Anna Maria Island Sun January 19, 2022

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 22 No. 15

January 19, 2022

Raccoon rescued from car engine

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

WILDLIFE INC. | SUBMITTED

The frightened raccoon became trapped in the engine compartment of a 2013 Nissan Sentra. Dr. Bill Bystrom (inset) assisted in the raccoon rescue.

State legislation threatens cities’ ability to adopt ordinances City officials encourage citizens to use the Home Rule Florida website to fight back.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – City officials remain concerned about the potential ramifications of two proposed state laws pertaining to the adoption of city ordinances and the related recovery of attorneys’ fees.

They’re also concerned about proposed legislation that would limit annual vacation rental registration fees to $50.

Senate Bills 280 and 620 were both introduced by State Sen. Travis Hutson, a Republican from Palm Coast.

House Bill 403 is the companion bill to SB 280 and was co-introduced by Rep. Mike Giallombardo, a Republican from Lee County, and Rep. Daisy Morales, a Republican from Orange County.

INSIDE NEWS OUTDOORS RESTAURANTS CASTLES IN THE SAND REAL ESTATE SPORTS CROSSWORD

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HB 569 is the companion bill to SB 620 and was introduced by Rep. Lawrence McClure, a Republican from Hillsborough County.

The two Senate bills work hand in hand with one another, as do the two House bills.

BILL LANGUAGE

Senate Bill 620 contains language that says, “A business that has engaged in a lawful business in this state for at least three years may claim business damages from a county or municipality if the county or municipality enacts or amends an ordinance or a charter that will cause a reduction of at least 15% of the business’ revenue or profit.”

According to the bill, a city or county would not be liable for business damages caused by an ordinance or charter provision that’s required to comply with state or federal law; for local emergency ordiSEE LEGISLATION, PAGE 29

BRADENTON BEACH – Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center Inc. and local veterinarian Dr. Bill Bystrom helped rescue a raccoon that became trapped in an automobile’s engine compartment.

According to a press release issued by Wildlife Inc., a call came into the Bradenton Beach-based agency on the morning of Thursday, Jan. 13. The caller said there was a raccoon on the third floor of the BridgeWalk Resort in Bradenton Beach. A Wildlife Inc. volunteer arrived at the resort within minutes and determined it was a fully grown raccoon weighing at least 25 pounds. The raccoon appeared to have a limp but otherwise seemed healthy.

As the rescue attempt ensued, the raccoon squeezed between a crate and the wall through a narrow gap in the stairway rail. According to the press release, the raccoon scurried down the stairs to the ground floor confused, scared and potentially injured. The resort staff was concerned for the safety of its guests and attempted to help corral the raccoon. After making it to the ground floor, the raccoon darted under some parked cars. The resort staff and the Wildlife Inc. volunteer went car to car in an attempt to capture and cage the frightened animal. Those efforts proved unsuccessful and the crafty raccoon found what it thought to be an escape route. The SEE RACCOON, PAGE 21

Commission considering clam, seagrass restoration request

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria City Commission has deferred for two weeks a decision on a $50,000 funding request for proposed clam and seagrass restoration projects.

The previously discussed request, spearheaded by local restaurant owner Ed Chiles, was presented in more detail to the commission on Jan. 13. Chiles and his associates are requesting the city contribute $50,000 from the approximately $850,000 in federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds the city will receive over a two-year period.

Chiles said a group of private individuals has committed to a dollar-for-dollar match for up to $50,000 in additional funds if donated by community members and others in support of the proposed projects. Chiles said $50,000 from the city combined with $50,000 in community donations and $50,000 in matching funds could turn the city’s $50,000

investment into a $150,000 project, with the Sea Grant Florida program potentially providing some additional funding.

The fundraising efforts for the proposed local restoration projects coincide with the group’s pursuit of state and federal funds for larger scale bi-valve and seagrass restoration projects.

Gulf Shellfish Institute Executive Director Stephen Hesterberg presented the funding request with assistance from Chiles, Sea & Shoreline President Carter Henne, Terra Ceia-based clam hatchery operator, Diatom Initiative founder and Gulf Shellfish Institute co-founder Curt Hemmel and Angela Collins from the University of Florida Sea Grant Florida program.

Hesterberg said clams and other bivalves help filter and clean the water they live in. He said seagrass beds provide habitats for fish and other marine life, support commercial fishing industries and help counteract global warming by sequestering carbons.

SEE COMMISSION, PAGE 5

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JANUARY 19, 2022

JANUARY 19, 2022

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Commissioners agree to code of conduct Holmes Beach commissioners now have a set of guidelines to abide by that Chair Soustek hopes will relieve some of the recent tension on the dais.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Despite a previously heated discussion on the adoption of a code of core values for civility and ethics, commissioners voted unanimously in favor of implementing the document.

A draft of the proposed code of conduct was presented initially in December by commission Chair Carol Soustek as a way to positively start the new calendar year after 2021 turned out to be a year characterized by divisiveness. The first draft was criticized as overreaching concerning the dress of commissioners on the dais, among other things.

At a Jan. 11 meeting, Soustek presented her fellow commissioners with an updated draft of the code, which removed or amended the problematic sections. With little discussion and few comments, commissioners voted unanimously to pass the new draft of the document, adopting it for the 2022 calendar year with the intent to

reassess it every year at the annual city commission organizational meeting in November.

Commissioner Terry Schaefer restated his support of adopting the guidelines outlined in the document while Commissioner Jayne Christenson, who had previously opposed some of the statements in the code of conduct, said she liked the changes made and was in support of the adoption of the code.

Commissioner Kim Rash, who had opposed the document’s section that said clothing with slogans would not be permitted on the dais, did not comment during the discussion at the Jan. 11 meeting but voted in favor of adopting the code. The version that commissioners approved features a reworded stewardship section that is less stringent and states: “I shall strive to make a positive role model as a city commissioner. I shall dress in an appropriate manner as befits my position as a city commissioner.”

Other items addressed in the code of core values for civility and ethics include integrity, ethics, civility, respect for the individual, communication, teamwork, leadership, quality, efficiency, organizational sensitivity, adaptability and recognition of individual contributions to the community.

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Leak continues at Piney Point

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

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) reports that workers have found the general location of the source of the leak of contaminated water from a gypsum stack at the former phosphate plant at Piney Point.

Hydrophone surveys, sonar work, dye trace studies and divers were used to investigate the “low-volume seepage” discovered on Jan. 5. Leaking contaminated water is being pumped back into the storage pond on top of the gyp stack, according to the agency’s most recent report.

“Additional work is underway to identify needed repairs and further investigate any other potential anomalies,” according to the report. “There continues to be no indication of any concern with the integrity or stability of the stack system, and there are no offsite discharges occurring at this time.”

The contaminated water at Piney Point eventually will be injected into a 3,300-foot-deep well now under construction at 3105 Buckeye Road.

A more serious leak in March 2021, resulted in FDEP approving the dumping of 215 million gallons of contaminated water into Tampa Bay to prevent the stack from collapsing and potentially flooding homes and businesses. The contaminated water spread throughout Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay, transporting nitrogen and phosphorus that exacerbated a bloom of the toxic algae red tide that lasted from April to November, causing fish kills and respiratory irritation.

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JANUARY 19, 2022

FDOT sidewalk still concerns city officials

IN BRIEF

In 2020, the city agreed to maintain the sidewalk to be funded and installed by FDOT.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

For safety reasons, this streetlight was recently installed along the 400 block of Pine Avenue.

Shield installed on Pine Avenue streetlight At the request of Anna Maria resident Janis Ian, a new shield has been placed on the front of a streetlight recently installed along the 400 block of Pine Avenue. The shield is intended JOE HENDRICKS | SUN to focus the light The shield on the front of this downward and re- streetlight is intended to reduce the duce the amount of light cast upon the other side of light cast across the Pine Avenue. street. In December, Ian told city commissioners the glare from the new streetlight was illuminating the inside of her home at night.

Home-based business regulations considered Holmes Beach commissioners are moving forward with an ordinance regulating home-based businesses in the city. The ordinance includes language that is required

by Florida Statutes. It requires that all operators of homebased businesses submit an application for a business tax receipt and that the business be subject to the same noise, property maintenance, nuisance and other regulations imposed on other businesses that operate in the city. The ordinance will be up for a first reading and vote at a future city commission regular meeting.

