Anna Maria Island Sun December 29, 2021

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 22 No. 12

December 29, 2021

Retired firefighter to perform Citrus Bowl coin toss Mike Wilcox offered his vacation rental home to a local first responder who needed to quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photos of the Year

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

CINDY LANE | SUN

The ultimate stress relief in a year of stressors – an Anna Maria Island sunset.

It was a red tide year, it was a Piney Point year, it was a COVID-19 year, but 2022 was also a year of wildlife, sunsets and beautiful beaches surviving and thriving on Anna Maria Island. See more photos on Page 24.

HOLMES BEACH – Vrbo (Vacation rental by owner) has selected Holmes Beach vacation rental owner Mike Wilcox to perform the coin toss at the Vrbo Citrus Bowl game in Orlando.

The Vrbo Citrus Bowl game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Iowa Hawkeyes will be played at Camping World Stadium in Orlando at noon on New Year’s Day. The game will be televised nationally on ABC. The coin toss honor has been bestowed upon Wilcox because he offered his vacation rental SEE COIN TOSS, PAGE 24

CVB hires new communications manager Nick Azzara has been hired as the new Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau communications manager.

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

Nature managed once again to triumph with the hatching of several threatened least tern chicks on AMI beaches.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Showing his vertical ability against the defender, TMT’s Kari Hawkins leaps to make the catch that ultimately is called out of bounds in the first adult flag football playoff game at The Center.

INSIDE NEWS OUTDOORS RESTAURANTS REAL ESTATE BEACH BEAT CROSSWORD CLASSIFIEDS

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Tampa Bay Lightning manager John Cooper brought the Stanley Cup to AMI to celebrate the team’s second title in a row.

ANNA MARIA - The Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) met the new Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Communications Manager, Nick Azzara, at its meeting earlier this month.

The communications manager role will be multifaceted, including working on websites, social media, facilities such as the Premier Sports Campus and the convention center, arts and culture announcements and media inquiries.

“I had been with Manatee County government from December of 2008 to this October when an opportunity arose and it fit into place for me,” Azzara said.

In addition to working to inform tourists and SEE CVB, PAGE 24

ISLAND to say

COMMISSION splits on dress

goodbye to Greg LaPensee. 13

code proposal. 4

Anna Maria Island, Florida

THE WAILERS jumpstart new

Center concert series. 8 The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper www.amisun.com

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

DECEMBER 29, 2021

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DECEMBER 29, 2021

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Center deemed ineligible for ARP funds Three other Anna Mariabased nonprofits will receive a share of the city’s American Rescue Plan funds.

The generosity of everybody in this community, on

BY JOE HENDRICKS

this Island, in this city

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Due to the community’s generosity and solid financial management, the Center of Anna Maria Island will not receive a portion of the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds being shared by the city of Anna Maria.

On Dec. 9, Mayor Dan Murphy informed the city commission that the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, The Island Players theater and the Anna Maria Island Garden Club will each receive a share of the city’s ARP funds as previously anticipated. But the city’s contracted auditors determined The Center was not eligible to receive ARP funds because it did not experience a COVID-19-related net financial loss due to private donations received from the community.

On Nov. 18, the city commission supported Murphy’s proposal to give The Center $67,750 in ARP funds, contingent on the city auditors deeming the nonprofit eligible.

and the county more than made up for that downfall.”

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Mark Short, Anna Maria Commissioner

Donations from the community helped The Center overcome its COVID-19 related financial losses.

“When The Center submitted this original request, it was based on loss of operating revenue,” said Commissioner Mark Short, who also sits on The Center's volunteer finance committee.

“Revenues that came into The Center programs, and for memberships, did decrease significantly," Short said. "The analysis that was done by the city looked at total revenue that came in and The Center, through the graciousness of people in this community and businesses, more than

made up for its lost operating revenue through donations that came in. The generosity of everybody in this community, on this Island, in this city and the county more than made up for that downfall.”

“They did a very admirable job of controlling costs,” he added.

The Anna Maria Island Historical Society will receive $826, The Island Players will receive $1,839 and the Anna Maria Island Garden Club will receive $1,071. Those funds will be disbursed over the same two-

year period in which the city receives the federal funds.

After the Dec. 9 meeting, Murphy said the $67,750 in ARP money tentatively slated for The Center will be redirected toward the city’s previously planned uses for its share of about $850,000 in ARP funds. The commission has already budgeted ARP funds to help fund the city’s stormwater and drainage improvements and the city’s Reimagining Pine Avenue improvements.

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ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

New planning commissioner joins as alternate

Chair Carol Soustek presented commissioners with a code of core values and ethics. Not everyone agreed with the decision to include a dress code.

Anna Maria commissioners sworn in

HOLMES BEACH – In trying to ease rifts among Holmes Beach commissioners, new commission Chair Carol Soustek inadvertently gave them something to argue about.

Soustek presented her fellow commissioners with a proposed Code of Core Values for Civility and Ethics created by altering a document adopted by the city of Dunedin.

The code sets out expectations and rules of conduct for commissioners, noting that other cities have similar guidelines for commissioners.

“You’re held to a very high standard when you’re elected and everything you do is a reflection upon your city.

It’s not like when you leave this dais you can go rob a bank. It wouldn’t be very good for the city,” she said, adding that she thinks the proposed guidelines eliminate any gray areas in how commissioners should conduct themselves.

The values outlined in the document include integrity, ethics, communication, teamwork, leadership, quality of work and recognition of each other’s individual contributions to the Holmes Beach community. Commissioners didn’t express any issues with those items.

The one that caused a disagreement was the stewardship addition made by Soustek, which stated: “I shall strive to make a positive role model as a city commissioner. Proper attire should always be appropriate to the situation.

While in the commission chambers,

Chamber members celebrate new business opening Dec. 14 was a celebratory day for Peter Dospel as he joined with his family and staff to celebrate the official grand opening of Pristine Custom Cabinets, 5345 Gulf Drive, Suite 400 in Holmes LAURA MICCICHE, AMI CHAMBER OF Beach. Dospel was joined by COMMERCE | SUBMITTED members of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce for the occasion.

Correction Jill Gass serves as Step Up Suncoast’s director of philanthropy. Her last name was misspelled in last week’s story about the Chiles Group Christmas party.

DECEMBER 29, 2021

Commission splits on dress code decision

The Holmes Beach Planning Commission is welcoming a new member with the new year. City commissioners voted unanimously Dec. 14 to accept the application of Deb Sneddon to serve as an alternate on the planning commission, replacing former member Drew Hyman. Sneddon will fill Hyman’s unexpired term through July 1, 2022. A six-year Holmes Beach resident, Sneddon thanked commissioners for the appointment to the planning commission and said she looks forward to the opportunity to serve the community.

Returning Anna Maria City Commissioners Carol Carter and Jon Crane were sworn into their new twoyear commission terms

by City Clerk LeAnne Addy on Thursday, Dec. 9, joined by recently appointed commissioner Robert Kingan. The commission then selected Carter to continue serving as the commission chair for another year, with Commissioner Mark Short to serve as vice-chair.

Visit our website, www.amisun.com.

Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

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

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Holmes Beach commissioners look over a document presented by Commissioner Jayne Christenson proposing the addition of key elements to the proposed code of core values and ethics. clothing with slogans or words, political or otherwise, shall not be worn. No food is allowed in the chambers. The smell, noise or transfer to documents when eating food can be disruptive.

Drinks will be allowed by the city commission and staff but when not in use, the container needs to be capped securely and not placed on the dais.”

While Commissioners Pat Morton and Terry Schaefer agreed with the stewardship provision, Commissioners Jayne Christenson and Kim Rash did not.

