Anna Maria Island Sun February 16, 2022

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 22 No. 19

February 16, 2022

County pursuing water taxi service to AMI

An Invitation to Negotiate will be issued for interested water taxi operators to use in crafting their proposals.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

MANATEE COUNTY – The county hopes to provide water taxi service between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island as early as Memorial Day weekend.

Possible water taxi landing stops on the Island include the Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach and the City Pier in Anna Maria; both would require the support of those city governments. A potential landing area has not yet been identified in Holmes Beach.

The long-debated water taxi service was discussed during the Feb. 1 Council of Governments meeting and the county is now in the process of issuing an Invitation to Negotiate for water taxi operators to use in crafting their proposals.

The Anna Maria City Pier will be considered as a potential water taxi landing area, as will the floating dock, inset, near the Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach.

City registration coming for golf cart owners

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

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

HOLMES BEACH – As commissioners are considering instituting new safety measures for golf carts and low-speed vehicles in the city, a new requirement to register golf carts with the city is also being discussed.

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer brought up the subject during a speed limit discussion at a Feb. 8 commission meeting. Tokajer said that

Drivers must slow to 25 mph in Holmes Beach The speed limit on all Holmes Beach city streets has been lowered to 25 mph.

Residents with golf carts in Holmes Beach could find themselves required to register the vehicles with the city and bring them to HBPD for a safety inspection.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Golf carts like this one are street legal in the city of Holmes Beach but are not required to be registered with the state of Florida. requiring golf carts to be registered through the city would ensure that the vehicles have the safety equipment SEE GOLF CART, PAGE 24

SEE WATER TAXI, PAGE 32

HOLMES BEACH – Drivers beware.

You’ll have to hit the brakes a little more than usual when driving through Holmes Beach.

Commissioners voted 3-1 to pass a resolution on Feb. 8 lowering the speed limit to 25 miles per hour on all city-maintained streets. The change takes effect as soon as Police Chief Bill Tokajer can have the 35 mph signs in the city removed.

Commissioner Kim Rash was absent from the Feb. 8 commission meeting and Commissioner Jayne Christenson voted against lowering the speed limit.

During discussion, Commissioner Terry

Schaefer said he thinks lowering the speed limit city-wide will also lower the chance of vehicular accidents resulting in injuries.

Christenson argued that lowering the speed limit won’t reduce congestion on Holmes Beach streets. She said it would prevent people from driving faster in areas where it was permitted when traffic congestion isn’t an issue. Those sentiments were echoed by two residents who stepped up to speak on the subject during public comment.

“You’re penalizing the residents who live here, work here and are trying to get home,” Christenson said. “It just doesn’t make sense.”

Instead, she suggested having a 25 mph speed limit during the day and a 35 mph speed limit at night.

SEE SPEED LIMIT, PAGE 32

ISLAND Photography

CORTEZ FISHING Festival a

a family affair. In The Sun’s Wedding Guide.

22-23

“party with a purpose.” 3 CLAM restoration project runs into opposition. 4

Anna Maria Island, Florida

The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper www.amisun.com

INSIDE NEWS LETTERS OUTDOORS SPORTS OBITUARIES REAL ESTATE CROSSWORD

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Cortez is ready for a party with a purpose This weekend’s Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival will raise muchneeded funds for the expansion and restoration of the FISH Preserve.

SUBMITTED | ROSER CHURCH

The multi-talented Brandon Kouri is the associate director of music ministries at Roser Church.

Brandon Kouri offers a unique concert experience Come out to Roser Memorial Community Church on Sunday, Feb. 20 for a very special entry into the church’s annual concert series. Associate Director of Music Ministries Brandon Kouri will be performing and showing off his diverse and unique skill set for audience members.

The concert will feature Kouri on a multitude of instruments, from piccolo and organ to the slide whistle, along with the performance of piano favorites from Chopin to ragtime classics and more. Kouri also plans to wow the audience with magic, chemistry and even some classic yo-yo tricks. Doors open at 3 p.m. and the show begins at 4 p.m. at Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria.

The concert is free to the public, but donations are welcome. The Roser concert series continues on March 20 with Barry and the Boomers.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

CORTEZ - After more than a year of planning, the village of Cortez is ready to host the 40th Annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival to raise money for the FISH Preserve. This two-day event, taking place this Saturday, Feb. 19, and Sunday, Feb. 20, will feature live music, arts and crafts, lots of food, drinks, prize giveaways, and plenty of opportunities to learn about Florida’s commercial fishing industry that supports the Cortez community.

After being canceled last year due to COVID-19, festival planners have put in hard work to make the return of Cortez’s largest annual event bigger and better than ever.

One of the founders of the festival, John Stevely, calls the festival “the party with a purpose.” It's a fitting description since the money from this two-day festival funds the expansion and preservation of the more than 100 acres that make up the FISH Preserve in Cortez.

“There is major restoration work currently underway at the festival and progress at the Preserve has been awesome,” Stevely said.

The FISH Preserve consists of more than 100 acres of environmentally sensitive land immediately east of Cortez. The site has long been an important fisheries

habitat for the section of Sarasota Bay south of Cortez, often referred to as "the kitchen." Over time, the seafood caught in this area has allowed local families to make a living and keep food on the table through the best and worst of economic climates. The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) is continuing to make improvements to the property so current and future generations can research, monitor and continue to learn about the fishing industry and coastal environment in Florida.

Those planning to attend this year’s festival will not only have a great time suitable for the whole family but will also know money spent is going to work for this worthy cause. With an average attendance of more than 20,000 people, this is a party not to be missed.

The Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival entrance is at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W. Admission is $5, and parking is available with a $5 donation to local Boy Scouts.

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ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

Chamber golf tournament May 13 The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will host its 23rd Annual Golf Tournament on Friday, May 13 at IMG Academy Golf Club in Bradenton. The tournament, which benefits the Chamber’s scholarship fund, is $500 per team or $135 per golfer. Registration includes golf, lunch, gift bag, greens fees, cart fee, prizes, beer and beverages on course and dinner. If you would like to come for dinner but not play, the cost is $40 per person.

For more information and to register, call the Chamber at 941-778-1541 or info@amichamber.org.

A final commission decision has not yet been reached regarding a $50,000 funding request.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

Feb. 14 Cases 2,235 % Positivity 18.29% Deaths 33 % Eligible population vaccinated 63.4% New hospital admissions 70

COVID-19 IN MANATEE COUNTY SCHOOLS

EDWARDS’ VIEWS

If you need a rapid COVID-19 test, you’ll have to go somewhere other than the two Manatee County-run testing sites, at least temporarily. Due to a lack of availability of rapid tests, county officials announced they are temporarily only offering PCR COVID-19 tests at the two sites. PCR tests take 24-72 hours or more to deliver a result. The two county testing sites are at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd. in Palmetto, and downtown Bradenton at 1301 18th Ave. W. If you need a rapid COVID-19 test, other options are available in Manatee County. Visit www.floridahealthcovid19.gov/ testing-sites to find a rapid testing site.

COVID-19 IN MANATEE COUNTY

Feb. 6 Cases 2,892 % Positivity 21.91% Deaths <10 % Eligible population vaccinated 63.3% New hospital admissions 91

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 Feb. 14 Anna Maria Elementary - 0 staff, 0 students Manatee County - 4 staff, 6 students Total since first day of school (AME) - 2 staff, 23 students Total since first day of school (county) - 841 staff, 4,438 students Source: Manatee County Schools, CDC

FEBRUARY 16, 2022

Marine biologist opposes clam restoration project

ANNA MARIA – Clams are not the solution to red tide pollution, retired marine biologist Dr. Randy Edwards told city commissioners who are considering a proposed clam restoration project in and around Anna Maria.

Having heard from Edwards during the Feb. 10 city commission meeting, the Anna Maria Commission has not yet made a final decision regarding a $50,000 funding request for clam and seagrass restoration projects recently proposed by local restaurateur Ed Chiles and representatives of The Gulf Shellfish Institute, The Diatom Initiative and Sea & Shoreline.

