Anna Maria Island Sun June 2, 2021

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 21 No. 34

June 2, 2021

Holiday weekend parking sparks drama in Holmes Beach With big crowds planned at the Island’s beaches for the holiday weekend, county commissioners demanded more parking in Holmes Beach. City leaders said no.

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

Visitors pack AMI beaches PHOTOSFROMTHEAIR.COM | SUBMITTED

Holiday crowds jam into the beaches along the Island’s Gulf of Mexico shoreline while hundreds of boaters anchor off Egmont Key (inset) north of Anna Maria.

Memorial Day Salute honors sacrifices made City Pier Park was awash in patriotism and military appreciation Monday morning.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Military veterans and their spouses and significant others were honored Monday morning during the city of Anna Maria’s Memorial Day Patriotic Symphony Salute.

Canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Memorial Day observance resumed at City Pier Park after a one-year absence. In addition

INSIDE NEWS LETTERS OUTDOORS RESTAURANTS REAL ESTATE CROSSWORD CLASSIFIEDS

4 6 18 20-21 22-27 29 30

to honoring veterans, the event featured a performance of patriotic music by the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra, minus the chorus members.

Holmes Beach resident Whalen Strobhar served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. “It means a lot to me, honoring a lot of friends who didn’t come back. We owe them a lot,” he said before the event began.

The ceremonies began with Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy welcoming the visiting elected officials that included state Sen. Jim Boyd, Manatee County

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The colors were presented by a Marine SEE SALUTE, PAGE 24 Corps Color Guard.

HOLMES BEACH – The ongoing saga of beach parking in the biggest city on Anna Maria Island hit a fever pitch over the busy Memorial Day weekend.

In a bid to gain more parking for Manatee County residents and visitors going to the Island’s beaches, county Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge announced during a May 25 commission meeting that he would be asking Holmes Beach officials to reopen street parking that was made permit parking for city residents only in the wake of COVID-19 closures. The consideration for making some streets near beaches permit-only parking until 5 p.m. wasn’t a new idea, it was just made easier to implement after all parking was closed due to pandemic shutdowns.

County commissioners sent a letter to Holmes Beach officials asking them to reopen the parking spaces to everyone in the public, not just the city’s residents for the busy Memorial Day weekend.

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth denied the request.

If all of this sounds familiar, it’s because trying to demand more parking on Holmes Beach streets for the public on the Island has been an ongoing theme since Van Ostenbridge took office in November. And each time the subject’s been broached, city leaders have denied the request, citing safety concerns for residents and overcrowding during busy times on the Island.

Titsworth’s response has consistently been that Holmes Beach residents shouldn’t bear the brunt of the need for more parking on the Island and that county officials should consider alternative transportation options instead of focusing on parking.

With an average of 30,000 people coming to Holmes Beach daily during season and more than that on busy holiday weekends, according to numbers provided by Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer, finding a way to accommodate that many cars on a 7-mile island won’t be an easy task. Titsworth suggests people coming from the SEE PARKING, PAGE 24

SOCCER KIDS

A DAY for kids, courtesy of Privateers

show parents how it’s done on the pitch.

In Sports. 28

and Snooks Adams. 3

Anna Maria Island, Florida

ANNA MARIA City approves

$25,000 for The Center. 13

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

2

THE SUN

www.amisun.com

JUNE 2, 2021

JUNE 2, 2021

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

3

Snooks Adams Kids Day brings excitement and adventure AMI Privateers bring smiles to area children excited to solve a mystery with the help of pirates.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA - The Anna Maria Island Privateers, a non-profit organization dedicated to giving back to the community, held their annual Snooks Adams Kids Day on Saturday, May 29 at the Anna Maria City Pier park.

The event is held annually the first Saturday after the end of the school year, and this year, after COVID-19 had restricted most Privateers events for some time, the group was more excited than ever to show area children a great time.

The event was founded by the late Holmes Beach Police Chief and Privateer Snooks Adams when he began bringing children from Anna Maria Elementary School to the beach for a picnic and games. When Adams retired about 25 years ago, he asked the Privateers to take over the event, and it became known as Snooks Adams Kids Day.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Children get clues to solve a pirate mystery at Snooks Adams Kids Day in Anna Maria.

“I go to different businesses around the Island and try to get donations of hot dogs, pizza and gift cards for our treasure chests for the kids when they win games. They can get ice cream, a cookie from one place, a cupcake from another,” said Chairperson Terry Rapert, whose pirate name is “Cookie.” She is in her fourth year chairing the event.

After parents sign up a child, the child is given a pirate quest to complete. The only way they can solve the quest is to walk around the event and ask questions of the many pirates on hand. Once the child has used the clues given to them by the pirates, they can redeem their correct solution for a prize bag filled with goodies from the Privateers and Island businesses. Also on

hand are officers from the Holmes Beach Police Department.

“In this day and age with all the negative publicity concerning the police, we’re just trying to get out here and be a smiling face," said Sgt. Brian Copeman of the Holmes Beach Police Department. "We have some gifts to give out, and we’re trying to just build the rapport that we’re on the same side of everybody else, and just trying to help our community out.”

As Privateer pirates entertained the kids with temporary tattoos, food, games and storytelling, parents seemed to be enjoying themselves as much as the children.

“I’ve grown up on the Island and we’ve been coming to this event for years. We really missed it last year, so we’re happy to have it back,” said Maggie VanWormer, a first-grade teacher at Anna Maria Elementary who brought her two children to Kids Day. “I really like when the fire truck comes; we’re going to have to try and wait around in the heat for that,” VanWormer added, speaking of the highlight of the day according to most attendees. The Holmes Beach Fire Department brings a fire truck and sprays down children and parents, a welcome break from the 90-degree heat, and the end to an event that brings joy to many in the community.

4

THE SUN

ISLAND NEWS

While one species of blue-green algae – lyngbya – continues to flourish in Manatee County waters, scientists with the University of South Florida College of Marine Science say that blue-green algae has dissipated to the north in Tampa Bay after the April release of 215 million gallons of polluted water into the bay from the closed Piney Point phosphate plant.

No cyanotoxins – the neurotoxins that are produced by blue-green algae – were detected in water samples taken in Tampa Bay on May 25, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Results taken from samples on May 27 are pending. The sampling area does not extend into Manatee County waters.

Exposure to cyanotoxins can cause hay fever-like symptoms, skin rashes, respiratory and gastrointestinal distress, and, if consumed, liver and kidney damage, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Algae bloom conditions continue to be monitored.

Travel + Leisure shows love for Anna Maria Island Although Anna Maria Island is comprised of three cities - Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach - Travel + Leisure magazine recently bestowed the entire Island with the number 2 spot on its list of “most charming small towns in Florida.”

In its recent top 10 list, Travel + Leisure called AMI one of the state’s best-kept secrets. As Memorial Day weekend traffic can mean more than an hour just to cross one of the Island’s bridges, it may be hard for many to believe AMI is still a secret. But in the article, which can be found at travelandleisure.com, the publication cites the white sand beaches, emerald and sapphire seas, shops, galleries, restaurants and Instagram-worthy spots as reason for the high ranking on the “small town” list.

JUNE 2, 2021

Cortez honors veterans in Memorial Day ceremony

IN BRIEF

Blue-green algae dissipating in bay

Visit our website, www.amisun.com.

Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

CORTEZ – There was laughter and tears Saturday morning as elected officials, families of fallen heroes and veterans gathered to honor those who gave their lives to serve not only their country, but their community.

Kaye Bell, president of the Cortez Village Historical Society, welcomed hometown guests that included Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown and former Bradenton Mayor Bill Evers, who served as master of ceremonies. Evers encouraged Brown to serve for 20 years in keeping with the tradition of long-serving Bradenton mayors, including himself.

“For this country, we know what our military people sacrificed. Some of them sacrificed their lives to make all of us free. Because they were brave, they went out and did that, so to come out here today and honor those individuals from Cortez, our county and nation is an honor,” said Mayor Brown, adding how much it meant to him to be among this group of public servants and veterans.

A highlight of the morning’s ceremony was a tribute to Dan Taylor, a Cortez native who served in the U.S. Navy, and the first subject of what will be a quarterly

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

From left, Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown, Cortez author J.B Crawford and former Bradenton Mayor Bill Evers attended the Cortez Cultural Center Memorial Day event. exhibit in the Cortez Cultural Center honoring Cortez veterans.

“He lived through Pearl Harbor as a young man, and he couldn’t wait to go into the military, but he wasn’t old enough,” said his son, Darrell Taylor, describing his father’s service in the military and life in Cortez. “In 1943, his mother had to sign for him to go into the service.

He went and served in the Navy, then later served in the Air Force.

He came back and got his high school diploma, so he had actually

seen the world before he even finished high school.”

Following a moment of silence to honor the fallen, “Taps” was performed by Del Couch, who served as a U.S. Air Force bugler from 1968-72, bringing tears to the eyes of many in attendance.

The Dan Taylor exhibit, as well as other artifacts in the Cortez Cultural Center, are on display at 11655 Cortez Road W. For more information, visit www. cortezvillagehistoricalsociety.org.

Trash collection to start earlier Trash collections in Holmes Beach will start earlier, at least temporarily. Mayor Judy Titsworth said that due to traffic congestion on Anna Maria Island, Waste Pro collection staff are having trouble making it to every stop on their collection schedules. A temporary solution is being enacted for the busy summer season with collections beginning at 6 a.m. instead of 7 a.m.

Collections take place Monday through Friday with no collection on Sunday. Saturday collections are only scheduled when necessary for busy holiday weekends and beach-end pickups, not residential collections.

Titsworth said residents and visitors may notice early morning noise from the trucks during the earlier collections.

Where’s Bortie?

Is loggerhead sea turtle Bortie headed back to Anna Maria Island to nest? Turtle watchers hope she might! She was satellite-tagged on AMI after laying a nest in June 2018 on Coquina Beach (see the red star on the map). Bortie competed in the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s 11th Annual Tour de Turtles in 2018, placing 10th out of 13 contestants with 351 logged miles.

Turtle nesting season began locally on May 1 and ends on Oct. 31. Please turn off or shield beachfront lights to keep nesting turtles from becoming disoriented!

Correction The Longboat Key Police Department’s budget is actually larger than the Holmes Beach Police Department’s budget, by about $330,500 in the 201920 fiscal year. A story in the May 26 addition reported differently and in the process misquoted Police Chief Bill Tokajer.

SEA TURTLE CONSERVANCY | SUBMITTED

JUNE 2, 2021

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

5

County officials want you to be prepared for hurricane season Get ready for hurricane season now by gathering your supplies and making an evacuation plan.

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

MANATEE COUNTY – Hurricane season is here and it’s time to get your household prepared.

Tropical Storm Ana already kicked off the season more than a week before the official June 1 start, marking the first named storm of a hurricane season expected by forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to be busier than usual.

To make sure that all Manatee County residents and business owners have the information they need to stay safe this hurricane season, the county is hosting a series of virtual town hall meetings with tips to help keep you and your family safe in the event of a storm.

There are several things you can do to prepare ahead of a storm tracking toward Anna Maria Island. The first is to prepare supplies for you, your family, pets and

any visitors who may be at your home this summer. That includes having an evacuation plan in case a storm comes to the Island. The second is to make sure that your home is ready for anything this storm season.

Gather your storm supplies as early in the season as possible. You need to have seven to 10 days of food readily available for you, your pets and any visitors.

Included in the food kit should be one gallon of drinking water per person each day along with additional water for pets.

If you have children in your household or are expecting some to visit, consider adding kid-friendly foods and snacks to your hurricane supplies along with some board games and coloring supplies. If you have food left over at the end of hurricane season, consider giving it to a food bank.

If you take prescription medications, don’t just have a 10-day supply of them on hand but also make sure to have the bottles and take them with you if you have to evacuate. That includes any medications your pets may need.

If you have to evacuate, plan to go to a friend or family member’s house just outside of the evacuation zone, or plan to stay in a hotel. Make sure your vehicle is gassed up and that your plan includes traveling tens of miles, not hundreds of miles away. If you travel too far from your

home, it may be difficult to get back once the storm passes.

Going to a shelter is an option in Manatee County, but it should be an option of last resort. The county has 25 shelters that open as needed during a storm. The shelter closest to you may not be one of the ones that open during a storm event.

A shelter provides a roof over your head and meals if needed, so anyone going to a shelter should plan to bring bedding, cots, chairs, hygiene supplies, food, supplies for your pet, including a carrier, and any litterbox supplies that your pet may need. If taking a pet, you’ll also need bowls, potty pads and other supplies for their needs and copies of their veterinary records proving that they’ve been inoculated against rabies.

Remember that county shelters have a limited capacity, and with COVID-19 still a threat in the community, anyone going to a shelter is requested to bring face coverings or masks and hand sanitizer.

Anyone requiring a medical shelter should sign up immediately online at www.mymanatee.org/departments/ public_safety/emergency_management/ special_needs_registry to reserve a spot in case of an evacuation. The county only has two special needs shelters to provide medical personnel and generators for oxygen and electricity-

dependent patients including those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

To prepare your home for a storm, make sure that all trees are cut back, branches are picked up, lawn furniture is secure and all potted plants are moved inside. Prepare your home by boarding up windows and doors or having hurricane windows. Make sure that anything that could be a projectile is secured. If you have a generator, place it in a well-ventilated area and have extra fuel for it that is stored safely and separately. Operating a grill or generator inside a home without any ventilation can cause occupants to suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Once winds reach a sustained 45 mph, first responders including fire and EMS personnel will not be able to respond to an emergency until the storm passes. Law enforcement officers stop responding once winds reach a sustained 55 miles per hour.

To watch one of the online town hall meetings, see which evacuation zone your home is located in or get more information about hurricane season in Manatee County, visit the town hall information page at www.mymanatee. org/government/board_of_county_ commissioners/townhall.

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

JUNE 2, 2021

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Zoning change could invite fast-food invasion ‘Fast Food chain restaurants to line Manatee Ave in Holmes Beach’ sounds like an April Fools’ newspaper headline but could become reality if the city of Holmes Beach moves forward with the controversial rezoning of C1 properties to C2.

Currently, there are only a handful of C1 zoned properties in Holmes Beach. These are commercial properties with restricted uses. These properties are currently designated for professional services like doctors, dentists and other essential services but do not allow for retail activities. This zoning is intentional and essential as it creates an affordable real estate market for those important services citizens in any community need. Without large retailers bidding up the value of the property, the property becomes more affordable for others. It’s of paramount importance that we save these zones for medical services development. With the increase in traffic, it’s harder and harder for

anyone to get off the Island in an emergency. I can’t be alone in preferring an urgent care clinic over yet another retail operation.

At the Holmes Beach City Commission meeting on May 25, several commissioners spoke in favor of rezoning a C1 property along Manatee Avenue in Holmes Beach to C2, effectively opening the property to more retail possibilities. The stated reasoning by many commissioners for approval was a comprehensive proposal by the developer for a vacant property. During the discussion the city’s own attorney reminded commissioners that they can only approve zoning changes, not the actual use of the land. The lawyer indicated that the current property owner could potentially use the land for any use once it is zoned C2 and need not follow through with the current proposal. It is my understanding C2 zoning currently includes large, national fast-food restaurants in the area being discussed.

If this zoning change is approved a very dangerous precedent will have been set. All remaining C1 property owners will simply need to submit a flashy

presentation and argue they have met a similar criteria and should be granted C2 zoning. If COVID taught us anything, it’s that national chain fast-food restaurants can operate efficiently with drivethrough and take-out only options.

They would need minimal parking and would have a large captive audience of all the beach visitors.

Hence the future newspaper headlines that fast-food chains now line the entry to Holmes Beach isn’t that far-fetched. However, what’s of even graver concern is the loss of affordable property for medical services and, ideally, an urgent care facility.

Who knows how these commercial zoning changes may influence residential zoning changes in the future. Some residential zones also restrict use and thereby provide a somewhat affordable residential market for local ownership. But if all it takes is a vacant lot and a great presentation, don’t be surprised to see residential zoning changes in our future too.

Brian Mathae Holmes Beach

JUNE 2, 2021

www.amisun.com

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.

June 9, 10 a.m. – Manatee County Emergency Operations Center Online Hurricane Preparedness Town Hall June 10, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting June 24, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting June 28, 2:30 p.m. – Planning and Zoning board 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.

June 2, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment

THE SUN

Agency meeting June 2, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting June 3, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting June 8, 9 a.m. – City Commission work meeting June 17, noon – City Commission meeting

HOLMES BEACH 5801 MARINA DRIVE

7

4 p.m.

Golfing for God, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Pkwy., Bradenton, 2:45 p.m. tee time, 5:30 p.m. Bible study and dinner, $40 for golf and dinner, $20 for dinner. Reservations required. Reserve to www. roserchurch.com/g4g/.

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800

June 2, 6 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting June 8, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow June 11, 10 a.m. – Code Compliance special magistrate hearing June 22, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow

ISLAND-WIDE

June 15, 6 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue board of commissioners meeting, Administration Building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton.

MARKYOUR CALENDAR

WEDNESDAY JUNE 2

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to

THURSDAY JUNE 3

Seashell Shore Walk, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 9 a.m. Registration required at www.eventbrite. com/e/149739748619.

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

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

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

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

8

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

JUNE 2, 2021

Privateers Fourth of July parade is a go Grab your favorite buccaneers and head out to Anna Maria Island July 4 for the Privateers’ Fourth of July Parade.

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

HOLMES BEACH – With the support of Holmes Beach city leaders, the Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Fourth of July Processional is officially coming back in 2021.

Commissioners voted unanimously during a May 25 meeting to approve the temporary event permit for the parade, giving their stamp of approval for the return of one of the Island’s premier events. This year’s event is scheduled for Sunday, July 4, setting sail at 10 a.m. from Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and continuing down Gulf Drive, East Bay Drive, Manatee Avenue, Marina Drive, Palm Drive and Pine Avenue to Bayfront Park in Anna Maria. The event is free to participants in the parade who are asked to sign up in advance at www.amiprivateers.org and to the public.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

After taking a break in 2020, the Skullywag will once again sail down the Island’s streets in the July 4 holiday parade.

Due to COVID-19 precautions, Privateers President Kim Boyd said the group is asking all participants with 10 or more people on a float to wear masks and do a temperature check before boarding the float. Also, anyone participating in the parade who gets within 6 feet of parade viewers will need to wear a mask and gloves.

No candy will be allowed to be thrown from floats this year. Participants and parade spectators also are asked to not throw water balloons during the parade.

SEE PRIVATEERS, PAGE 9

Buy-oneGet-one half-off select appetizers

$4.20

select liquors

$3.15

select draft beer

Old Town Tram parking shuttle stops here!

$4.20

house wine

FAMILY-FRIENDLY NDLY YW WATE WATERFRONT AT T ER R FRONT FRO O NT DINING! DIN NG Happy ppy Hour from 3-6pm p daily y Great cocktails, delicious seafood and plenty of things that don't swim, too!

OPEN DAILY BRIDGE STREET PIER • Bradenton Beach | (941) 778-AMOB(2662)

www.amisun.com

JUNE 2, 2021

THE SUN

9

Holmes Beach mask ordinance officially coming to an end

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

Journey former lead vocalist

STE V E AU G E RI Thursday, June 17th, 2021 The Center of Anna Maria Island

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Please visit centerami.org/events for ticket info and to stay up to date on all upcoming Center events.