Rash said that he felt the dress code section of the stewardship provision was targeted at him for the custommade T-shirts he has worn in recent months when attending city meetings.

The shirts previously were criticized

by Mayor Judy Titsworth, who said she felt statements like “I represent the residents” were misleading because she said all elected officials represent the residents, not just Rash. Rash, who has a T-shirt with that statement, ran both his election and re-election campaigns with a similar slogan.

During the Dec. 14 meeting, he argued that forbidding him to wear the shirts to a commission meeting was a violation of his constitutional First Amendment right to free speech.

Rash pressed for city leaders to obtain a ruling from Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody on whether or not instituting the dress code would be a violation of his or any other commissioner’s civil rights.

“In my research, dress codes cannot discriminate on the basis of controversial messages on clothing. I do not feel that my T-shirts have been controversial in nature, but the chair and the mayor obviously believe otherwise,” Rash stated. “There is nothing destructive or vulgar about statements about the city officials supporting residents who elect them to serve in office, in my opinion.”

City Attorney Patricia Petruff said she was unprepared to have a discussion about the legality of a dress code, however, she said dress codes were consistently implemented in the school system for both students and staff without, to her knowledge, infringing on civil liberties. She encouraged commissioners to table the discussion until more information could be gathered and presented by either herself or incoming city attorney Erica Augello.

SEE DRESS CODE, PAGE 5

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DECEMBER 29, 2021

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DRESS CODE: Commission split on decision FROM PAGE 4

Christenson said while she’d be willing to discuss a dress code for commissioners, she didn’t feel its placement in a code of ethics was warranted, stating she doesn’t believe it’s an ethics issue. She urged her fellow commissioners to consider removing the provision and discussing it as a separate item.

“I felt that this was a nice document,” she said, adding that she would like to see provisions for civility, respect for the individual, creativity and innovation, efficiency, adaptability and organizational sensitivity added.

“When we get into attire and what we can eat and drink in the room, I think it’s a little overreaching,” Christenson said. While she said she’s open to the discussion, she felt it’s more of a policy decision versus an ethics issue. She suggested discussing the two items as a separate building policy.

While commissioners did not vote to remove the stewardship provision, a majority did seem agreeable to adopting the Code of Core Values for Civility and Ethics

with the inclusion of the provisions suggested by Christenson. They agreed with Petruff's suggestion and voted unanimously to table the discussion to be brought up at a future meeting.

“I think it’s a very good step forward,” Schaefer said, of the proposed code of core values, saying he felt Soustek hit on some very good points in the proposed document that he would like to see instituted.

Morton said he feels the adoption of the document was long overdue and that he would like it extended beyond elected officials to include city staff as well. Mayor Judy Titsworth noted that a similar code is included in the Holmes Beach employee handbook.

Soustek said the matter was brought directly to a regular meeting instead of first being debated at a work session because she’d like to start the new year with an understanding of what is expected of city commissioners going forward.

“We’re five individuals as a group. Decisions are a group

decision and I have seen some of this being splintered and I’m tired of it,” Soustek said, adding that for the commission to make great progress in the future to move forward she feels the group needs to work more toward unification.

“We are responsible for being very good at what we do. I don’t want people to start laughing at my commission. I want them to start respecting this commission and thinking they do an excellent job,” she said.

Soustek said the purpose of the code was to address issues she’s noticed and have been brought to her attention by the public.

“I want us to move into a new year with clear understanding and no question of what this commission is responsible for,” Soustek finished.

Titsworth added she hopes adopting the proposed code or one similar will help city commissioners to be more like "statesmen" when representing the city of Holmes Beach.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The previously-cleared area was replanted and irrigated.

Cedar Avenue beach access replanted The area alongside the Cedar Avenue beach access in Anna Maria has been replanted. Members of the Anna Maria Public Works Department recently planted sea oats, green buttonwoods, coco plums, beach daisies and coonties along the side of the beach access path the city cleared in late November. The plants removed included Brazilian pepper trees and other invasive plant species, as well sea grapes and other native plants. The barren landscape produced by the plant removals concerned Anna Maria resident Dennis Ellsworth. In an email Ellsworth received in response to the concerns he initially shared with Mayor Dan Murphy, Murphy wrote, “It looks scalped and barren, but it’s going to be beautiful when we get through with it.”

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OPINION

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

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DECEMBER 29, 2021

The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field Layout Ricardo Fonseca Reporters Cindy Lane Joe Hendricks Kristin Swain Jason Schaffer Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors Editor Rusty Chinnis Advertising director Shona Otto Ad assistant Pamela Lee Classified ads Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Digital/Social Media Editor Cindy Lane Accounting John Reitz Leslie Ketchum Distribution Bob Alexander Tony McNulty Connor Field Contributors Tom Vaught Steve Borggren Monica Simpson

COVID-19 testing site relocates The Manatee County COVID-19 testing center at the Bradenton Area Convention Center is closing on Friday, Dec. 31, reopening at the northwest corner of Eighth Avenue and 14th Street West in Bradenton on Monday, Jan. 3. Hours will be daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. PCR and rapid testing will be available onsite without an appointment. The testing site provides COVID-19 testing at no cost, but a driver’s license or

other picture form of identification is required at the time of testing.

The site is a joint effort between the Florida Department of Health/ Manatee County and Manatee County government. The Centers for Disease Control report the COVID-19 infection level in Manatee County has increased to “substantial” and recommends that everyone wear a face covering or mask when indoors or in a crowd.

ANNA MARIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COVID-19 UPDATE

Dec. 20 Anna Maria Elementary School 0 staff, 0 students Manatee County schools - 0 staff, 1 student Total since first day of school (AME) 0 staff, 13 students Total since first day of school (county) 382 staff, 2,620 students Dec. 27 Anna Maria Elementary School 0 staff, 0 students Manatee County - 1 staff, 0 students Total since first day of school (AME) - 0 staff, 13 students Total since first day of school (county) 386 staff, 2,626 students

MANATEE COUNTY COVID-19 UPDATE Dec. 20 Cases 228 % Positivity 2.69% Deaths <10 % Eligible population vaccinated 61.3% New hospital admissions 12 Dec. 27 Cases 228 % Positivity 4.83% Deaths <10 % Eligible population vaccinated 61.5% New hospital admissions 8 Source: Manatee County Schools, CDC

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DECEMBER 29, 2021

ON THE AGENDA ANNA MARIA

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

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

Dec. 31, all day – City offices closed for New Year holiday Jan. 13, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting Jan. 17, all day – City offices closed MLK Jr. Day Jan. 27, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting

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BRADENTON BEACH

HOLMES BEACH

MARKYOUR CALENDAR

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

Dec. 31, all day – City offices closed for New Year holiday Jan. 5, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting Jan. 5, 2 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting Jan. 6, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting Jan. 17, all day – City offices closed MLK Jr. Day Jan. 19, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting Jan. 20, noon – City Commission meeting

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

Dec. 31, all day – City offices closed for New Year holiday Jan. 5, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautification meeting Jan. 11, 5 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow Jan. 12, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting Jan. 17, all day – City offices closed MLK Jr. Day Jan. 19, 10 a.m. – Code Compliance special magistrate hearing Jan. 25, 5 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow Jan. 27, 11:30 a.m. – Police officers pension board

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 29

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

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

Island-wide Jan. 19, 6 p.m.

– West Manatee Fire Rescue District board meeting, administration offices, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tortoise Talk, Robinson Preserve Valentine House, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m.

Ukulele Instruction for Beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m. Register online manateelibrary.libcal. com/event/8315415 Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

THURSDAY, DEC. 30

Seashell Shore Walk, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 9 a.m.

