Anna Maria Island Sun February 24, 2016

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VOL 16 No. 17

February 24, 2016

Pier pressures joe hendricks | sun

The historic Anna Maria City Pier needs some serious repairs.

Future of pier is topic of Thursday meeting joe hendricks | sun

The navigable waters near the Historic Bridge Street Pier are home to many liveaboard boaters.

Mooring field proposed A managed mooring field would require state authorization, and the city would have to issue a request for proposals for mooring field partners.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The owners of the Bradenton Beach Marina want to partner with the city to operate a managed mooring field in the occupied navigable waters south of the Historic Bridge Street Pier.

INSIDE NEWS 4 OPINION 6 Sun survey 7 business 14 outdoors 26-27 sports 31 real estate 34-42 police reports, obits 44

Al Bazzy and his son See related story on Page 4 Mike presented their ideas to the City Commission during the Thursday, Feb. 18, meeting.

No decisions were made, but the commission agreed to schedule a workshop to further discuss the idea and other matters pertaining to the use of the city-owned pier, day dock and upland structures.

The proposal stems in part from the lawsuit the Bazzys filed against the city, Anna Maria Oyster Bar (AMOB) President John Horne,

City commissioners have been presented with three options.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPODENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The mayor and city commissioners have met individually with the engineering firm that conducted the recent survey of the Anna Maria City Pier, and they are now ready for their first public discussion on whether to repair the existing pier or build a new one.

The 50-page pier survey report Bridge Design Associates presented to the city earlier this month revealed structural deficiencies and other safety concerns.

The engineering firm estimated it would cost $1.4 to $1.7 million to rehabilitate the existing pier or $2.3 to $2.8 million to tear it down and build a new one to modern design standards.

Accompanied by Mayor Dan Murphy, each commissioner was given the opportunity to meet with four members of the design

see mooring, page 42

see report, page 38

Dan’s Fan

surprise! 2015 TOURISM

city will

SOARED IN MANATEE COUNTY. 24

blow you away.

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So many wines, so little time. Food & Wine. 25

Anna Maria Island, Florida

The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper

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Day dock uses questioned The commercial use of the city-owned fishing pier has become a never-ending source of public discourse.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The use of the public day dock and the upland structures associated with the Historic Bridge Street Pier are the subjects of an increasing number of lease-related disputes and debates.

Questions have surfaced as to whether commercial activities taking place on the day dock conflict with the city’s submerged land lease with the state.

Questions also continue to be raised regarding the use of the upland buildings addressed in a separate lease and concessionaire agreement between the city and John Horne’s We’re Back Inc., the ownership group that runs the pierbased AMOB restaurant and subleases two additional spaces to other tenants.

During the Feb. 18 City Commission meeting, Police Chief Sam Speciale sought a commission decision on whether John Maguire would be al-

joe hendricks | sun

Docking commercial vessels like this floating bait barge at the city day dock may soon be a thing of the past. lowed to continue selling bait from two floating vessels tied to the day dock.

Horne’s lease includes a non-compete clause that extends to his subtenants, and Baldwin intends to sell live bait at the space he subleases. A new bait well was delivered last week and arrangements have been made for An-

nie’s Bait & Tackle to supply the bait.

As the chair of the Pier Team advisory board, Speciale has repeatedly said the non-compete clause means Maguire must stop selling bait when Baldwin starts selling it. The city receives no revenue from Maguire’s endeavor, but he was allowed to continue as a temporary

public service after the previous bait shop failed to reopen when the renovated fishing pier reopened last spring.

Speciale’s request for direction took an unexpected turn when Mayor Bill Shearon shared a legal opinion presented to him verbally by attorney Fred Moore. Moore represents the city in a pier-related lawsuit filed by Bradenton Beach Marina owners Al and Mike Bazzy. The Bazzys claim a tour boat operation and two neighboring retail businesses do not serve the public interest in terms of providing recreational uses for the public pier. They are also now claiming commercial tour boat operations violate the state lease.

Shearon said, “It’s Mr. Moore’s opinion, which has been stated before, that the city had the right to lease those buildings to Mr. Horne. Our position’s the same as it’s always been: they can be whatever Mr. Horne chooses.”

What Shearon said next surprised many in the room, including Baldwin, who began using the day dock as a point of arrival and departure for his tour boat passengers long before he leased space from Horne. see day dock, page 12

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THE SUN

ISLAND NEWS

Roadwork continues

Fishing festival hauls ‘em in The Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival netted about 18,500 visitors on Valentine’s Day weekend, who spent more money than they did last year, according to treasurer Jane vonHahmann.

Festival proceeds pay to enlarge and restore the FISH (Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage) Preserve east of the Cortez fishing village.

Ungarelli Preserve to open The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department will formally open Ungarelli Preserve, a mangrove oasis on Sarasota Bay at 4000 Palma Sola Blvd. with a ribbon cutting on Saturday, March 5, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The preserve consists of 35 acres along the coast that was set aside by the county for restoration and preservation in its natural state. Following the ribbon cutting, guests will be given short nature tours through the site.

Tour of Homes needs volunteers The Center of Anna Maria Island is seeking volunteers for its 23rd annual Tour of Homes on Saturday, March 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers are needed to man the homes during morning and afternoon shifts. To volunteer, e-mail Peggi Clauhs at peggiclauhs@yahoo.com or call 215-264-9143.

Volunteers also are needed to make baked goods, jellies and jams for the Tour of Homes Boutique. Volunteers are asked to drop of their labeled food items at Shell Point condo clubhouse at 6300 Flotilla Drive, Holmes Beach, by 11 a.m. on Friday, March 11. Indicate if the item contains nuts.

RFP for planner rescinded Bradenton Beach Commissioners have unanimously agreed to rescind the recently issued request for proposals for a new city planner. Having recently submitted his pending resignation in Anna Maria, City Planner Alan Garrett will continue working part-time in both cities until a replacement can be found in Anna Maria and a new contract calling for more work hours can be finalized in Bradenton Beach.

FEBRUARY 24, 2016

Historical luncheon features tour brochure

in brief

One project lingers on Anna Maria Island while another continues on a route to and from the Island this week.

Crews are constructing sidewalk and new bus shelters, making drainage improvements, and installing new signing and pavement marking along Gulf Drive and 27th Street. Expect daytime lane closures and flagging operations from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. while crews are working Workers are cleaning stormwater pipes along Cortez Road West from 59th Street West in Bradenton to the Cortez Bridge. Expect nighttime/overnight lane closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. through mid-March. Use caution and expect possible delays.

Visit our website, www.amisun.com.

Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

Kathryn Rohlwing told how she developed the walking and biking tour that features Anna Maria city.

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – University of Florida intern Kathryn Rohlwing fascinated members of the AMI Historical Society at their annual luncheon when she told how she developed the walking and biking tour for the city of Anna Maria.

Nancy Deal, of the Society’s board of directors, introduced Rohlwing, who is working on her master of arts in museum studies with a specialization in historical preservation. Rohlwing developed the brochure while she interned at the Island Historical Museum last summer.

“Kathryn shares our hopes and vision,” Deal said, “She studies and honors the past with an eye for the future. Without her patience, creativity and persistence

Pat Copeland | Sun

Kathryn Rohlwing speaks at the AMI Historical Society annual luncheon. we would not have this gorgeous brochure. She is the future.”

Rohlwing said she applied to the Island museum for an internship because her mother grew up in Bradenton and the family has

reunions on the Island.

“The Island is a wonderful and unique place,” she said. “There is nowhere else like it in Florida. I see luncheon, page 30

Enjoy history, crafts and music at Heritage Day New this year will be a booth with collectibles and antiques from the museum’s collection for sale.

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Visitors can find it all – history, music, arts and crafts, a settler’s market and collectibles from the museum at the annual Heritage Day on Saturday, March 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Island Historical Museum complex, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

A special event this year involves the AMI Privateers, who will stage a daring a jailbreak from the Old City Jail. Privateers will be incarcerated in the jail, and their fellow pirates will arrive at noon to free them.

Throughout the grounds of the museum and Historical Park, artisans will be demonstrating arts

Pat Copeland | Sun

Museum collectibles, including antique hats and shoes, a typewriter, milk bottles and maps, will be for sale in the Historical Society’s booth. and crafts as practiced by early Island settlers including beekeeping, native gardening, wool spinning,

pine needle basket weaving, bead making, bonnet making, quilting, weaving and salt making.

One lucky raffle ticket holder will win a basket of goodies donated by the participating artisans and crafts persons.

In addition, there will be a Settlers Market with organic local produce and herbs, Settler’s Bread and baked goods; tours of Belle Haven Cottage and the surrounding native plant garden; and new this year, a collectible booth with antiques from the museum’s attic for sale.

The Three Howies will play bluegrass music all day for listening and dancing pleasure, children can participate in old fashioned games, and KCB will offer barbecue delights.

An author’s corner will feature Carolyne Norwood with her two Island history books, “The Early Days” and “Tales of Three Cities” between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

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Avenue C woes continue The street needs repaving, and a pool installation recently flooded it until police stopped work.

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – Residents on Avenue C still face flooding, muck and a torn up road, but reported that paving began this week with equipment arriving on the street Monday.

In the past several months, the street has been plagued by a sewer project, major remodeling projects with swimming pools and a roofing job at the same time. The sewer project is done, and all that remains is the repaving, but a pool installation recently flooded the street until police stopped work.

According to the police report, an officer responded to a complaint that the pool company was pumping water, which was flowing into the street on President’s Day. Work was stopped because construction work is not permitted on city holidays.

Although the pool company has

halted work temporarily at the request of Code Enforcement Officer James Thomas, subsequent rainfall flooded the street once again.

However, resident Edna Erven is still trying to learn if persistent flooding in front of her house is the result of the rain or a leak in the water pipes, which were damaged and repaired during sewer construction.

“Someone from the city checked it and said there was no leak, but no one from the county ever came,” Erven said.

When Erven complained to Thomas, he called the county utilities department and asked for someone to check the leak.

66th Street pools

A resident on 66th Street wrote the city complaining about constant flooding due to pool construction.

“I live on the 300 block of 66th Street and over the last few years, I have witnessed and lived through the watery mess and muck cause and created by these pool companies when installing their pools,” Barbara Marcheck wrote. “Right

pat copeland | SUN

Barricades and flooding remain in front of the homes of Edna Ervin and George Reuss. now, I believe there are eight swimming pools on this one city block of 12 residential lots, and three of those eight pools have gone in over this past year.

“Every time a new pool is installed, the pool company pumps all the ground water from their exca-

vation out onto our street, causing excessive amounts of dirty ground water to collect and pool all along our street, flooding the sidewalks and the entrances to our driveways and our mailboxes.”

She said this occurs for several weeks until the pool is done, and the constant flooding causes the neighborhood to look like “a slum.”

Commissioner Carol Soustek directed Marcheck’s complaint to Thomas and said in the future, it will indicate on the permit that the pool company must flow the water through a bale of hay and into the nearest drain system.

Some residents have questioned the practice of allowing multiple projects on one street at the same time, and Mayor Bob Johnson stressed, “We need to be more sensitive to that.

“I’m not planning on setting any rules on staggering permits, but we’ll have better visibility as our automated management system come on line. Our inspectors, code enforcement and police will continue to monitor projects.”

Thank you for your help!

As a result of our holiday Facebook campaign, we were able to donate $1,000 to Easter Seals of Southwest Florida and Salvation Army Manatee County. A huge thank you to our wonderful community!

Simply Better.

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OPINION

The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper Island Sun Plaza, 9801 Gulf Drive P.O. Box 1189 Anna Maria, FL 34216-1189 Phone: (941) 778-3986 e-mail: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com

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FEBRUARY 24, 2016

EDITORIAL Pier discussion begins this week

W

hen it comes to landmarks on Anna Maria Island, nothing says AMI more than the city pier.

Other than our beaches, the iconic pier draws more visitors than any other Island attraction and is the subject of countless smart phone photographs, artistic renderings and even a folk song or two.

But, at 105 years old, the pier has seen better days. The passage of time and the ceaseless battering of wind, waves and tides have taken their toll, leaving the aging wooden structure in dire need of repair.

That is the assessment of the most recent inspection and survey, which found so many things wrong above the waterline and below that not even a million dollars will be enough to repair all the damage.

Estimates put the tab at $1.4 million to $1.7 million for rehab and $2.3 to $2.8 million to replace it.

This Thursday evening, the Anna Maria City Commission will begin discussing what options are on the table. There appear to be just three. First, do nothing at all and let nature run its course. Second, tear it down and build an entirely new pier.

Third, repair what's there, saving whatever portions possible.

C

ommissioners are asking the public to show up and voice an opinion on which course of action - or inaction - to take. It's a good opportunity to listen, learn and let your ideas be known.

In our view, there is only one viable option and that is to repair the existing structure. To do nothing at all is to invite disaster. The survey found, for example, that the pier restaurant, while completely safe for now, is not even connected to the substructure of the pier. It is joined to the deck, which sits atop the supports but isn't nailed down. A tropical storm actually could blow it into the water.

Replacement is not an option either, because a new structure could not, by law, include a restaurant or a bait house. Try to imagine the pier without either of those.

The phrase "Why bother?" comes to mind.

Repairing what's already there seems to be the best alternative, in our opinion.

But what do you think? Now is your chance to let the city hear your ideas.

Thursday's meeting begins at 6 p.m. at Anna Maria City Hall. Express yourself.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Tall bridge too dangerous Kudos to Billie Martini for her recent letter concerning low bridges to the islands being best for public safety. I am a fifthgeneration local with a college major in meteorology and rather extensive experience in both oceans regarding hurricanes and typhoons.

I was "there" just off the coast of Japan in early 1945 when one broke 200 feet from the bow of a heavy cruiser and ripped loose more than 100 feet of the flight deck's bow of the carrier USS Hornet.

In the early 1990s the head of NOAA's Hurricane Center in Miami presented me with a book containing the history of every Atlantic hurricane since the 1880s.

The officially recognized Wyoming Wind Studies conclude that normal automobiles become endangered at broadside winds of 42 mph while high-profile ones start at 38 mph.

Our two bridge beds are 29 and 31 feet. There exists a nearly solid wall of structures along the Gulf side of Anna Maria Island to a code height just above the mid-30s. Hence, "ground effect" from that protection would demote winds of a passing hurricane to just below 30 mph, allowing safe passage across the spans to the mainland.

Mrs. Martini is very correct in that on a 65-foot-high bridge,

the winds would greatly exceed the wind speeds from the studies above.

Jim Kissick Bradenton Beach

Thank you, Gary Holmes Beach lost a very loyal employee last week. Gary Blunden retired after 30 years with the city of Holmes Beach. I had the honor of working with Gary as a staff employee in the Public Works Department and then director of Public Works in my 16 years as an elected official in Holmes Beach. Gary and the Public Works staff were on the Island 24/7 during the four hurricanes that brushed Anna Maria Island and so many tropical depressions and bad storms, it's hard to count. Gary knew the history of the city infrastructure and was involved in the first ever dredge project for every canal in Holmes Beach. He always projected professionalism and friendliness to our citizens when representing the city.

Thank you for your service, Gary, and best of luck to Dave Benton.

Carol Whitmore Former Holmes Beach commissioner and mayor

Pedestrian path supporter In the February 23 public hearing concerning a request to vacate an unimproved section of 4th Avenue

Take The Sun Survey on Page 7. between 34th and 35th streets in Holmes Beach, I will propose that 20 percent of the 50-foot-wide right-of-way petitioned to be vacated be developed as a five or six foot wide path. The path would be used by the many walkers, joggers, dogwalkers and bicyclists who now use a relatively quiet 4th Avenue to reach 35th Street where the present 4th Avenue roadway ends. Most of these people continue south to 34th Street by either using Gulf Drive or using a residential driveway (despite no trespassing signs).

The remaining 80 percent of the right of way in question could then be given to the applicant, who owns the abutting property, on the basis that the public will have no further use for it.

