FREE
VOL 16 No. 38
July 20, 2016
Board hears Gloria Dei rezone and comp plan requests The planning commission will consider the requests on Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Commissioners held an informal question and answer session on a request from Gloria Dei Lutheran Church at 6608 Marina Drive to rezone a portion of its property from PSP (public/semi public) to R-2 (two family residential). “We’re here to save the church,” Gloria Dei attorney Scott Rudacille explained to the board. “It is an iconic building on the Island and an institution that has been around for decades. Frankly, they’re not in a financial position to continue to operate they way they have been operating.” He said the congregation established a committee to explore options, and members determined see gloria dei, page 44
Anna Maria enacts franchise moratorium SUN
James Roberts displays the new Pokémon Punch cocktail being served at The Bridge Tender Inn & Dockside Bar. Bradenton Beach Deputy Clerk Marie Montoya displays her affection for Pokémon in the form of a tattoo. Kristen Curtis was among those lured to the Bridge Tender Inn Friday afternoon
The public and members of the business community are invited to take part in the creation of new franchise regulations. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
In addition to the gaming fun, Pokémon GO has already provided an economic boost to local establishments. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – The Pokémon GO virtual gaming craze is a big hit on the Island. Pokémon GO is the latest offshoot of the Nintendo Game Boy video game that became popular in the
INSIDE NEWS OPINION Sun survey business outdoors town crier real estate police reports
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late 1980s and early 1990s. The newest incarnation also plays off the nostalgia many folks feel for the beloved Pokémon card game they played as kids. A hike down Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach last Friday afternoon with cell phone in hand revealed virtual PokeStops at the Tingley Memorial Library, the post office, Oma’s Pizza and the Moose Lodge, but the hottest spot was near the Bridge Tender Inn. Using GPS mapping, the game developers detersee pokemon, page 42
Find a full
menu of offerings at Island Fitness. 14
Anna Maria Island, Florida
ANNA MARIA – Inspired by similar concerns recently raised in Holmes Beach, city officials in Anna Maria have enacted a temporary moratorium on franchises. Now in effect after being adopted at the Thursday, July 14, City Commission meeting, Ordinance 16-818 establishes a temporary moratorium on the acceptance, processing and issuance of new demolition and building permits and applications that would allow formula retail establishments, aka franchises, to be built within the city limits. see FRANCHISE, page 44
Tents, chairs left on the beach overnight are impeding sea turtles. 4
All things matrimonial are in The Sun’s Wedding Section. 18-21
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JULY 20, 2016
JULY 20, 2016
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Judge dismisses three counts in federal lawsuit The court will be asked to rule at a later date if Shawn Kaleta’s right to free speech was violated. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – A federal judge has dismissed three of the four counts contained in a federal lawsuit filed against the city of Anna Maria by Shawn Kaleta and his Beach to Bay construction company. In response to a motion to dismiss filed by City Attorney Becky Vose, United States District Judge James D. Whittemore, from the Middle District of Florida in Tampa, filed his order on Tuesday, July 12. The order states that counts I, III and IV of the federal lawsuit have been dismissed without prejudice, and city’s motion to dismiss count II has been denied. Count I sought relief and damages under the Federal Constitution for the violation of equal protection of law as provided for by the 14th Amendment. The original complaint attorney Randolph Smith filed in February claimed the city arbitrarily treated Kaleta
and Beach to Bay differently that it treated other developers. Whittemore’s order cites a lack of supporting evidence and states, “Bare allegations that other applicants were treated differently do not state an equal protection claim.” Count III sought relief and damages under the Federal Constitution for violation of due process of law, which Smith claimed included banning Kaleta from obtaining building permits and injuring his goodwill and business operations. “Count III asserts procedural and substantive due process claims. The city contends that both must be dismissed for failure to state a claim. The court agrees,” the order states. Count IV sought relief and damages under the protection of the Florida Constitution. This count alleges the city imposed erroneous building restrictions, withheld permits, shut off power to one of Kaleta’s properties and made false and misleading statements to the press and public regarding his building practices. This count also mentions a complaint the city filed with the Florida Department of Business and Professional regulations.
Citing case law, Whittemore wrote, “To state a claim based on denial of procedural due process requires proof of three elements: a deprivation on a constitutionallyprotected liberty or property interest, state action and constitutionally inadequate process.” The order says the plaintiffs failed to state a plausible procedural due process claim and also failed to seek review under the Florida Administrative Procedure Act or by city’s review board. In regard to the Count II claim regarding free speech, the judge disagreed with Vose’s motion to dismiss based on her contention that the plaintiffs did not properly plea the adverse conduct requirements. Whittemore’s order states: “They allege the city shut off power and water, charged them for remediation they had already conducted and filed a complaint against them with the state. Accepted as true for the purposes of the city’s motion, these are sufficient to deter a person of ordinary firmness from the exercise of First Amendment rights.” When asked about the ruling, Vose
said, “I thought it was a really good order and it didn’t surprise me.” In regard to the second count not being dismissed, she said, “That didn’t surprise me because that was one that is very factually sensitive, and on a motion to dismiss the judge is not looking at weighing the facts. I believe we will be successful once the court can weigh the facts.” She also said, “They are saying the reason the city took these actions was because of things that Mr. Kaleta said in his exercise of free speech. I’ve talked to a lot of people and no one remembers when Mr. Kaleta said anything. He hasn’t come to the city commission and complained. The actions were taken because it was the right thing to do under the circumstances and it did not relate at all to anything Mr. Kaleta said or didn’t say. But that’s a factual matter that cannot be addressed in this stage of the proceedings.” As for what happens next, Vose said, “We’ll probably go in for a motion for summary judgment which gets the actual matters in front of the federal court in Tampa.”
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ISLAND NEWS
in brief
Peelen suggests holiday beach volunteers Holmes Beach Commissioner Jean Peelen said she has received e-mails concerning tents, chairs and the like being left on the beach at night and interfering with turtle crawls. (See related story on this page.) She suggested that the city implement a program for volunteers on holidays to patrol the beaches and confiscate such items. However, Commissioner Carol Soustek said the city’s code enforcement officers patrol the beaches and talk to people about removing the items at night. “Most of the time people will do that, but later when they (code enforcement officers) come back after nightfall, some of the items are still there.” She said the officers don’t confiscate the items because there’s no place to store them, but they do move the items off the beach and place them near the trash cans.
Center town hall meeting July 25 Officials of The Center of Anna Maria Island will hold a town hall meeting on Monday, July 25, at 6:30 p.m. Officials will review the budget and the programs for the year. Everyone in the community is invited to attend.
Yachts burglarized Manatee County Sheriff’s Office detectives are looking for clues and suspects in the weekend burglaries of four yachts that were stored out of the water at Galati Marine, 900 S. Bay Blvd. in Anna Maria. Items taken from the yachts include a shotgun and a handgun, according to a Sheriff’s Office report. The value of the items stolen is unknown at this time. Crime scene investigators responded. Anyone with information to report on this crime call 941-747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS.
Commissioners approve ordinances Holmes Beach city commissioners approved the following ordinances at their July 12 meeting: • Ordinance 16-13: encroachments into secondary front year, second reading; • Ordinance 16-14: Noise control, second reading;
Board of adjustment to be replaced Holmes Beach commissioners approved on first reading an ordinance to replace their city’s board of adjustment with a special master. The board of adjustment hears requests for variances and some building code appeals. It has not met since 2006 and currently has only one member.
Correction The photo of the four mayors on page 18 of the July 13 edition of The Sun was taken by Barbara Murphy.
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JULY 20, 2016
Tents, chairs impeding turtle nesting
BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
With the increasing popularity of large tents on the beach, mother sea turtles trying to nest on Anna Maria Island’s coastline are running a gauntlet of metal frames and are not always succeeding. Turtles are getting caught in the accordion-style frames that people fold up and leave on the beach overnight, in violation of Island city ordinances, said Suzi Fox, director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring. “Tent cities” – several tents right next to each other – sometimes stay up all night, and sometimes tents are erected before dawn, also a violation, she said. “People put their tents up at 6 a.m. to save their spot,” Fox said, suggesting that the Island cities should consider a no-tent policy on the beaches, like one in Ocean Isle, N.C. Numerous tents are also a safety issue for people, making it more difficult for lifeguards to get to swimmers who need help. The tents sometimes break free in gusty winds and get blown down the beach, posing a hazard to beachgoers, Fox said. She added that they also prevent people from getting to and from the water, especially on three-day weekends like the recent Fourth of July weekend. Chairs and benches also are causing problems for turtles, Fox said, recounting a disoriented sea turtle whose tracks indicate she approached the Sandbar restaurant in Anna Maria, became entangled in furniture and left without laying her nest. For the second time, she said, Fox reported the incident by e-mail on July 12 to Pamela Gibbs, the parking and code enforcement manager for the city of Anna Maria. “We are seeing more and more things left on nesting beaches in the city of Anna Maria,” she wrote, citing an early July incident north of Pine Avenue in which a mother turtle nested against a dune with chairs, umbrellas, and toys hanging over the nesting site. “Thank goodness they didn’t fall,” she wrote. “The volunteers who live and volunteer in your city, as well as me, are deeply concerned.” Another problem is that city benches that are not attached to the
CHANTELLE LEWIN | sun
This mangled tent was found at sunrise on the beach in Anna Maria. The tent had been in the same spot for two days. ground are being dragged down to the shoreline and left there, she wrote, and that turtle lighting ordinances are not being enforced. “Could you give all of us an update on what the city of Anna Maria is doing?” Fox wrote. Gibbs responded in an e-mail that she has “been working with our attorney and the restaurant to gain compliance. Again speaking to the restaurant manager, they have stated they will be in compliance. We will have the property re-inspected again this week to confirm compliance.” Gibbs did not respond to the other questions. Fox said she plans to create a presentation to give to Island code enforcement officers in all three cities to improve the understanding and enforcement of turtle laws. Hatchlings will be the next focus of concern, she said, as the first turtle nest hatched this month on the Island.
Turtle Tips During sea turtle season, May 1 – Oct. 31, please follow these tips:
• Turn off lights visible from the beach and close blinds from sundown to sunrise; lights confuse nesting sea turtles and may cause them to go back to sea and drop their eggs in the water, where they won’t hatch. Light can also attract hatchlings away from the water. • Don’t use flashlights, light sticks, or cell phone or camera flashes on the beach at night. • Remove all objects from the sand from sundown to sunrise; they can deter sea turtles from nesting and disorient hatchlings. • Fill in the holes you dig in the sand before leaving the beach; they can trap nesting and hatching sea turtles, which cannot live long out of the water. • Don’t use sky lanterns or fireworks; they litter the beach and Gulf. • Do not trim trees and plants that shield the beach from lights. • Never touch a sea turtle; it’s the law. If you see people disturbing turtles, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
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Florida manatee deaths rise BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
Ten manatees have died so far this year in Manatee County, four in watercraft collisions, including one off Holmes Beach and one off Cortez, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Statewide, 323 manatees died as of July 8, closing in on the five-year average of 490 deaths per year in just over six months. A male manatee was killed by watercraft in Grassy Point Bayou off Holmes Beach on March 31, and another male was killed by watercraft on May 25 in Anna Maria Sound off Cortez. A female was killed by watercraft on June 12 in Terra Ceia Bay and a male was killed by watercraft on May 22 in Miguel Bay off Terra Ceia. No charges were filed because the animals’ bodies were discovered after the boat strikes, and wildlife officers had no way of knowing which boats had hit them, said Scott Calleson, an FWC biological scientist, adding that the cause of death was determined from necropsies. Charges could be
CINDY LANE | SUN
A manatee takes a breath at the south end of Anna Maria Island. filed if someone witnessed a boater violating a speed zone and hitting a manatee, he said. Deaths unrelated to watercraft are a male manatee that died of natural causes discovered in January off Longboat Key; a male found in the
Braden River in February that died of natural causes; a male found in Terra Ceia Bay in Palmetto in February that died of cold stress; a male found in March in the Manatee River that died around birth; a male found in May in Bishops Bayou off Longboat Key
that died around birth; and a female found in June in the Manatee River off Palmetto that died of undetermined causes. Statewide, 65 manatees have died so far this year in encounters with boats, Jet Skis and other floating recreational vehicles. Watercraft collisions are the second largest cause of manatee deaths so far this year, surpassed only by perinatal deaths (calves that die shortly before or after birth). Manatees also die from red tide exposure and entrapment in flood gates and locks. In 2015, 405 manatee deaths were recorded statewide; in 2014, 371 deaths; in 2013, 830 deaths; in 2012, 392 deaths; in 2011, 453 deaths for a five-year average of 490 deaths per year, according to the FWC. If you see a manatee in distress or a dead manatee, call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline, 888-404-3922 (FWCC), #FWC or *FWC on a cell phone, or text Tip@MyFWC.com. Report the location of the animal, its signs of injury or distress, the nearest boat ramp and your contact information.
