Anna Maria Island Sun July 8, 2020

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 20 No. 39

July 8, 2020

Less ‘boom’ doesn’t dampen July 4 fun

BY JOE HENDRICKS AND KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITERS

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Clockwise above, many beachgoers opted for the beach near the AMI Moose Lodge and the BeachHouse restaurant. The sandbar off Jewfish Key was a popular destination for boaters. The Australian pines at Coquina Beach provided shade, picnic space and support for a hammock.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Fourth of July holiday was celebrated a little differently on Anna Maria Island this year.

Without an official fireworks display and without a parade led by the Anna Maria Island Privateers, the holiday celebrations on the Island were a little quieter, a little calmer and observed differently, depending on which beach one visited.

At Manatee Beach, the crowds were smaller over the holiday weekend, with those choosing to come out practicing social distancing on the sand, many wearing masks or other face coverings. A staff member from the Anna Maria Island Beach Café was stationed in the breezeway at the door to the gift shop and restaurant making sure that anyone entering the business was wearing a mask or face covering. Members of the Manatee County Code Enforcement team were stationed along the beach and throughout the parking area to encourage social distancing and safe practices.

Out on the beach, groups largely kept their distance from each other, even when in the water.

SEE FOURTH, PAGE 20

Close call for sea turtle trapped in hole

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND - A sea turtle trapped in a hole on the beach is lucky that Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers are so diligent at their jobs.

Director Suzi Fox and volunteer Skip Coyne found turtle tracks along the shore last week with footprints next to the tracks stretching for a quarter-mile, indicating that someone had followed the turtle, keeping her from going back into the water.

At the end of the trail was a hole someone had dug on the beach –

INSIDE NEWS 4 LETTERS

6

OUTDOORS

22

TURTLES

24

REAL ESTATE

28

with the turtle four feet down at the bottom of it.

Her breathing was labored, according to Fox, who has asked beachgoers for years to fill in holes they make in the sand, remove furniture from the beach at sunset and avoid flash photography of turtles.

Coyne began digging a ramp in the sand, and a visiting beachgoer, Kevin Breheny, of Decatur, Illinois, stopped to help him.

“That turtle was totally unphased by them doing it. She was understanding that this was her way out,” Fox said in a video produced for Turtle Watch by local musician Mike Sales, at facebook.com/IslandTurtle-

Watch/videos/906031779892599.

“She turned towards us and she could sense that or see it,” Coyne said.

“This turtle looked up and looked at us like - there’s hope,” Breheny said.

The 300-pound turtle began to climb the ramp as they dug it, getting some help from the men to pull her out.

“It took a leap forward on its two front fins,” Breheny said. “I couldn’t believe the strength this turtle had…

The next thing we know, off to the ocean it was going.”

SEE TURTLE, PAGE 7

ANNA MARIA ISLAND TURTLE WATCH AND SHOREBIRD MONITORING | SUBMITTED

A sea turtle was rescued from a hole on an Anna Maria Island beach by AMITW last week.

AZURE ‘ AMI offers

A SUMMER salad to keep you

clothing, jewelry and style. Business. 14

cool. Food & Wine. 26 ANNA MARIA extends

mandatory mask order. 4

CLASSIFIEDS 38

Anna Maria Island, Florida

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

2

THE SUN

www.amisun.com

JULY 8, 2020

www.amisun.com

JULY 8, 2020

THE SUN

3

Masks not required in Bradenton Beach As of Monday, the Bradenton Beach City Commission had not joined the other Island cities in making masks or face coverings mandatory.

COVID-19 pandemic,” Selander’s letter concluded.

The commission did not discuss Selander’s letter or the possibility of enacting a mask order or ordinance. The commission did extend the city’s local state of emergency for another week.

BY JOE HENDRICKS

MASKS REQUIRED AT CITY HALL

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH –As of Monday, the city of Bradenton Beach remained the only city on Anna Maria Island without a mandatory mask/face covering order or ordinance in place.

The Anna Maria and Holmes Beach commissions previously enacted mask/ face covering mandates and last week the town of Longboat Key followed suit and enacted a mandatory face covering ordinance.

During the commission’s Tuesday, June 30 emergency meeting, a mask-related letter the city received from Lynn Selander was read into the public record by City Clerk Terri Sanclemente.

“As a very concerned citizen of Bradenton Beach, of a certain age with underlying medical conditions, I am asking that you

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Bradenton Beach City Commission did not discuss mandatory masks or face coverings at its June 30 emergency meeting. take decisive action to join with our neighbors in Holmes Beach (and Anna Maria) to protect the health and safety of our community members by requiring face masks/coverings to be worn in public,” Selander’s letter said.

“Recommending is not enough. Since Manatee County opened the beaches, Publix, Walgreens, CVS and other stores serving Island residents have been overwhelmed by visitors taking a ‘vacation’ from the COVID pandemic, not wearing masks and not maintaining social distancing,” Selander’s letter said.

“The preponderance of our resident population falls into the at risk category.

The CDC and responsible medical experts are clear that wearing face coverings significantly reduces the spread of the COVID virus. This is a very small thing we can all do that can mean the difference between life and death for ourselves and the vulnerable among us as our infection numbers in continue to spike,” Selander wrote.

“This is not a political issue. It is a human issue. Please step up and mandate the wearing of face coverings in public as part of the Bradenton Beach response to the

City hall recently reopened to the public and the public and the media are now allowed to attend city meetings in person. City hall visitors are required to wear masks inside city hall and have their temperatures taken upon entry, using the front door that faces the Gulf of Mexico.

Commission members and city staff are not required to wear masks inside city hall. City meetings can still be accessed via Zoom teleconferencing software as well.

The Bradenton Beach Commission was scheduled to hold its weekly emergency meeting on Tuesday, July 7, after The Sun went to press. The commission will hold another emergency meeting at 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday, July 14. The commission will hold its next regular meeting at noon on Thursday, July 16.

4

THE SUN

ISLAND NEWS

Visit our website, www.amisun.com.

Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

JULY 8, 2020

IN BRIEF July 4 traffic numbers

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer reported a total of 109,723 vehicles entering the city over the holiday weekend, Thursday, July 2 through Sunday, July 5. That number is a slight increase over the 107,971 vehicles entering Holmes Beach over the same four days last year. Friday saw the highest number of vehicles with 29,534 counted coming into Holmes Beach. Saturday saw 28,024 vehicles crossing the bridge and Sunday was the slowest day of the weekend with 25,000 vehicles entering the city. Tokajer said no major issues were reported to police over the holiday weekend.

Scam targets Holmes Beach residents Holmes Beach police officers are warning of a new scam targeting the city’s residents. A card stating that it’s from the Holmes Beach Emergency Appeal National Police Association is asking for resident signatures and contributions. The problem is, HBPD officers aren’t endorsing the plea nor do they receive any assistance from the entity asking for money. Chief Bill Tokajer advises that any resident receiving the postcard not respond and those who wish to assist the HBPD reach out directly to the department via email at chief@ holmesbeach.org.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The mayor and city commission amended and extended the city’s emergency mask order last week.

Anna Maria extends mandatory mask order Mayor and commission strongly recommend wearing masks or face coverings in outdoor waiting areas.

BY JOE HENDRICKS

The Island Library’s doors are open

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

The staff at the Island Branch Library is ready to welcome back visitors. The library is open to the public at 40% capacity. Masks or facial coverings are required and social distancing will be observed. The staff asks that patrons limit their computer usage to 30 minutes per person per day. Patrons also are encouraged to limit their visits to 30 minutes to accommodate more people during library hours. More information on the library’s opening procedures is available online at https://mymanatee.org/departments/manatee_county_public_library_system/library_reopening_f_a_q_s.

The library is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and from noon to 7 p.m. on Wednesday. It’s closed on Sundays and Mondays.

The Island Branch Library is located at 5701 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach.

ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy and the Anna Maria City Commission have extended the city’s mandatory mask order for another seven days.

The emergency mask order originally enacted on June 25 as City Order #33 was amended during a special commission meeting Thursday morning. The amended order, City Order #36, is now posted at the city website, www.cityofannamaria. com. The mask order can be accessed by hitting the “read more” link in the COVID-19 informational column along the left side of the city’s home page.

Similar to the original mask order, the amended and extended order only applies to certain indoor places.

But City Order #36 also includes new recommendations regarding outdoor waiting areas and vacation rentals.

“Every person working, living, visiting or doing business in the city of Anna Maria shall wear a face covering in any indoor location, other than their home or residence, when not maintaining social distancing from other persons, excluding family members or companions,” the amended order says.

The order lists the following exceptions:

Dredging to begin in August Dredging at the 63rd Street boat ramp and basin and along the 64th Street canal to Marina Drive is scheduled to begin in Holmes Beach on or around Aug. 17.

Work is expected to last until Sept. 4. Director of Development Services Eran Wasserman said that all permits are in place for the project and the work is budgeted to take place within the 2019-20 fiscal year, which ends on Sept. 30.

Corrrection Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach, is holding Sunday services virtually on Facebook and YouTube at 9:30 a.m. A listing in last week’s Sun had the wrong time.

• Children under the age of two years; • People for whom a face covering would cause impairment due to an existing health condition; • People working in a business or profession who do not have interactions with other people; • People working in an office when all interactions with others are done with social distancing as recommended by the CDC; • People eating and/or drinking at a restaurant; provided, however, that face coverings must otherwise be worn in restaurants.

City Order #36 includes new language that says, “Businesses are requested to strongly encourage face coverings and social distancing for customers and persons waiting in line outdoors for service. Also, vacation rental owners and management companies are requested to give out informational material, such as a copy of this order, to each of their vacation rental customers upon check-in.”

A violation of the mask order is punishable by a code enforcement citation that carries a $50 fine per violation. During Thursday’s meeting, Murphy said no citations had been issued for mask violations to date and the city had not received any complaints about noncompliance.

When Thursday’s discussion began, Murphy addressed expanding the order to include outdoor public spaces.

“It’s very difficult for me to tell you that you have to stay 6 feet away from your husband or your wife or

your child while you’re on vacation outdoors in the state of Florida. I think it would be nice if everybody wore face masks, but I don’t think we can infringe upon people’s personal rights that much. And I know we can’t enforce it. I think it’s going too far,” Murphy said.

OUTDOOR WAITING AREAS

The new language regarding outdoor waiting areas arose from concerns raised by commissioners Jon Crane and Mark Short, based on what they’ve seen outside some restaurants and other food establishments, including ice cream shops.

Crane suggested expanding the mask order to include outdoor waiting areas, but the commission did not go that far.

Commissioner Joe Muscatello asked if the city was going to encourage that masks be worn on the City Pier. The commission did not address the pier in its amended mask order, but Murphy said free masks are available at the pier entryway when the pier is open.

Commissioner Amy Tripp agreed with Crane and Short, but said enforcement of the outdoor waiting areas would be challenging. She recommended calling on business owners and patrons to use common sense instead.

Muscatello shared feedback he received from business owners.

“They don’t want to see a shutdown and they would go along with anySEE MASK, PAGE 5

www.amisun.com

JULY 8, 2020

Holmes Beach loses out in state budget cuts Holmes Beach lost out on $2 million in stormwater improvement funds when Gov. Ron DeSantis cut the state budget June 29.

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

HOLMES BEACH – City leaders are rethinking their plans now that the city has lost out on $2 million in state appropriations funds for flood prevention improvements.

When Gov. Ron DeSantis cut the state budget approved by the state legislature two days before the new fiscal year began on July 1, the money requested by the city for infrastructure restoration and stormwater drainage projects ended up on the chopping block.