Get social at Cheesecake Cutie Come meet some new people, have a few appetizers and support a local food bank on Friday, Jan. 28 at the Cheesecake Cutie & Café. With the help of event partner Anna Maria Island Concierge Services, the café is hosting a Let’s Get Social event open to those age 50 and older to enjoy some good food and meet some new friends. For $40 per person, enjoy lite bites, cheesecakes, beer and wine from 5:30-7:30 p.m. All attendees are asked to bring a nonperishable food item to be donated to the Roser Food Pantry to help the less fortunate.

Reserve your spot by calling 941-779-2253.

BRADENTON BEACH – City officials are not yet willing to accept maintenance responsibilities for the brick paver sidewalk the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) installed along Gulf Drive North.

Before doing so, the city commission wants the city’s contracted engineering firm, Colliers Engineering, to conduct an independent review of the FDOT project.

Using large brick pavers, the sidewalk was installed in the FDOT-owned right of way along the eastern side of Gulf Drive North, from the S-curve at Avenue C to 10th Street North. The installation began in early October.

During the Thursday, Jan. 6, city commission meeting, Mayor John Chappie said Public Works Director Tom Woodard received an email stating FDOT accepted the project as finalized.

“We weren’t there to do the final inspection,” Chappie said. “We still have items that we haven’t received yet. I think it’s a perfect opportunity for us to use Colliers and their expertise to look at this and determine the quality of work done and what we’re getting into if the city accepts this. I’m not satisfied with it. I have concerns about public safety. I’m concerned about the unevenness. It only takes a little bit of a misstep and you’re flat on your face.”

Woodard told the commission he received an invitation to attend the Dec. 14 walkthrough but he was unavailable that day. He said he was informed of a second walkthrough, which he believed was later canceled. Woodard said he also received an email stating FDOT had accepted the sidewalk project as finalized.

Chappie said the city has asked FDOT’s project team for copies of its as-built plans, earthwork records and soil compaction tests.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Installation of the brick paver sidewalk took place near the Runaway Bay condominiums in October.

“In my opinion, if you’re in an FDOT right of way you have to have compaction tests,” Chappie said.

Woodard said he wasn’t sure whether the FDOT contractor did soil compaction tests for the sidewalk project. He noted compaction tests are often used when installing crosswalks and parking areas subject to heavy vehicular traffic.

FDOT RESPONSE

On Tuesday, Jan. 11, The Sun received the following email response from FDOT Communications Specialist Adam Rose.

“The department invited the city of Bradenton Beach to both the 90% walkthrough of the project that took place on 12/14/2021 and the 100% final walkthrough that took place on 12/27/2021. The city did not have a representative that was present during those walkthroughs, nor did we receive any requests for rescheduling or cancelation. Working with local governments is important to the department and we always look forward to finding the best solutions facing the communities we serve,” Rose stated in his response.

LINGERING CONCERNS

During the Jan. 6 meeting, Chappie noted the city, in Septem-

ber 2020, agreed with FDOT to maintain and repair the completed sidewalk. City Attorney Ricinda Perry said former City Engineer Lynn Burnett brought the proposed FDOT project to the city but she and her LTA Engineers firm are no longer involved with the project.

In May 2021, the commission was presented with a sample of the oversized brick pavers to be used for the sidewalk project, which at that time raised concerns. While the installation was underway in October, the commission expressed concerns about potential tripping hazards and how the brick pavers were being installed.

Woodard told the commission he shares the mayor’s concerns.

“I don’t have an issue with sweeping it once we have a sweeper. My issue is with the work that was done in the bike lane and adjacent to the bike lane. It’s a patchwork of asphalt. I just don’t have a lot of confidence in it. If they wanted to continue to maintain the bike lanes and the striping and the asphalt, I don’t have a problem with that, but that’s not what the agreement was,” Woodard said.

When contacted later, Woodard explained that in some places SEE SIDEWALK, PAGE 6

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JANUARY 19, 2022

COMMISSION: Considering request FROM PAGE 1

The presentation included maps that indicate where the clam and seagrass restoration efforts would occur.

The group proposes the Diatom Initiative be contracted to place a total of 20,000 southern hard clams and sunray venus clams in various locations along the Tampa Bay shoreline of Anna Maria and Holmes Beach, including Bimini Bay, which is located near the Anna Maria-Holmes Beach border and encompasses both cities. The clam restoration efforts would include the installation of protective predator netting and quarterly monitoring and reporting for one year.

The group proposes Sea & Shoreline be contracted to place 803 seagrass units and 1,250 sediment tubes in Bimini Bay, including acquiring the necessary permits and three years of monitoring.

The non-profit Gulf Shellfish Institute would disburse the funds and provide third-party oversight and long-term monitoring and evaluation.

CLAM RESTORATION

City Public Works Manager Dean Jones asked if the clams could be poached from their new environments. Hemmel said the clams would be subject to predators, including humans, but most would be placed at depths where they can’t be easily removed.

Hemmel also said, “You have one of the few sunray venus clam populations in the country. I would assume thousands of people have gone out and pulled sunray venus clams because they taste so delicious. We propose putting some of those back where the population used to be significantly larger.”

Hemmel said he’s worked with townships in Northeastern states that place clams in the water for residents, visitors and commercial fishers to harvest.

Commissioner Mark Short asked if the 20,000 clams would breed and produce significantly more clams. Hemmel estimated 5,000 to 15,000 would likely survive, but the long-term goal is to keep those clams reproducing at an exponential rate. Hesterberg said the surviving clams will filter more water as they become larger and help provide sustainability for a growing clam population.

RED TIDE MITIGATION

Commissioner Carol Carter asked what impact the proposed projects would have on lessening the impacts of red tide.

Hesterberg said red tide is “a very complex issue” but water quality and clarity are directly tied to making Anna Maria more resilient to red tide. He noted red tide is a microscopic organism that exists naturally in the water column and is filtered out by filter-feeding bivalves, including clams.

Henne said drift algae also gets into canals and reduces the oxygen in those areas for fish and other marine life.

“Is it going to fix red tide completely? No, but it will reduce the effects by absorbing nutrients and extracting algae out of the water column and reducing the sore spots,” Henne said.

Hesterberg said the Anna Maria projects could serve as a learning ground and a research area for future restoration projects elsewhere in the state and beyond.

Chiles said he hopes some of the funds acquired from additional donors could be used to help Sarasota-based Mote Marine design an exhibit for the pending Mote Educational Outreach Center on the Anna Maria City Pier that highlights the importance of clams and seagrass.

Chiles said the city of Bradenton Beach previously funded a clam restoration project and he hopes the city of Holmes Beach will too.

CRANE’S CONCERNS

Commissioner Jon Crane requested the delay of the vote. The meeting packet included a Dec. 24 email he sent to Mayor Dan Murphy regarding Mote Marine’s ongoing red tide remediation efforts.

“I am told that clams and oysters do generally clean water, but there is no evidence that clams or oysters remediate red tide. Before voting on Ed Chiles’ proposal, I strongly suggest that we invite Kevin Claridge of Mote to speak to the commission,” Crane stated in his email.

THE SUN

During Thursday’s meeting, Crane reiterated his desire that Claridge address the commission before a decision is made regarding the $50,000 request.

“This is a great water quality and restoration project, but I’m told – and we can bring in Mote people to confirm this – that there’s no proof, no evidence, that red tide is mitigated at all in this process,” Crane said.

Crane said Claridge is willing to attend the Jan. 27 commission meeting to discuss Mote Marine’s red tide mitigation and research projects.

Crane noted the commission previously designated $50,000 in ARP funds for red tide mitigation and he asked whether those ARP funds could be used for the proposed restoration projects that may or may not help mitigate red tide.

Murphy said the red tide mitigation designation included in the city’s ARP spending plan was a commission decision and the city is not bound to use the federal funds specifically for that purpose. He said the commission could amend its spending plan to include a water quality project instead.

While agreeing to delay the funding decision, Commissioner Deanie Sebring said she’s researched the positive impacts of clam and seagrass restoration projects. She expressed her enthusiastic support for the proposed projects and the commission as a whole was receptive to the proposed restoration projects.

“A&E is absolutely the best. Everyone from sales to service were outstanding.

They installed our whole house generator. Thanks to the entire A&E team.”

- David on Google

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OPINION

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

SIDEWALK: Still concerns city officials FROM PAGE 4

there’s asphalt from the bike lane patches in the spaces between the pavers, which inhibits rainwater from draining into the drainage system below.

