Anna Maria Island Sun February 1, 2023

Sienna sundown

Winter skies were cloudy all day until just before sunset time, when the sun peeked out from the gray and turned them burnt

over Anna Maria Island.

Mayor proposes negotiation, not war, with state legislators

Mayor Dan Murphy arranged for the Island mayors to meet with State Rep. Will Robinson Jr. and State Sen. Jim Boyd.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy proposes communicating rather than waging war with state legislators over parking garages and the potential consolidation or elimination of Anna Maria Island’s three city governments. During the Jan. 26 Anna Maria City Commission meeting, Murphy discussed his approach in reaction to State Rep. Will Robinson Jr. and other members of

the Manatee County legislative delegation recently expressing a shared desire for state legislation that could allow Manatee County to preempt the city of Holmes Beach’s building regulations in order to build a public parking garage for beachgoers. The local delegation of state legislators also seeks a state-funded study regarding the potential consolidation or dissolution of the three Island cities and city governments.

Murphy referenced headlines that ran on the front pages of local newspapers. One read, “AMI fights back against state representatives.” The other read, “Holmes Beach readies options for counterattack.”

Murphy, who served in the U.S.

SEE MAYOR, PAGE 17

Island officials unite to preserve home rule

The Island’s elected officials are planning to work together to counter new threats to home rule.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Anna Maria

Island’s elected officials are uniting to preserve home rule in the face of recent attempts by state legislators to circumvent local parking ordinances and fund a study to determine if the Island’s three cities should be dissolved.

Not only the central city on the Island, but also the one central to a debate at the state level, Holmes Beach has a prohibition against parking ga-

rages that state legislators have threatened to overturn. City leaders took a few moments during a Jan. 24 city commission meeting to address that issue and that of dissolving the Island cities.

It was standing room only in city hall chambers as residents, property owners and other stakeholders came out to show their support to Mayor Judy Titsworth and city commissioners. More joined the meeting online through Zoom.

Titsworth thanked everyone in attendance for their “outpouring of support” and vowed to do everything possible to fight back against the state’s encroachment into home rule of the Island, the ability of local governments to govern themselves.

SEE OFFICIALS, PAGE 27

7 DAYS A WEEK WHILE SUPPLIES LAST New hour s 3:30 until 9:00

Gourmet Pizza • Pasta • Steak • Seafood

Fifteen non-profits receive trolley grant awards

the Skullywag landbound pirate ship; Annie Silver Community Center: Technology upgrades at its Bradenton Beach community center;

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

CORTEZ - The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Business Card Exchanges are always a great opportunity for local business owners to network and get to know each other. The Jan. 26 event at the Seafood Shack in Cortez offered the added excitement of the annual trolley grant awards, which, this year, granted 15 local 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations cash awards of nearly $30,000.

In order to keep the familiar trolleys that carry passengers up and down the Island free of charge, the Chamber sells advertising space on the inside and outside of the vehicles. After administrative costs and expenses are covered each year, excess revenue is dispersed in the form of grants to notfor-profit organizations on the Island and in Cortez.

The annual award winners are selected by a committee and awarded annually in January based on submissions from local non-profit organizations that are due in mid-December. The program was founded by former Manatee County Administrator Ed Hunzeker and the late David Teitelbaum of Anna Maria Island Resorts. The Chamber manages the award program with Manatee County leaders.

According to the Chamber, the Island trolleys carried more than 407,000 riders in 2022.

This year’s ceremony gave back

SUBMITTED

a total of $29,341, bringing the total grants awarded to more than $447,000 since the program began.

This year’s grant recipients and their projects are:

Anna Maria Elementary School: STEAM Program (science, technology, engineering, arts and math);

Anna Maria Island Art League: Campaign to add artists and attendees to the Springfest art festival;

Anna Maria Island Garden Club: Design and installation of an outdoor plant interpretive panel;

Anna Maria Island Privateers: Restore

Artists' Guild of Anna Maria Island: Restroom renovations at the gallery; Cortez Village Historical Society: Orientation and reference materials to recruit new docents and for hiring a consultant to assist;

Florida Maritime Museum: Stories from the Gulf Coast Commercial Fishing Industry in Cortez program;

Friends of the Island Library: Sprout Early Learning Backpacks for children;

Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria: Kiwanis Club-sponsored interdenominational Easter sunrise service; Roser Food Pantry: Sponsored food recipient program;

Roser Memorial Community Church: Vacation Bible School;

Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island: Anna Maria Elementary Peace/ Conflict Solutions for Good Citizens program;

The Center of Anna Maria Island: Beyond Classroom offerings; Wildlife Inc.: Care and feeding of animals.

Fifteen local non-profit organizations received grant money during this year’s trolley grant awards ceremony at the Seafood Shack in Cortez.

2023 Trolley Grant Award recipients receive their awards at the Jan. 26 Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce business card exchange at the Seafood Shack Marina, Bar and Grill in Cortez.

IN BRIEF

MANATEE COUNTY | SUBMITTED

The initial sewer rehabilitation work will take place along the west side of Gulf Drive South, from Sixth Street South to 10th Street South.

Sewer project mobilization begins

Woodruff & Sons will begin mobilizing equipment and materials for Manatee County’s extensive sewer rehabilitation project along Gulf Drive South on Monday, Jan. 30, according to Manatee County Senior Project Manager Albert Rosenstein. Residents and visitors to the adjacent side streets from Sixth Street South to 13th Street South will not have vehicular access on those streets for four to six weeks. “Please be aware Woodruff mobilizes Monday and is planning on taking the parking area, 1,000 feet, as described during our Sept. 23 meeting. Material and equipment will be coming in and the entire work area will be packed with equipment and materials by the end of the week. “The project team will look for ways to reduce this footprint,” Rosenstein stated in his email to Bradenton Beach city officials. The email includes a diagram showing that the initial work will occur in the Cortez Beach parking lot along the west side of Gulf Drive South from Sixth Street South to 10th Street South. For project updates, visit www. AMIprojects.com and click on the “Projects” tab.

Cortez Bridge presentation to detail fixed-span appearance

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

CORTEZ – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is holding a public information meeting on the Cortez Bridge replacement project on Tuesday, Jan. 31 from 6-8 p.m. in the Kirkwood Presbyterian Church’s Pfrangle Hall at 6101 Cortez Road in Bradenton.

SUBMITTED

Road construction continues through February

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth said that road construction in city center, the intersection of Marina and Gulf drives, is on schedule to be mostly complete by the end of February. Though work on the traffic lanes will be complete, additional work, such as the installation of lampposts, may temporarily close a lane to traffic.

Documents to be presented are available online for those who cannot attend at the project website: https://www.swflroads.com/project/430204-2.

The in-person meeting will be an open house-style event that allows attendees to review the bridge replacement project materials at their own pace. No formal presentation will be given, but meeting attendees can pose questions to project team members and leave written comments as well.

Comments can also be emailed to FDOT Project Manager Ryan Weeks at Ryan.Weeks@dot.state. fl.us, mailed to Ryan Weeks/Florida Department of Transportation, District One, P.O. Box 1249, Bartow, Florida 33831-1249 or submitted online at the project website.

The project materials pertain to the construction of a fixedspan bridge that will replace the existing drawbridge. The materials presented for public review include a 19-minute presentation video, presentation slides, display boards and a 3D

animation.

The video provides details about the bridge construction process and the aesthetic design elements selected by the 11-member Bridge Aesthetics Committee (BAC), which includes local residents, business owners and Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie.

The narrated video notes the existing drawbridge that will be replaced was constructed in 1956 with an estimated 50-year service life; and multiple bridge repair and mainte-

The documents presented for public review pertain to the construction and aesthetics of the fixedspan bridge that will replace the existing drawbridge.

FDOT | SUBMITTED

The new Cortez Bridge will feature multi-column piers and other design elements selected by an aesthetics committee.

FDOT | SUBMITTED

The new bridge will provide at least 65 feet of vertical clearance at its highest point, with a delineated navigation channel below.

Salem appointed to Anna Maria Commission

new pre-selection vetting process helped sitting city commissioners make their selections.

A

seven and Salem won the seat with the lowest total score.

City Clerk LeAnne Addy then swore Salem into office before he took his seat on the dais and participated in the rest of the meeting as a voting member.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Charlie Salem now serves in the Anna Maria City Commission seat recently vacated by Carol Carter.

Salem will serve the remaining months of the two-year commission term that expires after the city elections in November. Former commissioner Brian Seymour was also considered for the commission appointment.

On Jan. 26, commissioners Jon Crane, Robert Kingan, Deanie Sebring and Mark Short ranked the two applicants according to their own first and second preferences. Crane, Kingan and Sebring ranked Salem as their first preference and Seymour as their second. Short ranked Seymour as his first preference and Salem as his second. The applicants received one point for a first preference and two for a second preference. Salem received five points, Seymour received

APPLICANT PRESENTATIONS

For the first time, the appointment process featured a standalone commission workshop on Jan. 19 that allowed the two applicants to answer 24 questions provided in advance. The workshop also allowed Salem and Seymour to highlight their professional and political accomplishments.

Salem holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and government and a doctorate degree in law. He worked in Tallahassee as a special counsel for the State of Florida’s Office of Planning and Budgeting and then moved to Washington D.C. to run a state office of federal affairs pertaining to Hurricane Andrew recovery efforts in south Florida in the early 1990s. He then served as legislative director and chief of staff for U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Indiana) and finished his time working in the D.C. area as a public policy director for Microsoft.