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OPINIOn
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JULY 20, 2016
EDITORIAL Keep beaches safe for all
T
here's nothing better than a day at the beach on Anna Maria Island, where we are blessed with a soft, powdery ribbon of sand running all along our western shore, and the ability to replace it as it inevitably erodes away. Attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors and sun seekers each year, the beaches here are by far the most popular tourist attraction we have. Such popularity, however, brings with it a host of challenges, especially from May 1 to October 31, when the beaches attract another set of visitors: nesting sea turtles. The mother turtles emerge from the Gulf during this time, drag themselves up onto the sand and dig out their nests, into which they lay their eggs. It's a tedious process for the endangered - and protected - creatures. Any impediment to their lumbering journey across the sand can actually prevent the turtles from nesting, spelling doom for the unhatched babies. Because of this, concerns have been raised recently about an increasing number of tents and chairs being left out overnight on the beach. (See our story on Page 4.) These obstacles pose grave risks for the turtles, which can become entangled and die or simply abandon the nesting process. It is illegal to leave such debris on the beach after sundown, though many first-time visitors to the Island may not know that. Others apparently just don't care what damage their carelessness can inflict. Whether it's from ignorance or indifference, such behavior needs to be changed. We'd like to see such items consistently confiscated and removed from the beach, either by police or code enforcement. An outright ban on tents, as some other communities have done, is too severe a response and not the answer. Continuing education of the beachgoing public and consistent enforcement of existing laws are proven methods for keeping the coastline safe for humans and wildlife alike.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Who do we sue? My wife and I have lived in the city of Anna Maria for 26 years. We are moving because it is impossible to live anything resembling a stress-free life surrounded by short term rentals. Our neighbors next door are moving too, and so are our neighbors across the canal. The rest of our neighbors have already gone. I say to all the people filing Bert Harris claims: Who do I sue because you have devalued Anna Maria residents’ property with your overstuffed rentals? Who do I sue because my quality of life has plummeted since you came to town? Who do I sue because all the negative publicity shines so dimly on our once shining city? I think you and your attorneys should be ashamed of yourselves and your greed. Jim White Anna Maria
their lives on the line every day simply by pinning on the badge, kissing their families goodbye and doing the job as a professional police officer, working diligently to protect the community they serve. I am often asked why, when a police officer has a vehicle stopped, do we have more than one officer. It is because of the possible dangers that could occur at any time. The simple presence of an additional officer keeps people in check and reduces the chances of the encounter going south. We want to thank our community for the support, well wishes and kind comments that have been coming in. These words and the hugs, smiles and waves truly touch our officers' hearts and help us as we all try to heal from this tragic loss. William L. Tokajer Chief of Police Holmes Beach Police Department
Grateful for community support
Fresh from Florida
The horrific events of senseless and cowardly attacks on law enforcement officers this past week resonate with all. As law enforcement officers we mourn the loss of our brother officers and pray for their families. I tell people all the time how blessed we are in Holmes Beach to have the full support of our community for the efforts and enforcement activities of the Holmes Beach Police Department. It is unfortunate that our world has become such a dangerous place with people attacking the ones who put
I’m writing concerning an Associated Press story about 500 fishermen held as slaves by a fishery in Indonesia. I saw a TV report showing the release of a fisherman having been held for 20 years, being reunited with his mother. The fishing slavery story should matter to consumers because they have created the market for the fish harvested by them; held on an island, beaten and underfed so we could have seafood. Not fresh from Florida. It could have been. The AP story includ-
Take The Sun Survey on Page 7. ed following the harvesting to loading for transport and the unloading at the USA markets, some in our area including Walmart, Cisco and Kroger. Ninety percent of our seafood is imported, and only 1 percent is inspected. We now know where some of it comes from. Undoubtedly, this is not the only fishery using slaves. Perhaps the shrimp from China sold at Walmart? It is ironic to me, a Cortez Florida fisherman’s daughter, that men are forced to fish, and my kin folks were not allowed to fish by the 1995 net ban. To newcomers, yes, they can use cast nets that capture all the immature fish. They cannot use the larger mesh gill nets that release the smaller fish to continue growing. Forty percent of fishermen in Florida had to find another job. I believe that we can and should repeal the net ban, if the voters were made aware of the facts. Wow, if that happened, we could have fresh from Florida harvested year 'round at prices we could afford. Do you know that before the net ban the Florida mullet was 45 cents a pound and $2.25 after the net ban? Thank you AP. How about a follow up letting us know which restaurants are serving fish from the slave fishery? I urge buyers to ask the source of their fish dinners. Join me in contacting our Florida legislature. An amendment to repeal the net ban would pass an informed electorate. Dr. Mary Fulford Green Cortez
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JULY 20, 2016
THE SUN
the sun survey
on the agenda
PREVIOUS QUESTION: Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon's television interview with Chelsea Handler over his winning draw of the cards was:
Anna Maria
Holmes Beach
7/21: City Commission meeting, 6 p.m. For information, call 7086130.
7/26: City Commission meeting followed by work session, 7 p.m. 7/28: police retirement Board, 11:30 a.m. For information, call 7085800.
71%
7%
Embarrassing
Revealing
10005 Gulf Drive
Bradenton Beach 107 Gulf Drive N.
7/21: City Commission meeting, noon. 7/26: City Commission work session, 1 p.m. 7/27: Planning and Zoning Board, 1 p.m. 7/27: Scenic WAVES, 3 p.m. For information, call 7781005.
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5801 Marina Drive.
Island-wide
7/20: Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials, CANCELED 7/21: West Manatee Fire Commission meeting, 6417 3rd Ave. W., Bradenton, 6 p.m.
mark your calendar Note: Events are free unless indicated.
12%
10%
Fun to watch
Unfair to the mayor
THIS WEEK’S SURVEY Do you favor Anna Maria's plan to impose a moratorium on franchise businesses?
• Yes • No • No opinion
View The Sun’s online edition at www.issuu.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun
The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff
Layout Ricardo Fonseca Reporters Pat Copeland Cindy Lane
Tom Vaught Joe Hendricks
Ad assistant Chris Boniberger
Accounting John Reitz
Columnists Louise Bolger
Classified ads Bob Alexander
Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis
Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca
Distribution Bob Alexander Keith Isner Tony McNulty
Ad director Chantelle Lewin
Web/Social media Jocelyn V. Greene Cindy Lane
Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, noon to 12:45 p.m. $10. Register to ArtLeagueAMI@ gmail.com or 941-778-2099. Family movie, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 3 p.m. Turtle talks, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 6:30 p.m. July 21
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Editor/CEO Mike Field
July 20
Thursday
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Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field
Wednesday
Contributors Steve Borggren Monica Simpson
Wonders of Nature animal show, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Aerobics for Seniors, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 11 a.m. Successful Women Aligning Together, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach, 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Members, $12, guests, $17. RSVP to swatami@ gmail.com. Knitting/crochet group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Jam in the sand, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.
Friday July 22
Bridge beginners/refresher class, 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. RSVP to maryann-
brady@aginginparadise.org or 941-383-6493. Sunset drum circle, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.
Saturday July 23
Snooty’ birthday party, South Florida museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reduced admission for the day. Healing meditation, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 11 a.m. to noon. Reserve to 941-778-2099 or ArtLeagueAMI@gmail.com. STEAM Sphero fun, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
Sunday July 24
Beach Market, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday July 25
Social bridge games, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, noon.
Tuesday July 26
Preschool story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Turtle talks, CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
Wednesday July 27
Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, noon to 12:45 p.m. $10. SEE CALENDAR, PAGE 8
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JULY 20, 2016
Boater rescued off Egmont Key
mark your calendar From Page 7
Register to ArtLeagueAMI@gmail.com or 941-778-2099. Chess Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Turtle talks, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday July 28
Wah Lum Kung Fu: meet the real Mulan, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Aerobics for Seniors, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 11 a.m. Knitting/crochet group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Jam in the sand, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.
S
Friday
Sunday
Bridge beginners/refresher class, 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. RSVP to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941-383-6493. Sunset drum circle, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.
Beach Market, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
July 29
July 31
Saturday July 30
CPR class, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m. Pre-registration required. Robinson Preserve paddle, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 9 a.m. Reserve to 941-7425757, ext. 7.
A boater who launched from Palma Sola Causeway Thursday is safe today thanks to a Good Samaritan and a good float plan. The unidentified boater’s wife called 911 at 8:19 p.m. Friday concerned that her husband had not returned as planned, and personnel from the St. Petersburg Coast Guard Sector responded. The wife said he departed Palma Sola on Thursday to fish offshore and planned to return at 5 p.m. Friday. Using the details of her husband’s float plan, a helicopter crew from Air Station Clearwater and a crew aboard a 45-foot response boat from Coast Guard Station Cortez launched a search. While search crews responded, a boater called via marine radio channel 16 saying he had found the missing man, whose 23-foot boat was disabled 23 miles off Bean Point. Both Coast Guard rescue crews were on scene with the disable boater at 10:07 p.m. While the aircrew flew overhead, the boat crew secured a tow line to the boat and began the tow. The tow was transferred to TowBoatUS at 12:28 a.m. Saturday where it was taken back to Palma Sola boat ramp. “This is a testament to how important it is to have a float plan before you get underway,� said Petty Officer 1st Class Donna Petty, a watchstander at Sector St. Petersburg’s command center. “We were able to get on scene quickly to rescue him because he told his wife where he was going and when he’d be back.�
Monday Aug. 1
Social bridge games, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, noon.
Tuesday Aug. 2
Turtle talks, CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
Wednesday Aug. 3
Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, noon to 12:45 p.m. $10. Register to ArtLeagueAMI@gmail.com or 941778-2099.
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JULY 20, 2016
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Mayors meet with Center officials Officials review the past year and plans for the future and discuss the 2016-17 budget. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The Island mayors met with officials from The Center to review the past year and their plans for the future and discuss the 2016-17 budget “We started a year ago with rebranding and the mission was to serve as a gathering place for the Island community,� Executive Director Kristen Lessig explained. “We then identified our strategies of how we were going to set a new course of action as we were turning around the Center.� These strategies included developing a consistent branding message, going beyond the walls with programs and activities, reevaluating programs, developing partnerships with local businesses, improving communications with citizens and developing a sustainable financial model for the future. She said The Center’s major services to the community are before and after school care, summer camp, drop in child care, rental
facilities, as a site for organizations to gather and programs for seniors, family health and fitness, arts and culture and sports. Bradenton Breach Mayor Bill Shearon asked about The Center’s joint program with the Annie Silver Community Center. Lessig said there are 15 to 20 seniors that meet three Fridays a month from September to May, and The Center provides transportation, staffing and negotiates discounts on entry fees for attractions. Lessig said they plan to expand the programs and also offer support for programs offered by the center and help with maintenance.
Senior day care
Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy asked if they have considered offering senior day care and said, “It would be a great service you could offer.� Lessig said they have discussed that, as well as a family support program, but “we don’t have the staffing or skill sets to provide them. We are in talks with Tidewell Hospice about how we can utilize their knowledge and experience to help us provide some of that programing.� She said The Center no longer has a social worker and is partnering with Centerstone and its
staffers will work with youths and teens once a week on life and social skills and refer them for further intervention if there is a need. “There’s a great need for adult day care on the Island,� Murphy pointed out. “People want to feel good and comfortable about their spouses.� Treasurer Jim Froeschle said The Center could possibly be a satellite location for a program, and Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson said they could work with other organizations to provide the service. “There’s lots of positive potential in providing services that are meaningful as opposed to just providing a facility for entertainment,� Johnson said.
JULY 20, 2016
Fitness center owner makes another plea Jen Crady said The Center’s guest pass program for vacation rentals is hurting business. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
Froeschle said The Center has made progress in “turning the financials around� by developing a tracking system, streamlining the staff and building a financial management system. “Now we’re building on a solid foundation, not quicksand,� he said. “Not only was the building full of ‘termites,’ but a lot of people weren’t particularly happy with us. We had a community
HOLMES BEACH – Jen Crady, owner of AMI Health and Fitness, told the City Commission that The Center’s guest pass program for renters is hurting her business and urged commissioners to withhold funding for The Center. According to The Center’s agreement with AMI Accommodations, approximately 200 renters will have access to the fitness space, and The Center will receive $10 per check-in, paid by the rental company. “I came to make sure you really understand what a big deal this vacation rental is,� Crady explained. “This week we had a family of eight adults from Kentucky who come every year. This year they called and said there was a sign in their rental that they could go to the community center (fitness center) for free. “With the increase of their rates this year, they said they’d rather work out at my gym, but ‘unless you can give us a free membership as well we have to go to the community center.’ So $250 just walked out the door.� She said if she loses one rental of eight to 10 people every week of the year, it would be a loss of $10,000 to $20,000 for her business. “I’m sure it will be more than one house per week,� Crady continued. “I want to make sure you understand what a huge financial thing this is. “We’re not throwing a tantrum because woe is me and you’re going to take some business. This is a
see center, page 22
see fitness, page 23
Future financial plan
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Tree house saga continues At Friday’s trial, the issue was whether the initiative petition should be allowed to go forward. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – After hearing from attorneys on both sides Friday, Circuit Court Judge Don T. Hall said he would take their arguments under advisement and asked each attorney to write a proposed order. The issue is whether the initiative petition filed in 2013 by Richard Hazen and Lynn Tran, owners of the tree house on the beach in front of Angelino’s Sea Lodge at 103 29th St., should be allowed to go forward. If so, it would allow the city to put an ordinance on the ballot for voters to decide if the tree house is legal. The city alleges that an election would be invalid under state law because the process is prohibited with regard to development orders, and the city attorney requested a declaratory judgment. City Attorney Jim Dye maintained that while Florida Statute does not define development order it defines development permit, which is any order that permits the development of
land. “In my view a development order and a development permit are the same,” Dye said and added that it is not the “intent of the legislature to allow a person with an illegal structure to get a popular vote overriding all safeguards.” Tree house attorney David Levin maintained that the prohibition in state law applies to a development order and that the tree house is an accessory structure. “The initiative process is the last vestige of democracy at the local level,” Levin pointed out. “This case is about a small property owner wanting to to use their property. “There is an exception from development order for accessory structures. The building official testified that the tree house is accessory to other uses on the property." In other action on the tree house, a special magistrate ruled in a May hearing that Hazen and Tran did not bring the property into compliance with a code enforcement board order to remove the violations or demolishing the structure. The magistrate ordered a fine of $50 per day starting from July 22, 2015, but following the ruling, Levin filed a notice of appeal to the circuit court.
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JULY 20, 2016
Pen Bay sails through Planning Commission Further congestion along Cortez Road was cited as a primary concern by citizens and commission members. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com Jane von Hahmann |submitted
BRADENTON – Whiting Preston’s proposed Peninsula Bay development near the village of Cortez cleared another hurdle last week. On Thursday, July 14, the Manatee County Planning Commission voted 5-1 in favor of recommending to the county commission the approval of the Pen Bay general development plan and the developers’ request to rezone 358 acres of land from Planned Development Residential to Planned Development Mixed Use. At one point during the lengthy discussion, commission chair Bill Conerly said the committee was creating the rules that would apply to the development, but was not granting approval of the project itself. That approval can only be granted by the Manatee County Commission, which is expected to hear the request later this summer. The general development plan calls for 1,950 residential units, including 150 hotel
Above, concerned citizens filled the county commission chambers during last week’s Planning Commission meeting. At right, this map shows the area where the proposed development would be located. rooms; eight bed and breakfast rooms; 90,000 square feet of commercial, retail and office space; dry boat storage for 200 boats, a marina basin and public boat ramp. The property to be developed is located north of Cortez Road and south of Palma Sola Bay, and it surrounds Sunny Shores. The primary concerns expressed by committee members and citizens pertained to the impact the large development would have on traffic along western end of Cortez Road. County staff noted that traffic concurrency is to be addressed at a later stage in the development process and not during the discussion on the general development plan, but traffic was still a primary topic of
Open everyday 7:30AM to 5:00PM 9807 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria • 941-778-3170 www.ginnysandjanees.com
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conversation. Committee member, county commission candidate and Sunny Shores resident Matt Bower said, “I am betting at least 80 percent of the people here concerned about traffic. What are we going to be doing about the traffic? These people here today are going to want to hear about this.” Although he spoke highly of the project as a whole, Bower later cast the only opposition vote primarily to his traffic concerns.
