Anna Maria Island Sun February 9, 2022

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 22 No. 18

February 9, 2022

Pedestrian struck on Pine Avenue

The Ohio resident was not seriously injured in the accident.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The man on the gurney was struck by a vehicle while crossing Pine Avenue. The driver of the vehicle was questioned by sheriff’s deputies.

‘Gear up’ for Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival Get familiar with old Florida and gear up to celebrate commercial fishing in Florida’s oldest fishing village.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

CORTEZ – The 2022 Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival on Feb. 19-20 has something for everyone, including folks who don’t know how to bait a hook.

The first festival in 1981 drew 500 people to the small fishing village. Forty years later, an average of 20,000 people come to enjoy live music, food, drinks, arts and crafts and a celebration

INSIDE NEWS EVENTS CALENDAR OUTDOORS REAL ESTATE OBITUARIES SPORTS CROSSWORD

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of the history and future of commercial fishing and its impact on the community.

Visitors sometimes overlook the fishing village of Cortez as they drive by, not knowing its history and the way of life enjoyed by the residents of this small community on Sarasota Bay. For this reason, the festival is more than just an excuse to have a party, it’s also meant to educate people about the importance of commercial fishing in Florida.

The University of Florida and Florida Sea Grant have partnered with this event for 40 years to put on “Dock Talks” that educate the public on local marine life and the value of commercial fisheries.

This year’s theme is “gearing

ANNA MARIA – Ohio resident S. Weiss (no first name provided) was struck by a vehicle Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 2, while crossing Pine Avenue near Roser Memorial Community Church.

According to Sgt. Brett Getman, of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Anna Maria Unit, Weiss was transported to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton with non-life-threatening injuries. Weiss was conscious, alert and smiling while lying on the gurney as he was being wheeled to the EMS transport vehicle.

The vehicle that struck Weiss was driven by Anna Maria resident R. Walter (no first name provided).

According to Getman, Walter was issued a citation for failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

Local resident Rich Bell witnessed the accident.

“The guy was crossing in front of Roser Church, at the crosswalk,” Bell said. “He was hit by the side of the vehicle and he fell on his right shoulder. He got a couple scuffs, but he’s really lucky because it could have been way worse. If he hadn’t turned like he did, he would have went over the front of the car.”

Decision still pending on clam, seagrass restoration funds Mayor Dan Murphy recently received a revised proposal from the group that seeks $50,000 of the city’s American Rescue Plan funds.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

up,” a term fishermen use in reference to getting their equipment ready to head out to sea. It’s also a fitting term, since the festival was canceled in 2021 due to COVID-19. This event is organized

ANNA MARIA – A city commission decision on a $50,000 funding request for proposed clam and seagrass restoration projects has been further delayed as opponents voice concerns.

The additional delay is partially due to revisions made to the proposals that Ed Chiles and his associates presented to the city commission on Jan. 13, when Chiles and representatives from the Gulf Shellfish Institute, The Diatom Initiative and Sea & Shoreline requested $50,000 for the proposed restoration projects.

SEE GEAR UP, PAGE 25

SEE FUNDING, PAGE 25

A VALENTINE’S

TREE HOUSE fate remains up

Day dish for a romantic dinner or a family meal. 23

in the air. 3 MOTE modifies plan for Anna Maria City Pier project. 4

Anna Maria Island, Florida

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FEBRUARY 9, 2022

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FEBRUARY 9, 2022

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Tree house fate still undecided In the fight for the beachfront tree house in Holmes Beach, no winner has been decided yet by the courts.

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

MANATEE COUNTY – The fate of the two-story tree house at Angelino’s Sea Lodge is still up in the air.

Manatee County Circuit Court Judge Charles Sniffen heard the case for and against dismissing the fourth amended complaint submitted by tree house owners Lynn Tran and Richard Hazen against the Florida Department of Environmental Protection during a Jan. 27 hearing. Sniffen said he would submit a ruling on the case at a future date.

If the judge rules against the tree house owners, their complaint against FDEP would be dismissed with prejudice, meaning that it cannot

FILE PHOTO

The tree house on the beach in Holmes Beach remains standing as litigation continues. be brought back before the court by Tran and Hazen. The couple alleges in the complaint that FDEP violated their rights by not giving them a chance to appeal a decision to deny after the fact permits for the

tree house, which is partially located on and over the Erosion Control Line. To build on or over the ECL requires a special permit from the department before building permits could be issued by the local

municipality, in this case the city of Holmes Beach.

In a previous hearing, Sniffen warned the couple that the fourth amendment to the complaint would be the last allowed by him in this case.

The beachfront tree house has long been the subject of litigation between Holmes Beach city leaders, FDEP representatives and the property owners. When the tree house was constructed more than 10 years ago in its Australian pine perch, Tran and Hazen said they went to the city’s building department to ask if they needed a permit for the structure and were told no.

Once it was built and the city was made aware of it, code violations began piling up as the city declined to issue any after-the-fact permits. The city maintained that the tree house doesn’t meet Florida or local building codes and cannot be retrofitted to be compliant, in addition to its location at the ECL. Though Tran has previously stated she would be willing to demolish the tree house, she doesn’t want to give up the fight unless there are no legal options left for her and Hazen to save the structure.

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ISLAND NEWS

Dolphin dash helps PTO with cash

Clam project on city agenda The Anna Maria City Commission will meet at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb 10. City hall is open to the public and Thursday’s meeting can also be attended, and public comment given, by phone by calling 1-929-205-6099 and entering the meeting ID, 85392000280. The meeting will begin with general public comment. The city attorney will then present the first reading of a sexual offenders and sexual predators ordinance. The city attorney will also present a resolution that establishes the annual vacation rental registration fees. The mayor will provide updates on the Reimagining Pine Avenue design process and Mote Marine’s plans to install an educational outreach center on the City Pier. Dr. Randy Edwards will address the commission regarding his opposition to the requested use of $50,000 in American Rescue Plan funds for proposed clam and seagrass restoration projects.

Date change for Heritage Day Fair The Anna Maria Island Historical Society announced that it’s changing the date of this year’s Heritage Day Fair to Tuesday, March 15. The Society seeks crafters to participate in the educational portion of the event. There is no fee to participate and crafters who want to highlight and promote their crafts should contact the Historical Society at amihs4315@ gmail.com. For more information, call 941-778-0492.

Join the Roser Palm Sunday choir Roser Memorial Community Church is looking for a few good men and women with a passion for singing to join the Palm Sunday cantata choir. No experience is necessary, just a joy of singing. Each member of the choir will be given a musical score and recording so they can rehearse individually and at choir rehearsals, held each Thursday at 6:45 p.m.

The cantata will be held on Palm Sunday, April 10, at 8:30 and 10 a.m. services. This year’s cantata is “The Body of Christ” by Pepper Choplin and directed by Craig Ramberger.

For more information, visit roserchurch.com or call 941-7780414. Roser Church is at 512 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria.

Correction Keep Manatee Beautiful Executive Director Jennifer Hoffman was recently appointed to the Bradenton Beach Scenic WAVES Committee. A story in last week’s Sun gave the wrong date for her appointment.

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

Mote Marine modifies City Pier proposal

IN BRIEF

The 14th annual Dolphin Dash 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run to benefit the Anna Maria Island Elementary PTO is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 19, at Anna Maria Elementary School in Holmes Beach. This family- friendly event is officiated by the Bradenton Runners Club and will begin and end at AME. In past years, the run has provided money for improvements such as a new stage in the auditorium for school plays, overhead projectors for classrooms, new lunch tables and much more. The 5k race starts at 8 a.m. and the 1 Mile Fun Run at 9 a.m. Fees are $35 for the 5k and $25 for the Fun Run. Find more info at runnergirl.com/races/dolphindash/dolphindash.html

Visit our website, www.amisun.com.

Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

The city commission has not yet discussed or voted on the latest Mote Marine proposal.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Mote Marine Laboratory has provided the city with a new proposal for the interior layout of the marine educational outreach center to be installed on the City Pier.

The outreach center will be in the vacant, city-owned building at the T-end of the new pier.

After receiving Mote Marine’s latest proposal on Thursday, Jan. 27, Mayor Dan Murphy forwarded the document to city commissioners. During that evening’s commission meeting Murphy noted the commissioners have not had time to thoroughly review the new proposal, which will be discussed at a future meeting.

Mote’s new proposal features more digital and virtual exhibits. The previous plan included live exhibits containing smaller sport fish, schooling fish and a touch tank featuring urchins, starfish, sea cucumbers, horseshoe crabs and slipper lobsters.

MOTE MARINE | SUBMITTED

This rendering illustrates Mote Marine’s proposed “Draw Alive” and video stream exhibits.

EXHIBITS AND FEATURES

The new proposal includes a “Fish Sounds” exhibit that would allow guests to activate recorded marine life sounds and compare those to real-life sounds heard live through an underwater microphone installed at the pier.

It also includes a live streaming video exhibit on the marine life under the pier, projecting real-life images on the exhibit walls. It also would have a mangrove column illustrating how these plants provide crucial habitat for young fish and other marine life.

Another exhibit would help users identify and learn more about the fish they catch on the pier and elsewhere in Anna Maria.

Additional panels would explain Mote’s research efforts directly related to Anna Maria Island, including information on fisheries, sharks and rays, sea turtles, manatees and red tide.

According to the proposal, schooling fish, mangrove roots and other sea life will be set into the floor to “create a dynamic learning environ-

MOTE MARINE | SUBMITTED

This rendering illustrates Mote Marine’s proposed “Fish Sounds” exhibit. ment.”

The proposal includes a “Draw Alive” interactive exhibit that allows youngsters and adults to color a sea creature, place it on the scanner and watch it come to life on a video screen.

The latest proposal also includes an interactive microscope exhibit that projects microscope images onto a video monitor.

When contacted later in the week, Murphy said commissioners will decide if they prefer the new proposal, the original proposal or a combination of the two. During a previous commission meeting, Murphy said Mote no longer anticipates completing its installation work in March as

previously predicted.

On Tuesday, Feb. 1, the city posted the following message on its Facebook page: “Have you heard Mote Marine will open a learning center on the T-end of our City Pier? Here’s a quick update of where things stand: There are two conceptualized plans – one that includes tanks for live marine life, and one that doesn’t. Both options will be considered equally after the engineer and building official review the plans and make their recommendations. Either way, we’re very excited to welcome Mote to Anna Maria and look forward to seeing you all there soon.”