Led by Chiles, that group seeks $50,000 of the approximately $850,000 in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds the city has and will receive from the federal government over a two-year period.

Edwards’ appearance at the Feb. 10 meeting served as a follow-up to the letter he previously sent Commissioner Jon Crane. In that letter, Edwards addressed Crane’s concerns regarding the degree to which clams remove red tide cells (Karenia brevis) from the waters in which they live. The toxic algae can cause respiratory irritation, shellfish poisoning and fish kills during its bloom phase.

After hearing Edwards’ scientific positions and personal views on clams’ impact on red tide mitigation, Commissioner Robert Kingan suggested, and the commission supported, directing city engineers to research potential stormwater mitigation/nitrate reduction runoff improvements as possible alternative uses of the $55,000 in ARP funds included in the city’s current fiscal year budget for water quality/environmental projects.

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Edwards, a Bradenton resident, told the commission he has nearly 50 years of experience in marine biology and ecology. He said he holds a master’s degree in marine science and earned a Ph.D. based on his study of nutrient dynamics in Florida’s estuaries.

Edwards said he served as a research scientist at the University of Miami, where he directed a large aquaculture/fish species project that included a saltwater fish stocking program. He said he was then hired by Sarasota-based Mote Marine Laboratory to lead Mote’s fish stocking program.

He said he later focused his efforts on research pertaining to the ecology of fish and fish habitats in Florida’s bays and estuaries and directed studies for the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, multiple Florida water management districts, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Geological Survey.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Dr. Randy Edwards appeared before the Anna Maria City Commission on Feb. 10.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

City Commissioner Jon Crane has expressed doubts about the effectiveness of clams mitigating red tide.

“I have no dog in the fight. I’m free to speak the truth because I have no strings attached,” he said when noting he has no financial stake in the proposed restoration projects.

“I do believe that locally environmentally concerned citizens that have been involved in promoting clams as a way to mitigate red tide and nitrogen pollution actually do so out of very good intentions. The same applies to local organizations such as START (Solutions To Avoid Red Tide) and Sarasota Bay Watch. Almost all really believe that they are doing something very good for the environment. However, the scientific realities are that they have somehow become misinformed, or at least under-informed, and there seems to be some involved partially because of self-interest,” Edwards said.

“But clams are not the solution to pollution. The scientific fact is that even large populations of clams will not remove significant amounts of nitrogen.

In some specific situations, clams could increase nitrogen and have negative impacts,” Edwards said, noting that clam waste contains ammonia that other organisms can convert into nitrogen.

SEE CLAMS, PAGE 26

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City triumphs in noise violation hearing The Holmes Beach special magistrate upheld a November 2021 daytime noise violation.

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

HOLMES BEACH – It was a win for Holmes Beach police officers when Special Magistrate Michael Connolly ruled in favor of upholding a noise violation citation, assessing a $175 fine.

Property owner James Daniel Clark appeared during a Feb. 10 hearing to contest a noise violation citation received by his son, Justin Clark, on Nov. 27, 2021.

HBPD Officer Michael Van Horne testified before Connolly about the incident, which happened at a home Clark owns at 240 S. Harbor Drive in Holmes Beach. Van Horne said he responded to a noise complaint at the address. When he got out of his vehicle about 200 feet away from the home on the street, he said loud music was plainly audible. Upon walking up to the gate to the backyard, Van Horne and Sgt. Thomas Fraser said they saw several young people in a hot tub. Jus-

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Police Chief Bill Tokajer testifies during a Feb. 10 code compliance special magistrate hearing. tin Clark responded to their summons to the gate and, with his father on the phone, answered police questions and received the noise violation.

Body camera footage from the two officers confirmed their version of events, also bringing to light that Justin Clark admitted that underage drinking was taking place on the property.

Speaking on behalf of James Daniel Clark was attorney Michele Grantham.

Grantham argued that the neighbor who reported the incident had called multiple times since 2019 to report

issues at the property and that the November incident was the only time that a citation was issued. She also argued that the police responding to the call had previously used a decibel reader to determine if a noise violation had taken place and did not use it this time, instead using the plainly audible portion of the city’s noise ordinance, along with seven standards outlined in the ordinance, to determine that a violation had taken place. Grantham said the plainly audible language and seven standards were too subjective.

Tokajer disagreed. He testified on behalf of his officers and said the noise ordinance allows officers to determine if a violation occurs based on reasonableness and their own common sense, even if that noise takes place during the day, as this one did. With the body cameras unable to amplify sound, what was heard on the camera footage was an accurate depiction of the noise at the time of the citation, he said.

“This is clearly a violation,” Tokajer said of the music, which caused the disturbance.

Though he wasn’t onsite at the time of the incident, James Daniel Clark testified during the hearing on behalf of his son, saying he believed the group of college sophomores were watching a football game and that was the source of the noise. While being questioned

by Augello, he admitted that the noise heard in the body camera footage did not sound like a football game.

After hearing testimony on both sides, Connolly ruled that a violation had taken place and ordered Clark to pay a fine of $175 plus a $10 administrative fee.

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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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FEBRUARY 16, 2022

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

Food Pantry, AID serving Island needs I write in response to the Nov. 28, 2021, article “Food pantry needs financial help” with a point of clarification.

The Roser Food Pantry and All Island Denominations (AID) are two separate organizations with their own separate boards and sources of funding. The people behind both organizations are often in communication with each other, and members of the Island churches support the mission of both. Each, however, has its own distinct purpose.

The Roser Food Pantry is housed on the grounds of Roser Church in Anna Maria. The pantry provides food assistance to residents and workers of Anna Maria Island.

It gives out bags of groceries as well as Publix gift cards to those in need. You can support the food pantry through gifts to Roser Church (roserchurch.com/give or PO Box 247, Anna Maria, FL

34216). To contact the food pantry for assistance, please call the church at 941-778-0414.

All Island Denominations is an ecumenical outreach organization sponsored by the churches of Anna Maria Island. AID assists those who live, work, worship, or are related to a student who attends school on Anna Maria Island. We offer financial assistance with rent, utilities, and other special needs. You can support this work through contributions to AID (PO Box 305, Anna Maria, FL 34216). If you need assistance, we can be contacted by phone at 941-725-2433.

Roser Food Pantry and AID are distinct groups serving people in need on Anna Maria Island. I hope all will consider supporting both organizations.

Keep restaurant on the pier I am a resident of Bradenton Beach. I remember the discussion prior to the rebuild of the Anna Maria City Pier that the new pier would be as similar as possible to the old pier. The old pier had a restaurant. I am pretty sure individuals would use the restaurant repeatedly, but they would not use the Mote area repeatedly. Please poll the Island before granting that wonderful potential restaurant space for something that would not draw multiple visits from the public…i.e., whatever Mote has planned for that space. Keep the pier as it was - with a restaurant.

Karen McDonald Bradenton Beach

The Reverend Matthew T. Grunfeld Vice president, All Island Denominations Rector, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, Holmes Beach

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 16, 2022

ON THE AGENDA

Feb. 22, 5 p.m. – City Commission meeting followed by work session

ANNA MARIA

MARKYOUR CALENDAR

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

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

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 16

BRADENTON BEACH

THURSDAY, FEB. 17

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

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

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 Feb. 23, 2 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting

HOLMES BEACH

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

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

Feb. 21, all day – City offices closed for President’s Day

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

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

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

“Walking the Inca Trail” presented

by John and Amanda Horne, Lecture and Travel Series presented by the Friends of the Island Library, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 2 p.m.

Sunshine Stitchers knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Reserve online www.manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/8486575 Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5-8 p.m.

Craft Club, The Nest at Robinson Preserve, 10299 Ninth Ave. N.W.,

Bradenton, 5:30 p.m.

Bingo, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, 6 p.m.

FRIDAY, FEB. 18

Suncoast Quilt Expo presented by Manatee Patchworkers, Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., $7 Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Reserve online www.manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/8486852 Mahjong Club, experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Reserve online www.manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/8486615 Sunset bird walk, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 5:30 p.m.

