Anna Maria Island Sun December 2, 2015

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VOL 16 No. 5

December 2, 2015

Port Dolphin pipeline dead in the water

BY CINDY LANE

SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com

Citing “catastrophic changes” in the natural gas market, Port Dolphin Energy LLC has abandoned its plans to build both a liquid natural gas port in 100 feet of water 28 miles off Anna Maria Island and a 42-mile-long underwater pipeline to Port Manatee.

“Since the inception of Port Dolphin’s plan for the Deepwater Port, the natural gas industry has substantially changed,” lawyers for the subsidiary of Norway-based Höegh LNG wrote in a motion to vacate the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) certificate allowing the construction and operation of the onshore portion of the project.

“These changes resulted in the United States becoming an exporter rather than an importer of natural gas.

As a result of these changes, Port Dolphin has been unsuccessful in its efforts to negotiate commercial see pipeline, page 44

Billy O’Connor remembered for his sense of humor Friends gathered at Duffy’s Tuesday afternoon to celebrate his life.

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

A jolly good time maggie field | SUN

Eighteen-month-old Avaiyn Tronovatch giggles as she is held by Santa Saturday night at the annual lighting of the Christmas tree on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. Read more about the magical evening on Page 8.

INSIDE NEWS OPINION Sun survey OUTDOORS FOOTBALL FEVER REAL ESTATE SALES real estate OBITS

4 6 7 26-27 30-31 36 34-38 42

BRADENTON – Billy O’Connor, the man known for his pranks and sense of humor, died at 12:35 a.m. Nov. 27 in the hospital following a stroke.

O’Connor, who lived in Cortez, teamed with his identical twin brother, George, who lived on the Island, to start the O’Connor Bowling Challenge more than 20 years ago.

George explained how that began.

“We decided to go bowling one day and we had so much fun, he suggested we hold a tournament and give Billy O’Connor the money we raised to The (Anna Maria Island Community) Center,” he said. “It drew hundreds of people off the Island and really see o’connor, page 41

A dream come

Tourism IN FLORIDA IS SOARING

true: One little girl

ONCE AGAIN. 37

gets her wish to ride a unicorn. 4

Ethics complaints against two city officials are dismissed. 12

Anna Maria Island, Florida

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Revisions continue on vacation rental ordinance Sections regarding fees, violations and penalties will be revised.

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

HOLMES BEACH – City commissioners continued revising their vacation rental ordinance at last week’s City Commission work session by going through each section.

Human services Analyst Mary Buonagura asked why there are separate definitions of bedroom and sleeping room, and City Attorney Patricia Petruff said the definition of sleeping room contains the safety measures the owner must comply with such as having an emergency escape route and installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Commissioners were asked to determine the date owners must submit an application for a vacation rental certificate, and Petruff suggested 45 to 60 days after the approval of the ordinance.

Commissioner Marvin Grossman asked whether pools should be inspected more than once a year if the use is great.

“It could be burdensome,” Petruff replied. ‘It may be going to too far.”

Petruff asked why the owner or vacation rental agent must keep a contemporaneous log of pool inspections. Police Chief Bill Tokajer it just means they must show proof that it was inspected.

Parking problem

Chair Judy Titsworth questioned the provision that vacation rental occupants are prohibited from parking in the right of way, and Tokajer said it is unenforceable.

“Are we going have to go up to every car that’s parked near a rental and run the tags and try to find out who’s the owner and if they are a guest?” he asked.

“It’s over reaching.”

Commissioners took out that language and added that vacation rental occupants are required to park on the vacation rental property.

Buonagura asked commissioners how to enforce a provision requiring vacation rental occupants to obtain a temporary use permit for weddings, wedding receptions, live music venues and gatherings with more than 30 guests or “similar activities disruptive to the residential character of the neighborhood.”

“The noise ordinance should govern what’s going on,” she said.

Titsworth said it is “overstepping,” and

Tokajer said the police department has had no problem with such gatherings.

The language was removed.

During a discussion of fees such as for application or re-inspection, some felt that they should remove some categories such as the change of authorized agent fee and the non-conforming status determination fee.

However, Petruff objected and said the non-conforming status fee “is a big deal.

We should not do it for free.

“We have a lot of situations where people have made interior renovations without a permit that our city doesn’t know about or will not know about until it becomes an issue, and that’s where this comes into play.”

Regarding the change of agent fee, she said that some people change agents three or four times in a year.

Commissioners asked staff to review the fee section.

Violations and penalties

Petruff said she plans to rewrite the section on violations and penalties, and Buonagura asked Code Enforcement Officer John Thomas what is an irreversible violation. Thomas said an oil spill, destroying mangroves or seagrapes or

other serious acts.

Mayor Bob Johnson pointed out, “We’re talking about violating this ordinance, not code enforcement and policing the city.

We already have regulations for that.”

The mayor questioned sections regarding legal non-conformities and converting legal non-conforming residences to vacation rental units, and asked. “What are we trying to do? How do these sections relate to the nature of a vacation rental certificate?

“If I have a non-conforming house and I don’t have enough parking, I should be able to convert that and rent it,” Petruff replied. “The burden is on that person to prove that they are a legal non-conformity. Right now we don’t have a mechanism to allow that to happen.”

Other changes made by commissioners: • Clarified that hard-wired smoke detectors are required for new construction only; • Removed a requirement that a pool fence must be constructed of vinyl acoustical material; • Agreed to look at the language in Anna Maria’s sign ordinance regarding the placement of rental signs with the possibility of adding it to the city’s sign ordinance.

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ISLAND NEWS

Visit our website, www.amisun.com.

Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

DECEMBER 2, 2015

in brief

Anna Maria plans holiday open house The Sun and the AMI Historical Society are sponsoring the Anna Maria Holiday of Treasures Open House on Friday, Dec. 11, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Stroll through the city enjoying lite bites and musical entertainment at participating businesses and organizations.

The Roser Children’s Choir will perform in the Historical Park, adjacent to the Historical Museum at 402 Pine Ave. at 6 p.m.

Visitors can pick up a bingo card at any participating location and have it marked. When the card is filled, visitors are asked to vote for the best-decorated store and put the card in the holiday decorated canisters which will be distributed through the city.

A lucky winner will be drawn that night for the grand prize – a museum tote filled with hundreds of dollars worth of gift certificates, jewelry, beauty products, artwork and a large bottle of champagne.

Chamber events for December The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will have a full slate of gatherings in December.

On Wednesday, Dec. 2, the Gulf Drive Café and Tiki Bar, 900 Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach will host the Chamber Business Luncheon at 11 a.m.

The cost to attend is $15 for members and $25 for non-members. You must RSVP. Call 778-1541.

The Chamber Business Card Exchange also will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Freedom Village, 6402 21st. Ave. W. in Bradenton.

There will be snacks and refreshments. The cost is $5 for members and $10 for prospective members.

On Wednesday, Dec. 9, Harry’s Continental Kitchen, 5600 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, will host the Chamber Sunrise Breakfast from 7:45 to 9 a.m. The cost is $8 for members and $16 for non-members. You must RSVP by calling 778-1541.

Lester Family Fun Day All are invited to the Lester Family Fun Day, sponsored by Chuck and Joey Lester, of Holmes Beach, at The Center on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There will be pony rides; balloons; face painting; card making; cookie decorating; games; a Bounce House; performances by the Manatee High School Drum Line, the Diane Partington Studio of Classic Ballet and the Cawte Irish Dance Academy. Santa will arrive by by fire truck at noon.

There will be hotdogs, snacks, sodas and Duffy burgers to eat and drawings for turkeys donated by the Lesters. There will be a 50/50 raffle with balls that can be purchased for $100 each.

For more information contact Wende Webb at 941-778-1908, ext. 9203, or visit The Center at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

tom vaught | sun

Riding a unicorn brought smiles to Tess Ketarkus. It was her wish, and it came true thanks to the Make-a-Wish Fountation of Sarasota.

Unicorn ride fulfills her wish The Ketarkus family returned to Madison, Wisc., and will adopt their 11th child this week.

BY TOM VAUGHT

SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

PALMA SOLA CAUSEWAY – Joe and Becky Ketarkus and their 10 adopted children arrived in Manatee County by Ford Transit van, the only vehicle large enough to hold them all. They were there to fulfill their daughter’s dream, thanks to the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Four-year-old Tess Ketarkus has survived several operations for congenital heart disease and she faces more. But there is confidence that her story will have an ending as happy as their trek to the Palma Sola Causeway on Thanksgiving morning.

“When the Make-a-Wish people asked Tess what she wanted to do, she said she wanted to stay at the beach and ride a horse,” Joe Ketarkus said. “They sent the request to the Make-a-Wish branch in Sarasota.”

“We chose Anna Maria Island because of its beautiful beaches and the existence of this business (Beachhorses.com) that allows people to ride horses on the beach,” said Sarasota Make-a-Wish representative Rebecca Blitz. “We found a place that made unicorn

t0m vaught | sun

Four-year-old Tess Ketarkus waves from the horse she rode along the beach at the Palma Sola Causeway before they brought her a unicorn to ride. horns and decided to let her ride a horse first and surprise her with the unicorn later.”

In fact, they found a pony that also sported a unicorn horn and when Tess returned from her horseback ride with her parents and siblings, they took her off the horse and called her over to where the unicorns were.

Tess’s eyes widened and she looked at her parents as if she couldn’t believe it. They let her pet the pony before putting her on the larger unicorn named Cloud.

Off they went with Tess on her magical steed. She rode past the onlookers and when someone asked how she liked it, she gave

a thumbs-up. She also raised her arm in the air as she rode, posing for the cameras.

Joe Ketarkus said the experience was pretty awesome.

“We’re really been blessed from the doctors and staff at the hospital to everyone we’ve met here and on the Island,” he said. “We had a nice stay on the Island for a week.”

Becky Ketarkus spoke about their huge family.

“We have 10 children; four from the United States, and three each from Ghana, in West Africa, and China,” she said. “When we return home, we’re going adopt another child from China.”

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DECEMBER 2, 2015

THE SUN

Sign up for lighted boat parade Get on board for the 12th Annual Cortez Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade, which will sparkle down the Intracoastal Waterway on Saturday, Dec. 19.

Cash prizes will be awarded for the best decorated boat in each category, and the best overall boat will win a $500 grand prize.

All boats are welcome to participate in the fun.

The parade will leave from the Seafood Shack in Cortez at 6:30 p.m. Spectators can enjoy the show from the Seafood Shack, the Cortez bridge, the Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach and Coquina Bayside Park.

The entry fee is a toy donation to Toys for Tots. To register, fill out the form in this week’s Sun. The skipper’s meeting is Thursday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m., at the Seafood Shack.

The event is organized by the Cortez Yacht Club and sponsored

by The Anna Maria Island Sun, Gulf Auto Clinic and the Bridge Street Merchants' Association.

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Holmes Beach holiday fun this weekend Enjoy two evenings of holiday open houses in the city of Holmes Beach this year.

The first is at the AMI Centre Shops, located along East Bay Drive. It’s the second annual Anna Maria Island Shopping Center Holiday Open House from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3. Enjoy food, drinks, games and prizes. Get a picture with Santa and listen to a tropical steel drum band as you visit the shops searching for bargains.

On Friday, Dec. 4, it’s the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Tree Lighting and Holmes Beach Holiday Open House.

The fun begins around 5 p.m. as the businesses in the shopping centers near the Chamber, 5313 Gulf Drive, open their doors. There will be snacks, drinks, music and bargains for everyone. The Chamber will light its tree at 6 p.m., and there will be coffee and cookies inside.

For more information, call the Chamber at 778-1541.

CINDY LANE | SUN

A sailboat twinkles on the Intracoastal Waterway in a previous parade.

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 BeinPhone: (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 2, 2015

Goodbye and good riddance

C

all it a win for the environment.

Or maybe just market forces playing out, with capitalism being the final arbiter of a deeply flawed plan.

Either way, the residents of Anna Maria Island and surrounding communities are better off today following the cancellation of a project to build a submersible port 28 miles out in the Gulf of Mexico, where tankers would have converted liquid natural gas into gas and off-loaded it into an underwater pipeline leading to Port Manatee.

Ironically named Port Dolphin, the proposed liquid natural gas facility was abandoned by the parent company, Norway-based Höegh LNG, after years of battling local governments and environmental groups during the lengthy permitting process.

Citing “catastrophic changes” in the natural gas market, Port Dolphin lawyers filed a motion to vacate the federal certificate giving them authority to proceed with the onshore portion of the project.

“Since the inception of Port Dolphin’s plan for the Deepwater Port, the natural gas industry has substantially changed,” the motion reads. “These changes resulted in the United States becoming an exporter rather than an importer of natural gas. As a result of these changes, Port Dolphin has been unsuccessful in its efforts to negotiate commercial contracts for the proposed Deepwater Port.”

T

hat decision by Höegh LNG brings to a close a risky, high-stakes plan that posed a serious ecological threat to this part of the state. Dangers to local marine life, such as sea turtles, migratory birds and marine mammals - dolphins included - were profound, prompting opposition to the project from all three Anna Maria Island cities, plus Manatee County, Sarasota, Longboat Key and the environmental watchdog group ManaSota-88. Also among the reasons for the criticism was the potential devastation that a spill or other disaster would pose to local fisheries and to the billion-dollar tourism industry.

In the end, though, it simply was market forces that spelled the end for this wacky plan. No profit, no project.

Christmas has come early this year for AMI.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Island loses two heros Anna Maria Island has lost two community heros that made Anna Maria Island what it is today – Sue Normand and Billy O'Connor.

Both passed away this week and have shocked Islanders with the loss of these two great citizens.

Sue lost her life to lung cancer.

She owned the Island Mail & More store in Holmes Beach for many years. A man came into the store and shot her for no reason. Sue was seriously hurt and Islanders pulled together to pay for an elevator to put in her home. She served on the Holmes Beach Planning Commission for many years. She served as chairman of the Planning Commission during a very tough time when Holmes Beach revised and changed the comprehensive plan page by page. It took more than a year to accomplish this with meetings every week and public hearings. Sue led that charge, and we thank her. She also served on planning boards for Manatee County with her thoughtfulness and attention for detail. As mayor at the time, I thank Sue and will never forget her love of this community.

