Anna Maria Island Sun March 25, 2020

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 20 No. 24

March 25, 2020

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Coquina North boat ramp was full Sunday afternoon.

TROY MORGAN | PHOTOSFROMTHEAIR.COM

Top photo: Social distancing was in short supply near Jewfish Key Sunday afternoon. Above, the same location as seen from the air.

Social distancing ignored by some local boaters The weekend flotillas coincided with the closing of public beaches in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

JEWFISH KEY – Many members of the local boating community refused to let coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns interfere with their weekend fun.

At least a hundred boats dropped anchor Sunday near a popular weekend boating destination, the sandbar west of Jewfish Key – in the Intracoastal Waterway, east of the northern tip of

INSIDE NEWS 4 CALENDAR 7 OUTDOORS 28 REAL ESTATE 30 RESTAURANTS 35 CROSSWORD 36 CLASSIFIEDS 37

Longboat Key and south of the Coquina boat ramps in Bradenton Beach.

Some boaters remained in their boats while many others stood in the water assembled in large groups in close to proximity to one another.

At least one boat flew a Confederate flag, while many others flew American flags and several others flew Donald Trump flags.

Several boats came ashore at nearby Beer Can Island (Greer Island), a peninsula at the northern tip of Longboat Key, near the Longboat Pass Bridge.

Near the bridge, five young adults shared space on a small boat while fishing and suntanning with no apparent concerns about social distancing.

That was the same story on another nearby boat containing four young adults in swimwear.

Near the North Coquina boat ramp, a larger motorboat approached with at least six older adults gathered in close proximity to each other.

According to social media posts and photographs shared by several Anna Maria Island residents, similar-sized boating crowds assembled at Jewfish Key and Beer Can Island on Saturday, too.

According to Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, large groups of boaters also assembled at Passage Key and Egmont Key during the weekend.

“In my 35-plus years, I have never seen so many boats around both Pas-

sage and Egmont keys. It was wall to wall,” Murphy said on Sunday.

The impromptu flotillas occurred during the first weekend that the public beaches were closed in Manatee and Sarasota counties, as well as several other neighboring counties and cities.

The beaches were closed as a preventive measure to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.

During a press conference on Friday, March 20, at the county administration building in Bradenton, Manatee County Public Safety Director Jake Saur was asked about the status of the boat ramps. Saur said the county had SEE DISTANCING, PAGE 32

FIND ‘ OUT how all

AMI PUBLIC beaches remain

your favorites fared in The Sun’s Readers’ Choice Awards. 15

closed but are accessible. 3

Anna Maria Island, Florida

CORONAVIRUS affects Island

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MARCH 25, 2020

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Public beaches ‘closed’ but still accessible

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Manatee County’s public beaches on Anna Maria Island are closed until further notice as of Friday, March 20.

The beach closures are a precautionary measure being taken because of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

On Thursday, March 19, Manatee County issued a press release that said, “County and municipal officials today announced that the beaches of Anna Maria Island will close tomorrow, March 20, at 6 a.m.”

The press release also said, “Manatee County lifeguards will remain on duty from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily to ensure the safety of those who disregard the closure. A double red flag indicating no swimming will fly from lifeguard stands.”

The county-owned parking lots at Coquina Beach and Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach closed Friday morning as announced. So did the parking lot at Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach. The gates at Coquina Beach and Manatee Beach are locked and signs affixed to the gates say, “Beach closed.”

The ungated Cortez Beach parking areas

TROY MORGAN | SUBMITTED

along Gulf Drive South are closed and blocked by barricades, plastic tape and “Beach closed” signs.

INTENDED ENFORCEMENT

Thursday afternoon, Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer issued a press release in response to the county’s announcement.

“The Holmes Beach Police Department and Code Compliance Department are

enforcing this policy by eliminating public parking. We will continue to proactively patrol the beach to be sure our residents and guests are following the guidance of social distancing. Many additional parking areas will be changed to no parking zones. The enforcement guidelines will change based on the daily observations,” according to Tokajer’s press release.

Lt. John Cosby, of the Bradenton Beach

Police Department, said, “Resort guests, those who live on the Island and those who can find a legal public parking space outside of those areas that are closed will still have access to the beach at this time. We still want you to keep the six-foot distance and no groups larger than 10.”

Cosby and Tokajer said they had no plans to close the street-end beach accesses.

On Friday morning, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy issued an email addressing the city of Anna Maria’s beach closures.

“Although our beaches remain closed to the general public, they are open to residents and their guests while practicing safe social distancing. There are sheriff deputies as well as city and county code enforcement officers posted at many beach access points to enforce and clarify this position,” according to Murphy’s email.

Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells addressed the beach closures during a county press conference Friday afternoon.

“First and foremost, I want to assure the citizens of Manatee County that we are not out on the beaches trying to arrest people who do show up there and maybe have not received the message. We are asking for voluntary compliance. We are not there trying to SEE BEACHES, PAGE 31

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ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

Center closes its doors ANNA MARIA – The Center of Anna Maria Island is the latest of the Island’s amenities to close to the public.

Following a March 20 order from Gov. Ron DeSantis to close all fitness centers and gyms as well as closing all on-site dining facilities, The Center’s Executive Director Chris Culhane sent out an emailed letter to the community discussing the nonprofit’s decision to close temporarily.

In the letter, Culhane said that the orders from the government effectively ceased all operations at The Center effective immediately, including its spring break camp for kids. The Center’s staff already had stopped offering fitness classes, sports and other social programs at the Anna Maria campus in response to coronavirus concerns.

“For the first time in our 60 years of existence, The Center and our staff are not able to serve the community that we love. The Center staff, management and board are heartbroken,” the letter reads.

While The Center is closed, its staff is asking members to maintain their memberships at the nonprofit to help make sure that it can reopen its doors once the coronavirus threat has passed.

During the closure, Culhane’s letter states that the staff is working to find a way to use the facility to provide childcare for medical professionals, first responders and other members of critical support organizations.

For more information on The Center, visit www. centerami.org.

Island Players cancel remainder of season In light of the current COVID-19 restrictions, the Island Players has canceled the remainder of the current season, including the upcoming “Death by Design.”

The Island Players plan to take the stage once again on Anna Maria Island for a new season beginning in January 2021. The theater group’s annual banquet, previously scheduled for May, also has been canceled.

At this time, the board says its children’s summer camp program is still scheduled to occur, though that may change depending on how the situation with the coronavirus progresses in coming weeks.

Seaplace resident tests positive for coronavirus The Seaplace condominium association in Longboat Key has alerted residents about a resident who tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). On Saturday, March 21, assistant manager Anna Jedrzejewski shared this information via an email alert and at the condominium association website. “Attention all residents. It has come to our attention that we have a resident who has tested positive for the coronavirus,” the notice said. The notice informed Seaplace residents that the clubhouse, patio, restrooms, fun place, office and swimming pool and spas had been closed. It also noted the grills and beaches would remain open. The Seaplace resort is located at 2045 Gulf of Mexico Drive, eight miles southeast of Anna Maria Island.

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MARCH 25, 2020

Commissioners voice concerns over mini reefs

With multiple mini reefs being installed in the waters around Holmes Beach, city leaders want to make sure they’re not harming the local ecosystem.

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

HOLMES BEACH – The Center of Anna Maria Island is working with Ocean Habitats Inc. on a fundraiser to install mini reefs in local waters. City leaders are concerned about what happens to those mini reefs in the future.

During the March 10 work session, Holmes Beach commissioners spoke with The Center’s Director of Development Jim McDaniel about the ongoing mini reef installation

project. Some of the concerns voiced by commissioners and Mayor Judy Titsworth include if the mini reefs will break down in the water, who maintains them, if they’re tagged in case one breaks free of its moorings and whether or not the mini reefs introduce microplastics or other pollutants into the water.

Addressing the materials that the reefs are made of, McDaniel said the mini reefs currently have six PVC posts that are tested for sun exposure and saltwater tolerance. As of July 1, he said there are plans to use a poly replacement that is more eco-friendly.

McDaniel said the reefs are designed to float and provide a safe spot for sea life to adhere to and to grow. It takes about six months after installation for SEE REEFS, PAGE 33

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

The father/son team of David Wolff and David Wolff Jr. with Ocean Habitats install four mini reefs underneath the docks at the Bridge Tender Inn in Bradenton beach in December 2019.

Roser Church moves services online Roser Church’s leadership will continue worship services online, however the church’s doors closed to the public March 18.

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

ANNA MARIA – After taking into consideration guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and the concerns of parishioners, leaders at Roser Memorial Community Church made the decision March 17 to close the church’s doors to the public, temporarily moving all worship services online.

The closure of the church building has caused the cancellation of the popular senior aerobics class, RoserRobics, and the church’s annual Easter cantata, planned for March 29, as well as all other programming.

For now, everyone is invited to join the church online with the 10 a.m.

Sunday traditional worship service and the 5:30 p.m. Sunday SoulJourn contemporary worship service being webcast live at www.roserchurch.com/ worship. Previous worship services can be viewed on the church’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/ channel/UC6tuPfPuAkmpZK13WBlyJsg.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

The choir sings while waving palm fronds beginning Roser Church’s 2018 Easter cantata. Due to coronavirus concerns, this year’s Easter cantata has been canceled.

In addition to Sunday worship services, regular Bible studies also will continue online at the church’s website.

Terrific Tuesday Bible studies will take place live online at 6:15 p.m. on Tuesdays with previous sessions available to view on YouTube at any time.

RoserRobics classes also are available to view and follow along with on the church’s YouTube channel.

All other planned church events and meals are currently canceled.

The Roser Thrift Shop also is

temporarily closed due to coronavirus concerns.

The Roser Food Pantry remains open to those in need by appointment only.

Please call the church office at 941778-0414 to schedule an appointment or if you wish to drop off a donation.