Also cut was money for many state and local projects including a Manatee County Schools STEM career pathway pilot program, a replacement for the fishing pier at the Green Bridge, Cedar Hammock Fire District’s new training tower and a project to improve

local water quality by seeding native oysters and clams in Manatee County waters.

In total, DeSantis removed $1,000,337,940 before signing the state’s $92.2 billion dollar budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year.

The cuts were made because of the state’s expected loss in revenue due to shutdowns and slowdowns in spending from COVID-19.

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth said while she believes it’s “tragic” the funds ultimately didn’t get approved, she wasn’t completely surprised by the move given the impact of the novel coronavirus on the economy. She said the city will pursue funding from the state again next year.

The city will not be putting on hold any normal stormwater improvements, such as building up roads with asphalt overlays, creating new sidewalks where needed and continuing to build the city’s stormwater infiltration system. However, the lack of funding will delay the start of any new projects in the city.

Titsworth said that due to the

state of the city’s failing infrastructure, they can’t afford to roll back on the projects to repair and replace damaged elements, including drainage pipes.

“Our job is to make sure public safety is number one,” she said.

She added that some of the city’s unassigned reserves will have to be used to make up for the lack of funds coming into the city from the fifth-cent tax and other taxes, funding projects already in the city’s approved budget.

For the coming 2020-21 Holmes Beach fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1, Titsworth said ad valorem revenues - property taxes - will have to be raised to help fund the ongoing projects and build the city’s unassigned reserves back up to 25% of annual operating costs. At the end of the year, the city’s leaders estimate the reserve funds will be about $800,000 lower than where they should be.

Holmes Beach commissioners are holding a budget workshop via teleconference at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7.

THE SUN

5

MASK: order extended in Anna Maria FROM PAGE 4

thing we came up with that was helpful,” he said.

Muscatello also provided personal perspective as a city resident.

“We seem to be so focused on the tourists. I think our first priority ought to be the residents. I pay a hell of a lot of property taxes to live here and I’m afraid to go to my own beach. We are here to serve the 1,500 people who live here and not the 40,000 people who come here to visit. I feel like a prisoner in my own home,” he said.

Commission Chair Carol Carter suggested the nonbinding language regarding outdoor waiting areas. She said face coverings in waiting areas not only protect patrons, but they protect the employees too.

“When we heard about places that closed, it’s been because an employee has shown signs of being infected with COVID,” Short added.

Regarding outdoor waiting areas, Murphy said, “The message should be we don’t want to legislate something – and that we will if we have to. The onus is at the point of contact at the restaurant itself to make sure this is done, not city hall.”

Under the local state of emergency, Murphy has the authority to extend the mask order every seven days without calling a special commission meeting to do so.

Murphy said the updated mask order would be emailed to business owners and vacation rental owners and agents.

To assist businesses, the city is offering free signs that reference the mask order. To request those signs, email depclerk@cityofannamaria.com.

6

THE SUN

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

Like us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun

JULY 8, 2020

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 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 Pat Copeland Steve Borggren Monica Simpson

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Be respectful I remember reading local newspapers delivered to my greatgrandparents’ home on 85th. I didn’t know where else to share a few thoughts about the island from someone who is damn close to a local. I understand the need and draw for tourism dollars. At what expense to the island and residents though?

What do you see? Do you see another sandy beach? Do you see a beach chair and an umbrella and your vacation plans ahead? What do you see? Do you see the locals who have lived here longer than you’ve been alive? Do you see the cinderblock homes amongst your vacation rental multi-story?

You see, where I just watched you throw away your cigarette butt is also where I remember first seeing coquinas burrow in the sand. Where you threw your

beer bottle ... it’s where I was a few months old and napped under an umbrella. Where you sped past my sons and I in your Range Rover, it’s the same sand where my brothers and I hauled chairs and towels and spent a whole day only to have our dad pack it all up for us and haul it back home. It’s where we devoured junkyard dogs before the Sandbar realized they wouldn’t make any money on hot dogs alone. It’s where I celebrated marrying my husband and the first beach my boys ever stuck their toes in the sand. It’s where my late father kayaked. It’s where the house my great-grandparents bought about 60 years ago is still there and where my uncle has now planted roots. It’s where my sons first learned to ride a bike.

Stores and restaurants have come and gone and changed.

Wait staff looks at you like a tourist when you’ve been com-

ing here longer than they’ve been alive. And yet, we come back. We come back and we rent homes for a week or more at a time. We frequent our standby spots while listening to newcomers berate small shop owners. We watch drivers speed excessively down our well-loved streets, dodging walkers, joggers and bicyclists.

We tip extra heavy to make up for the lack of awareness and respect shown for the people who make this Island run.

So, as a message to those newcomers who found a nice rental beach home for the week - be respectful. This is a slower way of life. This is an island where if you can’t slow down, don’t come.

It’s home to my family and I and it’s home to so many people who make your vacation wonderful. Be respectful.

Shannon Simpson Nagel Anna Maria Island

Drop us a line Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment? Is

Island Sun, P.O. Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216.

there something you need to get off your chest? Send

Letters should be kept to 300 words or less and must

us a letter to the editor and have your say. There are

contain your name and the city in which you reside.

a couple of ways to do it. The easiest and most direct

Personal attacks and obscene language will not be

is to email The Sun at news@amisun.com. Remem-

printed. The Sun reserves the right to edit letters for

ber to put Letter to the Editor in the subject field. Or

length or content.

you can snail-mail a letter to us at The Anna Maria

JULY 8, 2020

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

7

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 16, 2 p.m. – City Commission special meeting July 17, 2 p.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting July 24, 11 a.m. – Special Magistrate hearing July 30, 6 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 14, 10 a.m. – City Commission work meeting July 16, noon – City Commission meeting July 21, 9:15 a.m. – City Commission emergency special meeting July 22, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting July 28, 9:15 a.m. – City Commission emergency special meeting

HOLMES BEACH

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

City hall is currently closed to the public. All meetings will be held virtually until further notice.

July 15, 10 a.m. – Code Compliance Special Magistrate hearing July 21, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow

MARK TAYLOR | SUBMITTED

Holes dug on the beach, like this recent one in Bradenton Beach, can entrap nesting and hatching sea turtles.

TURTLE: Close call for sea turtle trapped in hole

ISLAND-WIDE

July 15, 2 p.m. – Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting, Longboat Key Town Hall July 21, 6 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue board meeting, administration offices, Palma Sola Presbyterian Church, 6418 Third Ave. W., Bradenton

FROM PAGE 1

MARK YOUR CALENDAR July 8 - July 21 The Island Branch Library is open at 40% capacity. Please wear a face mask/covering.

Tingley Memorial Library is closed.

All classes at area parks and recreation areas are canceled.

The Center of Anna Maria Island is closed due to COVID-19 precautions after one staff member tested positive for the coronavirus. The facility remains closed until July 13.

The Holmes Beach dog park (Scentral Park), skate park, basketball courts and tennis courts are open.

Local preserves are open, including Grassy Point Preserve, Perico Preserve, Neal Preserve and Robinson Preserve. Local beaches are open.

WEDNESDAY JULY 8

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

SUNDAY JULY 12

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

WEDNESDAY JULY 15

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

SUNDAY JULY 19

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

MARK TAYLOR | SUBMITTED

By law, beach furniture must be removed from Anna Maria Island’s beaches at night. These were left out recently in the 2600 block of Bradenton Beach.

The happy ending could have turned tragic had any of the season’s first hatchlings fallen into the hole after emerging from their nests last week.

Fox has an urgent message for beachgoers.

“Do not walk with a turtle on the beach at night. She’s tender. She’s pregnant. She needs to do her business and get back out to sea,” she said. “And when you dig a hole, fill the hole back in.”

Because the turtle was disturbed by whoever followed her, she did not nest before falling into the hole, said Fox, adding that the holes are not only dangerous to turtles, but to Turtle Watch volunteers and beachgoers.

“Even if it wasn’t your hole, fill the hole back in,” Fox said.

8

THE SUN

www.amisun.com

JULY 8, 2020

Bradenton Beach funding request survives governor’s veto The $2 million in state funds will be used to underground utility lines along Gulf Drive.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT

BRADENTON BEACH – The Bradenton Beach City Commission thanked State Rep. Will Robinson Jr. (R – Manatee/Sarasota) for his assistance in securing a $2 million state appropriation supported earlier this year by the Florida Legislature.

The $2 million in state funds will be used to underground utility lines along Gulf Drive.

On Monday, June 29, Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed more than $1 billion in proposed expenditures from the proposed $92 billion state budget the state Legislature delivered to the governor in March. DeSantis’ vetoes were the result of anticipated state revenue losses due to the coronavirus pandemic.

On Tuesday, June 30, Robinson attended the Bradenton Beach Commission’s weekly emergency meeting.

“As we all saw yesterday, the governor signed our fiscal budget. He actually vetoed about a billion dollars’ worth of projects, which is historical. It’s something that he had to do. We are in a different economic

time now than we were in March when we passed the budget,” he told the commission.

Robinson said he filed appropriation requests for 18 projects in his district, which includes portions of Manatee and Sarasota counties, and six survived the vetoes.

“Thankfully, one of those six was the Bradenton Beach resiliency project that will help you put the utility lines underground.

If you look at the projects the governor didn’t veto, I think generally you could say they had a state interest in mind, and they were a need as opposed to a want by the state. We hopefully won’t have a hurricane this year, but we know at some point it’s going to come,” Robinson said, noting the power losses experienced locally during and after Hurricane Irma passed in 2017.

Robinson also addressed the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“It goes without saying that we’re in difficult times right now for our constituents and for our business owners. I’m reminded of the famous Winston Churchill quote when the British were alone in World War II and they defeated the Nazis in Africa.

Churchill famously said, ‘I don’t believe we’re at the beginning of the end, I believe we’re at the end of the beginning.’ And that’s maybe where we are. We’ve had a bit of surge in the past week. The numbers

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

State Rep. Will Robinson Jr. spoke to the city commission recently about its successful appropriation request. did not look good. I’m hopeful that we’ll continue to make progress because business owners are struggling. There’s a lot of struggling families out there and I’m hopeful we can continue to get this economy back on track, but I think it’s going to be a slow, long slog ahead of us,” he said.

COMMISSION APPRECIATION

“I just want to thank you so much for everything you’re doing – not just for Anna Maria Island and Bradenton Beach, but for the whole county and the state,” Mayor John Chappie said.

Chappie referenced outgoing Florida Senate President Bill Galvano and said,

“You’ve listened to us and you’ve helped us. This is an example of the Robinson/ Galvano team and you guys are doing a great job.”

Chappie also thanked the city attorney for her work on another successful appropriation request.

“I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank Ricinda Perry for the excellent work she has done for our community and our city. Most people have no clue the work she does behind the scenes working with our lobbyist.

We appreciate it big time,” Chappie said.

“I want to personally thank you for helping out Bradenton Beach and for everything you do for Manatee County and the state. Good job,” Commissioner Ralph Cole told Robinson.

“Thank you very much and you have my vote,” Commissioner Jan Vosburgh said in reference to Robinson’s current reelection bid.

“Thank you for all you do – not just for us locally, but for the entire state. We’re proud to have you up there as our representative,” Vice Mayor Jake Spooner said.

“Thank you very much. Great work. This is really going to help us,” Commissioner Marilyn Maro said.

www.amisun.com

JULY 8, 2020

ONE ISLAND. ENDLESS POTENTIAL.

THE SUN

CL FI OS NA EO L UT !

