- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -
VOL 19 No. 34
June 5, 2019
Coquina Beach tree removals delayed JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Several of these Australian pines at Coquina Beach are marked for future removal.
The county’s certified arborist recommends the removal of 102 Australian pines. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH –The Australian pines marked for removal at the south end of the Coquina Beach parking lot will remain in place until Manatee County Commissioners review a staff report on the county project and proposed tree removals, according to County Administrator Cheri Coryea. Coryea announced the delay at the commission’s Tuesday, May 28, budget work session in response to remarks that Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie made during citizens’ comments.
On Friday, May 24, Bradenton Beach city commissioners authorized Chappie to send Coryea a letter expressing their concerns about the tree removals and lack of communication from the county. Heavy equipment is already on site and some preliminary work has occurred for the first phase of the Coquina Beach drainage and parking lot improvement project.
PROJECT PERMITTING
In May, Manatee Public Works Department Project Manager Michael Sturm sent county staffers Carmine DeMilio and Jeff Streitmatter an email with the subject line: Coquina Phase 1 Australian Pine Removal. Sturm’s email said, “The certified arborist has deter-
INSIDE
LEAH PURVIS:
NEWS 4 CALENDAR 7 OPINION 6 TROLLEY MAP 20-21 OUTDOORS 22-23 RESTAURANTS 24-25 REAL ESTATE 26-33 CLASSIFIEDS 37-39
One of the best CrossFit athletes in the world. 34
Anna Maria Island, Florida
mined that the trees shown on the attached PDF are a risk for beach visitors if left in place. His conversation was that the 10-inch-deep excavation that will occur to construct the curb located on each side of the concrete drive and parking areas will threaten the stability of the shallow foundation roots known to occur with Australian pine trees. His recommendation was to remove 102 trees. I have also included the cost associated with the removal and disposal of the trees.” Dated May 9, the $144,441 change order submitted by Woodruff & Sons included $71,775 for tree removal and $2,652 for root pruning by Terry’s Tree Service. Sturm did not copy any Bradenton Beach officials on his email. The county project at the
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Trees marked with a red X or an underlined red X are currently slated for removal. county-owned beach in Bradenton Beach requires a cityissued building permit. The permitting request presented to city commissioners earlier this year included no men-
tion of significant tree removals. On April 10, the county received a city-issued land use and zoning permit. SEE JUMP, PAGE 8
SUMMER break means its time for Snooks Adams Day. 3 HUGE Memorial Day crowds swamp
Coquina Beach traffic. 18 The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper www.amisun.com
2
THE SUN
www.amisun.com
JUNE 5, 2019
www.amisun.com
JUNE 5, 2019
THE SUN
Pirates celebrate summer vacation The Anna Maria Island Privateers celebrated Snooks Adams Kid’s Day as usual on the first Saturday after the school summer break in a new location, Anna Maria City Pier Park. The shade from the sails gave ample protection from the sun and the Privateers’ ship Skullywag served as a stage for the pirates costume contest. There were hot dogs, chips and cookies, games such as the rat toss with rubber rats, a treasure hunt and watergun fights. The event began in 1954 when Police Chief Snooks Adams took some boys to the beach in his jeep for a cookout on Coquina Beach on the first day of summer vacation. Later, he included girls in the fun. The Lion's Club and local residents helped as the event grew in size. In 1980 Snooks turned over Kids Day to the Anna Maria Island Privateers, Adams died on April 27, 2010, at the age of 92.
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
Clockwise from left: These twins were having twice the fun', Nine-month-old Oakley Melbourne won his age group's pirate costume contest, but he wasn't happy – it was nap time. The kids enjoyed hot dogs, chips, soda and cookies.
3
4
THE SUN
ISLAND NEWS
Visit our website, www.amisun.com. Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.
JUNE 5, 2019
IN BRIEF
Hurricane season has begun It’s official, hurricane season has begun on June 1 and it lasts until Nov. 30. You should be getting prepared for the worst. To help, Florida has enacted tax free status on up. Portable generators, gas cans and other hurricane preparedness items are qualified for tax-free purchases. Get more information at http://flsenate.gov/Media/PressRelease/Show/3106
Help train future heroes Southeastern Guide Dogs needs your help to train some of its future hero guide dogs. The organization is seeking volunteers to serve as puppy raisers. Puppy raisers bring future service dogs into their homes for about a year to teach manners, obedience and other skills while exposing them to different environments. Puppies-in-training have the same rights as service dogs and can go with their puppy raisers anywhere. The puppies are ready to go home with puppy raisers when they’re about 10 weeks old. After their time with a puppy raiser, dogs return to the Southeastern Guide Dogs Palmetto campus for Canine University. In addition to full-time puppy raisers, the nonprofit organization also is seeking co-raisers to team up with friends or family members to commit to a year with a puppy and puppy sitters to fill in when puppy raisers need help or are traveling. For more information, or to apply, visit www.guidedogs.org/volunteer/raise-a-puppy/.
Dive in to World Oceans Day Ocean lovers can celebrate World Oceans Day early at the Coastal Community Celebration on Thursday, June 6, from 6-8 p.m. at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W. During this free, family event, the museum invites the community to explore local seafood, including mullet; palm frond and beach treasures; sculptures by David Skaggs; an oyster touch tank; commercial fishing gear displays and more. Guests are urged to wear a blue shirt to participate in this year’s World Ocean’s Day theme, Together We Can. World Oceans Day, Saturday, June 8, was established at the 1992 Earth Summit, and was declared an international holiday by the United Nations in 2009.
Youth soccer at The Center The Center of Anna Maria Island’s youth indoor soccer summer league is kicking off June 18 for kids ages 5 to 14. Children will learn sportsmanship and make friends while playing in a cool environment. No evaluations will be held for this league. The cost is $10 for members of The Center and $75 for non-members. The final day to register is June 8th and the season begins June 18. Games will be scheduled for Tuesdays with some Wednesday games possible and will continue through the end of July. To register, visit ww.centerami.org or stop by The Center at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. For more information, or to volunteer as a coach, contact Sports Program Coordinator Tim Holly at timothy@centerami.org or 941-7781908, ext. 217.
CINDY LANE | SUN
The mini reef cleans more than 30,000 gallons of water daily, according to Ocean Habitats.
Mini reefs installed at Mar Vista BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
LONGBOAT KEY – Ten mini reefs installed Friday under the docks at Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant will help fight red tide, START Director Sandy Gilbert said. The structures improve water clarity and increase oxygen levels in the water, he said, adding, “They will show people they can make a difference.” START – Solutions To Avoid Red Tide – and Lucky’s Market in Sarasota funded the 10 mini reefs, which can clean more than 30,000 gallons of water daily and grow more than 300 fish and 200 crabs annually, said David Wolff, president of Ocean Habitats, who installed the mini reefs. The lightweight structures float underneath docks, where they are tethered out of the way of boats, he said, adding that the mini reefs do not require state permits to install. Besides attracting fish, the reefs also attract oysters, which themselves filter water, and a bonus for dock owners – dolphins that feed on the fish, Gilbert said. “We’re very excited to be a test market,” said Chuck Wolfe, CEO of The Chiles Group, owner of Mar Vista. “The docks are a big part of our business.” Most of the more than 2,000 mini reefs in Florida are under residential docks, but START is working to expand their use by businesses, and lobbying local officials to encourage their use. The mini reefs, which sell for $250 apiece, can last decades, Wolff said. A 10 percent discount is available at https://www.oceanhabitatsinc.com/ with the code START10.
CINDY LANE | SUN
David Wolff, president of Ocean Habitats, prepares a mini reef for installation at Mar Vista docks Friday.
CINDY LANE | SUN
The mini reefs are tied underneath a dock, where they float and attract marine life.
www.amisun.com
JUNE 5, 2019
THE SUN
5
Local reef recovering from red tide BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – There is life on Spanish Rocks reef after the red tide that lasted from August 2018 to February 2019 in local waters, and longer elsewhere in Florida. The limestone outcroppings at the popular scuba diving site in the Gulf of Mexico off 33rd Street in Holmes Beach are sheltering stone crab, wrasse, anemones and other marine life, showing an improvement in water quality, according to Lauren Floyd, senior marine biologist at APTIM, Manatee County’s beach consultant. Spanish Rocks “appears to be recovering well since our October 2018 survey during the red tide event,” Floyd advised Charlie Hunsicker, the county’s Parks and Natural Resources director, in a May 22 email. “Back in October, virtually everything was covered in cyanobacteria, and all sponges, tunicates and octocorals were dead or dying,” she wrote. “We also observed numerous empty urchin tests and crab shells and only one fish swimming over the reef during that survey. Much to our relief, when we revisited
APTIM | SUBMITTED
Stone crab, anemones and wrasse were among the marine life recorded by the county’s beach consultant at Spanish Rocks after a seven-month red tide. the area over the past two weeks we observed no cyanobacteria mats, many healthy corals, new octocoral recruits and abundant crabs, fish (see list) and urchins, and a sea turtle on one of our transects!” “Despite the dire warnings of the lasting effects of red tide, it is encouraging to see with a sense of wonder the power of nature’s resiliency, based on evolutionary strength to recover from natural disaster events like red tide,” Hunsicker wrote in an email sharing the news with county commissioners. “At its worst moments, all soft tissue creatures living on the reefs had succumbed to the lethal effects of red tide or like the hard corals, struggling with coats of algae and debris stunting
their continued growth … These photos show the good news we received back from our beach renourishment coastal biologist and dive team who were able to document vigorous recovery of soft corals, hard corals and other living creatures across our artificial reefs just a few weeks ago during their annual mitigation permit reconnaissance dives.” APTIM plans to prepare a summary report for the county describing the observed impacts and recovery of habitats from the red tide event, including data collected on the artificial reefs of Coquina Beach, according to Floyd.
Please see related story on Page 7.
Fish observed in May included: • Sheepshead • Sea robin • Spotfin butterflyfish • Spottail pinfish • Red snapper • Lane snapper • Gray snapper • White grunt • Sand perch • Hogfish • Sand diver • Cocoa damselfish • Spadefish • Belted sandfish
Simply Better
GE 7
6
THE SUN
OPINION
The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper Island Sun Plaza, 9801 Gulf Drive P.O. Box 1189 Anna Maria, FL 34216-1189 Phone: (941) 778-3986 email: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com
Like us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun
JUNE 5, 2019
EDITORIAL Ahead of the curve
A
nother school year has come and gone with no harmful incidents to students or staff at Anna Maria Elementary School (AME). In this day and age, safety has become a worry for all schools in this country. As a result, the Manatee County School District has opted to place armed personnel at all county schools to patrol the grounds and provide a first line of safety just in case the unthinkable should happen. Here on Anna Maria Island, the Holmes Beach Police Department has been way ahead of the curve for years, doing a stellar job of protecting the grade-schoolers with a school resource officer and educating them with the DARE (Drug Awareness Resistance and Education) program. At the AME Awards Ceremony last Wednesday, Holmes Beach Police Officer and AME School Resource Officer Josh Fleischer and Police Chief Bill Tokajer handed out DARE completion certificates to fifth-graders, with former resource officer Brian Copeman also present. Select students read essays they wrote about the DARE class and what they had learned about the hazards of drugs, alcohol and tobacco. As the uniformed law enforcement officials stood in the auditorium, it was clear to all that they were there not just to provide protection but also to be a very human and intricate part of the program and these kids’ lives. At the close of the ceremony, parents and children gave the officers a loud and heartfelt round of applause. It was just their way - the Island way - of saying thank you to those who keep the peace in paradise.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Sound the alarm To The Sun and all other pragmatic, sane, intelligent, informed, sensible, thinking people on Anna Maria Island: It is time once and for all to come together and fight the bureaucracy that Manatee County and any others who, due to their ignorance, have made a decision to eliminate a God-given creation and gift to our Island’s shoreline. What’s the gift?” 1.) Let us start with stabilizing the earth behind our dunes. I am sick of hearing, “The Australian pine has a shallow root system and will fall in a storm.” In constructing a home designed for a client in Anna Maria, we were forced to remove a mature Australian pine that grew dead-center of the house site. It took three days and two #350 bulldozers 16 hours to remove the root system, including the giant tap root, and another eight hours for one dozer to load all of the root parts to be moved to the dump.
So much for a weak and shallow root system. 2.) Shade. Elementary. What do the first parking places taken at Wal Mart or Publix have in common? Shade. 3.) Have you ever heard the symphony created when the sea breezes pass through the pines? 4.) Ask a pileated woodpecker how he feels about the county’s decision to remove all the trees. Also. ask the downy, the hairy, the red bellied, the red headed woodpecker as well. This is the tree they prefer. They do not hurt the tree; in a newly built nest they eat the bugs that do. And then don’t forget to ask the great blue herons who I am watching as I write to you, in a newly built nest, feeding their young across the canal near the top of a 75-foot Australian pine for nesting not 25 feet away from a second pair doing the same. Ask the next osprey, great white egret, snowy egret as well. 5.) There are many beautiful flower-
ing trees shrubs and ground covers that require partial or full shade that grow happily under the pine. “Oh, they require maintenance.” What doesn’t? They drop pine needles that make wonderful bed covering, preventing weeds. 6.) Let’s not forget to mention the gifts of cool breezes and clean air full of oxygen created by these trees. God forbid these bureaucrats might want to come to the beach to swim and park their car after a rainstorm has left a puddle in their parking spot where they might get their feet wet. Thank you, Mike Norman, Cindy Lane and Joe Hendricks, for sounding an alarm. There are thousands of us standing with you. Should we make a list of the bureaucrats involved to put on our refrigerator door prior to our up and coming election? Emily Anne Smith Holmes Beach
The Anna Maria Island Sun staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field Layout Ricardo Fonseca
Reporters Cindy Lane Tom Vaught Joe Hendricks Kristin Swain Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis Ad director Chantelle Lewin
Ad assistants Chris Boniberger Pam 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 Pat Copeland Steve Borggren Monica Simpson
www.amisun.com
JUNE 5, 2019
THE SUN
7
ON THE AGENDA ANNA MARIA 10005 GULF DRIVE
For information, call 941708-6130 June 5, 10 a.m. – Historic Preservation Board meeting June 6, 10 a.m. – City Commission emergency meeting June 11, 4 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting June 13, 6 p.m. – City Commission special meeting
BRADENTON BEACH 107 GULF DRIVE N.