Seymour served as an Anna Maria commissioner from late 2016 to late

2019. He owns and operates the Anna Maria General Store & Deli on Pine Avenue and he and his business partners operate the City Pier Grill in a pier space leased from the city.

Salem and Seymour’s presentations helped the four sitting commissioners make their appointment the following week. When filling past vacant commission seats, the applicants were simply given a few minutes to address the commission before the appointment was made using the same ranking process.

Mayor Dan Murphy proposed the new candidate vetting process.

“I think this is a good process. I think

it’s a much better process than what we were using in the past,” Murphy said after Salem was sworn in.

“It was great to learn more about the candidates. I think this was the best way to do it,” Short said. Crane and Sebring agreed.

“As a participant in the process, I thought it was well-thought-out,” Salem said.

Kingan thanked Salem and Seymour for putting themselves forward as candidates.

“Either of you would have been a very good addition to this commission. I very much hope, Brian, that you will remain in contention because I think you’re an asset to the community and definitely have what it takes,” Kingan said.

WORKSHOP INSIGHTS

During the workshop, Salem referenced the recently-expressed desires of State Rep. Will Robinson Jr. and other members of Manatee County’s legislative delegation for a state-funded study regarding the possible elimination or consolidation of the three Island cities and the three city governments.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Charlie Salem is now a member of the Anna Maria City Commission.

EDITORIAL

There must be a better way

Manatee County is planning to begin fixing the sewer system south of Bridge Street this week, beginning from Sixth Street South to 10th Street South, and later expanding to 13th Street South.

Residents and vacationers will be expected to park their vehicles at Cortez Beach – across busy Gulf Drive from their homes and vacation rentals.

And not just for a few hours, but for four to six weeks, possibly longer.

How will fire trucks respond to fires on those streets? How will EMTs get to distress calls?

How will people get their groceries to their home –three or four trips across Gulf Drive to their car to get a couple of bags at a time?

How will folks with walkers or wheelchairs get across the street?

Hopefully, no one will forget their cell phone in their car and have to cross the street twice to get it.

It’s often bumper-to-bumper traffic this time of year on the road, which connects popular Coquina Beach to the rest of the world.

There must be a better way to handle the sewer repairs than to inconvenience people for so long and possibly put them in danger like this - perhaps staging the work on one side of a street at a time and allowing parking on the other side of the street?

Officials should study how similar projects have been done elsewhere before subjecting people to this plan. It’s only a matter of time before it fails, and only a question of how serious the failure will be.

Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment? Is there something you need to get off your chest? Send us a letter to the editor and have your say. There are a couple of ways to do it. The easiest and most direct is to email The Sun at news@amisun.com. Remember to put Letter to the Editor in the subject field. Or you can snail-mail a letter to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O. Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Letters should be kept to 300 words or less and must contain your name and the city in which you reside. Personal attacks and obscene language will not be printed. The Sun reserves the right to edit letters for length or content.

The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff

Owner/CEO

Mike Field Editor

Cindy Lane

General Manager

Bob Alexander

Reporters/ Photographers

Joe Hendricks

Leslie Lake

Jason Schaffer

Kristin Swain

Columnists

Louise Bolger

Rusty Chinnis

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Put monument at Gamble Plantation

Dear Commissioners, The Confederate Monument should NOT be placed back by the county courthouse. This is 2023 and we should remember our history and move into the 21st century. The monument was for the southerners who fought in the civil war to maintain slavery. It would be more appropriate to place the monument at the Gamble Plantation State Park.

Sincerely, Barbara

Drake Bradenton

Open letter to legislative delegation

Dear Sen. Boyd, My family has had a home in

Contributors

Steve Borggren

Capt. Rick Grassett

Leslie Lake

Monica Simpson

Tom Vaught

Capt. Kevin Wessel

Capt. Dave White

Anne Yarbrough

Holmes Beach since 1971. Over the years we have supported steps our city has taken to protect the quality of life for residents and visitors, including building height limitations and minimum rental duration regulations. To us, this typifies efforts by a community to protect and enhance their environment in the best American tradition. These efforts have produced a community attractive to residents and visitors which benefits all, including the county. This feeling of community needs to be appreciated and protected. It has value, tangible and intangible. Protecting this seaside community and striking a balance between the needs of visitors and residents is a challenge that we all, citizens, city and county government, need to work together to address. I believe that the threat made by you and other state representatives and senators to merge the cities and dissolve their charters

Layout Ricardo Fonseca

Digital Editor

Kristin Swain

Advertising Director

Shona Otto

Advertising Assistant

Pamela Lee

and local regulations is positively un-American and will destroy the community we should be working together to preserve. We all need to face the hard fact that there is a limit to the number of visitors this island can accommodate at one time. There may be no limit to the new housing projects approved for the eastern part of the county, but there is definitely a limit to the size of this island. One ugly, out-of-scale parking garage will not change that fact. Some good proposals have been put forth to address the parking problem. Please work with us to preserve what makes the island unique while allowing AMI residents, county residents and visitors to enjoy the island they love.

I thank you for your work on behalf of the citizens of Manatee County and look forward to hearing from you.

Alex Richardson Holmes Beach

Classifieds

Bob Alexander

Graphics

Elaine Stroili

Ricardo Fonseca

Distribution

Bob Alexander

Connor Field

Tony McNulty

Brian Smith

Accounting

Leslie Ketchum

Co-founding publishers

Mike Field

Maggie McGinley Field Family-owned since 2000

Thanks for your Christmas spirit

I am writing to thank Holmes Beach-area residents for sharing the true meaning of Christmas with children in need this past holiday season.

Generosity throughout contributed to a successful shoebox gift collection season at drop-off locations for the Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child. Across the U.S., the project collected over 9.3 million shoebox gifts in 2022. Combined with those collected from partnering countries in 2022, the ministry is now sending nearly 10.6 million shoebox gifts to children worldwide.

Through shoeboxes packed with fun toys, school supplies, and hygiene items, Holmes Beach-area volunteers brought joy to children in need around the world. Each gift-filled shoebox is a tangible expression of God’s love, and it is often the first gift these children have ever received. Through the continued generosity of donors since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 209 million gift-filled

shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories. This year, Samaritan’s Purse delivered its milestone 200 millionth shoebox, which was packed on a country-wide tour and then hand-delivered to a young girl in Ukraine.

Across Florida, shoebox packers often shop for deals on shoebox items throughout the year, and many serve at a deeper level by becoming a year-round volunteer. Information about ways area participants can get involved year-round can also be found at samaritanspurse.org/ occ or by calling 407-273-6112.

Although local drop off locations for gifts are closed until Nov. 13-20, anyone can still be a part of this life-changing project by conveniently packing a shoebox gift online in just a few simple clicks at samaritanspurse.org/buildonline.

These simple gifts, packed with love, send a message to children worldwide that they are loved and not forgotten.

Sincerely, Casey Goodwin Samaritan's Purse, Boone, NC

ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

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

Feb. 9, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting

Feb. 21, 9 a.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting

Feb. 23, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting

BRADENTON BEACH

107 GULF DRIVE N.

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005

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

Feb. 1, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting

Feb. 1, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting

Feb. 2, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting

Feb. 7, 9:30 a.m. – City Commission/Planning and Zoning Board joint work meeting

Feb. 15, 10 a.m. – Department Head meeting

Feb. 15, 1 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting

Feb. 16, noon – City Commission meeting

HOLMES BEACH

5801 MARINA DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800

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

Feb. 1, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautification Committee meeting

Feb. 1, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting

Feb. 3, 11:30 a.m. – Police Officer’s Pension Board meeting

Feb. 8, 9 a.m. – Clean Water AdHoc Committee meeting

Feb. 14, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow

Feb. 21, 2:30 p.m. – Code Compliance Special Magistrate hearing

ISLAND-WIDE

Feb. 7, 4 p.m. – Council of Governments meeting, Manatee County Administration Building, fifth floor, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton

Feb. 21, 6 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue board meeting, administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1

Mah-jongg for beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

THURSDAY, FEB. 2

AMI Chamber February breakfast, Cortez Café, 12108 Cortez Road W., Cortez, 7:30 a.m., $15 for members or $25 for prospective members

Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Friends of the Island Library Lecture and Travel Series: Coaching College Football, Roser Church fellowship hall, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 2 p.m.

AMI Chamber ribbon cutting, Shore Thing Tiki Cruises, MarVista Dockside Restaurant, 760 Broadway, Longboat Key, 4 p.m.

FRIDAY, FEB. 3

Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

Paper crafting for adults, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

SATURDAY, FEB. 4

Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 7 a.m.

Confederate monument discussion canceled

Future discussion on restoring the Confederate monument remains a possibility.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON – The Manatee County Commission discussion on the potential restoration of a controversial Confederate monument has been removed from the commission’s Tuesday, Jan. 31 meeting agenda.

According to the agenda item, county commission authorization was to be sought for County Administrator Scott Hopes, or his designee, to reinstall the monument at its previous location in front of the historic Manatee County Courthouse in downtown Bradenton, adjacent to the Manatee County Judicial Center.

The monument was removed as a result of a 4-3 county commission vote in 2017. The statue was fractured during its removal and has remained in storage ever since.

