FREE
VOL 15 No. 21
March 18, 2015
Get your green on
MAGGIE FIELD | SUN
Blue skies and warm breezes greeted hundreds of spectators and participants on Anna Maria Island Sunday afternoon in the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Above, Sally Sale, Glenda Hansen and Jim Madison enjoy the ride as they drive their green golf cart machine through Holmes Beach. More photos of all the festivities appear on Page 8.
Community Center fitness facility plan takes heat Commissioners are concerned about the adverse impact on two gyms in the city. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – City commissioners had harsh words for the Island Community Center’s plan to build a state of the art fitness center on the second floor of the Center. “I was very sorry to hear the way the Community Center is going, by using the whole second floor as a gym,” Commissioner Jean Peelen said
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at last week’s city commission meeting. “We have two gyms on this Island that are struggling to exist. Why in the world we would encourage a Community Center to go into competition with them? “And it troubles me, particularly in light of a companion movement I hear is happening there, to allow the rental houses to use the Community Center for an annual fee. The direction is toward it becoming a spa for the resort houses, and that’s very concerning. I don’t understand why the board see center, page 44
Pending finalization, the mayor’s global settlement will end multiple lawsuits and ongoing city debates. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Friday the 13th was a day of grand compromise inside city hall. During a special commission meeting that began at 9 a.m., residents, attorneys, and elected officials spent three hours hammering out the details of the global settlement introduced by Mayor Bill Shearon and attorney Chuck Johnson on March 5.
Barring unforeseen complications, the settlement, when finalized, will end four lawsuits; end the forfeiture of office proceedings against Shearon; end a long-running parking dispute involving the BeachHouse restaurant and an adjacent city property; and end a public records lawsuit. After two hours of public negotiations, Johnson, City Attorney Ricinda Perry, and Ed Chiles’ attorney, Robert Lincoln, requested a 20 minute recess to craft the basic framework of the settlement agreement. “We are not going to dot every i, cross every t, nor recite every element that will be see settlement, page 47
AMI Beaches, FULL OF
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Get a peek at the houses on this year’s Tour of Homes. 18-22
Anna Maria Island, Florida
Commission closes in on global settlement
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Commission continues rental reg discussion City attorney cautions board about treating resort housing so differently that they are prohibiting it. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – City Planner Bill Brisson presented various options to the city commission to alleviate the adverse impacts of resort housing, but stressed that he needs additional data before making any recommendations. Regarding the first – limiting the maximum occupancy level of resort housing – Brisson said the city’s comprehensive plan limits it to two persons per bedroom with a maximum of six. However, City Attorney Patricia Petruff pointed out that the comp plan states “six or two per bedroom, whichever is greater,” so there could be 12 people in a six bedroom house and that it only applies to zoning districts R-2 and R-3. “When we issue rental licenses, we could list the maximum occu-
pancy, but it would be very difficult to enforce,” she said. “I want to think about that and discuss it with the new building official.” Brisson said the second is to limit the number of sleeping rooms, and he felt that five would be sufficient because that would allow four bedrooms. Other options concerned parking – to base parking on the number of sleeping rooms, rather than bedrooms, to prohibit stacked parking, to limit back out parking spaces and to require commercial setbacks for resort housing built next to residential.
Regulation vs. prohibition
Finally, Brisson suggested when a site plan for a single family or duplex structure is submitted to the building department, it should review the plan for residential use and also its potential for use as resort housing He said the building permit could include a “statement to the effect that the structure, as reviewed, is or is not suitable for use
If I demo a cottage and want to rebuild and someone says I need to make a decision right now whether its only going to be residential, that makes me uncomfortable.” Patricia Petruff City attorney as a resort housing unit,” and that should be noted on the permit. Petruff said she has an issue with treating resort housing so differently that they are prohibiting it. “For an existing house that currently meets the setbacks, (you’re
saying) they cannot be converted, and that’s not a lawsuit I want the city to have,” she said. “If I demo a cottage and want to rebuild and someone says I need to make a decision right now whether its only going to be residential, that makes me uncomfortable.” Brisson said you can’t change the location of a building or pool, but it could apply to new construction. Mayor Bob Johnson asked if limiting the number of bedrooms is prohibiting, and Petruff said that would be regulating, but if you have a house that can never be converted to resort housing, that would be prohibitive. “They bought it knowing that it is not allowed to be resort housing, so you’re not taking their rights away,” Chair Judy Titsworth countered. Commissioner Jean Peelen said she advocates limiting the number of sleeping rooms and looking very carefully the other options. Titsworth said they would do more research and continue their discussion.
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ISLAND NEWS
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MARCH 18, 2015
in brief
Two rescued near Bean Point The US Coast Guard was called to action Thursay night as two boaters ran aground near Bean Point, off the northern tip of Anna Maria Island. The 27-foot sailboat foundered and a Coast Guard crew of an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter hoisted the two boaters aboard and flew them to Tampa General Hospital where they were treated and released.
Resident praises police Holmes Beach resident Barbara Hines praised the police department at last week’s city commission meeting for its help when her dog snuck out of the house. “We were frantic, and we looked and looked and looked,” she said told city commissioners at their meeting Tuesday. “I called the police department and talked to a lovely woman named Robin (dispatcher Robin Evangelisto). “It wasn’t more than a couple minutes that a police truck came by driving very, very slow. He was looking and continued to look. Before this chief we would never have had this reaction.” She said she found her dog and wanted to thank the police department. Police Chief Bill Tokajer said Officer Tom Fraser responded to the call.
Mayor to negotiate with Waste Pro Mayor Bob Johnson announced at last week’s city commission meeting that the proposal from Waste Pro for the city’s solid waste and collection services met the minimum qualifications of the request for proposals (RFP). He asked for the board’s permission to begin formal contract negotiations with the company and received it. Waste Management, the city’s current provider of solid waste and collection services, missed the RFP deadline due to a flat tire. Waste Management had the solid waste franchise in the city for 30 years.
Tour of Homes needs volunteers The Island Community Center’s Tour of Homes is seeking volunteers to guide participants through the homes in 3 ½ hour shifts. If you are interested in helping, e-mail PeggiClauhs@yahoo.com.
Center seeks drivers The Island Community Center is looking for CDL drivers for Spring Break Camp to drive a 24-passenger bus. Drivers would be needed on March 27, 30, 31 and April 1 from approximately 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact the Center at 778-1908 if you have a CDL license and would be interested in driving.
CINDY LANE | SUN
The Manatee Public Beach was filled with spring breakers and other beachgoers last weekend.
Tourist season in high gear BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
The beach may seem less crowded than it was this time last year due to the 2014 beach renourishment that enlarged the beach, but there’s no mistake - Anna Maria Island is packed at the traditional height of the tourist season. While the occasional latenight laughter or loud music is heard from open car windows, the Island is not overrun with the type of spring breakers that made other Florida beach communities infamous. Most AMI breakers know what they’re getting – laid-back, sunny beach time, sans drinking contests and balcony jumping, although an airplane pulling a “Swimsuit Contest at Hooters” banner flew over the Gulf last week. Breakers Carley Moynihan and Cameranne Smith, of Rochester, N.Y., visited the Island to see aunts, uncles and grandparents who come every year, perhaps establishing a tradition for the next generation. They sunbathed and braved chilly Gulf waters, still in the 60s, that were made easier to take with air temperatures in the 80s. First-time visitors and brothers Harry and Oliver Fackelmayer learned about the Island from their aunt, Claire Graham, who
visits each year from Washington, D.C. While visiting her last week, they enjoyed running on the beach and eating at the Rod n’ Reel Pier. “It’s quieter on the bayside,” said Harry Fackelmayer, of New York, adding that they liked the “Southern vibe.” He immediately noticed the traffic problems, pronounced this time of year, and had an idea that the bridge timing might be contributing to the backups. He also suggested that incentivizing Island employees to ride their bikes from the mainland by paying them a higher wage for doing so could help clear congestion. Oliver Fackelmayer, on break between medical school and residency, enjoyed watching the dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico and appreciated the “slow speed” of the Island. Both said they would come back to the Island to visit.
Island ranks high
They are not alone. With high ratings on several recent tourism Top 10 lists, visitors have been flocking to the Island, and two new rankings may increase visitation even more. Last week, Coquina Beach was named as having the best island beach sand in the U.S. and the fifth best in the world, according to Conde Nast Traveler.
Top 10 Island Beaches for Perfect Sand 1. Whitehaven Beach Whitsunday Island, Australia 2. Cayo de Agua, Los Roques, Venezuela 3. Cocoa Island, Maldives 4. White Beach Boracay, Philippines
5. Coquina Beach Anna Maria Island 6. Shoal Bay East, Anguilla 7. Vamizi Beach, Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique 8. Kaihalulu Beach, Maui, Hawaii 9. Playa Flamenco, Culebra, Puerto Rico 10. Playa Negrita, Vieques, Puerto Rico Source: Conde Nast Traveler “Coquina Beach, on the southern end of Anna Maria Island, is the opposite of South Beach: It’s laidback, bordered by towering pines, and boasts perfect, unspoiled sand as fine as powder,” according to the Conde Nast Traveler website. Earlier this month, Tampa Bay was named Ninth Best Spring Break Destination in the U.S. for 2015, according to Expedia.com.
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Proposed pool setback comes under fire Residents said the increased setback would prevent them from having pools, reducing their property values. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – The proposed moratorium on swimming pools with less than 10-foot side and rear yard setbacks had residents riled at two work sessions last week. Philip Gale of 79th Street told commissioners that he bought the house next door to keep it from becoming a large, short term rental. He said the properties in that block are small and “by this action you are reducing our property values by removing the ability to have a pool therefore reducing our future and present value.” Gale said he has talked to a neighbors, friends and family and plans to turn in a petition opposing any change in the setback. He said an additional 5-foot setback would not reduce noise or aid with drainage. “By enacting these larger setbacks and changing the coverage area, you‘ll
discourage people from renovating. They’ll be forced to build a three-story house with enough room underneath for a pool. The city needs to come up with creative ways for owners of older homes to maintain their properties at ground level.” Resident Susan Wheeler agreed and said, “What does it matter if a pool is 5 feet or 10 feet (from the property line)? In our block on 79th Street and all the 100 blocks that I know of have very small lots. It makes absolutely no sense.” Resident and real estate agent Gregg Bayer said the city has not done enough research on the issue to impose a moratorium and added, “People invest in our Island, and by the time they close on their property, the rules have changed. People who invest in the Island should be protected.” He said he purchased a home for his son to live in, but if the setback changes, he can never install a pool.
Pervious or impervious
Also in discussion is the proposal to designate pools as impervious surface, which means they do not let water through. Currently, they are considered
People invest in our Island, and by the time they close on their property, the rules have changed.” Gregg Bayer Resident and real estate agent pervious surface Michael Shannon, of Sarasota, who said he is with a civil engineering firm that prepares drainage and lot plans, said pools should not be considered impervious because they absorb 1 to 2 inches of water in rain events. He also said a 5-foot setback is ample for drainage. City Planner Bill Brisson said that the Southwest Florida Water Management
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District consider pools impervious because while they collect water, they do not allow for its percolation into the ground. Chair Judy Titsworth said she would ask City Engineer Lynn Townsend Burnett to address the issue. Brisson also said he is recommending the increased pool setback only for resort housing. “The reason is resort housing is occupied by more people who use pools more frequently than local residents and the frequent turnover magnifies this,” he explained. "Have people complained about residents with 5-foot setbacks? They are not causing the problem.” City Attorney Patricia Petruff objected and pointed out, “Florida Statute says we can regulate them, but we cannot prohibit. If you require a greater setback, for a pool or structure, I don’t care how many disclosures you have, at some point, the rubber is going to hit the road on that, and I’m not comfortable because that falls into a prohibition.” Titsworth said they would vote on the moratorium ordinance at their next meeting, which is set for 7 p.m. on March 24.
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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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MARCH 18, 2015
EDITORIAL More accolades for AMI
T
he news that Coquina Beach has been rated by Conde Nast Traveler as having the fifthbest beach sand in the world (see story on Page 4) came as something of a surprise but likely was good for business on the Island - maybe not tomorrow, but in the near future. As we patiently wait in traffic jams in the usual places and at the usual times, we might grimace at the thought of more travelers. We need to remember, though, it was the beach that drew most of us here in the first place. And while life on the Island has gotten more crowded and more complicated, it’s still, in our view, a great place to call home.
A
nother survey shows the Tampa Bay area is the ninthbest spring break destination in the country, according to Expedia. com. Tampa Bay is, of course, a huge area, of which Anna Maria Island is only a small part. In the past, spring break here meant a few more teens, but generally no “Girls Gone Wild” scenarios. As we know, some collegians like to “party hearty,” but that crowd clearly prefers destinations such as Clearwater Beach over AMI. However, Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer did say they almost had a brawl on the beach last week with about 100 young people involved. No arrests were made, though police have been disposing of confiscated alcohol at the beach on a regular basis, reminding partiers that alcohol is prohibited on the beach and that the drinking age is still 21. Overall, however, the chief said the spring break scene on the Island has been quiet, as usual. We say the fifth-best beach recognition was right-on - we do have a wonderful asset surrounding this Island and we’re proud to share it. As for the ninth-best place for spring breakers, that’s just fine. We'll take our small slice of that pie, as well.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Concerts do well for the arts The Gulf Drive Band performs benefit concerts each year for an artistic organization based on Anna Maria Island. Again this year, Gulf Drive teamed up with the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra to raise money for AMICCO. Thanks to all of you who attended one or both of these events, both the 12th Annual Jazz Fest and the 5th Annual Oldies Beach Dance were overwhelming successes. I also thank the members of my group, Judy Lynn and Ted Young, as well as guest artist Koko Ray for providing their musical and entertainment talents. Our shows would not have been a success without them. Thanks as well to Ed Chiles for providing the Sandbar Restaurant Wedding Pavilion at absolutely no cost, Jeannie Pickwick and Nancy Ambrose as well as others from AMICCO and the Anna Maria Island Sun for their support. We have already started to make our plans for these two events in February and March, 2016. We hope that all Island businesses as well as the Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach city halls will commit their full support toward raising money for Anna Maria Island’s artistic organizations. If you are interested in getting in on the early planning, please con-
tact me at (941) 778-0173. Bil Bowdish, Gulf Drive Band Holmes Beach
Relax and enjoy the Island I have read and endured comments from all the fine folks who live and visit our Island, and finally feel it's time to speak up….as a resident, not a visitor, snowbird or day‐tripper. Anna Maria Island is a sanctuary to birds, mammals, turtles, shorebirds and many others. Ms. Carla Butler, from last week’s Letter to the Editor section, (The Sun, March 11) didn’t see why we needed to spend any time or energy to "fluff" up the sand to ensure that the Island remains this sanctuary for nesting turtles and shore‐birds. She believes we should wait, and apparently the turtles should wait, until “after season” because her time on the Island is more important. The turtles should just toughen up and get over it because her ankles are weak and she cannot manage the walk in the sand. After all, they’ve endured all this time. And to mention the beach renourishment that took place last year….she least forgets this is the reason she wants to come here, along with many others. This is the mentality of some of the folks that
visit our Island. It’s all about them, to hell with whatever came before the, and who cares how long they have been coming to the Island. The Island has changed because of these tourists and the continual promotion of our Island across magazines, newspapers, television ads and internet banners. The local government focuses on the tourism, the vacation renters and the “irresponsible” home owners who let this all happen to the Island. Once again, the problem isn’t the owners or the renters. The Island is promoted on a national basis and just as in The Field of Dreams, “if you build it, they will come.” The commissioners of the city councils all across the Island are proud of the best beach moniker and happy to be able to have the tax dollars that these same tourists and rental owners provide to the county through business sales and vacation rentals. Yet they continually talk about and discourage day‐ trippers, vacation renters, and the like. C’mon folks, you can’t have it both ways. People mean revenue, and revenue is the American way and dream. There are a limited amount of chain businesses on the Island, thankfully, but that means the local business person will be SEE LETTERS, PAGE 7
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MARCH 18, 2015
THE SUN
the sun survey
on the agenda
LAST WEEK’S QUESTION: Should bicyclists be made to comply with existing traffic laws - i.e. red lights, stop signs - through stricter enforcement by police?