For information, call 941778-1005
June 5, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting June 6, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting June 11, 10 a.m. – City Commission work meeting June 13, 1 p.m. – Department Head Meeting
HOLMES BEACH 5801 MARINA DRIVE
For information, call 941708-5800 June 5, 6 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting June 11, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work
MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOTE: EVENTS ARE FREE UNLESS INDICATED. FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION | SUBMITTED
Four spots tested in Manatee County waters this week had non-toxic blue-green algae.
Nontoxic blue-green algae remains BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Non-toxic blue-green algae lingers in local waters and showed up in a new place last week – Warners Bayou in Bradenton – according to a Friday, May 31, report from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Filamentous cyanobacteria (Lyngbya-like) was found in a Warners Bayou canal on Tuesday, May 28, according to the report. The same type of blue-green algae was found in Holmes Beach waters on Monday, May 20, in Anna Maria Sound at Key Royale and in the Intracoastal Waterway south of Grassy Point, and in Palma Sola Bay near San Remo Shores. A different type of blue-green algae, Lyngbya majuscule, was found on Wednesday, May 8, in Sarasota Bay near Whitfield Avenue. No toxins have been detected in any of the blue-green algae samples collected in Manatee County through May 31, according to DEP. The two algae species found in Manatee County waters are not the same species that has plagued Lake Okeechobee, microcystis aeruginosa, according to DEP. Of the 22 sites tested statewide from May 24-30 by DEP,
seven were positive for toxins. Blue-green algae can be blue, green, brown or red and emit a foul, rotten egg odor caused by the production of hydrogen sulfide gas, according to DEP, which advises staying out of water where algae is visibly present as specks, mats or water is discolored pea-green, bluegreen or brownish-red. Additionally, pets or livestock should not come into contact with the algal bloom-impacted water, or the algal bloom material or fish on the shoreline. Even non-toxic blooms can harm the environment by depleting oxygen levels in the water column and reducing the amount of light that reaches submerged plants, according to DEP. The growth of blue-green algae typically increases in the spring and summer months when water temperatures and daylight hours increase.
RED TIDE REPORT
No significant red tide is forecast in Manatee County waters through Monday, June 3, according to today’s Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) report. Background concentrations of red tide were found in water samples off the Anna Maria Island Rod & Reel Pier in lower Tampa Bay and the Coquina Beach south boat ramp in Sara-
sota Bay on Tuesday, May 28, according to the report. Background concentrations of the algae that causes Florida red tide, Karenia brevis, have no discernable effects on people or marine life, according to the FWC. However, in very low concentrations and above, red tide cells emit a neurotoxin when they bloom that can cause shellfish closures and respiratory irritation in people, especially those with asthma, COPD or emphysema. In low concentrations and above, red tide can be deadly to marine life. No fish kills were reported this week. Scientists say that salinity, currents, temperature and light play a part in the formation of red tide blooms, as do nutrients from Florida’s natural phosphate and limestone deposits, Caribbean seawater brought to Florida’s west coast on the Loop Current, the Mississippi River, Saharan dust blown across the Atlantic Ocean to Florida’s waters, and fertilizer and animal waste runoff. To help keep algae growth at bay, Florida law bans the use of phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizers during the rainy season, June 1 through Sept. 30. Report algae blooms to DEP at 855-305-3903 or online. Report fish kills to FWC at 800-6360511.
WEDNESDAY JUNE 5
AMI Chamber of Commerce networking luncheon, Pier 22, 1200 First Ave. W., Bradenton, 11:30 a.m., $15 for members or $25 for prospective members. Reserve to 941-778-1541 or info@ amichamber.org. Beach yoga, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 6 p.m.
THURSDAY JUNE 6
Veterans services information, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m. Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. Wonders of Nature Wildlife Education, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Sunshine Stitchers knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Jam in the Sand, Anna Maria Island Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m. Tri Chamber Business and BBQ on the Bay, The Resort at Longboat Key Club, 3000 Harbourside Drive, Longboat Key, 5:30 p.m., $35 in advance or $40 at the door. Reserve by June 4 to 941778-1541 or info@amichamber.org.
FRIDAY JUNE 7
Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Sunset drum circle, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.
SATURDAY JUNE 8
Nest Nature Days, Robinson Preserve, Mosaic NEST, 10299 9th Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Origami Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
SUNDAY JUNE 9
Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Rise and Shine Power Flow Yoga, Robinson Preserve, Mosaic NEST, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 10:30 a.m., $10 cash only. Reserve to 941-742-5923 or aedan. stockdale@mymanatee.org.
MONDAY JUNE 10
Social bridge games, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, noon.
TUESDAY JUNE 11
Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. Preschool story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Restoration workshop, The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 10 a.m., $13.
8
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
TREES: Removals delayed
JUNE 5, 2019
Who planted the Australian pines?
FROM PAGE 1
BY JOE HENDRICKS
The county’s original 100 percent design documents include language that says the contractor shall protect all existing structures, utilities, driveways, sidewalks, trees and landscaping – or repair or replace them to equal or better than pre-construction conditions. They also say, “All existing trees shall remain unless otherwise noted.”
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
MAYOR ADDRESSES COUNTY
When addressing the county commission, Chappie read the letter he sent Coryea. “The city of Bradenton Beach is adamantly opposed to the trees being removed. We are extremely hopeful the county will not follow through with such a disturbing act that would change the great character of Coquina Beach. “Australian pines, despite their designation as an invasive nuisance tree, do provide tremendous benefits for our residents, visitors, as well as the birds and wildlife. This is the right plant in the right location. Further, there are no homes or structures in danger of being harmed by a limb or tree. These trees enhance the park and provide a tremendous tree canopy for the south
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie expressed the city’s concerns about the tree removals. end of the Island,” Chappie said. “We strongly encourage the county commission to take some time and reconsider. The guiding light needs to be ‘Save the trees.’ This is a large park, there are significant open area spaces. I believe there is great opportunity for us to be creative. The city is also requesting a special city commission meeting with a county representative to explain this plan,” Chappie said. He also referenced the tree removal change order he first saw earlier that day. SEE TREES, PAGE 9
149029
BRADENTON BEACH – It’s been suggested that John Ringling or members of the Holmes family brought the Australian pine trees to Coquina Beach, but neither of those theories appears to be true. According to Ralph Hunter’s 2002 book, “From Calusas to Condominiums: A Pictorial History of Longboat Key,” Ringling did plant Australian pines on Longboat Key. In response to an email inquiry from The Sun regarding Ringling’s possible involvement with the Australian pines at Coquina Beach, Manatee County Historical Records Library Librarian Krystin Miner wrote, “It’s pretty unlikely that John Ringling had anything to do with them due to the fact that he died in 1936.” Miner noted the construction of the public beach at Coquina Beach didn’t start until decades later. According to former Sun reporter Pat Copeland, Manatee County bought the property now known as Coquina Beach in 1962 and began
MANATEE COUNTY HISTORICAL RECORDS LIBRARY | SUBMITTED
Coquina Beach looked like this in the 1960s. making plans to turn it into a public beach. When contacted last week, Holmes Beach Mayor and Holmes family member Judy Titsworth said she didn’t know who planted the Australian pines, but she didn’t think it was anyone in her family. She suggested her dad, Hugh Holmes Sr., might know. When contacted, Hugh and his wife Jean said they didn’t know who planted the Australian pines, but Jean said she hopes they’re not removed.
www.amisun.com
JUNE 5, 2019
THE SUN
9
TREES: Removals delayed FROM PAGE 8
COUNTY RESPONSE
Commissioner Betsy Benac said, “Those trees provide shade. As we all know from this weekend, shade is invaluable. I’ve heard many stories about Australian pines and that they aren’t good for habitat. Well, they’re good for this habitat. I certainly would want to do everything we can to save the shade.” Coryea, who knew Chappie planned to address the commission, said, “We anticipated possibly giving you information, but as this unfolded over the last day or so, we would rather quickly pull together a full and comprehensive report. We want to look at how many trees in totality are on that area and give you some idea of the approach of what that removal is. There’s no removal today. We held them off. We will plan to act quickly though.” “So, we’re not doing anything until we hear from you guys?” Commissioner Carol Whitmore asked. “There’s no removal that’s going to happen today,” Coryea said. “You just said today,” Whitmore noted.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
County Administrator Cheri Coryea said no trees would be removed until county commissioners review a comprehensive staff report. Coryea clarified that no trees would be removed until commissioners review the staff report. “We don’t want to put our project at risk. We’ll make sure we’re back here shortly,” Coryea said. Commissioner Vanessa Baugh asked if another type of tree could replace the Australian pines removed. Coryea said that would be in the report. “I just don’t want a line of new palm trees, that’s no shade,” Whitmore said. On Wednesday, May 29, Information Outreach Manager Nick Azzara ad-
MANATEE COUNTY | SUBMITTED
This is one of five county illustrations that reference the removal of Australian pines. dressed the tree removals in an email sent to another media member and later shared with The Sun. “There are no plans to remove all the Australian pines at Coquina Beach, and there are no plans to remove trees that provide shade along the nearby
exercise trail. There are nearly 1,100 Australian pines there today, and a small percentage are recommended for removal,” he wrote. As of Friday, the staff report had not been presented.
FUN IN THE SUN Monday June 6 & 17 Every Wednesday Every Saturday Saturdays & Sundays
Turtle Talks
Shell-ebrate Sea Turtle Season! Join Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch as they speak about the beautiful wildlife on our island and how we can all help preserve it.
Morning Yoga-ahhh
In need of a mid-week reset? Flow through a gentle yoga meditation on the Promenade with Nicole Skaggs.
Brunch Yoga-ahhh
Start your weekend off on the right foot! Join Nicole Skaggs on the Promenade for a gentle flow moving meditation. Keep the relaxation flowing with a complimentary mimosa or make it a day and stay for brunch.
Dine & Daycation
Spend your weekend poolside! With the purchase of a brunch entree at Eliza Ann’s Coastal Kitchen, enjoy full access to pool amenities & live music!
941.238.6262 | waterlineresort.com/events 5325 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
10
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
CITY OF ANNA MARIA | SUBMITTED
This architect’s rendering illustrates what the new pier buildings are expected to look like.
Pier building bids received but not revealed The sealed bids will be publicly discussed on June 6.
What you see on
BY JOE HENDRICKS
the paper is what
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria received four bids from construction firms seeking the contract to build the new restaurant and the bait shop at the T-end of the new city pier. During last week’s emergency commission meeting, Mayor Dan Murphy told commissioners the bids are not yet public record and will remain confidential until he comes to the commission with a recommendation. That recommendation is expected at the emergency commission meeting scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 6. “I would ask that you keep them confidential because they are not indeed public record – that was verified again yesterday by the city attorney,” Murphy said.
counts. Just take them as they are, and make a decision from that.” Dan Murphy, Anna Maria Mayor “What you see on the paper is what counts. Just take them as they are, and make a decision from that. That’s the only fair way to do it,” he added. At the conclusion of the meeting, City Clerk LeAnne Addy provided commissioners with sealed envelopes containing copies of the bids to review before the June 6 meeting.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Short and Chambers recognized Anna Maria residents Mark Short and John Chambers recently received plaques of appreciation from Mayor Dan Murphy in recognition for their service on the Anna Maria Charter Review Commission.
JUNE 5, 2019
www.amisun.com
JUNE 5, 2019
THE SUN
11
City moving forward with new Waste Management contract Fees for homesteaded properties will decrease slightly and fees for nonhomesteaded properties will increase significantly. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy has been authorized to develop a seven-year contract with Waste Management for solid waste and recycling services in Anna Maria. That authorization was the result of the 4-1 vote taken at an emergency city commission meeting on Thursday, May 30. Commissioner Brian Seymour opposed last week’s decision, as he did in early May when the commission majority deemed Waste Management, and not Waste Pro, as the commission’s first choice. At that time, Seymour felt Waste Management’s proposed commercial fees placed too much additional burden on the city’s business community, which includes his Anna Maria General Store. Last week’s discussion was preceded by two additional factfinding meetings Murphy had with Waste Management representatives. The new agreement will double the city’s franchise fee. The city will receive 8 percent of the gross revenues Waste Management collects from its Anna Maria customers over the next seven years. When finalized, the new contract terms will be presented to the city commission for final approval.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Waste Management will continue its 30-year relationship with the city of Anna Maria.