BR A D E NTON GU L F I SL A N DS CONCERT S E R I ES The Center of Anna Maria Island - The community’s gathering place.

941-778-1908 • 407 Magnolia Ave, Anna Maria Island, FL 34216

www.centerami.org

HOLMES BEACH – Commissioners are officially bringing the city’s mask ordinance to an end.

Weeks after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation doing away with mask requirements by local Florida governments, Holmes Beach commissioners voted unanimously to pass the first reading of an ordinance terminating the city’s mask ordinance.

The ordinance required face masks or coverings to be worn indoors at local businesses or when unable to social distance. Commissioner Jayne Christenson was absent during the May 25 meeting.

The ordinance will have a final vote and second public hearing June 8.

City Attorney Patricia Petruff said even with the mask ordinance being dissolved, local business owners can still set their own policies regarding

masks in their establishments. If a business owner requires patrons to wear masks and someone won’t respect the owner’s wishes and won’t leave the property, Petruff said business owners can contact the Holmes Beach Police Department for enforcement.

Chief Bill Tokajer said people will typically leave a business on their own when confronted by an officer about a mask rule. However, in the event they refuse to comply, officers can trespass someone from the property.

Commissioners said they felt comfortable with removing the mask mandate, especially with people getting vaccines. Commissioner Jim Kihm said there’s still a lot of uncertainty going around and that people are still getting infected with COVID-19. However, he said now the responsibility to wear a mask or take other steps to protect themselves from contracting the novel coronavirus falls to the individual.

PRIVATEERS: Parade is a go FROM PAGE 8

“We’re trying to do everything we can to promote this as a COVID-safe event,” Boyd said.

She added that city leaders in Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach had already approved the event.

Commissioner Carol Soustek said she feels it’s OK to have “a little celebration

here and there” to help people forget about COVID-19 and have a good time in an outdoor environment.

Commissioner Jim Kihm said he feels people should be able to use common sense when celebrating the holiday.

“I am looking forward to this,” he said. “Thank you for doing this for the community.”

10

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

JUNE 2, 2021

SUNDAY WORSHIP • 8:30 AM or 10:00 AM

COMMUNITY CHURCH IN PERSON in the Sanctuary Nursery • Children’s Church ONLINE • Watch LIVE or LATER www.RoserChurch.com Text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin The CHAPEL is open during office hours for prayer & meditation

Essential BIBLE READING

DISCIPLINES

Discover how to maximize the benefits waiting for us in the powerful pages of the Bible.

941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Holmes Beach hosts vaccine pop-up A state-funded vaccine pop-up site came to Holmes Beach on May 27. The one-day event took place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Holmes Beach City Hall. All participants age 18 and older were able to get the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

SIMON KIRKE

of Bad Company Friday, June 11th, 2021 The Center of Anna Maria Island

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Please visit centerami.org/events for ticket info and to stay up to date on all upcoming Center events.

BR A D E NTON GU L F I SL A N DS CONCERT S E R I ES The Center of Anna Maria Island - The community’s gathering place.

941-778-1908 • 407 Magnolia Ave, Anna Maria Island, FL 34216

www.centerami.org

www.amisun.com

JUNE 2, 2021

THE SUN

11

Commission selects engineering firm for flood control project The city commission has prioritized the flooding hot spots it wants to address using state funds.

24th Street North and 22nd Street North, and the flood-prone portion of Avenue A North in the vicinity of Herb Dolan Park.

Spooner suggested having Land & Water Engineering first evaluate the identified flooding hot spots to determine how much those drainage and flood control improvements would cost. He said any remaining state funds, if there are any, could then be used to address some of the beachside street ends or other flood-prone areas.

In a separate action, the commission directed Burnett to provide the city with all the design and engineering materials she has produced for the city over the past 20 years.

Burnett was given 30 days to complete this task. The commission has not yet determined whether Burnett’s engineering services will be used in the future.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The city commission has selected Land & Water Engineering Science to review City Engineer Lynn Burnett’s plans for a $2.1 million drainage and flood control project.

The project is being funded by a $2.69 million state appropriation previously granted to the city by the state Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis.

During a commission working meeting on Friday, May 28, the commission voted 5-0 in favor of selecting Land & Water Engineering to review City Engineer Lynn Burnett’s project plans and suggest alternative solutions, if and where needed.

Commissioner Jake Spooner made the motion to select Land & Water Engineering for this specific engineering task and Commissioner Jan Vosburgh seconded Spooner’s motion. In doing so, the commission directed City Attorney Ricinda Perry to negotiate a contract with Land & Water Engineering, at a cost not to exceed $45,000.

STATE-FUNDED PROJECT

Burnett’s current plans for the state-funded flood control and drainage project call for several unpaved, beachside street ends along Gulf Drive North, and one street end along Gulf Drive South, to be covered with pervious concrete or pervious pavers that allow rainwater and tidal waters to drain downward into the stormwater storage and filtration systems below. Burnett’s plans also call for drainage and flood control improvements to be made in the area of Avenue A and 20th Place North and 21st Place North.

When Burnett presented her

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Clockwise above left, the city commission has identified the area near Avenue A, 20th Place North and 21st Place North as a top priority. The city commission wants to address flooding issues at the dead end of Avenue B. The area near Avenue A and 24th Street has been identified as another area in need of flood control and drainage improvements. Avenue A North is also on the commission’s priority list.

90%-completed plans to the commission on April 27, the commission questioned whether the beachside street end improvements would be the best use of the state funds.

Regarding the Avenue A improvements, Mayor John Chappie expressed the commission’s desire to move away from the installation of stone-covered infiltration trenches when possible. Designed by Burnett, the drainage and retention trenches have worked well in some places and have proved problematic in others – including along Bridge Street, where the surface stones were later removed and replaced with brick pavers.

When that April meeting took place, the city had already issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking an outside engineering firm to update the city’s master

drainage study last updated in 2006. The commission decided to delay moving forward with Burnett’s plans until an additional engineering firm was selected to review her project plans.

FLOODING HOTSPOTS

During Friday’s meeting, the commission re-prioritized the areas to focus on regarding the best use of the state funds. The commission agreed that the Avenue A, 20th Place North and 21st Place North area is a top priority because that is currently one of the most flood-prone and problematic areas in the city.

The commission also wants to include the flood-prone area at the dead-end of Avenue B, the flood-prone areas along Avenue A at

RFP RESPONSES

Land & Water Engineering Science was one of three firms that responded to the city’s RFP for stormwater-related engineering services. On May 11, the commission voted 4-1 in favor of Land & Water Engineering Science being the commission’s top choice to carry out the engineering tasks set forth in the RFP. The Land & Water Engineering proposal listed a total estimated price of $112,000.

The Utilities Consultants of Florida proposal listed a total estimated price of $95,000 and the Madrid/CPWG proposal listed a total estimated price of $50,000.

After making that selection, the commission directed Perry to negotiate a contract with Land & Water Engineering, with the understanding at that time that the city had no more than $60,000 to spend on stormwater and drainage-related engineering services for the remainder of the fiscal year that ends Sept. 30.

SEE COMMISSION, PAGE 12

5344 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach (941) 779-BEER (2337) | hurricaneliquorami.com

5346 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach (941) 778-5788 | hurricanehanks.com

12

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

Red tide remains at low levels

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Red tide persists in Manatee County, with one water sample last week showing medium levels of the toxic algae, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission weekly report.

Water samples around Joe Island in lower Tampa Bay had medium concentrations of red tide, while low concentrations were detected at School Key (Key Royale on Anna Maria Island) and background concentrations were detected at the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria.

No red tide was found at the Palma Sola Bay bridge or the Longboat Pass boat ramp, an improvement from previous weeks.

No red tide-related respiratory irritation or fish kills were reported over the past week in Manatee County.

Red tide produces a neurotoxin called brevetoxin that can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and more serious illness for people with severe or chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma,

emphysema or COPD, according to the Florida Department of Health.

Health officials recommend that people experiencing symptoms stay away from the water, go inside to an air-conditioned space, or wear masks, especially during onshore winds.

Residents may consider wearing masks, especially if onshore winds are blowing.

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

The nutrients phosphorus and nitrogen, which feed red tide algae blooms, were components of the 215 million gallons of polluted water discharged in April into Tampa Bay at Port Manatee from one of the closed Piney Point phosphate plant’s retention ponds. The emergency release took pressure off the compromised gypsum stack in which the pond was located, avoiding the stack’s collapse and a more serious

JUNE 2, 2021

COMMISSION: Selects firm for flood project FROM PAGE 11

SOURCE: FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

spill.

The polluted water spread from Tampa Bay to its estuaries and the Gulf of Mexico, according to the University of South Florida College of Marine Science.

On May 20, City Treasurer Shayne Thompson told the commission the city actually had only $5,000 to $8,000 to spend on stormwater-related professional services for the remainder of the fiscal year. Thompson said the rest of that $60,000 is already committed to the maintenance of existing stormwater systems.

Perry said she didn’t know if any more state funds could be used for additional engineering services for the statefunded project in addition to the $168,000 already spent on Burnett’s plans. The commission directed Perry to contact Florida Department of Environmental Protection Grant Manager Michael Scheinkman and seek the state agency’s permission to spend a greater percentage of the state funds on engineering services.

On Wednesday, May 26, Scheinkman told Perry additional state funds could be used for engineering and design services for the state-funded project, as long as those costs don’t exceed 20% of the total project costs, which is $538,000.

The commission has not yet entered into contract talks with any of the firms for additional engineering services that would include the master drainage study update, reengineering the failing brick paver crosswalks on Bridge Street and more.