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome.

Seaside Quilters, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Register online at manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/7996431 Sunshine Stitchers knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Register online at manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/7996418 Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach,

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MarVistaDining.com | @MarVistaLBK

Each new year brings opportunities for a fresh start. Change is in the air, whether setting New Year’s Resolutions or just resetting with an open mind. For those looking to live a little healthier in 2022, there are some shortFXWV WR KHOS JHW WKHUH ZLWKRXW VDFUL¿FLQJ ÀDYRU Chef Seth Kondor shares a few of his favorite tricks to make the most of lighter fair and help NLFN WKH \HDU R൵ RQ WKH ULJKW IRRW Chef Kondor joined The Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub on Longboat Key in early 2021. His twenty years of experience with leading hospitality groups like Gaylord Opryland and The Walt Disney Company, combined with The Chiles Group’s farm-to-fork values, has proven to be a recipe IRU VXFFHVV &KHI .RQGRU ¿QGV LQVSLUDWLRQ LQ the fundamentals taught by mentors. He has found utilizing simple, high-quality products reduces the number of ingredients needed to PDNH D GLVK ÀDYRUIXO Chef Kondor’s tasty and health-conscious dishes pair clever cooking techniques with out-of-the-box ingredients. Grilled Wahoo, currently on the Mar Vista menu, is a perfect example. The acidity of the heirloom tomatoes and charred onions in balsamic YLQHJDU DGGV GHSWK WR WKH PLOG ¿VK ZLWKRXW increasing sodium. “Incorporating citrus, acid, ]HVW RU GL൵HUHQW W\SHV RI YLQHJDU KHOSV WDNH RXW WKH VDOW ZLWKRXW VDFUL¿FLQJ ÀDYRU ´ +H¶V QRW afraid to experiment with dishes, either. Some of his most well-received creations, like banh

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5-8 p.m.

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

FRIDAY, DEC. 31

New Year’s Eve Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

SATURDAY, JAN. 1

Happy New Year!

Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m.

Manatee Audubon Society Birding Tour, Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 8:30 a.m.

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

Shamrock Shiver sponsored by Clancy’s Irish Pub, Cortez Beach between Fourth Street South and 12th Street South, Bradenton Beach, noon. All proceeds benefit The Blessing Bags Project, Feeding Empty Little Tummies, Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee County and Parenting Matters Charities.

Sunshine Stitchers knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Reserve online manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/8486571

mi-style oysters, was inspired by one of his favorite sandwiches.

Another way to keep healthy dishes exciting is introducing new ingredients to the pallet. One of Chef Kondor’s greatest assets at The Chiles Group is access to company-owned and operated Gamble Creek Farms. The growers spent years studying permaculture design worldwide and have applied their learnings to Florida’s ecosystem. The result is uncommon heirloom varieties of produce. “The farm gives great access to unique ingredients. The farmers out there are doing amazing things, growing VWX൵ \RX FDQ¶W ¿QG DW D VXSHUPDUNHW ´ /RFDOV can also add these unorthodox elements to their home-cooked meals, as the Farm Market is open to the public. Substituting roselle for cranberry, incorporating papaya, and using diverse strains of mushrooms are nutrient-rich ways to keep things interesting.

With Chef Kondor’s simple ways add D OLWWOH ÀDLU WR OLJKWHU IDUH LW¶V HDVLHU WKDQ HYHU to make long-term lifestyle changes this year.

Pictured: Chef Seth Kondor Content Provided by: The Chiles Group

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DECEMBER 29, 2021t

The Wailers jumpstart new Center concert series

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

ANNA MARIA – A new concert series has kicked off at The Center of Anna Maria Island just in time for the holidays.

The first show in the five-part series featured the Grammynominated reggae group The Wailers. Led by Aston Barrett Jr., the group took to the Island stage on Dec. 11 as a part of their 2021 One World Tour.

Performing to a packed crowd on the field, the group played the hits of the original Wailers, led by the legendary Bob Marley and featuring Barrett’s father, Aston “Family man” Barrett, as well as some of their own original songs.

A standout of the performance was “One World, One Prayer,” the first single off The Wailers 2020 album of the same name.

The next show taking The Center’s stage will be Lou Gramm, former lead singer of award-winning rock band Foreigner, on Saturday, Jan. 22, followed by Don Felder on

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

The Wailers perform to a packed house at The Center of Anna Maria Island. Right, Aston Barrett Jr. leads The Wailers as the reggae group takes the stage at The Center for their One World Tour show on Dec. 11.

Sunday, Feb. 20, Richard Marx on Wednesday, March 23 and Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals on Saturday, April 2. Tickets for all shows are on sale at www.centerami.org/ events.

The Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series at The Center is presented by Bradenton Area Arts & Culture, the Sandbar restaurant and Cedar Cove Resort and Cottages.

DECEMBER 29, 2021

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Special magistrate hearing recordings discussion put on pause

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

HOLMES BEACH – Commissioners had a discussion about adding a provision to the city code concerning the recording of code compliance special magistrate hearings, but City Attorney Patricia Petruff wasn’t sure legally why it was a discussion.

Petruff, who is retiring as city attorney at the end of the calendar year, said she was approached by attorney Erica Augello about the proposed ordinance after an error with the city’s recording system caused a special magistrate hearing to not be properly recorded. As a result, Augello, serving as the city’s code compliance

attorney, requested that decisions made in cases by special magistrate Michael Connolly resulting in fines be vacated with the option to rehear the cases at a later date.

Though Petruff did draft the requested ordinance for consideration by city commissioners, she said she doesn’t understand why it would be needed as she doesn’t feel it’s too difficult or taxing for city employees to have a representative from the city clerk’s office present to start and end the hearing recordings.

Petruff encouraged commissioners to table the discussion, which they agreed to, until more information could be presented by Augello, who will be stepping in as city attorney beginning in January.

Roser Guild gives The Center a holiday gift

SUBMITTED | PEGGY NASH

Roser Guild co-presidents Cherrie Birkman and Nancian Hall deliver check for $1,100 to Executive Director Chris Culhane at The Center of Anna Maria Island. The Center is one of 16 local organizations sponsored by the ladies of the Guild at Roser Memorial Community Church.

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Public weighs in on comprehensive plan changes If you missed out on the comprehensive plan town hall meeting, it’s not too late to give your input on the future of Holmes Beach.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Work on proposed revisions to the city’s comprehensive plan are almost complete and planning commissioners are seeking the public's input.

About 30 members of the public along with city staff, Mayor Judy Titsworth and Commissioner Terry Schaefer gathered on Dec. 8 at City Hall for a town hall meeting on the comprehensive plan held by the city’s planning commissioners. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss proposed changes to the plan and get get the public's feedback.

From residents to business owners and visitors, everyone was invited to come and have their opinions heard.

Planning commissioners will discuss the information they received at an upcoming public meeting. However, those who were unable to attend may submit public comment by email through the middle of January at cityclerk@holmesbeachfl.org.

The comprehensive plan is a document that is adopted by city commissioners to provide a guide for the future of Holmes Beach and what types of policies they should implement in the city.

There are 10 elements to the comprehensive plan: Future Land Use; Property Rights; Infrastructure; Capital Improvements; Coastal Management and Conservation; Recreation, Open Space, Arts and Culture; Transportation; Housing; Intergovernmental Coordination; and Public School Facilities. Here are the primary proposed changes to each element:

facilities.

• Added objective related to the city’s mission to improve the resiliency of transportation facilities.

HOUSING

FUTURE LAND USE

- Added objective relating to the city’s desire to promote arts, culture and creative design.

- Added language which reinforces the city’s stated vision and values.