The Lighter Side of Photography, The Nest at Robinson Preserve, 10299 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 6 p.m.

Murder Mystery Dinner Theater “2069 Island Odyssey,” The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 6 p.m., $55 or $400 per table of eight. Reserve online centerami.org/events

THE SUN

SATURDAY, FEB. 19

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

Manatee Audubon Society Birding Tour, Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 8:30 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.

Suncoast Quilt Expo presented by Manatee Patchworkers, Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., $7 40th Annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, 4415 119th St. N.W., Cortez, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., $5.

Meditation, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m. Reserve to manateelibrary. libcal.com/event/8486559 Native Little One art club, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 1 p.m., $50. Reserve to nativelittleones@gmail.com or 941-447-8862.

Murder Mystery Dinner Theater “2069 Island Odyssey,” The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 6 p.m., $55 or $400 per table of eight. Reserve online centerami.org/events

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SUNDAY, FEB. 20

OneBlood donation opportunity, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Photo I.D. required and donors must be 16 years or older.

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

40th Annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, 4415 119th St. N.W., Cortez, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., $5.

Brandon Kouri in concert, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 4 p.m. Doors open at 3 p.m. Free to the public but donations are welcome Don Felder in concert, The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 6 p.m. Purchase tickets online centerami.org/events

TUESDAY, FEB. 22

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

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

Family story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Register online manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/8486813

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FEBRUARY 16, 2022

Pine Avenue sidewalk, crosswalk plans approved The commission delayed making any decisions regarding the aesthetics of the additional streetlighting to be installed along Pine Avenue.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – City commissioners have approved the conceptual plans for the new sidewalks and crosswalks to be installed or modified as part of the Reimagining Pine Avenue project.

Mayor Dan Murphy and contracted traffic engineer Gerry Traverso presented the conceptual plans to the commission on Feb. 10.

Brick paver sidewalks will be installed along the entire length of both sides of Pine Avenue. Where applicable, the paver sidewalks will follow the existing footprint of the meandering paths located in front of some of the businesses on both sides of the street.

Made of permeable pavers that allow water to drain through them, the new sidewalks will be constructed over underground infiltration trenches and other drainage elements.

During Thursday’s meeting, there was some debate as to whether the new sidewalks should all be 5 feet wide or be 6 feet wide in areas where the extra width can be accommodated.

Commissioner Deanie Sebring lobbied for 6-foot sidewalks. For the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists, she also again expressed her support for eliminating more than 50 parallel parking spaces along Pine Avenue. No final decisions regarding the potential elimination of those spaces and/ or the addition of buffered bike paths will be made until the other improvements are made.

Commissioners Jon Crane, Carol Carter and Robert Kingan were also in favor of installing 6-foot sidewalks where possible.

Commissioner Mark Short opposed the wider sidewalks and noted that the extra foot needed

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Reimaging Pine Avenue project will begin with the installation of new sidewalks and new and improved crosswalks. on both sides of Pine Avenue to accommodate the wider sidewalks would reduce the 50-foot-wide project area to 48 feet. He said he would hate to lose those extra 2 feet that might be needed later.

Traverso said 6-foot-wide sidewalks would be challenging in some areas already constricted by fire hydrants, drainage components and other obstructions.

He said about 30% of the project area could accommodate 6-foot sidewalks, and that the meandering path areas would be the best places to include them. The

commission ultimately reached a 4-1 consensus to install 6-foot-wide sidewalks wherever possible, with Short remaining in opposition.

CROSSWALK IMPROVEMENTS

The commission supported Traverso’s recommendation to install a new raised crosswalk with embedded flashing beacons across Pine Avenue near The Donut Experiment and Poppo’s Taqueria. That location was chosen because there is no mid-block crosswalk in that vicinity, which has a high volume of uncontrolled

pedestrian crossings.

The existing crosswalk near the Roser Memorial Community Church will be replaced with a raised crosswalk that also features embedded flashing beacons. A third raised crosswalk with flashing beacons will also be installed at some point between North Shore and North Bay Boulevard across Pine Avenue and the existing crosswalks will also be improved without being raised.

Traverso said raised crosswalks are not needed at the existing four-way intersections and Murphy said there are no plans to create any additional four-way stops.

As a result of Thursday’s discussions, a request for proposals will be issued seeking responses from construction firms interested in installing the new sidewalks and crosswalks.

Traverso also briefly presented some additional streetlighting recommendations but the commission agreed to postpone the street lighting discussion for a future meeting.

FEBRUARY 16, 2022

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Art Walk features Abgott, Karpay February’s Holmes Beach Art Walk featured two talented area “Artists of the Month” and the works of dozens more.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH - Visitors to the monthly Holmes Beach Art Walk had plenty to be excited about recently. The Art Walks take place the second Friday of each month, and many local businesses stay open late to allow attendees to visit the two art galleries. The event also allows visitors to shop at other local participating businesses or to grab a bite to eat. Both Island Gallery West and The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island invite everyone to browse the works of dozens of local artists and enjoy wine, snacks and meet the artists. Among the artists this month were the February featured artists at both galleries.

ANNE ABGOTT: ARTISTS’ GUILD OF ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Canadian-born Anne Abgott moved to Anna Maria Island 20 years ago and has been creating world-class watercolor works ever since she took a watercolor class shortly after her move to the Island.

“I’ve done olives, I’ve done crystals, flowers and people, but I’ve always been taken with the Florida foliage and fauna,” Abgott said. “I love local plants, but had a hard time painting them since I didn’t understand how they grew, being from the north. I started taking a lot

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Above left, Anne Abgott with her feature watercolor works of art at The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island. Above right, Island Gallery West’s February featured artist, Joanna Karpay, with her exhibit titled, “For the Birds.” of pictures of bismarck palms and rubber plants; things people don’t normally paint.”

Abgott only paints in watercolors, and she has been quite successful, winning major awards in her field and being featured in national publications such as Artists Magazine, where she appears in the March/ April 2022 issue. She also wrote a book published in 2006 titled, “Daring Color.” Color is what Abgott is noted for, using hues that may not be what you see when you view the subject of her works in nature.

“Look at a regular palm, where everybody else sees green I don’t see green, I see all these other colors,” said Abgott, referring to one of her palm paintings hanging in the front window of the Guild Gallery.

Abgott is a longtime member of the Guild and will be featured through the end of February, al-

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

though some of her work is always on display and for sale in the Gallery. For more information and works of art, visit her website at anneabgott.com.

JOANNA KARPAY: ISLAND GALLERY WEST

A lifelong painter, Joanna Karpay has been a member of Island Gallery West for 10 years and is February’s featured artist. She credits the support member artists give to each other as one of the many things that make this gallery special.

“It’s been a wonderful place, just being in a co-op gallery where everybody supports each other. It’s kind of casual here, and I love that; I’ve been successful here,” Karpay said. “I’ve been painting my whole life; I was about 8 years old when my mother put me in classes and I’ve been doing it ever since.”

Karpay primary paints with oil, but also enjoys pastels and teaches both to anyone eager to learn. As is the case with many artists, she paints from photographs and particularly likes to paint landscapes of locations in the area, as well as birds, which is the subject of her exhibit on display in the front window of Island Gallery West this month, titled, “For the Birds.”

“I get my inspiration from places I go and camp, or kayak,” said Karpay, an outdoor enthusiast whose work is highly influenced by her adventures and time spent in nature.

“For the Birds” will remain in the front of Island Gallery West for the remainder of February and all works of art are available for purchase.

Visit Karpay's website, joannakarpay.com/home, for more fine art by this artist.

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Drug test results released in auto-golf cart crash As of Monday, no DUI charges had been filed against the automobile driver who struck a golf cart head-on.

BY JOE HENDRICKS

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

CIVIL LAWSUIT

Fitzgerald and Trulieve were named as plaintiffs in the civil lawsuit filed on Samuels’ behalf on Dec. 22. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages in excess of $30,000.

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The golf cart driven by Jana Samuels was struck by a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction.

