RESTAURANTS

Privateers raise money for scholarships

The Anna Maria Island Privateers held their scholarship fundraiser at the Drift In. It was a good time for a great cause.

BY JASON SCHAFFER

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The Anna Maria Island Privateers invaded the Drift In to raise money for their scholarship fund on Saturday.

“I didn’t know what was going on, I just assumed people here dress as pirates,” said Christopher Davies, visiting from England. “It looks like they’re having a great time.”

The Privateers work year-round to raise money for youth in the community, and can be found at just about any event involving children on the Island. The 501(c) (3) non-profit organization’s motto is “For Kids and Community” and it shows in their efforts to bring not only financial assistance, but also joy to local kids.

Santa and his sleigh were on hand to take pictures with kids of all ages, and there were plenty of pirate photo ops as well. Money was raised through a lotto board raffle, a huge raffle basket worth more than $1,200, donations to dine at the potluck buffet and cash donations.

There’s no slowing down for the Privateers. They’ll be hosting their Christmas Parade and Gifts With Santa this Saturday, Dec. 11. The parade begins at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and ends on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria. If you would like to participate, there is still time; all the details are at amiprivateers.org.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN Above, RaeJean and Shannon Pendleton make a visit to Santa’s sleigh. Right, Privateers Lil' John and Duck having a good time for a great cause at the scholarship fundraiser. Lower right, a Privateer stands guard over the raffle basket valued at over $1,200.

compared to October 2020

Anna Maria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33% Bradenton Beach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75% Holmes Beach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46% Manatee County Total* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56%

*(Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Longboat Key, unincorporated Manatee County, Palmetto)

Manatee County’s 5% resort tax, or tourist tax, is collected from owners of accommodations rented for six months or less who charge the tax to their renters, in most cases, tourists. About 50% of the tax proceeds are allocated to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau tour-ism marketing efforts, with 20% allocated to beach renourishment. The tax also partially funds tourism-related attractions such as the Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria piers. Amounts shown were collected in October and paid to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office in November. Manatee County totals include Anna Maria Island cities, Bradenton, the portion of Longboat Key within Manatee County, unincorporated Manatee County and Palmetto. To anonymously report a rental owner who may not be paying the tax, call 941-741-4809 or visit http://www. taxcollector.com/tdt-evader.cfm.

Source: Manatee County Tax Collector

Tortilla Bay closed temporarily

According to a note posted on the front door, the Tortilla Bay restaurant in Holmes Beach is temporarily closed.

“Dear Customers, Due to a family emergency, Tortilla Bay will be closed until further notice,” the note says.

According to local Realtor Cindy Quinn, who recently posted the message on Facebook, business owner/operator Lamont Cunningham was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident. Tortilla Bay is temporarily closed.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN