Anna Maria Island Sun January 22, 2020

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 20 No. 15

January 22, 2020

Mayor hands out 2019 city awards Mayor Judy Titsworth handed out city awards Jan. 14, including the first Louis Strickland Citizen of the Year award.

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

Blaze of glory

CINDY LANE | SUN

HOLMES BEACH – Mayor Judy Titsworth stepped up Jan. 14 to hand out some very special city awards to members of the community.

First up, she presented the 2019 Employee of the Year award to Code Compliance Officer James Thomas. She said the award is to recognize outstanding work and someone who goes above and beyond in their role.

“He leads by example and with respect for all and is a valued asset to our city,” she said of Thomas when presenting the award.

The next awards handed out were Community Partnership awards presented to Tom Sanger, of Sanger Pools; Mary Catherine and Mark Meloncon, of Diamond Turf; and the Rex Hagen Foundation.

Titsworth recognized Sanger for his contributions to the new skate park, including supporting the skate bowl financially and

Clouds can make Anna Maria Island sunsets especially dramatic.

SEE AWARDS, PAGE 7

Water line broken during undergrounding work The damaged water pipe impacted two nearby businesses

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The Wilco construction crew doing the boring for burying the Bridge Street utility lines accidentally broke a water line Saturday afternoon on Bay Drive South.

The accident happened near the east end of Bridge Street and forced the Anna Maria Oyster Bar to close for the day. The temporary water shortages also impacted the Bridge Tender Inn & Dockside Bar. According to City Attorney Ricinda Perry, the water line break occurred at

INSIDE NEWS 4 CALENDAR 7 BUSINESS BRIEFS 14 OUTDOORS 22-23 REAL ESTATE 28-32 SPORTS 34 COPS, OBITS 35

about 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18.

Roughly three hours later, a crew from Manatee County arrived to make the needed repairs.

Perry, Mayor John Chappie and Lt. John Cosby from the Bradenton Beach Police Department were among those who responded to the scene.

“Everyone is working together and doing everything they can to get the water turned back on as quickly as possible,” Perry said as the situation unfolded.

When contacted Saturday afternoon, Anna Maria Oyster Bar managing partner Lynn Horne said, “We don’t have SEE BROKEN LINE, PAGE 7

STEVE SCHEWE | SUBMITTED

Bradenton Beach resident Steve Schewe captured this photo of the broken pipe scene at 3:15 p.m. on Saturday

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JANUARY 22, 2020

JANUARY 22, 2020

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Commissioners approve noise ordinance changes Changes to the noise ordinance include higher fines for violators.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Changes are coming for the city’s noise ordinance that Mayor Judy Titsworth says will make the ordinance easier to enforce.

Commissioners voted unanimously on Tuesday, Jan. 14 in favor of an amendment ordinance that provides an exemption for projects in the public interest, such as beach renourishment, streamlines the definition of noise disturbance and better illustrates how a noise disturbance is determined and measured by police and code compliance officers.

A noise disturbance is defined in the ordinance as “any noise or vibration which: a. disturbs, annoys or is harmful or injurious to the health or welfare of a reasonable person of ordinary sensibilities, or b. exceeds the maximum allowable limits set forth in this article.”

The ordinance still maintains the

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Commissioner Kim Rash argues for a stricter noise ordinance.

55 decibel nighttime and 65 decibel daytime noise limits already established and allows for officer discretion when determining a noise violation and issuing a fine.

When responding to a noise complaint, a determination and measurement of a noise disturbance is determined by taking a decibel read-

ing with a certified decibel reader or using the seven standards already established in the noise ordinance or a combination of the two methods.

The seven standards are the volume of the noise, intensity of the noise, nature of the noise, volume and intensity of ambient noise, proximity of noise to sleeping quarters, time

of day or night and the duration of the noise. The ordinance amendment does state that neither of the two types of measurement are required to prove a noise violation as long as proof exists of the violation.

Fines can be levied by officers on the first notice of violation. A first violation carries a fine of $75, a second violation carries a mandatory fine of $150 and a third violation carries a mandatory $500 fine. At a fourth violation, a fine can be levied up to $750.

Anyone receiving a violation can contest it by contacting the city clerk’s office within 15 days of receiving a citation and requesting a special magistrate hearing. Anyone not paying the fine or contesting it within 15 days will have his/her case brought before the special magistrate for imposition of the fine.

If anyone is found by officers to be in violation of the noise ordinance and doesn’t accept or refuses to sign a citation issued by officers, that person would be guilty of a second degree misdemeanor.

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ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

E-scrap collection at Coquina Park

The Manatee County Utilities Department is holding its annual e-scrap and hazardous household waste collection on Saturday, Jan. 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the parking lot of Coquina Beach on Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach.

E-scrap includes leftover devices such as battery chargers, CD players/recorders, irons, radios, cell phones and cords, central processing units (CPUs), copiers, circuit boards, DVD players/recorders, hair dryers, TVs, fax machines, keyboards, microwaves, terminals, monitors, personal audio systems, printers, scanners and small computer peripherals (mouse, cable, game hardware, etc.).

Toasters, vacuums, mixers and blenders are not included.

Household hazardous waste includes items that are toxic, ignitable, corrosive, reactive and carcinogenic.

Tires or large appliances will not be collected; call the department to arrange their disposal. This service is free to homeowners, but businesses need to call 941-798-6761 for information on participating.

Puppy party in Holmes Beach It’s going to be a party in Holmes Beach when the new dog park opens to the public on Saturday, Jan. 25. The festivities run from 9 to 11 a.m. and will feature entertainment, vendors, dog adoptions and lots of fun for you and your furry friend. Bring your dog and come join the party. A ribbon cutting will take place at 9 a.m. The Holmes Beach Dog Park is located at 5901 Marina Drive in the city field complex adjacent to Holmes Beach City Hall. For more information, call the city clerk’s office at 941-708-5800.

Chamber to award trolley funds The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will distribute Trolley Grant Awards at the Chamber’s Business Card Exchange on Thursday, Jan. 23, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club, 5325 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach.

During this special combined event, the Chamber will present Trolley Grant Awards to committee-selected Island and Cortez non-profits.

The cost to attend is $5 per member and $10 per prospective member. To RSVP, call the Chamber at 941-7781541 or email info@amichamber.org.

Runners needed Get ready for the 13th Annual Dolphin Dash on Saturday, Feb. 8, at Anna Maria Elementary School, 4700 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach.

The Dolphin Dash is open to all people of all ages.

There is a 5K race and a one-mile Fun Run. Registration starts at 7 a.m. The 5K race starts at 8 a.m. and the Fun Run starts at 9 a.m. Awards and refreshments are planned after the race.

The entry fee is $30 per runner for the 5K and $15 for the Fun Run. The fee increases after Jan. 30.

The Dolphin Dash is sanctioned by the Bradenton Runners Club. Proceeds go to the Anna Maria Elementary PTO. The event is sponsored this year by The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper.

Sign up at runnergirl.com or call Kelly Gitt at 941-357GITT (4488).

Visit our website, www.amisun.com.

Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

JANUARY 22, 2020

Residents brace for Cortez Road project impact

The Cortez Road renovations are expected to take 200 days to complete.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

CORTEZ – Despite the desires of some Cortez residents, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) does not plan to install a temporary traffic signal at the intersection of Cortez Road and 127th Street West during the impending Cortez Road renovations.

On Friday, Jan. 17, FDOT spokesperson Brian Rick told The Sun there are no plans to install a temporary traffic signal at that intersection near the east end of the Cortez Bridge.

Harbour Landings resident Ed Moro is a member of the residents’ association that hoped for a temporary traffic signal.

“We all agree that without a temporary light at 127th Street, it will become a very dangerous intersection, with people trying to make a turn from 127th Street trying to go east on to Cortez Road, especially with heavy seasonal traffic,” Moro said in his Saturday, Jan. 18, email to The Sun. “We all feel that FDOT has done a poor job in communicating exactly what they are going to do and the impact on all of the people who live in the village of Cortez, Harbour Landings, Harbour Landing Estates, Smugglers Landing, Mariners Cove, etc.,” Moro said.

“In addition, starting a project of this magnitude at the height of the winter tourist season – when traffic on Cortez Road basically doubles on a nice warm day – is contributing to the negative feelings and anger about this entire project,” he said.

“Manatee County supervisors have been very supportive and have been trying to work with FDOT on a new plan to lessen the impact and we are waiting to hear if that input will be successful,” Moro said.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Scheduled to take 200 days to

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The intersection at Cortez Road and 119th Street West will be reconstructed and realigned. complete at an estimated cost of $5 million, the Cortez Road project will impact residents and businesses along and near Cortez Road, from 127th Street West to 86th Street West.

The road project will include reconstructing and realigning the intersection at Cortez Road and 119th Street West, resurfacing Cortez Road, improving drainage, constructing a sidewalk and installing new lighting.

The south side of 119th Street West, near the Florida Maritime Museum, will be closed while that intersection is reconstructed in a manner that results in the south and north sides of the intersection lining up with one another, which they currently do not do.

According to the digital road signs, the 119th Street West detours were scheduled to begin on Monday, Jan. 20. Those signs previously said the detours would begin on Jan 9.

FDOT’s Jan. 13 RoadWatch Report states traffic detours and traffic pattern shifts on 119th Street West will be necessary during the construction process. According to Rick, 121st Street Court West, near the Cortez Post Office, will serve as the primary 119th Street West detour route for impacted residents and those visiting the Cortez Kitchen, the Swordfish Grill and other businesses at the south end of 119th Street West.

We all agree that without a temporary light at 127th Street, it will become a very dangerous intersection, with people trying to make a turn from 127th Street trying to go east on to Cortez Road, especially with heavy seasonal traffic.”

Ed Moro, Harbour Landings resident The RoadWatch report says motorists can expect nighttime and overnight lane closures on Cortez Road from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

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JANUARY 22, 2020

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Bridge Street paver project continues

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Last week, the crew from Classic Brick continued installing brick pavers in the Bridge Street rights of ways and crosswalks.

There is now an expanded, doublewide brick paver crosswalk in front of the Bradenton Beach Post Office as part of the crosswalk improvements.

Along the street edges, new pavers have replaced the white, lime rock 57 stone that previously covered the parking spaces atop the stormwater drainage trenches located below.

Over the years, the lime rock 57 stone had been the source of complaints from city commissioners, CRA members, business owners and residents. The complaints stem in part from the crushed lime rock giving off a fine white dust that leaves a residue on the street and sometimes gets tracked into the nearby businesses.

In addition to the crosswalks and parking spaces, the street-end by the Moose Lodge has been covered with brick pavers.

Four unpaved, city-owned public parking spaces next to the Bridge

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

There’s now a double-wide brick paver crosswalk in front of the post office.

Tender Inn’s Dockside Bar will be covered with pavers, as well as the walkway to the city-owned dock, often to referred to as the dinghy dock.

A golf cart parking lot will be created on the post office property. The planned installation of brick pavers in the center of the roundabout near the Bridge Street Pier will be redesigned

as a separate project that’s expected to include a new roundabout feature.

The paver project is being funded by the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).

