Anna Maria Island Sun June 16, 2021

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 21 No. 36

June 16, 2021

As the first day of summer approaches, will this be a very different summer season for Anna Maria Island?

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

Summer may be different on Island this year KATIE FIELD | SUN

Tourism officials and Island innkeepers are expecting a huge influx of visitors to the Island this summer and the increased number of bookings at resorts and condos in June and July seems to support that expectation.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND - The first day of summer is almost here. On Monday, June 21, we not only witness the longest day of the year, but what many Island residents consider the end of the busy tourist season.

In years past, the first day of summer has meant less traffic, a decrease in beach crowding, and a general slower pace of life that comes with the end of “season.”

Although much of the uncertainty that came with 2020 is beginning to fade away, a new ambivalence may be creating a new normal, at least for the summer of 2021.

“We love the tourists, and know how much money they inject into the local economy during the winter and spring season,” said Sandra Bostic, a resident of Bradenton Beach. “But I have to admit when we see the news remind us it’s the beginning of hurricane season or notice the first day of summer is around the corner, my husband and I look forward to things just slowing down, but I’m not sure that’s going to happen this year.”

Bostic’s predictions are borne out by visitors.

“I can’t wait to get to the Island,” said Jamie Carte, a West Virginia resident who is planning to visit with his wife and two children July 10-17. “I honestly don’t care if there are storms, and I’m not afraid of heat or hurricanes. You guys get hit less than just about SEE SUMMER, PAGE 4

Tensions mount in city-county Piney Point-algae link explored Humans may not cause toxic parking debate Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge continues his quest for more parking in Holmes Beach, but Mayor Judy Titsworth isn’t giving in.

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

MANATEE COUNTY – The battle between some Manatee County commissioners and city leadership in Holmes Beach continues to rage on after hopes of a cease-fire were diminished earlier in the week.

At the forefront of the disagreement are Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge and Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth, with backup

INSIDE NEWS 4 CALENDAR 6 ISLAND MAP 16-17 REEL TIME 18 OBITS 23 REAL ESTATE 22-26 CLASSIFIEDS 30-31

from Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer. Van Ostenbridge has County Administrator Scott Hopes in his corner for reinforcement.

At the crux of the issues between the county and city are struggles over providing public parking on residential streets near beach access points. Van Ostenbridge is continuing his crusade to force the city’s leaders to open residential roads for beachgoer parking. Titsworth isn’t backing down from her commitment to balancing the needs of residents with the needs of visitors to the Island community.

MONDAY MEETING

The two sides met on June 7 at Holmes Beach City Hall for a sit-down SEE PARKING, PAGE 25

FIND ALL things

matrimonial in our Wedding Section. 20

Anna Maria Island, Florida

algae blooms, but we can make them worse, local bay watchers say.

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

TAMPA BAY – The discharge of 215 million gallons of polluted water from Piney Point into Tampa Bay in March and April probably exacerbated the natural growth of toxic algae, bay managers say.

Contrary to researchers at the University of South Florida College of Marine Science in St. Petersburg, officials at the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program and the Tampa Bay Estuary Program agree there is a link between the nutrients in the discharged water and current algae blooms.

The water was intentionally released from March 30 to April 9 to prevent the collapse of a compromised gypsum stack

that held a wastewater retention pond at the top. A total collapse could have resulted in a worse spill that threatened to flood nearby homes and businesses, which were evacuated during the event.

Since then, multiple agencies testing local waters have reported blooms of red tide algae and lyngbya, a type of bluegreen algae, or cyanobacteria. Other finds include trichodesmium, another type of cyanobacteria, and brown algae. Red tide produces a brevetoxin, while bluegreen algae produces a cyanotoxin; both toxins can be dangerous to people and marine life, and both algae species feed on the phosphorus and nitrogen in the discharged water.

Anna Maria Sound is in dire condition, according to Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth, one of many local residents who are sounding the alarm.

SEE ALGAE, PAGE 19

COUNTY rejects Holmes Beach

funding request .... 3 .... BUT APPROVES $500,000 for

City Pier, Mote Marine plan. 11

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County refuses Holmes Beach funding request Holmes Beach city leaders have to go back to the drawing board to try for more tourist tax funds.

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

MANATEE COUNTY – Holmes Beach city leaders weren’t surprised but they were disappointed when Manatee County commissioners shot down a funding request recently.

During a June 8 county commission meeting, Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, submitted a request on behalf of all three Anna Maria Island cities for funding from the tourist development tax, also known as the bed tax, collected by hoteliers and vacation rental owners from renters.

The projects proposed by the cities of Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach were approved.

One project from the city of Holmes Beach, $41,200 for improvements including boardwalks to be added to an extension of Grassy Point Preserve on land gifted to the city by the Hames family, was approved by county commissioners. However, $282,910 for reimbursement on construction done at a seawall on Marina Drive was not.

County commissioners did vote unanimously to consider a future funding

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Despite a recommendation from the TDC, Manatee County commissioners refused to reimburse Holmes Beach for construction of the seawall on Marina Drive, shown under construction in April 2020. request from Holmes Beach city leaders for bicycle paths and pedestrian walkways leading to a city park if one was presented to them.

Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore said she didn’t support the seawall funding request despite it being approved unanimously for funding by the Manatee County Tourist Development Council because she doesn’t believe it’s tourism-related, which is what the tourist development tax dollars are required by

Florida Statute Chapter 125.0104 (5) to be spent on.

Commissioner Vanessa Baugh said it was disrespectful for Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth to not show up to the county meeting where funding was being requested and to not send a representative in her place.

Titsworth said prior to the meeting that she would be unable to attend due to a conflicting meeting. Holmes Beach Commissioner Jim Kihm was asked to step in for her but was unable to do so due to a conflicting

medical appointment and no other suitable replacement could be found in time for the meeting.

Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge said city leaders should consider the consequences of their actions before asking for help from the county. Van Ostenbridge and Titsworth are currently embroiled in a disagreement over public parking for beachgoers in the Island city.

Falcione said the seawall project had been discussed at length with Holmes Beach city leaders and that the TDC had given the funding its full support, a statement echoed

by Commissioner Misty Servia who serves on the TDC. Holmes Beach leaders argue that the seawall is important to tourism because it’s an erosion control seawall that holds up a section of Marina Drive in the city’s commercial center and provides a pedestrian path and access to numerous tour boats and rentals in the adjacent marina. If the funds had been released, city leaders would have used the money to build additional sidewalks and bicycle paths, which also would be used by tourists. Whitmore suggested city leaders come back to the commission for funding of that idea, which was approved by county commissioners unanimously. However, SEE FUNDING, PAGE 10

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ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

New COVID testing, vaccination site opens in Palmetto

The Florida Department of Health Manatee County and the Florida Division of Emergency Management are teaming up to provide a one-stop alternative for anyone wanting to have a COVID-19 test or receive a vaccination against the coronavirus. The new site, located at the Palmetto Bus Station, 1802 Eighth Ave. W., Palmetto, is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and has PCR and rapid testing along with Moderna two-dose vaccines. No appointments are necessary and all testing and vaccinations are offered free of charge. For more information, call 941-242-6646.

Accounting services sought for Sunshine lawsuit fee recovery At the advice of attorney Robert Watrous, the Bradenton Beach Commission authorized the expenditure of up to $1,000 for accounting services related to the discovery process for the recovery of the $19,760 that Judge Edward Nicholas recently ordered Sunshine Law lawsuit defendant Reed Mapes to pay the city. The ordered payment is partial reimbursement for the attorney fees the city incurred during the civil lawsuit in which the city prevailed in 2019. When presenting the request for authorization on June 3, Mayor John Chappie noted the city clerk and city treasurer have asked the city commission to not spend any unbudgeted funds due to the city’s lack of available funds for the remainder of the current fiscal year that ends Sept. 30.

Rock out at The Center with Steve Augeri of Journey The hits keep coming this summer at The Center of Anna Maria Island with the return of the Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series.

Coming to the stage Thursday, June 17 is former Journey frontman, Steve Augeri.

Bringing a little bit of SUBMITTED rock and soul to the show, Former Journey frontman Augeri will be performing Steve Augeri is bringing the many of the hits that made hits to The Center of Anna Journey famous, including Maria Island.

“Faithfully,” “Don’t Stop Believing” and “Wheel in the Sky.” The concert takes place out on the field at The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria. Tickets are available for $60-75 each and are sold in pods of two to six. Attendees should plan to bring their lawn chairs for the event. Though no outside food or drinks are permitted, The Sandbar will have a cash bar available. Street parking and free valet parking are available. No smoking or vaping will be permitted.

The Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series is presented by the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and The Sandbar Restaurant. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the music starts at 7 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.centerami.org/events.

