Anna Maria Island Sun March 27, 2024

Commissioners deny bids for paid parking

Commissioners are considering city-managed paid parking lots citywide.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Rather than partnering with an outside vendor as planned, commissioners are now considering city-managed paid parking lots throughout Bradenton Beach. The city had put out a Request for Proposals (RFP) on Feb. 9 to “Provide the City with a complete parking management and enforcement system that is capable of handling the current parking environment at six (6) municipal locations, a public street, and a future 7th site.”

Two bidders - Beach to Bay Investments and SP Municipal Parking

- submitted proposals to the city by the Feb. 29 due date.

Representatives from both entities laid out their cases for approval at a March 19 city commission work meeting. A decision was deferred to the March 21 commission meeting where a choice between the two was expected to be made.

Instead, neither one of them was chosen. On March 21, Mayor John Chappie recommended having the city oversee paid parking without a vendor.

“The more I looked over two really impressive applications - each with a lot of plusses - I thought why have that third person? We’re talking about 75 parking spaces. I’m recommending we deny both of these and look at doing it in-house,” Chappie said.

AMI Moose Lodge hosts kids’ Easter party

Rainy weather didn’t dampen the AMI Moose Lodge’s annual Easter party.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Due to rainy weather, Saturday morning’s Easter egg hunt at the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge took place inside the lodge.

The annual event usually features hundreds of brightly colored plastic eggs buried in the beach sand between Moose Lodge #2188 and the Gulf of Mexico. Separated into two age groups, the youngsters then make a mad dash for buried eggs and the hunt is over within a few minutes. The rain that fell Friday night and early Saturday morning forced the Women of the Moose to improvise and bring the event inside.

Upon arrival at 10 a.m., and accompanied by parents and grandparents, the 99 youngsters who preregistered for the free March 23 event were greeted by Moose volunteers who handed them activity sheets that included a word puzzle and images to be colored.

Kruse talks beach parking, Island consolidation

Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse didn’t shy away from speaking out on the hard questions at a recent town hall meeting.

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

HOLMES BEACH – About two dozen people came out on March 20 to meet with Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse, bringing their questions for the candidate, who is seeking re-election in November.

Kruse held a town hall meeting at the Island Branch Library where he answered every question posed, discussing everything from parking and traffic to the possible consolidation of the three Anna Maria Island cities.

On the subject of traffic and making the Island trolley service more efficient during peak times, Kruse said that if there’s traffic, the trolley is stuck in it the same as any other motor vehicle. He did say that he would look into the possibility of adding additional trolleys during peak times, such as over holiday weekends and spring break to help reduce the amount of time spent waiting for transportation that may be too full to accept more riders.

When the new Cortez and Manatee bridges are built, Kruse said he hopes that there will be an express lane - a third lane for emergency and transit vehicles.

“You’re not going to reduce the want of people to go to the beach, you have to get them out of their cars,” he said, adding that with the

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

From left, Easter egg hunters Brady Kolanowski, Scarlett Cody, Morgan Clemens and Cooper Henderson found the golden eggs with the bunnies inside.

Scaccianoce new Bradenton Beach commissioner

Deborah Scaccianoce fills the vacancy left by former Commissioner Jake Spooner after his December 2023 resignation.

BY LESLIE LAKE

SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Ward 1 has a new commissioner.

The application for commissioner by business owner and former Manatee County records manager Deborah Scaccianoce was approved by the commission and she was sworn in at its March 21 meeting.

She filled the vacant seat left by former Commissioner Jake Spooner. Spooner, a local businessman, ran unopposed in 2023, but resigned in December citing the state’s financial disclosure requirement.

Bradenton Beach resident Gary Michniewicz was the other applicant for the commission seat. The deadline for applications was March 13.

Scaccianoce is the co-owner of Double Deez Chicago Style Hot Dogs in Holmes Beach. She addressed the commission

prior to the nomination.

“My family has been a part of the Bradenton Beach area for the past 45 years. It’s been my permanent home for almost 12 years. My brother was the chief of police here, Sam Speciale. In the 80s, my father worked for the planning board. We’ve been around a very long time,” she said.

Scaccianoce said over the years she’s watched Bradenton Beach grow and develop.

“I’ve watched all the changes, some painful, others amazing,” she said. “I think I bring a unique perspective. I’m also a small business owner and I understand the balance we have to have with the balance of the city’s needs the balance of our residents, the balance with our commissioners and their various wards, business owners and our visitors.”

“I think Debbie would be a great commissioner with her history and experience,” Mayor John Chappie said. “I’d like to name her as nominee.”

Michniewicz did not attend the meeting.

“We also have the other gentleman, Gary, I’ve talked a little bit with him, he is, I believe, out of town. He knew about the meeting, I can’t really add anything else besides his resume that I have here

as well,” Chappie said. “The gentleman said he would also be qualified and interested in other positions, such as the CRA Board and the Planning and Zoning Board.”

Commissioner Jan Vosburgh that while both applicants had excellent resumes, she felt that Scaccianoce had more experience with government work.

“I look forward to getting another member up here,” Commissioner Ralph Cole said.

City Attorney Ricinda Perry read the following motion:

“To approve the Mayor’s nomination of Deborah Scaccianoce as Ward Representative One.”

Cole made the motion and it was seconded by Vosburgh. It passed unanimously.

After being sworn in by City Clerk Terri Sanclemente, Scaccianoce took her seat at the commissioner’s table.

Commissioners receive a stipend of $4,800 per year. Her term will run until November 2025.

Commissioner Marilyn Maro did not attend or phone into the commission meeting.

ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

Sun earns five FPA awards

The Anna Maria Island Sun has earned five awards in the 2024 Florida Press Association Weekly Newspaper Contest in the following categories: Outdoor and Recreation, Rusty Chinnis; Hurri-cane Breaking News Coverage, Leslie Lake; Editorial Award, Cindy Lane; Feature Story (non-profile), staff; and Serious Column (Sally Latham Memorial Award), staff. Winners will be an-nounced during the 2024 Florida Media Conference on July 25-26 in Orlando.

CBD sales, dogs in park on agenda

The Anna Maria City Commission will meet on Thursday, March 28, at 6 p.m. The meeting will begin with general public comment on non-agenda items, followed by the reading of a proclamation declaring April as Water Conservation Month. The commission will then continue its previous discussion on repealing and replacing a city ordinance that prohibits hemp and CBD sales in Anna Maria. The commission will be presented with the first reading of an ordinance that would allow dogs in City Pier Park, with certain exceptions. The mayor will provide an update on the vacation rental legislation awaiting Gov. Ron DeSantis’ final decision and an update on the Reimagining Pine Avenue bid solicitation process. The commission chair will provide an update on the OPPAGA Island consolidation study. Thursday’s meeting can be attended by phone and public input can be given by calling 1-929-205-6099 and entering the meeting ID: 85392000280.

Bridge Street traffic, parking among commission concerns

From parking to pickleball, commissioners talked for seven hours at Thursday’s meeting.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – In what was an unusually lengthy, seven-hour city commission meeting that began at noon on March 21, commissioners dove into parking and traffic issues, pickleball and organ donation.

BRIDGE STREET ONE WAY?

A Bridge Street business owner asked the commission to consider making Bridge Street one way to alleviate traffic and parking issues.

Brandt Clark, whose family owns Bridge Street Jewelers, read a prepared statement which said in part, “I recommend turning Bridge Street into a one-way street with all the parallel parking spots converted into diagonal parking.”

Clark said delivery trucks block half the street which causes a hazard to drivers and pedestrians.

“Everyone is aware of the parking issues in Bradenton Beach, as well as on Bridge Street. Currently the street has about 12 parallel parking spots,” Clark read. “The spots are honestly too small, and result in cars not being able to fit, cars taking up multiple spots, cars getting locked in, and a lot of vehicular damage. I, myself, have been locked in by cars parking far too close to mine, as well as having my car hit at least a dozen times. By making the street one way, we can turn the parallel parking into diagonal spots.”

“This has been discussed over the years and the conclusion was not to,” Mayor John Chappie said, suggesting putting the topic on the

agenda for the Community Redevelopment Agency.

“Let’s say we wanted to move traffic from west to east, for those 100 spots and everything else that comes down the road would be directed through The Pines and the neighborhoods and along Bay Drive where we have a lot of pedestrians,” Chief John Cosby said. “Do we want to move traffic to this area?”

Cosby said the current twoway traffic is a safer option.

“I don’t know how comfortable I am moving all this traffic into the neighborhoods,” he said.

When the city was reviewing Bridge Street, there was a substantial amount of time spent with engineers, Chappie, Cosby and the Public Works Department and through that collaboration, new signs were posted saying cars must fit completely inside parking spots, according to City Attorney Ricinda Perry.

“If you are over the lines you will get a ticket,” Perry said.

GOLF CART PARKING AT 301 GULF DRIVE S.

A request for a temporary use permit for golf cart parking at 301 Gulf Drive S., a vacant building, was approved by commissioners with conditions.

Use is limited to the storage of battery-powered golf carts; active insurance must be in place; the permit runs from March 21, 2024-Sept. 21, 2025; landscape buffering is required; a site plan must be submitted to city building department; all golf cart loading and unloading shall be onsite or along Third Street South; hours of delivery will be between 6:30-8 p.m.; use of the property is limited to employees and staff; a sidewalk will be installed along Gulf Drive and Third Street South with ingress and egress to be approved by the city building

official; compliance with a triangle of visibility for drivers must be met, and a business tax receipt must be submitted to the City Clerk.

The application was submitted by Wendy Kokolis on March 5. Julian Botero and attorney Aaron Thomas represented the applicant at the commission meeting.

PICKLEBALL COURTS AT HERB DOLAN PARK

An anonymous donor has donated $24,000 for the expansion of two soon-to-bebuilt pickleball courts at Herb Dolan Park.

“We have a situation where we needed more funding and we had a bid in for $24,000. So we had a shortfall,” Mayor John Chappie said. “The City of Bradenton Beach is in possession from an anonymous donor for the full $24,000. We have the funding to expand it 10 feet and take care of amenities to expand it and make it nicer.”

Chappie said the court will be a first-class facility for all levels of pickleball players.

“Thank you to the angel that’s going to provide this for us,” pickleball player Kat Witt said during public comment.

The proposal from Stewart Tennis Courts & Fencing includes adding 10 feet of asphalt to the east side of the court and 4 feet to the back of the court, adding more fencing, installing four new net post anchors and adding color coats to the courts.

A motion to approve the change order for the pickleball courts was approved unanimously.

DONATE LIFE MONTH

A proclamation was passed designating April as Donate Life Month in Bradenton Beach, supporting organ donation through LifeLink of Florida and www.DonateLifeFlorida.org.

JOE HENDRICKS

Six charter amendments proposed

The city commission can accept, reject or modify any charter amendments proposed by the charter review committee.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA –The Anna Maria Charter Review Committee is proposing six potential charter amendments for city commission consideration.

The five-member volunteer committee completed its comprehensive review of the city charter on March 21 after the members voted unanimously in favor of each of the six proposed amendments to be included in a final report prepared by City Attorney Becky Vose.

The committee will meet for the final time on March 28 at 11 a.m. to review the final report compiled by Vose. At least one committee member will then present the recommended charter amendments to the city commission during its April 11 meeting. The commission will then accept, reject or modify any or all of the proposed amendments. Any proposed amendments supported by the commission,

including those introduced by the commission, will be placed on the November ballot for Anna Maria’s registered voters to accept or reject.