Anna Maria
7%
Possibly, but only if stricter enforcement applies to motorists, as well.
7
5801 Marina Drive 10005 Gulf Drive
3/26: City Commission work session, 6 p.m. For information, call 7086130.
Bradenton Beach 107 Gulf Drive N.
3/19: City Commission meeting, noon. 3/24: City Commission meeting, 1 p.m. 3/25: Planning and Zoning Board, 1 p.m. 3/26: CRC, 3 p.m. For information, call 7781005.
Holmes Beach
3/19: Neighborhood Watch meeting, 6 p.m. 3/24: City Commission meeting and work session, 7 p.m. 3/26: City Commission work session, 7 p.m. For information, call 7085800.
Island-wide
3/18: Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 2 p.m. 3/19: West Manatee Fire Commission meeting, 6417 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, 6 p.m.
mark your calendar
79%
Yes of course. It's dangerous enough withought cyclists riding against traffic and refusing to stop at lights and signs.
14%
No. Cyclists, by and large, already adhere to the rules of the road.
• Why not? The gyms and related Center board was businesses. asked to create new • I need more revenue sources details. Will it and this could be a include massage What do you think of the good one. and other spa Community Center's plan to build • Don't like it beservices? How big a $500,000 fitness center? cause it will hurt do they want this existing Island to get?
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 LETTERS hurt if you don’t have the tourists. We all wouldn’t benefit from the money those same tourists and even day‐ trippers save up to be able to spend here on AMI. That same revenue generates your salaries and lowers our taxes. We love those dollars, don’t we? Those houses that were allowed to be built are part of the free enterprise system of America. It's also known as supply and demand. Now, you might think I own one of those seven-bedroom mega‐homes. I do not. I own a 1970s duplex
bungalow and my mom owns a single-family 1960s home, both in Holmes Beach. I don’t particularly like the traffic, the noise, the tourists, the day‐trippers, the garbage, the discourteous drivers, the speeders, the rowdy, and the others, BUT I also realize I am fortunate enough to live in a place where most people only get to vacation one week out of the year. I like the benefits of having these vacationers, snowbirds and day‐trippers infuse their hard-earned money into my economy so that my taxes are manageable. I am happy that the
Wednesday March 18
THIS WEEK’S SURVEY
FROM PAGE 6
Note: Events are free unless indicated.
small businesses are able to sustain to provide relief from McDonalds and others, and that they can provide me with unique, one-of-a-kind items. So, my plea, as a resident of Holmes Beach: folks, lets all get along, wait patiently, don’t honk the horn (its not NYC), be careful of wildlife and plantlife, be respectful and folks, you’re on vacation….quit complaining and enjoy your time here. You probably have to go back home soon. Susan McCrae Holmes Beach
Early Settler’s Bread for sale, AMI Historical Museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., $5. Coquina Beach Arts and Crafts Festival to benefit the Anna Maria Island Butterfly Park, Coquina Beach Gulfside, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., $8. Register to 941-778-2099. Lifelong Learning lecture on “Gender Identity and the Brain,” by Alan Grindal, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
Thursday March 19
Friends of the Island Branch Library Book Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Coquina Beach Arts and Crafts Festival to benefit the Anna Maria Island Butterfly Park, Coquina Beach Gulfside, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tai Chi and Qigong, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 10 to 11 a.m. Reserve to 941-7425757, ext. 6. Successful Women Aligning
Together, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach, 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Members, $12, guests, $17. RSVP to swatami@gmail.com Knitting/crochet group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Bingo, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, 7 to 9 p.m. Refreshments available for purchase.
Friday March 20
Fish fry, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, 5 p.m.
Saturday March 21
Meditation group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m. Starry night telescope exploration, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 8 to 9:30 p.m. Reserve to 941748-4501, ext. 6039.
Sunday March 22
Beach Market, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bridge Street Market, Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra, SEE CALENDAR, PAGE 50
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THE SUN
MARCH 18, 2015
The Emerald Isle of Anna Maria There were no green rivers flowing and the green beer was almost as scarce. But the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Anna Maria Island did have camels, horses, a giant rubber duckie, plenty of marching bagpipers and a great sense of Irish enchantment. All in all, a wonderful day in green paradise. And that’s no blarney.
t
joe hendricks | sun
Above, Sarasota Pipe Band members Kevin Wiegand, left, and Justin Gonzales perform at the Barefoot Tiki Bar after Sunday’s parade.
chantelle lewin | sun
Duncan Real Estate and the Pace Center for Girls’ parade entry sports a giant rubber duckie.
maggie field | sun
At left, a group of enthusiastic young girls yell and scream and plead for party beads and prizes to be tossed from the passing parade entrants. Above, one of a pair of camels entered in the parade strides regally down Marina Drive while Finnegan, the Irish Wheaten terrier at right, watches with smilin’ Irish eyes ever vigilant for the occasional treat.
maggie field | sun
maggie field | sun
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MARCH 18, 2015
THE SUN
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City moves forward on rental ordinance New City attorney Becky Vose will review the ordinance before it goes for a final reading. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Despite a warning letter from an attorney representing vacation rental professionals saying they would sue the city if it passes a vacation rental ordinance, the city commission worked to finalized the proposed law without commenting on the warning. The ordinance represents one of the commission’s two ways of dealing with the trend toward rentals and away from single-family residences. The ordinance could recognize that short-term rentals are legal and it features ways for the city to control the rentals, instead of doing away with them. City Attorney Becky Vose, who was attending her first city work session, said she wants to look at the ordinance
because it is a regulatory ordinance, not a land use law. She said she feels she can make it work. The commissioners discussed whether they could require vacation rentals to be American Disabilities Act compliant and whether to require sprinklers. They were told if they required sprinklers on the rental homes, they would also have to require them on non-rented residences. Commission Chair Chuck Webb said they might add a provision that the homes could not be rented to registered sexual offenders. He said they could go to an FBI website with a list of offenders to check out the people renting homes. They asked Voss to review the ordinance and then they could vote on it on second hearing. She said she would finalize the ordinance and send it to city commissioners on an individual basis for their comments. She told them to advertise the second reading for the March 26. Webb
wants two public hearings in case it is a land use ordinance. Anna Maria City planner Alan Garrett said he wants the city to move from a code enforcement board to a special master to hear code violations. “It would remove the politics from dealing with violations,” he said. The commission reviewed its proposed gift acceptance policy. Commission Carol Carter said she wants to remove endowments as a gift because endowments need to be processed. Under the policy, the mayor could accept any legal gift, but he has to tell the commission what it is. The mayor can receive any restricted donation as long as it is for a city approved program, activity, purposed or project. They agreed to put this policy into a resolution and vote on it. Engineer Lynn Townsend Burnett presented an update on the Island-wide storm drainage improvement project she is overseeing. She wants to end the
exemption for undeveloped properties to pay the stormwater utility tax. She wants to charge a flat rate per 100 square feet. Commissioner Doug Copeland asked if there is any way to incentivize property owners of older homes to mitigate their properties. Burnett said since the fee is so low, it wouldn't be practical and would complicate the fee system. Commissioners agreed to have the city attorney review the ordinance. Finally, Murphy proposed changing the way Administrative Assistant Char Patterson handles the service window for the building department. “Fifteen percent of the work in issuing a building permit is at the window,” Murphy said. “I want to limit the hours the window is open to the public to mornings, so they would have more time to process the permit applications in the afternoons.” The commission gave its approval.
Anna Maria cleans up The city of Anna Maria is holding its annual cleanup on Saturday, March 28, from 8 a.m. to noon. Yard waste may be taken to the parking area at the south end of Bayfront Park for disposal. Large items such as furniture, bedding, stoves and other appliances may be put out on the roadside for pickup. For more information, call the public works department at 708-6130, ext. 26.
Cortez Bridge project nearly done Work continues on the Cortez Bridge maintenance project, which has a projected completion of this month. Crews will work on the bridge piles jackets, span locks and complete punch list items. FDOT urges motorists to exercise caution during the repair work.
Board approves police funding agreements Holmes Beach city commissioners approved an interlocal agreement with Manatee County for $10,000 for patrolling Manatee Public Beach. Commissioner Carol Soustek said while the amount has stayed the same over the years, the use and the demand for service has increased greatly. “We should ask the county to look closer at the demand; it really pulls on our officers,” she said. “I think that rate is not realistic anymore.” Mayor Bob Johnson explained, “Everybody recognizes there’s no rationale for the amount, but the county is not ready to go with the number we requested. We said we’ll come back next year.” Commissioners also approved a budget amendment to move $25,000 from the School Board for the school resource officer and $18,500 for a code enforcement vehicle to the police department for the take home vehicle program.
SHANNON KELLY | SUBMITTED
Gathering storm Erin Kelly, 7, of Ottawa Canada, walks the beach recently as a cold front approaches. The impending weather several weeks ago forced people off the beach. Thoughts of cold weather have been put away now though, as summer-like conditions have returned.
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THE SUN
MARCH 18, 2015
Congestion committee wants action on proposal The proposal would eliminate street and right of way parking in residential zones R-1 through R-4, except for residents, property owners and renters. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Congestion committee members implored city commissioners to move ahead on their proposal to eliminate street and right of way parking in residential zones R-1 through R-4, except for residents, property owners and renters that obtain decals from the city.
In January the proposal was taken off the agenda while the city worked with Manatee County to make sure there is enough parking to qualify for beach renourishment. “This was first brought to you almost a year ago,� Chair Jayne Christenson told the board. “The committee has jumped through every hoop and hurdle you’ve asked. “What you’re doing (moratoriums) helps the future, but it’s not going to change the existing problems we have here today. By taking action now on the residential parking issue, you will make an immediate positive impact on our neighborhoods.� She asked them to put it back on the
We don’t want any more delays or stalling.� Jayne Christenson Congestion committee chair agenda and said, “We don’t want any more delays or stalling.� Committee member Ursula Stemm
added, “After all this work, we came up with the best solution. It needs to be decided. We didn’t do all this work for nothing. Put it on the agenda before another season goes by.� Commissioner Carol Soustek, the committee’s former chair, said she would like the proposal to move forward and for the mayor to ask Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker to meet with the committee to clarify beach renourishment needs. “I’m trying to set a meeting with Charlie to make sure we’re OK with parking for beach renourishment,� Mayor Bob Johnson said. “I’ll get all the information and present it to you.�
Surveyors count record number of manatees Warm, clear, sunny days between some of the coldest days of the year assisted biologists in counting a record high number of manatees during this year’s statewide aerial survey. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reported a preliminary count of 6,063 manatees statewide in the February count. A team of 20 observers from 11 organizations counted 3,333 manatees on Florida’s east coast and 2,730 on the west coast. This year’s synoptic survey count exceeded the previous high count for 2010 by almost 1,000 animals. “Manatees used warm-water sites and other winter habitat areas to cope with a strong cold front that recently moved through the region,� said FWC biologist Holly Edwards
in a press release. “In many of the regions surveyed, warm, sunny weather caused manatees to rest at the water’s surface, which facilitated our efforts to count them in these areas. Calm waters and high visibility also contributed to the high count.� “We were very fortunate to have near-optimal conditions for our survey this year,� said FWRI Director Gil McRae in a press release. “The high count this year is especially encouraging, given the large-scale mortality events that resulted in over 800 deaths in 2013.� Aerial surveys are conducted annually, weather permitting, to provide researchers with a count of manatees visible in Florida waters at the time of the survey. Because researchers have no way to estimate the number of manatees that were not
visible during these surveys, scientists consider these results a minimum count of the statewide population. While this year’s results do not mean that the manatee population grew by nearly 1,000 animals in a single year, they do tell researchers there are at least 6,000 manatees in Florida waters. You can show your support for manatees by purchasing a manatee license plate at www.BuyaPlate. com and a manatee decal at MyFWC.com/ManateeSeaTurtleDecals. Funds from the license plate and decal support manatee research and conservation. To report a dead or distressed manatee, call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
Florida manatee deaths
Florida manatee population
276 396 417 317 337 429 766 453 392 829 371 84*
2,505 3,143 3,113 2,817 no survey 3,802 5,077 4,834 no survey no survey 4,831 6,063
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
*(as of March 6) Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
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Stormwater project to begin The next phase of Holmes Beach’s capital improvement program for stormwater will begin within the coming weeks. It includes construction of stormwater improvements in city owned rights of way along Avenue E and Sixth Avenue from 31st to 43rd streets, which discharge into Sarasota Bay. The intersection of Sixth Avenue and Gulf Drive will experience significant traffic flow interruption for two to three days, however, there will be detour instructions. There also will be alternating single lanes in the project
Owner Steve Traves Outdoor Pro
area with traffic management provided by the contractor. Additional improvements are being made to the drainage systems of Gulf Drive on 42nd Street north of the Manatee Avenue intersection. The objective of this project is to improve both the water quality of stormwater runoff into Sarasota Bay, which is an impaired water body, and to reduce impacts of localized flooding within the basin areas. The projects are cooperatively funded by a grant from the Southwest
Florida Water Management District and the city through its stormwater utility assessment fees. A project map and additional information will be available in the lobby of city hall at 5801 Marina Drive.
Stormwater fee collection to change
City Engineer Lynn Townsend Burnett explained to city commissioners at last week’s work session the need to change the method in which they calculate stormwater utility fees. “Your stormwater utility was cre-
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ated in 2003 and based on a national standard that applied to large urban areas not a small coastal community,” she explained. She said the current method assumes that the impervious area in any lot does not exceed 40 percent and relies on detailed calculations each year. In addition, owners of vacant lots pay no fee. She recommended that the fee be based on the square footage of the property, and that the method be used Island wide. Commissioners told her to proceed with an ordinance.
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kimberly skardoutos photography
Mike and Jenn DeChelbor were married Feb. 14, 2015, at their home in Bradenton. Photos were taken at DeSoto Point.
photo submitted
Jessica and Joshua Howison, from Chicago, Ill., were married at The Sunset by Gulf Drive Cafe on February 21, 2015. Jessica Oller and Derek Alfonso were married at the Sandbar restaurant on Sept. 6, 2014. Chuck Caudill provided the music. Patti Mckee and Luis Ortiz, of the Sandbar, coordinated the wedding and reception. Jessica and Derek honeymooned on Anna Maria Island before returning home to Tampa, Fla.
Dara Caudill | www.islandphotography.org
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A Perfect Setting.. For Your Perfect Wedding
100 Spring Avenue Anna Maria Island 941.778.8709
200 Gulf Drive North Bradenton Beach 941.778.8718
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Island Photography & DJ a family affair Anna Maria Island residents Dara and Chuck Caudill have combined their creative talents to offer wedding photography and entertainment under one banner, Island Photography & DJ. Together, they will coordinate the photography and music for your special day. Dara is a professionally trained photographer who combines the latest in digital technology along with an artistic and creative flair. She blends photojournalistic with traditional styles of photography. "A little fantasy mixed with a little reality," she says. "It's important for the photos to be beautiful!" Chuck is a professional musician and DJ on Anna Maria Island. In addition to ukulele and acoustic guitar ceremonies, Chuck provides live music and/or full DJ services for the reception.. He is fully digital, with state of the art sound and lighting. Dara and Chuck are true island residents, so they specialize in beach weddings. The two know how important it is to have the right professionals for your day, especially if you are having a destination wedding. They were married in Kauai, and the people they hired made it a special day.. Both are fully insured, and belong to many professional organizations including the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce. Check out their Websites – www.islandphotography.org and www.chuckcaudill. com. For more information, e-mail islandphotography@ verizon.net or call 941-778-5676.