Bill O'Connor (Billy O) was half of the team that started the annual

bowling tournament that has raised thousands of dollars to support the Island Community Center. George (his twin brother) and Billy were the masterminds behind this tournament to raise money for our Island kids. Billy was just spotted at Duffy's a few weeks ago by a friend and was always the epitome of what an Islander is.

My heart breaks in the loss of these two great friends. I have spoken to many Islanders over the past few days, and this is a sad time for all of us right now.

Carol Whitmore Holmes Beach

artsHOP coverage appreciated Thank you for your support of the arts and cultural events on Anna Maria Island. We, Cultural Connections, were pleased with the number of pages in The Sun that highlighted the artsHOP weekend, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 13, 14 and 15 in the two weeks before the events. Between the Art Walk, the arts and crafts fair, the Island Players special artsHOP performances, the Symphony on the Sand, the Sunday Bridge Street Art Walk and special turtle public art on display at

Bridge Street businesses, there was much to share with the community.

All in all, it was a great weekend of special events for residents and visitors alike.

We look forward to next year, our 10th artsHOP weekend in November 2016.

And congratulations to The Sun newspaper for its 15 years of bringing more of the news to Anna Maria Island.

Joan Voyles Facilitator, Cultural Connections of Anna Maria Island

Your thoughts?

Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment? Is there something you need to get off your chest? Send us a letter to the editor and have your say. There are several ways to 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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THE SUN

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the sun survey

on the agenda

PREVIOUS QUESTION: What do you think about our cooler weather?

Anna Maria

Holmes Beach

62%

12/8: Planning and Zoning Board, 4 p.m.

12/10: City Commission meeting and work session, 6 p.m.

For information, call 7086130.

12/3: Neighborhood Watch training, 5:30 p.m.

12/8: City Commission meeting and work session, 7 p.m.

12/9: Parks and Beautification Advisory Board, 2 p.m.

12/10: City Commission meeting and work session, 7 p.m.

For information, call 7085800.

38%

I love it. We had a really hot summer this year.

It's the most wonderful time of the year.

10005 Gulf Drive

Bradenton Beach 107 Gulf Drive N.

12/2: Pier Team, 11 a.m.

12/3: City Commission meeting, 6 p.m.

For information, call 7781005.

5801 Marina Drive

Island-wide

12/7: Island Transportation Planning Organization, Holmes Beach City Hall, 2 p.m.

mark your calendar Note: Events are free unless indicated.

Wednesday

0%

0%

It won't get cold enough for a white Christmas.

THIS WEEK’S SURVEY

Dec. 2

Maybe it will kill off the red tide.

• A good thing and a rare win for the environment.

The end of the Port Dolphin pipeline project is:

• A bad thing. It would have provided jobs for the area.

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

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

Early Settler’s Bread for sale, AMI Historical Museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., $5.

Women’s Island Health Fair, The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 10 a.m. to noon. RSVP to 941-567-1020.

Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 11:45 a.m., to 12:30 p.m. $10. Register to ArtLeagueAMI@gmail.com or 941-7782099.

Gulf Coast Writers group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

AMI Community Connections fellowship, AMI Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 2 p.m.

Sun catcher beading with Lois from Creations by L, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6 p.m.

Thursday Dec. 3

The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff 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 Jocelyn V. Greene

Contributors Steve Borggren Tom Breiter Monica Simpson Ray Hansen

“The Secret Psychology of Wealth,” by Nicole Skaggs, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Zumba with Suzy, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, 10 a.m., $10 donation. RSVP to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941-383-6493.

Knitting/crochet group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes

Beach, 2 p.m.

Holiday open house, AMI Centre, East Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, 6 to 8 p.m.

Friday Dec. 4

Forty Carrots program for babies and children to age 5, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Holiday open house, Holmes Beach business district, 5 to 8 p.m.

Saturday Dec. 5

Sarasota Bay Estuary Program kayak tour, Neal Preserve, Manatee Avenue east of Anna Maria Island Bridge, 9 a.m. to noon. Register to http://conta.cc/1OhioNt. Lester Family Fun Day, The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bethlehem Walk, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 6:30 p.m.

Sunday Dec. 6

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

Bridge Street Market, Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Monday Dec. 7

Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 11:45 a.m., to 12:30 p.m. $10. Register to ArtLeagueAMI@gmail.com or 941-7782099.

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THE SUN

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DECEMBER 2, 2015

Lighting up Bridge Street The holiday spirit has arrived on Bridge Street.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Saturday night marked the ceremonial lighting of the Bridge Street Christmas tree, with former Bradenton Beach Mayor and City Commissioner Jack Clarke serving as the guest of honor.

The 14-foot Douglas fir that sits in the Bridge Street Market lot features a turquoise, lime green and white mermaid theme designed by Bridge Street Interiors/Mermaid Haven owner Debbie Myers and decorated

by Myers and her husband, Matt.

“We’ve got over 1,000 feet of ribbon, 750 large bulbs and I made the mermaid. We’re doing a mermaid theme this year because we’ve got a new product in our store called Mermaid Life, and we have some live mermaids coming for our Christmas open house,” Myers said.

When Myer’s granddaughter, Paisley Snyder, was asked to evaluate her grandmother’s efforts, she said, “Good.”

A four-foot wooden base provides the tree with additional elevation, and the tree was once again donated by Island Time and Bridge Street Bistro owners Bill Herlihy,

Keith Daum and John Hardesty.

When the early evening festivities began, Bridge Street Merchants Association President Angela Rodocker welcomed the crowd gathering along Bridge Street and said, “We’ve never had this many people at our tree lighting before.”

The Magic of Manatee Sweet Adelines women’s a cappella chorus then performed a series of holiday numbers that included “Jingle Bells” and “Away in the Manger.”

Before calling on Clarke, Rodocker asked Santa to step forward so the crowd could say hello.

Santa let out a hearty laugh and said, “Merry Christmas.”

When asked to deliver a message to the youngsters, Santa said, “Hopefully they all write a letter, and I’ll receive it at the North Pole so we can do something for them on Christmas morning.”

Rodocker invited Santa to pay a return visit during the Christmas on Bridge Street event taking place Saturday, Dec 19.

“I’ll try, but I’ve got a lot of work at the North Pole,” Santa answered.

Rodocker then introduced Clarke, who said, “It’s truly and honor and a privilege to be here tonight, to be invited by the Bridge Street Merchants to do the ceremonial light-

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Magic of Manatee Sweet Adelines begin the ceremonies on a musical note. ing of the tree. What we see here is the result of a lot of long and hard work by all our local merchants. Momentum has been established and can only get bigger and better.”

The tree lights sparkled to life as Clarke said “I wish you all here tonight Merry Christmas and God bless America.”

Afterwards, the Sweet Adelines performed

again, followed by a special outdoor screening of “Miracle On 34th Street.”

Outside the market lot, Bridge Street was illuminated from end to end by the holiday lights and decorations provided annually by the Bridge Street Merchants.

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DECEMBER 2, 2015

is sponsoring our

11TH ANNUAL TOYS FOR TOTS DRIVE

THE SUN

We are accepting NEW unwrapped toys at the following locations: ISLAND VACATION PROPERTIES 3001 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach

U.S. MARINE CORPS RESERVE

ANNA MARIA ISLAND SUN NEWSPAPER 9801 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria

ANNA MARIA ISLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach

DUFFY’S TAVERN 5808 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach

Donataions are accepted as well by check made payable to:

Marines Toys for Tots Foundation

>`]^S`bg ;O\OUS[S\b Â’ @SOZ 3abObS AOZSa Â’ DOQObW]\ @S\bOZa 3001 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217 Rentals@IslandVacationProperties.com www.IslandVacationProperties.com '" %%& Â’ & %%& '#''

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THE SUN

Commission immersed in front yard pools The consensus was not to allow front yard pools or any exceptions.

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

HOLMES BEACH – After considerable discussion, city commissioners agreed not to allow any exceptions to the draft ordinance banning pools in front yards.

The issue arose when the building department received an application for one in Seaside Gardens. Residents there signed a petition opposing front yard pools in their neighborhood.

In November, commissioners agreed that they do not want to allow it, but asked the City Planner Bill Brisson to explore the possibility of a special exception.

In last week’s work session, Brisson said he added a section outlining exceptions. He said there is no exception if someone is building a new home, but only for existing homes.

“How do you want to allow this relief to be approved?” he asked. “A special exception, where the commission has written process; or administratively, where you set conditions? These are the details you need to discuss tonight and give me direction.”

“The threshold question is do you wish to have an exception and under what circumstances?”

City Attorney Patricia Petruff added. “There are opportunities to reach out to people who truly have a hardship.

“A variance is supposed to be a difficult thing to obtain. A residential lot on three streets could possibly have a hardship (that could qualify for a variance).”

Corner lots

Petruff said that in the past, the city commission changed the code to allow a homeowner on a corner lot to declare which street would be the considered the front yard and which would be considered the side yard.

“However this city commission put it back to where it was (so that both streets are considered front yards),” she said and added that any house built between those code changes is a legal nonconforming structure and the ability to expand it is extremely limited.

Chair Judy Titsworth said she is concerned about homeowners who designed the home to accommodate a pool and “now they have two front yards.” see pools, page 44

DECEMBER 2, 2015

No dogs in Grassy Point

New fence for skate park

The city of Holmes Beach has announced that dogs, with the exception of service animals, are not permitted in Grassy Point Preserve. Motorized vehicles also are banned from the preserve.

According to Mayor Bob Johnson, the purpose is to preserve the environmentally sensitive wetlands area and protect threaten and endangered species that inhabit the site. In addition, the goal of the city is to reverse any damage or degradation to the natural environment.

“Holmes Beach is pet friendly city, but we can’t allow dogs on Grassy Point Preserve,” said Johnson. “Dogs will frighten and affect wildlife adversely, and they leave behind a scent that will discourage wildlife.

“We must also ban the use of motorized vehicles and prohibit any activity that would discourage the flourishing and safety of creatures in the wild that choose to inhabit Grassy Point.”

The policy will be enforced by the police department, which reminds people that dogs also are not allowed on the beach.

Holmes Beach city commissioners authorized the mayor to execute and agreement with USA fence to install a new fence at the city’s skate park. The cost is $3,719.

City commissioners also authorized the mayor to execute an agreement with Oneco Concrete to install new curb along the south side of 85th Street and Marina Drive; and remove and replace existing curbs on 67th, 68th, 69th and 70th streets and Gulf Drive, as well as throughout the city as needed. The cost is $90,000.

Neighborhood Watch class A Neighborhood Watch class will be held at Holmes Beach City Hall on Thursday Dec. 3, from at 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Neighborhood Watch is a program involving the joint efforts of law enforcement and the community and is designed to enhance neighborhood security, heighten the community’s power of observation and encourage mutual assistance and concern among neighbors

DECEMBER 2, 2015

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sun file photo

Last year, the Privateers had to borrow a ship for their Christmas parade because the Skullywag was damaged in an accident. This year the Skullywag is back.

Privateers to host Christmas parade The Anna Maria Island Privateers will host their annual Christmas parade on Saturday, Dec. 12 starting at 10 a.m. at Bayfront Park, in Anna Maria.

The parade is open to all individuals or groups not supporting a political cause or candidate. Participation is free and you may decorate your vehicle for the season.

The parade will go the length of the Island, so no walkers are allowed. It

will end at Coquina Beach parking lot where Santa will be waiting aboard the Privateers’ flagship, Skullywag to talk with kids and pass out gifts. Hot dogs, chips and soda will be provided for the kids free and adults for a contribution.

To get an application, go to their Website at www.amiprivateers.org. For more information, contact John “Capt’n Red Beard” Swager at 941-920-3989.

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Ethics complaints fell short This was a successful attempt to further prejudice

No mention was ever made of the complaints being returned to sender with no action taken.

the electorate by a non-resident of the city so as to mislead the voters of Bradenton Beach.”

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – It turns out the ethics complaints Bradenton resident Barbara Schelin attempted to file against Mayor Jack Clarke and City Attorney Ricinda Perry were dismissed upon receipt and never acted upon by the Florida Commission on Ethics.

On Sept. 14, Schelin sent numerous documents to the Commission on Ethics alleging Perry and Clarke, who was mayor at the time, violated state Sunshine Law by meeting privately with Anna Maria Oyster Bar owner John Horne when negotiating the terms of the commission-approved lease for three city-owned structures on the Historic Bridge Street Pier.

Schelin informed one media outlet of her intentions, but Clarke and Perry never received formal notification of the complaints, so the specific details remained a mystery to them, the city and the public.

Campaign material distributed by

Jack Clarke Former Mayor Bill Shearon and Janie Robertson in September and October referred to the alleged ethics complaints, but failed to mention they were submitted to the wrong agency and never deemed legitimate.

The alleged Sunshine violations were then referred to in the lawsuit filed Nov. 20 by Bradenton Beach Marina owners Allan and Michael Bazzy as part of their objections to the sublease agreements Horne entered into with the additional tenants who wish to occupy the two small commercial spaces next to the Oyster Bar restaurant.

Documents revealed

Last week, Commission on Ethics spokesperson Kerrie Stillman said Clarke and Perry never received copies of Schelin’s complaints because the

agency never acted on them.

Stillman also provided copies of the documents Schelin submitted and the written response Executive Director Virlindia Doss sent to Schelin on Sept 17.

“I am returning your complaints against Bradenton Beach Mayor Jack Clarke and City Attorney Ricinda Perry, because the Commission on Ethics would not be able to take any action,” Doss’s letter began.

“You assert the mayor, assisted by the city attorney, violated open meetings laws by participating in lease negotiations outside the sunshine.

The Commission on Ethics does not have any jurisdiction with respect to allegations of violation of open meetings laws. Those laws carry criminal penalties and are administered

through law enforcement and the State Attorney’s offices,” Doss wrote.

“The only statute within the commission’s jurisdiction which could possibly be implicated by your allegations is section 112.313 (6), Florida Statutes: the misuse of office provision. In order to prove a violation, it must be shown that the official corruptly used or attempted to use his or her position or the resources thereof for personal benefit or the benefit of someone else.