“We were excluded from the final sign-off, yet the city is contractually obligated for maintenance in the future,” Perry said. “If we feel this is not built to standards that are in the best interest of Bradenton Beach, and provide health, safety and welfare for the folks using it, we need something to back that up in order to address the legal obligations in the contract for maintenance.

Having a professional opinion prepared by an engineering firm puts the city in the best position of strength.”

Commissioner Jan Vosburgh asked Perry if the city can be held responsible if someone is injured while using the new sidewalk.

“Right now, it is in the FDOT right of way, it is an FDOT project and FDOT is claiming that it was done to the proper standards that would eliminate falls and hazards to the public using it,” Perry said.

Perry noted that in a litigious society the city could still be named in a lawsuit if a side-

walk user is injured while the maintenance responsibilities are being resolved.

Vosburgh asked if the sidewalk responsibilities can be legally transferred to FDOT. Perry said the only legal approach is to make a claim that the completed project is outside the scope of what the city accepted in the signed agreement; or that the completed project does not satisfy the city’s safety requirements because the city considers the sidewalk to be unfinished and unsafe.

“I can’t get to that step until I feel I have the evidence to support the city, and that evidence I’m asking for is an engineering review,” Perry said.

Perry recommended the commission adopt a motion that formally states the city is postponing its final acceptance of the FDOT project until all requested documents have been received from FDOT and an independent review has been conducted by Colliers Engineering.

The commission adopted the recommended motion after first adopting a separate motion authorizing Colliers to perform the requested engineering review and to also review two

CITY OF BRADENTON BEACH | SUBMITTED

Asphalt from the bike lane patches can be found in the spaces between the brick pavers. unrelated potential grantfunded projects at a total cost not to exceed $10,000. One of the additional engineering reviews pertains to a potential Gulf Drive landscaping project and the other to a stormwaterrelated hazard mitigation grant.

The commission passed a third motion directing Perry to prepare a legal opinion regarding the city’s maintenance obligations for the new sidewalk.

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JANUARY 19, 2022

ON THE AGENDA ANNA MARIA

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

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

Jan. 27, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting

BRADENTON BEACH

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

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

Jan. 20, noon – City Commission meeting Jan. 25, 9:30 a.m. – City Commission work meeting

HOLMES BEACH

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

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

Jan. 19, 10 a.m. – Code Compliance special magistrate hearing Jan. 25, 5 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow Jan. 27, 11:30 a.m. – Police officers pension board

ISLAND-WIDE

Jan. 18, 6 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue District board meeting, administration offices, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton MARKYOUR CALENDAR

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 19

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

Ukulele instruction, beyond beginner, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m. Reserve online manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/8486412 Ukulele instruction, beginner, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2:45 p.m.

Reserve online manateelibrary. libcal.com/event/8486472

THURSDAY, JAN. 20

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

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

“Cross Country Tails” by Cathy Slusser, Lecture and Travel Series presented by the Friends of the Island Library, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 2 p.m.

Sunshine Stitchers knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes

Beach, 2 p.m. Reserve online www.manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/8486573 Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5-8 p.m.

Perico Lantern Walk, Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 5:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, JAN. 21

Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Reserve online www.manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/8486848 Mahjong Club, experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, 11:30 a.m. Reserve online www.manateelibrary.libcal. com/event/8486611 Wine and cheese reception featuring the artwork of Karen Beach, Angie Prindle and Janet Razze, Anna Maria Island Historical Society and Museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 5-7 p.m.

SATURDAY, JAN. 22

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

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

THE SUN

Master gardener tour, Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 9 a.m.

Perico Preserve tour, Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 9-11 a.m.

Music on the Porch, Bratton Store porch, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 2-4 p.m.

Lou Gramm: The Voice of Foreigner, The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, doors open 6 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m., $80-100. Tickets on sale at centerami.org/events

SUNDAY, JAN. 23

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

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

TUESDAY, JAN. 25

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

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

Family story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Register online at manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/8486809

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Mahjong Club, beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Reserve online www.manateelibrary.libcal. com/event/8486592 Tech Help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-2:30 p.m. Register online manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/8486220 Movies in the Park, “Paw Patrol: The Movie,” City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 6:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 26

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

Ukulele Instruction Beyond Beginner, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m. Register online manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/8486413 Ukulele Instruction for Beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2:45 p.m.

Register online manateelibrary. libcal.com/event/8486473 Friends of the Island Library picnic, Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 4-6 p.m.

AMI Chamber Business Card Exchange and Trolley Grant Awards, Seafood Shack, 4110 127th St. W., Cortez, 5-7:30 p.m., $5 members or $10 for prospective members.

Reserve online annamariaislandchamber.org/event/15565

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THE SUN

JANUARY 19, 2022

Street paving begins this week The milling and paving work will take place at night and overnight.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Several Anna Maria streets will be repaved during the next two weeks.

On Thursday, Jan. 13, Mayor Dan Murphy provided city commissioners with an update on the paving project.

He said the paving will begin on Monday, Jan. 17, and signs had already been erected and notification letters had been sent to potentially impacted property owners. Murphy said the work is expected to be finished by Saturday, Jan. 28, assuming there’s no weather delays or supply or labor shortages.

According to the notification letter signed by Public Works Manager Dean Jones, the paving will take place on the following streets in the following order: Pelican Avenue, Gull Drive, South Bay Boulevard, Palmetto Avenue and Gulf Drive, from Willow Avenue to the city limits.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

South Bay Boulevard is one of the streets to be repaved.

“Please be advised that the work may flow into the following week due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances. If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at 941-708-6130, ext. 131,” the letter notes.

Murphy said the paving work will

take place Monday through Friday between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m.

“It can be somewhat noisy during the period of time and I’m sensitive to that.

If we start getting complaints about noise, we’ll try to alter things to see what we can do,” the mayor said.

Jones said the finished product will resemble the paving previously done on North Bay Boulevard.

Jones said the milling process is the noisiest part of the paving project: “It will be a little bit noisy, but they tend to move very quickly. I’m confident we can get it done with minimal complaints.”

Murphy said the cost for the paving project will be $396,000 and the city has earmarked about $800,000 in this year’s paving plan.

“We’ve still got money leftover that we can spend, but this is what we can get accomplished right away. A lot of this depends on the availability of the paving company and materials and I’ve got to strike while the iron is hot. They’ve got equipment available, they’ve got material available, so we want to go forward,” Murphy said.

The existing paved surfaces will be milled and repaved. The work will include re-marking and restriping the newly paved areas and re-marking some of the existing crosswalks that are not being repaved.

DOCK & DINE

Cruise to the Pier by land or sea! Boat docking is NOW AVAILABLE at the Pier location!

LANDSIDE

6906 14th Street West 941.758.7880

CORTEZ

6696 Cortez Road 941.792.0077

ELLENTON

1525 51st Avenue East 941.721.7773

BRIDGE ST. PIER Bradenton Beach 941.778.AMOB (2662)

JANUARY 19, 2022

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JANUARY 19, 2022

2022 Anna Maria Island Sun Readers’ Choice Business

Business

People & Places

1

Antique/Collectible Store

40

Pool Cleaner (include location)

78

Schoolteacher (include location)

2

Auto Service

41

Pool Contractor

79

Veterinarian (include location)

3

Bait & Tackle Shop

42

Real Estate Assoc. (include location)

80

Veterinary Clinic

4

Bank (include location)

43

Real Estate Co.

81

View

5

Bike Rental

44

Rental Co.

82

Waiter/Waitress (include location)

6

Boating Store

45

Resort

83

Yoga Studio

7

Car Wash

46

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8

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47

Service Org.

