

9

RENTAL: Vacation rental home deemed public nuisance FROM PAGE 5

Christopher Siddall’s home is located behind the vacation rental home. He said the shouting and screaming at the property starts during the day, stops when the guests go out for dinner and resumes when they return. Siddall said he’s called the sheriff’s office eight to 10 times since the beginning of the year and all those calls were made after 10 p.m.

Olson asked Siddall how the noise impacts his life.

“It impacts me a lot. I get to bed around 10 and I get up early in the morning. When I hear that it’s not just annoying, it’s frustrating to think that they have no courtesy. They don’t appreciate that people do actually live there,” he said.

Olson noted that the owner of the home at 205 South Bay previously settled a Burt Harris claim with the city that allows for a maximum occupancy of 18 guests. The standard maximum occupancy allowed in Anna Maria is eight.

REPRESENTATIVES’ RESPONSE

Attorney Louis Najmy and AMI Locals General Manager Eric Pullen represented the property owner and property management company at the hearing.

“We’re not here to contest the validity of these violations. We stand with the same goal as the city as to not have noise violations at these properties and not to disturb neighbors. We implemented a lot of things with respect to this home to make sure that doesn’t continue,” Najmy said.

He said it’s important to recognize that noise ordinance violations are not

fully under the control of the property owner or management company, but it is ultimately the responsibility of those entities to respond to noise violations occurring at their properties.

Najmy said AMI Locals represents hundreds of vacation rental properties in the city of Anna Maria and the property in question is the only one to receive three noise complaints.

He asked Pullen to describe the measures AMI Locals put in place to alleviate future noise concerns and complaints at 205 South Bay. Pullen said AMI Locals uses eight different methods to make its rental guests aware of the city’s noise ordinance, the city’s overnight quiet hours from 10 a.m. to 8 a.m. and the possibility of being evicted if need be. Pullen said AMI Locals encourages its guests to leave the pool area at 10 p.m. and go inside.

Najmy noted incoming rental guests receive four communications from AMI Locals before they arrive at the property, including a phone call and an email.

They also receive a text message after they arrive. Pullen said an information package and a plexiglass information stand is placed in plain view inside each rental property and they both reference the noise ordinance.

Buhr noted some AMI Locals properties have noise meters in the pool area.

Pullen said there’s not a noise meter at the 205 South Bay property, but Najmy said one will be installed.

Participating by phone, Vose asked what measures are taken to ensure that a rental home that allows 18 guests isn’t used by younger people to throw parties. She also asked if AMI Locals pre-screens its renters.

This one is a nuisance. There is something different about the house.”

Becky Vose, city attorney Pullen said the majority of the company’s large rental homes are rented by multi-generational families or multiple families that vacation together. Pullen said the renters are not screened, but the person renting the property has to be at least 25 years old.

“Would you admit that at this point your efforts, sadly, as to this particular property, have not worked?” Vose asked.

In response Pullen said, “The property’s been occupied from the date of the last incidence until now and we haven’t had another violation. I would think some of the steps we’re taking are working.”

Before issuing his ruling, Buhr said, “You’ve taken a lot of steps, and that is laudable, but none of the steps appear to have worked and stopped the violations.”

Najmy suggested the city increase the $35 fine for a first noise ordinance violation to a significantly higher amount. He also said AMI Locals was considering requiring a larger deposit and deducting from that deposit an amount 10 or more times greater than the fine associated with a noise violation.

Najmy offered to open a direct line of communication with the neighbors that would allow them contact some-

one at AMI Locals before contacting the sheriff’s office. Siddall said he liked that idea.

Regarding the city-requested nuisance declaration, Najmy said, “Don’t shut us down. Based on everything AMI Locals has done, everything the owner has done, it would be an extreme hardship to shut down a house given that we’ve made those efforts.”

Vose said the city wasn’t asking for any other rental property owned by Beach to Bay Investments and managed by AMI Locals to be declared a public nuisance.

“This one is a nuisance. There is something different about the house,” she said, again referencing the 18-person occupancy limit.

She suggested the management company implement a voluntary occupancy reduction.

“We do request that this house be deemed a nuisance,” Vose concluded.

When issuing his ruling, Buhr said, “I don’t have the jurisdiction or authority to shut you down. That would have to be done by a judge and that would have to be a circuit court case. My position is to determine whether those violations occurred and if those violations rise to the level of nuisance. I do find that those violations were committed. I do find that is a public nuisance.”

10

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THE SUN

AUGUST 3, 2022

Roser Church

“...a beautiful place to explore your faith...”

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM in the Chapel 10:00 AM in the Sanctuary Nursery • Children’s Church

ONLINE • Watch LIVE or LATER

RoserChurch.com

Text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin The CHAPEL is open during office hours for prayer and meditation 941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch

SUBMITTED

Anna Maria Island Privateers’ 2022 scholarship winners receive their awards on July 15 at LECOM Park before the Bradenton Marauders game.

Privateers award scholarships The Anna Maria Island Privateers awarded their 2022 scholarships to deserving students before the July 15 Bradenton Marauders game.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

CARISSA BAILEY – $500

Freshman – University of South Florida

GABRIEL FRENCH – $500

Freshman – University of Central Florida Engineering

BRADENTON - It was not only a great day for baseball but also for the winners of the latest round of scholarships awarded by the Anna Maria Island Privateers. The Privateers made the awards on the field before the July 15 Bradenton Marauders game. The scholarship winners are:

KEILE O’DELL – $500

ARTHUR BELLAMY – $1,000

•

Shipwreck Scholarship Junior – State College of Florida

Freshman – Southeastern University Additional scholarships and donations the Privateers are giving out this year: •

•

DYLAN JOSEPH – $1,000

Theresa Kunze Sandpiper Memorial Scholarship Junior – State College of Florida

AALIYAH EVERETT – $2,000

Whitey Horton Scholarship Senior – University of South Florida

JESLIE HERNANDEZ – $1,000

Big John “Captain Barbarossa” Memorial Scholarship Junior – University of South Florida

•

Paul Sharff Memorial Donation to Early Learning Coalition – $1,000 First Responders Scholarship – Breana Sladick – $500 Law Enforcement Academy Scholarship – accepted by Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Col. Denison – $500 Fire Academy – Joshua Carden – $500

The Privateers are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids in the community. Throughout the year, they hold events and fundraisers with proceeds going to this scholarship fund. For more information, visit www. amiprivateers.org.

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AUGUST 3, 2022

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Anna Maria pursuing food truck ordinance

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORREPSONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – City officials have begun working on a new city ordinance that would specify where food trucks are allowed to operate within the city limits.

The yet-to-be-drafted ordinance is also expected to specify how many food trucks are allowed to operate in the designated food truck area at a time.

Mayor Dan Murphy initiated the discussion during the commission’s July 28 meeting. Once adopted, the city ordinance will serve as the city’s response to a state law the Florida Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis enacted in 2020.

Referred to by some as the “Food Truck Freedom Legislation,” the state law bars local governments from prohibiting food truck operations within a local jurisdiction. The state law also bars local governments from requiring a local license, registration or permit for those operations.

“The state of Florida passed a law that stipulates that cities cannot regulate food trucks. They could, in essence, park right outside of a restaurant in the right of way and sell pizzas, tacos, ice cream or whatever,” Murphy told the commission.

The mayor said he asked City Attorney Becky Vose to research the city’s regulatory options.