To be corrupt, an action must be undertaken with wrongful intent and for the purpose of obtaining a benefit which is inconsistent with the proper performance of the official’s public duties.

“Nothing in your material alleges any facts indicating that the mayor or city attorney benefitted as a result of this conduct, or that they had any motive to benefit another other person or entity.

Without factual allegations respecting this element, no violation could be found, even if there was a violation of the open meetings laws or some other standard of conduct,” Doss concluded.

The documentation Schelin submitted included a copy of the minutes SEE ETHICS, PAGE 41

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Toys for Tots The 12th Annual Toys for Tots Drive is underway at The Anna Maria Island Sun, 9801 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria; Island Vacation Properties, 3001 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach; the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach; and Duffy’s Tavern, 5808 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

Donations of new, unwrapped toys or checks will be accepted; checks may be made payable to Marines Toys for Tots Foundation.

Winterfest seeks volunteers

The Anna Maria Island Art League is seeking volunteers for Winterfest the weekend of Dec. 1213. Help is needed with food tickets, the hospitality booth, selling T-shirts, selling raffle tickets, booth sitters and the Young at Art booth.

Volunteers need not commit the entire day, and may split the shifts between tasks. Shifts are from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., or they can be tailored to your schedule. Call Fran at 941-778-2099 or e-mail artleagueami@gmail.com.

Angel sponsors sought for swim program The Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island is requesting angel sponsors to join with them and the Manatee YMCA to create a Learn to Swim program for at-risk children in the Bradenton area.

Sponsorships include Angel sponsors, $65); Bronze sponsors, $500, with your company’s name mentioned as a program sponsor in area newspapers; Silver sponsors, $1,000, with your company’s logo included on T-shirts and mentioned as a program sponsor in area newspapers; Gold sponsors, $2,500, with your company’s logo included on T-shirts and mentioned as a program sponsor in area newspapers; and Platinum sponsors, $5,000, with your company’s logo featured as the top logo on T-shirts, your banner displayed at the YMCA during lessons and your company mentioned as a program sponsor in area newspapers.

Make checks payable to Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island, P.O. Box 1344, Holmes Beach, FL 34218.

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Giving tree twinkles at cafe Jackie Estes shows off the twinkling Giving Tree at the Paradise CafÊ, 3220 East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach. It’s an 18-year tradition to take a needy child’s name off the tree, buy a gift of clothing or toys, wrap it and put it under the tree for them. Some of the kids who received gifts when they attended Anna Maria Elementary School are now parents themselves, she said, adding that she also includes the names of children who don’t attend AME. CINDY LANE | SUN

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High-income earners can still use a Roth IRA

H

ave you ever known something was right for you and been told you couldn’t have it? It can be pretty frustrating. Many high-income earners, who would like to contribute directly to Roth accounts, cannot do so because of IRS income limits. However, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible for high-earners to reap the benefits associated with Roth accounts, such as tax-free growth, tax-free distributions and no required minimum distributions. They may be able to participate in Roth accounts by: 1. Converting an existing Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. Anyone can move the assets accumulated in a traditional IRA account to a Roth IRA account, regardless of income. The catch is you’ll owe current income tax on the amount converted. This may be a sound choice if: • You want tax-free income during retirement; • You expect to be in the same or a higher tax bracket in the future;

Investment Corner TOM BREITER • You can pay taxes owed from sources other than the IRA account; • You plan to leave the account for your heirs.

2.Completing a backdoor Roth conversion. If you earn too much to contribute directly to a Roth IRA (adjusted gross income of $131,000 or more for a single filer; $193,000 for joint filers in 2015), then you can contribute to a non-deductible traditional IRA and convert it to a Roth IRA. This is called a backdoor Roth conversion. It may have some appeal for high-income individuals even though IRA contribution limits, which are $5,500 in 2015 ($6,500 if you are age 50 or older), make it dif-

ficult to build a substantial position.

Before pursuing a backdoor Roth conversion, it’s essential to thoroughly understand the rules and limitations. For example, the pro-rata rule requires individuals who are complete backdoor Roth conversions to calculate taxes owed across all untaxed IRA assets. So, if you have other IRAs that have not been taxed then a pro-rata portion of any assets converted to a Roth IRA may be taxable. Your financial professional or tax account will be helpful in understanding the limitations.

If you complete a Roth conversion of any kind and regret the decision, you can re-characterize the conversion by converting the Roth IRA assets back into a traditional IRA. This must be done within specific time frames.

3. Making Roth contributions to a 401(k) plan. Not all employer-sponsored retirement plans offer Roth 401(k) plan contributions. If yours does, take advantage of it. There are no income limits on Roth 401(k) contributions and

contribution limits are more generous than those for traditional IRAs. During 2015, plan participants may contribute up to $18,000 to a 401(k) plan account, plus up to $6,000 more, if they are age 50 or older.

No matter how much money you earn, it is possible to enjoy the benefits of a Roth account. Just make sure you talk with a financial professional and understand the rules, limitations and potential impact of any conversion before you take action.

Tom Breiter is president of Breiter Capital Management, Inc., an Anna Maria based investment advisor. He can be reached at 778-1900. Some of the investment concepts highlighted in this column may carry the risk of loss of principal, and investors should determine appropriateness for their personal situation before investing. www. breitercapital.com

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Island officials discuss home rule They also expressed concerns about developments planned for west Bradenton.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Island elected officials discussed the issue of the Florida Legislature preempting home rule.

“It seems like there is always some action eating away at local governments,” Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson said. “I’m not sure what can be done about it. It may just be the nature of politics in Florida.”

Holmes Beach Commissioner Jean Peelen said it has been discussed at the Manasota League of Cities meetings.

“I have been trying work with the Florida League of Cities (FLOC) for the last several months and haven’t yet been successful in getting a list of those even if unsuccessful attempts by the Florida Legislature at passing legislation that cuts into home rule,” she explained.

“There’s no group taking up the fact that we have a constitutional right to home rule. My thought was to get a list and do a white paper to pass out through the FLOC to cities all over the state, so every city can lobby its legislators” She said the FLOC wouldn’t take up the issue because “it’s a lobbying body and can’t offend legislators.”

Longboat Key Mayor Jack Duncan said he has spent five and a half years participating in the Manasota and Florida leagues of cities, and they have not addressed the issue.

“There are 413 municipalities in the state, and most of them are members of the Florida League of Cities,” he

said. “We pay it a lot of money in dues but I don’t see it stepping up to the issue at all. The only way to resolve it is when people start getting voted out of state office.”

He said legislators who have participated at the municipal level understand the issue, but those who don’t have that experience ‘just don’t get it. If the local leagues would get together and start mandating that they take action we might get something done.”

County concerns

Holmes Beach Commissioner Carol Soustek asked if there has been any progress in talking to the county about the Island cities concerns about developments planned for west Bradenton and their effect on the Island.

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said county officials canceled a Manatee County Council of Governments meeting where Island officials were scheduled to make a presentation on the topic.

“Rather than be victimized, we need to take care of this ourselves,” Murphy stressed. “We have to assert ourselves.”

He said he planned to address the issue soon.

He added that the ULI study also plays a part in addressing the issue and said the three mayors “went through the study and threw out the impractical solutions, then assigned ownership to various issues. We each have certain things we’re working on.”

Johnson added, “The positive result is that there is more cooperation and coordination going on between the three municipalities on the Island. It’s been very positive, and we’re starting to work on things such as the bike trail and the water taxi. The ULI study

The positive result is that there is more cooperation and coordination going on between the three municipalities on the Island."

Bob Johnson Holmes Beach mayor

provided an impetus.”

Other business

Peelen said she had a request from Holmes Beach citizens on behalf of a person who is paralyzed and doesn’t have money to buy a specialized wheelchair to go to the beach.

“We don’t have any thing to make our beaches fully accessible to people with mobility issues,” she explained.

“I want to request that all four cities sign a letter to the county asking it to put a wheel way at Coquina Beach and Manatee beaches.”

She said the county could use the excess concession money that it pledged to use on Island projects. She said she would draft the letter.

Manatee County Commissioner John Chappie said the county has specialized wheelchairs upon request for disabled

people to access the beach.

Peelen also reported that the Home Sweet Home group, an Island-wide movement to celebrate residents and attract new residents to the Island, is “sailing along beautifully,” and it has three operating groups, Connections, Promotion and Social Media, which meet regularly.

West Manatee Fire Rescue Commissioner Randy Cooper reminded officials of a grant available from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection until Dec. 15 to purchase beach safety signs. In addition, the fire district has beach safety materials, such as bookmarks and a trifold available to the cities.

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Lawn party this weekend

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

LONGBOAT KEY – The Longboat Key Club and Resort will be transformed into a food lover’s paradise Saturday afternoon, Dec. 5, during the Fifth Annual Gourmet Lawn Party.

Approximately 1,200 people will descend upon on the resort grounds located at 220 Sands Point Road and spend two hours, from noon until 2 p.m., sampling exquisite culinary offerings provided by 36 participating restaurants from the Island, Bradenton, Longboat Key, St. Armands Circle and Sarasota.

This year’s restaurant roster includes Amore by Andrea, Antoine’s, Blue Dolphin CafÊ, Blue Rooster, Bridge Street Bistro, Bridge Tender Inn, Brooklyn Biscuit Tortoni Co., Cafe L’Europe, Chart House, Columbia, Crab & Fin, Dry Dock Waterfront Grill and Duval’s.

Euphemia Haye, Ginza, Harry's Continental Kitchens, Ionie Raw Food CafĂŠ, Island Time Bar & Grill, Kacey's Seafood & More, Lazy Lobster of Longboat, Longbeach Cafe, Lido Beach Grille, Lynches Pub & Grub, Mar Vista, Publix, Queen of Sheba and Qwik N EZ Store will also be on hand.

As will the Resort at Longboat Key Club, ROAST, Sandcastle Resort, Seabreeze Coffee & Tea, SOMA Creekside, Tropical Shores Gourmet Popcorn, Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi Grill, Tyler's Ice Cream and 15 South Ristorante.

Beer, wine and soft drinks will provided at no additional cost.

According to event chair and Lazy Lobster of Longboat owner Michael Garey, 1002 of the 1,200 available event tickets had been sold as of Monday morning. “We’ve got less than 200 tickets left and we are expecting a sellout,� he said.

Each $50 event ticket purchased also provides the ticket holder with one automatic entry into the Annual Big Cash Drawing that offers a top prize of $20,000 in cash. Those who don’t win the cash prize can still claim a Universal Orlando VIP experience, a Clearwater Beach getaway, A Year of Delicious Dining or a Lobster, Love and Limo package.

Additional raffle tickets can be purchased for $25 or five for $100, and you do not have to be present to win. “If you can’t join us as the lawn party, you can still support the event and the Kiwanis Club by purchasing raffle tickets,� Garey said.

Last year’s event raised almost $70,000 for the Kiwanis Club of Long-

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Event chair Michael Garey is expecting another stellar turnout for this year’s Gourmet Lawn Party boat Key, which, in turn, redistributed the money to more than a dozen youth charities and more than 40 youth scholarship recipients.

Event and raffle tickets can purchased through Friday at The Lazy Lobster of Longboat and the Sun Trust Bank in Longboat Key. Both types of tickets can also be purchased online through Friday at www. lbklawnparty.org. Event tickets purchased online will be held at the will call table on the day of the event.

Additional information is available by phone at 941-383-0440 and by e-mail at lbklawnparty@gmail.com. “Through it all, it is a food and wine event that exists because of the generosity of 36 restaurants and establishments and the beer and wine providers like Gold Coast Eagle, Southern Wine & Spirits and the other wine wholesalers. It’s not me, and it’s not the Kiwanis Club; it’s these people that allow this event to happen, and I can’t thank them enough,� Garey said.

JOIN US FOR HOLIDAY WALK!

The Ugly Grouper is happy to announce that we will be open to the public for the Annual Anna Maria Holiday Walk!

HOLIDAY SPECIALS

Scott’s Garage will be playing Holiday Music 7PM-10PM Warm Winter Wine

Fun Family Events and Kids Activities Seasonal Soup Holiday Treats

www.Facebook.com/UglyGrouper 5704 Marina Dr., Holmes Beach, FL

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Legal battles brewing on historic pier It remains to be seen if legal challenges will impact the business openings set for later this month.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – On Tuesday, Nov. 24, the 12th Judicial Circuit Court ordered summons to be issued to multiple defendants named in the pier lease lawsuit filed on behalf of Allan and Michael Bazzy and their Bazzy Marine Corporation.

The Bazzys own and operate the Bradenton Beach Marina and were unsuccessful in their own efforts joe hendricks | sun to secure the rights to lease the Paradise Boat Tours owner Sherman Baldwin, foreground, discusses his sublease city-owned structures on the Hisagreement during the November Pier Team meeting with Bazzy Marine Corporation toric Bridge Street Pier for use as President Michael Bazzy sitting behind him. an extension of their existing marina operations. They are seeking responses to complaints stated in three commercial spaces located temporary and permanent injunca lawsuit filed against them. Once on the city-owned pier, the city istion of the subleases AMOB resthe responses are filed, a hearing sued a request for proposals (RFP) taurant owner John Horne granted date is scheduled. Given the backin June that said, “The city desires to Sherman Baldwin, Laura Shely log of pending circuit court cases to have the restaurant structure and AnnMarie Nicholas. The city and the upcoming holidays, it is operated as a restaurant; however, of Bradenton Beach has also been possible a hearing will not occur the other structures may be used named as a defendant. before the pier-based businesses for any other commercial purpose.”

Attorney Nelon Kirkland is repare scheduled to open during the In July, the commission unaniresenting the Bazzys, Fred Moore third week of December mously directed the mayor and city will represent the city and Garret The Bazzys’ injunction request is attorney to negotiate the terms of Barnes will represent Horne. It is based in part on their contention the lease and bring the negotiated not yet known who will represent that the proposed commercial uses terms back to the commission for the other tenants. do not serve the best interests of approval in mid-August.

