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VOL 19 No. 33
May 29, 2019
Anna Maria honors those who sacrificed Monday’s Memorial Day Salute was a mix of patriotism, community and political gratitude.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria hosted its third annual Memorial Day Patriotic Salute this morning under the shade structure at City Pier Park. “It’s a very special day for us in the city of Anna Maria. I welcome each and every one of you,” Mayor Dan Murphy said as the ceremony began. Rev. Neil Crowell from the Roser Memorial Community Church then gave the invocation. “What a joy it is to be here in a free land. Lord, we know freedom is not free. It comes very costly, at the lives of our service men and women. Thank you, Lord, for their great sacrifice and we honor them today,” Crowell said. Murphy introduced the Anna Maria City Commission and thanked them for purchasing the property known as City Pier Park. “It’s a wonderful asset for the city to have,” he said as Commissioner Doug Copeland passed out small American flags. “We have a special guest with us today: President of the Florida Senate, Senator Bill Galvano. Manatee SEE MEMORIAL DAY, PAGE 20
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Drummer Fai Fai Ho and Color Guard members Corp. Taj Canngieter, Sgt. Charles Sport, Sgt. Joy Christian and Sgt. Emerson Walker proceed to the City Pier Park flagpole for the wreath ceremony.
County’s plan to remove Coquina Beach trees meets opposition Residents and city officials are concerned about the county’s plan to remove more than 100 Australian pines to accommodate a drainage and parking improvement project. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners are surprised and dismayed to learn that Manatee County plans to remove up to 120 Australian pine trees from the south end of the Coquina Beach parking area. The proposed tree removals are part of the first phase of a two-phase stormwater and drainage improvement
INSIDE NEWS 4 CALENDAR 7 OPINION 6 COPS, OBITS 32 ENTERTAINMENT 33 OUTDOORS 34-35 REAL ESTATE 36-40 SPORTS 42
project that includes paving the beach parking lots with permeable materials. In response to calls received from city resident Mike Norman and others, Mayor John Chappie scheduled an emergency city commission meeting on Friday, May 24. The 45-minute session ended with Chappie being authorized to send County Administrator Cheri Coryea a letter expressing the commission’s concerns. The letter will include a request for county representatives to come before the commission to explain the county’s plans regarding tree removal and tree replacement. Chappie said he’s heard that the number of trees to be removed has jumped from 30 to 60 to 120. JAKE SPOONER | SUBMITTED
SEE TREES, PAGE 31
THE SUN’S 2019
Hurricane Preparedness Guide starts on Page 21.
Anna Maria Island, Florida
The Australian pine forest at Coquina Beach could be significantly impacted by the county project.
BLUE-GREEN algae is still hanging around. 11 A NEW restaurant for Pine Avenue
gets the green light. 15
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MAY 29, 2019
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Island officials consider cooperative efforts The Island’s elected officials met May 21 to discuss everything from long-range transportation plans to sandbagging machines. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – When Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key elected officials met for the May 21 Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting at Holmes Beach City Hall, they had a lot to talk about.
TAMPA BAY RESILIENCY COALITION
Engineer Lynn Burnett asked the leaders of the three Island cities and Longboat Key to consider joining the Tampa Bay Resiliency Coalition. The group, she said, is comprised of city leaders from across the region who are willing to band together on climate change mitigation and adaptation. Burnett said the idea is that working together gives the area a louder voice than each individual municipality would have when seeking federal grant funds to help reduce flooding due to sea level rise.
Though Holmes Beach commissioners have already voted to join the coalition, Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria commissioners have yet to vote on the matter. Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie said that he has reservations about his city joining the coalition, even if all of the other Island cities’ leaders vote to join. Specifically, he said the city might end up committed to something that’s not needed. Burnett said the goal is only to find ways to protect the area from the adverse effects related to rising sea levels and king tide events.
parking could be a problem. Murphy added that he’s concerned about the cost to consumers of a service such as a water taxi. If the cost is prohibitive, he said the people who would ordinarily take a water taxi, including workers, would drive instead of taking a more expensive form of transportation. A key, he added, to offering alternative transportation would be to make sure there are available and convenient connections between the different modes of transportation to allow people to easily get from point A to B.
LONG-RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLANS
SANDBAGGING FOR STORMS
Another topic of discussion was long-range transportation, primarily alternate forms of transportation, including a water taxi. Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said the Anna Maria City Pier currently under construction will be able to allow a water taxi to dock there though no plans to bring a water taxi to Anna Maria are under consideration. Holmes Beach Commissioner Carol Soustek said she’s concerned there are no access points for a water taxi further down the Island and that
Soustek asked if the group would be interested in all of the Island cities going together to purchase a sandbagging machine to allow for a faster, easier sandbag filling process in the event of a storm. She said in her research she found that a machine can cost around $20,000 or more but that she would try to get more updated information to present to the group next month. If a machine were purchased, she said it could be stored at Holmes Beach Publlic Works.
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Vickers gets life in death of toddler David Vickers has been sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole in the death of 16-month-old Luca Scholey on Aug. 21, 2017. Vickers was Vickers found guilty of second degree murder and neglect of a child with great bodily harm in the death of the child. Vickers was babysitting Luca and his sister for their mother, Melissa Scholey, when he called EMS to report the boy was not breathing. the child was flown to All Children’s hospital where he died. According to the Holmes Beach report, Vickers said Luca had run into his sister while playing, but an autopsy showed signs of physical abuse, including broken ribs in stages of healing.
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ISLAND NEWS
IN BRIEF
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MAY 29, 2019
Fire & Stone taking corrective actions
Peter Ross disputes the claim that raw sewage was discharged into Sarasota Bay. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
Officer of the Year nominated The Bradenton Beach Police Department has nominated Officer Steve Masi for 2018 Officer of the Year. Masi has patrolled Bradenton Beach since 2013. In early September 2018, Masi investigated break-ins and the theft of alcohol. Thanks to his efforts an arrest was made. In the words of Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale, “Officer Masi went beyond his normal realm of patrol duties and followed through on his investigation. Officer Masi made and presented a solid case against the suspect. The case is now going through the court system for prosecution of the defendant.”
Road report Crews are working on the bridge on SR 64 over Palma Sola and Perico Bay. Expect nighttime intermittent lane closures from 8 to 11 p.m. on Thursday, May 30. Use caution and expect possible delays.
Golf witth the pirates Join the Anna Maria Island Privateers for their Mini Putt Putt Golf and Pub Crawl, a nine hole competition, on Saturday, June 8, beginning at noon. The event is held to raisemoney for their Whitey Horton College Scholarship Fund. Nine establishments on the Island will create a putting hole themed to their business. Your transportation from hole to hole will be the Privateers’ pirate ship Skullywag. A complimentary 12 oz. tankard of pirate grog at the first hole will start off each player. Prizes will be awarded for first and second places and more.The competition will be limited to 50 golfers in individual match play. The entry donation is $49.99 per golfer. Send your donation/registration to AMI Privateers, P.O. Box 138, Holmes Beach Fl 34218 or contact Jennifer “Mermaid” Price at 585645-8975 for more information.
CORTEZ – Fire & Stone Pizza owners Radka Watson and Peter Ross are working to address the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and Manatee County Code Enforcement Violations that led to the popular eatery’s recent temporary closure. On May 14, the restaurant was closed by order of DBPR. According to the DBPR inspection report, raw sewage was observed on the ground of the establishment in a 5 foot by 6 foot by 15 foot hole dug at the east side of building. “Per Manatee County Code Enforcement Officer Jorge Martelo, they required the operator to seal off all drains going out of the building, as the operator was pumping the sewage into a drainage ditch,” the DBPR report states. The drainage ditch near the rear corner of the restaurant property connects to Sarasota Bay about 200 yards or so to the south. The DBPR report says the situation has “caused a slick in Sarasota Bay,” but Ross disputes this claim. Also listed in the report as a high priority violation is: Grease interceptor/trap removed, with grease and sewage overflowing onto ground outside, to the east of the building. Rainwater has filled the area where the grease trap was located. Per owner, he is waiting on specifications from Manatee County before the grease trap can be replaced.” The report also cites as violations dented cans of chick peas, jalapeño slices and green olive slices, employees eating in a food preparation or other restricted areas, equipment in poor repair, floor tiles cracked, broken or in disrepair, an unused ice machine on premises near the walk-in cooler and sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength.
ROSS RESPONSE
A recent visit to the Fire and Stone property revealed two large, white, plastic containers in the rear parking
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
This outfall into Sarasota Bay is located about 200 yards south of Fire & Stone Pizza.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The Fire & Stone owners hope to use these storage tanks as temporary aboveground grease traps. lot. Ross said he hopes to use these containers as temporary aboveground grease traps if the county will allow it. There are also several trenches dug along the east side of the building. “We were working with Manatee County and the Manatee County Building Department to resolve a structural issue with our grease trap. During that repair process, unfortunately, our grease trap collapsed,” Ross said when contacted Friday by phone. “No sewage whatsoever was disposed into Sarasota Bay two weeks ago when they showed up. Manatee County had a complaint that raw sewage was being dumped into Sarasota Bay, and it was causing a slick. A certified letter arrived from the Manatee County Environmental Department and that letter said there was a light
sheen, which would indicate maybe a slight bit of oil on top of the water in the first 50 feet from our property, and we had 10 days to fix it,” Ross said. “Manatee County would not leave until we blocked all pipes that exited our building. I already voluntarily shut the business down, and the cleanup was already happening. Being the diligent person she was, the inspector was told this had to be done according to Manatee County Code Enforcement Department,” Ross said. When asked when he hopes to be open again, Ross said, “As soon as the Manatee County Building Official can give us a special exemption to use a temporary system – which is already located onsite – until a final system and long-term resolution can be installed underground or above-ground, whatever needs to be done to satisfy the county’s requirements.”
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WMFR board considers building construction West Manatee fire commissioners are considering two lots as a potential home for a new district administration building. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
BRADENTON – West Manatee Fire Rescue commissioners are considering building a new administration building, and they’ve narrowed down potential lots to purchase to two thanks to the help of consultant Bob Gause. During a May 21 work session, Gause presented commissioners with a report on four available lots that removed two of them from the running – one next door to the district’s temporary offices at Palma Sola Presbyterian Church and another adjacent to King Middle School. Gause said the lot adjacent to the church
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
Left, District resident Derek Warner gives WMFR commissioners some things to consider when thinking about the design of the district’s new administration building. Above, consultant Bob Gause explains how utilities could be run on one lot to accommodate a 5,000 square foot structure for the district’s new administration building. property is partially used for stormwater retention and wouldn’t be of sufficient size to house an administration building and necessary parking. With the Manatee County School Board unwilling to part with the King Middle School adjacent lot, that choice also was eliminated.
The two options left to commissioners are the old dentist office on Third Avenue across from the church property and an undeveloped lot behind the Fountain Court Shopping Center where Bealls is located on Manatee Avenue. Commissioners asked Chief Tom Sousa and Chief Ben
Rigney to continue looking into the two lots and meet with the owners or their Realtors to see what price the district could get each location for. The undeveloped lot behind the shopping center has frontage on 63rd Street and is 1.88 acres, priced at $295,000. Because the site is undeveloped,
Gause said it would require the installation of a lift station and directional boring to gain access to sewer utilities. The old dentist office site is smaller at 0.65 acres and is priced at $525,000, including the existing office building which would need to be torn down to accommodate a new administration building. The bonus of acquiring this lot, Rigney said, is that it might be possible to share a generator with the nearby WMFR Station 1 on 67th Street. No matter which lot commissioners choose, the building they’re considering is planned to be a hardened building that could potentially serve as a westside emergency operations center in the event of a hurricane. If commissioners choose to build a hardened building, it could also be created to withstand winds of up to 200 miles per hour. SEE WMFR, PAGE 32
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OPINION
The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper Island Sun Plaza, 9801 Gulf Drive P.O. Box 1189 Anna Maria, FL 34216-1189 Phone: (941) 778-3986 email: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com
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MAY 29, 2019
GUEST COLUMN What in the world are you thinking? BY DAWN READ SPECIAL TO THE SUN
I
live in Cortez. Many times a week, I drive by this beach, walk the paths, and play in the waters. Taking out 120 trees, regardless of whether or not they are indigenous species, is ridiculous! Not only do the trees provide shade and a cool place to get out of the heat for hundreds of thousands of people who exercise and play here every year, they make for a beautiful scenic drive along the island that we’re all so proud of. In addition, those trees, whether they grew there on their own or whether someone planted them, have now become the permanent nesting sites, needed rest stops, burrowing homes, and huge part of the ecosystem for countless species of bird and small mammal. The trees do a huge service to keep the air clean. And, really, what do you think ripping up, tearing down and chopping away at that incredible root and branch system is going to do to the soil, and its effect on potential erosion? Those trees, and the animals and humans that seek their shelter, are all thriving, right as they stand. The plan to rip these trees out, and replace it all with what you might think is “better” parking and drainage is just another example of man screwing with something that, looking back one day, would have been better left alone.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Scrap that project
Time to close the gap
Man and his arrogance has created more problems to everyone by changing the course of nature. The drainage project at the south end of Coquina beach is a perfect example of that. We plant nonnative grass and other plants that need fertilizers and pesticides without concern for our and others health. Fertilizers and pesticides are poisoning our waters, the food we eat, bees, birds and us. The Australian pines have thrived without help giving us cool shade, clean air, housing for wild life and keeping erosion at bay. Why is that so hard to understand? Ines Normand Bradenton Beach
Unfortunately, the lack of priority for coordinated planning between the cities of Holmes Beach and Anna Maria has resulted in the short-distance gap between the multi-use trails each have recently constructed along Gulf Drive and Palm Drive. That communication and coordination shortfall is discouraging when improving safety should be a top priority of the respective commissions. The gap should have never occurred for this pedestrian, bicyclist and motorist safety project. It also should have never occurred for cities having the accountability for maximizing productivity, efficiency and costsavings. Bidding and setting up construction again adds time and expenses.