9

CBD Store

48

Service Station

10

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49

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11

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50

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12

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51

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13

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52

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14

Fine Dining

53

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15

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16

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People & Places

54

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17

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55

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18

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56

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19

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57

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20

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58

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21

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59

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22

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60

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23

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61

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24

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62

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25

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63

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26

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64

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27

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65

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28

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66

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29

Marina

67

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30

Men’s Apparel

68

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31

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69

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32

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70

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33

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71

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34

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72

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35

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73

Individual Entertainer

36

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74

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37

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75

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38

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76

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39

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77

School

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Signature:

Food & Entertainment 84

Bagel Shop

85

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86

Barbecue

87

Breakfast

88

Burger

89

Café

90

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91

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92

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93

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94

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95

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96

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97

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98

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99

Key Lime Pie

100 Italian Restaurant 101 Live Theater 102 Margarita 103 Mexican Restaurant 104 Most Romantic Restaurant 105 New Restaurant 106 Night Spot 107 Pier 108 Pizza 109 Place to see a Sunset 110 Restaurant (overall) 111 Seafood Restaurant 112 Specialty Cocktail (include location) 113 Specialty Gourmet 114 Sub/Sandwich 115 Takeout

RULES

Please read carefully. To vote in The Sun’s Readers’ Choice Awards you must use an official entry ballot published in The Sun. Copies and faxes will not be accepted. The ballots will appear in The Sun on Jan. 12, Jan. 19, Jan. 26 Only one ballot per person is allowed. At least 10 CATEGORIES must be filled in for the ballot to count and the entry form must be completed. If you work for The Sun or are related to someone who does, you can’t play. Complete ballots may be dropped off at The Sun’s office, 3909 East Bay Drive Ste. 210, Holmes Beach. Or you can mail it in to The Sun Newspaper, PO Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216. All ballots must be in by January 28, 2022 at 4pm.

Prizes in the drawing may not be transferred. Winners are drawn at random from all entries and you don’t have to buy anything to win. Accepting the prizes means winners agree to the use of their names and photographs in subsequent ads and news stories. You must be 18 years or older to participate. Ballots which show signs of tampering will not be counted. We reserve the right to reject any ballot(s) or disqualify any contestant(s).

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Island Players don’t disappoint with ‘Blithe Spirit’ The Island Players present their production of “Blithe Spirit,” the third play of their 73rd season.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – A 1940s British drawing room is the scene of a ghostly encounter that leaves the audience simultaneously laughing and trying to figure out what kind of plot twist will walk through the door next, in the Island Players production of Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit.

It is Edith (Maggie Carter), the maid, who sets up the show from the get-go with her speedy approach to her job and her difficulty in completing any of her tasks without a struggle. She opens the play with her attempt to place the drinks tray on the table with a very awkward squat, setting the comic tone that will last the rest of the play.

The focus of the play is on the two wives of Charles (Mark Shoemaker), a very successful author who is married to his second wife Ruth (Jan Wallace) after the death of his beautiful first wife, Elvira (Ab-

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Sylvia Marnie (Mrs. Bradman), Seva Anthony (Madam Arcati), Abbey Deernik (Elvira), Mark Shoemaker (Charles), Jan Wallace (Ruth), Jeffrey Steiger (Dr. Bradman) and Maggie Carter (Edith) take a bow after their performance of Noel Coward’s “Blithe Spirit” presented by The Island Players. bey Deernik) who returns as a ghost after the couple invites a psychic, Madam Arcati (Seva Anthony), to their home for a seance as research for Charles’ latest book. Even though she’s been dead for seven years, it

doesn’t stop Elvira from haunting his second, more sensible marriage to Ruth. All three actors play off each other brilliantly, with Charles’ wives bringing laughs in waves.

As a character, Charles could

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be unlikeable, but as the ghost of his first wife goes from loving and beautiful to annoying and disruptive to his current life with Ruth, the audience is drawn into his struggle to find a solution to his unique pre-

dicament. As Charles becomes more and more powerless, the audience begins to sympathize with his plight to just return to a normal life.

Anthony is hilarious as Madame Arcati, who brings the character to life with a very physical performance.

Whether it’s screaming at the spirits or laying on the floor in a trance with her legs sticking up in the air, Arcati is almost always in motion and frantic, which is in contrast to the proper atmosphere of Ruth and Charles’ home. It’s perfect casting that brings out many of the laugh-out-loud moments and makes the comedy play to all walks of life.

Director Jeffrey Steiger hit a home run with the cast, set design and behind-the-scenes crew that made this highenergy play come off nearly flawlessly. You still have time to see Blithe Spirit, which runs through Sunday, Jan. 23 at the Island Playhouse. Tickets can be purchased for $25 at the box office, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Call 941-778-5755 or visit www.theislandplayers. org for more information.

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A RENEWED SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER, TRE AT IT LIKE

A PE ARL.

IslandDining.com

As the world faces increased stress on food systems, pollution, humanitarian emergencies, and natural disasters, Corporate Social Responsibility has become an important topic of conversation. It’s so important to consumers that companies “give back” that greenwashing, a marketing ploy designed to make companies or products seem more sustainable, has emerged as a considerable problem.

$IWHU ¿QGLQJ WKDW RQO\ RI SKLODQWKURSLF JLYLQJ JRHV WRZDUGV HQYLURQPHQWDO FDXVHV for the Planet was founded “to prevent greenwashing and certify reputable giving.” By holding companies accountable, they are verifying their FRPPLWPHQW WR WKH HQYLURQPHQW ³7KH IRU WKH 3ODQHW FHUWL¿FDWLRQ LV JLYHQ WR EXVLQHVVHV DQG individuals that meet our high-bar commitment— GRQDWH RI DQQXDO VDOHV WR HQYLURQPHQWDO causes.” With a mission of “putting people and WKH SODQHW RYHU SUR¿W ´ WKHLU HYHU JURZLQJ QHWZRUN EHQH¿WV JURXSV RI DOO VL]HV IURP QDWLRQDO WR hyper-local.

The Chiles Group has decided to partQHU ZLWK WKH RUJDQL]DWLRQ WKLV \HDU PDNLQJ WKHLU SOHGJH WR D EHWWHU WRPRUURZ R൶FLDO $Q\RQH ZKR has been to The Sandbar, The Beach House, and Mar Vista is familiar with their commitment to sustainability and supporting local businesses. :KDW WKH\ PD\ QRW UHDOL]H LV MXVW KRZ GHHSO\ rooted the company’s values are in environmental causes.

Their employees have been working to

preserve our area’s unique resources for decades.

Look no further than The Greenest Little Mainstreet in America, to the formation of the Gulf Coast Oyster Recycling and Renewal program, the All Clams on Deck initiative, and continXHG FRPSRVWLQJ H൵RUWV IRU HYLGHQFH 7KHLU QHZ UHODWLRQVKLS ZLWK IRU WKH 3ODQHW ZLOO KHOS 7KH Chiles Group deepen their commitment to those programs and provide the opportunity to help another perfectly aligned partner.

World Central Kitchen (WCK), founded by renowned Chef Jose Andres and his wife, is ³¿UVW WR WKH IURQWOLQHV SURYLGLQJ PHDOV LQ UHsponse to humanitarian, climate, and community crises.” They also build resilient food systems with local solutions. After the catastrophic hurricanes ravaged the Louisiana area this past fall, The Sandbar, The Beach House, and Mar Vista were able to raise $20,000 to help WCK supply comfort to residents through the distribution of high-quality dishes. That’s when The Chiles *URXS VWD൵ UHDOO\ IHOO LQ ORYH ZLWK :&.¶V PLVsion and sought a way to keep contributing to the FDXVH 6RRQ SDWURQV ZLOO EH DEOH WR ¿QG D SHUPDnent dish on each menu, inspired by those served

by WCK during these natural disasters, with a percent of proceeds donated directly to WCK. The Chiles Group has doubled down on its ecological mission for 2022. Their hope is to inspire guests to pursue more ways to get involved as well.

Content provided by: The Chiles Group

JANUARY 19, 2022

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13

City center improvements set for spring construction

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

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HOLMES BEACH - Construction is coming soon to the intersection of Marina and Gulf drives in Holmes Beach.

Mayor Judy Titsworth said work on the city center renovation project will bring more function to the intersection along with three flashing beacon crosswalks, but it comes with a price – there will be a detour around the construction once it starts.

Titsworth said the project is going out to bid with a planned start date in late spring. Once construction begins, she said traffic will be diverted around the project, with some possibly going through adjacent shopping center parking lots.

One thing she doesn’t want to see is the project’s construction phase happening while pipe replacement is done in the same area.

During a Jan. 11 meeting, Holmes Beach city commissioners voted unanimously to approve an addendum to a contract with Woodruff and Sons, adding the replacement of failing underground stormwater pipes stretching from Holmes Boulevard to the marina at the Waterline resort.

The pipe replacement will be added to the already planned stormwater phase E updates.

And while City Engineer Sage Kamiya said the project is anticipated to begin as soon as possible, Titsworth said she hopes to work out the construction schedules so the two projects aren’t happening at the same time.

