Anna Maria Island Sun August 9, 2017

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VOL 17 No. 43

August 9, 2017

Three of the four Planning and Zoning Board members involved have resigned, which means the board no longer has a voting quorum.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun

Sunshine lawsuit forthcoming joe hendricks | SUN

BRADENTON BEACH – Sarasota attorney Robert Watrous and legal consultant and Sunshine Law expert Michael Barfield have taken the initial steps in filing a Sunshine violation lawsuit against planning board member John Metz and former planning board members Reed Mapes, Patty Shay and Bill Vincent.

Barfield confirmed Monday that the intent was to name the four individuals as defendants in a lawsuit to be filed later that afternoon or Tuesday morning.

Former Mayor Jack Clarke and the city of Bradenton Beach have joined in legal action against the planning board members and will be corepresented by Watrous and his legal team.

From left, Commissioners John Chappie, Ralph Cole and Jake Spooner voted in support of the proposed legal action, and Mayor Bill Shearon opposed it during Monday’s meeting.

see sunshine, page 41

Snooty cause may be headed for courts

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

Justice for Snooty organizer Denise Anderson said Monday she is planning to sue the South Florida Museum for what she calls negligence in the drowning of Manatee County’s official mascot, Snooty the manatee.

Anderson organized a protest at the museum on Saturday, where Florida Voices for Animals members called for the dismissal of museum CEO Brynne Anne Besio and COO Jeff Rodgers.

If they are not fired, “I will personally file a lawsuit,” Anderson told The Sun. “Snooty’s death by drowning is 100 percent due to the negligence of the South Florida Museum, and we want those negligent employees removed.”

Snooty was discovered drowned the morning of Sunday, July 23, the day after his gala birthday

INSIDE NEWS OPINION Sun survey turtles and birds outdoors restaurants real estate Classifieds

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party and two days after his 69th birthday. He was trapped in a small area used to access the aquarium’s life support equipment, according to museum officials, who said he entered through a dislodged access panel secured by four screws and inspected daily by divers.

The world’s oldest known manatee, Snooty was too large to turn around in the confined space, and manatees are unable to swim backwards, officials said.

Photographs published by the Sarasota HeraldTribune that apparently show the access panel attached by only one screw the day before the birthday party added to Anderson’s resolve to stand up for Snooty.

“The reason I did the protest was that the COO said that divers checked that panel every day, and see snooty, page 41

Mix it up with an

Anna Maria Oyster Bar breakfast burrito.

In food & Wine. 21

Anna Maria Island, Florida

THOMAS BENDER/SARASOTA HERALD-TRIBUNE | SUBMITTED

A photo taken on Snooty’s 69th birthday, Friday, July 21, 2017, shows what appears to be a loose access panel, which he swam through sometime after his birthday party on July 22 or 23. He became trapped behind the panel and drowned.

Summer vacation is over and it’s back to school time at AME.

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AQUA by the Bay hearings are set

to resume. 9

The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper

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Petition drives start in Bradenton Beach CNOBB members are asking registered city voters to sign the petition initiative forms.

result in the City Commission consisting of multiple members from the same neighborhood, mobile home park, condominium complex or end of town.

BY JOE HENDRICKS

Residency

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach (CNOBB) group is conducting a petition drive in hopes of getting three charter amendment questions placed on the November ballot.

CNOBB members want city voters to eliminate the four geographicallydefined city commission wards that require one commissioner come from each ward in addition to an at-large mayor. They also want to reduce candidate residency requirements from two years to one.

The third proposed amendment addresses the City Commission’s ability to interpret, define or clarify the city charter. The charter serves as the city’s constitution in terms of how the city is governed. The charter can only be amended by city voters.

During the Thursday, Aug. 3, CNOBB steering committee meeting at the Pines Trailer Park, member Reed

joe hendricks | SUN

CNOBB steering committee member Reed Mapes presents petition initiative forms to his fellow committee members.

Mapes provided copies of the petition forms to be finalized and distributed to as many registered city voters as possible. The forms can be viewed and downloaded at www.CNOBB.org, using the Initiatives tab.

Voting wards

The ballot summary for eliminating voting wards says: “In recent elections, several wards have been unable to produce any candidates for commissioner.

This amendment will produce more qualified and interested candidates for commission races.

“All wards would be eliminated. Commissioners would be elected at large as terms expire or vacancies occur. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes will be elected first; the candidate with the second highest number of votes will be elected second, and so on, until all vacancies are filled.”

Eliminating commission wards could

The ballot summary for reducing residency requirements says: “Reducing the residency requirement for candidates will provide more qualified candidates for city offices. In recent elections, we have had few candidates available; and in some cases, no candidates at all. A one-year residency requirement has been held constitutional by a Florida court.”

Last year, city voters supported increasing the residency requirement from nine months to two years.

Charter interpretation

The ballot summary language pertaining to charter interpretation by the City Commission is the most opinionated of the three: “The charter is our local constitution. Occasionally, commission majorities seek to redefine of interpret the charter to advance their own objectives without regard to a see PETITIONS, page 9

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ISLAND NEWS

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AUGUST 9, 2017

in brief

Manhunt continues in Longboat murders No suspects have been apprehended in the Aug. 4 shooting deaths of two employees at the new Zota Beach Resort on Longboat Key. The bodies of two employees, security guard Kevin Carter, of Bradenton, and front desk night manager Timothy Hurley, of Sarasota, were found by a hotel guest early Friday morning after what Longboat Key Police Chief Pete Cumming called a “robbery gone bad.”

On surveillance videos released by law enforcement, a man is seen walking past the hotel bar with a gun at about 2:30 a.m. The suspect then exited the hotel carrying a cash drawer containing an estimated $600. The bodies of Carter and Hurley were found about an hour later.

The double homicide is still under investigation.

A $50,000 reward leading to an arrest and conviction in the case is being offered through Manatee County Crime Stoppers.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-8477.

Help prepare for rising seas De Soto National Monument officials are looking for volunteers to help students from the University of Central Florida (UCF) restore the shoreline by the monument, 8300 DeSoto Memorial Highway in Bradenton.

The restoration will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 12 and 13. A scientist and students from UCF Coastal and Estuarine lab, in conjunction with De Soto National Memorial Rangers and volunteers, will place oyster shell bags and plant mangrove seedlings in an effort to stabilize and create new shorelines. With the ever increasing threat of gradual rising seas levels, many of the parks trails will be threatened. This project and many like it will potentially help reduce these effects of global climate change on the park.

Volunteers are asked to call 941-792-0458 or email them at Deso_interpretive_staff@nps.gov for details.

Flood valves being installed Following the city of Anna Maria’s lead, the Bradenton Beach Commission recently approved the purchase of 13 WaStop check valves for $31,950, as recommended by City Engineer Lynn Burnett.

Last week, the Public Works Department installed one of the valves at 11th Street South, with the remaining 12 valves to be installed along the bayside soon. The one-way flow valves are inserted into the ends of stormwater pipes that drain into Sarasota Bay. The valves prevent bay water from flowing back into the pipes during high tides and storm events, which can cause landside flooding and standing water. Anna Maria Commissioner Doug Copeland recently praised the valves’ effectiveness in reducing standing rainwater on the north end of the Island.

SUN FILE PHOTO

The future of a Cortez Bridge, whether a drawbridge or a fixed-span, will be decided after this public hearing on Thursday, Aug. 31, starting at 5 p.m. at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church at 6101 Cortez Road W. in west Bradenton.

Final Cortez Bridge hearing set This is the final opportunity for the public to express opinions for the future of the drawbridge.

BY TOM VAUGHT

SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

CORTEZ – The stage is set for the final showdown on the future of the Cortez Bridge.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has scheduled a final Project Development and Environment meeting on the 60-year-old drawbridge on Thursday, Aug 31, at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, 6101 Cortez Road W. in Bradenton. The hearing starts at 5 p.m. with message boards and maps and project officials who will be available to answer questions. Around 6 p.m., there will a video and more questions. Attendees will have the opportunity to express their preferences.

A four-year history

FDOT began collecting information on the future of the bridge in 2013 when staff members manned at a booth at the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival on Feb. 16 and 17.

They collected 168 opinions at the festival. Fifty-six percent wanted to rehabilitate the bridge, and 36 percent wanted

to replace it.

FDOT held a public kickoff meeting on April 30, 2013.

About 170 people attended the three-hour open house at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church.

Staff discussed project issues using aerial photographs of the existing bridge and the surrounding study area. A video explained the study process.

FDOT distributed surveys by U.S. mail and received almost 850 completed surveys. They also received 38 written comment sheets, letters and e-mails through the study website. The results of the completed surveys received in April and May indicated: • 51 percent favored further rehabilitation of Cortez Bridge; • 43 percent favored replacement of the bridge; Of those in favor of bridge replacement: • 38 percent preferred a highlevel fixed bridge; • 19 percent opted for a midlevel drawbridge; • 33 percent wanted a lowlevel drawbridge; • 4 percent favor another option such as a tunnel or another bridge to Longboat Key. At an alternatives public meeting on Aug. 28, 2014, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, in Holmes Beach, 87 people attended and 60 responded

to a questionnaire. Eleven percent wanted to repair the bridge, 23 percent wanted to rehabilitate it, while 72 percent favored replacing it. Preferences for a replacement bridge were 16 percent for a low-level drawbridge, 33 percent for a mid-level drawbridge and 21 percent for a high-level fixedspan bridge. Nineteen percent wanted another plan, such as a new bridge to Longboat Key.

Fixed span gains fans

It was back to St. Bernard Church for the highway department on Aug. 9, 2016, where 179 people attended another public alternative meeting.

FDOT officials stressed the fact that the bridge is rapidly deteriorating. To date, they have received 425 completed comment sheets, and the results are 5 percent prefer a low-level drawbridge, 19 percent favor the mid-level drawbridge and 44 percent want the high-level fixed span. Four percent want a new bridge to Longboat Key. In the past, residents of Cortez Village have opposed the highlevel bridge saying it would be out of character with the village’s cottages. They say the higher bridge would have to be longer than the low-level bridge it replaces, impacting some businesses along Cortez Road.

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Demise of the day dock Tropical storms in backto-back years have rendered the city’s floating dock inoperative.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The stormdamaged floating day dock next to the Historic Bridge Street Pier is permanently closed and will not reopen until a new dock is installed in September or October.

Police Chief Sam Speciale and the City Commission reached this decision last week after discussing the damage Tropical Storm Emily did to the dock.

The structure is no longer safe for public use because waves tore apart the connecting hinges that hold the dock sections together.

Speciale anticipated the dock being removed Tuesday, Aug. 8, weather permitting. John Banyas and his crew from the N.E. Taylor Boatworks in Cortez will remove what remains of the dock. In June 2016, Banyas and his crew removed dock sections damaged by Tropical Storm Colin.

The dock closing means recreational and commercial boaters can no longer

joe hendricks | SUN

Waves generated by Tropical Storm Emily severely damaged the hinges that hold the floating dock together. Live-aboard boaters and their dinghies must now share this city-owned dock with tour boat operators and others. access the AMOB on the Pier restaurant and Bridge Street via the pier.

Paradise Boat Tours and other commercial entities that use the day dock can use the south side of the small cityowned dock near the Bridge Tender Inn. That dock is referred to as the dinghy dock, but Speciale is quick to note that it’s never been officially designated for exclusive use by the live-aboard boaters in the nearby anchorage.

This temporary arrangement will

require cooperation between commercial boat captains, who will be allowed to dock on the north side of the dinghy dock on a short-term basis, preferably 15 minutes or less, and the live-aboard boaters, who can still leave their dinghies on the north side.

The Public Works Department has already taken steps to ensure American Disabilities Act compliance for tour boat passengers and others, and the police department will help educate dock users on the need for shared cooperation.

New dock coming

In March, the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), chaired by City Commissioner Ralph Cole, approved a $119,980 contract for North Palm Beach based Technomarine to manufacture and install a new floating dock system built to withstand Category 3 hurricanes. The Manatee County Commission pledged up to $125,000 in matching Tourist Development Council/resort tax funds for the pending dock replacement.

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OPINIOn

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

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AUGUST 9, 2017

EDITORIAL Watch out for our future

W

ith all the news about murders and robberies recently, there’s still a ray of light in the fact that school started last Thursday at Anna Maria Elementary School.

AME, as we refer to the school, holds its A rating from year to year due in large part to the positive attitude of staff and parents, which instills a desire among the students to succeed. Excellence is not a rarity at AME; it’s the standard.

Located on Anna Maria Island Sound and a little more than two blocks from the Gulf, kids get a first-hand look at life in the sea, which leads to awareness of how fragile our environment is.

If you get a chance, call the school and arrange to pay a visit.

They always need volunteers to work one on one with students having trouble learning a subject.

The PTO is very active and the parents find time to help make the learning experience better. You can follow the school's activities by reading The Sun. In addition, there is a PTO dinner once a month, offered at a very affordable price. The evening includes a student play, making for a truly enjoyable experience.

As the rest of the world deals with its problems and mean-spirited people try to get their way, the staff at the school has Peace Day every year, where they are taught to deal with situations without using violence.

Students also get instruction on avoiding things that are bad for them; namely drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Holmes Beach Police officer Josh Fleischer teaches the class and for many of the kids, it’s their first chance to see a police officer up close.

Finally, we ask that you use caution while driving past the school, especially as students arrive or leave for home. They are our future and we want it to be bright.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Center review 'shocking' City of Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and the city commission deserve praise for requesting CPA John Chambers to perform a financial condition review of the Center of AMI, which he performed for free. Chambers deserves great praise for the time and effort and skill he provided to the city.

At his July 27th presentation to the commission, Mr. Chambers presented a gentle voice but the figures in the presentation were shocking. The figures included a report that the net assets of the Center were projected to decrease by $462,102 during the year ending June 30, 2017. They reflected that The Center had to withdraw $300,000 during that year from endowment to help cover funding shortfalls.

Mr. Chambers also reported The Center had lost about $85,000 in grants, one because low-income children were not significantly served and another due to

Take The Sun Survey on Page 7.

loss of confidence in The Center Administration. The Center’s financial condition reflects loss of confidence by more than United Way and Manatee County.

It reflects a general loss of confidence by the community in the overall operations.

The Center cannot persist operating as a private club and expect public money to finance its operations. Such expectations are a formula for continued failure.

To move forward, The Center needs to amend its bylaws to embrace adherence to our Sunshine laws and include voting representation of our Island cities on the board of directors. To achieve its full potential, The Center cannot persist in claiming “transparency” while refusing to abide by the Sunshine laws, because doing so denies meaningful public oversight and erodes trust and the credibility necessary for The Center fulfilling its potential. The Center can no longer refuse board voting representation of Island cities and expect municipal officials

entrusted with the public purse to have no meaningful say in how its residents’ money is spent.

Robyn Mary Kinkopf Holmes Beach

Your thoughts?

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 several ways to doit. Visit our website at www.amisun. com and click on the “contact us” link at the top of the home page. Or, e-mail The Sun directly at news@ amisun.com. You can mail a letter to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun, Island Sun Plaza, 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. Letters also may be edited for length and content.

The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field Reporters Cindy Lane Joe Hendricks Kristin Swain Tom Vaught

Layout Ricardo Fonseca Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis Ad director Chantelle Lewin

Ad assistants Chris Boniberger Susan Otto Classified ads Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Web/Social media Cindy Lane Jocelyn V. Greene

Accounting John Reitz Distribution Bob Alexander Tony McNulty Connor Field Contributors Steve Borggren Monica Simpson Rusty Chinnis Sean Murphy

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AUGUST 9, 2017

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on the agenda

the sun survey

PREVIOUS QUESTION: Would you support expanding the FWC's enforcement of laws protecting Florida wildlife?

Anna Maria 10005 Gulf Drive.

8/10: City Commission special meeting, 6 p.m.

8/14: Election qualifying period begins, noon.

8/24: City Commission meeting, 6 p.m.

8/25: Election qualifying period ends, noon.

For information, call 7086130.

58%

Yes. Clearly, the FWC needs more resources to do an adequate job.

Bradenton Beach 107 Gulf Drive N.

8/10: Department Head meeting, 1 p.m.

8/16: Planning and Zoning Board public hearing, 1 p.m.

8/17: City Commission meeting, noon.

