Anna Maria Island Sun December 13, 2023

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 24 No. 16

December 13, 2023

Gulf Island Ferry service delayed The Gulf Island Ferry service is now expected to begin in early January, if not sooner.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – Manatee County hoped to launch its Gulf Island Ferry service on Dec. 8, but the anticipated launch date has been pushed back.

When speaking to The Sun on Dec. 6, Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione said the ferry service was still awaiting final Coast Guard certification and the completion of ferry-related docking modifications and sign installations at the City Pier in Anna Maria and the public dinghy dock and floating day dock next to the Bradenton Beach Pier.

The Riverwalk Day Dock in downtown Bradenton and one of the Coquina boat ramps in Bradenton Beach will also serve as ferry stops.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

SEE FERRY, PAGE 15

The Miss Anna Maria is one of the two Gulf Island Ferry boats.

Bridge Street hotel project approved unanimously Hotel co-applicant Shawn Kaleta made his case to the commission at the Dec. 7 public hearing.

New Rod & Reel Pier owner Oliver Lemke owns and operates a brewery and several restaurants in Berlin, Germany.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The proposed hotel/restaurant/retail project on Bridge Street is a go, with 106 rooms, a 60-seat restaurant, 5,396 square feet of retail space and 154 on-site parking spaces.

At the end of a four-hour city commission public hearing on Thursday night in which revisions to parking and hotel design were presented, commissioners voted unanimously to approve the project.

Following a Nov. 13 recommendation by the city Planning and Zoning Board,

German brewer buys Rod & Reel Pier

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Hotel project co-applicant Shawn Kaleta addresses the city commission at the Dec. 7 hearing on his hotel/restaurant/retail project. the Dec. 7 hearing was the second public hearing at which commissioners considered three items: A major development consisting of a resort hotel, restaurant, retail space and parking;

SEE HOTEL, PAGE 18

ANNA MARIA – German brewer and restaurateur Oliver “Oli” Lemke is the new owner of the iconic Rod & Reel Pier and restaurant.

German businessman Mario Schoenfelder bought the Rod & Reel Pier in 1999 and sold it to his friend and fellow German businessman on Nov. 21.

In response to a Dec. 7 email inquiry from The Sun, Lemke wrote, “Having been a friend of Mario’s family for many years, I´ve known the pier for quite a while as a guest. After the closing of the sale on the 21st of November, I came over and stayed at the pier for 10 days to get to know the team, the guests and the atmosphere. Everything at the pier

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS, Anna Maria Island style. 8-13 Page 29 Anna Maria Island, Florida

The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper

LEMKE BERLIN | SUBMITTED

Oliver 'Oli' Lemke is the new owner of the Rod & Reel Pier. will stay the same. To me, it's a little piece of paradise and I intend to keep it that way.”

Lemke is a brewmaster who has operated his own brewery in Berlin since 1999. In addition to his Lemke Berlin brewery, he also owns four restaurants in Berlin.

“I always wanted to extend my business to the U.S. because I´ve been a fan since I first touched U.S.

SEE ROD & REEL, PAGE 27

MAYOR: Consolidating AMI's cities

would break up a winning team. 3

AME students get their winning designs on

tumblers sold at Bealls. 4

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2 THE SUN

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DECEMBER 13, 2023

DECEMBER 13, 2023

City government in Bradenton Beach made it possible to create a viable commercial district, Mayor John Chappie said.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Characterizing the possible consolidation of the three island cities as “breaking up the team,” Mayor John Chappie spoke out against consolidation efforts at a Dec. 6 Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting.

On Oct. 31, the Florida Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) sent a letter to the mayors of all three Anna Maria Island cities saying that the Florida Legislature has directed the organization to review the potential consolidation of services and government entities on Anna Maria Island.

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THE SUN

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Mayor: Don’t break up the team Options discussed include annexing the Island into the city of Bradenton or Manatee County, or creating a new city from the Island’s three cities.

At the Dec. 6 CRA meeting, city attorney Ricinda Perry updated the board on the OPAGGA study.

“The CRA is part of the OPAGGA study,” Perry said.

“If they decide to consolidate there is a very real chance the CRA will no longer exist, which would be a major detriment to the improvements we’ve been making, and very substantial improvements.”

Perry outlined city efforts to comply with requests for documents from OPAGGA. “The state has issued the OPAGGA study to the city and staff has spent a very considerable amount of time working through the documents and preparing the reports and the correspondence that has been requested from OPAGGA,” Perry said. “I want to

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

From left, CRA board members Jan Vosburgh, Mayor John Chappie, Ralph Cole, David Bell, Jake Spooner and City Attorney Ricinda Perry met on Dec. 6. Board member Marilyn Maro attended the meeting by telephone. recognize the clerk’s office.

Terri (Sanclemente, the city clerk) has been compiling every single contract that the city has and the CRA has, and that as a team, Chief (John Cosby), Tom (Woodard, public works director) Shayne (Thompson, city treasurer ), me, Mayor (John) Chappie and Terri have gotten together to respond."

Perry said she is hopeful that the state elected officials see the value in allowing the municipalities that have been authorized by the state Legislature to maintain their status.

“That deals with some of the concerns about cities versus services, consolidation, nonconsolidation, elimination or whatever,” Chappie said.

“With a smaller municipality, and the CRA, we had the ability to utilize funds to establish a viable commercial district out here on the Island.”

Chappie said that in the past, the central area of Bradenton Beach consisted mostly of bars.

“When we started, it was dying here,” Chappie said. “The ability of local government to work and transform an area, and create a viable commercial district, it’s incredible what you can do with local government, smaller government and CRAs. Without that it would have never happened, if it had been all the county.”

Chappie said with the reputation that Bradenton Beach had in years past, he doubted the current revitalization would have ever taken place.

“And that’s my pitch for not breaking up the team,” Chappie said.

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ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF Distinguished citizen award nominees sought The city of Anna Maria is accepting nominations for its annual Distinguished Citizen of the Year award. Individuals, organizations and businesses whose efforts and contributions to the Anna Maria community are eligible for the award to be given out in January. The nomination form can be obtained at the city website, www.cityofannamaria.com, by email at deputyclerk@cityofannamaria. com or in person at city hall.

City seeks charter review committee members The city of Anna Maria seeks one to three more volunteers to serve on the soon-tobe-appointed charter review committee. On Dec. 7, Mayor Dan Murphy said the city has received two viable applications and at least one more volunteer is needed to form the committee that could consist of three to five members. Murphy previously said that ideal candidates would have a good knowledge of the workings of city governments. Meeting two to three times a month, the committee will review and possibly recommend changes to the city charter that sets forth both how the city is governed and the city’s building height limits. Murphy expects the committee to present its recommendations and report to the city commission in April. Any charter amendments proposed by the committee and supported by the city commission would then be placed on the ballot for the city’s registered voters to decide during the 2024 general election. Applications can be obtained by email at deputyclerk@cityofannamaria.com or online by clicking on the “I Want To” tab at www.cityofannamaria.com and then the “Apply for Board or Committee” link.

Holiday break for sewer project Sewer project construction on Gulf Drive South in Bradenton Beach will be suspended from Monday, Dec. 18 through Monday, Jan. 1. During this period, side streets will be open to vehicular traffic. The project has necessitated the closure of Ninth Street South; residents and visitors may park in a reserved area on the west side of Gulf Drive South. A complimentary shuttle is being provided. Construction on 10th Street South is set to begin in January 2024. Preparations for paving 11th, 12th and 13th Streets South were made on Dec. 11-12.