LIMITED RESIDENCES REMAINING! DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO OWN AT ONE PARTICULAR HARBOUR MARGARITAVILLE. 2- AND 3-BEDROOM RESIDENCES FROM THE MID $400s Florida’s last private island is selling out fast! Come enjoy the resort lifestyle any time you wish with exciting activities and all the amenities for a perfect vacation home or year-round residence. The choice is yours!

• • • • •

State-of-the-art marina Beach Club with poolside cabana bar Fully-equipped fitness center and yoga lawn Views of Anna Maria Sound Across the bridge from Anna Maria Island

OPENING THIS SUMMER

• 6-story island-inspired Compass Hotel by Margaritaville • Floridays Woodfire Grill & Bar

When you’re not in town, you can hand over the keys and our seasoned hotelier will handle everything through our short-term rental program.

Sales Center and Model Homes Open Daily.

In-Person and Virtual Tour Options Available.

Visit OPHMintoUSA.com to book your tour today!

(941) 229-3860 | OPHMintoUSA.com | 12340 Manatee Ave. West, Bradenton, FL 34209 Development plans, amenities, facilities, dimensions, specifications, prices and features depicted by artists’ renderings or otherwise described herein are approximate and subject to change without notice. © Minto Communities, LLC 2020. All rights reserved.

Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored or transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission. One Particular Harbour and the One Particular Harbour logo are trademarks of Margaritaville Enterprises, LLC and are used under license. Minto and the Minto logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. 2020. CGC 1519880.

9

10

THE SUN

www.amisun.com

JULY 8, 2020

Nurse and others assist unconscious Island Time guest Registered Nurse Cindy Zembrzuski is now caring for COVID-19 patients at a skilled nursing facility in Clearwater.

None of us had masks on, but nobody cared.

It was about saving somebody’s life and collectively we did.”

BY JOE HENDRICKS

Cindy Zembrzuski, Registered nurse

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Bradenton resident and Registered Nurse Cindy Zembrzuski recently helped revive a fallen patron at Island Time Bar & Grill in Bradenton Beach. Now she’s caring for COVID-19 patients at a skilled nursing facility in Clearwater.

On Monday, June 15, Zembrzuski, her son Ethan Michael Brown, Brown’s girlfriend, Lauren Usher, Zembrzuski’s friend and dance partner, Walter Lortz, and others were seated at a table in front of the Island Time stage when the medical emergency unfolded.

“We were dining at Island Time when Cindy noticed Ethan’s eyes had a look of disbelief. As she turned to see what he was looking at, she saw a woman falling to the floor. Luckily, another patron saw the same thing and was able to get to the woman and cushion her

CINDY ZEMBRZUSKI | SUBMITTED

Cindy Zembrzuski and her son Ethan Michael Brown were among those who assisted an Island Time patron in need of medical attention. fall,” Lortz said.

“The woman was not breathing and did not appear to have a heartbeat.

Cindy began CPR as a call went out to EMS. While Cindy did CPR, the woman sputtered and started to breathe again.

All indications are that Cindy saved the woman’s life,” Lortz said.

“I was facing the stage. Ethan was facing the opposite way and could see all the tables behind us. His eyes kept getting bigger and bigger and I said, “Ethan, what’s going on?’ ” Zembrzuski said.

“As I turned around, a big, burly guy

helped lower this lady to the ground.

She was out. There was no pulse and no respiration. He was trying to do mouth-to-mouth, which isn’t very safe these days. I asked him to step aside and I did 8 to10 chest compressions before she got her respiration and pulse back and opened her eyes,” she explained.

“Everybody came together for a positive outcome. The staff, my son, the man who gave mouth-to-mouth and me sitting on top of her administering CPR. COVID or no COVID, we were going to help this lady. It was a really rewarding experience and everyone that helped should be recognized.

None of us had masks on, but nobody

cared. It was about saving somebody’s life and collectively we did. Kudos to the Island Time staff for being so prompt, and Ethan was instrumental in saying, ‘Mom, you’re a nurse, get over there,’ ” Zembrzuski said.

Island Time General Manager Michael Davis was also there that night.

“I was on the floor when it occurred.

I called 911 and stayed on the phone until help arrived. In this case, it turned out fine. The EMTs were on scene for 10-15 minutes. I think she was treated on the scene and had friends and family who could take her home. Cindy and the other gentleman were in the SEE NURSE, PAGE 12

www.amisun.com

JULY 8, 2020

THE SUN

11

Volunteers clean up Island beaches

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

HOLMES BEACH – Volunteers took to the sand July 5 and 6 to help clean up the beaches after the busy holiday weekend.

Commissioner Kim Rash and his family, along with some neighbors, went out early July 5 after thunderstorms had passed to pick up trash, debris and other remnants left behind by weekend beachgoers.

On July 6, volunteers gathered with Holmes Beach Code Compliance officers and representatives from Keep Manatee Beautiful at the 52nd Street beach access to clean up trash and debris left on the sand.

More than 40 volunteers came out to assist with the early morning cleanup.

During the cleanup, an issue arose with a large peace sign made from found objects by local artist Jim Shipley in March on the beach in front of the Martinique condominiums.

Beach cleanup volunteer Stacy Holmes Barden said she observed a woman filling in the peace sign artwork with a shovel and that when approached, the woman said the artwork was a trip hazard. Barden said that she did not see anyone trip and that there are clearly marked paths for people to walk around the beach artwork.

Code Compliance Officer James Thomas identified the woman as Jennifer Hoffman, executive director of Keep Manatee Beautiful.

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said that Hoffman was not trying to fill in the artwork, but was filling in some deeper holes in the artwork that had caused volunteers

SUBMITTED | MELISSA RASH

Holmes Beach Commissioner Kim Rash took to the sand early July 5 with his family and neighbors, including Chuck Krauss (pictured) to clean up trash and debris left behind by beachgoers over the holiday weekend.

SUBMITTED | STACY HOLMES BARDEN

Keep Manatee Beautiful Executive Director Jennifer Hoffman filled in parts of a piece of beach artwork during a July 6 cleanup.

to trip while attempting to clean out some trash and debris that was lodged in the peace sign.

The peace sign and the accompanying message in the sand, “Pass on peace, not COVID-19,” are featured in a Facebook video by filmmaker Patricia Filomeno of Ink Graphics Media.

The Holmes Beach cleanup was sponsored by the Code Compliance department, WastePro and Keep Manatee Beautiful.

Code Compliance Officers James Thomas and Robin Evangelisto strike a pose with a family volunteering during the July 6 beach cleanup.

SUBMITTED | HOLMES BEACH CODE COMPLIANCE

Offering the largest selection of spirits, wine & beer on AMI.

5344 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach 941.779.2337 Shop & earn discounts at Hurricane Hanks!

Delivery service now available!

12

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

JULY 8, 2020

NURSE: Helps save Island Time guest FROM PAGE 10

right place at the right time. They gave proper and timely assistance and that was extremely helpful,�

Davis said.

A NEW CHALLENGE

Zembrzuski has worked as a nurse in Georgia and in Florida. She previously spent two years working in the emergency room at Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton.

She currently works for Genesis HealthCare. When the Island Time incident occurred, she was serving as a clinical consultant, assisting with discharge planning, post-acute care and securing skilled nursing facility services. On Monday, June 29, Zembrzuski began working as a nurse again in a COVID-19-positive environment.

The day before her new assignment began, Zembrzuski said, “My boss called and said I’ve been reassigned to work at a skilled nursing facility in Clearwater. I’ll be in a COVID unit taking care of COVID patients. I’m a very healthy person, so I’m not worried. If something happens and I get it, I get it. After the experience at Island Time, I really felt I contributed to helping that person and now I want to do what I can do to help these COVID patients. I became a nurse to do this kind of thing. It’s my calling,� she said.

After four days in her new position, Zembrzuski provided an update. “It’s very taxing. We’re getting more and more cases. We are doing the best we can as nurses, clinicians and caregivers, but with the no-visitation rule, patients and family members remain anxious. We encourage patients and their families to visit through the patient room windows, through FaceTime and we help facilitate Zoom calls. We are all very dedicated and compassionate and trying to give the best clinical care we can while reducing anxiety. This continues to be a work in progress,� she said.

OPEN

24 HOURS 365 DAYS

Before & After Fitness Assessments - 10 Training Sessions Ongoing Coaching Throughout 21 Days - Recipe & Meal Prep – Fun & RESULTS! - Open To Members & Non Members!

NOW TWO GREAT OPTIONS:

21 DAY SMALL GROUP TRAINING - $89 21 DAY PERSONAL TRAINING - $174 BAYSHORE GARDENS

BRADENTON WEST

PALMETTO

6144 14th St W 4001 Manatee Ave W 609 10th St E 941 756-7084 941-216-3112 941-417-7432 A N Y T I M E F I T N E S S . C O M

 �

www.amisun.com

JULY 8, 2020

THE SUN

13

High school graduate serving as city intern Lifelong Anna Maria resident Augustus “Gus” Bayard hopes to serve as a United States diplomat someday.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE

Waterfront Tiki Bar on Sarasota Bay natural vibes - mondays n.a.s.c.r.a.b. races - tuesdays happy hour extravaganza - wednesdays prime rib - thursdays crab boil - sundays

live music

9 times a week Food & Drink Specials Daily make your reservation now 4628 119th St W Cortez (941)798-2035 swordfishgrill.com Marker 49 by boat

ANNA MARIA – High school graduate and Anna Maria resident Augustus “Gus” Bayard is spending his summer working as an intern for the city of Anna Maria.

On June 11, his second day on the job, Bayard attended his first city commission meeting and was introduced to the city commissioners. That day, the commission engaged in a lengthy discussion about the city’s amended sign ordinance. The commission also discussed parking issues, planning for the 2020 Bayfest events and several matters pertaining to the new City Pier.

Afterwards, Bayard was asked what he thought of his first commission meeting.

“It was a bit longer than I expected, but it was interesting, and stuff got done. It was nice to see politics in action, up close,” he said.

“We’re very pleased that Augustus has decided to come work here as an intern. He’s got all the talent needed to work in a public environment,” Mayor Dan Murphy said after the meeting.

“He’s been helping us out immensely in the administration office,” Deputy Clerk Debbie Haynes added. “He’s been doing a little bit of everything. We definitely needed his assistance and he’s been great.”

Bayard secured the internship through his own initiative.

“I sent an email to the mayor saying I was a high school graduate who lived here all my life and I was interested in interning this

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Augustus “Gus” Bayard is interning with the city of Anna Maria this summer. summer – helping out and seeing how the local political process works. I have a lot of free time this summer before I go to college and I wanted to begin thinking about the things I want to study.

I wanted to get some real-life experience, including with the COVID-19 situation at the local level,” Bayard explained.

The 18-year-old was asked what it’s like to be a member of the class of 2020 that graduated in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s definitely been a weird couple of months. Instead of one big day where it felt like I went from a high schooler to a graduate, it’s been much more of a gradual thing. Luckily, my school, Saint Stephen’s, had a drive-thru graduation ceremony,” said Bayard, the son of Dave and Amy Bayard.

“I was actually born and raised on the Island. I was a home-birth, so I was literally born on the Island, in Anna Maria,” he said.

After the July 2 commission meeting, Bayard was asked how things were going and what he’s learned so far.

“I’ve been doing a lot of work with vacation rentals, which emphasizes how big of a part of the city that is. It’s been a great way to learn more about government and it’s something to do before I go to college,” he said.

Bayard anticipates serving as a city intern until mid-August. He hopes to then head off to college to begin earning a degree in international and public affairs at Brown University in Providence, R.I. “It’s a combination of international affairs and public policy,” he said of his desired field of study.