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FEBRUARY 9, 2022

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Commissioners lend their voices to pelicans

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

HOLMES BEACH – Mayor Judy Titsworth hopes that a resolution passed by city commissioners helps make fishing piers safer for the pelicans that flock to them.

At a Jan. 25 meeting, Titsworth showed commissioners two videos of pelican rescues that she’s conducted with her family as she advocated passage of a resolution to bring awareness to harmful fishing practices, particularly at the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park.

Titsworth said when her family travels up to the fishing piers by boat, they encounter pelicans that have gotten trapped in ceviche lines, some that have gotten caught on a fisherman’s hook or pole, where the line has either been broken or cut, and others that were

CINDY LANE | SUN

Pelicans roost on mangrove islands in Bimini Bayou. injured by fishermen.

When a pelican is caught in a fishing line, Titsworth said it’s not only the hook that does damage to the

bird but the fishing line they take back to their nest areas, which can cause the birds to become entangled in mangroves or other

trees where they eventually die. Those that become entangled in a line from an unattended fishing pole can drag the pole off with them

as they try to free themselves, she said, causing the pelican to drown from being tethered to the fishing pole.

By passing the resolution, she said she hopes it will encourage other municipalities to pass similar resolutions that will get the attention of state leaders and prompt a change in how the wildlife around high fishing piers is monitored by the park service. Such a resolution also could educate pier fishermen on how to handle encounters with wild animals, particularly pelicans and other birds.

“This touched my heart,” Commissioner Kim Rash said, after watching the videos and hearing Titsworth’s recitation of the pelican rescues her family has been a part of.

Commissioners voted unanimously to pass the resolution.

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OPINION

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

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

Drop us a line 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.

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FEBRUARY 9, 2022

ON THE AGENDA ANNA MARIA

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

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

Feb. 10, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting Feb. 21, all day – City offices closed for President’s Day Feb. 23, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting

Feb. 10, 10 a.m. – Code Compliance special magistrate hearing Feb. 21, all day – City offices closed for President’s Day Feb. 22, 5 p.m. – City Commission meeting followed by work session

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

Tortoise Talk, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 3:30 p.m.

Island Time Book Club, “The Viscount Who Loved Me,” Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6:30 p.m. Reserve online manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/8486358

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

TreeTots: Light and Dark, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m.

AMI Chamber Member Luncheon, Harry’s Grill, 9903 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, 11:30 a.m., $18 for members or $30 for prospective members.

Reserve online at www.amichamber.org Sunshine Stitchers knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Register online at manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/8511518 Friends of the Island Library Lecture and Travel Series, “Southeastern Guide Dogs” presented by Dr. Mary Scharf, fellowship hall, Roser Church, 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.

Palma Sola Causeway Cleanup, Palma Sola Causeway, Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 5-7 p.m.

THURSDAY, FEB. 10

FRIDAY, FEB. 11

ISLAND-WIDE

Feb. 15, 2 p.m. – Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting, Holmes Beach City Hall Feb. 15, 6 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue district board of commissioners meeting, administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton

BRADENTON BEACH

MARKYOUR CALENDAR

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

Feb. 16, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting Feb. 17, noon – City Commission meeting Feb. 21, all day – City offices closed for President’s Day

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 9

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

HOLMES BEACH

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

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

Feb. 9, 10 a.m. – Clean Water AdHoc committee meeting Feb. 9, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting

Wildlife Spotlight: Spoonbills, Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 9 a.m.

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

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online manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/8486851 Mahjong Club – Experienced Players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Register online manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/8486614 Sunset Tower Walk, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 5:45 p.m.

Bingo, The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 6-8 p.m., $10 for 10 cards.

SATURDAY, FEB. 12

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

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

DeSoto Preserve Tour, DeSoto National Memorial Park, 8300 DeSoto Memorial Hwy., Bradenton, 9 a.m.

Master Gardener Tour, Riverview Pointe Preserve, 8250 DeSoto Memorial Hwy., Bradenton, 9 a.m.

Origami Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Reserve online manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/8486405 Oyster shell volunteer workday, Robinson Preserve expansion, 10299

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Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 2 p.m.

Reserve to michelle.leahy@mymanatee.org or 941-742-5923 ext. 6035 Music on the Porch, Florida Maritime Museum, Bratton Store porch, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 2-4 p.m.

SUNDAY, FEB. 13

Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 8-10 a.m.

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

TUESDAY, FEB. 15

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

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

Family story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Register online manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/8486812 Mahjong for Beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Register online at manateelibrary.libcal. com/event/8486595 One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-3:30 p.m.

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FEBRUARY 9, 2022

Party for a cause at DCoy Ducks Have a good time helping one of the Island’s favorite bartenders on Feb. 12 at DCoy Ducks.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Locals are stepping up to help one of their own through a tough time with a benefit to be held at DCoy Ducks.

One of Anna Maria Island’s favorite bartenders, Lisa O’Connell, is experiencing some serious health problems and her family at Ducks is hosting a benefit to raise money to help her through this rough time.

Starting at 4 p.m. on Feb. 12, the community is invited to come out to DCoy Ducks, 5410 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach, to enjoy food, music, drinks, raffles and a silent auction with all proceeds going to assist O’Connell, who is expected to be unable to work for an extended amount of time due to her health issues.

If you don’t know O’Connell from DCoy Ducks, where she’s worked

SUBMITTED

New signs approved for CRA district The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) district in Bradenton Beach, which includes the Bridge Street business district, will soon get new signs. The new signs will be white with black lettering. On Wednesday, Feb. 2, the CRA members authorized city attorney Ricinda Perry to purchase the signs at an estimated cost of $51,500, including installation. The signs will be manufactured and installed by Rothco Signs & Design. The new signs will be made of high density urethane and placed on decorative poles. The signs will replace existing speed limit signs and other signs that reference parking, crosswalks, local destinations and more.

CRA members have previously discussed creating a more consistent appearance for the signs in the CRA district. The district extends from the south side of Cortez Road to the southernmost property lines along Fifth Street South.

A benefit for Lisa O’Connell will be held at DCoy Ducks in Holmes Beach on Feb. 12 beginning at 4 p.m. O’Connell is also a diehard Tampa Bay Bucs fan. for the past 12 years, you may know the Bangor, Maine, native from her time at The Tip of the Island, the Island Inn, the Rod & Reel or Bortell’s Lounge. O’Connell moved to Anna Maria Island in 1986 after being a visitor for 10 years and quickly became a muchloved member of the community.

TWIN COLD water

For anyone who would like to help out but can’t attend the benefit, a GoFundMe page is planned to be set up for O’Connell.

Raffle and silent auction items are still being collected for the benefit at DCoy Ducks. To donate, contact manager Ritchie Brown at 941-778-5888.

VALENTINE’S DAY 2022

Lobster Tails

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with 2 sides 25.99 Add a lobster tail to any entree 12.99

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$5 Mimosas and Poinsettias **Alcohol reserved for 21+**

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FEBRUARY 9, 2022

Roser Church

“...a beautiful place to explore your faith...”

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM or 10:00 AM IN PERSON in the Sanctuary Nursery • Children’s Church

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Hall of Fame guitarist to play The Center

ONLINE • Watch LIVE or LATER

RoserChurch.com

Text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin The CHAPEL is open during office hours for prayer and meditation 941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch

CELEBRATE LOVE WITH YOUR

only fish in the sea.

IslandDining.com

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Don Felder is coming to The Center of Anna Maria Island for one night only.

The legendary singer-songwriter and guitarist will take the Island’s stage on Feb. 20 playing some of his biggest hits, along with hits he helped write and perform during his time with The Eagles.

Tickets are available now at www. centerami.org/events. Doors open at 6 p.m. with an opening act to take the stage at 7 p.m.

The show will be held outside on the field at The Center. All attendees should bring their own lawn chairs. No smoking or outside food and drink will be allowed but The Sandbar will have a cash bar on site for the event. Concerts take place rain or shine.

Felder appears as a part of the Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series presented by Bradenton Area Arts & Culture, The Sandbar and Cedar Cove

SUBMITTED

Don Felder is best known for his work with legendary band The Eagles.

Resort and Cottages.

Tickets also are on sale now for Richard Marx on March 23 and Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals on April 2. The Center is at 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria.

ROMANCE IS IN THE SALT AIR Beach days are the best days and that makes spending Valentine’s Day here extra special. Sunsets seem more vivid. The salt air is oh-so-refreshing. And the sound of the gentle waves is the perfect backdrop for a special date.

Wondering how to spend the holiday on the Island? There are plenty of options.

On the north end of the island in Anna Maria, head to The Sandbar. This waterfront restaurant features stunning views of the beach and the romantic Gulf waters. Many of the menu selections include locally grown fruit and vegetables from Gamble Creek Farms, an organic farm located in neighboring Parrish. A stroll on the beach before dinner is an idyllic way to work up an appetite. Or beat the crowds and come for lunch.

Then, head to nearby Pine Avenue to shop. Discover a little local history and then check out what’s biting on the Anna Maria City 3LHU ZKHUH ¿VKLQJ LV SRSXODU DOO GD\ DQG DOO night. Many of Pine Avenue’s businesses use environmentally friendly practices, helping this street earn its title of “The Greenest Little Main Street in America”.

A short distance to the south, but still on the Island, is the Beach House, a trendy waterfront restaurant right on the beach that’s the perfect backdrop for Valentine pictures and posts.

Featured appetizers like Oysters Rockefeller or Vegan Lettuce Wraps are served bar side and include locally grown, house made ingredients.

“Cheers” with Lola wines from Northern California-based boutique vineyards. Nearby Bridge Street features many fun shops and pubs and is a great choice for a night on the town.

For the hopeless romantic, on the north end of Longboat Key is a hidden gem called the Mar Vista. An evening of pure romance is waiting there. Situated on the Sarasota Bay, the tranquil waters provide a beautiful view from the tables that are tucked away under a canopy of Buttonwood trees. Reserve a spot with Shore Thing Tiki Cruises or other local charter tours to arrive by boat and pick up take out to dine “al fresco” onboard the vessel. The menu features specialties like Grilled Cobia Risotto, and the Mar Vista 14oz. hand-cut NY Strip. It promises to be a night to remember.

Anna Maria Bake House’s Pastry Chef, Leilana Haas, creates the amazing baked goods for all three restaurants. Haas points out that “special meals deserve a special ending” and she and her team pride themselves on using fresh ingredients for their hand-made cheesecakes, pies, and other specialties.

With so many options, this Valentine’s Day promises to make everyone “happy as clams.” Be sure and snap a picture to look back at a magical day on the island!

