Anna Maria Island Sun December 30, 2015

FREE

VOL 16 No. 9

December 30, 2015

Complaints on shark fishing prompt ordinance AMOB | submitted

AMOB’s John Horne cuts the sea-shell themed ribbon during Saturday night’s pre-opening VIP party.

AMOB opens on pier

AMOB is now open seven days a week beginning at 8 a.m.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The Anna Maria Oyster Bar is back on the Island for which it was named, and the renovated Historic Bridge Street Pier is again poised to become a commercial hotspot.

On Sunday morning, AMOB, an abbreviated version of the Anna Maria Oyster Bar, opened for business in Bradenton Beach.

Last weekend also marked the opening of A Room with a Hue and Tide & Moon 2 retail operation that offers jewelry and hand-painted home accessories in the adjacent retail space Laura Shely and AnnMarie Nicholas are subleasing from Oyster Bar owner and primary pier tenant John Horne.

Sherman Baldwin plans to open his Paradise Boat Tours Activity Center later this week, which will also offer concierge services for watersport rentals and recreational activities provided elsewhere in the city and on the Island.

Sunday’s restaurant opening ended a decade’s-long

INSIDE NEWS OPINION Sun survey OUTDOORS football fever real estate crossword police reports

4 6 7 22 25 28-33 35 36

joe hendricks | sun

Last week, invited guests sampled the food and service concepts unveiled to the public Sunday morning. absence on the Island for the popular local restaurant operation that started on the City Pier in Anna Maria in 1996 and later moved off-Island with two locations in Bradenton and one in Palmetto.

Due to the limited space available inside the cityowned restaurant space, and the desire to create a casual

Anna Maria Island, Florida

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy and City Attorney Becky Vose have created an ordinance they hope will help eliminate conflicts between commercial stone crabbers and recreational shark fishermen.

To be discussed at Jan. 14 City Commission meeting, the proposed ordinance would prohibit the launching of non-motorized vessels after dark during the annual stone crab season, which is Oct. 1 to March 1 in state waters.

The ordinance was drafted in response to complaints and concerns voiced by commercial fisherman, stone crabber and Anna Maria resident Anthony Manali during the Dec. 10 commission meeting.

Manali and his wife, JoAnn, own and operate Captain Anthony’s Stone Crab Store.

Manali says his livelihood is being threatened by recreational shark fishermen who fish from shore, but use kayaks to chum the water and bring their baited hooks 200 to 400 feet out into the deeper Gulf of Mexico waters, which they cannot reach when casting from shore.

Manali told the commission this practice often leads to the fishing lines becoming entangled in trap lines, which then leads to

see AMOB, page 23

sea salt by the seashore on Anna Maria Island. 13 HE SELLS

Stone crabbers and shark fishermen are running into off-shore complications.

see SHARK, page 33

EFFORTS TO MAKE AMI BIKE-

FRIENDLY GET ROLLING. 4

Egmont cemetery mysteries are put to rest. 21

The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper

www.amisun.com

2

THE SUN

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

DECEMBER 30, 2015

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

DECEMBER 30, 2015

THE SUN

3

Law enforcement urges moderation and caution Fireworks that explode or fly are illegal in Manatee County, except at professional shows.

BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER

BRADENTON BEACH – The holidays can bring out the best in us, but some of us get carried away.

Law enforcement authorities are preparing for illegal fireworks on the beach

and impaired drivers on the roads, especially during New Year’s Eve. The fireworks show New Year’s Eve at the BeachHouse restaurant will be visible up and down the beach, but those are the only fireworks allowed by law.

As for the New Year’s champagne toast, and drinks leading up to it, plan on taking the trolley or a cab home.

The trolley is free and a taxi is a lot cheaper than a DUI. “We’re going to have extra officers on

duty,” said Bradenton Beach Detective, Sgt. Lenard Diaz. “We want to keep everybody safe from careless use of fireworks and impaired drivers.”

Sgt. Paul Davis, head of the Anna Maria substation of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, said they will enforce the ban on firecrackers on the beaches and in the streets.

“If we find fireworks, we will confiscate them,” Davis said. “If you find you’ve had to much to drink at a bar, get

Shamrock Shiver set for New Year’s Day As they have done in the past, members of the community are going to take the plunge in the cold waters of the Gulf of Mexico on Jan. 1, starting at noon, in the Shamrock Shiver, sponsored by Clancy’s Irish Sports Pub, 6218 Cortez Road in Bradenton.

Swimmers will walk or run into the water off Coquina Beach, at Seventh Street South. The location was moved from its original spot because of the Twin Piers construction project. This year, organizers have added a costume contest.

This event is held not to raise goose bumps, but to raise money for disadvantaged children.

Swimmers will take the plunge for donations from family, friends and local businesses.

All of the money raised will go to Caring for Children Charities, a fundraising arm of the Florida Winefest and Auction: a 501(c)(3) organization. Since 2009, the Shamrock Shiver has raised $144,529 for the children. This year’s goal is $25,000, according to Clancy’s Face Book posting.

Clancy’s will host s post-plunge party with door prizes and the Tropix Trio band. To plunge for pledges or donate to the cause, call Clancy’s at 941-794-2489.

a ride on the trolley or the Monkey Bus.” Davis said the trolleys will run until 1 a.m. on New Year’s Day to make sure all the revelers have a ride home.

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said he would have additional patrols as necessary.

“The fireworks show in Bradenton Beach is a nice way to see fireworks safely,” he said. “We want everyone to have a safe holiday and we will be out there under the ‘Be sober or get pulled over’ campaign.”

WMFR awards Jan. 6 West Manatee Fire &Rescue District officials will present annual awards at a ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 6, at 6 p.m. at Palma Sola Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 6510 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. The public is invited to attend.

Deputy Fire Chief Brett Pollock, 36 years, and Administrative Assistant Mary Stephens, 30 years, will receive retirement awards.

Other awards may include Fire Officer of the Year, Firefighter of the Year, Lifesaving Award, Meritorious Service Award, Department/Unit Citation Award: Exemplary Duty Commendation Award, Career Service Award, Length of Service Awards, Military Service Award, Phoenix Award, Genesis Award, Rookie of the Year, Civilian Service Award, Specialized Achievement Awards, Special Operations Award, Honor Guard Award and Hazardous Materials Award.

4

THE SUN

ISLAND NEWS

in brief

Work continues near Publix Motorists can expect daytime lane closures and flagging operations as workers continue to construct new sidewalk and trolley stop shelters along East Bay Drive and Gulf Drive from 27th Street to Manatee Avenue in Holmes Beach. The work also consists of making drainage improvements and installing new signing and pavement markings.

Center to host Hawaiian luau The Center of Anna Maria Island will host an authentic Hawaiian Luau dinner and show on the beach on Saturday, Jan. 23, from 6 to 10 p.m. This is a family event.

Dinner includes roasted pig, Hawaiian side dishes and beverages including an open bar. The show features hula dancers and the famous Samoan Fire Knife Dance. The show will be followed by dancing and raffles prizes.

Tickets are $100 and include food, show and drinks. Call The Center at 941-778-1908 to reserve tickets.

For more information, contact Wende Webb at wendew@centerami.org

School zone speeding tickets In response to a request from Holmes Beach Commissioner Jean Peelen regarding speeding tickets issued in the school zone, Chief Bill Tokajer issued the following report: For the period from Aug. 15 to Nov. 30, 13 tickets were issued on Gulf Drive between 43rd and 52nd streets.

• Two tickets for 38 mph, 13 mph over the limit; • One ticket for 39 mph, 14 mph over the limit; • Two tickets or 40 mph, 15 mph over the limit; • Four tickets for 42 mph, 17 mph over the limit; • One ticket for 44 mph, 19 mph over the limit; • One ticket for 48 mph, 23 mph over the limit; • One ticket for 49 mph, 24 mph over the limit; • One ticket for 55 mph, 30 mph over the limit.

An additional six tickets were issued for speeding in the school zone during designated times. The total tickets issued for this time period city-wide was 587 with only 62 of those issued for speeding.

For the same period last year, officers issued two tickets for speeding in the school zone. No regular speeding tickets were issued during that time period.

Artists’ Guild kicks off 2016 The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island will hold the first general meeting of the new year on Monday, Jan. 4, at the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation at 45th Street and Second Avenue in Holmes Beach. Social time begins at 6:30 p.m. and the program, “Art and the Turtle,” starts at 7 p.m.

The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call 941-778-6694.

DECEMBER 30, 2015

A safer Tripp for cyclists

Efforts to improve bicycle safety are afoot in Anna Maria and Holmes Beach.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Amy Tripp hopes to make Anna Maria safer for bicyclists in 2016.

Working individually and at times with Claudia Carlson and the Holmes Tripp Beach Bike/Walk Committee, Tripp has developed a bike map that designates secondary roads for bicyclists to use when traveling through the city. She is also working with George McKay and the Public Works Department to develop and install signs and pavement icons that would identify these safer, less-traveled routes.

At the request of Mayor Dan Murphy, Tripp devised a preliminary concept that in November resulted in the Anna Maria City Commission approving $12,000 to fund these efforts. The presentation Tripp made to commissioners included a map indicating a P-shaped

submited

The route highlighted in blue is Amy Tripp’s proposed Anna Maria bike route. The additional routes highlighted in red are for future consideration. route that generally avoids Gulf Drive, Pine Avenue and North Shore Drive, where traffic is heavy and the bike lanes are scarce or non-existent, and

instead utilizes residential roads such as Jacaranda Road, Gladiolus Street, see tripp, page 33

Committee dedicated to bike safety Safety is a major concern for the Holmes Beach Bike/Walk Committee.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – Claudia Carlson is spearheading an effort to make Holmes Beach and Anna Maria Island safer for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Carlson heads the Holmes Beach Bike/Walk Committee that includes Terry Green, Loretta Estabrooks and Ed Goff, with additional assistance provided by City Engineer Lynn Burnett and Police Chief Bill Tokajer.

Carlson and the committee are also working in conjunction with Anna Maria resident Amy Tripp, who is engaged in a similar endeavor at the north end of the Island.

“What’s most practical at this point, before we can get money for big engineering projects, is to reroute the bicycle and pedestrian traffic as much as possible. We can start by making small changes that

will get people off the busy thoroughfares where they’re most vulnerable,” Carlson said last week.

This entails creating a map and installing signs and pavement icons that indicate safer and more enjoyable routes.