Bayard hopes his college studies lead to a career as a United States diplomat.

“I’ve always been interested in traveling. The combination of traveling, seeing the world, public service and government work does appeal to me and it sounds really interesting. Neighbors of mine just retired from the State Department and I’ve had some interesting conversations with them about State Department work and diplomacy,” he said.

14

THE SUN

BUSINESS

JULY 8, 2020

Azure AMI offers clothing, jewelry and style

BY LOUISE BOLGER SPECIAL TO THE SUN

The color of a bright, clear sky is called azure. The name of a bright new shop in Holmes Beach is also called Azure and similar to a bright, clear sky – it’s open, uncluttered and soothing.

Sandra King and Joe Hutchinson opened Azure about a month ago in one of the most convenient and easy to park locations in Holmes Beach. Hutchinson grew up on Anna Maria Island and has been in the retail business since 1980. King came to Anna Maria Island 14 years ago from Boston and like so many transplants, never went back; she has retail experience dating back to 1972.

Together, they have opened their second shop in Holmes Beach, but this one is very different from the first. Vintage Beach, a few shops away from Azure, has a rustic, antique vibe while Azure feels like you stepped into a painting of a relaxing casual lifestyle.

And if you’re looking for comfortable, island casual clothes, you have come to the

right place. Azure carries drawstring pants, shorts, sundresses, skirts, tops, long dresses, jewelry, greeting cards and workout clothes, which are rare to find on Anna Maria. In addition, they are dog-friendly and have an area devoted to gifts for your pet and dog lovers’ T-shirts for you.

Azure is a place for all ages, whether you’re buying a gift for your teenage granddaughter or a zippy new outfit for yourself, all of it with an island casual attitude. They carry exclusively Elan and Z Supply lines of clothing and will be adding Z Supply mother and daughter matching outfits shortly. Capri Blue products are available only at Azure, offering lotions, candles, hand wash, bath bombs and more.

Some of the jewelry is handmade sterling with fun dog accents, and there is a bit of artwork for sale with a few originals by Joe Hutchinson. In the future they plan on adding to their existing furniture collection with antique and interesting accent pieces.

When Joe Hutchinson went to school on Anna Maria, he had to walk over the

AZURE AMI 5508 Marina Drive Holmes Beach 941-896-4881 All Major Credit Cards & Apple Pay Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Monday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday wooden bridge connecting Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach to the mainland since the bridge was too unpredictable for both the kids and the school bus. The Island has changed a lot since those days, but he and Sandra King still have an eye towards Island living in their lovely new shop that has the color of the sky and tons of really cute stuff.

LOUISE BOLGER | SUN

Sandra King and Joe Hutchinson, owners

JULY 8, 2020

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

15

Body & Sol reopens its doors Body & Sol Spa and Wellness has reopened by appointment only.

Currently, the spa at 9805 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria is practicing safe reopening procedures in line with CDC recommendations and is offering a limited services menu. The spa is not offering couples massages to limit the number of people in a room at one time. Massage therapy appointments for 45 and 75 minutes are available along with sol sunbeams, an enhancement to the massage service that doesn’t add time to the service.

Nail and skin care services are not being offered at this time.

To keep staff and patrons safe, masks will be provided and must be worn inside the spa. Hand sanitizer is available and social distancing of 6 feet or more is being practiced along with enhanced cleaning protocols and wellness checks before entry.

To make an appointment, call 941650-5441. Once an appointment is scheduled, spa staff will email a simple form to complete that includes safety protocols and a COVID-19 screening questionnaire. Clients can prepay in advance online for services and cash gratuities are appreciated given directly to the provider.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH | SUBMITTED

DeSantis maintains status quo

SUBMITTED

On Monday, Governor Ron DeSantis spoke for slightly more than an hour from The Villages in Central Florida. The governor stressed the increased number of positive COVID-19 tests among young adults in their 20s and 30s. He made no announcements or changes to the status quo regarding his ongoing phased reopening plans. According to Monday’s Florida Department of Health daily data update, there were 10 positive COVID-19 cases reported

in Bradenton Beach, eight in Holmes Beach and one in Anna Maria since the coronavirus pandemic began. As of Monday, there were 2,601 reported COVID-19 cases in Bradenton, 3,785 in Manatee County (including 27 non-residents) and 207,447 cases in Florida. There were 285 COVID-19 hospitalizations and 132 reported COVID-19-related deaths in Manatee County. As of Monday, the testing positivity rate was 9.2% in Florida and 8.1% in Manatee County.

16

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

City leaders face off with local builder in court Judge Charles Sniffen has yet to rule on the city’s motion to dismiss in a Bert Harris Act case brought by builder Shawn Kaleta.

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

BRADENTON – Despite Manatee County courtrooms remaining closed to the public, the city of Holmes Beach is back in court - virtual court that is - with Bert Harris Act cases, the most recent involving a dispute between city leaders and local builder Shawn Kaleta.

Attorneys for both sides attended a hearing held by teleconference June 29 to debate the city’s motion to dismiss the case in front of Manatee County Circuit Court Judge Charles Sniffen.

Buck moon The July full moon rose directly opposite the setting sun and later passed through the shadow of the Earth Sunday in a partial lunar eclipse. The first full moon of July, which is also the first full moon of summer, is called a Buck Moon. It was so named by the Algonquin tribes of the northeastern U.S. because summer is normally when the new antlers of male deer begin to grow, according to NASA. CINDY LANE | SUN

Arguing on behalf of Kaleta, attorney Jason Miller alleged that when Kaleta purchased a property at 121 49th St. in Holmes Beach in May 2015, he had the inten-tion of building a six-bedroom duplex structure with three bedrooms on each side. Before he applied for a building permit for the structure in May 2016, city leaders passed an ordinance in September 2015 that limited the number of bedrooms in a newly constructed duplex to two per unit, four total. In the claim against the city, Miller said that Kaleta’s property was significantly devalued by the bedroom limitation and that his client would not be able to recoup his investmentbacked financial expectation from the property.

Speaking on behalf of the city, attorney Randy Mora said there are deficien-

cies with the claim against the city that should cause it to be dismissed. One argument was that the appraisal date of June 23, 2015 precedes the alleged first application of the city’s regulations on the property in May 2016. Another is that some of the ordinances in the claim do not concern the actual complaint, such as those governing the city’s regulations on front yard water features and the vacation rental ordinance.

Sniffen said he would take both arguments under advisement and issue a ruling in the near future. The case is scheduled to go back before Sniffen along with four others July 8 to argue the plaintiffs’ motion for an extension of time to respond to the city’s discovery requests and the city’s opposition to the motion.

JULY 8, 2020

www.amisun.com

JULY 8, 2020

THE SUN

17

Mangrove trimming workshop scheduled The Florida Department of Environmental Protection will host a virtual mangrove trimming work-shop for the Anna Maria City Commission on Thursday, July 16 at 2 p.m. The workshop is in-tended to provide the mayor and commission with a better understanding of what can and cannot be regulated at the city level regarding mangrove trimming, which is also regulated by the state. The workshop will be open to the public either in person or via teleconferencing and will be followed by a regular city commission meeting.

WE ARE OPEN!

SAFER, CLEANER & BETTER THAN EVER AND LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!

EVERY MEMBER GETS COACHING

OPEN

24 HOURS 365 DAYS

 � � � �

 ­ €  ‚� � ƒ �

­  ƒ � „ �

 ���� �

 ­

€‚ƒ„ BAYSHORE GARDENS 6144 14th St W 941 756-7084

BRADENTON WEST 4001 Manatee Ave W 941-216-3112

PALMETTO 609 10th St E 941-417-7432

18

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

JULY 8, 2020

Meet the Candidate: Jayne Christenson Resident Jayne Christenson is running for a first term on the Holmes Beach city commission on the November ballot.

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

HOLMES BEACH – After years of volunteering with the city and local organizations, long-time resident Jayne Christenson is ready to take the plunge and is Christenson running for a city commission seat in November.

Christenson and her husband, Joe, have been making Holmes Beach their full-time home for more than a decade, though the couple’s roots in the community go back to 1989. She’s served as a planning commission member and vice-chair, chaired the Island Congestion Committee, been an active participant at Holmes Beach commission meetings, volunteered at Anna Maria Elementary School, The Center of Anna Maria Island, the Salvation Army,

Christ Church and Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School.

Along with the three other candidates for the two spots available on the Holmes Beach city commission Rick Hurst, Pat Morton and Kim Rash - Christenson was asked to respond to four questions. Each candidate’s answers will be published in The Sun, beginning with Christenson.

1. WHAT DO VOTERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN THE COMMUNITY?

I have served for three years on the Holmes Beach Planning Commission, the last year as the Vice-Chair. I actively participate at Holmes Beach City Commission meetings and chaired the city committee on Parking and Congestion which was organized by the Mayor to study and develop suggestions and identify possible solutions. You can find my family and me at The Center of Anna Maria Island where we attend events and volunteer. I strongly believe in the mission of the Salvation Army of Bradenton where my family and I volunteer as servers during their annual Thanksgiving and Christmas Day dinners.

2. WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR HOLMES BEACH CITY COMMISSION?

When I moved to Holmes Beach with my family in 1989, I knew this was the community where we belonged.

In 2007, my husband and I became permanent residents of Holmes Beach.

It has been a wonderful community to raise our son, who attended AME and is now a teenager working at the Island Publix. My goal is to continue making our Island city an enjoyable place to live, work and visit.

The entire Island could benefit from better collaboration and partnership between the three Island cities. We need to work as one voice when interacting with state and county officials. This is especially important when it comes to the excessive advertising by the Tourism Development Council (TDC), a limited return of the tax dollars that we generate, and maintaining our right to Home Rule versus the state dictating.

3. IF ELECTED, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR PRIORITY TO WORK ON WITH YOUR FELLOW COMMISSIONERS?

4. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING THE CITY TODAY?

As a commissioner, I will encourage Holmes Beach City Hall to be more proactive at positive engagement with residents and businesses.

They are the eyes and ears of the city. The number of permanent residents has declined over the years which is detrimental to the viability of the city. We need to find ways to grow our resident base. Aligning our priorities of balance between residential properties and vacation rentals in our neighborhoods is critical.

Many are concerned that Holmes Beach continues to face pressures from increased tourism and population growth from on and off the island. Other concerns involve financial challenges and key environment issues facing our Island city. Holmes Beach requires innovative, forwardthinking commissioners who are prepared to work towards consensus on the challenging issues facing our city today and into the future.

GOOD NEWS We invite you to w ship with us

in the sanctuary! www.RoserChurch.com Click WORSHIP-SIGNUP to review the social distancing guidelines and reserve your seat. If you prefer to stay home, please WATCH LIVE and join the chat on YouTube

Sundays at 8:30 & 10:00 AM After the service WATCH LATER! Call the office if you need assistance.

Call the church text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin.

FACEBOOK> follow> see first, join a group. Need help? Call the office!

The FOOD PANTRY is open to assist island residents/w kers in need.

The CHAPEL is open during office hours f prayer & meditation.

Send PRAYER REQUESTS to info@r erchurch.com call the office.

Call the church office if you would like to talk to a PASTOR. A NON DENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY COMMUNITY CHURCH • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria [near Pier]

941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • Facebook @RoserChurch

JULY 8, 2020

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

19

20

JULY 8, 2020

www.amisun.com

JULY 8, 2020

21

FOURTH: Less ‘boom’ doesn’t dampen July 4 fun FROM PAGE 1

Meanwhile, folks flocked to Bradenton Beach and the south end of Anna Maria Island to celebrate the holiday.

