Anna Maria Island Sun January 6, 2016

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VOL 16 No. 10

January 6, 2016

tom vaught | SUN

Elvis left the beach and entered the water on New Year’s Day for the Eighth Annual Clancy’s Shamrock Shiver, a fund-raiser for local charities, which included a costume competition, won by Bill Capobianco (Elvis). Details on Page 13.

Sun Person of the Year: Kenneth A. Price, Jr. Both friends and colleagues praise Price for his dedication to the community and contributions to the safety of its citizens.

BY PAT COPELAND

SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – Since growing up on the Island, Kenneth A. Price, Jr. or Andy, as everyone knows him, has been an integral part of Island life.

Price rose from a boy attending programs at the Island Community Center to coach to chairman of the board and from child of a chief to volunteer to chief of the West Manatee Fire & Rescue District, from which he retired in April. Both friends and colleagues

INSIDE NEWS OPINION Sun survey OUTDOORS Island art real estate town crier police reports

4 6 7 22-23 25 28-33 34 36

praise Price for his dedication to the community and contributions to the safety of its citizens.

“Andy Price has always been like the modern day Andy Taylor from the old Andy Griffith show,” friend Suki Janisch said. “A man who is looked up to and respected by his friends, family and especially the community. You always know he's going to be truthful, honest and thoughtful.

“He loves where he lives and treasures the many characters that help give the small town its charm. His service to us has been invaluable, as a first responder and a valued citizen. But it's his commitment to his family and friends that cannot be equaled, and I am forever grateful to be included in that group.”

Beach post office operators Peggy Meyers and Jack Jackson say farewell. 4

Holmes

Anna Maria Island, Florida

Price’s father was chief of the Bradenton Beach Volunteer Fire Department and childhood friend John Banyas, whose father also was a fire volunteer, recalls helping their fathers Price raise money for the department.

“We used to have chicken barbecues and the fire truck would go up and down the Island selling tickets. We would help sell tickets and then help with the barbecue,” Banyas said.

Shaping the fire department

Price’s father encouraged him to join the fire department and after serving with Sarasota and Longboat Key, he became fire marshal with the Anna Maria Fire District in 1987, then chief in 1992.

It was here that he dedicated his career to making it a first class department.

Mary Stephens, administrative assistant for the fire district for 30 years, said, “Since Andy’s family were longtime Islanders, he had a vested interest and a vision in making our fire district the most effective possible and takes pride in the service we provide.

“He made it most effective by fostering change for firefighters to become see Price, page 32

TAKE A LOOK BACK AT THE TOP 10

STORIES OF 2015. 3

New Year’s was a blast on Anna Maria Island. Story and photos. 12

The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper

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JANUARY 6, 2016

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JANUARY 6, 2016

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Top 10 stories of 2015 F

or such a small place, Anna Maria Island had more than its share of newsworthy stories in 2015. Everything from the incredible increase in tourism, which prompted many to joke that the Island would sink, to the solving of an eight-year-old murder mystery, could be found in the 52 editions of The Sun. We’ve put together our own list, in no particular order, of the top 10 stories of the year for you to review, but there certainly were dozens more that could have been included.

Your vote counts

Recalled Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon was re-elected to the position over incumbent Jack Clarke when he drew the high card after a tie election in November.

Shored up

Renourishment of Anna Maria Island beaches was completed in March, shoring up businesses, vacation rentals, homes and roads from storms.

BP debris finally hits beaches

Vacation rental boom

To address an increase in vacation rental construction, a proposed building moratorium in Bradenton Beach was proposed but rejected by commissioners in September. It continues to be debated, along with a quality of life ordinance that would address concerns about vacation rentals.

Anna Maria commissioners adopted a new vacation rental ordinance in November limiting occupancy and providing for increased enforcement.

One lawsuit challenging it has been dismissed so far.

SUN FILE PHOTO

Forensic specialists sift through sand and dirt excavated from the site where the remains of Sabine Musil- Buehler were found on Anna Maria Island.

In January, Holmes Beach imposed a building moratorium on homes with four or more bedrooms, commonly used as vacation rentals.

Pier restaurants open

The Anna Maria Island Oyster Bar (AMOB) opened in December on the historic Bradenton Beach Pier with A

Room with a Hue and Tide & Moon 2 in the outparcels, re-enlivening the Bridge Street shopping district after Cast n’ Cage was evicted for nonpayment of rent.

In February, the Rod n’ Reel Pier in Anna Maria reopened after renovations from a 2014 fire.

No oil ever hit the beach from the BP spill in 2010, but beachgoers discovered vibration suppressor panels, also known as tendon strake sheaths, on the beach in August. The objects are wrapped around pipes descending from oil rigs into the Gulf to minimize their movement in currents, and are thought to be from the Deepwater Horizon oil rig.

Dead in the water

Citing changes in the natural gas market, Port Dolphin abandoned its see 2015, page 30

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THE SUN

ISLAND NEWS

in brief

Six plucked from sinking ship off Egmont The Coast Guard rescued six people after their 23-foot boat began taking on water 10 miles from Egmont Key on Saturday, Jan. 2. There were no reported injuries.

At 8:38 a.m. Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg received a 911 transfer call from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office reporting a vessel taking on water at a rapid pace. A 45-foot response boat from the St. Petersburg Coast Guard Station was launched. It arrived on scene at 10:20 a.m. and was able to recover all six persons from the water in good condition. Their 23-foot boat was completely submerged, and only four of six persons rescued were wearing life jackets. The Coast Guard transferred all six people to local EMS at Merry Marina near Pass-a-Grille in St. Petersburg.

On-scene conditions were reported to be 20-knot winds with 4- to 6-foot seas.

Police search for ‘flip-flop’ bandit Bradenton Beach Police are looking for a white male who robbed the Circle K store at 2513 Gulf Drive around 3:50 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 31. According to the police report, the female clerk was doing an inventory in the rear of the store when the suspect came in wearing a red mask. He called her to the front of the store and told her to give him the money from the cash register, and a carton of Newport cigarettes, which she did. He then fled.

A police dog was brought in and it followed a scent to the rear of Sharkey’s, where police found fresh tire tracks probably from the getaway car. The clerk did not see a weapon on the suspect he did not threaten to use one. The store manager provided security recordings showing the robber wore black clothes and flip-flops.

Dedication service to honor Rev. Carroll The Rev. Dr. Vincent Carroll will be honored Sunday, Jan. 10, at Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key, when the second floor main room will be renamed the Rev. Vince Carroll Upper Room. A dedication ceremony will follow the regular service at 10 a.m. with Rev. Charlie Shook, pastor emeritus, conducting an unveiling of both a wall plaque and a formal portrait of Rev. Carroll. The public is invited to attend the dedication celebration.

For more information, contact Longboat Island Chapel at 941-383-6491.

Week 17 Football Fever winner Terri White of Cortez won week 17 with a score of (-3) and tiebreaker of 49 points.

Corrections A Dec. 30 story about Sea Salt, LLC should have clarified that the company’s grainier textured salt is an exfoliant containing rich minerals plus natural skin moistening coconut oil, other essential oils and vitamin E to soften and moisturize skin.

The Page 1 photo in the Dec. 30 edition should have credited Wendy Dewhurst Clark.

JANUARY 6, 2016

Peggy Meyers and Jack Jackson say farewell to PO

The couple has served most of the people of Holmes Beach at one time or another over the past 21 years.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Saying goodbye is hard for many, but especially so for Peggy Meyers and Jack Jackson, who have served most of the people of Holmes Beach at one time or another over the past 21 years.

The couple spent their last day serving the public at the Holmes Beach Post Office on Dec. 31 before retiring and handing the stamps over to the capable hands of Julie Quinlivan and Sally Woodward.

“We’re thrilled, we’re happy,” but we’ll miss the people like crazy,” Meyers said. “We’ve had tons of wonderful customers.”

Meyers said they came to the post office in 1994 after replying to and ad in the newspaper stating that the contract was available.

“We took it as a lark,” Meyers recalled. “We thought it would be fun.”

“We took it for two years and now it’s 21 years later,” Jackson added.

The pair had card, book and gift shops in Bradenton and eventually brought the merchandise to the Island location. A couple of years later, Jackson opened his sign shop in the rear of the building and produced signs and banners.

“Older people who had to give up their pets to live in condos came every day to see them and bring them treats,” Jackson added.

“How do you say goodbye to people who have become like family? Meyers asked. “People whose babies have grown up and come back as customers.”

Odd things mailed

Keeping the boxes

Meyers said they couldn’t tell about any funny incidents with their customers because of post office confidentiality regulations, but they did recall some of the oddest things that people mailed.

“Beach balls, dried grape leaves so brittle that they fell apart, coconuts and flip flops,” Jackson answered. ‘Most of the coconuts had pictures painted on them. We had to wrap the postage on with tape, and I åhated that because sometimes it pulled the paint off.”

Meyers said their two Chinese Shar Peis, Arruga and Izzy, were a delight for customers, who brought them treats. One customer even mailed a box of treats to the dogs.

Pat copeland | sun

Peggy Meyers and Jack Jackson bid goodbye to the Holmes Beach Post Office, but not to the friends they made there.

Meyers also said she would like to give “a big shout out to all the people who helped keep this post office here.”

She was referring to the issue that began in April when the couple said they planned to retire, and USPS officials said they could keep the contract post office, but not the 230 post office boxes, which they said could be relocated to Anna Maria or Bradenton Beach.

The couple maintained that without the post office boxes, the contract would be financially unfeasible, and if no one took the contract, it could result in the loss of all postal services at that location.

Mayor Bob Johnson sought help

from U.S. Congressman Vern Buchanan, who called for a town hall meeting with representatives of the USPS. Residents rallied for their post office, and Buchanan took their case to USPS officials in Washington, D.C. A couple weeks later their request to keep the post office boxes was granted.

Jackson said they would relax at their home in Bradenton until the spring when they plan on taking an extended RV trip to visit friends and relatives in several Western states.

“In mid-June we plan to be in South Dakota,” Jackson said.

“There’s a town reunion in Pickstown, where I went to school.”

“Now we’ll have time to travel,” Meyers said. “We’ve always been limited because we never liked to leave here too long because of the responsibility.

“Tell people we’re so grateful to have had this wonderful opportunity. It was a great job, and we loved every minute of it.”

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Mary Stephens retires from WMFR Stephens has been administrative assistant for the West Manatee Fire & Rescue District for 30 years.

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

BRADENTON – Although she is retiring as administrative assistant for the West Manatee Fire & Rescue District after 30 years, Mary Stephens said she and her husband, Danny, would always remain a part of the extended family of emergency personal.

“Everything we’ve ever done has involved fire, police and EMS friends,” she said. “I don’t know what our life would have been without that.”

Stephens credits the Holmes family for getting them involved in the fire service after they followed their parents to the Island from Xenia, Ohio, in 1981. Both worked for Holmes Construction and through the company, Danny joined the Anna Maria Volunteer Fire Department (AMVFD) in 1983. ‘”It was community based volunteerism, and all the volunteers had to live in the district,” she recalled. “The volunteers were Island business owners who would close their doors and go on fire calls.

pat copeland | SUN

Mary Stephens has been a part of the history of the Island's fire departments for 30 years.

“In 1986, Mr. Holmes Sr. was chairman of the fire district and he and secretary/treasurer George Wagner hired me as secretary.

The office was at the AMVFD station at Oak Avenue and Gulf Drive in Anna Maria.

Three volunteer departments

“Back then the district was comprised of three separate volunteer departments – Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Cortez and

what makes us different? quality.

“As soon as I opened the door, Sergio presented himself in such a way that I knew he was a quality guy. He listened to and answered all of our questions, and was eager to help us. I love the guy!”

- Joan Asinas, Air & Energy customer

Simply Better.

each had its own chain of command and fundraisers. The fire district didn’t respond to rescue calls – that was done by volunteers with Island Rescue, who also were volunteer firefighters from the three departments.

Eventually those groups all merged and the district began running rescue calls.”

Dan was hired by Cedar Hammock Fire District in 1987, and the couple served as officers for the volunteer association assisting with fundraisers and activities such as the district’s Halloween dances and haunted houses and spaghetti dinners, pancake breakfasts and fish fries.

The district built Station 2 in Holmes Beach in 1987 and hired its first two full time firefighters, Jack Williams and Rich Losek, in 1989. Stephens said they had one computer in the office, the radio system was VHF and the governor appointed the fire commissioners.