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DECEMBER 13, 2023

CRA funding cut for Old Town Tram The tram service may continue as a privately-funded business with one car.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – If the Old Town Tram continues providing rides within the city, it will do so without the financial support of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).

At its Dec. 6 meeting, the CRA board voted unanimously to discontinue funding of the free park-and-ride service it began subsidizing in November 2020 at a cost of $52,000 per year.

Using two electric golf carts, the tram was launched as a pilot program to help address the lack of parking on Bridge Street. It is partially funded by advertising sales.

Annual funding for the service was cut from the city’s 2023-24 budget, but CRA board members agreed at a Sept. 6 meeting to a $10,000 expenditure to keep it going until the end of 2023.

That temporary funding was based on the understanding that Joshua LaRose, owner of Sarasota-

based Easy Parking Group and provider of the tram service, and CRA Chairman Ralph Cole would work together to look at options to make the service self-supporting.

One of those options included LaRose securing additional advertising from the businesses that benefit from having customers brought to their doorsteps.

LaRose said at the Dec. 6 meeting that he spoke to local business owners about advertising on the tram, but without success.

“People offered to donate $50$100 a month to keep it going,” LaRose said. “They’re saying right now how slow it’s been over the summer and they don’t have the funds to do a full advertising.”

LaRose offered an option to save money.

“I can cut the hours and days back out of season, to maybe four to five days a week and maybe start a little bit later in the afternoon. That would dramatically bring down the cost,” LaRose said. “If we did a later start time and less days a week, we could probably do it with the advertisers we have now. I could keep one car going.”

Commissioner Jan Vosburgh has been an opponent of financial support for the tram service.

“I think we should discontinue it,” she said. “I don’t think it’s up to the taxpayers to pay for this.”

Cole echoed that sentiment.

“Businesses benefit the most from it,” Cole said. “Those are the people that need to step up to the plate.”

Commissioner Jake Spooner suggested the possibility of having the tram in service during the busier times of the year.

LaRose said in season the tram was giving nearly 8,000 rides a month.

“It’s encouraging that you said you could survive on its own with one car,” Chappie said. “We haven’t been satisfied. It was worth a shot.

I’d like to see you do it on your own.”

LaRose indicated that he will likely continue the tram service with one cart.

“This fellow took over and is trying to support our businesses,” Bradenton Beach resident Jim Hassett said during public comment. “I think his business needs to be supported.”

In addition to board members Chappie, Cole, Spooner and Vosburgh, member David Bell was in attendance. Marilyn Maro phoned into the meeting. Member Ed Chiles was absent with excuse.

Guy Harvey visits AME to congratulate student artists World-renowned artist Guy Harvey returned to the Island to meet with Anna Maria Elementary students Jane Baily and Silas Whitehead, who won a coloring contest sponsored by the Guy Harvey Foundation.

Their artwork appears on stainless steel cups for sale at Bealls department store, 6355 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. The students were each awarded a $100 gift card for their win, and both AME and Embracing Our Differences were awarded $1,000 by Bealls and the Guy Harvey Foundation.

GUY HARVEY FOUNDATION | SUBMITTED

Above, Anna Maria Elementary student Jane Baily works on a mural with Guy Harvey. Left, Jane shows the cups that she and Silas Whitehead (not pictured) designed, winning a coloring contest sponsored by Guy Harvey Foundation.

DECEMBER 13, 2023

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Six applicants seek two commission seats

Two new commissioners will be appointed on Jan. 25.

BY JOE HENDRICKS

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – With six applicants already seeking to fill two vacant city commission seats, the application period remains open until Friday, Dec. 15.

John Kolojeski recently became the sixth applicant seeking appointment to the city commission in January.

Kolojeski joins previous applicants Gary McMullen, Kathleen Morgan, Pat Olesen, Susan Stephen and Sharon Wisniewski in the quest to fill the commission seat vacated by Deanie Sebring in September and the commission seat vacated by Robert Kingan on Dec. 7.

The one-page application form is available in person from the city clerk’s office by email at amclerk@ cityofannamaria.com, or online at www. cityofannamaria.com by clicking the “I Want To” tab at the top of the city homepage.

During the Dec. 7 city commission meeting, Mayor Dan Murphy said that having six candidates, and possibly more, may require some procedural revisions for the applicants’ public forum

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Mayor Dan Murphy will revise a previously used forum format to accommodate a larger field of applicants. to be held at city hall on Thursday, Jan. 11 at 6 p.m.

The applicant presentation process was first used in January when Charlie Salem and Brian Seymour applied to fill the commission seat vacated by Carol Carter. One at a time, the two applicants were given as much time as they needed to answer 24 questions provided to them in advance. Those presentations resulted in Salem being appointed to the commission.

During Thursday’s meeting, Murphy said the format would likely need to be adjusted to accommodate a forum featuring six or more applicants. He added that the city has already received

at least 30 questions to potentially be posed to the applicants.

Murphy suggested that the order in which questions are answered be rotated so each applicant gets a chance to answer some questions first, some questions last and some in the middle.

Salem suggested grouping the questions into similar categories.

Commission Chair Mark Short suggested capping the Jan. 11 forum to no more than two hours.

Commissioners authorized Murphy to work out a revised forum format as he sees fit.

The city will continue accepting written questions from the public until Wednesday, Dec. 27. The compiled questions will be presented in advance to the candidates on Friday, Dec. 29.

On Jan. 25, commissioners Short, Salem and Jon Crane will each rank all the candidates in order of their personal preference, with the combined scores then determining who fills the two vacant seats. The resident appointed to fill the seat Deanie Sebring vacated in September will serve until December 2024. The resident appointed to fill the seat vacated by Robert Kingan in December will serve until December 2025.

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AMI Chamber luncheon at Kiwi Style Fish and Chips The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s December luncheon will be held on Thursday, Dec. 14 at Kiwi Style Fish and Chips, 3608 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is an excellent networking opportunity for chamber members or anyone interested in becoming a member. The fee is $22 for members and $30 for prospective members. RSVP to ingrid@amichamber.org or by calling 941-778-1541.

Privateers to host holiday Business Card Exchange The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will hold its holiday business card exchange at the Chamber Office, 5313 Gulf Drive N., Holmes Beach. Sponsored by The Anna Maria Island Privateers, the event is on Thursday, Dec. 14 from 5-7 p.m. The fee is $5 for members and $10 for prospective chamber members. Bring business cards to exchange. Anyone who brings a raffle prize will be recognized when their prize is given away.

To attend, RSVP to ingrid@amichamber.org or call 941-778-1541.

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OPINION

The Anna Maria Island Sun 3909 East Bay Drive, Suite 210, Holmes Beach, FL 34217 Phone: 941-778-3986

email: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com Like us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun

DECEMBER 13, 2023

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Postmaster: Ready for Christmas rush As the postmaster for the Anna Maria community, I want to assure you that the United States Postal Service is ready to deliver for the upcoming holiday season.

My dedicated team and I have worked to ensure we are prepared to handle the expected surge in package and mail volume that occurs in December. As you and your family prepare for the holidays, it's always advisable to send your holiday mail and packages well in advance to ensure they reach their destinations on time, but we understand that sometimes cards or packages are sent last minute.