Chamber business card exchange to feature Trolley Awards

‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will host a business card exchange Wednesday, Jan. 26 from 5-7:30 p.m. at the Seafood Shack in Cortez.

This is a great opportunity for Chamber members to mingle and share ideas, and future members to get an idea of what the Chamber does and how it may benefit their business. There will also be a special presentation of the Trolley Grant Awards at this event. The cost to attend is $5 for members and $10 for future members. Please contact the chamber at 941-778-1541 if interested. RSVP is required to attend.

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JANUARY 19, 2022

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Historical Society to showcase local art The work of local artists Karen Beach, Angie Prindle and Janet Razze will be featured at Friday’s event.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria Island Historical Society will host An Evening of the Arts on Friday, Jan. 21.

Open to the public, the free event will take place at the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum from 5-7 p.m. and feature the artwork of local artists Karen Beach, Angie Prindle and Janet Razze.

Wine and cheese will be served and there will also be live music.

“Beach is a watercolorist who is drawn to subjects in nature, architectural forms and compositions most frequently including water or oceans,” AMIHS Publicity Director Valerie Wilson said in a press release. “Her artwork often combines pencil, ink and watercolor and is often inspired by the beauty surrounding where she lives or by photos taken while traveling. She

The Artists’ Guild Gallery’s featured artist, Donna Slawsky, welcomes visitors during the latest Art Walk in Holmes Beach.

Art Walk showcases local talent KAREN BEACH | SUBMITTED

This painting by Karen Beach is among those to be featured at the museum's art event.

The Holmes Beach Art Walk was a big success for artists, businesses and visitors who got to see the works of talented local artists.

BY JASON SCHAFFER

is proud to have been the designer for the public art that graces the base of the cell tower on the grounds of Anna Maria City Hall.

“Prindle describes herself as an emotional expressionist who ‘takes moments in time and transfers the feelings inspired by random experiences in my life’s journey.’ She is a watercolorist

turned mixed-media artist. She found using only one medium limiting and now uses many. The ability to use glass beads, modeling paste, resin and thick-bodied acrylic paints has lent her works a more tactile sense,” according to the press release.

SEE SOCIETY, PAGE 24

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH - The first Holmes Beach Art Walk of 2022 was a big success as both locals and tourists were treated to the best of Island art featured at a variety of Island businesses.

Those participating included the Artists’ Guild Gallery, The Feast, Restless Natives, Sun and Surf SEE ART WALK, PAGE 24

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JANUARY 19, 2022

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JANUARY 19, 2022

SUNDAY WORSHIP • 8:30 AM or 10:00 AM

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IN PERSON in the Sanctuary Nursery • Children’s Church ONLINE • Watch LIVE or LATER

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941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch

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OUTDOORS

JANUARY 19, 2022

All Clams on Deck Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

T

his past Saturday, Jan. 15, I attended a press conference at the Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant on Longboat Key for the All Clams on Deck clam restoration initiative hosted by restaurateur and Anna Maria environmental leader Ed Chiles.

This initiative aims to support ecosystem sustainability and resilience by attempting to restore imperiled seagrass meadows and planting native clam populations. The pilot project hopes to demonstrate that clams will improve water quality, reduce algal blooms and create healthier habitats while supporting commercial and recreational fisheries along Florida’s Gulf coast. Its focus is two-fold, including a way for clam farmers' products to be used for restoration purposes when water quality events, including red tide, prevent them from selling their products for human consumption.

This project will focus on restoration initiatives that, over the pilot project period of 3-5 years, will provide the research and proof of concept needed to support the use of bivalves for reducing nutrient loading.

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

Ed Chiles addresses guests at Saturday’s press conference.

The innovative approach aims to fund critical science that can be applied to large-scale water quality improvements and inform ongoing efforts to restore and protect estuarine ecosystems.

Supporters point to the sobering note that in 2021, more than 1,100 manatees perished – more than twice the number that typically die annually. A big contributor to this year’s mortality has been starvation from lack of sufficient seagrass.

These critical seagrass beds

have been declining statewide due to degraded water quality in Florida’s bays and estuaries.

The organization’s website points out that fishing, tourism and recreation on Florida’s Gulf coast supports 304,000 jobs and a $17.5 billion economy.

Looking statewide, about 47% of the economy is reliant on coastal tourism, generating significant tax dollars that fund a full continuum of public infrastructure, schools, roads, health and community services that in turn are essential for

keeping the region’s economy humming.

The continued health and prosperity of the region are at serious risk from incidents like the release of 215 million gallons of phosphoric acidcontaminated water from Piney Point into the Gulf on April 20, 2021. Unfortunately, that was just one of many insults that create dangerous public health risks and portend an economic crisis that threatens the “golden goose” of tourism on Florida’s shores, and specifically in the

Gulf region.

Officials attending the event included Florida State Rep. Will Robinson and Florida Sen. Jim Boyd. Also in attendance were Manatee County Administrator Scott Hopes, Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneider and Vice Mayor Mike Haycock as well as Curt Hemme, owner and managing director of Bay Shellfish Company in Terra Ceia, and other stakeholders.

For more information visit www.AllClamsonDeck.com.

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JANUARY 19, 2022

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Cooler weather brings in winter species CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE

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With the extreme drop in temperatures and high winds, conditions have been a bit difficult for inshore fishing around our little Island. But with the large temperature drops, we’ve been seeing our winter species moving in much more significantly. Sheepshead, black drum, pompano and permit are showing up in good numbers.

For our sheepshead and black drum, we like to use whole shrimp on a 1 oz. knocker-style rig and 20to 30-lb fluorocarbon leader. We fish structure like docks and wrecks in Tampa Bay and surrounding areas.

We’re finding black drum, pompano and permit in the passes and on the beaches. Bouncing pompano jigs and live shrimp are the ticket for these guys.

On warmer days, we’re using pilchards for snook, redfish and jack crevalle. But due to the lows this week, we expect that will trickle off a bit. But we can look forward to better fish for the cooler as the temperatures stay low!

CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE | SUBMITTED

Longtime client Bill Mills, of Flushing, Mich., shows off a tasty flounder caught last week with Captain David White of Anna Maria Charters.

RACCOON: Rescued from car engine Parts & Services Available

escape in the middle of an intersection or roadway and cause harm to itself and possibly cause an accident.

After several hours of trying to coax the raccoon out of its hiding place using humane means, which included starting the car and gently moving it, using a hose to squirt the raccoon with water and turning on the car alarm to hopefully trigger a flee response, the raccoon was still stuck in the engine compartment and had no way to go forward or turn around and leave the way it came.

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raccoon wrangled its way up into the engine area of a 2013 Nissan Sentra.

Raquel Rangel, Celeste Maldonado and Misha Maldonado were among those who attempted to find the car’s owner. Once located, the car owners expressed genuine concern for the safety of the raccoon, as well as for other motorists. The car owners were concerned about driving to their home an hour north with the raccoon still trapped under the hood of the vehicle. They were also concerned the raccoon might

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Dr. Bystrom administered a small sedative to the raccoon to help it relax. This allowed Straight to safely remove the raccoon from the engine compartment.

After being safely removed, the raccoon was taken to the Wildlife Inc. facility for a thorough examination and any needed rehabilitation.

“Wildlife Inc. would like to personally thank the Bridge Street Hotel, its staff, the owner of the Nissan Sentra, Raquel Rangel and Dr. Bill Bystrom of Island Animal Clinic for all their help and understanding in the safe rescuing of this raccoon,” the press release notes.

An email received from Wildlife Inc. on Sunday stated the raccoon was not injured, is doing fine and would soon be released in a suitable natural setting in east Manatee County.

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Beachfront, award-winning rooms As long as you’re getting married on the beach, why not stay on the beach?

Bungalow Beach Resort, 2000 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, has won the Top Romance award in the US by tripadvisor.com, and it is located right on the beach – the perfect place to escape between the rehearsal dinner, the ceremony and the reception.

With the Gulf of Mexico just steps from your lushly landscaped cedar bungalow, it’s a great place for an extended stay after the bride and groom leave for their honeymoon.

If the bride and groom want to continue their stay, Bungalow Beach Resort, which also won the 2013 Excellence Award from tripadvisor.com, is a very popular honeymoon destination.

