Anna Maria Island Sun May 15, 2024

Shining through

Mayors discuss law enforcement consolidation

Consolidating law enforcement services on Anna Maria Island remains an unresolved challenge.

BY JOE HENDRICKS

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth are not on the same page when it comes to the potential consolidation of law enforcement services, with each mayor preferring their city’s law enforcement agency take over policing in both cities. As is the case in most cities, law enforcement on Anna Maria Island is the most expensive public service provided to residents, visitors and businesses. With the looming threat of state-imposed consolidation

facing the three Island cities, the three Island mayors continue to look for cost-cutting measures that would save taxpayers’ dollars and potentially appease state legislators who requested the consolidation study being conducted by the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA). Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach have their own police departments and police chiefs. Anna Maria does not, and instead contracts law enforcement services from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). Led by Sgt. Brett Getman, with additional supervision provided by Lt. John Belt, the MCSO Anna Maria Unit is headquartered in the former city annex building on Pine Avenue. SEE MAYORS, PAGE 15

March tourism numbers soar

With the exception of busy holiday weekends, March remains the busiest time of year on AMI, and 2024 was no exception.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – March tourism numbers are up from last year in all three Island cities, significantly so in the City of Anna Maria. Each month, the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office reports how much income the county’s 5% tourist tax produces. The tax is collected from owners of accommodations rented for six months or less who charge the tax to their renters, who are mostly tourists. The amount of the tourist tax taken in each month is a gauge of how many people are coming to the Island in a given month, and for March, that was a big number. While Bradenton Beach was up 1% compared to 2023 and Holmes Beach was up an impressive 19% during the same period, Anna Maria showed a staggering increase of 58% over March 2023.

SEE TOURISM, PAGE 27

Season’s first shorebird nest discovered

A colony of least terns is nesting in Bradenton Beach for the first time since 2021.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The first shorebird nests this year on Anna Maria Island have been spotted and marked by Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers.

A colony of least terns began nesting the week of May 6 at an undisclosed location in Bradenton Beach. A state-designated threatened species, least terns last nested on Anna Maria Island in 2021.

As of May 9, there were four nests and 10 individual birds, according to Turtle Watch volunteer Kathy

Doddridge. When she first came across the nesting birds, there were only two nests.

Once eggs were located, volunteers marked off the area to protect the nests from human and vehicle interaction.

According to Turtle Watch, previous colonies failed due to the

SEE TERNS, PAGE 23

CINDY LANE | SUN

A bright spot graced the end of a recent gray day, with sunbeams shining through the clouds at sunset over the Gulf of Mexico off Anna Maria Island.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND TURTLE WATCH AND SHOREBIRD MONITORING SUBMITTED A least tern nesting area on Anna Maria Island is roped off to protect nests from beachgoers.

Captain: Derelict boats looming issue

A Cortez tour boat captain questions why authorities push the removal of the net camp but take no action against owners of derelict vessels.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

CORTEZ - Tour boat Capt. Kathe Fannon is questioning why authorities are focusing on the removal of Raymond “Junior” Guthrie’s net camp from the waters off Cortez while ignoring more than 20 derelict boats in the same waters.

“The net camp is who we are, it’s our heritage,” said Fannon, a fourthgeneration Cortezian. “The issue is there are 21 vessels sitting out there. They’re not registered, some have no motors or lights, and nobody is doing anything about it, but they want our net camp down.”

A civil suit against Guthrie was filed on Feb. 6, 2018 in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court when the Florida Department of Environmental Protection claimed that he had constructed

an unauthorized enclosed docking structure on sovereign submerged lands in Sarasota Bay, and asked the court for its removal.

Guthrie maintained that his family previously had a net camp in that spot and the structure was protected under the 1921 Butler Act, which awards title of submerged lands to adjacent waterfront property owners who made permanent improvements on the submerged lands.

Net camps are wooden shacks used by fishermen in days past to hang hemp and cotton fishing nets to dry.

According to historic photographs,

an eyesore and the net camp, which is historical to Cortez, has to come down?”

Fannon said she has seen boats from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the U.S. Coast Guard and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office in the area, so she said local law enforcement agencies are aware of the derelict vessels.

FWC defines a derelict vessel as one that is wrecked, junked or in substantially dismantled condition in any state waters.

there were once dozens of net camps on Sarasota Bay off Cortez.

On May 7, Judge Edward Nicholas ordered Guthrie to remove the structure within 120 days, making the deadline Sept. 4.

A request to FDEP by The Sun for comment about the process for removing the structure received no response by press time.

“There are also four boats sunk out there. They’re a hazard to navigation and leaking oil and nobody is getting them out of there,” Fannon said. “How are you going to let those boats sit out there when they’re a hazard and

Fannon said seven of the boats moored off the coast of Cortez are being rented out by one individual.

“Bradenton Beach made every one of those people leave,” Fannon said. “And now they’ve moved over to the historical fishing village.”

Bradenton Beach has strict enforcement policies regarding derelict boats in their harbor, and the city’s enforcement extends 500 feet out from shore. The boats off the coast of Cortez are moored beyond that enforcement area and fall under the jurisdiction of the

CAPT. KATHE FANNON | SUBMITTED

Capt. Kathe Fannon says derelict vessels in Cortez waters are being used as rentals.

ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

City hosts hurricane forum

It’s that time of year when Floridians start preparing for hurricane season and the city of Holmes Beach wants to give locals a helping hand with preparations and what to expect after a storm. The city’s police, code compliance, public works and building departments are coming together to host a hurricane preparedness community forum on Wednesday, May 22 at 1 p.m. at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. Topics to be discussed include how to prepare for a storm, evacuation, re-entry after a storm has passed, storm readiness, sandbags, emergency planning and what to expect after the storm. The forum is open to the public.

Beach access temporarily unavailable

To accommodate construction activities on the Coquina Path project, beach access is currently unavailable between Fifth Street South and 10th Street South. The work is expected to be completed the week of May 20. Beach access is open at Fourth Street South, as well as between 10th Street South and 11th Street South. During construction Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., road crossing assistance will be available at the 10th Street South/11th Street South beach access location, as well as at the dedicated crosswalk at Fifth Street South. Pedestrians crossing outside of construction hours should use the crosswalk at Fifth Street South.

Copeland returns to P&Z

Former Anna Maria Planning and Zoning Board member and former City Commissioner Doug Copeland returned to the planning board on May 8 and was sworn in by Deputy Clerk Fran Berrios.

CBD, hemp ordinance adopted

The Anna Maria City Commission had adopted on second and final reading Ordinance 24-923, which provides grandfathering exceptions and allows businesses with physical locations in Anna Maria to continue selling CBD and/or hemp products if they did so on or before April 1. The ordinance prohibits those businesses from expanding their existing CBD or hemp offerings. Businesses that didn’t sell CBD or hemp products prior to April 1 are not eligible for grandfathered status and are not allowed to sell any products derived from cannabis plants. Mobile sales of CBD and hemp products without a city-issued special event permit remain prohibited. Additional details pertaining to the grandfathering registration process and other specifics will be contained in an accompanying city resolution to be presented on May 23.

Clarification

It was Chuck Lester’s wish that memorial donations be made to The Center of Anna Maria Island to the attention of Jillian Ptak, P.O. Box 253, Anna Maria, FL 34216.

Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

Farrington secures petition signatures

Former

chief of staff

Scott Farrington is running against interim Supervisor of Elections James Satcher.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – Manatee County Supervisor of Elections candidate Scott Farrington has secured enough petition signatures to avoid paying a $10,133 qualifying fee.

The one-week qualifying period for county candidates begins on Monday, June 10 at noon and ends on Friday, June 14 at noon. Farrington will face interim Supervisor of Elections appointee James Satcher in the Republican primary that concludes on Tuesday, Aug. 20.

Farrington spent 12 years with the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office and was serving as chief of staff when he resigned on April 12. Farrington resigned after Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Satcher, a sitting Manatee County commissioner, to serve the remaining months of the four-year term that Supervisor of Elections Mike Bennett vacated when he resigned on March 1. Farrington filed his preliminary candidate’s paperwork in late January, long before DeSantis appointed Satcher.

DeSantis appointed Satcher to serve as the interim Supervisor of Elections despite Satcher having no previous experience supervising an election or working in an election office. Once appointed, Satcher forfeited the remaining months of his District 1 county commission term.

On April 24, Satcher filed a campaign redesignation letter that stated he was resigning his candidacy for the District 1 county commission seat and running as a Supervisor of Elections candidate instead.

PETITIONS VERIFIED

When qualifying for elected office, Florida law requires candidates to pay a qualifying fee that equals 6% of the annual salary for the office sought. The qualifying fee is waived if the candidate secures enough verified petition

signatures to equal 1% of the total number of registered voters as of the last general election for the office sought.

On May 7, Satcher, as Supervisor of Elections, issued a letter to Farrington that said, “This is official notification, pursuant to Section 99.095, Florida Statutes, that you have obtained the required number of valid signatures on your candidate petitions as a Republican candidate for the office of the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections. This certification excuses you from paying the qualifying fee and any party assessment when seeking to qualify for this office.”