Vose said the city can’t prohibit food trucks citywide or require a city-issued permit, but can regulate in a reasonable manner where they conduct their business.

Commissioner Robert Kingan asked Vose if the state law specifies how many food trucks must be allowed to

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The state of Florida does not allow cities to prohibit food trucks. The Bayfront Park parking lot, right, was suggested as a potential location for a designated food truck area.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

operate at a given time, or how large the designated area must be.

“It’s not a number, it’s an area where they can be located,” Vose said.

Vose said no case law has been established yet regarding cities’ ability to respond to the state law, and Murphy said the city would likely be “on the bleeding edge” of the local regulatory efforts.

Vose said the city can specify where food truck operations are allowed, but she doesn’t think a single food truck parking space would satisfy the state law.

Kingan asked if the Roser Memorial Community Church parking lot on Pine Avenue could serve as a designated food truck area. Vose said the designated area could be located on private or public property, depending on how the city ordinance is written.

Murphy asked the commissioners to initially focus more on where the food truck area or areas would be located and less on the number of trucks allowed.

“The location is going to be the tick-

lish part and I really need your input,” Murphy said when noting there will likely be many differing opinions on the commission and in the community.

Murphy said he hopes he and the commissioners receive additional input from city residents during their individual conversations with city officials, during a future city meeting or by email. The mayor and commissioners’ email addresses can be found on the city website, www. cityofannamaria.com.

“We need to find a nice, reasonable place where this could work,” Murphy said.

Commissioner Jon Crane said he doesn’t want the food trucks located anywhere along Pine Avenue.

Commissioner Mark Short said he doesn’t want food trucks doing business in the city’s residential areas.

Commissioner Deanie Sebring suggested using the vacant lot used to store gravel and other materials near the entrance to the city. Murphy said that property is privately owned and is not controlled by the city.

City resident David Haddox suggested also allowing food trucks on Pine Avenue during special events.

Kingan suggested using a portion of the Bayfront Park parking lot along North Bay Boulevard as the city’s designated food truck area – and it was later noted that a portion of that city-owned parking lot is located across the street from vacation rental homes rather than permanent residences.

“Somewhere over there might be the best place. It’s a minefield trying to figure out a place that everybody’s going to be happy with,” Kingan said.

“We’ve got to do something. The whole city is fair game until we do something. If we make a mistake, we can always correct a mistake,” Murphy said.

The food truck discussion is expected to continue at the commission’s Thursday, Aug. 11 meeting which starts at 2 p.m.

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Dog days of summer Dogs are having their day this summer on and around Anna Maria Island, where many businesses welcome pets. The Palma Sola Causeway on Manatee Avenue is the only local beach that allows dogs.

Locals Grady and Maggie Niedzwick grab a snuggle with their dog, Bindi Sue. ANNE YARBROUGH | SUN

ANNE YARBROUGH | SUN ANNE YARBROUGH | SUN

Doc runs free at the Palma Sola Causeway.

Arlo, from St. Petersburg, chills outside at Ginny’s & Jane E’s Café in Anna Maria while waiting on his people to finish breakfast.

AUGUST 3, 2022

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AMANDA ESCOBIO RYAN | SUBMITTED

Rachel Lohr is now a staff member at Body & Sol Spa and Wellness.

Nail services return to Body & Sol

After an eight-month labor shortage-induced hiatus, nail services have resumed at Body & Sol Spa and Wellness in Anna Maria. Body & Sol’s nail department was revived when Rachel Lohr joined the spa team last month. With Lohr on staff, Body & Sol is again offering a popular package that combines pedicures and a private yoga class offered in collaboration with the Island Yoga Space that’s located in the same building. Lohr, a 2016 graduate of the Aveda Institute in Youngstown, Ohio, will also provide organic facials and select hair services including “Fairy Hair” and “Beach Blow Outs.” “It was definitely worth the wait to find someone as well-versed and easygoing as Rachel to join our team,” Body & Sol owner and longtime massage therapist Amanda Escobio Ryan said. “Since we started in 2007, we’ve never been without manis and pedis until this crazy nationwide worker shortage. It was hard to keep turning those appointments down when the Island was so busy.” Escobio Ryan also owns and operates the Sea-renity Beach Spa in Bradenton Beach. Body & Sol is located at 9805 Gulf Drive, above Ginny’s & Jane E’s Café. For appointments, call 941-650-5441. Learn more about the various services offered by Body & Sol at www.annamariadayspa.com.

‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE

Sunrise Breakfast at Cheesecake Cutie The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce is holding a sunrise breakfast at Cheesecake Cutie & Cafe Thursday, Aug. 4 at 7:30 a.m. This is an opportunity for members or prospective members to network with fellow business owners and managers while enjoying breakfast. The fee is $10 for members and $18 for prospective members. Email becky@amichamber.org or call 941-778-1541 for reservations and to make payment. Feel free to bring a raffle prize to be given away with your company name on it.

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CENTER NEWS BRIEFS After-school program returns to The Center School is back in session beginning Wednesday, Aug. 10 and The Center of Anna Maria Island’s Beyond the Classroom program is kicking off just in time for the new school year. The after-school program is open to children from kindergarten through fifth grade with daily pickup at Anna Maria Elementary School and fun planned until 6 p.m. daily. Programming includes homework help, reading time, art, science and fitness activities along with a variety of sports. Full-week packages are $75 per child for members or $80 for non-members, $60 for a three-day package and $40 for a two-day package. All day camps are provided from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for $45 per child on record and in-service school holidays. There is no extra charge for participants on early release days, unless the day doesn’t fall on a previously purchased package day, in which case the charge is $25 per child. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families. For more information, email youthprograms@centerami. org or visit www.centerami.org/ youth/btc to register. All children are required to be registered by 6 p.m. on the Thursday prior to attending the after-school program.

Bowl a strike, benefit The Center Show off your skills on the lanes at Bowlero Bradenton Saturday, Sept. 10 in the Greg LaPensee

Bowling Tournament. This year’s tournament starts at 5 p.m. and each player has the chance to bowl three games, have some fun and help raise money for The Center of Anna Maria Island. Participation is $50 per person including three games, shoe rental and pizza or wings. Teams and lane sponsors are welcome. A team of six can register as a signature lane sponsor for $700 or a lane sponsor for $450. Signature lane teams will each receive a tumbler and Center fishing shirt with the company or team logo and a pitcher of beer.

Lane sponsor teams will have their logos displayed at the lane and at event check-in. Sponsors without a team also are welcome.

The cost is $250 to sponsor a lane with a logo displayed on the lane and at event check-in. For more information, or to register, visit centerami.org/events.

Youth soccer hits the pitch Fall is on its way and The Center of Anna Maria Island’s youth soccer league is kicking off in August. The league is open to all kids ages 3-14 of any skill level. The season starts Monday, Aug. 29 and continues through the end of October. Evaluations will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 23 at 6 p.m. for children ages 8 and older. Kids 3-7 will be placed on teams without a skill evaluation.

Games will be played on Tuesdays with some Monday games scheduled as needed. The cost is $10 for members of The Center or $130 for non-members. The last day to register is Monday, Aug. 22 or players may incur a $20 late fee. For more information, or to register, call 941-778-1908 or visit www.centerami.org.

Youth fitness classes begin

The Center of Anna Maria Island’s staff has a new program for children interested in fitness.