Clarke Davis, the county’s transportation planning manager, said some intersection improvements could be made along Cortez Road, but nothing that can be done to increase its capacity to handle more traffic. “This an area that is constrained. There’s one crossing to get to the barrier island. It’s busy now, it’ll stay busy and some of it will be pretty much like it is today when it gets see Pen Bay, page 23
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Commission approves 8 percent raises The commission voted 3-2 in favor of the requested pay increases. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – City employees, including police officers, are in line to receive 8 percent pay increases in October. This decision was reached during the Friday, May 15, budget work meeting when Bradenton Beach commissioners voted 3-2 in favor of collectively adopting the 12 departmental and category specific budgets that serves as the basis of the 2016-17 fiscal year budget to take effect Oct. 1. Each of the departmental budgets previously presented by the four city department heads during the preliminary budget workshops included requests for the 8 percent raises. During those workshops, City Treasurer Shayne Thompson projected 8 percent pay increases for the city’s 25 full-time employees would equate to an additional $95,000 in payroll expenses for the forthcoming fiscal year. It was his professional opinion that the budget could sustain these increases. During the workshops, City Commissioner Jan Vosburgh advocated for 5 percent raises. When last week’s work meeting got underway, she suggested the commission take a separate vote on the pay increase percentage before collectively adopting the presented budgets.
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Mayor Bill Shearon referenced an email he sent to the commission members Thursday evening that contained three budget-related documents he prepared. “My concern is on our budget process and how we’ve gotten to the point where we’re at now. There’s nothing on the agenda here to discuss the bottom line and make the general distinction on the payroll issue,” he said.
joe hendricks | sun
From left, City Commission members Ralph Cole, Ed Straight, Jake Spooner and Bill Shearon discuss pay increases, with Commissioner Jan Vosburgh participating via Skype. He argued that a final decision on the pay increases was not included on the meeting agenda. Vosburgh disagreed and expressed her view that the raises were part of the budgets being discussed. When she again asked for a separate vote on the pay increase percentage, Commissioner Ralph Cole instead made a motion to accept the budgets as presented, including the 8 percent raises. “I cannot support this motion or the process that we’re doing,” Shearon said. “I would recommend that we give the employees a 5 percent increase,” Vosburgh said. “I think we already discussed this so I’m ready to vote,” said Vice Mayor Ed Straight. “I agree with you Jan that 5 percent is a more than fair increase, but that’s under normal circumstances,” Commissioner Jake Spooner said. “We haven’t been under normal circumstances for quite a long time. "There’s been so many years that went by with nobody receiving any kind of raise. That’s why I support the 8 percent to get us back to where we should be.”
Explanation needed
Seeking clarification, Shearon said, “I will assume that the motion is for a budget, and I’m assuming it’s not for a determination of a pay raise at this time. Does everyone understand the
motion the same way as I do?” None of the other commissioners agreed with Shearon’s interpretation of the motion. “No, it’s as presented, with the 8 percent increase,” Cole reiterated. “Are we telling staff now that they’re going to get an 8 percent pay raise or is it that we’ve allowed for it in our budget and it will be determined at a later time?” Shearon asked again. “You could say that about any line item here. Whatever we put in the budget we plan on paying, including the raises,” Straight said. Straight, Spooner and Cole then voted in favor of accepting the budgets as presented, Shearon and Vosburgh voted in opposition, and the meeting ended after 19 minutes. Final budget adoption will take during two public hearings in September. After Friday’s meeting, Thompson said he projects the city to have at least 25 percent of its unrestricted funds still available at the end of the 2016-17 fiscal year, which he said complies with the auditor’s recommendation. Thompson also anticipates increased property values will result in the city collecting an additional $120,000 in ad valorem tax revenues if the current millage rate is maintained. The millage rate is expected to remain the same and will be discussed at the Thursday, July 21, commission meeting.
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Find a full menu of offerings at Island Fitness BY LOUISE BOLGER SUN STAFF WRITER
It’s July and by now you’re probably ready to rip every piece of clothing off your body, and as soon as you get that exercise program going and finish eating all the diet food you bought, you’re going to do just that. But just in case your plans aren’t going as well as you expected, there is another way, call a fitness professional. Brenda Canning who has owned Island Fitness Anna Maria for the past 8 seasons has a full menu of fitness programs that will fit everyone’s fitness level and schedule. She is putting a special emphasis on kids' fitness training this year, an area frequently overlooked. Relocating to Bradenton 15 years ago from the Boston area where she like so many other transplants was done with the cold and snowy winters, Canning brought her 20 years of fitness experience with her. She is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire and is an AFAA Certified Personal Trainer. She also trained for three years with the US Olympic Field Hockey Team and competed in the 1996 Summer Olympics. The facility at Island Fitness is bright and immaculate with a separate cycle room, group fitness room with gleaming wood floors, locker rooms with shower facilities, a free weight room and, of course, the main gym with all of the circuit equipment. There are two other personal trainers besides Canning, Tammy Bryant and Stephanie Bellil, who are all certified through national organizations and are trained specifically for balance, strength training and flexibility. Personal training can be arranged for a half hour to a full hour and is available in packages. In addition, there are eleven group fitness instructors. Island Fitness is open 24 hours a day, but staffed according to pub-
ISLAND FITNESS ANNA MARIA 5317 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach Gym: 941-778-5200 Cell: 941-704-8858 www.islandfitness annamaria.com All major credit cards accepted Open 24 hours Summer staffed hours: Monday-Friday: 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
lished hours. You can sign up for many group fitness classes like yoga, group indoor cycling and other specifically targeted group classes, posted on Island Fitness’s website. In addition, you can sign up for a boot camp that runs three to five days a week and does not require a membership to the gym. For six weeks you train and work out with the same group, are measured and counseled on nutrition. Also during this time, the facility is available to you. But Canning’s real passion is kids' fitness, and this is the year she is expanding programs that she has had in place putting an emphasis on activity and nutrition. Her tiny tumbling classes have been very successful, as well as her summer kids' fitness program that ran 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. five days a week. Starting during the school year she will have kids' fitness available three to five days a week after school for a onehour class that she oversees. The kids' programs are geared for
LOUISE BOLGER | SUN
Brenda Canning, owner and trainer, offers a variety of classes and programs. elementary level students, and parents can work out in the gym during the time the kids are in their class at discounted, short-term rates. You would think that kids have a natural energy level and are already fit, but with today’s emphasis on electronics and fast food, it’s easy for them to quickly get off track. Island Fitness has a variety of rate schedules. You can simply drop in for one rate or sign up for anything between one to six months or annually, and annual and seasonal residents do not have to sign a contract. Student and military discounts are available, as well as gift certificates and there are corporate rates avail-
able for Island businesses. You can also purchase Island Life shirts and tank tops for men, women and children. Brenda Canning has been recognized by the Anna Maria Island Sun’s Readers Choice awards for six years as personal trainer and four years for Island Fitness. She is passionate about fitness and wants you and your children to be passionate too. Since it’s always summer in Florida, you have no excuses and no hope of hiding under long pants and sweaters. Do yourself a favor and call Island Fitness and learn to love the Island life.
JULY 20, 2016
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TOM VAUGHT | SUN
A barge with a crane sits in the water next to the middle groin, which suffered structural damage during Tropical Storm Colin. Crews will correct that problem after they finish the southernmost groin.
County official explains Twin Piers project delay Tropical Storm Colin’s waves moved two pilings in the middle groin, which will have to be stabilized. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Work continues on the Twin Piers project, consisting of reconstruction of the three groins that were popular with beachgoers and surfers over the years. The project’s completion has been delayed several months because the beach around the crumbling structures was littered with reinforcement bar and long chunks of concrete and rock. Once each pier was demolished and removed, crews placed pilings into the ground to form a base for the concrete slabs that make up the deck. The latest news is the project will be finished late this month or in August, but the county won’t make them accessible to the public until they have been tested and officials are certain they are safe. In a letter to a condo owner near the project, who lives in New York, Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker explained the delay. “The complex geology below these groins structures to depths exceeding 60 feet, has created the difficulties in establishing firm footings for each and every piling,” he wrote. “Each of these piling are set into the ground with the intention to hold the full weight of the pier structure with an extensive ‘safety factor’ to hold far more weight than would ever be loaded atop the pier by pedestrians or light equipment.”
Hunsicker said each piling is driven into the ground until it hits a point of measured resistance, and even with these methods, the underlying geology can be unforgiving. “During Tropical Storm Colin, wave forces were sufficient to shake and move two vulnerable pilings of the 356 pilings in the middle groin to the point where the weight of the decking above caused these particular pilings to drop approximately one inch deeper into the ground, creating a gap in the flat surface of the decking above, similar to what you might see in a residential sidewalk section that has been lifted by an underlying tree root,” Hunsicker’s letter said. “While relatively minor in the grand scheme of things, to structural engineers, this settling is very significant and the cause must be determined and remedied.” Hunsicker said they might remove the concrete slab above the loose pilings and cement them or drive them farther into the ground. He said that work would begin on the middle groin once the contractor finishes the southern groin. He said the contractor indicated the company could complete the work on the middle pier by the end of August, depending on the weather. Hunsicker’s letter concluded with a promise. “We can assure you, however, that the groin structures we are building to hold the beach in place in front of your property and the long term protection of Gulf Drive provided by these structures will be protection that will last for many decades to come.”
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Hostage victim files to disqualify judge Gerald (Gary) Harles II was arrested for aggravated assault with a firearm after an incident May 31 at the home where he and his mother live. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
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HOLMES BEACH – The mother of 30-year-old Gerald “Gary” Harles II, whose actions brought the Manatee County SWAT Team to their house May 31, wants to be able for him to come back home. At a hearing July 6, Judy Harles asked for a no-contact order put into effect the day of the incident to be changed to a no harmful contact order. She said she would take all of the guns out of her house, Judge Deno Economou refused, citing her statements at the hearing that she never felt threatened as her son kept authorities at bay, but her handwritten recollection of the incident, written after her son was taken into custody, said she became scared and called the police when
Gerald Harles broke down the door to her bedroom. The mother’s statement also said he also broke into the gun cabinet and she called police to tell them he might be armed. She said he stated he Harles would kill anyone who came into the house, including possibly her. During the July 6 hearing, the judge told her he would have granted her request if she had not lied about whether her son had a gun, and that prompted her to file a motion to disqualify Economou on Friday, July 15. The motion states that Judy Harles would not get a fair decision from the judge because of his statement. The motion says the judge, “actually passed on the credibility of a witness who had not changed her testimony.” The motion says the judge “approved the affidavit of a non-testifying police officer.” No date has been set to hear the motion. Meanwhile, Gerald A Harles III is reportedly living in a motel room, unable to come home.
“
Since 1979, my vision for the Sandbar, Beachhouse and Mar Vista has been simple: serve the freshest seafood in a classic old Florida environment. Dine indoors or outdoors on our open air decks with unmatched waterfront settings. Whether you are looking for a family friendly atmosphere, a romantic escape or just a place to unwind you’ll find it all at one of our unique waterfront restaurants. Sink your toes in the sand while you dine on fresh native seafood and farm to table menu items. I take great pride in owning three Originals restaurants.
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CINDY LANE | SUN
Fresh start Karen Bell, of A.P. Bell Fish Co., bought this Cortez Road frontage from former Seafood Shack owner Ham Jones’ estate, cleared it of invasive Brazilian pepper trees and plans to store boats and crab traps on it. The property was once owned by her great grandfather.
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JULY 20, 2016
submitted
Shelly Muchow and Ryan Hilgers, from Lake Mary, Fla., were married at Seaside Beach Resort on Nov. 28, 2015. The venue coordinator was Jordan Oliveira-Heller.
Dara Caudill | www.islandphotography.org
Lauren Dexter and Ben Nugent were married at the Sandbar restaurant on May 23, 2016. Patti Mckee and Luis Ortiz, of the Sandbar, coordinated the wedding and reception. Lauren and Ben honeymooned on Anna Maria Island and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. They currently reside in Louisville, Ky.
DawnMarie Vestevich and John Carney were married at the Sandbar restaurant on July 5, 2016. Chuck Caudill played ukulele for the ceremony and then sang and played guitar and deejayed the reception. Patti Mckee, event manager for the Sandbar, coordinated the ceremony and reception. DawnMarie and John honeymooned on Anna Maria Island before returning home to Chicago, Ill. Dara Caudill | www.islandphotography.org
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JULY 20, 2016
A Perfect Setting.. For Your Perfect Wedding
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Island Photography & DJ a family affair Anna Maria Island residents Dara & 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. Dara and Chuck are true Island residents, so they specialize in beach weddings. The two know how important it is to have the right professionals for your day, especially if you are having a destination wedding. They were married in Kauai, and the people they hired made it a special day. 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 941-778-5676.