Recommended items for donation include cereal, soup, canned fruits and vegetables, fruit juices and dried rice, potatoes and pasta. For more information, visit www.roserchurch.com/foodpantry.

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MARCH 25, 2020

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Bradenton Beach declares local state of emergency The mayor and city commissioners share the authority to take whatever prudent action is necessary to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the community.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, a local state of emergency has been declared in the city of Bradenton Beach.

City hall is now closed to the public, but city staff continues to operate the city while working at city hall and remotely as needed.

The mayor and city commissioners enacted the seven-day local state of emergency on Tuesday, March 17 and planned to renew for it another week on Tuesday, March 24.

The declaration of emergency was initiated through the adoption of Resolution 07-399, which establishes the shared emergency powers of the five-member city commission that includes Mayor John Chappie.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie and the city commission have been granted shared additional powers while the declaration of emergency remains in effect.

Working with the mayor and commission, Lt. John Cosby, of the Bradenton Beach Police Department, serves as the city’s emergency operations manager.

While the state of emergency remains in effect, the commission is authorized to take whatever pru-

dent action is necessary to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the community.

This includes entering into contracts, incurring obligations, the employment of permanent and temporary workers, the utilization of volunteer workers, equipment rental

and the acquisition and distribution of supplies, materials, and facilities for emergency management purposes.

The resolution authorizes the commission to provide for the health and safety of persons and property, which may include offering emergency assistance to the victims of any emergency.

The emergency declaration also allows the commission and the city to request state assistance or invoke emergency related mutual aid assistance.

Mayor John Chappie addressed the coronavirus situation during the Thursday, March 19 city commission meeting.

“This is a fluid situation. We’ve been making adjustments as needed.

We’re on top of things as best as anybody can be. The cities and counties are working together, coordinating our strategies and resources,” he said. “Respect the social distancing when you’re out in the public. Try to be calm. We’re all in this together and we know we’re going to get through it. We’re a strong nation and a strong community.”

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OPINION

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

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The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field Layout Ricardo Fonseca Reporters Cindy Lane Joe Hendricks Kristin Swain Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis Advertising director Shona Otto Ad assistant Pamela Lee Classified ads Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Digital/Social Media editor Cindy Lane Accounting John Reitz Distribution Bob Alexander Tony McNulty Connor Field Contributors Tom Vaught Pat Copeland Steve Borggren Monica Simpson

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Calm is needed I noted with interest the number of coronavirus patients in Manatee County - five. On another website I discovered there are 373,853 people living in Manatee County. This means .0013% of the population is infected (so far). That’s one point three hundredths of a percent of the total! I realize the disease is not done yet, and that other places have it worse than our county, but couldn’t we all calm down? Even in China and/or Italy

the percentage of contaminated does not equal 50%, 25% or even 10% of their total population.

Dianne Coates Bradenton

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

There are a couple of ways to do it. The easiest and most direct

is to email The Sun at news@ amisun.com. Remember to put Letter to the Editor in the subject field. Or you can snailmail a letter to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O. Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Letters should be kept to 300 words or less and must contain your name and the city in which you reside. Personal attacks and obscene language will not be printed. The Sun reserves the right to edit letters for length or content.

MARCH 25, 2020

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ON THE AGENDA

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HOLMES BEACH 5801 MARINA DRIVE

ANNA MARIA 10005 GULF DRIVE

For information, call 941-708-6130 NOTE: City hall and city offices are currently closed. All meetings will be held virtually via telephone or Skype.

March 26, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting April 3, 2 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting April 9, 2 p.m. – City Commission special meeting

BRADENTON BEACH 107 GULF DRIVE N.

For information, call 941-778-1005 April 1, 9 a.m. – Capital Improvement Plan meeting April 1, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting April 1, 2 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting April 2, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting April 9, 1 p.m. – Department Head meeting

For more information, call 941-708-5800 April 1, 6 p.m. – Planning commission meeting April 14, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow

MARK YOUR CALENDAR ALL AREA EVENTS ARE CANCELED.

The Center of Anna Maria Island is closed.

All Anna Maria Island churches are closed.

The Island Branch Library is closed.

Tingley Memorial Library is closed.

All classes at area parks and recreation areas are closed, though area parks and preserves remain open to the public, including Grassy Point Preserve, Perico Preserve, Neal Preserve and Robinson Preserve.

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County pauses tourism marketing efforts The Convention and Visitors Bureau has temporarily suspended its promotion of Anna Maria Island as a tourist destination.

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – With beaches closed to all but residents and current resort guests due to coronavirus (COVID-19), tourism officials have ceased advertising for new visitors.

“Our Convention and Visitors Bureau has discontinued all marketing efforts at this time and stands ready to ramp them back up when the time is right,” Manatee County Information Outreach Manager Nicholas Azzara said during a press conference on Friday, March 20.

Elliott Falcione, director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, assured officials that marketing efforts have ceased “even on our social media platforms until further notice. We’re taking this one day at a time. You’ll see a difference from the advertising and the hospitality

PHOTO | SUBMITTED

Elliott Falcione, director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, was among the county officials who spoke at the Friday, March 20 press conference. industry,” he said.

“We have instituted best practices in the industry. Since the decision yesterday (Thursday, March 19) was made about the beaches, we’ll make sure that word is getting out to the short-term rental units, so that decision I think is going to make a big difference in how the short term rentals promote the destination,” he said.

MARCH 25, 2020

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MARCH 25, 2020

Our building may be closed, but our MINISTRIES continue!

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Re-enactors fire period rifles on the beach during the 2018 79th Annual De Soto Landing event.

De Soto Memorial living history events canceled Under guidance from the National Park Service, staff at De Soto National Memorial have canceled two of the park’s most anticipated events, the living history weekend and the 81st Annual De Soto Landing.

The Five Centuries of Florida History event depicts living history ex-

hibits that attendees can interact with and learn about different points in the state’s history from re-enactment actors.

The De Soto Landing re-enacts the landing of Spanish conquistadors on the shores of the park on Tampa Bay. Both events were scheduled for April.

While the park is still open to visitors, the visitor center, including restrooms, was temporarily closed on March 17 for an unspecified amount of time. For updates on the park’s status, visit www. nps.gov/deso. De Soto National Memorial is located at 8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy in Bradenton.

THE GOOD NEWS We invite you to w ship with us online!

www.RoserChurch.com/worship

Every Sunday 10:00 AM Traditional Worship 5:30 PM

soulJourn Praise & Worship

Watch LIVE (interactive) or LATER! Call the office if you need assistance.

Call the church text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin.

FACEBOOK> follow> see first, join a group. Need help? Call the office!

The FOOD PANTRY is open to assist island residents/w kers in need.

The CHAPEL is open 9:00 to 3:00 weekdays f prayer & meditation.

Send PRAYER REQUESTS to info@r erchurch.com call the office.

Call the church office if you would like to talk to a PASTOR. A NON DENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY COMMUNITY CHURCH • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria [near Pier]

941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • Facebook @RoserChurch

MARCH 25, 2020

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Holmes Beach mayor declares state of emergency In response to growing coronavirus concerns, a seven-day state of emergency was declared

by Mayor Judy Titsworth.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Amid growing coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns, Mayor Judy Titsworth declared a temporary state of emergency March 17. The state of emergency will last for seven days before it will either expire or another state of emergency is declared.

Under the state of emergency, the city is eligible for federal and state emergency funds, if needed.

As of March 18, eight patients in Manatee County with the coronavirus had been confirmed by the Florida Department of Health. That number grew to 11 Manatee County coronavirus patients on March 21.

For residents and visitors to Holmes Beach, the declared state of emergency means that Titsworth may limit or suspend the sale of alcoholic beverages, establish a curfew and stop price gouging, among other things. Currently no restrictions have been placed on Holmes Beach residents and visitors, though everyone is encouraged by city, state and federal leaders to practice social distancing, limit gatherings to 10 people or less and wash hands regularly.

Some business owners have restrictions placed on them, but those have come from the state. Gov. Ron DeSantis required all bars and nightclubs in the state of Florida to close for a 30-day period beginning at 5 p.m. on March 17. The governor ordered all restaurant dining areas closed beginning March 20, however, restaurants can still provide to-go and delivery

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

By Friday afternoon, Hurricane Hanks had new banners in place promoting their takeout services.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The central section of Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach was empty Friday afternoon. orders to diners. The closure includes all outdoor dining areas.

Local schools also are affected by the coronavirus with schools, including Anna Maria Elementary School, shuttered until April 15. Manatee County School District employees returned to work the week of March 23-27 to complete instructions for

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

“Beach closed” signs are now posted at beach accesses in Anna Maria.

K-12 students to continue learning at home beginning March 30 using a remote learning program called Schoology.

Students will be able to work online from home and communicate with their teachers through the program.

State testing and school grades for the year are canceled by DeSantis with stu-

dents to have the option of moving forward next school year or remaining in their current grade.

For more information on the city of Holmes Beach’s response to the coronavirus threat, visit www.holmesbeachfl.org.

For more information on the school district, visit www.manateeschools.net/coronavirus.

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MARCH 25, 2020

Island bars sobered by governor’s decision The bars closures were followed later in the week by restaurants being limited to takeout and deliveries only.

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BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – For Anna Maria Island’s standalone bars, St. Patrick’s Day was supposed to be a night of celebration.

Instead, St. Patrick’s Day 2020 became the day Florida’s bars went dark. This took place at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17 as a result of the executive order Gov. Ron DeSantis issued earlier that day.

In an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), DeSantis ordered all non-restaurant-affiliated bars and nightclubs to close at 5 p.m. sharp. Those that didn’t comply faced immediate legal consequences.