Content provided by: The Chiles Group

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WITH A CHOCOLATE FACIAL OR OUR HEARTS & FLOWERS COUPLES MASSAGE BOOK A COUPLES MASSAGE FEB 13-16 AND WE’LL INCLUDE CHOCOLATE HEARTS AND ROSE PETALS 941-650-5441 | 9805 Gulf Drive | annamariadayspa.com

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

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FEBRUARY 9, 2022

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Is COVID-19 a concern for our furry friends?

As the latest variant of COVID-19 continues to spread, many are wondering if their pets could be at risk.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND - After some big cats in zoos have been shown to not only carry COVID-19 but actually exhibit symptoms, some wonder if their pets are safe.

Zoos from Tampa to Washington, D.C., and around the world have been reporting lions and tigers that have not only tested positive for COVID-19 but have shown symptoms very similar to humans, such as respiratory illness.

Scientists say it’s much more likely that humans in close contact with the big cats spread the virus to the animals, not vice versa.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report that dogs, cats and ferrets have also tested positive, but the cases are few.

“It appears that there have been a few pets that have been COVID positive, especially in the beginning," said Dr. Emily Murphy, of the Island Animal Clinic in Holmes Beach. "There were a couple of cases of dogs that they believed were positive, but they were asymptomatic and we haven’t seen much since then. We don’t believe, with the numbers we are seeing now, that it is transmissible to dogs and cats. The big cats in the zoo, yes, but not pets.”

Murphy echoes the CDC, saying the big cats in the zoos have shown respiratory illness that is almost certainly due to COVID, and that the COVID likely was transmitted to the cats through zoo workers, who were

COVID-positive, being in close contact with the animals.

Other pets such as birds, reptiles and rodents appear to have almost no chance of being affected by the pandemic, she said; it also appears unlikely that your dog or cat would be a carrier that would pass the virus on to you or your family after contact with someone who is positive, such as a pet sitter or groomer.

“There hasn’t been anything like that that I know of, where that kind of transmission has happened at all, but of course, I’m learning to never say never when it comes to this virus as it continues to change,” she said.

According to Murphy, there is no reason to worry about pet-to-pet transmission on play dates or trips to the groomer. It’s far more likely you will catch COVID from another human than any animal that may interact with your pet. Even though it seems unlikely your pet will have anything to do with the transmission of COVID, both the CDC and Murphy agree it is probably not a good idea to cuddle close to your dog or cat if you are sick with the virus.

It is recommended you have someone else take care of your pet while you are positive, just to be on the safe side.

While Shawn Warner said she isn’t worried about her dog, Zeke, getting COVID as he rides shotgun with her in the Old Town Tram golf cart shuttle service in Bradenton Beach, she also is staying on the safe side, just in case.

Zeke gets petted, hugged and kissed dozens of times every day they are on duty.

“I will say I take a lot of precautions,” Warner said. “I clean his face just like I do my own. I keep wipes on the cart and clean the steering wheel and seats, as well as Zeke and I.”

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

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Shawn Warner and her dog, Zeke, spend plenty of time interacting with the public while she drives The Old Town Tram in Bradenton Beach.

COVID-19 IN MANATEE COUNTY

Jan. 24 Cases 3,761 % Positivity 24.8% Deaths 26 % Eligible population vaccinated 63.1% New hospital admissions 122 Feb. 6 Cases 2,892 % Positivity 21.91% Deaths <10 % Eligible population vaccinated 63.3% New hospital admissions 91

COVID-19 IN MANATEE COUNTY SCHOOLS

Jan. 31 Anna Maria Elementary - 0 staff, 0 students Manatee County - 10 staff, 77 students Total since first day of school (AME) - 2 staff, 19 students Total since first day of school (county) - 760 staff, 4,058 students Feb. 6 Anna Maria Elementary - 0 staff, 0 students Manatee County - 7 staff, 29 students Total since first day of school (AME) - 2 staff, 22 students Total since first day of school (county) - 814 staff, 4,311 students Source: CDC, Manatee County Schools

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FEBRUARY 9, 2022

Good Samaritan reunites woman with missing cash, refuses reward When a woman lost her money in the store, a local retail manager’s honesty led to a reunion with the missing cash.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT jschaffer@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH - It was a beautiful day on the Island, and Janet Kaesberg was enjoying some time with a friend, doing a little shopping at Sun and Surf Beach Shop in Holmes Beach.

As she was checking out at the shop, Kaesberg got a phone call, and, like millions of us do every day, she reached into her back pocket for her phone. What she didn’t realize at the time was her small zipper pouch she also had in the same pocket, slipped out and fell to the floor. This was the beginning of a difficult 24 hours.

“I got that phone call, and it must have fallen out then, but I didn’t know for sure when it happened because I didn’t notice it until later that night,” she said.

Kaesberg is a snowbird who lives in west Bradenton from January through April, spending a great deal of time on the Island. She knew the odds were fairly good that she wasn’t the victim of a crime, but most likely dropped the small zipper bag, which contained about $300 in cash, in the Sun and Surf. The only other place she had visited that day was Beach Blossom Studio.

“I got my friend back to the airport then when I got back home

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Janet Kaesberg and Jennifer Francis reunite at Sun and Surf Beach Shop in Holmes Beach. later that evening, I realized I had my ‘mad money’ in my back pocket and it wasn’t there,” she said.

Kaesberg joked that she didn’t know the actual name of Sun and Surf. Like so many others, she knew it as the “bird store” because of the dozen or so exotic birds who talk to visitors as they walk the sidewalk to enter the shop.

Employees of Sun and Surf understand that the popular birds often distract people from the sign out front.

Kaesberg also didn’t know that a very honest and caring employee

had found her little zipper bag containing the $300 on the floor, and every last dollar was still there.

Assistant Manager Jennifer Francis found the pouch and immediately opened it hoping to find some identification that would allow her to reunite the large sum of cash with its owner. Unfortunately, this “mad money” was alone, and no method of finding its owner was apparent.

Since it was after hours, Kaesberg couldn’t call that evening.

Kaesberg finally called around 11 a.m. on day two and it was Francis who answered the phone.

“The next day I called, and Jennifer was the one that answered the phone. I asked her if she knew anything about it and she said yes, she was the one that found it,” Kaesberg said. “I was shocked and so close to not even calling, but I’m glad I did.”

Francis said she had no idea who had lost the wallet and she put it behind the counter hoping the owner might return and see it there to claim it.

“I was worried nobody was claiming it, and nobody was calling; it was all day and I heard nothing.

When I got in the next day the first thing I did was check the answering machine, hoping I got a phone call from the owner. But when there was nothing on the machine I was like, ooh,” Francis said.

She told Kaesberg that her money had been found and was safe.

Kaesberg returned to the store to retrieve the cash and offered Francis a reward, which she refused under any circumstances.

Nobody in this scenario did anything for publicity or personal gain - one person simply wanted to help another. Because of this, it appears these two people have formed a bond and will be friends for a long time over something as simple as a dropped wallet. Both Kaesberg and Francis made it clear that they believe most people are good, even though many outlets would want people to believe otherwise, and they hope compassion is contagious.

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FEBRUARY 9, 2022

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JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Recipients accept more than $19,000 at the Trolley Grant Awards held at The Seafood Shack in Cortez.

Trolley grants help local nonprofits The 2022 Trolley Grants were awarded to 13 local nonprofit organizations at a ceremony held at The Seafood Shack in Cortez.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE

CORTEZ - Anyone who has spent any amount of time on Anna Maria Island has certainly seen and probably enjoyed a ride on the trolley.

From City Pier in Anna Maria to Coquina Beach on the southern tip of the Island in Bradenton Beach, the trolley goes just about anywhere - free.

This is possible because the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce sells advertising that is prominently featured on each trolley. After taking care

of expenses and administrative costs, the remaining money from these ads is disbursed in the form of grants.

The Chamber, in partnership with Manatee County Government, was able to present monetary grants to 13 nonprofits on the Island and in Cortez on Jan. 26 at The Seafood Shack in Cortez, where $19,396 in grants were distributed.

Ed Hunzeker, a former Manatee County administrator, along with the late David Teitelbaum, of Anna Maria Island Resorts, founded the trolley program.

To date, more than $428,000 has been distributed through the program.

Grant applications are available to Island and Cortez nonprofits in mid-October each year, with completed applications due in mid-December.

2022 trolley grant recipients Anna Maria Elementary School Anna Maria Island Art League Anna Maria Island Historical Society Anna Maria Island Privateers Artists’ Guild Gallery Friends of the Island Library Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Roser Food Pantry Roser Memorial Community Church Rotary Club of Anna Maria The Center of Anna Maria Island Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Inc. Grants are typically awarded in January at the Chamber's monthly social event on the fourth Thursday of the month.

More information is available at the Chamber’s website, annamariaislandchamber.org.

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FEBRUARY 9, 2022

Food • Live Music • Community Displays • Kids Area • Nautical and Environmental Art

FEB. 19 & 20, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission $5

Proceeds benefit F.I.S.H. Preserve

Kids 12 & under FREE

The festival is located at the east end of the Village adjacent to the Florida Maritime Museum on 119th St. W.

Parking: The Boy Scouts will offer on-site parking at the Preserve which is located one block east of the village, off Cortez Road, for a $5 donation. FISH is providing FREE Parking for Motorcycles in the FISH Preserve Parking area.

Bus Service with Off-site Parking: Available at Coquina Beach and GT Bray Park.

Cost is $3.00 for Round Trip Bus Fare ($1.50 each way).

Off Site Parking: Available Saturday only at Cortez Rd. Baptist Church (4411 100th St. W., Bradenton) with Free Shuttle to Festival provided by The Monkey Bus.

For information call 941-301-4000

www.cortez-fish.org

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FEBRUARY 9, 2022

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15

gRub brings tropical barbeque to Anna Maria gRub owner Ben Sato has a wealth of culinary experience and training.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Owner, chef and pit master Ben Sato’s new tropical barbecue restaurant, gRub, is now open.

Located at 415 Pine Ave., gRub (pronounced grub) opened at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 2.

“It feels really good. It’s been a long time coming,” Sato said on opening day.

When interviewed the previous day, Sato explained his tropical barbecue dining concept.

“Tropical barbecue combines flavors from the tropical areas around the world, including the Caribbean, Hawaii and Asia. It’s different than anything else on the Island. It is its own type of category,” said

Sato, who is half Japanese.

