Anna Maria Island Sun January 1, 2020

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VOL 20 No. 12

HAPPY NEW YEAR

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January 1, 2020

The year in review: Anna Maria

2019 produced much progress in the construction of the new Anna Maria City Pier.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Doug Copeland handed out flags at the city’s annual Veterans Day celebration.

Doug Copeland: Sun’s Person of the Year

Anna Maria resident Doug Copeland has served the city and the Island in many capacities.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Anna Maria Commissioner Doug Copeland is The Sun’s Person of the Year for 2019.

In December, Copeland finished his final term as a city commissioner and ended his decades of elected, appointed or volunteer service to the city of Anna Maria and Anna Maria Island.

ANNA MARIA – The construction of the new city pier was the dominant news story in Anna Maria in 2019.

In January, the i+iconSoutheast construction company began staging its equipment and materials in the pier parking area.

On Feb. 2, the first concrete pilings were driven.

In mid-March, Manatee County Commissioners Betsy Benac, Steve Jonsson and Carol Whitmore took a boat tour of the work in progress and got an up-close look at the pier project being partially funded by county funds.

In April, the last pier piling was driven and the construction of the pier walkway and T-end platform began.

In June, the city commission selected Anna Maria-based Mason Martin Builders to build the new restaurant, bait shop and public restrooms at the T-end of the pier.

In September, an i+iconSoutheast barge struck and damaged the pier walkway. The repairs to the damaged pier pilings and pier structure added approximately three weeks to the construction timeline.

Construction of the new pier buildings began in early October and is expected to be completed in late February, minus the interior buildouts to be completed by the pier tenant.

SEE ANNA MARIA, PAGE 7

In June 2013, Copeland was appointed to fill the remainder of the commission term being vacated by Commissioner John Quam. Copeland was elected to his first full term in office later that year and was reelected in 2015 and 2017. He did not seek reelection in 2019.

Copeland helped develop and adopt Anna Maria’s vacation rental ordinance in 2015. The ordinance established an eight-person maximum occupancy limit for new vacation rental units, and the annual registration fees fund the city’s vacation rental-related code enforcement efforts.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

In mid-March, these pelicans rested on the new pier pilings that now support the new buildings being built at the end of the pier.

SEE COPELAND, PAGE 27

INSIDE

AN EXCLUSIVE

NEWS 4 CALENDAR 7 OUTDOORS 22-23 RESTAURANTS 29 REAL ESTATE 30-35 CROSSWORD 36 CLASSIFIEDS 37-39

CITY PIER tennant makes his final

look at how the new Anna Maria City Pier is taking shape. 10

lease offer to Anna Maria. 11

Anna Maria Island, Florida

CENTER reef project helps filter

local waters. 18

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

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JANUARY 1, 2020

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JANUARY 1, 2020

I’m not going away, just stepping down Wind in in my face TOM VAUGHT

T

his is my retirement announcement. After almost 28 years of covering events on Anna Maria Island (plus five years at the Bradenton Herald), I’m retiring as a full-time reporter, but I will still be around.

I have been given the opportunity to write a column. There’s so much to write about – from the Island’s fight against the inevitable growth that was and is coming, to the changes in the people who live here – it is full of interesting stories.

When I first got a job at the startup Island Free Press, the county was preparing for its first

beach renourishment. Being a Colorado boy, I wasn’t familiar with the beach, but I was able to tour the renourishment barge with a photographer to let people see what was making the sand come from the bottom of the Gulf to the shore.

Another watershed event for the Island and myself began when a Florida Department of Transportation official said at a meeting of the Island Elected Officials that the Anna Maria Island drawbridge was going to be replaced by a tall, fixed-span bridge and there was nothing the residents could do about it.

It was a done deal, the FDOT official said.

That ignited a long, grassroots fight that did, in fact, stop the project for a few years. However, as time passed and traffic congestion grew to nearly intolerable levels, sentiment among many people

changed in favor of the tall bridge idea. Today, that bridge is on tap to be built. The same appears true for the Cortez Bridge, where another fight is brewing over similar plans for a tall, fixed-span structure to replace the aging drawbridge.

When they don’t feel their rights are being tested, Island residents are very warm and welcoming, enjoying their retirements or snowbird visits, and they do give a damn about those gorgeous beaches and the critters that inhabit them.

In upcoming columns I hope to bring you some insight how the Island was and how it is today.

I’m a lucky man. I still have (most of) my health, my beautiful wife, Darcy Lee, my brother, Mike, who lives in Bradenton and an opportunity to write a column that I hope people will read and enjoy.

Until then, next time.

THE SUN

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Senior Adventures plans January fun The Senior Adventures group based at Annie Silver Community Center in Bradenton Beach has planned a monthlong calendar of events for residents and visitors to enjoy.

• Behind the scenes ice cream making tour at Sweet Berries, Bradenton; Friday, Jan. 3, at 10 a.m. (van $5, reservation required; call 941-778-1908).

• Brunch and classical piano concert at Sunny Side Retirement Community, Sarasota; Friday, Jan. 10, at 9:15 a.m. (van $5, reservation required; call 941778-1908). $3 donation.

• Pork dinner; Friday, Jan. 17 at 5 p.m., Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, $8 donation.

• Coffee and travelogue on “Impressions of France;” Friday Jan. 24, at 10 a.m., Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach.

• Book sale and potluck; Friday, Jan. 31, at 10 a.m., Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach.

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ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

Holiday trash schedule and closures

The New Year is here and with it comes government office closures and changes to recycling, trash and yard waste collection schedules.

Both Waste Pro and Waste Management will be following their holiday collection schedules on Jan. 1, New Year’s Day. Trash, recycling and yard waste collections will take place as scheduled on Tuesday, Dec. 31. No collections will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 1. Customers with normal Wednesday collection will have their trash, recycling or yard waste collected on Thursday. No unscheduled pick ups will take place over the weekend.

City offices in all three Island cities, Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach, will be closed New Year’s Day, Jan. 1. The Center of Anna Maria Island will close Dec. 31 at 1 p.m., reopening at 7 a.m. on Jan. 2. The Island Branch Library and Tingley Memorial Library both will be open Dec. 31, but will be closed Jan. 1.

Road report Crews continue to make structural, electrical and mechanical repairs on the Longboat Key Pass Bridge. Expect nighttime/overnight lane closures from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. at SR 789, Gulf Drive with sidewalk closures. Expected completion is early 2020.

Crews are installing new highway lighting at various locations along SR 684, Cortez Road West, from Gulf Drive to Ninth Street in Bradenton Expect nighttime/overnight lane closures from 10:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. Expected completion is early 2020.

Center hosts Parkinson’s education forum For anyone curious about Parkinson’s disease or how to help a loved one suffering from it, The Center of Anna Maria Island is hosting a Parkinson’s education forum Jan. 6. The forum is titled “Strategies to Improve Cognitive Fitness” and will be presented by representatives from the Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s at no cost to the public.

Instructors from Island Fitness and Thrive Yoga also will be on-hand to discuss their new free pilot programs, including Pedal for Parkinson’s, which begins Jan. 14 at The Center. No reservations are necessary to attend the forum. The educational session takes place from noon to 2 p.m. on Jan. 6 at The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. For more information, call 941778-1908 or email islandfitness@centerami.org.

Register for adult volleyball The Center of Anna Maria Island’s adult co-ed volleyball league is returning just in time to help you meet your New Year’s resolution of staying more active. Participants can register as single players or as a team of six players. Each team must have at least one female player on the court at all times during games. The season kicks off Jan. 27 with games played on Monday nights beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The cost to play is $10 for Center members and $96 for nonmembers. Games take place at The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. The final day to register is Jan. 16 and a late fee of $10 will be assessed to players registering after that date. For more information, to register or to sponsor a team, contact The Center at 941-778-1908 or visit www.centerami.org.

Visit our website, www.amisun.com.

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JANUARY 1, 2020

2019: A look back Holmes Beach year in review

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

HOLMES BEACH – It was a busy year for city leaders in Holmes Beach.

The year kicked off with the newly-elected members of the Charter Review Commission meeting beginning in January.

Though Charter Review commissioners could not reach a majority vote to consider the issue of a city manager in Holmes Beach, they did propose eight charter amendments, all of which passed with voters in the November election.

Also passing with voters in November were the re-elections of Commissioners Carol Soustek and Jim Kihm and the election of Commissioner Terry Schaefer.

After spending the first several months of the year making plans, work began in the fall on improvements at the city field complex, including the dog park, skate park, tot lot and multiuse field. Gone is the ball field, replaced by the large dog park with the rest of the space taken up by the expanded multi-use field. The old skate park was torn down with the cement pad to be used for staging by public works employees and a new skate park is under construction along Marina Drive.

After receiving feedback from Island skaters, city commissioners chose Pivot, a division of American Ramp Company, and designer Tito Porrata to build the concrete promenade style skate park and skate bowl. Though the city had enough funds budgeted to build the skate park, it took members of the community stepping up and pledging funds to get the bowl built.

Members of the city’s Parks and Beautification Committee worked for months with dog park users to help design a new park to meet the needs of both canine and human users. At the end of 2019, those plans were finally coming to fruition with the large dog park being relocated and

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Kids have fun on a bounce obstacle featuring a spinning disk at National Night Out in October. work being done in both the small and large dog parks.

The multi-use field, dog park and skate park are all expected to be opened to the public in January with the first opening scheduled for the multi-use field on Jan. 10, 2020.

Though funding was received to replace the aging playground equipment from the Hagen Foundation and private donations, work on the new tot lot playground had not begun as of the end of 2019.

Work also was completed on a multi-use trail stretching down an eastern portion of Palm and Marina Drives to meet up with a multi-use trail in Anna Maria. An effort to install lighted crosswalks in dangerous areas for pedestrians was begun along Gulf Drive. A project to widen bicycle paths along the city’s main corridors and restripe bicycle lanes also was approved by commissioners.

