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VOL 17 No. 40
July 19, 2017
City proposes state legislation City leaders are taking a proactive approach in trying to preserve local vacation rental regulations. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
Kristin Swain | Sun
An open view to the Gulf of Mexico shows where the lot was cleared all the way to the dune system protecting the property. A view of the lot cleared to the house being readied for the wrecking ball at 102 77th Street in Holmes Beach.
Seaward destruction sparks environmental concerns Construction at 102 77th Street remains shut down by the city until the Florida DEP completes its investigation into the destruction of mangroves, sea grapes and dunes. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH — Work has temporarily stopped at 102 77th Street in Holmes Beach after the city was alerted to some irregularities on site. Building Official Jim McGuinness visited the site July 7, placing
INSIDE NEWS OPINION Sun survey OUTDOORS REstaurants real estate sports Classified
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a stop work order on the property after seeing nothing but a cleared lot where mangroves, sea grapes, dunes and sea oats once stood. During the July 13 city commission meeting, McGuinness said he determined after reviewing the demolition permits obtained for the property, as well as one issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, work had been done that was outside of the scope of work. He placed a red stop work order tag on the property that he said will remain until a full investigation by the DEP is completed. A DEP field representative joined McGuinness at the property July 13, McGuinness said, and
Permits
Four permits for the property have been issued by the city — one to demolish the two-bedroom home, one for the silt fence around the property, another to install a pool and the last for the silt fence for pool construction. see dunes, page 24
see legislation, page 24
SHADE SAILS PROPOSED FOR CITY PIER
Sharkey’s
Steak & Seagrill now an international affair. 14
Anna Maria Island, Florida
they both agreed that the dune area disturbed by construction far exceeded what was allowed by the DEP permit. He said next steps will be determined by DEP supervisors. “The city can’t do anything until the DEP comes back,” Commissioner Pat Morton said.
ANNA MARIA – The city is going on the offensive in fighting for the protection of Florida cities’ home rule rights when it comes to regulating short-term vacation rentals. City Attorney Becky Vose has drafted a bill that city officials hope will be introduced by supportive state legislators during the 2018 legislative session next spring. “Becky has prepared a piece of proposed legislation that says municipalities and counties have the right to regulate vacation rentals as though If we sit they are a commercial here and enterprise,” Murphy told the commission, wait, we’ll on Thursday, July 13. “Basically, what be playing it says is cities and counties can pass defense ordinances designating vacation rentals as again next a commercial use and regulate them accordyear.” ingly,” Vose added. Despite their commercial natures, the Dan Murphy state currently considAnna Maria Mayor ers vacation rental homes to be residential uses and state law limits how they can be regulated locally. “We’ve had these discussions about vacations rentals being commercial enterprises for several years, so I don’t think there’s any mystique here,” Murphy said. The mayor sought commission consensus to move forward with the efforts to get the proposed legislation introduced next year. This action is in response to two vacation rental bills that earlier this year unsuccessfully attempted to curtail local governments’ ability to regulate short-term vacation rentals.
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Shade sails proposed for City Pier Park Residents are encouraged to weigh in on the proposed park improvement. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy and the City Commission are considering installing a $100,000 shade sail structure in City Pier Park, but they want to hear from the public first. Murphy presented his idea to install a 2,500-square foot shade sail structure during the Thursday, July 13 commission meeting. He and the commissioners are now asking residents and park users to provide their input when the project is discussed again at the Thursday, July 27, commission meeting that will begin at 6 p.m. The installation of a semi-permanent shade structure would alleviate the need for temporary tents to be set up during the city-sponsored events taking place at the corner of Pine Avenue and South Bay Boulevard, across from the historic Anna Maria City Pier. Murphy feels these city events would be well-served by a shade structure
City of Anna Maria | Submitted
The Anna Maria Commission envisions a shade sail system being erected in City Pier Park. that provides greater functionality, flexibility and adaptability. “These sails can be taken down by the Public Works Department if there’s a storm. The fittings are stainless steel. It comes with a 10-year warranty. You could put a portable stage inside if you wanted. You could set tables up like we
did for the Fourth of July,” he told the commission. Murphy said the temporary tents only provide about 900 square feet of shade. The mayor is recommending navy blue and white canopies, with no fixed fencing around the structure’s outer
edge. He suggested turf pavers be installed underneath the canopies to ensure proper drainage, and he said a small splash pool might also be something to consider. Murphy was not seeking formal commission approval last week because he first wants to hear from residents. “Is this something that they would like, and do they think it fits the needs of the park? I think it’s important that we hear what people’s thoughts are when putting things in the park,” he said, when encouraging commissioners to discuss the proposal with their constituents. Those who cannot attend the July 27 meeting can also e-mail Murphy at ammayor@cityofannamaria.com or leave him a voicemail at 941-708-6130, ext. 124. “I’m excited about this,” Commission Chair Doug Copeland said. He too mentioned the Fourth of July event that drew approximately 400 people, most of whom gathered under the temporary tent that provided shaded seating. see sails, page 12
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JULY 19, 2017
in brief
Another tragedy on Anna Maria A two-year-old girl drowned in a vacation rental house in the 200 block of Sycamore Avenue, in Anna Maria on Tuesday, July 11. According to a Manatee County Sherriff’s Office report, the family was vacationing from Apopka. The mother, Jaynee Thompson, and her three children were there, waiting for the father who was to join them later. While inside the house, the mother noticed the victim, Emma Thompson, was missing and found her in the pool. Witnesses said they heard the mother scream and call for help. Neighbors came out. An off-duty nurse and a construction worker attempted CPR. Others called 911. Sherriff’s office deputies arrived and an ambulance followed. The victim was taken to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton where she was pronounced dead. The house is owned by investors from Salt Lake City, Utah, according to records from the Manatee County Assessor’s Office, and the pool was built in 2010. Other incidents this summer include 25-year-old Joe Teston, who drowned June 9 off Anna Maria; 29-year-old Michael Angelo Rosario Alvarez ,who drowned June 25 off Holmes Beach; and 65-year-old Island resident Allen Nigg, who died June 25 while swimming in the Gulf.
Waterline Resort readies for August opening A soft opening date for the Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club has been set. Norwood Smith, vice president of sales and marketing for Mainsail Lodging and Development, the owner of the hotel, said the resort is scheduled for a soft opening Aug. 16. A full opening has not yet been scheduled, however, the resort is accepting reservations beginning as early as Aug. 30. The resort restaurant, Eliza Ann’s Coastal Kitchen, also is planned to open simultaneously with the hotel. Holmes Beach Building Official Jim McGuinness said he’s hopeful the resort will be ready to open on time. Timing of the both a soft and grand opening for the resort depends upon the receipt of final permits and inspections from the Holmes Beach Building Department.
Join HBPD officers for a cup of Joe Holmes Beach police officers want to get to know the community a bit better. For the first year, the department is participating in the national Coffee with a Cop program. The July 24 event is designed to improve communication between officers and the community they help to protect. Police Chief Bill Tokajer said the objective is to allow officers to socialize with community members in an informal setting and talk openly about questions and concerns with the public. The drop-in event takes place 8 to 10 a.m. Monday, July 24, at Island Coffee Haus, 5350 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.
Correction The Sea to Shore Alliance’s “Fins, Flipper and Friends” fundraiser will take place at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept 10. A previous Sun story listed an incorrect starting time.
MIKE FIELD | SUN
Island afternoon Another Island afternoon, another dramatic display of thunderheads on Monday over the Anna Maria City Pier.
Special magistrate to hear parking problems Holmes Beach parking citation complaints may soon be heard by a special magistrate. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH — A new avenue may soon be available to people contesting parking tickets received in Holmes Beach. During the July 13 work session, commissioners opted to move an ordinance forward to a regular meeting that would put parking ticket complaints in the hands of a special magistrate instead of a judge. Police Chief Bill Tokajer
brought the ordinance to commissioners’ attention after receiving a notice that Holmes Beach parking ticket complaints would no longer be heard in Manatee County courts. He suggested sending those who contest their parking tickets before a special magistrate at the complainant’s cost. “We don’t have a tremendous amount of these,” Tokajer said, adding that he estimates four to five parking ticket complaints have made it to court in the past year. In Holmes Beach, once a parking ticket is issued, Tokajer said a photo is taken and filed with the citation. When someone contacts the police department to complain
about a ticket, Tokajer said he investigates the claim. If the issuing officer is found to have rightfully issued the ticket, the next course of action for a complainant is to either pay the ticket or continue the complaint to a judge. With the judge out of the process, commissioners agreed to consider pushing complaints to a special magistrate appointed by the city. If the ordinance is approved, costs for the special magistrate hearing, along with the ticket fine, would be shouldered by the complainant. The issue will be discussed and up for a vote when commissioners reconvene after a month-long hiatus in August.
JULY 19, 2017
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AM budget process underway
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
joe hendricks | SUN
Mayor Dan Murphy plays a very active role in the city of Anna Maria’s annual budgeting process. The Thursday, July 13, budget work session focused primarily on Code Enforcement and Building Department revenues and expenditures. Murphy projects building permit fees will again generate approximately $585,000 and planning fee revenues are projected to increase from $44,552 to $57,000. see am budget, page 11
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Bradenton Beach budget talks begin Due to increased property values, property owners will see their tax bills rise again.
Maintaining the existing millage rate will result in another tax increase for Anna Maria property owners.
ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy and city commissioners held their first budget work session last week. Murphy proposed maintaining the current 2.05 percent millage rate. Although the millage rate will likely remain the same as in recent years, property owners will experience another tax increase due to increased property values. Last year, Anna Maria property owners experienced an average tax increase of approximately 11 percent and Murphy is predicting a similar, if not slightly higher, increase this year. Based on the 2.05 millage rate, Murphy projects the city will receive $2,037,798 in ad valorem tax revenues in the 2017-18 budget year. This would be a $268,555 increase over the $1,769,243 received in the current fiscal year that ends Sept. 30.