On Jan. 27, The League of Women Voters of Manatee County distributed a monument-related email that carried the headline: “Citizen Advocacy Won! But more is needed.”

The email said, “The vote on reinstalling the Confederate monument has been removed from the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners agenda for Tuesday, Jan. 31 because of your hard work. There is no guarantee that reinstalling the statue will not be raised again on a different date. The county staff is continuing to spend time and taxpayer dollars attempting to find a place

Food truck moratorium on Thursday’s agenda

for the monument in another location in Manatee County.

“If you wish your voice heard about the monument, whether it should stay in storage and why, please consider speaking at Tuesday’s meeting (during citizen comments). You must physically go to the meeting to comment. Phone in comments are no longer available,” the email said.

The Bradenton Beach City Commission will meet on Thursday, Feb. 2 at 6 p.m. The consent agenda includes a special event permit request by the AMI Moose Lodge for its annual pig roast on Saturday, Feb. 25. Under new business, the commission will discuss the 2022 Scenic W.A.V.E.S. Committee annual report to be submitted to FDOT and the city attorney will present the first reading of an ordinance seeking to create a temporary moratorium on food truck operations within the city. The commission will discuss an engagement letter for the continued legal services of City Attorney Ricinda Perry. Under old business, the commission will discuss an interlocal agreement with Manatee County for the law enforcement services the city provides at the county-owned beaches and boat ramps in Bradenton Beach. The commission will receive an update on engineering services provided by Collier’s Engineering and continue its discussion on a stormwater master drainage study prepared by Collier’s. Commissioners will receive an update regarding a $300 payment sought by attorney Robert Watrous for a Sunshine Law case. Under attorney business, Perry will provide a Florida legislative update and present a change order pertaining to a $2.6 million state appropriation the city previously received for a flood protection project to be completed by June 2024.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Before its 2017 removal, the Confederate monument stood in front of the historic Manatee County Courthouse in downtown Bradenton.

Festival celebrates 100 years of Star Fish Co.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

CORTEZ - The 41st Annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival is just around the corner.

The Feb. 18-19 festival, described by organizers as a “party with a purpose,” is organized by a volunteer committee of the non-profit Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH). The festival features seafood, live music, arts and crafts, environmental exhibits and children’s activities.

“The money raised at the festival will support the continued restoration of the FISH Preserve,” FISH board member Jane von Hahmann said. “The funds will also go towards a small mortgage we have on two lots in the middle of the preserve, as well as maintaining two historical properties owned by FISH - the volunteer firehouse and the old Church of Christ which is now Fisherman’s Hall.”

The FISH Preserve covers over 95 acres of environmentally sensitive land immediately east of the village and is being restored by FISH. It is the last stretch of undeveloped waterfront property left on North Sarasota Bay.

FESTIVAL THEME

This year’s festival theme is “Cortez Kind - 100 Years of Commercial Fishing.”

“The theme is open to interpretation,” von Hahmann said. “When Karen (Bell) suggested it, she was referring to the kindness in the village - neighbor helping neighbor.”

Bell said the theme is meant to be thought provoking.

“My idea is that right now the world is an uneasy place,” Bell said. “Cortez is a unique community because of the kind of people who live here.”

FISH member and UF/IFAS Sea

Grant director Dr. Angela Collins provided her take on this year’s theme.

“I like to think of the Cortez kind as “one of a kind,” because there truly is no other place like this on Earth,” Collins wrote in a prepared statement.

The “100 years” refers to the centennial anniversary of the Star Fish Co.

In honor of that anniversary, the 2023 festival is moving back to its original location on the west end of the village, and will be directly in front of A.P. Bell Fish Co. and Star Fish Co.

“The first building for Star Fish Co. built here in 1923, on land purchased

from Alvah Taylor,” according to the book “Cortez Then and Now,” written by Dr. Mary Fulford Green and Linda Molto. “Mr. A.D. Millis, a fisherman who decided to open a dealership after the ’21 Hurricane, built this dock.”

Millis operated the business until his death in 1959 when it was acquired by his nephew Gaylord Garner, who developed the retail business. After his death in 1986, it was taken over by his son Allen and the building was sold in 1996 to its current owner, Karen Bell.

Von Hahmann said the last time the festival was held on the west end of the village was 2010. “In 2011 it was moved back to the east end,” she said.

The first festival in 1981 drew 500 people. Since then, the festival has grown from a one-day event to two days with an average total attendance upwards of 15,000 people.

“Soak in the sunshine along Sarasota Bay while you boogie to live local music, peruse aisles of original artwork and nautical crafts, sip cold beverages and sample some really tasty seafood,” Collins wrote. “Buy a raffle ticket to be entered to win one of the beautiful, refurbished custom boats lovingly restored by the FISH boatworks. Get up close and personal with local marine life and feed your science side during “Dock Talks.”

New this year will be a fishingthemed fashion show.

“It will be guys and girls - mostly guys who fish - donning the gear they fish in,” von Hahmann said.

“The fashion show is going to be cute,” Bell said. “It will be local fishermen and kids modeling slickers and life jackets and fishing bibs.”

Also new this year is an expanded Minnow Zone for kids.

“We’re going to have the ponies and things we’ve had in the past, but this year we’re adding a shark tooth dig, sand dollar and starfish painting, a maze with nets and an oyster sack race,” Bell said.

FISH has joined forces with the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island (AGAMI), to host a photography show during this year’s festival. Photographers are encouraged to submit their work under the following guidelines:

1. Subject: Cortez! Of course! Photographers are asked to share their images of Cortez village and its very unique commercial fishing industry.

2. Categories: Submissions will be accepted from a. Minnows - 8th grade

The Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival is a party for a good cause – the FISH Preserve.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

The Cortez fishing fleet is docked outside of A.P. Bell Fish Co. SEE

Special exception moves forward despite commission concerns

HOLMES BEACH – Commissioners moved a special exception request from the Toy Barn forward to a public hearing despite staff concerns that the proposed use is more of a distribution and fulfillment center rather than a simple warehouse for vehicle storage.

Appearing on behalf of business owner Travis Lantz during a Jan. 24 commission work session was attorney Aaron Thomas. Thomas said his client plans to use a property located at 3008 Avenue C as a warehouse to store 10 street-legal golf carts and/or electric vehicles for his rental business. The proposed use wouldn’t have public access but would allow Toy Barn staff to make five to 10 distribution or drop-off trips to the property per day to fa -

cilitate vehicle delivery.

City Planner Chad Minor said the proposed use more closely aligns with that of a vehicle rental business operating in the area rather than vehicle storage. Vehicle rentals are banned from operating in the C-3 zoning district where the property is located.

“We’re at a standstill,” Minor said of the talks between the applicant and city staff.

On the advice of City Attorney Erica Augello, commissioners agreed to move the matter forward to a public hearing at an upcoming commission regular meeting where both sides can present their cases and members of the community can voice their opinions on the issue.

Spotlight on Cortez at Island presentation

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA - The spotlight was on Cortez at the Manatee Public Library Friends Lecture and Travel Series’ latest presentation.

Three Cortez residents and members of the Cortez Village Historical Society gave an overview of the fishing village to more than 100 attendees at Roser Memorial Church Fellowship Hall on Jan. 19.

Lynn McGinnis, Linda Molto and Dale Beaumariage each presented their unique perspective on the historical society and what it is like to live in the historic fishing village.

“If you’ve never been to the Cortez

Village Cultural Center you need to go,” McGinnis said. “There are tons of artifacts, books by local authors and local artwork.”

The non-profit Cortez Village Historical Society has helped Cortez gain recognition as a historical landmark. Ninety-seven of its buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places.

McGinnis said that CVHS participates in many local events - the annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival in February, Heritage Week in March, the April community picnic and the Giving Challenge in May, among others.

“There are memberships available and volunteer sheets,” McGinnis said.

Molto described Cortez as a friendly and welcoming community.

FESTIVAL: Celebrates 100 years of Star Fish Co.

FROM PAGE 9 and younger, b. Juveniles - 9th-12th grades, and c. Adults - over 18 years of age.

3. Deadline: Submissions are due electronically for judging by Feb. 8 at 11:59 p.m. The submission email address is prosportpic@gmail.com. Please include “Cortez Photo Contest” in the subject line of the email.

4. Submission of printed photographs for display will be in person on Friday, Feb. 17 between 10 a.m. and noon at A.P. Bell Fish Co., 4600 124th St. W., Cortez. Artwork must be matted, titled and ready to hang in a cellophane sleeve no larger than 11”x14”. Photographs will be hung and displayed throughout A.P. Bell Fish Co.

5. Award Ribbons: Best of Show, First Place, Second Place and Third

Place will be awarded within each of the three categories. Ribbons will be awarded and displayed at the festival on Feb. 18-19.

Festival admission is $5 with kids under 12 are free.

The Boy Scouts will offer on-site parking at the FISH Preserve for a $5 donation with free parking on the FISH preserve for motorcycles. Remote park and ride is available for a $3 round trip. The MCAT shuttle bus travels to Cortez from two locations: G.T. Bray Park (5502 33rd Ave. Drive W., Bradenton 34209 - turn east off 59th Street onto 33rd Avenue Drive). On Saturday only, a free Park and Ride will be available from the Cortez Baptist Church, 4411 100th St. W. on Cortez Road (1 1/2 miles east of the festival).

