Anna Maria Island Sun February 23, 2022

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 22 No. 20

February 23, 2022

Thousands stream to Cortez for Fishing Festival

Throngs of people gathered in Florida’s oldest fishing village to enjoy seafood, art, music and more at the 40th Annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

CORTEZ - After being canceled in 2021 due to COVID-19, the 40th Annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival triumphantly returned to the village last weekend.

After more than a year of planning, the festival drew thousands of visitors, by far the largest gathering each year in Cortez. Whether it was seafood, local arts and crafts, live music or an education in how commercial fishing impacts not only Cortez, but Florida as a whole, there was something for everyone.

For only $5, visitors had acres of historic Cortez to roam and find plenty to excite all five senses.

Huge crowds enjoy the 40th Annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival.

SEE FESTIVAL, PAGE 27

Fun at Murder Mystery ‘out of this world’ The Murder Mystery dinner theater returned to The Center bigger, better than ever.

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

ANNA MARIA – It was a galactic good time as the Murder Mystery returned to The Center for its 13th year.

The annual fundraiser took a year off for COVID-19 but came back with a bang, or a laser stun for this year’s victim, with the theme “space odyssey.”

Set at World Con in the year 2069, two Men in Black agents, Agent B and Agent J, played by Don Purvis and Ray Gardner, crash-landed at the sci-fi convention just as everyone was arriving. They were also just in time to help solve the murder of Hollywood actor

INSIDE NEWS LETTERS OUTDOORS LOUISE BOLGER REAL ESTATE SPORTS CROSSWORD

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St. Patrick’s Day parade returns Get your green ready because the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is coming back to Anna Maria Island. After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, this year’s parade is planned to be bigger and better than ever as it travels down Marina Drive in Holmes

Beach. The parade kicks off on Sunday, March 13 at 4 p.m. at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce and travels north on Marina Drive. In previous years, the parade was sponsored by Sean Murphy and The Beach Bistro, which he recent-

ly sold. This year’s parade is sponsored by the AMI Chamber of Commerce, Duncan Real Estate and The Center of Anna Maria Island.

For more information or to find out how you can participate, contact Chris Culhane at chris@ centerami.org.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

It’s all fun and games, even when there’s a dead body at The Center’s 13th Annual Murder Mystery Dinner Theater Feb. 19.

Scott Ridley, played by Caleb Roberts.

In a surprise twist, Ridley wasn’t actually dead, coming back as a cyborg robot just in time for the cast to break SEE MYSTERY, PAGE 18

Soon the sound of bagpipes will fill the air in Holmes Beach with the return of the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

MAHI TACOS, a

HALL OF FAMER Don Felder

classic Anna Maria Island dish. In Food & Wine. 19

rocks The Center. 16 EUROPEAN travel to AMI snowballs as restrictions lifted. 15

Anna Maria Island, Florida

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

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FEBRUARY 23, 2022

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FEBRUARY 23, 2022

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Strader convicted of battery on Bradenton Beach officers Two Bradenton Beach Police Officers were injured during the incident and arrest that occurred in 2020.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – James Cleo Strader Jr. has been convicted of battery on two law enforcement officers stemming from an incident that occurred on April 22, 2020.

Strader Strader was originally charged with two first-degree felony counts of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer (causing great bodily harm) and one third-degree felony count of battery on a law enforcement officer, a lesser charge.

The jury trial was heard in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court at the Manatee County Judicial Center in downtown Bradenton.

The jury reached its guilty verdict on two lesser charges of battery on a law enforcement officer on Tuesday, Feb. 8.

The 2020 incident involved Bradenton Beach police officers Roy Joslin and Tom Ferrara. According to the verdict document

contained in the court records, the jury determined the prosecution proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Joslin and Ferrara suffered “moderate physical injury” as a result of Strader’s actions.

Police Chief John Cosby discussed the verdict during the Thursday, Feb. 17 city commission meeting.

“As you know, two of our officers were involved in a situation with a gentleman up on the avenues and both of those officers were hurt. This gentleman was found guilty.

Now we’re just waiting for the sentencing hearing,” Cosby said.

Cosby noted both officers recovered from their injuries and said he believes the prosecution seeks a 25-month jail sentence for Strader. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, March 30.

INCIDENT RECAP

According to the original probable cause affidavit dated April 22, 2020, Joslin and Ferrara were inside the Circle K convenience store at 103 Gulf Drive S. when Melissa Renee Strader walked into the store and yelled that she was having a problem at her residence at 2311 Avenue C and needed police assistance.

Strader told the officers her husband, James Cleo Strader Jr., had been breaking

and destroying their personal belongings at the residence all day long, including a fish tank valued at $5,000 and “some very high dollar pottery” that she had owned for several years. Strader told the officers she had video evidence on her iPad of the damage being done.

Strader said her husband had been arguing with her for the past week due to the fact that they were in the process of getting a divorce after 35 years of marriage.

She told officers her husband owned a pistol, but she wasn’t sure where it was, and said she would like to return to the residence to gather some of her personal belongings. The officers escorted her to the residence and found her husband standing in the driveway. The officers observed a bulge in the left pocket of his shorts and the affidavit references the possibility of a pistol, as earlier implied by his wife.

According to the affidavit, the defendant walked toward the garage, repeatedly asked the officers if they had a search warrant and assumed a “fighting-type stance.”

He then pushed past Joslin and Ferrara as he tried to enter the open garage door, according to the police report.

When Strader disobeyed the officers’ orders to remove his hand from his left pocket, Joslin placed his hand on the upper

portion of Strader’s chest and just below his neck in an attempt to place him up against the garage wall so he could be searched.

When Strader removed his hand from his pocket a large, double-fold wallet fell out of his left pocket.

According to the affidavit, Strader became enraged, raised his right hand and struck Joslin on the forehead. He then struck Ferrara in the face several times. As the officers tried to handcuff him, Strader continued throwing punches at Joslin, eventually knocking him onto a riding lawnmower and other items stored in the garage.

As Strader continued to throw punches at Ferrara, Ferrara drew his taser, warned Strader and fired taser prongs that struck Strader but did not slow him down. As Strader attempted to remove the taser prongs, Joslin drew his taser and fired two sets of taser prongs, which resulted in “an effect of compliance.”

Although Joslin’s left shoulder was dislocated while trying to handcuff Strader, Joslin succeeded in doing so. After Strader was secured and transported from the scene, Joslin went to a local emergency room and was diagnosed with a dislocated shoulder.

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ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

Toddler rescued from swimming pool

A 2-year-old boy who nearly drowned was rescued from a swimming pool in the 200 block of South Bay Boulevard on the afternoon of Monday, Feb. 14. According to Sgt. Brett Getman with the Anna Maria Unit of the Manatee County Sheriff ’s Office, “The victim was observed in the pool, pulled out and EMS performed life-saving measures. The victim was flown to a nearby hospital and he was alive.” Getman said the boy was visiting from out of town.

Anna Maria Commission meets Wednesday The Anna Maria City Commission usually meets on Thursdays, but its next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 23 at 2 p.m.

After general public comment, the city attorney will present the second and final reading of a new sexual offender and sexual predator ordinance, and the second reading of an ordinance pertaining to off-street parking for businesses.

The mayor will provide a Mote Marine pier facility update and the city engineer will assist with a discussion pertaining to a possible use of American Rescue Plan funds for a potential nutrient removal-related stormwater project.

The mayor will provide a Reimagining Pine Avenue update and a member of the city staff will provide an update on the Florida Legislature’s current session and the proposed bills that concern city officials. The consent agenda includes a special event permit request from The Center of Anna Maria Island for a St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 13 from 4-6 p.m. City hall remains open to the public and Thursday’s meeting can also be attended, and public comment provided, by calling 1-929-205-6099 and entering the meeting ID, 85392000280.

Start the weekend with pancakes Kick your weekend off right by coming out to Roser Memorial Community Church for a pancake breakfast on Saturday, Feb. 26. The hot cakes start flying off the griddle at 8 a.m. and continue to be served until 11 a.m. in the fellowship hall at 512 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria. In addition to pancakes, there also will be sausage, biscuits, gravy, applesauce, syrup and hot melted butter along with coffee and other drinks, all for $7 per person. Children under age 5 are welcome at no charge. The pancake breakfast is open to everyone. After breakfast, stroll across the street and check out the bargains available at the Roser Guild Thrift Shop, open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. To volunteer to serve at the pancake breakfast, visit www.roserchurch. com/pancake-breakfast.

Visit our website, www.amisun.com.

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FEBRUARY 23, 2022

Building permit sought for controversial beachfront property

No permitting decisions have been made yet by the city of Anna Maria.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Bradenton resident Fedora Campbell is moving forward with her plan to build a three-story, single-family home on her undeveloped beachfront property at 105 Elm Ave. “There has been so much notoriety about proposed construction at 105 Elm in our Con 1 (Conservation) Zone," Mayor Dan Murphy told city commissioners on Feb. 10, referring to objections by neighbors that the project would block their Gulf views. "It’s not appropriate this afternoon to weigh in on this. I just want to you be cognizant of the fact that late last week we received a building permit application to do construction in that lot at 105 Elm and that it’s under review.”

Murphy did not provide any additional details regarding the city permitting process.

The building permit application obtained from the city clerk’s office was signed by Campbell and lists Greg Gagne as the permit applicant and Anna Maria-based Gagne Construction as the construction company.