The Youth Foundation in Fitness program kicks off Sunday Aug. 4 with additional classes on Thursday, Aug. 15 and Thursday, Aug. 29 from 5:15-6 p.m. Suitable for all skill and experience levels, the classes are open to children ages 8-17 who want to learn more about stretching, strength training, weightlifting and other fitness activities. The cost for all three classes is $70 per member or $80 for non-members. Dropins are welcome at each class for $20 per member or $30 for nonmembers. For more information, or to register, call 941-778-1908.

Tour the world with Senior Adventures It’s a new month and the Senior Adventures group is embarking on new trips. The first adventure takes place on Friday, Aug. 19 when the group will travel to the Largo Historical Heritage Village. Admission to the village is free, but donations are welcome. The second trip is a planned visit to a Hindu temple on Wednesday, Aug. 24. During this adventure, participants will get firsthand experience of a new culture while also enjoying the intricate architecture of the temple. Out of respect, all participants must keep their shoulders and legs fully covered during the trip. No shorts will be permitted. The van pulls out of The Center of Anna Maria Island’s parking lot for both trips at 10 a.m.

There is a $5 fee for transportation costs for each trip and pre-registration is advised as each trip is limited to 14 people. To reserve your spot, call 941-778-1908.

AUGUST 3, 2022

City planner switching cities City Planner Chad Minor is leaving the city of Anna Maria and taking a similar position with the city of Holmes Beach. On July 28, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy announced Minor’s pending departure on Friday, Aug. 5. Murphy said Minor accepted what he hopes will be a better job with more responsibilities and JOE HENDRICKS | SUN higher pay. The Holmes Anna Maria City Planner Chad Beach city planner also Minor is taking his skills to the serves as an advisor city of Holmes Beach. to the city commission, works with the code enforcement department and the city’s special magistrate and serves on an administrative approval board regarding building activities. “We wish him well and hope he does well in his endeavors in Holmes Beach,” Murphy said. The mayor expressed his appreciation for the contributions Minor made to the city, including his additional work with the city’s historical preservation board, planning and zoning board and construction review board. “Chad’s done a great job and we’re going to miss him,” Murphy said.

The mayor said he’d already interviewed one potential replacement and had a couple more candidates in mind, adding that a contracted city planner could be brought in if needed until a new planner is hired.

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TREE HOUSE: Owners push for trial date...

FROM PAGE 1

already been filed that nullified the one that was the subject of the case that day.

Tran and Hazen’s attorney, Bruce Minnick, requested that the case go to trial rather than get entangled in more motions in circuit court.

Sniffen advised both parties to determine how they wanted to move forward and prepare to choose a trial date for the case.

The structure has long been a contested issue between the property owners and representatives from both the city and the state. Tran and Hazen contend that before building the structure, they went to the city’s building department and asked if a tree house would require a permit and were told it would not. They proceeded to build the structure on the beach in front of their home and rental property, supporting it with an Australian pine tree and telephone poles disguised as tree trunks.

Later, they learned that not only did they need a building permit,

but that the tree house also was built partially on the erosion control line, requiring a permit from FDEP. The couple applied for FDEP permits but were denied. Attorneys for the department argue that Tran and Hazen had a chance to appeal the denial and did not pursue that route despite asking for the deadline to appeal to be extended twice, which was granted.

In 2013, the tree house was the subject of a city code enforcement board hearing where it was determined that after-the-fact permits would be required or the structure would need to be removed. The couple took the results of the board hearing before Manatee County Circuit Court and the Florida Second District Court of Appeal. Both courts upheld the board’s ruling on the tree house. A 2016 code enforcement special magistrate hearing in the city led to a $50 fine which has been accumulating since July 22, 2015, the date of the Second District Court ruling. That fine

is over $125,000 with additional fines and legal fees adding up daily for Tran and Hazen.

When the couple applied for after-the-fact permits with the city, the requests were denied. Former Holmes Beach Building Official Jim McGuinness examined the tree house during his tenure with the city and determined that the structure could not be brought up to current building codes.

City leaders began pursuing the option of legally ordering the tree house to be torn down in 2018, a case which is still pending in Manatee County Circuit Court.

A temporary stay was ordered in that case in March 2021 which expires on Aug. 31 to allow the parties time to try and work together to conclude the case.

A third case related to the tree house also is pending in circuit court to determine the constitutionality of the city’s codes. That case is scheduled for a hearing in late September.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

… while the net camp remains standing After more than four years of legal wrangling by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to have Raymond Guthrie Jr. remove an enclosed docking structure in Sarasota Bay off Cortez, the net camp still stands.

More than one year has passed since the May 11, 2021 filing

by Guthrie's attorney, Robert Schermer, asking for a stay of the enforcement of the final judgment to remove the building.

"No documentation has been provided to FDEP confirming the unauthorized structure has been removed in compliance with the court's order,” FDEP spokesperson Brain Humphreys wrote to The Sun. “FDEP is unable to comment further on this pending litigation."

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THE SUN

MANATEE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER | SUBMITTED

Elaina Bayard is getting real-life work experience in the field of performing arts.

Island resident interns at performing arts center Lifelong Anna Maria native Elaina Bayard, a senior at Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School, is again serving as a summer intern for Florida Cultural Group Inc. at the Manatee Performing Arts Center in Bradenton. This is Bayard’s second season as a summer intern. She spent last summer working in the production department where she learned about the many moving parts it takes to put on a performance.

This year, her work with the communications department has allowed her to use her love of writing and her writing experience in new ways. Instead of creating her own stories from scratch, she’s learning to find them around her and use them to engage an audience.

She’s also learned the ins and outs of

marketing for a non-profit organization and she’s getting real-life work experience in an office whose duties include helping put on performances and shows and also hosting community events. From a young age, Bayard has shown an interest in the arts, specifically in writing, which led to her previously being named as a finalist in Theater Odyssey’s Student Ten-Minute Playwriting Festival. She’s also interested in arts management. Bayard will continue her work with the Manatee Performing Arts Center during the upcoming school year by serving in the role of student ambassador. In that role, she’ll help promote and review the performances and shows taking place at the performing arts center.

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Join the Artists’ Guild The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island has current openings for new artists to display their work in the renovated space in the gallery at 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. The Guild, an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was formed in 1989 to promote and support creative processes by bringing together all artists to share experiences and expertise and work together to develop and promote the artistic community. If interested, contact Anne Abgott at annecabgott@gmail.com. All artistic media are welcome.

AUGUST 3, 2022

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Sidewalk parking poses safety concerns Due to parking and safety concerns, four vertical delineators will be installed along the sidewalk on the east side of Gulf Drive South between Second Street North and First Street North. The white plastic delineators will be placed in front of Island Scoops Ice Cream, the One Stop Shell Shop and the Tahini Beach Cafe. The city’s recently-appointed traffic safety team recommended the move. During the July 21 city commission meeting, Mayor John Chappie said, “Cars are pulling up and parking in the sidewalk. It is a safety issue that needs to be addressed. Our police chief is concerned about it. He is saying flat out this is a safety issue. We just wanted to bring it forward and get the blessing of the commission.”

Chappie explained that vertical delineators are plastic pipes about 2 feet high that have enough flexibility to withstand being struck by a vehicle. The cost and expected installation date were not mentioned during the meeting.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The city of Bradenton Beach wants to prevent vehicles from parking on the sidewalk in front of Island Scoops Ice Cream and the One Stop Shell Shop.