Defendants typically have apthe boating community. proximately 20 days to file written When seeking tenants for the see pier, page 29

DECEMBER 2, 2015

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No showers Public showers on the Bridge Street Pier remain closed, and Bradenton Beach officials say they don't intend to reopen them anytime soon due to repeated vandalism.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

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DECEMBER 2, 2015

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City requests injunction be lifted The parties involved in a legal challenge to the vacation rental ordinance continue to work toward an amicable resolution.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – City Attorney Becky Vose filed a motion last week seeking to dissolve the court-ordered injunction that prevents the city from implementing the preliminary phases of its new vacation rental ordinance.

Vose filed the motion with the 12th Circuit Judicial Court on Wednesday, Nov. 25. The filing followed at least two recent mediation sessions that involved Vose, Mayor Dan Murphy and Commissioner Carol Carter meeting privately with those representing multiple plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed in opposition to a previous vacation rental ordinance that has since been scrapped.

“On November 19, the City Commission of the city of Anna Maria adopted Ordinance 15-807, which amended the city’s code of ordinances by repealing Chapter 108 in its entirety and replacing it with a completely new ordinance regulating vacation rentals,” Vose’s motion states.

“The new ordinance creates a simple and straightforward registration system that has little, if any, resemblance to the complicated permitting scheme that was included in the previous ordinance that was in force when the existing injunction was issued.”

Judge John Lakin granted the injunction to the lawsuit plaintiffs on July 15. The plaintiffs include Island Real Estate owner Larry Chatt, Tim and Kim Iafolla and the Anna Maria Island Vacation Rental Property Association.

“That injunction was based upon allegations of the plaintiffs that specifically addressed issues raised by the ordinance that was in effect on that date, in particular

a requirement that vacation rental owners submit grandfathering applications by July 15, 2015,” the motion states.

The new ordinance includes a five-year grandfathering provision that provides vacation rental property owners with a two person per bedroom occupancy limit until 2020, as opposed to the eight-person maximum occupancy allowed for residential structures permitted and built in the city’s residential zone districts after Nov. 19, 2015.

The new vacation rental ordinance does not apply to the Residential/Office/Retail (ROR) zoning district along Pine Avenue, but the commission plans to address that area separately at a later date.

“The ordinance, which was the basis for the plaintiffs’ request for injunction, has now been repealed in its entirety. The city of Anna Maria respectfully requests that a hearing as contemplated by the court in its order on case status conference addressing the merits of the injunction take place.

This will not require an entire trial of the case, merely a hearing to address the merits of the injunction as it applies under the current circumstances,” the motion states.

“The repeal in its entirety of the existing Chapter 108 by the Anna Maria City Commission and the replacement of the ordinance with a greatly changed ordinance is certainly a change of circumstances that is a basis, in and of itself, for the dissolution of the temporary injunction,” Vose’s motion contends.

As of Monday morning, no injunction hearing date had been scheduled, and no response had been filed by the plaintiffs’ attorneys.

Dissolving the injunction would allow the city move forward with the early stages of enacting the registration ordinance scheduled to take effect April 1. Mayor Dan Murphy recently said he planned to ask the commission to lower the $750 first-year registration fee to slightly less than $700.

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DECEMBER 2, 2015

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DECEMBER 2, 2015

Knots: as good as the weakest link F

ishing tackle and techniques may seem to be very technical, but the most important components of the angling experience never change.

Even with the latest tackle, the most refined technique and lots of luck you still risk a failure if you haven’t been vigilant when tying knots. Tying knots properly may appear a small part of the fishing equation, but it is one of the most critical and overlooked. Chances are you won’t meet many anglers who haven’t lost a fish to an improperly tied knot! You don’t need to master a lot of knots, but learn the basic ones, tie them properly and you’ll improve the likelihood of landing that fish you’ve worked so hard to entice.

The best place to learn and practice knots isn’t on the water, but on the table. With good instruction, a pair of clippers and some spools of line, it won’t take long to learn a number of important knots. This article isn’t the place to instruct you on how to tie these knots, but hopefully it will hopefully inspire you to take the time to explore knot tying. Here are some knots that you’ll find useful for fishing in the Gulf or the bay.

The Bimini Twist may take some time to master, but it can be used as a foundation for all saltwater leader systems. The Bimini allows you to double your standing line into a loop, creates 100 percent knot strength and acts as a shock between small line and heavier leader.

The Spider Hitch is also an effective way to double the standing line. It’s a lot easier to tie, and although it doesn't have the knot strength of the Bimini Twist, a properly tied one will seldom

Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS fail.

The Surgeon’s Knot is one of the easiest knots to tie, is very effective and can be used to tie your leader (under 60 pounds) to the Bimini twist. This is the knot to use when tying two lines of dissimilar diameters together in the dark. The Surgeon’s knot is really just an overhand knot tied with two (treat the double Bimini as one line) strands of line. It is one of the most important knots you can learn. You can use this knot on single strands as well.

One knot that I avoided for years but recently mastered is the Blood Knot.

Preferred by most Keys guides for building leaders, this knot has a slim profile that easily slips through the guides of a rod.

The Albright Special is an especially useful knot for the coastal angler. This is the knot to tie when you’re rigging for toothy fish like Spanish mackerel and kingfish. It allows you to tie mono to wire without a swivel. This knot can also be used to join light line to heavy leader.

The final step is to tie a hook or lure to the leader. The Non-Slip Mono Loop is my choice for several reasons: it’s easy to tie, tests near 100 percent and forms a loop that gives bait and lures more range of motion. The knot has a couple of other advantages: it won’t tighten when a fish is hooked, and the

rusty chinnis | sun

"Fishing Knots," by Lefty Kreh, is a great source for learning to tie proper knots. tag end comes out facing away from the standing line which helps keep it from picking up weeds or other debris.

There are a few rules that will help you tie reliable knots no matter which ones you choose to use. First, make sure you give yourself plenty of line to make the knot. You use less line in the long run, and learning will be a lot less frustrating. You can master the most complicated knots, but if you don't tie them properly, they all have a high probability of failing. There are two critical components of any knot. First, they must be wet when they are tightened and second, they must be tightened ,carefully so there is no chance of them slipping. Knots break when they slip. Use an eye bolt attached to a bench ( a small eye hook on your boat’s console) to hold the hook, wet the knot

and tighten it with a pair of pliers. Follow these rules, tie the knots that work for you, and you’ll strengthen the weakest link in your fishing experience.

“Fishing Knots," by Lefty Kreh is one of the best books I’ve seen on the market. Its spiral bound so it easily stays open to the page you’re studying, and no one I’ve met has the wealth of experience of Kreh. As a bonus there’s a one hour DVD included where you can follow Lefty tying all the most important knots. The movie is loaded with invaluable tips on line, leader and knot tying. You can order the book by going to Stackpolebooks.com.

Learn a few of the basic knots, tie them correctly, and you’ll add a whole new dimension to your angling experience.

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Fish biting better on shrimp Captain Rick Grassett

Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released a variety of species, including trout and flounder, on CAL jigs with shad tails and live shrimp in Sarasota Bay. Thanksgiving is family time, and multiple family generations of long time clients joined me on the boat during the past week.

Sarasota winter resident Norm Boardman; his son, Doug and grandson, Dougy; both from Richmond, Va., fished Sarasota Bay with me on Wednesday.

Dougy did well on his first saltwater outing, catching and releasing, trout, flounder, Jacks and ladyfish on a CAL jig with a live shrimp. Letting the jig hooked shrimp swing as we drifted deep grass flats proved to be an effective technique.

Three generations of the Lamb family, Tom Lamb, from Geneva, Switzerland; grandson James Muhlfeld and great grandson Thomas Muhlfeld, from California; and Daniel Burton-Morgan, from the UK; fished Sarasota Bay with me on Friday. Action was similar with trout, flounder, Jacks and ladyfish. Daniel and Thomas caught and released their first fish ever, and Tom scored with a flounder on a CAL jig with a shad tail.

Some of the best action now will be with false albacore, tripletail, Spanish mackerel and more in the coastal Gulf when conditions allow it. Catch and release snook fishing (season closes Dec 1 on the west coast) around lighted

docks and bridges with flies and DOA Lures should also be a good option.

Look for reds, snook and big trout mixed with mullet schools on shallow flats and edges of bars in backcountry areas of Charlotte Harbor and lower Tampa Bay.

Annie’s Bait & Tackle report

Customers at Annie’s Bait & Tackle are reporting catching their limits of snapper by the Cortez Bridge along with the catch and release grouper. They are also catching snook and ladyfish off the beaches.

Captain Daniel Kesten says that there is some bait still around, but the better option is shrimp right now with the water temperature dropping. Spanish mackerel are on the beach. Flounder and snapper are on the near shore reefs, and snook and redfish are biting better later in the day.

Captain Sam Kimball is catching a few gag grouper, along with a lot of grunts and porgies.

Captain Scott Moore says the snapper are around the passes and trout are on the channel edges of Palma Sola Bay and the Manatee River. The river is also producing some nice redfish.

Black drum are around the docks in the Manatee River. Spanish mackerel and kingfish are along the beaches and whiting around the mouth of the passes.

Sheepshead are making a showing on the inshore reef, and fish are biting better on shrimp right now

Captain Daniel Kesten says that there is some bait still around but the better option is shrimp right now with the water temperature dropping. Spanish mackerel are on the beach. Flounder and snapper are on the near shore reefs and snook and redfish are biting better later in the day.

Captain Sam Kimball is catching a few gag grouper, along with a lot of grunts and porgies.

Captain Scott Moore says the snapper are around the passes and trout are on the channel edges of Palma Sola Bay and the Manatee River. The river is also producing some nice redfish.

Black Drum are around the docks in the Manatee River. Spanish mackerel and kingfish are along the beaches, and Whiting around the mouth of the passes.

Sheepshead are making a showing on the inshore reef and fish are biting better on shrimp right now.

CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT | submitted

Dougy Boardman, from Richmond, Va., with a flounder caught and released on a CAL jig with a live shrimp while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.

tide chart for anna maria city pier Dec 2-9 Day Date

A.M. High Time Feet

A.M. Low Time Feet

P.M. High Time Feet

P.M. Low Time Feet

Sun Rise Set

Day Date

A.M. High Time Feet

A.M. Low Time Feet

P.M. High Time Feet

P.M. Low Time Feet

Sun Rise Set

Wed 12/2

2:34a 2.06

10:14a 0.23

5:09p 1.60

10:30p 1.09

7:04-5:35

Sun 12/6

8:34a 1.37

2:11a 0.38

7:30p 1.98

1:25p 0.89

7:07-5:36

Thu 12/3

3:51a 1.60

11:03a 0.42

5:47p 1.68

11:57p 0.90

Mon 12/7

9:39a 1.41

2:59a 0.13

8:00p 2.09

2:06p 1.00

Fri 12/4

5:23a 1.43

11:52a 0.59

6:23p 1.78

Tue 12/8

10:30a 1.43

3:40a -0.07

8:29p 2.18

2:43p 1.08

Sat 12/5

7:08a 1.36

1:12a 0.65

6:58p 1.88

Wed 12/9

11:14a 1.44

4:18a -0.23

8:59p 2.27

3:17p 1.13

7:05-5.35 7:05-5.35

12:40p 0.75

7:06-5.36

7:07-5:36 7:08-5:36 7:09-5:36

28

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THE SUN

DECEMBER 2, 2015

Amended pool ordinance takes effect soon The amended ordinance addresses impervious lot coverage, side yard setbacks and water features.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Builders, developers and homeowners have less than a month to pull permits for the construction of swimming pools and hot tubs that will not be counted as part of a property’s overall ground coverage.

Adopted by the City Commission last month, Ordinance 15-804 has been amended in a manner that states, “Swimming pools and hot tubs permitted after Jan. 1, 2016, shall be counted as impervious surface coverage. Swimming pools and hot tubs permitted prior to Jan. 1, 2016, and swimming pools and hot tubs included within the perimeter of the residence building enclosed and under a conventional roof shall not be counted as impervious surface coverage.”

It was noted during a recent commission discussion that even though a pool captures water, it does not allow the water to seep through to the ground, which is why pools are to be considered as impervious surfaces.

Existing city code mandates a maximum lot coverage of 40 percent, but that does not include pools. Pools permitted after Jan 1 will be counted toward that maximum allowed percentage.

The amended ordinance states that

joe hendricks | sun

Pools will soon be counted as impervious ground surface and new fountains and other water features will remain prohibited all pools permitted and built after Jan. 1 must be built with 10-foot side yard setbacks. Existing pools and those permitted before Jan.1 will be grandfathered in with their current setbacks.

Tweaking previous language, the amended ordinance language now states, “There shall only be one swimming pool per lot containing a residential unit. The swimming pool shall be for the use of the residential unit only and shall not be for any commercial activity.”

Despite the reference to commercial

activity, the ordinance does not prohibit a swimming pool to be built at a residential structure intended for use as a vacation rental.

The amended ordinance notes that waterfalls, fountain features and pool slides remain prohibited, but permits will be issued for the repair or replacement of existing waterfalls, water features or pool slides.

When the amended ordinance was presented to the Planning and Zoning Board, member Carl Pearman noted the

ordinance did not allow for the repair or replacement of existing water features.

He and the rest of the board felt this was unfair and needed to be changed before it was presented to the commission for adoption, which it was.

When board member Margaret Jenkins questioned the need to ban waterfalls, City Planner Alan Garrett said the noise produced by water features causes those using the pool to speak at a higher volume, which in turn can create problems with neighbors.

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DECEMBER 2, 2015

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29

PIER: Legal battles brewing FROM PAGE 20

Mayor Jack Clarke then met once with Horne and his business associate, Gary Harkness; once with Perry and Horne; and once with Horne only. The discussions took place in the city hall conference room and resulted in Horne increasing his offer and agreeing to take the two other spaces in addition to the restaurant space he originally sought.

The commission unanimously approved this agreement in August. During that meeting, no objections were presented by the Bazzys or any commission members, although, Commissioner Janie Robertson contacted Perry a week earlier and questioned whether Clarke’s discussions with Horne were compliant with Sunshine Law. Via e-mail, Perry told Robertson she thought those discussions were Sunshine compliant.

The Bazzys began voicing their objections to the sublease agreements in early November and on Friday, Nov. 20, Kirkland filed the lawsuit asking the court to order the reissuance of new RFPs for the rights to lease the secondary spaces.