The original complaint alleged Fitzgerald had a duty to operate the motor vehicle in a reasonable and safe manner and as the owner of the vehicle, Trulieve was liable for Fitzgerald’s alleged “negligent acts.” The original complaint did not allege Fitzgerald was impaired or under the influence.

The complaint also noted Samuels suffered bodily injury resulting in pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life and the expenses of hospitalization, medical and nursing.

On Tuesday Feb. 8, an amended complaint was filed with the 12th Judicial Circuit Court. The amended complaint notes Fitzgerald was wearing a black shirt with the Trulieve logo at the time of the accident. The amended complaint alleges Fitzgerald was impaired when the accident occurred.

“Following the collision, Michael Fitzgerald was showing signs of impairment including but not limited to pinpoint pupils, slow exaggerated movements, lack of smooth pursuit and distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation in both eyes, and difficulty locating the tip of his nose. Michael Fitzgerald was under the influence of antidepressant drugs and marijuana, such that his operation of the motor vehicle was negligent or reckless,” the amended complaint alleges.

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HOLMES BEACH – The driver of the car that recently collided head-on with a golf cart traveling in the opposite direction tested positive for THC and generic Xanax, according to a Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) laboratory report.

On Monday, Nov. 29, a silver 2021 Nissan Versa driven by 59-year-old Michael Lynn Fitzgerald, of Ellenton, veered into the oncoming lane and collided head-on with the 2008 golf cart driven by 79-year-old Anna Maria resident Jana Samuels, according to a Florida Traffic Crash Report provided by the Holmes Beach Police Department. The accident occurred in the 6800 block of Palm Drive. Samuels sustained serious injuries as a result of the accident and is still recovering.

According to the crash report, New Port Richey-based Trulieve Inc. owned the vehicle driven by Fitzgerald. Trulieve operates medical marijuana dispensaries throughout Manatee County and Florida.

Fitzgerald’s blood specimen contained the prescription drug alprazolam and three variations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), according to the Feb. 7 FDLE lab report.

“Because the investigation is active, it would be inappropriate for our scientists to comment on this case. I can tell you there are no ‘legal levels’ designated in Florida laws for the drugs listed,” FDLE spokesperson Gretl Plessinger told The Sun. According to Manatee County court records, no DUI charges had been filed against Fitzgerald as of Monday afternoon. Court records indicate Fitzgerald is still working through the legal process associated with the careless driving citation he received as a result of the accident.

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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 ONLINE • Watch LIVE or LATER

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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

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FEBRUARY 16, 2022

Home business owners need a BTR

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

HOLMES BEACH – If you own or operate a homebased business in Holmes Beach, you will now need a business tax receipt issued by the city to be compliant with local and state regulations.

Commissioners approved the second reading of an ordinance requiring home-based business operators to obtain a BTR in order to comply with recently passed Florida state regulations during a Feb. 8 meeting.

Under the new ordinance, home-based businesses will be regulated similarly to businesses located in commercial districts. The BTR fee for home occupations is set at $67.

BTR applications can be found on the city’s website at www.holmesbeachfl.org or at the city clerk’s office at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5701 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach.

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Local students add art to trash The simple act of throwing away trash at this year’s FISH Festival will bring recognition to the hard work of local high school students.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

CORTEZ - The 2022 Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival is this Saturday and Sunday, and thanks to the hard work of some local high school students, throwing away trash will be a bit more fun.

Each year the festival paints 60 cardboard trash vats, and students from Bayshore High School’s Key Club and art students from Manatee High School were more than willing to jump in and lend a hand.

Visitors to the festival may notice the colorful trash boxes throughout the festival grounds, and thanks to the leadership of Kris Martinez, who not only works on the festival committee but heads up this project every year, this year will as eyecatching as ever. Thirty of the

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Members of the Bayshore High School Key Club pose with one of their artistic trash vats to be used at this weekend’s Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival. trash vats were sent to Manatee High School to be painted by art students, and 30 were painted at the fire station in Cortez on Feb. 5. The Key Club promotes leadership by serving others, and the hard work dedicated to getting this job done certainly qualifies.

The trash vats won’t be the only works of art at this year’s festival.

There’ll be arts and crafts, great food, drinks, live music, educational activities and much more. Admission is $5 and no advance tickets are necessary.

Enter at the Florida Maritime Museum located at 4415 119th St. W.

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FEBRUARY 16, 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 16, 2022

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US INNOVATIVE.

FISH COLLARS WITH PICKLED PAPAYA & PIQUILLO PEPPER SAUCE

SandbarDining.com Sand

THE SUN

IT ALL BEGINS ON A SMALL SCALE Civilizations throughout history have known how to utilize all the parts of an animal so that none of it is wasted. Native Americans consumed animal meat for nutrition, bones were used as tools and jewelry and animal skins were used for clothing. In the fast-food world of today, little thought is given to the leftover parts produced by more popular cuts of meats and vegetables.

Horatio Eagan, Executive Chef at The Sandbar Restaurant in Anna Maria is looking to the past to take the world to a better tomorrow. To produce less ZDVWH D VLJQL¿FDQW DPRXQW RI WKH ¿VK RQ WKH PHQX DW the restaurant is being used to create fascinating dishes that are delighting patrons from across the globe.

A new menu section called Fish Parts features ¿VK FROODUV, full of high-quality proteins and ÀDYRUIXO IDWV 6HUYHG ZLWK SLTXLOOR SHSSHU VDXFH and pickled papaya locally grown at Gamble Creek Farm, they are earning rave reviews. It’s based on the 6SDQLVK FKLFKDUUyQ GLVK ZKHUH SLHFHV RI WKH ¿VK DUH boiled, dehydrated, and then fried. Guests delight in WKH FULVS\ ÀDNHV RI WKH ¿QV WKDW DUH DQ DIWHU SURGXFW RI the process.

Salmon Rillette Points feature salmon belly as the key ingredient. They’re served with Anna Maria Bake House’s ciabatta bread, a specialty of Head Baker, Teddy Louloudes, and crispy salmon skin.

While these delicacies please the tastebuds, WKH UHDO EHQH¿W FRPHV IURP NQRZLQJ WKDW ZLWK LQWHQtional cooking, less waste is being discarded and that is ultimately helping the environment. Chef Horatio

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The Sandbar Restaurant (as well as sister restaurants the Beach House in Bradenton Beach and the Mar Vista on Longboat Key) are committed to environmentally sound practices. Sustainably sourced seafood is managed under a system of enforced environmentally responsible practices. A perfect example of The Chiles Group’s dedication is the Open Blue Cobia used in the restaurants and raised through aquafarming. Additionally, the restaurants collect, clean, and transport used clam and oyster shells from its three seafood restaurants to the local Manatee County Preserve to aid in restoration of oyster/clam habitat.

Composting from the three restaurants fertilizes the crops at Gamble Creek Farms which then provides fresh produce back to the restaurants, to help close the food loop.

It all begins with small steps that can transform the world. Know where food comes from and how it is harvested and prepared. Use public transportation like the trolley, or bicycle around the island to enjoy the jewels that make the island so special.

Support local businesses on Pine Avenue, often called the “greenest little Main Street in the US”. Little changes can make a big impact. &RQWHQW SURYLGHG E\ 7KH &KLOHV *URXS

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RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

A sell-out crowd attended Sarasota Bay Watch’s 12th annual fund raising event at Sarasota’s Hyatt Regency Hotel.

Scallopalooza is ‘Clamtastic!’

Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

O

n Saturday night, Feb. 12, Sarasota Bay Watch (SBW) held its 11th annual major fund-raising event, “Scallopalooza, It’s Clamtastic,” at the Sarasota Hyatt Regency Hotel. The yearly event was another sellout and at the time of this writing final totals are still being tabulated.

I was impressed at the overwhelming community support that was shown for Sarasota Bay Watch’s efforts and estimate that close to 400 people were in attendance. SBW’s event coordinator, Ronda Ryan, worked with volunteer Jen Zak, the SBW Board and Scallopalooza Committee Chairs Brian Jung, Al Jeffery, John Ryan and Ernesto Lasso De La Vega to organize an event that highlights the importance of, and support for, local nonprofits that stress the importance of clean water.