Vertical delineators are made of plastic and stand 2-3 feet tall.

WWW.ULINE.COM | SUBMITTED

Manatee County libraries expanding hours The Manatee County Public Library System, including the Island Branch Library, will be expanding and standardizing its hours at all locations in a phased approach this month.

To ensure consistency across the library system, all county library branches are expanding their hours of operation to Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to a press release issued by Manatee County. The new hours will allow customers increased access to library resources, programs and services.

The Island Branch Library hours will become effective Saturday, Aug. 27.

“The ability to coordinate our hours and expand services is critical for our citizens,” Manatee County Library Services Manager Tammy Parrott said. “We are delighted to have the resources and people in place - at the right time - to better serve our community.”

Bar hop for Ukraine The Anna Maria Island Rotary Club and Bob Slicker, owner of

Slicker’s Eatery in Cortez, have announced the next event to raise funds for Ukraine will be a trolley ride to four local bars which will include Clancy’s, R.J. Gators, Slicker’s Eatery and Piano 88.

The bar hop is set for Saturday, Aug. 13 from 1-5 p.m. and costs $75, with at least $45 of each ticket going directly to the Rotary’s Ukraine fundraising efforts after expenses. Call Debbie at 941-7043294 for ticket information.

Each pub will also have a gift basket to be raffled with funds also going to the Rotary for Ukraine aid.

Raffle tickets can be purchased any time before the event at each location.

Pirate Invasion Weekend canceled The Anna Maria Island Privateers have canceled the upcoming Pirate Invasion Weekend and Road to Tortuga event due to low ticket sales.

The cancellation is necessary to keep from losing revenue which aids the group in giving scholarships and helping families at Christmas, according to the Privateers.

Any tickets or packages purchased for this event will be refunded.

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AUGUST 3, 2022

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Pelicans treated for injuries to be tracked

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | leslielake@aol.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Pelicans know where the fish are.

Their quest for the tastiest fish, however, can bring them in contact with some life-threatening consequences as they are often hooked or entangled in fishing gear, leading to injury or death.

Staff members at a local animal rehab organization know all too well what injuries can occur to these long-billed shorebirds in their search for food.

“We see at least 50 pelicans a year with mostly fishing-type injuries,” said Krista Carpenter, a volunteer at Bradenton Beach-based Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Inc. Entanglement can occur at many locations, but fishing piers and boat ramps are hot spots for this conflict between anglers and pelicans.

“If you hook a pelican, you can reel in the bird as gently as you can,” Carpenter said. “Cover their head with a towel to calm them and then call us.”

If a pelican is caught in a fishing line, Carpenter said that as the line gets tighter it will cut into the bird’s skin or internal organs.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Most common pelican injuries are caused by fishhooks or entanglement in fishing gear.

Another hazard is fish bones getting caught in the birds’ throats.

Signs at local boat ramps say, “Please Don’t Feed the Birds!” because filleted carcasses and large fish bones can injure or kill seabirds by puncturing their throats.

“Pelicans are resilient,” Carpenter said. “If we can get to them quickly enough before bones get into their digestive tract, they have a good chance.”

Audubon Florida was recently awarded a $5,000 grant from The Community Foundation of Sarasota County to support a brown pelican banding study.

The banding project in the Tampa Bay region is designed to discover more about

AUDUBON FLORIDA | SUBMITTED

Audubon Florida was recently awarded a $5,000 grant from The Community Foundation of Sarasota County to support a brown pelican banding study. survival rates following accidental hooking and learn more about repeat entanglements for released birds.

Audubon Florida’s goal is to band 50-100 birds over the initial 12-month period of the study. An additional 75-100 successfully rehabilitated brown pelicans will also be banded prior to release.

Current project partners include Seaside

Seabird Sanctuary in Indian Shores, Skyway Fishing Pier State Park and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The Hooked Pelican Working Group, formed to address this problem, is a partnership between the FWC, Audubon Florida, park managers, rescuers, rehabilitators and anglers.

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THE SUN

OUTDOORS

AUGUST 3, 2022

You have to do your homework, son Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

F

or anglers who aren’t familiar with Andy and (son) Nicky Mill’s podcast, Mill House, you have a treat in store. I’ve watched the podcasts from the beginning but had recently not been following them. That was until a friend kept commenting on the excellent information he was getting that helped him be a better fisherman. That led me to the most recent episode with Capt. Randy Towe of Islamorada, a highly respected guide, multiple tournament winner, innovator and the owner of an Islamorada landmark, Islamorada Fishing Outfitters.

While Towe’s accomplishments and contributions to fly fishing were the theme of this podcast, Andy Mill steered the conversation to the legendary (and recently deceased) Key's guide Capt. Billy Knowles, who was a mentor to Towe and the reason for the title, “You have to do your homework, son.” That phrase

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Capt. Bob Branham shakes hands with former President George Bush as Andy Mill hears Curt Gowdy announce them winning the Islamorada Bonefish Tournament. Hear Andy's interview with Bob in Episode 21 of Mill House. always followed any question Towe had for Knowles as he was learning the flats of the Upper Keys. Not a deflection, but an intentional lesson that paid dividends to Towe over the years.

I had been a sponge for the Mills’ interviews with the men and women who were the creators of the flies and

techniques that introduced so many of today’s anglers to fly fishing for tarpon, bonefish and permit. In the episode with Towe, I was getting an appreciation of how the Mills are both preserving the legacy of these anglers while at the same time sharing the wisdom of their success with a new generation of anglers. Noth-

ing could have been more poignant than getting that message and then relistening to the episode with Capt.

Knowles.

I was fortunate to meet and fish with Andy Mill and Capt. Bob Branham at the Cheeca Lodge’s 1998 Presidential Bonefish Tournament in Islamorada. That was a

fortunate introduction, via Mill, to some of the Key’s top guides, legends themselves.

During the 90s through my involvement with the Florida Outdoor Writer’s Association, I was also fortunate to meet and fish with Keys guides like Nat Ragland, Dale Perez, Jose Wejebe and Stu Apte. I also had the good fortune to meet Joan Wolf, know Lefty Kreh and interview permit legend Del Brown.

What those experiences taught me was the importance of the information those men and women possess and the fact that the Mills were now preserving that legacy in these legend's inflections and humor, and in their own words. “Do your homework, son.” Those were the words of wisdom that Towe received from Knowles, and he explains in the episode how those words made him a success. More importantly, he eulogized Knowles as the man who made him a better angler and a better man.

Thanks to the Mills, we can still see and hear Knowles tell his life story while experiencing what impact that had in Towe’s life. That’s a wonderful life lesson that resonates far beyond the flats.

AUGUST 3, 2022

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

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

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

THE SUN

• Fill in the holes you dig in the sand before leaving the beach; they can trap nesting and hatching sea turtles, which cannot live long out of the water. To report large holes or other turtle obstacles, call: • City of Anna Maria code enforcement — 941-708-6130, ext. 139 or ext. 129.

• City of Bradenton Beach code enforcement — 941-778-1005, ext. 280.

• City of Holmes Beach code enforcement — 941-778-0331, ext. 260.

• Level sandcastles before leaving the beach; they can block hatchlings from the water.

• Don’t use balloons, wish lanterns or fireworks; they litter the beach and Gulf, and turtles can ingest the debris.

