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VOL 18 No. 33
May 30, 2018
Kinder ready to guide Chamber
The new Chamber president says she wants to bring more opportunities for members to succeed. BY TOM VAUGHT
SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – When Deb Wing resigned as Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce last year, Vice President Terri Kinder and assistant Cathy Pizzo were promoted to acting president and vice president by the board of directors. Last week, the board officially named the two to their positions permanently. Kinder said last week she’s ready to assume the role and the board seemed to agree, as members did not interview anybody else for the position. Originally from Ohio, Kinder has a varied background in the business world. In Dayton, she was a technical consultant for a large company and an education consultant with another. She and her husband moved to Sarasota where he had a job waiting for him. They moved around some more and ended up in Jacksonville. Finally, they returned to the Gulf Coast where she helped her husband establish his business. In her spare time, she volunteered for the Chamber. “I enjoyed the people, and when they looked for someone become vice president, they chose me,” she said. “I was very honored to help Deb Wing serve the businesses community.” She said she is excited that Pizzo is continuing to serve as vice president. What are her plans for the Chamber? “I want to bring a new initiative to serve members,” she said. “I want to expand the ambassador program and to make an educational series for the members.” She also said she wants to bring speakers in to talk about things important to the business community with an eye on new trends and opportunities for the businesses to succeed.
A day for remembering CINDY LANE | SUN
Memorial Day celebrations were held in both Anna Maria and Cortez on Monday to remember and honor those who sacrificed their lives in the service of our country. The Cortez Cultural Center held an old-fashioned hot dog picnic, above, with two veterans (top row from left), Bob Landry, who served in Vietnam, as grillmaster, and J.B. Crawford, who served in Korea. For more on Anna Maria’s day of remembrance, see our story on Page 40.
County commissioners approve concession fund request Manatee County commissioners approved a request from the three Island cities for $1,023,520 for capital improvement projects and a $100,000 donation to The Center of Anna Maria Island. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
MANATEE COUNTY – An influx of monies from the excess concession fund is making its way to the three Island cities and The Center of Anna Maria Island. In a unanimous vote, Manatee County commissioners agreed to
INSIDE NEWS 4 OPINION 6 SUN SURVEY 7 SEAN MURPHY 19 OUTDOORS 32 OBITUARIES 34 REAL ESTATE 36-41 SPORTS 42
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson addresses Manatee County commissioners during a presentation requesting use of concession funds for the three Island cities and The Center of Anna Maria Island. release the requested funds. Totaling $1,023,520, the request included $400,590 for bicycle safety improvements and $64,930 for pedestrian
safety improvements in Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach, $25,000 for Holmes Beach Dog Park improvements, $35,000 for a kayak launch at Grassy Point Preserve, and $40,000 for Holmes Beach Skate Park improvements. All of those projects are listed at a 50 percent match for the Island cities. The ask also included $25,000 for bicycle racks in Holmes Beach, $333,000 toward the Anna Maria City Pier rebuild, and $100,000 for capital improvements at The Center of Anna Maria Island. The excess concession fund, managed by county commissioners, was established to hold funds received
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
SEE CONCESSION, PAGE 41
Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce President Kinder, right, with Vice President Cathy Pizzo.
GET ready for the
VOLUNTEERS work to save
coming hurricane season with our 2018 Hurricane Preparedness Guide. 21
turtle nests from Alberto. 29
Anna Maria Island, Florida
DELAYS again in the Bradenton
Beach day dock saga. 14
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Pier demolition bids rejected, requested again Five firms have submitted bid proposals for the demolition of the Anna Maria City Pier. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – After rejecting the first three bids for the demolition of the Anna Maria City Pier due mainly to higher-than-anticipated cost estimates, the mayor and City Commission now have new bids to consider. A second request for proposals (RFP) was issued with a due date of Friday, May 25, and the latest bid proposals are scheduled for commission discussion on Tuesday, May 29 at 2 p.m. According to the May 25 bid opening sheet, Speeler & Associates bid $732,000, Sully’s Quality Projects bid $685,530, Shoreline Foundation Inc. bid $642,908, Under Construction Contractors bid $495,000 and Kelly Brothers bid $406,417. Based on preliminary insight from industry professionals, Mayor Dan Murphy originally estimated it would cost $300,000 to $500,000 to demolish the existing pier so a new pier, restaurant and bait shop can be built and
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The demolition of the Anna Maria City Pier may cost more than originally anticipated. Above, Commissioner Dale Woodland opposes demolishing the existing Anna Maria City Pier. reopened by 2019. “It was a stake in the ground,” Murphy said of his demolition estimate. “I had to have something to put together the $4.5 million (total estimated pier replacement cost) and I went to as many resources as I could. If it’s the wrong number, I’ve got work to do.” Previous bids The three previous proposals discussed on May 18 were Speeler’s bid for $853,000, Sully’s bid for $780,730 and Under Construction’s bid for
$289,000. Two other firms responded to the previous RFP but missed the submission deadline. Their bids were returned unopened. Assisted by city staff, Murphy ranked the first three proposals according to five equally-weighted categories. Speeler ranked highest, followed by Sully’s. Murphy said he didn’t think Under Construction had the necessary experience for this job. “The problem is $853,000 is too rich
for this project. Sully’s is good, but again $780,700 is too rich,” Murphy told the commission on May 18. That meeting ended with the commission voting 4-1 in support of the mayor’s request to reissue the pier demolition RFP with modified selection criteria. Commissioner Dale Woodland opposed reissuing the RFP because he opposes demolishing the existing pier. SEE PIER, PAGE 17
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ISLAND NEWS
IN BRIEF Catch it early
You could be alerted to possible stroke or other health problems by taking Prevention Plus Stroke and Vascular Screening offered on Monday, June 11, at The Center, 407 Magnolia, Anna Maria. The screenings are being offered at reduced prices. They include stroke/carotid ultrasound for $40, abdominal aortic aneurysm for $40, arterial disease test for $40, thyroid ultrasound for $40, abdominal ultrasound for $95 and heart scan-echocardiogram for $95 or all six tests for only $179. Blood tests, liver, cholesterol, PSA and TSH tests are also available. To register, call 888-667-7587.
Environmental grants awarded The Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP) has awarded a $100,994 Bay Restoration and Research Grant to Manatee County to remove exotic vegetation – including Brazilian pepper, carrotwood and Australian pines – and re-establish native plants on 53 acres of the Robinson Preserve ExpansionWinston Tract. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Fish and Wildlife Research Institute received a Tampa Bay Living Shoreline Suitability grant of $25,600 to extend the Virginia Institute of Marine Science’s Living Shoreline Suitability Model to 750 more miles of shoreline extending from the western side of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge northward through The Narrows of Indian Rocks Beach, southward to the Manatee Avenue bridge near Holmes Beach and westward to the shoreward side of Egmont Key. Living shorelines are nature-based approaches for shoreline protection using stabilization techniques to conserve, create or restore natural shoreline habitats and ecosystem services. The TBEP grants are part of $900,000 allocated for bay research and restoration projects around Tampa Bay.
Surf camp scheduled The West Coast Surf Shop will hold its annual surf camp Monday through Friday the weeks of June 25, July 2, July 9 and July 16 on the beach in front of the shop, 3902 Gulf Drive. The surf camp has no age restrictions, but campers must be good swimmers and have good attention spans. To register, call 941-778-1001.
Correction: Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board members Bill Vincent, Reed Mapes and Patty Shay resigned on Aug. 4, before the City Commission decided to file a lawsuit regarding alleged Sunshine Law violations. Planning board member John Metz and Scenic WAVES Committee members Tjet Martin and Rose Vincent resigned after the lawsuit was filed.
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MAY 30, 2018
Center board makes plans for the future
Leadership at The Center of Anna Maria Island is preparing for the future by planning a year’s worth of special events and working to make improvements to the organization’s building. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Changes are coming to The Center of Anna Maria with the hopes of drawing more community members back to the nonprofit’s campus. One of the most visible changes, if approved by Anna Maria City Commissioners, would be the addition of a covered area at the front of the building. The proposed metal awning would cover the walkway from the west parking area and the main entrance. Board member Mike Thrasher, who designed the concept for the awning, said if approved, the steel and canopy structure will not take up any of The Center’s parking. After being told that people find the entrance to The Center “unattractive and uninviting,” Thrasher said he created a “scribble that turned into a plan” with the design for the awning. He suggested the space also could be used for events. Before the awning structure can be built it must first be approved by the city’s Planning and Zoning Board before going to commissioners because it would be partially located within required setbacks. Thrasher and board Chair David Zaccagnino said they want to find out if the plan is feasible before moving forward with getting quotes or seeking out local businesses to volunteer materials and labor. “The object is to make it look more inviting to come in,” Zaccagnino said of the project. For a list of already planned capital improvement projects including roofing repair, field
MIKE THRASHER | SUBMITTED
Board member Mike Thrasher presented a rough sketch of what he hopes the entrance to The Center of Anna Maria Island will look like if Anna Maria city leaders approve the addition of an awning covering the walkway to the front door. maintenance, plumbing for two bathrooms and the purchase of exercise equipment, Manatee County commissioners voted unanimously May 22 to honor a request from the three Island cities to donate $100,000 from the county-managed excess concession fund. County commissioners also granted a transportation request from The Center board by donating up to an additional $22,500 from the concession funds for the purchase of a new van for the nonprofit. New Executive Director Chris Culhane said he’s very thankful for the support from the local and county governments. Board treasurer Christine Hicks said The Center fell $25,000 short in April, closing out the month with a $14,635 loss for the fiscal year to date. She estimates the organization will close out the fiscal year at the end of June $5,141 in the black. Zaccagnino said ending the year $5,141 in a positive position would show
significant progress from the -$171,000 closing of the 201617 fiscal year. Hicks said so far this year The Center’s finances are within 2 percent of meeting budget and 35 percent over this time last year. To help bring in more people and raise money for The Center, board member Karen Harllee said several events are already in the works for the coming fiscal year. The planned events include the annual Murder Mystery, bowling tournament, Lester Family Fun Day, golf tournament, and the Tour of Homes. A new event making its debut in 2019 is a fashion show. Harllee said a search is ongoing for volunteers and committee members to help plan and orchestrate the community and fundraising events. Anyone who would like to volunteer can email events@centerami. org. “We’re planning a year in advance versus one month in advance,” she said.
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Candidate qualifying starts soon June 22 is the last day to qualify to run for a city commission seat on the Island.
Brian Seymour – all of whom will seek reelection. The mayor and commissioners serve two-year terms. The mayor’s annual salary is $19,600 and the commissioners’ salary is $4,800.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
Are you considering running for a city commission seat? If so, the qualifying periods for city commission and mayoral candidates on Anna Maria Island will take place in June. Candidacy may be announced at any time before or during the qualifying period. Candidates must first appoint a campaign treasurer and designate a campaign bank account before any contributions are accepted or expenditures are made. Qualifying fees cannot be paid with a personal check. Candidates can serve as their own campaign treasurers and must file a Statement of Candidate form within 10 days of appointing a treasurer and opening a campaign account. Qualifying packets can be picked up at the city clerk’s offices in all three Island cities but Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach candidates must return their completed forms to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office at 600 301
BRADENTON BEACH
MANATEE COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS OFFICE | SUBMITTED
Candidates in Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach must submit their qualifying forms to the Supervisor of Elections Office in Bradenton. Blvd. W., Suite 108, in Bradenton. Holmes Beach candidates must return their completed forms to the city clerk’s office.