During the Thursday, Jan. 16, city commission meeting, City Attorney Ricinda Perry said the CRA-funded project originally budgeted to cost

$161,300 has incurred additional costs and design changes.

The CRA members also recently approved $10,000 for the Bradenton Beach Police Department to direct and monitor vehicular traffic, foot traffic and the street closures taking place during the paver installations.

Perry said more funds for police assistance will also be needed.

“These are going to be pretty big numbers with the change orders that I’ve done. There are things that we didn’t even contemplate, like marrying the pavers to our street. You need something to hold the bricks in place.

That’s a big expense,” Perry told city commissioners.

The change orders and design changes were to be discussed in greater depth at an emergency CRA meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 22.

City Engineer Lynn Burnett helped design the paver project, but according to Perry she was out of the country when the installations began, so Perry has provided the initial project oversight, with the CRA’s support.

During the Jan. 16 commission meeting, Mayor John Chappie praised Perry for her project oversight.

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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 Joe Hendricks Kristin Swain Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis Advertising director Shona Otto Ad assistant Pamela Lee Classified ads Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Digital/Social Media editor Cindy Lane Accounting John Reitz Distribution Bob Alexander Tony McNulty Connor Field Contributors Tom Vaught Pat Copeland Steve Borggren Monica Simpson

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JANUARY 22, 2020

ON THE AGENDA ANNA MARIA

HOLMES BEACH

For information, call 941708-6130 Jan. 23, 5:30 p.m. – Citizen of the Year reception Jan. 23, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting

Jan. 23, 11:30 a.m. – Police Pension Retirement Board meeting Jan. 25, 9 a.m. – Dog park opening at city field Jan. 28, 6 p.m. – City Commission regular meeting followed by work session

10005 GULF DRIVE

BRADENTON BEACH

ISLAND-WIDE

Jan. 23, 2 p.m. – Island Transportation Planning Organization meeting, Bradenton Beach City Hall

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOTE: EVENTS ARE FREE UNLESS INDICATED.

WEDNESDAY JAN. 22

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

Coloring Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, noon.

Calvin University Lecture Series, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 12:30 p.m.

Beginner ukulele class, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1:45 p.m.

Ukulele class, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 3 p.m.

Mind in the Making workshop Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6 p.m.

THURSDAY JAN. 23

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

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

Painting with a Fish, The Folk School, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 9:30 a.m., $38.

Calvin University Lecture Series, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 12:30 p.m.

Tim Berra, "Bourbon: What the Educated Drinker Should Know," Friends Lecture and Travel Series, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

AMI Chamber of Commerce Trolley Grant Awards and January Business Card Exchange, Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club,

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AWARDS: Citizens recognized

5801 MARINA DRIVE

107 GULF DRIVE N.

For information, call 941778-1005

THE SUN

5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 7:30 p.m., $5 for members and $10 for future members. Reserve to tina@ amichamber.org.

FRIDAY JAN. 24

Coastal climate walk, Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 9:30 a.m. to noon, $20. Register online at www.sarasotaaudubon.org/ product/3-perico-preserveclimate-walk.

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

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

Calvin University Lecture Series, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 12:30 p.m.

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

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

SATURDAY JAN. 25

Saturday at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, Mosaic NEST, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m. to noon.

Sarasota Bay Guardians: Robinson Preserve planting, Robinson Preserve, Mosaic NEST, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 8:30 a.m. to noon. Register online at www.eventbrite.com/e/ sarasota-bay-guardiansrobinson-preservevolunteer-plantingtickets-93713143265 CPR Training, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m.

FROM PAGE 1

helping to secure rental equipment, flat work, shotcrete, rebar lumber, fill and site work and labor for the skate bowl.

The Meloncons were recognized for their contributions to the new playground planned for the city field complex and to the building of the skate bowl.

“We are blessed to have them as residents in our city, and it is my pleasure to honor them for this generous contribution,” Titsworth said of the Meloncons.

The Rex Hagen Foundation also received a Community Partnership award for its contributions financially to many amenities in the city including the city field comfort station, dog park improvements, irrigation, recreation equipment and this year, toward new playground equipment for the tot lot. Titsworth said the playground, once constructed, will have a vintage airplane theme to recognize the area’s previous use as an airstrip.

“I value the continued relationship that the city has with this admirable foundation, and they not only deserve to be recognized once again, but they also deserve our continued appreciation for the love that the Hagens had for our beautiful city,” Titsworth said.

The final award of the night, the Citizen of the Year award, was renamed the Louis Strickland Citizen of the Year award in honor of Strickland, a Holmes Beach resident who passed away in 2019.

“This award is actually the first of our city, and it is named in honor

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Mayor Judy Titsworth presents a Community Partnership Award to Tom Sanger for his work on the city’s new skate park. of Louis Strickland, a very special community member who had the ability to touch many lives. Louis had a profound love for not only life but for our city and for everyone who resided and visited here,” Titsworth said.

“I couldn’t think of a better way to honor this gentleman than to name our Citizen of the Year award in his honor. Each year when this award is given it will be in honor of this very special man whose kindness and love will be forever missed.”

Strickland’s daughter, Chris Berra, stepped up to the podium, presenting the award named after her father to the 2019 recipient, John Fernandez.

Fernandez was recognized not only for his contributions to the city’s building department but also his willingness to come out of retirement to serve as interim building official in 2015-17 and again in 2019 after the abrupt exit of previous Building

Official Jim McGuinness.

“I truly don’t know what I would have done without him and am most grateful for allowing me to beg and plead and to take him out of retirement once again,” Titsworth said. “His continued commitment to the betterment of our city is not only commendable but notable and a true example of civic mindedness and self-denying civic duty. I thank him for his service and wish him well in his retirement.”

“It is truly an honor,” Fernandez said as he accepted the award.

“It is amazing what one person at a checkout line can do for a city,” he said of Strickland, who used to work at the local Publix store. “He was a wonderful person and I am extremely honored to have this award, especially when it is tied to Louis Strickland.

Thank you and God bless.”

BROKEN LINE: Creates problems FROM PAGE 1

Horne said the Oyster Bar closed at about 2:45 p.m. and was expected to reopen Sunday morning. On Sunday, he said his water service was restored, and the restaurant opened as scheduled.

At 3:30 Saturday afternoon, Bridge Tender Inn & Dockside Bar owner Fred Bartizal said he had limited water access and was hoping to remain open.

Drift In manager Doreen Flynn said although they still had water at their establishment on Bridge Street she had to cancel Dos Macs’ Saturday afternoon outdoor musical performance because a portion of Bridge Street was closed.

“I can’t imagine why they would close down Bridge Street in season on a Saturday, which is usually the

busiest day for shopping and the restaurants. We had very little foot traffic because of the dust and noise.

We lost money, but at least we were open,” Flynn said.

Perry said that section of Bridge Street was closed on Saturday because of the brick paver crosswalks being installed. Perry also said Wilco was available to work on the undergrounding project that weekend and the weekend before, but Wilco’s availability is limited between now and March.

Bridge Tender Inn Manager Shannon Dunnan said later the water shortages eventually resulted in the kitchen being closed, but the Dockside tiki stayed open. Dunnan said their big concern was being fully open again in time for Sunday’s Green Bay Packers-San Francisco

49er’s playoff game.

According to Perry, water service was restored at about 6 p.m.

Saturday evening and the temporary repairs to Bay Drive South were completed at 11 p.m.

On Sunday, Bartizal said normal business operations had resumed and he praised Perry and Chappie for their efforts.

“Kudos to Ricinda and John for staying there all day, and to Ricinda for trying expedite matters. That just shows they care about the city, care about the businesses and care about the residents. They spent the whole day here,” Bartizal said.

Perry suspended all undergrounding and paver installation work on Sunday in order to keep the streets open and unencumbered. She said some work would resume Monday.

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Scoot coupes banned from Holmes Beach

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

HOLMES BEACH – In a unanimous vote on Tuesday, Jan. 14, commissioners passed the final reading of an ordinance restricting some micro mobility devices, including the three-wheeled scoot coupe mini cars rented in Anna Maria.

The ordinance, which went into effect Jan. 15, prohibits businesses that rent micro mobility devices through an online application, website, app or other software for point-to-point trips.

It also prohibits docked or dockless bicycle sharing and the rental of motorized scooters or scoot coupes within the city. It also prohibits the use of scoot coupes and mega cycles not only in bike lanes and on sidewalks but also on city streets.

While no business in Holmes Beach rents scoot coupes or mega cycles, the scoot coupe mini cars are rented in Anna Maria. Under the new ordinance, the scoot coupes will not be allowed to travel south out of Anna Maria through

Holmes Beach to reach other parts of the Island.

The ordinance also prohibits the operation of motorized scooters, mopeds and Segways in bicycle lanes and on sidewalks.

Under the ordinance, Segways can be rented in the city only as a part of a guided tour where users are accompanied by a tour guide. The vehicles are allowed to travel only on streets with a speed limit of 25 miles per hour or less and can use sidewalks for short distances to safely access streets where the vehicles are allowed. Before passing the first reading of the ordinance, commissioners determined that the regulations do not adversely affect how Segways are currently rented and operated in Holmes Beach.

Police Chief Bill Tokajer said that his department will take the lead in public notice and education of the new regulations by developing a flyer to hand out to vacation rental owners for visitors and contacting all the rental companies on the Island.

JANUARY 22, 2020

City awards contract to LaRue Planning

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

HOLMES BEACH – City commissioners voted unanimously to award a bid to assist the city’s planning commission with review of the comprehensive plan to LaRue Planning.

While commissioners awarded the bid to LaRue, they agreed to wait until their Tuesday, Jan. 28, meeting to award the contract and give Mayor Judy Titsworth authorization to sign the contract.

City Attorney Patricia Petruff advised commissioners to hold off on awarding the contract because the contract was only 90% complete as of the Tuesday, Jan. 14 city commission meeting.

Once completed, the contract will span a period of about 18 months with a not-to-exceed amount of $150,000.

Commissioner Terry Schaefer said that he was concerned about

what happens when representatives from LaRue begin working with planning commissioners and find that additional work needs to be done that isn’t included in the contract. Petruff said that the city can submit a change work order to LaRue at a later date if needed, likely at an additional cost.

“Amending the city’s comprehensive plan is a big job,” she said. “It’s likely that issues will arise that have not been considered at this time.”

Currently, the city has $180,000 set aside over the current and next fiscal years for the updating of the city’s comprehensive plan.

Once the contract with LaRue is executed, work is expected to begin on the comprehensive plan at the following planning commission meeting. Planning commissioners meet at 6 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at city hall.

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JANUARY 22, 2020

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38TUHAL

ANN

FEB. 15 & 16, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission $5 Proceeds benefit F.I.S.H. Preserve . d o o F Great usic.

Live M lays. p s i D y . it a n e u r m A Com ded Kids nd. a Expan Nauticaal l Art. nt e m n Enviro

Kids 12 & under FREE The festival is located at the east end of the Village adjacent to the Florida Maritime Museum on 119th St W to the Bay. PARKING: The Boy Scouts will offer on-site parking at the Preserve which is located one block east of the village, off Cortez Road, for a $5 donation.