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

• Never touch a sea turtle; it’s the

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law. If you see people disturbing turtles, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

NESTING NEWS Turtle nests laid: 518 (Record: 544 in 2019) False crawls: 486 (Record: 831 in 2010) Hatched nests: 121 Hatchlings: 8,507 Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

Where’s Esther?

Loggerhead sea turtle Esther has been spending less time near the shores of the Gulf coast and more time out to sea lately. Esther was satellite-tagged on Coquina Beach after laying a nest on June 20, and ended the month of July more than 30 miles off the shore of Englewood, heading north. She has traveled 362 miles since being tagged.

Esther is one of 15 turtles competing in the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s 13th Annual Tour de Turtles event, with the title going to the turtle that travels the farthest between their tagging date and Oct. 31, the end of sea turtle nesting season. So far, she is in the back of the pack, with the leader, Big Blue, from Panama, covering a total of 1,872 miles.

Esther is competing to raise awareness of light pollution, which can disorient nesting and hatching sea turtles. She is sponsored by Waterline Villas & Marinas and Mainsail Vacation Rentals.

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Lobsterfest The Bystroms of Holmes Beach took full advantage of Florida’s mini lobster season July 27-28. Regular season begins Aug. 6 and ends March 31.

SUBMITTED

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JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The City Pier Grill & Bait Shop will close for a few days in August.

City Pier Grill shutting down for five days The City Pier Grill & Bait Shop will be closed from Monday, Aug. 15 through Friday, Aug. 19. The City Pier and the pier’s public restrooms will remain open during the City Pier Grill’s brief closure. On July 21, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy told city commissioners the temporary closure will

provide vacation time for City Pier Grill employees while also providing time for pier tenant Brian Seymour and his business partners to have some work done on their equipment. Murphy said Seymour hopes to still provide limited bait and tackle sales during the shortterm closure.

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AUGUST 3, 2022

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ANNE YARBROUGH | SUN

Come Saturday morning Alexandre Kirkland, 5, flies a monarch butterfly puppet during the Saturday Mornings at the Nest event at Robinson Preserve. The event is every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

2017,2019,2020,2021,2022

Voted Favorite: Live Music, Night Spot, Takeout, Grill and Burger

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REAL ESTATE

AUGUST 3, 2022

Are we starting to turn a corner?

t’s a fact - the number of real estate sales around the country appears to be slowing, but the sale prices aren’t. There is no way to spin this. It’s a fact. The question is, what does it mean and where will it lead?

The June median national sales price was $416,000, according to the National Association of Realtors. However, sales activity continued to slow under pressure from higher mortgage costs and higher asking prices.

Locally, as we saw last week, Manatee County is also seeing a slowdown in sales, but no significant change in selling price - the median single-family home was $550,000 for the second month. June’s percentage of increase for Manatee County was 35.7% from last year, compared to the national average of 13.4%.

The demand for homes continues to exceed the unusually low levels of supply, pushing prices higher all over. High interest rates and record home prices

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER are eliminating buyers from the market every day… not a good position for the real estate market since first-time buyers and move-up buyers are the engine of the market and the single thing that keeps it moving.

And as usual, the economists are all over the place in their opinions about the future. Some expect higher rates to slow the home price growth this year and others expect the home prices to keep rising around 5% this year per the chief economist for Fannie Mae. I started noticing something interesting as I perused realtor.com for listing and

selling prices. I took a sampling of the most recent sales as of this writing in the three cities on Anna Maria Island and Cortez.

Out of the sampling of 10 closing in Anna Maria, only three properties sold at full price. Out of my sampling of 10 properties in the combined cities of Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach, only one sold at full price. And in Cortez, I was only able to use five property sales, but even for those sales, only one sold at full price.

This analysis is, of course, totally random and not very scientific, but it does speak to me that there may be a slight shift. I was frankly surprised - what happened to all those full price and over offers that were going on for so long? Well, maybe what happened is that the market is starting to run out of steam just a little. It would appear there is still plenty of activity and the buyers are out there and being aggressive, but with a little more of a level approach.

But what about the sellers? Are they start-

ing to think that negotiating may not be a bad thing?

At the Federal Reserve’s meeting last week, the basis point was raised 0.75% as expected. Generally, every time the Feds raise the rate, it does result in mortgage interest rates increasing. That’s not written in stone, so we’ll see what happens over the next few weeks. I’ve said this many times, but mortgage rates between 5.5% and 6.5% may be a shock to the new generation of buyers, however, those of us who have bought and sold properties or have been in the real estate business for years have lived through much higher rates.

So, are we starting to see a chink in the real estate armor or is it just a little scratch?

Is even the mighty Anna Maria showing signs of battle fatigue? Or maybe it’s just a normal readjustment of the market to where it should be - you make an offer, the seller counter offers, and you meet somewhere in the middle. Those were the days.

AUGUST 3, 2022

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

27

SWIMMING: Prohibited at several beaches FROM PAGE 1

at risk for much more serious health issues.”

Many Island beaches were under no-swim advisories on Friday, but the green flag was out south of lifeguard tower 7 in Coquina Beach, meaning water conditions were safe for swimmers, and there were hundreds of people in the water.

“We only get one day here, we have to leave tomorrow, so it would have been terrible if we couldn’t get in the water,” said Chelsea Wade, who was visiting Coquina Beach with her husband and two children. “We live in Ocala and had no idea there was any issue until we got here. Some people farther north in Bradenton Beach where we’re staying told us to come down here. I’m so glad we did.”

Tittel says while some parts of the Island may not be under the advisory, people should still be aware that bacteria levels may be high because they can’t test everywhere. Anyone with health conditions or open wounds

should exercise caution even if the green flag is flying. In areas with a noswim advisory, there will be a double red flag.

As a participant in the Healthy Beaches Program, DOH-Manatee collects water samples at select beaches each week. The samples are then sent to labs to determine whether or not levels of enteric (fecal) bacteria which can cause disease, infections or rashes - are acceptable based on EPA standards. If levels are unacceptable, a no-swim advisory is issued; the advisory is lifted once the levels read as acceptable.

DOH-Manatee received test results from samples taken at all four beaches on July 26 that show an elevated level of enteric bacteria.

According to Tittel, the cause of the bacteria is rain and runoff that washes animal feces into the water. The recent heavy storms have churned up the sand beneath the surface; this mixed with extremely warm water is believed to aid in the elevated levels.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

A rare red flag on Manatee Beach warned beachgoers not to swim last week.

28

THE SUN

www.amisun.com

AUGUST 3, 2022

Perico Bay Club—As Good As It Gets!!

Business As Usual…..Just A Li le Differently.

If you’re looking to buy or sell in Perico Bay Club, or know someone who is, please give me a call!

Give me a call today if you yo ou u’re ’ree lookin looking ngg to Buyy or Sell on Anna Maria Maria Island Mari Islaand or the surrounding ounding ngg aarea! rea eaaa!!

Lynn Zemmer 941 4141 1-730 3030 0-1294 9 94

941.209.1542 I Lynn@Edgewaterami.com 941.730.1294 | Lynn@Edgewaterami.com www.EdgewaterRealEstateInc.com www.EdgewaterRealEstateInc.com Street, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217 106 Bridge

AUGUST 3, 2022

www.amisun.com

BEACH BEAT HOLMES BEACH

7/20, 3:14 p.m., code ordinance violation, marijuana less than 20 grams, 3700 Gulf Drive. The officer was dispatched to assist the Bradenton Beach Police Department (BBPD) on a traffic stop of a vehicle possibly used in a burglary.