The construction agreement between Campbell and Gagne Construction references the construction of a new single-family home and driveway and a $1.635 million contract price that calls for 50% payment upon acceptance of the agreement and the remaining balance due upon completion of the construction project.

A site plan included in the permitting documents refers to an area identified as “Proposed Elm Avenue,” which indicates a desire to seek from the city an extension of Elm Avenue that would provide for a driveway connection and vehicular access to the 105 Elm property that currently has no such access. The drainage plan refers to a driveway connected to a proposed shell-covered portion of Elm Avenue. If approved by the city, the extended portion of Elm Avenue would be located on a currently undeveloped, unpaved city-owned right of way that includes a beach access path.

Section 114-421 of the city code of

ordinances addresses prohibited uses within city-owned rights of way and the need for city commission approval to encumber a city-owned right of way: “Generally, with the exception of the planting of grass or 250 filter mix, no encumbrances of any kind, such as trees, bushes, rocks, stones, plantings, pea gravel, crushed shell, etc., shall be placed or constructed on the right-of-way within 8 feet of the edge of pavement without the written approval of the director of public works and a majority of the members of the city commission.”

NEIGHBORS OPPOSED

Elm Avenue currently ends near the driveway of the beachfront home at 107 Elm Ave. that Wendy and Robert Jordan purchased for $4 million in April 2021.

The Jordans oppose Campbell’s proposed development because it would obstruct their existing view of the beach and the Gulf of Mexico. The Jordans disagree with a 2021 Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) ruling in which an administrative law judge upheld the building permit FDEP previously issued in 2020 for the construction of Campbell’s home seaward of the state’s Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL).

The Jordans’ opposition includes the still-active Preserve AMI campaign publicity launched in 2021 with the assistance of family friend and advertising and creative resource, Patrick Coyne. The campaign initially included yard signs and newspaper advertisements urging Murphy and other elected officials to “Do the right thing” regarding any future permitting decisions made at the local level.

On June 25, 2020, FDEP provided Campbell with a notice to proceed and a permit for her proposed construction activities. The FDEP approval allowed those whose substantial interests may be affected by the department’s action to petition for a formal administrative hearing.

On Aug. 3, 2020, attorney David Levin filed a petition for such a hearing with the Florida Department of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) on behalf of potentially impacted property owners David Morris, Ling Liu, DAR Real Estate Enterprises and Richard Theidel. This administrative action

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

If permitted, the proposed residential construction would take place on the undeveloped lot located in front of an existing home at 107 Elm Ave. took place before the Jordans bought the home at 107 Elm. “Campbell’s proposed structures do not comply with the applicable requirements and are not eligible for a CCCL permit. Petitioners seek a final order revoking Permit No. ME-1341,” Levin stated in his filed petition.

In response to the petitioners’ request, administrative law judge Francine Ffolkes presided over a sixday DOAH hearing. On June 7, 2021, Ffolkes issued her written recommended order, which stated, “It is hereby recommended that DEP enter a final order granting Campbell’s application for a CCCL permit to construct a single-family residence and associated structures seaward of the CCCL.” On July 20, 2021, Interim FDEP Secretary Shawn Hamilton signed the final order that formalized Ffolkes’ recommended order. The final order provided a 30-day appeal period. According to an FDEP spokesperson, no appeal was sought.

On July 6, 2021, Anna Maria Building Official Luke Curtis sent an email to Murphy that referenced two previous building area determinations made by two different third-party firms in 2017 and 2018.

“The buildable area determinations confirm that the lot located at 105 Elm is a buildable lot as per city code, but that the final determination would be made by the FDEP,” Curtis stated in his email. “Prior to any building permit being accepted by the building department, a development permit, along with a site plan – including but not limited to access to the property, sewer, water and electric utilities – will need to be considered and approved by city commission.”

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FEBRUARY 23, 2022

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More hotels, fewer ‘party houses’ advocated Hotels are nearly a thing of the past in Bradenton Beach.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Bradenton Beach Marina owner Mike Bazzy is encouraging the city commission to amend the city’s land development code (LDC) to allow for more hotel rooms.

Bazzy addressed the commission on Thursday, Feb. 17, noting that he previously sent Mayor John Chappie a letter regarding the topic. He then provided the other four commission members with a copy of his letter.

“I’d like to talk about the land development code and the future of accommodations here in Bradenton Beach.

As you all know, visitors are coming to Florida like crazy.

They’re coming to Manatee County and businesses like mine are reliant on the fact that we’re going to have ac-

commodations for them when they get here,” Bazzy told the commission.

“We’ve all seen the growth in the number of party houses over the years and that’s of questionable value. I’m of the opinion that hotel rooms in Bradenton Beach are a better type of accommodation for our future visitors. I’d like to see the city take a look at that and see if we can help incentivize the growth of hotel rooms and motel rooms in Bradenton Beach as opposed to party houses,” said Bazzy, who is not known to have any interest himself in building or operating a hotel.

“I’ve spoken to a lot of merchants about this and everybody I’ve talked to has been behind this idea," Bazzy said. "I started doing a little research and I was kind of surprised. What I found was the land development code does not have a provision for hotels and motels. I’m talking about density here. The density provisions in the LDC

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Marina owner Mike Bazzy shared his views on hotel/motel density with the city commission. are 18 units per acre and that’s for residences, condos and hotels as well. There’s no differentiation between residential and commercial in the LDC. "What that means," he added, "is you don’t get enough units for a hotel to make it

viable. There’s not enough return on investment at that restricted level of units.”

“What I’m specifically requesting is this: Perhaps you could look at the land development code and make a determination if there should be some allowances in there

for hotel and motel density.

Please take a look at my letter and consider looking at the LDC to see if any changes should be made for hotels and motels,” Bazzy said in closing.

Mayor Chappie suggested this might be something the city’s Planning and Zoning Board could take a look at as they review the current LDC. He said Building Official Steve Gilbert is also aware of Bazzy’s request.

Commissioner Jan Vosburgh noted the small hotel on Bridge Street – the Island Time Inn – is slated for future demolition and that will eventually result in the loss of what is believed to be Bradenton Beach’s last remaining hotel.

“All the old ones are gone,” Chappie said of the city’s past ground-level hotel population.

He then noted there are several resorts in Bradenton Beach that provide shortterm lodging.

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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 23, 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 Leslie Ketchum Distribution Bob Alexander Tony McNulty Connor Field Contributors Tom Vaught Steve Borggren Monica Simpson

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Crowded aisles, beautiful isle

As a five-decade resident of Anna Maria Island, I am fortunate to enjoy living where people come from all over the world to visit. A few hints to make your stay special and getting to know why so many travel here.

• Islanders look at everyone in the eye and say hello or wave. This is the Island way so embrace it if you’re not used to it.

• Our local Publix moved into a previous store years ago. That footprint is smaller than most stores. Aisles are narrow and many are in a rush. If you are visiting, take a chill and enjoy that you are one of very few visiting paradise. Hint: Best time to shop is when most are visiting the beach.

• Yes, golf carts are on our roads along with the Island trolley, which offers pickups every 20 minutes, and the Monkey Bus. Have patience. Remember where we are and take a chill.

Leave earlier than normal so you’re not frustrated in traffic.

• Have respect for our pedestrians and bicyclists. Remember, you could be in snow now and not be able to do any outdoor activities.

• If the cities have crosswalks for pedestrians, please stop if someone is wanting to cross.

• Tip those in the service industry.

Almost none of those individuals get to live on the Island and they are working hard to make your visit special.

• Take a trash bag to the beach and collect your trash. Our wildlife deserves its natural habitat. We can

share that by picking up our trash and leaving it all at beach-end trash cans, or by taking it back to your accommodations.

Enjoy your visit to our paradise.

Anna Maria Island has three distinct cities on a seven-mile strip along the Gulf of Mexico, and we welcome you.

Visit the Bradenton Beach Pier or the Anna Maria City Pier and enjoy the seagulls, pelicans, manatees and dolphins just flying or swimming by.

Enjoy our paradise.

Carol Whitmore Holmes Beach

Golf carts: Stay on Key Royale As I read the article in The Sun last week on registration for golf cart owners, I was surprised and entertained.

The surprise was that the city of Holmes Beach is the only city of the three that allows golf carts on streets, not to be confused with LSVs that have all the basic safety gear (seat belts, lights, horn). I was entertained to read the paragraph that stated, “Holmes Beach allows the use of golf carts in the city primarily due to the Key Royale Golf Club being located within the city.” The golf cart discussion turned into resident vs. renters and residents with homestead exemptions, which of course does not relate to safety on the roads.

Key Royale Golf Club is a private golf course in the residential area of Key Royale. The Key Royale homeowner’s association should allow golf carts on its roads but not allow them to cross over the Memorial bridge.

Watch how your commissioners next

vote on this issue, based on their residency.

Golf carts have no seat belts. “Click It Or Ticket” is an offense we all live under, but, apparently, not always in Holmes Beach. Special inspections for all the golf carts mean additional costs to all of us and a police force diverted off its primary duties to appease a few. Manatee police in Anna Maria stop golf carts on city roads and either ticket or warn them and send them back to Holmes Beach. Now we all have a 25-mph speed limit; it’s time to harmonize the golf cart rules.