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BRADENTON BEACH – The City Commission currently plans to maintain the existing 2.3329 millage rate for the 2017-18 fiscal year, but due to escalating property values, this will subject property owners to an estimated 8.97 percent property tax increase. Last year, the city’s property owners experienced on average an 8.51 increase in their annual tax bills, again due to rising property values applied to the same 2.3329 millage rate. Using the proposed millage rate, property owners would again pay $233.29 per every $100,000 in assessed property value, which takes into account homestead exemptions and any additional tax exemptions. The commission could rollback the millage rate to 2.1408, which would generate the same amount of property tax revenues as last year, and prevent a de facto tax increase for property owners, but the rollback op-
tion has not been given any serious consideration in recent years. The millage rate is scheduled for further discussion and commission approval at the Tuesday, July 25, budget workshop. The workshop will begin at 1 p.m., and public input will be accepted. The early stages of the commission’s budget planning process included budget workshops on Wednesday, July 12, and Thursday, July 13. During these workshops, the city department heads presented their projected budgets and budget requests for commission review and discussion. When reviewing the department head budgets, the commission suggested adding $15,000 in anticipation of another battle with the state legislature over cities rights to regulate short-term vacation rentals. In anticipation of adopting vacation rental regulations this summer, the commission, spurred by Vice Mayor John Chappie, also agreed to add $10,000 to the budget for Code Enforcement overtime pay or the hiring of a part-time employee to assist see bb budget, page 11
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Island Photography & DJ a family affair
tubs & HBO. Pristine private beach with complimentary
Anna Maria Island residents Dara and Chuck Caudill have combined their creative talents to offer wedding photography and entertainment under one banner, Island Photography & DJ. Together, they will coordinate the photography and music for your special day. Dara is a professionally trained photographer who combines the latest in digital technology along with an artistic and creative flair. She blends photojournalistic with traditional styles of photography. “A little fantasy mixed with a little reality,” she says. “It’s important for the photos to be beautiful!” Chuck is a professional musician and DJ on Anna Maria Island. In addition to ukulele and acoustic guitar ceremonies, Chuck provides live music and/or full DJ services for the reception. He provides state of the art sound and lighting. The two know how important it is to have the right professionals for your day, especially if you are having a destination wedding. Both are fully insured, and belong to many professional organizations including the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce. Please check out their websites – www.islandphotography.org and www. chuckcaudill – to see what they have to offer. For more information, e-mail daracaudill@verizon.net or call 941778-5676.
OPEN DAILY 7 AM - 9 PM
JULY 19, 2017
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Tara Whitmer and Justin Clemons were married on June 8, 2017, at the Sunset Tiki Hut at the Gulf Drive Cafe. Laura Snow, event manager at the Gulf Drive Cafe, coordinated the wedding. The couple honeymooned on an eastern Caribbean cruise before returning home to Columbus, Ohio.
submitted
Laurie and Pete Donahue from Arlington Heights, Ill., celebrate their 32nd wedding anniversary with their children Peter, Colleen, Caitlin and Meghan. The Donahue family are long time visitors to Anna Maria Island. Happy anniversary Laurie and Pete! Dara Caudill | www.islandphotography.org
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mark your calendar Note: Events are free unless indicated.
Wednesday July 19
Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. Interactive Lecture Series featuring Rusty Chinnis and Larry Stults, The Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, 1 to 3 p.m.
Thursday July 20
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR A sense of community I, as well as many citizens, am in support of the Holmes Beach Commission’s decision relating to the Bert Harris claims and occupancy. Residents, as well as the 20 percent of the HB population that we have lost, know of the negative impacts. There is usually a strong correlation between the number of occupants and problems with noise, trash, parking, health issues in pools, disrespect for neighbors and neighborhoods. Tenants spend much of their time outside just feet
from nearby residents, Unfortunately, they don’t understand the impact they have on our peaceful neighborhoods. We also know that there is often a tendency to overbook. It would not always be just plus two, as people pile in the extras that they think no one will notice. For some, it could mean another family, another car. Multiplying one property by hundreds of properties means that negative impact escalates in SEE LETTERS, PAGE 19
Boomer Boot Camp, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. One class, $15; five classes, $65; 10 classes, $100. Hands-On Engineering Challenge, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Mat pilates for seniors, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 10 to 10:45 a.m., $10 per class. Reserve to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941-383-6493. Grilling A to D – Appetizers to Desserts with Rich Demarse, The Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., $75. Knit and Crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m. Jam in the Sand, Anna Maria Island Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.
Friday July 21
Bridge refresher session, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., $10, includes coffee and cookies. Reserve to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941-383-6493. Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m. Sunset drum circle, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.
Saturday July 22
Shell flowers, The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St., Cortez, 10 a.m., $35. Reserve to 941-708-6120. Sustainable cooking class, The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St., Cortez, $65. Reserve to 941-708-6120. String painting, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Privateers’ Christmas in July Party fundraiser, Drift Inn, 120 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5 to 9 p.m.
Sunday July 23
Beach Market, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. see calendar, page 9
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THE SUN
the sun survey
on the agenda
PREVIOUS QUESTION: What are your remaining summer vacation plans this year?
Anna Maria
Holmes Beach
7/27: City Commission meeting, 6 p.m. For information, call 7086130.
7/20: City clerk community forum, 6 p.m. 7/27: Police Retirement Board meeting, 11:30 a.m. For information, call 7085800.
37%
43%
A staycation here on the Island
Traveling out of state
10005 Gulf Drive.
Bradenton Beach
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5801 Marina Drive.
107 Gulf Drive N.
7/20: City Commission meeting, 12 p.m. 7/25: City Commission workshop, 1 p.m. 7/26: City Commission special meeting, budget and millage, 10 a.m. 7/26: CRA special meeting, budget and millage, 11 a.m. For information, call 7781005.
13%
Vacation? What's that?
3%
3%
Visiting another country
Visiting another Florida city
The sun survey is not a scientific poll and is used for entertainment purposes only.
Do you favor the idea of installing shade sails at City Pier Park? (See Page 3 illustration and story.)
• Yes. They would make the park more user friendly by providing relief from the heat. • No, they appear to be way too expensive. • Possibly, but I'd like to hear some other suggestions as well.
7/19: Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting, Longboat Key Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, 2 p.m. 7/20: West Manatee Fire Rescue board, administration building, 6417 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, 6 p.m.
mark your calendar FROM PAGE 8
Monday July 24
Tuesday July 25
THIS WEEK’S SURVEY
Island-wide
Boomer Boot Camp, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. One class, $15; five classes, $65; 10 classes, $100. Preschool story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Turtle Talk with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, CrossPointe Fellowship Church, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
Learn to play mahjong, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 12:30 p.m., $10. Reserve to 941-383-6493 or maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org.
Wednesday July 26
Natural history hike, Neal Preserve, 12301 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. Reserve to 941-742-5923, ext. 6039, or melissa.nell@ mymanatee.org. Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.
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JULY 19, 2017
Oven Roasted Tuscan Cortez Mullet
Stacy Lowther | Submitted
Eagle rays visit pier While fishing off the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach on Tuesday, July 11, with her husband, Kirtus, and their daughters, Jaeden and Addison, vacationing Atlanta resident Stacy Lowther was among those who saw a pair of spotted eagle rays swimming alongside the pier.
I’m an Original 1979, my vision for the Sandbar has “beenSincesimple: serve the freshest seafood and
produce available and create great memories for our guests. Dine indoors or outdoors on our open air decks with unmatched waterfront settings. The Sandbar is an iconic restaurant that has, for decades, been a place generations of families have visited to enjoy the beautiful views, delicious food and one of a kind atmosphere. We honor that tradition in all we do.
”
Ed Chiles, proprietor of The Sandbar, Beach House and Mar Vista
The Sarasota-Manatee Originals is a group of locally owned restaurants who share a passion for dining excellence and commitment to our community.
DineOriginal.com 15 South Ristorante • Amore Restaurant • Andrea’s • Anna Maria Oyster Bar • Beach House • The Bijou Café • Birdrock Taco Shack • Blu Island Bistro • Blue Marlin Seafood • Bridge Street Bistro • Café Baci • Café Gabbiano • Café Venice • Cassariano Italian Eatery • Cedar Reef Fish Camp • Ciao! Italia • The Crow’s Nest • Drunken Poet Café • Duval’s • enRich Bistro • Euphemia Haye • Fast N Fresh • Fins at Sharky’s • Gold Rush BBQ • Gulf Drive Café + Tiki • Harry’s Continental Kitchens • JPAN Restaurant • Lobster Pot • Madfish Grill • Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub • Michael John’s • Michael’s On East • mi Pueblo • Miguel’s Restaurant • Ophelia’s On The Bay • Ortygia Restaurant • Pacific Rim • PIER 22 • Plated Modern Kitchen • Polo Grill & Bar • Primo! Ristorante • Riverhouse Reef & Grill • Roessler’s Restaurant • Salute! Restaurant • Sandbar Seafood & Spirits • Seafood Shack • Siesta Key Oyster Bar • State Street • Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse • Tsunami • Village Café • The Waterfront Restaurant on Anna Maria • The White Horse Pub
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Anna Maria audit looks good The auditors’ review of the city’s 2015-16 budget determined the city to be in sound financial shape. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com joe hendricks | SUN
As was the case last week, preparing the annual city budget is a group effort that involves city commissioners, department heads and city staffers.
BB budget: talks begin FROM PAGE 5
with increased enforcement needs. This idea was met with some initial resistance from Police Chief Sam Speciale and Lt. John Cosby, but the commission prevailed. Chappie and Commissioner Jake Spooner would also like to add up to $5,000 for a new city website and that proposed expenditure will be further discussed at the July 25 workshop. Based on the preliminary figures provided by department heads and the additional requests made by the commission, City Treasurer Shayne Thompson produced a summary of the projected budget that may be further revised before its final adoption in September. As of last week, Thompson is tentatively projecting total city revenues, including property tax revenues, to be $3,267,418 for the 2017-18 budget year. Thompson is currently projecting city expenditures to be slightly higher at $3,292,032, which means $24,614 would have to be taken from the city reserves to fully balance the budget. It was Thompson who predicted maintaining the same millage rate would result in an average tax increase of 8.97 percent for Bradenton Beach property owners, but those final estimates will be derived in conjunction with the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office after the cities submit their adopted millage rates.
