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VOL 15 No. 35
July 1, 2015
Birds killed, turtle nests damaged
Authorities are seeking information about a couple seen on a vehicle that ran down five turtle nests and three black skimmer chicks on the beach Saturday night. BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
Two black skimmer chicks were killed, one was injured and five loggerhead sea turtle nests were run over by what witnesses described as a laughing couple in a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with a single headlight and knobby tires around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday night near the Holmes Beach/ Bradenton Beach city line. Loggerheads, a federally threatened species, and black skimmers, a state species of special concern, Anna maria island turtle watch and shorebird monitoring | SUBMITTED
This black skimmer chick was the sole survivor of three chicks run over by two people on an ATV on the beach Saturday night. The pair also ran over five sea turtle nests. Inset, a black skimmer parent protects its two chicks.
see birds, page 39
AMICC drops plans for fitness center City commission releases Community Center funding. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – The simple statement came during a presentation by Community Center officials when Commissioner Jean Peelen asked about the status of the fitness center, ending months of controversy. “There is no major fitness center concept,” declared Jim Froeschle, treasurer
INSIDE NEWS OPINION Sun survey OUTDOORS RESTAURANTS REAL ESTATE SPORTS POLICE REPORTS
4 6 7 26-27 32-33 34-39 40 42
of the Community Center’s board of directors, at last week’s city commission meeting. “We are not becoming a fitness center; we are a Community Center.” He and Executive Director Kristin Lessig appeared before the commission to present an update on the status of the Community Center. Commissioners made the request after they voted in May not to release the city’s $22,500 contribution for the Center until they got further information.
FIREWORKS: Get ready for a rousing July 4 with fireworks and a parade. 5
Anna Maria Island, Florida
At issue was the plan by the Center’s board of directors to build a fitness facility on the second floor of the Center. Residents, some city officials and two Island fitness center owners opposed the plan. Froeschle said the fitness center idea came in “an early concept drawing that was released that was very premature. It was way in the early stages and actually since then has gone through multiple alterations. “The intent is to have an open area that we
We are not becoming a fitness center; we are a community center.” Jim Froeschle Center board treasurer
see CENTER, page 41
Commercial FISHERMEN WARY OF PROPOSED MULLET REGULATIONS. 23
Community Center Director Cindy Thompson steps down. 12
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JULY 1, 2015
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JULY 1, 2015
City to crack down on duplex lot splits Duplex lots split before 1990 were made legal non-conformities, but since then they are illegal. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Splitting duplex lots and selling each half to a different owner is illegal, and commissioners agreed to crack down on the practice. The issue came to the board’s attention at last week’s work session when Commissioner Carol Soustek asked about them during a discussion of whether to allow one or two pools on duplex lots. City Attorney Patricia Petruff said the city approved an ordinance in 1990 stating that any duplex lot split prior to a certain date that year would be considered a legal non-conformity, providing the owners entered into a party wall agreement with certain stipulations. “We have discovered it is still being done. We have uncovered similar situations prior to what we had in 1990 where somebody is selling half a unified duplex,” Petruff said.
Soustek asked who gave owners permission to do so, and Petruff said no one and added, “They have no right under our zoning code to do anything to split that. At some point, the city needs to decide how to deal with these issues. “I’m in favor of drawing a line in the sand. The city did not create the problem and is not responsible to fix it.” Soustek said she has seen an advertisement for “each side of a combined unit as a single family home,” and it would be irresponsible for the city to ignore the situation.
Condominium ownership
Commissioner Marvin Grossman asked if there is a legal way to split them, and Petruff said some owners are using the condominium form of ownership. “They can do that, but we can still regulate what happens on the lot,” she explained. “They must have common elements of ownership. “What has happened is that many of the condominiums formed in Holmes Beach do not meet the strict requirements of condominium
law because they do not have those common elements.” Soustek said they should make the public aware that the practice is occurring, and Petruff said in 1990, the city sent a letter to every real estate agent in the city advising them to stop the practice. “We could try that again and warn them this will not be tolerated,” she said. Melissa Rash said her family owns half a duplex with a party wall agreement, and “we were under the assumption that everything outside was common property. The neighbors are under the assumption that there’s an imaginary line down the middle of the lot and that property is theirs and they can do what they want. “We’re unclear about our property; is it ours? We don’t even know how to figure that out.” Petruff took Rash’s information and said she and Building Official Jim McGuinness are putting together a packet on the issue and will bring it back to the commission for discussion when it is complete.
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Good news for TIFF’s Initiative The creator of TIFF’s Initiative, Christine Olson, reports her organization will participate in Amazon Smiles, which allows people purchasing on Amazon.com to donate a portion of their purchase money to a charity of choice. TIFF’s Initiative began after Olson’s daughter, Tiffany, was killed in a traffic accident. Tiffany had no identification on her, and it took six hours for the tragic news to reach her. Olson vowed to change the system so that people could register to have their information tied a database available to law enforcement. She began with the name TIFF, taken from her daughter’s name but also an acronym for To Inform Families First. So far, she has gotten the states of Florida, Ohio, Colorado and Illinois to participate and recently, the Florida Governor Rick Scott signed into law a bill to require licensing agencies in Florida to have registration information available to drivers. Olson is asking Amazon customers consider naming TIFF’s Initiative as the recipient of the money raised by Amazon Smile. To register, go to http://www.toinformfamiliesfirst.org/.
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ISLAND NEWS
in brief
Pool rules approved on second reading Holmes Beach city commissioners approved the swimming pool ordinance on second reading last week with Commissioner Pat Morton dissenting. At a previous meeting they had agreed to remove slides and diving boards from the ordinance, but require hot tubs to be on the ground and count pools as impervious surface. A ban on slides and hot tubs in vacation rentals will be added to the vacation rental ordinance.
Holiday construction schedule The city of Anna Maria has posted its schedule of allowable construction hours for the July 4 weekend. Work will not be allowed on Friday, July 3, but is allowed on Saturday, July 4, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to the code, which uses the United States Code listing of holidays. Violators will be cited. This only applies to professional construction, not homeowners doing small jobs on their property.
Waste Management to clean up Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy got a positive response to his June 3 request to Waste Management to provide Sunday collection for beach accesses for four holidays, starting with Independence Day. The other holidays are Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day and Labor Day. The rate for each pickup will be $750.
Work continues on bridge Crew continue to work on the Longboat Pass Bridge. The bridge will close to traffic overnight from midnight to 5 a.m. each morning for two consecutive nights, tentatively planned for Wednesday, July 8, and Thursday, July 9. Traffic will be detoured onto New Pass Bridge and US 41 while crews are working. The Florida Department of Transportation urges motorists to use caution, plan additional travel time and expect possible delays.
Special magistrate approved Holmes Beach city commissioners last week approved a services agreement with Michael Connolly for the position of special magistrate. Connolly will replace the code enforcement board and preside over code enforcement quasi-judicial hearings. He will be paid $195 per hour.
Correction Holmes Beach’s new plans examiner and building inspector is Bruce Sherman. He was misidentified in the June 17 issue.
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JULY 1, 2015
Tree house attorney files motion for rehearing
Attorney David Levin asked for a written opinion in order to seek a review by the Florida Supreme Court. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – David Levin, attorney for tree house owners Lynn Tran and Richard Hazen, has filed for a written opinion regarding a recent court decision denying an appeal of a judge’s ruling. The judge’s ruling upheld the Code Enforcement Board’s 2013 order regarding the structure on the beach in front of Angelino’s Sea Lodge. The code board’s order was to remove the violations or demolish the tree house. In the motion, Levin said, “The undersigned express the belief, based on a reasoned and studied professional judgment, that a written opinion will provide legitimate basis for Supreme Court review for the reasons set forth herein.” Levin’s reasons are as follows: • The city’s code prohibits all construction within 50 feet of the erosion control line. However Florida Statute allows certain structures within that line, creat-
file photo
Tree house attorney David Levin hopes to get a review by the Florida Supreme Court. ing a conflict and making the local law “unconstitutional and invalid.” • Tran and Hazen relied in good faith upon the opinion of the building official that they did not need a permit for the tree house, incurring “extensive obligations and expenses as a consequence.” • The code board relied upon a
survey of the property “which determined that the tree house was located within the erosion control line 50-foot setback.” Levin maintained that the unsigned, unsealed survey was hearsay because “neither the surveyor, nor anyone acting under his supervision testified at the Code Enforcement Board hearing.”
Happy 90th, Dr. Green BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
CORTEZ – She is one of only four people in the historic Cortez fishing village still living in their family home. With equal skill, she can recite Bible verses, fine details of the relationships among Cortez families at least two generations back, who fished with whom on what boats, and the postmasters and postmistresses of Cortez, in order. She has protested marinas, condos and other proposed encroachments into the village with her razor-sharp comments, contributed to books about Cortez and
founded HOPE Family Services in 1979 to assist victims of domestic violence. A 90th birthday party for Dr. Mary Fulford Green will be held on Saturday, July 4, at 5:30 p.m. at Fisherman’s Hall. The venue, across from the old Cortez fire station, was chosen “since you never know what will happen when you light that many candles!” according to the invitation. The matriarch of Cortez is working on her newest projects, establishing the Cortez Village Historical Society’s Cortez Cultur-
SEE GREEN, PAGE 35
CINDY LANE | SUN
Dr. Mary Fulford Green with a Cortez Village Historical Society T-shirt.
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Fireworks to light up the skies Area police predict traffic jams and will enforce the law against fireworks. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The Sandbar restaurant will host the Island’s lone Fourth of July fireworks show after owner Ed Chiles announced he was cancelling the July 3 BeachHouse fireworks show to protect nearby shore bird nests. The result will be a huge crowd of people on the Island to watch the show. Some will bring their own fireworks, and police agencies on the Island are urging them to forget it. Sgt. Paul Davis, who heads the Manatee County Sheriff ’s Office station in Anna Maria, said additional personnel will be on duty on the Fourth of July, including members of their Special Response Team, to handle the crowds on the beach. He said they would confiscate fireworks and write citations for those they catch with them. The fine is $500. He had a further warning for beach-goers. “Leave your alcohol at home, too,”
he said. “Alcohol is not permitted on the beach.” Davis said they would still enforce parking regulations. “Parking is allowed where signs say it is allowed, and remember to park facing the direction of traffic with your tires off the pavement,” he said. “After the fireworks, a lot of people will be leaving, so expect a wait of 40 minutes or more and be patient.” Davis said it will be a fun night if everyone obeys the rules. “We want everyone to come out and have a good time,” he said. “Please don’t make me have to spoil your fun.” Those who pay $125 per adult and $50 per child for the VIP party at the Sandbar will be treated to an extensive menu of seafood and other delicacies plus an open bar, under the shelter of the pavilion. Call 778-8709 to see about availability. Holmes Beach Police Chief William Tokajer said police expect an increase of people on the beach on the Fourth watching the fireworks show, and they will have a police presence on the beach looking for fireworks. Those who are caught,
will have their fireworks confiscated and receive a citation with a $75 fine. Police also will be looking for alcohol on the beach, parking violations and traffic violations. Since those leaving the Sandbar restaurant will travel through Holmes Beach to get off the Island, there would be traffic tie-ups. He also had advice for parents. “Keep an eye on your children as they handle sparklers or poppers,” he said. “Make sure you know where they are at all times because it will most likely be crowded where you are.” In Bradenton Beach, police will be
working to make sure beachgoers stay safe. “We’ll be confiscating the dangerous fireworks and making sure everyone is safe,” Police Chief Sam Speciale said. “We probably won’t have nearly as many cars from off the Island as we normally have, although we’ll have as many vacationers out.” Speciale had advice for those on the beach and driving home. “Be patient,” he said. “If you’re in a slow moving crowd or stuck in traffic, relax and put yourself on Island time.”
Join the party on the Fourth It’s time for fireworks and a parade and the Anna Maria Island Privateers will be at it again on Saturday, the Fourth, starting at Coquina Beach at 10 a.m. and ending up at the Anna Maria City Pier. Everyone is welcome to participate, and it’s free. You must be riding because it’s too long to be a walking parade. Decorate your vehicle or make a good parade float and don’t be stingy with the red, white
and blue decorations. After the parade ends, there will be a party at the Anna Maria Island Beach Café at Manatee Beach, where the Privateers will introduce their annual scholarship winners. The Café will have food specials and refreshments. There will also be live music by Steel Relic, a kids classic rock cover band, and Crossover, which have both donated their time.
happy 4th of July! CAC1817161 CFC1429106 EC0001126
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OPINION
The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper Island Sun Plaza, 9801 Gulf Drive P.O. Box 1189 Anna Maria, FL 34216-1189 Phone: (941) 778-3986 e-mail: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com
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JULY 1, 2015
EDITORIAL A senseless act
T
he wildlife and bird sanctuary that is Anna Maria Island was assaulted Saturday night. The attack occurred, according to witnesses, when two people on some sort of ATV willfully and illegally plowed their vehicle straight through an area of beach thick with nesting birds and sea turtle nest markers. The man and woman were heard laughing as they ran over and killed two baby black skimmer chicks, critically injured a third and smashed through five, clearly delineated loggerhead turtle nests. Witnesses apparently tried to stop the rampaging couple but could do little more than jump out of the way as the vehicle chewed through the soft sand, forcing the frightened nesting birds to take flight, temporarily abandoning their chicks. Authorities said the pair then drove south and exited the beach in the vicinity of Cortez Road. Police from Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach searched nearby neighborhoods and the village of Cortez for an ATV with knobby tires matching the tracks left on the beach, but no arrests were made and the search continues. There have been other incidents of bird and turtle nests being disturbed on the Island, usually accidentally, but nothing to match this one for shear meanness and utter disregard for the law and for these defenseless creatures. We can only hope police apprehend and prosecute these renegade jackasses to the fullest extent possible. Anyone with information is asked to call Holmes Beach police at 941-708-5804 or Bradenton Beach police at 941-778-6311. The not-for-profit Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring is looking into ways to offer a reward.