Bradenton Beach is not involved in this discussion because golf carts and LSVs can’t drive on East Bay Drive.

The city of Holmes Beach is not a golfing community - Key Royale is.

Keep golf carts confined to that island.

David Barstow Holmes Beach

Stick with Mote With all due respect for the opinions of some, the last thing we need on the Anna Maria City Pier is yet another restaurant taking up valuable space.

Mote Marine Laboratory is a valuable educational resource that provides much-needed information to the public. The Island is ever more popular with tourists who visit primarily because of the wonders of the water that surrounds us, and they always visit the pier. Mote Marine deserves the space.

P. Riley Holmes Beach

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FEBRUARY 23, 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. 23, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting

BRADENTON BEACH

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

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

Feb. 23, 2 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting March 2, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting March 3, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting March 16, 2 p.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting

HOLMES BEACH

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

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

March 1, 9 a.m. – Holmes Beach and Manatee County joint commission meeting, Manatee County Administration Building, Osprey Room, 112 Manatee Ave. W, Bradenton March 2, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautifi-

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cation committee meeting March 2, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting March 8, 5 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow March 9, 10 a.m. – Clean Water committee meeting

ISLAND-WIDE

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

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 23

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.

AMI Chamber Business Card Exchange, The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 5-7 p.m., $5 for members or $10 for prospective members. Reserve online amichamber. org/events

THURSDAY, FEB. 24

Seashell Shore Walk, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 9 a.m.

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine

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Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome.

Seaside Quilters, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Reserve online manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/8486585 Sunshine Stitchers knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Register online at manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/8511519 Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5-8 p.m.

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

FRIDAY, FEB. 25

Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Register online manateelibrary. libcal.com/event/8486853 Mahjong Club – Experienced Players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Register online manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/8486616 Photography Challenge Gallery Presentation, Valentine House, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 6-8 p.m.

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FEBRUARY 23, 2022

Commissioners question engineering costs

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – City officials are concerned about higher than expected engineering costs for a statefunded beautification and landscaping project along Gulf Drive North.

To date, Lynn Burnett’s LTA Engineers firm has been paid $48,205 for engineering and design services related to a beautification project to be funded with a $104,246 grant from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

The beautification project is planned on state-owned rights of way along the SR 789/Gulf Drive corridor, primarily between 23rd Street North and 12th Street North, with engineering and design plans subject to FDOT review and approval.

In April 2021, Burnett presented what were described then as the final design plans and specifications for the project, which have since been revised after FDOT input.

The original plans called for the removal of several Australian pine trees along Gulf Drive North and the planting of green buttonwood and wax myrtle trees, coconut palms, cabbage

palms and various shrubs, grasses and other groundcover materials. At the request of FDOT, the tree removals and tree plantings are no longer included in the plans.

Although Burnett no longer serves as the city’s primary engineer, she remains the engineer of record for this project. On Thursday, Feb. 17, she appeared before the commission to discuss the engineering efforts to date and her latest project-related invoice for $2,910.

Working as a subcontractor, ZNS Engineering Project Landscape Architect Joe Collins is assisting LTA Engineers with the beautification project and participated in Thursday’s meeting by phone.

Throughout Thursday’s discussion, commission members repeatedly expressed concerns about the engineering costs already equating to nearly half of the grant funds – and potentially escalating to as much as $60,000 before the project is completed, with LTA Engineers providing future on-site inspections and oversight.

The grant money can only be used to pay for the actual landscaping and beautification work and cannot

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Lynn Burnett helped explain the increased engineering and design costs. be used for engineering and design services. According to City Treasurer Shayne Thompson, the engineering and designs costs are being paid from the city’s general fund as part of the $129,000 originally earmarked in the 2020-21 fiscal year budget for the project, which includes the grant money.

Mayor John Chappie said Burnett originally estimated the engineering and design costs would be about $30,000.

He asked why some basic design elements that are supposed to comply with existing FDOT general standards required additional revision and review.

Collins noted the project is subject to FDOT quality control standards that

apply to utility lines, setbacks, rights of way, fire hydrants and other existing elements – including “no-plant zones” that prohibit plants and landscaping in areas where they could potentially injure someone involved in an automobile accident.

Burnett said FDOT’s expedited 60day review process was supposed to be completed in September but has taken six months to get to this point in the process. Collins and Burnett said they’ve never encountered such significant review-related delays when working with FDOT. Commissioner Jake Spooner questioned why deleting the tree removals and the tree plantings from the plans resulted in a significant cost in engineering and design services. Collins and Burnett said removing the trees from the plans required additional engineering, design and review for the shrubs and other lower-level plantings that remain in the plans.

Burnett noted Chappie and others were previously made aware of FDOT’s tree removal and tree planting concerns and she was instructed to SEE ENGINEERING, PAGE 12

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022

Thank you!

Join us in thanking the Tidewell Foundation

for helping our loved ones find comfort & care through the years.

LANDSIDE

CORTEZ

6906 14th St. West 941.758.7880

6696 Cortez Road 941.792.0077

ELLENTON

BRIDGE ST. PIER

1525 51st Ave East 941.721.7773

Bradenton Beach 941.778.AMOB (2662)

$10 donation per order of Danish Baby Back Ribs will be donated to the Tidewell Foundation (Offer valid on Full Rack and Rib-Chicken combo meals only - not Half Rack)

FEBRUARY 23, 2022

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Concession fund spending on the agenda Holmes Beach city leaders are working on a list of potential ways to spend money from the excess concession fund.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Talk is circulating through the three Anna Maria Island cities’ governments about how to best use the money in the Manatee County-controlled excess concession fund. Mayor Judy Titsworth wants to make sure her city gets its fair share.

Presenting commissioners with her own list of potential projects to use some of the available funding for, Titsworth challenged commissioners to think about other uses for the money.

Excess concession money is collected

by Manatee County from the operation of two concession stands operated at county-maintained beaches - one at Manatee Beach and one at Coquina Beach. The money is put into a fund for use by the three Anna Maria Island cities for projects benefitting the public.

Leaders in all three Island cities must agree on the use of the funds before the proposal can be sent to county commissioners for disbursement.

Titsworth’s proposed projects totaled $292,290 and featured bicycle and pedestrian path improvements, crosswalk signage and lighting, bike racks at parks, improvements at the Holmes Beach Dog Park, improvements at the Holmes Beach Skate Park and a kayak launch at Grassy Point Preserve.

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said one item for commissioners to potentially consider is the estimated $269,000 needed to replace the department’s radios.

When the radios were last replaced, the ones purchased were Tate radios, which were recommended by Manatee County officials. In the ensuing years, Tokajer said those radios are not performing well and that Manatee County law enforcement agencies have already made the switch to Motorola radios. He said not only do the Motorola radios have a better performance track record, but the towers the radios use are also Motorola towers,leading to better compatibility between the two. The total estimated cost covers radios for all HBPD vehicles, as well as a handheld radio for each officer that is equipped with GPS, which could be used by dispatchers to locate officers in emergencies.

Tokajer said he has applied for a Florida Department of Law Enforcement grant and has spoken with Manatee County Administrator Scott Hopes about using American Rescue Plan Act funding given to the county for the purchase. He also wants commissioners to consider putting the cost of the radios on their list of potential concession fund requests.

The discussion is expected to be put on the March Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials agenda for discussion by the three Island mayors.

Holmes Beach commissioners are also anticipating bringing their lists back to a future commission work session for further consideration.

10

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FEBRUARY 23, 2022

Community bands together to help local bartender

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

HOLMES BEACH – When one of Anna Maria Island’s own is having a hard time, the community bands together to help, a virtue that was on full display during a recent benefit to raise money for a local bartender.

The Island community turned out in full force Feb. 12 for a fundraiser at DCoy Ducks in Holmes Beach benefitting Lisa O’Connell, a long-time Island bartender who is currently hospitalized with a health crisis. Organized by her family at DCoy Ducks, where O’Connell has worked for more than 12 years, the proceeds from the fundraiser went to help pay for continuing medical bills and living costs. O’Connell has been hospitalized since late January undergoing surgical treatment for two aneurysms.

In addition to the fundraiser, which featured food, drinks and dozens of silent auction items donated by local businesses, O’Connell’s family also has started a GoFundMe account to help raise money. To contribute, visit www. gofundme.com/f/lisa-oconnell.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Community members came together at DCoy Ducks in Holmes Beach Feb. 12 to help raise money for local bartender Lisa O’Connell as she battles a health crisis.

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FEBRUARY 23, 2022

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11

Dolphin Dash off with a bang The annual event raises funds for the Anna Maria Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization.

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

HOLMES BEACH – The 15th Annual Dolphin Dash 5K and 1-mile fun run on Feb. 19 drew 153 participants from ages 8 to 82 to raise funds for the Anna Maria Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization.

Officiated by the Bradenton Runners Club and co-chaired by Alana Fleischer and Kelly Gitt, the run began and ended at AME. Funds raised during prior runs have provided improvements such as a new stage in the auditorium for school plays, overhead projectors in the classrooms, new cafe tables for the lunchroom, new benches in the pickup line and expansion of the estuary behind the school.

AME PTO | SUBMITTED

Above, the 15th Annual Dolphin Dash started with a bang last Saturday.

Right, An Anna Maria Elementary student selected from an art contest led by art teacher Gary Wooten designed the race T-shirt, right.