“The volunteers had plectrons, which were alerting devices, in their homes so they could be notified when there was a call,” she recalled. “Then pagers came in so they could be notified if thy weren’t home.

“The changes in technology and how they affected everything are huge. Now our guys carry mobile 800 radios and cell phones. see WMFR, page 18

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OPINION

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

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JANUARY 6, 2016

GUEST COLUMN Where is Cortez?

BY MARY FULFORD GREEN

T

hat is the question we residents of the village are asked when we tell a new acquaintance that we live in Cortez. That is not so surprising a question, since there is only one small green sign on the north side of Cortez Road. It is true at one time the Maritime Museum’s sign read, “Florida Maritime Museum at Cortez.” I don’t know why the words “at Cortez” disappeared. Maybe we can get them back some day.

New signage has been on our wish list for some time. This was especially true in 1995 when the Cortez Village Historical Society was successful in having Cortez listed as an Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. We priced the official sign and learned that it cost $2,000. Our main concern at that time was the proposed 65-foot bridge to the island. It would have closed four roads into the village and put 22 businesses out of operation.

This was FDOT’s plan in 1995. The plan now is a 75-foot high bridge to the island.

We wanted the village listed as we understood that federal funds could not be used to negatively impact an historic district. CVHS spent $5800, not counting the cost of a trip to Tallahassee to defend the project. It was officially listed March 16, 1995. I like to brag about that because it is the birthday of my grandfather, William Thomas Fulford, who, at age 20, bought the first tract of land in the village. This was in 1887, and his first house was completed in 1889. It is still here. Yes, we stopped the high rise bridge.

The official sign was not a priority as we were low on funds and had “other fish to fry” – like another developer’s plans for Cortez.

Twenty years later, we have decided that it is about time we put up the $2,000 sign. Two weeks ago a newcomer handed me $100. Hopefully others are interest in funding the sign.

Tax deductible contributions may be mailed to CVHS, P.O. Box 663, Cortez, FL 34215.

Maybe I should tell you what you will find when you turn left off of Cortez Road. Turn in on 119th Street and you see the Maritime Museum. At the end is Cortez Bait and Seafood Company and three places where you can get fresh fish. Turn right onto 45th Avenue and you pass the building of the Cortez church of Christ. The congregation has been there for over 100 years. Go south on 123rd Street and you will come to the empty Fulford Fish Company building on the left, the N.E. Taylor Boatworks straight ahead. That is my historic SEE editorial, PAGE 7

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Pedestrian safety important, too I really enjoyed the articles in this week's paper (The Sun, Dec. 30) on the bicycles. In the view of bicycle safety, one thing you did not mention, however, was pedestrian safety. As you know, we have a brand-new sidewalk from Manatee Avenue down Bay Drive all the way to 27th St. Bicycles are now using that sidewalk as their safety bicycle lane rather than the bike lane provided on the main road. This now causes us pedestrians while walking to be alert for them.

Walking to Publix we have to jump out of the way when they ring a little bicycle bell (Most do not have this).

This is not a safe place for bicycles nor pedestrians when there is a bike lane.

It should be pointed out to the local law enforcement of both Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach that the bicycles belong in the bicycle lane that they have provided, not on the sidewalks. I would love to see something in your paper of the arrests and tickets that are handed out to the bicyclists.

Ted Baird Bradenton Beach

A fond farewell It is with bittersweet emotion that I offer this letter to announce my decision to retire from my position as school counselor at Anna Maria Elementary. I have long said, since being selected for this position, that I simply have the best job in the Manatee County School District, bar none. No one has ever challenged that remark.

I began my career in education 41 years ago, the last 20 of those spent right here at AME. The most remarkable thing about my career here and the reason I can claim it the best is that I have had tremendous support and help from the parents and families of my students, as well as incredible participation from the AME Parent/ Teacher Organization and this Island community. From our Island service organizations (Rotary and Kiwanis), our restaurateurs, local businesses and banks, Island governments, the HB Police and Fire Departments, Island churches and A.I.D., Garden Clubs, Island newspapers, AMI and LBK Turtle Watch, Island Library, Island Community Center, school volunteers and private citizens, I have had overwhelming support in providing programs and services for our children that I don’t believe any other community could match. As an Islander of 30 years, I stand witness to all the changes we’ve undergone. But one thing remains a constant – Islanders care about their Island school children. This community gives it’s all to our kids, and I doubt that will ever change. Year after year I’ve been overwhelmed with the help you have given me and the relationships we’ve established are treasures that I shall carry with me forever.

I cannot find words adequate to express my gratitude for the opportunities I have had here at our little school by the bay. I have rich and wonderful memories, some filled with sorrow, others with great joy, and always some full of humor and delight. Recently I received a letter of thanks from a young

Take The Sun Survey on Page 7. student who wrote: “Dear Mrs. Harrison: Sometimes on the playground I think about you. You remind me of my grandma. Just like her, you are never mean, always nice, and not dead yet!” Where else but from a child can you get words of encouragement like that? And then the one who wrote to commend me on my position as school counselor. Her words. “Dear Mrs. Harrison: You are the most awesome counselor at AME! I don’t know why they hired you, but I’m glad they did.”

All I can say to that darling one and to Mr. Jim Kronus, AME Principal for 25 years and the one responsible for my hire is, “No one is gladder than I am.”

Thank you Anna Maria parents, grandparents and guardians for sharing your children with me all these years, and thank you Island community for supporting us year after year with your endless generosity and kindness.

From my very first day on the job, I told myself that if I could make a difference in the life of just one child, if my actions could bring benefit to even one of my student’s lives, if I could educate the heart of even just one to be loving and kind, that would be enough. What has happened over the last 41 years is that my life has been filled to the everloving brim with hundreds of children and all of you, and it is clear as I write these reflections that the one student who received all the blessings and learned the most was me.

I thank you all for that.

Farewell my friends. See you around the Island.

Cindi Harrison

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THE SUN

the sun survey

on the agenda

PREVIOUS QUESTION: What do you think about plans to make AMI more bike-friendly, as outlined in our Page 4 in the December 30, 2015 issue?

Anna Maria

8%

22%

The quickest fix would be to enforce traffic laws so nobody motorists or cyclists - runs through stop signs.

Could be OK as long as it doesn't interfere with motorists.

10005 Gulf Drive

1/12: Planning and Zoning Board, 4 p.m.

1/14: City Commission meeting and work session, 6 p.m.

For information, call 7086130.

Bradenton Beach 107 Gulf Drive N.

1/6: Community Redevelopment Agency, 9:30 a.m.

1/6: Capital Improvement Committee, 10 a.m.

1/6: Pier Team, 11 a.m.

1/7: City Commission meeting, 6 p.m.

1/13: City Commission work session, 1 p.m.

1/13: Scenic WAVES, 3 p.m.

For information, call 7781005.

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Holmes Beach 5801 Marina Drive

1/6: Parks and Beautification Advisory Board, 10 a.m.

1/12: City Commission meeting, 7 p.m.

1/14: City Commission work session, 7 p.m.

For information, call 7085800.

Island-wide

1/6: West Manatee Fire &Rescue District awards ceremony, Palma Sola Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 6510 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, 6 p.m.

1/14: Manasota League of Cities, Longboat Key Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, 10 a.m.

mark your calendar Note: Events are free unless indicated.

70%

If it will make bicycling safer I'm all for it.

Wednesday Jan. 6

THIS WEEK’S SURVEY

• No, it is a waste of taxpayer money that could be spent elsewhere.

• Yes, it is needed to better understand traffic patterns.

Do you think the state-funded • This is the perfect opportunity to talk $675,000 traffic study of AMI about a bridge from Longboat to the and Longboat Key is a good mainland. idea?

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

LIKE us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun View The Sun’s online edition at www.issuu.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun LETTERS TO THE EDITOR FROM PAGE 6

Fulford house to the east. Turn west on 46th and you find the A.P. Bell Fish Company and three places to buy fish. All counted there are 11 spots where you can buy ready to cook or cooked seafood.

Back on 119th Street you see

the 1912 red brick schoolhouse. It is the home of Florida’s Maritime Museum in Cortez. Just east of it is the cottage donated by Bradenton Beach that’s the future home of the Cortez Cultural Center. This is a project of the Cortez Village Historical Society. We will be featuring the 66 veterans of WWII and those from WW I as well as those from

the Korean, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. We will also be showing family life in Cortez - what has influenced it such as the school, the church, and the Volunteer Fire Department. This Cultural Center will be open by Fishing Festival time in February. We welcome you to turn left and visit us. Enjoy the food, the scenery and the folks you meet.

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

AMI Community Connections fellowship, AMI Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 2 p.m.

Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 11:45 a.m., to 12:30 p.m. $10. Register to ArtLeagueAMI@gmail.com or 941-7782099. iPhone seminar, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 2nd Floor. 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 1 to 4 p.m., $10 donation suggested. RSVP to 941-3836493 or maryannbrady@ aginginparadise.org.

Opening reception for Maro Lorimer, Harmony Gallery, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center behind Art Center Sarasota, 709 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Tween Book Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6 p.m.

Thursday Jan. 7

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

Knitting/crochet group, Island Branch Library,

5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Zumba with Suzy, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 2nd Floor, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 10 to 11 a.m., $10 donation suggested. RSVP to 941-3836493 or maryannbrady@ aginginparadise.org.

Friday Jan. 8

Activate your brain with collage, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Alzheimer’s caregivers’ group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Opening reception for Anna Maria Island Art League “Portraits,” 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Opening reception for Candace Bennington, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive in S & S Shopping Plaza, Holmes Beach, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Saturday Jan. 9

Privateers’ Thieves’ Market, Coquina Beach parking lot, Bradenton Beach, 8 a.m.

Master Gardener tour, Riverview Pointe Preserve, end of 75th Street, Bradenton, 9 to 11 a.m. Reserve to 941-722-4524.

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

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THE SUN

Wasabi Ahi Tuna

“

Being an original is all about authenticity. It’s about taking what’s important to you and translating it into something amazing for your customers. The Waterfront Restaurant is locally-owned and has been committed to sustainable practices for over a decade. We know where to get the very best in fresh local produce, seafood, and more because we’ve always sourced our menu that way. As a result, when you dine at The Waterfront Restaurant, you’re not just getting a beautiful bay view in a unique historical cottage: you’re also getting the very best in individually hand-crafted cocktails and thoughtfully innovative local cuisine.

�

Jason Suzor, proprietor Waterfront Restaurant

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

JANUARY 6, 2016

JANUARY 6, 2016

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Potential bike route unveiled The bike route being developed will require City Commission approval.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – Working with Claudia Carlson and the Holmes Beach Bike/Walk Committee, Terry Green has created a proposed bike route map to present to the City Commission at a later date.

Green made the map using the Google My Maps application he recently familiarized himself with.

When asked why he volunteered his time to these efforts, Green said, “I’m not able to do much biking, but I’m very interested in not hitting a biker with my car. That’s a great motivation for many who are interested in this project and who are afraid there’s going to be a bike fatality. The idea is to get folks off the main roads where there are so many cars, and as we continue to develop the map, we want to highlight where some of the more dangerous areas are.”

Some of this preliminary information has already been presented to the Island Transportation Planning Organization and Green said the committee expects to receive additional input from Mayor Bob Johnson and feedback from the public before presenting the bike route map to commissioners.

The proposed routes

Traveling north from the Bradenton Beach city limits to the Anna Maria city limits, the proposed primary bike route would take cyclists west on 28th Street before turning north onto Avenue E, which runs parallel to Gulf Drive and crosses over to Sixth Avenue near Walgreen’s.

The route would continue on Sixth Avenue and behind the shopping center until connecting with 39th Street, Fourth Avenue or a connecting trail that would lead west, across Gulf Drive and into the Manatee Public Beach.

Continuing north from the beach, the route would take a left turn onto 43rd Street, a right turn on Second Avenue that would take cyclists north and parallel to Gulf Drive and connect with 52nd Street.