At 9:30 a.m., a short line of vehicles towing personal watercraft and boats waited to put in at the Coquina South boat ramp.

The recently fire-damaged dock along the north side of the ramp was closed, but the ramp itself remains open. In orderly fashion, boats, personal watercraft and kayaks entered and exited the water as a sunny Saturday morning unfolded.

At the south end of the Coquina South boat ramp property, families and friends

set up tents along the Sarasota Bay/ Intracoastal Waterway shoreline, while others enjoyed the solitude of fishing from the seawall near the Longboat Pass Bridge.

By 10 a.m., the South Coquina boat ramp parking lot was nearly full, as was the North Coquina boat ramp just up the street.

Across the street at Coquina Beach, beachgoers were setting up tents and settling in for a day at the beach. Social distancing was practiced to varying degrees. Some groups and individuals maintained greater distances and others

preferred to be closer to one another.

Just offshore, a pair of parasailers took to the sky and a Coast Guard plane flew along the Gulf of Mexico shoreline.

Under the shade of the Australian pines, several groups gathered with family and friends for Fourth of July picnics.

To the east, several boats gathered offshore of Jewfish Key, with several boats flying American flags in honor of Independence Day. Other boaters preferred to beach their boats at nearby Beer Can Island.

To the north, the scene was similar on a smaller scale at Cortez Beach.

Beachgoers and beach accessories lined

the beach and sightseers and fishermen stood on the nearby groin the extends out into the Gulf of Mexico.

A little further north, more beachgoers gathered near the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge and the BeachHouse restaurant.

On Bridge Street, restaurant patrons enjoyed lunch and adult beverages, pedestrians walked the sidewalks, some wearing masks and some not, shoppers perused the retail shops and the Drift In bar was open for takeout and package service only, in accordance with the governor’s current bar restrictions.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Parasails and personal watercraft dotted the Coquina Beach shoreline.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Anna Maria Oyster Bar shuttle driver Harry Miller and his dog, Tully, enjoyed a day off on Bridge Street.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Gulf of Mexico waters at Coquina Beach provided relief from the summer heat. The Moose Lodge was closed, but the American flag and the Moose flag still flew proudly.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Families found ways to enjoy the beach and stay cool.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

These folks settled in for Fourth of July at the beach.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

This family had room to safely enjoy their time at Coquina Beach.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Personal watercraft are launched at the Coquina South boat ramp on Saturday.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Open space was not hard to find at Manatee Beach.

22

THE SUN

OUTDOORS

JULY 8, 2020

Trouble in paradise Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

H

ave you ever driven down the Gulf beach and seen flags flying on the lifeguard stands? We’ve worked out a system to alert people who use the local beaches of potential hazards. A green flag signifies that all is well, whereas a double red or purple flag alerts people that the water is not safe to swim in.

Unfortunately, there’s no such system to alert people of dangers in our bays.

If there were, purple flags would be flying! In just the last two months there’s been a multi-thousand-gallon sewage spill in Manatee County, a potentially multi-million-gallon discharge from a broken sewer line from Longboat Key to the mainland and a persistent lyngbya bloom (a potentially toxic algae) that is becoming explosive in Anna Maria Sound and surrounding waters.

Worst of all, these are just the major insults that are but a part of the larger problem. I’m concerned about these issues because I am a fisherman and have seen the effects of declining water quality on fishing. Sure, water quality is a concern for everyone who lives here, fishes here or visits here.

What’s less well understood is the fact that the quality of local waters is directly related to the economic health of the region.

What seems to be missing is an understanding of what we’re leaving for our children and grandchildren,

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

A thick mat of lyngbya covers the east shoreline of Anna Maria Sound. Brown areas of water appear where the mat has sunk to the bottom. as well as future generations that will follow. While this has been a theme of my columns, it really hit home when I received this letter from 12-year-old Brice Claypoole.

Who wants to swim in sewage water?

This week we had a sewage leak into Sarasota Bay. Millions of gallons of sewage water leaked out of a

pipe going from Longboat Key to the mainland. This isn’t the first time a sewage spill like this has happened and if we don’t change things, it won’t be the last.

So why is this such a big deal? Well, for starters, who wants to swim in sewage water? Personally, I don’t.

But that’s not the only reason this is so concerning. The nutrients from sewage spills can fuel harmful algal blooms, like red tide. In 2017 and 2018,

hundreds of marine animals died and millions of dollars were lost in areas like tourism and fishing because of red tide. So, the problem is that millions of gallons of sewage is a lot of red tide and bacteria fuel.

Being a kid, I have another reason to be concerned: I love this island and I love the bay. They’re my home. In 40 years, I want to be able to take my kids SEE REEL TIME, PAGE 23

www.amisun.com

JULY 8, 2020

THE SUN

23

Tarpon, snook, trout active in July CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT

Tarpon will still be a good option this month. Shallow water action for reds and big trout will be best early and late in the day.

Some of the best action will be with trout, blues, pompano and more on deep grass flats. Catch and release snook fishing in the ICW at night or in the surf should also be good options.

Large schools of tarpon will dwindle in size and numbers to singles, doubles and small schools of post-spawn fish during July. I usually find tarpon to be aggressive in July, with spawning completed and after a long migration, they usually feed aggressively. I also find them to be more curious this time of the year, often swinging closer to check out the sound of a landing bait, lure or fly. Spin anglers will do best by setting up in travel lanes and drifting live baits under floats while staying ready to sight cast to fish that may pop up with no notice. The DOA Baitbuster is my “go to” lure for tarpon. The DOA Swimming Mullet, 4” Shrimp and CAL 4” swim bait are also good choices depending on the situation. I like the Owner Beast hook with the CAL swim bait. It is easier to penetrate a hard tarpon mouth with a single sharp hook rather than a treble hook.

This is my favorite time to fly fish for tarpon. The tactics are the same as earlier in the season, anchoring or staking out on travel routes, although fish are in a better mood. Unlike the large tarpon schools that we see around full and new moon phases in June, July fish are usually aggressive.

Large schools of tarpon are impressive, but if you spook the lead fish you will spook all of them. Tarpon will thin out towards the

end of the month as they begin to move to inside waters of Sarasota Bay, Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor. They move into these areas to rest and feed following spawning.

They can be targeted in these areas with flies, a variety of DOA lures or live bait. Also look for tarpon feeding in schools of “breaking” ladyfish in these areas.

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. Reds, snook and trout are catch and release only in that zone until May 31, 2021. Full details including exact boundaries can be found at https://myfwc. com/news/all-news/extended-cnr-220/. This is great news for our fishery! Sarasota Bay is rebounding and the continued closure will make it even better.

Catch-and-release snook fishing will be a good option this month. With very warm water this time of year, it is important to use tackle heavy enough to land them quickly.

Spin anglers should do well fishing lighted docks and bridges in the ICW with CAL jigs with shad tails or jerk worms or DOA shrimp. Fly anglers should do well with clear intermediate sink tip lines and wide profile flies, such as Lefty’s Deceiver or EP flies, since larger baitfish may be more predominant. Docks and bridges close to passes should be the best ones. You’ll also find snook in the surf, where you can walk along the beach and sight cast to them in shallow water. A DT Special is a “go to” fly for many

CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT | SUBMITTED

xx snook surf anglers.

You’ll find reds very active in shallow water this month. With plentiful baitfish and higher tides, they’ll spend more time feeding over shallow grass flats. Look for them along the edges of bars or in potholes when the tide is low or along mangrove shorelines and around oyster bars when the tide is high.

You’ll also find big trout in many of the same areas where you find reds, but the bite for big trout is usually best early or late in the day. Surface walking top water plugs or fly poppers and Gurglers may draw some big explosions! Casting CAL jigs with shad tails or jerk worms ahead of your boat is a good way to locate reds.

I like to drift deep grass flats and cast ahead of my drift with CAL jigs and shad tails or jerk worms, DOA Deadly Combos or Ultra Hair Clouser flies tied on long shank

hooks on sink tip fly lines to find trout. A drift anchor will slow your drift to a more manageable speed if it’s windy. Look for birds or baitfish on the surface to find fish.

You may find Spanish mackerel, blues, pompano and more mixed with trout on deep grass flats. Flats close to passes or on points that get good tidal flow are usually productive.

In addition to tarpon, you might find false albacore (little tunny), tripletail or cobia in the coastal Gulf this month. Look for albies feeding on the surface. I have seen large schools of albies “blitz” the beach while tarpon fishing this time of year. They are usually feeding on larger baits, such as threadfins or pilchards, so flies and lures should be sized accordingly. You might even find cobia swimming with tarpon or cruising bars in shallow water along the beach. You can use your tarpon fly or spin tackle for cobia, but a medium spinning outfit or an 8- to 9-weight fly rod will be better suited for mackerel and albies. I also occasionally run into tripletail this time of year, either around a crab trap buoy, navigational marker or floating debris.

There are lots of options this month, late season tarpon, snook in the surf or at night or fishing skinny water for reds or big trout.

Tarpon fishing is best when sweat is pouring down your back, but you’ll want to fish early in the day in shallow water.

Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by agricultural, industrial and residential runoff, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation; please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!

REEL TIME: Trouble in paradise FROM PAGE 22

out into the bay and have dolphins jump by and find giant whelks and watch roseate spoonbills on mangrove islands. There’s nothing we can do about this sewage spill now. All we can do is hope nothing happens, but I fear

this will not be the case; I fear fish will die and people in the area will not be able to swim for a while. We can and must stop sewage spills from happening in the future. More spills will certainly happen if we do nothing.

The pipe that leaked was 50 years

old; it should have been replaced years ago, before this happened. We need to tell town and state officials that we want old pipes upgraded. We need to tell them that we are upset about this and disappointed that they did not take steps to stop this from happening.

And those of you who can vote need to vote for people that will protect our environment. We need to do all these things to protect our amazing bay and all its beautiful inhabitants (spoonbills, dolphins, herons and more) forever.

By Brice Claypoole

24

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

BIRD TIPS

SUBMITTED

Net ban case hanging As Florida’s ban on gill nets turns 25 this month, commercial fishermen await a decision in the state’s 2nd Circuit Court in Tallahassee on a case seeking to overturn the ban. On May 5, Judge Kevin Carroll heard a motion to dismiss the case of Ronald Fred Crum v. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The court has not yet issued an order in the case.

TURTLE TIPS

Water quality report Bayfront Park North Bradenton Beach Coquina Beach North Coquina Beach South Manatee Beach North Palma Sola Bay South

During bird nesting season, March through August, please follow these tips: • Never touch a shorebird chick, even if it’s wandering outside a staked nesting area.

• Teach kids not to chase birds – bird parents may abandon nests if they’re disturbed.

• Don’t feed birds – it encourages them to fly at people aggressively and is not good for their health.

• If birds are screeching and flying at you, you’re too close.

• Avoid posted bird nesting areas and use designated walkways to the beach.

• Keep pets away from bird nesting areas.

• Keep the beach clean; food scraps attract predators such as raccoons and crows to the beach, and litter can entangle birds and other wildlife.

• If you see people disturbing nesting birds, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

Good Good Good Good Good Good

Source: Florida Department of Heath

SOURCE: FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

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

JULY 8, 2020

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 disorient hatchlings.