Left, Tess Bolognone, June Moore and Lexi Bauer sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the start of the Dolphin Dash.

SCOTT MOORE | SUBMITTED

Dolphin Dash winners Top male finisher, overall Connor Kreger, 17, St. Clair, Michigan Top female finisher, overall Anna Neal, 33, Durham, North Carolina Top male finisher, masters Scott Akker, 41, Norton Shores, Michigan Top female finisher, masters Wendi Hudson, 50, Apollo Beach, Florida Top male finisher, grandmasters JD Pepper, 58, Dansville, Michigan Top female finisher, grandmasters Penny Tisko, 53, Voorheesville, New York Top male finisher, senior grandmasters Chuck Block, 65, Dewitt, Michigan Top female finisher, senior grandmasters Sandy Meneley, 74, Holmes Beach, Fl Top male finisher, veteran grandmasters Frank Davis, 77, Rock Falls, Illinois Top female finisher, veteran grandmasters Dianne Schultz, 70, Postville, Iowa Male 9 and under, first place C. Bess, 8, Lithia, Florida Male 10-12, first place B. Gartman, 11, Holmes Beach, Florida Male 13-15, first place Ethan Kreger, St. Clair, Michigan

Male 16-19, first place Male 20-24, first place Male 25-29, first place Male 30-34, first place Male 35-39, first place Male 40-44, first place Male 45-49, first place Male 50-54, first place Male 55-59, first place Male 60-64, first place Male 65-69, first place Male 70-74, first place Male 75-79, first place Male 80 and over, first place Female 9 and under, first place

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

Zackary Baker, 18, Bradenton, Florida Matthew Schultheis, 24, Riverview, Florida Travis Belsito, 26, Bradenton, Florida Max Spiegel, 33, Sarasota, Florida Wesley Weed, 37, Sarasota, Florida Steve Grimes, 42, Park Ridge, Illinois Brett McQuade, 49, Terra Ceia, Florida Scott Leland, 54, Bradenton, Florida Walter Szeezil, 58, Terra Ceia, Florida Bob Nelson, 64, Bradenton, Florida Dennis Schultz, 69, Bradenton, Florida Gene Fergione, 70, Bradenton, Florida Robert Lathrop, 79, Bradenton, Florida Frank Nicolosi, 81, Bradenton, Florida T. King, 8, Cortez, Florida

Female 10-12, first place S. Coba, 12, Bradenton Beach, Florida Female 13-15, first place Angelina Albrecht, 15, Bradenton, Florida Female 20-24, first place Krista Lyons, 22, Sarasota, Florida Female 25-29, first place Peyton Stipes, 28, Sun City Center, Florida Female 30-34, first place Lindsey Styka, 33, Bradenton, Florida Female 35-39, first place Tatjana Stojkovic, 36, Seffner, Florida Female 40-44, first place Yvonne Boyer, 43, Wentzville, Missouri Female 45-49, first place Jessica holiday, 47, Holmes Beach, Florida Female 50-54, first place Sara Sugarman, 50, North York, Ontario, Canada Female 55-59, first place Shirley Arendt, 56, Ruskin, Florida Female 60-64, first place Kim Gorman, 63, USA Female 65-69, first place Ellen Jaffe Jones, 69, Sarasota, Florida Female 70-74, first place Cheryl Hess, 71, Bradenton, Florida Female 75-79, first place Josephine Nicolosi, 77, Bradenton, Florida Female 80 and over, first place Esther Van Duzee, 81, Bradenton, Florida

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FEBRUARY 23, 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 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

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

City commissioners questioned Lynn Burnett about the engineering and design costs.

ENGINEERING: Commissioners question costs FROM PAGE 8

continue with the project that now has an extended June 2023 completion deadline.

When expressing his displeasure, Commissioner Ralph Cole noted taxpayer dollars are being spent on the project regardless of who is to blame for the increased costs.

Chappie asked Burnett if there is anything she could do in terms of working with the city to help lower the design and engineering costs. Burnett said she’s already written off $10,000

for work related to the project and she’s not in a position to provide the city with any additional free services.

Chappie noted FDOT Landscape Architect Darryl Richard is the city’s primary contact for the project and he suggested the commission hear from Richard and get FDOT’s perspective before making any project-related decisions. The commission agreed with Chappie’s suggestion.

FEBRUARY 23, 2022

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13

Local man shoots himself at Coquina Beach

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

A 28-year-old Bradenton man committed suicide at the Coquina Beach Park in Bradenton Beach on Monday, Feb. 14.

According to the incident report prepared by Lt. Lenard Diaz, he and Bradenton Beach police officer John Tsakiri responded to the scene at about 4:30 p.m.

“Upon arrival, I observed lifeguards giving CPR to an unresponsive male and what appeared to be a gunshot wound to his head. I also noticed a gun laying approximately 2 feet away from the deceased,” Diaz stated in his written report.

The report notes several witnesses heard a gunshot and at least one witness saw the man fall to the ground.

When Diaz contacted the man’s spouse and informed her that her husband had taken his life, she said she had just returned to town and the couple had been arguing. She told Diaz that her husband was bipolar and suffered from depression.

The spouse told Diaz that her husband took his life near the pirate’s ship playground where they had in the past brought their children to play.

Bradenton Beach supports phosphate resolution

‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE

Bradenton Beach plans to follow the lead of Holmes Beach in adopting a city resolution on phosphate mining and phosphate processing in Manatee County and Florida. Last week, Bradenton Beach city commissioners directed City Attorney Ricinda Perry to review the Holmes Beach resolution and draft a resolution for commission approval. The title section of the recently adopted Holmes Beach resolution reads as follows: “A resolution of the city of Holmes Beach for the purpose of encouraging Manatee County and the state of Florida legislature and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to review and strengthen as deemed appropriate the statutes, regulations, rules and ordinances which regulate the mining of phosphate and the operation of phosphate fertilizer processing plants.”

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FEBRUARY 23, 2022

WHAT MAKES US HUMAN

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World Central Kitchen (WCK) works to be WKH ¿UVW WR WKH IURQWOLQHV SURYLGLQJ PHDOV LQ UHVSRQVH to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. Chef -RVH $QGUHV &KLHI )HHGLQJ 2൶FHU DQG KLV ZLIH 3DWULcia founded WCK in 2010 after a devastating earthquake hit Haiti. “Everyone knows that food is central to life and family all over the world. What we learned very quickly was that food is even more essential in a crisis. We don’t just dump free food into a disaster zone: we source and hire locally wherever we can, to jump-start economic recovery through food. We build resilient food systems with locally led solutions.”

When Hurricane Ida hit Louisiana in SepWHPEHU LW UHVRQDWHG ZLWK WKH &KLOHV *URXS VWD൵ ZKR RSHUDWH WKH 6DQGEDU %HDFK +RXVH DQG 0DU 9LVWD restaurants. It very easily could have been the local Gulf Coast area as easily as theirs. As a former chef DQG FXUUHQW & 2 2 RI WKH &KLOHV *URXS 5REHUW %DXJK knows the importance of hospitality and how it makes us feel cared for and human. An inspiration was born.

Signature dishes that included Louisiana-inspired foods were added to the menu and a percentage of the sales from those dishes was donated to WCK to assist those displaced from the storms.

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campaign and encourage participation. A percentage of specialty drinks was also added to the list of menu items that accrued donations. When all was said and done, over $20,000 was raised by all three restaurants for our Gulf Coast neighbors in Louisiana. %HFDXVH RI WKH VXFFHVV RI WKH GRQDWLRQ program, the Chiles Group is proud to bring another URXQG RI IXQGUDLVLQJ WR WKH DUHD EHJLQQLQJ LQ 0DUFK When diners purchase the designated entrees at each establishment, they can feel good knowing that a portion of the proceeds will go to help World Central Kitchen bring disaster relief immediately when it is needed most.

Dishes that are eligible for the WCK donation LQFOXGH 3XOOHG 3RUN ZLWK 6ZHHW 3RWDWRHV DQG %UXVVHO 6SURXWV DW WKH 6DQGEDU *XPER DW WKH %HDFK +RXVH DQG 6KULPS DQG *ULWV DW 0DU 9LVWD The Chiles Group is no stranger to social responsibility. The company also proudly participates LQ WKH IRU WKH 3ODQHW SURJUDP IRXQGHG WR SUHYHQW corporate greenwashing, certify reputable giving, and SURYLGH DFFRXQWDELOLW\ 7KH IRU WKH 3ODQHW FHUWL¿cation is given to businesses and individuals that meet the high-bar commitment of donating 1% of annual sales to environmental causes.

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FEBRUARY 23, 2022

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15

Europeans headed to AMI

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

BRADENTON - Representatives for the United Kingdom and Germany gave updates to the Manatee County Tourist Development Council at its Feb. 14 meeting, the first since the easing of travel restrictions from Europe.

According to Gosh PR, a public relations agency for tourism destinations, international business comprises about 15% of leisure-based business in Manatee County.

Data shows that international visitors stay longer and spend more money than visitors from anywhere else.

Ela Ayhan, account director for Gosh PR in London, looks after trade, sales, marketing and public relations for Anna Maria Island and the Bradenton area. According to Ayhan, travel restrictions from the U.K. to the U.S. were lifted on Jan. 11 and the travel industry

immediately experienced a substantial increase in bookings, dubbed “Sunshine Saturday.” Much of this was due to quarantine restrictions upon return to the U.K. being lifted, making the return back to Europe much easier than it had been since the general travel ban was lifted in November 2021.