HOME RULE

The committee spent much time debating a proposed charter amendment that would further establish the city’s desire to preserve its home rule rights. The proposed amendment is sought in response to state legislators Jim Boyd and Will Robinson Jr.

requesting a study by the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability that could result in the Florida Legislature imposing the forced consolidation of the three Island cities.

When lobbying for the proposed amendment, committee member Chuck Wolfe said, “There’s no hiding from the fact that as residents on the Island the biggest question facing us is whether we’ll continue to be residents of a town. We like being self-managed

and we’ve proven that by having the mayor manage the city. This is an extension of that.”

The committee members ultimately agreed to propose the insertion of the words “home rule” into existing language already contained in the city’s comprehensive plan.

With the insertion of the words “home rule,” the committee proposes adding the following lanauge to the charter: “Ensure that the single-family detached residential character and home rule of the city of Anna Maria is maintained and protected while supporting commerical uses in the commercial and ROR land use categories, while maximizing the enjoyment of natural and man-made resources by the citizens and minimizing the threat to health, safety and welfare posed by hazards, nuisiances, incompatible land uses and environmental degredation.”

Mayor Dan Murphy and City Attorney Becky Vose said they do not support placing such an amendment before the city’s voters. Vose questions the point of the proposed amendment and she and Murphy cautioned the

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The charter review committee is, from left, Pat Olesen, Scott Isherwood, Chuck Wolfe, Stevie Coppin and Chris Arendt.

OPINION

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Destruction of paradise looms on horizon

Anna Maria Island’s three cities are facing dissolution for the first time in Florida history. Why?

It is the belief of the local civil authority, residents and regular visitors that this is a power play to take over the real estate on the Island and create Fort Lauderdale, Longboat Key or Sarasota-style high rises and VRBOs and Airbnbs. This move is backed by real estate developers, Sen. Boyd, who is an insurance broker, state senators including Will Robinson, a real estate attorney who works for a major law firm with a large real estate department, and Kevin Van Ostenbridge, a county commissioner who has over $150,000 in contributions

from real estate developers. These developers are believed to be behind this attempt to dissolve the cities, remove the height restrictions and take over the Island.

The three cities on Anna Maria Island are Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach and Anna Maria. Why are Gov. DeSantis and the Republican-controlled state Legislature, for the first time in the history of Florida, trying to force viable cities to dissolve, or to merge with the city of Bradenton? None of these cities asked for this. These cities are financially sound with positive balance sheets. The options are:

1. Become part of Bradenton, also in Manatee County. Bradenton currently runs a deficit, and a negative balance sheet with a tax rate of 6.1. Holmes Beach has a $12 million positive balance and a

Drop us a line

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 snail-mail

real estate tax rate of 2.1;

2. Dissolve and become part of Manatee County;

3. Combine the cities into one city; or

4. Consolidate services (acceptable).

Anna Maria Island currently has a three-story height restriction on buildings and there are no high rises. There are two exceptions built 30 or 40 years ago that somehow snuck in under the radar. Our cities are unique in Florida and are among the last places where no high rises are permitted.

The three cities want none of this forced on them. They all wish to have local representation elected by residents with local police departments and other associated services in their respective towns.

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.

Paul R. Steberger Holmes Beach

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27

Creative Aging: Figurative Drawing Series, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Holy Yoga, Roser Church outdoor stage, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 11:30 a.m.

One-on-one Tech Help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-4 p.m.

THURSDAY, MARCH 28

RoserRobics, Roser Church fellowship hall, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

One-on-one Tech Help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to noon.

Seaside Quilters, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

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

AMI Chamber of Commerce Business Card Exchange and Scholarship Awards, LaPensee Plumbing Pools Air, 401 Manatee Ave. Holmes Beach, 5-7 p.m., $5 for members or $10 for prospective members

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

SATURDAY, MARCH 30

Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon

SUNDAY, MARCH 31

Easter sunrise service, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 6:30 a.m.

MONDAY, APRIL 1

Gentle yoga, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Comic book writing for adults, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

TUESDAY, APRIL 2

Farmer’s Market, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

RoserRobics, Roser Church fellowship hall, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

Family story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3

Holy Yoga, Roser Church outdoor stage, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 11:30 a.m.

Mah-jongg for beginners, 5701

Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-4 p.m.

THURSDAY, APRIL 4

AMI Chamber sunrise breakfast, Minnie’s Beach Café, 5360 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 7:30 a.m., $15 for members or $25 for prospective members RoserRobics, Roser Church fellowship hall, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to noon

Explore Nature: Manatees, Portosueno Park, 1206 Alcazar Drive, Bradenton, 10 a.m. to noon

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 5

Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Explore Nature: Tower Talk, Robinson Preserve tower, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m. to noon

Paper crafting with MaryKate Scott, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

SATURDAY, APRIL 6

Mornings at the NEST, Robinson

Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 99th St.

N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon

Coquina Beach Spring Art & Craft Show, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ask a Master Gardener, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Tram tour, Robinson Preserve, north entrance, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Paper crafting with MaryKate Scott, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

SUNDAY, APRIL 7

Coquina Beach Spring Art & Craft Show, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

MONDAY, APRIL 8

Gentle yoga, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Solar eclipse watch party, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 2-4 p.m.

TUESDAY, APRIL 9

Farmer’s Market, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

RoserRobics, Roser Church fellowship hall, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

ON THE AGENDA

ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

Please visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information.

March 28, 11 a.m. – Charter Review meeting

March 28, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting

March 29, all day – City offices closed, Good Friday

April 11, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting

BRADENTON BEACH

107 GULF DRIVE N.

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005

Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach. com or contact city hall for more information. March 29, all day – City offices closed, Good Friday

April 3, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting

April 3, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting

April 4, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting

HOLMES BEACH

5801 MARINA DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800

Please visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information.

March 29, all day – City offices closed, Good Friday

April 2, 10 a.m. – Sea turtle workshop

April 3, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting

April 9, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting

April 10, 9 a.m. – Clean Water Ad-hoc Committee meeting

Untreated wastewater released at Piney Point

An investigation is ongoing to determine why fail-safe controls did not engage.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

PALMETTO – Approximately 6,000 gallons of untreated industrial wastewater was unintentionally released at the Piney Point injection well pretreatment facility at 3105 Buckeye Road following a power loss on March 21.

According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), operations staff at the facility became aware of

the release around 11:30 a.m.

The release occurred due to a power loss from a tripped breaker which caused a loss of communications and control at the plant, according to an FDEP Public Notice of Pollution.

Following the loss of power, the offsite transfer pump that sends industrial wastewater from the Piney Point site to the pretreatment plant continued to pump, resulting in an overflow of approximately 6,000 gallons.

Staff manually shut off the transfer pump to stop the discharge by approximately 11:40 am. The discharged wastewater soaked into the ground and did

not leave the plant site, according to FDEP.

“Troubleshooting is currently ongoing to determine why the backup power source and fail-safe controls did not engage,” according to FDEP. “The plant will be staffed during operating hours until this issue is corrected. This has been reported to the State Watch Office and has been assigned incident number 2024-2529.”

The Piney Point property is the site of a former phosphate processing plant that is in the process of being permanently closed.

The most recent environmental impact from the site was in 2021 when a liner tear and leak in Piney Point’s collection system resulted in the discharge of 215

million gallons of untreated wastewater into Tampa Bay from March 30 to April 9. FDEP approved the discharge, which spread throughout Tampa Bay and into Sarasota Bay, transporting nitrogen and phosphorus pollution that worsened a bloom of the toxic algae red tide that lasted from April to November, causing fish kills and respiratory irritation.

On Dec. 16, 2021, FDEP issued a permit to Manatee County for its planned underground injection control well to store the remaining Piney Point wastewater. The county began receiving wastewater from the Piney Point site on April 4, 2023 for disposal in the well.

‘Go slow, look out below’ to protect manatees

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is warning boaters to watch out for manatees as the slow-moving marine mammals move away from their warm water winter refuges.

Manatees spend winter in springs, power plant discharges and other warm-water sites, where the water is higher than 68 degrees Fahrenheit. As spring brings

warmer temperatures, manatees gradually disperse from their winter habitats and are more likely to be in rivers, canals and nearshore waters, according to the FWC.

Spotting manatees in the water can be challenging, so going slow and looking out below helps boaters and personal watercraft users better see them.

The FWC recommends that people on the water can help manatees stay safe by wearing

polarized glasses, following all posted manatee protection zones, keeping an eye out for visible snouts or large circles on the water that can indicate manatees are below the surface and always giving manatees space.

“From April 1 through Nov. 15, seasonal manatee zones require boaters to slow down in certain areas to prevent manatees from being injured or killed by motorboats or personal watercrafts,”

according to the FWC. “Boat strikes continue to be a major threat to Florida manatees.”

FWC law enforcement officers patrol state waters to remind boaters of the seasonal manatee speed zones and take appropriate enforcement actions.

Manatee protection zones are marked by waterway signs. Maps of manatee protection zones are available online at myfwc.com/ manatee by clicking on “Data and

Maps.”

“As a reminder, manatees are a protected species and it is illegal to feed, harass or harm them,” according to the FWC. “Physically handling a distressed or stranded manatee can cause additional harm to the manatee and could put you at risk of serious injury.”

Report injured, distressed, orphaned, sick or dead manatees to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

AMOB allowed to serve food at kiosk

The commission approved food sales at a kiosk where alcohol is already served.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The city commission has approved the request of John Horne, owner of the Anna Maria Oyster Bar, to sell both food and alcoholic beverages at AMOB’s "Pier Cheer" Kiosk.

“It was our thought all along we would be serving food out there, grab and go, people looking for something to eat, along with a margarita or whatever,” Horne said. “You could grab a smoked fish dip or whatever and walk down the pier while you’re waiting for your table.”

A special use permit for the sale and consumption of alcohol at AMOB on the Bradenton Beach Pier was approved with conditions at a Sept. 18 Special Use Permit meeting. The permit allows the consumption of alcohol purchased from AMOB at either the main restaurant or the takeout kiosk. Horne’s corporation, We’re Back/AMOB, leases both spaces from the city.

Alcohol is served in a marked AMOB logo plastic cup and is allowed only in a limited area on the pier.

“By statute, if we’re serving alcohol, we have to sell food,” Horne told the commission on March 21 when he requested adding food at the kiosk.

“For example, if the restaurant is an hour wait, we’re going to say step on over to the Pier Cheer, grab a drink, walk the pier, enjoy people fishing and we page through their phones when the table is ready,” Horne said. “So it’s

drink while they’re waiting.”

Mayor John Chappie said food was not mentioned in the initial application for the kiosk.

“So this is just a clarification,” Horne said, adding that takeout orders from the restaurant could also be picked up at the walk-up kiosk.

“We have a sample motion to approve or deny to allow the pier concessionaire to sell food along with beverages at their Pier Cheer kiosk,” Chappie said.

The motion passed unanimously for approval.

Commissioners also approved Horne’s request for new signage at the kiosk and an educational mural depicting sea life on the side of the building.

Additionally, the commission voted to split the cost with AMOB of a new gate to be installed in front of the dumpster area.

Along with Mayor Chappie, Commissioners Ralph Cole, Deborah Scaccianoce and Jan Vosburgh were in attendance. Commissioner Marilyn Maro was absent from the meeting.

Gulf Islands Ferries running five days a week

The Gulf Islands Ferries now operate Wednesday through Sunday, weather permitting.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – The expanded Gulf Islands Ferry operation now provides service five days a week.