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

• Don’t use 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: 261, up from 225 last week (Record: 544 in 2019) False crawls: 355, up from 292 last week Nests hatched: 5 Hatchlings hatched: 36 (Record: 35,788 in 2018) Nest disorientations: 0

JULY 8, 2020

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

25

Bradenton Beach inks new contract for building official What started as a twoweek assignment has turned into a 12-year working relationship.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Longtime Building Official Steve Gilbert is sticking around for the foreseeable future thanks to the new contract the city of Bradenton Beach signed with M.T. Causley and its partner company SAFEbuilt.

Gilbert is employed by the M.T. Causley firm that has long provided building official services to the city on a contracted basis. The city commission unanimously approved the new five-year contract on June 18.

When Gilbert presented the proposed contract to the commission, Mayor John Chappie asked him to describe the duties Gilbert and the building department provide. With a smile on his face, Gilbert first provided a brief history of his time with the city.

“Back in March of 2007, I got phone call on a Friday afternoon when I was leaving Key West saying I need you to be in Bradenton Beach on Monday.

Their building official retired, they need somebody for two weeks. I said ‘OK, where’s Bradenton Beach?’” Gilbert said.

“I drove over, I pulled in and said I’m here to fill in to do building inspections for a couple weeks. Judy Pruitt said ‘Oh really? Oh no, you’re the building official. You’re in charge of building and development. I said who’s the planner? You are. Who’s the floodplain manager. You are. Who runs the department? You do,” Gilbert said.

“It’s been an interesting 12 years.

Over that period of time I have learned that we’re responsible for doing your building inspections, your plan reviews, building code interpretations, floodplain management, Community Rating System coordination, local mitigation strategy coordination, helping Public Works with NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System), preparing budgets, working with our police, coordinating with our city planner, coordination with the fire department, coordination on inspections and plan review for commercial buildings and working with the other department heads, working with the chief on parking ordinances and working with the Public Works

RICINDA PERRY | SUBMITTED

The city commission has retained the contracted services of Building Official Steve Gilbert.

Department and code enforcement. It’s a little bit more than just doing building inspections” Gilbert said.

“When we got over here in 2007, that contract was for $2,500 a week. It did not provide for annual increases and it stayed that way until 2015. When Mayor (Jack) Clarke was in charge of the board, he and the commission implemented a five-year contract that increased to $2,650 a week, and it stayed that way until now, when SAFEbuilt and MT Causley are due to renew the contract,” Gilbert said.

Gilbert said the proposed contract called for $3,200 per week. He said that is an 8.28% increase over the previous

contract and breaks down to a 1.65% increase over past five years, which Gilbert said is less than the annual COLA increase for the past five years.

“It also includes health insurance, life insurance, continuing education, phone and a vehicle – all of which the city has not had to pay for since 2007,” Gilbert said.

Gilbert noted there were several pervious communications between M.T. Causley, the mayor and the city attorney regarding the proposed contract.

“I appreciate everything Steve does,” Vice Mayor Jake Spooner said, noting Gilbert, like many other city employees, wears many hats and goes above and beyond what’s expected of him.

“It’s much appreciated. Thank you, Steve,” Spooner said.

“I would also like to thank Steve for all his hard work,” Commissioner Jan Vosburgh added.

“I think Steve’s doing a great job for Bradenton Beach. Thanks to Steve and his department,” Chappie said.

Gilbert and his wife live in Sebring, where on weekends they spend as much time as possible with their children and grandchildren. During the week, Gilbert lives in an apartment in Bradenton.

26

THE SUN

FOOD & WINE

JULY 8, 2020

Summer salad keeps you cool

Brian Mathae HURRICANE HANKS

I

’ve been spending a lot of time outdoors recently.

Slowly but surely, I have been chipping away at some long overdue landscaping projects around the house. I have a new appreciation for all those who work outdoors all year ‘round. It’s hot out, really, really hot out right now. Staying hydrated and taking adequate breaks in the shade to cool down is so important.

I’ve had to resist the temptation of grabbing a beer or seltzer out of the fridge. After all, they taste way better than water! However, studies have shown drinking in the heat can have a significant negative impact on your core body temperature. Alcohol dehydrates you - removing water and important nutrients from your body. Usually the sweat we produce when our temperature is elevated keeps us cool as it evaporates from the surface of our skin. But if you are dehydrated, you may not be able to cool yourself sufficiently. This can lead to heat stroke or exhaustion. Furthermore, once someone is dehydrated, drinking alcohol has a greater impairment effect - exactly what you don’t need while

handling power tools!

So, I’ve forced myself to stick to water and electrolyte beverages during the day. That way when I head inside at the end of the day and I’ve given myself adequate time to cool off, my body can handle that cold one. Or two. After all, I worked for them and deserve them. And honestly, they taste better that way. I’ve also found that it’s hard to eat a heavy meal after a day in the heat.

My body just doesn’t want to expend any more energy on something even as simple as digestion. So, after a hard day’s work in the yard, I lean towards a healthy fresh salad and a glass or two of wine.

Today’s recipe offers a light meal that is packed with interesting tastes and textures and ingredients that offer substantial nutritional benefits.

Avocado is high in healthy fats and has many health benefits that are supported by scientific research. They are packed full of vitamins, contain more potassium than bananas, and are loaded with powerful antioxidants. Strawberries are very rich in antioxidants and plant compounds, which may have benefits for heart health

SUBMITTED

and blood sugar control. Fresh strawberries are very high in water, so their total carbohydrate content is very low. This means eating strawberries should not lead to spikes in blood sugar levels.

As for the wine, one of my hot weather favorites is Decoy Rose. It’s a dry rose, refreshingly perfect for hot weather and offering clean, beautiful aromatics and pure fruit flavors. And it’s currently on sale at Hurricane Liquors for only $12.99.

From all of us at Hurricane Hanks and Hurricane Liquors, we hope you enjoy!

www.TheFeastRestaurantAMI.com

Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing Salad ingredients (4 servings)

3 lbs. baby spinach 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced 2 slightly soft avocado, peeled and sliced 6 ounces crumbled feta cheese 1/4 cup sliced almonds or other nuts 1/2 red onion, diced (optional)

Dressing ingredients

1/3 cup avocado oil 3 tbs. apple cider vinegar 2 tbs. honey 1 tbs. poppy seeds Pinch ground mustard Sea salt and cracked black pepper

Directions

Whisk all dressing ingredients together until well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Toss all salad ingredients together with dressing and serve immediately.

JULY 8, 2020

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

27

Restaurant construction progressing Construction continues on the new restaurant and residential building at 415 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria. When completed, the ground level of the new building will house Ben Sato’s new Caribbean-style barbeque restaurant. Sato and his wife, Danielle, plan to live above the restaurant.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

28

I

THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

JULY 8, 2020

Add one more problem to the list

was at lunch recently with friends and we talked about new vocabulary words that may come out of the pandemic, like covid brain, covid dining and covid social distancing. Real estate has always had its own set of buzz words, so it’s likely that covid will add several more. How about covid-renovated homes, covid-sized, covidready furniture, covid home office, covid learning labs – well, you get the picture.

Unfortunately, about a week ago the Miami Herald published an extensive article about what may be Florida’s newest covid word: “covid wind insurance.”

The Herald didn’t actually call the increase in wind insurance in our state “covid,” but we might as well blame it on the virus since I’m sure there has to be a connection, like the high unemployment rate. According to the Miami Herald, home insurance is getting a lot more expensive in the state, which already has the highest property insurance rates in the country.

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER The reason for this is the increased premiums in reinsurance.

Reinsurance is insurance for insurers or stop-loss insurance. It acts as a buffer for insurers to transfer portions of their risk to other parties. The object is to keep the insurance companies afloat and guarantee there is enough cash to pay claims in the event of a devasting storm with multiple losses.

This year, reinsurance premiums rose by an estimated 26%, the highest since 2005 when Florida experienced back-toback hurricanes. It frequently takes years to determine the real cost of claims after a storm. For example, Hurricane Irma’s

initial estimate of damage in 2017 was around $9 billion, a figure that experts predicted was manageable. However, that initial dollar amount has risen to $17 billion in just three years. Reinsurers also point to the increase in lawsuits and the resulting legal bills for insurance companies pushing up the premiums.

One of the major worries here, in addition to the financial aspect, is homeowners with no mortgages on their property dropping coverage. Lenders require adequate insurance coverage on any properties they hold the mortgage on as a condition of granting the mortgage, but homeowners without mortgages frequently assume the risk of not insuring.

Insurers are already dropping South Florida clients, stating the cost is prohibitive for them to do business. This will increase the number of properties being insured by Citizens, the state-owned insurer of last resort. Obviously, this is bad news for the entire state since all Florida

residents will be on the hook to make up any shortfall in funds as a result of a major storm. Florida does have a large pot of money known as the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund to fall back on, but adding private insurers is the better way.

There is one way to help mitigate hurricane damage to your residence - build a round home. Round home construction is aerodynamic and in theory prevents wind from building up enough pressure on any one side, avoiding a structural failure. The roof is also constructed with an optimal pitch, deflecting winds and reducing lift. If you’re interested, check out Deltec Homes, an Asheville, N.C. company that is building these homes along the Atlantic coast.

So, let’s see, we have a pandemic, soaring infection rates in Florida, a busierthan-average hurricane season and now, of course, insurance rates are going up.

Part of this is the price we pay for living in paradise and part of it is our covid cross to bear. Stay safe.

www.amisun.com

JULY 8, 2020

THE SUN

29

Carol Carter honored for her home rule work Anna Maria Commissioner Carol Carter is a strong advocate for cities’ home rule rights.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The Florida League of Cities (FLC) has recognized Anna Maria City Commissioner and ManaSota League of Cities member Carol Carter as a Home Rule Hero.

In recent years, Carter has dedicated significant time and effort to preserving the city of Anna Maria’s ability to enact and enforce local vacation rental regulations.

On Thursday, June 25, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy presented Carter with her award.

“The Florida League of Cities has presented Commissioner Carter with the Home Rule Hero award for doing outstanding work in attempting to preserve home rule for cities within the state of Florida. We are exceptionally proud of everything you’ve done. It’s a well-deserved award. I know you’ve worked tirelessly to preserve home rule and we

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy presented Commissioner Carol Carter with her Home Rule Hero award. certainly thank you for your efforts,” Murphy said.

After accepting the award, Carter said she feels privileged to have the opportunity to work on preserving home rule rights in Anna Maria

and in other small and large cities throughout Florida.

“We live here, we are with the people and we know better what is right and good for our community,” Carter said.

According to the FLC website, the League is recognizing more than 100 municipal officials with Home Rule Hero awards for their work during the Florida Legislature’s 2020 legislative session.

“Home Rule Hero Award recipients are local government officials, both elected and nonelected, who consistently responded to the League’s request to reach out to members of the legislature and help give a local perspective on an issue. They worked tirelessly throughout the legislative session to promote local voices making local choices, protect the home rule powers of Florida’s municipalities and advance the League’s legislative agenda,” the FLC website says.

“These are some of our biggest advocates for municipal issues, and they’re shining examples of local advocacy in action. On behalf of the League and its legislative team, we’re proud to recognize each of them, and we thank them for their service,” Legislative Director Scott Dudley said at the FLC website.

30

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

JULY 8, 2020

CINDY LANE | SUN

Saharan sunset Saharan dust has reached the Gulf of Mexico off Anna Maria Island, causing hazy skies and vibrant sunsets. The Saharan Air Layer is a mass of dry, dusty air that forms over the Sahara Desert from mid-June to mid-August, blowing over the tropical North Atlantic every three to five days, according to NOAA. The warmth, dryness and strong winds associated with Saharan dust have been shown to suppress tropical cyclone formation and intensification, but their iron content is believed to contribute to the growth of red tide.

www.amisun.com

JULY 8, 2020

THE SUN

VACATION

365 You’re closer to home than you think.

Check out Lakewood Ranch while you’re in town, and you’ll see why it’s the best-selling community in the country for all ages.