A left turn at 52nd Street followed by a right turn on Holmes Boulevard would have cyclists traveling parallel to Marina Drive and Palm Drive to the east and Gulf Drive to the west until reaching 72nd Street. At that point, the route would cross Palm Drive and connect with the northern portion of Marina Drive that leads to 83rd Street, which connects to the Gulf Drive bike lane that leads to Willow Street and the Anna Maria bike route being developed by Amy Tripp.

submitted

The map shows the proposed bike route. see bike path, page 15

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THE SUN

Look back and looking ahead With 2015 now in the rearview mirror, there’s much to do in the coming year.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – As the holiday season came to a close, some additional elected officials joined their peers in responding to a recent inquiry seeking insight on what was accomplished in 2015 and what remains to be done in 2016.

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said, “If I was to list the top four or five accomplishments of 2015 I would say: • The construction and activation of the cell tower, so we can have good and clear communications within our city and with the rest of the world; • Finally starting the construction and development of the City Pier Park; • The establishment of the Building Construction Review Board to help us enforce our codes and ferret out unscrupulous contractors;

• Creating a parking and code enforcement presence seven days a week in order to keep our streets and neighborhoods safe and orderly; • Hammering out a vaca- Murphy tion rental ordinance that will retain our neighborhood charm, while at the same time allowing visitors to enjoy our little slice of paradise.”

Looking ahead to 2016, Murphy said, “Our emTitsworth phasis will be on making the city of Anna Maria an even better place to live. Projects such as the bike route, improving our parks, reinforcing the City Pier, improving our roads and infrastructure and strengthening our relationships with our fellow cities Spooner by seeking opportunities for synergies all lend themselves to-

wards improving the quality of life for our residents and visitors.”

Holmes Beach Commissioner Judy Titsworth said, “I feel that the commission has had a very busy past few years trying to restore some balance in our residential communities. My hope for the new year is that the residents will make great strides in bringing the community feel back into our city.

"We are truly blessed to live in this little piece of paradise and it is time for everyone to put down the swords and enjoy sharing this beautiful city with our neighbors, friends, visitors and families once again.”

Bradenton Beach Commissioner Jake Spooner said, “What stands out to me looking back at 2105 is AMOB returned to the Island, the Bridge Street drainage and stormwater projects got underway and the mayor’s race ended in a tie. In 2016, I hope we can find a city planner that is as good for our city as Alan Garrett has been and that we can help with the continued efforts to improve our downtown.”

JANUARY 6, 2016

Meeting on grants for nonprofits set Manatee County will host a Jan. 19 meeting to help local non-profit agencies interested in applying for Human Services grants to assist Manatee County residents. The meeting will be at 9 a.m. at the United Way McClure Center in Lakewood Ranch, 4215 Concept Court, Bradenton.

Agencies looking to apply for the Children’s Services Dedicated Millage funds to help disadvantaged children and families in the community as well as agencies wishing to receive General Revenue funds to assist adult residents or provide other services to Manatee County are encouraged to attend.

County staff will be there to discuss application deadlines and changes to the application process. Applicants must be non-profit agencies that are recognized as a corporation under the State of Florida and tax exempt under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The application period dates to receive Manatee County Human Services funding will be announced at the meeting.

For more information on the meeting or about the application process for Human Services funding, call Allen Donahue at 941-749-3030 or e-mail him at allen. donahue@mymanatee.org

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

JANUARY 6, 2016

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THE SUN

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WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

JANUARY 6, 2016

New Year’s Eve rocks on Bridge Street BRADENTON BEACH – From one end to the other, Bridge Street was rocking Thursday night as revelers said farewell to 2015 and hello to 2016.

At one end of the street, the new year was ushered in with midnight fireworks on the beach courtesy of Ed Chiles and the BeachHouse restaurant. In the Drift In parking lot at the other end of street, Father Time (David Marshall) and bar owner Joe Cuervo dropped the lighted ball that signaled the arrival of 2016.

In between these two end points, Bridge Street was filled with partiers making their way to and from celebratory locations that included the Moose lodge, Island Time Bar & Grill, Bridge Street Bistro, The Freckled Fin, the Blue Marlin Grill, Sports Lounge and the Bridge Tender Inn & Dockside Bar.

Doreen Flynn | submitted

Clockwise from above, Drift In owner Joe Cuervo gets ready to celebrate after the ball dropped, with an assist from David Marshall playing the role of Father Time. The crowd at the Bridge Tender Inn awaits the arrival of 2016 After a one-year absence, the BeachHouse’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display returned to ring in the new year.

BeachHouse restaurant | submitted

Submitted

Doreen Flynn | submitted

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

JANUARY 6, 2016

THE SUN

13

No shivering at New Year’s event

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

BRADENTON BEACH – It was a party on the beach New Year’s Day as nearly 100 people came out to watch, or participate in, Clancy’s Irish Pub’s Eighth Annual Shamrock Shiver at Cortez Beach. The purpose of the event is to raise money as people enlist friends and loved ones to donate a certain amount to see them run into the chilly waters of the Gulf of Mexico during winter.

If those generous friends and loved ones had donated by the number of goose bumps raised, they wouldn’t have raised any money. The temperature was in the 70s, and so was the Gulf.

On a day where the only people in the water would be those daring participants, they had to ask some kids in the water to move out of the way before they made their dash into the water.

Fair weather didn’t put a damper on the daring escapade. There was a new angle this year, a costume contest, and there was a group of Island residents dressed like honeybees, a priest in a long robe, a snowman with a red nose, and Elvis was on the beach as well. In fact, Bill Capibianco, the man in the Elvis suit, took first place in the costume contest.

The Shamrock Shiver has its roots in the real shivers in those polar bear events up North, according to organizer Jan Crudelle.

“A bunch of ladies from the New York area and Rhode Island were sitting on the beach during Thanksgiving when one of them suggested it as a way to raise money for charity,” she said. “They decided to come back during New Year’s Day and try it, and they made $11,000 that first year.”

According to another participant, Don Rothgery, 30 people made the plunge that first year.

The money raised goes to the Florida Winefest Auction, a group that directs the donations to local charities in Manatee and Sarasota Counties.

At press time, the organizers were still expecting more money to be collected and they could not provide a total amount at this time. Overall, the have collected more than $144,000 for the charity.

The mantra of the Shamrock Shiver’s organizers is, “Give where you live.”

tom vaught | sun

Above, participants splashed and whooped it up as they entered the water. Below, left, Heather Heatron sported her 2016 glasses, and, right, Steve Mazur had a shark on his head.

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WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

JANUARY 6, 2016

Shark fishing debate headed to city hall City commissioners have a hot-button issue on their hands to start the new year.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENCE | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – City hall will likely be crowded with commercial and recreational fisherman when commissioners meet for the first time in 2016.

According to Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, the agenda for the Thursday, Jan. 14, meeting will include proposed ordinance language meant to address conflicts between stone crabbers and shark fishermen.

At the request of Murphy, City Attorney Becky Vose drafted proposed ordinance language that if adopted by the commission would ban the launching of non-motorized floating craft between sunset and sunrise from Oct 1 to March 1. This timeframe coincides with the first three and a half months of the annual stone crab season that ends May 15.

The ordinance states a desire to “prevent the destruction of stone crabs and traps and to protect the economic viability of crab fishing by limiting deep water/

offshore shark fishing from the beach during stone crab season.”

The proposed action is the result of commercial stone crabber Anthony Manali recently asking the mayor and commission to address his concerns about crab trap lines being cut by shark fishermen, many of whom use kayaks to transport baited hooks farther offshore and into the area where the submerged traps are located.

He said this practice often leads to the fishing lines that are attached to pole holders on shore becoming entangled in offshore trap lines, which results in the trap lines getting cut or traps being dragged ashore and abandoned. Manali suggested that some fishermen simply cut the trap lines in advance in order to create a clear path for fishing.

Murphy said he has no desire to enact a ban on shoreline fishing, and he hopes the vessel launching provision will help.

Fisherwoman reacts

Twenty-year-old USF student and shark fishing enthusiast Briana Gagnier is among those who takes issue with Manali’s claims, and she opposes the proposed vessel launching limitations.

“I don’t think the conflict is as big as

See a related story on Page 29. the crabbers think,” she said.

She worries that the proposed seasonal ban would lead to more people using kayaks during the day, which would bring sharks in closer contact with swimmers and beach users.

“Me, my friends and my dad all shark fish and we never go during the day because the beaches are busy.”

She said she also goes out of her way to avoid crab traps, which often leads her to Bean Point or the City Pier.

Gagnier said she sometimes casts from shore and sometimes uses a kayak to bring her baited hook 200 to 400 yards from shore, where bigger fish are found.

She feels shark fishers have been misrepresented by Manali and the media.

“People assume these shark fishermen are monsters. I’m a 20-year-old female that respects sharks like nothing else.

Briana Gagnier | SUBMITTED

SEE SHARK DEBATE, PAGE 36

Briana Gagnier loves catch and release shark fishing and feels the sport has been given a bad name.

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

JANUARY 6, 2016

THE SUN

15

BIKE PATH: Route proposed FROM PAGE 9

The proposed map also includes two extensions.

The Flotilla Drive extension would utilize 62nd Street to connect Holmes Boulevard and Flotilla Drive, which passes by the dog park, city field and Holmes Beach City Hall before ending at the Island Branch Library.

The 77th Street extension would begin where Holmes Boulevard ends and take cyclists on a southwesterly route across Gulf Drive and onto 75th Street before ending at the 77th Street Beach Access.

“These proposed first-phase routes are subject to change depending

on community and commissioner input,” Carlson said, noting that addressing crosswalks and dangerous areas along the route would be an early priority that would require commission support and possible city funding.

Carlson said a second and more ambitious phase might include redesigning certain intersections and creating protected pathways between Holmes Beach and Anna Maria where travel along Gulf Drive is unavoidable. These larger scale improvements could include roundabouts and the pursuit of grants and other outside funding has already been given committee consideration.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND’S

THE UGLY GROUPER BAR & GRILL

OPEN FROM LUNCH UNTIL LATE!

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Join us at the beach rain or shine January 23rd 2016

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WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

CINDY LANE | SUN

Mullet run The mullet season is on, with the first cold snap of this winter coming last Sunday. High-dollar roe (eggs) from the females is prized more than the fish itself, which is popular smoked.

Center seeks instructors The Center of Anna Maria Island is seeing Requests for Proposals (RFP) for community programs instructors to offer high quality classes in the following activities: • Barre; • Cardio cycle; • Cardio kickboxing; • Hip hop dance; • Pilates; • Piyo; • Pound fit; • Surf set; • WERQ; • Yoga.

Available time slots include: • Monday: 7 and 8 a.m. and 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.

• Tuesday: 7:30 a.m. and 5, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.

• Wednesday: 6 p.m.

• Thursday: 7:30 a.m. and 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.

• Friday: 7:30 and 10 a.m. and 5, 6, 7,

and 8 p.m.

• Saturday: 9, 10 and 11 a.m.

RFPs require the following information: • A copy of current group fitness certification; • A copy of current AED/CPR/First Aid certification; • A copy of current liability insurance; • A minimum of three references; • Proposed classes with description, days of week and times; • Hourly rate proposed.

Proposals received before Jan. 15 will be given immediate consideration. Mail or submit in person to The Center of Anna Maria Island, Attn. Programs Director, 407 Magnolia Ave., PO Box 253, Anna Maria FL, fax to 941-778-9511 or e-mail to jenniferg@centerami.org.

For more information, call 941-7781908 or visit the Website at www. centerami.org

JANUARY 6, 2016

JANUARY 6, 2016

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

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THE SUN

17

County photo contest Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department is holding its 2nd annual photography challenge. Anyone that is interested in sharing their images with others may submit up to 10 digitized entries no later than Feb. 29. Each of the county’s preserves will feature a winning photo from each of the categories below: • Landscape – photos that display the habitats found within the preserve; • Wildlife – photos that focus on a particular plant or animal life found within the preserve; • People – photos that display people enjoying spending time in the preserves.

The winning photos will be featured in a gallery presentation in the Valentine House at Robinson Preserve.

There are two ways to submit images: • E-mail your images to Cary.

Catts@mymanatee.org. • Save your images to a CD and

mail it to
Cary Catts, education and volunteer specialist,
Manatee County Parks & Natural Resources Department, 5502 33rd Ave. Drive W.,
Bradenton, FL 34209.

Please include contact information, an e-mail and/or phone number. All entries must be photos taken within a Manatee County preserve. All entries must be provided as JPEG format. (minimum of 500 KB). No images of wildlife in distress because of possible interference or harassment. No cell phone images.

There is no fee to enter images.