“Now’s the time to do something because we have more people coming to the Island, and we’ve got an unsafe situation. We’re trying to get traffic off of Gulf, Marina and Palm. It’s just not wide enough there and there’s not enough buffer between the cars and the bicyclists,” Carlson said.

She noted that Green is playing an instrumental role in the route and map development. Goff, a Bradenton resident, has developed a long range plan for bike paths in Manatee County.

Carlson expects the committee to present its proposed route to city commissioners soon and hopes the new map, signs and marking can be in place within six months. She and the committee also envision an eventual online map and a possible smartphone

joe hendricks | sun

The southbound bike lane leading from Holmes Beach to Bradenton Beach is narrow, obstructed in some places and provides no buffer between passing motorists. application, which Estabrooks, an avid bike rider and computer consultant, could assist with. see bike, page 29

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

DECEMBER 30, 2015

THE SUN

5

Tuckers donate to City Pier Park The owners of one of the world’s largest duck distributors made a generous donation.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

SUBMITTED

Santa's helper Stanley the dog may be helping out Santa this year but he doesn't look all that happy about it. Stanley belongs to John Arlington, of Holmes Beach.

ANNA MARIA – Terry Tucker and his wife Sandra have donated $5,000 to the city of Anna Maria, to be used for non-specified improvements to City Pier Park.

The Tuckers are part of the family-owned Maple Leaf Farms operation in Leesburg, Indiana, which is known as the largest duck distributor in the western hemisphere.

The Tuckers have owned a beach house in Anna Maria for the past 18 years.

“We love Anna Maria Island, and we like to be supporters of projects that improve the quality of life there,” Terry Tucker said Monday afternoon, speaking by phone during an ice storm that was pelting his hometown.

Mayor Dan Murphy announced the donation at the Dec. 17 City

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The restrooms under construction at City Pier Park are expected to be open by the end of January.

Commission meeting.

“We received a $5,000 donation from the Mr. and Mrs. Terry Tucker Family Foundation. Mr. Tucker came by city hall and told me how much he liked the idea that we were going to develop that park. He thought that was a great idea and said, ‘Once you start, I’ll be glad to give you a donation.’

That was very generous of them, and I want to thank them for what

they did.”

Commission Chair Doug Copeland said, “We’re grateful for that, and hopefully there will be more.

It doesn’t have to be $5,000.”

In other City Pier Park news, the construction of the comfort station, aka restrooms, continues, and Murphy recently joked that he expects the “inaugural first flush” to take place on or around Jan. 31.

Cheers to 2016 !

941.778.0773

facebook.com/AirandEnergy

AirandEnergy.biz

Simply Better.

6

THE SUN

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 30, 2015

What do you think?

T

he New Year’s holiday has always been a time to search into one’s heart, analyze what went wrong and what went right. It is also a time to make changes, or at least make a list of what you want to do to better your life.

This past year has been one of adjusting to the changes occurring on the Island as governments watch their populations drop and the streets become parking lots in full season.

Many long-time residents were fed up as they watched our sleepy little Island awaken and take on the persona of a person who spends all day at a Starbucks, guzzling caffeine.

While analyzing 2015, some ask the questions, “What would I do?” and, “What would I change?” After all, the people who live and visit here have a stake in the future and there are still problems that need answers.

We invite you to send in your suggestions to news@amisun.com.

Please don’t turn it into a complaint session; we want readers to explain what they see as a problem and make suggestions to solve it.

We want to concentrate on our little slice of paradise, not the politics in Washington D.C. or the fighting in the Middle East. We want to read what is relevant to you, whether you live here, rent here or work here.

It’s almost impossible to stop the changes that are occurring, but those changes could be modified to become a positive thing, not a negative one.

As the minutes run out on 2015, we at The Anna Maria Island Sun wish you good health, fulfillment of your dreams and lots of laughter in the future.

If you need to make a change, like losing weight or quitting smoking, give it a try. After all, you just might succeed.

Happy New Year.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Mayor is spot on Kudos to Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson for standing up against a plan to allow street parking for residents only. Anna Maria Island has been recognized as a top island destination by several national travel magazines. A big part of that appeal is easy access to our wonderful beaches. Do we want to change that image to “Top parking ticket destination?” I agree with our mayor that this is “a solution in search of a problem.” If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

James Macholtz Holmes Beach

Gift donations appreciated Kandi Kerekes of Duncan Real Estate and I, representing the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, would like to thank the following businesses for their donations to the bingo game’s prize bags for this year’s Anna Maria Holiday of Treasures Open House: AMI Outfitters, AIB Insurance, AMI General Store, Anna Maria Historical Society Museum Gift Shop, Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper, ArtSpace, Beach Bums, Bella by the Sea, Body and Sol, Chappe, Coastal Cottages, Duncan Real Estate, Hometown Desserts, howluckyami, Island Cabana, Island Real Estate, Island

Fresh Boutique, Island Scooter Rentals, J&J Graphics, J Lazzara Gallery, Lava Lava, Lor-Ell Hair Design, Olive Oil Outpost, Room with a Hue, Salon Salon, Sato Real Estate, Shiny Fish Emporium, Sign of the Mermaid, Studio at Gulf and Pine, The Donut Experiment, Three Island Monkeys, Tide and Moon, Two Scoops, Two Sides of Nature, and Vinnie and Cheryl’s. The two prize winners, Cati Jensen and Shelly George, were thrilled with all of the great gifts and gift certificates they found in their prize bag We appreciate the cash donations that paid for the printing of the Bingo cards.

Valerie H. Wilson Event co-coordinator Anna Maria Island Historical Society Have you ever noticed that here in Florida, senior citizens that might have had to temper adolescent behavior during their productive years, then retire and revert to their real personalities unleashed? The cheerleader, the geek, the bully, the brainiac, hippy and so on. Ten percent are happy because they have always been happy people, 10 percent are miserable human beings and make the most noise. Each end vies for the 80 percent that are just trying to get through their remaining time as best they can, but that bottom 10 percent

Take The Sun Survey on Page 7. dedicates themselves to getting the attention and grabbing everything they can for themselves.

This is especially displayed in condo associations, and places like Anna Maria Island, where a tiny number of county residents are hell bent to privatize this unique barrier island like a gated community, and have been hard at it for three years now, starting with the absurd “daytripper” invader language, now to resident only parking permits so that those awful landsiders do not put diapers in their driveways. After all, they do have driveways to park in. Just how many have dirty diapers in them?

Then, mirabile dictu, along comes an adult in the room. Mayor (Bob) Johnson, of Holmes Beach, who says he will veto an ordinance for exclusionary permitting because he was not elected to close the place off after all these years (and probably understands there are another 430,000 residents of Manatee County that love and subsidize the Island, not to mention the State of Florida and the federal government). Even the Holmes Beach police chief gets it.

So who are the bad actors that want to shut off the Island for themselves?

Well their votes are posted; Grossman, Soustek, and Peelen … with

SEE LETTERS, PAGE 7

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

DECEMBER 30, 2015

THE SUN

the sun survey

on the agenda

PREVIOUS QUESTION: What do you think of the landscaping and other changes being made on Bridge Street?

Anna Maria

57%

14%

I don't like it at all.

The quaint feel of Bridge Street has been ruined.

Doesn't bother me, especially if the flooding situation improves.

10005 Gulf Drive

None scheduled. For information, call 708-6130.

Bradenton Beach 107 Gulf Drive N.

1/4: City Commission work session, 1 p.m.

1/6: Community Redevelopment Agency, 9:30 a.m.

1/6: Capital Improvement Committee, 10 a.m.

1/6: Pier Team, 11 a.m.

1/7: City Commission meeting, 6 p.m.

For information, call 7781005.

Holmes Beach 5801 Marina Drive

1/6: Parks and Beautification Advisory Board, 10 a.m.

For information, call 7085800.

29%

Island-wide

Too soon to tell. Let's see how it looks in six months.

1/5: Manatee County Council of Governments, Bradenton

THIS WEEK’S SURVEY

• If it will make bicycling safer I'm all for it.

What do you think about plans • Could be OK as long as it doesn't interfere with motorists. to make AMI more bike-friend• The quickest fix would be to enly, as outlined in our Page 4 force traffic laws so nobody - mostory today? torists or cyclists - run through stop signs.

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR FROM PAGE 6

a similar group in Anna Maria City.

Most of these folks are temporary like the rest of us. That youth was not a gift, but just a loan. Don’t let them steal this magical place, and extend that to everyone else in the future.

Phil Moore Bradenton

Goodbye, McCormicks In early January, Dave and Maureen McCormick will be saying their goodbyes to our city for what we hope is a temporary absence. In the time they have been here, Maureen has served as president of the Anna Maria Garden Club and countless terms heading the Anna Maria Historical Society. She has

7

Area Convention Center, One Haben Blvd., Palmetto, 4 p.m.

1/6: West Manatee Fire & Rescue District awards ceremony, Palma Sola Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 6510 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, 6 p.m.

Holiday schedule

The administrative offices of the cities of Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach will be closed on Jan. 1. The administrative offices of the West Manatee Fire & Rescue District will be closed on Jan. 1. The Center will be closed through Jan. 3. The Island Branch Library will close at 6 p.m. on Dec. 31 and on Jan. 1. The Tingley Memorial Library will close at noon on Dec. 31 and on Jan 1 and 2. There will be no solid waste, recycling or yard waste collections on Jan. 1.

mark your calendar Note: Events are free unless indicated.

$10. Register to ArtLeagueAMI@ gmail.com or 941-778-2099.

Wednesday

Tuesday

Marine debris kayak task force, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Reserve to 941-742-5923, ext. 6044.

Early Settler’s Bread for sale, AMI Historical Museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., $5.

West Manatee bike tour, meet at Riverview Pointe Preserve, end of 75th Street, Bradenton, 1 to 3:30 p.m. reserve to 941-748- 4501, ext.

6039.

Preschool story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

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

Computer basics class, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 3 p.m.

Dec. 30

Saturday Jan. 2

Naturalist-led wagon tour, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 9 to 10 a.m., first come, first served.

Sunday Jan. 3

served on committees for the city of Beach Market, Coquina Beach, Anna Maria, most recently the planning Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and zoning committee. She has worked Bridge Street Market, Bradenton hard to keep our city the place we like Beach, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to remember. We wish them well on their journey, thank them for their dedi- Monday cation, and look forward to their arrival Jan. 4 home in 2017.

Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art Katherine "Kitty" Kole League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Anna Maria Beach, 11:45 a.m., to 12:30 p.m.

Jan. 5

Wednesday Jan. 6

Early Settler’s Bread for sale, AMI Historical Museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., $5.

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

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 941-778-2099. iPhone seminar, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 2nd Floor. 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 1 to 4 p.m., $10 donation suggested. RSVP to 941-383-6493 or maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org.

Tween Book Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6 p.m.

8

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

CHANTELLE LEWIN | SUN

Island snowman This sandy snowman found on an AMI beach recently is not very frosty, but then again, he won’t melt in the heat, either. The incoming tide, however, could prove to be a problem.

DECEMBER 30, 2015

DECEMBER 30, 2015

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

9

10

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

DECEMBER 30, 2015

The Center director gives monthly report The Center has 411 memberships since the new membership structure was launched Nov. 1.

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

ANNA MARIA – In the absence of a December board meeting, The Center’s Executive Director Kristen Lessig submitted a written report.

She said employees produced a program guide, which was mailed to members. The guide includes membership information and listings of sports programs, after school activities and classes in

group fitness and wellness, education, parent and child development, art and dance and information on family support program offerings and the volunteer program.

In addition, employees are sending e-mail blasts to members detailing activities, classes, special events and programs and have created new member packets. Lessig reported that The Center has 411 memberships since the new membership structure was launched Nov. 1.

Lessig has met with representatives of Cultural Connections regarding use of the new art space.

A new volunteer program, a parent advisory committee and a commit-

tee for upcoming special events such as the Tour of Homes, Affaire, and luau have been created.

Grants have been submitted to various agencies focusing on youth, senior and family support programs. Family support programs including grief groups, parenting classes, couples classes and respite care are set to begin in January.

A grant has been submitted to the U.S. Tennis Association for money to resurface the tennis courts.

Annual appeal letters were sent out in December with a goal of raising $50,000 by Dec. 31.

Donations can be made at www. centerami.org.donate.

New Year's noise exceptions granted Island Time Bar and Grill and all other Bradenton Beach establishments will be granted a noise ordinance exception that allows live music to be performed until 1 a.m. on New Year’s Eve. Even with the

extended performance allowances, bands, DJs and house music is still required to maintain the 75-decibel volume threshold contained in the noise ordinance. Island Time’s annual request for the New Year’s

Eve exception was granted by the city commission in early December. According to Police Chief Sam Speciale, the exception pertains to all city establishments and not just Island Time.

Happy Holidays From Your Friends at Anthony’s

YOUR TOTAL SATISFACTION IS OUR GOAL. We are dedicated to making your experience with Anthony’s one that you will be proud to share with your friends and family. We will do whatever it takes to earn your loyalty.

CALL 778-0100

“You Don’t Need New Until We Say You Do!”

For all of your home comfort and electrical needs. Anthony’s offers 24-hour service 365 days a year, free equipment estimates and free second options. #1 Electrical

#1 Heat and Air

Visit us at www.AirGuaranteed.com FL License #CAC058046 – FL License #EC0002391

DECEMBER 23, 2015

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

11

Looking back, looking ahead Retaining current residents and attracting new ones is a priority for many local leaders.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

The holidays provided elected officials with a brief reprieve from their governmental duties and time to reflect on what was accomplished in 2015 and the work that lies ahead in 2016.

Anna Maria Commissioner Carol Carter:

“Memorable for 2015 was the arduous, but rewarding, passage of Vacation Rental Ordinance 15-807 for the city of Anna Maria. In 2016, I hope to continue my Carter commitment to the AMI Home Sweet Home grassroots initiative to attract more full-time residents to the Island and to support current residents to love living here. I also look forward to working closely with Mayor Murphy and the other four commissioners in support of the residents of the city.”

Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon:

“Of course, I’ll remember the cutting of the cards that decided the election and brought me back into office.

The new commission is working well and Commissioners Shearon Cole and Spooner are picking things up fast.

“In 2016, we have to hire a new city planner. I’m also looking forward to doing something in the anchorage because that’s been an ongoing project for years that we need to revisit. We also need to revisit our capital improvement project. We have some BP and cell tower funds, and the idea is to have two-year,

Adult flag football to start Tryouts for adult flag football will begin Monday, Jan. 4, at 7 p.m. Teams will be drafted the same night. Games will be played on Wednesdays starting Jan. 27.

The cost is included in membership with a $5 processing fee. The cost for

five-year and 10-year project plans. Two projects in the works now are the street ends all along the Gulf and looking at some overdue upgrades for our city parks. We also have to finish reviewing our revised land development code and complete our Quality of Life ordinance.”

munity. This means bringing new residents, supporting those who live here and encouraging them to stay here. I know that 2016 will bring success to this growing group of committed citizens called AMI Home Sweet Home.”

Bradenton Beach Commissioner Jan Vosburgh:

“I have many blessings I will remember about 2015.

The first was the birth of our fifth grandchild, Aniston, who is our daughter Valerie and son-in-law Andrews’s first child. Next is that Tokajer Officer Rob Velardi returned to work cancer free, and we had a reduction in crime for the year.

“I am truly blessed to have my loving wife Thea, and to work for a community with a mayor, commission and citizens who respect their police department and the work we do. I look forward to another year partnering with our community to protect paradise.”

“2015 has been quite a year for our city, with many ups and downs. A lot has been accomplished, and it’s time for a new beginning and working together for the betterment of Vosburgh our citizens, business owners and visitors. I hope that in 2016 we will have a building moratorium because we need a time out to see what we want the city to look like in the future.”

Former Bradenton Beach Mayor Jack Clarke:

“During my brief period of time as mayor, city hall ran very smoothly. I’m particularly proud of the Anna Maria Oyster Bar opening, the ongoing Bridge Street improvements that Clarke still await fine tuning and the adoption of our Quality of Life ordinance.

The fact that the moratorium did not achieve a second on the dais underscored the fact that the moratorium, as presented, was not viable. As for 2016, I’m retired for the fourth time and looking for new opportunities.”

Holmes Beach Commissioner Jean Peelen:

“For me, 2015 was a year of beginnings. AMI Home Sweet Home was born.

Home Sweet Home was created by commissioners from the three Island cities. Our goal is to grow our IsPeelen land’s permanent com-

non-members is $120.

For more information about the league or about sponsorship, contact Will Schenerlein, recreation director, at 941-778-1908, ext. 9205, or will@ centerami.org.

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer:

Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore:

“2015 was a good year for relationship building between the county administrator and the four Island mayors, including Longboat Key. The county is working with the mayors on Whitmore ways we can help with the stress that tourism causes. I look forward to working with these four mayors who appear to have their cities’ best interests at heart. They are consensus builders and good leaders and I hope we all give them a chance.

With the Bradenton Beach elections, we saw firsthand how every vote counts. Let’s hope that all involved will now move forward and do what’s best for that city and this great place that is Anna Maria Island.”

Historical society gets two grants

The Anna Maria Island Historical Society has received grants of $2,500 each from the Bishop and Parker foundations. The grants are unrestricted, so members of the board of directors plan to decide how to use the funds.

12

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

DECEMBER 30, 2015

Twin Piers work progresses

tom vaught | sun

Waves splash against the portion of the middle groin that is scheduled for demolition and replacement. The north groin has already been replaced, and the south groin, which collapsed years ago, will be replaced after the other two. weather, and the schedule is subject to change. The project has been delayed by the difficulty of removing concrete and reinforce-

ment bars from the old structures and additional money has been allocated to pay for the extra time and effort.

Grants include City Pier Park, Turtle Watch The Tampa Bay Estuary Program has awarded more than $85,000 to 17 community groups, including three local groups, for projects that involve citizens in restoring and improving Tampa Bay. Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch will receive $4,450 for its Shorebird Monitoring Educational Toolkit, which will provide education about protecting nesting sea turtles and shorebirds. Volunteers

will teach classes using the Flippers and Feathers Activity Book.

Two new door hangers will be designed, one for sea turtles and one for shorebirds, using images created by local elementary school children.

The Anna Maria City Pier Park will receive $10,000 to restore land surrounding the pier, now six cityowned lots, using native, salt-tolerant plant species that existed on

the site more than a century ago.

Palma Sola Botanical Park will receive $4,200 for interpretive signs and botanical markers, and native plants to be installed around three ponds to reduce erosion and attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Identification signs and markers will be installed throughout the park to designate native versus non-native plants.

THE LONGBOAT KEY EDUCATION CENTER 2015-2016 Like College, Only Better!

WRITING WORKSHOPS AMERICAN HISTORY MUSEUM DAYTRIPS iPHONES AND iPADS LECTURE SERIES NATURE WALKS MOVIE DISCUSSIONS BOOK GROUPS MEDITATION C A N A S TA LITERATURE FIELD TRIPS WELLNESS PAINTING RELIGION CELEBRATING FISHING 30 YEARS! YOGA QIGONG BRIDGE BIRDING SUPREME COURT FILM FESTIVALS ONE-DAY WORKSHOPS BROADWAY BIOS SUNDAY CONCERTS BREAKFAST FORUMS HAPPY HOUR BANDS THE WOMEN’S GROUP THE SOLAR SYSTEM WORLD POLITICS & EVENTS ART & MUSIC APPRECIATION THE LONGBOAT KEY EDUCATION CENTER 5370 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE, SUITE #212 AT THE CENTRE SHOPS OF LONGBOAT KEY VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.LBKEDUCATIONCENTER.ORG

For a brochure call: (941)383-8811

180916

Work continues on the three groins off Cortez Beach, known locally as the twin piers. All three of the concrete structures are being razed and replaced by adjustable structures to help eliminate beach erosion.

According to project spokesperson Michelle Pfeifer, the north groin is substantially complete and is expected to be finished by the end of February. The closure at the north groin on the beach and parking lot has been minimized to a limited area around the structure pending completion.

Work on the central groin is progressing with demolition and construction, and the south groin is also being demolished, she said. The project is anticipated to be completed around March 2016, although the work is highly dependent on wave action and

DECEMBER 30, 2015

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

He sells sea salt by the seashore Tim Norwood has applied his engineering background to come up with a better way to process salt from Gulf waters.