When contacted on May 10, Farrington said he needed 2,806 verified signatures and he submitted more than 3,500, with approximately 600 signatures still awaiting verification.

When contacted by The Sun, Supervisor of Elections Office

Deputy Chief Sharon Stief said Satcher did not previously collect petition signatures for his county commission reelection bid and did not collect petition signatures for his current Supervisor of Elections candidacy. To have his name placed on the ballot, Satcher must pay a $10,113 qualifying fee, which he can do using some of the $70,500 he previously secured for his county commission reelection bid. To date, Farrington has raised $10,300.

PRIMARY MATTERS

Florida is a closed primary state. As of May 10, no other candidates had filed to run in the Supervisor of Elections race.

If that remains the case, all of Manatee County’s registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, can vote in the Supervisor of Elections primary race.

If a Democrat or non-partyaffiliated candidate joins the race and qualifies to run, the Supervisor of Elections race becomes a closed primary race for Republican voters only. If that happens, the August primary will determine who serves as Manatee County’s next Supervisor of Elections.

As an election tactic frequently used statewide, including in Manatee County, a non-partyaffiliated candidate enters a race simply to close the primary race to the members of the other party and increase the odds of a preferred candidate winning. These primary-closing candidates generally do not solicit campaign contributions or actively campaign.

Voters are able to offset these primary closing tactics by changing their party affiliation before the potential single-party primary election takes place. July 22 is the deadline to change one’s party affiliation to Republican in order to vote in the Supervisor of Elections primary race and any applicable Republican county commission primary races. Changing party affiliation can be easily done by visiting www. RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov. Party affiliation can then be easily reversed before the general election concludes on Tuesday, Nov. 5 even though party affiliation is not relevant in a general election.

VOTESCOTTFARRINGTON.COM | SUBMITTED

Scott Farrington does not have to pay the qualifying fee.

MANATEE COUNTY | SUBMITTED

James Satcher will have to pay a $10,133 qualifying fee.

Candidate qualifying commences soon

Candidates seeking city commission or mayoral seats are now subject to Form 6 financial disclosure requirements.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The candidate qualifying periods will soon begin for those seeking election or reelection during the 2024 election cycle.

Anna Maria provides a two-week qualifying period. Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach and Manatee County provide one-week qualifying periods. All city commission and mayoral terms on the Island are two-year terms.

PRE-QUALIFYING

State law also provides pre-qualifying periods for candidates. According to Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office Chief Deputy Sharon Stief, “The pre-qualifying process is set forth in Florida Statute 99.061(8): A qualifying office may accept and hold qualifying papers submitted not earlier than 14 days prior to the

beginning of the qualifying period, to be processed and filed during the qualifying period. This is not new. Municipalities that piggyback onto the general election are able to prequalify. When the municipality has elections in off years, that provision is not in their charter.”

FORM 6

Because of a new state law that took effect on Jan.1, municipal candidates seeking election or reelection to a mayoral or city commission office must, for the first time, file a Form 6 financial disclosure form that lists the candidate’s net worth, all income sources, all debts (except credit cards) and all tangible assets valued at more than $1,000. County commission candidates were already subjected to the Form 6 filing requirements. Learn more about the Form 6 requirements at the Florida Commission on Ethics website, https:// ethics.state.fl.us/Index.aspx.

ANNA MARIA

The two-week qualifying period in Anna Maria begins on Monday, June 3 at noon and ends on Friday, June 14 at

noon. The mayor’s seat currently held by Dan Murphy and the city commission seats currently held by Gary McMullen and Mark Short are up for election in November.

Anna Maria City Clerk LeAnne Addy said during the May 9 city commission meeting that the pre-qualifying period begins on May 27. Qualifying packets will be accepted at that time, but Anna Maria candidates will not be considered qualified until the qualifying period opens on June 3.

BRADENTON BEACH

The one-week qualifying period in

Bradenton Beach begins on Monday, June 10 at noon and ends on Friday, June 14 at noon.

The Ward 2 commission seat currently held by Marilyn Maro and the Ward 3 commission seat currently held by Ralph Cole are up for election this fall.

Maro has not attended a commission meeting in person in over a year but has attended several meetings by phone.

HOLMES BEACH

The one-week qualifying period in Bradenton Beach begins on Monday, June 10 at noon and ends on Friday, June 14 at noon. The mayor’s seat currently held by Judy Titsworth and the city commission seats currently held by Dan Diggins and Greg Kerchner are up for election.

MANATEE COUNTY

The one-week qualifying period for county candidates begins on Monday, June 10 at noon and ends on Friday, June 14 at noon. County offices up for

SEE QUALIFYING, PAGE 28

OPINION

The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Scott Farrington for SOE

The election of Scott Farrington for Supervisor of Elections is one of some very important upcoming elections for steering Manatee County in a positive direction. As a member of the Host Com-

mittee, I would like to extend an invitation to you for a fundraiser hosted by former SOE Michael Bennett and Dee Bennett at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave W. in Bradenton on Wednesday, May 22 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. This event would be an excellent time to show your support for

Drop us a line

Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment? Is there something you need to get off your chest? Send us a letter to the editor and have your say. There are a couple of ways to do it. The easiest and most direct is to email

The Sun at news@amisun.com. Remember to put Letter to the Editor in the subject field. Or you can snail-mail

an experienced and trustworthy administration in this very important position.

If you can attend, please RSVP to votescottfarrington@gmail. com.

Hope to see you there!

Dick Motzer Anna Maria Island

a letter to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O. Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Letters should be kept to 300 words or less and must contain your name and the city in which you reside. Personal attacks and obscene language will not be printed. The Sun reserves the right to edit letters for length or content.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15

Kickstart your creative writing, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

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

Intro to Butterfly Gardening, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

THURSDAY, MAY 16

Seashell Shore Walk, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 9 a.m.

One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to noon Island Morning Book Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10:15 a.m.

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

FRIDAY, MAY 17

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

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

Macrame plant hanger workshop, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

SATURDAY, MAY 18

Mornings at the NEST, Robinson

Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon

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

Cortez Community Picnic, Miller Dock, end of 123rd Street West, Cortez, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please bring a dish to share.

Starry Night Astronomy, Robinson

Preserve expansion parking lot, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 8 p.m.

MONDAY, MAY 20

Digital sketchbook studio, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

TUESDAY, MAY 21

Summer Turtle Talks, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

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

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

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22

OneBlood mobile blood drive, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m.

Kickstart your creative writing, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

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

THURSDAY, MAY 23

Wildlife Spotlight: Butterflies, Perico Preserve pavilion, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 9 a.m.

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

Tree Tots: Water Wonders, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m.

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

AMI Chamber Business Card

Exchange with AMI Turtle Watch and Timber Creek Golf Course, Timber Creek Golf Course, 4550 Timber Lane at the intersection of Cortez Road, Bradenton, 5-7 p.m., $5 for members or $10 for prospective members

FRIDAY, MAY 24

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

Rock garden rock painting, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

SATURDAY, MAY 25

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

Tram tour, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

MONDAY, MAY 27

Memorial Day

TUESDAY, MAY 28

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

ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

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

May 23, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting

May 27, all day – Memorial Day, city offices closed

BRADENTON BEACH

107 GULF DRIVE N.

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005

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

May 15, 1 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting May 27, all day – Memorial Day, city offices closed

HOLMES BEACH

5801 MARINA DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800

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

May 17, 11:30 a.m. – Police Officer’s Pension Board meeting

May 22, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting

May 27, all day – Memorial Day, city offices closed May 28, 10 a.m. – Code Compliance special magistrate hearing

May 28, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow

ISLAND-WIDE

May 21, 6 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue board meeting, administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton

Marina bar owner gets forgiveness, permission

Bradenton Beach building official Darin Cushing reminds businesses to apply for permits before opening.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – A bar at Bradenton Beach Marina that opened prior to receiving city permits has completed the application process and received an “after the fact” permit on May 1.

“We received an application for the building permit on April 9,” Bradenton Beach Building Official Darin Cushing wrote in a May 6 email to The Sun. “After several reviews by the Building Department and the Fire Marshal's office, the permit was issued on May 1.” Cushing said an after the fact permit is issued when much of the work is already completed and permit fees are increased in accordance with the city’s Land Development Code.

“Inspections were then performed, which were able to be done quickly, again, since the majority of the work had already been completed. Final requirements were met on Friday, May 3, and final inspections completed and passed, and the bar allowed to open that day,” Cushing said.

On March 25, the marina Facebook page announced the opening of the bar at the marina, serving beer and wine. Cushing said he saw that post on Facebook and on March 26 issued a cease and desist order which was posted in the bar area.

The Bradenton Beach Marina and the Nautilus Bar at 402 Church St. is owned by developer Shawn Kaleta.