“Association of British Travel Agents, the regulating body for the U.K.’s travel industry, released a report saying the top destination for long haul travel this year is set to be the USA,” Ayhan said. “I think a lot of that is due to the fact that the U.S. borders were closed for so long. We’re looking to get back to the U.S. this year.”

Ayhan said that most travel decisions for citizens of the United Kingdom are made with the help of travel agents because of their expertise in restrictions, the rules, testing and other factors that make them feel more comfortable with someone that

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Marketing efforts through European partners have made Anna Maria Island and other Manatee County destinations a popular pick. has more answers than questions. Ayhan also points out that for U.K. travelers, the package is king, meaning they want to book flights, rental cars and accommodations together to assure their trip goes as smoothly as possible.

Ad campaigns for Anna Maria Island and Manatee County are not limited to the United States. Ayhan reports on successful ad campaigns including display ads on Expedia, 50 ads in London train stations, U.K. newspapers and ads on streaming apps. A campaign on British Airways

sites has generated more than 400,000 impressions, and ads on Ice Lolly, the U.K.’s biggest aggregator travel website, have generated an additional 470,000 impressions across the platform, according to Ayhan.

Seiglinde Suelzenfuhs, account director for Global Communications Expert (GCE) of Germany, also attended by video conference to discuss marketing efforts in Germany. According to Suelzenfuhs, Germans were traveling domestically and to nearby countries that could be reached by car until last sum-

mer, when travel restrictions began to be lifted. Much like the U.K. and other European countries, Germany saw a 73% decrease in long haul travel until late last year, and most bookings that were made were short notice.

“The Germans are the kings of traveling, and according to a survey, 8 of 10 Germans put travel as the highest priority in this year,” Suelzenfuhs said, adding that Germans are planning 6 million holiday trips this year. “The USA is number 1 when it comes to long haul travel for Germans this year.”

During 2021, even though travel from Germany wasn’t possible, marketing efforts continued. These included podcasts, web-based marketing efforts including social media posts, and an e-learning program. The GCE has also incorporated a new Facebook group reaching more than 4,000 people with relevant content.

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FEBRUARY 23, 2022

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

ANNA MARIA – The Center of Anna Maria Island brought a starstudded weekend to a close Sunday night with legendary musician Don Felder taking the stage.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame $ .99 singer/songwriter/guitarist ap-.99 ON FANS PRICED 299 & UP $ $ $ 29 peared on Feb. 20 as aOR part of theINSTALL ON FANS PRICED 99 to 299 KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN SOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY. BRING THIS AD INTO STORE FOR DETAILS. PRIOR SALES NOT COMBINED WITH OTHER OFFERS. DAN'S FAN CITY, LLC LIC#EC13004528 Bradenton Gulf Islands EXCLUDED. Concert Don Felder and his band take to the Island’s stage to play “One of These Nights.”

Series, playing all of his greatest hits from his time with The Eagles and his solo outings, as well as a B-side track. The hits kept comThe Bradenton Gulf Islands few covers, including a rocking ing with performances of crowd Concert Series is brought to the rendition of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s favorites including “Peaceful Island’s stage by sponsors Braden“Pride and Joy.” Easy Feeling,” “Tequila Sunrise,” ton Area Arts & Culture, Cedar Kicking off the show with “Al“Witchy Woman,” “Life in the Fast Cove Resort & Cottages and The ready Gone,” Felder and his band Lane,” “The Long Run,” “HeartSandbar. kept up the audience’s energy ache Tonight” and, of course, Next on The Center’s condespite a cool night on the field at “Hotel California.” cert schedule is Richard Marx The Center, playing “One of These Opening for Felder and his band on March 23 followed by Felix Nights,” Felder’s solo hit, “Ameriwas the multi-talented Johnny Cavaliere’s Rascals on April 2. can Rock and Roll,” and “Victim Jensen, whose album is due out Tickets are on sale now at www. of Love,” a Hotel California album soon. centerami.org/events.

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17

Commissioners say 'nanny nanny boo boo' to goat, animal ordinance

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

HOLMES BEACH – An emotional support goat may soon be licensed by the city.

On advice from the city attorney, commissioners ceased discussions on the development of an emotional support animal ordinance, turning instead to the creation of a licensing process.

City Attorney Erica Augello suggested that rather than passing an ordinance with the potential to cause people to have to plead their cases publicly, commissioners consider creating an easy applica-

tion process for emotional support animals that could be handled administratively.

Commissioners agreed with the suggestion and decided to move forward with the development of an application and approval process.

The recent discovery of a support goat living in the city limits prompted the discussions.

Augello said she’s concerned that passing an ordinance could inadvertently cause people to have to appear at a public meeting before commissioners to discuss their health concerns requiring the use of an emotional support animal.

She asked commissioners to think about creating a simple permit process for public accommodation that could be handled administratively by city staff. The permit applications would be reviewed by the city’s planning and zoning staff and considered on a case-by-case basis.

Under the Fair Housing Act, Augello said a reasonable public accommodation for emotional support animals can be made. The permits would be granted per animal and be nontransferable. Emotional support animals are not currently distinguished from service animals under the act, she said.

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FEBRUARY 23, 2022

MYSTERY THEATER: Out-of-this-world fun at The Center FROM PAGE 1

into a toe-tapping rendition of “Time Warp” that brought the audience to its feet for an unforgettable finale to the evening.

This year’s Murder Mystery dinner theater took place Feb. 18-19 at The Center and featured writer/director/ actor Brianna Roberts, Monica Simpson, Jillian Gardner, Leah Purvis, Mike Shaughnessy, Chris Scott and Clay Spangler in addition to Don Purvis, Ray Gardner and Caleb Roberts.

The two nights of the annual theatrical spectacular were performed to nearly sold-out crowds with community members clamoring to figure out who the killer was in the hilarious, tongue-in-cheek whodunit production that featured a different killer each night.

In addition to the show, attendees also enjoyed food by Poppo’s Taqueria and donuts by the Donut Experiment as well as a 50/50 raffle, baskets of raffle items donated by local businesses and a cash bar. There were also plenty of photo opportunities as the event was attended by aliens, secret agents and even a few time travelers.

A green alien goddess took home a gift card as an award for winning the Feb. 19 costume contest.

Sponsors for the 2022 Murder Mystery include The Morey Foundation, presenting sponsor The Ugly Grouper, after-party venue The Freckled Fin, Progressive Cabinetry, Sato Real Estate, The Donut Experiment, Abrahamson & Uiterwyk Personal Injury Law, Poppo’s Taqueria, Surferbus Outpost AMI, The Original Sand Dollar, Gnarly Mangrove, Graze Street AMI, AJ & Doran, MuniPlan, Moss Builders, Blade & Tine Culinary Consultants, Nomad Collection, Prosper Bradenton, Emily Moss Designs, Beach House Real Estate, Eason Builders Group, Island Photography, Johnson Homes of West Florida and HSH Designs.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Clockwise above, some of the cast breaks into a dance to Will Smith’s “Men in Black.” Everyone got in on the space odyssey-themed fun at this year’s Murder Mystery. Great Scott! The Murder Mystery was visited by an astronaut, a Conehead and a couple of time travelers in the form of Doc Brown and Marty McFly.

FEBRUARY 23, 2022

FOOD & WINE

THE SUN

19

Mahi tacos, a classic Island dish Scott Stillwell HARRY'S GRILL

E

very now and then it’s nice to hear a success story; someone who overcomes incredible odds to achieve a significant level of success. It’s usually someone who follows their dream and stays focused on a goal no matter how difficult it gets.

Well, Anna Maria locals Mark and Jan Labriola (recently relocated to Palma Sola) have done both of those things and more at Harry's Grill on Anna Maria Island. Now partnering with their general manager, Scott Stillwell (me), they are on the move to create a few more highlights that will prove even more impressive (stay tuned).

In the beginning, when Harry’s was first acquired by Mark and Jan, all they had was a vision, five employees and a handful of passed-down recipes. Over time, that dream has blossomed and evolved into a well-established statement on the “north end” of the Island. One of the time-honored items Mark and Jan brought to the menu was their one-of-a-kind (taking on a classic dish), the Mahi Tacos. Deceptively simple; but the love and labor that is put into their creation process is a point of pride for the Harry’s kitchen team. One of the key ingredients, the coleslaw, was something Jan grew up on. So, the delicious homemade slaw recipe, that’s been venerated

by Harry’s customers for years at the small family-owned restaurant, has become an essential ingredient to this familiar menu item. Also, the avocado green sauce, made fresh daily in Harry’s kitchen, has become a secret ingredient to complete this classic Island dish.

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Harry’s Mahi Tacos Ingredients

6 oz coleslaw 6 oz shredded lettuce 3 oz diced tomatoes 1 dollop of home-made green sauce 6 oz mahi, blackened (recommended).

Green sauce

1 avocado 1 oz cream cheese

1 tablespoon lemon juice ½ oz sour cream 1 jalapeño Garlic powder and salt to taste Mix the wet ingredients in a bowl, slice up the jalapeño and add in with garlic and salt.

Emulsify in blender or put the dry ingredients in a food processor and then combine.