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

ANNA MARIA – If you’ve shopped some of our local stores, you might have found packets of sea salt from the waters off Anna Maria, Coquina Beach, Longboat Key, Lido Key and Siesta Key. The man behind the product, Tim Norwood, of Bradenton, was a design engineer before getting into sea salts. His company is called Sea Salt Florida, LLC. Once he learned how to process it, he put his engineering background to work on making the process better, although it still takes five gallons of water to make one pound of salt and 24 hours to process 100 gallons.

It’s edible, having been filtered extensively from the water before drying to a solid, and there are some salts that are flavored for meat rubs plus some combined with pinot noir or dehydrated Portobello mushrooms.

His exfoliating scrubs are grainier and they draw moisture from the skin.

Norwood said one of his experiments blew up in his kitchen, so he moved the “laboratory” to a barn on his property.

In case anyone is worried about

tom vaught | sun

Tim Norwood on the beach with his sea salts that come from the Gulf waters of Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. ingesting sea salt from water that carries red tide, Norwood said he took precautions.

“I prepared for red tide and got my processing done before it got too close to our shores,” he said. “I’m not harvesting now but I monitor the red tide reports constantly.”

This project is a serious endeavor for Norwood, and he has a business plan.

“I want to have eight 1,000-gallon tanks processing the water and 20 employees by next year,” he said. “I don’t want this to be something I play with; I would be the happiest man alive if I did this the rest of my life.”

For those who associate salt with

high blood pressure, here’s a note.

“My blood pressure has never been lower, and I consider myself a saltaholic,” he said. “Maybe my blood pressure is down because I’m doing what I love.”

Locally, Sea Salt Florida is sold at the Cortez Maritime Museum Gift Shop, Bell Fish Market and the Sea Hag in Cortez; Olive Oil Outpost in Anna Maria; Island Fresh Market in Holmes Beach; Bridge Street interiors and the Coquina Beach Gift Shop in Bradenton Beach; and Rip Current in Longboat Key. Norwood can be reached at 941780-5514 or at seasaltflorida.com.

13

January Chamber events scheduled The Anna Maria Chamber of Commerce will be back at it after the holidays.

On Wednesday, Jan. 6, enRich Bistro at 5629 Manatee Ave. in Bradenton will host the monthly business luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The cost is $15 for Chamber members and $25 for prospective members. You must RSVP. On Wednesday, Jan. 13, Harry’s Grill at 9903 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria will host the Sunrise Breakfast from 7:45 to 9 a.m. The cost is $8 for members and $16 for prospective members. You must RSVP. The Chamber will hold its Business Connection and Development Expo at The Center of Anna Maria, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, on Tuesday, Jan. 19, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. It is open to the public.

On Wednesday, the Seafood Shack at 4110 127th St W, in Cortez, will host the Business Card Exchange from 5 to 7, p.m. The cost is $5 for members and $10 for prospective members. The Chamber asks that those attending RSVP. Finally, on Thursday, Jan. 28, the Chamber hosts the Trolley Grant Awards Ceremony at the Tortuga Inn beachfront pergola at 1325 Gulf Dr. N., Bradenton Beach, from 5 to 7:30.

Attendees must RSVP. Fore more information or to RSVP, call the Chamber at 778-1541.

14

THE SUN

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

DECEMBER 30, 2015

SHELLS • JEWELRY • GIFTS • STARFISH

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

DECEMBER 30, 2015

THE SUN

15

Beautification board discusses work ahead Their first priority will be the traffic islands at East Bay Drive and Manatee Avenue.

keep out bicycles and golf carts.

Johnson said the 750 plants installed a couple of months ago have had a 60 percent survival rate. Conceptual plans include a boardwalk from the public right of way to the circle at the western edge.

“To me it’s more that taking what’s there and putting a walkway through it and letting it go,” Johnson said. “Some natural restoration would be appropriate. It’s all about what is the habitat of this area for people to learn about. We want to produce a life environment.”

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

HOLMES BEACH – Beautification board members began their season of meetings on Dec. 9 by electing Dennis Groh as chair and Renee Ferguson as vice chair.

Members agreed that replanting the traffic islands at East Bay Drive and Manatee Avenue are their first priority. Jerry West asked Groh to develop a plan for replanting the islands.

Groh pointed out, “Every time we create a new park, we create maintenance for the city public works department. We have to make sure our expectations are something the city can live with.”

Mayor Bob Johnson said the city has increased the public works staff and

Basketball court

Pat copeland | sun

City Clerk Stacey Johnston swears in members of the Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Advisory Board. “that has made a big difference,” Johnson reported on Grassy Point Preserve and said the city has money

to continue developing a passive recreation area there. The city installed bollards at the entrance to the path to

Members discussed developing a plan for the basketball court, and Groh asked if they want to screen the court or add plantings.

“Palms would soften the look,” West said. “We shouldn’t screen it.”

Ferguson agreed and said people should be able to see the kids playing there. She see BOARD, page 26

16

THE SUN

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

Maro Lorimer to exhibit at Harmony Gallery A series of new seascapes

by Anna Maria Island artist Maro Lorimer will be presented at the Sarasota Orchestra's Harmony Gallery on Jan. 4 through 29. The public is invited to meet the artist at a Lorimer reception on Wednesday, Jan. 6, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

“This is the perfect gallery in which to present these 10 large paintings, most of which have never been shown before,” observed Lorimer. “The musical form of a theme and variations applies well to this exhibit. My theme is the sea, which is presented slightly differently in each of the related pieces.

“Harmony Gallery's series of uniform individual exhibit walls creates a rhythm, which relates to both music and painting and to waves,” she added. “Music, art and the sea come together in this show.”

The artist's connection to the water began in her childhood on eastern Long Island.

After graduating from Brown University, she lived in Vail, Colo., for many years, where she realized that, despite the beauty of the surrounding wilderness, she felt more at home on the water.

She gave up skiing for windsurfing and traveled to the Rocky Mountain lakes, the Columbia River Gorge and the beaches of Texas, Hawaii and New Zealand. Memories of all the coastlines and conditions she experienced now influence her paintings, as do the ever-changing water vistas of Florida's west coast, where she has lived for 16 years.

Lorimer’s paintings are shown Art Uptown Gallery on Main Street in Sarasota, and her large seascapes are featured in a growing number of private collections in Sarasota and the nearby keys.

Harmony Gallery is located in the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, behind Art Center Sarasota, at 709 North Tamiami Trail. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and during concerts. Call 953-4252 for more information.

Submitted

“Inspired by the Sea” is one of different moods of the sea captured in Maro Lorimer’s large acrylic seascapes, which will be shown in January at the Sarasota Orchestra’s Harmony Gallery

Submitted

Maro Lorimer’s “Prelude to a Storm” is one of 10 large new seascapes presented in the Sarasota Orchestra’s Harmony Gallery in January.

Estate planning seminars at Roser Roser Church is offering a series of free estate planning seminars taught by Daniel Morse from the The Payne Law Group PLLC on Tuesdays: Jan. 5, 19, and 26 from 4:30 to 5:30 in the Education Building.

Session I on Jan. 5: Discussion includes the basic concept of estate planning, the probate of wills, joint tenancy, beneficiary designations and pay-on-death/transferon-death designations.

Sesion II on Jan. 19: Discussion includes powers of attorney for financial

management, powers of attorney for healthcare, living wills, and HIPAA waivers and authorizations.

Session III on Jan. 26: Discussion includes trusts, primarily revocable living trusts but mentions the use of irrevocable trusts.

RSVP by sending an e-mail to info@ roserchurch.com or calling the church office at 941-778-0414.

Roser Church is located near the Anna Maria City Pier at 512 Pine Avenue.

DECEMBER 30, 2015

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

DECEMBER 30, 2015

THE SUN

17

Register for Center volleyball Register by Jan. 18 for Center volleyball. There will be a maximum of six players per team, but single player sign up will be accepted. One female player must be on court at all times. The cost is a $5 processing fee for members and $120 for non-members. All games will be played on Tuesday evenings and will start Jan. 26.

For more information or to sponsor a team, contact Will Schenerlein, recreation director, at 941-778-1908, ext. 9205, or will@centerami.org.

Luke Berglund, DVM Crit Holland, DVM Jade Kafer, DVM 0 ) 6$7 681 &/26('

7+ 67 &7 : &257(= )/ 7+ 67 &7 : &257(= )/

www.beachvetclinic.com

(941) 792-2838

L Like us on Facebook for a free nail trim

18

THE SUN

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

DECEMBER 30, 2015

EVERYONE IS WELCOME Adult Bible Study 8:45 AM

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM

Children & Youth Church School after the Children’s Sermon NURSERY AVAILABLE A NON DENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

Rev. Dr. Bob O’Keef

t XXX 3PTFS$IVSDI DPN t XXX GBDFCPPL DPN 3PTFS$IVSDI

Garlic Mussels

“

At age 13 I began working in fine dining restaurants. The idea behind Cedar Reef Fish Camp was to use the same high quality ingredients to create delicious (yet affordable) food and serve it in a casual non-fussy atmosphere. Cooking is more than my hobby; it’s my therapy – that’s what makes me an Original! I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve our community delicious meals every day. When you dine at Cedar Reef Fish Camp, please ask for me. I look forward to cooking for you!

�

Dean Donnelly, owner Cedar Reef Fish Camp

DineOriginal.com 15 South Ristorante • Andrea’s • Anna Maria Oyster Bar • Beach House • The Bijou CafÊ • Blu Island Bistro • Blue Marlin Seafood • Bridge Street Bistro • The Broken Egg • CafÊ Baci • CafÊ Gabbiano • CafÊ L’Europe • CafÊ Venice • Cassariano Italian Eatery • Caragiulos • Cedar Reef Fish Camp • Ciao! Italia • Cosimo’s Restaurant & Catering • The Crow’s Nest • Derek’s • Drunken Poet CafÊ • Duval’s • enRich Bistro • Euphemia Haye • Fast N Fresh • Fins at Sharky’s • Gold Rush BBQ • Gulf Drive CafÊ + Tiki • Half Shell Seafood House • Harry’s Continental Kitchens • JPAN Restaurant • Lobster Pot • Madfish Grill • Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub • Michael John’s • Michael’s On East • mi Pueblo • Ophelia’s On The Bay • Ortygia Restaurant • Pacific Rim • Pattigeorge’s • Pier 22 Restaurant • Polo Grill & Bar • Primo! Ristorante • Riverhouse Reef & Grill • Roessler’s Restaurant • Salute! Restaurant • Sandbar Seafood & Spirits • Seafood Shack • Siesta Key Oyster Bar • SoMa Creek Side • Tsunami • Village CafÊ • The Waterfront Restaurant on Anna Maria • The White Horse Pub

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

19

Patagonia ExOfficio Nautilus Simms Orvis Sage Scott Bote Yeti Rio

401 & 505 Pine Ave. Anna Maria 941-254-4996

AMI OUTFITTERS

DECEMBER 30, 2015

Coastal Gear & Apparell

www.amioutfitters.com

20

THE SUN

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

DECEMBER 30, 2015

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

DECEMBER 30, 2015

THE SUN

21

Egmont cemetery mysteries put to rest

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

BRADENTON – Mark Green stands at a grave marker at the Fogartyville cemetery, refers to an old, hand-drawn map and walks a few paces, ducks under a moss-draped tree, passes a bench and several headstones, finally reaching a patch of grass near the roadway that meanders through the historic graveyard.