It is encouraging that the closing of the gap is now being pursued, as reported in the May 15, 2019 edition of The AMI Sun. Surely, both entities can find ways to fund this path completion now. Once started, the Holmes Beach path construction involving about 3/4 of a mile and many street intersections took only a little more than 60 days to complete. The existing gap is only about 200 yards long, no street intersections, with each city having some of that distance. With a coordinated construction schedule, it should not take much more than 2 weeks for completion. Traffic interference is minimal, so that is not a valid reason to wait. Safety and utility is a valid reason to promptly proceed. David Julian Holmes Beach
The Anna Maria Island Sun staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field Layout Ricardo Fonseca
Reporters Cindy Lane Tom Vaught Joe Hendricks Kristin Swain Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis Ad director Chantelle Lewin
Ad assistants Chris Boniberger Pam Lee Classified ads Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Digital/Social Media Editor Cindy Lane
Accounting John Reitz Distribution Bob Alexander Tony McNulty Connor Field Contributors Pat Copeland Steve Borggren Monica Simpson
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MAY 29, 2019
WMFR 2019-20 assessment rates set When the property owners in West Manatee Fire Rescue’s district receive their property tax bills, they’ll see a minor increase in their fire assessment rate. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
BRADENTON – West Manatee Fire Rescue commissioners held a public hearing May 21 to discuss the 2019-20 residential and commercial assessment rates. No members of the public offered comment, and commissioners approved a modest increase in rates with a four to one vote. After being presented with five options ranging from a zero percent increase to a 2.5 percent increase, commissioners voted to adopt a 1.65 percent increase for residential properties and a 5 percent increase for commercial properties. For residential property owners, the 1.65 increase equals a $3.09 increase in the base rate,
increasing from $187.48 to $190.57. The rate per square foot, assessed on home square footage over 1,000 square feet, is being raised from $0.1106 to $0.1124. For a 2,000 square foot home, the total assessment is being raised from $298.08 to $303, a difference of $1.92. Residential homes make up the majority of the properties in WMFR’s district, which stretches from the Gulf of Mexico on the west, Tampa Bay to the north, Longboat Key to the south and city of Bradenton to the east. The district includes unincorporated Manatee County, Palma Sola, Cortez, Bradenton Beach, Anna Maria and Holmes Beach. For commercial properties, the increase is slightly higher to bring WMFR’s commercial rates closer to those assessed by other Manatee County fire districts. The base rate is increasing from $451.07 to $473.62 for commercial properties, an increase of $22.55. The per square foot rate for buildings over 1,000 square feet is $0.2051, a $0.0098
increase for square footage over 1,000 square feet. The increase equals a $32.32 total increase for 2,000 square foot commercial properties. With the increase in assessment rates, WMFR’s projected assessment revenue for the 2019-20 fiscal year is $7,285,989, a $144,203 increase over the current fiscal year. Commissioner Al Robinson, who voted against the rate increase, said, “I think it’s insignificant in a $7.3 million-dollar budget. We don’t need a raise.” Commissioner George Harris said he was comfortable raising the commercial rates to get the district more in line with the surrounding districts but was happy to only give residents a minimal increase. “It’s nice to give the residents a little break,” he said. With the rate increases, WMFR’s projected total revenue for the 2019-20 fiscal year is $7,618,556. The new fiscal year begins October 1.
Future of old Cortez fire station uncertain A fire commissioner is planning to attend the June FISH meeting in Cortez to determine the what that group wants to do about three reverter clauses on the deed to the old volunteer fire station in the historic fishing village. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
BRADENTON – After months of discussion, West Manatee Fire Rescue commissioners are a step closer to determining how three reverter clauses ended up on the deed to the old Cortez volunteer fire station building and what to do about them. At WMFR’s May 21 meeting, FISH board members Karen Bell and Kim McVey offered some
clarification to commissioners. Bell said she believes the clauses, which detail circumstances under which the property ownership would revert back to the fire district, were added when the building was donated to FISH as a fail-safe in case the then-newly formed organization failed. The building was donated to FISH in 1998 by the Anna Maria Fire Control District, a volunteer organization that was eventually folded into WMFR when the district was formed in 2000. With FISH now a well-established nonprofit organization with a preserve, several properties in Cortez and years of service to the Cortez fishing village under its belt, Bell said she felt very secure saying that the organization isn’t going anywhere. However, she said it’s common for FISH to have some sort of
fail-safe clause with its properties in case the worst does happen. According to the fire station building’s deed, the property could revert from FISH ownership back to the fire district if the district determines the location is needed for fire prevention, if FISH tries to sell the building or if FISH conducts commercial business at the site. WMFR’s attorney, Jim Dye, recommended to commissioners that they provide the FISH board with a clear deed to the property since it wouldn’t be of use to the fire district. Commissioner Randy Cooper volunteered to attend the June 3 FISH meeting in Cortez to see what that board would like to do about either removing the clauses from the deed to the building or leaving it as is. An update is expected at WMFR’s June 18 meeting.
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ON THE AGENDA ANNA MARIA 10005 GULF DRIVE
For information, call 7086130 June 5, 10 a.m. – Historic Preservation Board meeting June 11, 4 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting
BRADENTON BEACH 107 GULF DRIVE N.
For information, call 7781005 June 5, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting June 5, 11 a.m. – Pier Team meeting
June 5, 2 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting June 6, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting June 11, 10 a.m. – City Commission work meeting
HOLMES BEACH 5801 MARINA DRIVE
For information, call 7085800 May 30, 6 p.m. – City Commission work session June 5, 6 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting June 11, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow
MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOTE: EVENTS ARE FREE UNLESS INDICATED.
THURSDAY MAY 30
Veteran services information, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m. Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. Seaside Quilters, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Green Explorers: Maze of Life, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Reserve to coral.bass@mymanatee.org or 941-742-5923, ext. 6034. Sunshine Stitchers knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Jam in the Sand, Anna Maria Island Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.
FRIDAY MAY 31
Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Sunset drum circle, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 7:30 p.m.
SATURDAY JUNE 1
Acting workshop, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m.
SUNDAY JUNE 2
Beach market, Coquina
Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rise and Shine Power Flow Yoga, Robinson Preserve, Mosaic NEST, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 10:30 a.m., $10 cash only. Reserve to 941-742-5923 or aedan. stockdale@mymanatee.org. Italian dinner and musical show fundraiser, Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5:30 p.m., $20 per person. Reserve to 941-778-1638.
MONDAY
June 3 Social bridge games, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, noon.
TUESDAY
June 4 Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. Preschool storytime, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
WEDNESDAY JUNE 5
AMI Chamber of Commerce networking luncheon, Pier 22, 1200 First Ave. W., Bradenton, 11:30 a.m., $15 for members or $25 for prospective members. Reserve to 941-778-1541 or info@ amichamber.org. SEE CALENDAR, PAGE 29
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WMFR promotes three to lieutenant BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
BRADENTON – A festive mood was in the air May 21 at the West Manatee Fire Rescue board meeting as three first-class firefighters were promoted to the rank of lieutenant. “This is the best part of being a commissioner, days like this,” Commissioner David Bishop said of the promotion ceremony. “This is a great district. We’re blessed with a lot of great individuals, and tonight is just a little bit of it.” The three firefighters promoted are Chad Brunner, Andrew Lauricella and Jay Johnson. While all three were joined by their families, Lauricella’s loved ones numbered nearly 20, many of them firefighters from St. Petersburg and New York. “This is a milestone in a firefighting career, to become a lieutenant,” Chief Tom Sousa said. He added that the responsibilities of a lieutenant in the fire service include running a fire house during a shift, being the first on scene during emergencies and being responsible for a team of firefighters. Sousa said that both Johnson and Lauricella came to WMFR in 2006 as reserve firefighters, helping to restructure the program and make it more appealing to local firefighters. Brunner joined WMFR as a reserve firefighter in 2009. All three worked their way to becoming fulltime firefighters. Of Johnson, Sousa said he was instrumental in getting the dis-
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
WMFR Lt. Chad Brunner and his wife celebrate his promotion May 21. trict’s CPR program off the ground and spent many weekends teaching CPR to the public at the Island Branch Library. He’s also one of the district’s paramedic firefighters participating in the nontransport advanced life support program. Lauricella serves not only as a firefighter with WMFR but also as a key honor guard member and a rescue boat operator. “You could see he’s a rising star,” Sousa said of Lauricella. Battalion Chief Rich Jasinski presented Brunner with his gold shield. “Any task that’s given to him he excels at,” he said of Brunner. “This is well-deserved.”
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
Chief Tom Sousa congratulates Jay Johnson on his promotion to lieutenant.
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
Chief Tom Sousa promotes Andrew Lauricella to lieutenant during the May 21 WMFR board meeting.
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
WMFR Lt. Andrew Lauricella was joined by more than 20 members of his family for his promotion May 21.
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MAY 29, 2019
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(877) 542-0822 | OPHMintoUSA.com | 12340 Manatee Ave. West, Bradenton, FL 34209 The facilities and amenities described and depicted are proposed, but not yet constructed. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only and are merely representative of current development plans. Development plans, amenities, facilities, dimensions, specifications, prices and features depicted by artists’ renderings or otherwise described herein are approximate and subject to change without notice. © Minto Communities, LLC 2019. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored or transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission. One Particular Harbour and the One Particular Harbour logo are trademarks of Margaritaville Enterprises, LLC and are used under license. Minto and the Minto logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. 2019. CGC 1519880.
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Nontoxic blue-green algae lingers BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
Blue-green algae lingers in local waters, but is nontoxic, unlike some places in Florida, according to a Friday, May 24 report from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The report shows that blue-green algae was found in Holmes Beach waters on Monday, May 20, in Anna Maria Sound at Key Royale and in the Intracoastal Waterway south of Grassy Point. The same type of algae, filamentous cyanobacteria (Lyngbya-like), remained in Palma Sola Bay near San Remo Shores. A different type of blue-green algae, Lyngbya majuscule, persists in Sarasota Bay near Whitfield Avenue. The algae are less prevalent than in the previous May 9 report, according to DEP, which indicated that no toxins have been detected in any of the blue-green algae samples collected in Manatee County through May 20. Blue-green algae can be blue, green, brown or red and emit a foul, rotten egg odor caused by the production of hydrogen sulfide gas, according to DEP. The two algae species found in Manatee County waters are not the same species that has plagued Lake Okeechobee, microcystis aeruginosa, according to DEP. About onethird of Lake Okeechobee may have blue-green algae present, according to the report, which states that the algae can be seen from space. Of the 22 sites tested statewide from May 17-23 by DEP, seven were
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION | SUBMITTED
Four spots tested in Manatee County waters this week had non-toxic blue-green algae. positive for toxins. Inland waters in Putnam and St. Johns counties near St. Augustine on Florida’s east coast tested positive for toxic algae, the report shows. It cited an unconfirmed report that a dog died after swimming in Lake Broward in Putnam County. Even nontoxic blooms can harm the environment by depleting oxygen levels in the water column and reducing the amount of light that reaches submerged plants, according to DEP. The growth of blue-green algae typically increases in the spring and summer months when water
temperatures and daylight hours increase.
RED TIDE REPORT
Background concentrations of red tide were found in water samples off Beer Can Island in Longboat Pass on Sunday, May 19 and 4.6 miles off Coquina Beach in the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday, May 21, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Background concentrations of the algae that causes Florida red tide, Karenia brevis, have no discernable SEE ALGAE, PAGE 12
The blue-green algae off Key Royale looked muddy brown on May 9, when state environmental officials took the first water samples. CHRISTINE WALKER | SUBMITTED
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Oyster recycling program wins award
cchurch.com/ m/ V VBS BS BS
JUNE 3-7 Join the
SAFARI 5:30 5 30 - 8 3 8:30 3 PM
BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
START and the Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP) have earned the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council’s Natural Environment Award for the Gulf Coast Oyster Recycling and Renewal Program. START – Solutions To Avoid Red Tide – partners with TBEP, the Chiles Restaurant Group, the University of Florida IFAS Extension program, the Gulf Shellfish Institute, the Manatee County Department of Parks and Natural Resources and local restaurants to collect oyster shells from restaurants and place them in the coastal waters of county preserves. The program collects an average of 13,000 pounds of shells a month, which provide a natural base that attracts oysters to build new oyster colonies or reefs. START hopes the natural water filtration the oysters provide will help clear local waters of the nutrients that can feed red tide.
Free Summer Event
MAY 29, 2019
Dinner included
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An adult oyster can filter up to 1.3 gallons of water an hour, or 31 gallons a day, according to the Palmetto-based Gulf Shellfish Institute. Clean water allows sunlight to promote seagrass growth, which improves the oxygen content of the water, providing a habitat for sea life. Participating restaurants include the Sandbar (Anna Maria), Beach House (Bradenton Beach), Mar Vista (Longboat Key), Anna Maria Oyster Bar (Bradenton), Anna Maria Oyster Bar (Bradenton Beach), Swordfish Grill (Cortez), Seafood Shack (Cortez), Pier 22 (Bradenton) and the Grove restaurant (Lakewood Ranch).