On March 20, the county-initiated ferry service began operating on Wednesdays and now runs Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., weather permitting. The ferry service features regular stops at the City Pier in Anna Maria, the Bradenton Beach Pier and the Riverwalk Day Dock in downtown Bradenton.

When the county-contracted ferry service began in mid-January, the ferries operated on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only. Thursday ferry service began on Feb. 29.

In a press release issued by Manatee County, Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, said, “Adding

Wednesdays helps further our goal of taking cars off the road and getting people into the restaurants and shops in downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island by utilizing our incredible water asset, the Manatee River.”

According to the press release, the ferry service, since its January launch, has averaged 360 riders per day, which in turn reduces the number of cars traveling to and from the Island.

“The ferry is a great alternative to sitting in traffic,” Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge said. “This form of multi-modal transportation not only can get you to the Island, but also alleviates the need to find a parking space.”

The ferry service has proved quite popular thus far and many trips are sold out well in advance. Passengers can now track the location of the two ferries using the Manatee My Stop App while also tracking Manatee County Area Transit buses and the free Anna Maria Island trolley. For up-to-date ferry service times, tickets and scheduling, call 941-357-2587, text 727-200-6487 or visit gulfislandsferry.com.

The Gulf Islands Ferry service features regular stops in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and downtown Bradenton.

LESLIE LAKE |SUN

Restaurateur John Horne asked city commissioners to approve food sales at a kiosk at their March 21 meeting.

Developer’s DUI charge going to trial

Local developer Shawn Kaleta is taking his second-degree driving under the influence and first-degree resisting arrest charges to trial. Both charges are misdemeanors.

During a March 19 case management hearing in front of Manatee County Court Judge Heather Doyle, attorney Sean Powers appeared on behalf of Kaleta. He said that Kaleta would not be settling the matter with the state and would be arguing that law enforcement officials in Holmes Beach, where the June 2023 incident occurred, are prejudiced against his client, which led to the arrest.

Doyle ruled that a Hunter Hearing would be held on Friday, April 12 at 9 a.m., during which the defense may raise its procedural and substantive objections to the charges, with all depositions of law enforcement officers to be completed by Tuesday, April 30. The pre-trial conference was continued to Monday, July 8 at 1:30 p.m. All

pre-trial motions are required to be held by Monday, July 15.

Kaleta was arrested by Holmes Beach Police Department Officer Andrew Adkins and charged with DUI and resisting arrest without violence. In a corresponding police report, Adkins said that Kaleta did not follow directions, left his vehicle without being told to do so, failed to produce his driver’s license, was inconsistent with his statement and refused to complete a field sobriety test. While at the police station, Kaleta kept asking for water, restarting the DUI observation period, and then asked for medical attention, according to the report. Though he was cleared by paramedics, Kaleta requested to go to the hospital. He was later released from the hospital with no medical issues and declined to give a breath or blood sample. He was transported to the Manatee County jail where he was released the following day on a $620 bond.

Temporary paid parking vendors hired

Commissioners approved three applications and denied one.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners considered four temporary use parking permits at the March 21 commission meeting and after much discussion, approved three with stipulations, denying one.

Permit applications were submitted by developer Shawn Kaleta for tempo-

rary parking lots at 102 Third St. N., 207 Church Ave. and 206 Bay Drive N.

Businessman Joshua LaRose submitted a temporary use permit application for the parking lot at 109 Third St. N., which is owned by local restaurateur Ed Chiles.

Commissioners discussed each application individually with the parking lot discussion taking more than two hours for the property at 102 Third St. N., as it is in a designated R-3 residential zone.

“Each application will be addressed individually to protect the existing

areas,” Mayor John Chappie said.

Evelyn Stob, a neighbor of the Third Street property, spoke in opposition to the application for a parking lot 102 Third St. N.

“Why are we allowing anyone and everyone to purchase a piece of property, demolish what it is and then say, ‘I need to make it temporary parking because I don’t know what I’m going to do with this lot,’ ” Stob said. “Now my residence is turning into a giant parking lot. It was purchased under R-3 zoning. I feel you have the right to say no.”

PARKING: Commissioners deny bids for paid parking

a lot of unknowns and that’s what bothers me.”

The RFP 2024-04 went out for bid to provide paid parking in areas that included all of Bridge Street, an afterhours parking lot to the east and west side of the police department, the city hall parking lot, the area around the pickleball court on Highland Avenue (with free passes to pickleball players), the shared parking lot with Silver Resorts at First Street North, Gulfside parking spaces near the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge and future options at the Tingley Library, if the building is raised to create parking. “This is a big commitment to make, and once we do it, it’s done,” Commissioner Ralph Cole said. “There are

“I think we should keep it in-house with the ability to go back and revisit the proposals,” Commissioner Deborah Scaccianoce said.

During the public comment session, Shawn Kaleta, president of Beach to Bay Investments, addressed the commission.

“It’s an option for the city to review the idea to manage itwise decision. However, while the RFPs are already in, select one if you don’t come up with a solution,” Kaleta said. “You’ve already done the RFP so maybe selecting which one works now so you don’t have to go through that process and take that time up at a later date. But obviously. it’s your property. If it’s best to manage it internally

“ This place has an amazing collection of spirits.” Josh

“In a way, you’re increasing heavily the traffic that’s going to be going through that neighborhood,” Commissioner Ralph Cole said. “We’ve got four or five of these and we’re changing the whole look. It’s not my vision of Bradenton Beach.”

“A temporary use may be just a little bit outside of what was anticipated in the zoning, but you do have criteria on what must be met. It can’t be obnoxious to the neighborhood. It can’t create a public health/safety/welfare issue,” City Attorney Ricinda Perry said.

or try it, if it doesn’t work, then you have the RFP you can go back to on whatever terms you negotiate today. I think the big thing is liability… (cities) are not in the business of operating parking lots, they’re in the business of operating a city.”

“I respect the council’s decision,” said Will Gloor, regional manager for SP Municipal Services, offering consulting services if requested.

“The city needs to give a timeline to go back to the vendors,” Commissioner Jan Vosburgh

“Spent t he week in Anna Maria Island and out of all the liquor stores on t he island, t his is by far t he best one, wit h t he best prices and t he most selection. The staf f was very friendly ” Heat her

“ The guys here was very helpful and knowledgeable. They had some great choices on bourbon.

“ These guys had t he best selection , decent prices, and were overall just good people.”

Matt hew

said. “I think we’d be biting off more than we can chew.”

Chappie said he is leaning toward rejecting the bids.

“I’m leaning toward a clean slate,” Chappie said. “We may decide we don’t want to do it.”

City Attorney Ricinda Perry asked the board if the city had the funds available to prepare the lots in question for paid parking or whether this would come under the purview of the Community Redevelopment Agency.

“I think it’s the CRA,” Chappie said.

A motion was read to reject all bids submitted under RFP 2023-24 to direct the mayor to investigate and present a plan for municipal paid parking within 90 days to the CRA.

The motion passed unanimously.

“Great assor tment of spirits and competitive prices.” Nyor

“Amazing selection knowledgeable staf f and best ser vice on t he island” Vicky

LESLIE LAKE | SUN Bradenton Beach Commissioner Jan Vosburgh, Mayor John Chappie, Commissioners Ralph Cole and Deborah Scaccianoce and City Attorney Ricinda Perry discuss bids for paid parking.

Hunt for Easter eggs at the Sandbar

Get ready for fun in the sand as Sandbar Seafood and Spirits hosts their 36th Annual Easter Egg Hunt, Egg Roll and Easter Bonnet Contest this Sunday, March 30 on the beach and in the Sandbar Pavilion. The action begins at 9 a.m. with refreshments, then at 9:30 a.m. sharp, the egg hunt begins. At 10 a.m., judges will award prizes

for youths and adults in the annual Easter Bonnet Contest. Prizes for adults are: First place - a two-night stay at Compass Hotel Anna Maria Sound, a Margaritaville Resort; second place – a Sea Life Kayak Adventures kayak tour for two; and third place - dinner for two at the Sandbar with a bottle of champagne. Youth prizes are: First

place - a Sandbar lunch for the winner and three guests; second place – miniature golf at The Fish Hole for up to six players; and third place – a gift card to The Fudge Factory Candy Shop. Parking for the free event will be available at the restaurant, 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria, adjacent lots on Gulf Drive and at City Hall.

Coquina Beach art show

The Coquina Beach Spring Art & Craft Show on Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. will focus on supporting handmade makers, dreamers and artists. Each participant in the juried event is selected by a panel of experts and reviewed for originality, uniqueness and creativity. The free show will feature dozens of fine artists and unique crafters including painters, woodworkers, jewelry makers, sculptors, potters and many others. Organized by Blue Ribbon Events, the show helps those on Anna Maria Island experiencing hardship by collecting canned goods and non-perishable food items for the Roser Food Pantry in Anna Maria, where people experiencing food insecurity can come to receive free groceries. A dedicated corps of volunteers and staff members distribute over 100 bags of groceries each month. Blue Ribbon Events also donates $500 to Roser Food Bank.

Garafola wins Artists’ Guild award

Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island President Janet Razze, left, celebrates member Carolann Garafola for her tireless work in a myriad of roles for the organization with the Genevieve Alban Award on March 18 at the gallery. The award was established in honor of Genevieve Alban, founder of the organization, and recognizes members who have provided exceptional service to the Guild, are faithful members and regularly participate in the gallery.

AGAMI | SUBMITTED

Win a ride on Skullywag

The Anna Maria Island Privateers are selling raffle tickets for a ride for two aboard the good ship Skullywag in the 2024 De Soto Grand Parade on Saturday, April 27. Tickets are $10 each, and winners must be at least 21 years of age to ride. The drawing will be held on Wednesday, April 3. Winners need not be present. For tickets or more information, visit www.amiprivateers.org or message them on Facebook. The Privateers are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to kids and community.

Community center hosts final bingo of season

The Annie Silver Community Center’s final bingo of the season will take place Thursday, March 28 at 6 p.m. Everyone in the community is welcome to attend the event at 102 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach.

Green honored at Cortez Cultural Center

CORTEZ – A plaque dedicating the Cortez Cultural Center to the late Dr. Mary Fulford Green was placed on the building at a March 16 ceremony. Speakers at the ceremony were former Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, Manatee County Historic Preservation Board, Cortez Village Historical Society (CVHS) and Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) member Alan Garner and FISH board member and former Manatee County Commissioner Jane von Hahmann. Green, a Cortez native who passed away on June 9, 2022 at the age of 96, led the effort to have the Cortez fishing village listed as a federal historic district. She was one of the founding members of FISH and was one of the founders of CVHS.

Business owners oppose multi-use

Ginny’s and Jane E’s Café owner Paul Foster sent a signed petition to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

BY JOE HENDRICKS

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Some business owners are concerned about the city’s desire to extend the multi-use path along Gulf Drive that runs from the entrance of the city to Willow Avenue.

They say that extending the path to Magnolia or Pine avenues would eliminate the parallel parking spaces located along that side of Gulf Drive.

City officials are still awaiting word as to whether Gov. Ron DeSantis will approve or veto a $250,000 state appropriation supported by the Florida House and Senate for Anna Maria’s multi-use path extension project. The funding request is included in the proposed 2024-25 state budget not yet finalized by DeSantis.