The evening began with live music, an open bar and a large silent auction

including art work, event tickets and merchandise of every description as participants mingled to share their passion for Sarasota Bay. Event Chair Brian Jung welcomed the crowd and thanked them for their support while keeping everyone apprised of the auction items and encouraging them to visit the tables. Ernesto Lasso De La Vega gave an inspirational introduction to the clam restoration project, speaking about the scientific documentation that the group is currently involved in. John Ryan, a founding member of Sarasota Bay Watch, was next and explained the motivation and purpose of SBW’s many projects and emphasized the group's non-partisan “fun” approach to conservation. Ryan cited SBW’s many activities including island and rookery cleanups, citizen and student education and much more.

Island entrepreneur and conservationist Ed Chiles took the podium after dinner and encouraged the attendees to support the efforts by turning dollars into clams and offered a substantial match to those who might join the effort. Another prominent Anna Maria Island business owner, Ben Webb, made

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a major contribution to the efforts that raised the funds to implement the ongoing “Clampaign” to stock 1.5 million clams in the coming year. WWSB TV’s Channel 7 weatherman Bob Harrigan, one of the area’s most popular and respected broadcasters, gave a rousing speech lauding the group’s efforts.

Harrigan has been promoting those efforts since SBW’s first-ever Scallop Search in 2008.

The city of Anna Maria is currently considering a similar project to prove the efficacy of using clams to help mitigate red tide algae blooms and encourage the growth of threatened seagrass beds.

To get involved with the work SBW is doing to protect Sarasota Bay and support their mission, visit their website, sarasotabaywatch.org. As they say, “A Healthy Bay is Everybody’s Business,” literally and figuratively!

FEBRUARY 16, 2022

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Key Royale hosts club championship Key Royale Club played its annual Men's Club Championship Tournament Feb. 2 and Feb. 9 with 23 golfers playing 36 holes of holes of scratch golf (no handicap). Shooting a combined score of 129, one over par, the defending champion, Eric Lawson, prevailed for his second win. Finishing second was Steve Pfeil with a score of 141 followed by Tim Donnar in third place at 145.

In a Modified Stableford event on Feb. 7, the results were: 1st Place Team - Bob Blaser, Art McMillan, Blake Ress and Quentin Talbert with a score of +6 1st Place Individual - Herb Clauhs and Sam Major with a score of +6 2nd Place Individual - Tom Perkins with a score of +5 3rd Place Individual - Joe Tynan with a score of +4

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From left, Key Royale Club championship winners Steve Pfeil, Eric Lawson and Tim Donnar.

CINDY LANE | SUN

Winter sunset The sun peeks through the clouds on a chilly beach day on Anna Maria Island.

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Island Photography & DJ a family affair Anna Maria Island residents Dara and Chuck Caudill have combined their creative talents to offer wedding photography and entertainment under one banner, Island Photography & DJ. Together, they will coordinate the photography and music for your special day.

Dara is a professionally trained photographer who combines the latest in digital technology along with an artistic and creative flair. She blends photojournalistic with traditional styles of photography. "A little fantasy mixed with a little reality," she says. "It's important for the photos to be beautiful!"

Chuck is a professional musician and DJ on Anna Maria Island. In addition to ukulele and acoustic guitar ceremonies, Chuck provides live music and/or full DJ services for the reception. He provides state of the art sound and lighting.

Dara and Chuck are true Island residents, so they specialize in beach weddings. The two know how important it is to have the right professionals for your day, especially if you are having a destination wedding. They were married in Kauai, and the people they hired made it a special day. They want to create that same memorable Island experience for you.

Over the years, they have become friends with many of the couples they helped marry. They find it rewarding when those couples revisit the area and call them to get together.

Both are fully insured and belong to many professional organizations, including the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce. Please check out their websites – www.islandphotography.org and www. chuckcaudill.com – to see what they have to offer. For more info, please email daracaudill@verizon.net or call 941-778-5676.

FEBRUARY 16, 2022

FEBRUARY 16, 2022

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DARA CAUDILL | WWW.ISLANDPHOTOGRAPHY.ORG

Megan & Shawn Bartram celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary on Anna Maria Island with their daughters, Addison 10, and Olivia 6. They were also joined by Megan’s parents Dixie & Mike. They were married on December 28, 2007 at the Sandbar restaurant. Chuck Caudill provided the music for their day. Patti Mckee, of the Sandbar coordinated the wedding and reception. The Bartram family currently resides in Milton, West Virginia.

Want your wedding photos to be featured here? Submit them to ads@amisun.com, subject 'Wedding Photos' along with your names, date of wedding and location and phone number for a chance to be featured here*. *Submission of photo not a guarantee for placement. The Sun is not responsible for any copyright infringement.

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FEBRUARY 16, 2022

Lend the library a helping hand The Friends of the Island Library need the community’s help. The group is seeking a place to store books donated to the library for the Friends annual book sale. Any ongoing storage space that community members can donate to hold books is appreciated and helps the Friends continue to host their book sales. If you have a space available, please call the library at 941-778-6341.

GOLF CART: City registration coming for owners FROM PAGE 1

required by the city and that they are being used solely by residents. A part of the proposed registration requirement would be that golf cart owners would have to be homesteaded residents of Holmes Beach, preventing the vehicles from being purchased by rental owners for the use of vacationers.

The difference TOUCH FREE between a golf cart and a low-speed vehicle, or LSV, is that a golf cart travels at a slower VOICE CONTROL! speed than an LSV and is not required to be registered with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles.

Holmes Beach is the only Anna Maria Island city where golf carts Select Models Noware allowed to be driven, which creates a legal issue if they were to be used by vacationers who likely would not know that the vehicles couldn’t be driven legally in Anna Maria or Bradenton Beach, or where the city boundaries are located.

Holmes Beach allows the use of golf carts in the city primarily due to the Key Royale Golf Club being located within the city.

While Tokajer acknowledged that golf carts are generally used primarily by residents of the Island city, he said there are some golf cart rental companies that conduct business online that could try to rent them in Holmes Beach. He also said the requirement for proof of a homesteaded property would prevent others from providing them for rentals in the city.

For the registration, Tokajer suggested owners would have to register the golf carts with the city once per year and receive a sticker to put on the carts, which would alert police that the operator is a 99.99 &Holmes UP Beach resident. He said it would also allow $99 to $299 S PRICED officers to check and make sure the golf carts are STORE FOR DETAILS. PRIOR SALES AN'S FANequipped CITY, LLC LIC#EC13004528 with required safety equipment including a windscreen and seat belts for each passenger.

Anyone found operating a golf cart - not an LSV - in the city without the sticker would be subject to being stopped and potentially fined by police.

The conversation is expected to continue at an upcoming city commission meeting.

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SPORTS

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Adult flag football standings take a turn The number one team, TBT, battles it out on the community center field this Thursday night against the Solid Rock Construction team. With a win, Solid Rock is one step closer to capturing the top seed going into the quarterfinal round of playoffs.

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

With just two games left in the seven-game regular season, the co-ed adult flag football league at The Center has a new leader. TBT, now with a 4-0-1 record, is at the top of the charts after weekfive action.

The easy win over team Cortez Deep Sea Fishing last Thursday night puts the TBT squad one win over Solid Rock Construction, Moss Builders and Prosper Bradenton, all with 3-2-0 records going into week six of play.

Solid Rock Construction started the season off as the league leader, with a week one win over Prosper Bradenton and a week three win over Moss Builders. Recent losses dropped the team into second place, with the Moss team in third.

Prosper Bradenton’s 2612 loss to Moss Builders this week places the team in fourth. The Prosper team, without Ray Gardner, who is still recovering from a torn Achilles, fought hard against Moss Builders, with two touchdown passes by QB Jon Moss.