Sato said gRub is a “fast-casual restaurant” where patrons order and receive their food at the main counter.

“My background is in fine dining in Miami, Key West and Fort Lauderdale," he said. "I went to the Johnson & Wales culinary school in North Miami and I worked at several fine dining restaurants. I think a family-oriented casual barbecue spot is something the Island needed. We’ve been working on this for three years, but I’ve been thinking about this since I moved back to Island from South Florida around eight years ago.”

While developing his gRub concept, Sato worked at Sato Real Estate, which is owned by his mom, Barbara, and his brother, Jason – neither of whom have active roles in the restaurant endeavor.

“It’s my baby. I’m running the place and I own the place,” Sato said.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Ben Sato opened his new restaurant, gRub, on Wednesday. gRub tropical barbeque is located at 415 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria.

Barbara was on hand for gRub’s opening and Jason stopped by for lunch.

“I’m excited for my brother.

He’s worked his butt off and it’s been a long time coming.

This is a dream come true for him and it’s awesome to see it become a reality. It’s a great addition to Pine Avenue,” Jason said.

MENU HIGHLIGHTS

When discussing the gRub menu he created, Sato said, “As far as platters, we have Mojo Pork ($19), smoked and shaved brisket ($19), honey-glazed spareribs ($18 for a half-rack and $34 for a whole rack) and Peri-Peri Chicken ($16)."

"For sandwiches, we have a brisket sandwich served on a pineapple-coconut luau roll ($16). We also have a QBen

($16) that’s way different than any other Cuban you’ve had.

Instead of using cured deli meats, I smoke my own pork belly, slice it thin and layer that with Mojo pork, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard,” he said.

The menu includes a porkfilled Willow Wrap ($15) and several varieties of empanadas, salads, side dishes, soft SEE GRUB, PAGE 24

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AMI Historical Society hosting annual luncheon The Anna Maria Island Historical Society board of directors invites all Historical Society members and other interested guests to attend the society’s annual members luncheon on Wednesday, Feb. 23, from noon until 2 p.m. The luncheon will be in the picnic area at the museum campus, 402 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria. Ginny and Jane E’s Café will provide the box lunches. Historical Society President Elizabeth Hager will read a report written by society co-founder Pat Copeland that explains how the organization was

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The annual luncheon will take place on the grounds of the AMI Historical Museum. founded. Museum docent Judy Hildman will report on the society’s history and corresponding secretary Evelyn Hoskins will provide additional details about the museum. Participation in the

luncheon is limited to 40 people and reservations must be made by Friday, Feb. 18. Reservations can be made by emailing amihs4315@gmail.com.

Donations are greatly appreciated.

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

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FEBRUARY 9, 2022

THE SUN

Just friends

A great blue heron, left, and a white ibis pal around at Leffis Key in Bradenton Beach.

CINDY LANE | SUN

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CINDY LANE | SUN

Flocking together Black skimmers, foreground, flock together with royal terns, seagulls and other shorebirds on a January beach day on Anna Maria Island.

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FEBRUARY 9, 2022

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19

American Rescue Plan expenditures discussed The city has until 2024 to formally commit to how it will spend federal funds.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The City Commission is planning how to spend roughly $640,000 in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds.

In October, the city received 50% of those funds and will receive the remaining 50% during the next fiscal year. During the Tuesday, Feb. 1 city commission work session, City Treasurer Shayne Thompson said the city has until 2024 to formally commit to each planned expenditure of the federal funds.

President Joe Biden signed the $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill known as the American Rescue Plan

Act into law in March 2021. Crafted

by Congress, the stimulus bill was enacted to assist with the country’s recovery from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The city commission plans to spend about $191,000 to make cyber security improvements to the police department and city hall servers and rewire those internet technology connections; to transition to a cloud-based telephone system for city hall and the police department; to purchase a new four-wheel-drive all-terrain vehicle for the police department, and to purchase new laptops for the police cruisers. The exact cost for each of these allowed expenditures has not been determined.

Police Chief John Cosby said the city currently uses an all-terrain vehicle provided by Manatee County as part of their interlocal

agreement on the city’s policing of the county-owned Coquina Beach and Cortez Beach areas. Cosby said the county vehicle cannot be used for any other purposes or in any other areas.

The commission also envisions using about $400,000 of the federal funds to help pay for future drainage and stormwater system improvements on the north end of the city.

The city also has more than $2 million in state funds that are being used to engineer the flood control and drainage improvement to be made using the $2.6 million state appropriation. The statefunded drainage improvements will include curbs along Avenue B that will direct rain and tidal waters to the drainage pipes and outfalls that discharge the water into Sarasota Bay and Anna Maria Sound.

Kinder appointed to Scenic WAVES Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce President Terry Kinder has been appointed to the city of Bradenton Beach’s Scenic WAVES Committee. When Kinder was being appointed on Thursday, Feb. 3, Mayor John Chappie noted the chamber president typically has a seat on the committee.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

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OUTDOORS

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

The bridges of Manatee County Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

B

ridges provide anglers who don’t have a boat or don’t want to bother with one some excellent fishing opportunities.

Their structure provides the perfect habitat for fish. Besides the plethora of small baitfish, crabs and other crustaceans that call these places home, bridges provide gamefish a refuge and an ambush point for feeding. The bridges that span the local passes are also natural pathways for fish like pompano, Spanish mackerel, ladyfish and bluefish. These fish migrate from the Gulf to the local bays and feed around the bridge pilings and fenders. Winter and early spring are particularly good times to find action around the local bridges. If you happen to have a boat, you’ll find them a great place to fish too.

This winter has been, thankfully, a bit cooler than past years, and fishing for sheepshead, a perennial winter favorite, has been strong around local bridges. If you wonder when the best time to fish bridges might be, I’d refer to the old saying that the best

time to go fishing is any time you can. Having said that, if you have the luxury of picking your time and tide, a morning incoming tide is hard to beat.

The second-best time would be a late outgoing tide. Timing your trip to coincide with the beginning or end of the tide cycle will make it easier to deal with the often-strong currents that course through the passes. That doesn’t mean you’re restricted to those times and there are ways to rig that will allow you to deal with any tide stage.

A medium-weight spinning outfit is perfect for fishing the bridges. I prefer a 10- to 12-pound outfit since you’ll have to hoist your catch from the water to the bridge. There are special nets available that can be lowered to help with this operation, but it is one more piece of equipment you’ll have to transport. With most catches, a careful hand-overhand retrieve will work just fine and your mobility will not be restricted. Gloves are recommended. Depending on what is running, a few lure choices will suffice. One of the most effective lures for fishing the passes is the jig. When the current isn’t particularly strong, a jig tied directly to a 30-pound section of leader will work perfectly. If the tide is strong, a weight will help get the offering down in the

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

Dave Sparks caught this nice Spanish mackerel on the Longboat Key bridge. water column where most of the action often occurs. To keep the weight from interfering with the jig, tie a section of 40-pound leader with a sliding egg sinker between two small swivels. Then add your leader and jig below. This rig can be used with lures or live bait.

Another advantage of this rig is that as it is being worked across the bottom, it sends up a small puff of sand that attracts predators like pompano.

One of the advantages to fishing from a bridge is the ability to easily move from one spot to another. This allows the an-

gler to try near the pilings, on the edges of the channel and areas where striking fish might be found. If the action is slow or you’re exploring a bridge and pass for the first time, work both sides of the bridge.

Vary your retrieve, working the lure fast and slow, exploring the water column.

Spanish mackerel and bluefish, two common species that frequent local bridges, have sharp teeth and can cut through monofilament leader.

There are two options to protect your lure. One is to use a short strand of wire leader or heavy monofilament line. The other is to use long-shanked hooks. Wire leaders can make fish leader-shy if the water is clear. I most often just take my chances. You’ll lose a few lures but, in the end, I’d rather get hits and risk a cutoff than get no hits at all. All things considered, I think you’ll catch more fish without wire. If you do use wire, check out the brands that can be tied like fishing line and use a smaller test (30-pound) leader. The exception to this rule is if you’re fishing turbid water or early and late in the day when the sun is low.

Whatever your fishing style, don’t pass up a trip to the local bridges. The action can be spectacular and the effort required is far less than an outing in a boat.

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

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THE SUN

21

Cold snap means sheepshead!

CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE

It’s definitely been weather for the wintertime critters lately! We here at Anna Maria Charters have stopped catching pilchards for our inshore trips and have switched to shrimp until things warm up a bit.

Sheepshead, black drum, pompano, permit and whiting make up most of our cold-weather species.

We do occasionally get redfish and snook in the mix, but nowhere near what we catch in the spring and summer.

We focus on the wrecks and reefs inshore and also hit local structures, docks, and certain beaches.

When the weather is accommodating, we’ll get the nearshore ledges up to 9 miles out. There, we target hogfish, grunts, porgy, snapper and sheepshead as well. A size 1 hook and a 3/4 egg sinker does the trick.

It appears as though the forecast is going to keep dealing us cold and windy weather for the foreseeable future, so I assume things will remain the same for a spell.

CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE | SUBMITTED

Our good friend Karen Spinella, of upstate New York, shows off a big sheepshead caught with Captain David White of Anna Maria Charters.

CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had some action recently, catching and releasing reds, snook and trout on DOA Lures in Charlotte Harbor and Sarasota Bay and snook at night on flies in the ICW. Keith McClintock, from Lake Forest, Ill, fished Sarasota Bay with me and caught and released a couple of nice reds and trout on CAL jigs with shad tails. He also fished backcountry areas of Gasparilla Sound on another trip with Stephen Liska, from Naples, and they had some action catching and releasing several reds and snook.

Martin Marlowe, from N.Y., had a great trip catching and releasing numerous snook on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly while fishing the ICW at night with me. Fly anglers Gary Mintz and Taylor Owen, from Colo., fished Sarasota Bay with me on another trip and Taylor caught and released a nice

CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT | SUBMITTED

Taylor Owen, from Colorado, with a Spanish mackerel caught and released on a Clouser fly while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.

Spanish mackerel on a Clouser fly Look for reds, snook and larger trout in shallow water. Fishing for snook at night around bridges and dock lights is also a good option depending on conditions.

Our natural resources are under

constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, toxic spills and discharges, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!

TOUCH FREE VOICE CONTROL!

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Select Models Now

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

Parts & Services Available

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

WMFR welcomes new staff members The West Manatee Fire Rescue District officially welcomed new staff member Kaitlyn Wright as the district’s new administrative assistant and Jalex Scott Gynecia as financial clerk during a Jan. 18 board of commissioners meeting.