There are no flowers, no inscriptions, not even a headstone or marker, but according to the map, it must be the place.

Green, the family historian for the Cortez Green and Fulford families, thinks it’s the grave of several Fulford family members, including Capt. Carl William Bahrt, a ship captain from Key West, born in Denmark in 1835.

It’s been a long road to Fogartyville, beginning at a historic cemetery on Egmont Key, an island off the north end of Anna Maria Island that was once a military fort,

submitted

Above, A record from 1909 shows where two Bahrt family members are buried in St. Augustine. At right, This 1920s map led Cortez native Mark Green to the probable grave site of his family members, the Bahrts.

CINDY LANE | SUN

Infant Carlotte Bahrt, first row, center, is buried in St. Augustine National Cemetery.

but which is sparsely inhabited today by a lighthouse keeper and on-duty Tampa Bay harbor pilots.

Earlier this year, the Anna Maria Island Sun uncovered the history of many of the people buried on Egmont Key in the late 1800s, whose remains were relocated in 1909 to the St. Augustine

National Cemetery in northeast Florida. They included “Indian (Unknown),” thought to be a Seminole chief, one of Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders, so-called “colored” military hospital workers, a Tampa man’s formerly longlost great-great-grandfather, Azaline M. Bahrt, the daughter of an Egmont Key light-

house keeper named Coons, and her daughters, Marie Bahrt and infant Carlotte Bahrt.

Online in Washington state, William Bahrt saw the names of the three Bahrt family members in one of the stories in the series, prompting a call to The Sun and a renewed effort to learn more about his family history, including sorting out the identities of the family’s two Azaline Bahrts.

“Azaline Bahrt is a mystery, and I have been looking since 2007 and can find hardly anything about her or her family,” William Bahrt wrote in an e-mail to his relative, Mark Green.

“One mystery is exactly who the Azaline Bahrt was that had daughters buried on Egmont Key,” Green wrote.

The Sun shared evidence uncovered in the series that Azaline Bahrt and her two girls likely died from yellow fever on Egmont Key, where William Bahrt fondly recalls spending his childhood summers in the 1930s with his harbor pilot father and their family.

Grateful for the new information, Bahrt was inspired to resume researching the whereabouts of the grave of the man he thinks was Adaline’s husband, Capt. Carl William Bahrt.

“I am still mystified by the story of Carl Bahrt and his connection with Azaline Marie Coons, the daughter of

the Egmont Key lighthouse keeper,” he wrote to Green, who shouldered the quest this year during visits to Cortez to see his mother, Mary Fulford Green.

After some research, Green concluded that the captain was buried at his home in 1899 and his remains later relocated to the Fogartyville cemetery in Bradenton, along with several other family members. But none of the graves in the Fogartyville cemetery list the Bahrt name.

Green located a 1920s survey map of the cemetery that showed a plot for the Bahrt family near some plots that are marked with early Bradenton family names, including Fogarty.

He invited The Sun to help him canvass the graveyard, following the map like Indiana Jones.

“This must be it,” he said, pointing to an empty area that corresponds with the Bahrt plot on the survey map, bringing to rest the search for the captain’s grave, at least until more information is uncovered.

In a nutshell years in the making, “We think Capt.

Bahrt married Azaline Coons, she got sick from yellow fever and died with her two girls on Egmont Key, they were buried on Egmont and moved to the St. Augustine cemetery.

"He later married my grandmother, Catherine Davison, and they had a daughter they named Azaline Marie, after the first Azaline, and he and Catherine were buried in Fogartyville,” Bahrt said from his Washington home last week.

“That second Azaline Marie Bahrt is my aunt, who ended up an O’Brien in California, and that’s all I know. I would love to be able to follow up on that line in the family.”

But it’s Christmas, and the doorbell is ringing, and the dog is barking, and as the descendants of the Bahrts of Egmont Key gather for their holiday celebrations, there’s no time to dwell on Auld Lang Syne just yet.

“Gotta go, the family’s here,” Bahrt said. “Merry Christmas!”

22

THE SUN

OUTDOORS

DECEMBER 30, 2015

Action in the coastal Gulf

Captain Rick Grassett

Action exploded in the coastal Gulf early in the week as a variety of species gorged themselves in bait balls. 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 tripletail, cobia, Spanish mackerel and false albacore in the coastal Gulf on flies, CAL jigs with shad tails, DOA Shrimp and top water plugs and snook in Sarasota Bay on top water plugs during the past week. Sea conditions in the coastal Gulf have been tough with wind and rough water some days, but when we’ve been able to get out there it’s been

good.

Dylan Lewis, from Colorado, and his dad, Gary Lewis, fished the coastal Gulf with me on Sunday. This trip was rescheduled from the previous Friday due to rain, wind and rough water, but it was worth it. They had good action catching and releasing numerous Spanish mackerel, several tripletail, a couple of cobia and false albacore on flies, CAL jigs with shad tails, DOA Shrimp and top water plugs.

My personal best day ever guiding for false albacore, and also my clients personal best, was in the coastal Gulf on Tuesday with John Collins, from California, Greg Weath-

erby from Rhone Island, and Peter Weatherby, from Jupiter, Fla. They had fantastic action catching and releasing false albacore on Ultra Hair Clouser flies, my Grassett Snook Minnow and epoxy glass minnow fly patterns. The action, which included several doubles, got better and better as the day went on, and we left them biting.

We were met with winds blowing more than 20 mph on Wednesday, so that trip was rescheduled. I fished Sarasota Bay with Jerry Roth, from Orlando, Fla., on Christmas Eve day. Jerry loves to fish with top water plugs and with overcast conditions and a flood tide when we started, conditions were

good for that. He fished a surface walking plug, had numerous blow ups, hooked three snook and landed two to 30 inches.

With water temperatures in the low to mid 70’s, false albacore, tripletail, Spanish mackerel and more should still be a good option in the coastal Gulf when sea conditions are good. Catch and release snook fishing 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.

tide chart for anna maria city pier Dec 30-Jan 6 Day Date

A.M. High Time Feet

A.M. Low Time Feet

P.M. High Time Feet

P.M. Low Time Feet

Wed 12/30

1:12a 1.81

8:38a -0.10

3:15p 1.47

8:39p 0.80

Thu 12/31

2:09a 1.58

9:14a 0.09

3:39p 1.54

9:51p 0.72

Fri 1/1

3:15a 1.37

9:59a 0.28

4:29p 1.60

11:09p 0.57

Sat 1/2

4:35a 1.17

10:42a 0.49

5:07p 1.68

Sun Rise Set

Day Date

7:20-546

Sun 1/3

7:20-5.46 7:21-5.47 7:21-5.48

A.M. High Time Feet

A.M. Low Time Feet

P.M. High Time Feet

P.M. Low Time Feet

6:21a 1.04

12:27a 0.37

5:48a 1.76

11:28a 0.69

Mon 1/4

8:19a 1.05

1:36a 0.14

6:31p 1.84

12:19p 0.85

Tue 1/5

9:43a 1.12

2:33a -0.09

7:13p 1.94

1:11p 0.97

Wed 1/6

10:38a 1.19

3:21a -0.30

7:54p 2.04

2:00p 1.04

Sun Rise Set 7:21-5:48 7:21-5:49 7:21-5:50 7:22-5:51

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

DECEMBER 30, 2015

THE SUN

23

amob: Opens on pier Practice run

Sunday’s opening was proceeded by a week’s worth of invited guests sampling the food and the new service concept. A visit to AMOB on Wednesday found former Mayor Jack Clarke enjoying grilled salmon and a side of cheese grits.

“The salmon was terrific. The quality of food at this Anna Maria Oyster Bar is on par with their others. This was the perfect portion and prepared perfectly. I could not have asked for better,” he said.

Sitting nearby, and joined by her Anna Maria friends Flo Curtis and Debby Perry, Horne’s mother, Ann, said, “I’m having the grouper sandwich, and it’s delicious.”

Curtis and Perry offered similar praise for their fish and chips and clam strips.

Sitting at the bar enjoying calamari and cocktails, Palmetto residents Ed and Shonnie Kirby said they enjoyed the waterfront view and said their food and drinks were excellent. joe hendricks | sun

Above, the interior of the Anna Maria Oyster Bar begins to fill up with invited guests during a pre-opening party on Saturday. Left, Former Mayor Jack Clarke enjoyed Salmon Your Way and cheese grits last Wednesday afternoon.

FROM PAGE 1

dining experience befitting a beach town, AMOB features counter service instead of full-service. When guests place an order, they receive a table tent containing the name of a famous celebrity. When that name is called, a food runner delivers the food to tables located inside the dining room or out on the waterfront patio, while guests fetch their own utensils, condiments and soft drinks from a Coca-Cola Freestyle machine that dispenses 65 soft-drink variations.

AMOB also has a full bar that offers happy hour specials seven days a week from 3 to 6 p.m.

The menu

The appetizer menu includes chicken wings, Buffalo chicken strips, fried portabella mushrooms, fresh calamari, seafood gumbo and lobster bisque.

The oyster dishes include raw oysters,

baked garlic parmesan oysters, deep fried oysters and Grandma Georgie’s Chipotle Oysters.

The entrées include a variety of seafood from salmon and mahi mahi to fresh grouper and shrimp, both coming from the Gulf. Side dishes include cheese grits, fries, red bliss slaw and hush puppies.

There also will be plenty of sandwiches on the menu, featuring burgers, chicken, mahi-mahi and grouper, as well as a kids' menu of burgers, mac and cheese and chicken strips.