Remote Park and Ride available with $3 round trip MCAT shuttle bus to Cortez from two locations: G.T. Bray Park (5502 33rd Ave Dr W, 34209 -- turn east off 59th St onto 33rd Ave Dr); and at Coquina Beach.

SATURDAY ONLY-FREE Park and Ride will be available from the Cortez Baptist Church located at 4411 100th St W. on Cortez Road (1 1/2 miles east of the Festival).

FOR INFORMATION CALL 941-254-4972 WWW.CORTEZ-FISH.ORG

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JANUARY 22, 2020

Sunshine mediation produces no attorneys’ fees settlement The city’s liability insurer denied an insurance claim filed

by John Metz.

METZ INSURANCE CLAIM DENIED

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – A Monday, Jan. 13, mediation session failed to produce a settlement regarding attorneys’ fees and legal costs to be recovered by the city from the defendants in a Sunshine Law lawsuit.

In July, Circuit Court Judge Edward Nicholas ruled former city advisory board members Reed Mapes, Tjet Martin, John Metz, Patty Shay, Bill Vincent and Rose Vincent violated the Florida Sunshine Law when discussing public business at their Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach meetings in 2017.

Five of the six defendants, minus Shay, are appealing Nicholas’ July ruling.

In November, Nicholas ruled the city was entitled to recover attorney fees, with the amount to be recovered to be determined at a future hearing.

As of Jan. 6, the city had incurred more than $468,000 in attorneys’ fees

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Lawsuit defendant John Metz will not be receiving an insurance award from the city’s insurer. and legal costs in association with its successful civil lawsuit.

Last week’s closed-door mediation session was an attempt to broker a settlement between the city and the defendants regarding the amount to be recovered by the city.

“Mediation discussions are continuing. I can’t comment on those discus-

sions because of the confidentiality governing mediation,” paralegal Michael Barfield said on behalf of the city.

A fees-related court hearing scheduled for Monday, Jan. 27, has been cancelled and another hearing has not yet been scheduled.

On Dec. 13, attorney Robert Pritt, from the Naples based Roetzel & Andress law firm, sent a two-page letter to the Florida Municipal Insurance Trust (FMIT) claims department on behalf of Metz. FMIT serves as the Florida League of Cities’ insurer and the city of Bradenton Beach receives liability insurance from FMIT through the League.

“The court rendered judgement in favor of the city and the co-plaintiff (Jack Clarke) and against Mr. Metz and others and recently determined that attorneys’ fees will be awarded,” Pritt’s letter said.

“We respectfully disagree with the lawfulness of the case, the judgement of the court against Mr. Metz and others and the determination by the court that there will be an award of attorney’s fees. Our client is financially stressed in his ability to defend the case and pay any award of attorneys’ fees. The other defendants are likely unable to defend or pay attorneys’ fees either,” Pritt’s letter said.

SEE SUNSHINE, PAGE 16

JANUARY 22, 2020

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Robinson memorial at preserve To commemorate the life of Bill Robinson, the Robinson family organized a candlelight walk at Robinson Preserve on Monday, Jan. 13. Robinson was the owner of Robby’s Sporting Goods, cofounder of Fit2Run and founder of Robinson Preserve.

CINDY LANE | SUN

Family and friends of Bill Robinson gathered at the Valentine House at Robinson Preserve. They held candles as they walked through Robinson Preserve Monday evening.

CINDY LANE | SUN

Sunset at Robinson Preserve with Bean Point on the horizon. Family and friends of Bill Robinson climbed the tower at sunset.

CINDY LANE | SUN CINDY LANE | SUN

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JANUARY 22, 2020

Heron nest halts construction Construction is temporarily halted at a residential construction site while FWC investigates a nesting bird.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Construction workers received a surprise Jan. 13. As they were pulling the branches from an Australian pine at a residential construction project on 56th Street, a nest was revealed, complete with a nesting bird and at least two fledglings.

Mayor Judy Titsworth first observed the destruction of the tree and the nest inside of it, sending photos to code compliance officers. She presented the photo she took of the nest in the partially destroyed tree during the Jan. 14 commission meeting. The bird and its fledglings are believed to be great blue herons, a federally protected species under the United States Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Officer James Thomas said that a state biologist with the Florida

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

A bird believed to be a great blue heron guards its nest with at least two baby birds inside in a partially destroyed Australian pine at a residential construction site in Holmes Beach.

Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is leading the investigation into the nest and what the options are for the birds and the property owners. He added that the property owners and their construction workers are working with the city and with FWC to

reach a good conclusion for both themselves and the birds.

Since there are fledglings, the bird and its nest cannot be relocated, said Officer Robyn Evangelisto. The worst-case scenario for the property owners, she added, is that the construction on the prop-

erty remain halted until the nest is abandoned, possibly in a few weeks.

Prior to the destruction of the tree, she said that the property owners and their construction crew had no knowledge of the nest.

Evangelisto said that the city’s code compliance officers are following the lead of the FWC investigators with regard to the nesting bird. Until the green light is given

by FWC, construction remains halted at the site since it is illegal to disturb the nesting birds.

To assist FWC investigators, Evangelisto said that she was launching the city’s drone to take video and photos of the bird and any fledglings. She said at least two baby birds have been spotted in the nest.

“They’re very cute,” she said of the fledglings during a Jan. 17 conversation with The Sun. “We want the biologist to tell us what can and cannot happen there and that’s still to be determined.”

www.amisun.com

JANUARY 22, 2020

THE SUN

13

STEM Night celebrates science

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

Every year, the students at Anna Maria Elementary School celebrate the study of science called STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.)

Fourth- and fifth-graders show their science experiments in the auditorium.

There were more displays in classrooms from how cotton candy is made to Sonic Sounds from Mad Scientist, a teaching group.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Mason Moss took an interest in the cotton candy display.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Clockwise from left: Zoie Wade, Nevael Knox and Eliana Romeo pose in front of a science project.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

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Ed Straight, from Wildlife, Inc., brought owls that live at the facility because they wouldn’t be able to live on their own.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Xyza Jaworski got a custom T-shirt.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

The Holmes Beach Police Grill Team provided the dinner.

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THE SUN

JANUARY 22, 2020

Cove celebrates anniversary Earlier this month, Cove Gallery & Boutique owner Kelly Headley celebrated her two-year anniversary at her 104 Bridge Street location in Bradenton Beach. Cove Gallery & Boutique sells artwork, jewelry and other items created by more than 20 local artists, some of whom also help staff the business operations. Cove previously shared space inside the nearby Sea-renity Beach Spa. “We’re in such a wonderful location.

People are excited about getting local creations and artworks,” Headley said.

Artist Patti Clarke, owner Kelly Headley, and artists Cheryl Gonsalves, Kristy Milner and Corin Finnie recently celebrated Cove Gallery & Boutique’s anniversary.

Hot dog cart approved Chef Stephen Ascencious is now selling hot dogs and other late-night bites in the Drift In parking lot from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

On Thursday, Jan. 9, Bradenton Beach commissioners

unanimously approved Drift In owner Joe Cuervo’s request for the special event permit that allows Ascencious’ Uncle Steve’s Hot Dogs to operate a food cart on a six-month trial basis as an exception to the city code that prohibits food carts and food trucks citywide.

Ascencious started selling hot dogs, kielbasa, chips and soft drinks from his food cart at

SHONA OTTO | SUN PATTI CLARKE | SUBMITTED

The Design 2000 salon anniversary celebration included a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Design 2000 celebrates 25 years

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

the Drift In on Friday, Jan. 10 and that night sold more than 70 hot dogs and kielbasa.

On Thursday Jan. 16, the love was felt by those who attended the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce’s ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house celebrating Design 2000 Hair and Nail Salon’s 25th year on Longboat Key. It was standing room only as the salon filled with clients and friends who’ve been coming to the

salon for many of those 25 years.

Food and wine were enjoyed as a bonus to the warm greetings and hugs attendees received from owners Irina Bronstein and Sandra LaRose as they walked up the red carpeted sidewalk and into the salon at 6840 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

www.amisun.com

JANUARY 22, 2020

THE SUN

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Sign of the Mermaid getting a royal makeover The new restaurant will incorporate the early history of the building.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The Sign of the Mermaid restaurant building is being renovated, and the new tenants plan to open a new restaurant soon.

Joshua Foster and his girlfriend, Brianna Dunkley, are moving from Canada to pursue a new culinary venture at 9707 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria.

Joshua is the son of Paul and Tammy Foster, the couple that’s owned and operated Ginny’s and Jane E’s café and gift store in Anna Maria for the past eight years, after they relocated from Canada. Their daughter, Amanda, helps them run Ginny’s and Jane E’s.

“Josh loves to cook, and he’s got some great ideas. Josh and Brianna definitely bring youthfulness and good young ideas.

They both have management experience, but not a lot, so Tammy and I are going to help with the management end of it. Those two will be running the restaurant, and we’re just going to be there to help. They’re signing the lease with Ed and Ben Ten Haaf, the building owners,” Foster said.

SARAH PARSONS | SUBMITTED

The old Sign of the Mermaid building on Gulf Drive will soon house a new restaurant.

“We’ve been managing our own businesses for over 40 years. The management you can learn, but the love of food is either in you or it’s not, and I think that’s the most important part,” Foster said.

“Josh and Brianna are very enthusiastic about good food, and they want to be part of the community. And we’ll love seeing our son down here.”

SIGNS OF CHANGE

“It’s not going to be Sign of the Mermaid anymore. We felt that really belonged to Ed and Andrea Spring. When they left, they took that with them. There’s going to be

some kind of shout out to them inside the restaurant. We definitely don’t want to forget about them,” Foster said.

“I look back at Ed Spring, he was probably in his 30s when he started. He and Andrea had a young family, and they spent a lifetime in that restaurant. I hope that’s what I’m going to see with Josh and Brianna – building something that matters to the community and building something they can take pride in,” Foster said.

“We’re going to be focusing on the history of the building. The original name of that building was The Royal Palm. The property changed hands in 1913 and it was part of

AMI Beach Company. It was one of the first houses that was bought and rented as a winter place. We want to pay homage to the history of Anna Maria Island and the original name of that building. The Royal Palm is what we’re going to reach back to. We’re going to call it The Royal Palm restaurant or eatery or something like that,” Foster said.

The menu and final restaurant concept are still being developed.

“We definitely want to focus on steak and seafood, the same as Ed did. I miss that restaurant and the food he served,” Foster said.

Ed Spring sold the building and property to the Ten Haaf family in late 2016, when he and Andrea were going through a divorce.

He then continued to operate his restaurant there for another year or two before selling it to another couple, who ran it until it closed for good in the past year or so.

“Ross Built Construction is starting to do the renovation for us. We are going to be finishing the inside of the building and the owners are doing the outside. They wanted to reinforce the structure, level out the floor again and get the building in shape,” Foster said.

“The renovations are going to take a couple months. I’m hoping for May, and we’ll keep our fingers crossed,” Foster said of new restaurant’s anticipated opening.

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THE SUN

Citizens of the Year to be recognized Bob Carter and Dick York will be recognized as the city’s Citizens of the Year at the Anna Maria Commission meeting on Thursday, Jan. 23, at 6 p.m.