“I have a fully open door, anytime somebody has an idea for a project, come talk to me ahead of time,” Cushing said to The Sun in April. “Do it that way, then you apply, and get approval and then you do the work.”

Fire causes widespread outages

AMI residents and visitors who lost Spectrum service on May 11 were not alone. Lorelie Johnson, a representative from the internet, cable and phone company, said that a fire in Pinellas Park on a utility pole damaged lines, causing outages as far south as Sarasota for some Spectrum customers. The damaged lines took

several hours to repair though she said service was restored to all customers by late afternoon on Saturday. During the outage, customers reported issues with internet, cable and phone service. Though the damage occurred over 40 miles north of AMI, Johnson said the fire caused a domino effect of outages along Florida’s west coast.

Cortez picnic Saturday

The annual Cortez Community Picnic will be held on Saturday, May 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Miller Dock at the end of 123rd Street West. Please bring a dish to share.

Fish will be provided by A.P. Bell Fish Co. and beverages by the Cortez Village Historical Society. Music will be provided by Tony Constantinos and friends.

The free presentation on Tuesday mornings is open to the public.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH - The first weekly Turtle Tracks and Shorebird Facts presentation by Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers at Holmes Beach City Hall on May 7 was filled with information about sea turtle habitats, nesting and protection.

Turtle Watch volunteer Karen Anderson led the presentation, which began with the history of sea turtle nesting on Anna Maria Island. She said sea turtles were first documented on the Island in the 1950s.

“Anna Maria Island is home to 400-500 sea turtle nests each year,” Anderson said. The sea turtle nesting season runs from April 15 through Oct. 31.

The two types of sea turtles seen locally are the loggerhead, the most commonly seen, and the green turtle.

“The adult loggerhead weighs from 200 to 300 pounds, has a large head and eats mollusks and crabs,” Anderson said. “The green turtle has an adult weight of 300 to 400 pounds, has a smaller

Weekly turtle, bird talks begin

head and eats seagrass.”

Using slides, Anderson described the nesting habits of sea turtles.

“One female can lay a nest every two weeks,” Anderson said. “She comes ashore to lay a nest. She can lay three to eight nests per season. She returns to nest every two years - this is the normal cycle of most sea turtles.”

Anderson said Turtle Watch volunteers are on the local beaches early each day to monitor and mark new nests.

Volunteers are trained to determine the types of turtles that have nested based on their tracks, as well as being able to observe tracks in the sand to tell when hatchlings have become disoriented.

Sea turtle nesting occurs at night. The female crawls out of the water to find a suitable nesting place. She then digs a 1.5- to 3-foot hole and deposits approximately 100 eggs the size of ping pong balls.

Sea turtles are easily frightened by movement and lights, Anderson said, and she stressed the importance of people keeping away from nesting turtles and not using lights on the beach at night.

“Hatchlings emerge as a group at night,” she said. “They crawl to the water by instinct.”

She said that artificial light-

ing on or near the beach is a common cause of hatchling disorientation.

“The sex of the hatchling is determined by the temperature in the nest,” Anderson said. Warmer temperatures in the nest result in females and cooler temperatures result in males.

Anderson listed some threats to sea turtles on land: Habitat loss from seawalls

and erosion, obstacles, such as holes in the sand that can entrap turtles, items such as beach furniture left out at night, predators and artificial lighting.

Anderson also discussed the shorebirds that nest on Anna Maria Island - the black skimmer, snowy plover and least tern.

A least tern nesting colony was recently documented and

marked in Bradenton Beach.

“A shorebird nest is a shallow hole in the sand called a scrape,” Anderson said. “The eggs and chicks are camouflaged in the sand, so it’s important to be careful when walking on the beach.”

Shorebirds nest between March and August and hatching occurs between April and September.

“We hope to entice many visitors to these talks so they can learn about how to be turtle- and shorebird-friendly Beach Heroes while they enjoy the beautiful AMI beaches,” Turtle Watch Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella said.

The talks take place every Tuesday from 10-11 a.m. through August, and are free and open to the public.

NESTING NEWS

Turtle nests laid: 6 (Record: 544 in 2019) False crawls: 4 (Record: 831 in 2010) Nests hatched: 0 (Record: 453 in 2022) Hatchlings hatched: 0 (Record: 35,850 in 2022)

Hatchling disorientations: 0

Adult disorientations: 0

Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Turtle Watch volunteer Karen Anderson presents a weekly Turtle Tracks and Shorebird Facts talk on Tuesday morning at Holmes Beach City Hall with Hollis Hatfield, dressed as Turtle Watch mascot, Journey.

Anna Maria hosting Patriotic Symphony Salute

The city of Anna Maria will host its annual Memorial Day Patriotic Symphony Salute at City Pier Park on Monday, May 27 at 10 a.m. The free event will feature recognition ceremonies for military veterans and their spouses and patriotic music performed by the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra, with conductor Leonard Murphy providing brief explanations of each song performed. An honor guard consisting of local high school ROTC members will present the colors. While dogs are generally allowed in City Pier

Park, they will not be allowed during the city-hosted special event. Between 9 a.m. and noon, the 500 block of Pine Avenue, the 100 block of South Bay Boulevard and the 100 block of North Bay Boulevard will be closed to vehicular traffic. While the trolley stop at the City Pier is also temporarily closed, the trolley will drop off passengers near the South Bay Boulevard/Magnolia Avenue intersection and pick up passengers at the South Bay Boulevard/Spring Avenue intersection.

City Pier Park produce sales continue

The Anna Maria City Commission has approved allowing farmers market vendors Fibela Produce and Milagros Produce to continue selling produce on Tuesdays at City Pier Park on May 14, May 21 and May 28 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. as an extension of the city-sponsored farmers market that largely concluded for the season on May 7.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Military veterans are recognized during Anna Maria’s annual Memorial Day salute.

Island Players prepare for next season’s lineup

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA - Manatee County’s oldest community theater is preparing for its upcoming 76th season.

The Island Players wrapped its 75th season on May 12 and have planned next season’s lineup. According to Island Players’ Board President Cathy Hansel-Edgerton, next season will include a combination of mystery, comedy and thought-provoking stories. The plays are:

• “Crimes of the Heart” by Beth Henley, Sept.19-29, directed by Mike Lusk;

• “A Doublewide Texas Christmas” by Jones, Hope and Wooten, Nov. 1424, directed by Kelly Wynn Woodland;

• “Birthday Suite” by Robin Hawdon, Jan. 9-26, directed by Heiko Knipfelberg;

• “Death By Design” by Rob Urbinati, March 13-30, directed by Preston Boyd;

• “Grace and Glorie” by Tom Ziegler,

May 8-18, directed by Jim Thaggard. Season tickets are on sale now, and can be purchased at www.

Kids rock out ‘50s-style at Roser

BY KRISTIN SWAIN

SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – It was a rockin’ good time as the Roser Youth Performing Arts troupe presented “Noah’s Rockin’ Ark Adventure” on May 10. This year’s musical came just in time for Mother’s Day on May 12 and featured a cast of 20 children and teens telling the story of Noah and the ark with an old-fashioned soda shoppe twist. The cast consisted of Alex Serra as Noah, Ariyah Carlton as Shonda, Sarah ten Haaf as Rhonda, Elizabeth ten Haaf as Flo, Jackson Glasscock as Shem, Shane Minyoung as Ham, Paul ten Haaf as Japheth and Julia Karakas as the Dove. Joining the

Members of the Roser Youth Performing Arts group kick off “Noah’s Rockin’ Ark Adventure” on May 10 with a rousing tune in Noah’s Soda Shoppe.

cast onstage were chorus members Hailey Pemberton, Bea Holton, Star Minyoung, Lainey Reed, Jordan Tobey and Karakas. Holton and Pemberton also performed as dancers. Some of

the younger members of the group boarded the ark dressed adorably as animals ranging from a puppy to a kangaroo, including Jordan Simonetti, Owen Serra, Violet Sanger, Keagan

The winners of The Island Players 2024 scholarships are Ellison Ashlock (Manatee School for the Arts), Lily Edwards (Manatee High School), Marissa Woelfel (Parrish Community High School) and Henry Zheng (Manatee High School). Each of the Manatee County students received $2,000 to continue their educations.

theislandplayers.org by downloading a subscription form and mailing it with payment to The Island Players Box Office, P.O. Box 2059, Anna Maria FL, 34216. Season subscription sales end Sept. 1. More than two-thirds of the 75th season’s plays were sold out, so a subscription will guarantee a seat for every production.

Sanger, Ava Czajkowski, Asher ten Haaf and James ten Haaf.

The musical, written by Ken Medema and Mark Cabaniss, was directed by Roser Director of Music Ministries Craig Ramberger with Brandon Kouri as assistant director and performing as musical accompaniment to the singers. Glenda Beck served as stage manager with Emily Glasscock as technical director.

The performance ended with two standing ovations and the cast members presenting mothers and grandmothers in the audience with roses in honor of Mother’s Day. A reception was held afterwards with ice cream donated by Holy Cow. A cast and crew party is planned for later in the week with pizza donated by Pizza Social.