Unlike the other Oyster Bars, AMOB offers a breakfast menu that includes omelets, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, breakfast burritos, breakfast sandwiches and Eggs Your Way. AMOB opens seven days a week at 8 a.m. and remains open until 9 p.m. during the week and 10 p.m. on weekends.

FREE BASIC INSTALL ON FANS PRICED 249 & UP $

.99

OR $25 INSTALL ON FANS PRICED $99 to $249 SOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY. BRING THIS AD INTO STORE FOR DETAILS. PRIOR SALES EXCLUDED. NOT COMBINED WITH OTHER OFFERS. DAN'S FAN CITY, LLC LIC#EC13004528

Good Thru 11/15/15

TORNADO

DESIGN

YOUR FAN

MARINE GRADE S316 STAINLESS STEEL

ASK US HOW

Open 7 Days A Week 45 Stores Nationwide Parts & Services Available

OR SEE OUR

RAINDANCE

Direct Water Contact 30 Year Warranty

Locally Owned and Operated · Fan Experts For Over 35 Years

DAN'S FAN CITY Bradenton

1808 Cortez Road

755-3262

VIP Party

When addressing the invited guests assembled at Saturday night’s VIP party and ribbon cutting ceremony, Horne said, “We are absolutely ecstatic about being on Anna Maria Island and in Bradenton Beach.”

He then introduced managing partner Tim Bingham and the ownership team that also includes himself, his brother Lynn, Gary Harkness, Stephen Ananicz and Matt Andrews.

While standing on the patio, Bridge Street Merchants association president Angela Rodocker said, “This is going to bring even more people to Bridge Street and keep them here longer. We now have amazing anchors on both ends of the street and all our great businesses in between.”

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said, “It’s a great location, and I think it’s going to be a good fit and partnership.”

Anna Maria Commissioner Doug Copeland said everything he sampled was delicious.

24

THE SUN

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

DECEMBER 30, 2015

DECEMBER 30, 2015

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

25

26

THE SUN

Beautification: future work discussed FROM PAGE 15

also stressed that the plants should be protected from RVs that park there during festivals being held in the city field because “they might back into them.”

“There’s not a lot of soil there,” Groh added. “We may have to consider installing raised beds and bringing in soil. The raised beds also would protect the plants from the RVs.” Members discussed increasing the landscaping in Spring Lake Park and adding a sign. Commissioner Marvin Grossman said he would bring ideas for the sign to the next meeting.

In other business: • West told members to look around the city and come back with ideas for beautification projects and potential parks.

• Groh said he would make a list of the city’s parks for members to discuss at their next meeting. He suggested that every member be assigned a few parks to oversee.

• Groh said the board should develop a method to recognize people who adopt the city’s traffic islands.

• Members agreed to change their meeting time to 10 a.m. on the first Wednesday of the month. They also discussed adding one workshop per month in order to accomplish more.

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

DECEMBER 30, 2015

DECEMBER 30, 2015

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

27

Teen novel set on AMI picked up abroad The award-winning young adult novel “Like Moonlight at Low Tide,” set on Anna Maria Island, has been picked up by German publisher Francke-Buchhandlung GmbH. Authored by Island resident Nicole Quigley, the book was first published in the United States in 2012 by HarperCollins / Zondervan and was named a “recommended teen read” by USA Today.

The book won the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award for young adult fiction in 2013.

Francke licensed the German rights to the book and published it under the title “Hell wie der Mond und tief wie der Ozean,” which translated means, “As Bright as the Moon and Deep Like the Ocean.”

Francke publishes best-selling authors including Max Lucado, Karen Kingsbury, and Tamera Alexander.

“After the U.S. release of the book, I was really moved by the emails I received from readers of all ages who are overcoming bullying and really connected with Missy’s

story. It’s exciting to think of reaching new readers in Germany with the story of a simple island girl who finds hope,” said Quigley.

The book can be purchased in German online at www.franckebuch.de and in English at major retailers, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

“Like Moonlight at Low Tide” is the story of high school junior Melissa Keiser. When she returns to her hometown on Anna Maria Island, she has one goal: hide from

At Yo u e e S

OB !

AM

the bullies who had convinced her she was the ugliest girl in school.

But when she is caught sneaking into a neighbor’s pool at night, everything changes.

Something is different now that Melissa is 16, and the guys and popular girls who once made her life miserable have taken notice.

When Melissa gets the chance to escape life in a house ruled by her mom’s latest boyfriend, she must choose where her loyalties lie between a long-time crush, a new friend and her surfer brother who makes it impossible to forget her roots.

Just as Melissa seems to achieve everything she ever wanted, she loses a loved one to suicide. Melissa must not only grieve for her loss, she must find the truth about the three boys who loved her and discover that joy sometimes comes from the most unexpected place of all.

Quigley is working on her second novel, which is not set on the Island.

Join Us Every Tuesday For

ff o $

5

Market Price

Live Maine Steamed Lobsters Thank Y You For Voting For Us!

First Place... ace Early Bird Dinner Raw Bar Seafood Restaurant FFinalist... Outdoor Dining

HAPPY HOUR EVERY DAY! 11am-5pm & 8pm-close LANDSIDE

CORTEZ

ELLENTON

941.758.7880

941.792.0077

941.721.7773

(1.5 miles north of SRQ Airport)

(5 min from Anna Maria Island)

( Take I-75 Exit 224 west)

6906 14th St. W. on US 41

6696 Cortez Rd.

1525 51st Ave. E.

28

L

THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

DECEMBER 30, 2015

Time to get serious about that peeling paint

ast week I wrote a “fluff” piece about how wonderful Anna Maria Island is, but now it’s time to get serious. If you’re thinking about putting your house on the market this season, you need to take a long hard look at your home with the most objectivity you can muster.

There are homeowners who think that because they have a great water view, they don’t have to do anything else to get their home ready for sale.

They think the view will sell the house, and it definitely will, but on an island where a lot of properties have amazing water views, you still need to make your home stand out.

Every couple of years when I write a column like this, the first thing I emphasize is to keep your glass doors and windows as clean as is possible. I know from personal experience that the hardest thing to keep clean on waterfront homes is the glass. Since you’re

Castles in the Sand Louise Bolger primarily selling your view, make sure that potential buyers can actually see the water without looking through salty, dirty or streaked glass.

Since first impressions are always lasting impressions, it’s up to you to maximize that first impression. Ask any real estate professional how many times buyers don’t even want to get out of the car just based on what the exterior of the home looks like.

Peeling paint, overgrown shrubs and lawns and driveways or carports with an accumulation of stuff are an instant turn off. Paint is cheap, and it goes a long way to getting those buyers out of

the car. Pretty tropical colors on shutters and front doors create a sense that the property is well maintained and invites buyers in to see the rest. And as far as parking availability, it may be the single most important physical aspect of your home on an island that is always fighting the parking battle. If you have a lot of it, make sure buyers know, and if you don’t, figure out a way to at least make what you have look larger than it is by de-cluttering.

Same goes for inside. What looks normal to us – like kitchen counters jam packed with gadgets or bathroom vanities with hairdryers, hot irons and ten hand creams, is definitely not the way buyers want to view your home.

Don’t distract buyers from looking at the bones of your home by displaying dozens of family photos or collections of pottery from the Amazon. Choose one or two amazing photos or collectibles and stash the rest.

You also need to make your home comfortable temperature wise for potential buyers. If it’s a warm day or even a humid day crank down the air conditioning. If we’re in the middle of a cold snap, a little heat or fire in the fireplace will keep them inside longer.

Finally, the ancient proverb, “Cleanliness is next to godliness,” should be followed to the letter. I can guarantee you that if your home isn’t sparkling and free of odors from pets and mold, you won’t stand a chance. Break down and wax the appliances and get the grout on the floor tiles cleaned by a professional.

It will be money well spent.

Well, that’s my New Year’s advice for anyone who is planning on selling their home in the new year. It may not be sexy, but it does work.

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy new year.

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

DECEMBER 30, 2015

THE SUN

29

BIKE: Making Anna Maria Island safer for bikes FROM PAGE 4

Venice connection

The committee may also eventually embark on the arduous application process that could potentially lead to Holmes Beach being designated a Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) by the League of American Bicyclists.

On Dec. 1, Monty Andrews and Russ Johnson traveled from Venice to Holmes Beach City Hall to share their experiences in helping their city obtain the silver-level BFC designation.

BFC designations come in the bronze, silver, gold and platinum varieties.

Andrews and Johnson stressed the importance of map development as the critical initial component and touted the five E’s of bike friendly communities: engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement and evaluation and planning.

“I think they’re a great inspiration for what can be done at the local level by just starting small. They’ve made their city much safer by what they’ve done, and we hope to do the same thing here,” Carlson said.

A week later, during the Dec. 7 Island Transportation Planning Or-

ganization meeting, Burnett unveiled preliminary sketches for three Gulf Drive/Marina Drive roundabouts envisioned, but not yet approved, with greater pedestrian and bicyclist safety in mind.

Two-way enforcement

During the Dec. 1 discussion with Andrews and Johnson, Tokajer said he and his officers would gladly increase enforcement in order to provide a safer biking environment, but he cautioned that enforcement works both ways.

He said cyclists are bound by law to observe and obey the same rules of the road that apply to motorists, and this includes stopping for traffic signals and stop signs, traveling with the flow of traffic rather than against it and ensuring that lights and safety devices are utilized and in working order.

“Chief Tokajer has been a fantastic advocate, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes,” Carlson said.

Carlson’s cause

“I’m a very casual bicyclist and I’m

Joe Hendricks | Sun

Holmes Beach resident Claudia Carlson is among those advocating safer bicycle routes Island-wide. only comfortable bicycling where I feel safe. I’m mostly concerned about the overall health and safety of the community. My background is as a nurse practitioner. For me, this is an opportunity to prevent injury and pro-

mote health,” Carlson said.

In regard to working with Tripp, Carlson said, “We want to have consistent signage and connect our maps.”

As for future funding, Carlson said, “We can probably do the signs, marking and maps with city money, and the county may help with the map, but there are sections of the route we want to improve, and that’s going to require some big dollars. We hope to apply for regional funds and grants and the city engineer will help us. This is an ideal time to be working on the project, not only because the safety needs are great, but because we have strong interest and cooperation from all three Island mayors and a city engineer who works for all three cities.”

Carlson also praised the past efforts of former commissioner David Zaccagnino, and the current efforts of City Commissioner Marvin Grossman and Manatee County Commissioner John Chappie.