The commission is also scheduled to discuss the color theme for the city pier benches, be presented with the second reading of an ordinance imposing a temporary moratorium on small electric scooters and other micro mobility devices, and be presented with the second reading of an ordinance prohibiting personal watercraft within 300 feet of any public beach or swimming areas, including Bayfront Park.

The commission also will be presented with a city resolution pertaining to parking at 304 Pine Ave. and a special use permit for that same property regarding beer and wine sales. Also on the agenda is a discussion of a right of way use agreement for a residential property at 807 North Shore Drive.

The consent agenda includes special event permit and fee waiver requests for the AMI Historical Society’s Heritage Day Festival on March 7 and The Grass Roots concert at The Center on March 19, and a special event permit for The Vintage Flea at Ginny & Jane E’s on Feb. 9.

Pier lease RFP update As of Friday, Jan. 17, the city of Anna Maria had not yet issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the lease of the cityowned restaurant and bait shop buildings on the new city pier. When issued, the RFP will seek proposals from restaurateurs interested in leasing the new pier buildings. On Friday, Jan. 10, the Anna Maria Commission unanimously rejected

current pier tenant Mario Schoenfelder’s offer to pay an initial base rent of $8,000 per month.

In her Friday, Jan. 17, email response to The Sun’s inquiry, Administrative Assistant Stephanie Janney said, “Currently the RFP is under review by the commissioners. Please touch base with us next week for a progress update.”

JANUARY 22, 2020

SUNSHINE: No settlement FROM PAGE 10

“We believe that any fee award may be a violation of the prohibition against excessive fines in the 8th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution,” Pritt’s letter said.

“On behalf of Mr. Metz, we demand the city’s insurer provide a defense for Mr. Metz and pay all amounts of any award that may be made against him. We also demand that the insurer defend or pay and/ or reimburse his attorneys’ fees for his appeal. Our client was a public official of the city and therefore a covered person under the policy.

Therefore, Mr. Metz is entitled to a defense, paid by or reimbursed by its insurer,” Pritt’s letter said.

On Jan. 17, Florida League of Cities Litigation Specialist Alonzo

WED 1/22 4 PM Howie Happy Hour Delight!

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FRI 1/24 8 PM Bus Fulla Monkeys (Rhythm & Blues) rock, funk, soul and anything danceable SAT 1/25 SUN 1/26 Eric Von- Young country/Pop Singer and overall crowd pleaser! Dance floor will be hopping!

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Lively solo artist playing guitar & keyboard rocking the house. Back by popular demand.

FRI 1/31 8 PM Dr Dave Band-local favorite, playing a wide range of music featuring the outstanding fiddle playing of Dr. Dave.

SAT 2/1 3 PM Lew Russ is back in town playing on the deck.

SAT 2/1 8:30 PM Reggae night featuring I-Ruption and the Red Stripe Girls!

SUPERBOWL PARTY • SUNDAY, FEB. 2ND

Hatchette sent Pritt a letter informing him that Metz’s insurance claim was denied.

“Based on the foregoing provisions of the FMIT Agreement, the claims asserted in the lawsuit, including but not limited to the claims for declaratory and injunctive relief for violation of the Sunshine Law, and attorney fees against Mr. Metz and his co-defendants are excluded from coverage,” Hatchette’s letter said.

“Further, the claims relate to an occurrence which occurred more than two years ago. FMIT was not provided with notice of this claim within a reasonable amount of time pursuant to the FMIT Agreement and the rights of the FMIT have been prejudiced. Accordingly, the claim is denied,” Hatchette’s letter said.

JANUARY 22, 2020

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THE SUN

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Scenic highway extension moves forward

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Celebrating Florida Arbor Day Members of the Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee gather at Spring Lake Park on Friday, Jan. 17, along with Mayor Judy Titsworth and Commissioner Carol Soustek to plant a Jamaican dogwood tree in honor of Florida Arbor Day. Once fully grown, the dogwood will have a canopy of about 40 feet. The festivities were moved at the last minute to Spring Lake from the city’s new large dog park due to issues with the planting location.

A request from members of the Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity will go before Holmes Beach commissioners for a vote on Tuesday, Jan. 28.

The issue being discussed is an extension of the scenic highway along Manatee Avenue from East Bay Drive to the public beach and along East Bay and Gulf drives to meet up with the Bradenton Beach Scenic Highway in the south.

During a Tuesday, Jan. 14 work session, Holmes Beach city commissioners said they have no problem with the extension request as long as it doesn’t put a physical or financial burden on the city. Currently, the Palma Sola Scenic Highway extends along Manatee Avenue from 75th Street in Bradenton to the intersection with East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach.

The scenic highway program is managed locally by the members of the corridor management entity and overseen statewide by the Florida Department of Transportation.

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THE SUN

November 2019 tourist tax collections compared to November 2018

Anna Maria Bradenton Beach Holmes Beach Manatee County Total*

7% 6% 40% 9%

*(Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Longboat Key, unincorporated Manatee County, Palmetto)

2020

Manatee County’s 5% resort tax, or tourist tax, is collected from owners of accommodations rented for six months or less who charge the tax to their renters, in most cases, tourists. About 50% of the tax proceeds are allocated to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau tourism marketing efforts, with 20% allocated to beach renourishment. The tax also funds tourismrelated attractions such as the Bishop Museum and the Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria piers. Resort tax increases reflect both increased

visitation and improved tax collection efforts.

Amounts shown were collected in November and paid to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office in December. Manatee County totals include Anna Maria Island cities, Bradenton, the portion of Longboat Key within Manatee County, unincorporated Manatee County and Palmetto.

To anonymously report a rental owner who may not be paying the tax, call 941-741-4809 or visit http://www.taxcollector.com/tdt-evader.cfm Source: Manatee County Tax Collector

Roser Concert Series 3:00 PM SUNDAY

cert-Series www.RoserChurch.com/Con will offering Doors open at 2:00 • Free-

JANUARY 26

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EIRINN ABU GIVES THE SAXOPHONE A NEW VOICE AND SOUND and has been called the instrumental version of Josh Groban or Andrea Bocelli. His repertoire includes spiritual classics like Amazing Grace and soulful love songs like I Will Always Love You, recently recorded with guest artist Dolly Parton. You can expect a blessed and satisfying experience that will warm the heart and soothe the soul.

SUN FEB 9 • SWINGSET SUN MAR 1 • WYNDBREAKERS CELTIC BAND A NON DENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY COMMUNITY CHURCH • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria [near Pier] COM

941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • Facebook @RoserChurch

SUNDAY WORSHIP • 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM 5:30 PM soul ourn Food & KidZone afterwards

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JANUARY 22, 2020

JANUARY 22, 2020

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THE SUN

19

New TDC member

Must present coupon. Most cars & light trucks.

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

City of Palmetto Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant is the newest member of the Manatee County Tourist Development Council, chosen by Manatee County commissioners last week. Bryant Bryant will fill the position left vacant by former Anna Maria City Commissioner Doug Copeland, who retired last year from both posi-

tions. The position was required to be filled by an elected official.

The other candidates were Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie and Bradenton Councilman Bill Sanders.

The Tourist Development Council is comprised of nine community members who meet every other month to make recommendations on the expenditure of tourist tax funds to Manatee County commissioners.

Must present coupon.

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

Former Passage Key Air-to-Ground Gunnery Range Signed Decision Documents The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed the Decision Documents accepting the Preferred Alternatives presented in the Proposed Plan for the Passage Key Air-to-Ground Gunnery Range Formerly Used Defense Site which is now the Passage Key National Wildlife Refuge. During World War II, the military used the island for bombing and aerial gunnery training.

We recently completed a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study, and based on those results, we divided the site into two areas: Remaining Waters and Air-to-Ground Target. Copies of the report, Proposed Plan, and Decision Documents are in the Island Library, at 5701 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach and on our website.

For more information please email FUDS.Florida@usace.army.mil or call 800.710.5184.

For More Information: Visit: Island Library at 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach or www.saj.usace.army.mil/PassageKey Call: 800.710.5184 Email: FUDS.Florida@usace.army.mil

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THE SUN

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Real monsters from prehistoric past The Island Branch Library in Holmes Beach welcomed speaker Ray Young and his “Real Monsters from the Prehistoric Past” lecture on Thursday, Jan. 16, as part of the 2020 Lecture and Travel Series.

Young, a former earth science teacher from Edison, N.J., captivated the audience with his expert knowledge of sea and land creatures, large and small.

Many of his examples were of prehistoric monsters, but some referenced animals that have survived the test of time and are still among us. Lecture attendees were fascinated to learn about the massive animals and fish that roamed the world, with Young using an extensive table of giant artifacts to prove the point. The Friends of the Island Library sponsor the free lecture series that takes place weekly in the Walker-Swift Meeting Room. On Thursday, Jan. 23, Tim Berra will present “Bourbon: What the Educated Drinker Should Know.” The Jan. 30 speaker will be restauranteur Harry Christensen, from Harry’s Continental Kitchen in Longboat Key. On Feb. 6, Paul Ferber will present “Politics: The Development of Distrust and Polarization.” The lecture series continSARAH PARSONS | SUBMITTED ues through Feb. 27. For more information visit www. Ray Young showing lecture attendees proof of real prehistoric friendsoftheislandlibrary.org. monsters

JANUARY 22, 2020

Center hosts Italian cooking classes Tour Italy by discovering different types of Italian cuisine in a four-part cooking class at The Center of Anna Maria Island. Chef Robert Gaglio will serve as host for each of the four classes, which will feature a meal, discussion of the region’s cuisine and a live musical performance.

Classes will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 24, featuring northern Italy, Thursday, Feb. 6, featuring central Italy, Thursday, March 5, featuring southern Italy and at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, featuring a dive into The Art of Olive Oil. Classes are $60 for members or $65 for non-members for each evening session and $44 for members or $49 for non-members for the midday class. All cooking classes have a 21 and older age restriction. For more information or to register, call The Center at 941-778-1908.

www.amisun.com

JANUARY 22, 2020

THE SUN

21

Bert Harris filings continue Motions for reconsideration were filed against the city of Holmes Beach in six Bert Harris cases.

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

‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE

BRADENTON – City leaders in Holmes Beach received a victory Jan. 8 in the ongoing battle against Bert Harris cases when Manatee County 12th Circuit Judge Edward Nicholas ruled in the city’s favor, granting motions for summary judgment in three cases. Now motions for reconsideration of that judgment have been filed in Manatee County Circuit Court.

Motions for reconsideration of Nicholas’s decision were filed in all three cases heard Jan. 8, where Nicholas ruled that the property owners had

not proven the inordinate burden required under the Bert Harris Jr. Act when occupancy was reduced in each of the three vacation rentals under the city’s vacation rental certificate program. In each case, a motion for reconsideration was filed on Jan. 10 with an amended motion filed Jan. 14. No hearings have been scheduled as of press time for The Sun. In the motions for reconsideration, attorneys representing AMI Breeze LLC, Mojito Splash and Coral Escapes argue that it’s not the property owner’s burden to prove whether the burden placed on the property by reduced occupancy is inordinate, but to prove that there was an existing use of the property and that the reduction in occupancy has permanently taken away the owner’s ability to achieve their investmentbacked financial expectation

for the property.