During Friday’s meeting, Perry noted the RFP is structured in a manner that does not grant any firm the exclusive contract rights for the various engineering tasks set forth in the RFP. The commission plans to hold future discussions regarding the possible use of American Rescue Plan funds to pay for some or all of the additional engineering services needed beyond those associated with the state-funded project.

www.amisun.com

JUNE 2, 2021

THE SUN

13

Anna Maria providing $25,000 to The Center The city also plans to share some of its American Rescue Act funds with The Center later this year.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE

ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria is providing The Center of Anna Maria Island with $25,000 in annual funding.

On Thursday, May 27, the city commission unanimously supported Mayor Dan Murphy’s recommendation to provide The Center with the same amount the city provided last year. The money will be taken from the city’s recreational fund that had a $35,000 balance before expenditures for the city-sponsored Memorial Day Patriotic Symphony Salute.

Murphy said he finds The Center’s $25,000 annual request to be reasonable. He also said the city plans to help The Center recoup some of its lost 2020 revenues when the city receives its first installment of American Rescue Act funds.

The city expects to receive a total of about $740,000, with the 2021 installment expected to be about $370,000. Murphy told the commission and Center Executive Director Chris Culhane that the exact amount of the American Rescue Act funds to be shared with The Center and three other non-profit organizations can’t be determined until the federal funds are in hand.

Commissioner John Crane would still like to see The Center tighten its belt a little.

“It seems like every year The Center falls a little short. It seems odd that an entity that doesn’t pay any rent still can’t make ends meet. I’m a big believer in how good The Center is for the community, but I would like to see a little more fiscal responsibility,” he said.

Crane said he hopes The Center’s financial shortfall is less next year.

Commissioner Joe Muscatello said he thinks a small city paying $25,000 for a facility like The Center is a great deal compared to most other small towns in America. He said some towns he’s lived in have paid $300,000 to $400,000 a year for such a facility.

Commissioner Deanie Sebring noted that under Culhane’s leadership, The Center has added new

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Center Executive Director Chris Culhane appreciates the city’s continued support. programs and activities – including the recently resumed revenue-generating concert series that was postponed last year due to the pandemic. Sebring said she’s encouraged by what she sees in The Center’s financial records.

Commission Chair Carol Carter said The Center is doing a much better job of balancing its budget than it was five or six years ago. She also praised The Center’s environmentally-friendly Go Green Campaign that helps preserve the Island’s fragile natural environment.

After acknowledging that he serves as a volunteer member of The Center’s Finance Committee, Commissioner Mark Short said, “Can The Center sharpen its pencil a little better in terms of watching costs? The answer is obviously yes, but I think that goes to us individually, to the city and to any other business that’s out there. I’ve been involved with The Center since early 2018 and I’ve seen a remarkable improvement.”

Short said The Center administration did an admirable job of controlling costs while experiencing decreased revenues during the peak of the COVID pandemic.

Thursday’s discussion was a follow-up to the May 13 meeting, when Culhane presented The Center’s annual funding request. After Thursday’s vote occurred, Culhane thanked the mayor and commission for their continued support.

14

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

JUNE 2, 2021

City leaders seek new way to verify vacation rental code DC FANS! Reduce Your A/C Bill

TOUCH FREE VOICE CONTROL!

Holmes Beach officials at the home for less than 30 days, they Models couldn’t prove thatSelect the people wereNow are looking into their legal paying guests. Representing Kaleta, options to determine how Parts & attorney Louis Najmy said his client Services long visitors are staying in Available has many friends, investors and a large family who are all allowed to vacation rentals. stay at the property as long as they like, rent-free. Najmy said he is planSUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com ning to stay at the property himself for a week this summer and isn’t paying HOLMES BEACH – After losing for the privilege. a battle with local developer Shawn The incident brought up a larger Kaleta during a May special magisissue with commissioners who are trate hearing, city commissioners are concerned that without being able looking to their attorneys to help deto prove that violations to their termine how long people are staying vacation rental certificate program at vacation rental units and whether or are occurring they won’t be able to not they’re paying guests. stop the infractions. To that end, they During the special magistrate hearsaid they have to be able to prove that $ ing, Kaleta came under fire for having people are paying ON FANS PRICED 299.99to&rent UPproperties .99 $ $ guests staying for less than days INSTALL for shorter but they’re ON periods FANS PRICED 99not to $299 OR3029 SOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY. BRING THIS AD INTO STORE FOR DETAILS. PRIOR SALES in a rental property locatedEXCLUDED. in the NOT COMBINEDsure how to legally do that without WITH OTHER OFFERS. DAN'S FAN CITY, LLC LIC#EC13004528 R-1 district in Holmes Beach. While infringing on private property rights. rentals are allowed in R-1, they have Mayor Judy Titsworth said code to be for 30 days or more. And though compliance officers who greet people city code compliance officers were suspected of renting a property for able to prove that people are staying less than the allowable amount of

BY KRISTIN SWAIN

FREE BASIC INSTALL

time ask questions, such as how long they’re staying, but can only go so far when asking if they’re paying to stay or for a copy of a rental agreement.

She said one way of finding out if the property is being rented is if bed tax is being paid to the county for the rental.

Titsworth added that attorney Erica Aguello is working on a questionnaire for code compliance officers to approach vacationers with and looking into if they can ask for a copy of the visitor’s driver’s license with the knowledge that they could be called to appear before the special magistrate at a future hearing to testify.

“We’re not going to give up,” Titsworth said.

City Attorney Patricia Petruff said Aguello is also researching what information it’s legal for code officers to press people for. She suggested asking for some kind of personal information about the property owner that only a real friend or family member would know to verify the relationship.

DAN'S FAN CITY

LARGEST SELECTION OF INDOOR & OUTDOOR FANS ANYWHERE!

Wet & Damp Rated Fans!

Raindance

WMFR staff ready for new home

Vogue

DC Motor WiFi Enabled

Parts & Services Available

Invento On Ha ry nd!

DESIGN

YOUR FAN

BRADENTON – The administrative staff at West Manatee Fire Rescue has a new home.

After more than a year of planning and months of construction, the district’s new administration building is finally ALSO AVAILABLE! ready for occupancy. The district’s commissioners will host their first meeting in the new space on June 15.

3 FINISHES; The building, located at 701 63rd St. in Bradenton, will LEDnot LIGHT & REMOTE only house the district’s administrative staff but also provide INCLUDED a west side emergency operations option for WMFR and any other local government or law enforcement agency that needs space during or after a hurricane or other natural SUBMITTED | WMFR disaster. The meeting room at the new building, which The WMFR administration building will be ready in time for would function as an EOC, has been hardened to Miamidistrict staff to move in and the organization to host its June Dade hurricane standards. The new space does not take the meeting in the new building. place of the Manatee County EOC located on the east side of the county at the public safety complex, it simply gives local quickly receive a temporary certificate of occupancy with leaders a space to function in that is located closer to Anna plans to move in beginning May 24.

Maria Island.

A final certificate of occupancy is expected after a At the board of commissioners’ May 17 meeting, Chief generator can be installed at the new building. Currently, Ben Rigney said that construction of the new building was Rigney said receipt and installation of the generator are moving along quickly. He said he expects the district to delayed until July.

ASK US HOW

Bradenton

1808 Cortez Road

Open 7 Days A Week

755-3262

Parts, Services & Installation Available

www.amisun.com

JUNE 2, 2021

THE SUN

15

City seeks expanded construction restrictions on holiday weekends The proposed ordinance would prohibit construction on certain Fridays and Mondays.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria has begun the process of enacting additional restrictions for construction activities on extended holiday weekends.

On Thursday, May 27, City Attorney Becky Vose presented city commissioners with the first reading of proposed Ordinance 21888. The proposed ordinance will be reviewed by the city’s Planning and Zoning board before returning to the commission for a second and final reading at a later date.

According to the newly-proposed ordinance language, “If any of these holidays falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday shall also be observed as a holiday during which no noise is allowed. If any of these holidays falls on a Sunday, the following Monday shall also be observed as a holiday.”

If later approved on second and final reading, the newly-proposed

ordinance language would be added to the existing language that addresses construction noise, the operation of construction equipment and the delivery, collection and removal of construction dumpsters. According to the existing ordinance, construction activities are currently allowed from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Both the existing and proposed ordinances note: “No noise allowed on Sundays and federal holidays as designated by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.”

According to the proposed ordinance, “The city finds that it is in the best interest of the city and its residents and visitors to balance the rights of persons conducting construction activities on private property with the rights of residents and visitors to be free of the negative impacts of construction activities.”

A BUILDER’S PERSPECTIVE

During general public comment at the beginning of Thursday’s meeting, local builder Frank Agnelli revisited concerns he recently expressed at a previous meeting. Agnelli’s comments were in reference to the city’s

2021

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Local builder Frank Agnelli wants the city to seek input from builders before adopting construction related ordinances. previously stated intent to conduct public workshops or meetings to receive input from the construction community before adopting and amending construction-related ordinances.

“Nobody’s getting any input from the builders. We were under the impression that we would be involved and we’re not. Now here we are again: I see something on the agenda for first reading for construction hours,” Agnelli told the commission.

“Is this ever going to happen?”

Agnelli said. “It’s not happened yet. I’m looking for you guys to at least force the building department to work with us. Nobody’s working with us.”

Agnelli requested members of the local construction community be informed before the first readings of construction ordinances. Because he had a dinner date with his daughter, Agnelli left Thursday’s meeting before the construction hours ordinance was discussed.

Any member of the public is welcome to attend city commission meetings and provide comment on any issue they wish to speak on. Meeting agendas are posted days in advance in the government section of the city website.

Detailed meeting packets are posted online on the day of the meeting, if not sooner.

COMMISSION DISCUSSION

During the ordinance discussion, Commissioner Jon Crane said, “Mr. Agnelli has a point, and he ought to stick around for these important discussions.”