Thank you, Mary Ann
O
ne of the longest tenures of leadership on the Island has been that of Mary Ann Brockman at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce. Now, after 21 years of dedicated service, Brockman has retired. To honor her and all she has done for the Island and its businesses, the community came together last Saturday for an emotional farewell to the former. When she first came on board the SEE EDITORIAL, PAGE 7
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
A wonderful relationship On behalf of The Anna Maria Island Historical Society, we want to say thank you to the AMI Chamber and Save the Trolley Giving Back Program for the incredible support provided to the Society and the other community non-profits. You help make our plans and dreams come true. Listening to Deb Wing’s announcement of the recipients and summary of their many and varied projects and plans, which the gifts are supporting, it made me think of how amazing that all of this effort was within seven linear miles and how it touched so many parts of our lives. Each of the recipient organizations is filled with volunteers and board members who have crafted plans and
The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field
a future for their organization that are also “giving back” to the Island and surrounding areas: fighting hunger, protecting wildlife and domestic animals, building a cultural identity, educating children, just to name a few; so many plans, so much effort, such great causes. The fact that this money comes back to support these groups and these groups in turn protect what is important in our community is an incredible relationship and not always present in communities. Luckily, it is alive and well in ours. Thank you AMI Chamber and Save The Trolley Committee for this incredible support of non-profits and their volunteers so we can, in turn, give back to the Island. Maureen McCormick Anna Maria Island Historical Society
Layout Ricardo Fonseca
Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis
Reporters Pat Copeland Cindy Lane Tom Vaught Joe Hendricks
Ad director Chantelle Lewin Ad assistant Chris Boniberger
Columnists Louise Bolger
Classified ads Bob Alexander
Common sense needed Beware, Anna Maria. You are soon going to find yourself listed as a parking trap by AAA and other motorist clubs that alert drivers to speed traps in the state of Florida. The goodwill that you have earned among travelers for many years will be lost for the money you collect from these parking fines. Think! The Disney ventures and other venues would not succeed if they looked forward to collecting parking fines. Surely, someone out there in Anna Maria possesses that special thing called common sense. Lou Gutierrez Holmes Beach
Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Web Jocelyn V. Greene Accounting John Reitz
Distribution Bob Alexander Keith Isner Tony McNulty Contributors Steve Borggren Tom Breiter Monica Simpson
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on the agenda
the sun survey
LAST WEEK’S QUESTION: How should local officials deal with congestion from the huge increase in motor traffic to and from the Island?
3%
42%
Build a third bridge from north Longboat Key to the mainland.
None of the options listed
28% Use signs on the mainland letting motorists know when beach parking is full.
Anna Maria 10005 Gulf Drive
7/9: City Commission meeting and work session, 6 p.m. For information, call 708-6130.
Bradenton Beach 107 Gulf Drive N.
7/1: Pier Team, 11 a.m. 7/9: City Commission meeting, 6 p.m. For information, call 7781005.
Holmes Beach 5801 Marina Drive
None scheduled For information, call 7085800.
Island-wide 7/6: Island Transportation Planning Organization, Holmes Beach City Hall, 2 p.m. July 4 holiday closings: The administrative offices of the West Manatee Fire & Rescue District, and the cities of Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach will be closed July 3. Tingley Memorial Library will be closed at noon on July 3 and all day July 4. The Island Community Center and the Island Branch Library will be closed July 3 and 4.
mark your calendar
3%
Add water taxis and reduce drawbridge openings on holidays, just as proposed.
Note: Events are free unless indicated.
Wednesday
4%
THIS WEEK’S SURVEY What is your reaction to the Community Center's decision not to build a new fitness facility?
Replace the AMI bridge on Manatee Avenue with a tall, fixed-span structure.
20% All of the options listed
• Disappointment. I think it would have • I'd like to see them offer a smaller, been well received. more limited workout center. • The Center Board did the right thing. Public sentiment was not in favor of such a facility.
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 editorial
July 1
Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., $8. Register to 941-778-2099. AMI Community Connections fellowship, AMI Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 2 p.m. Spanish for adults, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6 p.m.
Thursday July 2
School age summer program, "American Tall Tales,” Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
Saturday July 4
Privateers’ July 4 Parade, Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach to Anna Maria City Pier, 10 a.m.
Sunday July 5
Beach Market, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday July 6
FROM PAGE 6
Chamber, it was like almost everything else on Anna Maria Island at the time – small, inexperienced but ready to tackle what came along. When she was named executive director, the Chamber had just gotten its first computer that ran Windows. In
those days, they helped last minute arrivals to the Island find a room, organized fund-raisers and served as a showplace for members to put brochures, menus and business cards so travelers would use their services and products. Today, the Chamber serves 575 members, is online and offers seminars and classes for mem-
bers of the rapidly growing community. The evolution and modernization of the award-winning organization was due in no small part to Mary Ann Brockman. Congratulations and good fortune to you Mary Ann, and a heartfelt thanks from everyone here at The Sun.
Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 11 to 11:45 a.m., $8. Register to 941-778-2099. Social bridge games, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, noon.
Tuesday July 7
Children’s story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Duplicate bridge, Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday July 8
Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., $8. Register to 941778-2099. AMI Community Connections fellowship, AMI Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 2 p.m. “Food at Sea” presented by the Florida Maritime Museum, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
Thursday July 9
Summer time community coastal cleanup, Coquina Bayside Park, 9 a.m. to noon. Register to http:// www.naturesacademy.org/ coastal- cleanup-2015/ School age summer program, “Earthlings Band,” Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
Friday July 10
Alzheimer’s caregivers’ group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m
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JULY 1, 2015
Report says trees in trouble Local native plant expert Mike Miller urges patience because the trees are adjusting to being close to saltwater. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The 17 trees planted in City Pier Park are doomed, Florida certified arborist Lori Ballard concludes in a report filed with the city. According to her report, the city did not do enough to get the transplanted trees a start. They were hand watered for the first two weeks and then a drip irrigation system was installed and recently replaced with a rotary irrigation system. “The most crucial time of the establishment period for newly installed trees is the first three months,” the report says. “Trees should be watered … three gallons of water per diameter inch per day the first month, the same amount every other day for the second month and the same amount once or twice a week for the third month. “Applying three gallons of water per diameter inch more than likely could not be accomplished by hand watering considering the subject trees are about eight to 10
inches in diameter,” the report added. Ballard also said the trees were planted too deep, which causes them to suffocate because air cannot get to the roots and they cannot break out of the root ball, causing the tree to not grow or develop properly. It also makes the tree susceptible to pests and pathogens. She recommends the trees be removed and replaced with nursery grown trees. She said the trees came from a reputable grower in the industry, Turner Tree and Landscape, which included a guarantee for labor and materials. She recommended that Turner or another reputable landscaper plant new trees and make sure they have a proper irrigation system. Twenty-one trees were planted in 2013 by the city after receiving a gift of $50,000 from resident Rex Hagen, who wanted to help the six lots the city had bought become a park. He withdrew his offer after the city commission refused to install bathrooms. The city reimbursed Hagen and then spent money to finish the irrigation system. Four trees were taken out when the city decided they were dead or dying. One tree blew over two times and was replanted. Mayor Dan Murphy said he would wait until after the restrooms are installed before
would show the plans to the city commission at their next meeting.
Another point of view
tom vaught | sun
Although sparse, the leaves on this oak tree are green, which makes plant expert Mike Miller think the trees will thrive as they adapt to the Island’s salty air. addressing the trees. He unveiled plans for the single building with arches over the doors and a tin roof plus an outdoor shower and drinking fountains. He said the county was involved with the planning and he
Local native plant expert Mike Miller says the trees that are there look bad because they came from a nursery on the mainland, were planted near the bay and suffered through three salt storms the first year. Also, the timing of the planting was a factor. “Oaks are deciduous trees that drop leaves in the winter, although not as many here because it’s semi-tropical,” he said. “They immediately lost leaves after they were planted because it was in October, and people said they were dying.” Miller said oaks can stand salt, but these oaks came from east Manatee County, where there is no salt water. “When a tree like those comes into this area, leaves drop off because they are not used to the salt,” he said. “When new leaves grow, they become tolerant to the salt and subsequent growths of leaves will look better.” Miller recommends they keep the trees and let them get accustomed to the “salt life” before declaring them dead. “We’re dealing with trees,” he said. “They grow slowly so patience is a virtue.”
JULY 1, 2015
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Contractor gets jail time Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said there would be a meeting with the judge soon to determine how much Chris Arnold should pay in restitution. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Former contractor Chris Arnold has been sentenced to 364 days in jail and will have to make restitution to the city in a case involving grand theft, when he Arnold charged the city for curb repair he did not do. Circuit Judge Deno Economou also sentenced Arnold to 14 years probation when he gets out of jail and 100 hours
of community service. A former employee of Arnold tipped police off in 2013 to his observation that only half of the work was actually done. The city found that Arnold had just painted over some of the curbing instead of repairing or replacing it. Since his arrest, Arnold claimed he had trouble finding work because of health issues. He said after the sentencing he wished someone had called him instead of having him arrested. Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said at one point, Arnold asked if he could perform more work for the city as partial restitution. But Tokajer said that was unacceptable. Tokajer said he was satisfied with the outcome. “I think Detective (Sgt. Brian) Hall did a great job in preparing this case and Mr. Arnold pled guilty,” he said. “I feel justice has been served.”
JULY 1, 2015
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JULY 1, 2015
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Mayor presents parking data for Phase I areas The mayor said the data does not support banning parking in the city’s rights of way. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Mayor Bob Johnson last week presented his parking survey of two test areas recommended by the Congestion Committee for banning parking in the city’s rights of way except by permit. “The chief and a few of his officers spent time doing an inventory, so we had a record of all the legal parking within a quarter mile to the beach,” Johnson explained. “Then we started a series of surveys of actual parking conditions that existed within that area. We have data on the legal parking spaces on each side of each block in the city.” The two test areas, called Phase I, include White Avenue to 78th Street and 43rd to 52nd streets east of Gulf Drive. The surveys were conducted for 31 days during spring break/Easter weekend, post spring break/ early summer, Memorial Day weekend and early summer/ AMI schools out at four times of the day – 10 a.m., noon and 2 and 4 p.m. Johnson said in the White Avenue area, they found there were three days of intensity
We want no parking on our streets. We don’t
of use greater than 50 percent. In the area from 43rd to 52nd streets east of Gulf Drive, they found there were 42 days of intensity of use greater than 50 percent and 12 days of intensity of use greater than 75 percent.
want strangers parking in front of our houses.” Jayne Christenson Congestion committee chair
Safety improvements
Johnson said he implemented the following safety improvements: • No parking on the east side of Fifth Avenue from 50th to 52nd streets; • No parking on the north side of 45th Street from Second to Third avenues. He implemented the following intensity mediation improvements: • No parking on the north side of 46th Street from Gulf Drive to the beach access ; • No parking on the north side of Third Avenue from 47th to 48th streets. He said two areas to watch for parking issues are 52nd Street from Gulf Drive to the Martinique and 51st Street from Gulf Drive to Second Avenue, which have become gathering places for young adults. Johnson also recommended the possibility of eliminating parking in front of mailboxes and signage to instruct drivers to park with the flow of traffic and keep two wheels off the road.
Comments
“We need to keep our watch out and get an accurate understanding of the intensity of parking,” Johnson concluded. “In the meantime we can take some action and see what happens.” Commissioner Jean Peelen said, “What I’m getting is that you don’t agree with the plan put forth by the Congestion Committee.” “The survey data says we should not shut down parking with permits,” Johnson replied. Peelen said the committee worked for a year to develop its recommendation and that Johnson should sit down with members to discuss his findings. Chair Judy Titsworth agreed and added, “This doesn’t tell you the behavior of the people parking in the streets. Some don’t have any respect for the residents.” “It’s the intensity of use in these neighborhoods over a long period of time – cars
every day; problems every day,” Commissioner Carol Soustek said. Congestion Committee chair Jayne Christenson pointed out, “Our committee (members) live in these areas, none of you do. What you see on paper is not what we’re feeling and what residents want.” She said she does not like the additional no parking signs being installed in the area and is unhappy that the mayor and police chief decided where the signs would go without any resident input. “We worked hard, and we asked you for what we wanted,” she continued. “We want no parking on our streets. We don’t want strangers parking in front of our houses.” “You’re not going to get people to volunteer on committees and put all their time and effort into this for the city if you don’t listen to them.” Titsworth said she would put the issue on the next work session.
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JULY 1, 2015
Thompson steps down as Center director Managing Director Kristin Lessig takes the helm to move the organization forward. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Mike Coleman, of the Island Community Center board of directors, announced at last week’s board meeting that Executive Director Cindy Thompson would step down and Managing Director Kristin Lessig would take over her responsibilities. “It gives Cindy the ability to rejoin the board as vice chair and Kristin to assume the position of executive director,” Coleman said. “We’re in the next logical place in our voyage forward.” “We were in crisis, and I came on to help with leadership transition,” Thompson added. “I have my own business and I tried to juggle both. “Kristin is beyond qualified, and the Center is ready for one leader. We’re really far ahead of where I thought we’d be by this time. Kristin’s got this, and everything I can
do, I can do from the board.” In addition to being on the board, Thompson will be a member of the governance committee, and she said she plans to build an auxiliary board of volunteers for events. Board members thanked Thompson for her dedication and service. “We could not have found a better way to manage this crisis,” treasurer Jim Froeschle said. “You bring in an experienced person on the board who knows the community, who knows the Community Center as executive director. I saw what she did during that crisis, and it was awesome. “Then you bring in a managing director who becomes an expert on the operations and then you let those two work together. Now we transition into a single head with more focus. It is a brilliant strategy.” Board member Ed Chiles suggested that they invite the residents to a community meeting to explain the decision and seek their input and ideas to move the Center forward.
Directors’ thoughts
Following the meeting, Thompson
Kristin’s got this, and everything I can do, I can do from the board.” Cindy Thompson Executive director
said she was happy to return to the board as vice chair after almost eight months as interim director and then executive director. “After a role in the day-to-day operations and leadership and direction at a staff level, I was feeling very positive about the welfare of the Center,” Thompson said. “The creation of a managing director allowed for a succession plan and various financial metrics were met or ahead of schedule. “My position on the board will continue to allow for governance, child advocacy and community involvement. An added benefit will be returning my salary to the organizational bottom line. Finally, I am so pleased to contribute at the board level where I continue to find chal-
lenge, pleasure and personal satisfaction.” Lessig said she is “extremely honored to take on the responsibilities and role of executive director of Anna Maria Island Community Center. I believe strongly in affecting positive change for the community in which I reside and what better way to do that here in paradise than to help continue our forward progress of positive change at AMICC. “I am confident that through teamwork and collaboration we will re-establish ourselves as the primary service provider and the heart of this amazing island. A special thank you to Cindy Thompson for her commitment and contributions to our recent successes in turning things around.”
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Honoring Rev. Dee Members of All Island Denominations and their spouses gathered at the home of Cornelia Zanetti Wednesday evening, June 10, to honor and say thank you to the Rev. Dee Ann deMontmollin, who will soon be retiring as pastor of the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation in Holmes Beach. Rev. Dee received cards and gifts from the AID members, including a very special bottle of wine, Attimo Winery A.D. 325 wine, from the Rev. Rosemary Backer.
MAGGIE FIELD | SUN
Independence Day color Don Buss puts up the Stars and Stripes on Bridge Street Monday in preparation for the Fourth of July holiday.
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Island life just got a little more exciting!