Two of the properties are owned by local developer Shawn Kaleta and one is owned by investor Brian Wein.

Three other Bert Harris cases against the city were heard Dec. 4 by Judge Charles Sniffen, also concerning a motion for partial summary judgment on behalf of the property owners and a motion for summary judgment on behalf of the city. Each of these three cases also concerned a reduction in occupancy. Though no ruling has been entered by Sniffen in these cases, motions for reconsideration and amended motions for reconsideration were entered Jan. 10 and Jan. 14 respectively in each case.

The three vacation rentals are owned by Brian Wein, R. Carlile Roberts and Robert and Michele Carl. No additional hearings have yet been scheduled in any of the three cases.

Commissioners vote to increase fines

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

HOLMES BEACH – With no discussion and a unanimous vote, city commissioners passed the first reading of an ordinance Jan. 14 increasing the amount of fines for code violations.

If the ordinance passes a final reading, expected at the Jan. 28 commission meeting, code violation fine amounts will increase.

Under the new ordinance, a first offense of a Class 1 violation would result in a fine of $125 for a non-contested violation or $225 for a contested violation, an increase of 40% over previous

fines, with subsequent offenses garnering a $200 or $375 fine, a 14% increase. Examples of Class 1 violations include violations of the fire prevention code, land development code and environmental codes.

A Class II violation would earn a $225 or $325 fine for a first offense, an increase of 22%, and a $375 or $450 fine for a subsequent violation, a 50% increase in fine amount. Violations of the city’s taxation and solid waste codes are considered Class II violations.

A Class III violation would bring in a $300 or $450 fine for a first violation, an average increase of 58%, and a $400 or $500 fine for

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a subsequent violation, a 33% increase for non-contested violations. Any violation of the building and building regulations codes are Class III violations.

A Class IV violation would earn a $400 or $500 fine for a first violation, an average 38% increase, with a $500 fine for subsequent violations, a 25% increase for noncontested violations. The paperwork provided to commissioners from city staff lists no Class IV violations.

Code violations are typically investigated and issued by the city’s code compliance department.

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THE SUN

OUTDOORS

JANUARY 22, 2020

The solution to climate change Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

O

n Tuesday January 14th, I attended an advance screening of the documentary “Kiss The Ground,” based on the novel of the same name by Josh Tickell. The screening previewed at the newly remodeled Bishop Museum of Nature and Science, formerly the South Florida Musduem and Bishop Planetarium in downtown Bradenton. I‘ve anticipated the release of the documentary since I read the novel in 2018 and heard Tickell speak at New College, his Alma Mata, last year.

The movie’s executive producers are Woody Harrelson and Jason Mraz. "Kiss The Ground" is directed by Tickell and his wif, Rebecca. The screening was made possible with the generous support of local philanthropist Elizabeth Moore and her daughter Grace.

The showing began with an introduction

by Grace Moore, a Millennial, and perfectly set the tone. Moore voiced the challenges her’s and future generations are facing and how the message of the documentary gives them hope.

The biopic makes the compelling and hopeful case (in their words) “how the food we eat can reverse climate change, heal our bodies & ultimately save our world,” examines regenerative agriculture and clarifies the relationship of our current agricultural practices to excess carbon in the atmosphere. I left with a better appreciation of the connection of the health of soil, the plants we eat, our

health and ultimately the health of the planet.

While this message has resonated with me since I first read the book, it wasn’t until a few days after the screening that I fully appreciated the connection between what we’re doing locally to protect and enhance local waters and the message of the movie. The excess carbon released by the use of fossil fuels in less than 200 years that is fueling global warming is also impacting the waters that surround us. It’s estimated that if the oceans hadn’t absorbed much of this excess carbon temperatures might already have risen much more.

Unfortunately, this comes with some significant downsides to the health of the oceans and their ability to sustain life. This makes a compelling case for protecting and restoring mangroves (which sequester more carbon that an equal area of rain forest), and restoring clams to bay waters (which sequester carbon in their shells). Initiatives like the Sister Keys (sisterkeys.org) and Sarasota Bay Watch (sarasotabaywatch.org) and their clam restoration project provide ways people can make a difference in their own backyard.

Since the mitigation effort on the Sister Keys was completed in 2007 there are acres of new mangroves in the created wetlands. Sarasota Bay Watch, thanks to the support of local volunteers, businesses and a generous grant from the Charles and Marjory Barancik Foundation are on track to release one million clams into the bay in 2020.

There is no doubt that the challenges that we face are daunting, but change is possible and time critical. “Kiss The Ground” illuminates the stark nature of the problem but provides a

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

Above, the Sister Keys wetland was created in 2007. Below, less than a decade later mangroves had naturally repopulated in 2016. In the past four years they have doubled in size. hopefulscenario for those that care about and work for future generations. We owe it to those that follow to protect these resources so that they might have some of the same opportunities that we have. I don’t think it’s an overstatement that this

rises to the level of a moral obligation.

Change is possible and this book and documentary paint a hopeful solution. All we need to do is make our voices heard and act. To learn more visit kisstheground. com.

JANUARY 22, 2020

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

23

TOM VAUGHT | SUN CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE | SUBMITTED

Chad Alexander, of Eagen, Minn., shows off his first permit on fly caught on a heavy shrimp pattern with Captain David White, of Anna Maria Charters.

Pompano, permit feeding CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE

The winds have made conditions a little hit or miss here around Anna Maria Island. With our lack of cold weather, it’s been a bit difficult to fill a cooler on inshore trips lately.

Typically, the sheephead fishing is pretty stellar this time of year. Using shrimp and fishing around docks is very productive. But with the warm water, the sheepies haven’t really moved in strong yet. I’m assuming this will change with the cold front we’re experiencing.

We are, however, finding some

pompano around. So that’s always a welcome sign of winter. We’re also catching a few permit. Even guiding clients with a good cast to hookups on fly. This isn’t an easy task. But we’ve been fortunate enough to accomplish this with a handful of clients in the last month.

Offshore, the red grouper fishing remains consistent. As well as big amberjack on the offshore wrecks.

It’s all about finding the weather windows to get out there! We hope to have more to report next week.

Anna Maria's Paddlers from Paradise are preparing for the Dragon Boat Festival on the Palma Sola Causeway on March 7.

Paddlers from Paradise hosts dragon boat festival Anna Maria Island’s home Dragon Boat team, Paddlers from Paradise, is hosting a dragon boat festival on the Palma Sola Causeway on Saturday, March 7.

The Anna Maria Dragon Boat Festival will benefit the Food Bank of Manatee by having paddlers bring non-perishable food items to the festival.

“We are expecting 30 competitive dragon boat teams throughout the Southeast to participate in the festival,” said Paddlers from Paradise Coach Melissa Bradway. “In addition to the competitive club dragon boat teams, there will be some community and business teams that will have some friendly competition.”

Bradway suggested some competition could be against rival businesses or between government teams for fun.

“We want this to truly be a community event that the area looks forward to every year,” Bradway said. The

community business teams could be 10-person or 20-person boats.

“There is some concern about the festival being held during the busy time of year for the Island and area,” Bradway said. “We will have the paddlers at the festival site at 7 a.m., which is well before the island traffic gets crowded, around 10 a.m. The festival will be over around 4 p.m., which is well after the beach crowd has arrived on the Island.

“The festival will have some impact on accommodations and restaurants in the area as we will probably have 400 to 500 thirsty and hungry paddlers,” she said. “Local businesses will help sponsor the festival and the Food Bank of Manatee. It’s a win-win for everyone.

Good healthy fun that will help local businesses build team unity and assist them financially too, while helping people in need at the Food Bank,” she said.

For more information, visit www.

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JANUARY 22, 2020

Climate Walk calls attention to rising sea levels

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BY TOM VAUGHT

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SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

SARASOTA – As scientists watch the polar caps shrink, temperatures rise and oceans expand, it is evident that things are going to change and humans are going to have to deal with it.

The Sarasota Audubon Society has hired the former owner of Around the Bend Nature Tours, Karen Willey, to spread the word.

Willey is holding a series of climate walks in Sarasota and Manatee counties on Friday mornings. Last Friday she explored Ken Thompson Park, next to Mote Marine on City Island in Sarasota. Ken Thompson Park has exposure to Sarasota Bay on three sides and a shady boardwalk. In that area, the saltwater interacts with the shore and mangroves play an important role in providing safety for creatures as they reproduce, Willey said.

“As the water level rises, the mangroves will have to reposition themselves where the water is beneficial,” she said.

“We need to observe what’s going on at this time,” Willey said.

“We shouldn’t rush to find a solution before we understand what’s going on.”

www.amiartistsguildgallery.com

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Low tide at Ken Thompson Park next to Mote Marine.

The remaining schedule of climate walks is: • Coastal Resilience, Planning for the Future at Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, on Friday, Jan. 24, from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

• Inland Invader Issues at Red Bug Slough, 5200 Beneva Road, Sarasota on Friday, Jan. 31, from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

• Early Restoration Efforts on Leffis Key in Bradenton Beach on Friday, Feb. 7, from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Above and below, Karen Wiley points out the ways mangroves respond in response to rising sea levels.

• Mangrove Migration at Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton on Friday, Feb. 21, from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

• Stormwater Solutions at Celery Fields in Sarasota on Friday, Feb. 28, from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

Each class costs $10. To sign up, visit sarasotaaudubon.org.

JANUARY 22, 2020

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THE SUN

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THE SUN

JANUARY 22, 2020

2020 Anna Maria Island Sun Readers’ Choice Business

Business

People & Places

1

Antique/Collectible Store

40

Pool Contractor

77

School

2

Auto Service

41

Real Estate Assoc. (include location)

78

School Teacher (include location)

3

Bait & Tackle Shop

42

Real Estate Co.

79

Veterinarian (include location)

4

Bank (include location)

43

Rental Co.

80

Veterinary Clinic

5

Bike Rental

44

Resort

81

View

6

Boating Store

45

Retirement Community

82

Waiter/Waitress (include location)

7

Car Dealer

46

Service Org.