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KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Commission supports five proposed charter amendments

Anna Maria’s registered voters will ultimately decide which proposed amendments are adopted or rejected, including one confirming height limits.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – City commissioners have reached a preliminary consensus on six charter amendments proposed by the volunteer charter review committee.

On May 9, the commission reached a majority consensus in support of five potential charter amendments, while rejecting one proposed amendment.

Adopted when a city is first established, a city charter, among other things, sets forth how the city government is structured and how the city is governed. An adopted city charter can only be amended with the majority support of the city’s registered voters.

HOME RULE

The city commission supports a proposed charter amendment that would add mission statement-like language to the city charter that declares the city of Anna Maria will continue to take steps to maintain home rule and the detached single-family

home residential character of the city.

The proposed amendment is inspired by the Florida Legislature’s continued attacks on the city’s home rule rights, including the Legislature’s request for an Island-wide consolidation study currently underway.

HEIGHT LIMITS

The commission supports a proposed ordinance that would set forth in the charter building height restrictions already contained in the city’s comprehensive plan and building codes.

“Right now, our comprehensive plan says all structures shall be limited to no more than two residential/habitable floors and 37 feet above the crown of the abutting road,” City Attorney Becky Vose said when

suggesting that the language be included in the proposed amendment.

Regarding exceptions for air conditioning equipment and other items that exceed the established height limit, Vose suggested additional language that states a variance can only be granted by a majority vote of the city commission, and only if the variance is consistent with city code.

The height limits currently established in the comp plan and building codes can be changed or abolished by a simple majority vote of the city commission. Building height limits outlined in the city charter could only be changed or abolished with the majority support of Anna Maria’s registered voters.

RESIDENCY OF MAYOR

The commission supports a proposed amendment that would establish residency requirements for the mayor and city commissioners once they take office. Currently, the charter only addresses residency requirements for candidates seeking elected office.

CITY OFFICERS, COMMISSIONERS

The commission supports a proposed amendment that clarifies which city employees serve as officers of the city and an amendment that would eliminate the ability of a single commissioner to schedule a special city commission meeting.

GENDER NEUTRAL LANGUAGE

As an item that does not require voter approval, the commission supports the committee’s suggestion to replace all gender-specific pronouns contained in the charter with non-gender-specific nouns.

The commission rejected an amendment that proposed that the sale or long-term lease of a city-owned property require the unanimous approval of the city commission rather than the simple majority (three votes) currently set forth in the charter.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Anna Maria City Commission supports five of the six amendments proposed by the charter review committee.

Latest Pine Avenue bid rejected

Anna Maria will pursue a piecemeal approach to installing long-desired safety improvements along Pine Avenue.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Following Mayor Dan Murphy’s recommendation, the city commission rejected the latest Reimagining Pine Avenue bid received from C-Squared.

On May 9, the commission voted 5-0 in favor of rejecting C-Squared’s approximately $1.4 million bid to construct a oneblock Reimagining Pine Avenue prototype area that was to include new brick paver sidewalks along both sides of the Pine Avenue from Gulf Drive to North Shore Drive, and new crosswalks in that same one-block area. The sidewalks and crosswalks were to be funded by a state appropriation previously approved by the Florida Legislature. Using a different funding source, the city also planned to install new streetlights in the one-block area that would serve as a test area for similar safety improvements to be made later along the rest of Pine Avenue.

The latest rejected bid marks the fourth time since 2022 that the city commission has rejected

The city hopes to transform the unpaved paths along Pine Avenue into brick paver sidewalks.

a project-related bid from CSquared. The previous three bids received in 2022 and 2023 were for the entire stretch of Pine Avenue. In all four instances, CSquared was the only construction company to submit a bid proposal in response to the city’s request for proposals (RFP).

Murphy said he didn’t consider the latest C-Squared bid received in April to be a “good value proposition.” During a previous discussion, Murphy noted that

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

C-Squared previously bid $1.4 million to install sidewalks and crosswalks along the entire stretch of Pine Avenue.

On May 9, Murphy said he met with a C-Squared representative in hopes of lowering the latest bid. The company offered to reduce the bid by $56,000.

The mayor now proposes taking a piecemeal approach for three separate but related projects, starting with sidewalks, then crosswalks and then streetlights.

I’d like to put a focus on local contractors who can do this work.”

Dan Murphy, Anna Maria mayor

“I’d like to put a focus on local contractors who can do this work,” Murphy told the commission. “There are a couple that are interested already who’d like to look at this more on a micro basis than a macro basis.”

When asked if another RFP, or multiple RFPs, would be issued for the separate projects, Murphy said he didn’t know yet.

Commissioner Jon Crane again suggested seeking input from potentially interested contractors before drafting and issuing another RFP.

Commissioner Gary McMullen asked if the city’s public works department could carry out some of the project-related tasks. Murphy said that’s possible as long as the department has the needed manpower and equipment.

Kiwanis awards two scholarships

Kiwanis of Anna Maria Island has awarded two $1,000 scholarships to State College of Florida Key Club members. Above, from left are Patricia Webster (scholarship committee) with Tracy Troung, her mother, Amy, and Claudette Welch (scholarship committee). Troung’s scholarship was funded by Sue LaMastro in memory of her husband, Dr. Bob LaMastro, a long-time Kiwanis of AMI member. Below, Patricia Webster (scholarship committee) with Jaden Klusacek, her parents, Mark and Sandy Klusacek, and Claudette Welch (scholarship committee).

MAYORS: Discuss law enforcement consolidation

On April 23, Titsworth met with State Rep. Will Robinson Jr. to discuss consolidation and the concerns associated with that state-imposed scenario. Titsworth then told The Sun that she and Police Chief Bill Tokajer were in preliminary talks with Murphy about the Holmes Beach Police Department taking over law enforcement in Anna Maria.

Titsworth told The Sun the two cities would research the financial numbers associated with the potential consolidation of law enforcement services, and also the potential drafting of an interlocal agreement between the two cities.

Murphy addressed then these matters during the May 9 Anna Maria City Commission meeting.

“The article said Mayor Titsworth and I were working together on looking at having Holmes Beach provide police services for the city of Anna Maria and that we were preparing an interlocal agreement to do just that. That’s not the case,” Murphy said.

“Mayor Titsworth and I had a phone conversation shortly after she met with Representative Robinson. I said

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office Anna Maria Unit recently moved out of the city hall building and into the former city annex building on Pine Avenue.

the elephant in the room is public safety. We’re operating with three separate police forces,” Murphy said.

Murphy noted Anna Maria is paying $1.3 million for contracted MCSO law enforcement services for the current 2023-24 fiscal year, the lowest of the three Island cities.

For the current fiscal year, Holmes Beach budgeted $4.63 million for its police department and Bradenton Beach budgeted $1.77 million. Com-

bined, the three cities budgeted $7.7 million for law enforcement.

“If you really wanted to save the taxpayers’ money, which has always been the caveat in consolidating, that’s what should be looked at,” Murphy said.

Murphy said Titsworth did tell him that she would look into Holmes Beach providing police services to Anna Maria, but he favors a different approach - eliminating the Holmes

Beach and Bradenton Beach police departments and contracting the sheriff’s office to provide Island-wide law enforcement services.

“I’m very pleased with the services the sheriff is providing us. We have far more scope of services with the sheriff’s department than we could ever have with an Island-wide police force,” Murphy said, noting the sheriff’s office has a helicopter, K-9 officers, detectives, marine patrol officers and more.

“The array of services are almost endless from a public safety standpoint and they’re economical. To me, that would be significant savings,” Murphy said.

When contacted by The Sun the following day, Titsworth confirmed that she and Murphy discussed the two cities sharing a police force. She then noted Holmes Beach has mutual aid agreements with the sheriff’s office and other law enforcement agencies in Manatee County regarding the sharing of technology, equipment and services. She also said the sheriff’s office provides Holmes Beach with additional assistance during highvolume holiday weekends.

BOATS: Derelict boats looming issue

FROM PAGE 3

Manatee County Sheriff’s Office for tagging and then under FWC’s authority for removal.

Another local boat captain who asked not to be identified said, “There is one lady who has been collecting abandoned boats and renting them out. They (the boats) are coming from Bradenton Beach now, people are bringing their boats from the anchorage to the mangrove island” off Cortez.

He said there are two boats with trash tied up in the mangroves, along with an unregistered boat that sank two years ago.

“Every agency I've sent messages to can't do anything. I can

City christens new sculpture garden

Holmes Beach city staff, elected officials, members of the city’s Parks and Beautification Committee, Anna Maria Island Garden Club members, Friends of the Island Library members, and members of both the Scott Eason and Tyler Lancaster families all gathered on May 7 for the dedication of the Holmes Beach Wind Sculpture Garden on Marina Drive in front of the Island Branch Library. The Lynman Whitaker wind sculpture was donated by the garden club with assistance from the city. The Lancaster and Eason families donated materials, labor and funds for the installation of the wind sculpture and surrounding landscaping, producing the pocket park in front of the library’s vibrant mural.

report to FWC. All they do is, if they find who's dumping trash, is write a citation. Does not fix

anything. They don't sticker abandoned boats,” he said. “FWC can only get in here on a high tide.”