RESIDENTIAL RATES
Residential customers who live in homesteaded properties will see their rates decrease from $59.79 to $53.79 for each three-month billing cycle. Owners of non-homesteaded residential properties, many of which are used as vacation rentals, will see their rates increase from $69.60 to $120 per quarter. The city’s vacation rental ordinance requires non-homesteaded properties to utilize side-door pick up. This entails the truck driver retrieving and returning the trash and recycling containers from the side of the structure, so they aren’t left sitting by the street. Waste Management representative Bill Gresham said when the city and Waste Management signed the previous agreement in 2012, the city had more homesteaded properties than non-homesteaded properties. “Now it’s flipped,” he said, noting
there used to be 300-400 non-homesteaded accounts in Anna Maria and now it’s closer to 1,100 or 1,200. Seymour estimated the fees charged for non-homesteaded versus homesteaded properties would bring Waste Management an additional $35,000 per quarter while saving city residents $2,600 per quarter. “I think as a city we could do better,” he said.
COMMERCIAL RATES
The monthly rate for a 32-gallon commercial container will increase from $17.58 to $19.32. Similar increases will apply to the 65 and 96-gallon containers that will cost $22.58 and $26.41 per month. Waste Management’s original bid proposed $38, $44.43 and $51.96 for the three different-sized commercial containers. “I think there was a misunderstand-
ing. I was never taking about commercial can rates for trash,” Seymour said. “My issue at the last meeting was with the dumpsters and roll-offs and recycling dumpsters.” Seymour asked if the recent fact-finding discussions produced any changes with those rates. Gresham said they did not. “Commercial recycling is not part of the agreement. Commercial recycling is an open market that you deal directly with Waste Management. It has nothing to do with the city’s contract,” Gresham said. When contacted later in the week, Seymour said he currently pays about $290 per month for a two-cubic yard roll-off recycling dumpster, including the additional maintenance fee and other fees. The Waste Management proposal submitted in May lists $391 per month for a roll-off dumpster, not including the additional fees. With the additional fees, Seymour said his monthly cost will increase to $500-$550 a month. Seymour said the Waste Management representatives told him after the meeting that business owners can use the recycling firm of their choice, which he might consider. During public input, Waste Pro representative Tracy Meehan said Waste Pro’s proposal included franchise fee that was 2.2 percent higher than Waste Management’s. She said this would amount to an additional $14,500 per year in franchise fees for the city. She also claimed city residents and business owners would experience $756,000 in total cost-savings over the life of a seven-year contract with Waste Pro.
12
THE SUN
www.amisun.com
JUNE 5, 2019
Sunshine defendants make offers to compromise The defendants seek $60,902 from the city of Bradenton Beach and $24,444 from co-plaintiff Jack Clarke. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – The six defendants in the Sunshine Law lawsuit have proposed compromise offers that seek financial reimbursement from the city of Bradenton Beach and co-plaintiff Jack Clarke. Collectively, the six defendants seek $60,902 from the city and $24,444 from Clarke. The offers to compromise include no admission of wrongdoing or errors made regarding compliance with the Florida Sunshine Law, which is at the center of the civil lawsuit the city and Clarke filed in 2017. Defendant and former Planning and Zoning Board member John Metz was the first to present his offer to attorney Robert Watrous and others last week. Watrous represents the city and Clarke. Metz is the only defendant still retaining legal counsel. His offer was
prepared by attorney Thomas Shults and dated May 28. Metz’s offer was followed by similarly worded offers from the other five defendants: former Planning and Zoning Board members Reed Mapes, Patty Shay and Bill Vincent and former Scenic WAVES Committee members Tjet Martin and Rose Vincent. The financial reimbursements sought differ for each defendant. “Mr. Metz will settle with the city and Clarke only if they dismiss this lawsuit against all defendants with prejudice. The city must pay Mr. Metz the amount of $42,000 and Clarke must pay Mr. Metz the amount of $14,000. The total of these sums represent approximately 40 percent of Mr. Metz’s attorney fees and costs as of the end of April. This offer shall remain open until 5 p.m. on June, 7. Unless the case is resolved by that date, any future proposals by Mr. Metz shall require the city and Clarke to play a higher percentage of his attorney’s fees incurred,” Metz’s written offer says. Attorney Jim Dye had been representing Mapes, but Mapes discontinued those legal services in March. Mapes’ offer seeks similar settlement terms
SETTLEMENT LANGUAGE
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Lawsuit defendant John Metz made an offer to compromise last week that seeks $42,000 from the city of Bradenton Beach. and $14,000 from the city and $8,400 from Clarke. The other defendants discontinued Dye’s legal services in early 2018. Martin seeks $1,000 from the city and $600 from Clarke. Shay seeks $901.52 from the city and $444 from Clarke. The Vincents seek $3,000 from the city and $1,000 from Clarke. At press time on Monday, the city and Clarke had not responded to the offers. The city commission will meet at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, and it’s possible the defendants’ offers may be discussed at that meeting.
“It appears to be lost on the city commission and Mr. Clarke that they are exposed to substantial monetary liability in this case. This liability consists of not just the attorney’s fees and cost the city will expend for the trial and the appeals thereafter, but also the attorney’s fees and costs incurred by all defendants,” Metz’s offer says. “The Open Meetings Law permits the award of attorneys fees and costs against the city and Clarke if the court finds this suit was filed in bad faith or was frivolous. The city and Clarke can rest assured that Mr. Metz will pursue his right to such award if this matter is not resolved,” Metz’s offer says. The defendants’ latest offers were in response to a settlement offer the city commission made on April 23. That offer proposed the defendants collectively pay the city $203,118 to settle the lawsuit, with an acknowledgement that errors may have been made as it related to the Sunshine Law. The $203,118 represented the city’s attorney fees and legal costs to date. Metz’s offer to compromise says SEE SUNSHINE, PAGE 16
www.amisun.com
JUNE 5, 2019
THE SUN
13
Commissioners agree on moratorium extensions Commissioners agreed to move forward on the extension of two moratoriums, one prohibiting mobility share services from setting up shop in Holmes Beach and another stopping permit-to-permit construction on single-story residences. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
11:00 - 3:00 p.m. EVERY SUNDAY
BLOODY MARY BAR & BOTTOMLESS MIMOSAS 4628 6 8 119th St S W Cortez (941)798-2035 swordfishgrill.com Marker 49 by boat
HOLMES BEACH – City commissioners need a little more time to work on regulations to override two current moratoriums. With little discussion, commissioners agreed to move a moratorium extension forward to first reading that gives city leaders until Sept. 30 to create legislation for businesses that provide mobility sharing services in the city. The moratorium currently blocks these companies from doing business in Holmes Beach. The moratorium applies to any mobility sharing services including bicycles and scooters. It does not affect already established rental services. Commissioners also agreed to move to first reading an extension on the FEMA 50 percent improvement moratorium for non-FEMA compliant residential structures. If it passes, the extension will give commissioners until Sept. 11 to determine how to stop permit-to-permit construction on single-story ground level residential structures. Though City Attorney Patricia Petruff recommended commissioners consider an extension, she said she would not support another moratorium extension. The moratorium came after an audit by FEMA representatives that uncovered permit-to-permit construc-
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
Work on this canal-front home has hit a snag with the implementation of a moratorium stopping permit-to-permit construction on ground level homes. tion on non-FEMA compliant residential structures. In permit-to-permit construction, property owners renovate their homes up to 50 percent of the home’s value. Once construction is complete and reviewed successfully by the building department, the home gets a new appraisal and then a permit is applied for up to 50 percent of the home’s new assessed value. This practice violates FEMA’s best practices and could potentially adversely affect the city’s flood insurance rating. Before the moratorium extension can go before commissioners for a vote, it has to go before the city’s Planning Commission for a recommendation. While the city’s leaders work on legislation, at least two home renovations are caught up in the moratorium. One home’s owners, those from 502 74th Street, have hired attorney Scott Rudacille to represent them as they try to get work finished on their house. At a previous meeting, Rudacille said his clients spoke with then-
Building Official Jim McGuinness about their renovation plans, to first complete work on the outside of the home and then to do another extensive renovation on the inside of the property. He said his clients proceeded to begin their renovation and then learned that additional permits would not be easy to come by, if they could be given at all without a waiting period due to the Jan. 9 passing of the moratorium. Petruff said that while the moratorium does apply to any noncompliant home renovations permitted Jan. 9 or later, she doesn’t feel it should apply to projects permitted in 2017 or 2018. “I don’t think it’s an issue,” she said. Mayor Judy Titsworth encouraged commissioners to move through the process of creating legislation quickly to avoid issues with FEMA and with the city’s residents. Commissioner Jim Kihm said the moratorium extension would be moved to first reading at a future commission meeting as soon as a recommendation is received from planning commissioners.
14
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
Golf the Island The Anna Maria Island Privateers are back with a popular and fun fundraiser – their Second Annual Mini Putt Putt Golf and Pub Crawl on Saturday, June 8, starting at noon. This nine-hole event will raise money for the Privateers’ Whitey Horton College Scholarship Fund. Nine establishments on the Island will be involved, and they will each create a putting hole themed to their establishment. The participating sponsors are, the Fish Hole, Tommy Knockers, the Anchor, Waterline Resort, Slims Place, Harry’s Bar and Grill, D Coy Ducks, Freckled Fin and the Drift-In. The Privateers’ pirate ship, Skullywag, will act as an oversized golf cart as the golfers
they travel the length of the Island from hole to hole. Golfers will get a complimentary 12-oz. tankard of pirate grog at the first hole to start. Prizes will be awarded for first and second place finishers and more. It will be limited to 50 golfers and the entry donation is $49.99 per golfer, which includes putter and ball plus a souvenir T-shirt. Golfers may send their donation/registration to AMI Privateers, PO Box 138, Holmes Beach, Fl 34218; or contact Jennifer “Mermaid” Price at 585-645-8975 to get into more information. Up to nine mulligans may be purchased at $5 each at the time of registration.
Rental units request on agenda On Thursday, June 6, the Bradenton Beach City Commission will conduct a public hearing on developer Michael Hynds’ request to add two residential/vacation rental units to the rear of his existing commercial development on Bridge Street. The commission will conduct public hearing and is expected adopt on final reading comprehensive plan amendments pertaining to sea level rise.
The commission will discuss on first reading an amended ordinance that addresses floating platforms and the rafting of multiple vessels in the anchorage area near the pier. The commission will discuss a letter of support for red tide research and a special permit application from IMG to host the televised 2019 World’s Strong Man Contest at Coquina Beach on June 13 and 14. Thursday’s meeting will start at 6 p.m.
JUNE 5, 2019
www.amisun.com
JUNE 5, 2019
Violent burglar gets 35 years Mark Snyder changed his plea from not guilty to uncontested in the robbery and violent beating of a Holmes Beach woman on June 28, 2018. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
After almost a year of trying to put Mark Snyder away on charges of burglary with battery, Circuit Judge Lon Arend has sentenced Snyder to 35 years in prison. The victim, an Island woman in her 70s who wished to remain unidentified, was badly injured when she surprised Snyder in her bedroom after returning home. As she started to react, Snyder hit her a number of times, and she fell to the ground, bleeding from her wounds. Snyder took a few bags of jewelry and escaped in his car. A surveillance video
showed Snyder drive away. Acting on a tip, police went to Snyder’s residence, searched his car and Snyder found items stolen from the victim. They arrested him at the scene. Snyder pled innocent but changed his plea to uncontested on April 3. Holmes Beach Police Chief William Tokajer said it was great news that Snyder would not be free for a long time, if ever. “We are very pleased with the sentence of 35 years that was given to Mark Snyder for the burglary and brutal beating of the victim,” he said. “We’re happy the judge saw through his last-minute attempts at remorse for his actions. Everyone in the gallery saw through his attempts as he sat there shaking his head as the victim and her son spoke on how this
brutal attack has changed their lives forever. “We have known for many years that Snyder had made a living stealing from others,” he added. “We found evidence of this in his storage garage that proved he had been burglarizing Manatee County residents for at least 10 years. Even though we are not able to charge Snyder due to statute of limitations, we were able to return property to owners that were victimized by his burglaries. “The only truth in his statement that he made that this was a one-time thing was that this was the only time he was caught. It was not a one-time thing. He has been a burglar for many years. This is just the one time that he was caught doing a burglary. It’s a comfort to all that Mark Snyder will never be able to terrorize anyone ever again.”
THE SUN
15
Memorial Day numbers revealed In the Island’s central city the Memorial Day weekend was hardly quiet, but it didn’t cause too many problems for Holmes Beach police. From May 24 to the 27th, Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said that the city’s license plate recognition system noted 132,641 cars entering the city from either the mainland via Manatee Avenue or from Bradenton Beach along East Bay Drive. He estimates that there were 400,00-500,000 people in the city over the holiday weekend with around 130,000 or more in Holmes Beach each day. Tokajer said officers responded to 262 officerinitiated calls, 63 dispatch calls and handed out 230 parking citations. Officers also gave out four noise violations and 86 traffic citations. Over the holiday weekend, he added that there was one drug-related arrest, four arrests initiated by information from the license plate recognition system, one marijuana-related arrest, one disorderly intoxication arrest and one Baker Act mental health-related detainment. “They were very busy,” Tokajer said of his department’s officers. “They did a great job.” There were no burglaries, skirmishes and no larcenies over the weekend, Tokajer said, though officers did break up a few fights over parking spaces at the public beach. “It was a peaceful weekend overall,” he said.
