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THE SUN
ISLAND NEWS
in brief
Sun nominated for statewide awards The Sun newspaper has earned 14 nominations for excellence in journalism in the Florida Press Association’s 2016 Better Weekly Newspaper Contest. Eight different staff members received nominations in 13 categories, including General Excellence and Overall Graphic Design. The annual competition is between daily and weekly newspapers from throughout the state of Florida. The Sun competes in Division B, for newspapers with circulations of 7,000 to 15,000. The Sun was the only newspaper from Anna Maria Island to be nominated in the contest.
E-mail scam alert Manatee County Clerk of Court Angelina Colonneso warns Manatee County residents that there is an e-mail scam that may appear like it’s coming from the state’s EPortal system requesting for an attachment to be opened in order to view a summons to court. These e-mails will often include an attachment or link that may download a virus or attempt to steal your personal information. If someone has been summoned for jury duty or to appear in court, they will receive an official notice in the mail from the Manatee County Clerk of Courts, not an email.
Memorial Day parking violations According to Det. Sgt. Lenard Diaz, the Bradenton Beach Police Department issued between 300 and 350 parking tickets at and near Coquina Beach during the Memorial Day weekend. During last week’s City Commission meeting, Commissioner Jake Spooner said he was surprised to learn that about 1,300 parking spaces in that area were all filled, which then led to vehicles being parked illegally elsewhere in the parking lots and alongside Gulf Drive. Parking fines will be increased from $35 to $50 when a new automated ticketing system is implemented.
Surf camp signup West Coast Surf Shop in Holmes Beach will sponsor its annual surf camps again this year. Taking place from 9 a.m. to noon, the week-long camps will start on Monday, July 3; Monday, July 10; and Monday, July 17. Enrollment is limited to 25 kids per week and additional water camp-related activities will be planned depending on the weather. For pricing and additional information, call 941778-1001.
Correction The Naval officer in the photo on Page 1 of The Sun last week is Commander Micheal J. Riordan. The commander’s last name was misspelled in a photo caption.
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JUNE 7, 2017
Chief denounces resident HBPD complaint
HBPD Chief Bill Tokajer finds resident complaint against officers “false.” BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH — After reviewing a resident complaint against Holmes Beach Police Officers, Chief Bill Tokajer says the allegations are false. The complaint came in the form of a May 25 email from Alec Graham, the president of the Westbay Point and Moorings condominium board of directors. In the e-mail, Graham said he had spoken with property manager Bob McGlynn, who alleged officers had harassed workers trimming the mangroves May 19 at the 63rd Street boat ramp, located adjacent to the condominium property. The e-mail also noted issues with code enforcement officers over the mangrove maintenance. After investigating the incident, including reviewing a tape of a Westbay resident calling to report the mangrove trimming, a report filed by officers and receiving sworn testimony from the workers involved, Tokajer found the allegations to be unfounded. “I want the community to know that never happened, and my officers are all professionals,” Tokajer said. “They are dedicated to policing this
Kristin Swain | Sun
Mangroves located at the 63rd Street boat ramp in Holmes Beach are in the center of not one, but two issues between residents and city leaders. community and doing the right thing all the time and they do. For someone to say that they do not is just a disservice to the community for them to make such an allegation.” By responding publicly to the allegations, he said he hopes to put the rumors to rest. The mangrove trimming has been a point of contention between the city and residents of the condominium complex since the late 2016 installation of two boat lifts and canopies for use of HBPD and West Manatee Fire Rescue watercrafts. In addition to testifying the encounter with officers
was not confrontational, workers also said they were instructed to trim mangroves that they had not previously cut closer to the boat ramp and possibly on the city’s property. The city and condominium residents both are awaiting the results of a riparian rights survey to determine who has what rights over the contested area. Due to concerns about the mangrove trimming, including the resident complaint, Tokajer said he’s forwarded his department’s reports to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for further review.
Kingfish refurbishment to align with bridge construction he Kingfish boat ramp on Manatee Avenue will close for construction, but Manatee County isn’t planning on restricting access to the popular boat ramp any time soon. Reconfiguring the boat ramp to allow for a fourth boat launch ramp and expanded parking on the eastern side is slated to take place in concert with construction on the new high-span fixed Anna Maria Island Bridge. A December 2016 county presentation projects the expected construction start date in or beyond 2021. Because construction at Kingfish corresponds with bridge construction, neither project will begin until funds are secured for the bridge. Funding for the Kingfish and other county boat ramp improvement projects is currently being provided by the West Coast Inland Navigation District and the Florida Boating Improvement Program.
Kristin Swain | Sun
Vehicles and boat trailers begin filling up parking spaces June 4 at Kingfish boat ramp, located on the north side of Manatee Avenue in Holmes Beach. Future plans to expand the boat ramp’s facilities include the addition of more parking for patrons.