Originally a group of beachfront army barracks, each of the Bungalow Beach Resort units retains the old Florida charm that is Anna Maria Island, with modern conveniences inside. And you will stay in luxury with personal touches like baskets of embroidered towels, flowers and candy. Whether you’re getting married or part of the wedding party, pick award-winning Bungalow Beach Resort as your home base where you will cherish those moments when you’re not involved with the ceremony. You’ll want to return when there is nothing to distract you from your stay.

Call Bungalow Beach Resort at 1-800-779-3601 or log onto www.bungalowbeach.com.

JANUARY 19, 2022

JANUARY 19, 2022

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DARA CAUDILL | WWW.ISLANDPHOTOGRAPHY.ORG

Tina Washington and Hutch Blackstone were married on the beach of the Sandbar restaurant on December 29, 2021. Shawn Rhoton and Molly Powers, of the Sandbar, coordinated the wedding and reception. Reverend Steve Lortz performed the ceremony. Flowers were

by Blooms by the Beach, and the cake was by Hometown Desserts. Tina and Hutch honeymooned on Anna Maria Island before returning home to Mansfield, Ohio.

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

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JANUARY 19, 2022

SOCIETY: Showcases local art FROM PAGE 15

“Razze is a second-generation, stained glass and lamping (torching) artist who also does watercolor, acrylic and mixed media work. Her focus is on nature. Many of her stained glass works incorporated shells and feathers to honor the first inhabitants of our Island area. Her watercolor and mixedmedia works tend to focus on local marine life and birds. She believes living in this area is pure pleasure and creates an atmosphere any artist would love. She still uses many of the tools that belonged to her father. The cus-

tomized church windows for the Cortez Road Baptist Church in Cortez are a great example of her work,” according to the press release.

Michael Whitty will perform the live music. Whitty is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, composer and arranger who has performed with various Grammy award-winning artists in a wide range of styles and genres throughout the United States and Canada, the release states.

The Anna Maria Historical Museum is at 402 Pine Ave. For more information, call 941-778-0492.

JANET RAZZE | SUBMITTED

ANGIE PRINDLE | SUBMITTED

Janet Razze’s stained glass art will be on display Friday evening and Angie Prindle’s artwork will be featured at the museum event.

ART WALK: Showcases local talent FROM PAGE 15

Beach Shop, Original Sand Dollar, The Scavenger Market and Island Gallery West. Businesses that normally close earlier stay open for this event, which now is scheduled for the second Friday of every month after being shut down for more than a year due to COVID-19.

“We’re starting to see some good crowds,” said Karen Beach, a member artist at Island Gallery West. “We have a wide variety of artists here, we have modern art, we have still life, we have sculptures and

jewelry. There’s so much, it will really surprise you if you come here.”

A few hundred yards away from Island Gallery West is The Artists’ Guild Gallery, which has a beautiful selection of local art that has something for everyone. Featured artist Donna Slawsky showed off her unique works made of cut stained glass and fine china that is broken, then reassembled in a mosaic fashion for something truly unique and beautiful. Both galleries offered wine and lite bites to visitors who could not only view the art

but purchase it, as everything in both galleries is available to buy.

“I sold this painting of sheep laying down in a pasture to a sheep farmer who was visiting the Island from England,” said Island Gallery West’s featured artist, Darryl Goldman. “She said it reminds her of the sheep laying down early in the morning on her farm.”

The next Art Walk is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 11 at the Island Shopping Center and S&S Plaza.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

This oil painting by Island Gallery West’s January featured artist, Darryl Goldman, was sold to a sheep farmer from England vacationing on the Island.

JANUARY 19, 2022

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Privateers ready for pub crawl Please make us your choice again this year

The Anna Maria Island Privateers have run short on rum, so they decided a pub crawl was the only logical solution. The pub crawl is in advance of the upcoming Gasparilla Parade on Jan. 29 in Tampa. The event will take place Saturday, Jan. 22 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and will begin at Compass Margaritaville Hotel. The crawl will leave Compass at 11 a.m. and head to the following stops: Stop #2 - Loaded Cannon 11:30 a.m.

to 1:30 p.m.

Stop #3 - Peggy’s Corral 2-3:30 p.m.

Stop #4 - Corks/Downtown Main Street 4-6:30 p.m.

Stop #5 - Oasis 7-8:30 p.m.

Return to port between 8:30-9 p.m.

The cost is $40 and more information is available at www.amiprivateers. memberlodge.org. The Privateers are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has raised more than $300,000 in scholarships for area youth.

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REAL ESTATE

JANUARY 19, 2022

Changing real estate times

here is a Chinese curse that declares, “May you live in interesting times.”

What we’re living through may be a curse or a blessing as it relates to real estate, and I predict we won’t know for quite a while.

For nearly two years, there has been a convergence of events that have influenced every aspect of our lives. As it relates to the real estate market, COVID-19 drove us into our homes, locking down with families, working on computers for both school and work. Because of this, the trend in remote working has exploded.

Prior to the pandemic, only about 10% of the labor force worked remotely full time. The forecast now is that as much as a quarter of the labor force is expected to stay fully remote in the long term.

This fact is encouraging existing businesses and new businesses to change their plans for the future. A whole new economy is being developed based on remote workers who can relocate to

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER smaller cities and regions anywhere in the country. Real estate prices are booming in regions where no one previously expected this kind of growth.

The second thing that has happened during the past two years is the millennial generation waking up to home ownership.

Broadly, millennials are defined as being born from 1981 to 1996. They have now surpassed the baby boomers to become the largest living adult generation in the country. With the oldest of the generation approaching 40 compounded by COVID and remotely working, millennials now represent the majority of home buyers, accounting for more than half of all home

purchase loan applications last year.

Millennials had faced several challenges getting started in homeownership. The financial crisis of 2008 set them back in their careers, denying them the opportunity to save for down payments while managing their student debt. In addition, they had a distrust of homeownership as an investment after the crash of the housing market and they did not expect to accrue large equity in a home the way their parents did. Most of them went on to rent and spend their money on travel and other life-fulfilling activities that didn’t involve mortgage payments and family.

Many of them moved back home to the suburbs and their childhood homes, leaving city life behind during COVID lockdowns. They started to appreciate the safe environment and space where they grew up and started taking another look around.

By the time they made their decision to move on with their adult life and purchase a home, the COVID housing boom was

well underway, leaving them in the dust again. Nevertheless, they became the dominant buyers of homes in the country, helping to spark the surge of home prices and lack of inventory.

Because of this generation’s appetite for homeownership, many economists forecast homebuying demand is likely to remain strong for years to come. In addition, housing analysts don’t expect a wave of sustained home price cuts for quite a while, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Between the pandemic and the popularity of remote work, the millennial home buying trends will probably continue.

Aside from agreeing that we do, indeed, live in interesting times, it’s impossible to know what the next chapter in the housing market will be. We’re all anxious to see what the Florida winter selling season will bring. Everything changes - even desktop computers are back in vogue.

Who would ever have thought that?

JANUARY 19, 2022

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

27

Shamrock Shiver raises funds for charities The 2022 Shamrock Shiver was another success, raising money for multiple charities thanks to generous donations.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH - The results are in for this year’s 14th Annual Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge on New Year's Day. About 100 people took the plunge, with 60 of those signed up before the event, which raised $56,180 between pledges, live auction, silent auction, raffles and a 50/50 drawing at Clancy’s. This brings the total raised to date to $362,284.

Items donated included offshore fishing trips, a backwater fishing trip, Kenny Chesney tickets, several golf packages, a Hall of Famer Johnny Bench authentic autographed Louisville Slugger bat, a Whitey Ford authentic autographed New York Yankees jersey, tickets to the Lightning game, tickets to the Bucs week 18 game, including a “registered” Super Bowl football with a

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Shamrock Shiver participants run to the chilly water of the Gulf near Seventh Street in Bradenton Beach. stand from the Bradford Exchange, a vacation package on Anna Maria Island, granite from Planet Stone and dinners for two from various local restaurants.

All proceeds including sponsorship benefits go to The Blessing Bags Project, F.E.L.T. (Feeding Empty Little Tummies), Healthy Teens Collation and N.I.M.

(Nutrition Initiative of Manatee), all 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping disadvantaged children in Manatee County.

28

THE SUN

www.amisun.com

Former president honored with Artists’ Guild award Former Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island President Sharon Tarras receives the prestigious Genevieve Alban Award.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH - Former Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island President Sharon Tarras dedicated herself not only to improving the gallery but working with member artists to Tarras make the Guild the best it could be. In honor of her dedication, she has been given the prestigious Genevieve Alban Award.