Manatee County Sheriff’s Office personnel also arrived on the scene and after getting consent from the driver, searched the vehicle. The officers found less than 20 grams of marijuana and a marijuana pipe. The driver was cited for the drugs and arrested for an unrelated criminal offense.

7/22, 6:23 p.m., trespass warning, 5200 Gulf Drive. The officer responded to a report of a man trespassing in the carport of the

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29

above address for more than two hours.

When the officer arrived, the man could provide no reason he should be at the home, and the officer recognized the man from previous trespassing issues.

The man was issued a trespass warning and told if he returned to the property, he would be subject to arrest.

7/23, 1:39 a.m., recovered vehicle, 4000 Gulf Drive. While patrolling the Manatee Beach parking area after hours, the officer saw a Jeep with a temporary tag not associated with the vehicle. The vehicle was discovered to be stolen from Sarasota County. The vehicle’s owner was contacted and she asked for it to be towed to her in Sarasota since she didn’t have a spare key. While waiting for the tow, the officer searched the vehicle and found several items believed to belong to the thief. The items were booked into evidence and no further action was taken at the time.

30

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

OBITUARIES Teresa Dunn Hogle Teresa Dunn Hogle passed away at home on June 19 after a two-year, hard-fought battle with cancer.

She was 54.

Teresa was born on May 4, 1968 in Marion, Ohio to Zita and Donald Dunn. She lived her childhood years in Delaware, Ohio and Kentucky. She was a member of the Delaware Hayes Class of 1986.

She loved to travel, her trip to Alaska being one of her favor-

ites. When on her first vacation to Hilton Head Island, she fell in love with Hilton Head and vacationed there numerous times. Amish Country was her favorite Ohio getaway, going there every month for a long day trip. Her other passions included her grandchildren, gardening, horror movies, HGTV and her dog, JJ (even though he could annoy her with his barking). Teresa was a picky eater and only believed in three food groups - tacos, pizza and Robert’s homemade taco pizza.

She always had a Circle K fountain pop in her hand and enjoyed the occasional strawberry daiquiri with extra whipped cream.

Teresa met her husband, Robert, in 2008, but the timing was not right. They went on a “second” first date in 2011 and have been side by side ever since. Both of them loved the beach, and they first vacationed to Anna Maria Island in

HOLMES BEACH 619 Key Royale Drive Laurie Mock

$2,995,000 941.232.3665

AUGUST 3, 2022

2016, where Teresa’s mom used to own a house on Gulf Drive and 26th Street. She would spend a lot of time there and fell in love with this piece of paradise. After a vacation to AMI in 2017, Teresa and Robert decided to sell everything and move to Anna Maria in October of that year. They first lived in Bradenton Beach, then relocated to Holmes Beach where Robert still resides.

Teresa is preceded in death by her paternal parents, Zita Marie Young and Donald Clarence Dunn. She is survived by her husband, Robert Kerry Hogle; sons, Cody (Jessica) Taylor and Brandon (Dylan) Taylor; daughter, Lisa (Larry) Hogle; and grandchildren, Kehnya, Kylee, Cameron, Colton and Coby. She is also survived by her mother, Brenda Dunn; dad, John (Lyn) Young; sisters, Tasha (Gary Shaw), Sarah (Pete Meyst), Audrea (Adam Berrones), Jessica (BJ Coomer),

SLEEPY LAGOON

PALMA SOLA POINTE

LONGBOAT KEY VILLAGE

6489 Gulfside Road $3,995,000 Dennis Girard 941.809.0041

9804 2nd Terrace NW $3,850,000 Amy Royall 941.807.2863

6821 Hughes Street $2,999,000 Jayne Kocher 941.915.6000

HOLMES BEACH 6321 Gulf Drive Clint Kasten

$1,100,000 941.780.2912

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Stephanie (Josh Todd) and Claudia (Jim Oakleaf); brothers, Donald Wood (Terri Malone), Scott Young and Brad Young; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Her life will be celebrated in Ohio and Florida. The Celebration of Life in Ohio will be Saturday, Sept. 10 at Grace Brethren Church from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Delaware, Ohio. On Anna Maria Island, there will be a Beach Celebration on Tuesday, Oct. 11 one hour before sundown at the 77th Street beach entrance, followed by a gathering at Robert’s house.

In lieu of flowers, Robert is asking for donations to be made to Tidewell Hospice in Bradenton/ Sarasota, Florida or to the Moffitt Cancer Institute (Magnolia Campus) to the Bone Marrow and Car-T Unit in Tampa, Florida.

As Teresa would tell Robert and family, “It’s not goodbye, it’s I’ll see you soon.”

L AKEWOOD RANCH | 941 .907.9541

LONGBOAT KEY | 941 .383. 2500

RENTALS | 941 . 203.3433

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate.

www.amisun.com

AUGUST 3, 2022

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31

LAWSUIT: Homeowners served in lawsuit FROM PAGE 4

tends that its 350 lessees and other customers will have navigational difficulties in this area. Because of these actions by MHC, CRIF has been left with no choice but to file the attached complaint against you. Additionally, your dock, vessel and associated structures are not in compliance with Manatee County regulations because they exceed 25% of the width of the canal,” Martin stated in her letter.

According to Manatee County’s Land Development Code, “Private residential waterfront structures shall not extend more than 25% of the width of the waterbody. Boats shall not be moored in a manner which impedes navigation or encroaches on an existing channel.”

In conclusion, Martin’s letter says, “We believe that we can amicably resolve this issue without the costs associated with protracted litigation.

If you are interested in resolving this lawsuit, please contact me.”

Gobuty purchased the Hunters Point property and canal in 2016. The warranty deed associated with the $4.7 million purchase from the Cipriani family and Hunters Hill Inc. states the seller assigns forever the property and any rights associated with the property, including any riparian rights associated with the canal.

When appearing before the Manatee County Commission in 2016 as part of the initial Hunters Point permitting process, Gobuty said he would not prevent anyone who already had a countypermitted dock in place from using the canal. Gobuty recently told The Sun that while he still feels that way, he also feels forced into this recent legal action by the actions of MHC Cortez Village.

Ibasfalean said he bought his home in 1985 and there was already a dock in place at the time. Although the lawsuit pertains to docks and boat lifts, Ibasfalean is also concerned about the canal potentially being closed to everyone except the Hunters Point homeowners who also purchased dock slips.

Ibasfalean’s wife, Kim, owns and operates Captain Kim’s Boat Rides and Charters and she stores her boats at the couple’s residential dock.

“We have two or three of them here at any time. We also have our own boat there. I can keep up to four boats there, but none of those boats work out of here. There’s no business activity or parking taking place here,” he said.

Regarding the potential loss of their dock and the use of the canal, Ibasfalean said, “It would be a huge impact.

She would have to figure out where to put an entire fleet of small boats.”

Ibasfalean said he’s navigated the canal for 55 years and he doesn’t think the Hunters Point docks would impede navigation.

“I’ve built docks all my life. Those docks will fit in there. I don’t have a problem with the docks or any boats coming up and down the canal. On weekends, we’ve probably got 500 or more boats coming in and out of there.

It’s probably one of the busiest canals in the county,” Ibasfalean said.

