Anna Maria Island Sun July 28, 2021

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 21 No. 42

July 28, 2021

Red tide causing fish kills, symptoms

Health officials advise people with respiratory conditions to avoid beach areas with red tide.

BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com

FDEP allows rare beachfront development JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Red tide is not only killing fish in waters around the Island, but it’s causing people to suffer the trademark respiratory symptoms associated with the toxic algae.

Visitor Jackie Harling said she and her husband and daughter began having symptoms on July 20.

“We know for sure it was a red tide as the moment we opened our truck doors we all started coughing,” she said. “We loaded everything into our condo and spent the majority of the time in the condo until the next day where my husband and daughter were outside for a couple of hours and realized it was not a good situation. Even though I had been indoors most of the time, I was having trouble breathing.”

NOAA has issued a red tide respiratory warning for Manatee and surrounding counties, noting that impacts vary by location and with wind direction.

Current forecasts of respiratory irritation are available at habforecast.gcoos.org and at visitbeaches.org.

FDEP has ruled in favor of allowing a single-family home to built on a vacant lot in front of this beachfront home (center) at 107 Elm Ave. SEE RED TIDE, PAGE 16

FDEP’s final order is subject to judicial review if requested by those who oppose the state agency’s permitting ruling.

Fore! Slow golf carts frustrating motorists

BY JOE HENDRICKS

With an increase in visitors to the Island this summer, there is unprecedented demand for golf cart rentals, and it’s causing some problems.

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – In a move that critics label "rogue," the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) will allow Fedora Campbell to build a beachfront home seaward of the Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL).

On Tuesday, July 20, FDEP issued its final order regarding Campbell’s 2020 development request for her vacant beachfront property at 105 Elm Ave. “The final order granting Fedora L. Campbell’s application for a Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) permit to construct a single-family residence and associated structures seaward of the CCCL on Anna Maria Island in Manatee County, Florida is approved subject to the general and specific conditions set forth within the permit,” according to the final order, signed by interim FDEP Secretary Shawn Hamilton.

The order notes that any party to the proceeding has the right to seek judicial review by filing a notice of appeal with the Office of General Counsel in Tallahassee within 30 days.

INSIDE NEWS 4 LETTERS 6 CALENDAR 7 OUTDOORS 18 RESTAURANTS 23 REAL ESTATE 24-27 SPORTS 28

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER | SUBMITTED

This map illustrates the many undeveloped beach front properties near Elm Avenue, with the Jordan property - with the house - and the vacant Campbell lot highlighted in blue.

The order does not allow Campbell to seek recovery of the attorney fees she incurred as the result of the administrative challenge posed by some neighboring property owners.

Campbell’s undeveloped lot is located seaward of the beachfront home at 107 Elm Ave., which North Carolina natives Wendy and Robert Jordan purchased for $4 million in April through their WAJ Rustic Vacations LLC.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND - With parking at a premium on the Island, many visitors are turning to golf cart rentals for vacation transportation, and the increase is causing frustration for visitors and residents and an increase in accidents.

“I don’t understand how it’s legal to drive these things on the road,” said Linda Ruckman of Anna Maria. “If the speed limit is 35 and these carts only go 20 miles per hour, how is that legal? I work in Bradenton Beach and it takes forever to get there because I’m always stuck behind at least one cart going well below the speed limit.”

SEE FDEP, PAGE 10

SEE CARTS, PAGE 7

OCTOPUS - An

KNOW where to go with your pets.

eight-legged love affair. In Food & Wine. 20

In the Pet Evacuation Guide. 21-22

Anna Maria Island, Florida

HOW clams can help us save our

disappearing seagrass. 3 The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper www.amisun.com

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Chiles seeks city funds for clam, seagrass restoration A group of individuals has offered to match up to $50,000 in additional funds donated by members of the Island community who support the restoration project.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Restaurateur and business owner Ed Chiles is asking the city of Anna Maria to contribute $50,000 toward a clam and seagrass restoration project.

Chiles and Bay Shellfish Co. founder and managing director Curt Hemmel presented the funding request to the Anna Maria City Commission on Thursday, July 22. A final decision on the funding request will not be made until Mayor Dan Murphy presents the commission with a detailed plan explaining when, where and how the restoration project would be conducted.

If approved, the Anna Maria

SUBMITTED

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

These large clams were used in a previous clam restoration project at Port Manatee. Ed Chiles presented his funding request to city commissioners on July 22. project would be similar to the clam restoration project that took place in Bradenton Beach, near the Bridge Street Pier, in 2019. That project was funded by the city of Bradenton Beach and supported by that commission.

This type of project involves

placing large, mature brood stock clams in local waters that are conducive to clams and seagrass restoration.

Clams naturally filter the water, which in turn makes that marine environment more suitable for seagrass growth and sustainability. Chiles cited the

Lake La Vista inlet and Bimini Bay as two bodies of water in Anna Maria suitable for a clam restoration project.

After thanking the commissioners for their service to the community, Chiles said, “We’re here to serve the community and the thing that keeps me

up at night and worries me the most is water quality issues.”

Chiles said he opened his BeachHouse restaurant in Bradenton Beach in 1993 and in 1995-96 the Island experienced a red tide outbreak that lasted 11 months. That outbreak led to the formation of the Solutions To Avoid Red Tide (START) organization.

“That organization is still going very strong today,” Chiles said.

“Red tide is still going strong and I worry what happens if we have more red tides,” Chiles said, noting the severe red tide outbreak that occurred in 2018. “Now we have another one. If they come in stronger and more frequent, what happens then? This is a very precious place and we want to keep that precious environment for our grandkids. We certainly don’t want to be the generation which undermines the state economy of Florida.”

SEE CHILES, PAGE 12

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ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

Possible reprieve for net camp Raymond Guthrie Jr. has agreed to sign over the ownership of the net camp he built in 2017 offshore of the Cortez fishing village to the not-forprofit Cortez Core Inc. to save it from demolition, according to Karen Bell, of Cortez Core and A.P. Bell Fish Co. in Cortez.

The not-for-profit group is waiting for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to draw up a lease that will allow Cortez Core to keep the camp open for the use of working commercial fishermen, Bell said.

The stilt structure is past due for demolition under a court order that denied Guthrie’s claim that he owned the submerged land under the camp because his family built prior camps in the same spot. The 12th Judicial Circuit Court ruled that the state of Florida owns the submerged land under the structure, and that the construction was unpermitted and therefore illegal.

Support Bayfest with your sponsorship Sponsorship opportunities are available for the 19th annual Bayfest celebration, which will take place Saturday, Oct. 19 on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria. According to the AMI Chamber, sponsorships not only promote business but also raise money for Chamber scholarships and initiatives, as well as covering rising festival costs.

Bayfest features live music, food and drinks, kids’ activities, arts and crafts and an antique car show featuring more than 100 classic muscle cars and hotrods. Contact the Chamber at annamariaislandchamber.org to become a sponsor.

Thrift store temporarily closed to donations The Roser Chancel Choir needs help from the community to fill its seats on Sunday mornings.

For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the choir is back to business with the help of Director of Music Ministries Craig Ramberger and Associate Director of Music Ministries Brandon Kouri. The two invite the community to come and sing, with practices held every Thursday at 7 p.m. in the church sanctuary at 512 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria. Anyone is welcome to join, from middle school-aged youth through young-at-heart adults.

No prior experience is necessary, and you do not need to know how to read music. The choir sings during 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. church services every Sunday, though choir members are not required to sing at both services. For more information, or to join the choir, email Ramberger at craig@roserchurch.com.

Correction: Wendy and Robert Jordan own the vacant beachfront lot at 103 Elm Ave. in Anna Maria. A story in last week’s Sun listed a different owner.

Visit our website, www.amisun.com.

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JULY 28, 2021

Reimagining Pine Avenue meetings conclude

Three public information meetings were held to gather input from residents and business owners.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – With the conclusion of the last Reimagining Pine Avenue public information meeting, traffic engineer Gerry Traverso is working on a report detailing potential safety and traffic efficiency improvements.

The report is expected to be presented to the city commission in mid-August, rather than on July 29 as originally planned.

The third and final public information meeting took place on Tuesday, July 20, drawing about 20 residents and business owners along with Mayor Dan Murphy and the city commission.

The meeting provided a final opportunity for the public to provide initial input regarding the Pine Avenue corridor that also includes Spring Avenue and Magnolia Avenue and the connecting sections of Gulf Drive to South Bay Boulevard.

COLEMAN WEIGHS IN

Anna Maria resident and longtime local businessman Mike Coleman joined the public discussion during Tuesday’s meeting. Coleman, Ed Chiles and Ted LaRoche led the development of the Pine Avenue Restoration (PAR) mixeduse properties that began in 2007.

“I’m pretty sure I have more practical physical knowledge of Pine Avenue than anybody else, because we built it – and we built it with a single purpose in mind; to create a walkable community,” Coleman said.

The PAR development includes unpaved, meandering pathways that serve as alternatives to the straight-line concrete sidewalks that exist elsewhere in the corridor.

“Some people raised a concern that the existing sidewalks were behind the cars, so people were at risk walking down the side-

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

This unpaved pathway meanders away from Pine Avenue and leads pedestrians in front of parked cars. Right, Anna Maria resident Mike Coleman shared his input and suggestions during the July 20 meeting.

walk with cars backing out. It just seemed to be simpler to put the sidewalks (pathways) in front of the cars, which is what we did. I’ve heard them called ‘phantom sidewalks.’ Most people know they’re there. They’re marked a little bit, but not as good as they could be,” Coleman said.

“People my age don’t walk out into the street. The people I see walking out on the street are younger families. Once in a while, I’ll stop them and say, 'We built a pathway right over there for you so you won’t get hit by a bus,’ " he added.

“What I hope for is a rational solution that can be embraced by the community. If safety is the issue, then the separation of pedestrians and vehicles should be the first step,” Coleman said.

He said flooding where the concrete sidewalks don’t drain well forces pedestrians into the road. He suggested replacing the concrete sidewalks and unpaved pathways with pervious paver sidewalks that provide better drainage. He said the goal should be to create a wide, visible walkway that attracts pedestrians.