The business owners’ concerns are expressed in a petition initiated by Ginny’s and Jane E’s Café owner Paul Foster. The

petition was sent to DeSantis, Sen. Jim Boyd, State Rep. Will Robinson Jr. and Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge.

The petition was signed by the owners of Body & Sol Spa and Wellness, Snips Hair Design, Harry’s Grill, AMI Beach Hut, Ginny’s and Jane E’s Café, The Porch restaurant, Robinhood Rentals and John Cagnina, the owner of the Ginny’s and Jane E’s property leased to Foster, which includes a rear parking lot.

In part, the petition says: “There is a bill going to your desk that will hurt small businesses in the city of Anna Maria. We have, over the last number of years, seen a rapid decline in free public parking. Private lots turned into paid parking and projects like this extension of a multi-use path from a residential area into a commercial area, removed free parking in front of many small businesses. It not only hurts business, but it is dangerous to bring traffic like this into a busy corner. We have options that keep bikers (bicyclists) safe and keep businesses prospering.

as part of the yet-to-be-constructed Reimagining Pine Avenue safety improvement project.

Eliminating the Pine Avenue parking spaces has been discussed by the city commission and supported by some current and past commissioners, but that idea has never garnered the majority support of the commission. City Commission Chair Mark Short and Mayor Dan Murphy are among those who’ve expressed concerns about the negative impact eliminating the Pine Avenue parking spaces would have on those businesses.

“I implore you to use your veto authority and put a stop to the funding of this project. I am asking for a more thorough study on the impacts to health and safety, and to businesses directly impacted,” the petition says.

When speaking to The Sun on March 22, Foster said the concerns addressed in the petition stem in part from previous city commission discussions regarding the potential elimination of the streetside parallel parking spaces along Pine Avenue

Eliminating parking spaces along Gulf Drive to accommodate an extended multiuse path has never been publicly discussed by the city commission or presented to the commission in a planning document.

Foster was asked if anyone representing the city ever mentioned to him the possibility of eliminating Gulf Drive parking spaces to accommodate an extended multi-use path. SEE

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The owner of Ginny’s and Jane E’s Café is concerned about the potential loss of the free parking spaces along Gulf Drive.

PATH: Business owners oppose multi-use path extension

requests on the city’s behalf.

Foster referenced a wide-ranging conversation he had with Reimagining Pine Avenue project engineer Gerry Traverso in 2021. Traverso is employed by the George F. Young Inc. engineering firm.

“Gerry never told me they were going to do this, but he did say the extension of the multi-use path would eliminate the parking,” Foster said.

“It would be devastating. If people are coming to a restaurant, they’re not going to use paid parking. They’re going to want to park for free. Up here, free parking is definitely limited and these 13 spaces in front of these businesses are their lifeblood,” he added.

When asked why he didn’t approach the mayor before petitioning the governor, Foster said he felt this was the most effective means to address these concerns.

FUNDING REQUESTS

The city’s $250,000 funding request is addressed in Florida Senate local funding initiative request 1512, sponsored by Boyd, and House of Representatives HSE form 2599, sponsored by Robinson. Anna Maria City Clerk LeAnne Addy said the city’s contracted lobbyist submitted the funding

The Senate form asks the applicant to state the purpose to be achieved with the desired state funds.

The city’s response says, “The goal is to improve safety and accessibility along the city’s main artery for the key stakeholders – residents, businesses, and visitors – while addressing the impact of seasonal traffic.

The project will make the city’s main street corridor more user-friendly by addressing safety concerns, access issues and aesthetic deficiencies resulting from the currently antiquated infrastructure along the street that doesn’t account for increased tourism.”

The House request form asks if the need for funds is documented in a study completed by an independent third party.

The city’s response says, “Yes. George F. Young Inc. has done a study on this as the engineering firm that is working on the project.”

The city response refers to the initial Reimagining Pine Avenue research Traverso conducted. Neither funding request form includes any drawings or plans of the proposed multi-use path extension area, nor do they mention the removal of existing parking spaces.

When contacted by The Sun on March 22, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said no

specific plans for the proposed path extension have been created or presented to the city commission; and Addy said she wasn’t aware of any such planning documents.

FOSTER’S LETTER

The petition sent to DeSantis and others was accompanied by a letter written by Foster.

“We are very concerned with the city’s push forward with a multi-use path into a busy commercial area. All businesses along this strip will be affected negatively,” his letter says.

The letter claims the path extension would eliminate 13 parking spaces that currently serve more than 200 people per day.

“Yes, health and safety must be the number one priority, but this must be done with an eye out for our community of ‘Ma and Pop’ businesses that need to survive there. I think it’s important that everyone’s interests are looked after,” Foster stated in his letter.

After acknowledging that city officials have a tough job and their overall efforts are appreciated, Foster’s letter says, “I’m afraid they missed their mark on this one. There is still time if protecting businesses is as important to them.”

MAYOR’S RESPONSE

On March 22, Murphy provided a written statement regarding the petition and the business owners’ concerns.

“The problem we are trying to address is that people are opening their car doors into oncoming traffic on Gulf Drive and then walking in the road to go to the restaurants and stores,” Murphy stated. “We want to develop some ideas, and then plans, on how to best address that if possible. So, we submitted a funding request for $250,000 to help defray some of the costs of addressing the problem and then work on a plan. We want to find out if anything can be done to make Gulf Drive safer to walk and drive, more people-friendly and easier to shop and eat, not to eliminate the number of parking spaces serving that area.”

He noted the path extension planning process would include the solicitation of public input, similar to what occurred during the initial Reimagining Pine Avenue planning process.

“I’m not sure why Mr. Foster wouldn’t have called me about his concerns prior to launching into a petition campaign, but that’s his prerogative. I’m hoping the appropriation doesn’t get stalled and goes through so we can quickly get started on addressing this issue,” Murphy stated. When asked if there’s enough available space along that side of Gulf Drive to extend the multi-use path and preserve the existing parking spaces, Murphy said, “Not currently.”

Fire department sued over rental regulations

WMFR is facing a lawsuit over a 2023 resolution that changes the way the district applies its non-ad-valorem tax rate to vacation rental properties in residential districts.

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

BRADENTON – Almost a year after passing a resolution changing the district’s approach to taxing and inspecting vacation rental properties in residential areas, West Manatee Fire Rescue is receiving pushback from one rental owner.

During a March 19 commission meeting, the district’s attorney, Maggie Mooney, informed the board of a pending lawsuit in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court in Manatee County. C&D Properties of AMI LLC is fighting the regulation change, which treats vacation rental properties in residential areas as commercial properties for the purpose of

assessing the district’s non-advalorem tax rate and performing fire safety inspections.

According to the complaint filed on Feb. 27, C&D Properties argues that the properties are residential, not transient public lodging establishments as the fire district identifies them under the Florida Fire Prevention Code.

The property owner is seeking to have its rights defined by the court, compensation for deprivation of rights and an injunction to stop the fire district from taxing the properties as commercial. The lawsuit lists two condominium properties in Holmes Beach at 101 67th St., Unit 3 and Unit 4.

The Florida Division of Corporations lists Lawrence Chatt as the registered agent and manager of C&D Properties. The case has been assigned to Judge Edward Nicholas. As of press time for The Sun, no hearing date had been set.

WMFR wins county awards

The staff at West Manatee Fire Rescue swept the annual Manatee County Fire Chiefs Association Awards, taking home the awards for Manatee County Chief Officer of the Year, Manatee County Fire Officer of the Year, Manatee County Firefighter of the Year and Manatee County Inspector of the Year during the March 21 awards ceremony at East Manatee Fire Rescue’s administration building. From left are WMFR Chief Ben Rigney, firefighter/paramedic David Miller, Training Chief Mark Tuttle, Lt. Cameron Frazier, Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski, Inspector Nick Riffe and Deputy Chief Jay Johnson.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

BUSINESS

AUTO SERVICE

GROOMS AUTOMOTIVE

5608 Marina Dr

Holmes Beach, 896-7898

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 RENTALS

427 Pine Ave.

Anna Maria, 778-3316

BOATING STORE

GALATI YACHT SALES

900 South Bay Blvd

Anna Maria, 778-0755

CAR WASH

SUN & SUDS CAR WASH

6412 Manatee Ave W. Bradenton, 564-3072

CARPET CLEANER

FAT CAT CARPET CLEANING

3801 9th Ave W. Bradenton, 778-2882

CBD STORE

LIVE NATURALLY

5337 Gulf Dr #200 Holmes Beach, 567-5299

CLOTHING STORE

IRENE’S RESORT WEAR

5308 Marina Drive

Holmes Beach, 778-7605

CONVENIENCE STORE CIRCLE K

DRY CLEANER

COURTESY CLEANERS

7421 Manatee Ave. W.

Bradenton, 794-5145

ELECTRICIAN

ANTHONY’S HEATING & COOLING

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

FINE DINING THE WATERFRONT

111 S Bay Blvd.

Anna Maria, 778-1515

FITNESS

PROSPER BRADENTON

7449 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34209 313-207-8506

FLOOR COVERINGS

FLOORING AMERICA

3200 Cortez Rd W. Bradenton, 348-1859

FLORIST

BLOOMS BY THE BEACH

2501 Gulf Drive

Bradenton Beach, 778-2555

GIFT SHOP (TIE)

BEACH BUMS

427 Pine Ave

Anna Maria, 778-3316

IRENE’S

5308 Marina Drive

Holmes Beach, 778-7605

GOLF CART RENTAL BEACH BUMS

427 Pine Ave

Anna Maria, 778-3316

GROCERY STORE

PUBLIX SUPERMARKET

3900 East Bay Drive

Holmes Beach, 778-5422

HAIR SALON

SALT AND SCISSORS SALON

313C Pine Ave

Holmes Beach, 961-4458

HARDWARE STORE

TRUE VALUE

5324 Marina Drive

Holmes Beach, 778-2811

HEAT & AIR

ANTHONY’S HEATING & COOLING

1614 20th St. E.

Palmetto, 749-5307

HOME BUILDER

WASH FAMILY CONSTRUCTION

407 72nd St

Holmes Beach, 941-725-0073

HOTEL/MOTEL

SILVER SURF RESORT

1301 Gulf Dr N

Bradenton Beach, 778-6626

JEWELRY STORE

IRENE’S RESORT WEAR

5308 Marina Drive

Holmes Beach, 778-7605

LIQUOR STORE

HURRICANE HANKS LIQUOR

5344 Gulf Dr

Holmes Beach, 779-2337

MANICURIST

TU AT ZEN NAILS

3224 E Bay Dr

Holmes Beach, FL 34217 941-778-0700

SEE READERS, PAGE 19

MARINA

KEYES MARINA

5501 Marina Dr

Holmes Beach, 778-1977

MEN’S APPAREL

BEACH BUMS

427 Pine Ave

Anna Maria, 778-3316

OUTDOOR SPORTS STORE

DICKS SPORTING GOODS

HOUSE CLEANER

LISA FIRESTINE

PAINTER

CRAIG STRAPP

CWS Handyman Services LLC

Bradenton, 305-432-1065

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

AMI BEACH & DOG SUPPLY CO.