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Your wedding Headquarters The bride and her maids have to look their best for her wedding, and the professionals at Head Quarters Salon, 5376 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, will make sure they do and provide a relaxing experience. Head Quarters Salon has a full staff of pro fessionals offering hair styling, manicures, pedicures, massages, makeup application, hair extensions, Axxium by OPI Gel, Shellac and more. They are now using AG ProductsParaben and salt free, color safe and 100 percent guaranteed. It is becoming the trend for the entire bridal party to get together before the wedding day to pamper themselves, relax and look their best. Head Quarters Salon is the perfect place. The staff members have special packages for weddings and discounts for groups of three or more. They also offer gift certificates for the bride, family members or the bridesmaids to enjoy after the ceremony. They also can make arrangements during off hours to accommodate your schedule. To set an appointment or for more information, call Carol Conte at 941-778-2586.
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Dara Caudill | www.islandphotography.org
Talia Remijio and Adam Craig were married at Gulf Drive Cafe & Tiki on March 7, 2015. Chuck Caudill provided the music. Kelli Gray, of Gulf Drive & Tiki, coordinated the wedding and reception. Talia and Adam honeymooned on anna Maria Island before returning home to Tampa, Fla. Dara Caudill | www.islandphotography.org
Kapi Murphy and David Knapp were married at the Sandbar restaurant on Sept. 19, 2014. Chuck Caudill played ukulele for the ceremony and was the DJ for their reception. Patti Mckee and Luis Ortiz, of the Sandbar, coordinated the wedding and reception. Kapi and David honeymooned on Anna Maria Island before returning home to Lakeland, Fla.
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Tour of Homes features Island style of living BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Tour five Island homes featuring unique beach living at its best at the Island Community’s Center’s 22nd annual Tour of Homes on Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tour includes the homes of Maureen and Bill Shuman, 105 49th Street; Liz and Bob Lang, 5601 Flotilla Drive; and Janet Schaffer, 5803 Imperiore Street, all in Holmes Beach; and Barbara and Asa Cole, 218 Archer Way; and Brian Wien, 228 Willow Avenue, both in Anna Maria. Tickets for the tour are available for $20 at various Island locations, and a free shuttle to the homes will be stationed at
CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, at the border of Holmes Beach and Anna Maria. Restrooms will be available at the Holmes Beach city field at 5801 Marina Drive and at CrossPointe Fellowship. This year’s Tropical Treasures Boutique will be located at the Cole house, where visitors will find unique items for the home with a tropical twist, can bid on silent auction items made by local artists and buy raffle tickets for this year’s Tour quilt, “Seas the Day on AMI.” The quilt drawing and bid awards will be at 3 p.m. Quilt tickets are available at the Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, until the day of the tour. Tour sponsors are Beach to Bay Construction, Duncan Real Estate, Green Real Estate, Anna Maria Island Sun, Bradenton Herald and The Islander. All proceeds benefit the Island Community Center. For more information call Sandee Pruett at the Center at 941778-1908, ext. 0 Jack Elka Photography | submitted
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Maureen and Bill Shuman • 105 49th Street, Holmes Beach
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his blue-andwhite-themed home was completely remodeled in 2010 by the current owners. They included thoughtful details such as coffered and tray ceilings, a huge porch along the beach side of the house, travertine tile and hardwood floors, wine closet, built-in bookcases, wainscoting and oodles of trim. There is a woodburning fireplace that opens on both sides to be enjoyed in both the living room and sitting room areas. The numerous large windows offer enviable Gulf views from almost every room in the house. The kitchen’s white cabinets are offset beautifully by the blue granite countertops and blue accented tray ceiling. In the original house, the present kitchen was the bedroom and bathroom of an in-law suite. Now, you can cozy up to the peninsula to enjoy a beverage while admiring the water view. All three bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms, and there is an additional full bathroom off the pool porch. The master suite, with its wraparound deck and huge closet, has another bonus – whether in the shower or spa tub, you can enjoy the Gulf view. The owners kept the original 2,200 square foot footprint of this 1940s beach house and added a 1,100 square foot second level, while seamlessly blending traditional and coastal décor in their elegant home. Jack Elka Photography | submitted
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Liz and Bob Lang • 5601 Flotilla Drive, Holmes Beach
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he first thing you’ll notice is the location in the heart of Holmes Beach and steps away from everything. The next is size, with 10,000 stylish square feet of living space. The house sits on the end of a canal and boasts one of the few covered boathouses on the Island. Enter and enjoy what the owner describes as “unique, eclectic, comfortable beach living.” Built circa 1956, this house was purchased and remodeled by the owners in 2008. Extensive renovations occurred when a fire claimed the back portion of the home 2012. Notice the artistic touch in the 223-pound fish rubbing, the lively decorated support columns and the carved concrete floors in a painted banana leaf theme. The hub of the home is the amazing grotto pool with stone and etched concrete floors. The blue powder-coated metal stair and railings lead to the loft area for watching projection movies,
sunset or relaxing on refurbished vintage barstools. In addition to the enormous master suite are three guest suites, including the retro mermaid suite with blue tile and fixtures. In the entry/sitting room area find the wine cellar with beautiful leaded-glass door. The kitchen has glass-topped counters, double refrigerators, semicircular peninsula and double wet bar off the pool area. Back splashes are custom-made carved stucco.
Jack Elka Photography | submitted
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Janet Schaffer • 5803 Imperiore Street, Holmes Beach
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elcome to a big treat in a small package. Renovating one of the Island’s original, ground level, cement block houses proved fun and rewarding for this realtor/designer/owner. Originally under 1,000 square feet, it’s now about 1,200 square feet with three bedrooms and two full baths. It is believed to be a Richman Home, economically built by being one block of height less than usual in order to allow more people to afford to build. Check for the curb appeal with the white exterior, blue door, pergola and inviting porch. Check the innovative use of space with the entry/second guest bedroom with its trundle bed. This room was the original sun porch, so A/C and heat were added. The original, oversized windows allow loads of light to enhance the white kitchen cabinets, white granite countertops, subway backsplash, farmhouse sink and peninsula seating. The guest bath has a soaker tub. The master ensuite bath has a unique shower, which was originally a walk-through area to the sun porch. The yard boasts a pool with changing light colors and a massage seat, plus an enclosed shower and pool toy storage box. Jack Elka Photography | submitted
Barbara and Asa Cole • 218 Archer Way, Anna Maria
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enture to the end of Archer Way and you will find a welcoming yellow house with sky blue shutters built in 2014. You’ve arrived at an Island sanctuary only two blocks from the Gulf beach. The owners wanted a place for family to visit and with four bedrooms, three and a half baths, and
Jack Elka Photography | submitted
generous, open kitchen and living areas, there is plenty of room for them. The problem is, they’ll never want to leave. The ground floor has an abundance of parking, storage and recreation space, leading to the private, beautifully landscaped yard, with pool, spa and outdoor seating area. A spiral staircase
leads up to the wrap-around back balcony off the living room and master bedroom. A tiled entry leads, by stairs or elevator, up to the bright, impeccably furnished main floor. The main entry is up stairs to a front balcony. The gorgeous kitchen, with its peninsula and island seating,
anchors the main level. The additional areas branch off with a spacious, comfortable feel. Enter the luxurious master suite through double doors to find a sitting area, large ensuite bathroom and closet and front and back decks. The kitchen and bath share soothing cream-colored cabinetry and granite countertops.
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Brian Wien • 228 Willow Avenue, Anna Maria
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n a tranquil canal in Anna Maria, enjoy 3,400 square feet of sprawling luxury in this classic and elegant Southern beach home decorated in neutral tones and blues. The noble white exterior, driftwood gray shutters and blue front door beckon you into the split-level entry.
Jack Elka Photography | submitted
Downstairs enter the three-car garage, storage and lanai areas. Upstairs, delight in the spacious living room and kitchen area with two additional sets of double doors. One opens to a private dining room with herringbone wood floor. The other to a bright and comfortable den. Family and
guests will appreciate the separate loft area, five bedrooms and four and a half baths. The high end and thoughtful finishes in this home include solid oak white-washed floors, quartz countertops, sub-zero and Wolf appliances with paneled doors, handmade shell sconces, generous
wainscoting and trim, porcelain tiled baths, a free-standing copper tub, a farmhouse sink in the powder room and multiple wrap-around decks. Outdoors, wander the lavish yard with travertine tiled pool area, enormous hot tub, and unique builtin fire pit. That gorgeous deck is a durable Brazilian teak, called Ipe.
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Panel prepares to make Pier Park presentation The City Pier Park Committee will lay out the basics for the land to become a park and give the commission a bucket list of items to add on later. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – After a couple of months discussing what to do with the land formerly know as the six lots and now called City Pier Park, a committee is preparing to make a presentation to the city commission. The land at the intersection of Pine Avenue and North Bay Boulevard had been used for parking and for the annual Bayfest over the years, but the city decided to purchase it. The city still owes $4.25 million on the land. The six-person group went from deciding it is better to keep the land than sell it, to suggestions that would move the city pier parking from along the bayfront to the other side of the park, giving park visitors exposure to the waterfront. On the downside, it would put a park area on both sides of North Bay Boulevard, which some considered dangerous. There were also suggestion of installing a water park with sprinklers for kids to run through, a carrousel and a permanent stage for musical performances. Local landscape specialist Mike Miller attended the meetings, drawing plans for suggestions so committee members could get a better mind’s view of what is proposed. When he set up this ad hoc committee, Mayor
Dan Murphy told members to come up with ideas and don’t worry about the expense. He said he felt adding price tags to ideas might inhibit members. He also reiterated at last Friday’s meeting that no ad valorem money would be used for the project. Committee Chair Bob Patten said he liked the idea of presenting to the commission plans for landscaping and outdoor furniture and letting them add on amenities as they see fit. He did suggest they make an addition. “It would be easier to get funding for changes down the road if we include rest rooms and a drinking fountain to the plan,” he said. Committee member Dusty Crane said restrooms are something you need because lack of them might lead to undesirable behavior. Other members agreed, but Ruth Uecker said to be prepared for resistance from the commission. “When the city went through this before, it was horrible,” she said. “Getting the basic approval is most important.” They voted 5-1 to include the restrooms in the initial plan. They agreed to have each member make part of the presentation. Bob Patten will introduce the members Ruth Eucker will talk about n their research and the results of polls they took, John Chambers will talk about the financial situation, Dusty Crane will talk about phase one, Liza Walker will talk about the bucket list and beautification and Stevie Coppin will wrap up the presentation.
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Clean up Coquina Beach The Tampa Bay Watch Coastal Cleanup of Coquina Beach is set for Saturday, March 21, from 9 a.m. to noon. Bring gloves, hat, and sunscreen – Bay Watch will provide trash bags and grabbers – and help keep the beaches beautiful and the wildlife safe. This is a great opportunity for teens to earn volunteer hours. Register at http://tinyurl.com/nk88tff.
Rental complaints investigated Holmes Beach Code Enforcement Officer David Forbes reported that he investigated 99 properties advertised on airbnb.com over the past few months. He was aided by resident Jeanne Hudkins, who researched ads and found addresses for him. “During this course of time, I have spent in excess of 35 to 40 collective labor hours researching each property’s advertisement, property ownership and/or management information and the city’s corresponding rental property records, in addition to reviewing booking calendars for potential violations,” Forbes explained. Forbes said he discovered only four violations, all for not obtaining a business tax receipt. He said letters would be mailed to these owners, and it they failed to respond, he would follow up.
Pool permitted despite moratorium Holmes Beach city commissioners last week approved in consensus the construction of a swimming pool with less than 10-foot setbacks due to unusual circumstances. There is a moratorium on swimming pools with less than 10-foot side and rear yard setbacks. Building Official John Fernandez said detailed drawings showing the pool layout and details on gates and safety features were submitted prior to the moratorium. Contractor Kevin Hutchinson said the pool was not only on a site plan, but also on plans he submitted in December with the permit application. The permit was granted in December.
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City installs attorney, looks for code enforcement officer City Attorney Becky Vose will review the city’s proposed vacation rental ordinance as one of her first duties. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER |tvaught@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Personnel matters highlighted last Thursday’s city commission meeting. The commission approved Mayor Dan Murphy’s choice for a city attorney and agreed to hire a full time code enforcement officer to replace the part-time one who has served the city for years. The mayor said they would keep Gerry Rathvon as part-time officer until they get a full time one and then she could bid on a part-time spot. The decision to bring in a full time officer is in part a reaction to the building boom in the city, which is fired by the conversion of family residences into short-term vacation rentals. The city is keeping an eye on the rental construction as it attempts to tighten up rules for vacation rentals. Murphy said he wants to have enough staff to provide code enforcement seven days a week. Currently, there is no officer on duty on weekends. Becky Vose is the new Anna Maria city attorney. Her firm, which she runs with her son, was chosen from six law offices that responded to the city’s request for bids. The position became open when commissioners voted to let Jim Dye go due to Dye’s family ownership of a rental house in the city. Dye contended his ownership was not a conflict of interest while he helped the city commission deal with the plethora of requests to build vacation rentals, but Murphy and City Commission Chair Chuck Webb felt it was. After the commission voted to approve Vose, Murphy came up to her desk and gave her a new nameplate. She smiled as she posed for cameras. In other action, the city commission approved a contract with Revize LLC, also known as Revize Software Systems, to redesign the city’s Website and add services, like being able to pay for parking tickets online. The price was not to exceed $7,880. Murphy told the commissioners that the contract amount was $6,300 under budget.
tOM VAUGHT | SUN
Becky Vose smiles after Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy gave her a nameplate at her first city commission meeting. In addition to the Website, the contract calls for Revize to install flat screen television receivers in the meeting room to make it easier to see agenda items and other information that might be helpful while the commission makes decisions. Murphy said he might want the city to print newsletters or send e-mails during emergencies. He said the deadline for installing audio-visual equipment was the end of April and the new Website would be due in three months. The city commission approved a permit request for homes at 218 Archer Way and 228 Willow Ave. that will be stops in the Anna Maria Island Community Center’s Tour of Homes on Saturday, March 21. The Center asked that the city waive the permit fee. Commissioner Doug Copeland moved to approve the request and waive the fee, but there was no second. Commission Carl Carter moved to approve the permit, but not waive the fee and the commission approved it. Copeland said he wanted to review a previous vote to not waive the $250 fee for Manatee County’s Convention and Visitors’ Bureau to shoot a movie in the city promoting tourism. Murphy said the county promised to not make movies in the city anymore, and it would make his job as mayor easier. The commission agreed and waived the fee.
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Honors for volunteers Forty volunteers at the Island library were honored at the annual brunch held on Wednesday March 11, at the library. Workers who shared the experiences of the book sale, the coordination of monthly activities and the tasks like shelving, book repair and DVD cleaning were guests of the library board. Special honors were given to Jack and Shirley Richardson who donated many
hours for the months before the book sale, using a scanner to identify books of special value. The annual meeting of the Friends of the Island Library will take place on March 20, according to outgoing President Mary Pat Swamy. She urged the attendees to consider a role on the governing board of the Friends. Coordinator of the event was Carol Cornwell.
Savings coupon valid on regular, sale and clearance priced in-stock merchandise. Savings coupon must be presented & surrendered at time of purchase, one per customer. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer, including Employee Discounts. Limited brand exclusions include Under ArmourŽ, NikeŽ, La BlancaŽ, SakrootsŽ and select premium comfort shoe brands. For a complete list of excluded brands, please visit BeallsFlorida.com/exclusions. Cannot be applied to gift card purchases, existing Bealls Florida credit balances or prior purchases. Discount not valid on taxes and shipping charges. Discount is applied to all qualifying items purchased on a prorated basis; merchandise returns will be credited at the Return Price& BeallsFlorida.com on your receipt. No are Cash Value. Valid at BeallsDepartment Department Stores, Stores, Inc. by Bealls stores by Beall’s phone at 800-569-9038 and on BeallsFlorida.com. Not operated valid on Click&Find kiosks or at Bealls Outlet. Beall’s Westgate Corporation.