Also, after months of work and the installation of an aeration system, Development Services Director Eran Wasserman said the waters of Spring Lake were clear with visibility to the bottom of the lake in December. The lake is scheduled for a water quality test in January 2020.

It wasn’t all good news in 2019 for Holmes Beach city leaders.

Several Bert Harris cases made an appearance in court; though the

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Commissioner Jim Kihm was sworn in for a second term in office in November 2019. city walked away with victories, many cases are still outstanding.

In other court cases, the tree house at the Angelinos Sea Lodge is still standing and its fate is still being disputed in court. Kicking off the new year, city leaders are scheduled to meet tree house owners Lynn Tran and Richard Hazen in court on Jan. 8.

2019 also marked the first year of Judy Titsworth’s first term as mayor. She marked the occasion in November with a state of the city address and in December by recognizing former Commissioner Rick Hurst, charter review commissioners and all the committee members who resigned from service to the community during her first year as mayor.

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JANUARY 1, 2020

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Bradenton Beach year in review Many of the public projects discussed and pursued in 2019 will be completed in 2020.

costs already exceed $450,000 and that figure will increase as more attorney invoices are received.

BY JOE HENDRICKS

STATE APPROPRIATIONS

In 2019, the Florida Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded the city of Bradenton Beach $3.2 million in state funds. The state funds include $2.69 million dollars for stormwater and drainage improvements and $500,000 for the seagrass mitigation that will be needed to dredge the navigation channel south of the Bridge Street Pier in 2020.

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The year 2019 produced two significant court victories for the city, many public projects were pursued and the city received more than $3 million is state appropriations.

COURT RULINGS

In July, Circuit Court Judge Edward Nicholas ruled former Planning and Zoning Board members Reed Mapes, John Metz, Patty Shay and Bill Vincent, and former Scenic WAVES Committee members Tjet Martin and Rose Vincent violated the Florida Sunshine Law on numerous occasions when discussing advisory board business at their Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach meetings.

Five of the defendants are now appealing Nicholas’ ruling and Shay has not joined the appeal efforts.

In November, Nicholas ruled the city

FLOATING DOCK

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Bradenton Beach CRA members spent much of 2019 dealing with issues associated with the new floating dock. is entitled to recover attorney fees and legal expenses incurred since the city filed the lawsuit in 2017.

When issuing his ruling, Nicholas said the amount to be recovered would be determined at a future hearing.

He later ordered the city and the de-

fendants to participate in a pre-hearing mediation session. The mediation session will provide the parties an opportunity to discuss a possible agreement regarding how much the defendants must pay the city.

The city’s attorney fees and legal

The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) spent much of 2019 trying to get a new floating day dock installed next to the Bridge Street Pier.

First contracted with the Technomarine Group in early 2017, the premanufactured floating dock was installed by the Hecker Construction Company in July and opened to the public on Aug. 2.

SEE BRADENTON BEACH, PAGE 8

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OPINION

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

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The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field Layout Ricardo Fonseca Reporters Cindy Lane Tom Vaught Joe Hendricks Kristin Swain Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis Advertising director Shona Otto

Drop us a line Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment? Is

Island Sun, P.O. Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216.

Ad assistant Pamela Lee

there something you need to get off your chest? Send

Letters should be kept to 300 words or less and must

us a letter to the editor and have your say. There are

contain your name and the city in which you reside.

Classified ads Bob Alexander

a couple of ways to do it. The easiest and most direct

Personal attacks and obscene language will not be

is to email The Sun at news@amisun.com. Remem-

printed. The Sun reserves the right to edit letters for

Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca

ber to put Letter to the Editor in the subject field. Or

length or content.

you can snail-mail a letter to us at The Anna Maria

Digital/Social Media editor Cindy Lane Accounting John Reitz Distribution Bob Alexander Tony McNulty Connor Field Contributors Pat Copeland Steve Borggren Monica Simpson

Going home Birds head to their roosts for the evening after an Anna Maria Island sunset.

CINDY LANE | SUN

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JANUARY 1, 2020

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ON THE AGENDA ANNA MARIA 10005 GULF DRIVE

For information, call 941-7086130 Jan. 1, all day – City offices closed for New Year’s holiday Jan. 9, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting

BRADENTON BEACH 107 GULF DRIVE N.

For information, call 941-778-1005 Jan. 1, all day – City offices closed for New Year’s holiday Jan. 7, 10 a.m. – City Commission work meeting

Jan. 8, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting Jan. 9, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting Jan. 15, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting

HOLMES BEACH 5801 MARINA DRIVE

Jan. 1, all day – City offices closed for New Year’s holiday Jan. 8, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautification Committee meeting Jan. 8, 6 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting Jan. 14, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOTE: EVENTS ARE FREE UNLESS INDICATED.

WEDNESDAY JAN. 1

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

THURSDAY JAN. 2

Veteran services information, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m.

Coquina Coastal Cleanup, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 9 a.m. to noon. Reserve to 941-742-5923, ext. 6035.

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

Nature Night at the NEST, Telescopes 101, Robinson Preserve, Mosaic NEST, 10299 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 7 p.m. Reserve to sarah.denison@mymanatee.org.

FRIDAY

Jan. 3 Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

Sunshine Stitchers knit and crochet, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Sunset drum circle, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY JAN. 4

Saturday at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, Mosaic NEST, 10299 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m. to noon.

Photography shootout, Robinson Preserve, Mosaic NEST, 10299 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m. to noon, $15 for one category, $25 for two categories or $30 for three categories. Reserve to www. jefferiesphotography.com.

Ask a master gardener, Island

FILE PHOTO

The inaugural Thanks-Living community gathering took place at City Pier Park on Nov. 27

ANNA MARIA: year in review

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

Game day, all ages, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

Tortoise talks, Valentine House, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 1 p.m.

Sidewalk astronomy, Robinson Preserve, expansion parking area, 10299 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 8 p.m.

In October, current pier tenant Mario Schoenfelder rejected two lease options presented by Mayor Dan Murphy.

On Dec. 22, Schoenfelder submitted his counteroffer, which the commission considers to be his final offer. That offer is scheduled to be discussed on Thursday, Jan. 9.

SUNDAY

CITY EVENTS

JAN. 5

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

Rise and Shine power flow yoga, Robinson Preserve, Mosaic NEST, 10299 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 10:30 a.m., $10 cash only.

MONDAY JAN. 6

Paddle, Neal Preserve, 12301 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Reserve to ecoevents@mymanatee.org.

TUESDAY JAN. 7

Farmers market, City Pier Park, 100 N. Bay Blvd. Anna Maria, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Intermediate kayaking skills, Bayfront Park, 316 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 9 a.m. to noon. Reserve to ecoevents@mymanatee.org.

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

Preschool story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

Cricut with Rachel, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

FROM PAGE 1

In 2019, the city of Anna Maria hosted several city events and the mayor and commission continued their efforts to make City Pier Park a community gathering place. The city hosted its annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day parades, both of which were followed with postparade ceremonies at City Pier Park.

Free hot dogs and refreshments were given out during the annual Fourth of July celebration.

In October, the seasonal farmers market returned and will continue each Tuesday until mid-May. In November, the inaugural Thanks-Living community gathering occurred at the park.

In December, the city hosted its annual Holiday Carols in the Park event that this year included the trophy presentations for the city’s inaugural holiday lighting contest.

ORDINANCES

In August, the commission denied Anna Maria General Store owner Brian Seymour’s request to amend the city’s alcohol ordinance and allow him to operate a package liquor store on Pine Avenue, within 1,000 feet of Roser Memorial Community Church.

In September, the commission amended the city noise ordinance that now results in a $35 fine being issued instead of a warning upon a deputy’s first response to a verified noise complaint. The first citation triggers a notice to the property owner and property manager. A second noise citation issued to the same guests

FILE PHOTO

In October, this home on North Shore Drive was among those impacted by high tides and the passing of Post-Tropical Cyclone Nestor carries a $200 fine. A third and subsequent citation issued to the same guests carries a $500 fine and the city holds both the property owner and the property manager liable for the fines incurred.

COMINGS AND GOINGS

City Commissioner Brian Seymour resigned in late August, and Planning and Zoning Board member Mark Short was appointed to serve the remainder of his two-year term.

City Commissioner Doug Copeland decided not to seek re-election, and his time in office ended in December.

Commissioner Dale Woodland was disqualified from running for re-election because he paid his qualifying fee with a personal check instead of with a check drawn from a campaign account. Woodland’s most recent term ended in December, and he now hopes to be reappointed on Jan. 9.

In December, Sgt. Mike Jones, from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, announced he would be leaving the Anna Maria unit. Sgt. Brett Getman is now taking over as the leader of the city’s contracted police force.

NOTABLE PASSINGS

Longtime Anna Maria General Store employee and Holmes Beach resident George Wilson Jr. passed away in July.

Anna Maria Island Sun co-publisher Maggie McGinley-Field passed away in October.

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THE SUN

JANUARY 1, 2020

BRADENTON BEACH: year in review sent a letter of objection to county commissioners, who later decided to move forward with the proposed phase one tree removals.

In late June, Bradenton Beach Building Official Steve Gilbert received from the county a city code-required landscaping plan that stated the removed pines would be replaced with 83 green buttonwoods, 10 gumbo limbos and 10 shady lady black olive trees.

FROM PAGE 5

In early October the dock was closed due to issues with the gangway that provides access between the pier and the floating dock.

On Oct. 22. Public Works Director Tom Woodard told the CRA members some of the roller brackets that connect the floating dock to its wooden pilings failed as a result of wave action associated with PostTropical Cyclone Nestor.