The proposed 4th Avenue public path is modeled after a similar path in the city of Anna Maria. That path parallels both Gulf Drive and the shoreline in about the same proportion as the proposed Holmes Beach path. It is considered a treasured asset by most Anna Maria residents and visitors. Many Holmes Beach residents and visitors, who are familiar with the Anna Maria path find it delightful.

If you support this proposed use of Holmes Beach right of way, please support it at the February 23 meeting or tell the Holmes Beach commissioners.

Thomas Scygiel Holmes Beach

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THE SUN

the sun survey

on the agenda

PREVIOUS QUESTION: What did you like best about this year's Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival?

Anna Maria

0% 0% 0%

Not having to drive there by using an alternate form of transportation.

Learning about Cortez's fishing village history.

14% Sampling the fresh seafood.

10005 Gulf Drive

2/24: Construction board meeting, 4 p.m.

2/25: City Commission meeting, 6 p.m.

For information, call 7086130.

Bradenton Beach 107 Gulf Drive N.

2/25: City Commission public hearing on land develop-

Listening to the live music.

Wednesday Feb. 24

86% All of the above.

THIS WEEK’S SURVEY

• Repair the existing structure.

• Tear it down and replace it What do you think with a new pier. should be done about the Anna Ma- • Leave it as is and do nothing. ria City Pier?

To vote, go to www.amisun.com or scan this code to vote by smartphone.

Feb. 25

View The Sun’s online edition at www.issuu.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun

Layout Ricardo Fonseca Reporters Pat Copeland Cindy Lane

Tom Vaught Joe Hendricks

Ad assistant Chris Boniberger

Accounting John Reitz

Columnists Louise Bolger

Classified ads Bob Alexander

Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis

Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca

Distribution Bob Alexander Keith Isner Tony McNulty

Ad director Chantelle Lewin

Web Jocelyn V. Greene

Early Settler’s Bread for sale, AMI Historical Museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., $5.

Lifelong Learning Academy discussions, The Center of AMI, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 11 a.m.

Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, noon to 12:45 p.m. $10.

Register to ArtLeagueAMI@ gmail.com or 941-778-2099.

Ceili dancing, Sandpiper Mobile Resort, 2601 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach, 1 to 3 p.m.

AMI Community Connections gathering of friends, AMI Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 2 p.m.

Chess Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 3 p.m.

Thursday

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Editor/CEO Mike Field

ment code changes, 5:01 p.m.

For information, call 7781005.

Holmes Beach 5801 Marina Drive

2/25: City Commission work session, CANCELED 3/2: Parks and Beautification Advisory Board, 10 a.m.

For information, call 7085800.

mark your calendar Note: Events are free unless indicated.

Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field

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Contributors Steve Borggren Tom Breiter Monica Simpson Ray Hansen

Quilting group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Presentation on “Early Pathways Along Florida’s West Coast,” by author Jim Schnur, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Bingo, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, 7 to 9 p.m. Refreshments available for purchase.

Friday Feb. 26

Island Branch Library annual book sale, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Forty Carrots program for babies and children to age 5, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, noon to 12:45 p.m. $10.

Register to ArtLeagueAMI@ gmail.com or 941-778-2099.

Presentation on “Mortal Dilemma,” by author H.T. Griffin, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Saturday Feb. 27

Shutter stroll, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Reserve to 941-7484501, ext. 6039.

Island Branch Library annual book sale, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Art demonstration with Joanna Karpay on pastels, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive in S & S Shopping Plaza, Holmes Beach, 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Writing fiction, first of a four part series, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Neil Diamond dinner show, The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 6 to 9 p.m. $30 per person or $240 for table of eight.

Privateer’s Cirque de Pirate fund-raiser, Deans Wood Farm, 7430 17th Street, E., Ellenton, 7 to 11 p.m. $65 at www.eventbrite.com.

Sunday Feb. 28

Beach Market, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. see CALENDAR, page 16

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FEBRUARY 24, 2016

Center to focus on quality Officials will enter into more partnerships with people who bring their programs to The Center.

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – As they move into the new year, officials at The Center are reevaluating their plans for programs and services.

“We are looking at what programs are most popular and putting our energy there,” Executive Director Kristen Lessig explained. “We want to focus on quality instead of quantity.

“We wanted to respond to the community feedback that we heard during town hall meetings, so we added classes that people asked for, and nobody came. We had to cancel a lot of classes.”

One new idea is to encourage individual artists to take advantage of studio time in the art room. Artist Janet

Kingan, who offers art projects for children in the after school program, as well as art projects for adults, uses the room.

“Most of the day, the room is open and empty,” Lessig said. “We ordered special lights, and we hope artists will drop in and work on their own projects.”

Use of the room is free for members while others pay a nominal fee. Space can be reserved at the front desk.

“We are looking at more partnerships like we’re doing with Painting with a Twist,” she continued. “It’s a well know program, and they bring everything they need for the class. All we do is supply the room.”

She encouraged parents to take classes while their children are playing sports or take advantage of the drop-in day care, which is free for members.

Coming events

In addition to a number of performances, such as the Neil Diamond dinner show, the blues band and the

Murder Mystery and the annual Tour of Homes slated for the coming weeks, officials at the Center are preparing for this year’s Affaire to Remember.

“It will be called the Grand Affaire, A Culinary Experience, and will feature culinary parings with wine by the Chiles Group,” Lessig explained. “Howl 2-Go, a dueling piano show, will be the entertainment, and there will be silent and live auctions.”

Save the Date cards will be mailed this week for the April 16 Affaire, tickets are $175 and sponsorships are available.

Lessing also said the new fitness and healthy eating component, which involves connecting the fitness center and the café, will launch March 1 “We need everybody to come to our events and participate in our programs,” she said. ‘We want you here, and we want our events to be successful. We still want more annual members to take advantage of our programs and services.”

pat copeland | sun

A lemon, lime and orange adorn the wall leading to the Cafe.

Open everyday 7:30AM to 5:00PM 9807 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria • 941-778-3170 www.ginnysandjanees.com

FEBRUARY 24, 2016

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FEBRUARY 24, 2016

Anglers and crabbers reach an accord The overwhelming sentiment favored more enforcement of existing laws.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Commercial stone crabbers and recreational shark anglers agree on one thing – they don’t want new regulations that further govern their activities.

This was the conclusion reached less than 10 minutes into the second of two informal meetings hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) and moderated by Southwest Region Regional Director Tom Graef.

“Tell me if I’m hearing this right. We don’t need to take any action on this?

You’re asking for more law enforcement and leave everything like it is?”

Graef said, during the Wednesday, Feb. 17, discussion at city hall.

It was agreed that another meeting would take in place in September, prior to the start of the next stone crab season that begins in mid-October and tapers off locally in January or February.

“We’ll get together and re-inform

joe hendricks | sun

Last week’s discussion on shark angler and stoner crabber interactions will be followed by another next fall the public about what we expect and, hopefully, next season this problem will be resolved. If not, we’ll get back together and try to figure out some way to resolve it,” said City Commissioner Doug Copeland.

One solution previously discussed was the creation of voluntary zones where shark anglers and stone crabbers would agree to leave certain areas free for the other groups to use.

Because trap molestations are often

the work of anglers who cut trap lines while using kayaks to drop their bait in deeper water, a local ban on after-dark kayak launching during the peak of stone crab season was also proposed.

In regard to enforcement, Sgt. Paul Davis, from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, said, “I need everybody’s help. I need to know who’s doing this, when are they doing it and who am I looking for? The more information I have, the faster this ends.”

There is a notice posted at the city Website that says, "If you find a crab trap or your hook gets entangled with a trap, immediately call the 24 hour hotline: 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) and press 7 to speak to a dispatcher." It also says you can contact the Sheriff’s Office at 941-708-8899.

Anonymous tips can also be left at the Crime Stoppers tip line, 866-634-TIPS. Many who spoke reiterated that there are only a small fraction of anglers who go the extremes that create conflicts with commercial crabbers trying to make a living. One person who spoke last week said the problems are caused by a small group of aggressive, wellequipped shark fishermen he referred to as “professionals.” Another said he knew the identities of some of the culprits.

Holding up his cell phone, Graef said, “You’ve got real-time ability to call if you’re out there. Our dispatch runs 24 hours a day, and these guys (the local deputies) are out there too.”

Longtime resident Margaret Jenkins questioned the need to fish for sharks see ACCORD, page 36

FEBRUARY 24, 2016

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TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Singing in the sun Saturday, Feb. 13, was a beautiful day to be outside and many people took the opportunity to attend the Arts and Crafts Festival at Holmes Beach City Hall Field. Above, musical favorites Julie Patchouli and Bruce Hecksel and played, and the walkways were crowded with people shopping.

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THE SUN

AMICCO sings Right: Kira Gaillard and Molly Caya sing at the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra performance Sunday of Handel’s “Israel in Egypt” at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church in Bradenton. The chorus was part of the program, and Tom Aposporos served as the narrator. The audience gave the performers two standing ovations.

RICK PICKWICK | SUBMITTED

Laughs, murder mark mystery There will be murder, laughter and fun at The Center’s seventh annual Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre on Saturday, March 5, at 6:30 p.m. with “Island Five-O.” Guests are encouraged to dress-up in their Hawaiian best and get ready to figure out who dun it! The play was written and directed

by Beth Shaughnessy There will be dinner, a cash bar and raffle prizes.

Tickets are $35 per person or $250 for a table of eight and may be purchased at The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave, Anna Maria, or calling 941778-1908 with a credit card 941-778-1908 or by e-mail at info@centerami.org.

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FEBRUARY 24, 2016

DAY DOCK: Uses questioned FROM PAGE 10

“This is kind of against my belief or thoughts, but what attorney Moore shared with me is the day dock was put in with a grant for pleasure vessels’ usage and the commercial use of a water taxi.

Any use that would impede the use of the day dock is not allowed. So in other words, loading and unloading of vessels for commercial purposes isn’t allowed. Having a bait barge isn’t allowed,” Shearon said.

The submerged land lease was renewed last May. It authorizes the city to operate a seven-slip docking facility and boardwalk to be used exclusively for the temporary mooring of recreational vessels and water taxis.

When Commissioner Ralph Cole asked what the difference is between a water taxi and a tour boat, Shearon said a water taxi travels from a specific point to other specific points, whereas a tour boat excursion does not.

At the suggestion of Commissioner Jake Spooner, the commission directed Shearon to find out whether the submerged land lease could be amended to allow for commercial use. Spooner said this could be done for an additional $2,100 a year. He suggested Baldwin might be willing to pay this

fee, and Baldwin told the commission he would.

Spooner said he would rather amend the existing state lease than pursue a state authorized managed mooring field at this time.

Instead of suspending Baldwin and Maguire’s day dock operations, the commission agreed to schedule a workshop so they could discuss the matter further. Vice Mayor Ed Straight asked Moore provide the commission with a written legal interpretation before then; and Speciale wants written definitions of a water taxi and a tour boat.

Commissioner Jan Vosburgh suggested a non-public shade meeting with Moore might also be needed to bring the commission up to speed on the private discussions that have taken place between Shearon, Moore, the Bazzys and their attorney.

Maguire said if he is forced to leave the day dock he will move his floating bait business to Cortez, in front of Annie’s.

Baldwin suggested Moore’s interpretation of commercial activities might restrict similar uses at other public boat ramps and docks.

After the meeting, Baldwin said he already has plans to launch a water taxi service that travels to four or five nearby restaurants.

AMI Outfitters Coastal Gear & Apparel

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FEBRUARY 24, 2016

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13

Transportation fixes discussed Each city is making a list of ways to immediately impact traffic congestion on the barrier islands.

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Island elected officials last week added to their list of short-term transportation projects and agreed to hold a prioritizing session at the March 16 meeting of the Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials (BIEO) in Bradenton Beach.

The idea came at January’s meeting of the BIEO in which officials agreed that each city would make a list of ways to immediately impact traffic

congestion on the barrier islands to be presented to Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) officials.

Longboat Key Town Manager Dave Bullock compiled the lists from each city and suggested, “We talked about a prioritizing session, and I thought we should invite the two counties (Manatee and Sarasota), the FDOT, the nearby cities and the MPO (Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Agency).

“If we had a specific project or suggestion and we really didn’t know much about it, we could call on one of the representatives to explain. Then we would submit the final product to FDOT as the consensus recommendations of the four Island cities.”

Adding to the list

Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore said county officials are looking at parking options for the former Albertson’s parking lot at 75th Street and Manatee Avenue.

Bradenton Beach Commissioner Jake Spooner said pedestrians crossing Gulf Drive to go to the beach back up traffic.

He suggested controlled crossings.

Anna Maria Commissioner Dale Woodland suggested reviving the proposal for a third bridge from the 53rd Avenue on the mainland to Coquina Beach.

Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson said, “That needs to be looked at by FDOT, but this list is to look at things

Officials learn about beach access mats

that we can do in the immediate future to help.”

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy added that projects are ones that can be completed in 90 to 120 days.

Holmes Beach Commissioner Carol Soustek suggested looking at check in days and times for motels and the hours that restaurant employees report to and leave work. Murphy said officials could approach the chambers of commerce about working with the businesses to stagger hours and days.

Johnson said they need to understand who is using the transportation network and when and seek an inventory of island businesses from the chambers.

Home Sweet Home committees active The three committees are promotions, connections and social media.

Official suggests putting the carpet like runners at Coquina and Manatee Public beaches.

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – A mat that allows wheelchair users, mothers with strollers and people with canes to access the beach was praised by island elected officials last week.

Beach mats are nylon, carpet like runners that are 6 to 8 feet wide and long enough when rolled out to reach from a hard surface to the shore.

Holmes Beach Commissioner Jean Peelen brought the mats to officials’ attention at last week’s meeting of Barrier Island Elected Officials and said they are reasonably priced and come in various colors.

“The mat has wider uses than just people who are labeled as having a disability,” she pointed out. “Many of our citizens use walkers and canes, either temporarily or permanently, and have difficulty negotiating sand,

Submitted

Beach access mats can be used by people in wheelchairs, mothers pushing strollers and others to reach the seashore. not to mention mothers with strollers.

“Having this kind of system would make life nicer for our residents, but also very see mats, page 18

ANNA MARIA – Anna Maria City Commissioner Carol Carter reported to Island elected officials last week about Home Sweet Home’s (HSW) three active committees. HSW is a grassroots organization dedicated to bring residents to the Island and encouraging current residents to remain.

The promotions group has created a brochure to illustrate the benefits of living on the Island. Members are compiling a list of Island businesses that offer perks or special benefits to residents and have created a promotional T-shirt.

The connections group is creating a Welcome Wagon gift

basket to make newcomers feel a part of the community. They also are working on a supplement to be published in the Bradenton Herald with sections on who moved to the Island and why with photos, volunteer opportunities and a list of reasons on why live on the Island.

The social media group is working on accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and the like and has developed a Website at www.ourannamaria. com. Stories being collected by the connections group will be posted on the Website.

HSW volunteers are participating in local arts and crafts fairs to tell people why they live on the Island and encourage others to move to the Island.

To volunteer with any of these groups or purchase a T-shirt, e-mail Holmes Beach Commissioner Jean Peelen at jpeelen@ holmesbeachfl.org.

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BUSINESS

FEBRUARY 24, 2016

Dan's Fan City will blow you away

BY LOUISE BOLGER SUN STAFF WRITER | lbolger@amisun.com

Ceiling fans have come a long way from the days before air conditioning, when they were the only way to beat the heat. They first appeared in the 1860s, powered by running water, and flourished in popularity with the availability of electricity. They fell out of fashion for decades when air conditioning was more widespread until the early 1970s leading up to today, when ceiling fans are a staple of practically every home in the southern region of the United States.

Based on their popularity, it’s almost guaranteed that you will be shopping for a ceiling fan at some point. And when that day happens, Dan’s Fan City on Cortez Road near 18th Street will provide you with 78 models to choose, from as well as the ability to customize the fan that works best for your home.