ANNA MARIA – Last week, the city Anna Maria received a clean audit report for the 2015-16 fiscal year that began Oct. 1, 2015, and ended Sept. 30, 2016. Randy Dillingham, from the Sarasota-based CS&L accounting firm, reviewed the audit report with Mayor Dan Murphy and the City Commission on Thursday, July 13. Dillingham provided the commission with a quick, high-level review of the 42-page independent auditors’ report they were provided in advance. “Here we are once again for the annual wrap-up. It’s a little big later this year,” he said. He attributed the delay to new pension standards adopted by the state and a change in accounting personnel
and accounting software at the city this year. These changes included the arrival of City Clerk LeAnne Addy and the departure of former Clerk Diane Percycoe and former Treasurer Maggie Martinez. Dillingham said the city is in compliance with accepted accounting practices, standards and internal controls. He said the city’s fund balance increased by $130,615 in the 2015-16 fiscal year, which means revenues exceeded expenditures by that amount. The city carried a $2.41 million fund balance into the current 2016-17 fiscal year, and that included restricted funds and expenditures designated for the present fiscal year. The city had an unassigned fund balance that equaled 59 percent of the city’s anticipated annual expenses – 20 to 25 percent is generally accepted to be a comfortable amount to hold in reserves in case of an emergency or a disruption in tax revenues. “The general fund’s in good financial position,” he said, noting that the city’s bank accounts are fully collateralized and insured by the federal
government. The management letter contained in the report contained some additional auditor comments. The auditors would like to see a greater separation of accounting duties that sometimes overlap due to the small size of the city and its staff. Dillingham noted that Addy, who also now serves as the city’s finance director, has already taken steps to address those concerns. “You may not be able to get all the way away from overlapping duties with the size of the office, but as long as you have the controls in place that’s what you’re looking for,” he said. Dillingham said the city posted 23 budget adjustments in relation to the 2015-16 audit, some of which were because of the change in accounting software. “They’ve all been corrected by the city. Going forward, the goal would be for the city to reduce the number of adjustments required in the audit process,” he said. “The city’s in good financial position,” Dillingham concluded.
am budget: Process underway FROM PAGE 5
The mayor expects Building Department expenses to increase from approximately $399,900 to approximately $510,000. He attributed some of that to former Public Works Director George McKay being moved into the Building Department on a fulltime basis, and some to the addition of a new building inspector. Murphy projects Code Enforce-
ment Department expenses will decrease to $454,179 – down from the anticipated 2016-17 year-end figure of $499,997. Code enforcement operating expenses are expected to drop by 25 percent and attorney fees are expected to drop by 64 percent. The anticipated decrease in attorney fees and legal expenses from $145,000 to $52,000 is due to the expiration of the vacation
rental related Bert Harris claim filing period. Murphy projects code enforcement revenues will increase from $379,104 to $454,179 in the coming budget year that begins Oct. 1. The mayor’s projections for the city’s overall total expenditures and revenues have not yet been provided. The next budget work session will be on Thursday, July 27, before the 6 p.m. meeting.
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It’s a zoo out there You never know what you might see floating in the waters off Anna Maria Island, including giant ducks, flamingos, toucans and crabs. TRACY ECKERT | SUBMITTED
FROM PAGE 3
“It was only made possible because of the tent. People stayed. They met and talked with their neighbors,” Copeland said of the need for a shaded area, even in the cooler winter months. “I hope the public is in favor of it because we’ve had that park for almost seven years. I think this will allow us to continue to use that park as a place where the community can gather,” he said. Commissioner Carol Carter said she likes how the shade system’s
semi-permanent nature allows for future expansion or reconfiguration. Murphy agreed. “That’s what I like about it: the versatility. It’s not like putting in a gazebo or bandstand. If you had other arrangements for the park, you could change it,” he said. Commissioner Dale Woodland also thinks versatility is a big plus. “We don’t know what we’re going to have there in 10 years,” he said. If supported by the community
and approved by the commission, Copeland said the proposed 201617 budget year expenditure would consist of the $58,474 remaining in the City Pier Park improvement fund and $45,296 taken from the from the contingency fund the commission built into this year’s budget. Copeland said this would still leave more than $137,000 in the contingency fund for the remainder of the current fiscal year that ends Sept. 30.
JULY 19, 2017
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Holmes Beach commissioners set millage rate Holmes Beach commissioners vote to maintain 2.25 millage rate. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH — It’s that time of year, when municipalities are looking at their budgets for the coming fiscal year and setting millage rates before property tax bills are due to be mailed. The city of Holmes Beach is no different, with commissioners taking a preliminary look July 13 at the proposed 2017-18 fiscal year budget and voting unanimously to maintain the 2.25 millage rate established the Kristin Swain | Sun previous year. Holmes Beach passed its latest financial audit for the 2015-16 fiscal year July 13, acCommissioner Jean Peelen cording to City Treasurer Lori Hill. was absent. City Treasurer Lori Hill recproperty value increases. At the addition of a deputy building ommended keeping the millage 2.25 mills rate, Hill estimates official in the building departrate the same for the coming revenue from property taxes to ment, Hill said. She added the year due to the city’s proposed total $4,110,762 in the 2017-18 additional funds will replace budget remaining close to what fiscal year. The total received in some discontinued monies from was adopted in the previous the 2016-17 fiscal year, ending the Manatee County Tourist Deyear. Sept. 30, was $3,748,336. velopment Council for Grassy The millage rate determines To keep revenue on par with Point Preserve. the amount of city tax charged the ending fiscal year, comAccording to Hill, no reserve each year to property owners on missioners would have to vote funds were spent in the ending their trim notices. The amount to apply the rollback rate of fiscal year, and no reserve exis figured by multiplying the 2.0669, estimated by Hill to penditures are planned for the millage rate, in this case 2.25 bring in $3,776,237 in property 2017-18 fiscal year. mills, by each $1,000 of taxable taxes. According to Hill, the The proposed budget will be property value. For example, a taxable value of property in the presented to the public at 6 residential property with a taxcity is $1,827,005,162 for the p.m. Sept. 12 for the first of two able value of $500,000 would be coming fiscal year beginning public hearings and commission charged $1,125 in city taxes. Oct. 1. votes. The second public hearTrim notices are mailed the The 8.6 percent increase in ing is scheduled for Sept. 26. third week in August. revenue will allow the city to Copies of the proposed budget Though commissioners voted afford expenditures including are available to the public in the for the millage rate to stay the adding two new officers to the lobby of city hall at 5801 Masame, Hill estimates the city Holmes Beach Police Departrina Drive, Holmes Beach. can expect to see an 8.6 perment, adding a part-time emcent increase in revenue due to ployee to public works and the
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BUSINESS
JULY 19, 2017
Sharky’s is now an international affair Sharkey’s new Italian owners are maintaining much of what has worked in the past, while also incorporating some subtle new touches.
Sharky’s Steak & Seagrill 2519 Gulf Dr. N. Bradenton Beach
BY JOE HENDRICKS
941-779-9151
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – The five friends from Rome, Italy, who make up the new ownership group at Sharky’s Steak & Seagrill, are settling nicely into their new roles as Anna Maria Island restauranteurs. Last October, Cristina Delle Macchie, Mario Procopio, Silvia Sanges, Emilio Vardaro and Nadia Rossi bought the 80-seat restaurant space at 2519 Gulf Dr. N., and they now share the ownership and operational responsibilities. Due to immigration laws, the Italian business partners take turns spending three months at a time on the Island. Delle Macchie and Procopio are currently in town, and they sat down last week to discuss their new American venture. When in Rome, Delle Macchie works
Monday - Sunday 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. On the menu
joe hendricks | SUN
Sharky’s Steak & Seagrill changed hands last fall and is now owned by a group of friends from Italy. as a tour guide. Procopio, a former Italian newspaper man, works for Sky TV. Delle Macchie and Procopio are new to the restaurant business, but the other partners have restaurant experience. Delle Macchie said they plan to maintain much of what worked well for the past two decades under previous ownership, including the attractive, dark wood furnishings that date back to the building’s origins as a German restaurant.
General manager and longtime bartender Tom Gray and longtime waitress Tammy Welch provide operational continuity, and new chef Carlos Cruz is making subtle changes to an American-style menu that features prime rib, fresh fish and seafood dishes and is now expanding to include more fresh pasta dishes that reflect the new owners’ Italian heritage.
The Shark on the Barbie is served with honey Q-sauce. Purchased locally, the Key West grouper is crusted and served with tropical rum salsa. The crab stuffed tilapia is served with lemon buerre blanc, and the back-fin crab cakes are topped with Dijon red pepper aioli. Market priced seafood offerings include the popular Sea Grill combo, the fish trio, lobster tails and the catch of the day. “Slow roasted to perfection,” see sharky's, page 18
The Fresh Flavors of Summer! There is still some summer time left to enjoy and there is no better place to enjoy it all: breathtaking sunsets, dining with your toes in the sand, delicious tropical drinks – and the freshest seafood direct from area waters! Gulf Shrimp, just caught fresh mullet, locally sourced caviar, freshly shucked oysters, locally grown clams as well as antibiotic-free chicken and Seminole pumpkin blossoms, from our farm to your table. Keep the Summer going and head to the beach to experience all the Fresh Flavors of the Season!
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JULY 19, 2017
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Commissioners vote to change compensation structure Holmes Beach city employees will soon be moving to a new salary structure. Commissioners unanimously approved a proposal July 13 to remove the city’s step salary program, replacing it with a merit-based system. Commissioner Jean Peelen was absent from the meeting. The new salary structure is designed to help the city provide competitive compensation for employees while also being financially attractive to new talent. Under the new salary structure, longevity bonuses will remain in effect for employees hired prior to Jan. 1, 2014. Mayor Bob Johnson estimates the migration from the old salary structure to the new will take approximately two years to complete. The Holmes Beach Police Department, with the exception of administrative positions including the police chief, is exempt and will remain on the step plan to be competitive with neighboring departments.
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Grumpy Lady and Wasabi Guy BY SEAN MURPHY SPECIAL TO THE SUN
I
am in the business of making people happy, of creating memorable evenings for people celebrating special days in their lives. It is the only thing that is going to get me into heaven. Some evenings are memorable for different reasons. Grumpy Lady walked in on a very busy night. She had been grumpy all her life. I led her to the only table that was available. She spat that it was totally unacceptable. “Try not to think of it as a bad table,“ I said, “Try to think of it as the ONLY table, a table with two perfectly good chairs.” She grumped. I attended to other guests. The Bistro has a ghost, Jimmy, a very friendly ghost, the ghost of one of the best sautee guys ever. We love Jimmy for many reasons. One of them is his sense of humor. Grumpy Lady was seated at Jimmy’s
table, the table where he used to sit and drink my sherry. Above that table was Jimmy’s sherry glass. That glass had not moved in years. The waiter came to me. “Jimmy just dumped his sherry glass on Grumpy Lady’s head.” “Of course he did.” I returned to the now grumpier lady. “This is the perfect table. The odds against anything else falling on you at this table are astronomical. This is the safest table in the house.” I brought her a glass of good Scotch. Another table had opened. I took her arm and guided her towards the new table. I stopped by the door. “Ma’m, you will have a great evening here tonight but to do that you must get along with me. Failing that, I suggest you leave now.” She squeezed my arm, “I am certain we will have a lovely time.” She and her husband were seated. I brought her another scotch. A half hour later the waiter came to me again. “Grumpy Lady’s husband just passed out on his fish.”