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JUNE 16, 2021

Some vacation rentals reverting to residences

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH - Anna Maria Island has seen many changes in recent years, including a decrease in permanent residents and a sharp increase in weekly rentals. This inclination has brought on changes such as new parking regulations and noise ordinances, which have sparked debate among residents split on how they feel about these issues. However, there are exceptions, and some neighborhoods are seeing the opposite of what appears to be an Island-wide trend.

“On my street, a few of the duplexes that have been weekly or monthly rentals have transformed back to singlefamily homes; they’re not renting them out,” said Connie Camboni, a resident of Holmes Beach. Camboni has been coming to the Island for more than 50 years and made the permanant move seven years ago. She noted how much the Island has changed in the last decade with more and more weekly visitors compared to even a few years ago.

“The Chief said Holmes Beach had 31,000 cars come through on Memorial Day. Where do they all park?” she asked.

“I know it’s hard for the tourists, but I’m so happy they no longer allow them to park in front of my house in a residential neighborhood,” Camboni said, referring to recent parking regulation changes in Holmes Beach.

“There has to be some kind of balance.”

A Bradenton Beach rental owner, who asked that only his first name - Tom - be used for this story, said he changed some of his units from weekly to annual rentals.

“I didn’t want to give up the revenue that was coming

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Although a few former weekly and monthly rentals have become single-family homes, the trend appears to be more tourists than ever on AMI. in from renting weekly, but I decided to go ahead and let a couple of my condos go annual,” he said, adding that he could make up to $8,000 a month for a weekly rental but was growing tired of the hassle involved in managing multiple weekly units. “It’s just easier, but still profitable to have some of both; but I know for a fact this is unusual on the Island at this time. It’s just too profitable for owners to give up that weekly money.”

City commission meetings are once again open to the public, and anyone wishing to speak about parking, noise concerns, or any other issue is welcome to attend and be heard by commissioners. Camboni stressed that getting involved is the only way to effect change, regardless of which side of the issue one is on.

SUMMER: May be different FROM PAGE 1

anywhere else in Florida or the Gulf coast; seems pretty safe to me. We dealt with some big snow this year, we got our COVID shots and we’re headed to Anna Maria.”

Carte is not alone. Island innkeepers are seeing the number of bookings at resorts and condos being well above anything many have ever seen for the months of June and July. Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is reporting a record number of scheduled visitors to come through their gates in the same period of time.

Trends suggest the large increase in summer bookings is a combination of vaccinations, visitors not being able to travel for more than 14 months (especially from northeastern states), children being out of school and money saved from not traveling during COVID-19 lockdown.

Another factor that could see the Island have a record summer is the possibility that Canada and Europe could ease travel restrictions very soon. The Canadian government is

expected to ease COVID-19 quarantine restrictions in early July.

On June 8, the Biden administration announced it is working with not only Canada, but Mexico, the United Kingdom and the European Union to determine how to lift border restrictions. A timeline for when restrictions will be eased has yet to be established.

If restrictions are eased in July, Canadian and European visitors could keep the busy season going longer than has ever been seen on Anna Maria Island, possibly making 2021 the busiest summer in AMI history.

“I find it amazing that with the threat of red tide, the threat of hurricanes, the sticky heat, and the fact COVID isn’t gone, regardless of how it seems, that this many people want to be here in the summer; it blows my mind,” said Kelly Briscoe, a resident of Holmes Beach.

Briscoe plans to spend the summer in Annapolis, Maryland, where she will still be near the water but away from the storms, heat and other aspects of the Gulf coast she deems “unpleasant.”

The general sentiment is very simple: People not only want, but need a vacation after one of the most difficult years of the 21st century.

“We couldn’t take it anymore; the kids were going crazy and even the dog was tired of us being in his space 24 hours a day,” said Iowa resident Bobby Browning, who was visiting with his family in Anna Maria June 5-12. “My wife was laid off for much of 2020, but is back to work now, and I’ve been working remotely from home for more than a year.”

Browning said his family’s visit to the Island has been quite special.

“This has been our best vacation in a long time,” he said. “The weather’s been perfect, the people have been great, and the beach is beyond awesome. The only issue we’ve run into is the restaurants all seem to be understaffed. We’ve had long waits, and waited much longer to get food than expected. I know it’s a nationwide problem, so we just accept it and keep a positive attitude.”

Browning said he could understand why people would book a trip to Anna Maria Island regardless of the “season” or time of year, adding “This place is paradise.”

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Privateers' Fourth of July parade moved to July 3

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Fourth of July Parade originally scheduled for Sunday, July 4 will now take place Saturday, July 3, instead.

The schedule change was requested by Pastor Ed Moss and other leaders from the CrossPointe Fellowship church in Anna Maria.

The July 3 parade will begin at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach at 10 a.m., proceed through Holmes Beach and end near City Pier Park in Anna Maria.

On Thursday, June 10, the Anna Maria City Commission approved an amended special event that reflects the date change. The Holmes Beach City Commission recently took similar action and the Bradenton Beach City Commission is expected to do so on Thursday, June 17.

CHURCH LETTER

Thursday’s discussion was prompted by a letter Moss sent Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and all five Anna Maria commissioners on Monday, June 7. The letter was sent on behalf of Moss and other CrossPointe Fellowship church leaders.

“We assume the issuing of a parade permit for a Sunday morning was an oversight.

Please rectify this action by changing the permit to Saturday morning, July 3rd, or Sunday afternoon, July 4th.

We have asked the Privateers to request this change. We have a good relationship with the Privateers and appreciate their community involvement,” the letter said.

The Privateers store their “Skullywag” parade and event vessel in the CrossPointe Fellowship parking lot.

“As leaders, we should encourage and protect our country’s long-standing tradition of worship,

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Privateer’s store their “Skullywag” parade vessel at CrossPointe Fellowship. discipleship and church fellowship on Sunday mornings and do nothing to distract from it. A Sunday morning parade would be viewed by some as highly disrespectful. In and around 10 a.m. Sunday, citizens need the roads to access their churches,” Moss’s letter said.

COMMISSION DISCUSSION When addressing the commission, Privateers’

president and parade chairperson Kim Boyd said this was the first Fourth of July to fall on Sunday since she became a Privateer four years ago.

“I can assure you this parade was not scheduled on July Fourth to show disrespect or be malicious in any way to anyone in this community. The Fourth of July means a lot to me, to the Privateers, as well as many Island residents and lovers of this Island – as well

as Americans everywhere for the simple yet profound reason of celebrating our freedom and independence," Boyd said.

"Another freedom we, as Americans, enjoy is the right to worship. It was brought to my attention that our parade on July Fourth would interfere with that freedom and the Island church services and possibly keep parishioners from being able to get to their church because of traffic disruptions. I besiege you to grant the Privateers the permit change and allow us to celebrate our freedom and independence with this community we love so much on Saturday, July 3rd,” Boyd said.

“This is good with all three cities. I think it’s good with you all. I think it’s good with everybody,” Moss told the commission.

Boyd noted the date change could lead to higher law enforcement costs for the Privateers. Boyd said the SEE PRIVATEERS, PAGE 15

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OPINION

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

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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

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 17, 2:30 p.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting June 24, 9 a.m. – Special magistrate hearing June 24, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting

BRADENTON BEACH

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

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

June 16, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting June 17, 10:30 a.m. – City Commission workshop June 17, noon – City Commission meeting June 22, 9 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency budget work meeting

HOLMES BEACH

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

June 22, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow June 25, 9 a.m. – Building Department question and answer session for contractors

ISLAND-WIDE

June 21, 9 a.m. – Manatee County Tourist Development Council meeting, Manatee County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

WEDNESDAY JUNE 16

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

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

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

Non-fiction addiction book club, “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin, Island Branch Library, held on Zoom, 6:30 p.m. Register by emailing brooke. smith@mymanatee.org

THURSDAY JUNE 17

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.

Fiction book club, “All the Little Things” by Sarah Lawton, Island Branch Library, held on Zoom, 10 a.m. Register by emailing callie.hutchison@mymanatee.org.

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

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

Steve Augeri of Journey, The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, doors at 6 p.m. and music starts at 7 p.m., $60-75 per ticket. Visit www.centerami.org/events.

FRIDAY JUNE 18

Seashell Shore Walk, Coquina Beach, south pavilion, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 9 a.m. Reserve to www.eventbrite.com/e/152902127379.

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

SATURDAY JUNE 19

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

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

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JUNE 16, 2021

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Muscatello leaving Anna Maria City Commission The commission will discuss filling or not filling Muscatello’s vacant seat later this month.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Anna Maria City Commissioner Joe Muscatello is vacating his commission seat after the Thursday, June 24 meeting.

Muscatello made this surprise announcement during the commission’s Thursday, June 10 meeting.

“Sometimes in life opportunities present themselves before you’re ready for them, and that has happened to me. I’m announcing that I’m taking a sabbatical from Anna Maria for a while, to renew myself a little. I will be leaving the Island for a while, but I will be back. This is still my Island.