Beach Club Opening Summer 2015
INTRODUCING
Marina Walk New Resort Homes from the $500s
Marina Walk Resort Homes
Pre-construction Pricing - Limited Time! Overlooking the emerald waters of Anna Maria Sound just moments from Anna Maria Island, Harbour Isle proudly introduces our newest addition of waterfront Resort Homes, Marina Walk. Designed for low maintenance living, these innovative two- three-bedroom residences feature large island kitchens, walk-in closets, screened lanais, and breathtaking sunset views. And a rich array of resort amenities makes every day a getaway at your private island paradise! Models for this all new collection of Resort Homes are under construction and planned to open in January 2016. Florida’s Favorite Beach Community! Anna Maria Island was named one of the Sunshine State’s “10 Best Secret Beaches” by USA Today/10Best.com and one of only four “Old, Classic Florida” destinations by the Wall St. Journal. Harbour Isle Amenities Include: Waterfront Beach Club s Private Clubhouse s 4 Resort-Style Pools s Fitness Center s Kayak Launch s Sky Bar Lounge s Event Lawn s Sandy Beach s 3 Neighborhood Amenities s Planned Marina with Wet and Dry Storage, Restaurants, Shops and More No CDD fees! Unlike other communities, Harbour Isle does not burden you with Community Development District (CDD) fees, which saves you thousands of dollars during your home ownership.
(877) 542-0822 | mintofla.com 12300 Manatee Ave. West, Bradenton, FL 34209 | Located on SR-64 West, just before the Anna Maria Island Bridge in Bradenton For location, hours of operation and further details about our award-winning communities throughout Florida, visit mintofla.com. © Minto Communities, LLC 2015. Not an offer where prohibited by state statutes. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored or transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission. Artist’s renderings, dimensions, specifications, prices and features are approximate and subject to change without notice. Minto, the Minto logo, Harbour Isle and the Harbour Isle logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affi liates. CGC 1519880. 7/2015
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Part I: How much is enough? Investment Corner TOM BREITER
T
he primary goal of saving and investing during our working years is to accumulate a sum of dollars which can be bridged into an income stream in our retirement years. Of course, there are other goals that vary by family, such as leaving a legacy gift to our children or favorite charity in the form of an inheritance. But at its core, our investment nest egg has to take care of us during our non-working years. So how much is enough? This is a wide open question for which the correct answer is very personal. Many focus on a goal, such as accumulating $1 million because they see that as being wealthy. The problem is that what is wealthy for one person is not wealthy for another. It all comes down to their standard of living and how much they need in retirement to live life in the way they desire. Statistics show that the majority of retirees have way less than $1 million in assets when they retire, but let’s use that figure for purposes of an example in this discussion. Studies show that for newly retired couples, typically in their mid-60s or early 70s, that to maintain their lifestyle takes about 70 – 80 percent of their preretirement income. How can we maintain our lifestyle on only a portion of the pre-retirement income? It is possible because certain costs go away in retirement. The foremost of these is the expense of saving for retirement. That portion of our earnings that we saved during our working years is no longer a drain on household cash flow. Other expenses that are
reduced in retirement are healthcare (due to going on Medicare) and income taxes (due to earning less money). In addition, in most cases, children are grown and on their own by this time in our lives, so that expense is also removed. There also is a fixed or guaranteed part of retirement income that becomes available for retirees. For some this is a monthly pension benefit from an employer where you worked for many years. These are normal for public employees like teachers, military, police and firefighters and other government employees. Some for-profit corporations offer defined benefit pension plans, although these are becoming less common as companies convert to defined contribution plans where employees contribute to the plan each pay period, and in most cases the employer provides a matching contribution. And for most, Social Security benefits also will provide a guaranteed source of income in retirement. For higher wage earners retiring today, Social Security benefits can be in the neighborhood of $30,000 per person annually (as much as $60,000 per couple where both were high wage earners). Of course, to get the higher benefits from Social Security means waiting until full retirement age or beyond to maximize this guaranteed and inflation adjusted source of income. The calculation is to plan for the amount of income you desire in retirement, subtract the guaranteed portion you will receive from pensions and Social Security; the resulting difference is the amount of income you will need to generate from your investment nest-egg. In a simple example, if you desire $80,000 of retirement income (80 percent of your $100,000 of pre-retirement income), and your Social Security see breiter, page 22
Authentic local dining. Fresh from the farm and sea. Beyond our superb locations and mesmerizing views, our world-class waterfront restaurants offer a truly authentic dining experience. We provide local farm-to-fork-produce from our very own Gamble Creek Farm and locally sourced tide-to-table seafood. From our farm to your table, we invite you to be our guest.
Anna Maria Island 941.778.0444
North Bradenton Beach 941.779.2222
North Longboat Key 941.383.2391
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Team Blake needs an assist A local business owner’s son is bravely facing brain surgery. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – If you’ve visited Hive Creations at 119 Bridge Street you may have seen the Team Blake Bracelets at the counter designed by 13-year old Blake Carpenter. Selling for $20, the bracelets are made of colorful hematite beads and yak bone and are part of a fund-raising campaign to help offset medical costs associated with brain surgery that will hopefully end or limit Blake’s epileptic seizures. Blake also has cerebral palsy, a condition produced by brain damage for which there is no cure. “Blake designed the bracelets but can’t make them himself because he can only use one hand, so everyone that works at The Hive makes them,” said his mom, Chrystal Carpenter, who bought the business last July. “We are also doing a Go Fund Me campaign under Team Blake and we’re trying to raise $15,000,” she said. As of Monday, 23 donors had contributed $1,615 to the account found at
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Chrystal and Blake Carpenter display the Team Blake Bracelets sold at Hive Creations. www.gofundme.com/up2nmw. The site also features Blake’s daily video updates. “Sometimes they’re a little sad, but usually he’s usually pretty upbeat about it,” Chrystal said.
Blake’s story
“Blake was born healthy and at three
Come visit us
BY LAND 4110 127th St. W, Cortez, Florida 34215 BY SEA MARKER 49 on the ICW | 27˚28,215 N 82˚41,425 W TEL 941.794.1235 HOURS Sun-Thurs: 7am - 9pm | Fri & Sat: 7am - 10pm
weeks started having seizures. We found out he had meningoencephalitis, and that’s what caused the brain damage that turned into cerebral palsy and epilepsy. He’s been on seizure medicine since. They can’t increase his current medicine because he’s topped out, so instead of switching to another they’ve decided he’s a good candidate
for a (temporal) lobectomy,” Chrystal explained, noting that the surgery date should be known this week. “The rehab is four to six months, so he’s going to have to relearn a lot of what he does right now. When they take out the bad part of the brain that causes the seizures they also have to take out a little bit of the good part that controls speech and motor skills, but they think he can retrain the other side of his brain and get most of his functions back. “He could be totally off the seizure medications and seizure free, which is of course what we’re hoping for, but even if it decreases the seizures and the medicines, he’ll be better off. The way he is right now he would never be able to get his driver’s license, and the medications do a lot of damage to his organs,” Chrystal said. When asked about the surgery, Blake said, “I’m not really that nervous about it. I just want to get it done with. I think she’s more nervous than me.” Blake and his mom live in Bradenton and this fall he will be a seventh grader at Lee Middle School. SEE blake, PAGE 31
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Chappie ponders allegation decision Former Bradenton Beach Mayor and current Manatee County Commissioner John Chappie is accused of paying bonuses to re-election campaign officials in violation of the law. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
BRADENTON – County Commissioner John Chappie has a choice – to fight allegations that he illegally paid bonuses to two reelection campaign officials with contributions, or work out a deal with the Florida Elections Commission, with a fine possible. Chappie The elections commission found probable cause to charge Chappie for paying $5,000 in “bonus money” to a political advisor group, Political Insights, Inc. and $5,000 to public relations firm Linda
Cinque, Inc., in June 2012, after it appeared he would by unchallenged in his attempt to serve a second term with the county commission. Chappie’s lawyer, Bucky Mitchell of Tallahassee, said he feels the Florida Elections Commission would have to prove intent. The complaint, filed by former County Commissioner Joe McClash, was heard at the Elections Commission’s May 20 meeting in Tallahassee. McClash lost his re-election bid in 2012 to Commission Chair Betsy Benac. According to Mitchell, Chappie could resolve the case by agreeing to resolve the violations and pay a fine, request an informal meeting or request a formal meeting. Chappie declined to comment on the allegation while it is unresolved. Chappie has already raised $35,515 for his 2016 re-election campaign, according to the Manatee County Elections Commission Website, and neither of the advisors named in the complaint are listed on this latest campaign.
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Keep wildlife safe over the holiday weekend If you go to the beach or go boating over the Fourth of July weekend, watch out for wildlife. Dolphins are birthing calves this time of year, can’t always get out of the way of boats and are often in shallow water where they can’t dive below a boat. Newborn dolphins lack the skill and experience to avoid boats and have to surface more frequently to breathe than older dolphins. Fatal collisions have been documented in Sarasota Bay; most dolphin injuries from boat strikes have occurred in the weeks surrounding July 4, according to Mote Marine Laboratory. Slow-moving manatees, mating this time of year, can’t dodge boats either – just look at one and you’ll likely see propeller scars. Comply with slow speed manatee zone signs. Sea turtles also are mating just offshore before the females come ashore to nest. Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring is hiring two off-duty police officers to watch the two staked shorebird nesting areas in
SUBMITTED | ANNA MARIA ISLAND TURTLE WATCH AND SHOREBIRD MONITORING
Fireworks cancelled to protect birds
CINDY LANE | SUN
Dolphins are giving birth in Sarasota Bay this time of year; watch for them and steer clear. Bradenton Beach over the holidays; watch for flightless chicks wandering outside the nesting area. Keep your distance from wildlife, do not feed wild animals and do not
touch them. Do not set off any exploding, launching or projectile fireworks from the beach or boats; it is illegal, and creates litter that can endanger wildlife.
The Beach House fireworks show on Friday, July 3, has been cancelled to protect imperiled shorebirds nesting on the beach at the north end of the restaurant. Black skimmers, a state species of special concern, and least terns, a state threatened species, can be frightened off their nests by fireworks. The fireworks display at the Sandbar in Anna Maria remains scheduled for Saturday, July 4, after sunset. State law prohibits unpermitted fireworks displays with exploding, launching or projectile fireworks or sky lanterns on Anna Maria Island’s beaches.
IMPORTANT RECYCLING INFO FROM WASTE PRO NO TRASH/ NO YARD WASTE/ NO PLASTIC BAGS
(No Plastic Bags Include Any Form of Trash Bags and Grocery Shopping Bags)
Single Stream Recycling is an easier and expanded recycling program! Place all recyclables in your blue 64 gallon cart
– no separating needed! Collection Schedule: Tuesday: Single Stream Recycling
www.holmesbeachfl.org
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During sea turtle season, May 1 – Oct. 31, please follow these tips: • Turn off lights visible from the beach and close blinds from sundown to sunrise; lights confuse nesting sea turtles and may cause them to go back to sea and drop their eggs in the water, where they won’t hatch. Light can also attract hatchlings away from the water. • Don’t use flashlights or camera flashes on the beach at night. • Remove all objects from the sand from sundown to sunrise; they can deter sea turtles from nesting and disorient hatchlings. • Fill in the holes you dig in the sand before leaving the beach; they can trap nesting and hatching sea turtles, which cannot live long out of the water. • Don’t use sky lanterns or fireworks; they litter the beach and Gulf. • Do not trim trees and plants that shield the beach from lights. • Never touch a sea turtle; it’s the law. If you see people disturbing turtles, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922). CINDY LANE | SUN
Where’s Amie? Loggerhead sea turtle Amie, who was satellite tagged on June 23 after nesting on Coquina Beach, has made a beeline south since her release and has made a turn for Naples, possibly to nest. She is named for Anna Maria Island with a nod to Anna Maria Elementary School.
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BREITER: How much is enough?
FROM PAGE 17
income will be $40,000, the remaining $40,000 needs to come from your investment plan. The big question -– how much do you need in your investment plan to generate $40,000 a year of income, inflation adjusted, to last from your 60s or early 70s through what will hopefully be a 20- to 30-year retirement? We will continue a review of the retirement income planning process in my next article here in the Sun in two weeks. Tom Breiter is president of Breiter Capital Management, Inc., an Anna Maria based investment advisor. He can be reached at 778-1900. Some of the investment concepts highlighted in this column may carry the risk of loss of principal, and investors should determine appropriateness for their personal situation before investing. www.breitercapital.com.
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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.
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20 years later, fishermen fear net ban reprise Cortez fishermen say there’s a threat to commercial mullet fishing with an FWC vote supporting conservation of mullet as forage fish, or bait, for recreational species. BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
CORTEZ – Twenty years ago today, commercial fishermen in the Cortez fishing village and all over Florida became outlaws if they used their gill nets to catch mullet, as their families had done for generations. Florida voters passed the gill net ban amendment to Florida’s Constitution in 1994, and it became effective July 1, 1995, a date which lives in infamy in Cortez. “Our wounds are deep,” said Mark Taylor, former president of the Organized Fishermen of Florida, who, like many others, had difficulty getting back on his feet economically and emotionally after the net ban. He lost his wholesale seafood trucking business and his parents lost Hawker’s Seafood Market in Bradenton. “I never believed the public would do that to food producers,” he said. Recreational fishermen and environmentalists proposed the ban, offering scientific testimony, disputed by commercial fishermen, that mullet were overfished. But it wasn’t mullet that won the support of Florida’s voters; a widely-publicized photograph of a dolphin in a net appeared with the slogan, “Ban the Nets - Save Our Sealife.'' The photograph “was staged by a Florida Marine Patrol officer who was busted” a decade later, Taylor said, too late for the fishermen, who by that time were trying to make ends meet by bait fishing, stone crabbing,
CINDY LANE | SUN
Above, fresh seafood has been processed at the docks of the Cortez fishing village since the late 1800s. Right, a historic net camp offshore of Cortez was used to clean and dry cotton nets. dock building and giving sightseeing tours. “The whole net ban was passed under the guise of conservation, and the people thought they were doing something good and right,” he said. But voters did not know the facts, he said, including that proponents “showed fisheries in other places in the world abusing the resource that did not have anything to do with us,” or that Cortez commercial fishermen pioneered habitat restoration in the state by drafting a proposal to use funds from gill net permit fees to pay for two full-time employees at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. To protect the species Cortez has relied on since the 1800s, local commercial fishermen have traditionally undertaken environmental projects, he said, such as planting mangroves, purchasing the 95-acre FISH (Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage) Preserve and hosting cleanups around area shorelines. “No one was interested in the truth,” Taylor said. “Twenty years later, I don’t know that the public has learned the lessons still.”
Déjà vu
CINDY LANE | SUN
Mark Coarsey, of the Cortez chapter of Fishing for Freedom, says the banned gill nets reduced unwanted bycatch and preserved the resource – small mullet, top, can swim through a banned four-inch stretch mesh net to live and breed another day, while larger, female “roe” mullet are caught by the gills.
