FREE
VOL 15 No. 27
May 6, 2015
THE FOOD AND WINE WAS FINE Great weather attracted 8,000 to 10,000 people to Anna Maria on Saturday to celebrate the food, wine, brews and music of the Island and Manatee County and to root for their favorite horses in the Kentucky Derby. Wearing their best Derby hats were Tammy Kelly, Robyn Thomson, Annie Reddick and Pidge Taylor, whose hat won the prize for best entry. See more on Page 10.
Tom vaught | sun
Recall hearing scheduled Judge Gilbert Smith has been asked to determine whether Vice Mayor Jack Clarke remains on the recall ballot. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – After being notified that the recall lawsuit he recently filed in Sarasota was filed in the wrong jurisdiction, John Metz refiled his suit in Manatee County on Monday, April 27. Two days later, Metz requested a temporary injunction, and a court hearing was scheduled for Tuesday, May 5. At that hearing, Circuit Court Judge Gilbert Smith was expected to rule on see recall, page 41
INSIDE NEWS OPINION Sun survey turtles outdoors real estate beach beat Classified
4 6 7 22 24-25 36-41 42 44-47
Board votes to withhold Center funding Commissioners said they would reconsider the request if they receive answers to the mayor’s questions. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – After hearing pleas from both sides, city commissioners voted 4-0 not to release the city’s
$22,500 contribution in its 2014-15 budget for the AMI Community Center until they get further information. At issue is a plan by the Center’s board of directors to build a fitness center on the second floor of the Center. Residents, some city officials and two Island fitness center owners oppose the plan. see center, page 37
changing com-
tourism: Resort tax collections
Fire district gets a new chief. 3
for March smash all records. 3
mand:
Anna Maria Island, Florida
Sometimes, dreams really do come true. 16
The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper
www.amisun.com
2
THE SUN
www.amisun.com
MAY 6, 2015
MAY 6, 2015
www.amisun.com
March tourism sets record Holmes Beach was the only Island city with a decrease in March resort tax collections from 2014. BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
Local impressions that tourism boomed in March, historically the busiest month of the year, were right, according to the most recent Manatee County Tax Collector’s resort tax statistics. Countywide, resort tax collections were up 4 percent from March 2014, bringing in a record $1.76 million in resort tax collections. Anna Maria collections were up 8 percent while Bradenton Beach was up 12 percent. Holmes Beach was the only one of the three cities with a decrease in collections, down 6 percent from March 2014. In March, the three cities on Anna Maria Island accounted for 46
percent of the county’s total, which was down one percentage point from March 2014, when the Island produced 47 percent of the county’s total collections. Over the past five years, countywide resort tax collections have increased 66 percent from 2010’s total of $1,066,974. Anna Maria’s March collections were up 228 percent up from March 2010; Bradenton Beach was up 31 percent and Holmes Beach was up 41 percent. Resort taxes are the primary indicator of tourism; Manatee County’s 5 percent resort tax is collected from owners of accommodations rented for six months or less who charge the tax to tourists. New estimates show that Florida hosted 98.9 million visitors in 2014, according to VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s tourism agency, a 5.1 percent increase over the previous high of 97.3 million in 2013.
THE SUN
March resort tax collections Manatee County’s 5 percent resort tax, or tourist tax, is collected from owners of accommodations rented for six months or less who charge the tax to their renters, in most cases, tourists. The majority of the tax is allocated to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau tourism marketing efforts, with one of the five pennies allocated to beach renourishment. Resort tax increases reflect both increased visitation and improved tax collection efforts. Monthly collection reports do not reflect the fact that some hoteliers pay quarterly, not monthly. Amounts shown are collected in March and paid to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office in April. To anonymously report a rental owner who may not be paying the tax, call 941-741-4809 or visit www.taxcollector.com/ services_resort_tax_tips.asp. Source: Manatee County Tax Collector
3
4
THE SUN
ISLAND NEWS
in brief
Board holds on stormwater fee Holmes Beach city commissioners continued the second reading of an ordinance changing the method in which the city calculates stormwater utility fees. The new fee is based on the square footage of the property. At a previous meeting there was some question about whether to charge the county for its property such as the public beach. Mayor Bob Johnson said after talking with County Administrator Ed Hunzeker, he recommended allowing the county an exception. After some debate on whether to exempt both the county and the School Board, commissioners asked City Engineer Lynn Burnett to bring back figures on how much the city would lose with the exceptions.
Expo on Center programs and classes The AMI Community Center is holding an Expo on May 16 from 9 to 11a.m. to showcase the programs it has to offer. Health and wellness instructors will be present to talk about their classes. There also will be representation from Center sports programs, childcare and volunteer programs. Visitors will have the opportunity to view an ongoing yoga class and participate in a complimentary Zumba class at 10 a.m. in the performing arts room. Additional complimentary classes in May are Tai Chi for arthritis on Thursday, May 14, at 10 a.m. and basic self defense on Monday, May 18, at 6 p.m. For additional information call Jennifer Griffith at 941-778-1908, ext. 204.
Volunteer for boating cleanup
Visit our website, www.amisun.com. Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.
MAY 6, 2015
Fire district changes command as chief retires
Tom Sousa was welcomed as the district’s new fire chief. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Island and Manatee County elected and fire officials, family and friends of outgoing West Manatee Fire Chief Andy Price and incoming Fire Chief Tom Sousa attended the Change of Command and Retirement ceremonies last week at Station 1 in Holmes Beach. Deputy Chief Brett Pollock led the ceremony, which began with the presentation of colors and the pike pole, which has been used by firefighters since the 1600s to pull down ceilings and walls and ventilate structures. The invocation was given by Cori Rigney, wife of Captain/Training Officer Ben Rigney. Flowers were presented to the wives of the two chiefs, and chief’s coins were presented to Price’s three children and sister. Price then personally greeted each firefighter. The honor guard passed the district’s colors and pike pole to Price, who passed them to Sousa, relinquishing his responsibility and authority and charging the new chief with the same responsibility and authority.
Fishing for Freedom will host its First Annual Fishermen’s Cleanup on Saturday, May 9, at 9 a.m. at Cortez Bait and Seafood at the end of 119th Street in Cortez. Boats leave at 10 a.m. to take volunteers to nearby shorelines to pick up fishing line and other trash. Volunteers are needed; call Mark at 941-737-9990 or Tom at 941-720-2359.
Cortez music on Saturday In celebration of the Cortez Grand Ole Opry and the rich musical heritage of Cortez, the Florida Maritime Museum will host free Music on the Porch on Saturday, May 9, from 2 to 5 p.m. Listen or play, bring an instrument, bring a picnic and enjoy the music on the porch of the historic Burton Store or on the indoor museum stage if it rains. pat copeland | sun
Retiring Chief Andy Price enters the room.
pat copeland | sun
Above, WMFR Commission Chair David Bishop administers the oath of office to incoming Chief Tom Sousa. At right, the honor guard presents flowers to Price’s wife, Lin, and chief’s coins to his children and sister.
Pollock said the colors represent the heritage and history of the fire service, as well as the unity and loyalty of its firefighters, and the pike pole symbolizes the office of the fire chief and represents the values of the district – excellence, commitment, courage and compassion. Sousa’s wife, Annette, pinned the chief’s badge on him, and Fire Commission Chair David Bishop administered the oath of office. Price thanked everyone for witnessing the district’s first change of command ceremony and said, “It marks a change of leadership for West Manatee Fire and Rescue. “My tenure as fire chief has been filled with memorable events beginning with my first day as a volunteer, where men and women of this community served others because there was a need.” He spoke of the changes through the years and thanked the fire commissioners he had worked for as well as Pollock, the battalion chiefs, the administrative staff and Pam Reed, whose husband Brian died in the line of duty. He welcomed Sousa, a friend for 31 years, into his job and said, “It will be your job to maintain what’s been done, but also to take it to the next level to meet these ever changing needs.
“It also will be your job to take care of those who give of themselves on a daily basis. These men and women give unselfishly every day, and I don’t believe there’s a better group of firefighters, officers and staff.” Sousa thanked his wife for her support, the board for having confidence in him to lead the organization and the district personnel for supporting him a training officer. “I want to take the experience and knowledge that I’ve gained as a training officer to the chief’s position. Special thanks to Chief Price for giving me an opportunity to achieve my goal.” This was followed by the retirement ceremony in which Price was presented with gifts from the district, the Manatee County Fire Commissioner’s Association, Cedar Hammock Fire District, the three Island cities and others.
www.amisun.com
MAY 6, 2015
THE SUN
5
County responds to proposed stormwater fees The county administrator reminded the mayor and commissioners of county taxpayer support provided to the city. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Last week, County Administrator Ed Hunzeker responded to the Bradenton Beach Commission’s recent decision to levy stormwater fees on county property located within the city limits. “As discussed, Manatee County government has been a close partner with the city of Bradenton Beach for decades. Given our past cooperation it was very disappointing to hear reports, through the public news media, that the city of Bradenton Beach intends to charge its closest partner, Manatee County, in excess of $132,000 for stormwater management,” Hunzeker wrote in a letter sent to Mayor Bill Shearon Thursday. Two days prior to sending his letter, Hunzeker met with Shearon, City Engineer Lynn Burnett, city Public Works Director Tom Woodard and Manatee Deputy Director of Public Works Sia
Mollanazar to discuss the matter. In his letter, Hunzeker suggested one of two options as an amendment to stormwater ordinance 15-449: That all public parks and beaches be Hunzeker exempt from the new ordinance, or that all public and government lands that do not receive any stormwater management service from the city, now or in the future, be exempt from the ordinance. When contacted, Burnett said there was a good possibility the commission would discuss this issue further before adopting the proposed ordinance on second and final reading at Thursday evening’s commission meeting. When this matter was discussed last month, Burnett advised against charging the county for stormwater management and suggested addressing it at a later date. Although he ultimately joined the rest of the commission in its unanimous support of doing so, Commissioner Ed Straight, a former county employee, said the county might react unfavorably to the decision. In his note, Hunzeker reminded Shearon and the commission that Manatee County taxpayers have been providing annual
It is ironic that I use the term ‘the county beaches and park sites’ even though they are in the city of Bradenton Beach…” Ed Hunzeker County Administrator Community Redevelopment Agency funding of approximately $250,000 and also provided in the magnitude of $1 million to help restore the Historic Bridge Street Pier. Hunzeker also said the county supplements the city’s police department budget by providing in excess of $80,000 for patrols of county beaches and park sites. “It is ironic that I use the term ‘the county beaches and park sites’ even
though they are in the city of Bradenton Beach, and its famous beauty and amenities are recognized by the general public as the city of Bradenton Beach’s park sites and facilities. These beachfront properties and park sites are the very subject of the stormwater utility ordinance fee,” Hunzeker wrote. In reference to 69.4 acres of countyowned land located in the city, including Leffis Key Park, Hunzeker said, “As much as these park sites are recognized by the general public as assets of the city, the fact is that they are county owned, maintained and operated lands. As such, the city enjoys all the benefit and revenues generated … however all of the financial investment and operating expenses are funded by Manatee County.” Hunzeker noted that the city does not presently provide any stormwater management operation or maintenance to the county park properties, nor does it intend to provide any such services in the future. He also pointed out that in addition to the annual operating expenditures, Manatee County has invested additional county taxpayer funds for stormwater and water quality improvements in an effort to be good stewards of the land and not because of any regulatory requirements.
Happy Mother’s Day, from our moms to yours!
6
THE SUN
OPINION
The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper Island Sun Plaza, 9801 Gulf Drive P.O. Box 1189 Anna Maria, FL 34216-1189 Phone: (941) 778-3986 e-mail: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com
Like us on our new Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun
MAY 6, 2015
EDITORIAL What a celebration
F
our the past four years, Ed Chiles has been trying to put together a celebration of food and drink for the Island and surrounding areas with music and wines, but a deluge in the middle of one of them and a rain out before it got started left a lot of people wondering if the project was going to take hold. Finally, the weather cooperated and last Saturday’s event looked as packed as Bayfest with a lot more variety in the food and drink. The various music tents were interesting. There were folk music acts, some local favorites, a couple of big bands and the Sweet Adelines. Kids had fun with their own area and a very green Rev. Ed Moss showed everyone how slime looked back in the 1980s when it was en vogue. Racing fans were able to vote for their favorite Kentucky Derby contenders and urge on their horses during the race. Chiles has been promoting regional foods and sustainable tourism for a while now and he was elated to see the crowd and how much fun everyone was having.
I
t was a great event and many, many people were involved. Volunteers came in shifts so nobody had to work through the whole festival and miss the fun. There were numerous sponsors to absorb the cost and they spread the word all over the county so there were a lot of visitors who might not have come. According to Chiles Group Special Events Coordinator Caryn Hodge, people came from near and far and some of the volunteers were on vacation. It was a fun event with the air full of the scent of great food and a lot of different wines and brews for tasting. It was a nice way to round out the festival season and prepare for the hot summer ahead when much of the celebrating will be done at water’s edge.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
All about the money Someone said beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I was born in Cortez in July, 1930, and to me beauty is, or should I say, was, the beautiful bays, bayous, ponds, creeks and streams; the piney woods, the oaks with moss hanging from their branches, the palmettos that went for miles, the red, white and black mangroves; the buttonwood trees and gumbo limbos, sea grapes, cedars and guavas that grew on every mile of shoreline; the fiddler flats, the terrapins, the scallops that covered the grassy bay bottoms. They were there every summer – all you had to do was walk out and pick them up. There were clams and unpolluted oysters, both plentiful; raccoons, wildcats, deer, occasionally a panther, wild hogs and turkeys, ducks and the cracker houses we lived in. All were beautiful to me. Then came what the TV and newspapers called land developers, which really are land destroyers. I have seen many hurricanes in my 85 years in
The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field
Cortez but none have done as much to destroy this beauty as the developers have done. The sad thing is it’s too late to do anything about it because it’s all about money and if they ever get all they want they won’t care that they have destroyed the most beautiful thing in the world. J.O. (Junie) Guthrie Cortez
Readers' Choice teacher I am so tickled to be presented with this Reader's Choice Award! Thanks everyone. What a delight to be a part of Anna Maria Elementary School's children and their families. I am touched. It must be said ... there is a gifted group of professional educators at our laid-back Island dream school. AME staff, each and every one, makes a difference in the lives of children. With smiles and appreciation, Dr. Laura Redeker AME teacher
There is an easy solution to the AMI Community Center kerfuffle: just change the name to the Island Resort Amenities Annex. Make all memberships "resort housing memberships," and allow the actual community members to buy one membership pass to be shared amongst 50-100 different individuals. Rather than requiring each household member to buy an individual membership, issue the membership to the neighborhood or the condominium, and allow anyone in possession of the membership card access to community center classes and events at member prices. Ensure all classes run no more than the 7 day average vacation period. Instead of offering after-school care, offer baby sitting services. Make sure there are classes geared toward the clientele you seek to serve, such as "Yoga for Vacationers," "How to Park 10 Cars in a Two-Car Driveway Without Getting Ticketed," "Keeping Fit in the Water," SEE LETTERS, PAGE 7
Layout Ricardo Fonseca
Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis
Reporters Pat Copeland Cindy Lane Tom Vaught Joe Hendricks
Ad director Chantelle Lewin Ad assistant Chris Boniberger
Columnists Louise Bolger
Classified ads Bob Alexander
Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Web Jocelyn V. Greene Accounting John Reitz
Distribution Bob Alexander Keith Isner Tony McNulty Contributors Steve Borggren Tom Breiter Monica Simpson
www.amisun.com
MAY 6, 2015
THE SUN
the sun survey
on the agenda
LAST WEEK’S QUESTION: What do you think of the plan to remove the post office boxes in Holmes Beach?
Anna Maria
6%
I should care but I don't. I use mostly FedEx or UPS anyway.
28%
What's the big deal? They'll still have home mail delivery in Holmes Beach.
7
For information, call 7781005.
10005 Gulf Drive
5/7: City Commission special meeting, 6 p.m. 5/11: Environmental Education and Enhancement Committee, 4 p.m. 5/14: City Commission meeting and work session, 6 p.m. For information, call 7086130.
Bradenton Beach 107 Gulf Drive N.