PROPERTY RIGHTS

• New element being added to comply with recent legislation enacted by the Florida Legislature.

• Four statements of rights that require the city to consider private property rights in all local decision-making.

INFRASTRUCTURE

• Continue to urge Manatee County to eliminate all septic tanks and to hook up to the central sewer system when available.

• Incorporate drainage projects within the five-year schedule of capital projects.

• Pursue mitigation efforts associated with stormwater, drainage and floodplain management.

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

• Language added to reinforce the city’s stated vision and values

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Around 30 stakeholders gathered on Dec. 8 at Holmes Beach City Hall to learn more about the changes planned for the city’s comprehensive plan. to fund strong safety programs, such as police, fire and emergency personnel.

• Emphasis on sharing of school recreation facilities, including funding, if appropriate.

• The five-year schedule of capital improvement projects has been updated.

and other sustainability measures.

• Objective added regarding the protection of habitat and endangered/threatened species.

• Objective added to address the city’s desire to promote ecotourism.

• Objective added to reduce impervious surfaces.

REMOVAL OF:

RECREATION, OPEN SPACE, ARTS AND CULTURE

• Rigid and poorly-worded guidelines for prioritization of capital improvement projects • Rigid levels of service for recreational facilities • Outdated lists of capital improvement projects • Outdated concurrency management section so that provisions in the Land Development Code can be updated as needed.

COASTAL MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION

• Incorporation of arts and culture as a part of recreation activities.

• Maximize and continue improvement of municipal recreation facilities.

• Protection of Grassy Point Preserve as a conservation asset while providing passive access.

• Emphasis on linking transportation generators and attractors with bicycle and pedestrian paths.

• Reorganization of elements.

• Objective added to address energy efficiency, waste reduction

TRANSPORTATION

• Added policies to improve transit routes, options and

• Policies added to maintain and encourage affordable and workforce housing.

• Objective added to address the city’s desire to encourage energy efficiency and sustainability.

• Objective added to encourage resilient building practices.

• Objective added to address the city’s desire to encourage development within the mixeduse overlay district to promote the live, work, play lifestyle within the city.

INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION

• Objective added to emphasize the city’s position that home rule and local authority be preserved.

PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES

• Language added to reinforce the city’s position that Anna Maria Elementary should be retained as a community school.

• Re-establishment of the Manatee County School District’s responsibility to adequately fund capital improvements for public schools.

REMOVAL OF REDUNDANT POLICIES

To learn more about the proposed changes to the comprehensive plan and how they can affect the future of Holmes Beach, visit the LaRue Planning website.

Wishing you a 5346 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach (941) 778-5788 | hurricanehanks.com

5344 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach (941) 779-BEER (2337) | hurricaneliquorami.com

Happy New Year

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Gregory James LaPensee, 39, of Bradenton, passed away Dec. 14, 2021. Greg was born on Dec. 17, 1981 and was a true Manatee County native. He fought a long, hard battle for months but spent his final days in the comfort of family and friends.

Greg grew up on beautiful Anna Maria Island. He graduated from Manatee High School in 2000 and immediately went to work in the family business, LaPensee Plumbing Inc. He took pride in his work, becoming an owner and growing his passion and reputation throughout the area. Greg had big dreams and his determination and work ethic led to expanding the business to where it is today.

In 2010, Greg married the love of his life, Carlee, and together they created a beautiful home and a loving family. In 2012, they welcomed a son, Preston, and completed their family in 2015 when they welcomed another son, Chandler. Fatherhood suited Greg; he was a family man and loved coaching his sons’ youth sports teams. Spending quality time with family and friends was paramount to Greg - it was when he was happiest.

He put others first, always striving to make everyone else happy and have a good time. Greg is survived by his wife, Carlee LaPensee; sons, Preston LaPensee and Locally Owned and Chandler LaPensee; his parents, J. Michael LaPensee 45 Stores Natio and J. Karen LaPensee; sisters, Michele Crouthamel (Jereme) and Shawn Shields (Logan); brother, Michael J. LaPensee and many nieces and nephews. He touched so many people’s lives throughout the community and will forever be missed. Greg’s life would seem too short to many, but those who knew him understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. His laughter, wit and larger than life presence brought so much joy to anyone who was lucky to spend time with him. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022 at The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, Fla., 34216. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to The Center of Anna Maria Island http://weblink.donorperfect.com/In-Memory-ofGreg-LaPensee. Condolences may be made to www. brownandsonsfuneral.com.

OBITS CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

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DECEMBER 29, 2021

THE SUN

15

City addressing Pine Avenue streetlight complaint Three new streetlights were recently installed along Pine Avenue to help improve pedestrian safety.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Grammy-winning singer/songwriter and Anna Maria resident Janis Ian waxed poetic when recently sharing her concerns about the glare coming off a new streetlight near her home on Pine Avenue.

Installed by Florida Power & Light (FPL) at the city of Anna Maria’s request, the streetlight Ian referenced is located on the 400 block of Pine Avenue, near the Pineapple Marketplace and two new homes under construction.

According to Mayor Dan Murphy, the streetlight Ian addressed is one of three new streetlights the city recently had installed to improve the lighting along Pine Avenue. In response to Ian’s concerns, the city has asked FPL to install a shield around the streetlight to lessen the glare it casts.

Accompanied by her wife, who did not address city officials, Ian addressed the city commission on Dec. 9.

“I’m requesting the council and planners give still more consideration to those of us who actually live on, and adjacent to, Pine

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Anna Maria resident Janis Ian eloquently expressed her streetlight concerns to the city commission. The glare from the unshielded streetlight extends to the other side of Pine Avenue.

Avenue – particularly in the area of lighting. When Pine Avenue was first rezoned as ROR (residential/office/retail), part of the reasoning was to encourage store owners to live above their shops, increasing the investment in the community and Pine Avenue itself. Not just their financial investment, but their emotional investment.

When we first began coming here, the love for Pine Avenue felt by many of the shopkeepers was very evident to us. From the attention they paid to the Christmas lights, to the way they treated us once we moved from Nashville, their pride in the street and the city was obvious. The folks at Beach Bums welcomed us with open arms, as did the vendors at Olive Oil Post and what

was then Pineapple Junction. Not to get all sappy about it, but it was really moving, and it made us even happier about our decision to relocate,” Ian said.

“We didn’t buy our home to flip it and move on. We bought it to spend our remaining years in a place whose quality of life we couldn’t find anywhere else. Understandably, things have changed a lot these past few years. Nothing stays the same and I know that, but one of the things we always loved about Anna Maria was being able to walk outside at night and see the stars. Now we have to walk out to the end of the pier. The new city lights make seeing the stars next to impossible, unless you’re actually on a canal or on the bay, and even then… ” she said.

“We used to love the way ‘the streets rolled up’ early evening and how peaceful it became – an antidote even at the height of season. We all understand that tourists drive the economy and we are dependent on them. The tourists flee at the height of red tide while we’re still here. Tourists stay away when hurricanes threaten and we’re still here. We shop locally during good times and bad and spend our money during recessions when other people stay away.

Many tourists just don’t have a financial or emotional investment in the ecology of Anna Maria – not just the ecology of the wildlife, the flora and the fauna, but the human ecology of Anna Maria,” Ian said.

