Anna Maria Island Sun March 14, 2018

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 18 No. 22

March 14, 2018

Pier decking selected SCHIMBERG GROUP | SUBMITTED

This rendering presented last week illustrates what the new Anna Maria City Pier will look like from the shore. The rendering, created by architect Barron Schimberg, calls for a trellis shade structure, photo below, over the open-air tables behind the bait shop.

When built, the new pier will have wood decking, concrete pilings and new buildings that will resemble the existing pier structures.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – City commissioners have decided that Kebony hardwood will be used for the decking on the new Anna Maria City Pier.

On Tuesday, March 6, commissioners voted 4-1 in favor of this being the material of choice for the pier to be built later this year.

At an estimated cost of $3.24 per linear foot, the Kebony decking will be placed atop the concrete spun pilings and concrete support frames approved at the commission’s previous pier meeting.

Kebony is a wood product made of 25- to 30-year-old pine that is then modified to give it characteristics similar to tropical hardwoods. Kebony is touted as being more stable than natural wood, splinter-free, barefoot-friendly and cooler to the touch. It comes with a 30-year warranty and an estimated life expectancy of 50 to 75 years. Eventually the decking will fade to a shade of gray that resembles the existing wooden pier.

INSIDE NEWS 4 OPINION 6 SUN SURVEY 7 OUTDOORS 26-28 POLICE REPORTS 29 ISLAND PLAYERS 35 REAL ESTATE 34-41 SPORTS 42

Commissioner Carol Carter made the motion for the Kebony decking and Commissioner Dale Woodland cast the only opposition vote. Woodland again expressed his preference that the existing pier be repaired and rebuilt instead of being completely replaced. Woodland said some city residents were looking forward to the pier being rebuilt pretty much the way it is.

“You can’t build character, that comes with time. But we had that time on that pier and that’s the part I miss; and there’s nothing you can do about that when we chose to rebuild the entire pier,” Woodland said.

Carter’s motion was preceded by Commissioner Brian Seymour’s unsupported motion to go with Ipe Brazilian hardwood that touts a 75-year life expectancy at $3.91 per linear foot. The commission gave no serious consideration to the Azek plastic and wood composite decking options offered at $2.75 to $3.91 per linear foot.

With the basic construction materials now selected, Ayres Associates Vice President Jay Saxena said the design firm now has the direction it needs to proceed with the design of the pier structure and decking.

Architect Barron Schimberg then presented preliminary plans and renderings SEE PIER, PAGE 33

THE ISLAND

Cabana - casual and classy in Anna Maria City. 14

Anna Maria Island, Florida

State funds will assist with pier replacement The Anna Maria mayor also praised County Commissioner Carol Whitmore for her assistance.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy said the city’s $750,000 pier replacement appropriations request is included in the $89 billion budget to be sent to Gov. Rick Scott for his signature and final approval.

The 2018 legislative session scheduled to end Friday, March 8, was extended through Sunday afternoon to allow state legislators more time to finalize Florida’s annual budget.

Murphy said the city now has firm funding commitments for approximately $3 million of the estimated $4.5 million needed to replace the Anna Maria City Pier and the restaurant and bait shop at the pier’s T-end.

“We should be able to do it for less than that, but $4.5 (million) is the worst case,” Murphy told city commissioners on Thursday, March 8.

Murphy said he anticipates $1.7 million in pending FEMA funds – for pier damage sustained during Hurricane Irma in September, which resulted in the pier closure.

SEE FUNDS, PAGE 33

SAY ‘I DO’ to a destination wedding. In Food & Wine. 18 PREVIEW this year’s Tour of

Homes. 24-25

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School tax election underway The proposed tax would cost the owner of a property with a $500,000 taxable value $500 per year in ad valorem taxes.

BY JOE HENDRICKS

MANATEE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT | SUBMITTED

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

The Manatee County School District is seeking a new one-mill school tax.

This is the language voters will find on their referendum ballot.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Island voters will help determine whether the Manatee County School District is the beneficiary of a one-mill property tax increase.

The decision will be made during the countywide referendum election that concludes on Tuesday, March 20.

The School Board is asking county voters to impose a new tax that would result in residential and commercial property owners paying an additional $1 of ad valorem taxes for every $1,000 of assessed property value.

The referendum fact sheet posted at the school district website, www.manateeschools.

net, estimates the new tax would generate $33 million annually for the next four years.

If approved, the one-mill tax would be up for renewal in four years, as is the case this month for the one-mill school tax Sarasota County voters adopted 16 years ago.

“Manatee County schools are losing teachers and support staff to districts that pay more.

The number of job vacancies keeps growing and often exceeds 100 positions, causing excessive use of substitutes.

By extending the school day by 30 minutes and offering

MANATEE COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS | SUBMITTED

reasonable pay, schools will be able to improve academic achievement and keep their best teachers while also expanding career, technical and science/engineering programs.

"Sarasota students get one full year of additional instructional time over Manatee students during a K-12 career,” the fact sheet says.

The assumption is that pay

raises made possible by additional tax revenues would prevent teachers and other staff members from leaving to take higher paying jobs in neighboring Sarasota County. Bus drivers, cafeteria workers, guidance counselors and other support staff also also receive raises and charter schools would receive a share of the tax revenues.

The fact sheet says the extra

mill would cost the owner of a $225,000 home about $200 a year and renters will pay nothing. One mill assessed to property with a taxable value of $225,000 would result in a $225 annual tax increase.

A property with a $500,000 taxable value would experience a $500 increase and a property with $1 million taxable value would see a $1,000 increase.

It’s also possible that landlords and vacation rental owners could increase their rates to offset the new tax.

According to Sharon Stief at the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office, the special election will cost approximately $300,000.

“The cost of the special election will be paid by parent fees for after-school care, not tax dollars, and amounts to less than one percent of the money that will be raised,” the district’s fact sheet says.

SEE TAX, PAGE 36

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ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF No more buzzing

The owner and pilot of a small ultralight aircraft that has been flying low up and down the Gulf beaches of Anna Maria Island has agreed to comply with FAA altitude regulations after a story on the flights was published in The Sun last week.

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said that after the publication of the story, the pilot, Hans Brown, said he would comply with FAA rules requiring him to fly “1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of the aircraft.” Brown also agreed to the chief’s request to stay 300 feet seaward of the buoys marking no-vessel zones in the Gulf of Mexico off AMI.

Help plan the dog park Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee members are hosting a meeting dedicated to the planning of the city’s dog park at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 14, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. Members expect to make final decisions with the help of the public during the meeting to present to city commissioners in April for final approval before construction begins on the park.

City Engineer Lynn Burnett is planned to attend the meeting to discuss drainage issues at the dog park. Community members with concerns or ideas about the dog park are encouraged to attend. Comments also can be emailed to committee member Joshua Linney at jlinney@ holmesbeachfl.org.

HBPD launches kids’ safety program Holmes Beach police want to help kids stay safe at school and out in the community. The department is hosting a radKIDS safety program at The Center of Anna Maria Island to help children learn how to keep themselves safe at home, school, online and when they’re out and about. The program is taught from the perspective of children to help them better recognize and develop healthy safety responses.

Classes are $10 each and take place from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. every Saturday from March 31 to April 28 at the Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. For more information or to sign up, contact Officer Josh Fleischer or Sgt. Vern McGowin at 941-708-5800, ext. 286, or at watch@ holmesbeachfl.org.

HBPD hosts community safety forum Holmes Beach police want to make everyone feel a little bit safer in the community.

The department is hosting a community forum at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 22, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Topics up for discussion include how to respond to an active shooter situation, how reports of crimes are handled, keeping your home safe, cycling around the city safely and how to tell a golf cart from a low speed vehicle.

Officer Josh Fleischer also will be introducing the public to the new security camera equipment being installed at the city’s soon-to-be-renovated skate park. Community members also are invited to bring their questions to submit to officers. For more information, contact Chief Bill Tokajer at 941-708-5804.

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MARCH 14, 2018

St. Paddy’s parade on Sunday

The Beach Bistro’s 20th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will happen on Sunday, March 18, at 4 p.m. in Holmes Beach. Those wanting to participate will need to gather at 2 p.m. to check in.

According to Bistro owner Sean Murphy, the idea for the parade was hatched in a bar. Murphy and journalist Vin Mannix were toasting St. Patrick’s parades of their youth, and they decided to have a parade of their own on the Island.

The Beach Bistro parade is now the biggest St. Patrick’s Day Parade south and east of Savannah, Ga. Murphy said it may also be the only St. Patrick’s Parade south and east of Savannah, Ga. The parade will start from Eat Here, near the corner of Marina Drive and Gulf Drive, and proceed north along Marina Drive and then Palm Drive. It ends at 79th Street in Holmes Beach.

The parade will feature high school bands, pipe bands, floats and the mascot from the Pittsburg Pirates – an associate sponsor of the parade.

The parade will be led by Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson , World War II Veteran Bob Schweiger, who was in the second wave at

FILE PHOTO

Last year, Mr. Bones brought two camels to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Expect the camels again at this year’s parade, Omaha Beach on the Allied invasion of Normandy on D-Day and a Korean War veteral called Mr. Bill. according to Murphy.

Mr. Bones, will be leading two camels in the parade. Murphy points out that camels are mystical creatures for the Irish because they can go for weeks without drinking.

When questioned about his motivation for creating and continuing the parade, Murphy

responded he did it for his kids when they were little. It was great fun for the family to have its own parade. He says they do it now for all the kids and all the families.

At some point in the parade, Fred Sullivan and Mannix and he stop and look at the crowd and the bands and balloons, and marvel at all the chaos they have created without getting thrown in jail.

Delayed farmer’s market starting soon The city is obtaining liability insurance to offer to farmer’s market vendors.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The city hopes to open its weekly farmer’s market on Tuesday, March 20.

City officials originally hoped to open the market in City Pier Park on March 6, but there was a lack of vendor participation due partially to the city’s liability insurance requirements.

Last week, the City Commission unanimously approved a plan proposed by Mayor Dan Murphy that allows the city to acquire liability insurance for its vendors through the Florida League of Cities (FLC).

During the commission’s March 8 meeting, Murphy said the city

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy presents his plan to provide liability insurance for market vendors. had 17 vendors interested in the market, but only two carried their own insurance. Murphy said the insurance policies are needed in case someone gets sick or dies as a result of eating produce or other goods sold in City Pier Park, which is city property.

He told commissioners the city could acquire a policy through FLC that would provide coverage for 15 market sessions at total cost of $70 per vendor. City Attorney Becky Vose supported the plan SEE MARKET, PAGE 36

MARCH 14, 2018

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Parks committee lays out plan for Spring Lake Park Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee members are ready to begin work restoring Spring Lake Park.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Parks and Beautification Committee member Dennis Groh has a plan to renovate Spring Lake Park, and it’s one his fellow committee members are ready to enact.

Committee members voted unanimously to approve the plan set out by Groh with Mayor Bob Johnson encouraging them to begin work with public works employees to put the plan into motion before the committee breaks for the summer.

Due to the harsh saltwater environment at Spring Lake Park, located on Holmes Boulevard, Groh said only certain plants will not only survive but flourish in the soil. He recommends increasing shade trees around the park’s two picnic tables and using a micronutrient-rich fertilizer three times a year to help the park’s established areca palms flourish.

Another recommendation is to relocate the Southern magnolia tree planted as a focal point of the park in memory of past committee chair John Molyneux. Groh said while the magnolia tree is salt tolerant, it’s not particularly drought tolerant. With no water source currently available at the site, he said the tree is struggling though still viable. He hopes to relocate the tree to a more hospitable environment near city hall and the recently completed Memorial Garden. Groh’s plan calls for a Florida silver palm to replace the ailing magnolia.

The new plan also calls for five junipers to be placed on the raised berm along the western edge of the park facing Holmes Boulevard. Joining the junipers will be 10 dune sunflower plants and five sea oxeye daisy plants.

Four shade trees will be added to the four recently planted gumbo limbo trees – three green buttonwoods and one Jamaican dogwood tree. The four new trees will all be planted near the existing picnic tables.

Other additions to the park include three bay cedars, three inkberry plants, five sea lavender plants and five

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Part of the plans for refreshing Spring Lake Park include relocating this memorial magnolia tree to somewhere near Holmes Beach City Hall, where it hopefully will thrive out of the park’s harsh saltwater environment. horizontal cocoplums. For a ground cover, Groh suggested using eucalyptus mulch and crushed shell in an access path for city public works maintenance.

With approval of the plan in place, Groh said he will work with public works employees to determine how plants should be phased into the existing park and when plantings should take place. With a recent lack of rainfall and no watering facilities on-site, public works employees will have to hand deliver water to new plantings for at least six weeks to help the plants get established. To help lessen the burden on city employees, Groh said he’d like to consider holding off on some plantings until the summer rainy season.

“I bet it’s going to look really good when it’s done,” committee member Josh Linney said.

Jim McGuinness, public works supervisor, said he would investigate the possibility of creating a water source on the property, if access to a water supply still exists from the home that previously stood on the property.

“I see a good opportunity here to have something we’ll be really happy with,” Johnson said after committee members voted to approve the plan.

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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 e-mail: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com

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Your thoughts?

Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment? Is there something you need to get off your chest? Send us a letter to the editor and have your say.

There are a couple of ways to do it. The easiest and most direct is to e-mail The Sun at news@amisun.com. Remember to put Letter to the Editor in the subject field. Or you can snail-mail a letter to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun, Island Sun Plaza, P.O. Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216.

Or you can hand-deliver a letter to our office in Island Sun Plaza, 9801 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria. Letters should be kept to 300 words or less and must contain your name and the city in which you reside.

Personal attacks and obscene language will not be printed.

The Sun reserves the right to edit letters for length or content.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Paradise lost Do the people who are trying to turn Anna Maria Island into a circus of renters understand that many people who retired here worked all their lives to be here for the rest of their lives, enjoying and respecting this nature paradise, before they head to the paradise in the sky. But now they have to put up with all the chaos or seek a nature paradise somewhere else, if they can still find one.

So sad.

Cindy Richmond Anna Maria Island

SUN FACEBOOK COMMENTS On Holmes Beach commissioners rejecting the county’s proposed large new pier for Manatee Beach.