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AMI Chamber warns of rental scam

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce has isALSO AVAILABLE! sued a warning about a rental scam occurring on Facebook Messenger. According to the press release, photos NISHES; LIGHTof various Anna Maria Island vacation rentals are being MOTEposted on local Facebook groups expressing availability of UDED these venues and offering to accept reservations and payment directly through Facebook Messenger. The Chamber warns visitors not to make any payment for a rental directly through Facebook, as it could be a scam. For more information, contact the Chamber at 941-778-1541.

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AMI Chamber has open position The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce has a position open at the Manatee Beach Kiosk one or two days per week. The candidate chosen for this position will experience a great opportunity to assist visitors and answer questions about everything AMI. If interested, please contact the AMI Chamber at info@amichamber.org.

S

FOOD & WINE

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

THE SUN

23

Feast of St. Valentine Brian Mathae HURRICANE HANKS

V

alentine’s Day has morphed into a commercial celebration of romance and love, but it originated as a Christian feast day to honor a martyr. St. Valentine was executed for marrying young couples in secret during a Roman ban on marriage in the third century.

The ban was decreed by Emperor Claudius II, who thought that single men made more courageous soldiers than those with wives and families. February 14 was established as St. Valentine’s feast day in the fifth century.

I grew up in a house where Valentine’s Day was celebrated, but it was celebrated with the entire family. My mother loved giving greeting cards, so when Valentine’s Day rolled around, we could count on a card and a nice box of chocolates. Mom did this for decades!

It didn’t matter how old we got, or how our families had grown, she would still give my brother and I (and our families) cards and

Coq au Vin (serves 4)

Ingredients

3 pounds of chicken legs and thighs, bone in 3 cups red Burgundy wine 1 cup diced pancetta (or bacon) 2 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper 1 bay leaf 1 tsp fresh chopped thyme, plus extra sprigs for garnish 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 large onion, peeled and diced 1 large carrot, peeled and diced 4 cups sliced brown mushrooms

small gifts.

When my brother and I cleaned out my parents’ house this past September, we came across boxes of old greeting cards that my parents had received over the years. Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day and everything in between - mom kept them all. While we didn’t take an official tally, mom had far more cards from me than my brother.

We joked that maybe mom just liked me more, but the reality was I followed more of the family traditions and therefore sent more greeting cards.

Today’s recipe is well suited to both that romantic dinner for two or a family celebration.

It encompasses red wine, which is a signature requirement of Valentine’s Day! It’s easily scalable for however many people you want to feed. It does, however, take some planning and time if you follow any of the traditional versions of the recipe that call for the chicken to marinate for up to eight hours. Marinating meats before cooking is a common step in many recipes. However, studies have shown that the marinades only penetrate the meat by about one tenth of an inch. This is far less than what would be required to successfully soften or flavor the meat. On the other hand, 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp tomato paste 1 tbsp flour 2 tbsp brandy 3 tbsp butter 8 ounces pearl onion Pinch sugar

Directions:

• Season the chicken with 2 1/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper. In a large bowl, combined the seasoned chicken, bay leaf and chopped thyme. Cover and refrigerate between two hours and overnight if you want to follow the traditional method.

• In a large pot with lid, cook the diced pancetta over medium heat until the fat has rendered out. Using a

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research suggests you can improve the flavor of food by cooking and cooling it. This is why leftovers taste better the next day! After cooking, chemical reactions continue to take place and this can produce new or more flavor molecules in many ingredients. When meats cool down, the gelatinous materials begin to gel around the chunks of meat and add flavor. Our recommendation is that you cook the dish a day ahead, let it cool properly and then reheat it the next day. You may want to add a few fresh herbs to liven up it up a bit, slot-ted spoon transfer the cooked pancetta to a plate and leave the fat in the pot.

• Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Set the marinade aside. Add the chicken to the fat in the pot, a few pieces at a time, and brown both sides for about 3 to 5 minutes each. Once browned, transfer chicken to a plate.

• Add onion, carrot, 2 cups mushrooms, and remaining 1/4 tsp salt to pot. Cook until vegetables are lightly browned. Scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pan into the vegetables.

• Stir in garlic and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.

Stir in the flour and cook for another minute. Add the brandy and cook for another minute. Be aware the brandy can ignite at high heat so use caution. Add the marinade, bring to a gentle boil until volume reduces by

just avoid the microwave. Microwaves heat up food by bombarding the water molecules.

As the water becomes steam, moisture can be re-moved from the food causing it to become tough or rubbery. That’s why there are no microwave ovens at Hurricane Hanks. Instead, cover the dish well and reheat gently in a 250 degree oven.

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Hurricane Hanks, Hurricane Liquors, LBK Liquors, and Chubby’s Lounge. about one half.

• Add the chicken and any accumulated juices and half the cooked pancetta to the pot. Cover and simmer over low heat for about 1 hour. Uncover and simmer another 15 minutes until stock thickens.

• While chicken simmers, melt 1 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp oil in a large skillet and add the pearl onions, a pinch of sugar and salt to taste. Cover and cook over low heat for about 15 minutes, shaking the skillet often to keep the onions from sticking. Uncover, increase heat to medium high and add the remaining mushrooms and cook until browned, about 7 minutes.

• Add the contents of the skillet and remaining pancetta to the pot. Let cool completely uncovered and then cover and place in refrigerator. Gently heat the next day and sprinkle fresh sprigs of thyme on top before serving.

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FEBRUARY 9, 2022

GRUB: Now open FROM PAGE 15

drinks, beer and wine. The wine offerings include “Frosé,” a frozen drink made with rosé wine and strawberry puree.

“It’s really good. All the girls love it. My wife, Danielle, told me I had to have it,” Sato said.

Mason Martin Builders built the building and Adrian Griffin assisted with the design.

The restaurant has about 40 inside seats, including the bar area, with some additional outdoor seating on the front deck.

The new building includes the second-story residential space where Sato and his wife, Danielle, who works at Sato Real Estate, now live.

“We just moved in a couple of days ago,” he said.

In addition to the limited number of parking spaces in front of the restaurant, including one handicapped space, and the public parking spaces located along Pine Avenue, Sato has an agreement with the nearby Roser Community Memorial Church that provides additional parking for his restaurant.

Sato said he’s already fully staffed and his staff includes some cousins who are moving down from Minnesota. He said a grand opening ceremony will take place after the initial kinks are worked out.

OPENING DAY DINERS

Part-time Anna Maria resident Glyn Pashley was among the first to dine at gRub on opening day. Accompanied by his wife, Evelyne, Pashley had the Coquina Chick sandwich made with Peri-Peri chicken salad, pineapple and tomato and served on multi-grain

bread ($15), with the cucumber salad as his side dish.

“We know Ben. The food is absolutely amazing. The sandwich is spicy and flavorful and the cucumber salad is fresh and light. We’ll be coming back,” Glyn said.

Sgt. Brett Getman and Deputy Patrick Manning from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Anna Maria Unit were also among gRub’s first customers.

“I’m having the QBen with mac & cheese. It’s very tasty.

The bread is very fresh, the pork has a unique flavor to and they all come together very well,” Getman said.

“I had the same thing and I have to agree. It’s a great combination,” Manning added.

Stephanie Morris, Emily Toth and David McGough enjoyed their lunch while seated at the picnic table.

Morris had the Bimini Bay Bahn Mi pork brisket sandwich.

“It’s delicious. The meat’s tender, the bread is perfect and the slaw has the right amount of spice,” she said.

Toth had the QBen. “The meat is delicious and the bread is crispy but soft on the inside. The potato salad is well-seasoned. Everything about it is good and the sweet and spicy sauces are both awesome. I will definitely be back,” she said.

McGough had the Fir Flatbread ($14) made with roasted vegetables, pesto and queso fresco cheese.

“It’s got cheese, broccoli, tomatoes and olive oil and it's spiced very well. It’s absolutely delicious and reasonably priced. I’m a vegetarian and I

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

gRub’s interior décor was designed by Ben Sato. was able to have a really great lunch. They have more on the menu for vegetarians – a lot of salads and some really good macaroni and cheese. This is really good and I’ll be coming back,” McGough said.

Regarding the décor and the overall dining experience, McGough said, “I love it. I think it’s perfect for Anna Maria and I think it will do great business.

The location on Pine Avenue and the open doors are wonderful.

They just opened an hour ago and they’re doing well already.”

Hours are Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and closed on Sundays. The eatery offers walk-up to-go service but is not currently taking to-go orders over the phone or online, although online ordering will be available later.

Visit gRub online at www. gRubami.com, and on Instagram @grub_ami.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Honey Spare Ribs are a signature item on the gRub menu.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The QBen is Ben Sato’s take on the Cuban sandwich.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Emily Toth, David McGough and Stephanie Morris ate lunch at gRub on opening day.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Coquina Chick sandwich features Peri-Peri chicken salad.

www.amisun.com

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

THE SUN

25

FUNDING: Decision still pending FROM PAGE 1

The money sought would come from the roughly $850,000 in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds the city of Anna Maria will receive from the federal government. The city’s 2021-22 fiscal year budget earmarked $55,000 in ARP funds to address red tide/ environmental issues.

The funding decision is also being delayed pending an appearance before the commission by 35-year Manatee County resident and retired marine ecologist Dr. Randy Edwards, who opposes the plan. Edwards will address the commission during the Thursday, Feb. 10 meeting that begins at 2 p.m.

On Jan. 13, Chiles told the commission a group of unnamed private donors would match, dollar for dollar, up to $50,000 in additional funds donated by the community at large. Chiles said this could turn a $50,000 effort into a $150,000 effort.

The group’s original proposal called for 20,000 southern hard and sunray venus clams to be placed in the Tampa Bay waters offshore of Anna Maria and in local canals.

The proposal also calls for a seagrass restoration project in Bimini Bay – an interior body of water located in both Anna Maria and Holmes Beach.

Citing lingering concerns as to whether clams help remove red tide cells from the water, Commissioner Jon Crane requested the commission delay its funding decision until first hearing from Kevin Claridge regarding Mote Marine Laboratory’s red tide research and mitigation efforts. Claridge is vice president of Mote Marine’s sponsored research and coastal policy programs.

“I am told that clams and oysters do generally clean water, but there is no evidence that clams or oysters remediate red tide,” Crane said on Jan. 13.

He also questioned whether the red tide cells removed from the water by clams are redeposited into the water via the clams’ excrement.