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Wasabi Ahi Tuna
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Being an original is all about authenticity. It’s about taking what’s important to you and translating it into something amazing for your customers. The Waterfront Restaurant is locally-owned and has been committed to sustainable practices for over a decade. We know where to get the very best in fresh local produce, seafood, and more because we’ve always sourced our menu that way. As a result, when you dine at The Waterfront Restaurant, you’re not just getting a beautiful bay view in a unique historical cottage: you’re also getting the very best in individually hand-crafted cocktails and thoughtfully innovative local cuisine.
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EAT LIKE A LOCAL DineOriginal.com 15 South Ristorante • Andrea’s • Anna Maria Oyster Bar • The BeacHhouse Restaurant • The Bijou CafÊ • Bridge Street Bistro • The Broken Egg • CafÊ Americano • CafÊ Baci • CafÊ Gabbiano • CafÊ L’Europe • CafÊ Venice • Caragiulos • Cedar Reef Fish Camp • Ciao! Italia • Cosimo’s Restaurant & Catering • The Crow’s Nest • Darwin’s on 4th • Derek’s • Drunken Poet CafÊ • Duval’s • Euphemia Haye • Fast N Fresh • Gold Rush BBQ • Gulf Drive CafÊ + Tiki • Half Shell Seafood House • Harry’s Continental Kitchens • JPAN Restaurant • Lobster Pot • Lynches Pub & Grub • Madfish Grill • Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub • Michael John’s • Michael’s On East • mi Pueblo • Ophelia’s On The Bay • Ortygia Restaurant • Pacific Rim • Pattigeorge’s • Pier 22 Restaurant • Polo Grill & Bar • Primo! Ristorante • Riverhouse Reef & Grill • Roessler’s Restaurant • Salute! Restaurant • Sandbar Seafood & Spirits • Savory Street • Sharky’s On The Pier • Siesta Key Oyster Bar • SoMa Creek Side • Village CafÊ • The Waterfront Restaurant on Anna Maria • The White Horse Pub
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Fish turn on in shallow water Captain Rick Grassett
Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released trout, reds, Spanish mackerel, pompano and bluefish in Sarasota Bay on flies and CAL jigs with shad tails, snook at night in the ICW near Venice, trout and snook in Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande on flies and snook and reds in the Terra Ceia area on CAL jigs with shad tails during the past couple of weeks. Water
temperatures warmed into the low 70s and fish turned on in shallow water. Anglers fishing Sarasota Bay with me during the week of March 2 caught and released trout, pompano, bluefish and Spanish mackerel. We worked deep grass flats on both sides of the bay using Ultra Hair Clouser flies fished on sink tip fly lines and CAL jigs with shad tails. Sarasota winter resident Mike Perez fished Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with me on Wednesday, March 4. We
waded several bars and flats, and Mike caught and released trout and snook on my Grassett Flats Minnow and Clouser flies. I was the instructor for a CB’s Saltwater Outfitters Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing School on Saturday, March 7. The next school will be on March 28. ost is $150 per person and includes the use of Orvis fly tackle, a text book and lunch. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 or info@cbsoutfitters.com to make reservations.
David Morgan, from Sarasota, and a guest fished Sarasota Bay with me on Sunday and Monday, March 8 and 9. We worked deep grass flats on both sides of the bay where they caught and released trout, Spanish mackerel, pompano, bluefish and a small cobia on Ultra Hair Clouser flies and CAL jigs with shad tails. Mike Perez, from Sarasota, and Nick Reding, from Longboat Key, had good see captains, page 31
tide chart for anna maria city pier MARCH 18-25 Day Date
A.M. High Time Feet
A.M. Low Time Feet
P.M. High Time Feet
P.M. Low Time Feet
Wed 3/18
11:20a 1.57
4:49a -0.32
10:40p 2.09
4:48p 0.48
Thu 3/19
11:43a 1.70
5:36a -0.18
11:36p 2.01
5:39p 0.21
6:10a 0.01
12:07p 1.86
6:30p -0.01
6:42a 0.23
12:35p 2.01
7:21p -0.17
Fri 3/20 Sat 3/21
12:31a 1.86
Sun Rise Set
Day Date
7:37-7:40
Sun 3/22
7:36-7:41 7:35-7:42 7:33-7:42
A.M. High Time Feet
A.M. Low Time Feet
P.M. High Time Feet
P.M. Low Time Feet
1:28a 1.66
7:11a 0.44
1:06p 2.14
8:13p -0.25
Mon 3/23
2:28a 1.45
7:39a 0.63
1:41p 2.22
9:09p -0.26
Tue 3/24
3:33a 1.25
8:04a 0.79
2:20p 2.23
10:09p -0.29
Wed 3/25
4:50a 1.11
8:26a 0.92
33:03p 2.18
11:17p -0.13
Sun Rise Set 7:32-7:43 7:31-7:43 7:30-7:44 7:29-7:44
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MARCH 18, 2015
THE SUN
31
captains: Fish the flats FROM PAGE 30
action while wading Sarasota Bay with me on Tuesday, March 10. We waded a shallow bar where they caught and released a couple of big trout, at 25 and 27 inches, and a pair of reds on my Grassett Flats Minnow fly. The largest trout, weighed in at more than 6 ½ pounds. I think trout this big are important to the fishery as breeders, so they are always
handled gently and released on my boat I spoke at Gator Ford in Tampa that evening with Capt. Mike Anderson, of The Reel Animals TV fishing show. The event was well attended and the crowd had some great questions about fly fishing at the Q & A format event. The action got even better on Wednesday when Scott Heidler and his son Scott, both from Hudson, Ohio, fished the Terra Ceia area with me. We started the morning with a good snook bite, throwing CAL jigs with shad tails and top water plugs, which got even better as the day went on. They finished the day catching and releasing more than 30 snook, including 28 and 32-inch fish, and a couple of nice reds. Martin Marlow, from NY and his son, Bruce Marlowe from RI, snook fished with me on Thursday night, 3/12. Snook were feeding, but being very picky, so we stayed on the move, picking up a couple of fish at each spot before mov-
CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT | submitted
Scott Heidler, from Hudson, Ohio, had great action catching and releasing snook to 32 inches and reds to 26 inches on CAL jigs with shad tails while fishing the Terra Ceia area with Capt. Rick Grassett. ing on. They caught and released more than a dozen snook to 24 inches on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly before the evening was done. Alan Sugar and Ray Hutchinson, from Michigan, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Friday afternoon, March 13. It was breezy to start, but the wind laid down enough later in the day, which allowed us to fish some spots in
north Sarasota Bay. They caught and released trout, bluefish and ladyfish at the Radio Tower and Stephens Point flats on Ultra Hair Clouser flies. Look for reds, snook and big trout mixed with mullet schools on shallow flats and edges of bars. You may also find trout, blues, pompano or flounder on deep grass flats, particularly close to passes.
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AMICCO performs Pirates of Penzance Join the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra (AMICCO) as it performs “Pirates of Penzance” at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, 6101 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, on Sunday, March 22, at 2 p.m. Acclaimed tenor Daniel Gerdes stars as Frederic along with Joy Leitner as Edith, Susan Welsh as Kate, Francesca Veglia as Mabel, Daniel Hoffman
as Major General, Alex Friedlander as Pirate King, Martha DiPalma as Ruth, David Kesler as Samuel and Chuck Closser as Sergeant of Police. Tickets are $25, are limited and are available first come, first served at amicco.org, the AMI Chamber, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, or by calling Etta at 941896-3899.
submitted
Joy Leitner
Spring Break camp at Center The Island Community Center is offering a Spring Break Camp for elementary and middle school youths on March 27, 30 and 31 and April 1 and 2 at the Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. The schedule is: • K through fifth-grade: Friday, Jumpin’ fun sports; Monday, Pirates baseball game; Tuesday, Chuck E. Cheese; Wednesday, Center fun day with Surf Set Thursday, Tom
Bennett Park. • Sixth through eighth grade: Friday, Jumpin’ fun sports; Monday, Pirates baseball game; Tuesday, Hungry Howies and Riverwalk; Wednesday, Putt Putt golf, ice cream and Surf Set; and Thursday, UTC Mall. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. Trips are subject to change. Call 7781908 to register.
MARCH 18, 2015
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MARCH 18, 2015
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Key Royale owner files Bert Harris claim The claim involves property at 626 Key Royale Drive, where construction was shut down in January 2014. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Leah Marie Enterprises and its majority member, Kathleen Morgan, have rejected a settlement offer by the city and filed a Bert Harris claim regarding property at 626 Key Royale Drive. The issue began in January 2014 when the building official at the time, Tom O’Brien, shut down the construction site at the home. In a report, O’Brien said the contractor could only remove and replace a maximum of 30 percent of the roof structure and maintained that work exceeded the 30 percent In March 2014, Morgan filed a petition with the Florida Building Commission (FBC) claiming the 30 percent rule was erroneous. The FBC investigated the clams and ruled in favor of Morgan in September 2014. Responding to the question of whether removing more than 30 percent of the roof would constitute substantial structural damage, the FBC said it would not. A second question asked if the roof work were considered substation structural damage, would it automatically trigger the 50 percent rule. The FBC said, “ … no, regardless of the impact to the roof system, flood design requirements for new construction are only triggered if the project exceeds the 50
file photo
The case began when former Building Official Tom O’Brien shut down this construction site at 626 Key Royale Drive.
percent rule” as described in the Florida Building Code. In September, Morgan’s attorney, David Johnson, filed a Bert Harris Property Rights Protection notice naming the city and its interim building and former officials and former mayor, claiming that “the fair market value of the property in its current work stoppage condition is $378,000, and that the value of
the property had construction been completed would be $697,479. The claim therefore is in the amount of $319,479.” The city responded with a settlement offer in December in which the owner would submit an engineering analysis including an evaluation of wind load, revised construction plans documenting renovations, documentation to demonstrate that
the work does not constitute a substantial improvement and pay any fees for a building permit. At the same time, Johnson filed a petition asking the court compel the city to issue a building permit, and on March 4, Johnson rejected the city’s settlement offer and filed a Bert Harris complaint seeking a jury trial to determine the amount of compensation.
Lecture on shipboard food
Learn to sail your canoe
See the stars at Robinson
The Florida Maritime Museum will present a lecture on food preparation and preservation in the 18th and 19th centuries aboard ships, from standard fare to desserts, on Wednesday, March 18, at 3 p.m. at the museum, 4415 119th St. W. in Cortez. For more information, call 941-708-6120 or visit http://floridamaritimemuseum.org.
Learn to fit your canoe with a removable sailing rig at the Florida Maritime Museum’s Canoe to Sail Class on Saturday, April 18, and Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The registration deadline is Friday, March 20. Class fees of $100 include a copy for Todd Bradshaw’s Canoe Rig: the Essence and the Art. For more information, call 941-708-6120.
Set your gaze skyward and search the heavens for a glimpse of the stars at Robinson Preserve on Saturday, March 21, from 8 to 9:30 p.m. View the skies through a high-powered telescope and learn how to identify the heavenly bodies and how you can star gaze at home. Reservations are required; call 941748-4501, ext. 6039.
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MARCH 18, 2015
Non-voting mayor discussed Last week the Charter Review Committee considered the merits of changing the city’s current form of government. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Strong mayor, weak mayor or hybrid form of city government? This question, posed by City Attorney Ricinda Perry, was a topic of discussion at last week’s Charter Review Committee (CRC) meeting. A committee recommendation on this matter could be among the potential charter amendments recommended to the city commission later this year. The committee also discussed clarifying the roles of the mayor and the commissioners when making appointments to city boards, maintaining the current system that calls for the mayor to nominate advisory board members, with the commission then accepting or rejecting the mayor’s individual nominations. During public comment, John Metz suggested the committee suggest the implementation of a new forfeiture of office process that is similar to the one used in Holmes Beach, which calls for the state to be in charge of any internal efforts to remove an elected official from office.
joe hendricks | sun
From left, Bradenton Beach Charter Review Committee members Dan DeBaun, Barbara Hug, Rick Bisio and John Burns discuss potential changes to the city’s form of government.
Which type mayor?
Article II of the city charter declares which form of city government is used. Four of the five Bradenton Beach commissioners recently submitted written suggestions to the committee recommending the current structure of four commissioners and a voting mayor be changed to a five-person commission and an elected non-voting mayor who would serve as the city’s de facto manager. Commission suggestions are split in regard to keeping or discarding the four ward districts that ensure commission representation come from four different geographical areas within the city, with the mayor as an at-large representative. “We are a hybrid city; we are not
truly weak and we are not truly strong,” Perry said, noting that this form of city government leaves much room for interpretation, questioning, and academic disagreement. “I believe in an ideal situation. You don’t have a strong mayor, you don’t have a weak mayor, you have a city manager system, and there have certainly been some suggestions in the past with going with the manager system.” Perry said a city manager would be hard to budget, although there has been talk of hiring a part-time manager or making the mayor the manager with an increased salary and greater control over department heads. “To me, the biggest problem the city has
is oversight. The problem you run into with the system we have is our mayor votes. When the mayor votes, it then puts him in a positon where he cannot communicate with the elected officials, because it violates the Sunshine Law,” Perry explained. She referred to the city of Anna Maria, where non-voting Mayor Dan Murphy has the ability to work closely with staff, while also having the ability to communicate with commissioners one-on-one. Holmes Beach uses the same form of government. “What we’re talking about is an information pivot point; somebody who can talk everybody,” Bisio said. “You need an information pivot point for this thing to work, and the State of Florida makes it really difficult because you can’t communicate. In reference to former City Clerk Nora Idso, Bisio said, “Prior to now, it worked quite well, because basically we had what amounted to a city manager in Nora. She was the one pivot point everyone worked through. We don’t have that connectivity anymore.” Burns agreed that the current structure model has worked in the past and is not working now simply because certain individuals have prevented that from happening. He does not feel the CRC should help determine which form of city government is used, and he suggested this is something the commission should tackle if they want to ask city voters to amend the charter in this fashion. This discussion will continue at the committee’s March 26 meeting.
Eviction efforts continue The pier tenant’s fate could be determined this week. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – As part of the city’s efforts to evict their pier tenant for repeated failures to pay their rent on time, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office served Cast-N-Cage restaurant owner Roland Pena a county-issued summons on Tuesday, March 10. Serving as a follow up to recent city notices, the county summons allows Pena five days to appear before a county judge to present his case as to why he believes he should not be required to vacate the structures he leases from the city. As of Monday, a hearing had not yet been scheduled. With or without Pena’s participation, a circuit court judge will determine his fate. If the judge rules in favor of the city, a writ of vacation will be executed, and Pena and his business associates will be given a certain number of days to vacate the pier-based restaurant space, bait shop and concession stand.
joe hendricks | sun
As of Monday the Cast-n-Cage restaurant was still open, despite the city’s request that the premises be vacated. TOM VAUGHT | SUN
If the writ is executed, and Pena refuses to leave in the time allotted, a Sheriff’s Officer will visit the site, request that everyone leaves, and ask that the keys be turned over. According to Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale, the restaurant was still open as of Monday. “They were open all weekend, and the mayor said they had live music,” Speciale said.
Dancin’ to the oldies More than 200 people turned out at the Sandbar restaurant pavilion last Thursday to dance to the raise money for the Anna Maria Island Community Chorus and Orchestra. The annual dance is a favorite with couples and singles who remember the music. Gulf Drive Band, featuring Bil Bowdish, Ted Young and Judy Lynn, with guest performer Koko Ray, who once again awed the crowd by playing to saxophones at the same time. The Sandbar provided the use of the pavilion at no cost and they provided refreshments for sale.
