Anna Maria Island Sun May 1, 2024

Voters to decide tourist tax increase

Manatee County tourism officials want to raise the tourist tax from 5% to 6%, but voters will decide.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

legislation that gave voters the power to levy an increase in the tax.

“So, what happened was we met the revenue criteria for calendar year 2023” to increase the tax, Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director (CVB) and TDC member Elliott Falcione said. “The short-term rental tax has to generate $30 million and we generated $30,091,000, making us eligible to increase the tax from 5% to 6%, which is the maximum allowed in Florida.”

Turtle Watch volunteers find season’s first sea turtle nest

Turtle Watch reminds visitors to shield lights facing the beach, remove beach furniture at sunset, and fill in holes in the sand.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND - Volunteers with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring have found and marked the first loggerhead sea turtle nest of the season on the Island.

“We are excited to start the nesting season on Anna Maria Island and look forward to a productive season protecting nests and educating the public,” Turtle Watch Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella said in a statement.

Under a directive from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Turtle Watch volunteers began patrolling local beaches

SEE TURTLES, PAGE 24

Mayor, state legislator discuss consolidation

Mayor Judy Titsworth said she feels city leaders are “moving the needle” in a positive direction after a talk with Rep. Will Robinson Jr.

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

MANATEE COUNTY – County commissioners were set to vote on whether to increase the county’s tourist tax, also known as the bed tax, from 5% to 6% at their April 23 meeting, but the item was removed from the agenda due to a recent change in state law.

The Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) unanimously recommended that the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) increase the tax at its April 15 meeting, but neither body was aware of 2023

Falcione said after meeting the criteria, a request was sent through the county’s Office of Financial Management to the Florida Department of Revenue, which issued a letter certifying that the county had met the required criteria. The county attorney’s office then drew up a new

SEE TOURISM, PAGE 21

HOLMES BEACH – Mayor Judy Titsworth met with Rep. Will Robinson Jr. recently to discuss the potential for consolidation or elimination of the three Anna Maria Island cities. She said that after the meeting, she feels he’s listening to city leaders’ concerns.

Robinson is one of the five-member Manatee County state legislative delegation that initiated the process for the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) study looking at

consolidating the three Island cities into one, eliminating the cities and folding them into unincorporated Manatee County or the city of Bra denton, or leaving them as-is. The results of the state agency study will be sent to Robinson and Sen. Jim Boyd for review, but are not required to be released to city leaders or to the public.

During the April 23 conversation, Titsworth said that they discussed the report and Robinson said he’s looking forward to seeing the report and related numbers. One of the sticking points with state legislators

PEGGY WELCH | SUBMITTED

From left, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch volunteers Maureen Richmond, Danielle Kimberly, Robert Brown and Turtle Watch Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella mark the first loggerhead nest found on Anna Maria Island this year.

Eighty new coconut palms line Bridge Street

Bradenton Beach is partnering with developer Shawn Kaleta to plant coconut palm trees on Bridge Street.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Eighty new coconut palms have been delivered and are being planted along Bridge Street.

“This will be a big improvement,” Mayor John Chappie said on April 25. “Many of the existing trees needed to be replaced.”

At an April 3 Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting, the board approved a city partnership with developer Shawn Kaleta in which he will accept responsibility for the maintenance of the trees and donate $10,000 toward the $50,000 cost of the palms and white river rock. The balance will be paid from CRA funds.

The 50 large and 30 small coconut palms were harvested in Miami and were delivered to Bradenton Beach on April 23. Planting along Bridge Street and the roundabout intersection on

Gulf Drive began shortly after.

At the April 3 meeting, concerns had been raised among CRA members about damage from falling coconuts.

“Liability does concern me,” Chappie said. “But I think it would enhance the Key West-old Island feel on Anna Maria Island.”

Those concerns were alleviated by City Attorney Ricinda Perry, who assured CRA members that Kaleta, through one of his business entities, would sign a contract ensuring the

responsibility of tree maintenance and indemnifying the city against liability for damage caused by falling fruit.

“There would be no cost to the city for maintenance of the trees as Mr. Kaleta wants the coconuts, likely for his restaurants,” Chappie said.

According to the University of Florida/IFAS Extension Service website, “Coconuts can grow up to 15 inches long and 12 inches wide, composed of a thick fibrous husk

LESLIE

With a newly-planted palm in the foreground, workers continued planting in the roundabout.

surrounding a spherical nut with a hard, brittle, hairy shell… The coconut palm starts fruiting 6-10 years after the seed germinates and reaches full production at 15-20 years of age. The tree continues to fruit until it is about 80 years old, with an annual production of 50-200 fruits per tree, depending on cultivar and climate. The fruits require about a year to develop and are generally produced regularly throughout the year.”

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

New coconut palms are in the ground on Bridge Street.

LAKE | SUN

ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

Dogs welcome in park

With the unanimous final adoption of Ordinance 24-924 on April 25, leashed dogs are now allowed in City Pier Park in Anna Maria – except during the annual Memorial Day and Veteran Day events the city holds in the park. Dog owners are required to clean up after their canine friends and the city commission reserves the right to prohibit dogs during additional special events as part of the city’s special event permitting process. “Yay dogs,” Commissioner Jon Crane said after the ordinance was adopted.

Judge sets date with treehouse owners

Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Edward Nicholas is bringing treehouse owners Richard Hazen and Lynn Tran back to court on June 26. The 30-minute meeting is scheduled as a compliance status conference to determine if the Holmes Beach property owners have complied with his Feb. 28 ruling ordering the demolition of the unpermitted structure. In that ruling, Nicholas gave Hazen and Tran 90 days from the filing of his ruling, which occurred on April 17, to apply for demolition permits and remove the treehouse. That gives them until Tuesday, July 16 to comply with the order. In addition, Nicholas awarded the city of Holmes Beach $4,040 in attorney’s fees, which must be paid prior to June 26. The order notes that “failure to do so will result in additional sanctions, including, potentially, incarceration.”

Commissioners to discuss crime statistics

Bradenton Beach commissioners are scheduled to discuss crime statistics and a property insurance update at a commission meeting on Thursday, May 2 at 6 p.m. New business will include a discussion of FEMA Public Assistance Grant Program Services. Consent agenda items include a memorial bench donation, lift rental and the AMI Privateers Annual Fourth of July parade. The meeting will be held at the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers, 107 Gulf Drive N.

Special CRA meeting to be held May 2

Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency members will discuss the installation of a new irrigation system on Bridge Street and an upgrade to solar streetlights in the CRA district on Bridge Street and Gulf Drive at a special meeting on Thursday, May 2 at 5 p.m. The regular CRA meeting scheduled for May 1 was canceled. The meeting will be held at the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers, 107 Gulf Drive N.

Correction

A new ordinance pending final adoption by the Anna Maria City Commission will allow existing businesses that already sold CBD and/or hemp products as of April 1 to continue selling those products according to a new grandfathering exception. Businesses that did not sell CBD or hemp products as of April 1 will not be eligible for the grandfathering provision.

CBD, hemp grandfathering advances

Anna Maria stores that sold CBD and/or hemp products as of April 1 may be able to continue doing so.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The city is one step closer to adopting a new ordinance that will grant grandfathering status for businesses that already sold CBD and/or hemp products as of April 1.

On April 25, a previously discussed city ordinance, Ordinance 24-923, was presented to the city commission on first reading. The second reading and final adoption of the ordinance is expected on May 9.

The ordinance amends Section 34-2 of the city’s code of ordinances, which currently prohibits the growth, distribution, or sale of marijuana, medical marijuana, or any product derived from the cannabis plant, including hemp and CBD.

According to the proposed amended ordinance, “The growing, processing, distributing and sale of marijuana within the city limits of Anna Maria is hereby prohibited. Marijuana shall be defined for purposes of this section to include all parts of any plant of the genus cannabis, whether growing or not; the seeds thereof; the resin extracted from any part of the plant; and

every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant or its seeds or resin, including but not limited to ‘low-THC cannabis,’ as defined in Florida Statute 381.986.”

However, the proposed ordinance includes new language that will provide grandfathering status for Anna Maria businesses that already sell CBD or hemp products.

According to the proposed ordinance, “Businesses with a business location in the city of Anna Maria – not to include mobile sales – that, as of April 1, 2024, regularly sold product that would otherwise have been prohibited shall be eligible to receive grandfather status to continue such sales, but not to increase the volume of such sales, in accordance with procedures set forth in a resolution to be adopted by the city commission.”

Anna Maria businesses that did not sell CBD or hemp products prior to April 1 will not be eligible for the grandfathering status.