The dock reopened on Dec. 4 after Duncan Seawall, Dock & Boat Lift completed its revisions and modifications to the gangway. The failed roller brackets must still be replaced.

CRA PROJECTS

In October, the CRA reached an agreement with the Bradenton Beach Post Office that now allows afterhours and weekend parking for the public, while reserving at all times three spaces for post office users.

In 2019, the CRA members agreed to underground the utility lines

VOSBURGH RETURNS

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

In July, the city of Bradenton Beach prevailed in the Sunshine Law lawsuit filed in 2017 along Bridge Street and that project is expected to be completed in early 2020.

The CRA has purchased the brick pavers that will soon replace the white 57-stone that sits atop the stormwater infiltration trenches and parking spaces along Bridge Street.

AUSTRALIAN PINES REMOVED

In May, Bradenton Beach commissioners were surprised to learn the county intended to remove more than 100 Australian pines to accommodate the first phase of a drainage and paving project at the south end of the Coquina Beach parking area.

In response, the city commission

In November, Jan Vosburgh returned to the city commission.

Vosburgh served six 6½ years as a commissioner before term-limiting out of office in 2016. She ran unopposed in the 2019 city elections and now fills the Ward 3 seat formerly held by one-term commissioner Randy White, who did not seek reelection.

Mayor John Chappie and Commissioner Jake Spooner also ran unopposed in 2019 and are now serving new two-year terms in office.

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JANUARY 1, 2020

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JANUARY 1, 2020

Sun exclusive: The new pier takes shape Wondering what's been going on at the end of the Anna Maria City Pier since Hurricane Irma closed it down?.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy recently provided The Sun with a tour of the new restaurant, bait shop and public restrooms being built at the end of the new City Pier.

Murphy said he’s very impressed with the work being by done by Mason Martin Builders, the local firm that’s constructing the buildings atop the pier built by i+iconSoutheast.

While standing in what will be the kitchen area for the new restaurant, Murphy pointed to the steel girders and building frame and the large bolts along the base of the steel frame that secure the new buildings to the concrete pier platform below, which was not the case with the old wooden pier.

“The quality of the construction is incredible,” Murphy said.

The new pier also has a boat landing on one side that will make it accessible by water.

Murphy said he expects the pier buildings to be finished in late February, minus the interior buildouts of the restaurant and bait shop buildings that are expected to be completed by the yet to be determined pier tenant.

Murphy expects the pier walkway and T-end deck area to be opened to the public in late February.

There is no timetable yet for when the restaurant and bait shop will open.

The new pier replaces the old pier that was already slated for future rehabilitation when Hurricane Irma ripped the roof off the bait shop, damaged the restaurant roof and popped loose several sections of the T-end decking. The old pier was demolished in 2018.

The new pier is expected to cost about $5 million and is being funded with federal, state, county and city money. The current plan also calls for the pier tenant to pay for the interior buildouts of the new buildings, but that will ultimately depend on who the pier tenant is.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Mayor Dan Murphy shows off the inside of the new restaurant building.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Mayor Dan Murphy likes the fact that the new buildings’ steel frames are bolted to the concrete deck platform below. As of Dec. 19, the far end of the new restaurant building looked like this.

Mayor Dan Murphy points out the boat landing on the new City Pier.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

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JANUARY 1, 2020

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Pier tenant submits final lease offer City Commissioners will discuss Mario Schoenfelder’s lease offer on Thursday, Jan. 9.

Do you, mayor and commissioners

BY JOE HENDRICKS

of the city of Anna

PIER CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Mario Schoenfelder has submitted his final offer for the lease of the restaurant and bait shop buildings being built at the T-end of the new city pier.

Dated Dec. 22 and addressed to Mayor Dan Murphy and the members of the City Commission, Schoenfelder’s final offer proposes a base rent that’s $4,000 less than his previous offer.

“I previously offered a monthly rent of $12,000 based on the total buildout and equipment costs of $500,000. I now have received actual bids for buildout and equipment through the Schimberg Group (the architectural firm that designed the pier buildings) adding up to $865,000.

Therefore, I had to adjust the rent that I am offering,” Schoenfelder stated in his written offer.

“My offer is a monthly rent of $8,000 with the first six months rent-free, a CPIbased (Consumer Price Index) adjustment kicking in after three years and a 10-year lease with two five-year options,” the offer states.

The commission will discuss Schoenfelder’s offer on Thursday, Jan. 9, and may decide that night to accept it or reject it. The meeting starts at 6 p.m.

In October, Schoenfelder rejected two lease options Murphy presented. One option proposed an initial base rent of $21,600 per month with a 3% percent annual increase or an annual CPI adjustment. The second option proposed a base rent of $18,900 per month with a $250,000 up-front payment upon signing

Maria, honestly believe and expect the City Pier Restaurant to sell successfully a cheeseburger for $18JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

It is not yet known who will lease the restaurant and bait shop buildings on the new City Pier. and the same annual increases.

In November, the city commission gave Schoenfelder until Dec. 31 to submit his last, best and final offer to continue his pier-based business operations after his current lease expires on Dec. 15, 2020.

The commission also took the precautionary measure of authorizing Murphy to prepare a request for proposals (RFP) for the lease of the pier buildings and have the RFP ready at the Jan. 9 meeting in case the commission rejects Schoenfelder’s offer.

If issued, the RFP would seek proposals from other restaurant operators interested in leasing the city-owned buildings at the T-end of the new pier. The pier walkway and T-end deck area are expected to open to the public in February, before the future pier tenant’s interior buildouts are completed.

CURRENT LEASE

Schoenfelder signed his original pier lease in 2000. According to that

document, Schoenfelder’s base rent was $9,240 in September 2017 when the old pier was closed due to damage the pier decking and pier buildings sustained during Hurricane Irma.

The original and current lease called for Schoenfelder’s monthly base rent to increase to $10,800 on Dec. 16, 2018, and continue at that rate until the lease expired in late 2020. The monthly base rent figures listed in the current lease do not include the annual cost of living increases that are part of the current lease.

Schoenfelder’s monthly rent payments were suspended when the pier closed. His most recent payment was $11,898 paid on Sept. 5, 2017.

RENT INCREASE

“The rent the city is demanding represents increases of 82% or 59% compared to the pre-storm rent. This does not allow for substantially increased restaurant pricing, nor would this be accepted by the public. Do you, mayor and commission-

$20?”

Mario Schoenfelder, Pier Tenant ers of the city of Anna Maria, honestly believe and expect the City Pier Restaurant to sell successfully a cheeseburger for $18-$20?” Schoenfelder asked in his final offer.

“An increase of $116,000 or $84,000 annually is impossible to be covered through increased prices and increased volume of revenue. Additional annual rent of $116,000 would not only reduce the operation’s income dramatically, it would substantially increase the chances of the restaurant suffering ongoing losses and ultimately failing,” the offer states.

Schoenfelder’s offer notes the average profit margin of a full-service restaurant in Florida is 3-5%. It also notes Schoenfelder has owned the nearby Rod & Reel Pier restaurant since 1999, and he feels this provides him with knowledge regarding restaurant operations on Anna Maria Island.

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JANUARY 1, 2020

Celebration of life a fundraising success The money raised will help Kaya Sage Shell attend college after she graduates high school.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Kyle Shell’s fundraising celebration of life raised $6,074 that will help his 17-year-old daughter, Kaya Sage Shell, attend college in hopes of becoming a doctor.

Additional donations given directly to Kyle Shell’s mom, Gayden Shell, brought Saturday’s fundraising total to $8,074.

On Dec. 20, Bunny & Pirates Bazaar owners Elizabeth Shore and Jeffrey O’Connell hosted a benefit at their Cortez establishment that raised $1,000 for Kaya.

As of Sunday morning, the “In Memory of Kyle Shell” GoFundMe page raised $1,465.

All total, the extended Anna Maria Island community has raised $10,539 for Kaya’s future college education.

Kyle Shell, 42, passed away at his Bradenton Beach home on Dec. 3 as a result of heart failure.

Planned and coordinated by Sarah Santos, Courtney McGough, Chase Purtill and others, the Saturday, Dec.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Sarah Santos, Courtney McGough, Melissa Enders, Kaya Sage Shell, Gayden Shell and Mariah Hofmeister wore “Shell Yeah” visors in tribute to Kyle Shell.

28 celebration of life and fundraiser took place at the Sports Lounge and the Drift In in Bradenton Beach.

Local businesses donated the multitude of gift cards, gift certificates, gift baskets, cruise packages and more that were on display inside the Sports Lounge as part of the silent auction and raffles.

There was also a 50/50 drawing and several people who bought tickets wrote Kyle Shell on their tickets instead of their own names. This resulted in the late Kyle Shell winning the $1,500 drawing that was donated to his daughter.

Kyle Shell’s former Tangled Mangos bandmate, Mike Cunningham, won the

Kyle Shell inspired gift basket donated

by Sports Lounge and filled with two bottles of Fireball whisky, a bottle of Evan Williams bourbon, four cans of Diet Coke and a pack of Parliament cigarettes.

Inside the Drift In, folks lined up and gladly handed volunteer Trey Powers $5 in exchange for a plate of food from the bountiful buffet donated and prepared by several local restaurants.

The food offerings included Thai snapper nuggets, shrimp cocktail, chicken wings, black bean soup, seafood gumbo, pulled pork, pasta, brats, chili, salads and more.

Outside in the Drift In parking lot, Dos-Macs members Mike McConnell and Mack Black provided the musical entertainment, joined by special guests Mike Cunningham on percussion and Rich Dugan and Steve Paradis on guitars and vocals.

Kaya Shell traveled from Colorado with her mom, Mariah Hofmeister, to attend the fundraiser. They were joined by several other family members who also traveled to Anna Maria Island.