ANNA MARIA
The two-week qualifying period in Anna Maria will start at noon on Monday, June 11, and end at noon on Friday, June 22. Anna Maria candidates must be U.S. citizens, registered to vote in Manatee County and be residents of Anna
Maria for two years prior to qualifying. The qualifying fee is $48 for City Commission candidates and $196 for mayoral candidates. Candidates can avoid the qualifying fee by filing an Undue Burden Oath and securing the petition signatures of 10 registered city voters. The fall elections will decide who sits in the mayor’s seat currently held by Dan Murphy and the commission seats currently held by Amy Tripp and
The one-week qualifying period in Bradenton Beach will begin at noon on Monday, June 18, and end at noon on Friday, June 22. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, registered to vote in Manatee County and be a resident of the city for at least 12 months prior to qualifying. As the result of charter amendments adopted by Bradenton Beach voters last fall, commission wards have been eliminated and the two citywide candidates who receive the most votes will claim the two seats open this fall. Those seats are currently held by commissioners Marilyn Maro and Ralph Cole. Bradenton Beach candidates are no longer required to be registered city voters. The qualifying fee for commission candidates is $48, and no petition signatures are required. City commissioners serve two-year terms and earn $400 a month. Planning and Zoning Board Chair SEE QUALIFYING, PAGE 17
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OPINION
The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper Island Sun Plaza, 9801 Gulf Drive P.O. Box 1189 Anna Maria, FL 34216-1189 Phone: (941) 778-3986 e-mail: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com
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MAY 30, 2018
EDITORIAL So long, Alberto
A
s if to fire a shot across Florida's bow, Mother Nature reminded everyone in Florida what time of year it is. Alberto ascended to subtropical storm intensity just days before the official start of hurricane season 2018. High surf and some brief torrential downpours were basically all that the storm produced here in this part of the state. Another season, another bullet dodged by Anna Maria Island. The bubble that some love to say surrounds AMI and protects it from harm apparently remained intact. As much as we like to believe in our force field, we all know it wouldn't take much to burst that invisible dome. Irma nearly did a year ago. Remember? No power for what seemed like forever. Damage to homes and property that wasn't discovered for weeks or months. And that wasn't even a direct hit. As with anything, it pays to be prepared. That is why we've put together a brief guide of reminders and tips on navigating the upcoming hurricane season. From homes to boats to where to take Fido in the event of an evacuation, The Sun's 2018 Hurricane Preparedness Guide in this week's edition offers some helpful hints on riding out the storm. A little preparation now could make a big difference later. **********
Your thoughts? Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment? Is there something you need to get off your chest? Send us a letter to the editor and have your say. There are a couple of ways to do it. The easiest and most direct is to e-mail The Sun at news@amisun.com. Remember to put Letter to the Editor in the subject field. Or you can snail-mail a letter to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O. Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Letters should be kept to 300 words or less and must contain your name and the city in which you reside. Personal attacks and obscene language will not be printed. The Sun reserves the right to edit letters for length or content.
Take The Sun Survey on Page 7.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR couldn’t have been any nicer or more helpful. There are Facebook videos on Eric’s Facebook page. Kennard Chandler Bradenton
SUBMITTED
Eleanor Lee and Eric Von enroute to the Grand Canyon.
A very special road trip This story begins a few years ago, when my wife and I would take our best friends, Bob and Eleanor Lee, who were in their 90s, to listen to Eric Von play his guitar and sing whenever he was at Island Time in Bradenton Beach. Eleanor took an immediate shine to Eric’s personality and his music. We all tried never to miss a date when Eric came to town to catch his show, as he had moved to Orlando. Bob passed away in December, so the three of us would attend Eric's concerts at Island Time whenever possible. Eric, who is 32 years old, would stop over at Eleanor’s house from time to time just to visit. It was during one of these visits when Eric learned that Eleanor had never been to the Grand Canyon in all of her 96 years. Eric's response was “You're going and I’m paying for your trip.” Over Eleanor’s objections, Eric, his parents, Rocky and Jane von Hahmann, and Eleanor left for the Grand Canyon via Las Vegas on Thursday, May 10, and returned Wednesday, May 16. Eleanor says the Grand Canyon was “just spectacular” and the von Hahmanns
Advice not wanted In the May 23 issue of the Anna Maria Island Sun, I read with great interest (and much more divisiveness) the cover story about Longboat Key Mayor George Spoll wanting to remove or restructure the Bridge Street roundabout. Hey, Mr. Spoll – I find it really, tragically ironic that, in the face of the recent pedestrian traffic death on your island, you chose this time to tell your neighbors to the north in Bradenton Beach how to manage their major downtown pedestrian traffic area. The Bridge Street roundabout works great for the overall interests of Bradenton Beach at the intersection. Pedestrians can cross Gulf Drive safe and sound to and from the beach, and cars can navigate through that intersection with relative ease. Instead of butting in on Gulf Drive business, try properly managing Gulf of Mexico Drive first. And if you want cars emptying off your island at the pass to move more expeditiously, push to have built that long-desired bridge from your island to the mainland and leave Bradenton Beach to manage its residents' and visitors' safety in the excellent manner they already achieve. Bernie Czarniecki Bradenton
A new approach I wish to propose an idea for the current and ongoing issue of school security. I suggest we form a canine security force – let’s call it CanSecure – to be trained by professionals in the field of weaponry, firearms, drugs, and perhaps even make use of what would be wasted/euthanized dogs to patrol and secure our schools. Retired military, law enforcement and dog trainers could be enlisted to develop and implement a training program as other canine assistance programs do. After visiting Southeastern Guide Dogs recently, it came to me that perhaps we could introduce the idea of an adjoining campus to implement and train future school security canines. There are valuable animals who could become heroes instead of victims of overpopulation. I had one of the first canine police dogs on the Bradenton Police Department in the 60s. The training grounds were in Palmetto, and I saw firsthand how effective dogs can be. Let’s look at this as a win-win for all. Not only would it be cost effective, but also would maximize a source of security not only for weapons/explosives but also drugs. Perhaps some of the shelter animals could meet this need. Dogs don't need guns, only human affection and direction. Let’s see if some of these rescues could rescue our schools. Will you and the Manatee County officials get on board with me? Marsha Lindsey Anna Maria
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THE SUN SURVEY
ON THE AGENDA
PREVIOUS QUESTION: Do you agree with the county commission's decision not to
ANNA MARIA
HOLMES BEACH
June 11, noon – Election qualifying period begins June 12, 4 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting For information, call 7086130
May 30, 1 p.m. – Ad-Hoc Form of Government Committee meeting For information, call 7085800
have a public vote on returning the Confederate monument to the courthouse square?
8%
28%
Yes. It's confusing for motorists and it backs up traffic.
No. The roundabout makes a dangerous intersection much safer for motorists and pedestrians.
10005 GULF DRIVE
BRADENTON BEACH 107 GULF DRIVE N.
June 6, 9 a.m. – CIP meeting June 6, 9:30 a.m. – CRA meeting June 6, 11 a.m. – Pier Team meeting For information, call 7781005
5801 MARINA DRIVE
ISLAND-WIDE
May 30, 6 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue special meeting, 6417 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. June 4, 2 p.m. – Island Transportation Planning Organization meeting, Anna Maria City Hall.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOTE: EVENTS ARE FREE UNLESS INDICATED.
64%
Keep it or lose it, that doesn't matter. What we really need is a bridge from LBK to the mainland.
WEDNESDAY MAY 30
THE SUN SURVEY IS NOT A SCIENTIFIC POLL AND IS USED FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY.
THIS WEEK’S SURVEY
including a motel reservation out of
How will you prepare for the
harm's way.
upcoming hurricane season?
• By being completely prepared to
• By stocking up on supplies like water,
attend as many hurricane parties as
food and extra batteries.
possible.
THURSDAY
• By having an escape plan ready,
MAY 31
To vote, go to www.amisun.com or scan this code to vote by smartphone. LIKE us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun View The Sun’s online edition at www.issuu.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun
The Anna Maria Island Sun staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field Layout Ricardo Fonseca Reporters Cindy Lane Tom Vaught Joe Hendricks
Kristin Swain Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis Ad director Chantelle Lewin Ad assistants Chris Boniberger Dianne Martin
Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. Gentle chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, noon. Japanese floral design, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
Classified ads Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Digital/Social Media Editor Cindy Lane Accounting John Reitz
Distribution Bob Alexander Tony McNulty Connor Field Contributors Pat Copeland Steve Borggren Sean Murphy Monica Simpson
Veteran services information, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m. Zumba and mat pilates for seniors, The Paradise Center, 567 Bay Isles Rd., Longboat Key,10 a.m., $10 per class. Reserve to maryannbrady@ theparadisecenter.org or 941-383-6493. Quilting, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. 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 JUNE 1
NEST nature days, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. Intermediate bridge ses-
sion, The Paradise Center, 567 Bay Isles Rd., Longboat Key, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., $10, includes coffee and cookies. Reserve to maryannbrady@theparadisecenter. org or 941-383-6493. Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach 1 p.m. Sunset drum circle, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.
SATURDAY JUNE 2
Kids painting with a fish class, The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 9:30 a.m., $28. Snook Adams Kids Day with the Anna Maria Island Privateers, City Pier Park, Anna Maria, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jungle Book Live, Asolo Theater presentation, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m. Healing meditation, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 11 a.m. Teen Tech Time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
SUNDAY JUNE 3
Beach Market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information call 941-518-4431.
MONDAY JUNE 4
Social bridge games, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna SEE CALENDAR, PAGE 34
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MAY 30, 2018
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Jean Peelen moves on The former Holmes Beach City Commissioner said she doesn’t like the way residents are being driven from their homes by residential vacation rentals. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Jean Peelen arrived on Anna Maria Island from the Washington D.C. area 10 years ago. Her sister had died from cancer and friends told her to visit Anna Maria Island. “They told me I should walk the beach,” she said. She rented a place, saw what life was like with the beaches, the slow pace, and the friendly people, and she never looked back. “The people were warm and welcoming, and the people I met then are still friends,” she said. “It was a lovely place to live.” Unfortunately, as things progressed and so many homes were razed to make way for vacation rentals in residential neighborhoods, she became alarmed.
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
Activist Jean Peelen is moving to North Carolina after serving on the Holmes Beach City Commission and trying to deal with the loss of permanent residents. “That’s when I decided to run for office,” she said. “I have been active all my life in trying to help people and I saw so many residents decide they couldn’t live with all the disturbances.” Peelen said a lot of those residents were retirees who had saved their money and bought a place to live out their lives. She said the majority of them lived here fulltime, enjoying and
contributing to the lifestyle. Then there were the part-time residents, the snow birds who came down in the fall and left in the spring. “Those people are almost all gone,” she said. Peelen said when she got elected, one project was the dog park. Then she joined two other elected officials, Carol Carter, of Anna Maria and
Janie Robertson, of Bradenton Beach, to form Home Sweet Home. The group’s mission is to convince people to move and live fulltime on the Island. The group acquired nonprofit accreditation, and it is looking for properties that would make good affordable homes that could benefit the donors with tax breaks as well. It sponsored a gathering of residents at the Anna Maria City Park that was well attended. She said she thought it was a success as far as spreading the small town feeling that the Island was known for. Peelen has mixed feelings about leaving, but she doesn’t stay in one place for too long. “Every 10 years I reinvent myself,” she said. “I’m moving to Flat Rock in the North Carolina mountains, and it will be a good experience living in the mountains.” She’s living in a small house. “I think I’ll like that where everything is close at hand,” she said. “I won’t have room for clutter.” She’ll miss the lifestyle here too. “I loved island living with the beaches nearby,” she said. “I will miss the friends that I have made. I’ll always remember them.”