Here are the key recommended holiday shipping and mailing dates for expected delivery within the U.S. by Dec. 25: • Dec. 16: USPS Ground Advantage (5-day); First Class Mail (5-Day) • Dec. 20: Priority Mail (3-Day); USPS Ground Advantage (2-Day);

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Sheila Brunger serves as the Anna Maria postmaster.

First-Class Mail (2-Day); and Priority Mail Express (2-Day) • Dec. 21: Priority Mail Express (1-Day); and Priority Mail (2-Day) For complete recommended holiday shipping and mailing information, please visit usps. com/holidaynews online. We are grateful for your trust in the

United States Postal Service this holiday season. With no holiday surcharges, your postal team at the Anna Maria Post Office is ready to be the most affordable and reliable way to ship and mail this year.

Sheila Brunger

Anna Maria Post Office 34216

DECEMBER 13, 2023

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ON THE AGENDA ANNA MARIA

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

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

Dec. 15, all day – Last day for City Commission candidate applications Dec. 20, 9 a.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting Dec. 22, all day – City offices closed, Christmas holiday Dec. 25, all day – City offices closed, Christmas holiday Dec. 27, all day – Last day to send in City Commission candidate questions Dec. 29, all day – City Commission candidates provided with questions

BRADENTON BEACH

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

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

Dec. 21, noon – City Commission meeting Dec. 25, all day – City offices closed, Christmas holiday

HOLMES BEACH

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

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

Dec. 13, 9 a.m. – Clean Water Ad-hoc Committee meeting Dec. 13, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting Dec. 25, all day – City offices closed, Christmas holiday Dec. 26, all day – City offices closed, Christmas holiday

THE SUN

EVENTS WEDNESDAY, DEC. 13

Tree Tots: Fuzzy and Smooth, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m.

Home Organization 101, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m.

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

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

Christmas in the Garden, a Celebration of Lights & Music, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m. daily through Dec. 31 Winter Nights Under the Lights, Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 6-9 p.m.

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

THURSDAY, DEC. 14

AMI Chamber luncheon, Kiwi style fish and chips, 3608 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m., $22 for members or $30 for prospective members Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

Sleigh Ball Social, City Field, 5901 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 3:30-6:30 p.m.

AMI Chamber holiday business card

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exchange hosted by the AMI Privateers, AMI Chamber of Commerce, 5313 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 5-7 p.m., $5 for members or $10 for prospective members Weeds and Seeds of the Past, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 6 p.m.

Winter Nights Under the Lights, Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 6-9 p.m.

FRIDAY, DEC. 15

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

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

Winter Nights Under the Lights, Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 6-9 p.m.

SATURDAY, DEC. 16

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

Holocaust Speaker Series: David Milberg, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Starry Night Astronomy, Robinson Preserve expansion parking lot, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 6-10 p.m.

Winter Nights Under the Lights, Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 6-9 p.m.

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DECEMBER 13, 2023

Cortez celebrates Christmas

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

FISH celebrates Christmas Attendees at the annual Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) Christmas party on Dec. 4 enjoyed food and socializing at Fisherman’s Hall in Cortez.

At the third annual Christmas in Cortez, kids played games, created art and told Santa what was on their wish list. The event also featured crafts, a bounce house and a dance show by dancers from the Rowlett Academy.

The family-friendly event on Saturday was hosted by the Florida Maritime Museum. The Cortez Village Historical Society participated in the event with music, cookies and warm cider.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Clockwise above, Soupy Davis and Paul Dryfoos get together for a jam session at Music on the Porch at the Cortez Cultural Center. Christmas in Cortez at the Florida Maritime Museum featured a Candy Cane Forest. Friends Braylin and Carson create sticker art at Christmas in Cortez at the Florida Maritime Museum. Kids enjoyed the gingerbread man bounce house at Christmas in Cortez.

VOTED BRADENTON'S BEST! Find your nearest location at OysterBar.net

DECEMBER 13, 2023

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JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The holiday lighting at the City Pier earned the mayor’s compliments.

City Pier holiday lighting praised JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Carol and Larry Craft were the first residential category winners and the first repeat winners.

Enter the Bright Holiday Lights contest There’s still time for Anna Maria residents and businesses to enter the city of Anna Maria’s annual Bright Holidays Lights decorating contest.

Entry is free; the deadline is Monday, Dec. 18 at 4 p.m. The one-page registration form can be downloaded at www.cityofannamaria.com, requested by email at deputyclerk@cityofannamaria.com or obtained in person at city hall. The entries will be judged on the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 19 and the winners will be announced the following day, with trophies to be awarded to the residential and business category winners.

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy offered comliments and gratitude to Public Works Manager Roosevelt Jones and the Public Works Department personnel for the holiday lighting they installed at the entrance to the City Pier. “They’re the best they’ve ever been,” Murphy said on Dec. 7 about Jones’ first-ever holiday lighting efforts for the city.

Moose Lodge reopens; Christmas party Saturday

The AMI Moose Lodge in Bradenton Beach will reopen on Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 11 a.m. after completion of the final phase of the dining room floor replacement project that began on Dec. 1. The lodge will host its annual children’s Christmas party on Saturday, Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to noon for Moose kids who register in advance.

Enjoy Winter Nights Under the Lights Palma Sola Botanical Park presents Winter Nights Under the Lights, featuring acres of holiday lights, Santa, food trucks, live holiday music, a gift market, hot cocoa and cider, hayrides, a tree decorating contest, children’s crafts, Toys for Tots drive, a decorated golf cart parade and more. The event is from Dec. 13-17 from 6-9 p.m. at Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. N.W., Bradenton. Admission is free, but donations to the park are appreciated.

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DECEMBER 13, 2023

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Privateers’ parade festive, fun It wouldn’t be Christmas on Anna Maria Island without the Skullywag setting sail to lead the Privateers’ Annual Children’s Christmas Parade.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

It was smooth sailing for the Anna Maria Island Privateers’ trusty ship, Skullywag, as it made its way north on Gulf Drive from Coquina Beach to City Pier Park in Anna Maria at the Privateers’ Annual Children’s Christmas Parade and After Party with Santa on Saturday.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

The Grinch’s heart grew another three sizes on Saturday as he enjoyed the Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Annual Children’s Christmas Parade.

Impressive holiday light displays on AMI

Roser presents ‘Sing Christmas’ cantata The musicians at Roser Memorial Community Church are ringing in the holiday season with “Sing Christmas,” a cantata featuring the Roser Cantata Choir, Chamber Orchestra and Youth Performing Arts Choir. The production includes both original music and caroling favorites along with narration and features 35 singers and 17 youth choir members. Hear the cantata on Sunday, Dec. 17 at 8:30 a.m. with an encore at 10 a.m. The cantata also will be broadcast live during both performances on the church’s YouTube page. Roser is located at 512 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Above, this display at 302 72nd St. in Holmes Beach gets bigger every year. Right, this spectacular display at 7214 Holmes Blvd. in Holmes Beach lights up the entire block.

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Shop at Hurricane Liquors to earn discounts at Fifty Three Fifty and Hurricane Hanks

12 THE SUN

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Finding holiday treasures on Pine

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Left, a group gathers to collect holiday treats outside the Sato Real Estate office in Anna Maria during the annual Pine Avenue Holiday Walk of Treasures on Friday. Right, the team at RE/MAX Alliance Group gets in on the holiday fun on Pine Avenue, providing lots of cookies, drinks and other snacks to Holiday Walk of Treasures attendees.

