Anna Maria Island Sun December 14, 2016

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VOL 17 No. 9

December 14, 2016

A jingle bell weekend

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Santa Claus rides his sleigh through the streets of Anna Maria Saturday during the AMI Privateers Christmas Parade. More photos of Island holiday events on Pages 13 and 28.

Officials seek to use tourism tax for police Manatee County can’t use tourist tax proceeds for law enforcement because its population is too high under state law.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Manatee County tourism officials took the first step on Monday to change state law to expand tourist development tax usage to pay

INSIDE NEWS 4 OPINION 6 Sun survey 7 outdoors 24-25 football fever 32-33 real estate 38-42 Obits, police reports 43 crossword 44

for additional law enforcement officers.

The Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) voted to recommend that the Manatee County Commission place the request on its list of 2017 legislative priorities.

The tourist tax is collected from owners of accommodations rented for six months or less who charge the tax to their renters, primarily tourists.

The majority of the county’s 5 percent resort tax proceeds are allocated see tax, page 43

Jack Brennan

named Anna Maria’s Citizen of the Year. 9

Anna Maria Island, Florida

Island mayors look to county for help The mayors sought help dealing with tourism impacts on the barrier islands.

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

BRADENTON – A plea by the four island mayors regarding help dealing with tourism impacts on the barrier islands met with a healthy discussion

by Manatee County Commissioners, but very little of substance.

County commissioners made suggestions to the mayors ranging from

increasing their ad valorem and business taxes to seeking funding for specific projects from the county, but the mayors’ hope for a more equitable distribution of the county’s half- Please see cent sales tax appeared related to fade. story on Longboat Key Town Page 5.

Manager Dave Bullock, who made the presentation to the board on behalf of the mayors, first explained that Longboat see mayors, page 37

The privateers’ parade rolls on without Rick Maddox. 3

It’s time for toasting the holidays on The Sun’s Food and Wine page. 35

The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper

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DECEMBER 14, 2016

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DECEMBER 14, 2016

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Parade rolls on minus Maddox The city commission encouraged Rick Maddox and the Privateers to work out their differences before next year’s parade.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – After being excluded from the AMI Privateers’ Christmas parade again this year, former Privateer Rick Maddox is left with two choices in regard to future participation – let bygones be bygones or take the Privateers to court again.

On Thursday, Dec. 8, Maddox unsuccessful appealed to the City Commission in hopes of being allowed to enter the original holiday float the Privateers used for decades before the court awarded it to him following a two-year legal battle that ended in 2014.

Maddox sought a modification to the city-issued special event permit that allowed Saturday’s parade to start in Anna Maria before passing through Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach.

Sporting a handlebar mustache and wearing a maroon blazer, Maddox ad-

dressed what he called “an egregious fault with the permitting process.”

He claimed the Privateers were violating state laws that pertain to discrimination.

Maddox was accompanied by his wife, Annette, and his 12-year-old son, Tres, both of whom also addressed the commission. Annette Maddox said she grew up in Germany, and it made her nervous to see certain groups being excluded from a public event. She asked if this would extend to other members of her family, or to other ethnic, religious or sexually-oriented groups.

Mayor Dan Murphy said the Privateers rejected Maddox’s request because he’s no longer a member of the organization and does not carry the message the organization wishes to portray. He told the commission the permit they approved included a parade application form that stated all entries must be approved by the Privateers, without exception.

City Attorney Becky Vose cited a 1995 Supreme Court ruling that protected a gay, lesbian and bisexual group’s position regarding free speech and inclusion in public events.

“The court found that private citizens

organizing a public demonstration such as a parade may not be compelled to include groups who impart a message the organizers don’t want to be presented,” Vose said.

“The city cannot be put in a position where we’re being leveraged to intervene with a private organization as to who they want or don’t want in their parade. You are left with only two alternatives – you can deny the appeal, or you can cancel the parade, and I ask you to deny the appeal,” Murphy told the commission, while stressing the importance of the community event.

Privateers’ President John Swager said he considered allowing Maddox and his float in the 2015 parade until Maddox sent him a message that contained vulgarities and derogative comments about the Privateers and their new holiday float.

“It isn’t discrimination; it’s their demeanor,” Swager said when expressing his opinion that the Maddox family does not display the Christmas spirt the Privateers wish to promote.

“I’m assuming that the primary reason Mr. Maddox is excluded is the see PARADE, page 17

joe hendricks | SUN

Former Privateer Rick Maddox appeals to the Anna Maria Commission to be allowed in this year’s Christmas parade.

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ISLAND NEWS

in brief

Christmas charity event at Sandbar Once again, the Sandbar Special Events Pavilion will host the Lawton Chiles Christmas for Kids Party for underprivileged kids on Wednesday, Dec. 21, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This year, the party will be for 80 kids from the Hope Foundation and RCMA, a non-profit, child-care facility in Palmetto.

There will lots of fun for the kids plus a lunch, and then Santa will make an appearance and hand out packages including a toy, a set of clothing and a voucher for a dinner for each child’s family. For more information, call Patti McKee at 941-778-8709.

Ward 2 update Visit www.amisun.com or The Sun’s Facebook page for coverage of the Tuesday, Dec. 13, cutting of the cards that was to determine whether nominee Marilyn Maro or nominee Anne Leister would serve as the next Ward 2 commissioner for the city of Bradenton Beach. The commission was deadlocked 2-2 in its two previous attempts to fill the vacant seat by commission consensus.

Sex predator ordinance tabled The Anna Maria City Commission decided not to adopt an ordinance that would have prohibited registered sexual predators and offenders from residing within 2,500-feet of any school, day care, park, pier, beach, beach access point, playground, bus stop, trolley stop or any other place where children regularly congregate. The mayor and commission felt the state law that already provides for a 1,000-foot boundary is sufficient.

Originally suggested by former Commissioner Chuck Webb, the residency restrictions would have also applied to vacation rentals, which would have placed additional guest screening burdens on rental owners and agents.

Cars, cyclists to share Palma Sola Blvd.

Manatee County officials have agreed to establish Palma Sola Boulevard as a sharrow road – a road shared by both drivers and cyclists. In November, members of the Palma Sola Scenic Highway Committee sent a letter to the county asking that it be designated as such. Sharrow markings are painted or placed on the road and deliniate where the bike lane is and where motorists should drive.

On Dec. 3 they received a reply from Ron Schulhofer, director of the county’s public works department that said, “Staff has informed me that after review of conditions and guidelines Pam Sola is a good candidate of the placement of sharrows in the roadway. We will develop a plan for the appropriate locations/limits and schedule for installation.”

He said the installation could take several months.

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Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

DECEMBER 14, 2016

Crab trap signs in place

Signs also were to be installed in Holmes Beach.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Four reminder signs about the penalties for tampering with stone crab traps have been placed at street ends in Anna Maria, and four more were to be placed at fishing spots in Holmes Beach.

Mark Coarsey, president of the Manatee County chapter of the Fishing For Freedom organization, requested the signs from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) after a pair of commercial stone crab traps were pulled ashore in Holmes Beach in November. One of the traps was then illegally removed from the scene.

According to Anna Maria Mayor

Dan Murphy, the signs are now in place at Bean Point and at the ends at Magnolia, Spring and Oak avenues.

The signs say, “Warning. Did you know that it is a felony to tamper with traps that do not belong to you? Tampering with traps (or their contents), lines or buoys without written permission could result in the revocation of your fishing privileges, a fine of up to $5,000 and a third degree felony conviction. To report illegal activity, call 1-888-404-FWCC. You may remain anonymous.”

Recent stone crab seasons have been marked by an increasing number of territorial conflicts that arose between commercial crabbers and recreational shark anglers who both fish the shallow, off-shore waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

joe hendricks | SUN

Signs like this one have been erected in hopes of preventing the harassment of commercial stone crab traps.

Red tide slows start of mullet season

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

CORTEZ – Commercial fishermen are having little luck finding mullet so far this season, and red tide is to blame, they’re saying at the two fish houses in Cortez.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported Friday that red tide was found in medium concentrations at the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria and at Longboat Pass and in low concentrations at the Palma Sola Bay bridge.

Winds have blown the persistent red tide onshore on Anna Maria Island several times over the past few weeks, causing some people respiratory problems, and dead fish have collected in the canals on the bay side of the Island.

“The guys are kinds of freaked out,” said Karen Bell, of A.P. Bell Fish Co., recounting reports of mullet being caught dying or dead.

As the height of mullet season approaches, the time fishermen depend on for their biggest catches of the year, they hope a forecasted cold snap will kill the red tide and spare the fish, she said, adding that some

CINDY LANE | SUN

A small school of mullet bunch up in about a foot of water in Sarasota Bay. say the red tide is being exacerbated by sewage spills in Sarasota and St. Petersburg.

Mullet are plentiful in Jacksonville right now, but not here, said Kim McVey, of Cortez Bait and Seafood.

Fishermen already are hearing accusations that they are killing the fish for their roe and discarding the carcasses in the water, but red tide is the culprit, she said.

Red tide effects such as dead fish are subject to currents and wind

direction, so while there may be a high concentration of red tide in the water, offshore winds may prevent effects from being felt on the beach, according to Mote Marine Laboratory, which is studying red tide.

Likewise, low concentrations of red tide may be in the water, but onshore winds and currents may bring dead fish to shore along with aerosolized toxin resulting in respiratory irritation.

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DECEMBER 14, 2016

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Murphy not relying on county revenue The Anna Maria mayor believes the city will have to address its own infrastructure funding needs.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – After he and the other barrier island mayors met with county officials earlier in the week to discuss county funding for city infrastructure needs, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy told his city commission that a special assessment fee levied on vacation rentals was a more likely funding solution.

“I would say we were right back to where we were in June, when we first met with them and explained the problem,” he said at last week’s commission meeting.

Murphy said the tax revenue sharing methodologies used by the county remain based on population figures and that will continue to leave the Island cities on the short-end when it comes to revenue distribution.

“I don’t think there’s any fruit to be

joe hendricks | SUN

Mayor Dan Murphy, right, discusses special assessment fees and has the attention of commissioners Nancy Yetter and Dale Woodland had there,” he said. “They’re willing to help us on a project-by-project basis, but in terms of the impact of tourism on the city of Anna Maria that’s something we’re going to have to solve ourselves.”

The infrastructure systems impacted by large numbers of tourists include roads, drainage, parks and recreation, beach facilities and more.

Murphy said the average residential household averages 1.9 people and the average vacation rental household av-

erages 6.8 people, which in turn places a greater strain on the city’s infrastructure.

He then mentioned the special assessment fees he previously told the commission he was working on in hopes of receiving future authorization to implement a fee system based on vacation rental occupancy.

Properties that receive occupancy exceptions via Bert Harris claims or exceed the city’s eight-person occupancy limit during the remaining

four years of the initial grandfathering period would pay more than the owner of a vacation rental occupied by fewer guests.

“If you’re allowed to have 18 people in your home, that’s your impact.

You’re going to pay an assessment fee based upon 18 people. If you only have four, it’s going to be lower, or maybe not at all,” Murphy said.

He told the commission he has engaged the Burton & Associates firm that specializes in impact fee studies to do a preliminary study for the city of Anna Maria. He hopes to present those findings to the commission in January.

Murphy said the other Island mayors have expressed interest in this concept and may be willing to share the costs of the preliminary study that could be duplicated in Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach.

