Anna Maria Island Sun May 16, 2018

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 18 No. 31

May 16, 2018

Cortezians wary of FDOT, weary of fight

Florida Department of Transportation will begin designing the 65-foot clearance replacement of the Cortez Bridge later this year.

BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

CORTEZ – Now that the word is out, many people east of the Cortez Bridge feel hurt that the new 65-foot-tall span will be a mega-bridge, and many are taking a wait-andsee attitude, saying they will likely not live to see it.

At a meeting of the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage on Monday, May 7, the president took that stand, saying, “I feel like batting my head against a wall, but then I think they might not build it in my lifetime.”

Replacing an obsolete drawbridge like the current bridge takes a lot of time.

Nothing at the Florida

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Top, left: Bruce Shearer at Annie’s Bait and Tackle thinks the Cortez Bridge public hearings were “dog and pony shows.” Bobby Woodson, left, admitted the bridge plans might make it easier to get to his Tide Tables restaurant. The entrance to Cortez Mobile Home Park, above, is located close to the bridge.

Department of Transportation (FDOT) gets done without budgeted money and that takes time. There is money for the design phase, and more money in the 2020-21 budgets for obtaining rights of way.

Karen Bell, who owns a fish house in Cortez, said she is tired of the fight saying, “We’ve been through this over and over.”

Artist Linda Molto, an ardent anti-tall-bridge activist, said the cards are stacked against them. She said she heard that the city of Bradenton Beach

bridge. She said most people were in favor of the 35-foot clearance drawbridge because it seemed to be the best compromise between residents, business owners and FDOT. “No one endorsed the 65-foot bridge,” Soustek said. “The DOT did that on their own.”

Commissioners agreed unanimously to sign and send a letter.

In Cortez, Tide Tables restaurant is closest to the water on the south side of the bridge.

Owner Bobby Woodson said he has mixed feelings.

was against the tall bridge and they are on the other side of the bridge.

“We need to talk with Mayor (John) Chappie,” she said. “We could join forces.”

In Holmes Beach, Commissioner Judy Titsworth wants to send a letter from the city to the state to oppose the building of the large bridge.

Commissioner Carol Soustek agreed saying that she attended the FDOT bridge meetings and didn’t hear many people who were in favor of the large

“It might make it easier to get in and out of our parking lot,” he said. “They are going to make a roadway that goes north and south under the bridge, so people won’t have to fight the traffic to get here or leave.”

But, he said he’s disappointed because the new bridge will be out of proportion for the historic fishing village.

He said he feels the high bridge is not the solution to gridlock.

SEE BRIDGE, PAGE 16

FDOT: Only one building affected by bridge Video shows the vacant building will be displaced by a retention pond.

BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

CORTEZ – If the current plans for the 65-foot clearance replacement for the Cortez Bridge hold

true, the only structural casualty of the project will be a vacant building about two blocks east of the Seafood Shack.

According to an aerial photo provided by Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Communications Manager Zachary Burch.

Un an email, Birch said, “The bridge ends just past 127th St. W.

INSIDE NEWS 4 OPINION 6 SUN SURVEY 7 SEAN MURPHY 19 OUTDOORS 26-27 REAL ESTATE 34-39 ENTERTAINMENT 40 CLASSIFIEDS 45-47

SHOSHI the

green sea turtle swimming free after hospital stay. 9

Anna Maria Island, Florida

and matches the existing pavement just west of 124th St. Ct. W, so it does not impact the Historic Village of Cortez.”

The video may be viewed at http://www.cortezbridge.com/ pubinv.shtm. Burch said the video is tentative as they don’t have the formal design yet.

SUBMITTED

The red arrow points to the vacant car repair shop that will be torn down to make room for a retention pond.

TOURISM rises for seventh straight

year on AMI and in the county. 11 FIND all thing matrimonial in The Sun’s

special Wedding Section. 20-23 The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper www.amisun.com

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MAY 16, 2018

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MAY 16, 2018

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Pedestrian fatality mourned on Island and beyond Warren Roberts moved to Longboat Key after retiring as a history professor in 2013.

to Blake Medical Center due to a medical condition.

BY JOE HENDRICKS

Bradenton Beach resident Betsy Sillars was among the southbound motorists who encountered the closed roadway, Roberts and she later learned the accident involved someone familiar to her.

“All the turtle patrol walkers for that zone would see him walking the beach every morning. We are all saddened by the news,” Sillars said.

New York resident Michael Huber shared his thoughts at the Sun’s Facebook page.

“I was a student of Professor Warren Roberts, a man of staggering intellect, a distinguished teaching professor at the University at Albany (New York), author of several books, including works on Jane Austen, the French Revolution, Giacomo Rossini and more. He was also a mentor and a guiding voice for literally thousands of students who attended his classes, went on walking tours, visited him in his office and lunched with him at his beautiful Albany home. Here in Albany, the remembrances are pouring in. He will be dearly missed,” Huber wrote.

Huber noted that some of Roberts’ post-

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

LONGBOAT KEY – Longboat Key resident Warren Roberts was killed on his 85th birthday while crossing Gulf of Mexico Drive near the Whitney Beach Plaza in Longboat Key. The accident occurred on Tuesday, May 8, and the ensuing investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) resulted in the north end of Gulf of Mexico Drive being closed in both directions for more than six hours.

According to the FHP press release, a 2016 Hyundai Tucson driven by Palmetto resident Richard Sullo, 71, and a 2000 Mercedes Benz driven by Longboat Key resident Cheri Zupa, 41, were headed northbound on Gulf of Mexico Drive at approximately 6 a.m.

Roberts was on the east side of the road and began walking westbound across the street and into the path of Sullo’s vehicle. The front of Sullo’s vehicle collided with Roberts and propelled him onto the roadway north of the point of collision where he was struck again

by Zupa’s vehicle.

No charges were filed against either driver and after the collision Sullo was transported

REMEMBERING ROBERTS

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Longboat Key Police blocked the north end of Gulf of Mexico Drive and diverted southbound traffic back toward Bradenton Beach. retirement writings can be found at https:// blog.timesunion.com/roberts/.

“To watch a short clip that’ll give you a hint of his amazing mind, go to https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=prp8oa1J9s0,” Huber wrote.

In that video, Roberts discussed his book, “A Place in History: Albany in the Age of Revolution 1775-1825.”

He began by saying, “My interests are insatiable. They consume me, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. I wanted to work my way into the history of early Albany. I

discovered the real meaning of the Battle of Saratoga. It was the turning point of the American Revolution. That one battle fought 25 miles above Albany changed the history of the world.”

The video ends with Roberts enthusiastically saying, “I can talk about this stuff all day long.”

After serving in the U.S. Army, Roberts began teaching at the University of Albany in 1963 and he continued until his retirement SEE ROBERTS, PAGE 4

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ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

Kindergartners perform final play The Anna Maria Elementary School family dinner will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22, in the school auditorium.

The Waterfront restaurant will host a summer fried picnic of buttermilk fried chicken, homestyle green beans with bacon, classic mac and cheese, chef ’s flakey biscuits and a drink for $8 for adults and $5 for children.

At 6:30 p.m., the kindergartners will perform “Pajama Party.” There is no fee for attending the play. Everyone is welcome to attend.

City Fest returns to Holmes Beach Commissioner Rick Hurst is bringing City Fest back to Holmes Beach Nov. 10 but he needs a little help to make it happen. Hurst said he’s looking for volunteers and lo cal sponsors for the event, a festival full of music, food and fun for the community.

To volunteer or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact Hurst at rhurst@ holmesbeachfl.org.

Sun finalists named The Anna Maria Island Sun’s cartoonist Steve Borggren, reporter Joe Hendricks, reporter and digital editor Cindy Lane and columnist Sean Murphy are finalists for first place in the 2017 Florida Press Association’s Weekly Newspaper Contest. The nominations are in the categories of: First Amendment Defense, In-Depth Reporting, Multimedia Storytelling, Online Slideshow, Photo Series, Original Local Editorial Cartoon and Humorous Column. Awards will be presented Aug. 8-10 in Orlando.

Business tax increase passes The cost for business tax receipts is going up by five percent in Holmes Beach. Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the second reading of an ordinance increasing the business tax receipt price. Business owners will see the increase when renewals come due at the end of the fiscal year in September.

Tailgate gone Manatee County Sheriff ’s Office deputies are looking for the tailgate to their F-150 pickup truck. A burglar took it off the truck while it was parked overnight at Roser Memorial Church on Sunday, May 6. According to the deputy’s report, security cameras got images of the theft, and they are looking for suspects.

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MAY 16, 2018

Bell claims ownership of disputed Guthrie property

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

CORTEZ – A third party has joined the legal battle over the net camp that Raymond Guthrie Jr. built in 2017 and the disputed submerged lands under it in Sarasota Bay. A.P. Bell Fish Co., north of the structure, filed suit against the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) on May 3 in 12th Judicial Circuit Court in Manatee County, asserting its ownership of both the net camp and the submerged lands.

FDEP sued the wrong party when it filed a complaint against Guthrie in February ordering him to remove the 1200-square-foot structure, claiming he built it without permission on sovereign state-owned submerged lands, according to Bell Fish Co. Manager Karen Bell, who also sued to intervene in the DEP vs. Guthrie case.

“We’re claiming that we have title to the net camp and the submerged lands, and we are intervening because they’re impacting our ownership,” she said. “We own it. We want it there. We’re not going to make him leave.”

In the motion to intervene in the action between FDEP and Guthrie filed on May 4, Bell claims the structure has existed since at least the early 1900s and, with the submerged lands, is protected by the 1921 Butler Act, which awards title of submerged lands to adjacent waterfront property owners who made permanent

SUBMITTED

Raymond Guthrie Sr.’s net camp as it existed in 1922 off the village of Cortez, according to Doris Green’s book about Cortez, “Fog’s Comin’ in.” improvements on the submerged lands. The law was repealed in the 1950s but continues to affect title to submerged lands that were improved with construction prior to its repeal.

FDEP concedes that historic aerial images show a smaller structure where Guthrie built his structure, but the smaller structure became dilapidated, negating a Butler Act claim, according to spokeswoman Shannon Herbon.

The motion to intervene traces Bell’s ownership of the real estate to the 1800s when Guthrie, Fulford and other families from North Carolina settled the area. By the early 1900s, wooden structures built on pilings – called net camps or fish camps – were numerous in the bay off Cortez, used for supply storage, net mending, and living quarters, and were connected to the mainland by piers,

according to the lawsuit.

Bell asserts it is entitled to a disclaimer from the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund of the state of Florida, named as a co-defendant in the lawsuit, acknowledging Bell’s ownership.

“A.P. Bell will suffer irreparable harm if BOT and its agent, FDEP, are allowed to continue in their quest to remove and destroy the historic Guthrie fish camp structure under the guise that it is on sovereignty submerged lands without this circuit court’s determination of A.P. Bell’s Butler Act ownership claims, in violation of A.P. Bell’s property and due process rights under the Federal and Florida Constitutions,” the lawsuit asserts.

A hearing has not yet been set in the case.

ROBERTS: Mourned on Island and beyond FROM PAGE 3

in 2013. He is survived by his wife and their four children and six grandchildren. A memorial service was held on Saturday, May 12, at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church in Longboat Key.

PEDESTRIAN FATALITIES

Roberts’ accident occurred the same day the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Highway Loss Data Institute released a report on increasing

pedestrian fatalities.

According to the report, 5,987 pedestrians were killed in crashes in 2016.

That number had declined 20 percent since 1975, but in 2016 jumped to its highest death toll since 1990.

“Pedestrian deaths have jumped 46 percent since reaching their lowest point in 2009, as pedestrian crashes have become both deadlier and more frequent,” the report says.

“This analysis tells us that improvements in road design, vehicle design

and lighting and speed limit enforcement all have a role to play in addressing the issue,” said IIHS President David Harkey.

In January, pedestrian Marion Timmons died after she and her husband were struck by a car while crossing in the 5600 block of Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. In December 2011, Marie Pruss was killed when crossing Gulf Drive near the Gulf Drive Cafe in Bradenton Beach.

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MAY 16, 2018

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Judge denies sequestration in Sunshine suit The defendants are scheduled to give their depositions beginning May 23.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON – Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Lon Arend has rejected defendant John Metz’s request to sequester nonparty witnesses in a Sunshine Law lawsuit.

“I don’t find that I have the authority to sequester the witnesses, so I deny the motion,” Arend said, as the 40-minute hearing concluded on Wednesday, May 9. Arend also denied the defense’s additional request to sequester the transcripts of depositions given by non-party witnesses.

Deposition proceedings consist of parties and witnesses giving individual testimony under oath in a non-courtroom setting with a court reporter transcribing what’s said. The written transcripts can then be used in court to support or contradict additional testimony given or used if a witness can’t be present.

In some cases, witnesses are sequestered from hearing the testimony of others to prevent them from being influenced by that testimony or trying to match it.

“We want this to be open to the public; why don’t they? Who are they trying to keep out?

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Attorney Robert Watrous, paralegal Michael Barfield and City Attorney Ricinda Perry are serving as the city’s legal team. From left, attorneys Jim Dye and Jodi Ruberg, defendant John Metz, former mayor Bill Shearon and defendant Tjet Martin were on hand for Wednesday's hearing. Joe Hendricks | Sun They don’t want the press to attend these depositions,” attorney Robert Watrous successfully argued for the co-plaintiffs – the city of Bradenton Beach and Jack Clarke.

“It’s not the general public, it’s not the citizens, it’s not even the media that we’re concerned about. It truly is non-party witnesses, somebody who would potentially be a witness,” said attorney Jodi Ruberg, representing Metz.

The co-plaintiffs filed a lawsuit against Metz and five other members of two Bradenton Beach boards on last August. The suit alleges they violated the Florida Sunshine

Law. Metz and three other defendants – Reed Mapes, Patty Shay and Bill Vincent – are former Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board members. Defendants Tjet Martin and Rose Vincent are former members of the Scenic WAVES Committee. All six defendants resigned after the lawsuit was filed.

The lawsuit alleges the defendants discussed past and potential future board and committee business outside of a city meeting publicly noticed by the city clerk’s office. The alleged Sunshine violations stem from a Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach meeting in July and additional email

exchanges discovered later.

On April 13, Metz’s attorneys filed a motion asking the court to sequester the depositions of non-party witnesses. Non-party witnesses are those not directly named as defendants or plaintiffs.