Coleman opposes transforming Pine Avenue and Magnolia Avenue into one-way streets, as previously discussed.

“That never made sense to me to take traffic off Pine Avenue where businesspeople want traffic and put it into the neighborhoods where people don’t want traffic,” he said.

ADDITIONAL CONCERNS

Holmes Beach resident Nancy Deal said she and her husband frequently ride their bikes to Anna Maria and often sit outside of Ginny’s and Jane E’s Café and observe the traffic at the corner of Gulf Drive and Magnolia Avenue.

Deal said the area along Gulf Drive where the mixed-use path and the bike path end near Slim’s Place is among the most dangerous on the Island to ride a bike because there’s no designated travel area for bicyclists. She suggested creating a bike path or bike lane from Slim’s Place to Magnolia Avenue. She also said there’s not much space along Pine Avenue for bicyclists.

SEE PINE, PAGE 5

JULY 28, 2021

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PINE: Reimagining Pine Avenue meetings conclude FROM PAGE 4

Anna Maria resident Jean Murray said the parallel parking along Pine Avenue makes it more difficult for bicyclists.

Joining the discussion for the first time, AMI Outfitters owner Yetta Levitt said she opposes restricting delivery trucks to 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. only, as previously discussed. She said AMI Outfitters doesn’t open until 9 a.m. and she’s concerned that packages left earlier and unattended could get stolen. She said her daily UPS and FedEx deliveries are important to her business operations and the smaller delivery trucks do not block Pine Avenue.

“I would strongly encourage you not to restrict deliveries,” she said.

City Commissioner Deanie Sebring said a resident told her two large delivery trucks recently parked side by side near The Waterfront restaurant and completely blocked that end of Spring Avenue for more than 10 minutes.

Longtime Anna Maria resident Peggy Sawe offered the most extreme suggestion when she proposed implementing certain times when motor vehicles are not allowed to enter Anna Maria Island. She also said the three Island

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

AMI Outfitters’ co-owner Yetta Levitt opposes restrictions placed on delivery trucks. cities need to be more unified in their efforts to address safety, traffic and congestion issues.

Pine Avenue business owner Janalee Gallagher said Pine Avenue is currently a “free for all” with all the different users and modes of transportation sharing that space.

As a teenager, Anna Maria resident Quinton Concilus learned to drive on the streets of Anna Maria. He said he recently took his teenage son out for a practice drive in Anna Maria which was quickly terminated due to the traffic and congestion. Concilus also suggested all crosswalks throughout the

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Pedestrian safety is a key component of the Reimagining Pine Avenue study. city be identical to create consistency for pedestrians and motorists.

Sgt. Brett Getman from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office responded to comments made at the previous meeting regarding the enforcement of laws and regulations pertaining to pedestrians and other Pine Avenue corridor users.

Getman encouraged meeting attendees to take one of his business cards.

“Get a hold of me. Call us. We don’t

see everything. We can’t be everywhere at once. If you see something, don’t hesitate to call. If you don’t say something, we can’t respond to it. Send me an email if you have any questions or issues. If you want to sit down and talk to me, I’ll be more than happy to,” he said.

To contact Getman and/or the Anna Maria Unit by phone call 941-7086130 ext. 130, or email brett-getman@ manateesheriff.com.

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OPINION

The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper 3909 East Bay Drive, Suite 210, Holmes Beach, FL, 34217 Phone: (941) 778-3986 email: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com

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JULY 28, 2021

The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field Layout Ricardo Fonseca Reporters Cindy Lane Joe Hendricks Kristin Swain Jason Schaffer Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors Editor Rusty Chinnis Advertising director Shona Otto Ad assistant Pamela Lee Classified ads Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Digital/Social Media Editor Cindy Lane Accounting John Reitz Distribution Bob Alexander Tony McNulty Connor Field Contributors Tom Vaught Steve Borggren Monica Simpson

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Love AMI

We all love and cherish Anna Maria Island! Right?

Of course, right!!

Whether we have lived on AMI for our entire lives, or whether we live on AMI part-time, or whether we have the good fortune to visit AMI when we desperately need a change of scenery and an attitude adjustment, we are all intrinsically bound together by our love and devotion to this breathtaking and supremely enchanted island.

That said, I believe it is very important to begin to view and perceive the entire Gulf Coast in a manner that is equally important to each and every one of us, like the beach or beaches we happen to most frequent.

Everything is connected, and ultimately, it doesn't really matter all that much that your beach happens to be relatively "OK" on any given day and the beach just a couple of miles north or south of yours is being absolutely ravaged by red tide and massive fish and wildlife kills. Everything is connected. Their beaches must matter to us, every bit as much as our own beaches, because tomorrow, their problem will, of course, be our problem.

We must all fight together to protect Florida's waterways. Write and call and email (better yet, because there is so much at stake, do all three!) your elected and appointed officials. Theoretically at least, they are in place to work to help protect where we live, work and play and to help safeguard and maintain

RUSS CUSICK | SUBMITTED

our quality of life. And yes, they must continuously be reminded of this fact. Network and organize!

Let us try to have an uncontentious discussion as to what the fight to protect Anna Maria Island and the surrounding Tampa Bay region looks like - what it means to each and every one of us, individually. I think we can all learn some things and perhaps discover myriad ways in which we can all play a role in protecting what must be protected. Everything is at stake right now in Florida and this fact is not even debatable.

God bless you all, and may God continue to bless our miraculous planet.

Russ Cusick Bradenton Beach

www.amisun.com

JULY 28, 2021

ON THE AGENDA ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www. cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information.

July 29, 10 a.m. – City Commission meeting Aug. 12, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting

BRADENTON BEACH

107 GULF DRIVE N. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005

City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information.

July 29, 9 a.m. – City Commission special meeting Aug. 4, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting Aug. 4, 2 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting Aug. 5, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting Aug. 18, 10 a.m. – City Commission budget work meeting

HOLMES BEACH

5801 MARINA DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800

City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www. holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information.

Aug. 4, 6 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting Aug. 10, 5 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow Aug. 18, 10 a.m. – Code Compliance special magistrate hearing

ISLAND-WIDE

Aug. 3, 4 p.m. – Council of Governments meeting, Longboat Key room, Bradenton Area Convention Center, One Haben Blvd., Palmetto Aug. 16, 9 a.m. – Tourist Development Council meeting, Manatee County administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton Aug. 17, 6 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue board of commissioners meeting, administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton MARKYOUR CALENDAR

WEDNESDAY JULY 28

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.loc8nearme.com/florida/ bradenton-beach/beach-market-atcoquina-beach/6171244/ for more information.

Golfing for God, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Pkwy., Bradenton, 2:45 p.m. tee time, 5:30 p.m. Bible study and dinner, $40 for golf and dinner, $20 for dinner.

Reservations required. Reserve to www.roserchurch.com/g4g/.

THURSDAY JULY 29

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome. Participants asked to bring bottled water and wear a face mask or shield.

Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-4 p.m. Register online at www.manateelibrary.libcal.com/calendar.

Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

FRIDAY JULY 30

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton

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Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.loc8nearme.com/florida/ bradenton-beach/beach-market-atcoquina-beach/6171244/ for more information.

Locals Beach Cleanup, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 4 p.m. Reserve to www. facebook.com/AMILOCALS.

SATURDAY JULY 31

Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m.

Saturday mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Face masks required.

SUNDAY AUG. 1

Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Rise and Shine Power Flow Yoga, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., $10 fee payable online. Bring your own yoga mat. Register at https://parks.mymanatee.org/ wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search.

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html?primarycode=110006 or call 941-742-5923 ext. 6042 for more information.

TUESDAY AUG. 3

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome.

Participants asked to bring bottled water and wear a face mask or shield.

Family storytime, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Ages 0-5, limit five children and five caregivers. Register online at www.manateelibrary. libcal.com/calendar.

Tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-4 p.m. Register online at www. manateelibrary.libcal.com/calendar.

THURSDAY AUG. 5

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome.

Participants asked to bring bottled water and wear a face mask or shield.

CARTS: Slow golf carts frustrating motorists FROM PAGE 1

Unfortunately for Ruckman and others annoyed by the carts driving under the speed limit, there is little that can be done. Detective Sgt. Lenard Diaz, of the Bradenton Beach Police Department, and Chief William Tokajer, of the Holmes Beach Police Department, both said it is legal for the carts to drive under the speed limit as long as they are properly registered and operated by a licensed driver.

“Legally, they are OK at any speed, so there isn’t much any of the police departments can do about that,” Tokajer said. He added that there have been more cart-related accidents this year than normal, including a hit and run that left a woman driving a golf cart in serious condition requiring surgery.

“Because of the uptick in accidents, our department is currently running enhanced enforcement," he said. "We’re checking for seatbelts being buckled, child seat use and other violations. If you aren’t using the carts properly and safely, you will be ticketed.”

“We recently had a collision where the cart driver was ejected from the cart because he wasn’t wearing a seatbelt,” Diaz said. “We treat golf carts

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

A golf cart and sedan collide at the intersection of Gulf Drive and Cortez Road. just like higher speed vehicles, they are subject to the same laws, so even though they may be going slower than people would like, if they merge into the bike lane to wave cars past, they are committing a traffic offense and will be pulled over.”

Tokajer echoed Diaz’s statement, saying his department will ticket carts

driving in the bike lane.

The lack of golf cart rentals also is causing frustration for visitors. Jamie Carte, who is staying with his wife and two children in Bradenton Beach, decided to fly into Tampa and have a friend in the area drive them to the Island. The plan was to rent a golf cart since the family had no intentions of

leaving the Island during their stay.

Unfortunately, what should have been an easy fix became a big headache for the family.

“It took a lot of searching to even find a cart on a week’s notice, but once we did it looked like it was going to be great. It was parked in front of our rental unit when we arrived and looked brand new,” said Carte, whose experience took a turn for the worse.