MARCH 18, 2015
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Surf shop wins longevity award
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BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – The West Coast Surf Shop is among 20 shops nationwide recognized by the Surf Industry Manufacturer’s Association (SIMA) with its Surf Shop Gold Wave Award for being in business for 50 or more consecutive years. The shop rivals Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach as the oldest surf shop in Florida. Ron Jon’s opened in 1963 and Jim Brady opened his shop in 1964, when he was 16, near the current location of the AMI Chamber of Commerce. He moved it to the present location next to Manatee Public Beach in 1979. “If surfing is a religion, then surf shops are temples of stoke,� said legendary surfer Shaun Tomson, a friend of Brady, at an awards ceremony in Anaheim, Cal. last month. “Every one of you stores that are honored tonight represent over 50 years of stoke. Can you imagine how many young guys and girls, women and men, have gone through your doors, picked up a surfboard and had their lives transformed?� The Holmes Beach shop joined 19 others from California, Hawaii, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina and South Carolina in the awards, honoring “longevity, impact on surf culture and dedication to helping build surfing into the vibrant industry and community it is today,� according to SIMA. “These surf shops are instrumental in building the beach culture we love so much, the foundation of the surf lifestyle since the
SUBMITTED
Quiksilver congratulated Jim and Ronee Brady, of West Coast Surf Shop, for their 2015 SIMA Surf Shop Gold Wave 50+ year award. 1950s and 60s,� said Doug Palladini, SIMA President and Vans’ vice president and general manager in North America. “A surf shop
is very influential to its local surf community – the hub of the local surf community in most cases – and these shops are legendary.� The original West Coast Surf Shop was in the shopping center where the AMI Chamber of Commerce is located.. submitted
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MARCH 18, 2015
Burglary suspect arrested On Sunday, March 15, Holmes Beach police officers were dispatched at 9:02 a.m. to 102 White Ave. in response to a call about a possible burglary in progress. Upon arrival, Sgt. Mike Pilato observed a suspicious vehicle in the driveway, music coming from the house and a shattered side window. He then observed Jason Lowell James, 35, inside the home drinking a beer, according to a police report. Pilato ordered James to the ground and held him there until Officer Chip Frappier arrived. James told the officers he had lived at the residence for the past 17 years and that singer Mariah Cary was part owner. Police called the true property owner, Wesley Beck ATEM Partnership, and a representative responded and took control of the house. James was arrested and is in custody on a $27,500 bond.
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MARCH 18, 2015
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Police break up brawl, dispose of alcohol Spring break is here, and so are the students who are enjoying the beaches and the weather. Some of them are also enjoying things they shouldn’t. Last Wednesday, March 11, Holmes Beach police officers broke up a large fight just after 5 p.m. on the beach near the Martinique condominiums in the 5200 block, according to Police Chief Bill Tokajer. “We arrived, and they ran away,” Tokajer said. “We confiscated some alcohol, but there were no arrests.” Tokajer said police have been going on the beach and have emptied many bottles and cans of alcohol. Alcohol is not allowed on the beach, and Tokajer said a lot of the drinkers are underage.
40 THE SUN
REAL ESTATE
MARCH 18, 2015
Cortez – more than a fishing village
O
ne of the wonderful things about Manatee County is its diversity of communities. Northwest Bradenton is home to subdivisions, many of them high end. The eastern part of the county has exploded with the creation of Lakewood Ranch and other planned communities. Central Manatee has a plethora of condos and single family homes, and of course, the western edge of Manatee is focused on Anna Maria Island with its own unique diversity. But there is one area of Manatee County that is sometimes overlooked when it comes to housing. Cortez is best known as the iconic fishing village on the south side of Cortez Road, but while not as colorful as the old fishing village, the north side is also one of a kind, especially if you’re a boater and want to keep your boat near your home. If you take the turn off of Cortez Road at 119th Street you will weave your way through the Harbour Landings Community. Harbour Landings has both
Castles in the Sand Louise Bolger single-family homes behind secured gates and town homes. The town homes have access to a clubhouse, pool and tennis courts. Many of the homes in Harbour Landings have boat slips and water views from a circular boat basin or the main canal leading to the bay. Also on the main canal there are two condominium communities, both with boat slips for all residents. Mariner's Cove is at the end of 129th Street behind gates with boat slips situated on three canals, all with direct access to the bay. Every unit has a water view, and most of them have spectacular views of the bay over to Anna Maria Island. Smugglers Landing
is the other condo community that shares the main canal, again with assigned boat slips for all units and canal views. Off of 129th Street is the community of The Pointe, with boat slips assigned to each unit. The Pointe also has great views, both over the bay and the boat basin. The boat basin where residents of The Pointe have slips also is home to the Cove Sound Moorings Marina, which is a commercial marina strictly for slip rentals. The Cove Sound Yacht Club shares this boat basin for its community’s boat slips. Cove Sound Yacht Club is a community of Key West-style, single-family hopes behind gates near the end of 129th Street. The remaining gated community is called Sunset Harbor. Sunset Harbour is single family homes with boat slips on the bay side of the community. There are also a collection of single-family homes along the other streets in the area, some of which back up to canals. Prices for properties in this unique
area range from well over a million to the mid-$400,000s and there are several lots available to build on. As of this writing there were 37 properties for sale and nine of them were marked pending about 27 percent. In addition, there were five properties ranging from $1,249,500 to $1,690,000 and three properties in the high $900,000s. The north side of Cortez is a very special area offering properties with fabulous water views, beautifully designed homes and condos in addition to being boat friendly. It is not only a wonderful destination, but it is also a perfect alternative to Anna Maria’s overheated prices and traffic. Frequently overlooked by buyers, Cortez could be just what you’re looking for, and you don’t need to wait in traffic to go over the bridge. Cortez is another one of Manatee County’s distinctive communities – not The Island and not really an island, but an island unto itself.
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MARCH 18, 2015
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Springfest has sprung BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
Sunny, breezy and filled with art, music and good food, the 27th Annual Springfest Festival of Fine Arts and Fine Crafts in Holmes Beach marked another perfect weekend on Anna Maria Island. Folk music and Southern cooking wafted through the air, with barbecue, mullet, collard greens and fried green tomatoes on everyone’s plates. Kids made art projects at the activity area in the Young at Art tent, where local elementary, middle and high school students’ work was exhibited. Artists displayed a variety of work, including hand-carved wooden boxes, clay jewelry, AMI-themed computer mouse pads, handpainted T-shirts, metal fountains, embroidered shoes, oil paintings and stained glass. A raffle of participating artists’ work benefited the scholarship fund for the Anna Maria Island Art League, the event’s sponsor.
Young at Art winners are: Elementary
1st place - Beatrix Turnek, 4th grade 2nd place - Aziel Ibarra, 3rd grade 3rd place - Yael Silva, 5th grade
Middle school
1st place - Myberline Joseph, 7th grade 2nd place - Beety Jean, 8th grade 3rd place - Kaylie Benneet, 8th grade
High school
1st place - Kira Noble 2nd place - Naomi Rafi 3rd place - Juanita Valerie
Artist winners are: Best of Show
Jay Canterbury, photography
Awards of Distinction
Norma Martin, oils/acrylics Helen Howard, watercolor Ward and Sandy Siegler, jewelry Kim Liu, clay/pottery
CINDY LANE | SUN
Awards of Merit
Sara Aune, jewelry Kumiko Walker, jewelry Wayne Harshberger, sculpture Matt and Mike DeMichele, sculpture Dan Davenport, metal
CINDY LANE | SUN
Peter Schoenly, of Ridge Manor, Fla., exhibited his stained glass work (above) at Springfest.
The 27th Annual Springfest Festival of Fine Arts and Fine Crafts in Holmes Beach drew artists and art lovers from all over the country last weekend. Above, Best of Show winner and local favorite Jay Canterbury showed his newest photography work. At left, Brandon Scott did live painting demonstrations.
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MARCH 18, 2015
B est E scape A nyone C an Have
CINDY LANE | SUN
Sun photo exhibit at library “Postcards from the Sun,� an exhibit featuring photographs by Cindy Lane published in The Anna Maria Island Sun, will be featured at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach through March 31. The library is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesdays from noon to 8 p.m. For more information, call 941-778-6341.
Blood drive in Holmes Beach Oneblood will hold a blood drive at Holmes Beach City hall on Friday, March 27, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. All donors will receive a free T-shirt, and a wellness check including blood pressure, temperature, iron count and cholesterol screening.
Make an appointment online at www.oneblooddonor.org and use the sponsor code #27373.
Drama camp performance The Make Believe Team and Drama Club students at the Island Community Center have finished
their first eight weeks of classes and are now ready to showcase their talents. The performance will be on Thursday, March 26, at 7 p.m. in the Community Center gym, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, and is open to the public. For information, call 778-1908.
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Betty Yanger accepted the Volunteer of the Year award from board member Arlene Clark at last year's luncheon.
File photo
Historical Society 25th Anniversary Luncheon set The Anna Maria Island Historical Society will hold its 25th Anniversary Members’ Luncheon on Thursday, March 19, at noon at The Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. The guest speaker will be co-founder Carolyne Norwood, and docents and bread bakers will be honored. Members also will learn about updates at the museum.
Chefs from The Loft5 and Table to Farm will offer a luncheon with locally sourced ingredients. Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for non-members. For more information contact Susan Anderson at 407 445-2678 or e-mail your luncheon reservation to amihsmembership@gmail.com.
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CENTER: Plans criticized FROM PAGE 1
thinks that’s a good idea.” At a Feb. 23 meeting, the Center’s board of directors voted to proceed with the fitness center as presented by board member Shawn Kaleta. It would include fitness equipment and locker rooms with dressing areas and showers, accommodate 75 to 100 people, and the cost would be about $500,000. Regarding the rental issue, Peelen was referring to the Community Center board’s plan to raise funds for the fitness center by getting four property management companies to participate in the Center’s rental membership program in which property owners acquire Center memberships for their renters.
Take a message
“It bothered me too, and I’m glad you brought it up,” Chair Judy Titsworth said the Peelen. Commissioner Carol Soustek, the city’s liaison to the Community Center, asked if she should take a message to the Center’s board that “the city of Holmes Beach has problems with their proposal.” Peelen said they should “express concern that businesses in our city will be really impacted by their plans.” At Thursday’s work session, resident Kim Rash said he was disturbed by Peelen’s comments and stressed, “We have two nice gyms with hard working people on the Island. I found out that we as taxpayers give money to the Community Center to help it operate. “I feel we need to protect our business owners here in Holmes Beach. They contribute to the community and make a difference. I don’t think it’s right for the commission to send our hard earned money and take away from our small businesses. You should send them a letter and say if they proceed, you’ll pull your funding from them.” According to City Treasurer Lori Hill, the city has donated $22,500 per year to the Center for the past several years.
Different views
Jen Crady, owner of AMI Health & Fitness, said, “It’s unfortunate that our own Community’ Center is becoming a threat to local business. Every small business relies heavily on the income generated from seasonal residents as well as visitors. “AMICC’s plan to target the rental agencies as well as property owners will take a substantial amount of income from the two existing fitness centers located in Anna Maria. “It is sad that AMICC is not using their resources to reinvest in the pro-
We welcome constructive input from anyone who would like to roll up their sleeves and be a part of the solution.” Cindy Thompson Center executive director grams that have kept their doors open through the financial hardship that they have experienced over the last several years.” She said there is no demand for a resort spa and fitness center at the Community Center. Brenda Canning, of Island Fitness, said, “I’m a small business and to have a big gym like that in a small community will hurt. They’re spending a lot of money in an industry where they have no experience. “The board thinks it will bring revenue, but there are so many other possibilities of things they could do when there are already two fitness centers. They’re taking away from the kids.” She said she has always supported the Center by donating gift certificates for their events and gift package for The Affaire and concluded, “If they want continued support, we should all work together.” Cindy Thompson, the Center’s executive director, also weighed in on the issue and pointed out, “We, the stewards of your Community Center, believe maximizing all aspects of the Center to bring it to its full potential is a worthy effort to which we have committed ourselves. We have been working diligently to bring the Center to self-sufficiency. “We believe we can and should upgrade our existing programs and facilities in order to increase revenue while managing expenses. We have tightened financial controls, cut costs and increased services, but to survive and prosper we must continue to search for ways to increase revenue. “While we are making progress, there is still much to do if we are to provide more services to families and individuals who rely on the Center. We welcome constructive input from anyone who would like to roll up their sleeves and be a part of the solution.”
MARCH 18, 2015
Commission to proceed with special magistrate Holmes Beach city commissioners last week agreed to proceed with an ordinance to establish the position of special magistrate to replace the code enforcement board for code enforcement hearings. Currently the city pays an attorney to represent the code board and one to represent the city. City Attorney Patricia Petruff said a magistrate would
not save the city money because the city would have to pay the magistrate to hear the case and the city attorney to be the prosecutor. Commissioner Pat Morton said it would eliminate the issue of “friends judging friends,” and Commissioner Jean Peelen said it would take the emotion and opinion out of the decisions.
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MARCH 18, 2015
Board to renovate two park areas The traffic island at Key Royale, Marina and Palm drives and Magnolia Park on 37th Street will be replanted. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Beautification board members focused on renovations to two public park areas at their recent meeting. At the traffic island at Key Royale, Marina and Palm drives, Vice Chair Denis Groh, who designed the renovations, proposed leaving only one fire bush, three necklace pods and two muhly grass plants. “I wanted to save more, but the problem is that all of it is going to grow to big,” he told the board. His replacement plant list includes shore junipers, firecracker plant, dwarf coco plum, dwarf jatropha, Southern wax myrtle, dwarf variegated schefflera, evergreen giant liriope, perennial peanut, blanket flower, beach
sunflower, seaside oxeye daisy, mimosa, jasmine minima, coontie, aloe vera, Parson’s juniper, muhly grass, texas sage, Indian hawthorn, dwarf yaupon holly and coco plum. He said they all could be purchased in one-gallon size except the coco plum, and all are drought tolerant. The low growing plants will be kept in the front where drivers need visibility. “We’ll use this as an experiment and find out if these low growing plants work for us,” he said. “The goal is to find out what will survive. Public Works Foreman Gary Blunden said the area is a school bus stop and noted, “I want the people to be able to see the kids and the kids to be able to see the bus.”
Magnolia Park
Groh said Magnolia Park on 37th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues includes nine Christmas palms and a magnolia tree planted in memory of Ruth Anne Ryskamp. He said the
area floods, and the trees cannot survive. He suggested replacing the magnolia in a new location and replacing the palms with green buttonwood, swamp dogwood, Simpson’s stopper, pineland privet, dahoon holly, Florida agama grass, salt meadow cord grass and yaupon holly. In other business: • Blunden asked members to consider redesigning the traffic triangles at East Bay Drive and Manatee Avenue. He said the palms there are getting too tall and it gets very hot at that location. Groh said he would work on a design. • Groh said they would receive a Simpson’s stopper or Key thatch palm for Florida Arbor Day, April 24. • Member Jerry West said memorial trees would be seven to 10 feet tall and in 10-gallon pots. The family would pick a location, and the city would pick the tree. West offered to coordinate the memorial tree program with the public works department.
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March classes and programs at Community Center The Island Community Center offers the following classes at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. For further details or to register, call the Center at 778-1908. or visit the website at www.islandcommunitycenter.com. For a complete list of center programs and special events, visit the website.
Mah Jongg Club
Join the Mah Jongg Club on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Member price is $5, and non-member price is $10.
Chair yoga
Chair yoga, a unique yoga practice using standing and seated poses, will allow you to enjoy the benefits of yoga without having to get up and down from the floor or get your knees on the floor. Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. Members pay $8, non-members pay $15. Instructor is Lucy Spoon Members.
Watercolor class
Sue Lynn Cotton is back with her yearly watercolor class, appropriate for both the novice and experienced artist. Scheduled for Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. January through April, this is an opportunity to learn to create a quality painting with less effort while constructing a better-designed composition. Member price is $20/lesson, and non-member price is $25/lesson.