Last week in Sarasota at a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission meeting, Cortez commercial fishermen said it was déjà vu all over again. This time, mullet are on a list of forage fish, or bait fish, that the FWC manages. The commission voted on a resolution to “confirm the importance of forage fish in Florida and FWC’s commitment to continue monitoring and management of these species.” On the surface, the language appears nonthreatening, according to Mark Coarsey, of the Cortez chapter of Fishing for Freedom, who voiced the concerns of the group about what lies beneath the language. Forage fish are used as bait to catch recreational fish. Recreational fishermen are once again poised against commercial fishermen in an organized and well-funded (by the Pew Charitable Trusts) campaign to protect mullet and other forage fish, which could lead to limiting commercial mullet fishing, he said. The FWC has monitored forage fish abundance, size, distribution and varieties for 20 years, using trip ticket data supplied by com-
mercial fishermen and independent trawling and seining surveys, said Luiz Barbieri, program administrator for marine fisheries research at the FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute in St. Petersburg. He told the commission last Thursday that after Florida’s net ban took effect in 1995, there was a 60 to 80 percent reduction of forage fish landings that resulted in stable or increasing populations in Florida waters, he said. No regulations were passed at the meeting and no future regulation of forage fish is planned, FWC spokesman Greg Workman said. But the Florida Forage Fish Coalition, headed by the International Game Fish Association, has a petition with 245 signatures on its Website, like the petition that circulated to ban gill nets in 1994, Coarsey said. It reads, “Take the pledge, join others who believe that forage fish and their habitats need better protection.” The Website refers to commercial fishing’s detrimental impact on forage fish populations: Forage fish “school together in large numbers, which make them easy to target and catch. These stressors make forage fish vulnerable to commercial over-exploitation and collapse… In Florida, forage fish constitute 20 percent of all commercial catches. They are important forage for common snook, spotted seatrout, red drum and southern flounder,” popular recreational species. The forage fish issue is being presented “under the guise of conservation by the same players” as the net ban, Taylor said, adding, “They will come at it from the angle, ‘We need to protect the mullet for bait for the snook and tarpon.’ ” Like the net ban, “people will support it because of the conservation and protection, as long as it doesn’t affect them.”
All over again
It’s not the first time local fishermen have seen the net ban scenario play out. A temporary 2009 ban on longline fishing regulations became permanent in 2010 allowing just 62 commercial vessels in the Gulf to hold endorsements, eight of which were issued in Manatee County. Seven of those
were obtained by A.P. Bell Fish Co. in Cortez and two fishermen who work with Bell. One of Coarsey’s concerns is that if the FWC increases mullet regulation, small fishermen will be shut out of the market. Recreational guides will get the endorsements for baitfish, Taylor predicted. At the commission meeting, “We agreed with the FWC that we have to regulate baitfish and be good stewards of the resource,” Coarsey said, adding that commercial fishermen realize they must work with FWC to avoid another ban. For example, “We will be working with them during mullet roe season to avoid waste,” as well as doing beach cleanups, he said, referring to once-a-year mullet roe fishermen taking the high-dollar roe and dumping the mullet carcasses overboard. “That problem stems from too many licenses,” he said. “Anybody can go get a license for $50 to fish for unrestricted species then they can get a mullet endorsement. That’s why you have mullet on the beach. The state wants to promote jobs, but they promoted it so much they let everyone in here, and they’re all fishing.” The explosion of recreational fishing in local waters has created unpleasant work for Taylor, who operates Manatee County’s beach rake. “I’m picking up dead fish along the shoreline constantly,” he said. “They love catching the bonnethead sharks, but I’m picking them up with my rig because they don’t know how to handle them. “The impact of recreational fishermen continues to increase, but no one seems to be concerned about that fishing pressure,” he said, including hook and line fishermen causing pelican and other seabird deaths, fishing gear left tangled on reefs and in marine mammals.
see net ban, page 35
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OUTDOORS
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The 'Shark Whisperer,' a book to inspire youths
I
met Dr. Ellen Prager, the author of “Shark Whisperer,” during an Ocean’s Day celebration at Tampa Bay Watch earlier this month. In her presentation her passion for the ocean and the welfare of the creatures that inhabit it was instantly apparent. In what can only be described as an illustrious career, Prager has served as the chief scientist for the world’s only undersea research station in Key Largo, Fla., and as the assistant dean at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. Prager also has participated in research expeditions to the Galapagos Islands, Papua New Guinea, the Caribbean, the Bahamas and the deep waters of the Florida Reef tract. A sought after speaker, she has appeared on the Today Show and NBC News, Good Morning America, Fox News, CBS Early Show, CNN American Morning, Larry King, the Weather Channel and in shows for the Discovery Channel. As a marine scientist and author
Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS Prager is widely recognized for her knowledge and ability to make science entertaining and comprehensible for people of all ages. She is currently active as a freelance writer, consultant, science advisor to Celebrity Xpedition Cruise Line in the Galapagos Islands and a Safina Center Fellow. In her presentation Prager gave a slide show and spoke of the Galapagos, which she considers (with a few exceptions) to be managed sustainably. She then explained her new passion for writing books to inspire younger generations to understand, appreciate and help protect the ocean environment. The “Shark Whisperer”, written for youngsters from 8 to 12, is the first in a series of books that have been de-
rusty chinnis | submitted
Books like the “Shark Whisperer” will inspire the natural curiosity of youngsters like Sadie Barbour, and their fascination with sea life. scribed as an underwater Harry Potter, complete with communicative sea creatures and a group of gifted youngsters.
The action begins when protagonist Tristen Hunt slips and falls into a live shark exhibit at a marine aquarium. Unharmed and curious about an odd sensation he has with the encounter, he is soon invited to attend a sea themed camp in the Florida Keys. As we find out, Tristen and other members of the camp are possessed with magical powers that are developed with the help of the camp staff. The action comes quickly as Tristen and fellow campers Samantha, Hugh and Ryder are drawn into a daring rescue in the Bahamas. With the help of dolphins, sharks, a quick-escape artist octopus and some aerial bombing seabirds, the campers use their newly developing talents to outwit an evil shark-finning, reef-blasting billionaire. While the book wasn’t written for adults, I found it a quick and entertaining read that I was eager to share with a young family member. In addition to being a fast paced thriller, the book see reel time, page 27
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Fly anglers get action
reel time: ‘Shark Whisperer’
Captain Rick Grassett
FROM PAGE 26 has a message aimed at showing the oceans as the exciting, vulnerable and critical habitat they are. Books like the “Shark Whisperer” and the sequel “Shark Rider,” that follows later this year, have the potential to inspire readers to get involved in ocean conservation and become ocean stewards like Prager. This isn’t the first time Prager has been published. Other works include the “Oceans,” published in 2001, that was described by Publisher’s Weekly as “an absorbing survey of oceanography, an elegant study and an excellent resource.” Other credits include the 2014 illustrated young children’s book, “Sea Slime: Its Eeuwy, Gooey and Under the Sea.” In another popular science book, “Sex, Drugs and Sea Slime: The Oceans’ Oddest Creatures and Why They Matter,” Prager takes an entertaining look at marine biodiversity and its significance to everyone. She points out in compelling facts the ways in which ocean life and ocean resources are at risk. The “Shark Whisperer” and other of Prager’s books are available through Amazon booksellers at www.amazon.com. For a full exploration of her fascinating career, check out the Website http://www.earth2ocean.net/bio. html. While the “Shark Whisperer” was written for ages 8 to 12, I think younger children as well as young (and not so young) adults will find it an educational and fun read.
Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook FinAddict, out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action, jumping and catching and releasing tarpon on spin and fly tackle in the coastal gulf in Sarasota during the past week. Andrea Lutz, from Atlanta, Ga., and Hal Lutz, from Parrish, Fla., tarpon fished with me on Monday and Tuesday. They had good action catching and releasing a pair of tarpon on live baits. Fly anglers also got in on the action,
getting numerous shots at tarpon, several bites and jumping one. The fish was fought for several jumps and was back on the fly line when the hook pulled. Tarpon fishing in the coastal Gulf should continue to be strong as we head towards a full moon next week. Catch and release sight fishing for snook in the surf with flies or DOA Lures should also be a good option. You may find trout, Spanish mackerel, blues or pompano on deep grass flats, particularly close to passes. Look for reds, snook and big trout mixed with
CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT | submitted
Andrea Lutz and Hal Lutz had good action jumping and landing a pair of tarpon in the coastal Gulf in Sarasota while fishing with Capt. Rick Grassett. mullet schools on shallow flats and edges of bars.
Boating courses for teens The Anna Maria Island Sail and Power Squadron is offering The America’s Boating Course geared toward local teens. Two July sessions are being offered. Although these classes are designed for teens, adults also are welcome to attend. Classes are scheduled on consecutive days in order to work around summer activities and vacations. Homework and reading is assigned. Anyone born after Jan. 1, 1988, is required to have a Florida Boating Certificate and a photo ID to legally operate a boat. Completing the course qualifies teens and adults to receive the Florida Boating Safety Education Identification Card. This basic boating course, approved by the US Coast Guard, teaches the
skills and knowledge to safely operate a boat. Students will be taught Florida rules and regulations governing boating. Specific topics include required equipment, nautical terms, charts, aids to navigation, VHF radio and PWC operation. This is classroom work only. The first offering is on Monday, July 13, through Friday, July 17, and the second is from Monday, July 27, through Friday, July 31. All classes are from 9 a.m. to noon. The final examination will conclude Friday's session. The cost is $55 per teen or $85 for two siblings sharing one manual Parents can take the course for $45 each. A $35 manual is included in the cost and will belong to the student. Pre-registration is required. A 50
percent non-refundable deposit is required to hold a seat in the course. Space is limited to 20 students per session. All classes are held at the squadron building located at 1200 71st St. N.W., Bradenton. To register, call 941-792-0394. There will be a delay to reach the voice mail of a member’s phone. Please wait for that call transfer. Information on where to send your deposit will be provided at that time. Questions and inquiries can be e-mailed to amispsbridge@gmail.com. The Website is at http://www.usps. org/localusps/annamaria. Find it on Facebook at Anna Maria Island Sail and Power Squadron.
tide chart for anna maria city pier June 24-July 1 Day Date
A.M. High Time Feet
A.M. Low Time Feet
P.M. High Time Feet
P.M. Low Time Feet
Wed 6/24
5:57a 1.91
12:23p 1.00
5:47p 1.63
Thu 6/25
6:36a 2.01
12:12a 0.78
7:20p 1.49
1:40p 0.81
Fri 6/26
7:16a 2.13
12:57a 0.96
9:01p 1.45
2:47p 0.59
Sat 6/27
7:56a 2.25
1:42a 1.11
10:23p 1.48
3:44p 0.36
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
6:36-8:27
Sun 6/28
8:35a 2.38
2:26a 1.23
11:25p 1.51
4:33p 0.15
6:38-8:29
Mon 6/29
9:13a 2.52
3:08a 1.31
Tue 6/30
12:15a 1.54
3:47a 1.36
9:52a 2.64
5:58p -0.16
Wed 7/1
12:59a 1.55
4:48a 1.37
10:33a 2.75
6:39p -0.24
6:37-8:28 6:37-8:28 6:37-8:28
5:17p -0.02
6:38-8:29 6:38-8:30 6:39-8:30
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Live like a local Respect Wildlife
Nesting News Sea turtles Nests laid: 231 False crawls: 312 Nests hatched: 0 Hatchlings to Gulf: 0 Nest disorientations: 0 Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring
Fishing facts
Sanderlings Please don’t chase us when we’re resting; For all you know, we might be nesting! Anna Maria Island Sun, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring
JULY 1, 2015
Fishing from the beach or wade fishing off the beach requires a saltwater shoreline fishing license for residents and non-residents. You do not need the license if: • you have a resident recreational saltwater fishing license. • you are fishing from a pier that has a blanket license. • you are fishing in your home county with a pole or line not equipped with a line retrieval device. • you are 65 or over and are a Florida resident. • you are under 16 from any state. • you are a Florida resident and a member of the U.S. Armed Forces not stationed in Florida and are here on leave for 30 days or less. • you are eligible for food stamps, temporary cash assistance or Medicaid. Be kind to pelicans; recycle your fishing line in designated monofilament recycling bins at boat ramps, piers, marinas and bait shops.
During bird nesting season, March through August, please follow these tips: • Never touch a shorebird chick, even if it’s wandering outside a staked nesting area. • Teach kids not to chase birds – bird parents may abandon nests if they’re disturbed. • Don’t feed birds – it encourages them to fly at people aggressively and is not good for their health. • If birds are screeching and flying at you, you’re too close. • Avoid posted bird nesting areas and use designated walkways to the beach. • Keep pets away from bird nesting areas. • Keep the beach clean; food scraps attract predators such as raccoons and crows to the beach, and litter can entangle birds and other wildlife. • If you see people disturbing nesting birds, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
Tuesday Turtle Talks continue Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring offers free Tuesday Turtle Talks each Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. in Bradenton Beach. No reservations are required for the program, which highlights 35 years of turtle and shorebird nesting history on Anna Maria Island. Free souvenirs include temporary turtle tattoos and the Flippers and Feathers Activity book. Shirts and hats will be available for purchase. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. so you can visit with the crew that monitors AMI shorelines every morning.
JULY 1, 2015
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JULY 1, 2015
Pier walk-through deemed successful Interest is high for the pier restaurant space and adjacent structures.
The city attorney finds no wrong-doing in pre-walk-through inspection.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – The city-owned restaurant space, bait shop and harbor master’s office were bustling with potential tenants during Thursday morning’s informal pre-bid walk-through. Those in attendance included Anna Maria Oyster Bar owner John Horne; Angelo’s and Apeizza pizzeria owners Richard Foresta and Joe Vega; former Gulf Drive Café owner Tom Chipain; Skyway Food Mart owner Gino Gambini; and Phon Sourivongs, whose brother Kam has expressed interest in an Asian fusion restaurant. Paradise Boat Tours owner Sherman Baldwin and Walter Loos from the Bradenton Beach Marina and Adventure Away also attended the event hosted by Mayor Jack Clarke, Building Official Steve Gilbert and Police Chief and Pier Team Chair Sam Speciale.
Preliminary feedback
Having already toured the restaurant space recently, Horne said, “I just wanted to get some pictures and try to get a better visual for of what we might do if we’re awarded the lease.” While there, he and Gilbert reviewed some of the building’s schematic drawings. Vega thinks the pier would be a good spot for a pizzeria. “It’s probably one of the best locations I’ve seen in Bradenton. It’s beautiful. I think we would do very well here,” he said. Chipain owned the Gulf Drive Café from 1981 to 2004. He said he is interested in a breakfast, lunch and dinner operation that offers reasonable prices and a unique décor. “You have to give the people a little
Commissioner questions pier visit BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
joe hendricks | sun
Building Official Steve Gilbert looks over restaurant building schematics with potential pier tenants John Horne, Sherman Baldwin and Richard Foresta, pictured from left. theater,” he suggested. “It looks good. There’s a lot of space,’ Sourivongs said. In addition to his food mart on Cortez Road, Gambini also owns a Krave-n-Joy Steak & Shake restaurant in Virginia. “It’s a good space. I would love to do business out here, and I would bring a different concept that no else has,” he said. While standing in the harbor master’s office that he envisions as a terminal for his boat tour business and future water taxi operations, Baldwin said, “This is the space I dream about.” Loos was also focused on pier’s non-restaurant opportunities. “We’re looking at how we might expand on the water-based operations,” he said. Island Time and Bridge Street Bistro owner Bill Herlihy also dropped by. “It’s a fantastic location and we can’t wait for somebody to get in here and be successful,” he said. “I can speak for the rest of my colleagues on the board of the Bridge Street Merchants association in saying we want somebody to take over this space and be successful because it benefits our street and our community.”