16
THE SUN
www.amisun.com
JUNE 5, 2019
Shearon deposed in Sunshine lawsuit The reasonable foreseeability of the Planning and Zoning Board reviewing a parking garage proposal is a central argument in the lawsuit. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
BRADENTON BEACH – Former Mayor Bill Shearon answered several questions about the potential construction of a parking garage when deposed under oath for the Sunshine Law lawsuit. Attorney Robert Watrous deposed Shearon on Friday, May 24. Watrous represents the city and co-plaintiff Jack Clarke in the 2017 lawsuit filed against former Planning and Zoning Board (P&Z) members Reed Mapes, John Metz, Patty Shay and Bill Vincent and Scenic WAVES Committee members Tjet Martin and Rose Vincent. Shearon testified as a witness. He is not named as a defendant in the case, but his significant other, Martin, is. A central argument in the case is whether it was reasonably foreseeable that a parking garage proposal could have come before the defendants in their roles as city advisory board members. The defendants relinquished their advisory board roles in August 2017 after potential Sunshine Law violations were alleged regarding their Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach meeting
Former mayor Bill Shearon, right, was deposed on May 24. Sitting near him was attorney Jodi Ruberg and defendant John Metz. conversations about parking garages and other city business. The city has requested a summary judgement hearing on June 20. The city seeks from Judge Edward Nicholas a ruling on the reasonable foreseeability argument that’s been described by both parties as the crux of the case. Watrous asked Shearon if he ever discussed the construction of a parking garage with Bradenton Beach Marina President Mike Bazzy. Shearon said he did, but he didn’t recall when. Watrous suggested it was in August 2016. Shearon said only he and Bazzy were present for those conversations about a private parking garage on the marina property, and he referred Bazzy to City Planner Alan Garrett. Watrous asked Shearon if he recalled proposing a parking facility for Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) consideration in September 2016. “Yes. I presented it to the CRA based on prior meetings I had with the county
administrator, county staff, FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) and the other mayors,” Shearon said. The mayor and city commissioners were the CRA’s only voting members when Shearon proposed the construction of a public parking garage on the city-owned public works department property next to the marina property. Watrous asked Shearon if he favored a parking facility in Bradenton Beach. “Personally, I don’t believe a parking garage or facility is economically feasible or practical. As mayor in 2016, I thought it was an opportunity that should be discussed and pursued. It was a concept regarding the potential for a mooring field, for the replacement of the day dock and a parking garage. I presented it to the CRA with the concept that there would be matching funds,” Shearon said. “What I presented was city property that’s adjacent to Mr. Bazzy’s,” Shearon said, noting that he and Bazzy discussed that possibility. Shearon said there was no commission support for his proposal. He also noted Commissioner Jake Spooner proposed an alternative location at the Joe’s Eats & Sweets property on Third Street South that was not pursued either.
REASONABLE FORESEEABILITY
“For the parking garage issue to go forward from the CRA, it would have had to have been reviewed at some point by the P&Z, correct?” Watrous asked.
SUNSHINE: defendants make offer to compromise FROM PAGE 12
its puzzling that the city commission would make a proposal they knew he would never accept. The city’s previous March 1 settlement offer included language that said errors were made regarding Sunshine Law compliance and sought $500 from each of the defendants. The defendants rejected that offer and proposed a counteroffer that instead said errors may have been made. They also offered to donate $10,000 to the Annie Silver Community Center. The city commission rejected that offer because it did not include an admission of errors made. The case is scheduled for a nonjury trial beginning July 15, to be preceded by a city-requested summary judgement hearing on June 20. “It would have had to. If there was an interest from the commission then the commission would direct it to the P&Z board and probably Scenic WAVES,” Shearon said. Watrous noted that in 2017 Shearon voted in support of an updated CRA SEE SHEARON, PAGE 25
Dinner & Fireworks July 4th starting at 6:00 pm! We’ll start with a champagne toast followed by four delicious courses, plus open bar and prime viewing for fireworks! Don't miss out. Reservations: 941-757-3737 or SandBarDining.com/fireworks Adults: $155 Kids 12 and under: $50 Tax and gratuity included. Fireworks show is weather permitting. Sorry, no refunds
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
17
Holmes Beach commissioners vote for Center In a four-to-one vote, Holmes Beach commissioners agreed to donates $22,500 to The Center of Anna Maria Island for the 201819 fiscal year. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
5343 Gulf Dr, Suite 900 Holmes Beach (941) 778-2445 islandanimalclinic.com
HURRICANE SEASON MICROCHIP SPECIAL JUNE 1-NOVEMBER 30
HOLMES BEACH – After a rocky relationship over the past few years, city commissioners and the leadership at The Center of Anna Maria Island are getting along better, as evidenced by the city’s donation of $22,500 to the nonprofit to help fund youth programs. The Center’s Executive Director Chris Culhane and Board Chair David Zaccagnino attended the commission’s May 28 meeting to present April financials and answer any lingering questions. Commissioner Carol Soustek said she’s seen an attitude change at The Center over the past year that’s left her hopeful for the future. “I’ve been real impressed with the progress The Center’s made in the last year,” she said. Culhane, who had asked for $35,000 in funding during a previous work session, said he feels the organization is on solid financial footing despite capital expenses that are still outstanding and the need to add more staff members. Commissioners agreed overall to provide some financial support to The Center but added that they
needed to stay within the $22,500 budgeted for the 2018-19 fiscal year which ends Sept. 30. “You guys have really turned the ship around,” Commissioner Jim Kihm said. “It’s come a long way in the last few years.” He added that while he hopes the organization continues to have great success in the future, he feels it’s not the city’s place to give taxpayer funds to a nonprofit organization. If Holmes Beach residents want to give to The Center, he said they could do it privately instead of through the city. Kihm was the only commissioner to vote against the city’s donation. Mayor Judy Titsworth said she feel that the city’s leaders should lead by example in donating to The Center. “Thank you,” she said to the commissioners just before the vote was taken. “This is a great thing you all are about to do. This community center is so important to this Island. I’m really proud of you all.” The Center’s leadership posted a thank you to the commissioners on the organization’s social media May 28. “Huge thanks goes out to the city of Holmes Beach. Thank you to the mayor and city commissioners that decided to fund The Center’s youth programs in the amount of $22,500. We are truly thankful and grateful.”
Loving Christ • Sharing His Grace • Serving All COMMUNITY CHURCH
Call for a ride to the 10:00 AM Worship Service
SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM IN THE CHAPEL or 10:00 AM IN THE SANCTUARY 10:00 AM Nursery
8:45 AM Adult Sunday School
A NONDENOMINATIONAL, CHRISTIAN CHURCH • EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
512 Pine Ave • Anna Maria
JUNE 5, 2019
941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • www.facebook.com/RoserChurch
18
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
JUNE 5, 2019
Holiday traffic, crowds overwhelming Coquina Beach and Cortez Beach were extremely busy during the recent Memorial Day weekend. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Bradenton Beach officials are concerned about the overcrowding and parking issues that occurred at and around Coquina Beach and Cortez Beach during Memorial Day weekend. A 6:28 a.m. on Tuesday, May 28, Lt. John Cosby from the Bradenton Beach Police Department sent Mayor John Chappie an email regarding these concerns. Cosby also sent Chappie several pictures taken by one of his officers. “We had over 27,000 people. A normal holiday is 15,000 to 19,000 people. We wrote approximately 200 parking tickets and estimate there were 700 vehicles parked illegally in the dunes – double-parked and on the state right of way. We broke up five fights and escorted 10 people out of the park. The park did not clear out until 11 p.m. (on Sunday) and traffic was backed up over the Longboat Key bridge until 11 p.m. also,” Cosby wrote. When contacted, Cosby said “Sunday was the worst day. It was out of control. The ones that parked illegally all over the right of the way were given $50 tickets, and they said they really didn’t care. A sheriff’s deputy said that at one point traffic was backed up all the way to 51st Street West on Cortez Road.” When asked later why this year was so much busier, Cosby said, “I have no idea.” The city has an interlocal agreement with the county that provides county funds to pay for city police patrols of the Coquina and Cortez beach areas. The city patrols are supplemented by Manatee County Sheriff’s deputies upon request during holiday weekends and special
BRADENTON BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT | SUBMITTED
Above and right, cars were parked up and down Gulf Drive near Coquina Beach during Memorial Day weekend.
Sunday was the worst day. It was out of control.” Lt. John Cosby Bradenton Beach Police Dept.
events when heavier crowds are expected, including Memorial Day weekend.
CHAPPIE EXPRESSES CONCERNS
Chappie briefly addressed these public safety concerns during the City Commission’s abbreviated commission workshop on Tuesday morning. He told the commission he planned to share these concerns with county commissioners later that day at their budget planning session. “There’s some major issues that
we have to work out before July Fourth weekend,” Chappie said. When addressing county commissioners and County Administrator Cheri Coryea, Chappie said, “In your budgeting process, you need to please put some money down for security. With the number of people that are coming to our beaches, you just cannot imagine. We’re getting together some statistics and pictures, and I’m sure through your departments you’re going to find out how crazy it was. “We had one officer who was told ‘We’re glad they shoot cops now.’ It was just a matter of trying to manage the situation, it wasn’t trying to enforce rules because you had too many people out there. You couldn’t even see the sand because the umbrellas on the beach at Coquina Beach were packed so tight. Your lifeguards, God bless them, I don’t know how they could do anything. It’s not safe, and I appreciate Cheri jumping on it and working on it,” Chappie said. Chappie also said he hopes to meet with county officials soon to formulate plans for the upcoming holiday weekends.
CELEBRATING OUR 40th ANNIVERSARY!
DAN'S FAN CITY
LARGEST SELECTION OF INDOOR & OUTDOOR FANS ANYWHERE!
BRING IN THIS AD FOR
10% OFF PRODUCTS SOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY.
PROMO CODE: LP10off Good Thru 07/07/19
DESIGN
YOUR FAN
ALSO AVAILABLE!
ASK US HOW
Bradenton
1808 Cortez Road
Open 7 Days A Week
755-3262
Parts, Services & Installation Available
JUNE 5, 2019
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
19
‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE TOM VAUGHT | SUN
Oh happy days Last Thursday the fifth-graders at Anna Maria Elementary School walked the halls for the final time as students as the other students wished them well. As the thought of leaving the little school by the bay and their younger friends set in, some of those smiles turned into tears. The Sun wishes the young alumnae good luck in middle school.
20
JUNE 5, 2019
www.amisun.com
JUNE 5, 2019
21
22
THE SUN
OUTDOORS
JUNE 5, 2019
The elephant in the bay
I
t’s not with any pleasure that I sit down and write an outdoors column on water quality issues and red tide at one of my favorite times of the year. I’d rather be spending this time talking about tarpon, snook, redfish, trout and the plethora of other fish that swim area waters. Unfortunately, there’s an elephant in the bay. Although area waters are clear again and the red tide is currently absent, we don’t seem to have made any significant progress in addressing the problems that plagued us last year and pose a threat into the future. It’s hard to fathom, that after last year’s unprecedented killing field event that featured daily images of dead fish, dolphin, turtles and manatees,’ policy makers failed to act to address the core problem. In fact, the legislative session that just ended was characterized as “a disaster for our environment,” by the public interest group Florida Conservation Voters. If it takes numbers to convince you, consider the bottom line. This year’s environmental funding is only 0.003 percent more than last year. This isn’t a red vs. blue issue as major initiatives (blocked by leadership) were advanced from both sides of the aisle. Three of these blocked bills were championed by local politicians Representative Bill Robinson (R-Bradenton), Representative Margaret Good (DSarasota) and Senator Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota). If you live on or anywhere near the Gulf and are a home, business owner or tourist, last summer’s explosion of red tide and blue green algae was a blunt wake-up call. At
Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS risk is everything we value including our marine environment, quality of life and businesses. Florida Conservation Voters reminds us, “Democracy isn’t a spectator sport; it requires participation to work.” It also cautions that “legislators regularly sponsor bills that seek to limit, restrict or hinder many of the principals we hold most dear.” A case in point: this past session a bill was passed by both chambers that would make it much more difficult for voters to exercise their constitutional right to pass a citizen’s imitative. I don’t know about you, but I want to have the ability to pass a ballot initiative if necessary to protect my property, my business and the marine environment that has sustained me the past three decades. If there’s a bright spot in this bleak session, it’s another record year for Everglades funding and other associated water quality projects up and down the coasts, funding made possible by the voter approved 2014 Water and Land Conservation Amendment (Amendment One). Unfortunately, the Legislature once again severely underfunded the states' most important suite of land conservation programs, commonly referred to as Florida Forever. Leadership de-
RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN
The sun rose last summer on a sublime scene marred by dead fish, grass and the foul odor of a dead and dying bay. cided to spend only $33 million on a program that had received $300 million for decades. We as citizens of a barrier island surrounded by water cannot afford to let this become yet another out of sight, out of mind event. Legislators are touting the $3 million a year that was allocated to study red tide for the next five years. Those familiar with the causes and effects know that the real answer is to limit the nutrients that fuel severe and extended blooms. Unfortunately, interests opposed to addressing the root cause because of financial impacts continue to sway legislators. Meanwhile the blooms are more frequent and severe and will cost us far more in the future for our failure to act
now in any significant way. While the bay and Gulf have a remarkable ability to recover, my three plus decades point to a diminishing resource that’s less resilient and taking much longer to recover than in the past. The bottom line is that we have too much at stake to hope for a good result. We all need to lobby our legislators to resist the special interests for which the bottom line is today and next year. They were elected to serve the residents who live, work and raise families here. There’s an elephant in the bay, one we can wish away. Let’s all work together to protect this special place we call home.
www.amisun.com
JUNE 5, 2019
THE SUN
23
The talk is about tarpon CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE
We are into June. That means a whole lot for the fishing community in our area and us here at Anna Maria Charters. Things are heating up both literally and figuratively around here. The tarpon fishing is great right now. We’ve had some stellar days and some not so stellar ones. These finicky fish can be very frustrating at times. They can make you a hero or a zero in the eyes of your clients. The most frustrating aspect of them when they aren’t eating is that they are seemingly everywhere and won’t touch a bait. But we put in the time and when the opportunity arises, we take full advantage. Pass crabs are our bait of choice lately. American red snapper season opened up on the first for all federally permitted charters and for gag grouper as well. We had trips on both the first and the second. Each day is different, as the new moon is here and extremely flat conditions can make it a bit tough. But we bounce around and find feeding fish. Pinfish and sardines should get the job done.