8/22: City Commission work-

shop, 1 p.m.

For information, call 7781005.

Holmes Beach 5801 Marina Drive.

8/22: City Commission meeting, 6 p.m.

8/24: City Commission work session, 6 p.m.

8/28: Election qualifying period begins, noon.

9/1: Election qualifying period ends, noon.

For information, call 7085800.

Island-wide

8/17: West Manatee Fire Rescue board, administration building, 6417 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, 6 p.m.

mark your calendar Note: Events are free unless indicated.

31%

I don't know about the FWC, but I would support building a third bridge from north Longboat Key to the mainland.

Wednesday August 9

10%

No, we have enough government regulation in our lives already.

The sun survey is not a scientific poll and is used for entertainment purposes only.

THIS WEEK’S SURVEY What do you think should be done following the death of Snooty the manatee at the South Florida Museum?

• Investigate how and what happened, see if there was any negligence on the part of Snooty's caretakers, then take appropriate action.

• Determine how this tragedy occurred, learn from it, correct any deficiencies in operations, then let the museum officials get on with doing their job.

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

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

Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce sunrise breakfast, Boys and Girls Club, 5231 34th St. W., Bradenton, 7:45 a.m., $8 per member or $16 per prospective member.

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

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

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

Thursday August 10

Boomer Boot Camp, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. One class, $15; five classes, $65; 10 classes, $100.

Zumba and mat pilates for seniors, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 10 a.m., $10 per class. Reserve to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941-383-6493.

Introduction to Fermentation, Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St., Cortez, 6 p.m.., $20. Reserve to 941-7086120 or www.floridafolkschool.org.

sion, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., $10, includes coffee and cookies. Reserve to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941-383-6493.

Alzheimer’s caregiver support group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

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

Saturday August 12

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

Beginner Soap Making, Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 10 a.m., $35. Reserve to 941-708-6120 or www. floridafolkschool.org.

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

Monday August 14

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

Wednesday August 16

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

Friday August 11

Intermediate bridge ses-

SEE CALENDAR, PAGE 8

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mark your calendar Thursday August 17

Boomer Boot Camp, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. One class, $15; five classes, $65; 10 classes, $100.

Zumba and mat pilates for seniors, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 10 a.m., $10 per class. Reserve to maryannbrady@aginginparadise. org or 941-383-6493.

Book club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10:15 a.m.

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

Friday

August 18

Intermediate bridge session, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive,

2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., $10, includes coffee and cookies. Reserve to maryannbrady@aginginparadise. org or 941-383-6493.

Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

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

Saturday August 19

Pasta making, Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St., Cortez, 10 a.m., $35. Reserve to 941-708-6120.

Tuesday

August 22

Boomer Boot Camp, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. One class, $15; five classes, $65; 10 classes, $100.

AUGUST 9, 2017

Bradenton Area sticks with Visit Florida

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

The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is not among the tourism marketing agencies cutting ties with Visit Florida, the statewide tourism agency, according to Director Elliott Falcione.

“We have the utmost trust and faith in Ken Lawson’s ability to be transparent and manage Visit Florida better than ever before,” he said Monday.

Tourism programs that have cut ties with Visit Florida include Amelia Island, Brevard County, Discover the Palm Beaches, Experience Kissimmee, Florida Keys & Key West, Franklin County, Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, Orlando North/Seminole County, Santa Rosa County, Visit Orlando, Visit Tampa Bay and Visit South Walton, according

We have the utmost trust and faith in Ken Lawson’s ability to be transparent and manage Visit Florida better than ever before.”

Elliott Falcione CVB director

to media reports around the state. Some cite the Florida

Legislature’s new requirements that employee salaries be included in contracts with businesses or governmental agencies that receive public funds from the state or from local tourist taxes.

The requirements are the Legislature’s response to a secret $1 million Visit Florida music video contract with Miami music artist Pitbull uncovered in a 2016 lawsuit filed by Republican House Speaker Richard Corcoran (R-Land O’Lakes), which prompted the Legislature to propose cutting the agency’s budget to $25 million.

After lobbying by Gov. Rick Scott, lawmakers raised the funding allocation to $76 million. In 2015-16, Visit Florida had $74 million in public funding and $133 million in private funding, according to the agency.

Loving Christ •Sharing His Grace •Serving All COMMUNITY CHURCH

SUNDAY WORSHIP

Call for a ride to the 10:00 AM Worship Service

8:30 AM in the Chapel 10:00 AM in the Sanctuary

10:00 AM Nursery & Church School 8:45 AM Adult Bible Study

A NON-DENOMINATIONAL, CHRISTIAN CHURCH • EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

512 Pine Ave • Anna Maria

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AUGUST 9, 2017

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

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Police agencies help find suicidal woman The woman told friends she wanted to commit suicide on the Island.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Quick action by Island police agencies may have helped save a woman's life.

On Saturday, July 29, Island law enforcement worked together to find a visitor that had expressed a desire to kill herself.

It began when a friend of the woman called the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office to report that her friend had tweeted she was going to commit suicide on Anna Maria Island.

According to a Sheriff's Office report, local law enforcement immediately began looking for the woman, first checking in all the local watering holes.

The woman was described as in her 50s and having blond hair.

The Sheriff’s Office dispatch tried to call the woman on her cell phone and eventually she answered. She said she was at a motel, but would not say which one. The report said she was slurring her words and told the deputy she had consumed pills and alcohol. She eventually dropped her phone.

The deputy then started searching motels in Anna Maria, while Holmes Beach police did the same in that city.

They finally found her at Haley’s Motel in Anna Maria.

Dispatch could hear the officers knocking on the door from the woman’s cell phone, which was still on an open line. They made their way in and found her unconscious, but alive. She was taken to Blake Medical Center, however, authorities are not releasing her condition at this time. Holmes Beach police are continuing the investigating.

The “Bronzed” Gulf Black Grouper

I’m an Original

PETITION: Drives begin in Bradenton Beach

by both land and sea, the Seafood Shack has a 68-slip marina, a bar & grill with an outdoor waterfront patio and a 7,000 square foot event space. The Seafood Shack’s mission is to ensure that each and every guest receives fast and friendly service, to always sell fresh, delicious seafood and to preserve that Old Florida Feeling.

We are truly proud to be an Original!

public consensus of the public good.”

This proposed amendment is partially inspired by a commission-initiated ordinance adopted by 3-1 vote in 2016.

The ordinance clarifies the commission’s understanding of the charter as it pertains to the mayor and commission’s supervisory authority over city department heads in a weak mayor form of government.

Shack Marina, Bar & Grill has “beenThea Seafood Cortez landmark since 1972. Accessible

Chef Gerard Jesse, Seafood Shack Marina, Bar & Grill

”

The Sarasota-Manatee Originals is a group of locally owned restaurants who share a passion for dining excellence and commitment to our community.

eatlikealocal.com 15 South Ristorante • Amore Restaurant • Andrea’s • Anna Maria Oyster Bar • Arts & Eats Restaurant and Gallery • Beach House • The Bijou Café • Birdrock Taco Shack • Blase Cafe • Blu Island Bistro • Blue Marlin Seafood • Bridge Street Bistro • Café Baci • Café Gabbiano • Café Venice • Cassariano Italian Eatery • Cedar Reef Fish Camp • Chaz 51 Bistro • Ciao! Italia • The Crow’s Nest • Drunken Poet Café • Duval’s • enRich Bistro • Euphemia Haye • Fast N Fresh • Fins at Sharky’s • Gold Rush BBQ • Gulf Drive Café + Tiki • Harry’s Continental Kitchens • JPAN Restaurant • Lobster Pot • MADE Restaurant • Madfish Grill • Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub • Mattison’s Forty - One • Michael John’s • Michael’s On East • mi Pueblo • Miguel’s Restaurant • Ophelia’s On The Bay • Ortygia Restaurant • Pacific Rim • Paradise Grill • PIER 22 • Plated Modern Kitchen • Polo Grill & Bar • Primo! Ristorante • Riverhouse Reef & Grill • Roessler’s Restaurant • Salute! Restaurant • Sandbar Seafood & Spirits • Seafood Shack • Siesta Key Oyster Bar • State Street • Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse • Tsunami • Village Café • The Waterfront Restaurant on Anna Maria • The White Horse Pub

FROM PAGE 3

Procedural steps

Mapes said 604 city voters participated in last November’s city elections, which means the group needs at least 61 (10 percent) verified signatures from registered city voters for each petition initiative to move forward. To be safe, Mapes encourages members to

collect at least 100 signatures for each petition initiative. The signatures will be presented to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office, which will verify or reject each signature received.

According to City Attorney Ricinda Perry, the ballot language must also be reviewed to ensure constitutional compliance with the city charter. If the proposed amendments meet constitutional standards, city voters will have the opportunity to accept or reject them in November.

Mapes said Assistant Supervisor of Elections Scott Farrington told him that he was not aware of any previous attempts to amend a city charter via citizen initiated referendum in Manatee County.

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AUGUST 9, 2017

GRAND OPENING!

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AUGUST 9, 2017

THE SUN

11

Aqua by the Bay hearings to resume Manatee County Commissioners will conduct their next review of the project on Wednesday, Aug. 16

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amsun.com

BRADENTON– On Thursday, August 10, the Manatee County Planning Commission will conduct its second review of the controversial Aqua by the Bay development being proposed by Carlos Beruff and his development team.

The Planning Commission meeting will begin at 9 a.m., with two timecertain agenda items to precede the Aqua by the Bay review. The meeting will take place in the Manatee County Commission chambers at 1112 Manatee Ave. W. in downtown Bradenton, and is scheduled to go until 5 p.m. if necessary.

The meeting will be streamed live at www.mymanatee.org and the video feed can be accessed using the MGA

joe hendricks | SUN

From left, Aqua by the Bay developer Carlos Beruff and attorney Ed Vogler previously presented their much-debated development plans to county commissioners in May. TV Live Stream link found in the left column of the county’s home page.

The planning commissioners will have more information on proposed high-rise building heights and locations than what was first presented to them in April and

County Commissioners in May. The planning commissioners will be asked to render a majority opinion as to whether they feel the project that now includes as many as 16 high-rises, a man-made estuary enhancement area

and retaining wall and a man-made Crystal Lagoon is consistent with the county’s comprehensive plan and land development code.

The Planning Commission recommendation will be forwarded to the County Commission and taken into consideration when county commissioners attempt to make some final decisions on the proposed general development plan and rezoning requests at the Wednesday, Aug. 16, land use meeting. The land use meeting will begin at 9 a.m. and could go until 5 p.m. or later. That meeting will also be streamed live online.

The Planning Commission and County Commission meetings will both allow for public input and a large turnout is expected at both meetings.

The county meetings were to be preceded by a Tuesday, Aug. 8, public forum hosted by Suncoast Waterkeeper, the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, the Manatee-Sarasota Sierra Club, ManaSota 88 and others at the Cortez Road Baptist Church.

Qualifying for Holmes Beach commission nears It’s August, but the race for city commission seats in Holmes Beach will soon be gearing up prior to the Nov. 7 election.

Candidate qualifying week begins at noon Monday, Aug. 28, and runs through noon Friday, Sept. 1.

Four seats are up for grabs in this year’s election – those held by Commissioners Marvin Grossman, Pat Morton, Jean Peelen and Carol Soustek.

All four incumbents have expressed interest in running for another term on the City Commission.

Commissioners typically serve twoyear terms, though whoever is elected to Grossman’s seat will serve a oneyear term to correct a 2016 qualifying snafu and put the seat back into the correct election rotation.

Last year, when Grossman was up for re-election he failed to qualify as a can-

didate due to paying his candidate fees with a personal instead of campaign check. The error wasn’t discovered until after the qualifying period ended, eliminating him as a candidate on the November ballot. After the election, the remaining commissioners voted to appoint Grossman for a one-year term, expiring in November.

To qualify, candidates are required to be registered Manatee County voters

and have been a resident of Holmes Beach for two years prior to the start of the qualifying period.

Candidate packets can be picked up during qualifying from City Clerk Stacey Johnston at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive. All candidate materials must be completed and submitted to Johnston no later than noon Friday, Sept. 1.

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THE SUN

AUGUST 9, 2017

Borden Reef open for pleasure

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

Bait fish, mangrove snapper, gag grouper, spadefish and other marine life are congregating on the new Borden Reef, which was completed last month about 7 nautical miles southwest of Longboat Pass in the Gulf of Mexico.

Divers and fishermen are invited to enjoy Manatee County’s newest artificial reef at latitude 27° 24.473’ N and longitude 82° 47.842’ W. The reef consists of two long ridgelike formations similar to some natural features in the area and is comprised of 1,500 tons of clean limestone boulders at between 28 and 40 feet.

Coastal Marine Construction built the first phase of the site with $60,000 from Manatee County and $60,000 from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s grant through the federal Dingell-Johnson Aid in Sport Fish

MANATEE COUNTY PARKS AND NATURAL RESOURCES | submitted

A mangrove snapper checks out the new Borden Reef. Three barge loads of limestone were hauled to the site to construct the new Borden Reef.

Restoration Act, which provides federal aid to states to manage fisheries used in recreational fishing and diving.

Another $60,000 FWC grant already is in the works for phase two next year, according to Michael Elswick, division manager of the county’s Natural Resources Division.

The county has been building reefs

since the late 1960s and now has 12 artificial reefs.

A 2010 economic impact study by the University of Florida shows that artifi-

cial reefs in Manatee County produce an annual economic impact of nearly $20 million and 234 full- or part-time jobs.

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AUGUST 9, 2017

THE SUN

13

Post-storm turtle survey hopeful

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

Now that the winds of Tropical Storm Emily are gone, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring has a better idea of the damage to sea turtle nests.

Some of the record high nests laid so far this year – nearly 500 – had already hatched before the storm, including some that hatched the night before the storm, Director Suzi Fox said.

The stakes to around 28 nests were lost, mostly near Coquina Beach, she said, but that does not mean the turtle eggs inside were under water long enough to suffocate them.

Significantly, “People found no rolling eggs,” she said, adding that this information indicates that the eggs are still in the nests unmarked.

“We may never be able to replace the stake markers, as it could be harmful to the hatchlings if we are off by a few inches. So we will let them come out on their own,” she said.

August is the worst month for turtle disorientations, when hatchlings head away from the water because they are confused by an artificial light source.

Sea turtles are nesting in record numbers this year, above left. Those that lay their nests high in the dunes, like this one, increase nest safety during storms. Above right, a baby turtle swims to deeper water in the Gulf of Mexico in Holmes Beach.

“Now more than ever we need people to keep house lights lamped with turtle-friendly bulbs, preferably amber LEDs,” Fox said. “Illegal structure lights kill more turtles that anything on

this Island, even more than storms.”

Disorientations are high in Holmes Beach, Fox said, while Bradenton Beach is doing better, having worked with Turtle Watch to do light inspec-

Breakfast time

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

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

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

PETE GROSS | submitted

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tions weekly.

Turtle Watch has turtle-friendly bulbs available for a donation. Call 941-7785638.

Bird tips

A black skimmer tries to feed its chicks with a fish bigger than both of them. Black skimmer parents with older chicks have moved out of roped-off buffer zones and are often resting and sleeping in the grass washed up along the shoreline – be careful where you walk! Nearly 200 nesting shorebirds laid 42 nests and hatched 44 chicks that are fledged, with four more that are still in the downy (flightless) stage, according to Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring.

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CONNOR FIELD | SUN

CINDY LANE | SUN

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

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

• Keep pets away from bird nesting areas.

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

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

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THE SUN

AUGUST 9, 2017

Center responds to financial review The Center staff and board remain optimistic that the financial challenges can be met.

wrong-doing. I think Mr. Chambers’ validation further proves that to those who question my integrity. I am far from perfect, but I have the best intentions and a deep desire to ensure the Center is around for many more generations,” Lessig said.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Executive Director Kristen Lessig and board chair David Zaccagnino recently commented on the voluntary review of the Center’s financial records conducted by the city’s volunteer financial consultant, John Chambers.

Chambers presented his findings to the Anna Maria Commission on July 27. His review produced no allegations of fraud or financial misconduct, but stressed the importance of cutting expenses while still trying to increase revenues.

Chambers feels the new budget year that began last month is crucial to the Center’s long-term survival, and he warned that maintaining past budgeting practices may no longer be sustainable.