Coleslaw

6 oz shredded carrots 6 oz shredded cabbage

9 oz julienned bell peppers (3 oz each yellow, red, green) 4 oz olive oil 4 oz red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon garlic or to taste 2 oz lemon juice or to taste Mix all oil and vinegar with garlic and lemon juice, then pour over mixture of peppers, cabbage and carrots. Mix thoroughly and, for best flavor, let sit for an hour.

Serve in a folded flour tortilla; a gluten-free option is also available served in a corn tortilla taco as well. Bon appetit!

Now with two locations to serve you better Anna Maria Island & Longboat Key Whether you are looking for that perfect wine to compliment your meal or a fun new cocktail recipe, our knowledgeable staff are pleased to help.

5344 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach (941) 779-2337

6854 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key (941) 953-1835

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OUTDOORS

FEBRUARY 23, 2022

Before you go Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

G

etting on the water can be challenging for the average angler. Life often gets in the way of your favorite pastime and finds you unprepared when opportunity arises. Maybe it’s the “chance” day off or an unexpected invitation that has anglers grabbing their gear, putting it on a boat and heading out. Being prepared before you go and after can guarantee a better chance at success on those special days.

One way to make sure you’re ready when opportunity arises is to create a checklist that you follow before you head out to make the first cast, and one that prepares you for your next outing. With a little due diligence, you can avoid the mistakes that cause you to lose opportunities and fish, mistakes that can be easily avoided.

Here are a few things I include on my checklist, before and after a trip. The hook is one of the smallest but most important components of an effective rig. It’s also one of the easiest things to forget to check. A hook that was razor sharp the last time you used it can become dulled in numerous and unnoticed ways. Contact with the rub rail of the boat, structure in the water, guides and many other objects can cause a hook to lose its edge. Check the hook on your fingernail - if you touch it there and it doesn’t slip, you’ll know it’s sharp enough. It’s always a good idea

to have a hook sharpener on hand and touch up the point several times during your outing.

Knots are probably the second leading reason fish are lost. Even the best-tied knot will break if it’s not tightened. You may tie perfect knots but there’s a chance they could loosen between trips. Always make sure you moisten knots before tightening them, and draw them up very tight. The first place that a leader will break is at a knot when it slips.

Checking the drag is, of course, also one of the most important things you can do. Make sure your drag is smooth.

I would suggest having the drag set so you don’t have to touch it while fighting a fish. Equally important, loosen the drag when not fishing, which prevents the drag washer from becoming compressed.

Checking leader and line for nicks and abrasion is another must. It’s easier to cut off a small section of leader and re-tie than to lose a good fish to an imperfect line. Fly anglers should always stretch their fly line before making the first presentation of the day. Fly line has memory and will come off the spool in small loops that can tangle easily, causing you to break off a fish. Strip off the line you’ll be casting, make a cast and gently stretch it as you retrieve it. It doesn’t hurt to repeat the process during the day.

Each time you step to the bow, make sure your knots are tight, the drag is properly set, hooks are sharp, leaders are abrasion free and fly line is stretched. It only takes a minute but might just save the day. On the trips

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

Having tackle and accessories ready before you go will increase your chances for a successful day on the water. when you find willing fish, your preparedness will turn opportunity into memories. While you’ll always lose fish, even when everything is right, you’ll definitely have a better chance if you develop and follow a simple check list.

Finally, consider keeping flies, lures, leaders, nippers and other essentials ready to go in a boat bag. Check the list, grab your rod, reel and pack and enjoy the fruits of preparing before you go. Tight lines!

FEBRUARY 23, 2022

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21

CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT | SUBMITTED

Keith McClintock (top), from Lake Forest, Ill., and Eric Mueller, (below), also from Illinois, had some action catching and releasing reds on a couple of different trips in Sarasota Bay and Gasparilla Sound with Capt. Rick Grassett recently.

Inshore angling yields good action CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT

Anglers fishing with me recently, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action catching and releasing reds, snook and trout in Gasparilla Sound, reds, trout and pompano in Sarasota Bay and snook and blues in the ICW at night on flies and DOA Lures.

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 a couple of other trips with Stephen Liska, from Naples, and Eric Mueller, also from Illinois, and they had some action catching and releasing several reds, trout and snook.

Martin Marlowe, from New York, had a couple of great trips catching and releasing numerous snook and blues on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly while fishing the ICW at night with me recently. Mike Perez, from Sarasota, and Dennis Kinley, from Indiana, also got in on the action catching and releasing numerous snook on flies on another trip.

Fly anglers Gary Mintz and Taylor Owen, from Colorado, fished Sarasota Bay with me recently and Taylor caught and released a nice Spanish mackerel on a Clouser fly.

CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT | SUBMITTED

Martin Marlowe, from New York, with a nook caught and released on a fly while fishing the ICW at night with Capt. Rick Grassett recently.

Bill Morrison, from Anna Maria Island, his son, James, and grandson, Patrick, from Maine, fished Sarasota Bay with me and had good action with trout to 17” and a nice pompano on CAL jigs with shad tails and Clouser flies.

Look for reds, snook and larger trout in shallow water. Fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay is a usually a good choice for action with a variety of species includ-

ing trout, pompano, blues and more. Snook at night around dock lights in the ICW 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!

22

THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

FEBRUARY 23, 2022

Florida’s west coast market continues to emerge

S

o, what exactly is an emerging housing market index and why is it so important? An emerging housing market index measures the top metro areas for home buyers seeking an appreciating housing market and attractive lifestyle amenities. It’s important because potential buyers look at regions when making lifestyle changes for retirement or just improved quality of life that will also be a good investment.

And according to realtor.com’s index published in January, we are in the hub of one of the hottest emerging housing areas in the country.

Out of the top 20 national emerging housing markets in the country, Florida had five, four on the west coast and one on the east coast. Naples/Marco Island came in first as the top emerging housing market; North Port/Sarasota/Bradenton came in second; Cape Coral/Fort Myers

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER came in sixth; Punta Gorda came in 15th and Sebastian/Vero Beach came in 19th.

This is in addition to Zillow naming the Tampa Bay region the hottest housing market for 2022 at the beginning of the year. And let’s not forget that Redfin published a list of the 10 hottest neighborhoods for 2022, which included eight in Florida.

Do we even need to point out the reasons Florida is at the top of all of these surveys? Weather, taxes, ability to work remotely, early retirement and safety relative to the big northern cities where more and more people are

relocating from. Noted in all of these surveys is the fact that more buyers are relocating to the west coast from the northeastern cities than previously when most of the incoming homeowners were from the Midwest.

It seems like almost every day we hear about a new subdivision or condo association being approved by Manatee County for development. The latest is 57.55 acres on the north side of Cortez Road near the Palma Sola Boulevard intersection. This construction is slated for 148 multifamily units/44 townhomes as well as multi-family buildings over parking. This complex is very near the Lake Flores and Peninsular Bay developments which have not yet started construction but involve thousands of new residents.

I haven’t seen any listing prices set for this community yet, but since new construction prices change weekly, I’m

sure what is valid now may be totally understated in six months. As I ride around the west side of the county, I see new construction asking prices changing faster than I ever thought possible. Much of this acceleration in price has to do with more expensive building costs and lack of building products. However, the demand for Florida real estate, especially new properties, is not easing up.

By the way, if you’re looking for the January sales statistics, they will be in next week’s column. The Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee had a processing delay.

A couple of days ago the traffic going west to the island on Cortez Road was backed up at 9:30 in the morning.

Watch out Anna Maria Island beaches - if you think Cortez Road is backed up now, you ain’t seen nothing yet. Emerging indeed; as usual, be careful what you wish for.

www.amisun.com

FEBRUARY 23, 2022

THE SUN

23

Slicker’s Eatery celebrates first anniversary Slicker’s Eatery opened in the midst of a pandemic.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

CORTEZ – Slicker’s Eatery in Cortez recently celebrated its one-year anniversary.

The week-long celebrations included special dining opportunities for founders club members who purchased $100 gift certificates before the eatery opened in 2021, drink specials that benefitted the Blessing Bags Project, a cereal drive, raffles that included tickets to a Tampa Bay Lighting game, the vocal talents of Tonya McCormick, “The Singing Realtor,” and sweet anniversary treats provided by the neighboring Breezy Bakery.

When discussing the anniversary celebrations on Feb. 10, Slicker’s Eatery owner Bob Slicker said, “I want to show my appreciation for the

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Slicker’s Eatery anniversary celebrations included special dining opportunities for invited guests. people that believed in me and supported me and helped get this going. In hindsight, opening a restaurant in the middle of a pandemic might be the most difficult business deci-

sion I ever made. I attribute our success to our unique and eclectic menu and the team I have. There’s nothing like us around and our business continues to grow. I feel like

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!!

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

we’re leaps and bounds ahead of where we were when we opened a year ago.”

Slicker’s daughter, Molly, serves as the eatery’s creative director. She helped design

the restaurant, the appearance of the menus and the eatery’s website. During the ongoing pandemic, she helped plan for the opening of the restaurant while also planning her own wedding.

While living in Orlando, Molly continues to guide the restaurant’s social media and promotional campaigns.

“It feels like just yesterday that we were painting this place and opening it up to friends and family. One year later, people are still excited about what we’re doing; and we’re serving the community, too. It’s been a hard year for most people and it was important for us to get together and celebrate, enjoy each other’s company and be thankful for our blessings and our business,” she said.