313 Pine Ave

Anna Maria, 713-8970

PHARMACIST

TODD CVS

611 Manatee Ave

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 STAND UP POOLS

POOL CONTRACTOR

HURRICANE POOLS AND SPAS

REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATE

JASON SATO

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

ANNA MARIA RESORTS

Tortuga Inn

1325 Gulf Dr N Bradenton Beach 778-6611

ROOFER

TRUST MIKE ROOFING

5300 Gulf Dr Holmes Beach 807-6507

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

SANDPIPER MOBILE HOME PARK

2601 Gulf Dr N Bradenton Beach 778-1140

SERVICE STATION

SHELL STATION

5424 Marina Dr Holmes Beach 778-6903

SHOPPING CENTER

ISLAND SHOPPING PLAZA

5414 Marina Dr Holmes Beach

SOUVENIR SHOP ISLAND BAZAAR

3304 E Bay Dr Homes Beach 778-3443

SPA ALUNA DAY SPA

2219 Gulf Dr N Bradenton Beach 778-8400

WOMEN’S APPAREL

IRENE’S RESORT WEAR

5308 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 778-7605

PEOPLE & PLACES

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN CFK ARCHITECTS 807-7852

ARCHITECT ERIC WATSON

SEE READERS, PAGE 21

ART GALLERY

ARTIST GUILD GALLERY

5414 Marina Dr

Holmes Beach 778-6694

ATTORNEY

NICK SATO

2071 Ringling Blvd. #400 Sarasota, 861-4400

BAND

PAM WARD

BAR & GRILL

HARRY’S GRILL

9903 Gulf Drive

Anna Maria, 567-5999

BARTENDER

KAYLA

GRUB TROPICAL BBQ

415 Pine Ave

Anna Maria, 900-2874

BEACH

COQUINA BEACH

BOAT CAPTAIN

CALEB O’CONNOR

Blue Magoo Excursions

518-5797 545-3121

BUSINESS PERSON

MIKE ZEPPI

ANTHONY’S HEATING & COOLING 1614 20th St. E.

Palmetto, 749-5307

CATERER

BEN SATO

GRUB TOPICAL BBQ 415 Pine Ave

Anna Maria, 900-2874

CHEF

BEN SATO

GRUB TOPICAL BBQ 415 Pine Ave

Anna Maria, 900-2874

CHIROPRACTOR

HARBOR CHIROPRACTIC 6220 Manatee Ave W 761-1100

DENTIST

ISLAND DENTAL SPA

3909 E Bay Dr Ste #205

Holmes Beach, 778-2204

DOCTOR

STEPHEN PELHAM, M.D.

3909 East Bay Drive #100 Holmes Beach, 778-1007

EYE CARE

LENSCRAFTERS

6725 Mantee Ave W Bradenton 746-4300

FINANCIAL PLANNER

EDWARD JONES

JOHN CAMPORA

6400 Manatee Ave W Suite B 779-2499

BOAT TOURS/FISHING CHARTER

AMI SALTY DOLPHIN TOURS

5325 Marina Dr Holmes Beach 281-4458

INTERIOR DESIGN

ADRIAN GRIFFIN INTERIORS

501 Pine Ave 352-255-7359

INDIVIDUAL ENTERTAINER

KOKO RAY 538-8724

MASSAGE THERAPY

ALUNA WELLNESS

2219 Gulf Dr N Bradenton beach, 778-8400

PERSONAL TRAINER

BREANNA NEWTON

HOME FITNESS BY BRE dnewton@airguaranteed.com

SCHOOL

ANNA MARIA ELEMENTARY

4700 Gulf Drive

Holmes Beach, 708-5525

SCHOOL TEACHER

VAN WORMER

ANNA MARIA ELEMENTARY 4700 Gulf Drive

Holmes Beach, 708-5525

VETERINARIAN

DR BYSTROM

ISLAND ANIMAL CLINIC 5343 Gulf Dr Unit 900 Holmes Beach, 778-2445

VETERINARIAN CLINIC

ISLAND ANIMAL CLINIC 5343 Gulf Dr Unit 900 Holmes Beach, 778-2445

VIEW

BEAN POINT

WAITER/WAITRESS

LINDA KISSELL

HARRY’S GRILL

9903 Gulf Drive

Anna Maria, 567-5999

YOGA STUDIO

ALUNA WELLNESS

2219 Gulf Dr N Bradenton beach, 778-8400

Griffin takes home best designer award

This year’s Reader’s Choice winner for Best Interior Designer, Adrian Griffin Interiors, is the Island’s go-to spot for anything needed for custom interior design for both new construc tion or a total remodel. Located at 501 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria, Griffin does everything from vacation rental facelifts to restaurants and hotels.

“I like to call myself a one-stop shop because somebody can bring in blueprints and we can pick colors, plumbing fixtures, countertops and anything else right here in my design studio,” Griffin said. “Having the studio has been great, and it helps the builders too, making it easy for them to make selections.”

One doesn’t have to look far to find examples of Griffin’s work. She has done interiors for multiple restaurants on and around AMI including Grub, Pizza Social, Feast and the Lazy Ballerina. While she says business is doing very well and continues to grow on the Island, she is not confined to a specific region.

everything shipped over there. It’s been a really cool ride.”

“I recently did a resort in St. Kitts called Sunset Reef,” Griffin said. “It’s a whole entire resort that I did back and forth. I used all my connections on the Island to get everything shipped over there, such as windows, tile and

Adrian Griffin Interiors is open by appointment only. To schedule, call 352-255-7359. Many examples of Griffin’s work are also featured on her Facebook page at Facebook.com/ AdrianGriffinInteriors.

Designer Adrian Griffin is a Readers Choice winner.

Harry’s Grill wins five awards

A favorite of tourists and locals alike, Harry’s Grill, 9903 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria, has once again won multiple Reader’s Choice Awards. This year Harry’s has been voted best bar and grill, best night spot, best band (Pamela Ward), best burger and best waitress (Linda Kissell). Harry’s owners, Mark and Jan LaBriola, took over Harry’s in 2014, and have been known for high-quality food including steaks, seafood and their burgers that keep winning Reader’s Choice Awards.

“We’ve been focused on maintaining good service,” Mark LaBriola said. “We’ve got some good cooks in our kitchen that are keeping our standards where they need to be, and it seems like our customer base is growing every year.”

LaBriola says Harry’s Hallelujah Brunch is something they are especially proud of. The brunch takes place every Sunday at 10 a.m. and features a free breakfast, praise and worship songs and a Gospel message. He said the weekly event has grown over the years and it’s not unusual for it to attract more than 100 people.

“Our goal since we’ve taken over the business has been to be a destination property where people can come year

after year,” LaBriola said. “We’ve been seeing that happen, and our numbers and popularity continue to be strong. Honestly, it’s all about our staff, they’re amazing.”

For more information on Harry’s Grill, including their full menu, visit www.harrysgrillami.com.

Jan and Mark LaBriola own Harry's Grill.

CENTER NOTES

Book Club

The Center’s book club is free to all adults and meets on the second Monday of each month at 2 p.m. at The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave. April’s book is “Someone Else’s Bucket List” by Amy T. Matthews.

Let’s Do Yoga – Youth Yoga with Dana Sky

Kindergarten through fifth graders can join Dana Sky for four weeks of yoga after school. The class promotes balance, focus, relaxation and fun and meets on Mondays starting on April 8, from 4-5 p.m. The cost of the multiweek session is $75 for members and $85 for non-members. Registration is required by Wednesday, April 3.

Family Fun Night

Free to all families, Family Fun Night on Friday, April 12 from 6-8 p.m. includes balls, corn hole, and other activities in The Center’s gymnasium and outdoor fields. Non-alcoholic drinks are provided. Pizza and other concessions are for sale, cash only. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Beach cleanup

Help ensure that the Island’s beaches stay beautiful with a beach cleanup on Saturday, April 13 from 9-11 a.m. Meet at The Center and walk to the beach. Trash bags, gloves, water and a light snack will be provided.

Unleash the Possibilities - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training

Four weeks of dog training with Katie Mae Hart, owner and trainer at SIT! Social Interactive Training begin on Wednesday, April 17 from 6-7:30 p.m. The cost is $100 for members and $120 for non-members. Preregistration is required.

Future Aces Youth Tennis Program

This athletic and tennis development program for students in kindergarten through fifth grade fosters athletic agility and beginner tennis technique where kids will work in stations to learn stroke production, cultivate hand-eye coordination, fun footwork and improve overall coordination and strength skills. Sessions start the week of April 22 with tennis pro Richard Wright. Contact The Center for specific times for age group sessions and pricing. Registration is required by Thursday, April 18.

To register for Center programs or for more information, email The Center at customerservice@centerami.org or call 941-778-1908.

MKT-5894O-A

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT

ASIAN RESTAURANT

ISLAND OCEAN STAR

902 S Bay Blvd

Anna Maria, 251-6940

BAGEL SHOP

GINNY’S & JANE E’S

9807 Gulf Drive

Anna Maria, 778-3170

BAKERY

HOMETOWN DESSERTS

507 Pine Ave.

Anna Maria, 896-3167

BARBEQUE

GRUB TROPICAL BBQ

415 Pine Ave

Anna Maria, 900-2874

BREAKFAST

GINNY’S & JANE E’S

9807 Gulf Drive

Anna Maria, 778-3170

BURGER

HARRY’S BAR & GRILL

9903 Gulf Drive

Anna Maria, 567-5999

CAFÉ

5350 POUR HOUSE

5350 Holmes Beach, 251-3681

CANDY STORE

DIPS ICE CREAM

503 Pine Ave

Anna Maria, 778-1706

DELI

ANNA MARIA GENERAL STORE

503 Pine Ave

Anna Maria 779-9200

FESTIVAL

4TH OF JULY

GERMAN RESTAURANT

OLD HAMBURG SCHNITZELHAUS

3246 East Bay Drive

Holmes Beach, 778-1320

GOLF COURSE

PINEBROOK IRONWOOD GOLF

4260 Ironwood Cir

Bradenton, 792-3288

GROUPER SANDWICH

UGLY GROUPER

5704 Marina Drive

Holmes Beach, 896-8033

HEALTH FOOD STORE

LIVE NATURALLY

5337 Gulf Dr #200

Holmes Beach, 567-5299

ICE CREAM SHOP

TWO SCOOPS ICE CREAM

101 S. Bay Blvd.

Anna Maria, 779-2422

ITALIAN RESTAURANT

VINNY’S ITALIAN KITCHEN

5337 Gulf Dr

Holmes Beach, 896-9754

KEY LIME PIE

HOMETOWN DESSERTS

507 Pine Ave.

Anna Maria, 896-3167

LIVE THEATER

ISLAND PLAYERS

10009 Gulf Drive

Anna Maria, 778-5755

MARGARITA

WICKED CANTINA

101 7th St. N.

Bradenton Beach, 281-2990

MEXICAN RESTAURANT

WICKED CANTINA

101 7th St. N.

Bradenton Beach, 281-2990

MOST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT

THE PORCH

9707 Gulf Dr

Anna Maria, 782-8683

NEW RESTAURANT

SALT BAR AND TABLE

2519 Gulf Drive N Bradenton Beach

896-9897

NIGHT SPOT

HARRY’S BAR & GRILL

9903 Gulf Drive

Anna Maria, 567-5999

PIER

ROD AND REEL PIER

875 North Shore Drive

Anna Maria, 778-1885

PIZZA

PIZZA SOCIAL

308 Pine Ave

Anna Maria, 251-4070

RESTAURANT (OVERALL)

THE WATERFRONT

111 S Bay Drive

Anna Maria, 778-1515

SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

THE BLUE MARLIN

121 Bridge St

Bradenton Beach, 896-9737

SPECIALTY COCKTAIL

DR. OFFICE

5312 Holmes Blvd

Holmes Beach, 213-9926

SPECIALTY GOURMET

THE FEAST

5406 Marina Dr Holmes Beach, 778-5092

SUB/SANDWICH

SCOTT’S DELI

6000 Marina Dr Holmes Beach, 778-3000

TAKEOUT

MINNIE’S

5360 Gulf Dr

Holmes Beach, 778-4140

ARTIST

Christie Marie Photography

EASTER: AMI Moose Lodge hosts kids’ Easter party

The youngsters were served breakfast that featured French toast sticks and were encouraged to play games that included Easterthemed corn hole boards. As the activities unfolded, the Easter Bunny made rounds to the delight of youngsters and adults alike.