The yet-to-be-presented city resolution referenced in the proposed ordinance will establish the specific procedures to be followed by those seeking the grandfathering status, including a registration process.

During the April 25 meeting, Mayor Dan Murphy said the city is currently aware of three Anna Maria businesses that sell hemp and/or CBD products. The North Shore Café sells food and

drink items that include hemp powder with miniscule amounts of THC. The Cool Beans AMI coffee shop sells CBD products in addition to coffee, food items and other non-CBD products. AMI Beach & Dog Supply sells canine-grade CBD products.

Murphy said any additional businesses that sold CBD and/or hemp products as of April 1 and want to continue doing so must notify the city soon and be able to prove those pre-April 1 sales.

The proposed ordinance notes, “Nothing in this ordinance shall be construed to allow the sale of any product, the sale of which is otherwise prohibited by Florida law as then applicable.”

City Attorney Becky Vose said this provision addresses the possibility that Gov. Ron DeSantis may soon sign into state law proposed state legislation that would further restrict CBD sales and the potency of CBD products legally sold in Florida. Vose said there’s a strong possibility that many currently legal CBD/THC products would be made illegal by the proposed state legislation.

As of April 27, the proposed CBD legislation created by Senate Bill 1698 and House Bill 1613 had not yet been transmitted to DeSantis to veto, sign into new state law, or allow to become new state law without his signature.

Driver sinks car in canal

After two cars crashed into businesses and another took out a barrier designed to protect pedestrians from cars last month in Holmes Beach, another unusual vehicle incident happened last weekend. This time it involved a Porsche, a dock and a canal. Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said that a 52-year-old man was arrested on April 27 for leaving the scene of an accident and resisting arrest after driving his Porsche 911 into a canal near the intersection of 75th Street and Marina Drive around 8 p.m. No one was injured in the accident, but the car ended up in the bottom of the canal after damaging a boat dock and pilings. An incident report from West Manatee Fire Rescue states that both occupants of the vehicle reported no injuries at the scene and refused medical treatment.

Tokajer said the man was driving the convertible sports car too fast in a bid to show off for the male passenger of the vehicle, lost control and landed in the canal. Both the driver and passenger were able to exit the vehicle safely and when first responders

arrived on scene, the driver attempted to run away, ending in his arrest by HBPD officers after a short foot chase. Police are investigating and believe alcohol may be involved. The vehicle was removed from the canal by crane later in the evening.

A Porsche 911 sits at the bottom of a Holmes Beach canal on April 27 following an accident

which the driver lost control of the vehicle.

Proposed charter amendments debated

Ensuring home rule rights and limiting building heights remain the main topics of discussion.

BY JOE HENDRICKS

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – City commissioners are still considering six charter amendments recently proposed by the charter review committee.

On April 25, the commission engaged in its second informal discussion on the proposed charter amendments presented on April 11. No decisions have been made regarding any of the proposed amendments to the city charter that establishes how the city is structured and governed.

The commission will eventually formally vote to reject, accept or modify each of the proposed amendments and any additional amendments proposed by the commission.

The commission-supported amendments will be placed before Anna Maria voters in the

upcoming general election. The city charter can only be amended with the majority support of the city’s registered voters.

HOME RULE

Much of the April 25 discussion pertained to the proposed insertion of charter language that would address the desire to preserve Anna Maria’s home rule rights and residential character.

The committee proposes the following language be inserted into the charter: “The city of Anna Maria will ensure that the single-family detached residential character and home rule of the city is maintained and protected while supporting commercial uses within the commercial and ROR land use categories, while maximizing the enjoyment of natural and man-made resources by the citizens and minimizing the threat to health, safety and welfare posed by hazards, nuisances, incompatible land uses and environmental degradation.”

As he did on April 11, Commissioner Jon Crane again

questioned the use of the word “ensure” and the city’s ability to do so.

“I think this is aspirational change and not an action change. It’s a nice statement, but I don’t think it should be something we put before the electorate,” Crane said.

Commissioner Charlie Salem disagreed and said, “I actually like this statement, especially given the time we’re in, where home rule is under threat. I think this is the type of thing that would be good for the electorate to weigh in on.”

Commissioner Gary McMullen agreed with Crane and said, “What do we do to ensure it?”

Regarding the ongoing OPPAGA consolidation study requested by state legislators, McMullen said, “We can’t control our destiny. We’ve got no control over OPPAGA.”

Commissioner Mark Short addressed the potential legal ramifications of the proposed statement.

“Does this put the city at some type of legal risk if say we’re going to ensure these things and then something happens and we

can’t?” he asked. “We continue to be attacked at the state level for home rule. Unfortunately, we don’t control our own destiny as well as we used to.”

Short suggested eliminating the word “ensure” and inserting language that says the city will strive to protect home rule and the city’s residential character.

Salem asked City Attorney Becky Vose if there’s any legal benefit to placing such a statement in the charter.

In response, Vose said, “I don’t know how something like this would be viewed by the electorate. As a very practical matter, more than half of the residential structures in Anna Maria are vacation rentals, so in some respect the ship has sailed.”

Mayor Dan Murphy has previously stated more than 70% of Anna Maria’s residential structures are short-term vacation rentals.

SEE COMMISSION, PAGE 14

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Anna Maria City Commission will eventually vote on each of the proposed charter amendments.

OPINION

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

WEDNESDAY, MAY 1

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

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

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

THURSDAY, MAY 2

Birding with a Librarian, Leffis Key, 2651 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 8 a.m.

AMI Chamber of Commerce Sunrise Breakfast, AMI Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 8 a.m., $15 for members or $25 for prospective members

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

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

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

Bay ROVers: Underwater Robotics, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 6 p.m.

FRIDAY, MAY 3

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

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

Paper Crafting, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

SATURDAY, MAY 4

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

Save Florida Home Rule Rally, City Field, 5901 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

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

Paper Crafting, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

MONDAY, MAY 6

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

TUESDAY, MAY 7

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

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

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

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

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

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8

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

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

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

Island Time Book Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, MAY 9

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

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

AMI Chamber Luncheon, Anna Maria Oyster Bar, 200 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, $22 for members or $30 for prospective members

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

FRIDAY, MAY 10

Oyster shell drilling for vertical oyster gardens, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m. to noon

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

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

AMI Chamber Golf Tournament, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Pkwy., Bradenton, 12:30 p.m., $650 per team or $170 per golfer

Under the Sea Tea Party, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, MAY 11

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

ON THE AGENDA

ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

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

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

BRADENTON BEACH

107 GULF DRIVE N.

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005

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

May 1, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting

May 2, 5 p.m. – Special Community Redevelopment Agency meeting

May 2, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting

May 7, 9 a.m. – Pension Board meeting

May 15, 1 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting

HOLMES BEACH

5801 MARINA DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800

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

May 1, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautification Committee meeting

May 1, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting

May 8, 9 a.m. – Clean Water Ad-hoc Committee meeting

May 14, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow

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

ISLAND-WIDE

May 9, 9:30 a.m. – ManaSota League of Cities meeting, Longboat Key Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key May 13, 2 p.m. – Island Transportation Planning Organization meeting, Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive

Pat Copeland Scholarships awarded

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA - Three students were awarded the 2024 Pat Copeland Scholarships at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society during the April 25 AMI Chamber of Commerce Business Card Exchange.

The scholarships named for Copeland, one of the founders of the Historical Society and a former reporter and copy editor for The Sun, are $2,000 each and are provided through fundraising activities.

Bryanna Sparks, who is graduating from Manatee High School, excels in the Medical Academy and serves in leadership roles as president of both Future Health Professionals and the National Honor Society. She also serves as webmaster for Key Club. Sparks has been active in Girl Scouts since 2011,

which includes the Gold Award for her project on maternal mental health. She also has served over 300 hours of community service, including at Downtown Ministries, HCA Florida Blake Hospital and with the homeless. Sparks plans to earn her bachelor’s degree in biology, then work toward her goal of becoming a pediatrician attending LECOM for her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. She plans to open a practice in Bradenton. Sparks was unable to attend the event.

Anna Wright, graduating from Manatee High School, is an active member of her community and school, including the drama club and environmental club, where she worked closely with Keep Manatee Beautiful. Outside of school, she has worked for Cove on Bridge Street for three years, which she says has taught her

a good work ethic that will be valuable in the future. She also currently participates in the Youth Advisory Council program at De Soto National Memorial. Wright says she would like to pursue a career with the National Park Service and become a park ranger. She plans to study environmental science at Florida State University.