“The second time we jumped on the cart, it broke down a block from the condo," he said. "The rental company came and picked it up then called the next day and said it couldn’t be easily fixed and no replacement was available.”

After being issued a full refund, it took the Carte family two days of searching to secure another golf cart, which left them to rely solely on public transportation for almost half of their stay on the Island.

He said the trolley, though usable, took a lot longer to get around in and the heat was something to contend with while waiting at the stop. Their gas-powered golf cart, on the other hand, was quick and stable on the road.

“We loved it,” Carte said.

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JULY 28, 2021

Privateers hold ‘Christmas in July’ for a good cause The Anna Maria Island Privateers annual “Christmas in July” fundraiser returns to The Drift In on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH After not being able to hold the event last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Anna Maria Island Privateers were excited to resume their annual “Christmas in July” event at The Drift In on Bridge Street.

The event featured live music, a buffet of Island food, raffle prizes and more.

While the event was a great party and everybody attending appeared to be indulging in lots of food and a little bit of rum, it was all for a great cause that the Privateers are passionate about.

“This is to help with the

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Members of the Anna Maria Island Privateers with Santa Claus at their annual “Christmas in July” event at The Drift In on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. many things we do throughout the year. This is mostly to help with our Christmas families that we help in De-

cember,” said Dallas of the Privateers, explaining that proceeds will help families with children who may be

having difficulties financially around the holidays.

A large food buffet was open to anyone attending

for a cost of $10 and featured dozens of dishes and desserts provided by Privateers as well as local restaurants including the Bridge Tender Inn, Seafood Shack, Pizza Social, The Moose Lodge, Smoqe House and The Cheesecake Cutie and Cafe.

A lotto board and “booze basket” valued at $500 were also up for grabs with all the proceeds going to help Island children.

Even Santa Claus was in on the action, taking a break from toy-making and bringing his sleigh to The Drift In parking lot for pictures with anyone who just couldn’t wait until December. It was also a rare chance to see Santa in board shorts, sandals and a straw beach hat.

He certainly appeared to be enjoying his Anna Maria Island vacation.

TABLESIDE SERVICE WITH A BAYSIDE VIEW ON THE BRIDGE STREET PIER!

FAMILY-FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE! DAILY HAPPY HOUR • 3-6PM • $4.20 SELECT LIQUORS (DEWARS, JIM BEAM, JOSE CUERVO & TITOS) • $4.20 HOUSE WINE • $3.15 SELECT DRAFT BEER • BUY-ONE-GET-ONE HALF OFF SELECT APPETIZERS

When it rains, we pour! Happy Hour pricing anytime it's raining.

LANDSIDE

6906 14th Street West 941.758.7880

CORTEZ

6696 Cortez Road 941.792.0077

ELLENTON

1525 51st Avenue East 941.721.7773

BRIDGE ST. PIER Bradenton Beach 941.778.AMOB (2662)

JULY 28, 2021

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Commission favors maintaining current millage rate Mayor Dan Murphy proposes increasing annual stormwater fees.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy recommends, and the City Commission supports, maintaining the current 2.05 millage rate for another year.

The commission unanimously reached this preliminary decision during the Thursday, July 22, budget meeting that began the city’s annual budget preparation process. Later this summer, the commission will take a final vote on setting the 2021-22 millage rate. Murphy told the commissioners they could still lower the millage rate if so desired, but after Thursday’s preliminary vote they cannot increase it.

Murphy said the city’s financial position warrants maintaining the existing millage rate and there’s no need to increase it. According to Murphy’s budget presentation, maintaining the current 2.05 millage rate is expected to generate $2.96 million in total ad valorem tax revenues in the coming fiscal year. Murphy said maintaining the millage rate that has remained in effect for several years will generate an anticipated $358,582 in additional ad valorem property tax revenues for the city.

The revenue increase is the result of rising property values. Murphy noted a significant amount of residential properties in Anna Maria are non-homesteaded properties that are not eligible for the homestead exemption and other property tax savings – and a significant portion of those non-homesteaded properties are vacation rentals.

During Thursday’s meeting, Murphy also presented the commission with an overview of the city’s anticipated revenues for the 2021-22

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Participants of the 2021 Anna Maria Island Children’s Drama Camp perform “Biome” at the Island Players Community Theater in Anna Maria.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Mayor Dan Murphy presented his millage rate recommendation to the city commission on July 22.

Children’s Drama Camp showcases talented Island youth

BY JASON SCHAFFER

fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. In addition to the ad valorem tax revenues, the city expects to receive $740,432 in American Rescue Act funds.

Murphy also proposes raising the existing stormwater fee from $1 per 100 square feet of property to $3 per 100 square feet of property.

That proposed fee is higher than the $2.95 per 100 square feet assessed by the city of Holmes Beach and lower than the $4.40 per 100 square feet assessed by the city of Bradenton Beach. According to Murphy, the proposed annual stormwater fees for a 5,000-squarefoot property would increase from $50 to $150. The additional revenues will be used to maintain and improve the city’s stormwater and drainage systems. A formal vote on the proposed fee increase will occur later in the budget process.

Murphy’s budget projects $375,000 in occupancy-based vacation rental fee revenues – an increase of approximately $50,000 from last year.

The city will also receive a one-time $500,000 payment from Manatee County for the installation of a marine education outreach center on the Anna Maria City Pier.

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA - After two weeks of rehearsal and education, the 2021 Children’s Drama Camp closed with two performances of “Biome” at the Island Players Community Theater.

The Camp is held by The Center of Anna Maria Island every summer and gives area children ages 5-13 a chance to learn all aspects of a theatrical production. Participants help design costumes, make set decorations, practice singing, and, of course, learn acting.

“I really like acting and singing, it’s really fun,” said Ava Harlin, who played Goliath Beetle, one of the three lead roles in the play about three animals who escape the zoo and travel the world searching for their natural biome, along with Elephant and King Snake. “It’s really rewarding to see the whole play come together. In the beginning, it seems a lot harder, but then it all just starts falling into place,” Harlin added, speaking of the challenges of performing in live theater.

“I’ve done this the whole nine years it’s been going on,” said 13-year-old Gabriella Gilbert, who has been acting since she was in pre-school, and played Elephant in the production.

“This will be my last year since I’ve reached the age limit, but I hope to volunteer and continue to work with the camp,” said Gilbert, who also plans to join her school’s drama club.

The production of “Biome” was more than 30 minutes long with more than a half dozen musical numbers and the children delivered their lines with authority and added plenty of personality that made this a genuinely enjoyable experience for everyone in attendance.

“We had 16 kids this year who ranged in age from 5-13 years old, but we had five kids that were five years old. This presents a challenge because at that age they don’t read yet,” said Pamela Sikkema, drama director for the camp.

“We only get seven twohour rehearsals, so parents working with their children at home is really important,” said Sikkema, who is also a costume designer, and made all of the costumes seen on stage.

At the conclusion of the 1 p.m. performance, the Island Players presented a check for $2,000 to The Center of Anna Maria Island. This money comes from a grant the Players apply for every year.

There’s plenty more theater to come as The Island Players are excited to kick off the 2021-22 season on Sept. 16 with “The Savannah Sipping Society.” Tickets are on sale now and more information is available at www.theislandplayers.org.

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JULY 28, 2021

FDEP: Allows rare beachfront development FROM PAGE 1

The Jordans’ home is currently the most seaward home on that side of Elm Avenue and the construction of a new home at 105 Elm Ave. would at least partially obstruct their existing view. According to an email that Wendy Jordan sent Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, the Jordans were unsuccessful in their recent efforts to purchase Campbell’s property for $2 million.

However, according to the official records of Manatee County, the Jordans did successfully purchase from Steven Decker the undeveloped lot at 103 Elm Ave. for $500,000. 103 Elm is seaward of Campbell’s property, which is now positioned between two properties owned by the Jordans.

JUDGE RECOMMENDS ORDER

FDEP’s order references a recommended order that Administrative Law Judge Francine Ffolkes issued on June 7. Ffolkes’ ruling was the result of a multiday formal administrative hearing she conducted on behalf of the

Florida Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH).

In her written recommended order, Ffolkes stated, “Based on the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is hereby recommended that DEP enter a final order granting respondent Campbell's application for a CCCL Permit to construct a single-family residence and associated structures seaward of the CCCL.” The administrative hearing was requested by petitioners David Morris, Ling Liu, DAR Real Estate Enterprises and Richard Theidel in opposition to the FDEP construction permit and notice to proceed issued to Campbell in June 2020. The Jordans also oppose the FDEP permit but they are not named as petitioners in Ffolkes’ recommended order or FDEP’s final order.

“The structure authorized by FDEP’s CCCL (Coastal Construction Control Line) permit will substantially advance seaward the established line of existing construction,” the petitioners claimed in the petition for a formal ad-

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

This Preserve AMI sign was recently placed alongside the Elm Avenue beach access walkway. ministrative hearing filed on their behalf in August 2020.

“Petitioners specifically allege that as presently designed and authorized by Permit No. ME-1341, Campbell’s proposed structures do not comply with the applicable requirements and are not eligible for a CCCL permit. Petitioners seek a final order revoking Permit No. ME-1341,” that 2020 document states.

CITY PERMITS REQUIRED

The development of Campbell’s vacant lot at 105 Elm Ave. will still require city-issued building permits. As of Friday, City Clerk LeAnne Addy said the city had not received a building permit application for that property.

On July 6, Anna Maria Building Official Luke Curtis sent an email to Mayor Dan Murphy regarding the potential development of 105 Elm Ave. Curtis’ email noted that

previous determinations provided by separate consulting groups in 2017 and 2018 confirm that 105 Elm Ave. is a buildable lot according to city code.

Despite being considered a buildable lot, the development of 105 Elm could still be hindered by the fact that Elm Avenue currently ends near the Jordans’ driveway and does not provide direct access to Campbell’s property.

In his email, Curtis stated, “Prior to any building permit being accepted by the building department, a development permit, along with a site plan including but not limited to access to the property, sewer, water and electric utilities, will need to be considered and approved by city commission.”