“I’ve lived all over Florida and I’ve never seen anything like how people in Cortez pull together,” Molto said. “There’s always somebody you can stop by to see and have a cup of coffee.”

Molto, an artist, displayed some of her paintings inspired by the village and its people.

“The best thing about living in Cortez is the people,” Molto said. “A lot of people don’t have family, but the people there become your family.”

Beaumariage reminisced about his early days in the village.

“There was a strong work ethic. Everybody in Cortez worked at something, you fished or cut bait or mowed lawns,” he said. “During the Great Depression, Cortez never went on relief. The point

Commissioners ask state for help with plastics

Holmes Beach commissioners may have their share of issues right now with state representatives, but that doesn’t mean that they’re backing down on asking the state Legislature for assistance in other areas. Commissioners voted unanimously in favor of sending a letter to the Legislature regarding the availability of single-use plastics for consideration during the upcoming session in Tallahassee. In the letter, commissioners ask that state leaders consider enacting a limitation or ban concerning the amount and kinds of single-use plastics available to consumers in an effort to cut down on pollution. Currently, the only kind of single-use plastic that city commissioners can control the use of is straws, which commissioners banned in late 2022 from being used at food establishments.

was the village pulled together and everyone helped each other.”

Working as a marine biologist in later years, he said that when he wanted to learn something about the sea or marine life, he asked the fishermen.

“We wanted them to help us and they did,” he said. “The advantage of that community is you learned something new all the time.”

Beaumariage encouraged attendees to make use of Cortez walking tour maps that were available at the lecture.

“That tour map will orient you to many historic and interesting homes,” he said.

For more information about the Cortez Village Historical Society, visit www.cortezvillagehistoricalsociety.org.

More lots purchased for Grassy Point

Grassy Point Preserve in Holmes Beach is growing again, this time by four lots as city leaders approved the purchase of three with the additional lot planned for donation by the property owner. Commissioners voted to approve Mayor Judy Titsworth to execute an agreement for the purchase of 3004 Avenue A and 3005 Avenue B for $50,000 along with the $20,000 purchase of 3002 Avenue B. The three purchases total 0.957 acres added to the neighboring preserve, including the lot being donated by property owner Jolaynne Holmes as trustee of the George and Olive Hilt Living Trust. Funds for the purchases were reallocated from the mayor and commission contingency fund in the city’s budget.

Food truck ordinance adopted

An accompanying city resolution will establish the specific food truck operation regulations.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The city has a new ordinance in place limiting food truck operations to private properties located in C-1 (commercial) zoning districts.

On Jan. 26, city commissioners voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 23913 on its second and final reading. The ordinance establishes the areas where food trucks are allowed to operate on a general basis.

Anna Maria’s C-1 zoning districts include privately-owned properties at the corner of Pine Avenue and South Bay Boulevard, the Galati Yacht Sales and marina property at the end of South Bay Boulevard, several Gulfside properties between Elm Avenue and Magnolia Avenue (including the Chiles Hospitality Group properties) and some properties along Gulf Drive between Magnolia Avenue and Palmetto Avenue. Food trucks will be allowed

The areas highlighted in red are C-1 (commercial) zone districts that allow food truck operations.

elsewhere during special events, as permitted by the city commission. An accompanying city resolution to be presented at the commission’s next meeting will establish the specific food truck regulations that address operational hours, the size and number of trucks allowed, trash disposal and more.

Last year, the commission discarded a proposed food truck ordinance that would have created a designated food truck zone at the northwest end of Bayfront Park – a location that garnered opposition from several residents and property owners in that area.

“This version of the food truck ordinance is much better than the first attempt. This

really hones in on what the city should be doing. I’m all for it,” Commissioner Jon Crane said during Thursday’s meeting. The mayor and commission’s efforts to adopt a food truck ordinance are a response to state legislation adopted in 2020 that prohibits city and county governments from prohibiting food trucks citywide or countywide.

CITY OF ANNA MARIA | SUBMITTED

This version of the ordinance is much better than the first attempt. This really hones in on what the city should be doing.”

Jon Crane, Anna Maria commissioner

WHERE‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE?

Monetti Apparel celebrates with ribbon cutting

Rejane Monetti (holding scissors) celebrated the grand opening of her boutique, Monetti Apparel, at 119 Bridge St. in Bradenton Beach on Jan. 24, surrounded by family, neighbors and friends, including Mayor John Chappie (left).

AMI Chamber to host breakfast at Cortez Cafe

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will host its next Chamber Breakfast at Cortez Cafe, 12108 Cortez Road W., on Tuesday, Feb. 2 from 7:30-9 a.m. This is an opportunity for current members or those considering joining the chamber to exchange business cards and network with other local business owners and managers. The chamber also encourages anyone attending to bring a raffle prize and have their business announced when the prize is given away. The cost for this event is $15 for members and $25 for prospective members. Contact becky@ amichamber.org or call 941-778-1541 to RSVP or for more information.

Shore Thing Tiki Cruises to celebrate with ribbon cutting

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony for Shore Thing Tiki Cruises to celebrate this new Island business. The ceremony will take place at Mar Vista Restaurant located at 760 Broadway, Longboat Key on Thursday, Feb. 2 from 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Light bites, beer and wine will be provided. For more information, call the chamber at 941-778-1541.

Bald eagle on mend at Wildlife Inc. following eye injury

An American bald eagle is on the mend at Wildlife Inc. in Bradenton Beach.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH - While it’s always a treat to spot an American bald eagle, an observant individual in east Bradenton recognized one of the majestic birds was in trouble and knew just who to call for help.

“This eagle was found in an industrial park out east,” Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Inc. volunteer Krista Carpenter said. “She was on the ground and he could see something was wrong, so he called us.”

The non-profit Wildlife Inc. is an animal rehabilitation center that takes in more than 3,000 animals each year.

The adult female bird - estimated to

be around 5 years old - had suffered an injury to her right eye.

“We’re not sure how her injury occurred, but it was pretty bad,” Carpenter said. “She presented with blood in her eye and we’ve been treating her for the past several weeks.”

Carpenter said the eagle has been showing signs of improvement and will be released at a future date.

“She’s a really strong bird,” Carpenter said. “It appears that her vision is improving.”

Carpenter said that removing the eagle from her crate for feedings has become a challenge due to her strength.

“That is a really good sign,” she said.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), bald eagles are not uncommon in Florida.

“Florida has one of the densest con -

centrations of nesting bald eagles in the lower 48 states, with an estimated 1,500 nesting pairs,” according to the FWC. “Concentrations of nesting territories are clustered around several significant lake, river and coastal systems throughout the state.”

FWC has monitored the population of nesting bald eagles in Florida since 1972.

The bald eagle was removed from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service endangered species list and the FWC imperiled species list in 2007 and 2008, respectively. The bald eagle continues to be protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, according to the FWC.

“The population of bald eagles continues to do well, both nationally and in Florida,” according to the FWC.

Non-profit Wildlife Inc. seeing increase in need

An animal rescue volunteer creates a card game to benefit Wildlife Inc.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH - Wildlife Inc. volunteer Kellie Sellin Edland combined two of her passions to create a fundraising tool for the non-profit animal rehabilitation organization.

“I love cards and games and I love animals,” said Edland, a Wildlife Inc. volunteer since 2019. “So I had the idea to create the game called Critter Rescue.”

The concept of the game is based on her experiences at the organization.

“Each player takes six animal cards, and then gets six ailment cards and tries to match up the ailment to a cure,” she said.

Animals can be common - such as rabbits or raccoons - or an uncommon flying squirrel or rare fox. They are then matched up with ailments to cure, such as poisoning, injury, sickness or being orphaned. Cures can include surgery, inducing vomiting, medicine or electrolytes.

“It’s an educational game, but it’s also fun,” Edland said. “It shows people what we do here.”

The game is targeted to ages 14 and up and is for two to five players. The purchase price of the game is $25 and a portion of each sale will be donated to Wildlife Inc.

“After the cost of printing the game, all of the profits go to Wildlife Inc.,” Edland said.

“This game makes a great Valentine’s Day or Easter gift,” Wildlife Inc. cofounder Gail Straight said. “And thinking ahead to Easter I would tell people if they buy a rabbit or a chick, not to gift real live animals. Make sure that baby rabbit or chick is made out of chocolate.”

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

An adult female bald eagle peers out of her crate at Wildlife Inc. as she recovers from an eye injury several weeks ago.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN Wildlife Inc. founder Gail Straight, left, and volunteer Kellie Sellin Edland hold the Critter Rescue game, created by Edland to benefit the non-profit animal rehab organization.

SEE WILDLIFE, PAGE 15

SATURDAY, FEB. 4

Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon

Arts and Crafts Show, city field, 5901 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Navigation, Florida Maritime Museum

Folk School, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., $10

Ask a master gardener, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

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

Paper crafting for adults, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

SUNDAY, FEB. 5

Arts and Crafts Show, city field, 5901 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

MONDAY, FEB. 6

Non-native and invasive plant and animal species talk with Wildlife Inc., Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m.

TUESDAY, FEB. 7

Farmer’s Market, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Family story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, noon

Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, 11:30 a.m.

Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-4 p.m.