5/6: Capital Improvement Program, 10:30 p.m. 5/6: Pier Team, 11 a.m.
Holmes Beach 5801 Marina Drive
5/6: Parks and Beautification Advisory Board, 4 p.m. 5/7: Police Retirement Board, 11:30 a.m. 5/7: Neighborhood Watch training, Manatee Public Beach café, 6 p.m. 5/12: City Commission meeting and work session, 7 p.m. 5/14: City Commission work session, 7 p.m. For information, call 7085800.
mark your calendar Note: Events are free unless indicated.
Wednesday May 6
69%
Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., $8. Register to 941-778-2099.
If it means they'll have to close the post office, it's the worst idea I ever heard of.
THIS WEEK’S SURVEY
What is your opinion of Holmes Beach withholding funding for the Community Center?
• It was an ill-timed move that could cost Center workers their jobs. • I like the decision because the Center board
hasn't been forthcoming with details of the proposed fitness facility.
LIKE us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun View The Sun’s online edition at www.issuu.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun
Knitting/crochet group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
Friday Forty Carrots program for babies and children to age 5, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Senior Adventures travels to Sea Hagg , meet at Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m., lunch at Tide Tables. Alzheimer’s caregivers’ group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
Saturday
LETTERS
"How to Skirt the Noise Complaints," and "Drinking on the Beach without Getting Caught." Or we can retain the current name and bring the focus back to the Community Center actually serving the community. And by community, I mean the folks who live and work on this Island
May 7
May 8
To vote, go to www.amisun.com or scan this code to vote by smartphone.
FROM PAGE 6
Thursday
May 9
year-round, as well as those who make the community their winter home. We could abolish those "Resort Memberships," which are unfair to the locals who are required to have an individual membership for everyone in the household, and instead offer pricey Day Passes to folks who are not members of this community, but wish to have the same privileges as those who are.
The bottom line, as I see it, is do we want a true Community Center, or another tourism asset? Do we want something that will help replace what is being lost due to development trends, or something that will enhance those new, commercial developments? I hope we still want the former instead of the latter. Laurel Nevans Holmes Beach
Master gardener tour, Riverview Pointe Preserve, end of 75th Street, Bradenton, 9 to 11 a.m. Reserve to 941-722-4524. Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach, 9 a.m. Register online at http://www. eventbrite.com/e/manateemiles-sea- turtle-strolltickets-15501497396 . Origami class, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10
a.m. Music on the porch, Florida Maritime Museum, Cortez Road and 119th Street West, Cortez, 2 to 5 p.m.
Sunday May 10
Beach Market, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday May 11
Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 11 to 11:45 a.m., $8. Register to 941-778-2099. Social bridge games, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, noon.
Tuesday May 12
Duplicate bridge, Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday May 13
Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., $8. Register to 941778-2099. SHINE Medicare enrollment, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
Friday May 15
Senior Adventures travels to Mote Marine Aquarium, meet at Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. SEE CALENDAR, PAGE 8
8
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
Couple guilty of sex on the beach
mark your calendar Saturday
BY TOM VAUGHT
May 16
SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
A jury convicted two people of two counts each of lewd and lascivious acts on the beach Monday after a week-long trial last week. Deliberation lasted 15 minutes. The couple, Elissa Alvarez, 20, and Jose Caballero, 40, were on Cortez Beach, in Bradenton Beach, on July 20, 2014. During the trial, two women, great-grandmother Victoria Champ and grandmother April Champ testified that they witnessed the couple having sex on the beach while their 2-year-old and a 4-yearold were present. They said the 4-year-old saw the couple and asked them what they were doing, but they did not answer. During the trial, the judge offered the two defendants three years in jail and non-sex-offender status, and they rejected it. The maximum penalty would be 15 years in prison, a $10,000 fine and they would have to be registered as sex offenders.
MAY 6, 2015
Meditation, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m.
Sunday May 17
Beach Market, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday May 18
Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 11 to 11:45 a.m., $8. Register to
941-778-2099. Social bridge games, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, noon.
Tuesday May 19
Duplicate bridge, Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday May 20
Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., $8. Register to 941-778-2099.
POOL PHOTO | BRADENTON HERALD
From left: Elissa Alvarez, defense attorney Ronald Kurpiers and Jose Caballero at last week’s trial. According to assistant district attorney Anthony Defonseca, the state
will ask for prison time for both.
 �� � �   € ‚ƒ„…†† … ƒ  …‡ „ˆ…
‰
Welcome to Waste Pro!
On June 1, 2015, Waste Pro will be the new solid waste and single stream recycling provider for the residents and businesses of City of Holmes Beach.
SIGN UP FOR SERVICE: Sign up online by visiting www.holmesbeachfl.org to ensure proper location and billing addresses. Forms are also available at City Hall.
CART DELIVERY: Be on the lookout as carts will be delivered the last week of May (5/26/15 - 5/30/15). Each resident will receive one 64 gallon cart for solid waste and one 64 gallon cart for single stream recycling. Waste Pro is excited to be bringing our outstanding services to Holmes Beach!
IMPORTANT DATES: May 11th at 10:00 am and 3:00 pm at City Hall: Waste Pro will be hosting a live demo of the registration. May 16th from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm at City Hall: Waste Pro representatives will be available to assist you in signing up for service.
www.wasteprousa.com
MAY 6, 2015
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
9
Bridge timing discussed A request made a decade ago to alter bridge opening schedules produced opposition from affected boaters. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH –The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the Island Transportation Planning Organization (ITPO) plan to submit a request to the U.S. Coast Guard asking for the timing of the Island drawbridges to be reduced to 30 minute intervals year round. If approved, the amended bridge timing schedule would eliminate the 20 minute bridge opening intervals that occur from January 15 through April 15. Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy bridged the topic during at the April 20 ITPO meeting in Holmes Beach. “You said you would look into that and see what you could do in terms of limiting those openings during tourist season. I just wondered if you could give us a progress report,” Murphy said to MPO Executive Director Mike Howe. Howe said he has drafted a letter, which he expects to the place on the
CINDY LANE | SUN
Peak season may be over, but drawbridges continue to create traffic delays when accommodating the needs of boaters. June ITPO agenda after conferring with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). “We’ll basically requesting the Coast Guard to initiate a review based upon the bridge counts,” Howe said, noting that FDOT would serve as MPO’s sponsor for the request.
Howe said he would send his letter to all three Island city commissions in order to gauge support for the request to reduce bridge openings to two per hour all year long. He said he would also create a resolution for each city to adopt. MPO Planning Manager David
Hutchinson said the request would also apply to the Longboat Pass Bridge and require input from Longboat Key officials as well. “They’re also impacted by any decision we make here,” Howe added. Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon asked Howe to expedite the resolution process and said, “I know Longboat Key is receptive to the process also, and maybe that’s something we can also present to our county commission.” Howe agreed the county needs to be involved. Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson suggested aiming even higher by inquiring about leaving bridges down for longer periods during peak traffic events. “Since we’re doing this thing, why not go for the stars,” Johnson said. “We need to call the Coast Guard and say, ‘Keep the damn bridge down,’ because of the nature of a holiday or whatever’s happening on the Island. There ought to be some provision to get some sort of exception in the event of certain conditions,” he added. Hutchinson said the resolution could be presented in a manner that asked see bridge, page 21
10
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
MAY 6, 2015
Food and Wine highlights Pine People came from Orlando to attend, according to Chiles Group Special Events Coordinator Caryn Hodge. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Thousands of people got a taste of the Island’s food, wine, art and music at Food and Wine on Pine last Saturday. The event, coordinated by the Chiles Group, filled Pine Avenue with tents offering food and drinks plus items for sale and musical acts. Chiles Group Special Events Coordinator Caryn Hodge said they estimated between 8,000 and 10,000 people attended. “It was our best ever,” Hodge said. “We had people coming from as far as Orlando and a group of daycationers, retirees who came from Tampa. The variety of things to do included sampling wines and beers from the tents, plus sampling the food from local restaurants and more. “We had two restaurants from Sarasota who wanted to come,” Hodge said, “Polpo Pizza, serving oven fired pizza from the back of a truck, and Tsunami Sushi and Hibachi Grill.” Saturday also was Kentucky Derby day, and there were several ladies wearing hats for the occasion at a tent set up by the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island. There was a contest for best Kentucky Derby hat, which Anna Maria Elementary School teacher Pidge Taylor won. Her hat was adorned with lots of feathers including some from peacocks. The musical acts ranged from local couples playing folk songs to young singers with their music. There were local favorites like Chuck Caudill, Howie Banfield, Trevor Bystrom and KoKo Ray, and there were big band sounds from the Manatee Concert Band and the Manatee Swing Band. World War II veterans Bob Zimmerman, 92, (Army Air Corps) and James Kissick, 90 (Navy) sat along the roadside, talking with passers-by. “The weather was perfect, the best in our five-year history,” Hodge said. “CrossPointe Fellowship did a great job on the kids area.” Kids enjoyed a lot of activities in the Roser Community Church parking lot, across the street from the church. There were tables and chairs and water for humans and pets in the church’s front yard. “From one end of Pine Avenue to the other, it was a good time for a lot of people,” Hodge said.
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
Above, AMI Preservation Trust and Community Connections founder Sissy Quinn in her 1919 Ford Model T given to her by her husband, Tom, who is on the other side of the car. Right, Savannah Brady sings at one of the musical tents. Below right, Robert Zimmerman a 94-year-old WWII veteran talked with passersby. Below, the Magic of Manatee Sweet Adelines perform at a music tent. Bob Gibbons with his daughter, Georgia, and friend, Kathleen O'Keefe, visited the event. Georgia is recovering from being hit a car in 2013 while crossing the street in Tallahassee.
www.amisun.com
MAY 6, 2015
THE SUN
MARINA WALK RESORT VILLAS
GRAND OPENING Limited-time, pre-construction pricing from the $500s! A Rare Ownership Opportunity On Florida’s Last Private Island
Overlooking Anna Maria Sound just moments from Anna Maria Island, the incomparable private island community of Harbour Isle proudly introduces our latest addition of waterfront residences, Marina Walk. This all-new collection of low-maintenance villas represents an incredible opportunity.
Florida’s Best Kept Secret
Harbour Isle overlooks the open waters of Anna Maria Sound and Anna Maria Island, named one of the Sunshine State’s “10 Best Secret Beaches” by USA Today/10Best.com and one of only four “Old, Classic Florida” destinations by the Wall St. Journal.
Harbour Isle Amenities Include:
Waterfront Beach Club Private Clubhouse 4 Resort-Style Pools Fitness Center Kayak Launch Sky Bar Lounge Event Lawn Sandy Beach 3 Neighborhood Amenities Planned Marina with Wet and Dry Storage, Restaurants, Shops and More
Located on Florida’s last private island, this rare opportunity is not to be missed! No CDD fees! Unlike other communities, Harbour Isle does not burden you with Community Development District (CDD) fees, which saves you thousands of dollars during your home ownership.
LIVE LIKE YOU’RE ON A PERMANENT VACATION IN THE WARM FLORIDA SUNSHINE! Opening Summer 2015
Beach Club Under Construction Anna Maria Island & Beaches
GRAND OPENING
Resort Villas & Amenity Edgewater Walk Coach Homes & Amenity
COMING SOON Marina, Shops & Restaurants
Mangrove Walk Coach Homes & Amenity
SOLD OUT
FINAL PHASE CLOSE OUT
(877) 542-0822
~ mintofla.com
12300 Manatee Ave. West, Bradenton, FL 34209 Located on SR-64 West, just before the Anna Maria Island Bridge in Bradenton
For location, hours of operation and further details about our award-winning communities throughout Florida, visit mintofla.com. © Minto Communities, LLC 2015. Not an offer where prohibited by state statutes. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored or transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission. Artist’s renderings, dimensions, specifications, prices and features are approximate and subject to change without notice. Minto, the Minto logo, Harbour Isle and the Harbour Isle logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. CGC 1519880. 5/2015
11
12
THE SUN
www.amisun.com
Score a big win for Team TIFF
Session ends The Florida Legislature ended its annual regular session three days early last week, passing some laws that will directly affect Anna Maria Island if signed by the governor and failing to pass others.
The bill requiring licensing agencies to inform drivers of the service will go to the governor for his signature. BY TOM VAUGHT
Passed
SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
The Florida Senate passed House Bill 7055, making Christine Olson, who works at the Rod and Reel restaurant in Anna Maria, very happy. The bill, sponsored in the House by State Representative Greg Steube, passed the House on April 24 and at 1:24 p.m. On April 29, it passed the State Senate by a 40-0 vote. “Last week, the woman who was pushing this issue in Tallahassee, Cari Roth, called and said there was no hope it would get passed because it’s late in the session and the lawmakers just want to go home,” she said. “Later I got an e-mail from her that said, ‘You’re not going to believe this, it got in and it passed.” The bill requires automobile and drivers licensing agencies to distribute a form that people can fill out to enroll in a program that allows first responders and emergency officials to tap into a list of contacts for victims of accidents.
MAY 6, 2015
SUBMITTED
Christine Olson holds a picture of her daughter, Tiffany, who was killed in an auto accident on Dec. 7, 2004.
Olson formed “To Inform Families First” (TIFF) after her daughter, Tiffany, was killed in a tragic car accident on Dec. 7, 2005. She was not informed see TIFF, page 20
• Sober homes - House Bill 21 creates a voluntary state certification program for sober homes, which are halfway houses for alcohol and drug addicts who have completed rehabilitation. Sober homes must be certified to house patients from state-funded rehab centers. • Master building permits - House Bill 1151 requires local governments, if requested, to create a master building permit program to assist builders in getting building permits for multiple, identical single family and townhome structures. The bill allows local governments to establish reasonable fees both for the creation of the program and for permit fees.
Failed
• Vacation rentals – House Bill 735 and Senate Bill 1344 would have provided local governments more flexibil-
ity in dealing with problematic vacation rentals, allowing governments to set minimum stay requirements of up to seven days. The bills also would have clarified that grandfathered local governments could amend their vacation rental ordinances without penalty. • Disposable plastic bags - House Bill 661 and Senate Bill 996 would have authorized municipalities with populations of fewer than 100,000 to establish pilot programs to regulate or ban disposable plastic bags by Dec. 31. No new taxes or fees on the use or distribution of plastic bags would have been allowed. • Vessel safety – Senate Bill 1548 would have prohibited an owner or operator of a vessel from anchoring or mooring it within 200 feet of the marked boundary of a permitted mooring field or any public boat ramp, hoist, marine railway or other launching or landing facility. It also would have prohibited a vessel from anchoring or mooring within 200 feet of a developed waterfront property from one hour past sunset to one hour before sunrise, unless the vessel required safe harbor. Source: Florida League of Cities
www.amisun.com
MAY 6, 2015
THE SUN
13
Planner advises commission on bedroom limits Commissioners could limit new vacation rental construction to four bedrooms and one sleeping room. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Planner Bill Brisson presented to commissioners data regarding the number of dwelling units containing four or more bedrooms built in the R-2 and R-4 districts over the past six years that are being used as vacation rentals. He said that from 2009 to 2014, 56 new residential dwelling units with
four or more bedrooms were built in R-2. Thirty-eight or 67 percent are weekly vacation rental, but that figure could be as high as 75 percent because he said he was unable to confirm some. He said 33 of these 56 units have five or more bedrooms and 26 or more of those are weekly vacation rentals. “It is clear to me that the vast majority of dwelling units with four or more bedrooms are being specifically built for the vacation rental market,” he said. “This is even truer among units with five or more bedrooms, where close to 80 to 90 percent are being used as weekly vacation rentals.”
He said according to his data for the R-4 district, “The vacation rental phenomenon that has been occurring in the R-2 district has not yet taken hold in the R-4 district.” He suggested two options – limit vacation rentals to three bedrooms and one sleeping room or four bedrooms and one sleeping room and said, “Both are justified by the data.”