SEE CONSTRUCTION, PAGE 20

16

JUNE 2, 2021

www.amisun.com

JUNE 2, 2021

17

18

THE SUN

OUTDOORS

JUNE 2, 2021

Selby bioblitzes the Sister Keys Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

I

’ve always been a big fan of Sarasota’s Selby Gardens and the work they do in the community and beyond. As a member, I stop by frequently to photograph the amazing collection of orchids they display and decompress in the beautiful and ever-changing gardens. That’s why I jumped at the chance to help facilitate an upcoming bioblitz.

The endeavor is part of the Sarasota-Manatee Ecoflora Project to document plant occurrence and diversity in the two-county area.

On Sunday, May 23, 11 volunteers from Marie Selby Botanical Gardens joined me to do a bioblitz on the Sister Keys.

I ferried Selby leaders Elizabeth Gandy, Anastasia Sallen and seven volunteers to the island in two trips, thanks to the loan of a larger boat from Longboat Village resident Mark McBride. We started on the northern end of the key and walked south, on paths created to control invasive species and clean the islands. We were lucky to have butterfly and insect experts with us.

Delia Smith, director of conservation for the North American Butterfly Association, and John Lampkin shared their knowledge freely with participants. Notable insects includ-

JOHN LAMPKIN | SUBMITTED

The aptly-named mustached tiger beetle.

SUBMITTED

JOHN LAMPKIN | SUBMITTED

The bio blitzers take a break with the support of a Sister Keys mangrove.

The sand wasp, digging a nest on the Sister Keys uplands.

ed a remarkable number of great southern white butterflies (Ascia monuste) in courtship and mangrove buckeyes (Junonia genoveva) that flew erratically in the black mangroves. Lampkin also identified and photographed insects including horse guard wasps (Stictia carolina) and the aptly-named mustached tiger beetle (Ellipsoptera hirtilabris) which is reportedly declining in numbers.

Lampkin also captured a "live-action" image of a sand wasp (Bembix americana spinolas) digging a nest.

Lampkin noted that the sand wasp will revisit that nest many times, bringing in up to 21 flies to feed a

and female flowers, and the blitzers were lucky to observe both! They also saw and recorded perennial glasswort (Sarcocornia ambigua), the host plant for the eastern pygmy blue butterfly.

The morning passed quickly but not before the volunteers had covered a significant portion of the keys. Besides identifying plants, animals and insects, participants picked up trash and identified the location of several invasive plants.

If you would like to become a member of Selby Gardens and/or join one of their many outings, visit www. selby.org.

single larva.

Lampkin pointed out that while we know the value of the mangroves and wetlands on the Sister Keys, patches of semi-open apparently “bare” sand are just as crucial for these insects as well as sand fleas, mosquitoes and midges. These uplands were created when the first phase of the Intracoastal Waterway was dug in the late 1800s in order to get vegetables from local producers to the Tampa market.

Notable plants documented on the outing included a rose gentian (Sabatia spp.), gopher apple, (Geobalanus oblongifolius), and saltwort (Batis maritima) in full flower. The saltwort is dioecious, having separate male

www.amisun.com

JUNE 2, 2021

TURTLE TIPS During sea turtle season, May 1 – Oct. 31, please follow these tips: • Turn off lights visible from the beach and close blinds from sundown to sunrise; lights confuse nesting sea turtles and may cause them to go back to sea and drop their eggs in the water, where they won’t hatch. Light can also attract hatchlings away from the water.

• Don’t use flashlights, lanterns or camera flashes on the beach at night.

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

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

• 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 888-404FWCC (3922).

NESTING NEWS Turtle nests laid: 56 (Record: 544 in 2019) False crawls: 71 Nests hatched: 0 Hatchlings hatched: 0 (Record: 35,788 in 2018) Nest disorientations: 1

THE SUN

19

Tarpon along beaches; inshore bite still hot CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE

Fishing has been great lately! And the weather has been a major contributing factor in our success. Consistency and stability have made things a bit more predictable.

Tarpon are sliding up the beaches and we’re getting our fair chances at them. Some people prefer to cut dead bait and chum them behind the boat in the pass, much like snapper fishing.

We try to avoid this style of fishing and prefer to work schools of fish on the beach. We may not get as many bites, but we feel like it takes a bit more skill and is a bit more rewarding.

Inshore, the snook, mangrove snapper, Spanish mackerel, seatrout and redfish are biting well. We’re still using pilchards as our primary baits.

Free-lining is our most-used method.

Offshore fishing has been phenomenal.

Red grouper, yellowtail snapper and mangrove snapper are extremely consistent, but we’re also getting the surprise cobia and blackfin tuna in the mix. We’re excited about the opening of American red snapper season. It starts on the first for charter vessels

CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE | SUBMITTED

Maddox Seite, 10, of Lincoln, Neb., holds up a big red grouper caught with Captain David White of Anna Maria Charters. and opens on June 4 for recreational anglers. Good luck out there and enjoy the weather!

20

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

Hopes confirmed as official county administrator The Manatee County Commission has removed the word “acting” from Scott Hopes’ job title. On Tuesday, May 25, the commission officially confirmed Hopes as the County Administrator.

He had been acting County Administrator since April 1 in the wake of then-County Administrator Cheri Coryea’s departure.

Hopes’ contract with

the county calls for him to provide commissioners with a self-evaluation

by Oct. 1, and for commissioners to respond with their own evaluation of him by Nov. 1. Hopes will resign his seat on the Manatee County School Board by June 2.

“I’m eager to continue the job I was hired to do,” Hopes said. “I enjoy it. I want to help make a great community even greater.”

MANATEE COUNTY | SUBMITTED

Dr. Scott Hopes is now confirmed as Manatee County’s county administrator.

Maritime Museum contract to be considered Manatee County commissioners are expected to discuss and possibly approve a management contract for the Florida Maritime Museum on Tuesday, June 8 during their last meeting before a summer recess.

County Attorney William Clegg told commissioners that the new contract will redefine the legal responsibilities of the Manatee County clerk’s office and the not-for-profit Friends of the Florida Maritime Museum, including who will purchase insurance and provide maintenance for the historic structure.

The museum, 4415 119th St. W. in Cortez, is owned by Manatee County and operated by the Manatee County Clerk of Court’s Office.

JUNE 2, 2021

Fertilizer ban in effect Manatee County ordinances prohibit the use of nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer application from June 1 through Sept. 30.

Summer rains wash fertilizer into the Intracoastal Waterway, Sarasota Bay, the Manatee River and the Gulf of Mexico. Too much fertilizer can cause fish kills and algae blooms, including red tide.

Area waters currently have a higherthan-normal load of nitrogen and phosphorus from the April release of polluted water from the closed Piney Point phosphate plant into Tampa Bay at Port Manatee.

“Summer-safe” yard products are listed at mymanatee.org. Search for “fertilizer ordinance.”

CONSTRUCTION: City seeks expanded restrictions FROM PAGE 15

Commissioner Joe Muscatello asked if city staff made any effort to meet with construction company representatives to discuss the proposed changes to the allowed construction hours.

Murphy said that was “in the queue” but no such meeting had yet been scheduled by the building official.

Commission Chair Carol Carter said, “With three-day weekends, we have many more visitors, many more people on the Island. If we eliminate construction, including construction noise, we’re eliminating a lot of heavy construction vehicles.”

During public comment specific to the proposed ordinance, Anna Maria

resident Michelle Santagata said she supports the additional restrictions for long holiday weekends.

“But enforcement is a major issue,” she noted.

Santagata said two large houses are being built behind her home on Jacaranda Road and she’s had issues with generators running all day long.

Santagata said when she contacted the city, she was told city code allows generator use during allowed construction hours.

In response to Santagata’s enforcement comment, Commission Chair Carol Carter said, “Enforcement is always an issue once we get a new ordinance in place.”

www.amisun.com

JUNE 2, 2021

THE SUN

21

Deputy clerk’s son graduates with perfect attendance Tristan Watson will now embark on a career with the United States Army.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON – Bradenton Beach Deputy Clerk Christine Watson and her husband, Ted, are extremely proud of their son, Tristan Watson, for graduating high school on Friday with 13 years of perfect school attendance.

In July, the Bradenton Christian School graduate will head to Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C., to begin basic training in the United States Army.

His second stop will be at Fort Gordon in Augusta, Ga., for Advance Individualized Training. His third stop will be at Fort Benning in Fort Benning, Ga. for his Army Airborne training. His Military Occupation Specialty is 25-Bravo Airborne Information Technology Specialist.

Tristan said perfect

attendance was important to him for several reasons.

“I felt like it showed a great character trait in a person to not miss a day in school,” he said. “It showed dedication and the importance of learning and how it would help my future. My mom had nine years of perfect attendance and it motivated me to beat her in a way; other than that, I never really tried for it. It just happened.”

Tristan said his perfect attendance streak was never in serious jeopardy.

“I never really got sick during school; however, I came close on some school breaks when I got sick, but I got better before school started again,” he said.

Regarding his choice to join the Army, Tristan said, “I chose the Army because my dad was also in the Army.

I really had no idea where I wanted to go in life and I believed the Army would be the best choice for me. I am excited to be shipping out on July 12 to start my new life.”

CHRISTINE WATSON | SUBMITTED

Tristan Watson graduated with perfect attendance Friday night, joined by his parents Ted and Christine Watson.

Watson will begin his basic training in the U.S. Army in July.

When asked about her son’s accomplishments, Christine said, “We couldn’t be more proud of him. He was always active in cross country and

track, and during his younger years, it was baseball. He was always either an honor roll or highest merit student and now he’s joining the Army and he

has a great future ahead of him. My heart is full.”

22

THE SUN

A

REAL ESTATE

JUNE 2, 2021

It’s worth the stretch

very wise real estate broker I was fortunate to meet more than 40 years ago not only got me interested in selling real estate but also gave me great advice about buying as much house as you can possibly afford.