Walter Hunt, the manager of the corporate owned Dan’s Fan City, will provide you with an education on the science of ceiling fans. In his low keyed informative manner, this former northern Virginia resident, is an expert on what size and style of fan is best for your environment.

He is performance focused and will walk you through the basics of ceiling fan efficiency, indicating that the pitch of the blade not the size of the blade is the most important feature. The objective is to design a fan that, when running on a low speed, will create the most efficient air movement. All fans at Dan’s are three speed and reversible.

Dan’s Fan City was started in 1979 in Clearwater and quickly grew to the point where today it has more than 40 locations throughout seven states and is America’s largest independent ceiling fan retailer. Originally it marketed

DAN’S FAN CITY 1808 Cortez Road Bradenton 941-755-3262 Monday – Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.dansfancity.com All major credit cards accepted

LOUISE BOLGER | SUN

Manager Walter Hunt will educate you on the science of ceiling fans.

products from existing ceiling fan suppliers but in 1983 it purchased Gulf Coast Fans in order to provide customers with the ability to choose a variety of styles, finishes and modifications to better meet their needs, as well providing quality fans built in its own factory.

Dan’s has a large inventory of fans right in its Cortez Road shop and specializes in outdoor fans that are constructed with marine grade stainless steel. Walter Hunt explains that

outdoor fans are either damp rated, which are good for moist outdoor areas, but not areas where there is direct water, and wet rated designed for direct water contact. The Raindance model is rated for direct water contact.

All fans have a minimum warranty of 30 years and some have even longer, and any problems will be conveniently handled at the Bradenton location.

High end and decorator fans are one of Dan’s specialities providing a large

selection of lighting and blade options.

However, prices competitive on standard fans and the store also provides parts, service and accessories for ceiling fans. Arrangments can be made to have your fan installed by a licensed electrician with a very attractive installation pricing schedule.

After walking around Dan’s, you’ll have a whole new appreciation of ceiling fans when you see some of the modern choices available, as well as the attractive blade choices. My favorite was a sleek three blade honey in shiny white with a remote control and a timer called Vogue.

There’s no doubt that today’s ceiling fans not only provide efficient air movement, but also make a fashion statement. The only problem is you will have a hard time making up your mind between the Bombay, the Cabana Breeze or the Tornado, but there are worse predicaments to be in. Dan’s Fan City – more than you ever thought a ceiling fan could be.

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FEBRUARY 24, 2016

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15

Health savings accounts – Part II B

efore continuing the health savings account (HSA) topic from two weeks ago, I’d like to correct a typographical error that appeared in Part I. The reference to the $1,000 catch-up provision for those over age 55 was misstated as existing for those over age 65.

HSAs offer a way to get special tax treatment towards saving money for medical expenses that are not covered by insurance. It’s important to optimize your HSA to make the most of your tax savings.

Eligible expenses

What constitutes an eligible expense is determined by the IRS. There is a wide range of IRS-qualified expenses, many of which aren’t usually covered by health insurance plans. Some of these are deductibles, co-insurance, prescriptions and dental and vision care. Most things that would typically qualify for the medical expense deduction on your tax return qualify for an HSA. Health insurance premiums are generally not considered IRS-qualified expenses unless they are for quali-

Investment Corner TOM BREITER fied long-term care insurance, COBRA health care continuation coverage or health care coverage while an individual is receiving unemployment compensation. For people over 65, qualified expenses include premiums for Medicare parts A, B, D and Medicare HMA, the portion an employee pays for employer-sponsored health insurance and the employee portion of employersponsored retiree health insurance.

Supplemental policies like Medigap are not considered qualified by the IRS. Qualified expenses can be paid directly from the Health Savings Account by check or debit card. Reimbursements are also allowed for previously paid medical expenses, as long as the expense was incurred after the establishment of the HSA. There is no statute of limitations for reimbursements as long as the HSA was in existence at

the time of the expense.

HSAs Are Not Use it or Lose it

Many people confuse HSAs with FSAs or Flexible Savings Accounts.

With an FSA, any unused funds in excess of $500 are forfeited at the end of the year. HSAs are different, though.

Account balances simply roll over from year to year, allowing for incredible growth and accumulation of savings.

As long as you are eligible, you can continue to contribute to your account tax-free and let the money grow taxfree for use at any time in the future, whether near or distant.

HSAs and the Affordable Care Act

It was predicted that with the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) or Obamacare, HSAs would become obsolete.

However, that has not been the case and high deductible health plans are still widely available. In fact, about 25 percent of the plans available on the ACA exchanges are HSA-eligible.

Using it for Retirement Savings

The obvious and typical use of an

HSA is to pay for medical expenses as they occur. Many people, however, have turned their account from a current pay-as-you-go way of avoiding taxes on medical expenses to a lucrative retirement savings vehicle. They pay for current medical expenses out of pocket, but maximize their HSA contributions and just let them grow for use during retirement.

It is no surprise that healthcare is often a major expense in retirement, especially the older you get. In fact, it has been found that typical retiree medical expenses are often as much as $500/month per person. In their annual Health Care Cost Estimate study, Fidelity estimates that a 65-year-old couple will need $245,000 to cover healthcare expenses in retirement.

Since medical costs are such a huge part of retirement financial needs, it makes sense that an HSA can be used for retirement savings. Your HSA should not be your only retirement savings, since funds are only tax-free for qualified medical expenses. Nevertheless, when used in conjunction with see breiter, page 22

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THE SUN

mark your calendar FROM PAGE 7

Bridge Street Market, Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Monday Feb 29

Social bridge games, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, noon.

Tuesday March 1

Gentle yoga, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, second floor, 10 to 11 a.m., $10 donation suggested.

RSVP to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941-383-6493.

Duplicate bridge, Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 12:30 p.m.

Computer class on iPad, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 3 p.m.

Inquiring Minds discussion group, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday March 2

Early Settler’s Bread for sale, AMI Historical Museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., $5.

Lifelong Learning Academy discussions, The Center of AMI, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 11 a.m.

Gulf Coast Writers group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 12:45 p.m.

Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, noon to 12:45 p.m. $10. Register to ArtLeagueAMI@ gmail.com or 941-778-2099.

Ceili dancing, Sandpiper Mobile Resort, 2601 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach, 1 to 3 p.m.

AMI Community Connections gathering of friends, AMI Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 2 p.m.

Thursday March 3

Aerobics for Seniors, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 11 a.m.

Friends of the Island Branch Library Travel and Lecture Series with Florida author and journalist Craig Pittman, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

FEBRUARY 24, 2016

FEBRUARY 24, 2016

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

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THE SUN

FEBRUARY 24, 2016

joe hendricks | sun

One side of the new bike route map illustrates the recently-created bike route in the city of Anna Maria. While the other side of the map features safety tips and bike laws.

Bike map finished The city of Anna Maria Bike Route Map and Guide created by city resident Amy Tripp has been printed and is now available at city hall.

One side of the document contains a multi-colored map that illustrates the recently created bike route that remains a work in progress. It also shows extension roads, residential streets, bike rental locations, parks, points of

interest, beach accesses and public restrooms.

The flip-side of the map features safety tips and bike laws and other useful information for visitors and residents who enjoying seeing the city from the perspective of a bicycle seat.

When folded, the map is the size of a man’s wallet. The new map will soon be made available at several other locations and bike route signage is forthcoming.

MATS: Rollaway beach access discussed, praised

FEBRUARY

22-28

L I V E M U S I C E V E RY W E E K ANNA MARIA ISLAND’S

THE UGLY GROUPER BAR & GRILL LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT!

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FROM PAGE 13

much nicer for our visitors. We want to serve all of our citizen, and this is a way to do it.”

She said there could be one at Manatee Public Beach and one at Coquina Beach, and county officials could possibly use the excess concession stand funds to purchase them.

“Excellent,” Manatee County Commissioner John Chappie declared.

“Anything we can do to help all of our visitors and residents.”

He suggested she speak to Joe Westerman, the county’s head lifeguard, who just returned from a conference on the east coast where beach mats were discussed.

Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon said they should pursue the idea because “there’s no way to get onto the beach with a wheelchair.”

Anna Maria Mayor Bob Johnson said he has seen them used on the coast of

Spain and agreed that officials should pursue the idea.

Peelen asked for permission to draft a letter to the four island mayors for comment and received it.

However, following the meeting, Charlie Hunsicker, director of the county’s parks and natural resources department, pointed out, “The drawback is that their deployment is labor intensive, requiring the runner to be pinned in place to hold into the sandy beach and must be monitored continuously and removed nightly at sunset during the entire turtle nesting season, April 15 to Oct. 30.

In other business: • Johnson said the design for the Anna Maria Bridge has been approved by the Florida Department of Transportation.

• Shearon suggested officials consider establishing an Island-wide process for licensing contractors.

KARAOKE GULF DRIVE TED STEVENS KAREN & JIMMY DJATE REGGAE ANNA MARIA ISLAND, FLORIDA

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FEBRUARY 24, 2016

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19

Sgt. Davis reassigned Sgt. Russell Schnering will be the city’s next chief law enforcement officer.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

Garlic Infused Gulf Shrimp

,·P DQ 2ULJLQDO “

Since 1979, our mission has been to bring exquisite gourmet fare to Longboat Key and the entire SarasotaBradenton area. We are passionate about incredibly fresh seafood and we use only the highest quality ingredients in our dishes. Not only are we open for breakfast, lunch and dinner at the restaurant, we also have our gourmet deli and wine store, our corner convenience store and full service catering division.

As one of the first members of the Originals, we are proud to align ourselves with a group of like-minded, mutually supportive restaurant owners.

”

Lynn and Chef Harry Christensen, owners Harry’s Continental Kitchens

7KH 6DUDVRWD 0DQDWHH 2ULJLQDOV LV D JURXS RI ORFDOO\ RZQHG UHVWDXUDQWV ZKR VKDUH D SDVVLRQ IRU GLQLQJ H[FHOOHQFH DQG FRPPLWPHQW WR RXU FRPPXQLW\

DineOriginal.com 15 South Ristorante • Andrea’s • Anna Maria Oyster Bar • Beach House • The Bijou Café • Blu Island Bistro • Blue Marlin Seafood • Bridge Street Bistro • Café Baci • Café Gabbiano • Café L’Europe • Café Venice • Caragiulos • Cassariano Italian Eatery • Cedar Reef Fish Camp • Ciao! Italia • Cosimo’s Restaurant & Catering • The Crow’s Nest • Derek’s • Drunken Poet Café • Duval’s • enRich Bistro • Euphemia Haye • Fast N Fresh • Fins at Sharky’s • Gold Rush BBQ • Gulf Drive Café + Tiki • Half Shell Seafood House • Harry’s Continental Kitchens • JPAN Restaurant • Lobster Pot • Madfish Grill • Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub • Michael John’s • Michael’s On East • mi Pueblo • Ophelia’s On The Bay • The Original Egg • Ortygia Restaurant • Pacific Rim • Pattigeorge’s • Pier 22 Restaurant • Polo Grill & Bar • Primo! Ristorante • Riverhouse Reef & Grill • Roessler’s Restaurant • Salute! Restaurant • Sandbar Seafood & Spirits • Seafood Shack • Siesta Key Oyster Bar • SoMa Creek Side • Tsunami • Village Café • The Waterfront Restaurant on Anna Maria • The White Horse Pub

ANNA MARIA – After accepting the pending resignation of the city planner two weeks ago, city officials learned last week they would also soon be losing chief law enforcement officer Sgt. Paul Davis.

“I have been reassigned within the Sheriff’s Office to a sergeant position in Internal Affairs. My replacement is Sgt. Russell Schnering, a very good man who is perfect for this assignment,” Davis wrote in a press release distributed last week.

Davis said Schnering will begin his service as the sergeant of the Anna Maria Unit on Monday, Feb. 29, and the two men will have a week to work together during the transition period.

Davis has been stationed in Anna Maria a little more than three years, and he has been with the Sheriff’s Office for slightly more than 21 years.

When asked if he had any thoughts he wanted to share on his time in Anna Maria, Davis said, “I want to thank

joe hendricks | sun

Sgt. Paul Davis has been reassigned and will be leaving his position in Anna Maria soon. everybody for their cooperation while I’ve been here. The friendliness of the residents, business owners and city staff has been amazing. The cooperative efforts between all of us to reduce crime has been absolutely incredible.

I could not ask for a better group of deputies to help me implement the community policing that we’ve done.”

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THE SUN

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

Sue’s back Watercolor artist Sue Lynn Cotton teaches art at The Center, 407 Magnolia, Anna Maria, on Tuesdays, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $22 for members and $25 for non-members. Students don’t have to register. If they don’t have supplies, they can rent them from her. A supply list is available at the front desk, or log onto suelynncotton.com.

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Children & Youth Church School after the Children’s Sermon NURSERY AVAILABLE A NON DENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

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FEBRUARY 24, 2016

FEBRUARY 24, 2016

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THE SUN

Enjoy a Night with Neil Diamond

Impersonator Bobby Palermo will present a Night with Neil Diamond dinner show at The Center on Saturday, Feb. 27, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Tickets are $30 per person or $240 for a table of eight.

Dinner will be served at 6 p.m., and the show is from 7 to 9 p.m.

Danny’s Pizzeria will cater the buffet dinner. BYO beer and wine; ice buckets and cups will be provided.

Tickets are available at The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, or with a credit card by phone.

There will be no refunds. Call 7781908 for information.

Get the blues with Joe Moss Chicago Blues legend Joe Moss brings his band to The Center of Anna Maria Island on Saturday, March 12, from 7 to 10 p.m. A cash bar will be available.

A Blues Hall of Fame inductee and a regular and favorite performer at Buddy Guy’s world-renowned Legends Club in Chicago, Moss’ mastery of guitar, combined with his soulful vocals, make this an experience not to be missed.

21

Tickets are $30 and may be purchased at The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave, Anna Maria, or calling 941-778-1908 with a credit card.

Author’s new novel available Island author Alice Moerk’s new novel, “The Entertainers,� published by the Peppertree Press, is now available. This tale of singers, jugglers and actors from the Middle Ages, is written for young adults, but also appeals to adults.

This is her eighth published novel, available on Amazon, on order from bookstores or by calling 778-7923. Moerk’s Medieval series, PasTimes, has won state and national awards.

Service Club of Manatee County SC

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22

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FEBRUARY 24, 2016

St. Paddy’s Day parade set There will be no elephant in this year’s parade due to the passing of Judy, who starred in several parades.

BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – The annual celebration of the green will include a parade again, starting at the Eat Here parking lot at 4 p.m. on Monday, March 13, proceeding north on Marina Drive and Palm Drive and 78th Street. The parade is open to the public, and participants should be there by 2 p.m.

The parade will be without one of its star, if not largest, attractions, Judy the elephant. Her trainer, Bones Craig, notified parade organizer Sean Murphy that his companion of 44 years passed away recently.

“With Judy’s passing, there will no longer be an elephant in the annual parade,” said Murphy in an e-mail to

SUN FILE PHOTO

Judy the elephant walks the St. Patrick’s Day Parade with her trainer, Bones Craig, in 2013. The popular pachyderm passed away recently.

The Sun. “Judy is irreplaceable. Having Judy participate as the star of the parade had stopped being about having an elephant. It was about having Judy.”

Murphy said they would memorial-

ize Judy in this year’s parade. For more information, contact the Beach Bistro at 778-6444.

BREITER: Health savings accounts FROM PAGE 15

IRAs and 401(k)s to pay for nonmedical expenses, they can be a very powerful way to build your nest egg. After all, an HSA receives better tax treatment than any IRA or 401(k), whether traditional or Roth.

There is one caveat, though. In order to use an HSA for retirement

savings, you need to make sure it is invested properly for long term growth. Keeping HSA money in a traditional savings account earning .5 percent interest may be a good idea for those who are using the money for current expenses, but to do that for retirement savings would be to miss out on years and years of tax-free growth.