Arend said he has some concerns about how the deposition proceedings would be handled and he noted he has the authority to limit who’s in attendance. It is not yet known if the press or public can attend the defendant depositions scheduled to begin with SEE SUNSHINE, PAGE 29

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OPINION

The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper Island Sun Plaza, 9801 Gulf Drive P.O. Box 1189 Anna Maria, FL 34216-1189 Phone: (941) 778-3986 e-mail: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com

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MAY 16, 2018

GUEST COLUMN Get in the game

BY JACK CLARKE

Can you name your city commissioners?

Have you made the effort to speak in person to any of them?

Many of your elected officials are open to your ideas and thoughts, many less so.

This is not exclusive to Bradenton Beach or our other Island cities, but as a famous congressman Tip O’ Neill once said, “All politics is local.”

I am a resident and recovering politician in Bradenton Beach. It was my honor and privilege to serve as commissioner, vice mayor and briefly as the mayor of the city.

Island politics are tumultuous at best. But for a person who really wants to make a difference – that over-used phrase – 2018 is the year. There is little reward for the many hours of hard work commissioners do, except for the feeling of accomplishment and the satisfaction of service to community and neighbors.

C

ity commissioners make many decisions that impact daily life Bradenton Beach, including how torn up driveways will look after the county’s force main project is completed, how your tax dollars are used and which projects will be pursued using those funds.

I'm not flying any flag, supporting any candidate or asking for your vote.

I’m only asking that you vote, know the issues and consider placing your own name on the ballot. With the recent elimination of ward boundaries, you are eligible to run for a commission seat regardless of where you live in the city, as long as you’ve been a city resident for at least one year. Details on how to qualify as a commission candidate are available at the three city clerks' offices or at the Supervisor of Elections Office website, www.votemanatee.com.

If you stay on the sidelines, your voice will not be heard.

Bradenton Beach resident Jack Clarke served as vice mayor and mayor of Bradenton Beach from 2013-2015

Take The Sun Survey on Page 7.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Yea! A bait-cleaning station!

I was happy to read that The Center is in the black for several months now. But, I feel that credit should also go to Brenda Canning 's Island Fitness for bringing the Center out of the red.

Brenda Canning has been the recipient of The Sun newspaper's Readers’ Choice Awards for favorite personal trainer eight years in a row. Island Fitness has won the favorite fitness center award six years in a row.

When Island Fitness moved to The Center, many of Ms. Canning's clients changed their membership only because of Brenda Canning's and Island Fitness' reputation for excellence, which increased membership at The Center and they should be recognized.

Birgit Quam Bradenton

Culhane a good choice Congratulations to Chris Culhane on his selection as executive director of The Center. It was a wise decision by the board of directors to choose a local person who has lived on Anna Maria Island and participated in Center activities his whole life. Chris has proven himself to be a capable young man, and we wish him well as executive director.

Scott and Linda MacGregor Anna Maria

Too much noise My name is "Kentucky" Kim Rash and I am a resident of Holmes Boulevard

in Holmes Beach. I have been leading a charge along with many residents of Holmes Beach, for the past eight to 10 years against noise and nuisance properties in our communities.

When my wife and I purchased our dream home in 2003, we had approximately 22 bedrooms between 72nd and 73rd Streets. Today, we have 80 plus. Currently, there is construction on two nonconforming 5,400 square foot lots. Each lot will add two additional four-bedroom houses with a “den” upstairs. Will that “den” likely be turned into another bedroom which has occurred in the past? Realistically, these properties will add two, five-bedroom houses, or 10 more bedrooms to the neighborhood.

Plus, there will likely be two more pools, and how big will they be?

Five years ago the residents of Holmes Beach elected a new mayor, along with new commissioners, that all ran on a platform of better quality of life for residents.

There has been some improvement with the downsizing of the number of bedrooms. Although this has helped, there needs to be much, much more to help both residents and tenants of smaller rentals to ensure all a peaceful way of life. Quality of life is the number one issue that concerns Holmes Beach residents.

Chief Tokager recently started an outreach program to welcome and educate tenants of four selected properties with many "unfounded" calls. It has now expanded to 10 plus? This measure was taken to appease the people who come forward to file complaints when their peaceable enjoyment is violated. Week after week this takes a lot of effort from code enforcement.

It seems that an easier alternative would be

to educate, one time, the handful of owners whose properties are a continual nuisance.

Then cite them with large enough fines to make an impact.

Chief Tokager spoke in public and to the press about what a great success the outreach program is. What he neglects to share is that the residents who are negatively affected by the nuisance properties evaluate the program as unsuccessful. The original four properties in the program ALL had calls within a one-week time period. As in the past, I would bet that all complaints were labeled "unfounded." These properties still have recurring problems. We have not heard the chief communicate that many residents are afraid to call; they are afraid of retaliation, and afraid that the city will set them up for being sued. When complaints are unfounded, victims are wrongfully turned into offenders.

There is clearly a serious breakdown somewhere. The residents suggested several positive and viable solutions to return our neighborhoods to the peaceful way of life in Holmes Beach, and I am hoping that the mayor and commissioners will make it very clear to the chief that the commissioners will no longer accept the spins and unsuccessful results.

I am looking forward to winning a seat on the Holmes Beach City Commission. I want to be inspirational in solving the problem of our lost, peaceful way of life. I want to help to improve the flow of traffic and protect our residents by not allowing parking in areas that do not require it. Many Holmes Beach residents and guests know that I am totally supportive of the residents.

Kimball A. Rash Holmes Beach

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MAY 16, 2018

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THE SUN SURVEY

ON THE AGENDA

PREVIOUS QUESTION: Should beachfront property owners be allowed to fence

ANNA MARIA

off any of the beach in front of their land?

6%

10005 GULF DRIVE

May 24, 6 p.m. – City Commission regular meeting For information, call 7086130

Yes, if they can prove ownership.

BRADENTON BEACH 107 GULF DRIVE N.

May 17, noon – City Commission meeting May 22, 1 p.m. – City Commission workshop May 23, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting For information, call 7781005

7

HOLMES BEACH 5801 MARINA DRIVE

May 22, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow May 23, 10 a.m. – Public Works community forum For information, call 7085800

ISLAND-WIDE

May 16, 1 p.m. – Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting, Holmes Beach City Hall

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOTE: EVENTS ARE FREE UNLESS INDICATED.

94%

WEDNESDAY

No. The beaches always should be accessible to everyone.

MAY 16

THE SUN SURVEY IS NOT A SCIENTIFIC POLL AND IS USED FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY.

THIS WEEK’S SURVEY

• Yes. A vote would be premature

Do you agree with the county com- until there are other viable options to mission's decision not to have a

choose from..

public vote on returning the Con-

• No. Let the people decide if it should

federate monument to the court-

be returned to the courthouse, even if

house square?

temporarily..

To vote, go to www.amisun.com or scan this code to vote by smartphone.

LIKE us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun View The Sun’s online edition at www.issuu.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun

Customer appreciation day, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, all day event.

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

Soap making, The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 10 a.m., $38.

Smartphone basics workshop, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 10:30 to noon, $10. Reserve to maryannbrady@ theparadisecenter.org or 941-383-6493.

Gentle chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, noon.

Gulf Coast Writers, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 12:45 p.m.

THURSDAY MAY 17

The Anna Maria Island Sun staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field Layout Ricardo Fonseca Reporters Cindy Lane Tom Vaught Joe Hendricks

Kristin Swain Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis Ad director Chantelle Lewin Ad assistants Chris Boniberger Dianne Martin

Classified ads Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Digital/Social Media Editor Cindy Lane Accounting John Reitz

Distribution Bob Alexander Tony McNulty Connor Field Contributors Pat Copeland Steve Borggren Sean Murphy Monica Simpson

Veteran services information, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m.

Zumba and mat pilates for seniors, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 10 a.m., $10 per class.

Reserve to maryannbrady@ theparadisecenter.org or 941-383-6493.

Book club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10:15 a.m.

Knit and crochet, learning group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive,

Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

Knit and crochet, regular group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Jam in the Sand, Anna Maria Island Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

Kimchi, The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 6:30 p.m., $38.

FRIDAY MAY 18

NEST nature days, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

Intermediate bridge session, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., $10, includes coffee and cookies.

Reserve to maryannbrady@ theparadisecenter.org or 941-383-6493.

Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce 19th Annual Golf Tournament, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Pkwy, Bradenton, 11:30 a.m. Reserve to 941-778-1541 or info@ amichamber.org.

Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach 1 p.m.

Sunset drum circle, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

Neal Preserve sunset shutter stroll, 12301 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 7 p.m.

Reserve to 941-742-5757.

SEE CALENDAR, PAGE 41

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MAY 16, 2018

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MAY 16, 2018

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Green turtle swimming free after hospital stay

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

ANNA MARIA - Shoshi, a juvenile green sea turtle, is swimming free in Tampa Bay after a successful rehabilitation and release Thursday morning, May 10, at Bayfront Park.

A fisherman found the turtle in March floating in yellow sludge 15 miles west of Bean Point, the northern tip of Anna Maria Island, according to Mote Marine Laboratory, which rehabilitated the turtle.

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteer Dave Ault brought the turtle to Mote, naming her after his puppy, Shoshi.

Mote Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital staff discovered that Shoshi's skin was covered in an unidentified orange material, and the plates on its shell were coming off. The turtle received antibiotic eye drops, was given dextrose intravenously and received subcutaneous fluids until it fully recovered.

Green turtles rarely nest on Anna Maria Island; loggerheads are, by far, the more common local species.

Both are on the federal threatened species list.

Turtle season began May 1. No turtles had nested on the Island as of Shoshi’s release date, but one turtle attempted to nest in a false crawl in Bradenton Beach earlier that morning, returning to sea without laying eggs, according to Turtle Watch.

If you see a stranded or dead sea turtle, dolphin or whale in Sarasota or Manatee county waters, call Mote's Stranding Investigations Program, a 24-hour response service, at 941-988-0212.

If you see a stranded or dead sea turtle, dolphin or whale outside of Sarasota and Manatee counties or a stranded or dead manatee anywhere in state waters, call the FWC Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

CINDY LANE | SUN

A juvenile green sea turtle, a threatened species, was released off Anna Maria on Thursday, May 10.

CINDY LANE | SUN

Mote Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital staff bring a green sea turtle to Bayfront Park for release on Thursday, May 10.

Left, Shoshi is ready to go.

Below, going going gone.

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THE SUN

City votes to support The Center financially After some discussion, Holmes Beach commissioners voted 3 to 1, with Commissioner Carol Soustek dissenting and Commissioner Jim Kihm absent, to donate $22,500 to The Center of Anna Maria Island.

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

HOLMES BEACH – After more than a year of tension between the city and The Center of Anna Maria Island, commissioners have agreed to give the nonprofit a little financial support.

At the urging of Commissioner Rick Hurst, a volunteer at the Center, who also serves as the commission’s liaison to the nonprofit, city leaders agreed to revisit the idea of donating funds this fiscal year to the organization. In a 3-1 vote, with Commissioner Jim Kihm absent and Commissioner Carol Soustek dissenting, city leaders agreed to provide $22,500 to the nonprofit. Though the donation passed the vote, commissioners still had some reservations about The Center’s accounting practices and leadership.

MAY 16, 2018

Loving Christ • Sharing His Grace • Serving All COMMUNITY CHURCH

V BS • June 4-8 4 yrs-5th Dinner included!

5:30-8:30 PM

roserchurch.com/vbs

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM in the Chapel 10:00 AM in the Sanctuary Nursery & Church School

8:45 AM Adult Sunday School 9:00 AM Adult Book Study

A NON-DENOMINATIONAL, CHRISTIAN CHURCH • EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

512 Pine Ave • Anna Maria

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941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • www.facebook.com/RoserChurch

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Commissioner Judy Titsworth agrees with Commissioner Rick Hurst on providing some financial funding to The Center of Anna Maria Island.

“I think we’ve punished them enough for what happened four or five years ago,” Hurst said. “I think we need The Center. It makes us a better place.”

Soustek said she’s still concerned about The Center’s accounting practices, particularly that the organization’s board reported $100,000 in unbudgeted capital expenditures without pulling the nonprofit’s finances into the red.

“It’s a troubling thing when you can cover expenditures like that but still need money,” she said.

SEE CENTER, PAGE 13

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MAY 16, 2018

THE SUN

11

Tourism on the rise

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

PALMETTO – For the seventh straight year, tourism is up on Anna Maria Island and the rest of Manatee County, according to the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB).

In the first quarter of 2018 – the height of tourist season on the Island – visitors, expenditures, room rates and total economic impact were each up from 2017, according to a report released at the annual Year in Review event on Thursday, May 10, during National Tourism Week.

Visitors increased 4.9 percent to 233,400, spending $283 million, up 9.1 percent. Average room rates rose 1.7 percent to $203 a night. The total economic impact of tourism reached $447 million, up 9.1 percent from the first quarter in 2017. Occupancy rates did not increase, which the CVB attributes to the growth of accommodations.

Visitors, expenditures, employment and economic impact all increased in 2017 from the previous year, the county’s tourism consultant, Walter Klages, reported.

In 2017, countywide tourism generated $52.3 million in taxes, an increase of 5.2 percent, according to the report. Visitors exceeded 3.2 million, up 2 percent from 2016, producing an economic impact of $1.2 billion, an increase of 5.5 percent from 2016.

Tourism-related employment opportunities were up 5.1 percent from 2016 to 26,600.

CVB Executive Director Elliott Falcione credited the increases in part to ongoing growth and diversification of accommodations and continued focus on sports and the arts.

March 2018 tourist tax collections compared to March 2017

Anna Maria Bradenton Beach Holmes Beach Manatee County Total*

30 percent 17 percent 24 percent 27 percent

*(Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Longboat Key, unincorporated Manatee County, Palmetto)

TOURISM AWARDS

During National Tourism Week, the CVB presented its 2018 Champions in Tourism Awards.

The annual Tourism Ambassador Award was presented to Karen Riley-Love, a board member of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, where she is involved with tourism outreach initiatives.

She is a founding member of Friends of the DeSoto National Memorial, was a supervisor of the Florida Maritime Museum and has earned the designation of a Visit Florida Specialist by successfully completing programs such as Destination Weddings and Honeymoons.

The award honors an individual who represents the destination positively, engages in promoting and supporting area visitation and has provided the best possible visitor experience.