You haven’t seen the last of me, but I’m gonna take a break. I hate to do this. I

had full intentions to fulfill my term. I had no intentions of ever running again. I feel badly about leaving before my term is out, but something has happened. I appreciate working with all of you. It was a strange 18 months I dealt with but I enjoyed every minute of it,” Muscatello told the commission.

Muscatello was appointed to the commission in January 2020. He filled the seat previously vacated by Dale Woodland. Muscatello’s current term was scheduled to end after the November elections.

The commission has not yet decided if or when it will appoint someone to serve the remaining months of Muscatello’s current term. That discussion is expected to take place at the June 24 meeting. On a longer-term basis, Muscatello’s seat is one of three commission seats that will be filled as a result of the November elections. Commis-

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Anna Maria Commissioner Joe Muscatello will soon vacate his commission seat. sion Chair Carol Carter's and Commissioner Mark Short’s current two-year terms also both expire after the November elections.

The two-week qualifying period for Anna Maria Commission candidates will open at noon on Monday, Aug. 16 and close at noon on Friday, Aug. 27.

Mayor Dan Murphy thanked Muscatello for his service.

“Thank you, Joe, for all that you’ve done for us. You were a real breath of fresh air when you came in. You’ve contributed a lot. You’ve done a good job. You took it serious.

You always added a lot and brought a lot of fun to it as well. I really appreciate you

personally, and I appreciate everything you’ve done for the city. You’ve done a great job in a short time,” Murphy said.

Carter said she was caught off guard by Muscatello’s decision.

“Things come up and sometimes you have to jump at an opportunity when you get it. At my age, I’m in the fourth quarter and I’m out of timeouts. I’m ready to try something a little different,” Muscatello said.

Muscatello previously served as a commissioner and as a mayor in his home state of West Virginia. He said the Anna Maria City Commission is the best he’s ever served on.

After the meeting, Muscatello was asked about his pending departure. He said he wasn’t quite ready to divulge any additional details but would be soon. He also said his decision was not based on any health issues.

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JUNE 16, 2021

Red tide persists

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Red tide continues to be detected in Manatee County waters in background to medium levels, according to the most recent Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission weekly report.

Water samples showed medium concentrations of red tide near Port Manatee, very low concentrations at School Key (Key Royale on Anna Maria Island) and the Longboat Pass boat ramp, and background concentrations at Manatee Beach and the Palma

Sola Bay bridge. No red tide was found at the Anna Maria Rod and Reel Pier, an improvement from previous weeks.

Red tide-related fish kills were reported over the past week in Manatee County, however, no respiratory irritation was reported in the 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 sea foam, 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.

SOURCE: FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

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JUNE 16, 2021

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State reviewing Longboat Key’s two-county status The town seeks an independent state review of the challenges created by its current dual-county status.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

LONGBOAT KEY – Manatee County officials have been notified that a state agency is reviewing the possibility that the Town of Longboat Key may be designated as entirely in Sarasota County or Manatee County.

The northern portion of Longboat Key is in Manatee County and the southern portion is in Sarasota County.

On May 27, R. Philip Twogood, coordinator for the Florida Legislature’s Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA), sent written notification of the review to Manatee County Commission Chair Vanessa Baugh. County Administrator Scott Hopes was also copied on the one-page letter.

“At the direction of the Legislature, the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability will examine administrative and fiscal factors related to placing the Town of Longboat Key in either Sarasota or Manatee county. We expect to begin this review immediately. To assure the least disruption to your agency, we would like to meet with you or your representative to discuss the procedures for this review. We will contact your office in the near future to establish an appropriate time and place for the meeting. Thank you for your

GOOGLE EARTH | SUBMITTED

The Town of Longboat Key lies partially within Manatee County and partially within Sarasota County. cooperation,” Twogood’s letter states.

The current county designations result in some Longboat Key property owners paying property taxes to Manatee County and some paying taxes to Sarasota County. The county designations also determine where and how Longboat Key residents vote.

When contacted on Thursday, June 3, Longboat Key Town Manager Tom Harmer said the town was previously notified of the state review.

“We made a request to OPPAGA to review the circumstances around Longboat Key being in two counties.

This was discussed with both Manatee and Sarasota counties and one of our legislative priorities was to ask OPPAGA to do an independent review of the challenges of being in two counties,” Harmer said.

“This has been a topic of discussion for a number of years - the challenges and differences with the property appraisers, the tax collectors, the supervisors of elections and the emergency management offices. There are also differences in how the two county governments are funded and what services they provide here. We’ve done our own review, but this would be an independent review,” Harmer said.

In 2018, the town commission held public hearings on the town’s two-county status. Harmer said no conclusions were drawn from the 2018 hearings.

“We were just presenting the finding to both county commissions, so we had joint meetings with both Sarasota County and Manatee County. We looked at the differences and some of the challenges we face. One thing that

did come out of those hearings was related to emergency management.

Both counties agreed that we shouldn’t report to two different counties during an emergency, like a hurricane.

The two sheriffs may have different curfews. The two counties may have different evacuations and reentry timings. We entered into a three-party agreement a little over a year ago that says during an active state of emergency we report through Sarasota County. This applied to the COVID pandemic too,” Harmer said.

“We’ve had discussions with Manatee County and looked for ways to partner with them financially. They agreed to partner with us on our beach renourishment project,” Harmer said.

Harmer provided The Sun with a copy of a March 2021 town presentation titled “Two Counties Challenges.” The presentation notes the total millage rate imposed on Manatee County property owners was 13.87 mills in 2020, compared to 11.7 mills for Sarasota County property owners.

“There’s been no discussion with the town commission on a preference.

We’ve provided what we think is factual information to say here’s the difference in the millage rate, here’s the difference in services, here’s the difference in grant opportunities, school board funding and how working with the West Coast Inland Navigation District differs in both counties. The residents have not taken a vote and the commission has not taken a formal position on a particular county at this point,” Harmer said.

SEE LONGBOAT, PAGE 14

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THE SUN

FUNDING: Denied FROM PAGE 3

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said that project was previously shot down for funding by Falcione.

Another concern was that the seawall request to county commissioners didn’t explicitly say there was a city match to the funding. So far, Tokajer said the city is spending $1,581,433 on the city center project including the seawall, pedestrian paths, bicycle lanes, lights and landscaping.

During a June 8 Holmes Beach commission meeting, city commissioners discussed the refusal of their funding request, noting that rentals in Holmes Beach have contributed $30,187,388.29 of the total $42,170,953.57 collected in tourist development tax in Manatee County over the past 10 years. That equals about 70% of the total collected bed tax coming from Holmes Beach while the city has received $100,000 of those dollars in funding for Grassy Point Preserve in the past decade.

“They’ve made us into the largest tourist attraction in Manatee County,” Tokajer said.

“They should have to pay for enforcement and infrastructure.”

The county gave $50,000 in the current fiscal year to the city for police patrol and response at the county-owned Manatee Beach. More than 30,000 cars a day come

to Holmes Beach on weekends during the summer, Tokajer said.

While Titsworth said she felt “the writing was on the wall” with Van Ostenbridge and his lack of support for city funding due to the ongoing parking issues, Commissioner Carol Soustek said that with all the people coming to Holmes Beach the county should have been better prepared to help deal with the resulting issues after advertising the city as a vacation destination.

“There’s nothing being done by the state or county to address the growth they’re encouraging,” she said, adding that she’s tired of issues getting pushed down the line to the next elected official. Rather than worrying about parking, she suggested county and state leaders be concerned about whether the area’s infrastructure, including pipes, clean water supply and seawalls, can handle the extra strain put on it by inviting so many additional people to one place.

One thing Holmes Beach commissioners agreed on though is that they all support Titsworth as the city’s leader in discussions with the county.

“Thanks, you guys,” Titsworth said. “It’s been a hard week and I really appreciate your support.”

JUNE 16, 2021

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JUNE 16, 2021

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County commission supports Mote Marine on City Pier A date has not yet been established for the interior construction work to begin.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The Manatee County Commission approved the city of Anna Maria’s $500,000 funding request to help create a Mote Marine Education Outreach Center on the City Pier.

On Tuesday, June 8, county commissioners voted 7-0 in favor of the city using up to $500,000 in tourist tax funds to pay for the interior buildout and installation of a Mote Marine facility inside a vacant city-owned pier building.

The outreach center will be located in the larger pier building originally intended for use as a full-service restaurant. In the smaller pier building and the surrounding tables and benches, the City Pier Grill already offers casual outdoor dining on the pier.

Mote Marine will pay the additional $50,000 estimated to be needed to complete the interior buildout and install the exhibits. Mote will then spend approximately $440,000 per year to staff and operate the facility at minimal cost to the city, with free admission for the public.

COUNTY SUPPORT

When addressing the county commission, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy first thanked the commission for the financial support previously provided for the pier replacement project.

“We look at it as a tremendous opportunity for us,” Murphy said, of the Mote Marine facility and the latest city-county funding partnership.