The governor’s order closed the Drift In, Sports Lounge and Tommy Knockers in Bradenton Beach, and the Anchor Inn, D Coy Ducks and the Doctor’s Office in Holmes Beach. The city of Anna Maria currently has no standalone bars in operation.

The Drift In was very busy during its final hour, and at the outside tiki bar, bartender Sharon Bell worked her final bar shift for the foreseeable future.

“I’ve never seen anything like this. It feels ominous and foreign and awful. This place has been serving liquor 365 days a year since before this was Bridge Street, when that bridge (the Cortez Bridge) was made out of wood,” Bell said.

“People have been really sweet today. They’re concerned and they’re asking if I’m going to be alright. Some of our vacationers are worried about what’s going to happen when they go home and if they’re going to get stuck trying to get home. This is not just here.

This is not just Florida. This is our whole nation and it’s scary,” Bell said of the pandemic.

“I have another job, thankfully,” she said of her part-time position in the insurance industry.

Bell said she hadn’t had time yet to form an opinion about the governor’s decision to make bars and nightclubs the first Florida industry to be shut down as a result of the pandemic.

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JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Drift In bartender Sharon Bell serves up two shots of Jägermeister during the final bar shift for now.

Anna Maria Island Privateer and longtime Drift In patron Tim “Hammer” Thompson said he’d already been to D Coy Ducks and the Anchor Inn and he planned to hit the Sports Lounge too before it closed.

“I gotta get ‘em all in before 5 o’clock,” he said.

Thompson said he felt bad for all the bartenders that would become unemployed at 5 p.m.

Using an expletive, he also said he disagreed with the governor’s decision.

“At 5 o’clock on St. Patty’s Day I’m going to be the last pirate standing,” he said before making his way to the Sports Lounge next door.

At exactly 5 p.m., the Drift In and the Sports Lounge closed as ordered and many patrons simply dispersed to the other restaurant bars that remained open.

ANCHORED FOR NOW

Although the front door was already locked at 5:20 p.m., Anchor Inn owner Darla Tingler opened the door to discuss what just happened.

“I understand it, but I don’t think it’s fair that he started with the bars,” she said of the governor’s decision.

Tingler said she didn’t understand how sending her customers to another establishment would help separate people in terms of containing the spread of the coronavirus.

“That’s doesn’t make sense to me. As owners, me and my husband will be OK. My employees, that’s another situation. Brad’s been with us for 18 years,” she said.

Her son, Joey Tingler, said, “I woke up this morning thinking I was going to work and I heard they were shutting us down for the next month. None of us saw this coming and none of us were prepared for something of this magnitude.”

Tingler’s husband, Bobby, said there are many times during the day when there are 10 or less people in the bar – and there might be 20 or so people there when it’s busy.

“You’re going to get way more people in the restaurant bars,” he said.

Florida COVID-19 cases As of 7 p.m. Monday there were 1,227 reported positive cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Florida and 18 reported deaths, according to the Florida Department of Health’s COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard.

In Manatee County,there were 15 positive cases and one reported death. The age range for the Manatee County cases was 14 to 81 years old, with an average age of 64. Eight of the positive cases were men, seven were women and seven positive cases were hospitalized.

Sarasota County had 21 reported positive cases and one reported death. Pinellas County had 41 reported cases and one reported death. Hillsborough County had 75 reported cases and no deaths. The FDOH Dashboard is updated at least twice daily and can be found at www. floridahealth.gov.

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MARCH 25, 2020

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We will be reducing our hours until further notice

Island Gallery West Fine Art, Photography, Ceramics, Jewelry 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, AMI 941-778-6648 Tues - Sun 10-3

www.IslandGalleryWest.com JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy is granted additional powers via the local declaration of emergency enacted on March 17.

Changes taking place at Anna Maria city hall City hall is closed to the public and city meetings will take place electronically. ‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE

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BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – In response to the coronavirus pandemic, a local state of emergency has been declared in the city of Anna Maria. Other administrative changes are also taking place.

The city commission declared the local state of emergency during an emergency commission meeting on Tuesday, March 17.

According to the commission-approved declaration of emergency, Mayor Dan Murphy now has the authority to take whatever prudent actions he deems necessary to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the Anna Maria community.

During the emergency meeting, Murphy said he did not yet plan to take any emergency actions and he said he would consult with commissioners, when possible, before doing so. Under a state of emergency, the mayor does not need commission consensus or approval to take any actions he deems necessary.

These powers are set forth in the declaration of emergency established with the March 17 adoption of Resolution R20-758. According to the resolution, Murphy has the authority to enact curfews, limit vehicular movement and parking, prohibit the sale or distribution of alcohol, close public places and SEE CITY HALL, PAGE 35

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MARCH 25, 2020

Restaurants rocked by coronavirus pandemic Patrons can still support their favorite local restaurants by using their takeout and delivery services.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Many restaurants on Anna Maria Island and in the village of Cortez are now offering takeout and delivery service to help offset the economic damage being caused in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

On Tuesday, March 17, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order that closed all Florida bars and nightclubs as of 5 p.m. that night. The executive order also mandated all restaurants reduce their seating capacity to 50% and create a six-foot distance between groups of diners that are now limited to no more than 10 per group.

The next change came shortly after 2 p.m. on Friday, March 20, when DeSantis issued an executive order that immediately restricted restaurant operations to delivery and takeout service only. The order allows alcohol to be sold for takeout purposes but prohibits alcohol being consumed on the premises of any Florida restaurant.

SHELLSHOCKED IN PARADISE

Although not a complete surprise, Friday’s announcement sent immediate economic shockwaves throughout Florida’s restaurant industry as owners, managers and employees scrambled to enact contingency plans.

In Cortez, Swordfish Grill General Manager Bob Slicker already had his plan in place.

“We had already been providing our customers with to-go services that include having their food delivered curbside or dockside,” Slicker said Friday afternoon.

“If you order something to

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Like so many others in the hospitality business, Anna Maria Island Café bar manager Jason Benn is trying to figure out what comes next. go, you get a free roll of toilet paper if you need it. And if you’re a restaurant employee and have a check stub to prove it you get 40% off your food.

We can do to-go alcohol too.

You can pick up a six-pack and some food and then stay home,” Slicker said.

He encourages those who purchase takeout food anywhere to tip generously.

“I want to be there for my team and my community and pay some of our employees for as long as I can. Some people can’t bounce back from something like this and they might

start making bad decisions,” Slicker said when expressing his concerns about mental health issues and suicide rates increasing as the economic hardships become greater.

By 3:45 p.m. Friday, Anna Maria Island Beach Café bar manager Jason Bell had already closed the tiki bar and the café was in the process of closing until further notice.

“We’re waiting to see what happens next and we’re pretty much out of a job at the moment. Luckily, they’re going to let us come in and do some cleaning and stuff like that, but there’s only so much of that you can do,” Benn said.

By 4 p.m., Hurricane Hanks in Holmes Beach already had banners in their windows that said, “Open for takeout and delivery.”

Management and staff there were already dealing with unhappy customers who were learning they would not be allowed inside to eat or drink.

SEE RESTAURANTS, PAGE 29

MARCH 25, 2020

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BUSINESS

ANTIQUE/COLLECTIBLE STORE VINTAGE BEACH 5500 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 900-2124

AUTO SERVICE HOLMES BEACH AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE 5333 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, 779-0487

BAIT & TACKLE SHOP ANNIE’S BAIT & TACKLE 4334 127th St. W. Cortez, 794-3580

BANK HANCOCK WHITNEY BANK 5324 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, 778-4900

BIKE RENTAL BEACH BUMS ISLAND ATTITUDE 427 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 778-3316

BOATING STORE WEST MARINE

3622 1st St. Bradenton, 357-1657

MARCH 25, 2020

CAR DEALER BOB BOAST VW

FITNESS THE CENTER / ISLAND FITNESS

HARDWARE STORE ACE HARDWARE

CAR WASH AMERICAN CAR CARE

FLOOR COVERINGS WADE’S CARPET & INTERIORS

HEAT & AIR AIR & ENERGY

CARPET CLEANER FAT CAT CARPET CLEANING

FLORIST JOSEY’S POSEYS

HOME BUILDER WHITEHEAD CONSTRUCTION

CLOTHING STORE VINTAGE BEACH

FRAME SHOP MICHAEL’S

HOTEL/MOTEL PALM TREE VILLAS

CONVENIENCE STORE ANNA MARIA GENERAL STORE AND DELI

GIFT SHOP BBM SHIP STORE

JEWELRY STORE ISLAND CHARMS

GROCERY STORE PUBLIX SUPERMARKET

LIQUOR STORE ABC FINE WINE & SPIRITS

4827 14th St. W. Bradenton, 755-8585

6412 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton, 794-5007

5400 Holmes Blvd.

Holmes Beach, 778-2882

5500 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 900-2124

503 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 779-9200

DRY CLEANER COURTESY CLEANERS

7421 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton, 794-5145

ELECTRICIAN AIR & ENERGY

555 6th Ave. W. Bradenton, 778-0773

407 Magnolia Ave. Anna Maria, 778-5200

2911 Cortez Rd. W. Bradenton, 758-5049

6100 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton, 792-6770

831 Cortez. Rd. W. Bradenton, 752-7772

402 Church Ave. Bradenton Beach, 778-2288

3900 East Bay Drive Holmes Beach, 778-5422

HAIR SALON SALON SALON

3612 East Bay Drive Holmes Beach, 778-0400

3352 East Bay Drive Holmes Beach, 778-0999

555 6th Ave. W. Bradenton, 778-0773

4402 124th St. W. Cortez, 795-1984

207 66th St. Holmes Beach, 778-0910

501 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 242-0253

5810 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton, 794-1437

SEE READERS, PAGE 17

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MARCH 25, 2020

FROM PAGE 16

MANICURIST TRINA ALOHA NAILS

4006 53rd Ave. E. Bradenton, 727-8889

MARINA BRADENTON BEACH MARINA

402 Church Ave. Bradenton Beach, 778-2288

MEN’S APPAREL BEALLS

6355 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton, 761-1606

OUTDOOR SPORTS STORE AMI OUTFITTERS COASTAL GEAR & APPAREL 401 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 254-4996

PACK & SHIP ISLAND MAIL & MORE

3230 East Bay Drive Holmes Beach, 778-1911

PAINTER RALPH SUKA PEST CONTROL ANNA MARIA PEST CONTROL 11610 3rd Ave. E. Bradenton, 778-1630

PET GROOMING THE PAW SPA

5343 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, 778-0885

PET STORE (TIE) PETCO ANIMAL SUPPLIES 6757 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton, 792-1295

PETSMART

4425 14th St. W. Bradenton, 753-2201

PHARMACIST TODD CVS PHARMACY

611 Manatee Ave. W. Holmes Beach, 778-1411

PHARMACY WALGREENS

3200 East Bay Drive Holmes Beach, 778-0451

PLUMBER AIR & ENERGY

555 6th Ave. W. Bradenton, 778-0773

POOL CLEANER RYAN HOGAN

707 45th St W. Bradenton

POOL CONTRACTOR TOM SANGER TOM SANGER POOL AND SPA LLC 5376 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, 932-1414

REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATE JOHN DAMATO SATO REAL ESTATE INC.