Third wind sculpture installed

A new $6,500 wind sculpture now stands near the entrance to the Anna Maria City Pier, across the street from two similar but slightly different wind sculptures previously installed in City Pier Park. JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

MANATEE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORICAL IMAGE DIGITAL COLLECTION | SUBMITTED

A historical aerial photograph of Cortez shows multiple net camps off the village’s coast.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

New book highlights Drift In’s past, present, future

Two locals teamed up to write “Drift In, Stumble Out.”

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Casey Hoffman and Paul “Big Sexy” Weremecki have written a book about the Drift In bar.

Published in March, the 144-page book is aptly titled, “Drift In, Stumble Out” and tells the tale of one of Florida’s great dive bars.

Chapter 1 opens with the following passage: “There’s a host of reasons one would come to the Drift In on Anna Maria Island, such as to enjoy a frosty cold beverage, to try their hand at karaoke, play bingo or bar fun, perhaps listen to some of the best music on the Island or meet up with friends. You may even walk out with a mate.”

Some sections were written solely by one of the authors and others were written collectively. The book also contains numerous photos of the characters, past and present, who’ve contributed to the bar’s legacy, including former owner Babe Ruth, previous owner Joe Cuervo, current owner Derek Williams (Cuervo’s son-in-law) and the staff members, musicians, locals, part-time residents and visitors who helped make the Drift In “one of the most unique watering holes in America,” according to musician Mike “Mac” McConnell.

The book’s front cover features some of the old photos that hang near the front window, including a classic photo of bar manager Doreen Flynn sporting an impressively high and curly Afro-style hairdo.

The back cover notes the book was “Written from the dual perspectives of both patrons and a ‘Dive Bar Worthy’ bartender (Weremecki).”

Hoffman and Weremecki each wrote a chapter about their relationships with the bar. Another chapter is dedicated to the bar’s iconic, sexy and worldrenowned mannequin, Mannie. Other chapter titles include “As the Barstool Turns,” “Extraordinary Crew Members,” “Timeless Entertainment” and “Drifting and Stumbling Into the Future.”

The book is available at the Drift In for $25 and also at Amazon.com.

AUTHORS’ INSIGHTS

Hoffman owns the Holmes Beachbased Zegway by the Bay business and serves as a tour guide while giving Segway tours of the Island. She was also the co-founder of the now-defunct AMI Radio station that used to broadcast from the Magnolia Hotel building on Bridge Street that was demolished earlier this year.

In addition to bartending at the Drift In, Weremecki and his wife, Laurie Lancaster, co-founded the Sunrise Hope

nonprofit organization that assists foster children (www.SunriseHope.org). He’s also the founder of the AMI drum circle in Holmes Beach.

“The Drift In has been such a big part of my life since I moved here,” Hoffman said. “The book is a way to give back to the community and tell a fun story about our favorite little watering hole and the people that come through there. There’s always a sense of community, family and friends when you come to the Drift.”

“The Drift was the first bar I went to on the Island when I moved here in 2020,” Weremecki said. “I had my eye on working there and it finally happened last July. The book is a quick, easy read and it makes a nice souvenir. We share some memories and some of the things that go on here.”

“We got to sit with Joe Cuervo and he shared some stories with us,” Hoffman said. “We had to verify a couple things, like when Bridge Street became the happening street on the Island, when the original bridge was built, when the Pines Trailer Park used to be a campground and about Babe Ruth owning the bar. It turns out his father owned several saloons back where he was born.”

Once written, the book was assembled in Microsoft Word, saved as a PDF file,

uploaded to Kindle Direct Publishing and self-published at Amazon.

“The tricky part was the cover, the spine and the back of the book,” Hoffman said. “We always knew that was the cover we wanted. Thankfully, it worked.”

For those who want to publish their own book, Hoffman said, “I encourage people to give it a try. It’s challenging but very rewarding.”

So far, the pair has sold about 150 copies of their book.

“Some of the proceeds will go to charities supported by the Drift, including Sunrise Hope,” Weremecki noted.

“We’re working on getting the book into some shops on the Island and we’re working on a Kindle E-book version too,” Hoffman said.

On April 14, the authors held a book signing party at the Drift In.

“It was so much fun,” Hoffman said. “A couple people said they already started reading the book and couldn’t put it down. One lady said she read it in one sitting at the beach. We also got some great feedback from the bar owners and Doreen. They were very supportive of our project.”

“We sold about 30 copies in a few hours,” Weremecki added.

Those who want a signed copy of the book can swing by the Drift In

during one of Weremecki’s shifts. He’s there Mondays from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m., Wednesdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.

“It was lot of fun to write. We enjoyed it and hope whoever buys it enjoys it,” Weremecki said.

“It was a true joy to be able to write the book and help tell the story of a place I love as part of my hometown community,” Hoffman said.

The authors hope to develop a live show at the Drift In that serves as an extension of the book.

“People have emailed saying they have pictures they want to share and stories they want to tell. We’re going to do it live on Facebook and make it a podcast too,” Hoffman said.

EFFORTS APPRECIATED

Williams and his wife, Helena, bought the Drift In from her parents a few years ago.

“Helena and I both enjoyed the book,” Williams said. “‘Drift In Stumble Out’ is a funny and honest take on an Island original. The team did a great job sharing anecdotes about the Drift: Babe Ruth, the legacy of ownership, the talented musicians and the unique circus of individuals that enjoy our establishment. We’re really proud of Paulie for all he does.”

Flynn said, “I thought it was wellwritten and I loved the fact that our entertainers were featured.”

General Manager Dan Zelko said, “It’s fantastic. I love the fact that ‘Big Sexy’ helped write the book and that he loves the bar as much as he does – we all do. He did a great job of expressing how the bar really is. He’s here and he understands it. We appreciate that.”

JACKIE HANSEN | SUBMITTED

Casey Hoffman and Paul Weremecki wrote a book about their favorite bar, the Drift In. The “Drift In, Stumble Out” cover features some of the old photos that hang inside the bar. These old photos pay tribute to past and present patrons and staff members.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Drift In’s tiki hut provides outdoor seating and bar service.

Blooms By The Beach

Your Island Florist

Anna Maria Island's premiere choice for beautiful floral, helping families celebrate all of life's experiences! Some of our most dynamic designs are for weddings held throughout AMI and the surrounding area, offering unique, specially-crafted wedding work to ensure your wedding is spectacular!

Our one-of-a-kind design studio is open to the public five days a week, Tuesday - Friday 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. offering: daily deliveries and pick-up orders, customized floral for weddings and private events, weekly corporate accounts, support to local nonprofits with fundraising efforts/church services/thank you arrangements and so much more!

Other services and products offered include:

- Tropical flowers - succulent gardens

- Ceramic and basket dish gardens

- Potted orchids - air plants

- Hawaiian leis - balloons

- Chocolates - gourmet gift baskets

- Cheesecakes

- Gift certificates (Both for our shop and other Island businesses)

- Local products and special requests

- Wedding/event decor rentals

Our delivery area includes: Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, St. Armand's Circle/Lido Key/Bird Key, West Bradenton, North Sarasota

Blooms By The Beach schedules all wedding and event consultations for either an in-person visit, via phone or as a Zoom call. For more information about our floral and event services, please visit our website at: www.bloomsbythebeach.com to schedule an appointment or call the shop at 941.778.2555.

High school sweethearts Joseph and Shona Otto were married just celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary. They were married May 6th, 2000. The beach wedding was held over the boardwalk on Willow Avenue on Anna Maria. They celebrated their 24th anniversary with a hiking and zip lining adventure in Puerto Rico.

Want your wedding photos to be featured here? Submit them to ads@amisun.com, subject 'Wedding Photos' along with your names, date of wedding and location and phone number for a chance to be featured here*.

*Submission of photo not a guarantee for placement. The Sun is not responsible for any copyright infringement.

SHONA OTTO | SUBMITTED

SHONA

SHONA OTTO | SUBMITTED

OUTDOORS

Try a beach fishing adventure

re you an accidental angler? Someone who might not be passionate about fishing but who has always wondered what all the hype is about? Maybe you’re an avid freshwater angler from the north unfamiliar with the salt. Whatever your situation, if you want to get a taste of some of the area’s best summer angling with no hassle, beach fishing for snook with Capt. Steve Herich of Beach Fishing Adventures is a terrific option.

Capt. Steve has been fishing almost all his life.