Frank Leggio: A new pier would be a nice addition and provide yet another way to enjoy the beauty of the Gulf. All that tourism tax money clearly should be able to cover it.

Tmo Terry: Don't worry, the county commissioners will figure out a way to build rentals on it.

Lynn Sheares: Just put it back they way it was.

When things are running smooth the way it is just

leave it alone !!!

Rick Lewis: Build a new pier!

On the proposed design for the new Anna Maria City Pier. For the latest on the new plan, see Page 1 of today's Sun. Cherries Jublee: Great it will look like the BeachHouse.

Carolyn Brown: We dont need that!

Anita Cooney: No more fun pier! Where's the outside bar? The live music?

Melissa Bechler: I love the way the BeachHouse looks! I've worked there for six years and it's beautiful and state of the art on the inside! Hope the pier gets a modern new look too!

Janet Bethart Maze: Looks like it will survive any winds being where it is. That's the biggest concern to everyone. Too much cost if you don’t. I would think minimizing damages is a top priority.

Can one have tropical island charm and be hurricane proof?

Carolyn Brown: Keep the charm! Keep the large open area behind the bait shop!!

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ON THE AGENDA

THE SUN SURVEY

PREVIOUS QUESTION: Do you support eliminating Daylight Saving Time?

11%

THE SUN

21%

I don't care if we move it up an hour or 30 minutes or not at all. Just don't change back once when fall comes. The changing back and forth drives me crazy.

No, keep our current system - spring forward, fall back.

ANNA MARIA 10005 GULF DRIVE

March 22, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting For information, call 7086130

BRADENTON BEACH

107 Gulf Drive N. March 15, noon – City Commission meeting March 20, 1 p.m. – City Commission workshop March 21, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting For information, call 7781005

HOLMES BEACH 5801 MARINA DRIVE

March 14, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautification Committee dog park meeting March 20, 1 p.m. – Adhoc Form of Government Committee meeting March 22, 10 a.m. – HBPD community forum For information, call 7085800

ISLAND-WIDE

March 19, 2 p.m. – Island Transportation Planning Organization meeting, Anna Maria City Hall March 20, 6 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue commission meeting, administration building, 6417 Third Ave. W., Bradenton

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOTE: EVENTS ARE FREE UNLESS INDICATED.

68%

Yes, get rid of it. Leave the clock as it is right now all year long.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 14

THE SUN SURVEY IS NOT A SCIENTIFIC POLL AND IS USED FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY.

THIS WEEK’S SURVEY Are you in favor of the proposed one-mill property tax increase to

• I am opposed to the tax increase.

• I am in favor of the tax increase.

support Manatee County and charter schools?

To vote, go to www.amisun.com or scan this code to vote by smartphone.

LIKE us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun View The Sun’s online edition at www.issuu.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun 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 Diane Martin

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 Sean Murphy Monica Simpson

Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Sunrise Breakfast, Olympic Café, 6408 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 7:45 a.m., $8 for members or $16 for prospective members.

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

Beach Market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information call 941-518-4431.

Coloring Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, noon.

Off Stage Ladies meeting, IMG Academy Golf Club, 3450 El Conquistador Pkwy, Bradenton, $16 cash or check only.

Gentle chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, noon.

Chess Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 4 p.m.

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner sponsored by The Paradise Center, Shook Fellowship Hall at Longboat Island Chapel 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5 to 7 p.m., $25. Reserve by March 9 to maryannbrady@ theparadisecenter.org or 941-383-6493.

THURSDAY

March 15 Veteran Services

Information, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m.

Ageless Grace with Gail Condrick, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 9 a.m., $10 per week.

Reserve to maryannbrady@ theparadisecenter.org or 941-383-6493.

Painting with a Fish, The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 9:30 a.m., $35.

Zumba and mat pilates for seniors, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 10 a.m., $10 per class.

Reserve to maryannbrady@ theparadisecenter.org or 941-383-6493.

Book Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10:15 a.m.

ACBL open pairs duplicate bridge, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 1 p.m., $11 per game with coffee and snacks provided.

Reserve to 941-216-9600 or sjbrill@aol.com.

Knit and Crochet teaching group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

Knit and Crochet regular group, 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.

SEE CALENDAR, PAGE 29

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Planning commission passes glitch ordinance Planning board says a glitch ordinance addition to the city's recently passed formula business ordinance is consistent with the Holmes Beach comprehensive plan.

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

HOLMES BEACH – The fight to regulate formula businesses in the city isn’t quite over yet.

When city commissioners passed the final reading and vote for the long-awaited formula business ordinance, they decided two changes need to be made to the regulations. The first change is to specify that the ordinance only

regulates formula businesses in the MXD district downtown near the intersections of Gulf and Marina Drives. If the glitch ordinance passes City Commission vote, it makes a formula business an allowable use in all other commercial districts.

The other change is to exclude realty offices from the definition of a formula business. Since both changes were addressed during the final reading, commissioners opted to consider a glitch ordinance to fix the problems. Before the glitch ordinance can go to city commissioners, planning commissioners were tasked with reviewing the proposed ordinance and determining if it’s compatible with the Holmes Beach comprehensive plan.

Planning Commission Chair Chuck Stealey said without much guidance in the existing comprehensive plan, he found the glitch ordinance to be consistent strictly because there’s nothing in the plan that would make it inconsistent.

His fellow planning commissioners agreed, voting unanimously to find the glitch ordinance consistent with the plan. Planning commissioners did agree to leave the number of future formula businesses allowed by special exception in the MXD district open for city commissioners to determine during their discussions of the glitch ordinance.

A city commission vote on the glitch ordinance is expected later in March.

‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE

Join Grego and his amazing racing hermit crabsevery Tuesday at 7:00 PM

4628 119th St W Cortez (941)798-2035 swordfishgrill.com Marker 49 by boat

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MARCH 14, 2018

The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island will sponsor the 54th annual Sunrise Easter Service at Manatee County Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, starting at 6:30 a.m. on Easter Sunday, April 1. The six churches on the Island provide the service as the sun rises to the east.

The Kiwanis Club provides the bleachers for those presenting the service and also provides lilies, a sound system and a large lighted cross.

There is ample parking at the beach and the Island trolley starts running at 6 a.m. for those who don’t want to hassle with parking.

The Anna Maria Beach Café will also be open at 6 a.m. for those wanting some coffee.

Worshippers will need to bring

their own chair or a blanket to sit on the beach. They also should be aware of the weatherforecast and dress accordingly.

Father Matthew Grunfeld, of the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, will deliver the opening prayer. Rev. Dr. Bob O’Keef, of Roser Memorial Community Church, and Matthew Nowicki, of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, will deliver scriptures. Rev. Stephen King, of Harvey Memorial Church, will deliver the sermon. Rev. Edward Moss, of Crosspointe Fellowship, will deliver the offertory. Rev. Rosemary Backer, of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, will deliver the benediction.

In the past, nearly 2,000 people have attended. The offertory will be split among the churches.

Loving Christ • Sharing His Grace • Serving All COMMUNITY CHURCH

SUNDAY WORSHIP

8:30 AM and 10:00 AM Call for a ride to the 10:00 AM Worship Service

IN THE SANCTUARY 10:00 AM Nursery & Church School 8:30 AM Early Bird Sunday School 8:45 AM Adult Sunday School 9:00 AM Adult Book Study

A NON-DENOMINATIONAL, CHRISTIAN CHURCH • EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

TERRIFIC TUESDAYS

5:30 • Dinner ($6) 6:15 • 3 Classes, The Groove for Youth!

512 Pine Ave • Anna Maria

Easter service at the beach

941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • www.facebook.com/RoserChurch

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MARCH 14, 2018

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Patrons take to the streets for ArtWalk Galleries and other businesses in downtown Holmes Beach threw open their doors March 9 for this month’s ArtWalk festivities. Patrons were guided from happy hour and snacks at the new Waterline Marina Resort to receptions for Chris Collins at the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island, Judy Saltzman at Island Gallery West and Brandon Scott with his gallery showing at the Anna Maria Island Art League. Many of this month’s featured artists were on-hand to greet guests and discuss their work. Local artist Charles Townsend’s artwork was featured at Waterline.

While patrons shopped and mingled with artists, music was provided by pirate Larry Wilhelm at the Artists’ Guild Gallery and Chip Ragland at Island Gallery West. Monthly art walks continue the second Friday of the month through April.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Clockwise from above, artist of the month Judy Saltzman strikes a pose near some of her featured artwork at Island Gallery West. Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island featured artist for March Chris Collins shows off a collection of his work. A crowd of patrons gather in Island Gallery West to greet artists, check out the artwork available for sale and enjoy snacks while perusing the gallery.

Local pirate Larry Wilhelm sings sea shanties outside of the Artists’ Guild Gallery.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Featured artist Brandon Scott discusses his work with patrons at the Anna Maria Island Art League during March’s Art Walk festivities.

GREAT FOODhCOCKTAILShCRAFT BEER

5346 gulf drive holmes Beach 941.778.5788 hurricanehanks.com

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Sunday Brunch 10:00 am - 1:00 pm $10.00 brunch menu 2 for 1 Mimosa & Sangria

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MARCH 14, 2018

Funding request and records sharing intertwine The city and the center have found an agree to disagree solution to their impasse.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – City officials and The Center of Anna Maria Island are working through their differing opinions regarding the Center’s legal obligation to share its financial records.

On Thursday, March 8, Mayor Dan Murphy and the City Commission asked Center board chairman David Zaccagnino to present his board with a voluntary resolution that expresses the Center’s willingness to provide its financial records to the city.

The Center operates on land leased from the city for $1, and it accepts funding from all three Island cities.

When initiating this discussion, Murphy noted the Center’s attorney, Scott Rudacille, and City Attorney Becky Vose still disagree on whether the not-for-profit Center is subject to public record laws. In August, Rudacille authored a legal opinion that disagreed with Vose’s 2016 written opinion, in which she stated her opinion that public records laws apply to the Center.

Rudacille revisited the Center’s position in his March 8 letter to Murphy.

“While we may disagree with the city as to the applicability of the state’s public record laws, we cer-

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Commission Chair Doug Copeland shares his views on attorney Scott Rudacille’s recent letter, which he is holding in his hands. tainly recognize and appreciate the unique relationship between the two entities. Please let this letter serve as assurance that the Center remains committed to transparency with the city and will provide financial and operating records when requested, so that the city can have confidence that the Center is operating as a responsible steward for the city’s land for the benefit of the Island community,” Rudacille’s letter says.

SEE CENTER, PAGE 13

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MARCH 14, 2018

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CENTER: Funding request and records sharing intertwine FROM PAGE 12

FUNDING REQUEST

Rudacille’s letter was preceded by the Feb. 15 letter Zaccagnino sent to the Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach commissions regarding the Center’s request to spend $100,601 of Manatee County Commissioncontrolled surplus beach concession revenues. The request lists $50,000 for exercise equipment, $25,000 for field maintenance, $15,730 for two new bathrooms and $9,871 for roof repairs.

The county requires a joint letter of support from all three Island mayors before a concessions revenue request can be presented for County Commission consideration. In mid-February, Bradenton Beach commissioners expressed unanimous support for the Center’s request. In early March, the Holmes Beach Commission supported the request by a 3-2 vote. The Anna Maria Commission has not yet voted

on the request, which cannot proceed without its support.

Murphy said Rudacille’s letter addresses four key points: the relationship and dependency between the Center and the city, the Center’s role in fulfilling a recreational element of the city’s comprehensive plan, agreeing to some level of transparency and being willing to provide requested records.

“We still view them as being subject to public records, so we were kind of at an impasse, and it was difficult for me to come to you and recommend any kind of funding for the community center, even considering the concession fund money that could be available. I wasn’t going to come here and recommend anything until we came to some sort of an understanding,” Murphy said.

“To me this clears the air. It’s your call as to whether you agree,” he told the commission.

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To me this clears the air. It’s your call as to whether you agree.”

Dan Murphy, Anna Maria Mayor Murphy said there’s still the question of whether the Center’s position would hold up in court, but he doesn’t see the need to initiate a legal challenge.

To avoid future “stumbling blocks,” City Attorney Becky Vose recommended the Center board adopt a resolution expressing its willingness to share its records with the city.

“I think we can do that in a very nice and very cooperative way,” Vose said.

She then offered to contact Rudacille and work out the resolution language.

“When I read this letter, I didn’t have the confidence that Dan had,” Commission Chair Doug Copeland said.

“I’d like to put this to rest so we can move forward and consider some sort of financial relationship besides the lease we have. I would feel much more comfortable if we could get a resolution from the board.”

Copeland asked Zaccagnino if he was comfortable taking a resolution to his board. Zaccagnino said he was.

“With the Center being in Anna Maria for over 50 years, the closest relationship we need to have is with the city,” Zaccagnino said.

He also noted the Center’s financial reports are posted at the Center’s website.

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BUSINESS

MARCH 14, 2018

The Island Cabana – casual and classy

BY LOUISE BOLGER

THE ISLAND CABANA

SUN STAFF WRITER

W

here I come from, department stores were big imposing buildings strategically located on main thoroughfares in bustling downtown locations.

Anna Maria may not have any big imposing buildings, but it does have a bustling thoroughfare strategically located right near the beach.

The Island Cabana’s owner Nancy Lee likes to think of her shop as a mini department store, and its location on Pine Avenue is definitely considered one of the Island’s premier walking and shopping locations. Lee opened The Island Cabana in 2009 and almost immediately expanded, doubling her space.

Starting out with an on-line bedding and accessory store geared for college dorm rooms, she quickly switched to retail with the focus on women’s clothing and home accessories. In her Pine Avenue shop, she stocks jewelry, housewares, baby clothes, hats, bags and her very special line of Lilly Pulitzer.

Becoming a Lilly Pulitzer retailer is no small achievement. You have to verify your financial position on a regular basis, present a business plan and even meet some decorating criteria including shell framed mirrors.

Lee says that about 20 percent of her store is devoted to Lilly Pulitzer, and she carries the same merchandise as you will find in a Lilly Pulitzer store. The Island Cabana is the only store that sells Lilly Pulitzer on Anna Maria and within 25 miles.