Fundamentally, it changed my life, pushing me to buy a home I loved but thought I couldn’t afford.

Today’s millennials are facing the same decisions my husband and I made all those years ago. Should we take the leap into homeownership, spending more than we ever thought we would, or should we play it safe?

As difficult as it is for buyers to find a home in this market, if you do find one and it’s over the top of your price point, don’t discard it. My rule of thumb is if a lender thinks you’re qualified, believe them, even if your parents and friends think you’re nuts. Get into the game now and you’re set for the next 30 years and you won’t be at the mercy of landlords.

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER Generally, lenders are qualifying buyers based on between a quarter and a third of their monthly gross income on the monthly mortgage payment.

That range increases to between 35% and 45% of your monthly gross income if you include maintenance, taxes and insurance. Credit scores are still very important in analyzing creditworthiness, so be ready in the event you have anything on your credit report that is incorrect or needs an explanation.

Finally, first-time buyers are frequently short on cash and may opt for a mortgage down payment of less than 20%. If you are considering this, don’t

forget that you will be required to pay mortgage insurance, which will cost from $30 to $70 a month for every $100,000 borrowed. This insurance is for the protection of the lender should you default on the loan before there is a sufficient build-up of equity. It will stay in effect until you have paid enough of the principal to equal equity in the amount of 20% of the home’s value. Also, the mortgage insurance payment will count towards your monthly costs and will be included when qualifying for a mortgage.

Historically, mortgage rates are very low and housing costs are very high.

But should buyers sit out the market waiting for prices to come down? Good luck with that; the only time home values went down was after the financial crisis, which was generated by risky mortgage lending and exotic mortgage programs, all of which have been corrected through legislation passed after the crisis.

Even if buyers end up with a mortgage payment they are not comfortable with, they will likely grow into the payment.

As younger buyers establish careers, the anticipation is their income is likely to rise over time, so while you’re stretching to make those early monthly payments, you’re building equity and long-term wealth. Young buyers also should not discount the psychological benefits of owning a home of their own - pride of ownership, family building and becoming part of a community have reallife benefits.

Playing it safe turned out not to be in my playbook, so thank you, June, for confirming what I already knew. As my mother always said, paying rent is throwing money away, another wise woman. Go for the stretch, you 30-yearolds; you’ll look back on it as one of life’s pivotal moments. Stay safe, we’re almost there.

www.amisun.com

JUNE 2, 2021

THE SUN

23

New kitchen opens at AMI Moose Lodge The lodge’s new kitchen opened on Wednesday, May 12.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge #2188 has a new kitchen that’s open for business for members and guests.

Located in Bradenton Beach, the Moose Lodge’s new kitchen features a 6-foot indoor grill, four convection ovens, a large flat-top grill, a new fryer, a 10-burner gas range, a broiler and a new concrete floor that replaced the old wooden floor.

The new kitchen opened on Wednesday, May 12, and business has been brisk.

“It’s been non-stop,” chef and kitchen manager Zack Machleit said.

“It’s definitely a state-of-the-art kitchen. We doubled the size of the grill and the flat-top, added a 105-pound fryer and doubled the convection ovens. We can serve twice the amount of people in half the time,” he noted.

While the renovations took place, Machleit and his kitchen crew often worked outside in a makeshift grilling area that offered a limited menu.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Sous-chef Kyle Oler loves working in the AMI Moose Lodge’s new kitchen.

“That was the longest 15 months of my life,” Machleit said of the renovation process and the wait for the new kitchen to open.

Lodge Administrator Byron Dalton is also pleased to have the kitchen open again.

“We have had the kitchen open for two weeks now and the response has been absolutely phenomenal. We

have much more cooking space and the ability to feed people faster. It’s made it easier on our men who work in the kitchen. We have an upgraded menu and our members are happy,” Dalton said. “It’s a boost to the Moose economy. We’ve got our waitresses working again, the bartenders are busy and people are coming back again. It’s amazing what a new kitchen can do.”

The kitchen renovations coincided with the Moose shutting down in early 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dalton said the plan was to tear the old kitchen apart and have a new kitchen ready to go when the lodge reopened, but the project encountered some unanticipated delays along the way.

“A special thanks to WMFR Fire Marshall Rodney Kwiatkowski and Bradenton Beach Building Official Steve Gilbert. They were great to work with and they made suggestions that helped us get this done right,” Dalton said.

In addition to the regular menu, the Moose Lodge #2188 kitchen also offers daily specials that include Reuben sandwiches on Monday, pizza on Wednesday and prime rib on Friday.

Plans are also in the works for a Sunday brunch that’s expected to start in early June.

The AMI Moose Lodge kitchen is open from noon until 8 p.m. daily, and the lodge is open from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily. You can view the upgraded AMI Moose Lodge menu at the lodge's new website, www.mooselodge2188. com/menu.

­ ­ ­ ­ ­

­ ­ ­

­ ­

­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­

­

­ ­

­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­

24

THE SUN

www.amisun.com

JUNE 2, 2021

SALUTE: Honors those who served

PARKING: Memorial Day drama in Holmes Beach

FROM PAGE 1

Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, all five members of the Anna Maria City Commission and Holmes Beach Commissioner Carol Soustek.

Bishop Michael Garrison, of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida, gave the invocation.

“Give us grace to honor all those who served,” he said during his prayer.

“Cover them with your sheltering wings and keep them safe from harm,” he said of those currently serving in the military.

After the invocation, the Marine Corps Color Guard marched from the Two Scoops parking lot to the City Pier Park flagpoles to present the colors, followed by orchestra member and trumpeter Tim Eaton performing “Taps.” Anna Maria residents and military veterans Sharon Wiesnewski and Melissa Anderson then laid a memorial wreath at the base of the flagpoles.

Murphy then recognized the spouses and significant others of those who served their country and asked them to come forward.

“We thank you all very much for your service to the country,” Murphy said.

He then called up the attending veterans in order of the branch in which they served, with the orchestra performing each branch’s theme song as they assembled in the following order: Marine Corps, Navy, Army, Air Force and Coast Guard. As they arrived near the podium, each veteran was presented with a city medal and small flag representing the branch in which they served.

“We thank you for your service and we’re proud you’re here with us today,” Murphy said.

Performing for the first time since the pandemic struck, and led by Navy veteran and conductor Leonard Murphy, the orchestra began its performance with “The Star-Spangled Banner.” They then performed John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever” and several other patriotic favorites.

When asked about the event, Murphy said, “I’m real pleased with the turnout. It’s beyond my expectations. Our city staff has done an excellent job preparing for this event.

FROM PAGE 1

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Military veterans Sharon Wiesnewski and Melissa Anderson presented the memorial wreath.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

More than 500 people gathered at City Pier Park for the Memorial Day Salute.

The city owes them a great deal of thanks for what they’ve done.”

Murphy said the city provided 450 seats under and around the City Pier Park shade sail and several attendees brought their own chairs.

Murphy also thanked the volunteer members of the Love AMI community task force for handing out small American flags during the event.

City Commission Chair and Love AMI member Carol Carter said, “I’m thrilled with the number of people who turned out for our Memorial Day Salute. It’s great to see the community back together again.”

mainland take advantage of other transportation options, such as the beach express free bus that allows people to park their cars at 75th Street and Manatee Avenue in the Beachway Plaza and take a bus ride to the Island’s beaches.

To solve the immediate issue of Memorial Day weekend parking, County Administrator Scott Hopes received permission from the Manatee County School Board to open the lots at Anna Maria Elementary School in Holmes Beach for public parking, though no overnight parking was permitted. Hopes also arranged for public parking at the Island Branch Library in Holmes Beach after the library closed at 5 p.m. on May 29.

In an email to county commissioners, Hopes said he would personally oversee the launch of public parking at the two sites and that they would be monitored by code officers. He added that the county would be in charge of all cleaning and trash pickup from the two parking areas.

All permit parking spaces in Holmes Beach open to the public after 5 p.m. daily.

Adding to the traffic congestion at the start of the Memorial Day weekend was a Florida Department of Transportation intersection improvement project at the intersection of Manatee Avenue and Gulf Drive just in front of the entrance to Manatee Beach.

The project shut down two left-turn lanes at the intersection, one going north on Gulf Drive and another going east on Manatee Avenue from Gulf Drive. Though construction on the project stopped in the afternoon on Friday, May 28, it picks up again for milling and resurfacing overnight from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. June 1-4.

www.amisun.com

JUNE 2, 2021

AME says goodbye to retiring staff members The 2020-21 school year is the last for retiring staff at Anna Maria Elementary School.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH - The 2020-21 school year has come to an end and Anna Maria Elementary is saying goodbye to principal Jackie Featherston. Featherston has been serving in the district since 1979 and has been principal of AME for the past six years.

Mike Masiello has been named the new principal. Masiello has been with Manatee schools since 1996, most recently serving as principal of Ballard Elementary since 2016.

Also retiring after the 2020-21

THE SUN

25

Manatee County School Board ends mask mandate

school year is Karen Paul, who has been with the school for 38 years.

“I am very grateful and honored to have had the incredibly special Featherston opportunity to have Karen Paul as my thirdgrade teacher, my daughter’s thirdgrade teacher, a dear friend, and a mentor teacher to me at Anna Maria Elementary for my first five years of teaching,” said Maggie VanWormer, a first-grade teacher at the school.

Fifth-grade teacher Mary Miller is also retiring. VanWormer said everybody loved her M&M theme.

Anna Maria Elementary also says goodbye to Guidance Counselor Susan Tabicman and STEM teacher Jacque Jordan.