Tom Breiter is president of Breiter Capital Management, Inc., an Anna Maria based investment advisor. He can be reached at 778-1900. Some of the investment concepts highlighted in this column may carry the risk of loss of principal, and investors should determine appropriateness for their personal situation before investing. www.breitercapital.com

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FEBRUARY 24, 2016

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23

John Horne remembers his roots Horne recently opened his fourth restaurant, this one on the Historic Bridge Street Pier.

BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – One of the area’s most popular restaurateurs spoke to a packed meeting room at the Island Branch Library, sharing his past and his philosophy in the restaurant business.

John Horne goes back a long way, getting his start 35 years ago with one of the most famous, if not infamous restaurant owners, Ed Porter, who owned Fast Eddie’s in the city of Anna Maria.

As a youngster growing up in Polk County, Horne’s parents used to come to Anna Maria Island for vacations. That’s when he fell in love with the Island.

“When I was a teenager, my parents bought a vacation house on the Island,” he said. “I was working at the phosphate mines during the summer, and my dad suggested I come to the Island and live in the vacation home.

“I thought to myself, ‘phosphate mines; living at the beach,’” he said.

“The decision was easy.”

He got a job at Fast Eddie’s while he was here and for the next three summers, he worked there.

“Ed recognized my efforts and offered me $1,000 a year for tuition if I wanted to go to college,” Horne said. “He told me if I decided to drop out, all I would owe him would be the money he gave with no interest. He saw something in me that he thought would make me a good restaurant person.”

Horne ended up running both of Porter’s restaurants off the Island.

There were two more in other parts of the state. When Porter went out of business, the Seay Brothers bought the properties, and Horne ran the Anchorage and then the restaurant at the Anna Maria City Pier.

Horne said he learned how to take care of customers during his early years, but there was a problem.

“Ed wasn’t known for taking care of employees and it was a revolving door at Fast Eddie’s,” he said. “I like longevity.”

Horne pointed to the fact that his

tom vaught | sun

John Horne says he values his employees' input because he wants them to be happy at their jobs. restaurants reward employees who have been there three years or more by taking them on a fun excursion at his expense. Recently they went to Disney World. He also encourages talking with the employees to find out how to do the work better, “I value their opinion,” he said. “I

pay them well because I want them to be happy because happy employees make the customers happy.”

Horne also teams with the owners of Air and Energy, Stewart and Trudy Moon, to help charities and he has always been a big contributor to the Anna Maria Island Community Center, now known as The Center.

Horne explained why the Oyster Bar on the Bridge Street Pier is different from the other restaurants.

At the pier, customers go to the counter, order their food and pay for it. They then get their own drinks, plates and table service and find a seat. The wait staff brings the food to them.

“There is no room for a service area so I decided to hire a few servers who I pay well,” he said. “We don’t ask for a tip when you pay. If you like the service, you could leave a tip at the table, but we don’t expect it.”

Horne’s sense of humor kept the audience chuckling. John Horne’s attitude embodies those who work in the food service industry, especially at tourist destinations.

“I like to have fun,” he said. “If it isn’t fun, it isn’t worth doing.”

24

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

Tourism up in 2015

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

Visitation to Manatee County was up 8.4 percent in 2015 over 2014, with a total economic impact of $809 million, a 13.5 percent increase from 2014, according to Research Data Services, Manatee County’s tourism consulting firm.

The average length of stay remained constant at six nights, as did the average party size of three people.

In December, the last month for which statistics are available, occupancy on Anna Maria Island rose 4.8 percent from 2014. The average daily room rate on the Island also was up 4.8 percent from 2014 to $166.60 per night.

European visitation rose 9.1 percent in December from the previous year, more than any other segment, followed by visitors from Florida (8.6 percent increase), the Southeast U.S. (8 percent) and Canada (7.9 percent).

Northeast visitation dropped 1.4 percent and Midwest visitation dropped .3 percent from December 2014.

Statewide, Florida had its fifth consecutive record tourism year in 2015 with 105

Nonprofit formed The restoration of the historic schooner San Francesco, which is moored at the Seafood Shack, is now associated with the federally registered Cortez Classic Yacht Guild Inc. 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. This designation allows Rick Stewart and Herman Kruegle to accept donations and issue tax certificates to donors. For more information e-mail Stewart at teakwoodisgood@gmail.com.

SUBMITTED

December resort tax collections

FEBRUARY 24, 2016

Resort tax funds requested

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

Manatee County’s 5 percent resort tax, or tourist tax, is collected from owners of accommodations rented for six months or less who charge the tax to their renters, in most cases, tourists.

About 50 percent of the tax proceeds are allocated to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau tourism marketing efforts, with 20 percent allocated to beach renourishment. Resort tax increases reflect both increased visitation and improved tax collection efforts. Amounts shown were collected in December and paid to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office in January.

To anonymously report a rental owner who may not be paying the tax, call 941741-4809 or visit www.taxcollector.com/ services_resort_tax_tips.asp.

Source: Manatee County Tax Collector

million visitors, according to VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s tourism agency, estimating 89.8 million domestic visitors, an 8 percent increase over 2014, 11.2 million overseas visitors and 4 million Canadians.

The average number of direct travel-related jobs in 2015 also hit a record high, with 1.2 million Floridians employed in the tourism industry.

Tourism sales and recreation taxable sales statewide increased every month from

January through November 2015 (the last reported month), representing an 8.6 percent increase over the same period in 2014.

For 2015, the average daily room rate rose 5.9 percent and the number of rooms sold increased by 4.5 percent from 2014.

Florida’s average occupancy rate for 2015 was 72 percent, an increase of 3.2 percent over 2014.

The Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) approved a request Monday from the Manatee Performing Arts Center for $250,000 in resort tax funds over the next five years, which it voted to recommend for approval to the Manatee County Commission.

Tourism promotions are directing visitors to Bradenton’s urban core, where the arts center is located, said Elliott Falcione, director of the Manatee County Convention and Visitors Bureau, adding that tourism officials are promoting more activities off already-saturated Anna Maria Island.

Another $7,500 will be recommended to fund a millennial conference at the Bradenton Convention Center, aimed at attracting young people to visit and possibly relocate to Manatee County.

In other business: • David Teitelbaum was again named vice chair of the TDC. • The TDC learned that a promotion with Coastal Living magazine successfully targeted spa customers in Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia and New York with free pedicures using nail polish in colors like “Snooty Gray” and “Longboat Key Blue.”

• TDC member Jean Peelen told the council that the Island has a “strong need to grow our communities” with new residents so that churches and the elementary school don’t move off the Island, she said, citing a 20 percent loss of residents in the last four years in Holmes Beach alone.

• New TDC Chair Carol Whitmore encouraged members and the public to think of creative ways to move visitors around so “they can have a good experience instead of sitting in line for two hours.”

Youngs named P&Z vice-chair David Youngs has been voted by his peers to serve as the new vice-chair of the Anna Maria Planning and Zoning Board. The board is now conducting a page-by-page review of the city’s comprehensive plan. Youngs will also join planning board chair Jonathan Crane and former vice-chair Carl Pearman on the new Local Construction Regulation Board that is scheduled to conduct its first quasi-judicial hearing on Wednesday, Feb. 24, at 5 p.m.

FEBRUARY 24, 2016

FOOD&WINE

THE SUN

25

So many wines…

I

t's a new year and season is upon us already. Our snowbird friends are back and the tourists have joined them once again.

One good thing that happens when it gets busy like this is that the volume of business is so great we in the restaurant trade have to order more specials to offer our guests so you all can visit your favorite establishments without having to have the same old thing each time.

Wine drinkers have the good fortune of seeing new offerings everywhere they look, whether on television commercials, in magazine and newspaper ads or up and down the rows of products at the grocery or liquor stores, but how do you make your selection?

Everyone wants a good deal. Delicious, quality wines with character and complexity are the kind that makes you say you thought that would have cost twice what you paid for it. Great middle ground wines are the goal.

You don't want supermarket bargains or special occasion wines that cost you an arm and a leg. You must think about what factors influence a wine's price and whether or not those factors really improve the quality of the wine that much.

Wines from the Napa Valley can be delicious, but if the land costs $100,000 an acre,

Spring Garden Risotto Ingredients:

1 ½ cup Arborio rice ¼ cup olive oil 1 Vidalia onion, diced small 6 oz. white wine 28 oz. vegetable or chicken stock ½ c.up spring peas ½ cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half ½ c.up crimini mushrooms 4 oz. grated Parmesan

Bill Hard THE WATERFRONT how much does that affect the cost of a bottle? If a great bottle of Burgundy is one of only 120 cases produced, how much does that affect its value? What about wine futures and the influence that a great vintage has on the cost of those wines? These are just a few of the factors involved in pricing a wine.

Let's talk about picking out a wine that offers more bang for your buck. One way to find wines like this is to spend a little time investigating. Using past tasting experiences as your reference, what varietals do you prefer?

Trying new grape varietals similar in style, but not at the same price point, will save you some money.

If you like chardonnay why not experiment and try a torrontés or a viognier? Instead of merlot you might try an Italian grape, dolcetto perhaps. At the least if you insist on a cabernet sauvignon try one from Chile instead of from the Napa Valley. Don’t forget that

vintage factor too. Rather than picking the vintage of the decade, use a shoulder vintage, one of the wines still available from an almost as good year.

Where do you do your investigating? Find a few favorite sources such as the wine steward or manager at your preferred restaurant or the salesman at your local wine store and pick their brain. Purchasing a couple of reference books will definitely help you in your search.

My favored reference books are Hugh Johnson's "Pocket Encyclopedia of Wines" for quick reviews, and Karen MacNeil’s "Wine Bible," the most informative and entertaining book on the subject I’ve ever used. Online I enjoy Wine Folly, which offers loads of charts, maps, ratings and much more and from that site you will get offers galore for similar Websites.

If you enjoy using Pinterest, there are loads of boards on wines, both educational and amusing. I personally have numerous boards filled with information I've created under my own account that I use as a reference for my staff, friends and anyone who happens upon it looking into the topic of wine. If you are curious, feel free to go to Pinterest.com and type in my name under “pinners” and you will be directed to my boards. I hope you enjoy it and are able to refer to it as the subject arises.

Good luck to you in finding some new favorite wines, and don’t forget to check out the daily specials at The Waterfront restaurant for some good food and wine pairings. Until next time my friends …

Directions:

Put the stock in a pot on high heat. As it is coming to a boil, in another pot, sweat the onion in the olive oil. As the onion turns translucent, season it with salt and pepper, then add Arborio rice. Toast the rice and onions on low heat. Once you smell the fragrance of the toasted rice, add the white wine. Next slowly stir in the stock, 6 oz. at a time. Once you have added half of the stock , add vegetables and keep stirring with the rest of the stock. To finish, stir in Parmesan cheese, season one last time and serve in bowls.

GRILL & SEAFOOD

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submitted

Spring Garden Risotto is a delicious and colorful dish.

26

THE SUN

OUTDOORS

AMI OUTFITTERS

Fly SUP

Coastal Gear & Apparel

401 & 505 Pine Ave. Anna Maria

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FEBRUARY 17, 2016 941-254-4996

'Looking Through Water'

B

ob Rich of Islamorada, Fla., is a man of many talents, spanning business interests to fishing, writing and philanthropy. In addition to his many other abilities, he’s the long-time chairman of the board of the renowned Cleveland Clinic, and for more than a decade has been the host of fishing tournaments that have raised millions of dollars in a search for a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. The five-time author is receiving five-star reader ratings for his newest novel, “Looking Through Water.”

Rich is also the author of four other popular non-fiction books, but has always wanted to do a novel.

“When I started, I found the best way to begin was to set it against backdrops I've always loved – fishing, Adirondacks lakes, Manhattan and the Florida Keys.”

The novel is a love story and an action adventure story, filled with conflict, emotion and healing. It’s a great coming of age tale and since it’s the Keys, fishing too!

"It has all the elements for a good story,” Rich said. “Inventing colorful characters and plot twists was great fun and I've enjoyed reader’s reactions.”

Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS In addition to Amazon, “Looking Through Water” is also available at Barnes and Noble, its Website and at BobRichBooks.com. The proceeds from Rich’s novel benefits Project Healing Waters, dedicated to helping injured veterans and active duty military heal from physical and emotional wounds through fly fishing.

Rich also continues to raise millions for Cystic Fibrosis at his 15th annual BassEye celebrity fishing tournament in Buffalo, and the 15th Golden Isles Red*Trout event on St. Simons Island, Ga. There’s a lot more on Looking Through Water plus videos of Bob talking about the novel at his Website.

“Looking Through Water” is the story of one man’s journey to selfawareness and much more. In this, his first novel, Rich explores the raw emotions that make up the intricate tapestry of family structure through truth, lies and misunderstandings.

rusty chinnis | sun

The cover of Rich’s new book, “Looking Through Water.”

In the novel, William McKay finds himself reliving his past to help his troubled grandson, Kyle, deal with the present. The old man wants desperately to discover what is troubling the boy and hopes that sharing his own

convoluted journey to self-discovery will lift him from his dark place.

The story begins on an Adirondacks lake and winds its way through Manhattan to the Florida Keys. The novel is rich with flamboyant characters from the grandfather’s past that come to life to help tell a story full of surprises and suspense.

Just as the young McKay appears to be on the brink of permanent unmooring, a beautiful stranger unexpectedly arrives to provide the tethering he has always sought. The story, through twists and turns, reveals old wounds, nerves laid raw, wrongs rectified, and lives threatened, ending as understanding surfaces and love arrives.

Three of his other four other books are centered on fishing: "The Right Angle," "The Fishing Club," and "Fish Fights: A Hall of Fame Quest." Rich has also co-authored a motivational book with Scott Friedman, "Secrets From the Delphi Café: Unlocking the Code to Happiness."

Anglers will find Rich’s new book connects them not only to fishing, but to the essence of friendships and relationships forged on and off the water.

tide chart for anna maria city pier Feb 24-March 2 Day Date

A.M. High Time Feet

A.M. Low Time Feet

P.M. High Time Feet

P.M. Low Time Feet

Sun Rise Set

Day Date

A.M. High Time Feet

A.M. Low Time Feet

P.M. High Time Feet

P.M. Low Time Feet

Sun Rise Set

Wed 2/24

12:22p 1.50

6:17a -0.12

6:18p 0.33

7:00-6:28

Sun 2/28

2:34a 1.24

8:00a 0.50

2:09p 1.83

9:34p 0.07

6:56-6:30

Thu 2/25

12:05a 1.69

6:43a 0.02

12:43p 1.61

7:00p 0.23

Mon 2/29

3:40a 1.09

8:24a 0.68

2:47p 1.85

10:44p 0.04

Fri 2/26

12:50a 1.56

7:09a 0.17

1:08p 1.70

7:46p 0.15

Tue 3/1

5:11a 0.97

8:45a 0.84

3:32p 1.85

Sat 2/27

1:39a 1.41

7:35a 0.33

1:37p 1.78

8:36p 0.10

Wed 3/2

12:01a -0.02

6:59-6:28 6:58-6:29 5:57-6:29

4:29p 1.84

6:55-6:31 654-6:31 6:53-6:32

FEBRUARY 24, 2016

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

27

Catch trout on grass flats CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT

Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released trout in Sarasota Bay and Gasparilla Sound on CAL jigs with shad tails and flies during the past week. Most fish were caught on edges of bars in about 3 to 4 feet of water.

Sarasota winter resident Tom Lamb and Roy Glah, also from Sarasota, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Tuesday and had good action catching and releasing trout to 18 inches, including several slot-size fish, on CAL jigs with shad tails. Annmarie Alberino, from Rhode Island, fly fished Sarasota Bay with me on Wednesday and caught and released a few trout on a variety of flies.

Keith McClintock and Hal D’Orazio, both from Illinois, fished Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with me on Thursday. We worked edges of bars and backcountry areas where they had some action with trout to 18 inches and a snook on CAL jigs with shad tails. Nick Reding, from Longboat Key, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Friday.

We waded a couple of bars and had good action catching and releasing 23” to 24” trout on my Grassett Flats Minnow and Flats Bunny flies.