And who doesn’t love Lilly Pulitzer’s colorful fabrics used to create fabulous designs in dresses, shorts, bags, flip flops and even cell phone covers? But not all of Lilly Pulitzer is the traditional prints. The Island Cabana carries Lilly Pulitzer dressy clothes, perfect for beach weddings or island events, in solid colors and some with a touch of gold. In addition, the company is adapting its styles to accommodate multi-generational buyers who

403 C Pine Avenue, Anna Maria 941-896-4946 www.Islandcabana.com Monday-Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

All major credit cards accepted

LOUISE BOLGER | SUN

Nancy Lee's Island Cabana foucses on women's clothing and home accessories. would still love to wear these designer clothes, including dressy and unique footwear.

In addition to Lilly Pulitzer, there are plenty of other well-known clothing lines that you’ll find at The Island Cabana. If you like the carefree resort lifestyle of linen, you can choose from Hi Ho, The Island Company and CP Shades. The popular JAG spandex pants are one of those essentials carried by The Island Cabana, in addition to a collection of Hobo purses, and you should take a look at a new line, Bailey 44.

Lee also points out that her four full time and three part time staff members will provide a personal touch and help you pick out what will fit and flatter you. There are also plenty of bathing suits, beach coverups and hats.

There is a nice display of jewelry, including the popular Kendra Scott designed with semi-precious stones, also an exclusive at The Island Cabana, . And let’s not forget the baby section including Little Lilly from, of course, Lilly Pulitzer. I guarantee you won’t leave the store without something, including the Sea Sparkle Mermaids.

Lee’s inventory of housewares is to die for, for yourself or as a gift. Mostly from Mud Pie the serving dishes are designed and labeled for specific food items. The mac and cheese bowl says, “Mac Attack,” and the deviled egg tray’s spoon says, “Feeling Devilish.” Who could resist? You’ll also find a lovely collection of Portuguese Mediterranean pottery in blue and white, also from Mud Pie. And don’t forget to look at the items for sale on the porch where you can save about 40 percent from original prices.

You could spend hours looking at all of what The Island Cabana offers. It is truly a feast for the eyes. This mini department store is all about the casual beach living that Anna Maria represents located in its own little bustling downtown just steps away from the beach.

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MARCH 14, 2018

THE SUN

15

Interim Center director meets commission Carl Weeks will serve as interim executive director at the Center while the search for a permanent director is conducted.

Bringing him out here is almost like a fresh set

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Last week, board chairman David Zaccagnino introduced Anna Maria City Commissioners to Carl Weeks, the newly-named interim executive director for The Center of Anna Maria Island.

Zaccagnino said Weeks has more than 40 years’ experience, including his time as the president of the Boys & Girls Club of Manatee County.

Before he retired in 2013, Weeks had a 42-year working relationship with the Boys & Girls Club, including the 13 years he spent as its president before retiring in 2013.

In his retirement, the Bradenton resident serves as a driver for Pittsburgh Pirates’ players and coaches while they’re in town for spring training.

“I brought him out of retirement and he’s doing us this favor,” Zaccagnino said, noting that Weeks would hold the reigns while a search is conducted to replace former

of eyes.”

David Zaccagnino, Center chair

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Center board chairman David Zaccagnino, left, introduces Carl Weeks to the Anna Maria Commission.

Executive Director Kristin Lessig.

Lessig left the Center in February after accepting a position with the Sarasota YMCA. “I love the fact that in 1976 we would bring young men over the bridge and play the Anna Maria Youth Center in baseball.

It was probably one of the highlights of the program we had back in the 70s,” Weeks told the commission.

“Now, the Center is what I’m all about, what we’re all about, providing activities for four-year-olds up to 94-year-olds. I’m excited about the opportunities that we have as a community here and what we can do in that facility,” he added.

“He has so much institutional knowledge.

Bringing him out here is almost like a fresh set of eyes. It helps me and the board and

the staff look at things we can improve or do better. It’s a great opportunity,” Zaccagnino said.

“They do a lot of great things. I think they can do more. I think it needs to be serving more children, serving more adults and providing as much activities as you can to keep everyone busy. If you do that, I think certain things will change. Change doesn’t happen overnight,” Weeks said of the Center.

“Thank you Carl. Welcome to the city of Anna Maria and Anna Maria Island. We look forward to working with you and wish you the best of luck,” Commission Chair Doug Copeland said.

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MARCH 14, 2018

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17

The Beach Bistro’s 20th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

BY SEAN MURPHY SPECIAL TO THE SUN

T

he closer we get to St. Patrick’s Day, the more Irish everyone gets.

After a couple of glasses the people at the Bistro bar are speaking Gaelic.

The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade started in that bar.

It was the night before St. Patrick’s Day and everyone was feeling pretty Irish.

We were telling stories of our favorite St Patrick’s day parades.

My favorite was Moniehan’s in New Orleans. Moniehan owned five bars in the French Quarter. His parade started at 10 in the morning, and every couple of hours the partiers lined up behind a bagpiper and paraded to Moniehan’s next bar. As they paraded, they painted a green line down the middle of the street. As the day wore on, and the bars were counted down, the green line got crookeder and crookeder.

One cop rode a horse behind the piper

and the painter, and every time the horse pooped, the revelers sprayed the little piles with gold paint and then stuck a cardboard rainbow in the gold- painted poop.

They were celebrating the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

That night the stories were told and embellished until finally I said, “We should start our own parade.”

The mayor was there. She said, “I’ll get the permit.”

The bagman for the local Republican party was seated at the bar. He said, “I will get the sheriff’s posse horses.”

There was a kinda drunk guy at the end of the bar. He had two girlfriends with him and had a big red boat on a trailer in the parking lot “The girls and I will ride in the boat.”

The girls loved the idea. We had a float.

When the bar closed we had a permit and horses and a float.

The next afternoon the Beach Bistro’s first St. Patrick’s Day parade greened its way out of the Bistro parking lot onto Gulf Drive.

Vin Mannix, a local writer, was St. Patrick and marched out front. We stuck a tennis ball on a hockey stick and painted it gold for his bishop’s staff.

Three cop cars followed Vin with lights flashing and the posse marched behind them on their horses.

Our two children and some of their little friends were dressed up in green and paint and sparkles and rode in an old lawn trailer that we gussied up green for the occasion.

A boom-box blared “When Irish Eyes are Smiling.”

And the guy-from-the-end-of-the-barwith-two-girlfriends-and-a-big-red-boat brought up the rear.

The children referred to him as theguy-from-the-end-of-the-bar-with-twogirlfriends-and-a-big-red-boat then and in all of our telling of the tales of that first parade ever since.

We hadn’t had time to notify the papers, so no one knew we were coming.

As we made our way down Gulf Drive, we stopped all traffic. People got out of their cars and stood on the sidewalk, and people stuck their heads out of their front doors and came out onto their porches.

Some waved and smiled, and others just looked perplexed.

I will never forget our children’s laughter on that day. They giggled and waved and danced around that old trailer.

Irish eyes were indeed smiling.

As years passed the parade grew.

Bands and floats and animals were added.

Our children grew too, and their friends paraded as hockey teams and Indian princesses visiting from college.

One year my son and his buddies painted the camel poop gold and stuck it with rainbows.

This year’s parade will be the 20th. I will dearly miss my children and their friends, but I will see their smiles on the thousands of little faces that will line the parade and look on in joy and wonder at bands and floats and animals.

And little Irish eyes will be smiling again.

The Beach Bistro’s annual St Patrick’s Day Parade has been held every year on the Sunday closest to St Patrick’s Day. This year that is Sunday the 18th of March.

The parade will gather at 2 p.m. in the parking lot on the south side of Eat Here at 5315 Gulf Drive. At 4 p.m. the parade will commence and proceed north on Marina Drive and then Palm Drive to its conclusion at 78th Street and Palm Drive.

All are welcome to parade or watch.

Information is available by calling the Beach Bistro at 941-778-6444

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941.778.6444 www.BeachBistro.com

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FOOD & WINE

MARCH 14, 2018

Say 'I Do' to a destination wedding

Liza Kubik

Winter Citrus and Honey Mimosa Ingredients

THE SEAFOOD SHACK

2 Tbs. blood orange and honey syrup (recipe below) 6 oz. dry sparkling wine, such as prosecco, chilled Orange twists to garnish (optional)

J

ennifer always wanted a lavish wedding, but after two rounds of elaborate planning and a guest list that went from 50 to 200, her husband-to-be had an idea: Anna Maria Island. With 40 of their best friends and closest family members, Jennifer and Derek took their vows Gulffront. Then everyone hopped over the bridge to Cortez for an intimate party set to the sounds of acoustic guitars with a décor made up of local seashells, rustic natural wood and the shimmering waters of Anna Maria Sound.

“It was really the way to go for a stressfree wedding with little planning,” Jennifer says. “You just bring the dress and the tuxedo, and that’s it.”

More and more couples are doing just that. Still a skyrocketing trend, destination weddings have become a veritable force in the industry in the past 10 years.

These days, one out of every four weddings is considered a destination wedding.

“Couples want their weddings to be different and downright memorable,” says Brandy Hudson, event manager of The Seafood Shack in Cortez.

“Above and beyond anything, couples also want their guests to have fun. With friends and family already scattered around the country, why not have them travel to a fabulous locale, where they can make a vacation of your wedding?”

For Jennifer, Derek and their guests, the wedding on Florida’s Suncoast became the culmination of a weeklong vacation filled with kayaking, sunset-watch-

Method

Combine blood orange and honey syrup and prosecco in wine glass and garnish with fresh orange twists. Cheers!

SUBMITTED

Winter citrus and honey mimosas are perfect to serve at a wedding brunch. ing and unrushed evenings together.

“We really got to spend quality time with our good friends,” says Jennifer.

Thinking of a destination wedding?

Here are a few tips to help you enjoy the experience – no matter where in the world you get hitched: 1. Choose a meaningful location. The perfect spot should say something about your personal style and passions and be so you. Keep in mind that your destination must have all the resources you need. That charming mountain town where you spent your childhood summers won’t work if it has only one hotel and cannot accommodate all your guests.

2. Notify guests well in advance. This is one of the most important destination wedding tips. It’s important to forewarn your friends so there is plenty of time to calculate whether they can afford the

cost of traveling to your ceremony and reception.

3. Embrace the setting to save big. Cut catering costs by serving local specialties at the reception like tacos in Texas or waffles in Belgium. And slash your décor budget by incorporating local blooms – think tropical foliage in sea glass vases on Holmes Beach.

4. Pick your planner. Planning an event from afar can be challenging. Enlist the help of a local wedding coordinator who knows the location well. Many venues have event managers who will help by being the main point person for vendors, assist you with your timeline, come up with new creative ideas and be in charge of the set-up and details the weekend of your wedding. Ask about a preferred vendor list where you may discover local talent that you didn’t know about.

Blood Orange and Honey Syrup Ingredients

3 blood oranges, juiced (about 1/2 c.)

1/2 grapefruit, juiced (about 1/3 c.)

1 lemon, juiced 1/4 c. water 1.5 Tbs. honey Pinch of salt

Method

Combine blood orange juice, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, water, honey and salt in heavy-bottomed pan. Bring syrup to a simmer heat over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally for 3-5 minutes as syrup reduces slightly.

Strain syrup and store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

5. Never check your dress. Always carry your dress on board the plane, even if it means having to fold it. Just make sure that someone on the other end can press and steam it.

MARCH 14, 2018

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19

20

THE SUN

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MARCH 14, 2018

Parents party for PTO The Anna Maria Elementary School’s Spring Gala was held at the South Florida Museum courtyard, under the stars and in weather that had some partiers wearing their jackets when they weren’t burning calories on the dance floor. Portable heaters became more popular as the mercury dipped, but there was no rain to drive everybody into the adjoining covered areas.

The setting was perfect for the gala’s theme “Under the sea,” as fountains splashed in round pools in the courtyard.

There were several tables serving food and a couple of bars quenching the thirsts of the partiers.

After the crowd got settled in, surveyed the classroom art and gift basket projects, and ate, it was party time to a variety of music from the 50s up to some saucy dance numbers.

After that, the live auction began. Items such as two widetired beach bikes brought in more than $600, and a half-day fishing excursion with Capt.

Justin Moore raised $1,000. An annual family membership to The Center brought $750. That was no bargain, but it was for the PTO. Organizers are counting the money, and it all goes to finance the PTO’s support of the staff ’s effort to provide a good education.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Top, the attendees gathered around the pools in the courtyard. Above left, Mrs. Lashway’s class assembled colored tiles to form a duplicate of Anna Maria Island. Above right, Mrs. Fisher’s class offered colorful outdoor furniture.

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MARCH 14, 2018

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21

Springfest lives up to its name A rainy, blustery weather forecast never materialized, and the field next to Holmes Beach City Hall was full of people at last weekend's Springfest. The good turnout meant some of the artists left with big smiles either from sales or awards. The festival is a major fundraiser for the Anna Maria Island Art League and the chance for an award draws artists from far and wide. The award winners are shown here.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Clockwise from above, left: Jay Canterbury won an Award of Merit for his photography. Wayne Harshberger's alabaster sculpture won him an Award of Distinction. Below: Luis Martinez won an Award of Distinction for his paintings. Left: Robin Zimmerman's pastels won her an Award of Merit.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Above: John Cheer won the Best in Show award for his clay and glass art. Ward Siegler, right, won an Award of Merit for his jewelry.

22

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MARCH 14, 2018

Oyster Bar sign discussions continue City Commissioners will discuss the Anna Maria Oyster Bar sign again at their Thursday, March 15, meeting.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Serving as Pier Team facilitator, Police Chief Sam Speciale will present recommendations to city commissioners this week regarding suggested modifications to the Anna Maria Oyster Bar sign.

Speciale also will share an idea proposed during last week’s Pier Team meeting regarding a possible new location for the pelican-themed historic Bridge Street Pier sign that previously stood where the Oyster Bar sign stands at the foot of the pier.

The Oyster Bar sign, approved by the City Commission, was erected in early 2017. During a Pier Team meeting March 7, Oyster Bar president John Horne said he would consider lowering the sign whose top edge sits about three and a half feet higher than city code allows. He said he would consider using a gooseneck to front-light the plastic sign face currently illuminated from within and would con-

sider adding some wood framing, which would also make the sign wider.