PRESERVE AMI

Assisted by Patrick Coyne, the Jordans recently launched the Preserve AMI campaign that addresses the Jordans’ efforts to preserve their own beachfront SEE FDEP, PAGE 17

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Holmes Beach leaders start 2021-22 budget talks A proposed budget for the 2021-22 fiscal year is taking shape in Holmes Beach.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Budget discussions are underway in Holmes Beach and commissioners so far have only made a few minor adjustments to the proposed 2021-22 fiscal year finances.

City Treasurer Lori Hill presented the proposed $11,156,128 budget to city commissioners during a July 13 work session. In addition to the more than $11 million break-even revenue/ expense budget, Hill’s proposal also included $9,306,655 estimated reserves and carryover from the previous year for a total of $20,462,782.

Some revenue, including proceeds from the half-cent sales tax, state revenue sharing, and communication tax are all estimates until final numbers are received from the state, Hill said. Until the end of the current fiscal year, Sept.

30, the $5,526,635 in unassigned reserves/general fund is also an estimate.

Commissioners voted unanimously on July 15 in a special meeting to set the maximum millage rate for the coming fiscal year at 2.25 mills, the same as the current year and in line with what Hill suggested during the budget workshop.

Millage is the tax amount charged to property owners by the city for each $1,000 of assessed property value determined by the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office.

Despite proposing the same 2.25 millage rate as the current year, Hill said the city’s ad valorem revenue would increase by 6.93% due to an increase in property values.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

City Treasurer Lori Hill presents a planned 2021-22 fiscal year budget to commissioners during a work session at city hall.

The 2.25 mills rate is 6.24% higher than the rollback rate of 2.1178 mills which would bring in the same amount of ad valorem revenue as the current fiscal year.

While some commissioners questioned whether or not they could potentially lower the millage rate and still meet the city’s financial goals for the 2021-22 fiscal year to give property owners a tax break, Hill said that the city cannot lower the millage rate and still receive federal American Rescue Plan Act funding. Currently, she said she does not know how much funding the city could receive under the program, which will see funds distributed by state officials, or what those funds could be used for. Commissioners agreed to reassess their options in September during the two required public hearings for the budget when they hopefully will have more information on the possible amount of funding and its approved uses.

During budget discussions, commis-

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sioners reviewed areas where there are significant changes proposed, including in the police department, public works and outside agency funding.

Outside agency funding, which includes city contributions to The Center of Anna Maria Island and other nonprofit organizations on the Island, only saw a $2,500 increase from the previous year to a total of $27,500 but was a topic of some debate among commissioners. Ultimately, commissioners voted three-to-two, with Commissioners Jim Kihm and Jayne Christenson dissenting, to budget $25,000 for a contribution to The Center, one that would be guaranteed and not require commissioners’ to approve before it can be distributed to the nonprofit. The contribution is $2,500 higher than the $22,500 that has been given in previous years. The additional $2,500 in the $27,500 line item is to be distributed to other Island nonprofits at the mayor’s discretion.

The general government budget also

increased by $4,000 after budget discussions at the workshop to allow for any commissioner who wants one to receive a city-issued laptop to conduct city business with instead of using their private devices.

The mayor and commission budget remained largely the same at $205,006, with $1,820 added for increases in elected officials’ stipends and $2,785 in increased computer and information technology services.

The budget for the Holmes Beach Police Department is proposed to increase by $374,105 to $3,990,311 for the 2021-22 fiscal year. Increases in the budget include the rehiring of a records clerk for the department, a position that was lost during the 201819 fiscal year and put off to cut costs in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 fiscal years.

It also includes the addition of another officer to assist in the promotion of Det. Sgt. Brian Hall to lieutenant and succession planning for the eventual retirement of Chief Bill Tokajer.

Other costs are the long-planned 911 upgrade that every law enforcement and first responder agency in Manatee County is required to participate in, the purchase of a new vehicle for the new hire officer, a new computer server, $64,000 for new tasers for officers to replace aging ones that are out of warranty and associated liability protections, $5,000 for five new bulletproof vests and $5,200 for the purchase of a new bulletproof shield. Tokajer said he hopes to recoup some of the funds for the bulletproof vest purchase via a grant.

The budget for the public works department is proposed to increase by SEE BUDGET, PAGE 15

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CHILES: seeks funds for clam, seagrass restoration FROM PAGE 3

Chiles mentioned inadequate municipal wastewater systems in Manatee and Sarasota counties as one of many sources of the nutrients being discharged into local waters – nutrients that enhance algae growth.

“It’s not just one thing, it’s everything,” Chiles said, noting that agriculture, ranching and the use of lawn fertilizer also contribute to water quality issues.

Chiles then mentioned the recent Piney Point containment pond breach that resulted in 215 million gallons of nutrient and phosphate-rich water being discharged into Tampa Bay at Port Manatee.

“Piney Point: the perfect storm. The equivalent of 14 semi-trailer loads of fertilizer being dumped off the middle of the Sunshine Skyway. Make no mistake about it, red tide is a naturally occurring organism, but there’s no scientific question that nutrient loading feeds it like gas on a fire. The phosphorus and that nitrogen makes that bloom explode, and when red tide bloom explodes, all hell breaks loose,” he said.

“The nursery of the Gulf of Mexico has never more important – that it be healthy, and that it be able to be resilient and fight back and remove nutrients.

We can do things in the marine environment with clams and seagrass restoration that clean water and promote those nurseries. Seagrass is where the habitat is. That’s where all the little marine organisms want to be.

“Clams filter water. Clams live 35 years and they are one of the very few things that live through red tide. They eat red tide.

Clams eat algae and that cleans water. When you have a cleaner water column, more light gets through and seagrass grows better. If you want seagrass to do well, you plant clams and seagrass together,” Chiles said.

Regarding the larger-sized clams previously used for these restoration projects, Chiles said, “These clams are more valuable as a restoration clam than they are as a $16 appetizer in my restaurant. When they get bigger, they filter a lot more water.

They’re sexually mature. They are predator-proof. Clams are the workhorse. Scallops do not live through red tide. Clams do.”

FUNDING CHALLENGE

“The mayor is recommending a $50,000 project to do clam and seagrass restoration,” Chiles told the commission.

He said he hopes the city of Holmes Beach will also engage in similar restoration efforts at some point.

‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE

Chiles said some other individuals in Anna Maria are willing to provide up to $50,000 in matching funds to match any additional funds donated by community members, beyond the city contribution.

“We are excited about the project and there are some other individuals in the city that are excited. They want to do a challenge. We will put a match out for another $50,000 and turn this into a $150,000 project if we can get the support of the people in the community” Chiles said.

“We appreciate your interest, we certainly would appreciate your support,” he added.

Commissioner Doug Copeland said he needs to see more definitive details before making a final decision on the funding request.

“Before you spend the first dime, you’ll have a plan,” Chiles responded.

Murphy and Copeland noted the commission already budgeted $50,000 in anticipated American Rescue Plan funds for red tide mitigation and seawater improvement.

“We’ve got the money earmarked,” Murphy said.

JULY 28, 2021

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JULY 28, 2021

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COVID-19 sharply on the rise in Florida The Florida Department of Health reported 73,199 new COVID-19 cases statewide during the week of July 16-22, a 61% increase from the previous week.

TO REDUCE YOUR RISK:

• Get a COVID-19 vaccine • Wear a mask • Wash your hands • Avoid crowds; social distance • Clean and disinfect surfaces

The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County and the Florida Division of Emergency Management offer COVID-19 testing and vaccination at the Palmetto Bus Station, 1802 Eighth Ave. W. in Palmetto from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. weekdays. Testing (including both PCR and rapid testing) and vaccinations (Moderna) are free, and no appointment is necessary.

Visitors are asked to bring proof of Florida residency such as a driver’s license or utility bill with a Florida address. For more information, call 941-242-6646.

Vaccinations are also available at CVS, Publix, Walgreens, Walmart and Winn-Dixie stores.

Dock, boat lift approved TOUCH FREE VOICE CONTROL!

The Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board recommends city commission approval of a request to replace an existing non-commercial dock and boat lift with a new dock and boat lift at 402 Bay Drive South. According to the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office, 402 Bay Drive South is owned by Kroons Enterprises LLC.

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BUDGET: Holmes Beach leaders start 2021-22 talks FROM PAGE 11

$688,280 to $2,660,173. Planned spending in that department includes the addition of one new employee, an in-house engineer, $100,000 to repair 13 trolley stops and add two new ones, new phones and software for employees and rollover funds for lighting and landscaping at city center.

Mayor Judy Titsworth said that some of the funding for the in-house engineer position is planned to be recouped in lowered professional service fees paid to outside engineering firms by the city.

The building department’s budget is proposed to come in at $821,536, an increase of $191,960 over the current fiscal year. Planned spending includes the addition of a new employee, new computer equipment and a new server and $105,000 to be paid to LaRue Planning for services to the city, not including a payment of $27,000 for the final

year of the comprehensive plan review which staff from LaRue is assisting planning commissioners on. The comprehensive plan expenditure is noted under the general government budget.

The Code Compliance budget is projected to increase by $50,197 to $640,863 to account for the hiring of a new full-time employee and the purchase of a new Ford F150 vehicle. Other line items, including professional services where officers plan to spend $32,000 less than the previous year.

Holmes Beach commissioners plan to host the first of two required budget hearings where the public is invited to speak and ask questions about planned spending on Sept. 15 at 5 p.m. The final budget hearing is planned for Sept. 28 at 5 p.m.

The new budget will go into effect on Oct. 1.

Copies of the proposed budget are available to the public in the lobby at Holmes Beach City Hall.

Backyard hunting An osprey on Anna Maria Island seeks land-based prey close to humans, possibly because fish in area waters are affected by red tide.

CINDY LANE | SUN

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JULY 28, 2021

Alternatives to the beach during red tide are plentiful Red tide may not yet be stopping people from visiting Anna Maria Island, but the beaches are far less crowded than they were a week ago.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND - As much as Island residents and visitors hoped the red tide event would continue to spare Island beaches, unfortunately, this is not the case.