County Commissioner Misty Servia chairs the Tourist Development

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Mote Marine facility will be located inside this city-owned pier building.

Council that recommended approval of the funding request. Servia said she’s excited about the educational and tourist development opportunities the Mote Marine facility will provide, and she later made the motion to approve the request.

“I’m a huge supporter and proponent of this project," Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge said. "My family spent a lot of time out at the City Pier. It’s something everyone in the county can enjoy. There’s no admission and it’s really specific to that location. This is exactly what we should be using the bed tax dollars for.”

“This is tourist-related, so I support it 100%,” Commissioner Carol Whitmore said, noting she used to hang out on the old pier with Van Ostenbridge’s relatives.

“Is there going to be any issues with parking?” she asked.

“There’s going to be issues with parking no matter what we do. But we are looking into consideration of a water taxi,” Murphy said, about a discussion that took place a few minutes earlier regarding a dock expansion project in Bradenton Beach.

“Is your commission supportive of a water taxi?” Whitmore asked.

Murphy said the city commission has not yet weighed in on that issue.

Van Ostenbridge asked if the city has a parking agreement with Roser Memorial Community Church. Murphy said the city does not, but Mote Marine might agree with the church for a valet parking program.

“This is a great project, a very good use of space,” Commissioner George Kruse said.

Commission Chair Vanessa Baugh said she recently had coffee with Mote Marine President and CEO Michael Crosby.

“He is very excited about this project and so am I,” she said.

Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione said the Mote Marine facility aligns well with the county’s recently launched “Love It Like a Local” campaign that encourages visitors to respect Anna Maria Island’s residents and natural resources. He also said restaurant owner Ed Chiles plans to partner with Mote Marine on seagrass restoration and clam restoration projects at the City Pier.

Falcione said County Administrator Scott Hopes recently tasked him and Public Works Director Chad Butzow to work on a water taxi program, which among other things would transport local students to the Island for field trips.

“To think a water taxi might happen soon is exciting,” Baugh said of that long-desired service.

CITY DISCUSSION

When addressing the Anna Maria Commission Thursday afternoon, Murphy said, “There are a few pieces that have to fall in place before we can actually start construction.”

He said the city and county still need to enter into an interlocal agreement that formalizes the financial support. That agreement will require county commission approval when those commissioners return from their annual summer break on July 27.

Based upon a previous memorandum of understanding, Murphy said the city and Mote Marine also need to create a construction contract and a separate lease contract for the city building.

SHOP LOCAL

SEE MOTE, PAGE 27

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JUNE 16, 2021

Island loses dear friend in Courtney Call Courtney Call was a beloved member of the Anna Maria Island community.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – Anna Maria Island lost a good friend with the recent passing of Courtney Call.

Call, 43, was a Holmes Beach resident who spent several years working as a bartender at the Anchor Inn in Holmes Beach and TommyKnockers Saloon in Bradenton Beach. She leaves behind her 16-year-old son, JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Matthew Curry.

Courtney Call, (fifth from right/ Christina Redden created a black T-shirt), was tending bar at GoFundMe fundraising account TommyKnockers in June 2020 when for Matthew.

Florida’s bars were allowed to reopen “On Saturday, June 5th, we lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. She a beautiful soul, Courtney Call. leaves behind many family members Courtney passed suddenly in her and friends who loved her. sleep overnight, leaving behind her 16-year-old son, Matthew.

Properties, had one property This page was created in advocacy owner donate a two-night, DC FANS! TOUCH FREE of Matthew for his mother's VOICE CONTROL! Reduce Your weekend stay at a beachfront cremation and for his financial home; and Jeff Higgins is helping A/C Bill needs moving forward. Any and us set up an online auction. all contributions are greatly Check the Anchor Inn’s Facebook appreciated. Many thanks to all page for fundraiser updates andNow Select Models for your love and support,” says donation opportunities.” the statement Redden posted When asked about Call’s Parts &on the fundraising page. Services Available passing, TommyKnockers’ owner The GoFundMe page can be Frank Commendatore said, “I found at: https://au.gofundme. loved her like family. That fiery com/f/courtney-call-memorialredhead will be sorely missed. benefitting-matthew-curry.

She was a beautiful, kind-hearted A celebration of life will be soul.” held at TommyKnockers Saloon in Bradenton Beach at 6 p.m. on COURTNEY REMEMBERED Friday, June 18 – with a sunset Call’s passing prompted several memorial on the beach across the Facebook posts from those who street from the Wicked Cantina knew and loved her. and TommyKnockers.

In her post, Pamela Lazaroff The Anchor Inn in Holmes wrote, “Our friend Courtney Call Beach will host a small memorial had one of the biggest hearts on ceremony and a large fundraising the Island! She will be greatly event and auction for Matthew atON FANS missed!

Feels have $ like PRICED 299.99 we & UP 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 23. misplaced a key puzzle piece in .99 $ OR 29 INSTALL ON FANS PRICED $99 to $299 SOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY. BRING THIS AD INTO STORE FOR DETAILS. PRIOR According to Anchor Inn our community.

To honor her,SALES we EXCLUDED. NOT COMBINED WITH OTHER OFFERS. DAN'S FAN CITY, LLC LIC#EC13004528 owner Darla Tingler, Matthew can support each other and carry was visiting family members in on her unwavering kindness to Maine at the time of his mother’s those around us.” passing. Tingler said Call worked Patrick Hannigan’s Facebook off and on at the Anchor Inn for post said, “Courtney was one of eight years. the first people I met on the Island, “Courtney would do anything she introduced me to many good for anybody. She would help people, told me ‘who was who,’ someone else before she took care helped with whatever came up of herself,” Tingler said. and always had food and water Regarding the June 23 for Tulley (the lab) at TK's so he fundraiser, Tingler said, “We’ve wouldn't feel left out. She made a had a tremendous response to our fellow ‘Yank’ feel very welcome on request for donations. William AMI! Terrible, terrible loss to the Annis, from Island Vacation Island, condolences to all.”

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Billy Lavelle’s Facebook post said, “She was way too young to leave. Courtney always put everyone else first – sometimes too much, but that was Courtney.

If someone needed to eat, she fed them. If someone needed a ride somewhere, Courtney would take them. If you just needed a phone call or a visit, Courtney was there.

She had a heart as big as the moon. The few times she would express her anger, that Boston Irish accent would come out and was quite funny to listen to. I will miss you. Fly High with all the angels up in Heaven. Say Hi to Jimmy Heat, Kyle, Rich, Sabrina and all the others gone too soon.”

In her Facebook post, Call’s cousin, Lindsey Umeh, wrote, “She was just a couple months older than me. She was one tough cookie who always spoke her mind and was unapologetic for it. I admired that. She was a great mom to her son and did whatever needed to be done. She lived a tough life but never made excuses. She loved family. I absolutely took for granted her age and time because I thought she had decades left. My heart absolutely breaks for her son and brother. Love ya Court! Hope you’re causing a ruckus already! I have no doubts that you are...”

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KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Co-owner of the Angelinos Sea Lodge Lynn Tran pleads her and husband Richard Hazen’s case before the Holmes Beach special magistrate during a June 11 hearing.

Treehouse owners consider removal ‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE

Owner Lynn Tran said she and her husband are considering removal of their beachfront treehouse if they don’t prevail in court.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Owners of the Angelinos Sea Lodge Lynn Tran and Richard Hazen had a busy week with a court hearing and a special magistrate hearing to attend.

The most dramatic of the two was the June 11 special magistrate hearing in the city of Holmes Beach when Tran broke down in tears defending herself and Hazen, who were accused of renting their four vacation rental units at Angelinos Sea Lodge without valid vacation rental certificates.

Though Tran admitted on the record they are continuing to rent the units, she said it’s unfair of the city to lump the resolution of the fight over the couple’s beachfront treehouse in with the business they’ve been operating for 21 years.

The couple is caught in a Catch-22 because city leaders won’t renew their vacation rental certificates until code issues on the property are resolved. Those issues include paying the fines assessed due to the treehouse, which Tran says they can't do without their source of income - the money they get from renting the four vacation rental units.

For the first time in the 10 years since its construction, Tran publicly said she and Hazen are considering removing the treehouse just to end the issues between SEE TREEHOUSE, PAGE 26

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THE SUN

JUNE 16, 2021

LONGBOAT: State reviewing two-county status FROM PAGE 9

“This is really an act of the state Legislature. It’s the state Legislature that would approve it. That’s not something the town can do. Anything that we would do would be more of a non-binding straw ballot or survey. The state is the only one that can move county boundaries,” Harmer said.

Harmer was asked if the facts favor one county over the other.

“It’s a little bit of apples and oranges the way the counties are funded and how we interact with them. That’s why we want to present this to the state Legislature.