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Gulf Drive Tiki the place to wed A beachfront wedding? Your dream can come true at The Sunset by Gulf Drive Cafe. The waterfront venue is one of Anna Maria Island’s most appealing sites for wedding celebrations. Located at the south end of the Island, Gulf Drive Cafe overlooks sugar white sand beaches, the Gulf of Mexico’s turquoise emerald waters and multicolored horizon during sunset. The Gulf waves provide a picturesque backdrop when saying, “I do.” There are several options when considering where to exchange your vows. The most popular feature is tying the knot near the coastline on a romantic sandy walkway of multicolored rose petals. You may also choose to have the ceremony performed at the Seastar Pavilion, several feet away from the beach. It offers sand-covered, open-aired secluded spaces surrounded by miniature tiki huts. The rustic Sunset Tiki is a reception space perfectly suited for groups over 50 people. It has a lovely tile dance floor for you and your guests to dance the night away, and there are drop down sides in case of bad weather. You also have the choice of bar set up during the length of your reception for private use. Their team of experts will work with you on creating your perfect tropical dream wedding. They offer several wedding packages to fit your budget and invite you to visit the property, sample their chef’s creations and learn more about the wedding packages they offer. For more information, e-mail gulfdrivetiki@gmail.com
JULY 20, 2016
JULY 20, 2016
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Ashley Oplinger and Jonathan Pokomy were married at the Gulf Drive Cafe on May 28, 2016. Chuck Caudill provided the music. Tela Bundrum, of the Gulf Drive Cafe, coordinated the wedding and reception. Ashley and Jonathan honeymooned on Anna Maria Island before returning home to Buford, Ga. Dara Caudill | www.islandphotography.org
Dara Caudill | www.islandphotography.org
Shannon and Tony Nagel celebrated their 6 year anniversary on Anna Maria Island, while attending Shannon's Uncle John Carney's wedding at the Sandbar restaurant. Shannon and Tony were married at the Sandbar restaurant on Aug. 6, 2010. They are pictured here with their sons Anthony, 6, and Garrett, 4. submitted
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CENTER: Officials meet with mayors FROM PAGE 10
perception problem and a bad relationship with the three mayors. “This year has been building the foundation, rebranding The Center and the view of what the place is, starting to win back the public and developing a long term financial plan.” Going forward, plans include eliminating all debt, seeking outside expertise to develop a new fund-raising strategy, cultivating donors that will make a long-term commitment and seeking to double city financial support. Froeschle said the development planning committee led by fundraising and philanthropy specialist Bob Carter, of Anna Maria, is working “to find a different perspective on how to fund a community center with today’s changing demographics on the Island. “The old model for funding this place doesn’t work anymore.” Froeschle pointed out. “We’re expecting a recommendation in a month or two.”
Vacation rental program
Johnson asked how the vacation rental program works, and Lessig said the program is with AMI Accommodations, and its staff gives The Center a list of their rental key numbers. Guests using those keys have access to the fitness center at no cost to them. She said they tried to develop a program with several agencies, but it didn’t work, and other agencies can suggest other types of programs. “When people learn that we have quality services available, it becomes a marketing point for these rental properties,” Froeschle said. Murphy asked if mom and pop rental operations could pay per unit to be in the program. “That’s not how we do it,” Lessig replied. “With AMI its quantity. They have hundreds of rentals. Their contribution is coming on a monthly basis. There is no per person fee. They’re making a significant contribution over the course of the year.” Murphy said, “When you leave something like this solely to the market you wind up being accused of favoritism.” Shearon agreed and said as a mom and pop, he would have to pay $1,200 per unit for a family membership. “I think you’re on a thin line,” Johnson added. “There are other options. How do you embrace the visiting community?”
I think we need to be able to communicate the right information beyond, ‘We’re doing fine, trust us.’” Bob Johnson Holmes Beach mayor
He said one way is the drop in charge and another is to make a distinction between a family membership, where a family participates in activities all year, versus a rental membership. “We’d like to encourage more people to be here,” Johnson added. “Those are potential future residents. It’s amplification of community living as opposed to party living. “You need to look at this and fix it. It is a thorn that has not gone away within the image of the community regarding the community center, and a thorn in the governance of the municipalities.” Froeschle and Lessig said they continue to seek a workable rental program.
Budget for 2016-17
Froeschle said mission-earned income, such as sports program fees, memberships, grants and rental income, is two-thirds of the budget. The other third comes from city funding, sponsorships such as the rental program and private donations. “On the budget, we grouped it in major categories,” he said. “The bottom line is that we will be break even. We’re asking the mission-earned income people to boost their income and reduce expenses.” Murphy said there is nothing in the budget for county funding and no line item for capital improvements. Lessig said they are unable to do any capital improvements at this time, and they need to build up their cash reserve first. Murphy said The Center could be eligible for county funding for capital programs. Froeschle said he hoped the Island cities could increase their funding from $60,000 to $90,000. “The easiest way to make that palatable is you need to come up with some specific programs that require capital dollars,” Murphy said and added that the mayors also could try to get some county
funding. Shearon said he wants to see a cost/benefit analysis. Johnson concluded, “I’m trying to understand what is the value to the community of the city’s contribution and should it be more or less. Where is the need? I’d like to see the background behind those numbers. “I want to find ways for you to succeed for the benefit of the community. You’ve done a yeoman’s job over the past two years, and my hat is off to you. I think we need to be able to communicate the right information beyond, ‘We’re doing fine, trust us.’”
Demographics
Lessig offered the following figures for the fiscal year from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016: • Use of The Center: residents, 61 percent; non-residents, 39 percent; • City resident use of The Center: Anna Maria, 53 percent; Holmes Beach, 44 percent; Bradenton Beach, 3 percent; • Participation in community programs: residents, 73 percent; non-residents, 27 percent. • Community support (donations): residents, 56 percent; nonresidents, 44 percent. • After school, summer camp and teen programs: residents, 47 percent; non-residents, 53 percent. • Sports programs: residents, 43 percent; non-residents, 57 percent. Lessig noted that people from off Island come to The Center for sports because they participated in sports at the Center as kids and for quality, safety and family environment. • Participation in special events: residents, 66 percent; non-residents, 34 percent. • Memberships: residents, 54 percent; non-residents, 46 percent. Lessig pointed out that there are 1,962 memberships versus 889 in March 2015, and they generated $116,000 or 10 percent of the budget revenue.
JULY 20, 2016
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JULY 20, 2016
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FITNESS: Owner makes plea
PEN BAY: Gets planning board nod
FROM PAGE 10
FROM PAGE 12
substantial loss. We’re talking 80 percent of our income.” Crady also referenced an article that appeared in The Sun on June 29 in which a parent said parents like The Center’s fitness center because they can work out while their children are in daycare or classes. “She was totally spot on and absolutely correct,” Crady stressed. “Having the fitness center in the community center is wonderful if people in the community are going to use it. “The problem is targeting those tourists, that extra of revenue. That’s what’s hurting me. Our annual residents are less than 20 percent of our yearly income. This is not an attack on the community center. This is fighting for our business for the income we’re losing from vacation rentals.” She said the community should support The Center and “focus on healing the relationships with the community center so they get their funding back and don’t have to tap
developed in the future. There are no other ways; there’s no more capacity.” Former County Commissioners Jane von Hahmann and Joe McClash were among those who provided public input. Speaking as a longtime Cortez resident and as a member of the Cortez-based Florida Institute of Saltwater Heritage, von Hahmann said, “We understand they have the right to develop their land. Though we don’t want to deny them their rights, as citizens of this county and as residents of peninsula we believe we have the right to enjoy our homes that we lived in for 20, 40, 60 years. "We have the right to not be made prisoners in our home because of the traffic and our inability to access them for the better part of five months of the year, sometimes sitting in traffic for 45 minutes to over an hour between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. seven days a week.” She also noted that the development
This is a substantial loss. We’re talking 80 percent of our income.” Jen Crady AMI Fitness owner
into this revenue stream.” She asked commissioners to withhold funding from The Center until they can find some alternatives such as putting stipulations on it or developing a grant program for small businesses. Commissioners did not comment.
will consist largely of resort and second homes, which means they’ll most likely be occupied during the height of the season. Von Hahmann also expressed concerns about the allowance for secondary structures that would provide for additional mother-in-law-type guest housing, which would further increase the number of residents. She said when she was commissioner in 2007, the previous plans called for 1,123 residential units, and she questioned why the request was later increased by more than 800 units. She also cited concerns about the intersection at 119th that she said was poorly designed and dysfunctional. McClash complimented Preston on the environmental aspects of the plan and the developers’ desire to protect the existing mangrove wetlands, but then said, “I have concerns with traffic, density and height. “The traffic impacts all of us. It’s not just a localized area of Cortez,” he also said.
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JULY 20, 2016
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THE SUN
OUTDOORS
AMI OUTFITTERS
Coastal Gear & Apparel
401 & 505 Pine Ave. Anna Maria
amioutfitters.com
FEBRUARY 17, 2016 941-254-4996
Tarpon action continues Captain Rick Grassett
Anglers fishing the coastal Gulf in Sarasota with me, out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action fly fishing for tarpon during the past week. We fished the coastal Gulf and had numerous shots at tarpon most days, with five hook ups and three tarpon caught and released. Frank Zaffino, from Rochester, NY, fly fished for tarpon early in the week with me. He had good action, getting numerous shots at tarpon, jumping one and successfully fighting the fish to the boat. Conditions were tough with lots of glare and many fish swimming deep. Frank fishes hard and he persisted until he got the job done! My brother Kirk Grassett, from Middletown, Del., fly fished for tarpon with me later in the week. We had great action a couple days with numerous shots, jumping four tarpon, bringing two to the boat and several other eats. Tarpon were in a good mood on the outgoing tides in the afternoon, attacking our flies aggressively whenever we could get it in front of them. Good action!
There are more singles, doubles and small schools of tarpon now, rather than the large schools that we see in June, and since many tarpon have already spawned, they are more aggressive. Tarpon fishing in the coastal Gulf should be a good option next week, particularly on the strong, outgoing tides in the afternoon. Snook season is closed now on the west coast of Florida, but catch and release night snook fishing around lighted docks and bridges in the ICW with flies and DOA Lures should be good. There should also be good action with trout, bluefish and more on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay.
Annie’s Bait and Tackle
Capt. Sam Kimball is doing well with the red grouper on his all day trips. Half days are producing mangrove snapper, grunts and porgies. Capt. Scott Moore says that trout are still in the deeper grass flats. Snook are found off the beaches, and mangrove snapper are everywhere. Customers are reporting catching redfish in Palma Sola Bay.
SUBMITTED
Offshore winners The Swordfish Grill & Tiki Bar in Cortez sponsored team Gumbo Shrimp, which proved to be the winning team in the offshore category of the 2016 De Soto Fishing Tournament that took place Sunday. Pictured from left in the front row are owner John Banyas, manager Adam Sears and general manager Bob Slicker. Other categories included inshore, ladies and juniors.
tide chart for anna maria city pier-JULY 20-27 Day Date
A.M. High Time Feet
A.M. Low Time Feet
P.M. High Time Feet
P.M. Low Time Feet
Sun Rise Set
Day Date
Wed 7/20
1:32a 1.62
5:34a 1.30
11:31a 2:72
7:22P -0.07
6:49-8:26
Thu 7/21
1:59a 1.66
6:21a 1.23
12:16p 2.69
7:57p -0.02
Fri 7/22
2:26a 1.73
7:14a 1.14
1:06p 2.60
8:33p 0.09
Sat 7/23
2:56a 1.84
8:10a 1.04
2:00p 2.44
9:09p 0.26
6:49-8:25 6:49-8:25 6:50-8:24
A.M. High Time Feet
A.M. Low Time Feet
P.M. High Time Feet
P.M. Low Time Feet
Sun Rise Set
Sun 7/24
3:28a 1.97
9:13a 0.93
3:00p 2.21
9:46p 0.47
6:50-8:24
Mon 7/25
4:05a 2.12
10:24a 0.82
4:07p 1.95
10:24p 0.71
6:50-8:23
Tue 7/26
4:45a 2.26
11:43a 0.68
5:27p 1.68
11:03p 0.95
Wed 7/27
5:31a 2.30
1:06p 0.50
7:11p 1.49
11:48p 1.17
6:51-8:23 6:51-8:22
JULY 20, 2016
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Public input requested on wildlife areas The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is holding public workshops to share information about and solicit comments on the proposal to designate two new Critical Wildlife Areas (CWAs) in the state. CWAs are established by the FWC under a Florida Administrative Code rule to protect important wildlife concentrations from human disturbance during critical periods of their life cycles, such as breeding, feeding or migration. Dot-Dash-Dit Islands consists of three mangrove islands at the mouth of the Braden River in Manatee County. Several hundred wading birds nest on the islands, and they contain the only coastal
colony of wood storks in the Tampa Bay area. Audubon Florida is proposing a year-round closure with a buffer for all three islands. Roberts Bay in Sarasota County consists of three small islands and a breakwater. The islands are important for a variety of wading birds and shorebirds, including pelicans, egrets, herons, spoonbills and American oystercatchers. Nests or young birds are present every month of the year. Audubon Florida is recommending a yearround closure and a buffer to provide separation from boat traffic, bird watchers and photographers. The workshops are: • Dot-Dash-Dit Islands – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 21, at
the Manatee County Rocky Bluff Library, 6750 U.S. Highway 301 N., Ellenton. • Roberts Bay Islands – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20, at the Sarasota Audubon Nature Center, Celery Fields, 999 Center Road, Sarasota. The FWC will use the feedback received at these meetings to help develop the recommendations for each of the CWA designations and modifications. The recommendations will be presented at the FWC’s September meeting. Visit MyFWC.com/CWA and click on “CWA public workshops” to see the complete list of CWA public workshops.
Center notes Summertime at The Center The Center of Anna Maria Island offers the following class at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. For further details or to register call The Center at 778-1908 or visit the website at Centerami.org.
Cardio flex
The cardio flex class emphasizes basic arm, hand, leg and foot movements to increase an individual’s heart rate. This format will also encompass a wide variety of exercises with the intention to improve a participant’s aerobic ability, coordination, strength, balance, posture, alignment, mobility, flexibility and muscle tone. Class is on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. The class is free for members and $10 for nonmembers.
Senior orientation ROGER DANZIGER | SUBMITTED
Big catch and release Team NozDoc.com strikes again. Matt Danziger catches this 50-pound amberjack 65 miles off of Holmes Beach in 190 feet of water on Sunday, July 10. Caught on live bait, the fish was released.
Are you a senior joining The Center? Before using the fitness room equipment The Center will provide a senior orientation with Boomers N Motion Coach Melissa Merkle at no extra cost. Orientation is included in Sliver Sneakers or Silver&Fit memberships. Orientation is by appointment only. Contact The Center front desk to register for orientation or to sign up for a membership.