On Wednesday, Jan. 26, Mayor Dan Murphy received a revised proposal from Diatom Initiative founder and clam hatchery operator Curt Hemmel. The proposal increases the number of clams from 20,000 southern hard and sunray venus clams

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Left to right, Commissioner Jon Crane questions how effective clams are at removing red tide cells from natural waters. Diatom Initiative founder Curt Hemmel has provided the city with a revised clam restoration proposal. Mote Marine’s Kevin Claridge addressed the city commission on Jan. 27.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Left to right, Gulf Shellfish Institute Executive Director Stephen Hesterberg believes the proposed restoration programs would provide additional research opportunities. Local restaurateur and businessman Ed Chiles, standing, is enthusiastic about using clams to improve water quality. to 1-2 million southern hard clams, with no sunray venus clams, which are often harvested for dining purposes.

Hemmel’s revised proposal was accompanied by a letter of support from Gulf Shellfish Institute Executive Director Stephen Hesterberg.

“It is empirically well supported that filterfeeding, bivalve shellfish improve water quality, support adjacent marine habitats and eliminate the organism that causes red tide. Although it is true that some nutrients delivered to the sediments are resuspended, a substantial amount of nitrogen can also be rendered inert by bacteria or utilized by beneficial submerged aquatic vegetation such as seagrass. Numerous peer-reviewed studies demonstrate that bivalves can facilitate seagrass production through im-

GEAR UP: For Fishing Festival FROM PAGE 1

by volunteers with the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH), who are thrilled to see the return of this much-anticipated event and have been gearing up, themselves, with monthly planning meetings to make sure every detail, large or small, is addressed.

If the best food in Florida, cold drinks, original artwork and live music aren’t reason enough to attend

the 2022 Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, just grab a raffle ticket and you could go home with one of the beautiful, refurbished custom boats restored by the FISH Boatworks.

Admission is only $5 for adults, while kids under 12 are free. The entrance to the festival is at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., with plenty of parking for a small donation of $5 to the local Boy Scouts.

proved water clarity and nutrient transfer,” Hesterberg stated in his letter.

“The exciting technologies being developed at Mote Marine Laboratory, such as clay application and ozonation/cavitation/ oxidation, should absolutely be included in our arsenal of means to mitigate red tide.

However, it is important to clarify these methods are reactive to when red tide blooms arise and do not prevent or address the root causes of harmful algal blooms. In other words, such tools fight a wildfire once it is raging, but do not lower the risk of one starting,” Hesterberg stated in his letter.

MOTE PRESENTATION

When appearing before the city commission on Thursday, Jan. 27, Claridge provided an overview of the red tide research being conducted by Mote Marine and its research partners.

He said the potential red tide mitigation methods being researched include natural algaecides, ozonation, clay disbursement, UV light rays and more. Claridge said tiered testing of these potential mitigation strategies is taking place in inland test tanks before being introduced to the natural waters.

Claridge noted this research pertains to red tide mitigation rather than habitat and marine life restoration. He also noted Mote Marine is not directly involved in studying the effectiveness of clams and other bi-valves regarding their ability to filter out red tide cells.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Crane addressed a point raised in a letter he received from Edwards, who listed his past associations with Mote Marine, the U.S. Geological Survey and the University of South Florida. Crane asked if the 20,000 clams originally proposed would equate to a “drop in the bucket” in terms of addressing water quality issues.

In his letter, Edwards stated, “20,000 clams would filter an infinitesimally small volume of the bays. Their filtration effect would be so small, compared to the volume of water in the bays, to be totally insignificant and would have no meaningful positive impact. The question is what better could be done with the $50,000 by the city; it would be far better to invest it in reducing stormwater nitrogen runoff to the bay.”

Commission Chair Carol Carter noted Mote Marine is not seeking any project funding from the city and that Claridge appeared at the city’s request.

Carter noted both projects propose restoration efforts in and offshore of Anna Maria and Holmes Beach. She suggested the group either seek some of the funding from the city of Holmes Beach or limit the scope of the restoration projects to Anna Maria. Carter also noted the city has not yet received a formal written proposal regarding a funding request and she recommended one be submitted. Murphy also recommended a more formal written proposal be submitted.

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O

REAL ESTATE

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

Sense of urgency, you think?

ne of the biggest understatements I’ve heard recently is that buyers are starting to feel a sense of urgency. If they’re just starting to feel a sense of urgency, where have they been for the last year? The urgency isn’t going to get any better.

With the recent rapid rise in interest rates, economists are forecasting a frenzied first half of the buying year and a somewhat calmer second half. I’m not sure that’s going to make buyers feel any better. U.S. home sales surged to a 15-year high in 2021 and with the leftover, pent-up desire for homes, 2022 could just be a redo of the previous year.

Although it’s true rates are going up, they are still very low compared to other times in history, as I pointed out last week. Some buyers will feel it, but many will just absorb the extra monthly carrying costs as part of the new reality.

In our neck of the woods, the 2021 Sarasota and Manatee housing

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER market was a record-breaking year of sales. The Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee reported that December ended “in line with the upward trend that has been visible throughout the last quarter: higher prices, lower inventory and fewer sales than the same month in the previous year.” Most months during the year ended with increased median sales prices, including December, which broke the previous record set in November.

Although prices in the last month of 2021 broke previous records, the combined closed sales of all property types

in both counties decreased by 14.3%.

For single-family homes in Sarasota County, sales were down 19.4% and in Manatee County, down by 8.1%. Condo sales were also down by 17.3% in Sarasota and down by 9.5% in Manatee.

In both counties, 100% of homes sold at or above the original list price.

They also sold fast, with the median time from listing date to contract date reported at seven days for single-family homes and condos combined for the two counties. Also, comparing 2020 to 2021, the total number of closed sales increased by 14.9% for the combined counties.

Finally, cash sales were the way to go in 2021 for both counties, accounting for 57.3% of all single-family sales for the year. For all condo sales in the two counties, 40.2% were closed with cash.

Since the Sarasota/Manatee housing region is frequently looked at as one entity, it’s important to report what is

going on in Sarasota, since it does influence Manatee, as well.

It’s undeniable that Sarasota and Manatee counties are two of the areas at the top of the real estate heap in Florida. All of the state is doing well, and the Tampa Bay region, as previously reported, is slated to be number one in the country in 2022, according to Zillow.

Unfortunately, buyers are still in the untenable position of having to make quick decisions about one of the biggest investments and purchases in their lives. And sellers are hesitant to sell because they fear having trouble finding a new home because of short supply and higher interest rates associated with a new mortgage.

Call it a sense of urgency or just call it what it really is - a new normal, at least for this year.

But then we’ve had a lot of new normal recently, haven’t we?

www.amisun.com

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

BEACH BEAT BRADENTON BEACH

1/27, 3:05 p.m., driving on a suspended license, Gulf Drive. Police stopped the defendant for an expired registration, a cracked windshield and a broken taillight. Upon further investigation, the driver had two suspensions on her license due to failure to pay previous fines. The defendant was arrested and the vehicle was towed from the scene.

1/19, 12 p.m., information, 2408 Gulf Drive North. A male subject who had reported two guns stolen from his vehicle at Via Roma Resort on Jan. 10 called police to inform them that he found them and they had just been misplaced, there was no theft. The man said he felt sorry about the whole thing and about wasting the time of the police. The case is closed and no further action taken.

HOLMES BEACH

1/24, 4:41 p.m., shoplifting, 3900 East Bay Drive. An officer was dispatched to Publix about a report of shoplifting. Video showed the suspect leaving the store with a bag containing about $100 worth of steak he did not pay for. The suspect was identified by police, who contacted him and asked him to come to the police station, saying if he cooperated, he would not be arrested at the time. The suspect admitted to not paying for the steak and was told he was free to leave. The officer completed a capias request, which was submitted to the records division.

1/26, 5:37 p.m., suspicious circumstance, 6006 Gulf Drive. The officer was dispatched in reference to a burglary. Upon arrival, the homeowner told the officer that when she arrived home, her key that was hidden above the door was missing.

She said she had a second hidden key in a different location, but when she went to retrieve it, that key was missing, too. The woman was able to

climb up to a second-story deck and enter the home through that door.

When she entered the home, she noticed her spare car keys and a third spare house key were both missing from a key ring next to the door.

Nothing but the keys were missing from the home. The woman said she wasn’t aware of anyone playing a joke on her. No further police action was taken.

1/30, 10:15 a.m., found property, 5406 Marina Drive. The officer responded to The Feast restaurant after the cook called to report he had found a gun behind the restaurant. The gun was a Taurus 9mm handgun that was unloaded and covered in rust, leading the officer to believe it had been there for a long time.

The serial number was run through FCIC and NCIC and came back with a possible match out of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The gun was taken back to HBPD and placed in an evidence locker for safekeeping.

Perico Bay Club—As Good As It Gets!!

Business As Usual…..Just A Li le Differently.

If you’re looking to buy or sell in Perico Bay Club, or know someone who is, please give me a call!

Give me a call today if you yo ou u’re ’re e lookin looking ngg to Buyy or Sell on Anna Maria Maria Island Mari Islaand or the surrounding ounding ngg aarea! rea eaaa!!

Lynn Zemmer 941 4141 1-730 3030 0-1294 9 94

941.209.1542 I Lynn@Edgewaterami.com 941.730.1294 | Lynn@Edgewaterami.com www.EdgewaterRealEstateInc.com www.EdgewaterRealEstateInc.com Street, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217 106 Bridge

Say hello to your new neighbors

941.779.0304

941.504.7821

the Parrot Heliconia

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27

OBITUARIES Webster Cutting, Jr. Webster Cutting, Jr., 85, of Bradenton, Fla., died Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022, after a long battle with cancer, surrounded by the ones he loved.

Born March 28, 1936, Webster was an avid golfer and overall sportsman. He loved soccer and was a coach for many years. He was a two-time club champion at Key Royale Country Club in Holmes Beach, during which time he recorded two holes in one. He loved spending his time supporting local sports teams, including the Rays. He never met a man he didn't like, which led to many friendships throughout his life.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Gail (Brosseau) Cutting; son, Craig Cutting (Lisa, grandson, Nicholas); daughter, Lisa Rivera (Donnie, grandchildren, Lorenzo Rivera (Nicole), Felicia Ionita (Alex)) and great-grandchildren, Bryson, Abby, Maddie and Jensen.

He will be missed by many.