“We’re on the bleeding edge of this, but I don’t mind if we’re doing something good because the current system is just not equitable,” Murphy said of the initial costs.

After the meeting, he estimated that Burton & Associates study would cost approximately $30,000.

Join our holiday food drive!

The Air & Energy team is hosting a food drive for The Food Bank of Manatee during the holiday season. If you would like to make a contribution, our technicians would be happy to collect your food items during your service call.

Help us make the holidays a magical time for our entire community!

For every new like the Air & Energy page receives on Facebook, we will donate $1 to the Bradenton Salvation Army AND $1 to Easter Seals of Southwest Florida. Last year we donated $1,000!

search “Air & Energy” on Facebook or visit our page at facebook.com/AirandEnergy

Simply Better.

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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

Like us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun

DECEMBER 14, 2016

EDITORIAL 'Tis the season

A

h yes, this is why we live here. This is why we choose to make our home on a small spit of sand somewhere halfway down the west coast of Florida.

It's warm.

And there's no snow.

Or ice, except in the fridge.

As roughly half the nation struggles just to get through another brutal day of arctic-like weather, we don our shorts and Sanuks and head out for Christmas parades and smalltown holiday festivities.

This past weekend played host to some wonderful events that celebrated the season, all the while showcasing our fortunate location on the map.

Anna Maria's Holiday Open House on Friday night once again was a huge hit, offering brightly decorated shops, some tasty treats for the palate and an inspired performance of Christmas carols down by the city pier.

Following this delightful evening was the Privateers' Christmas Parade on Saturday morning. The annual procession is always a fun event, but this year brought with it a bit of pre-parade drama that could have scuttled the entire affair. Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed, allowing the Skullywag and all its minions clear path down the Island.

That was only the beginning of the holiday activities on AMI, with one celebration following another, stacking up like planes over O'Hare. The Winterfest fine arts show on Saturday and Sunday offered shoppers an array of unique arts and crafts to fill out their gift lists. Saturday night, the Cortez Yacht Club's new lighted golf cart parade was a fun event that promises to grow and improve in year's to come.

On Sunday, the kids at the Community Center presented the delightful "Best Christmas Play Ever" while the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra kicked off its 24th season with its beautiful annual Christmas concert.

Coming up this Saturday will be the Bridge Street Holiday Open House followed on Dec. 21 by the Lawton Chiles Christmas for Kids Party for underprivileged youngsters.

It's like this every holiday season here on the Island and it's just a few reasons we like living here.

And, of course, it's still warm.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Loves Football Fever I want to thank The Sun for the check and all the prizes I won in the weekly Football Fever contest.

I cannot believe all the gifts accompanying the check. It truly is a great prize package.

Jeanne Shirk Bradenton

Commission seat not a given Long time islanders have noticed a very innocuous change at the Holmes Beach Shell/Jessie's store.

The over 50 year old planter was removed to open up the drive way a few weeks ago. It was very sad to see this change and the former long time family owners, the Huffine's, would have been very sad.

The long planter/low wall sepa-

Take The Sun Survey on Page 7.

rated the gas stations traffic and sidewalk for pedestrians.

Manatee County has recently adopted the new urbanism approach for multi uses where businesses and pedestrians can function together.

Who knew the Huffine's were way before their time?

Carol Whitmore Holmes Beach

Get in touch 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 make your opinion known.

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. If you prefer the oldfashioned way 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.

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DECEMBER 14, 2016

THE SUN

the sun survey

on the agenda

PREVIOUS QUESTION: What do you think of the card-cutting method for breaking tie votes in city commission elections?

Anna Maria

21% It's ridiculous.

10005 Gulf Drive.

12/22: City Commission meeting, 6 p.m.

For information, call 7086130.

Bradenton Beach 107 Gulf Drive N.

7

Board, 1 p.m.

For information, call 7781005.

Holmes Beach 5801 Marina Drive.

None scheduled For information, call 7085800.

12/21: Planning and Zoning

mark your calendar Note: Events are free unless indicated.

Wednesday Dec. 14

50%

I love it. It's classic Florida absurdity.

29%

It appears silly but actually is an inexpensive, effective way of breaking a tie vote.

THIS WEEK’S SURVEY Do you think the tourist tax should be used for infrastructure and extra law enforcement on the Island?

• Yes, the residents shouldn’t have to bear the expense.

• No, if they pay for that, the county will expand its power over the Island cities.

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

Thursday Dec. 15

LIKE us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun View The Sun’s online edition at www.issuu.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field Layout Ricardo Fonseca Reporters Pat Copeland Cindy Lane

Tom Vaught Joe Hendricks

Ad assistant Chris Boniberger

Accounting John Reitz

Columnists Louise Bolger

Classified ads Bob Alexander

Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis

Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca

Distribution Bob Alexander Keith Isner Tony McNulty

Ad director Chantelle Lewin

Web/Social media Jocelyn V. Greene Cindy Lane

Movement, muscles and more, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 8 to 9 a.m., $8 per class. Reserve to maryannbrady@aginginparadise. org or 941-383-6493.

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. Bring two cans of fruit of equal size and weight.

Einstein’s Circle discussions, The Center of AMI, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 11 a.m.

Coloring Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 12 p.m.

Gentle chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, noon to 12:45 p.m. $12. Space limited.

Chess Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Contributors Steve Borggren Monica Simpson Rusty Chinnis

Kayaking for first timers, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Reserve to 941-742-5757, ext. 7.

Boomer Boot camp, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 10 to 11 a.m. One class, $15; five classes, $65; 10 classes, $100.

Zumba for beginners, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 10 to 10:45 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.

Successful Women Align-

ing Together, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach, 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Members, $12, guests, $17. RSVP to swatami@gmail.com.

American contract bridge league, open pairs duplicate bridge games, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 1 to 4 p.m., $10 per game with snacks included.

Reserve to maryannbrady@ aginginparadise.org or 941383-6493.

Knitting/crochet group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Jam in the sand, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

Friday Dec. 16

Movement, muscles and more, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 8 to 9 a.m., $8 per class. Reserve to maryannbrady@aginginparadise. org or 941-383-6493.

Computer class, iPhone and iPad Basics Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Family movie about the Griswold’s Christmas, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

Bridge beginners/refresher class, 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. RSVP to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941-383-6493.

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 11 a.m. Bring two cans of fruit of equal size and weight. see CALENDAR, page 8

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mark your calendar From Page 7

Sunset paddle, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Trip fee $10, kayaks available on request. Reserve at http://eco.wrch2017.com/event/RobinsonPreserve-Full-Moon.

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

Saturday Dec. 17

Sun spotting, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 9 to 11 a.m.

American contract bridge league, open pairs duplicate bridge games, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 9 a.m. to noon, $10 per game with snacks included. Reserve to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941-383-6493.

Bridge Street Christmas, Bradenton Beach, 4:40 to 8:30 p.m.

Sunday Dec. 18

Master Gardener tour, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 9 to 11 a.m. Reserve

to 941-722-4524.

Beach Market, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday Dec. 19

Movement, muscles and more, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 8 to 9 a.m., $8 per class. Reserve to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941-3836493.

Gentle Yoga & Meditation with Joan Dickerson, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 10:45 to 11:45 a.m., $12. Bring a mat.

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

Computer class, Android basics, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Tuesday Dec. 20

Boomer Boot camp, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 10 to 11 a.m. One class, $15; five classes, $65; 10 classes, $100.

Duplicate bridge, Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday Dec. 21

Movement, muscles and more, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 8 to 9 a.m., $8 per class. Reserve to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941-3836493.

Mindfulness in nature silence stroll, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 9 to 11 a.m.

Reserve to 941-748-4501, ext. 6039.

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. Bring two cans of fruit of equal size and weight.

Beach Market, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Einstein’s Circle discussions, The Center of AMI, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 11 a.m.

Gentle chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, noon to 12:45 p.m. $12. Space limited.

Thursday Dec. 22

Boomer Boot camp, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 10 to 11 a.m. One class, $15; five classes, $65; 10 classes, $100.

Zumba for beginners, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 10 to 10:45 a.m., $10 per class. Reserve to maryannbrady@ aginginparadise.org or

DECEMBER 14, 2016

941-383-6493.

American contract bridge league, open pairs duplicate bridge games, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 1 to 4 p.m., $10 per game with snacks included. Reserve to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941383-6493.

Jam in the sand, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

Friday Dec. 23

Movement, muscles and more, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 8 to 9 a.m., $8 per class. Reserve to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941-3836493.

Bridge beginners/refresher class, 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.

RSVP to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941-383-6493.

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 11 a.m. Bring two cans of fruit of equal size and weight.

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

DECEMBER 14, 2016

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Brennan is Citizen of the Year Resident Jack Brennan has been named the city of Anna Maria’s 2016 Citizen of the Year, and he will be recognized in a ceremony that will precede the Thursday, Dec. 22, city commission meeting. Brennan chairs the Historical Preservation Committee,

is the vice president of the AMI Community Redevelopment Fund, is a member Brennnan of the Home Sweet Home initiative and is as an active member of the

in brief Chamber gathers for last exchange The final Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Business Card Exchange for the year will be held at Minto Communities Harbour Isle, located at 12300 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, on Wednesday, Dec. 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. The cost to attend is $5 per member or $10 per prospective member. To RSVP or for more information, call 941-778-1541.

Roser Memorial Community Church and now serves as the new chair of the Roser Food Pantry.

The selection committee consisted of Bob Carter, Irene Pearman, Ruth Uecker and Mary Manion.

Christmas play at school The Anna Maria Elementary PTO’s family dinner and fifth-grade play is set for Tuesday, Dec. 20. The dinner, hosted by the Waterfront restaurant, 111 S. Bay Blvd. in Anna Maria, offers herbroasted turkey with dressing and gravy or macaroni and cheese and buttered corn, plus beverage. Dessert is available for a donation. The cost is $8 for adults and $5 for children. Those who reserve a pre-order dinner by 3 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 19, will be eligible for a gift certificate from the Waterfront, The dinner runs from 5 to 6:30 p.m., when the play, "Santa’s Rockin’ Christmas Eve,” starts.

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DECEMBER 14, 2016

With Melody in our Hearts 7:00 PM TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20 in the beautiful, historic Roser Memorial Chapel Everyone is invited to this exciting study based on the familiar carols of Advent and Christmas taught by Dr. Bob O’Keef.

Songs like Angels We Have Heard on High and Silent Night will be even more meaningful as we celebrate Christmas this year!

CANDLELIGHT SERVICES CHRISTMAS EVE

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24

The services end with the singing of Silent Night and the Passing of the Light.

5:30 PM Family Service This service features a Nativity Pageant in which all children are invited to participate, special music by the Joyful Noise Children’s Choir, the singing of carols, and Good News from Dr. Bob O’Keef. All children will receive a gift.

9:00 PM Traditional Service We will hear the beautiful sounds of Relative Harmony—sisters, Melody on the harp and Mary playing the flute. There will be singing of carols, special music by the Chancel Choir and Dr. Bob O’Keef will bring us the message of Good News!

RICK PICKWICK | SUBMITTED

SOUNDS OF THE SEASON AMICCO’s 24th Season is off to a great beginning. Its first concert featured the Christmas portion of Handel’s “Messiah” and included nationally and internationally known guest vocalists such as tenor Daniel Gerdes, right.