“I started in Canada, fishing freshwater with my uncle Hop. He taught me how to catch frogs and crawfish for bass and how to fillet fish when I was 9 years old. I also fished a lot as a kid with my grandpa in Lake Isabella in California for bluegill and the nearby Kern River for rainbow trout,” he said. “In Florida, I’ve been fishing the local beaches since 1992 and always loved it. I had a boat at one time and went out with friends on their boats, but always gravitated back to shore. After leaving my 17-year insurance career here in Sarasota, I was ready to try something new. In 2011, my old friend Harry was fishing with me one day and an older lady walked up with questions about fishing since her grandsons were visiting and liked to fish. Harry spoke up and said Steve can show you how to fish and the lady booked me the next day. The rest is history and Beach Fishing Adventures was born officially in 2012. It’s been my full-time career since then and I love the opportunity to show folks that you

can catch great fish and make wonderful memories, all with no boat in sight.”

I recently had the opportunity to fish with Capt. Steve on the beach near my home on Longboat Key. When I arrived on a beautiful early spring morning, Capt. Steve was busy catching bait from a local pier. After hellos, I took over the bait catching duties. While he prepared the tackle for the day's fishing, I baited a spinning rod with small pieces of shrimp. Action was fast and in only a few minutes we had a baitwell brimming with small pinfish and whiting. I was impressed with the captain’s homemade rolling beach cart that he had built specifically for fishing the beach. It was equipped with large tires to handle the often soft sands and equipped with rod holders and space for his bait and tackle.

We began fishing around a rock riprap structure along the beach. Capt. Steve ap-

proached the structure and quietly entered the water until he had a view of the whole perimeter where he spotted a snook to target. Reaching into the baitwell he hooked a small pinfish through the lips and made a cast to the outside of the structure. He then slowly maneuvered the bait into the path of the snook. Moments later he was hooked up to a 28-inch snook that made a hard run to the structure. Backing up while working the fish away from the structure, I watched as he expertly played the fish to the beach. We then moved farther down the beach where some trees had fallen into the water, providing the perfect habitat for snook. Unfortunately, the

beach was filling up with tourists and they were in the water where the snook were congregated. We fished the area anyway and managed a couple of halfhearted strikes before deciding to move back up the beach. At another rock outcropping on the Gulf, Herich spotted a group of fish and made a cast in their direction. Almost as soon as his bait hit the water it was blasted by what turned out to be a fat sea trout. Herich decided it was getting too crowded and suggested we move to another spot further to the south on Longboat. Unfortunately, I had an obligation and couldn’t join him, but about an hour later he texted me pictures of another fat trout and two snook he had landed. Not bad for a three-hour stint on a Saturday morning. I highly recommend Capt. Steve. He’s personable, prepared and passionate, a perfect fit for anglers wanting to try their hand at catching some of the area’s most iconic fish. The fact you won’t need tackle, any experience, or a boat is icing on the proverbial cake. Book a trip with Herich by visiting his website, www.beachfishingadventures.com. You won’t be disappointed.

RUSTY CHINNIS

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

Capt. Steve Herich holds a snook that fell for live bait while fishing the beach.

TERNS: Season’s first shorebird nest discovered

presence of cats and crows, both predators of least terns. Keeping cats indoors and covering garbage to keep away crows are important for keeping the birds safe.

Least tern eggs take about 21 days to hatch. Chicks will then look for places to hide so chick huts have been placed within the perimeter of the marked area to provide shelter and shade. Least terns fly 19-20 days after hatching.

Least terns are protected by both state and federal laws.

Turtle Watch asks beachgoers to abide by the following:

• Keep your distance. If birds become agitated or leave their nests, you are too close. A general rule is to stay at least 300 feet away from a nest.

• Respect posted areas. Avoid posted nesting and resting areas and use designated walkways.

• Teach children to refrain

from intentionally forcing birds to fly. When birds are chased or disturbed, they use energy they need to reserve for nesting and migration.

• Pets are not allowed on AMI beaches. Keep dogs and cats off the beach, as even their scent can frighten birds off nests.

• Keep the beach clean and do not feed wildlife. Food scraps attract predators such as raccoons and crows to the beaches. Litter on beaches can entangle birds.

Water quality advisory in effect at Palma Sola

The Department of Health advises against water-related

activities at Palma Sola South.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

PALMA SOLA - The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County (DOH-Manatee) has issued a water quality advisory for Palma Sola South due to high bacteria levels.

Tests on May 6 and 8 indicate that the water quality at Palma Sola South does not meet the recreational water quality criteria for Enterococcus bacteria recommended by the Florida Department of Health.

Palma Sola South is at the east end of the Palma Sola Causeway and the north side of Manatee Avenue West.

DOH-Manatee advises against any water-related activities at this location due to an increased risk of illness in swimmers. Sampling conducted during water quality monitoring showed that the level of bacteria exceeds the level established by state guidelines.

COQUINA BEACH AFFECTED

Water testing on May 6 also showed a bacterial water quality level of “poor” at Coquina Beach North, but no advisory was issued. Test results on May 8 show a “moderate” level of the bacteria at both Coquina Beach North and South, one step below “good.”

Enterococci are enteric bacteria that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals. According to DOH-Manatee, “The presence of enteric bacteria can be an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife and human sewage. If they are present in high concentrations in recreational waters and are ingested while swimming or enter the skin through a cut or sore, they may cause human disease, infections or rashes.”

The advisory at Palma Sola South will continue until bacteria levels are below the accepted health level. Test results are available at FloridaHealth.gov/ HealthyBeaches. For more information, call 941-714-7596 or visit Manatee. FloridaHealth.gov.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND TURTLE WATCH AND SHOREBIRD MONITORING | SUBMITTED

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers have marked off a least tern nesting site in Bradenton Beach.

Landscaping team rescues trapped ducklings

A landscaping team from Davis Landscapes and Gardens poses for a photo on May 8 at the storm drain where they rescued four ducklings in the Harbour Isle community after resident Magi Livingston Kloetzli saw the baby birds fall in.

MAGI LIVINGSTON KLOETZLI | SUBMITTED

COMMISSION: supports five proposed charter amendments

FROM PAGE 12

Commissioner Charlie Salem withdrew his previous request for the commission to consider an additional potential amendment that would have required an appointed city commissioner to stand for election during the next general election that occurs after the appointment is made. Salem’s intent was to allow voters to decide if an appointed commissioner would remain in office for the remainder of the appointed term.

Vose will now draft separate ordinances for each commissionsupported amendment. Each ordinance will contain the exact ballot language and summary language to be presented to Anna Maria voters.

Right

now, our comprehensive plan says all structures shall be limited to no more than two residential/habitable floors and 37 feet above the crown of the abutting road.”

Becky Vose, city attorney

The adoption of those ordinances requires two public hearings and a final commission vote during the second hearing. The commissionapproved ballot questions will then be transmitted to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office for inclusion on this fall’s general election ballot.

BEACH BEAT

BRADENTON BEACH

5/5, 6:11 p.m., warrant arrest, 2700 Gulf Drive. While on patrol, the officer ran a license plate that came back expired. After initiating a traffic stop on the truck, the registered owner of the vehicle came back as having an active warrant out of Manatee County. The driver had her daughter in the vehicle, so the officer allowed her to contact her parents, who came and took custody of the child. The driver was then placed in handcuffs and transported to the station where a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputy took custody of the driver for transport to jail.

HOLMES BEACH

5/1, 11 p.m., trespassing, 4000 Gulf Drive. While patrolling Manatee Beach, the officer pulled behind an occupied car that was parked after hours in the lot. When he spoke to the driver about the lot being closed and issued her a parking ticket,

she became irate and talked over the officer. The officer issued the driver a trespass warning and told her if she returned to the lot she would be subject to arrest. As the female drove away, she threw trash out the door onto the parking lot, so the officer pulled her over again and issued her a ticket for littering. About 20 minutes later, the officer noticed she had returned to the parking lot. She said she was looking for the sign with the park hours. Because she violated the trespass warning, she was issued a notice to appear for the offense.

5/2, 12 p.m., grand theft, 603 Concord Lane. The victim contacted police to report that installed pool equipment had been stolen from the rear of his property. The victim said he was out of town, and believed the last time the pool equipment was used was April 22 when he was last in town. The officer said the PVC tubing appeared to be sawed through, and electrical lines had been cut. The officer took photos and the case remains open.

REAL ESTATE

Buyers losing hope

Tired of waiting for mortgage rates to come down? You’re not alone. Every potential buyer out there is waiting for the same thing, the problem is the Federal Reserve isn’t moving the needle, so it might be a long wait.

The Federal Reserve made no move in their last meeting in April, not up, not down. The good news is since they didn’t move rates up, it’s obvious they’re still fighting inflation, which simply refuses to budge. The stock market loved the status quo and enjoyed two big days thinking the Feds will eventually see the light and start reducing rates. Maybe yes, maybe no. Meanwhile, sellers who are desperate to sell their homes but don’t want to give up their low-interest rate mortgages are sitting back, and the buyers who were able to buy a lot more house three years ago are wondering what the heck just happened.