City officials pleased
“It was very successful, and we have many qualified prospects,” Clarke said afterwards. “I feel very positive about the whole process and that we will have a viable tenant within the time frame we have set.” Speciale said, “I was thrilled at the amount of interest people showed in the facility. I think we have a lot to offer, and judging by the amount of people that came out here to look at it, I think they believe that too.” Speciale said interest in the pier is higher now than it was during the previous RFP process in 2013. “We have a lot of high profile people looking at it now, which is a great thing,” he said. The deadline to submit RFP proposals is 2 p.m. on Thursday July 9. Speciale and the Pier Team will then evaluate the bid proposals and rank the bidders on a multi-point scoring matrix before presenting a recommendation at the city commission workshop on Tuesday, July 14. Clarke anticipates a potential commission decision as early as the Thursday, July 23, commission meeting. “I want it done,” he said.
BRADENTON BEACH – On Thursday, an hour after city officials hosted a walk-through for potential pier tenants, Commissioner Janie Robertson questioned an earlier visit by one of the interested parties. In an e-mail sent to City Clerk Terri Sanclemente, Robertson wrote, “I am asking for a legal opinion, please. Today was the walk-through for RFP respondents at the pier. The Sun reported that John Horne and his crew was given an advanced showing last week by the mayor and chief. Terri is the designated contact person for the RFPs , not mayor and chief. Does this week advantage to Horne jeopardize our RFP process of equal opportunity to prepare a proposal? Will this advantage be disclosed to the other proposers? Could an unsuccessful proposer challenge our selection?” On Friday, City Attorney Ricinda Perry responded with an e-mail of her own. Addressed to Robertson, Perry’s note said, “On Thursday, June 25th, I met with Chief Speciale to discuss the meeting in question. As it was presented to me, the entity at issue made a request to inspect the city’s pier premises. During this inspection, I was assured that no terms of a proposal, nor any lobbying efforts, were made by those in attendance. Conversation was limited to polite formalities and a mere visual inspection. “If you will look at the cover page of the RFP, you will note that there are three individuals within the city that entities may contact for information: Terri Sanclemente, city clerk, for procedures for responding to the RFP; Chief Sam Speciale for inspections; Steve Gilbert, building official, for technical information. As you can see, the RFP provided for inspections and Chief Speciale was responsible for coordinating them. Any entity or individual could have availed themselves of this option. “Mayor Clarke’s attendance was within the scope of his charter duties and as a witness to be sure that all discussions that may have taken place were legal under the terms of the RFP. A review of the RFP failed to provide any prohibits of the action taken. Accordingly, I have no concerns that there has been an improper action or advantage given to an entity who has requested an inspection under the pier RFP,” Perry concluded.
Robertson issues apology The commissioner acknowledges an inaccurate statement she made regarding a city employee. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Last week, Bradenton Beach City Commissioner Janie Robertson issued a written public statement apologizing for an inaccurate comment she made about City Clerk Terri Sanclemente.
Issued as an e-mail addressed to Sanclemente on Wednesday, June 24, Robertson’s statement pertained to false information Robertson presented when she recently Robertson said Deputy Clerk Karen Cervetto fired Sanclemente in 2012 during Sanclemente’s original term of employment with the city. In response to that allegation, Sanclemente referred to the resignation letter she provided City Clerk Nora Idso when she decided to resign
for personal reasons in May 2012, as well as accompanying memos Idso sent the commission notifying them that Sanclemente was resigning. “I’ve never been fired from any job…I have no idea why she would want to attack my credibility. I am totally shocked, and I would have never expected her to do something like that,” Sanclemente recently said in regard to Robertson’s previous comments. In its entirety, Robertson’s public statement said, “I am not alleging, claiming, justifying, nor ‘trying to do
something like that.’ I knew nothing of a resignation letter. I apologize for my erroneous assumption from a personal conversation with Terri Sanclemente over three years ago that she was fired.” Sanclemente was told by an attorney that she could pursue a libel and slander lawsuit against Robertson, but she said she wanted to keep the city moving forward and would not pursue legal action. When asked if she wished to comment on Robertson’s public statement, Sanclemente said she preferred to let the matter rest.
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BLAKE: Team needs an assist FROM PAGE 18
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SUNDAY WORSHIP 10:00 AM
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“The teachers are already aware that he will be coming back from surgery. He’s going to have to relearn a lot and they’re going to have to be a big part of him getting back to where he is right now,� Chrystal said. Blake endures five to 15 seizures per day. Most occur around bedtime and throughout the night, but he has two special friends that keep an eye on him. “Katara is a Siberian husky and Jade is a Newfoundland poodle. They’re constantly by his side. They act like seizure dogs, and they’ll lay on top of him or bark when he’s having a seizure,� Chrystal said. Like most 13-year-olds, Blake loves video games and hanging out with friends, but the seizures prevent him from spending the night at a friend’s house. “That’s been his life ever since he was born, but he looks forward to spending a night at a friend’s and getting his drivers’ license,� Chrystal said. As for how these challenges impact her, Chrystal said, “As a mom, it’s a constant everyday thing. You never know when he’s going to have a seizure, and everywhere we go people look at him because he wears a brace and his arm is all drawn up, so it pulls on your heartstrings. “From a business side, that’s why I bought the store. I worked as an adjus-
SUBMITTED
Blake Carpenter outside the MRI room during a recent hospital visit.
tor for many years. I never lost my job, but it was hard to keep a job because there were many days when I had to call in sick because Blake was in the hospital or having seizures. If I can’t be at the store, at least I can pay somebody to work for me,� she said. Amanda Escobio owns the nearby Sea-renity Spa and sees Blake often. “Blake has got to be the bravest kid I know. He’s endured so many hardships at such a young age, but he just a calm kid walking down Bridge Street with a smile on his face,� Escobio said.
A mother's love for Levy Julia Rodriguez is a friend to many on Bridge Street and she has established a Go Fund Me account to assist her son, Levy, as he battles back from cancer and other recent health issues. Doctors recently removed a large cancerous tumor from Levy’s stomach, and he is now recovering in a Tampa area hospital. “Levy has all the will in the world to kick cancer's butt and to survive this crazy, surreal nightmare of events,� Rodriguez wrote on her Facebook page. Join Levy’s fight at www.gofundme.com/loveforlevy.
Julia Rodriguez and son, Levy
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JULY 1, 2015
Judge rules in favor of mangroves Pat Neal’s proposed development suffers another setback. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT
BRADENTON – Developer Pat Neal’s plan to fill in or remove environmentally sensitive mangroves in order to build a four-home family compound on Perico Island took another hit last week. On Thursday, Judge Bram Canter recommended the Southwest Florida Water Management District issue a final order that denies Neal and his land trust an Environmental Resource Permit they requested. “Proposed project is not clearly in the public interest because it would cause significant adverse cumulative effects on the conservation of fish and
wildlife, fishing and recreational values, and marine productivity of Anna Maria Sound� Canter’s June 25 ruling states. Neal’s 3.46 acre project site contains 1.9 acres of mangroves. “Mangroves have high biological productivity and are important to estuarine food webs. Mangroves provide nesting, roosting, foraging and nursery functions for many species of wildlife,� the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) document states. Earlier this year, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recommended denial of another permit Neal requested. Former County Commissioner Joe McClash, the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, ManaSota 88 and the Sierra Club are leading the opposition to Neal’s project.
Take the North American Oyster Taste Tour! * July 4th & 5th ONLY
At Yo u e e S
OB !
AM
Ma Matt
Enjoy a Flight of 12 Oysters 3 of each:
$1 9
*Raw oysters only.
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Margarita On Us!
2
Limit one per person, per visit. Expires July 31, 2015 With this coupon and purchase of entrĂŠe. Good at all 3 locations. Ages 21+ only.
HAPPY HOUR EVERY DAY! 11am-5pm & 8pm-close LANDSIDE
CORTEZ
ELLENTON
941.758.7880
941.792.0077
941.721.7773
(1.5 miles north of SRQ Airport)
(5 min from Anna Maria Island)
( Take I-75 Exit 224 west)
6906 14th St. W. on US 41
6696 Cortez Rd.
1525 51st Ave. E.
.99
JULY 1, 2015
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Pier shower closed Bradenton Beach Mayor Jack Clarke has ordered the public shower on the Historic Bridge Street Pier closed until further notice, but the public restrooms will remain open. In an e-mail sent to Public Works Director Tom Woodard on June 22, Clarke
wrote, “Due to the deplorable and unsanitary conditions in the pier showers caused by some users and despite constant efforts to mitigate the situation, I’ve determined the general condition of the showers to be harmful to the health and safety of our employees,
citizens and visitors. Attempts to keep up with the cleaning and making the area safe and secure has been an ongoing problem wasting valuable manpower and other resources. Therefore please post a closed sign on the showers at your earliest convenience.”
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REAL ESTATE
JULY 1, 2015
Baby boomer freedom I
ndependence Day is in a few days representing freedom for our country and its citizens, but many of our citizens are getting older – in fact, 76.4 million of them. One of the big challenges for these millions of citizens is achieving a different type of freedom, freedom to remain living in their homes, not an easy thing for a generation that’s used to getting their way. The leading edge of baby boomers were born in 1946 and are turning 70 on next year’s birthday, but that’s just the beginning, with millions more retiring and aging every year. Ideally, boomers would like to remain in their homes, but recognize the need to make some practical changes. In Florida a high percentage of homes are one level and ultimately will be a lot easier to retrofit as we age, but according to studies, less than 25 percent of homeowners age 55 plus have a bedroom and full bathroom on the first floor. Considering that a universal design feature that makes life easier when aging is the elimination of steps, a lot of
Castles in the Sand Louise Bolger people have a lot of work to do. According to aginginplace.com these are some features in an age friendly home: •No-step entrances for easy access and egress; •Four-inch wider doors throughout the home; •Front door bench area for parcels; •Rocker style light switches in contrasting color on walls; • Electrical outlets 18 inches or higher above the floor; •Three to four times the amount of light; •Automatic lights when entering a room; •Easy read and programmable thermostats and smart technology;
•Hands free doors, faucets and levers; • Easy open windows; • Lower kitchen and bathroom vanity cabinets and two level counters; • Elevated dishwasher, washer, dryer and microwave; • Automatic shut off timers on appliances; • Recessed entry mats, area and accent rugs. Not everyone will need or want some of the more aggressive changes to their homes like switching out kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities that could have an impact selling down the road. However, there are plenty of less costly and easier changes that could make a real difference and make senior living easier. Like every other aspect of their generation, boomers are changing the way aging is viewed. I read that someone called it a “baby boomer building boom.” If you’re looking for more information, the following organizations all have Websites that will give you more information than you thought existed on this topic: AARP
HomeFit Guide, AARP Livable Communities Index, Aging in Place, Aging In Place Technology Watch, Certified Aging-In-Place Specialists and National Aging in Place Council. And if you’re old enough to still want a book in your hand to do research check out “Aging In The Right Place,” by Stephen M. Golant, and “The Accessible Home: Designing for All Ages and Abilities,” by Deborah Pierce. The baby boomers have been setting the trend in housing since they were born. They were the post World War II generation that benefited from the suburban housing boom, they were the best educated generation, they were the generation that created the most middle class wealth the United States had ever seen, and now they are the generation that plans to age on its own terms. To baby boomers aging in place means having the freedom not to give in to old age. Celebrate freedom this week – yours and the country’s. Have a safe and happy July 4th.
JULY 1, 2015
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GREEN: Happy birthday
NET BAN: Twenty years later, fishermen fear reprise
FROM PAGE 4
al Center in the historic Monroe cottage on the FISH Preserve east of the village, and crocheting a pink blanket for her newest grandchild. Green was born in the house next door to the one she lives in now, the Walton “Tink” and Edith Wilson Fulford house, which the family moved into when she turned one. She was the valedictorian of her class at Bradenton High School, now Manatee High School, and earned B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. degrees at Florida State College for Women, now Florida State University, in science, chemistry and education. A commanding personality and a redhead, she taught high school science classes, was a guidance counselor in Florida’s public schools and raised two sons and two daughters with her husband, who retired from the Air Force and brought Green back to her home of Cortez in 1974. A natural step for a woman with an encyclopedic memory of
local history, she was instrumental in establishing the Cortez Village Historical Society in 1984, and in having Cortez listed as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places. Often seen serving strawberry shortcake at the annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, Green was involved in the creation of FISH, the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, and the 95-acre FISH Preserve, funded by the festival. She was an early supporter in the establishment of the Florida Maritime Museum at Cortez in the former Cortez Rural Graded School and in the preservation and relocation of the historic Bratton store to the museum compound, all of which she was honored for by the Manatee County Commission in 2012 with a proclamation naming April 14 as Dr. Mary Fulford Green Day. Send birthday greetings to Green at P.O. Box 963, Cortez, FL 34215, or e-mail markfgreen@ hotmail.com.
FROM PAGE 23
Never give up
Though some Cortez fishermen still have their gill nets, just in case, efforts to lift the 20-year-old net ban may be played out. Fishing for Freedom’s Cortez chapter and other chapters around the state contributed thousands of dollars and staged rallies in Tallahassee to support a multi-year court battle to reverse the net ban, only to hit a brick wall at the Florida Supreme Court this year. The Wakulla Commercial Fishermen’s Association, Panacea bait shop owner Ronald Fred Crum and mullet fishermen Jonas Porter and Keith Ward sued the FWC in 2012, arguing that its rules enforcing the net ban violate the equal protection rights of commercial fishermen, and cause the unwanted bycatch the ban is designed to prevent. Leon County Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford found in favor of the commercial fishermen and lifted the net ban, ruling it a “legal absurdity” that FWC rules en-
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forcing the ban allow small stretch mesh nets that catch and kill juvenile fish while prohibiting the larger mesh nets that let juvenile fish survive to reproduce. Her ruling was appealed and stayed by the Florida Attorney General’s office, then reinstated, then appealed and stayed again before being reversed by the First District Court of Appeal, whose ruling the plaintiffs challenged at the Florida Supreme Court. The high court issued an order in February declining to accept jurisdiction and refusing motions for rehearing. The fishermen’s lawyer, Ron Mowrey, has “closed his file,” he said. It’s doubtful that the net ban can be pursued any further, Taylor said. But Cortez fishermen, known for their tenacity, are committed to not allowing it to happen again on the forage fish issue. “They (recreational fishermen) want it all,” Taylor said. “It was greed to start with, and it’s still greed. If the public can’t see that, I don’t know what to say.”