Sing Christmas arr. Joel Raney & Mary McDonald

A CHRISTMAS CHORAL EXPERIENCE Featuring the Roser Cantata Choir, Chamber Orchestra and Roser Youth Performing Arts

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Above, the Duncan Real Estate office on Pine Avenue is decked out for the holidays. Left, one of Santa’s elves and Mrs. Claus greet holiday partygoers outside the Duncan Real Estate office during Friday’s Pine Avenue festivities.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 8:30 & 10:00 AM COME EARLY FOR THE BEST SEATING IN THE ROSER SANCTUARY AND ONLINE

RoserChurch.com

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

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

Santa, Grinch face off in City Pier Park Santa came to City Pier Park to take a warm break from the North Pole and visit with all of the good boys and girls on the Island. When he got there though, the Grinch was already seated in his chair. Santa and the Grinch battled it out to see who won the holiday throne. When Manatee

County Sheriff’s Office deputies came on the scene, the Grinch was taken off in handcuffs while Santa took his seat in the park. While Santa visited with all of the children and their parents, the Grinch stood off to the side of the park where he was welcomed back by several children to the holiday festivities.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Above, a little girl whispers her Christmas wish to Santa during the Santa Stops Here holiday festivities in Anna Maria. Left, the Grinch faces off with Santa at the Santa Stops Here event on Friday at City Pier Park in Anna Maria.

CITY OF ANNA MARIA | SUBMITTED

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FERRY: Gulf Island Ferry service delayed FROM PAGE 1 “As much as I wanted Dec. 8 to be a reality, we’re going to miss that date, but the light is bright at the end of the tunnel,” Falcione said. “The county operator’s made good progress, but there’s still some final details that aren’t done yet. We’re going to give the new start date when we know everything is ready.”

Falcione did not provide a new anticipated start date, but said he expects the new county-funded ferry service to begin after the arrival of the new year, if not sooner.

Falcione said the delay will also provide the ferry captains and crews with some extra training time on the local waters along the ferry route which many experienced boat captains have noted can be challenging when the wind blows and the water is choppy.

“This will give the operator some additional sea trial time for the training of their crews because the focus is to protect the safety and the welfare of the passengers. Safety is paramount,” Falcione said.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Riverwalk Day Dock in downtown Bradenton serves as the home base for the Gulf Island Ferry service.

DOCKING IMPROVEMENTS

In Anna Maria, two non-submerged composite pilings will be affixed to the City Pier’s existing boat landing area to accommodate ferry dockage.

In Bradenton Beach, safety modifications have been made to the public dinghy dock near the foot of the pier boardwalk. During a Dec. 6 Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting, City Attorney and CRA Liaison Ricinda Perry said Falcione advised her of the delay.

Perry said Duncan Seawall recently installed safety enhancements at the

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dinghy dock that will help prevent ferry passengers from accidentally falling off the dock. She also addressed the current use of the dinghy dock by live-aboard and visiting boaters in the unmanaged anchorage south of the pier.

“We do need to address the dinghies that are parking right out on the end of the dinghy area where the ferry will be coming in. This will interfere with the ferry service,” Perry said.

Perry said dinghy dockage will not be eliminated, but the dinghies will need to be docked closer to the

shoreline to not interfere with ferry dockage.

Perry said the ferries will also be able to dock next to the police boat lift in the oversized slip at the floating day dock adjacent to the Bradenton Beach Pier.

“Both of those facilities will get used for the ferry system,” she said.

Perry thanked Public Works Department Director Tom Woodard and his team for clearing a small area and creating a pocket park and ferry waiting area between the pier boardwalk and the dinghy dock. A pavilion will be constructed in that area later as the ferry service enhancements continue.

When initiated, the Gulf Island Ferry service operated by the Gulf Coast Water Taxi company will operate on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. After the initial service is established, the county and its contracted ferry operator will assess future service revisions based on ridership demand and rider feedback.

For updates and more information, please visit www.bradentongulfislands.com/gulf-islands-ferry.

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The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature 201 10th Street West • Bradenton, FL 34205 941-746-4131 • info@bishopscience.org www.BishopScience.org

16 DECEMBER 13, 2023

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DECEMBER 13, 2023

17

18 THE SUN

www.amisun.com

HOTEL: Project approved FROM PAGE 1 recommendations from the Planning and Zoning Board; and the second reading of Ordinance 23-552 establishing a Planned Development Overlay District.

“I want to tell the commission that this is a dream of mine,” co-applicant Shawn Kaleta said at the hearing. “We care deeply about the Island. This will be an aesthetically pleasing high-end luxury resort.”

Kaleta and his co-applicant, Jacob Spooner, were represented by attorney Stephen Thompson of Najmy Thompson, architect Shaun Luttrell, planner Susan Swift and traffic engineer Jay Calhoun.

Spooner is a Bradenton Beach City Commissioner and recused himself from the hearings.

DESIGN CHANGES

At their first public hearing on Nov. 16, commissioners expressed concern about the design of the hotel, specifically a lack of balconies and covered pedestrian areas, along with a shortage of parking. The applicants’ team came prepared on Dec. 7 with a number of changes to the design.

“At the last hearing your comments were heard loud and clear,” Luttrell said.

Luttrell’s new plans consisted of the addition of an 8-foot covered walkway, bike racks, balconies and additional on-site parking with 38 dedicated spots for a lift system. The parking lift elevates a vehicle hydraulically on a platform, creating space for another vehicle to park underneath.

Valets will park vehicles on the lifts.

“With the lift system, this brings us up to 154 spots, which is 10% above what is required,” Luttrell said. The previous parking plan had 99 designated parking spaces.

In a Dec. 5 email to City Planner Luis Serna from Luttrell, the following stipulations were proposed by the applicants in response to commission concerns from the Nov. 16 hearing: • “Gulf Drive Setback – We will abide by the 15-foot building from the property line along Gulf Drive setback in lieu of the previously proposed 10-foot and 20-foot staggered building setbacks; • Bridge Street Pedestrian Experience - Feedback was well received and we will pursue a covered walkway at the ground level to allow a more pedestrian-friendly experience, free from the elements. This will still allow pedestrians along Bridge Street to utilize the private property of the hotel to access the shops along Bridge Street; • Bridge Street Activity/Engagement Again, feedback from the commissioners was impactful. Accordingly, we will pursue a series of balconies at all guest suites to improve the social interaction between the hotel rooms and Bridge Street.”

Commissioner Jan Vosburgh asked about the timeline for the project.

SUBMITTED

An architectural rendering of the proposed hotel/ restaurant/retail project from the corner of Bridge Street and Gulf Drive South.

“The sooner the better,” Kaleta said. “I have my demo crews mobilized.”

Demolition on Joe's Eats and Sweets on Gulf Drive began on Monday.

PROJECT SIZE CONCERNS

Commissioner Ralph Cole expressed concern about the Land Development Code and city Comprehensive Plan that state that 18 units per acre are allowable.

The 106-unit hotel will be on 1.61 acres.

He also expressed concern and questioned whether the rooftop pool area would boost the building into four stories, in excess of the allowable three stories.

“I want to approve this, but I want to make sure I’m not changing the face of Bradenton Beach,” Cole said.

Swift and city staff addressed Cole’s concerns.