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TOWN CRIER
ing work and teaching meditation for the past seven years. Sign up now for Saturday, March 28. Spikes takes donations and proceeds go to the Art League. Pre-register by calling 778-2099 or at Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Boulevard, Holmes Beach, on Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
View play and help fight cancer The Island Players will host a benefit preview performance of “Becky’s New Car” to help find a cure for cancer on Tuesday, March 24, at 8 p.m. at Island Players Theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Tickets to the general admission performance are a $20 donation. Tickets are available at Creations by L, 5500 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, at the Beach Market at Coquina Beach on Sundays or from Nancy Ambrose at 941-518-4431. Tickets are not available at the Island Players box office.
Fun and games at church St Bernard’s Women’s Guild will host an afternoon of fun and games which will include, bridge, bunco, bingo, mah jong, cards and board games with many prizes awarded starting at 1 p.m., on Wednesday, March 18, at the activity center, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Join the group or bring your own game. Desserts and beverages will be served. A donation of $10 is requested. For more information, call 941-7925983 or 941-792-7433.
Festival helps Butterfly Park The Coquina Beach Arts and Crafts Festival to benefit the Anna Maria Island Butterfly Park will be held on Wednesday, March 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday, March 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Coquina Beach Gulfside, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. This outdoor arts and crafts festival offers vendors of all types selling jewelry, wood, art, photography, apparel, metal, photography, crafts, food and much more. For information, contact Terri at 352-344-0657 or visit www. tnteventsinc.com.
Library seeks writers and artists The Manatee County Library System is publishing a new online literary and arts journal called “805” and the editors of this bi-monthly publication are seeking short stories, flash fiction, essays, poems and art. Writers and artists are asked to submit via the website at www.805lit. org and include full contact information, genre and word count, if applicable. For general information, visit www.805lit.org.
Women share supper Dining for Women, a women's giving
MARCH 18, 2015
A groovy kind of love event
Garden club holds Penny Flower Show
The Anna Maria Garden Club will hold its annual Penny Flower Show from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, at Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. The show features floral arrangements by the members using the theme of "The Wizard of Oz." A poster contest to publicize the show was held among students at Anna Maria Elementary and the following prizes were awarded: first place, German Rivera, fifth grade; second place, Elaina Bayard, fourth grade; and third place, Laurelle Bandy, fourth grade. Several gift baskets will be raffled, and baked goods will be available for sale. Members of the public are encouraged to come and vote for their favorite arrangements.
circle, will meet for a pot luck supper Thursday, March 19, at 6 p.m. at the Sandpiper Resort Coop Clubhouse, 2601 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. All are welcome. The featured recipient of donations this month is The Grandmother Project in Senegal. For more information or to attend, call Brookie at 941-779-2307.
Community Connections to meet The group formed to bring residents of the Island together is holding its monthly meeting on Friday, March 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Anna Maria Island Community Center, 407 Magnolia, Anna Maria. Attendees are urged to bring “sippies and munchies” to this soiree, members and prospective members are welcome. Let Sissy Quinn know if you are coming by calling 778-5120 or e-mail sqonami@tampabay.rr.com.
Roser Choir is flippin' pancakes Invite your friends and join in for a Roser-style pancake breakfast on Saturday, March 21, from 8 to 11 a.m. in the Roser Community Church Fellowship Hall at 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria. The menu includes pancakes, sausages, biscuits and gravy, applesauce, orange juice, coffee and tea. Tickets are $5 at the door Sponsored by the Roser Music Department, proceeds go to purchase new music folders. The Roser Community Church Chancel Choir members give of their time and talent each week, at-
tending rehearsals and setting the tone for Sunday worship services. They will be presenting a cantata at both 8:30 and 10 a.m. in the Sanctuary on Palm Sunday, March 29. The cantata, “Come, Touch The Robe – Encounters with the Healer, the Servant, the Lord of Easter” will be accompanied by piano, flute, clarinet, violins and trumpets. The Cantata is written by Pepper Choplin and recounts the interaction of several people who were with Jesus during his last days on earth. For more information call the church office at 941-778-0414, e-mail info@ roserchurch.com, go to www.roserchurch.com or on Facebook at www. facebook/roserchurch.
Gospel music at CrossPointe The Redeemed Quartet will be in concert at CrossPointe Fellowship on Sunday, March 22, at 7:00 p.m. The group will present a variety of gospel songs. CrossPointe Fellowship is located at 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. The concert is free to all.
Meditation class benefits the arts Sheryl Spikes will teach a meditation class on Saturdays, March 28, April 25, May 23, and June 27, from 11 a.m. to noon at the Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd, Holmes Beach. Spikes, a full-time, 25-year island resident, is a licensed registered nurse for 45 years, practicing energy heal-
Retro Rocks the Renaissance at the Renaissance on Ninth Street in Bradenton on Saturday, March 28, from 6 to 10:30 p.m. with entertainment by oldies band Yesterdazye. Enjoy food and two drink tickets for $75 per person; tables are available. The Animal Network and Meals on Wheels Plus invites all to a groovy kind of party. Proceeds will benefit heartworm positive dogs. Help homeless pets get families and enjoy yourself at the same time. Order tickets and tiedied T-shirts and find other information at www.retrorockconcert.com.
Beach market open Sunday Shopping outdoors at the beach is a unique experience, especially when the rest of the country is trying to dig out of snowstorms. The Beach Market, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach at the trolley stop, concession stand area, is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Sunday through July, except Easter. It offers fresh produce, arts and crafts, jewelry, local artists, apparel, pottery, purses, collectibles, health and beauty items and more. The Coquina Café will be open, selling meals and snacks with seating. Manatee County does not allow dogs anywhere in Coquina Park. The market is stroller, walker and wheelchair accessible. Contact Nancy Ambrose for more information 941-518-4431.
College assistance for women The Manatee County Branch of the American Association of University Women is taking applications from Manatee County women for scholarships for the 2015-16 school year. High school seniors can get an application form from their counselors or on-line. Women of all ages are encouraged to apply. Applications are accepted for colleges, universities and technical schools. Go to http://aauw-fl.aauw.net/ files/2013/11/ManateeAAUW_Scholarship_Application_pdf.pdf for an application. The deadline is March 21. Last year the Manatee County Branch of the American Association of University Women awarded 17 scholarships totaling $17,500. This year at least $19,500 is available for worthy applicants.
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Compromise produces varied reactions The proposed settlement left many with plenty to say. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Some who participated in Friday’s global settlement discussions left city hall feeling cautiously optimistic that the compromises brokered might help heal a fractured city commission and a politically-divided citizenry. Others were less enthusiastic. Still to be finalized, the proposed settlement would end multiple lawsuits, two parking disputes and the forfeiture of office proceedings initiated against Mayor Bill Shearon. After Friday’s meeting, Shearon commented on the forfeiture proceedings being abandoned. “That was the reason for the global settlement, but hopefully this compromise resolves all the current issues. Not only that, I think it sets a precedence for the future that we are going work better together, resolve issues and move forward in a better way. That’s my hope,” he said. When the meeting ended, BeachHouse restaurant owner Ed Chiles shook hands with Shearon, Vice Mayor Jack Clarke, and former legal adversary Jo Ann Meilner. “Hope springs eternal. I’m optimistic that we’re now working together,” Chiles said, noting that he will not miss the acrimony, or the time and dollars expended during disputes that date back to 2012. “From the beginning, I’ve wanted to take one of the great locations in this area and
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Resident and lawsuit plaintiff Tjet Martin addresses the commission during Friday’s global settlement discussions. make it better. I want to present a world-class building to match a world-class location, so I’m excited about getting on with phase three,” he added. Lawsuit plaintiff Tjet Martin said, “I will be very happy when everything’s signed and done.” In regard to the small scale comprehensive plan amendment promised to Chiles to protect his parking rights, she said, “I was happy they did not push the citywide comp plan issue because that would have been a possible deal breaker for me.” Addressing the spirit of the settlement, Martin said, “I hope this will get rid of the conflict and hard feelings. I wish they (the commission) would just move forward and do projects.”
One such project might be a fitness park located on the city property that was spared from serving as a public parking lot. When all conditions of the settlement are met, Martin plans to present her concept to the Scenic Waves Committee she co-chairs. Commissioner Janie Robertson was also pleased the city property was saved, and she said there is grant money available to help fund a beachfront exercise park. “Everybody had to give a little bit, and some people think they gave an awful lot, but it’s going to work,” she said of the proposed settlement. When asked about the potential for greater commission cooperation, Robertson laughed and said, “It all depends on what the issues are.”
Commissioner Jan Vosburgh said, “I couldn’t be happier that the city finally reached a compromise. After incurring more legal fees, we can move forward and do the work we were elected to do.” On a cautionary note, she said, “Let’s not forget who caused all these lawsuits. We can move on and forgive, but let’s not forget because we never want to repeat what happened in the last year and a half.” Having conceded the forfeiture efforts, the forfeiture resolution and a citywide comp plan amendment, Clarke does not yet envision a united commission holding hands and singing Kumbaya. “The mayor deserves credit for the resolution of the some of the litigation the city has recently faced. This is facilitated by the fact that the mayor, at one time or another, was a plaintiff and/or litigant in three of the four suits; and saving money and city resources doesn’t address the underlying dysfunction of the city operations.” Clarke said. He also referenced the ongoing citizeninitiated recall efforts, which could result in a special election that determines whether Shearon remains in office. “I count on the voters to tell fact from illusion. Our city needs a less global and more local approach to solving its problems,” he concluded. Commissioner Ed Straight said, “It’s hard to say what’s going to happen in the future, but at least we’re going in the right direction. There will always be disagreement among commissioners, but it’s a matter of how strongly they disagree.”
SETTLEMENT: Commission closing in FROM PAGE 1
in the resolution. We are, at the moment, focused on the big picture, or the spirit of the agreement. Initially, we are going to stand down on the lawsuits,” Johnson said, when the meeting resumed. “We are recommending everybody lays down their arms,” he added. Johnson and Perry hope to present a draft settlement agreement at the Thursday, March 19 commission meeting.
The parking debate
The negotiations got off to a rocky start, when discussing the 2012 lawsuit Shearon, Martin and Meilner filed against the city in opposition to a development agreement that allowed Chiles to use the southern portion of his restaurant property for parking, while obligating the city to build a small public
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Attorney Chuck Johnson reviews the proposed global settlement details with city commissioners Friday morning. parking area next to the BeachHouse property. Friday’s debate centered on preserving the city property, rather than denying Chiles his parking. Citing the need for public parking, Commissioner Jan Vosburgh proposed the city lot be used for that purpose.
In response, Shearon said, “If we’re going to have parking over there, I think this conversation is done. If this body wants to have parking over there, I don’t think there’s going to be a settlement.” Lincoln said dropping the lawsuit would not protect Chiles from future legal challenges, and he
requested a comprehensive plan amendment to address parking prohibitions placed on properties holding the preservation zoning designation. “I don’t know a way to fix this without a comp plan amendment,” he said. Last year, Shearon and Commis-
sioner Janie Robertson opposed the citywide comp plan amendment proposed by City Planner Alan Garrett. Approval of a comp plan amendment requires at least four votes. “The only way this will be settled for sure is to change the comp plan. If we’re going to all dig our heels in, then we’re wasting our time,” said Commissioner Ed Straight. Vice Mayor Jack Clarke favored a citywide amendment that would have protected the city from future lawsuits being filed by other beachfront property owners. Perry proposed a small scale comp plan amendment for the Chiles property only, rather than a citywide amendment that could have led to additional beachfront properties being used for parking. Martin and Meilner supported Perry’s proposal. SEE SETTLEMENT, PAGE 49
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SPORTS
MARCH 18, 2015
Underdogs take the titles: Youth flag football season comes to an end BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN
After eight weeks of regular season play through the rain and cold winds of winter, youth flag football at the Anna Maria Island Community Center came to an end Friday night with three battles for the championship. In each match up, the number three seed team in the playoffs played against the first seed team. As no one could have predicted, in each game the underdog was the victor – the Super Bowl Champions. These outcomes are prime examples of parity in the leagues, where any team could come out the winner.
8-to-10-Year-Old League #1 Buccaneers #3 Bears
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In the first game of the evening, the Buccaneers, coached by Gary Harlan, came out ready to take the season title, but the Bears would see the game differently. Coached by David Johnston, the Bears were determined to end the season with a win. With a solid quarterbacking effort, Gavin Johnston completed seven out of 10 passes and scored two rushing touchdowns. Brett Balais and Kiera Johnston both added to the Bears’ scoring record with catches that ultimately found them in the end zone. Alayna Leestma scored two points on an extra point conversion. Two receiving touchdowns by Billy Jackson helped to seal the deal for the Bears. The Bears’ victory would not have been possible without the team’s strong defensive effort. G. Johnston contributed with four flag pulls and one interception. Nicholas Yatros also had an interception and two flag pulls. Charlie Faul added two pulls, while Dante Tilelli topped the charts with five defensive stops. Balais added to his statistics with a single pull of the Bucs flag. The Bucs were not without their chances to win the championship title. The strong arm of quarterback Caleb O’Connor got his team to the Super Bowl. He showed his talents with eight complete passes on 11 attempts. It was the passing game that kept the Bucs in the ball game. With three passing touchdowns, Quinton O’Connor led his team in receiving yards and scor-
MONICA SIMPSON | SUN
8-to-10-year-old champions: the Bears, coached by David Johnston. ing. Jeremiah Sculco and Ashton Hoy both added a touchdown to the Bucs’ scoreboard. Q. O’Connor and Payton Harlan also added two point conversions to their game statistics. Sculco and Harlen worked to keep the score close with two flag pulls for each of the Bucs players. C. O’Connor led the team with three pulls, and Hoy had a single pull in the game. The turnovers and strong defensive plays seemed to make the difference in the end of the season game. Despite the spirited effort, the Buccaneers just could not keep the Bears out of the end zone and lost the game by 12 points.
11-to-13-Year-Old League #1 Saints #3 Bucs
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In a much anticipate rematch, the Saints, coached by Darren Horesh, met the Bucs, coached by Roger Guthrie in the second Super Bowl battle of the night. During the regular season, the Bucs were the only team able to defeat the number one seed Saints. Like the first championship game, the final score was determined by a critical turnover. With nearly error free
quarterbacking by Dalton Guthrie, who threw nine complete passes out of 10 attempts, the Saints’ defense just could not stop strong receiving and running by Andrew Proctor. Proctor scored three of the four touchdowns for the Bucs, with the fourth by Daniel Zollar. Andrew Zollar scored the lone extra point for the Buccaneers. On defense, the Buc’s line stopped the speed of Hannah McCracken and Jackson Hayes, a feat the other teams in the league were unable to do during both the regular season and playoffs. Proctor notched eight flag pulls. Both Zollars had two pulls of their own. Guthrie added a defensive stop and sack to his game stats. The game changer play came from Tyler Brewer with an interception that was run back more than half the length of the field for a touchdown to cap the victory for the Bucs. The Bucs’ victory did not come easy. Saints quarterback Tuna McCracken also had a near perfect game with seven complete passes out of eight attempts. Jackson Hayes took the option and threw two complete passes. Eli Brashear added critical rushing yards. The Saints spread out their scoring
with Hayes, Morgan Horesh, David Daigle and H. McCracken each scoring a touchdown. Hayes scored the lone extra point. The Saints’ defense remained strong. Hayes pulled three flags. Daigle made a single stop, and H. McCracken continued her defensive attack with four flag pulls and two sacks. But the effort came just short as the game ended with the Bucs the victors.