Beaches that were free from red tide just days ago are now showing signs of the problem, and beachgoers are beginning to suffer the effects.

“We went fishing yesterday and our captain said some of the fish go into the bay and get trapped and are dying,” said Kelly Heckard, who is visiting for two weeks with her family from Cincinnati. “Our captain also said the sharks can smell it and will avoid red tide areas, so the shark fishing is no good. We did, however, catch some red snapper and some mackerel, which we’re grilling here on the beach today.”

While some are saying not to eat the fish, according to Heckard, her captain said the fish they caught in the bay were safe to eat.

As far as symptoms from red tide, Heckard said she and her husband both had some coughing issues and her children had both suffered some stomach problems and burning eyes, which subsided as soon as they got away from the water.

The water need not be tested or complex science employed for visitors and locals alike to know that red tide has made its way to the Island. On Monday, July 19,

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Two days before this photo was taken there were no empty spots at this lot on Coquina Beach, but red tide is now keeping many visitors away. there were very few open parking spots at Coquina Beach, but by Thursday, July 22, there were hundreds of open spots, with entire rows being empty. Since most resorts and condo rentals tend to do a Saturday to Saturday rent schedule, that indicates people haven’t left the Island, they just aren’t going to the beach.

“We had already booked a couple of months ago and couldn’t cancel, so we said we’ll wing it,” said Danielle Obermark, who is staying on Longboat Key with friends Sandy Guy and Jacob King, from Auburndale, Fla. “I think the reports aren’t as accurate as when you get here. The reports I was seeing from Mote Marine before we got here said many dead fish, but we have only seen a couple.”

Obermark and the friends she is traveling with decided to take a break from the beach to spend some time shopping and dining on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach.

Although they are staying in a condo on Longboat Key, they said there isn’t much to

do there if you’re not relaxing on the beach.

Anna Maria Island offers more off-thebeach activities, so it was worth the quick trip of 5 miles to be able to get a bite to eat and do some shopping.

“The breathing and the coughing, not having a clean beach; I wish we knew where there was a clean beach. We come here a lot and the beaches are normally so great, this is very different from anything we’ve seen,” said Guy. “We’ve been here many times, but this is our first red tide.”

While visitors come to Anna Maria Island from around the world for the warm weather and beaches, there is plenty to do on the Island and surrounding areas that will still assure an amazing vacation. Take advantage of your pool, which right now will be warm 24 hours a day and give you the refreshment you may not be able to get from the Gulf at this time. Shopping, minigolf, scooter rentals, biking, and culinary adventures will make sure your vacation isn’t a bust on the Island.

If you are willing to take a ride off the Island, you will find even more activities that will make your time in the area something you will remember for years to come.

To the south, there are attractions such as Sarasota Jungle Gardens, where you can get up close to native wildlife such as alligators, exotic birds, snakes and reptiles – you can even hand feed flamingos. The Ringling Museum features world-class art collected by circus founder John Ringling.

St. Armands Circle offers shopping and dining just 20 minutes from the Island.

To the east in Bradenton, you will find many attractions that will make your trip one to remember. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, Palma Sola Botanical Park, Manatee Village Historical Park, Perico Preserve, Village of the Arts and Riverwalk are just a few things that are sure to impress.

While red tide is here, it’s important to remember that it may be affecting one section of beach and not another, at least in high concentrations. There are likely places that will be better than others, and doing a little research will go a long way in making your time at the beach the best it can be.

One of the best tools to find out the condition of the beach you plan to visit is provided by Mote Marine Laboratory at www.visitbeaches.org, which will not only give you real-time algae conditions but will also inform you of rip currents, weather, surf conditions, water conditions and any alerts that may be of concern. You can also call 1-941-BEACHES to get valuable information that will help you make the most of your day at the beach.

RED TIDE: Causing fish kills, symptoms FROM PAGE 1

Red tide-related respiratory irritation was reported in Manatee County at Coquina Beach and Manatee Beach, and in Sarasota, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, according to Friday’s Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission weekly report.

Red tide produces a neurotoxin called brevetoxin that can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and more serious illness for people with severe or chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema, or COPD, according to the Florida Department of Health. Health officials recommend that people experiencing symptoms stay away from the water, go inside to an air-conditioned space, or wear masks, especially during onshore winds.

Manatee County registered high levels of red tide in water samples at the Longboat Pass boat ramp and 10th Street Pier on July 19.

Levels were medium at the Rod and Reel Pier in Anna Maria on July 19 and at the

Seafood Shack Restaurant on July 22.

Low levels were detected at the Palma Sola Bay Bridge in Bradenton on July 19 and very low at Key Royale in Holmes Beach on July 15.

Levels ranged from background to high concentrations in 21 samples collected from Manatee County waters. The FWC also reported high concentrations of red tide in areas of Pinellas and Sarasota counties and medium levels in areas of Hillsborough County.

Red tide-related fish kills were reported over the past week in Manatee, Sarasota, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Hernando and Lee counties.

Health officials warn against swimming near dead fish and advise keeping pets away from dead fish and seafoam, which can contain high concentrations of algae. Pets are not allowed on Anna Maria Island’s beaches but are allowed on the Palma Sola Causeway on Manatee Avenue.

Officials also warn that consuming shell-

fish exposed to red tide can cause neurotoxic shellfish poisoning.

Gov. Ron DeSantis last week refused the request of conservation groups to declare a state of emergency due to ongoing red tide in and around Tampa Bay. Five conservation groups filed a lawsuit on June 24 against the owners of Piney Point and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, claiming that the discharge of 215 million gallons of nutrientrich wastewater from the Piney Point phosphogypsum stack in Manatee County could be feeding the algae bloom. The nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus act as fertilizer for the toxic red tide algae.

DeSantis said the state had budgeted money to mitigate red tide, and that the tourism industry could be harmed by declaring a state of emergency.

“It would have been very irresponsible to do that,” he said, adding that the Legislature has appropriated up to $100 million to “mothball Piney Point.”

JUDY TITSWORTH | SUBMITTED

Red tide is killing fish that are piling up along shorelines in Anna Maria Sound.

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JULY 28, 2021

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FDEP: Allows rare beachfront development FROM PAGE 10

view while also addressing larger-scale concerns about the impact the FDEP ruling could have on many other undeveloped beachfront properties along Anna Maria Island's Gulf of Mexico coastline.

The PreserveAMI.com website contains an online petition that’s been signed by more than 1,000 people. The website also contains a video in which land surveyor Jeff Hostetler explains the permitting dispute and how the Jordan’s home was built for the previous owner according to the CCCL restrictions that existed in 2012.

When contacted about FDEP’s final order, Coyne declined comment and directed The Sun to the Preserve AMI website which now includes the headline: “Florida Department of Environmental Protection did not do the right thing!”

The website also states, “This rogue ruling could now start a destructive domino effect that could destroy our beloved AMI beaches, dunes, history, wildlife and tradition forever.”

In reference to Murphy and the Island’s other elected officials, the website says,

“Now the solution to save our city of Anna Maria dunes and existing healthy ecosystem by stopping this new Florida DEP precedent is in Mayor Dan’s hands and all of our other local city of Anna Maria elected officials. Let’s see if they feel the same as we do about pushing new boundaries of construction into our dunes that the FDEP has until now protected.

“This is not just a local 105 Elm Ave. issue. This is an Anna Maria Island issue. Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie and Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth, please unite with Dan to help protect and preserve all of Anna Maria Island,” the website states.

It also states, “Tell Florida’s DEP Secretary to do the right thing.”

SIGNS, SIGNS

The Preserve AMI campaign includes signs placed at and near the Jordans’ home. A visit to that area on Thursday, July 22, revealed two Preserve AMI signs alongside the Jordans’ driveway and another erected alongside the Elm Avenue beach access pathway. All three signs referenced Mayor Dan do-

Florida Department of Environmental Protection did not do the right thing!”

PreserveAMI.com

FDEP | SUBMITTED

Interim FDEP Secretary Shawn Hamilton issued the final order regarding 105 Elm Ave. ing the right thing.

According to Anna Maria Code Enforcement Manager Debbie Haynes, the signs are legally placed on private property, but the Jordans were previously cited and fined $250 for a campaign-related sign placed on their property that exceeded the size al-

lowed by the city’s sign ordinance.

According to a recent email exchange between Wendy Jordan and Murphy, the Jordans have requested a private meeting with Murphy. As of Friday, an in-person meeting had not yet been scheduled because the Jordans had been unavailable.

In one email, Jordan noted Murphy is unwilling to conduct the meeting remotely via Zoom video conferencing.

When contacted by The Sun, Murphy declined to comment publicly on these matters. The Sun’s efforts to obtain comments from Campbell and her associates have not yet garnered any response.

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OUTDOORS

JULY 28, 2021

Waterkeepers hold HAB forum Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

I

sland residents might not be familiar with the term harmful algae blooms (HAB), but the bouts of lyngbya and red tide that have plagued the area are all too common. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) defines the blooms as “simple photosynthetic organisms that live in the sea and freshwater that grow out of control while producing toxic or harmful effects on people, fish, shellfish, marine mammals and birds.”

On Friday, July 23, Suncoast Waterkeeper and Tampa Bay Waterkeeper held a public forum at the Bradenton Yacht Club to inform area residents of the threat these blooms pose and help them understand what causes them and what we need to do to address the problem.

The program began with an introduction by Suncoast Waterkeeper Chair Joe McClash and Founder Justin Bloom. The forum included presentations by Ed Sherwood, the executive director of the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, and Dave Tomasko, the executive director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program. Both Sherwood and Tomasko pointed to the intentional release of over 200 million gallons of waste “process” water from the Piney Point facility

in Manatee County this spring as the likely cause of the devastating bloom that has killed millions of fish in upper Tampa Bay in the last month. This event was the first of its kind since 1971, when millions of gallons of partially treated sewage and wastewater were routinely being discharged into the bay.