After being named in the Bazzys’ suit, one of the defendants suggested they might file a tortious interference suit against the Bazzys in return. Tortious interference suits pertain to wrongful interference with contractual agreements and obligations and business activities.

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If so, the Bridge Street Merchants are hosting their Chili Challenge at the Sunday Market on Sunday, Dec. 13, and they are looking for contestants. “While the bragging rights are priceless, the first place winner will also get a $50 Publix gift card,� said Bridge Street Merchants’ board member Amanda Escobio.

There is no cost to enter the contest, but an advance entry form is required. The form can be found online by clicking on the Market page at www.visitbridgestreet.com.

The real winners will be the free market-goers who make an $8 donation that allows them to taste all the chili concoctions, while supporting the Anna Maria Island Community Center in the process.

The chili tasting and voting will happen from noon until 2 p.m., and the regular market hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information on the Bridge Street Market, vendor space and special events, contact market manager Cindy Thompson at events@visitbridgestreet.com or 941-536-4257.

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THE SUN

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DECEMBER 2, 2015

DECEMBER 2, 2015

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32

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DECEMBER 2, 2015

Holiday spirit at Guild The Artists' Guild of Anna Maria Island will host an open house on Friday, Dec. 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. as part of the Anna Maria Island Gallery Walk. Seasonal greeting cards will be available for sale at the gallery, 5414 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach.

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t ou A Y e Se

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NOTE: All 3 AMOB locations will be closed at 6pm on Monday, Dec. 7th for a private party.

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6906 14th St. W. on US 41

6696 Cortez Rd.

1525 51st Ave. E.

* Gifts purchased must be returned to AMOB by 12/19/15.

DECEMBER 2, 2015

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THE SUN

33

Birds to be removed from imperiled list

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

Three bird species that frequent Anna Maria Island’s beaches, including the iconic brown pelican, are on their way off Florida’s imperiled species list.

Brown pelicans, snowy egrets and white ibis are currently listed as species of special concern in Florida.

Last month, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) completed a revised draft of its Florida Imperiled Species Management Plan, which would change the way 57 imperiled animals, including the three bird species, are protected.

The public is invited to comment on the plan, available at www.

MyFWC.com/Imperiled.

Among the species included in the plan, 14 were listed as state Threatened prior to the plan and will remain listed as state Threat-

CINDY LANE | SUN

Brown pelicans roost on an island off the village of Cortez. The species is slated to be removed from the imperiled species list in Florida. ened, 23 will change from Species of Special Concern to state Threatened and five will remain Species of Special Concern.

Fifteen will be removed from the imperiled species list altogether, but will continue to be included in the plan for direction in monitor-

ing and conserving them, including the three bird species, the Eastern chipmunk, Florida mouse, limpkin, striped mud turtle, gopher frog and Florida tree snail.

The FWC has been working on the plan for five years, which is scheduled to be voted on next year.

34

THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

DECEMBER 2, 2015

Purchasing out of the country

S

hortly before I left for an extensive trip to Europe in October, I came across the following comment, “If I were really really ridiculously wealthy, I wouldn’t buy a mansion, just tiny apartments in every city I love.” Unfortunately I don’t remember who wrote it but I can tell you that it will stay with me forever since I totally agree with the concept.

I started out in New York City, which, of course, has ridiculous prices for what most of us would consider tiny apartments. A million will get you about 700 square feet in Manhattan with Brooklyn now demanding the same numbers. Although most European capitals still command prices similar to New York City, there are some regions in Europe that have become more affordable for those buyers looking overseas.

More and more Americans are

Castles in the Sand Louise Bolger considering purchasing a home out of the country, encouraged by a strong dollar against the Euro. The U.S. dollar gained about 23 percent over the past year, directly influencing the number of U.S. buyers searching for homes abroad. This number has risen about 30 percent over the past year, according to data from over 500 real estate brokerage firms across the world.

In addition to the weakening Euro, there are areas where prices have fallen. Spain’s economy is weak with high unemployment and falling real estate values. In some coastal regions,

John Bolger | submitted

Villefranche Sur Mer, France, where apartments with sea views are available. you can purchase houses with a sea view for about $600,000, 40 percent less than they were five to seven years ago. The Adriatic Sea coast of Italy also has some great prices for Americans starting below $200,000.

Prices in Rome are, of course, ex-

traordinary with villas and apartments in the city center having multi- million dollar price tags. London, which for a long time was demanding even more than New York City for its high end see bolgert, page 36

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DECEMBER 2, 2015

Fire district to rebid boat proposal The district has a $200,000 matching grant from the West Coast Inland Navigation District to purchase the boat.

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

BRADENTON – West Manatee Fire Rescue Chief Tom Sousa reported at the Nov. 19 fire commission meeting that the RFP (request or proposals) for a fire boat for the district’s marine rescue program must be rebid due to irregularities in the bid document.

He said he would create an RFP for two vessels – one for a jet drive and one for an outboard. The district has a $200,000 matching grant from the West Coast Inland Navigation District to purchase the boat.

Sousa said he had further information regarding a request from Commissioner Al Robinson on how many lives have been saved over 10 years through the district’s marine rescue program.

According to the report, “Analysis of

37 significant events indicated that Marine 7 was directly utilized to respond to marine events with 57 persons in serious distress that required assistance from our crews.

“Fifty-one persons were successfully rescued with the assistance of Marine 7 crews. Staff research also indicated that Marine 7 responded to seven major boat fires over this same time frame.

Station 4

Capt. Chris Kiernan reported that crews from Station 4 at 6417 3rd Ave. W. in Bradenton, which is being replaced, have been relocated to the nearby administration building. He said the old station is being used for training before begin demolished.

Sousa said a local realtor provided information regarding comparable sales of commercial buildings in the county in response to a request from Robinson to consider selling the administration building at 6417 3rd Ave. W. in Bradenton. see boat, page 38

THE SUN

35

Contractor seeks restrictive covenant option The restrictive covenant would be for property owners who would like to build more than four bedrooms

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

HOLMES BEACH – Contractor Kevin Hutchison asked city commissioners at a recent meeting to consider adopting a restrictive covenant for property owners who would like to build more than four bedrooms.

In September, commissioners approved an ordinance limiting the number of bedrooms in single-family homes to four and two per side in duplexes in the R-2, R-3 and R-4 zoning districts.

Hutchison said he has a client who bought a property in the R-2 zoning district and has a buyer who wants to build a fivebedroom home. The buyer is willing to sign a deed restriction that he won’t rent it for five years.

Hutchison said Anna Maria has that option available and asked if the City Commission would consider doing the same in Holmes Beach.

According to Anna Maria’s moratorium ordinance 15-803, “Any property which would otherwise be subject to the moratorium if the record owner of the property and existing lien holders voluntarily enter into a restrictive covenant with the city. The restrictive covenant will state that the property is intended to be used by the record owner for single family purposes and not to be used for a rental property except for periods of 30 continuous days or more.”

The covenant document to be signed by the property owner states that the covenant expires on the fifth anniversary of its execution.

Chair Judy Titsworth asked how big is the lot, and Hutchison said it is two platted lots, and the owner could build two singlefamily, four-bedroom homes.

City Attorney Patricia Petruff said, “It is hard to comment on a situation that is new to me. If you want to move forward, you need an ordinance change.

“There is movement of larger single family homes in certain areas. Instead of doing this piecemeal, the mayor and I have talked about an overlay district. That is an option.”

Titsworth said she likes the overlay option and would put the issue on a work session agenda.

36

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THE SUN

6101 MARINA DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH

Real estate transfers of October 2015 Sponsored by Alan Galletto, Island Real Estate Source: Mid Florida Multiple Listing Service

Date Sold List Price Sold Price Property Address Anna Maria 2015-10-29 265000 250000 522 Pine Ave # 8d

SFUA

Lot Size

Property Discription

822

2 Br/1 Ba Condo

Bradenton Beach 2015-10-15 599000 2015-10-02 2,650,000 2015-10-08 649,000 2015-10-20 399,900 2015-10-08 385,000 2015-10-07 725,000

540,000 2,600,000 590,000 370,000 372,000 700,000

2206 Avenue C 1557 109 13th S St 3017 8100x100.4 903 S Gulf Dr 51x96 2310 Gulf N Dr # 104 651 117 10th N St # 112 873 2311 Gulf N Dr 2975 50x100

4 Br/2 Ba SFR 8 Br/8 Ba SFR SFR Lot 2 Br/1 Ba Condo 2 Br/2 Ba Condo Duplex

Holmes Beach 2015-10-06 450,000 2015-10-05 435,000 2015-10-23 469,000 2015-10-26 499,900 2015-10-15 599,000 2015-10-08 689,000 2015-10-29 1,070,000 2015-10-15 1,499,000 2015-10-14 1,895,000 2015-10-06 3,495,000 2015-10-05 255,000 2015-10-16 324,900 2015-10-14 375,000 2015-10-19 399,000 2015-10-15 399,900 2015-10-30 435,000 2015-10-09 585,000 2015-10-15 399,000 2015-10-02 675,000 2015-10-22 595,000 2015-10-09 359,000

390,000 400,000 462,000 475,000 580,000 675,000 985,000 1,200,000 1,850,000 3,200,000 249,000 315,000 350,000 385,000 387,000 400,000 555,000 385,000 625,000 550,000 311,500

410 Bay Palms Dr 1535 2918 Avenue C 1196 5800 De Palmas Ave 964 204 83rd St 1454 212 71st St 1380 310 58th # B 1251 603 Baronet Ln 2717 95x130 611 Key Royale Dr 2784 103x162 688 Key Royale Dr 3725 2907 F Ave 2300 3607 E Bay Dr # 103 1000 709 Manatee Ave 709 1179 6400 Flotilla Dr # 98 1185 6500 Flotilla Dr # 185 1185 207 75th St # East 800 100 73rd St # 203a 100x102x68x96 244 S Harbor Dr # 3 1330 6250 Holmes Blvd # 63 1224 203 77th St # A & B 2632 75x100 3801 Gulf Dr 2188 Irregular 5405 Gulf Dr # A 1080

2 Br/2 Ba SFR 2 Br/2 Ba SFR 2 Br/2 Ba SFR 2 Br/2 Ba SFR 2 Br/2 Ba SFR 3 Br/2 Ba SFR 4 Br/4 Ba SFR 3 Br/3.5 Ba SFR 4 Br/3 1/2 Ba SFR 4 Br/4.5 Ba SFR 2 Br/2 Ba Condo 2 Br/2 Ba Condo 2 Br/2 Ba Condo 2 Br/2 Ba Condo 2 Br/1 Ba Condo 1Br/1 Ba Condo 2 Br/2 Ba Condo 2 Br/1 Ba Townhome Duplex Duplex 2 Br/2 Ba 1/2 Duplex

BOLGER: Purchasing out of the country FROM PAGE 34

properties, has taken a significant down turn. Sales of prime London properties fell 21 percent in the first 10 months of this year with some London market watchers warning that the market is overheated.

But for many Americans looking to invest out of the country, it’s the smaller towns that have the real appeal. One of my favorite stops in Europe was a lovely seaside town on the French Rivera about midway between Monte Carlo and Nice called Villefranche Sur Mer. The beautiful town rose up from the Mediterranean with rustic buildings and picturesque narrow streets.

According to one of the real estate offices where I stopped, you could purchase good size apartments with sea views in Villefranche Sur Mer starting in the mid $500,000 range and larger homes below $2,000,000. Also Olbia on

the Italian Island of Sardinia had great apartments and homes for sale all with stunning sea views starting under $200,000. In both of these towns buyers are getting a lot more for their money than in our own Anna Maria.

Of course buying property in another country comes with a full set of caveats. If you require a mortgage, you may be required to make a larger down payment and to pay the loan back within a shorter time frame. Also IRS regulations are more complicated regarding deduction of mortgage interest, in addition to the ability to oversee and maintain property so far from home.

I always say that if you want something enough you can always find a way, and for Americans who want to buy overseas property, it might have gotten just a little easier. As my anonymous friend said, tiny apartments in multiple places works for me.

DECEMBER 2, 2015

DECEMBER 2, 2015

State tourism soars

In the first three quarters of 2015, Florida welcomed the highest number of visitors of any nine months in the state’s history with 79.1 million visitors, according to VISIT FLORIDA, a 5.5 percent increase over the previous year.

In the third quarter of 2015 (July-September), 25.5 million visitors came to the state, an increase of 6.8 percent over 2014 and Florida’s largest third quarter for visitation in history.

VISIT FLORIDA estimates that 22.1 million domestic visitors traveled to Florida in the third quarter, an 8.2 percent increase over the same period last year, in addition to 3.4 million international visitors.

Preliminary figures for the first three quarters of 2015 show 67.4 million domestic visitors, 8.3 million overseas visitors and 3.4 million Canadians.

Tourism and recreation taxable sales for Florida increased year-over-year for January through August 2015 (last reported month), representing an 8.2 percent increase over the same period in 2014.

For quarter three of 2015, the average daily room rate (ADR) rose 5.1 percent, the occupancy rate for Florida hotels increased 3.6 percent and the demand in rooms sold grew 4.8 percent compared to quarter three of 2014.

Gov. Rick Scott’s proposed 2016-17 budget recommends $80 million for VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s tourism agency.

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September tax collections

THE SUN

37

Building moratorium on agenda

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

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 September and paid to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office in October. 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

BRADENTON BEACH – The newly-configured Bradenton Beach City Commission will face its first real test Thursday evening when Mayor Bill Shearon attempts to fulfill a campaign promise to pass a building moratorium.

The commission will readdress a previously discussed six-month moratorium on the construction of new homes containing five or more bedrooms in the city’s R-1 and R-2 residential zone districts. The proposed moratorium also calls for a temporary ban on the construction of duplexes containing three or more bedrooms per side.

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m., and public input on the moratorium will be accepted During past discussions, Commissioner Jan Vosburgh fully supported a moratorium while Vice Mayor Ed Straight offered lukewarm support. New Commissioners Ralph Cole and Jake Spooner have yet to weigh in on the matter.

Moving the moratorium forward would require the support of at least three commission members.