The Women of the Moose planned this year’s event, with Moose member Sandra Zenzel leading the way.

“We started planning this about two months ago,” Zenzel said. “We have 400 eggs and they can pick out two eggs at a time. Once they go through the lines, if we have any eggs left over they can come back through again.”

The plastic eggs containing 35 cents each were placed in two large bowls and the youngsters stood in one of two lines waiting their turn to dig through the colored confetti to retrieve their eggs.

After all the eggs were given out, the youngsters were told four larger golden eggs were hidden under the dining room chairs and a frenzied search ensued for the golden eggs, which each contained a $10 bill and a small stuffed bunny rabbit. Brady Kolanowski, Scarlett Cody, Morgan Clemens and Cooper Henderson found the golden eggs.

When the event concluded at 11:30 a.m., each child left with an Easter bucket filled with candy and other goodies and treats.

CHARTER: Six amendments proposed

committee that 73% of the residential properties in Anna Maria are used as short-term vacation rentals and some of those property owners who are currently registered to vote elsewhere might register to vote in Anna Maria to oppose the proposed home rule statement.

Murphy said that could potentially result in the proposed charter amendment being rejected by city voters or garnering enough support to further encourage state legislators’ consolidation efforts. Murphy noted the proposed charter amendment would be abolished with the rest of the charter if the state Legislature imposes the forced consolidation of the city.

BUILDING HEIGHTS

Unlike the Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach charters, the Anna Maria charter does not restrict building heights. The city’s comprehensive plan and building code currently restrict building heights to 37 feet above the crown of the road, with no more than two habitable residential floors.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Clockwise above, the Women of the Moose and other Moose Lodge volunteers hosted another successful Easter party. Deklin Giasone, 6, wore a festive hat while retrieving his Easter eggs. Caydan McLaughlin, 5, displayed one of the Easter eggs he received.

There’s no hiding from the fact that as residents on the Island the biggest question facing us is whether we’ll continue to be residents of a town.”

Chuck Wolfe, Charter Review Committee member

nated or modified with the support of at least four city commissioners. The height restrictions set forth in the city code of ordinances can be modified or eliminated with the simple majority support of the commission, which could be as few as two votes.

The committee proposes a charter amendment that includes the following code language: “No building or structure or part thereof shall exceed 37 feet as measured from the crown of the road to the highest point of the roof.” The adoption of the proposed amendment would then require the future approval by the city’s registered voters to modify or eliminate the height restrictions established in the charter.

CITY PROPERTY

city-owned land and real property. The adoption of a city ordinance requires the simple majority support of the commission.

The committee proposes a charter amendment language that would require 100% support of the sitting commissioners at that time to sell, abandon or enter into a long-term lease for the use of a city-owned property. The proposed amendment would allow the city commission to grant with simple majority support a short-term lease of less than five years.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS

The height restrictions set forth in the comp plan can currently be elimi-

mittee proposes a charter amendment that would better define the residency requirements for the mayor and city commissioners once in office. The proposed amendment would provide that once in office if a mayor or city commissioner ceases to reside in the city, the commission shall remove that elected official.

ADDITIONAL AMENDMENTS

The committee also proposes an amendment that would replace gender-specific pronouns such as “he” and “she” with proper nouns such as “mayor,” “commissioner” and “clerk.” FROM PAGE 5

The charter currently requires a city commission-approved ordinance to sell, abandon ownership or lease

The charter currently addresses the qualifications and the two-year residency requirement for candidates qualifying to run for the mayor’s seat or a city commission seat, but the charter is silent regarding those actually holding elected office. The com-

The charter currently allows a single city commissioner to call for a special city commission meeting. The committee proposes an amendment that would only allow the mayor, the commissioner chair or the commission majority to call for a special meeting.

OUTDOORS

Salon fundraiser meets with success

Reel Time

RUSTY CHINNIS

alon (noun) - a conversational gathering of notables held at the home of a prominent person.

On Saturday afternoon, Suncoast Waterkeeper held its Suncoast Salon fundraiser at the Sarasota home of Anna Maria residents Bill and Debbie Partridge. The event was a sellout and attracted some of the area’s most ardent protectors of the Sarasota Bay watershed, including the event sponsors, Beachside Management, The Mikki and Walter Frank Family Charitable Fund, Manatee Community Foundation, Whistanfox LLC

and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. The event was held on the lawn behind the oldest home on Sarasota Bay and was greeted with fabulous weather, a full moon and a beautiful sunset. Tents were placed on the lawn and themed with the organization's work to protect the Sarasota Bay watershed. The event was catered by Harry’s Continental Kitchen and a wonderful evening of music was provided by The Hedges. The Salon aimed to spark intrigue, excitement and increase commitment to the area’s natural resources. This invite-only event created a unique opportunity for clean water supporters to engage on important local issues and speak to local leaders.

The mission at Suncoast Waterkeeper (SCWK) is to protect and restore the waters on the Florida Suncoast for the benefit of all through community and

stakeholder engagement, environmental monitoring, advocacy and responsible legal action. Our goal is clean water for all.

SCWK has curtailed sewage spills, stopped industrial pollu-

TM

tion, informed the public about the safety of recreational waters and tackled one of the largest local environmental disasters of our time - Piney Point. Since 2019, the organization’s

members have settled eight Clean Water Act citizen suits; five acted against municipalities illegally spilling over 1 trillion gallons of sewage and three aimed to stop industrial facilities from illegally discharging heavy metal-laden stormwater. Combined, the suits contributed more than $500,000 for environmental projects and hundreds of millions of dollars to improve infrastructure.

The salon proved a wonderful opportunity for like-minded protectors of Sarasota and Manatee waters to get together for an evening of discussion, food, music and camaraderie on Sarasota Bay. It also raised funds for the organization to continue its efforts to protect the area’s eco-system and economy. To help with the mission, join the organization, volunteer and donate at www. suncoastwaterkeeper.org.

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN Supporters of Sarasota Bay enjoy an afternoon on the lawn of Bill and Debbie Partridge’s home, the oldest house on Sarasota Bay.

SUBMITTED

Grassett to teach fly fishing school

CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, 1249 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota, will hold an Orvis-endorsed fly fishing school on Saturday, April 13. The course, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basic fly casting principles, improving casting skills and correcting faults. Instructor Capt. Rick Grassett will also cover saltwater fly fishing techniques, leader construction and fly selection. The cost for the class, which will run from 8:30 a.m. to approximately 2 p.m., is $225 per person and includes the use of fly tackle, a workbook and lunch. This will be the last class until fall. Optional instructional guided fly fishing trips are also available for an additional fee. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at 941-349-4400 or info@cbsoutfitters.com to make reservations.

Roser presents Palm Sunday cantata

KRISTIN SWAIN

The Roser Memorial Community Church Cantata Choir, Roser Ringers and Chamber Orchestra presented “Worthy is the Lamb,” a Palm Sunday cantata by Lloyd Larson, directed by Roser Director of Music Ministries Craig Ramberger.

Support AME at ballpark

The Bradenton Marauders will celebrate opening weekend by hosting a fundraiser with the Manatee County School District at LECOM Park on Saturday, April 6 as the Marauders take on the Clearwater Threshers at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $20 and will include a hat and a Pepsi drink voucher as well as field access for the fireworks spectacular following the game. Use the link to buy your tickets and 25% of the proceeds will go to Anna Maria Elementary School: https://fevo-enterprise.com/ SDMCElementary

AMI Chamber to award scholarships

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will award its annual scholarships on Thursday, March 28 from 5-7 p.m. at the March Business Card Exchange at LaPensee Plumbing, Pools and Air, 401 Manatee Ave. in Holmes Beach. Beverages and light bites will be served, and scholarships will be awarded to this year’s deserving Manatee County high school seniors. The cost is $5 for members and $10 for prospective members. Bring business cards and feel free to bring a raffle prize to be given away. To RSVP, email ingrid@amichamber. org or call 941-778-1541.

PAID PARKING: Temporary paid parking vendors hired

Referring to the city’s Land Development Code (LDC), City Attorney Ricinda Perry said, “I believe parking is contemplated for special permit uses because it talks about coffee shops, restaurants, cocktail lounges, retail shops and services and other similar accessory use, well parking is absolutely an accessory to a shop so I believe you can say parking could be contemplated as a special permit use here. You as a legislative body can say that’s not what that means, but then you have to explain why.”

“If we don’t think we have an allowable use, we have to build a case,” Chappie said. “We have to go by the LDC.”

Perry said the commission may add stipulations that will protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.

“The longer the day goes on, that’s all I can see now is parking

lots. This is a beautiful place. Do we want parking lots all over the place?” Commissioner Jan Vosburgh asked, voicing concern that if a temporary use permit is approved for one year, the applicant may then ask for an extension.

Sam Negrin, who represented applicant Kaleta, spoke to the commission to alleviate those concerns and said the parking lot will be temporary.

“The properties were bought with the intention of building,” Negrin said. “This is a way to generate revenue in the meantime.”

A motion to approve the temporary use parking permit for 102 Third St. N. for temporary paid parking was passed unanimously with stipulations that include a limit to the number of motor vehicles to be approved by the building official, with no trailers, RVs, campers, buses, overnight parking or tailgating. The property owner will be required to submit

a building permit application or land development approval request within eight months of approval of the temporary use permit and a requirement that insurance must be carried by the property owner.

The temporary use permit is valid one year from March 21 or upon the issuance of a building permit, whichever occurs sooner. Landscape buffering is planned along Third Street North via a landscape plan to be approved by the building official, and a privacy fence is planned along the east and west property lines. The installation of a sidewalk is also planned. A site plan is to be submitted to the building official.

The temporary use permit for paid parking was approved unanimously for 207 Church Ave. with similar stipulations for 102 Third St. N., including landscape buffering along Church Avenue and a privacy fence to be installed along the north and south property

lines. The applicant may combine parking with 206 Bay Drive N. for purposes of parking, ingress and egress.

The temporary use permit application for 206 Bay Drive N. was approved unanimously with similar stipulations to 102 Third St. N. Hours of paid parking shall be from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

An application for temporary paid parking at 205 First St. N. was withdrawn by Negrin.

The application by Joshua LaRose for a temporary use permit for paid parking at a parking lot owned by Ed Chiles at 109 Third St. N. was denied unanimously by the commission after LaRose indicated that the parking lot may become permanent.

Chappie noted that the lot is in the emergency evacuation route for the south end of Bradenton Beach.

REAL ESTATE

Save our homes

This column should be titled “Save our Taxes,” since that’s what we’re really talking about. However, sav ing on property taxes is part of the Save Our Homes benefits and portability transfers are another piece of this law.

In January of 2008, the Florida Legislature passed legislation that allows homeowners the ability to move an existing homestead exemption to a new homestead. If you are moving, you may be able to transfer or “port” all or part of your homestead assessment difference.