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Alcorn show at Island Gallery West Brenda Alcorn, a retired Manatee High School English teacher, is the July featured artist at Island Gallery West. Her exhibit, “The Spirit of Nature," will feature paintings she created using the Japanese gyotaku technique of printing with fish, as well as her recent watercolors and nature photography. The exhibit runs through July 31. Island Gallery West is at 5368 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, visit www.islandgallerywest.com, facebook or call 941-778-6648.
JULY 1, 2015
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JULY 1, 2015
6101 MARINA DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH
Date List Price Sold Price Address SFUA Anna Maria 05/01/15 535,000 492,000 420 Hibiscus Rd 1917 05/01/15 599,900 575,000 610 N Bay Blvd 1266 05/08/15 675,000 613,000 131 Hammock Rd 1330 05/05/15 649,000 615,000 229 Chilson Ave 1597 05/15/15 679,000 625,000 522 South Dr 05/20/15 695,000 630,000 521 N Bay Blvd 1406 05/19/15 699,000 685,000 706 Gladiolus St 1696 05/29/15 784,000 735,000 103 Pelican Dr 1424 05/19/15 1,047,500 1,045,000 515 Kumquat Dr 2140 05/18/15 1,349,000 1,095,000 843 N Shore Dr 1570 05/18/15 1,595,000 1,500,000 113 Park Ave 2150 05/04/15 1,695,000 1,600,000 851 N Shore Dr 1800 05/11/15 2,536,918 2,536,918 103 Palmetto 3100 05/19/15 2,650,000 2,650,000 789 N Shore Dr 1718 05/15/15 259,000 240,000 522 Pine Avenue #4c 822 105/20/15 750,000 580,000 850 N Shore Dr A 2644 05/15/15 849,000 750,000 791 Jacaranda Road 1812 05/28/15 495,000 475,000 520 Villa Rosa Way 05/28/15 495,000 475,000 522 Villa Rosa Way Bradenton Beach 05/01/15 379,000 370,000 103 1st N St 1814 05/15/15 159,000 145,500 611 Gulf N Dr #A13 698 05/20/15 158,500 158,500 611 Gulf N Dr #B23 698 05/27/15 239,000 230,000 1801 N Gulf Dr # 206 691 05/15/15 379,000 365,000 110 12th S St # 123 896 05/22/15 399,000 386,000 501 Gulf N Dr # 304 1128 05/14/15 585,000 535,000 229 17th St. # 5 1688 05/28/15 585,000 565,000 221 17th St. # 221 1722 05/15/15 535,900 500,000 106 6th S St # ABC 1792 Cortez 05/15/15 995,000 955,000 12602 Baypointe Ter 4677 05/29/15 265,039 253,500 9604 W Cortez W Rd 1599
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Real estate transfers of May 2015 •Sponsored by Alan Galletto, Island Real Estate Source: Mid Florida Multiple Listing Service Lot Size Property Description 80x70 1560 50x102 57x100 100x100 75x110 75x110
4 Br/2 Ba SFR 2 Br/2 Ba SFR 3 Br/2 Ba SFR 3 Br/2.5 Ba SFR 3 Br/2 Ba SFR 3 Br/2 Ba SFR 2 Br/2 Ba SFR 3 Br/2 Ba SFR 3 Br/3 Ba SFR 3 Br/2 Ba SFR 4 Br/3.5 Ba SFR 3 Br/2.5 Ba SFR 4 Br/4.5 Ba SFR 3 Br/2.5 Ba SFR 2 Br/1 Ba Condo 5 Br/3 Ba Half Duplex 3 Br/3 Ba Half Duplex Lot Lot
54x99
3 Br/2 Ba SFR 1 Br/1 Ba Condo 1 Br/1 Ba Condo 1 Br/1 Ba Condo 2 Br/2 Ba Condo 2 Br/2 Ba Condo 3 Br/2.5 Ba Condo 3 Br/2.5 Ba Condo Triplex
4 Br/3.5 Ba SFR 3 Br/3 Ba Condo
Date List Price Sold Price Address 05/15/15 475,000 460,000 4114 Osprey Hrbr Lp 05/08/15 595,000 565,000 3905 Mariners Wk 821 Holmes Beach 05/29/15 699,000 680,000 220 N Harbor Dr 05/29/15 265,000 300,000 311 62nd St 05/28/15 384,900 400,000 5614 Guava St 05/04/15 499,000 435,000 504 Key Royale Dr 05/20/15 449,900 435,000 512 72nd St 05/27/15 499,000 478,000 620 Key Royale Dr 05/29/15 549,000 505,000 611 Gladstone Ln 05/01/15 565,000 540,000 320 64th St. 05/28/15 559,000 545,000 520 69th St 05/29/15 595,000 575,000 510 74th St. 05/07/15 599,000 580,000 508 69th St. 05/18/15 649,000 625,000 306 67th St 05/11/15 659,900 630,000 529 70th St. 05/01/15 740,000 710,000 516 68th St. 05/14/15 824,000 805,000 313 61st St 05/04/15 799,900 810,000 512 56th St. 05/08/15 899,900 840,000 121 49th St. 05/12/15 849,900 849,000 607 Concord Ln 05/08/15 875,000 875,000 603 Ivanhoe Ln 05/05/15 949,000 880,000 208 75th St. 05/01/15 1,290,000 1,100,000 120 50th St 05/06/15 374,900 357,000 3402 Gulf Dr 1 05/19/15 425,000 419,000 6400 Flotilla Dr #82 05/06/15 499,900 485,000 6006 Gulf Dr #212 05/29/15 555,000 500,000 7000 Gulf Dr #213 05/21/15 575,000 545,000 6804 Gulf Dr #6804 05/08/15 549,000 549,000 307 65th St. 05/08/15 339,900 325,000 407 63rd St 05/18/15 285,000 270,000 3601 E Bay Dr #114 05/21/15 549,000 525,000 244 S Harbor Dr #4
SFUA 2068 2513
Lot Size Property Description 3 Br/2 Ba Condo 3 Br/3 Ba Condo
1064 1384 2295 1681 2500 1116 1247 1700 1530 1258 1298 2123 2374 2327 2541 2109 2255 2240 2423 1359 1400 1154 1259 1281 2214 1200 1284 1330
100x100 880 95x116 105x132 80x109 80x116 100x100 63x100 90x105
SFR 2 Br/1 Ba SFR, Short Sale 3 Br/1 Ba SFR, REO/Bank Owned 2 Br/2 Ba SF 4 Br/2 Ba SFR, REO/ Bank Owned 3 Br/2 Ba SFR 4 Br/3.5 Ba SFR 3 Br/3 Ba SFR 2 Br/2 Ba SFR 2 Br/3 Ba SFR 3 Br/2 Ba SFR 3 Br/2 Ba SFR 3 Br/2 Ba SFR 4 Br/4 Ba SFR 4 Br/3.5 Ba SFR 4 Br/3 Ba SFR 4 Br/2 Ba SFR 3 Br/2 Ba SFR 3 Br/2.5 Ba SFR 3 Br/2.5 Ba SFR 3 Br/3 Ba SFR 2 Br/2 Ba Condo 2 Br/2 Ba Condo 2 Br/2 Ba Condo 2 Br/2 Ba Condo 2 Br/2 Ba Condo Duplex 2 Br/2Ba Half-Duplex 2 Br/3 Ba Townhome 2 Br/1 Ba Townhome
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JULY 1, 2015
AM budget workshops set Mark your calendar for the budget workshops that Anna Maria City has set three Wednesdays in August to work on next year’s budget, which takes effect Oct. 1. The three workshops start at 6 p.m. and they are scheduled for
Aug. 5, 12 and 19. The first public hearing for the budget will be at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 9 and the final hearing will be held at 6 p.m. on Sept. 23. Interested citizens are urged to attend.
(941) 778-6066 WWW.CALLTHE ISLANDERS.COM
JOHN@CALLTHEISLANDERS.COM
John van Zandt 6101 MARINA DR., HOLMES BEACH, FL 34217
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JULY 1, 2015
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39
birds: Chicks killed, turtle nests damaged FROM PAGE 1
are protected by local, state and federal laws. The crimes are violations of the U.S. Endangered Species Act and the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act ranging from a first-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony, carrying penalties of $500 to $1,500 in fines with jail time of 60 days to five years, FWC Public Information Officer Baryl Martin said. Police responded as quickly as they could, but had other calls and are short-staffed, a problem which needs to be addressed as Anna Maria Island’s popularity soars, said Suzi Fox, director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring. Investigators tracked the vehicle’s tire marks to Cortez Road, where it left the beach, she said, adding that some witnesses at first thought the vehicle belonged to Turtle Watch, prompting discussion Monday of outfitting the organization’s ATV with special lights. The only vehicles allowed on the beach are law enforcement, lifeguards, beach renourishment crews and Turtle Watch.
Dead ends
Officers from both cities searched unsuccessfully in the nearby Cortez fishing village for the vehicle, which is likely an ATV, Fox said. Security cameras at Bridgewalk and Silver Surf resorts in Bradenton Beach along the route marked by the tire tracks were not aimed at the beach at that time Saturday night, General Manager Barbara Baker said. The security camera at Tortuga Inn, also on the route, was not aimed at the beach, owner David Teitelbaum said, adding that the beach webcam at Seaside Inn was not working Saturday night. The BeachHouse restaurant security camera, near where the vehicle
left the beach, was not facing in the direction the vehicle was coming from, a spokeswoman said. A beach webcam at Cedar Cove, closest to the incident, is offline while a new website is launched, but still runs at night for staff to monitor beach chairs and tents illegally left out at night in violation of turtle laws, a spokesman said, adding that it only runs live streaming video and does not record.
Taking aim
Witnesses to the incident said they saw a white man and white woman in their late 20s laughing, yelling and aiming for the turtle nests, which are marked with bright yellow stakes, Fox said. The bird nesting colony also is marked with stakes, but chicks that cannot yet fly often walk outside the staked area. People on the beach tried in vain to get the offenders to stop, she said. “There could have been people hurt on this beach,” Fox said. “I want to protect not only turtles and birds but residents and visitors and our children and grandchildren.” Two black skimmer chicks that could not yet fly were run over and killed, and a third injured chick is being treated at Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Inc. in Bradenton Beach. The chick is eating, a good sign, but is not using its right leg, said Gail Straight, who has experience taking care of black skimmer chicks after storms separate them from parents. If the chick recovers this week, she does not intend to put it back in its colony on the beach “because it’s the Fourth of July and there’s too many wackos.” The beaches should be closed earlier in the evening, Straight suggested. All the beaches in Bradenton Beach, including Coquina Beach
Park, close at midnight, according to the Bradenton Beach Police Department. In Holmes Beach, Manatee Beach Park closes at 10 p.m., Holmes Beach police said.
Trauma in the colony
Turtle Watch volunteer Birgit Kremer e-mailed Fox on Sunday morning that the birds were confused, nervous and aggressive as she made her rounds noting tents and chairs that were illegally left on the beach overnight, then seeing the tire tracks and one of the two dead chicks. “This was a very sad morning,” she wrote. Fox asked beachgoers to be especially considerate of the traumatized birds over the busy Fourth of July holiday. State law prohibits fireworks displays with exploding, launching or projectile fireworks on the beach. The turtle nests contained around 500 eggs, she estimated. “We won’t know if the turtle eggs were harmed in the nests until after the hatch date,” she said, adding that Turtle Watch volunteers replaced the stakes but could not be 100 percent sure where they originally were. Turtle hatchlings could emerge from outside the staked areas, and beachgoers should steer clear of staked turtle nests north of the pink Anna Maria Island Club, she said. At least one of the nests had been adopted by contributors to Turtle Watch. Comments on Turtle Watch’s facebook page included several people calling the act “disgusting,” “cruel” and “stupid.” Anyone with information is asked to call Holmes Beach police at 941708-5804 or Bradenton Beach police at 941-778-6311. The not-for-profit Turtle Watch is looking into ways to offer a reward.
40 THE SUN
SPORTS
JULY 1, 2015
Then there were two:
Adult Soccer Standings W-L-T Points Team 11mangang Sato Real Estate LaPensee Plumbing Eason Builders Wash Family CONST. Island Pest Control Team Rebellion Slims Place
Team Mickan goes to the championship BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN
The seven-week adult basketball season saw tough head-to-head battles each week, and the semifinal match ups were no different. The gymnasium at the Anna Maria Island Community Center’s first playoff game on June 23 pitted #3 Team Ray against #2 Team Mickan. These two teams went strong to the end, fighting for a place in the championship game. The game started with the tipoff between Team Ray’s Jordan Demers and Team Mickan’s Antwaun Jackson. Cameron Kawcack started the scoring for Team Mickan, but Demers quickly answered back. Demers proved to have the hot hand during the first half of play, putting 10 more points on the board for Team Ray taking the score to 8-14. Jackson added four points in the scoring run. Alban Gega contributed a basket for Team Mickan. After Jackson put up two, Tanoan Alexander shot the first three pointer of the night for Team Ray. Team Captain Matt Ray shot two consecutive baskets, and Alexander had another basket from downtown lighting up the scoreboard for Team Ray at 12-25.
6-2-0 5-2-1 4-3-1 4-4-0 3-5-0 3-5-0 3-5-0 2-4-2
18 16 13 12 9 9 9 8
Team Mickan finished the game with a score of 56-49. Team Mickan faces the #1 seed Gator Squad. The Gator Squad beat #5 seed Team Kern in another close battle 53-50. The championship game was held on Tuesday, June 30. The season will come to a close with a three-point shot and slam dunk contest on Tuesday, July 15 at 6:30 p.m.
The Sun Scoreboard Tuesday, June 23 - Adult Basketball Semi-Finals Team Ray Team Mickan
49 56
Team Kern Gator Man
50 53
Thursday, June - Adult Soccer Credit
Team Ray's Jordan Demers goes up for the shot with Team Mickan's Antwaun Jackson ready for the defensive rebound. Jackson fought back hard for Team Mickan, shooting a threepoint shot of his own as well as
Credit
Team Captain Matt Ray looks to pass against a strong Team Mickan defense.
three more baskets. Team Ray ended the first half with two more baskets and a score of 21-29. With Team Ray in the lead by eight points, Team Mickan started quick with another starting basket by Kawcack. Demers hit a quick three-point shot that seemed to ignite Team Mickan. Going on a 12-point run with baskets by Jackson and Patrick Calvary, Team Mickan took the lead again for the first time since the initial tipoff with a score of 35-32. Demers and Ray contributed with three pointers each and Alexander added another shot for Team Ray. Jackson, Calvary and Kawcack all hit baskets to take the score to 41-44. With the first spot in the championship game on the line, Jackson and Calvary dug deep and widened the score for Team Mickan. Team Ray left Jackson alone at the basket allowing him to slam the basket. Calvary’s speed and agility was just too much for the defenders on Team Ray.