“It’s good to see how many people loved my dad and how many lives he SEE SHELL, PAGE 15

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JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Bayshore High School student Nicole Llorente read “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” to the children.

Moose throws Christmas party for kids On Saturday, Dec. 21, Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge #2188 and the Women of the Moose hosted their annual Christmas party for the children of the Moose members. After enjoying a free lunch of chicken tenders and fries, a Bayshore High School student read the children a Christmas story before Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer arrived. Santa Claus then arrived on the beach with a police escort. After having their pictures taken with Santa, each child left with a stuffed stocking.

Lodge Administrator Byron Dalton said, “The Christmas party is phenomenal. The Women of the Moose have been doing this for years. The kids are happy, the kids are smiling, their tummies are full and they’re talking to Santa Claus.”

lobster fest January 17-19

Lunch Specials Daily

4628 119th St W Cortez (941)798-2035 swordfishgrill.com Marker 49 by boat

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Roman Rampini, 6, greeted Santa after he arrived on the beach with a police escort.

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JANUARY 1, 2020

WMFR year in review

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

West Manatee Fire Rescue district had an eventful year, beginning with the retirement of Chief Tom Sousa and appointment of Chief Ben Rigney as his successor. A change of command ceremony was held on Oct. 17 at Station 1 on 67th Street in Bradenton.

District commissioners also opted to move forward with plans to relocate WMFR’s administrative offices from temporary quarters at Palma Sola Presbyterian Church to a new, permanent home. Commissioners purchased a lot located behind the Fountain Court Shopping Center on Manatee Avenue and chose Hall Architects in October to develop a design for the project.

Throughout the year, commissioners handed out commendations for promotions, career milestones and service to the community. One of the most popular awards in 2019 was the Phoenix Award, an award given to first responders who help bring patients back from the brink of death.

The district handed out almost a dozen Phoenix Awards to first responders who helped give patients a second chance at life.

FILE PHOTO

Chief Ben Rigney, center, talks with WMFR’s two retired chiefs, Chief Tom Sousa and Chief Andy Price on Oct. 17 at a change of command ceremony.

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SHELL: Celebration of life a fundraising success FROM PAGE 12

impacted,” Kaya Shell said during the final hour of the afternoon event.

At the time, it was estimated approximately $5,000 had already been raised for her.

“Wow, that’s awesome,” Kaya said.

A few minutes later, Gayden Shell said, “Seeing this done for my son is the most humbling thing I’ve ever seen. I’m thankful to everyone that’s come out. Kaya’s going to be able to go to college, and that’s what we did this for. This means as much to her and her family as it does to me.”

On Sunday, Sarah Santos said, “I was overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support shown for Kyle. Our tight-knit community truly comes together when called upon. Thank you to all the local businesses for their generous donations, thanks to the volunteers and thanks to all who came out to support Kyle and his family. It really was a true testament to the loved man he was.”

ASHES AND FLOWERS

At 10 a.m. that morning, 28 friends and family members gathered along the bay at the southeast end of Coquina Beach. Assembled in a circle and holding hands, they shared a silent prayer and spoken memories of Kyle Shell.

The group then walked under the Longboat Pass Bridge and gathered along the shoreline where Gayden Shell entered Longboat Pass to spread of her son’s ashes while Kaya and others tossed flowers petals into the water.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Friends and family members gathered in tribute to Kyle Shell at Longboat Pass on Saturday morning.

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FILE PHOTO

The Outlaws rock The Center of Anna Maria Island in January 2019.

The Center’s year in review

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

The good news continued to come in at The Center of Anna Maria Island in 2019.

The Anna Maria nonprofit started the year off by hosting a five-part concert series in conjunction with the Manatee County Tourist Development Council and Manatee Performing Arts Center.

With the success of the first concert series, another five-part series kicked off in December with doo-wop band Sha Na Na and continues into 2020.

Financially, The Center remained on solid ground in 2019, ending the calendar year and the first half of its fiscal year within 1% of budget. During a December board meeting, Executive Director Chris Culhane said the nonprofit’s finances are expected to continue to improve in 2020 as the winter high season hits with more events, members and fundraising opportunities.

The Center’s Go Green campaign officially launched in November with a presentation by Philippe Cousteau Jr. and continued in December with the installation of 52 mini reefs in the waters around Anna Maria Island. The reefs provide homes for marine life and can help filter the water. Thanks to a matching donation of up to $130,000,

FILE PHOTO

Philippe Cousteau Jr. takes questions from the audience during his talk at The Center. each reef purchased as a part of the Go Green campaign resulted in a $300 donation to The Center. To help facilitate increased fundraising opportunities, the nonprofit welcomed new Director of Development Jim McDaniel in May. Capital improvements included changing all of the nonprofit campus’ lighting to LED bulbs, improvements to the second-floor restroom facilities and the start of an effort to replace all of the aging air conditioning units.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM in the Memorial Chapel 10:00 AM in the Sanctuary 5:30 PM soul ourn

J

Food & KidZone afterwards

LOVING CHRIST SHARING HIS GRACE SERVING ALL

941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • LIKE us on Facebook @RoserChurch

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Net camp trial pending A Jan. 13 trial in Manatee County Circuit Court may decide the fate of a stilt structure built in 2018 by Raymond Guthrie Jr. in Sarasota Bay offshore of the A.P. Bell Fish Co. in Cortez.

Guthrie claims the 1200-squarefoot building is a net camp, built where his family’s previous net camps stood.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has ordered Guthrie to take down the building, claiming state ownership of the submerged land.

A.P. Bell Fish Co. sued DEP for ordering the demolition of the building, claiming it owns the submerged land under the 1921 Butler Act, which awards title of submerged lands to adjacent waterfront property owners who made permanent improvements on the submerged lands.

Net camps were used by commercial fishermen to clean, dry, mend and store nets, and dotted the Cortez shoreline until the 1950s. They declined in use when netmakers began using polyester, and were made obsolete by the 1994 Florida gill net ban.

Happy New Year!

We wish you a wonderful holiday and all the best for the coming year!

CINDY LANE | SUN

This structure was built last year in Sarasota Bay off the historic Cortez fishing village.

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Reef project helps filter local waters Thanks to The Center’s Go Green campaign, in conjunction with Ocean Habitats LLC, 52 mini reefs were scheduled to be installed in the waters around Anna Maria sland before the New Year.

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

BRADENTON BEACH – A windy, cloudy afternoon didn’t stop the fatherson team of David and David Wolfe from coming out to the dock behind the Bridge Tender Inn Dec. 20 to install four mini reefs as a part of The Center’s Go Green initiative.

The four reefs were only a part of the six reefs purchased by the Bridge Tender’s owner, Fred Bartizal, who purchased two additional reefs to be placed in the water near his home.

In a statement emailed to The Sun, Bartizal said, “The Bridge Tender Inn takes great pride in going green. Everyone should be doing it; it is essential for the earth and future generations.”

He added that the restaurant participates in recycling and is switching over to biodegradable napkins, straws, cutlery and to-go containers.

The mini reefs, the brainchild of David Wolfe, of Ocean Habitats LLC, are made almost exclusively of sustainable materials designed to hold around 150 pounds with a lifespan of 10-15 years.

The reefs are installed underneath docks, attached by floating marine ropes and bob just underneath the surface where they provide a home for fish and other marine life.

Ocean Habitat’s mini reefs can be used in salt and brackish water. They filter over 30,000 gallons of water per day and can provide a nursery home for fish and crabs, producing around 300 fish per year and 200 crabs per year.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Once installed in the water, the reefs bob just under the surface and are ready to become a home for oysters, fish, plants and other sea life.

Wolfe said the idea for the reefs came out of a college research project.

Once he shrunk the initial reef down to its current 24x36x24 inch size and rethought all of the materials with longevity and sustainability in mind, he developed the current mini reef and a fish crib to be used in freshwater lakes and ponds.

Though the mini reefs are available through the Ocean Habitats website, www.oceanhabitatsinc.com, they’re also available through The Center of Anna Maria Island at a discounted price, including installation.

The reefs are being made available as a part of The Center’s Go Green campaign, encouraging community members to live a more sustainable life while also supporting the nonprofit.

Each reef can be purchased for $350 with $150 going to support The Center’s annual fund.

Through Jan. 15, a private donor is sponsoring a donation match up to $130,000, so any reefs purchased by the deadline produces an additional $150 donation for a total of $300 back to The Center.

Center Director of Development Jim McDaniel said that as of Dec. 20, 52 mini reefs had been purchased and were planned to be installed around Anna Maria Island by the New Year. He said an additional four were in-process.

The goal, he said, is to not only see what kind of positive impact these mini reefs can have on local waters but also to see how many new donors will come forward to help out The Center.

Once all of the reefs are installed, McDaniel said The Center plans to create a map of the reef locations and hopefully will be able to use the project for research purposes in the future.

For people who want a different,

but still tangible, way to support The Center, there’s the Giving Reef, located in the nonprofit’s lobby. For the Giving Reef, program directors priced and placed tags with items needed, from soccer balls to new fitness equipment, on the reef. Anyone can come in, find something that they feel passionate about supporting or that fits into their budget and provide the funds to purchase that item.

McDaniel said that items range from about $130 to $3,500 and are all currently included in The Center’s budget.

By community members purchasing those items, those budgeted funds can go back into the annual fund for use in other areas or for saving for the future of the nonprofit.

For more information on the mini reefs and the Giving Reef, visit www. centerami.org/support.

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OUTDOORS

JANUARY 1, 2020

The ups and downs of tides Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

T

he only thing I know for sure after almost four decades of fishing area waters is that I’ll never figure it out.

That’s in the context of finding fish and divining the conditions that make them want to eat my flies. That’s a good thing because contrary to what we might think, that would diminish the allure of the sport.