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MAY 30, 2018
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
APRIL WOOD | SUBMITTED
All in the family Subtropical storm Alberto didn't pack much of a punch here on Anna Maria Island but it did kick up a nice swell, which drew surfers from throughout southwest Florida. Above, Cortez residents Finny Wood, left, and his son, Michael Wood, had fun riding their boogie boards in Holmes Beach on waves that were in the 2-4 foot range.
Small variance granted Anna Maria city commissioners recently granted an 8-inch variance to the city’s 10-foot side yard setback requirements for a residential structure at 111 Beach Ave. Surveyor Leo Mills said the variance was needed due to erroneous surveying based on the erroneous locations of previously installed survey monuments. This resulted in the residential structure owned by BDK Futures LLC encroaching slightly into the setback area along the right side of the property.
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MAY 30, 2018
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Celebrating a coastal community The June 7 Coastal Community Celebration will take place after normal museum hours. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
CORTEZ – Coinciding with World Oceans Day, the Florida Maritime Museum’s Thursday, June 7, Coastal Community Celebration will include the grand opening of the historic Burton Store, the opening of the “Meaning Behind Maritime” exhibit and the launch of the Cortez Passport program. The after-hours festivities will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on the museum grounds at 4415 119th St. W. in Cortez. Museum staff will discuss the history of the Burton Store (also known as the Bratton Store) and it’s new role as The Folk School. There will also be ribbon cutting ceremony. Inside the museum, the “Meaning Behind Maritime” exhibit will honor the old school house’s 10th anniversary as the Florida Maritime Museum and feature canvasses upon which community members and museum visitors shared their thoughts on the meaning of the word maritime. The Cortez Passport program is a promotional effort by The Cortez Merchants that will also benefit the Florida Maritime Museum. After obtaining a free passport at the museum or any participating Cortez business, Passport holders who get their passport stamped by at least 12 participating businesses can claim a free “Cortez Explorer” T-shirt at the museum. The Coastal Community Celebration will also feature demonstrations on cast netting, lionfish, sea turtles, water pollution, shell identification, water salinity and more, with live music provided by Scott Blum. For more information, visit www.floridamaritimemuseum.org or call 941-708-6120.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The Coastal Community Celebration will include a ribbon cutting and the grand opening of the historic Burton Store. assport holders who collect at least 12 stamps will receive a free T-shirt like these modeled by museum staffers Casey Wooster, Alexis Schofield and Danielle Dankenbring. The “Meaning Behind Maritime” exhibit will feature canvasses created by community members and museum visitors.
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MAY 30, 2018
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MAY 30, 2018
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West Coast Surf Shop employees honored for bravery Three employees from the West Coast Surf Shop were recognized by both the Holmes Beach Police Department and West Manatee Fire Rescue for their quick thinking and work to evacuate shoppers when the historic shop caught fire in April. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – A fire at the West Coast Surf Shop April 15 turned staff members Anna Rehorn, Kaitlin Kee and Benjamin Webb from store clerks into heros when they not only got themselves out of the burning building but also evacuated an estimated 30 patrons. During the May 22 city commission meeting, Holmes Beach city leaders, along with police Chief Bill Tokajer and members of the West Manatee Fire Rescue district recognized the three for their bravery and quick thinking during the emergency situation. “Because of their efforts they saved lives,” Tokajer said. Fire Marshall Jim Davis, reading from Kee’s statement to officials on the day of the fire, said the smoke, believed to be caused by a faulty transformer on a neon light in a window, was first reported to staff by a customer. Upon investigation, the staff of three called 911 and evacuated the building as flames began and smoke started filling the shop. No injuries were
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
Above, Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson shakes hands with each of the three employees who helped keep themselves and shoppers safe when the West Coast Surf Shop caught fire. Right, West Manatee Fire Rescue Chief Tom Sousa congratulates the staff of West Coast Surf Shop on their bravery in evacuating the store during a fire emergency. sustained by the staff or patrons. “If not for them it would’ve definitely been a different story,” Davis said. Once on the scene, it took firefighters about two minutes to fully extinguish the fire. Damage was sustained to the shop’s exterior, the store and the shop’s inventory which had just been restocked. Damage was estimated at $250,000. The West Coast Surf Shop is the oldest surf shop on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Owners Jim and Ronee
Brady are currently in the process of making repairs to the shop with the hope of reopening in about six months.
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MAY 30, 2018
Day dock pushed back again Technomarine’s latest revised project schedule calls for the floating dock to be installed by Sept. 12. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
CRA chair Ralph Cole and CRA member John Horne discuss ongoing delays with the CRA-funded day dock project. hand-deliver a letter to Technomarine’s North Palm Beach office. Written by Horne and reviewed by City Attorney Ricinda Perry, the letter expressed a lack of confidence in Technomarine’s ability to meet its June 29 deadline, noted that a previous letter from CRA chair Ralph Cole went unanswered and acknowledged Horne’s dual interests as president of the Anna Maria Oyster Bar that leases pier-based
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BRADENTON BEACH – City officials expect Technomarine to miss its July 4 deadline to install a new floating dock next to the Bridge Street Pier. On April 5, Technomarine President Jat Talton sent Pier Team facilitator Sam Speciale an email that said, “Technomarine’s plan is to have the day dock open prior to this Fourth of July weekend.” The revised project schedule called for Technomarine to obtain city-issued building permits by May 11 and complete the project by June 29. After the permitting deadline was missed, the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) convened on Monday, May 21 to discuss the CRA-funded project. CRA member John Horne was authorized to
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restaurant space from the city. On Thursday, May 24, Horne met with Technomarine Chief Operating Officer Ryan Miller and attorney Roger Stanton. Horne received an email from Miller the following morning that said, “Attached you will find what will be the final, worst case, schedule. Our intention is to see this project through to its completion and deliver a docking
system for the use of your residents and tourists by September 12. “You, the CRA, local businesses and the city have every right to be both frustrated and disappointed with the lack of communication and our missed dates. Technomarine USA experienced a series of inexcusable delays in manufacturing which have now finally been resolved,” Miller’s email said. Talton sent Speciale a similarly-worded email. When contacted Monday, Horne said, “They hired Ryan Miller and he’s digging them out of a hole they got into. They’ve got two projects – one in Leesburg and ours – that are way behind. We actually have a mutual acquaintance who speaks very highly of Ryan and his ability to get things done. I feel a lot better.”
CRA DISCUSSION
Last week, Cole asked the CRA members what they wanted to do if Technomarine missed its June 29 deadline. “Are they in default of their contract?” Horne asked. SEE DAY DOCK, PAGE 16
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MAY 30, 2018
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Compromise sought on grand tree removals The amended grand tree ordinance will require the replacement trees to be planted when grand trees are removed.
He did, however, recognize the potential health hazard the tree presents. Vose said the city has the authority to allow a tree to be removed for safety purposes. The commission’s unanimous approval of the tree removal included the stipulation that a 12-foot gumbo limbo tree be planted elsewhere on the property that Moss said would also include palm trees and other foliage.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Property owners and city officials are working together to resolve previously denied grand tree removal requests. This comes at a time when city’s grand tree ordinance is being revised in a manner that will require replacement trees to be planted on the private property or on city property. City Commission approval is required to remove a tree that’s more than 24 inches in circumference when measured at a height of 4.5 feet. Another ordinance restricts the removal of native trees. City Attorney Becky Vose expects to present an amended grand tree ordinance on June 14.
MOSS REQUEST
On May 24, the commission approved developer Ryan Moss’s request
LETO REQUEST
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Left, property owner Ronnie Leto stands beside his grand tree on Hardin Avenue. Right, the City Commission authorized the removal of this tree at 222 Willow Ave. to remove a cedar tree at 222 Willow Avenue. In accordance with city ordinances, Public Works Manager Dean Jones previously denied the request. Moss said the tree is leaning up against the new home being built on the property. He read a letter from arborist Luke Davis that recommended
the tree’s removal due to damage sustained during previous trauma and his prediction that it would continue to decline in its current location. Commissioner Doug Copeland noted the tree in question does not render the lot unbuildable, which is a current requirement for removing a grand tree.
Property owner Ronnie Leto told the commission the large oak tree in the middle of the back yard at 319 Hardin Ave. hinders his plans to install a swimming pool. In a letter sent to the city after his tree removal permit was denied, Leto noted the tree obstructs the view of the canal and its roots pose a threat to the home’s foundation. Leto told commissioners he bought the property last June and was not aware of the tree ordinance. He also owns a homesteaded home elsewhere in the city. During a visit to his Hardin Avenue property after the SEE TREES, PAGE 33
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DOCK: Deadline missed again FROM PAGE 14
“Yes, they’re in breach because their delivery date was set forth in the contract which stated it had to be completed within six months from the date of full execution. However, given that the city has been attempting to work with Technomarine and has not objected to the extended deadlines, I think the city would be hard-pressed to state they are in full breach. To seek any kind of damages would be a challenge,” Perry said. The CRA entered into its contract with Technomarine in April 2017 and has paid the company $53,990 of the $119,980 contract price. Per its agreement to provide matching funds, Manatee County has reimbursed the CRA for 50 percent of the amount paid. “How’s this affect our agreement with the county if we were to pull the plug on this? Does the county come back and say we want that $27,000 back?” CRA member Jake Spooner asked. “I believe they would have the right to request that,” Perry said.
“What do you think the chances are of us getting the $54,000 back,” Spooner asked. “It never seems to work out that way,” Perry said. Speciale read aloud a story from the Belle Glade Sun about the city of Pahokee’s decision to cancel a design/build contract with Technomarine due to delays encountered with the renovation of that city’s marina and campground. During the April 24 Pahokee City Commission meeting, which is available online, City Attorney Gary Brandenburg was directed to relay the commission’s request that Technomarine refund within two weeks $125,000 of the $150,000 paid to the company. “They have not agreed to repay the $$. I will be filing a lawsuit for the return of the $$ next week,” Brandenburg wrote in his May 26 email response to a Sun inquiry. Horne said he and Miller discussed the Pahokee contract and Miller didn’t place much blame on Technomarine.
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MAY 30, 2018
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MAY 30, 2018
THE SUN
PIER: Bids rejected
QUALIFYING: Starts soon
FROM PAGE 3
On May 18, Commissioner Brian Seymour noted the initial demolition work would be done by a local contractor, Frank Agnelli, who’s offered to remove and store the engraved pier planks at no cost to the city. Regarding the issuance of a second RFP, Commission Chair Doug Copeland said, “If they’re all in that same range then you’re pretty well assured that’s what it’s going to cost.” The revised RFP placed greater weight (30 percent each) on cost and adherence to specifications, maintained the 20 percent weight for skill and experience, gave less weight to references and firm location and added 10 percent for the ability to provide a detailed work plan. Murphy said the demolition firm’s location is not that important, but it’s crucial that the yet-tobe-named firm that builds the new pier use local labor – “People that are going to live with what they build,” Murphy said. Woodland opposition During the May 18 meeting, Woodland said, “I’m opposed to the entire demolition process for a couple of reasons. We, the mayor and this commission, have not justified the need for the demolition. The only thing it was based on is what I call a false narrative: We all agreed we wanted something that was gonna last a hundred years
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FROM PAGER 3
We, the mayor and this commission have not justified
Jim Lynch and former planning board member Bill Vincent picked up qualifying packets last week.
the need for the demolition."
HOLMES BEACH
Dale Woodland City commissioner and that became the entire basis for tearing down the pier and not rebuilding it, which I think was a huge mistake.” Woodland was referencing the commission’s first meeting with the Ayres Associates design firm in October. “I think it’s a terrible waste of time and money not rebuilding. So, it doesn’t matter who you select, I’m not going to support them or this process. I really think we’ve been disingenuous to our own residents and the citizens by not justifying the path we’re taking,” Woodland said. Ayres Associates Vice President Jay Saxena has repeatedly recommended to the commission the construction of a new pier rather than the rehabilitation of the existing pier that was beginning to fail structurally before sustaining additional damage during Hurricane Irma in September.