CAPTAIN WES WILDMAN
Yhewww – has it been hot, and the fishing has been pretty spectacular as well. This week we accomplished a little bit of everything – plenty of snook around the flats to be caught with a few nice mangrove snapper and flounder in the mix to take home for supper. There also is plenty of action on the bay reefs with a lot of Spanish mackerel being caught. These fish are an absolute blast to catch, such an aggressive and fast fish. I Also like to make sashimi out of the larger mackerel, very tasty. There are a ton of tarpon and also a lot of boats fishing them. We managed to jump a few this week but none have been landed. Konnor did managed to get a huge barracuda while we were tarpon fishing, every bit of 4 feet long. Konnor did a great job of sight fishing this cuda with a lure as they can be very finicky, they usually just follow the bait around but getting them to actually commit and eat the bait is a great feat. Come check us out at Keyes Marina to get booked or for all you fishing and marine needs.
CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE | SUBMITTED
Corey Roe shows off a healthy red grouper and American red snapper caught on Sunday with Captain David White, of Anna Maria Charters.
CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT
Tarpon should be plentiful in the coastal Gulf this month as big schools of fish migrate along our beaches. Also look for cobia, tripletail and false albacore (little tunny) in the coastal Gulf. Catch and release snook fishing should also be good in and around passes and in the surf. Fishing should also be good on deep grass flats for a
variety of species. Tarpon fishing should be strong this month. They will head offshore to spawn close to new and full moons. Set up in travel lanes along the beach at first light in the morning and cast live crabs, baitfish, DOA Baitbusters and Swimming Mullet to them. I travel well offshore along the beach in the morning to avoid
disturbing schools of tarpon that may be traveling close to the beach. Once you’ve reached the area you intend to fish, ease into the beach with an electric trolling motor and set up in your spot. You can anchor or drift, depending on conditions. Use tackle heavy enough to land them as quickly as possible. When fly fishing, I use 12-weight rods and large arbor reels capable of holding 300-yards or more of backing. I use a variety of baitfish, shrimp or crab fly patterns fished on floating or intermediate sink tip fly lines. The shallower the water, the easier it is to get your fly in front of a fish when fly fishing. Stake out or anchor in travel lanes to get shots at them. When spin fishing, I usually drift a couple of live baits under a float while we wait for tarpon schools to pass by. Blind casting with DOA Baitbusters or Swimming Mullet, if you’re in the right spot, can also be productive when fish are moving past you but not showing well on the surface. The CAL 4� Shad Tail/Swimbait with a heavy weedless hook is also be a good tarpon bait, especially when sight fishing.
,/' '2/3+,16 : ,/' <28 :217 %(/,(9( <285 (<(6
DPLGROSKLQWRXUV FRP
24
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
JUNE 5, 2019
Island Players celebrate 70th season The oldest live theater group in Manatee County held its annual banquet at the Bradenton Country Club recently with awards and recognition for those serving before the audience and behind the scenes. Ruth Stevens was honored by Island Players President Sylvia Marney for her 50 years of service. The sound and light board room will be named for her and a plague bearing her name will be installed over the door. Diane Phinney was given the IGO Award for “longtime and outstanding service.” The award is named after Island Players founder Harold Igo. Three volunteers earned their 20-year awards. They were Claudette Welch, director Kelly Lynn Woodland and actor Mark Woodland. The Island Players will begin their 71st season on Sept. 19 with “Steel Magnolias,” by Robert Harling and directed by Mike Lusk. For more information, log onto www.theislandplayers.org.
Sat & Sun
ISLAND PLAYERS | SUBMITTED
Clockwise from above: Claudette Welch, Mark Woodland and Kelly Lynn Woodland with their 20-year awards ; Island Players President Sylvia Marney with IGO Award winner Diane Phinney; and Marney with 50-year volunteer Ruth Stevens.
y l p m
i S Great
Food And MUSIC
Tuesdays
Fridays
Dinner Shows Start around 7pm Harry Hour Shows Mon-Fri 3pm -5pm Open 11:30-10pm
9903 Gulf Dr 941-567-5999 www.harrysAMI.com For Delivery www.Islandeats.net/harrysgrill
JUNE 5, 2019
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
Aeration system awaiting power An aeration system is still planned for installation in Spring Lake, but Holmes Beach Commissioner Jim Kihm said the project is on an involuntary hold while the city waits for Florida Power & Light to run electricity to the site. Kihm said that installation on the system will begin once power is available for the air compressor. Commissioner Carol Soustek said she recently visited the lake and was able to see through the water to the bottom for the first time in a long time. “That was amazing to me,” she said. “The lake is slowly but surely adjusting.”
25
SHEARON: Deposed FROM PAGE 16
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
Visibility at Spring Lake is better, but the water is still recovering from issues begun by a sewage leak more than two years ago.
plan that included the possibility of a parking garage – that vote occurred in June. Watrous asked Shearon if parking was still a hotbutton issue in 2017. “I would assume so,” Shearon said. Shearon said he never attended a CNOBB meeting and was not involved with CNOBB at all. He did acknowledge attending a CNOBB gathering, but he couldn’t remember what it was. It was the CNOBBhosted commission candidates forum in October 2017 that he and Randy White participated in. In August 2018, the current city commission adopted two ordinances that prohibit the construction of stand-alone or multi-level parking garages. Those ordinances were first reviewed by the current Planning and Zoning Board.
26
THE SUN
REAL ESTATE
JUNE 5, 2019
We may be getting older, but we’re not stupid
D
id you know that every day 10,000 baby boomers turn 65? Just to refresh your aging memories, baby boomers are defined as those born between 1946 and 1964, therefore, baby boomers will be impacting our society for a lot longer. So, what do the smart real estate professionals do? They market smart houses and aging in place. This is becoming such a hot topic that the continuing education course required of real estate licensees every two years contains two entire modules on smart homes and senior living. These are some of the more important points covered and tested in the most recent course. A smart home is one that provides comfort, security, energy efficiency and convenience. These are all features that not only help seniors but also can improve property values especially for homeowners and prospective homeowners who are baby boomers. When you’re talking cost to value in real estate, it's always a balance between what it
Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER costs to make an improvement versus what the return will be. Well, based on a Coldwell Banker survey, 54 percent of homeowners said they would add smart home products if it made a house sell for more money. 65 percent of those would pay $1,500 or more to add smart home features, and 40 percent would pay up to $3,000 or more. In addition, Market Watch reports that the number of smart homes in North America is expected to hit 73 million by 2021 or more than 50 percent of all households. Unfortunately, real estate appraisers are just starting to give value to smart homes. Smart homes are starting to have a very big impact on baby boomers who apparent-
ly prefer the phrase thriving in place as opposed to aging in place. Sixty-one percent of those over 55 are planning to stay in their homes indefinitely, and 67 percent of those over 55 believe smart home technology could help them. Whether you’re thriving or aging, there are things that can help you live independently and safely. Certainly, the most important smart features for seniors is health monitoring devices. There are many devices designed to monitor blood pressure and other vital signs that send alerts to a family member, physician or health care professional. There is a device to alert family members if a senior is not in his'/her home or within a specific range and medicine containers that beep if the medicine is not taken. And one very practical device will automatically turn a stove off if it is left unattended for a predetermined length of time. Next are all of the convenience and security smart innovations – smart locks to avoid being locked out, smart home secu-
rity monitors when not at home, smart sensors to track movements within the home and smart devices to let you and a family member know when a door or window is unlocked. There is smart lighting that can be voice activated, smart thermostats and smart appliances which can create shopping lists and even give you the ability to look inside the refrigerator, monitor oven temperatures and activate your robotic vacuum cleaner. Least we forget the all-important remote shopping, ordering anything online, whether it’s clothes, books, your grandchild’s birthday present or food, has become second nature to people. Out of all progress made in smart homes, seniors having the ability to have things delivered is probably the biggest innovation and is growing daily. If you’re a baby boomer or older, get smart. Don’t fight the technology, embrace it. It will only make your life easier and may also improve the value of your home. Remember – thrive, don’t age.
www.amisun.com
JUNE 5, 2019
THE SUN
27
Commissioner responds to camera concerns BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – AMI Locals rental agent Eric Pullen caused a stir during the May 28 city commission meeting when he stepped up during public comment to talk about Commissioner Kim Rash’s home security system. Pullen said that renters at the newly built 212 72nd Street had complained about Rash’s security camera, saying that it violated their privacy. He added that a total of 10 guests staying at the property since March had either called or emailed him to complain about the camera. In an email that he read aloud one guest was concerned that the camera had recorded her children changing clothes in the backyard. While Rash and his fellow commissioners did not publicly address Pullen’s issues, Rash spoke with The Sun later that evening about the camera system. He said that the camera causing the issues is one that is on the second floor of his property and was installed before the two vacation rental properties were built. When the camera was installed, the home behind Rash’s two-story over parking duplex was a single-story home. When the property sold in 2018, two
SUBMITTED | GOOGLE MAPS
This small, single-story, single-family home occupied the lot behind the Rash home, seen in the background, when the family’s security camera was installed. two-story over parking vacation rental properties, each with a pool, went up behind the Rash home. The one directly behind the commissioner’s half of the duplex is a four-bedroom home that sleeps eight people. Despite the concerns given by Pullen, Rash showed that his camera is focused on his driveway and only shows the fence line and a sliver of the neighboring rental property. Rash, who also has a part-time residence in Kentucky, and his family said they
installed the camera for security purposes. It connects to a smartphone application so that the family can view comings and goings on their own property and be alerted if there’s an intruder. Recordings from the camera are kept for a short time before being automatically erased by the security system. The camera cannot be remotely controlled and has no ability to be remotely repositioned or to visually zoom in on images. When the complaints first reached his
ears, Rash said he quickly reached out to the city attorney for advice. City Attorney Patricia Petruff said that she researched the issue when the complaints from the rental agency were brought to her attention and found nothing illegal or concerning about Rash’s security cameras. She said that the Rash family is allowed to have a camera surveillance system on their own property and that isn’t illegal for the camera to incidentally pick up part of a neighboring property as long as the camera is primarily focused on the owner’s own property. With homes as close as they are on the Island and houses built well above the sixand eight-foot fence lines, she said there’s no reasonable expectation of complete privacy for renters or residents in backyard pool areas because there’s no way to fully block the area from view of neighboring homes. Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer agreed with Petruff’s assessment of the security camera and said that he found nothing wrong with the Rash family using the camera for its own security to view its own property. Rash said that he intends to keep the security camera in place for the protection of his family and personal property.
28
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
• Avoid posted bird nesting areas and use designated walkways to the beach. • Keep pets away from bird nesting areas. • Keep the beach clean; food scraps attract predators such as raccoons and crows to the beach, and litter can entangle birds and other wildlife. • If you see people disturbing nesting birds, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
TURTLE EXPERT TO SPEAK
BRENDA TWISS | SUBMITTED
Oh, baby! The small bird in the center is a mama snowy plover, a threatened species in Florida. The really small bird on the left is her chick, one of three that hatched this month in the first nest of the season on Anna Maria Island. Eckerd College Intern Emma Bouchard and Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Director Suzi Fox watched it hatch, along with both snowy plover parents. Congratulations (and please don’t chase the birds on the beach)!
BIRD TIPS
During bird nesting season, March through August, please follow these tips: • Never touch a shorebird chick, even if it’s wandering outside a staked nesting area. • Teach kids not to chase birds – bird parents may abandon nests if they’re disturbed. • Don’t feed birds – it encourages them to fly at people aggressively and is not good for their health. • If birds are screeching and flying at you, you’re too close.
Dr. Luciano Soares, an assistant research scientist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Marine Turtle Program, will give a presentation on sea turtle conservation on Thursday, June 6, at 10 a.m. at Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club, 5325 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach. The presentation will be an abbreviated version of the training program required for volunteers of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring and other similar groups in Florida, modified for the general public.
TURTLE TIPS
During sea turtle season, May 1 – Oct. 31, please follow these tips: • Turn off lights visible from the beach and close blinds from sundown to sunrise; lights confuse nesting sea turtles and may cause them to go back to sea and drop their eggs in the water, where they won’t hatch. Light can also attract hatchlings away from the water. • Don’t use flashlights, lanterns or camera flashes on the beach at night. • Remove all objects from the sand from sundown to sunrise; they can deter sea turtles from nesting and disorient hatchlings.
JUNE 5, 2019
JUNE 5, 2019
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
29
Sea level rise, property rights weighed in plan discussion BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – The City Commission and city staff have reached a compromise on proposed changes to the city’s comprehensive plan regarding adaptation to future sea level rise, king tides and rising tides. For the past few months, City Engineer Lynn Burnett, City Planner Alan Garrett and Building Official Steve Gilbert have guided the commission and Planning and Zoning Board through the state-mandated process of adding a Coastal and Conservation Element to the city’s comprehensive plan to bring it into compliance with the Peril of Flood Act adopted in 2015.