“I think the confusion is because the city’s code uses many terms for different kinds of units in the Bridge Street overlay,” Swift said. “Your code is challenging. It specifically says commercial uses, allowable uses - this is on Bridge Street - equal hotel, motel, bar, restaurant, retail etc. So I think what’s causing the confusion of the 18 units per acre, that is not the right measure. That talks about timesharing, Airbnb, those kinds of units which are more residentially designed so that is why they used 18 units per acre. This is a hotel, an integrated building, not with separate entrances.

They’re not residential units that are being used for renting.”

As commercial buildings are measured by floor area ratio, Swift said the hotel project is well within those guidelines.

Building official Steve Gilbert cited the Florida Building Code, which confirmed that a rooftop level pool deck is not considered a fourth story.

Kaleta said that he owns 12 lots on the property that could be built with 10 units each with a total of 240 bedrooms.

“That is substantial density,” Kaleta said.

“We have eliminated roughly 150 units (with the hotel).”

“We understand what could be there,” Mayor John Chappie said.

While there was no public comment session during the second hearing, Bob Bolus, a Bradenton Beach

SEE HOTEL, PAGE 27

DECEMBER 13, 2023

DECEMBER 13, 2023

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

19

Chiles Hospitality presents Christmas for Kids The 28th Annual Lawton Chiles Christmas for Kids party at Sandbar Seafood & Spirits on Thursday, Dec. 14 is hosted by Chiles Hospitality.

BY JASON SCHAFFER

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA - Chiles Hospitality will host the 28th Annual Lawton Chiles Christmas for Kids party at Sandbar Seafood & Spirits on Thursday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The holiday event will be held at the Grand Pavilion of the restaurant, 100 Spring Ave. Every year, Chiles Hospitality staff organizes the event, buying and wrapping gifts for about 80 pre-kindergarten students from RCMA, a non-profit childcare organization, and kids from Children First Head Start and Early Head Start.

This annual tradition, started by the late Gov. Lawton Chiles and his wife, Rhea, provides underserved youth with a holiday celebration thanks to the help of private and corporate sponsors.

ISLANDPHOTOGRAPHY.ORG | SUBMITTED

Santa greets children at last year’s Chiles Hospitality’s 27th Annual Lawton Chiles Christmas for Kids party.

“We continue to honor the Chiles legacy with this beloved holiday party and our staff really looks forward to it each year,” said Chuck Wolfe, CEO of Chiles Hospitality. “With their help and the contribution from local sponsors, it guarantees a happy and memorable day for these students.

We are thankful to all those who help us preserve this tradition.”

In addition to receiving a present, each child in attendance will receive a new pair of shoes and a new outfit. Of course, Santa will take time out of his busy schedule to attend, and children will enjoy meeting characters from the Frozen film, a castle bounce house, a snow machine, music, crafts and other activities, in addition to lunch provided by the restaurant.

Holmes Beach hosts Sleigh Bell Social The City of Holmes Beach is hosting the "Sleigh Bell Social 2023" on Thursday, Dec. 14 at Holmes Beach City Field from 3:30-7:30 p.m. The event celebrates the community and

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Call for Details

778-3986

provides an evening of holiday cheer for children, residents, visitors and the business community. The free evening of fun, music and games features a visit from Santa Claus. Admission

is free. Visitors are encouraged to bring a toy for Toys for Tots or a non-perishable item for the Manatee County Food Bank.

For more information, call Kim Charron at 941-778-0331 ext. 264.

20 THE SUN

OUTDOORS

DECEMBER 13, 2023

EcoSummit an enduring success Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

I

hope you had the opportunity to attend the 2023 EcoSummit in Sarasota this past week.

In case you missed it, I wanted to share some of the excellent presentations that were given and provide you with some resources to get a glimpse of what was one of the most wellplanned, presented and attended environmental events I’ve had the pleasure of attending.

On Monday morning, Dec. 4, Suncoast Waterkeeper board member Rob Brown and I took summit organizers Dave and Jennifer Shafer, lead sponsor Elizabeth Moore, her daughter Grace, and award-winning Aus-

tralian documentary filmmaker and EcoSummit Keynoter Damon Gameau and his daughter Velvet, 9, on Suncoast Waterkeeper’s patrol boat.

That night, the event kicked off with a screening of Gameau’s film 2040 (watch it on Prime Video). The premise of the movie is Gameau's imagining what the future might look like for his then4-year-old daughter if climate change solutions are brought to scale and the problem is solved.

In choosing what to feature in the film, Gameau limited it to solutions that are already available or have the potential to contribute to reversing climate change by the year 2040. The movie was screened at the Bay Nest at Bay Park in Sarasota and was very well attended.

The next two days of the summit featured a list of speakers who presented a diverse spectrum of ideas, solutions and ways to be

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

From left, Dave Shafer, Elizabeth Moore, Jennifer Shafer, Grace Moore, Velvet Gameau, Damon Gameau and Rob Brown enjoy a morning on Sarasota Bay aboard the Suncoast Waterkeeper Patrol boat. involved in and live a sustainable life, now and in the future. One of the highlights of the event was an evening with best-selling author Carl Hiaasen, who was joined by environmental journalist and author Craig Pittman and dolphin researcher Randy Wells. It was a humorous and entertaining evening that featured a standing ovation by the sellout crowd in the Roskamp Auditorium at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center.

During the three days, attendees were serenaded by the excellent music of the Karen Jonas band.

Here's a round-up of resources from the organizers to help you keep the momentum going.

There were 497 guests, including 54 speakers, over the two-day event from across the U.S. and as far as Australia and Mongolia!

Speaker bios can be found in the EcoSummit Program.

If you are interested in doing

more in your community, use the EcoSummit Next sign-up form to indicate your areas of interest and they will get you connected! Sign up at bit.ly/2023ecosummit-next.

If you’re interested in taking steps to help build a green, healthy and sustainable future for you, your family and your community, they recommend 24 local sustainability solutions and have organized them as action steps.

Choose the solutions that make the most sense for you and pledge to make them happen. Also, visit their greenlivingtoolkit.org for curated expert advice.

This year’s event was the second organized by the Science and Environment Council’s founders, Dave and Jennifer Shafer, and the turnout proved the effectiveness of the group’s mission and the interest of the public in a sustainable future for our children and future generations.

DECEMBER 13, 2023

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

21

SUBMITTED

Home for the holidays CAPT. RICK GRASSETT | SUBMITTED

Fly fishing school begins next month Located on Siesta Key, named Best Beach in America, CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, 1249 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota, will hold Orvis-endorsed fly fishing schools on Jan. 13, Feb. 10, March 9 and April 13, 2024. The courses, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basic fly casting principles, improving casting skills and correcting faults. Instructor Capt. Rick Grassett will also cover saltwater fly fishing techniques, leader construction and fly selection. Cost for the class, which will run from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. is $225 per person and includes the use of Orvis fly tackle, workbook and lunch. Optional instructional guided fly fishing trips are also available for an additional fee. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at 941349-4400 or info@cbsoutfitters.com to make reservations.

Percy Messinger, 9, shows off the gingerbread house he made at the Anna Maria Elementary School PTO December social at The Center of Anna Maria Island.

Annie Silver Center to elect officers and board members The Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N. in Bradenton Beach, will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 5 p.m. The community is welcome and encouraged to attend.

This meeting will include the annual election of officers and board members. For more information, call Judy Pruitt at 941-224-1973.