14-to-17-Year-Old League #1 Redskins #3 Eagles
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In the final match up of the evening, the underdogs once again showed the number one seed that they could be beat. It was a battle of the quarterbacks with 29 passing attempts between both teams. Quarterback Jeret Rojas led the Eagles, coached by Matt Ray. Completing 12 of 15 passes, the team racked up receiving yards by Dylan and Ryan Doyle, Michael Lattimer, Steele Quinard, and Anthony Mannino. Lattimer and Mannino both contributed to the Eagles’ victory with see sports, page 41
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sports: scores and schedules FROM PAGE 48
rushing yards. Lattimer led the team in scoring with two touchdowns, with the Doyles close behind with a single touchdown each and Mannino’s single score. Defensively, four of the Eagles players stood out. Three flag pulls by Lattimer, two by D. Doyle and two by J. Rojas made the Redskins work for every yard. The defensive difference came from R. Doyle who had three sacks, three flag pulls, and one interception. The strong offensive and defensive team effort led to the Eagles’ Super Bowl win. The equally matched Redskins, coached by Joey Carder, did not make it easy for the Eagles. Quarterback Alex Martinez also had a nearly perfect game completing 13 out of 14 passes. Chris Johnson contributed for the Redskins with receiving yards, including a touchdown and extra point. Toni Spurduto put an extra point on the board for his team, as did Lucas Paquin in addition to three catches in the game. Jacob Robertson scored a touchdown and caught five passes for the Redskins. Corey Jacques also put six points on the scoreboard for the Skins and had two receptions. While on defense, the Redskins were able to keep the score close
MONICA SIMPSON | SUN
11-to-13-year-old champions: the Bucs, coached by Roger Guthrie. with a good team effort. Jacques’ two sacks and three defensive stops complimented Paquin’s two flag pulls and interception. Spurduto and Martinez each had a single flag pull, and Johnson pulled three. Despite the strong effort by the Redskins, the Eagles took the Super Bowl Championship. With the last click of the time clock, the winter youth flag football season came to a close.
Key Royale women win prize money The women of Key Royale set out to prove the adage, "Drive for show; putt for dough," as they were awarded prize money for low number of putts on Tuesday, March 10. Flight A first place went to Pam Lowry with 12, Laura Purcell, Liz Lang and Pam Alvord tied for second with 14 and Debi Wohlers came in third with 15. In Flight B Carol Duncan and Meredith Slavin tied for first with 14 putts, Sue Christenson, Jan Jump and Joyce Brown each had 15 putts in a tie for second place, and Carol Patterson and Sue Wheeler shared third place with 19. Jan Turner took first place in Flight C with 14 putts, Sally Martin came in second with 15 putts, and Joyce Lathrop and Terry Westby shared the third place spot with 16 putts each. First place in Flight D was Susan VanOrsdel with 14, second went to Eileen Witzgall with 15 and Ann Hitchen came in third with 16. Debi Wohlers scored a birdie on both hole 6 and 8, and Judy Christensen had a birdie on hole 8. Jan Turner and Jan Jump chipped in on hole #2, and Judy Christensen had a chip in on #8.
MONICA SIMPSON | SUN
14-to-17-year-old champions: the Eagles, coached by Matt Ray.
The Sun Scoreboard 18 & Over Adult Co-Ed Flag Football League Semi-Final Results #1 Slims Place Falcons #5 Giants
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30 and Up Adult Co-Ed Flag Football League Semi-Final Results #2 Poppos Chargers #3 Chiefs
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#2 Saints #6 Sato Real Estate Rams
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#1 Raiders #4 Packers
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18 & Over Adult Co-Ed Flag Football Super Bowl – March 18 8:00 p.m. #1 Slims Place Falcons vs. #2 Saints
30 and Up Adult Co-Ed Flag Football League Super Bowl – March 19 8:00 p.m. #1 Raiders vs. #2 Poppos Chargers
SETTLEMENT: Commission closes in FROM PAGE 47
Meilner said, I can promise you I will never come back and sue the city over that parking lot; and I don’t have someone waiting on the next block who says ‘you quit and I’ll sue.’ For me, this ends here today.” It was agreed that Chiles would get his parking and comp plan amendment, the city property would be preserved as a park, Martin and Meilner would drop their suit and Chiles would drop the 2014 suit he filed against Shearon. The city property was recently cleared of non-native vegetation, as mandated by the state, and City Engineer Lynn Townsend Burnett recommended a curbcut be installed to provide access for city and emergency vehicles, with bollards put in place to prevent parking.
The forfeiture debate
The settlement also hinged on Clarke, Straight and Vosburgh stopping the forfeiture of office proceedings they initiated against Shearon and rescinding the forfeiture resolution they adopted last fall.
For the sake of settling all these lawsuits, we need to dismiss the forfeiture.” Ed Straight Commissioner In return, Shearon will drop his lawsuit challenging the resolution’s legality. “I don’t have a problem with ending the forfeiture, but I don’t see the problem with the resolution,” Clarke said, noting that the procedural document does not refer to the mayor specifically and is applicable to any commissioner. Shearon said rescinding the resolution would protect him from future forfeiture efforts. Because this issue involved potential personal financial gain or loss by the
mayor, Shearon recused himself and passed the gavel to Clarke when consensus was sought. Clarke proposed that the forfeiture process continue and the resolution remain in place, but he received no support for either position. “For the sake of settling all these lawsuits, we need to dismiss the forfeiture. As for the resolution, it’s going to be revisited by the Charter Review Committee,” Straight said.
The end game
Martin also agreed to drop her lawsuit regarding a public records request she made for the e-mail records of Perry, Clarke, Vosburgh, and Public Works Director Tom Woodard. All four lawsuits will be formally abated until the settlement is finalized. The comp plan amendment could take two months, and the settlement will not be signed or legally binding until all conditions are met, which means the parties involved must continue to work in good faith until then. After the meeting, Johnson said, “Now we hope to get it across the finish line.”
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Obituaries Stephen G. Lutz Stephen G. Lutz, 53, best known as “Chef,” of Deposit, N.Y., passed away at his home on March 6, 2015. He was born June 14, 1961 in Boston, Mass., the son of Gilbert and Carol (Erdmann) Lutz. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Sue (Jentgens) Lutz; a son and his wife, BJ and Katie Williams; his parents, Gilbert and Carol Lutz; three brothers and their spouses, Rob and Julie Lutz, Charles and Marina Lutz, and Tom and Samya Lutz; a number of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews; and many friends. Steve was a devoted husband, a fan-
BEACH BEAT Anna Maria
3/10, 2:27 p.m., battery, 300 block of North Bay Boulevard. Two women who were formerly romantically involved, got into an argument and the defendant reportedly bit the victim, pinned her to the ground and pulled her hair. The defendant was arrested.
Bradenton Beach
3/7, 7:13 p.m., disturbance, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S. A fight between a male, whose girlfriend was kissing another man, and the man being kissed resulted in the police being called. Both sides refused to press charges, so there was no further action taken. 3/9, 12:34 p.m., 100 block of Fifth Street South. A man, who was known to the victim, urinated in a hallway in front of her. There were no witnesses so the officer filed a capias report to the state attorney’s office
tastic father and a fierce friend. Steve and Sue indulged their love of travel and meeting new people throughout their lives. Steve began his career apprenticing under two chefs in Longboat Key. He moved on to the Beach Bistro in Holmes Beach as sous chef and his career in the kitchen went on from there. In 1990, the family moved to Ruidoso, N.M., where Steve worked at the Inn of the Mountain Gods. After spending seven years there, Steve and Sue chose to step out on their own and opened Dr. Steve’s Kitchen. Over the next few years, they met and fed many wonderful friends and neighbors. From there, on to the South Congress Café in Austin, Texas; the Alta Lodge in Alta, Utah; the Rosario Resort and Spa on Orcas Island, Wash.; and on to the Chestnut Inn in Deposit, N.Y. Steve worked at the “Nut” for 15 months before the business closed. When Steve had trouble finding work in the area of the Village he had grown to love, Steve and Sue decided to open the Koo Koose Grille. Steve loved what he did. It was more than a job; it was his passion
Holmes Beach
3/2, 3:51 p.m., driving with a suspended license, 4300 block of Gulf Drive. The officer made a spot check of the suspect’s vehicle, and it showed the owner’s license was suspended with an order to seize his tag if he is caught driving. The driver said he did not know his license was suspended, but he said he had let his insurance lapse. He was ticketed, and the officer seized the tag. 3/3, 2:33 a.m., domestic violence, 500 block of 72nd Street. The complainant said her boyfriend hit her during an argument. The victim had been drinking and she directed the officer to the mate, who was in another room. She said she did not do anything and the complainant had pulled her hair. The officer noticed hair around her. She also smelled like she had been drinking. The officer turned his attention to a witness, who did not smell like alcohol. She said the second woman had stayed home all evening while the complainant had gone out and called the witness later, asking for a ride
and his art. He loved his community and helping wherever he could, and he left his mark on hearts and taste buds across the country. Funeral services were held Friday, March 13, 2015, at 11 a.m. at the Deposit First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Mike Jansen officiating. Donations in memory of Steve may be sent to Sue Lutz at 52 Fourth St., Deposit, N.Y. 13754 for the creation of the Stephen Lutz Memorial Book Scholarship Fund. Arrangements are through Zacharias Funeral Home, 78 Second St., Deposit, N.Y. Condolences may be expressed at www.zachariasfuneralhome.com.
John F. Robuck, Jr. John F. Robuck, Jr., 69, Holmes Beach, died March 14, 2015. Born in Moncks Corner, S.C., he moved to Bradenton in 2003 from New York City, and attended Ss Peter & Paul the Apostles Catholic Church. A veteran of the U.S. Army during Vietnam, he was employed at World Wide Dreams of NYC, was a member
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of the Key Royale Club, the Globus Journeymen and the Anna Maria Historical Society. Survived by wife, Kathy of Holmes Beach, Fla.; son, John, III (Rebecca) of Bethesda, Md.; daughter, Tara (Jason) Bacani of Bryn Mawr, Pa.; sister, Elizabeth Watson of Pinopolis, S.C.; grandchildren Jackson and Ella. A memorial Mass will be at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, March 19, 2015, at Ss Peter & Paul the Apostles Catholic Church. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 43rd Street Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations made to National Parks Foundation or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.
Diane S. Tyree Diane S. Tyree, 69, of Anna Maria Island, died March 4, 2015. She is survived by her children Carole, David and Greg. Service is set for 11 a.m. on March 20, at Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Bradenton Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.
home. She said she picked up the second woman and when they got home, the pair got into an argument and they both started pulling each other’s hair. Based on the story, the officer arrested the complainant.3/4, 6:52 a.m., criminal mischief, Grassy Point. A party or parties unknown trimmed trees in the preserve, leaving branches on the ground. The officer took pictures and filed them. 3/4, 3:20 p.m., battery on a law enforcement officer, obstructing justice, 3200 East Bay Drive, Walgreen’s. The management said the defendant, who was homeless, was making a scene and wanted him trespassed. The officer did so, and the defendant left, but he returned telling the officer to arrest him. On the way to the van that would take him to jail, the defendant said he would kill the officer, who called for backup. Another Holmes Beach officer and a Sheriff’s Office deputy from the Island arrived, and the defendant became violent. He bit one officer, and it took all three officers to subdue him so he could be taken to jail. 3/6, 11:55 a.m., sexual assault, 3000 block
of Gulf Drive. The victim said her husband had stolen her bank card and withdrew $200. Later, she awakened to find him on top of her. She agreed to be examined for rape. Police found the husband and arrested him without incident. 3/6, 4:03 p.m., driving with a suspended license, driving without using a seat belt, 3000 Gulf Drive. The officer observed the defendant not wearing her seat belt and pulled her over. He found her ID was suspended, and she had no license. He gave her a notice to appear for no license and a ticket for no seat belt. 3/6, 8:15 p.m., driving with a suspended license, not wearing a seat belt. The office observed the suspect’s passenger was not wearing a seat belt and pulled him over. He found the driver’s license was revoked. He issued a summons to the suspect. 3/14, 6:39 p.m., DUI with accident, 6600 block of Marina Drive. A woman ran into the car in front of her, and the responding officer suspected alcohol. He called a Sheriff’s Office deputy to investigate, and the driver was arrested.
Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Benefit performance of “Becky’s New Car,” Island Players Theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Tickets $20 at Creations by L, 5500 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach; the Beach Market at Coquina Beach; or from Nancy Ambrose at 941-518-4431.
Kayaking for first timers, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton. Reserve to 941-7425757, ext. 7. Early Settler’s Bread for sale, AMI Historical Museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., $5. Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., $8. Register to 941-778-2099.
mark your calendar From Page 7
“Pirates of Penzance,” Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, 6101 Cortez Road W, Bradenton, 2 p.m., $25.
Monday March 23
Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 11 to 11:45 a.m., $8. Register to 941-778-2099.
Social bridge games, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, noon.
Tuesday March 24
Children’s story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Duplicate bridge, Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 12:30 p.m. Storyteller Lucia Blinn, Island Branch
Wednesday March 25
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FUN IN THE SUN
Across 1 Biting 8 Pulley wheel 14 Beyond enthusiastic 16 __ arch: blood vessel section 17 Pennsylvania athletes 19 "Charlotte's Web" monogram 20 Like dreamers, often 21 Word of suspicion, to Tweety 22 Steering aids 24 __ moment 26 Langley-based org. 27 Maritime raptor 28 Florida athletes 32 Booyah, e.g. 33 Tax shelter initials 34 Gray wrote one in a country churchyard 35 Illinois athletes 39 Teatime choice
Answers to 03-11-15 Crossword Puzzle.
42 "Un-PC" was added to it in 2014 43 "Take a Chance on Me" group 47 Michigan athletes 50 Company headquartered in Trollhättan 51 Fizzy prefix 52 Words before hear or see 53 Needing to be picked up 54 "Let it be" 56 Address label words 60 Düsseldorf distances: Abbr. 61 Sports cliché that explains 17-, 28-, 35- and 47-Across 64 Make final adjustments to, as a concert piano 65 Family feud 66 They may be intangible
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67 Setting piece Down 1 Electrical units 2 Scott Adams' Evil Director of Human Resources 3 Wrap around 4 Grafton's "__ for Ricochet" 5 Rum desserts 6 Post-op areas 7 Red Sox great Yastrzemski 8 The tenth Muse, to Plato 9 Old TV knob 10 Proof word 11 Diplomatic official 12 Taking in 13 "Understanding is a kind of __": Sagan 15 Part of XXL: Abbr. 18 Proceed 23 Air freshener scent 25 Ray or Jay 28 Emcee's aid 29 The Era of __: period in Notre Dame sports lore 30 Toon with a cat named Bowser 31 Satisfy 36 Health care orgs. 37 Vintner's prefix 38 Hose users: Abbr. 39 Words on the Royal Canadian Air Force badge 40 Is ready to blow 41 "__ of Philadelphia": Oscar-winning song
44 Court scores 45 Long-grained Asian rice 46 Beyond poor 48 Pre-game decision
makers 49 Property encumbrance 53 Eiffel's world 55 Level 57 Fall mo.