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THE SUN
www.amisun.com
JULY 20, 2016
Grassy Point boardwalk planned for fall The boardwalk will begin where the current trail ends and proceed to a circular upland area. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – The long awaited boardwalk at Grassy Point Preserve is on its way to reality. City Engineer Lynn Burnett told city commissioners that the boardwalk would begin where the current trail ends and proceed to a circular upland area. There will be a path through the circular area to connect with another path Submitted planned for the future. The blue line is the boardwalk to the yellow circular upland area and is slated for She said bids would be taken for construction in September. The orange line is the boardwalk from the circular upland that work and a pre-bid conference is area to the observation area on Anna Maria Sound slated for construction in 2017. planned for July 27 at the preserve. and the Anna Maria Island Center. It struction to be done within 30 to “We’ve had great response so opened to the public in October 2012. 60 days. The next phase will be a far,” Burnett said. “That phase will It includes a 1,000-foot nature boardwalk from the circular area come before commission Aug. 23. trail around the upland portion, to a platform observation area on We’ll receive the bids and prepare three picnic tables, an informaAnna Maria Sound, and construcall the documentation and bring it tional kiosk, a bicycle rack and tion is planned for 2017. back to commission for the mayor four parking spaces. It is accessed The 32-acre environmental preto execute and would start convia Avenue C and is open only durstruction Sept. 1.” serve is located along the east side ing daylight hours. of Gulf Drive across from Publix She said she expects the con-
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Museum gets HAMMS set The Florida Maritime Museum at 4415 119th St. W. in Cortez has acquired of the complete set of Historic American Merchant Marine Survey (HAMMS) books. This collection is the result of a 1936 Works Progress Administration (WPA) initiative to help preserve America’s commercial maritime heritage. The seven-volume set contains more than 400 sheets of line drawings of 166 different ships hulls, rigging and details. The Walter Haskins Fund, in memory of Stacey K. Haskins, of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, provided the funding for this purchase. Boat builders, academics, and the public are welcome to utilize this valuable resource for free with staff assistance during the museum’s normal business hours, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For additional information or to set up an appointment, contact the museum at 941-708-6120 or fmminfo@ manateeclerk.com.
Closed for maintenance The Florida Maritime Museum at 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, will be temporarily closed to the public from Aug. 15 through Sept. 12. The museum will return to its regular business hours of Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 13. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Check out their website: FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org.
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handouts and temporary turtle tattoos will be available. T-shirts, stickers, transfers and embroidered ball caps with Turtle Watch’s new Turtle Life logo will be available for a donation. Volunteers also are holding limited morning survey walks with Turtle Watch’s trained and permitted staff as they patrol the beaches at dawn. For more information, visit www.islandturtlewatch.com.
Drivers needed for patients The American Cancer Society reports an urgent need for drivers to help patients get to chemotherapy treatments, on the road to recovery. To become a volunteer driver for the American Cancer Society, one must own a safe and reliable vehicle, have a current valid driver’s license with proof of adequate automobile insurance, have a good driving record and attend Road to Recovery training. You also must be available between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call your local American Cancer Society office or 800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org for more information,
THE SUN
Get fit while you sit
Meet Sphero The Island Branch Library, at 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, introduces Sphero, a miniature robot named after the one in the latest Star Wars movie, on Saturday, July 23, at 2 p.m. There are two of them, and they move by rotating while their round heads stay on top. It’s very interactive with smart phones and tablets. For more information, call the library at 778-6341.
a Librarian,” will answer that question and also the question, “How smart is a librarian?” The winning team will get a prize. Light refreshments will be served. Geoff Silpa will act as quiz master.
Family movie time Parents and kids are welcome to watch the family movie “Zootopia” at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Wednesday, July 20, at 3 p.m. For more information, call 778-6341.
Pet the animals The Friends of the Island Branch Library present the Wonders of Nature Animal Show at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 21, at 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. There will be exotic animals to look at and pet. This is part of the Friends’ Summer Kids Series of programs to entertain and keep the learning experience going for kids on summer vacation. For more information, call 778-6341.
Ahoy seniors Senior Adventures is offering time on the water on Friday, July 22, aboard Dolphin Tours, leaving from the Bridge Street Pier. The cost is $25 for 1 1/2 hours. Call Peg, at 778-3106 for details and to make reservations.
It’s trivia time
Needlework for fun
The teams gave been practicing for the big trivia competition against four librarians at the Manatee County Central Library, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd. W., in Bradenton, on Wednesday, July 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. “Are you smarter than
If you’re good with needles or want to be, there is a monthly meeting at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, for people about knitting and crocheting. The next one is scheduled for Thursday, July 21, at 2 p.m. Bring
your latest project and enjoy. Call 7786341 for more information.
Story time at the library Trudy Bell, the children’s librarian, reads stories and shows a craft project on Tuesday, July. 26, at 10 a.m. Preschool are welcome with their parents at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call 778-6341.
Music on the beach Enjoy Jam in the Sand on Thursdays at the Anna Maria Island Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, from 5 to 8 p.m. It’s free, and it’s fun. Enjoy dinner while you listen.
Twice the turtle talk Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers is reaching out twice a week to increase public awareness of the needs of these threatened animals as they use Anna Maria Island’s beaches to lay and hatch their eggs. In addition to the 30-minute program every Tuesday at 10 a.m. at CrossPointe Fellowship Church, 8605 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach, there will be one every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive. Both sessions will continue though the end of the month. Volunteers will take the audience on a virtual tour of Anna Maria Island’s nesting beaches and answer questions. They will post the times and locations of upcoming nest excavations, done three days after hatchlings leave the nests. Free reusable tote bags with the Turtle Watch logo, activity books,
Melissa Merkle, co-founder of Boomers N Motion Health Coaching, teaches Roser-Robics every Thursday, at 11 a.m. at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Roser-Robics is perfect for seniors and those with handicaps who can’t jump and dance because it’s moving to the music while sitting. There will be a variety of aerobic exercises designed to increase cardiovascular and muscular endurance. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Participants are asked to bring two cans of fruit of equal size and weight to be used as weights and equipment for class activities. The cans will be donated to the Roser All Denominations Food Bank at the end of each class. For more information, call Melissa Merkle at 330-990-0990 or e-mail coaches@boomersNmotion.com.
Plan your stargazing The Local Group of Deep-sky Observers has set three dates for stargazing at Holmes Beach City Hall field, 5801 Marina Drive, this coming season. The dates are Oct. 8, Jan. 7 and April 1. All of the sessions start at sunset, weather permitting, Members will set up their high-powered telescopes for visitors to use, and they will explain what they are seeing. It’s free. For more information, log onto www. LGDSO.com.
Free film on Crosley The film “Powel Crosley, Jr. and the 20th Century” will be shown in July and August on Wednesdays and the first and third Saturdays at 1 p.m. at the Manatee County Agricultural Museum, 1015 6th St. West, Palmetto. The museum is located within the Palmetto Historical Park. After the movie the museum will provide a 2 p.m. tour of the park as well as view both sites’ Crosley exhibits which are part of the six-site “Powel Crosley, Jr. Community Exhibition: His Life. His Work. His Impact.” The museum is closed from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch, and the doors will open at 12:50 p.m. on movie days. For more information, call 721-2034 or agriculturalmuseum@manateeclerk. com.
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Youngs disqualified from city commission race BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@ amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office has disqualified City Commission candidate David Youngs because he failed to open a separate bank account for campaign contributions and expenditures. Youngs was notified of the decision on Tuesday, July 12, after paying his qualifying fee on Monday, June 13, the first day of the city’s two week qualifying period. “Why did they come up with this a month later, when it’s too late to do anything about it?” Youngs said when discussing the turn of events that will prevent him from being a candidate in the city elections in November. “What happened was I used the wrong checking account. There’s a rule that you have to use your campaign account, but it wasn’t documented in the materials I was given. I complained to Mike Bennett (Supervisor of Elections) about it, and he said, you’re right, but too bad anyway." Youngs said he was informed of this action right before he attended last week’s Planning and Zoning Board meeting. “I’m disappointed, but the only thing I can do is run again. I’m on the Planning and Zoning Board, so I plan on continuing that. I’m not giving up on helping the city, it’s just that I’ll be doing it in a different role than I thought I would be because I was pretty sure I would win,” he said. When asked if he would now throw his support to another candidate, Youngs said, “Yes, Brian Seymour. That’s who I intend to support and I’ve already told him that.” Later in the week, Assistant Supervisor of Elec-
tions Scott Farrington discussed the disqualification and what might Youngs be done to avoid similar occurrences in the future. He was asked why Holmes Beach Commissioner Marvin Grossman’s qualifying fee was rejected for a similar reason immediately upon receipt, but Youngs’ check was accepted, and he was given the indication that he had qualified to run. “Quite frankly, when we accepted the check the person that accepted it did not notice it was a personal check. We didn’t figure it out until he turned in his campaign finance report and requested a waiver on his report.
There was no activity on his account because there was no account, so there was a waiver on his report. When we see those waivers, we look for a campaign expenditure. We started looking at the copy of the check we had and realized it was from a personal account.” Farrington said the disqualification was not based on a complaint filed by another candidate or anyone else, yet similar to Grossman, who presented his check at the last minute, there is no recourse for corrective action. Farrington also was asked about Youngs’ assertion that the literature he received prior to the qualifying period lacked certain details in regard to campaign accounts. “There is a form in there that says all campaign
expenditures must come from a campaign account. What isn’t in there and what we will add is a statement that specifically states a qualifying check must be drawn off a campaign account,” Farrington said. “The sheet on campaign accounts specifies that all campaign expenditures must come from that account. Where we think we can clarify a little further is identifying that a qualifying fee is a campaign expenditure and we’ll list that under the qualifying section as well,” he said. Youngs disqualification means the race for the two seats on the Anna Maria City Commission will now feature three candidates: Seymour and incumbent Commissioners Nancy Yetter and Chuck Webb.
JULY 20, 2016
JULY 20, 2016
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TOM VAUGHT | SUN
From left to right: Savanna Boba, Chloie Russell, Gabriella Gilbert, Theresa Rayburgh, Zeren Homer, Elliot Ullmann and Anna Wright rehearse for “Character Matters.”
Drama campers perform Thursday The public is invited to two free performances by The Center’s Drama Camp participants on Thursday, July 21, at 1 and 7 p.m. at the Island Players Theater at the corner of Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue in Anna Maria. The play, “Character Matters,” is set in Fairytale Land, where fairy tale characters are having difficulties resolving their problems. The must bring their conflicts to a Fairytale Council for resolution. Director Pam Sikkema said, “One example is the Three Little Pigs, who come to the council complaining that the Big Bad Wolf is trying to blow their house down and eat them. “The characters have to learn to treat others as they would want to be treated, to get along with others even if they are different and not judge a book by its cover, ” she said.
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THE SUN
REAL ESTATE
JULY 20, 2016
It’s all about the kitchen
hey say that timing is everything in life. If that’s so, my timing was pretty good this month. The same month that Consumer Reports came out with its story “Kitchen Makeovers Made Easy” was the same month I contracted to have my kitchen renovated. By the time I read Consumer Reports’ thorough analysis of kitchen makeovers, most of my decisions had already been made, however, it did serve to reinforce many of my choices, which gave me a nice warm feeling. Nevertheless, the article contained so much relevant information I thought I would share it. We’re told over and over the best money you can spend in your home is to renovate the kitchen, with baths a close second. It is said that a kitchen redo should cost 5 to 15 percent of a home’s total value. This is an important guideline, which will keep you from over improving your property. Installing a $50,000 kitchen in your $150,000 winter get away condo is fine as long as you don’t expect any return on that investment, but it is definitely overbuilding the kitchen. The average American spends about $28,000
Castles in the Sand Louise Bolger on a professionally installed kitchen. Based on this, Consumer Reports established three budget ranges with tips for each: • $5,000 to $15,000 range uses a sample budget of $10,000, allowing for $3,000 for cabinets, $2,500 for appliances and $1,000 for labor as the primary features. Large home centers like Home Depot and Lowe’s offer design assistance and in house installers, or you can employ a contractor. Stock cabinets start at about $70 a linear foot, which is a standard 12 inches, and laminated counter tops are affordable and maintenance free. Based on personal experience, appliances have a very large range of pricing, but you can take advantage of some good sales and full kitchen packages. Unfortunately if you’re just starting your search you missed the
best sales of the year which are during the July 4 holiday. • $25,000 to $50,000 range uses a sample budget of $40,000, allowing for $9,000 for cabinets, $8,000 for appliances and $11,000 for labor as the primary features. In this price range, Consumers recommends working with a dedicated kitchen showroom vendor who can offer a wide range of products as well as better customer service than mass market home centers. Cabinets in this price range are usually semicustom ranging from $150 to $250 per linear foot. Semi-custom is available in more sizes, meaning they will fit your space more precisely and offers a wider array of storage options. Also quartz should be considered in this price range. Quartz is an engineered stone that can be made to look just like marble, granite and other natural materials but it is nonporous and does not require the upkeep of other stone surfaces. • $75,000 to $125,000 range uses a sample budget of $100,000, allowing for $19,000 for cabinets, $15,000 for appliances and $40,000 for labor as the primary features. If you’re in this price range, you’re probably working with a de-
signer or architect who will take you to high end showrooms. Be prepared for the sky’s the limit pricing with custom cabinets starting at about $500 per linear foot and built to the exact dimensions of your space. You will probably be having some kind of construction as well to make the work triangle perfect for your needs. And with the new crop of appliances available everything in your kitchen will be programmable and connected to the internet with LCD screens on refrigerators that you can watch TV on and order groceries. Countertops likely will be exotic stone, which are certainly one of a kind, and since most people in these price ranges can afford to have it maintained, who cares? The Consumer Reports analysis is a good guideline, but pricing, especially for labor, can drastically change depending on where in the country you live. Timing is everything, and I hope you’re having the time of your life working on your new kitchen, no matter which price range you’re in.
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JULY 20, 2016
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Clerk interviews begin Three finalists have voluntarily withdrawn and one more is scheduled to interview this week. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Former Bradenton Beach City Clerk Jamie Anderson was the first candidate to be interviewed in the search for a successor to retiring City Clerk Diane Percycoe. Three of the five finalists removed themselves from consideration before their interviews took place. Last Tuesday, Plant City Clerk Kerri Miller informed Percycoe that she’d had a change of heart because her commission expressed gratitude toward her work and was considering raises for its charter officials. St. Pete Beach Clerk Rebecca Haynes then withdrew around the same time it was announced that Maria Lowe would be resigning as mayor at the end of the month. On Sunday, Kathy Sotero, from the Orlando area, informed Percycoe that she was withdrawing because she had
an aging mother and children living in the area, and this was not a good time to relocate. This leaves Wisconsin resident LeeAnne Addy as the only other candidate scheduled to participate in the public interviewing process. She will be interviewed at city hall at 6.p.m. on Wednesday, July 20. When contacted Monday, Addy said she was looking forward to her interview and had no plans to withdraw. Addy has been the city clerk for Hudson, Wisconsin since 2015, and she previously served as clerk, treasurer, finance director and administrator for the village of Lake Hallie.