Only new construction
City Attorney Patricia Petruff pointed out, “If they have a five bedroom home and you tell them they can no
It is clear to me that the vast majority of dwelling units with four or more bedrooms are being specifically built for the vacation rental market.” Bill Brisson City planner
see planner, page 19
Attorney airs questions about vacation rental ordinance The ordinance is modeled after Anna Maria’s but with changes suggested by the attorney. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – City Attorney Patricia Petruff posed numerous questions for city commissioners to consider regarding the draft vacation rental ordinance. The ordinance is modeled after Anna Maria’s vacation rental ordinance, however, Petruff said, “I took out everything that concerned me in Anna Maria’s ordinance; things that could get you sued.” The following are Petruff’s questions and comments. • Does the city want to use bedrooms or sleeping rooms? Petruff said she likes bedrooms because the comprehensive plan has a limit of two persons per bedroom, but that they should define it. City Planner Bill Brisson said he also likes bedrooms. • Should there be two types of violations – transitory and continuing? Petruff said she and Building Official Jim Mc-
Guinness would look at the definitions. • When can a rental license be suspended, the length of time and consequences? How should they deal with it on a continuing basis with owners and renters? Petruff said the ordinance allows for suspension up to six months for three violations in a year, but she felt that could hurt vacationers who book a vacation in advance and then find they have no place to stay. Chair Judy Titsworth said some communities require owners to post a bond. “This is a big deal; you need to look at it carefully,” Petruff said. “I would rather have them pay money.”
Inspections raise questions
• How will inspections of rental properties be done? “Prior to issuance of the initial vacation rental license, every property has to be inspected, ” Petruff pointed out. “You have 1,461 rental properties. “What are you inspecting for, when do you inspect, who does the inspections and how do you make the transition? I have suggested 1/3, /13 1/3 (at a time).” “The only people allowed to do the
inspections are building inspectors and fire inspectors,” McGuinness added. “This is strong language and will be expensive. All entities, public and private, are having trouble finding licensed inspectors.” Commissioner Jean Peelen said they could inspect every two years instead of every year, and the others agreed. • How much should the penalty be for failure to renew the license? Petruff suggested double or triple the initial fee. • Does the annual license fee include inspection costs and how much should re-inspection cost? McGuinness said the inspection program should pay for itself, and there would be failed inspections to consider.
Changing hands
• How should they handle it when an owner changes rental agents or a property changes owners? “I want to have a transfer system that works for everyone,” Petruff said. “It shouldn’t be a big deal.” • Should there be additional safety and operational requirements than the eight listed?
• Should tandem parking be allowed? Titsworth suggested limiting them to four vehicles (two stacked behind two), and Petruff said it could be difficult to enforce. • Some quiet hours are in the noise ordinance. Should they add some to address specific noise issue of vacation rentals? • Petruff said she deleted a lot of requirements from the section on “required posting of vacation rental information” and asked commissioners to look at her recommendations. • Petruff said she deleted most of the requirements from the “provisions for vacation rental agreements.” “My issue with it is we don’t dictate to the people that run the post office what their lease has to say or to the marina what their leases with boats that dock there have to say,” she pointed out. “Maybe we could have something simpler.” “We have a lot of work to do,” Mayor Bob Johnson remarked. Titsworth said the draft ordinance would be discussed at another work session.
14
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
MAY 6, 2015
What is the sequence of returns risk? Investment Corner
the order of returns an investor will receive over an extended period of time. As economist Milton Friedman once observed, “Never try to walk across a river just because it has an average depth of four feet.”
Sequence of Returns
TOM BREITER Knowledgeable investors are aware that investing in the capital markets presents any number of risks – interest-rate, company and market risks. Risk is an inseparable companion to the potential for long-term growth. Some of the investment risks we face can be mitigated through diversification. Not having all your eggs in one basket is good advice when it comes to building your portfolio. As an investor, you face another, less-known risk for which the market does not compensate you, nor can it be easily reduced through diversification. Yet, it is a risk that may be the biggest challenge to the sustainability of your retirement income. This risk is called the sequence of returns risk. Or put another way, the luck of timing your retirement. Sequence of returns risk refers to the uncertainty of
Mr. Freidman’s point was that averages may hide dangerous possibilities. This is especially true with the stock market. You may be comfortable that the market will deliver its historical average return over the long-term, but you can never know when you will be receiving the varying positive and negative returns that comprise the average. The order in which you receive these returns can make a big difference. For instance, a hypothetical market decline of 30 percent is not to be unexpected. However, would you rather experience this decline when you have relatively small retirement savings, or at the moment you are ready to retire and your savings may never be more valuable? Without a doubt, the former scenario is preferable, but the timing of that large potential decline is out of your control.
Timing, Timing, Timing
The sequence of returns risk is especially problematic while you are in retirement. Down years, in combination with portfolio withdrawals taken to provide retirement income, have the potential to seriously damage the ability of your savings to recover sufficiently, even as the markets fully rebound. If you are nearing or already in retirement, it’s time to give serious consideration to the sequence of returns risk and ask questions about how you can better manage your portfolio to reduce sequence risk. As we move well into the sixth year of the current bull market for stocks there may be no better time to consider the potential impact of sequence risk over the next few years. Tom Breiter is president of Breiter Capital Management, Inc., an Anna Maria based investment advisor. He can be reached at 778-1900. Some of the investment concepts highlighted in this column may carry the risk of loss of principal, and investors should determine appropriateness for their personal situation before investing. www. breitercapital.com
MAY 6, 2015
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
15
SUBMITTED | STATE ARCHIVES OF FLORIDA
The old Sunshine Skyway Bridge was destroyed 35 years ago, taking 35 lives.
Sunshine Skyway Memorial dedication Saturday The Sunshine Skyway Memorial will be unveiled on Saturday, May 9, at 11 a.m. at a public dedication ceremony next to Blackthorn Memorial Park, located at the Pinellas County rest area on the north side of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Funded entirely by private contributions, the memorial pays tribute to the 35 motorists who died on May 9, 1980, when the freighter Summit Venture collided with the bridge during a sudden, violent storm. Six cars, a pickup truck and a Greyhound passenger bus fell from the broken bridge and plunged 150 feet into Tampa Bay. Only one person survived. St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman and other dignitaries will speak at the dedication ceremony, along with representatives from several victims’ families. The six-foot, polished granite memorial was designed by Cycadia Monument Co., of Palm Harbor. A bronze plaque gives a brief description of the event, followed by the names of the 35 victims. Driven by Bill DeYoung, author of “Skyway: The True Story of Tampa
Bay’s Signature Bridge and the Man Who Brought It Down,” the Skyway Memorial Project Inc., a 501(c) (3) non-profit, was formed last fall. After securing permission from the Florida submitted Legislature The cover of DeYoung's and the Flori- book shows the car that da Department stopped short of plunging of Transporta- off the bridge. tion, which owns the land near the Skyway fishing piers, the project reached out to the public for contributions. Private donations fully funded the memorial within 30 days. Family members from as far away as Canada and California have been located and plan to attend the ceremony on May 9, the 35th anniversary of the Skyway tragedy.
16
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
Angela Romanski shows off the gold, amethyst and diamond ring that was given to her by Carol Whitmore after Whitmore won it in a raffle at the Community Center's Affaire to Remember. A closeup of the ring is shown below. PAT COPELAND | SUN
Sometimes, dreams do come true The gold, amethyst and diamond ring valued at $5,000 was donated by Bridge Street Jewelers. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Four times Carol Whitmore has won the prized jewelry raffle at the annual Community Center’s Affaire to Remember, and three of those times, she has given the jewelry away. This year, Whitmore won the gold, amethyst and diamond ring valued at $5,000 and donated by Bridge Street Jewelers. She then gave it to Angela Romanski, who manned the raffle table throughout the event. “I felt guilty when I won it,” Whitmore said. “Angela really wanted it, and she stood at the table all night, so I gave it to her.” Romanski said when she was invited by Steve Bark to attend the Affaire, her first thought was finding a dress to wear and recalled, “As the Affaire drew closer, I read in the Sun that one of the donated items was an amethyst, diamond and yellow gold ring. “If anyone knows one thing about me, it’s that purple is my favorite color and what woman doesn’t like diamonds? I thought to myself, ‘I want that ring.’” When Whitmore won the ring, Romanski said, “Oh well, a girl can dream can’t she?” She also remarked
jokingly to Whitmore as she was exiting the event, “I can’t believe you won that ring; that was my ring.” The next Tuesday, Romanski was sitting in her office at Bark and Company Realty when Whitmore came in and spoke to Bark, who then called Romanski out to the reception area and said, “Carol has something for you.” “She handed me the box with the ring and said, ‘I want you to have this. I’ll never wear it; it’s not me. You wanted it so bad, so please take it.’” Romanski said she couldn’t accept the ring, and asked why Whitmore did not give it back to the Community Center or sell it and Whitmore replied, “No, I really want you to have it.” Nearly a month later, Romanski said she is still in shock over the gift and said, “How do you thank someone for such a generous gift? It was truly an Affaire to Remember and in the end, my dream did come true, thanks to Carol Whitmore.”
MAY 6, 2015
www.amisun.com
MAY 6, 2015
THE SUN
17
One pool, two pools, old pool, new pools City attorney Patricia Petruff advised commissioners to go to the store and see what types of pools are available. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Commissioners continued their debate on swimming pool moratorium issues including what types of pools to include, whether to allow one or two pools on duplex lots and whether pools are pervious or impervious surface. City Planner Bill Brisson asked commissioners how to deal with non-portable above ground pools and noted, “If you limit it to one pool per lot, you’ll have above ground pools.” He said he excluded koi ponds and asked how they wanted to treat hot tubs and how many people should be allowed in one. Building Official Jim McGuinness said, according to code, non-portable above ground pools should include those with a depth of 24 inches or more and koi ponds could have depth of 20 inches. City Attorney Patricia Petruff advised commissioners to go to the stores and “see what’s available. You have to be careful with your language.” She also advised them to consider that people are putting hot tubs on roofs and upper decks and said, “You need to think about more than impervious surface issues.” Chair Judy Titsworth asked the difference between a large spa and a pool. “The code does not reference spa,” McGuiness replied and said he would consider it a splash pool and it would be covered under the moratorium.
Pervious vs. impervious
The ordinance includes a provision to designate pools as impervious surface, which means they do not let water through. Currently, they are considered pervious surface. Titsworth asked why commissioners “have a problem with pools being considered pervious?” She said if pools are counted in the impervious coverage calculations, it could be difficult to get everything on a lot. McGuinness said she is confusing building lot coverage with impervious coverage, and that building lot coverage is 30 percent and impervious coverage is 40 percent. However, Petruff pointed out, “If you make pools impervious, you are limiting lot coverage for other things.” Mayor Bob Johnson stressed, “A pool is not shedding water. It’s holding water. The real concern is for runoff. “A pool reduces runoff because it holds water. Let’s get to the problem we’re trying to fix. If it’s runoff, let’s fix that.” Contractor Greg Ross said he does not agree with counting pools as impervious or with changing the pool setbacks from 5 feet to 10 feet. He said that would encourage owners of ground level homes to want to replace them with elevated homes.
Residents want two pools
Resident Laurie Dills said she owns a duplex lot and intended to build two pools. “What’s the concern with two pools?” she asked. “There are two answers – noise and drainage. If its see pools, page 19
Locally sourced. Thoroughly enjoyed. Beyond our superb locations and mesmerizing views, our world-class waterfront restaurants offer a truly authentic dining experience. We provide local farm-to-fork-produce from our very own Gamble Creek Farm and locally sourced tide-to-table seafood. From our farm to your table, we invite you to be our guest.
Anna Maria Island 941.778.0444
North Bradenton Beach 941.779.2222
North Longboat Key 941.383.2391
IslandDining.com
18
THE SUN
www.amisun.com
MAY 6, 2015
www.amisun.com
MAY 6, 2015
PLANNER: Advises on vacation rentals FROM PAGE 13
longer convert that to a vacation rental, you’ll have Bert Harris suits. There is nothing short of demolition that they can do to change that configuration. You are prohibiting them from renting. “If you say from today forward that we’re only allowing vacation rentals to have four bedrooms and one sleeping room, I’m OK with that. We can ratchet the existing ones back to two people per bedroom because that’s what our comp plan says.” Brisson said he meant only new construction. Petruff said they could
allow owners of existing four bedroom homes to convert to four bedrooms and one sleeping room “to give them reasonable use,” and that they could grandfather the five to eight bedrooms houses for two people per bedroom but asked, “Do we really need to give them another sleeping room?” Commissioner Jean Peelen said the purpose of allowing a sleeping room is to keep people from making every room, including a den or an office, a sleeping room. Commissioners said they would continue their discussion to another work session.
THE SUN
19
POOLS: One or two, what to do? FROM PAGE 17
noise, you have a noise ordinance. Maybe you could make it stricter or (increase) enforcement. If it’s drainage, there’s a 12-step process to get a pool permit.” She asked them to grandfather those who have already purchased property. Lisa Horne said she bought half a duplex and “dreamed of a little pool, but my dreams are in jeopardy because of party pools.” She said with the ordinance, “the party pool problem won’t be resolved and may be made worse. I’ll sell my house and someone will buy it and build a party pool.” Or she said she might con-
My dreams are in jeopardy because of party pools." Lisa Horne Resident
sider legal action against the city for diminishing her property values. Titsworth read a letter from Carol Whitmore, who was speaking as a resident. Whitmore said, “If I have one pool per duplex, do you really think as a tourist I care if I share my pool with the people next to me?
No. If I buy a duplex to live there year ‘round or decide to own and not rent to anyone, do you think I care that I may have to share my pool with the people next to me? Yes.” Commissioners said the moratorium on two pools per duplex lot would proceed to first reading.
20
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
MAY 6, 2015
FEMA violations questioned The building official said he cannot go into a house after a certificate of occupancy is issued. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – At last week’s city commission work session, Holmes Beach Commissioner Jean Peelen asked why she had not received any information regarding a house that she brought to the city’s attention. “In January, I sent in a description on the Internet of a house that had a lovely family room on the ground floor that was for rent and said, ‘Why are we allowing this?’� Peelen asked. “I have heard nothing.� Building Official Jim McGuinness, who was not employed by the city at the time, replied, “The current code allows us to take it to the point of CO (certificate of occupancy). If we wish to adopt rules that go beyond the point of CO, we should initiate a program that says we’re going to enforce this on a proactive basis.�
Chair Judy Titsworth said the city would have to adopt a permit program to inspect the houses. She said in the Florida Keys, officials adopted an “after the fact FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) inspection� program for homes built between certain dates. She said at her house in the Keys, “I had to pay for the inspection or I could lose my flood insurance.� Peelen protested and said they have evidence of a violation, and if they crack down on some, others would get the message. “This is the first time I have heard a building official provide an opinion that in order to enforce floodplain regulations adopted by the state after issuing the CO that we need to issue an ordinance,� City Attorney Patricia Petruff said. “My experience in Manatee County is that the building official responds to complaints and goes out there and enforces without an additional law.� McGuiness said the city’s code “provides no room for a post CO campaign.� Petruff said she would discuss the issue with McGuiness.
TIFF: Score a win for Team TIFF FROM PAGE 12
for six hours after the accident because contact information was not readily available to the officers at the scene. Olson decided to change the way the system worked, and now it will expand in Florida, thanks to the bill. “We already have 10 million people sign up in Florida,� Olson said. “We want to make sure what happened to me doesn’t happen to them.� Olson has a Website, http://toinformfamiliesfirst.org/, where people can get more information and register. So far, the states of Florida, Ohio, Colorado, Illinois and New Jersey are participating, and she wants to spread the word to the other states. “We have prom and graduation coming up,� she said. “Parents need to take time to make sure their young drivers are registered.� Olson recalls another Island daughter, Georgia Gibbons, who was hit by a car in 2013 while crossing the street in Tallahassee. “Police at the scene were able to
trace her family though her driver’s license because she was registered,� she said. “(Manatee County Sheriff ’s) Deputy Steve Stewart got the word and went to her parents to tell them.� Gibbons is still recovering from a head injury she got from the accident. Olson thanked Florida Representatives Greg Steube and Bill Galvano for their support and County Commissioner Carol Whitmore for informing friends about the bill’s trek through the legislature. Olson said she needs volunteers to continue to spread the word. “I need journalists and writers to do stories about TIFF,� she said. “I know there are a lot of writers on the Island,� she said. “I cannot change what happened to my daughter and me, but I can try to make sure it doesn’t happen to somebody else.� To join TEAM TIFF and help spread the word, contact Christine Olson at 941-795-1869 or Christine@ helptiff.org.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME Adult Bible Study 8:45 AM
SUNDAY WORSHIP 10:00 AM
Children & Youth Church School after the Children’s Message NURSERY AVAILABLE A NON DENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
Rev. Dr. Bob O’Keef
t XXX 3PTFS$IVSDI DPN t XXX GBDFCPPL DPN 3PTFS$IVSDI
H O L I S T I C
W E L L N E S S
C E N T E R
&
S PA
:LGLE:KLI< :LGLE:KLI< e &8JJ8>< e (I>8E@: ,B@E 8I< I< e & &8JJ8>< 8>< e (I>8E@: ( ,B@E 8I< %*ĆŤ.!(%!"ĆŤ,.+#. )/ĆŤĆŤÄ‘ĆŤĆŤ *5ĆŤ%*/1. * !/ĆŤ !,0!