Castles in the Sand

What happened is that in March of this year, a median-income household could afford to buy a house for no more than $416,000, assuming a 20% down payment. Three years earlier, that same household could afford a purchase price of up to $561,000, all things being equal. Then of course there are renters, 20% of them, who don’t expect to ever own a home based on a property management firm’s survey. So, what are the experts saying? According to Forbes, Freddie Mac says mortgage rates will stay above 6.5% through this quarter. Fannie

Mae is forecasting the 30-year fixed rate to average 6.6% in 2024 and 6.1% in 2025. The National Association of Realtors says rates will likely be in the 6% to 7% range for most of the year. The Mortgage Bankers Association predicts 6.7% in the second quarter and ending 2024 at 6.4%. Bank of America is anticipating a rate cut in December and is optimistic that mortgage rates will eventually drop below 7%.

There are, of course, more predictions but the common thread they all have is changing opinions from declining interest rates this year to a more modest prediction based on inflation. They also all agree that waiting to jump into the market is not a good idea. If you wait for interest rates to come down, you’ll be fighting an appreciation of values and likely won’t gain anything. Despite elevated mortgage rates, buyers can still look

around for the best rate and at least move on with their lives with the option of refinancing the mortgage down the road.

Buyers, especially younger buyers and first-time buyers, may need to reevaluate what they really want. Do they want a home to build a life in or will they just be sitting in their rental and hope the Federal Reserve bails them out? And frankly, 7% is not such a terrible rate. Real estate markets have lived through, survived and even flourished with doubledigit interest rates.

The best advice from economists is don’t wait. You can’t time the market and by now the buyers who have been trying to wait it out probably are well aware they may have made a bad choice. Don’t endure more pain; move forward and reorganize your life and assets to accommodate the reality.

LOUISE BOLGER

TOURISM: March tourism numbers soar

FROM PAGE 1

The Sun reached out to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) Executive Director Elliott Falcione to make sense of the significant increase.

“I’m not sure without further research, but what might have happened in the City of Anna Maria is more of the homes went into the short-term rental pool,” Falcione said. “I’d be curious if there’s any real estate transactions from homeowners that used that as their homestead then made it a short-term rental and had a management firm operate it.”

Falcione also said his department does not promote spring break, saying the Island is busy enough and doesn’t need further promotion during the busiest time of year. He says there has to be a balance between the huge influx of tourists during the busy spring season and the quality of life for the residents who live here. This attitude falls in line with other, more popular, Florida spring break destinations such as Miami and Panama City, who have essentially told spring breakers to find somewhere else to party. Miami officials went so far as to publicly “break up” with spring breakers, saying the relationship is over and they need to move

Beachgoers flocked to Manatee Beach in March to escape the frigid northern temperatures.

on. No one in Manatee County has gone as far as that to echo that sentiment, since AMI has not been a “party” destination with the riots and violent crime Miami and Panama City have experienced. Nonetheless, the number of people coming is plenty, and the CVB sees no reason for advertising the Island as a spring break destination.

Falcione said the tourist tax is a very good thing for Island residents, because it benefits the residents without any money coming out of their pockets.

While many Island residents are opposed to a proposed parking garage at Manatee Beach, Falcione says he supports it.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

The tax is used for things such as boat ramps, piers, beach parking lots, the new water taxi, and perhaps most importantly, 20% goes to beach renourishment. As far as how to alleviate some of the problems with traffic and congestion, Falcione says a lot of it comes down to parking. He says if there was a solution to the limited parking on the Island, traffic would flow more smoothly and residents would be able to travel during the busy spring season without spending a frustrating amount of time stuck in traffic.

“The parking garage would need to be designed to not look like a parking garage, and would need to be designed to integrate into the look of the Island,” Falcione said. “Once people coming to the Island realized that they could just come to the Island on Manatee Avenue and pull right into a place to park, then what it does is get people off Gulf Drive. Right now the traffic isn’t just the demand for the beaches, it’s cars going up and down Gulf Drive searching for a parking spot and causing traffic problems.”

Falcione says he doesn’t believe the garage will bring more tourists, but rather mitigate traffic on the Island. When asked if he was worried about voicing his support for the controversial parking garage, Falcione said, “I am who I am and I speak from the heart. We all drive cars, and if I’m going from point A to point B, and I want to park that car as fast as I can and know there’s a parking spot as soon as I get on the Island, I’m going to take it. Most importantly, it gets my car off the road and I’m not a part of traffic. I’m not that smart, to me it just seems to be common sense.”

May crowning at St. Bernard

From left, Father Phillip Schweda presided over first communion recipients Jay Hendrickson, a visiting guest and Claudia Araujo as they placed a crown of flowers on the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the grotto at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Holmes Beach on Sunday morning. At right are altar servers Matthew Winsper and Luke Winsper.

QUALIFYING: Commences soon

FROM PAGE 5

election this fall include the District 1, 3 and 5 county commission seats, the at-large District 7 county commission seat, the offices of the supervisor of elections, the county clerk, the property appraiser, the tax collector and the sheriff, the District 1 and 3 school board seats and West Manatee Fire Rescue board seats 1 and 5.

REGISTRATION, PARTY AFFILIATION

Preceded by early voting and mail voting, the Manatee County primary election will conclude on Tuesday, Aug. 20. The deadline to register to vote in the primary, or to change party affiliation for the party-specific primary elections, is Monday, July 22.

Preceded by early and mail voting, the general election will conclude on Tuesday, Nov. 5. The deadline to register to vote in the general election is Monday, Oct.

7 and party affiliation doesn’t matter in a general election.

To register to vote or to change one’s party affiliation before the county primary, visit the “voter information” link at www. votemanatee.com or visit www. RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov.

For additional qualifying information regarding city and county races, contact the Supervisor of Elections office or the applicable city clerk’s office.

CINDY LANE | SUN

Summer fun offered at The Center

BY MONICA SIMPSON

SPECIAL TO THE SUN

ANNA MARIA – The Center of Anna Maria Island has an exhilarating lineup of summer fun for kids going into kindergarten through the ninth grade with its summer camps and workshops.

Starting on Monday, June 3, Summer My Way Camp and Adventure Time Camp kick off.

Elementary school-age Island youth and visitors will enjoy nine weeks of sports, art and adventure with Summer My Way Camp. Tuesdays at The Center are scheduled water days with visits from Kona Ice.

Field trips this summer include a dolphin tour, Great Explorations Children’s Museum, Big Cat Habitat, Bowlero, Altitude, MOSI, The Bishop, Defy and Evo Athletics.

Along with the weekly field trips, each week of camp has a theme for activities in the Discovery and Sports Camps. With a focus on topics like wellness and college sports, as well as mystical creatures and dodgeball, Island kids will have a blast this summer.

For middle-schoolers, including rising ninth graders, the community center offers Adventure Time Camp. More than two months of field trips, excitement and relaxation are planned for tweens and teens. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, excursions to the bowling alley, arcades like Dave & Buster’s and adventure parks including TreeUmph

SUBMITTED

CENTER NOTES

Holistic Nurse IV Services

Holistic Nurse IV Services is providing IV vitamin infusions and injections at The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, beginning on Friday, May 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Services are provided by holistic nurse Kialey Gallo.

Adult Summer Flag Football

The adult summer flag football registration deadline is Wednesday, June 5. The season starts on Thursday, June 27 and concludes on Thursday, Sept. 5. Evaluations will be conducted during a pick-up game on Thursday, June 6 at 6 p.m., with the draft to follow. The cost is $20 for members and $130 for non-members.

are planned. From paddleboarding and kayaking to the movies, teens will explore both physical and artistic activities with The Center this summer. Teens can also hang out at The Center during scheduled times this summer, enjoying the facilities and spaces designated just for them.

In addition to the typical summer camp fun, summer specialty camps and workshops will be held covering a variety of interests and topics. Teens can receive their babysitting and CPR certifications. Kids can sharpen their

and tennis skills or learn to tumble. Specialty camps offered this summer at the Island’s community center include learning to play the piano, bake, shoot a basketball, score a goal, hit a tennis ball, spike a volleyball, catch a fish and more.

The Center summer camp programs end on Friday, Aug. 2 with fun activities to commemorate the memories made during the nine weeks at The Center. For more information call The Center at 941-778-1908 or email youthprograms@centerami.org.

To register for Center programs or for more information, email The Center at customerservice@ centerami.org or call 941-7781908.

soccer

Campers beat the heat at The Center on Water Day during last year’s camp fun.

Hutchison growing love of soccer on Island

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Anna Maria Island is home to many from far and wide. For some, several vacations to the barrier island turn into a permanent stay. For others, like Jamie Hutchison, the Island becomes home when they have the good fortune of relocating to the area for work.

Ten years after moving to the U.S. to play soccer in college, Hutchison found the Island when he started working as a soccer coach at IMG Academy in 2019. As they say, the rest is history and he has become part of the Island soccer community.

Growing up in London, Hutchison started playing the sport when he was 5 years old. His best friend inspired him to play. Hutchison says he remembers “wanting to be as good as him.”