519 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 778-7200

REAL ESTATE COMPANY SATO REAL ESTATE INC.

519 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 778-7200

RENTAL COMPANY SATO REAL ESTATE INC.

519 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 778-7200

RESORT LIZZIE LU’S

6000 Maria Drive Ste. 108 Holmes Beach, 782-8152

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY MT. VERNON 9516 Cortez Rd. W. Bradenton, 795-1610

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SERVICE ORGANIZATION BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS 349 6th Ave. W. Bradenton, 746-7000

SERVICE STATION HOLMES BEACH AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE 5333 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, 779-0487

SHOPPING CENTER UTC

140 University Town Center Sarasota, 941-552-7000

SIGN MAKER PAUL WILLIAMS SOUVENIR SHOP (TIE) BRADENTON BEACH MARINA

402 Church Ave. Bradenton Beach, 778-2288

ISLAND BAZAAR

3304 East Bay Drive Holmes Beach, 778-3443

SPA SEARENITY BEACH SPA & BOUTIQUE

112 Bridge Street Bradenton Beach, 779-6836 SEE READERS, PAGE 18

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TATTOO CLASSIC INK

ART GALLERY THE JOHN AND MABLE RINGLING MUSEUM OF ART

TRAVEL AGENCY AAA BRADENTON

ATTORNEY NICK SATO

FROM PAGE 17

306 Old Main Street Bradenton, 747-1700

6210 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton, 798-2221

WINDOW REPAIR POWER UP

3007 11th St. W. Bradenton, 730-0779

WOMEN’S APPAREL VINTAGE BEACH

5500 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 900-2124

PEOPLE & PLACES ARCHITECT WALKER HOWLE

1208 66th St. NW Bradenton, 404-964-5711

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN EMILY ANNE SMITH LLC

527 74th St. Holmes Beach, 778-3113

5401 Bay Shore Rd. Sarasota, 359-5700

2071 Ringling Blvd. #400 Sarasota, 861-4400

BAND MIKE SALES

Anna Maria Island 813-787-0231

BAR & GRILL HARRY’S GRILL

9903 Gulf Drive Anna Maria, 567-5999

BARTENDER JEFF WAGNER GULF DRIVE CAFÉ

900 Gulf Dr. N. Bradenton Beach, 778-1919

BEACH GULF DRIVE CAFÉ

900 Gulf Dr. N. Bradenton Beach, 778-1919

BOAT CAPTAIN JOHN DELEON ANNA MARIA PRINCESS

Bradenton Beach Marina 402 Church Ave. Bradenton Beach, 778-2288

MARCH 25, 2020

DENTIST ISLAND DENTAL SPA

3909 East Bay Drive #205 Holmes Beach, 778-2204

DOCTOR STEPHEN PELHAM, M.D.

BUSINESS PERSON MIKE ZEPPI ANTHONY’S HEATING & COOLING

EYE CARE THE EYE ASSOCIATES

CATERER MOLLY O’CONNOR TRAVELING GOURMET

FINANCIAL PLANNER JOHN CAMPORA EDWARD JONES

1614 20th St. E. Palmetto, 749-5307

Anna Maria, 405-7627

CHARITY WILDLIFE INC.

2207 Ave. B Bradenton Beach, 778-6324

CHEF LUIS REYES

Harry’s Grill 9903 Gulf Drive Anna Maria, 567-5999

CHIROPRACTOR DR. DIANE L. MICHAELS

501 Village Green Parkway Bradenton, 761-0210

3909 East Bay Drive #100 Holmes Beach, 778-1007 6002 Pointe West Blvd.

Bradenton, 792-2020

3226 East Bay Dr. Holmes Beach, 779-2499

INTERIOR DESIGN SALLY TROUT INTERIOR DESIGN 75 Cocoanut Ave. Sarasota, 953-4418

MASSAGE THERAPY AMANDA ESCOBIO RYAN SEARENITY BEACH SPA & BOUTIQUE

112 Bridge Street Bradenton Beach, 779-6836 SEE READERS, PAGE 24

MARCH 25, 2020

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MARCH 25, 2020

T h a n k y o u f o r k e e p i n g u s r o l l i ng .

We ne v e r g e t t i r e d o f s e r v i n g y ou !

2019

2019

Thanks for Voting us Your Favorite

Souvenirs & Gifts Recreational Rentals Electric Cart Rentals SUP & Kayak Rentals

Take Out - Night Spot - Bar & Grill

941-567-5999 Chef - Luis and Server - Leslie

and Favorite BURGER 9903 Gulf Drive Anna Maria Dine in - Carry out For Delivery - Islandeats.net/harrysgrill

427 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria www.beachbumsAMI.com • 941-778-3316

Harrysami.com

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FROM PAGE 18

PERSONAL TRAINER DANIEL BASINGER SCHOOL ANNA MARIA ELEMENTARY 4700 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, 708-5525

SCHOOL TEACHER KELLY STRINGER NOLAN MIDDLE SCHOOL

6615 Greenbrook Blvd.

Bradenton, 751-8200

VETERINARIAN JADE KAFER BEACH VET

4404 124th St. Ct. W. Cortez, 792-2828

VETERINARIAN CLINIC BEACH VET

4404 124th St. Ct. W. Cortez, 792-2828

VIEW GULF DRIVE CAFÉ

900 Gulf Dr. N. Bradenton Beach, 778-1919

WAITER/WAITRESS LESLIE HARRY’S GRILL

9903 Gulf Drive Anna Maria, 567-5999

YOGA INSTRUCTOR JENNY GREENE GREENE SOUL YOGA

GreeneSoulYoga.com 531-1519

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT BAGEL SHOP PARADISE BAGELS & CAFÉ

3220 E. Bay Drive Holmes Beach, 779-1212

BAKERY HOMETOWN DESSERTS

507 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 896-3167

BARBEQUE SMOQEHOUSE

1701 Gulf Drive N. Bradenton Beach, 242-5340

BREAKFAST GULF DRIVE CAFÉ

900 Gulf Dr. N. Bradenton Beach, 778-1919

BURGER HARRY’S GRILL

9903 Gulf Drive Anna Maria, 567-5999

CAFÉ GULF DRIVE CAFÉ

900 Gulf Dr. N. Bradenton Beach, 778-1919

CANDY STORE FLIP FLOP SHOP & CANDY STOP 315 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 778-5694

CHINESE STONE BOWL

5516 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton, 761-8899

DELI PUBLIX

3900 East Bay Drive Holmes Beach, 778-5422

FESTIVAL CORTEZ FISHING FESTIVAL

MARCH 25, 2020

GERMAN RESTAURANT EDELWEISS

611 Manatee Ave. E. Bradenton 748-3838

GOLF COURSE KEY ROYALE GULF CLUB INC. 700 Key Royale Drive Holmes Beach, 778-3055

GROUPER SANDWICH GULF DRIVE CAFÉ

900 Gulf Dr. N. Bradenton Beach, 778-1919

HEALTH FOOD STORE RICHARD’S FOODPORIUM 6425 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton, 795-0478

ICE CREAM SHOP TWO SCOOPS ICE CREAM 101 S. Bay Blvd.

Anna Maria, 779-2422

ITALIAN RESTAURANT VINNY’S ITALIAN KITCHEN

5337 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, 896-9754 SEE READERS, PAGE 25

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Thank you for voting us your

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LIVE THEATER ISLAND PLAYERS

10009 Gulf Drive Anna Maria, 778-5755

MEXICAN RESTAURANT WICKED CANTINA

101 7th St. N. Bradenton Beach, 281-2990

MOST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT BEACH BISTRO 6600 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, 778-6444

NEW RESTAURANT SHORE

800 Broadway St. Longboat Key, 259-4600

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9903 Gulf Drive Anna Maria, 567-5999

PIER ROD AND REEL PIER

BRADENTON BEACH ~ 101 7th St. N. (941) 281-2990 Daily 7:30am-10pm

Live Music ~ Gulf View Dining ~ Full Parking SARASOTA ~ 1603 N. Tamiami Trail (941) 706-2395 Daily 11am-10pm

Happy Hour 12 - 5 Daily and ALL DAY Sunday

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PIZZA OMA’S PIZZA AND ITALIAN RESTAURANT 201 Gulf Drive North Bradenton Beach, 778-0771

PLACE TO SEE SUNSET GULF DRIVE CAFÉ

900 Gulf Dr. N. Bradenton Beach, 778-1919

RESTAURANT (OVERALL) GULF DRIVE CAFÉ

900 Gulf Dr. N. Bradenton Beach, 778-1919

SEAFOOD RESTAURANT ANNA MARIA OYSTER BAR

Bridge Street Pier Bradenton Beach, 778-2662

SPECIALTY GOURMET BLUE MARLIN

121 Bridge Street Bradenton Beach, 896-9737

SUB/SANDWICH PUBLIX

3900 East Bay Drive Holmes Beach, 778-5422

TAKEOUT HARRY’S GRILL

9903 Gulf Drive Anna Maria, 567-5999

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MARCH 25, 2020

Coronavirus affects turtle, bird monitoring

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – COVID-19 will keep most Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers off the beaches as sea turtle and bird nesting seasons begin, according to Director Suzi Fox. Turtle nesting season begins officially on May 1, but Turtle Watch volunteers usually take to the beach on April 1 each year to catch any early nesters, and already, an early loggerhead nest has been discovered on Florida’s east coast, she said.