941.778.8400 | 2219 Gulf Drive N. | Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
Wellness.com llness.com License MM#28923
MAY 6, 2015
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
21
Waste Pro responds to lobbying efforts Company officials tell why they did not rebut efforts by Waste Management to reject their bid. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – At last week’s city commission meeting, Commissioner Jean Peelen read a letter from Waste Pro Division Manager David Schneider regarding recent events surrounding the approval of a waste collection agreement with the company. The company was the only one to meet the deadline for submitting a proposal for the services. The city’s current waste collection company, Waste Management, missed the deadline, but has made presentations at several city commission meetings asking commissioners to reject Waste Pro’s bid and do another request for proposals (RFP). “I wanted to explain to you why you didn’t hear rebuttals from us regarding all of the disparaging comments we sat through,” Schneider wrote. “Out of respect for the guidelines set forth in the RFP, we did not want to violate the ‘no lobbying’ clause.” “I can’t convey to you how difficult it was
to sit and listen to slanted safety statistics, unfounded comments on services we currently provide and hints to the dedication of our employees.” He pointed out that Waste Management officials did not attend workshops and meetings to discuss the RFP process. He praised Mayor Bob Johnson for leading a constructive set of meetings to develop a contract to provide the best service for the city. He told the story of when Longboat Key went out for RFP for waste collection services a year and a half ago. Waste Pro’s proposal was late and was not accepted. It would have been the lowest bidder. ‘What is relevant is the way in which we conducted ourselves,” Schneider concluded. “We blamed ourselves. “We didn’t punish or harass the selection committee, commissioners or residents with lobbying efforts via robo calls, handouts with misinformation on them, and we didn’t show up to meetings with an entourage of publicists and lawyers. “We simply accepted the responsibility of our own actions. That’s who you hired to service your residents and businesses.”
BRIDGE: Timing discussed FROM PAGE 9
the Coast Guard to work with stakeholders in developing a criteria to designate extraordinary circumstances when bridge openings might be extended to every 45 minutes or longer. “I think it’s worth looking at,” Johnson said. Referencing his time as live-aboard boater, Shearon said the Coast Guard would require exact dates because of the Notice to Mariners that informs boaters of expected bridge closings in terms of boat traffic. He also referenced the public input received about a decade ago when the request was made to reduce the bridge openings to once every 30 minutes from mid-April to mid-January. “There were 20 or 30 boaters there, and
there were a lot of written comments, so it’s not an easy thing to ask,” Shearon said. Howe noted that public workshops would be part of the process. “If things go smoothly, potentially by next season we could have something implemented. I think that should be our goal because it definitely takes that long, if not longer,” he concluded. When bridge timing was discussed at a Holmes Beach Commission meeting more than a year ago, Public Works Supervisor Tom O-Brien told the commission he and his wife, as avid sailors, would adamantly oppose any requests to alter the current bridge opening schedule because doing so would interrupt the flow of boat traffic and present potential safety hazards to those awaiting a bridge opening.
22
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
MAY 6, 2015
Tuesday Turtle Talks begin BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
Tuesday Turtle Talks begin this month for kids at the Anna Maria Island Community Center in Anna Maria and will continue through the summer at the Annie Silver Community Center in Bradenton Beach. Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers will take kids in the Center’s after school program to the beach on May 12 and May 19 at 4 p.m. to search for sea turtle and shorebird nests, with a final activity at the Center on May 26. From June through August, Tuesday Turtle Talks will move to the Annie Silver Community Center on 23rd Street one block off Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach from 10 to 11 a.m. The talks will replace morning tours of the nesting beach and will include a Power Point presentation, handouts and question and answer time. In August, volunteers will demonstrate nest excavations on the beach, Turtle Watch Director Suzi Fox said. All summer, a new event, Turtles on Bridge Street, will be featured, with scavenger hunts to find turtles, free
temporary turtle tattoos in Bridge Street businesses and other events. ”This will bring people to Bridge Street while teaching them about environmental impacts,” Fox said. Children at the Center will write and illustrate a book about sea turtles that will be sold in shops on Bridge Street, said Amanda Escobio of the Bridge Street Merchants, adding, “It’s a tangible way to educate visitors regarding our unique habitat.” If you would like to register your child to attend the Anna Maria Island Community Center Tuesday Turtle Talks, call 941-778-1908.
Saturday beach event
Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring will present “We All Have A Stake In It,” on Saturday, May 9, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the Manatee Beach Park picnic tables. Kids can paint turtle stakes and a chick pallet that will be used on the Island’s nesting beaches. Volunteers also will demonstrate why people should fill in holes on the beach during nesting season. Participating kids will be sworn into the Buddies and Pals Club by taking an
oath that they will help to fill in holes, pick up trash and tell their friends about turtle friendly lighting. They will receive a signed membership card and other goodies.
Flippers and Feathers Two species of sea turtles nest on Anna Maria Island. The most common is the loggerhead, and occasionally, a green turtle nests here. The other sea turtle species are black, Kemp’s ridley, olive ridley, hawksbill, flatback and leatherback.
Nesting News Sea turtles Nests laid: 2 False crawls: 3 Nests hatched: 0 Hatchlings to Gulf: 0 Nest disorientations: 0 CINDY LANE | SUN
Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring
Birds flocking to nest on AMI BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Chicks are expected soon at a beach near you. Shorebird chicks, that is. Least terns and snowy plovers are sitting on eggs, and black skimmers are courting, said Suzi Fox, of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and
Shorebird Monitoring. Flyovers by predatory ospreys are keeping the birds jumpy, as are beach walkers who unknowingly get too close to the bird nesting colony across Gulf Drive from Circle K. Because the beach is federally protected and renourished with federal funds, the nests are protected by the Endangered Species
Act, Fox said, adding that Turtle Watch has created staked nesting areas to protect the well-camouflaged nests and eggs and walking paths for people to access the beach in between the nesting areas. The least tern and snowy plover are threatened species in Florida. The black skimmer is a species of special concern.
Do the stingray shuffle
May is the start of stingray season, so if you’re wading in the Gulf of Mexico, be on the lookout for the mild-mannered
Please do not disturb – sea turtles are incubating!
fish gliding in shallow water or partially buried in the sand. Do the stingray shuffle and shuffle your feet to avoid stepping on their barbed tails. And if you see what looks like two small shark fins breaking the surface of the water a foot or so apart, don’t panic - they’re probably just the two wingtips of a stingray, the nicest part the shark family.
Chicks rule Vic Caserta read about Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring’s need for pallets to protect baby shorebird chicks in The Sun and responded quickly by connecting with the construction crew doing the tile work next to his house. He convinced them not to break down the pallets until Turtle Watch could send someone to pick them up. The owner of the project, Robb Bauman, agreed - it’s all about the chicks! SUBMITTED
SUBMITTED | PETE GROSS
A mother snowy plover takes a nap in the nesting area in Bradenton Beach.
www.amisun.com
MAY 6, 2015
THE SUN
23
Anglers help distressed loggerhead Clearwater Marine said the turtle should be OK, and they thanked the fishermen for helping. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Four contestants in the Bimini Bay Invitational spent Friday fishing, but they ended up rescuing a sea turtle. Jim Michalak, Art Welsh, Connor Welsh and Miller Jordan, all of Tampa, were fishing in the tournament when they saw an unusual site in the water. “We were near Mile Marker 57, between the Cortez and Manatee bridges, when we saw the turtle trying to submerge,” Michalak said. “We called Florida Wildlife Commission. The person there told us not to try to get the turtle in the boat. “There was a lot of boat traffic so we decided to stay near the turtle and the
• • • • • • • • • • • •
Wildlife Commission called (AMI Turtle Watch Director) Suzi Fox, who asked us to bring the turtle to Kingfish Boat Ramp.” They got the turtle onto the pier and Fox had called Clearwater Marine, which sent someone to pick it up. “I got a call the Clearwater Marine thanking us for helping the turtle,” Michalak said. “The woman there said they checked out the turtle and were confident it would be OK. They said turtles sometimes have problems with buoyancy.” They didn’t earn a trophy in the fishing tournament, but Michalak said they got something a lot more useful. “Two of the guys on the boat are starting college and they learned a lot about wildlife,” he said. “These are God’s creatures and they’re beautiful animals. We were glad to help.”
TIP-OFFS TO POTENTIAL RIP-OFFS
If you must act now, the offer is probably to good to be true. You pull the permits? - NO Solici ng door to door – “Just finished a job down the street”- NO Unmarked vehicle – NO No physical address for the office/shop – NO Be sure the contractor’s phone number is listed in your local directory. Discount as your’s is a “demonstra on home” – NO Pay everything up-front for a discount? – NO Ask to see your contractor’s license and check with the FL Dept of Business & Professional Regula on to verify. Check with your neighbors and friends – Have they used this contractor before? Don’t be afraid to ask for references. Ask for proof of insurance, both General Liability (to protect your property) and Workers Compensa on (to cover anyone who would get hurt on your job). Get an es mate/proposal in wri ng. Make sure it specifies work to be performed.
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
From left: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Director Suzi Fox, Connor Welsh, Jim Michalak and Miller Jordan with the turtle they helped.
24
MAY 6, 2015
www.amisun.com
MAY 6, 2015
25
26
THE SUN
OUTDOORS
MAY 6, 2015
Tarpon season is here
Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS
I
t’s been called the apex of angling, and if you've experienced the thrill of tarpon fishing, you’ll know why. Tarpon season is off to a fairly early start this year with area anglers seeing schools of tarpon, a phenomena that usually happens from late May to June. If you’re new to tarpon fishing, the best way to experience this angling adventure is to engage the services of a local guide. You don't have to hire a captain to catch a tarpon, but a guided trip will be the best investment you've ever made if you’re new to the sport. Hooking a tarpon isn’t necessarily difficult, but landing one is another story. You need to be aware that you’ll be tossing bait, lures or flies to one of the most powerful gamefish that swims coastal waters. Not being pre-
pared or aware of what you're doing can even be dangerous to you and the tarpon. The first thing you need to be aware of is matching your tackle to the task. Unless you plan on just getting a few jumps and letting them get away, you'll need a minimum of 20-pound test tackle, with 30-pound being even better. While many anglers seem convinced that you need live bait for any degree of success, the truth is tarpon will readily take a well presented artificial lure or fly. If you’re fishing with conventional tackle, start with a quality 30-pound spinning outfit spooled to capacity with 20- to 30- pound line. Double the standing line using a Spider Hitch or a Bimini Twist and tie on a two-foot section of 70- or 80-pound fluorocarbon leader. If you just want to see a few jumps and not fight them to the boat, downsize your bite tippet to 50-pound. A favorite lure of local guide Rick Grassett is a DOA red and white
rusty chinnis | sun
Nothing is quite as explosive as an aggressive tarpon strike. Baitbuster (deep runner trolling model). Another favorite is the 1/2 ounce DOA Nite Glow Shrimp. The hook that comes with the shrimp doesn't leave a very big gap, so try replacing it
with an Owner Aki 3/0 or 4/0. If you have a favorite lure, use it because the most important choice when it comes to any lure is your confidence in it. Tarpon aren’t generally picky as
long as a lure or fly is presented correctly and they're in the mood to feed. One caveat, the hook must be sharp and stout. If you’re fly fishing an 11- or 12-weight outfit is standard. Just like conventional tackle, if you’re not interested in getting fish to the boat, downsize your bite tippet. Of course, a sharp hook is always a must. The first part of the fight is usually the best, and I once hooked two fish in a 20-minute span because I was using 50-pound bite tippet. Once you're rigged and ready you need to find the fish. On any given day, you'll see boats that are hunting tarpon cruising up and down the beach. Some hardly ever stop. When fly fishing, I like to find an area where tarpon travel, like the edge of a bar, and just wait for them to come to me. It's OK to move around a bit, but anglers that have patience invariably do better than those who can't sit still. When the water is clear and the sun is out, tarpon are easy to spot. On cloudy days see reel time, page 34
tide chart for anna maria city pier May 6-13 A.M. High Time Feet
A.M. Low Time Feet
P.M. High Time Feet
P.M. Low Time Feet
Wed 5/6
2:22a 1.49
6:33a 1.14
12:27p 2.51
8:27p -0.24
Thu 5/7
3:18a 1.46
7:07a 1.20
1:08p 2.51
9:16p -0.23
Fri 5/8
4:19a 1.46
7:50a 1.26
1:57p 2.47
10:10p -0.19
Sat 5/9
5:20a 1.48
8:48a 1.31
2:54p 2.36
11:07p -0.10
Day Date
Sun Rise Set
Day Date
6:48-8:07
Sun 5/10
6:47-9:07 6:46-8:08 6:45-8:09
A.M. High Time Feet
A.M. Low Time Feet
P.M. High Time Feet
P.M. Low Time Feet
6:10a 1.54
10:15a 1.33
4:04p 219
Mon 5/11
7:13a 1.64
12:08a 0.01
5:25p 2.00
11:59a 1.24
Tue 5/12
7:56a 1.78
1:05a 0.16
6:57p 1.84
1:30p 1.02
Wed 5/13
8:34a 1.94
1:59a 0.33
8:29p 1.75
2:45p 0.70
Sun Rise Set 6:45-8:09 6:44-8:10 6:43-8:10 6:43-8:11
www.amisun.com
MAY 6, 2015
reel time: How to fish for tarpon FROM PAGE 26
you have to look for fish coming to the surface for a breath of air. Tarpon are occasionally hooked by anglers that do everything wrong, but that’s the exception and not the rule. When you spot schools of moving fish, get well ahead of them, establish their track and cut your outboard at least 50 yards ahead. If you’re casting a lure or a fly, the presentation has to be nearly perfect, moving away from or across their path. Another important factor is getting the presentation down to the tarpon’s level. They will seldom go even a foot or two out of their way to take bait or lure. Hooking a tarpon is a feat in itself, as they have incredibly hard mouths. You have to have very sharp hooks. When you hook a tarpon, fight it with maximum pressure from the hook set until you have it at the boat. Beginners lose fish by not applying enough pressure, hoping that it will keep them from breaking off. Experience will teach you that the longer you fight a tarpon, the better chance you
have of losing it . When you go tarpon fishing, it is OK to pay attention to other more experienced anglers, but never disturb a boat that’s stalking a school. Often they’ve spent a considerable amount of time getting in just the right position. The last thing you want to do is spook the school. Circle wide of other anglers and go farther down the beach and line up for a turn. It’s rude and ruins the fishing for everyone when you run up on a school of fish after anglers are in position to intercept them. Tarpon fishing should be fun and not a shouting match. If someone ruins your fishin, try explaining the rules to them. In most cases, they don’t even know what they’re doing. Tarpon are one of the sport’s greatest challenges and a test of your angling mettle. Now is the time to try your hand, either on your own or with a guide. Get a recommendation or look for an ad on a nearby page. And don’t forget to show a little respect to other anglers. Tarpon fishing should be fun for everyone.