A unanimous vote by the Manatee County School Board Friday morning ends the district’s mask policy. The board published a notice

of intent to change the mask policy on April 30 but had to wait 28 days to make it official to stay in compliance with the board’s bylaws. Although

the 2020-21 school year has ended, the decision will mean masks will be optional for summer classes, as well as the 2021-22 school year.

HBPD seeks grant funds for new boat Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer is hoping to soon be able to purchase a new boat for the department and he’s seeking grant funds to cover the expense. During a May 25 meeting, he told city commissioners the department’s 20-year-old boat isn’t expected to last much longer due to its age. He said the boat’s condition is costing the department in response time to incidents. To replace it, Tokajer said the department is eyeing a new Yellowfin brand boat. He said initially he was told the cost of the new boat without lights, sirens and

other law enforcement outfitting, would be about $360,000. After discussing it with a dealer and getting discounts applicable to law enforcement agencies, Tokajer said the cost fell to about $215,000.

To fund the purchase, he’s applying for a grant through the West Coast Inland Navigation District. If able to purchase the boat, he said it would increase officers’ effectiveness on the water with patrols and response to incidents while also making it safer for the officers to be on the water.

There has never been a better time to sell your property

ANNA MARIA 209 South Bay Boulevard Shellie Young

$2,850,000 941.713.5458

There has never been a better time to sell your property

LONGBOAT KEY

LONGBOAT KEY

3476 Mistletoe Lane $2,850,000 Marty Warren 941.724.1854

670 Lands End Drive #5 $943,000

230 Sands Point Road #3204

INN ON THE BEACH

Sandy Gillette & Thomas Netzel

Dennis Girard

LONGBOAT KEY

LONGBOAT KEY

941.504.0170

MOUNT VERNON

6701 Gulf of Mexico Drive #323 $640,000

6700 Gulf of Mexico Drive #144 $564,900

4764 Independence Drive #4764

Chris Wetzig

Jayne Kocher

Jayne Kocher

941.350.8083

$749,900

941.809.0041

941.915.6000

$374,900

941.915.6000

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

RENTALS | 941.487.6019

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

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

26

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

OBITUARIES Joan Webb Joan Spencer Eagles Webb lived a full life, passing away at the age of 100 on April 2, 2021, surrounded by her family and dear friends. She was born in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. on Nov. 4, 1920 to Edna Dilworth Spencer and Reginald Harrison Eagles and was a longtime resident of Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y. She attended The Hudson River Day School, The Scarborough Day School in Briarcliff Manor, Centenary College in Hackettstown, N.J. and The Art Students League in NYC. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, P. Norman Webb, son David H. Webb, daughter Allison A. Webb, brothers Harrison and Alexander Eagles and sister Cynthia Eagles Hodgson.

She is survived by 4 children, R. Lane Pettibone (wife Judy) and Bruce S. Pettibone (wife Linda) of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, Philip N. Webb Jr (wife Francis) of Tallahassee, FL and Wende H. Webb of Bradenton, FL, six grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

In her early years, she was an accomplished equestrian, synchronized swimmer, artist and musician.

In her adult years, after moving to Bradenton in the 1980s, she was ‘Admiral’ of her SV ‘Minerva’, spending many weeks at sea, exploring the coast of Florida. She loved taking her children and grandchildren around the world exposing them to other cultures and was also an avid cruiser on ships, circling the globe.

She taught art at the nonprofit Graham School for children in Hastings-on-Hudson. This was the first private orphanage in U.S., started

by Alexander Hamilton’s wife, Eliza.

She was the treasurer for the DAR in Westchester, N.Y. In Hastings, she was a Cub Scout leader, a longstanding member of Grace Episcopal Church and part of the Riverview Manor Fire House ‘Gang.' She spoke a number of languages, including Russian, which she specifically learned to protect her children from the Russians during the ‘Cold War’!

She was a progressive woman ahead of her time who understood people, lived her faith, was cultured, kind and accepting of people for who they were. She had a well-lived life and was a blessing to all who had the good fortune to know her.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Church

of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217.

Debra Faye Freer Debra Faye Freer, 67, of Bradenton, passed away peacefully at home on May 22, 2021, surrounded by friends and family. She was born in Dowagiac, Mich., on May 21, 1954, and was raised on Anna Maria Island. She attended Manatee High School and Manatee Community College where she earned an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Debbie served her community for 20 years through her work with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. She enjoyed helping others, decorating for parties, weddings, the theater, baking with her granddaughter and spending time with her friends and large extended family. Her kindness, gregarious nature and infectious smile will be greatly missed.

Debbie is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Joe; son, Joseph (Bethany); daughter, Tiffany; granddaughter, Flora Jane; her five brothers, Mike (Carol), Rob (Sarah), Steve, Todd and Jimmy and two sisters, Lynn and Muffet (Billy).

She was predeceased by her father and mother, Kenneth and Ruby Mae McLeod, and mother, Lorene Hayes McLeod.

Services will be held at 3 p.m., on Friday, May 28, 2021, at River of Life Church, 1012 57th St. E., Bradenton, FL, 34208. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Committal will be held at Fortner Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Manatee Youth for Christ Bradenton, P.O. Box 123, Bradenton, FL 34206. Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

Thomas Patrick McCoy Thomas Patrick McCoy, 84, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2021, in Bradenton, Fla., surrounded by his family. He was born May 8, 1937, in the Bronx, N.Y., where he attended Cardinal Hayes High School. In February 1959 he married his lifelong love, Barbara. He was a dedicated employee of New York Telephone Company and ATT before retiring in 1989.

Tom and Barbara enjoyed many great days in Long Beach, N.Y., Key West, Fla., and Holmes Beach, Fla. Throughout his life Tom enjoyed fixing and remodeling his houses and he built the McCoy house in the Florida Keys.

He also enjoyed boating, fishing in Alaska and Panama, listening to jazz, and caring for his beloved dogs, Annie and Jaeger. He volunteered at the Food Bank of Manatee County and, with his wife Barbara, was a faithful parishioner of Saint Bernard Catholic Church in Holmes Beach. But most of all, Tom enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Catherine McCoy, and by his brother, John McCoy. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Reith McCoy; daughter, Maria Bumbalough; granddaughters, Christina Bailey (Drew Lynch), Amanda Roberts, Melissa Bailey, and great-grandchildren Anna Kornmann, Levi Roberts and Cody Garrett.

A funeral Mass will be held at Saint Bernard Catholic Church on Saturday, June 5, 2021, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to a charity of your choice or to the Alzheimer's Association. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West Bradenton, is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be made to: www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

JUNE 2, 2021

www.amisun.com

JUNE 2, 2021

THE SUN

27

Class of 2021: AME friends stick together through high school

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

HOLMES BEACH - For decades, the “Little School by the Bay” has seen Island area students walk through the doors at the end of fifth grade to brave the world beyond Anna Maria Island, only to return with a fondness like no other.

The Class of 2021 high school graduates who attended Anna Maria Elementary School (AME) is no different.

As the fifth-graders, teachers and staff at AME felt the bittersweet emotions of the last day of school last week, the seniors at Manatee High School and Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School, and the like, were feeling similar emotions.

In preschool, Tyler Brewer, Tuna McCracken and David Daigle prepared for AME and met new friends at the School for Constructive Play and Busy Bees.

While Tyler and Tuna were already tight buddies as they entered kindergarten, David joined the merry crew, which became an almost inseparable trio.

In second grade, Morgan Horesh arrived on the AME scene and was welcomed by the boys. The Anna Maria Island Community Center, now known as The Center, helped to gel the friendship with after-school programs and recreational sports.

Blake Balais joined in on the fun in the third grade at AME. Performing in the school plays and participating in school activities furthered the closeness of the friendships that would last after elementary school.

Like many AME Dolphins before them, their handprints can be found on the walls of the elementary school, keeping the long-standing tradition alive.

Despite going to different middle schools, the five boys

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

From left, Tuna McCracken, Javier Rivera, Blake Balais, Connor Ludwig, Tyler Brewer, Cole Carter, David Daigle, and Morgan Horesh. remained close and always made room for new friends as they arrived on the Island.

Early in their AME days, the boys were introduced to Javier Rivera who moved with his family to the Island not speaking English. With the help of his new friends, Javier soon acclimated to his new home and made good friends.

Another newcomer was Cole Carter, who moved to the area at the start of his freshman year at Manatee High School. Through his interest in sports, Cole quickly found his place with the Island boys.

While David and Morgan made their way through the gauntlet at Saint Stephen’s, the other boys proudly walked the halls as Hurricanes. But after school and on the weekends, they were the same Island friends.

Blake’s love of baseball took him to the diamond, while Tuna’s passion for football put him on the gridiron. David hit

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

LIDO KEY 1300 Benjamin Franklin Drive 1208 3 Beds 4/1 Baths 5,254 Sq. Ft. Susan Fox & Jonathan Fox, PA 941-544-6648 A4492990 $3,900,000

LONGBOAT KEY 431 N Shore Road 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,641 Sq. Ft. Jodene Moneuse 941-302-4913 A4497877 $2,400,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4325 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 603 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,672 Sq. Ft. Melinda Alvarez & Hannah Hillyard 941-704-0633 A4500702 $1,695,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 8017 Marina Isles Lane 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,593 Sq. Ft. Kate Enis 941-330-6068 A4500595 $6,500,000

BRADENTON 3608 W 54th Drive W J101 & J102 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,776 Sq. Ft. Leah Secondo 941-545-4430 A4497828 $800,000

SARASOTA 981 Caloosa Drive 3 Beds 3 Baths 1,838 Sq. Ft. Deborah Beacham & Victoria Beckham 941-376-2688 A4501199 $575,000

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

the hardcourt playing a season of basketball for the Falcons, as well as a season of soccer in high school. Tyler also played soccer while at Manatee.