The agenda for the Dec. 3 meeting also calls for the appointment of a vice mayor, the appointment of commissioners’ liaison responsibilities and the appointment of department heads.

The commission will also receive a recommendation from the Pier Team advisory board on the Oyster Bar restaurant awning already in place and additional signs yet to come.

The commission will also be asked to authorize a SRX liquor license for the restaurant, and will review the business plans for the two subleased pier structures.

38

THE SUN

Early Settler’s Bread on sale at museum Get freshly baked loaves of the popular Early Settler’s Bread at the Island Historical Museum beginning Wednesday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for $5 per loaf. The bread will be available every Wednesday at the museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

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(941) 778-6066 WWW.CALLTHE ISLANDERS.COM

JOHN@CALLTHEISLANDERS.COM

John van Zandt 6101 MARINA DR., HOLMES BEACH, FL 34217

BOAT: Fire district to rebid proposal FROM PAGE 35

Commissioners agreed that no action would be taken at this time because, in addition to the administration, the crews from Station 4 are using the building.

Commissioners also elected new officers – Randy Cooper as chair, George Harris as vice chair and Larry Jennis as secretary/treasurer. Commissioners agreed to cancel their December meeting.

Sousa announced that an awards ceremony, including retirement awards for Administrative Assistant Mary Stephens and Deputy Chief Brett Pollock, would be held on Jan. 6 at Palma Sola Presbyterian Church, and a flag ceremony for Pollock will be held on Jan 19 at the administration building.

DECEMBER 2, 2015

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DECEMBER 2, 2015

TOWN CRIER

Literacy Night and bake sale

The Gulf Coast Writers of Anna Maria Island have reorganized themselves and added a new mission, to critique writers’ works. The group will meet at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach on Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 1:15 p.m. Writers wanting to have their works critiqued should bring multiple copies of their works to the meetings. For further information, call Alice Moerk at 778-7923

There will be a free beading class at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2. For more information, call 778-6341.

Get out those needles The Friends of the Island Branch Library are sponsoring a knit and crochet class at the library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Thursday, Dec. 3, from 2 to 4 p.m. For more information, call 778-6341

Seniors to shop Senior Adventures, the group that provides activities and fellowship to seniors, is planning a trip to West Shore Mall in Tampa for Christmas shopping on Friday, Dec. 4, starting at 10 a.m. For more information or to reserve a spot, Call Kaye Bell, 538-0945, or e-mail cortezbell@tampabay.rr.com.

Forty Carrots fun The Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, presents Forty Carrots, a parenting program based in Sarasota, on Friday, Dec. 4, at 10 a.m.

This is a new program where kids from mobile babies to five years old and their parents experience new activities, join in circle time fun, spend time with other families and get valuable parenting information. The program is free and you can get a ticket for this session at the library desk. Space is limited to 12 families. For more information, call the library at 778-3986

Get your cookies and pickles The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, is holding its Holly Berry Christmas Market on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop for unique holiday-inspired items for giving or for decorating. The church ladies will be selling their famous pickles, there will be a cookie walk and they will be selling frozen meals for easy cooking and their popular turkey pot-

39

747-6797 or e-mailing Chris Braun at cbraun@wrcmanatee.org. Attendees must arrive 15 minutes early to fill out the registration form.

Writers club changes mission

Learn to make jewelry

THE SUN

Re-enact the Bethlehem Walk Christmas is all about Mary and Joseph looking for shelter as they walked toward Bethlehem, and when they found a location to settle for the night, Mary gave birth to Jesus. Roser Memorial Community Church invites everyone to join the re-enactment on Saturday, Dec. 5, starting at 6:30 p.m. Actors will play Joseph, Mary and Jesus and there will be animals from that period, including lambs, a goat and maybe a llama. Those attending may dress for the event, and there are outfits available at the church, but hurry because they go fast. The group will travel around the block singing carols and stopping at select locations to ask if there is “room at the inn.” The procession ends back at the church for cookies and hot chocolate. For more information, call the church at 778-0414. pies. Lunch will be available. Come early for the best selection. For information, call 778-1638.

reservations, go to the Friends of De Soto Website at www.friendsofdesoto.org, or for more information, call 941-704-6825.

R.E.A.L. Women holiday party

Paddle the preserves

The R.E.A.L. Women of CrossPointe Fellowship will hold their 10th Annual Christmas Brunch on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. This year Peggy Kerwin, director of the SOLVE Maternity Homes in Bradenton, will speak.

There will be holiday music from the Manatee High School Girls’ Chorus.

All women are invited to this free event.

RSVP to 941-778-0719. Bring new, unwrapped baby items for the SOLVE Home.

Explore two of Manatee County’s preserves from the water. Naturalist Brad Tanner, an American Canoe Association instructor will lead Sarasota Bay Estuary Program sponsored tours of Neal Preserve on Saturday, Dec. 5, and again on Dec. 19, plus tours of Leffis Key and Jewfish Key on Saturday, Jan. 9 and 16.

Participants need to bring or rent their own kayak and gear. These tours are not recommended for novice kayakers or children under 10. Minors 18 and under need to be accompanied by an adult.

Those wanting to sign up for more than one tour will be put on a waiting list for other trips. To sign up, go to www. sarasotabay.org.

Twas the night before Christmas GT Bray Park, in west Bradenton, will host a family fun night called “A Night Before Christmas” event, on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Santa will land via helicopter to meet with all the children. There will be face-painting, a bounce house, snow, hayrides and much more. Kids who complete Santa’s passport will be eligible for a drawing for an iPod. Wristbands for all the rides are $7.50 per child. Parents are admitted free.

Story time at the library Trudy Bell, the children’s librarian, reads stories on Wednesday, Dec. 8, at 10 a.m. Kids between toddler and five years of age are welcome as are their parents at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call 778-6341.

Sailing for De Soto

Financial advice at the library

There will be a Sunset Boat Cruise on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 4:45 p.m. on Paradise Boat Tours leaving from the Historical Bradenton Beach Pier sponsored by the Friends of De Soto. This will be a relaxing 90 minute cruise on Sarasota Bay, and all proceeds will benefit De Soto National Memorial. The cost is $30 for members and $35 for non members. For

There will be a free presentation by Carol Jochem, insurance program manager of BMO Harris Financial Advisors on maximizing retirement income and long-term care at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive on Wednesday, Dec. 8, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. This program is sponsored by the Women’s Resource Center. You must RSVP by calling 941-

Anna Maria Elementary School will host Literacy Night on Wednesday, Dec. 9, from 5 to 7 p.m., featuring the bake sale that normally would have been held at the Fall Festival.

The theme for the book sale and bake sale is “Winter Wonderland.”

Everybody is invited, even if you don’t have kids at the school. It’s a good opportunity to look for reading material for young friends and relatives, and you could pick up some snacks for a holiday party or dessert for Christmas dinner.

For more information, call the school at 708-5525, ext. 0.

Island concert a major project When the Anna Maria Island Community Chorus and Orchestra performs Hector Berlioz’ “L’enfance du Christ” (The Childhood of Christ) on Sunday, Dec. 13, at 2 p.m., CrossPointe Fellowship will come alive with music. This is a rare opportunity for concert-goers to experience the masterpiece. The nationally known soloists performing are: • Michelle Giglio, soprano, role of Mary, has toured and recorded in France and throughout Europe with the Orchestre National de France and Orchestre Philharmonique de France, in addition to live appearances on France Musique (French national classical music station).

• Daniel Gerdes, tenor, role of Narrator, made his international debut as Paride in Gluck’s Paride ed Elena with Opera Piccola Bremen in Germany.

• Luis González, baritone, role of Joseph, was praised for his thrilling performances, outstanding musicality, and gorgeous lyric sound, Mexican-American baritone Luis González has performed with the South Florida Lyric Opera and the Opera Tampa Singers and the St. Petersburg Opera.

• Jason Stearns, bass, role of Herod, is well known for taking on the most unique and challenging roles in the dramatic baritone repertoire. He has appeared with the New York Metropolitan Opera, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Savonlinna Festival, and the Los Angeles Opera.

• Daniel A. Hoffman, baritone, roles of Polydorus and Father, is an honors graduate from the Indiana University School of Music in Bloomington, Ind., and has performed with opera companies and symphonies throughout the United States.

Tickets for L’enfance du Christ are available at www.amicco.org, by calling Jeanie at 941-795-2370 or the Anna Maria Island Chamber at 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach and, if still available, at the door.

40 THE SUN

SPORTS

DECEMBER 2, 2015

LaPensee edges out Gator Squad for championship

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

The Gator Squad, sponsored by Gator-Man Pool Service, attempted to defend its adult basketball championship at the Center on Tuesday, Nov. 24, against the #1 seeded LaPensee Plumbing and Pools. With friends and family supporting each team, this was a game to watch, and the teams did not disappoint.

The scoring started quickly with Dale Smith putting two points on the scoreboard for the #2 seeded Gator Squad. Captain Jonathan Moss attempted to tie up the game with a layup for LaPensee, but the shot was deflected by Smith.

Moss quickly got the ball back and made his third shot attempt of the game taking the score to 2-2.

Team captain Aaron Dudukes took his squad ahead once again with a quick score that was followed by a basket by Brandon Osmond for LaPensee. After a travel call on Smith, Jordan Demers drove down the lane and missed the layup for LaPensee. Despite good passing and ball control, LaPensee could not pull ahead until the next offensive possession with Moss finding the hoop under the basket.

With the score 4-6 and LaPensee in the lead, Cody Sullivan tied up the score with a basket for the Gator Squad. The high pressure stakes game proved to be a scoring enemy for both teams. Strong defensive play also kept the scoring low. The Gator Squad was supported by Chris Shaffer both on the offensive and

monica simpson | SUN

The championship team, LaPensee Plumbing and Pools, celebrates. defensive fronts.

After a missed outside shot, Shawn Hubbard found the rim and scored the fourth basket for LaPensee. Fouled by Hubbard, Dudukes took the line for two shots, making the first and missing the second shot resulting in a score of 7-8.

The Gator Squad scored two more points by Joe Combs and with 11 minutes left in the first half of play, Ryan Burke hit his first shot of the game for LaPensee bringing the game back within one point. With a rebound and

SPORTS BRIEFS Golfers break for turkey The golfers cut their tournaments short last week because of the Thanksgiving holiday.

On Monday morning, Nov. 23, three teams tied for first in the two-best-balls-of-foursome with a score of 55. They were Bill Shuman, Dennis Schavey, Ron Prichard and Pete Weir; Hank Tremblay, Chet Hutton, Jim Auch and a proxy; and Lance Lindeman, Bill Gallagher, Don Latorre, and Dave Kruger.

In the Monday afternoon modified Stapleford competition, Barry Izzard came in first with a score

shot, Smith scored again pulling the Gator Squad ahead 11-10.

LaPensee answered back taking back the lead.

Smith got fouled and hit one of two free throw shots making it a tied ball game with the score 12-12. The Gator Squad’s Scott Elisio took the ball down the lane and put two points on the board.

In typical fashion, LaPensee would not let its opponents lead for long. Burke scored quickly tying the game again.

Mike Scapondra, for LaPensee, fouled Dudukes, who made

of +4 and Ken Rickett came in second with a +2.

Barry Izzard, Bill Lowman, Dick Mills and Ken Rickett came in first in the team competition with a score of +2.

Thursday’s play was cancelled in favor of football and turkey dinner.

Horseshoes action continues On Nov. 25 only the team of Ed Bergles and Art Kingstad managed a 3 and 0 record during pool play and rolled into the winners circle. Two teams battled it out in the final on Nov. 28, and it was Herb Puryear and Dom Livedoti taking out Tim Sofran and Neil Hennessey 22 to 20 and earn the days bragging rights.

only the first penalty shot. The basketball rolled off of the rim denying Burke the points for LaPensee. Moss took the ball for his team and regained the lead for LaPensee.

Gator Squad’s Tom Heald attempted a three-point shot that was rebounded for a Squad basket. LaPensee quickly put up six points with a basket by Sam Hooker, layup by Hubbard and score by Osmond.

With the score 17-22 and 34 seconds left on the clock for the first half of play, Sullivan hit the first and only three-point shot of the game for the Gator Squad.

The second half of the championship game proved to be just as competitive between the on-thecourt rivals. With six quick points put on the board by the Gator Squad, LaPensee scored its first basket of the half with a hoop by Scapondra.

With Heald under the basket, Dudukes passes the ball to the tall man who made the basket to take the Gator Squad ahead again.

But, that lead would not be held for long. After being trapped in the corner of the court, Scapondra dribbled past defenders to under

the hoop and dumped the ball off in the middle of the court to Osmond. Osmond hit back-to-back baskets widening the LaPensee lead to 25-28.

Baskets by Dudukes and Heald regained the lead for the Gator Squad. Smith was called for a foul on Demers. Demers made both free throw shots reducing the Squad’s lead by one with the score 31-30.

The back and forth scoring action continued until the last seconds of the final game of the season. Hubbard scored for LaPensee, and Elisio grabbed two points of his own after rebounding the fast break shot attempt by Burke.

Ahead by two points, 35-33, and with five minutes left on the clock, the Gator Squad called a time out. LaPensee took advantage of the time out and quickly scored two points with a Demers basket.

Hubbard put two more points on the scoreboard for LaPensee and with three minutes left in the game Dudukes tied the game at 37-37.

Dudukes took another shot for the Gator Squad and was fouled

by Scapondra. Making one of two shots, the Squad led the game with less than two minutes left on the clock.

The game clock had 44.8 seconds left to tick off. Demers was fouled and went to the free throw line. The LaPensee strong man missed the first penalty shot, but made the second tying the game again at 38-38.

Excitement filled the air. On offense, the Gator Squad chose to kill time off the clock until Hubbard stole the ball. LaPensee called their last time out with 7.3 seconds left in half. Returning on the court, Moss scored giving LaPensee the lead once again. With less than one second on the clock, the Gator Squad called its final timeout hoping to come up with a game plan to tie or win the game.

The Squad took possession with 0.9 seconds to tick off the game clock hoping to make a miracle shot. Despite a grand effort, the Gator Squad came up just short from a repeat championship.