The Ed Hunzeker Hospitality Leadership Award, created in 2017 to honor its namesake and first recipient, County Administrator Ed Hunzeker, was presented to Dr. Patrick Moreo.

March tourist tax statistics Year Anna Maria Island 2018 $1,968,809 2017 $959,885 2016 $955,352 2015 $815,169 2014 $802,662 2013 $720,412 2012 $635,541 2011 $509,804 2010 $496,825

Manatee County $2,491,437 ** $1,968,809 $1,957,710 $1,768,992 $1,701,822 $1,492,959 $1,344,639 $1,129,974 $1,066,974

** All-time Manatee County record for any one-month period Source: Manatee County Tax Collector Selected for exemplifying the leadership, vision and lasting impact reflected by Hunzeker, Moreo has served hospitality and tourism industries as an educator and administrator for more than 30 years.

As the dean of the College of Hospitality and Tourism Leadership at the University of South Florida and a FRLA Sarasota-Bradenton Chapter board member, he gives his time to industry and community projects.

“Both 2018 recipients are true leaders: Dr. Moreo is committed to ensuring that the next generation of hospitality and tourism leaders are prepared to carry the torch, and Karen Riley-Love works tirelessly to guarantee our visitors have a memorable experience that will bring them back time and time again,” Falcione said. “Both are the epitome of what an industry partner should be, and I am happy to publicly acknowledge and thank them both for their leadership and on-going support of our efforts and initiatives.”

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MAY 16, 2018

Abandoned boats tagged for removal The Bradenton Beach Police Department continues to ramp up enforcement in the navigable waters south of the historic Bridge Street Pier.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

This sunken boat south of the Bridge Street Pier has been designated for future removal.

Lt. John Cosby tags an abandoned sailboat that is now in danger of being removed and destroyed. conducted by Hill. Cosby said there are three conditions that render a vessel derelict: no power, either by motor or sail; no working steering mechanism; and hull intrusion that compromises the integrity of the vessel’s ability to stay afloat.

When derelict and abandoned vessels are removed and destroyed, an outside contractor does the work, and the city pays the contractor using grant money

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be given the allotted period to file an appeal before any vessels are removed.

The last known registered owner of each vessel tagged was sent a certified letter informing them of the city’s intentions. One of the vessels tagged was the cabin cruiser that belonged to former liveaboard boater Brandon Nieuwkoop, who drowned in the anchorage waters on March 31.

Cosby said the vessels were deemed abandoned according to previous enforcement efforts and research

IQU EC oa

“Otherwise, it will be removed and disposed pursuant to Chapter 705, Florida Statutes,” the notice says.

Two the tagged boats were sailboats and two were cabin cruisers. Cosby said a third sailboat that was going to be tagged was recently sold and the new owner must be given 30 days to register the vessel.

The stickers inform the boat owners that they have 21 days to appeal the violation or violations to a special master. Cosby said the owners would

UN

BRADENTON BEACH – Four abandoned boats were tagged last week as part of the increased enforcement efforts taking place in the unmanaged anchorage near the historic Bridge Street Pier.

On Tuesday, May 8, Officer Eric Hill piloted the police boat into the navigable waters that provide anchorage for approximately 40 vessels. Lt. John Cosby then affixed to four vessels the bright orange stickers that serve as official notice that the city intends to have the abandoned vessel removed.

The stickers declare the abandoned vessels to be unlawfully located in city waters and orders them removed within five days. The stickers note the boats have been identified by a law enforcement officer as being lost or abandoned property according to state law.

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MAY 16, 2018

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13

BOATS: Tagged for removal FROM PAGE 12

provided by the West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND). Cosby said on average it costs between $2,500 and $5,000 to have a boat removed, depending on whether it’s already sunk. One of the motorboats tagged has already sunk, and its hull is resting on the bottom.

Cosby estimated that three-quarters of the boats out there are in good shape and are compliant with city and state laws and regulations.

“We’ve tried to educate them. All we want you to do is be compliant and you’ll never hear from us,” he said. “We have a lot of boaters out here that are compliant, and they do not want these bad boaters out here either.”

The police boat currently must be trailered down to the Coquina boat ramps to be placed in the water. This will change when a new boat lift for the police boat is installed alongside the pier. This is expected to happen later this year using previously approved WCIND grant money.

“We can then drop the boat in the water and make a quick run out,” Cosby said, noting the city has three officers qualified to make marine patrols.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Tagged for pending removal, this boat formerly belonged to liveaboard boater Brandon Nieuwkoop, who drowned in late March. Officer Eric Hill piloted the police boat and Lt. John Cosby tagged the boats deemed to be abandoned.

CENTER: Gets city financial support FROM PAGE 10

‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE

Soustek went on to say that she’d like to see audited financial figures and have more of an explanation about where funds are being used.

“I’m not just going to hand out money,” she said. “I want to know what you’re going to do with it.” She added that the three Island city commissions have already voted to donate $100,000 for capital expenses to The Center from the concession fund. The donation requires Manatee County commissioners to vote to release the funds.

Mayor Bob Johnson said he’s seen

progress at The Center financially and in management, but he feels there’s more forward movement to be made.

With little direct communication from The Center, he said more discussions between city and Center leadership are needed.

In response to commission concerns, The Center’s board chair, David Zaccagnino, and new Executive Director Chris Culhane met with Johnson in the days following the May 8 commission meeting. The two offered to meet privately with any city leaders who have concerns about The Center’s manage-

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ment and financial practices. Zaccagnino said the meeting with Johnson was a positive experience.

Commissioner Judy Titsworth agreed with Hurst, saying it was time to let bygones be bygones.

“I’m done saying ‘no’, ” she said. “I’m done saying ‘prove it.’ It’s time to move on.”

With the city now offering financial support to The Center, Titsworth said she hopes it encourages more community confidence in the nonprofit.

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MAY 16, 2018

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MAY 16, 2018

THE SUN

15

Plans expand for dog park renovations The Parks and Beautification Committee presented its ideas for renovations at the dog park to commissioners. Commissioners may want to relocate the park.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Renovations at the city’s dog park now hinge on City Engineer Lynn Burnett’s master plan for the city park complex.

Members of the Parks and Beautification Committee, along with several members of the public, presented their ideas for renovations to the dog park at a May 8 commission work session. Commissioner Judy Titsworth added in her idea as well, saying it might be a good time to look at relocating the dog park to another part of the city park complex, possibly to the northeast area near the basketball and tennis courts currently being used as a construction staging area.

Titsworth said the current park which poses some location problems, including being close to residential housing and leaving park goers in danger of being hit with fly balls from the neighboring baseball diamond. Rather than investing the $50,000

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

This staging area at the northeast side of the city’s park complex is being proposed as a potential new home for the Holmes Beach Dog Park. allocated to dog park improvements in the current location, she suggested looking at relocating it to build a new and improved dog park and leave the current one open during construction. If commissioners decide to go in that direction, minimal improvements will be made to the current dog park to make it better for patrons in the interim.

Commissioners instructed Burnett to look at the park complex as a whole and come back before them quickly with a suggestion to keep the dog park in place or where to relocate it so that improvements can get underway.

“Look at the whole park as a blank slate,” Commissioner Rick Hurst advised Burnett.

Commissioner Carol Soustek said she wants to see action taken to improve the dog park now rather than potentially waiting years to see a master plan for the entire park.

If the park is going to be moved, improvements suggested for the interim include replacing rusted fence posts, addressing drainage issues, adding potable water stations and looking at the ground cover issues.

If the park stays in place, committee members suggested $38,500 in changes, includ-

ing replacing the fence, adding benches, adding large trees for shade, adding water bottle filling stations where owners can fill dog bowls, using a combination of crushed shell and sand as ground cover instead of grass and dirt and installing a fire hydrant style fountain for dogs to play in. Additional entrances with push button access also were suggested, along with netting to prevent baseballs from flying into the dog park.

Dog park users spoke in favor of both options, though all agreed they want to see improvements happen quickly no matter where the park is located.

“It’s important that we get this project right,” Renae Ferguson said, asking commissioners for a project timeline. “I don’t want to be pushing a wheelchair when this is done.”

Burnett said that stormwater improvements scheduled for Flotilla Drive should help alleviate some of the dog park’s drainage problems. She agreed to develop a master park plan and come back before commissioners with her recommendations.

“We have an opportunity here to improve an important recreational area in our city, and I’m looking forward to seeing a vision for it,” Ferguson said.

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Adoption of nuisances ordinance delayed Mayor Dan Murphy was surprised to learn that the Sheriff’s Office is not willing to enforce certain city ordinances.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The city’s efforts to amend its nuisances ordinance to address concerns about ultra-light aircraft and large beach holes hit an unexpected snag last week.

On May 10, Mayor Dan Murphy told city commissioners the attorney for the Manatee County Sheriff ’s Office informed him that Sheriff ’s Office deputies would not enforce the proposed changes to the ordinance.

The city of Anna Maria pays the Sheriff ’s Office nearly $1 million a year to serve as its contracted police force. The other two Island cities have their own police forces.

Regarding ultralight aircraft, the ordinance language presented last week proposed that no person could operate an ultralight vehicle over any part of the city or within 1,000 feet of the city’s shorelines during daylight hours due to the presence of people swimming, wading or floating on the water.

That ultralight aircraft language was inspired by a similar ordinance recently adopted by Holmes Beach commissioners in response to concerns about commercially operated, low-flying ultralight aircraft.

Regarding the size and depth of some holes recently discovered on

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy asked city commissioners to hold off on adopting an amended nuisances ordinance until some enforcement concerns could be addressed.

Anna Maria beaches, the proposed ordinance sought to prohibit digging a hole in the beach that creates a hazard to other beach users or wildlife.

The ordinance language was drafted by City Attorney Becky Vose.

“Becky and I were notified just a few minutes ago that the county had a problem with this ordinance as it’s written – both with some regulation of ultralight flying and secondly with the holes on the beach.

“As it’s written, the county feels they don’t want to enforce this ordinance, so we would have to have

Code Enforcement enforce this ordinance,” Murphy told commissioners.

Murphy said the city would need code enforcement on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week to fully enforce the proposed ordinance.

“That’s an added expense we’d have,” he said.

Murphy said he’d like Vose and the attorneys for the county to work on the ordinance language together in hopes of finding an amicable resolution.

“Both of these items are exceptionally important to the city. I would recommend that we postpone the revision of this ordinance,” Murphy said, and the commission agreed.

He said if an agreement can’t be reached with the county then the ordinance could be adopted as is and Code Enforcement officers would be asked to do what they could regarding enforcement.

“I need to have some discussions as well with the sheriff about the selective enforcement of our ordinances. I was unaware that evidentially there’s a past practice that some of our ordinances the sheriff doesn’t enforce. The first I heard of that was tonight. Evidentially that agreement was reached with another mayor. I need to research that as well,” Murphy said.

Later in the week, Murphy was asked if he knew why the Sheriff ’s Office wouldn’t enforce certain city ordinances. He said that wasn’t fully explained to him before Thursday’s meeting, but he hoped to get some answers.

MAY 16, 2018

Have a say in future planning Planning sessions will be held at libraries around the county from May through July.

BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH ¬ – Manatee County officials are stepping back, taking a look where we are and assessing what we want to be in the future; and they want input from the people who live here.

Based on what the county looked like in 1998 and a desire to look ahead to 2038, this visioning project is titled Back to the Future. In a news release, Manatee County Administrator Ed Hunzeker said it is imperative to begin planning for the future now.

Citizens are urged to attend a session at their closest library. The Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, hosts the final session on Thursday, July 12, from 10 a.m. to noon.

For more information on Manatee County government, go online to www.mymanatee. org or call 941-748-4501.The Island Branch Library’s phone number is 941-788-6341.

BRIDGE: Cortezians wary and weary FROM PAGE 1

“We need another bridge from Longboat Key to the mainland to keep those people off Anna Maria Island when they go to the mainland,” he said.

East of Tide Tables, the Cortez Trailer Park would be affected by the new bridge because it has two entrances that might have to be connected to a side road that would connect with Cortez Road because the road would be elevated from descending the tall bridge.

Bruce Shearer, owner of Annie’s Bait and Tackle, said he might not be alive to see the new bridge. He said the new bridge might make it easier to get into or out of Annie’s, but the tall structure would not fit in with Cortez.

“I went to hearings 30 years ago, and we told them we didn’t want the tall bridge, but the Manatee Avenue Bridge would be better because it’s longer and there aren’t any buildings nearby,” he said. “They agreed to build the Manatee Avenue Bridge high, and that’s what’s happening, but now they’re back and will do the same with this bridge.”

He said the tall bridge isn’t the solution.

“They can build it as high as they want, but there will still be cars backed up to the fire station every day,” he said. “They need to build a bridge from Longboat Key to the mainland where all that new development will be.”

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

This is the building that will be torn down to make way for the Cortez Bridge replacement, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.

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MAY 16, 2018

THE SUN

17

Confederate monument debate resumes The long-term fate of the Confederate monument remains in limbo.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON – By 4-3 vote, Manatee County commissioners have rejected Vanessa Baugh’s motion to ask county voters if they want a Confederate monument returned to the Historic Courthouse in downtown Bradenton until a new location is found.

Erected in 1924, the memorial monument was removed from the courthouse square and placed in storage after a 4-3 commission vote in August. During the move, the 22-foot, 8.5-ton granite monument was dropped and broke into three pieces. The monument will be repaired when installed at a yet-to-be-determined location.

The unadvertised monument debate ensued when county resident Barbara Hemingway broached the topic during citizens’ input at the commission’s Tuesday, May 8, meeting.

Hemingway said a group she’s working with has proposed the

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The inscription on the Confederate monument removed from the courthouse square last summer references “the best traditions of the south.”

Manatee Village Historical Park or the nearby Manatee Burying Ground as equally respectful locations, but the commissioners she previously met with preferred the Gamble Mansion Historic State Park in Ellenton, which would require state approval.

Hemingway referenced a letter from the Gamble Plantation Preservation Alliance, and she said that location was a longshot at best.

In December, Preservation Alliance President Gail Jessee sent a letter to Florida Department of Environmental Protection District 4 Bureau Chief Valinda Subic stating, “This letter establishes for the record our opposition to the proposed relocation of the Bradenton Manatee Confederate monument to the state park.”

The letter said the threat of destruction the monument faced at the courthouse would follow it to

the steps of the state park’s historic plantation house.

“It began with the removal of the song ‘Dixie,’ then the removal of Confederate flags, now it is our Confederate monuments, markers and memorials. Next it will be Confederate structures,” the letter said.