A NON DENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY COMMUNITY CHURCH • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria [near Pier]

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 and 10:00 AM • EVERYONE IS WELCOME CHRISTMAS DAY WORSHIP & BRUNCH One service at 9:00 AM in

the Chapel followed by brunch in the Fellowship Hall—please call to RSVP 941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • www.facebook.com/RoserChurch

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DECEMBER 14, 2016

THE SUN

Holiday Gi s

Gifts for HER

Savings throughout the store & online at BeallsFlorida.com

Toys available while supplies last.

Gifts for KIDS

Gifts for HIM

Phone charging wallets. Phone not included.

GIFT CARDS Happy

EXTRA

s

Holiday

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20

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DECEMBER 14, 2016

Cat house ‘red tagged’

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

BRADENTON BEACH – A gray cat is in the process of adopting the crew at the Public Works Department, so they got together on their spare time to build him a house, which Code Enforcement Officer Gail Garneau immediately red tagged, as a joke.

“We have a moratorium on new housing,” she said.

Since the cat is friendly and they say acts more like a dog sometimes, the workers got into the holiday spirit and made the house out of scrap plywood. It got a scrap carpet on its floor and the cat, that is yet unnamed, seems inclined to use it.

Garneau said public works employees feed the cat on weekdays, and the police feed him on weekends. The poor fellow doesn’t seem bothered by the red tag, he’s

Pat copeland| SUN TOM VAUGHT | SUN

This home made of scrap lumber got a joke red tag because of the city of Bradenton Beach’s moratorium on new construction, going to use the house until it is no longer there. She said he’s become part of the family at public works and will

jump on her desk while she’s working on the computer and take a nap.

Christmas play Youth from The Center of Anna Maria Island presented the “Best Christmas Play Ever” on Sunday to full house of parents and friends. In the story, the church’s usually uneventful annual Christmas play was thrown into chaos when the director broke her leg and the town’s “bad kids” got the prime parts of Joseph, Mary and the angel of the Lord. However, all ended well with moving performances that made it the church’s best play ever.

DECEMBER 14, 2016

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THE SUN

13

Holiday spirit shines in Anna Maria The Anna Maria Holiday of Treasures had a prelude this year, an hour of Christmas Carols at City Pier Park.

The air was cool as residents and visitors walked Pine Avenue to shop, enjoy refreshments and co-mingle in an old fashioned celebration where neighbors greeted neighbors and shared the holiday spirit.

Pat copeland | SUN

Pat copeland | SUN

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Clockwise from above, Santa conducts a group from the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra that played at Anna Maria's City Pier Park Holiday. Grilled hamburgers and hot dogs at Beach Bum's attracted a line of people at the Anna Maria Holiday Open House. From left: Anna Maria Dan Murphy poses with Chad Crawford, host of the “How To Do Florida� television series at the City Pier Park Holiday. He was in town to film an episode. Kids eagerly await Santa's arrival at the City Pier Park Holiday.

mike field | SUN

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DECEMBER 14, 2016

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17

PARADE: Rolls on without Maddox FROM PAGE 3

lawsuit?” Commissioner Nancy Yetter said.

“No. When we show up at events they seek us out and make vulgar suggestions towards us. We’re just trying to avoid confrontation,” Swager said.

“The true spirt of Christmas is to forgive and try to work out problems.

I wish you both could do that,” Yetter said Commissioner Brian Seymour asked if anyone else had ever been excluded from the parade. Swager said some people, including Privateers, had been dismissed for bringing alcohol to the parade.

“It’s disheartening that this is supposed to be about the kids and the holiday spirit,” Seymour said in regard to the two sides not making any recent efforts to resolve their differences.

“I really wish you guys can get this stuff behind you. We can’t make that happen, but that’s what I would love to see,” Commissioner Dale Woodland said, before making the motion to deny

The true spirt of Christmas is to forgive and try to work out problems.”

Nancy Yetter City commissioner

Maddox’s appeal, which the commission unanimously supported.

In response, Maddox said, “If you’re only given two choices, you made the correct one because it’s the community’s parade, and no one wanted it cancelled.”

He then said in a much quieter voice, “Maybe we’ll go to court to grind that axe.”

18

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DECEMBER 14, 2016

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Guild donates to schools The Artists' Guild of Anna Maria Island recently presented a donation of $300 to each of two Manatee County elementary schools for their art departments.This year’s donation recipients were, top photo, art teacher Kenny Thompson, pictured with Blackburn Elementary School Principal Latrina Singleton, left, and Artist’s Guild Education Chairperson Edana Davis; and art teacher Gia Dalton, above, with Principal Marla MassiBlackmore of Tillman Elementary and class members.

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The Artist's Guild of Anna Maria Island has named Southeast High School senior Logan Humes, 18, as its December student of the month, pictured with art teacher Barbara Tapley-Kenney, left, and Guild education chairperson Edana Davis, right.

Humes, an advanced placement art student, is a National Art Honor Society board member, Service Club member and Visual Performing Arts Academy member. She plans to attend The Art Institute or State College of Florida. The title of her acrylic painting is “Summertime,� which will be on display at the gallery, 5414 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach, all month.

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DECEMBER 14, 2016

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DECEMBER 14, 2016

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Plant removal suggested The final decision will be made by the city commission.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The Scenic W.A.V.E.S. committee is suggesting that the Indian hawthorns and other foliage that lines both sides of Gulf Drive from Second Street North to Third Street South be removed.

The plants sit between the pavement and the sidewalks, with wooden poles and rope bollards separating the sidewalk and the road for the safety of pedestrians.

The suggestion to remove the plants was driven by a desire to replace them with something that looks nicer and requires less upkeep and maintenance by the city’s Public Works Department.

“It’s our Scenic Highway, and it’s not

joe hendricks | SUN

It has been recommended that these Indian Hawthorn plants be removed. consistent throughout the whole area,” committee chair Tjet Martin said at the committee’s Nov. 30 meeting at city hall. “It’s long overdue to do something

new, something fresh. We definitely want to get that Indian hawthorn out.”

The committee discussed a number of potential other ground cover options

including permeable pavers, rocks, stones, sod and grass.

Keep Manatee Beautiful Executive Director Ingrid McClellan said she liked the idea of permeable pavers and she noted they come in various shapes and colors.

Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Landscape Director Darryl Richard said pavers could be costly, and Public Works Director Tom Woodard said the state agency would require professionally prepared plans for such a project.

When providing public input, Mayor Bill Shearon said he and Lt. John Cosby had concerns about the roundabout at Gulf Drive and Bridge Street.

He said it would be best if the ground cover there was not pedestrian-friendly. He said this would help discourage see plants, page 40

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THE SUN

DECEMBER 14, 2016

Cortez carts celebrate holidays In lieu of a lighted boat parade this year, a group of Cortezians got out their lighted golf carts and drove around the village, ending up at the Swordfish Grill and Tiki. The trek began at Annie's Bait and Tackle and traveled though neighborhoods, collecting toys for the US Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots drive.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Clockwise from above: Bob Slicker, from Swordfish Grill and Tiki with event organizer Laura Ritter. This cart resembled a minicar. The sun was setting as the parade left Annie's Bait and Tackle. The participating carts are lined up, ready to go. This cart had a lot of toys for less fortunate childen.

AUCE Fish Fry 1st Sunday Each Month

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Stay informed of our Events

DECEMBER 14, 2016

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23

Mermaid makers sought The Bridge Street Merchants are seeking artists of all ages and skill levels to participate in the ongoing Mermaid public art project that kicked off during the 2016 artsHOP last month. For a $30 fee, the plywood, mermaid-shaped cutouts that serve as the blank canvases for the Mermaid creations are available at the Mermaid Haven at Bridge Street Interiors, 114 Bridge St. in Bradenton Beach.

Artists can then keep the mermaid-themed masterpieces they create using the materials of their choice, or they can return their creations to the Mira Mar room at the BridgeWalk resort, 100 Bridge St., on Mermaid drop day, which is Jan 10. Those who return their pieces will be refunded the $30 fee.

The returned pieces will then be part of the month-long public art show taking place throughout Bridge Street. They will also be featured in the online auction. Par-

Tom Vaught | Sun

Bridge Street Interior’s Deb and Matt Myers display the Mermaid forms now available for those who wish to participate in the public art project. ticipating artists will be invited to attend the opening reception and will receive 50 percent of the final sale price of their artwork.

For more information, contact Amanda Escobio at 941-896-2222 or amanda@searenityspa.com.

24

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Good action with blues and trout Captain Rick Grassett

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action catching and releasing trout and bluefish on flies and DOA Lures on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay during the past week. Fish will usually feed heavily as the barometer falls ahead of a front, which is what happened when a couple of fronts moved through during the week, and action turned on as the fronts approached.

Bill Poxon, from Sarasota, and his brother Walter Poxon, from Minnesota, fished their annual trip with me on Monday. We were scheduled to fish on Tuesday, but with a front due to move through on Tuesday morning, we backed it up a day. It proved to be a good decision, as they had one of their best trips ever with blues and trout on CAL jigs with shad tails and DOA Deadly Combos.

With another front approaching

on Thursday night, Martin Marlowe, from New York, fished Sarasota Bay with me that morning. He also had good action with blues and trout on CAL jigs with shad tails, DOA Deadly Combos and a fly popper/dropper rig. A smaller, lightly weighted fly is tied on 24- to 30-inches behind a Banger style popper. Saturday's coastal Gulf trip was canceled due to conditions.

Trout, blues and more on deep grass flats and snook, reds and larger trout in skinny water should be good options. Catch and release night snook fishing around lighted docks and bridges in the ICW with flies and DOA Lures should also be a good option. There may be some action in the coastal Gulf with false albacore (little tunny) as the water continues to cool down and baitfish school up along the beaches. Tripletail should also be a good option depending on conditions.

CAPTAIN LARRY MCGUIRE | SUbmitted

Cobia for Christmas!

From left, Howard Genesr, from New Jersey, left with a nice cobia he caught. He was assisted by Capt Larry McGuire holding up the monster. They were catching grouper and snapper in about 95 feet offshore of Anna Maria Island, when they saw a big cobia swim by the boat. Genesr dropped a large grunt under the boat, and he connected with the catch of his life.

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DECEMBER 14, 2016

THE SUN

25

joe hendricks | SUN

The city’s wave-damaged floating day dock will eventually be replaced by a larger, more storm-resistant floating dock system.

Dock recommendation forthcoming A shared funding request was submitted to county commissioners on Tuesday.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The Bradenton Beach Pier Team will be submitting a recommendation to the City Commission that Technomarine, from North Palm Beach, be selected to install a new floating dock at the Historic Bridge Street Pier.

Police Chief and Pier Team Facilitator Sam Speciale announced this at the advisory board’s Dec. 7 meeting.

Speciale, Building Official Steve Gilbert and Public Works Director Tom Woodward collectively reviewed and individually ranked the each of the three bid proposals received in November. When the evaluation scores were combined and averaged together Technomarine was ranked highest,

followed by Golden Marine Systems and MarineTek. Technomarine submitted the lowest bid, $119,980, and was also the only firm to accurately bid on the city’s desired expanded dock length of approximately 216 feet rather than the current 147-foot length the two other firms based their bids on.

During the recent Pier Team meeting, it was noted that Technomarine is no longer affiliated with a specific manufacturer. If awarded the contract, it is possible Technomarine may end up purchasing floating dock components manufactured by Golden Marine Systems, which is based in North Fort Myers.

On Tuesday morning, the Manatee County Commission was asked to approve a consent agenda funding request that would provide up to $125,000 in matching county funds generated by the 5 percent resort tax.