Movies in the Park, “How to Steal a Million,” City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd. Anna Maria, 6:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 8

Mah-jongg for beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

AMI Chamber ribbon cutting, howluckyAMI, 5402 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 p.m.

Island Time Book Club: “Verity” by Colleen Hoover, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, FEB. 9

Homeschool Creature Feature: Mangrove Crab, Neal Preserve, 12301 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 10 a.m.

Sunshine Stitchers knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Friends of the Island Library Lecture and Travel Series: Florida Maritime Museum, Roser Church fellowship hall, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 2 p.m.

Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5-8 p.m.

WILDLIFE: Seeing increase in need

FROM PAGE 14

The fundraising initiatives come at a good time for Wildlife Inc., which relies solely on monetary and in-kind donations, and has seen an increase in need.

“Last year for the month of January we had less than 100 animals come in,” Wildlife Inc. volunteer Krista Carpenter said on Jan. 26. “There are five days left to this month and we’re already up to 135.”

Carpenter said the increased load has caused a strain not only financially, but on the emotional health of the volunteers as they are caring for more animals. She said volunteers are always needed.

“When you spend time tube feeding an animal you become attached and if they don’t make it, it’s very hard,” she said.

Another new fundraising initiative is the Adopt a Bird Program.

“Choose one of our Permanent Birds to symbolically adopt,” according to the Wildlife Inc. website. “These make great gifts.”

The “adoption” comes with a certificate that has a picture and name of your adopted bird.

Wildlife Inc. Education and Rehabilitation Center’s stated mission is to

preserve and protect native wildlife through education and rehabilitation, and their ultimate goal is to care for, and release, native wildlife back into the wild.

Their headquarters and wildlife rehabilitation clinic is located in Bradenton Beach in the home and property of Gail and Ed Straight. It is not open to the public due to regulatory restrictions.

“This wildlife 'hospital' is a fully equipped clinic with incubators and cages needed to house, feed and rehabilitate wildlife. We have professional staff and volunteers who manage the feeding and care of the thousands of animals each year,” according to the Wildlife Inc. website. “We also receive calls from the public about injured animals and send trained staff out to assist and transport wildlife to our facility when necessary.”

“For as small as we are, we take in more animals than many of the big facilities,” Gail Straight said. “For example, if a facility only takes in birds, then they’re not helping mammals and reptiles. We take in all kinds of animals.”

Critter rescue can be purchased at https://www.facebook.com/WildlifeInc or www.wildlifeinc.org.

FEB. 18 & 19, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission $5

Proceeds benefit F.I.S.H. Preserve Kids 12 & under FREE

• Food • Live Music • Community Displays

• Kids Area • Nautical and Environmental Art

• A Fishermen’s Fashion Show

• Cortez Photo Contest presented by the Artists’ Guild Gallery of Anna Maria Island (AGGAMI). For further information please contact Carolann Garafola with AGGAMI at (908) 922-1973. The online submission deadline is Feb 8.

Parking: The Boy Scouts in partnership with FISH will offer on-site parking at the Preserve which is located one block east of the village, off Cortez Rd, for a $5 dona tion. Golf cart transportation to the festival entrance at 123rd St Ct W will be provided.

Park and Ride: FREE MCAT Bus service from Coquina Beach and GT Bray Park on 59th St W.

Off Site Parking: Available at Cortez Rd. Baptist Church (located at between 99th and 100th St and Cortez Rd) with Free Shuttle to Festival provided by The Monkey Bus.

FOR INFORMATION C ALL 941-301-4000

WWW.FISHCORTEZ.OR

MAYOR: Proposes negotiations

FROM PAGE 1

Army during the Vietnam War, said, “Being a combat veteran, I can tell you that those are fighting terms and they mean war. All you need to do is look at Ukraine and you can see how much is resolved by war. A lot more could be resolved through negotiation.”

Murphy said he already met with Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth and Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie to discuss these concerns.

“We discussed these issues, the parking issues, Rep. Robinson’s comments, who might be behind all of this and what the purpose is,” Murphy said.

“I’m a firm believer in ‘Occam’s Razor.’ Occam was a medieval philosopher. Occam came up with this brilliant idea that the most obvious answer to the question is probably the correct solution. I firmly believe that what’s behind all this is Rep. Will Robinson. This is the person that made the comments. So, I picked up the phone and called him. Rep. Robinson and I discussed his intent. He said he’s had a lot of grief and phone calls and complaints from his constituents about not being able to get a parking place at the beach, and that includes our city,” Murphy said.

Murphy said Robinson mentioned a past meeting in which Robinson, State Sen. Jim Boyd, Titsworth and others

discussed the possibility of the county constructing a public parking garage in Holmes Beach. Murphy said Robinson left that meeting with the impression that a parking garage would at least be considered. Murphy said Robinson was then shocked and surprised when the Holmes Beach Commission adopted an ordinance that strengthened the city’s existing parking garage prohibitions.

Murphy said Robinson also told him he gets complaints from Island property owners about their taxes being too high. He said Robinson wonders if taxes could be reduced by consolidating some of the similar services provided by the three cities. Murphy said Robinson told him that he’s not advocating for the consolidation of the three cities.

Murphy asked Robinson if he’d meet with the Island mayors to discuss these issues face-to-face. Murphy then called Boyd, had a similar conversation and asked Boyd if he’d be willing to meet with Robinson and the mayors. Murphy said he, Titsworth, Chappie, Robinson and Boyd agreed to meet on Monday, Jan. 30, in a private, closeddoor setting at Anna Maria City Hall.

“We need to sort through the issues and people need to be able to say what they want to say. I don’t know what the outcome of that meeting might be. It

might be a miserable failure on my part to try to stop a war from happening between the cities, the Island and the state of Florida. That’s what my intent is,” Murphy said.

“I realize that no good deed goes unpunished, but I think it’s the right thing to do. I wasn’t elected to throw gasoline on the fire. I was elected to get things done. The first step in getting things done is communicating. Having open and honest communications, if for no other reason than there’s no more surprises and we don’t have to worry about Occam’s Razor anymore because we know what the answer is and who’s behind it. That’s what the mission is,” Murphy said.

In response, Commissioner Jon Crane said, “Godspeed.”

Commissioner Deanie Sebring said,

“If we can discuss how we all can work together that’s going to go a long way.”

Newly appointed Commissioner Charlie Salem said, “It’s clear that they have a particular point of view and it looks like there could be some room for discussion. They did a lot of this without consulting the Island. Time is short. The legislative session starts in a few weeks. I think it will be important to have some measurable outcomes from this discussion with them, and on their part to signal that they’re interested in two-way communication as well. It’s admirable that you picked up the phone to call them. I encourage you to get something out of that meeting that will make us all more comfortable.”

PAST COMMUNICATIONS

In June 2020, Senate President Bill Galvano and Robinson sent a letter to Titsworth about the on-street parking reductions that occurred in Holmes Beach in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In part, that letter said, “Rep. Robinson and I are writing today to share our growing concern with myriad impacts of locally-imposed restrictions on public parking in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has come to our attention that on-street parking has recently been reduced by at least 45%, impacting the ability of residents and visitors to patronize local businesses

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Mayor Dan Murphy hopes to prevent a legislative battle over parking garages and governmental consolidation.

SEE MAYOR, PAGE 26

Mote signs displayed

New signs promoting the Mote Marine Laboratory’s installation of an education outreach center on the Anna Maria City Pier were recently placed on the windows of the city-owned pier building that will house the Mote facility. New signs that reserve three city-owned parking spaces for “Mote Marine Parking Only” were also recently installed near the pier entrance. Mote’s education outreach center is expected to open in late March.

Construction fence installed at 105 Elm

A construction fence was recently installed at 105 Elm Ave. in Anna Maria for the pending construction of a beachfront home for longtime property owner Fedora Campbell. Wendy and Robert Jordan, the former owners of the beachfront home at 107 Elm Ave., opposed the proposed development in part because the new home is to be built seaward of the state of Florida’s Coastal Construction Control Line, and in part because Campbell’s new home will obstruct the mostly unobstructed view their 107 Elm home currently provides of the beach and the Gulf. The Jordans’ opposition efforts included the Preserve AMI publicity campaign that was launched soon after they bought the 107 Elm home in 2021. In July 2022, the Anna Maria City Commission approved Campbell’s initial building permits and the Jordans later sold their beachfront home to the Ohio-based DePalma Corporation.

JOE HENDRICKS |SUN

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

SALEM: Appointed to AM Commission

FROM PAGE 5

Robinson and his fellow legislators also announced their pursuit of state legislation that could allow Manatee County to preempt the city of Holmes Beach’s building codes and build a multi-story public parking garage.

“I’m really concerned about our permanent resident population and the ability of our citizens to be able to govern themselves. I have a background in putting together coalitions. I would use that experience to help craft a strategy to work with the commission, the mayor and our lobbyist on this issue,” Salem said during the workshop.

During the workshop, Seymour expressed concerns about the utility grids in Anna Maria and throughout the rest of the Island. He said Anna Maria experiences power outages even on sunny days and Spectrum internet service was recently down for two nonconsecutive days, which he said impacts businesses’ ability to process payments.

“How can we partner with FPL and Spectrum to make our grid a little more stable?” Seymour said.

During Thursday’s meeting, Salem referenced Seymour’s concerns and said, “He raised an issue last week around utility liability that I frankly hadn’t considered. I’d like to dive into that a little deeper.”