Center reaction

“There is no mystery or smoking gun of malfeasance. It’s the same story as

Equipment donation

joe hendricks | SUN

Left to right, center representatives Kristen Lessig, David Zaccagnino and Chris Culhane attended the July 27 presentation. Behind them are residents Karen and Larry Beach. the past 50 years: the Center has and always will have a revenue gap and will need to raise money to support itself. Community centers that provide programming don’t make money. Many of the changes Mr. Chambers suggests have already been implemented, and we are grateful to him and Mayor Murphy for helping us,” Zaccagnino said.

“I appreciate Mr. Chambers’ efforts.

The experience served as a valuable

exercise for the Center, and I am thankful Mayor Murphy made the offer,” Lessig said.

She hopes the review provides the city and the Island community with a better understanding of the Center’s finances.

“He clearly noted progress was evident,” Lessig said.

“I have always been confident that I have not committed any fraud or

Chambers expressed concerns about the $100,000 financial obligation due this fall for exercise equipment previously described as a donation from Center supporter Shawn Kaleta.

“We are currently meeting with Mr. Kaleta to clean up and legally document his note, and we should have a resolution shortly,” Zaccagnino said.

“It was originally committed as a donation, and there are several board members that still believe it ultimately will be. Shawn drafted a document to secure the equipment while we negotiated with BB&T to pay off the mortgage at a reduced rate. We hope to have an agreement drafted that depreciates the $100,000 note over the course of several years, acting as a see center, page 16

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AUGUST 9, 2017

Cultural Connections board shakes things up After a struggle to identify the group’s purpose in the community, Cultural Connections board members decided to rebrand the organization as a nonprofit.

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND — After 10 years as a community arts organization, the Cultural Connections board members have elected to change things up a bit.

In a July 31 board e-mail distributed by President Joan Voyles, current board members addressed the coming changes to the organization, which has promoted and helped manage the arts and cultural events on Anna Maria Island for the past 10 years.

It was disclosed in the e-mail that, after meeting consistently for several weeks, the existing board decided to formalize Cultural Connections and its role in the community. With a new mission statement “to advocate and cel-

ebrate the arts, culture and heritage of Anna Maria Island for the benefit of visitors and residents,” the organization is ready to shift its focus to art and cultural event awareness and promotion.

The new Cultural Connections will not be hosting events, such as the annual artsHOP event. Instead, the new nonprofit will rely on the organizations or island communities to run the events, with Cultural Connections providing promotion of the event for official participants.

The 2017 artsHOP dates were announced as Nov. 10-12, with board member Melissa Williams serving as this year’s coordinator. The Holmes Beach Art Walk is scheduled for Nov. 10, with Symphony on the Sand on Nov. 11 and special performances by the Island Players scheduled throughout the weekend.

Other changes occurring within the Cultural Connections organization include the development of a new website and logo, a calendar to promote Island art and culture events year-round and the creation of a social media committee.

The board also created new defi-

nitions for organizations that are considered a part of the Island’s art, cultural and heritage community. A partner is described as a nonprofit organization which pays a yearly donation to Cultural Connections. A sponsor is defined as an individual or for-profit organization or business that is part of the Island’s art and culture community and provides Cultural Connections with an annual donation.

With the Cultural Connections new nonprofit designation also came new bylaws which, according to the e-mail, require a rotation of leadership on the organization’s board. As a result, three positions will be opening and the nonprofit is seeking new board members.

Current board members are President Joan Voyles, Vice-President Jeanie Pickwick, Secretary Diane Phinney, Treasurer Lori Gyson and Lynn Brennan who serves as board member at large.

Anyone interested in serving on the Cultural Connections board is asked to contact a current board member or e-mail Voyles at carvoy@aol.com.

THE SUN

15

briefS Two plus two is now zero

The Bradenton Beach City Commission has decided to remove the proposed two-plus-two occupancy restrictions from the amended Quality of Life Ordinance that was unanimously approved on first reading.

Instead of two-plus-two, occupancy will be based on a scientific calculation that pertains to the structure’s allowed air conditioning load.

Building Official Steve Gilbert told the commission these calculations usually, but not always, allow for an occupancy limit similar to the two-plus-two provision.

The commission felt this would reduce the city’s risk of Bert Harris claims. A second and final reading of the ordinance will take place later this month.

Building moratorium extended At the request of Commissioner Marilyn Maro, the Bradenton Beach City Commission has extended for three more months the voter-initiated building moratorium enacted last November. The moratorium prohibits city staff from reviewing applications or issuing building permits for homes to contain more than four bedrooms or rooms that could be used as sleeping rooms.

The moratorium applies only to the R-1 and R-2 residential zone districts. The six-month moratorium was extended for three months in May and was scheduled to expire this week. It is now scheduled to expire in early November, resulting in moratorium that will have lasted for at least one year.

16

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THE SUN

FILE PHOTO

CENTER: Officials respond to financal review

Zaccagnino said Center department heads identified approximately $150,000 in expenses that could be cut from the budget without drastically impacting Center programs.

“We will continue searching for cost saving measures, and we have a realistic plan to make up the revenue gap this year through fundraising, donations and grants,” Zaccagnino said.

Lessig said deeper budget cuts would have eliminated programs and services vital to the Center’s mission.

“It will take a tremendous amount of effort. We need the community to give us that second chance so we can get the job done,” she said.

a flat fee to run the CrossFit program and other fitness programs.

“All CrossFit money is paid directly to the Center, and each participant is required to be a Center member. This mutually beneficial agreement has helped boost day passes and annual memberships with the 35 to 55-yearolds we were not reaching before,” Lessig said.

“Natalie Coleman, Shay’s wife, is my executive assistant. She plays a major role in the Center’s financial and human resources support. She has a corporate background, and she took an extreme pay cut because her children have been active here and she believes in the mission. It would have been crazy for me to decline the opportunity to have someone of her caliber on board just because of her husband’s role in CrossFit,” Lessig explained.

CrossFit concerns?

Public records

FROM PAGE 14

write-off each year,” Lessig said.

Revenues & expenses

Last month, Commissioner Carol Carter questioned the financial arrangements with the CrossFit training programs.

Lessig said the Center pays Anna Maria CrossFit owner Shay Coleman

Zaccagnino and the Center board maintain the Center is not subject to public records laws and the board is still awaiting an attorney’s written opinion that supports that position.

AUGUST 9, 2017

www.amisun.com

AUGUST 9, 2017

THE SUN

17

Keep watching the skies

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

The Perseid meteor shower will peak around 4 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12, offering a look at up to 100 meteors an hour in dark skies like those above Anna Maria Island’s beaches.

A bright moon will limit visibility, say skywatchers, but the show will still go on, with meteors producing long wakes of light behind them and occasional fireballs brightening the sky.

Fewer meteors also will be visible the night before and for a few nights afterwards.

The event occurs annually as the Earth passes through the trail of stardust left by Comet Swift-Tuttle.

With lights out for sea

CELEBRATING COASTAL & CLASSIC

SEAFOOD DINING

space.com

Meteors with streaming trails will streak through the night sky on Saturday, Aug. 12, about 4 a.m. turtle nesting and hatching, the beach is a good place to see the event.

Bring a reclining beach chair to make it easier to look up, and bring water and insect repellant.

Do not use flashlights, lanterns, cell phones or flash cameras – lights that aren’t produced by Mother Nature are not allowed on the beach

during turtle season, and you will irritate skygazers whose eyes are adjusted to the dark.

The meteors are named for the Greek god Perseus, whose constellation produces the meteors; they also are called The Tears of St. Lawrence because they appear near the Aug. 10 anniversary of the saint's martyrdom.

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THE SUN

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AUGUST 9, 2017

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AUGUST 9, 2017

THE SUN

19

Whiskey

BY SEAN MURPHY SPECIAL TO THE SUN

W

hen I am out for breakfast and the waiter asks, "What would you like to drink?”

I always answer, “Whiskey.”

I guess I think it’s

funny.

Technically it is correct. The waiter did not ask me what I will drink with breakfast they asked what I want to drink with breakfast.

I would love to have whiskey for breakfast.

I don't because I have stuff to do.

Wanting whiskey for breakfast is probably genetic.

I am of Irish ancestry. I suspect the Irish might want whiskey all the time.

The word whiskey is from the Gaelic uiske.

Uiske means water in Gaelic Yup – in Irish, water and whiskey are the same word.

The Irish relationship with whiskey is legend.

It is said that God invented whiskey so the Irish would not take over the world.

The Irish are still working on taking over the world. We are using whiskey.

We are working on America first.

It is early yet.

When the Irish came to America they brought distilling skills with them.

Prior to the American revolution, America’s spirit of choice was rum.

Molasses from the Caribbean was distilled on Staten Island and in Boston – Irish neighborhoods – and made into rum that competed with British distilleries.

The British got aggravated and began to tax the sugar and molasses that was imported for the rum trade. The Bostonians revolted and threw tea into the harbor.

They did not throw any rum in the harbor.

After the Revolution, the new American economy began to recover. As soon as they had enough bread to eat they turned to making whiskey from grain - and the Irish were there with whiskey-making skills to aid the transition.

To cover the bills from the Revolution, Mr. Hamilton convinced President Washington that the new government should tax the new, popular whiskey.

Whiskey had become so popular that there was a rebellion – the Whiskey Rebellion.

The whiskey revenuers were tarred and

feathered, the army was called up, there was some scrapping, and the Whiskey Rebels moved west to Kentucky. They invented bourbon.

Bourbon and Irish whiskey are currently on the rise as the favorite spirits in America, and the rest of the world.

The Irish are back, armed with bourbon and whiskey.

It is only a matter of time.

The religious question is the last impediment to the Irish taking over the world.

They have begun to put it behind them.

I share a report from Ireland of a Murphy reaching out to pastors of the Baptist tradition.

Murphy was crossing a small bridge over a river on the way home from a whiskey tasting.

A Baptist preacher on the river bank called out to him., “Murphy would you like to find Jesus today?”

It being a Sunday and warmed by the whiskey, Murphy called back, “Well sure.”

He made his way down to the river bank.

The preacher seized Murphy by his collar and trousers and pushed him beneath the surface of the river. He held him there for a few seconds and then pulled him up.

The preacher asked, “Have you found

Jesus?”

Murphy sputtered, “Well, no, I haven't.”

The preacher plunged him under again and held him there for a full minute.

When the preacher yanked Murphy up, he was struggling for breath.

“Have you found Jesus?” demanded the preacher.

Murphy gasped, “No, no I haven't.”

The preacher drove him down again. The preacher was mightily strong in his limbs and in his faith, and he held a struggling Murphy beneath the waves until Murphy almost expired.

He pulled him up again.

The preacher shouted, “Have you found Jesus?”

A near-drowned Murphy caught his breath as best he could, “No, I haven’t found Jesus. Are you sure this is where he went in ?”

With Bourbon and Bushmills and Baptists at our side – the future is ours.

Sean Murphy is the head coach of the incredibly talented team that runs the Beach Bistro; its little sister, Eat Here; and its new craft cocktail bar, The Doctors Office. Some of his articles can be found on the Bistro’s web-site, www.beachbistro.com

Surfside … Anna Maria Island

“Best Restaurant in America” 4.9 out of 5 ZAGAT stars One of only 11 in the entire country

941.778.6444 www.BeachBistro.com

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AUGUST 9, 2017

City demands tree house removal A new ruling has Holmes Beach city leaders ready to close the books on the tree house case.

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

HOLMES BEACH — After more than four years of litigation, it may be the end of the Holmes Beach tree house.

The tree house, a two story structure built in an Australian pine located seaward of the Angelinos Sea Lodge at 2818 Avenue E, has been a sore subject between owners Richard Hazen and Lynn Tran-Hazen and the city almost since its construction in 2011.

Now the Tran-Hazens’ most recent appeal for a rehearing and written opinion with the Manatee County Second District Court of Appeals has been denied.

With the July 17 denial came a July 26 letter to the couple from Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson stating it’s time for the tree house to come down.

In the letter, Johnson requested the couple comply with a July 30, 2013, Holmes Beach Code Enforcement Board order to submit an application for a demolition permit with the city’s building department and remove the tree house promptly or the city will seek a court order to have the structure removed.

“They need to apply for a demolition permit and take it down,” Holmes

Kristin Swain | Sun

The tree house at Angelinos Sea Lodge in Holmes Beach remains in its perch Aug. 6, but it won’t be there for long if city officials have their way.

Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said.

“Otherwise the city will get a court order, and then they’ll be in violation of a court order.”

As of Aug. 7, no application for demolition had been filed with the building department.

The tree house was constructed in 2011 on the Angelinos Sea Lodge property for about $20,000 according to Tran. When the couple decided to build the tree house, they went to city hall to inquire about a permit and say they were told by city staff that one would not be required to construct a tree house. Unfortunately for the couple, Building Official Jim McGuinness said a building permit would have been necessary, and the location of the structure might not have been

approved because it straddles the erosion control line, beyond which construction can only take place with a Florida Department of Environmental Protection permit in addition to a building permit.

McGuinness inspected the structure in January and found several issues that could not be easily remedied and created safety concerns. Some of those issues include handicap accessibility and the depth to which the poles supporting the structure were placed into the sand. Without the ability of the Tran-Hazens to bring the structure up to current building code standards, McGuinness denied an application for an after the fact building permit.

As the case has volleyed back and forth between the owners and the city in court, costs have been racking up for the Tran-Hazens in fines. A fine of $50 per day the structure remained in violation of city building codes has been in force since mid-2015, bringing the total up to around $41,000 plus a fixed fee fine of $4,271 from the 2013 Code Enforcement Board order.

Johnson’s letter said to comply with the city’s request to remove the tree house, the owners would have to apply for a demolition permit, file an owner authorization for demolition and clear all violations with the city.

At press time for The Sun, the Tran-Hazens could not be reached for comment.

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AUGUST 9, 2017

FOOD & WINE

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21

Breakfast burrito offers variety John Horne

Breakfast burrito Serves 2

Ingredients

G

5 eggs 8 slices of bacon (Who doesn’t love bacon?)

4 Tbs. salsa 3 ounces shredded cheddar 2 12-inch tortilla shells

ANNA MARIA OYSTER BAR

rowing up in the Horne household meant family breakfast at the table seven mornings a week. Dad cooked breakfast for us on week days while mom got ready for work and brother Lynn and I ready for school. Saturday and Sundays mom cooked breakfast, and what a welcome change from dad’s two eggs over easy, grits, bacon and scraped off burnt toast Dad never used a toaster. I don’t think we had one 'til I went to college. He cooked like his grandmother did – hearty breakfast – bread in the oven with the broiler on until he smelled it burning and pulled it out and scraped (most) of the carcinogens off and put it on top of our eggs. I still laugh when I burn toast on the Pier and think, all I have to do is scrape it off a little. English Mike would eat it that way!

Saturday and Sundays were pancakes or French toast or some other delicious breakfast casserole mom made and served at 8 a. m., two hours later than dad’s weekday meals – maybe that helped. We were taught the importance of a hearty, family meal to start the day. Maybe that’s partly where the idea for our summer reading program started.

This summer at our Ellenton Oyster Bar, we brought 76 rising second- and thirdgraders from four area elementary schools for a Dive Into Reading program. We connected 58 volunteer reader/mentors with the students for the month of June. They arrived and met their mentors and sat and had a hot breakfast. We taught them when they meet new people to introduce themselves with eye contact and a firm hand-

Directions

submitted

Mix it up with breakfast burritos that can contain a variety of ingredients. shake. We served breakfast the first week, breakfast buffets the next two weeks and then they ordered from their own breakfast menu on their last visit from servers who served them at their tables.

After breakfast, there was group reading, then everyone broke into their individual mentoring and reading sessions. This was their favorite part of the program for sure.

It was so awesome to see the bonds formed between the students and the readers. I have heard some are going to continue their read-

ing/mentoring this month when school starts back up Aug. 10. That’s awesome!

The Patterson Foundation and the Suncoast Campaign for Grade Level Reading teamed up as well and rewarded all summer readers with colored bracelets to each level of books read.

Our kids read over 1,800 books in June alone. We are so proud of them all. They all left the program with school supplies, backpacks, books, T-shirts and so many bracelets they had trouble holding

Fry bacon and put drippings in coffee cup to use for flavoring on your next meal.

Crumble crispy bacon and set aside.

Scramble eggs and add bacon just before eggs are completely solid. Don’t cook too dry as they will cook more in tortilla.

Lightly warm tortilla shells on flat top/ griddle or skillet with touch of butter.

Remove tacos and scoop eggs onto soft taco. Spread cheese over eggs then spoon salsa over all.

Roll tortilla up folding edges over as rolling.

Try to roll to approximately a 3-inch roll.

Place on flat top and brown. If you have a bacon weight, top both to flatten a bit.

When brown, flip and cook other side uncovered.

Remove when brown, cut diagonally and serve with sour cream, guacamole and fresh fruit or hash browns.

their right arms up and most importantly, a new buddy.

So what was the most popular breakfast menu item? Breakfast burrito, of course – scrambled eggs with bacon, salsa and cheese in a tortilla shell cooked on a flat top 'til a crispy brown shell. We serve them on the pier every day – well, some days there’s sausage, some days ham and potatoes.

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AUGUST 9, 2017

Nine ways to mosquito-proof your backyard 1. Eliminate standing water wherever it occurs.

First and foremost, eliminating standing water in your yard wherever it occurs is one of the most important things you can do. Your yard can quickly accumulate a good amount of still, stagnant water from watering your yard and plants or from those sporadic summer downpours, and it’s the perfect environment for insects. This is why it’s important to keep gutters clear of debris; check at least once a week for any discarded cans, buckets, pots, overturned children’s toys and anything that can hold water; cover trash containers; change water in outdoor pet dishes daily; and change water in bird baths several times a week.

2. Move potted plants indoors.

Potted plants also tend to fill up with excess water, which is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. So, remove potted plants from your yard and keep them indoors during the muggy summer months.

3. Place herbs and scented oils around your backyard.

Certain plant herbs and essential oils can naturally repel mosquitoes.

For instance, the scents of citronella, lemongrass and chrysanthemum are non-toxic and keep mosquitoes at bay. Scented oils and candles placed on your outdoor tables will keep any bugs away from food, not to mention provide some evening ambiance. These products can be found at many home improvement or outdoor furniture and garden stores.

4. Scatter coffee grounds.

A simple at-home solution for mosquito repellent is coffee grounds. All you need to do is sprinkle coffee grounds wherever you discover standing water in your yard. Any mosquito eggs present will be forced to rise to the surface and be deprived of oxygen.

This will kill any mosquitoes before they hatch and will prevent them from breeding further.

5. Grow insect-repellent plants.

Discourage flies with plants like lemon balm, mint, chrysanthemums, marigolds, basil, garlic, eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary and more. Luckily,

these herbs and plants are loathed by mosquitoes, but quite pleasant to look at and smell for us!

6. Install a drain in planter boxes.

If you want to keep your beautiful flowers outside for all to see, consider using a drainage solution in planter boxes like a catch basin connected to a drainage pipe. Excess water enters the basin through a raised atrium grate, which prevents leaves, mulch and other debris from entering the system, and connects to a drain pipe where the water can drain to a safe location.

7. Install insect-repelling lights around your yard.

Consider installing mosquito repelling lights, such as sodium lamps, yellow bug lights or LED lights in your backyard to deter those irritating bugs away from your mouth-watering hot dogs. All-in-one outdoor lighting and mosquito repellent fixtures can be purchased at several home goods stores and large retailers.

8. Hire a professional to spray your yard with an organic treatment.

Using an insect-controlling yard spray is an effective way to get rid of mosquitoes. However, many sprays contain toxic chemicals that can harm your health and the health of the environment. Nontoxic bug control solutions can work wonders and will kill off fleas, ticks and other insects, while not harming the family pet! Choose products labeled natural or organic and pet friendly, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions completely.

9. Install a French drain.

Another common solution for eliminating standing water around your home is with drainage solutions that can be purchased at your local home improvement or hardware store.

A French drain is a popular choice, which consists of a slightly sloped trench filled with gravel surrounding a perforated pipe. It provides an easy channel for water to flow through, collecting water over the entire length of the drain instead of one particular spot and redirecting the surface and ground water away from your home.

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AUGUST 9, 2017

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Staying safe while cycling Practicing safe cycling is advantageous to pedestrians and motorists, not just the people on bicycles.

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND — Cyclists who abide by the rules make it safer for everyone on Anna Maria Island’s congested roadways.

On the street

When cycling on the street, those on two wheels should maintain a safe distance from motorized, four wheeled vehicles.

Bicycles are allowed on all Island streets, though they must be shared with motorists and pedestrians.

When traveling along roads where bicycle lanes are available, cyclists are required to ride in the bicycle lane, not in vehicular traffic lanes.

Cyclists should travel in the direction of vehicular traffic.

Bicyclists sharing the vehicular travel lanes with motorists should ride as close to the edge of the road as possible. Cyclists are required to obey all traffic signs and signals.

For cyclists sharing the road with vehicles, those on bicycles should signal to motorists using hand signals when turning left, right or stopping. A hand pointing down signals a stop while pointing to the right or left signals a turn. Cyclists should keep at least one hand on the handlebars while riding.

Cyclists are allowed to ride side-

Submitted

Above, a cartoon created by Holmes Beach Commissioner Marvin Grossman depicts his vision of pedestrians and cyclists sharing the multi-use paths coming to Anna Maria Island.

Right, a group of cyclists in traffic turns left off of Pine Avenue onto North Bay Boulevard in Anna Maria.

by-side only when not impeding vehicular traffic within a single lane.

On sidewalks

Cyclists out for a leisurely ride versus being able to bike at close to or the same speed as traffic are welcome to use the Island’s sidewalks instead of bicycle lanes.

When cycling on a sidewalk, those on bicycles have to obey the same rules as pedestrians. This includes dismounting when using crosswalks and traveling at a slow speed.

Cyclists on sidewalks must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and give an auditory warning when passing. Bicycles cannot be ridden side-by-side on a sidewalk. Riders do not have the right-of-way when going through an intersection and must yield to pedestrians and motorists before crossing.

file photo

Cyclists riding on multi-use paths are required to treat those paths in the same way as sidewalks.

Basic safety rules

Bicycles should only be ridden by the amount of riders they’re designed for. For instance, a single rider bicycle should be ridden by one rider, not two. Each rider should have his/her own seat. Adult riders with a child can ride with the child securely attached to the adult without having another seat or mount a separate seat for a small child behind the adult saddle.

Nighttime cyclists should have a headlight and tail light on the bicycle to help make the rider more

visible to motorists and pedestrians.

Cyclists are not allowed to wear headphones, a headset or any other listening device in more than one ear while riding.

Riders 16 years of age or younger, including those in children’s seats or attached to an adult, are required to wear a bicycle helmet.

Though road conditions and accessibility may change, cyclists, motorists and pedestrians should all be aware of and respectful to each other while sharing space on our Island roads and pathways.

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AUGUST 9, 2017

End of vacation Anna Maria Elementary School starts sessions on Thursday, Aug. 10.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Teachers at Manatee County’s little school by the bay are ready for business.

Their classrooms are organized, the cafeteria is squeaky clean, the lawn is freshly cut and the parking lot is paved and lined.

When the bell sounds on Thursday morning, the new school year will be underway.

Teachers will have their hands full keeping track of students who ride the bus, those who walk or bike to school and those whose parents will drop them off and pick them up from school. Student security is their goal and Holmes Beach Police officer Josh Fleischer will be directing traffic, allowing pedestrians to use the crosswalks in

during the morning and afternoon traffic.

School begins at 8:30 a.m., and the kids get out at 2:50 p.m.

AME Principal Jackie Featherston said the teaching staff remains the same except for Miss Buff, who moves from fifth grade to third. Fourth-grade teach Pidge Taylor got married over the summer and will be known as Mrs. Barreda.

The PTO will have its annual Boohoo Breakfast in the cafeteria for parents of kindergartners and students moving into the district, to ask questions.

Kindergartners will attend fulltime, not half days, the first week, and under Florida statutes, third- through fifth-grade students will get 150 minutes if physical per week and 20-minute recesses.

Driver are urged to be cautious as the drive past the school at 4700 Gulf Drive.

Observe the speed limit and watch out for kids not paying attention, especially the first week or so.

file photo

Last year's kindergartners made the march from the auditorium, where they said goodbye to their parents, to their classrooms.

HBPD seeks safe start to the new school year HOLMES BEACH — School is back in session this week and the Holmes Beach Police Department wants to make sure everyone enjoys a safe school year.

In an Aug. 3 press release, Chief Bill Tokajer said officers will be closely monitoring drivers going through the school zone. He also offered some tips

to help everyone have a safe start to the year.

Motorists are asked to be alert while backing up, including walking around the vehicle to check for children before moving it, turning off the radio, moving slowly and making sure to check blind spots.

Drivers are required to stop for

buses when its red flashing lights are engaged. The only time motorists are not required to stop for buses is if the bus is stopped on the opposite side of a raised concrete barrier.

Bicyclists are advised to move in the same direction as traffic and always use a headlight and taillight at night.

Pedestrians should use the sidewalk

if one is available or walk on the edge of the road facing traffic and use crosswalks.

Both cyclists and pedestrians are advised to wear bright or reflective colors to increase visibility to motorists.

Children are asked to wait in a safe place for bus pick up away from the road and never walk behind buses.

CRA master plan designer selected

CONNOR FIELD | SUN

After the storm Thunderstorms pass through Anna Maria Island and leave behind a beautiful sunset.

The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has agreed to contract City Engineer Lynn Burnett for up to $25,000 to help develop a master plan for the CRA district. The district extends from the north side of Cortez Road Burnett to Fifth Street South.

Burnett will help design bike/pedestrian trail plans, sidewalk improvements, landscaping, benches, irrigation, lighting, turtle lighting and other elements meant to maintain or create and “Old Florida” feel in the CRA district. The commission is still deciding between local designer Emily Anne Smith or Green Tech’s Grant Beatt to work with Burnett in designing plan elements that include landscaping, signs, Bridge Street planters, benches and other aesthetic aspects at an approximate cost of $7,000 to $9,000.

AUGUST 9, 2017

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THE SUN

OUTDOORS

AUGUST 9, 2017

10th annual scallop search S

arasota Bay Watch will hold its 10th annual Great Sarasota Bay Scallop Search on Saturday, Aug. 26, from 8 a.m. to noon. The event launches from the Sarasota Sailing Squadron at 1717 Ken Thompson Parkway on City Island.

For the past nine years, individuals and families from around the community have come together to volunteer for the popular event. The search allows participants to get in the water and help monitor the scallop population in Sarasota Bay. It’s also a chance for them to get a glimpse under Bay waters and experience its rich and varied flora and fauna. Additionally, the event supports scientists from the Florida Wildlife Research Institute, who track the health and abundance of bay scallops. So why is this important?

Until the 1960s, scallops were plentiful in Sarasota Bay. That all changed when development mushroomed in the area. With the building came dredging that created miles of canals and

Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS clouded bay waters with sediment. That sediment blocked the sun’s rays causing a massive die-off of seagrass. The destruction was exacerbated by the release of untreated and partially treated sewage from new developments on the mainland and the barrier islands.

The combination of insults led to a drastic reduction in the number of scallops. Fortunately, scallops, although severely impacted by the loss of water quality, have managed to survive. Over the years, water quality has gradually improved, and the past few decades have ushered in a dramatic increase see reel time, page 27

rUSTY CHINNIS | sun

Participants from the first ever scallop search enjoy lunch after the event.

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AUGUST 9, 2017

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Tarpon move to inside waters Captain Dave White

We've been staying inshore this past week here at Anna Maria Charters.

Catching snook, snapper, trout, redfish and flounder. The bait that has been around the Island is relatively small pilchards with baby herring mixed in.

So it hasn't been exactly ideal, but it's suitable.

I'm sticking to the deeper flats to find the bigger trout. The flounder can be found around the edges of or local reefs along with the snapper.

Snook and redfish are in the flats.

Deeper potholes and around docks and mangroves are proving to be productive. Once in awhile, you'll hook into a juvenile tarpon if you're lucky.

Captain Rick Grassett

Tarpon will move to inside waters of Sarasota Bay, Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay this month. You may also find juvenile tarpon in creeks, canals and turning basins. Reds will school on shallow flats, and big trout will prowl the same waters at dawn. Also look for trout on deep grass flats mixed with blues, pompano, Spanish mackerel and more. Catch and release snook fishing should be good around lighted docks at night or in the surf. Look for false albacore (little tunny) to show up in the coastal Gulf later in the month.

Tarpon addicts will still be able to get their fix this month. You should still find a few tarpon in the coastal Gulf early in the month. Drifting live baits or casting flies, DOA Baitbusters, DOA Shrimp, DOA Airheads and 4-inch CAL shad tail should all work. As tarpon thin out along beaches, they will move to inside waters where you may find them schooling around bridges or

captain DAVE WHITE | SUbmitted

Andy Orr, visiting from the U.K., shows off a juvenile tarpon caught with Captain David White, of Anna Maria Charters. rolling on deep grass flats. They also will feed in schools of ladyfish that are feeding on the surface. You should find juvenile tarpon from 10 to 30-pounds in creeks, canals and turning basins. Your snook tackle will work fine for smaller tarpon, although you’ll need a leader of 40 to 60 pounds to keep them from going through it. Fly anglers should score with 8- or 9-weight fly rods, sinking lines and scaled down tarpon flies.

Snook season remains closed this month so handle them gently and use tackle heavy enough to catch and release them quickly. You’ll find them around lighted docks and bridges in the ICW and in the surf. Small white flies, like my Grassett Snook Minnow, DOA Shrimp or CAL jigs with shad tails and jerk worms should all work well. The same lures and flies will work at night and in the surf, although you should be observant of what size baits

are in those areas.

Reds will school up this month. You should find them on shallow flats of north Sarasota Bay, lower Tampa Bay and Gasparilla Sound. They’ll be easier to find in shallow water when the tide is low. Look for nervous water when it is slick calm or a slick patch of water when there is a ripple on the water.

They may push a wake that looks like a boat wake. I try to be as quiet as possible in shallow water, poling to locate them. Once you’ve located a school of reds, try to get ahead of them to intercept them, much like tarpon fishing. If you work around the edges of the school, you may be able to catch a few of them before they spook. We often also find big Jacks, blues and other predators in the mix along with reds. Top water plugs and fly poppers see captains, page 29

reel time: 10th annual scallop search FROM PAGE 26

in the quality and clarity of bay water and a resulting increase in seagrass.

In 2008 Sarasota Bay Watch initiated a restoration project to help scallops benefit from the increased water quality and sea grass. The multifaceted cooperative effort’s aim is to be financially independent of Federal, State and Local funding. Since its inception, the program has introduced over one hundred million scallop larva (spat) into bay waters.

The search begins with an introduction and training session on searching for scallops in the bay’s seagrass beds. To assess

the abundance of scallops, a grid (called a transect) is created that covers an area of the bay. Participants will receive a five-gallon bucket that holds the tools they’ll need to cover their area. Each bucket contains a 50-meter (150 feet long) line with a buoy at each end. Swimmers stretch the line out and swim down both sides with a one meter long PVC pipe. This allows participants to cover 100 square meters of seagrass in each grid. The results from the search areas are combined and extrapolated to provide a good idea of the abundance of scallops in the bay in general. Florida Sea Grant has produced a YouTube video

that explains the whole process, check it out at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=gk3Y9K-0-Cw. This is a great opportunity to support efforts in monitoring scallops in Sarasota Bay. Participants need to bring a mask and snorkel, fins, sunscreen and water.

A dive flag and a weight belt are also helpful (if available). At the end of the search participants will gather back at the Sailing Squadron where lunch will be provided.

Enjoy a great day on the water, a cool dip and lunch while helping document scallop populations.

Reservations are required. For more information and to register go towww.sarasotabaywatch.org.

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AUGUST 9, 2017

Historic preservation ordinance adopted Anna Maria’s historic preservation ordinance may serve as a model for the other Island cities.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria has a newly-amended historic preservation ordinance and the next step is to appoint a Historic Preservation Board to help administer it.

Board applications can be obtained at city hall or the city website by clicking on the Forms tab at the top of the home page.