“We need to make sure we don’t miss any nests,” said Fox, who, with another volunteer, will monitor the beaches by ATV and let the organization’s other volunteers remain safely at home for the near future.

Depending on the progress of the coronavirus, a “skeleton crew” of about a dozen volunteers on ATVs could be deployed in May, she said.

“We have to make sure the workers are safe,” Fox said. “I don’t want volunteers on the beach until this thing has passed.”

COVID-19 has affected Turtle Watch financially, too, she said, with a large source of donations drying up with the cancella-

ANNA MARIA ISLAND TURTLE WATCH AND SHOREBIRD MONITORING | SUBMITTED

Turtle Watch Director Suzi Fox will be on the beach beginning April 1 checking for signs of early sea turtle nesting and shorebird nesting. Turtle season begins officially on May 1. tion of the Farmer’s Market.

In addition, Turtle Talks have been suspended until further notice, she said, adding, “We will not be meeting face to face for at least the next two months.”

The group also monitors spring bird nesting, roping off nesting areas to keep eggs and chicks safe.

So far this year, Fox has seen black

skimmers gathering at Coquina Beach and some royal terns “looking amorously at each other,” she said, adding that no snowy plovers have appeared on local beaches yet.

Ruddy turnstones, which leave by summer, are active, and a lesser black back gull has been spotted, she added.

One or two of the gulls, which are

noticeably larger than most other birds on the beach, usually come each spring and leave by summer, Fox said.

Turtle Watch will be coordinating with Manatee County on the upcoming beach renourishment project, which will be done during sea turtle nesting season, she said.

The start date for the beach renourishment project is not confirmed, according to Charlie Hunsicker, director of the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department, but the coronavirus has not yet affected other dredge operations in the U.S., he said.

The beach renourishment project originally slated to begin in February was delayed until April by an Army Corps of Engineers requirement that Manatee County prove its title to a section of the beach.

The six-month, two-phase project will add sand to the beach between 78th Street North in Holmes Beach to Fifth Street South in Bradenton Beach, and between Fifth Street South and Longboat Pass.

County funds for the project, estimated between $13-$16 million, come from the tourist tax; state and federal funds also are allocated to the project.

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MARCH 25, 2020

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Center financials hold steady The Center’s finances held steady through January, however, a $25,000 hit to the second half of the fiscal year is expected due to COVID-19 precautions.

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

ANNA MARIA – The Center of Anna Maria Island’s board released the January 2020 fiscal results for the nonprofit and the numbers are positive.

Halfway through the 2019-20 fiscal year, The Center ended January with $4,283.92 after total revenue and expenses. For the year, this leaves the nonprofit with a cash flow of $117,286.34.

Overall for the fiscal year, The Center’s financials show a shortfall of $64,537 in net income year to date. While ordinarily this wouldn’t be a big hurdle for the nonprofit’s finances to jump heading into the main months of the winter season, this year’s COVID-19, or coronavirus, precautions may cause a financial problem for The Center.

Previously, Executive Director

Chris Culhane said The Center’s financial team expected to end the fiscal year June 30 up $50,000, $35,000 higher than the budgeted end-of-year number. However, that was before the spread of coronavirus, and precautions intended to stop the spread of the virus canceled the annual Tour of Homes, at least one show in the Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series and finally closed The Center to the community March 20.

Now, Culhane said that he expects at least a $25,000 loss due to having to postpone the Tour of Homes to 2021. How the closure of The Center will affect the nonprofit’s finances is unclear and may largely depend on how long state and federal guidelines require the facility to remain shuttered.

While The Center’s staff cannot offer its usual programs to the public, the staff is attempting to figure out a way to provide a childcare option for local essential workers, including first responders, doctors and their staff members and other workers who are required to go to work.

One spot of good news for The Center’s finances was a $62,000

donation from the Allen G. Hegarty and Marjorie W. Hegarty Charitable Remainder Unitrust which gave a needed boost to the nonprofit’s finances before the start of the typically busy winter season.

While The Center’s staff copes with the fallout from coronavirusrelated regulations, Culhane asked in a March 20 email to members that they maintain their memberships at the nonprofit during this time to help make sure that once the regulations are lifted, The Center can open its doors to the public as quickly as possible.

“We are forever grateful for the community support that allowed The Center to turn the corner financially over these past few years and we are hopeful such support continues during this difficult time so that we might reopen our doors as soon as possible to once again serve our AMI community for another 60 years,” the letter reads.

For more information on The Center, to see past financial statements or to keep up with what’s going on at the facility, visit www. centerami.org.

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OUTDOORS

MARCH 25, 2020

Any given kind Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

S

ome of my fondest memories over the years have been spending time with and experiencing the wit and wisdom of some of fishing’s most talented and engaging personalities.

One of those people was Vic Dunaway, longtime fishing editor of the Miami Herald and a co-founding editor of Florida Sportsman Magazine. I’ll always remember his quip when someone ask him what his favorite rod was. The author and humorist with a twinkle in his eye would answer, “Any given kind.” Unfortunately, outdoor writers have been branded over the years as a group of individuals (sometimes warranted) that write favorable articles for products given to them by tackle companies hoping for a good review in the outdoor press. Dunaway could get away with that joke because he didn’t fit that mold. To Dunaway, his readers were far more important than any tackle, however it was obtained.

That memory resurfaced recently when I decided that I needed to upgrade my spinning tackle. I’d been following the advances in rod materials and design with regards to my fly tackle but I hadn’t gotten a new spinning outfit in over a decade. During a conversation about fly fishing with my good friend and tackle representative Rick Hess, I brought up my need to upgrade my spinning tackle and he mentioned a rod company whose line he was representing. I had forgotten

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

The Bull Bay Sniper rod did an admirable job of subduing this snook (released after the picture) while telegraphing the excitement of the catch. that conversation until about a month ago when I attended the Manatee Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association banquet in Palmetto. I thought that would be a perfect opportunity to buy a new outfit while supporting the iconic conservation organization. I purchased a new Shimano spinning reel there but never found an outfit that matched my needs.

I had heard of Bull Bay Rods but had never seen or used one when Hess told me not to buy a rod until I had a chance to try one. I instantly loved the fit and feel of the Sniper Series rod he picked and it matched my reel perfectly. On my first time out, a quick bike ride to the Longboat Pass Bridge, I caught three mackerel and was sold. The rod is beautifully made, light and responsive for all fish, has fast action and the backbone to fight bigger fish.

Bull Bay Rods was founded as a custom rod company by father and son team Kelly and Dustin Phillips in 2012. The Phillips had been disappointed in the service they had received after the breakage of some off the shelf tackle they had purchased. A few years later they partnered with Mike Anderson, host of the Reel Animals Fishing TV and Radio show, and in 2015 they launched their first custom line. Since then they have expanded into multiple lines servicing inshore, offshore and freshwater anglers. The rod Hess suggested for me was their Sniper Series that, as its name implies, was built for long, accurate casts. Although I didn’t have to pay for the rod, I made sure that there were no strings attached. I made him aware that I would never represent a product to my readers that I wouldn’t use

myself. I had no problem like that with this rod. On my second outing, I sight fished a nice snook and really got to test the rod. As advertised, the rod allowed me to make an accurate cast, and when the snook hit my jig I was impressed with the way it handled the runs and jumps while telegraphing the best of the experience. I can in good faith offer a positive endorsement to my readers. Since we all have individual tastes and needs, I would advise readers to try one and make their own decisions. If you want more information on Bull Bay Rods, visit their website at www.bullbayrods.com. You can experience the feel and purchase a rod locally at Discount Tackle www.discounttackletampabay.com in Bradenton.

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MARCH 25, 2020

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captains hedder here CAPTAIN DAVID WHITE

Some strange times are upon us. It’s been a challenging time dealing with the changes we’re facing lately. But last week was extremely busy and the fishing was absolutely awesome both inshore and offshore.

Inshore, the strong incoming tide in the mornings had my clients hooking up on some of the largest snook and redfish we’ve hooked in a while. We’re happy the cold weather has subsided and the water temperatures have climbed significantly. The sheepshead will probably start to fizzle out a bit, but they’re being replaced with Spanish mackerel and big kingfish. The kings and macks are making a strong showing. These guys always make a reel sing. We should start seeing some better mangrove snapper inshore as well.

Offshore, everything is going crazy. We had a great white circle the boat three times at 40 miles. I’ve never seen that in the hundreds of times I’ve been offshore fishing. Red grouper are closed in waters over 120 feet right now but they are in shallow water as well. We’ve had no problems getting the limit for most trips lately. The blackfin tuna bite is starting to get better as well. Amberjack are seemingly everywhere. Getting away from them and hooking other species can be a little challenging. We've also

CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE | SUBMITTED

Captain David White, of Anna Maria Charters, shows off a beautiful African pompano, caught about 45 miles off of Anna Maria. had yellowtail snapper up to 27 inches and African pompano up to 40 pounds or so.