Those interested in assisting the committee or representing Bradenton Beach can e-mail Carlson at amibikeroute@gmail.com or call 503-819-3132.

30

THE SUN

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

DECEMBER 30, 2015

DECEMBER 30, 2015

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

31

P&Z a full house (941) 778-6066 WWW.CALLTHE ISLANDERS.COM JOHN@CALLTHEISLANDERS.COM

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

When the Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board reconvenes in January, there will be a full sevenmember board and an alternative for the first time in years.

City commissioners recently appointed retired general contractor Reed Mapes and retired attorney and college professor Patricia Shay to the volunteer advisory board and reappointed retired attorney and law professor Jim Lynch, who agreed to return after resigning in October.

Prior to that, the previous commission reappointed John Burns after a short lapse that occurred when his previous term expired. The board is chaired by Dan DeBaun and also includes John Metz, Frank Harrison and Fawzy Makar.

32

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

Center support The Roser Church Guild presented a $1,000 check to The Center on Wednesday, Dec. 24, to support center programs.

SUBMITTEE

DECEMBER 30, 2015

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

DECEMBER 30, 2015

THE SUN

33

TRIPP: A safer Tripp for cyclists FROM PAGE 4

Crescent Drive, Spring Avenue and Willow Avenue, where the traffic is less intense.

Tripp noted that there is nothing that currently directs cyclists to these preferred secondary routes.

Inspired by the bike map used in the city of Venice, Tripp envisions a foldable, pocket-sized document that would contain on its backside additional safety tips and information of use to bicyclists, especially those who are visiting and may not be familiar with Anna Maria roads and intersections and the particular hazards they present.

Once printed, the maps would be made available at local businesses, including those that rent bikes, vacation rental agencies, city hall and other locations, while also being posted online at the city Website.

Last week, Tripp said she hopes to have the map and wayfinding measures in place early this year, which will depend in part on when the Public Works Department can install the signs and pavement icons.

While noting that the Gulf Drive bike lane that connects Anna Maria and Holmes Beach

- I see all these families and I feel the Island could do a better job of making it safer for them to be on these bikes.

Amy Tripp Bike safety advocate ends near the entrance to the city, Tripp said she has no intent to tackle costly and complex bicycle-related right of way improvements she feels would need to be addressed at the city or state level, depending on the road in question.

“That’s way above my ability. Rather than worrying about something that’s too big to tackle, let’s get the riders on

Willow and then they can cross Gulf Drive at Magnolia to go to Ginny’s & Jane E’s, the Sandbar or wherever else they’re going,” Tripp said, noting that the Pine Avenue district can also be accessed using side streets.

Taking into account the space limitations that might limit the expansion of existing bike lanes or the construction of new ones, Tripp said she is not making it a priority for Anna Maria to pursue a certified bike friendly community designation, although making the city safer for bicyclists is a major component of that designation.

While Tripp and her husband, Alan, enjoy riding their bikes around the city and sometimes down to Coquina Beach, she does not consider herself a serious bicycling enthusiast. When asked why she offered to develop the bike map and the alternative bike routes, she said her primary concern was safety.

“I just think it needs to be done.

I see all these families, and I feel the Island could do a better job of making it safer for them to be on these bikes. We also want to make it safer for the motorists by reducing the number of bikes on the main roads,” she said.

joe hendricks | sun

The lines attached to stone crab traps like this are sometime cut by recreational shark fishermen.

shark: Complaints prompt ordinance FROM PAGE 1

trap lines getting cut, sending the traps and their valuable contents to the bottom where their recovery can be difficult.

Manali also said trap lines are sometimes simply cut ahead of time in order to prevent entanglement.

“The city hereby declares that the public health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the city and others requires the limiting of the launching of non-motorized floating craft after sunset and before sunrise between October 1 and March 1 of each year to prevent the destruction of stone crabs and traps and to protect the economic viability of crab fishing by limiting deep water/offshore shark fishing from the beach during stone crab season,” the proposed ordinance states.

When discussing the ordinance last week, Murphy said “No rafts, no kayaks, no canoes, no inner tubes or anything like could be launched at night within the city.”

He said he preferred this approach to an outright ban on shark fishing along the city shoreline.

In order to protect swimmers and the public, as well as the economic viability of shoreline properties, the city of Holmes Beach prohibits shark fishing from the shoreline that encompasses the city. A second Holmes Beach ordinance prohibits dumping or discarding dead fish and animals, which makes it illegal to chum the waters for sharks.

“I don’t want to stop the kids from shark fishing and enjoying that sport. They normally only do it at night and people shouldn’t be swimming at night,” Murphy said of the alternative approach he has proposed for Anna Maria.

“If the kids want to shark fish from the beach at night they’re welcome to do so; they just can’t take their lines out deep,” he added.

Discussing the matter last week, Manali said, “The mayor came by and talked to me, and he had a pretty good idea, banning the launching at night. It’s a good start, but they may find a way around it.”

Manali said a friend told him there were approximately 100 people fishing for sharks from the beach near 33rd Street on a recent Monday night, which causes concerns for he and others who have traps in that vicinity.

“People have been putting traps off that beach since Pete Moore and those guys put traps out there 70 years ago, and I’ve been doing it for 46 years,” Manali said.

Manali said people are shark fishing for fun and he does not think they are engaged in commercial endeavors because there are restrictions on the number of sharks and species of sharks you can catch.

JoAnn Manali expressed another concern she has and shared photos of a ray that was recently cut into pieces and discarded on the beach.

“They’re mutilating these endangered animals and that’s illegal,” she said.

34

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

DECEMBER 30, 2015

Joe Hendricks | Sun

Resurfacing done…for now Superior Asphalt has completed their initial resurfacing and restriping of Bridge Street. In January, a decorative, charcoal-colored Paveway Systems aggregate surface will be applied atop the length of Bridge Street as part of the ongoing, city-funded improvements taking place in Bradenton Beach’s historic business district.

Brown named Woman of Month The Anna Maria Island Chapter of SWAT (Successful Women Aligning Together) has chosen Roxie Brown, of Legal Shield, as its December Woman of the Month. Every month a woman, from each of the eight chapters of S.W.A.T., are honored for their dedication, hard work, positive spirit and their willingness to enhance themselves and their career. This month’s Woman of the Month from the AMI Chapter is a woman who lights up a room with her smile, according to other members.

AMI S.W.A.T. Chapter ’s renewing member for the month, is one of the original members, Sue Sieg, of Brown Ameriprise Financial. She saw how successful this organization could be and joined, watching it grow each year to the eight chapters it is now.

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Aerobics while you sit offered Roser Memorial Community Church is hosting Aerobics for Seniors at the Roser Fellowship Hall, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, on Thursdays at 11 a.m., beginning on Jan.7. This chair-based exercise class Merkle is appropriate for older adults and those looking to lessen the impact on their joints. All ages and skill levels are welcomed, however, standing exercises may also be incorporated to improve balance and flexibility.

Participants are asked to bring two soup cans of equal size and weight to be used as weights during exercise and that they donate the soup to the Roser Food Pantry at the end of every class.

The instructor, Melissa Merkle, is cofounder of Boomers N Motion Health Coaching. She developed a passion for fitness and nutrition when she was a young girl living in Akron, Ohio. Merkle became certified as an AFAA Group Exercise Instructor while attending Kent State University in 2002, and she later earned her Personal Trainer and Health Coach certifications. She has completed graduate coursework in nutrition and dietetics and has accumulated a vast array of experience in the fitness industry over the past 15 years.

For more information, visit boomersNmotion.com. or call Merkle at 330-9900990

DECEMBER 30, 2015

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Org. protecting people's rights 5 Petting zoo newborns 10 Huff and puff 14 Box office bust 15 Salty expanse 16 Parkway division 17 Biblical water-to-wine locale 18 "Little Rascals" girl 19 Herb-infused cooking aids 20 *Statue of Nike at the Louvre 23 Lucy's longtime spouse 24 Tease 25 Tolerate 28 Month between mars et mai 31 HDTV brand 34 "Brighton Beach

Answers to 12-23-15 Crossword Puzzle.

Memoirs" playwright Neil 35 Smiley icon on a weather map 36 Fright 37 *Had street smarts 41 Pulitzer-winning novelist Jennifer 42 Toupee 43 "__ to your health" 44 Triumphed 45 Good, in Guadalajara 47 Crystal-bearing rock 48 Family members 49 Have an inkling 51 *Jesus, to Christians 57 James of "The Godfather" 58 Golf great Palmer 59 Bossa __ 61 Prilosec target 62 Cessation of fighting 63 Baby's bed 64 Bic Cristal and uni-ball

THE SUN

65 Double curves 66 Wriggly fish Down 1 New Eng. Patriots' org.

2 Nail-removing hammer part 3 Actress Anderson 4 Variable, like the stock market 5 Mineral-rich deposits 6 Maine national park 7 "Jeopardy!" creator Griffin 8 Island near Java 9 Giving in to the munchies 10 Transfusion fluid 11 Cozy hideaway 12 One and __: soul mate 13 Director Anderson 21 Actress Davis 22 Up to, on invites 25 Cockeyed 26 "You got that right!"

27 "See what __?"

29 Hand gesture for the last word of the answers to starred clues 30 Sprint 31 Nostalgically trendy 32 Yelled at a scarecrow?

33 Got out of bed 36 Self-employed, as a writer 38 Cut short 39 Shade of color

40 "My goodness!"

45 Coal container 46 Cubicle setting 48 Types 50 Olympics swords

51 Walk back and forth 52 Ball game ruiner 53 Goofs up 54 Burden 55 Apple center

56 Wicked 57 Mushroom top 60 Six-pack muscles

35

36

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

TOWN CRIER

Library, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd. W., Bradenton. Professional genealogist, Donna Moughty will present “Strategies for Effective Use of the Internet.” For more information about the Genealogical society, log onto www.rootsweb.ancestry.com~flmgs/ or email questions to mgs.society@gmail. com.

Tour Robinson Preserve The Manatee County Parks and Recreation Department offers a naturalist-led covered wagon tour of Robinson Preserve in northwest Bradenton near the Island on Saturday, Jan. 2, from 9 to 10 a.m. The tour guide will explain the preserve’s history flora and fauna. This event is for all ages. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Riders are asked to arrive 15 minutes early at the wagon-loading ramp near the pavilion.