ALGAE: Non-toxic alage lingers FROM PAGE 11
effects on people or marine life, according to the FWC. However, in very low concentrations and above, red tide cells emit a neurotoxin when they bloom that can cause shellfish harvesting closures and respiratory irritation in people, especially those with asthma, COPD or emphysema. In low concentrations and above, red tide can be deadly to marine life. No fish kills were reported this week. Scientists say that salinity, currents, temperature and light play a part in the formation of red tide blooms, as do nutrients from Florida’s natural phosphate and limestone deposits, Caribbean seawater brought to Florida’s west coast on the Loop Current, the Mississippi River, Saharan dust blown across the Atlantic Ocean to Florida’s waters, and fertilizer and animal waste runoff. To help keep algae growth at bay, Florida law bans the use of phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizers during the rainy season, June 1 through Sept. 30. Report algae blooms to DEP at 855-3053903 or online. Report fish kills to FWC at 800-636-0511. SOURCE: FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
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Gulf Drive Café expansion receives board support The Kokolises now need City Commission approval to move forward with their proposed expansion plans. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
Thank You! We would like to express our sincerest gratitude to all involved who made this inaugural event such a huge success! Special thanks to our sponsors, volunteers, donors, and the golfers. We are already looking forward to next year! Swordfish Grill & Tiki Bar 4628 119th St W Cortez (941)798-2035 swordfishgrill.com Marker 49 by boat
BRADENTON BEACH – Wendy and George Kokolis’ plans to expand their Gulf Drive Café are supported by the Planning and Zoning Board and now await city commission approval. On Wednesday, May 22, the P&Z members voted 4-1 in favor of recommending city commission approval of the expansion plans. Due to lingering concerns about the dumpster area and the rinsing of kitchen mats, member John Burns opposed the recommended approval. The expansion plans call for increased seating, increased kitchen space, 886 square feet of new secondstory storage space, 887 square feet of additional covered dining space and three ADA-compliant handicapped parking spaces, all at the north end of the property. Last week’s public hearing was a continuation of the quasi-judicial planning board hearing that began April 17. During the April hearing, board members and residents expressed concerns about the trash dumpsters and dumpster area, parking, noise, seating capacity and management’s ability to oversee a larger business operation. Those concerns were revisited last week. Architect Bob Gause again represented the Kokolis’ and owner Wendy Kokolis attended the meeting accompanied by her son and members of her management team. In April, it was stated the Kokolis’
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The owners of the Gulf Drive Café want to increase the covered seating, expand the kitchen and add some interior storage to their existing operations. sought an allowance for 86 additional seats. They now seek a 69-seat increase. “Because of the parking available to the site and because of the changes in the land development code, it changes the allowable seating. Based on the latest information, I think they’re actually approved for 231 not 214, but we’re asking for 300 seats,” Gause said. Board member and Bridge Tender Inn owner Fred Bartizal noted city code also requires one parking space for every two employees on the businesses’ largest shift. When Bartizal asked what the restaurant’s largest shift is, Kokolis said it was probably between 12 and 15 employees. Bartizal said that’s very impressive, if they can pull that off. After checking with his own manager, Bartizal said the Bridge Tender Inn’s largest shift requires 24 to 26 employees. Bartizal asked City Planner Alan Garrett if that impacts the Gulf Drive Café’s parking and seating calculations. Garrett said he relies on management to provide that information and doesn’t do site visits to count employees.
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When addressing trash and dumpster concerns, Gause said the second dumpster could be increased from two cubic feet to four cubic feet to increase capacity and avoid the dumpster doors from being propped open to hold more trash. He said if the dumpster fence facing Gulf Drive is extended toward the road, a third dumpster could be added for recycling cardboard. He said this would reduce some of the clutter in the dumpster area. He said it would also result in the dumpster area gates being left open less often because employees could access the dumpsters through the restaurant without opening the gates. Gause said a drain and a grease trap would be installed in the dumpster area if the kitchen expansion is approved. This did not fully address Burns’ concerns about kitchen mats being rinsed off along the beachside of the restaurant where there are no exterior drains. Burns said this practice allows food particles to accumulate on the ground, SEE CAFE, PAGE 14
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Mainsail Lodging takes on property rentals If the name Mainsail Lodging and Development sounds familiar, it’s because the Tampa-based company owns two properties in Holmes Beach – the Mainsail Beach Inn and Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club, a full-service hotel that is part of the Marriott Autograph Collection. Now the name Mainsail is going to be synonymous with a new venture on Anna Maria Island – private home rentals. In a May 14 press release it was announced that Mainsail is one of
six property management companies selected to participate in the launch of Homes & Villas by Marriott International. The service is a home rental service which launched officially on May 10 and is available to the nearly 130 million members of the Marriott Bonvoy travel program. Mainsail’s part in the program is planned to focus primarily on rental properties on Anna Maria Island that are managed by Mainsail and offered through Mainsail
Vacation Rentals. Homeowners who elect to participate in the program will have their property completely managed by Mainsail, from housekeeping and maintenance to 24/7 guest support. Properties included in the program range from condominiums to larger singlefamily homes and feature upscale amenities. For more information on Mainsail, visit www.mainsailhotels.com. For more information on Mainsail Vacation Rentals, visit www.mainsailvr.com.
CAFE: Expansion receives support FROM PAGE 13
which create odors that attract rodents and vermin. Gause said this practice is also utilized by many other Island restaurants. Gause addressed previous complaints about guests parking on the café’s beach south of the Chickee hut and sometimes on the Imperial House condominiums’ adjacent beach
property. He said the Imperial House recently installed boulders along its property line to prevent customers from parking on the condo owners’ shared beach property. He said the Kokolises would install palm trees along that border to further secure it. Gause said they would also install palm trees at the north end of the property to obscure the dumpster
area from guests and residents at the adjacent Beach House Resort. Garrett said board member and resident concerns about current noise ordinance compliance need to be addressed by the city’s code enforcement department (or the police department) and not the Planning and Zoning Board.
MAY 29, 2019
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MAY 29, 2019
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Satos’ restaurant plans approved Construction is expected to begin as soon as the city permits are pulled. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Ben Sato’s dream of operating a restaurant at 415 Pine Ave. and sharing the second-story living space with his fiancé, Danielle Hasty, has been approved by the City Commission. On Thursday, May 23, the commission voted 3-1 in favor of the site plan application for a 42-seat restaurant that includes an offsite parking arrangement with the Roser Memorial Community Church. The approved site plan calls for five on-site parking spaces and 12 more spaces to be leased from the church. Because of the off-site parking, Commissioner Doug Copeland did not support the plan as presented. Commissioner Carol Carter was traveling and did not attend the meeting. The Pine Avenue property is owned by an LLC registered to Ben’s mother, Barbara Sato, and his brother, Jason Sato.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Above, Ben Sato listens to the city commission discuss his proposed restaurant. Right, this residential structure at 415 Pine Avenue will be demolished to make way for a new restaurant and residential structure. Attorney Scott Rudacille and urban planner Monica Simpson represented the Sato family and presented the site plan application to the commission. Rudacille said this type of use is exactly what was envisioned and intended when the city’s Residential/Office/Retail zoning district was created. He also said a kid raised on the Island opening a restaurant and living above it is a great story. The Satos plan to demolish the existing, uninhabited two-story residential structure and replace it with a two-story building that includes the
ground-level restaurant space, secondlevel living space, a rooftop terrace and an in-ground pool in the backyard. The pool and the rooftop terrace are not to be used by the restaurant patrons. Simpson said the proposed development complies with all city codes and the property could be developed as a vacation rental instead. As recommended by the Planning and Zoning Board, the commission approval includes stipulations that the new structure cannot be used as a vacation rental, the rooftop terrace cannot be modified without commis-
sion approval, there must be signage at the restaurant directing patrons to the church parking lot and the city is to be notified if the lease for the parking spaces is terminated. When expressing his support for the project, Commission chair Brian Seymour said he has a similar parking arrangement with the church for his Anna Maria General Store. Several of Sato’s family members and friends attended the commission meeting and Sandy Shahinian, Mike SEE SATO, PAGE 32
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MAY 29, 2019
TROY MORGAN PHOTOS FROM THE AIR | SUBMITTED
Bean Point gathering Despite the presence of what appears to be some blue green algae near the shore, the waters off Bean Point continue to draw a crowd of boats over the Memorial Day weekend. The relatively uncrowded Bean Point beaches, not as easily accessible as elsewhere on Anna Maria Island, can be seen to the right.
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Loving Christ • Sharing His Grace • Serving All COMMUNITY CHURCH
Call for a ride to the 10:00 AM Worship Service
SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM IN THE CHAPEL or 10:00 AM IN THE SANCTUARY 10:00 AM Nursery
8:45 AM Adult Sunday School
A NONDENOMINATIONAL, CHRISTIAN CHURCH • EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
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MAY 29, 2019
941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • www.facebook.com/RoserChurch
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MAY 29, 2019
Sunshine deposition reveals campaign fundraising plan Janie Robertson’s deposition also revealed her support for a 2015 pier lawsuit that resulted in city taxpayers paying a $15,000 out of court settlement.
PIER LAWSUIT
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – In 2016, former City Commissioner Janie Robertson devised a fund-raising plan to assist city commission candidate Bill Vincent that could have violated campaign finance laws if pursued. The fund-raising effort was revealed on Friday, May 24, when Robertson, a former member of the Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach (CNOBB) group, was deposed as a witness in a Sunshine Law lawsuit filed in 2017. The lawsuit alleges former Planning and Zoning Board members Reed Mapes, John Metz, Patty Shay and Bill Vincent and former Scenic WAVES Committee members Tjet Martin and Rose Vincent violated the Florida Sunshine Law by discussing official or potential advisory board business at CNOBB meetings that took place outside of city hall. CNOBB was formed in the spring of 2017 as a continuation of Vincent’s unsuccessful election campaign in 2016. Testifying as a witness in the pretrial discovery process, Robertson was deposed under oath by attorney Robert Watrous, with additional legal assistance provided by paralegal Michael Barfield. Watrous represents the city of Bradenton Beach and co-plaintiff Jack Clarke. Watrous asked Robertson if she offered to organize a fund-raiser for Vincent’s 2016 city commission campaign against John Chappie, who later won the commission seat. Robertson said she did not. Watrous then presented Robertson with a copy of an Aug. 30, 2016, email that she wrote and sent to Jo Ann Meilner. Robertson also copied Metz, his wife
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Former Bradenton Beach Commissioner Janie Robertson, right, sat next to attorney Jodi Ruberg at her May 24 deposition. Lee Anne, Jim Hassett, Martin and Shay on her email. “Bill Vincent is going to have a fundraiser and I hope you will support him then,” Robertson wrote. “Patty Shay and I are going to collect anonymous cash donations, and I have 4 people willing to put their names on large checks from this cash collection ... smaller grass roots donations. Will you help us with this?” her email said. According to the Florida Division of Elections website, “Candidates and committees must report all contributions, loans, expenditures, distributions and transfers, regardless of the amount. They must report the full name and address of each person making the contribution or receiving the expenditure, and for contributions over $100, the occupation.” Watrous asked Robertson several questions about the proposed fund-raising activities. “Who was willing to write the checks. You already lined them up?” he said. “I called them all off,” Robertson said. “Who were the four?” Watrous asked. “I don’t know,” Robertson said. “You realized what you were doing
was illegal?” Watrous said. “Not at the time I was doing it,” Robertson said. “Did any of the people you sent this to say, Janie this is illegal?” Watrous said. “No,” Robertson said. “This was a plan that was not carried through.” Watrous also presented Robertson with an email she sent to Vincent’s brother in law, future CNOBB webmaster Michael Harrington, on Aug. 29, 2016. “Unless you call me off, I am moving toward providing a very lucrative fundraiser for Bill. The time and place do not matter. How many people show up does not matter. The DATE on the checks is all that matters. I will start collecting checks with the DATE of the event and we can claim a very successful effort to the press,” Robertson wrote. Watrous asked why the date on the checks was so important. Robertson said she did not want any of the contributions to be before the fundraiser. “You wanted to give the impression the fund-raiser was successful?” Watrous said. “Yes,” Robertson said.
Watrous also produced an Aug. 22, 2016, email Robertson sent to Harrington and Vincent. “Just spent 4 hours on CRA issue in the city with Bazzy and Shearon,” Robertson wrote. Robertson’s email references Bradenton Beach Marina President Mike Bazzy and Mayor Bill Shearon. Among other things, it was critical of the Community Redevelopment Agency’s decision to pay City Attorney Ricinda Perry to serve as the CRA consultant for the updated CRA plan. Watrous repeatedly asked Robertson what she spent four hours talking to Bazzy and Shearon about. “It could have possibly been the pier area,” Robertson said after giving several answers Watrous found unsatisfying. “You say later in this email: ‘I just hope to keep Bazzy aggressive in their quest for justice. We have no other civic champions for justice with deep pockets.’ What did you mean by that line?” Watrous asked. “At one point in time, Mr. Bazzy did sue the city over a pier issue because he felt the decision of either the city commission or the CRA was unjust. So, we did go ahead and sue them,” Robertson said. Robertson used the term “we” even though she was not a plaintiff in the lawsuit Bazzy and his father filed against the city in 2015. “You thought Bazzy’s lawsuit was welltaken?” Watrous asked. “He felt there was something wrong there, and I tended to agree,” Robertson said. The lawsuit was in response to the Anna Maria Oyster Bar, and not the Bazzys, being awarded the lease for the city-owned restaurant space on the Bridge Street Pier. City taxpayers later footed the bill for a $15,000 settlement paid to the Bazzys’ attorney.
MAY 29, 2019
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Congrats, Staci and Josh! Tide Tables Restaurant & Marina employees Staci Stern and Josh Wilkinson got married Saturday evening. Staci’s brother, Kevin Stern, officiated the wedding ceremony that included “Star Wars” and super hero references mixed with romantic sentiments and spiritual observations. The wedding and reception took place at the Shangri-la Estate wedding venue in east Manatee County. The Wilkinsons will honeymoon later this summer. JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Temp topper The plywood currently sitting atop the Anna Maria City Pier support structure is only a temporary measure. According to Mayor Dan Murphy, the plywood was installed as a safety precaution for the construction workers, and as an alternative to them walking on planks while performing their work. Murphy said the Ipe hardwood decking had arrived and will be installed when the support structure is completed. JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE
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MEMORIAL DAY: Anna Maria salutes veterans FROM PAGE 1
County Commissioner Carol Whitmore is with us as well,” Murphy said. He also recognized the other elected officials in attendance. “Our city had two challenges facing us this year: threats to home rule in the Florida Legislature and funding to build our City Pier. Our two state legislators (Galvano and State Rep. William Robinson Jr.) were successful in helping us address both of these challenges. They supported us with home rule and they provided us with funding for the pier that you can see being built across the street,” Murphy said. Murphy asked Galvano to come forward and be presented with a key to the city. “On behalf of the city of Anna Maria we thank you for everything you did,” Murphy said. Galvano said he grew up in New York and first visited Anna Maria when he was four. He said Anna Maria has always been special to him. “I’m very proud that we have construction going on behind us and I look forward to continuing to support this area and in particular the city of Anna Maria,” Galvano said. Murphy then noted the Manatee County Commission, the Tourist Development Council and Whitmore also played a major role in funding the pier construction. When presenting Whitmore with a key to the city, Murphy said, “The city of Anna Maria thanks you so much for your support, and you can just look across the street to see the fruits of your labor.” “I think he wants more money,” Whitmore joked before noting she’s lived on Anna Maria Island for 50 years and grew up on Pine Avenue.