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DECEMBER 13, 2023

Visitors enjoy Cortez Coffee The Cortez Cultural Center was bustling with activity last week as the Cortez Village Historical Society (CVHS) held its quarterly Cortez Coffee event. Everyone is invited to the social gathering that includes coffee, breakfast snacks and conversation.

Invited guests were Zac Tapp from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Megan Barry of the Sarasota Bay Estuary

Program (SBEP) and Carolyn Orshak and Barb Murphy from the Anna Maria Island Historical Society. Barry was part of a brainstorming session where CVHS members discussed options for applying for an SBEP grant, possibly for signs directing visitors to not only the Cultural Center but to other historical and ecological highlights in Cortez.

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9903 Gulf Drive Anna Maria www.HarrysAMI.com

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LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Above, attendees mingle at the quarterly Cortez Coffee gathering at the Cortez Cultural Center.

Right, former Holmes Beach Police Chief Rick Maddox attended the Cortez Coffee gathering at the Cortez Cultural Center.

For Reservations Please Scan the QR code Live Music Most Nights Pet Friendly Patio Dining

DECEMBER 13, 2023

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BEACH BEAT HOLMES BEACH 11/27, 10:30 p.m., stolen vehicle, 305 67th St. The officer responded to a call regarding a stolen golf cart. The complainant said he had rented the cart until Dec. 2. His Ring doorbell footage showed a white Jeep stopping at his residence, at which time a white male got out of the passenger side of the Jeep and took the cart. The officer contacted the rental company, who confirmed none of their employees took the cart, and the victim said he did not know anyone on the Island who would be pranking him. The cart

23

was then listed as a stolen vehicle and the rental company owner confirmed that he wished to press charges if a suspect was found.

12/3, 5:09 p.m., Baker Act, 5337 Gulf Drive. The officer was dispatched to the Live Naturally CBD store in reference to a transient elderly man refusing to leave the store after being asked to do so by a store employee. Upon arrival, the officer saw the man, who was known to him, laying down with bedding in front of the store.

He was advised of the employee’s request for him to leave, but said he had a right to be there.

The man then advised he was having chest pains and requested EMS. Due to the man’s intoxicated state, he was placed under the Baker Act for his own protection and transported to the hospital by EMS.

SARASOTA COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT | SUBMITTED

Coast Guard Station Cortez participates in helicopter training The U.S. Coast Guard Station Cortez recently collaborated with a boat crew from the Sarasota County Fire Department and U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, successfully completing helicopter hoist training. The Coast Guard says this kind of training strengthens partnerships and remains crucial for enhancing boater safety and optimizing coordination between their boat crews and local partners.

24 THE SUN

FOOD & WINE

DECEMBER 13, 2023

Kefta Tagine: From Morocco to AMI

Brian Mathae HURRICANE HANKS

A

s I mentioned in my previous column, we enjoyed a wonderful vacation abroad this fall. It turned into a food tour as all of our vacations seem to become. In addition to visiting some incredible regions of France, we also visited Morocco for our first time. Morocco has been on my bucket list of destinations for years. We would have visited it several years ago if it wasn’t for COVID-19.

This visit also almost didn’t happen because just a few weeks before our trip there, Morocco was struck by a large earthquake. The guide we had arranged our tour with assured us that we could and should still travel.

He said it was important that tourists continue to visit as tourism is a significant contributor to the economy of Morocco. Prior to COVID, tourism annually contributed 7.1% of total GDP. In 2020, tourism decreased by 78% and this dragged on in 2021

Kefta Tagine 4 servings

Ingredients - meatballs

1 pound ground beef or lamb or a combination of both 1 onion, finely chopped then pressed to remove liquid 1 green chili, seeded and finely chopped 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped 1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped 1 teaspoon of each - cumin, cinnamon and salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

SUBMITTED

and 2022. There were fears the earthquake would set them back just as tourism was returning to normal.

I am so glad that we didn’t change our travel plans. We saw some absolutely amazing sites and stunning architecture, encountered super friendly people and ate food that was oh so flavorful! Our tour started in the city of Fes where we toured the Medina. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. Fortunately,

we had a local guide in the Medina as there are over 9,000 streets and alleyways laid out in a labyrinth that we would have surely gotten lost in.

It was so interesting to see street vendors somewhat organized into neighborhoods of similar products, all offering a deal on their wares.

Of course, there was plenty of food to behold, but we ate our meals at restaurants where a seat and some A/C was a much-needed reprieve from

Ingredients - sauce

Ingredients - serving

1 cup stock (chicken, beef or vegetable) 2 1/2 cups of canned tomatoes, blended into a puree 3 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped 4 scallions, finely sliced 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon of each - cumin and coriander 1/2 teaspoon of each - turmeric and salt Ground black pepper

1 tablespoon mint, finely chopped 1 tablespoon dill, finely chopped

Directions

Combine all meatball ingredients together until well combined and sticky. With lightly wet hands, roll into 1-1/2 inch diameter meatballs and set aside.

the crowded streets. The streets are narrow and old, yet with a simple turn into a large wooden doorway, you will have arrived at a magnificent Riad or restaurant that is very comfortable and clean with modern amenities. And the prices are so reasonable!

Food is a big part of the culture in Morocco and we were always served large portions and plenty of accompaniments with our meals. Olives, olive oils, jams, honey and many other small dishes were standardly added to our table at meals. I don’t think a single dinner went by where we didn’t order a Tagine. Tagine is both the name of a cooking vessel and the food cooked in it. I’m a big proponent of slow cooking food and they have absolutely perfected it. If you don’t have a tagine at home you still have time to put it on your Christmas list!

With a conical lid, the food is cooked by steam with minimal water, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

Today’s recipe is based on a dish that was a standout at one of the restaurants we dined at. Cooked the traditional way with traditional ingredients, it’s an absolute delight.

We do hope you enjoy.

If you don’t have a Tagine you can use a large deep frying pan. Add olive oil to the Tagine base over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add all the meatballs and brown on all sides for about 5 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the pan and add the garlic and onion.

Gently fry for about 2 minutes before adding the spices.

Add the stock and tomato puree and mix well. Add the meatballs and any juices on the plate back into the Tagine and cover with the lid. Place in a preheated oven at 325 and cook for 45 to 60 minutes more. Remove from oven and serve with chopped mint and dill on top.

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FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Tea service carrier 5 Club in a Manilow title 9 Shirk work 14 Isaac's eldest son 15 Tel __ 16 Berlin Olympics star Jesse 17 Wall safe access 20 Not yet bug-free, as software 21 Smelling __ 22 Lion in the sky 23 Grand __: wine label words 25 Tijuana aunt 26 Part of 24-Down 29 Base for many soups 32 PC fixer 35 Yale student 36 Country divided in 1945 37 French friend 38 Part of a French toast 41 Opposite of sloppy

Answers to 12-06-23 Crossword Puzzle

42 Pool game call before "Polo!"

44 __ number on: confound 45 Hathaway of "Ocean's 8" 46 Classic country store container 50 Tavern offering 51 Musical pair 52 Paving material 53 __ Baba 56 Doc's order to a pharmacist 58 Use, as a scratching post 60 What the ends of 17-, 29- and 46-Across figuratively comprise 64 "West Side Story" heroine 65 New York canal 66 "In __ of gifts ... " 67 Titleholder

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68 Confers knighthood on 69 Website for crafty people?