Visitation will be 10 -11 a.m. with services to follow at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022, at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel. Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com

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www.amisun.com

THE SUN

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

Panel plants community garden plans With the prototype for a planned community garden in Holmes Beach almost complete, parks members are getting ready to start looking for interested gardeners.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Parks and Beautification Committee members are taking the final steps before opening the new prototype community garden to the public.

At a Feb. 2 meeting, committee members discussed the progress made at the garden’s prototype area, Veterans Park. Located adjacent to Holmes Beach City Hall, the smaller park space is serving as a trial run for the community garden, which is planned to be installed on a city-owned parcel adjacent to Grassy Point Preserve. Currently, city leaders are undergoing the process to rezone the lot from residential to park/recreation/open space.

At Veterans Park, 10 raised-bed planters have been constructed and placed around the water fountain.

Once irrigation is installed, those boxes will serve as the first community gardening spaces.

Committee member Mary Lange added that the fountain is planned to be used as an herb garden.

At their March meeting, committee

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

The first raised boxes for a community garden project in Holmes Beach have been placed around the fountain at Veterans Park. members will discuss the application process to use one of the community garden planting locations.

In addition to the planter boxes, committee members voted unanimously to accept a plan proposed by a team of Manatee County Master Gardeners to install butterfly-friendly plants at the park.

Veterans Park was once a butterfly garden, however, it fell into disrepair a few years ago and was renamed once the landscaping was redone by public works employees.

Lange estimated it would cost about $500 to buy the plants.

Committee members voted unani-

mously to have her submit a grant application on the group’s behalf to try and get the cost covered without dipping into the committee’s $10,000 budget with the city of Holmes Beach.

However, about $5,000 will be spent to erect a veterans’ memorial wall in the park. Committee members voted unanimously to approve the expense, with an agreement they would seek input from local veterans on creation of the wall.

The Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. at Holmes Beach City Hall. All meetings are open to the public.

www.amisun.com

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

NEWS BRIEFS

9-10 a.m. It then opens to the general public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In case of bad weather, a rain date has been set for Saturday, March 5.

Time for the Island Library book sale Anna Maria Island’s favorite book sale is coming back to the Island Branch Library at 5701 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach. The Friends of the Island Library book sale takes place on Feb. 26 in the library’s parking lot, which will allow for social distancing.

Available for purchase will be a large number of books for adults, children and everyone in between, along with DVDs and other media. The sale opens first to Friends members only from

Feed your appetite for books and food Support a local restaurant and your local Island Branch Library with this year’s Appetite for Books fundraiser.

Kicking off the Friends of the Island Library’s celebration of 40 years at the current library location is a fundraiser sponsored by area restaurants. Visit Ginny and Jane E’s, at 9807 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria, from Jan. 30 through Feb. 5 and your purchase will help raise funds for programs and other

THE SUN

community outreach efforts when you mention the Island Library.

One day only on Feb. 10, visit Pizza Social at 308 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria.

The restaurant’s owners have pledged to donate 10% of its proceeds to the Island Library on pickup and delivery orders.

From Feb. 13-19, pick up dessert from Hometown Desserts at 507 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria and support the library with a portion of proceeds going to the Island Library.

Head down to the Blue Marlin at 121 Bridge St. in Bradenton Beach for a special night out Feb. 20-26 that helps support the library. Reservations are recommended.

The Friends of the Island Library thank all of their community partners for their support and generosity.

Calling all fitness enthusiasts Grab your running shoes! The first annual FITFest is coming to Robinson

LONGBOAT KEY 545 Sanctuary Drive A303 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,375 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4522671 $2,175,000

SARASOTA 1917 Rose Street 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,839 Sq. Ft. Maria Beck PA & Jalina Beck 646-531-4118 A4521547 $1,150,000

LONGBOAT KEY 680 Fox Street 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,544 Sq. Ft. Cindy Fischer & Mark J Baron 941-465-1124 A4520803 $995,000

BRADENTON 19409 Ganton Avenue 0.77 acres Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4518974 $925,000

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

BRADENTON 3005 65th Street E 4 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,272 Sq. Ft. Barbara Dumbaugh & Victoria Lear 941-951-6660 A4523425 $750,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7806 Troon Court 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,951 Sq. Ft. Gloria Bracciano 941-229-4000 A4523433 $625,000

SARASOTA 2503 Tanglewood Drive 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,015 Sq. Ft. Emily Evans & Victoria Beckham 941-920-8787 A4522699 $460,000

BRADENTON 920 Tidewater Shores Loop 306 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,232 Sq. Ft. Jonnie Dwyer 941-812-6283 A4519374 $439,990

29

Preserve on March 5.

The day of fitness fun begins at 7:30 a.m. with a sign-in and yoga class at the Mosaic Nest, 10299 Ninth Ave. N.W. in Bradenton, followed by a boot camp class with Anna Neal at 8 a.m. A 5k race beings at 9 a.m. with participants able to walk, run or stroll through the park. Each race participant receives a dri-fit event T-shirt.

At 10:30 a.m., attend a yoga class led

by American Yogi and wind down from the race with a rest class by Ria Ray at 11:15 a.m. Take a lunch break and then take a bonus class, shop the marketplace or relax under a banyan tree from noon to 2:30 p.m. Classes involve hooping, HIIT, acro-yoga, paddleboard and more. A DJ will be spinning tunes all day to help keep the energy and festivity up.

Visit www.runsignup.com/manateefitfest to sign up or visit www.mymanatee.org/fitfest for more information.

LONGBOAT KEY 4311 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 401 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,293 Sq. Ft. Victoria Lear 941-350-1064 A4522542 $1,100,000

BRADENTON 1523 1st Avenue W 4 Beds 3 Baths 3,500 Sq. Ft. Fran DeDona & Pam Goodwin 941-812-5023 A4505327 $999,750

BRADENTON 348 Snapdragon Loop 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,469 Sq. Ft. Stuart Lawrence & Laura Lawrence 941-894-4001 A4519347 $795,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 6435 Moorings Point Circle 201 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,963 Sq. Ft. Marci McFarland 941-961-3390 A4523441 $765,000

BRADENTON 5220 43rd Avenue W 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,188 Sq. Ft. Toni Lyon 941-928-8735 A4523040 $265,000

PALMETTO 2915 8th Street Court W Debbie Vogler 941-705-3328 A4512663 $225,000

941.896.9981 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

30

THE SUN

www.amisun.com

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

CRA planning third phase of undergrounding The third phase of undergrounding work is expected to begin in late 2022 and be fully completed in late 2023.

JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is moving forward with preliminary plans to underground the utility lines along Third, Fourth and Fifth streets south.

This third phase of the ongoing undergrounding efforts will also include undergrounding the utility lines along Gulf Drive South from Fifth Street South to Bridge Street, and also along Bay Drive South from Fifth Street South to Third Street South.

On Wednesday, Feb. 2, City Attorney and CRA liaison Ricinda Perry told the CRA members she received a preliminary, non-binding cost estimate of $548,100 from Florida Power & Light to remove the existing above-ground lines, poles and equipment associated with this project.

Perry said that figure does not include the boring and installation work to be performed by Wilco Electrical or another contractor. Nor does it include the removal of the additional utility lines and equipment used by Spectrum and Verizon, or the direct connections between the undergrounded utility

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The removal of the Gulf Drive South utility lines and equipment is expected to begin in March. lines and the impacted residences and structures.

Perry noted FPL’s nonbinding estimate is not the final, agreed-upon price for FPL’s portion of the project. That price will be established in the binding cost estimate that comes later. She said the nonbinding estimate is comparable to the costs associated with the Bridge Street undergrounding project completed in 2020.

When contacted later, Perry estimated the total cost for the third phase of undergrounding would be about $750,000$800,000.

During Wednesday’s meeting, Perry recommended a two-year project timeframe encompassing the current fiscal

year and the 2022-23 fiscal year. Perry said CRA members included $550,000 in the current fiscal year budget for additional undergrounding within the CRA district. The remaining funds would be included in the CRA’s 2022-23 fiscal year budget.

Perry recommends again using Mark Porter’s Utility Consultants of Florida for engineering and project oversight and Wilco to do the underground boring and installation work.

She said she would inquire as to whether Wilco can honor the same rates the company offered for the city’s previous two undergrounding projects.

Those cost savings were the result of a contract with Wilco that was piggy-

backed onto a Wilco contract for the town of Longboat Key’s large-scale undergrounding project.

Perry anticipates this next phase of undergrounding work to begin in late fall/early winter of this year and be completed, including the removal of the existing lines and poles, by late 2023.

The CRA members authorized Perry’s request to place a $4,121 deposit on the engineering services and plans needed to place the project in FPL’s project queue.

Perry said she hopes to avoid the “sticker shock,” the city and the CRA experienced with the state-funded Gulf Drive South undergrounding project from Longboat Pass to Sixth Street South and the connecting side streets.

FPL’s initial, nonbinding cost estimates for that project came in between $360,000 and $390,000, but in May 2021 Perry received a binding cost estimate from FPL for $1,187,029. The unexpected increase initially created a $365,000 funding shortfall, but Perry and the city were later able to address the increased costs through additional negotiations with FPL and the use of county funds originally designated for another city project.

The Gulf Drive South undergrounding installation work was completed in 2021, but the existing poles and lines have not yet been removed by FPL. Perry said FPL expects to begin removing their poles, lines and equipment in March, starting at the southern end of the city and working north.

www.amisun.com

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

THE SUN

31

Dock expansion requires additional permitting

February 14th

Vale

nt ine S

pec ial

Happy Valentines Day

The easternmost portion of the proposed floating dock expansion project next to the Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach will require some additional permitting.

During the Wednesday, Feb. 2 Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting, City Attorney Ricinda Perry said the Army Corps of Engineers is requiring more permitting before a new section of floating dock and four or five perpendicular finger piers can be installed. Perry said attaching the remaining new finger piers to the existing floating dock will be allowed while the ad-

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Perpendicular finger piers will be attached to the existing floating dock by the Bridge Street Pier. ditional permitting for the east end of the expanded dock is pursued.

The finger pier installation is expected to begin in late March or early

April. The new section of the floating dock and the remaining finger piers will be installed if and when the Army Corps approves the additional permitting.