In Holmes Beach, City Clerk Stacey Johnston serves as the qualifying official and candidates qualify at city hall. The qualifying period will begin at noon on Monday, June 18, and end at noon on Friday, June 22. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, registered Manatee County voters and residents of Holmes Beach for at least two years prior to qualifying. The qualifying fee is $60 for commission candidates and $240 for mayoral candidates. All candidates must secure the petition signatures of 15 registered city voters and file an affidavit of residency. Candidates can avoid the qualifying fee by filing the Undue Burden Oath and securing the petition signatures of 15 registered city voters. The mayor and commissioners serve two-year terms. The mayor earns $24,000 a year and commissioners make $6,000 a year. There will also be five elected positions for Charter Review Commission members on the fall ballot. The candidate qualifications are the same, but candidates do not have to pay a qualifying fee.
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"Meaning Behind Maritime" Exhibit
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MAY 30, 2018
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Musicians and restaurants BY SEAN MURPHY SPECIAL TO THE SUN
I
chose not to have musicians play in my restaurants. Patrons gather at our tables for memorable conversation over great food. Live musicians are not generally compatible with that formula. Louder and more intrusive music might be just the thing when two people are having a bad date and don’t want to talk to each other. But if the conversation is to be memorable and even celebratory, then live musicians are a distraction. If they are loud enough, the diners raise their voices to hear each other, and the next thing you know you have a room full of people yelling at each other. If you want to decrease the noise level in a noisy room turn down the music and the lights. Sometimes I get cruel with the lights. I turn down the lights in the Bistro Bar very suddenly and watch the bar folk
clutch at their chests. “I’m coming Martha – I’m coming home.” Sometimes running restaurants can be fun. I like musicians as people. I love Chuck and Howie when they play on the beach and when Gene Aubrey plays anywhere. The Bistro team loves it when Brian Johnson and Steven Stills and Graeme Edge come to dinner. It is tough making a living as a musician. A musician needs to believe that eventually they will make it. They must chase gigs relentlessly. Once a musician knows you have a restaurant, they assume they should play in it and will harass you for the opportunity. When my children were in grade school they would regularly come home with cassettes they had been given by their teachers who were in a band. “Tell your dad if he hires me you get an A.” My kids got A’s anyway. Musicians accost me regularly in grocery stores and while pumping gas. Other restaurant owners are familiar with stalking musicians. They tell cruel musician jokes.
How can you tell the perfect musician? He can hit the dumpster with his instrument on the first toss every time. What do you call a building full of musicians? Jail The jokes are unkind really. There are more – not as many as lawyer jokes but a bunch. Once you hire a musician, it’s tough to say good-bye to them. I was dumb enough to open a restaurant in Sarasota that had a bar upstairs. I noticed that as the musician began to sing that people left the bar. I told him I was cancelling his gig for the next evening. His response, “I can’t believe you are cancelling me tomorrow. I had a big crowd coming from my AA group.” His AA group. Maybe he didn’t notice it was a bar. I knew another musician that played beautiful jazz piano. He huddled over the keys and was oblivious to the world around him. It was a dead night. There were two people in the bar. He said, “Boy it’s a good thing I am playing tonight or you wouldn’t have anybody in here.” The baby grand he used to play is in the middle of the Doctor’s Office.
It makes a great four-top. We tried a quieter American song book style entertainment for the bar. I loved it, but the bar crowd was too boisterous to hear it. Happier people come to a bar to celebrate their new loves, not to contemplate their old ones. We do have entertainment once a month at the Doctor’s Office. Henry Lawrence sings the first Thursday of every month. Henry’s deep-throated, Lou Rawls style of blues carries well in a bar, and Henry carries the crowd to a happier place. Henry Lawrence is also a great humanitarian. He does a lot of work with young people in his Palmetto community, and at one time, he even ran for Congress. Henry played football for the Oakland Raiders, and he has three Super Bowl rings. Count ‘em – three Super Bowl rings. Now musicians come to me. They say, “Henry Lawrence plays in your bar. Can I play in your bar?” I say, “That depends. How many Super Bowl rings do you have?” Be kind to a musician for me. Take one out for lunch.
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MAY 30, 2018
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
Commissioner Jim Kihm suggests adding signature trees to the tree preservation ordinance to keep desirable trees from being taken down that wouldn’t qualify as a grand tree.
Holmes Beach discusses tree preservation ordinance
‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE
Commissioners are developing the ordinance to protect the city’s waning tree canopy from continued decline and desirable trees from unnecessary removal. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – City leaders are just beginning to think about what they’d like to see in a tree protection ordinance, and they’re leaning toward creating one that protects as many of the city’s desirable trees as possible. One item still under discussion is what would qualify a tree as desirable or eligible for protection under the ordinance. Some of the qualifications being considered include trunk circumference, tree height, canopy size and the type of tree. City Planner Bill Brisson asked commissioners to consider creating two separate ordinances – a grand tree ordinance to protect the large, old and potentially historic trees in the city and a tree protection ordinance to protect established trees that are native to the area or of a desirable type from being removed unnecessarily. Commissioner Jim Kihm latched onto the idea, suggesting adding signature trees to the tree preservation ordinance to protect by species for non-native trees. “There are beautiful, big trees that are definitely worth saving,” he said. When considering trees to add to the tree protection ordinance, Brisson said considerations need to be made for types of trees that are non-invasive and can withstand storms. Another item under consideration by commissioners is under what circumstances a tree could be removed by a property owner, particularly since the new ordinance or ordinances may extend to trees on single family and duplex lots. Brisson suggested creating special exception criteria such as the tree impeding reasonable use of the property or if it’s found hazardous or diseased by an arborist. Commissioner Judy Titsworth said she’d rather have a more complex ordinance than have to revisit it again in a year or so. She added that she would rather have staff empowered to approve or deny tree removal administratively instead of it coming before commissioners. Commissioner Carol Soustek agreed. “I like being tougher,” she said. “We need to pay attention to the details to avoid issues in the future.”
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Fri. 6/1 - Larry Yunker 7PM Sat. 6/2 - Tim Chandler 12PM Ted Stevens & The Doo Shots 7PM Sun. 6/3- Tim Chandler 12PM The Accidentalz 6PM Mon. 6/4 - Natural Vibes 5:30PM Tues. 6/5 - Ted Stevens 6PM
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MAY 30, 2018
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MAY 30, 2018
Forecasters agree: We're in for stormy weather Residents are urged to start preparing now for the 2018 hurricane, which officially begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30. BY TOM VAUGHT
2018 Hurricane Names Alberto Beryl Chris Debby Ernesto Florence Gordon Helene Isaac Joyce Kirk Leslie Michael Nadine Oscar Patty Rafael Sara Tony Valerie William
SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
Last year’s tropical storm season ended after Hurricane Irma arrived, leaving countywide wind damage, but sparing Anna Maria Island from serious flooding. This year’s season opens with a subtropical storm that formed near the Yucatan Peninsula and came up the western side of the Gulf of Mexico, leaving a taste of what may come. If it looks like we’re getting an active start to the season, the two main sources of tropical storm predictions agree, and are urging resident in the area to prepare now. Last Friday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center forecast a 75 percent chance that the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season will be near- or above-normal. Forecasters predicted a 35 percent chance of an above-normal sea-
NOAA PREDICTION
Named storms 10-16 12 Hurricanes 5-9 6 Major hurricanes 1-4 3 son, a 40 percent chance of a near-normal season, and a 25 percent chance of a below-normal season for the upcoming hurricane season. NOAA’s forecasters predict a 70 percent likelihood of 10 to 16 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which five to nine could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including one to four major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). An average hurricane
Tax-free holiday for hurricane supplies BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
For one week only Floridians will be able to get some of their hurricane supplies tax-free. June 1-7 is the first week of the hurricane season and Disaster Preparedness Week. It’s also the only time during this year’s hurricane season that certain supplies can be purchased without paying sales tax, if the supplies meet certain criteria. The tax-free offer is limited to certain items under specific financial thresholds. Items purchased online during the tax-free holiday are exempt. Sales tax is still applicable for rentals and repair of qualifying items, and items purchased in an airport, entertainment complex, theme park or hotel. Items priced over the qualifying amount are not eligible for the sales tax exemption. Qualifying items include: $10 and under: • Reusable ice packs. $20 and under: • Portable self-powered light sources including flashlights, lanterns and candles. $25 and under:
AVERAGE
• All gas and diesel fuel containers including LP gas and kerosene containers. $30 and under: • Certain sizes of batteries and reusable batteries – sizes AA, AAA, C, D, 6-volt and 9-volt batteries included. Vehicle and boat batteries are excluded; • Food storage, non-electrical coolers and ice chests. $50 and under: • Tarps; • Plastic sheeting, drop cloths and other flexible waterproof sheeting; • Ground anchor system; • Tie-down kits; • Bungee cords; • Ratchet straps; • Battery, solar or hand-crank powered two-way and weather band radios. $750 and under: • Portable generators. Items that are always sales tax exempt include unflavored, uncarbonated bottled water, canned food, first aid kits, baby food and formula, all prescription medication, and most over the counter medication. For more information on the sales tax-free disaster preparedness week, visit www.floridarevenue.com/DisasterPrep.
season produces 12 named storms, of which 6 become hurricanes, including 3 major hurricanes. Forecasters cite possibility of a weak El Nino developing, along with near-average sea surface temperatures across the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, as two of the factors behind this outlook. These factors are set upon a backdrop of atmospheric and oceanic conditions that are conducive to hurricane development and have been
producing stronger Atlantic hurricane seasons since 1995. The Colorado State University Department of Atmospheric Science, which originated the science of storm season predictions, agrees. In a forecast released in April 5, forecasters estimate that the 2018 season will have seven hurricanes (median is 6.5), 14 named storms (median is 12.0), 70 named storm days (median is 60.1), 30 hurricane days (median is 21.3), three major (Category 3-4-5) hurricane (median is 2.0) and seven major hurricane days (median is 3.9). The probability of U.S. major hurricane landfall is estimated to be about 120 percent of the long-period average. “The current weak La Niña event appears likely to transition to neutral over the next several months,” according to the CSU forecast. “As is the case with all hurricane seasons, coastal residents are reminded that it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season for them,” according to CSU head forecaster Dr, Phillip Klotzbach. “They should prepare the same for every season, regardless of how much activity is predicted.”
Hurricane shelters 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. 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 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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Lessons learned from Hurricane Irma Now is a good time to plan and prepare for hurricane season. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Hurricane Irma’s visit to the Anna Maria Island area last year taught us how to better prepare for the 2018 hurricane season that starts June 1. When it comes to hurricane preparation, plan ahead and get an early start.