83

Yoga Instructor (include location)

8

Car Wash

47

Service Station

9

Carpet Cleaner

48

Shopping Center

Food & Entertainment

10

Clothing Store

49

Sign Maker (include location)

84

Bagel Shop

11

Convenience Store

50

Souvenir Shop

85

Bakery

12

Dry Cleaner (include location)

51

Spa

86

Barbecue

13

Electrician

52

Tattoo

87

Breakfast

14

Fitness

53

Travel Agency

88

Burger

15

Floor Coverings

54

Window Repair

89

Café

16

Florist

55

Women’s Apparel

90

Candy Store

17

Frame Shop

91

Chinese Restaurant

18

Gift Shop

People & Places

92

Deli

19

Grocery Store

56

Architect

93

Festival

20

Hair Salon

57

architectual Design

94

German Restaurant

21

Hardware Store (include location)

58

Art Gallery

95

Golf Course

22

Heat & Air

59

Attorney

96

Grouper Sandwich

23

Home Builder

60

Band

97

Health Food Store

24

Hotel/Motel

61

Bar & Grill

98

Ice Cream Place

25

Jewelry Store

62

Bartender (include location)

99

Italian Restaurant

26

Liquor Store

63

Beach

100 Live Theater

27

Manicurist (include location)

64

Boat Captain (include location)

101 Mexican Restaurant

28

Marina

65

Business Person

102 Most Romantic Restaurant

29

Men’s Apparel

66

Caterer (include location)

103 New Restaurant

30

Outdoor Sports Store

67

Charity

104 Night Spot

31

Pack & Ship

68

Chef (include location)

105 Pier

32

Painter (include location)

69

Chiropractor

106 Pizza

33

Pest Control

70

Dentist

107 Place to see a Sunset

34

Pet Grooming

71

Doctor

108 Restaurant (overall)

35

Pet Store

72

Eye Care

109 Seafood Restaurant

36

Pharmacist (include location)

73

Financial Planner

110 Specialty Gourmet

37

Pharmacy

74

Interior Design

111 Sub/Sandwich

38

Plumber

75

Massage Therapy

112 Takeout

39

Pool Cleaner (include location)

76

Personal Trainer (include location)

ENTRY FORM (Must be completed for votes to be accepted) Name: Address:

Phone: Day

| Night

I am at least 18 years of age or older (please check box)

Signature:

RULES

Please read carefully. To vote in The Sun’s Readers’ Choice Awards you must use an official entry ballot published in The Sun. Copies and faxes will not be accepted. The ballots will appear in The Sun on Jan. 15, Jan. 22, Jan. 29 Only one ballot per person is allowed. At least 10 CATEGORIES must be filled in for the ballot to count and the entry form must be completed. If you work for The Sun or are related to someone who does, you can’t play. Complete ballots may be dropped off at The Sun’s office, 3909 East Bay Drive Ste. 210, Holmes Beach. Or you can mail it in to The Sun’s Newspaper, PO Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216. All ballots must be in by January 31, 2020 at 4pm.

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

JANUARY 22, 2020

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THE SUN

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Planning commission alternate needed With the resignation of Holmes Beach Planning Commission alternate Lance Collins, a vacancy is open to help fill the unexpired term. Members of the planning commission work to make sure that ordinances passed by city commissioners are consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan and

are beginning a review of the comprehensive plan.

Members of the planning commission are appointed by city commissioners and must be residents of Holmes Beach. For more information, contact the city clerk’s office at 941-708-5800.

900 GULF DRIVE N. • BRADENTON BEACH, FL 941.778.1919 www.GulfDriveTiki.com

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THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

JANUARY 22, 2020

What does a mortgage broker do?

I

’ve talked many times in this space, about getting a mortgage for a home and how it is one of the most stressful aspects of purchasing. Many people don’t have the time to contact numerous lenders and comb through the details when shopping around and choose instead to go to a mortgage broker for help. But what do they really do and how much does it cost?

Mortgage brokers are licensed in the state of Florida and most states as well.

They are financial professionals that act as the bridge between borrowers and lenders.

They originate loans and help you connect with a variety of lenders who best fit your financial situation. Working directly with a bank will not give borrowers any flexibility in rates or loan requirements, however, mortgage brokers can offer buyers products of many banks and many more options. This is particularly important for buyers who may not have perfect credit scores and small down payments.

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER In addition, mortgage brokers coordinate and manage paperwork and typically close a home loan faster than a traditional bank. They work in cooperation with real estate agents, underwriters, lenders, title companies and attorneys. They are part of the closing team and are trained to anticipate glitches and trouble shoot problems standing in the way of a closing.

There are disadvantages to using a mortgage broker. Since they are motivated to close as many properties as possible, keeping up with the hands-on service can be a challenge for them. It’s critical that you choose a broker who comes with

a good recommendation from a friend, family member or real estate professional who has had recent transactions with the broker. Also, you must feel comfortable with the mortgage broker and feel you can tell him/her anything since you are essentially telling him/her everything about your personal finances.

Mortgage brokers are paid by commission by either the borrower or the lender. The fee is typically 1 or 2 percent of the total loan amount and usually is rolled into the loan in the case of a no-cost loan. However, be alert, since rolling in the mortgage broker origination fee could result in a higher interest rate. The other option is to pay a loan origination fee to the broker separately again 1 to 2 percent of the loan amount.

Mortgage brokers are required to disclose all fees upfront and can charge only that disclosed fee amount. Further, each fee should be itemized, and the

broker should be ready to tell you, the borrower, exactly what each fee was for.

Mortgage brokers like real estate brokers do not get paid unless there is a closed loan and a closed transaction, regardless how much work they do prior to closing.

After the financial crisis, the Dodd-Frank Act restructured how mortgage brokers get paid. Before this legislation came into effect, lenders could compensate mortgage brokers for getting their clients to agree to high-interest rate loans and signing off on costly fees. This left the door open to unscrupulous loan brokers and hidden fees affecting many inexperienced buyers.

With so many details involved in purchasing a home, working with a competent mortgage broker that you’re comfortable with can be a good idea to help you get through the process. They could be invaluable in procuring the best loan for your financial situation and taking some of the work off your shoulders.

www.amisun.com

JANUARY 22, 2020

THE SUN

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Artists’ Guild erases boundaries with new exhibit This year’s exhibition featured a new location in downtown Bradenton.

dual members entered other pieces in the ArtCenter’s annual Member Show currently on display in the Searle & Reid Hodges galleries.

“I’ve got another one in the other room that I also won an award for, ‘Washboard Willie at The Cat.’ I wanted the same feel – the feeling I got when I was listening and watching the musicians,” Spann said.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON – The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island’s 11th annual juried art exhibition, “Boundaries Erased,” is on display at ArtCenter Manatee in downtown Bradenton through Friday, Feb. 7.

The exhibition opened Tuesday, Jan. 14.

The opening reception and awards ceremony took place Thursday, Jan. 16.

Marianne Hiland and Wendell Graham cochaired the exhibition that took place for the first time this year at ArtCenter Manatee. In years past, the exhibition took place at The Studio at Gulf and Pine in Anna Maria.

Guild members and non-members submitted the 60 works on display in the Kellogg Gallery, all of which are for sale.

Renowned Florida artist Dean Mitchell judged the competition.

Cortez resident Susanna Spann won Best in Show and the $500 prize for her “Friday on Frenchmen Street” painting.

“I’m doing a whole series of musicians, primarily from New Orleans. I go there

“BUSY DAY IN THAILAND”

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Susanna Spann won Best in Show for her “Friday on Frenchmen Street” painting. every year for the Jazz & Heritage Festival.

This was at The Maison, one of the bars there. I take photos, come back home, rearrange and redesign them and paint with watercolor. I want to tell stories and what I want is the feeling I felt. This was a red-hot jazz band, and I wanted that feeling to come out in my painting,” Spann said.

“Friday on Frenchmen Street” was previously one of 10 winners in The Artist’s Magazine’s nationwide Over 60 Art Competition.

“I’m real proud of this baby, it’s been real good for me,” Spann said.

Many Guild members are also ArtCenter Manatee members, and some

Holmes Beach resident Cheryl Jorgensen’s “Busy Day in Thailand” watercolor painting won first place and a $400 prize.

“I was in Thailand and I saw this guy with this beautiful orange outfit and decided I had to paint it,” Jorgensen said. “To me, it says no matter where you go, people are busy. That is what life is all about.”

Doreen Renner’s “Cardinal Rule” was awarded second place and Lu Ann Widergren’s “Morning View from Rod-n-Reel” was awarded third place.

EXCELLENCE IN PHOTOGRAPHY

Anna Maria resident Cathy Tobias won Excellence in Photography awards for her “Great Migration” and “Flamingo Delight” SEE EXHIBIT, PAGE 35

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THE SUN

ENTERTAINMENT FAMILY FUN

At the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach: • Wednesday, Jan. 22, Coloring Club, noon to 1 p.m.; Beginner Ukulele Class, 1:45 to 2:45 p.m.; Ukulele Class, 3 to 4 p.m.; Mind in the Making Workshop. 6 to 8 p.m.

• Thursday, Jan. 16. , a veteran’s services professional will be available to help vets with needs, 9 a.m. to noon; Friends Travel and Lecture Series, “Bourbon: What the Educated Drinker Should Know” with Tim Berra, 2 to 3 p.m.

• Friday, Jan. 24, Forty Carrots Partners in Play, 10 to 11 a.m.; Mahjong Club, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Knit and Crochet, Sunshine Stitchers, 2 to 4 p.m.

• Saturday, Jan. 25, CPR training, Preregistration required, 9 a.m. to noon.

• Tuesday, Dec. 28, Preschool story time, 10 to 11 a.m.; Mahjong Club, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Recycled Book Sculpture with Rachel, 2 to 4 p.m.; Tech Help, 2 to 4 p.m.

JOY LEARNS ABOUT A FLORIDA NATIVE

Aedan Stockwell, of Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources, who coordinates the annual scrub jay count every summer, will join JOY (Just Older Youth) on Wednesday, Jan. 22, at 11 a.m. for a lecture and slide presentation on this bird found exclusively in Florida.

Find out about the bird’s particular habitat, its exclusive source of food and why the bird’s existence is considered vulnerable. Bring a brown bag lunch. Dessert and beverage will be provided.

Those who wish, may stay after Stockwell ‘s presentation and enjoy the broadcast of “Up Close and Very Personal,” by Ann Compton, presented by Calvin University.

JOY usually meets the second and fourth Wednesdays each month in the Roser Community Church Fellowship Hall at 512 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria.

For more information call 941-7780414, go to www.roserchurch.com/joy or on Facebook @roserchurch.

TALES OF FRANCE

Senior Adventures coffers coffee and a travelogue of France on Friday, Jan. 24 at 10 p.m. at Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach

COME AND GET YOUR BREAKFAST

The griddle will hot at Roser Community Church Fellowship Hall at 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25, for a pancake breakfast. For $6, enjoy pancakes, sausage, syrup and/or melted butter, applesauce, biscuits and gravy, juice and coffee or tea. There is no charge for children under the age of 5, and everyone is Invited.

After breakfast stroll across the street and browse the bargains in the Guild Thrift Shop from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information call the church office at 941-778-0414, email info@ roserchurch.com, go to www.roserchurch.com or find us them Facebook at www.facebook/roserchurch.

Roser will host future pancake breakfasts on Feb. 15 and March 21 and flippers, mixers, runners, sausage servers, syrup servers, and more will be needed. Meet new friends all fora goodcause. Each shift requires 16 people and five people for the clean up crew. Shifts are 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and the 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Clean-up crew.

Sign up online at www.roserchurch. com/pancake-breakfast or call the church at 941-778-0414.

JANUARY 22, 2020

CHAMBER EVENTS Thursday, Jan. 23 – AMI Chamber January Business Card Exchange and Trolley Grant Awards – 5 to7:30 p.m. at Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club, 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. The cost to attend is $5 for members and $10 for prospective members.

To RSVP please contact the AMI Chamber at 941-778-1541 or email info@amichamber.org.

During this special combined event, they will be presenting Trolley Grant Awards to committeeselected Island and Cortez nonprofits.