Nicholas Yatros, graduating from Manatee High School, scored a 1500 on the SAT while maintaining a 4.32 GPA. He has completed four AP courses and is currently taking four more before graduating. Despite his heavy course load, he was selected MVP of the basketball team, is a member of the National Honor and Spanish Honor societies, and co-founder of the school’s argument club, which is a spin-off of the debate club. Yatros has also volunteered at Anna Maria Elementary and The Center of

Anna Maria Island, accumulating over 100 hours of community service. Yatros plans to pursue a degree in computer science from the University of Florida.

In addition to the Copeland scholarships, a Chamber scholarship was also awarded to a student who couldn’t be present at its March 28 ceremony. Nathan Rupprecht is graduating from Southeast High School having completed the rigorous International Baccalaureate Program in the top 3% of his class. Excelling in engineering design, Rupprecht won first place in the United States Technology Students Association over 7,000 other students, as well as the national title in Architectural Design. He also works at Publix part-time. Rupprecht will seek an advanced degree in mechanical engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology.

PACE CENTER FOR GIRLS

Sparks

Yatros

Rupprecht Wright

Arbor Day on AMI

SUBMITTED

Bradenton Beach plants buttonwood, palm

Mayor John Chappie, left, reads a city proclamation designating April 26 as National Arbor Day in Bradenton Beach with Bruce Butler of the Scenic WAVES Partnership Committee standing by. In honor of the day, a silver buttonwood tree and a thatch palm tree were planted at the Annie Silver Community Center. A ribbon-cutting followed with representatives from the Anna Maria Island Garden Club, Scenic WAVES Committee, the Florida Forest Service and the AMI Chamber of Commerce in attendance. The trees were donated by the AMI Garden Club.

Buttonwoods planted in Anna Maria

In honor of Arbor Day, the city of Anna Maria planted two buttonwood trees on Friday in a small city-owned park near the intersection of Villa Rosa Way and South Bay Boulevard. The Anna Maria Island Garden Club donated $250 toward the purchase of the two trees, according to City Commissioner Mark Short.

AME PTO hopes ‘Hustle’ raised big bucks

The Anna Maria Elementary Parent Teacher Organization held a 1970sthemed fundraiser called the “AME Hustle” on April 27 at The Center of Anna Maria Island. Parents, friends and the public attended the fundraising event, most dressed in well-thought-out 70s attire. Money raised from the event supports the PTO, which supports the school throughout the year.

Holmes Beach plants magnolia

A little gem magnolia tree was planted at City Field in Holmes Beach for National Arbor Day on April 26. Pictured from left are Holmes Beach Public Works Administrator Matt McDonough, Commissioner Carol Soustek, Keep Manatee Beautiful Executive Director Jennifer Hoffman, Forester Caroline Ritchey and Modern Women of America representative Bob McDuffie. After the planting ceremony, McDuffie presented Soustek with a donation from Modern Women of America for the magnolia tree.

‘In the Garden’ at AME

CITY OF ANNA MARIA | SUBMITTED

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

From left, Courtland Hunt, Kelly Hunt and Jason Sato time warped back to the 70s for the AME PTO’s “AME Hustle” fundraiser.

First-grade students at Anna Maria Elementary performed their spring play, "In the Garden," directed by Art/Theatre teacher Beth McIntosh on April 25.

ANNE YARBROUGH | SUBMITTED

Anna Maria considers regulating mangroves

Leaders from all four municipalities on Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key have expressed initial interest in a shared mangrove regulation and enforcement program.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Building Department General Manager Dean Jones is leading the city’s efforts to join Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach and Longboat Key in adopting and selfenforcing local mangrove regulations.

The multi-municipality regulatory efforts were first discussed during the April 17 Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials (CBIEO) meeting in Longboat Key. During that meeting, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy proposed that the four barrier island municipalities work together to establish a local mangrove regulation program that would supersede the regulations currently enacted and enforced by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).

Jones also attended the meeting and on April 25, at Murphy’s request, he provided the Anna Maria City Commission with an overview of the mangrove regulation and enforcement efforts to be pursued.

Jones’ presentation referenced a much-publicized mangrove removal event that occurred in late 2023 at a canal-side home at 111 Gull Drive in Anna Maria. The presentation included photos of the property before and after the mangroves were removed to make way for a new seawall.

“Part of what brought this process

about was the fact that mangroves had been destroyed by a homeowner from out of state that felt they needed a seawall and didn’t really understand how important mangroves are to our ecosystem,” Jones said.

Another presentation slide listed the five Florida counties, one Florida city and one Florida town that have enacted their own local mangrove regulation and enforcement programs since 1996. Jones said of those seven, only Sarasota County’s mangrove program remains active.

Commissioner Charlie Salem asked Jones why the other mangrove enforcement programs faded away.

Jones said some people he spoke with didn’t even know who started their local mangrove programs and whether they ended due to a lack of resources or a lack of interest.

“The good thing is DEP will allow us to enforce our own mangrove ordinances, but we have to make sure we have the resources to do so,” Jones said.

Jones said he’ll be working in unison with Holmes Beach Planning and Zoning Administrator Chad Minor, Bradenton Beach Building Official Darin Cushing and Longboat Key Planning, Zoning and Building Director Allen Parsons.

Regarding FDEP requirements for local mangrove enforcement, one presentation slide said, “To receive delegation, a local government must demonstrate that it has sufficient resources and procedures for the adequate administration and enforcement of a delegated mangrove-regulatory program. This does not preclude a delegated local government from imposing stricter substantive standards or more

City leaders talk mangrove regulations

KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – City leaders are considering taking on the responsibility for local mangrove regulation from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).

Development Services Director Chad Minor said the process to get that permission may be simpler than previously thought.

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

demanding procedural requirements for mangrove trimming or alteration outside of riparian mangrove fringe areas.”

The presentation listed several next steps to be taken. Interlocal agreements must be established with all four participating municipalities and uniform guidelines must be adopted to provide continuity regarding administration and enforcement, including the fines and penalties levied on violators.

The municipalities must meet educational requirements and administrative guidelines and enforcement and communication protocols must be developed between the four municipalities to help intercept possible violations before they occur, or in the early stages of the occurrence.

“We need to have continuity across all the cities if we’re going to make this work,” Jones said. “Mangroves are a huge part of our ecosystem. When we remove them, bad things happen. The water gets worse and the wildlife goes away. We have the ability to protect our mangroves locally. We don’t have

SEE MANGROVES, PAGE 14

Minor gave commissioners and Mayor Judy Titsworth an update on the process during an April 23 work session. He said that while leaders in the three Anna Maria Island cities and Longboat Key want to consolidate efforts to enforce mangrove regulations locally, each city will need to apply separately. Once FDEP approves all four cities, they can consolidate enforcement efforts. However, each city will still need to maintain its own agreement with the department.

Commissioner Dan Diggins noted that if all of the Island cities are approved by FDEP, it would be a first effort toward the consolidation of services desired by members of the Manatee County state legislative delegation.

City Attorney Erica Augello said that the process for application is outlined by state statute. The city has to send a written request to the department. Once received, FDEP representatives have 45 days to act. Augello said that if the department approves or doesn’t respond within 45 days, the city gets to act locally in FDEP’s stead.

If the city receives approval, any existing local mangrove regulations disappear after 180 days and cannot be regained. The city of Holmes Beach currently does not have any regulations related to mangroves.

While city leaders can make stricter procedures for permitting outside of the riparian mangrove fringe and have stricter substantive standards than the state allows, they cannot create stricter processes or regulations for mangrove trimming and removal. Minor said that city leaders would be unable to alter FDEP mangrove exemptions. Discussion is expected to continue at a future meeting.

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JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Building Department General Manager Dean Jones is leading Anna Maria’s pursuit of local mangrove regulations.

Dock floats missing after storm

The recommended replacement will be addressed at the May 2 Bradenton Beach commission meeting.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH - Due to strong winds and waves on April 11, several floats on the city’s finger docks went missing and replacement was discussed at a city Pier Team meeting on April 24.

“I spoke with Duncan (Steve Porter of Duncan Seawall) this morning and asked him the status of the floats,” Public Works Director Tom Woodard said. “I made a complaint to Duncan that it was hardly even a storm and floats are disappearing so I asked for a couple of spares.”

Woodard reported that the floats had to be ordered at a cost of about $5,000 to replace them.

“He said the dock is not unsafe,” Woodard said. “He asked me to let you know.”

Mayor John Chappie said the issue will be brought up at the next city commission meeting on May 2.

“It’s something that needs to be addressed pretty quickly,” Chappie said.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Strong winds and higher-than-average surf on April 11 may be responsible for the loss of several floats on city finger docks.