Top real estate producers for January 2022 A PARADISE

Helen Ross Pollock - Listing Quinton Talbert - Selling

AN ISLAND PLACE REALTY Sue Carlson - Listing Tanya McCormick - Selling

DUNCAN REAL ESTATE Cindy Jones – Listing Darcie Duncan - Selling

EDGEWATER REAL ESTATE

Lynn Zemmer - Listing & Selling

FRAN MAXON

Stephanie Bell – Listing Sharon Villars Foraker - Selling

ISLAND REAL ESTATE

Kathleen White and Erin Leathem - Listing Gail Tutewiler and Jennifer Chatt – Selling

MICHAEL SAUNDERS

Hannah Hillyard - Selling

MIKE NORMAN

Marianne Norman-Ellis - Listing Carla Beddow – Selling

PREMIER SOTHEBY

Laurie Mock – Listing Lisa Morris - Selling

REMAX ALLIANCE GROUP Sharon Hightower – Listing Christine Kourik - Selling

SALTY MERMAID REAL ESTATE Diana Sinisi – Listing Liz Blandford - Selling

SATO REAL ESTATE

Jason Sato - Listing John Damato - Selling

WAGNER REAL ESTATE Miguel Rosa – Listing Carmen Pedota - Selling

32

THE SUN

SPORTS

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

Youngest footballers learning game at The Center Moss Builders Nissan of Bradenton

31 6

ANNA MARIA - Each Tuesday night, The Center’s gridiron becomes the training ground for the 4- to 5-year-old flag footballers. This season’s clinic, sponsored by the Sandbar, has two teams, more than 10 players on the roster, and two great volunteer coaches.

Coach Dhaval Patel and Kevin Shook take the field each week, not only teaching the rules and skills of the game, but also sharing their love of the game and working with kids.

At the end of the season, the youngest players in the league look to the 6- to 7-year-old league as the next level of play, before competitive recreational play begins when they turn eight.

In week four action, the adult flag football league’s standings were rattled as the Sandbar team, coming in with the only win in the season, defeated the undefeated Solid Rock Construction squad by two touchdowns.

Solid Rock Construction now shares the same record at 3-1-0 with Prosper Bradenton at the top of the charts going into the second half of the regular season.

As the adult flag football season looks to the playoffs in the coming weeks, the adult indoor soccer league struggles to make a game happen. With two forfeits last week, the match-up between Sato Real Estate and Gulfview Windows & Doors ended in a tie, after each team scored seven goals. No winner gave each team a 1-0-1 record going into week three of play.

Investigative Lawyers Group Wash Family Construction

24 2

Shady Lady (1-3-0) WTBL (2-1-1)

27 38

SUN SCOREBOARD TUESDAY, FEB. 1 YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL – WEEK 4 8- TO 10-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE

Prosper Bradenton (3-1-0) Cortez Deep Sea Fishing (1-3-0)

47 12

TBT (3-0-1) Moss Builders (2-2-0)

31 28

Solid Rock Construction (3-1-0) Sandbar (2-2-0)

14 26

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Mac Parkman Foundation Progressive Cabinetry

18 12

Moss Builders Solid Rock Construction

39 21

Prosper Bradenton Beach Bums

20 18

Shady Lady Bradenton Beach Parasailing

20 12

11- TO 13-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE Blalock Walters Miz & Hiz Biz

28 18

HSH bye week

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 2 YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL – WEEK 3 MAKEUP GAMES 8- TO 10-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE Moss Builders Shady Lady

33 14

Solid Rock Construction Prosper Bradenton

21 15

Bradenton Beach Parasailing Progressive Cabinetry Beach Bums Mac Parkman Foundation

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Above, The Sandbar Orange team's Mason Shook and Holden Bittle dive in, trying to stop opponent River Chambers. Sandbar Team Grey teammates Kalvin Kroth and Cooper Patel look on as Chambers move down the football field. Left, Mason Shook, for the Sandbar Orange team, feels the pressure of Sandbar Grey team's Cooper Patel and Meyer Gail as he rushes for big yards in the youth flag football clinic at The Center. Coach Kevin Shook and Holden Bittle watch teammate Shook run down the sideline.

20 0

11- TO 13-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE

Wash Family Construction Miz & Hiz Biz Moss Builders HSH

7 0

24 32 26 Wins* 26

Blalock Walters Nissan of Bradenton

25 8

Investigative Lawyers Group bye week

THURSDAY, FEB. 3 ADULT CO-ED FLAG FOOTBALL – WEEK 4

THURSDAY, FEB. 3 ADULT CO-ED INDOOR SOCCER – WEEK 2 Slim’s Place (0-2-0) Beach Bums (2-0-0)

Win by forfeit

Sato Real Estate (1-0-1) 7 Gulfview Windows & Doors (1-0-1) 7 Mi-Box (1-1-0) Win by forfeit Progressive Cabinetry (0-2-0) *win by overtime rules

Key Royale golf scores MONDAY, JAN. 24 MODIFIED STABLEFORD

1st Place Team - Jon Holcomb, Hoyt Miller, Dave Rincke and Blake Ress with a score of +6 1st Place Individual - Gary Alvord and Dave Rincke with a score of +5 2nd Place Individual - John Cassese, Larry Brattain and Quentin Talbert with a score of +3

TUESDAY, JAN. 25 - LOW NET SCORE Flight A 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Tie Pam Lowry 36

Marcia Friesen 34 Jenny Huibers 35 Lisa Edmonds,

Flight B 1st Place Janet Razze 29 2nd Place Tie Peggy Clauhs, Judy Todd, Jackie Gorski 33 Jenny Huibers got a chip in and a birdie on Hole #5.

THURSDAY, JAN. 27 - SHAMBLE COUNTING TWO BEST SCORES FROM THE GROUP

1st Place - Eric Lawson, Nub Turner and Tom Young with a score of 62, two under par 2nd Place - Gary Alvord, Ken Butler, Rich Salzburg and Greg Shorten tied with Dean Christensen, Tim Donnar, Tom Solosky and Quentin Talbert with a score of 63, one under par

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

FUN IN THE SUN

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

Answers to 02-02-22 Crossword Puzzle.

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

THE SUN

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

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

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

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

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

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THE SUN

CLASSIFIED

ANNOUNCEMENTS

EMPLOYMENT

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

LOCAL LONG STANDING Island Business looking for an experienced full charge bookkeeper/accountant.

Pay Commensurate with experience. Please send your resume to info@ gaunt.com

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.

AUTOMOTIVE FOR SALE 2001 LEXUS LX 470.

Large SUV white/beige, 130,000 miles. One Owner CARFAX $14,990 OBO marketreps@aol. com

BOATS, WATER CRAFT WaveRunner YAMAHA 2007 FX Cruiser High Output and (2) WaveRunner YAMAH 2007 FX Cruiser.

Both come with Owner’s Manual and almost new covers. Both have less than 90 hours usage. Pick up at 63rd St dock Holmes Beach, must have your own trailer. $2,500 each.

Or $4,500 for both. Being sold as is. Call 703-5827755 2/16 NEW Bode

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

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

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

Call us today! 941-778-3986

THE WATERFRONT RESTAURANT is hiring all positions Front of House Back of House Full time & PT Very competitive pay Come by in person @ 111 South Bay Blvd Or Call Manger Chef Billy 678-229-8888

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

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES ISLAND VILLAGE MULTI CONDO Garage Sale Friday, Feb 11th 8:00 - 1:00 Saturday, Feb 12th 8:00 - 5:00 4255 Gulf Drive, Building D Furniture, clothing, bikes, decor and much more

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.

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

941-778-3206

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. 3/16 NEW Buz Corp.

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

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

Neil 941-726-3077

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

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

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 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.

ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal.

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

SEARAY SPRINKLER SERVICES. Repairs, Additions, Drip, Timer Head Adjustments. Call Rick today Cell 720-299-1661 Office 941-920-0775 1/26 NEW Brumfield pick up 4/28/21

LOST & FOUND LOST PRESCRIPTION SUNGLASSES in black case between Gulf Watch and Beach House Restaurant.

Please call 847-563-8365.

FOUND PACKAGE WITH CAMERA EQUIPMENT including SD cards, Cannon Lenses. Found near 1101 Gulf Dr N Queen’s Gate Resort Call 941-320-2697

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

FOUND MAN’S WEDDING RING. In Wal-Mart parking lot on Cortez. Call 518822-7315

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

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

941-812-0507 “WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

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

Quality Workmanship.

Interior/Exterior. Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315 DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-705-7096

PETS MUST GIVE AWAY SCHNAUZER 2 year old female, spaded, loving disposition.

Unable to keep her. Please call 941-741-1096

POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 10 + Years Experience. Residential/ commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-737-5657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893

POOL MAINTENANCE: Opening February 1st.

STELLAR POOL SERVICE LLC - We offer "Stellar" service at affordable rates.

Call or email us for your free estimate today! 941524-1173 stellarpoolservice1@gmail. com 2/2 NEW Johnson

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

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE Have you been thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! GULF FRONT, CANAL FRONT, BAY FRONT CONDOS or HOMES ASK for BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216 LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589 REALTOR FOR HIRE. BUYING OR SELLING on AMI? 17 years experience & USAF Veteran.

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

2BR/1.5BA, WEEKLY RENTAL up stairs unit.

Peak a boo views of the Gulf. Fresh paint, tile floors, stainless appliances104 29th Street unit 3. $999,900.00 Sharon Hightower RE/MAX Alliance Group 941-330-5054 Email to sharonsellsbeaches@ yahoo.com PERICO ISLAND 3BR/2BA. Single family home new kitchen, new a/c, new bathrooms. Tiled floors, 2 car garage. $589,900.

Sharon Hightower RE/MAX Alliance Group 941-3305054 Email to sharonsellsbeaches@yahoo.com

RENTALS: ANNUAL GREAT LOCATION! Just off the Island with beautiful views of Palma Sola Bay. 3BR/3BA home completely updated with over 3,000 sq ft of living area. Unfurnished with immediate occupancy with application approval. $4,000 per month. Call Paige Rogers Duncan Real Estate 513-382-1992.

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

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

RENTAL WANTED WANTED ROOM TO RENT Mature professional female with no pets or kids needs room. Please call 941928-6033. 1/19 Guist until called

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

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

www.amisun.com

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

THE SUN

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

TRANSPORTATION

PAINTING

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www.amisun.com

THE SUN

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

the Team Duncan Difference!

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

Darcie Duncan Broker - Owner

Cindy Jones Sales Associate

Michelle Laade Sales Associate

April Green Martha Jones Robel Sales Associate Sales Associate

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

Nancy Howle Sales Associate

William Romberger Sales Associate

Lindsey Leech Strickland Mary Anne Muniz Sales Associate Sales Associate

Home & Condominium Sales • Investment Properties • Vacation Rentals

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

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

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

TeamDuncan.com

941.779.0304