Capt. Ed Hurst and I were instructors for a CB’s Saltwater Outfitters Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on Saturday. The course covered fly casting, leader construction, fly selection and saltwater fly fishing

CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT | submitted

Annmarie Alberino, from Rhode Island, with a trout caught and released on a Clouser fly while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett. techniques. Designed for beginning and intermediate fly anglers, we focused on basics, but also worked with intermediate casters on correcting faults and improving casting skills. The next class is scheduled for March 12. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at 941-349-4400 or info@ cbsoutfitters.com to make reservations.

Trout, bluefish and more should be a good option on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay. Look for reds and big trout mixed with mullet schools or cruising shallow flats and edges of bars in Sarasota Bay and backcountry areas of Charlotte Harbor and lower Tampa Bay. Catch and release snook fishing around lighted docks

and bridges with flies and DOA Lures should also be a good option.

Annie’s Bait & Tackle

Customers are catching snapper and sheepshead around Longboat Pass.

Captain Sam Kimball is catching red grouper and snapper offshore.

Captain Daniel Kesten is catching trout in the grass flats and sheepshead.

Captain Scott Moore is catching trout in the deeper grass flats, and sheepshead are pretty much everywhere. Spanish mackerel are showing up on the rocks off of Coquina Beach.

CAPTAIN larry mcguire | submitted

Amberjacks running very large Capt Larry McGuire and Susan McGuire teamed up on this huge amberjack using live pinfish in about 150 feet offshore of Anna Maria Island. Our party also caught a limit of amberjacks, plus grouper and snappers.

28

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

FEBRUARY 24, 2016

PolitiFact busy during debates Amy Hollyfield said one of the group’s first projects was to investigate rumors that President Obama was not born in America.

BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – One of the fastest growing phenomena in the political reporting is the truth meter. It’s a product of PolitiFact, a group of reporters and researchers who investigate claims, especially from politicians during election years.

PolitiFact got its beginning when the Tampa Bay Times found a new way to cover claims by politicians.

“It began with the Obama birth rumors,” said Amy Hollyfield, the Tampa Bay Times deputy managing editor for politics and business, who spoke at the Island Branch Library as part of the library’s Lecture and Travel Series.

“President Obama has had the most fact

checks of anybody,” she said.

Hollyfield said they also check how well the politicians kept their campaign promises.

“On any given day, up to 30 investigators are checking claims and promises,” she said. “We came up with the truth meter that measures whether a claim is the truth, mostly true, half true, mostly false, false and pants-on-fire.”

Hollyfield said they have one rule.

“We always talk to the person in question,” she said. “After the story is written, editors look at it trying to be unanimous in their approval.”

Hollyfield said they have a new politician that they check.

“In 2015, Donald Trump kept the truth meter extremely busy,” she said. “Trump leads in the polls, so we cover him a lot.”

Hollyfield said the idea is catching on, and other news outlets are giving it a try.

“In 2009, we won the Pulitzer Prize,” she said.

“Our Website was the first one to win a Pulitzer.”

As the idea spreads, more groups will be emulating PolitiFact, making it uncomfortable for those who stretch the truth.

tom vaught | sun

Amy Hollyfield said Republican candidate Donald Trump has kept the PolitiFact truth meter extremely busy.

SUBMITTED joe hendricks | sun

New dune walkover The street end at 26th Street North in Bradenton Beach now features a new dune walkover and two parking spaces, one of which is a handicapped space. These amenities were installed at the expense of neighboring property owner Suzette Buchan and her husband as part of a previous agreement with the city.

Where is Cortez Beach?

After reading last week’s Sun story on the new Ride AMI park and ride service being offered along Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach, with free parking provided at Cortez Beach, Holmes Beach resident Mike Vinhage questioned why someone would park in Cortez when visiting Bridge Street? Like many who visit and reside on the Island, Vinhage was not aware that the first portion of public beach encountered when driving south from Bridge Street toward Longboat Key is actually called Cortez Beach. As you travel further south, Cortez Beach then gives way to Coquina Beach.

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

FEBRUARY 24, 2016

THE SUN

29

Live like a local Respect Wildlife

If I dive after your fish, don’t hate me, please reel me in and unhook me.

Brown pelican Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Please boat safely!

• Wear your life jacket. • Attach a Personal Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (PEPIRB) to your life jacket. • Take a boating safety course. • Get a vessel safety inspection. • Install a GPS system. • Install a VHS radio – cell phones only work so far offshore. • Keep flares on board.

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Anna Maria Island Sun, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

CINDY LANE | SUN

Swannabes White pelicans do their best swan impressions, gliding across Sarasota Bay off Cortez.

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Lifeline This boat was found on its side at the dock next to the 63rd Street Boat Ramp, in Holmes Beach Monday. A Holmes Beach Public Works employee said the owner was expected to come later in the day to remove it. The boat was not in the way of the ramp.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

LUNCHEON: Features tour brochure FROM PAGE 4

care about helping maintain the character and atmosphere that we all love.”

She said resources she used for her research included the AMIHS Centennial Site Tour, the Florida Master Site File, Carolyne Norwood’s Island history books, newspaper articles and oral histories. She worked with historical society officials to develop the brochure.

Choosing sites

“There were a lot of great sites and a lot of interesting stories, and we realized that we had to narrow our focus,” she explained. “We decided to do one city at a time.

‘We started with Anna Maria city because visitors to the museum ask if there are other historical sites they can visit while they are on Pine Avenue.”

She said the idea of a brochure came from President Maureen McCormick because it would be easier than unfolding a map and that Deb Bell, of Bell Graphics, designed the layouts and front cover.

“To choose the sites, we used three criteria. The first was location, including parking, easy access to water and public restrooms,” she explained.

“The route is about 1 ½ miles, and people can park at Bayfront Park. The museum falls right in the middle of the route.”

The second was the date of the buildings, and

they agreed to focus on telling the story of the first homesteader, George Emerson Bean, and the story of the Anna Maria Beach Company, founded by George Wilhelm Bean.

The third was reliable sources and she pointed out, “People trust museums, and we had to be sure our information could be backed up with information found in the museum's archives.”

Preserving the past

The brochure was released in October 2015 to coincide with the reopening of the renovated museum.

The tour features 14 main sites in the city of Anna Maria.

“My hope for this tour is when people know the stories behind the buildings and the homes they see, they’ll be more likely to support preserving them,” she concluded. “If these building are not preserved, we lose a valuable learning tool.

“They are a tangible be way to connect to our past.

They make history real to us. The more buildings that are knocked down, the more the Island loses the character that we love.”

Acting President Lynn Brennan invited everyone to visit the newly renovated museum. She introduced and thanked the board members and bakers, and Second Vice President Jon Crane introduced and thanked the docents, all for their service during the past year.

FEBRUARY 24, 2016

FEBRUARY 24, 2016

SPORTS

THE SUN

31

Nail biter: The Feast triumphs over Truly Nolan In the last minute of the game, The Feast played smart football and used experienced time management, leaving only 40 seconds on the clock for Team Truly Nolan when it got the ball back. With time for one last play, Balais heaved a bomb that turned into a jump ball between receivers and defenders. Coming down with it was The Feast’s Lonzo, ending the game and securing a hard-fought Feast victory.

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Quarterback Dalton Guthrie lea his team, The Feast, to victory against Truly Nolan Pest Control in a tight game on Tuesday, Feb. 16, in the Center’s 11-to 13-year-old youth flag football league.

Guthrie started the game with a short pass to Nathan Hyman, who had eight flag pulls and one interception in the game. On the second down play, Truly Nolan’s Javier Rivera put incredible rushing pressure on Guthrie causing him to throw an incomplete pass taking the possession to third down. The Feast’s third down play was a complete pass to just short of the first down.

Truly Nolan gained short yardage with a running play to Bryson Higgins.

Michael Wood carried the ball on second down for a three-yard gain. Once again, strong defense caused Truly Nolan to lose possession of the ball on downs with a short pass from quarterback Blake Balais to German Rivera.

Four minutes into the first game of the night, The Feast went on offense with a throw to Hyman past the midfield line and a quick flag pull by Balais. With Brandon Annis at center, Guthrie hit Conal Cassidy for the first touchdown of the game.

Going for a two-point conversion, Guthrie found Shawn Balvin in the end zone, making the score 8-0.

The first down play by Truly Nolan was an incomplete pass by Balais as Guthrie put pressure on the QB and batted down the pass. Balais threw a bullet to Caleb O’Connor for a 15-yard gain. With the option to run or pass, Team Truly Nolan’s

Sun Scoreboard Monday, Feb. 15 8-to-10-year-old league Miller Electric Heidi Johnston ReMax

20 37

Eason Builders Group LaPensee Plumbing and Pools

8 29

AMI Vacation Rentals Tyler’s Ice Cream

12 29

Tuesday, February 16 11-to-13-year-old league

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

The Feast's Nathan Hyman pulls the flag of Matthew Wood rushing for Truly Nolan in Center youth flag football action. standout Balais threw a short pass to Higgins, giving the team a new set of downs.

Balais partnered again with O’Connor for a touchdown reception. The extra point was good, making it 8-7.

The Feast scored on its next possession and made a two-point conversion bringing the score to 16-7. After the two teams

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

In just one of many head-to-head match ups, Truly Nolan's Blake Balais tightly defends The Feast's Nathan Hyman.

traded possessions, The Feast got the ball back and started a march down the field as the clock continued to run. Strong defense by Team Truly Nolan stymied The Feast’s passing game and with an incomplete pass over the head of Annis, the clock stopped. Dropping back into the pocket Guthrie slipped, but managed to find Hyman in the end zone for the third touchdown for The Feast. J. Rivera spoiled the extra point attempt with a sack.

Truly Nolan returned to the offensive front with 37 seconds left on the clock and the score 22-7. Less than 20 seconds glowed on the scoreboard when Balais hit O’Connor at the five-yard line, then followed with a touchdown strike to Wood.

The extra point pass was denied by Hyman, leaving the score 22-13 to end the half.

Defense dominated play in the second half, with both teams failing to mount scoring drives and both defenses snagging interceptions. That offensive drought ended when Truly Nolan’s QB Balais fired a strike to Higgins in the end zone for the sixth touch down of the game, making the score 22-19 and time running out on the clock. With one minute left in the game, O’Connor dove for the extra point reception but the pass fell incomplete.

Sugar Beach Digital Air & Energy

6 39

Truly Nolan Pest Control The Feast

19 22

LPAC Progressive Energy

34 30

Tyler’s Ice Cream Signarama

13 25

Wednesday, Feb. 17 Adult league Moss Builders Truly Nolen

42 24

Mason Martin Tyler’s Ice Cream

47 8

Tyler’s Ice Cream Beach to Bay Construction

20 55

Coldwell Banker Beach House Real Estate

28 34

Friday, Feb. 19 8-to-10-year-old league Beach Bums Bark and Company

14-to-17-year-old league

7 18

Team Snyder LPAC

12 26

Team Cuva Team Mannino

46 40

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ART briefS Learn to print a fish Brenda Alcorn will teach a gyotaku workshop on Thursday, Feb. 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Boulevard, Holmes Beach. Gyotaku is the traditional method of Japanese fish printing in which real fish are inked and printed onto Japanese paper. The class is limited to six students. Fees are $40 for Art League members and $60 for non-members. Scholarships may be available. For more information, call 941-778-2099.

Watercolor class at League Robert Reiber will teach a two-day watercolor workshop, “Sky’s The Limit,” on Wednesday, March 2, and Thursday, March 3, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at 5312 Holmes Boulevard in Holmes Beach.

A freelance artist/illustrator, Reiber also teaches drawing and painting at a local high school.

The class will cover wet into wet, dry brush and volumetric painting; students may work from their own photographs or instructor-directed compositions. All levels are welcome.

Cost is $45 for both days. Scholarships may be available; call the Art League for details and for supply list.

Pre-register by calling 941-778-2099 or at the gallery, Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

FEBRUARY 24, 2016

FEBRUARY 24, 2016

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33

Happy birthday, Bistro The Bridge Street Bistro in Bradenton Beach celebrated its five-year anniversary on Wednesday, Feb. 17. Among those on hand were Longboat Key residents Mary and Dave Mills, on the right, joined by their friends from Iowa, Connie and Gary Noble.

SUBMITTED

Try your luck Jeannie Colwell and Sylvia Temmer show off a quilt that is being raffled at the church.

Tickets are $1 for one, $5 for six. The drawing will be held on March 31 at the church’s Northern Lights luncheon and you need not be present to win.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

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34

THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

FEBRUARY 24, 2016

Love in the time of inventory shortages I

’m a couple of weeks late for Valentine’s Day, but since love is a year ‘round emotion, I figured it’s never too late. And when it comes to buying real estate, love can be a dangerous emotion especially when there isn’t a lot to choose from.

The most recent inventory statistics show that Manatee County’s available single-family homes is under 4 months, well below the six-month figure that is considered healthy. Because of this, the amount of homes available to look at in a given price range are fewer. This makes falling in love with a home even more dangerous since your instinct is to go with your emotional gut, which is telling you this may be your only opportunity.

Even if inventory is down you still need not to get caught in the love trap.

You still need to do your research on comparable properties, and you still

Castles in the Sand Louise Bolger need to keep your emotions in check when being shown the home, especially if the homeowner is there. Don’t gush when the dolphins jump out of the water, and don’t tell the homeowner that you just love what they did with the kitchen. It’s OK to ask about the taxes or association fees, the water bill or the schools, but wondering about the beautiful the sunset is a dead giveaway.

In a market with low inventory, you will be pressured to make an offer right away for the obvious reasons. It’s always better to go home, decompress and schedule another showing, even

if it’s the next day. Twenty-four hours doesn’t sound that long but it can make a difference after the initial glow of love is gone.

Also don’t let falling in love make you blind to the legal and inspection aspects that you are entitled to as part of the process. Waiving contingencies like home inspections or a mortgage contingency because you’re afraid your lover will leave you could lead you down the road of financial ruin.

It is true that homeowners look at all cash buyers in a more favorable light and they are. There is nothing like cash that has no strings attached and no pesky bank appraisers to interfere.

But you have to do what is best for you, and if obtaining a mortgage is what you must do to get into a home, you will just have to find the perfect love that will allow you to do that.

When you find your love in a tight

market, work quickly and efficiently and pick your battles. You may want to overlook the little bit of mold the inspector found in the bathroom if other buyers are breathing down your neck, but you can’t overlook the dangerous outdated electrical system.

Right around Valentine’s Day I read something that caught my eye. The U. S. Federal Reserve, of all agencies, did research on credit scores relative to compatibility. Apparently, people who have higher credit scores are more likely to form committed relationships and stay with a partner longer. Makes you wonder if this was a good use of our tax money, but interesting nonetheless.

Falling in love is always the same, whether it’s a home or a person. Neither one are ever perfect. No matter what price range you’re in, if you look close enough you’ll find the chipped paint and cracked tile that we all have.

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

FEBRUARY 24, 2016

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35

Fire district to purchase boat The 30-foot Metal Shark has the capability of in shore and offshore response.

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

BRADENTON – With one commissioner dissenting, West Manatee Fire & Rescue Commissioners approved the purchase of a boat with grant funds from the West Coast Inland Navigational District.

The boat, a 30-foot Metal Shark with a 1,259-gallon per minute fire pump, a front area for multiple patients and easy access to the water, has the capability of in shore and offshore response, said Fire Chief Tom Sousa. The cost is $300,315 with half from grant funds and half paid by the fire district.

“I consider this a toy that will have no benefit and will duplicate other agencies,” Commissioner Al Robinson said.

“The Coast Guard, the police forces, everybody’s got their boat, and everybody wants a bigger boat.

“We’ve got a boat, and it hasn’t done anything to save lives or people over the last 10 years. This is a prime example of government waste. That’s the reason I’m sitting here.”

However other commissioners disagreed.

“The current boat has served the citizens well,” Commissioner David Bishop stressed. “If it saves one life it’s worth it.”