In October, the Manatee County Veterans Council sent the commission a letter expressing opposition to the monument being placed at Veterans Park, near the Bradenton Riverwalk.

Hemingway encouraged the commission to ask county voters in November if they want the monument returned to the courthouse square for now.

Veteran Bob Greenwald said, “It is old verity that says those that cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat its errors in the future. Take responsibility for this well-intentioned mistake and restore the monument to its rightful place.”

Greenwald said letting voters decide would remove that burden from commissioners.

SEE MONUMENT, PAGE 41

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MAY 16, 2018

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MAY 16, 2018

THE SUN

19

My restaurant start – part 3

BY SEAN MURPHY SPECIAL TO THE SUN

M

y first day as a caterer at the Canada Summer Games was not an auspicious day.

I had organized a crew of 60 fellow teens to sell hot dogs, polar pies, Cracker Jacks and souvenir key chains to 10,000 people watching the Grand Opening.

The Grand Opening turned into a Grand Bust when a political hack at the school board sent 1,000 school kids to sit in the steps of the stands and shut down access to the crowds.

My friend Louie-the-Thief had been the star of the day because he could throw hot dogs 12 rows up.

Louie also had made extra cash by skimming sales and stealing the souvenir key chains.

Louie was able to skim some of the cash because all of the girls in charge of the cash had a crush on Louie.

They all believed they could cure the bad boy in him.

It worked wonders for him all of his life.

After the grand opening crashed and burned it poured rain the rest of the week.

Nova Scotia rain. Colder than Boston rain.

We did not have a lot of patrons.

By day three I was down to a field canteen and a payroll of four.

Louie was offered a job in the canteen, but he was making more money selling stolen key chains in the parking lot.

I cooked the hot dogs, Cousin Eddy ran the soda machine and Sally worked the counter and cash. Cousin Billy loafed and ate ice cream.

There was an air of tragic romance about the operation.

I had a crush on Sally; she had a crush on Louie.

My cousin Billy had no specific job description because I did not want to hire him.

My grandmother used to say that Cousin Billy was not cut out for work.

Uncle George maintained that Billy had been dropped a lot when he was a baby.

George nicknamed him Death Trap.

Because Billy was lazy, and incompetent to almost any purpose, my mother made me hire him.

I learned that Billy had potential. He would have made a great terrorist.

The second day I got Billy to carry out the pressurized canisters of soda syrup.

To the creative terrorist, each of those canisters is a black syrup bomb.

Billy dropped the canister where it in-

flicted maximum damage.

It was the lobby of the university.

The dark, sticky syrup blew upwards through the three floors of the atrium to the glass dome in the ceiling.

Shrapnel of sticky, black, cola syrup dripped from all of it.

Fifty years later I could still make out little black spots on that dome.

I moved Billy from transport to ice cream.

Our chocolate-coated ice cream bars came out of a freezer truck backed up to the field canteen.

When Sally called for ice cream, Billy opened the little access door in the freezer truck and got out an ice cream.

It was cold and rainy so there was not a lot of demand for ice cream.

It was hard to imagine Billy doing any damage as ice cream guy.

Uncle George used to say that you should never underestimate the creativity of a fool.

One of those cold, drizzling days, Sally called back to Billy for an ice cream and then called out again, and again, with no response.

I turned to see him asleep on the back counter. His face was covered in chocolate and ice cream. I yelled, “Billy – ice cream!”

Billy bolted upright and then disappeared down between the back side of the canteen

and the freezer truck. He dropped four feet and wedged himself right in there.

He had the keys to the truck in his back pocket, and we could not get to them to move the truck Someone called the fire department and then the police came and then an ambulance came and everyone stood around and chuckled and made suggestions.

Finally we called a big wrecker to tow the freezer truck.

When Billy fell he took out the power cord to the truck, and all the ice cream melted.

Cousin Joe said we should have left him there forever.

We freed Billy.

He stormed off fuming at Cousin Joe. Sally walked home with Louie.

I learned a lot that week.

I learned to identify the weakest link in your plan because that’s where Mother Nature will get creative.

I learned that hiring relatives is unavoidable and will inevitably end badly.

And I learned that that the pretty girl will always pick the scoundrel.

What I failed to learn was to stay the hell out of the restaurant business.

Sean Murphy is the head coach of the Beach Bistro, Eat Here and the Doctor’s Office.

Surfside … Anna Maria Island

“Best Restaurant in America” 4.9 out of 5 ZAGAT stars One of only 11 in the entire country

941.778.6444 www.BeachBistro.com

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MAY 16, 2018

DARA CAUDILL | WWW.ISLANDPHOTOGRAPHY.ORG

Kerry and John Slone were married at the Sandbar restaurant on April 12, 2008. They celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary on April 12, 2018, with their beautiful 6-year-old daughter, Prudence. On their wedding day, Chuck Caudill provided the music. Patti Mckee coordinated the ceremony and reception.

Kerry, John and Prudence currently reside in Chicago, Ill.

GULF DRIVE CAE | SUBMITTED

Annie and Jerry were married at the Sunset Tiki Hut on April 14th, 2018. They are a local couple that love coming to the beach and enjoying their time at the Kokonut Hut. They celebrated with close family and friends from around the country. The event was coordinated by Stefanie Lawrence.

DARA CAUDILL | WWW.ISLANDPHOTOGRAPHY.ORG

Jenna Ryan and Nickolas Letsch were married at the Sandbar restaurant on April 12, 2018. Chuck Caudill played ukulele for the ceremony, and was DJ for the reception. Jim Harwood and Molly Powers, of the Sandbar, coordinated the ceremony and reception. Jenna and Nick honeymooned on Anna Maria Island and in Key West, before returning home to Denver, Colo.

DARA CAUDILL | WWW.ISLANDPHOTOGRAPHY.ORG

Lauren Hendrickson and Jason Cuno were married at the Sandbar restaurant on Nov. 11, 2017. Their son, Liam, was the ring bearer.

Chuck Caudill provided the music. Jim Harwood and Molly Powers, of the Sandbar, coordinated the ceremony and reception.

Lauren, Jason and Liam honeymooned on Anna Maria Island before returning home to Mount Airy, Md.

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MAY 16, 2018

THE SUN

A Perfect Setting... For Your Perfect Wedding Sandbar

Beach House

The Studio at Gulf and Pine

Bridge Tender Inn serves Florida style

tubs & HBO. Pristine private beach with complimentary

If you’re looking for someplace with history, you’ll appreciate Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach, and the best location for original Florida food with a view is the Bridge Tender Inn and Dockside Bar located at 135 Bridge Street.

Bridge Tender Inn and Dockside Bar has been around for decades and under the same ownership for 29 years. It’s a landmark in an historic part of Anna Maria Island.

The dining room holds up to 130 people and is perfect for a rehearsal dinner, bridal shower or other gathering. You can reserve the dining room and tailor the Bridge Tender’s menu, featuring fresh seafood and other local dishes, to as casual or as formal as you would like.

For smaller parties, you can reserve a section of the dining room, with views of Sarasota Bay, the Bridge Street Pier and Bridge Street. There also is another area, Doc B's Front Porch. The Bridge Tender and Dockside Bar also is accessible by water at Marker 49 and has two docks available for customers.

For more information on the Bridge Tender Inn and Dockside Bar, go to wwwbridgetenderinn.rocks or contact Shannon Dunnan, events coordinator, at tenderinn@aol.com or 941-778-4849.

The Bridge Tender Inn, for the taste of real Florida.

BeAnIslandBride.com

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MAY 16, 2018

DARA CAUDILL | WWW.ISLANDPHOTOGRAPHY.ORG

Alma Machado and Andrew Stritzl were married at the Sandbar restaurant on Oct. 22, 2017.

Chuck Caudill provided music for the ceremony and reception. Molly Powers and Jim Harwood, of the Sandbar, coordinated the ceremony and reception. Alma and Andrew honeymooned on Anna Maria Island before returning to their home in Bradenton, Fla.

Jen and Daniel Tamayo were married on Saturday, March 10, 2018, at The Sunset by Gulf Drive Café. Even though it was a cloudy day, the couple brightened it up with their lively celebration. They were surrounded by close friends and family, as they said I do on the white sandy beach. Jen and Daniel traveled from central Florida to share their beautiful love story. The Sunset by Gulf Drive Café is proud to share their moment.

GULF DRIVE CAE | SUBMITTED

MAY 16, 2018

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Chamber seeks members The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will have a membership drive during the months of June and July.

The Chamber is providing incentives for businesses to become new members during this time period and incentives for existing members to recruit new members.

To become a new member of the AMI Chamber, call The Chamber at 941-778-1541 or visit the office at 5313 Gulf Drive N, Holmes Beach. Be sure to join by July 31 to qualify for the extra incentives.

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Chamber schedules food and fellowship The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will hold several gatherings through June for members to network and potential members to find out what the Chamber is all about.

• Hancock Whitney Bank, at 5324 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, will host the March Business Card Exchange on Wednesday, May 23, from 5 to 7 p.m. The cost to attend is $5 for members and $10 for prospective members.

The Chamber will present its scholarship awards at this event.

To RSVP, contact the Chamber at 941-778-1541 or at info@amichamber.org.

• On Wednesday, June 6, the Chamber June Networking Luncheon will be. Held from 11:30a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pier 22, 1200 1st. Ave. W, Bradenton. The cost is $15 for members and $25 for prospective members. To RSVP, contact the Chamber at 941-778-1541 or at info@amichamber.org.

• Three barrier Island cham-

bers of commerce will get together for their annual Tri-Chamber Business & BBQ on the Bay on Thursday, June 7, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Resort at Longboat Key Club, located at 3000 Harbourside Drive, Longboat Key, Bayside. This is a combined networking event with the Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key and Siesta Key chambers. There will be a BBQ dinner buffet, complimentary beer, a cash bar, lawn games, a 50/50 raffle and beach music by Mike Sales. The entry fee is $25 in advance, $30 at the door. RSVP by Friday, June 1, at info@amichamber.org or call the AMI Chamber at 941-778-1541.

• Key Royale Club located at 700 Key Royale Drive, Holmes Beach, will host the June Business Card Exchange on Wednesday, June 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. The cost to attend is $5 for members and $10 for prospective members. To RSVP, contact the AMI Chamber at 941-778-1541 or at info@amichamber.org.

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MAY 16, 2018

941.779.2337 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM 7 DAYS A WEEK 5344 3 GULF DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH

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OUTDOORS

MAY 16, 2018

Casting for recovery

Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

T

he cool air along the Chattahoochee River mingled with the midmorning sun created a magical backdrop for the female fly fishers as they worked their way along the stream with their guides. I had arrived in the North Georgia mountains the previous afternoon and was honored to be included with a number of journalists covering a Casting For Recovery Retreat.

The event had started a day prior to my arrival on a Friday afternoon at Smithgall Woods

State Park near Helen, Ga. That Saturday, the participants were taught the basics of fly casting, fly fishing and had the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed day in the Blue Ridge foothills.

Casting for Recovery was founded in 1996 in Manchester, Vt., by a breast reconstruction surgeon and a professional fly fisher. Awarded 501(c)(3) non-profit status in 1998, Casting for Recovery’s innovative program focuses on improving the quality of life for women with breast cancer, and has garnered endorsements from medical experts nationwide.

I learned about the event from Jimmy Harris, owner of Unicoi Outfitters, a major sponsor of the 2 1/2-day event.

The women were fishing a private stretch of the Chattahoochee managed by Unicoi

Outfitters, a favorite fly fishing haunt of mine. Harris, his wife Kathy, his staff of local fly fishing guides and area volunteers were working up and down the river with the participants, exploring the many runs, riffles and pools that hold some trophy sized brown and rainbow trout.

As I photographed the anglers and their guides, I was struck by the good humor, the spirit and resilience of a group of women who were recovering from one of life’s most devastating challenges. Whether they were strong enough to wade the swift currents or needed to sit in a chair at the water’s edge, these indomitable women were embracing their lives and the camaraderie SEE REEL TIME, PAGE 27

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

CFR participant Kitty Grimsley caught this rainbow trout under the guidance of Georgia Regional Fisheries biologists and guide Jeff Durniak.

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Look for tarpon moving along the beaches CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE

Well, it’s tarpon time once again. These shiny flying dinosaurs have started to invade the waters around our little island, and we here at Anna Maria Charters are getting to work on them. The most common method of fishing for the guys is freelined pass crabs.

But threadfin herring and flies are also productive methods. If you’ve never been on the other end of a silver king, it’s quite an experience. With acrobatic jumps and blistering runs, there’s a reason why they are one of the world’s most sought after gamefish.

In other news, the snapper bite is getting great. Big mangrove snapper are easy to obtain fishing with shiners on the nearshore structure. These tasty critters are always popular on my charters. The snook nite is great on the beaches. With these fish moving over to spawn, they will readily take a white bait.

We encourage you to get out there and take advantage of the stellar fishing right now.

Tight lines.

CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT

Tarpon numbers are increasing as migratory fish arrive along our beaches. Look for

CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE | SUBMITTED

Captain David White is shown boating a fly caught Tarpon in the waters around Anna Maria Island. tarpon schools to be moving both north and south along our beaches, especially early in the season. Set up in their line of travel and wait for tarpon schools to move past and cast a live crab or pinfish or a DOA Baitbuster to them. Once you’ve seen the first school of fish, you can concentrate your efforts in that lane, since other

schools may be following the same route. When they aren’t showing well on the surface, a live bait under a float in their travel lane may score. I’ve also done well blind casting a DOA Baitbuster or Swimming Mullet, if you’re in the right spot, when there wasn’t much showing on the surface. Even in deep water (10 to 25 feet),

be quiet and use your electric trolling motor sparingly. Even though your 4-stroke outboard sounds quiet, it is no substitute for an electric trolling motor.

Fly anglers should do well with a variety of baitfish or crab fly patterns fished on floating or intermediate sink tip fly lines. Staking out or anchoring in shallow water on

their travel route should result in some shots at fish. The best angle is a head on shot, followed by a quartering shot. A perpendicular shot may work, if it’s timed perfectly, although casting too far beyond their line of travel will usually spook them. I use a push pole in shallow water if I need to adjust my position to make a cast.

Give other tarpon anglers a minimum of 300-yards of space in any direction, since fish may be moving north or south. If you set up any closer than that, you may be deflecting fish that are headed towards other anglers. Also, be respectful of other anglers by not running your outboard close to them. Once tarpon are pressured or spooked, they are tougher for everyone to catch.