Moss found his father, Ed Moss, on a TD play to put six points on the board. Teammate Jesse Skipper is credited with two sacks on Moss Builder’s

SUN SCOREBOARD TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8 YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL – WEEK 5

Games canceled due to weather

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10 ADULT CO-ED FLAG FOOTBALL – WEEK 5

Prosper Bradenton (3-2-0) 12 Moss Builders (3-2-0) 26 WTBL (3-1-1) Sandbar (2-3-0)

CAPTAIN LARRY MCGUIRE | SUBMITTED

Moss Builders teammates Lyndsey Styka and Ryan Moss force Prosper Bradenton’s QB Jon Moss out of the pocket to make a play at The Center. quarterback, Ryan Moss.

The speed of Skipper could not stop R. Moss, brother of J. Moss, from throwing for four touchdowns in the team’s win.

In addition to the three catches for scores by Jess Griffin, Michael Bolognone had a TD grab of his own.

The defensive game for each team made it difficult for the opponents. In addition to the Prosper Bradenton sacks, Zack Long made a critical

defensive move with a big interception of an R. Moss pass.

Moss Builders’ J.B. Shuck made three critical takeaways in the game, preventing J. Moss from finding his target while on offense.

Griffin, with a total of nine catches in the game, was also the target of two extra-point conversions for Moss Builders, helping the team to solidify their 14-point win against Prosper.

Two teams hold the fifth and

sixth positions in the rankings with 2-3-0 records. Team Shady Lady is just ahead of the Sandbar team with a win in the head-to-head matchup in the first week of the season Holding on to hope and knowing that all of the teams make the playoffs, the Cortez Deep Sea Fishing players are fighting this week for their second win of the season. The team faces Shady Lady during week six play.

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Solid Rock Construction (3-2-0) 19 Shady Lady (2-3-0) 32 TBT (4-0-1) 32 Cortez Deep Sea Fishing (1-4-0) 6

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10 ADULT CO-ED INDOOR SOCCER – WEEK 3

Progressive Cabinetry (1-2-0) 9 Gulfview Windows & Doors (1-1-1) 7 Sato Real Estate (2-0-1) Slim’s Place (0-3-0) Mi-Box (1-2-0) Beach Bums (3-0-0)

6 5 6 10

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OBITUARIES

multiple nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. A memorial service will be planned for a later date in the spring.

Dan D. Magee

Rose M. Quin-Bare

Dan D. Magee, 80, of Anna Maria, Fla., passed away on Jan. 23, 2022.

Dan was born in Tampa, Fla., where he graduated from Hillsborough High School, and later from Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Fla. He was predeceased by his parents, Joe and Sissy, as well as his sister, Peggy.

He is survived by his brother Jim, children Cam, Jesse, Steven and Katie, and

Rose M. Quin-Bare, 81, of Palmetto, Fla., wrote the following: “I left this life February 6, 2022, to start a new life in Heaven. I will miss my daughters, Jackie & Kelly; my grandchildren, Rachael, Caitlin and Clint; my brothers and sisters, Caroline, Claude, Lorraine, Renie, Johnny and Arthur, as well as the rest of my family. I will always watch over and love them. If anyone reading this knew

me, if we've laughed, we've eaten or had a good time together, you've already been a part of my Celebration in Life.

A joy in my life, I love and thank you all for it, and special thanks to Waste Management.” Rose Quin-Bare.

Quin-Bare was known by Island elected officials as the liaison for Waste Management.

She will be dearly missed by all that knew her.

There will be another celebration of Rose's life, on Saturday, April 9, 2022, at 2 p.m. at Palma Sola Botanical Park. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge of the arrange-

FEBRUARY 16, 2022

ments. Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

Mark Romeo Mark Romeo, 68, died Feb. 7 due to medical complications. He is survived by his three sons, Jason, Justin and Christopher, as well as granddaughters, Emma and Elianna.

Services will be held on Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. at Bayside Community Church, 6609 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Wounded Warrior https://support. woundedwarriorproject.org.

CLAMS: Marine biologist opposes clam restoration project FROM PAGE 4

“The main problem that we have facing our waters is the increasing nitrogen pollution in our bays, estuaries and coastal waters – nitrogen loading that continues to increase because of man-made increases mainly due to population growth and inadequate pollution control.

That nitrogen increase causes severe ecological changes to our bays and estuaries, including increased phytoplankton blooms that shade out seagrasses and reduce water quality. The nitrogen also stimulates the growth of microalgae and seaweeds. That nitrogen increase surely contributes to red tides becoming more frequent and more severe,” Edwards said.

“I can say this with scientific confidence: There has been no scientific validation or evidence that stocking clams can or may significantly impact ride tide. There’s no science behind it. There is no evidence yet that clams have or will provide substantial mitigation.

They won’t reduce red tide, they won’t reduce nitrogen,” Edwards said, when calling into question whether the proposed restoration projects are an appropriate use of the federal funds.

Edwards also addressed the assertion that a single clam can filter 4.5 gallons of water per day. He estimated there are approximately 100 billion gallons of water in Sarasota Bay, Anna Maria Sound and the lo-

cal areas of Tampa Bay. For mathematic simplicity, he postulated that if a single clam could filter and clean 10 gallons of water per day, 10 billion clams would be needed for adequate filtration purposes in those local waters.

He cautioned that placing a large number of clams in Bimini Bay and its surrounding canals could act as a trap for the organic matter clams produce as waste products.

“I don’t think people really want that,” Edwards said.

In reference to Edwards’ comments, Commissioner Kingan said later in the meeting, “Having heard Dr. Edwards today, and knowing the other proposal that we had, it seems to me pertinent to consider

talking to our own city engineers and seeing what they might propose for environmental mitigation and runoff treatment. We could ask the mayor to engage with them and see if they have a proposal that would be efficient, effective and something we could do to use this money we have.”

The commission reached consensus in support of Kingan’s suggestion.

Gulf Shellfish Institute Executive Director Stephen Hesterberg attended Thursday’s meeting but did not address the commission. Chiles did not attend the meeting. The group’s funding request was not included on the meeting agenda so no action was taken.

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Clint Hurdle dinner back for its 8th year Tickets are on sale now for the 8th Annual Clint Hurdle Hot Stove Dinner to benefit Prader-Willi | USA. This outdoor event will take place on March 26 on the grounds of the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach and feature a plated meal, drinks, live music from Max Flinn, raffles and a helicopter golf ball

drop. Virtual attendance is also being offered with virtual attendees receiving a charcuterie box and the opportunity to participate in other virtual events.

There are many package options and sponsorship opportunities are still available. For information call 941-3120400 or contact www.pwsausa.org.

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FEBRUARY 16, 2022

Florida legislators work on condo inspections

A

t the risk of stating the obvious, we’re living in a very polarized political environment. Everyone in government, national and local, is going to their corner and waiting to make their next move; therefore, it’s gratifying to see cooperation among our elected officials.

Since June of last year, when the Champlain Towers South condos in Surfside collapsed, there have been nonstop conversations in Tallahassee, on Anna Maria Island and in other waterfront communities all over Florida about inspections and regulations on how to make our older waterfront condominium communities safer.

A couple of weeks ago, Florida legislators began work on updating the state’s condominium regulations by advancing a bill through the Florida Senate imposing inspections and stricter standards for buildings near the coastline. The bill, SB 1702, was unanimously approved by the Senate Community Affairs Committee as a baseline to attach to other condo-related reforms.

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER Briefly, the bill would establish a mandatory structural inspection program for multi-family residential buildings that are greater than three stories and larger than 3,400 square feet. This is estimated to affect as many as 2 million residential condos in Florida. At this point, I have not found an absolute clear yes or no answer as to whether three stories is two living levels above under-building parking or three living levels above under-building parking. This makes a real difference to condos on Anna Maria Island and in Cortez, where many are configured with two living levels above under-building parking.

The outline of the state’s proposal is based on Miami-Dade and Broward counties’ inspection regulations requiring buildings 30 years old or older to be inspected and then every 10 years thereafter. Inspections must be done by licensed architects or engineers and the cost paid by the condo association.

It has also been suggested that there should be a requirement for minimum education for board members, which I personally think would be a very good idea.