Chair Randy Cooper pointed out that the Coast Guard has no firefighting capabilities.

“The duties of the fire department don’t stop at the water’s edge,” Commissioner George Harris explained.

“We have a duty to the citizens and to the public out on the water as well as the land. For us to delegate this to other agencies just because they might have a boat is very short sighted.”

The board approved offering the ladder truck to a fire department in South Carolina that expressed interest in buying it. The price would be $490,000.

The board authorized the chief to pur-

sue the purchase of a stock fire truck to replace the ladder truck.

The board approved applying for a grant from Firehouse Subs for a forcible entry door simulator for $9,000.

Other business

The board approved applying for a SAFER Act (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) grant, which provides funding to fire departments to hire career firefighters.

“The federal government will pay 24 months of full salary and benefits with the understanding that the district will pick up that cost after 24 months,” Sousa explained.

Sousa said the grant period would begin no earlier than January 2017.

SUBMITTED

Best wishes Ruth Members of the Off Stage Ladies of the Island Players posed for a photo for fellow member Ruth Burkhead, who is not returning to Anna Maria Island this season. She attended all of the Jazz Fest and Oldies fundraisers for the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra and will be missed by all her friends. Those wishing to get Ruth’s mailing address may call Nancy Ambrose at 941-518-4431.

36

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THE SUN

ACCORD: Anglers, crabbers talk FROM PAGE 10

SOAK UP SOME

SUNSHINE

(941) 778-6066 WWW.CALLTHE ISLANDERS.COM

JOHN@CALLTHEISLANDERS.COM

in waters heavily populated by swimmers and beach-goers.

Graef said contrary to public perception, recreational anglers rarely chum for sharks because the chum just drifts away in the current.

FWC Biological Scientist Nancy Sheridan gave a presentation that illustrated there have only been three or four reported shark attacks in Manatee County in more than 100 years. She also said there is no scientific evidence to support the notion that shark fishing leads to more attacks on humans.

After the meeting, angler Briana Gagnier said, “This was exactly what needed to be done. Getting this in the public eye helped.�

Davis said, “I think whoever is out there causing these problems will be brought forward by their peers.�

Commissioner Carol Carter said, “I’m glad we don’t have to legislate this situation and that law enforcement and FWC are willing to step forward.�

Lt. Grant Burton, from FWC’s Southwest-Tampa Division of Law Enforcement, said, “I think communication is the biggest point, letting us know the time frames and who’s doing it. I didn’t know how big shark fishing was and the problems they were having. It’s going to help next season because a lot of people now have our numbers.�

Stone crabber Anthony Manali said. “The word is out. Now law enforcement is fully aware of this. I think that’s going to be a big deterrent and hopefully they won’t mess with the traps.�

Sex offender Registered Florida sexual offender Gregory Alan Maker, DOB 1/8/63, has reported a new address: 203 82nd St., Holmes Beach.

Source: Florida Offender Alert System

FEBRUARY 24, 2016

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FEBRUARY 24, 2016

Expert shares interest in Japanese gardens

BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The chair of the Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee spoke to the Anna Maria Garden Club on Wednesday, Feb 17, about his interest in Japanese gardens.

Dennis Groh has visited Japanese gardens all around the country and in Japan, and he displayed some interesting pictures.

Groh said the idea of Japanese gardens came from China, by way of Koreans who migrated between the mainland and the Japanese islands.

Some of the common elements include water or a representation of water, the spirit of nature, seasonal aspects and rocks, contrast and symmetry of architecture often framed against a larger vista.

“They also pay meticulous attention to the smallest detail, and they use materials of natural origin,” he said.

The group is planning their annual Penny Flower Show on Wednesday, March 16, from 1 to 3 p.m. The theme is Celebrate the Year.

At the show, people vote for their favorite arrangements by placing pennies in a cup in front of each. They said that if attendees want to use other coins, like dimes or quarters, or even folding currency, they could, since the club keeps the money and uses it to beautify the Island.

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37

Kiwanis members make bail The Kiwanis Club members learned about the city jail, one of the most popular photo opportunities for tourists.

BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island visited the Anna Maria Historical Museum, Belle Haven and city jail on Saturday, Feb. 20.

The group was given a tour of the remodeled museum by AM Historical Society President Lynn Brennan who gave a little history and explained the displays. She also said that with the redesign, the front door to the building, which was originally an icehouse, is now being used for the first time in nearly 25 years. It is officially the entrance to the museum and the old door on the side is now the exit.

When the tour ended, the Kiwanis Club members each paid a dollar, which was donated to the Historical Society, to “get out of jail.” They then assembled around and in the jail for a group picture.

tom vaught | sun

Members of the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island pose in front of the city jail after touring the Anna Maria Historic Museum. Each member had to pay a dollar for bail and the money collected went to the Historical Society.

The jail, incidentally, was built in the 1920s by the city when a mayor got concerned about the number of bars in the city, He wanted to make sure those who imbibed too much would be taken off the streets for the safety of others. He said he only made them stay one night in the jail, which had no glass in

the windows to protect the sleeping drunks from mosquitoes. The building had a roof until lightning hit it one night and it burned up.

The museum, Belle Haven and the jail will be the center of attention on Saturday, March 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Heritage Day and Settler’s Market.

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WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

FEBRUARY 24, 2016

REPORT: Pier's future topic of Thursday meeting FROM PAGE 1

team on Friday, Feb. 12. Some of the commissioners were also joined by Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department Director Charlie Hunsicker.

Based on these meetings, and what they learned from reading the report, the commission will now decide how to move forward. The commission’s first public discussion on this matter will take place Thursday, Feb. 25, at city hall. The commission meeting will begin at 6 p.m., and public comment on the pier will be allowed.

“We will present three options to the commission,” Murphy said. “Option one is to do nothing, option two is to rehabilitate and option three is to tear it down and start over.”

Murphy said he is going to recommend the existing pier be refurbished.

Murphy said it was still too early to comment on how these efforts would be funded.

Mario Schoenfelder has been the city’s pier lease holder since 2000, and he operates the City Pier Restaurant and the bait shop located at the pier’s

T-end. His current lease was renewed in 2010 and is scheduled to expire in 2020.

The lease says the city is only obligated to repair or restore the lease premises following a “casualty loss to its condition.”

The lease says the tenant shall be solely responsible for repairing or restoring any alterations made to the lease premises.

It is not yet known to what degree Schoenfelder will be asked to contribute financially. Nor has it been determined whether the city will approach Manatee County officials to inquire about matching county commissioncontrolled Tourist Development Council funds, similar to what occurred with the restoration of the fishing pier in Bradenton Beach.

When asked about his meeting with the engineers, Commission Chair Doug Copeland said, “Having the opportunity to ask direct questions cleared up some things. Basically we have three options.

I’m going to be in favor of rehabbing it.”

Commissioner Nancy Yetter said, “I was pretty well aware of what they

I feel confident that we’ll get where we need to go and it’ll be done in a manner that minimizes the effect it will have on our visitors and the pier employees.”

Dale Woodland City commissioner

we’re going to talk about and I felt confident that they were knowledgeable of what they were doing. This could be a good thing.”

Commissioner Dale Woodland said, “I was impressed with their presentation. I was impressed with the study too, and the options presented. I feel confident that we’ll get where we need to go, and it’ll be done in a manner that minimizes the effect it will have on our

visitors and the pier employees.”

Commenting on pier’s current condition, Commissioner Carol Carter said, “We’ve got a real safety issue that we have to solve rather quickly.”

Carter said she learned from her meeting with the engineers that building a totally new pier would not allow for a restaurant and bait shop to be built again at the pier’s end.

FEBRUARY 24, 2016

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

39

Elections complaint unaccounted for Mayor Bill Shearon says he has not received formal notification that a complaint was filed against him.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The whereabouts and current status of a Florida Elections Commission complaint filed against Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon remain a mystery.

Contrary to a previous report, Shearon says he never received formal notification of the complaint filed in January against him by former Mayor Jack Clarke, his rival in the November city elections.

The complaint pertains to campaign materials Shearon and former Commissioner Janie Robertson delivered to city residents in a shared envelope.

Clarke is questioning the legality of that delivery method.

Robertson received her complaint via certified mail more than a month ago, and the complaint against her also includes more serious allegations that she made “blatantly false statements against an opposing candidate.”

Last week, Shearon said he had not

received notification via certified mail, nor had he refused delivery of any certified mail.

A member of Clarke’s legal team confirmed the elections complaints were filed with the state in January.

A call to the Elections Commission office in Tallahassee revealed that due to state-imposed confidentially requirements, the commission can neither deny nor confirm that a complaint against Shearon has been received.

Unlike most government documents, active election complaints are not subject to open records laws.

If the Shearon complaint had been deemed legally insufficient by the Elections Commission, Clarke would have been notified and the dismissed complaint would have then been made available as a public record.

When asked about the complaint, Executive Director Amy McKeever Toman would only say there were no public records available for anyone named William or Bill Shearon.

A follow-up e-mail inquiry made last week also produced no public records pertaining to this complaint; and on Monday, Clarke said he had not received any notification regarding the status of his complaints.

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40

THE SUN

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

TOWN CRIER

riage, and Follow the Money for On Target Results.

For Society information, go to www. rootsweb.ancestry.com/~flmgs/. E-mail questions to mgs.society@gmail.com.

Discussion on foreign policy Exchange ideas on current events, social issues, politics and economic issues on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Center of Anna Maria, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, sponsored by the Lifelong Learning Academy.

On Feb. 24, th question will be, "Should we be worried about China, Russia or India? What changes and challenges do these countries bring?"

The sessions are free, and no registration is required. For more information, call the Lifelong Learning Academy at 941-359-4296 or visit www. lla-sm.org

Checkmates play The Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, hosts the second meeting of the chess club on Wednesday, Feb. 24, at 3 p.m. Players of all levels of skill and experience are welcome. Learn the basics or improve your game. It’s free. For information, call 778-6341.

The book sale is on The Friends of the Island Library annual book sale begins Thursday, Feb. 25, from 1 to 3 p.m. for Friends members only at Roser Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Non-members may purchase a membership at the door.

The sale continues Friday and Saturday, Feb. 26 and 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the public is welcome. The church has ample parking, and it is located near a trolley stop.

Proceeds from the book sale go towards programs at the library, for children and seniors and the Friends of the Island Branch Library annual lecture series. For more information, call the library at 778-6341

Pines street sale The yards at The Pines Trailer Park, on Bridge Street near the pier in Bradenton Beach will be set up for its annual Pines Park street sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 27 and 28. In addition to lots of gently used items, there will be pies for sale and sloppy Joes available for lunch.

FELT visits Kiwanis Club A representative of Feeding Empty Little Tummies (FELT) will speak at the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island at its regular meeting at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb, 27, at Manatee Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Drive at Manatee Public Beach. The club invites Kiwanis Club

FEBRUARY 24, 2016

Inquiring Minds discuss

Classics for classical music

Put on your dancing shoes because the popular Oldies Beach Dance is Tuesday, March 8, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Sandbar Pavilion, 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria. This is a fundraiser for the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra (AMICCO) and is sponsored by the Sandbar restaurant and the Anna Maria Island Sun. The Oldies Beach Dance features the Gulf Drive Band, with versatile musicians Bil Bowdish and Ted Young and vocalist Judy Lynn. They will be performing a danceable mix of oldies from the 50s, 60s and 70s plus some favorite swing, jazz, country and popular music. You will also enjoy the sounds of special guest Koko Ray, who plays flute and saxophone, as well as other instruments. Sometime during the concert, he’ll play two saxophones at the same time.

Tickets are on a first-come basis, so get yours now at the AMI Chamber 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, or by calling Nancy at 941-518-4431. Tickets are $10 per person in advance (paid for before noon, March 8) or $15 at the door. The Sandbar will provide refreshments at an additional charge.

Inquiring Minds meets each Tuesday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Gloria Dei Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. It is a cross-denominational religious study group that includes a 30-minute video presentation followed by discussion.

The approach is academic, not devotional. All are welcome. There is no charge. Everyone has an opportunity to think, to learn, and to talk.

Inquiring Minds is inspired by Anna Maria’s All Island Denominations. To receive weekly subject notification, send an e-mail toamibible@aol.com.

Dancing at Sandpiper Irish Ceili and set dancing sessions will be held on Wednesdays, from 1 to 3 p.m. through the end of March at the Sandpiper Mobile Resort, 2601 Gulf Drive. Beginners are welcome, and there is no charge to attend, although donations pay for the musicians. For more information, contact Judy at 941779-1416.

Fashion show at Roser member visiting the area to attend, as well as members of the public considering joining. Breakfast is available for purchase at the café.

Observe wildlife from a wagon There will be a shutter stroll through Robinson Preserve in northwest Bradenton on Saturday, Feb. 27, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Travel deep into the preserve early in the morning to have the best chance at shooting in the early morning light.

Photographer tour guide Rob will share tips and tricks on capturing stylistic and striking portraitures of different bird species. Participants will also have the opportunity to disembark the wagon using a short stair ladder during stops at birding hotspots.

This program is suitable for ages 12 and older. Seats are limited, and reservations are required. To register, call 941-748-4501, ext. 6039.

Sinful pleasures could be yours The Anna Maria Island Privateers are holding a Cirque de Pirate fundraiser, billed as “a dark circus ball extraordinaire,” on Saturday, Feb. 27, from 7 to 11 p.m. (the gate opens at 6:30 p.m.) at Deans Wood Farm, 7430 17th St. E. in Ellenton The entertainment includes sword swallower Vera Vermillion, fire per-

former Fernando Delequiox, live music from Guilty Pleasures, readings by Tarot Tammy and photos by Tiger Lee. Tickets are $65 per person and include the first drink, decadent hors d’oeuvres, a 2016 Pirate Ball Keepsake, a silent raffle, a live auction and a cash bar. Attendees are strongly encouraged to wear pirate, glamour, fantasy or vintage circus freak and sideshow attire.

To purchase tickets, order online at eee.eventbrite.com or contact Lisa “Lash” Ritchey@yahoo.com.

Substitution in library’s lectures The Friends of the Island Branch Library have replaced author Claire Matturro for the Thursday, March 3, edition of their lecture and travel series with another author, Craig Pittman, who also is a journalist. Pittman will present, “Oh Florida! How America’s Weirdest State Influences the Rest of the Country.” Admission is free, and the lecture begins at 2 p.m.

Meeting on genealogy The Manatee Genealogical Society meets on Tuesday, March 1, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Manatee County Central Library, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd. W., Bradenton. Professional Genealogist Joanne Daerr Ryder will present two topics entitled Love and Marriage . . . and the Horse and Car-

The Roser Church Women’s Guild will hold its annual style show and luncheon at noon on Tuesday, March 8, in the Roser Fellowship Hall, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. The show will feature volunteers modeling previously worn clothing from the Guild’s Thrift Shop. Musical accompaniment will be

by Phyllis O’Keef on the keyboard and Jill Morris on the harp.

Tickets are $10 and are available until March 4 by calling Luane Barker at 216-548-6267 or Jan Kidger at 941896-3620. No tickets will be sold at the door.

Fashion show at Longboat Chapel The Lord’s Warehouse Thrift Shop, on the campus of the Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, is holding its annual fashion show and luncheon on Tuesday, March 8. This is the oldest continuous fashion show on the islands. Titled “Once is Not Enuf,” this year it will feature carefully culled, gently used clothing and some new from recent donations.

Door prizes, raffle baskets and the silent auction preview will begin at 10 a.m. with luncheon served at 11 a.m. and the fashion show immediately following. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased at the Longboat Island Chapel and the Lord’s Warehouse.

There is ample parking at the Chapel’s parking lot.

FEBRUARY 24, 2016

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

41

Sell that boat fast Boats are selling very well.

"Season is in full swing and people are looking for boats now," say Dave and Sandy Struber, owners of Island Boat Sales.

Dave has been selling boats and yachts since 1999 and has delivered more than 400 hundred of them ranging from 16-foot center consoles to 65-foot yachts, locally, nationally and even world wide.