MILITARY RECOGNITION
Murphy directed everyone’s attention to 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion Color Guard from Tampa. Accompanied by drummer Fai Fai Ho from the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra, the Color Guard marched across the street from the direction of the pier and came to a halt by the City Pier Park flagpole. Assisted by Public Works Manager and retired Marine Dean Jones, Sen. Galvano and his wife Julie participated in a memorial wreath ceremony commemorating those who lost their lives in service to their country, with orchestra member and trumpeter Alan Evans performing “Taps.” Murphy recognized the spouses and significant others of those who served in the military and then asked the members of each branch of the military to step forward as the orchestra played their respective theme songs.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Above, Several veterans of the U.S. Navy attended the Memorial Day Salute. Right, Army and Marine veterans stood side by side in City Pier Park. With the veterans standing side by side, Murphy said, “Thank you very much. I wish I had a key to the city for each one of you.” He then recognized Sgt. Charles Sport for leading the Color Guard and presented him with a commemorative plaque. The ceremony concluded with Maestro Leonard Murphy, a Navy veteran, leading the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra through a performance of patriotic songs that began with the “The Star-Spangled Banner” followed by “Stars and Stripes Forever,” “When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again,” and several others. While the orchestra performed, Mayor Murphy said, “I’m very pleased with the turnout and the public’s reaction. I hope we continue to put on events like this that continue to bring our community together and make people cognizant of the role the military and veterans play in maintaining our freedom.” When asked about his own service, Murphy said, “I was Vietnam veteran. I operated a boat in the Mekong Delta in 1968 and 1969.” In appreciation of the city staff, he said, “City staff came through with another remarkable performance. Our next event will be the Fourth of July and our Veterans Day parade in November.” Jones estimated 500 people attended the Memorial Day Salute.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Color Guard leader Sgt. Charles Short receives thanks from Mayor Dan Murphy.
Please see related story on Page 31.
MAY 29, 2019
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MAY 29, 2019
Storm forecasts call for near normal activity Forecasters warn against complacency because they can’t predict where or when storms might come. BY TOM VAUGHT
2019 Hurricane Names Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dorian, Erin, Fernand, Gabrielle, Humberto, Imelda, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Nestor, Olga, Pablo,
SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
The 2019 hurricane season should be an average year with nine to 15 named storms occurring, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The prediction is in line with the one released last month by Colorado State University, which said there should be 13 named storms this season. The average is 12.1. NOAA forecasts four to eight hurricanes, with two to four of those being major storms. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane's sustained wind speed. Hurricanes reaching Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of their potential for significant loss of life and damage.
Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van, Wendy
NOAA PREDICTION
Named storms 9-15 12 Hurricanes 4-8 6 Major hurricanes 2-4 3 CSU says five hurricanes total, with two reaching the major hurricane designation. The average number of major hurricanes on one season is 2.7. Both forecasts point out that the development of El Nino winds plays a vital role in the number and intensity
Stock up on hurricane supplies tax-free
The following hurricane shelters in Manatee County may be open depending on the direction and size of the storm. There are no assigned shelters, and few are furnished, so bring lawn chairs, cots, bedding and folding tables.
$10 OR LESS
• Reusable ice packs SUBMITTED
• Any portable, self-powered light sources – flashlights, lanterns and candles
Gasoline powered portable generator for the home that cost under $750 can be purchased tax-free for one week.
$25 OR LESS
$750 OR LESS
• Gas, diesel fuel, LP gas and kerosene containers
$30 OR LESS
• Batteries – sizes AA, AAA, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt and 9-volt • Non-electrical coolers and ice chests
$50 OR LESS
• Tarps, plastic sheeting and waterproof sheeting • Ground anchor systems, tie-down kits, bungee cords and ratchet straps • Non-electrical radios (battery, solar or hand crank powered)
of storms that occur. According to a NOAA website, El Nino and La Nina are opposite phases of a natural climate pattern across the tropical Pacific Ocean that swings back and forth every three to seven years on average. Together, they are called
Hurricane shelters
Hurricane season is almost upon us and with it comes a chance for Floridians to purchase some of their hurricane supplies sales tax-free. From May 31 to June 6 some hurricane supplies will be available for purchase without sales tax. The list of applicable supplies includes:
$20 OR LESS
AVERAGE
El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO.) The ENSO pattern in the tropical Pacific can be in one of three states: El Nino, Neutral, or La Niña. El Nino (the warm phase) and La Nina (the cool phase) lead to significant differences from the average ocean temperatures, winds, surface pressure, and rainfall across parts of the tropical Pacific. Neutral indicates that conditions are near their long-term average. During El Nino, the surface winds across the entire tropical Pacific are weaker than usual. Ocean temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean are warmer than average during El Nino, and rainfall is below average over Indonesia and above average over the central or eastern Pacific. What this means during El Nino is more hurricanes in the southern Pacific American coast due to less vertical wind shear and fewer hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean and tropical Atlantic due to stronger vertical wind shear and trade winds and greater atmospheric stability.
• Portable generators
Some items are always tax-exempt but should be included in your hurricane preparations including bottled water, canned food, first aid kits, prescription and most non-prescription over-the-counter medication, baby food and infant formula. Though not taxexempt, pet owners should also plan for their pet’s needs including adding additional pet food, any medications your pet takes, water, and litter and trays for cats or waste disposal bags for dogs.
Bayshore Elementary School - 6120 26th St. W., Bradenton Braden River Middle School - 6215 River Club Boulevard, Bradenton Braden River High School - 6545 S.R. 70 E., Bradenton* Buffalo Creek Middle School - 7320 69th St. E., Palmetto Daughtrey Elementary - 515 63rd Ave. E., Bradenton Freedom Elementary School - 9515 S.R. 64 E., Bradenton B. D. Gullett Elementary School - 12125 44th Ave. E., Bradenton Haile Middle School - 9501 S.R. 64 E., Bradenton Johnson Middle School - 2121 26th Ave. E., Bradenton Kinnan Elementary School - 3415 Tallevast Road, Sarasota Lee Middle School - 4000 53rd Ave. W., Bradenton Manatee High School - 1000 32nd St. W., Bradenton* McNeal Elementary School - 6325 Lorraine Road, Bradenton J. P. Miller Elementary School - 4201 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton Mills Elementary School - 7200 69th St. E., Palmetto* Myakka City Elementary School - 37205 Manatee Ave., Myakka City Oneco Elementary School - 5214 22nd St. Court E., Bradenton Prine Elementary School - 3801 Southern Parkway, Bradenton G.D. Rodgers Garden Elementary – 515 13th Ave. W., Bradenton Rowlett Elementary School – 3500 Ninth St. E., Bradenton Seabreeze Elementary School - 3601 71st St. W., Bradenton Tillman Elementary School - 1415 29th St. E., Palmetto Annie Lucy Williams Elementary - 3404 Fort Hamer Road, Parrish Willis Elementary School - 14705 The Masters Ave., Bradenton Witt Elementary School - 200 Rye Road, Bradenton *Pet-friendly
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Preparation checklists Prepare your pets
HOME PREPARATION
• Install shutters on all openings, including windows, doors, sliding glass doors, French doors and garage doors; • If using plywood, purchase 5/8" thick plywood well before a storm arrives, premeasure, pre-drill and label each piece, or buy clips to attach plywood to window frames; • Install impact resistant windows; • Caulk or install weather stripping around windows; • Install three door hinges on outside doors; • Install deadbolts that extend one inch into the door jamb on outside doors; • Repair loose or missing roof shingles; • Inspect soffits for adequate fasteners; • Replace loose or missing soffits; • Outside, seal openings from air conditioning refrigerant lines, water heater pressure relief lines, water pipes, cable and satellite TV wires, telephone wires, Internet wires and exhaust fan vents from bathroom, kitchen, clothes dryer; • Inside, seal around electrical boxes and circuit breaker panels, electrical outlets, exhaust fan vents; • Bring loose items inside, including garbage cans, lawn furniture, decorations, hoses, hanging plants, grills; • Turn off or disconnect electric, gas, water and sewer before evacuating.
MOBILE HOME PREPARATION
• Inspect, repair or add tie-down straps and anchors according to Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles standards; • Make sure straps are properly aligned and not on an angle; • Check to be sure the proper number of tie-downs have been installed properly; • Verify that ground anchors and stabilizer plates have been installed properly;
FILE PHOTO
Nobody wanted Hurricane Irma to pay Anna Maria Island a visit, including the folks at Hurricane Hank's. • Be sure support piers are in contact with the frame; • Replace straps or ground anchors that show signs of corrosion or damage; • Inspect and repair wood rot and termite damage in wall-to-floor connections, wallto-roof connections, perimeter joists and trusses; • Inspect fasteners if home has a roofover; • Close shutters; • Secure loose outdoor objects; • Turn off or disconnect electricity, gas, water and sewer; • Establish a community evacuation plan for your mobile home park; • Make a list of residents’ phone numbers, alternate addresses; • Assign each neighbor a partner to help them evacuate.
SWIMMING POOL PREPARATION
• Lower the water level to reduce flood-
ing potential; • Do not empty the pool, it could pop out of the ground; • Turn off electrical power to the pool; • Store filter pump motor indoors to keep it dry; • Store loose items indoors, not in pool, to protect from chemicals; • Add extra chlorine to use pool water for washing and flushing; • Inspect and repair or replace pool screen hardware; • Remove two opposite pool screen panels to allow wind to blow through.
YARD PREPARATION
• Trim weak branches; • Hire licensed trimmers to trim near power lines; • Trim early enough before storm to allow branches to be removed from property to keep them from becoming projectiles.
... additional information EVACUATION ASSISTANCE FOR SPECIAL NEEDS
Help is available for those dependent on medical equipment or those who need assistance or transportation to a shelter by registering in advance. Register for Manatee County’s Special Needs Assistance Program in several ways: • Call the county’s emergency management department at 749-3500, ext. 7828, and an application will be mailed to you. Complete the form and return it to Manatee County Emergency Management, P.O. Box 1000, Bradenton, FL 34206-1000. • Go to the county’s website and click on “emergency management” and then on “special needs registry” to download
instructions, an evacuation checklist, and an application. Complete the form and return it to Manatee County Emergency Management, P.O. Box 1000, Bradenton, FL 34206-1000. • Register online at the county’s website, https://mymanatee.org.
CITIES SUPPLY SANDBAGS
It’s not unusual for a homeowner on the Island to end up filling sandbags thanks to the low elevation and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. Two of the three cities offer sandbags for residents but you shouldn’t wait too long because the supplies of bags is limited.
Anna Maria has a location on the west end of Bayfront Park. When a storm approaches, nylon bags will be available; bring a shovel. The city of Bradenton Beach has no room for sandbags at this time. Residents must go to GT Bray Park on 59th Street in Bradenton. Holmes Beach has an area on the southeast end of city hall, near the old butterfly garden, for people to fill sandbags.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Holmes Beach offers an Emergency Preparation Guide and a laminated extreme weather information sheet from NOAH. Both are available in the lobby of city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.
Make a plan for your dogs, cats, birds, turtles and other pets. Where will your pets ride out a hurricane? • Motels/hotels – check The Sun’s Pet Evacuation Pages on 27 and 28; • Veterinarian; • Kennel ; • Friends/relatives; • Pet-friendly evacuation shelters (Braden River High School, Manatee High School, Mills Elementary School) - requirements are: • First come, first served; • Pets must remain in carrier or cage except for scheduled exercise times; • Current rabies vaccination certificates; • Two family member limit in pet-friendly area; • Owners must stay with pets at all times; • Owners must provide food and supplies; • Owners must not permit other shelter occupants to handle or approach pets; • Owners are responsible for the care, feeding and handling of their pets.
PET SUPPLY KIT
• ID collar and rabies license tag; • Photo ID of pet; • Carrier or cage; • Water and food bowls; • Food and water supply to last about three days; • Manual can opener; • Leash or harness; • Medications; • Potty pads/plastic bags/litter box/litter for waste disposal; • Pet bed; • Toys and comfort items; • Muzzles, if necessary; • First aid supplies; • Cleaning wipes; • Grooming items; • ID on all belongings; • Current photos and description of your pets in case you get separated; • Pet information sheet including: • The name and address of your vet; • Immunization records; • Rabies license tag number; • Microchip number; • Feeding schedules; • Medical conditions and medication list; • Special care instructions; • Behavioral issues (in case you must temporarily leave your pets in someone else's care).
WHAT NOT TO DO
• Don’t leave your pet alone in your home; • Don’t leave your pet tied or chained outside your home; • Don’t leave your pet in a vehicle; • Don’t let your pet wander outside after the storm.
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Hurricane Irma revisited
FILE PHOTO
Hurricane Irma’s winds ripped the roof off the bait shop at the end of the Anna Maria City Pier.
The current reconstruction of the Anna Maria City Pier is a result of Hurricane Irma. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@ amisun.com
In early September of 2017, Hurricane Irma passed over Anna Maria Island and left in its wake varied degrees of damage. The damage included damaged structures, damaged roofs, a damaged pier, downed trees, downed limbs and downed powerlines that led to power outages that were long in some areas, not as long in other areas and non-existent in other parts of the Island. The hurricane resulted in no fatalities or serious injuries on the Island. And for an Island that frequently experiences localized flooding during hard rains and high tides there wasn’t much flooding associated with Hurricane Irma.
ANNA MARIA
Hurricane Irma tore off a portion of the roof on the bait shop at the end of the Anna Maria City Pier. High winds and waves also damaged the pier end decking and some of the support
structure. A post-storm damage inspection led to the pier being closed and never reopened to the public. A new pier is now being built in its place and is expected to open by year’s end. Hurricane Irma peeled back some of the exterior panels on the cell tower next to city hall and those had to be replaced. Power outages were widespread throughout the city and some residents went several days without power. Instead waiting for the county’s contracted firm to clean up the hurricane debris, Mayor Dan Murphy hired an outside firm that quickly removed the debris. The city also later purchased a large generator in preparation for future storms.