Slicker’s Eatery is located at 12012 Cortez Road W. in the village of Cortez. Visit Slicker’s Eatery online at www.

SlickersEatery.com.

24

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

Vacation rental registration fees increased The city of Anna Maria’s annual registration fees are increasing.

Cindy Jones-Burke ke Realtor/Staging Certified Residential Specialistt

Cindy@CJonesRE.com m Direct: 941.773.9770

310 Pine Avenue • Anna Maria, FL 34216

teamduncan.com

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The city has raised its 2022 vacation rental registration fees by 21%, effective April 1.

This year’s vacation rental registration fee is $74.47 per occupant. Adopted by the city commission on Feb. 10, the new fees were established by city resolution R22-776. As has been the case in recent years, the annual fee is based on the number of occupants allowed per vacation rental, as detailed in the city’s vacation rental ordinance.

When presenting the resolution, City Attorney Becky Vose noted that under Florida law, the cumulative revenues produced by the annual fees cannot exceed the city’s annual costs to register, regulate and inspect the vacation rentals that operate within the city, and to enforce the city’s vacation rental ordinance. According to City Clerk and Treasurer LeAnne Addy, the city’s vacation rental-related expenses, including enforcement, are expected to exceed $300,000 in 2022.

According to the exhibit included in the meeting packet, a four-occupant vacation rental will be charged a one-time registration fee of $297.88 for the year. An eight-occupant rental will be charged $595.76, a 12-occupant rental will be charged $893.64, a 24-occupant rental will be charged $1787.28 and 29-occupant rental will be charged $2,159.63.

SEE FEES, PAGE 26

Let A Local Be Your Guide • 25 Year Island Resident • Listing Agent Specialist • Ethical & Efficient

941.504.7821 william@annamariaislandrealproperty.com instagram @annamariarealestateagent 941.779.0304

FEBRUARY 23, 2022

www.amisun.com

FEBRUARY 23, 2022

THE SUN

25

WMFR honors outstanding staff members WMFR staff held their annual awards ceremony, handing out 17 awards, including the new Soteria Award.

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

BRADENTON – West Manatee Fire Rescue’s staff and commissioners celebrated excellence in the district with their annual awards ceremony.

The ceremony, held Feb. 15 at the district’s administration building, celebrated the hard work and dedication of the fire district’s staff and first responders with their family, friends and co-workers in attendance.

Taking home awards for five years of service to the district were firefighters Frank Agresta, Clayton Lease and Andrew Powers. Powers also won WMFR’s Meritorious Service Award. Honored for 10 years of service with WMFR were Fire Inspector Josh Adkins, firefighter Robert Haygood and newly-promoted Battalion Chief Tyler MacDonald. Recognized for 15 years of service to the district were firefighter John Balzer, Deputy Chief Jay Johnson and Lt. Andrew Lauricella. Tak-

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

The audience at the WMFR administration building was packed with friends, family and district personnel for the annual awards ceremony. Right, Fire Inspector Keith Miller won the newlychristened Soteria Award but was unable to attend the awards ceremony. ing home awards for 20 years of service at WMFR were Capt. Paul Hopkins and Lt. Daniel Tackett. Recognized for 25 years of service was Lt. Darren Vollmer.

The Rookie of the Year Award went to firefighter Gabriel Gonzalez, while Haygood won Firefighter of the Year.

Hopkins took home the Officer of the Year Award.

Winning the first-ever Soteria Award was Fire Inspector Keith Miller. The

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

LONGBOAT KEY 741 Fox Street 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,390 Sq. Ft. Cindy Fischer & Mark J Baron 941-465-1124 A4520104 $1,195,000

UNIVERSITY PARK 7010 Remington Court 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,616 Sq. Ft. Tammy Mast 941-256-6543 A4524937 $790,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 5007 28th Court E 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,678 Sq. Ft. Pamela Miller 614-632-2801 A4524632 $525,000

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

SARASOTA 6772 Deering Circle 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,851 Sq. Ft. Kelly Quigley 941-356-9954 A4524715 $424,000

BRADENTON 3413 Avenida Madera A 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,773 Sq. Ft. Drew Russell 941-993-3739 A4522510 $385,000

SARASOTA 5570 Rosehill Road 204 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,321 Sq. Ft. Emily Evans 941-920-8787 A4524823 $312,500

Soteria Award, named for the Greek goddess of safety, deliverance and preservation from harm, was created by Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski with the support of Chief Ben Rigney to honor a firefighter or member of the district’s Fire Prevention Bureau who exemplifies one of the three qualities of Soteria.

Every member of the district’s fire staff is eligible to win the award except the fire chief, deputy chief and fire marshal.

SARASOTA 2911 Swifton Drive 71 2 Beds 2 Baths 934 Sq. Ft. Tina Biter 941-932-3367 A4523957 $229,900

Miller took home the first Soteria Award for his dedication and uncompromising work with fire prevention to educate WMFR staff and the public about fire safety and work to help educate contractors about best practices to reduce false/nuisance alarm calls to district personnel over the past year.

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

LONGBOAT KEY 656 Tarawitt Drive 10,799 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy, PA & Gail Wittig 941-961-8850 A4518192 $845,000

PARRISH 13158 50th Court E 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,063 Sq. Ft. Michael James & Laurel James 941-724-4034 A4524872 $500,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 6214 Plateau Court 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,533 Sq. Ft. Patty Brooks 941-545-1194 A4524696 $485,000

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

BRADENTON 203 46th Avenue Terrace W 233 1 Bed 1 Baths 660 Sq. Ft. Gregory Zies & Kathy Valente 941-779-3081 A4524340 $90,000

941.896.9981 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

26

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

OBITUARIES 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.

BEACH BEAT

she parked. There were no cameras that captured the vandalism, and the resident of the home the victim parked in front of denied any involvement.

BRADENTON BEACH

HOLMES BEACH

2/11, 1:18 p.m., grand theft, 501 Gulf Drive N. The officer responded to a report of a stolen bicycle that was locked up in a parking garage under the unit the owner was staying in. The bike was locked with a cable lock that had been cut. A second bike also had its cable lock cut, but that bike was not taken. No fingerprints were able to be lifted, and the victim was issued a Marcy’s Law form and victim’s rights pamphlet.

2/12, 4:50 p.m., criminal mischief, 204 Second St. N. An officer was dispatched to a report of vandalism on a car that was legally parked in a gravel parking space. The victim stated that there had been a bucket of rocks partially blocking the parking space when they arrived, which she moved to keep from hitting it with her vehicle. When the driver later arrived back at the car, the bucket had been put back filled with larger rocks and there were multiple long scratches and zig zag scratches on the vehicle that were not there when

2/10, 9:15 p.m., no valid drivers license, 700 Manatee Ave. While on traffic patrol, the officer observed a vehicle traveling at 57 mph in a 35 mph zone. When the officer stopped the vehicle and made contact with the driver, he said he had a stomach issue and was trying to get to a bathroom. The driver did not have a valid ID and was issued a citation, then was told he could park his vehicle at the nearby CVS and use their bathroom while he waited on either a licensed driver or tow truck to get the vehicle.

2/11, 9:20 p.m., information, 3302 East Bay Drive. The officer was dispatched to the Dunkin Donuts in response to a disturbance. Upon arrival the officer witnessed a male and female arguing, apparently about their relationship. The manager of Dunkin told the officer she wanted the couple trespassed from the premises. The parties were informed they were not to return to the premises, and if they did they would be subject to arrest.

FEES: Vacation rental registration fees increased FROM PAGE 26

Mayor Dan Murphy said this year’s fees are a 21% increase over last year’s, attributing the increase to additional capital, labor and other vacation rental-related expenses.

Murphy noted there is currently pro-

posed legislation in the Florida Legislature that seeks to limit local vacation rental registration fees to $50 per year.

“That’s not even feasible,” Murphy said of the bill that would take effect July 1 if adopted by lawmakers and signed by the governor.

FEBRUARY 23, 2022

www.amisun.com

FEBRUARY 23, 2022

THE SUN

27

FESTIVAL: Thousands stream to Cortez for Fishing Festival FROM PAGE 1

There was just about any kind of seafood and beverage to satisfy tastes, arts and crafts for the eyes, scents of everything from crab traps to funnel cakes, the chance to touch live sea creatures in the “Dock Talks” area and the sounds of live music on the main stage, as well as the “porch.” Perfect weather also made the 40th festival one that visitors will be talking about for some time.

“I’ve been going to this thing since I was a teenager. I love it,” said Mark Reinfandt, who lives in Longboat Key. “I come for the entertainment, and some of the local seafood, it’s really good.” Reinfandt was attending the festival with his friend, Melissa Quick, of Bradenton, who was seeing it for the first time.

“I’m here for the fellowship, to see people I know, support the locals; it’s just a great time,” Quick said.

The huge festival is put together by a small group of people, made up of members of the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) and local residents who volunteer their time throughout the year to plan and execute the event.

In order to handle the task, they rely heavily on volunteers who donate their time to do

everything from selling tickets to working parking lots and picking up trash.

“Ticket sales are going well, the sun is shining, it’s perfect weather and the families and people that have been coming up to us have been amazing,” said Cathy Mullen, who was volunteering for the first time with her husband, George.