The waters have been extremely busy this last weekend with locals looking for something to do.

We hope this all is over soon and life can resume as normal.

RESTAURANTS: Rocked by coronavirus FROM PAGE 14

Around the corner at the Ugly Grouper, General Manager Thad Treadwell was still trying to process what just happened and he said it was too soon for him to comment.

While Treadwell and his staff swung into takeoutonly mode, Wisconsin visitor Cindy Jewett and her son Nick learned they were not going to be sitting down to enjoy food and drinks.

“Before you could sit with the tables further apart, but this is ridiculous,” she said of the events that unfolded during her week-long stay on the Island.

In response to the governor’s order, most Anna Maria Island and Cortez restaurants quickly took to social media to announce and promote their takeout and delivery services.

Ed Chiles and the Chiles Group own and operate the Sandbar restaurant in Anna Maria, the BeachHouse in Bradenton Beach and Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant in Longboat Key. When contacted Sunday, Chiles said, “All three restaurants are operating with takeout menus and we’re looking to do custom food too if people need a bigger, family-style meal.”

Regarding his employees, Chiles said, “Our staff is concerned and we’re providing them information on where to go to sign up for unemployment compensation, how to do that and what we’re doing with their health insurance after these layoffs happen. We also set up a GoFundMe account for our Chiles Group employees and we put $12,000 in that. This is a vehicle for people who want to help these folks who work for us.”

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Swordfish Grill server Scarlett Szarko makes a dockside delivery to boater and longtime patron Mick Weick.

Before last week’s events unfolded, the Chiles Group had more than 300 employees.

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REAL ESTATE

MARCH 25, 2020

Just tell me what you want R

emember the movie, “What Women Want” with Mel Gibson about 20 years ago? He suddenly acquired the ability to read women’s minds, not men’s minds, just women. There are real estate professionals out there that would love to have that ability when they first meet a potential buyer, only they want to be able to read all buyer’s minds.

If you have two people, you have two different opinions and real estate buying is no exception. Buying a house with another person is right up there with other major life events. One person wants a fully renovated home in move-in condition, the other wants a fixer-upper so they can put their own stamp on it. One person wants charm, the other wants function, one person wants waterfront, the other can’t stand sand. One person wants a garage, the other thinks it’s a junk collector, you get the picture.

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER The key to house hunting is not to dig in too much. You may think you want a pool or a basement or skylights and find out later that the maintenance involved for certain items is more expensive than anticipated.

So, who in a relationship gets the final word on whether you buy a threebedroom single family home or a twobedroom condo? When I first got into real estate, we would say that whichever person in a couple sat in the front seat of the car with the agent was the decision maker. An interesting little observation but probably doesn’t tell the whole story.

As it turns out, a survey of 33,000 home shoppers shows some of the differences between men and women in their wants and needs in a property.

For instance, women tend to determine floor plan and layout, young mothers want to be able to keep an eye on the children from the kitchen and require upstairs bedrooms close to children.

Men, on the other hand, are focused on location, a long-held opinion that this may be the most important thing when house-hunting.

In addition, women tend to want pantry space and closet space. They want multiple bathrooms with both a tub and a shower and, of course, large laundry rooms where they can set up ironing boards and drying racks. They also would love an office for household accounts and a master bedroom formatted as a get-away spot. Men want outdoor space, room for fitness equip-

ment, three-car garages, a media room, green technology and high-end kitchen appliances. Bottom line is the survey showed that 92 percent of all home purchases are led by a woman.

Finally, couples need to have serious and substantial conversations before they get into the agent’s car, whichever seat they sit in. And before they call an agent, they need at least an outline of what they want in a property and, of course, an area. That’s not to say they can’t be flexible with that list, but it’s an important starting point.

Probably buyers would love to be able to read their agent’s minds as well. Chances are what they would see is, “Please just tell me what you want!” written on their forehead. Knowing what you want beforehand will help not only you but your agent as well from losing your collective minds.

MARCH 25, 2020

www.amisun.com

BEACHES: 'Closed' but still accessible FROM PAGE 3

incarcerate people for walking on the beach. That is not the goal,” Wells said.

When asked for further clarification on the extent of the beach closures, Manatee County Information Outreach Manager Nick Azzara said, “In the announcement we sent yesterday, when we closed the beaches, we tried to make clear that this was largely a self-policing exercise and that we were relying on our residents and visitors to make a good faith effort in heeding those warnings. We’re asking people to avoid the beaches.”

Manatee County Public Safety Director Jake Saur said there were no plans to close the county boat ramps.

TOUR OF THE BEACHES

The Sun made a tour of the Island beaches on Friday.

At Coquina Beach late Friday morning, two officers and two vehicles from the Bradenton Beach Police Department were stationed at the main entrance where the gate was open so the free Island trolley could continue making its regular stops.

The beach concession stand was closed and there were only two people walking the shoreline of the otherwise empty beach.

Across the street, the North and South

Coquina boat ramps were open to boaters.

Manatee Beach Patrol personnel were stationed at the entrances to both boat ramp parking lots and they turned away those who sought to park there for non-boating purposes.

To the north along Cortez Beach, there were people on the beach, but not in large numbers.

Slightly north of that, there were people on the beach between the Moose Lodge and the BeachHouse restaurant, some in the water.

At approximately 3:45 p.m., there were fewer than a dozen people at Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach and the central part of the beach was empty. The beach areas south of Manatee Beach were much busier.

Because of the executive order that Gov. Ron DeSantis issued Friday afternoon limiting Florida restaurants to takeout service only, the tiki bar was already closed. The AMI Beach Café and gift shop closed later that day and remains closed until further notice.

Two blocks north of Manatee Beach, the 45th Street beach access was open as usual.

There were people on the beach, but not in large numbers. The beach areas north of the 45th Street beach access were much

THE SUN

We are asking for voluntary compliance. We are not there trying to incarcerate people for walking on the beach.

That is not the goal.”

Rick Wells, Manatee County Sheriff

busier.

Those entering the city of Anna Maria at the north end of the Island are now greeted by a digital sign that says, “Beaches closed.”

A similar sign stands near the new City Pier.

The Bayfront Park parking lot is closed and blocked by “Beach closed” signs and plastic tape.

There are two new mounted “Beach closed” signs at the entrance to the North Bay Boulevard beach access that leads to Bean Point.

Murphy told The Sun he plans to add additional signs that say, “Residents only beyond this point.” He said city residents

31

may be asked to provide identification and rental guests may be asked to show proof of rental when accessing Anna Maria’s beaches.

Vacationing Wisconsin residents Mary and Ralph Cornell were parking their bikes by the dune walkover before taking a walk on the Bean Point beach.

Regarding the beach closings, Mary Cornell said, “I think it’s the wise thing to do. They’re just trying to keep the number of people down, but it allows the local residents and people like us who stay for a long period of time to walk the beach. We don’t gather in big groups. We just want to be able to see the beach and the sunsets. You have great sunsets here and we really don’t want to miss those.”

There were about 20 people on that stretch of the Bean Point beach, including a few families.

Just after sunset, there were still many cars parked at the Palma Sola Causeway on Manatee Avenue despite the presence of several “Beach closed” signs.

At 10:30 Saturday morning, an occupied police car from the Bradenton Police Department was parked at the east end of the non-barricaded causeway parking area. There was no one on the beach and no other cars parked on either side of the causeway.

When contacted Saturday afternoon, Lt. Cosby said everything was going fine and they had not had any problems.

32

www.amisun.com

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DISTANCING: Ignored by some local boaters FROM PAGE 1

no plans to close the public boat ramps and did not feel there was any need to.

On Saturday, Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez closed all boat ramps and marinas in Miami Dade County.

The parking lots at the Coquina North and Coquina South boat ramps were full on Sunday afternoon, but they were quiet and

orderly while the boaters enjoyed their time on the water.

Manatee Beach Patrol personnel were stationed at the boat ramp parking lot entrances and they turned away those who wished to park there for non-boating or non-personal watercraft-related activities.

The Coquina boat ramps are located across Gulf Drive from Coquina Beach, where the beach

parking lots are closed until further notice.

At least half of the 10 or so vehicles parked illegally along the Gulf Drive South right of way near the Longboat Pass Bridge Sunday afternoon received $50 parking tickets from the Bradenton Beach Police Department.

When asked how things were at the Kingfish boat ramp in Holmes Beach, Police Chief Bill Tokajer said, “All Good. Busy.�

MARCH 25, 2020

www.amisun.com

MARCH 25, 2020

REEFS: concerns over mini reefs FROM PAGE 4

the reef to mature by attracting sea life and once it is mature, he said the reef can filter about 11 million gallons of water each year.

The reefs have a life expectancy of 10-15 years after which they would need to be removed by the owners, scraped clean of as much sea life as possible and then recycled or taken to a landfill.

Titsworth said she understands the good that the reefs can do to filter the water, however, she’s concerned about the environmental footprint the reefs can leave behind if they

break free of their moorings or are cut free by a new owner to a property where a reef is installed. She added that she’d like to see the reefs made of wood or some other biodegradable material that wouldn’t create litter.

While McDaniel said the creator of the mini reefs, David Wolff of Ocean Habitats, installs the reefs, there currently is no maintenance plan provided by the company. He said that the owners are expected to look after the reefs and remove and replace them as necessary.

Titsworth said that if city leaders elect to

THE SUN

place some of the reefs beneath the cityowned docks, she would like the reefs added to the maintenance schedule for public works employees so that someone is regularly checking on them.

Addressing concerns about the reefs breaking free from their moorings, McDaniel said they’re attached to docks using four marine ropes. However, he added that he would speak to Wolff about a way to identify the reefs and who owns the reef.

After hearing McDaniel’s presentation, the mayor and commissioners were still on the fence about the project.