Story time for kids Children’s librarian Trudy Bell reads stories for toddlers up to school age at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Tuesday, Jan. 3, at 10 a.m. For more information, call 778-6341.

Harnessing your computer Danielle Wallace will teach a series of free computer classes at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Tuesdays at 3 p.m. Her first class is on Jan. 5 and it addresses comput-

BEACH BEAT Anna Maria

12/21, burglary to a dwelling, 200 block of Chilson Avenue. The house was burglarized while the owner was away.

12/18, found property, 800 block of North Shore Drive. A license tag was found and turned in to a deputy.

12/21, petit theft, 100 block of Hammock Road. A gas grill was stolen from the residence.

Bradenton Beach

12/17, burglary to a vehicle, Coquina Park, 2000 Gulf Drive South. Wallets were taken from a car while the occupants were at the beach.

12/22, criminal mischief, 2200 block of Avenue A. A car window was broken.

Nothing was taken from the car’s interior.

12/23, driving without a license, 1600 Gulf Drive South, Coquina Park. A Florida Fish and Wildlife officer observed the driver perform several traffic violations and stopped him. A Bradenton Beach officer arrived as backup. After informing the officers he had no license, the defendant got rude with them and refused to cooperate. He was arrested.

Cortez

12/20, stalking after injunction issued, 10300 block of Cortez Road West. The defendant was arrested after visiting the victim for the second time after the

DECEMBER 30, 2015

Privateers open their market

Beachfront shopping

Organizers of the Beach Market at Coquina Beach invite residents and visitors to start the new year with a visit to the market on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The outdoor market is held near the beach at 2650 Gulf Drive S., in Coquina Beach. There are many unique vendors offering possible souvenirs of your visit to paradise. There are fresh produce markets and the Coquina Café offers lunch and refreshments. The AMI String Band will perform from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. Manatee County does not allow dogs within the park. The market is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Contact Nancy Ambrose for more information at 941-518-4431. er basics. Bring your questions and your electronic devices. Call 788-6341 for more information.

injunction was issued.

Holmes Beach

12/12, driving without a license, possession of marijuana, 4400 block of Gulf Drive.

The officer stopped the driver for a defective license plate light. When he asked the driver for his license, he got a Venezuelan license, a registration and an insurance card plus a cell phone to talk with the driver’s sister-in-law because he didn’t speak English. When the officer reached for the phone, he smelled marijuana in the car and spotted some in plain sight.

He gave the driver a ticket for driving without a license and arrested him for possession of the illegal substance.

12/13, DUI, 700 block of Manatee Avenue. The officer noticed the car swerving and drifting in and out of the lane and stopped him on the mainland side of the bridge. As the officer approached, he noticed the driver’s eyes were watery and his eyelids were droopy. The officer asked the driver if he had been drinking, and he said he drank “two beers and a shot.” When asked where he had come from, the driver said a concert and when asked where, he said D Coy Ducks. The officer administered a field sobriety test and due to the results, he arrested the driver.

12/13, shoplifting, 3900 East Bay Drive, Publix. The store manager called to report a past shoplifting, which had been caught on a security recording.

The white male was seen putting two rib eye steaks in a bag and leaving the

Tracing one’s roots The Manatee Genealogical Society will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 5, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Manatee County Central

store. The officer did not recognize the suspect.

12/14, failure to update a registration, 6800 block of Palm Drive. The officer stopped the driver for a non-operating headlight. While checking the man’s registration, he noticed it had an offIsland address although he knew the suspect lives in Holmes Beach. He was ticketed.

12/14, DUI, 3000 block of Gulf Drive. The officer was following a vehicle that was

Obituaries James P. Peterfeso James P. Peterfeso, age 77, died On Dec. 18, 2015 in Bradenton. Formerly of Inver Grove Heights, Minn., he was a retired St. Paul firefighter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dorothy, and a brother, Richard. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia; children, James (Sue), Gretchen Nelson (David Brown), David (Anita); grandchildren, Jess, Joe, Lauren, Katelyn, and Donnie; siblings, Jack, Robert (Pat), Joanne Hjelle, Kathleen (Terry) Nash; and other relatives and friends. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2016, at 11 a.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

The Anna Maria Island Privateers are holding their monthly Thieves’ Market at Coquina Beach parking lot at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 9, offering new and antique items, someone’s trash and someone else’s treasure.

In addition to items for the home or gift giving, there will be a produce market as well as hot dogs and hamburgers from the Privateers’ grill. The ladies of the Privateers will be selling baked goods.

If you want to become a vendor, contact Joy “Piper” Fitzpatrick at 941-545-3664.

For $25, vendors get a 12x25-foot space.

There will be future Thieves’ Markets on Saturday, Feb. 13, March 12 and April 9, Proceeds from these events go to the Privateers, a not-for-profit group that raises money for scholarships. For more information on the Privateers, log onto wwwamiprivateers.org.

weaving in and out of its lane of travel, and he stopped the driver. When he approached, he saw her eyes were watery and eyelids droopy and she was crying.

The driver had a hard time finding her registration, and the officer administered a field sobriety test. Based on the results, he placed her under arrest.

12/14, burglary, 100 block of 78th Street.

The homeowner said he returned from a trip to find items missing from his residence and called the police.

Patricia J. Seaver Patricia J. Seaver, 91, of Bradenton, died Dec. 20, 2015.

She was predeceased by her parents, Walter and Dorothy (McKitrick) Caunitz; husband, David Seaver; and daughter, Patricia J. Kenyon. She is survived by daughter, Melynda J. (Michael J.) Graham, of Bradenton; sister, Marilyn Hargreave. of Kingston, N.Y.; and a grandchild; Jamie Graham. She had family that lived on the island.

Services will be private for the family. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 26th Street Chapel, Bradenton, was in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to www. brownandsonsfuneral.com.

DECEMBER 30, 2015

classified

ADULT HEALTH CARE

CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & RENTALS. "Have it done your way, we care about our work" Call 941-756-4570

CONTINUED CARE IN YOUR HOME. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA/ HHA) Local references available. Call Dennis 815519-3993

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

Call 941-251-5948

ANNOUNCEMENTS 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).

BABY SITTER RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student.

Call or text Isabel 941-5457995

BOATS: PARTS & SERVICES & SALES SEASON IS HERE-WE NEED BOATS. Busy, Busy, Busy. We Also Buy Boats. “Business On A Hand Shake.” 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

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

BARTENDER-PART TIME Apply @ Bortell’s 10002 Gulf Dr. Anna Maria. Any Day after 1:00

FOR SALE NEW MILWAUKEE TWOWHEEL hand truck.10" pneumatic tires, with 5" castor wheels, to lay horizontal. Used one time. $75.

Call 320-282-7242

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

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

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES AFTER CHRISTMAS SALE! NIKI’S GIFT & ANTIQUE SHOP 5351 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach. All Sterling Jewelry 10% to 50% off. Select Gifts, Pewter Miniatures, Books, Art work, Japanese Dolls, Glassware, Bric-Brac 30% to 80% off. Swim wear Section. Clothes from India, Privateer great pirate wall art. 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

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 “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

THE SUN

GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194.

INTERIOR DESIGN ANDREW ZAFFINA DESIGN www.AndrewZaffinaDesign.com Creating Fresh Interior & Exterior Spaces Call 941-725-9404

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE 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

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 ROMI IS A 10 year old female black and white, long fluffy haired Manx cat (bob tailed). She has a collar and is microchipped.

She was last seen near Jacaranda and Alamandra on the North end of Anna Maria Island. Romi is an indoor cat. Reward offered.

Please contact Ana at 813417-3522 MISSING BLACK AND WHITE male cat. Lucky is deaf and 15 years old.

He was last seen on 2nd St in Bradenton Beach where he has lived outdoors for 4 years.

Reward. Heartbroken.

941-730-7052 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 941-7784754 LOST MERCEDES KEY FOB with silver swan attached to ring. Call 863-207-1328 $25 REWARD

37

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

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

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

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

941-812-0507 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 “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 EXPERIENCED PETSITTER/WALKER will stay in your home if necessary. Reliable woman will provide loving care.

References provided.

Call 423-483-8059

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

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 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 FOR SALE 1 BLOCK from Beach. 1/2 of duplex.

2BR/1BA concrete block. New private deck, plumbing & electrical.

Nicely furnished. Good Rental History. Located at 205 71st St $298,000.

Brokers protected 813892-3690 2BR/2BA NICELY FURNISHED CONDO. One block to JMG Golf Club House & Tennis at El Conquistador, Bradenton. $125,000. Call 941-7783926

38 THE SUN

classified

REAL ESTATE: OPEN HOUSE OPEN HOUSE: PRICED REDUCED! SUNDAY 1-3 PM 4BR/4 3300+ sq. ft. 8324 MARINA DR, Holmes Beach.

Gorgeous, beautiful layout, gourmet kitchen, art studio, huge master suite, large courtyard.

Linda Cinque Broker/ Associate Wagner Realty 941-228-5003.

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

Call us today! 941-778-3986

ANNUAL RENTAL and CONDOMINIUM Association management serviced by (2) offices open 7 days a week! Contact junew@ islandreal.com – 941-3451295 - Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island, Inc. 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 $1500/mo plus utilities. First, last and security Call 941-778-3427 SMUGGLERS LANDING CONDO in CORTEZ, 2BR/2BA/2 Car Port. 40' boat slip. 2 pools, tennis courts, elevator.

Unfurnished. $1700/mo. Call 770-883-3561

ON BAY WITH DOCK, Bradenton Beach annual rental. $1145/mo. Yard, great view. 1BR/1BA Furnished or Unfurnished. Call 573-2160572 or 0571.

FURNISHED STUDIO utilities included. Near Palma Sola Bay, off Island. Porch, Full Bath, private entrance. $775. Monthly 941-4659333

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

AMISUN.COM

DECEMBER 30, 2015

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!

SEASONAL RENTAL AVAILABLE due to Cancellation- 3 month min.2BR/2BA Villa $1,900/ mo + taxes/fees. Fran Maxon Real Estate 941778-2307 for details.

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 ROGER'S AIRPORT SERVICE. Tampa, St. Pete/ Clearwater, Sarasota/ Bradenton. Call Roger 941773-1469 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 30, 2015

business & service directory computer service

home improvement

THE SUN

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

home improvement

transportation

HOME SITTING / PET SITTING

movers

39

40

THE SUN

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

DECEMBER 30, 2015