KAREN CLARKE | SUBMITTED

Moose Pilgrims Joined by visiting Moose Pilgrims from around the country on Saturday afternoon, Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge Administrator Ernie Casali (fourth from right) donned the gold-colored jacket that now distinguishes him as a recipient of the prestigious Pilgrim Degree of Merit that is the highest and most coveted degree of order bestowed upon a Moose member. The Pilgrim Degree is conferred upon only 150 to 200 Moose members nationwide per year. Of the Moose’s estimated 550,000 members, approximately 2,700 currently hold this honor.

Boardwalk progresses Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson reported to members of the city’s beautification board that the boardwalk at Grassy Point is progressing. He said work has been inhibited by tidal flow and winds, but should be complete by mid February.

Submitted

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THE SUN

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DECEMBER 14, 2016

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DECEMBER 14, 2016

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27

Mote studies iron’s effect on red tide

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

A Mote Marine Laboratory scientist is studying how iron from the Sahara Desert in Africa may contribute to red tide in the Gulf of Mexico.

Dr. Jordon Beckler, the manager of the Ocean Technology Research Program, received a two-year, $76,000 grant from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to continue his research on ocean chemistry, exploring the potential for iron to increase the growth of harmful algal blooms (HABs).

A HAB is the uncontrolled growth of naturally occurring algae in the water, including the toxin-producing algae, Karenia brevis, that causes Florida red tide, which can result in human

health effects and fish kills.

When iron falls into the Gulf of Mexico from dust storms originating in the Sahara that have blown across the Atlantic Ocean, Trichodesmium blooms are triggered, according to Beckler. Trichodesmium, a nonharmful algae, uses the iron to fuel a chemical reaction allowing it to convert nitrogen gas into a form of nitrogen known as ammonium that it uses as a nutrient and which red tide also uses to grow.

The study also will examine iron from other sources in submerged sediment, which also contributes to algal blooms.

Ultimately, Mote hopes the research will lead to developing autonomous equipment to measure iron in the water and sediment.

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Former butterfly garden to become vet’s park The mayor said it would be a place for reflection and peaceful contemplation.

Basketball court

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – The city’s former butterfly park adjacent to city hall is slated to become Veteran’s Memorial Park.

Members of the parks and beautification advisory board discussed plans for the park at their meeting Dec. 7. Chair Jerry West said it would be designed for two purposes – to honor veterans of the armed services and to provide a quiet place for employees to sit and relax or eat lunch.

However, Mayor Bob Johnson said there is a picnic area on the north side of city hall for employees, which is convenient to the kitchen.

“My personal view is I would like that park to be a place of respectful visiting as opposed to just recreational,” Johnson said.

“I’m not sure the use of it as a gathering place for outdoor eating is necessary.

“I like the idea of it as a place for reflection, peaceful contemplation and places where people can sit and have a quiet conversation.”

West asked board member Dennis Groh to develop a design for the park. Groh said he walked

Pat Copeland | Sun

The city will install these signs in the city parks to identify them. around the park and recommended that the Washingtonian palm be removed. West said two gumbo limbo trees there were severely root bound.

Groh said he could develop a long-range vision to screen it from the nearby library, and said, “You want to make sure you set the right mood.”

After some discussion, members agreed to ask Keep Manatee Beautiful to provide a Simpson stopper to plant in the park for Florida Arbor Day in January.

Members also discussed beautifying the city’s basketball court.

“That’s a pretty hostile environment for plants,” Groh said. “It’s likely there’s some of the airport underneath there and there’s not a wide palette of plants that can survive in that environment. I looked at the area and saw that the silver buttonwood is doing well by the restroom.”

He said they could build raised beds and fill them with soil and plant buttonwoods. He suggested five trees of 5- to 7-gallon size. He also said the black mangroves are filling in the swale to the west of the basketball courts and would provide a screen there.

In other business: • West asked members to look around the city to identify new adopt a spots and bring a list to the next meeting in January.

• West reported that the trees between the entrance sign to the city and West Bay Cove are suffering from severe drought. Public Works Supervisor Dave Benton said he would have them watered.

• Benton reported that the city’s park signs were delivered, and West said he would work with Benton to decide where to place them.

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THE SUN

DECEMBER 14, 2016

A most wonderful (Island) time of year This past weekend was a busy one with the Privateers' Christmas Parade, Anna Maria's inaugural carols in City Pier Park and the Holiday Open House along Pine Avenue and Gulf Drive. It's the holiday spirit - Island style!

MAGGIE FIELD | SUN

Clockwise from above: A shark float may not be popular at the Macy's parade, but on Anna Maria Island, it was an eye catcher. This little blue car from the Anna Silver Community Center resembled a shrunken Jeep. Roser Memorial Community Church brought out its parade float complete with birthday greetingsx. Zoe Lopez, didn’t want to sit with Santa. Odds are she will next year.

Howie Banfield and the Anna Maria String Band performed at the 29th Annual Winterfest Fine Arts & Fine Crafts Festival. A glass sculpture by Peter and Stephanie Schoenly glistens in the sun at Winterfest. Vinny Esposito, of Vinny and Cheryl’s Italian Kitchen, served an Italian pork sandwich at the Anna Maria Holiday Open House Friday night that was approximately 20 feet long. And finally Finnian, the mini-golden doodle, enjoys watching the parade with his stoic pal, Frosty the Snowman.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

MAGGIE FIELD | SUN

MAGGIE FIELD | SUN

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

mike FIELD | SUN

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

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DECEMBER 14, 2016

THE SUN

29

Casanas Crossing Park to be revitalized Declining trees will be replaced and a hazardous palm will be removed.

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@ amisun.com

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HOLMES BEACH – Casanas Park, one of the city’s pocket parks between Fifth and Sixth avenues at 37th and 38th streets developed about 10 years ago by beautification board member Dennis Groh, is about to be revitalized.

“I told the city I would like to take this undeveloped area and partner with the city and put in a park,” he explained to beautification board members at their Dec. 7 meeting.

“The deal was the city would put in the hardscape, and I would put in the landscape. Other people extended the park because they liked what they saw.”

He said a Simpson stopper there is in a place that is too wet, and it is declining. He said he plans to replace it with a Southern wax myrtle. Also, one palm there is hazardous and will be removed and replaced with a silver buttonwood.

In addition, he said the city planted a memorial tree in the area, and he had recom-

Pat Copeland | Sun

Casanas Park is between Fifth and Sixth avenues at 37th and 38th streets. mended a dahoon holly, but it is now struggling.

He said he is unsure of the policy regarding memorial trees.

Public Works Supervisor Dave Benton said he spoke to a member of the family that planted the tree, and she gave permission to remove it, replace it in a different place and relocate the memorial sign. Groh said a pond or bald cypress would be good in that spot.

Public art

Chair Jerry West introduced drawings of a sculpture submitted by former board member

Midge Pippel. Pippel said at the board’s last meeting in May, members discussed the possibility of a piece of public art in one of the medians at East Bay Drive and Manatee Avenue.

She said this summer when she was in Michigan, she drove past a sculpture garden/art

studio and stopped to talk to the artist, Robert Barnum, a college professor. She mentioned the idea of the median art, and he submitted a drawing.

She said she was submitting the information to the board, and West said they could discuss it at the next meeting in January.

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THE SUN

SPORTS

DECEMBER 14, 2016

Youth soccer awards fill The Center

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

With the winter holidays on their way and cool air approaching, the youth fall soccer season heard its last cheers Wednesday night at The Center with the much anticipated award night.

Will Schenerlein, recreation director, started the night off by thanking all of the business sponsors that support The Center and help to make the youth sports program possible. The sponsorships financially pave the way for every Island-area child to play sports at the community center.

While he still had the undivided attention of the audience, Schenerlein also took the time to thank all of the volunteer coaches who took their time each week to bring their knowledge to the pitch. The coaches, those individuals who made sure the kids made it to practices and games, and all of the loved ones that cheered in the stands, made this soccer season another successful ones.

Success comes with rewards and in this case, certificates commemorating a memorable season and trophies for the key players who made a significant difference to their team.

After enjoying a hot dog and hamburger meal donated by Slim’s Place and served by co-owner PJ Smargisso, the accolades began. In each of the age groups, five individual awards were announced, making the night for 15 youth soccer players.

In the youngest age group, five six-to seven-year-old players were announced as coaches’ choice. Scoring and dribbling the soccer ball past defenders all season Ewan Cloutier was named Offensive MVP. Reshma Barnes was voted Female MVP after a fantastic season playing both ends of the field, supporting her team in all positions. Dynamo Charlie Rogers took home the Defensive MVP award, using his strong leg all season.

Asa Brisson protected his team’s net with skill and fearlessness earning him the Goalie of the Season honors. His athletic talent on the pitch was only enhanced by his spirit, manners, love of the game and encouragement of his teammates and opponents, which was what earned Bam Gartman the Sportsmanship of the Season award.

Winning the Sportsmanship award for the eight-to 10-year-old age group was Lily Kawahata. Dalton Fox and Evan Talucci shared the Goalie of the Season praises.

The powerhouse girl on the field for the age group was Mikaela Culhane, with Riley Lawson being named for the male counterpart award. Finally for the elementary school league, Frankie Coleman protected his end of the field with fierceness and was named

monica simpson | SUN

Above, Bam Gartman, Rehsma Barnes and Ewan Cloutier were the Sportsmanship recipient and MVPs. Not pictured: Asa Brisson, Goalie of the Season and Charlie Rogers, Defensive MVP. Above right, Female MVP Sadie Johnson was recognized with Goalie of the Season Thomas Heckler and Tres Maddox for the 11-to 14-year-old league. Not pictured: Nicholas Cavalluzzi, Offensive MVP, and Jack Barnes, Defensive MVP. Right, Goalies of the Season Evan Talucci and Dalton Fox share The Center stage with Riley Lawson, Offensive MVP; Lily Kawahata, Sportsmanship; and Mikaela Culhane, Female MVP; for the 8-to 10-year-old age youth soccer league. Not pictured: Frankie Coleman, Defensive MVP. the Defensive MVP of the season.

The teens were the last to earn their stripes during awards night. In her first season at The Center, Sadie Johnson made her mark earning her the Female MVP title. Friends and teammates Nicholas Cavalluzzi and Jack Barnes were named Offensive and Defensive MVPs, respectively.

Always showing a great attitude on the field, Tres Maddox earned the Sportsmanship trophy for the 11-to 14-year-old league.

Finally, to no surprise to anyone who has followed his soccer career at The Center, Thomas Heckler won his second Goalie of the Season award.

The youth soccer awards night finished with the announcement of the youth flag football season, which will start play after the new year.

Sun Scoreboard Tuesday, Dec. 6 Adult Basketball

Thursday, Dec. 8 Adult Co-Ed Soccer

Beach To Bay Harry’s Grill

77 67

Mike Walter & Associates Intechgrate Systems

54 40

Blake Medical

BYE

Slim’s Place Acqua Aveda

Ross Built Construction Eason Builders Group

5 3 W FORFEIT

Wash Family Construction Jiffy Lube

7 3

Anna Maria CrossFit Mason Martin

3 2

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DECEMBER 14, 2016

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Change at Florida Maritime Museum Manatee County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller Angelina “Angel” Colonneso has promoted Kristin Sweeting to supervisor of the Florida Maritime Museum, following the resignation of Amara Nash, current museum supervisor, in anticipation of a move to Santa Fe, N.M., for family reasons.