Sato Real Estate Team powwowder Eason Builders – Team Unity Team 11ManGang Wash Family Construction Team idigthisisland Island Pest Control Team smiledeep Slims Place Team optimisticool
Team Rebellion LaPensee Plumbing Team Lion
Horseshoe team in winners' circle Two teams met in the final on June 24, and it was Steve Doyle and Steve Grossman taking out Tim Sofran and Jay Disbrow 21 to 17 and earn bragging rights for the day. Action on June 27 saw only the team of Sam Samuels and Gary Howcroft go 3 and 0 during pool play, and they finished in style wrapping up the final game with back to back double-ringers and took a trip to the winners' circle.
3 2 4 2 5 1 0 4
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Fitness center owners respond We recognize that by focusing on growth of programs, rather than growth of membership, our roots are with the Island people.” Jim Froeschle Community Center treasurer
CENTER: Drops plans for fitness facility FROM PAGE 1
can be flexible in how we use it. it’s a multi-use, open, flexible concept. We’re defining ourselves around the family concept. I don’t see us competing with anyone.”
Financial crisis
Froeschle said he came on when the Center was in the midst of a financial crisis that began in June 2014, when the former executive director announced that the Center could be forced to close due to lack of funds. Froeschle said the crisis was due to several factors, including debt from the new building without any increase in program activity or fees, a serious decline in donations and the impact of the recession on government budgets, resulting in a decrease in government funding. “We had a structural deficit of $200,000 a year,” Froeschle said. “In the last six years, we had already lost $1.2 million. Our reserves had dwindled to under $80,000. We knew we had to take bold action.” Froeschle said the board took emergency steps including changing the board’s makeup, launching a fundraising campaign, managing expenses, implementing financial controls, tightening revenues, reviewing and restructuring staff and streamlining work areas. “These steps are already having an impact and are visible in our results, and once we get a full year on these actions we think we can generate a $50,000 to $100,000 improvement in our bottom line,” he said. The Community Center board asked vice chair Cindy Thompson to act as interim director and then executive director and launched a search and hired Kristin Lessig to become managing director.
On the right track
“We now feel we have ourselves on the right track and as of last night, Cindy Thompson will resign and return to the board as vice chair and Kristin has moved to executive director,” Froeschle told the board. He said other steps include giving
program managers more responsibility to generate new program ideas, making the best use of the building, expanding the fund-raising programs and seeking more government aid. “We can’t fill the whole gap,” he concluded. “We recognize coming to the cities and asking for help also implies a responsibility on our part. “We will engage you more often and keep you current and pledge to keep you involved in the Center. We think by re-engaging with the community, we can restore the sense of a community and Community Center partnership, but we need your help and the help of the community.” Froeschle said if the Center could get back to the funding level of six years go, it would cut the structural deficit in half, prompting Peelen to state that the city’s funding has remained the same. Froeschle said funding from Manatee County and the city of Anna Maria dropped during that period.
Commission questions
Commissioner Marvin Grossman asked about the Center’s debt. Froeschle said the new building cost $5 million to construct six years ago, and the current debt is $1.1 million. He said payments of principal and interest are $8,300 per month. Grossman asked about the size of the building and if it is larger than the population can support. Froeschle said the building is not too big for the Island and having adequate programs to use the space is key. Chair Judy Titsworth asked about the resort housing memberships, which were to be used to fund the fitness center.
After hearing what Community Center leaders said at the Holmes Beach city commission meeting on June 23, Jen Crady, owner of AMI Health and Fitness, and Brenda Canning, owner of Island Fitness, responded. “We’re grateful for the tremendous amount of support we have received from our members and the community, but I think we would like to hear from the Community
Froeschle said they represent 14 percent of the memberships, but “they don’t represent 14 percent of the utilization. There aren’t many people who come to a rental property on this Island and go to a building. “There were a few people that wanted to look at that but the reality is the Community Center is not in a position to do it. We don’t have any means to the authority to do that. We recognize that by focusing on growth of programs rather than growth of membership, our roots are with the Island people.” Commissioner Carol Soustek asked about building permits for the structure. Froeschle said the Center received one to renovate the childcare area, and local contractors are donating their services.
Expanding services
Lessig then spoke about programs, activities and services and noted, “Our main objective is to embrace the diversity of the community and bring the sense of community back to the Community Center. “We’re looking at expanding our range of services and adding programs, but also taking a different approach in the way in which we serve the community. “We want to be a complete provider of services on this Island again. We’re more than just a building.” For youths and teens that includes reviving the teen program, adding specialty programming, providing family support and expanding the K through fifth-grade out of school programs. Adult and senior services will provide family support programs, sports
We want to be a complete provider of services on this Island again. We’re more than just a building.” Kristin Lessig Community Center executive director
Center with some kind of assurance that they will not be moving forward with their fitness center,” Crady said. Canning added, “I’ll believe it when I read an announcement in the paper. I’m thankful and amazed at the amount of support we had from the community, and the mayors of both cities really had our backs. We’re blessed to have that.”
leagues and tournaments, health and wellness activities and specialty programs. The Center hopes to become a provider for Medicare’s Silver Sneakers program that that helps older adults by encouraging physical activity and offering social events. She said they plan to add more community activities and events such as fish fries, BBQs, beach luaus, concerts and movies on the field and sports leagues and tournaments. The building also provides community services such as functioning as a post hurricane shelter, a landing pad for the trauma helicopter and a site for health and wellness screening, blood drives and CPR/First Aid training.
Commission decision
Titsworth praised Lessig as gracious and compassionate and said, “We all feel very strongly about saving the Community Center. We just don’t want to throw our money away.” Peelen said Community Center officials referred to their new board members as “having proven community leadership” and cautioned them, “I have been involved in communities where a non-profit was in desperate financial straits and just reached out to anybody who had money. “When you get somebody that has a lot of money, but is not respected in the community or is not a community leader or a business leader, that can cause great damage within the whole community.” Mayor Bob Johnson said, “I’m very encouraged by what has happened and pleased with the attitude, sincerity, the openness of the exchanges and the respectful discussions. I think this is the potential for getting back to the principles that grew this thing in the past.” He recommended releasing the $22,500 in funding in the 2014-15 budget and looking at funding for 2015-16 during budget discussions. The commissioners approved the recommendation unanimously.
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TOWN CRIER Learn Spanish The Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, is offering free Spanish lessons on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. For more details, call the library at 778-6341.
What did they eat? John Beale, from the Florida Maritime Museum, will talk about what sailors eat while they are at sea catching fish for mainland plates, on Wednesday, July 1, at 2 p.m. The event is free. Call 778-6341 for more information.
Listen to tall tales The Friends of the Island Branch Library presents “American Tall Tales with Katie Adams!” at the library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 2. This program is part of the library’s summer learning program for kids on school vacation. It’s free, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Information is available at 778-6341.
BEACH BEAT Anna Maria
6/16, 5 p.m., lost property, 9701 Gulf Drive. A Waste Management waste container is missing. 6/22, 11 p.m., lost property, 100 block of Peppertree Lane. The property owner reported his Waste Management trash can was missing. 6/27, 4:42 p.m., lost property, 100 Bay Blvd., City Pier. The victim loaned his cast net to another angler to get some bait and later he was unable to find it. 6/28, 5:53 p.m., criminal mischief, 800 block of North Shore.
Bradenton Beach
6/27, 12:23 p.m., operating a vehicle with a revoked license towing a trailer with no tag and driving a truck with a tag that was not assigned to it, 2000 block of Gulf Drive South. The officer stopped the driver for pulling a trailer without a tag. When he checked the driver’s license, he found it had been revoked for being a habitual offender. The tag on the truck did not belong there, and the officer arrested him.
Holmes Beach
6/13, 2:47 a.m., driving without a license, second offense, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive. The officer found the subject in his car in the parking lot after hours. He asked him for his license and the subject said he did not have one. The
Knit one, purl two Learn to knit or just have fun knitting with others at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Thursday, July 2, at 2 p.m. Call the library at 778-6341 for more information.
Story time at the library Trudy HillBell, the children’s librarian, reads stories on Tuesday, July 8, 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.
Woman of the month Every month a woman from each of the seven chapters of SWAT (Successful Woman Aligning Together), are honored for their dedication and hard work, positive spirit and their willingness to enhance themselves and their career. This month’s Woman of the Month from the AMI SWAT Chapter is Sharon Underwood, Realtor of Century 21 Beggins – Tampa Bay Real Estate. In addition to Sharon winning the Woman of the Month she has also graciously volunteered to be this chapter’s Treasurer. report said it appeared the subject had been drinking. When the officer looked him up on the computer, he found the subject had been ticketed for this offense earlier this year. He was placed under arrest, and his car was towed. 6/17, 3:15 p.m., warrant arrest, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive. While patrolling the beach, Police Chief William Tokajer observed two females and a male drinking beer. When he ran the male’s ID through the computer, it showed he had two warrants from out of the county. He was arrested. 6/18, 2:05 a.m., possession of marijuana and drug equipment, 6800 block of Holmes Boulevard. The officer found a group of people at a public park after hours and told them the park was closed. As they were going to their vehicles, one person went to some bushes and retrieved a small box. The officer asked her for it and when she handed it over, the officer saw marijuana, rolling papers and a pipe inside. An inspection of the vehicle yielded more marijuana and paraphernalia. A passenger said the drugs were hers, and she was arrested, along with the two other females. 6/28, 12:07 a.m., DUI with property damage, 51st Street and Gulf Drive. The driver of a truck that crashed was arrested after failing a sobriety test. The suspect was first seen by a police officer driving with no headlights. When he turned around to catch the driver, the officer saw that the truck had gone off the road and hit a sign, a small tree and a concrete culvert. The driver was arrested.
JULY 1, 2015
Obituaries Linda VanDeBoe Kelly Linda VanDeBoe Kelly, of Holmes Beach, has lost her courageous 10-month battle with pancreatic cancer on June 19, 2015. Linda is survived by her adoring husband and knight in shining armor, Bob Kelly; three children and seven grandchildren, as well as many friends, all of whom she has treasured throughout her life. Linda was born on June 14, 1941, in Los Angeles, Clif., the youngest child of Charles and Mary VanDeBoe. Shortly after Linda was born the family moved to Tampa and remained there throughout her childhood. While attending Hillsborough High School, Linda met the love of her life, Robert Kelly. The high school sweethearts were married on Feb. 21, 1958, which began a lifetime of fabulous adventures. Linda supported Bob throughout his career, which involved relocating multiple times. Linda created happy homes for her family in Longview, Texas, Atlanta, Ga., and Tampa, Fla., and made dear, lifelong friends along the way. Upon Bob’s retirement in 1998, the couple returned to their roots on Anna Maria Island, a place they frequented as teens. Linda loved every minute of Island life aside from the traffic! Linda was the proud mother of three children: Vicki Kelly Butler, Crystal River; Kim Kelly Johnson (Dan); and Bobby Kelly (Ruth), Bradenton. Linda was a fun, spontaneous and energetic Nonny to her seven grandchildren: Jimmy (Leslie) and Samantha Butler; Patrick Johnson (Katya), Mary Caitlin Lazzara (Timmy) and Kelly Johnson; Caroline and Kathleen Kelly. Linda was the youngest of three siblings, all of whom survive her: Gertrude Porto, Bucky VanDeBoe, and Frank VanDe Boe, all of Florida. Additionally, Linda leaves behind several nieces and nephews, including a most special niece, Amanda Porto Klodokis, of Tampa. Linda was blessed with a bright mind, quick wit, and joyful laugh. Throughout her lifetime, Linda pursued many interests, and loved learning new things. Linda was a fabulous pastel artist, an amateur botanist and was an outstanding cook. Linda was a voracious reader, devouring books by the dozens. Linda played tennis most of her adult life; she loved the sport and was a formidable opponent on the court. Linda also played a shrewd hand of bridge, enjoyed mahjong with her friends and was a skillful seamstress. Linda was the perfect, albeit reluctant, first mate to Captain Bob aboard their trawler, Linda II. The couple relished
the time they spent together on their boat, taking many trips with their friends in the Power Squadron. In 2012, the couple spent many months aboard their trawler completing The Great Loop. Despite Linda’s many blessings, she remained a humble person and did not wish to have a memorial service in her honor. In her final days, she was acutely aware and deeply touched by the many individuals who reached out to her and her family throughout her illness. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests supporting the charity of your choice. If you do not have a favorite charity, please consider making a donation in Linda’s name to PanCan .org, a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure for this dreadful disease. Arrangements by Griffith-Cline Funeral Home.
Patricia (Patty) Patterson Williams Patricia (Patty) Patterson Williams, 85, of Bradenton (Cortez) and formerly Baltimore, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2015, in her home. Born in New Castle, Pa., on Feb. 21, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Clarence Arthur Patterson Sr. and Josephine Snodgrass Patterson. Patty was raised in Baltimore, Md., and attended Girls Latin High School. In her professional career, she was an accomplished interior decorator with distinguished firms in Baltimore, Md., Memphis, Tenn., Cleveland, Ohio, and Bradenton, Fla., a certified volunteer docent at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, Ill., and cofounder of the Gulf Coast Zoological Society, Bradenton, Fla. Patty was an avid Yorkshire terrier breeder for 40+ years, genealogist, and officer in the local chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Patty leaves behind her loving husband Wiley, her two sons; William Schulze and his wife Glen, Skip Schulze and his wife Candace, grandchildren; William and Scott Schulze, sister-in-law Carol Patterson, brother-in-law Bob Vories, nieces and nephews; Barbara Patterson, Carolyn Patterson and daughter Hannah, Jeannie Palmieri and her husband Mike and children Matthew and Drew, Alice and Mike McCrory and children Shannon and Katie, Patricia Vories, and Robert Vories Jr. She was preceded in death by sister, Nancy Goodman, and brother, Clarence (Brud) Patterson Jr. A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 3, 2015, at 11 a.m. at the Groover Funeral Home at Mansion Memorial Park, 1400 36th Ave. E., in Ellenton, Fla. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Foundation or Tidewell Hospice, Bradenton House.
JULY 1, 2015
FUN IN THE SUN
Across 1 Biting 8 Pulley wheel 14 Beyond enthusiastic 16 __ arch: blood vessel section 17 Pennsylvania athletes 19 "Charlotte's Web" monogram 20 Like dreamers, often 21 Word of suspicion, to Tweety 22 Steering aids 24 __ moment 26 Langley-based org. 27 Maritime raptor 28 Florida athletes 32 Booyah, e.g. 33 Tax shelter initials 34 Gray wrote one in a country churchyard 35 Illinois athletes 39 Teatime choice
Answers to 06-24-15 Crossword Puzzle.