Sure enough, he was face down and out, on some of the world’s best tuna. He had mistaken the large molded flower of wasabi on his tuna for broccoli. He had swallowed the whole damn thing. To be fair, it would have knocked out anyone. He was revived and tidied and went back to his tuna. Ten minutes later the waiter returned. “Wasabi Guy passed out on his fish again.” It was time for plan B. Plan B is a rehearsed protocol for removing unconscious patrons from the restaurant. We move them to an area just outside the entrance where paramedics have room to perform their magic. Plan B is also premised on the theory that patrons dying in your restaurant is bad for business. Four strong waiters picked up Wasabi Guy in his chair and moved him over the heads of the other patrons and out the door. The man was revived by the paramedics and taken away in an ambulance. The last time I saw Grumpy Lady she was sitting in the parking lot in her
hubby’s chair drinking my scotch. Plan B is always stressful. I took a moment to call my wife. While talking to her, I was standing in the dining room next to Mike. Mike had witnessed my ultimatum to Grumpy Lady and had just watched Wasabi Guy floated over his head. Mike was enjoying the show. As I was talking to my wife, an inebriated lady seated near Mike dropped her cell phone, reached to pick it up and fell face first to the floor. I said to my wife, “Good Lord, they just keep dropping.” Mike looked wide-eyed at me, then at the lady on the floor and then at me again. I leaned down to him, stone faced, “Please tell me you did not eat the shrimp.” He laughed so hard I thought he was going to drop too. Sean Murphy is the head coach of the incredibly talented team that runs the Beach Bistro; its little sister, Eat Here; and its new craft cocktail bar, The Doctors Office. Some of his articles can be found on the Bistro’s website, www.beachbistro.com
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941.778.6444 www.BeachBistro.com
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JULY 19, 2017
Loving Christ • Sharing His Grace • Serving All
SUNDAY WORSHIP
joe hendricks | SUN
General manager Tom Gray, owners Mario Procopio and Cristina Delle Macchie and chef Carlos Cruz are among those manning the helm at Sharky’s Steak & Seagrill.
sharky's: An international affair FROM PAGE 14
Sharky’s signature roast prime rib sells is offered in regular and king cut, and also during the prime rib special Monday through Thursday. The menu also includes a filet mignon topped with Bordelaise sauce and chicken Marsala. Pasta plates include mussels fra diavolo, linguine clams, lobster linguine and tortellini a la vodka, with dinner specials further expanding the menu offerings.
The appetizer menu features Shark Bites served with remoulade and sweet chili, lobster spring rolls served with ginger Q-sauce and Escargot Sarabay. Open 4 to 10 p.m. seven days a week, Sharky’s has a full liquor bar with happy hour specials from 4 to 6 p.m. and live entertainment Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more information, visit Sharky’s on Facebook or call 941-779-9151.
DEBI THOMPSON | SUBMITTED
Under water Many streets in Holmes Beach looked more like lakes than roads last week as severe thunderstorms swept through Anna Maria Island in the late afternoon over several days.
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Chat with the Holmes Beach city clerk For anyone who’s ever wondered what exactly it is a city clerk does, Holmes Beach City Clerk Stacey Johnston is ready to answer questions. Johnston will host the fourth in a series of community forums at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 20, at Holmes Beach City Hall. The forums are designed to give the public a behind-the-scenes look at what goes on in the different city government departments. The city
clerk forum will focus on the upcoming November election, along with business and rental tax receipts. Risk Consultant Ken Blaser, representing the Florida League of Cities, will serve as guest speaker, discussing how FLC can assist the city after a hurricane or large storm event. The forum is open to the public. For more information, contact Johnston at 941-708-5800.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR FROM PAGE 8
geometric proportions. There is massive abuse of over-occupancy; residents see it every day. Occupancy has been long-standing in our comprehensive plan, and enforcement has come to the forefront because of the rampant abuse. It would be a slippery slope to start changing our existing regulations within the climate of our city issues; we would just be opening Pandora’s box. HB Ordinances 15-12 and 16-02 were enacted to reflect the will of residents and are neither unjustified or unnecessary, but rather in response to the changing city needs. We have seen on more than one oc-
casion where a citizen asked for special consideration for family purposes, and then the property ended up being advertised on the internet. The city is making an effort to enforce these ordinances, which has proved to be a monumental task. It will take time to identify and bring nonconforming properties into compliance, but there is legal precedent supporting the city’s stance on occupancy. So in short, I, as well as many citizens, applaud the commission for all of its efforts to preserve the character of the Island and retain residents. We need to do all we can to promote a sense of community. Renee Ferguson Holmes Beach
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JULY 19, 2017
941.779.2337 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM 7 DAYS A WEEK 5344 3 GULF DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH
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OUTDOORS
JULY 19, 2017
Offshore action Captain Dave White
This past week has been a good one offshore! We here at Anna Maria Charters have been spending a lot of time targeting various snapper species out there. Big mangrove, lane, yellowtail, and American red snapper are being caught in depths over 100 feet. Tactics vary depending on the conditions. But yellowtail and mangroves respond well to chumming. I prefer cutting pilchards in half and getting a good line of them going out behind the boat. Once the snapper start making their way through the chum, I slip a circle hook in one and freeline it back with the chum. This keeps you from dealing with goliath grouper or getting hung up in the wreck. Bottom and wreck fishing is providing red grouper, African pompano and gag grouper as well as many catch and release amberjack.
Submitted
Costa Rican journey
Captain Dave White | Submitted
Mike Rain, of Anna Maria, shows off a hefty mangrove snapper caught offshore with Captain David White, of Anna Maria Charters.
Steve Rosehelm, above right, co-owner of Bortell's Lounge in Anna Maria, holds a catch-and-release papagoya fish he caught during a trip to Costa Rica. With him is first mate Johnathon.
JULY 19, 2017
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First turtles of season hatch
THE SUN
Nesting News
As if they were in a race, two of the first five loggerhead sea turtle nests of the season hatched next to each other on Anna Maria Island last week, according to Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring. The five nests produced 96 hatchlings; 392 nests remain to be hatched on the Island.
Turtle nests laid: 411 False crawls: 405 Nests hatched: 5 Not hatched: 14 Nests remaining: 392 Hatchlings to Gulf: 96 Nest disorientations: 4 Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring
Turtle Tips
JONNY MATHES | SUBMITTED
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 at-
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tract hatchlings away from the water. • Don’t use flashlights, lanterns 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 888-404FWCC (3922).
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dunes: Destruction prompts outrage FROM PAGE 1
The DEP permit, issued by the state, allowed for a small section of the dune, mangrove and sea grape protective vegetation to be disturbed during construction with the caveat that it be restored after construction is completed. McGuinness said the pool is planned for the northwest side of the property. “The cleared area exceeded the pool area dramatically,” he said. “That was just really, really tragic,” Chair Judy Titsworth said of the seaward destruction. Commissioner Carol Soustek said she’d heard from many people who had been shocked by the lack of vegetation as they passed the property on their way to the beach. “I have no understanding for why a protective barrier was destroyed,” she said. “On this island you can’t do anything that somebody’s not going to see.”
The House
Protective vegetation isn’t the only issue between the property owner and the city. According to the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s office, the property was purchased in January 2016 by Gulf Front Paradise LLC. According to county records, the LLC’s primary address, 102 48th Street, Holmes Beach, is owned by local developer Shawn Kaleta. The 1,883 under roof square-foot
Kristin Swain | Sun
A stop work order remains in place July 16 at 102 77th Street. Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson said the stop work order will remain on the property until an investigation is completed. single family home was built in 1950 on a .2663 acre lot bordering the Gulf of Mexico and a public access path to the beach. The two-bedroom, one-bath home is planned for demolition to be replaced with a larger vacation rental home. According to McGuinness, no permit has been issued yet for reconstruction of the house. Two Bert Harris claims were lodged against the city March 6 by attorney Aaron Thomas on behalf of the owner. One claim disputes
ordinances passed by the city reducing new construction of short-term rentals to four bedrooms or less and maintains an occupancy limit of two person per bedroom or total of six, whichever is greater. The occupancy claim lists the before condition of the property as “a proposed single-family home consisting of eight bedrooms able to accommodate 20 guests.” The occupancy claim lists a property value loss of $1,420,000 due to the city’s constraints. The second claim disputes the city’s restrictions on reduced habitable area, parking requirements, pool size and building footprint. In the claim, Thomas said the property was purchased for redevelopment into a 4,514 square foot home for short-term rentals. The claim lists a property value loss of $900,000. The city has until Aug. 3, 150 days after the claims were filed with the city, to respond. To date, when addressing Bert Harris claims, commissioners have refused to change city ordinances or offer a settlement to property owners.
Next Steps
Until DEP representatives complete their investigation, Mayor Bob Johnson said there’s little for the city to do but wait. “Until we hear back from the DEP, the stop work order stands,” he said.
legislation: Proposed by city FROM PAGE 1
“I will contact our lobbyist (Chip Case) and he will work with Flagler County, Dade County, Pinellas County and even in Orlando to get this out as our getting on the offense. If we sit here and wait, we’ll be playing defense again next year,” Murphy told the commission. The city and its allies will need at least one member of the Florida House and one member of the Florida Senate to file the proposed legislation on their behalf. Murphy said the Florida League of Cities
(FLC) will host its annual conference soon, and he expects there to be a big push by members to protect home rule rights that pertain to local legislation and regulation in general. Commissioner Carol Carter said FLC representative Amber Hughes attended the ManaSota League of Cities meeting earlier that day in Longboat Key and home rule rights were discussed. “The plan is to make home rule the super priority in this 2018 legislative session. It sounds
like it fits well with what we hope to do in taking the lead,” Carter said of the strategies to be discussed at the FLC conference in Orlando on Aug. 17, 18 and 19. Commissioner Dale Woodland said he supports the city’s proposed legislation “100 percent,” and commissioners Nancy Yetter, Brian Seymour and Doug Copeland made that support unanimous. “I’ll get with Chip tomorrow and we’ll get cranking on it,” Murphy told the commission.