GENERATORS
Extended power outages are common during and after hurricanes. If you’re thinking about buying a generator, doing it now alleviates the risk of not finding one later. Before you buy, consider your specific needs and the many different types of generators. Invertor generators are generally more expensive than conventional generators, but they run quieter and provide a more even electrical current that’s better for charging cell phones, laptops, tablets, video game consoles and other sensitive electronics. Conventional generators generally cost less and will also recharge or run your electronic devices. Before Irma arrived, I bought a small, gas-powered 2000-watt Wen invertor generator for around $450. During our three-day power outage, it powered a stand-alone air conditioner, a fan and a lamp and recharged our electronic devices and camping lanterns. Running a refrigerator/freezer, large appliances and several items simultaneously requires a more powerful generator. A 5,500-watt conventional gas generator sells for around $700. A 7500-watt conventional generator sells for around $975. Butane powered generators are also available. A refrigerator uses about 700 watts of rated running wattage, with surges up to 2,200 watts. A 10,000 BTU window unit air conditioner needs approximately 1,200 running watts and surges up to 3,600 watts. A microwave needs 600 to 1,000 running watts of power. A toaster oven needs about 1,200 watts. Exceeding your generator’s capabilities can ruin it. Some homeowners may opt instead for the added security of a permanent standby generator that’s wired into the home’s power system and activates automatically during power outages. When using a gas-powered generator, it’s critical that it be placed a dry, wellventilated space that does not expose humans or pets to deadly carbon monoxide fumes, so you’ll need a long extension cord. You should also have a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector inside your home when using a generator.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
One Sun reporter’s hurricane preparedness kit includes a generator, gas, an extension cord, a camp stove, extra propane, lanterns and flashlight, batteries, human and pet food, water, raingear, a weather radio and more. Right, there are several cell phone applications that come in handy during hurricane season. When running a gas generator in a garage with an electric garage door opener, place a sturdy object in the garage door’s downward path to ensure continued ventilation should the door automatically close when power is restored at night when everyone’s sleeping. Fire up your generator before the storm arrives to make sure it works, and consider locking it up during use to prevent theft.
GAS
Gas and gas cans get scarce as a hurricane approaches, so plan accordingly. Consider using ethanol-free gasoline for generators, because it’s better for the tubing and other engine components. Marinas typically sell ethanolfree fuel, as do some gas stations. Having a couple extra cans of gas for your car can also be a lifesaver when gas is hard to find and gas stations are closed or without power.
PLYWOOD
If you don’t have hurricane windows or storm shutters, you may want to cover your windows with plywood, or with plastic or aluminum panels. Again, it’s better to buy now when these items aren’t yet in critical
demand. If you drive a vehicle that’s too small to carry full-sized sheets of plywood or you don’t have the tools at home to resize your wood, some home improvement stores will do it for you at no additional cost.
OTHER MATTERS
A camp stove, gas grill and some extra propane tanks will provide you with warm meals during an extended power outage. Sooner is better than later when stocking up on water, food, flashlights, batteries and other supplies and Facebook can be an invaluable source of real-time information when it comes to supply availability. If you’re evacuating, leave early to avoid jammed highways and gas shortages. Reserve your off-Island, out of
town or out of state hotel rooms early, too. By the time Irma arrived, most hotels in Florida and southern/central Georgia were booked full. If you decide later not to evacuate, you can cancel your room in advance and free it up for someone else. There are several cell phone apps that come in handy during hurricane season, including the new NOAA/ Weather Channel Storm Radar app. Regarding storm surge and flooding, the MyElevation app allows you to type in an address or location and get the elevation for that spot. Facebook, Florida 511 and Waze are good apps for real time travel and traffic information and the GasBuddy app is a good source for gas availability and prices.
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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 that 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 at mymanatee.org 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 listed above.
CITIES SUPPLY SANDBAGS
It’s not unusual for a homeowner on the Island to end up filling sandbags thanks to our 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.
Where will your pets ride out a hurricane? • Motels/hotels – check The Sun’s Pet 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 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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More Tips • 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. 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 weatherrelated 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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The time to stock up is now Red Cross volunteers address a crowd of approximately 20 people to make a public shelter their last choice. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
As subtropical storm Alberto was forming in the Yucatan Channel, on its way up the Gulf, a crowd 20 people gathered at The Center Friday to get some tips for the storm season. Some of the attendees were new to the area and some came from the mainland to attend the hurricane seminar. The Red Cross volunteers Monte Messersmith and Mary Lochleidmen, who lives on the Island, urged the audience to stock up on survival supplies now.
“I have two shelves of supplies,” Messersmith said. One is for when I stay and ride it out and the other is for when I go.” Messersmith said he has tarps and equipment to protect him and his home if he stays and he has all of his insurance information and other important paperwork plus immediate supplies if he leaves. Both he and Lochleidmen urged the crowd to have a plan for where to go if they have to evacuate. They said people can reserve a room out of the danger zone and cancel them before the storm hits. “If you lose your deposit, you can chalk it up to experience,” Messersmith said. They said the county has a number of shelters in schools for those who have nowhere else to go, but they cautioned the crowd it is very uncomfortable. Lochleidmen took out a beach
towel and spread it out on the floor. “This is roughly the amount of space you will have to sleep of sit,” she said. “If you have a pet, you will have to locate a shelter that takes pets and bring food and supplies for your pet.” They said everyone should stock up on water, fuel and cash before the storm. They also said it would be a good idea to take stock of possessions in your home and document them with pictures and videos. For those on medications, make sure you have enough for a while, possibly a month, and make sure you take them with you, preferably in a zip-lock bag. They closed their presentation by urging people to volunteer with the Red Cross,, if they want to help others.
Preparing your boat for a hurricane • 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.
Make sure you can return after a storm BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
When a sizeable tropical storm hits near or on the 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, Holmes Beach Police Department and Bradenton Beach City Hall. One tag per residence is is-
sued, so if you leave with more than one vehicle, you’ll have to leave one on the mainland 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.
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From AMI to NASA and back again In nearly eight decades on Anna Maria Island, resident James Adams has seen it all from wooden bridges and one room schoolhouses to the evolution of the Island as a bustling tourist destination. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – James Adams didn’t start off life here, but he’s spent most of his 84 years on Anna Maria Island. And he and his wife Judy have no plans to leave any time soon. His first encounter with the Island was when he was a small child, after his father was released from military service in World War II where he was stationed in Boston and Maine. “He stated if he ever got below the Mason/Dixon line he would never live anywhere that got below 30 degrees again,” Adams said of his father. His grandfather had moved to Tallahassee where he became a photographer. Adams’ father packed up his family and brought them down to southern Florida in search of an orange grove to purchase, lured by the idea of being able to purchase property for a small amount. On the way back up the coast, Adams said his parents spotted a sign for Anna Maria Island and decided to take a detour. His father found a marine construction business for sale and decided he’d rather work with boats than oranges. “We saw Anna Maria and decided that was it,” Adams said. “We packed up and moved.” In those days, he said the Island was considered “the boondocks.” “You could buy property for taxes,” he said. “No one wanted to live out here.” Sitting in the Soiree Room at The Center of Anna Maria Island, Adams looks around and smiles at the memories of his younger days. “I started out in this building,” he said. Where The Center now stands at 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria was once the Island’s first schoolhouse. It was a one-room structure where students through sixth grade were all taught at once. In the 1940s when Adams attended the school, he said there were six students in his class, presided over by Principal Lena Phelps. “Lena was a real educator,” he said. “I felt like I got a really good education.” After elementary school, Adams said the Island children had to transfer to mainland schools to continue their education. He remembers traveling across the original wooden Cortez Bridge,
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which spanned from Bridge Street in what is now Bradenton Beach to the Cortez Village to meet the school bus. He recalled a time when the bridge was damaged by a barge, requiring students to be transported for several months by boat to school. In high school, Adams was introduced to the study of electronics, a passion that would take him to the Navy and later to NASA. After taking the Naval entrance exam, Adams was presented with an offer he couldn’t refuse – join the Navy before his 18th birthday, get released when he turned 21 and have four years of college paid for afterwards. He spent his first year in the Navy at the military branch’s electronics school and the remaining time traveling the world in the submarine service. Joining the military gave him many opportunities to travel and have adventures he said he might not otherwise have been able to go on. “I went to Florence and stood at the tomb of Michelangelo,” he said. “I went swimming in a swimming hole five miles deep. I traveled the world.” After leaving the Navy at 21, Adams attended Florida State College where he earned a degree in chemistry before going on to one year of graduate school in Miami. He came back to the Bradenton/Sarasota area when he began working for Electro Mechanical Research, a Sarasota company that built satellites, where he was a specialist in chemistry and electronics. While he was working there, he met his wife, Judy, who was a lab technician. “It just was fate,” he said. “It was a really inspiring time.” Adams and his wife settled on Anna Maria Island where they purchased investment properties, Judy went to
Left, lifelong Island resident James Adams relaxes at The Center of Anna Maria Island, located in the same place where he went to school as a child. Above, the original wooden bridge to the Island, the old Cortez Bridge stretched from the historic fishing village to Bridge Street in what is now Bradenton Beach. work for the postal service, and Adams said he had several jobs over the years, including working for Tropicana and Bausch and Lomb. When he was ready to move on to a new career, he saw an advertisement for employment with NASA. “It looked like they wrote it just for me,” Adams said. He was hired on the spot and spent the next 15 years of his career helping to launch space shuttles at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral. Rather than relocate, Adams chose to commute across the state. He spent his weekdays on Florida’s Atlantic coast working in recurrence control, making sure the space shuttles were maintained with no errors and completing root cause analysis to discover and repair systems that malfunctioned or failed. He returned to the Island every weekend to spend time with his wife. “The time I was over there I only worried about my job. It worked out very well,” he said. Over the course of his career with NASA, Adams had the opportunity to work one-on-one with astronauts to make sure the shuttles met their specifications before flight. “I always said ‘thank God’ when those things went off,” he said of watching the shuttle launches. “You had to remember that human lives were at stake.” During his years at NASA, Adams took home the Manned Space Flight award for work on the shuttles. He and his wife were flown to Houston for the awards ceremony, where they mingled with astronauts and other NASA superstars. “It was unbelievable,” he said of the experience. “It was a very grand experience. I know my wife will never
forget it.” Adams also was awarded the Silver Snoopy Award, one given by the astronauts to a recipient of their choosing at the Kennedy Space Center. The award is a lapel pin that is taken into space and orbits the Earth 100 times. “I was really lucky,” Adams said. “I just had some good opportunities.” After his years in the space program, Adams was ready to retire in 1999, but the Y2K scare kept him onboard until 2000. “Y2K was a huge uproar. Everyone thought everything was going to die,” he said. “I waited to make sure nothing died.” Now Adams spends the majority of his time relaxing on the Island and enjoying his retirement. He still works managing his rental apartments in Anna Maria. He also stops in at The Center to visit with staff and workout with Island Fitness owner Brenda Canning whom he’s known for many years. “The Center has a very special attraction for me,” he said. His friends at NASA also still pay him unique visits from time to time. “I got to meet some of the most exquisite people you could ever imagine,” he said. One of those people is Astronaut Pamela Melroy, the second woman to ever command a space mission. Adams gathered a group of friends in 2007 when Melroy commanded the Discovery STS-120 mission to the International Space Station to watch as the commander did a disconnect maneuver with the space shuttle in the early morning hours over his house. “That was something magnificent,” Adams said. “Pam must’ve done it just for us.”
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Saving eggs from Alberto BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
Subtropical storm Alberto kicked off the hurricane season a few days early, sending Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Director Suzi Fox and Manatee County lifeguards scrambling to rescue turtle eggs that high tides were about to wash out to sea. Nests in danger of being submerged by high tides were relocated at Manatee Beach and Cedar Cove, Fox said. Some eggs found in sand dunes also were reburied. Turtle eggs in nests inundated by water eventually drown. Turtle Watch volunteers spent Memorial Day locating new nests and logging nests that were washed over by high tides. Fox told volunteers to “cross your flippers” that the high tide around 10 p.m. Monday did not harm any more nests. “This isn’t a sad event, this is a natural event,” Fox said, adding that sea
turtles have the rest of the six-month nesting season to make up for the storm in May, the season’s first month. Monday morning, as volunteers were still on the beach tracking turtles that nested Sunday night, at least 16 nesting attempts had been documented, Fox said. Bad weather tends to prompt sea turtles to nest ahead of the storm. “What we’re going to see next is the girls will nest higher because the shoreline is very damp right now,” she said. Beachgoers who find storm-tossed turtle nest stakes and tape can call Fox at 941-778-5638, or throw away the tape and leave the stakes at the nearest dune line, where volunteers will find them the next morning, she requested. In other turtle news, a Kemps-Ridley sea turtle recently washed up dead in Cortez, an unusual occurrence, as the species makes the waters of Texas their home, Fox said. The turtle will be necropsied at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND TURTLE WATCH AND SHOREBIRD MONITORING | SUBMITTED
Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Director Suzi Fox rescues loggerhead turtle eggs from an incoming tide pushed higher than normal by subtropical storm Alberto.