Anderson goes first
During her interview on Thursday, July 14, Anderson was joined at the conference table by Mayor Dan Murphy, who led the interview process. Additional questions were posed by Percycoe and volunteer financial consultant John Chambers, with City Attorney Becky Vose and Deputy Clerk Debbie Haynes also in attendance. Murphy began by saying, “I’ve been through my fair share of job interviews, but I never had to do it front of the press.”
Anderson said she was attracted her to the Anna Maria job because she grew up on the Island before she moved to California in 1985, where she later spent more than decade as the city clerk for the town of Yucca Valley. She was retired when she accepted the Bradenton Beach job and returned to the area in early 2014. Anderson said communications with the public and making sure they have access to public records is a key to being a good clerk, as is serving as a liaison between the public and the city commissioners. Anderson said her worst professional decision was purchasing the Office 365 e-mail software that led to her dismissal in Bradenton Beach after only four months. When that occurred, Mayor Bill Shearon shared responsibility for a purchase made with money saved during the commission-approved purchase of computers and other software upgrades. The commission majority felt the 365 purchase was never approved, and it came at a time when the commission was already divided over which e-mail software and provider to use. After Anderson’s dismissal and the passing of e-mail administrator Ric Gatehouse, the
365 software was later implemented. “It was kind of a no-win situation. It was a political hotbed,” Anderson said of her time in Bradenton Beach. Anderson cited familiarity with Laserfische scanning equipment and software when Murphy asked how she would address the significant backlog of paper documents that need to be converted to electronic documents. When Percycoe asked about accounting experience and familiarity with accounting software, Anderson acknowledged she did not have a great deal of financial experience, other than financial oversight of her own department as the Yucca Valley clerk. She said her current job as a payroll clerk for the town of Longboat Key has provided her with additional experience. Chambers concluded the interview with an out-of-the-box question regarding the role imagination plays when serving as a city clerk. Caught somewhat off guard, Anderson said, “You have to imagine something can happen, and you always have to be thinking about ways to make the public access easier.” Murphy told Anderson he expected to make his hiring decision later this week.
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JULY 20, 2016
Peelen takes commissioners to task The commissioner decried spending taxpayer money to address a request from one citizen. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Commissioner Jean Peelen took commissioners to task for spending taxpayer money to address a request from one citizen. At a June 28 work session, commissioners discussed a request from resident Lance Spotts to allow boat covers or boathouses. He made the request because he has a rookery over his boat, and it gets bathed in
bird excrement. “We had a request from one citizen and so far we have spent $1,587.50 on direct billing on this one issue,” Peelen pointed out. “That was for the preparation of the analysis by Mr. Brisson (city planner) and the attorney’s attendance at the work meeting, and that does not count the cost of the presence of the building officials, chief of police and city clerk. “I do not believe the city should be spending taxpayer money like this when one citizen comes with a request for an improvement on their property. That doesn’t look good.” Chair Judy Titsworth said Peelen
was not present at the work session when the request was discussed, and that there was a consensus of the commission to discuss it. “I do want to go forth because I don’t agree with not allowing a certain kind of boat cover, “Titsworth said. “He (Spotts) has a rookery over a $200,000 or $300,000 boat. He could cut down the Australian pines or this commission could consider allowing boat covers.” Commissioner Carol Soustek added, “When a citizen wants a change or has a request, he has the ability to come before us on a one-on-one basis. I’d rather have that ability than not.
“It is perceived that we’re giving him a special treatment, but we’re not because he’s a citizen of the city and he wants to do something, so he came before the commissioners.” Peelen said they should not pass an ordinance that affects the entire city for one resident and that those who don’t own boats don’t want boat covers. Commissioner Marvin Grossman asked if there is another way to address the request, and Commissioner Pat Morton said other residents have asked for boat covers.
JULY 20, 2016
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Board OK's Doctor's Office site plan The bar at 5312 Holmes Boulevard, next to the AMI Art League, will have 30 seats and 10 parking spaces. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – City commissioners last week approved the site plan resolution for The Doctor’s Office, a craft cocktail bar planned by restaurateur Sean Murphy. The bar, to be located at 5312 Holmes Boulevard next to the AMI Art League, will have 30 seats and 10 parking spaces. The parking on site is adequate for both uses during their normal business hours, but if the Art League has an evening event, eight more spaces would be required. Murphy had originally hoped to use shared parking to meet that requirement. However, he withdrew the request after learning that the additional parking required a special exception, which would require a written agreement by the owner offering the shared parking.
Building Official Jim McGuinness said Murphy reduced the number of seats from 33 to 30 to meet the parking requirement, and all spaces are contained on site. “On the rare occasion when the Art League has an evening function, they’ll apply for a temporary use permit to cover that function,” he explained. The site plan resolution prohibits outdoor seating and amplified outdoor music, but Mayor Bob Johnson asked why it contained the following stipulations: • The operator of the alcoholic beverage establishment will provide staff with one meal during the shift. • During special events, the operator of the alcoholic beverage establishment will provide valet parking to customers. • The operator will have a vehicle available or will make appropriate arrangements to transport customers home, if deemed necessary. “They seem like odd restrictions to put on the owner in a site plan review,” Commissioner Jean Peelen pointed out, “I don’t think any of those
On the rare occasion when the Art League has an evening function, they’ll apply for a temporary use permit to cover that function.” Jim McGuinness Building official are necessary.” The others agreed and removed those three stipulations before approving the resolution.
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
Japanese dance
Surop Sari showed kids Japanese dance and folk lore at the Island Branch Library during the summer kids series of events to entertain and educate students during summer vacation. She wore several masks and costumes and had the kids do some steps with plastic samurai swords. This series is sponsored by the Friend of the Island Branch Library.
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Live like a local Respect Wildlife
CINDY LANE | SUN
Natives in bloom Mangroves are a haven for juvenile fish, shorebirds and butterflies.Mangroves produce “drop” roots from their branches that grow downward until they take root in the water below.
Gopher tortoise Please don’t dig up sand dunes; You might destroy my burrows. Anna Maria Island Sun, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring
JULY 20, 2016
JULY 20, 2016
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Builder arrested after crash Shawn Kaleta was driving a Tesla at the time of the accident. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
Local contractor Shawn Kaleta was arrested Friday, July 8, after colliding with two other cars in Bradenton and leaving the scene of an accident, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. According to the FHP accident report, the incident occurred around 9 p.m. at the intersection of 66th Street Court East and Manatee Avenue East. Kaleta’s Tesla rear-ended the vehicle driven by Dana Lee Parsons, of Bradenton, pushing it into another vehicle driven by Ashley Elizabeth Conn, of Sarasota. After the accident, Parsons’ vehicle was inopera-
ble and Conn moved her car off the road. Kaleta drove away. The patrolman saw no skid marks in the road, the report said. A witness saw Kaleta’s car in the parking lot of a Star- Kaleta bucks, with its front bumper dragging on the pavement. It was last seen in the parking lot of the Comfort Inn at 580 66th St. Ct. E. Officials caught up with Kaleta at his home in Holmes Beach. He had children in his vehicle, and said he did not realize he had collided with another until he saw the front of his car. He was arrested and charged with two counts of leaving a crash scene with property damage. He bonded out the next day, according to Manatee County Sheriff’s Office records.
m i c h a e l s a u n d e r s . c o m
5319 Sunrise Lane Anna Maria Island Donald Geikie
A4146252 $2,950,000 941-356-8457 941-951-6660
Familiar Faces Exceptional Service International Relationships
206 Spring Lane Anna Maria Nora Johnson
A4157421 $2,849,000 941-809-1700 941-951-6660
518 Villa Rosa Way Anna Maria Kelly Baldwin
A4143739 $1 ,695,000 941-404-9396 941-388-4447
5016 64th Drive W Bradenton Deborah Capobianco
A4136838 $1,599,000 941-704-2394 941-896-9981
313 58th Street A Anna Maria Island Tammy Mast
A4157437 $850,000 941-256-6543 941-383-7591
1919 85th Court NW Bradenton Kathy Valente
A4154629 $550,000 941-685-6767 941-748-6300
8231 8th Terrace NW Bradenton Mark Boehmig
A4146247 $419,000 941-807-6936 941-748-6300
6111 45th Street W Bradenton Cheryl Roberts
A4149705 $380,000 941-266-1450 941-748-6300
811 87th Street Court NW Bradenton Ralph & Megg Faillace
A4151403 $275,000 713-9142 941-748-6300
6000 MARINA DR #113 HOLMES BEACH 941.896.9981
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Congrats T-Rex
JULY 20, 2016
-*'& *4 BETTER AT THE #&"$)
Holmes Beach Police Department records clerk Thomas “T-Rex� Ogle is now an auxiliary officer in training after graduating from Manatee Technical College's Basic Law Enforcement Academy. Police Chief William Tokajer, pictured far right with Ogle, said the force is extremely proud of Ogle’s achievements after he took the time to attend the academy from Aug. 19, 2015, to May 12, 2016, while working full-time. TOM VAUGHT | SUN
See the sun
Ed McDonough looks through his hydrogen alpha solar telescope at the sun. The device filters the light from the sun so it doesn’t burn the user’s eyes. The sun looks red. McDonough and Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department Education/Volunteer Specialist Aedan Stockdale offered a glimpse of the sun on Saturday, July 9. The sky was partly cloudy, limiting their viewing, and the mosquitoes were abundant. They will offer more free glimpses in the future. TOM VAUGHT | SUN
1301&35: ."/"(&.&/5 p 3&"- &45"5& 4"-&4 p 7"$"5*0/ 3&/5"-4
Contact Us Today! Rentals@IslandVacationProperties.com www.IslandVacationProperties.com p
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Stolen scooter recovered The extended Bridge Street community assisted in the recovery of a missing scooter. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – With a little help from her friends, Bradenton Beach Parasailing manager Kim Nemeth was able to recover her stolen scooter. The scooter disappeared on Hoyt Sunday, July 10, and it was recovered on Tuesday, July 12. The scooter disappeared from its parking place near the bike rack at the east end of Bridge while Nemeth was enjoying a beer at the Freckled Fin with friends. Yantz According to the police report, Bradenton resident Jessie Yantz told her boyfriend and roommate, Richard Hoyt, that the scooter was hers. After Hoyt located the keys, he rode off on the scooter while Yantz followed on the bike they arrived on. Unfortunately for the scooter thieves, their actions were captured on surveillance video, which was later discovered by Sgt. Lenard Diaz, from the Bradenton Beach Police Department. In an attempt
submitted
Kim Nemeth is happy to have her stolen scooter back.
to get her scooter back, Nemeth circulated the surveillance video and a still photo taken from it. She also posted it on Facebook. On Tuesday, a friend of Nemeth’s was in the Circle K convenience store near Bridge Street at the same time as Officer John Tsakiri, both of whom recognized Hoyt and Yantz, who were also in the store.
When Tsakiri stopped the two suspects, Yantz spilled the beans. She and Hoyt were arrested, charged with grand theft auto and transported to the county jail. Later that day, Nemeth’s scooter was recovered at the suspects’ residence in Bradenton. Yantz was released on a $1,500 bond and later entered a preliminary plea of not guilty. As of Monday, Hoyt was still in custody. He has a long list of prior offenses that includes sexual offense in 2003 against a
victim that was between 12-15 years old. He has also been arrested for battery, illegally obtaining Oxycontin, violation of probation and several other offenses. When asked how she felt about getting her scooter back, Nemeth said, “It was exciting that such a tight community shared the surveillance footage. I was able to celebrate on Bridge Street with my friends who helped look for it, and I want to thank Sgt. Diaz and the police department for all their help.”
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FUN IN THE SUN
Across 1 Prepares to strike, in a way 6 Where many leading males may be seen? 15 Nocturnal problem, usually 16 Source of some sauce 17 Lets 18 Help 19 Chic modifier 20 Advertisers say it sells 21 Mother of Huey, Dewey and Louie 22 Service providers 24 Hall of Fame NHL coach Roger 26 Small power source 27 Paragon 28 Took a shot at 29 Sticks 33 Google goal 34 "Semper Fidelis" composer 35 "I like that!" 36 Encouragement before a shot 39 Millions can play it at once 41 Frequent Greenstreet co-star 42 Olympics competitor since 1896 43 To the extent that 46 Quaint inn room upright 47 Adjust one's sights 48 Get even with 49 Pic Sans Nom, par exemple 50 Pet identification aid 53 Come up with __ 54 Russian Orthodox church feature
55 "Christie Johnstone" novelist 56 Got back to one's office? 57 Threw wide, say Down 1 Courses around courses 2 Bellini's "Casta diva," for one 3 Metropolitan area 4 Muser's words 5 Nordic carrier 6 Agricultural units 7 Culmination 8 MD's employee 9 George Washington received an honorary one from Harvard U. 10 Prepared 11 Play that inspired an opera 12 Grueling grillings 13 __ Park, Calif. 14 Impala, e.g. 20 Subj. of some "Bossypants" chapters 23 Like some timers? 24 Ominous oater symbol
Answers to 07-13-16 Crossword Puzzle.