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Park sign reconfigured At the request of the Scenic WAVES Committee and City Commissioner Marilyn Maro, the Bradenton Beach Public Works Department has relocated the sign at Katie Pierola Sunset Park. The sign was moved and rotated 90 degrees so it now faces Gulf Drive and the beach, instead of facing north and south. JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
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THE SUN
REAL ESTATE
JULY 19, 2017
So, you want to buy a condo?
t’s 85 degrees and 85 percent humidity, it’s July in Florida. If you own a single-family home, no matter what the temperature is, you will still have to mow the lawn, clean the pool and paint the peeling trim, unless you live in a condo. Condo living in Florida has become such an accepted part of the overall residential picture in the Sunshine State that you’re just as likely to meet someone who lives in a single-family home as one who lives in a condo association. Neverthe-less condo living is not for everyone, and if you’re thinking about becoming a condo homeowner, you need to figure out which one you are. Condominium associations are run by HOA’s (homeowner associations), which are initially formed by the real estate developer and then turned over to a volunteer board of homeowners once the development is completed. There are several important things to be aware of if you’re considering a
Castles in the Sand Louise Bolger new condo association. When speaking to sales people in the model’s sales office, you will be quoted a number representing the monthly HOA fees. No matter what they tell you, assume this number is only an estimate of what the actual fees will be once the community is turned over to the homeowners. Part of the reason for this is most homeowner associations will want to establish a nest egg to address future maintenance issues, called reserves, in addition to a general fund. Assuming the developer did establish a reserve system, which I believe is required by the state of Florida, he/she may not have funded it adequately
and the homeowners may want to fully fund, requiring either a lump sum or an increase in monthly fees. The world turns on economies, as do homeowner’s association fees, and herein lies probably the biggest battles that surface in condo associations. Everyone wants everything, and no one wants to pay for it. The decision-making process is up to the condo board of directors, and it’s up to the homeowners to elect good board members or better yet volunteer to be on the board. Keep in mind, being a member of a condo board is not for the faint of heart. You will be asked to make complicated financial decisions, review contracts and have some uncomfortable conversations with your neighbors. I once compared serving on a condo board of directors as qualifying for sainthood, and by the time your term is over you will feel like Mother Teresa. Finally, all condo associations have a
set of rules and regulations that can cover anything from leaving your plants outside in hurricane season to keeping your poodle out of the pool. Chances are there will be some rules that you will hate, some that you can tolerate and some that will make no difference to your everyday life. The decision you will need to make before buying into a condo association is are the rules generally acceptable to you as they stand since you don’t have much of a chance of getting anything changed once you’re living there. Twenty-one percent of all housing units in the country are condos representing 68 million people at last count. This is a large percentage of our population that chooses condo living. Just like there are dog people and cat people, there are condo people and single-family people. Figure out which breed you are before jumping in with all four paws.
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Audit review prompts praise for city staff City staff has helped reverse the trend of potential deficit spending the city faced in previous budget years. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Vice Mayor John Chappie and Mayor Bill Shearon sang the praises of City Clerk Terri Sanclemente, City Treasurer Shayne Thompson and the rest of the city staff last week when reviewing the audit of the 2015-16 fiscal year. Working with city staff, Randy Dillingham and Jeff Gerhard from the CS&L accounting firm conducted the annual audit of the city’s previous year-end budget. On Tuesday, July 11, the auditors presented their annual report to city commissioners and department heads. The report provided a summary of the city’s financial position as of Sept. 30, 2016, when the 2015-16 fiscal year ended. “You’re in good financial position. There were no material
weaknesses and no compliance issues in this year’s audit,” Dillingham said. At fiscal year end, the city’s general fund balance was $2.01 million. The total combined fund balance was $3.9 million when also including the use-restricted $1.3 million Community Redevelopment Agency fund, the use-restricted $536,000 Tingley Memorial Library fund and other use-restricted funds. Dillingham said the city entered the current 2016-17 fiscal year with $637,366 in unrestricted, unbudgeted funds at its disposal. He also said the city’s general fund balance decreased by $15,254 in 2015-16. “That’s just about break even,” he said, noting that the previous two budget years could have resulted in significant financial shortfalls had it not been for the one-time receipt of cell tower money one year and BP oil spill settlement money the next. “It looks like there’s been steady improvement over the past three to four years,” Dillingham said.
joe hendricks | SUN
City Clerk Terry Sanclemente and City Treasurer Shayne Thompson were all-smiles during last week’s review of the 2015-16 budget.
Praise for staff
After Dillingham and Gerhard presented their reports, Chappie praised staff for reversing the financial trends of the past three or four years. “I have to give my hats off to Terri,” Chappie said. Chappie praised the administrative staff Sanclemente has assembled since 2014, which includes Thompson and Deputy Clerks Marie Montoya and Chris-
tine Watson. He also thanked the other department heads for the work they did with their departmental budgets. “You guys hung in there and made the changes you needed to make. I really appreciate it, and I want to thank you,” Chappie said. Shearon cited the concerns he’s had in past years about commission-approved budgets that he claimed would have resulted in deficit spending had it not been
for the cell tower and BP money. This resulted in him casting the only opposition votes to the budgets adopted in recent years. “I’m just ecstatic this year that that has all changed. Last year, we were out of the reserves about $180,000. This year we’re down to $15,000. That’s just amazing, and it’s constantly getting better,” Shearon said when praising Sanclemente, Thompson and Sanclemente’s fellow department heads: Police Chief Sam Speciale, Public Works Director Tom Woodward and Building Official Steve Gilbert. Last week’s comments marked a turning point for Shearon. When running for mayor in 2015, he frequently questioned Sanclemente’s professional qualifications and the decision made by then-Mayor Jack Clarke to promote her to the clerk’s position on a permanent basis. “I can’t say enough on how impressed I am that we’ve made this much of a change in three years. Thank you for what you’re doing,” Shearon said.
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Hellem’s “Ciao Bella” on exhibit
Art history classes set
The Anna Maria Island Art League is hosting a reception for artist Rolf Hellem on Saturday, July 22, from 6 to 9 p.m. at 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach. This open exhibit is titled “Ciao Bella,” or “Goodbye Beautiful.” Hellem is moving from Anna Maria Island. His artwork will be displayed at the Art League until Saturday , July 29. For information call 941-778-2099 or visit the Anna Maria Island Art League from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
The Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, presents Rolando Rodriguez lecturing weekly on “Classical Moments in History” starting Tuesday, Aug. 1, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The cost is $20 per session. The class takes an in-depth look at four key moments where classical or classically inspired art blossomed. The class begins with ancient Greek achievements and continues with the high Renaissance, the Dutch school and the
JULY 19, 2017
French academic school. Rodriguez, was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and studied art history at Brooklyn College. He is a recognized artist in portraiture painting, using either a live model or a sculpture. He will teach how to read a two-dimensional image and translate it into a three-dimensional image. Spaces are limited. Scholarships may be available. For more details visit the Art League on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or call 941-778-2099.
submitted
O’Neill featured at Island Gallery West As the Featured Artist for August at Island Gallery West, Patrick O’Neill shows acrylic paintings in an exhibit entitled “Wild and Wonderful.” It centers on realism to capture the intricate details that bring his subjects to life. The month-long free exhibit will be presented at 5368 Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For gallery updates, log onto www.islandgallerywest.com, visit Facebook or call 941-778-6648.
submitted
Sunrise” watercolor by Ruth De Haan
August window theme set Sunrise/Sunset will be the August window theme of the Artists' Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach. The beginning of the day and day's end can bring some of the most subtly beautiful colors or some not at-all-subtle but riotous displays. Either way, it will make for a brilliant window exhibit. Inside there are more paintings, pottery, stained glass and other gift items. Beginning in August and through September, the Gallery will be closed on Sundays and Mondays.
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NEWS BRIEFS Manatees are not rides Manatee County Sheriff ’s Office deputies had to warn some visitors last Saturday not to ride on manatees, according to Sgt. Russ Schnering. He said they get a number of complaints during the summer and have to shoo people away from manatees who are resting close to shore. In the state of Florida, the Mana-
tee Sanctuary Act makes it illegal to “intentionally annoy, molest, harass or disturb or attempt to molest, harass or disturb” manatees, which are classified as endangered.
Metz legal fees increase On July 12, Bradenton Beach Treasurer Shayne Thompson informed City Commissioners that the legal expenses associated with the city’s defense of a permitting challenge initiated by city resident and Planning and Zoning Board member John Metz have increased
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to $26,097. This does not include the additional attorney fees the city will incur due to Metz’s decision to appeal the special master’s ruling that favored the city and property owners Wendy and George Kokolis. During last week’s budget workshop, Vice Mayor John Chappie suggested increasing the city’s anticipated legal expenses for the 2017-18 budget year because of Metz’s ongoing legal challenge.
Sunday, Aug. 6, without paying the state sales tax. All books, besides the Bible, will be taxed as well as purchases made in theme parks, entertainment complexes, hotels and airports. Internet orders to the buyer’s door will not be taxed. On the Island, purchases of clothing and school supplies will not be taxed, and the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce urges parents to shop at Island stores.
Quality of Life on agenda
Cooking out at the Center
The Thursday, July 20, Bradenton Beach City Commission meeting that begins at noon will feature continued discussion on the vacation rental regulations to be included in a revived Quality of Life Ordinance. The meeting will also feature discussion on a noise ordinance waiver application form, the purchase of three new vehicles and nine Tasers for the police department and reduced summer operating hours for the Tingley Memorial Library.
Fun, food and community are coming together at The Center of Anna Maria Island for the night Saturday, Aug. 19, as the nonprofit hosts a cookout. The cookout, open to the community, will feature food by Harry’s Grill and Bistro cooked on an outdoor grill donated by Waste Pro. Dinner will be served from 6 to 8 p.m. with Kona Ice treats also available for purchase. The cost is $5 for Center members, $10 for non-members and free for kids age 12 and under. For tickets or more information, contact the Center at 941-778-1908 or visit www.centerami.org. The Center is at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.