Castles in the Sand

To transfer the Save Our Homes Benefit, you must establish a homestead exemption for the new home within three years of Jan. 1 of the year you abandoned or sold the old homestead. You must file the Transfer of Homestead Assessment Difference Form with the homestead exemption application. The amount of your portability will be reflected on your Notice of Proposed

Property Taxes that is mailed in mid-August. If you do not qualify for portability, you will be notified by certified mail no later than July 1. A portability exemption can be used each time you move and establish a new homestead, and it can be applied for if your new homestead is a higher value than your old homestead or if the just value of your new homestead property is less than the just value of your old homestead. The law was enacted in order to free up homeowners to move on from their homestead properties with low taxes and still protect to some degree the amount of taxes they pay.

The calculation is not straightforward and there are caps to consider. If you don’t yet have a property ready to purchase or have already purchased, you will not know for sure what the benefit will be right away. On the Manatee County Property Appraiser website under Exemptions/Portability, you will find a calculator and more information about this benefit. I found it was a challenge to calculate without knowing the exact purchase price and assessed value of the new property; nevertheless, it will give you an idea of the process.

Based on February sales statistics for Manatee County reported by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee, we are at a balanced market or getting very close to one:

Single-family homes closed 8.7% more properties from last February. The median sale price was $499,990, up 2%, and the average sale price was

$722,563, up 13%. Median time to sale was 102 days compared to 88 days last year and there were 53.5% more new listings leaving us with a 4.2 month supply of properties.

Condos closed 0.5% more properties from last February. The median sale price was $349,493, down 5.5%, and the average sale price was $385,521, down 11.5%. Median time to sale was 93 days compared to 67 days last year and there were 28.1% more new listings, leaving us with a 6.2 month supply of available properties. Six months of availability has traditionally been considered a normal market.

Now that the market is adjusting to the benefit of buyers and sellers, utilizing the option of tax portability becomes even more valuable. Save our taxes will also save our homes ultimately, so enjoy another tax benefit Florida offers. You do need to wade through the paperwork, but it’s worth it.

LOUISE BOLGER

TOWN HALL: Kruse talks beach parking, Island consolidation

current situation, one lane in each direction, people won’t want to sit on a bus in traffic instead of in their vehicles. The way around that would be to have a dedicated express lane for those people to bypass congestion on the way to the beach. Kruse said he’s spoken with Florida Department of Transportation representatives about including an express lane in the design for the new bridges but hasn’t received a definitive answer.

When it came to talking about a parking garage and the availability of beach parking on the Island, Kruse said he doesn’t currently see the benefit in building a parking garage at the county-owned Manatee Beach. With paid beach parking now existing in Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria, he added that he believes it’s just a matter of time before Holmes Beach city leaders will have to reconsider their stance on paid parking.

Currently, Holmes Beach is the only Island city that does not allow paid parking. Speaking up during the discussion, Mayor Judy Titsworth said that she’s not in favor of charging for beach parking and will avoid it in Holmes Beach for as long as possible. She

said she feels the beach should be free for everyone to access, not limited to those willing to pay to park to access the sand.

Though the city has an updated parking map on its website, the map does not show parking space availability in real time. Titsworth said that to install the sensors and develop the corresponding applications for use would cost “hundreds of thousands of dollars,” funds that the city doesn’t have to commit to the project. To complete the project, she said the parking would have to be paid parking, going against what she believes is in the best interests of

When the conversation turned to the state study concerning consolidation of the three Island cities, Kruse said he’s unsure that anything will come out of it, but he thinks what would be in the best interests of the residents would be to leave the three cities as-is with the possibility of consolidating some services to save taxpayer money.

An ongoing Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government

Accountability (OPPAGA) study was begun at the request of the Manatee County state legislative delegation and against the wishes of city leaders in the three cities. While city leaders said they would support the study for the purposes of potentially saving taxpayer funds, they don’t support the other three possibilities – consolidation of the three cities into one, or elimination of the three city governments and annexation of Anna Maria Island into unincorporated Manatee County or the city of Bradenton.

Kruse added that he can’t truly guess what state leaders plan to do with the results of the OPPAGA study because there’s no precedent for the state eliminating a municipality without cause, such as the municipality being financially insolvent, which is not the case in any of the three Island cities.

To hear what Kruse had to say about these issues and more, visit The Sun’s Facebook page to watch the town hall discussion in its entirety.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse listens as one resident voices concerns about a potential parking garage at the county-owned Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach.

BEACH BEAT

BRADENTON BEACH

3/17, 6:55 p.m., disorderly conduct, 116 Bridge St. While on patrol on Bridge Street, the officer was dealing with a suspect regarding an excessively loud stereo when a man walked up to him and began to use foul language toward him. The officer told the man to leave the area, as he was dealing with a suspect in a separate incident. The man continued to get closer to the officer, continuing to scream insults at him, which began to draw a crowd of people. Due to his refusal to leave the area and the gathering crowd, he was placed

Exploring California wines at The Center

Attendees check out the silent auction items at The Center of Anna Maria Island’s third annual Wine Tasting event.

under arrest for disturbing the peace and taken to Manatee County Jail.

HOLMES BEACH

3/12, 5:17 p.m., battery on a law enforcement officer, 4000 Gulf Drive. The officer responded to a fight in the parking lot of Manatee Beach. He encountered two male subjects fighting and a third attempting to break up the fight. When the officer attempted to break up the two men, one of the subjects shoved the officer with both hands. As the officer attempted to gain control of the subject, he then

3/15, 4 p.m., possession of marijuana under 20 grams, 102 Sunset Lane. While on patrol, two officers observed a group of four males, one of whom was attempting to hide an alcoholic beverage. The officers stopped to talk to the four subjects, who were all under 21 years of age. While talking to the subjects, the officers saw an electronic cigarette sticking out of a backpack. They asked if there was anything else in the backpack, at which time the subject who had claimed the backpack admitted to having THC. The officer opened the backpack and found three packages

for possession of marijuana under 20

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

One ARK Foundation raises funds for foster families

The One Ark Foundation held its second annual fundraiser for area foster families at The Cheesecake Cutie & Café in Holmes Beach on March 21.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH - It was an evening of live music, delicious food and spirited fundraising as the One ARK Foundation held its second annual “Kindness Matters Extravaganza” at The Cheesecake Cutie & Cafe on March 21.

“One ARK” stands for “one act of random kindness” and is a newly-established 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization founded by The Cheesecake Cutie and Cafe owners Jennifer and Kane Geils, who have been licensed foster care parents in Bradenton for two years and foster parents for six years.

“This event is to help raise money for foster families, adoptive families and single-parent families; that’s what One Ark is about,” Kane Geils said. “We are building programs and raising money to support the entire family of fostering, adopting or single parents.”

Kane says there are a lot of gaps in the

system and needs that haven’t been met, and their goal is to fill those needs. He says they are also working with other organizations in the area that can help fill those needs. Their hope is that their fundraising efforts will help fill those gaps.

Kane says they are in the beginning stages of the project, and families don’t apply for assistance, rather, people refer them to One ARK. He says they chat with the families and find out their needs, then assess their ability to help. If One ARK is unable to help, they are committed to getting them with an organization that may be more equipped to do so.

The 2023 fundraiser raised $7,500, 25% of which went to Safe Children’s Coalition in Bradenton and 25% of which went to All Star Children’s Center in Sarasota. The other 50% went to four foster families in the local community.

“This year, we hope to raise at least what we raised last year, but right now we know the numbers are way above that,” he said.

In addition to the $50 fee to attend the event, an auction hosted by Bob Slicker raised thousands of dollars thanks to donations by area businesses. The total raised is not yet available. For more information, visit www.onearkfoundations.org.

THE BEST GE TS

Man completes Chamber passport program in five hours

A seasonal resident of Bradenton Beach recently completed the AMI Chamber of Commerce’s passport program in five hours, which might be a record.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND - The annual Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s Passport Program is a fun way for residents and visitors to the Island to get out and discover Island businesses with a passport offered for free by the chamber.

Participants are encouraged to get their passports stamped at four participating chamber-member businesses in each of the four defined areas: Bradenton Beach, Cortez, Holmes Beach and Anna Maria. Anyone who completes the challenge is rewarded by the chamber with a T-shirt for their achievement. For most, the task is completed over a few days, weeks or even months, but for one Bradenton Beach man, it only took five hours.

Roy Cuddahy, a 69-year-old retired “snowbird” who spends three months a year in Bradenton Beach, saw the Passport Program as a challenge he thought he could knock out in record time, so he set out to do exactly that.

“I hopped on my e-bike and did the four in Bradenton Beach, four in Cortez, four in Holmes Beach and four in Anna Maria,” Cuddahy said. “It took me five hours and 22 miles, and I made it to the chamber to get my T-shirt just a few minutes before they closed.”

Cuddahy said there were eight businesses he knew and eight businesses he had never been to, which is exactly why the chamber does the program each year; to allow people to explore new businesses and get to know the Island, while at the same time stimulating the local economy. Roy is no stranger to e-bikes. Back at his home in Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire, he owns and operates an e-bike business. While on the Island, he visits the newly opened e-bike business, Better On Bikes in Bradenton Beach, offering his knowledge and assistance to them. He also conducts an Island e-bike tour on Wednesday mornings where participants can either bring their own e-bike or rent one for $35. The guided ride lasts about two hours and is free, but he accepts donations for the Robinson Preserve trail fund. The rides are from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and will continue through Wednesday, April 10. Anyone interested can contact Better On Bikes at 877426-4386.

ROY CUDDAHY | SUBMITTED

From left, Kris Castagna, owner of Better On Bikes in Bradenton Beach, with Roy Cuddahy, who completed the AMI Chamber of Commerce’s Passport Program in five hours on an e-bike.

SPORTS

Floridian Mortgage wins championship

BY MONICA SIMPSON

SPECIAL TO THE SUN

ANNA MARIA – Spring has sprung and winter sports at The Center are coming to a close, with team Floridian Mortgage earning the win against team Moss Builders Thursday night in the adult co-ed flag football championship game.

The top two teams in the league matched up in the final game of the season in a tough-played game. Losing by 19 points was unexpected for the talented Moss Builders squad.

With the final score of 39-20, the QBreceiver connection made the difference for Floridian Mortgage. Throwing for 22 completed passes, Chase Richardson led his team to victory.

Richardson’s counterpart, Jonathan Moss, threw three touchdown passes for Moss Builders, contributing to the team’s 18 completed passes in the game. Moss hit Evelyn Long for a

touchdown, scoring six points in the championship game.

Long finished the game with eight catches and three flag pulls.

Moss also found his cousin, Greg Moss, and brother, Ryan Moss, open for 12 additional points. R. Moss also had eight receptions and two onepoint conversions on offense for his team. He also contributed on defense with a big stop with a flag pull and an interception off a Richardson toss.

Winning the game, Richardson commanded the field, spreading the scoring among five receivers and scoring a rushing touchdown of his own. Cody Allen, Cory Banks, Travis Bates, Tim Holly and Jasmine Muldoon each found the endzone after catching a Richardson throw.

Jackson Hayes put up a point for the Floridian Mortgage team with a one-point conversion. Muldoon and Banks also topped the scoreboard with

successful points after attempts.

Defensively for the champions, Octa vious Cole put up critical statistics for his team. Cole had six flag pulls and a sack on the Moss Builders team.

Closing out the flag football season, the Island area adults finish out the indoor soccer season and the adult outdoor soccer season begins this week at The Center of Anna Maria Island.