Dave likes to say, “Big or small, we sell them all.�

They always need more boats. The business sells out about 75 percent of its inventory every month in season.

They also buy boats.

Sandy says, "The Island residents

have been very good to us, and we greatly appreciate their loyalty" Island Boat Sales, now a mobile company, formerly located at the Cortez high and dry marina, is a family-owned business with the couple, Island residents since 1996.

They believe in keeping things simple with "Business On A Handshake."

Making the process enjoyable is key.

Dave says, "Customers love that old fashioned way of doing business".

If you are selling or buying a boat or just wanting an evaluation, you can contact Island Boat Sales at 941-228-3489, or e-mail at boatsalesflorida@aol.com

42

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Bradenton Beach Marina Owner Al Bazzy makes a spirited pitch to city commissioners during last week’s meeting.

MOORING: Bazzy proposes mooring field FROM PAGE 1

Paradise Boat Tours owner Sherman Baldwin and two additional tenants who sublease pier space from Horne’s We’re Back Inc. The lawsuit is based on the claim that the non-restaurant pier uses are not in the public’s best interest and that alleged Sunshine violations occurred during the commission-approved lease negotiations that granted Horne the rights to three city-owned spaces on the public fishing pier.

The Bazzys, who were unsuccessful in their own pursuit of the pier lease, also are questioning which commercial uses are allowed on and near the pier according to the state-issued submerged land lease.

Last week’s public discussion brought to light private conversations the Bazzys previously had with Mayor Bill Shearon, and Al Bazzy’s spirited presentation raised as many questions as it answered.

Bazzy cited the need to provide pump out services for the disposal of sewage created by the liveaboard boaters. He believes a managed mooring field would also allow for greater enforcement of boating laws and safety regulations, and he called for the public showers to be reopened.

He did not say how many vessels the proposed mooring field would accommodate, but he estimated it would cost $1 million to build. He said he would cover those costs because he would make more money subleasing a city-owned mooring field than he makes with his current business. He also claimed the city would earn $50,000 to $100,000 in the first year of operation.

“The tourism will totally pay for

The tourism will totally pay for it.”

Al Bazzy Bradenton Beach Marina owner it,” Bazzy said, while providing no specifics on this anticipated revenue stream.

Bazzy claimed the current pierbased business operations do not benefit the public, but he failed to mention that Horne and his partners currently pay the city $32,000 a year in initial monthly lease payments. The rent increases to $42,000 per year for years two through five and is then subject to 3 percent annual increases for the remainder of the long-term lease.

The city also receives two percent of the restaurant’s monthly gross revenues.

The city’s submerged land lease only covers the land directly under and adjacent to the pier and does not cover the area currently populated by liveaboards. Bazzy said it could take 18 months to four years to acquire a new or amended submerged land lease. The state could also deny such a request.

A public-private mooring field would require the city to issue a request for proposals that would allow all interested parties to bid on the mooring field opportunity, and the winning bidder would be selected by the city commission.

The city would also need state authorization to construct a mooring field, and that is granted sparingly. In 2009, the state legislature authorized the Florida Fish and

Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to conduct a pilot program that resulted in mooring fields being built in five Florida locations, including St. Petersburg and Sarasota, where submerged land leases were already in place.

In 2013, FWC issued a 220-page follow-up report that said the six mooring fields were somewhat effective in terms of reducing the number of derelict vessels, but less effective in regard to providing public access, increased public safety and addressing environmental concerns. The report also noted that managed mooring fields are the cruising community’s least preferred water-based lodging option.

The 35-unit Sarasota Bay Mooring Field managed by Marina Jack charges $25 per day and $250 to $345 a month, depending on vessel size. Occupants receive access to showers, restrooms, laundry facilities, pump-out services, mail service, dinghy dockage, a fuel dock, a ship store, trash and recycling service, potable water and a temporary slip for loading and repairs. Occupancy requires proof of vessel registration and proof of liability insurance that ranges from $300,000 to $1 million in required coverage depending on vessel size.

When the mooring field was built, the majority of liveaboard residents simply moved their vessels outside the mooring field boundaries in order to maintain their rent-free lifestyles, and the project incurred significant cost overages and lengthy construction delays.

FWC’s pilot program is scheduled to sunset in 2017, and the availability of future mooring field approval remains unclear.

FEBRUARY 24, 2016

FEBRUARY 24, 2016

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Barbie maker 7 Dada pioneer 10 Soviet air force acronym 13 Melodic piece 14 Source of Sun. inspiration 15 Life-altering words 16 Mississippi River explorer 17 Put to work 18 Stock quote?

19 Home of the Green Bay Packers 22 Other, in Oaxaca 25 Where to find a horse with no legs?

26 Outlaw Kelly 27 Favre of the Green Bay Packers 29 Evita's land: Abbr.

31 Supply with more weapons 35 "Northanger Abbey"

Answers to 02-17-16 Crossword Puzzle.

author 38 __ code 39 N.H. clock setting 40 Chanted 42 NFL snapper 43 Bistro awning word 45 Bistro drink 47 Austrian state bordering three countries 49 NFL positions 50 Lovely, like a lass 51 Cookie Monster eating sound 53 Poetic preposition 55 Equipment 56 Olympic action involving a bar 61 Brother of Peyton 62 Cornerstone abbr.

63 "I'm clueless" 67 Go pfft 68 It's charged 69 Stretched out on the beach

THE SUN

70 Promise from a shy person?

71 New Orleans-to-Detroit dir.

72 Put to work Down 1 "Spy vs. Spy" magazine 2 Modern art?

3 "__ the year's midnight ... ": Donne 4 "You missed it" 5 Spanish 101 verb 6 Appears impressively on the horizon 7 Where most live 8 "M*A*S*H" episode, now 9 Favor 10 Silent ape 11 "American __" 12 Like no news?

17 Kind nature, and, symbolically, what 19-, 35-, 45- and 56-Across have 20 Make it big in Hollywood 21 Bean sprout?

22 Goal 23 Like many tabloids 24 Tenant 28 Mai __ 30 64-Down research subject 32 Obscure 33 Light-sensitive eye layer 34 Saint Stephen, e.g.

36 Mom's bro 37 PBS funder

41 Name 44 Temperate __ 46 Lumberjack's trade 48 Hippie happening 52 Layer of stones 54 Shampoo instruction

56 Mani counterpart 57 Mishmash 58 Stead 59 "Cure Ignorance" online reader 60 Doohickey or what-

chamacallit, e.g.

64 "CSI" evidence 65 Brain scan, for short 66 Citrusy drink

43

44

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

Obituaries Janet Eileen Mitchell Janet Eileen Mitchell, 81, Holmes Beach, passed away Feb. 18, 2016.

Janet was born on April 18, 1934, in New York City, N.Y. to the late Einar Leopold Konstantine and Ellen (Seppanen) Ertman. She was a loving wife and mother raising her children in Ramsey, N.J. Janet was a regular visitor to Holmes Beach since 1986 and moved here permanently in 2015. She attended St. Bernard Catholic Church in Holmes Beach.

She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Thomas Edward Mitchell, Sr., of Holmes Beach; two sons, Thomas Edward (Donna) Mitchell, Jr., of Ringwood, N.J., and Michael Thomas (Allison) Mitchell, of Raleigh, N.C.; a daughter, Kathleen (George) Mitchell Fraser, of Scottsdale, Ariz.; a brother, Frans Ertman, of Southbury, Conn.; two sisters, Eleanor Ray of Pinehurst, N.C., and Hedy Sharp, of Southbury, Conn.; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many extended family members and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Salvation Army, 1204 14th St. W., Bradenton, Fl. 34205 in her memory.

Condolences for the family may be made online at www.shannonfuneralhomes.com.

Roy Edward 'Chick' Parker, Jr. Roy Edward “Chick” Parker, Jr. died Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016, at the age of 73.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years,

BEACH BEAT Anna Maria

2/14, found property, The Sandbar restaurant, 100 Spring Avenue. A wallet was found on the beach near the restaurant.

It was turned over to a deputy.

2/15, information, The Sandbar restaurant, 100 Spring Avenue. A customer said his rental car was damaged when a valet parked it.

Bradenton Beach

2/20, driving while license suspended, habitual, 1500 Gulf Drive South. The driver was stopped by a police officer who knew his license was suspended. The driver had been stopped five times. The

Merrie Lynn Wang Parker, EdD; his son, Roy Arron Parker, DMD; and daughter-in-law, Jennifer Kinder Parker, of Bradenton; his daughter, Libbie Parker McKenzie, MD; and son-in-law, Alexander Ross McKenzie, of Chapel Hill, N. C.; and his sister-in-law, Laurita Parker, of Shelbyville, Tenn. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, George David Donahue, Emma Louise Parker, Andrew Michael Donahue, and Roy Ethan Parker, as well as a grandchild soon to be born, Hunter Matthew Parker, all of Bradenton, and William Parker Briley, Andrew Ernest Briley, and Zachary Shepherd McKenzie, of Chapel Hill. He was preceded in death by his younger brother, Robert Henry Parker, and his parents Roy Edward Parker, Sr. and Rubye Pearl Shepherd Parker.

Chick was born on Sept. 24, 1942, and was a third generation native of Bradenton. He was an avid outdoorsman, a passionate conservationist and a generous friend. He attended Ballard Elementary, Walker Junior High and Manatee High School, where he was a stand out in football and baseball and graduated in 1960. He graduated with a degree in marketing and journalism from the University of Florida in 1967.

Chick continually refined his outdoorsman skills, spending his free time on the Gulf waters and in the inland hammocks and scrub of Manatee County, as well as on several Rocky Mountain and Texas hunting trips. Chick became well known for his uncanny ability to read the patterns of nature, which made him an incredibly successful hunter and fisherman and supplied his family and friends with bountiful local seafood and game. The friendships he forged on the water and in the woods have lasted his lifetime and provided riches beyond measure. After college he worked with his father at Gulf Refrigeration.

He moved on to write an outdoors column, “Fish Tales,” for the Island

Herald. He managed the concession on the Anna Maria City Pier in the late 1970s before working full time to build his family’s home in partnership with his father-in-law in the early 1980s. He built bait and cast nets, sold outdoor sporting good equipment, and supported Merrie Lynn’s career by providing care for their children, including coaching many of their sports teams.

Chick volunteered extensively through the Manatee Fish and Game Association, helping to ensure local efforts to conserve and protect wildlife habitat. In 1990, the Bradenton Herald presented Chick with the Outdoor Sportsman of the Year award. He served on both the Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee and the Wildlife Advisory Board and was a major contributor to the land-use management plans for Emerson Point and Duette Preserve. In 1994, he was recognized as an outstanding volunteer when the Manatee County Commission proclaimed a “Chick Parker Day” for his contributions. He advocated tirelessly for the appropriate use of the Duette Preserve for hunting to maintain healthy game populations and was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. To cap a lifetime of experience in the outdoors, in 2012 he completed all three ecosystem modules of the University of Florida Master Naturalist Program.

Chick relished time spent with his family, retelling tall tales from the water and woods with dear friends, supporting the development of his children’s careers and becoming a beloved grandfather. He will be sorely missed and remembered with much fondness. Given Chick’s passion for the outdoors, in lieu of flowers, his family requests donations to the Manatee Fish and Game Association, P.O. Box 9164, Bradenton, FL 34206, for its support of Duette Preserve. There was a visitation with tributes on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016, at Griffith-Cline Funeral Home.

officer placed the driver under arrest.

garage door and pulled their car inside and loaded it with four televisions and a comforter. They also vandalized the wiring under a panel in the bedroom in order to destroy any security video evidence and they destroyed some security cameras, the side garage door and another hurricane glass French door. The property owners later found a heavy-duty extension cord had been taken. Police were able to retrieve the security recording of the break-in from the system in the house, and on Feb. 10, they got a search warrant for a house in Bradenton where they found some of the stolen items.

2/7, criminal mischief, 400 block of Clark Drive. The officer responded to a report of the front door of this residence being broken. The glass in the French style door had been smashed. Police

Cortez

2/13, vehicle theft, 4400 block of 123rd Street Court West. A party unknown stole a vehicle worth $5,000.

Holmes Beach

2/6, driving with an expired license, 700 block of Manatee Avenue. The officer was on patrol when he noticed a car in front of him going 60 in a 45 mph zone. He initiated a stop and found the driver’s license had expired in 2008. The driver said he could not renew it because of his immigrant status. He was issued a notice to appear.

2/7, burglary, 500 block of 70th Street. A burglar or burglars entered the house by smashing out a hurricane glass sliding door. Once inside, they opened the

FEBRUARY 24, 2016

JoAnne Spallino It is with my saddest emotion to tell of my sweetheart and best friend JoAnne passing on Jan. 31 2016. We will be having a celebration of her life on Monday, Feb 29, at 11 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 3006 Ninth Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34205. All are welcome, and if you plan to attend, please notify the family via comment or private message on Facebook. For additional details or to send flowers, call Joe's Eats and Sweets at 778-0007. Flowers can be sent to the church on the Feb. 29. JoAnne's favorite flowers are sunflowers.

I love you forever sweets!

Joe Spallino

Matthew Peter Welch Matthew Peter Welch, 46, of Holmes Beach, Fla., passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016.

Matt taught at Moody Elementary School for 18 years. He was an avid fisherman and surfer. Matt will be remembered as a loving husband and devoted father, as well as a loyal friend and colleague.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Helen Welch, and survived by wife Mona Calhoon Welch; son Rory Welch; daughter Sage Welch; brothers Frederick Karl Welch, Jr. and William Welch; sisters Pamela Benham and Robyn Bensinger, Jill Welch; nephew Frederick Karl Welch, III; he is also survived by many nieces and nephews. ]A memorial service was held on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, Fla. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.

believe this case might be related to the previous case.

2/8, DUI, 5200 block of Gulf Drive. The officer was conducting a stationary radar check and found the suspect vehicle going 50 mph in a 25 mph zone.

The driver stopped just short of hitting a county truck that was parked next to a water line project. When asked for her driver’s license, she passed it several times in her billfold. The officer noticed bloodshot eyes on the driver and smelled alcohol. Her speech was slurred. When asked how much she had to drink, she said one drink. When the officer asked her to exit the car so he could conduct a field sobriety test, she could not get her door open.

The officer had to open the door from the outside. After the test, the officer placed her under arrest.

FEBRUARY 24, 2016

classified

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BABY SITTER

COMPUTER SERVICES

ORACLE CARD READINGS Every single one of us have our own guardian angels. Care to ask yours for guidance? Call or text Jane at 978-835-6998. $35 a session at your vacation home.

RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student.

Call or text Isabel 941-5457995

EMPIRE COMPUTER SERVICE Computer problems fixed in your home or office. The fastest friendliest service around. Serving the Island since 2004. Call 941-739-6424

CAROLYNE NORWOOD, MEMBER of Roser Church for 60 years, will speak Wednesday, March 9 at the Roser Adult Fellowship at 11 a.m. in the fellowship hall. The program is open to the public. Co-founder of the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, Carolyne is the author of two books about the Island. Books will be available and she will sign, "The Early Days 1893-1940" and "Tales of Three Cities 1940-1970."

Please make your reservation now by calling 7780414. Cost of the luncheon is $10.

YOUNG LIVING ESSENTIAL OILS. Natural Wellness. FREE Samples.

Patti Dolan 248-2451878. DPSAD95@ GMAIL.COM. Gold Distributor #1449922.

THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Dusty at 941779-7688.

ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, Walgreen's and The Anna Maria Island Sun Newspaper (corner of Gulf and Palm).

AUTOMOTIVE SALES & SERVICE GOT A CAR You Wanna Sell.

The Good, The Bad or The Ugly.