Applicants can also call City Planner Robin Meyer at 941-708-6130, ext. 127.

Subject to City Commission approval, Mayor Dan Murphy will nominate five qualified Anna Maria residents or property owners to serve on the board. The city had an existing ordinance in place, but the board was never appointed, so Murphy asked city resident Jack Brennan to help amend an ordinance that may now serve as a model for other cities.

A to-do list created by Brennan states the board will create the city’s design guidelines for historic places that address architectural styles, building scale, roofs, foundations, entrances, porches, doors, windows, additions, new construction, demolition, signage and landscaping.

The goal is to create guidelines that are not so restrictive that they discourage participation. Historic structures will be designated individually, and there are no plans to create a historic district.

The board will also assist the city in

joe hendricks | SUN

Pat Copeland, Lynn Brennan, Jack Brennan, Mayor Dan Murphy, Carl Pearman, City Planner Robin Meyer and Jon Crane reviewed the ordinance on July 25. submitting a Certified Local Government (CLG) application to the State Historic Preservation Office.

Multiple reviews

City Commissioners adopted Ordinance 17-830 on July 27, after it was also reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Board and an informal group that included Brennan, Murphy, Meyer, Anna Maria Historical Society President Lynn Brennan and founder and board member Pat Copeland, planning board members Jon Crane and Carl Pearman and audience member Monica Simpson.

All who reviewed the ordinance agreed the historic designation would be based on voluntarily owner participation instead of opting out after being nominated by others.

Historical impact

Jack Brennan recently provided addi-

tional insight on the ordinance.

“The ordinance can’t preserve historic structures. The people have to ask for the historic designation and the rules that go with it. That’s what’s going to protect the historic structures,” he said.

“The local register of historic places that this ordinance allows us to adopt creates the rules and regulations of historic preservation, through the board and the City Commission,” Brennan said.

The property owner will request the historic designation, and the board will determine if it qualifies.

“If it qualifies, there will be local rules and regulations the owner has to abide by,” Brennan said.

Some historic preservation ordinances force homeowners who need to replace their original windows to use the exact same materials, but the Anna Maria guidelines are expected to allow for hurricane-

resistant modern replicas.

A homeowner will need a city-issued certificate of appropriateness to alter the home’s exterior façade and still retain its historic designation.

“You can’t tear off the back of the house and go up two stories, but you can do whatever you want to the interior. You’re maintaining what the public can see from the street,” Brennan explained.

Brennan explained how historic designations might help preserve traditional, ground-level bungalows and cottages.

“If you have the historic designation, you’re no longer bound by the 50 percent substantial improvement rule,” he said.

This would allow a designated structure to be renovated at more than half its current value per Federal Emergency Management Agency historic designation guidelines, without forcing the homeowner to elevate the home to be less flood prone.

The city’s CLG designation would not qualify private property owners for historic restoration grants. The only monetary incentive for homeowners could be ad valorem tax breaks established by the city and the preservation board.

Cities, churches and non-profits can apply for matching historic restoration grants and Murphy has previously mentioned historic grants as a potential partial funding source for the rehabilitation of the Historic City Pier.

Membership in the CLG program would also qualify the Historic Preservation Board to seek grants for surveying homes and properties more than 50 years old.

Library assistant wins photo contest Island Branch Library assistant Karen McLeod didn’t have to go far to win a photo contest by the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP). It was just south of the library’s McLeod parking lot.

The SBEP held its King Tides Photo Contest to show the difference in the water level from low tide to high tide during the king tides that occurred on May 26 and 27. Brant McCarville, of Siesta Key, was also a winner.

McLeod remembered how the water rose after hard rain to cover up a hole where pipes are exposed at the insubmitted terception of 57th Street and Marina There is a small level of moisture in the left photo but it rose markedly at the king high tide in the right photo..

Drive. She said drivers would drive into the large hole, thinking there was pavewere chosen “because of their clear King tides are naturally occurring would be affected by the rising water ment under the water. She took Island depiction of high waters in places we Branch Library children’s services asunusually high tides and SBEP wanted level.

In its e-mail magazine article, SBEP might not expect to see them.” sistant Trudy Bell who stood by the dry to find photos that depicted how inwrote the pictures of both winners hole at low tide and at high tide. frastructures and natural landscapes

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New manatee, turtle decals out Show your support for manatees and sea turtles with the new waterproof decals available for $5 each from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Decals generate funding for research, rescue and management efforts that help Florida’s manatees and sea turtles survive. For instance, when someone calls the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) to report an injured, entangled or sick manatee or sea turtle, FWC staff responds with efforts to rescue and rehabilitate the animal.

The decals also address important conservation issues: • “Look out for manatees” is the message on the new manatee decal, which shows boaters in the distance as a manatee mother and calf swim along with only her back above water. When boating or using a personal watercraft in Florida waters, it is important to look out for manatees. Mature manatees grow to 1,000 pounds or more, but can be difficult to see when they’re swimming, grazing or resting underwater. Wear polarized sunglasses, and then watch and listen carefully to detect the signs of manatees nearby. Look for circles on the water’s surface indicating their underwater movement and snouts sticking out of the water as they surface to breathe. You may also hear huffing noises when they come up for air.

• “Helping sea turtles survive” is the message on the new sea turtle decal, which shows a green sea turtle. Green sea turtles nest on Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf coast beaches, and until recently were classified as endangered. Now after years of conserva-

FWC seeks abuse info

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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Division of Law Enforcement and the Manatee County State Attorney’s Office requests that anyone with information or images related to recent reports of possible wildlife abuse contact the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922 or Tip@MyFWC.com.

The agencies thank the many individuals that have provided information and expressed concern over the numerous videos and images that have been seen recently over social media involving individuals and wildlife.

"We share your concern, and we are committed to conserving Florida’s natural resources. FWC law enforcement investigators and state attorneys are diligently working toward a swift and lawful resolution to this case. We appreciate Gov. Scott’s leadership on this issue as well," a press release stated. "These investigations are complex, and both the FWC and the state attorney’s office appreciate the public’s understanding and patience. We take these incidents seriously, and this investigation is moving forward."t

Bird identified

Kathy Noonan, a volunteer with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, spotted a black skimmer on an Anna Maria Island beach that had been banded for identification in 2015 by Eckerd College in St. Petersburg. Florida is the only state using green and white bands to identify birds.

submitted

tion efforts, the number of nesting green turtles has increased substantially. This species has been reclassified as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. Remember, hands off is the best policy for beachgoers encountering any species of nesting or hatchling sea turtles. Watch from a distance, do not disturb them and never use a cellphone or camera to shoot flash photos.

Learn about other ways to help conserve manatees and sea turtles at MyFWC.com/Manatee and MyFWC. com/SeaTurtle, where you also can click on Decals to order new or past editions of decals. You can also get them when registering or re-registering a vehicle or boat at local tax collectors’ offices.

Go to BuyaPlate.com to purchase a Save the Manatee or Helping Sea Turtles Survive license plate that supports those species.

captains: Try trout fishing this month FROM PAGE 27

or Gurglers may draw some big bites. The DOA Airhead and 4-inch CAL shad tail should both work well on schooling reds.

Trout fishing should be good this month. You may find a big trout in skinny water at first light. Focus on mullet or bait schools to find them. Top water plugs, fly poppers or Gurglers should be very effective at that time of day. I always release big trout over 20 inches, since they are usually females that may be full of roe. I like the same areas for big trout that I like for reds.

After it gets bright and starts to warm up, drop out to deeper grass flats (4 to 8 feet) for trout, blues, Spanish mackerel and more. I like to drift and cast ahead of my drift with CAL jigs and shad tails or jerk worms or an Ultra Hair Clouser fly fished on a sink tip fly line. I make a series of drifts to locate fish and then shorten the drift or anchor depending on conditions. Ladyfish may feed in glass minnow schools, and if they stay up long enough, it will attract trout, blues, mackerel, tarpon or sharks. Wide profile plastic baits or flies fished slowly around the edges of breaking fish will help keep ladyfish off your lure or fly and give you a chance to catch a tarpon.

When blues, Spanish mackerel or sharks are in the mix add 6 inches of wire or heavy fluorocarbon. Also look for tripletail around crab trap floats, buoys or channel markers in inshore waters this month. A CAL shad tail or DOA shrimp rigged weedless or my Grassett Flats Minnow fly with a weed guard should get the job done.

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AUGUST 9, 2017

Roser welcomes celebrated Methodist pastor Rev. Dr. Mike Slaughter visits Roser Memorial Community Church to help program participants uncover their best selves.

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

ANNA MARIA — The Rev. Dr. Mike Slaughter’s goal is to help others find their purpose in life, a subject he discussed at length during a three-day stint at Roser Memorial Community Church.

Slaughter appeared to speak during a three-part series entitled “God’s Next,” presented with his book “Renegade Gospel: Renegade Jesus.”

The event, open to the public for a fee or through scholarship, drew an average of 50 people per night July 31 – Aug. 2 to the church, where attendees participated in a two hour lecture with Slaughter before enjoying a dinner.

During the lecture series, Slaughter discussed how he believes everyone goes through three steps in their lives and no one can skip one of those steps in reaching self-actualization.

The first step is “ascent of self,” more commonly known as the career building phase of life, followed by “disillusionment imitated by crisis” where flaws become apparent and the person may have a midlife crisis. The third step is the self-actuation step, “realization of mortality,” where people discover what is truly important to them and begin to work toward goals

Kristin Swain | Sun

Rev. Dr. Mike Slaughter congratulates an audience member on his age, giving the man a fist bump during an Aug. 1 presentation at Roser Memorial Community Church in Anna Maria. that are beneficial to others.

In addition to traveling to speak at churches and to community groups, Slaughter is a published author, motivational speaker and pastor and church elder at Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church in Tipp City, Ohio.

At Ginghamsburg, he helped the church to grow its membership by initiating community events, public outreach and updating services to appeal to more people. Since that time, members of the Ginghamsburg church

have gone on to create two satellite church campuses and help other churches combat declining attendance numbers.

Slaughter also has led the charge to build new, affordable housing in low income neighborhoods to help drive out crime. He helps to train other pastors at the primary Ginghamsburg campus.

All of this work is part of what he feels is his mission in life, to help other people.

“Life’s about transition and

Library engineering Kids and parents showed up at the Island Branch Library on Thursday, July 20, to develop their engineering talents with games and Legos. It was a good crowd, and kids went from one table to another.

Tom Vaught | Sun

Above, in-laws Phyllis Gorshe and Steve Zengel and their kids, Elizabeth Zengel and Isaac Gorshe played with Legos.

They are visiting the Island from Dunedin. Right, Valerie Hall helps her son, Sammy, 4, put together Legos. They live in West Bradenton and keep tabs on what’s happening at the Island Library through the Internet. Left, Aiden Kovich and Catherine Johnson, the granddaughter of Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson, have volunteered at the Island Branch Library over the summer. Kovich has taken photos of events and Johnson has helped with the kids’ programming.

legacy,” Slaughter said. “It’s about what we do for God and others who live beyond us.”

Roser Associate Pastor Rev. Neil Crowell said it was an honor to host Slaughter at the church. “It’s wonderful for our community that he’s here,” Crowell said.

For more information on Slaughter and his ministry, visit www.mikeslaughter.com. His first sermon at Roser can be heard via the church’s website at www.roserchurch.com/sermons.

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Dolphin researcher talks about his ‘family’ Dr. Randy Wells has studied the dolphins that inhabit Sarasota for 47 years.

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

ANNA MARIA – A scientist who has studied the dolphins that inhabit Sarasota Bay for 47 years revealed what he learned at a seminar on Wednesday, Aug. 2, at The Studio at Gulf and Pine.

Dr. Randy Wells, director of the Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, estimated there are as many as 160 dolphins in the bay. He said the male dolphins they studied have lived to as old as 52 and the females 67 years.

“We recognize and have named 96 percent of these animals,” he said.

“They live here year-round, and there are multiple concurrent generations living there in a simple social structure.”

Wells said the way to identify them is by their fins. They sometimes get notches in their fins from contact with other animals, boats or man-made hazards like crab traps. The other way is by tags. Mote Marine Laboratory has had a tagging program since the early 1970s.

“They live in fluid groups, not pods, like whales,” he said. “Dolphins don’t mate for life. They can change part-

file photo

Above, the bay has more than 160 dolphins that call it home TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Dr. Randy Wells has been studying the dolphins in Sarasota Bay since the 1970s. ners from one year to another.”

Wells said they found that the dolphins have a signature whistle in the water that serves as their identities.

“Fifty percent of dolphins in the bay die from natural causes,” he said. “The biggest man-made threat is commercial and sports fishers. They get tangled in fishing line or traps.”

He warned against feeding the dolphins.

“Feeding wild dolphins is illegal,” he said. “We saw some people feeding a dolphin and then a shark came upon him and got him. He was so busy with the free meal, he forgot to be a dolphin

and let his guard down.”

He said they are studying the effects of global warming and contamination on the animals and the future could be bad for them.

“Polluted waters allow pathogens to grow in the water,” he said. “These are unhealthy for the dolphins and can affect their rate of growth.

Anchorage policing report

joe hendricks | SUN

At the request of Vice Mayor John Chappie, the Bradenton Beach Police Department is now providing monthly reports on the Community Redevelopment Agency-funded policing of the anchorage near the Historic Bridge Street Pier.

According the inaugural July report, 16 citations were issued. Ten vessels were inspected for anchor light compliance, one for registration and three for safety.

Five new derelict boat investigations were initiated and one warrant arrest was made during a safety check.

The report indicates 39 vessels floating in the anchorage in July. Two additional boats remain sunken and one of the boat owners has been located and contacted about raising and removing his boat. “The month of May started with 45 vessels. A lot of traffic through the month; vessels are coming back and forth across the bay because of enforcement by the Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit,” the report states.

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THE SUN

Firefighter visits JOY West Manatee Fire Rescue Inspector Rodney Kwiatkowski spoke before members of Just Older Youth, (J.O.Y.) of Roser Church, on Wednesday, July 26. Kwiatkowski told the crowd smoke detectors should be checked once a month, fire extinguishers have expiration dates and anyone can call the fire department and make an appointment for a free inspection. He said that while the

firefighters are not handymen, they would install fire safety equipment on request.

Kwiatkowski said is important that smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are placed correctly. He also talked about the value of having the Vial of Life sticker on the outside door of homes and information in a zip-locked bag on the refrigerator. He gave each person present one of these bags, which

are available at the island fire station.

Kwiatkowski said the department likes to visit schools, like they do once a year at Anna Maria Elementary, to teach fire safety to students and show them their firefighting equipment. He promised to revisit JOY in the future to further educate them on the fire department.

AUGUST 9, 2017

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AUGUST 9, 2017

THE SUN

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Sidewalk repairs proposed Sharky's Steak & Seagri ll Anna Maria lsland Full Bar - Carry Out

Thursdays live music Phone (941) 779 - 9151 2519 Gulf Drive N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

Last week, the Bradenton Beach City Commission tentatively authorized Public Works Director Tom Woodard to spend up to $10,000 for the purchase and installation of EcoRaster surfacing material to bridge two flood-prone gaps in the sidewalk along the south side of First Street North. Final City Commission approval will be sought at a future meeting

after two similar but additional bids are submitted.

EcoRaster is a flexible porous plastic paving system used for isolated patchwork or to cover an entire parking lot. Horse training facilities and farms also use EcoRaster surfaces.

One section of EcoRaster will be professionally installed and covered with sand or gravel at the entrance to the public park-

ing lot behind the BridgeWalk resort. A second section will fill the gap in the sidewalk at the rear entrance to the post office.

The $6,600 expenditure was inspired by a Pines Trailer Park resident recently injuring her ankle when walking through the unpaved gap in the sidewalk near the public parking lot.

Breakfast . Lunch . Dinner Gulf View Patio 7:30am-10pm Happy Hour 12-6 Daily Happy Hour All Day Sunday Live Music Nightly

101 7th St. North, Bradenton Beach 941.281.2990

www.WickedCantina.com

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THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

t seems like every few years there’s a new vogue in housing. We’ve lived through mega mansions, villas, deed restricted single-family communities, condominiums and zero lot lines just to name a few. Now it’s the turn of the tiny house. Fans of HGTV probably already know everything they want to know about tiny houses, but there have been a few recent developments in the phenomenon right here in Florida.