THE SUN
27
Tarpon time Captain Rick Grassett
Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released tarpon in the coastal Gulf and trout and bluefish in Sarasota Bay on flies during the past week. With water temperatures above 80 degrees before the front, tarpon showed up in good numbers in the coastal Gulf as we approach a full moon on Monday. Frank Zaffino, from Rochester, N.Y., tarpon fished the coastal Gulf a couple of days with me early in the week. Our schedule had to be adjusted by moving forward a day due to an approaching front, which turned out to be a good thing. He had several shots, a couple of eats and caught and released an estimated 90-pound tarpon on a fly on Monday. The fish battled him hard, jumping numerous times before coming to the boat. Our second day was cut short due to rain, lightning and rough sea conditions, and the third day had to be cancelled altogether due to
CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT | submitted
Frank Zaffino, from Rochester, N.Y., caught and released this tarpon on a fly while fishing the coastal Gulf in Sarasota with Capt. Rick Grassett. a strong west wind. Fly anglers Seth Koch, from Pennsylvania, and Bill Miller, from Mississippi, fished deep grass flats on both sides of Sarasota Bay with me on Friday. They caught and released trout and bluefish on Ultra Hair Clouser flies fished on sink tip fly lines. Sean Sherman and his wife, Rachel, from New York City, tarpon fished with me on Saturday. They had numerous shots at schools of tarpon, as well as singles and doubles, with flies, DOA Baitbusters and 4-inch CAL
shad tails. Sean hooked up with a fish on a fly at the tail end of a large school and successfully fought the fish to the boat. A great job! Tarpon fishing in the coastal Gulf should be a good option when sea conditions are good. Look for reds, snook, flounder and big trout mixed with mullet schools on shallow flats and edges of bars. You may also find trout, Spanish mackerel, blues, flounder or pompano on deep grass flats, particularly close to passes.
28
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
Live like a local Respect Wildlife
Black bellied plover Shorebird nesting season is underway. Please do not disturb our nests! Anna Maria Island Sun, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring
0 ) 6$7 681 &/26('
7+ 67 &7 : &257(= )/ 7+ 67 &7 : &257(= )/
 � ��� � � �   € � �
‚ ‚ Â
MAY 6, 2015
Cell tower damaged
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The Bradenton Beach cell tower sustained exterior damage early last week when high winds sheared off one of the exterior panels and sent it reeling to the ground below. No injuries were sustained and no property damage was reported. The fallen panel, retrieved from the marina driveway, was stored outside the public works building. City employee David Higgins estimated the panel was eight feet long and weighed approximately 50 pounds. Florida Tower Partners President Brett Buggeln said, “We went out later in the week and took down some additional panels that didn’t fit correctly. They were letting the wind get underneath them, and that’s why one came off. We asked the manufacturer to provide us with new panels, and that is why there are six panels off the tower now. We want to make sure the replacements fit correctly. It’s a very rare occurrence, we moved immediately to correct it, none of the equipment was damaged and we’re confident we’ve cured the issue once and for all.’
MAY 6, 2015
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
29
Cast-n-Cage hearing held The judge also will determine who keeps the $20,400 placed in an escrow account. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – The fate of the Cast-n-Cage restaurant now lies in the hands of Circuit Court Judge Doug Henderson. The hearing began with Judge Charles Sniffen disclosing that he and attorney Fred Moore’s kids go to school together, and he and Moore participated in a charity golf tournament last weekend. Moore was representing the city. When attorney John Fleck, representing the Penas, said this made him uncomfortable, Sniffen recused himself and secured the services of Henderson. On Monday morning, Henderson heard 90 minutes of legal arguments and witness testimony, which ended with him saying, “Thank you, I’ll get something out.” Monday afternoon, City Attorney Ricinda Perry said she did not expect a ruling until later this week in the eviction hearing pitting the city of Bradenton Beach against pier tenant Roland Pena. The city tried to evict Pena in early March when he failed to pay his rent on or before the first of the month. When Pena tried to make a late payment on March 3, city staff refused to accept it. Because the city commission declared Pena to be in habitual default in November for having missed
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Earlier this year, Cast-n-Cage owners Roland Pena and Tami Kemper-Pena discussed their financial matters with the Bradenton Beach Commission. or made three late payments in a 12-month period, he was no longer afforded any grace period, nor any advance notice of eviction proceedings. When the habitual default designation was made, Pena signed a lease amendment stating he was aware of the zero tolerance policy that now applied to him, and the timing of that designation was at the heart of the legal arguments made Monday. Henderson’s ruling will come down to how he interprets the point at which the 12 month default cycle began and ended.
Pena entered into his lease with the city in November 2013 and he and his wife Tami opened the Cast-n-Cage on Feb. 20, 2014. Moore said Pena’s first monetary breech occurred less than two months later, when a late payment was made in April, followed by another in June and another in November, which triggered the habitual default designation. Moore contends the payment Pena missed on March 1, 2015, fell within the 12 month default cycle that began on April 1, 2014, and ended on March 31, 2015.
“March was last month they had to make sure they paid their monthly rent on or before the first of the month,” he said. Moore also noted that Pena’s lease with the city expires in November and he does not foresee the city renewing it. When called to testify, Pena said he had $6,250 on hand prior to March 1, but did not yet receive the $550 his son-in-law owed him for the adjacent bait shop rent. According to court records, Pena has placed at $20,400 in a court held escrow account since he was served with a notice of eviction during the first week of March. The fate of the accumulated rent owed for March, April and May also now lies in Henderson’s hands. Fleck said, “The city of Bradenton Beach rushed to judgement in filing this eviction.” He contended Pena’s first three payment defaults all occurred in the 2014 calendar year, which, in his opinion, means the payment Pena missed on March 1 should have been counted as the first default in a new 12-month cycle. Fleck also questioned whether the three percent rent increase the commission levied effective March 1 triggered a new lease year, and he questioned the validity of the lease amendment Pena signed in November that notified him that any future default would result in immediate termination of the lease.
30
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
MAY 6, 2015
Arts organizations gaining recognition BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) has been reaching out to include arts and culture organizations in its tourism marketing, and Cultural Connections appreciates the effort. Historically, no resort tax money has been earmarked for arts and culture because a state law detailing what the funds could be spent on, such as the beaches, did not specify arts, Joan Voyles told the Cultural Connections group last week. But people in the arts have been invited to some recent tourism marketing events, she said, encouraging all to attend Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) meetings, held every other month, to request resort tax funds for their events and projects. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 15, at 9 a.m. The TDC has recently recommended that the Florida Maritime Museum at Cortez and the Anna Maria Island Historical Society receive resort tax funds, she said. The tourism bureau is expected to continue to support the Symphony on the Sand event in
Bradenton Beach on Nov. 14 and the ArtsHop this November. ArtsHop was a success last year, according to organizers at Cultural Connections, who said they were pleased last week with the final report that the event cost only $29 to produce, after all proceeds and expenses were calculated. Voyles challenged members to think about how arts and cultural organizations could enrich the lives of permanent residents and keep them in the area while protecting the uniqueness of Anna Maria Island and the tourism industry. In other business, the group learned that the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will make a $50,000 grant available from proceeds from the Save the Trolley fund, which specifies that any excess funds over what is needed to keep the trolleys free must be given away. Arts groups also were advised to tell the Chamber about upcoming events to be included in the organization’s online calendar. Arts and cultural organizations are invited to the next Cultural Connections meeting on Thursday, May 28, at The Studio at Gulf and Pine in Anna Maria. For more information, visit http://culturalconnections.info.
SUBMITTED
Watercolor reflections The watercolor mirror image, “Reflections,” by Bayshore High School student Erin Kenney, center, will be displayed this month at the Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach. Kenney was selected to be part of Art and Soul in 2013-14, Art Slam and The River Walk Art Festival. Also pictured are her art teacher Claire Hickman and Guild Education Chairperson Karen Ellsworth.
Snooks Adams Kids Day coming The Anna Maria Island Privateers carry on the tradition on Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Bayfront Park, 310 North Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Bring the kids for fun and games including a pirate costume party, pirate stories, crafts, prices and free pizza, hot dogs and soda. Snooks Adams Kids Day began in 1954 when the popular Island police chief took a bunch of boys to Coquina Beach in his Jeep for a day of fun to celebrate the end of the school year. He later included the girls and soon it became a tradition. Later, as Snooks Adams aged, the Privateers took over the event and after he passed away, the vowed to continue the tradition to celebrate the end of the school year and summer at the beach. The food is free for the kids and there will be collection jars for the adults to make donations.
SUBMITTED
Fish printing workshop The Anna Maria Island Art League will host a gyotaku, or fish printing, workshop by Brenda Alcorn on Wednesday, May 13, from 1:30 to 6 p.m. at 5312 Holmes Boulevard in Holmes Beach. The fee is $40 for Art League members and $60 for non-members. Register at 941778-2099.
www.amisun.com
MAY 6, 2015
THE SUN
31
Pearson’s tech-savvy speech wins contest Former principals Jim Kronus, Tim Kolbe and Tom Levengood judged the contest BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Cole Pearson made fun of the originators of Snapchat, an app that allows users to take and share photos that automatically delete themselves. Now he’ll get to do it all over again for the grand prize. Pearson, a fifth-grader, will represent Anna Maria Elementary School in the finals of the 4H/Tropicana Public Speaking Contest for Manatee County schools on May 16 at Mosaic Arena. In his speech, entitled “Anything Can Happen," Pearson chided Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg for not buying Snapchat when it first came out because it was another Internet success story, much like Facebook. Pearson had a great connection with the audience, and he was very animat-
ed as he gave his speech. Fifth-grader Thomas Heckler came in second with “Bushisms and Beyond,” a look at some of the atrocious things that public figures say in public. One was actress Cameron Diaz, who once said, “I’ve been noticing gravity since I was very young.” He also quoted retired football quarterback Joe Theisman, who said he though that Norman Einstein was a really smart man. He ended with a quote from former President George W, Bush, who once said, “I have opinion, but I don’t always agree with them.” A famous “Bushism.” Fifth-grader Matt Georgoulis brought attention to bullying in his third-place speech “Anger Management.” He talked about having to put up with things people say and do, especially because he is small for his age. “Bullies called me names,” he said. “Bullying is for real. It happens everyday.” He said he suffered emotionally because of bullying. Other contestants included Angelina Padilla speaking about nail bit-
tOM VAUGHT | SUN
Cole Pearson's speech got him into the county-wide contest on May 16. ing, Laurelle Bandy, whose cousin has Cerebral Palsy, Ryan Joseph who spoke of a coach he knew who got sick and died, but always was smiling. Evan Christensen spoke of his grandmother, who lives with him and
his parents. He spoke of her luck with electronics and video games, but said she cooks well and always records his favorite television shows. At the end, he struck a Power Ranger pose with one arm in the air and yelled, “Grandma power!” Elian Walker spoke of the United States Marines and his father, who is a Marine veteran. “I am proud of my father for protecting my country,” he said. Julian Alonso gave a travelogue talk about Australia. “It was faraway, but well worth it.” Paisley Smelt spoke of friendship, saying “real friends are the ones you can depend on.” Hailey Hirter spoke of family vacations, which seemed to center on Disney World, Disney cruises and Disney resorts. Riley Quillin spoke on pollution and recycling, recommending, “Buy only what you needs and use all that you buy.”
Books galore on AME Literacy Night
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
Happy Birthday Anna Maria Elementary School had its last Birthday Book Club of the school year and as a result, kids whose birthdays fall on May and through the summer were there. The Birthday Book Club involves parents who send money for a new book, which the birthday child gets for a week before turning the book back to the media center for others to check out and read. The name of the birthday child will be inscribed in the book. Here, Media Specialist Lynne McDonough reads a book to the kids at the party.
This year’s Anna Maria Elementary School Literacy Week is from Monday, May 11, through Thursday, May 14, at 3:30 p.m. The public is invited to the Wednesday Family Night events from 5 to 7 p.m. featuring a ventriloquist and storyteller Sandy Syvel at 5:15 and 6:15 p.m. in the music room at the school. Check out the books in the media center and purchase some books. Dinner will be offered at the school by Swordfish Grill from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria.. The menu will be chicken Marcella with pasta or spaghetti and meatballs with salad and a roll. The cost is $8 for adults and $5 for children. Those who pre-order by 3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, will be enrolled for four drawings for
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
Olivia Alvarez and Thyona Smelt say it’s time for the annual book fair at Anna Maria Elementary School. The theme for the event is “Under the Sea” and it runs from Monday morning $25 gift certificates from Swordfish Grill. You can pre-order at the front desk of the school.
A call for scripts Members of the Florida Studio Theatre (FST), in Sarasota, performed four short plays written by students for fifthgraders in the auditorium, urging them to participate in their Write a Play program. They would submit the finished product to FST for its annual Young Playwrights Festival. TOM VAUGHT | SUN
32
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
MAY 6, 2015
Two rescued off Egmont Key The Coast Guard rescued two people after their 38-foot sailboat ran aground and capsized west of Egmont Key on Wednesday, April 29, at 7:15 a.m. The Coast Guard responded with a 45-foot response boat-medium boat
crew from the station. While en-route, they received a report from a good Samaritan that the sailboat had capsized and a person was in the water. The boat crew arrived on scene at 7:41 a.m. and found both people in a life
raft, wearing life jackets and without any reported injuries. They loaded the people aboard and transported them to Tierra Verde Marina, St. Petersburg. "These people had all of their required safety equipment, they were
Junior Leadership Manatee accepting applications The Junior Leadership Manatee program is now accepting applications from high school sophomores for the 2015-2016 class. Applications must be postmarked by May 30, 2015, to be considered. Junior Leadership is designed for teens interested in becoming future leaders by enhancing their knowledge of community resources, current issues and other
factors influencing the direction of Manatee County's future. Throughout the program participants gain special access to local business, government, agricultural and media staples in our community and learn what career and employment opportunities are available in our county. The cost to participate is $150 for those students who meet eligibil-
ity requirements. Some financial assistance is available based on economic need. Junior Leadership is a unique and invaluable experience students can include on their resume or college application. For eligibility requirements and more information on the Junior Leadership Manatee program please visit the Website at www. juniorleadershipmanatee.org.
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
Groin, groin gone The northernmost groin of the three in the Gulf of Mexico off of Cortez and Coquina beaches is being demolished, to be replaced with adjustable groins to control the rate of erosion. The Manatee County project, which was part of the most recent beach renourishment project, will move south to the two other groins and portions of the Coquina Multiple Use Path will be closed near the demolition and construction.
Submitted
Happy Birthday Holmes Beach resident Marjorie Kendall celebrated her 95th birthday at home with her husband, Dr. Colin Kendall, family and friends, a cake with 95 candles and break dancing.
wearing their life jackets, and they had a life raft on board," said Richard Hutchinson, a search-and-rescue coordinator at Sector St. Petersburg. "These people were prepared for the worst when the worst was upon them."
Safe boating for teens The Anna Maria Island Sail and Power Squadron is offering The America’s Boating Course geared toward local teens. Two July sessions are being offered. Although these classes are designed for teens, they adults also are welcome. All classes are held at the squadron building located at 1200 71st St. N.W., Bradenton. Pre-registration is required. A 50-percent non-refundable deposit is required. Space is limited to 20 students per session. Classes are scheduled on consecutive days in order to work around summer activities and vacations. Homework and reading is assigned. Anyone born after Jan. 1, 1988, is required to have a Florida Boating Certificate and a photo ID to legally operate a boat. Completing the course qualifies those to receive the Florida Boating Safety Education Identification Card. This basic boating course, approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, teaches the skills and knowledge to safely operate a boat. Students will be taught Florida rules and regulations governing boating. Specific topics include required equipment, nautical terms, charts, aids to navigation, VHF radio and PWC operation. This is classroom work only. The first classes are offered Monday, July 13, through Friday, July 17. The second classes will be held from Monday, July 27, through Friday, July 31. All classes are from 9 a.m. to noon. The final examination will conclude Friday's session. The cost is $55 per teen, $85 for two siblings sharing one manual. $45 per parent who would also enjoy taking the course. A $35 manual is included in the cost and will belong to the student. To register for a course, call 941-792-0394. There will be a delay to reach the voice mail of a member’s phone; wait for that call transfer. Information for where to send the deposit will be provided at that time. Questions and inquiries can be e-mailed to amispsbridge@gmail.com. Also visit the Website at http://www.usps.org/localusps/annamaria.
www.amisun.com
MAY 6, 2015
TOWN CRIER Knitting group meets Learn to knit or just have fun knitting with others at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Friday, May 7, at 2 p.m. Call the library at 778-6341 for more information.