HOLMES BEACH
In Holmes Beach, one of the buildings in the Cayman Cay condominium complex sustained extensive roof damage. Large chunks of roofing debris landed near Gulf Drive, and a debris field lined one side of the building. Some residents, businesses and public facilities experienced power outages and the Holmes Beach Police Department was still running on generators two days
FILE PHOTO
Hurricane Irma deposited this large piece of metal in the driveway of a home on 12th Street North in Bradenton Beach. after the hurricane passed. Debris removal was a problem in Holmes Beach and new Mayor Judy Titsworth has a plan in place to help ensure that doesn’t happen again. During last week’s Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting, Titsworth said city leaders learned a lot from Hurricane Irma. During that storm, city leaders relied on one contractor, Waste Pro, to clean up the mess left behind
when the hurricane passed. Clean up took around three months to fully complete, in part because Waste Pro did not have a grapple truck for debris removal. This left tree branches, appliances and other debris to be collected and loaded into trucks by hand.
BRADENTON BEACH
A trailer in the Pines Trailer Park lost part of its roof, which landed on the hood of a parked car. On 12th Street
North, a metal roof blew off a home and came to rest alongside a van parked in the driveway. The canopy at the Shell gas station also sustained wind damage. Bradenton Beach City Hall suffered minor exterior damage and a large limb from the banyan tree at the Annie Silver Community Center snapped and briefly blocked a portion of Avenue C. SEE IRMA, PAGE 25
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Advice for residents: prepare now and evacuate early People with special needs should register with the county now. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Not too long ago, the three Island cities would send representatives to the Emergency Operations Center at the West Manatee Fire Rescue station in Holmes Beach to direct rescue, cleanup and other situations preceding a storm’s approach. If they needed the bridges closed, they would call the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office or have the local police do it. Those procedures have changed
and now those efforts are directed from the Manatee County Emergency Operations Center east of Bradenton, with each city taking care of its own cleanup. That gives Island officials time to take care of their own homes and families before the storm. Bradenton Beach Police Lieutenant John Cosby has been the public safety officer for more than 20 years. He attends the annual Governor’s Hurricane Conference every year and stays current on storm readiness. He said Hurricane Michael that hit the Panhandle as a Category 5 was a warning of a worst possible situation. “If Michael had come here, it would be all over,” he said.
Cosby had this advice for special needs people. “Make sure you register with the county on their website,” he said, “If you need help with evacuation or are incapacitated or you need oxygen or if you know somebody who needs help, have them call.” The city of Bradenton Beach is studying ways to flood-proof government buildings like public works and the police station. The most exposed building is city hall, across the street from the beach . Cosby said homeowners need to get their roofs tied down when they replace them, as required. He said it is
more expensive but home insurance companies will usually offer a premium reduction. He also had some advice for homeowners. “Read your policy carefully because when there’s a storm in the area, there could be a rise in your deductible and it could be quite substantial,” he said. “Once that storm is named, that goes into effect.” As for when the storm comes, have a plan and don’t travel too far. “Some people get going and they end up in Georgia with nowhere to stay and a shortage of gas,” he said. “Also, inform somebody out of the area where you’re going and keep them updated.”
FILE PHOTO
The façade at the Cortez Bait and Seafood Fish Market was ripped off by the hurricane force winds.
IRMA: Revisting Hurricane Irma FROM PAGE 24
The historic Bridge Street Pier sustained no damage and none of the boats in the nearby anchorage broke free and crashed into the pier. Most businesses along the north side of Bridge Street still had power after Hurricane Irma passed, but some businesses along the south side of the street did not. Most residents on the south end of the city had power, but some households on the north end did not. The city’s Public Works Department and the city’s storm debris contractor made quick work of the post-storm clean up efforts.
CORTEZ
The Cortez Bait & Seafood Fish Market on Cortez Road sustained significant damage to its exterior façade. Trees fell on two houses in the historic village, a mobile home in Cortez Park suffered significant roof damage and a large sailboat in the Cortez Cove Boatyard tipped on its side. A six-foot wide section of the Seafood Shack restaurant’s roof was folded back from the roofline and exposed the second floor to the storm’s elements. The restaurant also lost two signs, including a large sign featuring the likeness of a grouper. (Sun reporter Kristin Swain contributed to this report)
FILE PHOTO
Law enforcement officers limited access to the Cortez Bridge until it was deemed safe to return to the Island.
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More Tips It’s easy to forget things when a hurricane is coming. Here are some reminders. • Plan where you will evacuate in advance, and tell friends or family in other states; • Register special needs residents in advance for county transportation to evacuation shelters; • Check your insurance policies – wind, flood and liability – to make sure they are in effect; • Find the elevation of your home at www. my.manatee.org.; • Anna Maria Island residents should obtain or locate their re-entry tags before evacuating; • Consider buying a generator; ethanol-free gas to power generators is available at marinas; • Find out where sandbags will be provided and stock up; • Vacation rental agents should provide a hurricane guide in each rental unit during hurricane season; • Bridges to Anna Maria Island may be closed as a hurricane approaches and water and electricity may be shut off, so evacuate when ordered; • Turn off water, electric and gas mains when you leave to avoid broken pipes; • Bring medicines, cash – both paper and coins for vending machines – and disaster kits to shelters; • Research how to turn your cell phone into a wi-fi hotspot before you lose cell service; • Research how to extend battery life on your cell phone before the battery goes dead, or buy a spare battery pack for your phone; remember, you can also charge your phone in your car.
Build your disaster supply kit An emergency supply kit should include the following recommended items: • Water - one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation; • Food - at least a threeday supply of non-perishable food; • Fuel for vehicle; • Cash (ATMs may lose power); • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA; Weather Radio with tone alert; • Flashlight; • First aid kit; • Extra batteries; • Whistle to signal for help; • Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape
to shelter-in-place; • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation; • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities; • Manual can opener for food; • Glasses; • Blanket; • Change of clothes; • Fire extinguisher; • Matches; • Paper cups, plates and plastic utensils; • Photographs of your home and belongings; • Insurance policies; • Medications; • Local maps; • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery.
MAY 29, 2019
Preparing your boat for a hurricane As a storm approaches, don’t neglect to protect your boat. • Make a plan well in advance to secure your boat during a hurricane. • Small, open boats and highperformance powerboats with low freeboard should be trailered and transported inland. • Boats ashore should be stored well above the anticipated storm surge.
• Reduce windage as much as possible. Dig a hole for your sailboat keel or lay smaller sailboats on their sides. • Make sure your boat has extra jack stands, at least three or four on each side for boats under 30 feet and five or six for larger boats. The jack stands should be supported by plywood and chained together.
• Strap boats down to eyes embedded in concrete or earth augers. • Boats in the water should be secured in a snug harbor. Boats on lifts should be tied to the lifts. • At a marina, use sturdy pilings and trees one or two slips away to secure boats using longer-thannormal dock lines.
Re-entry tags needed to return after storms BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
When a sizeable tropical storm hits near or on Anna Maria Island, authorities will order an evacuation, and if you are smart, you’ll leave. It’s not the wind of a storm that does the most harm, it’s the flooding the storm brings. There’s a saying that goes, “You hide from the wind, and you run from the water.” After the storm leaves, local authorities and teams of FEMA authorized people will come in to clear the roads and make
sure there are no live power lines or leaking natural gas pipes. When they feel it is safe, they will allow home and business owners to return. You will need a return tag before they will let you return. Tags are available from all three cities on the Island at Anna Maria City Hall, Bradenton Beach City Hall and the Holmes Beach Police Department. One tag per residence is issued, so if you leave with more than one vehicle, you’ll have to leave one on the main-
land when you initially return. Make sure you get your tag as soon as possible because there will be long lines as a storm approaches. Bring identification with you showing you live on the Island or own property here. For more information, call Anna Maria at 941-708-6130, Bradenton Beach at 942-7781005 or Holmes Beach at 941708-5800.
Here’s how to connect with local officials to receive up-to-date information about severe weather. • Go online to the Florida Division of Emergency Management at FloridaDisaster.org/AlertFlorida. From there Floridians can sign up for electronic severe weather alerts specific to their community. • Buy a weather radio, preferably one that uses batteries and has crank-power capabilities. Radios broadcast continuous updates and weather-related safety information from a Floridian’s closest National Weather Service office. • Call the FDEM State Assistance and Information Line, or SAIL, at
800-342-3557. FDEM activates the toll-free hotline during emergencies. • Connect with local emergency managers on social media. Every Florida county has an emergency management office and many are active on social media. Floridians may search for and follow their community’s office on Twitter or Facebook to interact with them and get severe weather updates. • Connect with FDEM on social media. Follow FDEM on Twitter @ FLSERT and find them on Facebook at facebook.com/FloridaSERT.
• Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts on mobile devices. Many cell phones are capable of receiving automatic WEAs that provide local emergency alerts. Floridians can receive WEAs at all times since cell network congestion does not affect messages and providers offer the service for free. • Pay attention to local media. Local radio, television and websites are great sources for continuous weather updates and advisories.
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR From Page 7
THURSDAY JUNE 6
Veterans services information, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m. Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. Wonders of Nature Wildlife Education, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Sunshine Stitchers knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Jam in the Sand, Anna Maria Island Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m. Tri Chamber Business and BBQ on the Bay, The Resort at Longboat Key Club, 3000 Harbourside Drive, Longboat Key, 5:30 p.m., $35 in advance or $40 at the door. Reserve by June 4 to 941-778-1541 or info@
amichamber.org.
FRIDAY
June 7 Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Sunset drum circle, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.
SATURDAY
June 8 Nest Nature Days, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Origami Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
SUNDAY JUNE 9
Rise and Shine Power Flow Yoga, Robinson Preserve, Mosaic NEST, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton,
10:30 a.m., $10 cash only. Reserve to 941-742-5923 or aedan.stockdale@ mymanatee.org.
MONDAY JUNE 10
Social bridge games, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, noon.
TUESDAY JUNE 11
Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. Preschool storytime, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Restoration workshop, The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 10 a.m., $13. Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
On the beach A young boy and his dad play beach paddleball on Anna Maria Island over the Memorial Day weekend amid heavy crowds, incredible weather and bright blue water.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND TURTLE WATCH AND SHOREBIRD MONITORING | SUBMITTED
Skimmers ready to nest A colony of black skimmers, a threatened species, is being protected by Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, whose volunteers have placed posts and string around the colony to fence it off from beachgoers. The skimmers are expected to nest soon. Turtle Watch reminds beachgoers to teach kids not to chase birds, which need their energy for nesting and raising chicks.
Turtle expert to speak
Turtle tagging planned
Dr. Luciano Soares, an assistant research scientist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Marine Turtle Program, will give a presentation on sea turtle conservation on Thursday, June 6, at 10 a.m. at Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club, 5325 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach. The presentation will be an abbreviated version of the training program required for volunteers of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring and other similar groups in Florida, modified for the general public.
The Sea Turtle Conservancy in cooperation with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring will satellite tag and release a sea turtle on Friday, June 21, at Coquina Beach. The turtle will be on display beginning around 7 a.m. with the release scheduled for 8 a.m. The fourth turtle from Anna Maria Island to participate in the program, the as-yet-unnamed turtle will be sponsored by Bortell's Lounge in Anna Maria.
TURTLE TIPS
BIRD TIPS
During sea turtle season, May 1 – Oct. 31, please follow these tips: • Turn off lights visible from the beach and close blinds from sundown to sunrise; lights confuse nesting sea turtles and may cause them to go back to sea and drop their eggs in the water, where they won’t hatch. Light can also attract hatchlings away from the water. • Don’t use flashlights, lanterns or camera flashes on the beach at night. • Remove all objects from the sand from sundown to sunrise; they can deter sea turtles from nesting and disorient hatchlings. • Fill in the holes you dig in the sand before leaving the beach; they can trap nesting and hatching sea turtles, which cannot live long out of the water. • Don’t use wish lanterns or fireworks; they litter the beach and Gulf. • Do not trim trees and plants that shield the beach from lights. • Never touch a sea turtle; it’s the law. If you see people disturbing turtles, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
During bird nesting season, March through August, please follow these tips: • Never touch a shorebird chick, even if it’s wandering outside a staked nesting area. • Teach kids not to chase birds – bird parents may abandon nests if they’re disturbed. • Don’t feed birds – it encourages them to fly at people aggressively and is not good for their health. • If birds are screeching and flying at you, you’re too close. • Avoid posted bird nesting areas and use designated walkways to the beach. • Keep pets away from bird nesting areas. • Keep the beach clean; food scraps attract predators such as raccoons and crows to the beach, and litter can entangle birds and other wildlife. • If you see people disturbing nesting birds, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
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Five guide dog teams graduate from training Five guide dog teams graduates were honored as class #278 during a May 24 Southeastern Guide Dogs commencement ceremony. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
It was a happy day May 24 as five newlytrained guide dog teams received their diplomas and graduated from Southeastern Guide Dogs. The ceremony took place at the T. Pepin Hospitality Center in Tampa and was the final step before the handlers, who received 20 days of immersive training on the Southeastern Guide Dogs Palmetto campus, and their guide dogs, who received two years of training, could go home to start their new lives together. Class #278 included Lisa Murphy and her guide dog Snoopy, Gloria Miller and her guide dog Dougie, Tommy Gagen and his guide dog Isaac, Ronda Shore and her guide dog Giovanni, and Arnold O’Neal and his guide dog Rizzo. For Shore, Giovanni is her fourth guide dog, and for O’Neal, Rizzo is his second guide dog. For Gagen, Murphy and Miller, this is their first time receiving a guide dog. Prior to being matched with Snoopy, Murphy said she relied on a cane to get around and didn’t find it to be very effective as she still bumped into things. “She’s so playful,” Murphy said of Snoopy, who she called her "sidekick for life." “She’s a little bit of puppy, and I’m a little bit immature so it’s a nice match,” she joked. “It’s nice to have a sighted guide. Like you can go walking with people and holding their elbow and everything like that, but to do it on your own, I mean I know you have help from a guide dog but to do it on your own, it’s a lot different. When I was walking down there (with Snoopy), you feel like your head’s picked up, like you can see where you’re going. It’s like a selfesteem boost,” Murphy said of the training program. For Murphy, the end of the three-week training session at Southeastern Guide Dogs and graduation marked the time for her and Snoopy to go home to Clearwater, where Lisa’s family is happy to welcome the new addition. “I’m excited to have a new member of the family,” Lisa’s daughter Kaylee said of Snoopy coming home. “She’s like my sister.” Miller said the word independence sums up her whole experience with Southeastern Guide Dogs. With Dougie by her side, she said she feels like she’s regained her independence and ability to do daily activities without relying on friends and family. For Miller, she said it took 10 years to work up to getting a guide dog.