Regarding the new streetlights, she said, “I understand the liability concerns. I’m asking you to understand that we live on Pine Avenue. We weren’t consulted about lighting structures that cast light up to a full block away from our home, like the one on Tarpon or across the street. Lots of cities are talking about light pollution and recognizing that over-lighting destroys the ambiance of a place like this, which advertises itself as ‘a slice of old Florida.’ Over-lighting wreaks havoc with local wildlife, from small insects to large mammals, including humans like us. Being exposed to light 24 hours a day SEE LIGHT, PAGE 18

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THE SUN

OUTDOORS

DECEMBER 29, 2021

Digital catch and release

Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

T

he world of digital photography (and videography) continues to evolve and anglers have never had more options to explore. Whether you’re capturing a picture or a video clip to remind you of your catch, to share with friends and family, or to post on social media, digital cameras allow us to capture images of our catches, making catch and release all the more rewarding. Photography has never been easier and anglers can enjoy this amazing technology no matter what their level of expertise. Most digital cameras and most smartphones also come with software (or apps) that let you enhance the image, crop the size, and share the final product in several ways. You can send the images via e-mail or as a text (straight from a phone), or download them, edit, and print them out to frame and display.

Even though taking a picture may be easy, there are a few basic rules that will help you capture a better image: • Before ever leaving the dock be sure you have fresh batteries, charged phone, memory cards with enough space to record your images, a clean lens and a cleaning cloth.

• There is almost always a certain amount of chaos associated with catching a memorable fish, so get an idea in advance of where you’ll compose your image.

• Check the background through the viewfinder carefully for distracting and cluttered backgrounds. Make sure you don’t have any unwanted objects, like a rod appearing to stick out of someone’s head.

• Look to capture photographs that aren’t posed and remember that the sooner you get your picture the more vibrant the colors

of a fish will be. First and foremost, fill the frame with the subject, eliminating anything that doesn’t add to the composition.

• Since you’re filming on the water, check that the horizon is straight. Cameras and most smartphones have the option of putting a grid on the screen.

• Use a polarizing filter to cut glare and saturate colors.

• For most shots, I set my camera to aperture (F8) priority.

• When trying to “catch” a jumping fish make sure you stop the action with an ISO of at least 1,000th of a second. Many digital cameras can capture up to 10 frames a second so set the camera for a rapid burst.

• Many photographs taken on the water are exposed in bright light. When possible, avoid shadows on anglers’ faces and use a fill flash if necessary.

• Take several shots from different angles and get the angler excited and talking to you. One of the great advantages of digital is that you can take lots of pictures and edit them on the go to make sure you have the shot you want.

• Check out accessories like gimbals to take your work to the next level.

• Start a YouTube channel and learn to upload and link movies.

• If you’re interested in recording underwater images and clips check out the GoPro line of cameras and accessories.

• If you

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

Smartphones and camera systems like the GoPro have a number of valuable accessories. have photo editing software like Lightroom or Photoshop you can lighten the shadows in post-production. This can sometimes eliminate the need for fill flash (if the contrast isn’t too great) and prevent a flash from creating unwanted reflections on fish.

Since lighting is almost always challenging, shoot and then review important shots. If you have a more advanced camera, you can bracket important shots in difficult lighting

situations. Expose at least three images: one slightly (one stop) underexposed, one slightly (one stop) overexposed, and one at the setting suggested by the light meter.

There are a lot of excellent digital cameras on the market today. The new generation of smartphones can take amazing images and have clip-on accessories including a polarizing lens.

If you’re really interested in photography, I suggest getting a camera that meets your needs. Most come with a trial version of an image editing software like Adobe Elements. There are many cameras on the market from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. Taking the time to capture the “moments of life” pays dividends that you can continue to relive by sharing them through your images.

For more information on the right camera for you, check with a professional at your local camera shop like Johnson Photo Imaging www.jpiphoto.com or go to www. bhphoto.com. Software demos (check out Lightroom CC 2019) can be downloaded at www.adobe.com .

DECEMBER 29, 2021

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Dead cownose rays discovered on beach The dead rays were found earlier this month near the Holmes Beach/Anna Maria border.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Several dead cownose rays littered the beach between the White Avenue beach access in Holmes Beach and The Sandbar restaurant in Anna Maria on Dec. 12.

Linda McNamara, who posted photos of the rays on Facebook, said she was walking along the beach and spotted at least a halfdozen dead rays.

“I assumed they were attacked by sharks, but I’ve never seen so many like this on the beach,” she noted in her Facebook post.

Her post included a photograph of several dead rays on the beach and a close-up photograph of one ray that appeared to have been bitten by a shark, based on the teeth marks in one of its wings. As of Dec. 22, McNamara’s post had generated 303 comments and 124 shares.

When contacted by The Sun, Holmes Beach resident and longtime charter fishing captain Scott Moore shared his insight on the photos.

“In the wintertime, your tides are huge at night and there’s a big swash, or trough, and the rays are feeding along there," Moore said. "Sharks do come in and when

LINDA MCNAMARA | SUBMITTED

Linda McNamara saw these dead cownose rays littering the beach on Dec. 12. there’s a lot of those cownose rays they take a bite out of one, and there’s so many that out of confusion, they’ll bite one, two or three rays. They don’t just go after the same one all the time. It’s not that unusual. Also, we’ve got this warm water right now and sharks at night are in closer to the beach where the water is warmer and where the food is. They herd those cow-nosed rays up toward the beach and feed on them.”

Based on the photos, Moore does not believe the rays were killed by people - and, in particular, by shark anglers - as some Facebook users wondered on McNamara’s post.

“I didn’t see anything that indicated this was done by shark fishermen,” said Moore, who was also contacted by a local TV station about the incident.

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THE SUN

DECEMBER 29, 2021

LIGHT: City addressing streetlight complaint FROM PAGE 15

isn’t healthy for any living thing,” Ian said.

“Our bedroom windows are on Pine. We went to bed one night with the windows wide open to catch the breeze. The next night, the light from across the street was so bright that it not only illuminates our entire driveway and a large portion of our stairs, it reaches into our second-story windows and illuminates the bedrooms so that we’re now talking about having to buy blackout shades,” she said.

“I would appreciate any consideration the city can give to this problem that we face – and some consideration given to those of us

who love seeing the stars when we walk out at night. I really think that’s an important part of this city – just as important as the Christmas lights or Bayfest or what we’re doing along Pine Avenue to make it safe for everybody. Thank you,” Ian said.

In response to Ian’s comments, Murphy said the city has asked FPL to install a shield that will focus the light downward.

He also noted there’s “a tremendous safety problem” for those walking along Pine Avenue at night.

“That’s what the intent was. The intent was not to disturb your sleep,” Murphy said.

Regarding the pending Reimagining Pine Avenue safety improvements, Murphy said various types of light fixtures will be presented for commission consideration.

He said some may resemble the light fixtures in Ybor City that look like oldfashioned gas lights.

“Those would take the place of the highpowered lights on Pine Avenue now. The intent is that we would take those out and have more of a folksy look,” Murphy said.

Ian then said, “I think the charm of Pine Avenue, particularly around the holidays, is in large part that it feels old-fashioned and does feel folksy or homey. I worry – not just

as a resident, but as somebody who has a financial investment – about that charm disappearing in the rush to make sure everyone is accommodated.”

After thanking Ian for her insight, Murphy said the city would seek a quick remedy to her concerns.

Public Works Manager Dean Jones then said, “I spoke with FPL and the request was put in on the 6th to put in a light shield.

We’re definitely on top of it.”

After the meeting ended, Ian noted she has a new album coming out in January.

As of Wednesday, Dec. 22, FPL had not yet installed the requested streetlight shield.

City leaders oppose phosphate mining Though phosphate mining isn’t practiced in Holmes Beach, city commissioners are putting their opposition to the practice on record in the hopes that it raises awareness with county and state representatives.

At their Dec. 14 meeting, commissioners voted unanimously to pass a resolution supporting the strengthening of regulations regarding the mining of phosphate and how phosphate plants are operated and maintained. The resolution notes the adverse effects of the Piney Point leak and wastewater discharge this spring into Tampa Bay on local waterways, including those in Holmes Beach.