Down 1 Director DeMille 2 All together 3 Role for Stallone 4 London underground 5 Yellow songbirds 6 Egg cells 7 Cherry discards 8 Fly a plane 9 "Let's not talk about that" 10 Barn hooters 11 Old Metro automaker 12 End of many co. names 13 Cluck of disapproval 18 Thing to scratch 19 Lena of "The Reader" 24 Home to the NCAA Bruins 26 Oscar winner Sophia 27 Atlantic or Pacific 28 It can have wheels or blades 29 Cash alternative 30 In a way, slangily 31 Having a key, in music 32 City on Florida's Gulf Coast 33 Computer message 34 Homeric temptress 39 Civil wrong 40 Divers' maladies 43 Addressee of many a Brit's "I say" 47 Current Italian currency

48 Heated to bubbling 49 Author Gardner with many plots 53 Anticipate 54 Highway divisions 55 PC fixer

56 Do pool laps, say 57 Country where "Raiders of the Lost Ark" begins 59 Blessed with the necessary skills 60 SHO sister channel

61 "I knew it!"

62 Significant period 63 Sis, to her sis

25

26 THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

DECEMBER 13, 2023

Working in paradise

T

his may seem redundant, but Anna Maria Island is an island and, like every island in the world, it’s surrounded by water. There are two bridges to the Island from Bradenton, one north and one south, and the traffic approaching these two bridges backs up consistently. Oh, by the way, the bridges are drawbridges that open every half hour, and one of them is slated to be torn down sometime in 2025, maybe, and will be replaced with a fixed-span bridge.

Now that I’ve told you something that you already know, what’s my point? My point is what do the individuals who work on the Island but don’t live there experience daily? I think a lot about this from time to time, since I too worked in Anna Maria for many years, and frequently felt like I was back in midtown Manhattan.

The success of Anna Maria Island is the envy of many coastal towns in the country.

Our real estate values are sky-high and construction is on practically every street.

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER The vacation rental market has sapped the life out of any long-term rental properties to turn them into weekly and sometimes daily rentals, leaving very little to choose from for just regular residents who need to rent rather than buy.

Many of these displaced renters are individuals who work in the Island’s restaurants, hotels and rental properties.

One of the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic is not only the surge in real estate prices and the abundance of new visitors to the Island, but also the many service employees who never came back to the workforce when restaurants finally opened and visitors started returning. About a

month ago, I read a fascinating story in the Wall Street Journal’s Mansion section about two high-end vacation locations that are enjoying the same success as Anna Maria Island and facing the same problems.

Those towns are Nantucket Island, Massachusetts and Vail, Colorado.

Although entirely different geographically, they share the same issue of finding local people to work in restaurants, resorts and multi-million-dollar properties. I’ll start with Nantucket, since that’s a place I’m very familiar with. There is only one way to get to Nantucket and that’s by boat. The ferry from Cape Cod takes two hours or a bit less for the fast ferry, which, of course, costs more. If you’re in no hurry, it’s a lovely ocean voyage that can be subjected to frequent weather delays. In 1983, Nantucket established a land bank, buying up available property to promote conservation and recreation. This, of course, impacted the amount of buildable land.

Vail may not be surrounded by water but

it’s still a substantial drive to the charming village to work for the day. Vail’s local government has built some housing restricted to local full-time residents, but it doesn’t totally solve their problem. They may as well be on an island.

Getting back to Anna Maria Island, without a land bank or resident-only rentals, the responsibility is totally on service employees and their employers. There is that new ferry that is starting service from downtown Bradenton to the Island, but it’s not planned to be available daily and will probably be mostly for tourists and day trippers with some future dispensations for Island workers.

Maybe there is still a way to mitigate the shortage of help. Certainly, including the problem in conversations about consolidation of the three cities could be a first step.

The result of doing nothing will be higher prices for residents and visitors to the Island and, although I dislike saying this, declining real estate values.

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ROD & REEL: Bought by German brewer

27

HOTEL: Project approved FROM PAGE 18

FROM PAGE 1

soil in 1984 as an exchange student in North Carolina - so I took this chance.

I plan to come to the pier about every 10-15 weeks,” Lemke wrote.

Longtime Rod & Reel Pier Manager Dave Cochran will continue in his managerial role.

“It’s new ownership but everything’s basically staying the same. It’s the same program. Oli owns restaurants and a brewery in Berlin, so he’s no stranger to the business,” Cochran said.

The Rod & Reel Pier’s upstairs restaurant provides a scenic view of the Anna Maria shoreline and Tampa Bay – a view that often features marine life swimming in the waters below.

The restaurant menu offerings include appetizers and several sandwiches, including the half-pound Pier Burger, the grouper sandwich and grouper Reuben and the Krab Cake sandwich. The main course menu includes a grouper dinner, garlic grouper, Mexican grouper, the Krab Cake dinner, a seafood combo, a shrimp dinner, a sea scallop dinner,

THE SUN

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Rod & Reel Pier bar is a popular local gathering place. fish and chips and more. The offerings also include soups, salads, side dishes and desserts.

The breakfast menu includes steak and eggs, several types of omelets, including a seafood omelet, pancakes, French toast and breakfast sandwiches.

The Rod & Reel Pier’s downstairs bar is a popular gathering place for visitors and locals alike, and a place where locals often drop by to discuss what’s happening on the Island.

Visit the Rod & Reel Pier online at www.rodreelpier.com. Visit the Lemke Berlin website at www.lemke.berlin.

property owner who has been a vocal opponent of the hotel, stood up during the meeting and told commissioners the hotel is a mistake.

Chappie told Bolus he was out of order and two police officers stepped forward. Bolus left the meeting without further incident.

“This is going to court,” Bolus said following the hearing, adding that he plans to file a lawsuit to stop the project.

Prior to the commission vote, Thompson addressed commissioners.

“We’re going to meet all of your parking requirements,” he said. “You have a rare opportunity for a quality project on Bradenton Beach.”

Thompson urged the commission to make a decision.

“We need an answer. We need a decision,” he said.

Kaleta also addressed the commission prior to the vote.

“I’m here to get an answer,” he said. “I have to make a business decision in a timely manner. We’re coming into season and I have to

remove one building. I can’t do that until there is a commission approval or denial.”

Commissioners Cole, Vosburgh and Chappie, along with Commissioner Marilyn Maro voted unanimously to approve the project. Maro, who has been absent with excuse from the commission meetings since January, voted by telephone.

One stipulation of approval is that applicants will split 50/50 any cost associated with any litigation the city may incur related to the approval of the project. Also the city would be held harmless for any damage caused by the lifts in the parking garage.

The commission also adopted two recommended stipulations for the Planning and Zoning Board - the hotel will have blackout curtains and educational information about sea turtles and the prevention of ambient lighting from rooms facing the beach, and the applicants shall provide an easement to the trash receptacles serving the Daiquiri Deck property at 107 Bridge St. and grant an easement for the use of the hotel’s dumpsters.