“We will greatly miss Amara,” Colonneso said. “She has made improvements to the museum in many ways including a nationally recognized exhibit program and starting the process for museum accreditation.

“It was under her leadership that the Friends of the Florida Maritime Museum was accepted into the 2016 submitted Margin and Mission program that xx created a business plan for the Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum,” Colonneso added. “However, plan, and we are confident that Kristin, Kristin has been a part of the planning along with the Friends of the Florida for the Margin and Mission business Maritime Museum and other Clerk’s

staff, is more than capable of implementing that plan.”

“Amara has done an extraordinary job working with the board and leading the museum,” Friends of the Florida Maritime Museum Board Chairman Mike Finney said. “ Her initiative has led to the creation of the Folk School, and she will be missed. I and the entire board wish her the best.”

Sweeting is a graduate of the University of Central Florida with a degree in Anthropology. She has extensive experience in retail management. She has been a part of the staff at the Florida Maritime Museum since January of 2016 and served as the visitor services coordinator, managing museum reception and visitor services, facilitating communication and social media, assisting with grant writing and event planning and set up.

“Cortez is an important asset not

only to our local communities, but to the entire state of Florida,” said Sweeting. “The village represents a way of life that many people have not experienced or merely remember from their childhood. The history of commercial fishing here is important, but we’re also sharing the deep family roots and strong community that provide a sense of comfort in our modern fast-paced society.”

The Florida Maritime Museum is sponsored by Manatee County Clerk of Circuit Courts, and is situated on almost four acres of land in the historic fishing village of Cortez. For more information about the Florida Maritime Museum, check out the website, wwwfloridamaritimemuseum.org or visit the museum at 4415 119th St. W., Cortez.

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call, 941-708-6120.

Tree house attorney files another appeal intended to exclude from the definition of the term development “any use of land, including the construction of typical improvements accessory to the main residence on the property.”

He said it is commonly known that patios, decks, and the like “are improvements that are customarily incidental to the enjoyment of the principal residential structure on private property” and that the tree house is accessory to the residence.

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – Tree house attorney David Levin has filed a second appeal of a judge’s final order that the proposed ordinance regarding an initiative petition was prohibited under Florida law and could not be submitted to voters.

The initiative petition filed by tree house owners Richard Hazen and Lynn Tran in 2013 sought to allow voters to decide if the tree house in front of Angelino’s Sea Lodge at 103 29th St. is legal.

The city alleged that the petition would be invalid under state law because the process is prohibited with regard to development orders. Levin maintained that the tree house is an accessory structure, which is excluded from the definition of development.

The city attorney requested a declaratory judgment, which was heard by a judge on July 15. He agreed with the city and ruled that the city is permanently prohibited from submitting the proposed ordinance to voters.

Levin filed an appeal of the judge’s order in the circuit court on Sept. 6. However, on Oct. 19, the appeal was dis-

Other action

file photo

Tree house attorney David Levin filed a new appeal in the district court of appeals on Nov. 30. missed, and the judge stated that Levin failed to file an initial brief or a petition for writ of certiorari within the time required and failed to file an extension of time to do so.

New appeal

On Nov. 30 Levin filed a new appeal in the district court of appeals. Levin said that “the court signed the appellee’s

(city’s) proposed final order without a single modification or edit” and cited an incorrect date, a typographical error, double spacing and inconsistent spacing.

He said the court violated his client’s due process rights by “rubber stamping” the order “without any evidence in the record to demonstrate that the court exercised thoughtful

and independent analysis of the facts and the law, and the final order “should be reversed and the case remanded to the circuit court to be reassigned to a different judge to consider the merits of this case.”

He further said there is no legal basis for the circuit court’s final order that the tree house is a development order. He said the legislature

In September, the appeal

by Levin regarding a code enforcement board fine was dismissed. A special magistrate ruled in a May hearing that Hazen and Tran did not bring the property into compliance with a 2013 code enforcement board order to remove the violations or demolish the structure and ordered a fine of $50 per day starting from July 22, 2015.

Also in September, Tran applied to the city’s building department for an after the fact permit for the tree house. The application calls the structure “an accessory structure, two level deck in a tree.”

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DECEMBER 14, 2016

DECEMBER 14, 2016

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THE SUN

TOWN CRIER A call for cribbage players D Coy Ducks, 5410 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach, is hosting cribbage games on Sundays at 11 a.m. It’s free and no reservations are required.

Irish dancing taught here Irish ceili and set sancing has begun on Tuesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Sandpiper Mobile Resort, 2601Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach. All are welcome no matter what level of skill.

There is no charge for dancing, but there will be a collection to pay the musicians. Dancing continues through March.

For more information, contact Willie at 734-276-2242, or Judy at 941-7791416.

Book Club meets The Friends of the Island Library Book Club meets on Thursday, Dec. 15, at 10:15 a.m. at 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. The group will discuss “The Storied Life of A.J. Fikrey,” by Gabrielle Zevin. For more information, call 941-778-6341.

Handcrafts fun The Knit and Crochet Club meets at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Thursday, Dec. 15, at 2 p.m. For more information, call 941-778-6341.

Get your tech on The Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, hosts a computer class on iPhone and iPad basics on Friday, Dec. 16, at 10 a.m. Bring your phone or pad. For more information, call 941-778-6341.

Zany holiday movie at the library Enjoy the laughs as the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marine Drive, Holmes Beach, shows a family movie about the Griswold’s Christmas on Friday, Dec. 16, at 1 p.m. There is no charge to attend. For information, call 941-7786341.

Join the sunset starlight paddle See nature at night at a paddle through Robinson Preserve at 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, on Friday, Dec. 16, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. During an easy paddle of three miles, enjoy the photographic view of the sun setting over Anna Maria Island. Dip netting before sunset in the sea grass beds of the Manatee River has always been a

highlight of the trip. December is the best time of year for star gazing.

Learn about the award winning restoration of uplands, salt marshes, salt flats, mangroves and a tidal estuary.

Sponsored by Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department and WayneAdventures. The trip fee is $10. Kayaks are available on request.

Reserve online at http://eco.wrch2017. com/event/Robinson-Preserve-FullMoon.

Catch a glimpse of old Sol Get a look at the sun through a Hydrogen Alpha solar telescope on Saturday, Dec 17, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., See the sun in perfectly safe H Alpha light and observe solar granulation, filaments, sunspots and even solar flares. Stop by the lawn of the Valentine House and take a look through the solar scope. This is guaranteed to be a unique viewing experience.

No reservations needed. For more information, call 941-748-4501, ext. 6039.

Master Gardeners tour Robinson The IFAS Extension Program presents a Master Gardener Tour of Riverview Pointe Preserve at 8250 De Soto Memorial Hwy in Bradenton on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 9 to 11 a.m.

Learn about Florida’s native plants along coastal areas. The tour starts in the parking lot of the preserve.

To reserve a spot, call the Master Gardener Office for reservations at 941-722-4524.

Tips for tablet users.

There will be a free class on the Android tablet at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Tuesday, Dec. 20, at 2 p.m.

For information, call 941-778-6341.

The sound of the season The Gulf Coast Flute Choir will be performing its annual Christmas Concert on Tuesday, Dec. 20, at 7 p.m. at the Palma Sola Presbyterian Church, 6510 Third Ave. W, Bradenton.

The piccolo, concert, alto, and bass flutes will set the mood for the holiday season.

Director Taylor Irelan’s solo recordings have been broadcast on NPR and BBC Radio and he has performed with the London Symphony Orchestra, Pueblo Symphony Orchestra, London Graduate Orchestra, and currently performs with the South Shore Symphony.

The concert is free, but donations are greatly appreciated. A reception in the Fellowship Hall follows the concert.

Visit the website at www.gulfcoastflutechoir.com.

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.

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.

Drums on the beach 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.

Card games at church The Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, in Holmes Beach, hosts duplicate bridge starting at noon on Tuesdays. Everybody is welcome

Funding from garden club The Manatee River Garden Club is once again offering a $500 scholarship to a graduating senior from Manatee County to pursue a degree in horticulture or environmental studies.

The application deadline is May 1. In addition, grants are available from the Garden Club’s Elizabeth Eaton Fund to help beautify a public space in Manatee County.

Applications for both of these funds can be found at manateerivergardenclub.com under the Learning and Links tab. Look also at the Scholarship Source Directory of the Manatee Community Foundation at http://mefinfo. org/scholarships.

If additional information is needed, call Sandie Smith at 941-776-7528, or e-mail at sosandie123@gmail.com.

Applications should be sent to Manatee River Garden Club, P.O. Box 14662, Bradenton, FL 34280-4662, Attn.

Sandie Smith.

Museum gets HAMMS set The Florida Maritime Museum at 4415 119th St. W. in Cortez has the complete set of Historic American Merchant Marine Survey (HAMMS) books.

This collection is the result of a 1936 Works Progress Administration (WPA) initiative to help preserve America’s commercial maritime heritage. The seven-volume set contains more than 400 sheets of line drawings of 166 different ships hulls, rigging and details.

The Walter Haskins Fund, in memory

DECEMBER 14, 2016

of Stacey K. Haskins of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, provided the funding for this purchase.

Boat builders, academics and the public are welcome to utilize this valuable resource for free with staff assistance during the museum’s normal business hours, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

For additional information or to set up an appointment, contact the museum at 941-708-6120, or fmminfo@ manateeclerk.com.

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, visit ombudsman.myflorida. com, search for it on Facebook or call 1-888-831-0404.

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.

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 7782099 or visit the Anna Maria Island Art League on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

More Roser-Robics scheduled Roser-Robics meets twice a week at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and 11 a.m. on Fridays at Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Melissa Merkle, who Founded Boomers N Motion Health Coaching leads the sessions.

This is a chair-based exercise class appropriate for older adults and those looking to lessen the impact on their joints. All ages and skill levels are welcome as variations are shown.

Bring two cans of fruit of equal size and weight to donate to the All Island Denominations Food Pantry at the end of the session. For more information, call 330-990-0990.

DECEMBER 14, 2016

FOOD & WINE

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It's time for toasting

Bill Hard

Pomegranate & Orange Shrimp Salad

THE WATERFRONT

T

here has always been a good reason for most of us to take a drink because it's hot or we're thirsty or maybe to wash down a bite to eat. There are occasions though that call for something special to drink – birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and, yes, New Years Eve. The beverage of choice for those special moments is more often than not going to be champagne or a close relative, sparkling wine.

The best sparkling wines are made in cool climates. It is said the best are made in Champagne, the most northerly wine growing region in France. The grapes grown there, pinot noir, chardonnay and petite meunier, have a difficult time fully ripening there, making them quite tart until they go through the champagne making process.

The skilled winemakers juggle the different fruit flavors, usually from different years, with yeasts and sugar in order to develop the subtle, unique flavors they develop while aging in the cellars. Each champagne house has its own style. Most of them produce vintage champagne in special years, varying in flavor with the vintage and making them more expensive to make.

Nonvintage champagnes can

submitted

Enjoy pomegranate and orange shrimp salad over the holiday. be blended to be more consistent in style from year to year. If you prefer a light and creamy style go for a blanc de blanc, made from 100 percent chardonnay. For more flavor look for more pinot in a rosĂŠ blend, or you can go for a blanc de noir, made from all black grapes.

Made in the traditional methode champenoise, the wines are first aged in barrels, tasted, blended,

and then transferred to bottles with sugar and yeast for further aging.