Tax-free weekend named Parents will be able to shop for clothes and shoes worth $60 or less and school supplies worth $15 or less on Friday, Aug. 4, through
LO C A L LY K N OW N . G LO B A L LY CO N N E C T E D.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND 306 Gulf Boulevard Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4177531 $2,895,000
ANNA MARIA ISLAND 529 Key Royale Drive George Myers 941-224-6021 A4184576 $1,995,000
ANNA MARIA ISLAND 211 Elm Avenue A & B George Myers 941-224-6021 A4181524 $919,000
ANNA MARIA ISLAND 231 85th Street Ralph & Megg Faillace 713-9142 or 713-9144 A4190203 $890,000
ANNA MARIA ISLAND 201 73rd Street Jody Shinn 941-705-5704 A4184962 $995,000
ANNA MARIA ISLAND 101 66th Street 9 Ken Kavanaugh & Margo Love Story 941-799-1943 A4178549 $720,000
ANNA MARIA ISLAND 501 71st Street Michael Habony 941-920-2494 A4185615 $598,000
ANNA MARIA ISLAND 1325 Gulf Drive N 167 Tammy Mast 941-256-6543 A4171678 $525,000
B R A D E N TO N 5016 64th Drive W Deborah Capobianco 941-704-2394 A4136838 $1,499,000
B R A D E N TO N 3908 Bayside Drive Cheryl Roberts 941-266-1450 A4175696 $1,200,000
ANNA MARIA ISLAND 620 N Point Drive Kathy Valente 941-685-6767 A4184866 $770,000
ANNA MARIA ISLAND 413 Bay Palms Drive Ralph & Megg Faillace 713-9142 or 713-9144 A4184679 $725,000
NEW CONSTRUCTION
MSC MORTGAGE | MSC TITLE | MS&C COMMERCIAL NEW HOMES & CONDOMINIUMS | RENTAL
B R A D E N TO N 532 Hillcrest Drive Toni Lyon 941-928-8735 A4170841 $460,000
8 8 8 . 552 . 52 2 8
B R A D E N TO N 3440 77th St W 301 Barb Eberhart 614-204-7687 A4184171 $399,000
RENTAL ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2311 Gulf Drive N Unit A 3 Bed 2 Bath 4852 SqFt $2,000
michaelsaunders.com L I C E N S E D R E A L E S TAT E B R O K E R
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New Rotary Club officers At left, Dennis Schuermann receives the Meeting Mallet from Judy Rup, center, and Lynn Zemmer Anna Maria Island Rotary Club co-presidents for last year. Schuermann is the club's new president as it begins its 51st year of community service. Schuermann has been a member of Rotary for 16 years and is a graduate of the District Rotary Leadership Institute. Other club officers are: Judy Rup, vice president; Kathleen Rylander, secretary; Kelly Jones, treasurer; Donald Fernald, Foundation chair; and Lynn Zemmer, club membership chair. The Island Rotary Club meets at noon every Tuesday at the Bridge Street Bistro in Bradenton Beach. submitted
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Boomers get info on healthy eating Melissa Merkle holds exercise sessions aimed at the baby boomer generation. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Yesterday’s baby boomers are seniors, and many of them don’t consider that a healthy diet can make you live healthier and longer. That’s the message from Melissa Merkle and Kirt Lietzow, co-owners of Boomers N Motion, a company that specializes in keeping older people healthy so they can enjoy a longer, fuller life. They spoke to an audience of more than during the meeting of JOY (Just Older Youth) on Wednesday, July 12. at Roser Memorial Community Church. They talked about the theory that healthy food can help people avoid some ailments, and some popular foods can lead to ailments. They passed out booklets that listed healthy foods and foods to avoid. Some healthy examples are nuts, legumes, fresh vegetables and fruit. There were also some surprises: meat, fish and poultry can be beneficial depend-
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
ing on how they were raised, and they were not fond of dairy products. They said preservatives in food could make the body not recognize what people are eating as food, leading to problems such as obesity. They said healthy carbohydrates can be good for the body and
At left, Melissa Merkle and Kirt Lietzow offer diet and exercise programs at Roser Memorial Community Church for older people. Above, this salad came packed in a mason jar. warned against fad diets. They also brought and passed out mason jars stacked with veggies, nuts and other healthy foods. When they were opened and emptied onto a plate, diners had a salad.
Merkle has taught exercise classes at the church for boomers to perform while in a chair. For more information, contact them at coaches@boomernmotion.com or call Merkle at 330-990-0990 or Lietzow at 330-327-4679.
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SPORTS
JULY 19, 2017
Sato Real Estate Hayward Cup champions: Undefeated to the end
BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN
The summer co-ed adult soccer league at the community center came to an end Thursday night with the heat, mosquitoes, friends, family and fellow players ready to see the crowning of the Paul “Ace” Hayward Cup champions. Josh Sato, captain of Team Sato Real Estate, and Nate Talucci, captain of Team Moss Builders, met at mid-field for the traditional coin flip. The game of the season started with much anticipation as Moss Builders found its stride in the season and Sato Real Estate could not be beat. The first 23 minutes of play showed why Moss Builders was in the championship game. Playing with smart defense, Talucci’s team kept it close and entertained spectators. Quick goals by Chris Klotz, for Sato Real Estate, and Matt Kretzmann, for Moss Builders, lit up the scoreboard three minutes into the game. Goalkeeper Shawn McCarthy saved a Sato Real Estate shot, but could not hold on to the ball, giving Klotz a corner kick. With a goal in sight, the kick intended for Jake Parsons was saved by McCarthy putting the soccer ball back at the feet of Moss Builders. The long high pass by Moss Builders’ Lexi Sato landed right at the feet of Diego Felipe, pulling Sato Real Estate goalie Jordan Demers slightly off the goal. Felipe finesses the shot putting Moss Builders ahead 2-1. Great ball handling by Moss Builders and missed opportunities by Sato Real Estate was the theme of the first half of the championship game. The midfield shot by L. Sato went just to the right of the post. With the perfect pass from Lyn Clarke, Klotz was able to give Kevin Roman his first shooting opportunity. Roman’s shot near the goal was blocked by Talucci. Fighting for the ball, Jesse Brisson defended hard against J. Sato, who was eventually called for the foul. The free kick by Rico Beissert landed the soccer ball at L. Sato’s feet. Adam Mott and L. Sato battled for possession with Mott the victor. J. Sato took control of the ball, skillfully dribbling it down the field to
monica simpson | SUN
Hayward Cup champions Team Sato Real Estate. Pictured left to right, bottom row: Chris Klotz, Lyn Clarke and Josh Sato and, top row: Kevin Roman, Adam Mott, Jordan Demers, Jake Parsons, Chelsea Hoffner and John Coleman. score. The team captain’s efforts were spoiled by Beissert and McCarthy. The next shot by Klotz was blocked by Brisson giving Team Moss Builders clear possession and a chance to score. Controlling the field and the pace of the game, Felipe placed the ball right at L. Sato’s feet. Feeling the press of her brother-in-law hot on her heels, the forced strike went just to the left of the post. After three shot attempts by Moss Builders, Team Sato Real Estate took over on offensive with another shot by Klotz that hit off Beissert with force sending the soccer ball over the cross bar. Unable to capitalize off of the corner kick, Sato Real Estate was back to defending as L. Sato fought hard to put another point on the scoreboard with one minute rapidly ticking down.
Keeping L. Sato from scoring, Roman soon found his chance to score, but with two defenders in his way Roman passed to Mott sitting at the right post. The ball went off the outside of Mott’s foot and rolled just outside of the goal, ending the first half of the championship game. Excitement continued to fill the air at the community center as the second half of play began. Soon after the kickoff, play was stopped as players, children, and spectators chased a dog off the field. Play resumed with Sato Real Estate’s intensity level heightened. After a long clear of J. Sato’s shot attempt by Jacob Talucci and Parson’s second strike blocked by the Moss Builders' defense, J. Sato found his moment to slip one into the net, tying the ball game 2-2 with 20 minutes left to play.
Applying the pressure, Beissert’s efforts to stop Roman were not enough as he passed the lone defender to score the go ahead goal, putting Sato Real Estate up by one. A quick defensive snag gave Klotz the opportunity to swiftly move the ball through a sea of blue jerseys, scoring and putting the score to 2-4. Momentum moving in Team Sato Real Estate’s way, the team stole the ball from the Moss Builders’ offense and dribbled the ball down the length of the field only to have goalkeeper McCarty block the hard shot. Tripped up by Roman, Beissert took the free kick, landing the soccer ball at the boots of Felipe. His fierce shot zoomed inches past the post. Looking for a chance to put the ball see sports, page 33
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sports: Sato captures Heyward Cup FROM PAGE 32
in the net, Kretzmann took the ball away from Sato Real Estate. After a touch, he passed to L. Sato, who knocked it back to the formidable midfielder. Kretzmann’s shot was too hard and too high. Roman’s hard kick hit Kretzmann, putting him on the ground. The referee stopped the clock with 16 minutes left on the scoreboard. With the quick breather for all, play continued with Beissert stopping the shot of J. Sato giving Moss Builders the offensive advantage. L. Sato once again fought to win the ball against Mott. Victorious, she passed the soccer ball to Felipe who made a beautiful high shot that looked like it would fall just under the cross bar. Keeper Demers made the high jumping save. The defensive fight by Moss Builders moved the ball back down to midfield. L. Sato took her position right by the post, waiting for the pass to make the light boot into the goal, but Kretzmann kept the ball and sailed it again over the goal. Team Moss Builders continued the good right only down two goals with more than 12 minutes left in regulation play. Beissert made a beautiful cross to Felipe. Roman had the critical stop against Felipe, preventing the shot and possible goal. The referee called Clarke for a handball after tripping Beissert. His free kick in the 35th minute of the game was barely saved by Demers, giving Felipe another chance with a corner kick. Kretzmann was the target of
the corner kick, but once again the excitement of the championship game put too much energy behind his strike sending it high over the cross bar. After several more failed attempts to score by Moss Builders, Sato Real Estate went on a scoring rampage to end the game. Roman started by getting the ball in the goal by the goalie with six minutes left in the game. Parsons, former Manatee High School classmate of Roman, scored again one minute later. Looking like he would put another one away, Roman took a breakaway shot skillfully saved by McCarthy. Determined to score in the last game of the season, Clarke took position at the right post waiting for his opportunity. Clarke took the header hitting the post landing the soccer ball past the line for goal moving the score to 2-7. With the wind out of their sails, Team Moss Builders continued to play with just minutes left on the clock. McCarthy left his place right at the goal, just enough to allow Parsons to toe tap the final goal of the game into the next, ending the match with the score 2-8. With Sato Real Estate’s victory, the talented squad finished the season undefeated. The team goes into the history books as only one of two teams to accomplish this difficult task. The Hayward Cup will be defended once again in the coming months as adult soccer resumes in the fall.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
CNOBB taking shape The newly-formed Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach (CNOBB) group met for the first time on Tuesday, July 11, at the Annie Silver Community Center; and they were scheduled to meet again on Tuesday, July 18. Attended by 16 residents, the July 11 meeting served as an organizational meeting that saw eight members selected to serve on the steering committee that will guide the citizens’ group through its formative stages. The steering committee consists of Planning and Zoning Board members Bill Vin-
cent (shown at front of room), Reed Mapes and Patty Shay, Scenic WAVES chair Tjet Martin, former City Commissioner Janie Robertson, Pines Trailer Park resident Michael Harrington, Bradenton Beach Marina President Mike Bazzy and former building moratorium advocate Joanne Keir. Martin will serve as membership chair, and Bazzy is creating post cards to mail to city residents as part of the recruiting efforts. Harrington created the www.CNOBB. org website and the group can be contacted via e-mail at cnobb2017@gmail.com.