In addition to Woodard and Chappie, City Commissioner Deborah Scaccianoce and Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby attended the meeting.

Woodard also reported that new signs will be arriving which will keep a spot open on the dock for the Gulf Islands Ferry next to the city’s police department boat.

“The ferry signs designate where the ferry docks are, that’s all the sign says,” Chappie said.

“The sign says ferry dock and has two arrows pointing in and has the city’s logo and Manatee County’s logo,” Woodard said.

SEE DOCK, PAGE 24

Island Players present ‘The Woman in Black’

The Island Players’ final play of the season, “The Woman in Black,” opens on Thursday, May 2 at the Island Playhouse in Anna Maria.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA - The Island Players conclude their historic 75th season with “The Woman in Black,” directed by Kelly Wynn Woodland and stage managed by Kristin Mazzitelli.

According to Woodland, this play is a bit different from the comedies that Island Players’ audiences are accustomed to. The play begins with a lighthearted story that soon turns dark, and even scary, as this ghost story progresses. The plot centers around Arthur Kipps, who feels the only way he can find peace is to air the horror that has haunted him for decades. Not being a great storyteller, Kipps hires an actor to tell the story from his point of view, while Kipps plays several other characters.

“The Woman in Black” features

only three actors: Tom Horton (Arthur Kipps), Mark Lennox (Actor) and Tahlia Chinault (The Woman).

“The Woman in Black” runs May 2-12 at 7:30 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. There are no shows on Mondays. Both online

and box office ticket sales are available for the entire run. Visit www.theislandplayers.org or call 941-778-5755. Box office hours are 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday through Saturday and one hour before curtain on Sundays for will call tickets only.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

From left, Tom Horton and Mark Lennox prepare for the opening night of the Island Players’ final play of their 75th season, “The Woman in Black.”

COMMISSION: Proposed charter amendments debated

Anna Maria’s comp plan and building codes already restrict building heights to three stories but the comp vote of the city commission.

The charter review committee recommends building heights be limited to 37 feet at the highest point of the structure. The proposed charter language also lists several exceptions

Decomposing algae creates odor in local waters

The foul-smelling mats of decayed blue-green algae washing up on the shores of Anna Maria Sound and other local waters is the cyanobacteria lyngbya. Scientists say it is associated with warmer water and sources of nitrogen. According to the University of Florida - IFAS Extension Service, “Lyngbya blooms are tied to water temperature increases and nutrient sources, including nitrogen, iron and phosphorus. The blooms form in sediments, covering bay bottom habitats and produce so much oxygen in the photosynthesis process that the mats dislodge from the bottom and float to the surface of the water.” When the floating lyngbya begins to decompose, it creates an odor. Sometimes nicknamed “gumbo,” the bloom activity happens in the Sarasota Bay ecosystem every year, according to UF-IFAS. Lyngbya can cause contact dermatitis, eye irritation and other human issues, according to environmental group Suncoast Waterkeeper. “It has also been known to kill horses and dogs if ingested. Blooms are now a regular spring occurrence in the bay and are a symptom of an unbalanced environment.”

Farmers market winding down

The city of Anna Maria’s farmers market at City Pier Park will conclude for the season on Tuesday, May 7, but Fibela Produce will serve as a single produce vendor at the park from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14.

Chamber golf tournament reservations available

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce has sponsorship opportunities and foursomes available for their golf tournament to benefit the chamber’s scholarship fund. This year’s tournament will take place on Friday, May 10 at IMG Academy Golf Club in Bradenton. The cost is $650

per team or $170 per golfer. Golfer registration includes golf, lunch, gift bag, green fees, cart fee, prizes, beer and beverages on course and dinner. For more information, to register, or for sponsorship opportunities, call the chamber at 941-778-1541 or email info@amichamber.org.

and accessories. The commissioners tentatively support the 37-foot height limit but agree that more discussion and specific details are needed.

Other proposed charter amendments pertain to the sale or long-term lease of city properties, clarifying who’s considered an officer of the city, residency

requirements for elected officials while in office and who can schedule a special city commission meeting. The committee also recommends replacing gender-specific pronouns with nongender-specific nouns.

More charter discussion is expected on Thursday, May 9.

MANGROVES: Anna Maria considers regulating mangroves

FROM PAGE 11

to let what happened at 111 Gull happen again. We can have some control over it.”

After noting that he also attended the CBIEO meeting, Salem thanked Murphy for his leadership and he suggested gathering more information about Sarasota County’s mangrove regulations and enforcement efforts.

During public input, Anna Maria resident Wayne Patterson thanked Jones and said, “I live right around the corner from that last decimated mangrove effort.” He asked how the city regulates mangroves in conjunction with property owners’ desire to install seawalls.

Commissioner Mark Short noted the city commission adopted a seawall ordinance a couple of years ago that states any new seawall installed must be installed landward of any mangroves that border the property – and doing so doesn’t reduce the total lot coverage allowed.

Patterson noted that didn’t happen at 111 Gull.

“They were removed before the permit for the seawall was applied for,” Short said. “Currently the city has no remedies. We always thought DEP would be the ones to remedy the situation. In my opinion, they’re not doing their job.”

Murphy then said, “At 111 Gull he had a permit from DEP. He did not have a seawall permit yet, but he had a permit to pull out all those mangroves. That’s what we’re trying to do here to preclude that from happening again. Otherwise, it’s going to keep happen-

ing,” Murphy said.

“Until we have local control,” Jones added.

Salem then said, “Because DEP doesn’t recognize man-made canals as part of this protection, that’s why they were allowed to remove those mangroves. We would be able to prohibit that kind of removal in those man-made canals.”

When asked what happens if one or more of the barrier island municipalities can’t agree on the mangrove regulations and enforcement measures later proposed, Murphy said, “We move right on. We need to get something done. In that meeting there was a pretty thorough understanding of what we needed to do and why we needed to do it. If somebody decides to back out, they’re on their own and the other cities will move forward.”

PAST PRESENTATION

This is not the first time the city of Anna Maria has inquired about establishing a local mangrove enforcement program. In 2020, FDEP representative Hannah Westervelt and the Anna Maria Commission participated in a mangrove trimming workshop.

During the workshop, Westervelt said, “Any local government can get the delegation of authority to regulate trimming and alteration of mangroves, but a local agency has to demonstrate they have the resources and the procedures in place. To establish that local program, you have to submit a written request for delegation to the department.”

CITY OF ANNA MARIA | SUBMITTED

These photos show mangroves before and after they were removed at a new canal-side home in Anna Maria.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Diorama depicts mullet netting methods

A refurbished diorama depicting early mullet netting techniques in Cortez is unveiled at the Cortez Cultural Center.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

CORTEZ – A refurbished diorama depicting now-defunct mullet netting techniques used by early Cortez fishermen was unveiled at the Cortez Cultural Center’s environmental learn ing event on April 20.

“Cortez is all about fishing. It is mis sion critical for Cortez,” Cortez Village Historical Society (CVHS) President Cindy Rodgers said as the diorama was introduced.

Gill net fishing, seine fishing and stop fishing have all been outlawed in Florida, but for many years those were the standard techniques for catching mullet and all are represented in the diorama.

answer the phone and the next day Judy and Luann Widergren were here and said they wanted to do it.”

Rodgers said the artists lovingly worked on the project day and night.

“Judy is a mosaic artist, so she had this idea to jazz it up. She had this idea for broken glass, and added paint and sparkle,” Widergren said. “It needed some sprucing up and I tried to restore the boats and added some vintage colors. For the fish camp, this is architecturally what you would have seen.”

Susynne McElrone, a volunteer at CVHS, and a former commercial fisher in Alaska, discussed the three mullet fishing methods represented on the diorama.

The diorama was built by John McDonald and Dr. Bill Baum and had been displayed at the Florida Maritime Museum before it was gifted to CVHS, where it sat covered on the

center’s back porch. Over the years, the miniature boats had cracked and the diorama was in need of overall repair. Its refurbishment was made possible by a monetary award in January from the Anna Maria Chamber of Commerce.

“It did sit here for a while and we thought we have to do something with it, and we weren’t able to do it,” Rodgers said. “So with that award, I contacted the Anna Maria Artists’ Guild and Judy Vazquez happened to

“I would invite everyone to come up close and see the details here and see what strikes you, the shore, the nets, the fishermen, the stories behind this and the love that went into it,” she said.

The Cortez Cultural Center is located at 1655 Cortez Road W. and is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Details from the newly refurbished diorama at the Cortez Cultural Center show early mullet netting techniques in Cortez.