The bottles are then inverted and rotated to allow the sediment to settle, after which the necks will be frozen, the corks popped and sediment removed. The final dosage, a blend of reserved wine and sugar, is lastly added to determine the sweetness of the final wine. Most champagne is sold in the Brut style

Ingredients:

Directions:

1 # 31-31 salad shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 medium shallot, small diced 1 celery stalk, small diced 1 green onion, minced 1 tsp. orange zest 1 tsp. Â celery seed 2 Tbs. spicy yellow mustard 1/3 c. mayonnaise

Season two cups of shrimp or chicken stock with salt and pepper, then bring to boil in a medium sauce pot. Once boiling, add shrimp and bring back to a boil. Let shrimp cook for 3-4 minutes, drain and cook.

Toss shrimp with the rest of the ingredients. Chill for 30 minutes and serve with your favorite crackers or flatbreads.

with 1.5 percent residual sugar.

Drier still is extra brut or you can go sweeter with extra sec, sec or doux, each getting sweeter.

Made in the Champagne district, all of these wines can be labeled Champagne on the label. If made anywhere else by these methods, the wines can be labeled methode champenoise.

Sparkling wine can also be made by adding the yeast and sugar in a vat or barrel and allowing the bubbles to form in this method. These wines will be labeled charmat, but they will not be as good as wines produced in the traditional method. Sparkling wines produced elsewhere can't be called true Champagne, but some are still quite good and not nearly as expensive. California and New Zealand both produce several quality products, and you also can try sparkling shiraz from Australia.

France also has Cremant de Loire and Cremant D'Alsace, made from different grapes. If you go Italian, you have the sweeter styles of Asti Spumante, Moscato d'Asti and prosecco. Spain offers some great cavas, some of the best values in sparkling wines. The choices go on and on.

We are proud to offer several of these wines from six different regions covering six distinct styles for your toasting pleasure. One of the best features of these wines is their ability to pair with a variety of foods. Depending on the style of the wine you can pair them with the most delicate seafood to a highly seasoned sausage stuffed mushroom. Please, try several, you might be pleasantly surprised.

Until next time ... .

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DECEMBER 14, 2016

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TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Island Centre Holiday Open House The Anna Maria Island Privateers parked their sleigh at the Island Shopping Centre Holiday Open House on Thursday, Dec. 8. Almost all of the parking spaces were filled as a big crowd attended the event.

Eric and Rebecca St. John, take time out from serving the crowd at Island Mail and More to pose for the camera.

Best House Margaritas in Town!

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DECEMBER 14, 2016

mayors: Seek county help FROM PAGE 1

Key Mayor Jack Duncan had resigned for health reasons and introduced the new mayor, Terry Gans, the former vice mayor.

Population problem

Bullock explained that the presentation included the three Anna Maria cities, but only the Manatee County portion of Longboat Key. “We spoke in June, and you asked us to come back and put a little more meat on the bones,” Bullock said. “ “We tried to figure out our population at different times of the year and under different circumstances.”

He said the seasonal population of the islands is more than three times the permanent population, which also has tripled the demand on police, fire, roads, drainage, parks and EMS (LBK only). In addition, trolley ridership has increased 100,000 in four years.

“If you were maintaining an infrastructure for the same kind of population (in the county), you would be maintaining an infrastructure for 1.1 million people,” he pointed out.

“It’s huge impact on the number of people on the islands every day.

He said the county’s population continues to grow due to planned new developments.

However, the islands population is not growing, and as it becomes a smaller proportion of the county population, it results in a diminishing share of revenue from the infrastructure sales tax and similar revenue sources.

Islands’ contributions/needs

He noted that the islands’ population is 2.7 percent of that of the county, but residents of the islands pay 14 to 25 percent of the ad valorem taxes and added, “That’s not unusual.

Ad valorem taxes are based on the philosophy that the wealth of the community helps pay for all the community expenses.”

Regarding tourist tax revenue, 58 percent is collected from the barrier islands and 41 percent from the rest of the county. He said the islands have received tourist tax funds for beach patrol, parks, dock repairs and beaches, some at 50 percent matching.

“We acknowledge that and do not want to make it sound like there was no good working relationship,” he stressed. “There is a history of working together to accomplish shared objectives.”

He then presented a chart that showed the islands’ infrastructure needs such as streets improvements, public safety, public buildings, beaches and waterways, parks and community facilities over the next 15 years at

a total of $131 million.

Another chart showed the islands’ funding sources from taxes, assessments and grants for a total of $69 million for a deficit of $61 million. Adding operating expenses pushes that total up to $143 million and the deficit up to $73 million.

“We spent of lot of time discussing what we think is a fair request to make on an annual basis to the county,” he concluded. “Based primarily on the short term visitors, whether it be day trippers or short term rentals, about a third of that gap we believe there is a legitimate basis to ask for help.”

He said one third of the capital improvements cost is $1.3 million annually, and one third for capital improvements and operating is $1.6 million annually.

Commissioners’ comments

Commissioner Carol Whitmore asked if they had tapped into the beach concession funds, and the mayors said they did to pay for the ULI study. She said the county plans to contribute $1 million to the Anna Maria City Pier project and paid for the groins at Coquina Beach.

She also noted that they did not show the beach renourishment funds, and Bullock said they only included the cities’ budgets in the presentation.

“We recognize the county puts millions of dollars into the Anna Maria beaches, but it is not a city infrastructure,” he explained. “They

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are operated, controlled and maintained by the county.”

“I totally get it, but last year, we dipped into our reserves to meet budget,” Whitmore said.

“Just like you, we are strapped for money, but we understand where the visitors are going.

I hope we can work together and figure out something.”

Commissioner Charles Smith pointed out, “The misconception is that everyone in Manatee County benefits from tourism. A lot of people don’t benefit at all, can’t get work, and can’t get home.

“The question is where the tourist dollars are being spent. If we are going to disburse money to these groups that bring tourists here, we can look at the issue of the islands.

I’m open to specific projects to help offset some expenses, but I have constituents who have never had a road paved.”

He said he could support a $1 million allocation.

Offering suggestions

Chair Vanessa Baugh said the cities could help the county try to change at the state level how the bed tax is used. Bullock said the bed tax issue is already on the legislative agendas of the island cities.

“Any way we can help, we will try, but we also have 363,000 people in this county we are responsible to as well,” Baugh pointed out, adding that the county has spent $79 see mayors, page 43

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THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

here are two iconic sayings in real estate, “Two weeks is a lifetime,” and “All real estate is local.” Two very important things to remember when analyzing real estate sales statistics. That’s why you need to remember this as you read the following.

The S & P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price index is compiled on a regular basis primarily by Robert Shiller an economist at Yale University. This index is considered a benchmark in the housing market, and the most recent analysis released at the end of November had to do with the housing recovery since 2006.

According to this report, the home prices across the United States have climbed back above the record reached more than a decade ago in July of 2006.

The average home price is now at 0.1 percent above the July 2006 peak, however, when adjusted for inflation the index is about 16 percent below the 2006 high. In

DECEMBER 14, 2016

Back to 2006?

Castles in the Sand Louise Bolger 2012 we were still struggling with a recovery and prices were 27 percent below the July 2006 peak. That said, home prices jumped 5.5 percent during the past year, and it looks like the country is on its way to a solid recovery.

Getting back to the all real estate is local caveat, I decided to pull up the July 2006 sales statistics for Manatee County from the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee website, and compared them to the July 2016 sales numbers.

Here we go: • July 2006, single-family homes: number of sales 351, average sales price

$461,533, median sales price $350,000.

• July 2016, single-family homes: number of sales 578, average sales price $355,374, median sales price $279,250.

• July 2006, condos: number of sales 141, average sales price $625,980, median sales price $269,990.

• July 2016, condos: number of sales 214, average sales price $230,839, median sales price $185,250.

Per the Manatee County sales statistics, although the number of sales is considerably higher, the average and median sale prices are not up to the July 2006 level.

It’s true that Florida statewide took a much harder hit when the housing bubble burst compared to other parts of the country so it’s understandable that our recovery price wise is taking longer. That’s why painting with a broad brush can be dangerous since local trends generally outflank national ones.

There’s no doubt that the real estate

market is a lot healthier than it had been.

Now only 12 percent of homeowners who have a mortgage owe more than their home is worth compared to 30 percent at the bottom of the market as reported by Zillow. However, the homeownership rate is near a five-decade low, and although the mortgage market has loosened up, it could still be difficult for buyers without perfect credit to qualify.

Also, the prices of homes continue to go up partly because of low inventory, far outpacing income. With higher mortgage interest rates on the verge of going up, this growth picture could change quickly, which is why the saying, “Two weeks is a lifetime in real estate,” is so pertinent.

Statistics are always a snapshot in time, especially when it comes to sales. It’s always hard to predict what individuals will do. If you keep it local and keep it current, you have a better chance of reading and understanding the market.

www.amisun.com

DECEMBER 14, 2016

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TDC hears good tourism report

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

HOLMES BEACH – Tourism is fueling the local economy more than any other industry, with $867 million in economic impact during the 2016 fiscal year, Walter Klages, of Research Data Services, told the TDC on Monday.

During the fiscal year’s fourth quarter, July through September, visitors were up 3.5 percent to 158,100 and direct expenditures were up 7.1 percent to $90,918,600, according to RDS, the county’s tourism consultant.

Occupancy was 66.5 percent, up one-half of one percent from the fourth quarter last year. Average room rates were up 1.9 percent to $155 a night.

Most visitors in the fourth quarter came from Tampa/St. Petersburg, followed by Orlando and New York.

Competition among destinations for visitors will increase as the U.S. dollar’s value more closely approximates the British pound and the Euro, he said.

The length of visitors’ stays and their daily expenditures also could be affected by currency fluctuation, said Elliott Falcione, manager of the Bradenton

Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“An economic downturn is coming, we don’t know when,” he said.

TDC chair Carol Whitmore, a Holmes Beach resident, said she noted fewer visitors to Anna Maria Island in the off-season of September and October this year.

Visitor info kiosk

The TDC voted to recommend to the Manatee County Commission that $15,000 a year be removed from reserves and placed in a line item on the annual budget to fund part-time staffers for the Manatee Public Beach Tourist Info Kiosk.

No employees currently staff the kiosk, managed by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, which places brochures there, and visitors have requested personal help, Falcione said.

The visitor information ambassadors will work from Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. year around, except for September, and will probably come from the Chamber, he said.

New visitors guide

A new visitor’s guide for Manatee County will be available soon, Wes Roberts, of SRQ Media, told the TDC. The new guide, called “Explore Paradise,” is designed as a travel journal, with places for visitors to write their memories of their trips, identify their seashells, make dining itineraries and record things they missed, but want to do when they return, he said, adding that even the cover paper is different from a traditional visitor guide, reminiscent of the feel of sand.

The guide will be sent to people who inquire about the destination on the county’s website, www.bradentongulfislands.com. The guide also is scheduled to be online in an interactive form by Jan. 1.

Paper guides may soon be a thing of the past, Falcione said.

Rowing event

The 2017 World Rowing Championships scheduled next year at Nathan Benderson Park are expected to bring 42,000 room nights to Manatee and Sarasota counties from Sept. 23 to Oct. 1, organizer Meredith Scerba told the TDC, adding that 6,000 are already

booked with deposits.

NBC Sports is scheduled to cover the event.

An event app will be developed to guide attendees to different locations in the two-county area each night after the competitions, she said.

About 2,000 local volunteers will be solicited in March for the event, she added.