During these discussions, Commissioners Ralph Cole and Jake Spooner frequently expressed concerns about unintended consequences as it pertains to preserving private property rights. City Attorney Ricinda Perry shares those concerns, especially when it comes to creating a possibility for involuntary takings. Several key revisions to the originally proposed comp plan language were made during the commission’s Wednesday, May 29, work meeting. The comp plan amendments are scheduled for second and final reading on Thursday, June 6. Burnett said adding the Coastal and Conservation Element to the comp plan is the first step in meeting state requirements. The actual implementation of measures designed
to lessen the impact of rising sea levels and the increased king tides will occur through the future development of city standard details and amendments to the land development code. Staff noted in the past that failure to update the comp plan would jeopardize the city’s ability to secure state and federal funds related to storm recovery efforts.
PROPERTY RIGHTS
As a result of last week’s meeting, Goal 4 of the proposed Coastal and Conservation Element now reads: “Protect and enhance the city’s natural and built environment to avoid or withstand the effects of climate change, rising sea level, extreme high tides and storm surge to help safeguard buildable properties.”
BEACH BEAT ANNA MARIA
5/22, found property, 316 N. Bay Blvd., The deputy found the bicycle, and the owner called to claim it. 5/25, found property, various locations, Over the Memorial Day holiday, three wallets, a credit card, a debit card and an insurance card were turned in.
BRADENTON BEACH
DUI, reckless driving, refusal to submit to a breath test, violation of driver’s license restrictions, 300 Gulf Drive North. The officer stopped the driver for passing a vehicle in a no-passing zone across solid double lane lines, driving at high speeds through a congested area, driving over a raised roundabout circle median instead of around it at a high rate of speed and almost losing control of his vehicle into opposing lanes. He exhibited signs of intoxication and was arrested for DUI. He refused to submit to an alcohol test. He currently has a restriction on his license for business purposes only
HOLMES BEACH
5/22, Driving with a suspended license, 4000 Gulf Drive. The officer stopped a Moped driver for not stopping at a four-way stop signal. He had a suspended license and received a criminal citation. 5/24, driving without a license, never had one, 500 Manatee Ave. The officer ran a computer check and found the driver had no license. He was ticketed. 5/24, driving with a suspended license, 700 Manatee Ave. The officer ran a computer check on the plate, and it showed the driver’s license was suspended. 5/24, grand theft, 6800 block of Palm
Until last week, Goal 4 ended instead with the words: “… to ensure net zero loss of buildable properties.” Cole, Spooner and Perry shared their concerns about the amended comp plan designating the entire city as a flood-prone Adaptation Action Area (AAA). Cole questioned whether the city would begin discouraging construction in AAAdesignated areas or prevent the owner of an existing home from repairing it or rebuilding it if it became flooded. Perry said she doesn’t foresee the current commission or city staff telling a property owner they can’t develop or redevelop a property in a AAA-designated area. Her SEE SEA LEVEL, PAGE 30
Drive. Luggage was stolen while the victim was unloading it from the car of the vacation rental. 5/25, driving with a suspended license, 700 Manatee Ave. The license plate reader indicated a driver with a suspended license was coming toward the officer who stopped and ticketed the driver. 5/25, possession of a small amount of marijuana, no seat belt, illegal turn, 4100 block of Gulf Drive. The officer observed the driver make an illegal left turn into Manatee Public Beach and pulled her over. He smelled marijuana and asked if she had any, and she produced a small amount. He ticketed her for that and the driving infractions. 5/25, driving with a suspended license and a warrant arrest, 100 42nd St. The license plate reader informed the officer of the driver with a suspended license and warrant. She was pulled over and arrested. 5/25, driving with no license and not using a seat belt, 700 Manatee Ave. The officer pulled the driver over for not using her seat belt. She didn’t have a driver’s license, only a Mexican passport. She was ticketed. 5/26, noise code violation, 212 72nd St. The officer responded to noise complaints and found a party was making too much noise. He told them to keep it down or there would be repercussions. 5/26. Driving with no license, allowing an unlicensed person to drive, 4000 Gulf Drive. The officer stopped a car for not stopping at the four-way flashing red light. After the car stopped, the four minors changed seats. The unlicensed driver was ticketed, and all them had to call parents to drive them home. 5/26, noise complaint, 4118 5th Ave. The officer responded to a complaint, and the complainant said his baby could not sleep due to the music emanating from the vacation rental. The officer talked to the renter and gave him a code violation citation.
30
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
SEA LEVEL: Rise discussed FROM PAGE 29
concern is that a future commission or city staff that is extremely anti-development might try to use the comp plan and amended land development code to prevent property owners from developing their properties. Burnett said the voluntary AAA designation would help identify areas that experience coastal flooding due to extreme tides, storm surge and that are vulnerable to rising sea levels. “The whole point of a AAA designation is for the prioritization of funding. If we do not want to do that AAA designation, we will not be eligible for funding under the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council. It’s as a simple as that,” she said. Burnett said the AAA designation would not prevent new homes from being built according to federal, state and local codes, and those new homes would still be eligible for flood insurance and the flood insur-
ance rate discounts. To alleviate concerns about the AAA designation, revised comp plan Policy 4.1.3 now includes language that says, “AAA designation over the city is not to be used as a taking or devaluation measure, but rather as opportunities to protect and preserve real property from peril of flood.” The commission also removed language from Policy 4.1.6 that said: “Avoidance: Strategies that involve ensuring development does not take place in areas subject to coastal hazards associated with sea level rise or where the risk is low at present but will increase over time.” The commission and Perry requested replacing the word shall with may in several references to prevention, adaptation and funding actions that may or may not be pursued. The reference to the President’s Climate Action Plan was also removed.
JUNE 5, 2019
Now is the time to prepare Manatee County officials say residents should prepare for hurricane season now. BY TOM VAUGHT
SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
County officials want residents to change the way to prepare for storms. That was the theme at a briefing with the media at the Manatee County Emergency Operations Center last Friday. Emergency Operations Director Steve Litschauer said there are decisions and actions that residents should make now. Get to know your home better,” he said, “and take steps to minimize damage before the storm gets here.” Some of those actions include trimming plants and trees in your yard, cleaning out your gutters to minimize water damage during he storm and stowing items that the wind could blow around. Litschauer said they calculate
it takes three days for a storm to turn into a major hurricane, so it would be better to make decisions now.
EVACUATION
If the storm is headed your way, you could avoid some last minute traffic jams by leaving early, and don’t go too far from home or you might find yourself looking for fuel that isn’t there. Just go far enough to get out of the storm’s way.
STAYING PUT
This decision depends on the condition of your home and when it was built. Improvements in the building code make newer homes more able to withstand higher winds. For instance, homes built after March 2012 are able to withstand winds of 150 mph while homes built after 2002 and before 2012 can withstand winds of 130 mph and those built prior to 2002 can withstand 110 mph winds near the coast and 90 mph inland.
STORM SHELTERS
The county offers a limited amount of space, so residents are urged to make that a last resort. People at the shelters have as much space as a sheet of plywood.
POST STORM
Litschauer said the county would get heavy equipment to the as soon as the wind permits to clear the road. “Let us clear the nails from the street before you get on the road,” he said. He also said when drivers get on the street; they need to remember the rules of the road. “If the stoplights are out, treat it as a four-way stop.”
SPECIAL NEEDS
Those who need help evacuating or have medical should call the county to register so they will be able to get help. Finally, don’t wait to make a plan, officials said.
Build Your Dream Home in a Dream Location! A SPRAWLING 1.5-ACRE HOMESITE
• Customizable Home
• Minutes from Anna Maria Island
• Exclusive Gated Community
• Coveted Northwest Bradenton Location
C A L L U S T O D A Y O R V I S I T B Y A P P O I N T M E N T O N LY
941-242-8602
NEALSIGNATUREHOMES.COM
© 2019 Neal Communities, All rights reserved. Neal Communities reserves the right to change this information without notice. See a sales representative for details. License#: CBC 1256375
www.amisun.com
JUNE 5, 2019
THE SUN
31
Mangroves mistakenly removed The construction crew building the new dock mistakenly cut the mangroves in two additional locations. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRSPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – A visit to George and Wendy Kokolis’ residential property at 110 Fifth St. S. last week revealed significant mangrove trimming had occurred as part of the Kokolis’ efforts to have a new residential dock installed. After review by the Planning and Zoning Board, the City Commission approved the residential dock request in November. The commission approval was for a specific location just north of the corner at the intersection of Fifth Street South and Bay Drive South. There are now three new gaps in the mangroves and construction of the new dock is underway in the commission-approved location. The new gaps in the mangroves are in
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
There are three new gaps in the mangroves along Bay Drive South where a new residential dock is being installed. addition to a preexisting gap where the two streets meet. On Monday, June 3, The Sun sent an email to Bradenton Beach Building Official Steve Gilbert asking if the city received any complaints
about the mangrove trimming. “We are aware of the mangrove problem. It’s a sad story. The workers took it upon themselves to locate the dock access at the ‘best location’ where the mangroves
were not that thick. Unfortunately, the City Commission authorized the dock location very specifically, including the easement crossing the street, further north than where they originally installed the dock,” Gilbert wrote in response. “They were notified that the dock location has to be located where the city approved it. They removed the dock and pilings, then began cutting through where they thought it was supposed to be, but they misread the dimensions for the easement location and cut through too far to the north. I guess you could say the third time’s the charm. We have pictures for FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection) but are monitoring right now to see how the mangroves are going to recover,” Gilbert wrote. When contacted by phone, Gilbert said any penalties would be imposed by FDEP if it’s determined the trimmed mangroves are nonrecoverable.
LO C A L LY K N OW N . G LO B A L LY C O N N E C T E D.
B I M I N I B AY E S TAT E S 240 Oak Avenue Kathy Harman 941-900-9828 A4424812 $2,199,000
B R A D E N T O N B E AC H 1710 Gulf Drive N E Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4215055 $1,799,000
A N N A M A R I A B E AC H 111 Spring Avenue Kristi Berger 941-730-3801 A4421014 $1,125,000
H AW K S H A R B O R 7153 Hawks Harbor Circle Cheryl Roberts 941-266-1450 A4434661 $895,000
CASANAS 104 34th Street Hannah Hillyard 941-744-7358 A4427813 $3,750,000
H O L M E S G U L F T O B AY 5708 Holmes Boulevard Hannah Hillyard 941-744-7358 A4418675 $670,000
COQUINA MOORINGS 1407 Gulf Drive S 203 Cindy Fischer 941-465-1124 A4430215 $649,000
B AY PA L M S 503 70th Street Laura Rulon 941-896-2757 A4406584 $599,000
K E Y R OYA L E 605 Key Royale Drive Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4427418 $1,499,999
HARBOUR LANDINGS 12518 Baypointe Terrace Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4425873 $1,175,000
C O R T E Z B E AC H 110 7th Street S Judy LaValliere & Deborah Nelson 941-504-3792 A4435818 $875,000
C O R T E Z B E AC H 103 8th Street S Jodene Moneuse 941-302-4913 A4423553 $780,000
M A R I N E R S C OV E 3840 Mariners Way 524A Mark Boehmig & Joanne Jenkins 941-807-6936 A4433572 $500,000
PA L M A S O L A B AY 7920 34th Avenue W 203 Barb Eberhart & Rich Sporl 614-204-7687 A4426864 $475,000
NEW CONSTRUCTION
MSC MORTGAGE | MSC TITLE | MS&C COMMERCIAL NEW HOMES & CONDOMINIUMS
ILEXHURST 304 29th Street A & B Jody Shinn 941-705-5704 A4435660 $545,000
OPEN HOUSES SUNDAYS 1–4 PM
michaelsaunders.com
8 8 8 . 552 . 52 2 8
michaelsaunders.com L I C E N S E D R E A L E S TAT E B R O K E R
32
THE SUN
www.amisun.com
JUNE 5, 2019
Avenue C projects nearly complete Avenue C in Bradenton Beach has received its final layer of paving and the county’s long-running force main replacement project is nearly complete in that area. Last week, a small crew from Westra Construction installed the pads around the mid-street valve covers as one of the final steps. One worker said that work might be finished by week’s end. The city-funded drainage project and right of way and driveway restoration project is also nearly complete. City Engineer Lynn Burnett said the city is waiting for the new asphalt to cure before installing new geogrid-topped infiltration systems in the driveway aprons at the Lay-Z-Liv-N resort. Once that’s done, the city project will be complete. Avenue C resident and property owner Dave Redeker is glad to see the work wrapping up. “It’s real nice not having to clean the dust every day. For those that rent out, last year was terrible. They had the street tore up and there was red tide.”
HBPD to continue SRO program BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – The school year has drawn to a close, but plans are already underway for when Anna Maria Elementary School’s doors reopen to students and faculty in the fall. Police Chief Bill Tokajer presented city commissioners with a contract between the department and the Manatee County School Board during a May 28 commission meeting to continue an agreement to provide a school resource officer to Anna Maria Elementary. Tokajer said the contract provides a 70/30 split for the salary and benefits, including cost and salary increases, for Officer Josh Fleischer to continue to serve as the school’s SRO. Under the contract, the school board reimburses the police department $98,187.62 over four equal payments to cover 70 percent of Fleischer’s salary and benefits along with operating expenses. The amount covers 100 percent of Fleischer’s salary and benefits during the school year with HBPD picking up the other 30 percent to cover the officer’s work while school is not in session. “It’s more than we got last year and a considerable amount more than in previous years,” Tokajer said to commissioners. “The kids love him,” Commissioner Carol Soustek said of Fleischer. “He’s doing a great job,” Tokajer added. Commissioners voted unanimously to accept the new contract with the school board.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The city is waiting for the new asphalt to cure before installing infiltration trenches in front of the Lay-Z-Liv-N resort. Avenue C has received its final layer of paving, and the county and city projects taking place are near completion. A small crew from Westra Construction was installing these valve cover pads last week.
www.amisun.com
JUNE 5, 2019
ENTERTAINMENT
Jeanette Rothberg and Judy McClarren, live on the Island.