Commissioners said while there’s nothing in the resolution for them to enforce,

they hope other local municipalities will join them in passing similar documents to present to the state. The point of the resolution is to raise awareness with local and state lawmakers concerning the negative environmental impacts posed by phosphate mining operations in Florida.

During a recent Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting, officials from the cities of Bradenton Beach, Anna Maria and Longboat Key expressed interest in the Holmes Beach phosphate mining resolution and indicated they would be interested in discussing the subject with their respective city leaders once it passed the Holmes Beach Commission.

Gift celebrates mayor’s accomplishments City staff presented Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy with a framed photo collage that highlights his many accomplishments for the city during his time as mayor. Murphy received the gift during the staff Christmas party on Tuesday, which also included an ugly sweater contest and an ornament exchange.

CITY OF ANNA MARIA | SUBMITTED

DECEMBER 29, 2021

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19

‘No fueling’ signs placed at county boating facilities The new signs date back to a 2020 discussion regarding tour boat refueling at a county-owned facility.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – “No fueling” signs are now in place at Coquina Bayside Park and the Coquina North and South boat ramps in Bradenton Beach.

Similar signs were placed at the Kingfish boat ramp in Holmes Beach and at additional county-owned boating facilities throughout Manatee County.

The signs contain the following language: “No fueling. Fueling at county boat ramps, docks and piers prohibited.”

Manatee County Parks and Recreation Director Charlie Hunsicker said the signs were put in place about a month ago.

“It is targeted primarily to larger commercial type vessels, but also will apply to smaller craft – except in obvious cases for someone who literally runs out of gas on a recreational pleasure trip. There are plenty of commercially licensed marinas where fuel can be purchased and safely dispensed. Discretion will be practiced between warnings and citations under the county ordinance,” Hunsicker said.

The signs reference Section 2-24-10 of the county’s parks and recreation ordinance.

“The director may administratively adopt, amend or rescind rules or procedures regulating the use, operations or staffing of parks or facilities not inconsistent with this chapter if such rules or procedures are deemed by the director to be in the best interest of the public health, safety or welfare,” the county

ordinance states.

The signs were triggered in part by the past fueling activities of Paradise Boat Tours’ General Manager Sherman Baldwin. In November 2020, Baldwin was asked to discontinue his fueling activities at the county’s Coquina Bayside barge dock, which is located at the southern tip of Bradenton Beach, near Longboat Pass.

In December 2020, Baldwin appeared before the county commission to discuss his desired fueling activities. He told county commissioners Paradise Boat Tours invested more than $10,000 to modify a Ford F-150 pickup to safely transport fuel in a manner compliant with federal fueling regulations. He noted no fuel spills had resulted from those fueling activities. He also told county commissioners that purchasing fuel in a non-marina setting and transporting it to the county facility saved the tour boat company approximately $2 per gallon, which he said totaled about $650 per week.

During that meeting, some county commissioners and county staff members expressed concerns about a potential fuel spill and about setting a fueling precedent that other commercial boat operators might follow. County Attorney Mickey Palmer told the commission he was not aware of any county ordinance that expressly prohibited fueling activities at a county dock or boat ramp.

In January 2021, Bradenton Beach City Commissioners expressed similar concerns about the fueling activities.

When contacted recently, Baldwin said he was aware of the “no fueling” signs, but still respectfully disagrees with the county’s position.

20

THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

DECEMBER 29, 2021

Will you be a new Florida resident in the new year?

T

he secret is out: Florida is one of the best states in the country to live in. We’ve got the weather, we’ve got the waterfront on three sides of the state, we don’t have a state income tax or a state inheritance tax and we do have great infrastructure and tons of new residential construction.

So, what’s not to like? Not much. But if you want to move your permanent residence to Florida or if you’re already here and want to become a permanent resident, there is a process.

While not required, it is recommended to file a Florida Declaration of Domicile.

This document states that you are a Florida resident and you maintain a residence in the state and intend to make that your permanent home. This is especially important if you spend time in another state during the year as proof of your permanent residency in Florida. The form needs to be notarized and verified that it is recorded.

Next is to obtain a Florida driver’s

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER license within 30 days. You may not maintain two different state licenses. To obtain a Florida driver’s license, U.S. citizens must have a U.S. birth certificate, valid passport or passport card, social security card, and two documents showing proof of residential address. There are different criteria for immigrants and Canadians.

Your out-of-state license will be taken from you at the time of application. Nondriver I.D. cards are also available.

Likewise, Florida insurance for your vehicle must be obtained from a Florida licensed agent and you must register your vehicle in Florida within 10 days of application. If you plan on voting, register in Florida and do not vote in your previous

state. Opening a local bank account will also verify your intent to be a permanent Florida resident. If you own a home, apply for the Florida homestead exemption to save on property tax. Disabled veterans may be entitled to a further tax exemption.

People moving to Florida need to be sure they are cutting ties to their former state. It is not uncommon for states to check the number of days spent in your former state through toll records, credit card charges and local services used.

Now that you know how to start the new resident process, here’s why you should make the move. These are the November Manatee County sales statistics reported by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee and they represent the highest recorded median prices: Single-family homes had a median sale price of $450,411, up 28.5% from last November, and the average single-family sale price was $593,109, up 28.1%. The median percent of original list price to sale price was 100%, up 1.6%, and the

median time to contract was six days down 68.4%.

The condo median sale price was $300,000, up 26.4% from last year, and the average sale price was $342,508, up 29.2%. The median percent of original list price to sale price was 100%, up 3.4%, and the median time to contract was nine days, down 73.5%.

Closed sales are down for both singlefamily homes and condos because of the lack of inventory, with homes selling in a matter of hours. Too many buyers, too few properties.

There isn’t much else left to say. According to the president of the Realtor Association, Florida, and Sarasota and Manatee counties, in particular, continue to be the go-to destination for buyers around the country.

Welcome to Florida to those who are already here or are getting ready to make the move. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and best wishes for a healthy and prosperous 2022.

www.amisun.com

DECEMBER 29, 2021

THE SUN

Tourism looking healthy Anne Wittine, of Research Data Services, gave her bi-monthly update on the state of tourism in Manatee County to the Tourist Development Council.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

SUN CORRESPONDENT jschaffer@amisun.com

The Manatee County Tourist Development Council listens to Anne Wittine deliver her state of tourism report during last week’s TDC meeting at The Center of Anna Maria Island.

ANNA MARIA - Every other month, Research Data Services’ Anne Wittine addresses the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) to update them on the state of tourism not only for the Island, but Manatee County as a whole. At last week’s TDC meeting, held at The Center of Anna Maria Island, there was plenty of good news.

During the time Canada, Europe and many northern states were on strict COVID-19 travel restrictions, Wittine credits the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors

Bureau (CVB) for transitioning its efforts to local “drive” markets. These are markets in the state of Florida and nearby southern states with people likely to drive to this area for a vacation. The efforts paid off, as Island visitors actually increased in most categories during the worst of the pandemic.

While U.S. air travel has not recovered at the rate expected by many experts, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) was up 148% for the month of October as compared to October 2020. More surprising is that during the

BY JASON SCHAFFER

same time period, SRQ was up 78% from 2019, which was preCOVID, the highest number of any airport in Florida. While the numbers vary from month to month, SRQ has been the state’s top-performing airport for most of 2021.

The October visitation numbers are up from last year as well. The total number of visitors was up 13.9%, room nights were up 14.1% and economic impact was up 29.1%.