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

DECEMBER 2, 2015

o'connor: Friends remember

41

Sue Normand succumbs to cancer

BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER

FROM PAGE 1

became a fun way to raise money. It was his pride and joy.”

Peggi Davenport, co-owner of Duffy’s Tavern, remembers how Billy found something for her to do one year when she couldn’t bowl.

“I had a cut on my thumb and told him I couldn’t bowl,” she said. “He gave me a bunch of raffle tickets and told me to go down on the lanes and sell them,” she said. “It was fun teasing bowlers to get them to buy tickets.”

Billy lived a fun-loving life. He was married, but had no kids. George said his brother went out the way he wanted.

“He started having health problems, and I told him, ‘You need to take care of yourself,’” he said.

“Billy told me he didn’t want to be a strain on anybody, and he wanted to go without prolonging it.”

George said he moved to the area from Buffalo, N.Y., 35 years ago and Billy moved here five years later. He said it was rough being a family man with kids and having an identical twin brother who was single and chased women.

“One woman came to me and said, ‘You should be ashamed of yourself cheating on your wife and driving a convertible when your wife is raising your kids,’” he said. “I told her I had an identical twin brother, but I don’t think she believed me.”

Davenport said Billy had a great personality.

“All he had to do was come into the room and laugh that laugh,” she said. “I remember one year he signed all of his Christmas cards, ‘Billy, your idol.’”

George remembered a joke he played on a boss of his when he worked as a bartender at Pete Reynard’s.

“There was a popcorn popper in the restaurant, and he popped all of the corn and put it into this guy’s boat,” he said. “Pretty soon the boat was full of seagulls who ate it and left droppings all over the boat.”

Joe Hutchinson, another friend, said he remembered Billy as a wonderful man.

As for George, he will remember the good times.

“I’m going to miss him so much,” he said.

“There was a sign that an artist painted that said so much about how he lived. It said, ‘Being the life of the party is going to be the death of me.’”

THE SUN

HOLMES BEACH – Sue Normand, who survived a shooting and served on her city’s Planning Commission, died on Thanksgiving, according to a posting on her Facebook page.

“My scribe has the heartbreaking task of telling you all – my dear friends – of my passage from this world,” Normand wrote. “I have joined my beloved son, mother, father, and many others who are waiting for me. I have loved knowing all of you and want to thank you for all your well-wishes and prayers.”

The posting said the Island newspapers would keep the public informed of when and where the memorial services would be, adding they may be delayed until

after her burial with her family in Virginia.

Normand opened a business in the Centre Shops shopping mall called Island Mail & More, offering mailing, shipping and services for business people.

On Dec, 5, 2007, Mark Koenigs walked into her shop, opened a box and pulled out a handgun, and shot her at point blank range. Koenigs then walked out of the store and fled south along the beach. He was found by police officers and shot, after he failed to obey their commands to give up the pistol. He survived, was convicted of aggravated battery with a firearm for shooting Normand and two counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer. He was sentenced to a minimum of 28 years and maximum of 40 years and would likely be in his 80s when and if he gets out of prison.

Her wounds left Normand with a limp in her walk, which required her to use a cane. When she was shot, she did not have health insur-

ance and had to raise the money to pay off her bills.

Former Holmes Beach Mayor and County Commissioner Carol Whitmore remembered her as a strong person who faced adversity.

“She was a single woman who ran a business and volunteered to serve her community,” Whitmore said. “She went through the city’s comprehensive plan page by page when she served on the Planning Commission.”

Whitmore said after Normand was shot, she tried to help.

“She had some tragic things happen to her,” Whitmore said. “I helped her son run the office and later, when she needed medical care, I tried to get a doctor for her.

Then her son died after being ill a long time, and she had to sell the store.”

Normand ended her Facebook posting with words for her friends and family.

“I was so incredibly lucky to have all of you in my life. With love always – Sue Normand.”

ETHICS: Complaints fell short FROM PAGE 12

from the July 23 City Commission meeting, at which Horne and the Oyster Bar were unanimously selected to lease the city-owned restaurant space located on the Pier.

The motion made that day by Vice Mayor Ed Straight directed the mayor and city attorney to negotiate the terms of the lease and bring it back before the commission by Aug. 15.

Accused respond

After reviewing Schelin’s complaints for the first time, Perry said,

“The Commission on Ethics correctly determined that Ms. Schelin’s complaint was improperly put before them and that it should be dismissed.”

Clarke said, “The allegations do not fall under the umbrella of responsibility of the Ethics Commission and are baseless on their face.”

Addressing Robertson’s involvement, Clarke said, “Enclosed in the paperwork submitted by Ms. Schelin are copies of handwritten correspondence and e-mails from former commissioner Janie Robertson in support of the unfounded

and inappropriate application to the Ethics Commission. Even though this complaint was returned on Sept. 21 as not actionable, the complaint itself was promoted as fact throughout the recent election campaign. This was a successful attempt to further prejudice the electorate by a non-resident of the city so as to mislead the voters of Bradenton Beach, and public records show Ms. Schelin to be a campaign contributor to Mayor Shearon.”

42

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

Obituaries Thomas Edward Caron Thomas Edward Caron passed away Nov. 18, 2015, after a long and valiant fight against cancer. He was born on Feb. 17, 1943, in Montgomery, Minn., to Edwin J. Caron and Marjorie Stanford Caron. He was raised on a dairy farm in Northfield, Minn., and graduated from Northfield High School as well as Winona State College with a bachelor of science degree.

He taught Social Studies and coached wrestling in Mayville and Madison, Wisc., for four years.

He then joined Schwan’s Sales Enterprises, Inc. in Marshall, Minn., where he enjoyed a varied and successful career in North America and Europe for over 30 years. His career involved the introduction of various retail products and services. One of his major accomplishments was the development and introduction of Red Baron Frozen Foods. Tom also was involved with his own businesses, which included restaurants, building components, manufacturing and real estate. He was the founder of Drayton Enterprises in Fargo, N. D. Tom held numerous civic positions over his long career; JC’s member and president; Chamber of Commerce; SSU Foundation director; chairman of Free Enterprises; Minnesota Q/7 Commission member; Airport Commission member and chairman; Hotel/Restaurant Advisory Committee; SSU founder and chairman and the University of Minnesota “M” Club president. He was a three term president of the National Frozen Pizza Association; director of the National Food Association and member/director of the National Restaurant Association.

Tom enjoyed flying, pheasant hunting, fishing, and was an avid follower

BEACH BEAT Anna Maria

11/21, confiscated license, 300 block of N. Bay Boulevard. The driver was stopped for a traffic violation, and the deputy discovered he had two licenses. The driver said he had lost his license and got a new one and then found the old one. The deputy took the old one.

Cortez

11/21, Criminal mischief, 12500 block of Cortez Road West. A witness called law

and supporter of college wrestling. In April, 2015, Tom was inducted into the Minnesota Wrestling Hall of Fame as an Outstanding American, one of only eleven people from the State of Minnesota to receive such a high honor.

He had a love of geography, history and politics and his incredible mind and memory of these subjects never ceased to amaze his friends. He had a true joy of life, enjoyed traveling and was a devoted friend to all who knew him.

Tom retired to Bradenton, Fla., in 1994 and became involved in real estate where he owned numerous investment properties through the years.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Marjorie; his infant brother, John; and his daughter, Jennifer Dawn.

He is survived by his loving, devoted wife and best friend, Ann; his daughter and son-in-law, Carmon and Mark Watkins, of Alexandria, Minn., and two beautiful granddaughters, Natalie and Gretchen. He is also survived by his sisters, Judy Hayes, of California; Sally Jones, of Montana; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers any donations can be made to the MNUSA Wrestling Club, c/o Bill Hinchley, 635 12th Street SE, Owatonna, MN 55060. MNUSA Wrestling is a non-profit organization, an affiliate of USA Wrestling, which serves the wrestling needs of athletes from as young as 5 years of age to older wrestlers who compete in the Olympics and World Championships.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015, at 1 p.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church located at 605 Douglas Street in Alexandria, Minn.

The viewing will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed by the funeral service.

Interment will be at Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria, Minn. A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at Arrowwood Resort following the services.

Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria, MN, www.andersonfuneral.net.

enforcement to say a jacked-up pickup truck struck the gate to the entrance to the Cortez Bridge and fled. The bolts holding the gate to the bridge broke and a crew was sent to fix it.

Holmes Beach

11/23, driving with a suspended license, warrant arrest, 700 block of Manatee Avenue. The officer stopped the driver for a non-operating license plate light.

The defendant said she did not have a valid driver’s license, and she did have a warrant for her arrested on a nonrelated offense. She was arrested.

11/29, grand theft, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive. A witness saw a

William B. ‘Billy O’ O’Connor, Jr. William B. “Billy O” O’Connor, Jr. 65, of Cortez, died Nov. 27, 2015.

Born in Buffalo, N. Y., he moved to Cortez in 1985. William was a Veteran in the U.S. Army and worked for Southern Greens.

He was preceded by his parents, William B. and Joan (Harron) O’Connor, Sr. He is survived by his wife, Sharon, of Cortez; twin brother, George (Susan), of Bradenton, Fla., and David (Mary), of Buffalo, N.Y. He was also survived by his beloved nieces and nephews, who were like children to him, along with many cherished friends. Memorial service was scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015, at Roser Memorial Community Church, Anna Maria, Fla., with a celebration of life to follow at Duffy’s, 5808 Marina Dr. in Holmes Beach.

Memorial donations may be made to the Fish Preserve.

Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton, was in charge of arrangements. Condolences: www. brownandsonsfuneral.com.

Sylvia B. Snyder Sylvia B. Snyder, 95, of Black Mountain, N. C., and formerly of Anna Maria, died Friday, Nov. 20, 2015.

Born July 1, 1920, in Boston, Mass., Mrs. Snyder grew up in the Boston area and worked as administrative secretary at the Boston Museum of Science from 1946 to 1959.

In 1959, she moved to Anna Maria where she worked at the National Bank of Sarasota from 1959 to 1963 and was executive secretary to the director of the Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton from 1963 to 1981. She married George R. Snyder in 1974. male take an iPhone from a patron at the restaurant on the beach and the victim called police. The witness gave a description of the suspect, and police started searching for him. The suspect reported seeing a person who fit the description at a trolley stop at 45th and Gulf Drive. When they got there, they found the suspect behind the buses between the street and a church parking lot. When confronted, the suspect refused to identify himself and said he had nothing to do with taking a cell phone. The victim and her family was brought to the trolley stop, and they identified the suspect as the person who had taken her phone. Of-

DECEMBER 2, 2015

In Anna Maria, Mrs. Snyder was active in Roser Memorial Community Church and the Anna Maria Island Historical Society. She loved reading, listening to classical music, and cats. She was a giving person and had a good sense of humor. She spent her summers outside of Wolfeboro, N. H., on Lake Wentworth. In 2006 she moved to North Carolina with family.

Mrs. Snyder was preceded in death by her husband, George R. Snyder; in 1995 and is survived by three nieces, Jane Goldthwait, of Celo NC, Sue Carlson of Blue River, Colo.; and Betsy Atkinson, of Black Mountain, N.C.; and one nephew, (Thomas Goldthwait of Eagle, Colo.; and seven grand- nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service will be held at Springs of Catawba in Hickory, N.C. at 2 p.m. on Dec. 10.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, P.O. Box 4315, Anna Maria, FL 34216 or the Lake Wentworth Foundation, P.O. Box 2235, Wolfeboro, N.H. 03894.

David ‘Dry Dock’ White David ‘Dry Dock’ White, 55, Bradenton, passed away Nov. 22, 2015. Private services will be held at a later date and time. Arrangements by Shannon Funeral Home Town Chapel, Bradenton.

Marcia Ann Barlow Marcia Ann Barlow, 61, of Bradenton, passed away on November 28, 2015.

She is survived by her loving husband, Robert; three sons, Brick, Clay, and Zak; two stepsons, Todd and Mark; one daughter, Emma; and two grandchildren.

She will be greatly missed.

Private family services.

Condolences may be made at www. shannonfuneralhomes.com.

ficers found the phone near the trolley stop. The suspect said it was not theft because he found it unattended. He admitted hiding the phone so he wouldn’t get into trouble. He was arrested.

11/29, possession of alcohol to be consumed on the beach, 78th Street beach access. The officer responded to reports the female suspect and a male were engaging in sexual intercourse on the beach. When the officer arrived, he noticed it too. He also noticed alcoholic beverages. The witness refused to sign a complaint on the sex, so police charged the female with possessing alcohol on the beach.

DECEMBER 2, 2015

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 "__ to Be Square": Huey Lewis & the News hit 4 Pair on a rowing club wall 8 Press __ 13 "David Copperfield" blackmailer 16 Humble 17 *Lightweight kitchen appliance 18 Himalayan region 19 Thing on a ring 20 Story 22 Nevertheless 23 Energy 24 *"Let me help" 27 "To be continued" installment 29 "The Simpsons" shop owner 30 Works in a museum 31 Father 33 Brits' raincoats

Answers to 11-25-15 Crossword Puzzle.

37 *Not doing one's job 42 Since, in a seasonal song 43 Nerd 44 When repeated, a Kenyan rebel 45 Play about Capote 48 De __: strictly proper 50 *Romance 55 Game console letters 56 Saloon order 57 Says lovingly 58 Flop opposite 59 Capital of Belarus 61 Wayne's World catchphrase, and a hint to the end of the answers to starred clues 66 Bring to mind 67 Made a point of?

68 Mail in, as payment 69 Bordeaux belief 70 African antelope

Down 1 "Say what?"

2 Portfolio element, for short 3 Eponymous detective agency founder 4 "Yowza!"

5 Sashimi tuna 6 T. __ 7 "Ciao!"

8 Forty winks 9 Geisha circler 10 Torah teacher 11 False: Pref.

12 Little fight 14 Masterful 15 Backside, slangily 21 "In the Year 2525" record label 23 Fencing deflection 24 Battle of the Bulge conflict, briefly 25 French __ 26 Feeling nothing 27 Paw parts 28 Chef's meas.