We want to present the two different financial models for the counties and how it impacts us. We’re looking to the state for

recommendations or options on how we address some of these concerns. Some of the concerns are about duplication, some are financial. We’re looking for the state to tell us what we can do and what we should do. Our residents may have different views, the counties may have different views, so why not go to the state and ask for a review of the circumstances and their thoughts on our options,” Harmer said.

“In their notice to us, they said they were moving forward immediately and wanted to complete the report in September. We appreciate them taking this on,” Harmer said.

According to Harmer, the current population of Longboat Key is about 7,200 residents.

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JUNE 16, 2021

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15

PRIVATEERS: Fourth of July parade moved to July 3 FROM PAGE 5

Manatee County Sheriff ’s Office deputies who agreed to escort the July 4 parade on an off-duty basis are not available on July 3. She said Florida Highway Patrol troopers are available that day, but their services would cost approximately $720, which is about double what the sheriff ’s deputies would cost.

Boyd said Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer volunteered to escort the parade through all three cities. Murphy noted that, unlike sheriff ’s deputies and Florida Highway Patrol troopers, Tokajer doesn’t have law enforcement jurisdiction in Anna Maria. Murphy said he would check on that with the city attorney. He recommended commission approval of a modified special event permit, with the caveat that some type of bona fide professional law enforcement personnel accompany the parade.

On Friday, Murphy said the

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The CrossPointe Fellowship church in Anna Maria is located along the Gulf Drive parade route. law enforcement will have to be provided by the Sheriff ’s Office or the Florida Highway Patrol.

Commissioner Jon Crane said the next time the Fourth of July falls on a Sunday he would like the parade

held later that day: “I’d like to see it at a different time of day so people can pray and then salute the flag on July Fourth.”

Commissioner Joe Muscatello asked if the parade could be held on

Monday, July 5. Boyd said it could not because she and several other Privateers have to work that day.

Commissioner Mark Short noted Saturday is check-in and checkout day for most of the Island’s vacation rentals – which may also impact some businesses’ ability to participate in the parade.

Matthew Grunfeld, Rector of the Church of The Annunciation in Holmes Beach, said, “I wish to express my thanks to the city officials here in Anna Maria, the city officials in the other cities and the Privateers for making this amendment to the parade time.”

Commission Chair Carol Carter said she didn’t realize the Fourth of July was on a Sunday when the commission initially approved the Privateers’ special event permit. The commission unanimously supported the requested date change.

- Jason Schaffer contributed to this report.

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JUNE 16, 2021

941.779.2337 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM 7 DAYS A WEEK 5344 3 GULF DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH

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JUNE 16, 2021

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OUTDOORS

JUNE 16, 2021

Seeing is believing Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

P

olarized lenses are one of the angler’s best tools. They not only help fishermen avoid eye fatigue but also allow their vision to pierce the water’s surface.

These lenses are so important that odds are you won’t find a serious angler who doesn’t own a couple of pairs.

When anglers discuss polarized sunglasses, they’re usually concerned with the color of the lenses. Color is important, but it’s just one of the choices that you’ll need to make to get the most from your sunglasses. In general, sunglasses reduce the amount of visible light allowed to pass through the lens and enter the eye. Polarized lenses actually cut reflected glare and allow the angler to see below the water's surface, a definite advantage when sight fishing or looking for signs of fish.

The reduction of glare has another beneficial component.

The eye functions like a camera and must adjust to varying light levels. On a bright day, the pupil constricts, muting light levels. Polarized lenses help eliminate reflected

glare, so the remaining light falls in a much narrower range of intensity. The eyes can then relax, allowing greater depth perception and truer color contrast.

When choosing polarized glasses, you have a number of options: Cheap versus expensive; glass versus (polycarbonate) plastic; cast in polarization versus laminated; and the color of the lenses.

The lowest quality are the so-called “rack glasses,” the kind you find in the local pharmacy. These are better than no sunglasses, but you should buy the best pair you can afford.

Anglers have the option of choosing glass or plastic lenses. Glass lenses provide better visual acuity (clarity) than plastic and are more scratch-resistant. However, glass lenses are heavier.

Whether you choose glass or plastic sunglasses, your primary considerations will be frame style and lens color. Choose a frame that is comfortable and one that helps block out extraneous light.

Lens color is the most important choice after you’ve chosen a comfortable pair of quality polarized sunglasses.

Anglers who fish blue water and spend long hours over the open sea should buy grey lenses.

Grey provides natural contrast and minimizes color distortion.

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

Polarized sunglasses helped Benny Parrish spot the pothole this redfish was feeding in.

For flats fishermen, brown/ amber lenses are the best choice when sight fishing in shallow water. Brown/amber lenses offer a brighter field of vision, better visual acuity, and excellent color contrast.

Other colors that flats fishermen might consider are vermillion and copper. These colors heighten visual acuity and enhance color. They also deliver a brighter field of vision and are excellent for flat and low-light conditions.

Several of the top

manufacturers of sunglasses feature technologies that further increase the effectiveness of polarized lenses. Recent advancements include coatings that prevent fogging, enhance contrast, and lighten or darken as light levels vary during the course of a day. These photochromatic lenses are more versatile and provide better visual acuity in changing lighting conditions.

When you choose a pair of polarized glasses, follow these broad guidelines while

experimenting to find the color that works best for you in your particular fishing situation.

Buy the best pair of glasses you can afford and keep them clean and in a protective case when not in use. By choosing a quality product with the proper color, you’ll greatly expand your fishing horizon while protecting your most valuable asset, your vision. When you see the difference a quality pair of polarized lenses can make, you’ll quickly be a believer.

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JUNE 16, 2021

THE SUN

19

Offshore bite filling coolers CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE

The conditions for offshore fishing have been awesome the last week or so. With red snapper, gag grouper, and virtually every species aside from amberjack and triggerfish open, it’s been nice to fill the coolers for our clients. It seems to be a great year for going deep. We’re getting quite the variety of fish, including black grouper and even big Wahoo. Unfortunately, it looks like the winds are going to pick up a bit. It may keep us from getting out there for a few days.

We’re also still getting our share of tarpon. The new moon was helpful for anglers trying to land that bucket list fish of a lifetime. Crabs and herring are our primary baits.

The mangrove snapper, snook, trout, redfish and sharks are the targets for our inshore trips lately. The Mangrove snapper are getting bigger in the bay. So we’ve been able to get some nice meals on our inshore trips as well. Good luck out there. Let’s hope our water quality will remain good as the summer storms start rolling in.

CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE | SUBMITTED

Longtime Island resident Dave Bouchard hoists a red snapper in the 12-14-lb. range. Caught with Captain David White of Anna Maria Charters.

ALGAE: Piney Point link explored FROM PAGE 1

“I have never in 58 years seen it this sick,” she said. “There is no life.”

Fishing guides have long frequented Tampa Bay waters between the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and Port Manatee, where the discharge occurred, said Rusty Chinnis, The Sun’s outdoor columnist.

“There was never red tide there, and now there is,” he said. “I believe it’s a smoking gun.”

The blue-green algae, lyngbya, is not a new occurrence locally, but has been worsened by the Piney Point spill, he said.

“Did the Piney Point spills cause the lyngbya blooms or red tide problems we’re seeing? No. But are the nutrients from those discharges likely making it worse? Yes,” said Dr. David Tomasko, executive director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program.

“Piney Point added about 200 tons of nitrogen and about 100 tons of phosphorus to our local waters,” he said. “We don’t know where it all went, but it appears that a substantial amount of that nitrogen could have ended up

in the macroalgae we are now seeing throughout Anna Maria Sound.”

Algae blooms have been appearing and shifting in Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico since shortly after the Piney Point discharge, according to Ed Sherwood, executive director of the Tampa Bay Estuary Program.

“I suspect that these different blooms are capitalizing on the 200+ tons of nitrogen circulating in Tampa Bay, upper Sarasota Bay and the nearshore Gulf beaches stemming from the original discharge event,” he said.

“That is, the nutrients are now cycling through the bay’s ecology and the latest red tide and lyngbya blooms are a manifestation of more nutrients being available in these waters in comparison to a ‘normal’ dry season.”

Dr. Kristen Buck, chemical oceanographer at the University of South Florida College of Marine Science in St. Petersburg, disagrees.

“At this point, we simply do not have data to support a direct cause-andeffect relationship between the Piney Point discharge and the occurrence of

the red tide, which is, of course, being detected at several sites within Tampa Bay but also along parts of the Gulf coast,” she said. “Nutrient chemistry in seawater is a complex issue, and this is certainly true for Tampa Bay. Red tides are also a complex phenomenon.”

As water quality decreases, the spotlight is on responsibility for the damage.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has advised the owners of Piney Point, HRK Holdings LLC, that the state’s emergency order regarding the incident has expired and that “the company is expected to meet its legal responsibilities as site owner and operator to manage the site to ensure the integrity of the stack system and protect the health, safety and welfare of the public and the environment. DEP remains committed to its stringent regulatory oversight of the facility and to holding HRK accountable for the recent events at the site through all possible legal means.”