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
Southeastern Guide Dogs Chief Executive Officer Titus Herman congratulates class #278 on its graduation from training.
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
Left, Tommy Gagen gives his new guide dog Isaac a little love during the graduation ceremony. Right, Lisa Murphy and her new guide dog Snoopy celebrate with Lisa’s family during the May 24 Southeastern Guide Dogs graduation festivities. “I’m here, I’m at graduation and I’m still pinching myself because I’m actually taking a dog home. Thank you all so much,” she said during the commencement ceremony. “Southeastern is an extraordinary place,” O’Neal said. “My family and I are just so grateful. It does allow someone to go from a less than ordinary to an extraordinary life when you have a guide dog. It opens up so many opportunities, so I really am just so grateful.” Southeastern Guide Dogs trains and puts into service more than 150 dogs every year that help with everything from being eyes for people who can’t see to providing emotional support for military veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and comforting military families and children who have lost loved ones. All of the services at Southeastern Guide Dogs are provided
to clients at no cost. The organization relies solely on private contributions and receives no government funding. Chief Executive Officer Titus Herman said the nonprofit organization has more than 220 dogs in training on its Palmetto campus with around 150 staff members and more than 300 volunteers, who help the dogs along from birth through their two years of training. Anna Maria Island residents are probably familiar with some of these volunteers, particularly the puppy raisers who bring guide dogs in training into their homes for a year to socialize the dogs, house train them and teach them everyday skills before the dogs return to the Southeastern Guide Dog campus for the remainder of their training. Each dog undergoes about two years of training before being matched with a handler. The guide dogs of class #278 were spon-
sored by puppy naming sponsors IP Capital Partners LLC, Jet Mobile Home Park, LC Industries Foundation, Mastro Brothers Auto Group and Barbara Miller and her sons. Scholarship supporters include Interfaith Social Action Council Inc., Pinellas Optometric Association Inc., and the Raymond George and Ruth Bitner Fisher Foundation. Puppy raisers for this class were Rosemary and Mike Cliburn, Janet Daniels, Tom and Chris Limanni, Haley Smith, Trudy and Kevin Vetter, and Eileen “Annie” Westermann. The commencement ceremony was sponsored by the NLH Family Foundation. For more information on Southeastern Guide Dogs, call 941-729-5665 or visit the website, visit www.guidedogs.org.
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Navy doctor still young at heart Dr. Carl Voyles spent his military career and post-military career taking care of others. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Dr. Carl Voyles, a 96-year-old retired Navy captain, was among those on hand for the city of Anna Maria’s Memorial Day Salute. Dressed in his Navy uniform and accompanied by his wife Joan, Voyles was one of most senior veterans in attendance. “I’m glad to be able to get into my uniform,” he said. “I’m glad to be anywhere,” he joked. When asked about the Memorial Day ceremony, Voyles said, “We enjoy it. We’ve been before.”
Joan agreed and said, “It’s nice that the city’s added events such as this. It’s a nice use of the city property.” In addition to serving two tours of duty in Vietnam, Voyles also served as the chief of outpatient services at the Bethesda Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Md. He also served at various Naval hospitals in Rhode Island, Maine and Iceland. After he retired, Voyles spent 25 years working part-time in a variety of settings with the Manatee County Health Department, including working at the juvenile detention center and with the tuberculosis clinic. Voyles and his wife met through the Artists Guild of Anna Maria and have lived in Anna Maria for more than 30 years.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Ninety-six-year-old Navy Captain Dr. Carl Voyles and his wife Joan were greeted at the Memorial Day Salute by County Commissioner Carol Whitmore.
TREES: Removal plan meets opposition FROM PAGE 1
“We’ve had several residents that are up in arms. We understand they are invasive trees, but they have been a part of our community for decades. They provide a lot of shade. I’m very concerned with the increase in the number of healthy trees they say they’re going to remove,” Chappie said. Chappie said when Norman called him, he called Coryea. “When she saw the number of trees to be removed, she kind of pulled the reins back to slow it down so she would have time to inform the county commissioners what is happening here,” Chappie said. Chappie said Coryea planned to discuss this matter with county commissioners on Tuesday. He added he does not recall tree removal being part of the plans the county submitted to the city when seeking a city-issued building permit. He also noted the city gave the county a substantial break on its permitting fees. “I feel like we need to pump the brakes a little bit, look at the alternatives and see what else can be done,” said Bradenton Beach City Commissioner Jake Spooner. “It’s a beautiful forest down there.” Spooner said the trees provide shade for humans and habitat for birds and animals. He also pointed out that they are part of the tree canopy that earned Bradenton Beach its Tree City USA designation. He suggested reconfiguring the project to reduce the need for tree removal.
I would suggest going to the county and the guiding light should be save the trees, and everything flows below that.” Mike Norman, Bradenton Beach resident
SUBMITTED
Several Australian pines now bear a red X that designates their planned removal. Spooner said he called Manatee County Public Works Project Manager Michael Sturm after receiving calls from Norman and several other residents and Sturm suggested residents contact him directly. Sturm’s email address is Michael.Sturm@mymanatee.org. The project engineers and designers need to explain to the commission their plans and potential alternatives, the commissioner said. If trees must be removed, he said he’d like them replaced with mature trees. “I think it’s been 15 years since those gumbos were planted on the Causeway,
and they’re still not where you can park a car under them and get some nice shade,” he said. He said people park under the trees at Coquina Beach so their cars aren’t so hot when they return from the beach. “I was really caught off guard by this. Thank goodness it was in The Sun and Mr. Norman called me and we’re able to at least try to do something to save them,” Spooner said of the photograph published in last week’s Sun. Commissioner Ralph Cole said he was unaware of the county’s plans and shocked by the number of trees slated for removal. “I can’t believe they were going to remove all the shade. I could see if you had to remove some or thin out some to put a pathway through, but not removing all of them,” Cole said. City Commissioner Marilyn Maro said the city should have been informed of the county’s plans. “I didn’t know anything about this. The people have voiced their opinion, and I think they should voice more of their opinions. Something is missing in the puzzle here,” she said.
ADDITIONAL INPUT
“People on this Island don’t want those trees cut down,” Norman told the commission. “I would suggest going to the county, and the guiding light should be save the trees, and everything flows below that. Task the engineers with Plan B. If you can’t figure it out, find some engineers that can because there has to be a better way of doing this.” City resident and planning and zoning board member John Burns noted the city’s land development code does not require a permit to remove Australian pines. He suggested asking the county’s arborist what measures could be taken to preserve as many as possible. “It is nice to have some shade down there, and I don’t care whether it’s invasive shade,” Burns said. Before receiving unanimous commission support to send a letter to Coryea, Chappie echoed Norman’s comments and said, “The guiding light needs to be saving the Australian pine trees.”
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SATO: Restaurant plans approved FROM PAGE 15
O’Connor and Ashley Chiles were among those who expressed public support for the project. Spring Avenue resident Don Reikie was the only audience member to express public opposition. Reikie’s concerns included the restaurant potentially failing or being sold and used for another purpose. He also questioned the off-site parking arrangement and what would happen if the church discontinued the parking agreement at some point in the future. Despite his concerns, Reikie said he was not anti-business or
BEACH BEAT Anna Maria 5/18, Lost property, Sandbar, 100 Spring Ave. The victim lost the key fob to her rental car. 5/21, information, 100 block of Crescent. The homeowner said an unknown party drove onto her property and ran over potted plats. She said she was afraid for her child’s safety. The deputy put in an order for extra signage and a patrol request. Cortez 5/9, Grand theft, 10315 Cortez Rd. W. bicycle stolen. Holmes Beach 5/15, driving with suspended license, 3000 SR 789. The officer ran s license check and found the driver’s license was suspended. He ticketed the driver. 5/16, driving with an expired tag, 5100 Gulf Drive. The officer ran a check on the driver’ s tag and found it was expired by more than six months. The driver
OBITUARIES Dawn (Dungan) Cohan Dawn (Dungan) Cohan peacefully passed in the morning hours of May 8, 2019. Born in Norfolk, England, she ventured to America with her best friend, Pam, having survived the challenges of life during World War II. She was surrounded by her children as she stepped into her next adventure. Dawn’s zest for life took her many places and escapades. After raising her
anti-family, and he’s heard nothing but good things about the Sato family. In response to Reikie, Rudacille said he discussed the possible loss of off-site parking with City Attorney Becky Vose before the meeting. Rudacille said the Satos did not object to a stipulation that states if the off-site parking goes away the restaurant would be limited to nine seats if alternative off-site parking is not secured. While standing outside of city hall after the commission approval was granted, Sato said, “I think it was a great decision. Now the hard work begins. As soon as we
get all the permits we’re going to start building.” When asked what kind of food his restaurant will serve, Sato said, “Barbeque, with Caribbean flare.” Sato said he and his family do not intend to develop and flip the property. “Stuff happens, but that’s definitely not in the plans,” he said. “Ben is an upstanding citizen, he loves the Island, he loves Anna Maria and I think it will be a great addition to Pine Avenue,” Hasty said.
was ticketed, and his plate was seized. 5/17, driving with a suspended license and expired tag, 4600 Gulf Drive.The license plate reader reported a problem and the officer stopped the driver, who was arrested. 5/18, DUI, 800 Manatee Drive. The officer stopped a driver for a driving violation and called for backup after noting signs of impairment. He had the driver perform a field sobriety test and based on the results, arrested the driver. He found a small amount of marijuana and pipe while searching the car. 5/19, driving without a license, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive. The officer made a random computer check and found the driver had no license. The driver was arrested. 5/19, trespass warning, Casa Costiera, 7310 Gulf Drive. Three juveniles were caught using the pool without permission. They received trespass warnings and were released to their parents. 5/19, noise violation, 208 71st St. Police took readings and wrote a violation citation. 5/26, noise violation, 4105 4th Ave. The responsible party got a violation citation.
three children (Glenn, Diane, Caroline) in Manatee County, stepping onto the boards of Manatee and Island Players, as well as into local politics, Dawn turned her creativity and talents to California and the realm of television comedy writing with multiple credits including “The Love Boat,” “Diff’rent Strokes,” “Who’s the Boss” and numerous others. She was a stalwart advocate for the well being of all animals and cared deeply about our planet. Her ashes will be returned to her beloved meadows of Burford Bridge in England. The family asks, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Hospice House in Lakewood Ranch, FL
Ben is an outstanding citizen, he loves the Island, he loves Anna Maria, and I think it will be a great addition to Pine Avenue." Danielle Hasty Fiance
WMFR: Considering new administration building FROM PAGE 5
WMFR’s other two fire stations, Stations 2 and 3, are both in flood plains and would have to be evacuated in the event of a hurricane, leaving Station 1, and potentially the administration building, as the only places to store both response teams and equipment during a storm event and in the aftermath if the other two stations were damaged or inaccessible. District resident Derek Warner stepped up to offer commissioners his opinion as a former fire chief. Warner was a part of a team that responded to New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. He and other first responders from around the country were the ones who orchestrated cleanups, rescues and investigations in a place that was foreign to them after the city’s first responders were scattered due to the storm. “You have to think about who you want running your disaster – you or people like me who don’t know your situation or community” he said. Only a couple of stations and a few pieces of fire equipment in New Orleans survived the hurricane, he noted. With first responders scattered and unable to respond to emergencies, Warner said the city had to rely on people who were just coming to New Orleans and didn’t have the knowledge that local emergency workers had. “You want to be in on this,” Warner advised. “You want to be the decision-
You have to think about who you want running your disaster - you, or people like me who don't know your situation or community." Derek Warner Resident, former fire chief
makers.” He encouraged commissioners to not only consider building a hardened structure but one large enough that it could accommodate fire crews, EMS crews, local law enforcement and provide additional areas to store supplies and equipment. WMFR commissioners are currently considering building a structure around 5,000 square feet or less with the possibility of an additional warehouse-type structure to house additional fire equipment if necessary. The administration building discussion will continue June 18 at the next WMFR commission meeting.
MAY 29, 2019
ENTERTAINMENT
FAMILY FUN
At the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach: • Thursday, May 30, a veteran’s services professional will be available to help vets with needs, 9 a.m. to noon; Seaside Quilters. 10 a.m.; Knit and Crochet, 2 to 4 p.m. • Friday, May 31, Mahjong Club, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. • Saturday, June 1, 25, CPR Training, preregistration needed. • Tuesday, June 4, Preschool story time, 10 to 11 a.m.; Mahjong Club, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Tech Help, 2 to 4 p.m. For more information, call the library at 942-778-6341
CULTURAL CONNECTIONS HOSTS SOCIAL
Cultural Connections is making plans for its future and invites those who support the arts, culture and heritage of the Anna Maria Island and Cortez communities, to join them for a social event on Tuesday June 11, at 6 pm at the event space at Doctor's Office, 5312 Holmes Blvd, Holmes Beach. Light appetizers and refreshments will be provided. This social event will include a conversation about how members of the community may volunteer within the organization and for its annual events. Cultural Connections, in its 12th year is redefining its role in the community to better represent the arts, culture and heritage, including local shops and galleries, artists, history, entertainment
and sustainability. “Part of what attracts residents and visitors to this area is a rich arts and culture scene,” Said Cultural Connections President Casey Hoffman, “We invite the community, including all artists, historians, supporters of sustainability and preservation, entertainment, local organizations, culinary arts, visual arts, performing arts and supporters of the same who can donate even just a little of their time or talent. “We have committees you may serve on, and we also invite anyone who may wish to hold a higher capacity in serving on the board for Cultural Connections.” Cultural Connections advocates for and celebrates the arts, culture and heritage of Anna Maria Island for the benefit of residents and visitors.Visit www.CulturalConnectionsAMI.com. For questions or interviews, contact Hoffman. 941-538-8484 or Casey@AnnaMariaIslandRadio.com.