Commissioner Terry Schaefer said he sees installing the mini reefs as a personal deci-

33

sion and is considering purchasing one for installation at his private dock.

“I understand the concept but I’m awful leery of it,” Commissioner Carol Soustek said, adding that she would rather see more effort put into saving mangroves and wetlands.

McDaniel said it’s up to the city leaders to decide if they want to support the project and, if so, how they would like to do that.

Each reef costs $350 to purchase with $150 of each purchase going to The Center. He said that there are 107 mini reefs that have been installed so far around Anna Maria Island as a part of the project.

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

B AY PA L M S 528 74th Street Victoria Sperounes 941-960-3773 A4446368 $2,625,000

W E L L S B AY H A R B O R 710 S Bay Boulevard Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4461640 $2,100,000

M A I N S A I L B E AC H I N N 101 66th Street 6 Kristi Berger & Deborah Capobianco 941-730-3801 A4452260 $600,000

B O C C AG E 1935 24th Street Circle W Jim McElhinney 941-773-1199 A4458839 $559,000

MARINA ISLE 8017 Marina Isles Lane Kate Enis & Stacy Haas 941-330-6068 A4439646 $3,999,000

NORTHGATE OF LONGBOAT KEY 490 N Shore Road 7 Jodene Moneuse 941-302-4913 A4461297 $475,000

S PA N I SH M A I N YAC HT C LU B 735 Spanish Drive S John Coutret & Cecile Coutret 941-735-4445 A4461784 $360,000

WESTBAY POINT & MOORINGS 6200 Flotilla Drive 267 Jaymie Carter 941-920-4573 A4445800 $330,000

NORTONS 6125 1st Terrace E Debbie Vogler & Cheryl Roberts 941-705-3328 A4455618 $1,000,000

CLUB LONGBOAT BEACH & TENNIS 5055 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 232 Cathy Meldahl & Susan Smith 941-724-7228 A4459280 $630,000

T I DY I S L A N D 51 Tidy Island Boulevard Kathy Marshall 941-900-9777 A4440248 $549,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 304 29th Street A & B Jody Shinn 941-705-5704 A4435660 $500,000

WAT E R F O R D 2606 Waterford Way A Toni Lyon 941-928-8735 A4462089 $139,000

RIVERSIDE POINT 5473 56th Court Tyler Hardy 941-201-4574 A4433047 $229,900

NEW CONSTRUCTION

MSC MORTGAGE | MSC TITLE | MS&C COMMERCIAL NEW HOMES & CONDOMINIUMS

P E R I C O B AY C LU B 814 Audubon Drive Laura Rulon 941-896-2757 A4460588 $229,000

OPEN HOUSES SUNDAYS 1–4 PM

michaelsaunders.com

8 8 8 . 552 . 52 2 8

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

34

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www.amisun.com

MARCH 25, 2020

Premier Sotheby’s International Realty is proud to welcome associates Laurie Mock & Jonathan DellaTorre

Laurie Mock, MBA Broker Associate Laurie.Mock@PremierSIR.com 941.232.3665

Jonathan DellaTorre Sales Associate Jonathan.DellaTorre@PremierSIR.com 941.315.9519 For buyers and sellers who seek an exceptional and professional real estate experience on Anna Maria Island – there are only Laurie and Jonathan.

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

606 Crestwood Lane – $3.99 Million

www.amisun.com

MARCH 25, 2020

THE SUN

35

CITY HALL: Changes taking place FROM PAGE 13

declare certain places off limits.

He is also authorized to spend up to $10,000 to cope with any emergency needs.

CHANGES MADE

On Monday, March 23, Murphy sent an email to city commissioners advising them of the measures he has taken thus far.

“We have made the following changes at city hall and the building department designed to protect you and our staff from COVID-19 contamination,” Murphy’s email said.

His email noted commissioners still have access to city hall via their access cards. Commissioners will no longer receive printed meeting packets or other written material in their city hall mailboxes. All information will be distributed electronically by email.

When possible, all informational material for the public will be distributed electronically by email or at the city website, www.cityofannamaria.com.

All city commission, planning and zoning board and historical committee meetings will be held electronically by teleconferencing. The next scheduled meeting is the Thursday, March 26 city commission meeting at 6 p.m. The exact details for public and media

As you know, rules and declarations are being issued each day and change can occur rapidly. We are in a very fluid environment.”

Dan Murphy, Anna Maria Mayor participation have not yet been announced.

“City staff is working on perfecting this methodology. Only critical meetings should be held,” Murphy’s email said.

Public attendance at the March 17 emergency meeting was limited to 10 attendees and the chairs were spaced out in a new configuration.

Notices were posted in the hallway and on the chamber door that provided a phone number and an access code in the event that someone was not allowed in the commission chamber due to the newly enacted CDC-recommended capacity limits.

From afar, Anna Maria resident Dr. George Talbot participated in the March 17 meeting by phone. While sharing his viral and infectious disease expertise with commissioners, Talbot said airborne molecules containing the coronavirus can remain airborne for as long as three hours. Later

that week, Dr. Sanjay Gupta made a similar statement on CNN. Regarding city staffing, Murphy’s March 23 email said, “Our administration and building staff will be working from home as much as possible. There will always be a minimum of two employees at both the annex (on Pine Avenue) and city hall. Public Works remains at full staff.”

In conclusion Murphy wrote, “Your patience and understanding during these times is greatly appreciated.”

In an email sent to commissioners late last week, Murphy wrote, “As you know, rules and declarations are being issued each day and change can occur rapidly. We are in a very fluid environment. Please let me know of any situations which you think need to be addressed going forward.”

Updated information for the public is being posted regularly at www.cityofannamaria.com.

36

THE SUN

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Pretend to be 4 Center 9 Foot, in zoology 12 "Isn't __ Lovely": Stevie Wonder hit 13 Toyota until 2006 14 Posted 15 Time for an Oktoberfest tradition?

17 Erase 18 Deplorable sort 19 Where to find letters on tracks 21 Medical events in a 1977 Robin Cook thriller 23 Movie about a Jewish wedding staple?

24 Celebrity chef Garten 25 Set of values 28 Thinks intently (over) 29 Impedes, with "up" 31 Paramedic letters 32 Old brew revived in the 2000s 33 Festive Brazilian gathering?

38 Rapper will.__ 39 Stick in a lock 40 Jazz vocalist Laine 42 See 14-Down 45 Charged 47 Reservoir creator 48 One in a line of frolicking sea creatures?

50 Increases, with "up" 52 Creator of a sci-fi "Traveller" 53 Schroeder's toy 55 Getting __ years 56 Wedding reception highlight ... and a feature of four puzzle answers

60 Rolled __ 61 Conceptualize 62 One may be bruised 63 MIT, for one 64 "Cool!"

65 Yang's opposite Down 1 Nile danger 2 John of "Star Trek" (2009) 3 1967 Etta James hit 4 Target section 5 Nastase on the court 6 Archaeological site 7 Jerks 8 Member of Genghis Khan's horde 9 Write (in) tentatively 10 Ultimate objective 11 Weather headliners 13 Reason 14 With 42-Across, corrosive substances 16 Camping letters 20 Shakespeare's plays are full of them 21 Slangy smoke 22 Heavy weight

Answers to 03-18-20 Crossword Puzzle.

23 Glowing barbecue bit 26 Orioles, e.g.

27 Medical care gp.

30 Bits 32 Prefix with sail 34 __ metabolism 35 Recyclable item 36 Source of status 37 Tide table term 41 Sounds heard at an ashram 42 Blessing evokers 43 Colombard grapes product 44 Part of, as a gang 45 Live 46 Sports news 49 Like the Hollow Tree Factory bakers 51 Santa __ 53 Exam for jrs.

54 "Leave __ me" 57 Stephen of "The Crying Game" 58 Movie SFX 59 DMV wait time, seemingly

MARCH 25, 2020

MARCH 25, 2020

CLASSIFIED

ANNOUNCEMENTS FACE PAINTER/PORTRAIT ARTIST Island student artist, reasonable price for parties, events, and special portraits. Call/text Lillian 210-380-9691 THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Lynn at 813758-3234 or lbrennan47@ gmail.com ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s.

Join the team at the FLORIDA MARITIME MUSEUM to preserve Florida’s fishing and maritime heritage. Assist with collections, school tours and more! Contact 941-708-6120

BOATS: SALES & RENTALS BOAT LIFT FOR RENT. 10,000#. Deep water.

Walk around deck. Direct access to Intracoastal. Key Royale area. $450 Monthly. 941-518-3682.

CARPET CLEANING QUALITY COUNTS. CARPET cleaning. Upholstery cleaning. Tile & grout cleaning. Island's favorite cleaner. Manatee Chamber Member. Great price/free estimates. Call 941-7561082

CLEANING SERVICE THC CLEANING : Residential, Commercial & Rentals. Professional and Reliable. Call 941756-4570

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE ESTABLISHED RETAIL BUSINESS for sale on AMI. 250k plus inventory. Long term lease possible. $4200. a month plus low cam fees. Sharon Hightower RE/MAX Alliance Group 941-330-5054 Email to sharonsellsbeaches@ yahoo.com

Call us today! 941-778-3986

13 UNIT RESORT: $3,999,900 Bradenton Beach on Gulf Dr. WAREHOUSE: 9300 sq ft possible Machine Shop w/ Heavy Duty Elect. Or Car Storage. So many Possibilities. Near SRQ Airport. $595,000. Island Real Estate call Alan Galletto 941-232-2216

COMPUTER SERVICES EMPIRE COMPUTER SERVICE Computer problems fixed in your home or office. The fastest friendliest service around. Serving the Island since 2004. Call 941-739-6424

EMPLOYMENT THE AWARD-WINNING ANNA MARIA ISLAND SUN, a weekly newspaper on Florida’s Gulf Coast, (https://amisun. com; www.facebook. com/AnnaMariaIslandSun), is looking for a freelance reporter/ photographer to cover events on this tourismdriven island. The ideal candidate will have reporting and photography experience at a community newspaper and have some experience writing for a news website. Local residents or those with previous local knowledge and willing to relocate here a plus. Resumes and cover letters may be emailed to news@amisun.com or

by U.S. Postal Service to The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216, attention: Mike Field, publisher.