Actually, there are at least two things I know for sure. The other one? Having at least a good working knowledge of the incomprehensible conditions that affect the feeding patterns of fish will definitely up your game.

Paying attention to tides and the movement of water where you fish

and wherever you travel will greatly increase your angling odds. Locally you can do that by experience and paying attention. When you travel that’s the advantage of having a professional guide who’s been there done that. Actually, depending on how much time you have on the water, the same applies locally.

While I always like to follow the axiom, “The best time to go fishing is whenever you can,” understanding and being able to track tidal fluctuations is invaluable.

Let’s start with a quick primer.

While there are myriad factors that influence the tides, basically it’s the gravitational pull of the moon on the earth and its oceans that’s the prime driver. This means that the oceans on opposite sides of the earth experience high tides as the water is pulled away from the earth. The other object in the solar system that influences the tide is RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

SEE REEL TIME, PAGE 23

On low tide birds can provide intel on where to find fish on the rising tide.

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REEL TIME: The influence of tides FROM PAGE 22

the sun, which has approximately one half the influence of the moon.

When the sun and the moon line up at the full and new moon, their combined influence create the greatest pull, creating what is known as spring tides. When the sun and moon are at right angles to each other, during the moon’s first and last quarter, they interfere with each other and we experience weak or neap tides. In addition, the tidal ranges are greater when the moon and sun are at perigee, or closest to the earth.

Wind is another factor that affects tides. In our area a strong east wind can push tides lower and later, holding up a rising tide. A hard-west wind can do the opposite, pushing in a rising tide and holding up a falling one.

Experience will teach the angler how to benefit from the myriad tidal dynamics that affect fish and their feeding patterns. I learned a valuable lesson about tides on trips to the Bahamas in search of bonefish.

My first several trips were planned to coincide with a full or new moon in order to take advantage of the increased feeding activity that generally takes place during these times.

Instead, I found that the bonefish I was stalking would disappear into the mangroves as the tide rose, giving me a shorter window to pursue them along the mangrove fringes.

Based on that information I planned subsequent trips when neap tides slowed the progress and size of the tide providing many more opportunities for sight fishing.

Just the opposite is often true when I explore local waters. While I still fish whenever I have the opportunity,

I target days of extreme high and low tides because I know they stimulate feeding and concentrate fish. Depending on the time of year and the temperature, you can use the tide to take advantage of the season. In the winter when the waters chill down, I like to seek out locations where a late afternoon falling tide brings warm water off the flats. The holes, slues and channels the water drains into attract gamefish and can provide some excellent action.

When fishing the flats, working from the deep water to shallow on the falling tide and in reverse on the rising tide is a very effective way to target fish. Very low tides (during spring tides) provide an excellent opportunity to scan the flats for channels, slues and holes on the flats where fish congregate. Armed with this knowledge anglers can return when the flats are covered with water and benefit from that awareness.

Tide charts and apps are valuable because the tide can be varying heights depending on whether you’re fishing in the Gulf or far up a bay.

Planning your day to take advantage of these variations can make a real difference in action. No matter what species you target, you’ll have a better chance at success if you understand and track the tides. They can tell you where to concentrate your effort and help you avoid other less productive areas.

Pick up a tide chart at your local tackle shop or download one of a number of excellent apps on your smartphone. That way hopefully you’ll have more ups than downs.

THE CENTER OF ANNA MARIA ISLAND | SUBMITTED

Christmas donation Representatives from Yellow Bird, LLC, the company that operates the tree lot at the corner of Manatee Avenue and 75th Street in Bradenton, presents The Center of Anna Maria Island’s Executive Director Chris Culhane with a donation of $1,000 from the proceeds of the tree lot. This is the second year that the company has donated a part of its proceeds to The Center from the sale of trees to anyone who mentioned the nonprofit when making a purchase. Pictured alongside Culhane are Mike and Lynn Dobromil and Kerry and Chrissy Foley. Not pictured is Pat Brogan, owner of Yellow Bird.

Roser gift The Center’s Executive Director Chris Culhane accepts a donation from members of Roser Memorial Community Church for $1,100 to be used for youth programs.

THE CENTER OF ANNA MARIA ISLAND | SUBMITTED

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JANUARY 1, 2020

Golfing for God returns Golfing for God returns Jan. 8 for a round of golf, dinner and bible study at IMG Academy, 4350 El Conquistador Pkwy in Bradenton. Attendees can join Rev. Dr. Bob O’Keef from Roser Memorial Community Church for a nine-

hole scramble at 2:45 p.m. followed by dinner and a bible study at 5:30 p.m. for $35 per person.

Other options include joining the group for dinner and bible study for $20 per person or for dinner, bible study and a golf clinic for

$40. The Jan. 8 session will study the gospel according to Mark.

To register, call the church office at 941-778-0414 or go to www. roserchurch.com/g4g. Future dates include Jan. 29, Feb. 5 and Feb. 19.

Christmas lunch in Cortez The Cortez Cultural Center shared the Christmas spirit with village neighbors at a buffet lunch featuring turkey, ham and all the fixings on Saturday at the center, 11655 Cortez Road W., decorated for the holidays. From left, museum director and Cortez Village Historical Society member Kaye Bell enjoys dessert on the porch with Plum Taylor after the meal.

GREG PANAS |SUBMITTED

Happy birthday, Giorgio Happy birthday to Anna Maria Island’s own Giorgio Gomez, 24, who took a gold medal this year – as did his sister Izzi Gomez – in SUP surfing at the 2019 Pan American games. The Gomez siblings are the grandchildren of Jim and Ronee Brady of the West Coast Surf Shop in Holmes Beach.

CINDY LANE | SUN

Must present coupon. Most cars & light trucks.

Not valid with other coupons or discounts. Expires 01-31-20

Must present coupon.

Not valid with other coupons or discounts. Expires 01-31-20

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Street-side parking switching sides The arrival of the new year brings with it the city of Anna Maria’s annual rotation of street-side parking allowances. Portions of 14 Anna Maria streets will be impacted by the switch on which side of the street can be legally parked upon. The switches will take effect in January as the Public Works Department moves the parking signs from one side of the street to the other.

The impacted streets are: • The 700 and 800 blocks of Gladiolus Street, Fern Street and Jacaranda Road; • The 100 blocks of Newton Lane, Magnolia Avenue, Palm Avenue, Palmetto Avenue, Maple Avenue, Beach Avenue and Peppertree Lane; • The 200 blocks of Fir Avenue, Coconut Avenue, Sycamore Avenue and Elm Avenue.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Pay attention to the signs that state which side of the street allows street-side parking.

When parking alongside these streets please note the parking signs. Parking on the wrong side of the street can result in a $35 parking ticket. When street-side

parking in Anna Maria, remember that all the vehicles’ tires must be off the pavement in order to avoid a parking ticket.

“Let Cities Work” video released The cities of Anna Maria and Holmes Beach have teamed up to create a short video titled “Let Cities Work.” The five-minute and 28-second video touts the importance of cities’ home rule rights. The video will be shared with state legislators, who in recent years have attempted to curtail local governments’ ability to regulate vacation rentals at the local level.

The video is posted at YouTube, at the city of Holmes Beach website, www.holmesbeachfl.org, and will soon be posted at the city of Anna Maria website, www.cityofannamaria.com.

In a written message posted at the Holmes Beach website, ManaSota League of Cities President and Anna Maria Commissioner Carol Carter said, “Mayors Dan Murphy (Anna Maria) and Judy Titsworth (Holmes Beach) produced this five-minute video, especially designed for our Florida legislators to show how well two local municipalities are managing the issues that arise with the proliferation of short-term rentals in their cities.

"We’ve used the Florida League of Cites theme of

YOU TUBE | SUBMITTED

The “Let Cities Work” video will be shared with state legislators and others.

‘Let Cities Work’ as the platform of this presentation.

We show how our cities are successfully protecting the health and safety of all our stakeholders, including our visitors and residents, by enforcing local ordinances which the FL Legislature allowed us to implement after their 2014 session,” Carter wrote.

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COPELAND: Sun’s Person of the Year FROM PAGE 1

Working with the mayor and city attorney, the commission settled more than 100 Bert Harris claims filed in response to the vacation rental ordinance without subjecting city taxpayers to a single financial settlement.

As a commissioner, Copeland helped transform the vacant six lots property into City Pier Park. The park features public restrooms and a shade sail structure and hosts several holiday events and special events throughout the year, including a seasonal farmers market.

In September, the commission adopted an amended noise ordinance that has already contributed to one group of rowdy vacation rental guests being evicted by the property management company after receiving three noise citations in less than a week.

At his final regular meeting in November, Copeland secured commission support for a city resolution that stresses the importance of women’s rights and the need for the long-delayed state ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment adopted by the U.S. Congress in the early 1970s.

In 2016, Copeland was appointed to the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC), and he represented the city and the Island in that role until he left office in December.

In June, Copeland helped se-

cure TDC and county commission support for an additional $435,000 in county funds for the City Pier replacement project. This was in addition to the $1.5 million in county funds and the $330,000 in county commission controlled surplus beach concession revenues Manatee County contributed to the pier project.

In 2018 and 2019, the City Commission and others helped secure more than $1 million in state funds for the pier project.

AN ISLAND LIFE

In 1974, Copeland and his wife, Pat, moved to the Island and bought their home in Anna Maria. He worked as a bartender at Trader Jack’s in Bradenton Beach until the popular beachfront establishment closed in 1985. After working other bartending jobs, Copeland found his current and long-held occupation as a craftsman who makes custom furniture at his home workshop.