One of the flaws is that based on state law, once the repairs are identified, there is nothing that requires condo associations to assess their residents to pay for the repairs. As we now know, Champlain Towers did have a 40-year recertification which identified major repairs. However, because of the estimated $15 million required in repairs, the condo board and residents took a long time to make a decision for the assessments, which probably contributed to the building failure even after repairs were underway.

As stated, there are an estimated 2 million residents in the state of Florida who reside in more than 912,000 condominium units that are 30 years or older. In addition, it is estimated that there are probably another 250,000 units in the state that are either 20 to 30 years old or more than 50 years old. It is true that non-waterfront condos may have fewer issues as they age, but nevertheless, this involves an enormous number of people and work on the part of the state.

Local incorporated cities like Holmes Beach are already taking some action as far as inspections. And maybe the best way to handle this is for the state to set guidelines to help cities and counties to perform their own inspections.

Don’t expect anything from the state any time soon. It is an ambitious plan with many moving parts. It’s just nice to see government at least trying to make a difference by working together.

FEBRUARY 16, 2022

SRQ has record-breaking start to 2022 Last month, 302,189 passengers traveled through the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), many headed to Anna Maria Island. This is an increase of 138% from the 126,704 travelers in January of 2021 and the most January air travelers in the history of SRQ. “We continue to be pleasantly surprised by the number of passengers who choose SRQ, especially last month, with the many weather-related cancellations,” said Rick Piccolo, President and CEO of the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. “In January, we had 282 flights canceled, primarily due to the multiple cold fronts moving across the United States.

Flight schedules are returning to normal as we prepare for our peak months of March and April.”

SRQ is one of the fasting-growing airports in America. With new nonstop service to Akron-Canton, Ohio, on March 3 and Appleton, Wisc., on March 11, continued record-breaking growth is expected for months to come.

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BEACH BEAT BRADENTON BEACH

2/1, 1:25 p.m., assist other agency/ DUI, 1400 Gulf Drive S. The officer responded to a traffic crash involving a truck that hit a Jeep. Upon arrival, police saw a female standing outside of the driver’s side of the truck while the driver was still in the truck with the engine running.

When the officer asked the driver if she was ok, she would not make eye contact, and as the officer ordered her to turn the truck off, she said she had to turn it around. After multiple attempts to get the woman to turn the vehicle off, he eventually was able to approach the truck and turn it off. At this point, the officer could smell alcohol inside the vehicle. Manatee County Sheriff’s Office was called in to do a sobriety test, which the woman failed. The driver was placed under arrest and charged with DUI and the vehicle was towed.

2/2, 1:46 p.m., assist other agency, 12700 Cortez Road W. Officers were dispatched to the Cortez Bridge to assist Longboat Key

THE SUN

police with a subject who was resisting arrest. Upon arrival, the officers observed Longboat Key Police Chief Turner ordering the man to place his hands behind his back, but he would not comply.

The man told the police to shoot him and was not responding to police commands. Due to the subject’s aggressive behavior and his 6’2” 350-pound stature, backup was called. Once he was secured in handcuffs, the man went limp when police tried to put him in the patrol car, so he was transported in the back of Bradenton Beach’s patrol truck. The subject was processed and his vehicle was towed from the bridge.

HOLMES BEACH

2/3, 11:02 a.m., grand theft, 4255 Gulf Drive. The officer was dispatched concerning the theft of an electric bicycle. The complainant said he went downstairs below his condo to his storage closet and his electric bike was missing. He said he last saw the bike about a week ago and it was valued at $6,000 and described as looking like a vintage Indian motorcycle. The officer found no sign of forced entry and said the door was most likely left unlocked.

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2/5, 1:19 a.m., assist EMS, 513 83rd St. After being dispatched to a man falling out of a golf cart, the officer arrived to find a male subject bleeding heavily from his head and suffering multiple wounds on his arms and legs. The man said he was pretty drunk but he was fine and didn’t want to go to the hospital.

The driver of the cart said he made some quick maneuvers for fun and that’s when the male subject drunkenly fell off the cart headfirst on the pavement. The driver appeared to be intoxicated as well, but since there were no other witnesses, no arrest was made. The man who fell from the cart was taken to Blake Memorial Hospital and no other action was taken.

2/6, 9:27 p.m., out of county warrant, 752 Manatee Ave. Officers were investigating a suspicious boat at Kingfish Boat Ramp when they discovered the boat belonged to a male suspect who had an active warrant out of Pasco County. An hour later, police observed two people walking toward the boat so they contacted the individuals. The man they contacted was the same listed in the warrant, so he was taken into custody and booked into the Manatee County Jail.

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NEWS BRIEFS Holmes Beach, Manatee County meeting date set After a contentious year, Holmes Beach and Manatee County commissioners are coming face-toface in a public meeting to discuss ongoing issues and the relationship between the two governments. The meeting takes place March 1 at 9 a.m. in the Manatee/Osprey rooms on the fifth floor of the Manatee County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W. in Bradenton.

While no agenda had been released

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for the meeting as of press time for The Sun, topics expected to be discussed include beach parking, tourist development tax funding, red tide, planned improvements at the Kingfish boat ramp, increasing the amount of funding offered to the Holmes Beach Police Department for patrolling county-maintained properties in the city and the continued development in Manatee County and how it affects Anna Maria Island, among other topics.

Kingfish improvements take shape Planned improvements at the Manatee County-maintained Kingfish boat ramp in Holmes Beach

are taking shape as the design process continues. During a Feb. 9 Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity meeting, County parks representative Liza Click said restrooms will be included in the new design plans, along with a grinder pump instead of a lift station, stormwater retention areas, new docks and additional boat launch lanes. Once the design phase is complete, the plans are expected to be made available for public input.

Donate blood at Roser The OneBlood Big Red Bus is coming to Roser Memorial Com-

FEBRUARY 16, 2022

munity Church from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Feb. 20 and donors are needed. All donors will receive a OneBlood long-sleeved T-shirt and a $20 e-gift card. You also will receive a free wellness checkup including blood pressure, temperature, iron count, cholesterol screening and pulse rate. Walk-ups are welcome but reservations are suggested. To register, go online to oneblooddonor.org and use sponsor code 37502 or sponsor name Roser Memorial Community Church or call OneBlood at 1-888-936-6283.

All donors must be age 16 or older and present photo identification to donate blood.

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FEBRUARY 16, 2022

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31

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 ’ree lookin looking ngg to Buyy or Sell on Anna Maria Maria Island Mari Islaand or the surrounding ounding ngg aarea! rea eaaa!!

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Vi ew a r e a l i st i n g s

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate. Source: MLS.

Protect Your Home and Everything that Matters 888.870.7667

SARASOTA - DOWNTOWN | 941.364.4000 VENICE | 941.412.3323

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FEBRUARY 16, 2022

WATER TAXI: County pursuing service to AMI FROM PAGE 1

Bradenton Area Convention and Visitor Bureau Director Elliott Falcione led the recent discussion, saying the county commission directed County Administrator Scott Hopes to initiate a water taxi system. Hopes then assigned those responsibilities to Falcione and Manatee County Public Works Director Chad Butzow, with Manatee County Transit Manager Bill Steele, MCAT Planning Manager Jonathan Roberson and others assisting with the efforts.

“It’s time to take advantage of the waterways in our beautiful community,” Falcione said.

Falcione said the goal is to have a water taxi pilot program operational

by Memorial Day weekend and he’s already had preliminary discussions with all the mayors in Manatee County except Longboat Key. “Each city’s going to have some suggestions, they’re going to have some concerns. I urge the cities to find balance. We have to swiftly and effectively come up with a plan as Bill Steele and the county go through an invitation to negotiate for procurement,” Falcione said. He noted that the procurement process will provide additional insight from water taxi operators regarding efficiency, frequency of the service and the initial landing spots.

He also said past surveys of Anna Maria Island beachgoers and hospitality workers indicate support for a water taxi system.