There also should be good action with trout, blues and Spanish mackerel on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay. Fishing shallow water for snook and reds with lures and flies is challenging although they also should be a good option now.

Fishing dock lights in the ICW at night is always a good option for snook and more. Our natural resources are under constant pressure. Limit your kill; don’t kill your limit.

REEL TIME: Casting for Recovery FROM PAGE 26

embracing their lives and the camaraderie of their fellow fly fishers on this halcyon day.

At the end of the day’s fishing, everyone had experienced the thrill of hooking, fighting and landing one of the river’s beautiful trout. That afternoon they

returned to Smithgall Woods for lunch, an awards ceremony and a slide show highliting the weekend’s activities.

Casting For Recovery depends on the support and goodwill of business owners like Jimmy Harris, medical professionals and the volunteers that are so

critical to the program’s success.

They offer 60 retreats across the country, host 800 women each year and have served over 8,000 women to date. The program is free of charge to participants. To learn how you can help, donate or shop in their online store at www.castingforrecovery.org.

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MAY 16, 2018

Celebrate endangered species

By Cindy Lane Friday, May 18 is Endangered Species Day, the 45th anniversary of the federal Endangered Species Act, and a great day to get outdoors and try to spot them on Anna Maria Island.

Here’s your checklist – good luck!

ENDANGERED

Hawksbill sea turtle Kemp’s ridley sea turtle Leatherback sea turtle

THREATENED

American oystercatcher Black skimmer Gopher tortoise Green sea turtle Least tern Little blue heron Loggerhead sea turtle Piping plover Roseate spoonbill Snowy plover West Indian manatee

CINDY LANE | SUN

Clockwise from above: Black skimmers, American oystercatcher, Green sea turtle.

SPECIES OF SPECIAL CONCERN Osprey

Crab fishery changes on horizon The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is accepting input on potential regulatory changes related to the recreational and commercial stone crab and blue crab trap fisheries and the commercial spiny lobster trap fishery.

Topics include ending the stone crab season earlier, requiring all recreational stone crab and blue crab traps to have an FWC-issued tag number affixed to the trap, regulations related to transporting, deploying and pulling traps at night, allowing partial orders of commercial stone crab trap tag allotments and boxing crabs on commercial vessels

before removing claws.

Industry participants and recreational stone crab and blue crab fishers are invited to share input by attending a workshop or submitting comments online at www.MyFWC. com/SaltwaterComments.

Workshops will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, May 21. at the Lions Club, 501 S.W. Fourth Ave., Dania Beach and Tuesday, May 22, at Joseph P. D’Alessandro Office Complex, Room 165 C & D, 2295 Victoria Ave., Fort Myers.

For more information, call the Division of Marine Fisheries Management at 850487-0554 or email Marine@ MyFWC.com.

CINDY LANE | SUN

Shady SUNset Beach accesses on Anna Maria Island are landscaped by nature.

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MAY 16, 2018

FLIPPERS AND FEATHERS Turtles dig the dark! If you’re visiting Anna Maria Island in a beachfront rental, you can help sea turtle hatchlings get to the Gulf of Mexico safely by turning off balcony lights and closing drapes and blinds on windows that face the Gulf or Bay.

BIRD TIPS During bird nesting season, March through August, please follow these tips: • Never touch a shorebird chick, even if it’s wandering outside a staked nesting area.

• Teach kids not to chase birds – bird parents may abandon nests if they’re disturbed.

• Don’t feed birds – it encourages them to fly at people aggressively and

is not good for their health.

• If birds are screeching and flying at you, you’re too close.

• Avoid posted bird nesting areas and use designated walkways to the beach.

• Keep pets away from bird nesting areas.

• Keep the beach clean; food scraps attract predators such as raccoons and crows to the beach, and litter can entangle birds and other wildlife.

• If you see people disturbing nesting birds, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

TURTLE TIPS During sea turtle season, May 1 – Oct. 31, please follow these tips: • Turn off lights visible from the beach and close blinds from sundown to sunrise; lights confuse nesting sea turtles and may cause them to go back to sea and drop their eggs in the water, where they won’t hatch. Light can also

attract hatchlings away from the water.

• Don’t use flashlights, lanterns or camera flashes on the beach at night.

• Remove all objects from the sand from sundown to sunrise; they can deter sea turtles from nesting and disorient hatchlings.

• Fill in the holes you dig in the sand before leaving the beach; they can trap nesting and hatching sea turtles, which cannot live long out of the water.

• Don’t use wish lanterns or fireworks; they litter the beach and Gulf.

• Do not trim trees and plants that shield the beach from lights.

• Never touch a sea turtle; it’s the law. If you see people disturbing turtles, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

TURTLE TALKS ON TUESDAY

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring will host free Turtle Talks each Tuesday in May, June and July at 10 a.m. at CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes

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Beach.

The 30-minute program will highlight 35 years of surveying sea turtle nesting on Anna Maria Island beaches using photos, videos and true stories.

Free children’s activity books, temporary turtle tattoos and handouts will be available.

For more information, call 941-7785638.

NESTING NEWS Turtle nests laid: 1 False crawls: 8 Nests hatched: 0 Not hatched: 0 Nests remaining: 1 Hatchlings to Gulf: 0 Nest disorientations: 0 Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

SUNSHINE: Judge denies motion in lawsuit FROM PAGE 5

Metz on May 23. This may require another ruling from Arend if the two sides can’t agree on who can attend deposition proceedings.

DEPOSITION CONCERNS

CINDY LANE | SUN

Natives in Bloom Blooming in many Island landscapes, Indian Hawthorn is a member of the rose family and is cold and salt tolerant.

Metz and Martin attended Wednesday’s hearing accompanied by former mayor Bill Shearon and former City Commissioner Janie Robertson. Clarke also attended the hearing.

Attorney Jim Dye represented Mapes.

The other four defendants have withdrawn their legal counsel and will represent themselves.

Paralegal Michael Barfield was on hand to assist Watrous, with City Attorney Ricinda Perry serving as co-counsel.

Watrous successfully argued the defense didn’t meet the burden of proof needed to support the request to sequester, and he noted that neither he nor the defense has yet named any non-party witnesses.

Perry suggested the non-party witnesses might include herself, the city clerk and the city planner. She said as co-counsel, sequestering her from the testimony of others would prevent her from protecting her client, the city.

Citing past cases, Arend expressed concerns about hundreds of people wanting to attend depositions and showing up in T-shirts that express support or opposition for the parties involved.

In response, Perry pointed out the four

non-party attendees present: Shearon, Robertson and two newspaper reporters.

Watrous said limited space inside the court reporters’ offices would limit attendance.

Arend said that even if sequestered, witnesses could still be given written transcripts of others’ depositions, which are also later made public at the Manatee County Clerk of Circuit Court website.

“Are you asking that as part of my order as well?” Arend asked.

“We actually are,” Ruberg said.

Arend said he’s never had anyone come before him expressing concerns about non-party witnesses attending depositions. He asked if there was something that made the defense think this was going to happen.

Ruberg said Watrous had filed affidavits for non-party witnesses. Affidavits that Watrous filed on Aug. 11 mentioned the clerk, planner and the city attorney.

Watrous said he did not know who he planned to call as non-party witnesses, and he’s never heard of a request like this.

“Are they going to move to exclude witnesses when nobody knows if they are or aren’t going to be witnesses? The can of worms we’re opening here is daunting,” he said.

A second hearing regarding the defense’s motion to compel Clarke to produce additional documents was postponed.

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MAY 16, 2018

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The market vendors said they liked being set up around the perimeter of the shade sail structure in City Pier Park.

Farmer’s market trial run a success The farmer’s market ended last week and is expected to return next fall.

JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The city’s farmer’s market came to an end last week, and plans are already being formulated to bring it back in October.

Tuesday, May 8, marked the end of the market that debuted with three vendors on a stormy morning in late March. Each of the six vendors on hand last week said they loved the market, will miss it and look forward to its return.

In addition to two produce vendors, the season’s final offerings also included hot sauces, local honey, kettle corn, pasta, guacamole and more. Representatives from Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch & Shorebird Monitoring and the Florida Folk School were also on hand dispensing information about their programs.

Taking place in City Pier Park on Tuesday’s, the weekly market was the brainchild of Mayor Dan Murphy and Deputy Clerk and

Deputy Treasurer Debbie Haynes.

The intent was to bring more foot traffic to the Pine Avenue business district in hopes of offsetting some of the impacts of the city pier being closed.

With the support of the City Commission, Haynes took the lead and served as the de facto market manager. When visiting the market finale, Haynes credited and thanked the participating vendors for making the market a success.

She also expressed her gratitude to all those who came out and supported the upstart market.

During the market’s inaugural run, several customers expressed their appreciation for being able to purchase fresh produce at a friendly price.

Folks also praised the market for being a community gathering spot.

The vendors said they loved being set up so close to water and the breeze coming off Tampa Bay. They also liked being configured in a circle around the perimeter of the new shade sail structure.

Murphy recognized Haynes’ efforts during the May 10 City Commission meeting.

“We held our last farmer’s market for this season, and we’ll crank

it up again in October. It’s one of the few events that we put on that we only had one complaint that I know of – from somebody who said we were using taxpayer money to put on a farmer’s market.

“It didn’t cost us anything to put on a farmer’s market; I don’t know where they were coming from. It does take a certain amount of time, but it’s insignificant compared to the benefit.

"We got the benefit of what we set out to do. We saw people in that park and the intent was let’s not have them stay in the park. Let’s move on from the park and go up and down and visit our business district. I applaud Debbie and her efforts. It was a tremendous success,” Murphy said.

Murphy said the only other complaint he heard was in regard to the market not taking place year-round.

“To me that’s a compliment, not a complaint,” he said.

On the south end of the Island, the Beach Market at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach will continue on Sundays through July.

The Wednesday markets concluded for the season on May 9.

AUCE Fish Fry 1st Sunday Each Month AUCE Snow Crab 2nd Sunday Each Month

Lobster Boil 3rd Sunday Each Month Slicker's Pig Roast 4th Sunday Each Month

Waterfront Tiki Bar on Sarasota Bay Wed. 5/16 - Matt Coates 6PM Thurs. 5/17 Blues Jam w/Jason Haram 7PM

Fri. 5/18 - Larry Yunker 7PM Sat. 5/19 - Tim Chandler 12PM Charlie Morris Band 7PM Sun. 5/20- Tim Chandler 12PM Ted Stevens & The Doo Shots 6PM Mon. 5/21 - Natural Vibes 5:30PM Tues. 5/22 - Ted Stevens 6PM

Lunch Specials Daily

4628 119th St W Cortez (941)798-2035 swordfishgrill.com Marker 49 by boat

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State claims city dock space The fight now isn’t over boat canopies but who owns the submerged land where the docks are located at the city-owned 63rd Street public boat ramp.

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

HOLMES BEACH – City leaders can’t catch a break with the docks installed at the public boat ramp located on 63rd Street.

First, residents at a neighboring condominium complex complained about boat covers for the Holmes Beach Police Department and West Manatee Fire Rescue boats blocking their views. The canopies were eventually removed,but now the city is facing off with the state of Florida about who owns the submerged land the docks are sitting on.

City Attorney Patricia Petruff told commissioners that the city has received a temporary use permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to use the submerged lands at the boat ramp for the city-owned day dock and the two private docks for the rescue boats.

Filings are currently underway to obtain a submerged land lease agreement with the state to keep the docks in their current position.

Petruff said the state claimed the submerged land at the site as sovereign lands. Though city leaders can protest the claim, state leaders are ultimately the ones who decide who the property belongs to. Petruff said she doesn’t know what proof, other than what has already been

FILE PHOTO | SUN

The state government is claiming sovereign rights to 2,400 square-feet of submerged land where these city docks are located. submitted, the city can offer the state to prove ownership. Building Official Jim McGuinness said the process to obtain a submerged land lease had already been initiated with the state.

According to the temporary use permit, the city is required to pay $648 in retribution for utilizing 2,400 square feet of the state’s sovereign lands. If the lease is approved, the city is required to pay $0.174244 per square foot for the land use along with any increase in rate deemed applicable for the first year of the lease.

Petruff estimated the lease amount for the first year to be between $500 and $600, increasing in small increments over the years of the lease. The lease must be renewed each year.

Because WMFR is using one of the docks located on the property, Petruff asked HBPD Chief Bill Tokajer to speak with Fire Chief Tom Sousa

about amending the interlocal agreement for the docks to allow the fire department to reimburse the city annually for the department’s fair share of the lease. To determine how much that is, the area of the 2,400 square feet being used by WMFR’s dock will have to be measured and verified.

The rescue boat docks were put in about two years ago at the expense of WMFR, utilizing grant funds, in exchange for use of the city’s property. With the submerged land lease in play, that agreement must be amended.

Petruff said she has no reason to believe the city will be turned down for the lease agreement.

Commissioners voted unanimously to accept the terms of the temporary use permit and instruct Mayor Bob Johnson to send the $648 deposit to the DEP.

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MAY 16, 2018

Charter review positions on the November ballot In the November election, Holmes Beach voters will be selecting a new mayor, two commissioners, and five representatives for the city’s Charter Review Commission.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Every five years the city’s charter is reviewed by an independent group called the Charter Review Commission. With qualifying week quickly approaching, Holmes Beach city leaders are hoping some residents will step up to run for the new commission’s five seats.

The purpose of the Charter Review Commission is to go over the city’s charter in detail and provide recommendations to update or change sections. Any changes recommended by the commission will be put on the ballot for residents to vote on the charter amendments in the following election.

“The real people who change the charter are the citizens,” Mayor Bob Johnson said.

Johnson served on the previous charter review commission in 2014 before running for mayor. He said that commission met weekly for four months between January and April to create 18 ballot questions amending 14 articles of the city charter, all of which passed voter

approval. Amendments proposed by the commission go directly to the voters, not to city commissioners for approval or rejection first.

“This is a very independent commission,” Johnson said. “It’s a very important job, and it needs to be done. It takes time.”

The time requirement for the charter review commission depends on the rules the commissioners set up during their first meeting and how long it takes them to review the charter. There are no set deadlines for the commission, though any amendments submitted for voter ballots in the November election must be finalized and turned in by the preceding qualifying week.