58 "Mon __!" 59 Salon treatment 62 Sinusitis-treating MD 63 Top __
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ANNOUNCEMENTS BEACH YOGA ON Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www. thriveyogafit.com "SAM BLACK a local author of "FATAL SERUM", available in book stores on April 7th, 2015. Meet Sam every Sunday at Coquina Beach Market and buy a signed copy. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED at AMICC. Help your community by giving of yourself. Various positions available. Call Sandee 941-778-1908 ext 0 THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Dusty at 941779-7688. ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, Walgreen's and The Anna Maria Island Sun Newspaper (corner of Gulf and Palm). OUR DAILY BREAD of Bradenton is looking for volunteer servers 9amnoon. Ask for Penny 941745-2992
AUCTIONS LIVE SIMULCAST BANKRUPTCY Auction Case 13-10157, Hayes Iron & Metal, Inc. Office Bldg., Metal Frame Bldgs, Workshop, Shop Equip., Tools, Office Furnishings & Equip., Providence, NC. 3/26/15 at 10am. Auction at The Institute Conference Center Barkhouser Auditorium, Danville, VA. 800-9972248, NCAL3936/V AAL580. www .ironhorseauction.com
Call us today! 941-778-3986
PUBLIC AUCTION Fred McGilvray, Inc. 3 Auctions scheduled! 03/25 • 11am & 04/07 • 10:30am at 8690 NW 58 St, Doral, Fl 33166 04/14 • 10am at 1421 Oglethorpe Rd, Palm Beach, Fl 33480 Lg. Qty. of Vehicles, trailers, plumbing supplies, fire & sprinkler equipment/ supplies, engineering/ construction equipment, Lg. Qty. of power tools/ hand tools, press breaks, welding equipment, torch equipment, forklifts, 20’ & 44’ containers, warehouse items, scrap metal/brass/ copper, acetylene tanks & much more! 15%-18%BP Live/Online Assignment Case #2015-004902-CA www.moeckerauctions. com / 800-840-BIDS AB1098 AU-3219, Eric Rubin
BABY SITTER BABY SITTER. Honor student with own transportation. Experienced, References available. Call or text Amanda at 941-713-3219 RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student. Call or text Isabel 941-5457995
BOATS: PARTS & SERVICES & SALES
BOATS ARE SELLING Very Well. Season is full swing-Busy-BusyBusy. Islandboatsales. net We Also Buy Boats. 941-228-3489 BOAT SLIPS FOR RENT. Up to 60 feet. Two minutes to Intracoastal Waterway by Cortez, Parrot Cove Marina 941-795-0088 GREAT BOAT SLIP FOR RENT. Water, electric, 10,000 lb lift, finger piers, Key Royale canal head. No bridges. $250/mo. Call 410-782-9100 FOR RENT 1 50' BOAT DOCK on wide deep water canal 2 5000 lb boat lift, up to 21' boat many amenities. Call BJ 941-7783013
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES HIGH CASH PRODUCING Vending Machines .75 Vend = .65 Profit All on Location in Florida Selling due to illness Call 866668-6629 for Details
CARPET CLEANING
MARCH 18, 2015
COMPUTER SERVICES
QUALITY COUNTS. CARPET cleaning. Upholstery cleaning. Tile & grout cleaning. Island's favorite cleaner. Manatee Chamber Member. Great price/free estimates. Call 941-7561082
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
CLEANING SERVICE
EMPLOYMENT
C & T HOUSEKEEPING. For all your cleaning needs. Free Estimates. Reasonable rates. Senior discount. References available. Call 941-9622512
AMI GIFT SHOP. Family Owned. Part time. Weekends/Evenings a must. Retirees welcome. Call 813-409-7540
CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & RENTALS. "Have it done your way, we care about our work" Call 941-7564570 PRESSURE WASHING AND WINDOWS residential, commercial & resorts. Roofs, buildings, houses, driveways etc. Call 941-251-5948
AAA PRESSURE WASHING windows, pool lanais, driveways. Residential & Commercial inside cleaning. Lowest, best deal on Island! Call Craig for Free estimate 941-896-4321
COMMERCIAL SALES/ LEASES/RENTALS ANNA MARIA CITY Gulf Drive Frontage Commercial 2 Lots 104x120 Real Estate only $1,200,000. Call Alan Galletto Island Real Estate 941-232-2216 RESTAURANT/OFFICE/ RETAIL 1113 sf Kitchen Equipment include Gulf Drive Bradenton Beach $495,000 Call Alan Galletto Island Real Estate 941-232-2216 BAR/RESTURANT 2100 ft2 with lease, includes Liquor License, Furniture and Good Will $599,000 CALL ALAN GALLETTO Island Real Estate 941-232-2216
EXPERIENCED WAIT STAFF needed for private golf club in Holmes Beach. $8/hr + tips. Call Chef Bill at 518.932.1333 AVIATION GRADS WORK with JetBlue, Boeing, Delta and others- start here with hands on training for FAA certification. Financial aid if qualified. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-314-5838 WELDING CAREERS Hands on training for career opportunities in aviation, automotive, manufacturing and more. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call AIM 877206-4006
FOR SALE BIKE FOR SALE Women’s 26" Huffy Cruiser bicycle Cranbrook model purchased January 2015 riden very little, Like New. $65 Call 779-207-8470 DISH TV PACKAGES for $19.99/mo & $14.95/mo for Internet + $25 Visa Gift Card (with activation). Call Now and Save: 844-5602654. Conditions apply.
FURNITURE CUSTOM COASTAL FURNITURE & CABINETS by Frankie Z. ebay store. Call 941-726-1482. 10015 Cortez Rd (corner of 101st) frankiezaff@yahoo.com
GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES HUGH SALE NIKI’S GIFT & ANTIQUE SHOP. 5351 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach. All Sterling & Gold jewelry 10% to 60% off. All Pewter miniatures 50% off. Select Gifts, collectables, vintage & costume jewelry, books, crystal, glassware, art 30% to 80% off. Lots of great furniture, new scented soap & candles. Open 7 days 9:30-5. ROSER THRIFT SHOP Open 9:30am - 2 pm Tuesday, Thursday, Friday. 10 am -1 pm Saturday Annex open same days. Donations accepted Wednesday 9 am. – 11am 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Call 941-779-2733 PALMA SOLA TRIFT SHOP 9516 Cortez Rd W (2 miles past Cortez Bridge. Left at First bank into Mount Vernon Plaza) Must sell down shop, over full! Home Decor, Framed Art etc. 50% to 75% off. Or better yet, make offer! Quality furniture bedroom, living room, kitchen, dining. Tons of Accent pieces, patio. Will accept any reasonable offers to furnish your home. Stop in or call for appointment. Don't miss this one! Call Carol 941-812-7679
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 941-7250073. KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. State License # CRC1327296. Call Jerry Kern 941-504-2222 www. kernconstructioninc.com
SOUTHWEST 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. “HONEY DO" HOME Repairs & Handyman Services. 35 yrs experience. Painting, drywall, tile, woodwork. All tasks. Call 941-896-5256 or 941-807-5256 www.honey dohomerepairinc.com BESPOKE SERVICES For all home repairs, maintenance work. Professional Trade's Man. Island man for Island work. Good rates, Free costing's & advice. Call Richard 941-448-3571
HOME SERVICES HANDYMAN FOR HIRE. Worked all trades, no job to small. Satisfaction guaranteed. Free estimates. Call Arthur 941-518-8658 HEADED BACK HOME? I'll keep an eye on your seasonal home for you until you get back. Weekly or Monthly inspections. Email reports after each visit. www.amivhc.com or Call 941-685-8999 DRAIN CLEANING James VanFossen A.K.A. “RIP” Call 941-301-6077
KAYAK/ PADDLE BOARD ROGO SPECIAL: RENT ONE & GET ONE FREE! Single Yak or Paddle Board: $50 Day / $150 5 Days. Free Delivery/Pickup on Island. Fun Yaks: 918-639-5002
LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPING. Save water, gas, maintenance fees and the environment! Shell your yard. $50/yd installed. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067 R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941
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LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE ELI’S IRRIGATION New install/repair. Pumps, pools, irrigation, landscape lighting and pressure washing. Call 941-580-2054 SHELL DELIVERED AND spread $50/yd. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770
LOCKSMITH ISLAND LOCKSMITH, “Lock Around the Clock”. Licensed/bonded/insured. Call 941-778-1661 or 941713-4414
LOST & FOUND SAILBOAT CAPSIZED ON SATURDAY March 7, near 845 North Shore Drive, Anna Maria Island. Lost: sail, dry bags, orange box, clothing and other misc. gear. Call Fred at 727-6671816 PLESE RETURN THE URN taken on February 17 near the mailbox of 503 69th St, Holmes Beach. We did not realize that items placed on street were fair game on Garbage day. We were moving in on that day. Please call Jim 443-4213381 LOST: GLASSES (PRESCRIPTION). Lost on running route: 64th St. to beach, to White Ave, 83rd St., Marina Dr. Please call 248-7655207 LOST SILVER-STONE Bracelet Friday or Saturday December 6 or 7 at Island Player Theater. Please call 941-794-7255 LOST GOLD PINKY ring with amethyst stone vicinity of Cortez Kitchen and Swordfish Grill. Call 941778-8359 LOST PANDORA BRACELET many charms. Great sentimental value. Call 518-365-2702 MISSING 18 INCH GOLD chain with diamond drop, sterling silver seed bracelet , location Blue Water Beach Club between 9/12 & 9/13/2013 heartbroken was gift from husband 45 years ago REWARD please call 863-668-8566 no questions asked
Call us today! 941-778-3986
MASSAGE MASSAGE ON THE BEACH in a tiki hut. Also indoors on historic Bridge Street and outcalls. 941-779-6836 www.sea-renityspa.com #MA55034 MASSAGE SPECIAL!" 1 Hour Swedish includes Hot Stones, or Face Toning Massage, $50! Deep Tissue available. Holmes Beach. 941-962-1242, 941-778-2586. www. gingeryoungmassage.com
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 941794-0455 WALY PRECISION PAINTING custom painting, pressure washing, commercial/residential, interior/exterior, drywall/stucco, Licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-580-4005 www. WalyPrecisionPainting.com
PERSONAL SERVICES SMALL ODD JOBS, yard work, walk dog etc. Call George 941-773-5518 THE TINT GUY." Commercial, residential, automotive, marine. Free estimates. All work guaranteed. Over 25 years experience. Mobile service available. Call 941-2012649
PET SITTING/ HOUSE SITTING ANNA & LINDSAY’S Dog Walking. $5 per dog walked, $10 Dog wash. $20 for both plus play time. Contact 917-406-9554. Anna Maria Island Only.
PHOTOGRAPHY NEW AERIAL AMI PHOTOS. PhotosFromTheAir.com. email: photosfromtheair@ gmail.com or Call 941-7739834
THE SUN
FREE! What every REAL ESTATE BUYER or SELLER needs to know! Go to www.yourmar ketupdate.com for the latest market data. BRING YOUR BOAT! Canal villa with no bridges to ICW. Renovated 2BR/2BA villa w/carport, in gated community. 23 foot dock. Open plan, Update kitchen & baths. $249,900 Katharine Pepper, RoseBay International 941-755-2100 or 941-792-9459
POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE. AMI & West Bradenton. Certified Pool Operator. Residential/commercial. {Chemical Service} Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-737-5657
HARBOUR ISLE HOME$40,000. in upgrades! Beautiful! $569,000. Perico Bay Club VillaVery well maintained! $229,000. Call Kathleen today! 941-773-0165 Island Real Estate
COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-713-1893
BEST PRICED CONDO on Island. 3BR/3BA 2 car garage. Only $285,000! Offers weekly rentals. Karen Day Fineout, Wagner Realty 941-518-3682
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
FOR SALE by OWNER 1BR/1BA in historic Sandpiper co-op resort with bay view, boat docks, beach completely new inside and out. Call 941-224-1652 for more details
AMI VALET LLC Professional parking services. Restaurants, weddings, any & all special events. Insured & Licensed. Years of experience. Call 941-565-0137 AMIValet@gmail.com AT YOUR SERVICE Personal & Professional assistant. Great rates. References available "Let me do what you are unwilling or unable to do." Call Cindy 941-812-2238 zicker8@aol.com
REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE SPACIOUS 3BR/3BA Condominium rarely available in wonderful bay front complex with pool and tennis courts. Tastefully renovated to include newly tiled kitchen & family room with a peak of the bay and a split bedroom plan. Centrally located in Holmes Beach, with a short walk to shops. Ground-floor unit with covered parking and private storage. Family oriented and pet friendly. Offered at $450,000. Call Green Real Estate @ 941-7780455
4BR/3BA HOUSE on 71.5 acres with 18 stall horse barn in Parrish, Florida. Call Steve Georgie 941-321-6253 at Keller Williams Realty
REAL ESTATE: LOTS FOR SALE GORGEOUS LOT (14,160 Sq. Ft) (80 X 177) Located at 1107 Palma Sola Blvd. Stunning views of Palma Sola Bay with great potential for new construction. For more details contact Gregg Bayer at AMI Beaches Real Estate 941-799-9096
RENTALS: ANNUAL ANNUAL RENTAL and CONDOMINIUM Association management serviced by (2) offices open 7 days a week! Contact kate@ islandreal.com – 941-3451295 - Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island, Inc.
1BR/1BA GROUND LEVEL APARTMENT in Triplex, Electric, water, sewer, trash & gas included. $750/mo $750 security deposit. Near St. Stephens /Bradenton Available April 1. 2BR/2BA home 1500 s/f lawn care incl. w/d , furnished, lake view, tile, wood & carpet, 2 car garage, close to beach. Available April 15 to Jan. 1, 2016. Bradenton $1,350/mo.1st, last & security. 2BR/2BA home, 55 + community, 1,400 s/f water & trash incl. w/d, community pool & shuffle board, Golf privileges available. Big yard, canal view, tile & carpet, Newly renovated throughout . 1 car garage, close to shopping & restaurants. Available immediately East Bradenton $1,750. 1st, last & security. Credit & background required on all applicants over 18. DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www. teamduncan.com LOOKING FOR A bright energetic Property Management Team? Call Amberly and Tracy at A Paradise 941-778-4800 to maximize your rental income. 3BR/3BA ANNUAL RENTAL AVAILABLE immediately. 2 car garage, pool, tennis in Perico Island community. $2,300/mo. Contact Kate at Island Real Estate 941345-1295 or email kate@ islandreal.com ANNUAL RENTALS: Holmes Beach, 2BR/1.5BA, 1/2 duplex. Unfurnished, no pets. $1,400/mo. Anna Maria, 3BR/3BA apt., upstairs, Unfurnished, no pets. $1,750/mo. Call Sato Real Estate, Inc. at 941-7787200 or email monica@ satorealestate.com ANNUAL 3BR TOWNHOUSE in PALMA SOLA TRACE. 1 car garage, heated community pool. Brand new! $1700/mo. First, Last, Security. Contact kate@ islandreal.com or 941-3451295. Island Real Estate. 2BR/1BA HOUSE Large backyard. 3 miles to Beach (off Cortez Rd) $775/mo. First, Last & Security. No pets. Call 941-962-4175 or 941-685-3177
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ANNUAL 1BR/1BA Seaside Gardens. Newly renovated $1350/mo includes water, condo fees, Dish TV, W/D. No smoking. First, Last & Security. Call 941-243-7009
RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455 ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fl Condos. Pool beach access, fully equipped $650-$750/ wk Redekercondos.com 941-778-1915 WILLKOMMEN AUF AMI! Besuchen Sie Island Real Estate in einem unserer Inselbüros (6101 Marina Drive oder 419 Pine Ave) mit unserem deutschsprachigen Reservierungsservice und erhalten ein freies Island Real Estate Baseball Cap! Wir geben Ihnen gerne mehr Auskunft über unsere 250 ausgewählte Feriendomizile für Ihren nächsten Urlaub! AMI-WHY RENT SEASONALLY when you can rent your Beach Get-A-Way ANNUALLLY for a comparable amount? Call 860-9223857 for info. ANNA MARIA ISLAND CONDO 2BR/1BA. completely furnished, steps to beach, pool, wifi, no pets/ no smoking. Available 4/11 Call 352-430-3739 AVAILABLE FOR 2016 SEASON renovated 3BR/2BA bungalow 35' pool and spa. One block from beach in City of Anna Maria. email Linda at nusmile1@yahoo.ca 2BR/2BA WATERFRONT VIEW Condo. Heated pool, tennis courts on Anna Maria Island $3200/ mo. For more information Call 763-442-4982
REAL ESTATE: OUT OF AREA NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAIN Land for sale: a rare find - gently sloping mountain land, 3 1/2 plus acres with building lot, electric, water and septic installed. Storage bldg, apple trees facing south. Near Cashiers and Lake Glenville. $75,000. Call 941-778-5966.
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ROOFING METAL ROOFING SPECIALIST. Call Now for a Free Estimate! Fully Licensed, Bonded & Insured. CCC 04287 866-998-3324
TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport services: Tampa $85, Sarasota $35, Clearwater $75, Fort Meyers $150, Orlando $150. Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www.amitaxi.com TOWN CAR SERVICES, All airports served. Local and Long distance services available. Call Glen 941225-0072
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