Pickleball court nearly ready The new Community Redevelopment Agency funded pickleball court at Lou Barola Park in Bradenton Beach has been painted and striped and is expected to be ready for play this week. The park is at the corner of Highland Avenue and Fourth Street North, near the Police Department and Public Works Department headquarters. JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
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Obituaries Crystle F. ‘June’ Connick Crystle F. “June” Connick passed away July 9, 2017, peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family. She was a beautiful, gracious, cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend whose strong faith inspired all who knew her. She was born 89 years ago, a coal miner’s daughter, in Monmouth, KS and was raised in and around Kansas City, Mo. After marriage in 1948, she relocated to Irvington, N.Y., until 1958 when after vacationing on Anna Maria Island, fell in love with and moved to Bradenton Beach. There she and her husband owned and managed Con-
BEACH BEAT Anna Maria
6/30, theft, 200 block of Palm Avenue. A license tag was stolen off a vehicle. 7/4, lost property, 100 Spring Ave. The complainant said he lost his wallet while watching the fireworks at the Sandbar restaurant. 7/6, Information, 100 S. Bay Blvd. A man said he had walked to the Ann Maria City Pier the day before and when he returned to his lodging, he found his wallet was missing. The next day he went to the Waterfront restaurant to ask if anybody had turned in a wallet and employees said yes. It was his, but his money was missing. He asked for a police report in case his insurance company might reimburse him. 7/7, shoplifting, 503 Pine Ave. The subject walked through the Anna Maria Island
TOWN CRIER Attention businesswomen The Anna Maria Island Chapter of S.W.A.T. (Successful Women Aligning Together) will meet on Thursday, July 20, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. S.W.A.T. meetings allow businesswomen to network with other like-minded professionals. Guests are always welcome. To R.S.V.P. and for more information, contact Sherri Proctor, director, or Betty Burton, associate director, at SWATAMI@ gmail.com or 941-345-5135.
nick’s Grocery Store/ TV Repair Shop for 29 years before retiring to a peaceful 5-acre family home site in Sarasota with their youngest daughter, Sherry and family. Many happy, memorable gatherings took place at the ranch, including her recent 89th birthday celebration. She is survived by the love of her life for the past 69 years, husband Richard (Dick) Connick. She also leaves behind her loving, devoted children, Rick Connick (Barb), of Englewood, Fla.; Jean Connick Thompson (Dale), of Port Charlotte, Fla.,; and Sherry Barshaw, of Sarasota; grandchildren. Dawn Brown, Rickey (Erica) and Angel Connick; Trisha (Ed) Nolan, Terri, Dale (Nathalie), and Mickey Thompson, Rachel (Chet) Brown and Jay Huddleston; as well as 19 great grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren, brothers Mickey Frisbie (Peggy), of Kansas City, Mo, Doug
Frisbie; and sister Sherry Jean Mitchell of Grove, Okla.; and numerous nieces and nephews, many of which she kept in contact with through Facebook. Her many gifts and talents included designing/creating jewelry recently with precious stones/beads in the 1960s with shells she collected from the beach. She was a fashion guru, always dressed as if anticipating a visit from royalty. Even her granddaughters looked fashionable when they borrowed her clothes. There was a service on Thursday, July 13, at Groover Funeral Home/Mansion Memorial Park in Ellenton. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Mary, the Tidewell Hospice/Palliative Care nurse for expert, compassionate support in her final days.
General Store and placed a bottle of wine in her purse. She got other items and paid for them, but not the wine. The store manager got the subject’s name from her credit card she used to pay for the other items. The manager said the same person stole another bottle of wine the day before.
male who started an argument with some women was ordered to leave and not return. 7/10, obstructing, resisting a law enforcement officer without violence. The suspect was seen walking toward a beach that was closed at night. He fled when a sheriff’s deputy confronted him, but the subject was seen later on a stolen bike on the Longboat Pass Bridge. He was ordered to stop but he jumped off the bridge instead. The U.S. Coast Guard, and Longboat Key Fire Rescue deployed boats, but the subject hid from them around the docks in the area. He lost his grip and got caught in the current, and they were able to rescue and arrest him.
Bradenton Beach
7/5, criminal mischief, anchorage off Bridge Street. A sailboat owner told the victim he witnessed a person known as Jimmy cut the line to his anchor. The victim declined to press charges. 7/6, criminal theft, Bridge Walk, 100 Bridge St. A bike worth $569 was stolen from a caged area at the resort. The theft was recorded by security cameras, and police are investigating. 7/8, Trespass, Sports Lounge, 118 Bridge St. The bartender asked the officer to issue a trespass order to a man he found sleeping on the premises. 7/9, trespass, Drift In, 120 Bridge St. A
Holmes Beach
7/8, driving with no license, 600 Manatee Ave. The officer ran a computer check on the vehicle, and it showed the owner did not have a license. He was ticketed.
An engineering lesson
Pirates celebrate Christmas
The Island Branch Library, 5702 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, is celebrating the end of summer, with a chance for kids to learn and use engineering skills on Thursday, July 20, at 10 a.m. It’s family fun for kids and parents. For more information, call the library at 941-778-6341.
The Anna Maria Island Privateers are hosting their annual Christmas in July celbration on Bridge Street on Saturday, July 22. Santa and his sleigh will arrive at 6 p.m. for pictures with parents and kids. The Drift In will host a pot luck Christmas dinner starting at 7 p.m. Members of the public are invited to bring a dish to share or $5 to eat. There will be a lotto board raffle with tickets going on sale at the Drift In guaranteeing at least $100 in cash and lottery tickets for your scratching pleasure for more pirate booty. Winners need not be present to win. There also will be a pirate basket loaded with bottles of wine. Winners need to present to win those drawings. Tickets will be drawn at 8:45 p.m. on
Mahjong is here The Friends of the Island Library are sponsoring mahjong sessions and there’s one on Friday, July 21, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the library, 5701 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach. For more information, call the library at 941-778-6341.
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Joseph Peter Schon Joseph Peter Schon, 43, of Holmes Beach, passed away July 15, 2017. He was born on May 6, 1974, in Suffern N.Y. Joseph has been a resident of Holmes Beach for the last 10 years, coming from Monterey, Calif. He worked as a registered nurse in the P.C.U. Unit at Manatee Memorial Hospital for the last six years. He was predeceased by his father, Joseph S. Schon, and is survived by his beloved wife of 1 ½ years, Anastasha, of Bradenton; his loving mother, Maya Schon, of Holmes Beach; his caring sister, Suzette (David) DiBattista, of Sarasota; and many extended family members and friends. Services will be held at a later date. Condolences for the family may be made online at www.shannonfuneralhomes.com.
7/9, Trespass after warning, Publix, 3900 East Bay Drive. The defendant crashed into another car in the Public parking lot. The officer heard the incident on the radio and remembered the defendant had been trespassed from the premises before. She was charged while she was in jail on other charges. 7/10, vehicle theft, 600 block of Dundee Lane. A rental car was taken. 7/10, violation of a no-contact order, obstructing justice. The victim said her exboyfriend, who had been arrested for domestic violence against her, apparently sent a man, who called himself a private investigator, to her house to try to influence her to drop the charges. He made threats that he would dig up information about her and take it to the press. He later sent an e-mail to her with a waiver of prosecution and said her ex-boyfriend promised to pay her for damages to her closet. The officer reported he would ask the the state attorney’ office to investigate.
the 22nd. Fifty percent of the money raised will go towards the Privateers Christmas Family in December the other 50 percent will go toward the engine/drive train repair of the beloved 60-foot pirate ship Skullywag. If you have questions, contact the Privateers at 941-900-4141. Visit their website www.amiprivateers.org and like them on Facebook.
Silly fun The Island Branch Library, 5702 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, is hosting string painting for kids ages 5 and older on Saturday, July 22, at 2 p.m. Parents are welcome too, so bring the For more information, call the library at 941-778-6341.
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TOM VAUGHT | SUN
Food facts Joe Hendricks | Sun
Boat ramp renovations The county-funded renovations to the North Coquina Boat Ramp in Bradenton Beach are now underway. Slated for a possible October or November completion date, the $1.9 million in boat ramp improvements being made by Quality Marine Construction will include new boat ramps, a new seawall, new docks and a paved parking lot.
Restaurateur Ed Chiles and Cortez fish house owner Karen Bell spoke to a crowd at The Studio at Gulf and Pine Wednesday, July 12, about sustainable food to the market. Chiles spoke about finding new local products for the market and Bell spoke about maintaining seafood sources for the market.
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
Manatee lesson Coral Bass, from the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department Education office, spoke about manatees before an audience of 53 at the Island Branch Library Thursday. She had the kids and parents walk around the room slowly, like manatees swim, and showed the different kinds of the waterborne mammal that is the namesake of our county.
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
Blood drive The bloodmobile sits in the Island Branch Library Wednesday afternoon waiting for donors to contribute during the slow season for donations.