The Copelands raised their daughters, Layla Margarita and Anna Maria, in Anna Maria. Their adult daughters and their husbands, Kevin Griffith and Norris Nolan, have now blessed them with two grandsons, George and Lou, and one granddaughter, Lily.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Copeland’s city service began when Mayor Ray Simches urged him to join the city’s

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Doug Copeland participated in his final regular city commission meeting in November. Doug Copeland has served the city of Anna Maria for the past four decades. development committee. He then played an instrumental role in designing, developing and maintaining the Historical Park on Pine Avenue, which was a city dump at the time. His design for the park included a beach dune area in front and a maritime forest area on the side to compliment the mangroves along the canal in the back.

Copeland secured the donation of 15 palm trees for the city’s beach walkway at Bean Point and later rallied volunteers to landscape the beach area with native trees, plants and grasses. Transforming that scrubby path into a lush beach pathway earned him a Keep Manatee Beautiful award.

In 2003, Copeland resigned

from the Planning and Zoning Board after more than 20 years with many years as chairman. He returned to the board from 2005 to 2009 and led the board’s efforts to revise the city’s land development regulations to bring them into compliance with the city’s comprehensive plan.

In 2011, Mayor Mike Selby asked Copeland to serve on a committee tasked with making additional revisions to the land development regulations.

ACCOLADES OFFERED

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, The Sun’s 2018 Person of the Year, said of this year’s recipient: “I am very pleased that the Sun has recognized Doug as their Person of the Year.

He has contributed so much

to our city, making it a better place to live. I have valued his creativity, his judgment and most of all his friendship over the past years,” Murphy said.

“Doug is most deserving of this recognition,” Anna Maria Commissioner Carol Carter said. “His work on our comprehensive plan with the Planning and Zoning Board and as a commissioner constitute an extraordinary gift to Anna Maria and our Island way of life. Personally, I always valued Doug’s insights when we workshopped issues or discussed topics at commission meetings.”

Holmes Beach resident Scott Moore has been Copeland’s friend for decades.

“Doug is a true islander. I met Doug at Trader Jack’s in the 70s, when Trader Jack’s was the place to be. Doug is a very caring person, and he really cares about the Island. He made reasonable judgments when it came to city government, and he’s done a really good job up there,” Moore said.

“He raised a beautiful family, and he’s a great family man and father. I can’t think of a better person to get this award. Doug and I were talking the other day at Publix. We said we’ve seen big changes on the Island, but we still love it and it’s our home,” Moore said.

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ENTERTAINMENT

ISLAND FUN

At the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach: • Thursday, Jan. 2, a veteran’s services professional will be available to help vets with needs, 9 a.m. to noon; • Friday, Jan. 3, Forty Carrots Partners in Play, 10 to 11 a.m.; Mahjong Club, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

• Saturday, Dec. 4, Guided meditation with Sheryl, 11 a.m. to noon • Tuesday, Dec. 7, Preschool story time, 10 to 11 a.m.; Mahjong Club, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Tech help, 2 to 4 p.m.

For more information, call the library at 941-778-6341.

PRIVATEERS HOST MARKETS

Buyers and sellers should mark their calendars for the annual Anna Maria Island Privateers Thieves’ Markets starting at 8 a.m. at Coquina Beach south parking lot. This season the markets will be held on Saturday Jan 11, Feb. 8 and March14. There is ample parking and exposure to traffic on Gulf Drive.

To rent space, log on to www. amiprivateers.org or call Kim Boyd at 931-639-0986.

SENIOR ADVENTURES RESUMES

The group of senior citizens who like to get out and see our area is back following a seasonal rest. Their first event will be on Friday, Jan. 3, when they meet at Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach at 10 a.m. The van will take them to Sweet Berries in Bradenton for a behind the scenes look at how ice cream ius made. The cost is $5; register by calling The Center at 941-778-1908

ANNIE SILVER COMES TO LIFE.

Bingo begins on Thursday, Jan. 16, at Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, and continues every Thursday evening from 7 to 9 p.m.until March 26.

Doors open at 6:15 p.m.

There is a raffle and a 50/50 drawing every evening. Coffee and soda are available along with homemade cake for sale at $1 per piece at the

intermission. The public is invited.

The first dinner of the season will be on Friday, Jan 17, For $8, a pulled pork sandwich, baked beans, coleslaw, pickles, desserts and drinks will be available.

Contact Linda Yarger at 941-7783580 or lyargerl@aol.com for any questions

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

There will be fashions, food and fun at the St. Bernard Catholic Church Women’s Guild Fashion Show on Thursday, Feb. 6, starting at 11:30 a.m. at 248 South Harbor Drive in Holmes Beach. Tickets sell quickly; call Janet Maze at 813-383-0433

HELP CLEAN THE BEACH

The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department is holding a Coquina coastal cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Jan. 2. Grab your gloves, hat, and sunscreen; the county will provide the trash bags and grabbers.

Take an active role in helping the environment. This a great opportunity for teens looking to earn volunteer hours. This program is suitable for volunteers of all ages. Reservations are required.by emailing michelle. leahy@mymanatee.org or calling 941-742-5923, ext. 6035.

NATURE NIGHT AT THE NEST

The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department is beginning a new after-hours lecture series at the Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science, and Technology (NEST), at 10299 9th Ave. N.W., Bradenton, on Thursday, Jan. 2, from 7 to 9 p.m.

Ed McDonough, a lifetime astronomy enthusiast and 22-year employee of telescope maker Celestron, will be on hand to remove the mystery of telescope shapes, designs, and jargon. Should you ever decide to own a telescope, you will be prepared with everything you need to make an intelligent decision. And if you already own a telescope, get tips on how to enjoy it to the fullest.

Tke program suitable for adults.

Reservations are required. To reserve a spot, email sarah.denison@mymanatee.org

PHOTOGRAPHY SHOOTOUT

Grant Jefferies Photography is hosting a two-day Photography Shootout at Robinson Preserve, NEST, 10299 9th Ave. N.W., Bradenton, to raise awareness of the area’s wildlife and the importance of preserving important habitats.

Between Jan. 4 and 5, from 8 a.m. to noon, entrants will shoot photos to compete in several categories including wildlife, landscape, and people using the preserve as well as a separate category for cell phone photography.

Organizers will be on site at the NEST both days to answer any questions. A panel of judges will select the best photos from the two-day shootout and the winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Friday, Jan. 10 at 6 p.m.

There will be prizes for the best photos in each of the categories, and one photo will be chosen to be displayed in the Valentine House in Robinson Preserve in spring 2020.

Proceeds from the event benefit Give a Kid a Camera, a nonprofit organization that teaches photography and communication skills to underprivileged children. Program sponsored by Grant Jefferies Photography, Johnson Photo Imaging, Inc. and Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department.

Contest registration is required.

Visit GrantJefferiesPhotography. com for registration and full contest details or contact Grant Jefferies at 941-773-8558 for more info. The registration fee is $15 for one category, $25 for two categories and $30 for three categories.

TORTOISE TALKS AT THE PRESERVE

Join Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department specialists for this informal program on the Valentine House lawn in Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, on Saturday, Jan.4, from 1 to 2 p.m. as they take their educa-

JANUARY 1, 2020

tion tortoise out to graze.

In the wild, foraging is an integral part of a gopher tortoise’s lifestyle so they encourage it as much as possible. Stop by and say hello, get a chance to meet him up close and ask any questions you may have.

This program is suitable for all ages. No reservations required. For more information, email coral.bass@ mymanatee.org.

PADDLE NEAL PRESERVE

Canoeists and kayakers are invited to explore the unexplored bayside mangrove tunnels of Neal Preserve, at 12301 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, with a kayak guide from WayneAdventures on Monday, Jan 6, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

While not for first time paddlers, beginners who can paddle 3-4 miles are welcome to attend. Participants will meet at the kayak launch in on the south side of SR Manatee Avenue, just past Neal Preserve and before the bridge to Anna Maria Island.

This program is suitable for adults who can meet the county's minimum eligibility requirements. Participants must have their own canoe or kayak and safety gear. All participants must wear a life jacket. Reservations are required. by emailing ecoevents@ mymanatee.org.

TREETOTS: SIZE WISE

Which is a larger a coconut or a ladybug? A coconut of course! Explore the world of sizes both big and small found in nature on Wednesday, Jan.8, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Robinson Preserve, 10299 9th Ave. N.W., Bradenton. Using songs, exploration, and activities your tiny family members will discover the amazing natural wonders, big and small, found in your very own backyard.

The program suitable for newborns to 2-year-olds. Reservations are required by emailing coral.bass@ mymanatee.org or calling 941-7425923, ext. 3034.

JANUARY 1, 2020

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See the stars with Deep Sky Observers The local group of Deep Sky Observers will hold its first Sidewalk Astronomy event of 2020, weather permitting, on Saturday, Jan. 4, starting at 6 p.m. and continuing until at least 10 p.m. Members will set up high-quality telescopes in the parking lot at the Robinson Preserve expansion area in northwest Bradenton.

The event will be held in the parking area accessed from Robinson Preserve's 9th Avenue northwest entrance at10299 9th Avenue N.W., a location that enjoys an incredible wide expanse of the nighttime sky.

The Preserve's main entrance at 17th Avenue N.W. will not be open or accessible during the evening.

Observing highlights will feature the Orion Nebula, 1,400 light years from the Earth, as well as close-up details of the waxing gibbous moon and the waning gibbous planet Venus, as well as a chance to view the two most distant gas giant planets in our solar system, Uranus and Neptune.

A variety of other deep-sky objects will also be viewed through the club members' telescopes during the night. Sidewalk Astronomy is free open to people of all ages.

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REAL ESTATE

JANUARY 1, 2020

Happy new real estate year

etting through all of the Christmas presents, dinners and travel has probably made you not want to face another holiday, much less another financial year with its ups and downs. But if you live in a condominium complex, this is the time when many associations are getting ready to send their members notification of their monthly, quarterly or annual fees for the new year.