FAMILY FUN
Cultural Connections of Anna Maria Island invites those in our community who are interested in getting involved in Island arts, culture and heritage to attend a gathering on Tuesday, June 11 at 6 p.m. The free event will be held at Island Arbour, the new event space adjoining The Doctor’s Office, located at 5312 Holmes Boulevard in Holmes Beach. Light appetizers and refreshments will be provided and sponsored by The Doctor’s Office. This event is being held to generate awareness of Cultural Connections initiatives as well as to kickoff it’s annual event, artsHOP, celebrating its 13th year in Nov. 2019. As an arts, culture and heritage council since 2008, Cultural Connections, now a nonprofit organization, brings awareness to Anna Maria Island art galleries, artists, musicians, museums, art galleries, as well as businesses that showcase local art for sale, nonprofit wildlife and conservation organizations. Its signature event, artsHOP is an annual celebration held each November that celebrates the arts, culture and heritage community. ArtsHOP showcases participant businesses and features local musicians, artists and unique works of art and art collections across all three island cities during the three-day event. Cultural connections partners with many organizations such as Island Players, Anna Maria Island Community Chorus & Orchestra, the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, local artists and art galleries, the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce and is recog-
At the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach: • Thursday, May 30, a veteran’s services professional will be available to help vets with needs, 9 a.m. to noon; Seaside Quilters. 10 a.m.; Knit and Crochet, 2 to 4 p.m. • Friday, May 31, Mahjong Club, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. • Saturday, June 1, 25, CPR training, preregistration needed. • Tuesday, June 4, Preschool story time, 10 to 11 a.m.; Mahjong Club, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Tech help, 2 to 4 p.m. For more information, call the library at 942-778-6341
SINGERS HAVE NEW DIRECTOR
Magic of Manatee, the Bradenton chapter of Sweet Adelines, announces Stephen Ditchfield has been appointed its new director. Stephen's love of four-part harmony is contagious, and his enthusiastic directing is adding an exciting new dimension to the Magic of Manatee. Singing with his wife, Bernice, and his daughter and three daughters-in-law in the renowned Ditchfield Family Singers, Stephen is uniquely qualified to help the Magic of Manatee continue to achieve its full potential, and making the process a lot of fun. They rehearse every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at Bradenton Christian School, 3304 43rd St. W, Bradenton. They welcome guests and prospective new members to come and watch their rehearsals anytime. Two women,
JOIN THE ART SCENE
nized and promoted in multiple ways by The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. For questions, contact Casey Hoffman. 941-538-8484 or Casey@AnnaMariaIslandRadio.com.
ART WALKS OVER THE SUMMER
The Artists' Guild of Anna Maria Island will continue Art Walks during the summer months. The Art Walks take place on the second Friday of each month. The dates for the summer are: May 10, June 14, July 12th, Aug. 9, Sept. 13, and Oct. 11. Visit the gallery on the Art Walks and at other times at 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. The Art Walks run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. There will be themed windows for each month of the off-season: June – Bring Dad Home a Sunset July – Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue August – Beach Blanket Bingo September – Shower Power October – Harvest
CELEBRATE FATHER'S DAY AT ROSER
Everyone is invited to join Roser Community Church, at 512 Pine Avenue in Anna Maria on Father's Day, Sunday, June 17, at 8:30 a.m. in the chapel or 10 a.m. in the sanctuary. All guys will receive a real cool gift thanks to Holy Cow Ice Cream and Other Cool Stuff. Refreshments will be served in the narthex following the service.
STORM TIPS FROM A PRO AT JOY
Everyone is invited on Wednesday, June 12, at 11 a.m. to hear Lt. John Cosby, from the Bradenton Beach Police Department, ex-
THE SUN
33
plain how the Island prepares for hurricanes at the JOY (Just Older Youth) meeting at Roser Church, 512 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria. Cosby will explain what goes on behind the scenes to keep us safe during stormy times. Bring a brown bag lunch and join them in the fellowship hall. Beverages and dessert will be provided. JOY usually meets the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at the church. For more information, go to www.roserchurch. com/joy, call 941-778-0414, or find them on Facebook @roserchurch.
LEARN ABOUT COASTAL RESTORATION
The Florida Maritime Museum (FMM) at 4415 119th St. W. is hosting a Coastal Restoration Workshop on Tuesday, June 11, from 10 a.m. to noon. The fee is $13. This informative worship is being conducted by Manatee County professional restoration practitioners who are responsible for the design and implementation of local restoration projects such as Robinson and Perico Preserves. Damon Moore and Erin Struzzieri of the Ecological and Marine Resources Division within Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources will provide tips on what you can do to make habitat improvements in your own yard. From low and wet to high and dry, they will give you the how to, applying the lessons learned from local restoration projects. Learn how to grow oysters from a dock, select native plants for your yard, conserve water, benefit wildlife and more. For more information or to register, call 941-708-6120.
34
THE SUN
SPORTS
JUNE 5, 2019
Leah Purvis - simply one of the best Local CrossFit athlete achieves the next level
BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN
Few individuals progress from gym rat to professional athlete. Even fewer rise to the top of their discipline. Anna Maria Island’s own Leah Purvis, went from working out at Fit Crew Bradenton in regular group training sessions to one of the best CrossFit athletes in the world. This achievement did not come easy. Purvis’ hard work, dedication and sacrifices over the past several years resulted in a formal invitation to participate in the 2019 Reebok CrossFit Games Online Qualifier. CrossFit, known as a functional exercise program for every day people, as well as a highly competitive international sport, was created by Greg Glassman in Santa Cruz, Calif., and trademarked in 2000. With thousands of affiliate gyms around the world, the sport has caught fire and has become a passion for so many athletes like Purvis. Although not a CrossFit affiliate, Fit Crew Bradenton is the home of one of the sport’s top ranked athletes with Purvis. The combination of a tough mental and physical athlete and an outstanding coach – Andrew Terman, co-founder of Fit Crew – as well as support from her family and friends, has elevated Purvis to the top of her game. In a recent Instagram post, Terman says about Purvis, “It’s easy to think of time as a hassle or a threat – with time, things change. With time, the journey takes longer. At the gym, success isn’t built overnight, so time is our greatest gift and opportunity. From top 1,500 to top 750 to top 100 in 3 years in the masters division … [Leah’s] journey has taken time, dedication and grit.” Purvis has always been a high achiever, personally and professionally. As a managing director at Greystone & Co., Inc., scheduling her daily training around her full-time job makes her accomplishments all the more impressive. Many top-ranked CrossFit athletes have the luxury of making the training their only focus. Purvis, with much personal sacrifice, fine-tuned the balancing act between work, the gym and life with her husband, Don. “I have fallen in love with the process. There is just so much more to it than people realize, and it is work,”
SUBMITTED
Above, Leah Purvis completing a bar muscle up at the Bacon Beatdown in Daytona Beach, Florida, at last year’s event. Left, consulting with her trainer, Andrew Terman, Purvis works tirelessly at Fit Crew Bradenton.
says Purvis of the sport, training and conditioning. Her progress in the gym over the past three years comes as no surprise to her coach or her husband. “Leah was looking for an athletic outlet for a long time,” Don Purvis says. “Once she found it, I wasn’t surprised she went all in.” Both Terman and Don Purvis knew a serious CrossFit athlete was born at
the Fit Nation Thunderdome competition a few years ago. Competing in the Rx Division (lifting the prescribed weights and performing each movement as written with no modifications), along with one of the top CrossFit Games athletes, Talayna Fortunato, and several high-ranking younger regional athletes, sparked the fire that made Purvis the athlete she is today. Don Purvis recalls her saying in the
car on the way home from the Thunderdome competition, “I’m going to start training twice a day!” “That was when I knew it was about to get serious,” he said. As with most high-level athletes, Purvis can be her harshest critic. As an intelligent athlete, Terman says sometimes she overthinks and over analyzes things. Known as someone who may hate to lose more than she loves to win, this is the drive that pushes Purvis. “I believe she also fears regret,” her husband says. “She doesn’t want to reach a point in her life down the road and regret not having fully committed to obtaining her goal.” Typical in high-level sports, an athlete can only compete at the top of his/her game for a limited number of years. Now in the Master Division, currently SEE PURVIS, PAGE 35
www.amisun.com
JUNE 5, 2019
THE SUN
35
PURVIS: Simply the best FROM PAGE 34
with six age divisions, Purvis is determined to do the best she can with the time she has left. The sport of CrossFit is extremely physically challenging and taxing. Inevitably Purvis’ goals will change, but the competitive spirit will not. “She will have goals with any fitness she tackles post-completion,” Terman says. “She will always compete in some manner. That’s just who she is.” “I think she will always enjoy the sport, even if she isn’t competing at an elite level,” Don Purvis says. “One of the greatest things about CrossFit is the ability to compete with yourself on a daily basis.” Being the best at everything she does is the trademark of Purvis, whether it is in the CrossFit arena, at work or acting in the annual murder mystery play fundraiser at The Center. She does not do anything halfway. As an elite athlete, Purvis’ sacrifices have come in the form of “ … [missing out on] ‘having fun’ with friends and family,” her husband notes. “Understanding the time she invests at the gym, in the pool or ocean and on the road is something she cannot get back is even more reason she wants to be successful in competition.” It is this drive that also leads Terman and Purvis to be on the cutting edge of training, nutrition and post-workout recovery – building and maintaining the total top-level athlete. Purvis utilizes weekly massages, periodic chiropractic adjustments, and cryotherapy with CryoXL as just a few of her training must-dos. “It’s not a hobby to her. It’s another full time job,” stresses Don Purvis. As a job, Purvis works to make sure everything she does has a purpose that will only positively contribute to her end goals. Terman, who works with Purvis daily, estimates he spends roughly 25 hours a week training Purvis along with the time it takes to prepare for her training sessions. Purvis is technically the first competitive CrossFit athlete he trained. The success that the Purvis-Terman duo has accomplished has now led to Terman training five athletes that are actively competing in the sport. At least a couple of times a month, individuals will approach Terman about their personal de-
SUBMITTED
Above, Competing at Dayton Beach's Bacon Beatdown in 2018, Leah Purvis took third place overall. Right, Working the outdoor rings at Fit Crew Bradenton, Leah Purvis trains hard every day to attain her goals.
sire to able to achieve the fitness and athletic level of Purvis. Terman attributes gaining the other CrossFit athletes he now trains in some way to Purvis’ successes. CrossFit is a family affair. The Purvises talk about training and goals every day. As a former high school coach and inspirational speaker, Don Purvis knows the importance of goal setting. He says, “I think it is healthy to continuously evaluate your goals and how to achieve them.” Don Purvis himself trains at Fit Crew Bradenton, which enhances his ability to relate to the training his wife puts herself through every day. Don Purvis now trains six days a week, including time outside of Fit Crew swimming, and has increased the intensity of his workouts. As a former football player, he says he has not trained this intensely in years and “ … assumed for a long time [his] ‘athletic’ days were over.” “Leah’s training has been incredibly positive in my life. She’s an inspiration to me for her dedication in total health. I was literally on the verge of being prescribed medication because I was not taking good care of myself. With Leah‘s training, I have tried emulate her and completely change my eating and training habits,” Don Purvis notes with much love and admiration. “[Her] training has proven to me that age doesn’t have to dictate what our bodies are capable of doing.” Don and Leah have talked
about working together in the future in a CrossFit competition, but his back injuries limit him from completing some of the common CrossFit movements. For fun, the couple has done partner workouts at Fit Crew, and they enjoyed pushing each other and competing together. The pair have played flag football on the Island for years and put together a number of winning seasons. The competitive spirit is something they definitely have in common. Much like her husband, Purvis’ trainer also has personally benefitted from the time he has spent working with her. Terman confesses, “ … it’s just great to be surrounded by someone like her who is so driven, organized and really such a great person. She has definitely made me better as a person, coach and businessman.” The desire to be the best at anything she does is what has lead to Purvis’ success in CrossFit competitions. Her accolades include finishing in second place in the intermediate division at the Thunderdome in 2016 and a third place overall finish at the Bacon Beatdown in 2018. 2019 has taken it to another level for Purvis placing 67th in the world in the CrossFit Open for the 4044-year-old division. This year’s biggest accomplishment was qualifying for the Age Group Online Qualifier (AGOQ) where only the top 200 athletes in the world for the division are invited to participate.