You won’t want to leave!

SHOPPING, DINING, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | PARKS & TR AILS | 19 VILL AGES TO CHOOSE FROM SOCIA L AND SPORTS CLUBS | GOLF & R ACQUET SPORTS | THRIVING BUSINESS COMMUNIT Y A-R ATED SCHOOLS | NAMED BEST WELLNESS COMMUNIT Y BY IDEAL-LIVING

NEW HOMES FROM THE $200S TO OVER $1 MILLION *

*Prices subject to change without notice. © 2020 Lakewood Ranch

.com

31

32

THE SUN

www.amisun.com

JULY 8, 2020

 ����  �� ­  �€€

„ ‚ � † ƒ „…

‚ � ƒ „…

 ��

� � � ­€‚ ƒ

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Manatee County’s ongoing force main replacement project rendered the west end of Fifth Street South unpassable during the Fourth of July weekend.

Force main replacement project continues According to the Manatee County Public Works Department, the installation of the sanitary sewer line along Sixth Street South in Bradenton Beach has been completed and the roadway is being restored.

Construction crews are working on the installation of the sanitary sewer line on Fifth Street South. Both streets are experiencing travel lane interruptions and closures and should be avoided if possible until the work is completed in August.

www.amisun.com

JULY 8, 2020

THE SUN

33

Top real estate producers for June 2020 A PARADISE

Mary Burke - Listing Catie Seip - Selling

Stephanie Bell – Listing Sharon & Tim Villars – Selling

PREMIER SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY Shellie Young – Listing & Selling

AN ISLAND PLACE REALTY

ISLAND REAL ESTATE

REMAX ALLIANCE GROUP

DUNCAN REAL ESTATE

MICHAEL SAUNDERS

SALTY MERMAID REAL ESTATE

MIKE NORMAN

SATO REAL ESTATE

Sue Carlson - Listing Tanya McCormick & Lance Collins - Selling Darcie Duncan – Listing & Selling

941.780.8000 CindyQuinnRealtor.com

FRAN MAXON REAL ESTATE

EDGEWATER REAL ESTATE

Lynn Zemmer - Listing & Selling

Alan Galletto - Listing Ryan Sheck – Selling

Christine Kourik – Listing Duane Finney - Selling

Victoria Sperounes – Listing Hannah Hillyard & George Myers- Selling Chet Coleman – Listing & Selling

Nicole Skaggs – Listing Jason Hrnak - Selling

Jason Sato – Listing & Selling

WAGNER REAL ESTATE

Carol Codella – Listing & Selling

May 2020 tourist tax collections compared to May 2019

Anna Maria Bradenton Beach Holmes Beach Manatee County Total*

64% 48% 39% 49%

*(Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Longboat Key, unincorporated Manatee County, Palmetto) Manatee County’s 5% resort tax, or tourist tax, is collected from owners of accommodations rented for six months or less who charge the tax to their renters, in most cases, tourists. About 50% of the tax proceeds are allocated to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau tourism marketing efforts, with 20% allocated to beach renourishment. The tax also partially funds tourismrelated attractions such as the Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria piers. Amounts shown were collected in May and paid to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office in June. Manatee County totals include Anna Maria Island cities, Bradenton, the portion of Longboat Key within Manatee County, unincorporated Manatee County and Palmetto. To anonymously report a rental owner who may not be paying the tax, call 941-741-4809 or visit http://www. taxcollector.com/tdt-evader.cfm Source: Manatee County Tax Collector

34

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

JULY 8, 2020

AMI Moose Lodge reopens, again An amended emergency order issued by DBPR Secretary Halsey Beshears last week allowed the AMI Moose lodge to reopen.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge in Bradenton Beach reopened Monday morning after recently being forced to close for a second time during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“I hope this is the last time we have to shut this place down,” Lodge Governor Steve Boniberger said Monday morning after the lodge reopened at 11 a.m.

“It’s really good to be open again,” Lodge Administrator Byron Dalton said.

On March 17, Gov. Ron DeSantis prohibited Florida bars, nightclubs and other establishments that generate more than 50% of their revenues from selling alcohol for on-site consumption. That action forced the Moose lodge and most stand-alone bars to close. The stand-alone bars that remained open were limited to package and takeout services only. DeSantis lifted his order on June 5 and the lodge reopened on Friday, June 12.

On Friday, June 26 – in response to a surge in new COVID-19 cases – the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) issued an emergency order, EO 202009, that once again prohibited standalone bars and other nonrestaurant establishments from selling alcohol for consumption on their premises.

This forced the Moose Lodge to close for a second time.

The DBPR order allowed restaurants and other establishments that generate less than 50% of their revenues from alcohol sales to continue serving alcohol for consumption on the premises.

AMENDED DBPR ORDER

On Wednesday, July 1, DBPR Secretary Halsey Beshears issued Amended Emergency Order 2020-09 – an order that allows bars that also have food licenses to resume the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises, even if the larger percentage of revenues continues to be generated by alcohol sales.

“Vendors licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, and also licensed to offer food service, may continue to operate as restaurants,” the amended DBPR order says.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Above,bartenders Joanne Eyester and Leo Lozeua welcomed Larry Dodd as the first returning member Monday morning.

Right,Gregory and Beth Gage, Peggy Glass and Doug Werstler were greeted by Lodge Administrator Byron Dalton and Lodge Governor Steve Boniberger.

As is the case with restaurants and restaurant/bars, indoor seating capacity is limited to 50% with appropriate social distancing.

According to the original and amended DBPR orders, bars that do not have food licenses remain limited to takeout and package service only.

Like previous orders, the amended DBPR order requires employees to be screened for COVID-19 symptoms. The order prohibits anyone from working who is infected with the virus, shows symptoms of having the virus or is known to have been in recent contact with someone infected with the virus within the past 14 days.

“Nothing in this emergency order permits nightclubs to operate,” the order notes.

REOPENING REPEATED

Larry Dodd was the first returning Moose member served Monday morning.

While sitting at the bar and drinking a draft beer, he said, “I love it.”

After ordering a cocktail and a glass of water, member David Galuszka said he hopes the lodge remains open this time. He said things felt like they

were returning to some semblance of normal the first time the lodge reopened, only to have it shut down again.

Out on the beachfront patio, Palmetto resident Peggy Glass and her boyfriend Doug Werstler were joined

by Peggy’s sister and brother-in-law, Beth and Gregory Gage, from Toledo.

“It’s just beautiful,” Beth said as Gregory went for a quick swim in the Gulf.

When discussing the second reopening, Boniberger said, “I hope this is the last time we have to shut this place down. The staff has been great.

They get everything taken down and put away when find out we have to close and they bring it back out when

we find out we can reopen. The same with the cooks outside while our kitchen is being renovated.”

Boniberger and Dalton said they did not receive any direct communication from DBPR regarding the amended order.

“Our local police department called us and let us know about the emergency order that came through on July 1 that allows us to reopen because of the food license we have,” Dalton said.

The lodge is currently open to members only. The weekly Queen of Hearts drawings are suspended while the lodge remains limited to 50% capacity and a limited food menu is available at the outdoor kitchen.

www.amisun.com

JULY 8, 2020

OBITUARIES John D. Bacon John D. Bacon, Dad, 94, of Bradenton Beach, passed away at home peacefully from stage four renal disease. He was predeceased by his one and only love, his wife of 68 years, Irene, and his granddaughter, Reyna Cartwright. He leaves behind his daughter, Debbie Bacon; son, Norman (Butch) Bacon; the granddaughter he adored, Rachelle Goodwin; and two very special friends in his life, Gary Niles and Jake Spooner.

Dad was a Quartermaster in the U.S. Navy where he proudly served during World War II (“the big one,” as he so often said) on the LSMR 196. He was the navigator and was in the first wave of Okinawa. After leaving the Navy he

served eight years in the Naval Reserves while starting his career at The Flint Journal, Flint, Mich. He worked there from 1948-1988 retiring as the circulation director, eventually retiring to Bradenton Beach, Fla. Dad lived life with gusto and never missed going to a party or having one.

He loved barbecuing, boating, motorcycles (having 27 in his lifetime) and tooling around on his golf cart in his later years. Dad was devoted to his family and friends, always ready to lend a hand or give some good ol' fashioned solid advice. He will be especially missed by all for his jokes, his laughter, wisdom and great stories.

Burial at the Sarasota National Cemetery will take place in the fall. Brown and Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Tidewell Hospice or a veterans’ orga-

nization of your choice. Condolences to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

Marian Gertrude (Kirz) Van Winkle Marian Gertrude (Kirz) Van Winkle died peacefully on April 8, 2020. She was born to Victor and Gertrude (Weber) Kirz in New York City. Her parents bought a summer home in the Mt. View section of Wayne, N.J. in 1940 and that was where she met her future husband, Bernard. After they were married on Oct. 6, 1951, she transferred her job from New York Bell to New Jersey Bell. She worked there for 37 years. She lived in Clifton, N.J., then moved to Oakland, N.J., where she joined the Women’s Club of Oakland and later became its president. Marian retired from “Ma Bell” at the young age of 55 and moved to

THE SUN

35

Holmes Beach, Fla. with her husband, Nardi (his nick-name). That’s where she started her life of volunteering and traveling around the world. She was the president of the Venice Diocese Women’s Council, and was two times president of St. Bernard Catholic Church Women’s Council. She also joined The Red Hat Society, the local Women’s Club, The Off-Stage Ladies and The N.J. Bell Pioneers. She really enjoyed life. Marian is survived by her sister, Catherine Dec and her husband, Henry and many nieces and nephews and their families.

She was predeceased by her mother and father; husband, Bernard; brotherin-law, Harold, and his wife, Cele; and brother-in-law, Edmond, and his wife, Pearl. A memorial service will be held at Richards Funeral Home, Riverdale, N.J. on Saturday, July 11 from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made to your favorite charity.

BEACH BEAT HOLMES BEACH

6/24, driving without a license or insurance, 500 Manatee Ave. The officer responded to an accident and the driver gave him a Saudi Arabian I.D. He said he didn’t have proof of insurance or the vehicle registration. The officer said there was no license to suspend because the driver registered his vehicle with a passport that he did not have on him. The officer used his foreign language app to tell the driver his car needed to be towed and Norm’s Towing took the car and driver to Bradenton.

6/24, larceny, theft, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive. Beach items were stolen while the victim was in the Gulf.

6/25, Subway, 3232 East Bay Drive. A person was found sleeping outside the business and given a notice to appear for illegal camping.

6/25, illegal alcohol on the beach, Two minors from Kentucky were cited for beer on the beach and underage drinking.

6/26, disturbance, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive. An argument began on a trolley and ended when the officers defused the altercation peacefully.

6/27, burglary, theft, Gulf Place Condos, 6700 Gulf Drive. Parties unknown stole several items from a rental unit and truck.

6/27, aggravated battery, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive. A woman who claimed rights to a picnic table got angry and coughed at a family. She also spat at two Holmes Beach code enforcement officers. She was arrested and on the way to jail claimed she chest pains and was taken to the hospital.

6/27, noise violation, 210 56th St. A rental house triggered a noise complaint and code enforcement issued a complaint and fines.

CINDY LANE | SUN

Beach project poised to begin The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has staged its equipment for the upcoming beach renourishment project at Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach. The project is scheduled to begin this month and be completed by mid-November. New sand will widen about 5.5 miles of beach between 78th Street North in Holmes Beach and Longboat Pass at the southern end of Anna Maria Island.