The award is named after the founding artist of the Artists’ Guild and is awarded to a leader of the Guild who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in promoting, supporting, exemplifying leadership and being a role model to members and the public.

While serving as corresponding

secretary in 2018, it was proposed to nominate Tarras as president. While a bit reluctant, she accepted the position and began work in January 2019. The Guild says Tarras oversaw the renovation of the gallery’s interior while always seeking input from the other board members and member artists.

She was also vital in keeping things moving forward during the pandemic, setting up Zoom calls so the Board and members' meetings could continue.

“To say that Sharon Tarras is a leader is an understatement,” according to a Guild press release. “We all thrived with her extraordinary leadership, with her sensitivity to all our differences, and she created a positive team approach to implement the mission of AGAMI. With this in mind, the Genevieve Alban award is presented by the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island to Sharon Tarras with much appreciation and affection.”

The Artists’ Guild is at 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information about member artists and upcoming events, visit www.amiartistsguildgallery.com.

BEACH BEAT BRADENTON BEACH

1/11, 11 a.m., property damage, 402 Church St. A 24-foot Pathfinder boat was docked at Bradenton Beach Marina and was somehow damaged overnight. Police officers say another boat may have tried to maneuver around the boat and clipped the front end, damaging the trolling motor. The owner said the damage was not there the day before. Police could not find any information on the boat that may have caused the damage.

HOLMES BEACH

1/8, 11:15 p.m., no valid driver’s license, 700 Manatee Ave. The officers saw the subject’s vehicle drive through a flashing red light signal. When the officers stopped the vehicle and asked for license and insurance, they were handed an ID card and told the driver left his license at home. The officers also smelled a strong odor of marijuana.

The driver admitted to not having a medical marijuana card and did have marijuana in the vehicle.

The driver was cited for running

JANUARY 19, 2022

the red light and driving without a license. The passenger had a valid license and was allowed to drive the vehicle from the scene. A small amount of marijuana was seized by police.

1/9, 2:44 p.m., aggravated assault, 5404 Marina Drive. Officers were dispatched to Small Town Creamery for a report of assault with injuries. According to police, the suspect started an argument with an employee related to a girlfriend.

The suspect refused to leave and said he had a knife. The employee said he punched the man to stop him from pulling out the knife. The suspect was soon located by police at his father’s apartment where he was arrested.

1/10, 11:22 p.m., D.U.I., 700 Manatee Ave. The officer on patrol saw the suspect vehicle go through a flashing red light without stopping. The officer initiated a traffic stop and said the driver had very slurred speech. The driver said she had five beers, so the officer asked her to perform a field sobriety test, which she failed. The suspect was arrested and taken to HBPD where she blew a .175 and .165 blood alcohol level, more than twice the legal limit. The vehicle was towed.

www.amisun.com

JANUARY 19, 2022

LEGISLATION: Threatens cities FROM PAGE 1

nances and orders adopted under the State Emergency Management Act; a temporary emergency ordinance that remains in effect for no more than 90 days or an ordinance or charter provision that increases economic freedom.

HB 569 contains similar language.

SB 280 works in unison with SB 620 by providing for the recovery of attorneys’ fees for lost business revenues.

As of Monday, the latest amended version of SB 280 contained the following language: “If a civil action is filed against a local government to challenge the adoption of a local ordinance on the grounds that the ordinance is arbitrary or unreasonable, the court may assess and award reasonable attorney fees and costs and damages to the complainant if successful. An award of reasonable attorney fees or costs and damages may not exceed $50,000.”

HB 403 contains similar language.

For a bill to become state law, matching House and Senate bills must pass through their respective committees, be supported by a majority vote of their respective legislative bodies and be signed into law by the governor.

BILLS PROGRESSING

On Nov. 30, the Senate Judiciary Committee ruled favorably on SB 620 by a 7-4 margin. Republican Sen. Jim Boyd of Manatee County was among those who voted in support of the bill being ruled favorable and advanced to its next committee.

SB 280 passed through the Senate’s Community Affairs Committee by a 6-2 vote and has been placed on the Senate Rules Committee’s Thursday, Jan. 20 agenda. Boyd is also a member of the Rules Committee.

As of Monday, both House bills were making their ways through their preliminary subcommittees.

CITY CONCERNS

Anna Maria staff member Amy Moriarty serves as the city’s legislative liaison.

Working with lobbyist Chip Case, Mayor Dan Murphy and City Attorney Becky Vose, Moriarty is closely monitoring the 60-day legislative session scheduled to end on March 11.

Moriarty provided the city commission with a legislative update on Thursday, Jan. 13.

“It’s not good. I’m sorry to say Senate Bill 280, after passing its first committee yesterday, was removed from one of its commit-

THE SUN

tees and has been fast-tracked,” Moriarty told the commission.

She said SB 620 was also fast-tracked.

“These bills are major preemption priorities for Senate leadership. What 280 and its House counterpart will do is remove your ability to set common ordinances without publishing a business impact statement – and you have to publish the business impact statement at the same time that you post on the agenda that you will be considering an ordinance. Which means you have to have a staff member look at any impact the ordinance would have on businesses – not just the businesses here in your community, but businesses from outside of your community that would come in and do business here,” Moriarty explained.

She noted this legislation would pertain to the annual setting of the city’s property tax millage rate. She also said the city may have to hire an expert to provide business impact statements, and that expert may be called to testify in court if a business owner challenges a proposed ordinance.

“This is going to not only limit your ability as commissioners to set policy in the community, it’s also going to cost a lot of money,” Moriarty said.

Moriarty said there is unfulfilled hope that SB 280 and HB 403 will be amended in a manner that would require a business owner to first come before the city commission to express their concerns before filing

a legal challenge.

VACATION RENTAL BILLS

City officials are also concerned about two vacation rental bills, SB 512 and HB 325, which propose limiting annual vacation registration fees to $50 per unit.

Anna Maria’s 2021 annual registration fees were based on $58.52 per year for each occupant allowed. The registration fee for a one-bedroom vacation rental with two additional guests was $234. The annual fee for a six-occupant rental was $351, and $585 for a 10-occupant rental.

CALL TO ACTION

Moriarty and Murphy urge residents and concerned citizens to contact state legislators and implore them to amend or abandon these harmful legislative efforts.

Murphy said legislative staffs keep close tabs on the number of emails received in opposition or in favor of specific legislation and legislators are well aware of where public opinion stands.

“These are onerous bills, but we are not sitting back and wringing our hands saying the sky is falling,” Murphy said.

“There is a tool to fight back,” he added, in reference to the city-owned and managed Home Rule Florida website, www. homerulefl.com, which provides easy access to state legislators and provides templates for email letters.

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

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30

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THE SUN

JANUARY 19, 2022

Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival a month away The village of Cortez and the FISH board of directors are in the final stages of preparation for this year’s Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

CORTEZ - The Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 19-20, and the Florida Institute For Saltwater Heritage (FISH) board is hard at work.

For this 40th year of the popular festival, the theme is “Gearing Up,” a term fishermen use for getting their gear ready before they hit the water. If you love fishing boats, gear, seafood and the fishing lifestyle, this event is for you.

If you know nothing about commercial fishing, can’t bait a hook or wouldn’t know a crab trap if you were stuck in one, this event is also for you. FISH hopes everyone who attends will not only enjoy the great live music, delicious food, cold drinks and activities for all ages, but also leave having learned about life in Cortez, commercial

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Plans continue for the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival at FISH’s Jan. 3 board meeting. fishing and its impact on Florida.

During the board’s Jan 3. meeting, the main topic of discussion was an increase in cost for just about everything associated with the event, which is a strain on the festival’s budget. The festival is FISH’s main revenue source, and it was canceled last year due to the pandemic, which makes this year’s budget tighter to begin with. The board also expressed a need for volunteers.

Admission will be $5 for adults and free to children 12 and under.

The festival entrance will be in the historic Cortez village at 4415 119th St. W. Find more information at the FISH website.

Musical acts

SATURDAY, FEB. 19

10-11 a.m. Shanty Singers 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Karen & Jimmy Band 1-1:30 p.m. Awards and Introductions 2-4 p.m. Eric Von Band 4:30-6 p.m. Soul-R-Coaster

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10:30 a.m.-noon Soupy Davis & The Band 12:30-2 p.m.