Both Sherwood and Tomasko are seasoned scientists and also have intimate firsthand experience on local waters. Sherwood came up through the ranks at the TBEP to become its executive director in 2018 after serving as the program scientist since 2008. Sherwood is responsible for maintaining TBEP’s partnerships and continuing the bay’s sciencebased restoration and recovery strategies. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in marine biology from the University of West Florida and a Master of Science degree in marine fisheries and ecology from the University of Florida. Tomasko has more than 30 years of experience on local waters. He holds a doctorate in biology from the University of South Florida, a Master of Science degree in marine biology from the Florida Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Old Dominion University. Tomasko was also the first-ever SBEP program scientist.

A sold-out audience of more than 100 participants crowded the Yacht Club’s dining room, where they enjoyed coffee, tea and a continental breakfast during the event.

Hundreds more joined via Google

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

Dr. Dave Tomasko is interviewed by news media after his presentation.

Meets and a Facebook Live broadcast. The presentation was also filmed by Carl Shelton of Manatee Educational Television and will be available to the public soon. Interested parties can view the Facebook Live broadcast at Suncoast Waterkeepers Facebook page.

Each presentation included supporting graphics and data that emphasized the concerns of both scientists. While there are obviously nuances and the science is constantly unfolding, a few facts really drove home the seriousness of our water quality issues. The SEE REEL TIME, PAGE 19

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JULY 28, 2021

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Freshly caught fish safe to eat CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE

Despite the presence of red tide in scattered areas around the Island, we here at Anna Maria Charters have been making the best of things. Finding clean water is the main priority, initially.

I want to point out that freshly caught fish are safe to eat. The fish that die from red tide are fish that have not had enough oxygen due to the bloom starving the water of oxygen. There is no middle ground. It isn’t like a cancer that the fish can carry.

They’re either alive and healthy, or they quickly die from exposure to the bloom. There are lots of good areas around and the fishing is still great.

Both inshore and offshore. Inshore, we’re focusing on mangrove snapper if clients want some fresh dinner.

We’re also catching lots of snook and sharks.

Offshore, red grouper, red snapper, mangrove snapper, and yellowtail snapper are our primary targets. The big sharks have been terrible out there, eating a large majority of our fish as we’re bringing them to the boat. Oftentimes, it gets to the point that we move to a new area and try with a clean slate.

Sewage spills, large-scale fertilizer runoff, and general incompetence, like the Piney Point disaster, all need attention. Hopefully, we see the water qual-

CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE | SUBMITTED

Faith Merckel, of Jacksonville, shows off a hefty mangrove snapper caught with Capt.

David White, of Anna Maria Charters. ity start to improve, and some changes made on a state level to halt the excess nutrients put into our beautiful waterways that we’ve all gravitated here to enjoy. Until then, we’ll remain hopeful.

CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT

Tarpon will move into estuaries this month. You may also find juvenile tarpon in creeks, canals and turning basins. Reds should be schooling on shallow flats and big trout will prowl the same waters at dawn. Also look for trout on deep grass flats mixed with blues, pompano, Spanish mackerel and more. Catch and release snook fishing should be good around

lighted docks at night or in the surf.

Look for false albacore (little tunny) to possibly show up in the coastal Gulf later in the month.

Snook, reds and spotted seatrout remain closed to harvest on the west coast of Florida. The Florida FWC has extended a temporary modification of regulations for reds, snook and trout, in the areas affected by the recent red tide. The area extends from Pasco County, south to the south bank of Gordon Pass in Collier County. Full details including exact boundaries can be found at https://myfwc.com/news/ all-news/extended-cnr-220/.

REEL TIME: Waterkeepers hold HAB forum FROM PAGE 18

main takeaway for this reporter was the fact that between 1980 and 2017, water quality and seagrass coverage improved significantly in Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay. Since 2017, all those almost 40 years of gains have been lost and there are concerns that both bays could soon go the way of the Indian River Lagoon, once described as “one of the most biodiverse estuaries in the Northern Hemisphere.” That

ecological treasure has collapsed and “since 2009, 58% of the seagrass in the lagoon system has disappeared, choked off from sunlight as a result of an over-saturation of nutrients in the water,” according to the St. Johns River Water Management District.

This catastrophic collapse has led to the unprecedented death of more than 841 manatees between Jan. 1 and July 2, breaking the previous record of 830 that died in 2013 because of an outbreak of toxic red tide. Dr. Tomasko explained that most of the deaths have been by drowning due to malnutrition from the lack of the seagrasses they depend on. Both scientists fear that we are perilously close to the same thing happening here if we don’t act fast. Despite the alarming statistics, Dr. Tomasko was optimistic that we could still turn this around. That will take the involvement of all stakeholders in the region from plumbers and electricians to developers, builders and - most importantly - our elected officials. While it’s easy to blame our leaders for our water quality ills, it’s important to remember that this is a shared responsibility. We the voters elected the politicians that are responsible for protecting these valuable resources. It’s critical that we do a better job vetting the leaders we choose. The future we leave for our children, grandchildren and all future generations depends on it.

20

THE SUN

FOOD & WINE

JULY 28, 2021

An eight-legged love affair

Kurt Clennon

Octopus Ingredients

Octopus Parsley stems Whole bay Leaves Veg trim Fennel frond or bulb Shallot/onion trim Whole oregano

SLICKER’S EATERY

A

s the sun crested over the horizon, we watched the troller‘s wake, the only disruption of the calm, glass-like water. Destination only known by the captain - some wreck under the fathoms, hopefully, home to grouper. Anticipation building for what the day held in store.

Each one of us hoping to catch anything. An hour later we thumbed the spools as the cut bait was dragged to the depths by a heavily weighted terminal tackle. Then, it became apparent that we would all remember the day without the pictures. As it turned out, none of us had time to pull out our phones and take pictures. Each hook that was set yielded a different species, which was named by the first mate before it even broke the surface tension of the Gulf. Then I felt a new fight, a different tug. I cranked the reel and to my surprise, I saw an obvious sight.

I’d had octopus on a couple of occasions previously. Although, in all my experience to date, I had not prepared the leggy devils for consumption. After gingerly freeing the beautiful creature from the hook, I asked “Do we keep these?” They said, “That’s not what we are after.”

Like a fish who didn’t care whether it was out of the water, the long legs wrenched their way up my arm gripping my elbow as if to embrace me. I pried the creature from my arm and

SUBMITTED

bid it farewell as it sank back home.

Since that moment it’s lingered on the back burner of my mind waiting for the opportunity to work in a kitchen and plate the sweet-tasting, Kraken-like legs. Bob and I spoke several times about a small-plates menu that might be graced with the octopus.

When Bob asked me to write a menu I knew, it was time. I intended to follow true Spanish-style tapas.

But a slightly different sauce was in order, one still holding true to Mediterranean flavors. I wanted it seared or grilled, with just a bit of char, to complement its sweet flavor and some spice to round it out. Yes … terrorized. If I had to endure Such a cooking process, I most certainly would be struck with terror. Nonetheless, I find it delicious. And we hope you do too.

As well as all the offerings and libations at Slicker’s eatery.

Directions - Bring water to a hard boil - Place cleaned octopus in to boil and cover pot - Depending on size cooking times vary Baby octopus (fit in hand) 1 - 2 minutes 1/2 # foot-long Octopus 4- 5 minutes Large 4- 5# boil 8- 10 minutes - While boiling prepare the octopus a nest in a lidded cooking vessel with a fennel frond, shallot, oregano whole bay leaf, parsley stems, onion, celery and any other complimentary aromatic or spice.

- Heat oven to 200 degrees F - Pull octopus out of boiling water, remove head (If baby octopus Leave head on) - Place legs on nest of herbs in lidded vessel.

(Dutch oven).

- Place lid on and in oven to braise - Cooking times vary - Check octopus for tenderness depending on size you are cooking.

Baby two hours, 1/2 # / foot-long 3 to 4 hours, 3-5 # large 5 hours - Remove From pan - Run fingers along legs, remove gelatinous coating on outside of legs or leave it if you’re not bothered by it.

- Let cool in its own jus. Reserve this liquid after cooling. Cut legs as desired, depending on how you’ll be serving them to your lucky guest.

JULY 28, 2021

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THE SUN

21

22

THE SUN

2723 Manatee Ave. W. 34205 941.226.1230 Your CBD Store Cortez NOW OPEN!!

6676 Cortez Rd. W. 34210n 941.254.4510

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JULY 28, 2021

JULY 28, 2021

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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, lanterns or camera flashes on the beach at night.

• Remove all objects from the sand from sundown to sunrise; they can deter sea turtles from nesting and can disorient hatchlings.

• Fill in the holes you dig in the sand and level sandcastles before leaving the beach; they can obstruct or trap nesting and hatching sea turtles, which cannot live long out of the water.

THE SUN

23

• Don’t use wish 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).

NESTING NEWS Turtle nests laid: 389 (Record: 544 in 2019) False crawls: 522 Nests hatched: 11 Hatchlings hatched: 337 (Record: 35,788 in 2018) Nest disorientations: 10

24

THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

JULY 28, 2021

The always-evolving real estate market N

ot everyone wants to own a home of their own. Those of us who have always owned rather than rented understand the challenges faced in ownership, whether you’re in a single-family home or a condo. I know the feeling; there have been many days when I wished I didn’t have the responsibility of home ownership, and an interesting concept floating around the country may be right up my alley.

High-end rental communities are being built by top single-home builders catering to individuals who do not feel they need to buy a home. This trend is increasing and appealing to a variety of people ranging from young professionals who have not been able to fight their way into the housing market to empty-nesters, who are taking their equity and opting for a turn-key lifestyle.

These “build-to-rent” single-home communities are designed exclusively for rentals with high-end finishes and

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER amenities that are geared to appeal to the luxury market. Rents in the $2,500 to $3,000 range can make sense for people with good incomes who may not be worried about accruing wealth in their homes.

It’s kind of the perfect arrangement for seniors who aren’t dependent on building equity and want a fresh high-end home to live in.

And so far, it appears this is not going away. The build-to-rent segment of the real estate market is growing. In 2020, 60,000 build-to-rent homes were constructed, and in 2021 it is expected that the number will increase to 80,000. Renting is looking better and better to a large segment of the

population, allowing for a quick relocation for job or family responsibilities.