To qualify to run for one of the Charter Review Commission seats, the applicant must live in Holmes Beach and have resided there for a minimum of two years prior to qualifying week, collect 15 petition signatures from Holmes Beach voters and file a candidate’s residency affidavit. There is no fee to run for the Charter Review Commission.

Candidates can obtain qualifying information from City Clerk Stacey Johnston at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive. Candidate paperwork is required to be turned in to Johnston and verified during qualifying week, noon on Monday, June 18, to noon on Friday, June 22.

For more information, contact Johnston at 941-708-5800, ext. 226.

Cheeta is back Cheeta Chad Ruis, or Cheeta, was back on the Island recently to paint this mural on the wall of Island Sun Plaza.

The artist painted murals in the area a few years ago and then moved on. Cheeta can be reached at 813-446-3763.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

MAY 16, 2018

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PAC financial report available According to campaign treasurer ’s reports, the Keep Our Residential Neighborhoods (KORN) political action committee raised $380 and spent $64.96 as of May 8 on it efforts to get four charter amendment questions on the November ballot. Chairman Reed Mapes donated $280, and treasurer John Metz donated $100. The only expenditures to date are for the KORN website.

According to Manatee County court records, Mapes and his wife signed over the deed to their condominium home in the Old Bridge Village on Bay Drive South on May 3. According to Manatee County Property Appraiser records, the couple owns an undeveloped residential property in Parrish.

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REAL ESTATE

MAY 16, 2018

A bridge too far?

W

hat now? After more than two decades of discussions about the pros and cons of a tall, fixed-span bridge connecting the mainland with Anna Maria Island, we’re now getting not just one bridge but two.

The Florida Department of Transportation has finally made its decision after multiple meetings, surveys and pushback from Cortez residents regarding the correct bridge design and height to build. As we now know, the decision is a 65-foot, fixed-span bridge to replace the existing Cortez drawbridge, matching the planned and previously approved Anna Maria Island bridge.

As of now, we don’t have any time frame on when these bridges may be built. The Anna Maria Island Bridge has been in the design stage since 2015 and, of course, the Cortez Bridge design stage hasn’t even started. The funding for both bridges is still in the unfunded status on FDOT’s websites.

My guess is that although we all may be

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER concerned with how tall bridges will change the face and style of Anna Maria, Cortez and the western edge of the mainland, probably what most homeowners are really concerned about is how such a massive change to our lifestyle will affect their property values.

As much as it pains me to say this, the face of Anna Maria and surrounding areas has already been transformed substantially in the 20 years I’ve been living here, and frankly, I don’t see any way to stop further change.

When I look out my window and see tour boats, paddleboards and jet skies buzzing by every few minutes, it breaks my heart, but has it changed my property value? The

answer is no; nor do I believe a tall bridge will degrade property values either.

Before you start writing your letter to the editor, hear me out. Granted there will be an impact to the historic Cortez Village and also to residents on the north side of Cortez Road, but after attending FDOT’s August meeting I was reasonably satisfied that access for residents and visitors on both sides of Cortez Road has been accommodated (look at cortezbridge.com for details).

Nothing is perfect, not the least of which is the traffic on Cortez Road going westbound sometimes backing up beyond 86th street.

On more than one occasion, I’ve thought what do potential buyers think if they’re considering a purchase on either side of Cortez Road or Anna Maria Island? Most of this season and frequently off-season traffic jams are caused by bridge openings every 30 minutes, especially when it takes at least 15 minutes to get moving again after the bridge is closed.

As far as property values in the three cities on Anna Maria, let me refer you to my May 2 analysis of $1 million and over properties, both recently sold and currently listed. Will a pair of tall bridges that have the potential to move traffic faster on and off the Island eliminate our million and multi-million-dollar properties? Not likely.

This may be a good time to take a step back and breath deeply before assuming that property values are going to be negatively affected by either one of these bridges. And as far as changing the character and charm of the area, that’s already been altered and continues to be in flux for a variety of reasons.

I don’t like what has happened to Anna Maria either, I miss the small town beachy feel driving along Gulf Drive that I discovered 25 years ago. However, it is indeed a paradise and always will be. Tall bridge or no tall bridge we’re still fortunate to call it home.

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Anna Maria receives clean audit report Independent auditors found nothing out of order for the 2016-17 fiscal year.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The city received a glowing audit report last week and City Clerk/ Treasurer LeAnne Addy and Deputy City Clerk/Treasurer Debbie Haynes received much of the credit.

On May 10, independent auditor Randy Dillingham presented the audit report for the city’s 2016-17 fiscal year that ended on Sept. 30.

“It’s a very good report for the city this year,” he told the City Commission.

“We had no difficulty in performing the audit and dealing with management. It was an open and transparent process. All the records we asked for were produced and were timely. Thank you to LeAnne and her team and thank you to the mayor. We do ask for quite a bit of information, and we kind of turn their world upside down, so we appreciate the assistance,” Dillingham said.

Providing a big-picture overview of the city’s finances, Dillingham said the city

ended the fiscal year with assets valued at slightly more than $3.4 million balanced against current short-term liabilities of $493,000.

He said the city carried into the current 2017-18 fiscal year a general fund balance of $2.97 million, which represents approximately 77 percent of the city’s annual reoccurring expenditures. This means that city could theoretically cover three-quarters of its anticipated annual expenses if it received no additional tax revenues, which is highly unlikely. Dillingham said approximately 68 percent of those financial reserves are unrestricted, which means they can be spent as the mayor and commission see fit.

“You had a good financial year when you look at current revenues over expenditures.

You collected $6,622 more than you budgeted, and you spent $900,200 less than you budgeted, mainly due to some projects you budgeted for that were not actually completed during the year,” Dillingham said.

“At year end, the city had $2,450,281 in outstanding long-term debt service that you’re paying down each year,” Dillingham said, noting this equates to about 6 percent of the city’s annual revenues.

“That’s certainly affordable to the city,” he added.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

From left, City Clerk and Treasurer LeAnne Addy and Deputy Clerk and Deputy Treasurer Debbie Haynes received praise last week for their work on the city budget.

That outstanding long-term debt is what remains of the $2.84 million loan the city took out in 2011 to purchase the City Pier Park property.

Dillingham said the auditors found no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies regarding the city’s internal controls or compliance requirements.

“It’s a clean report,” he said.

Regarding the management letter that is part of the audit report, Dillingham said the auditors had no additional comments

regarding any recommended changes that are needed.

He said there were three comments last year. One pertained to a separation of duties and the overlapping duties of staff members.

Another pertained to the number of budget adjustments posted. A third pertained to building permit calculations that didn’t come out correctly.

“All of those were corrected this year and we have no comments in that letter this year,” Dillingham said. “I think the numbers speak for themselves. You had a good financial year.”

Commission Chair Doug Copeland then said, “I want to thank our staff because in past years we have had some negative comments. Since I’ve been here, this is the first time we haven’t, and we owe a debt of gratitude to our staff and the job they’ve done.”

Commissioner Carol Carter noted that Murphy deserved credit as well.

Murphy then said, “LeAnne and Debbie have done a wonderful job of getting us to the position where we got an unmodified opinion. They have done a phenomenal job.

I think they deserve a round of applause from this commission for what they’ve done.”

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MAY 16, 2018

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MAY 16, 2018

THE SUN

Keep calm and surf on The West Coast Surf Shop may be down, but it has not lost its stoke.

Brandi Brady, the daughter of owners Jim and Ronee Brady, plans to hold the annual surf camp on Mondays on June 25, July 2, July 9 and July 16 on the beach in front of the shop, 3902 Gulf Drive.

An April 15 electrical fire caused an estimated $250,000 in damage to the shop, one of Anna Maria Island’s oldest businesses, destroying the contents and much of the building and forcing the Bradys to refuse shipments of spring inventory. No one was hurt in the blaze thanks to quick action by three employees.

The Bradys are ready to start rebuilding the shop and the two rental apartments above it as soon as insurance issues are sorted out, Ronee Brady said, estimating four to six

37

Cost overages, charter review on agenda The agenda for the Thursday, May 17, Bradenton Beach City Commission meeting includes discussion on cost overages on a stormwater and alley project, a setback request for an exterior chair lift, potential Charter Review Committee appointments, Anna Maria Oyster Bar sign modifications, the renewal of city employee insurance policies, a resolution regarding donations to the city and an update on pending city litigation. The meeting will start at noon.

Stronger tree ordinance requested CINDY LANE | SUN

Kids use foam surfboards and are supervised at the West Coast Surf Shop Surf Camp. months before the shop will reopen.

Meanwhile, the crew intends to keep calm and surf on.

The surf camp has no age

restrictions, but campers must be good swimmers and have good attention spans, she said.

To register, call 941-778-1001.

The Anna Maria Commission and the city attorney are working on an amendment to the city’s grand tree ordinance that would require property owners to plant or replant trees on their property or on city property when removing a grand tree. The proposed amendment is an attempt to preserve the city’s tree canopy. It comes in response to the recent non-permitted removal of a grand tree at 62 North Shore Dr. that resulted in a $5,000 fine for the property owner.

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38

THE SUN

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MAY 16, 2018

www.amisun.com

MAY 16, 2018

1-5 BEDROOMS * CONDOS & HOMES * WEEKLY & MONTHLY FAMILY & PET FRIENDLY

Personalized Property Management!

Registration is underway for specialty, teen and youth summer camps at The Center.

SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com

Happy Homeowner of 4 properties on AMI

941-567-6253

C O A S TA L C OT TA G E S A M I . C O M

39

Summer fun at The Center

BY KRISTIN SWAIN

“Dear Coastal Cottages AMI team, Thank you all for everything you do for us!”

THE SUN

ANNA MARIA – Summer My Way and Teen Adventure camps are coming back to The Center of Anna Maria Island for the summer along with drama and sailing camps.

Summer my way is open to children entering kindergarten through sixth grade. Each week of camp features a different theme from the beach Olympics to safari week and a talent week where kids will be able to participate in a talent show. The summer ends with an outdoor celebration featuring food, carnival game fun, a bounce house and water slides.

The Kona Ice truck also will pay a visit to The Center every Tuesday

during camp weeks. Some weeks also will have a field trip to local attractions including the Big Cat Habitat and Sky Zone Trampoline Park.

Campers will have a chance to participate in either a sports or crafts elective in the morning before grouping together in the afternoon for activities. Camp runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday. Registration is required by the Tuesday prior to the week of camp the child is attending. The cost is $165 per week or $140 per week for Center annual family members. A $25 registration fee is applied to new campers.

Teen Adventure Camp is open to students entering seventh through tenth grades. Campers will participate in activities at The Center and take two field trips per week to places including a Tampa Bay Rowdies game, Busch Gardens and Top Golf Tampa. The cost for the teens camp is $100 per week.

Returning specialty camps are drama and sailing camps. Drama camp is a nine-day camp held at the Island Players Theater July 9-12 and July 16-20. Two public performances will be held July 20.

The cost is $240 for both weeks.

Children ages 6 to 13 are invited to attend.

Sailing camp takes to the waters of Bimini Bay in two sessions, June 11-14 and June 18-21. Campers sail the high seas daily from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost is $175 and ages 8 to 14 are welcome to attend.

Two snacks per day will be provided though campers will need to bring a packed lunch each day.

Registration is underway for all of The Center’s summer camps.

Parents can register campers online or at The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Summer camp fun begins June 11.

For more information on summer camps call The Center at 941-7781908 or visit www.centerami.org.

Prepare for hurricane season at The Center

Celebrate the start of summer at The Center

Hurricane season is almost upon us and The Center of Anna Maria Island and the Red Cross want to make sure everyone is prepared. Get the latest preparation tips and checklists to help get ready for the season. In addition to hurricane preparedness, the seminar also will address community and personal recovery after a storm.

The free seminar is open to the public and takes place at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 24.

For more information call 941-778-1908 or email info@centerami.org.

It’s almost time for summer and The Center of Anna Maria Island is celebrating with an End of School Bash 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 23. The event is free and open to the public. Slim’s Place is providing hot dogs, hamburgers and sides.

Attendees also can watch the Center’s youth soccer league championship games and the awards for the league. The Center is at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. For more information contact Will Schenerlein at 941-778-1908 or will@centerami.org.

ED SAXE | SUBMITTED

The end of day There's no better way to celebrate another day in paradise than to watch the sun kiss the Gulf of Mexico and welcome the night.

40

THE SUN

ENTERTAINMENT

FAMILY FUN

NATURE

canopy boardwalk among the banyans, climb to the top of the crow’s nest, take in breathtaking panorama views, and make an exciting exit from the building via a slide.

Learn about upcoming programs and exciting new additions to Robinson Preserve. No reservations are required.

For more information, call 941- 7425923, ext. 6039.

AT THE LIBRARY

The Island Branch Library, at 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, has a number of activities for young and old.

This week’s listings include: • Wednesday, May 16, Customer Appreciation Day all day.

• Thursday, May 17, a veteran services professional will be available to help those with problems, 9 to 11 a.m.; the Friends Book Club meets to discuss “The Underground Railroad,” by Colson Whitehead, from 10: 15 to 11:15 a.m.; knit and crochet, learning group, 1 to 2 p.m.; knit and crochet, regular group, 2 to 4 p.m.

• Friday, May 18, mahjong 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

• Saturday, May 19, Meditation, 11 a.m. to noon.

• Tuesday, May 22, preschool story time, “Manatees and Turtles,” 10 to 11 a.m.; mahjong, 11:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Call the library at 941-778-6341 for information

MAY 16, 2018

BRING YOUR CAMERA

ENJOY NEST NATURE DAYS

Get acquainted with the Mosaic NEST at Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton. The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department is holding open houses on Friday and Tuesday, May 18 and 22, from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m.

Visitors will be invited to explore the grounds and observe the flora and fauna that is old Florida. Travel the

The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department is hosting a Sunshine Shutter Stroll on Friday, May 18, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Neal Preserve, 12301 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton It’s an opportunity to explore the coastal hammocks and mangrove forests of the 120-acre preserve in the late afternoon golden hour through native landscapes and historic Native American sites. As evening sets in, climb to the top of the observation tower to watch the sun set over Anna Maria Island.

Participants must be 16 and older and reservations are required. Call 941742- 5757, ext. 9, to reserve a spot.