Florida law allows for two types of reserve funding for associations. One is the pooled method, and one is the straight-line method. Florida condominium regulations have always required associations using the straight-line method to establish reserves specifically for particular items. This calculation uses a formula that divides the cost of replacing that item by the number of useful years that item has left, minus the reserve funds on hand for that item. Per Florida law, each separate reserve can only be used for that particular reserve item unless a majority of the members vote to amend it.

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER Several years ago, a different method of reserve funding was introduced and accepted through an amendment to the state’s administrative rules called the pooled method.

Under the pooling or cash flow method, each reserve item is still separately funded, but the money is put into one account. In theory, the money should be available when needed, with a lower contribution than required using the straight-line method.

Since it can be a complicated calculation, the schedule should be prepared by an accountant or reserve consultant. A pooled reserve fund can then be used for any reserve item as the need arises, creating more flexibility for the board which most

associations see as the main benefit. The downside, of course, is proper and diligent oversight of the pooled reserves.

Going into the new year, not only do condo boards have to review their positions, all financial markets need to as well and most of them are up. And if we’re talking real estate, there aren’t too many downs there either with the market continuing to stretch into new and higher territory. The November sales statistics for Manatee County as provided by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee are looking good.

Single-family homes during November this year compared to last year closed 10.9% more properties. The median sale price, half above/half below, increased 2.1% to $319,995, and the average sale price increased 2.2% to $388,513. The median time to contract, which is really the measure by which how quickly a property sells, was down 14% in November to 43 days.

So, if this trend continues, single-family homes on average can expect to be in con-

tract within 43 days of placing the property on the market. The month’s supply of available properties continues to drop,leaving November with only 3.5 months of inventory.

Condo closed sales were down by 19%, but their median time to contract was also down 32.6% with an average of 31 days to contract. Supply of available properties also is down to 3.7 months – to me, these numbers appear to be linked. As far as sale prices, median sale price was up 11.4% to $207,750, and the average sale price was up 13.4% to $255,855.

The biggest challenge to our real estate market continues to be the lack of inventory. Now that the selling season is underway, we’ll see if that number moves in December.

I know it’s New Year’s, and you may not want your head to be flooded with this stuff right now, but if you live in a condo, save this column. It may come in handy when you’re more clear-headed. Happy New Year!

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JANUARY 1, 2020

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Mayor recognizes city volunteers

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

HOLMES BEACH – Mayor Judy Titsworth wants to thank the people who have served the city while she’s been mayor.

During the Dec. 10 commission meeting, Titsworth stepped up, with the assistance of City Clerk Stacey Johnston, to thank people who have served on committees during her tenure as mayor and left their positions.

She first thanked former Commissioner Rick Hurst who lost his seat in the November election to Commissioner Terry Schaefer. Hurst was absent from the meeting. She said that Hurst had served the city admirably and invited him to run for commissioner again at some time in the future.

She also recognized former Parks and Beautification Committee Chair Zan Fuller for her years of service on the committee and service to the commu-

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Mayor Judy Titsworth thanks former planning Commissioner Tom Carlson and former Chair Chuck Stealey for the time they spent volunteering for the city.

Right, Mayor Judy Titsworth, with the help of City Clerk Stacey Johnston, thanks the members of the 2019 Holmes Beach Charter Review Commission for their service to the city. nity. Fuller left the committee earlier in the year after she and her husband relocated from Holmes Beach.

Also recognized for their contributions to the community but not present at the meeting were former Planning Commissioner Jayne Christenson and

alternate Commissioner David Lester. Present at the meeting were former Planning Commissioner Tom Carlson and former Chair Chuck Stealey. Titsworth thanked the former Planning Commission members for their work on several ordinances and land development code changes

over the past few years.

She also thanked the five residents elected in 2018 to serve on the 2019 charter review commission, including Chair Ed Upshaw and members Claudia Carlson and Nancy Deal. Commission members Sean Murphy and David Zaccagnino also

were recognized for their efforts on behalf of the city but were absent from the meeting.

Titsworth presented each committee member recognized with a plaque from the city. She said that the plaques would be delivered to each absent committee member.

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Roser hosts Calvin University lecture series A new lecture series is coming to Roser Memorial Community Church this January.

The church will be one of 60 worldwide remote webcast locations for the award-winning January Series from Calvin University.

Lectures begin Jan. 8 and continue through Jan. 28. Talks take place daily Monday through Friday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. and are free to the public. No reservations are required.

Each of the 15 speakers will focus on a different topic related to the important issues of the day and provide a deeper insight in order to provoke deeper thought and discussion among attendees.

Participants in the lecture series will not only be able to listen to each speaker but also text in their questions to be answered live during the presentation. The full list of speakers includes: • Amber Warners, “The Fierce Humility of Winning,” Jan. 8 • Todd Charles Wood and Darrel R. Falk, “Moving Beyond Labels to a Christian Dialogue About Creation and Evolution,” Jan. 9

Participants in the lecture series will not only be able to listen to each speaker but also text in their questions to be answered live during the presentation.

• Sandra Postel, “Replenish: The Virtuous Cycle of Water and Prosperity,” Jan. 10 • Johnathan Haidt, “The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure,” Jan. 13 • Cathy O’Neil, “Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy,” Jan. 14 • Deborah and James Fallows, “Our Towns: A 100,000-Mile Journey into the Heart of America,” Jan. 15 • The 5 Browns, “The 5 Browns in Concert,” Jan. 16 • Bob Fu, “When Caesar Demands to be God: Religious Freedom in China,” Jan. 17 • Alice Marie Johnson, “After Life: My Journey from Incarcera-

tion to Freedom,” Jan. 20 • Mitch Albom, “A Little Girl, an Earthquake and the Making of a Family,” Jan. 21 • Ann Compton, “Up Close and Very Personal: My 41 Years in the White House Press Corps,” Jan. 22 • Jeremy Everett, “Solving America’s Hunger Crisis,” Jan. 23 Johan Norberg, “Progress: 10 Reasons to Look Forward to the Future,” Jan. 24 • Karen Gonzalez, “The God Who Sees: Immigrants, the Bible and the Journey to Belong,” Jan. 27 • Najla Kassab, “The Reformed Church in the Middle East: Hopes and Challenges,” Jan. 28 For more information, visit www. calvin.edu/january-series or call Roser Church at 941-778-0414.

JANUARY 1, 2020

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JANUARY 1, 2020

THE SUN

BEACH BEAT ANNA MARIA

11/29, noise violation, 241 willow Ave. The deputy was dispatched to the address on a noise complaint. The music and yelling were so loud he had to come to a side entrance to get the occcupants’ attention. He called the rental agent. This was the second time there had been a complaint. He told the renter he was issuing a $200 citation,

BRADENTON BEACH

12/22, disorderly conduct, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. Two men got into a fist fight and got blood on the porch. Both men were ar-

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rested 12/23, Marchman Act, Bradenton Beach anchorage.

Police were alerted to a man in the water, and the Coast Guard got him out of the water, He appeared very intoxicated, so they placed him in custody and took him to Cornerstone for treatment.

12/24, larceny, 2500 block of Gulf Drive North. The victim got out of the hospital and found pieces of jewelry are missing. She suspects her roommate.

CORTEZ

12/19, trespass warning, 4531 123rd St W., A.P. Bell Fish Co. The subject was trespassed from the property.

HOLMES BEACH No new reports

LO C A L LY K N OW N . G LO B A L LY C O N N E C T E D.

N O R T H L O N G B OAT K E Y 811 Jungle Queen Way Laurie M Mock & Brenda Price 941-232-3665 A4438987 $1,695,000

L O N G B E AC H 431 N Shore Road Michael Moulton 941-928-3559 A4418579 $1,545,000

H O L M E S B E AC H 517 77th Street Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies 941-685-6767 A4452504 $825,000

K E Y R OYA L E 602 Baronet Lane Hannah Hillyard 941-744-7358 A4447974 $779,000

B AY PA L M S 528 74th Street Victoria Sperounes 941-960-3773 A4446368 $2,625,000

R I V E R DA L E 4712 Compass Drive Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4451405 $529,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 304 29th Street A & B Jody Shinn 941-705-5704 A4435660 $525,000

S A N D C AY 4725 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 108 Ian Addy, PA & E. Gail Wittig 941-961-8850 A4450376 $497,000

B AY PA L M S 523 67th Street Laura Rulon 941-896-2757 A4447854 $899,000

M A I N S A I L B E AC H 107 66th Street 12 Kristi Berger & Deborah Capobianco 941-730-3801 A4452254 $875,000

EDGEWATER WALK ON HARBOUR ISLE 334 Castaway Cay Drive 201 Kathy Harman 941-900-9828 A4446481 $769,000

M A R I N E R S C OV E 3905 Mariners Walk 821 Mark Boehmig 941-807-6936 A4446691 $635,000

E AST BR ADENTON 108 17th Street E Erica Thomas 941-799-9365 A4452773 $299,900

MARSHALL L ANDING 5490 56th Court East Tyler Hardy 941-201-4574 A4411520 $599,900

NEW CONSTRUCTION

MSC MORTGAGE | MSC TITLE | MS&C COMMERCIAL NEW HOMES & CONDOMINIUMS

T I DY I S L A N D 10 Tidy Island Boulevard Kathy Marshall 941-900-9777 A4452203 $489,000

OPEN HOUSES SUNDAYS 1–4 PM

michaelsaunders.com

8 8 8 . 552 . 52 2 8

michaelsaunders.com L I C E N S E D R E A L E S TAT E B R O K E R

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MIKE FIELD | SUN

Sunset paddle A lone stand up paddleboarder cruises by in the Gulf in Holmes Beach just in time to catch another beautiful Anna Maria Island sunset.