Forty Carrots fun The Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, presents Forty Carrots, a parenting program based in Sarasota, on Friday, May 8, at 10 a.m. This is a new program where kids from mobile babies to five years old and their parents experience new activities, join in circle time fun, spend time with other families and get valuable parenting information. The program is free, and you can get a ticket for this session at the library desk. Space is limited to 12 families. For more information, call the library at 778-3986
Class for caregivers Sue Fox, a representative of the Sarasota Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, will address Alzheimer’s caregiver stress, on Friday, May 8, at 2 p.m. at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. The program is free. Call 778-6341 for more information.
Turtle stroll scheduled on Island Join the walkers and runners for the Manatee Miles Sea Turtle Stroll on Saturday, May 9, starting at 9 a.m. with registrations starting at 8 a.m. at Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., in Bradenton Beach. This family fun walk/run offers a one mile course and a 5K route. Registration is $35 for one adult and up to four kids, $50 for two adults and up to four kids, $25 for an adult up to April 30 and $30 after that, $15 for teens between 14 and 17 years old and $5 for each additional kid ages 3-13. Adults who sign up before April 30 will be assured of getting an event T-shirt. The first 200 to register will get a free stuffed koozie. Proceeds go to the United Way of Manatee County. To register, log onto www.eventbrite.com.
Roser celebrates moms There will be a gift for all the moms who attend worship at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave,, Anna Maria, on Sunday, May 10. The Joyful Noise Children’s Choir will sing. The Chancel Choir will sing “Far Above Riches,” an anthem taken from Proverbs 31:10-31. The title of the
sermon by Rev. Dr. Bob O’Keef is “Do You Want to Be Well?” Everyone is invited to join the congregation for refreshments and fellowship following the service. Children and youth church school is available during the 10 a.m. service as well as a nursery for infants and toddlers. For more information, call the church office at 778-0414, e-mail info@ roserchrch.com, visit the Website at www.roserchurch.com or on Facebook at www.facebook/roserchurch.
Scholarships awarded in Longboat The Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, will honor all mothers on this Mothers Day, Sunday, May 10, at 10 a.m., and also recognize it as Scholarship Sunday. They will be presenting scholarship awards to 18 students towards their college tuition. These qualifying students are from Sarasota and Manatee counties and each will receive a $1,400 scholarship from the Chapel’s Scholarship Fund. Fifteen of these college students will be going into their junior year, and three are beginning their higher education journey. Included are students from Holmes Beach - Tracy Schaller and Emma Carper; Longboat Key - Asia Diaz and Savannah Shield; and Bradenton Nicholas Cahill, Freddy De La Torre and Robert Hicks. In honor of Mother’s Day the Chapel will also be reaching out with baby gifts to be given to Cyesis, the program for pregnant teen mothers at Riverview High School, Sarasota, who have the opportunity to take their babies to school while they continue their own high school education. A crib is set up in the sanctuary where members and guests can place baby equipment, toiletries, clothes, shoes and books for babies and children.
Spring Fling coming up The 12th Annual Spring Fling will held at the Seafood Shack Marina Bar and Grill at 4110 127th St W. Cortez on Friday, May 15, from 6 to 11 p.m. This year’s theme is the Red Carpet Gala and it is a parents’ night out to raise money for the PTO. In addition to donated items, each classroom creates a piece of art that would be cherished forever by the highest bidding family that acquires it. Tickets are $50, and they may be purchased at the school. For more information, contact AME PTO President Amy Talucci at 941 812-7253 or e-mail islandlifeinfo@gmail.com.
Cruise for the memorial The Friends of De Soto are sponsoring a Sunset Cruise on Saturday, May 16, at 7:30 p.m. on Sarasota Bay aboard
THE SUN
33
boats provided by Paradise Boat Tours. The boat leaves from the Historical Bridge Street Pier for a leisurely, informative 90 minute cruise. Tickets are $35 per person and all proceeds benefit De Soto National Memorial educational programs. Cruise around historic Sarasota Bay on a tour boat provided generously by Paradise Boat Tours, and get glimpses of Florida’s marine ecosystems and beautiful keys. For reservations, visit the Friends of De Soto Website www.friendsofdesoto. org and click on the cruise button. Choose “May 16, 2015 Cruise” when making your payment. All activities are subject to change due to weather.
is publishing a new online literary and arts journal called “805” and the editors of this bi-monthly publication are seeking short stories, flash fiction, essays, poems and art. Writers and artists are asked to submit via the Website at www.805lit.org and include full contact information, genre and word count, if applicable. For general information, visit www.805lit.org.
Free yoga at the beach
Play bridge at Annunciation
Enjoy sunsets and the sound of waves as you relax and connect with nature at free beach yoga on the last Wednesday of the month through October, from 6 to 7 p.m., at Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources sponsors this event. Bring your own mat. Registration is not required. For more information, call 941-742-5923, ext. 6007, or e-mail Mallory.carteaux@mymanatee.org.
Enjoy duplicate bridge every Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. at the Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For information, call 896-5154.
Social bridge at Roser Enjoy social bridge every Monday at noon at the Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria. For more information 941-778-0414 or just come and join the group
Volunteer advocates needed
The Anna Maria Island Community Center has a soiree room on the first floor reserved for the AMI Community Connections group of residents who banded together because residents are leaving their neighborhoods. Community Connections founder and president Sissy Quinn opens the doors every Wednesday at 2 p.m. for fellowship. She invites all who want to stop in for some lively discussion.
Florida’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program needs volunteers to join its corps of dedicated advocates who protect the rights of elders who live in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult family care homes. The program’s local councils are seeking additional volunteers to identify, investigate and resolve residents’ concerns. Training and certification are provided. All interested individuals who care about protecting the health, safety, welfare and rights of long-term care facility residents, who often have no one else to advocate for them, are encouraged to call toll-free 1-888-831-0404 or visit the program’s Website at http:// ombudsman.myflorida.com.
Senior Adventures visits Cortez
Red Cross needs you
Senior Adventures, the group for seniors who like to mingle and have fun, will visit the Sea Hagg Nautical Gift Shop in Cortez on Friday, May 8. They will shop and then move on to the Tide Tables for lunch. To participate, show up at 10 a.m. at the Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Call Kaye Bell, 538-0945, or email cortezbell@tampabay.rr.com for more information. The group will likely take time off during the hot summer months. It will continue its fund-raising book sale and potluck lunch the last Friday of each month and might have one trip each month, according to Bell. This month’s sale and lunch includes a birthday cake for the group’s sixth anniversary since it formed again.
The American Red Cross has an urgent need for volunteers to help train people how to save a life and to assist local families who have lost their home to a fire or other disaster. Volunteer instructors help people learn lifesaving skills such as CPR and First Aid. Disaster Action Team volunteers assists families who have suffered house fires or other disasters with short-term places to stay and other immediate needs, such as getting temporary refills on medications. Volunteers also are trained to provide emotional support for these families. All volunteer applicants must pass a background check and attend an orientation class. All training is free. American Red Cross volunteers constitute 94 percent of the total workforce to carry out its humanitarian mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. To register or for more information, visit www.redcross. org/fl/Sarasota/volunteer.
Use the meeting room
Library seeks writers and artists The Manatee County Library System
34
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
MAY 6, 2015
Gulf Front Park gets donations The money was given with no strings attached for clearing of invasive, exotic plants in the park and installing native plants. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – With the recent passage of a gift acceptance policy by the city commission, several donors have lined up to help a project that is bringing a native look to a new park. Several residents and elected officials have given money to the city for the project, according to Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy reports more than $20,000 has been donated. “With the Tourist Development Council donation of $75,000 matching funds, I think we’ll have enough money to finish the project,” Murphy said. The park runs along the beach from Magnolia Avenue south. The city divided the area into several sections and finished clearing some of the land of invasive, exotic plants. The job calls for the city to plant native plants in their place. The only exotics that are safe are the Australian pines.
FILE PHOTO
Citizens are donating money to the city of Anna Maria to help rid Gulf Front Park of invasive plants like this mother-in-law’s tongue.
e t a r b e Cel y a D s ’ r e h t o M ! s U h t wi
Sunday, May 10th
t ou A Y e Se
OB !
AM
Bring Mom B in for a FREE ccarnation and a cup of soup!*
*With the purchase of an entrée. Sunday, May 10, 2015 only.
FREE
a Margarita On Us!
A
Limit one per person, per visit. Expires May 30, 2015 With this coupon and purchase of entrée. Good at all 3 locations. Ages 21+ only.
HAPPY HOUR EVERY DAY! 11am-5pm & 8pm-close LANDSIDE
CORTEZ
ELLENTON
941.758.7880
941.792.0077
941.721.7773
(1.5 miles north of SRQ Airport)
(5 min from Anna Maria Island)
( Take I-75 Exit 224 west)
6906 14th St. W. on US 41
6696 Cortez Rd.
1525 51st Ave. E.
Joh John
MAY 6, 2015
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
35
CHANTELLE LEWIN | SUN
Come see The Lot has moved to 110 Bridge Street. Owner Gayden Shell welcomes everyone to come explore.
36
THE SUN
REAL ESTATE
MAY 6, 2015
Turning a new credit page I
was cleaning out the closet in my guest room recently – you know the one that becomes the repository for all the stuff you don’t really need, but don’t really want to throw away. Interestingly I came across a newspaper from 2003 and naturally started reading the real estate ads. Incredibly, the listing prices on the Island properties were not much different than comparable properties today. Some were 1 or 2 percent lower and some were right on, but the exercise got me thinking about what happened to all the homeowners who lost their homes prior to 2008. As overextended homeowners started losing their homes to foreclosure, the effect on their credit rating impacted not just their ability to get a mortgage, but also car loans and credit cards. Many people had to learn to live without debt, paying for everything with cash. It was reported by Fair Isaac Corp., that developed the FICO credit scores that most
Castles in the Sand Louise Bolger lenders use today, that there were over 900,000 consumers whose credit reports showed they had a foreclosure proceeding on their homes between October 2007 and October 2008. Of these homeowners, about 260,000 showed no evidence of the foreclosure on their credit report as of this past October. This indicates that the negative credit event of having a foreclosure starts to fade after a period of about seven years. As this seven-year period approaches, borrowers can start to qualify for new home loans, new car loans and credit cards, all at lower interest rates. This assumes that their credit score was not further impacted by late
payments on credit cards and auto loans. That said, getting a loan at all and for a good interest rate can still be daunting for many people who have been through a foreclosure. Not all lenders welcome these borrowers and have placed tough credit requirements on consumers, frequently omitting those with a foreclosure in their past. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, less than one-third of homeowners who lost their homes to foreclosure in the past 10 years are likely to become homeowners again. Between 2006 and 2014 more than 9.3 million homeowners went through a foreclosure, surrendered their residence to a lender or sold their home via a distressed sale. Some of the big banks like Wells Fargo and Sun Trust are starting to ease credit regulations slightly, but they are still looking for a 620 to 660 credit score before approving applicants. FICO credit scores range from 300 to 850 and can quickly be improved
once the foreclosure is removed from their credit reports after seven years. However, many individuals will never qualify for financing again because they are unlikely to improve their credit scores enough to qualify for a mortgage. Others just feel they have been burned too badly to chance it again. All the same, there is optimism in the real estate market anticipating a large new pool of homeowners who are coming out of the shadow of foreclosure. This could really help boost the slow economy as demand for mortgages and homeownership starts to filter its way through the overall economy. I’m still not sure why this particular 2003 newspaper was saved. Maybe it was meant for me to find it 12 years later. Never-the-less, it did serve its purpose, making it valuable if for no other reason than to remind us that real estate is one big cycle that moves up and down in the larger economy.
www.amisun.com
MAY 6, 2015
THE SUN
37
center: Funding withheld FROM PAGE 1
Melinda Bradway spoke for the Center’s Dragon Boat team and said the Center has given them a sense of community. “We need a Community Center; we have a Community Center; let’s not lose our Community Center,” she said. “This Community Center is thriving because of dedicated volunteers and the hard working staff, who may be laid off or lose their jobs because you’re cutting $22,500. “Frustration is running very high, and I hope your dislike of an individual (on the board) doesn’t affect your support,” Craig Bradway said. He said the existing gym in the Center is a “melting pot” for residents and tourists and where “open discussions happen and people meet one another,” and he would like to see it expanded.
Center officials speak
Center board member Diana McManaway said, “We are trying to save the Center and had to look at the resources available. Like it or not, the tourists are the economy of this Island, and if we had to find something to help save the Center with all these children and programs, we looked there.” She said board members want to work with the two fitness center owners.
pat copeland | sun
Fitness center owners Brenda Canning and Jen Crady address city commissioners. Center Director Cindy Thompson asked the commissioners to release this year’s funding because they need that money to get to the end of the fiscal year in June. “Come to the Center and take a tour and see the plans, and if you don’t like what you see, don’t fund us next year. But fund us this year because we counted on that, and we don’t have time to find it somewhere else. “There’s room for competition. We’re not trying to create a luxury spa for tourists, we’re trying to serve our community.”
Mayors weigh in
Both Mayor Bob Johnson and Anna
Maria Mayor Dan Murphy have met with Center officials seeking further information on the plan including documents regarding non-profit status, 2014 and 2015 budgets, expense and revenue for the fitness center and information regarding the vacation rental membership program, but said they have been disappointed with the lack of information provided. “The Center treasurer thought our request was rational, but there has been no substantial discussion of the points,” Johnson reported. “They’ve been trying to get together a plan, and they’re still working on it. “My view is that we need to find a solution. The Center needs to get through its plan and start sharing that information with the public.” Johnson said Murphy told Center officials that he wouldn’t sign off on a permit on the renovations because the city is the owner of the property. Murphy later confirmed this and said, “I will not sign a permit until I receive the information I asked for and the assurance that the cash flow between the Center and the vacation rental owners will not jeopardize their 501 (c) (3) status. I only received two of 14 items I requested.” Johnson said the city should reassess its relationship with the Center and consider
contributing more “at least during some of this transition period as we work through changes in demographics, economics, etc. “We need to preserve this as a cultural part of our community. I think it’s inappropriate at this time not to write the check.”