HRK filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2011 after an accidental spill of wastewater from Piney Point into Tampa Bay.

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www.amisun.com

Beachfront, award-winning rooms As long as you’re getting married on the beach, why not stay on the beach?

Bungalow Beach Resort, 2000 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, has won the Top Romance award in the US by tripadvisor.com, and it is located right on the beach – the perfect place to escape between the rehearsal dinner, the ceremony and the reception.

With the Gulf of Mexico just steps from your lushly landscaped cedar bungalow, it’s a great place for an extended stay after the bride and groom leave for their honeymoon.

If the bride and groom want to continue their stay, Bungalow Beach Resort, which also won the 2013 Excellence Award from tripadvisor.com, is a very popular honeymoon destination.

Originally a group of beachfront army barracks, each of the Bungalow Beach Resort units retains the old Florida charm that is Anna Maria Island, with modern conveniences inside. And you will stay in luxury with personal touches like baskets of embroidered towels, flowers and candy. Whether you’re getting married or part of the wedding party, pick award-winning Bungalow Beach Resort as your home base where you will cherish those moments when you’re not involved with the ceremony. You’ll want to return when there is nothing to distract you from your stay.

Call Bungalow Beach Resort at 1-800-779-3601 or log onto www.bungalowbeach.com.

JUNE 16, 2021

JUNE 16, 2021

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THE SUN

DARA CAUDILL | WWW.ISLANDPHOTOGRAPHY.ORG

Jenna Gutowski and Landon Pahle were married at the Sandbar restaurant on April 28, 2021. Chuck Caudill provided the music for the ceremony and reception.

Molly Powers of the Sandbar coordinated the wedding and reception. Jenna and Landon honeymooned on Anna Maria Island, before returning home to Green Bay, Wisconsin.

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THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

JUNE 16, 2021

The explosion of the millions

A

s we all know, the real estate market has gone from fundamentally shut down to an unparalleled explosion of demand for housing all over the country, and particularly in Florida. Buyers and real estate professionals are trying to maneuver their way through the maze of historic low inventory and pent-up buyer activity. The result of all this is outsized prices pushing buyers and creating bidding wars.

Recently, buyers have added different strategies to set themselves apart. For instance, cash is king, and if you have it or can borrow it, your offer will put you in the top tier of buyers.

Buyers love non-contingency offers; that means no mortgage as we discussed, but also no home inspection. It’s a good strategy if you’re comfortable with the property, especially if you know something about home construction.

One of the newest strategies out there in this market is an escalation clause in your offer. To be competitive, buyers are

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER stipulating that they will top any offer from another buyer up to a certain level. This at least keeps you in the game and allows you to improve your offer.

In addition, it’s always important to be flexible, but in this market, it’s essential.

Get yourself in a position to change your desired closing date to fit the schedule of the seller as well as accepting any little quirky changes that may come up.

Finally, don’t wait if a new property comes on the market – be prepared to act quickly.

Now let’s look at the million-dollar-andover market in the three cities on Anna Maria Island and in Cortez. This analysis will cover February, March and April closed sales as reported on the Manatee

County Property Appraiser’s website and properties that are currently on the market or pending from realtor.com.

Cortez closed three properties over $1 million; one for $2,250,000, one for $1,215,000 and one for $1,075,000. The last three-month analysis showed two properties over $1 million.

The city of Anna Maria closed 31 properties; one for $4 million, three for $3 million or over, five over $2 million and 22 at $1 million or over. The last analysis showed that Anna Maria closed 41 properties.

The combined cities of Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach closed 58 properties; two over $4 million, two over $3 million, 10 over $2 million and 44 at $1 million or over.

Last time, 39 properties were closed.

Available and pending properties as of this writing are, of course, a blowout again, so here we go: Cortez has a property listed at $4,750,000, the highest I have ever seen for a single-family home, and there is land listed for $1,300,000. The new development,

Hunters Point, has seven properties listed from $1,300,000 to $785,000, three of them over $1 million. Last time, Cortez had three.

The city of Anna Maria has 46 properties over $1 million; one over $6 million, two over $5 million, two over $4 million, three over $3 million, 14 over $2 million and 24 over $1 million. The lowest-priced available property in the city is $995,000. Last time Anna Maria had 31 properties available.

Finally, the combined cities of Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach had 67 properties listed or pending over $1 million; one over $6 million, two over $5 million, two over $4 million, six over $3 million, 20 over $2 million and 36 over $1 million.

I’ve decided that after 15 months of ending my column with “stay safe,” it’s time to put this phrase to bed. Not that we still shouldn’t protect ourselves and our family from COVID-19, I just feel it’s time to be more positive. Besides, we now have a new “stay safe” to contend with - hurricanes.

Here’s hoping we have a safe season.

JUNE 16, 2021

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OBITUARIES

BEACH BEAT HOLMES BEACH

Courtney Ann Call Holmes Beach resident Courtney Ann Call, 43, passed away on June 5, 2021. She was preceded by her mother, Kathleen, her father, Edward Call, and her beloved stepfather, Kevin Sheen. She leaves behind her son, Matthew Curry (16), her forever love, as well as her boyfriend, Dave Smith (Fla.), her brother, Scott Call (Mass.) and her stepsister, Jean Irish (Maine).

Courtney was born in Boston, Mass., On Sept. 14, 1977. She shared her time between Billerica, Mass., with her father, and Quincy, Mass., with her mother and beloved stepfather. This is where she gave birth to the love of her life, Matthew.

Courtney and Matthew moved from Massachusetts to Florida in 2007.

This changed their lives. Courtney came alive when she landed on Anna Maria Island. She wanted Matthew to live the “Island life” and grow up near the beach in a small, tight-knit community of friends and neighbors.

That is exactly what they found.

Courtney was giving and loving

THE SUN

and she welcomed all. She felt like she had found “her people,” and her family here. More than anything else, she was loved back by the same community she gave so much to.

As the Island mourns “their heart of the Island,” be comforted knowing that it is true that when we leave this world the measure of a person’s life and worth is that the love they gave is equaled or exceeded by the love they received.

A celebration of life will be held at TommyKnockers Saloon in Bradenton Beach at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 18 – with a sunset memorial on the beach across the street from the Wicked Cantina and TommyKnockers.

The Anchor Inn in Holmes Beach will host a small memorial ceremony and a large fundraising event for Matthew at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 23.

5/28, 1:16 p.m., alcohol ordinance violation, 51st Street beach access.

Two males with alcohol on the beach were cited and the alcohol was removed.

5/28, 1:20 p.m., alcohol ordinance violation, 50th Street beach access.

A lone male was drinking beer and

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the officer issued him an ordinance violation citation.

5/28, marijuana ordinance violation, 600 Manatee Ave. A driver in an accident produced marijuana when the officer told her he smelled it in her car.

5/29, 10:56 p.m., driving without a proper license, 2800 Gulf Drive. The officer stopped the golf cart because it was overloaded and found the driver had a learner’s permit and there was no licensed adult in the cart as required by law. The driver was ticketed and the cart was towed.

Zoning review continues At 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 16, Building Official Steve Gilbert, City Planner Luis Serna and the Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board will continue their discussions about amending the city’s future land use maps and/ or zoning maps to make them consistent with one another. Once the planning and zoning board completes its preliminary review and recommendation process, the recommended map revisions will be presented to the city commission for further discussion

before any final public hearings are scheduled. The proposed map revisions could negatively impact some Bradenton Beach property owners and positively impact others, depending on which revisions the city commission ultimately adopts. Wednesday’s meeting will also include discussion about the intent of the city’s land development code as it pertains to lot coverage, open space requirements and permeable pavement systems.

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www.amisun.com

THE SUN

JUNE 16, 2021

Celebrate World Sea Turtle Day

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

HOLMES BEACH – There is something special to celebrate on World Sea Turtle Day, Wednesday, June 16.

Loggerhead sea turtle Bortie may have nested near 35th Street on June 6, according to the Sea Turtle Conservancy, which is tracking her using a satellite tag.

Bortie laid a nest three years ago, in June 2018, on Coquina Beach, where the organization satellite-tagged her in partnership with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring and Bortell’s Lounge, for which she was named.

She “competed” in the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s 11th Annual Tour de Turtles in 2018, placing 10th out of 13 contestants with 351 logged miles.

While there’s no way to know for sure if Bortie laid a nest last week or just came ashore and decided against it, possibly because of too many lights, it’s another piece of evidence that sea turtles often return to the same beach to nest, which is thought to be the beach where they hatched.

WORLD SEA TURTLE DAY

World Sea Turtle Day highlights the importance of sea turtles, according to the Conservancy, which was founded

by Dr. Archie Carr, the “father of sea turtle biology.” Carr,

whose June 16 birthday was chosen for the special day, did research and advocacy work that brought attention to the threatening conditions that continue to impact sea turtles, and helped create the community that continues to strive for a better future for sea turtles.