New turtle-friendly lights coming to Holmes Beach Holmes Beach commissioners will enter into an agreement with Florida Power and Light to install new LED street lights to help both people and sea turtles see better at night. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
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HOLMES BEACH – Florida Power and Light delivered a surprise proposition that Holmes Beach commissioners are excited to accept. The electric company is replacing the aging street lights in the city with new LED lights that are sea turtle friendly. Police Chief Bill Tokajer said he’d spoken with a FPL representative who said the conversion of the city’s 433 street lights wouldn’t cost the city anything and may save money on electric bills. He said the savings to the city could come in as high as $5,000 annually. Commissioners voted 3 to 1, with Commissioner Jim Kihm dissenting and Commissioner Rick Hurst absent, to accept the contract with FPL for the conversion. With Mayor Bob Johnson authorized to sign the contract on behalf of the city, Tokajer said it
will take an estimated six weeks for the power company to receive the equipment for the lights and the lights will be changed out at a rate of 30 lights per week until project completion. Once installed, the lights will reduce the overhead glow that lights the sky and disorients sea turtle hatchlings who mistake the sky glow for the light of the moon on the water’s surface. Instead of using their limited energy to make their way to the ocean, the tiny turtles move toward the artificial light and a high potential for death. The LED lights, rather than glowing, produce brighter illumination, but that light is directed downward, toward the street instead of spreading up and out. The lights also are able to be tilted up to 5 percent from their original position and can be shaded if needed near beach areas to keep the light from affecting the sea turtles. Tokajer said the new lights also will prevent street lights from being turned off during sea turtle nesting season, May 1 through Oct. 31, to reduce the artificial glow. Though turning off the lights is necessary to help the sea turtles, he said it concerns him that it creates a safety hazard for people traveling along Island traffic lanes and the sides of the roadways.
“They will never be turning off the lights ever again,” Tokajer said. Holmes Beach is the first of the three Island cities to formally accept FPL’s offer, though Tokajer said the power company’s representative had meetings scheduled with the other two city governments. Kihm said while he’s in favor of helping the sea turtles, he’d like to see one installed at night before approving installation of the new LED lights throughout the city. “I’m fully in support of the concept,” he said. “The LED is so much brighter,” Commissioner Pat Morton said. “You’d be surprised how much it lights up. The LED lighting is awesome in my opinion.” Both Johnson and Commissioner Carol Soustek spoke in favor of going ahead with the lighting contract. Soustek said she saw the display model of the proposed lighting at a Holmes Beach Code Enforcement public forum and was impressed with the illumination and possibilities to help both people and local wildlife. “I don’t want to hold off. We’re the first city. I know that his worries will be alleviated when he sees the light,” she said of Kihm’s concerns.
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Missing bollards mystery stumps scenic highway management Manatee County law enforcement and members of the Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity are looking for information on who is removing wooden bollards on the Palma Sola Causeway. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
MANATEE COUNTY – The mystery of the missing bollards on the Palma Sola Causeway continues to haunt county law enforcement and members of the Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity. For the past several months, members of the scenic highway group have noticed several bollards being removed on the south side of Manatee Avenue along the Palma Sola Causeway. Co-Chair Ingrid McClellan said she’s found several of the missing bollards floating in the water along the shoreline after they’ve been removed and tossed into the waves. Now McClellan and the other scenic highway members are banding together with law enforcement to find the culprit. While people have been observed using the newly cleared space where bollards used to be as a makeshift small
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A photo taken along the Palma Sola Scenic Highway shows a small watercraft trailer being driven through where bollards were removed to retrieve an ultralight aircraft.
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
Bollards continue to disappear from the south side of the Palma Sola Causeway. craft launch, information is still sought to show the bollards actively being removed. The area is patrolled primarily by the Bradenton Police Department along with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Department. In the meantime, Manatee County Property Management and Public Works employees have come up with a harder to remove barrier to keep watercraft launches along the Causeway limited to designated areas. In places where bollard removal is common, the
wooden pieces have been replaced with trash cans. The cans are encased in a concrete base that is set several inches into the sand to discourage would-be vandals from removing them. At McClellan’s request, a new tactic is being used to keep bollards in the ground once installed. County workers are installing rebar along the bottom of the wooden bollards, buried under the sand so that it will be more difficult, if not impossible for vandals to remove the bollards. This new approach is
being taken as bollards are replaced along the Palma Sola Causeway. McClellan said she hopes the vandal is stopped soon to help prevent more work for county employees along with eliminating the additional costs to replace bollards. Anyone with photos or videos of the bollards being removed is asked to share the information with The Sun or McClellan at arborist@manateebeautiful.com.
Congratulations, Amanda and Hunter Hunter Hardy and Amanda Brown were married on Oct. 7, 2017, in Port Allen, La., at a plantation on the Mississippi River. Hunter is the oldest of four boys born to Dan and Kay Kay and was raised on Anna Maria Island, where his parents have resided for 32 years. Amanda is the daughter of Tim Brown, of Bradenton, and Cheryl (Rainey) Schafer, of central Louisiana. Hunter and Amanda met when attending a church youth group while in high school and remained sweethearts throughout. The couple honeymooned in Scotland. They currently reside in Pinellas Park, where Hunter is employed as an electrical and computer engineer, and Amanda is working in the insurance industry. PHOTO | SUBMITTED
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Class project Ms. Paul’s third-grade class at Anna Maria Elementary School planted watermelon seeds while studying plant life. From left to right: Isabel Perez, Faith Owens and Charlie Rogers.
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Officers educate local children with radKIDS program With a successful first run of the radKIDS program behind them, Holmes Beach police officers hope to expand the program by bringing it to community organizations and eventually Manatee County Schools. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Holmes Beach police officers want to teach children how to be safe in an emergency and how to stand up for themselves when necessary. They’re doing this through teaching a self-empowerment course, radKIDS, that is geared specifically toward children. “Everything is taught through the eyes of a child,” Holmes Beach Police Officer Josh Fleischer said. Fleischer, along with Sgt. Vern McGowan, completed the training to become a certified radKIDS instructor. The two, along with fellow instructor Tami Goudy, took the program to The Center of Anna Maria Island, reaching more than two dozen children over the course of the program’s six weeks. “The Center has been great to have us here and donate gym space,” McGowan said. The launch of the program at The Center was what McGowan called a “trial run.” Now that instructors have one full-length seminar under their belts, their next goal is to bring it to local schools where, if approved by members of the Manatee County School Board, radKIDS can be taught as a physical education elective. The purpose of the program isn’t to teach children selfdefense, McGowan said. What
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
Young participants line up to try their hands at punching a bag, pretending it’s someone who wants to do them harm, while yelling to get the attention of other grownups nearby. it’s designed to do is help children recognize and respond to dangerous situations, even if an adult is involved. Because children are used to adults being in charge he said it’s sometimes more difficult for children to standup for themselves or escape a potentially harmful situation. The program also addresses bullying and helps youngsters to recognize and deal with negativity in a positive, nonviolent way. Some of the things covered over the course of the program include determining what an emergency is, how and when to dial 911, creating an emergency escape route from the home and identifying places to hide where children feel safe. Officers also discussed determining a safe word between the child and parents to help identify anyone who approaches claiming to be a friend. Another skill is how to identify and respond to strangers. “Anyone can be a stranger,”
Fleischer said. “It’s not what a person looks like, it’s what they do that makes them a stranger.” Officers taught participants some of the common tricks strangers try to play on children, such as asking for help or luring them away with a treat, and how to get away by distracting the stranger. Distraction techniques include running to a safe place, yelling, kicking the stranger or punching. Anything the child can do to surprise the attacker could give the child an opportunity to get away, Goudy said. McGowan said he hopes the value of the program will be realized by the community, allowing the instructors more opportunities to teach and help empower local children to protect their own safety at home, school and when out and about. “It’s a really good program,” he said. “It’s important to teach kids these skills to help keep them safe. For more information on radKIDS, visit www.radkids.org.
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OUTDOORS
MAY 30, 2018
Captains for Clean Water W
hen we’re not fishing we love to read about fishing. We devour articles, books, websites and blogs for enjoyment and to learn about new fisheries and ways to increase our catch. We spend a lot of time on piscatorial pursuits and a fair amount of money on our boats, tackle, flies and all the other thing we anglers just can’t live without. I don’t see that changing anytime soon, but I do see the necessity of investing some of our time and money to help protect our passion. Fortunately, there are a lot of committed anglers out there that have our back. The other night, I was introduced to one organization of anglers that is literally fighting for the life of some of Florida’s most significant and storied fisheries. I was attending the monthly meeting of the Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers and the program that night was a presentation by Anglers for Clean Water. Co-Founder Captain Chris Whitman and Port Charlotte based West Wall
Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS Outfitters' owner Josh Greer laid out the mission of the organization and its importance to fishermen, tourists, residents and business owners alike. The problem they are addressing revolves around the excess of water that has been created by years of misguided re-plumbing that was done by the Army Corp of Engineers on the sheet flow of water that traditionally flowed from Lake Kissimmee to Lake Okeechobee and then into the Everglades and Florida Bay. This natural flow was dubbed The River of Grass by author and celebrated conservationist Marjory Stoneman Douglas. While the scope of this article is too short to address the full issue, the prob-
lem stems from an excess of water that is channeled from Lake Okeechobee to the St Lucie Estuary, Indian River Lagoon on the east coast and to the Caloosahatchee Estuary, Pine Island Sound near Ft Myers on the west coast. In a strange twist that water which is devastating the fishery and habitat on both coasts is starving the Everglades and Florida Bay of the fresh water that is critical for the balanced salinity necessary for the proper functioning of those estuarine ecosystems. Whitman a Florida native and USCG licensed Master Captain, delivered a compelling case for all anglers and concerned citizens to get involved in reaching an equitable solution to this dire problem. He had a thorough understanding of the complex ecological, political and economic issues involved and punctuated his presentation with some sobering facts. In the past year, more acreage of seagrass was killed in Florida Bay than exists in Pine Island Sound. On the
RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN
Captain Mark Nichols, of DOA Lures, with a nice snook he landed in a healthy Indian River Lagoon near Sailfish Flats during a DOA Writers and Guides Outing. east coast, a once vibrant sea grass area inside St Lucie Inlet known as the Sailfish Flat is now a bare sand SEE REEL TIME, PAGE 33
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MAY 30, 2018
REEL TIME: Captains for Clean Water FROM PAGE 32
flat and yielding catches of fresh water tilapia. I have personally experienced these areas and remember vast sea grass flats that yielded impressive catches of sea trout, snook, tarpon and bonefish. Greer, a third generation Floridian, angler and business owner, punctuated the presentation with the economic impact a healthy fishery and environment have on the Florida economy. Each year, fishing, tourism and related industries generate over 76 billion dollars in revenue and are responsible for more than 1,300,000 jobs. All are linked to the health of Florida’s estuaries and the Everglades. Fortunately, there is a solution that will insure the health of the estuaries, the Everglades and Florida’s economy. Whitman and Greer laid out the necessary steps that can effect this change. To learn more about the problem, the solution and to lend your support, go their website at www. captainsforcleanwater.org. The continued vitality of Florida’s estuaries and environment depend on the involvement of passionate anglers who value this threatened resource.