Commissioners’ concerns
“We made a commitment, and I’m a firm believer in honoring a commitment,” Commissioner Pat Morton stressed. “Holding back the check is not right.” Commissioner Jean Peelen said she is concerned about the institutional secrecy and closed doors and the attitude that “We’re going to do what we’re going to do. Give us the money.” She read a statement in which she said there has been no demand from residents for a fitness facility, that it is “unconscionable for the Community Center to make their money on the backs of small businesses on the Island” and that the majority of board members will benefit from a fitness center. She recommended withholding funding. Commissioner Carol Soustek, the commission’s liaison to the Center, said at the Center board meetings, “The feeling I got is they don’t like being obligated to answer SEE CENTER, PAGE 40
38
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
MAY 6, 2015
The Billy Rice Band: top notch BY KOKO RAY HANSEN SPECIAL TO THE SUN | WWW.KOKORAY.ORG
I
had an opportunity to share the billing at the City Fest kick off party on March 27 with the Billy Rice Band. Although it was a rainy evening and we got on the stage later than scheduled, Billy Rice extended the courtesy of letting my band, Koko Ray & the Keepers, extend its set past his start time. Once they got set up and started playing, I had to stay. The Billy Rice Band is new and improved. Rice has changed his band by bringing in new players. Jack Elka is still there on keys, and we all know Jack as an Island photographer with his Holmes Beach Studio. Jack and Billy have been playing music together since 1984. The new blood in the band is represented by Rick Fass on guitar. Born in St.Petersburg and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., Fass has had a 50-year love for guitar. He has been thrilling crowds with his awesome guitar stylings in Manatee County for several years. And it just gets better. On bass
SUBMITTED
From left: the Billy Rice Band is Jack Elka, Alan Marnie, Billy Rice, Gary Guzzardo and Rick Fass. guitar, Rice has brought in a true professional in Alan Marnie. Marnie has added the bottom end for Dell Shannon, toured and recorded with Chris de Burgh (Lady in Red), and has been on and off the road since 1969 internationally. On drums holding it all together is Gary Guzzardo, who has toured with the Marshal Tucker Band, Joe Walsh and Stephen Stills, just to name a few. Locally, he worked with Twinkle and Rick Derringer. In addition, the Billy Rice Band will bring in a horn section for
bigger shows. When you go to see the them you can expect a powerhouse show with a variety of musical styles from country to R&B and old time rock & roll. They play mostly at Ace’s live music venue on Palma Sola Boulevard and Cortez Road. Check out www.thebillyriceband.com. As a working entertainer, I have a deep respect for the vision of the Billy Rice Band. This show is top notch.
www.amisun.com
MAY 6, 2015
B est E scape A nyone C an Have
THE SUN
2310 8th Street W Palmetto Debbie Vogler
1301&35: ."/"(&.&/5 p 3&"- &45"5& 4"-&4 p 7"$"5*0/ 3&/5"-4
Contact Us Today! Rentals@IslandVacationProperties.com www.IslandVacationProperties.com p
39
A4118209 $2,390,000 941-705-3328 941-748-6300
Familiar Faces Exceptional Service International Relationships AC,CITY,ADR,OH,OHEAD
761 Emerald Harbor Drive Longboat Key Cathy Meldahl
AC,CITY,ADR,OH,OHEAD
AC,CITY,ADR,OH,OHEAD
A4118807 $1,495,000 216 81st Street W Bradenton 941-724-7228 941-383-5502 Judy LaValliere
AC,CITY,ADR,OH,OHEAD
607 65th Street Court NW Bradenton M5904498 $825,000 7229 Lake Forest Glen Lakewood Ranch Debbie Vogler & Cheryl Roberts 941-705-3328 or 941-266-1450 941-748-6300 Deborah Angelo O’Mara
AC,CITY,ADR,OH,OHEAD
5707 Title Row Drive Bradenton Adam Cuffaro
AC,CITY,ADR,OH,OHEAD
5300 Gulf Drive 104 Anna Maria Island Jody Shinn
M5903622 $1,450,000 941-504-3792 941-748-6300
A4112262 $615,000 941-730-0777 941-907-9595
AC,CITY,ADR,OH,OHEAD
A4120443 $559,000 1026 Kestrel Court Bradenton 941-812-0791 941-752-2683 Kristina Talkie & Judy Arreola
A4120592 $549,000 941-266-8658 941-349-3444
AC,CITY,ADR,OH,OHEAD
A4112905 $499,000 2625 Terra Ceia Bay Boulevard 406 Palmetto A4116936 $274,900 941-705-5704 941-748-6300 Marcia Frost 941-812-8493 941-388-4447
michaelsaunders.com • 4400 Manatee Avenue W • Bradenton, FL • 941.748.6300
40
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
MAY 6, 2015
(941) 778-6066 WWW.CALLTHE ISLANDERS.COM
JOHN@CALLTHEISLANDERS.COM
John van Zandt 6101 MARINA DR., HOLMES BEACH, FL 34217
Footings On the heels of the erection of the cell phone tower in Anna Maria last week, workers returned and finished the pads for the footings that will hold up the ancillary structure that will house equipment for the carriers. Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said he hopes the construction will be finished by the end of the month. Two carriers, Verizon and AT&T, have signed up to use the tower for cell phone customers. TOM VAUGHT | SUN
Center: Funding withheld FROM PAGE 37
questions from the city or respond to get the money or having to depend upon the money. “They don’t like being beholden to the city. They feel they can do a better job. I got the impression that the money wasn’t going to make a significant difference.” She said they should withhold the
money until they get answers. “We have to do whatever it takes to save the Center,” Chair Judy Titsworth said. “What’s next – the churches, the hardware, the doctors? We need to fight for our Community Center.” She said she agrees with Johnson about increasing funding, but stressed, “I feel the current members of the board are the fox in charge of the hen house. I don’t like the pompous attitude.
It’s upsetting me. There needs to be a change.” Soustek made the motion to withhold funding until the mayor receives answers to his questions, and Peelen seconded it. The vote was 4-0, with Commissioner Marvin Grossman absent. Titsworth said they would reconsider the request at the June 23 commission meeting.
www.amisun.com
MAY 6, 2015
THE SUN
41
recall: Hearing scheduled FROM PAGE 1
Metz’s request that Vice Mayor Jack Clarke be removed from the recall election for allegedly failing to fully comply with the state’s resign-to-run law. Metz also sought a court order requiring co-defendant Mike Bennett, the Manatee County supervisor of elections, to print new recall ballots that do not list Clarke as a candidate. (The results of the hearing were not known at press time.)
Resign-to-run?
Metz contends that Clarke did not fulfill the state’s resign-to-run requirement when he qualified to run against Shearon in the recall election scheduled for Tuesday, May 19. On April 9, Circuit Court Judge Andrew Owens issued an order declaring the election date and the timeframe for the abbreviated qualifying period that took place from Tuesday, April 14, to Friday, April 17. Clarke submitted his pending resignation on April 10 and noted that it would take effect prior to the swearing in of any newly-elected or appointed commission members. As the qualifying officer, Bennett said he believed Clarke substantially complied with the resign-to-run law and Judge Owen’s orders to the best of his ability.
Possible outcomes
As vice mayor, Clarke is being defended at the city’s expense by Sarasota Attorney Andrea Flynn Mogensen and legal consultant Michael Barfield. Bennett is being defended at the county’s expense by Chief Deputy County Attorney James Minix. On Friday, Mogensen said she anticipated two possible outcomes at Tuesday’s hearing: “The court finds that Vice Mayor Clarke substantially complied with the statute because he could not have filed his resign-to-run notice any sooner than he did, or the court decides to postpone the election by one week to eliminate the technical argument raised by Mr. Metz.”
Impact and fees
Metz filed his original suit after Bennett’s office sent more than 150 vote-by-mail ballots to city voters. Some ballots have already been cast and returned to the elections office, and it was not known as of Sunday what, if any, impact Tuesday’s hearing would have on votes already cast. Metz recently said he is not trying to prevent the recall election, but trying to ensure that all candidates are legally qualified. “Without this court’s intervention to prevent defendant Clarke’s name appearing on the ballot, I will suffer irreparable harm in that my vote will be diluted by possible votes for a legally ineligible candidate,”
Mayor Shearon said in a city commission meeting that he wouldn’t challenge the recall and now his supporters are doing just that.” Bill Herlihy Business owner Metz claimed in his injunction request. Bennett and City Attorney Ricinda Perry previously shared their opinions that the recall election would not take place if Clarke was removed from the ballot. Taking it a step further, Perry cited the city charter and suggested the commission would have to appoint a replacement candidate if Clarke was not allowed to run. “The commission shall provide by ordinance procedures for filling a vacancy
in candidacy caused by death, withdrawal or removal from the ballot of a qualified candidate following the end of the qualifying period which leaves fewer than two candidates for an office,” the charter states. Several Clarke supporters, including Bill Herlihy, Steve Schewe and Betsy Sillars, believe Metz filed his lawsuit due to growing concerns that city voters would remove Shearon from office if given the chance. “Mayor Shearon said in a city commission meeting that he wouldn’t challenge the recall, and now his supporters are doing just that. Let’s have the election and let the people decide. What are you worried about?” Herlihy said. “Mr. Metz has frequently complained about the city’s legal fees, and now he is creating frivolous expenditures that are a waste of the taxpayers’ dollars,” he added. In addition to being a member of Shearon’s campaign team and serving on the city’s Planning and Zoning Board, Metz has advertised his plans to build a threestory Planned Unit Development (PUD) on the beachfront property he owns adjacent to Shearon’s Linger Longer resort. PUD development requires preliminary review by the planning board and city commission approval.
42
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
MAY 6, 2015
Paradise Boat tours | submitted
Submitted
Ogline honored Holmes Beach Officer Steve Ogline, Congressman Vern Buchanan, Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer and Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson attended the April 17 award ceremony, where Ogline was given the 16th District Congressional Law Enforcement award for actions above and beyond the call of duty and named the Congressional Officer of the Year.
BEACH BEAT Anna Maria.
4/25, 6 p.m., criminal mischief, damage to a construction site, 700 block of North Shore Drive. An unknown person damaged a fence around the property with a vehicle, drove through the property and left. There are no suspects. 4/26, 4:23 p.m., criminal mischief, 800 block of North Shore Drive. The owner said somebody broke into the yard and damaged two outdoor lights. They also got into the pool area, although nothing was damaged. 5/2, 1:36 p.m., found property, Anna Maria City Pier, 100 S. Bay Blvd. A cell phone was left at the restaurant. Efforts to locate the owner were unsuccessful.
Bradenton Beach
4/25, 4:49 p.m., trespass warning, Coquina Beach, 1900 Gulf Drive South. The officer smelled marijuana coming from a tent. He asked where the smell was coming from, and a man said he had smoked it all. The officer saw a beer can by the man and issued him a trespass warning. 4/26, 9:50 p.m., domestic battery, 2200 block of Avenue B. An officer was dispatched to the address on a report of a disturbance. He heard the suspect yell at the victim who was upstairs. When the female talked to the officer, she said they had gone to the beach and when they returned to their clothes, his were missing. He blamed her and pushed her to the ground. He said she attacked him, A witness said she did
not touch him, and the officer arrested the male. 4/29, 2 p.m., property damage, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive South. The victim said high winds blew a parking lot gate into her car causing damage.
Cortez
4/10, 9:55 p.m., DUI, 12100 block of Cortez Road West. The driver was stopped for speeding and showed signs of intoxication. He was tested and arrested. 4/23, 2:25 a.m., false imprisonment, battery by strangulation, 10119 Cortez Road W., Newman’s Motel. The couple is not married, but living together, and they got into an argument that turned physical. The male struck the female in the face several times with a closed fist and would not allow her to leave by pulling her away from the window and door. He was arrested.
Holmes Beach
4/18, 3:38 p.m., driving with a suspended license, 600 block of Manatee Avenue. The driver at fault in an accident said he was driving to give his wife’s car a jump-start and that his license was for work only. A computer check showed his license was suspended for not paying a traffic fine. He was given criminal citations. 4/18, 4:53 p.m., DUI, 500 block of Manatee Avenue. A 20-year-old woman was arrested for DUI after being involved in a crash. She said she consumed alcohol at the beach and a breath test showed her over the legal limit. She was cited for DUI. 4/23, 11:41p.m., hit and run, 5300 block of Gulf Drive. The victim said a boxy green pickup went into her lane in a curve and hit her van. Later, another officer spotted the suspect vehicle
That sinking feeling, again According to Capt. Sherman Baldwin, from Paradise Boat Tours, this vessel sank Thursday night just south of the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach. On Monday, the boat was still resting on the anchorage bottom. The incident occurred only a few weeks after two previously sunken vessels were removed using funds provided by West Coast Inland Navigation District grants. with the suspect passed out inside it. A check of the truck showed white paint transfer and a dent. The victim’s van was white. The suspect said he had been drinking, and he acted intoxicated. Because he could not be identified as driver of the vehicle, the officer got statements and filed a capias request for the state attorney to investigate.
Obituaries Pete D. Cervatez Pete D. Cervatez, 61, of Bradenton and formerly of Sacramento, Calif., died April 24, 2015. A memorial was planned for Gulf Drive Café on Saturday, May 2, at noon. Survivors include his sisters, Carmen Myers and Diana; brother, Thomas; father, Pete G., Sr.; and lots of friends.
William ‘Bill’ A. Daugaard William “Bill” A. Daugaard, 77, passed away peacefully at home with his family on April 16, 2015. He was born in Chicago on Sept. 21, 1937, and worked as a butcher until 1978, when he moved to Bradenton where he co-founded Flowers by Edie in 1980. Soon after, he opened Denmark Upholstery. He retired to Clearwater in 2005, Survivors include his loving wife, Doris Daugaard,of Clearwater; daughter, Sherrie Bryant, of Bradenton; son, Michael Daugaard, of Holmes Beach; brothers, Robert, of Chicago, and Thomas and Daniel, both of Salt
4/26, 12:15 p.m., DUI with property damage, obstructing or resisting a law enforcement officer without violence, 5900 block of Marina Drive. The defendant crashed his car into another in the parking lot. During the investigation, he tried to leave the scene. He was arrested for DUI, and he refused to provide a breath sample.
Lake City; sister, Sandra Matthews, of Carolstream, Ill.; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 44 years, Edna Daugaard, and his brothers, John, Gerald and Richard. A celebration of life was scheduled for Saturday, May 2, in Clearwater. Donations may be made in his name to Suncoast Hospice in Clearwater.
Martha B. Wiersema Martha B. Wiersema, 90, of Bradenton, died April 22, 2015. She was born in Chicago, Ill., and came to this area 52 years ago from Hickory Hills, Ill. She was a member of the Bradenton Christian Reformed Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert, and two sons, Henry and John. Survivors include four sons, Robert, of Bradenton, Daniel of Holmes Beach, Carol, of Texas and Michael, of Kentucky; 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Visitation and a funeral service were scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, at Bradenton Christian Reformed Church. Memorial donations may be made to Tidewell Hospice Care of Bradenton, 3355 26th St. W.
MAY 6, 2015
FUN IN THE SUN
Across 1 Chaps 5 Measure up 15 "My Country" author 16 Busy, in a way 17 Stellar phenomenon 18 Wheel of Fortune and others 19 Error 20 Oil sources 21 Airport NW of PIT 22 1975-'76 World Series champs, on scoreboards 23 Called, nowadays 24 Not abundant 25 Recording acronym 27 Piece of Plymouth pizza? 28 Former National Security Advisor Scowcroft 29 Citizens Bank Park Answers to 04-29-15 Crossword Puzzle.