“Last year we were attracting people from that local drive radius, and they came for shorter stays and spent less money,” said Wittine. “What

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we’re seeing now is people coming from farther away and staying longer. A pivot back to people from the Midwest and Northeast coming down and spending money.”

Visitors from the Northeast have risen from October 2020 to October 2021 from 5,450 to 10,090, an increase of 85.1%.

The Midwest was the secondlargest increased visitor origin for the same time period with a 44.5% increase to 10,910.

Wittine also reports that October will be the last report not to include Europe and Canada, since those countries now allow travel to the U.S. Wittine always includes a travel sentiment survey in her reports. This data gives the TDC an idea of how people feel about travel, how likely they are to visit the area and any concerns about health and safety. When asked to describe their feelings about travel in general using only one word, some of the most popular sentiments included cautious, hopeful, ready, hesitant and optimistic.

21

OBITUARIES James Sterling Ragsdale James Sterling Ragsdale died peacefully on Dec. 17, 2021. He was the beloved husband of Vivian Pilaro Ragsdale for 54 years. He was born on Jan 1, 1937, in Boston, Mass., to the late Dr. L.V. Ragsdale and Mildred Rudd. He is survived by his daughter, Carrie Goins (Shannon); grandsons, Tristen Goins and Rian Goins, of Valparaiso, Ind.; son, James S. Ragsdale, Jr., of Boston, Mass; his brother, John M. Ragsdale (Ann) and sister, Sarah Ragsdale. James grew up in Grand Rapids, Mich.

He graduated from Bryant College in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. There, he learned to use the computer for the first time. He worked for IBM in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Continental Can Company in New York City and PepsiCo, Inc., in Purchase, N.Y. In 1972 James founded his own company, Noteworthy Software Consulting Company, and he retired to Florida in 1999. He was an avid sports fan and followed his beloved University of Alabama Crimson Tide and the New York Jets.

A memorial service and burial will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 5, at The Church of the Annunciation, Holmes Beach, Fla. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers donations to the Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, Fla. 34217 would be appreciated. Condolences may be made to www. brownandsonsfuneral.com.

22

THE SUN

www.amisun.com

DECEMBER 29, 2021

BEACH BEAT HOLMES BEACH

12/14, 9:01 p.m., driving on revoked license, 4000 Gulf Drive. The officer saw a gold Honda suddenly changing lanes and cutting off a vehicle so he initiated a traffic stop. When the driver could not provide a valid license, the officer checked the status of his license.

The license came back as suspended, which the driver admitted. The driver was issued a criminal traffic citation and the female passenger was allowed to drive the car from the scene since her license was valid.

12/17, 11:52 a.m., trespass after warning, 5602 Marina Drive. Officers were dispatched to Egret’s Landing after the manager reported two women in a silver vehicle with a silver trailer who would not leave the property. The women called the officers vulgar names and refused to leave. After the officers told the women they were being trespassed from the property and would be arrested if they didn’t leave, they continued to be combative. Officers had to struggle to handcuff the women and one officer sustained injuries to his back and shoulders.

12/20, 1:45 a.m., information report, 5900 Marina Drive.

After being advised by a dispatcher that a woman was sleeping on a bench at City Park just north of City Hall, the officer went to the park and recognized the subject. When asked if she had taken any drugs, she admitted to taking multiple drugs, but could not recall what she had taken. The officer said she was slipping in and out of consciousness. EMS was called, and after the officer filled out Marchman Act paperwork, the subject was taken to Blake Medical Center.

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DECEMBER 29, 2021

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23

Season of Giving We are pleased to be recognized as the Florida Gulf Coast luxury leader, but we are most proud of our commitment to philanthropy in the neighborhoods we serve. Giving back is central to our culture and not just during the holidays, but all year long.

Elevating the lives of others is what matters most—because we believe that home is more than just an address; it is a community

Wishing you and your loved ones all the joys of the season!

where we love, learn and grow together.

The Florida Gulf Coast Luxury Leader Contact us for all your real estate needs

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LONGBOAT KEY 656 Tarawitt Drive 10,799 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy, PA & Gail Wittig 941-961-8850 A4518192 $950,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 112 Mangrove Avenue 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,577 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4502423 $3,999,000

BRADENTON 3912 Plumosa Terrace Street W 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,679 Sq. Ft. Pam Goodwin & Fran DeDona 941-812-0754 A4517658 $790,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3808 Gulf Of Mexico Drive E212 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,544 Sq. Ft. Jodene Moneuse 941-302-4913 A4517938 $710,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4410 Exeter Drive K205 2 Beds 2 Baths 992 Sq. Ft. Malihe Karimi 941-376-5099 A4519064 $595,000

BRADENTON 3440 Wild Oak Bay Boulevard 127 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,596 Sq. Ft. Lynne Callahan 941-720-3278 A4519276 $525,000

BRADENTON 10012 Kingfisher Road E 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,473 Sq. Ft. Ken Kavanaugh, Jr & Maureen Horn 941-799-1943 A4516775 $1,295,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 231 64th Street 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,206 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4518052 $1,050,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1701 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 207 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,551 Sq. Ft. Brigitte Von Kessel 941-266-2174 A4519006 $895,000

SARASOTA 707 S Gulfstream Avenue 101 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,247 Sq. Ft. Marybeth Flynn 941-704-1477 A4518888 $850,000

BRADENTON 112 65th Street Court NW 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,648 Sq. Ft. Leah Secondo 941-545-4430 A4518913 $349,000

BRADENTON 3509 59th Avenue W 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,330 Sq. Ft. Adam Cuffaro 941-812-0791 A4519573 $249,900

941.896.9981 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

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DECEMBER 29, 2021

COIN TOSS: Retired firefighter to perform toss FROM PAGE 1

home to a local first responder at no cost during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before retiring as a fire lieutenant in Miamisburg, Ohio, Wilcox and his wife, Jennifer, purchased a vacation rental home on Fourth Avenue in Holmes Beach, which they named Casa Coconut AMI. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the couple lost three months of vacation rental income while travel came to a temporary halt. Despite the lost income, Wilcox offered his vacation rental as free housing for first responders who needed to quarantine. A short time later, a local first responder from Southern Manatee Fire Rescue needed a place to quarantine and did so at the couple’s vacation rental home.

“We wanted to recognize Mike for his generosity and resilience during the pandemic. It’s inspiring and humbling to see Vrbo hosts go above and beyond for their communities,” said Kevin Locraft, Vrbo vice president of partner success.

MIKE WILCOX | SUBMITTED

Retired fire lieutenant Mike Wilcox will perform the pregame coin toss at the Vrbo Citrus Bowl. Mike and Jennifer Wilcox own a vacation rental home in Holmes Beach.

“Having served as a fire lieutenant, I know firsthand the challenges that first responders have when it comes to exposure to the virus while on the job,” Wilcox said. “I have friends on the frontlines. I wanted to help in this tough situation and I was in a position to provide a solution.”

Wilcox said he was impressed

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

with how the various fire departments and police departments in Manatee County responded to the daily challenges presented to first responders during the onset of the pandemic.

He and his wife now reside fulltime in Bradenton. He works at Pirate City, where the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team trains.

She now works as a Realtor at Preferred Shore Real Estate in Sarasota after returning as an education administrator whose career also included teaching.

Wilcox said he’s researched past pregame coin tosses and has been practicing his own. He said there have been some notable coin toss errors, including Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014, when former New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath tossed the coin before heads or tails had been called. The quickthinking referee caught the coin in mid-air and Namath had to toss the coin a second time.