LEARNING BLACKSMITHING CLASS OFFERED

The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, is offering a much anticipated blacksmithing class where students will make their own hand-forged BBQ tools led by Leslie Tharp, a Gainesvillebased metal artist, on Saturday, May 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Learn how to work step by step to taper, twist, rivet hot metal together to create a complete BBQ set. This workshop is open to students 18 years of age or older. No prior blacksmithing experience is needed. The class will be held outside. Students need to bring: lunch and water and wear proper clothing (cotton based clothing, denim pants, and closed toed shoes).

The class fee is $250, and pre-registration is required. Visit FloridaFolkSchool.org to register.

Ready for the summer? Be a camp counselor!

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Kids perform AME students showed off their skills at the talent show on Thursday, May 10.

Above: Charlie Hawkins, Olivia Inda, Ava Baugh, Heidi Querrard and Jordan Moore sang; left, Piper Payne did standup; and Zophia Kramer kicked it.

Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources has 72 positions open for its summer camp programs and pools each Friday of the month to recruit applicants.

The remaining hiring fair Fridays will be held at G.T. Bray Recreation Center at 5502 33rd Ave. Dr. W., Bradenton, on May 18, from 7:30 a.m. to noon, and May 25, from 2 to 6 p.m.

Of the 72 positions, nearly 40 are camp counselors, senior camp counselors and camp site supervisors. Another 33 jobs are available in aquatics as splash park guards, seasonal pool guards, senior lifeguards and swim instructors.

Parks can hire on the spot, so applicants should bring to the hiring fairs a resume and identification such as a driver’s license.

For more information on Manatee County government, visit online at www.mymanatee.org or call 941-7484501.

www.amisun.com

MAY 16, 2018

BEACH BEAT ANNA MARIA

5/4, license confiscated, 200 Palm Ave. The deputy stopped the defendant and found the driver’s license was suspended. The officer took the license and issued a summons.

5/6, Theft, Roser Memorial Church, 512 Pine Ave. The tailgate to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office truck was stolen. There is a video of the theft.

5/6, driving with a suspended license with knowledge, 400 Magnolia Ave. The driver was stopped for a traffic infraction, and she gave the deputy the license of a dead person. She was arrested.

BRADENTON BEACH

5/10, grand theft, 105 Gulf Drive S. The defendant took a surfboard from the garage and pawned it. He was caught, questioned and arrested.

HOLMES BEACH

4/30, theft of vehicle, 5600 block of Flotilla Drive. Two personal watercraft and their trailer were stolen.

5/2. Theft, Delores Baker Real Estate, 2810 Gulf Drive. The victim found that personal items in her desk and her mother’s area were taken as well as her mother’s vehicle and keys to vacation rentals. The next day, an officer saw the car being driven by a male.

He stopped the male and arrested him.

Some stolen items and keys belonging to the victim were recovered.

5/2, burglary, criminal mischief, 5600 block of Gulf Drive. An acquaintance of the victim allegedly entered his residence and rifled through it, stealing items. He was arrested.

5/3, possession of drugs, 500 Gulf Drive.

The officer stopped the driver for not wearing a seat belt. He smelled burnt marijuana, and both suspects handed some pot to him. He cited them for possession and took the marijuana before releasing them.

5/3, defrauding a restaurant, Hurricane

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Blacksmithing, The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 10 a.m., $258.

Healing meditation, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 11 a.m.

Meditation, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m.

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

Coloring Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, noon.

Gentle chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, noon.

Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce March Business Card Exchange, Hancock Whitney Bank, 5324 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 7 p.m., $5 for members and $10 for prospective members.

SUNDAY

THURSDAY

Beach Market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For information call 941-518-4431.

Veteran Services Information, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m.

Zumba and mat pilates for seniors, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 10 a.m., $10 per class. Reserve to maryannbrady@theparadisecenter.org or 941-383-6493.

Hurricane Preparedness Seminar, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Jam in the Sand, Anna Maria Island Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

Wildlife spotlight: sharks and rays, Coquina Beach South Jetty, 2650 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach, 6 p.m. Reserve to 941-742-5923 ext. 6036 or elena.burke@mymanatee.org.

From Page 7

SATURDAY MAY 19

MAY 20

MONDAY MAY 21

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

Social bridge games, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, noon.

TUESDAY MAY 22

NEST nature days, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.

Painting with a fish, The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 9:30 a.m., $38.

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

Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAY MAY 23

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class,

MAY 24

FRIDAY MAY 25

NEST Nature Days, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

Hank’s, 5346 Gulf Drive. Two subjects left the restaurant without paying for their order. Their images were taken by a security camera.

5/4, property found, 100 65th Street. Three bikes were found at the beach access.

5/4, parking violation, Manatee County Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive. The officer was called to the parking lot where an illegally parked car was blocking a lane of traffic. The could not find the owner, so they had it towed.

5/4, larceny, burglary, 400 block of 63rd Street. The victim came home to find the home had been broken into and $1,000 in cash was stolen.

5/4, larceny, Publix, 3900 East Bay Drive.

The victim talked with a woman at the store, and her purse was stolen. A security camera caught images of the woman taking the wallet.

5/5, larceny, D Coy Ducks, 5410 Marina Drive. A bicycle was stolen.

5/4, suspicious circumstance, 400 block of 63rd Street. A man reported a television was stolen. The home is a rental and was being managed by Delores

THE SUN

41

Baker Real Estate, where keys to rental properties were taken earlier.

5/6, alcohol violation, 5300 Gulf Drive. The officer saw the subject holding a can of beer. He was ticketed.

5/9, property lost, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive. The victim took off her diamond rings at the beach and placed them in her bikini top. Later, they fell out.

OBITUARIES Daniel L. Anderson Daniel L. Anderson, 77, of Cortez, FL. died Apr 29, 2018. A memorial will be held at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church on May 19 at 9:30 a.m. survivors include his wife. Monica; children, Lawrence and Kelly Soto; brother, Michael; and five grandchildren

MONUMENT: Debate resumes FROM PAGE 17

County resident Katherine Edwards disagreed and said, “I wonder when people are going to realize that the Confederacy was un-American and Confederate monuments have no place at the foot of the courthouse steps.”

COMMISSION DEBATE

Commissioner Vanessa Baugh took exception to Edwards’ comments and agreed the matter should be decided by voters. Commissioner Robin DiSabatino asked Baugh if that was a motion and then seconded it.

“I had relatives that fought in that (war) and none of us were for slaves,” Baugh said. “I take offense that all of you up on this board think that you can just talk about slavery and that’s what it was all about. It wasn’t. If you have any guts, you will vote to let the people decide.”

Commissioner Carol Whitmore said she and some staff members have talked to Sen. Bill Galvano about the Gamble Plantation location, which already serves as a Confederate memorial. She said the goal is to determine whether the state park is a viable location to present to the citizenry.

“You can’t whitewash history, but this has happened. Now we’ve got to find a place where it can be respected, and I want to make sure it’s at a safe place,” Whitmore said.

“If that’s not doable, we’ll be back at the table to see what options are available,” Commissioner Betsy Benac added.

I had relatives who fought in that war and none of us were for slaves."

Vanessa Baugh County commissioner Baugh, DiSabatino and Steve Jonsson supported the motion. Commission Chair Priscilla Trace, Charles Smith, Whitmore and Benac opposed it.

After the vote, Trace said, “I have no problem with people voting on it, but we don’t know where we have permission to put it. Right now, we’re having a hard time finding a home for this.”

She and Benac said they don’t see the point in returning the monument to the courthouse when it might have to be removed again. Trace said she wants to find a permanent location that spares future commissions from this debate.

42

THE SUN

SPORTS

MAY 16, 2018

A community of soccer on the Island

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

For years the Island’s community center has met the many needs of the community. This community reaches far beyond the outline of the barrier island, and it is strongly exemplified with the game of soccer.

With Island soccer, the feeling of being a part of a community is fulfilled. From the youth soccer league to the adult coed league, the field is occupied by players, friends and family who look forward to the weekly games and fellowship that goes along with the events.

The international game of soccer has proved to be a game for all ages at the community centers. This season the players are as young as 3 years old and as seasoned as 78-year old Lyn Clarke.

The love of the game and the community spirit is what keeps Clarke and other veteran players on the pitch every season.

This passion for soccer spills over to the youth soccer clinics lead by parent volunteers. Two of the coaches also play in the adult soccer league. These clinics not only allow for the adults to give back to the community, but also spend precious time with their own children.

Danny Anderson and Sean Flynn take one of the small fields making it into the training ground for future players.

Flip Flop Shop sponsors the 3- to 5-year old clinic, which allows the youngest to learn the simplest of soccer skills while still having fun and gaining a sense of accomplishment.

The 6- to 7-year-old clinic, sponsored

by Beach Bums, works on basic soccer skills and takes those skills to the field in scrimmage games.

These young players have goal scoring and fun games to look forward to as seen by the kids on the big field this week.

While all of the individuals contribute to the team and outcome of each game, this week had some solid standouts – Riley Lawson, with three goals, and Kendall Rice, with three saves as keeper for Signarama. The team also had five saves by Beckham Factor on Saturday.

Team Progressive Cabinetry had three goal makers with five soccer balls in the net. Gregory Jordan lead his team with a hat trick. Ewen Cloutier and Lily Kawahata each had a goal of their own. Two saves by Liam Coleman helped the team finish the week with a win and a tie.

Inheriting natural goalie instincts and talents, Evan Talucci had 10 big saves for Planet Stone this week. Nick Yatros and Aiden Templeton were given statistical

Above and below left: During the six-to seven-year old soccer clinic, sponsored by Beach Bums, young players perform a dribbling drill. Below right, the youngest soccer players listen to the coach’s instructions during last Tuesday’s soccer clinic sponsored by the Flip Flop Shop.

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

credit for one goal each for their team.

Salty Printing was lead by Jack Mattick within the net and Frankie Coleman followed with a single score.

Jackson Pakbaz nailed three shots for points for Team Bins Be Clean. In their only game of the week, Victor Albrecht was noted to have five great saves giving Bins Be Clean a win.

The adults took the field Thursday night. In the first game of the night Ross Built Construction lost to Legler Flynn Law. Ryan Hogan and Chris Culhane scored for Ross Built. With two goals each, Diego Felipe and Chris LeClainche pushed past their opponent, topped with a score by Shay Coleman.

MAR/Kis Insurance won its first game of the season against Sato Real Estate.

Manoj Poudel, Joel Sanchez and Tony Morales each had a goal for MAR/Kis Insurance. Eliza Fallace was the lone scorer for her team.

The 8 p.m. game put Moss Builders against Lancaster Design. Lancaster Design finished with single goals by brothers Danny Anderson and Ricky

Anderson, as well as Sumiko Chipman.

Robert Armstrong eluded the goalie twice. Jessica Williams scored the solo point for Moss Builders.

Slim’s Place won the last game of the night over Acqua Aveda with a hat trick

by Rico Beissert and goal scoring shots

by PJ Smargisso and Nate Welch. Jake Parsons had three goals of his own for Team Acqua Aveda, with a contributing score by Shea Yates.

With one week of regular season play, the youth soccer season comes to a close with the championship game on Wednesday, May 23, at 7p.m.

The adults continue on the field through the month of June. The big winner will be named on Thursday, June 14, at 8p.m.

SUN SCOREBOARD TUESDAY, MAY 8 - YOUTH SOCCER Progressive Cabinetry Planet Stone

4 1

Signarama Salty Printing

2 3

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

THURSDAY, MAY 10 - ADULT CO-ED SOCCER Acqua Aveda Lancaster Design

2 4

Mar/Kis Insurance Legler Flynn Law

1 4

Sato Real Estate Slim’s Place

1 4

Ross Built Moss Builders

7 0

SATURDAY, MAY 12 - YOUTH SOCCER Signarama Planet Stone

0 1

Salty Printing Bins Be Clean

1 3

Signarama Progressive Cabinetry

1 1

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MAY 16, 2018

THE SUN

43

Giving Circle continues to give

BY CAROL CARTER SPECIAL TO THE SUN

The Anna Maria Island Women’s Giving Circle has just completed its sixth year of charitable grantmaking and is delighted to announce that our cumulative giving to worthy charities has topped $112,000.

As founding chair, I believe every Giving Circle woman, past and present, will agree that this ‘work’ has been one of the most rewarding and enlightening experiences in our lives. Simply put, we are experiencing the sheer joy of making a difference in the lives of many Manatee neighbors.

One of the AMI Women’s Giving Circle’s most recent grants was the $8,800 given to the Women’s Resource Center of Manatee County to support the Parenting Success program for at-risk mothers of boys attending Visible Men Academy.

Mothers in the program voluntarily attend four to six-week courses at the resource center and learn about life planning, goal setting, financial empowerment, employment, mental health counseling and accessing educational resources.

Fellow Anna Maria resident Barbara Zdravecky and I were intrigued and inspired by the concept of a women’s giving circle when the concept was first presented at a program co-sponsored by the community foundations of Manatee and Sarasota Counties in 2013.

In short order and with very little

CAROL CARTER | SUBMITTED

Executive Director Ashley Brown, of the Women’s Resource Center Manatee, accepts a check for $8,800 from Carol Carter, founding chair of the Anna Maria Island Women’s Giving Circle, as other Giving Circle members look on. difficulty, we persuaded a dozen of our women friends to join us and we established the Anna Maria Island Women’s Giving Circle, a donor-advised fund of the Manatee Community Foundation.

Each Giving Circle member makes an annual $1,000 contribution to the group’s donor-advised fund at the Manatee Community Foundation. Grants are then made from that pooled account to charitable organizations in Manatee County that have been carefully vetted and selected by the women members, with valuable assistance provided by Suzi Atherton, director of Charitable Legacy Planning and Development.

Nearly all the AMI Giving Circle grants have been given to organizations whose missions focus on education, needy children, women at risk and feeding the hungry. The group limits its membership to 20 women in any one year to maximize effectiveness and comradery.

Among the recipient organizations during the Circle’s first year in 2013 was the Anna Maria Privateers, who were supporting displaced workers after the fire at the Rod & Reel Pier; and to the Food Bank of Manatee County, which has received more than $16,000 from the Giving Circle over the past six years.

Future star recognized Jack Heckler, an Anna Maria Elementary School alum, and Manatee School for the Arts graduate, was recognized at the State College of Florida's 52nd Annual Bernie Awards Ceremony on May 2.

A full scholarship recipient in theater, Heckler appeared in all four stage productions at the Howard Studio Theater this year.