25 "Hairspray" mom 27 Logitech product 29 Transvaal settlers 30 It may have a bell on it 31 Bag lady? 32 Cut 34 Shot contents 37 Maker of AgeDefy products 38 Insulin, for one 39 Preceded 40 Theoretically 42 Lawyer's charge 43 Defensive covering 44 It flows through Troyes and Melun 45 Prima __: self-evident 46 Ostrich, for example 48 iPhone display 51 Agcy. concerned with drug-resistant bacteria 52 In 53 Equals
JULY 20, 2016
JULY 20, 2016
SPORTS
THE SUN
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Team Jackson crowned court champs BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN
To close out the adult recreational basketball season at The Center, the top two teams faced each other in the championship game Tues., July 12. Bringing their own teams this season, Team Jackson, led by Antwan Jackson, finished the season undefeated and at the top of the rankings. Patrick Calvary’s Team Calvary finished second in the regular season with a nearly perfect record, losing to Team Jackson 60-57 after a hard fought game on May 31. Team Calvary warmed up before the game optimistic for the win. After waiting for the fifth player to start play, Team Calvary quickly fell behind in the points after quick scores and threepoint shots by Team Jackson. With eight points on the scoreboard, Calvary put up two for his team, hoping to ignite a spark. John Davis, for Team Jackson just could not be stopped throwing up 26 total points in the game, the majority from behind the three-point line. After two points by Team Jackson’s Tanoan Alexandrea, the score progressed to 17-7. Calvary slowed down the pace of the after taking the ball away from Team Jackson. Team Calvary pushed the net, but Alexandrea and Teagon Putrill added points to the board for Team Jackson increasing its lead to 22-7. Team Calvary called its first time out with 12 minutes left on the first half clock. Time out called by Team Calvary with 12:13 left on the first half clock. The time out helped as Pedro Vega and Reggie Clemons made their baskets. Back and forth scoring by both teams, including two three-pointers, moved the score to 27-16. A fast break by Team Calvary made it a ninepoint game. With the momentum, Team Calvary called a timeout and returned to the court playing a strong defensive game, hustling and stealing the ball from the strong ball handlers of Team Jackson. The efforts of Team Calvary just were not enough. Team Jackson scored seven more points to Team Calvary’s six. Clemons headed to the free throw line after being fouled by Matt Smith. Clemons added an additional point to the scoreboard for Team Calvary moving the score to 34-23.
monica simpson | SUN
Team Jackson finish the season undefeated and capture the championship at The Center. Smith found himself at the free throw line missing both shots. Team Jackson teammate Putrill drove down the lane missing the shot. Smith made up for his missed free throws by rebounding Putrill’s shot and making the basket. Putrill redeemed himself with a clean three-point shot followed by a two-pointer for Vega on Team Calvary. With the score 39-25 and less than three minutes on the clock Putrill, Smith, Vega, Clemons and James Friedman continued to put the ball in the basket for their teams to move the score to 45-32. With nothing to lose, Putrill beat the buzzer with a three-point shot from way behind the line to end the first half of the game with the score of 48-32. Team Jackson started the second half of play. Smith made his shot and was fouled, but missed the free throw. Despite a nice defensive play by Calvary, Brandon Kern for Team Jackson hit a three-pointer. The scoring and the threes continued driving the Team Jackson lead to 22 points. Finishing the game with 25 points, Smith took the score to 58-34 with another basket.
Team Calvary just could not catch a break in the game, but continued to fight hard. Clemons who had 18 points in the game added a three-pointer to the statistics. Smith answered back for Team Jackson with his seventh three pointer. Kern added another two points to the game before Team Calvary called its first time out of the second half of the game with less than 14 minutes left in the game. With no substitutes on the bench, Terry Henry scored for Team Calvary. With the score 82-47, Kern hit a three-point shot proving once again how this championship game was all about the strong outside shots of Team Jackson. After making his single basket of the game Jackson was called for a technical foul for hanging on the rim. Team Calvary made both shots moving the score to 90-53. Clemons showed his opponents that Team Calvary could score threes by hitting another. Trying to close the gap, Team Calvary turned on the defensive pressure. Both teams hit their outside shots. James Friedman supported Team Calvary with 11 points in the game, including strong pushes in the second half of the game.
As the last seconds of the game were played out, Team Jackson continued to hit the baskets working toward scoring 100 points in the game. Pulling it out in the end, Team Jackson hit another three-pointer to end the game with the score 100-62, capturing the championship. With the end of the spring adult sports season coming to an end, the coed soccer league finishes with Eason Builders Group facing Wash Family Construction in the Paul “Ace” Hayward Championship Cup game 7 p.m. Thursday, July 21.
Sun Scoreboard Tuesday, July 12 Adult Basketball Team Jackson Team Calvary
Thursday, July 14 Adult Co-Ed Soccer Semi Final Playoff Games
61 64
Eason Builders Group Slim’s Place
7 3
Moss Builders Wash Family Construction
3 7
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JULY 20, 2016
pokemon: Pokémon GO an Island phenomenon FROM PAGE 1
mine where PokéStops and other elements are located. These often coincide with historical sites, points of public interest and areas that feature public art. In addition to being populated by several members of the Pokémon species, the area between The Bridge Tender Inn’s Dockside Bar and the nearby roundabout also boasted a virtual gym that allows players to engage in battle and hone their skills.
Luck and effort
According to server James Roberts, the heightened activity was a result of luck and some additional effort he put forth. “We were lucky enough to have a PokéStop and a gym,” he said, noting that the mural at the south end of the property was probably the impetus for the PokéStop. Roberts capitalized on that luck by suggesting management purchase a four-hour lure for $10 that sends out a signal that attracts players. “Some spots are luckier than others, and we are taking advantage of it. We’ve got a special drink called the Pokémon Punch that’s made of rum, orange juice, pineapple juice and a dark rum floater, and we’re probably going to host some parties,” he said, noting that business had been brisk all afternoon. “We are going to be running these lures as much as possible. This is a nice safe place for parents to bring their kids, and we have a lot of rare Pokémon,” Roberts said. Accompanied by her mother and a young friend, 14year old Kristen Curtis was among those lured to the Bridge Tender property. “I found a Goldeen, a Ponyta and a Magikarp,” Curtis said. “It’s really fun, and it’s something to get you out of the house.” A walk on the Historic Bridge Street Pier resulted in the capture of a flying dragon-like creature known as a Scyther and a few other creatures. Over at city hall, Deputy Clerk and Pokémon enthusiast Marie Montoya said she was wondering what the nearby lure was that she noticed during her lunch
Sports BRiefs Major Beach Soccer returning Earlier this month, the Bradenton Beach City Commission unanimously approved a special event permit application for a Major Beach Soccer qualifying tournament that will be held Saturday, Aug. 6, and Sunday, Aug. 7, at Coquina Beach. The tournament will be hosted and organized by P.M. Soccer Enterprises Inc. and sponsored by the Bradenton Area Sports Commission. Longboat Key resident Peter Mellor is the president and CEO of P.M. Soccer Enterprises, which has been hosting soccer tournaments on Florida beaches for the past 29 years. In July 2015, Major Beach Soccer hosted its first-ever tournament on Coquina Beach. For more information, or to register a youth or adult team, visit www.MajorBeachSoccer.com or call 941-706-1493.
joe hendricks | sun
Island Time bartender Delanie Herlihy mixes a Pikachu Punch with a Pokémon creature as her wingman. This phone screen shot indicates a plethora of Pokémon activity near the Historic Bridge Street Pier. break. Montoya said she loves Pokémon and she has a Pokémon character tattooed on her left arm to prove it. Her co-worker, Karen Aiken-Smoot said she plays with her young son. “It’s a fun way to be with him, and the whole thing is you have to be mobile,” Smoot said. At Island Time, bartender Delanie Herlihy was mixing up a Pokémon-themed Pikachu Punch. “It’s like an electric lemonade, which is perfect be-
Golf results There was no tournament Monday morning, July 11, at Key Royale Club. In the afternoon modified Stapleford play, Sean Purcell came in first with a score of +6 and Mark Kimball came in second with a score of +4. The ladies played Tuesday and the low net results are: Flight A (Tie): Lori Waggoner, 27 Penny Williams, 27 Flight B (Tie): Terry Westby, 29 Debbie Richardson, 29 Jana Samuels, 29 The game of the day was the low gross score on even holes and the winners were: Flight A: Lori Waggoner and Debi Wohlers, 16 Flight B: Jana Samuels, 16 Phyllis Roe had a birdie on hole #6 Dick Mills, Dave Richardson, Dennis Schavey and Quentin Talbert won Thursday’s scramble with a score of 27, 5 under par. For membership information, call 778-3055.
cause he’s an electric creature,” she said. Instead of a paid lure, Herlihy was attracting gamers with free virtual incense that attracts Pokémon creatures. “We have three PokéStops near here, and we’ve had a ton of people at the bar playing today. It’s been awesome. I probably rode my bike 25 miles in the past few days doing it. I was six or seven when it first came out, and I still have all my cards. I like that it gets me out of the house and takes me to places I wouldn’t normally go. I went to Marina Jack’s in Sarasota yesterday, and I wouldn’t normally do that,” she said. The north end of the Island was less active, but PokéStops stops were found along Pine Avenue at the Roser Community Church, the School for Constructive Play and the post office, with gyms discovered near the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum and at the end of the city pier.
Beyond the Island
On Saturday, Montoya traveled to Busch Gardens in Tampa for a massive Pokémon event that was temporarily stymied by a world-wide crash of the Pokémon servers that a hacking group called PoodleGroup claimed responsibility for. When the servers came back online, Montoya’s patience was rewarded with the capture of a massive Scyther worth more than 700 points. The fun and games are not without concerns and criticism. Nationwide there have been incidents involving entranced players being struck by cars, and there have been reports of players being lured to locations that resulted in robberies. And some critics simply question the need for an activity that provides another reason for people to bury their faces in their phones.
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Counterfeiters hit AMI Holmes Beach Police report two businesses at the Island Shopping Center took in counterfeit $20 bills during the Fourth of July weekend. On July 2, owner Zoe Whitcomb said Tortilla Bay Southwest Grill, 5318 Marina Drive, took in a fake bill. She said employees normally test large bills with the yellow markers, but one wasn’t available at that time, and it was during one of the busiest weekends of the year. She said the bill was slightly smaller
than a real one. The next day, Sun and Surf, 5418 Marina Drive, took in three $20 bills. A surveillance recording showed a male of medium build around 5’ 9” tall paid with the counterfeit bills. Holmes Beach Detective Sgt. Brian Hall reports that these two incidents are only ones he’s had in months. He said counterfeit twenties are most popular because most businesses don’t test them.
BEACH BEAT
thing. The officer asked the man what he was hiding, and he said nothing. The officer then saw a beer in the man’s bag. He was issued a citation. 7/2, fraud, 400 block of Clark Drive. A woman called police to report she had rented a property from a man and had a bad feeling about it. An officer called the property owner who said this had happened before. The police have a report on the previous incident. The officer called the woman who said she rented the house online at a site called Flipkey. The respondents called and gave the woman a phone number to call to avoid the high charge of using Flipkey. She paid $1,625 through Paypal, and when she tried to get directions, the phone number was found to be disconnected. The property owner said he had nothing to do with the transaction. 7/2, burglary, 5300 bock of Sunrise Lane. A fish finder was stolen from the homeowner’s boat. 7/2, driving without a license, 3400 East Bay Drive. The officer spotted a vehicle with a brake light missing and pulled over the driver. She admitted she had no driver’s license and had never been issued one. She was cited. 7/3, burglary, 100 block of 72nd Street. The victim contacted the officer on the beach
Anna Maria
7/6, petit theft, 800 block of North Shore Drive. A trashcan is missing. 7/7, domestic battery, 800 block of North Shore in the Gulf of Mexico. The couple was arguing while on a personal water device and when he tried to pull her back on the device after she got off, she bit him. The deputy arrested the male.
Bradenton Beach
7/12, trespass warning, 2400 block of Avenue C. The owner of a duplex had the officer issue a trespass warning to a male that he said drinks and causes trouble.
Cortez
7/9, Baker Act, 4400 block of 123rd Street West. The subject was taken to the hospital after threatening suicide.
Holmes Beach
7/2, alcohol violation, on the beach at 38th Street. The officer saw two men sitting on a bench, and one of them was hiding some-
Obituaries Dulaurence 'Duke' Miller Dulaurence “Duke” Miller died peacefully on June 24, 2016, in Asheville, N.C. at the age of 73. Duke is survived by his wife, Lucinda Miller, her son, Jeremy Birdwell, and granddaughter; two sons, Brett Miller, of St. Petersburg, Fla., and Bart Miller, of Orlando, Fla., and granddaughter; and former wife, Merrilee Miller of St. Petersburg, Fla. Duke was born on March 23, 1943, in Lakeland, Fla., to Minard and Edith Miller. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1966 and then proudly served in the U.S. Army though 1972 spending time in Vietnam with Armed Forces Radio Saigon. Duke was a respected advertising executive with
Bonito Advertising of Tampa, Fla., and a successful entrepreneur after he retired. Duke served as Anna Maria city commissioner from February 2003 until November 2008, when he moved off the Island. Duke always enjoyed life, especially when he was golfing, boating, traveling or on photography shoots. Above all, Duke was a great role model and loved his family. We are grateful that he was in our lives and will treasure the memories we had together. We will love and miss you forever, Duke. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Moffit Cancer Research at https://moffit.org/give-back/donate . Condolences can be sent to https:// www.facebook.com/groups/forduke/. The family would like to thank Moffit for their care and dedication.
Pieter G. V. Thomassen Pieter G. V. Thomassen, 84, died July
to report a soft sided cooler and his wife’s swimsuit were stolen from the porch of their residence. 7/3, parking violation, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive. The officer and police chief spotted two cars that were blocking traffic by parking illegally. The cars were towed. 7/4, burglary to a vehicle, 600 block of Key Royale Drive. The house cleaner reported finding the middle windshield of the boat at the property was broken and wires to as many as five electronic devices has been cut and the devices removed. The officer suspects the boat was entered from the water. A neighbor said he saw a white flat-bottom boat parked by the boat with a white male on board taking notes. 7/4, alcohol violation, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive. A lifeguard reported underage drinking near the tower. Four people had alcohol, and one of them was so intoxicated he had to go to the hospital. They were given citations. 7/4, alcohol violations, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive. While on patrol, an officer was flagged down by the complainant regarding a woman in the water who appeared to be so drunk to the point of alcohol poisoning. She said a group of males began groping her and her son had intervened. A dispute began, but ended quickly. The officer asked the female to come out of the water, and she did, unsteadily. The police chief asked the woman if she had been drinking, and she said she had. He took her to his ATV and had her blow into a breath alcohol measuring machine, and it indicated she was intoxicated. They called her parents to come get her and wrote her a citation. 7/4, theft, 200 block of 72nd Street. The complainant said her children held a garage sale, and when they took a break, somebody took their electric scooters that were on sale. One was pink, and one was red.