“I believe the canal was built in 1959 and Eddie Cipriani and his son Frank did the work. We live in one of the original houses that Cipriani built. They wanted to go in the house building business. He was planning on building a lot of homes, but they stopped after that one strip of homes on our street,” he added.

LAWSUIT ORIGINS

The canal dispute began in July 2021 when MHC Cortez Village LLC initiated an administrative challenge to the environmental resource permit Cortez Road Investments received from the Southwest Florida Water Management District that June. The state-issued permit allows Hunters Point to install 32 new parallel mooring slips and replace 17 existing slips for a total of 49 slips.

MHC Cortez Village’s petition for hearing alleges the Hunters Point docks would increase traffic and narrow the navigable portions of the canal,

MANATEE COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER’S OFFICE | SUBMITTED

Highlighted in blue, Jonathan and Sheila Graham’s canal-side property is among those referenced in the lawsuit complaint.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Several property owners have docks and boat lifts located along the northwestern edge of the Hunters Point canal. limit the size of the vessels that use the canal and negatively impact the profitability and operations of the marina.

MHC Cortez Village seeks an order for the permit to be revoked or modified in a manner that lessens the docks’ impact on the canal.

Held at the Southwest Florida Water Management District office in Tampa, the first two days of the administrative hearing took place on June 14 and 15.

The hearing is scheduled to resume on Tuesday, Aug. 16.

When the hearing started, administrative law judge Bruce Culpepper said the recommended order he will issue after the hearing concludes will only pertain to whether the water district’s environmental resource permit was properly issued. Culpepper said riparian rights and the continued use of the canal by others are issues to be decided in a circuit court.

Stantec ecologist Elizabeth Eardley helped Gobuty’s development team acquire the environmental resource permit needed to build the docks. On June 15, she testified that the water district’s permitting process did not require a navigational impact study because the Hunters Point canal is privately owned. She also testified that the Hunters Point docks would not impede navigation.

Attorney and property title expert Adron Walker testified the man-made canal did not exist when Florida was granted statehood in 1845 and therefore the privately-owned canal’s submerged lands are not state-owned sovereign lands. He also testified the canal did not exist when the property was platted in 1921.

When referring to Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office records and images, Walker testified that the Hunters Point-owned canal extends from 127th Street West to the western boundary of the Cortez Village Marina property. He also testified that the portion of the canal located directly in front of the marina is owned by the Frank Cipriani Jr. and/or the Cipriani family trust.

According to property appraiser records, the marina basin is owned by the marina and the most easterly portion of the canal is owned by the Holiday Cove RV resort.

Walker testified that he could not locate any written agreements that grant the marina, its predecessors or any other upland property owners the use of the portions of the canal owned

by Gobuty or the Cipriani family.

ADDITIONAL LEGAL ACTION

On May 26, Cortez Road Investments filed a lawsuit against MHC Cortez Village LLC alleging the marina and its patrons are using the canal without authorization. The lawsuit seeks a courtordered injunction that would prohibit the marina and its patrons from using the canal. Separate from the lawsuit filed a week later against the canal-side homeowners, that case has been assigned to Judge Charles Sniffen.

On June 6, an attorney representing MHC Cortez Village filed a response that stated the navigable canal has been used for more than 25 years by the marina, the marina’s predecessors and those who own homes along the canal.

A counterclaim filed by Martin, Gobuty’s attorney, states, “By calling the waterbody the ‘navigable canal,’ MHC implies that the canal is navigable under the law and legally open to public use. However, this is not the case.”

On May 17, Martin sent a letter to the Kokolis’ regarding the boat lift being installed in front of their undeveloped canal-side property near the humpback bridge.

“This letter is to advise you to immediately cease construction and to remove the works that you have already placed on my client’s private property.

If you fail to do so, we will be forced to seek immediate injunctive relief and damages in circuit court,” Martin stated in her letter.

Wendy Kokolis told The Sun a permit was obtained from Manatee County for the installation of the lift.

32

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SPORTS

AUGUST 3, 2022

Family fun closes out soccer season

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

ANNA MARIA – After an actionpacked summer in the Island’s community center gymnasium, the youth indoor soccer season came to a close last Tuesday night with the parents teaming up against the littlest ballers in the league.

Teams Cloud Pest Control and Wash Family Construction combined talents to verse the parents in a fun game of indoor soccer on one hard pitch while the Sandbar Restaurant and Mac Parkman Foundation teams came together against their parents.

Coaches Karri Stephens, Jillian Ptak and Brooke Svoboda not only played against their talented and enthusiastic

players, but also cheered them on in the all-for-fun season-ending games.

Using the skills learned during the season each week, nearly half of the players will be moving on to the bigger indoor pitch next indoor soccer season, aging out of the U6 league.

The summer season finishes with players in U13, U9 and U6 leagues having enjoyed the fast paced fun of indoor soccer.

The Center looks forward to starting its first season on the reconditioned outdoor fields to start the fall sports season. The players of the summer sport will take some of what they learned during the past two months onto the grass pitches during the next soccer season.

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Welles Wright, Joshua Cook, Maclean Wright, Jude Kutz and Jade Ptak worked as a team to prevent the score in the player versus parents indoor soccer season finale at The Center.

Golfers compete at Key Royale JULY 26 - MODIFIED STAPLEFORD

First Place - Mike Clements with a score of +4 Second Place - Kurt Snouffer with a score of +3

JULY 29 - SHAMBLE

First Place - Deb and Dave Richardson, Jim Hill and Quentin Talbert with a score of 2 over par

Season’s end U13 team Freckled Fin Coach Dave Samler, Dominik Zupa, David Zupa, Charlee Histon, Briahna Robertson and Maggie Niedzwick mark the end of the youth indoor soccer season at The Center. Not pictured: Chandler McRae and Tucker McRae. SUBMITTED

AUGUST 3, 2022

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Breaks in relations 6 Update cartographically 11 Adorns with Charmin, for short 14 Basketball Hall of Famer __ Thomas 15 Sherlock Holmes' younger sister as depicted in a recent Nancy Springer book series 16 Hot temper 17 Using any available means 20 He broke Babe's record in 1974 21 Tulip-to-be 22 Kitchen protection 23 Rocks in a bar 24 "Miss Saigon" setting 25 Clear out 26 A college applicant may have to write one 28 City on the Ruhr

Answers to 07-27-22 Crossword Puzzle.

31 Roman 151 32 Ella's forte 34 Strain 35 Swiss Army knife's assortment 36 Dashboard gauges 39 Go for a rebound 42 Generation __ 43 Opportunity metaphor 45 Ike's WWII command 46 Heathcliff's love 48 Future docs' exams 51 Cassiterite, e.g.

53 A-lister 55 Govt. mortgage agcy.

56 Golf goof 57 Slangy sweeties 59 Stern's opposite 60 Novelty piano piece of 1921 ... and a hint to this puzzle's theme 63 Skater Midori 64 Old Venetian coin 65 Havana's __ Castle

THE SUN

66 Leb. neighbor 67 Soliloquy site 68 Elizabeth of "WandaVision" Down 1 Singer Lionel 2 Jason of "Harry Potter" films 3 Exercise goal 4 Thumb-pressed nail 5 Theater rebuke 6 Continue 7 Ltr. insert 8 Utah city with a Biblical name 9 __-rock: music genre 10 Game with ghosts and a maze 11 Tiny breath mints 12 Talk nonsense 13 Martial arts instructors 18 Attorney's gp.