Speaking next, Steele said Roberson has been researching water taxi programs in other parts of the state and country. During his presentation, Steele referenced the Water Taxi Feasibility Study completed by the Metropolitan Planning Organization in 2005. He said that study is dated but still provides relevant conclusions regarding funding, service needs and key destinations.

Steele said it’s important for the areas served by water taxis to be connected to the ground transit system that includes MCAT buses and the free

Island trolleys.

“Initially we need to go from downtown Bradenton to AMI. As this service progresses and gets more productive in terms of ridership, there are always opportunities to expand,” Steele said.

Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier said, “We may not be the first point of entry, but we’d like to be in the loop.”

Falcione agreed and said the Sarasota area could also play a future role in the water taxi system, with a potential landing spot at the county-owned Powel Crosley Estate near the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.

County Commissioner Misty Servia said she’s excited to see a water taxi program finally moving forward but she doesn’t want the downtown Bradenton businesses to lose their existing parking spaces to water taxi users.

Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown said a water taxi system would bring more visitors from Anna Maria Island to downtown Bradenton, which would benefit the downtown businesses.

Regarding downtown parking, Brown said, “Right now we have a parking garage with 400 spaces that I would say isn’t 25% utilized.”

Mayor John Chappie noted the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) will soon expand the floating dock near the Bridge Street Pier, using matching funds provided by the county. That project will include perpendicular finger docks and a designated docking space for water taxis, ferries and other commercial vessels. Chappie said public restrooms and other amenities are already in place, including the Old Town Trams that transport visitors to their destinations within the greater Bridge Street area.

Butzow said securing the landing spots will be a major point of emphasis in the procurement process and the county seeks partnerships with public entities and private businesses for landing areas that provide walkability and access to buses, trolleys, trams and other means of ground transporta-

tion.

As of Friday, the requisition to draft an Invitation to Negotiate had been submitted and, once completed, will be posted at the Manatee County bids and proposals website page and the Periscope S2G government bidding website.

ANNA MARIA MAYOR’S INPUT

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy did not attend the COG meeting but he addressed the proposed water taxi service during the city commission’s Thursday, Feb. 10 meeting.

Reiterating statements he’s made in the past, and has communicated to Falcione, Murphy said, “I am not in favor of a tourist taxi. I don’t think we need more parking congestion at the pier because we’re running a shuttle service, or restaurant shuttles going down the Island. A benefit would be a water taxi that is focused on employees coming to and from work from downtown Bradenton to the Island.”

Murphy said carpenters and others who work in trades that require tools and equipment are unlikely to use a water taxi for work purposes, but some hospitality, retail and service industry employees would likely use the service if it’s affordable, fast, convenient and reliable.

“I think it should be part of the county transit system and I believe it probably should be subsidized so it’s affordable,” Murphy said.

He noted the City Pier’s existing landing area can accommodate a water taxi, but the city commission will decide whether that use is allowed.

“This is really the most logical place to put it. I do believe it would be a benefit under these conditions but it’s going to be your call,” Murphy told the commission.

When contacted, Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth said she doesn’t envision a water taxi stop in that city and the county’s planned improvements to the Kingfish boat ramp don’t include a water taxi stop.

SPEED LIMIT: Reduced in Holmes Beach FROM PAGE 1

Commissioner Pat Morton said the traffic in Holmes Beach doesn’t stop after dark and he thinks it’s up to city leaders to bring some safety back to city streets regarding drivers.

By lowering the speed limit, lowspeed vehicles and golf carts are permitted to be driven on all city streets except Manatee Avenue and East Bay Drive, which are state roads, where the speed limit is set by the

Florida Department of Transportation. Holmes Beach is the only Anna Maria Island city where golf carts are allowed to be driven. A golf cart is not required to be registered with the state and does not have a license plate.

Commissioner Carol Soustek said the different kinds of vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists and other users on city roads and sidewalks led her to believe that lowering the speed limit to

25 mph would help curb some of the safety issues on city streets.

“We’ve got to do something,” she said, adding that changing the speed limit wouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all solution but that she thinks it would give drivers more peace of mind on the road. If it doesn’t produce the desired results, Soustek said the decision could be revisited by commissioners in the future.

Cindy Jones-Burke ke Realtor/Staging Certified Residential Specialistt

Cindy@CJonesRE.com m Direct: 941.773.9770

310 Pine Avenue • Anna Maria, FL 34216

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FEBRUARY 16, 2022

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Half a poverty-to-wealth metaphor 5 Shows affection, dogstyle 10 Amt. rarely paid by a car buyer 14 Came down 15 Puget Sound, e.g.

16 Elevator name 17 Building emergency exit 19 Takes too much for oneself 20 Natural skill 21 Ark landing site: Abbr.

23 P&L part 25 Injure badly 26 Pay 29 Letters at the end of a proof 32 Fish with a net 35 German gent 36 Stalin-era prisons 38 Green acres

Answers to 02-09-22 Crossword Puzzle.

39 Some nest egg components 40 Only monosyllabic U.S. state 41 Weighty Brit. references 42 Tease 43 "Ars Poetica" poet 44 Craving 45 Time off 47 From S.F. to Vegas 48 Aquarium cutie 49 Math subj.

51 Palm starch 53 "Spring Symphony" composer 57 Be released 61 West Virginia resource 62 They're holstered in old Westerns 64 Forget to include 65 Connoisseur 66 Provide the bank blueprints for, say 67 Even civil ones aren't

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friendly 68 Bedding component 69 Flu fighters Down 1 Finn conveyance 2 Et __: and others 3 "Atta __!"

4 Heinz Field NFL team 5 Grocery shoppers' aids 6 Ltd. relative 7 Refuse to talk, with "up" 8 Didn't give away 9 Iron output 10 Angora goat fabric 11 Severe weather warning 12 Latvian capital 13 Sibilant "Hey!" 18 First chimp in orbit 22 "Peanuts" word of frustration 24 With 31-Down, hoedown activities, and a hint to the circled letters 26 Pirouette 27 Elevated dwelling 28 "Sit, sit" 30 Sports bureau cofounder Al or Walter 31 See 24-Down 33 Golfer's "pitching" club 34 Surgical cutter 36 Controversial crop alteration, for short 37 "Golly!"

41 Too tired to go further 43 Big wheel on a ship 46 Gymnast's jumps

48 Prayer opener 50 Settles 52 Contract negotiator 53 Flat-bottomed garbage hauler 54 Deep sleep

55 Builder who lived to be 950 56 Central church part 58 Cartoonist Goldberg 59 The "E" in DOE: Abbr.

60 Spanish pronoun

63 Actress Wallace of "E.T."

33

34

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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

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

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

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

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

FOR SALE ELECTRIC EMOJO TRIKE Model Caddy Pro 48.

Excellent condition (less than 100 hours) Original cost $2800. Now $2200.

Schwinn exercise bike $45.

Call 941-779-2208 or 603723-9893

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

Neil 941-726-3077 RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-7250073.

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CBC 1261150.

Call Mike Kern 941-7781115 GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194 JSAN CORPORATION Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors.

Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.

API’S DRYWALL REPAIR 15+ years experience.

Free estimates. No job too small. Love to help you.

Call 941-524-8067.

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

HOME SERVICES CONCRETE FUSION, CRACK REPAIR sidewalks/ driveways. Why fix 95% of concrete when only 5% bad? Number 1 in concrete repair. Insured.

Free estimate. Call Bobby 941-374-7670.

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

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

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 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.

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FEBRUARY 16, 2022

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

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

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

“WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455

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

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident.

Quality Workmanship.

Interior/Exterior. Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315

POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 10 + Years Experience.

Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893

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

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 BEAUTIFUL HOME ON THE ISLAND. North Point at Key Royale located on the canal. Great for boaters. 3BR/3BA open floor plan with large screened-in lanai. Unfurnished and immediate occupancy. $5,500/ mo. Call Paige Rogers Duncan Real Estate 513382-1992.

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 941-9286033.

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $50, 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 TAMPA, St. PETE, SARASOTAO airport rides. Call Don941-761-9095

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FEBRUARY 16, 2022

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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35

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

TRANSPORTATION

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FEBRUARY 16, 2022

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