He fell in love with the sport.

“My favorite player growing up was Steven Gerrard, who played for Liverpool FC,” Hutchison said. He had the opportunity to watch Gerrard play, which was a personal highlight.

With age came a more serious approach to the sport. Playing a lifetime of competitive sports in school, he started soccer in an elementary school soccer program. At 17, Hutchison started playing semi-professional soccer.

Playing at that level in England for four years, eventually Hutchison had the opportunity to play at the college level and made the move to the U.S. He played three years of college soccer in the U.S. and was named

captain his senior year. During that time, he played in college tournaments and participated in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

No longer playing competitively, Hutchison’s focus moved to coaching. His first step into coaching soccer at the collegiate level came after graduation.

The switch to coaching the game he loves so much would eventually bring him to Manatee County, Anna Maria Island and the Island soccer family.

“A friend at work told me about the soccer league on the Island, and I signed up without knowing anyone,” Hutchison recalls. “I’m glad I took his advice.”

Playing his first Island recreational soccer season in the fall of 2019, Hutchison has become a part of the community that openly embraces those who have a great appreciation of the sport and the culture.

Hutchison works hard to grow the sport both on and off the

Island. Working as an assistant coach for the Sarasota Paradise, a pre-professional soccer league (United Soccer League (USL) League 2) in its second season.

The Paradise, started by one of Hutchison’s long-time friends, hopes to become a professional organization, playing in the USL League 1. The immediate goal for the Paradise is to reach the playoffs in the USL League 2.

Hutchison is also working with Florida Premier FC SWFL as director of coaching for girls. He strives to encourage young players to play soccer not only for the love of the sport, but also for the life lessons learned training and participating.

Recognizing that there are talented players locally, Hutchison believes they can “go on to higher levels if they continue to develop their abilities.” It is in this spirit that he plans to continue to hold soccer camps on the Island and work with area youth.

This summer’s specialty workshops at The Center for Island youth include once again Hutchison’s soccer skills camp. He brings his experience not only as a player, but a successful coach, to the community center for three weeks of soccer fun.

With the same passion for soccer, the Island soccer community will continue to grow, strengthen and thrive with players and coaches like Hutchison.

“I enjoy working with all ages and genders. Sharing my passion for the game is an honor and I love seeing the sport grow here on the island,” Hutchison said.

hole

Chamber golf tournament benefits scholarship fund

The 25th Annual AMI Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament at IMG Academy Golf Club raised funds for a great cause.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

BRADENTON - The weather was perfect for a day on the links, as golfers of all skill levels came out to enjoy a day of golf and support a great cause at this year’s Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament. Now in its 25th year, the scramble match was once again held at the IMG Academy Golf Club in Bradenton, a course known to be challenging for even the most skilled golfers, but enjoyable for players of all skill levels.

The tournament is held every May and benefits the Chamber’s Scholarship Program. Every year, the Chamber gives out multiple $1,000 scholarships to Manatee County graduating seniors seeking a college degree or trade- or career-focused education. The remaining money goes to help fund the chamber throughout the year. This is one of two major fundraising events held annually by the chamber, the other being the annual Bayfest in Anna Maria.

Thanks to the generosity of local business sponsors, the 94 golfers who participated had the chance to win their share of thousands of dollars in prizes and goody bags. Chamber President Terri Kinder said that more than $32,000 worth of raffle and silent auction items were donated by local businesses. For more information about upcoming chamber events, visit www.annamariaislandchamber.org.

Coach Jamie Hutchison will coach soccer camp at The Center.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

A player tees off on

#1 at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce annual golf tournament at IMG Academy Golf Club in Bradenton.

First win for Shady Lady

ANNA MARIA – After two halves of youth soccer action, team Am I Coconuts could not put a point on the scoreboard against The Intuitive Foundation squad in the 8- to 10-yearold recreational soccer league at The Center of Anna Maria Island.

The Coconuts team put up a strong fight and played hard, but they were not strong enough to beat the top-ranked team in the 7-0 game last Tuesday night.

Initiative’s Parker Svoboda, Gunnar Maize and Bailey Shenbaum lit up the field with their strong play. Maize added to his stats with two assists in the game.

Defensively, Silas Whitehead continued his strong play in the goal with seven saves. Teammate Sawyer Leibfried had four big stops of his own in week six soccer action.

Game two ended in a 0-0 tie between Solid Rock Construction and Isola Bella Italian Eatery. The game was a defensive battle with the goalkeepers earning their stripes as experienced players.

Isola’s Carson Long had six stops in the game, while his counterpart Elijah Roadman made five nice saves for the Solid Rock team.

Despite a yellow penalty card assessed to Ismael Guerrero, the Shady Lady Horticultural Services team won its first game last week against team Emily Moss Design. In the 3-2 victory, Leo Tyler scored two goals and teammate Joseph Caballero put a point on the scoreboard for the hardworking

team for the W. Shady Lady’s goalie Easton Knock made five solid stops against the Emily Moss offense.

Titus Moss and Aden Mould each scored a goal for the Emily Moss Design team. Defensively with eight saves, Miles Moss helped keep his team in the game.

With one regular season game to be played on Tuesday, May 14, the season championship match-up remains up in the air. Tuesday’s results in the last three games leading up to the first round of playoffs will determine the single elimination bracket.

The Intuitive Foundation will challenge Shady Lady Horticultural Services after their first win of the

AMI horseshoe results

season. Isola Bella Italian Eatery faces Emily Moss Design and Solid Rock Construction plays team Am I Coconuts.

Six teams have their eyes on the prize to be awarded to the winner on Tuesday, May 28 at the end of the league’s championship game.

SUN SCOREBOARD MAY 7

YOUTH SOCCER – WEEK 6 8- TO 10-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE The Intuitive Foundation (5-1-0)

On May 8, Tom Farrington, left, and John Porcynek beat Steve Doyle in the final 21-18 after a gameending double-ringer by Porcynek to send the pair to the winner's circle. No team was perfect on May 11 after each went 2-1 and settled things in a playoff with the lucky bye into the final going to Steve Kriebel and Billy Silver. Bob Hawks moved on after a 21-10 win over Gary Howcroft and Farrington. Hawks stayed hot, cruising to a 23- 6 victory over Kriebel and Silver to take the day’s championship.

MONICA SIMPSON

SPECIAL TO THE SUN

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Am I Coconuts’ Phoenix Harwood takes to the air to block the kick-off from the foot of Silas Whitehead, playing for The Intuitive Foundation team last Tuesday night at The Center.

FUN IN THE SUN

CLASSIFIEDS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food, PAPER & PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s.

HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS

WANTED to assist at our information desk, especially weekends. Great for teens needing volunteer hours (16yrs+). Other assignments available. Please call the Blake Volunteer Office at 941-798-6151.

FREE PLANTS Sapling immature Royal Palms, Golden trees and miscellaneous Call 941-741-1096

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE

HAVE YOU BEEN thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! Duplexes, multi family, small resorts? Call BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216

CLEANING SERVICE

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

COMPUTER REPAIR

STACY’S COMPUTERS- REPAIR & Tutoring in your home. Senior/Veterans discount. Apple & PC’s. Prompt, Friendly, Patient. Call Stacy 941-246-1048

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

RENOVATION SPECALIST

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

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

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

JSAN CORPORATION

Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.

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

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

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

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

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

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

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

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

MOVING & STORAGE

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

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING

PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates. 941-812-0507

“WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Wallpaper installation/ removal. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455

DONALD PERKINS ABRACADABRA PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-705-7096

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

POOL SERVICES

FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 18 + Years Experience. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657

COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS

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

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

REAL

ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

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

LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589

FOR SALE - PERICO BAY

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

FOR SALE - 5400 GULF

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

FOR SALE PINE AVE .

Historical Home /store/ office./pool First time to mkt for 24 years. Very cool ! Brenda Boyd May Broker /Owner 941.730.8589 or Scott May 941-238-8377.

FOR SALE: $325K 4410 Fairways Blvd #406 beautifully remodeled golf course view; $365K 840 Audubon Perico Bay Club; $475K 910 41st St Ct W NO HOA built in 2022 w/Boat or RV storage; $2M 201 72nd St Holmes Beach updated duplex w/established rental history. Kelly Gitt The Gitt Team Keller Williams on the Water 941-799-9299

RENTALS: ANNUAL

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

ANNUAL RENTAL: 2BR/2BA furnished Wildwood Springs condo, no pets. $1850 monthly Call 941-778-4800

ANNUAL RENTAL: 407 76th A Holmes Beach, FL 34216- 3BD/2BA updated home $5000/mo with 1-year lease, available June 1st. Contact Sato Real Estate for more information. 941-778-7200

MONTHLY RENTAL 2BR/2BA Condo furnished. Bayside location in Holmes Beach. 5 minute walk to Beach, shopping, dining. Call for pictures and details. 630-290-3511

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION

TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND

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

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

TRANSPORTATION

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