19 Juice box brand 24 Long-distance swimmer Diana 25 Perturbed 27 "Rent-__": 1988 film 29 Curry of the NBA's Warriors 30 Warmed the bench 33 Senate cover-ups?

35 Dream Team org.

37 Yoga surface 38 Frolic 39 Kawasaki watercraft 40 The U in "SUV" 41 Hall pass checker

44 Roof supports 46 Belief systems 47 "The Big Fib" host __ Nicole Brown 49 "And __ off!"

50 Biblical strongman

52 Fall mo.

54 Suffix like -like 57 Fla. resort 58 Toilets for T.S. Eliot?: Abbr.

59 Vodka brand that

sounds like a toast 61 Trail mix morsel 62 Fall Out Boy genre

33

34

THE SUN

CLASSIFIED

ANNOUNCEMENTS BEACH YOGA ON Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. Classes on Tuesdays & Fridays at 8:30 at 100 Broadway St. on LBK. www.thriveyogafit.com THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Kathy Primeau at 989-560-6381.

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

TINGLEY LIBRARY IN BRADENTON BEACH is looking for volunteers. Fun and friendly atmosphere. Morning and afternoon shifts. If interested, please contact library clerk Eveann Adams at 941-779-1208, between 10-3, Tues. -Fri. only.

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE HAVE YOU BEEN thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! Duplexes, multi family, small resorts?

Call BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216

CLEANING SERVICE TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-7564570 or 941-565-3931

EMPLOYMENT HOUSEKEEPER F/T, PT, Hotel on Anna Maria Island.

Contact Rick 813-7354373.

Call us today! 941-778-3986

The award-winning ANNA MARIA ISLAND SUN, a weekly newspaper on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is looking for a freelance reporter/photographer to cover events on this tourism-driven island. The ideal candidate will have reporting and photography experience at a community newspaper and have some experience writing for a news website. Local residents or those with previous local knowledge and willing to relocate here a plus. Resumes and cover letters may be mailed to The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216, Attention: Mike Field, publisher.

ESTATE SALE ESTATE SALE by APPOINTMENT ONLY. Friday August 5, 9:30-3 & Saturday August 6, 9:30-3. (Please call 941792-8401 after 5 on Tuesday August 2 for appointments. Beautiful home on 5 acres on Manatee River.

High end furniture, collectables, holiday decorations, complete household. See pics at estatesales.net. Sale conducted by Palma Sola Sales.

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CBC 1261150.

Call Mike Kern 941-7781115 GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194 JSAN CORPORATION Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors.

Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.

API’S DRYWALL REPAIR 15+ years experience.

Free estimates. No job too small. Love to help you.

Call 941-524-8067.

ISLE TILE specializing in Custom Bath/Shower & Backsplash installation.

Pressure washing available.

Call 941-302-8759 isletileservices.com

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

“HAMMERED HOMES” (SAVING HOMES SINCE 1984) Handyman services, renovations. Free Estimates & Consulting. Call before making decision, save money.

941-778-3206

FOR SALE

HOME SERVICES

FISHING CHARTERS

TOPPER FOR F150 Long bed. $100 or Best Offer.

Call 941-705-7560.

HEALTH CARE CAREGIVER LOOKING TO provide help for that special someone. Cooking, shopping, cleaning, Dr. appts. etc. Local on island.

30+ yrs. experience. References. Call 941-374-1227.

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 941-725-0073.

CONCRETE FUSION, CRACK REPAIR sidewalks/ driveways. Why fix 95% of concrete when only 5% bad? Number 1 in concrete repair. Insured.

Free estimate. Call Bobby 941-374-7670.

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured.

Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941 ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal.

Sweeping, blowing, weeding. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing. Call Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315.

AUGUST 3, 2022

SHELL DRIVEWAYS & LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell driveways and scapes. Also Rock, Mulch, & Soil. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067

MASSAGE MASSAGE BY VINNIE Swedish Deep Tissue And More By Appointment Only Call 773-383-0463 Vinnie LMT,CMCE

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

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 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident.

Quality Workmanship.

Interior/Exterior. Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315 DONALD PERKINS ABRACADABRA PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-705-7096

POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 10 + Years Experience.

Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657

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

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941565-3931.

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 REALTOR FOR HIRE. BUYING OR SELLING on AMI? 17 years experience & USAF Veteran.

Call Kelly Gitt Keller Williams Realty today 941-799-9299.

ANNUAL RENTAL IN GATED HARBOUR LANDINGS, 4118 Osprey Harbour Loop, less than 1 mile from gulf sand just across Cortez causeway.

1900+ sq ft 2BR/2BA, screened lanai upper level, with elevator. Full non-conforming 1900 sq ft ground level, currently used with 2 additional BRs, finished storage, with split air units, 3 cars in garage. Rented as furnished. Total living space is more than 3,500 sq ft.

New upscale appliances.

Well maintained, white cabinets, black granite countertops. Photos on line from previous sale do not show latest construction updates.

Call Nelson at 303-9684321 to get more info.

Requires background check, deposit. Offered at $4,000 per month, minimum 12 month lease

FREE

HOME DELIVERY

RENTALS: ANNUAL 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 513-3821992.

ANNUAL RENTAL-3BR/2BA, pool, canal w/ boat lift home on key Royale. 1700 sq.ft. Call 941-713-1586

Call for Details

778-3986

www.amisun.com

AUGUST 3, 2022

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

THE SUN

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

TRANSPORTATION

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

SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates.

Contact Barb Grace 941201-2190

ANNA MARIA ISLAND CONDO SUMMER SPECIAL Large pool, beach access, furnished, WIFI, 1BR 6 month lease. $1900/mo.

All utilities included. redekercondosonami.com Tim 941-704-7525 AVAILABLE 2BR/1BA for September, October, November and December months. Across from the bay, 2 miles from island.

Fully furnished, all utilities.

Pet friendly. $2800 mo. For more info call Vicky 941773-1552

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI credit cards, cash, venmo accepted. Airport: Tampa $105, Sarasota $50, St. Pete/Clearwater $105, Orlando $220. Call 941-447-8372 or 941-4478376. amitaxi4u@gmail. com, www.amitaxi.com ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete $80.

Sarasota $40. Pets welcome. Very dependable.

Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-779-5095

AIRPORT RIDES Sarasota, St. Pete, Tampa. Call/Text Vita 941-376-7555.

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www.amisun.com

THE SUN

AUGUST 3, 2022

the Team Duncan Difference! ✔ Local-Area Expertise ✔ Outstanding Customer C t Service S i ✔ Experienced Professionals ✔ Proven Performance

Darcie Duncan Broker - Owner

Cindy Jones Sales Associate

Michelle Laade Sales Associate

April Green Martha Jones Robel Sales Associate Sales Associate

Robyn Hawk Paige Rogers Joey Hutchinson Katie Self Sales Associate Sales Associate Sales Associate Sales Associate

Nancy Howle Sales Associate

William Romberger Sales Associate

Lindsey Leech Strickland Mary Anne Muniz Sales Associate Sales Associate

Ben Bryant Sales Associate

Andrea Miller Sales Associate

Home & Condominium Sales • Investment Properties • Vacation Rentals

310 Pine Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216

TeamDuncan.com

941.779.0304