The event is expected to generate $25 million in economic impact, and will give the destination credibility among international visitors, a target market, Falcione said.

In other business:

• The TDC heard an update on efforts to establish a county-wide arts, culture, and heritage agency. Jane Buckman, spokesperson for the group, said it has been meeting since 2015 with the aim of enhancing tourism and increasing economic development, and will be requesting TDC funding in the future.

• The TDC heard an update on the county’s efforts to keep Anna Maria Island’s beaches renourished.

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THE SUN

PLANTS: Removal suggested FROM PAGE 21

people from stepping over the bollards and into traffic.

Martin said keeping pavers maintained and clear of sand and debris might place additional burdens on the Public Works Department. It was also noted that sod or grass would also require upkeep.

Richard said rocks and stones might be a better option.

Woodard said he was recently told that FDOT would be asking the city of Holmes Beach to remove the rocks and stones that were placed along East Bay

Drive, near Publix and the Bank of America, without permission from the state.

At one point, the committee reached consensus to conduct additional research on the permeable pavers, but Woodard then presented the idea of simply removing the plants and replacing the existing rope and wooden poles with new rope and poles.

“I like that, it’s a great idea,” Martin said, and the other members agreed.

Removing the plants would leave a sandy surface that may require some additional sand to be brought in. Woodward said he

would defer to the committee and the City Commission in regard to any final decisions to remove the existing plants.

“You know how it goes – for every one that wants it, there’s two that don’t,” he said of the potential public reaction.

Woodard is checking with FDOT to see if any permits are needed for the plant removal and bollard replacement. He said the committee’s recommendation would be placed on a future agenda for commission consideration before any final decisions are made.

DECEMBER 14, 2016

DECEMBER 14, 2016

www.amisun.com

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41

Top real estate producers for November 2016 A Paradise

Quentin Talbert - Listing Helen and Al Pollock - Selling

An Island Place Realty

Island Real Estate - Anna Maria

John Van Zandt - Listing Gail Tutewiler and Collette Quinehan - Selling

Island Vacation Properties

Sue Carlson – Listing Tanya Mccormick and Sue Carlson - Selling

Mel and Barb Neely - Listing and selling

Coldwell Banker

Debbie Capobianco - Listing and selling

Duncan Real Estate

Darcie Duncan - Listing and selling

Jed Wilkinson - Listing Jason Hrnak - Selling

Fran Maxon Real Estate

Sato Real Estate

Gabe Buky - Listing and selling

Stephanie Bell - Listing and selling

Island Real Estate - Holmes Beach

Alan and Scott Galletto - Listing and selling

Michael Saunders Mike Norman

Jason Sato - Listing Barbara Sato - Selling

Wagner Real Estate

Rae Ellen Hayo - Listing Becky Smith and Elfi Starrett - Selling

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www.amisun.com

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October 2016 resort tax collections

Manatee County’s 5 percent resort tax, or tourist tax, is collected from owners of accommodations rented for six months or less who charge the tax to their renters, in most cases, tourists. About 50 percent of the tax proceeds are allocated to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau tourism marketing efforts, with 20 percent allocated to beach renourishment. Resort tax increases reflect both increased visitation and improved tax collection efforts. Amounts shown were collected in October and paid to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office in November. To anonymously report a rental owner who may not be paying the tax, call 941-741-4809 or visit www.taxcollector.com/services_resort_tax_tips.asp.

Source: Manatee County Tax Collector

DECEMBER 14, 2016

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DECEMBER 14, 2016

mayors: Seek county help FROM PAGE 37

million over 15 years on beach renourishment.

Assistant County Attorney Bill Clague said the county could reimburse the cities for projects, but could not supplement their budgets.

Bullock said they are not asking for that, but “we’re trying to express to you a need and see if there’s a way that we could work together to develop an appropriate agreement.”

Commissioner Betsy Benac said she could support working together on projects, and Baugh said a business tax could be “a nice revenue source.”

Commissioner Robin di Sabatino pointed out that the island cities millage rates are the lowest in the county and said, “You’re a product of your success.

We spend a lot of money to bring the tourists there, but it’s a necessary evil because it pays all the bills for the rest of the year.

“A lot of people in our districts don’t even go to the beaches, can’t even get to the beaches. It overburdens those of us who live here, so we don’t even try to get to the beach during the tourist season.”

Back to the point

Gans stressed, “I’d like to get’s get back to the opening concept of this discussion.

Where we started was demonstrating 2.7 percent of the population of the county is contributing 14 to 15 percent of the ad valorem revenue.

“Coupled with that was the desire for an appreciation that formulas that are based on distributing revenue by popula-

tion are inherently going to lead to the kind deficits that are illustrated on the capital projects.

“This is not just, ‘Here you good people, have some money.’ It helps the overall county budget and revenues the best that our islands sustain our property values.

There’s a mutuality here of how do we continue to work for each other’s benefit going forward.

“If you keep inviting people and investing to get them here and when they get here, they have a bad time because they can’t move on the roads, that’s going to be a diminishing return.”

Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson added, “We didn’t come here to say give us some money. The idea is here’s the need, and we need to find some way to deal with the gap that exists.”

Whitmore said, “We appreciate the information you’ve given us, but I’m not going to make any commitments today.”

“We hope that you’re not feeling that we’ve let you down,” Baugh added. “ It does give us information, and perhaps we can figure out some way to help.”

There was one public comment from resident Katherine Edwards, who asked if the beach renourishment and maintenance costs were fixed for the 15-year period, if the county could disburse funds to the cities from the half cent sales tax without any allocation information from the cities, if the Island cities had considered consolidation to save money and if Manatee County would consider letting the north portion of Longboat Key become part of Sarasota County.

BEACH BEAT Anna Maria

11/25, driving with a suspended license, 200 N. Bay Boulevard The deputy stopped the driver for a traffic violation and found driver’s license was suspended.

11/30, information, 100 block of Seagrape Lane. A lawn service business owner reported he was cutting down a tree when a limb fell and damaged a bench.

He wanted a police report so he could pay for the damage.

12/2, domestic battery, Rod and Reel Pier, 825 N. Shore Drive. The wife and husband were fishing on the pier with their children, and the husband drank alcoholic beverages and started an argument that got physical when he hit his wife and fled before the deputy arrived, He was arrested in Holmes Beach.

12/2, found property, 300 block of Spring Avenue. The deputy found a skateboard in the roadway and put it in property for safekeeping.

12/3, information, Ginny’s Garden Party,

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tax: For law enforcement FROM PAGE 1

to tourism marketing efforts; one of the five “pennies” is allocated to beach renourishment and maintenance.

The state statute that allows counties to levy a tourist tax, F.S. 125.0104, prohibits any uses of the tax not specifically listed in the statute, Assistant Manatee County Attorney Bill Clague told the TDC. Law enforcement is not among the permitted uses, which include tourism promotion and building and maintaining convention centers, sports stadiums, auditoriums, aquariums, museums, tourist information centers, beach park facilities, beach renourishment projects, erosion control projects, zoos, fishing piers, nature centers and spring training facilities.

The tax could potentially be used for law enforcement under the tourism promotion use if law enforcement was needed at an event promoted to tourists, but that use would not fund new law enforcement positions, he said.

A 2016 amendment to the law allows the coastal Panhandle counties of Okaloosa, Walton and Bay to use up to 10 percent of the tax proceeds for public safety and law enforcement necessary to “address impacts related to increased tourism and visitors to an area.”

To be eligible, a county must generate a minimum $10 million in

9807 Gulf Drive. A customer paid with a $20 bill that showed to be counterfeit.

The customer said he had no idea it was false. The bill was confiscated.

and taken to the hospital, including the driver who was booked and jail after being released from the hospital.

Bradenton Beach

11/19, grand theft to a motor vehicle, 10205 Cortez Road W., Paul’s Automotive. A witness said he saw a white male enter the lot, open the door to the vehicle and turn on the engine while standing outside of it. The witness stopped the suspect who fled.

11/30, illegal dumping, the dock at the Seafood Shack, 4100 127th St. W. The deputy attempted to contact the owner of a boat that had sunk in June. The owner did not answer and is now charged with illegally dumping the boat.

12/8, trespass warning, Paradise Bay Estates Mobile Home Park, 10315 Cortez Road W. The guard at the park asked the deputy to issue warnings to three men who were trying to launch their boat from the park’s ramp. They were in the process of leaving and were told not to come back for six months.

11/28, property damage, 2400 block of Avenue C. A rock was thrown through a window. There were no signs of burglary.

12/4, reckless driving, fleeing to elude an officer, 116 Bridge St. The defendant drove out of the address at a high rate of speed and bottomed out due to the speed and the number of people in the car. An officer tried to follow the defendant as he turned north on Gulf Drive, but could not catch up. The defendant turned off Gulf Drive and onto 10th Street North, and he turned around, passing and almost hitting the officer’s car as he again turned north on Gulf Drive. The officer chased him with lights and siren and caught up with him at 18th Street North at speeds of 80 mph. The defendant lost control of his car at the S curve and got out of the car after it stopped. Most of the eight people in the car were injured

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Cortez

Holmes Beach

11/27, DUI, possession of marijuana

submitted

annual tourist tax revenues (Manatee County tourist tax collections exceeded $11.6 million in fiscal year 2015-16), have at least three municipalities (the county has five) and have a population of less than 225,000.

Manatee County fails to meet the population requirement; the county had a population of 322,833 in 2010, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

The TDC voted to recommend that the Manatee County Commission’s list of legislative priorities for 2017 include increasing the population requirement of the law to 400,000, which would make the county eligible to use the tourist tax for law enforcement.

The commission was scheduled to consider and possibly decide upon its legislative priorities on Tuesday, Dec. 13, after press time.

and paraphernalia, 5200 block of Gulf Drive. The officer clocked the defendant going 51 mph in a 25 mph zone ad stopped him. He noticed the defendant had watery eyes and smelled of alcohol. The driver failed the test and was arrested. During a search of the car, the officer found some marijuana and a pipe.

11/28, possession of marijuana, 4000 Gulf Drive. The officer clocked the defendant going 41 mph in a 25 mph zone.

He smelled raw marijuana on the driver, and she consented to a search. He had the driver and passenger get out of the car. The passenger admitted they had smoke marijuana on the beach, but she didn’t know if there was any left. The officer found some smoked marijuana blunt cigarettes. The officer ticketed her for speeding and jailed her for possession.

12/1, burglary, 500 block of 72nd Street.

The owner said they returned from six weeks travel and found items missing and no forced entry. He said there was a window that would not stay closed and a contractor fixed it while they were gone.

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FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Rough guess 5 Company that developed the first aluminum teakettle 10 Pre-coll. catchall 14 Words of lament 15 Inventive types?

16 Wild way to run 17 Stock in company producing solar panels, e.g.

20 California rolls and such 21 Bud holder?

22 Touch-and-go 23 Swell treatment 25 Cato, for one 27 Exonerated by the evidence 33 Single 34 Suggested actions 35 Wish for 37 In-flight fig.

38 Jack's value, sometimes 39 Spearheaded 40 Fixture that may have claw feet 41 Closed in on 43 Fish that can swim backwards 44 A.L. West pro, informally 45 Standing hospitable offer 48 Five-time Olympic swimming gold medalist Ledecky 49 Church-owned Dallas sch.