Call Now 727-400-1910 GEM ELECTRIC CAR Model E4 2006 4 door. All in excellent condition. 5 yr warranty on 6 new 11 month old batteries. Removable doors, heater, sun roof, title. Everywhere you look its new. Sale quick for $7500 OBO. Call 423-6081204

Call us today! 941-778-3986

BOATS: PARTS & SERVICES & SALES ISLAND BOAT SALES. We Are Busy-Need more Boats! 16 Years, Hundreds of Boats Sold. “Business On A Hand Shake.” We Also Buy Boats. www.islandboatsales.net Call Dave 941-228-3489 BOAT SLIPS FOR RENT. Up to 60 feet. Two minutes to Intracoastal Waterway by Cortez, Parrot Cove Marina 941-795-0088 BAYLINER CEIRA 26' Weekender/Fisherman. Sleeps 4-6. Locally maintained on Island $8900 OBO Call 941-356-1456 CENTER CONSOLE INFLATABLE. 2009 15' Caribe CC RIB with 60hp Yamaha in VG condition. $12950.

Available on AMI. Call 269358-9100

CARPET CLEANING QUALITY COUNTS. CARPET cleaning. Upholstery cleaning. Tile & grout cleaning. Island's favorite cleaner. Manatee Chamber Member. Great price/free estimates. Call 941-7561082

CLEANING SERVICE C & T HOUSEKEEPING. For all your cleaning needs. Free Estimates.

Reasonable rates. Senior discount. References available. Call 941-9622512 CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & RENTALS. "Have it done your way, we care about our work" Call 941-7564570 PRESSURE WASHING AND WINDOWS residential, commercial & resorts. Roofs, buildings, houses, driveways etc.

Call 941-251-5948

AMISUN.COM

EMPLOYMENT

BOTH EXPERIENCED AND NEW REAL ESTATE sales associates wanted in internationally operating realty. Generous commission split, no office fees, great support. Call Markus Siegler at FLORIDA DREAMS REALTY OF AMI, INC 941-779-5700 SECRETARY/BOOKKEEPER NEEDED for busy A/C office. Must type minimum 50wpm.

Knowledge of QuickBooks and Microsoft products required. Prior experience in contractor/ construction office is a plus. DRUG FREE WORKPLACE. Position hours are 11am - 7pm. Please e-mail resume to: westcoastac1@gmail.com FOOD SERVER POSITIONS available. $8/hr Apply in person at the Key Royale Club, Inc. 700 Key Royale Dr. Holmes Beach between 9:00 am - 11:00 am or 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

FOR SALE AMTRACK TRAIN VOUCHERS for up to $2400 that must be used by September, 2016. Negotiable Voucher Values. Call 941778-4074 POOL TABLE – 8’ Oak Augusta pool table with “Acu-Fast” cushioning, slate, nap, leather and woodwork all in great condition. Range of cues and rest with wall mounted rack, cover and accessories.

Buyer to arrange transport from Holmes Beach. $525 OBO. 941-462-0805 FREE 6 PERSON HOT TUB, needs heating element and pump. 904-415-3700 GLASS 48" OCTAGON SHAPE with beveled edge dinette table 4 acrylic chairs on rollers. Black leather seats.

Beautiful condition. $300 OBO Call 847-980-7588

THE SUN

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES NIKI’S CLOSING BUSINESS. All contents 50% off.

Displays for Sell. Closing for good February 28. 5351 Gulf Dr. Holmes Beach ROSER THRIFT SHOP and ANNEX: Open 9:30 am. – 2 pm. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 10am.-1pm Saturday. Donations accepted 9-11a.m. Wednesdays 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria 941-779-2733 ANNUAL FLEA MARKET Saturday, February 27. 8am-1pm. Palma Sola Harbor Condos 9400 Cortez Road W. Appliances, Antiques, Housewares, New Medical Equipment, Artwork, Furniture, Clothing, Sport equipment, Jewelry, Linens, Books, Bikes. Coffee & Donuts and Lunch available.

FLEA MARKET RADERS Reef parking lot. Sunday, February 28. 8am-4pm 5508 Marina Dr. Antiques, collectibles, jewelry, furniture, misc. items GARAGE SALE: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

8am. RAIN OR SHINE! Lots of Caribbean themed items. Furniture, original Caribbean artwork, appliances.

202 35th Street, Holmes Beach, 34217 HOLMES BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD Garage Sale 500 block of 71st St. 8am1pm. Saturday February 27

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 # CRC1327296.

Call Jerry Kern 941-5042222 www.kernconstructioninc.com

“HONEY DO" HOME Repairs & Handyman Services.

35 yrs experience. Painting, drywall, tile, woodwork. All tasks. Call 941-896-5256 or 941-807-5256 www.honeydohomerepairinc.com 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.

HANDYMAN. RETIRED ENGINEER. Free estimates.

“No job too Small”. Repairs, replacements, improvements, wall TV’s, shelves, cabinets, calking etc. Call Jim 941-448-7806

GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194.

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPING. Save water, gas, maintenance fees and the environment! Shell your yard. $50/yd installed. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067 R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured.

Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941 SHELL DELIVERED AND spread $50/yd. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770

LOST & FOUND LOST DIAMOND TENNIS BRACELET. Please call 941778-3986

45

FOUND KEY RING with Subaru Car key fob & multiple keys attached.

Found at Bradenton Beach.

Turned into Bradenton Beach Police Department FOUND BERNAFON CN9 N Hearing Aid for the right ear at Ace Hardware Store on Wed, Nov 18. 3352 East Bay Dr, Holmes Beach or Call 941-778-0999 ROMI IS A 10 year old female black and white, long fluffy haired Manx cat (bob tailed). She has a collar and is micro chipped.

She was last seen near Jacaranda and Alamandra on the North end of Anna Maria Island. Romi is an indoor cat. Reward offered.

Please contact Ana at 813417-3522 MISSING BLACK AND WHITE male cat. Lucky is deaf and 15 years old.

He was last seen on 2nd St in Bradenton Beach where he has lived outdoors for 4 years.

Reward. Heartbroken.

941-730-7052 LOST CAT “FIDO” He adopted us 16 years ago. His turf is in the area of 5392 Gulf Dr. near Time Saver and Niki’s . Has collar with a bell, chipped by Animal Clinic. If found please call 941-518-6329.

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

TWO MEN and a TRUCK. Movers who care. Local and Long distance. www. twomen.com Call 941-3591904. We sell boxes!

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING

LOST DOG Spaniel/Dachshund Mix at 52nd St and Holmes Blvd. Named Harley (Weston, rescue name) 9lbs, Male recently neutered. Please call 770548-7856 or 678-446-9584

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

LOST 2/9/16 - GOLD CHOKER Necklace w/old Spanish coin pendant. - Bradenton Beach - Gulf Drive/ Bay Drive area between 1st St N and 12th St N. Sentimental value. Reward!

Please call 404-545-1943

WALY PRECISION PAINTING custom painting, pressure washing, commercial/residential, interior/exterior, drywall/stucco, Licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-580-4005 www.

WalyPrecisionPainting.com

46 THE SUN

classified

Call us today! 941-778-3986

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING “WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell 941794-0455

PEST CONTROL NICK PATSIOS PEST CONTROL Owner Certified Operator. Licensed & Insured.

Free Estimates/Inspections. Call 941-713-2071 npatsios5@gmail.com

PETS ARE YOU WANTING to vacation and not worry if your pet is lonely. I will overnight in your home, so your animal can stay in his own environment. Home Sitting is also available.

Great References. Call Mary 941-405-2496 EXPERIENCED PETSITTER will stay in your home if necessary. Reliable woman will provide loving care. References provided. Call 423-4838059

POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE. AMI & West Bradenton. Certified Pool Operator. Residential/commercial. {Chemical Service} Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-737-5657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker of Duncan Real Estate is a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 26 years.

Proven track record that brings you results! 941725-1589

FOR SALE 1 BLOCK from Beach. 1/2 of duplex.

2BR/1BA concrete block. New private deck, plumbing & electrical.

Nicely furnished. Good Rental History. Located at 205 71st St $298,000.

Brokers protected 813892-3690 DISCOVER THE OTHER ISLAND! Tidy Island in Sarasota Bay. Beautiful Townhouse w/direct bay views! 3BR/2.5 BA/ 2 CG with private swimming pool. Open plan.

Pet friendly. $699,000 Katharine Pepper RoseBay Intl 941-792-9459 HOLMES BEACH CONDO 2 Blocks from Gulf Beaches, Water view + boat & kayak access to inter-coastal, 2 heated pools, tennis courts.

Beautifully turnkey furnished, elevator, under building parking, Excellent rental location. Broker protected 1BR/1BA 950sf.. $249,000. Call for appointment. 941-7782042 or 810-813-0391 EXCELLENT OFF-ISLAND Investment. Commercial Office Condo. 5306 Cortez W (directly across from Wal-Mart). FSBO $169,000.

Call 941-962-8220 HUGE PRICE REDUCTION in Westbay Point & Moorings. Now offered at $349,900, this 2nd floor end unit overlooking the pool is light and bright with beautiful updates to the kitchen including stainless appliances, cherry cabinetry, subway tile glass backsplash and bamboo flooring. Unit has interior and exterior storage closets, and its own washer and dryer. Rental period is 30 day minimum. Open Sundays 1-4pm. Contact Meshia Richardson or Doug Clark at 941-8969991 or 941-448-6299.

Exit Sunset Realty Inc. ICW -BAY FRONT HOME for sale 5BR/3.5BA Bradenton Beach EXCEPTIONAL close to GULF Island Real Estate Call AL Galletto 941-232-2216 W. BRADENTON CONDO 4000sq.ft. Canal front Bay view 3+BR/3.5BA Bonus room dock lift 2 car Island Real Estate Call AL Galletto 941-232-2216

LARGE 4BR/3.5BA HOME in private enclave of 9 custom built homes, NW Bradenton. 3875 sq ft under air, heated pool, spa and outdoor kitchen in over 1/2 acre lot. Travertine and wood floors.

Chefs kitchen with 2 stoves and 2 microwaves. Lots of extras. Perfect for family and entertaining. Offers around $649.900.Phone for appointment to view, 941-792-2552.

NEW HOMES at MIRABELLA FLORIDA. Starting from the mid 200’s. Only minutes from the beaches, this new active adult community is perfectly located just south of Manatee Ave, off Village Green Pkwy. Perfectly designed, open floor plans, 2BR/2BA plus den and 2CG. Luxurious amenities, pool, spa, gym, pickle ball, pet friendly community. HOA only $190/month. Models open daily. Contact us 941-254-3330 www.

MirabellaFlorida.com SEASIDE GARDENS Canal front 2BR/2BA villa with private boat dock, nicely renovated loaded with upgrades.

Weekly rentals, pet friendly. $342,000.00 Island Real Estate Call Kathleen White at 941773-0165 LOWEST PRICE VILLA IN PERICO BAY CLUB 2BR/2BA with 1 car garage, bright and open.

Just reduced $219,900 Island Real Estate Call Kathleen White at 941773-0165 FOR SALE CUTE Holmes Beach Duplex 3BR/1BA 2BR/1BA pool . $499,000 Brenda Boyd May -Boyd Realty broker/part owner 941-739-8589 PERICO BAY CLUB $185,900 Water view.

2BR/2BA. New appliances, New Air, New hot water heater. Call Owner 941-447-6805 WEST BRADENTON DUPLEX/TRIPLEX $189,000 Exclusive Real Estate Mart 941-356-1456 DOUBLE WIDE MOBILE Land owned. Well kept.

New A/C 8miles to Beach $49,900 Realtor 941-3561456

FEBRUARY 24, 2016

REAL ESTATE: LOTS FOR SALE LAKESIDE BUILDING LOT in West Bradenton. No HOA Fees. Owner/Realtor $37,500 Realtor 941-3561456

REAL ESTATE: OPEN HOUSE OPEN HOUSE: PRICED REDUCED! Saturday.

1-3 PM 4BR/4 3300+ sq. ft. 8324 MARINA DR, Holmes Beach.

Gorgeous, beautiful layout, gourmet kitchen, art studio, huge master suite, large courtyard.

Linda Cinque Broker/ Associate Wagner Realty 941-228-5003.

RENTALS: ANNUAL 2 BR/2BA HOME in Holmes Beach. $1900/ mo, $1900 last month, $1000 security. 1200 + S/F, Great room layout.

Great parking. Community boat ramp near by.

Credit & Background required. Available March 1. 3BR/2BA spacious ground level condo with many upgrades and covered parking.

W/D hook up, includes water, sewer, trash, cable & grounds care in park like setting. Pool, sauna, and observation dock. $1,750 /mo $1750 last and $1000 security.

Background required by association w/ fee. Ask for Ed. DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www.teamduncan.com SPACIOUS 3BR/2BA TOWN HOUSE in Holmes Beach.

2 car garage, 3 balconies, lots of storage, quiet neighborhood w/heated comm. pool. Small pet possible.

Available April 1, $1850 mo. rent, plus last month, & sec. dep. Background check required. Call June @ Island Real Estate 941345-1295.

ANNUAL RENTAL and CONDOMINIUM Association management serviced by (2) offices open 7 days a week! Contact junew@ islandreal.com – 941-3451295 - Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island, Inc. HOLMES BEACH 2BR/1BA Duplex. 900+ sq.ft. Nice & Clean. New appliances, W/D hookups. $1350/mo + utilities. First, Last & one month security. Credit check. 1 year lease. Call 941-809-2488

ANNUALS-3BR/2BA furnished elevated duplex $2500. 2BR/2BA furnished in WBPM $1900. 2BR/2BA single family home w/garage $2000. Call Paradise Realty 941-778-4800 WEST BRADENTON: WARES CREEK house. Spacious 3BR/2BA . Fenced yard, newly decorated, W/D hookup $1500/mo. WEST BRADENTON: nicely redecorated, New appliances etc. 2BR/1BA/1CG, fenced yard, W/D hookup $1200/ mo. First, Last, 1 month security. Credit check 1 year lease. Call 941-809-2488 ANNUAL RENTAL MARTINIQUE 2BR/2BA. April 4 2016 Gulf View Carmen Pedota Wagner Realty 941284-2598.

1BR/1BA DUPLEX. Ceramic & laminate floors, Lanai screened. Steps to beach.

Small pet considered. April 1. $850/mo plus utilities.

Call 941-779-9470

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION

VACATION RENTALMARCH 2016 AvailableAnna Maria 3BR/2BA Pool Home. Monthly minimum. Contact Fran Maxon Real Estate 941778-2307.

WINDMILL VILLAGE 1BR/1BA furnished 8 miles to Beach $600/wk $1900/ mo. Available March 2016 Realtor Call 941-356-1456

RENTAL WANTED WANTED FOR FEBRUARY 2017. 2BR/2BA ground floor condo or elevator.

Holmes Beach Area. Call 419-447-7084 or 419-4475377

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $85, Sarasota $35, Clearwater $75, Fort Meyers $150, Orlando $150.

Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www. amitaxi.com

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fl Condos. Pool beach access, fully equipped $650-$800/ wk Redekercondos.com 941-704-7525 or 941-7781915

ROGER'S AIRPORT SERVICE. Tampa, St. Pete/ Clearwater, Sarasota/ Bradenton. Call Roger 941773-1469

WILLKOMMEN AUF AMI! Besuchen Sie Island Real Estate in einem unserer Inselbüros (6101 Marina Drive oder 419 Pine Ave) mit unserem deutschsprachigen Reservierungsservice und erhalten ein freies Island Real Estate Baseball Cap! Wir geben Ihnen gerne mehr Auskunft über unsere 250 ausgewählte Feriendomizile für Ihren nächsten Urlaub!

ADMIRAL TOWN CAR Professional chauffeur, taxi prices! Airports (1@ $75, 10 $150 to Tampa), Appointments anywhere.

Credit cards accepted. Phil 941-320-1120 admiraltowncar@gmail.com, Licensed & Insured

MARTINIQUE SOUTH BEACH condo for rent. Awesome beach views. Pool, tennis, fully equipped. Available through February 29, 2016.

1BR/1BA. Call 810-7308604

ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all airports, appointments, shopping, etc. Tampa $60. Sarasota $30. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne.

941-779-5095

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