Before we go over the June sales statistics, I thought I would share yet another “best place” report recently published

by Southern Living Magazine. This one is America’s best beach towns for retirement. Thankfully, Bradenton and Anna Maria Island were not on this list; however, five other Florida cities were, three of them on the west coast - Naples, which came in number one, Sarasota, Venice, Vero Beach and Stuart. And let’s give recognition to our neighbor, Lakewood Ranch, for being named the best-selling community in the country with 1,535 new home sales through the end of June.

Here are the June Manatee County sales statistics reported by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee.

Closed single-family homes were up 24.3% from last year; cash sales were up 129.9%; the median sale price was $405,305, up 24.7%; the average sale price

was $576,522, up 37.5% and the median time to contract was five days.

Condos closed 38.8% more this June compared to last June; cash sales were up 61%; the median sale price was $280,000, up 30.7%; the average sale price was $331,691, up 39% and the median time to contract was six days.

Available inventory continues to be low; about a six-month supply for both single-family homes and condos. Sarasota County is also experiencing higher sales prices every month and low inventory as well. Also impressive is the percentage of cash sales from last year for single-family properties, up just under 130%.

It’s still a great seller’s market, but don’t assume the market and personal family issues can’t change on a dime, making renting very attractive to some. The real estate market continues to evolve, offering more and more lifestyle options. In an ever-changing world, it’s always nice to leave your options open.

www.amisun.com

JULY 28, 2021

BEACH BEAT BRADENTON BEACH

7/19, 11:59 p.m., battery. Suspect and his 10-year-old son got separated from the rest of their family after fishing at the Bridge Street Pier. Suspect took his son to a bar with him while he had drinks after getting separated. Once they returned to their rental condo, an argument took place between the suspect and his child’s mother over the drinking. The suspect allegedly struck her on the neck during the argument, at which time she called 911. The suspect was arrested and charged with battery. A handgun the suspect had in the residence was confiscated by police and into evidence.

7/19, 12:55 a.m., aggravated battery, 110 Gulf Drive S. Officers were dispatched to a fight at the Moose Lodge in Bradenton Beach.

After a New Jersey lodge member’s car was towed for parking after hours, the suspect banged on a service window of the lodge irate about the tow. While counting money after closing, an employee opened the window to inform the customer that he needed to call the tow company. The suspect reached in and grabbed a rubber bar mat then struck the employee in the face causing lacerations. The suspect was arrested on battery charges.

HOLMES BEACH

7/14, 11:55 p.m., battery, 3228 East Bay Drive.

The complainant stated that while he was re-racking a kayak on a top shelf, his coworker came behind him and put his arms around him then began making a sexual thrusting motion from behind. He stated this act was made without permission and was unsolicited.

7/17, 1:20 a.m., marijuana possession, 700 Manatee Ave. After officers observed a vehicle fail to stop at a flashing red light on Gulf Drive, they initiated a traffic stop. A strong odor of marijuana was detected, and the driver did not have a medical card. The driver was not arrested, but was issued a citation for possession of marijuana under 20 grams.

7/17, 5 a.m., city ordinance violation, alcohol, 4000 Gulf Drive. Two suspects were observed on the top level of the lifeguard tower drinking beer from 12-ounce bottles.

Officers dumped out remaining alcohol and cited the suspects for the violation. Suspects were transported home by officers after being cited.

7/17, 12:17 p.m., no valid driver’s license, 6300 S.R. 789. The officer observed a vehicle drive through a marked pedestrian crosswalk where a family was actively crossing.

After initiating a traffic stop, the suspect was not in possession of valid identification and admitted he had an expired ID and no valid driver’s license. The suspect was cited for failure to yield to a pedestrian as well as no valid ID.

Perico Bay Club—As Good As It Gets!!

Business As Usual…..Just A Li le Differently.

If you’re looking to buy or sell in Perico Bay Club, or know someone who is, please give me a call!

Give me a call today if you yo ou u’re ’ree lookin looking ngg to Buyy or Sell on Anna Maria Maria Island Mari Islaand or the surrounding ounding ngg aarea! rea eaaa!!

Lynn Zemmer 941 4141 1-730 3030 0-1294 9 94

941.209.1542 I Lynn@Edgewaterami.com www.EdgewaterRealEstateInc.com 106 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

THE SUN

OBITUARIES Wade W. Ladue Wade William LaDue, of Independence, Mo., and Holmes Beach, Fla., passed away peacefully on July 20, 2021, in Independence.

Wade was born on Aug. 31, 1935.

He graduated from high school in San Pedro, Calif., where he was an outstanding athlete in football and especially baseball. A graduate of the University of Missouri Class of 1957, he lettered in baseball and made many lifelong friends in Sigma Chi. Commissioned in the Army, he worked three years for the Kansas City Athletics before embarking on his 24-year Army career as a pilot and in public relations. He loved flying, especially the twin-engine Caribou he transported to Vietnam in 1968 for the second of his two tours.

Assigned around the world, he specialized in public affairs before retiring. Wade returned to Kansas City as the director of public relations and publications for the National Headquarters of the VFW. He spent his final working years as owner of Destinations Unlimited Travel, in

25

Blue Springs, Fla. Wade was a member of Sigma Chi, VFW, Army Otter Caribou Association, Key Royale Golf Club, MOAA, First United Methodist Church of Blue Springs, and Roser Memorial Church in Anna Maria, FLa. He loved flying, traveling, playing golf, music, caring for his dog, Bisbee, and his family and friends.

Surviving is his wife of 64 years, Gloria; children, Paul (Katrina) of Gladstone and Ginny Gordanier (Kyle) of Peculiar; grandchildren Cody(Tirzah) and Ella Raney, Nick and Elise LaDue, Kimberly (Zac) Parks, Robert Gordanier; greatgrandchildren Izabella and Bo Raney.

Special thank you to the staff at Villages at Jackson Creek Memory Care and Lumicare Hospice. A debt of gratitude and love to Manuela Espinosa, caregiver and friend.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the First United Methodist Church, 301 S.W. Woods Chapel Road, Blue Springs, Mo., 64015, and Roser Memorial Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, Fla. 34216 are suggested.

Services are Wednesday, July 28 at 3 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Blue Springs.

26

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

JULY 28, 2021

SUBMITTED | JAMES THOMAS

City staff gets CPR certified Holmes Beach city staff stepped into the city commission chambers July 22 for a lesson in CPR. All participants got to try their hand at lifesaving tasks including administering mouth to mouth resuscitation and chest compresses, among other skills.

www.amisun.com

JULY 28, 2021

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 607, 609, 611 Fern Streets & 610 Rose Street 12 Beds 6 Baths 1,568 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4497933 $5,900,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 112 Mangrove Avenue 4 Beds 2/1 Baths 3,577 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4502423 $4,350,000

BRADENTON 5948 Riverview Boulevard 5 Beds 4/1 Baths 5,091 Sq. Ft. Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies, LLC 941-685-6767 A4504528 $2,300,000

BRADENTON 8201 17th Avenue W 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,765 Sq. Ft. Becky Sirigotis 941-201-8000 A4504726 $1,200,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 8017 Marina Isles Lane 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,593 Sq. Ft. Kate Enis 941-330-6068 A4500595 $7,250,000

BRADENTON 3608 W 54th Drive W J101 & J102 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,776 Sq. Ft. Leah Secondo 941-545-4430 A4497828 $699,900

BRADENTON 9235 43rd Terrace W 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,482 Sq. Ft. Erica Thomas 941-799-9365 A4502020 $599,999

BRADENTON 7304 24th Avenue W 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,527 Sq. Ft. Maria Christenson & Karla Davidson 941-920-3583 A4499897 $450,000

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ANNA MARIA ISLAND Pending 106 Tern Drive 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,649 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4501850 $3,595,000

HOLMES BEACH 103 75th Street 4 Beds 4 Baths 2,737 Sq. Ft. Kathy Marshall 941-900-9777 A4495220 $3,200,000

LONGBOAT KEY 6830 Hughes Street 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,376 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy, PA & Gail Wittig, LLC 941-961-8850 A4506649 $975,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1701 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 303 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,551 Sq. Ft. Michael Moulton 941-928-3559 A4503585 $899,000

BRADENTON 4152 Overture Circle 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,228 Sq. Ft. Ralph & Megg Faillace 941-713-9142 A4502160 $245,000

LONGBOAT KEY The Residences at the St. Regis Sales Gallery, 100 South Washington Blvd.

Georgia Kopelousos & Lynn Morris 941-928-7585 A4498523 $6,945,000

NEW CONSTRUCTION PERICO ISLAND 303 108th Street W 114 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,083 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4500468 $300,000

941.896.9981 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

There has never been a better time to sell your property

LONGBOAT KEY 3105 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Joel Schemmel

ANNA MARIA 209 South Bay Boulevard Shellie Young

$12,900,000

941.587.4894

HOLMES BEACH $2,700,000 941.713.5458

Visit or call us for a private consultation

ListWithUsToday.com | 877.539.9865

107 81st Street Shellie Young

$1,850,000 941.713.5458

BAYOU BEND

LONGBOAT KEY

1112 64th Street NW $3,200,000 Lisa Morreale 941.400.9038

3476 Mistletoe Lane $2,599,900 Marty Warren 941.724.1854

RIVERVIEW LANDINGS

LONGBOAT BEACH HOUSE

2412 Landings Circle $1,200,000 Martha Marlar 941.812.0455

4311 Gulf of Mexico Drive #203 $964,900

Sandi Ansilio

941.586.8679

LAKEWOOD RANCH | 941.907.9541 SARASOTA - DOWNTOWN | 941.364.4000 LONGBOAT KEY | 941.383.1526 VENICE TO PUNTA GORDA | 941.412.3323

RENTALS | 941.487.6019

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate.

28

THE SUN

SPORTS

JULY 28, 2021

Cortez Deep Sea Fishing lands a win sack. Ludwig’s came in the last minutes of the game during Rays Ramblings' last offensive possessions. His stop helped give CDSF control of the football and the clock to end the game and give the team their first win 14-12.