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Boating course available The Anna Maria Island Sail and Power Squadron will be holding the America’s Boating Course starting June 11. This basic boating course, approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, teaches the skills and knowledge to safely operate a boat. Students will be taught federal and Florida regulations governing boating. Topics include required equipment, nautical terms, anchoring, trailering, aids to navigation, VHF radio and personal watercraft (PWC) operation.
Any person born after Jan. 1, 1988, operating a vessel powered by a 10 hp or more motor must possess a Florida Boating Safety Identification Card. Passing this course qualifies the boater for this certificate and card. The cost is $55 for an individual and $85 for two people sharing a manual. Students get to keep the manual. Classes are held Mondays and Wednesdays for five sessions starting Monday, June 11. All classes are held at the squadron building,
1200 71st St. N.W., Bradenton, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Preregistration is requested. To register for a course, call 941-383-1269, email amispsbridge@gmail.com or visit their web page at: www.usps.org/ annamaria. Click public education (second top menu option), then click course calendar (second top menu option), scroll down to bottom and click on pre-register. You can also find them on Facebook at Anna Maria Island Sail.
TREES: Compromise sought FROM PAGE 15
meeting, Leto said the future use of the one-story home being renovated has not been determined. During the meeting, Copeland again referred to the requirement that a grand tree must render a property unbuildable to be legally removed. He questioned whether the desire to add a pool was sufficient grounds to remove a grand tree. Vose said this could be addressed in the amended ordinance, but she cautioned that allowing grand trees to be removed for reasons other than building homes might lessen the effectiveness of the city’s tree
protections. “That is the definition of a grand tree. If we’re going to protect our grand trees, we have to say no on this,” Commissioner Amy Tripp said. Leto asked commissioners to consider how they would feel if they were being denied a pool because of a canopy tree he said only benefits the property owner. He also said he’s willing to plant oaks or other more desirable trees elsewhere on his property or on city property. “The canopy doesn’t just benefit the individual property owner. The canopy benefits the whole city,” Copeland said. “The formula for
replacing it is where we get into difficulty.” Copeland and Tripp said they’d feel more comfortable making these decisions if they knew the number and types of replacement trees to require. “If there’s isn’t room on their own lot, they can donate to the city’s tree fund the cost of replacing it somewhere else,” Vose added. “Whatever we can do to compromise,” Leto said. Commissioner Carol Carter asked if the decision could be delayed until the amended tree ordinance is adopted, and Leto said he was willing to continue his request at the June 14 meeting.
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OBITUARIES Richard ‘Dick’ Abraham Coury Richard “Dick” Abraham Coury, 89 years of age, peacefully passed away at his home in Bradenton, Fla., on Friday, May 11, 2018, encased in the love and care of his children. Dick was born on March 2, 1929, in Detroit, Mich., to Abraham and Theckla Coury. He attended Adrian College in Adrian, Mich., where he met the love of his life, Portia Beal, while working together at the local A&P grocery store. They were married on Aug. 19, 1950 in Detroit, Mich., where they raised their six children before relocating to Bradenton in 1995. Dick had many interests and talents which were reflected in his diverse career including banking executive, realtor, builder, entrepreneur and
BEACH BEAT ANNA MARIA
5/13, theft, 300 block of Magnolia Avenue. Two bikes were stolen from in front of the home. 5/15, burglary, 100 block of Crescent Drive. The victim said somebody broke into her house and stole a firearm. 5/21, possession of marijuana under 20 grams, possession of drug paraphernalia, 8600 Gulf Drive. The deputy stopped the driver for a taillight out. The driver
career management consultant. Dick is survived by his children, Michael (Carol) Coury, of Royal Oak, Mich., Angela (Mick) Blunden, of Farmington Hills, Mich., CJ (Mardi) Coury, of Holmes Beach, Richard Coury (Lisa McMillan), of Sarasota, Regina (Ron) Bruttell, of Bradenton and Gloria Esch of Warwick, N.Y.; 22 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren brother, John (Pauline) Coury. He was preceded in death by his wife, Portia, his parents, his brothers, Charles (Bud) Coury and Glen Coury, granddaughter, Jessica Marie Coury and great-granddaughter, Audrey Coury. Dick was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bradenton, Fla. He was a softball enthusiast, active umpire at 89, president of the umpire association and three different condo associations, volunteer sheriff in Bradenton and on the zoning board for the city. He was a Tidewell Hospice volunteer for four years. Love and caring for his family,
appeared to be under the influence of marijuana. The deputy searched the car and found marijuana and paraphernalia. The driver was unable to drive so the deputy called his parents to come get him. The drugs were confiscated.
BRADENTON BEACH
5/17, Baker Act, 800 block of Gulf Drive South. The family of a woman called the Sheriff’s Office and said the subject had made threats about jumping off a bridge. She said she was on Anna Maria Island, and deputies found her and took her into custody for her own safety.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR From Page 7
WEDNESDAY JUNE 6
Maria, noon.
TUESDAY JUNE 5
NEST nature days, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Salt Scrub, The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 9:30 a.m., $38. Preschool storytime, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Yoga and meditation, The Paradise Center, 567 Bay Isles Rd., Longboat Key, 10 a.m., $10. Reserve to 941-383-6493 or maryannbrady@ theparadisecenter.org. Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Free memory and lifestyle screening, The Paradise Center, 567 Bay Isles Rd., Longboat Key, 1 to 3 p.m. Reserve to 941-383-6493 or maryannbrady@theparadisecenter.org.
Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce June Networking Luncheon, Pier 22, 1200 First Ave. W., Bradenton, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., $15 for members and $25 for prospective members. Reserve to 941-778-1541 or info@ amichamber.org. Gentle chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, noon. Gulf Coast Writers, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 12:45 p.m.
THURSDAY JUNE 7
Veteran Services Information, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m. Zumba and mat pilates for seniors, The Paradise Center, 567 Bay Isles Rd., Longboat Key, 10 a.m., $10 per class. Reserve to maryannbrady@theparadisecenter.org or
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fighting for the underdog and serving those in need define his legacy. He was beloved for sharing his gifts of song, humor and boundless positive energy. A memorial Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on June 30, 2018 at 10 .a.m., followed by internment next to his wife, Portia, at the Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested in Richard’s name to Tidewell Hospice of Bradenton, Fla.
Steven C. Petree Steven C. Petree died on May 25, 2018. He was born on Feb. 3, 1955 to Claude and Florence (Lindamood) Petree in Monroe, Mich., and he spent his childhood and early adulthood in Michigan and in Tennessee. He was a resident of Cortez, Fla., since 1981. Steve was a loving and generous husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Hazel; his sons, Jordan and Ivan; his
CORTEZ
5/22, violation of a domestic injunction, 4511 123rd St. W. The female had a nocontact order from her ex-boyfriend. She contacted him and hit him in the face. She fled, but they met up again on top of the Cortez Bridge, and she continued to scream at him. She was arrested.
HOLMES BEACH
5/19, lighting code violation, 78th Street beach. The officer was called to the beach on a report of people shining lights on sea turtles from a two-story 941-383-6493. Didgeridoo Down Under with Darren Leibman, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. 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 to 7:30 p.m., $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Reserve to 941-778-1541 or info@amichamber.org by June 1.
FRIDAY JUNE 8
NEST Nature Days, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Intermediate bridge session, The Paradise Center, 567 Bay Isles Rd., Longboat Key,
grandson, Brayden, all of Bradenton; three brothers, Claude, Jr., of Tampa, Fla., Mark, of Knoxville, Tenn., and Allan, of Murfreesboro, Tenn. He was predeceased by his parents Claude and Florence and his brother, Paul. The family wishes to acknowledge Blake Hospital staff and Tidewell Hospice for their loving care. Steve will be greatly missed and remembered for his generosity, willingness to lend a helping hand and his ever present and infectious sense of humor. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 2, 2018, at Fisherman’s Hall, 4511 124th St. W., Cortez, FL 34215. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to Tidewell Hospice, Inc. “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches!” Proverbs 22:1. Condolences to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.
home. He found lights shining from the patio. He took photos and contacted the code enforcement officer. 5/21, burglary, Just for Fun Rentals, 5358 Gulf Drive. The suspect entered the business and took $166 in cash from the register while the employee was elsewhere. Police were called, and an officer found the suspect. He was identified by the clerk and arrested. 5/21, violation of code, Grassy Point, 3000 Ave. C. Officers on foot patrol found an apparent fish camp within the park. They took pictures to send to state authorities.
10:30 to 11:30 a.m., $10, includes coffee and cookies. Reserve to maryannbrady@theparadisecenter.org or 941-383-6493. Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Alzheimer’s caregiver support group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Sunset drum circle, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.
SATURDAY JUNE 9
NEST Nature Days, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Origami, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Fermented saurkraut and Vveggies, The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 10 a.m., $38. LEGO club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
SUNDAY JUNE 10
Beach Market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
MAY 30, 2018
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Exception recommended The Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board recommends City Commission approval of a special use permit that would decrease the number of required off-street parking spaces from six to three for a recently expanded home at 108 Second St. N. Property owner Herman Fernandez said he and his wife, Tanya, intend to live there full-time and do not need six parking spaces. The board recommends a stipulation that reinstates the additional parking requirements if the current or future owners apply for a city-issued vacation rental license.
Sign issue resolved The long-running debate over the Anna Maria Oyster Bar sign is over. Bradenton Beach Commissioners recently agreed the sign will be lowered, modified to look more historic, be lit from the top and remain in its current location near the historic Bridge Street Pier. The Oyster Bar will pay for the sign to be lowered and the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency will pay for all other commission-requested modifications at a cost not to exceed $5,000.
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B
REAL ESTATE
MAY 30, 2018
Taxes and second homes
y now, every homeowner should have had time to assess their tax position based on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 effective Jan. 1. If you haven’t, you have a lot of catching up to do, especially if you already own a second home or are in the market to purchase one. So, here’s a little review. The interest on second homes is still tax deductible as long as the total of the combined interest on both first and second homes does not exceed $750,000. The change for high end buyers is that the deductible amount previously was a combined interest amount of $1 million. The other change under the new tax regulations that could affect the second home buying market are changes to home equity loans and homeowners' ability to deduct the interest on these loans. Previously, homeowners did not need to declare how the proceeds from a home equity line was being used. Frequently, homeowners would use the proceeds from these loans to fund the purchase
Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER of a second home. Now, however, the proceeds from a home equity loan or line of credit are mandated to be used to substantially improve the home that secures the line of credit or home equity loan in order to deduct the interest on the loan. Usually, it’s the primary home that is being borrowed against to fund the second home, which historically many Florida second home buyers did. Despite this second home, buyers may still decide to use a home equity line of credit or loan to purchase a second home, even though the interest will not be deductible. It may be to the benefit of the second home buyers to fund the property this way rather than liquidating financial
accounts or obtaining another mortgage for the second home, which could put them over the $750,000 cap. Depending on the size of the mortgage, a separate mortgage will probably work better for most buyers based on the new tax structure, especially considering that interest rates are still very low even for second homes. Naturally, cash has many benefits in a real estate transaction, especially since there is no mortgage contingency and properties can close faster. You always have the option of putting a mortgage on the second home down the road, which also would qualify you for a home equity loan on the second home at some point, all of which will be tax deductible as long as you stay within the $750,000 limit. We are, of course, talking here about high end buyers with cash and the availability of other funds. With Anna Maria’s sales prices breaking into the $1 million dollar mark every day, we have a lot of second home buyers wanting to buy on the Island who are in this category.