During the workshop, Salem and Seymour both said they’d seek reelection if appointed. Both will have the opportunity to run in the fall election that will determine who fills the commission seats currently held by Crane, Kingan and Salem.

BRIDGE: Presentation details fixed-span bridge

FROM PAGE 4 nance projects have occurred within the past 20 years. The 90% completed plans will be submitted in the summer of 2023. Final design plans will be submitted in the spring of 2025. The construction project will be awarded to the chosen contractor in the summer of 2025 and construction is slated to begin in late 2025 or early 2026.

The new fixed-span bridge will be 2,930 feet long and consist of 19 spans. The existing drawbridge is 2.616 feet long, with 53 spans.

The new bridge will be built north of the existing bridge, with horizontal curves introduced at each end of the bridge to bring the alignment back to match existing roadway alignment. Motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists will continue to use the existing bridge until the new bridge is capable of handling that traffic.

A minimum vertical clearance of 65 feet will be provided above the 100-foot-wide navigational channel located below the center of the bridge and delineated by a fender system.

There will be retaining walls at four locations: two at the west end of the bridge and two at the east end of the bridge. The walls will serve as transitions from the bridge to the roadway. The BAC selected a multi-wave design pattern for the walls.

BAC members considered nine

different pier styles and selected multi-column piers with cheek walls. The committee considered nine pedestrian railing alternatives and chose the wave infill pattern. They considered three overlook options and selected the rounded, open overlook shape, without benches.

The BAC members selected the color pallet that will include blue railings, sand/tan for the bridge and piers and white and off-white for accents. They also selected the outside face lighting option.

Three stormwater retention ponds will be located along the west end of the bridge in Bradenton Beach: one in front of the Bradenton Beach police station, one in front of the Bradenton

Beach Marina and another in front of the Bradenton Beach Marina that will extend under the first span of the bridge and require the existing pedestrian and bike path under the bridge to be reconfigured.

One retention pond will be located on the east end of the bridge, near the Hunters Point Resort & Marina property. The eastern side of the project will also include the construction of a new road called Hunters Point Way that will connect Cortez Road and 127th Street West and provide access to the Seafood Shack, Tide Tables and the other businesses and homes in that vicinity.

FDOT | SUBMITTED

The new bridge will feature blue railings.

See dark ness in a whole new light. Engage your senses as you envision life from a new perspective.

Wa lk in the shoes of a person who is blin d. Step into the wo rl d of aveter an adjusting to civilian life.A nd see for yo ur self how some of the most intelligent, ta lented dogs on this p lanet help people jour ney beyo nd the da rk

Discover why ever yone is raving about this acclaimed multi-sensor y experience. Reserve your seat today.

GuideDogs.org/Dark

Ad sponsored by

Team Ugly Grouper struggles on Island gridiron

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

ANNA MARIA – Starting off week three adult co-ed flag football action at The Cen ter, the Ugly Grouper team took the field searching for their first win of the season against The Banks Home Lending Team squad.

After one half of play, The Banks team led by 10 points. Ugly Grouper, still in the game with the score at 18-8, struggled to stay in the game after halftime, allowing their op ponent to score 32 additional points.

The Banks Home Lending Team’s QB, Shawn Balvin, led his team to victory with six passing touchdowns. Balvin has played flag football at The Center since his time in the youth leagues.

With experience on the community center’s gridiron, Balvin hit his targets with fierce accuracy. Scoring three receiving TDs, Reuben Young had hot hands, scoring 24 points in the game.

Young, defensively, is credited with three flag pulls and two interceptions, one for six points.

Don Uffinger caught two of Balvin’s throws for 12 points. Catching five passes, Anthony McCance scored six points for The Banks team.

Rounding out the scoring with the allimportant extra-point conversions were Balvin, Cory Banks and Julia King.

On the other side of the football, Ugly Grouper’s Zachary Blakeney threw for two touchdowns to Kiatrell Zachery for 12 points. Zachery made six flag pulls and a pair of two point conversions, scoring all 16 of his team’s points.

Flag pulls by Blakeney, Daniel O’Connor and Colton Fox made nice stops for the Ugly Grouper squad.

At the season’s halfway mark, team

Diving for the football, The Banks Home Lending Team’s Reuben Young lays it for a possible touchdown in last week’s game against their flag football opponents, team Ugly Grouper.

Luxury Services takes on The Banks Home Lending Team this Thursday, Feb. 2. Luxury Services finished last week’s play undefeated, beating The Sandbar 52-13.

Ugly Grouper faces The Sandbar, finishing week three with a 0-3-0 record, in week four play. Tied for last place going into week four, one of the two last-place teams will earn their first W of the season during Thursday night play.

Key Royale golf winners

JAN. 23 - MODIFIED STABLEFORD

First Place - Chuck Patrick and Blake Ress tied, +3

Second Place - Ron Buck, Nelson Eagle, Ron Pfaff, Bob Rowley, Bill Shuman and Joe Tynan tied, +2

JAN. 24 - LOW NET SCORE

Flight A

First Place - Jenny Huibers and Betsy Meyer tied, 32

Second Place - Roxanne Koche, 33 Third Place - Debbie DuVernay and Jana Samuels, 34

Flight B

First Place - Sue Pierce, 28 Second Place - Barb Harrold, 31 Third Place - Jackie Gorski, 33 Judy Menchek had a chip-in on Hole #7

JAN. 26 - SCRAMBLE

ADULT FLAG FOOTBALL – WEEK 3

Four teams tied for First Place with 30, 2 under par: Bruce Christenson, Jim Goff, Don Grau and Ron Pfaff; Jim Hill, John Kolojeski, Nub Turner and Tom Young; Ron Huibers, Blake Ress and Bob Rowley; Doug Albrecht, Nelson Eagle and Roger Rottschafer.

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Compete in the Waterman Fly Fishing Tournament

o one has a more vested interest in water quality and the protection of our local marine habitat than anglers. That fact is clearly evident for those who make a living from the bays and estuaries that define the Suncoast, making it one of the country’s most desirable locations to visit and live. It’s easy to understand that fishing guides, waterfront restaurants, marinas and resort accommodations like hotels, motels and marinas benefit from a robust and sustainable environment. What’s less well appreciated by the public at large is the impact of a healthy environment on the economy at large.

Fortunately, local anglers, through advocacy groups like Suncoast Water-

keeper and Tampa Bay Waterkeeper, are getting that message to a wider audience through the media, legal actions and events like this week’s Third Annual Waterman Fly Fishing Tournament. The event, a sellout this year, is a two-day, fly fishing only, catch and release redfish tournament with an optional Snook Calcutta that awards the winner a 50/50 cash payout. The event will be held on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 4-5. The tournament has a full field of 50 teams with 100 anglers. All proceeds from the photo submission, all release formats including entry fees, 50% of the Snook Calcutta and raffle tickets purchases directly benefit Tampa Bay Waterkeeper, a 501(c) (3) non-profit. The fishing boundaries are the west coast of Florida from the southern tip of Sanibel Island to the southern edge of the Crystal River Power Plant main channel. The target species are snook and redfish. The

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

Long Beach Village resident Benny Parrish prepares to release a redfish during last year's tournament. Parrish and his team won second prize, narrowly missing the first-place award.

Winds challenge fishermen

CAPT. DAVE WHITE

Conditions have definitely been challenging this past week or so due to high winds and fluctuating temperatures. We here at Anna Maria Charters have been working to find areas that hold fish that are out of the wind. The sheepshead and black drum were moving in nicely with the cold, then things heated back up again, so that slightly fizzled out and we re-focused our efforts on snook and redfish. This week looks pretty warm and we expect a better bite and access to areas that were blown out the past few days.

Offshore, red grouper, mangrove snapper, amberjack and blackfin tuna are the primary species we’re targeting. We may have a few days in the beginning of the week to sneak offshore, but from Thursday on is looking pretty windy. We hope to see good things this week! Good luck out there!

CAPT. RICK GRASSETT

Trout and redfish should be good shallow-water options this month. You may also find trout along with blues, Spanish mackerel, pompano and flounder on deep grass flats. Look for sheepshead, flounder, reds and more around docks. Catch and release night snook fishing around lighted docks in the ICW may be a good option if it’s not too cold.

Regulations have returned to normal for reds and snook in Sarasota, except snook remains closed to harvest in the Charlotte Harbor area. Spotted seatrout has changed in southwest Florida to a three-fish-per-person bag limit

and a six-fish boat limit. Trout must be from 15-19 inches with one allowed per vessel over 19 inches. In my opinion, it’s important to protect larger trout, which are usually female breeders. Full regulations and details for all species can be viewed at https://myfwc.com/ Since snook are temperature sensitive, I won’t target them following

strong fronts when water temperatures dip below 60 degrees. However, I have had some great night trips catching and releasing snook on flies in the ICW at night this time of year. Since larger baitfish aren’t that plentiful this time of year, snook will gorge themselves on glass minnows and shrimp. Small white flies, like my Grassett Snook

Minnow, DOA Shrimp (3” or the newer 2-3/4”), DOA Tiny TerrorEyz or CAL Jigs with shad tails and jerk worms will all work well.