Horne and the Oyster Bar are the city’s primary pier tenants, and he subleases two smaller city-owned spaces to Paradise Boat Tours and A Room with a Hue and Tide & Moon. Those businesses have small, non-permitted signs attached to the pole below the restaurant sign, as do Bradenton Beach Parasailing and FISH AMI fishing charters. Applications have been submitted to the city for the smaller signs that will need to be brought into compliance or removed.

The Oyster Bar sign is located in the common area that is part of Horne’s lease with the city. He expressed no willingness to move his sign, and the Pier Team didn’t suggest that.

Mayor John Chappie recently proposed the Oyster Bar sign be moved to the right and replaced with the pelican-themed wooden pier sign that is stored under the cell tower platform. The other four commissioners did not support that idea, but did think the restaurant sign should be lowered and possibly modified to make it more aesthetically pleasing.

Moving the Oyster Bar sign and replacing it with the pier sign was later supported by a petition signed by 66 residents,

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Some Bradenton Beach residents would like to see this historic Bridge Street Pier sign placed where the Anna Maria Oyster Bar sign stands. most of whom live in or near the Pines Trailer Park.

KODAK MOMENT

Part-time Pines resident Andre Archambault said it’s important for the Oyster Bar to have its sign in a prominent location. He then suggested the historic pier sign be placed in the first alcove along the

waterfront boardwalk that leads to the clocktower, the pier and the pier businesses.

“When I bring my kids to Disney or wherever there’s always a ‘Kodak spot.’

I would like you guys to go see this spot that John and I looked at. You have to remove the trash can, but you’ve got Sarasota in the background, you’ve got all the boats in the harbor, you’ve got the clock tower and you’ve got the Pelican sign,” Archambault said.

Pines resident Judy Plant said she didn’t know the exact spot Archambault was talking about, but her primary concern was lowering the existing sign so it doesn’t block the view of the clocktower.

She said she would also like to see some wood framing, but not any plastic gingerbreading.

After Horne told Speciale he was in agreement with the direction these conversations where headed, Pier Team member and Public Works Director Tom Woodard said, “There has to be a compromise. Mr. Horne doesn’t have to do anything. He’s willing to compromise.

Removing it is not an option.”

The sign discussions will continue at the Thursday, March 15, commission meeting that starts at noon.

County project creates short-lived traffic issues The right of way work along Gulf Drive, near the Gulf Drive Cafe, has been postponed at least until April.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Swift action

by Mayor John Chappie and cooperation from Manatee County officials and Westra Construction quickly ended significant traffic and public safety concerns near the Gulf Drive Cafe.

On Tuesday, March 6, city officials became aware of significant traffic delays created by the shifting of travel lanes on that section of Gulf Drive in preparation of underground boring for the county’s water main and force main projects.

At 12:59 p.m., Chappie, a former county commissioner, shared his concerns in an email he sent to County Administrator Ed Hunzeker and County Commissioners Carol Whitmore, Steve Jonsson and Betsy Benac. “Urgent: We just got this notice! They are doing this project in the height of the season on Gulf Drive. It was scheduled to be done before season. This project needs to be delayed until after season. It is a night-

mare out here!” Chappie’s email said.

The mayor’s email resulted in the county and Westra offering to stop that work and delay it until the second week of April, when the tourist season may have slowed some.

Tuesday afternoon, Chappie sent Manatee County Deputy Director of Engineering Sia Mollanazar an email expressing his gratitude for the county’s cooperation.

“Thank you for your quick response.

We appreciate the willingness of the county to remobilize this portion of the project until after season. We are looking forward to meeting with you and your staff to work out the logistics of this project and our safety concerns,” he wrote.

Speaking by phone later that day, Chappie said that in addition to the traffic congestion, he also had serious concerns about pedestrian safety due to the sidewalk being closed.

“The county was super in their response. I appreciate the fact that they’re willing to remobilize at a later date. It’s still going to be busy, but it gives us some time,” Chappie said, noting the work was supposed to take place in early January.

“It was bumper to bumper all the way

pedestrians, but also bicyclists who no longer had a delineated travel lane.

SCOPE OF WORK

JAKE SPOONER | SUBMITTED

Bradenton Beach Commissioner Jake Spooner took this photo while stuck in traffic on Gulf Drive last Tuesday. to Manatee Avenue and over the bridge while they were setting that area up. It was a fiasco,” Speciale said.

Speciale said his public safety concerns pertained not only to vehicular traffic and

The Tuesday, March 6, notice Chappie referred to in his email to Hunzeker and others provided details on the scope of work that was supposed to begin March 5.

“Continuing for approximately 10 weeks, the northbound and southbound lanes of Gulf Drive between Ninth and 10th streets will be shifted to the west and temporary lanes installed to maintain traffic flows during construction activities. Crews will be performing directional drilling in the western right-of-way/northbound lane along Gulf Drive between Ninth and 10th streets. During this time, 10th Street will be closed at Gulf Drive and a detour will be put in place to route travelers eastward to Bay Drive N. and out to Gulf Drive using 11th Street.

“Upon completion of directional drilling along Gulf Drive, crews will be performing open-cut in the western right-of-way extending from the directional drilled area up to Cortez Road.

This activity is expected to continue approximately six weeks,” the notice says.

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25

Tour of Homes returns to Anna Maria Island

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

ANNA MARIA – The 25th Annual Tour of Homes is coming to Anna Maria Island for one day only, March 17. This year’s event, hosted

by The Center of Anna Maria Island, features five Island homes along with a final stop for snacks and shopping at the Tropical Treasures Boutique at the Center Bazaar.

Tickets for the Tour are $30 each and can be purchased at the Center or online at www.centerami.org.

Parking at each home is extremely limited. Tour attendees are encouraged to park at either the Center or Crosspointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, and take advantage of free transportation offered by Tour volunteers between stops. Tour hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Here is a sneak preview of the stops on this year’s tour. For more information, contact the Center at 941-778-1908.

SUBMITTED

Another home open to the public this year is the Key Royale residence of Tom and Jane Gauld.

SUBMITTED

SAND DOLLAR COVE – JUDE HOME

Above, one stop on the Tour of Homes is the Holmes Beach home of Ron and Peggy Jude.

This stunning Island home has fabulous curb appeal with its fresh and inviting teal and white coastal cottage exterior, and it sits in all its splendor on a spacious corner lot in Holmes Beach. Completed in March 2017 by Moss Builders, this lovely retreat is home to Ron and Peggy Jude.

This home has 2800 square-feet with four bedrooms and three and one-half bathrooms as well as an upstairs loft. The grandkids’ bunk room is a true design delight with its clever built-in bunk bed and special stairs to a small door that leads to the parents’ bedroom on the next level.

The parents can sneak a peek at the children, and the children can climb the tiny stairs to their room for nighttime snuggles.

The outside space and pool area is designed to take advantage of and enjoy the Florida lifestyle. All paved, it’s the ideal outdoor retreat for dining, entertaining or relaxing. The outdoor space features a vast built-in kitchen for the gourmet chef, a large island where you can belly up to the bar and enjoy a libation or two, raised firepit with comfortable seating, dining area and lots of sunbathing spots around the pool. Painted blue ceilings ward off the bugs. All these elements make this home a beautifully built and designed Island retreat.

Right, the second stop on this year’s Tour of Homes is the Key Royale home of Don and Leah Purvis.

1 Palm Harbor Blvd., Holmes Beach

PURVIS HOME

627 Emerald Lane, Holmes Beach This stunningly renovated canal front retreat is home to Don and Leah Purvis.

They moved to Anna Maria in 2010, when Don, after having played football in college, accepted the position of head football coach at Manatee High School.

Both work full time. Don is now broker/ owner of Beach House Real Estate and Leah is managing director of a New Yorkbased company.

Although with building restrictions the Purvis’ couldn’t add much square footage to this 2100 square-foot, four-bedroom, three-bathroom property, they were able to make the home seem new and spacious by creating 17-foot ceilings. You can appreciate the New Orleans inspired design elements the moment you enter the house through front doors that were custom-made to look like the doors of a home in the French Quarter. The doorbell is a fleur de lis and the unique wrought iron sconces and lights throughout the home are all from New Orleans.

Dark wide plank wood floors are popular in New Orleans but not practical for island living, so they chose a tile lookalike to echo the feel.

SUBMITTED

The Anna Maria home of Art and Wooley Dutton is newly renovated.

GAULD HOME

628 Key Royale Dr., Holmes Beach This stunning custom home, built in 2012 by Shoreline Builders in the prestigious enclave of Key Royale, is now the home of Canadians Tom and Jane Gauld. Now that Tom is retired, they spend part of the year at their home in Ontario, in the popular vacation destination of Niagara-on-the-Lake, and part of the year on Anna Maria Island.

Originally purchasing a home on the east coast in West Palm, they decided with nine grandchildren under age 11, they wanted to be able to enjoy the delights of boating and beautiful beaches.

When they stumbled on Anna Maria Island, they decided this was the perfect paradise.

This gorgeous home boasts almost

5000 square-feet of covered living space with four bedrooms, seven bathrooms, media room, den and separate guest apartment. This high-end coastal living designed property has numerous unique features and finishes.

With exceptional builder quality, from polished stone floors throughout to vaulted cypress ceilings and wooden wainscoting walls, creating a modern and sophisticated beach design whilst giving a casual elegance to this beautiful home. The lovely interior design was all done by Jane herself.

MAGNOLIA HOME

420 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria This gorgeous new construction home was built by Mason Martin for Island investor Mike Ross. It is a beautiful

four-bedroom and four and one-half bath retreat in a great location, close to the soft sands and turquoise waters of fabulous Island beaches, vibrant Pine Avenue with its array of fancy and funky shops and a variety of eating establishments. The Center of Anna Maria Island is just across the road.

The ground floor level opens to a serene outdoor living and entertaining space with brick pavers throughout, giving a feeling of vastness. This fabulous spot offers five different seating areas for dining, relaxing, swaying in rope hanging chairs or catching rays. The gorgeous amoeba shaped pool invites swimmers to enjoy its cool depths.

DUTTON HOME

242 Gladiolus St., Anna Maria This truly adorable, newly renovated home is an absolute gem. The simple exterior belies the unexpected wow factor of the fabulous interior. Home to Art and Wooley Dutton and Bella, their precious pooch, this three-bedroom, four-bathroom home, complete with separate art studio and office, was just a two-bedroom, one-bath home when they purchased it in 2015 as an investment property.

Originally from Jones Town near Providence, R. I., both work in creative fields, Wooley owns her own advertising agencies in Rhode Island and Boston, and Art works in the graphic design industry. They soon found that with each trip down to Anna Maria, they fell

SUBMITTED

Just across from The Center of Anna Maria Island is the fifth home on the tour, an investment property owned by Mike Ross. more and more in love with this Island paradise and so, they decided to make it their primary home.

Wooley always wanted to design and live in an indoor/outdoor, modern environment and the time and place just felt right. Working with John Johnson, of Sandcastle Construction, Wooley was able to create the style and atmosphere she wanted with efficient use of space with easy maintenance.

The house is a simple peaceful, private backdrop for living, entertaining and creating; modern, but not cold; simple, but interesting; tropical, but a bit unexpected. She succeeded in creating her goal of designing an inviting, calm, lush enclave with a touch of surprise that would serve them in the next phase of their lives.

CENTER BAZAAR AND TROPICAL TREASURES BOUTIQUE

407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria This year’s Tropical Treasures Boutique, sponsored by Duncan Realty, is at the Center’s 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, location along with the Center Bazaar.

The boutique features one of a kind pieces from local artists and craftspeople. In addition to art pieces, jewelry and other crafts available for sale, tickets also are available for this year’s quilt raffle. The unique quilt designed especially for the Tour of Homes by the Eyeland Needlers will be raffled at the end of the day’s festivities. Tickets are available for $1 each of six for $5 and can be purchased at the boutique. The Center Bazaar also is a food stop for hungry Tour attendees, featuring several different food vendors with snacks and meals for sale.

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OUTDOORS

MARCH 14, 2018

Against the odds

Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

E

very angler longs for the day when conditions are textbook. After all, fishing is hard enough without having to deal with extremes of weather.

Unfortunately, those days are few and far between, especially this time of the year. Besides being hard to find, there is no guarantee that good conditions will yield decent fishing. In truth, I’ve found many beautiful days to be particularly challenging, whereas some of the most difficult days have proven to be especially rewarding.

This was the case last Friday, when a trip that my friend Hunter Parrish and I had planned was looking questionable.

A cold front had pushed chilly tempera-

tures and high winds into the area, and combined with a weak tide were conspiring to make us question going out. Since we had been forced to cancel the outing on several other occasions, we resolved to give it a try.

The cold front had dropped water temperature a full 10 degrees, and the incoming tide wouldn’t make any kind of move until mid-morning. In order to allow it to warm up a bit and to let the tide start in, we decided to begin at 10 that morning.

We launched on the north end of Longboat Key and ran to the eastern shore of Sarasota Bay near Tidy Island.

I reasoned that the flats there would be relatively warm and that the eastern shore would provide some protection from the wind.

We had originally planned to fly fish, but because of conditions, elected to start the day using spin tackle. I set us up on a drift in six to eight feet of water over RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

SEE REEL TIME, PAGE 28

Hunter Parrish prepares to release a trout that fell for his DOA Shrimp.

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MARCH 14, 2018

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Anglers catching snook, redfish and trout CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE

Boy, has it been windy. But those unseasonably high temperatures last month may have spoiled us a bit. The falling temperatures and high wind have sent a lot of charters back to dock fishing for sheepshead.

We here at Anna Maria Charters have done this a bit as well, but we’ve also still been getting our fair share of snook, redfish and trout as well.

Shiners are taking the snook and trout, typically freelined or under a cork to keep the bait out of the grass. Redfish also will readily take a pilchard, but we’ve been doing well with large live shrimp around deep docks. Most of these fish are in the slot, between 18 and 27 inches.

While pompano fishing earlier this week, I had two big cobia cruise the boat. These are a great sign of spring. These fish are hardy fighters and great eating. The have to be a minimum of 33” to the fork of the tail. I’ll be targeting these guys as well as King Mackerel in the days to come. Hopefully these winds lie down and we’re able to get offshore a bit. Tight lines.

CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters

CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE | SUBMITTED

George Spinella Jr. happily shows off his snook dinner caught on live pilchards with Captain David White, of Anna Maria Charters. on Siesta Key, had good action catching and releasing trout and bluefish in Sarasota Bay and trout, redfish and snook in Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande on flies and CAL jigs

with shad tails during the past week. The best action was with snook and reds in skinny water in Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande.

Keith McClintock and Chuck

Hempfling, both from Ilinois, fished the backcountry of Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with me on Monday.

They had good action catching and releasing several snook

and a nice red on CAL jigs with shad tails.

Nick Reding, from Longboat Key, and Mike Perez, from Sarasota, waded a shallow flat and fly fished in Sarasota Bay with me on Tuesday. We had a small window of action at the bottom of the tide, when Nick caught and released a nice trout on my Grassett Flats Minnow fly, then the tide came in fast, dispersing the bait and mullet.

I gave a presentation on springtime fly fishing opportunities in southwest Florida to group of fly anglers at the Tampa Bay Fly Fishing Club on Wednesday evening.

Marshall Dinerman and Stan Sunshine, both from Atlanta, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Friday. They had steady action with trout and bluefish on CAL jigs with shad tails on deep grass flats.

Fishing shallow water for big trout, snook and reds should be a good option. There should also be good action with trout, blues, Spanish mackerel, pompano and more on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay. Fishing dock lights in the ICW at night is always a good option for snook and more.

Our natural resources are under constant pressure, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit.

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THE SUN

REEL TIME: Against the odds FROM PAGE 26

deep grass on the outside edge of the flats. Parrish tied on a DOA Shrimp, while I elected to use a top water plug hoping to attract the attention of a bluefish.

We had only drifted a short distance when the DOA started to produce. I wasn’t having any luck with the top water plug, so after a couple of drifts, I switched to a tandem chartreuse jig.

Surprisingly, I didn’t get much response from the tandem rig, so I tied on a DOA Shrimp too. That did the trick. The fish weren’t big, but action was consistent for both of us. The trout ran 10 to 12 inches with an occasional 14- and 15-inch fish mixed in.

After catching fish on every drift for better than an hour, we elected to move to the north and explore the flats closer to shore. The tide was rising, and we wanted to find a redfish, snook or perhaps some larger

trout. Now that the sun was high and clear water was moving onto the flat, we hoped to be able to find some fish by poling the shallows.

Our next stop proved a bit disappointing. There were a lot of small sheepshead on the flats, but we only saw one decent trout of about 24 inches. A bit further to the north near the Cortez Village things started to improve.

Although we didn’t hook up we had numerous shots at redfish to 30 inches, several trout that ran to 22 inches and saw a couple of snook that pushed 40 inches.

Whenever I’m faced with tough winter fishing conditions, there are a few things I always keep in mind that have proven to be effective.

First and foremost, I look for protected water in the lee of an island or other landmass. Protection from cold wind gives the sun a chance to warm the water, creating conditions that are

more comfortable for gamefish and the angler. Next, I vary my presentation, making sure to slow it down and work my lure close to the bottom.

I try to think like a fish, being on the lookout for an area that might attract predator and prey.

A good example is a shallow bay where the water warms up during the day and drains out on a late afternoon falling tide.

Under the right conditions, it produces consistently.

For the balance of our short day, we poled the flats getting some good shots at quality fish.

While we didn’t hook up, we enjoyed being on the water, spending time together and even found a couple of areas that we will definitely return to.

At the end of the day, we were glad we had committed to going out.

It wasn’t a banner day, but against the odds we had located some good fish and landed a few as well. Best of all was time on the water with a good friend.

MARCH 14, 2018

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MARCH 14, 2018

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North Coquina boat ramp reopens The renovated boat ramp includes a second launch lane, improved launch slopes and three new fixed docks.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The North Coquina boat ramp opened last Thursday after nine months of renovations designed to improve boater access and parking.

The $1.9 million project got underway last May and was originally slated for an October completion date.

The renovated boat ramp off of Gulf Drive South now has expanded boating access and trailer parking, a second boat launch lane and improved launch slopes, three new fixed docks and a large paved parking lot that includes two new ADA-compliant parking spaces, 12 regular parking spaces and 28 boat trailer spaces.

The renovations also include new landscaping, wooden posts and

BEACH BEAT BRADENTON BEACH

3/9, Operating an unregistered vessel, 200 Bridge St. The subject was seen operating a personal watercraft that was unregistered, The driver said he could not register it because of problems with its title. He was arrested.

HOLMES BEACH

3/1, DUI, 4000 Gulf Drive. The officer stopped the driver who was speeding.

As he approached the car, he observed vomit down the side of the car. The driver appeared to be confused and the

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The North Coquina boat ramp now has a second launch lane. rope fencing, two fish cleaning stations with running water and turtlefriendly lighting, a new seawall, two new stormwater ponds and a 250-foot sidewalk that connects to a bus stop near the launch area.

The county boat ramp was closed

in 2015 and remained closed due to safety concerns before the renovations began. In May, the Bradenton Beach City Commission waived $20,367 in city permitting fees and decided the $2,500 down payment received would suffice.

officer noted signs of possible intoxication. The driver said he had come from D Coy Duck’s, and there was a drink with ice on his console. The driver refused to submit to a breath test and was taken into custody. The officer recovered two handguns and ammunition from the car.

3/2, found property, 5801 Marina Drive, A backpack was found.

3/2, alcohol on the beach, White Avenue beach access. The officer on patrol observed teenagers drinking and smoking pot. They were ticketed.

3/3, driving without a valid license, 100 43rd St. The officer ran a computer check and found the driver had no license.

The driver was given a summons.

3/3, driving without a valid license, 4000 Gulf Drive. The officer ran a computer check and found the driver had no license. The driver was given a summons.

3/4, alcohol violation, walking along Holmes Boulevard. The officer observed two men drinking beer while walking. They were ticketed.

3/4, sexual battery, 100 block of 37th

MARK YOUR CALENDAR From Page 7

Bingo, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, 6 to 9 p.m.

WILD exhibit artists’ reception, The Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, 6 to 8 p.m.

FRIDAY MARCH 16

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

Ringling College Lifelong Learning Academy Lecture Series, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat

Key, 10:30 to noon, $55 for four lecture series or $15 per lecture. Reserve to www. rclla.org or 941-309-5111.

Intermediate bridge session, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., $10, includes coffee and cookies. Reserve to maryannbrady@theparadisecenter.org or 941-383-6493.

NEST Nature Days, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 2 p.m.

Sunset drum circle, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

Kombucha 101, The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 6:30 p.m., $35.

Street. The officer caught a couple having sexual intercourse on the beach.

The female said she was 18, but a records check showed she was 17. Her father was called and he said she could ride home with the male.

3/4, property damage, 3000 block of Gulf Drive. A person with a rented truck ran into a gas pump.

OBITUARIES Delores ‘Dee’ Arbanas Delores "Dee" Arbanas passed away on Jan. 7, 2018. She was 87 years old, and she was from Chicago, Ill. A few things you may like to know about Dee, she was a florist and loved all things green. She raised hundreds of orchids, kind of the orchid whisperer. Nobody ever went hungry in our home. She was a great cook and the door was always open.

Dee had a great passion for the Pawnee Indian and became an honorary member of the tribe through years of

Waiving those fees later benefited the city when County Commissioners overrode a staff recommendation and supported the city’s successful $50,000 grant application to West Coast Inland Navigation District for the purchase of a boat lift for its police boat. The boat lift is expected to be installed alongside the historic Bridge Street Pier later this year.

After visiting the renovated boat ramp, former county commissioner and current Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie said, “This is a great facility for our residents and visitors. It’s beautiful there.”

He noted that Coquina Beach, Cortez Beach, the North Coquina boat ramp, the South Coquina boat ramp, Leffis Key, the barge dock and the Marine Rescue station encompass about a third of the Bradenton Beach community.

“We couldn’t ask for better neighbors and partners, and the county does a great job of keeping those facilities in top-notch shape,” Chappie said.

3/4, driving with no license, 4000 Gulf Drive. The officer spotted a car with a cracked windshield. He ran a computer check and found the driver had no valid license. He received a summons.

3/4, possession of drugs, 100 block of 52nd Street. The officer had a person in custody for vandalism and found a small amount of marijuana in the car.

3/8, warrant arrest, 5701 Marina Drive.

The officer responded to a complaint of two people bothering patrons at the Island Branch Library. The officer found the female had a warrant for her arrest. She and the male suspect took off running. One officer ran after them and the female was caught. The officer called in K-9, but they were unable to find the male. working with them at the Field Museum in Chicago. Dee and Ron would travel every year to Oklahoma for the annual Pawnee Pow Wow, where she was invited to join in the ceremonial dancing.

Ron and Dee were married for more than 60 years and she had a wicked sense of humor that kept everyone laughing.

She was loved and will never be forgotten by her family and friends.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Annunciation church in a pickle The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, is overloaded with pickles from its White Elephant sale earlier this year.

According to Jean Coldwell, who manages the pickle production, the ladies made too many this year. The pickles are popular at the Holly Berry Christmas Bazaar and White Elephant sale, and the ladies increased production, but over-estimated their needs.

Interested people may come by the church weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information, call the church at 941-778-1638.

Church hosts sale Saint Bernard Catholic Church at 248 South Harbor Drive in Holmes Beach will host its two-day rummage sale on Friday, March 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturday, March 17, from 9 a.m. to noon. Shop for tools, household goods, books, Collectibles, clothing, accessories, jewelry and other items. Come early for the best bargains.

Pancake breakfast at Roser Roser Memorial Community Church at 512 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria will host a pancake breakfast on Saturday, March 17, from 8 to 11 a.m. in the fellowship hall.

For $6 per person enjoy pancakes, sausage, syrup and/or melted butter, applesauce, biscuits and gravy, juice and coffee or tea. There is no charge for children under the age of 5.

Proceeds go toward updating the kitchen.

For more information go to www. roserchurch.com, call 941-778-0414 or Facebook @roserchurch.

Fish fry in Bradenton Beach The Annie Silver Community Center will hold a fish fry on Friday, March 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. at 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. The menu includes fish, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, hush puppies, drinks and desserts. The

cost is $8. Karen Bell, owner of the A.P. Bell Fish Company in Cortez, supplies the fish and Big John from Big John's Texas BBQ will be cooking the fish.

A Cortez picnic Cortez Village Historical Society will host a picnic on Saturday, March 17, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Cortez Cultural Center, 11655 Cortez Road W., Cortez. Members of the society will provide, beverages, corned beef and cabbage. Attendees are asked to bring a side dish or desert to share.

They will be celebrating Ted Adams, the current president and long-time volunteer in Cortez and Bradenton who is relocating to New York at the beginning of April. For more information, call 941-705-4656.

Save the pollinators Learn how to create habitats for pollinators in your home garden at The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum at 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, on Thursday, March 22, from 10 a.m. to noon. Karen Willey, education director for the local Florida Native Plant Society, will share insights and plant lists with participants.

Students also will get to take home three starter plants for their home garden. The butterfly garden and pond planting at the Maritime Museum model what people can do in their homes. There is a registration fee of $35. Pre-registration is required by visiting FloridaFolkSchool.org.

Holmes Beach ArtWalk set Downtown Holmes Beach completes its annual series of ArtWalks from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on the second Friday of the month, April 13. Participating art galleries and retail businesses include Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club, Restless Natives, Artists' Guild of Anna Maria Island, The Anna Maria Island Art League, Island Gallery West and SteamDesigns. These locations will feature special exhibits, free refreshments, music and fun for all those who

enjoy strolling and shopping in downtown Holmes Beach.

• Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club at 5325 Marina Drive will serve light refreshments at its art exhibit in the lobby of the hotel.

•Refreshments will be offered along with gift and home decor items and the art work of a number of local artists at Restless Natives, 5416 Marina Drive.

• Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island, 5414 Marina Drive, offers local art, jewelry, baskets, gifts and more plus refreshments.

• The Anna Maria Island Art League at 5312 Holmes Boulevard will have a student exhibit, "Progression of Art," an open exhibit of past to present students within the 30-year history of the Art League. Regular hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Island Gallery West at 5312 Holmes Boulevard will feature Jeffrey Sanchez’s oil paintings in an exhibit entitled “Inspirations from my New Life in Florida.” Come meet many of the gallery’s 29 artists and enjoy complimentary refreshments. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and Sundays from Oct. through April.

• At SteamDesigns, 5343 Gulf Drive, # 600, Anna Maria-based artist and Florida native Joyce Lazzara’s paintings will be featured in an exhibit entitled “Lured In.” Refreshments and light bites will be offered.

Art season nears the end As the final featured artist reception of the season, Artists’ Guild Island of Anna Maria Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, presents the work of Judy Strom Friday, April 13, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. There will be light refreshments. The event is free and open to all.

Strom’s love of art began early, and while in high school, she studied at the Art Institute of Chicago in the summers. After college, she started her own graphics company in Illinois while working at a local paper. She has worked in many mediums, but current-

MARCH 14, 2018

ly is focusing on watercolors and her work has won awards in many juried art shows. She is a signature member of the Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society.

Yoga at Art League Sheryl Spikes will teach a healing meditation class on the fourth Saturday, of every other month – May 26, July 28, Sept. 22, and Nov. 24 at the Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Boulevard, Holmes Beach. A full-time island resident for more than 30 years, Spikes has been a licensed registered nurse for more than 50 years, practicing energy healing work and teaching meditation and Reiki Master for the past nine years.

The cost is a donation and proceeds go to the AMI Art League. Space is limited. For more information or to register, call 941-778-2099 or visit The Anna Maria Island Art League between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays.

Art League artists take note The Anna Maria Island Art League at 5312 Holmes Blvd. in Holmes Beach is issuing a call to artists for its students’ exhibit, "Progression of ART, an open exhibit of past to present students within the 30-year history of the Art League. This media exhibition is open to all area artists. All medium is encouraged – painting, drawing, sculpture, jewelry, and both film and digital photography.

Bring submissions to The Art League between the hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. no later than Monday, April 9. The entry fee is $15 per piece. Each artist may submit up to three completed works. If artwork is larger than 20 x 24, the limit is two completed works. Artwork must be ready to hang.

The pick-up date is May 4. There will be an open reception on Friday, April 12, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Complimentary light refreshments will be available. For more information, call 941-778-2099.