Cape Coral, our neighbor to the south, is very close to making a decision on amending its 1,200 square-foot minimum house size requirement in order to allow tiny houses. There is no definitive size for what can be classified as a tiny house, but the Cape Coral planners are looking at tiny homes starting at 610 square feet, in addition, they are considering establishing a special zoning area for tinies.

This topic has also come up in planning commissions in Sarasota and Charlotte counties as well as Venice, Punta Gorda and North Port. Of course, the biggest

AUGUST 9, 2017

Getting tiny Castles in the Sand Louise Bolger worry that existing homeowners have is property values and the impact of placing a tiny house among a neighborhood of 1,600 square feet homes.

The closest Anna Maria is getting to the tiny home issue is the Hunter’s Point Resort & Marina proposed for the village of Cortez. If approved, the developer hopes to start building in early 2018, 148 mini-cottages of about 400 square feet each designed in the Cracker cottage style. In addition, the cottages will come with 1,000 square feet of outdoor living space and have access to a 49-slip public marina.

The price point is set to be around $250,000, and owners will be able to enter

their cottages into a hotel rental program.

In my opinion, this will extend Anna Maria’s rental problems over the bridge to Cortez. Something, frankly I’ve been expecting.

Proponents of tiny homes point out their reduced impact on the environment as well as creating the ability of living more economically with lower construction and land costs, as well as low utilities and general upkeep. In addition, tiny homes could fill a need in the real estate market for single people, first time homeowners and senior citizens who may find themselves alone and not needing a large home any more.

The tiny home movement is getting so popular that we now have tiny home festivals. In November, St. Augustine has one scheduled for the 17th at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds, and Colorado had its first annual tiny home festival at the end of July. The festivals will inform potential buyers about not only tiny home structures and affordability, but also about simplify-

ing your life, minimalistic living and living greener.

It makes me crazy to think about tiny houses on Anna Maria, although there are aspects of the Island that would certainly lend themselves to tiny houses. Scarcity of land, a vibrant tourist season and high property values could have developers drooling just thinking of the possibilities.

Let’s hope we don’t add tiny homes to the already long list of housing issues the three cities are currently dealing with.

Tiny living is getting more traction around the country as environmental issues heat up, but it’s unlikely to convert any sizeable portion of the population. I keep thinking of a friend of mine who said a good 30 years ago that he wanted to keep all his possessions on a shelf. Was he ahead of his time or was he just unrealistic? I think he might have had a problem getting his 35-foot boat up on the shelf.

AUGUST 9, 2017

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A call for nautical vendors The Florida Maritime Museum (FMM), at 4415 119th Street West, Cortez, will host the 20th Annual Cortez Nautical Flea Market on Saturday , Oct. 14, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. In case of bad weather, it will be held on Oct. 21.

FMM is looking for vendors to participate with their own tables and tents for $25 a vendor until Sept. 30. After that, it will be $30.

To register, contact Kristin.sweeting@manateeclerk.com or call 941-708-6121 to reserve a spot.

This year, FMM has partnered with the Cortez Village Historical Society to offer more nautical items from fishing tackle to arts and crafts. Those interested in being a nautical arts and crafts vendor may contact the Cultural Center at 941-705-4656 or e-mail info@cortezvillagehistoricalsociety.org. The same fees apply.

Those who don’t want to have a booth may donate their items to the Friends of the Florida Maritime Museum to be sold at their fundraising booth. Proceeds from

file photo

A table full of shell art was a popular stop for shoppers at last year's Cortez Nautical Flea Market. this booth will support the Florida Maritime Museum’s continued efforts to preserve and share Florida’s maritime history. All three organizations hope all of

the old salts get their items ready sell in the name of the preservation of the Cortez fishing village’s heritage.

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THE SUN

SEA TURTLE CONSERVANCY | SUBMITTED

Go Eliza, go Eliza Ann is in ninth place out of 15 contestants in the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s Tour de Turtle migration marathon, which tracks where sea turtles swim and the distance they cover.

Turtles are scored on how many miles they cover during the race. Eliza Ann was satellite tagged after nesting in Coquina Beach on June 19. She is sponsored by Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club in Holmes Beach.

AUGUST 9, 2017

AUGUST 9, 2017

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'Hits, Misses and Close Calls' Ted Stevens and the Doo-Shots held a CD release party at the Swordfish Grill in Cortez last Friday night. The rockabilly-roots music band was celebrating the release of its new live CD,

“Hits, Misses and Close Calls.” General Manager Bob Slicker created a special whiskey infusion for the occasion and the band’s first two sets mirrored the track listing on the CD.

THE SUN

37

Ted Stevens sings “Nails in my Coffin” while drummer Joe Hendricks leads the crowd in a round of celebratory whiskey shots. The band’s new live CD is called “Hits, Misses and Close Calls.

Steve Schewe | Submitted

Bassist “Upright Butch” Alan, drummer Joe Hendricks, Swordfish Grill General Manager Bob Slicker and guitarist/lead vocalist Ted Stevens tune up before the show.

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THE SUN

AUGUST 9, 2017

Real estate transfers of May 2017 •Sponsored by Alan Galletto, Island Real Estate Source: Mid Florida Multiple Listing Service

6101 MARINA DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH

Date Sold List Price Anna Maria 2017-05-25 699,000 2017-05-08 799,900 2017-05-10 799,000 2017-05-17 799,900 2017-05-08 1,249,000 2017-05-17 1,495,000 2017-05-12 1,375,000 2017-05-31 1,749,000 2017-05-17 1,725,000 2017-05-09 2,495,000 2017-05-24 3675,000 2017-05-04 649,000 2017-05-31 640,000 2017-05-31 519,000 2017-05-19 949,000

Price Sold Property Address

SFUA

Lot Size

Property

699,000 725,000 799,000 799,900 1,235,000 1,275,000 1,350,000 1,500,000 1,550,000 2,210,000 3,400,000 600,000 640,000 465,000 900,000

210 Oak Ave 802 Gladiolus St 208 Lakeview Dr 517 N Bay Blvd 751 Jacaranda Rd 511 Loquat Dr 710 N Shore Dr 207 Fir Ave 516 N Bay Blvd 819 N Shore Dr 801 N Shore Dr 306 Pine Ave #R 216 Pine Ave #R 407 Pine Ave 106 Magnolia

2522 2238 1408 1762 1727 3440 1841 2200 2500 2951 4728 1709 1692

100x124

3 Br/2 Ba SFR 2 Br/2.5 Ba SFR 2 Br/2 Ba SFR 3 Br/2 Ba SFR 4 Br/3.5 Ba SFR 4 Br/2x2.5ba SFR 4 Br/3.5 Ba SFR 2 Br/2 Ba SFR 4 Br/4.5 Ba SFR 3 Br/2 Ba SFR 4 Br/3.5 Ba SFR 3 Br/2 Ba Condo 3 Br/2 Ba Condo 55x141 50x145

Bradenton Beach 2017-05-09 399,000 2017-05-24 189,000 2017-05-26 239,000 2017-05-05 279,999 2017-05-10 345,000 2017-05-02 387,500 2017-05-10 399,000 2017-05-12 579,000

325,099 175,000 239,000 265,000 330,000 429,900 387,500 528,000

100 23rd St N 1603 Gulf Dr N #34 117 7th St N #13 1301 Bay Dr N #7a 1801 Gulf Dr N #130 901 Gulf Dr S #6 1201 Gulf Dr N #200 210 Gulf Dr S #B

604 380 729 1079 1080 962 1173 900

1 Br/1.5 Ba SFR 1 Br/1 Ba Condo 2 Br/1 Ba Condo 2 Br/2 Ba Condo 2 Br/2 Ba Condo 2 Br/2 Ba Condo 2 Br/2 Ba Condo 2 Br/2 Ba Condo

Other SF Use

Live like a local Respect Wildlife

Date Sold List Price Holmes Beach 2017-05-26 289,900 2017-05-25 489,000 2017-05-04 595,000 2017-05-05 599,000 2017-05-12 895,000 2017-05-22 699,950 2017-05-02 699,900 2017-05-24 795,000 2017-05-16 108,5000 2017-05-12 969,000 2017-05-11 1,199,000 2017-05-31 1,349,000 2017-05-19 1,550,000 2017-05-01 1,679,000 2017-05-11 2,199,000 2017-05-31 3,195,000 2017-05-22 3,495,000 2017-05-22 3,790,000 2017-05-26 275,000 2017-05-05 339,900 2017-05-30 369,000 2017-05-05 1,225,000 2017-05-19 50,000 2017-05-26 475,000 2017-05-05 899,000 2017-05-31 499,000

Price Sold Property Address

SFUA

270,000 453,000 540,000 550,000 620,000 680,000 690,000 757,000 892,500 900,000 1,100,000 1,200,000 1,450,000 1,575,000 2,000,000 2,635,000 3,300,000 3,450,000 263,000 330,000 330,000 1,095,000 50,000 400,000 850,000 475,000

862 34x74 894

1911 117x93 1402

2107

1710

2021

1841

2677

2532

2621

3676

2602

4804

2980

2300

2988

980

1151

1603

2136

1950 70x112 90x92x90x100

4909 Gulf Dr #6b 2906 Gulf Dr 517 72nd St 514 68th St 4913 Gulf Dr 614 Emerald Ln 4 Palm Harbor Dr 309 65th St #A 417 Bay Palms Dr 511 65th St 626 Foxworth Ln 6906 Holmes Blvd 8317 Marina Ct 206 78th St 8027 Marina Isles Ln 106 81st St 2907 F Ave 95 52nd St 3607 E Bay Dr #107 600 Manatee Ave 115 6300 Flotilla Dr #92 6700 Gulf Dr #8 6800 Marina #3 3703 E Bay Dr #A 209 69th St #A & B 509 65th St

A Paradise

Cindy Grazar- Listing Jo Anne Curtan - Selling Tanya McCormick - Listing Sue Carlson and Billi Gartman - Selling

Coldwell Banker

Buky Team - Listing and selling

2 Br/1.5 Ba SFR 2 Br/1 Ba SFR 3 Br/2 Ba SFR 2 Br/2 Ba SFR 4 Br/2.5 Ba SFR Short Sale 4 Br/3 Ba SFR 3 Br/2 Ba SFR 3 Br/2 Ba SFR 4 Br/3 Ba SFR 4 Br/3 Ba SFR 4 Br/3 Ba SFR 6 Br/4.5 Ba SFR 3 Br/2.5 Ba SFR 5 Br/4.5 Ba SFR 5 Br/5.5 Ba SFR 4 Br/5 Ba SFR 4 Br/4.5 Ba SFR 3 Br/2 Ba SFR 2 Br/2 Ba Condo 2 Br/2 Ba Condo 2 Br/2 Ba Condo 3 Br/2 Ba Condo Dock 3Br/3 Ba Townhouse Duplex SF Use

Island Real Estate – Anna Maria Al and Scott Galletto - Listing Melinda Bordes - Selling

Michael Saunders – Anna Maria Island

Laurie Mock and Jonathan Dellatorre - Listing and selling

Mike Norman

Duncan Real Estate

Darcie Duncan - Listing and selling

Kathy Caserta - Listing Carla Beddow - Selling

Edgewater Real Estate

Sato Real Estate

Lynn Zemmer - Listing and selling

Fran Maxon Real Estate

Brianna Shaughnessy - Listing and selling

Please don’t feed me; you’re teaching me to aggressively seek food from people.

Property

Top real estate producers for July 2017 An Island Place Realty

Gull

Lot Size

Island Real Estate – Holmes Beach Elizabeth and Randy Blandford Listing and selling

Jason Sato - Listing Ryan Sheck - Selling

Wagner Real Estate

Karen Day Fineout - Listing and selling

AUGUST 9, 2017

www.amisun.com

Story time a social hour The weekly event draws youngsters and their parents and it is very popular.

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

HOLMES BEACH – The meeting room of the Island Branch Library in Holmes Beach fills up on Tuesday mornings with young children, their parents and sometimes grandparents.

Ten o’clock is preschool story time, and it draws upwards of 50 kids and family members every week.

The name is deceiving because Trudy Bell, the children’s services librarian, usually throws in some dancing, singing and crafts projects.

Parents have gotten to know Bell, and each other, especially during the summer when school is out and all ages of kids need something to do. Surprisingly, some vacationing parents read about the sessions in The Sun and show up.

“I like to have them fill out name tags so I can get to know their names,” Bell said. “Parents bring in their babies who get to know each other and get along.”

Bell said she feels the sessions help the youngsters learn how to socialize for when the enter school. The kids also learn other things.

“I always have a simple craft for the kids,” she said. “They learn how to draw and use scissors.”

Bell has kept statistics on attendance to kids’ programs. In 2015, 408 people attended 15 programs. It grew to 776 attendees showing up for 21 programs, and so far this year, 881 people attended 23 programs.

In her third year at the Island Branch Library, Bell said she has gotten an

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Above, the kids dance and play with pieces of cloth as parents watch. Children's services specialist Trudy Bell, at right, leads the kids in a song. extra bonus from the story times.“The kids come back each year and it’s really fun to watch them get older,” she said. “I get attached to them and their families.”

Bell said not all of the families who attend story time live here.

“We get families who are vacationing,” she said. “They come to the library at home and so they come here while staying on the Island.

“Their families know what a great asset a library is, and they want their kids to use it too,” she added. “That’s what it’s all about."

THE SUN

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SPORTS

AUGUST 9, 2017

Time management and determination: Mantra for life and adult flag football

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Starting the second week of adult flag football at the Anna Maria Island’s community center, the lights lit up the field on Tuesday and Thursday night missing the poor weather that rocked the area.

On Thursday night, Team Avis and Team Beach Bums went headto-head and rocked the football field with never say die play by both teams.

Team captain Charles Buky wisely used the clock to his advantage as he lead his team, Beach Bums, to a come from behind win. Without their team captain Lexi Sato, her veteran player brother-in-law, Jason Sato, took over the leadership position for Team Avis.

Despite having the numbers stacked against it with only four players making the game time roster, Team Avis made a great showing for the full 40 minutes of play.

Starting the scoring run, Sato hit the hot hands of Jesse Griffin early in the game putting six points on the scoreboard. Chris Sullins followed up with the extra point to put Avis in the lead 7-0.

Buky lead the charge trying to answer back with authority with receptions by Jay Hoffmeister to gain the first down and catches by Chad Woods Geoff Evans to get into scoring position. The drive got cut short without points on the board with an interception in the end zone by quarterback Sato.

Griffin was Sato’s target on the next offensive possession, quickly scoring another touchdown for Avis. Mike Brusso, having perhaps his strongest season at the community center, scored the point after advancing his team’s lead to 14-0.

Ready to score, Karri Stephens got the call with a quick receptions and yards after the catch to put his team near the end zone. Buky found Hoffmeister in the corner for Beach Bums’ first touchdown of the game. Woods put a point on the scoreboard with his reception, closing the scoring gap back to seven points.

monica simpson | SUN

Jesse Griffin, for Team Avis, makes a leaping catch near the end zone with the pressure of Team Beach Bum's Chad Woods ready to make the stop.

With an illegal rush called on Beach Bums’ Lyn Puskas who was lined up past the designated rush line, Sato’s Team Avis found itself a little closer to its next score. One first down with a minute left on the first half game clock, Griffin caught the pass near mid-field.

The incomplete pass by Sullins took it to third down. Griffin made the much needed reception and cross the first down line before the Woods flag pull, giving Avis three more snaps of the football.

Feeling the quick paced pressure

by Chris Culhane, Sato managed to get the pass off, hitting Sullins for the touchdown. The failed point after attempt left the score at 207, with the four man team of Avis leading going into the second half of play.

Under the cloudy skies, Team Avis started on offense. Half-time game planning by Team Beach Bums worked and its defense kept Sato’s team out of the end zone.

Stephens’ seven-yard gain was followed by a catch by Woods, taking Beach Bums to third down.

After the snap, Buky hit Stephens for the touchdown and point after moving the score to 20-13.

Leading by seven points, Avis took the field determined to keep the point spread. Griffin broke away from the defensive pack after a quick pitch from Sato, racing down the length of the field past the last defender Evans. The bad snap on the point after play left the score 26-13.