You may also find snook in rivers, creeks or canals this month. Fishing may be good in these areas on a blustery day when it isn’t fit to fish anywhere else. I like wider profile flies and lures in these areas due to the baitfish that may be found there. Fly anglers should score with wide profile baitfish patterns, such as Lefty’s Deceiver, fished on a sink tip fly line. Spin anglers should do well with CAL jigs and 4” swim baits and jerk worms, DOA Baitbusters or suspending plugs. Fish the deep spots, usually on outside bends, for the best action.

You might find reds in potholes or along the edges of bars and shallow flats when the tide is low. As the tide rises, they will feed higher on shallow flats, particularly on sunny afternoons. I like 1/16-ounce CAL jigs with shad tails or jerk worms for reds in shallow water. If it is too shallow or grassy to fish an exposed hook, a Mustad or Owner weedless hook will allow you to fish plastic baits in these areas. Fly anglers should score with lightly-weighted flies, like Clousers or my Grassett Flats Minnow with weed guards on floating lines with 10’-12’ leaders. You may also find big trout in skinny water in the same places you find reds. The same lures, flies and techniques that you use to target reds will work for big trout in those areas. I release all over-slot trout since they are usually females and I feel that they are important to the health of our trout fishery.

REEL TIME: Compete in the Waterman Fly Fishing Tournament

FROM PAGE 24

Waterman tournament culminates on Feb. 5 with an awards banquet at the Bradenton Yacht Club and features a raffle made possible by generous sponsors. A limited number of guest tickets to the awards banquet are available for

purchase for $50.

Locally, we are blessed to receive the benefit of two Waterkeeper groups. Suncoast Waterkeeper concentrates its efforts on the waters of Manatee County and Sarasota County, primarily Sarasota Bay. Tampa Bay Waterkeeper

focuses its efforts on the waters of Tampa Bay and its surrounding estuaries. Local anglers know that there are no distinct boundaries between these areas and both organizations work together on broader issues, like Piney Point and the proposed fish farm off

New Pass. While the tournament is sold out this year, I’ll report back on the results and would encourage everyone to support these groups’ advocacy efforts through donations, advocacy and volunteerism. Their work supports everything we value locally.

Fly fishing school Saturday

CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, 1249 Stickney Point Road in Sarasota, will hold an Orvis-endorsed fly fishing school on Saturday, Feb. 4. The course, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basic fly casting principles, improving casting skills and correcting faults. Instructor Capt. Rick Grassett will also cover saltwater fly fishing techniques, leader construction and fly selection. The cost for the class, which will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., is $225 per person and includes the use of Orvis fly tackle, workbook and lunch. Optional instructional guided fly fishing trips are also available for an additional fee. Call CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at 941-349-4400 or email info@cbsoutfitters.com to make reservations.

CAPT. DAVID WHITE | SUBMITTED

Long-time client, George Spinella, shows off a tasty hogfish caught last week with Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters.

MAYOR: Proposes negotiations

FROM PAGE 17

and participate in recreational activities on our beaches. Florida’s Legislature has invested significant taxpayer dollars to support the long-term health of our local beaches, yet local government is now eliminating parking, effectively restricting public access to public beaches. We respectfully request that you re-evaluate plans to reduce on-street parking.”

In February 2022, Robinson, Boyd and State Rep. Tommy Gregory sent Titsworth a similar letter that said in part, “As members of the Manatee County Legislative Delegation, we are writing today regarding the ongoing locally-imposed public parking restrictions in Holmes Beach. Manatee County residents and visitors should not be turned away from our beaches due to parking restrictions. As a delegation who has secured taxpayer dollars for beach renourishment, we respectfully request you reexamine your decision and approach to reduce on-street parking.”

All you need to do is look at Ukraine and you can see how much is resolved by war. A lot more could be resolved through negotiation.”

Dan Murphy, Anna Maria mayor

OFFICIALS: Unite to preserve home rule

FROM PAGE 1

While she said she and the two mayors from Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria would be meeting on Jan. 30 to discuss options and strategy, she wouldn’t be discussing those things publicly so as to not give state legislators the upper hand.

During a January legislative delegation meeting, Rep. Will Robinson Jr. proposed putting a bill forth in the upcoming state legislative session to install a four-story parking garage at Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach. Installation of a parking garage would undermine city ordinances that prohibit parking garages in the city and would break the city’s three-story building height limitation, which is written into the municipality’s charter. While parking garages were never an approved use in Holmes Beach, the ordinance officially stating that was not passed until 2022, after a meeting with Manatee County commissioners to discuss beach parking issues.

Titsworth said that Robinson, Rep. Jim Boyd and Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge were informed prior to the discussion that parking garages were not an allowable use in the city but that they could submit for a change of use. She said no

one from the county, which owns the Manatee Beach property, ever did.

“There’s lots of misinformation from the county,” she said. “I’m over this. We’re not trying to privatize the Island. We’re a far cry from a private island.”

Robinson also proposed having a statefunded agency do a feasibility study to determine if the three Island city governments should be dissolved, putting the Island under the control of Manatee County commissioners. Consolidation of the three cities also has been discussed.

Florida Statutes 165.061(3)(b) requires that if a municipal government is dissolved by a special act of the state Legislature, a neighboring municipality would have to demonstrate that it is willing and able, including financially, to “provide necessary services to the municipal area proposed for dissolution.” Other statutory requirements prohibit the municipality that is to be dissolved from being “substantially surrounded by other municipalities.”

Data from the Florida League of Cities shows that only 11 municipalities have been dissolved since 1977 and only two of those were by special act of the state Legislature.

Anna Maria

REAL ESTATE

Relax, everything is OK

Some people think the housing boom is over, and we do see a slowdown nationwide, but are we headed for a housing bust similar to 2008? I don’t believe so, and here’s why.

Think back to the time before the finan cial crisis of 2008 – lenders played loose and fast with their qualifying guidelines, putting people in houses they never should have bought. If you were breathing and had the minimum down payment, and sometimes that was zero, you were blessed with a home mortgage.

Since then, the redesign of the financial system and policy changes make it very unlikely that we will have a reboot of the 2008 housing crisis. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 helped to prevent a return to the old way of doing business, as long as you had the ability to wade through and initial dozens and dozens of pieces of paper or go bleary reading it online. Much of this new paperwork is comprised of

Castles in the Sand

LOUISE BOLGER

disclosures and more disclosures, the same thing written in 10 different ways making sure that borrowers understand exactly what they’re agreeing to.

In addition to better regulations, the borrowers themselves are more prudent in handling their finances and more responsible about finance. This comes from better financial education as a result of the 2008 crisis and a general switch in the real estate culture requiring buyers to have more skin in the game.

Federal regulators eliminated exotic mortgaging products that didn’t require documentation of income, called no doc loans, and little or no money down

mortgages. Adjustable-rate mortgages and other subprime mortgage products that dazzled borrowers with the thought of owning a home they were actually not qualified for are also gone. The problem was when these low adjustable entrylevel rates readjusted to the higher rates, homeowners couldn’t afford the increase and walked away from the property, leaving the lenders and subsequent stockholders holding the bag. It was all a house of cards with uninformed homeowners living in properties they couldn’t afford and never should have been in.

Thankfully, today underwater mortgages and foreclosures are minimal. Homeowners are sitting on a nice cushion of home equity mostly acquired during the past two years. Also, because future homeowners were initially required to put down more money, at least 20% of the home’s value after the appraisal, they never had the incentive to just walk away.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac came

under government control after the financial crisis and that’s when reform really began. Today, mortgage companies issuing Fannie or Freddie mortgages, which are about half of all originations, must follow tight underwriting guidelines. Consequently, today’s borrower is a much higher quality and much better-educated borrower. Even with a drop in home values that many areas are experiencing now, homeowners still have a cushion of equity that they will likely never default on.

Even though Manatee County is showing signs of a slow-down, compared to other regions of the country we’re pretty solid. Florida steadily remains one of the most popular states in the country for incoming new residents and as long as that stream continues, so do potential homeowners. Therefore, I conclude that everything is okay as long as the prudence we developed since 2008 isn’t forgotten.

IGW’s featured artist doubling down Art Walk returns

attempt to land on something her mind was already seeing. She also says her relationship with IGW is the perfect pairing.

to Holmes Beach

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH - Each month, Island Gallery West (IGW) selects a featured artist whose work is prominently displayed in the front of the gallery and follows a theme selected by the artist. February’s artist is Karen Beach and, being inspired by Valentine’s Day, she chose the theme, “It Takes Two,” with works that contain pairs of her favorite people, places and things.

“It’s the month of February, but I didn’t want it to be the stereotypical hearts and flowers, so I thought what else comes to mind, and I thought of two,” Beach said. “So, I painted some paintings that featured two birds, two people, two windmills from Italy, just to see what I could make, and that became my theme.”

Beach paints exclusively in wa-

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Island Gallery West’s February Featured Artist Karen Beach’s collection, 'It Takes Two,' features pairs of her favorite things, as seen in this painting of two buddies fishing while a pair of birds look on.

tercolor and said even the process of painting results in twos. She said that, since sometimes her first attempt at a piece doesn’t come out like she wanted it to, it may take a second

“I think I’ve been a member of the gallery for three years, and it’s a really nice fit in the cooperative way that we’re a bunch of different artists with a variety of things to see here,” Beach said. “When we get to come in and work once a month, we get to see the work of our fellow artists and what they can do. It’s a real rich experience.”