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MARCH 14, 2018

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Body and Sol The ribbon flies as the new owners of Body and Sol, Jocelyn Greene and Amanda Escobio, celebrate the opening of their new venture. To the left, former Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce board chairs Karen LaPensee and Eric Cairn and to the right, Chamber board chairwoman Bev Lesnick and board member Janet Mixon.

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PIER: decking selected

FUNDS: State will assist with pier replacement

FROM PAGE 1

FROM PAGE 1

for the restaurant space, bar and bait shop to be built at the end of the pier. The wood buildings were designed to resemble the existing pier buildings and Schimberg suggested sliding windows and doors in the restaurant to allow for more of an open-air feel.

Schimberg’s proposed design includes metal roofs and a roof that covers the space between the restaurant and the bait shop. He strongly recommends a trellised and skewered shade structure above the tables in the open space behind the bait shop. He also suggested installing solar panels atop the restaurant and bait shop.

Seymour said the solar panels and patio shade structure might be decisions that require input from the pier tenant, whomever that turns out to be. Current tenant Mario Schoenfelder’s pier lease expires in December 2020 and the new pier would most likely open at some point in 2019.

Mayor Dan Murphy said he plans to meet with Schoenfelder soon to discuss the tenant’s role and potential contributions to the pier project. The city and Schoenfelder must at some point determine whether he will remain as the pier tenant after his current lease expires.

During public comment, Anna Maria resident Dennis Ellsworth said the design presented by Schimberg made it look like the whole pier was a restaurant. Holmes Beach resident and former frequent pier patron Mike Deal said the shade structure on the backside of the bait shop would ruin the pier for him because he prefers the existing open space that allows a large group to congregate.

No commission decisions were made regarding the preliminary restaurant and bait shop designs.

The existing pier will remain closed until it is demolished and replaced by a new one.

He also mentioned the GoFundMe page created by city resident Sissy Quinn. The page that lists a $100,000 fund-raising goal has generated $2,380 in donations so far. Online donations can be made at www.gofundme.com/sissyquinn-president-amipt Murphy also said pier sponsorship plaques may be pursued later in the year.

“We’re not going carve names in the planks,” he said of the sponsorship packages.

The city has already received a commitment for up to $1.5 million in resort tax funds from the Manatee County Commission and will pursue an additional $330,000 in County Commission-controlled surplus beach concession revenues.

“Our delta at this point, if the other pieces come in, is a couple hundred thousand dollars,” Murphy said of the remaining funds needed.

He then recognized attending County Commissioner, Tourist Development Council member and Holmes Beach resident Carol Whitmore for the assistance she’s provided the city regarding the

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You’ve gone above and beyond in terms of helping us in securing the funding for this pier.”

Dan Murphy, Anna Maria Mayor

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

County Commissioner Carol Whitmore was praised for the funding assistance she’s provided the city regarding the replacement of the Anna Maria City Pier. pier funding. In addition to her efforts at the county level, Whitmore also contacted Sen. Bill Galvano (R-Bradenton) and sought his support and assistance regarding the city’s state appropriations request.

“I want to thank you for all your

hard work. You’ve gone above and beyond in terms of helping us in securing the funding for this pier.

You’re responsible almost singlehandedly for a little bit over $2 million. We appreciate it,” Murphy said to Whitmore, who said later she appreciated the mayor’s remarks.

Commissioner Carol Carter said city resident Jack Brennan was researching the possibility of historic preservation grants being available to further assist with the pier replacement.

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REAL ESTATE

MARCH 14, 2018

Drive-by pricing I

t seems like everyone is a real estate expert these days. Why not? There is more information available to non-professionals on the internet than ever before in history. But would you be comfortable consulting realtor websites and Google Earth to place a value on a property you want to purchase? Well, there are investors who do just that.

After the housing bubble burst, large investor groups were quick to buy up foreclosed homes and were looking for a way to determine the value of these properties in a fast and inexpensive way. This was the birth of the drive-by property valuation performed by real estate agents for far less cost than traditional appraisals and a lot faster.

After the financial crisis, Congress outlawed the use of these type of broker price opinions (BPO) for traditional financing as part of the post-crash financial regulations.

However, investors who are not regulated by government regulations are still using drive-by BPO’s to assess the value of large

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER portfolios of mostly rental properties being marketed to investors. Wall Street may have found a way to get around government regulations, but opponents contend that the system does not give a true value of the assets placing potential investors in jeopardy.

Part of why these investment vehicles are so popular is the general nature of the real estate market and the comeback it’s made.

And in Manatee County, we are in a pretty serious upswing based on the January sales statistics published by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee.

Single-family homes were up 12.7 percent in sales for January compared to last Janu-

ary. The median price of single-family homes was $300,145, up 7.6 percent and the average price was $386,987, also up 7.6 percent.

Not only are the prices up, but the number of people paying cash are also up from last January by 23.3 percent, and a number I don’t always include is the median time to sell, which is 93 days. Pretty quick reflecting our still low inventory rate at a 4.5-month supply for both single family and condos.

As far as condos go, for January, closings were down 4.2 percent, the median price was $172,500, down 1.4 percent, but the average was up 7.8 percent to $219,060. Cash buyers were also down by 15.6 percent, however, the time to sell was faster at 84 days.

Statewide across Florida the sales of singlefamily homes in January were down 1.3 percent from last January. The median sale price for single-family homes was $240,000, up 9.1 percent from last year, but way below Manatee County’s median in both sale price and appreciation. Condos statewide were also up

to a median of $179,900 by 11.7 percent from last January and above Manatee’s median.

And nationally housing sales are having a slow start. The National Association of Realtors reported that existing home sales in January fell 3.2 percent from December, and from January of last year by 4.8 percent. Sales may be down nationally, but the median home sale price in January was up 5.8 percent to $240,500, almost exactly Florida’s statewide figure. This was the seventh straight month of year-over-year gains. It continues to be the same old story locally, statewide and nationally – shortage of inventory produces fewer sales with higher sale prices.

If you’re a Wall Street investor in rental properties, be aware of the drive-by BPOs. If you’re a residential property investor or just want a family home, be prepared to pay more than last year. Either way, time to jump in and not just drive-by.

www.amisun.com

MARCH 14, 2018

THE SUN

35

Kooky comedy at Island Players ‘The Curious Savage,’

by John Patrick, runs through March 25

BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – When the curtain rises on “The Curious Savage,” by John Patrick, you have to remind yourself it’s taking place in a sanitarium called The Cloisters.

Very soon, a brightly colored red head named Fairie May, played brilliantly by Joani Anton, will remind you with her rambling conversations and emotional outbursts. The same could be said about Mrs. Paddy, played by Susan Belvo, who hates everything and will spit out a list in longwinded soliloquys.

The attention to detail by the performers is amazing. The plot is a good one.

Ethel, played by Cathy HanselEdgerton, has the family fortune tied up in bonds and the rest of the family wants her to cash them

in and give the family the money.

They have moved her to The Cloisters in an attempt to get her to tell them where the fortune is.

While she’s there, she bonds with fellow patients Hannibal, played by Ron Smith; Jeffrey, played by John Andruzzi and staffers Miss Willie, played by Candace Artim; and Dr. Emmett, played by Dawn Burns.

The family includes Ethel’s son, Titus, played by Jim Faltot; Samuel, played by Thomas Carson; Lily Belle, played by Jennifer Kwiatkowski. They pay her a visit, threatening her with further incarceration in the sanitarium.

In the end, the lights go out and the bonds have disappeared.

What happens next is something readers will have to find out by purchasing a ticket, but hurry because the shows are selling out, just like the matinee last Sunday.

Director Kelly Wynn-Woodland has a great cast, and the play is very entertaining.

For ticket information, call 941778-5755.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Jeannie Hudkins, as Florence; Joanie Anton as Fairy May; Ron Smith as Hannibal; Candace Artim as Miss Willie and Jennifer Kwiatowski as Ethelin a scene from "The Curious Savage,"

36

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THE SUN

TAX: Election underway

MARCH 14, 2018

MARKET: Should start soon FROM PAGE 4

FROM PAGE 3

In September, the divided school board voted 3-2 in favor of placing the tax referendum on a special election ballot. Dave Miner Charlie Kennedy and Gina Messenger supported it. John Colon and Scott Hopes opposed it.

The Republican Party of Manatee County and the Common Sense Manatee political action committee oppose the tax. Common Sense Manatee claims the additional tax would not improve education and would hurt working families, blue collar workers, single mothers and seniors.

ISLAND IMPACT

According to the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s website, one Bradenton Beach homeowner whose property in 2017 had a total just value of $721,397 and a total assessed value of $515,592 after applying the Save Our Homes discount paid $7,545 in ad valorem taxes, including the city tax. Of that, $3,239 went to the school district. This equated to 43 percent of the property owner’s ad valorem

taxes. The additional one-mill tax would increase ad valorem property taxes Island-wide by slightly more than 6 percent.

VOTING INFORMATION

On Tuesday, March 20, polling locations in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Anna Maria residents will vote at Roser Memorial Community Church.

Bradenton Beach voters will vote at the former fire hall on Second Street North. Holmes Beach voters will vote at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church or St. Bernard Catholic Church.

Early voting will continue through Saturday, March 17, at Longboat Key Town Hall and at the Supervisor of Elections Office in Bradenton.

Mail voting is already underway.

According to Stief, 318 vote by mail ballots were mailed to Anna Maria voters, 227 to Bradenton Beach voters and 781 to Holmes Beach voters.

Sample ballots were mailed out last week.

that provides $1 million in liability insurance.

Each vendor will pay the city $70 to participate in the market’s anticipated 10-week trial run. Vendors do not have to pay any additional fees to reserve space in the market aimed at attracting more visitors to Pine Avenue business district while the Anna Maria City Pier remains closed.

The market will consist primarily of fresh produce, fruit, flowers and other natural products not intended for onsite consumption. The goal is to establish a market that does not create direct competition for the Pine Avenue businesses that are also invited to participate.

“I’ve been an advocate for the market from the beginning, and if we can get 10 vendors out there, I think it would be an attraction. I would be in favor of the city taking the insurance and then passing the cost along to the vendors. Since there is no other cost, it’s pretty reasonable for them,” Commission Chair Doug Copeland said.

Regarding liability insurance, Commissioner Dale Woodland asked about insurance requirements at other local markets.

“What’s the difference between us and Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach?”

What's the difference between us and Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach."

Dale Woodland City commissioner

Woodland asked.

“Evidently there’s people selling at the markets there that don’t have insurance, or the city went and purchased insurance to cover themselves or they’ve got an organizer who has the insurance. Those are the three alternatives. I asked the same question myself,” Murphy said.

Interested vendors can contact Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Debbie Haynes at 941-7086130, ext. 121, or email her at depclerk@ cityofannamaria.com.

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MARCH 14, 2018

THE SUN

37

CRA members learning about underground utilities No final decisions have been made regarding the possibility of undergrounding utility lines on Bridge Street or elsewhere in the city.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) members have taken another step in their quest to put underground the utility lines on Bridge Street, and maybe rest of the CRA district as well.

On March 7, the CRA members received a presentation from Mark Porter, senior utility coordinator for CDM Smith, the construction, engineering and consulting company that is assisting the town of Longboat Key with a $52 million undergrounding project that is still in the assessment and planning stages.

Porter was joined by project manager Christopher Pecor and associate Amelia Davies. The trio appeared at no cost to the city at the request of Public Works Director Tom Woodard.

The purpose of Porter’s presentation was to give the CRA members a better feel for what would be involved and

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

CDM Smith senior utility coordinator Mark Porter provides Bradenton Beach CRA members with an overview of the tasks and costs involved with undergrounding utility lines. what it might cost to bury utility lines on Bridge Street, throughout the CRA district that extends from the Cortez Bridge to Fifth Street South or citywide.

Porter said Bridge Street would be the most challenging area because of its space constraints. He provided a preliminary estimate of $600,000 to do Bridge Street. When asked about doing the entire CRA district or the entire city, Porter gave a very basic estimate of $1 million to $2 million per mile, which would not include all potential costs.

In 2015, Longboat Key voters authorized the town to borrow money for the undergrounding project that would also subject property owners to assessment fees. Porter said property owners in Longboat Key are being assessed an average of $5,000-$7,000 per parcel, with those costs to be spread out over 30 years.

CRA chair Ralph Cole focused his interest primarily on Bridge Street as a starting point. The CRA fund has approximately $1.9 million in it and Cole’s

intent is for the CRA to assume most of the financial burdens for a Bridge Street project, if pursued. It was noted that the $500,000 to $600,000 project cost could be bonded or paid directly out of the CRA fund. It was also noted that there could be some additional costs borne by Bridge Street business owners and/or property owners.

The CRA board that includes all five city commissioners and business owners Ed Chiles and John Horne unanimously supported a motion calling for Porter and his team to work with City Engineer Lynn Burnett and other city staff members on a proposal and cost estimate for a future CRA meeting in the next month or two.

CDM Smith is not charging the CRA for this preliminary work, but the next step after that would be to bring CDM Smith under contract to begin providing detailed project analysis, planning and cost projections.

If the project is pursued, Porter advised that it be piggybacked onto the Longboat Key project, which would lower mobilization costs and allow the actual construction work to be done simultaneously or in stages in both locations.

LO C A L LY K N OW N . G LO B A L LY C O N N E C T E D.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2500 Gulf Drive N Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4201859 $3,195,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 110 7th Street S Judy LaValliere 941-504-3792 A4210751 $1,800,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 104 43rd Street Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4209338 $1,195,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 318 Bay Drive S 7 Ralph & Megg Faillace 941-713-9142 A4178742 $1,170,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 529 Key Royale Drive George Myers 941-224-6021 A4184576 $1,955,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2509 Avenue C A Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4208163 $595,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 6300 Flotilla Drive 99 Kathy Marshall 941-900-9777 A4208643 $379,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 600 Manatee Avenue 224 Susan Nemitz 941-237-0045 A4204610 $355,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 871 N Shore Drive Kathy Marshall 941-900-9777 A4204189 $1,699,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 3708 Gulf Drive 1 Hannah Hillyard 941-744-7358 A4209523 $1,250,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2307 Avenue C Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4205599 $989,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2907 Avenue C Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4191229 $749,000

NEW CONSTRUCTION

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BR ADENTON 7920 34th Avenue W 102 Barb Eberhart 614-204-7687 A4211012 $405,000

RENTAL ANNA MARIA ISLAND 4112 5th Avenue 5 Bed 3.5 Bath 4466 SqFt $3,650

michaelsaunders.com L I C E N S E D R E A L E S TAT E B R O K E R

38

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THE SUN

MARCH 14, 2018

1-5 BEDROOMS * CONDOS & HOMES * WEEKLY & MONTHLY FAMILY & PET FRIENDLY

Personalized Property Management!