Once your images have been submitted, you will be contacted by e-mail or phone to notify you that these images have been received.

A notification will be sent to those winning entries, which will be featured in a gallery presentation in the Valentine House at Robinson Preserve.

If you have any questions or comments, contact Cary.Catts@mymanatee.org or 941-742-5923, ext. 6044.

October resort tax collections Manatee County’s 5 percent resort tax, or tourist tax, is collected from owners of accommodations rented for six months or less who charge the tax to their renters, in most cases, tourists. About 50 percent of the tax proceeds are allocated to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau tourism marketing efforts, with 20 percent allocated to beach renourishment.

Resort tax increases reflect both increased visitation and improved tax collection efforts.

Amounts shown were collected in October and paid to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office in November. To anonymously report a rental owner who may not be paying the tax, call 941-741-4809 or visit www.taxcollector.com/ services_resort_tax_tips.asp.

Source: Manatee County Tax Collector

18

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

JANUARY 6, 2016

Deputy clerk resigns

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

WMFR: Mary Stephens retires FROM PAGE 5

With the radios, they can talk to each other, other agencies and other districts.

Volunteer to full time

She said the other biggest change was going from a volunteer, community based department to a full time department.

“It started changing when personnel were not available because they were either working or living outside the district,” she explained. “We had to open it up to other volunteers, but they had to spend time in the district to learn the

roads, the businesses and where there were standpipes and alarm systems.

“Then we started the OJT program, which allowed us to pay them to work a day or night shift. The program slowly grew and evolved into what we have now.”

Firefighters, who once had to take a 40-hour course at the local vocational school when it was available, now have to take 400 hours and become state certified. They also must become EMTs. Then came the biggest merger – the Anna Maria Fire & Rescue District with the Westside Fire District in 2000 to form the West Manatee Fire & Rescue

District, which covers the Island, west Bradenton and Cortez.

“As the community and its needs grow and the calls change, it’s irresponsible not to step up,” she stressed. “We kept stepping up to meet the needs.”

Stephens said she is looking forward to spending time with Danny and the kids, traveling and pursuing hobbies, but their life is will forever be entwined with the fire district.

“Our whole life is here,” she concluded. “It’s an enormous amount of people we met and lived with, and everywhere we go, everybody knows everybody.”

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After a brief period of running at full-capacity, the city of Bradenton Beach’s Administration Department has lost Deputy Clerk Therese Rice, and City Clerk Terri Sanclemente is now seeking her replacement.

The brief resignation letter Rice submitted to Sanclemente on Dec. 23, said in its entirety: “Dear Terri, This is to give you notice that I will be resigning from my position as Deputy Clerk 2.”

Neither Rice nor Sanclemente elaborated on the unanticipated resignation, but Sanclemente said she enjoyed working with Rice and got the impression that the feeling was mutual. Deputy Clerk Marie Montoya and Treasurer Shayne Thompson are still in place.

JANUARY 6, 2016

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

19

joe hendricks | sun

Island traffic patterns and the congestion experienced by those coming to and from the Island will be the subject of a future traffic study.

Traffic study provides mixed reactions Some city officials support another traffic study, while others question the need.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

• • • • • • • • • • • •

TIP-OFFS TO POTENTIAL RIP-OFFS

If you must act now, the offer is probably to good to be true.

You pull the permits? - NO Solici ng door to door – “Just finished a job down the street”- NO Unmarked vehicle – NO No physical address for the office/shop – NO Be sure the contractor’s phone number is listed in your local directory.

Discount as your’s is a “demonstra on home” – NO Pay everything up-front for a discount? – NO Ask to see your contractor’s license and check with the FL Dept of Business & Professional Regula on to verify.

Check with your neighbors and friends – Have they used this contractor before?

Don’t be afraid to ask for references.

Ask for proof of insurance, both General Liability (to protect your property) and Workers Compensa on (to cover anyone who would get hurt on your job).

Get an es mate/proposal in wri ng.

Make sure it specifies work to be performed.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The mayors from the three Island cities share varied opinions on the need for a state-funded $675,000 traffic study.

In December, the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) board unanimously supported a study that would incorporate Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach and Longboat Key, with an eye also on the regional impact the Island has in terms of traffic. The study was requested by the Longboat Key Mayor and City Commission.

The MPO has now submitted a request to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to fund the project.

On Monday, MPO Executive Director David Hutchinson said that if FDOT is not able to fund the study, the MPO would work through other organizational processes and seek other funds, with the caveat that the study funds sought would not displace already-funded projects.

He hopes to hear back from FDOT District One Secretary Billy Hattaway or another FDOT representative at the January MPO meeting.

“We may not know until July if they’re able to fund it,” Hutchinson said.

“We would hope have something underway by this time next year, but it’s hard to tell,” he added.

County Commissioner Betsy Benac was among the MPO board members who were adamant that the scope of

the study be clearly defined in a manner that provides study results that lead to implementable actions.

Hutchinson said that message would be delivered to FDOT representatives in Tallahassee.

“We don’t want to reinvent the wheel. We want to consider past studies and not come up with same recommendations that have already been looked at but not pursued,” he said.

The study will not include an examination of new or expanded bridges.

“We are looking for things that are doable,” Hutchinson said.

Hutchinson mentioned the identification of designated park and ride location on the mainland as one possible study outcome. He also mentioned water taxis as an additional means of transporting people to, from and around the barrier islands.

“Alternatives to single vehicles have to be a part of the future picture out there if we’re going to accommodate the increasing numbers of people,” he concluded.

Island reaction

Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson serves as the Island Transportation Planning Organization’s (ITPO) MPO representative.

During his last month’s MPO meeting, Johnson offered support for the proposed study. He said there is a lack of understanding as to the nature of the Island’s traffic problems, other than the obvious realization that there are a lot of cars.

He said he hopes the study produces a better understanding of the local traffic patterns in terms of where people are going and when and why they are going there.

“We need to understand that more than anything else,” he said. “We don’t have the capacity. We have to find different ways of doing things.”

Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon served on the MPO board during his previous term as mayor, and he does not think $675,000 spent on another traffic study is a wise investment of public funds.

“We have a traffic congestion problem that we all know about. We have bridges coming onto the Island, and it still comes down to the same thing: a two-lane road that can’t be expanded or increased. I don’t know what the study is going to tell us. It’s been studied to death; there’s too much metal and not enough asphalt,” he said.

Shearon said he would rather see the money spent on a previouslyapproved request to install cameras on the Island bridges and approach intersections that would allow traffic signal timings to be altered to accommodate real-time traffic.

“If we had the $675,000 we’d have the money to address the traffic lights. We’d having something usable,” he said.

Shearon said a park and ride stop on the mainland might help, but the buses would have to be equipped to accommodate beachgoers and most folks would still prefer the convenience of their own cars.

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said, “It seems very expensive to me, but I need to thoroughly understand the deliverables. I have only heard high-level thoughts and nothing specific. I’d like to see the specifics and then make a decision as to its viability. I’d also like to have some input as to the output.”

20

JANUARY 6, 2016

www.amisun.com

JANUARY 6, 2016

21

22

THE SUN

OUTDOORS

JANUARY 6, 2016

Beavertail Skiffs W

hen Steve Traves, of AMI Outfitters, decided to buy a boat he did what he always does, check locally.

“I kept hearing the name Beavertail come up and found more and friends of the store who owned them or knew someone who did. I decided I had to take a closer look for myself, so I made an appointment to stop by the shop in Palmetto and see the operation.

I was pleasantly surprised at how they custom built them from scratch in a few short weeks with a crew of local men. I discovered that these guys were specialists at all aspects of the build. Each one understood every integral part. These were not employees on an assembly line. These were career minded people who wanted to be part of something great. These were family men with kids to feed. I made my decision right there in the factory.”

Beavertail Skiffs is owned and operated by Will and Elizabeth Leslie, of Aeon Marine LLC. As Traves found out, they have a crew skilled in all phases of the boat building process. They got their beginning in customer service as Bayside Marine Services, doing everything from boat detailing to minor repairs. This grew into a custom restoration shop specializing in old classic boats. There are a lot of these Chris Crafts,

Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS Makos and Aquasports in the Manatee and Tampa area today. This grew into a customer base and an understanding of what customers wanted.

This then evolved into doing warranty and service work for some of the major boat builders. With all this experience, it was only natural that they would develop their own boat, which became the 23 center console Aeon, a classic Tampa style tower boat. They then met the owners of Beavertail Skiffs, based in Minnesota, who wanted to move their production to Florida, where 90 percent of their boats were being shipped. When that happened, Aeon was contracted to do Beavertails’ tooling, help design the boats and make the molds.

This then led to Aeon buying out Beavertail after two years. By consulting with guides in the shallow water industry, Beavertail Skiffs worked to refine the original skiff by employing advancing technology and offering a design that combined per-

Rusty chinnis | sun

On the flat or on plane the Beavertail handles with easy and efficiency formance, quality and durability. Potential clients are encouraged to run the various skiffs and compare them to decide which is best for their fishing and boating style.

This is the way to test the draft, hull slap and stability, ease of poling, the dryness and comfort of the ride.

What they call their “Try Before You Buy” program is a testament to their confidence in their product. Clients have the opportunity to spend a half day with a Beavertail Skiff captain to fish and experience first-hand

the skiffs’ performance. Customer service is paramount.

The skiffs are built using 100% composite materials, Vinyl ester resin is used for its strength and fatigue/ corrosion resistance.

A light weight, high-density foam cell core eliminates moisture penetration and gives structural support. The hulls undergo a process known as vacuum infusion. Vacuum bagging as its commonly known produces see reel time, page 23

tide chart for anna maria city pier Jan 6-13 A.M. High Time Feet

A.M. Low Time Feet

P.M. High Time Feet

P.M. Low Time Feet

Sun Rise Set

Day Date

A.M. High Time Feet

A.M. Low Time Feet

P.M. High Time Feet

P.M. Low Time Feet

Sun Rise Set

Wed 1/6

10:38a 1.19

3:21a -0.30

7:54p 2.04

2:00p 1.04

7:22-5:51

Sun 1/10

12:55p 1.28

5:56a -0.72

10:39p 2.27

4:56p 0.94

7:22-5:54

Thu 1/7

11:20a 1.24

4:03a -0.47

8:34p 2.14

2:45p 1.06

Mon 1/11

1:23p 1.31

6:34a -0.69

11:28p 2.20

5:46p 0.85

Fri 1/8

11:55a 1.26

4:42a -0.60

9:13p 2.22

3:27p 1.05

Tue 1/12

1:52p 1.38

7:11a -0.60

Sat 1/9

12:26p 1.26

5:19a -0.68

9:55p 2.27

4:1-p 1.01

Wed 1/13

12:22a 2.06

7:50a -0.45

Day Date

7:22-5:51 7:22-5:52 7:22-5:53

6:42p 0.74 2:24p 1.47

7:43p 0.62

7:22-5:54 7:22-5:55 7:22-5:56

JANUARY 6, 2016

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

reel time: Skiffs

by Beavertail FROM PAGE 22

consistent strength in all parts of the boat. All elements of the skiff are rigorously inspected and then move to the assembly stage. Assembly is considered the most important part of the boat build process. Will Leslie oversees the entire assembly and inspects the final fit.

Traves chose the BVT their latest design which features an 82″ beam, providing a larger cockpit and additional storage. The bench seating has a comfortable backrest, a large comfortable poling platform and a 30-gallon oval live well. In addition, there are two aft dry insulated storage compartments that can be used as coolers or plumbed for release wells. Traves boat also is fitted with top of the line Livorsi controls, a jack plate and a 90 HP Suzuki outboard. Push pole, under gunwale red LED lights and more make for a beautiful ride.

Lenco trim tabs, engine trim and jack plate provide ultimate control in any sea or depth.

I had the pleasure of fishing a day with Traves on his new skiff and poling the flats as well as running crab trap markers in a choppy Gulf looking for tripletail. In the time I had on the boat, I found that it performed as advertised. The ease of poling, smooth dry ride and fit and finish impressed me.

But you don’t and shouldn’t take my word for it.

You won’t need to with their “Try Before You Buy” program. For more information and specifications on all their models, visit their Website at http:// www.beavertailskiffs.com/

THE SUN

23

Sheepshead show up with cold front Captain Rick Grassett

Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released snook, redfish, trout, blues, Spanish mackerel and jacks in Sarasota Bay on flies, CAL jigs with shad tails and DOA Deadly Combos and tripletail in the coastal Gulf on flies during the past week. Sea conditions in the coastal Gulf have been tough with wind and rough water some days, but when we’ve been able to get out, there we’ve had some sight fishing action with tripletail.