13, 2016, at Tidewell Hospice in Bradenton. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Eleanor, of Holmes Beach. Also surviving are sons, Pieter (Laura) and Bruce (Sophia) and daughter, Kirsten (Ken Lane), all of the Seattle, Wash., area; and stepson, Jeff Gerstenberger (Julie), of Rochester, N. Y.; eight grandchildren, Haley and Eliza Lane, Marleigh and Brett Thomassen, Dominick Hatcher, Gavin and Austin Thomassen and Alex Gerstenberger; and one sister, Mimi Miskovsky, of Seattle. He was predeceased by the mother of his children, Mary Sue Thomassen, in 1985. He earned his bachelor’s and Juris Doctor degrees at the University of Michigan. He is a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Pieter served for 26 years as a District Court Judge in Ann Arbor, Mich., first elected in 1968 when the district court system was introduced in the state. He was a member of the American Judges Association (Board of Governors), the
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7/4, criminal mischief, 6000 block of Gulf Drive. The complainant said she was in her apartment when she heard a car alarm and realized it was hers. She went to turn it off and found a window was broken. A witness said he observed three juveniles running away from the scene. The owner said there was nothing missing from her car. Neighbors looked around and found some tools hidden in the bushes. One of the neighbors said the tools belonged to him. They had been stolen from his vehicle. 7/5, theft from a vehicle, Publix, 3900 East Bay Drive. The complainant said the decal to her car was stolen, possibly at Publix where she works. 7/5, trespass after warning, Hurricane Hank’s, 5346 Gulf Drive. A man who had been issued a trespass warning earlier in the day came in and asked what he had done wrong. The waitress went to the back to get the manager, and when she returned, the man was gone. Police are investigating. 7/6, shoplifting, West Coast Surf Shop, 3902 Gulf Drive. The owner said he saw the female juvenile take a shirt off the rack and conceal it in her purse. He confronted her and got back the shirt and made her sit in a chair until police arrived. The owner asked the officer to arrest her and issue a trespass warning, but the officer said the owner had not let the girl past the cash register to complete the shoplifting. He said a trespass warning would be adequate. The female was with a juvenile friend and both were taken to the police station where the officer called their parents. 7/8, driving with a revoked license, 5600 block of Flotilla Drive. The officer saw the defendant driving a motor scooter and knew his license was revoked for numerous violations. He checked, and the defendant’s had been revoked since 2009. He issued him a summons and made him walk the scooter home.
American Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan and the Washtenaw County Bar Association. He enjoyed golf, sailing and fishing, was a member of Trout Unlimited, a member of the Ann Arbor and Anna Maria Rotary Clubs and the Key Royale Golf Club in Holmes Beach. Pieter loved people, parties and University of Michigan sports and became a gourmet cook in his later years. Memorial gatherings both in Holmes Beach and Ann Arbor will be announced at a later date. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 43rd Street Chapel, Bradenton, is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions will be welcomed by Tidewell Hospice of Southwest Florida, 5955 Rand Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34238 (specify funds for Tidewell Hospice in Bradenton). Condolences to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.
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gloria dei: Rezone requested FROM PAGE 1
that the only way to save the church was to sell off a portion of the property. He said the rezone application is consistent with the surrounding property. City Planner Bill Brisson told the board, “More than likely the land would be developed as vacation rentals. Vacation rentals would not adversely affect the surrounding property because they’re already there. “At most there could be five duplex structures or 10 units, but more likely there would be four duplex structures or eight units. Medium density residential is the most appropriate designation and is compatible with the surrounding properties.” Brisson said there would have to be a roadway into the parcel that is landlocked, and the church would need to show that it meets the parking requirements if the change were made.
Rezone to R-1
“I am so sad this is happening,” Commissioner Jean Peelen said, and asked if it could be rezoned to R-1 or single family residential. “Or C-1 (commercial),” Chair Judy Titsworth added. ‘I’d rather live next
door to an accountant or architect’s office than a vacation rental.” “The decision to rezone is quasi judicial,” City Attorney Jim Dye explained. “If it meets the criteria, you are obligated to grant it. Keep an open mind until the evidence is presented. If the only reason you don’t like it is because it would be a vacation rental, you can’t do that.” Peelen said they would not be prohibiting vacation rentals, but making a choice between 30 day or weekly rentals. Dye said an attorney general’s opinion said that “you can’t use a rezone decision to reject a rezone.” Commissioner Marvin Grossman asked if the church sells the property and then later runs out of money, could the rest of the property become R-2. Rudacille said the church is maintaining the PSP designation on the parcel it is keeping “to show good faith,” and that the church can maintain its parking. The church’s requests will be considered by the planning commission to determine if they are compatible with the comprehensive plan on Aug. 17 at 7 p.m.
SUbmitted
The red outline shows the portion that is subject to the rezone request, and it is surrounded by two-family, single family (SF) and vacation rental (VAC and SF/VR) uses. Following that, the city commission will consider the planning commis-
sion’s recommendation and hold a public hearing on the requests.
franchise: Moratorium enacted in Anna Maria FROM PAGE 1
“The city commission finds that the city is particularly attractive due in part to having a non-commercialized ‘Old Florida’ atmosphere where there are virtually no national chain type establishments. This trait is an important part of Anna Maria’s positive image and desirability to residents and visitors alike,” one of the ordinance’s whereas clauses states. The move supports the commission’s belief that current ordinances and land development regulations do not adequately regulate franchises, which they believe poses a threat to the city’s established character and its commercial and residential districts. “The balancing of all competing interests, including the rights of the commercial property owners, will take time to study and make important decisions. The moratorium creates the time needed to receive information, weigh all factors and craft appropriate policies and regulations,” the ordinance states. The ordinance says the comprehensive review of existing ordinances and land use regulations will include the mayor and commission, city staff, the Planning and Zoning Board and input from citizens and business owners. “I think it’s really important to have those people that are going to being impacted by this involved from the get-go.
I think it’s really important to have those people that are going to being impacted by this involved from the get-go.” Dale Woodland City Commissioner.
joe hendricks | sun
City Attorney Becky Vose presents the franchise moratorium ordinance. If we get these people involved from the very beginning I think that will make the whole process better,” Commissioner Dale Woodland said. Mayor Dan Murphy referenced Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson and said, “They’ve already got an ordinance similar to this in place and he and I have had discussions on how do we wrestle with this.” For the sake of regulatory uniformity, Murphy said it would be beneficial in some cases for the three Island cities to structure ordinances in a similar fashion. Echoing Woodland’s statements, Murphy said, “I’ll make a point to make sure we’re inclusive as possible.”
The ordinance presented last week originally defined formula retail and service establishments as those that have 11 or more locations in operation or are permitted for construction worldwide. Businesses are further defined as formula retail establishments if they maintain two or more of the following features: standardized merchandise, facades, décor, color scheme, uniforms, signs and trademarks. “Is that 11 a magic number of some sort?” Commissioner Carol Carter asked. City Attorney Becky Vose said that number was taken from the Holmes Beach ordinance. “I think 11 is too high,” Commissioner Nancy Yetter said. When Commission Chair Doug Copeland asked Yetter what number she would be comfortable with, she said, “In a city this size, I think it would be a mistake to go anything over three. It loses the
mom and pop feel that we currently have and I think the competition would be unfair to our current business owners.” Copeland noted that Poppo’s Taqueria started in Anna Maria but now has three more locations in Bradenton. He also said the Donut Experiment plans to franchise additional locations. “I don’t think we want to discourage people from coming in with a new idea and then spreading it,” he said. Yetter agreed and said, “They can start here and germinate out.” City Clerk Diane Percycoe pointed out that J. Burns’ Pizza Shop also has multiple locations and did not originate in Anna Maria. Carter suggested the number be lowered to no more than five and the commission reached consensus that it would be three. The commission intends to re-adopt a modified ordinance within 60 days.
JULY 20, 2016
classified
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLEANING SERVICE
BEACH YOGA ON Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www. thriveyogafit.com
C & T HOUSEKEEPING. For all your cleaning needs. Free Estimates. Reasonable rates. Senior discount. References available. Call 941-9622512
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).
CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & RENTALS. "Have it done your way, we care about our work" Call 941-7564570 PRESSURE CLEANING and WINDOW WASHING residential, commercial & resorts. Roofs, buildings, houses, driveways. Paver Sealing & Cleaning etc. Call 941-565-3935
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GOT A CAR You Wanna Sell. The Good, The Bad or The Ugly. Call Now 727-400-1910
PRIME COMMERCIAL LOCATION (2 Lots) 12,840 sq. ft. Located on Gulf Dr. in the City of Anna Maria, close to the beach and surrounded by shopping. Business on a tropical island! Island Real Estate Ask Al Galletto 941-232-2216
2006 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN One Owner. Locally Maintained. Brand New Air Conditioner. $2,900. Call 941-356-1456
BABY SITTER RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student. Call or text Isabel 941-5457995
BOATS: PARTS & SERVICES & SALES LOTS OF BOAT for the Money. Local on Island. Bayliner 27’ Ciera. Weekender/Fisherman. Merc V8. Well Maintained $7,500 OBO. Call 941-356-1456 16 FOOT OLD TOWN Red Kayak Loon model, including two paddles, cover and two wheeled cart. $799.00 Call 314-249-6238
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
Call us today! 941-778-3986
COMPUTER SERVICES EMPIRE COMPUTER SERVICE Computer problems fixed in your home or office. The fastest friendliest service around. Serving the Island since 2004. Call 941-739-6424
EMPLOYMENT PART TIME COUNTER Sales position available to work in our ladies boutique on Holmes Beach. Some retail experience required. Day time hours 10-5. Call 941504-8007
GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES ROSER THRIFT SHOP open 9:30a.m.-2p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, annex closes at noon. Saturdays open 10a.m.-1p.m. Donations accepted 9-11.am. Wednesdays. 511 Pine Ave. Anna Maria 941-7792733.
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
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LOST BRACELET Heavy silver with multi colored stones at Harrington House Bed & Breakfast. REWARD! Call 949-939-3340 LOST WHITE GOLD diamond ring. Antique looking. It has a hinge which opens up. Sentimental value. REWARD. Call 941504-9502
RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-7250073. KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CRC1327296. Call Jerry Kern 941-5042222 www.kernconstructioninc.com “HONEY DO" HOME Repairs & Handyman Services. 35 yrs experience. Painting, drywall, tile, woodwork. All tasks. Call 941-896-5256 or 941-807-5256 www.honeydohomerepairinc.com JOE UNGVARSY CONSTRUCTION. Designer/ Remodeling Contractor State License CRC 035261. Call 941-779-4630 or email juremodel1@aol.com
LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPING. Save water, gas, maintenance fees and the environment! Shell your yard. $50/yd installed. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067
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 WALY PRECISION PAINTING custom painting, pressure washing, commercial/residential, interior/exterior, drywall/stucco, Licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-580-4005 www. WalyPrecisionPainting.com “WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell 941794-0455
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 $50/yd. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770
LOST & FOUND FOUND PRESCRIPTION EYE Glasses in water at 52nd St, Holmes Beach. Gold metal frame. Call 941-7784944 t LOST MAN’S SILVER Wedding Ring, silver with stones mounted. Lost at Coquina Beach near restrooms. Please Call 813413-3373
DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-7057096
PERSONAL SERVICES EYELASH EXTENSIONS Vamp up your summer look! Stop using messy mascara and wake up gorgeous. $50 special over half off. Call 941-405-2219
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POOL SERVICES
RENTALS: ANNUAL
FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE. AMI & West Bradenton. Certified Pool Operator. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-737-5657
3BR/2BA SPACIOUS GROUND level condo with many upgrades including new kitchen and covered parking. W/D hook up, includes water, sewer, trash, cable & grounds care in park like setting. Pool, sauna, and observation dock. $1,650 /mo, $1650 last and $1000 security. 2BR/2BA home w/ den 1650 s/f lawn care incl. w/d hook up , tile & wood, 1 carport, 1st, last $1,500/ mo.$1,500 sec dep. Single family home, w/ existing rented 1 behind, on property. NO PETS AT THIS PROPERTY. Available July 1, Near St. Stevens 2BR/2BA Wildwood Springs ground level condo, pool tennis, inside W/D . Park like setting. $975/ mo1st month & security. 2BR/2BA home in 55+ golf community. Pool, tennis. Updated home in East Manatee. $1,500/ mo 1st month & security. Credit & background required on all applicants over 18 Ask for Ed. DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www. teamduncan.com
COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893
REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE W. BRADENTON CONDO 4000sq.ft. Canal front Bay view 3+BR/3.5BA Bonus room dock lift 2 car Island Real Estate Call AL Galletto 941-2322216 NEW HOMES at MIRABELLA FLORIDA. Starting from the mid 200’s. Only minutes from the beaches, this new active adult community is perfectly located just south of Manatee Ave, off Village Green Pkwy. Perfectly designed, open floor plans, 2BR/2BA plus den and 2CG. Luxurious amenities, pool, spa, gym, pickle ball, pet friendly community. HOA only $190/month. Models open daily. Contact us 941-254-3330 www. MirabellaFlorida.com 106 WILLOW RENOVATED Cottage. 1 in from Beach, beautiful pool/spa. Lush landscaping $1,245,000. Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086 MOBILE HOME for SALE. Bayshore Village. Clean & nicely furnished $10,500. 8 miles to Beach. By Owner 941-356-1456
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 SINGLE FAMILY HOME in Holmes Beachunfurnished w/carport $2000 per mo. ANNUAL LEASE- Just one block to the beach. Call A Paradise 941-778-4800 WEST BRADENTON HOUSE: 3803 15th Ave W. Available Now. Cute 2BR/2BA plus family room. W/D hookups, car port, large yard. $1300/mo. First, Last, Security. Credit check. Call 941-809-2488 text for info tyxq to 26971 ANNUAL UNFURNISHED LAKESIDE Village Townhouse. 2BR/2.5BA Lake view. $1200/mo. 8 miles to Beach Realtor 941-3561456
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RENTALS: ANNUAL ANNUAL RENTAL 3BR/1 3/4BA. All Electric, two story town house. parking for 2 cars. Great view of Gulf Waters. $1800/ mo Call Mike 941-7828556 HOLMES BEACH 2BR/1BA Duplex. Close to beach. $1100/mo First, Last & Security. Call 941-809-2488 FURNISHED BAYSHORE VILLAGE. Mobile Home. Clean, nice $800/mo 8 miles to Beach. Realtor 941-356-1456
RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION
TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455
ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fl Condos. Pool beach access, fully equipped $650-$800/ wk Redekercondos.com 941-704-7525 or 941-7781915 WILLKOMMEN AUF AMI! Besuchen Sie Island Real Estate in einem unserer Inselbüros (6101 Marina Drive oder 419 Pine Ave) mit unserem deutschsprachigen Reservierungsservice und erhalten ein freies Island Real Estate Baseball Cap! Wir geben Ihnen gerne mehr Auskunft über unsere 250 ausgewählte Feriendomizile für Ihren nächsten Urlaub!
TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $85, Sarasota $35, Clearwater $75, Fort Meyers $150, Orlando $150. Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www. amitaxi.com
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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