Dr. Carr realized early on what many know today about the importance of sea turtles, according to the Conservancy: Sea turtles, which have been nesting on beaches since dinosaurs roamed the Earth, contribute to the well-being of sea life and the environment. For example, leatherbacks and hawksbills help keep the populations of jellyfish and sponges in check. Green sea turtles eat seagrass, which needs to be kept short to ensure it is healthy and continues to grow, providing a habitat for the breeding and development of many species of fish.

“It is important that we continue to do what is necessary to preserve these magnificent animals that have been around for 110 million years to guarantee that they stick around for another 110 million years,” according to the Conservancy.

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.

SEA TURTLE CONSERVANCY | SUBMITTED

Bortie came ashore on Anna Maria Island on June 6.

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

• Don’t use wish lanterns or fireworks; they litter the beach and Gulf.

• 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 888404-FWCC (3922).

There has never been a better time to sell your property

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3314 Sabal Cove Lane $2,750,000 Steve Wexler 941.586.1124

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9828 2nd NW Terrace $1,850,000 Jackie Kleppinger 941.320.0049

7511 Westmoreland Drive $349,000 Peter Laughlin 941.356.8428

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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.

www.amisun.com

JUNE 16, 2021

PARKING: Tensions mount FROM PAGE 1

discussion about parking. During the meeting, both sides aired some of their grievances and agreed to work to find solutions.

Titsworth said she’s concerned about the lack of communication between the county and city and some of the inaccurate information being shared as fact at county commission meetings and with the media concerning parking in Holmes Beach.

The city has 1,261 non-permit public parking spaces, including some on residential streets and at beach ends in residential neighborhoods. There also are 642 permit-only spots open to residents of the Island city until 5 p.m. daily. All of these parking spaces are located a quarter-mile or less from the beach. When Holmes Beach leaders created the permit-only spaces on residential streets following COVID-19 closures in 2020, it was the implementation of a city plan that had been in the works for several years. It also eliminated 497 parking spaces citywide. The city needs 476 public parking spaces to qualify for beach renourishment funds.

Titsworth said the parking changes were implemented to help residents who were having a difficult time with beachgoers parking on residential streets. Some of the issues include noise, trespassing, trash and people using residential properties as restrooms and using outdoor hoses

for showers, noting that no facilities are available outside of Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach. She said it also creates a safety problem as there are no lifeguards present outside of the public beach boundaries.

Sticking to her guns, Titsworth said the city would provide no additional public parking and that it’s up to the county to do so. She added that she’s provided Hopes with the name of a commercial property owner seeking to sell the former Bank of America location on Manatee Avenue, with the suggestion that the county could purchase the property and use it for beach parking. Currently, the city’s codes have no provision for a parking garage to be built.

Van Ostenbridge responded that if additional lifeguards are needed outside of the public beach, it would be up to the city to provide them.

To combat parking issues, he said he would contact Holmes Beach churches to see if they would be willing to provide public parking on their properties. It would require a change in city codes and two public hearings to allow for public parking at local churches for non-church functions.

During a June 8 city commission meeting, Father Matthew Grunfeld, of the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, said his congregation has no interest in being put in the middle of the county and city fight over parking.

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

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

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 9235 43rd Terrace W 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,482 Sq. Ft. Erica Thomas 941-799-9365 A4502020 $614,500

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

PALMETTO 615 Riviera Dunes Way 205 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,696 Sq. Ft. Cheryl Roberts 941-266-1450 A4497161 $369,000

THE SUN

At Anna Maria Elementary School, Van Ostenbridge agreed the county would look into supplying a restroom trailer on the property and would contact the Florida Department of Transportation about providing flashing crosswalk signage for the crosswalk at Gulf Drive. Titsworth pointed out that vehicles stopping for pedestrians could cause vehicular traffic delays.

The county representatives also agreed to reach out to FDOT concerning the traffic patterns on stoplights leading down Manatee Avenue to the public beach.

Holmes Beach Commissioner Jayne Christenson maintains that part of the problem on the Island isn’t lack of parking but an issue with the timing of the traffic light at Manatee Avenue and East Bay Drive, something the city’s been trying to work with the county and FDOT to have remedied for months.

TUESDAY TANGLE

The stalemate between the two sides was short-lived.

During a June 8 Manatee County Commission meeting, the city of Holmes Beach was under consideration for potential tourist development funding.

While one smaller project was approved by commissioners, a second larger one was not. Van Ostenbridge took a moment before voting to say that city leaders need to consider the consequences of their actions before voting against providing funding to the city.

Mayor Judy Titsworth was not at the

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county meeting due to a prior obligation.

During a Holmes Beach commission meeting held the same day, commissioners and the mayor all expressed their displeasure with the decision.

Commissioners Terry Schaefer and Christenson both said they’d agreed to meet with Van Ostenbridge to listen to what he has to say but that they wouldn’t be attempting to broker a deal on the city’s behalf. Christenson also said she would be meeting with Hopes and County Commissioner Carol Whitmore.

“We finally poked the bear hard enough that they’re finally listening to us,” Christenson said. Prior to being a commissioner, Christenson worked with two committees to address parking and traffic in Holmes Beach. She noted that the first presentation of the parking committee concerning residential street parking took place in 2014.

Commissioner Jim Kihm said he feels the county should be more proactive in planning for future growth rather than putting pressure on the city to make up for a lack of planning. Even if city leaders added back the lost 497 spaces, with more than 10,000 people moving to Manatee County every year and an average of 30,000 vehicles coming on to the Island every weekend day looking for parking, adding a few hundred spaces won’t solve the problem, he said.

Kihm said city and county leaders need to have more dialogue and come up with real solutions and the financing to pay for them to address parking and traffic concerns.

LONGBOAT KEY 531 Harbor Cay Drive 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,396 Sq. Ft. Maureen Horn 941-539-3384 A4494952 $3,800,000

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

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

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PARRISH 11245 82nd Street E 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,489 Sq. Ft. Jody Shinn 941-705-5704 A4502075 $300,000

PALMA SOLA BAY CLUB 3420 77th Street Circle W 203 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,857 Sq. Ft. Pamela Miller 614-632-2801 A4499769 $563,000

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

941.896.9981 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

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THE SUN

www.amisun.com

TREEHOUSE: Owners consider demolition FROM PAGE 13

them and city leaders, though she said that isn’t something that can be done overnight. She also added they’re awaiting final verdicts in all three of the pending court cases concerning the treehouse before making a final decision about its removal.

Tran said they’re willing to work with the city to come to a reasonable solution to the problems.

The couple was denied renewal of their vacation rental certificates in late 2020 due to the outstanding code violation on the property, namely the continued existence of the treehouse in its beachfront Australian pine-andtelephone-pole perch and the more than $200,000 in fines accumulated against it. City leaders say the matter of the treehouse needs to be resolved and the fines settled before the VRCs can be renewed to allow the couple to rent the units legally in the city.

Since an after-the-fact permit for the treehouse cannot be given because it doesn’t meet current building codes, city leaders are demanding that the treehouse be removed. One of the three cases concerning the treehouse pending in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court is an injunction for the city to forcibly have the treehouse removed. The case does not yet have a court date set for a hearing.

Special Magistrate Michael Connolly recommended Tran, Hazen and city leaders engage in arbitration. Connolly, who said he doesn’t have the jurisdiction to grant renewal of the couple’s VRCs and ruled there is a continuing violation on the property, did not assess a fine in addition to the current $125 per day fine he ordered during an April code compliance hearing.

12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Charles Sniffen heard the city’s motion to dismiss the third amended complaint lodged

by Tran and Hazen on June 9, with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection joining the city’s motion.

In the complaint, Tran and Hazen allege the actions taken against them by the city and FDEP violate their rights as property owners and as people. In her arguments, Tran said the case was filed to stop the forcible removal of the treehouse by the city and the accumulation of daily fines, which have been collecting at $50 per day since a code

enforcement hearing in 2015. Tran served as her and Hazen’s counsel during the hearing.

The $50-per-day fine is in addition to the $125-per-day fine assessed by Connolly in response to the couple’s continued renting of the property in violation of the Holmes Beach vacation rental certificate ordinance.

Speaking on behalf of the city, attorney Randy Mora said the city is sympathetic to her serving as their counsel but feels the matter needs to move forward, urging Sniffen to dismiss the case with prejudice so that it cannot be refiled.

Tran said she’s working to write the complaint for herself and her husband and if Sniffen rules that it be amended again, she said she’d like more specific instructions about what needs to be included rather than have him dismiss the complaint altogether. When pleading for relief, she said she’s not sure what relief is possible at this point but hopes that the case will go to trial and she will be permitted to provide discovery materials to the court.

“I can only hope that justice will be rendered,” Tran said.

Though Sniffen said he would provide a ruling on the case

by June 11, no ruling had been filed as of press time for The Sun.