32 Bird-to-be 34 First-name-only gathering 35 Santa __ 36 Put-down 38 Tennis great Sampras 39 Actress Hatcher 40 Will beneficiary 41 Pre-op test 46 Clamor 47 What a weather balloon may be mistaken for,

briefly 49 Make one 50 Less credible, excusewise 51 Greenish color

THE SUN

52 Stingray secretion 53 Fancy dressers 54 Beer brand from Tokyo 58 Promote aggressively 60 Deal with moguls

62 "Far out!"

63 Afternoon ora 64 Patriarchy rulers 65 Kin of gov

43

44

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

Red tide on rise

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

That tickle in your throat at the beach, and even up to five miles inland, is probably red tide.

Red tide, a bloom of the organism Karenia brevis, is a natural phenomenon in the Gulf of Mexico that contains a neurotoxin that can kill fish and marine mammals; poison shellfish, making it unfit to eat; and cause respiratory distress in people. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported fish kills last week in southwest Florida caused by red tide.

Red tide was present locally in medium concentrations last week around Anna Maria Island. The National Weather Service office in Ruskin issued a coastal hazard message last week warning of possible respiratory irritation, coughing, sneezing and tearing eyes, especially in people with asthma, emphysema and other respiratory conditions.

The Florida Department of Health advises people with asthma to bring their inhalers to the beach during a red tide or avoid the area until conditions improve.

Residents of and visitors to beach areas affected by red tide are advised to close windows and run the air conditioner with a new filter.

Some swimmers experience skin irritation and rashes after swimming in waters with a severe red tide and have also reported eye irritation from the sea foam. During some red tide events, dead fish wash ashore. Beachgoers are advised to avoid swimming in water where dead fish are present due to possible elevated bacteria levels.

Depending on wind direction, currents and the location of red tide blooms, some areas may be affected while others are not.

Beachgoers can find unaffected beaches at www.mote.org/beaches and www.myfwc. com/redtidestatus.

Shellfish like clams, oysters and coquinas that are harvested from areas with active red tides should not be eaten because shellfish are filter feeders that can concentrate the toxins produced by red tide. Scallops can be consumed if only the scallop muscle is eaten.

Scallop stew using the whole animal should not be eaten.

Crabs, shrimp and lobster can be eaten because they do not concentrate the toxin.

Shellfish available through restaurants and commercial food suppliers are generally considered safe to consume.

Some researchers believe that stormwater runoff containing fertilizer nutrients, especially phosphorus and nitrogen, increase red tide growth.

For the latest red tide updates, visit http:// tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/hab.

To report a fish kill, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 800-636-0511.

DECEMBER 2, 2015

POOLS: Ban continues FROM PAGE 10

Commissioner Marvin Grossman said they should not allow them because “they would have to add so many exceptions.”

“It opens up a basket of worms,” Commissioner Carol Soustek declared. “Exceptions put too much burden on the city. I don’t see neighbors wanting a pool right next to their front room.”

Commissioner Pat Morton agreed with Grossman and Soustek, but Titsworth disagreed, “I don’t see it as a problem,” Titsworth said. “We’re trying to micromanage. Even Longboat Key allows it. I think it can be done tastefully. We could regulate the screening and the size.”

Building Official Jim McGuinness pointed out that currently pools are prohibited in required front yards (the setback) but not in front yards. He asked what to do with the applications he has for front yard pools.

Petruff said all are prohibited by the pool moratorium.

Although the consensus was not to allow front yard pools, Titsworth asked commissioners to reconsider corner lots.

pipeline: Dead in the water FROM PAGE 1

contracts for the proposed Deepwater Port,” the motion states. “As a result of the catastrophic changes in circumstances, Port Dolphin is abandoning its plans for the Deepwater Port and all of the associated construction.”

The plans included building a submersible port, designed to be visible from the Island only while liquid natural gas (LNG) tankers made deliveries. The tankers would have converted LNG into vapor, then offloaded it into a pipeline built by Port Dolphin for distribution to Port Manatee, where the gas would have been delivered to energy suppliers that never materialized.

At the company’s request, FERC vacated Port Dolphin’s certificate, which had required completion of the pipeline and full operation by December 2011. Port Dolphin also has requested that the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) approve its request to surrender its deepwater port license, obtained in 2009.

During the permitting process, officials from Manatee County

and the town of Longboat Key expressed concern that the proposed pipeline would make underwater sand resources unavailable for beach renourishment on Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. The proposed underwater pipeline path, originally slated to traverse the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, was later relocated to a site where it would have crossed beach renourishment sand reserves, making them inaccessible.

An agreement among Port Dolphin, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission required Port Dolphin to pay Manatee County and Longboat Key up to $5.5 million each to fund the removal of sand from the pipeline path prior to construction.

The project also drew sharp criticism from environmental groups including ManaSota-88, which charged that a two-volume environmental impact statement completed by the U.S. Coast Guard underestimated the project’s environmental impacts on wetlands, navigation, fisheries, sea turtles,

submitted

Port Dolphin has abandoned its plans to build a submersible port off Anna Maria Island, where tankers would have converted liquid natural gas into gas and offloaded it into an underwater pipeline leading to Port Manatee. migratory birds and marine mammals including dolphins, which would have experienced interference with their sonar navigation from the construction noise from Port Dolphin, according to the report.

The Coast Guard issued a 12page correction on the report listing 10 errors, including the over-

estimation of submerged white sand available for beach renourishment.

Other environmental concerns voiced at public hearings included impacts on water quality from construction, impacts on water temperature from cooling water discharges and accidental LNG spills.

DECEMBER 2, 2015

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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 Dusty at 941779-7688.

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).

AUTOMOTIVE SALES & SERVICE 2008 PT CRUISER CONVERTIBLE 44,500 miles Excellent Condition Great for island cruising Asking $8,750 Call 978-535-7790 or text

BABY SITTER RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student.

Call or text Isabel 941-5457995

BOATS: PARTS & SERVICES & SALES SEASON HAS STARTEDBoats Needed. Excellent Location-Cortez.

We Also Buy Boats. www.Islandboatsales. net. 941-228-3489 BOAT SLIPS FOR RENT. Up to 60 feet. Two minutes to Intracoastal Waterway by Cortez, Parrot Cove Marina 941-795-0088 GREAT BOAT SLIP with Lift, water, electric, 2 finger piers, Key Royale Canal Head, No Bridges. $275/ mo. Greg 410-782-9100.

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

Call us today! 941-778-3986

PRESSURE WASHING AND WINDOWS residential, commercial & resorts. Roofs, buildings, houses, driveways etc.

Call 941-251-5948

COMMERCIAL SALES/ LEASES/RENTALS ANNA MARIA CITY Gulf Drive Frontage Existing well known Restaurant Busn, Equip & Good will for sale $299,000 Call Alan Galletto, Island Real Estate 941-2322216 RESTAURANT/OFFICE/ RETAIL 1113 sf Kitchen Equipment include Gulf Drive Bradenton Beach $495,000 Call Alan Galletto Island Real Estate 941-232-2216

1200 SQ FT COMMERCIAL SPACE in prime location, Village of Cortez. Call A Paradise Realty for more information. 941-778-4800

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

GIFT SHOP on AMI. Part-Time Position. Retiree’s welcome. Call 813-409-7540

{HELP WANTED STYLIST & NAIL TECHNICIAN.} Current License required. Flexible hours. Small shop on Island. Call Owner 941538-0225 BARTENDER-PART TIME Apply @ Bortell’s 10002 Gulf Dr. Anna Maria. Any Day after 1:00 HAIR DESIGNER, EXPERIENCED, for busy, upscale island salon. Flexible schedule. 941-387-9807

CHURCH VAN DRIVER/ CUSTODIAN This position is for 5 to 6 hours on Sunday mornings and occasional substitute during the week.

Duties include scheduling/picking up people for the worship service and opening and closing church. Qualifications/ Experience: Florida Drivers license; driving a van or bus; 5 year safety driving record; working with elderly people; knowledge of building security and custodial procedures; background check required; Send resume to Roser Trustee Board, PO Box 247, Anna Maria, FL 34216.

MAD MARKS STEREO WAREHOUSE 3007 1st St Bradenton fl is looking for a motivated sales person.

You must have knowledge of car electronics truck accessories or marine electronics. Mad Marks is also hiring experienced installers for marine and car electronics. Apply in person or email at madmarksstereo@aol.com

FOR SALE GOLF SUPPLIES: Never used golf balls, still in original boxes. 1Dz each: Titleist 100 HVC – Titleist Dt 90 - Top Flite Plus 2.

2 Dz Top Flite Z Bacata 90 - 3 balls Wilson MXD - 3 balls Wilson ProStaff.

Dozens of practice balls, tees etc. Retail would be at least $250. All for $75 On AMI 941-807-5492 SCHWINN AIRDYNE AD6 Exercise Bike. Excellent condition. Paid $750 will sale for $500 on AMI Call 941-705-7953

FURNITURE CUSTOM COASTAL FURNITURE & CABINETS by Frankie Z. ebay store.

Call 941-726-1482. 10015 Cortez Rd (corner of 101st) frankiezaff@yahoo.com

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GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES SALE! NIKI’S GIFT & ANTIQUE SHOP 5351 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach. All Sterling Jewelry 20% to 50% off. Select Gifts, Pewter Miniatures, Dolls, Books, Japanese War Dolls, BricBrac, Vintage & Costume Jewelry 30% to 80% off.

Scented soaps, Lots of Driftwood, Swimwear. Lots of Pirate Signs. Open 7 days 9:30am-5pm.

ROSER THRIFT SHOP and ANNEX; Open 9:30a.m.

- 2p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, and 10a.m- 1p.m. Saturday.. Donations accepted 9-11 a.m. Wednesdays.

511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria 941-779-2733 MOVING SALE 611 Emerald Lane (off Key Royale Dr) Saturday December 5.

9am-until Furniture, curtain rods, light fixtures and More!

"NEW FLEA & CRAFTER'S MARKET!!" Now signing up vendors, only $25 space.

EXCELLENT location in Holmes Beach - lots of drive by traffic. Saturdays 8am - 1pm - Starts Dec.12. For details Shari 715-557-1785 or bradentonfleamarket@ gmail.com GARAGE SALE Friday & Saturday December 4 & 5.

505 Bayview Dr 8am-2pm.

Furniture, Linens, Decorative Plates, pictures, Baskets, Car seats household goods.

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 941-5042222 www.kernconstructioninc.com

MOVING & STORAGE

“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 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.

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.

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

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

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

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

941-812-0507 WALY PRECISION PAINTING custom painting, pressure washing, commercial/residential, interior/exterior, drywall/stucco, Licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-580-4005 www.

WalyPrecisionPainting.com

STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPING. Save water, gas, maintenance fees and the environment! Shell your yard. $50/yd installed. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067 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

“WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

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

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 & FOUND FOUND BERNAFON CN9 N Hearing Aid for the right ear at Ace Hardware Store on Wed, Nov 18. 3352 East Bay Dr, Holmes Beach or Call 941-778-0999 LOST CAT “FIDO” He adopted us 16 years ago. His turf is in the area of 5392 Gulf Dr. near Time Saver and Niki’s . Has collar with a bell, chipped by Animal Clinic. If found please call 941-518-6329.

FOUND EYEGLASSES on beach in Holmes Beach city limits, early morning of November 2. Call 941-778-4754

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

AMISUN.COM

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REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE LOOKING TO BUY or SALE a home? Contact Darcie Duncan for a personal approach to your real estate needs that will always make you feel at home. Discover the Duncan Difference.

941-779-0304 WEST BRADENTON: 3BR/2BA/2CG Home with screened lanai and nice yard in Arbor Oaks Subdivision. Only a few miles to the Beach. Community pool, lawn care etc. For carefree living, come and go as you please. Reduced to $219,900. A Paradise Realty. Call JoAnne 941809-2488 INVESTOR ALERT 1BR/1BA CONDO on Longboat Key may be rented 52 times per year, turn key furnished. $269,900, Erlene Fitzpatrick RE/MAX Alliance Group 941-224-6339

Call us today! 941-778-3986

FOR SALE by OWNER 1BR/1BA in historic Sandpiper co-op resort with bay view, boat docks, beach completely new inside and out. Call 941-224-1652 for more details l

BRADENTON COUNTRY CLUB 3BR/2BA home with upgrades on the Golf Course. Rarely available a must see! $399,000.

Brenda Boyd May Boyd Realty 941-730-8589.

LIFE IS GOOD LIVING on beautiful Anna Maria island a short walk to award winning beaches. 3BR/2.5BA elevated home with fenced free form pool and spa and 4 car garage. Karen Fineout Wagner realty 941518-3682 $749,000

REAL ESTATE: LOTS FOR SALE BEAUTIFUL LOT AT 1107 Palma Sola Blvd. Ready to build your dream home.

For more info call Gregg Bayer at AMI Beaches Realestate Call 941-567-5234

RENTALS: ANNUAL 1BR/1BA in Triplex near St. Stephen’s / Manatee High. Water, Sewer, Trash, electric & Gas incl. . $825/ mo, $825 security. Credit & Background required.

Available Now. Ask for Ed. DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www. teamduncan.com 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. PALMA SOLA HARBOUR: 1BR/1BA furnished villa w/community pool, boat docks, & fitness center. $1300/mo. or winter rental – 3 month minimum at $2600/mo. Available Jan. 1 Contact junew@ islandreal.com or 941-3451295

DECEMBER 2, 2015

ANNUAL RENTAL- Anna Maria, 3BR/2BA home with garage. $2,200/mo.

Fran Maxon Real Estate 941-778-2307.

ANNUAL 2BR/2BA Holmes Beach. Tile through-out.

Washer/Dryer hookups, double carport, large storage room. Steps to Gulf with view $1600/mo plus utilities. First, last and security Call 941-778-3427 FURNISHED STUDIO North West by Palma Sola Bay, off Island. Porch, private entrance, Full-Bath, utilities included. $775/mo. Call 941-465-9333

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!

VACATION RENTALS FOR January, February, March 2016. Palma Sola Townhouse 2BR/2BA pool, boat dock $3000/mo Perico Bay Club 2BR/2BA Villa pool, tennis $3500/mo. Realtor 941-356-1456

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, shopping, 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

www.amisun.com

DECEMBER 2, 2015

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DECEMBER 2, 2015