LOCAL ARTIST DISPLAY
“From the Forest to the Sea: Maro Lorimer paintings from 2009 to 2019” is being presented in the Plymouth Harbor Mezzanine Gallery through June 20. The Sarasota gallery sits on John Ringling Boulevard overlooking Sarasota Bay and is open to the public every day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lorimer grew up sailing her small boat on Long Island’s Great South Bay, with a natural barrier island often as her destination. Her love of wild places
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“The beautiful gallery at Plymouth Harbor gives me plenty of space to show different stages of my work,” Lorimer comments. “I hope people who are familiar with my large seascapes will have a chance to see these earlier samples of my art, which date from 2009 through the present.” Plymouth Harbor sits between St. Armand’s Circle and Bird Key, at 700 John Ringling Blvd, Sarasota. For more information contact the artist at maro@ marolorimer.com. Many of her paintings can be seen at www.marolorimer. com. She shows every month at Art Uptown Gallery in Sarasota and frequently at the Studio at Gulf and Pine in Anna Maria.
ART WALKS OVER THE SUMMER
SUBMITTED
Maro Lorimer’s 2009 mixed media painting Forest Dance is on display in May and June at Plymouth Harbor Mezzanine Gallery. increased during her 28 years living in the Rocky Mountains, where her home, at 8,250 feet elevation, was steps from the national forest. She now lives in a small house on Anna Maria Island with views of water, trees and wildlife. The influence of both her earlier life in the Rocky Mountains and her more recent life on Anna Maria Island is obvious in this exhibit. Four of her original mixed media beach paths as well as many of her larger paintings of the shore and from the shore are featured.
The Artists' Guild of Anna Maria Island will continue Art Walks during the summer months. The Art Walks take place on the second Friday of each month. The dates for the summer are: May 10, June 14, July 12, Aug. 9, Sept. 13, and Oct. 11. Visit the gallery on the Art Walks and at other times at 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. The Art Walks run from at 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. There will be themed windows for each month of the off-season: June - Bring Dad Home a Sunset; July - Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue; Aug, - Beach Blanket Bingo; Sept. - Shower Power; Oct. - Harvest.
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OUTDOORS
MAY 29, 2019
Dragonfly on the Soque
T
he mountains of northeast Georgia hold a special appeal for fly fisher’s and are one of my favorite destinations. The countryside along the Sautee Valley was a verdant green, and veils of mist floated over the rolling foothills as I made my way to Batesville and a rendezvous with my guide, Phil Culver. The early morning air was fragrant with the smell of honeysuckle, privet and wild roses and was, I hoped, an auspicious start to a day of fishing the Soque (pronounced so-qwee) River. Today Culver was introducing me to a special stretch of the Soque run by Dragonfly, one of the top stretches of the river that regularly yields jaw dropping double digit rainbow and brown trout. Dragonfly’s section of the river is one of the South’s best trout fishing destinations, attracting neophyte anglers as well as seasoned fly fishers and past presidents. We arrived at the river at 8 a.m. and
Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS donned waders and rigged 5-weight rods for the days fishing. After crossing the river on a wooden bridge, we worked our way along a sinuous shoreline that was lined with blooming mountain laurel. After hiking about a quarter of a mile, we entered the river just downstream from a deep seam that undercut a bank and was in deep shade. Culver carefully fished two small nymphs along the edge of the bank and then drifting them along and under the branch covered bend. On his third cast,
RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN
Phil Culver holds a Soque rainbow trout that fell for a carefully placed nymph. SEE REEL TIME, PAGE 35
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Tarpon fishing in full swing CAPTAIN DAVID WHITE
Tarpon fishing is in full swing right now. We here at Anna Maria Charters just love this time of year. Where else can you catch a 200-pound animal in 6 feet of water? We enjoy finding these schools of fish and working them with crabs and threadfin herring. I try to avoid the pass. I assume moving into June, we’ll continue to see a good flow of these fish, and they will spread out a bit more. American red snapper season opens on June 1 for all federally permitted charter vessels. Gag grouper also opens on the first for recreational anglers. So offshore fishing should get a bit more popular. American reds will eat dead baits like sardines and threadfin,
as well as live pinfish. While gags seems to enjoy live bait most of the time. We’re looking forward to putting our clients on some large model reds. Inshore, the snook fishing remains strong. Redfish are also here and there. While the occasional cobia can be seen patrolling from time to time. We always have a large spinning rod with a cobia jig rigged up, just in case one pops up. Although we love the influx of people, we’ll be happy when the weekend boat traffic clears out a bit! Good luck out there. Captain David White, of Anna Maria Charters, removes a hook from a large tarpon caught off of Anna Maria. CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE | SUBMITTED
REEL TIME: Dragonfly on the Soque FROM PAGE 34
he made a quick hook set when his indicator disappeared from the water’s surface and a deep bend in his rod telegraphed that he had a quality fish on. The rainbow trout revealed its beautiful namesake colors in a jump before making several stubborn attempts to rub the fly free on the bottom. After a number of dogged attempts to lose the fly and two more jumps we were able to net the trout, take a few quick pictures and release it. The weather was clear and warm with a blue bird sky, and although the fishing was tough, we were
both able to land and release a number of quality fish before we took a break and went to the Batesville Country Store for lunch. One of the pleasures of fishing the Soque is having breakfast before fishing and or taking a lunch break at the store. Besides having excellent food, the ambiance fits perfectly with a day on the river. The afternoon warmed into the 80s, but the temperature along the river was moderated by the shade and the cold flowing water. On days when the fish are not in the mood to bite, having a guide like Culver pays dividends. His 15 years’ experience on the river and a lot of fly changes yielded a number of fish for both of us. When we worked a particular section that he knew held a lot of fish, it would have been easy to doubt him had I not been able to see them with my own eyes. At the end of the day it was, in a way, even more satisfying to have coaxed a number of fish to the fly when they were not in the mood to feed. We had been near the end of the season when rising water temperatures prompt owners to begin limiting fishing in order to prevent stressing the big fish. I already have plans to return in October, when cooling waters turn on the trout’s feeding instincts. To expe-
RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN
Phil Culver works a nice rainbow trout away from a limb studded shoreline. rience the fantastic fishing on the Soque contact Phil Culver at 706-768-8922. Check out Dragonfly’s web site at www.dragonflyflyfishing.com or call Dave Sutton at 706-768-8800
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REAL ESTATE
MAY 29, 2019
Home ownership and the millennials
I
t pains me to say this, and I hope it’s not true, but there are signs that the face of home ownership is starting to change. Housing was always the driver of the economy, both purchasing homes and the purchases that were associated with home ownership, but home ownership may be taking a time out. More than 10 years after the financial crisis hit the housing market, it has not recovered on a national level to the same degree as the economy in general. According to the Census Bureau, last year, there were a combined 5.4 million new and existing homes sold about the same as 1998, where we had 50 million fewer people living in the country. I don’t know why we’re surprised to learn that we still have a hangover from the financial crisis, since housing was the primary reason for the financial crisis and the careless lending practices of government backed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Now there is another little wrinkle in why the housing market has not picked up – millennials.
Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER Millennials, those born from 1981 to 1995, were supposed to be the hope of the housing market when they reached the age when people usually purchase homes, only it’s not happening. The homeownership rate among households headed by someone under 35 was 35.4 percent as of the first quarter of this year. The Census Bureau goes on to say that, by comparison in 1999, the homeownership rate for this age group was about 40 percent. The speculation is that the financial crisis hit this generation hard. The unemployment rate was high, and it took millennials longer to get a foothold in the workforce, build careers and deal with college debt, leaving purchasing a home at the bottom of their list.
In addition, there has been a renewed preference for city living, which is where the higher paying jobs are and lower homeownership rates. And finally, this generation witnessed something that no one thought would ever happen – owning a home did not guarantee a good investment, complicated with a loss of incentive based on the 2017 tax cuts. After all that good news, let’s see what’s happened in April in Manatee County based on the reporting of the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee: Sale of single-family properties did well in April compared to last April. The number of closed sales were up 3.9 percent; the median sale price was up 1.6 percent to $315,000, however, the average sale price was down 3.5 percent to $390,612. The median time to contract was 48 days, and the median time to sale or closing was 92 days, and the month’s supply of available properties was 4 months down 7 percent. As far as condos, Manatee County closed 0.7 percent fewer this April compared to
last, the median sale price was also down 4.1 percent to $196,500 and the average sale price was down 7.8 percent to $236,127. The median time to contract was 43 days, and the median time to sale or closing was 88 days. The month’s supply of properties was 4.7 months, down 4.1 percent. Overall, the single-family properties are holding well over $300,000, an important abenchmark, and although condo sales are down in value, they’re not substantially in numbers closed. The really interesting numbers are the available properties going down for both single-family and condos. Four months of availability is low; good for sellers, not so good for buyers and not really good for a vibrant market. Are we entering a new era? If we are, new isn’t always bad; it may just a realignment of our priorities and expectations. Real estate markets are dynamic, and that’s a good thing. Maybe we were standing still for too long.
MAY 29, 2019
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Pier pleasure A beautiful spring day delights visitors to the Rod and Reel Pier in Anna Maria. ANNA MARIE HAYDEN | SUBMITTED
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Funding request considered BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – An opportunity to request funding for a project from the Hagen Foundation came before Holmes Beach city commissioners at their May 14 meeting. The issue for commissioners was determining which projects to pass along to the foundation’s board for funding consideration. Commissioner Carol Soustek suggested a remodel of a comfort station at the city field complex. Commissioner Jim Kihm added an update to the tot lot playground equipment to the list of potential projects. He said that if the project was not chosen for funding by the Hagen Foundation, he would like commissioners to consider funding the project themselves to replace worn equipment pieces and add on to the existing playground equipment as a part of the improvements to the city field complex.
Resident Renee Ferguson offered commissioners another potential funding option. Previously, she said that the late Rex Hagen had donated $10,000 to the city’s dog park which went to pay for the shelter in the large dog park. The shelter was dedicated as a memorial to his late wife. With the shelter potentially being demolished due to structural issues with moving it to the new large dog park location, Ferguson suggested the city include a funding option for a new large dog park shelter to continue the memorial. “I think we can all agree on that,” Commissioner Kim Rash said. All three projects, each amounting to about $10,000 a piece, are being proposed to the board of the Hagen Foundation for funding. A meeting to discuss all proposed projects by the foundation’s board is scheduled for June 4.
Committee volunteers sought The city of Holmes Beach is looking for a few good men or women to join the Parks and Beautification Committee and the Planning Commission. Members of the Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee serve two-year terms. There are currently five positions open on the committee. Members meet at 10 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month from October through May. Committee responsibilities include developing plans to help beautify the city, recommending beautification projects to city commissioners and helping to secure sponsors and oversee the Adopt-A-Spot program.
Planning Commission members meet the first Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. to review proposed land development codes, regulations and amendments to make recommendations to city commissioners. Planning commissioners serve three-year terms, and there currently are two positions open. All applicants must be residents of the city of Holmes Beach. Applications should be submitted no later than 3 p.m. on June 14 for city commission consideration. For more information or to apply, contact the city clerk’s office at 941-708-5800 or asstdeputyclerk@holmesbeachfl.org.
MAY 29, 2019
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MAY 29, 2019
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Blue and green but ugly While it may not be toxic, the blue-green algae that has been found in local waters still isn't very pretty to look at. The dark spots in the photo at left are said to be patches of the algae, although they were not documented in the latest locator map released by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The algae can be blue, green, brown or red and emit a foul, rotten egg odor caused by the production of hydrogen sulfide gas, according to DEP. TROY MORGAN PHOTOS FROM THE AIR | SUBMITTED
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MAY 29, 2019
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
AME Field Day As the school year winds down, students have a field day each year to exercise their muscles, as well as their minds. Here is a shot from this year's tug of war.
Jungle Party The Anna Maria Elementary School kindergarten class held its play, “Jungle Party Tonight� on Tuesday, May 21, with colorful costumes and singing after the PTO family dinner by The Feast restaurant. Each of the six grades holds a play to give all students a chance to appear in front of an audience. TOM VAUGHT | SUN
MAY 29, 2019
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y l p m
i S Thursday & Great Saturday
Steve Arvey - Mondays Pam & Rick - Tuesdays
Food And MUSIC
Dinner Shows Start around 7pm Harry Hour Shows Mon-Fri 3pm -5pm
9903 Gulf Dr Fridays
941-567-5999 www.harrysAMI.com For Delivery www.Islandeats.net/harrysgrill
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SPORTS
Youth soccer champions crowned BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN
Last week saw another youth soccer season come to a close with the naming of league champions and MVPs. CABB Cleaning defeated Lancaster Design in the 11- to 15-year-old league after regulation play ended in a 0-0 tie, taking the championship match to a shootout. Lancaster Design’s two shootout goals by Kieran Cloutier and Aiden Templeton were not enough against CABB Cleaning’s shooters. Net shots by JM Feeny, Connor Samblis, and Sam Liester lead to the game winning shot by Travis Bates. In another nail bitter in the eight- to 10-year-old league, Beach House Real Estate’s Dennis Gallagher scored two goals against Cale Rudacille to win the championship. Freckled Fin’s Duncan Cloutier hit the net with a goal of his own in the big game. To end the season, 10 individual players were recognized for their accomplishments on the pitch. In the eight- to 10-year-old league, Dennis Gallagher and Taylor June King were named the MVPs. Defensive MVP was given to William Pakbaz, with Jack McCarthy earning the all-important Sportsmanship award. Goalie of the Year honors went to Cale Rudacille. Rudacille follows in the footsteps of his father and uncle, Scott and Mark Rudacille, who play the keeper position in the adult league. The 11- to 15-year-old league top players were JM Feeny and Angelina Albrecht as MVPs and Aiden Templeton the Defensive MVP. Kieran Cloutier, an outstanding player in his own right, won the Sportsmanship Award. Michael Coleman took home the Goalie of the Year Award, giving Lancaster Design three of the five top credits.