50 Moth-__ 53 "Inside Politics" airer 55 Initial stage 59 Take on holes 10 through 18 ... and a hint

to a letter sequence hidden in 17-, 27- and 45-Across 62 Vacation spot 63 Nemesis 64 Canal past Rochester 65 Far from friendly 66 Parceled (out) 67 Frees (of) Down 1 Loses firmness 2 No __ traffic 3 Former Iowa Straw Poll city 4 Dwelling fit for a queen 5 Boxer Laila 6 Website offering 7 Stalactite sites 8 Home of college football's Ducks 9 Mule's father 10 White-coated weasels 11 Golf ball positions 12 Sound of frustration, often 13 __-bitty 18 Good-natured 19 Copied, in a way 24 Called the whole Answers to 12-07-16 Crossword Puzzle.

thing off 26 Early assembly-line autos 27 Arrange 28 Logger's contest 29 Ready to draw, as beer 30 Physics particle 31 Capone cohort 32 Cape Cod community 36 Black, in verse 38 Studio renter 39 Sweet-smelling garland 42 Typed in again 43 50-50 wager 44 Knockout 46 __ Creed 47 Wild way to run 50 Large-scale 51 "One more thing ... " 52 Towering 54 Put a handle on 56 Apple Watch assistant 57 Oklahoma city 58 Driving needs?

60 Clothes line 61 Dancer Charisse

DECEMBER 14, 2016

DECEMBER 14, 2016

classified

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & RENTALS. "Have it done your way, we care about our work" Call 941-7564570

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

PRESSURE CLEANING and WINDOW WASHING residential, commercial & resorts. Roofs, buildings, houses, driveways.

Paver Sealing & Cleaning etc. Call 941-565-3935

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).

ALBA CLEANING SERVICES for your home or rental will make you happy or it's free. $10 off 2nd cleaning Call 941592- 4274

AUTOMOTIVE SALES & SERVICE 2007 HONDA SILVERWING For Sale One owner, 600 cc auto transmission motorcycle, 15000 miles. Many additions, well maintained, garage kept. Excellent condition. $4000 Call 941778-2553.

GOT A CAR You Wanna Sell.

The Good, The Bad or The Ugly.

Call Now 727-400-1910

BABY SITTER RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student.

Call or text Isabel 941-5457995

BOATS: PARTS & SERVICES & SALES BOAT SALES-17 YEARS. Snowbird Buyers Arriving. Islandboatsales.net "Business On A Hand Shake" Owner & Island Resident.

941-228-3489 -Dave

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

CLEANING SERVICE C & T HOUSEKEEPING. For all your cleaning needs. Free Estimates.

Reasonable rates. Senior discount. References available. Call 941-9622512

AMISUN.COM

Call us today! 941-778-3986

COMPUTER SERVICES

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

EMPLOYMENT

NAIL TECH EXPERIENCED – take over clientele at busy LBK salon. Excellent part time income opportunity 941-387-9807.

WELL ESTABLISHED GROOMING shop on AMI is looking for experienced part- or full-time groomer. Start date: ASAP. Contact: 941-7252145, Daniel.lamprecht@ brighthouse.com

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

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES ROSER THRIFT SHOP and ANNEX, Open Tuesday and Thursdays 9:30am-2 pm and Saturdays 10am1pm.. Donations preferred Wednesdays 9 - 11 a.m.

511 Pine Ave, Anna Maria.

941-779-2733

HUGE YARD SALE! Saturday & Sunday, December 17 & 18. 8am-until. No Early Birds! 104 52nd St Holmes Beach. Lots of planters, huge clay pots, storage rack, wrought iron rack, microwave, stand up computer desk, garden stuff, folding tables, dresser, ladder, household items, rattan chair, baskets, miscellaneous Lots of furniture GIGANTIC GARAGE SALE! Sale of 5 unit beachfront vacation rental forces sale of ALL items. Jimmy Buffet decor, lots of leather furniture, appliances, flatware, tropical island themed artwork, linens, kitchen items, lots more. EVERYTHING MUST GO!! Friday to Sunday December 16-18 rain or shine. 1604 Gulf Drive North, Bradenton Beach

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

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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.

WALY PRECISION PAINTING: painting, drywall, stucco, and remodeling, commercial/residential, licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-4656324 www.WalyPrecisionPainting.us

HOME SERVICES SERVICE MASTER by WRIGHT. Commercial/Residential. Fire, Water & Mold clean up. 24/7 Emergency Service. Call 941-753-8565 DSpringer@svmaster.net

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

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

Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941 SHELL DELIVERED AND spread $50/yd. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770 STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell driveways and scapes. Also Rock, Mulch, & Soil. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE NORMS TOWING gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 12/14//2016 9:00am at 1855 63rd Ave E Bradenton FL 34203 pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes.

NORMS TOWING reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids:

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

2003 Dodge Vin 1D7GG16X93S111259 2004 Lincoln Vin 1LNHM83W84Y616120 1996 VW Vin WVWBB81E4K011927 2002 GMC Vin 1KDS13S322139419 2002 DSI Modular Serial DSI12612 1998 Jeep Vin 1J4GZ485OWC315612 2002 Nissan Vin 3N1CB51D92L639220 1983 RV Vin 1GDKP37W7D3500754

LOST & FOUND FOUND CAT grey and white friendly cat found on 63rd street Holmes Beach, near boat ramp. Dec 4. Call 813-546-3982 LOST MY GRANDMOTHER'S gold wedding band (initials inside and date) at Coquina Beach area. Reward.

Call 407-579-1621

BAYSIDE COMMERCIAL PAINTING. David Padyani Call 941-565-9446 or Larry Zimmer 941-2248123 Licensed & Insured

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

Great References. Call Mary 941-405-2496

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

LOST TENNIS BRACELET Gold with Diamonds around. Near Dog Park or Publix. REWARD! Call 941778-2494 LOST MAN’S SILVER Wedding Ring, silver with stones mounted. Lost at Coquina Beach near restrooms. Please Call 813413-3373

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

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!

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REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE CANAL FRONT BAY VIEW 3BR/3BA dock & lift, 2 car garage W. Bradenton CONDO 2,376 sq.ft.

Island Real Estate Call AL Galletto 941-232-2216

46

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REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE STARTING FROM THE UPPER 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 941-254-3330 www.MirabellaFlorida.com 106 WILLOW RENOVATED Cottage. 1 in from Beach, beautiful pool/spa. Lush landscaping $1,197,000.

Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086 FIND REAL ESTATE at brokersandra.com. Call Sandra Glantz 941-7999229 Licensed Real Estate Professional with Wagner Realty. Call for free market analysis.

BAY FRONT HOME Palma Sola W. Bradenton 4000sq.ft. 4BR/3.5BA 4 car garage. Stunning cathedral ceilings. No Island traffic! Island Real Estate Ask AL Galletto 941-232-2216

RENTALS: ANNUAL 2BR/2BA LARGE CONDO in park like setting, pool, sauna, tennis and sauna. W/D in unit, water, sewer, trash and cable included. No trucks or motorcycles.

NO PETS ! security system can be activated.

Available immediately. $1350/mo rent & security. $100 application fee.

2BR2BA WATERFRONT large condo with deep wet boat slip, pool and covered parking. Beautiful gourmet kitchen w/ new appliances. New floors through out. W/D in unit, water, sewer, trash, pest control and basic cable. NO PETS ! Available Jan. 1. $1800/mo. rent & security. $100 application fee all persons 18 and older must pass background & credit check. Ask for Ed. DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www. teamduncan.com

Call us today! 941-778-3986

WEST BRADENTON San Remo 4011 Plumosa Terrace 2BR/2BA/1CG on Salt Water Canal. W/D hookups, Large lanai & yard plus dock Bring your boat! $1900/mo unfurnished. First, & Security.

Credit check. Lease option possible. Call JoAnn 941809-2488 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 FURNISHED BAYFRONT Condo at Shellpoint $1750-Annual lease.

Longboat Key Studios $975 month to month lease only. Call A Paradise 941778-4800 WEST BRADENTON: HOUSE 723 35th St W adorable 1BR + Bonus room 1BA/1CG fenced yard $1100/mo. One Year Lease. First / Security and Credit Check. Call 941-8092488 HOLMES BEACH ANNUAL: Pool view & partial bay view from this 2nd floor, 2BR/2BA condo in W. Bay Pt. Moorings. Spacious 1377 sq. ft. light & bright unit with new paint and bedroom floors. Ready January 1. $1990/mo. Call Island Real Estate - 941778-6066 ANNUAL HOLMES BEACH 1BR/1BA. Newly renovated includes water, Dish TV, W/D, trash. No smoking. $1300/mo First, Last & Security. Call 860-922-3857

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

WILLKOMMEN AUF AMI! Besuchen Sie Island Real Estate in einem unserer Inselbüros (6101 Marina Drive oder 419 Pine Ave) mit unserem deutschsprachigen Reservierungsservice und erhalten ein freies Island Real Estate Baseball Cap! Wir geben Ihnen gerne mehr Auskunft über unsere 250 ausgewählte Feriendomizile für Ihren nächsten Urlaub!

WATER FRONT 2BR/2BA & 2BR/1BA vacation rentals. www.annamariaheronslanding.com Anna Maria Island Bradenton Beach.

Call 713-498-3549 VACATION RENTALS AVAILABLE Winter 20172BR/1BA N End Cottage available January & March, 2BR/2BA Pool Home Jan - March, 1BR/1BA Villa JanMarch, 3BR/2BA Pool Home avail Jan-Mar. Contact Fran Maxon Real Estate for rates 941-7782307.

DECEMBER 14, 2016

SEASONAL RENTALS AVAILABLE: January, February, March & April. HOLMES BEACH: 2BR/1BA ground level. Block to Gulf.

ANNA MARIA (monthly minimum): 2BR/2BA & 2BR/1BA Both ground level and Close to Beach.

2BR/1BA Gulf Front. Second story. Horizon Realty of Anna Maria 941-7780426 kringco@tampabay. rr.com GROUND FLOOR 1BR/1BA Beach Front Condo. Available May thru October. 2 months minimum. Senior Complex. All amenities included. 2 heated pools. No smokers/ no pets. $1800/mo. + utilities + taxes. Contact 941-737-3273 WEST COAST TREASURE 3BR/2BA fully furnished home. Available now!

NW Bradenton (Palma Sola). 4 miles from Beach. Nightly/Weekly/ Monthly. Reasonable Rental Rates. Call 941201-2190 1BR 100 STEPS TO BEACH. January, February & April $950/wk $3200/mo. Full Kitchen, Fenced yard, Ground floor, Gas grill. Call 816-729-5746

100 STEPS TO BEACH. Beautiful 2BR Full eat in kitchen. King Bed & Queen Bed, Courtyard, Fenced yard. Ground floor. Beach view Call 816-729-5746 HOLMES BEACH- WESTBAY COVE Condo. Second floor with views of Bay and Lush landscaping. 2BR/2BA, large lanai & laundry room.

2 heated pools, tennis courts. 1 Block to Gulf Beach. Available December, January $2800/mo March $3200/mo 30 day minimum. terryaposporos@gmail.com or Call 941-778-8456 2BR/2BA ELEVATED HOME in Anna Maria. One block from Beach. Monthly Rental. Available December thru April. Call 813-2519201. Also for Sale.

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $85, Sarasota $35, Clearwater $75, Fort Meyers $150, Orlando $150.

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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DECEMBER 14, 2016

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home improvement

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

transportation

HOME SITTING / PET SITTING

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DECEMBER 14, 2016