With water temperatures in the mid 70s, false albacore, tripletail, cobia, Spanish mackerel, blues and more should still be a good option in the coastal Gulf when sea conditions are good. Catch and release snook fishing around lighted docks and bridges with flies and DOA Lures should also be a good option.

Look for reds, snook and big trout mixed with mullet schools on shallow flats and edges of bars in Sarasota Bay and backcountry areas of Charlotte Harbor and lower Tampa Bay.

Annie’s Bait & Tackle

Captain Daniel Kesten says the snapper bite is still good, and the sheepshead should start showing up better with the recent cold front. Redfish are scattered, but are biting. Catch and release snook are being caught, pompano are scattered on the beach and Spanish mackerel are still around.

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Exotic snake discovered at Robinson Damen Hurd, of Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation in Bradenton Beach, is pictured here at the organization’s educational zoo at Mixon Fruit Farm in Bradenton with an 8-foot-long, 70-pound red tail boa constrictor that was discovered recently by a parkgoer at Robinson Preserve in Bradenton. The snake is not native and probably was released by a pet owner, he said, adding that it is illegal to release exotic species. The organization will display the snake for educational purposes.

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THE SUN

New year, new classes at The Center

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Luke Berglund, DVM Crit Holland, DVM Jade Kafer, DVM 0 ) 6$7 681 &/26('

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For those who have been waiting for more intense group fitness classes, officials at The Center of Anna Maria Island have listened. Starting Jan. 4, The Center will offer Cardio Cycle twice a week – Mondays at noon and Wednesdays at 7 a.m. There are only five bikes, so reserve a spot in advance.

These classes are free to members and $15 for non-members.

On Monday, Jan. 11, for Functional Strength and Conditioning – Boot Camp Style will begin and take place five days a week starting at 9 a.m. Space is limited to 10 participants per class, so sign up early. This class is free with Center membership. Non-members pay $15 and must pre-register and pre-pay to reserve a spot.

If you love being on the water and want a real workout then Dragon Boat Paddle Fitness is the class for you. Work your core and arms while gliding along the water in an amazing 72-foot boat. This class is free to members and $15 for non-members. Classes are held at the boat dock at the end of 63rd Street.

For the families, there are two classes during the week. On Tuesdays at 10 a.m. come and join the Mommy, Movement and Me class. This is a great interactive class that develops movement patterns that nurture physical, emotional and cognitive growth, For something more low key, Namaste with My Mommy is for you and your little one. This class uses songs and games incorporated into yoga for a fun workout for all.

Fitness Center orientations will begin Jan. 8 for senior and Silver Sneakers’ members. These orientations will be facilitated by Karen Iannello and will take one hour. Learn how to use this outstanding new equipment and become familiar with this great fitness space. Class space is limited to five members per class. Sign up now.

For members who would like more personal attention, there will be health coaches and personal trainers available in January. BoomersNMotion will be conducting free sessions called FIT START for those 50+. Additional coaching will be offered at special member pricing.

For the younger crowd, there are several personal trainers on call that would love to work with you on a one-on-one basis. Please check with The Center to see if there is someone that will suit your needs.

For more information, contact Jennifer at 941-778-1908 or jenniferg@centerami.org.

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JANUARY 6, 2016

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JANUARY 6, 2016

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‘Sea ‘n Sky’ at Artspace A free, public champagne reception for LuAnne Benson and Atle Underthun, the artists of “Sea 'n Sky,” is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Artspace Studio and Gallery, 101 South Bay Boulevard in Bayview Plaza above the Anna Maria Post Office. For more information, call 941-2433835. At right is "Blue Heron off Leffis Key," by Atle Underthun.

SUBMITTED SUBMITTED

Kay and Jim Ladd will share the spotlight as featured artists at the Artists' Guild of Anna Maria Island gallery in January. Their work will be displayed in the window, and a free, public reception is set for Friday, Jan. 8, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the gallery, 5414 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach.

Kay Ladd is a bead artist and is best known for her peyote art bracelets made from free-form seed beads to create a base and then embellished with quality beads. She also does spiral fairy bracelets and a right angle woven base with embellishments. Jim Ladd works as a water media artist with more than 40 years of commissioned work. He has specialized in landscape and garden scenes as well as miniatures. For more information, call 941-778-6694.

Bennington featured at gallery

Oil painter Candace Bennington is the January featured artist at Island Gallery West, exhibiting “Man on a Mission” and other oil paintings in her show, “It’s All About the Beach,” through Saturday, Jan. 30. A free, public reception is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 8, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the gallery, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more information, call 941-778-6648 or visit www. islandgallerywest.com.

‘Portraits’ exhibit opens The Anna Maria Island Art League will hold a free, public reception for its “Portraits” exhibit on Friday, Jan. 8, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the gallery. The all-media exhibit will be open through Friday, Jan. 29.

The Art League is at 5312 Holmes Boulevard in Holmes Beach. For more information, call 941-778-2099, e-mail ArtLeagueAMI@gmail.com or visit http://www.islandartleague.org.

‘Art Explosion’ at Studio The Artists' Guild of Anna Maria Island will present "Art Explosion," an open, all-media, juried art show at The Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria, through Thursday, Jan. 28, with an artists' reception on Friday, Jan. 15, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Receiving will take place Thursday, Jan. 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more

Guild features Ladds

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information, call Wendell at 941-201-5145 or e-mail artistsguildami@gmail.com.

Drawing class begins next week The Anna Maria Island Art League will host a four-week creative drawing class with instructor Lori Heintz on Tuesdays, Jan. 19, 26, and Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Heintz at 5312 Holmes Boulevard, Holmes Beach. The cost is $55 for all four classes.

Heintz has a bachelor of fine arts from Michigan State University and a master of arts from Western Michigan University, and has been an art instructor for K-12 Schoolcraft schools.

Supplies needed are a set of basic drawing pencils, a set of color pencils, a kneaded or white eraser, a sketchpad and 12”x18” or 18”x24” drawing paper.

Pre-register by calling 941-778-2099.

SUBMITTED

Rothfeld featured at gallery Rachel Rothfeld, 18, a senior at Manatee High School, is the January student of the month at the Artists' Guild of Anna Maria Island gallery, 5414 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach. Her artwork, "Hungry Hands," is a graphite drawing done in her AP Portfolio class. Rothfeld has participated in Art and Soul and also has designed T-shirts for school clubs. She plans to major in elementary education in college. She is pictured, left, with her art teacher, Jon Scott, and Guild member Marie Garafano. For more information, call 941-778-6694 or visit www.amiartistsguildgallery.com.

26

THE SUN

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

JANUARY 6, 2016

Fireworks start boat fire West Manatee Fire and Rescue was called to a boat fire in the canal behind 508 75th Street about 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 31.

According to a Holmes Beach police report, police were called to 508 74th Street on a report of fireworks being set off. Dispatch said they also were getting a report of a boat fire in the same area. The officer talked with the 74th Street resident, Luis Garcia Diaz, who said he fired a bottle rocket from his dock, and it traveled across the canal and hit a 25-foot Parker outboard boat docked behind the 75th Street location. Diaz and a neighbor put out the fire, and the fire department finished the investigation. No charges were filed in the incident, and there was no information on the extent of damage to the boat.

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JANUARY 6, 2016

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27

Tourist stabbed on New Year’s Day Holmes Beach Police are looking for a pair of white males who surprised a 21-year-old visitor from Virginia around 3 a.m. on Jan. 1 and stabbed him in the arm.

According to the police report, a Holmes Beach officer stopped a vehicle after observing the driver running through a red light. The driver, Shannon Finch, said she was trying to get to Blake Medical Center so her stepson, Devon Ross, could be treated for a stab wound. The officer had dispatch send EMS to the scene because he saw Ross’s arm was bleeding profusely. The victim’s father was in the back seat with him, trying to apply a tourniquet.

At the hospital, Ross said he and his friend, Michael Willis, watched fireworks at the BeachHouse restaurant and they decided to walk back to their rental residence in Holmes Beach. He said they made a stop at Hurricane Hank’s. When they resumed their walk, Ross said, two males approached them and before he knew it, he was bleeding. Ross said he did not know the suspects, and he said they both were wearing button-up polo shirts.

According to the report, Ross changed his description several times stating he was sorry, but he was intoxicated. Police are investigating.

28

THE SUN

R

REAL ESTATE

emember when Florida was where our parents and their parents went to retire? Back then we all called the Sunshine State “God’s waiting room,” and indeed there were streets in Miami Beach and St. Petersburg where it looked exactly like that. Well, thankfully, those days are gone now that everyone is fighting to get in.

According to this year’s Harris Poll taken in November of 2015, Florida placed number one when participants were asked where, excluding your current state, you would most like to live. Florida had previously placed number one in 1997 through 2001, so it’s been a while, but we’re now back on top as Americans’ most desired habitation destination.

With the top three states, California number two and Hawaii number three all being oceanfront states, it’s pretty clear that beach, water and warm temperatures are most people’s choice. However, Colorado coming in at number four and New York at number five remind us that not everyone

JANUARY 6, 2016

We’ve still got it Castles in the Sand Louise Bolger appreciates the benefits of year round sun.

When breaking down the numbers by generation, California is the first choice of 18- to 38-year-olds as well as 36- to 50-yearolds. But the baby boomers between 51 and 69 years old still prefer Florida and are still the dominant generation in numbers.

Certainly the developers of all of the new construction in Manatee County and the proposed new developments are happy with what the Harris Poll has reported.

Now we know American baby boomers are still in love with Florida, but what about our good neighbors to the North? Canadians have always been the biggest foreign buyers of United States real estate, particu-

larly winter homes in Florida. However, according to the National Association of Realtors, sales to Canadian buyers have been overtaken by Chinese buyers. Chinese buyers accounted for 16 percent of sales to international buyers in the 12 months ending March 2015, and Canadians accounted for 14 percent during the same period, down from 23 percent in 2013.

Of course, the reason for the drop in Canadian transactions is because of the falling Canadian dollar, down about 10 percent over the past year with the Canadian dollar trading at about 75 cents to the U. S. dollar. Previously, when our market dropped, the Canadian dollar was much stronger, and many Canadian buyers took advantage of the soft market and the strong Canadian dollar. Now many of these investors are selling, and new buyers are finding it harder to find desirable properties in their price range.

That said, the high end market, like all high end markets, is not suffering as badly

as the lower end for Canadian buyers. Canadians are still drawn to Florida and will undoubtedly continue to purchase after setting their sights a little lower or waiting to see if the Canadian dollar ultimately rallies.

Meanwhile, Chinese real estate buyers are starting to feel the effects of China’s economic slowdown and may start pulling back from international purchases. For the past five years, Chinese residents have been purchasing American homes in large numbers. Our values looked like a bargain to them after the crash, but the combination of a much better U.S. market and a decline in the Chinese economy may influence their buying agenda.

God’s waiting room sure has been transformed since my parents arrived in Florida. Now when you say you’re retiring to Florida, people are not only envious, but think you’re right in step with the latest fashion. But, of course, we always knew that didn’t we?

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JANUARY 6, 2016

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Crab trap dispute intensifies Last weekend’s arrest compounds an already contentious issue.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The growing tension between a local commercial stone crabber and recreational shark fishermen led to his wife being arrested as the result of a confrontation that took place Saturday.

Joann Manali and her husband, Anthony, live in Anna Maria, where they own and operate Captain Anthony’s Stone Crab Store.

According to the report filed by a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputy who responded to the scene, the confrontation took place on the beach near the end of Spring Lane on Saturday, Jan. 2, at approximately 4:45 p.m.

The deputy’s report alleges Manali committed simple battery against Connor Gerardi, an 18-year-old recreational fisherman from Tampa who spends a lot of time on the Island at the family’s second home on Magnolia Avenue.

“Joann Manali, the defendant, confronted the victim and two friends while shark fishing on the beach of

Anna Maria because she believed they were cutting the crab trap line.

The defendant approached the group screaming, yelling and cussing,” the report states.