42 "Un-PC" was added to it in 2014 43 "Take a Chance on Me" group 47 Michigan athletes 50 Company headquartered in Trollhättan 51 Fizzy prefix 52 Words before hear or see 53 Needing to be picked up 54 "Let it be" 56 Address label words 60 Düsseldorf distances: Abbr. 61 Sports cliché that explains 17-, 28-, 35- and 47-Across 64 Make final adjustments to, as a concert piano 65 Family feud 66 They may be intangible
THE SUN
67 Setting piece Down 1 Electrical units 2 Scott Adams' Evil Director of Human Resources 3 Wrap around 4 Grafton's "__ for Ricochet" 5 Rum desserts 6 Post-op areas 7 Red Sox great Yastrzemski 8 The tenth Muse, to Plato 9 Old TV knob 10 Proof word 11 Diplomatic official 12 Taking in 13 "Understanding is a kind of __": Sagan 15 Part of XXL: Abbr. 18 Proceed 23 Air freshener scent 25 Ray or Jay 28 Emcee's aid 29 The Era of __: period in Notre Dame sports lore 30 Toon with a cat named Bowser 31 Satisfy 36 Health care orgs. 37 Vintner's prefix 38 Hose users: Abbr. 39 Words on the Royal Canadian Air Force badge 40 Is ready to blow 41 "__ of Philadelphia":
Oscar-winning song 44 Court scores 45 Long-grained Asian rice 46 Beyond poor 48 Pre-game decision
makers 49 Property encumbrance 53 Eiffel's world 55 Level 57 Fall mo.
58 "Mon __!" 59 Salon treatment 62 Sinusitis-treating MD 63 Top __
43
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classified
ANNOUNCEMENTS FREE AMPLIFIED PHONE to Florida Residents with hearing losses. Call 941366-0260 Community Center for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services VOLUNTEERS NEEDED at AMICC. Help your community by giving of yourself. Various positions available. Call Sandee 941-778-1908 ext 0 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). OUR DAILY BREAD of Bradenton is looking for volunteer servers 9amnoon. Ask for Penny 941745-2992 PROBLEMS WITH THE IRS or State Taxes? Wall & Associates can settle for a fraction of what you owe! Results may vary. Not a solicitation for legal services. 877-330-3429 STRUGGLING WITH DRUGS or Alcohol? Addicted to Pills? Talk to someone who cares. Call The Addiction Hope & Help Line for a free assessment. 855-995-3142
BABY SITTER BABY SITTER. Honor student with own transportation. Experienced, References available. Call or text Amanda at 941-713-3219 RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student. Call or text Isabel 941-5457995
BOATS: PARTS & SERVICES & SALES
BOATS ARE SELLING Very Well! More Buyers Than Sellers. We Need Boats! Cortez High & Dry MarinaTop Location. www. Islandboatsales.net We Also Buy Boats. 941-228-3489
Call us today! 941-778-3986
BOAT SLIPS FOR RENT. Up to 60 feet. Two minutes to Intracoastal Waterway by Cortez, Parrot Cove Marina 941-795-0088
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES OWNER/OPERATOR NEEDED for local established yogurt shop on Cortez Rd. Great extra income. Contact Michael Owens 229-539-6196
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 Commercial 2 Lots 104x120 Real Estate only $1,200,000. Call Alan Galletto Island Real Estate 941-232-2216 RESTAURANT/OFFICE/ RETAIL 1113 sf Kitchen Equipment include Gulf Drive Bradenton Beach $495,000 Call Alan Galletto Island Real Estate 941-232-2216 BAR/RESTURANT 2100 ft2 with lease, includes Liquor License, Furniture and Good Will $599,000 CALL ALAN GALLETTO Island Real Estate 941-232-2216
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 PART TIME BREAKFAST SERVER needed from 7:00-11:00am several days per wk inc weekends & holidays. Email resume to judy@HarringtonHouse. com - no phone calls please. FULL TIME AND PART TIME lumberyard positions available at Island Lumber and Hardware. Must have valid Florida DL; CDL a plus but not required. Knowledge of lumber and ability to lift/ load in excess of 60 lbs. Must be able to handle fast-paced environment. We are a drug free workplace. Job entails loading trucks and delivering to job sites, stocking lumber, assisting/loading customers vehicles. Competitive pay. Please come by and fill out application. 213 54th Street, Holmes Beach. CITY OF ANNA MARIA IMMEDIATE OPENING!! Part-Time parking enforcement specialists needed for weekends and holidays Must be able to work shifts on weekends and holidays. Ability to learn, understand, interpret and enforce appropriate City and State parking and vehicle codes, laws and regulations. Ability to perform work outdoors in all weather conditions. Ability to enter/exit vehicles frequently. Ability to read, write, speak, understand and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. Possess a valid Florida driver’s license. Must be 18 years of age or order and High School Diploma or GED. Must be certified or must successfully pass the Parking Enforcement Specialist Certification Training/ Test. Prior law enforcement or code enforcement experience a plus. Job Application available online: www. cityofannamaria.com Please mail or drop off resume and job application to: Attn: Pamela Gibbs City of Anna Maria PO Box 779 10005 Gulf Drive Anna Maria, FL 34216 Or Email: amcode@ cityofannamaria.com
JULY 1, 2015
MARKETING ASSISTANT PART-TIME Busy office, strong communications skills, computer skills. Need to be flexible. Send Resume to PO Box 1394, Anna Maria FL 34216 CAN YOU DIG It? Heavy Equipment Operator Career! We Offer Training and Certifications Running Bulldozers, Backhoes and Excavators. Lifetime Job Placement. VA Benefits Eligible! 866-362-6497 AVIATION GRADS WORK with JetBlue, Boeing, Delta and others- start here with hands on training for FAA certification. Financial aid if qualified. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-314-5838
FOR SALE RATTAN with PRINT SUNBRELLA fabric. Sofa, 2 chairs, glass top coffee table and end table. $500 Call 941-794-0231 DISH TV STARTING at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) Save! Regular Price $34.99 Call Today and Ask About Free Same Day Installation! Call Now! 888-986-4858
FURNITURE CUSTOM COASTAL FURNITURE & CABINETS by Frankie Z. ebay store. Call 941-726-1482. 10015 Cortez Rd (corner of 101st) frankiezaff@yahoo.com NEED FURNITURE?? HOME DECOR!! Bedroom sets, sofas, love seats, recliners, dining room, kitchen, TV stands, accent pieces. Leather, cloth, wood, rattan, wicker. All like new, excellent condition! GET FIRST CHOICE! Call Carol 941-812-7679 for directions & appointments.
GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES SALE NIKI’S GIFT & ANTIQUE SHOP. 5351 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach. All Gold & Sterling jewelry 20% to 60% off. Select gifts, antiques, beach art, small furniture, glassware, Foster Grant Sun Glasses, beach wraps, hats & more 30% to 80% off. Visit or NEW Swim Suit Section. Open 7 days a week 9:30am-5pm.
ROSER THRIFT SHOP Open 9:30am-2pm Tuesday and Thursday. Closed Saturday July 4. Annex open same days till noon. Donations accepted 9am-11am Wednesday. 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria Call 941-7792733
TILE REFINISHING. GET rid of grout lines forever! We can make tile and grout lines look like expensive stone for a fraction of the cost. Call 941-444-6700
HEALTH
HOME SERVICES
ESSIAC TEA & NATURAL Remedies at www.Herbalcare.ws. We love making you feel better! Your life is important
DRAIN CLEANING James VanFossen A.K.A. “RIP” Call 941-301-6077
HOME IMPROVEMENTS TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates. Neil 941-726-3077 RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-7250073. KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel. Design/ Build. Since 1968. License # CRC1327296. Call Jerry Kern 941-504-2222 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.honey dohomerepairinc.com BRICK & TILE SPECALIZING in Outdoor Bar-B-Q's & Fire Pits. License & Insured. Call 727-846-1849 or 541-2210722. Very Reasonable Rates! COUNTER TOP REFINISHING. Give existing counter tops new look. We can make laminate counter tops look like expensive stone for a fraction of the cost. Free estimates. Call 941-4446700
GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194 HANDYMAN. RETIRED ENGINEER. Free estimates. “No job too Small”. Repairs, replacements, improvements, wall TV’s, shelves, cabinets, calking etc. Call Jim 941-448-7806
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 ELI’S IRRIGATION New install/repair. Pumps, pools, irrigation, landscape lighting and pressure washing. Call 941-580-2054 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
LOCKSMITH ISLAND LOCKSMITH, “Lock Around the Clock”. Licensed/bonded/insured. Call 941-778-1661 or 941713-4414
LOST & FOUND LOST HOLMES BEACH near 29th Street beach area. Blue Fire Wave music speaker in black bag. Call 863-214-3886 FOUND GOLD CHAIN close too Sandbar Restaurant on Beach Sunday May 31. Please call Bob 941-7783986 MEN'S GOLD RING, lost in surf near 60th street. Great sentimental value, reward offered. Please call 863-944-3517 LOST FITBIT CHARGE (brown) May 27 South Bay Blvd near City Pier. Call 513-252-5981
JULY 1, 2015
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LOST & FOUND FOUND MENS WEDDING Band at Kingfish Boat Ramp. Call 941-713-4048 LOST FAMILY HEIRLOOM during Wedding at Sandbar Restaurant on Sunday March 29. Gold wedding band with Diamond pendant near high water mark. Please contact 407-7609033
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!
PETS MOBILE GROOMING splash and dash $35.00. Also full grooming available. Check our testimonies, call today www. furrytails4grooming.com or call 941-224-8655 ARE YOU WANTING to vacation and not worry if your pet is lonely. I will overnight in your home, so your animal can stay in his own environment. Home Sitting is also available. Great References. Call Mary 941-405-2496 ANNA & LINDSAY’S Dog Walking. $5 per dog walked, $10 Dog wash. $20 for both plus play time. Contact 917-406-9554. Anna Maria Island Only.
POOL SERVICES
PAINTING & WALLCOVERING
FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE. AMI & West Bradenton. Certified Pool Operator. Residential/commercial. {Chemical Service} Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-737-5657
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
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AMI VALET LLC Professional parking services. Restaurants, weddings, any & all special events. Insured & Licensed. Years of experience. Call 941-565-0137 AMIValet@gmail.com AT YOUR SERVICE Personal & Professional assistant. Great rates. References available "Let me do what you are unwilling or unable to do." Call Cindy 941-812-2238 zicker8@aol.com
PERSONAL SERVICES SMALL ODD JOBS, yard work, walk dog etc. Call George 941-773-5518 THE TINT GUY." Commercial, residential, automotive, marine. Free estimates. All work guaranteed. Over 25 years experience. Mobile service available. Call 941-2012649
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REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE: LOTS FOR SALE
SPACIOUS 3BR/3BA Condominium rarely available in wonderful bay front complex with pool and tennis courts. Tastefully renovated to include newly tiled kitchen & family room with a peak of the bay and a split bedroom plan. Centrally located in Holmes Beach, with a short walk to shops. Ground-floor unit with covered parking and private storage. Family oriented and pet friendly. Offered at $450,000. Call Green Real Estate @ 941-7780455
GORGEOUS LOT (14,160 Sq. Ft) (80 X 177) Located at 1107 Palma Sola Blvd. Stunning views of Palma Sola Bay with great potential for new construction. For more details contact Gregg Bayer at AMI Beaches Real Estate 941-799-9096
FOR SALE by OWNER 1BR/1BA in historic Sandpiper co-op resort with bay view, boat docks, beach completely new inside and out. Call 941-224-1652 for more details BEACH CASTLE RESORT #14 located on Longboat Key, own a piece of paradise and when life calls you away from the Island you have the opportunity to enjoy income from this furnished 1BR/1BA $269,900. RE/MAX Alliance Group Erlene Fitzpatrick Broker Associate 941-224-6339
COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893
“WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell 941794-0455 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
Call us today! 941-778-3986
3BR/2.5BA: CORTEZ/BRADENTON. WATERFRONT. Escape the Island/Key Traffic, High Taxes and Flood Insurance Costs, and move just across the Cortez Bridge to the upscale community of Coral Shores and our upscale home at 4502 Nassau Road. www.4502Nassau.com $497,500. OPEN HOUSESUNDAYS 1-4. Call 941795-5225. INVESTOR ALERT, this Bay Watch Condo offers 2BR/2BA, heated pool, great for relaxing and when life calls you away from the Island you have the opportunity for income. $314,000. RE/MAX Alliance Group Erlene Fitzpatrick Broker Associate 941-224-6339. 4BR/3BA HOUSE on 71.5 acres with 18 stall horse barn in Parrish, Florida. Call Steve Georgie 941-321-6253 at Keller Williams Realty
RENTALS: ANNUAL 2BR/1BA COTTAGE HOME with fenced yard in Bradenton, $900 / $900 security. Quiet dead end street near Cox Chevrolet. Pets OK w/ pet fee. Credit & background required on all applicants over 18. 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: 3BR/2BA Townhouse in Palma Sola Trace. Heated community pool, garage. $1600 per mo. Small dog may be allowed. Call Island Real Estate at Junew@islandreal.com or 941-345-1295 ANNUAL RENTAL- 2BR/2BA with den condo and boat dock Will allow small pets $1800/mo. Call Island Vacation Properties 941-778-1000 WEST BRADENTON CUTE updated Wares Creek Area duplex. Close to Down Town and minutes to AMI. 2BR/1BA 2111B 6th Ave W $1100/mo. First, last & security deposit. Credit check required. Call JoAnne 941-809-2488 LUXURIOUS 2BR/2BA CONDO at Smugglers Landing $2350 annual lease. 1800sqft W/D, tennis courts, heated pool. Contact A Paradise 941778-4800 NOW AVAILABLE. Holmes Beach 300 block 2BR/1BA 1/2 duplex w/1 car garage $1400/mo. W/D hookup. Owner pays pest & Landscaping. NO smoking, Credit & background check, 1st, last & security. Call Lynn 941-778-6066
BRADENTON BEACH 1BR/1BA and loft. Across from Beach. Furnished $1000/mo. cable, water, trash included. First and Security deposit. Call 941993-9537 LONG TERM RENTAL2BR/1BA elevated unit with Gulf View. One property from beach. Direct beach access. Unfurnished, Dishwasher, On-site laundry. 6 month lease w/ possible month- to- month after. $1,650/mo includes water/garbage. NO pets. Non-Smoking. Call for details. Fran Maxon Real Estate 941-778-2307.
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!
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REAL ESTATE: OUT OF AREA NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAIN Land for sale: a rare find - gently sloping mountain land, 3 1/2 plus acres with building lot, electric, water and septic installed. Storage bldg, apple trees facing south. Near Cashiers and Lake Glenville. $75,000. Call 941-778-5966. MOUNTAINS OF NC Won't last at this price! 2-story hand-crafted cabin on 1.68 acres. Only $69,900 Needs work. 828-286-1666
TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport services: Tampa $85, Sarasota $35, Clearwater $75, Fort Meyers $150, Orlando $150. Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www.amitaxi.com TOWN CAR SERVICES, All airports served. Local and Long distance services available. Call Glen 941225-0072 ADMIRAL TOWN CAR Professional chauffeur at taxi prices! Airports (1person $75, 10 people $150 to Tampa), Appointments anywhere. Credit cards accepted. Call Phil 941-3201120 admiraltowncar@ gmail.com, admiraltc.com Licensed & Insured
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JULY 1, 2015
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JULY 1, 2015