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FUN IN THE SUN
Across 1 Los Alamos projects 7 "A Jug of Wine ..." poet 11 Shelter acquisition 14 Hat with a brim 15 Sport for heavyweights 16 Fertility lab supply 17 Heavyweight who dethroned Sonny Liston 19 NASA transport 20 Attacks 21 Other, to Orlando 22 Happy hour site 25 The London Eye, for one 28 Exception lead-in 30 Memorable "Richard III" words 31 Disadvantaged 32 One of the Mountain States 35 Some hot rods 36 Zesty meat coating 40 Roulette option 42 "Sorry" 43 Land of the banshee 46 Home of the NCAA's Wolf Pack 48 "Tess" Golden Globe winner 50 Beer-making device 54 Slew 55 Level, in London 56 Spelunkers 58 Dash widths 59 Fictional wizard, and a hint to who would use the ends of 17-, 25-, 36- and 50-Across 64 __ limit 65 Assist badly? 66 Words before "Happy New Year!"
67 Kenan's TV pal 68 Chats 69 New York county on Lake Ontario Down 1 Browns' gp. 2 Cole Porter's "__ Clown" 3 Takes too much, briefly 4 Peat component 5 Legal filings 6 Browns, perhaps 7 Word before nod or buzz 8 Millionaire starter? 9 Org. with a monthly Journal of Ethics 10 Kevin's "Tin Cup" role 11 Disruptive spirit 12 Tibetans call it Chomolungma 13 They may be hot 18 Belarus or Ukr., once 21 "Looky here!" 22 Small seal 23 Low nĂşmero 24 Circulation need 26 Humorist Mort 27 "Hold it!" 29 Bobble the ball Answers to 07-12-17 Crossword & Sudoku Puzzle
32 Market chain based in Chicago 33 Room with a recliner 34 Insurance fig. 37 Helper 38 Site of Mt. Mitchell, highest Appalachian peak 39 __ master 40 Taking five or ten 41 Drive up the wall 44 "King Kong" studio 45 Cologne article 47 Blow away 48 Heavy lifter, for short? 49 Aligned 51 Head-turner's hardware? 52 Super Mario racers 53 One climbing the walls 57 Stash 59 Uris novel, with "The" 60 Old sports org. with a red-white-and-blue ball 61 Piggy 62 Writer's coll. major, often 63 Vintage auto
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ANNOUNCEMENTS BEACH YOGA ON Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www. thriveyogafit.com THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Lynn at 813758-3234 or lbrennan47@ gmail.com ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, Walgreen's and The Anna Maria Island Sun Newspaper (corner of Gulf and Palm).
AUTO/ BOAT DETAILING PROFESSIONAL PRESSURE WASHING. Residential & Commercial. Window Cleaning, Car & Boat Detailing. Free Estimates. Call or text Adrian's Detailing LLC 941-405-6746
BABY SITTER RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student. Call or text Isabel 941-5457995
BOATS: PARTS & SERVICES & SALES ISLAND BOAT SALES, If I List It, It's Sold. "Business On A Hand Shake" Not Using Your Boat, Let's Sell It. Dave/Owner 941-228-3489
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 CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & RENTALS. Professional and Reliable. Call 941756-4570
Call us today! 941-778-3986
CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, Construction and Vacation Rentals . Also available Power Washing and Windows. Call 941251-5948 THOMPSON CLEANING SERVICE CommercialResidential-Marine. Island Based Company. Seasonal Deep Cleaning-Weekly-Occasional. Call for Free Estimate. 941-281-4951
HAULING SITE CLEAN-UP to trash outs we can handle it all. Call us for your dumpsters/ trash needs today 941-7538772
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
COMMERCIAL SALES SALON BUSINESS FOR SALE in Holmes Beach. Call 941-538-0225 for more information. NEED 9300 Sq Ft WAREHOUSE to store your (CAR) collection? Bradenton, near Airport. $619,000 Island Real Estate Ask Alan Galletto 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
HOME TRUE VALUE HARDWARE. 5324 Marina Dr. Holmes Beach has an opening for a part time cashier, 2 days a week. email application to hometvhardware@aol.com or leave app with our cashier.
FISHING CHARTERS CAPT. MAC GREGORY Fishing Charters. Full Day, Half Day, Night, Inshore & Near Shore. 941-809-5783 U.S.C.G. Certified/Insured
GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES ROSER THRIFT SHOP: Open 9:30a.m.-2p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 10a.m.1p.m. Saturday. Annex open till 12p.m. Donations preferred on Wednesdays 9-11a.m. 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. 941-779-2733.
RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-7250073. KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CRC1327296. Call Jerry Kern 941-7781115 www.kernconstructioninc.com “HONEY DO" HOME Repairs & Handyman Services. 35 yrs experience. Painting, drywall, tile, woodwork. All tasks. Call 941-896-5256 or 941-807-5256 www.honeydohomerepairinc.com WALY PRECISION PAINTING: painting, drywall, stucco, and remodeling, commercial/residential, licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-4656324 www.WalyPrecisionPainting.us BESPOKE SERVICES, MASTER CARPENTER for all home & office repairs. Also painting, decorating, decking & dock repairs,. Large or small works. Reasonable Rates! Island guy for Island work. Call RICHARD 941-448-3571
LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941 SHELL DELIVERED AND spread $55/yd. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770
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STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell driveways and scapes. Also Rock, Mulch, & Soil. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE NORMS TOWING gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 7/19/2017 9:00am at 1855 63rd Ave E Bradenton FL 34203 pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. NORMS TOWING reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.
LOST & FOUND
LOST: LADIES AVIATOR sunglass on Holmes Beach, 65th street. Wed 6/28 Sunset. Reward. 813-546-3982 STOLEN FROM 217 PINE AVE. Art work from front of house. Multi-colored Fish. REWARD! Call 813-2305900 FOUND SMALL FRIENDLY domesticated black & white cat near Bean Point. Needs good home. Call 941-778-1976 LOST HEAVY GOLD CHAIN with Blue Stone near 47th Ave in Holmes Beach on December 26. REWARD! Call 908-963-1702 LOST MY GRANDMOTHER'S gold wedding band (initials inside and date) at Coquina Beach area. Reward. Call 407-579-1621
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!
PAINTING & WALLCOVERING PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates. 941-812-0507
“WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell 941794-0455 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Meticulous, Thorough, Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Wall paper removal.. Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315 DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-705-7096
113 BEACH AVE 3BR/3BA Pool Home. Great location West of Gulf Drive with Direct beach access! $1,055,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086 CANAL FRONT HOMES Holmes Bch - Key Royale GULF FRONT CONDOS Gulf Place, La Casa L’Plage, Waters Edge & MORE. Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 941-232-2216 FOR SALE: THE PORCH HOUSE. 2BR/2BA, 2 blocks to beach! Boyd Realty. Scott May 941-238-8377 or Brenda Boyd May 941-730-8589 VIVE LA FRANCE. Visiter Tout Les Courtages De Anna Maria et Bradenton. Avec Robert, Agent Immobilier, Membre Du Manatee Listing Service (MLS). Robert@gulfbayrealty.com 941-730-1291 cell. Gulfbay Realty of A.M, Inc.
POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE. AMI & West Bradenton. Certified Pool Operator. Residential/commercial. {Chemical Service} Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-737-5657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-713-1893
PRINTING CUSTOM DIGITAL PRINTING "Your printing dream to reality" Specializing in Dye sublimation Printing. Graphic Design. Performance Active ware. Logo Design. Call Rhonda 330-550-4847
REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE FROM THE HIGH $200’s Only minutes from the beach, this new active adult community is perfectly located just south of Manatee Ave, off Village Green Pkwy. Perfectly designed, open 2BR or 3BR/2BA plus den & 2CG floor plans. Luxurious amenities, pool, spa, gym, pickle ball and fenced-in dog park. HOA only $190/ month. Models open daily. Contact us 941254-3330 www.MirabellaFlorida.com
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RENTALS: ANNUAL 2BR/2BA CONDO IN CORTEZ at Smugglers Landing. 2 pools and workout room. Tile in most of unit, washer / dryer inside. 40 ft. boat slip. Split floor plan & under building parking. Background & credit required. $1700 per month & security. BRADENTON 1BR/2BA upstairs condo on 75th St. near St. Peter & Paul . Water, sewer basic cable incl. $925/ mo $925 security dep. $100 application fee. HISTORIC CORTEZ VILLAGE Wonderful colorful cottage home. 2BR/1BA centrally located . Cottage is 1000 s/f of old Florida charm. Newer carpets, clean appliances, a great place to call home. Carport & Washer /dryer hook up. Small pet with a $200 fee! Close to beaches of Anna Maria! Background and credit check required for any applicant over 18. 2-3 bedroom executive level townhouse in gated community with Bayview, 2 car garage, private elevator, treetop loft , Almost 2200 S/F. Many amenities including kayaks, pools, workout center, restaurant and bar all on site. Application approval required. Ask for Ed DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www. teamduncan.com
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RENTALS: ANNUAL
ANNUAL RENTAL- HOLMES BEACH 2BR/1.5BA, carport, storage, W/D hookups $1,720/mo. No Pets, Non-Smoking. Call Fran Maxon Real Estate for details 941-778-2307.
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. 2BR/2BA half duplex in Heritage Pines $995 annual lease. 2BR/2BA furnished in West Bay Cove $1600 annual lease. 1BR/1BA unfurnished duplex on island $1050 annual lease. 2BR/2BA furnished at West Bay Point Moorings $1850 annual lease Contact A Paradise 941-778-4800 BRADENTON: CHARMING UPDATED 2BR/1BA Duplex. 2111B 6th Ave W. $1100/mo First, Last & Security Deposit plus Credit Check. Call 941809-2488
Call us today! 941-778-3986
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 941704-7525 or 941-778-1915
SUMMER WEEKLY RENTALS Available: 2BR/1BA Gulf front from $1,100 per week. 2BR with sleeping loft Bayfront from $1,100 per week, 4BR/3BA Bayside from $1,450 per week. No pools. 2018 SEASONAL RENTALS Available: 2BR/1BA Gulf front from $3,850 per month, 2BR with sleeping loft from $3,850 per month. Three month minimum. Horizon Realty of Anna Maria 941-778-0426 kringco@ tampabay.rr.com NORTH SHORE DRIVE, Anna Maria. 3BR/2BA Seasonal Rental across the street from Gulf. Heated Pool. AMIRENTAL.com GREAT SUMMER RATES! Weekly, Monthly. 3BR/2BA NW Bradenton. Call Grace 941-2012190
JULY 19, 2017
TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $165. Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www.amitaxi.com ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all airports, appointments, casino, cruises, etc. Tampa $60. Sarasota $30. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-779-5095
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JULY 19, 2017
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JULY 19, 2017
Vacation Rentals • Sales • Property Management
TeamDuncan.com • 941.779.0304
310 Pine Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216