“The defendant grabbed the victim’s fishing rod out of its holder, yanking on the line, making it come out of the water and almost hitting the group with the hook. The victim attempted to grab his rod out of the defendant’s hands because he felt she was going to break it or throw it in the water. As the victim attempted to grab the rod, the defendant slammed the rod up against his chest, pushing him back several feet,” the report states.

The report notes that several people witnessed the incident and that Mrs. Manali was later identified, arrested and taken to jail. She was later released on a $500 bond.

Simple battery is a first degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail or 12 months of probation, and/ or a fine not to exceed $1,000.

When contacted, Anthony Manali said he did not want to discuss the incident in great detail, but would discuss the issue in general.

“Emotions are running high. This has cost us a lot of time and money,” he

said of the strained relationship he has with shark fishermen.

“I surely didn’t see her slam a rod into the boy’s chest. I think she knows a little better than that,” he added.

Manali acknowledged that neither he nor his wife saw Gerardi and his companions interacting with this crab traps, but he claimed that some of his traps in that vicinity had recently been moved.

Manali says he has no issues with shark fishing other than when it interferes with his ability to make a living.

“You have to leave those traps alone.

Quit cutting our trap lines and quit moving our traps. You can’t shark fish where there are crab traps,” he said.

Manali also noted that his traps are closer to shore only from October to early February. He feels this leaves the area clear for shark and other types of fishing the majority of the year.

Another side to the story

When contacted Monday morning, Connor Gerardi’s father, Phil Gerardi, said he plans to press charges against Joann Manali. He said about 15 witnesses verified his son’s account of what happened Saturday. He also said his son did not want to press charges,

but simply wanted his $1,000 fishing pole back.

Gerardi, an avid fisherman himself, said, “We’ve never cut a trap line or dragged a crab trap to shore. If one of our lines gets tangled in a trap line, we cut our own lines.”

After noting that intentionally damaging a commercial crab trap is a felony, he said he and his sons measure and release every shark they catch..

He suggested that some of the damage inflicted upon Manali’s traps recently may have been the result of the floats being hit by boats belonging to mullet fishermen who have also been fishing in that vicinity.

Gerardi said all six of his sons share the family’s love of fishing. They have been visiting the Island regularly for eight years, and he plans to retire here someday.

Gerardi said he is going to seek a restraining order against the Manalis and is considering a lawsuit.

“For years they’ve been harassing my sons,” he said, alleging that on Sunday, Mr. Manali flipped Connor off and dropped three traps where he was already fishing.

Gerardi said he called the Sheriff’s Office and was told neither of those acts was a crime.

30

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THE SUN

JANUARY 6, 2016

2015: Top 10 stories of the year FROM PAGE 3

plans to build a highly controversial 42-mile-long pipeline from Port Manatee that would have connected to a liquefied natural gas port it planned to build in the Gulf of Mexico 28 miles off Bean Point in Anna Maria.

The Florida Supreme Court declined to hear a case brought by commercial fishermen and supported by the Cortez chapter of Fishing for Freedom challenging the 1995 gill net ban as unconstitutional.

Guilty

William Cumber confessed in October to the murder of Anna Maria Island hotelier Sabine Musil-Buehler in a plea deal for a 20year prison sentence he received in exchange for leading authorities to the site where he buried her eight years ago on the beach at 79th Street in Holmes Beach.

Michael Carleton, formerly of Coast Line Realtors and Coast Line Accommodations, pled guilty in November to one count of federal mail fraud for double-booking accommodations online and refusing to return $200,000 in deposits paid by more than 70 visitors who found themselves without a place to stay upon their arrival to the Island in 2012 and 2013.

State wildlife officials in October closed the unsolved case of who ran over and killed three black skimmer chicks, a state species of special concern, and five loggerhead sea turtle nests, a federally threatened species, with an ATV in June near the Holmes Beach/Bradenton Beach line.

Not guilty

Connected

The U.S. Supreme Court decided 5-4 in March to overturn the 2011 conviction of former commercial fisherman John Yates for destroying undersized grouper in a federal fisheries investigation. He served 30 days in jail for disposing of evidence under a federal law passed in the wake of the Enron fraud scandal that criminalized destruction of certain types of evidence by shredding and other means.

Escaped

Anna Maria joined Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach in getting a cell phone tower.

Auld acquaintance lost

The Island lost former Florida first lady Rhea Chiles, Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor Bowling Challenge founder Billy Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor, artist Woody Candish, musician Connie Ferguson Pritchard and charter boat Capt.

Glen Corder, among other beloved public figures.

AMICCO fund-raisers set The Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra has set Tuesday, Feb. 9 for its Jazz Fest fund-raiser and Tuesday, March 8, for its Oldies Beach Dance fundraiser starring Gulf Drive Band with special guest Koko Ray. These events are held at the Sandbar restaurant pavilion, at 100 Spring St., in Anna Maria. Dancing is allowed as well as just enjoying some great

music from days gone by. Proceeds benefit the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra. The concerts are sponsored by the Sandbar restaurant and The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper.

Tickets are available at the AMI Chamber, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, on Sundays at the Beach Market at Coquina Beach or by calling Nancy at 941518-4431.

sun file photo

The fund-raisers at the Sandbar restaurant pavilion are popular and members of the audience like to dance to the music.

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31

Area woman named Caregiver of the Year Linda Thomas is the executive secretary of the Island Players Board of Directors and president of the Manatee Players Board.

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

BRADENTON – Linda Thomas is a remarkable lady.

An attorney who worked out of her house with her husband, Larry, she finally retired to take care of him full time.

Larry Thomas, 97 years old, suffers from dementia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. He lives at home too, and Linda is his caregiver.

Recently, Linda Thomas entered a contest, sponsored by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and she wrote about her experience caring for her husband. A few weeks later, she was awarded the “Caregiver of the Year” award for Florida.

“They had me send in a picture of myself, and they had it turned into an oil portrait, which was displayed for a day in the Capitol,” she said. “They also wanted me to speak with elected officials in Washington DC

submitted

Linda Thomas takes care of her 97-year-old husband, Larry, who has dementia, and she was called on to tell her story to members of congress who represent Florida. about the need for support for caregivers.

Linda Thomas got a call from Senator Marco Rubio’s office while on her way to the Capital and after meeting with his aides she talked with Florida Congressman Vern Buchannan.

Thomas said those who tend to family members are a forgotten group.

“Statistics show that 33 percent of the caregivers die before their patients,” She said. “It would cost $500 to $1,000 for a caregiver to have a three-day weekend

twice a year compared to $9,000 for a caregiver to spend a few days at Blake Medical Center recovering from the stress of caring for a loved one. We would like to see legislation to provide for that.”

Thomas said her husband of 48 years came down with dementia in 2006.

“I want him to be comfortable, but I’m to the point where I might need professional help for myself,” she said. “It has been a fantastic experience telling the world what caregivers need.”

Thomas said she is there for her husband all day and night, and he knows who she is.

“There is this Velcro effect that when I leave the room, he follows me,” she said. “The sleep deprivation is the worst, but I feel very fortunate to be able to keep him at home.”

Thomas said they have a wonderful marriage, and they have been able to take cruises together.

“We’ve had 35 cruises together, and I hope he can make one we have planned for the end of February,” she said. “We have a family member who is going to get married on the ship.”

Thomas said she is proud to represent Florida to lobby for caregivers help, and she hopes it does some good for Congress to hear testimony from those who take care of family members.

32

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THE SUN

JANUARY 6, 2016

Price: Sun Person of the Year “Words that come to my mind to describe

FROM PAGE 1

EMTs; requiring more education and training; expanding the use of technology; adding the fire-rescue boat, bike team for parades and street fairs, ATV for parks and preserves, hazmat team, search and rescue team and rescue swimmers; strengthening cooperation between all public safety agencies throughout the county; and developing strong fiscal planning to build reserve funding and commit funds for equipment replacements.”

Tom Sousa who followed Price as chief, said, “Andy’s leadership was instrumental in the successful merger of Anna Maria and Westside fire districts (in 2000). He also was responsible for the planning and development of our current facility plan. Andy’s contributions will have a lasting benefit to the community for years.

“As the fire chief, he created an organizational culture of 'Excellence through commitment,’ Innovation in the delivery of fire and emergency medical service will be his legacy.”

Friends and colleagues

Deputy Chief Brett Pollock said he and Price have been friends since middle school and that “he lead us through the merger and the growth of the district by ensuring our facilities, equipment and technology were state of the art as possible.”

Julius Halas, director, Florida State Fire Marshal's Office, said the two met in 1980 when they were both young firefighters and added, “Since then we have become not only good friends, but also fellow fire chiefs with a great working relationship.

“While I served as fire chief for 10 years at the town of Longboat Key (1999-2009), I could always rely on

him are selfless, calm, having integrity and forward thinking. He is a true islander who has served our community well.”

Darcie Duncan Duncan Real Estate

Chief Price for assistance and advice based on his excellent judgment and his strong integrity. He is surely deserving of this prestigious award.”

Friend Dave Schuckert, who was a fire commissioner when Price became chief, said, “ Andy Price's dedication, taking the fire department reins from a volunteer organization, to a full time highly respected area department, his community service to youth and the community center, his contributions to the health, welfare and safety of the Island and area, are all statements of his deserving of this award.”

Capt. Scott Moore, praised the department for the professionalism established through Price’s leadership and said, “What a job he has done over the years. My son’s boat caught fire because the battery's blew up, and the department put it out knowing what to do. This could have turn into a big marina fire, which is hard to put out.”

Community service

Price has always had time for community service as a baseball coach at the community center and as chairman of its board of directors for many years.

Sandee Pruett, formerly of the community center, said she first met Price when she began working there is 1999

and he was chairman of the board.

“When I think of Andy Price, I think of his devotion for his family, loyalty to his friends, pride in his job and the joy he found in fishing. He is a humble guy who always has a big smile and a big hug ready for you.”

Pierrette Kelly, community center executive director from 1989 to 2012, said, “His positive attitude and passion for the Center was backed up by his devotion of time, energy and his willingness to ask others for support.

“Andy had a knack for blending diverse backgrounds and personalities together in order to achieve positive results. Being around Andy made life more fun. Andy exuded infectious enthusiasm for the Center.”

Darcie Duncan, of Duncan Real Estate, who served on the Island Community Center’s board of directors when Price was chair, said, “Andy is a gracious islander who gave so much of himself to our community through the countless hours of time he spent volunteering for numerous non-profit boards.

“Words that come to my mind to describe him are selfless, calm, having integrity and forward thinking. He is a true islander who has served our community well.”

Praise from friends and neighbors

“We have had the pleasure of being neighbors to Andy Price for almost 30 years,” said Chris and John Rudacille. “He has been the best neighbor anyone could ask for.

Not only is he helpful but humorous, as well.

“We have shared many funny moments over the years. We have watched each other's children grow up, and he was our son's baseball coach when he played ball at the community center.

“And, it always helps living next door to the fire chief when your husband sets the roll up blinds on fire when using the gas grill! We couldn't think of anyone better to receive this award.”

Carol Whitmore, Manatee County commissioner and former mayor of Holmes Beach said she has known Price and his family since she was 14 and added, “I’m so proud of him as an islander growing up and becoming fire chief It’s an honor to be friends with him.”

“He’s an outstanding guy in my book,” Banyas said.

“Andy has given so much to his community for decades. Congratulations for being the AMI Sun's Person of the Year. It couldn't happen to a nicer, more deserving guy,” Pruett declared.

“I am so grateful for all the years we worked together and all we accomplished and so happy for you to receive this great honor. You are so deserving. I always knew you were Irish,” Kelly said.

“Thank you for all you have done for this island,” Moore concluded.

“And by the way, you still owe me a fishing trip!”

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33

JUSTIN DODD | SUBMITTED

Fish tale

This unfortunate cormorant bird bit off more than it could chew, getting its catch lodged in its throat. Several beachgoers and a sheriff's deputy held it and managed to safely dislodge the fish with a few twists and turns.

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M5903622 $1,350,000 726 Jungle Queen Way Longboat Key 941-504-3792 941-748-6300 Cathy Meldahl

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A4132284 $619,000 5417 46th Court W 102 Bradenton 941-266-8152 941-383-7591 Adam Cuffaro

1118 Mallorca Drive Bradenton Kathy Valente

A4140434 $599,000 941-812-0791 941-752-2683

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315 Sapphire Lake Drive 202 Bradenton A4120595 $595,000 426 Spring Avenue Anna Maria Michael Habony, Megg Faillace 941-920-2494 941-713-9144 941-748-6300 Kathy Valente

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A4132037 $350,000 9711 Sea Turtle Terrace 101 Bradenton 941-685-6767 941-748-6300 Robyn Drourr

A4131874 $269,000 941-812-7778 941-907-9595

michaelsaunders.com • 4400 Manatee Avenue W • Bradenton, FL • 941.748.6300

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WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

JANUARY 6, 2016

TOWN CRIER

sandrarip@yahoo.com.