CINDY LANE | SUN

The new pier The rebuild on the Anna Maria City Pier shows the familiar footprint of the old pier that was destroyed by Hurricane Irma. More photos and a complete update on the status of the new structure can be found on Page 10 of today’s Sun.

JANUARY 1, 2020

JANUARY 1, 2020

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FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Letters before QIA 5 "Harrumph!"

10 Chance in a box 15 "Small world" 16 Make it right 17 First two-time Nobelist 18 Fat flier?

20 Cuts back 21 Suffix with violin 22 For whom Wednesday is named 23 One of a famous 154 24 Ignite 26 Frozen flier?

29 Unpleasant look 31 Dress down 32 Metaphorical Donne poem 34 Rand who created Howard Roark 35 Old phone part 39 Half a matching set 40 Feeble flier?

43 __ wrongs ...

44 Bet first 46 Phil's twin on "Rugrats" 47 Eyes slyly 49 Baffler 52 Jet 53 Funny flier?

57 "Creed" actress Thompson 59 Simultaneity 60 Rick's "kid" 62 Comedy club reactions 63 Colorful four-tone toy 64 Frugal flier?

67 Vintner's concern 68 Didn't dine out 69 Latin 101 verb 70 "That's incorrect" 71 "It __ happened yet"

72 "So Sick" singer Down 1 Sri Lankan primate 2 The Flying Dutchman, for one 3 Group with an extremely high population?

4 Sn, on a table 5 Cowpoke's pal 6 Not easily moved 7 Fraternize 8 Team's lack?

9 Harmless cyst 10 Carry on 11 Flush 12 Precipice 13 "Mental Illness" Grammy winner Mann 14 Cross 19 "How about that" 23 Politician's positions 25 One sometimes accused of being blind 27 Pb, on a table 28 Stop producing opportunities, as a financial market 30 Adjust, as wheels

Answers to 12-25-19 Crossword Puzzle.

32 Brief while?

33 Pal of Picasso 36 "So sad!"

37 Far off 38 Land purchase 41 Muppet who doesn't use the pronoun "I" 42 Didn't give up on 45 __ Column: Trafalgar Square monument 48 Mature leader?

50 "12 Years a Slave" Oscar winner Lupita __ 51 Thought-revealing drama techniques 53 Geena's "Thelma & Louise" co-star 54 Fictional fencer Montoya 55 Age __ 56 Onetime Rolex rival 58 Invite as one's date for 61 Email folder 64 "Harrumph!"

65 Acting guru Hagen 66 Role for Harrison

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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 FACE PAINTER/PORTRAIT ARTIST Island student artist, reasonable price for parties, events, and special portraits. Call/text Lillian 210-380-9691

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE 13 UNIT RESORT: $3,999,900 Bradenton Beach on Gulf Dr. WAREHOUSE: 9300 sq ft possible Machine Shop w/ Heavy Duty Elect. Or Car Storage. So many Possibilities. Near SRQ Airport. $595,000. Island Real Estate call {Alan Galletto 941-232-2216}

COMPUTER SERVICES

THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Lynn at 813758-3234 or lbrennan47@ gmail.com

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

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

FISHING CHARTERS

Join the team at the FLORIDA MARITIME MUSEUM to preserve Florida’s fishing and maritime heritage. Assist with collections, school tours and more! Contact 941-708-6120

AUTOMOTIVE CAR FOR SALE 2003 White Buick Century. Low mileage 88K. Well maintained.

Cold A/C $2500. Call 941447-3071

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 THC CLEANING : Residential, Commercial & Rentals. Professional and Reliable. Call 941756-4570 KATHY’S CLEANING SERVICE: Professional, responsible, and friendly. I clean residential, and commercial homes, and offices.

Please call me for a free estimate: 941-447-4660.

AMISUN.COM

Call us today! 941-778-3986

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

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES ROSER THRIFT SHOP & ANNEX open 9:30-2p.m.

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Donations preferred 9a.m.-11a.m. Wednesdays.

511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

Phone 941-779-2733

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 941-7781115 www.kernconstructioninc.com LIGHTHOUSE PROPERTY INNOVATIONS LLC State Certified General Contractor (Lic. #CGC 1515821) New Construction, Renovations & Additions. Call 941-266-7500

MASTER CARPENTER. Decks-Docks-FencingStairs & Railing. Free Estimates. Handyman Work. Call Richard 941448-3571 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.

THE SUN

LOST & FOUND LOST ON BEACH Beige Women’s Eye Glasses. $50 REWARD Call John 941705-6068 LOST DIAMOND STONE on Trolley or shops on Anna Maria Island. $500 REWARD. Call 314-324-5921

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

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING

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

HOME MAINTENANCE. Tile and Laminate installation.

Popcorn ceiling removal, Drywall repair, texturing and painting. Call 941-7259876

“WIZARD OF WALLS”.

Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

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

ISLAND GATER RESTORATION. Painting, Drywall repair, Textures. Island references. 30 years experience. islandgater@gmail. com Call Danny for Free Estimate 864-921-3298

HOME SERVICES THE HARDWOOD STOP Flooring installation services; Laminate, hardwood, vinyl and tile. Bathroom and shower. Virtually dustless FLOOR REMOVAL License and insured FREE ESTIMATES 941-227-0041 www.thehardwoodstop. com

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 STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell driveways and scapes. Also Rock, Mulch, & Soil. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident.

Quality Workmanship.

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

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

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

PRINTING CUSTOM DIGITAL PRINTING "Your printing dream to reality" Specializing in Dye sublimation Printing.

Graphic Design. Performance Active ware. Logo Design. Call Rhonda 330-550-4847

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

AMISUN.COM

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REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE CANAL FRONT HOMES Holmes Beach – GULF FRONT CONDOS Gulf Place, L’Plage, Vista Grande, SPW, 5400 – DUPLEXES & MORE Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 941232-2216 IMMACULATE WATERFRONT HOME 520 Kumquat Dr. 4BD/5BA 3928sf Coastal Beauty! Prime location on AMI. $2,750,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086 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 28 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589

Call us today! 941-778-3986

RENTALS: ANNUAL BAY HOLLOW CONDO Beautiful 2BR/2BA canal front condo just off the Island with views of the water, boat dock can be available for use, updated gourmet kitchen. HOA approval required, $1950/mo.

Call Paige 513-382-1992 www.teamduncan.com Duncan Real Estate

2BR/1BA GROUND LEVEL condo in Bradenton Beach. $1400/mo. 1st, last, and security. $150 application fee which requires HOA approval. 2BR/2BA FURNISHED gulf-front 8 month lease starting May 1, 2020 $2750/mo. Call A Paradise 941-778-4800 LARGE EXECUTIVE HOME Perico, close to beach, 3BR/3BA, Available $3000/ month 1st, last, and security deposit req'd. 2BR/1BA half duplex, North end, $1200/mo NO PETS. Call Sato Real Estate, Inc at 941-778-7200 or email monica@satorealestate. com

PERFECT LOCATION 600’ TO GULF Bradenton Beach Apartment 2BR/2BA. Canal front.

Dead end street. Covered parking Laundry room, New appliances.

Close to Cortez. Rent Negotiable. Must See! Call 941-580-5747 WEST BRADENTON 723 35th St W 1BR/1BA House with one car garage, fenced yard $1125/mo.

Available February 1.

WARE CREEK AREA 2216 8th Ave W. Cute 2BR/2BA House fenced yard $1600/ mo. Available February 1.

3BR/2BA on Wares Creek $1800/mo Available NOW. First, last & security. Credit check required. Call 941809-2488 NW BRADENTON HOUSE for Rent. Catalina Subdivision. 3BR/2BA on Lagoon. 6 miles to AMI beaches. Available February 1 $1900/mo. First, last & security. Credit check required. Call 941-809-2488

AMISUN.COM

JANUARY 1, 2020

ANNUAL RENTAL BUGALOW with mini-loft. Vaulted ceilings. Utilities included, Washer/Dryer. Steps to Beach. Pets considered. $1395/mo. First, Last & Security. Call 941-741-1096 2BR/1BA BRADENTON BEACH bottom floor. Walk to Beach and Bay. Washer/ Dryer $1650/mo. First, Last & $400 Security. Will consider small pet. Call 941-705-4737

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455 GREAT RATES! Weekly, Monthly. 3BR/2BA NW Bradenton. Call Grace 941-201-2190 2BR/2BA BRADENTON BEACH remodeled Available January 1/1/20 and 4/4/20-12/31/20 call 551427-0248

MY HOME AVAILABLE in Anna Maria 20192020 Season. Beautiful 2BR/2BA ground level home with carport. 1 1/2 blocks to Gulf. Updated 2010, new kitchen w/granite counter tops, patio w/ outdoor furniture, plantation shutters, Flat screen TV's in every room. Call 941-5652373 GULF PLACE Gulf Beach Front beautiful 3BR/2BA condo for rent weekly or monthly, fully equipped, gorgeous views, heated pool, tennis court. Call Gayle, Simpson South Realty, 941-812-6489.

SNOWNBIRDS SAVE MONEY. Rent Annually and comeback anytime! BUGALOW with mini-loft. Vaulted ceilings. Utilities included, Washer/Dryer. Steps to Beach. Pets considered. $1395/mo. First, Last & Security. Call 941-741-1096

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $165. Call 800-301-4816. 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 RELIABLE RIDES to or from Airports, Casinos, Cruise Terminals & Theme Parks, up to 7 people, Sarasota, Tampa, Orlando & all over Florida. Rates reflect great worry free service. Day, night or holiday. Advance notice required. Credit cards/cash.

Call Brad Frederick with confidence. 7am to 9pm.

941-730-0001

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TeamDuncan.com • 941.779.0304

310 Pine Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216