SUN SCOREBOARD MONDAY, MAY 20 EIGHT- TO 10-YEAR-OLD YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE – CHAMPIONSHIP GAME Beach House Real Estate Freckled Fin
11- 15 YEAR-OLD YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE – CHAMPIONSHIP GAME CABB Cleaning Lancaster Design
MONICA SIMPSON | SUN
Above, Beach House Real Estate earned the eight -to-10-year-old youth soccer championship win last Monday night. Right, 11- to 15-year-old youth soccer champions CABB Cleaning celebrate in the smiledeep corner at The Center.
THURSDAY, MAY 24 ADULT CO-ED SOCCER LEAGUE 2 1
W shootout 4 2
Sato Real Estate Solid Rock Construction
(2-2-1) 4 (2-3-0) 5
Beach House Real Estate Ross Built Construction
(1-4-0) 4 (3-2-0) 2
Blalock Walters (2-2-1) 5 Gulfview Windows and Doors (5-0-0) 7 Flynn Law Moss Builders
(3-2-0) 9 (0-5-0) 5
MAY 29, 2019
MAY 29, 2019
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FUN IN THE SUN
Across 1 Liberty __ 5 Troublesome types 9 Cleaning tool 13 Any number 15 River through Florence 16 Natural analog of sonar 18 Toyota RAV4, e.g. 19 The best policy, so it's said 20 VW Golf model 21 Fronded plant 23 Small cube? 25 Facebook __ 28 SDI weapon 31 Jazz singer Laine 32 Ones who have class? 35 Developing, biologically 36 Old General Motors model 43 Literary award with a spaceship logo 44 Head for the hills 45 Nothing new 47 Billiards concern 49 Phantasy Star game maker 50 Big name in ATMs 51 Egret habitats 58 Braggart's abundance 59 Ice cream features found, in a way, in this puzzle's circles 62 Hard to control 63 Harley-Davidson Museum city 64 Cholesterol nos. 65 Presently
66 Scrip items Down 1 Hats like Maurice Chevalier's 2 Intestinal 3 Director with three Oscars 4 Welsh : llyn :: Scots : __ 5 "__ your side" 6 "The Wind in the Willows" figure 7 They know the ropes 8 Schism group 9 Wasn't used 10 Squirm 11 "And __ thing ... " 12 Fish that sound good in Spanish 14 Density symbol, in physics 16 Like bodybuilders 17 Right at sea? 22 Book before Esth. 24 Hessian pronoun 26 Crime movie genre 27 Name on a museum wall Answers to 05-22-19 Crossword Puzzle.
28 When some news shows begin 29 Sugar source 30 Half of a call-andresponse game 33 Whopper 34 "Very nice!" 36 Area around the altar 37 Bent (over) 38 Asian appetizer 39 Remote control abbr. 40 Cause of a paper weight increase 41 Brightened 42 Tries for a better price 46 New Mexico county bordering Colorado 48 Punk rock subgenre 52 Diva Gluck 53 Dust Bowl deficiency 54 WWII invasion city 55 Cut 56 Spanish "that" 57 Like many laps 60 Pitcher Young and painter Twombly 61 Presidential nickname
MAY 29, 2019
MAY 29, 2019
CLASSIFIED
ANNOUNCEMENTS
AUTHORITY ONE SERVICES. Residential/Commercial/Vacation Rentals & Construction Cleaning. Also Power Washing, Windows, Paver Sealing & Roof Cleaning. Ask about your Senior Citizens Discount Call 941-251-5948 or 941565-3931
BEACH YOGA ON Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www.thriveyogafit. com FACE PAINTER/PORTRAIT ARTIST Island student artist, reasonable price for parties, events, and special portraits. Call/text Lillian 210-380-9691 THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Lynn at 813758-3234 or lbrennan47@ gmail.com ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s.
AUTOMOTIVE 2016 MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE beautiful yellow with black top. Perfect condition! 3 yr-36,000 mile warranty left. $20,500. Call Jim 941-778-2039
BOATS: SALES & RENTALS 2008 MAKO 204cc 150 Suzuki 450 hours T-Top. EZ Load Trailer. Lift Kept, One Owner $23,000 Call 941-7268414
CARPET CLEANING QUALITY COUNTS. CARPET cleaning. Upholstery cleaning. Tile & grout cleaning. Island's favorite cleaner. Manatee Chamber Member. Great price/free estimates. Call 941-7561082
CLEANING SERVICE TOTAL HOME SERVICE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial & Rentals. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570
Call us today! 941-778-3986
PIERLY MAID to CLEAN Residential. Rental, Vacation, Business. Call for free estimate on your spring cleaning, deep cleaning and organizing needs. Bonded and Insured. Call 941-447-2565
COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE 13 UNIT RESORT: $4,799,000 Bradenton Beach on Gulf Dr. WAREHOUSE: 9300 sq ft possible Machine Shop w/ Heavy Duty Elect. Or Car Storage. So many Possibilities. Near SRQ Airport. $595,000. Island Real Estate Alan Galletto 941232-2216
COMPUTER SERVICES EMPIRE COMPUTER SERVICE Computer problems fixed in your home or office. The fastest friendliest service around. Serving the Island since 2004. Call 941-739-6424
EMPLOYMENT CITY OF ANNA MARIA PartTime Parking and Code Enforcement Officer needed. Holidays and weekends are REQUIRED. Please call or email 941- 708-6130, ext 121 amadmin@ cityofannamaria.com PART TIME GIFT SHOP Position. Looking for a personable, reliable, energetic person with excellent customer service skills. Must work well with others. Position includes cash register usage, stocking merchandises, light cleaning. RETIREE’S WELCOME. Call Manager 813-4097540
FISHING CHARTERS
CAPT. MAC GREGORY Fishing Charters. Full Day, Half Day, Night, Inshore & Near Shore. 941-809-5783 U.S.C.G. Certified/Insured
FOR SALE
VARIDESK CUBE CORNER 36, two tier design and keyboard deck. Heavyweight base for stability. Color black. Also Varidesk sitting/ standing chair and floor mat. All perfect condition. All pieces new $805. Asking $250. Call Steve 941-724-2728.
GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES ROSER THRIFT SHOP & ANNEX Open Tuesday, Thursday, 9:30a.m-2pm. Saturday 10a.m.-1p.m Donations preferred Wednesdays 9am-11a,m, 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria Phone 941-779-2733
HOME IMPROVEMENTS TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates. Neil 941-726-3077 RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-7250073. KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CRC1327296. Call Jerry Kern 941-7781115 www.kernconstructioninc.com GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194 LIGHTHOUSE PROPERTY INNOVATIONS LLC State Certified General Contractor (Lic. #CGC 1515821) New Construction, Renovations & Additions. Call 941-266-7500 MASTER CARPENTER. Decks-Docks-FencingStairs & Railing. Free Estimates. Handyman Work. Call Richard 941448-3571
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JSAN CORPORATION Renovations and Handyman Services 941-2430995 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors. Credit Cards Accepted.
HOME SERVICES THE HARDWOOD STOP Flooring installation services; Laminate, hardwood, vinyl and tile. Bathroom and shower. Virtually dustless FLOOR REMOVAL License and insured FREE ESTIMATES 941-227-0041 www.thehardwoodstop. com BAYSIDE PAINTING Residential & Commercial. “More than just a Painter!” Drywall, pressure washing, handyman services and hauling. Call David 941-565-9446 Carroll 941773-4777
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 DELIVERED AND spread $55/yd. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770 STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell driveways and scapes. Also Rock, Mulch, & Soil. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: NORMS TOWING gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 06/05/2019, 09:00 am at 1855 63RD AVENUE E. BRADENTON, FL 34203, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. NORMS TOWING reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 1D4GP25BX7B153809 2007 DODGE 1FMCU0GD2HUA76135 2017 FORD 1FMDU74K05ZA57212
2005 FORD 1G1ZH57B98F179967 2008 CHEVROLET 1G2ZH368664264537 2006 PONTIAC 1NXBR32E55Z541355 2005 TOYOTA 2C3CDYAG4EH224696 2014 DODGE 2C3HD46R6YH176079 2000 CHRYSLER 2T1BURHE9KC222322 2019 TOYOTA 3C3EL55H8XT599532 1999 CHRYSLER 3FAFP06Z36R204804 2006 FORD 3N1AB61E78L670366 2008 NISSAN 3N1CN7APXDL870661 2013 NISSAN 5FNRL18594B007007 2004 HONDA 5TDKK3DCXCS254308 2012 TOYOTA 5TFRW5F19HX221120 2017 TOYOTA 5XXGR4A61DG093436 2013 KIA JHMCD5552RC040481 1994 HONDA KNALN4D7XE5131232 2014 KIA
LOST & FOUND LOST DIAMOND STONE on Trolley or shops on Anna Maria Island. $500 REWARD. Call 314-324-5921 LOST EYE GLASSES April 19th. Dark men’s frame. Anthony Peoples Design. Call 269-344-7960 LOST WHITE GOLD 18 carat wedding band on Anna Maria Island on beach near Sandbar Restaurant. Call 352-484-4040 if found. LOST ON AMI near the curve at Bradenton beach in the gulf a small red ricoh underwater camera and a size 14 gold wedding band of 25 years. reward if found. Has very sentimental pictures that I cannot duplicate the camera had a half of a lanyard attached to it and on the clip of the lanyard was my wedding ring. Call 205-223-1548
MOVING & STORAGE MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-809-5777.
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PAINTING & WALLCOVERING PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates. 941-812-0507 “WIZARD OF WALLS”. Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident. Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315 DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-7057096
PERSONAL SERVICES MULTI SERVICES PROVIDER personal assistant, home administration, housekeeping, small dog care, ironing, sewing, Care giver. Call/ text Judy 941-726-5760
PETS NO NEED FOR Doggie Daycare. I can walk your dog, exercise, Pet taxi to Vet or Groomer. Loving attention. Lots of cuddling. Mary Walsh 941-405-2496
POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-737-5657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893
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PRINTING
CUSTOM DIGITAL PRINTING "Your printing dream to reality" Specializing in Dye sublimation Printing. Graphic Design. Performance Active ware. Logo Design. Call Rhonda 330-550-4847
IMMACULATE WATERFRONT HOME 520 Kumquat Dr. 4BD/5BA 3928sf Coastal Beauty! Prime location on AMI. $2,750,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086 PERICO BAY CLUB! 2 miles from AMI! Largest floor plan available 1866sf. 640 Estuary NOW only $319,000! Call Erin Leathem at 941-4485616 Island Real Estate IslandEJ@gmail.com
PROFESSIONAL PRESSURE & WINDOW WASHING AUTHORITY ONE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction and Vacation Rentals . Also available Power Washing, Roof Cleaning and Windows. Call 941-251-5948
SNOWBIRDS GET YOUR Housing lined up for Next Year. For Sale by Owner. 2BR/2BA remodeled in Beautiful Cortez Co-Op Park. Water View. For Personal Showing call 740-398-9846
REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE
CANAL FRONT HOMES Holmes Beach – GULF FRONT CONDOS Gulf Place, L’Plage, Vista Grande, SPW, 5400 – DUPLEXES & MORE Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 941232-2216 DIRECT WATERFRONT on AMI! ONLY $599,000 Boat slip, garage & panoramic Skyway views! Call Kathleen White at 941-773-0165 Island Real Estate KWhite35@ tampabay.rr.com
Call us today! 941-778-3986
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 941-7790304 www.teamduncan. com
ANNUAL RENTALS: 1BR/1BA annual in Holmes Beach available June 1. $1300/mo. 2BR/2BA furnished annual West Bradenton. $1300/ mo. First, last and security. $150 app/lease fee. Call Paradise Realty 941-7784800 ANNUAL RENTALHOLMES BEACH 2BR/1.5BA, carport, storage, W/D hook up. $1,750/mo, Fran Maxon Real Estate 941-7782307. ANNUAL RENTAL 1BR/1BA + small bonus room. Includes water, internet, alarm & trash. Carport. Small dog considered. No smoking. First, last & security. $1450/mo. Call 860-922-3857 BIG POOL, SMALL COMPLEX. 1BR Condo. One block to Beach. Water, Electric, Cable, Wifi included. Beautifully furnished $1550/mo. No pets. Call 941-447-3071
MAY 29, 2019
ANNUAL 4BR/3BA LUXURY RENTAL BAY VIEW Holmes Beach recently remodeled 5 minute walk to the beach furnished or unfurnished 2 decks looking at the bay 2600 sq ft. Heated pool, tennis, fishing pier, kayak launch and storage covered parking. Owner pays water, basic cable and trash. $3400/ mo. Call 352-875-6094 SPACIOUS GROUND LEVEL 1BR Duplex. Screened lanai. No smoking. Small pet considered. $1050/mo. + utilities. First, last & security. Call 705-245-3006 or pdstandeaven@hotmail.com CONDO, HERON HARBOUR 2BR/2BA Unit 107. Ground floor. Three blocks N of Bonefish. New carpet, new paint. Washer/dryer. Heated pool, basic cable, water/sewage, garbage included. Annual lease $1,250/mo. Security deposit $1,250. Credit & security check required. No pets. Assigned parking. 941-928-3960. 2BR/1BA ANNUAL HOLMES BEACH $1690/mo. Available now - close to beach. Call 941-705-7318
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RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455 ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fl Condos. Pool beach access, fully equipped $650-$800/ wk Redekercondos.com 941-704-7525 2BR/2BA HOLMES BEACH furnished, block to beach, large kitchen, dish washer, microwave, W/D available. A/C. Large pool. $1100/ mo plus utilities. June thru December 31. Call 847769-6175 GREAT RATES! Weekly, Monthly. 3BR/2BA NW Bradenton. Call Grace 941-201-2190 ANNA MARIA 20192020 SEASON. Beautiful 2BR/2BA ground level home with carport. 1 1/2 blocks to Gulf. Updated 2010, new kitchen w/granite counter tops, patio w/ outdoor furniture, plantation shutters, Flat screen TV's in every room. Call 941-5652373
TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $165. Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www.amitaxi.com ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa $70. Sarasota $35. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-779-5095 ADMIRAL TOWN CAR Professional chauffeur, taxi prices! Airports (1@ $75, 10 $150 to Tampa), Appointments anywhere. Credit cards accepted. Phil 941-320-1120 admiraltowncar@gmail.com, Licensed & Insured
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