ADULT CO-ED INDOOR SOCCER PLAYOFFS ROUND ONE

#3 Sato Real Estate #6 Slim’s Place

#4 ServisFirst Bank #5 Mi-Box

ADULT CO-ED FLAG FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

#1 Floridian Mortgage #2 Moss Builders

Lanning, Erdle capture win in KRC tournament

Sixty Key Royale Club men played their annual Member-Member Tournament on March 20 at the Holmes Beach club. Playing a two-man handicap better ball format in three flights, Jim Hill and John Hackinson won the first flight with a score of 56. Cliff Lanning, pictured left, and Tom Erdle, right, captured the second flight with a score of 56. Winning the third flight were Bob Paine and Wayne Patterson with a score of 58. In the play-off, Lanning and Erdle won the overall champion ship over the other two teams.

IN OTHER PLAY:

MARCH 18 - MODIFIED STABLEFORD

First Place - Mike Cusato, +8

Second Place - Bill MacMillan, Chuck Patrick and Gary Risner tied, +4

MARCH 19 - LOW NET SCORE

Flight A

First Place - Debbie DuVernay, 31

Second Place - Ceil Barry, 32

Third Place - Linda Dorsey and Pam Lowry tied, 33

Flight B

First Place - Jana Samuels 29

Second Place - Peggy Clauhs 32

Third Place - Judy Mencheck and Carol Patterson tied, 33

Ceil Barry had a chip-in on hole #7

First Place - Larry Brattain, Cliff Lanning, Nub Turner and Tom Young, 1 under par

Second Place - Bill Shuman, Jim Goff, Tom Solosky and Jack Lowry tied the team of Herb Clauhs, Jenelle Clements, Scott Mitchell and Peter Solleveld, even par. SUBMITTED

Kriebel, Yaroch win annual horseshoe tournament

SUBMITTED

Anna Maria. They were the

the double-elimination

held in honor of Peka, a long-time lead man for the group at A.M.I. Horseshoes. In the semifinal, Rod Bussey and Bill Galbally moved into the final after a 22-3 win over Adin Shank and Ron Gagnon, who had to settle for third place. In the final, Yaroch and Kriebel edged out Bussey and Galbally 23-20 to remain undefeated in the double-elimination tournament, while Bussey and Galbally took second place. On March 20, two teams met in the final after each went 3-0 during pool. Del Reese and Bob Lee cruised past Bob Palmer and Rod Bussey 22-7 to win the day’s competition.

Steve Kriebel, left, and John Yaroch are all smiles after winning the 11th Annual Ron Peka Memorial Horseshoe Tournament on March 23 at the city hall horseshoe pits in

only team to go undefeated in

tournament,

FUN

THE SUN

53

CLASSIFIEDS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE BEST VOLUNTEER

position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Kathy Primeau at 989-560-6381.

ROSER FOOD BANK

needs donations of cash and non-perishable food, PAPER & PERSONAL HYGIENE

PRODUCTS. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s.

HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS

WANTED to assist at our information desk, especially weekends.

Great for teens needing volunteer hours (16yrs+). Other assignments available. Please call the Blake Volunteer Office at 941-798-6151.

BOAT DOCK WANTED

ISO BOAT DOCK W/LIFT.

Kelly Gitt The Gitt Team Keller Williams on the Water 941-799-9299

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

UNIQUE, ONE of a Kind, Factory Custom 2001 45' Trident Tri-Toon w/ Bar, heat/air, twin engines.

USCG Inspected 21 Passengers with crew. Endless Possibilities for an Individual or in addition to an existing business. $149,900 727-224-8977

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE

HAVE YOU BEEN thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! Duplexes, multi family, small resorts?

Call BIG Alan Galletto of Is-land Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216

SALON SUITE / TREATMENT ROOM

Available in Anna Maria Body & Sol Spa and Wellness has a private office for rent. Perfect for a hair stylist (shampoo bowl and plumbing in place), acupuncturist, or counselor/therapist. Looking for a monthly rent, not a per use fee. Please text the biz owner, Amanda, at 941-896-2222

CLEANING SERVICE

TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570 or 941-565-3931

EMPLOYMENT

TWO SIDES OF NATUREAnna Maria Island's Largest Little Beach Shoppes... is now hiring full time and parttime associates. Varied shifts available must be able to work nights and weekends. Retail Experience Preferred. Great Pay, Great Fun! Apply today Two Sides of Nature 101 S. Bay Blvd. Unit A-1, Anna Maria.

A/C SERVICE TECH, seasoned, able to work well with others. Input is appreciated, hard work is re-warded. Salary negotiable. 40hr + work week. Paid Holidays and vacation. West Coast Air Condi-tioning & Heating. Call 941-778-9622

A/C INSTALLER. Change outs. Experienced, High work ethical standards a must. Year round work. No layoffs. Benefits. West Coast Air Conditioning & Heating. Call 941-778-9622

ROSER CHURCH SEEKS

part-time nursery attendant, 8:15-11:15 every Sunday. Must be dependable and enjoy being with children. 941-778-0414

AMI TURTLE WATCH OFFICE ASSISTANT. 20 hours/ week. Work from home in vicinity of AMI. Scheduling, Inventory, Purchasing, Data Entry, Website. Local travel required. Email director@ islandturtlewatch.com.

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

RENOVATION SPECALIST

ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-725-0073.

KERN & GILDER CONSTRUCTION, INC New Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CBC 1261150. Call the Office. 941-7781115

GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 20+ years. Call Neil. Cell 941-9621194

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.

API’S DRYWALL REPAIR

15+ years experience. Free estimates. No job too small. Love to help you. Call 941-524-8067.

ISLE TILE specializing in Custom Bath/Shower & Backsplash installation. Pressure washing available. Call 941-302-8759 isletileservices.com

GORILLA DRYWALL REPAIR, LLC. 15+ years of experience. Free Estimates. Let’s solve your Dry-wall problems together. Call 941-286-0607.

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.

BMF INTERIORS Home repairs and more, No job too small. Please call 786318-8585

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941

SHELL DRIVEWAYS & LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell and Lime rock driveways and scapes. Also River Rock, Sand, Mulch, & Soil. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067

ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal. Sweeping, blowing, and weeding. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing. Call Bill Witaszek 941307-9315

MOVING & STORAGE

MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-8095777.

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. Wallpaper installation/ removal. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455

DONALD PERKINS ABRACADABRA PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Is-land references. Call 941705-7096

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident. Quality Workmanship. Interior/ Exterior. Minor repairs & carpentry. Free estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315

POOL SERVICES

FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 18 + 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! Af-fordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS

TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941-5653931.

T & B PRESSURE WASHING Licensed & Insured. Driveways/sidewalks, Roofs, Pool cages, Fences, House (soft wash/ downstream). Call 813638-7636. tandbpressurewashing@yahoo. com Family owned and operated.

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

Have you been thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! GULF FRONT, CANAL FRONT, BAY FRONT CONDOS or HOMES ASK for BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216

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 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589

NEW PRICE! New roof! New Floors! New paint! New Ceiling! CONDO for sale, 2BR/2BA, 1639 SF, 6904 10th Ave. W., Village Green on cul-desac. 1-car garage, large Florida room, dine-in kitchen plus dining room, large pantry, built-in china cabinet, walk-in closet, lots of storage, laundry room, lush landscaping, pool, walking/running track, 5 miles to AMI, near medical, shopping, preserves. Price Reduction! $335,000. Lisa Varano, Wagner Realty, 941730-9060.

FOR SALE - PERICO BAY

CLUB Waterfront Beauties! 2 & 3 bedroom models w 2 car garages! Call Today for more info! Erin Leathem at The Anna Maria Sales Team at Island Real Estate 941-448-5616

FOR SALE - 5400 GULF

Completely updated coastal beauty! Gulf Front 55+ neighborhood commu-nity! Call Erin Leathem at The Anna Maria Sales Team at Island Real Estate 941-448-5616

FSBO NORTH-END ANNA MARIA 3BR/3BA, canal home, 2 car detached garage, fireplace, dock, quiet dead-end street 941-3457429.

ANNA MARIA HOME

$2,900,000 1 house from beach 3 bedroom pool & spa 2 years old. Christine Kourik Remax 314-440-7574

HOME IMPROVEMENT

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

2BR/2BA ALL NEW PAINT, windows. Quartz countertops, new kitchen, all new laminate flooring, New master bathroom, sunroom, washer dryer, New shaker doors, new baseboards. New A/C & New water heater. Move in condition.

$329,900. Sharon Hightower Re/max Alliance group 941-330-5054.

COASTAL LUXURY -

4BR/4.5BA Pool – SOLD

TURN-KEY FURNISHED for immediate move-in. Meticulously maintained, never rented, includes golf cart & electric beach wagon for island exploration! An absolute must-see! Call 941-685-6850 or email Team@HuntBrothersRealty.com for more info.

RENTALS: ANNUAL

ANNUAL RENTALS WANTED! We have well qualified tenants for beach and mainland annual rent-als, Full management or Finders fee. Call today for details. Ask for Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 513-382-1992.

ANNUAL GROUND LEVEL, 1BR/1BA condo, pool, close to the beach. $1800 monthly. Call 941-7784800

IN OVER 55 COMMUNITY ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND.. Totally remodeled 2BR/1.5BA, ground level cottage with adjacent parking. Stacked W/D and three air/heat mini splits. Heated pool on site; pickleball courts one block away. Gulf is 300 steps and the bay 200 steps from your porch. Rent includes all utilities and WiFi. Annual rent $2,500 per month. 6 month rent is $4000 per mo. Call Tim 507-382-8880.

STEPS TO THE BEACH!

Annual or semi-annual raised 2BR/2BA fully furnished duplex with new interior and fully-equipped kitchen, washer/dryer, carport for 2 vehicles on Ave B, Bradenton Beach $3500/mo + utilities Available April 1, 2024 Text or call Nicholas Cibel @ 202-744-8200

ANNUAL RENTAL: Located in beautiful Perico Bay Club, just 2 miles from Anna Maria Island. Gated community with 24 hour security. This villa home has 2 bedrooms, 2 updated bathrooms, updated kitchen, end unit, screened deck and 2 car garage. Text 908-875-0299 for more information.

ANNUAL RENTAL:

2BD/1BA cottage w/enclosed porch, across from the beach, washer/dryer, up-dated kitchen, $2750/ mo. Contact Jessica at Dolores Baker Real Estate 941-778-7500.

FULLY FURNISHED

3BR/2BA home in Holmes beach. Annual rental only. Great location. $4,000. per month. Contact us at 941 778-4410.

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

SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates. Contact Barb Grace 941-201-2190

ANNA MARIA ISLAND

CONDOS Large pool, beach access, free WiFi, 1&2 Bedroom $900 to $1200 per week redekercondosonami.com Tim 941-704-7525

FOR RENT (SUMMER AT THE BEACH) AMI updated 5 star condo. Available May to November (monthly with Multi-month discount). Million$ water view, first floor, 2BR/2BA, beautiful water view deck, walk to beach, pool, tennis (smoke free/no pets) Owner/ renter email NOW market-reps@aol.com or 570-239-0431

HOLMES BEACH2BR/2BA Bayside Condo. POOL, Tennis, Pickleball, Beautifully updated. 2024 Summer & Fall Monthly Rental. Call Julie at 312835-3054 or email shellpointhaven@gmail.com for photos and details

TRANSPORTATION

ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete $85. Sarasota $40. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-7795095