COFFEE BEER WINE

Tarpon Primer: Part two

RUSTY CHINNIS

lthough tarpon can be one of the most exciting gamefish to engage, they are also one of the most demanding and exhausting. It’s not uncommon to hear stories of epic two-hour-plus battles, which are not good for the angler or the tarpon.

After experiencing the thrill of the catch, many anglers, not concerned with landing a tarpon again, prefer the hunt, the hook-up and the jumps that usually follow a hook set. They use light bite tippets which allow the tarpon to work through the leader with their abrasive mouths. The key to landing tarpon, especially on fly, is accuracy. While there are exceptions to every rule, the fly must be placed perfectly, move in a precise direction relative to the fish and be at the proper (fish’s) depth. Even when all these factors come together, there’s still about a 50% chance that the tarpon will reject the fly.

The go-to bait for spin anglers is a live crab. Small blue crabs can be purchased at bait shops and pass crabs can be dipped from the local passes on a falling tide. Other effective baits include pinfish, threadfin herring and pilchards. Artificial lures like the DOA Bait Buster and the 4- to 6-inch shrimp, jigs and even topwater plugs can be effective. Patience is a critical factor when fishing for tarpon, especially when fly fishing. One strategy used by fly anglers is to find the edge of a sand bar or other underwater feature that tarpon track, anchor in casting range and wait. Sometimes tarpon come at a steady rate, but just as often there are long periods of time when the only thing to look at is the water and the bottom. This

really separates the great anglers from the good anglers. Others use their push pole to intercept their target. There are times when you need to move to a different area altogether, but knowing when and where is a skill that is developed, if never mastered.

Once set up, the angler must be able to make a 40- to 50-foot cast to a location the size of a dinner plate. The placement of the fly cannot be overemphasized because tarpon will seldom vary a foot or two from their path to eat a fly. Although there is always a rare exception, a fly must never travel in a path towards the intended target. A tarpon’s prey species wouldn’t survive long if it moved toward its aggressor and tarpon know it. If all this wasn’t demanding enough, once a tarpon decides to eat the fly, an angler’s mettle is really tested.

Conventional anglers usually look for rolling fish in the nearshore Gulf and motor well ahead of them to intercept their path. Trolling motors can be effective for following

a school in deep water but will spook them in the shallows. One thing that all tarpon anglers should practice is courtesy. Often a boat has been working long and hard to get properly set up for a shot at an approaching school and a boat running up on the fish will spoil the day for everyone. Tarpon are not trout and attempting to raise the rod to set the hook is a cardinal mistake. Fortunately, once a tarpon decides to eat the fly there’s no need to make a lightning-fast hook set. The right set is called a “strip strike” which involves letting the line come tight and immediately setting the hook with a combination of the line hand and the rod. Conventional anglers should also have the patience to let the line come tight before attempting to hook the fish. After the initial hook set fly, the angler’s attention must go immediately to clearing the line. In most cases, the angler has been stripping in line when the fish bites and the hook is set. That line can easily foul on the angler, the rod or the reel. Once the line is on the reel, it’s time to set the hook with several more strip strikes, using the rod.

Conventional anglers often use circle hooks which don’t require a hook set. They just need to let the line come tight and enjoy the action. In any case, the tarpon cannot be aware of the angler on the other end until the hook is set. While it’s important to exert maximum pressure on the tarpon during the fight, anglers must yield on jumps. On the jump, the standard maneuver is to thrust the rod forward to relieve pressure on the line. This prevents the tarpon from breaking off if it lands on a taut line. This maneuver is known as “bowing to the king.”

If you’re looking for a good jump shot, here’s a great tip. When a tarpon makes any long run, motor close to it, applying only enough pressure to make sure the hook doesn’t dislodge. As soon as you are in place, frame the shot you want and then have the angler apply maximum pressure. Most times the tarpon will make a jump that’s close enough to the boat to get the angler and the fish in the shot. It’s not a sure thing, but when it works it can present an awesome photographic opportunity. Finally, don’t try and rush the tarpon when it gets near the end of the fight. Keep the pressure on but don’t clamp down and try to force the fish to the boat.

Good action can be found right through July for fly anglers, while the best month for conventional anglers is generally June. Tarpon fishing is a challenging endeavor, but it’s well worth the effort when you finally get that first-scale rattling jump. If you’re looking for fly tackle for tarpon, a local guide or timely advice seek out AMI Outfitters on Pine Street in Anna Maria. There’s no substitute for local knowledge!

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

Tarpon phenom Andy Mill demonstrates the technique of "bowing to the king."

It’s tarpon time!

CAPT. RICK GRASSETT

Tarpon fishing will take off during May as migratory fish arrive along our beaches. Also look for Spanish mackerel, tripletail, cobia and false albacore (little tunny) in the coastal Gulf of Mexico.

Snook will move into passes and the surf and reds and trout should feed heavily on shallow flats as baitfish become more plentiful. Trout, blues, Spanish mackerel and more should be good options on deep grass flats.

Resident tarpon are usually the first to show up as they make their way out of rivers and creeks. As migratory tarpon start to arrive this month, we should have schools of tarpon moving both north and south along our beaches. Early arriving tarpon may be more aggressive due to less fishing pressure early in the season. Set up in their line of travel and wait for tarpon schools to move past and cast a DOA Baitbuster, a 4” CAL Shad, a live crab or pinfish to them. Once you’ve seen the first school of

fish, you can concentrate your efforts in that “lane” since other schools should 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 when there wasn’t much showing on the surface. Be quiet and using your electric trolling motor sparingly. Even though your 4-stroke outboard sounds quiet, it is no substitute for an electric trolling motor. Give other anglers at least several hundred yards of space and keep in mind that fish can be moving either north or south so setting up too close to another angler may affect their flow of fish.

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 with an occasional assist from a trolling motor if I need to adjust my position to make a cast.

Snook will be spawning this month so use tackle heavy enough to catch and release them in a timely manner and handle them gently. Larger snook will mostly be females and should always be supported horizontally

Higher tides this month will mean that reds will spend more time feeding on shallow flats. Look for them along mangrove shorelines and around oyster bars when the tide is high and in potholes or along sandbars when the tide is low. When fishing shallow water for reds, be as quiet as possible. I prefer to use a push pole or wade. Reds are one of the most challenging species to catch on a fly. Since they can be very spooky, I often wade for them when fly fishing to keep a lower profile.

rather than hung vertically by the jaw. You’ll find them in passes and in the surf. They will also stage around docks and bridges close to passes. Casting CAL jigs with shad tails and jerk worms or DOA shrimp around docks and bridges close to passes should be effective. Small white flies, like my Grassett Snook Minnow, work well at night. One of the most fun ways to target snook is to walk the beach and cast CAL jigs, DOA Shrimp or flies to them in the surf.

This is one of my favorite months of the year. If battling a big tarpon isn’t for you, you should have plenty to do on both shallow and deep grass flats or in the coastal Gulf. I’ll be spending my time targeting tarpon in the coastal Gulf unless conditions won’t allow it. There is something about casting a fly to a giant fish in shallow water!

Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, toxic spills and discharges, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation. Please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!

CAPT. RICK GRASSETT | SUN

Dennis Ondercin, of Sarasota, with a tarpon he caught and released while fishing the coastal Gulf with Capt. Rick Grassett in a previous May.

Stone crab season closes

The season runs from Oct. 15 to May 2.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

Fresh stone crabs will be available just a little while longer as the harvesting season is about to end.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), stone crab season closes on May 2 with the last day of harvest being May 1 for the state’s recreational and commercial stone crab seasons in state and federal waters.

The annual season closure is intended to increase the stone crab population and build resiliency in the fishery, according to the FWC.

The only part of the crab that is harvested is the claw.

“Stone crabs are known for their powerful claws, which account for more than half of the crab’s total weight. These crabs use their two claws - a crushing claw and a tearing claw - to eat and defend themselves,” according to the University of Florida IFAS Extension Service. “Unlike other fisheries, the claws are also the only parts of the crab harvested - live stone crabs must be returned to the water where they can regenerate new claws.”

Commercially harvested stone crab

LESLIE

The stone crab traps that were lined up in Cortez prior to the 2023 season will be pulled from the water by the end of the season on May 2. They will be put back in storage until the harvesting season reopens in October.

claws may be possessed and sold during the closed season but only if they have been placed in inventory prior to May 2 by a licensed wholesale or retail dealer. Stone crab traps must be removed from the water within five days after the close of the stone crab season. Stone crab claws may not be harvested from traps pulled after the season closes. The harvesting season will begin again on Oct. 15.