Manatee River Blue Grass 1-5 p.m. Eric Von on the Porch (Bratton Store porch) 2:30-4 p.m. KoKo Ray Show 4:30-6 p.m. Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones

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JANUARY 19, 2022

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THE SUN

Perico Bay Club—As Good As It Gets!!

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32

THE SUN

SPORTS

JANUARY 19, 2022

Moss Builders throws for win

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

ANNA MARIA - Week one of the youth flag football season kicked off with the 8- to 10-year-old league’s matchup between team Progressive Cabinetry and team Moss Builders. Scoring by Lexi Baugher, with an exhilarating rushing touchdown and an interception by teammate Gunnar Maize, fell short of victory for Progressive Cabinetry.

In the end, the passing game of Moss Builders proved to be enough to give the team a 12-6 win. Mason Moss made a rushing touchdown in the closely paired battle. His single reception and interception helped his team earn the W. Moss’ teammates worked the field for two halves of play, including the Guess brothers scoring connection.

The throw by Austin was caught by Aiden for a touchdown.

Moss Builders faces team Shady Lady at 5:45 p.m. in week three game play on Tuesday, Jan. 25. Progressive Cabinetry’s third-week opponent is Bradenton Beach Parasailing in the 7:15 p.m. game.

Prosper Bradenton took on and defeated team Mac Parkman Foundation 12-6, with rushing touchdowns

by Kyle Mims and Ava Gitt. Grady Sandhoff and Mims both had critical catches in the game.

Owen Purcell threw a touchdown pass to Colin Bankert to put six points on the scoreboard for the Mac Parkman Foundation. To help advance the Parkman Foundation offense, Kyle Castagna had a single reception in the teams’ first game of the season.

The third game had the season’s second pick six of the night by Wade Kasten for the Beach Bums team. The first interception taken to the endzone was by HSH’s Jack Mattick in the 11- to 13-year-old league. Kasten also scored a big rushing touchdown in his team’s victorious game.

Quarterback Brandon Sato threw two passing TDs for the win. Sato’s targets of the night included older brother Dylan Sato, with a touchdown catch and extra point.

Beau Sanson was Brandon’s other go-to player for a scoring reception. B. Sato also found the hands of teammate Kellen Reed for an all-important catch.

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Progressive Cabinetry’s Austin Guess makes the big stop for Moss Builders with the flag pull on Gunnar Maize. Brother Aiden Guess provides back up for Progressive Cabinetry.

In the 31-20 loss, the Shady Lady team showed their talents as well with rushing touchdowns by Preston LaPensee and Holston Sebastian.

LaPensee also threw for a score, with Jesse Zaccagnino making the reception.

Penny Payne scored the point after a Shady Lady touchdown, keeping the team even closer.

Despite not scoring in the last game of the night for the league, Bradenton Beach Parasailing looks to have a promising season. Solid Rock Construction handily won the game with the final score 22-0 to end the night.

SUN SCOREBOARD TUESDAY, JAN. 11 YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL – WEEK 1 8- TO 10-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE Progressive Cabinetry Moss Builders

6 12

Prosper Bradenton Mac Parkman Foundation

12 6

Beach Bums Shady Lady

31 20

Solid Rock Construction 22 Bradenton Beach Parasailing 0

11- TO 13-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE HSH Miz & Hiz Biz

19 14

Blalock Walters Wash Family Construction

32 0

Investigative Lawyers Group Moss Builders

12 7

THURSDAY, JAN. 13 ADULT CO-ED SOCCER – WEEK 1 Moss Builders Beach Bums

32 14

Shady Lady Sandbar

45 32

TBT WTBL

31 31

Solid Rock Construction Prosper Bradenton

15 0

JANUARY 19, 2022

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Quick blow 4 Weary worker's sigh 8 Dives 15 4 x 4, briefly 16 Six-ton predator 17 Leopard spot 18 ICU staffer 19 False claim about one's pioneer ancestors?

21 Taking courses?

23 Crest box abbr.

24 Crafty 25 Medieval German spendthrift?

30 Honey, in slang 31 Zip 32 Lot choice 36 Wall St. event 38 Enforcer of some ACA provisions 39 Vague unease 41 Transmitted documents with Red Riding Hood's

Answers to 01-12-22 Crossword Puzzle.

location?

45 Bending movement 46 __ clear 47 Large receptacle 48 Nods, maybe 49 It was precious to conquistadores 50 Oliver Twist or Tiny Tim 52 Beauty treatment for poultry?

58 Half-hearted 61 "There's __ in team" 62 Laundry employee 63 Big-screen entertainment for angels?

68 Hurdle for srs.

69 First religious leader of his title to be called "The Great" 70 Guy 71 Charlottesville sch.

72 Tools for some crossword solvers 73 500-mile race

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74 Furry friend Down 1 Derby cocktail 2 For face value 3 Japanese takeout orders 4 Many an off-campus local 5 An Allman brother 6 Suffix with robot 7 Budgetary excess 8 Fendi rival 9 Seuss activist 10 Amer. capital 11 Bk. before Esther 12 Classic muscle cars 13 Shorthand for unlisted items 14 Alluring 20 With 35-Down, papery construction best left alone 22 Filmmaker Lupino 26 Blacksmith wear 27 For fear that 28 Capital on a fjord 29 Patricia of "Hud" 33 Tending to, as the loot 34 Like pirates, often 35 See 20-Down 36 Uncertain 37 Part of IPA 38 Midori in a rink 39 Gourd fruit 40 Piercing tool 42 Corner off. occupant 43 Share juicy details 44 Fabled braggart 49 Dust Bowl migrant

50 Dancing dinosaur 51 Kitchen gadget maker 53 __ circle 54 Pacific salmon 55 Brandish 56 Guts

57 "That's what I'm talking about!"

58 Sanitizing cloth 59 Latin love 60 California tourist valley 64 Kisses, in love letters

65 Paris' __ de la Cité 66 "What __ missing?"

67 FedEx fleet member

33

34

THE SUN

CLASSIFIED

ANNOUNCEMENTS BEACH YOGA ON Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www.thriveyogafit.com THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Kathy Primeau at 989-560-6381.

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

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

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

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

EMPLOYMENT LANDSCAPE WORKER AT ISLAND CONDO. 40 hours per week plus benefits. 941-778-5915 westbaypoint@verizon. net LOCAL LONG STANDING Island Business looking for an experienced full charge bookkeeper/accountant.

Pay Commensurate with experience. Please send your resume to info@ gaunt.com HIRING VACATION RENTAL Reservationists/Quality Control Anna Maria Island 40 hours a week plus benefits, weekends required Customer focused individuals, willing to train please send resume liz@ SaltyMermaidami.com

Call us today! 941-778-3986

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

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

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.

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

Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941 ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal.

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

LOST & FOUND FOUND PACKAGE WITH CAMERA EQUIPMENT including SD cards, Cannon Lenses. Found near 1101 Gulf Dr N Queen’s Gate Resort Call 941-320-2697 FOUND MAN’S WEDDING RING. In Wal-Mart parking lot on Cortez. Call 518822-7315

MOVING & STORAGE

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CBC 1261150.

Call Mike Kern 941-7781115

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

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

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING

JSAN CORPORATION Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors.

Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.

API’S DRYWALL REPAIR 15+ years experience.

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

Call 941-524-8067.

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

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

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

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

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident.

Quality Workmanship.

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

JANUARY 19, 2022

POOL SERVICES

RENTALS: ANNUAL

RENTAL WANTED

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

Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657

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

Call today for details.

Ask for Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 513-3821992.

WANTED ROOM TO RENT Mature professional female with no pets or kids needs room. Please call 941-9286033.

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RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION

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

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

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

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

SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates.

Contact Barb Grace 941201-2190 ANNA MARIA ISLAND CONDOS Large pool, beach access, free WiFi, 1&2 Bedroom $700/$800/$900 a wk. redekercondosonami. com Tim 941-704-7525 VACATION RENTALANNA MARIA 3BR/2.5BA beautiful home west of Gulf Drive just steps to the beach. Available January and February 2022. Fran Maxon Real Estate 941-778-2307.

SEEKING WINTER 2023 SNOWBIRD Rental. January/February. Close to or on water. 2BR, small pet.

Approximatley $3000/mo.

Call 651-724-2243 email cbcrna!@yahoo.com

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

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

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JANUARY 19, 2022

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

THE SUN

35

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

TRANSPORTATION

36

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THE SUN

JANUARY 19, 2022

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