SUBMITTED
CrossFit athlete Leah Purvis and her number one supporter and husband Don Purvis. What is next on the horizon for Purvis? Her short-term goal in CrossFit is to qualify for the annual Wadapalooza CrossFit Festival in Miami in 2020. This event started in 2012 as a one-day event with only 145 competitors and is now a four-day event with some of the biggest names in the sport in attendance. Purvis’ advice for anyone interested in possibly competing at the highest level in CrossFit, “ … talk to me or anyone who they know is competing at a high level to really get a full understanding of what all is involved…it is beyond nutrition, sleep, training … ” There is no doubt that Purvis’ drive, commitment and passion for the sport of CrossFit will result in more outstanding achievements in the future. “[T]hrough the club sodas and limes while others enjoy adult beverages, the missed vacations,
the early nights, the failed lifts, the bloodied hands, the missed cuts on qualifiers … it is so much bigger than I ever realized and for which I am so humbled and blessed,” Purvis states, speaking of the sacrifices and challenges involved in her passion and all of the support she has received during the last several years from her husband, trainer, and Fit Crew family. To Purvis, these individuals have pushed her forward and had her back, with an understanding of what it takes for her to achieve her goals. The most notable aspect of Purvis the athlete and the person is her genuine and caring personality. Despite being a very accomplished athlete, Purvis is encouraging and kindhearted to everyone who walks through the Fit Crew doors, making her all the more incredible.
36
THE SUN
FUN IN THE SUN
Across 1 Like many superheroes 6 Paper items 10 Rock-blasting equipment 14 Kind of acid used in food flavoring 15 Dos x dos x dos 16 Indian garb 17 Origami academy? 19 Chimney liner 20 Victorian, e.g. 21 Erelong 22 Physicist who left Italy in 1938 to protect his Jewish wife 23 Exhaust from the carnival food tent? 27 Hand over 28 Small wake maker 29 Cowboy, at times 32 Scary beach phenomenon? 37 Pitcher with no arms 38 Backbone 40 Forest grazers 41 Garment tailored to flatter your waist? 43 Growing things 44 Quotable boxer 45 Story 47 Divisive politician? 53 Filmmaker born Konigsberg 54 Barbarian 55 Nickname derived from "Mortgage Association" 58 Glasses, in adspeak 59 Boldness, and a hint to five long puzzle answers 62 Yonder thing 63 Hawaiian island 64 She turned Odysseus'
crew to swine 65 Antoinette preposition 66 Highland hats 67 Toys on strings Down 1 Tea and cake purveyor 2 Deity with a bow 3 Rice dish 4 Finish 5 Set of related documents 6 Optimism opposite 7 Prefix suggesting affordability 8 Journalist's question 9 Fa-la link 10 Factory equipment, e.g. 11 "The Piano" extra 12 Publicity video 13 Peaceful protest 18 Electrical supply 22 Symbols of wealth 24 Bitter 25 Meat cut 26 Exit __ 29 Penalty caller 30 Talkative "Winnie the Pooh" character 31 Edible sphere
Answers to 05-29-19 Crossword Puzzle.
32 Able 33 Lazybones 34 Unappealing viscous material 35 The Beatles' "I Saw __ Standing There" 36 Org. using wands 38 Aria, usually 39 Royal annoyance? 42 Biblical brother 43 Orator's skill 45 Fertile Crescent waterway 46 Farming prefix 47 Some protests 48 Top dog 49 Unarmed, to a cop 50 Modern messages 51 End of a giant sequence 52 Nail-filing abrasive 56 With the bow, on a score 57 Watchers 59 Life-saving pro 60 Airport org. 61 Spanish uncle
JUNE 5, 2019
JUNE 5, 2019
CLASSIFIED
ANNOUNCEMENTS FACE PAINTER/PORTRAIT ARTIST Island student artist, reasonable price for parties, events, and special portraits. Call/text Lillian 210-380-9691 THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Lynn at 813758-3234 or lbrennan47@ gmail.com ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s.
AUTOMOTIVE 2016 MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE beautiful yellow with black top. Perfect condition! 3 yr-36,000 mile warranty left. $20,500. Call Jim 941-778-2039
BOATS: SALES & RENTALS 2008 MAKO 204cc 150 Suzuki 450 hours T-Top. EZ Load Trailer. Lift Kept, One Owner $23,000 Call 941-7268414
CARPET CLEANING QUALITY COUNTS. CARPET cleaning. Upholstery cleaning. Tile & grout cleaning. Island's favorite cleaner. Manatee Chamber Member. Great price/free estimates. Call 941-7561082
CLEANING SERVICE TOTAL HOME SERVICE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial & Rentals. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570 AUTHORITY ONE SERVICES. Residential/Commercial/Vacation Rentals & Construction Cleaning. Also Power Washing, Windows, Paver Sealing & Roof Cleaning. Ask about your Senior Citizens Discount Call 941-251-5948 or 941565-3931
Call us today! 941-778-3986
PIERLY MAID to CLEAN Residential. Rental, Vacation, Business. Call for free estimate on your spring cleaning, deep cleaning and organizing needs. Bonded and Insured. Call 941-447-2565
COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE 13 UNIT RESORT: $4,799,000 Bradenton Beach on Gulf Dr. WAREHOUSE: 9300 sq ft possible Machine Shop w/ Heavy Duty Elect. Or Car Storage. So many Possibilities. Near SRQ Airport. $595,000. Island Real Estate Alan Galletto 941232-2216
COMPUTER SERVICES EMPIRE COMPUTER SERVICE Computer problems fixed in your home or office. The fastest friendliest service around. Serving the Island since 2004. Call 941-739-6424
EMPLOYMENT CITY OF ANNA MARIA PartTime Parking and Code Enforcement Officer needed. Holidays and weekends are REQUIRED. Please call or email 941- 708-6130, ext 121 amadmin @cityofannamaria.com PART TIME GIFT SHOP Position. Looking for a personable, reliable, energetic person with excellent customer service skills. Must work well with others. Position includes cash register usage, stocking merchandises, light cleaning. RETIREE’S WELCOME. Call Manager 813-4097540 PROPERTY MONITOR Reliable person needed weekends for condo in Holmes Beach. Duties include straightening furniture, sweeping, monitoring pool and parking lot. $15 per hour Call 941-7781390
FISHING CHARTERS CAPT. MAC GREGORY Fishing Charters. Full Day, Half Day, Night, Inshore & Near Shore. 941-809-5783 U.S.C.G. Certified/Insured
THE SUN
FOR SALE
HOME SERVICES
VARIDESK CUBE CORNER 36, two tier design and keyboard deck. Heavyweight base for stability. Color black. Also Varidesk sitting/ standing chair and floor mat. All perfect condition. All pieces new $805. Asking $250. Call Steve 941-724-2728.
THE HARDWOOD STOP Flooring installation services; Laminate, hardwood, vinyl and tile. Bathroom and shower. Virtually dustless FLOOR REMOVAL License and insured FREE ESTIMATES 941-227-0041 www.thehardwoodstop. com
GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES ROSER THRIFT SHOP & ANNEX Open Tuesday, Thursday, 9:30am-2pm. Saturday 10am-1pm. Annex until 12pm. Donations preferred Wednesdays 9am-11am 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria Phone 941779-2733
BAYSIDE PAINTING Residential & Commercial. “More than just a Painter!” Drywall, pressure washing, handyman services and hauling. Call David 941-565-9446 Carroll 941773-4777
LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941
TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates. Neil 941-726-3077
SHELL DELIVERED AND spread $55/yd. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770
RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-7250073.
STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell driveways and scapes. Also Rock, Mulch, & Soil. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067
KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CBC1261150. Call Mike Kern or Brennan Gilder. 941-778-1115 www.kernconstructioninc. com LIGHTHOUSE PROPERTY INNOVATIONS LLC State Certified General Contractor (Lic. #CGC 1515821) New Construction, Renovations & Additions. Call 941-266-7500 MASTER CARPENTER. Decks-Docks-FencingStairs & Railing. Free Estimates. Handyman Work. Call Richard 941448-3571 JSAN CORPORATION Renovations and Handyman Services 941-2430995 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors. Credit Cards Accepted.
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: NORMS TOWING gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 06/19/2019, 09:00 am at 1855 63RD AVENUE E. BRADENTON, FL 34203, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. NORMS TOWING reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 19XFC2F58GE082349 2016 HONDA 1C3CDZAB7DN642766 2013 DODGE 1GNDT13W42K157043 2002 CHEVROLET 1LNLM97V4VY697393 1997 LINCOLN 1ZVBP8CF7E5325027 2014 FORD 2CKDL63F076014700 2007 PONTIAC JN8AZ1MU4BW050160 2011 NISSAN L5YACBPA5G1116393 2016 ZHNG
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: NORMS TOWING gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 06/26/2019, 09:00 am at 1855 63RD AVENUE E. BRADENTON, FL 34203, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. NORMS TOWING reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 1B3ES56C73D192952 2003 DODGE 1G11A5SA8DF287667 2013 CHEVROLET 1GCEC14X05Z299440 2005 CHEVROLET 1N4AL3AP8EC160602 2014 NISSAN 1N6ED27TX1C357978 2001 NISSAN 1YVHZ8BH7C5M33374 2012 MAZDA 2G1WF55E659379019 2005 CHEVROLET 2T1BR32E93C145136 2003 TOYOTA 4T1BF1FK7FU115293 2015 TOYOTA JM1BL1TF9D1765522 2013 MAZDA JYARJ16E19A016479 2009 YAMAHA
LOST & FOUND LOST DIAMOND STONE on Trolley or shops on Anna Maria Island. $500 REWARD. Call 314-324-5921 LOST EYE GLASSES April 19th. Dark men’s frame. Anthony Peoples Design. Call 269-344-7960 LOST WHITE GOLD 18 carat wedding band on Anna Maria Island on beach near Sandbar Restaurant. Call 352-484-4040 if found. LOST ON AMI near the curve at Bradenton beach in the gulf a small red ricoh underwater camera and a size 14 gold wedding band of 25 years. reward if found. Has very sentimental pictures that I cannot duplicate the camera had a half of a lanyard attached to it and on the clip of the lanyard was my wedding ring. Call 205-223-1548
37
MOVING & STORAGE MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-809-5777.
PAINTING & WALLCOVERING PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates. 941-812-0507 “WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident. Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315
PERSONAL SERVICES MULTI SERVICES PROVIDER personal assistant, home administration, housekeeping, small dog care, ironing, sewing, Care giver. Call/ text Judy 941-726-5760
PETS NO NEED FOR Doggie Daycare. I can walk your dog, exercise, Pet taxi to Vet or Groomer. Loving attention. Lots of cuddling. Mary Walsh 941-405-2496
POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-737-5657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893
38
THE SUN
CLASSIFIED
PRINTING CUSTOM DIGITAL PRINTING "Your printing dream to reality" Specializing in Dye sublimation Printing. Graphic Design. Performance Active ware. Logo Design. Call Rhonda 330-550-4847
PROFESSIONAL PRESSURE & WINDOW WASHING
DIRECT WATERFRONT on AMI! ONLY $599,000 Boat slip, garage & panoramic Skyway views! Call Kathleen White at 941-773-0165 Island Real Estate KWhite35@ tampabay.rr.com IMMACULATE WATERFRONT HOME 520 Kumquat Dr. 4BD/5BA 3928sf Coastal Beauty! Prime location on AMI. $2,750,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086
AUTHORITY ONE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction and Vacation Rentals . Also available Power Washing, Roof Cleaning and Windows. Call 941-251-5948
REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE
CANAL FRONT HOMES Holmes Beach – GULF FRONT CONDOS Gulf Place, L’Plage, Vista Grande, SPW, 5400 – DUPLEXES & MORE Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 941232-2216
Call us today! 941-778-3986
PERICO BAY CLUB! 2 miles from AMI! Largest floor plan available 1866sf. 640 Estuary NOW only $319,000! Call Erin Leathem at 941-4485616 Island Real Estate IslandEJ@gmail.com
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 941-779-0304 www.teamduncan.com
ANNUAL RENTALS: 1BR/1BA annual in Holmes Beach available June 1. $1300/mo. 2BR/2BA furnished annual West Bradenton. $1300/ mo. First, last and security. $150 app/lease fee. Call Paradise Realty 941-7784800 ANNUAL RENTALHOLMES BEACH 2BR/1.5BA, carport, storage, W/D hook up. $1,750/mo, Fran Maxon Real Estate 941-7782307. ANNUAL RENTAL 1BR/1BA + small bonus room. Includes water, internet, alarm & trash. Carport. Small dog considered. No smoking. First, last & security. $1450/mo. Call 860-922-3857 BIG POOL, SMALL COMPLEX. 1BR Condo. One block to Beach. Water, Electric, Cable, Wifi included. Beautifully furnished $1550/mo. No pets. Call 941-447-3071
AMISUN.COM
JUNE 5, 2019
HOLMES BEACH GROUND Level 1BR Duplex. Steps to Shopping & Beach. No smoking. $1000/mo + utilities. Small pet ok. First, last & security Call 212-6581984 BRADENTON BEACH SHORT TERM or ANNUAL 2 BR/2BA, updated $1,800/ mo. Call 551-427-0248 Available Now
RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455 ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fl Condos. Pool beach access, fully equipped $650-$800/ wk Redekercondos.com 941-704-7525 GREAT RATES! Weekly, Monthly. 3BR/2BA NW Bradenton. Call Grace 941-201-2190
TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $165. Call 800-301-4816. 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 ROGER'S AIRPORT SERVICE. Tampa, St. Pete/ Clearwater, Sarasota/ Bradenton. Call Roger 941773-1469
www.amisun.com
JUNE 5, 2019
BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY COMPUTER SERVICE
HOME IMPROVEMENT
HOME IMPROVEMENT
THE SUN
Call today to place your ad: 941-778-3986 PAINTING
TRANSPORTATION
PET SITTING
39
40
THE SUN
www.amisun.com
JUNE 5, 2019