Inquiring Minds is back

The Lifelong Learning Academy is offering “Learning Paradigms for Life Enhancement” on eight Mondays starting Jan. 11 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave, Anna Maria. This class explores ancient and contemporary wisdom in holistic health with other open-minded students.

Leaders will talk about emotional intelligence, neuropsychology, energy medicine, positive psychology and how to become your own life coach A threering binder is recommended for notes and handouts. A lending library of pertinent literature will be made available to those individuals who wish to delve more deeply into a particular topic.

The cost is $85; log onto www.lla-sm. org or call 941-359-4296.

Inquiring Minds meets each Tuesday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Gloria Dei Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. It is a cross-denominational religious study group that includes a 30-minute video presentation followed by discussion. The approach is academic, not devotional.

All are welcome. There is no charge.

Everyone has an opportunity to think, to learn and to talk. Inquiring Minds is inspired by Anna Maria’s All Island Denominations. To receive weekly notification send e-mail toamibible@aol.com.

Irish dancing at Sandpiper Irish Ceili and set dancing sessions will begin on Wednesday, from 1 to 3 p.m. and will continue every Wednesday through the end of March at the Sandpiper Mobile Resort, 2601 Gulf Drive.

Beginners are welcome and there is no charge to attend, although donations pay for the musicians. For more information, contact Judy at 941-779-1416.

Tweens discuss books The Island Branch Library ManaTweens Book Club will meet at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan.6, to discuss their latest assignment at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. The Mana-Tweens is a club for youngsters older than children and younger than teenagers. For information, call the library at 778-6341.

Needlework for fun If you’re good with needles or want to be, there is a monthly meeting at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, for people interested in knitting and crocheting. The next one is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 7 at 2 p.m. Bring your latest project and enjoy. Call 778-6341 for more information.

Tell your story with collage Katya de Luisa will show how to activate your brain with collage at 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 8, at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Tell your story using words and collage and give your brain a good workout. Bring a magazine with lots of photos. The class is free. For more information, call Katya at 941-549-1317.

Alzheimer’s caregivers meet Sue Fox, a representative of the Sarasota Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, will host a program for caregivers of people with memory problems, including Alzheimer’s disease,

Life enhancement discussed

Privateers sell booty

The Anna Maria Island Privateers are holding their Thieves’ Market at Coquina Beach parking lot at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 9, offering new and antique items, someone’s trash and someone else’s treasure. In addition to items for the home or gift giving, there will be a produce market as well as hot dogs and hamburgers from the Privateers’ grille. The ladies of the Privateers will be selling baked goods. Above, Privateer “Big John” Swager will sell barbecue from his mobile smoker. If you want to become a vendor, contact Joy “Piper” Fitzpatrick at 941545-3664. For $25, vendors get a 12x25-foot space. There will be future Thieves’ Markets on Saturday, Feb. 13, March 12 and April 9, Proceeds from these events go to the Privateers, a no-for-profit group that raises money for scholarships. For more information on the Privateers, log onto wwwamiprivateers.org. on Friday, Jan. 8, at 2 p.m. at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. The program is free. Call 778-6341 for more information.

Paper folding at library Judy Pruitt presents her origami class at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Saturday, Jan. 9, from 10 a.m. to noon. Learn this ancient Japanese art of paper folding.

The class is free. For more information, call the library at 778-6341.

Asian art in Cortez The Florida Maritime Museum (FMM), 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, is hosting a reception on Saturday, Jan. 9, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. for “Sumi-e by the Sea,” featuring the works of the Sarasota Sumi-e society. There will be light refreshments courtesy of the Sarasota Sumi-e Society and the Florida Maritime Museum.

These maritime-themed, East Asian watercolor paintings will be on exhibit through Feb. 14. Those attending are asked to RSVP at 941 708-6121 or fmminfo@manateeclerk.com.

The opening coincides with FMM’s monthly Music on the Porch jam session, so visitors may want to stick around and enjoy the music, too. For more information on the Sumi-e Society of Sarasota, visit http://www.sarasotasumi-e.org/.

Lego of my Legos Kids, bring your parents to the Lego club, which meets at the Island Branch

Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Saturday, Jan. 9, at 2 p.m.

Children’s librarian Trudy Bell has a lot of the little building blocks, thanks to a generous patron of the library, and she’ll help you jump-start a project, unless your parents want to help. Donations of gently used Legos are welcome.

For more information, call 778-6341.

Kayak tours offered Explore two of Manatee County’s preserves from the water. Naturalist Brad Tanner, an American Canoe Association instructor will lead Sarasota Bay Estuary Program sponsored tours of Leffis Key and Jewfish Key on Saturday, Jan. 9 and 16; to the mangrove tunnels at South Lido Beach on Feb. 6, or 20; Phillipi Creek on Feb. 27; and Blind Pass on March 12, or 19.

Participants need to bring or rent their own kayak and gear. These tours are not recommended for novice kayakers, or children under 10. Minors 18 and under need to be accompanied by an adult. Those wanting to sign up for more than one tour will be signed up for one and put on a waiting list for other trips. To sign up, go to sarasotabay.org.

Sierra Club talks conservation The Manatee –Sarasota Sierra Club will hold a meeting of the Manatee Conservation Committee on Monday, Jan. 11, at 1:30 p.m. at the Manatee County Central Library, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd.

Attend and help contribute to sound environmental policy in Manatee County. For more information, contact Sandra Ripberger at 941-794-3878 or

Story time at the library Trudy Bell, the children’s librarian, reads stories on Tuesday, Jan. 12, at 10 a.m. Kids between toddler and five years of age are welcome as are their parents at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, 778-6341.

Explore personality traits The Lifelong Learning Academy presents “The wisdom of the Enneagram” on Tuesday, Jan. 12, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. The Enneagram is a geometric figure that maps out the nine fundamental personality types of human nature and their complex interrelationships. Each of the types is represented in each of us, but only one is predominant.

The class will explore how people interact with others based on their primary type, seeking to become more self-aware and knowledgeable, accepting and transparent.

Obtain a copy of “The Wisdom of the Enneagram.” by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson. Prior to class, read “How the Enneagram System Works” at www. enneagraminstitute.com.

The class costs $85; log onto www.llasm.org or call 941-359-4296.

Learn about local pioneers Local author and historian Cathy Slusser will give a lecture at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Tuesday, Jan. 12, at 2 p.m. Slusser will speak on “Mary Gates: Wife of Manatee County’s First Settler.”

Seating is on a first-come, first served basis and the lecture is free. Call 7786341 for more information.

JANUARY 6, 2016

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Cereal aisle regular __ Crunch 5 Classic Christmas stocking punishment 9 IRS submission method 14 "So sad!"

15 Dance performed in grass skirts 16 Lag behind 17 Ready for harvesting 18 Website for handmade goods 19 Rooftop spinners 20 Coastal storm concern 23 NBC skit show, familiarly 24 Enjoyed a meal 25 Checklist marks 28 Prefix with sail 30 German automaker 32 "Look at that!"

34 Follow local conventions, metaphorically

Answers to 12-30-15 Crossword Puzzle.

38 Web links, briefly 39 "__ out!": ump's call 40 "Now I get it!" cries 41 Get rich illicitly 46 Org. policing Internet neutrality 47 Has yet to settle 48 Play the lead 49 "The Family Circus" cartoonist Bil 51 Cartoon shopkeeper 52 Dawn moisture 55 Deli lunch ... or, based on a word hidden in 20-, 34- and 41-Across, what each of those answers is?

59 Boxcars, in craps 62 Lay off 63 Join forces (with) 64 Halloween reward 65 Steady stream 66 Rock music style of the New York Dolls 67 Rice field

THE SUN

68 Julian and Sean, to John Lennon 69 Italy's Villa d'__ Down 1 Dieter's count 2 Spock's father, but not his mother 3 Castel Gandolfo holy retreat 4 Tiny amt. of time 5 Speedy feline 6 Freakish 7 "Besides that ... " 8 Air Pops chips maker 9 Pierre's "And there you have it!"

10 Mali currency 11 "Dr. No" novelist Fleming 12 Fib 13 Above-the-street trains 21 Lyricist with Rodgers 22 Checklist component 26 Vlasic varieties 27 Fizzy drinks 29 Mgr.'s aide 30 Twistable cookies 31 Often blocked online lewdness 33 Run the party 34 Fanny 35 Hoover rival 36 "Reader, I married him" governess 37 Granny 42 Forthrightness 43 Pitcher in many still-life

paintings 44 Cable station for game highlights 45 Small earring 50 Leading 51 Hank of Cooperstown

53 Flashy display 54 Self-pitying lament 56 Does in, mob-style 57 Farmland skyline highlight 58 Minimum __

59 Gas treatment letters 60 Gershwin brother 61 Crossed (out)

35

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WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

JANUARY 6, 2016

SHARK DEBATE: Heading to city hall FROM PAGE 14

People need to be educated. We’re not out to hurt the trappers’ livelihood and kill all these sharks. I love being able to catch them and safely release them.”

Gagnier said she has assisted National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in their efforts to track tagged sharks, and she and her friends plan to be at next week’s meeting.

More reaction

One of Phil Gerardi’s sons was involved in a dispute with Manali’s wife last weekend, and Gerardi plans to participate in next week’s meeting.

“If you don’t let them bring the bait out far enough, you’re not fishing. You can’t cast a piece if mullet more than about 50 yards, and with a kayak we usually go out about 200 yards,” he said.

“You can’t stop recreational fishing because others are trying to make a living. Sometimes my wife and I go on the kayak at night with a small fishing rod. You’re going to tell us we can’t do that?” he said.

When asked what impact this would have on him as a Tampa resident, who owns and occupies a second home in Anna Maria, he said, “I’ll be leaving the Island. It’s not fair.

These commercial guys could go out further with their traps or space their traps wider apart so we have space to fish.”

Gerardi and his sons are also catch and release proponents.

When asked, charter fisherman Captain Scott Moore said, “They have no business messing with Anthony’s commercial traps.

That’s a felony.”

He feels the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission should be taking the lead on this issue

BEACH BEAT Anna Maria

12/25, domestic disturbance, 800 block of North Shore Drive. An unmarried couple got into an argument, and the female walked away and hid. She later called authorities because she was afraid her boyfriend was near. The deputy who responded left a domestic violence packet for the two.

Bradenton Beach

1/1, property damage, Coquina Park, 2650 Gulf Drive S. An entry gate was damaged and had to be fixed.

1/1, criminal mischief, 300 Church St., a car window was broken.

1/2, property damage, 100 Bridge St., parking lot. A car parked there was dented.

rather than a local government.

When asked about enforcement, Manali said, “The response has always been have you seen them do it. I pay thousands in trap tags and licenses, and I’m not getting my money’s worth.”

By the same token, Moore said it is illegal to prevent someone from fishing in a manner legally allowed by the state, and he cautioned city commissioners against doing so.

In regard to a ban on nighttime launching, Moore said people could launch their kayaks from Holmes Beach or travel to Anna Maria by boat and fish the same offshore area.

Sgt. Paul Davis said he and his deputies have recovered crab traps found on shore, but he doesn’t know how they got there or if there was any ill intent involved.

Davis said anyone who has a stake in this matter should attend the Jan. 14 meeting and be heard. He asked that anyone who finds themselves in a potential conflict or witnesses suspicious fishing activity to call the Sheriff’s Office at 941-708-8899.

Monday afternoon, FWC spokesperson Gary Morse said he had just learned about the crab trap issue unfolding in Anna Maria.

“This is the first we’ve heard of it. We’ll take care of this rather quickly if someone observes a violation or somebody damaging or trying to remove a stone crab trap. Molesting stone crab traps is illegal,” he said.

“Somebody will have to make a complaint to us on our hotline in order for there to be any substantial interest on our part,” he added.

The 24-hour Wildlife Alert Hotline number 1-888-404-3922. Morse said there are enforcement resources available, even though this is a busy time with the mullet season underway.