For more information on harvesting stone crab traps for recreation, commercial stone crab regulations, trap specifications and licensing information, go online to MYFWC. com/Marine.

LAKE | SUN

TOURISM: Voters to decide tourist tax increase

ordinance to reflect the increase to 6%.

“On the Friday before the Tuesday, April 23 BCC meeting, the Department of Revenue notified the county that the Florida statute on tourism changed in 2023,” Falcione said. “It now requires any additional bed tax levy to go through a referendum process and can no longer be voted on by the BCC. It took the vote out of the hands of the BCC and now requires the residents to make the decision by a vote.”

Once the county was made aware of this change, the vote was removed from the BCC’s April 23 agenda. Falcione said without being notified of the change, it would be difficult to find it without reading every section

and subsection of Florida Statute 125.01.04, which is more than 8,000 words long.

“I really wish the state would have notified at least the tourism director, the BCC, or the county administrator when this law passed in 2023,” Falcione said. “Unless I missed an email, this was the first we were made aware of the change, so therefore the county administrator made a prudent move to remove the vote from the agenda until we sort things out.”

Falcione also said that Manatee County would be the first county in Florida to be subjected to the new law, as no other county has reached the required criteria to increase the tax since the change was made. He believes had another county hit this roadblock before Manatee, word

SUBMITTED

Due to 2023 legislation, Manatee County residents –not county commissioners – will decide whether to raise the tourist tax to 6%.

would have reached his office and the TDC would not have moved forward with a recommendation to the BCC.

How and when the voter referendum will take place has not yet been decided.

“We’re still trying to sort through everything,” Falcione said. “The attor-

ney’s office is gathering information and we’re going through our protocol. When we get with the county commissioners, we want to make sure we are 100% accurate with the steps required and the options they have to consider this.”

Currently, neighboring counties of Sarasota, Hillsborough and Pinellas are all at the 6% maximum tourist tax. Falcione stresses that none of this tax is paid by residents of the county, but residents benefit from the tax, which goes to maintaining, upgrading and marketing attractions such as city piers, the new water taxi, beach parking lots and Anna Maria Bayfront Park, with a large portion going to beach renourishment.

Falcione says the TDC will not spend tax proceeds to promote the area during the busy spring season.

Florida insurance ground zero

We are on the brink of hurricane sea son and this year promises to be an active one, so what goes hand in hand with hurricanes? Insurance.

We’re talking here about homeowners’ insurance, although flood insurance is also slated to have increases over the next few years. FEMA is changing the way they calculate flood insurance and revising the factors used to determine their premiums.

High insurance premiums aren’t anything new to Florida. During the 2004 hurricane season, there were five named storms, bringing billions of dollars in damage to the state within a six-week period. After that, many private insurance companies left the state, leaving Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the state-sponsored insurer, as one of the few options.

Homeowners with mortgages, which is about 60% of all owners, are required to purchase property insurance. There are homeowners who have opted to go without insurance if they own their home free and clear or to self-insure. The average annual

Castles in the Sand

LOUISE BOLGER

home insurance cost rose about 20% between 2021 and 2023 according to an insurance shopping site called Insurify, and they are projecting another 6% increase this year.

Why is this happening? Obviously, storms and the higher number of storms that appear in the Atlantic basin are increasing. However, the primary cause is the amount of fraud that has been going on in the state in recent years. In April of 2022, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis called a special session of the Florida Legislature to address the issue of insurance fraud. At that time according to the Office of Insurance Regulation, Florida accounted for 79% of the nation’s homeowner’s

insurance lawsuits.

Insurance companies reported $1 billion in underwriting losses in Florida in each of the last two years, much of it due to lawsuits that resulted when homeowners transferred their rights through the “Assignment of Benefits” form. Homeowners would sign a form transferring the full rights of the policy from the policyholder to the contractor, who was working with an attorney.

Once the rights are transferred, the attorneys pay the contractors, usually for roof replacements or repairs, then file a lawsuit against the insurance company, adding up to three times their standard rate. This type of fraud resulted in insurance companies reporting $1 billion in underwriting losses in Florida for the past two years.

The other generator of increased homeowners’ insurance costs is the increase in reinsurance. Insurance companies require their own insurance in order to write policies assuming some of the risk. Reinsurance has increased rates in recent years because of COVID-19, inflation and

climate change.

On the positive side, Florida Senate Bill 2022-D has reined in the litigation of this fraud by 20%. This opened the door for private insurers to come back into the state and start stabilizing rates through competition and lower future premiums. In addition, Citizens Insurance has started the process of “depopulation” of their customers, who are starting to go over to private insurers.

Florida may have the largest hurricane risk in the world but we’re not alone. Homeowner’s insurance has gone up along with everything else all over the country. California in particular has issues because of the wildfire threat, and Louisiana is also one of the major targets for hurricanes coming up the Gulf of Mexico.

Ground Zero and our insurance problems may be overstated, but we are certainly volatile and subject to the whims of the weather. Again, the price we all pay for living on a sub-tropical coast.

OBITUARIES

Charles R. Lester

Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He served as a trustee of McMillian Memorial Library for over 25 years and served on the board of directors of the First National Bank of Eagle River from 1982 to 2004.

BEACH BEAT

BRADENTON BEACH

Charles R. Lester, age 92, of Port Edwards, Wisconsin, passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2024, in Bradenton, Florida. He was born Dec. 24, 1931 in Wisconsin Rapids to Alverna (Beaudry) and Roy H. Lester. He married JoAnn on March 18, 1962, in Port Edwards.

Charles was a graduate of St. Peter & Paul Parochial School, Lincoln High School, Wisconsin Rapids and the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Charles served two years in the U.S. Army in Korea, attaining the rank of Sergeant.

He started the Lester Insurance Agency in Wisconsin Rapids and built it into one of the largest insurance agencies in Central Wisconsin.

Charles was instrumental in the South Wood County YMCA, acquiring the Nepco Lake Y Camp property. He was a member of Rotary, Elks Club, Moose Club, Key Royale Country Club, Bull's Eye Country Club, American

Charles was named Irishman of the Year for Anna Maria Island and was named Islander of the Year in 1997. He was awarded the Wisconsin Library Association's President's Award in 1997. Charles rebuilt the YMCA Recreational Center at Nepco Lake, including Lester Lodge, plus all season cabins numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and

6. Charles and JoAnn originated and built the Charles & JoAnn Lester Library of Nekoosa, the Lester Public Library of Vesper, Wisconsin, the Lester Public Library of Arpin, Wisconsin and the Lester Public Library of Town of Rome, Wisconsin. He was a proud member of the Bascom Hill Society.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, JoAnn.

Graveside services for Charles will be held at Port Edwards Cemetery in Port Edwards, Wisconsin at a later date. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of local arrangements.

4/22, 8 a.m., burglary, 2601 Gulf Drive N.

The officer was dispatched to the Sandpiper Mobile Home Park where a victim who had been suffering from medical issues had reported two handguns missing from his home. The victim stated that it was possible an in-law or friend had removed the guns from his unit. The guns were entered into the department’s system, and he was advised to contact police if they reappeared. No further action was taken.

HOLMES BEACH

4/15, 7 p.m., burglary, 4000 Gulf Drive.

The officer was dispatched to the Manatee Beach parking lot in reference to a vehicle burglary. The victim told the officer that his children’s backpack containing two iPods, a pair of Bluetooth headphones, a helmet and the backpack itself had been stolen from his unlocked car. The victim’s GPS on the iPods showed they were in Bradenton. Braden-

ton police later advised that the stolen items had been located in Bradenton. The victim had at first said he wished to press charges if the items were found, but changed his mind and declined to press charges after recovering the items. No further action was taken.

4/21, 8:45 a.m., trespass, 4408 Gulf Drive. A priest from the Church of the Annunciation came into the Holmes Beach Police Department to report that a church member at Sunday services had been causing a disruption. The priest requested an officer to attend the Sunday service on April 21 in case the disturbances continued. If so, the church wished to have the man trespassed. The officer was in the area on April 21 when he received a call from dispatch that the subject was once again causing a disturbance. The officer responded and told the male subject that he was trespassed from the property. The subject refused to leave the church, and according to the officer’s official report, began laying on the floor. While being escorted outside, the officer said the subject was screaming. The subject was escorted from the property and told not to return or he could be subject to arrest.

TURTLES: Volunteers find season’s first sea turtle nest

DO:

on April 15, although the official start of sea turtle nesting season is May 1.

Beginning early in the morning, volunteers monitor beaches daily for sea turtle activity.

Turtle Watch breaks down nesting data into three geographical sections. The first is from the Longboat Key Bridge north to Manatee Beach, the second is from Manatee Beach north to Bean Point, and the third covers bayside beaches.