The Mullens were working the ticket booth selling food and drink tickets to festivalgoers.

“A lot of the families seem to be enjoying the “Dock Talks,” learning about the fish and crabs at the hands-on exhibit,” George Mullen said. The couple added that this will be the first of many years to come as volunteers.

Proceeds from the 40th Annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival will be used to maintain and make improvements to the FISH Preserve, a 100-acre environmentally sensitive tract of land immediately east of the village. The festival has been dubbed “a party with a purpose,” since the money will assure that future generations will be able to not only fish, but also educate, others about the importance of commercial fishing to the coastal Florida way of life that relies on these natural resources to both survive and thrive.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Clockwise, above, dozens of vendors offer locally made arts and crafts at the 40th Annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival. Florida Sea Grant Agent Angela Collins conducts a “Dock Talk,” describing the fish that are caught in area waters. The Anna Maria Island Privateers auctioned off several gift baskets to raise money for scholarships at the festival.

28

THE SUN

SPORTS

FEBRUARY 23, 2022

Flag football lights up Center field

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

ANNA MARIA - This week’s flag football action at the Island’s community center shifted play to Monday night for the youth league. In the 8- to 10-year-old league, Shady Lady was kept to two points with a Luca Vieman interception and run to the end zone on a Prosper Bradenton extra point attempt.

Prosper Bradenton’s Quarterback Grady Sandhoff threw for a single touchdown to Cayson Travis, who had two catches in the game. Sandhoff had two rushing TDs, while teammate Landon Sinphay scored six points running the football.

Preston LaPensee and Riley Karecki each had a catch for positive yardage for Shady Lady in the first game of the week.

Bradenton Beach Parasailing kept the Mac Parkman Foundation team searching for their first win of the season with a 20-0 win. The Solid Rock Construction squad won their fourth game of the season against Progressive Cabinetry in week five action.

Team Beach Bums fought hard against the undefeated Moss Builders team in only their second loss this season.

In the older youth flag football league, 11to 13-year olds, undefeated team Blalock Walters won their game against HSH by a touchdown. HSH’s Jack Mattick passed for two TDs and took one into the endzone for a rushing score. Receiver Emma Raulerson was Mattick’s target, scoring 12 points in the game.

On the other side of the football, Ashton Hovda threw for three touchdowns. Teammates Peyton Hovda, Mattox Caseman, Liam Proud and Cale Rudacille each had critical scoring catches to help keep the Blalock Walter’s team at the top of the ranks.

Mazie Zoller used her speed to sack the HSH QB twice, keeping the opponent’s leader on his toes.

Zoller, Proud and Rudacille each had extra point conversions, giving their team three points in the game, always keeping a win for HSH just out of reach.

Nissan of Bradenton won against Investigative Lawyers Group, giving both teams a 2-2 record. Team Moss Builders defeated Miz & Hiz Biz by more than two TDs, while Wash Family Construction had a bye week.

Adult flag football was the only sports at The Center Thursday night, with the gym being prepared for the 13th Annual Murder Mystery performance. Adult indoor soccer resumes this week.

The battle between Shady Lady and Cortez Deep Sea Fishing (CDSF) took the game to overtime with the score 43-43.

The battle of the QBs ultimately found the Cortez squad victors.

Quarterback Tuna McCracken threw for six touchdowns, including scoring receptions by Cole Carter, Luis Campos and Ava Zink. Campos had 15 catches in the game including three in successful point-after attempts.

The dynamic duo of Zink and Carter each had two extra points in the team’s second win of the season.

With four touchdown throws, the Shady Lady quarterback, Connor Haughey, hit the hands of Limarcus Waller, Tim Holly and Jasmine Muldoon for 24 points.

Taking it into the endzone himself, Haughey scored two rushing touchdowns, keeping his team in the game.

Shady Lady’s ability to score the points after TDs led to the overtime play, in addition to a safety giving the team two points.

Shawn Balvin had an interception and scored three extra points in his team’s loss.

SUN SCOREBOARD MONDAY, FEB. 14 YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL – WEEK 5 8- TO 10-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE Prosper Bradenton (3-2) Shady Lady (2-3)

24 2

Bradenton Beach Parasailing (2-3) 20 Mac Parkman Foundation (0-5) 0 Solid Rock Construction (4-1) Progressive Cabinetry (1-4)

23 12

Moss Builders (5-0) Beach Bums (3-2)

33 20

11- TO 13-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE HSH (2-2) Blalock Walters (4-0)

19 27

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Shady Lady’s Tim Holly makes the catch from Connor Haughey last Thursday night against Cortez Deep Sea Fishing.

Holly and Muldoon each had single pointafter conversions.

The defense of CDSF helped capture the victory with single interceptions by McCracken, Carter and Zink. Campos also put the pressure on Haughey and is credited with a sack in the game.

Solid Rock Construction and Prosper Bradenton each move to a 3-3 record with losses to TBT and WTBL, respectively.

Moss Builders won their fourth game of the season against Sandbar with the final score 42-24.

This week’s adult flag football action is the last of the regular season. The eightteam league will be moving into the playoffs, with the championship game scheduled for Thursday, March 17 at 7:30 p.m.

Nissan of Bradenton (2-2) 20 Investigative Lawyers Group (2-2) 16 Moss Builders (3-2) Miz & Hiz Biz (1-3)

35 14

THURSDAY, FEB. 17

ADULT CO-ED FLAG FOOTBALL – WEEK 6 Shady Lady (2-4-0) 43 Cortez Deep Sea Fishing (2-4-0) 43 win in overtime TBT (4-1-1) Solid Rock Construction (3-3-0)

30

Moss Builders (4-2-0) Sandbar (2-4-0)

42 24

WTBL (3-2-1) Prosper Bradenton (3-3-0)

20 18

13

FEBRUARY 23, 2022

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 "Amanpour & Co." network 4 Enough and then some 9 Strand during a hail storm, say 14 GPS finding 15 Take it easy 16 "__ Rae" 17 Put to work 18 Small earthen pot 19 Huge success 20 Sandwich in Denver?

23 Astronomical octet 24 River Foyle's province 28 Form 1099 agcy.

29 Japanese sandal 31 Hullabaloo 32 Puts up, as drapes 35 Sandwich on the briny?

Answers to 02-16-22 Crossword Puzzle.

37 Scott of "Big Little Lies" 38 Examined in court 39 Metric prefix 40 Sandwich in the neighborhood?

42 Like a soufflé, if everything goes well 43 Busy mo. for the 28-Across 44 Senate staffer 45 Some MIT grads 46 Wright who quipped, "Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time" 48 Elaborate wardrobe 52 Sandwich at a church concert?

55 Left 58 Bugs with weapons 59 Oral health org.

60 Musical work 61 Revise

THE SUN

29

62 Casual greetings 63 Gets the kitty going 64 They may be pressing 65 Neruda verse Down 1 Zaftig 2 Pho garnish 3 Inscribed pillar 4 Quiver carriers 5 Rates 6 Promotes 7 Mascara target 8 Corp. bigwig 9 Pancreatic hormone 10 "The Gift of the Magi" gift 11 Stat for Clayton Kershaw 12 Online chats, briefly 13 "Hard pass" 21 "The Imitation Game" encryption machine 22 Shockingly vivid 25 Zaps 26 Elicit 27 Sign of spring 29 Former name of the Congo 30 Cookie with a Tiramisu Flavor Creme variety 32 "Papa Bear" of football 33 Take on 34 Mother-of-pearl 35 TV's talking horse

36 Acquirer of more than 1,000 patents 38 Doohickey 41 Ophelia's brother 42 Does some jogging?

45 Task for a gofer

47 Word with mail or box 48 Say yes 49 You can cross it in about an hour on I-90 50 Fixed up

51 Remove all traces of 53 Grace period?

54 Alaskan seaport 55 Place for a peel 56 Map insert 57 Service to redo

30

THE SUN

CLASSIFIED

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

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

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 HOLMES BEACH KEY ROYALE NEIGHBORHOOD {10th Annual Yard Sale} event! Saturday February 26, 9am1pm. Follow Key Royale Drive to multiple canal homes with top notch goods!

Call us today! 941-778-3986

GARAGE SALE NAUTICAL, CAMPING; Antiques & vintage kid’s furniture.

Saturday, February 26 10am-2pm. 327 Tarpon, City of Anna Maria. 2/23 NEW Canniff

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 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.

“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.

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 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.

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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

FEBRUARY 23, 2022

“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 941-7057096

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.

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 PATIO HOME 3BR/2BA. Screened porch, plus front porch, big dogs allowed. 2 car garage, vaulted ceilings, split bedroom plan, very large great room, big open kitchen, laminate floors , $579,900.

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 2BR/2BA COZY COTTAGE. Tastefully furnished, close to beach, tennis courts and boat ramp in Holmes Beach. Call 941-778-2919 Renting March 26 thru December 31. 2/23 NEW Brockway AVAILABLE APRIL THRU DECEMBER. 2BR/1BA, fully furnished, all utilities plus wifi. 2 miles from AM island. quiet area off Cortez road. Dog friendly 941-7731552. 3/2 NEW Rifenberg

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 $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 3/9 NEW Don’s Transport

www.amisun.com

FEBRUARY 23, 2022

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

THE SUN

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

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PAINTING

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www.amisun.com

THE SUN

FEBRUARY 23, 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