JUNE 16, 2021

JUNE 16, 2021

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

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CITY OF ANNA MARIA/MOTE MARINE | SUBMITTED

Mote Marine provided the city with this rendering of the proposed education outreach center.

MOTE: Support from county commission FROM PAGE 11

In response to a question from Commissioner Mark Short, Murphy said the city will not have to make a $500,000 lump sum payment to cover the buildout costs. As the work is completed incrementally, the city will pay the contractors and invoice the county for reimbursement.

Murphy said he could not yet provide an estimated start date.

WATER TAXI

During Thursday’s meeting, Murphy said he’s a proponent of a specific type of water taxi.

“I’m not a proponent of tour boats.

I’m not a proponent of somebody charging $30 to take people down to Bradenton Beach on a sightseeing tour.

That’s not solving a traffic problem.

The water taxi I’m in favor of would bring service workers from downtown Bradenton or Palmetto to our pier, where they then can catch a trolley and go to wherever they work,” he said.

Murphy said the water taxi service he envisions would need to be subsidized by the county, similar to MCAT bus services.

He said support from local businesses could provide additional revenues.

“It should be part of the public transit system. It has to be affordable.

I think that would be a positive step for this Island, to start bringing service workers across by water taxi,” Murphy said.

Commission Chair Carol Carter questioned whether beachgoers from the mainland who bring tents, coolers and other beach supplies would use a water taxi.

“They’re not going to put that on a water taxi and then unload it and try to get to the beach,” she said.

After Thursday’s meeting, Murphy said, “Commissioners Whitmore and Van Ostenbridge have been huge supporters of our Mote Marine project and they opened doors for us in getting the project where it is today. Both are true friends to our city.”

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THE SUN

SPORTS

JUNE 16, 2021

Shootout win for last seed Salty Printing

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Last week started the playoff games for another adult co-ed soccer season at The Center. The second game on the Thursday night schedule would prove to be a battle royale, giving the spectators their money’s worth, so to speak.

In a repeat match-up of the last week of the regular season, the top-ranked Beach Bums team, led by Yuri Pereira, took to the pitch with team Salty Printing. Kevin Roman’s Salty squad lost the previous meeting against Pereira’s team by two goals, ultimately putting them in eighth place going into the playoffs.

With technically an undefeated regular season, with a 6-0-1 record, Beach Bums was clearly the favorite to win the quarter-final game of the week.

Coming in as the underdog, Salty Printing could not field a full squad all season, mostly due to season-ending injuries that plagued a number of the team’s players.

This roster issue continued into the first round of playoffs.

With five on the field and a goalie, playing one down, Salty Printing fortunately had a substitute player on the sideline – fresh legs that would become critical in the game.

Despite the underdog status and playing with one less player than Beach Bums, Salty Printing played tough and played physical, matching the physicality and energy of their adversary of the week.

Going into halftime, it looked like Beach Bums would be moving forward to the semifinal round of games, but another half of play would prove otherwise.

The Beach Bums squad had a sub on the bench to move in and out of the game as needed, but their lack of use of the additional player in the first half proved to be an error in the final 20 minutes of play.

With the heat of the evening and tired legs getting the best of them, the Beach Bums defense struggled to keep the Salty Printing shooters away from goalkeeper Tuna McCracken.

Despite his best efforts, McCracken finished with five saves in regulation time, letting three get past him.

Taking an onslaught of strikes from the Beach Bums offense, goalie Matt Marshall stopped 10 shots. Marshall was also scored on three times, resulting in a tied game after regulation play.

As the seconds ticked off the scoreboard clock, the bodychecks increased and the action became more heated.

With a calamitous step by Pereira onto the leg of Murat

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Salty Printing's Gerardo Urbiola fights for position against Beach Bum's Tyler Brewer in Salty's big win last Thursday night at The Center in the co-ed adult soccer league.

Akay, tempers flared and Akay was out for the rest of the game with an ankle injury.

Salty’s scoring was completed by Roman with one point, and Gerardo Urbiola, who was able to get two of his shots past McCracken.

In critical support on the field, Robbie Fellowes, Nate Talucci, Ed Moss and Akay fought for position and the ball for the Salty team.

Lucky Durmaz had all three Beach Bums goals, with an assist by Emily Fischer. Playing both sides of midfield, Tyler Brewer, Blair Schlossberg and Jamie Hutchinson helped take the Beach Bums team to a shootout.

After the spirited play on the field, the energy was high going into the penalty kicks from both teams.

Putting their five best shooters on the official list, the names and order of those selected to fire the soccer ball strategically toward the goal could determine which team secured a spot in the semifinals.

With McCracken on the line, Roman was slated as the first shooter. His shot sailed past the goalie to start the shootout.

Alternating shooting team order, Fischer, Fellowes, and Hutchinson all made their shots for their teams.

A string of four shooters surprisingly missed. Talucci,

Durmaz, Gerardo and Brewer, all excellent shooters, could not help their team capture the W. Finally, Salty Printing keeper Marshall took to the shooter’s position.

Knowing that making the shot could propel his team toward the championship game, Marshall remained calm and shot the soccer ball past McCracken for the team’s third point in overtime play.

Team captain Pereira was the fifth and final shooter for Beach Bums. Making the shot meant another round of shooting; missing the shot meant it was all over for Pereira’s top-seed team.

Feeling all the pressure, Pereira could not put a point in the stats book. The unexpected victorious Salty Printing team worked hard to survive and lives to play another week at The Center.

SUN SCOREBOARD THURSDAY, JUNE 10 ADULT CO-ED SOCCER QUARTER FINAL PLAYOFF GAMES #3 Flynn Law #6 Sandbar

#8 SALTY PRINTING 3 WINNERS IN SHOOTOUT

3 1

#1 Beach Bums

3

#2 C.A.B.B. #7 Sato Real Estate

9 1

#4 Killer Bait #5 Slim’s Place

3 5

JUNE 16, 2021

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 "Are you getting 100%?" cereal 6 Lover 11 Excludes 15 Place to play 16 Gulf of Oman vessel 17 Neutral tone 18 Charcuterie fare 19 Quaint sleeping coach 21 Target, as a receiver 23 "Moonlight Sonata" opening movement, e.g.

24 Stand buy 25 Dromedary feature 28 Hybrid fruits 31 Cheerleader's cry 33 Top __ 34 "Garfield: __ of Two Kitties" 37 Deceptive appearance 39 __ Plaines 40 Classic American Answers to 06-09-21 Crossword Puzzle.

board game symbolized by this puzzle's circles 44 Fish often fried 45 Famille member 46 Out of practice 47 Deceptive 50 Took to heart 52 Sleep soundly?

53 Classic movie theaters 54 Maple yield 57 Martial arts teacher 61 Knesset country 63 Brit's afternoon drink 67 Raised landform 68 Stable baby 69 Befuddled 70 It was originally a sitting meditation pose 71 Capital on the Tiber 72 With 22-Down, intimidate 73 Reach

Down 1 __ Bay Rays 2 Nymph associated with Artemis 3 Needle 4 Tiny tunnelers 5 Eighteenth, usually 6 Clotheshorse 7 Sch. with a Brooklyn campus 8 Penne __ vodka 9 Fuse 10 Writer Bombeck 11 Inoffensive 12 Praise 13 New Deal agcy.

14 __ La Table: cookware shop 20 Bonn : Wasser :: Barcelona : __ 22 See 72-Across 26 Soccer star Rapinoe 27 Beer belly 29 Unlikely to react 30 Likely to react?

31 "Scram, varmints!"

32 2017 "Hello, Dolly!"

Tony winner 33 TV's Arthur 34 Billing nos.

35 "This __ / Doth to our rose of youth rightly belong" (Shakespeare) 36 Intrusive MP3 files 38 Aerodynamic 41 __ sauce 42 Bridal gown storage option 43 It'll never work

48 Big Easy cuisine 49 Co-worker of Lane and Olsen 51 "Where __ sign?"

54 Pulled a chair up to 55 Insurance giant

THE SUN

56 Skirt fold 58 Dove, e.g.

59 Young salamanders 60 Wee 62 Sleight of hand 63 Egypt's cont.

64 Jack of "Barney Miller" 65 Common Market letters 66 Hot tub sigh

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

JUNE 16, 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.

Call Dwayne 717773-7303 website: ddpressurewashing.com

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.

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 SEEKING 2BR/2BA ANNUAL Rental on AMI. Would consider 2BR/1BA Long time resident couple (20+years) looking to remain on island! Please contact Brad at 941-7042357

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.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Updated 5 Star Condo for Rent- Available September October November. (Multimonth discount) Million$ water view, first floor, 2BR/2BA, patio, walk to beach, pool, tennis (smoke free) marketreps@aol. com Boat/jet ski dock available

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

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

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

www.amisun.com

JUNE 16, 2021

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

PAINTING

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

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THE SUN

www.amisun.com

JUNE 16, 2021