team 31 Picks up 32 Alley group 33 Barber's supply 34 Emotional 37 Youthful nickname for the 1950 29-Across 41 Opposite of après 42 Monopoly item 43 '30s-'40s Kildare portrayer 44 Canada goose relative 45 Kind of acid in red wine 47 Canadian sign letters 48 Indian address 49 Cleaned up 50 Symbolic dance 51 Jackson 5 song covered by Mariah Carey 53 Sch. whose mascot
THE SUN
43
is Paydirt Pete 54 Canadian asset 55 Town in province of Padua 56 Some lucky breaks 57 Slate, briefly Down 1 Shooter's protection 2 Wipe out 3 Fictional code name 4 Piece of cake 5 "The Chosen" author 6 Breaks down 7 Road markings 8 Left, with "off" 9 Doled (out) 10 Bar IDs 11 Oldies syllable 12 Flashlights, across the pond 13 Court boundary 14 Is in high dudgeon 23 Support piece 24 Requiring delicate handling 26 Skiing category 28 "The Human Comedy" author 30 Big initials in banking 31 Italian counterpart of the BBC 33 Offended outburst 34 Kennedy Compound component 35 Blanket
36 Plain-__ 37 Mearth portrayer in "Mork & Mindy" 38 Siberian metropolis 39 Exhaust
40 Like some curves 42 Causes for pauses 45 Rwandan ethnic group 46 Inventeur's notes
49 Judge 50 Shades 52 Hardly a warm reaction
44
THE SUN
classified
ANNOUNCEMENTS
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED at AMICC. Help your community by giving of yourself. Various positions available. Call Sandee 941-778-1908 ext 0 THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Dusty at 941779-7688. ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, Walgreen's and The Anna Maria Island Sun Newspaper (corner of Gulf and Palm). OUR DAILY BREAD of Bradenton is looking for volunteer servers 9amnoon. Ask for Penny 941745-2992 PROBLEMS with the IRS or State Taxes? Wall & Associates can settle for a fraction of what you owe! Results may vary. Not a solicitation for legal services. 877-330-3429 STRUGGLING WITH DRUGS or Alcohol? Addicted to Pills? Talk to someone who cares. Call The Addiction Hope & Help Line for a free assessment. 855-995-3142
AUCTIONS PUBLIC AUCTION Center Brothers, Inc. Tues, May 12th at 10am 4020 University Blvd Ct, Jacksonville, FL 32217 Acoustical Contractor Supplies, Access Flooring, Drywall Accessories, Steel Framing Studs, Vehicles, Warehouse Equip., Office Furniture, Computers & more! 15% BP - Onsite only Assignment Case #16-2015-CA002349 www.moeckerauc tions.com / 800-840-BIDS AB-1098 AU-3219, Eric Rubin
BABY SITTER BABY SITTER. Honor student with own transportation. Experienced, References available. Call or text Amanda at 941-713-3219 RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student. Call or text Isabel 941-5457995
Call us today! 941-778-3986
BOATS: PARTS & SERVICES & SALES
COMMERCIAL SALES/ LEASES/RENTALS
BOATS ARE SELLING, Very Busy. Cortez High & Dry Marina-Top Location. Islandboat sales.net WE ALSO BUY BOATS. 941-2283489
ANNA MARIA CITY Gulf Drive Frontage Commercial 2 Lots 104x120 Real Estate only $1,200,000. Call Alan Galletto Island Real Estate 941-232-2216
BOAT SLIPS FOR RENT. Up to 60 feet. Two minutes to Intracoastal Waterway by Cortez, Parrot Cove Marina 941-795-0088
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES HARNESS THE POWER of The Internet To Make $1000s Each Month! Simple, Realistic, No Experience Needed. No Buying/ Selling! Change Your Life! 718-362-6604 www.ZZZprofit.com
RESTAURANT/OFFICE/ RETAIL 1113 sf Kitchen Equipment include Gulf Drive Bradenton Beach $495,000 Call Alan Galletto Island Real Estate 941-232-2216 BAR/RESTURANT 2100 ft2 with lease, includes Liquor License, Furniture and Good Will $599,000 CALL ALAN GALLETTO Island Real Estate 941-232-2216
COMPUTER SERVICES
SAWMILLS FROM ONLY $4,397.00- Make & Save Money with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In Stock, ready to ship! Free Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills. com 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N
EMPIRE COMPUTER SERVICE Computer problems fixed in your home or office. The fastest friendliest service around. Serving the Island since 2004. Call 941-739-6424
CARPET CLEANING
EMPLOYMENT
QUALITY COUNTS. CARPET cleaning. Upholstery cleaning. Tile & grout cleaning. Island's favorite cleaner. Manatee Chamber Member. Great price/free estimates. Call 941-7561082
SALES ASSISTANT PART-TIME Busy office, strong communications skills, computer skills. Need to be flexible. Send Resume to PO Box 1394, Anna Maria FL 34216
CLEANING SERVICE C & T HOUSEKEEPING. For all your cleaning needs. Free Estimates. Reasonable rates. Senior discount. References available. Call 941-9622512 CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & RENTALS. "Have it done your way, we care about our work" Call 941-7564570 PRESSURE WASHING AND WINDOWS residential, commercial & resorts. Roofs, buildings, houses, driveways etc. Call 941-251-5948
BARBER NEEDED NW BRADENTON. Good job. Ask for Bob Call 941-792-5020 VACATION RENTAL OFFICE looking for experienced Maintenance Man to grow and expand Maintenance Dept. Please call 941-7784442 TEAM PLAYERS NEEDED Busy AMI Deli has 2 parttime deli clerk positions available. Great opportunity to work 10-15 hours a week for some extra spending money. Must be flexible and have good "People Skills". Apply in person at Jessie's Island Store, 5424 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach and ask for April or Jimmy
AMISUN.COM
MAY 6, 2015
PARISH ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Part-time 20 hours/week Episcopal Church of The Annunciation, Holmes Beach. Looking for an experienced self motivated, organized individual to manage communications via Social Media, bulletins, email, phone and mailings. 2?3 years office administrative experience and experience using Microsoft word, data bases, Social media & prefer ACS data base. Contact Regina Percy 941-730-2391 BUSY HOLMES BEACH Real Estate office looking for an energetic selfmotivated Rental Agent who has experience in booking vacation rentals. Must be outgoing and have a pleasant demeanor. Duties include booking units, communicating with unit owners and tenants. Florida Real Estate license is not required. Prefer experience with RNS software but will train. Must have knowledge of Excel, Word, and basic computer skills. Salary depending on experience. Please call 941-778-4442 AVIATION GRADS WORK with JetBlue, Boeing, Delta and others- start here with hands on training for FAA certification. Financial aid if qualified. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-314-5838
FOR SALE HERITAGE KING SIZE bedroom set. 7' dresser, mirror, 2 night cabinets’ w/glass tops, headboard. New $5000. Will sacrifice $850. Call 937-478-2453 REFRIGERATOR. GE PROFILE SS 3 door model. Perfect condition, $1800 new, asking $900. From AMI estate. Also Dish Washer, Dryer set, more. Call 410782-9100 DISH TV STARTING at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) Save! Regular Price $34.99 Call Today and Ask About Free Same Day Installation! Call Now! 888986-4858 TWIN SET, DRESSER w/ hutch, nightstand, $200; Queen w/ mirrored dresser, bureau, nightstand, $200. Coffee, End table, $100. Call 941-962-5827
FURNITURE CUSTOM COASTAL FURNITURE & CABINETS by Frankie Z. ebay store. Call 941-726-1482. 10015 Cortez Rd (corner of 101st) frankiezaff@yahoo.com 10/22 NEW/CHANGE until called Zaff
GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES SALE NIKI’S GIFT & ANTIQUE SHOP. 5351 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach. All Sterling & Gold jewelry 20% to 60% off. Select gifts, collectables, Pewter miniatures, books, Beach art, furniture, clothing, vintage glassware, jewelry 30% to 80% off. Look for New bathing suit shop at Niki’s. Open 7 days a week 9:30-5. ROSER THRIFT SHOP Open 9:30a.m.-2p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. 10a.m.1p.m Friday and Saturday Annex open as above. Donations accepted Wednesday 9a.m.-11a.m. 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria Call 941-779-2733
HOME IMPROVEMENTS TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates. Neil 941-726-3077 RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-7250073. KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. State License # CRC1327296. Call Jerry Kern 941-504-2222 www. kernconstructioninc.com GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194. “HONEY DO" HOME Repairs & Handyman Services. 35 yrs experience. Painting, drywall, tile, woodwork. All tasks. Call 941-896-5256 or 941-807-5256 www.honey dohomerepairinc.com
HANDYMAN. RETIRED ENGINEER. Free estimates. “No job too Small”. Repairs, replacements, improvements, wall TV’s, shelves, cabinets, calking etc. Call Jim 941-448-7806
HOME SERVICES HEADED BACK HOME? I'll keep an eye on your seasonal home until you return. Weekly Security inspections. Email or text reports after each visit. Scott Ricci 941-6858999 amihomecheck@ aol.com SNOW BIRD HOME CHECKING Feel secure with a retired RI State Police Officer checking your home/condo while you are away. $20.00 per visit, complete report mailed after each weekly/monthly visit. Bob Mattos 401-4802708. Trust your Florida home to someone you can trust - resume available DRAIN CLEANING James VanFossen A.K.A. “RIP” Call 941-301-6077
LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE
STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPING. Save water, gas, maintenance fees and the environment! Shell your yard. $50/yd installed. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067 R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941 ELI’S IRRIGATION New install/repair. Pumps, pools, irrigation, landscape lighting and pressure washing. Call 941-580-2054 SHELL DELIVERED AND spread $50/yd. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770
LOCKSMITH ISLAND LOCKSMITH, “Lock Around the Clock”. Licensed/bonded/insured. Call 941-778-1661 or 941713-4414
MAY 6, 2015
classified
LOST & FOUND FOUND 2GB SD Card in the sand at the walkover beside the Sand Bar Restaurant several weeks ago. Pictures of Children on Camel on card. Please contact Bob at the Anna Maria Island Sun Newspaper 941-778-3986 FOUND: SMALL FEMALE CAT, grey, short tail, white paws. 9th St South Bradenton Beach. Very affectionate. Call Dan 603-5201998 FOUND PRESCRIPTION ITALIAN sunglasses in water on Saturday, April 4. Call 813-679-9662 LOST FAMILY HEIRLOOM during Wedding at Sandbar Restaurant on Sunday March 29. Gold wedding band with Diamond pendant near high water mark. Please contact 407-7609033 LOST BLUE ZIPPER Case with keys, flashlight attached to wristband. Near 84th/83rd & Marina Dr. Holmes Beach Call 941313-0528 SAILBOAT CAPSIZED ON SATURDAY March 7, near 845 North Shore Drive, Anna Maria Island. Lost: sail, dry bags, orange box, clothing and other misc. gear. Call Fred at 727-6671816 LOST PANDORA BRACELET many charms. Great sentimental value. Call 518-365-2702 MISSING 18 INCH GOLD chain with diamond drop, sterling silver seed bracelet , location Blue Water Beach Club between 9/12 & 9/13/2013 heartbroken was gift from husband 45 years ago REWARD please call 863-668-8566 no questions asked
MOVING & STORAGE MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-809-5777. TWO MEN and a TRUCK. Movers who care. Local and Long distance. www. twomen.com Call 941-3591904. We sell boxes!
Call us today! 941-778-3986
PAINTING & WALLCOVERING PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates. 941-812-0507 “WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell 941794-0455 WALY PRECISION PAINTING custom painting, pressure washing, commercial/residential, interior/exterior, drywall/stucco, Licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-580-4005 www. WalyPrecisionPainting.com
PERSONAL SERVICES ISLAND HELPERS: We run errands, shop (online/ store) ETC ETC. We live on Key Royale! Call happily married couple Barry & Mellissa 814-243-3669 islandhelpers@inbox.com SMALL ODD JOBS, yard work, walk dog etc. Call George 941-773-5518 THE TINT GUY." Commercial, residential, automotive, marine. Free estimates. All work guaranteed. Over 25 years experience. Mobile service available. Call 941-2012649
PETS MOBILE GROOMING splash and dash $35.00. Also full grooming available. Check our testimonies, call today www. furrytails4grooming.com or call 941-224-8655 ARE YOU WANTING to vacation and not worry if your pet is lonely. I will overnight in your home, so your animal can stay in his own environment. Home Sitting is also available. Great References. Call Mary 941-405-2496 ANNA & LINDSAY’S Dog Walking. $5 per dog walked, $10 Dog wash. $20 for both plus play time. Contact 917-406-9554. Anna Maria Island Only.
PHOTOGRAPHY NEW AERIAL AMI PHOTOS. PhotosFromTheAir.com. email: photosfromtheair@ gmail.com or Call 941-7739834
POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE. AMI & West Bradenton. Certified Pool Operator. Residential/commercial. {Chemical Service} Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-737-5657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AMI VALET LLC Professional parking services. Restaurants, weddings, any & all special events. Insured & Licensed. Years of experience. Call 941-565-0137 AMIValet@gmail.com AT YOUR SERVICE Personal & Professional assistant. Great rates. References available "Let me do what you are unwilling or unable to do." Call Cindy 941-812-2238 zicker8@aol.com
REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE SPACIOUS 3BR/3BA Condominium rarely available in wonderful bay front complex with pool and tennis courts. Tastefully renovated to include newly tiled kitchen & family room with a peak of the bay and a split bedroom plan. Centrally located in Holmes Beach, with a short walk to shops. Ground-floor unit with covered parking and private storage. Family oriented and pet friendly. Offered at $450,000. Call Green Real Estate @ 941-7780455
THE SUN
BRING YOUR BOAT! Canal villa with no bridges to ICW. Renovated 2BR/2BA villa w/carport, in gated community. 23 foot dock. Open plan, Update kitchen & baths. $249,900 Katharine Pepper, RoseBay International 941-755-2100 or 941-792-9459 HARBOUR ISLE HOME$40,000 in upgrades! Beautiful! REDUCED to $549,000. Perico Bay Club Villa- Very well maintained! $229,000. Call Kathleen today! 941-773-0165 Island Real Estate BEST PRICED CONDO on Island. 3BR/3BA 2 car garage. Only $285,000! Offers weekly rentals. Karen Day Fineout, Wagner Realty 941-518-3682 LOWEST PRICED WATERFRONT home on AMI. 2BR/2BA Sea Side Gardens Villa. Must see view! 33 Sea Side Court. captnse@ gmail.com or call 970-8467394 ANNA MARIA ISLAND Waterfront Condo, Ground floor, 2BR/2BA, laundry room, two patios, pool, hot tub, tennis courts and low association fees $429,000. 570-242-1922 4BR/3BA HOUSE on 71.5 acres with 18 stall horse barn in Parrish, Florida. Call Steve Georgie 941-321-6253 at Keller Williams Realty
REAL ESTATE: LOTS FOR SALE GORGEOUS LOT (14,160 Sq. Ft) (80 X 177) Located at 1107 Palma Sola Blvd. Stunning views of Palma Sola Bay with great potential for new construction. For more details contact Gregg Bayer at AMI Beaches Real Estate 941-799-9096
AMISUN.COM
FREE HOME
DELIVERY!
RENTALS: ANNUAL 2BR/2BA home, 55 + community, 1,600 s/f water & trash incl. w/d, community pool & shuffle board, Golf privileges available. Big yard, canal view, tile & carpet, Newly renovated throughout . 1 car garage, close to shopping & restaurants. Available immediately East Bradenton $1,600/ mo. 1st, last & security. 2BR/2BA home 1650 s/f lawn care incl. w/d , tile & wood , 1 carport, 1st, last $1,350/mo, $1000 sec dep. Available immediately. NO PETS AT THIS PROPERTY Near St. Stevens. Pinebrook Condo 2BR/2BA 1500 s/f golf course frontage beautiful condo w/ den, Wood floors, splendid granite kitchen, vaulted ceilings great views, carport. $1,500/mo, first, last & security. Credit & background required on all applicants over 18. DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www.teamduncan.com ANNUAL RENTAL and CONDOMINIUM Association management serviced by (2) offices open 7 days a week! Contact kate@ islandreal.com – 941-3451295 - Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island, Inc. ANNUAL RENTALS: 3BR Townhouse in Palma Sola Trace. 1 car garage, heated community pool. Brand new! $1700/mo. First, Last, Security. Contact kate@ islandreal.com or 941-3451295. Island Real Estate. ANNUAL RENTALS WEST BRADENTON: 2BR/2BA house with large yard 3803 15th Ave W $1300/ mo. 3BR/2BA/2CG Duplex $1300/mo. First & 1 month Security deposit. Credit check required. Call 941-809-2488 ANNUAL RENTAL HOLMES BEACH Small 1BR efficiency. Available May 1 $850/ mo First & 1 month security. Credit Check required. Call 941-809-2488 BRADENTON BEACH Owner managed 3BR/2BA townhouse. Nice gulf views. 3 stall parking. Pets considered. Steps to beach. Furnished/unfurnished. $1700 Call 941-7828556
45
RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455 ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fl Condos. Pool beach access, fully equipped $650-$750/ wk Redekercondos.com 941-778-1915 WILLKOMMEN AUF AMI! Besuchen Sie Island Real Estate in einem unserer Inselbüros (6101 Marina Drive oder 419 Pine Ave) mit unserem deutschsprachigen Reservierungsservice und erhalten ein freies Island Real Estate Baseball Cap! Wir geben Ihnen gerne mehr Auskunft über unsere 250 ausgewählte Feriendomizile für Ihren nächsten Urlaub!
REAL ESTATE: OUT OF AREA NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAIN Land for sale: a rare find - gently sloping mountain land, 3 1/2 plus acres with building lot, electric, water and septic installed. Storage bldg, apple trees facing south. Near Cashiers and Lake Glenville. $75,000. Call 941-778-5966. MOUNTAIN LAND BARGAINS. Direct flights from all FL airports. 1 hour from Atlanta. Estate sized parcels up to 80% off starting at $29,900. Call 888-5939848 ext. 102
TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport services: Tampa $85, Sarasota $35, Clearwater $75, Fort Meyers $150, Orlando $150. Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www.amitaxi.com TOWN CAR SERVICES, All airports served. Local and Long distance services available. Call Glen 941225-0072
46
THE SUN
classified
Call us today! 941-778-3986 MAY 6, 2015
www.amisun.com
MAY 6, 2015
business & service directory computer service
home improvement
home improvement
THE SUN
Call today to place your ad: 941-778-3986 movers
painting
HOME SERVICES
HOME SITTING / PET SITTING
47
PEST CONTROL
transportation
48
THE SUN
www.amisun.com
MAY 6, 2015