Nominated for five awards, his roles in “Christmastown” won recognition for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in an Ensemble Role, and he was awarded the Most Promising Newcomer Award. Heckler was also inducted into the National Dramatic Honor Society of Delta Psi Omega. He will continue his studies and scholarship performances throughout the 2018-2019 school year at State College of Florida.

SUBMITTED

44

THE SUN

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Short shots?

5 Toque wearer 9 Tenth of a grand 14 "Quickly!"

15 Quasimodo's creator 16 Conifer with durable wood 17 Bishop in bed?

20 Mid-'70s cost to mail a typical letter 21 Wears down 22 Veracious 23 Enliven 24 "I happen to have a deck of cards right here"?

28 "__ Rose Has Its Thorn": Poison hit 29 Bashes 30 "So there!"

33 Focusing aid 34 "Under the Redwoods" author 36 Valley 37 "Good Behavior" broadcaster 38 High spot on a farm 39 Radio station, e.g.

40 Fake lawyer?

43 Nooks 46 Get behind, with "for" 47 Immature insects 48 Indicates 52 Software service provided by hardware sellers ... and a hint to three long puzzle answers 54 Lacks 55 Bad thing to take in a ring 56 Rim

57 Beasts of burden 58 Gravity-propelled toy 59 Seven __ Down 1 Historian's field 2 Archipelago piece 3 Normandy city 4 Ghosts 5 Calisthenic exercise 6 Fox pursuer 7 What some poachers poach 8 Metrosexual 9 Priests, e.g.

10 Biblical dancer 11 Milan-based fashion house 12 Work for a chamber group 13 What we have here 18 Matthew who led a 19th-century expedition to Japan 19 Alter, in a way, as a file 23 "__ lot of good that'll do you" 24 Bombard Answers to 05-09-18 Crossword Puzzle.

25 Roasting site 26 Canterbury's county 27 Mistake 30 Word with cash or candy 31 Away from the wind 32 German title 34 Staff expanders 35 Multinational range 36 Sets for some 43-Across 38 Learned experts 39 Company name inspired by a volcano 40 Like oxen 41 Gradually develop 42 Labored 43 Highest-ranking 44 "__ Theme": "Doctor Zhivago" melody 45 Salad green 48 Gardening aid 49 Aspect 50 Roman robe 51 Small tip components 53 NFL stat

MAY 16, 2018

MAY 16, 2018

CLASSIFIED

ANNOUNCEMENTS

EARLY DEADLINE FOR MAY 30 EDITION WILL BE FRIDAY MAY 25 AT 2PM BECAUSE OF THE MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY BEACH YOGA ON Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www. thriveyogafit.com THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Lynn at 813758-3234 or lbrennan47@ gmail.com ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s.

BABY SITTER RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student.

Call or text Isabel 941-5457995

BOATS: SALES & RENTALS BOATS ARE SELLING Very Well. Islandboatsales.net We Buy and Sell Boats. “Business On A Hand Shake” Islands-BradentonSarasota Dave- Owner 941-228-3489

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

CLEANING SERVICE TOTAL HOME SERVICE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial & Rentals.

Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570 THOMPSON CLEANING SERVICE CommercialResidential-Marine.

Island Based Company.

Seasonal Deep Cleaning-Weekly-Occasional.

Call for Free Estimate.

317-908-9483

Call us today! 941-778-3986

AUTHORITY ONE SERVICES. Residential/Commercial/Vacation Rentals & Construction Cleaning.

Also Power Washing, Windows, Paver Sealing & Roof Cleaning.

Ask about your Senior Citizens Discount Call 941-251-5948 or 941565-3931

COMMERCIAL SALES RESORTS: Bradenton Beach 13 units $4,999,000. WAREHOUSE 9300 Sq. Ft. Machine Shop with heavy duty elect or Car Storage, So Many Possibilities. Near SRQ Airport $595,000 Island Real Estate Ask Alan Galletto 941-232-2216

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

EMPLOYMENT

DRIVERS WANTED ALL SHIFTS 21 and over a plus.

Apply at www.islandeats. net/driverapp or call 941201-8184 EMMANUEL UNITED METHODIST Church, 5115 Cortez Road West, is looking for a mature, self-starting person for a part-time custodial and light maintenance position. This position will work up to 30 hours per week and the daily time schedule may vary. A detailed job description may be obtained at the church office or an electronic copy is available from secretary.eumc@ gmail.com.

NAIL TECH EXPERIENCED – take over clientele at established LBK salon.

Excellent long term opportunity, flexible schedule 941-387-9807 PERMIT COURIER NEEDED reliable transportation a must. Flexible hours. Paied hourly plus mileage. Call 941-487-2964 Ask for John

THE SUN

WATERLINE MARINA RESORT & BEACH CLUB at 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, FL is currently hiring the following full-time/part-time positions: Housekeepers and Houseman. Please Contact Vivian: 941-238-6261 vwinstead@mainsailhotels. com or Submit resumes: vwinstead@mainsailhotels. com. 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-7250073.

FISHING CHARTERS

WALY PRECISION PAINTING: painting, drywall, stucco, and remodeling, commercial/residential, licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-4656324 www.WalyPrecisionPainting.us

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

FOR SALE FOR SALE: TWO LAZYBOY burgundy leather high back recliners. $80 each. Call 941-779-2442.

ADULT TRICYCLE, 3 WHEEL BIKE brand new, easy to ride, big seat, large basket, very nice, still in box! $275, Call 941-2121742

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES ROSER THRIFT SHOP Open 9:30am-2pm, Tuesday, Thursday. 10am-1pm Saturday Donations preferred 9am-11am Wednesdays.

511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

Phone 941-779-2733 FAMILY TAG SALE 9908 Gulf Drive, Old Post Office Plaza. Saturday & Sunday May 19 & 20. 9am-5pm.

Some antiques, framed & unframed pictures, Love seat that converts to twin bed, dishes, and much more. Call Sandy for more information 941-376-6077

HAULING SITE CLEAN-UP to trash outs we can handle it all.

Call us for your dumpsters/ trash needs today 941-7538772

HOME IMPROVEMENTS TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates.

Neil 941-726-3077

AMISUN.COM

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CRC1327296.

Call Jerry Kern 941-7781115 www.kernconstructioninc.com

DECKOUT MASTER CARPENTER Everything Patio & Dock Decking Work Repair, Replace, Maintenance Work, Cleaning, Treatments, New Decks.

Also Handyman/Painting work to home or office.

Call RICHARD Bespoke Service 941-448-3571 Island Resident.

FENCING, CAN'T GET ANYBODY? Wood, Vinyl. New or Repair. Call Richard. Free Estimates.

941-448-3571 Bespoke Services.

BATH ROOM REMODELING. Anna Maria Home Accents. 25 years experience. Call 786-318-8585 LIGHTHOUSE PROPERTY INNOVATIONS LLC State Certified General Contractor (Lic. #CGC 1515821) New Construction, Renovations & Additions. Call 941-266-7500

HOME SERVICES BATH ROOM REMODELING. Anna Maria Home Accents. 25 years experience. Call 786-318-8585 KITCHEN CABINET REFACING, Cabinet installation, Custom cabinets, Built-ins, Trim & Crown – AMI local over 20 years experience. Call josh at 941-713-0661

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GK HOME & PERSONAL SERVICES *Homewatch Service *Handyman Service *Landscaping & Irrigation Work *Pre and Post Tenant Cleanouts *Storm Board Up's ANYTHING you need help with give me a call!

Local, Reliable and Professional 508-221-7486

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: NORMS TOWING gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 06/13/2018, 09:00 am at 1855 63RD AVENUE E. BRADENTON, FL 34203, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. NORMS TOWING reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

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

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

1FAFP36351W174885 2001 FORD 2C4GP44302R755678 2002 CHRYSLER 2G1WU583189226164 2008 CHEVROLET 3N1CB51D35L554300 2005 NISSAN JT6HJ88J8T0144337 1996 LEXUS KMHCN46C38U197155 2008 HYUNDAI

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

SHELL DELIVERED AND spread $55/yd. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770 STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell driveways and scapes. Also Rock, Mulch, & Soil. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: NORMS TOWING gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 06/06/2018, 09:00 am at 1855 63RD AVENUE E. BRADENTON, FL 34203, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. NORMS TOWING reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

19XFB2F86CE334557 2012 HONDA 1B3ES46C9YD851101 2000 DODGE 1FAHP36N39W215696 2009 FORD 1FMCU03128KE48323 2008 FORD 1GYEE637760170703 2006 CADILLAC 1HD1PXN14GB960140 2016 HARLEY-DAVIDSON 1LNHM81W46Y606352 2006 LINCOLN 5GTDN13E078125939 2007 HUMMER 5NPDH4AE5GH777069 2016 HYUNDAI 5NPE24AF2FH152321 2015 HYUNDAI JHLRD78815C055113 2005 HONDA JNKCV51E54M111923 2004 INFINITI WBACB4326RFL15145 1994 BMW

LOST & FOUND LOST THICK STERLING Silver Ring between the Moose and Beach House Restaurant. Call 941-2431444 LOST I-PHONE 8 Plus on Cortez to Gulf Dr to Holmes Beach. LifeProof Greenish Case. Call 224545-4274 FITBIT LOST THURSDAY February 22 on Bradenton Beach near Sandpiper heading south. Wristband is Plum color. Call 440901-8586.

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

TWO MEN and a TRUCK. Movers who care. Local and Long distance. www. twomen.com Call 941-3591904. We sell boxes!

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

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

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455

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CLASSIFIED

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident.

Quality Workmanship.

Interior/Exterior. Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315

FROM THE LOW $300’s Only minutes from the beach, this new active adult community is perfectly located just south of Manatee Ave, off Village Green Pkwy.

Perfectly designed, open 2BR or 3BR/2BA plus den & 2CG floor plans.

Luxurious amenities, pool, spa, gym, pickle ball and fenced-in dog park. HOA only $209/ month. Models open daily. Contact us 941254-3330 www.MirabellaFlorida.com

BAYSIDE COMMERCIAL PAINTING. David Padyani Call 941-565-9446 or Larry Zimmer 941-2248123 Licensed & Insured DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-7057096

POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE. AMI & West Bradenton. Certified Pool Operator. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-737-5657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893

PRINTING CUSTOM DIGITAL PRINTING "Your printing dream to reality" Specializing in Dye sublimation Printing.

Graphic Design. Performance Active ware. Logo Design. Call Rhonda 330-550-4847

PROFESSIONAL PRESSURE & WINDOW WASHING AUTHORITY ONE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction and Vacation Rentals . Also available Power Washing, Roof Cleaning and Windows.

Call 941-251-5948

Call us today! 941-778-3986

INCREDIBLE NEW CONSTRUCTION Home on Pine Ave! Prime location to shops, restaurants, bay and beach! $2,400,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086 CANAL FRONT HOMES Holmes Beach - Key Royale GULF FRONT CONDOS Gulf Place, L’Plage, Vista Grande & MORE. Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 941-232-2216 INVESTOR'S DREAM and only 4 houses from the beach, adorable 2BR/2BA beach cottage in the North End for $629,000. Call Kathleen White Island Real Estate at 941-773-0165.

AnnaMariaSales.com

PERICO BAY CLUB FSBO complete remodel 2BR 2B ss appliances, quartz counters designer backsplash $228,000 Text/call 551-427-0248

RENTALS: ANNUAL ANNUAL RENTAL and CONDOMINIUM Association management serviced by (2) offices open 7 days a week! Contact junew@ islandreal.com – 941-3451295 - Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island, Inc. ANNUAL: CANAL FRONT HOME City of Anna Maria. 3BR/3BA Beautiful Home. Spacious & Bright on Oak Ave. 2 blocks to Beach and stores. Newly renovated . Available June 1. $3000/mo Call 941-321-5454 CONDO FOR RENT 1BR/1BA Condo Salt water Canal with dock Close to beaches $1200/mo No pets. Call 941-798-3776 3BR/2BA BRADENTON BEACH master bath with Jacuzzi. Large deck, parking for 3 cars. Views of water. $1850/mo. Call 941-782-8556 2BR 2 Remodeled Baths, freshly painted Bayview duplex 1-7 month rental furnished or unfurnished $1,700/mo Available June 15 call or text 551-4270248

MAY 16, 2018

3BR/2.5BA TOWNHOUSE CONDO, 1450 s/f on 2 floors. 2 pools, private beach access. Furnished or unfurnished. Washer / Dryer. Screened lanai & 1 car garage. Water, sewer, trash, basic cable, pest control included.

Background & credit required. $2800/mo. $2800 security. First, last & security Longboat Key. EXECUTIVE LEVEL LUXURY 2BR/2BA Condo at River Dance. Spacious waterfront home. Granite counters, crown moldings, split bedroom plan, elegant tile floors, soaking tub! Downstairs private theater / media room can be reserved for movies.

Workout facility, business center, social room, pool table. Pickle ball, tennis, basketball courts, putting green. Live in exciting Riverfront Downtown community. Breathtaking views Manatee River and Green Bridge. Near "Downtown District", Manatee Performing Arts Center, Old Main Street, new shops/ restaurants, Downtown Live music Series, Saturday Farmers Market , River Walk & splash park, skate park.

Water, sewer, trash & basic cable included $2800/ mo. $2800 security. First, last & security. Ask for Ed DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www. teamduncan.com

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fl Condos. Pool beach access, fully equipped $650-$800/ wk Redekercondos.com 941-704-7525 SEASONAL RENTALS AVAILABLE: Spring, Summer and Fall. CITY OF ANNA MARIA 2BR/2BA Bay Front.

HOLMES BEACH 2BR/2BA 400’ to Gulf Bay. Horizon Realty of Anna Maria 941-778-0426 kringco@ tampabay.rr.com GREAT RATES! Weekly, Monthly. 3BR/2BA NW Bradenton. Call Grace 941-201-2190 HOLMES BEACH 1.5 BLOCKS to Beach.

Completely updated 2BR/2BA. Available October 2018 to April 1, 2019. $4500/mo Nelson & Associates Real Estate.

Call 863-640-1864

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $165. Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www.amitaxi.com ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all airports, appointments, casino, cruises, etc. Tampa $65. Sarasota $30. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne.

941-779-5095

www.amisun.com

MAY 16, 2018

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY COMPUTER SERVICE

HOME IMPROVEMENT

THE SUN

Call today to place your ad: 941-778-3986 MOVERS

HAULING

PAINTING

HOME IMPROVEMENT

TRANSPORTATION HOME SITTING / PET SITTING

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www.amisun.com

MAY 16, 2018