MAGGIE FIELD | SUN

Celtic Fest

“THANK YOU JUST ISN’T ENOUGH. YOU FOLKS ARE THE BEST!!! THANK YOU FOR HELPING US BE SUCCESSFUL AT “LIFE IS GOOD AT THE BEACH!” ROB AND DENISE COTE

Members of First Brass of Sarasota celebrated Celtic heritage on Sunday with a concert of traditonal Celtic and Irish music and dance at Roser Church in Anna Maria. Featuring brass, bagpipes and organ, First Brass played to an enthusiastic packed house as part of Roser's ongoing Concert Series.

941-567-6253

C O A S TA L C OT TA G E S A M I . C O M

TOM VAUGHT |SUN

Thieves' Market Alwana and Bob Boyd set up their tent at the Privateers’ Thieves’ Market on Saturday to sell their custom jewelry. Bob is the former owner of Bob’s Hair in Anna Maria.

www.amisun.com

MARCH 14, 2018

THE SUN

39

Locals run in Skyway race The Skyway 10K raised money for local families of military and veterans.

BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

TAMPA BAY – Thousands of people ran the inaugural Skyway 10K on March 4, and quite a few had ties to Anna Maria Island.

Perhaps the most notable runner was Mickey Hook, an award-winning runner who trains regularly, races and then takes a break the same time every year.

Hook came in 54th in the field of 7,606 runners that day, and he came in first place for a male in his age group: 55-64 years old.

“I was on break when this race came up,” Hook said. “I went on light training to prepare and I practiced by running the Ringling Bridge (in Sarasota).”

Hook said he was impressed with the way the race was organized.

“I would definitely do it again,” he added.

Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Steve Stewart, who patrols the city of Anna Maria, also ran the race. He has been a runner since his middle school days.

“I wanted to be a football player, but the track coach worked with me and I really enjoyed running,” he said.

“The most enjoyment for me is when it’s over and that big rush comes in.”

“It was really fun,” he said of the Skyway 10K. “The bus ride was scarier than the run.

“While we were on the bus we heard what sounded like an explosion,” he said. “We found out it was a howitzer, a cannon that the Army shot to celebrate the race, but you never know when you get a lot of people together.”

Stewart said he appreciated

SUBMITTED

From left to right: Steve Stewart, Gail Garneau and Mickey Hook pose at the finish line at the Skyway 5K. the fact that the race benefitted the families of the military and he would do it again.

Bradenton Beach Code Enforcement Officer Gail Garneau is an experienced runner who has competed in all 50 states.

She participated because the setting was so unique.

“I thought the organizers did an amazing job,” she said. “It was fun to look down once I got to the top.”

Safety was a priority, she said.

“It was very well planned, and they screened everyone before we got on the bus,” Gar-

neau said. “It was really fun.”

Her friend, Diane Sacca, volunteered for the race and they stayed in a nearby motel the night before to avoid the traffic to and from the scene.

Garneau said they all parked at Tropicana in Bradenton and were bused to the bridge.

She also said she would run again.

Bradenton Beach City Treasurer Shayne Thompson stopped running until about five years ago when he took it up again.

“That’s when I discovered there was more that I needed,” he said.

He learned about the Skyway 10K in November or December, and he decided to enter.

“There were thousands of people there enjoying it,” he said. “The cause was really unique, and the logistics were fabulous,” Thompson also said he would run to the top of the bridge again.

40

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THE SUN

MARCH 14, 2018

Top real estate producers for February, 2018 A PARADISE

Al & Helen Pollock - Listing Marcia Griffith - Selling

AN ISLAND PLACE REALTY Sue Carlson - Listing Tanya McCormick - Selling

COLDWELL BANKER

Buky Team - Listing & Selling

DUNCAN REAL ESTATE Darcie Duncan - Listing Cindy Lane - Selling

EDGEWATER REAL ESTATE

MICHAEL SAUNDERS ANNA MARIA ISLAND Hannah Hillyard Listing & Selling

MIKE NORMAN

Kathy Caserta - Listing Sally Norman-Greig - Selling

SATO REAL ESTATE

Lynn Zemmer Listing & Selling

John Damato - Listing Jason Sato - Selling

FRAN MAXON REAL ESTATE

WAGNER REAL ESTATE

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Schooner moved

ISLAND REAL ESTATE

Adele Holland/Josh Bernet Listing Anna Maria Sales Team Selling

The often sunk and often raised schooner San Francesco was removed from its berth near the Seafood Shack restaurant last week. The mast, wheel and some of the fittings were salvaged, and the Seafood Shack hopes to repurpose them. A small building near the ship was also demolished.

Stephanie Bell Listing & Selling

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MARCH 14, 2018

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

41

Concession funds in high demand In addition to the $100,601 in surplus beach concession revenue funds that The Center of Anna Maria Island is now seeking, the city of Anna Maria would like to use $330,000 from the County Commission-controlled fund to help build a new pier, and city officials in Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach have their wish lists ready, too.

On March 6, the Manatee County Commission approved a $38,500 budget amendment that included $35,000 for county-initiated pavilion improvements for the conces-

sions area at Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach and $3,500 for equipment upgrades for concessions operations at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach.

When the 2017-18 fiscal year began in October, the concession fund had a $1.14 million balance, with $233,520 kept in reserves annually to address county obligations and unanticipated needs. Last year, the county received $518,044 from the beach concessionaires who lease space at the two county beaches.

42

THE SUN

SPORTS

MARCH 14, 2018

Team Beach Bums captures a semifinal slot

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Last Thursday night’s quarter final games played on the community field at the north end of Anna Maria Island played out with the top four finishing teams playing in the semi-finals this week.

Lancaster Design struggled to retain possession of the football, make first downs, and find the end zone.

Quarterback Tim Shaughnessy tried to hit his go-to receiver Caleb Roberts too many times as the Beach Bums defense quickly caught on, making for a smooth win for Chris Gillum’s crew.

Beach Bums’ first offensive run quickly put six points on the scoreboard to start the night of football.

Mike Gillum’s first down play made way for the Dwight Roberts touchdown.

Razzle dazzle plays by Lancaster Design quickly gave the football back to Beach Bums. The excitement generated by an interception by C. Roberts was squashed with an immediate interception by Jake Parsons for Beach Bums.

Three snaps of the football put six more points up for Beach Bums. D. Roberts’ first down catch with strong coverage by Shaughnessy put the ball on the Lancaster Design seven-yard line.

M. Gillum’s first and goal catch was followed by a little shuffle into the end zone. Lancaster Design’s Caitlin Lemmond showed Beach Bums that she was a rushing speed demon off the line during the extra point attempt, putting critical pressure on C. Gillum ending in no extra point.

Down by 12 points Shaughnessy’s smart play calling put the football in the hands of Joe Ball. After a short gain by Ball, C. Roberts gained the first down. Ball took the ball down the field in a great run that led him into the end zone with a leap. The referees yellow flag flew for a leaping penalty, nullifying the touchdown.

Closing the point gap, Clay Spangler crossed the line for Lancaster Design’s first six points. C. Roberts put up one point on the scoreboard with his extra point reception.

Beach Bums could not get past mid-field on its next possession, but a second interception by Parsons near the goal line allowed him to snake through traffic for a touchdown of his own.

Going for a two-point conversion, C. Gillum hit brother M. Gillum in the sweet spot taking the score to 20-7.

Dina Calvary continued to show her flag pulling skills during the playoff game, making critical stops. On third down Jim Ptak got the call, making a first down catch. After a pass interference call on Beach Bums and 10 seconds left in the half, Lancaster Design had an opportunity to score.

Two incomplete passes and time running out, Shaughnessy had one last change to put more points in lights for his team. Looking for a receiver in the end zone, the quarterback’s pass was batted down by Parsons to end the first 20 minutes of play.

To start the second half of the first game of the night, Lancaster Design could not put anything together. Beach Bums’ possession ended with a very high snap over C. Gillum’s head.

Back on offense, Lancaster Design mixed up the play with Ptak taking the snap, allowing Shaughnessy to take the ball for a nice run up the field. C. Roberts took the football to the end of the field for another score. Spangler’s extra point made it a six-point game.

Beach Bums answered back on offense and buckled down on defense.

D. Roberts turned on the speed after the catch, getting into the end zone with seven minutes left on the clock.

Calvary showed her skills with a beautiful stretched out catch at the front pylon, keeping both feet in bounds.

With the score 27-14 Charles Buky, who typically plays QB, took the snap and shuffled the ball to Shaughnessy, who passed it back to Buky. Buky, who had not seen much action in the game, could not hold on to the ball.

C. Roberts moved the football just short of the first down line. Defensive pressure by Charles Salem led to a forced pass by Shaughnessy that just could not get to intended receiver C. Roberts.

The long pass to Jay Hoffmeister crossed midfield for a touchdown and follow-up extra point to move the score to 33-14.

Lancaster Design called the game with two minutes left on the clock to end the first quarter final battle. Beach Bums’ victory puts it against Beach House Real Estate Thursday night in the semi-final game at 7:30 p.m.

SUN SCOREBOARD

TUESDAY, MARCH 6 ADULT CO-ED VOLLEYBALL

Bins Be Clean Signarama Slim’s Place #3 Signarama

27 23 15 25 25 0

25 25 (1-13) 16 15

#1 Slim’s Place (13-1)

Win by Forfeit #2 Bins Be Clean (7-7)

THURSDAY, MARCH 8 ADULT CO-ED FLAG FOOTBALL QUARTER FINALS

#3 Beach Bums #6 Lancaster Design

33 14

#4 Moss Builders #5 CABB Cleaning

23 20

PLAYOFF SCHEDULE TUESDAY, MARCH 13

Adult Co-Ed Volleyball 7:30 p.m. – Semi-Final Match Bins Be Clean vs Signarama 8:30 p.m. – Championship Match Semi-Final Winner vs Slim’s Place

THURSDAY, MARCH 15 ADULT CO-ED FLAG FOOTBALL

6:30 p.m. Semi-Final Moss Builders vs. Bins Be Clean 7:30 p.m. Semi-Final Beach Bums vs. Beach House Real Estate 8:30 p.m. Championship

Adult co-ed soccer returns to Center Spring adult co-ed soccer league play returns to The Center of Anna Maria Island for players of all skill levels. Registration for the season ends Friday, March 16, with evaluations at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, and a draft following. Regular season play begins at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 29. The cost is $10 for Center members or $126 for nonmembers. To register visit www. centerami.org, call 941-778-1908 or visit the Center at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. For more information, contact Recreation Director Will Schenerlein at 941-778-1908 or will@centerami.org.

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Team captain Chris Gillum, for Beach Bums, barely gets the pass off in time with the quick feet of Caitlin Lemmond hot on his heels.

MARCH 14, 2018

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

43

The Center Wrestling Club finish the season strong

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

In its first season, The Center Wrestling Club went from just becoming familiar with the feel of wrestling in a tournament to bringing home six championship medals. This past weekend, the club took its team to compete in the rookie division of the Brandon Wrestling Club Tournament.

In addition to the first place finishes, Caden Quinby, Ethan Sackett and William Pakbaz took second place in their divisions. Bam Gartman and RJ Phelan brought home the third place medals.

Under the seasoned guidance of head coach Will Schenerlein, Dylan Sato, Fox Smith, Stone Smith, JM Feeney and Jaxon Henry were awarded first place honors. To top off the wonderful experience, Schenerlein’s son, Harrison Schenerlein, was the champion in his division. H. Schenerlein carries on the wrestling legacy in his family.

In one year, W. Schenerlein and the wrestling club achieved all of the goals laid out for the team when it was first established.

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Proudly wearing their medals from the Brandon Wrestling Club Tournament: Harrison Schenerlein, champion, and William Pakbaz, second place.

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Youth wrestler Dylan Sato finishes a champion in the final tournament of the season.t

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Third place finisher Bam Gartman has the advantage over his opponent in last weekend's wrestling tournament in Brandon.

Cool weather makes golfers smile If you’ve ever played golf in the heat of the Florida summer, you can imagine how welcome our cool spell now is. There’s how the golfers at Key Royale Club did last week.

Monday, March 5, Modified Stapleford 1st Place - Chuck Patrick with a score of +5 2nd Place (tie) - John Kolojeski, Fred Miller, Dave Richardson with a score of +5

1st Place Team - Bill MacMillan, Pat Moyna, Dave Richardson with a score of +7 Tuesday, March 6 - Low Net Score Flight A Phyliss Roe 31 Pam Lowry 31 Joy Kaiser 32 Flight B Gloria LaDue 32 Marcia Helgeson 33 Sue Christenson 34 Flight C

Cathy Rice 31 Jan Turner 31 Fran Barford 31 Flight D Marilyn Niewijk 33 Trish Kruger 35 Jane Perkins 36 Chip-in Winner Markie Ksiazek #1 Birdie Winner Phyliss Roe #9

44

THE SUN

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Pet adoption agcy.

5 West Indies tribe for which a sea is named 10 "Rhyme Pays" rapper 14 Boxers Laila and Muhammad 15 Carne __: burrito filling 16 Benelux country: Abbr.

17 Legendary terror of the deep 19 __ blocker 20 Action hero Jason in three Ludlum novels 21 Swedish vodka brand 23 Material 25 Prefix with space 26 "__ the Sheriff": Clapton hit 28 Under threat 32 Like most people 33 Comic's perch 34 Label for Elvis 35 "Supervixens" director Meyer 36 Honor roll student's disappointment 37 Fashion line 38 Author's ending?