Turtle Watch reminds residents and visitors of the following dos and don’ts:

Weekly turtle, bird talks begin

• Shield or turn off outdoor lights that are visible on the beach and close drapes after dark;

• Remove all beach furniture and toys from the beach at night;

• Fill in holes and knock down sandcastles that may impede hatchlings on their way to the water;

• Place trash in its proper place;

• Keep your distance from posted nest sites;

• If you encounter a nesting turtle, remain quiet and observe from a distance;

• Call AMITW at 941-301-8434 or FWC at 888-404-3922 if you find a turtle (adult or hatchling)

in distress; and

• Notify local law enforcement if you see anyone disturbing a turtle, hatchlings or nest site.

DO NOT:

• Use flashlights, cellphones, flash photography or fishing lamps on the beach;

• Encourage a turtle to move while nesting or pick up hatchlings that have emerged;

• Use fireworks on the beach; or

• Approach nesting turtles or emerging hatchlings, make noise, or shine lights at turtles.

For more information on ways to help protect sea turtles, visit islandturtlewatch.com.

For anyone who would like to learn more about sea turtles and shorebirds, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring will be presenting a free weekly “Turtle Tracks and Shorebird Facts” talk at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive. The presentation will be each Tuesday from 10-11 a.m. from May 7 through Aug. 27. The talks are suitable for children and adults. Reservations are not required.

DOCK: Floats missing after storm

Chappie spoke about pier concessionaire Anna Maria Oyster Bar (AMOB).

“I believe AMOB has completed all the planting of the palm trees, they’re real nice. There’s nice gravel around the palm trees. Most of the decorative stuff is on the fence area, which looks great. They’re on top of the enclosure for the dumpster,” he said.

Representatives from AMOB, John or Trey Horne, have attended previous Pier Team meetings, but were not at the April 24 meeting.

Chappie noted that the ferry service appears to be running smoothly.

“I was there and the boat was full. The unloading went smoothly,” he said. “They had the stairs there, they had someone at the stairs making sure everyone could exit the boat safely. It

appeared to me there’s no issues whatsoever with safety regulations, they’re on top of it. We’re very happy with that.”

Cosby said the security cameras on the pier should be installed soon.

“Those will be monitored,” he said.

The Pier Team meets monthly in advance of commission meetings to discuss progress and any issues with the City Pier.

CENTER NOTES

Beach cleanup

Help ensure that Anna Maria Island’s beaches stay beautiful by joining a beach cleanup on Saturday, May 4 from 9-11 a.m. Meet at The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria and walk to the Gulf to clean up. Trash bags, gloves, water and a light snack will be provided.

Senior Outings: Dali Museum

Island seniors are taking a trip to the Dali Museum on Tuesday, May 7. Participants will spend the day at the museum, leaving The Center at 9:30 a.m. and returning at 2:30 p.m. The cost is $5 for transportation fees, plus the individual museum entry fee. Registration is required by Friday, May 3.

Yoga Nidra and Crystal Singing Bowl Sound Bath

Yoga Nidra, or yogic sleep, promotes deep rest and relaxation and is designed for all levels. The guided somatic, meditative experience includes a body scan, mindful breathing and visualization along with a crystal singing bowl sound bath to bring your experience full circle and cultivate a greater sense of wholeness and well-being. The class will be held on Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m. starting on May 7. The cost is $15 for members and $25 for non-members. Registration the Monday prior to class is required.

Book Club

Held on the second Monday of each month at 2 p.m., the book club is free and all adults are welcome. The book to be discussed on Monday, May 13 is Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

Foundation Training

Join Dr. Rhett Bogacz for Foundation Training to alleviate pain, improve posture and enhance well-being. The training will be held on Wednesdays from 10:30-11:15 a.m. The cost is free for members and $25 for non-members.

Body Blast

A 30-minute session for strength and aerobic conditioning with Jennifer Richeson is held on Wednesdays from 10:30-11 a.m. The cost is free for members and $25 for non-members.

Reboot 60

Revitalize your mind and body in just 60 minutes with Jennifer Richeson. Perfect for busy professionals. The class is held on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to noon. The cost is free for members and $25 for nonmembers.

Summer My Way and Adventure Time Camp

Sign up for nine weeks of summer fun with Summer My Way and Adventure Time Camp for kids 5 to 12 years old. Fees vary based on activities.

Summer Specialty Camps

The Center’s Summer Specialty Camps and workshops offer the perfect opportunity for kids to have fun with special interest activities like babysitting, tennis, tumbling, soccer, photography and baking. Summer specialty camps run through June and July. Fees vary based on activities. One $25 non-member fee is required per day for participants.

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

Residents consider initiating consolidation referendum

Residents are debating whether a referendum to get voters’ opinions on the three Island cities being consolidated or eliminated is a good idea.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Anna Maria Island residents are working to find ways to fight back against a loss of home rule and the potential consolidation or elimination of the three Island cities, and are considering whether or not initiating a voter referendum is the best way to go.

At an April 23 Holmes Beach Commission meeting, resident Debra Hall said that she’s spoken with the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office and is looking at the possibility of putting a referendum on the ballot to get voters’ opinions on whether or not to consolidate, eliminate or leave the three Island cities as they are. While she said she’s received the steps needed to get a referendum on the

November general election ballot, she added that she’s not sure it’s the right thing to do.

According to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections and Florida Division of Elections websites, to have a referendum on the ballot, 10% of registered voters – in this case, 10% of voters from each Island city – would need to sign a petition in favor of the referendum. Those petitions would be presented to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office where each signature would need to be verified at a cost of 50 cents each. The wording on the peti-

tion would have to match the wording of the referendum as it would appear on the ballot. If the referendum reaches the required number of signatures, it’s placed on the ballot for the next general election. The deadline for the November ballot is Aug. 18.

While Commissioner Terry Schaefer said he appreciates the efforts of the residents, the city cannot be involved in a resident-initiated ballot referendum.

“Politics is such an ugly thing,” Commissioner Greg Kerchner said. “We really have to be on our best behav-

ior and cannot get involved.” Resident Daria Gramento said that she wants to get the information out to the general public about the threat to the Island cities to alert other coastal cities that the same government overreach could happen to them.

Barbara Ehren, one of the Save Florida Home Rule organizers, said that a goal of the group is to get the results of the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability study currently being conducted by the state released to the public. She said her group is currently

CONSOLIDATION: Mayor, state legislator talk consolidation

and the Island cities has been a lack of consolidated services in an effort to save taxpayer money on the 7-mile Island. Titsworth said that’s something that Robinson asked about and wants to see some progress on.

While all three Island cities are looking to partner with the city of Longboat Key on enforcing mangrove protections as agents of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Titsworth said she and Police Chief Bill Tokajer are in preliminary talks with Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy about the Holmes Beach Police Department taking over law enforcement in the

northern city. Currently, the city of Anna Maria is the only Island city without its own police force, contracting with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement. Titsworth said the two cities are looking at the numbers and a draft interlocal agreement to see what the options are.

In the meeting with Robinson, Titsworth said that if Island cities were given back the amount of tourist development tax they earn for the county and could use those monies for infrastructure that it would greatly reduce the burden on taxpayers. The city of Holmes Beach is one of the largest earners of tourist development tax monies, which come from a bed tax

paid by visitors to the area. The funds are controlled by Manatee County commissioners and are earmarked for projects that benefit tourism. In recent years, county commissioners have withheld funding from Holmes Beach for projects due to disagreements between the two groups of elected officials. Titsworth said that Robinson agreed with her that the funds should not be “weaponized” by county leaders.

“He listened and I appreciate that,” she said.

Another discussion was about beach parking. Titsworth said that Robinson was happy with the strides made by the city to make public beach parking in residential areas easier to identify.

debating whether or not initiating a ballot referendum is the best strategic move to make at this point.

“These are the biggest challenges we’ve faced as a community and it’s a significant affront to home rule,” Schaefer said. “Everyone in our city government is very resolute in our mission – to tell the truth. It’s difficult to offset the misinformation being disseminated. We’re trying very hard to not do that with anger but with research and facts. I believe that the facts will ultimately prevail.” He said he hopes to have good dialogue with state representatives in the future and that the combined efforts of the cities and the residents will turn back the threats against the cities.

“Don’t lose faith, folks. This is far from over,” he said, reassuring the public that if the worst happens and state leaders decide to dissolve the cities, that Holmes Beach leaders are ready to fight back, though city leaders declined to say what their efforts would entail at this time.

Robinson said he wants to meet with the Island city leaders again soon.