In addition to being a member of the gallery, Beach also sends out all of the email notifications, press releases and other correspondence for the gallery. IGW is a member-run organization. Beach, along with 30 other members, works at least one day a month in the gallery assisting customers with questions and purchases.

Beach will be at the gallery for this month’s Holmes Beach Art Walk on Friday, Feb. 10 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Many of the other member artists will also be on hand, along with snacks and wine.

Island Gallery West is located at 5368 Gulf Drive near Trolley Stop 15. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.

The monthly Art Walk and Shop in Holmes Beach is back, Friday, Feb. 10 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. This is a great opportunity to not only explore what Island Gallery West and The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island have to offer, but many neighboring shops will remain open late with special offers. Most of the participating businesses are located in the area of Gulf Drive and Marina Drive in Holmes Beach. Some of the businesses participating include the AMI Chamber of Commerce, Island Gallery West, Vinny’s Italian Kitchen, Freckled Fin Irish Pub, Artists’ Guild of A.M.I., How Lucky AMI, The Doctor’s Office and more.

Movies in the Park features classic films

The Tuesday, Feb. 7 presentation of the weekly Classic Movies in the Park will be “How to Steal a Million.” The free event is scheduled at City Pier Park in Anna Maria at 6:30 p.m., weather permitting. Bring a blanket, chair and refreshments and enjoy a classic film next to the bay.

Inspired by Valentine’s Day month, IGW’s Featured Artist for February displays works of art showcasing pairs of her favorite things.

BEACH BEAT

BRADENTON BEACH

1/21, 1:41 a.m., battery, 118 Bridge St. Two officers were dispatched to the Sports Lounge in reference to a physical assault on a bartender and a security person who were dealing with a customer who refused to leave after causing a disturbance. As the bartender assisted the security person, the subject punched them, causing minor injuries that did not require medical attention. One of the officers searched the area in an attempt to find the subject but was unable to do so. The subject has not yet been located.

1/21, 11:20 p.m., noise complaint, 204 Bay Drive N. The officer was dispatched to the listed address in

reference to a loud noise complaint. When the officer arrived and made contact with the renter, he told the officer he was told by his rental agency that the noise cut-off was 11 p.m., and was not aware it was 10 p.m. The music was turned off and no further action was taken.

HOLMES BEACH

1/18, 12:44 a.m., drug possession, 800 Manatee Ave. While on patrol, the officer saw a vehicle parked after hours at Manatee Beach. When making contact with the driver, he smelled the strong odor of marijuana and asked the driver if he had a medical prescription, to which he said no. A search of the vehicle found 11.3 grams of marijuana, 6.7 grams of cocaine, and 20 pills of heroin. There were also scales and packaging material which were all placed into evidence. The driver was arrested on

multiple drug charges and taken to Manatee County Jail.

1/20, 11:42 p.m., marijuana possession, 4000 Gulf Drive. While conducting foot patrol at Manatee Beach, the officer saw a male and female get into their vehicle. The officer approached them to tell them they were there illegally after hours when he noticed marijuana in the center console, as well as a rolling tray and a glass pipe with burnt residue. The driver told the officer he bought the substance in Tampa and was told it was Delta 8, which is legal in Florida. The officer said in his report the man did not have a receipt and the marijuana was not packaged in the way it would be if it was bought from a store. A total of 8.4 grams of marijuana were seized and both occupants were issued a notice to appear in court on marijuana possession charges.

OFFICIALS: Unite to preserve home rule

FROM PAGE 27

Commissioner Terry Schaefer, who attended the legislative delegation meeting, said that no one in the three Island city governments received prior notification about the parking garage proposal or the state-funded study.

“I think it showed a great deal of disrespect to everyone who lives on and loves this Island,” he said, noting that the dissolution study is “a stark warning to every community in Florida.”

“It’ll be really sad if there comes

a time when all of our little coastal cities are gone,” Titsworth said.

“We’re not going to get into a fight,” Commissioner Carol Soustek said. “We want to move forward carefully and legally.”

Though the city’s elected officials committed to doing everything they can to halt both the parking garage and the attempt to dissolve the Island cities, they also encouraged all residents, property owners, visitors and stakeholders to lend their voices to the fight by reaching out to local and state

representatives with their opinions on the two issues.

Schaefer also appeared on Jan. 26 at a ManaSota League of Cities meeting in Longboat Key on behalf of Holmes Beach. He was joined by Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie and representatives from several other local municipalities. The group agreed to draft and send a letter to the state Legislature and local delegation in support of the three Anna Maria Island cities remaining as-is and decrying the state’s potential intrusion into home rule.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

BRIDGE GAMES STARTING up at Roser Church in February. Call 314-324-5921 for details.

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

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

HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS

WANTED to assist at our information desk, especially weekends. Great for teens needing volunteer hours (16yrs+). Other assignments available. Please call the Blake Volunteer Office at 941-798-6151.

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT

& LEASE

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

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

COMMERCIAL LEASE - 419 pine, Anna Maria - Island Real Estate - Larry Chatt 941-345-1288

CLEANING SERVICE

TOTAL HOME SERVICES

CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-7564570 or 941-565-3931

ENDLESS SUMMER HOME SERVICES Cleaning & Maintenance. Call Angela for your home needs. 941577-3823

EMPLOYMENT

WANTED LICENSED

REALTOR! Seeking real estate agent with island expertise to join our highly productive sales team! Contact us at 941-900-4974. All calls confidential

The award-winning ANNA MARIA ISLAND SUN, a weekly newspaper on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is looking for a freelance reporter/photographer to cover events on this tourism-driven island. The ideal candidate will have reporting and photography experience at a community newspaper and have some experience writing for a news website. Local residents or those with previous local knowledge and willing to relocate here a plus. Resumes and cover letters may be mailed to The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216, Attention: Mike Field, publisher.

FISHING CHARTERS

CAPT. MAC GREGORY

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

FOR SALE

TOPPER FOR F150 Long bed. $50 or Best Offer. Call 941-705-7560.

GARAGE/YARD SALE

YARD SALE SATURDAY

FEBRUARY 4. 615 N. Bay Boulevard, City of Anna Maria. 9am-4pm. Variety of goods, fishing rods, books, mirrors etc.

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 # CBC 1261150. Call Mike Kern 941-7781115

GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 20+ years. Call Neil. Cell 941-962-1194

JSAN CORPORATION

Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995

Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.

API’S DRYWALL REPAIR 15+ years experience. Free estimates. No job too small. Love to help you. Call 941-524-8067.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Michigan General Contractor 30+ yrs. experience. Large or small projects. Budget minded knowledgeable tradesman will complete your project start to finish: On Time/On Budget. Call Mike 616-204-8822.

ISLE TILE specializing in Custom Bath/Shower & Backsplash installation. Pressure washing available. Call 941-302-8759 isletileservices.com

HOME SERVICES

CONCRETE FUSION, CRACK REPAIR sidewalks/ driveways. Why fix 95% of concrete when only 5% bad? Number 1 in concrete repair. Insured. Free estimate. Call Bobby 941-374-7670.

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941

SHELL DRIVEWAYS & LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell and Lime rock driveways and scapes. Also River Rock, Sand, Mulch, & Soil. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067

ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal. Sweeping, blowing, and weeding. Weekly, bimonthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing. Call Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315

MOVING & STORAGE

MARTIN’S MOVING

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

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING

PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates. 941-812-0507

“WIZARD OF WALLS”

Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Wallpaper installation/ removal. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455

DONALD PERKINS

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

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident. Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Minor repairs & carpentry. Free estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315

POOL SERVICES

FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 10 + Years Experience. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657

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

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS

TOTAL HOME SERVICES

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

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

Have you been thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! GULF FRONT, CANAL FRONT, BAY FRONT CONDOS or HOMES ASK for BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216

LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589

ATTN REALTORS: Are you thinking about leaving the business to get a salaried job? If you love being a Realtor & need help navigating this new market, call us today for a confidential appt. Kelly Gitt The Gitt Team AMI KW on the Water 941-799-9299

GORGEOUS DEEP WATER LOT with 2BR/2BA home in City of Anna Maria with dock and boat lift. Beautiful street. Just one block walk to beach. $2,800,000. Call for showing 941-7136531

ISLAND CONDO FOR SALE: 3BR/2BA, one block from beach, remodeled, furnished/coastal decor , $629,000, 513-314-5449.

RENTALS: ANNUAL

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

Ask for Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 513-3821992.

ANNUAL RENTALS – AVAILABLE NOW. 2BR/1BA, furnished. $4,500/month. 3BR/2BA, unfurnished. $5,000/month. Canal front 3BR/2BA home, private pool, boat dock. AVAILABLE 2/1/23. $7,950/mo. First, Last, and Security Deposit required Call Sato Real Estate, Inc 941-7787200 or Email monica@ satorealestate.com

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION

TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455

SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates. Contact Barb Grace 941201-2190

ANNA MARIA ISLAND

CONDOS Large pool, beach access, free WiFi, 1&2 Bedroom $900 to $1200 per week redekercondosonami.com Tim 941-704-7525

TRANSPORTATION

AMI TAXI credit cards, cash, Venmo accepted. Airport: Tampa $105, Sarasota $50, St. Pete/Clearwater $105, Orlando $220. Call 941447-8372, www.amitaxi. com GOLF CART RENTALS

ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete $80. Sarasota $40. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-779-5095