“I’m excited to do this and I’m honored that they picked me,” Wilcox said.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Clockwise above, Painted by Gillian Fazio, this sea turtle is the centerpiece of the Chiles Group’s new mural on an exterior wall of the old post office plaza in Anna Maria. The COVID Ribbon Memorial was presented in honor of those who died from COVID-19. As red tide came and went from April through November, caused by wastewater dumped from Piney Point, beautiful beach days still emerged.

KATIE FIELD | SUBMITTED

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Nick Azzara addresses the Manatee County Tourist Development Council for the first time after being hired as the new Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau communications manager.

CVB: Hires new communication manager FROM PAGE 1

visitors about Manatee County, Azzara said he looks forward to helping locals find out more about events happening in their own backyard.

“I’ve been a Manatee County resident since 2005, but in my two months with the CVB, I learned so much about festivals, facilities and things I didn’t know about as a resident. I’m hoping to enlighten more of the locals about what we have going on,” Azzara said.

With a background in journalism, website design and execution, public relations and crisis communications, Azzara has the perfect skill set to get the job done effectively, CVB Director Elliott Falcione said.

“With the growth of the airport and growth of the feeder markets, we really needed additional support,” Falcione said. “With more than 12 years working for Manatee County, Nick was the perfect person, so we brought him over.”

DECEMBER 29, 2021

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Massage reactions 4 Hungarian stew 11 Watch chain 14 Watch 15 Entertainer 16 Make fun of 17 Crowdfunding website 19 Medicinal bath site 20 Starts a poker pot 21 Fabled loser 22 Sporty Pontiacs 23 "__ here": "The place is empty" 25 Recliner part 27 Surly mutt 28 Squalid 31 Stand for an oil, say 32 Superman's symbol 33 Notable period 34 Sinclair Lewis preacher Elmer __ 35 Civilian activity site during wartime ... and Answers to 12-22-21 Crossword Puzzle.

what the end of 17-, 25-, 49- and 59-Across can be 38 Sultans' groups of wives 41 Non-neutral atom 42 Covert missions 45 Deck out 46 Can't stomach 48 Zodiac critter with horns 49 Sprint rival 51 Wander from the talking point 53 Virtual video game people 54 Food for horses 57 Magician's cry 58 "Mork & Mindy" planet 59 "The Silence of the Lambs" Oscar-winning actress 61 Service charge 62 Like many bazaars

THE SUN

63 Had a bite 64 Cook in oil 65 Oppressive rule 66 What Dr. Leary tripped on Down 1 Suspicious way to look 2 Shockingly evil 3 Circle parts, in geometry 4 Hydrogen and oxygen 5 Uneaten morsel 6 Nevada neighbor 7 Old Roman money 8 Off the mark 9 Navigate 10 Sailor's pronoun 11 First to the finish 12 One against 13 Really awful, as weather 18 Barbie's beau 22 President with fitting initials 24 "It's not how it __" 26 Intend 29 "__ you joking?"

30 Underworld society 34 One who's done for 35 Kitchen rack lineup 36 '70s-'80s Dodge model 37 Nonsense 38 "Let's tip our caps (to) ... " 39 Fan who might be secret

40 Item a hotel guest might forget to return on leaving 42 Relating to a planetary path 43 Portable warehouse

platforms 44 Ruined the reputation of 46 Aptly named soccer shot 47 Like umami's taste

50 Eccentric 52 Yr.'s 12 55 Singer Turner 56 Penn name 59 Write quickly 60 Half a sawbuck

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CLASSIFIED

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FOR SALE

BEACH YOGA ON Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www.thriveyogafit.com

42” TROY BUILT RIDING Mower $650. Call 941-7952435

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

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

Neil 941-726-3077

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

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

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

CLEANING SERVICE THC CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570 or 941565-3931

EMPLOYMENT NOW HIRING CARPENTERS - KERN CONSTRUCTION New homes & Remodels since 1968. Driver’s license & Reliable vehicle.

Benefits: 401K, Holiday/ Vacation Pay. Please call the office 941-778-1115 TIMBER CREEK GOLF COURSE challenging scenic Par 3. PT pro shop/cashier position. Golf privileges included. Call Ray 941-7254715

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

Call us today! 941-778-3986

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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

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

Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.

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

941-778-3206 API’S DRYWALL REPAIR 15+ years experience.

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

Call 941-524-8067.

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.

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

Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941

ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal.

Sweeping, blowing, weeding. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing: driveways, walkways, fences, pool decks/ cages. Call Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315.

LOST & FOUND FOUND TURTLE INLAYED silver/platinum ring with inscription ( Pease identity text to confirm). Found on Palm Harbor Dr near Manatee Public Beach. Call 540-312-5299.

LOST ON MANATEE BEACH. 18" herringbone chain (4mm thick, square link, round clasp, 10k) with 3/4" Spanish gold coin pendant.

Please call 585-755-3894.

Contact Dennis LOST MEN'S GOLD wedding band in shallow water just south of new rock groin on beer can island.

Very sentimental. Reward, call 941-504-0526

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

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

941-812-0507 “WIZARD OF WALLS”.

Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident.

Quality Workmanship.

Interior/Exterior. Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315

DECEMBER 29, 2021

DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-7057096

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

$900,000 - Avenue B HOLMES BEACH- Duplex : 2BR/2BA each side.

5000 SQF lot. 1 Block to beach. Christine Kourik - Remax Alliance 314440-7574

RENTALS: ANNUAL ANNUAL RENTALS WANTED! We have well qualified tenants for beach and mainland annual rentals, Full management or Finders fee.

Call today for details.

Ask for Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 513-3821992.

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455 SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates.

Contact Barb Grace 941201-2190 ANNA MARIA ISLAND CONDOS Large pool, beach access, free WiFi, 1&2 Bedroom $700/$800/$900 a wk. redekercondosonami. com Tim 941-704-7525

AMISUN.COM

VACATION RENTALANNA MARIA 3BR/2.5BA beautiful home west of Gulf Drive just steps to the beach. Available January and February 2022. Fran Maxon Real Estate 941-778-2307.

RENTAL WANTED SEEKING AMI ANNUAL RENTAL Call Kelly Gitt Keller Williams Realty 941799-9299

ROOMMATE WANTED CONDO TO SHARE Lovely private bed/bath leading thru private glass patio door to garden. Share kitchen, living room, lanai, laundry, storage & garage.

Off street parking $650/ mo. All utilities included.

Call 845-521-5759

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $195. Call 941-447-8372 or 941-447-8376. amitaxi4u@ gmail.com, www.amitaxi.com ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa $70. Sarasota $35. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne.

941-779-5095 AIRPORT RIDES- Tampa, St. Pete, Sarasota. Reasonable rates! Call or text Anna 941-932-1600

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DECEMBER 29, 2021

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

THE SUN

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

TRANSPORTATION

PAINTING

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DECEMBER 29, 2021

the Team Duncan Difference!

Local-Area Expertise Outstanding Customer C t S Service i Experienced Professionals Proven Performance

Darcie Duncan Broker - Owner

Cindy Jones Sales Associate

Michelle Laade Sales Associate

April Green Martha Jones Robel Sales Associate Sales Associate

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

Nancy Howle Sales Associate

William Romberger Sales Associate

Lindsey Leech Strickland Mary Anne Muniz Sales Associate Sales Associate

Home & Condominium Sales • Investment Properties • Vacation Rentals

BOUTIQUE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Vacation Rentals • Annual Rentals • Association Management • Home Watch Service

• Dedicated, multi-lingual rental team • Performance tailored to your needs and expectations • Cutting-edge technology • Trusted by generations of Islanders, property owners, and visitors 310 Pine Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216

Providing a top-no guest experien tch ce You call and we answer – 2 4/7 Always there for our owners Maximize yo ur revenue

TeamDuncan.com

941.779.0304