“I felt pretty good when I left,” Titsworth said.

Commissioner Terry Schaefer said that he feels the meeting with Robinson was a positive first step, but that he feels the battle is long from over. His goal, he said, is to meet with Boyd prior to organizing a town hall meeting with the community. He said that thus far his efforts to schedule that meeting with Boyd have been dismissed by the state representative, but he wants to give it another shot before scheduling the community meeting, which he hopes will be broadcast for any state or county leaders who want to view it but don’t want to attend.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Barbara Ehren, one of the Save Florida Home Rule activist group organizers, addresses Holmes Beach commissioners on April 23.

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Pool America, Diamond Turf tie

ANNA MARIA – With warmer weather in the air, the adult soccer league took the pitch last Thursday night for the fifth week of regular season play.

The Pool America team played without their captain, Chris Klotz, and other key players.

Also playing without a full roster, team Diamond Turf narrowly escaped a loss, tying the game against Pool America 3-3.

Samuel Romero started the game in goal for Diamond Turf. Romero made four big saves to help his team in the first half of action.

Sharing the keeper's responsibility, team captain Yuri Pereira managed the Diamond defense. The position change allowed Romero to score one of the three team goals.

The Diamond Turf offense scored off the foot of Curtis Bickler and Gerardo Urbiola Bolanos. Teammate Stephen Adair was credited with an assist.

Nate Welch and Hakan Toka put the points on the scoreboard for Pool America. Welch added to his scoring total with two goals to help his team earn a point going into week six.

Pool America sits in second place, while Diamond Turf is ranked eighth. With four weeks of the regular season left to be played, there is ample time for the standings to shift.

Third-ranked Salty Printing shut out the Beach House Waterfront Restaurant squad. Team captain

Kevin Roman scored two goals with an additional point scored by Tyler “Bean” Brewer. Brewer had two assists in the game, adding to teammate Erica Nielsen’s single assist and solo goal.

The strong Salty defense, including Charles “Tuna” McCracken in goal, stopped the Beach House offense. McCracken had seven saves in the 4-0 victory.

The Beach House team, playing without all of their players, worked hard, staying in the game at any given time. Ultimately, the lack of time on the clock and the inability to score made the loss inevitable for the team captained by Jake Parsons.

Parsons started in goal for his team, making five saves. Aaron

Homes won by three goals against Sato Real Estate. Ross kept Paul Jennison busy in the goal for Sato recording 14 saves. Dean Hinterstoisser had eight saves letting one by off the boot of Matthew Darak.

Scoring a hat trick, Helio Gomez ensured his team’s win. Ted Hurst added a point toward the 4-1 final score.

Ending in a tie, the final game of the night once again denied the Solid Rock Construction team a W. The team is going into the final games of the regular season on the cusp of its first victory, with three tied games.

SUN SCOREBOARD

APRIL 23

YOUTH SOCCER – WEEK

TO 10-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE

Intuitive

Moss Design (1-2-1)

AMI Coconuts (1-2-1)

LEAGUE

Frech relieved him and saved four goals during his time at the net. In the third game of the night, team captain Ryan Moss had 10 stops in two halves of soccer action for Moss Builders. On the other side of the field, playing for team Progressive Cabinetry, The Center’s Operations Director Tyler Bekkerus saved nine shots.

Moss Builders’ goals by Kali Richardson and Karri Stephens, along with an assist by Ed Moss, just were not enough to pull out the win against the number-oneranked team in the league.

Progressive Cabinetry’s scoring came from team captain Keith Mahoney, with two goals, and Junior Martines. Martines had a single goal and assist in the match.

Team Ross Built Custom

Solid Rock’s opponent was team Language Service Associates, a team right in the middle of the pack. The team’s three goals were scored by Murat Akay, Selana Gonzalez-Salinas and Austin Nutting.

Ethan Hampton added to his statistics with an assist in the final week five game.

Holding down the goalkeeper position, Steve Oelfke solidly stopped 10 shots by Solid Rock. Mark Long commanded his post as keeper for Solid Rock with seven saves.

Long’s teammates Timo Vecchio and Jana Whitehead did the scoring for Solid Rock. Vecchio’s single assist added to his two-game goals.

The top team at the end of the regular season is anyone’s to predict. With full rosters on the field and sidelines, all 10 teams in the league are capable of championship game-level play.

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Diamond Turf’s Gerardo Urbiola Bolanos fights to keep possession of the soccer ball against Juan Vega for Pool America in the Island’s adult soccer league.

FUN IN THE SUN

"Speak of the devil"

Contribute to

Gambits

of some classic coupes

figs.

multimedia artist who refers to her work as "carnal art"

1 Peacemaker po'boy morsel

2 Celebrazione religiosa a dicembre

3 Pass

4 Not yet set

5 Model Wek who was appointed a goodwill ambassador for UNHCR in 2013

6 Longtime Toyota subcompact

Mirage enticement 8 See 23-Across

Cooling systs.

"Sacré bleu!"

Gray area?

Role for Laura in 2019's "Little Women"

War reporters, often

Subject with strange attractors

Never got off the ground

Things that may take a turn for the worse

Medicine cabinet supply

Mosques' mihrabs, e.g.

Rubs the rite way?

Low pair?

Question after a moment of silence

Dossier letters

Screened

Uniform feature, often

35 "I know, but please try"

Some wedding parties

Rock whose name means "egg stone"

off

who might have a grand opening?

CLASSIFIEDS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

ROSER FOOD BANK

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

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

HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS

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

FREE PLANTS Sapling

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

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE

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

CLEANING SERVICE

TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING

Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570 or 941-565-3931

EMPLOYMENT

TWO SIDES OF NATURE - Anna Maria Island's Largest Little Beach Shoppes... is now hiring full time and part-time associates. Varied shifts available must be able to work nights and weekends.

Retail Experience Preferred. Great Pay, Great Fun! Apply today Two Sides of Nature 101 S. Bay Blvd. Unit A-1, Anna Maria.

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

A/C INSTALLER. Change outs. Experienced, High work ethical standards a must. Year round work. No layoffs. Benefits. West Coast Air Conditioning & Heating. Call 941-7789622

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

RENOVATION SPECALIST

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

KERN & GILDER CONSTRUCTION, INC New Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CBC 1261150. Call the Office. 941-7781115

JSAN CORPORATION

Renovations Construction & Handyman

Services

941-243-0995

Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.

API’S DRYWALL REPAIR

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

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

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

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

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

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

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

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

MOVING & STORAGE

MARTIN’S MOVING

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

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING

PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE

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

“WIZARD OF WALLS”

Established 1980

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

DONALD PERKINS

ABRACADABRA

PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941705-7096

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

POOL SERVICES

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

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

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS

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

T & B PRESSURE WASHING Licensed & Insured. Driveways/sidewalks, Roofs, Pool cages, Fenc-es, House (soft wash/downstream). Call 813-638-7636. tandbpressurewashing@ yahoo.com Family owned and operated.

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

Have you been thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! GULF

FRONT, CANAL FRONT, BAY FRONT CONDOS or HOMES ASK for BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216

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

FOR SALE - PERICO BAY CLUB Waterfront Beauties! 2 & 3 bedroom models w 2 car garages! Call Today for more info!

Erin Leathem at The Anna Maria Sales Team at Island Real Estate 941-448-5616

FOR SALE - 5400 GULF

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

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

FOR SALE: $329K 4410

Fairways Blvd #406

RENTALS: ANNUAL

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

ANNUAL RENTAL:

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

ANNUAL RENTAL: Located in beautiful Perico Bay Club, just 2 miles from Anna Maria Island. Gated community with 24 hour security. This villa home has 2 bedrooms, 2 updated bathrooms, updated kitchen, end unit, screened deck and 2 car garage. Unfurnished/No pets. Text 908-875-0299 for more information.

FULLY FURNISHED

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

HOLMES BEACH, ANNUAL RENTAL, 3BR/BA, large balcony, W/D, storage shed, parking for 2, Call 603-969-6840.

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

beautifully remodeled golf course view; $365K 840 Audubon Perico Bay Club; $475K 910 41st St Ct W NO HOA built in 2022 w/Boat or RV storage; $2M 201 72nd St Holmes Beach updated duplex w/established rental history.

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

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY

PAINTING

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION

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

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND

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

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

HOLMES BEACH - 2BR/2BA Bayside Condo. POOL, Tennis, Pickleball, Beautifully updated. 2024 Summer & Fall Monthly Rental. Call Julie at 312-835-3054 or email shellpointhaven@gmail.com for photos and details

TRANSPORTATION

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