The Center sports brought them back together year after year. For these teenagers, community center flag football was always the most anticipated season. Each year, David, Morgan, Tuna and Tyler maneuvered to be on the same team, hoping to be able to pick up other friends like Blake, Cole and Connor Ludwig, who moved to the Island in middle school.

The Island’s community center was a second home for many of the AME class of 2021 graduates. Most of them went directly from AME to The Center five days a week and played sports on the fields past sundown. It is this love of the community center that keeps these young people coming back to play, volunteer, work and coach.

The love of the Island, AME and The Center made a graduation party at the community center the obvious setting. The celebration for five young men who have their roots deeply planted on the Island was a poetic ending to a chapter in their lives.

To start the next journey, two of the Island boys - Tuna and Tyler - will continue to give back to the community by working at The Center while attending school locally as the start of their new journey. David and Morgan will be attending Florida State University as roommates, while Blake and Connor will room together at Florida Gulf Coast University.

Congratulations to these boys of Anna Maria Island and all of the Class of 2021 graduates! The Island will always keep you connected.

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

BRADENTON 2708 Bay Drive 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,689 Sq. Ft. Cheryl Roberts 941-266-1450 A4494263 $2,750,000

SARASOTA 988 Blvd Of The Arts 1912 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,729 Sq. Ft. Nora Johnson & Klaus Lang 941-809-1700 A4501149 $1,395,000

SARASOTA 1924 Grove Street 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,607 Sq. Ft. Linda Driggs & Sara Boudarga 941-374-2920 A4500966 $1,300,000

BRADENTON 8728 54th Avenue W 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,561 Sq. Ft. Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies, LLC 941-685-6767 A4500511 $425,000

PALMA SOLA BAY CLUB 7930 34th Avenue Avenue W 101 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,857 Sq. Ft. Pamela Miller 614-632-2801 A4500446 $595,000

NEW CONSTRUCTION PALMETTO 615 Riviera Dunes Way 205 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,696 Sq. Ft. Cheryl Roberts 941-266-1450 A4497161 $429,000

941.896.9981 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

28

THE SUN

SPORTS

JUNE 2, 2021

Players show parents how it’s done on the pitch

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

ANNA MARIA - Youth soccer at The Center starts with preschoolers and parent-coached clinics, moving into competitive recreational games with the 8- to 10-year-old league.

Despite the demise of the traditional Seven Up soccer game, due to a downturn in elementary-school-aged Island athletes, the Parent-Player endof-the-season game is a custom that made its way to this season’s schedule.

From the youngest player to those about to move to the big field, the clinic participants showed what they learned this season, playing against their coaches and parents.

The basic skills learned on the littlest pitches at the Island’s community center developed into advanced skills on the larger clinic fields.

The throw-ins were stronger.

The goal kicks went farther.

The shots on goal were more accurate.

The saves were amazing.

Playing against the adults brought smiles to everyone’s faces and reminded everyone why community center soccer has arguably been the most popular sport for two decades.

More than a decade later, adult co-ed soccer is still going and growing at The Center. After six weeks of play, there was no movement in the rankings.

At the top of the leader board, C.A.B.B.’s success is in part due to Timo Vecchio, one of the season’s top scorers.

Goalkeeper Connor Haughey, with 48 saves going into the seventh and final

week of the regular season, has been instrumental in the team’s wins.

C.A.B.B. faces #3 Flynn Law in the 7 p.m. matchup Thursday, June 3.

Playoffs start at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 10.

SUN SCOREBOARD TUESDAY, MAY 25 YOUTH CO-ED SOCCER SEMIFINAL GAMES 8- TO 10-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE #3 Bridge Tender #2 Tidy MD

1 0

#5 Beach Bums #1 Shady Lady

3 2

11- TO 14-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE SEMIFINAL GAMES

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

#2 AM Bath Time #3 Grooms Auto

5 2

#1 Blalock Walters #5 HSH

2 0

THURSDAY, MAY 27 ADULT CO-ED SOCCER WEEK 6 #1 C.A.B.B. #8 Sato Real Estate

(5-0-1) 3 (1-5-0) 1

#6 Salty Printing #5 Killer Bait

(1-5-0) 2 (2-3-1) 4

#7 Sandbar #2 Beach Bums

(1-5-0) 4 (5-0-1) 6

#4 Slim’s Place #3 Flynn Law

(2-2-2) 5 (4-1-1) 5

Youth soccer is heating up at The Center of Anna Maria Island.

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Goalie Paul ten Haaf springs into action.

JUNE 2, 2021

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 For both men and women, as a school 5 "Now!" letters 9 White vin 14 Jason's ship 15 Southwest tableland 16 Piece between steps 17 Smokes, for short 18 Nerve impulse carrier 19 In tune 20 One on a dean's list 23 Eclectic musician Brian 24 Put mileage on 25 Wood-shaping tool 26 __-relief 29 Imperfection related to an inherited disorder 33 Word after ink or knee 34 Small island 35 Horne of jazz 36 Help for a small Answers to 05-26-21 Crossword Puzzle.

climber 39 Electrical unit 40 Civil War sword 41 "Well, start talking" 42 __-Caps 43 Agnus __ 44 "The Third Man" or "Double Indemnity" 48 Service charge 49 "Mr. Blue Sky" rock gp.

50 Many times o'er 51 Old horse 54 Parliamentary rules violation ... or what each circled-letter quartet represents?

57 MD meeting an ambulance 60 Parcel (out) 61 Subtle glow 62 Safari heavyweight 63 Composer Stravinsky 64 Bearded flower

THE SUN

65 Seth who played Wozniak in "Steve Jobs" 66 Feline feet 67 __-dish pizza Down 1 Hidden supply 2 Mythological night-sky hunter 3 Christmas drink 4 "I can only __ much" 5 Piled up 6 Hockey team on the ice, e.g.

7 Not worth __ 8 Way to watch bamboo-munching zoo bears 9 Medal metal 10 Dryer fluff 11 Set a price of 12 French word in bridal bios 13 Call out 21 Prepare to tackle 22 Whirling current 26 U.K. network, with "the" 27 Clearasil target 28 Oater badge shape 30 English derby site 31 Blood of the gods 32 Swing willy-nilly 36 Broadway hit, in slang 37 "__ from Muskogee": Merle Haggard song 38 Eye rudely

39 Potato chip go-with 40 Scuffle 42 Études, typically 43 Feels otherwise 45 Recent rightist 46 Like pitches that

bounce in the dirt 47 Last 52 Cliffside abode 53 Fully comprehend 54 Corn bread 55 Draped Roman

garment 56 Sudden attack 57 Go wrong 58 Letter after pi 59 Project for an archaeologist

29

30

THE SUN

CLASSIFIED

ANNOUNCEMENTS BEACH YOGA ON Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www. thriveyogafit.com AMI TURTLE WATCH needs donations & silent action items for our FUNDRAISER. We can pick up! Call or text 941713-6531.

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

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

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

CLEANING SERVICE THC CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-7564570

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

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

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

Call us today! 941-778-3986

HOME IMPROVEMENTS TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed.

Quality workmanship.

Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates. Neil 941726-3077 RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-7250073.

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CBC 1261150.

Call Mike Kern 941-7781115 MASTER CARPENTER. Decks-Docks-FencingStairs & Railing. Free Estimates. Handyman Work. Call Richard 941448-3571 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.

ISLE TILE EXPERT INSTALLATION of floors, custom showers, backsplash, deck/lanai.

Licensed and insured.

References available.

Call Chris at 941302-8759 please visit website: isletileservices. com “HAMMERED HOMES” (SAVING HOMES SINCE 1984) Handyman services, renovations.

Free Estimates & Consulting. Call before making decision, save money. 941-778-3206

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941778-4823 or Veronik 941526-7941 STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell driveways and scapes. Also Rock, Mulch, & Soil. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067 ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal.

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

SEARAY SPRINKLER SERVICES. Repairs, Additions, Drip, Timer Head Adjustments. Call Rick today Cell 720-299-1661 Office 941-518-6326

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

Please call 585-755-3894.

Contact Dennis

MOVING & STORAGE MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers!

Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-8095777.

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

941-812-0507 “WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-7940455

JUNE 2, 2021

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable.

Island Resident. Quality Workmanship. Interior/ Exterior. Also minor repairs & carpentry.

Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315

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

Residential/commercial.

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

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS AUTHORITY ONE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941-5653931.

NEED PRESSURE WASHING? House, Sidewalk, Driveway. You Name it! No job too small.

10% senior discount. Call Dwayne 717-773-7303

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE Have you been thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! GULF FRONT, CANAL FRONT, BAY FRONT CONDOS or HOMES ASK for BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941232-2216

LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home?

Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years.

Proven track record brings you results! 941725-1589 REALTOR FOR HIRE. BUYING OR SELLING on AMI? 17 years experience & USAF Veteran. Call Kelly Gitt Keller Williams Realty today 941-799-9299.

RARELY AVAILABLE 2BR/1BA CONDO 2 miles from the beach no sign price to sell $155,900, monthly rentals allowed call Erlene Fitzpatrick REMAX Alliance Group 941-2246339. No sign

RENTALS: ANNUAL ANNUAL RENTALS WANTED! We have well qualified tenants for beach and mainland annual rentals, Full management or Finders fee. Call today for details. Ask for Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 513-382-1992.

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

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

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

Contact Barb Grace 941201-2190 ANNA MARIA ISLAND CONDOS Large pool, beach access, free WiFi, 1BR 6 months $1550/mo. redekercondosonami.com Tim 941-704-7525.

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $195. Call 941-447-8372 or 941-447-8376. amitaxi4u@ gmail.com, www.amitaxi. com ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc.

Tampa $70. Sarasota $35. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne.

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

www.amisun.com

JUNE 2, 2021

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

PAINTING

THE SUN

31

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

32

THE SUN

www.amisun.com

JUNE 2, 2021