Wednesday, Feb. 12 – AMI Chamber luncheon – 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at enRiche Bistro, 5629 Manatee Ave, Bradenton. The cost to attend is $18 for members, $30 for future members. Please RSVP by contacting the AMI Chamber at 941-778-1541 or by email info@ amichamber.org.

Wednesday, Feb. 19 – AMI Chamber February Business Card Exchange and meet the AMI Chamber board of directors – 5 to 7 p.m. at The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave, Anna Maria. Cost to attend is $5 for members, $10 future members.

Save the date – Saturday, April 11. Fifth Annual Beach’n Food Truck and Music Festival from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Coquina Beach. Go to the AMI Chamber of Commerce website for updates and more information. https://www.annamariaislandchamber.org/

JANUARY 22, 2020

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THE SUN

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KEITH OTZEN | SUBMITTED

Wish You Were Here Keith Otzen, of Minnesota, brother of Karen Ellsworth, of Anna Maria Island, collects historic postcards depicting the Island in days past. His collection includes The Island Bank from the 1960s, now Wells Fargo; the “new,” soon-to-be replaced Cortez Bridge; local celebrity Charlie the Pelican and the Holmes Beach Yacht Club. For The Sun’s full postcard collection, visit amisun.com and search “Wish You Were Here.”

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THE SUN

www.amisun.com

JANUARY 22, 2020

Addy issues a challenge

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

HOMES BEACH – Anna Maria Elementary School third grader Addy DuToit is on a mission.

Inspired by a recent lecture by Philip Cousteau, she decided to make a difference in the world.

Addy learned that the simple toothbrush is a source of pollution with its plastic handle and nylon bristles. She found out bamboo brushes were much better and recyclable if one cuts off the bristles.

With the help of her mother, Lizelle, she found sponsors to donate money to purchase bamboo toothbrushes online.

Monday, Jan. 13, she made her presentation to Miss Paul’s class and two other classes, Miss Querrard’s and Dr. Laura Redeker’s. After she spoke, the fellow students applauded, and she issued her challenge.

“If you bring in your old plastic tooth-

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Addy DuToit with her mother Lizelle. Right, Addy makes a bamboo toothbrush challenge

brush, we’ll give you a bamboo one,” she said.

Somebody asked if they could bring in other family members’ toothbrushes

and Lizelle said yes, they had a good supply. After that, Addy answered some questions and then, the session

ended.

When asked how it felt to make a difference, Addy said, “It was great.”

JANUARY 22, 2020

FOOD & WINE

THE SUN

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The taste of our childhood

Vincenzo Esposito VINNY'S ITALIAN KITCHEN

B

ack in the time of my childhood, cooking was traditions, love and passion. The first thing people say when they walk in to my store is, “It smells so good!”

This superlative smell goes a long way back to my childhood, thanks to a few influences of my family, especially my grandmothers. Here in the heat of Anna Maria Island, also known as little Italy, it is a place I created for families and friends to come and enjoy food of my childhood – not just any meal but one full of nutritious, natural and organic ingredients.

When it comes to influences, who better than a grandmother? Well I had two! Nonna Teresa and Nonna Maria, who squired some of the freshest fruits and vegetables to sell in her stand in the piazza of my hometown of Bagnaia. I grew up watching Nonna Maria cooking a storm of goodness in her kitchen. I was nicknamed at 5 years old “la femminuccia,” the little girl always under grandma's apron.

Well now in my Italian market on Holmes Beach, I bring products straight from Italy, New York and New Jersey where I lived for over 50 years and where my family and five daughters live today.

Whether you’re just visiting or a resident on this

Chicken Cacciatore Nonna Maria recipe serves 4

Ingredients

1 3.5 lbs. chicken cut in small pieces 1 c. sliced mushrooms 1 large onion diced 1 red or green pepper red Julian cut 1/4 c. chopped basil

SUBMITTED

Chicken cacciatore brings the smells and tastes of Italy to your kitchen. beautiful island, this is something you don’t want to miss, so add this to your list of places to visit. Enjoy the smells and tastes of foods that take you back

1/4 c. chopped parsley 4 cloves of garlic finely chopped 2 branches of rosemary 2 pints homemade tomato sauce 1 c. of white wine 1/2 c. of olive oil 1 Tbs. oregano Add salt and black pepper to taste

www.TheFeastRestaurantAMI.com

like music to home cooking and the warm welcome of the employees. This is one family kitchen you’ll never forget. I hope you enjoy the recipe.

Cooking instructions

In a medium sauce pot add olive oil, garlic, onion, mushrooms and sauté for 3 minutes. Add cut up chicken salt, pepper, parsley, basil and rosemary. Add white wine and tomato sauce, simmer on a medium heat for 45 minute and stir every 5 minutes. Have a loaf of Italian bread and a good bottle of wine to serve with it.

My preferred wine is primitivo from Puglia.

Enjoy.

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THE SUN

SPORTS

JANUARY 22, 2020

Team Rays Ramblings captures first win

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

After two weeks of youth flag football play at The Center, three teams remain undefeated with two wins in the record books. In the eight- to 10-year-old age group, HSH Designs defeated Moss Builders for its second win in the season.

Solid Rock Construction was victorious against Slim’s Place in the 11-to-13year old league.

Playing with an injured Tuna McCracken, MuniPlan let back up quarterbacks run the plays in the 14- to 17-year-old division win against Ugly Grouper, remaining unbeaten.

In each of the age group leagues, three teams hold 1-0 records, with their bye week already completed: Diamond Turf, Progressive Cabinetry and Hashmark Sports.

Looking for its first win of the season after a critical first game loss, Rays Ramblings took to the field knowing that learning from its losses lead to

stronger players, a better team and eventually a win.

In a huge team effort, Rays Ramblings put up 13 quick points to start the game.

Unfortunate bobbles by the Swordfish Grill & Tiki Bar squad gave the football back to the Ramblings offense without putting any points up on the scoreboard.

With an extra point catch by Drew Buky after another TD, Ramblings was up 20-0.

Failing to execute on offense, with a seven-second violation called on the Swordfish quarterback, Ramblings quickly took it to the end zone with a Reef Marin score, advancing the score to 26-0.

Rays Ramblings’ Reef Marin made four receptions for three receiving touchdowns. Teammate Kellan Hunt caught the fourth scoring pass by quarterback Jack McCarthy.

Joseph Bramurov scored the only rushing TD for Rays Ramblings.

Rounding out the team win, Ismael Garcia and Drew Buky made huge catches to help the squad move the football down the filed into scoring position.

Buky had a two extra point catches in the game, with an addition point conversion reception by Hunt.

In the second half of the game, Swordfish Grill skillfully put eight points on the board with a rushing touchdown by Dylan Sato. Sato’s teammate Nixon Connor sacked Ramblings quarterback giving the team a safety and two points in the game.

Rounding out the Swordfish statistics were catches by Cale Rudacille, Troy Jones and Colin Bankert, adding to the receptions by Connor and Sato.

SUN SCOREBOARD TUESDAY, JAN. 14 YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL EIGHT- TO 10-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE Cool Today Beach Bums

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Rod & Reel closed for a day The Rod & Reel Pier restaurant and pier is scheduled to close for maintenance on Wednesday, Jan. 22, to replace some aging pier pilings. Rod & Reel manager Dave Cochran said the temporary closing is a planned maintenance activity to ensure the continued safety of pier users and restaurant patrons. Cochran said he expected the one-day closure to occur on Wednesday, but that could change depending on the contractor’s availability. “It’s a one-day thing. It’s one of those things you have to do to take care of the place,” Cochran said.

26 18

Rays Ramblings Swordfish Grill & Tiki Bar

18 8

HSH Designs Moss Builders

26 18

11- TO 13-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE Solid Rock Construction Slim’s Place

34 16

Progressive Cabinetry Ugly Grouper

35 13

14- TO 17-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE Gulf Drive Café Killer Bait

13 20

MuniPlan Ugly Grouper

16 0

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JANUARY 22, 2020

THE SUN

BEACH BEAT

EXHIBIT: Boundaries erased

ANNA MARIA

photographs.

Tobias took “Great Migration” in Tanzania while watching wildebeest migrate.

“It was on my bucket list of things I had to see. They stand at the riverbank, and they can stand there for hours before the first one starts to cross – they’re worried about crocodiles,” Tobias said.

“It was late morning and this reddish dust was everywhere. They crossed for 30 minutes, and I cried the whole time.

It was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen, and this is very close to the true color of what was going on,” Tobias said regarding the color tones in her photo.

12/25, burglary, 123 Crescent Drive. An unknown party broke into a shed and stole items.

1/3, lost property, 103 Los Cedros Drive. A trash bin was lost.

1/10, information, Bayfront Park. A deputy found a car parked at the park after hours. There were two subjects in the car with a case of beer and a Glock handgun with three rounds of ammunition. The pistol was not secured. The driver was arrested.

1/11, information, 400 Magnolia Ave. A group of juveniles was riding bicycles in the roadway doing wheelies and causing traffic issues. A deputy initiated a traffic stop on the bicycle, and three of the five subjects took off. The subjects, who were from Pennsylvania and were here to play in a basketball tournament at IMG, went to a nearby house and ultimately came back to the scene. Charges were not pursued; the juveniles were turned over to their coaches for disciplinary actions.

CORTEZ

1/12, found property, 4300 127th St. W. A deputy responded to the address, which was the middle of a bridge. The subject stated he lives nearby and walks across the bridge a couple times a day and always looks into the water as he crosses. The bridge crosses over a canal leading from private residences to the bay. The subject stated about one week ago he noticed a square object in the water and assumed it was a filing cabinet. He stated the object was in the center of the canal, consistent with being dropped off of the side of the bridge. He stated he was afraid someone would hit the object with their boat motor so he decided to retrieve it. The subject stated while the tide was low, he got onto his boat and retrieved the object from the water and realized it was a safe with multiple scratch off lottery tickets with it. He loaded the safe onto his boat and brought it to the boat launch where he called the Sheriff’s Office.

The deputy observed the safe to be consistent with one used at a business due to the money drop slot.

The stack of lottery tickets was still attached to each other. Due to the lottery tickets being wet and stuck together, the deputy was unable to separate them to get an accurate count of how many were found. The Sheriff’s Office took the safe and tickets for safekeeping.

FROM PAGE 29

OBITUARIES Barbara Ann (Choquette) Hassett Barbara Ann (Choquette) Hassett, known to her grandchildren as "Meema," passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Dec. 30, 2019, in Pittsfield, Mass., during a holiday visit to her family.

Born in Pittsfield on Sept. 28, 1941, Barbara was the daughter of the late Robert S. and Marguerite (Brundage) Choquette. She had lived for the last 10 years in Bradenton Beach with her husband of 57 years, James (Jim) Hassett, Jr. In addition to Jim, she leaves son James (Jimmy) Hassett III and his partner, Lisa St. John, Jimmy’s children, Evan and Nick; son, Jeffrey Hassett, his wife, Katie, their kids

"I want to thank ArtCenter Manatee for hanging the show and for

35

stand out much better with a black background,” she said.