36

THE SUN

www.amisun.com

JULY 8, 2020

JULY 8, 2020

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Fisherman's __: waterfront district in San Francisco 6 Police HQ alerts 10 Sushi bar sauce 13 Swiss mathematician 14 Soft palate dangler 15 "t," in "btw" 16 Golf tournament won

by Shane Lowry in 2019 18 Cavity-fighting org.

19 "Easy Rider" actor 21 eharmony profile part 24 Entry point 25 With 31-Across, "The Aviator" Oscar nominee 26 Maxim 28 Pequod crew 31 See 25-Across 32 Tidy (up) 34 Stocking experts, and what 16-, 19-, 51and 57-Across literally Answers to 07-01-20 Crossword Puzzle.

are 38 Give as a task 39 Office notice 42 Govt. drug bust, perhaps 45 Post-workout refresher 47 __ mater 48 TriBeCa neighbor 50 "__ Blinded Me With Science": 1983 hit 51 Baltimore-based medical school 56 "Sands of __ Jima": 1949 film 57 "Fingers crossed!"

61 Country star McGraw 62 Gas brand BP relaunched in 2017 63 Less prevalent 64 Had chips, say 65 Fail to notice 66 Washington, e.g.

Down 1 Spider's creation 2 "Ben-__" 3 Baba in a cave 4 No longer working: Abbr.

5 Curly-haired "Peanuts" character 6 To have, in Paris 7 Baby seals 8 "Yuck!"

9 Twins infielder Miguel 10 Rice, in Chinese cuisine 11 "My goodness!"

12 Hankers (for) 14 "Hmm ... not likely" 17 Winter flakes 20 Capital of Sicily 21 Fluffy wrap 22 "__ be darned!"

23 Vegas calculation 27 Like most of northern Africa 28 Little songbird 29 Drillmaster's syllable 30 Opening day pitcher, typically 32 Icy road worry 33 Cribbage piece 35 Mama bear, in Seville 36 Omega preceder 37 Puts a Singer to work 40 "Not really a fan" 41 Mined metal 42 Sizzling Tex-Mex fare 43 Fail epically 44 Shout from the foyer

45 __ Tzu: toy dog 46 Advanced student's course 48 Contractor's parameters 49 "Yeah, and ... ?"

THE SUN

52 Fancy pillowcase 53 Prefix with sphere 54 Gold medals, to Spaniards 55 Quarrel 58 Nest egg acronym

59 "Nothing but __": "Swish!"

60 College sr.'s test

37

38

THE SUN

CLASSIFIED

ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMPUTER SERVICES

WANTED AFRICAN GREY PARROT. WANTED PARROT CAGE. Call 941-741-1096

EMPIRE COMPUTER SERVICE Computer problems fixed in your home or office. The fastest friend-liest service around. Serving the Island since 2004. Call 941-739-6424

THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Lynn at 813758-3234 or lbrennan47@ gmail.com ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food, PAPER & PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s.

BOATS BOAT SALES ARE EXTREMELY ACTIVE. Boats Needed. No Listing Agreements, Easy.

20 Years, Hundreds Sold.

Islandboatsales.net** 941-228-3489 Dave.

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. Professional and Reliable. Call 941756-4570

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE 13 UNIT RESORT: $3,999,900 Bradenton Beach on Gulf Dr. WAREHOUSE: 9300 sq ft possi-ble Machine Shop w/ Heavy Duty Elect. Or Car Storage. So many Possibilities. Near SRQ Airport. $595,000. Island Real Estate call Alan Galletto 941-232-2216 COMMERCIAL CONDO FOR SALE City of Anna Maria best location on the island most popular lo-cation across from the city pier. $549,900. Low fees Sharon Hightower re/max alliance group.

941-330-5054

Call us today! 941-778-3986

EMPLOYMENT TMK CLEANING & CONSULTING, LLC is hiring Full time COVID 19 cleaners to work weekends 8-4 on Anna Maria Island. Paid weekly $15-$20 per hour.

Must have own transportation. Call 863-703-0226 TWO SCOOPS – Anna Maria Island’s Favorite IceCream... is now hiring full and part-time associ-ates.

Varied shifts available must be able to work nights and weekends. A great place to work and have a little fun…looking for a few friendly people to join our team. Food prep or server experience preferred. Great Pay! Apply today…Two Scoops 101 S. Bay Blvd.

Anna Maria.

TWO SIDES OF NATURE – Anna Maria Island’s Favorite Resort wear Store... is now hiring part-time associates.

Varied shifts available must be able to work nights and weekends. Great pay, great fun. Retail Experience Preferred. Apply today Two Sides of Nature 101 S. Bay Blvd. Unit A-1, Anna Ma-ria. Two Sides of Nature – owned/operated by your friends at Two Scoops.

SOLO’S PIZZA LOOKING for part time evening cook.

Call 941-778-8118.

HOTEL ON ANNA MARIA seeking Housekeeper Full time, Part time. Must have two years experience. We drug test.

Must speak English. If no Answer, leave message.

813-735-4373.

JESSIE’S ISLAND STORE has immediate openings for full and part time cashiers for both day and night shifts. Stock person 4 to 5 hours per day, 5 to 6 days per week Apply in person at 5424 Marina Dr. Holmes Beach or call 941778-6903 ISLAND LUMBER and HARDWARE full or part time help wanted Must be able to load in excess of 60lbs Please inquire at 213 54h St Holmes Beach

THE AWARD-WINNING ANNA MARIA ISLAND SUN, a weekly newspaper on Florida’s Gulf Coast, (https://amisun. com; www.facebook. com/AnnaMariaIslandSun), is looking for a freelance reporter/ photographer to cover events on this tourismdriven island. The ideal candidate will have reporting and photography experience at a community newspaper and have some experience writing for a news website. Local residents or those with previous local knowledge and willing to relocate here a plus. Resumes and cover letters may be emailed to news@amisun.com or

by U.S. Postal Service to The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216, attention: Mike Field, publisher.

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

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

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

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CRC1327296.

Call Jerry Kern 941-7781115 www.kernconstructioninc.com GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194 MASTER CARPENTER. Decks-Docks-FencingStairs & Railing. Free Estimates. Handyman Work. Call Richard 941448-3571

JULY 8, 2020

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.

COASTAL INTERIORS Trim, paint, repairs and more 27yrs experience Local 786-318-8585 ISLE TILE EXPERT INSTALLATION of floors, custom showers, backsplash, deck/lanai.

Licensed and insured.

References available.

Call Chris at 941-3028759 please visit website: isletileservices.com

HOME SERVICES THE HARDWOOD STOP Flooring installation services; Laminate, hardwood, vinyl and tile. Bath-room and shower. Virtually dustless FLOOR REMOVAL License and insured FREE ESTIMATES 941-227-0041 www.thehardwoodstop. com

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

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

LOST & FOUND LOST ON BEACH Beige Women’s Eye Glasses. $50 REWARD Call John 941705-6068

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

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS

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 esti-mates.

941-812-0507

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

“WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

Paperhanging/removal Faux fin-ishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident.

Quality Workmanship.

Interior/Exterior. Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315 CUSTOM PAINTING, Residential-Commercial, Interior/Exterior Professional quality work for over 40 years. Free estimates.

Call Larry at 941-400-8754.

References available.

DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-7057096

PERSONAL SERVICES BABYSITTER / PERSONAL ASSISTANT Safe, Honest & Reliable. Over 20yrs experience w/ in-home services incl. infants, twins, groceries, errands, laundry, cooking, cleaning. Island Local. Non-Smoker. $25+/ hr. 941-216-5939

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! Af-fordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE CANAL FRONT HOMES Holmes Beach – GULF FRONT CONDOS Gulf Place, L’Plage, Vista Grande, SPW, 5400 – DUPLEXES & MORE Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 941232-2216 IMMACULATE WATERFRONT HOME 520 Kumquat Dr. 4BD/5BA 3928sf Coastal Beauty! Prime location on AMI. $2,750,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086 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 28 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589 509 PINE AVE ,ANNA MARIA. $1,690,000. 2 Cottage homes w/pool. Zoned nightly rent-als/Retail/ Commercial. Furnished w/ rentals in place. Virtual Tour Avaliable. Christine Kourik Re/max 941-5387414 RUNAWAY BAY CONDOBradenton Beach $335,000 water view 2BR/2BA furnished. Virtual Walk thru Tour Available. Christine Kourik Re/Max 941-5387414 PERICO ISLAND villa 2BR/2BA with 2 car garage. Spectacular water views! Completely updated and Designer decorated. $399,900.

Sharon Hightower RE/ MAX Alliance Group 941-330-5054 11006 Perico Way, Bradenton, Fl. 34209

www.amisun.com

JULY 8, 2020

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY COMPUTER SERVICE

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

THE SUN

Call today to place your ad: 941-778-3986 HOME SITTING / PET SITTING

PAINTING

HOME SERVICES TRANSPORTATION

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE GULF FRONT CONDO Full Gulf Views!

2BR/2BA one car garage, tiled floors, updated kitchen, sold furnished. $649,900. 5300 Gulf of Mexico Drive #107 Holmes Beach, Sharon Hightower RE/ MAX Alliance Group 941330-5054 5 ACRES OF LAND 35 miles to Panama City Beach.

4BR/2BA/2CG. Open concept, new deep well, New A/C, New Tin Roof.

Hurricane impact shutters & windows, wood floors, tile kitchen & baths and Fireplace. Boat house with storage. Fruit trees, grape vines. 20 miles to shopping Chipley, Florida. $200,000.

Call 850-703-7266 or 850326-3407

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

Call today for details.

Ask for Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-7790304 www.teamduncan. com 2BR/1BA GROUND LEVEL condo in Bradenton Beach. $1400/mo. 1st, last, and security. $150 ap-plication fee which requires HOA approval. 2BR/2BA FURNISHED gulf-front 8 month lease starting May 1, 2020 $2750/mo. Call A Paradise 941-778-4800 YOUR OWN BEACH HOUSE. Annual Bungalow with mini-loft. One block to intercostal (SunRises) and Beach (Sunsets). Vaulted ceilings. Utilities included, Washer/Dryer Pets considered. $1395/mo. First, Last & Security. Call 941-741-10

ANNUAL/SEMI-ANNUAL Big POOL, Small Complex. 1BR Condo. One block to Beach. Furnished, Water, Electric, Cable, Wifi included. $1550/mo. No pets. Call 941-704-7525 ANNUAL RENTAL BUNGALOW with mini-loft. Vaulted ceilings. Utilities included, Washer/Dryer. Steps to Beach. Pets considered. $1395/mo. First, Last & Security. Call 941-741-1096 ANNUAL 2BR/2BA DUPLEX off Cortez, 3.5 mi to beach.

Both sides available, one immediately and one mid-July. Fenced yard, W/D hook ups, covered parking, non-smoking, pet friend-ly. $1,100/mo. 941-721-8480 M-F 9-5, or email mehall@ nclaimsadjusters.com ANNUAL 3BR/2BA DUPLEX off Cortez, 3.5 mi to beach.

Fenced yard, W/D hook ups, covered park-ing, non-smoking, pet friendly.

Available mid-July. $1,375/ mo. 941-721-8480 M-F 9-5, or email mehall@ nclaimsadjusters.com

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bed-room. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Or-lando $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. Mask & gloves provided. Reasonable rates! Call or text Anna 941-932-1600

39

40

THE SUN

www.amisun.com

JULY 8, 2020