Buky scored a touchdown of his own during the next possession by changing up the snap, giving him the chance to run the ball. Stephens’ point after put Beach Bums within five points of Avis.

Avis could not score on its next set of downs despite a nice first down play by Sato to Griffin. Forcing the ball into the end zone, Sato’s pass was intercepted by Woods, giving the ball back to Beach Bums with three minutes left on the game clock and the score 26-21.

With the unsuccessful extra point conversion now haunting Team Avis, Buky lead his team as QB. Setting himself up to keep the football with a run-pass option, Buky kept the football with Brusso hot on his heels. Sato stopped the play with a flag pull preventing Buky from scoring.

Years of experience playing at the

community center and wise clock management benefited Team Beach Bums as Buky let seconds tick off the game clock taking it down to the last minute of play.

Griffin’s leaping defensive play resulted in an incomplete pass to Woods in the end zone, taking play to a crucial third down. As the rusher, Sato sprinted the seven yards past the line of scrimmage trying to get to the quarterback for the sack.

Eluding the defensive pressure, Buky hit Woods for the touchdown reception in the end zone, leaving 35 seconds on the clock. The point after attempt to Puskas was no good, but Beach Bums ended its offensive possession with its first lead in the game with the score 2627.

Team Avis ended the game back on offense, knowing if it had not missed an extra point the game would now be tied. Stephens broke up the first down play, and Sato could not gain any yardage on second down.

The game of the week came down to the last play. Team Beach Bums see MANTRA, page 41

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AUGUST 9, 2017

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41

MANTRA: For life sunshine: Lawsuit forthcoming and football FROM PAGE 1

FROM PAGE 40

showed its strongest defense of the game keeping the three Avis players covered downfield. Griffin, Sullins and Brusso could not break free, forcing Sato to throw the ball at the last second. The football hit the hands of Buky for a near interception, putting the last nail in to end the game.

Even without three of its top players, L. Sato, Nick Sato and Danny Murphy, Team Avis came out and handedly held its own against the full squad of Team Beach Bums until the very end. In a game where the extra points can make the difference, it became a numbers game both with the score and the clock – every point matters and every second matters.

Sun Scoreboard Tuesday, Aug. 1 Adult Co-Ed Flag Football Avis Truly Nolen

34 0

Mason Martin Beach House Real Estate

34 20

Beach House Real Estate Moss Builders

21

Avis Beach Bums

26 27

Mason Martin Moss Builders

32 13

Truly Nolen Talucci Construction

18 33

Thursday, Aug. 3 Adult Co-Ed Flag Football

14

Emily washes out golf

Tropical Storm Emily’s brief but windy and wet appearance washed away last week’s golf tournaments at Key Royale Club. The staff was busy all week picking up tree branches and other debris and getting the nine-hole course ready for this week, when golfers will again tee off.

During Monday's commission meeting, which was a continuation of the Thursday, Aug. 3, meeting, the commission voted 3-1 in favor of Mayor Bill Shearon executing the contract with Watrous, not to exceed $5,000. Shearon opposed the action and Commissioner Marilyn Maro had left the meeting by that time.

During the preliminary discussion Thursday night, the commission voted 5-0 in favor of joining in the legal action to determine if Sunshine violations occurred.

City Attorney Ricinda Perry had been informed by Barfield that legal action was forthcoming, but at the time it was not known that Clarke was also involved.

“There’s a cloud there that has to be addressed by somebody who can look at everything presented to them and make a ruling,” Chappie said Monday.

When Shearon complained about the hourly rates charged by Watrous’ team, Chappie said, “And what price do we put on preserving and protecting the integrity of our government?”

Shearon said the legal action would leave a cloud over the city for months to come. Perry said Barfield believed the matter could be resolved sooner than that.

Alleged violations

The lawsuit pertains to a parking garage discussion at the July 25 Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach (CNOBB) steering committee meeting.

The meeting took place at the Annie Silver Community Center, which is not city property; and the meeting was not officially noticed by the city clerk’s office.

During that meeting, four planning board members who also served on the steering committee expressed their desire to prohibit the construction of a parking garage anywhere in the city.

Sunshine law prohibits elected officials

joe hendricks | SUN

On Monday, City Attorney Ricinda Perry presented the legal documents to be signed by Mayor Bill Shearon to join in legal actions pertaining to possible Sunshine violations. and appointed board members from discussing matters that could foreseeably come before them, except for in a properly noticed city meeting.

Perry said the Watrous would seek a non-criminal declaratory judgement from a judge who will be asked to determine whether Sunshine violations occurred. The lawsuit will also seek an injunctive ruling that addresses remedies if any violations occurred.

Emergency action

Thursday night’s discussion took place at Chappie’s request, in response to an e-mail Perry sent the commission on July 29.

“I can’t stress enough how important it is and how damaging it can be,” Chappie said, regarding Sunshine Law compliance discussion.

He also expressed disappointment with Shearon’s decision to not add the discussion to the agenda in advance, as requested by Perry.

Shearon cited concerns about an already lengthy agenda and said he took offense to Chappie’s comment.

Perry said the city of Sarasota recently spent close to $400,000 defending a Sunshine lawsuit.

“Mr. Barfield contacted me. He advised me that he was aware of the activities of the CNOBB group and he had concerns with the actions. He was letting me know that his group was looking at investigating this,” she said.

“I think that’s a safe, proactive course of action for the city,” Perry said regarding the city joining in the legal action rather than risk being named as a defendant for failing to respond to Sunshine compliance concerns.

“I think we need to do whatever we can to protect the city,” Commissioner Ralph Cole said.

Resignations tendered

Vincent resigned during Thursday’s meeting. He said that would help prevent future Sunshine Law conflicts. He also said city board members would no longer be allowed to serve on CNOBB’s steering committee.

“I’ve been naïve and perhaps misguided in thinking that grown adults, knowing about the Sunshine Law, could voluntarily and effectively stay away from it,” he said.

Mapes and Shay resigned the following day. Metz has given no indication that he intends to resign.

snooty: Cause may be headed to court FROM PAGE 1

I thought it was suspicious that it completely fell off overnight,” the Manatee County native said.

“That’s not the way Snooty should have left us,” Anderson said.

As a captive-born manatee, “His whole life was 100 percent dependent on the museum. The number one job at the museum is to provide a safe environment for Snooty and the other manatees,” she said. “And they failed.”

The museum has since installed 10 stainless steel screws to replace the four that originally fastened the corners, and three half-inch, high-density PVC supports to block the panel.

The museum also has requested a review of its procedures, protocols and facility by the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership, a group of not-for-profit, private, state and federal entities.

Anderson’s grief and the heartache

of a worldwide community who loved Snooty as a family pet has given her courage to step into the spotlight, where she has received some hateful responses, but mostly encouragement, she said.

“He’s not here to speak for himself,” Anderson said. “I would take a bullet for him.”

If you have any information about Snooty’s death, contact Anderson at 941-284-4612.

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THE SUN

TOWN CRIER

Batsell practiced wellness for more than 20 years, She is a nationally board certified Doctor of Oriental Medicine and licensed acupuncture physician.

Chairs will be provided or students may bring a mat. Attendees will be given verbal cues throughout the process to calm the body, mind, and spirit.

Comfortable clothing is suggested.

For more information, call 778-2099 or visit the Anna Maria Island Art League, open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

SWAT meets on Island The Anna Maria Island Chapter of SWA T (Successful Women Aligning Together) will meet on Thursday, Aug. 17, from 11:45 a.m. -to 1:15 p.m. at the Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S. in Bradenton Beach. Members and prospective members are invited to attend to network. They are urged to bring their business cards and enjoy lunch.

This chapter meets every third Thursday of the month at the Bridge Street Bistro. To RSVP, contact Betty Burton at SWATAMI@gmail.com orwww.swatnetworking.com.

Museum closed Friday The Florida Maritime Museum at 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, will be closed to the public on Friday, Aug. 11, for training. The museum will resume normal business hours, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Saturday, Aug. 12.

Wednesday is for relaxing The Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, hosts its Coloring Club at noon and its Chess Club at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 9.

Adults are enjoying the relaxation of coloring and the chess club has a chess master to improve your game. For more information, call the library at 941-778-6341.

Sierra Club gears up The Sierra Club of Manatee/Sarasota Counties meets on Thursday, Aug. 10, at 7 p.m. at the Sarasota Garden Club, 1131 Boulevard of the Arts with an ice cream party. They plan to have a cool time exploring some the environmental issues facing residents. Contact Gerry Swormstedt at 941-366-9596 for more information.

Lunch and learn Senior Adventures members will meet at Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, enjoy lunch and learn about the Neuro Challenge” dealing with Parkinson’s disease on Friday, Aug. 11. You must reserve a spot by calling Kay Bell at 941-538-0945.

Mahjong played here The Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, in Holmes Beach, offers mahjong on Friday, Aug. 11, at 1 p.m.

Learn about this Chinese board game and enjoy a round while making new friends. For more information, call the

AUGUST 9, 2017

Learn about online safety

Roser Memorial Community Church Financial Advisor Matt Meehan will talk about protecting your personal information and assets while on-line at the meeting of JOY (Just Older Youth) on Wednesday, Aug. 9, at 11 a.m. Topics will include e-mail phishing, social engineering, physical security, online shopping, web browsing, social media usage (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and corporate privacy policies. This is a continuation of the presentation Meehan gave on April 12. Bring a bag lunch and drinks and cookies will be provided.

Roser is located at 512 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria. library at 941-778-6341.

Alzheimer’s caregivers meet Sue Fox, a representative of the Sarasota Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, will host a program for caregivers of people with memory problems, including Alzheimer’s disease, on Friday, Aug. 11, at 2 p.m. at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. The program is free. Call 941-778-6341 for more information.

Paper folding at library

hours at a time; and be at least 18 years old.

The department is going to have an ongoing need for oyster shell that can be turned into mats. Those interested may contact Michelle at 941-742-5923, ext 6035, to set up a training time.

Help with weight control Overeaters Anonymous meets at the Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, each Thursday at 7 p.m. For more information, call 813494-6518.

Rhythm on the beach

Judy Pruitt presents her origami class at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Saturday, Aug. 12, from 10 a.m. to noon. Learn this ancient Japanese art of paper folding. The class is free. For more information, call the library at 941-778-6341.

Enjoy the rhythm of drums keeping the beat at the Sunset Drum Circle at the Anna Maria Island Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, on Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m. There’s no charge to listen, and dinner is available at the café.

Manatee Sierra Club meets

Center seeks volunteers

Join the Manatee County Sierra Club for updates on Manatee County developments on Monday, Aug. 14, at 1:30 p.m. at the Bradenton Central Library 1301 Barcarrota Blvd. Contact Sandra Ripberger at 941-794-3878; sandrarip@ yahoo.com for more information.

The Center, of Anna Maria Island, needs volunteers to help carry out its programs. Those interested may join The Center’s Director of First Impressions, Amy Talucci on the first Thursday of every month from noon to 6 p.m. for more information and to attend an orientation. For more information, call The Center at 941-778-1908.

Manatee County needs help The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department needs help drilling oysters to create oyster mats and vertical oyster gardens. Volunteers are needed if they meet the following criteria: familiar with a drill press; have steady hands; are able to be at Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. NW, during open hours; able to volunteer several

Lose that stress Loren Batsell leads a Guided Relaxation Circle on the first Friday of every month from 5 to 5:45 p.m. at the Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd, Holmes Beach. Donations are requested. A portion of the money will benefit the Art League.

Reaching out to patients Florida’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program has advocate positions available in Manatee County. Volunteers visit with residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult-family care homes to ensure they are treated with dignity and respect.

Training and certification are provided and volunteers participate in council meetings, administrative assessments and complaint resolution in facilities.

If you would like to become an ombudsman and make a difference in your community, visit ombudsman. myflorida.com, search for us on Face book or call 1-888-831-0404.

Music on the beach Enjoy Jam in the Sand on Thursdays at the Anna Maria Island Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, from 5 to 8 p.m. It’s free, and it’s fun. Enjoy dinner while you listen.

Explore Myakka’s ecosystem Join the Manatee County Sierra Club Saturday Aug. 12, for a six- to eightmile morning interpretive walk exploring summer in the Myakka ecosystem.

The specific location and gear needed will depend on current hydrologic conditions. The group size is limited.

Attendees must reserve with Bill Lewis at 941-355-2156.

Book club meets The Island Friends Book Club meets at the Island Branch Library on Thursday, Aug.. 17, at 10 a.m. There is no single book chosen to discuss. It will be a reader’s choice. For more information, call the library at 941-778-6341.

Needlepoint for fun If you’re good with needles or want to be, there is a knit and crochet meeting at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, on Thursday, Aug. 17, at 1 p.m. Bring your latest project and enjoy. Call 941-778-6341 for more information.

www.amisun.com

AUGUST 9, 2017

Obituaries Robert Charles Duvall Robert Charles Duvall, 74, of Anna Maria, died July 7, 2017.

He was born Dec. 9, 1942, in Flint, Mich., to Robert and Frieda (Ruppel) Duvall.

Mr. Duvall is survived by his wife of 49 years, Judith (Davis) Duvall; children, Christopher, of Anna Maria, Matthew and wife Margret, of Evanston, Ill., Andrew, of New York, N.Y., and Francisco Becerril, of Tehucan, Mexico; grandchildren Eva and Julian, of Evanston Ill.; sisters Sharon Brewer, of Bad Axe, Mich., Mary Brinkman and husband William, of Decatur, Ala., and Barbara Duvall, of Largo, Fla.; and

BEACH BEAT Anna Maria

7/27, lost property, 800 block of North Shore Drive. The victim called the Sheriff’s Office to say her cell phone, driver’s license and credit cards were stolen while she was vacationing here.

7/27, lost property, city pier, 100 S. Bay Blvd. The victim lost her sunglasses.

7/28, disturbance, city pier, 100 S. Bay Blvd. The subject caused a disturbance by passing everyone in line and demanding to be served first. The bartender called the manager, who questioned the man’s claim to have a service dog, but he had no proof. He also claimed he was a former police officer, but recanted that claim. The manager asked him to leave and not come back and told him only service dogs are allowed on the pier.

7/29, confiscated license and tag, 200 block of Palmetto Avenue. The deputy stopped a driver for a defective vehicle and found out the driver did not have a valid license. There was an order to seize the license and tag, and the deputy complied.

7/31, burglary, 300 block of Hardin Avenue. A burglar entered the residence through a sliding glass door taking items valued at $1,050.

many extended family members and friends.

Mr Duvall received his MBA from Michigan State University and worked as a CPA in the Detroit area. He was affiliated with Wampum Hardware Co. in New Galilee, Pa., before his retirement to Tampa and Anna Maria. He was an avid golfer for many years and more recently enjoyed woodworking with friends in the Bradenton/Sarasota area.

Memorial contributions may be made to The ALS Association, Florida Chapter and Tidewell Hospice, Bradenton, Florida.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

Jean Ann Tourt Jean Ann Tourt, 88, died Aug. 1, 2017 at Sandwich Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

She was born Jan. 23, 1929, in Hempstead, N.Y., to Donald Rowe and Dorothy Gibbs. She graduated from 8/2, found property, 800 block of North Shore Drive, on the beach. The reporting party found a plastic fuel container on the beach with an unknown substance inside. The deputy took it for disposal.

82, found property, Anna Maria Public Works. A worker found a green 14-foot canoe that had washed ashore.

8/3, assist other agency, 100 block of Tern Drive. The deputy found a bicycle that had been stolen in Holmes Beach. He returned it to the police department.

Bradenton Beach

7/29, drug arrest, Coquina Park, 1800 Gulf Drive S. The officer saw a vehicle parked after hours and as he approached it, he smelled marijuana. He found a female in the driver’s seat and a male in the passenger’s seat. He also found out the female’s license was suspended. He asked about the presence of marijuana and searched the vehicle, finding a gram. He arrested the female.

4/28, hit and run accident, Gulf Drive Café, 900 Gulf Drive N. The victim said he was hit from behind and the driver of the car left the scene, turning east onto Cortez Road. The officer radioed a description of the car, and police found it broken down at 43rd Street. They found the driver, who finally confessed.

He was arrested for leaving the scene of an accident.

7/29, burglary, 2800 block of Avenue C.