CHANGE OF VENUE

She took “Flamingo Delight” at Jungle Gardens in Sarasota.

“This is a gorgeous bird. I liked the detail of the feathers, the eyes, the black tail and the shape it was in,” Tobias said, noting she cropped out the natural background.

“The background was competing with the flamingo, and I thought it would

“I want to thank ArtCenter Manatee for hanging the show and for being so supportive. It’s a great venue,” Hiland said. “A number of our Guild members are not on the Island, so this is more centrally located for our membership and participants. It’s been a wonderful experience. The galleries are gorgeous.”

ArtCenter Manatee is located at 209 Ninth St. W. in Bradenton.

For more information, visit www. artcentermanatee.org. The Artists Guild Gallery is in the Island Shopping Center at 5414 Marina Dr in Holmes Beach. For more information, visit www. amiartistsguildgallery.com.

Shea and Brian; daughter Sandi Hassett and her partner, Deneil LoGiudice.

She also leaves her brother, Robert (Bob) Choquette and his wife, Chris, their children Sarah and Katie; brother-in-law Michael Hassett, his wife, Debbie, their kids Danny and Jessica; and sister-in-law, Annie Hassett.

Barbara had an extended family and many friends who loved her dearly.

She attended Pittsfield High School where she and Jim met. Jim was a year older and went into the Navy to serve for three years before they married in 1962. Barb started her career at General Electric in the accounting department and worked there for three years. After her first child, she loved being a stay-at-home mom and was a huge supporter of her children in all their activities and sports.

Barb’s interests included attending her children’s and grandchildren’s activities, going to the beach, walking, playing tennis, doing water aerobics and reading. She was a devout Catholic all her life. Barb loved volunteering in her local community in Florida, whether as an usher at the Island Playhouse, the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival or at her favorite library, the

Tingley Memorial Library.

After her children had moved out of the house, Barb worked at the Pittsfield School Department in the cafeteria’s nutrition department. There, she helped implement the new electronic system for the SNAP program and developed the initial documents that were used nationwide.

Barb will be missed by all who knew her. Her selfless, loving, giving spirit is an inspiration for us all. She had endless love to give to those around her with thoughtfulness like none other. She loved the holidays and getting into the spirit with her attire and jewelry. She treasured the attention she received from her grandchildren, especially during card games and making fun, exaggerated photos and Bitmoji’s.

In her “not about me” nature, Barb requested a private family service and to have her ashes scattered in the ocean that bordered her Florida home.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider donating to the Tingley Memorial Library Book Fund of Bradenton Beach, Fla., in care of the DevannyCondron Funeral Home, 40 Maplewood Ave,. Pittsfield, MA 01201.

being so supportive."

Cathy Tobias Photographer

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FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 "Way cool!"

4 Title for Bovary or Defarge 10 Feudal estate 14 Computer application file suffix 15 European peninsula 16 "A Jug of Wine ... " poet 17 Ala. neighbor 18 Redeeming quality 20 Many Montenegrins 22 "Much to my surprise ... " 23 "Weekend Update" comic Michael 24 Cash dispenser 26 "Buona __": Italian "Good evening" 28 Lines of lightning ... or lightening 32 Coin flips 36 Paper for papers 38 Person of the Year awarder 39 Leave out 40 "__ John B": Beach Boys hit 42 Former govt. agency devoted to public diplomacy 43 Chianti Classico, per esempio 44 Small museum piece 46 Distribute into groups 49 Chestnut horses 50 Angler's decoy 52 Fellow 53 RĂŠsumĂŠ writer's goal 56 Resignee of 1974 59 Forever __ 63 Citrus-flavored soda 66 Chillax 67 Poi source 68 Repeat from memory

69 With 72-Across, evasive strategy ... and a hint to the last several letters of the four longest Across answers 70 Large number 71 On the schedule 72 See 69-Across Down 1 Sports officials 2 Wheel shaft 3 __ Abby 4 Wrong move 5 Attorney's org.

6 "Whip It" rock band 7 Like much of the Southwest 8 Objects to 9 Aerie newborn 10 Pro 11 All-in-one Apple 12 Per unit 13 On the house 19 Wrap with tzatziki sauce 21 Happy hour perch 25 Rover's territory 27 One at the head of the class 28 Round with four teams, say

Answers to 01-15-20 Crossword Puzzle.

29 Jacob and Esau, e.g.

30 DEA agent's find 31 Hoity-toity types 33 Strong fiber 34 Qatari bigwigs 35 It may be saved at a movie 36 __ Scotia 37 Japanese leader during WWII 41 Salon offering 45 Ruined 47 Step on a ladder 48 They make an effort 51 Spreadsheet program in Microsoft Office 53 Scribbles (down) 54 Like some exams 55 Naked 57 Penguin predator 58 Nantes night 60 State with conviction 61 List of options 62 Scrolling key 64 At the moment 65 Sault __ Marie

JANUARY 22, 2020

JANUARY 22, 2020

CLASSIFIED

ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMPUTER SERVICES

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

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

EMPLOYMENT

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

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 941704-7525

CARPET CLEANING QUALITY COUNTS. CARPET cleaning. Upholstery cleaning. Tile & grout cleaning.

Island's favorite cleaner.

Manatee Chamber Member.

Great price/free estimates.

Call 941-756-1082

CLEANING SERVICE THC CLEANING : Residential, Commercial & Rentals. Professional and Reliable. Call 941756-4570

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

Call us today! 941-778-3986

NAIL/SKIN PRO needed now at busy island day spa. Fl. license req. 941896-2222 1/8 NEW SOLO’S PIZZA LOOKING for part time evening cook.

Call 941-778-8118 TWO SIDES OF NATURE – Anna Maria Island’s Largest Little Beach Shoppes... is now hiring part-time associates.

Varied shifts available must be able to days, nights and weekends.

Retail Experience Preferred. Great personalities a plus! Great pay!

Apply today Two Sides of Nature 101 S. Bay Blvd.

Unit A-1, Anna Maria.

Two Sides of Nature, Two Sides of Nature Too, Two Scoops – having a little fun every day!

TWO SCOOPS – Anna Maria Island’s Favorite Ice-Cream... is now hiring part-time associates.

Varied shifts available must be able to work nights and weekends.

A great place to work and have a little fun… looking for a few friendly people to join our team.

Food prep. or server experience preferred.

Great Pay! Apply today…

Two Scoops 101 S. Bay Blvd. Anna Maria.

TWO POSITIONS at JESSIE'S ISLAND STORE: Night shift cashier Thursday, Friday, Saturday 2pm to close 27-30 hours. Daytime stock person 4-5 hours per day 5-6 days per week. Apply at Jessie's Island Store 5424 Marine Dr. Holmes Beach 941-778-6903

FISHING CHARTERS

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

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES

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

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

HOME MAINTENANCE. Tile and Laminate installation.

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

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: NORMS TOWING gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 01/22/2020, 09:00 am at 1855 63RD AVENUE E. BRADENTON, FL 34203, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. NORMS TOWING reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

1FMCU0JD8HUD05247 2017 FORD 1G1BL52P9TR174178 1996 CHEVROLET 1N4AL2AP8CC194286 2012 NISSAN 1YVGE22DXT5520185 1996 MAZDA

37

2FMDK3J92DBC61141 2013 FORD 2MELM74W0VX674214 1997 MERCURY 5NPDH4AE4DH233254 2013 HYUNDAI 5TFJX4GN1DX026421 2013 TOYOTA JTDKB20U583379444 2008 TOYOTA WDBUF65J43A189267 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ

2005 HYUNDAI WDBTK56F89T106920 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ WP1AA29PX6LA22526 2006 PORSCHE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: NORMS TOWING gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 01/29/2020, 09:00 am at 1855 63RD AVENUE E. BRADENTON, FL 34203, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. NORMS TOWING reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

LOST DIAMOND STONE on Trolley or shops on Anna Maria Island. $500 REWARD. Call 314-324-5921

1C4HJWEG5HL640174 2017 JEEP 1FTRX18W2XNA97930 1999 FORD 1GCEK19T94E169056 2004 CHEVROLET 1N6BA07A75N522829 2005 NISSAN 5J6RM3H73EL035310 2014 HONDA JM1BL1TF3D1767783 2013 MAZDA KM8SC13DX4U763092 2004 HYUNDAI KMHDH4AE5FU282368 2015 HYUNDAI WDDGF54X78F119051 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: NORMS TOWING gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 02/05/2020, 09:00 am at 1855 63RD AVENUE E. BRADENTON, FL 34203, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. NORMS TOWING reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

1FTZX18W0WKB11551 1998 FORD 1G1FB1RS6H0209875 2017 CHEVROLET 1G1FB3DS1K0127644 2019 CHEVROLET 1G4HP52K1XH471656 1999 BUICK 1G6KY54942U277580 2002 CADILLAC 1J4AA2D15AL160031 2010 JEEP 4T1BF1FK4CU582747 2012 TOYOTA 5NPET46C78H363254 2008 HYUNDAI JM1CW2BL0F0183410 2015 MAZDA JTJBARBZXG2094762 2016 LEXUS JTLKT324464039715 2006 TOYOTA KMHWF35H55A116767

LOST & FOUND LOST ON BEACH Beige Women’s Eye Glasses. $50 REWARD Call John 941705-6068

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

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

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

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident.

Quality Workmanship.

Interior/Exterior. Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315 DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-7057096 CUSTOM PAINTING, Residential-Commercial, Interior/Exterior Professional quality work for over 40 years. Free estimates.

Call Larry at 941-400-8754.

References available.

38

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CLASSIFIED

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.

Call us today! 941-778-3986

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 MOBILE HOME in 55+ community 1975 Fully furnished, excellent rental history, 1BR/1BA, 50 steps from beach. $72,500. Call 813-6793561

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 HOLMES BEACH DUPLEX with Private Pool. Spacious 2BR/2BA, large lanai, 2 blocks to Beach Includes pool service, lawn service, water, garbage. Available February 1 $1900/ mo 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

JANUARY 22, 2020

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 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 ANNUAL RENTAL PRIVATE ENTRANCE ROOM Holmes Beach AMI includes private bath, shower, closet, vanity, queen bed, TV, wifi, microwave, toaster oven refrigerator, washer/dryer. All utilities. One car off rode parking. No pets/smoking. $725/mo. Available Feb 1.

Call 440-983-7232 to view.

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 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. $1395/mo. First, Last & Security. Call 941-741-1096 KEY ROYALE, SEASONAL, February 1-29, 2020, gorgeous canal home 3BD/3BA, 8500$/mo,10 min walking distance to the beach. Mike text 514952-7022 or drmsake@ yahoo.ca

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. GOOD RATES FOR WORRY FREE SERVICE. Day, night or holiday. Advance notice required. Credit cards/cash.

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

941-730-0001 ADMIRAL TOWN CAR Professional chauffeur, taxi prices! Airports (1@ $75, 10 $150 to Tampa), Appointments anywhere.

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

www.amisun.com

JANUARY 22, 2020

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY COMPUTER SERVICE

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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Call today to place your ad: 941-778-3986 HOME SITTING / PET SITTING

PAINTING

TRANSPORTATION

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JANUARY 22, 2020