He also welcomed a representative from the city to contact him.

Holmes Beach

12/19, driving without a license, seat belt violation, 5300 block of Gulf Drive. The officer spotted the defendant driving with no seat belt attached. He stopped the driver, who said he was wearing the best, but the officer surmised the driver put it on after the stop. The driver acknowledged he had no license and was ticketed.

12/20, warrant arrest, 3900 East Bay Drive, Publix. Police got a call saying a man with a warrant for his arrest was in the store. An officer was dispatched and made the arrest.

12/21, driving with a suspended license, 8500 block of Gulf Drive. The officer ran a computer check that showed the owner of the car’s license was suspended. He made the stop and issued a ticket.

12/21, driving with a suspended license, 600 block of Manatee Avenue. The officer ran a computer check on the driver and found his license was suspended. The driver said he knew of the suspension,

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

When one of the three Island draw bridges is raised, traffic comes to a grinding halt, as was the case on Wednesday, Dec. 30.

Bridge opening limits sought According to Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization Executive Director David Hutchinson, the three Island cities and the town of Longboat Key should hear something in the next three or four months in regard to a request submitted to the U.S. Coast Guard in May to increase the time between drawbridge openings.

The request made on behalf of the Island Transportation Planning Organization seeks to limit the raising of the three Island draw bridges to once every 30 minutes

but was driving the car because he had just had a windshield installed in the car. He was given a criminal citation.

12/21, driving without a license, no proof of insurance, 600 block of Manatee Avenue. The officer ran a computer check and found the car owner had no license. He was ticketed.

12/21, driving with a suspended license, 2800 block of Gulf Drive. The officer spotted the driver of a scooter, and a computer check showed the tag was unassigned and the driver’s license was suspended. He said he was riding the scooter because his license was suspended and he didn’t think he would need a license to ride the scooter. The officer told him he was wrong and issued a ticket.

12/22, DUI, Gulf Drive and Manatee Avenue. The officer stopped the driver of the truck because none of the truck’s taillights worked. He also noticed the driver was having trouble staying within the lane. After he stopped the driver, the officer smelled alcohol

on a year-round basis. The current schedule allows for bridge openings every 20 minutes, if needed, from mid-January to mid-April.

Hutchinson said a recent Coast Guard-approved bridge timing change on Florida’s east coast had minimal negative impact on the boat traffic, which bodes well for the Island request. The request was made in hopes of lessening the impact the Longboat Pass Bridge, Cortez Bridge and Anna Maria Island Bridge openings have on Island traffic.

on his breath. The officer performed a field sobriety test, which the driver failed, and he was arrested.

12/24, driving without a license, 8500 block of Gulf Drive. The officer found out the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident did not have a license. The officer issued her a ticket.

12/24, burglary, 4100 block of Fifth Avenue. The victim said it appeared a burglar reached in her rental unit and stole an urn containing the ashes of her sister.

12/25, possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana, 700 block of Manatee Avenue.

The officer was directing traffic at a road construction site when he noticed a driver trying to turn around. As he neared the vehicle, the officer smelled marijuana and asked the driver to pull over. The officer spotted some marijuana inside the car. He arrested the driver.

JANUARY 6, 2015

classified

ADULT HEALTH CARE

CONTINUED CARE IN YOUR HOME. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA/ HHA) Local references available. Call Dennis 815519-3993

ANNOUNCEMENTS WANTED OUTSTANDING MUSICIANS interested in reading French Trio Literature for Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon. Needed 1 Clarinet--1 Bassoon.

Contact: Ed DeMattia, Oboist. obeeng@gmail.com 240-577-1917 BEACH YOGA ON Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www. thriveyogafit.com THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Dusty at 941779-7688.

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

BABY SITTER RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student.

Call or text Isabel 941-5457995

BOATS: PARTS & SERVICES & SALES SEASON IS HERE-WE NEED BOATS. Busy, Busy, Busy. We Also Buy Boats. “Business On A Hand Shake.” www.Islandboatsales. net. 941-228-3489 BOAT SLIPS FOR RENT. Up to 60 feet. Two minutes to Intracoastal Waterway by Cortez, Parrot Cove Marina 941-795-0088 GREAT BOAT SLIP with Lift, water, electric, 2 finger piers, Key Royale Canal Head, No Bridges. $275/ mo. Greg 410-782-9100.

Call us today! 941-778-3986

BAYLINER 2655 CIERA 26'.

Cabin sleeps 4. Locally maintained. Has Perco Rod Holders. See on Island $8900 OBO. Capt. Fred 941-356-1456

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

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

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

Call 941-251-5948

COMMERCIAL SALES/ LEASES/RENTALS ANNA MARIA CITY Gulf Drive Frontage Existing well known Restaurant Busn, Equip & Good will for sale $299,000 Call Alan Galletto, Island Real Estate 941-2322216

RESTAURANT/OFFICE/ RETAIL 1113 sf Kitchen Equipment include Gulf Drive Bradenton Beach $495,000 Call Alan Galletto Island Real Estate 941-232-2216 1200 SQ FT COMMERCIAL SPACE in prime location, Village of Cortez. Call A Paradise Realty for more information. 941-778-4800

COMPUTER SERVICES 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

EMPLOYMENT GIFT SHOP on AMI. Part-Time Position. Retiree’s welcome. Call 813-409-7540

BARTENDER-PART TIME Apply @ Bortell’s 10002 Gulf Dr. Anna Maria. Any Day after 1:00

NEW RESTAURANT OPENING – NOW HIRING Full- and part-time positions available for cooks, bussers, food runners & cashiers. Come be a part of the Anna Maria Oyster Bar team at our new location on Bradenton Beach’s Bridge Street Pier! Please apply in person at 200 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, from 9am to 6pm, Monday through Sunday.

Anna Maria Oyster Bar is a Drug-Free Workplace.

FULL TIME, YEAR ROUND Sous Chef position available. Great hours, competitive salary, paid vacation.

Please reply to: amhodin@ aol.com for consideration.

ESTATE SALE ESTATE SALE: {KEY ROYALE} Entire Household, Antiques, Furniture, Book Collections, Jewelry, Sterling Flatware, Glassware, Tools and Fishing 9-3 Friday / Saturday January 8 & 9 636 Dundee Lane Holmes Beach

FOR SALE NEW MILWAUKEE TWOWHEEL hand truck.10" pneumatic tires, with 5" castor wheels, to lay horizontal. Used one time. $75.

Call 320-282-7242

FURNITURE CUSTOM COASTAL FURNITURE & CABINETS by Frankie Z. ebay store.

Call 941-726-1482. 10015 Cortez Rd (corner of 101st) frankiezaff@yahoo.com

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES SALE NIKI’S GIFT & ANTIQUE SHOP 5351 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach. All Sterling Jewelry 10% to 50% off.

Japanese War Dolls 60% off. Select Gifts, miniatures, Glassware, Books, Vintage & Costume Jewelry 30% to 80% off. See new swimwear. Clothing from India.

Open 7 days 9:30am-5pm.

THE SUN

ROSER THRIFT SHOP and ANNEX: Open 9:30 am. – 2 pm. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 10am.-1pm Saturday. Donations accepted 9-11a.m. Wednesdays 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria 941-779-2733

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

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

LOST & FOUND

TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates.

Neil 941-726-3077 RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-7250073.

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CRC1327296.

Call Jerry Kern 941-5042222 www.kernconstructioninc.com “HONEY DO" HOME Repairs & Handyman Services.

35 yrs experience. Painting, drywall, tile, woodwork. All tasks. Call 941-896-5256 or 941-807-5256 www.honeydohomerepairinc.com HOME IMPROVEMENT Michigan General Contractor 30+ yrs. experience. Large or small projects. Budget minded knowledgeable tradesman will complete your project start to finish: On Time/On Budget. Call Mike 616-204-8822.

INTERIOR DESIGN ANDREW ZAFFINA DESIGN www.AndrewZaffinaDesign.com Creating Fresh Interior & Exterior Spaces Call 941-725-9404

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

Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941

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

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

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

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

Reward. Heartbroken.

941-730-7052

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

WalyPrecisionPainting.com “WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell 941794-0455 DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience many Island references Call 941705-7096

POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE. AMI & West Bradenton. Certified Pool Operator. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-737-5657

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

COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893

FOUND EYEGLASSES on beach in Holmes Beach city limits, early morning of November 2. Call 941-7784754 LOST MERCEDES KEY FOB with silver swan attached to ring. Call 863-207-1328 $25 REWARD

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

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

AMISUN.COM

37

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE LOOKING TO BUY or SALE a home? Contact Darcie Duncan for a personal approach to your real estate needs that will always make you feel at home. Discover the Duncan Difference.

941-779-0304

BRADENTON COUNTRY CLUB 3BR/2BA home with upgrades on the Golf Course. Rarely available a must see! $399,000.

Brenda Boyd May Boyd Realty 941-730-8589.

38

THE SUN

classified

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE LIFE IS GOOD LIVING on beautiful Anna Maria island a short walk to award winning beaches. 3BR/2.5BA elevated home with fenced free form pool and spa and 4 car garage. Karen Fineout Wagner realty 941518-3682 $749,000 FOR SALE 1 BLOCK from Beach. 1/2 of duplex.

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

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

Brokers protected 813892-3690 MOBILE HOME DEALS Single wide in 55+ park $11,500. Double wide $55,000. Minutes to Anna Maria Island. Realtor 941356-1456

Call us today! 941-778-3986

VILLA NEAR BEACH: Mt.Vernon on Sarasota Bay-$142,900.Bright corner 1BR/1.5BA in 55+ active community only 5 min. from Anna Maria Island beaches. Open floor plan, 960sq.ft., bamboo hardwood floors, tile, lots of closets, storage, and extensively remodeled kitchen and baths. Free dock, boat/kayak storage, clubhouse w/pool, walking/bike paths, lakes, parks, and more. Sorry, no pets, cycles, or pickups. 3% Realtor coop. Call 727-4794919.

RENTALS: ANNUAL 1BR/1BA in Triplex near St. Stephen’s / Manatee High. Water, Sewer, Trash, electric & Gas incl. . $825/ mo, $825 security. Credit & Background required.

Available Now. Ask for Ed. DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www. teamduncan.com

ANNUAL RENTAL and CONDOMINIUM Association management serviced by (2) offices open 7 days a week! Contact junew@ islandreal.com – 941-3451295 - Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island, Inc. ANNUAL RENTAL- Anna Maria, 3BR/2BA home with garage. $2,200/mo.

Fran Maxon Real Estate 941-778-2307.

ANNUAL 2BR/2BA Holmes Beach. Tile through-out.

Washer/Dryer hookups, double carport, large storage room. Steps to Gulf with view $1500/mo plus utilities. First, last and security Call 941-778-3427 FURNISHED STUDIO NEAR bay North West off 75th St. Full bath, sun-porch, private, utilities included $775/mo. Call 941-4659333

JANUARY 6, 2015

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fl Condos. Pool beach access, fully equipped $650-$800/ wk Redekercondos.com 941-704-7525 or 941-7781915 WILLKOMMEN AUF AMI! Besuchen Sie Island Real Estate in einem unserer Inselbüros (6101 Marina Drive oder 419 Pine Ave) mit unserem deutschsprachigen Reservierungsservice und erhalten ein freies Island Real Estate Baseball Cap! Wir geben Ihnen gerne mehr Auskunft über unsere 250 ausgewählte Feriendomizile für Ihren nächsten Urlaub!

SEASONAL RENTAL AVAILABLE due to Cancellation- 3 month min.2BR/2BA Villa $1,900/ mo + taxes/fees. Fran Maxon Real Estate 941778-2307 for details.

AFFORDABLE VACATION RENTAL 1BR/1BA Mobile Home. January $1500 February $1800 March $1900 Monthly. Book Now! 8 miles to Island Realtor 941-356-1090 PERICO BAY CLUB VILLA 2BR/2BA/1CG Available January & February Now $3000 Monthly. Realtor 941-356-1090

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

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

ROGER'S AIRPORT SERVICE. Tampa, St. Pete/ Clearwater, Sarasota/ Bradenton. Call Roger 941773-1469 ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all airports, appointments, shopping, etc. Tampa $60. Sarasota $30. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne.

941-779-5095

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JANUARY 6, 2015

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