NAIL/SKIN PRO needed now at busy island day spa. Fl. license req. 941896-2222 TWO SIDES OF NATURE – Anna Maria Island’s Largest Little Beach Shoppes... is now hiring part-time associates.

Varied shifts available must be able to days, nights and weekends.

Retail Experience Preferred. Great personalities a plus! Great pay!

Apply today Two Sides of Nature 101 S. Bay Blvd.

Unit A-1, Anna Maria.

Two Sides of Nature, Two Sides of Nature Too, Two Scoops – having a little fun every day!

TWO SCOOPS – Anna Maria Island’s Favorite Ice-Cream... is now hiring part-time associates.

Varied shifts available must be able to work nights and weekends.

A great place to work and have a little fun… looking for a few friendly people to join our team.

Food prep. or server experience preferred.

Great Pay! Apply today…

Two Scoops 101 S. Bay Blvd. Anna Maria.

HOTEL ON ANNA MARIA seeking Housekeeper Full time, Part time. Must have two years experience. We drug test. Must speak English. If no Answer, leave message. 813-735-4373.

FULL TIME RECEPTIONIST- Busy Island Real Estate office seeking outgoing energetic people person.

Computer & communication skills a must. Come join team PARADISE. 941778-4800.

VACATION RENTAL AGENT with excellent customer service skills, experience with RNS software preferred but willing to train, flexible schedule, dependable transportation a must.

Full and Part Time positions avail. Salary based on experience. Send Resume to info@paradiserealty.com.

ESTATE SALE ESTATE SALE FRIDAY March 27 9:30am-2pm 737 Jacaranda City of Anna Maria.(DUE to COVID-19 APPOINTMENTS ONLY for Serious Buyers). Very nice sale CALL 941-792-8401 for APPOINTMENTS. Coastal Furniture: Wicker, chairs, tables, settee. Dinette, leather recliner, rattan, 2 queen bed sets, hutch, bookcase, vacuum, lamps, kitchen ware, linens, plants, nice accessories.

Sale conducted by Palma Sola Sales. See estatesales. net for any changes and to see pictures.

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

AMISUN.COM

THE SUN

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES ROSER THRIFT SHOP & ANNEX open 9:30-2p.m.

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Donations preferred 9a.m.-11a.m. Wednesdays.

511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

Phone 941-779-2733

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.

HOME MAINTENANCE. Tile and Laminate installation.

Popcorn ceiling removal, Drywall repair, texturing and painting. Call 941-7259876 COASTAL INTERIORS Trim, paint, repairs and more 27yrs experience Local 786-318-8585

HOME SERVICES

37

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: NORMS TOWING gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 04/08/2020, 09:00 am at 1855 63RD AVENUE E. BRADENTON, FL 34203, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. NORMS TOWING reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

THE HARDWOOD STOP Flooring installation services; Laminate, hardwood, vinyl and tile. Bathroom and shower. Virtually dustless FLOOR REMOVAL License and insured FREE ESTIMATES 941-227-0041 www.thehardwoodstop. com

RFVPMP20XC1005638 2012 GENUINE SCOOTER COMPANY

GREEN INSTALLATIONS VOTED #1 by Yelp for last 3 years! Call 786-318-8585

LOST DIAMOND STONE on Trolley or shops on Anna Maria Island. $500 REWARD. Call 314-324-5921

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

LOST & FOUND LOST ON BEACH Beige Women’s Eye Glasses. $50 REWARD Call John 941705-6068

MOVING & STORAGE

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CRC1327296.

Call Jerry Kern 941-7781115 www.kernconstructioninc.com

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

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

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

LIGHTHOUSE PROPERTY INNOVATIONS LLC State Certified General Contractor (Lic. #CGC 1515821) New Construction, Renovations & Additions. Call 941-266-7500

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

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING

MASTER CARPENTER. Decks-Docks-FencingStairs & Railing. Free Estimates. Handyman Work. Call Richard 941448-3571 JSAN CORPORATION Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors.

Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.

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.

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: NORMS TOWING gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 03/25/2020, 09:00 am at 1855 63RD AVENUE E. BRADENTON, FL 34203, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. NORMS TOWING reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

1G4CW54K734134825 2003 BUICK 2C3KA53G56H248426 2006 CHRYSLER NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: NORMS TOWING gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 04/01/2020, 09:00 am at 1855 63RD AVENUE E. BRADENTON, FL 34203, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. NORMS TOWING reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

5NPEB4AC5BH226606 2011 HYUNDAI

PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates.

941-812-0507 “WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident.

Quality Workmanship.

Interior/Exterior. Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315 CUSTOM PAINTING, Residential-Commercial, Interior/Exterior Professional quality work for over 40 years. Free estimates.

Call Larry at 941-400-8754.

References available.

38

THE SUN

CLASSIFIED

POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 10 + Years Experience.

Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS AUTHORITY ONE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction and Vacation Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941565-3931.

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE CANAL FRONT HOMES Holmes Beach – GULF FRONT CONDOS Gulf Place, L’Plage, Vista Grande, SPW, 5400 – DUPLEXES & MORE Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 941232-2216

Call us today! 941-778-3986

IMMACULATE WATERFRONT HOME 520 Kumquat Dr. 4BD/5BA 3928sf Coastal Beauty! Prime location on AMI. $2,750,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086 LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 28 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589 MOBILE HOME in 55+ community 1975 Fully furnished, excellent rental history, 1BR/1BA, 50 steps from beach. $72,500. Call 813-679-3561 2BR/2BA GULF FRONT Condo. Fabulous view rarely on the mkt.! Sun Plaza West. $749,000 COMPLETELY REMODELED gorgeous condo with Peek of Gulf. $600,000 firm. RIVER DISTRICT Homes Bradenton. $300,000 start !

Very cool historical area.

PERICO ISLAND Patio Home. private pool.

Close to AMI! $369,000 Brenda Boyd May Broker/owner Boyd Realty LLC. 941-730-8589 www.boydrealty.com

REAL ESTATE: OPEN HOUSE OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY March 29 1pm-4pm.

7920 4th Ave W. Bradenton. Pine Bay Forest Condo. Gorgeous 1300 sq.ft. 2BR/2BA Condo.

Completely remodeled.

Beautiful coastal glam style with vinyl plank floors. Recessed lighting.

Brand New Kitchen.

Custom Touches like barn wood slider doors. MOVE RIGHT IN. $225,000 Call 941-7136531

RENTALS: ANNUAL HOLMES BEACH, elevated nice 2BR/2BA duplex a block to the beach. Updated kitchen with washer and dryer included, all tile floors, large carport and storage area, nice front deck to enjoy the sunsets. $1,800/mo. immediate occupancy, non smoking.

Call Paige Rogers 513-3821992 paige@teamduncan. com Duncan Real Estate ANNUAL RENTALS WANTED! We have well qualified tenants for beach and mainland annual rentals, Full management or Finders fee.

Call today for details. Ask for Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www.teamduncan.com

MARCH 25, 2020

2BR/1BA GROUND LEVEL condo in Bradenton Beach. $1400/mo. 1st, last, and security. $150 application fee which requires HOA approval. 2BR/2BA FURNISHED gulf-front 8 month lease starting May 1, 2020 $2750/mo. Call A Paradise 941-778-4800 WARES CREEK AREA 2216 8th Ave W. Cute 2BR/2BA House fenced yard $1450/mo. Available Now. 3BR/2BA on Wares Creek $1750/mo Available NOW. First, & 1 ½ security deposit. Credit check required. Call 941-809-2488 HOLMES BEACH DUPLEX 2BR/1BA 2 blocks to beach. Washer/Dryer hook ups, I Year lease. $1300/ mo First, 1 &1/2 months security deposit. Available April 15. Credit check required. Call 941-809-2488 ANNUAL RENTAL BUGALOW with mini-loft. Vaulted ceilings. Utilities included, Washer/Dryer. Steps to Beach. Pets considered. $1395/mo. First, Last & Security. Call 941-741-1096 SMUGGLERS LANDINGS. CORTEZ 2BR/2BA/2CG. Overlooking Canal.1400s.f. , unfurnished, with 2 pools, 40ft boat slip. $1900/mo.

Available May 1. Call 770883-3561

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ANNUAL RENTALHOLMES BEACH 1BR/1BA 2 blocks to beach. Nice back yard. $1,200/mo. No pets.

Contact Fran Maxon Real Estate 941-778-2307 for details.

ANNUAL RENTALS IN HOLMES BEACH- 2BR/2BA, $1200/mo and 1BR/1BA, $950/mo.

Both are ground floor, part of a triplex, 2 blocks to the beach, no dogs, no washer/dryer hookups. 1st, last and sec dep, $45 app fee. Contact Dolores Baker Real Estate 941-778-7500 for more details.

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 GREAT RATES! Weekly, Monthly. 3BR/2BA NW Bradenton. Call Grace 941-201-2190

KEY ROYALE, SEASONAL, February 1-29, 2020, gorgeous canal home 3BD/3BA, 8500$/mo,10 min walking distance to the beach. Mike text 514952-7022 or drmsake@ yahoo.ca ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fl Condos. Pool beach access, fully equipped $650-$800/ wk REDEKERCONDOSonAMI.com 941-704-7525

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $165. Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www.amitaxi.com ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa $70. Sarasota $35. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne.

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

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MARCH 25, 2020

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