39 Celebrated chef Ducasse 40 Copycats 41 Lovers of wordplay 43 Get big on Twitter 44 Gumbo pod 45 Sierra Nevada lake 47 Ginger's "Gilligan's Island" hutmate 50 Repaired, as a fence 53 Awesome, nowadays 54 "Doesn't matter to me"

57 Old film dog 58 "Family Matters" misfit 59 Mirror shape 60 Quantum movement?

61 Body of verse 62 Sunday benches Down 1 Airline to Oslo 2 Working-class Roman 3 Padua parting 4 Even though 5 Lacks what it takes to 6 Equipment, in a ledger 7 Lab rodent 8 Brainstorm 9 Rihanna's home country 10 Congenital 11 "Forget You" singer who was a coach on "The Voice" 12 Caesar's last question 13 The one over there 18 Lightweight synthetic 22 Elite Navy fighter 24 Names given to an assassin

Answers to 03-07-18 Crossword Puzzle.

26 Rodeo automaker 27 "Aye, lass," in Acapulco 29 Sentence subject, usually 30 Birthday greeting opened with a click 31 Ewes' guys 32 Give it __: swing hard 33 Prep for fight night 36 Tidies 37 Radar gun user 39 Big name in razors 40 Rice-__ 42 Airport porter 43 1986 horror film in which a man becomes an insect 46 Female French friends 47 Repast 48 Church area behind an altar 49 Detective Wolfe 51 Roof overhang 52 Sketch 55 Just get (by) 56 Golf Hall of Famer Ernie

MARCH 14, 2018

MARCH 14, 2018

CLASSIFIED

ANNOUNCEMENTS 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.

BABY SITTER RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student.

Call or text Isabel 941-5457995

BOATS: SALES & RENTALS BOATS ARE SELLING Very Well. I Also Buy Boats. “Business On A Hand Shake”. Island Boat Sales. Dave/ Owner 941-228-3489

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES BE A PART of a Great Co-op on Pine Ave, Anna Maria.

Pineapple Junktion. Great space available. email ideas and size requirements to pineapplejunktion@icloud.com SNIPS HAIR SALON booth space available for rent.

Bring your clients, Keep your money! Call Marsha for availability 941-7781968 (leave message).

"Where locals have gone for 30 years."

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

Call us today! 941-778-3986

THOMPSON CLEANING SERVICE CommercialResidential-Marine.

Island Based Company.

Seasonal Deep Cleaning-Weekly-Occasional.

Call for Free Estimate.

317-908-9483 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

COMMERCIAL SALES ANNA MARIA ISLAND 4-sale Resorts Bradenton Bch *5 units $1,048,800 *13 units $4,999,000 *9300 Sq. Ft. Ware-house, Machine Shop heavy duty elect or Car Storage, So Many Possibilities. Near SRQ Airport $595,000 Island Real Estate Ask Alan Galletto 941-232-2216

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

BAR BACK NEEDED 3 or 4 nights per week. Apply at Bortell's 10002 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria After 1pm.

FULL TIME or PART TIME. Cook for PM shift. Experience preferred. Small family Sports Pub. Solo's Pizza.

Call 941-962-4491 PART TIME RETAIL SALES Enjoy working in a Women’s Boutique on Anna Maria Island. We are looking for a mature individual with Retail Experience in Women’s Clothing.

Experienced in opening and closing a store, great customer interaction, responsible for prepping displays, and operating Clover system not needed but will be willing to learn.

Please have resume, and references available. Call Jo-Ann 941-896-4848

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

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES ROSER THRIFT SHOP Open 9:30am-2pm, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday. 10am1pm Saturday Donations preferred 9am-11am Wednesdays. 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Phone 941-779-2733 SAINT BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH at 248 South Harbor Drive in Holmes Beach will be hosting its two-day rummage sale on Friday March 16th from 9 to 1 and Saturday March 17th from 9 to 12. The sale will include tools, household goods, books, Collectibles, clothing, accessories, jewelry and other items.

HAULING SITE CLEAN-UP to trash outs we can handle it all.

Call us for your dumpsters/ trash needs today 941-7538772

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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

Neil 941-726-3077 RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-725-0073.

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CRC1327296.

Call Jerry Kern 941-7781115 www.kernconstructioninc.com GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194 WALY PRECISION PAINTING: painting, drywall, stucco, and remodeling, commercial/residential, licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-4656324 www.WalyPrecisionPainting.us

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DECKOUT MASTER CARPENTER Everything Patio & Dock Decking Work Repair, Replace, Maintenance Work, Cleaning, Treatments, New Decks.

Also Handyman/Painting work to home or office.

Call RICHARD Bespoke Service 941-448-3571 Island Resident.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Michigan General Contractor 30+ yrs. experience. Large or small projects. Budget minded knowledgeable tradesman will complete your project start to finish: On Time/On Budget. Call Mike 616-204-8822.

FENCING, CAN'T GET ANYBODY? Wood, Vinyl. New or Repair. Call Richard. Free Estimates.

941-448-3571 Bespoke Services.

HOME SERVICES AMI VACANT HOME CHECK weekly visits to keep your vacant Island home secure! Report of each visit. I check all systems & building security. Founded in 2012. 20+ year Island resident 941-685-8999 amivacanthomecheck@ aol.com ARTISAN DESIGN TILE and MARBLE. Quality craftsmanship since 1983. Bathrooms, Flooring, Backsplashes. Local on the island. Call Don at 941-993-6567 www.ArtisanDesignTileAndMarble. com

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

Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941 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

STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell driveways and scapes. Also Rock, Mulch, & Soil. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: NORMS TOWING gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 04/11/2018, 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.

1G6KD52Y8TU242242 1996 CADILLAC 1GNDS13S332408796 2003 CHEVROLET 1HFSC1807TA003279 1996 HONDA 1J4GK58K52W232762 2002 JEEP 1ZVFT82H475240973 2007 FORD 2G4WS52M7X1632165 1999 BUICK 2MEFM74W0WX694610 1998 MERCURY 2MEFM75WX2X657833 2002 MERCURY 3GNFK16R5XG222014 1999 CHEVROLET 3GYFNCE3XDS650205 2013 CADILLAC 4T1BF18B1WU279085 1998 TOYOTA 5FNYF3H91FB017227 2015 HONDA JKAEXMJ198DA06607 2008 KAWASAKI JS1GR7JA252100384 2005 SUZUKI L9NTEACU5C1000949 2012 TAOI

LOST & FOUND FITBIT LOST THURSDAY February 22 on Bradenton Beach near Sandpiper heading south. Wristband is Plum color. Call 440901-8586.

WATCH TURNED IN to the police department which was found on the beach.

Turned in on Jan. 7th. Call Detective Brian Hall 941708-5800 ext 243.

LOST 18" DIAMOND CHAIN NECKLACE with my grand mother's diamond in center – REWARD Call 267454-0725 FOUND WEDDING RING October 2 in Holmes Beach. To Rayburn with love Kathy. Call 941-9008226

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LOST ENGAGEMENT RING. Solitaire white gold. Lost on 10/22/2017. Call 770712-8819 LOST GOLD BRACELET with toggle clasp & charm with 50th anniversary engraved.

Sentimental value. Lost in vicinity of Palm Ave. in Anna Maria. Call 407-8730078.

LOST MY GRANDMOTHER'S gold wedding band (initials inside and date) at Coquina Beach area. Reward.

Call 407-579-1621

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

TWO MEN and a TRUCK. Movers who care. Local and Long distance. www. twomen.com Call 941-3591904. We sell boxes!

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. Meticulous, Thorough, Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315 BAYSIDE COMMERCIAL PAINTING. David Padyani Call 941-565-9446 or Larry Zimmer 941-2248123 Licensed & Insured

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CLASSIFIED

PETS AMI PET SITTER and Dog Walker Local Long-Term Resident. Pre-Vet College Student. References/Recommendations Available.

Call Leah 941-705-3742 ARE YOU WANTING to vacation and not worry if your pet is lonely. I will overnight in your home, so your animal can stay in his own environment. Home Sitting is also available.

Great References. Call Mary 941-405-2496

POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE. AMI & West Bradenton. 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

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 AUTHORITY ONE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction and Vacation Rentals . Also available Power Washing, Roof Cleaning and Windows.

Call 941-251-5948

Call us today! 941-778-3986

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE FROM THE LOW $300’s. Only minutes from the beach, this new active adult community is perfectly located just south of Manatee Ave, off Village Green Pkwy.

Perfectly designed, open 2BR or 3BR/2BA plus den & 2CG floor plans.

Luxurious amenities, pool, spa, gym, pickle ball and fenced-in dog park. HOA only $209/ month. Models open daily. Contact us 941254-3330 www.MirabellaFlorida.com INCREDIBLE NEW CONSTRUCTION Home on Pine Ave! Prime location to shops, restaurants, bay and beach! $1,995,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086 CANAL FRONT HOMES Holmes Bch - Key Royale GULF FRONT CONDOS Gulf Place, La Casa L’Plage, Waters Edge & MORE. Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 941-232-2216 LAST CHANCE! OWN Canal front home for less than $300K . Tropical Harbor, Ellenton. Call Robin Gulf Bay Realty 941-713-4515

WATERFRONT PROPERTY in Bradenton (Bay Hollow) individual boat docks, direct Gulf access from a private Marina, overlooking Tidy Island. 2BR/2BA second floor, cathedral ceiling, fireplace, walk-in closets, large eat-in kitchen, formal dining room, extra storage room in attic, spacious screened and glass enclosed balcony/ lanai, heated pool, covered parking, 10 min. to beach. 1 animal allowed fully funded reserves. $279,000. Call 941-7271083 or 941-704-5967 or e-mail: Rikki.UW@ gmail.com

MARCH 14, 2018

ANNUAL RENTAL and CONDOMINIUM Association management serviced by (2) offices open 7 days a week! Contact junew@ islandreal.com – 941-3451295 - Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island, Inc. ANNUAL AVAILABLE APRIL 1. 1BR/1BA Holmes Beach. $1000/mo. One block to Beach Call 847-769-6175 AVAILABLE APRIL 1: 2BR/2BA, Holmes Beach.

Utilities, Internet, Washer/ Dryer included. No smoking. $1500/mo monthly.

Call 941-778-1244.

Annual Rental- Anna Maria 2BR/1BA steps to beach. $1750/mo. No Pets. Fran Maxon Real Estate 941-778-2307.

2BR/2BA MANUFACTURED DOUBLE Wide Home. Own land. $64,900 Cortez/Hwy 41. No HOA. Call 248-3939805

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION

REAL ESTATE: LOTS FOR SALE SPECTACULAR OVER SIZE Canal Front Corner Lot (canal on both sides) Access Tampa Bay with no bridges. Dock two boats, Seawalls of 80' and 108'.

Build Dream Island Home exactly like you want or remodel existing building.

Room for pool. $798,000.

Call 860-922-3857.

REAL ESTATE: OPEN HOUSE

LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 26 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY March, 18th 1-3pm 1912 78th Street NW. Beautiful 5BR/2.5BA + swimming pool lake view NW residence with a spacious 3500 Sq Ft of living area on a half acre! Not in a flood zone & non-deed restricted!! $565,000 Call Sherry Flathman, Wagner Realty 941-592-3433

AFFORDABLE WINTER RETREAT - $304,900 Furnished 2BR/1.5BA Condo. Just a short walk to Gulf, restaurants, bus stop, and AMI Elementary. No condo fee. Rental investment. Covered parking for 4 cars.

Contact Jim Adamson, 941-920-0307, or Chrisi Adamson, 941-806-9562 Remax Alliance.

RENTALS: ANNUAL 3BR/2.5BA TOWNHOUSE CONDO, 1450 s/f on 2 floors. 2 pools, private beach access.

Nicely furnished or unfurnished. Washer / Dryer inside. Screened lanai & 1 car garage.

Water, sewer, trash, basic cable, pest control included. Background & credit required. $3000/ mo. $3000 security.

Longboat Key. Ask for Ed DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www. teamduncan.com

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 or 941-7781915

2018 SEASONAL RENTALS Available: 2BR/1BA Gulf front from $3,850 per month, 2BR with sleeping loft from $3,850 per month. Three month minimum. Horizon Realty of Anna Maria 941-778-0426 kringco@tampabay.rr.com GREAT RATES! Weekly, Monthly. 3BR/2BA NW Bradenton. Call Grace 941-201-2190

RETIRED PROFESSIONAL COUPLE seeks moderately priced annual rental starting October 2018. Excellent references and credit.

We are former longtime homeowners who know how to care for your property. Prefer unfurnished.

One house-trained cat. Call 512-442-1007, grodd56@ gmail.com.

TRANSPORTATION

AVAILABLE WINTER SEASON 2018 and 2019; 2BR/2BA ground-level with carport and patio. 1.5 blocks to Gulf. Updated, flat-screen TV’s, must see!

Anna Maria 941- 565-2373

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

VACATION RENTAL BOOK Now for January 2019.

2BR/2.5BA Condo. Heated pool & spa. Garage. AMI $1400/wk. January 5-26.

Rent one, two or three weeks. Call 717-324-6695

ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all airports, appointments, casino, cruises, etc. Tampa $65. Sarasota $30. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne.

941-779-5095 ADMIRAL TOWN CAR Professional chauffeur, taxi prices! Airports (1@ $75, 10 $150 to Tampa), Appointments anywhere.

Credit cards accepted. Phil 941-320-1120 admiraltowncar@gmail.com, Licensed & Insured

WINTER 2019--One-bedroom apartments half block to beach and trolley stop.

Community fishing dock.

Three-month minimum. $2,450/month plus tax.

Photos at www.InnRealLife. com. 941/720-3670

RENTAL WANTED RENTAL WANTED ANNUALLY: Artists workspace Anna Maria Island or nearby w/sink/ water 917-545-0613 dehaanx2@tampabay. rr.com 917-843-1615 blbachner@earthlink.net

ROGER'S AIRPORT SERVICE. Tampa, St. Pete/ Clearwater, Sarasota/ Bradenton. Call Roger 941773-1469

www.amisun.com

MARCH 14, 2018

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY COMPUTER SERVICE

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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

HAULING

PAINTING

HOME IMPROVEMENT

PET SITTING

TRANSPORTATION

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www.amisun.com

MARCH 14, 2018

Vacation Rentals • Sales • Property Management

TeamDuncan.com • 941.779.0304

310 Pine Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216