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Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. in 1950 with a degree in nursing. She became a public health nurse in Nassau County New York. She was united in marriage to Thomas R. Tourt on Nov. 23 1953, and spent the next 53 years together until his passing. They moved to Oswego, Ill., in 1968. Jean was a Kendall County public health nurse and taught prenatal care, Lamaze class. She worked for weight control. She was a member of the Oswego Civic Center, Cancer Society. After retiring, they moved to Morrison, Ill., and then to Holmes Beach, Fla. She loved boating on the Mississippi River, golfing, tennis, skiing, cross country skiing, biking, jogging, jazzercise, quilting, tole painting, oil painting and water color painting.

She was in the Hibiscus club in Florida.

She collected and polished agates and collected miniature items and figures

for a Victorian doll house. She was a member of the Church of Annunciation in Holmes Beach. Most of all, she loved playing the piano and organ, had a love for cats and loved meeting new people and made friends wherever she went.

She is survived by her lifelong friend, Bonnie Gulbrandsen, of Bradenton; her two sons Timothy R. (Fiance Maureen O’Malley), of Glen Ellyn, Ill., and Jeffrey S. (Cindy), of Yorkville, Ill.; her four grandchildren, Tyler J., Chad W. (Bethany), Zeb D.(Fiance Lindsey McDonald) and Bradley S.; and two great grandchildren, Hailee June and Clara Jean Tourt.

She is preceded in death by her halfsister, Jackie (Rowe) Ruxton; nephew, William Ruxton; father, Donald Rowe; stepmother, Lois Rowe; mother, Dorothy Gibbs Burke; stepfather, Richard Burke; and husband of 53 years, Thomas R. Tourt.

The victim said when he returned from a trip, he found cash and personal papers were missing. His daughter, who was at the home while he was away, said she had a girlfriend at the house, but didn’t think she took anything. The victim said he would check with the cleaning service.

8/1, indecent exposure, Coquina Beach, 1400 Gulf Drive S, A male exposed himself to a woman in the shower area.

Police caught up with him, and she identified him as the man. The state attorney’s office is looking into the case.

continued to the beach and after her daughter went back to the car and found the damage. The officer had the restaurant play the security video and it showed one of the males key her car.

7/29, trespass warning, assault, 200 block of 83rd Street. Police were called to the scene where a woman said her husband passed away and she came to collect his possessions, but some items were missing and she got into an argument with her mother-in-law, who wanted police to issue s trespass warning. After the daughter-in-law had everything she came for, the officer issued the trespass warning.

7/29, possession of marijuana, 5806 Gulf Drive, Water’s Edge condos. Police found ,marijuana on property they had permission to inspect and the occupants were evicted. The defendants were issued a notice to appear.

8/1, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, 700 block of Manatee Avenue.

The officer stopped the driver for speeding and smelled marijuana in the vehicle. He asked the driver if she had contraband, and she said she had some marijuana. He found it and she was arrested.

8/1, driving with an expired plate and suspended license, 700 block of Manatee Avenue.

The officer stopped the vehicle for an expired plate. He found the driver’s license was suspended. He was ticketed.

Cortez

No new reports.

Holmes Beach

7/26, shoplifting, assisting Bradenton police on an automobile theft, 3304 East Bay Drive. The officer arrested the defendant for shoplifting and found she had taken her boyfriend’s truck without permission. The boyfriend had filled out a stolen vehicle report, and she was handed over to Bradenton police.

7/28, criminal mischief, 4000 Gulf Drive, Manatee Public Beach. The victim flagged down the officer and told him her car had been keyed. She said after she parked her car, a carful of males in the late teens and early 20s started to yell at her, They confronted her again later and yelled obscenities at her. She

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FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Sourpuss' expression 6 Greek god of love 10 Shakespeare's nickname, with "the" 14 Finnish telecommunications giant 15 Egg holder 16 Three-part cookie 17 Chorus in church 18 Cuba, to Cubans 19 Campus head 20 Ursine kiddie-lit character with a battered suitcase 23 Low-fat, as milk 24 Fall behind 25 Missile storage facility 28 "Love Is a Battlefield" rocker 34 Tracks down, as a UPS package 36 Bakery fixture 37 LPGA golfer Michelle 38 Puts on the line 39 Termination 40 Skip over in pronunciation 42 Biblical beast 43 Ambassador's skill 45 Valued (at) 46 Superman's "dressing room" 49 Truman's first lady 50 Higher than, in poetry 51 Parisian lover's word 53 Venerated dancer 60 Answered a charge 61 __ horse: long shot 62 Prom gown material 63 Fillet's lack 64 New York canal 65 Court reporter

66 Sheltered Greek promenade 67 Like a battery needing a charge 68 Saudi Arabia neighbor Down 1 Simple fastener 2 Unconscious state 3 Approved 4 Airport breeze indicator 5 High-tech eye surgery 6 Hard puzzle 7 Get some shuteye 8 Norwegian capital 9 The Hulk's co-creator 10 Hispanic grocery 11 Region 12 Backside 13 Dodgers manager Mattingly 21 Puppy bites 22 Large cloth sign 25 Camera attachment 26 "When __ Eyes Are Smiling" 27 Wrangler's rope 29 Kemo Sabe sidekick 30 Skivvies brand

Answers to 08-02-17 Crossword Puzzle.

31 A couple of times 32 Senate staffers 33 Marsh grasses 35 Think highly of 39 Author Umberto 41 Set free 44 Rubbed roughly 45 Golfer Mickelson 47 "Search me" 48 Had a heart-to-heart 52 Like Buffalo wings, eating-wise 53 Scheme 54 Nevada gambling mecca 55 Devoid of artwork, as walls 56 Opera solo 57 List entry 58 Common opening time 59 In a short time, poetically 60 "America's largest classroom" network ... or, read as a plural, a hint to 20-, 28-, 46- and 53-Across

AUGUST 9, 2017

AUGUST 9, 2017

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMPUTER SERVICES

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

EMPIRE COMPUTER SERVICE Computer problems fixed in your home or office. The fastest friendliest service around. Serving the Island since 2004. Call 941-739-6424

ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, Walgreen's and The Anna Maria Island Sun Newspaper (corner of Gulf and Palm).

EMPLOYMENT

MARKETING ASSISTANT PART-TIME. Busy office, strong communications skills, computer skills.

Need to be flexible.

Send Resume to PO Box 1394, Anna Maria, Fl 34216

BABY SITTER

FISHING CHARTERS

RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student.

Call or text Isabel 941-5457995

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

BOATS: PARTS & SERVICES & SALES ISLAND BOAT SALES If I List It, It's Sold.

"Business On A Hand Shake" Not Using Your Boat, Let's Sell It. I Also Buy Boats. Dave/ Owner 941-228-3489

FOR SALE TWO POWER CHAIRS. Jazzy Select Series. Make offer on the one with many miles. The other is like new $600. Holmes Beach 941778-2694

CARPET CLEANING

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES

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

ROSER THRIFT SHOP: Open 9:30a.m.-2p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 10a.m.1p.m. Saturday. Annex open till 12p.m. Donations preferred on Wednesdays 9-11a.m. 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. 941-779-2733

CLEANING SERVICE

PALMA SOLA THRIFT is Selling everything to save her home from foreclosure! Quality furniture, home decor, all wood, wicker, rattan.

Seasonal home only MAT./BX./SP., Appliances much, much more! Donations toward sale are welcome. 9516 Cortez Rd W. 2 miles from bridge in Mt Vernon Plaza 941-812-7679.

TOTAL HOME SERVICE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial & Rentals.

Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570

THOMPSON CLEANING SERVICE CommercialResidential-Marine.

Island Based Company.

Seasonal Deep Cleaning-Weekly-Occasional.

Call for Free Estimate.

941-281-4951

COMMERCIAL SALES NEED 9300 Sq Ft WAREHOUSE to store your (CAR) collection?

Bradenton, near Airport. $619,000 Island Real Estate Ask Alan Galletto 941-232-2216

Call us today! 941-778-3986

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

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

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

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

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CRC1327296.

Call Jerry Kern 941-7781115 www.kernconstructioninc.com “HONEY DO" HOME Repairs & Handyman Services.

35 yrs experience. Painting, drywall, tile, woodwork. All tasks. Call 941-896-5256 or 941-807-5256 www.honeydohomerepairinc.com HANDYMAN. RETIRED ENGINEER. Free estimates.

“No job too Small”. Repairs, replacements, improvements, wall TV’s, shelves, cabinets, calking etc. Call Jim 941-448-7806 GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194 WALY PRECISION PAINTING: painting, drywall, stucco, and remodeling, commercial/residential, licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-4656324 www.WalyPrecisionPainting.us BESPOKE SERVICES, MASTER CARPENTER for all home & office repairs. Also painting, decorating, decking & dock repairs,. Large or small works. Reasonable Rates! Island guy for Island work. Call RICHARD 941-448-3571

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

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

LOST & FOUND LOST: LADIES AVIATOR sunglass on Holmes Beach, 65th street. Wed 6/28 Sunset. Reward. 813-546-3982 STOLEN FROM 217 PINE AVE. Art work from front of house. Multi-colored Fish.

REWARD! Call 813-2305900 LOST HEAVY GOLD CHAIN with Blue Stone near 47th Ave in Holmes Beach on December 26. REWARD! Call 908-963-1702 LOST MY GRANDMOTHER'S gold wedding band (initials inside and date) at Coquina Beach area. Reward.

Call 407-579-1621

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

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

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

941-812-0507 “WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell 941794-0455

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Meticulous, Thorough, Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Wall paper removal..

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

PERSONAL SERVICES NEED MATH TUTOR? I am a Certified 6th-12th Grade Math Teacher with 30 years experience tutoring. Call 941-524-4171

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

Great References. Call Mary 941-405-2496

POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE. AMI & West Bradenton. Certified Pool Operator. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-737-5657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893

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

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

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PROFESSIONAL PRESSURE & WINDOW WASHING AUTHORITY ONE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction and Vacation Rentals . Also available Power Washing and Windows. Call 941-2515948

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

FROM THE HIGH $200’s. Only minutes from the beach, this new active adult community is perfectly located just south of Manatee Ave, off Village Green Pkwy.

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

Luxurious amenities, pool, spa, gym, pickle ball and fenced-in dog park. HOA only $190/ month. Models open daily. Contact us 941254-3330 www.MirabellaFlorida.com 113 BEACH AVE 3BR/3BA Pool Home. Great location West of Gulf Drive with Direct beach access! $1,055,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941228-6086 CANAL FRONT HOMES Holmes Bch - Key Royale GULF FRONT CONDOS Gulf Place, La Casa L’Plage, Waters Edge & MORE. Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 941-232-2216 VIVE LA FRANCE. Visiter Tout Les Courtages De Anna Maria et Bradenton. Avec Robert, Agent Immobilier, Membre Du Manatee Listing Service (MLS). Robert@gulfbayrealty.com 941-730-1291 cell. Gulfbay Realty of A.M, Inc.

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RENTALS: ANNUAL 2BR/2BA CONDO IN CORTEZ at Smugglers Landing. 2 pools and workout room. Tile in most of unit, washer / dryer inside. 40 ft. boat slip. Split floor plan & under building parking.

Background & credit required. $1700 per month & security. BRADENTON 1BR/2BA upstairs condo on 75th St. near St. Peter & Paul . Water, sewer basic cable incl. $925/ mo $925 security dep. $100 application fee.

HISTORIC CORTEZ VILLAGE Wonderful colorful cottage home. 2BR/1BA centrally located . Cottage is 1000 s/f of old Florida charm. Newer carpets, clean appliances, a great place to call home. Carport & Washer /dryer hook up.

Small pet with a $200 fee! Close to beaches of Anna Maria! Background and credit check required for any applicant over 18. 2-3 bedroom executive level townhouse in gated community with Bay view, 2 car garage, private elevator, treetop loft , Almost 2200 S/F. Many amenities including kayaks, pools, workout center, restaurant and bar all on site. Application approval required. Ask for Ed DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www. teamduncan.com

Call us today! 941-778-3986

ANNUAL RENTAL and CONDOMINIUM Association management serviced by (2) offices open 7 days a week! Contact junew@ islandreal.com – 941-3451295 - Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island, Inc. 2BR/2BA/1 CAR GARAGEsingle family home. $1400/ mo annual lease. Cortez area. 2BR/2BA furnished condo at West Bay Cove.

Annual lease $1600/mo.

Call A Paradise 941-7784800 ANNUAL RENTAL- HOLMES BEACH 2BR/1.5BA, carport, storage, W/D hookups $1,720/mo. No Pets, Non-Smoking. Call Fran Maxon Real Estate for details 941-778-2307.

WEST BRADENTON, at Village Green: Private Villa with spectacular views. 2 beds/2 baths, over 2100 SF living area with all new paint, flooring and 2 car garage. Over 55 gated community, no pets, {annual lease only} at $1900/ mo. Call Gulf Coast Property 941-782-1559, to view www.choosegulfcoast.com Agent Matt Pertosoff CHARMING ANNUAL BEACH Bungalow.

3BR/1BA new carpet, fans, A/C, full gulf views, shaded private driveway. Relaxing area for a hammock.

Washer & Dryer. Steps to Beach $1550/mo plus security. Call 941-753-8866

VILLA, 5 MINUTES FROM AMI Beaches – 1BR/1.5BA unfurnished in Mt Vernon on Sarasota Bay (55+ community) . Free boat dock, kayak and RV/boat storage, (subject to availability) plus many other amenities. Villa is a bright end unit with bamboo floors, breakfast bar, beautiful birch kitchen cabinets, all appliances plus washer and dryer.

Rent includes: cable TV, carport, water/sewer, trash pick up, landscape and exterior maintenance.

Annual lease $900/mo + electric, $900 security/ damage deposit and HOA app. fee of $100. Sorry, no pets, pickups, motorcycles, or smokers. For an appointment call 303-7257160 or 719-836-7174.

ANNUAL HOLMES BEACH 2BR/2BA Nice kitchen & yard. Block to Beach, Sunsets, Restaurants & Shops. $1700/mo. Plus utilities & security. Call 860-922-3857 FOR RENT ANNUAL 5BR/2.5BA. Pool, Boat dock & lift in San Remo Shores. Just off the Island.

4 houses from the Bay. New landscaping, Fenced yard. $3500/mo Call 908642-4340

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AUGUST 9, 2017

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455 ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fl Condos. Pool beach access, fully equipped $650-$800/ wk Redekercondos.com 941-704-7525 or 941-7781915 SUMMER WEEKLY RENTALS Available: 2BR/1BA Gulf front from $1,100 per week. 2BR with sleeping loft Bayfront from $1,100 per week, 4BR/3BA Bayside from $1,450 per week. No pools. 2018 SEASONAL RENTALS Available: 2BR/1BA Gulf front from $3,850 per month, 2BR with sleeping loft from $3,850 per month. Three month minimum. Horizon Realty of Anna Maria 941-778-0426 kringco@ tampabay.rr.com NORTH SHORE DRIVE, Anna Maria. 3BR/2BA Seasonal Rental across the street from Gulf.

Heated Pool.

AMIRENTAL.com

GREAT SUMMER RATES! Weekly, Monthly.

3BR/2BA NW Bradenton. Call Grace 941-2012190 CONDO IN BRADENTON BEACH, seasonal rental minimum lease 3 months.

2BR/1.5BA. End unit with Gulf view. Very short walk to Bay or Gulf. Call 610757-5906

REAL ESTATE RENTALOUT OF AREA EXPERIENCE TOTAL ECLIPSE. August 21 from 4BR private home located at epicenter in Franklin NC or 3BR in Blairsville, GA $1000 per week. 863-8581331 or 863-712-5627

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $165. Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www.amitaxi.com ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all airports, appointments, casino, cruises, etc. Tampa $60. Sarasota $30. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne.

941-779-5095

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

Credit cards accepted. Phil 941-320-1120 admiraltowncar@gmail.com, Licensed & Insured ROGER'S AIRPORT SERVICE. Tampa, St. Pete/ Clearwater, Sarasota/ Bradenton. Call Roger 941773-1469

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AUGUST 9, 2017

business & service directory computer service

home improvement

THE SUN

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

HAULING

painting

home improvement

transportation HOME SITTING / PET SITTING

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AUGUST 9, 2017