28 THE SUN

www.amisun.com

DECEMBER 13, 2023

Top real estate producers for November 2023 A PARADISE Quentin Talbert – Listing Doug Walker - Selling AN ISLAND PLACE REALTY Tanya Edwards Listing & Selling DUNCAN REAL ESTATE Michelle Laade – Listing Cindy Jones - Selling

EDGEWATER REAL ESTATE Lynn Zemmer Listing & Selling

FRAN MAXON Sharon Villars-Foraker and Tim Villars Listing & Selling ISLAND REAL ESTATE Gail Tutewiler Listing & Selling MIKE NORMAN REALTY Marianne Norman-Ellis Listing & Selling MICHAEL SAUNDERS Hannah Hillyard – Listing Kathy Harman - Selling REMAX ALLIANCE GROUP Dee Munn and Karen Harllee – Listing George DeSear - Selling SALTY MERMAID REAL ESTATE Brenee Solari Listing & Selling SATO REAL ESTATE Jason Sato – Listing James Wilson - Selling WAGNER REAL ESTATE Ed Taaffe – Listing Lori Guerin - Selling

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DECEMBER 13, 2023

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

HOLMES BEACH 511 Bayview Drive 4 Beds 5 Baths | 3,353 SF Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4562528 | $6,500,000

HOLMES BEACH 303 68th Street 4 Beds | 3 Baths | 1,729 SF Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 | A4578683 | $2,450,000

HOLMES BEACH 101 66th Street 1 3 Beds | 3 Baths | 1,627 SF Ken Kavanaugh, Jr & Kathy Harman 941-799-1943 | A4574636 | $2,200,000

BRADENTON 283 Saint Lucia Drive 101 4 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,206 SF Betsy Hagen & Laura Rulon 941-216-0721 | A4585318 | $1,465,000

BRADENTON 335 Compass Point Drive 201 2 Beds | 3 Baths | 1,994 SF Betsy Hagen & Laura Rulon 941-216-0721 | A4581800 | $939,000

HOLMES BEACH 5300 Gulf Drive 506 2 Beds | 2 Baths | 1,057 SF Ken Kavanaugh, Jr & Kathy Harman 941-799-1943 | A4583033 | $925,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 729 Manatee Avenue 729 2 Beds | 2 Baths | 1,479 SF Randee Long & Jim Sauter 941-773-8688 | A4591138 | $649,900

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 533 Key Royale Drive | 4 Beds 5/1 Baths | 3,125 SF Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 | A4589403 | $3,535,000

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30 THE SUN

CLASSIFIEDS GARAGE SALES

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

GARAGE SALE: Saturday, December 16 from 8AM - 4PM at 415 Clark Drive, Holmes Beach. Consolidation sale - many items are brand new including Honda-powered gas pressure washer, men's watches, PA system w/ microphone, portable bar, yard/beach shelter, and much more. Likenew Bowflex Machine, men's sport coats/suits, lots of great bedding & accent pillows, home decor, artwork, Medeco lock steel cabinet, plastic totes, cut-off saw, tools, some Harley gear including like-new helmets, airplane wine check bag/case, and lots more. Something for everyone

HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS WANTED to assist at our information desk, especially weekends.

Great for teens needing volunteer hours (16yrs+).

Other assignments available. Please call the Blake Volunteer Office at 941-798-6151.

BRIDGE AT ROSER HALL, Friday’s 12:30pm to 3pm.

Call 314-324-5921

CARE GIVER LICENSED CARE GIVER. We will take care of you and/ or your loved ones! Please call 941-725-4851.

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

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

CLEANING SERVICE TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable.

Call 941-756-4570 or 941-565-3931

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

AMISUN.COM

DECEMBER 13, 2023

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Call us today! 941-778-3986

HOME IMPROVEMENTS RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-725-0073.

KERN & GILDER CONSTRUCTION, INC New Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CBC 1261150.

Call the Office. 941-7781115 JSAN CORPORATION Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors.

Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.

API’S DRYWALL REPAIR 15+ years experience.

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

Call 941-524-8067.

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

Pressure washing available. Call 941-302-8759 isletileservices.com

GORILLA DRYWALL REPAIR, LLC. 15+ years of experience. Free Estimates.

Let’s solve your Drywall problems together. Call 941-286-0607.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Michigan General Contractor 30+ yrs. experience. Large or small projects. Budget minded knowledgeable tradesman will complete your project start to finish: On Time/ On Budget. Call Mike 616-204-8822.

BMF INTERIORS Home repairs and more, No job too small. Please call 786318-8585

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

Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941 SHELL DRIVEWAYS & LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell and Lime rock driveways and scapes. Also River Rock, Sand, Mulch, & Soil. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067 ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal.

Sweeping, blowing, and weeding. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing. Call Bill Witaszek 941307-9315

LOST & FOUND FOUND BICYCLE that fell off back of car on Cortez Road Call 941-518-1078 FOUND BOAT CUSHION off Bean Point Call 941778-6783

MOVING & STORAGE MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers!

Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-8095777.

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.

Wallpaper installation/ removal. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455 DONALD PERKINS ABRACADABRA PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941705-7096 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident. Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior.

Minor repairs & carpentry. Free estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315 PAINTING / INTERIOR / EXTERIOR: Sarasota Interior Painting. Call or Text Don @ 941900-9398. We are the Best High-End Painting Business! Just ask our AMI Clients! I'm the Owner & the Painter.

Free Estimates. Fully Insured Licensed Business. You'll love the results! AMI Chamber of Commerce Member.

POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator.

18 + Years Experience.

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

AMISUN.COM

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

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941-5653931.

T & B PRESSURE WASHING Licensed & Insured.

Driveways/sidewalks, Roofs, Pool cages, Fences, House (soft wash/ downstream). Call 813638-7636. tandbpressurewashing@yahoo. com Family owned and operated.

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE Have you been thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! GULF FRONT, CANAL FRONT, BAY FRONT CONDOS or HOMES ASK for BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216 LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589 TIRED OF HURRICANE SEASON & want to sell?

Call Kelly The Kelly Gitt Team Proud Veteran Keller Williams on the Water 941-799-9299

NEWLY-RENOVATED CONDO for sale, 2BR/2B, 1639 SF, 6904 10th Ave. W., Village Green on cul-de-sac. 1-car garage, large Florida room, dine-in kitchen plus dining room, large pantry, built-in china cabinet, walk-in closet, lots of storage, laundry room, lush landscaping, pool, walking/running track, 5 miles to AMI, near medical, shopping, preserves, $379,900.

Lisa Varano, Wagner Realty, 941-730-9060.

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

ANNUAL: GROUND LEVEL 1BR/1BA, 55+ community, $1800 per month. Call 941-778-4800 ANNUAL RENTALS 407 76th B Holmes Beach, FL1BR/1.5BA, unfurnished on canal $3000/mo. 804 S Bay Blvd. Holmes Beach, FL- 3BR/2BA, furnished, Bayfront $5,500/mo. Call Sato Real Estate 941-7787200

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455 SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates. Contact Barb Grace 941-201-2190 ANNA MARIA ISLAND CONDOS Large pool, beach access, free WiFi, 1&2 Bedroom $900 to $1200 per week redekercondosonami.com Tim 941-704-7525

DECEMBER 13, 2023

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY HOME IMPROVEMENT

31

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT

REAL ESTATE

HOME SERVICES

ROOFING

PAINTING

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION

FREE

HOME DELIVERY

Call for Details

778-3986

AMI SEASONAL RENTAL 2024, Lovely fully furnished with water view 2 BR/2BA, 3 minute walk to beach.

Call 941-226-4008 BRADENTON BEACH CONDO 1BR/1BA available Jan-March $4500/ mo + tax One block to beach in small complex within walking distance to shopping. Contact Peggy 941-545-0208

TRANSPORTATION ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete $80. Sarasota $40. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates.

Contact Jeanne. 941-7795095

32 THE SUN

www.amisun.com

DECEMBER 13, 2023