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

ANNA MARIA – The start of the summer adult flag football season kicked off last week with a high-scoring game between the Sandbar Restaurant squad and team We The Best Lending (WTBL), which is a new business sponsor at The Center.

Throwing three interceptions, including one pick-six runback and touchdown, the Sandbar was no match for WTBL, with a final score of 50-22.

Catalyst took the second game of the night by 10 points over Beach Bums. Wearing the new sponsor’s logo, four Mosses, two Longs and one Skipper put significant stats in the record books in the win.

In the blowout of the night, team TBT scored 34 points and kept the TMT squad out of the endzone, finishing the game with the score 34-0.

The final game of the night came down to two failed extrapoint attempts by team Rays Ramblings and a nice debut performance of team Cortez Deep Sea Fishing as an adult league squad.

Fielding many familiar faces for the first time in the adult flag football league, six of the seven players on team Cortez Deep Sea Fishing (CDSF) played in the youth league up until the last couple of years.

With the return of Raymond Gardner to The Center’s

SUN SCOREBOARD TUESDAY, JULY 20 YOUTH INDOOR SOCCER 8- TO 11-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Team veteran Kevin Roman applies pressure on Rays Ramblings QB Ryan Moss, helping to give his team, the Cortez Deep Sea Fishing squad, a win in week one of the summer adult flag football season. field after a season-ending Achilles injury in November 2020, but only as a “coach,” the Rays Ramblings veteran roster played an electric game against the young team with the average age of 19.

Playing for the fun of the game and the love of the win, the Cortez Deep Sea Fishing squad eked out a win despite three sacks by Karri Stephens and an interception by Bobby McMillan for Rays Ramblings.

Tuna McCracken connected with lifelong friend Tyler Brewer for a CDSF touchdown. Brewer’s scoring included an extra point.

The female player and veteran player of the game, Ava Zink, showed why her close friendship with teammates was not the only reason she was her team’s pick during the draft. Zink made two catches, including one for a point after conversion. She also had a critical interception on the Rays Ramblings side of the field.

Returning to the adult field for another season, Cole Carter added a running score and interception to his team’s stats. The team’s veteran, Kevin Roman, made important plays on the defensive side of

the ball for CDSF. Blake Balais used his height and jumping ability to help stop the offensive efforts of Rays Ramblings by covering the former champion players on the team.

Ramblings quarterback Ryan Moss hit his favorite receiver and longtime friend, Jordan DeMers, for two receptions.

In the game, the hot hands of James Roadman and Stephens put 12 points on the scoreboard.

R. Moss found himself under pressure by the CDSF rushers, Brewer and Connor Ludwig, who each had one

Beach Bums Moss Builders

(1-1-1) 3 (2-0-1) 3

Solid Rock Construction Shady Lady

(0-3-0) 2 (2-1-0) 6

WEDNESDAY, JULY 21 YOUTH INDOOR SOCCER 8- TO 11-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE Beach Bums Solid Rock Construction

(2-1-1) 8

Moss Builders Shady Lady

(3-0-1) 4 (2-2-0) 0

(0-4-0) 1

THURSDAY, JULY 22 ADULT CO-ED FLAG FOOTBALL

Sandbar (0-1) 22 We The Best Lending (1-0) 50 Beach Bums Catalyst

(0-1) 12 (1-0) 22

TMT TBT

(0-1) 0 (1-0) 34

Rays Ramblings Cortez Deep Sea Fishing

(0-1) 12 (1-0) 14

JULY 28, 2021

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Barista's concoction 6 Domino dots 10 Rotating rod 14 Construction rod 15 Square __ 16 Skirt with a flounce 17 Tall display of dishwashing liquid?

19 MiG developer 20 Wee 21 Soy sauce taste 22 Sleuth of radio, movies and TV 23 Sitcom star from Melmac 25 Sticker 27 Global donation of dishwashing liquid?

32 Set in a golf bag 34 TV exec Arledge 35 Barcelona bear 36 Short dog, for short 37 Or so Answers to 07-21-21 Crossword Puzzle.

38 1956 crisis site 39 Chest-beating beast 40 Darts 41 Slow, to Ravel 42 Rock band's preferred dishwashing liquid?

45 "Supergirl" actor Jon 46 It can be thin but not fat 47 Glance through 48 Goaded, with "on" 52 Seed used in smoothies 56 "O brawling love! O loving __!": Romeo 57 Using dishwashing liquid in the shower?

59 "__ that a lot" 60 One likely to snap 61 Spree 62 Like everything in a she shed 63 Ballpark figure

THE SUN

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64 Aconcagua's range Down 1 Pram pusher 2 Son of Leah 3 Black, to a bard 4 Zero, quaintly 5 Martini specification 6 Dance with a queen 7 Captain Kirk's home state 8 Common greeting card content 9 Far from soothing 10 Masonry finish 11 Bully 12 "Everything's ready to go!"

13 Chance at the spinner 18 Clump of dune grass 24 Fleur-de-__ 26 Baa ma 27 One whose work is laughable 28 Heavenly path 29 Gear bit 30 Word with hot or dog 31 Zonk out 32 Tablet with Air, Pro and Mini models 33 Update the look of, as a product 37 Like some bistros 38 1957 Coasters charttopper with the refrain "Gonna find her"

40 Opponent 41 Fragrant chain 43 MLB team with Mr. and Mrs. mascots 44 Duchamp genre

47 __ Tzu 49 Trusted advisor 50 Pesky bug 51 Goes back 53 Rear

54 "Picnic" playwright 55 Forever 58 Placeholder abbr.

30

THE SUN

CLASSIFIED

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FISHING CHARTERS

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

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

AMI TURTLE WATCH needs donations & silent action items for our FUNDRAISER. We can pick up! Call or text 941-713-6531.

THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Kathy Primeau at 989-560-6381.

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

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

CLEANING SERVICE THC CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570 or 941565-3931

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE HAVE YOU BEEN thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! Duplexes, multi family, small resorts?

Call BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216

EMPLOYMENT LANDSCAPE AND GROUNDS MAINTENANCE at Island Condo.

40 hours per week.

Good pay plus benefits.

Call 941-778-5915

Call us today! 941-778-3986

HEALTH CARE HOME CARE PROVIDER with Dennis Church a nursing assistant. 8+ years of experience. Licensed in Florida. SAFER at HOME. Call 815-519-3993 HOME CARE SERVICES with First In Care Home Health Agency. Serving Manatee County 20+ years specializing in senior care services.

We offer consistency and reliability to our clients. Federal Level II background screening on all employees. Workers Comp and General Liability Insurance.

Services offered 7 days week. Call 941-7468400. Phones answered 24hr per day. FL License HHA 299992454

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

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

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CBC 1261150.

Call Mike Kern 941-7781115 JSAN CORPORATION Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors.

Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.

JULY 28, 2021

“HAMMERED HOMES” (SAVING HOMES SINCE 1984) Handyman services, renovations. Free Estimates & Consulting. Call before making decision, save money.

941-778-3206

“WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident.

Quality Workmanship.

Interior/Exterior. Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315

R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured.

Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941 STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell driveways and scapes. Also Rock, Mulch, & Soil. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067 ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal.

Sweeping, blowing, weeding. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing: driveways, walkways, fences, pool decks/ cages. Call Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315.

LOST & FOUND FOUND TURTLE INLAYED silver/platinum ring with inscription ( Pease identity text to confirm). Found on Palm Harbor Dr near Manatee Public Beach. Call 540-312-5299.

LOST ON MANATEE BEACH. 18" herringbone chain (4mm thick, square link, round clasp, 10k) with 3/4" Spanish gold coin pendant.

Please call 585-755-3894.

Contact Dennis

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

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

941-812-0507

POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 10 + Years Experience.

Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS AUTHORITY ONE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941565-3931.

“HOT” SUMMER DEAL! 25% off any individual pressure washing work!

Anna Maria Island, Bradenton & Long Boat Key. Insured. Call Dewayne 717-773-7303

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE Have you been thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! GULF FRONT, CANAL FRONT, BAY FRONT CONDOS or HOMES ASK for BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216

LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589

REALTOR FOR HIRE. BUYING OR SELLING on AMI? 17 years experience & USAF Veteran.

Call Kelly Gitt Keller Williams Realty today 941-799-9299.

PALMA SOLA PARK. 3BR/2BA 2 car garage.

Large yard. Move in ready. $525,000 make offer. Call 309-824-7524

RENTALS: ANNUAL ANNUAL RENTALS WANTED! We have well qualified tenants for beach and mainland annual rentals, Full management or Finders fee.

Call today for details.

Ask for Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 513-3821992.

RENTAL WANTED SEEKING AMI ANNUAL RENTAL Call Kelly Gitt Keller Williams Realty 941799-9299

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

AVAILABLE AUGUST 1.

Monthly rental. Fully furnished newly remodeled., beahcy 2BR/1BA washer dryer. 2.5 miles to beach off Cortez. Close to shopping dining. Quiet area.

Across the street from bay. $2300 mo. thru December . Call 941-773-1552. Deposit and cleaning fee.

SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates.

Contact Barb Grace 941201-2190

ANNA MARIA ISLAND CONDOS Large pool, beach access, free WiFi, 1&2 Bedroom $700/$800/$900 a wk. redekercondosonami. com Tim 941-704-7525 ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Updated 5 Star Condo for Rent- Available September October November. (Multimonth discount) Million$ water view, first floor, 2BR/2BA, patio, walk to beach, pool, tennis (smoke free) marketreps@aol. com Boat/jet ski dock available

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $195. Call 941-447-8372 or 941-447-8376. amitaxi4u@ gmail.com, www.amitaxi. com ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa $70. Sarasota $35. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne.

941-779-5095 AIRPORT RIDES- Tampa, St. Pete, Sarasota. Reasonable rates! Call or text Anna 941-932-1600

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JULY 28, 2021

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

PAINTING

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Call today to place your ad: 941-778-3986 TRANSPORTATION

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www.amisun.com

JULY 28, 2021