There is something I wrote about several months ago when the tax bill was first signed, but I think it’s worth mentioning. There are economists that believe that reducing some of the tax subsidies for homeowners may actually increase the supply of homes that the market is struggling with. The theory is if the demand for second homes goes down since there is less of an incentive to benefit from a tax write off, builders will start building more primary homes. In addition, they argue that some current second home owners might decide it’s more cost effective just to make their second home their primary home, freeing up properties that will now be available on the market. If you are in any one of these situations, you need to consult a tax expert and someone who is very familiar with second home mortgaging. My job is to make you aware of what could impact your decision to purchase a second home, and I hope I’ve done it.
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Parking garage prohibitions move forward Bradenton Beach Commissioners will soon be presented with two ordinances that would prohibit parking garages. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – The city has taken another step toward prohibiting the construction of a multi-level parking garage anywhere in the city. On Wednesday, May 23, the city’s Planning and Zoning Board unanimously recommended future City Commission approval of an ordinance that would amend the city’s comprehensive plan and another ordinance that would amend the city’s land development code in manners that prohibit multilevel parking garages. In April, City Commissioner Ralph Cole proposed amending the comp plan and land development code to include city-wide prohibitions on parking garages. The rest of the commission unanimously supported Cole’s suggestion. City Attorney Ricinda Perry was directed to draft the proposed
ordinances and Planner Alan Garrett was directed to place a review of the ordinances on a future planning board agenda. Cole, Mayor John Chappie and Commissioner Randy White attended last week’s planning board meeting. The commission’s decision to proceed in this direction was preceded by former Planning and Zoning Board members John Metz and Reed Mapes’ ongoing efforts to place a citywide parking garage prohibition on the fall 2018 city ballot as a charter amendment question. City Commission adoption of the two ordinances would eliminate the existing ability to build a parking garage in either of the two zone districts that currently allow for parking garages. This would include the unpaved parking lot next to the Public Works Department that in 2016 then-Mayor Bill Shearon proposed as a potential location for a parking garage. Commissioner Jake Spooner later suggested the city consider buying the Joe’s Eats & Sweets property on Gulf Drive or partner with its owner to construct a parking garage. The public works location was
SUNSHINE IMPLICATIONS
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
In 2016, the parking lot next to the Public Works Department building was proposed as a potential parking garage location. deemed too small to accommodate a parking garage and the Joe’s Eats & Sweets location was met with strong objections from some city residents. Neither location advanced past the point of preliminary commission discussion. When reviewing the proposed parking garage ordinances last week, ViceChair John Burns requested additional language that preserves the right to have indoor boat storage facilities like the one at the Bradenton Beach Marina.
The planning board’s review of the two proposed parking garage ordinances could also potentially be used as an argument in the Sunshine Law suit in which Metz and Mapes are among the six named defendants. The lawsuit alleges Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach (CNOBB) members, who were also serving as city advisory board members, last summer violated the Florida Sunshine Law when they discussed and exchanged emails pertaining to a citywide parking garage prohibition. The lawsuit complaint notes parking garage prohibitions are city matters that could have conceivably come before the defendants in their official capacities as appointed city board members. The complaint also notes that Metz, Mapes and co-defendants Bill Vincent and Patty Shay were members of the Planning and Zoning Board that in April 2017 reviewed the updated Community Redevelopment Agency plan that references parking garages. None of defendants serve on the current Planning and Zoning Board chaired by Jim Lynch.
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ENTERTAINMENT
FAMILY FUN
Fellowship, 941-778-0719.
SENIORS TAKE THE WAGON
AT THE LIBRARY
The Island Branch Library, at 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, has a number of activities for young and old. This week’s listings include: • Friday, June 1, Mahjongg 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. • Saturday, June 2, Asolo Theater presentation of “Jungle Book-Live,” 11 a.m. to noon.; Tech Time, 2 to 3:30 p.m. • Tuesday, June 5, preschool story Time, “Beach Day,” 10 to 11 a.m.; Mahjongg, 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. • Wednesday, June 6, Gulf Coast Writers, 12:45 t0 2:45 p.m. Call the library at 941-778-6341 for information.
THE PARTY’S OVER, FOR NOW
CrossPointe Fellowship invites everyone to its Wednesday Night BLAST's End of Year Blow-out Party! on Wednesday, May 30, from 6:30 to Sunset at Bayfront Park in Anna Maria. There will be games and activities as well as hot dogs and chips for all. You'll want to wear your swimsuit. For more information, call Bryan at CrossPointe
Senior Adventure members and friends will take the van from Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, June 1, to take a private wagon trip through Robinson Preserve and visit the NEST. Call Kaye Bell at 941538-0945 to make a reser-vation. The van fee is $5, and the tour fee is $10. Lunch will follow somewhere in northwest Bradenton.
SUMMERTIME FUN AT THE BEACH
The Anna Maria Island Privateers will again host Snooks Adams Kids Day beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 2, at City Pier Park, at the end of Pine Avenue in Anna Maria. Get in the spirit of summer with a treasure hunt, a rat toss game, water balloon tossing, a water pistol fight, pirate tales and songs and a pirate costume contest held on the Privateers’ ship. There will be hot dogs, pizza and soda, and it’s all free, In 1954, Holmes Beach Mayor Willis “Snooks” Adams took a bunch of boys to the beach during summer school
MAY 30, 2018
vacation with hot dogs and they had some fun. It became a summer tradition and girls were invited too. When Adams retired, he handed the tradition over to the Privateers. For more information, contact Privateer Terry “Cookie” Rapert at 941-7050199 or e-mail moespride@verizon. net or the Privateer’s website www. amiprivateers.org and don’t forget to like them on Facebook.
TORTOISE TALKS
The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department is holding an informal program on Monday, June 4, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Valentine House lawn at Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton as they take their new education tortoise out to graze. In the wild, foraging is an integral part of a gopher tortoise’s lifestyle, so they encourage it as much as possible. Stop by and say hello, get a chance to meet him up close and ask any questions you may have. Learn all about what tortoises need to survive, how we care for our tortoise, why we have him and what efforts we can take to protect these important members of
our Florida ecosystems. This program is suitable for all ages. To register or for more information, email amy.may@mymanatee.org or call 941-742-5923, ext. 6044
SALT SCRUB CLASS AT FOLK SCHOOL
The Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, hosts JoAnn Mancuso with a salt scrub class. On Tuesday, June 5, from 10 a.m. to noon. Sea salt was a prized product in any fishing village. The women used this salt for more than just flavoring their meals. They made body scrubs, facial scrubs and used it in their baths to reduce stress and more. This is a process called thalassotherapy, which means the use of seawater in cosmetic or health treatments. In this class students will make an exfoliating salt scrub for the body, a soothing bath salt for the tub and a sea salt hair spray that gives the hair body, texture and en-hances its natural curl. The class fee is $35. Preregistration is required by logging onto www.FloridaFolkSchool.org.
Island Players plan next season
Saving lives
This year the Beach House restaurant in Bradenton Beach partnered with the Suncoast Blood Bank to help save lives through blood and platelet donations. Last week, Suncoast brought out its big bus and personnel to pose with BeachHouse General Manager Dave Gallagher, in the striped shirt with a beard and sunglasses, and his staff to celebrate. SUBMITTED
Helping hands On May 9, Manatee County Schools Migrant Coordinator Harold Medina picked up 50 bags of school supplies from the Roser Memorial Women's Guild. For more information, contact Margo at margowood1553@gmail.com or call her at 941-778-4570. SUBMITTED
The 2018 - 2019 season will be The Island Players’ 70th of bringing quality artistic productions to Anna Maria Island and surrounding communities. It’s the longest running theater group in Manatee County. Next season’s plays are: “The Unexpected Guest,” by Agatha Christie, Sept. 20 through 30; “Baggage,” by Sam Bobrick, Nov. 8 through 18; “I Hate Hamlet,” by Paul Rudnick, Jan. 10 through 27; “A Flea In Her Ear,” by Geroges Feydeau, March 7 through 24; “Present Laughter,” by Noel Coward, May 2 through 12. Season tickets are available now and until Sept. 1 by calling Peg at 941-778-7374. Officers elected at their recent annual meeting, held on May 16, were Sylvia Marnie, president; Peg Faarup, first vice president; Marilyn Moroni, second vice president; Linda Frank, recording secretary; Cathy Hansel-Edgerton, corresponding secretary; and Connie Camboni, treasurer. Board members elected were Dorothy Eder, John Hedinger, Diane Phinney, Ruth Stevens, Donna Grant, Miriam Ring, Barbara Gusie, Denise Handley, Rita Lamoreux and Laura Morales.
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MAY 30, 2018
Library rocks the summer The winter visitors are gone and it’s time to enjoy Island life on a slower scale. The Island Branch Library, at 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, has a series of family-oriented programs for kids on summer vacation and their parents on Thursdays at 10 a.m. A related program on Saturday, June 9, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. the Lego Club will include a music shaker craft to kick off the Summer Reading Program. • June 7: Didgeridoo Down Under with Darren Liebman. Didgeridoo Down Under is a high-energy, Australian-themed show. His performance combines music, culture, puppetry, comedy, character building, storytelling and audience participation. It’s interactive, educational, motivational and perfect for kids and families. • June 14: Elliott Smith, magician. A highly visual, entertaining, and interactive magic show by Elliott Smith. • June 21: Wonders of Nature with Matt Edmonds. A fast-paced wildlife show that highlights the beautiful natural world around us. Edmonds brings flying raptors, owls, white-necked raven, Amazon parrot and other birds. • June 28: Wildlife, Inc. The Braden-
ton Beach-based rescue organization will bring their screech, barn, barred and great horned owls and discuss the unique adaptations that make them perfect birds of prey, and distinguish them from all other birds. • July 5 The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department will have a show highlighting local animal and plant life. • July 12: Tampa Taiko Drums. A professional drumming ensemble that provides a presentation of an ancient Japanese art form with a collection of taiko drums. • July 19: Mad Science. Children will learn about the science of summer sounds like crickets, squirrels, birds and more. Audience members will make up a Mad Sounds Band to accompany their Mad Science summertime performers. • July 26: Out of My Hands with Gerard Tricarico blends choreographed juggling with magical illusions, Out of My Hands delivers a high-energy show that is both innovative and interactive.
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Island Library targets tweens and teens The Island Branch Library, at 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, has scheduled Saturday afternoon programs for tweens and teens from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Registration is preferred for this program. There’s a 30-person limit. The program includes: • June 1: Teen Tech Time (ages 12-18. Try out the library’s new green screen, video camera, and GoPRO. There is a new iMac available to use for editing as well. • June 9: Lego Day and DIY music shakers (all ages). Legos and games set up in the meeting room. Make your own music shakers craft. Summer kickoff for the Summer Reading Program. • June 16: Tweens: DIY marbled bookmarks (tweens ages 8-12). Make and design marbled bookmarks. • June 23: Tweens and teens board games and STEM toys (ages 8-18). Board games and the STEM/
Tech toys set up in meeting room • June 30: Teen craft: Mod Podge picture frames (teens ages 12-18). Take a picture with the library photo booth and create a Mod Podge picture frame to take home. July 7: Teen Tech Time (teens ages 12-18). Try out the library’s new green screen, video camera, and GoPRO. There is a new iMac available to edit and use too. • July 14: Lego Day (all ages). Legos and games set up in the meeting room. • July 21: Tween craft: Slime creation (ages 8-12). Make some slime and take it home. • July 28: End of the summer bash: library photo scavenger hunt. Come celebrate the end of the Summer Reading Program with a library photo scavenger hunt.
LO C A L LY K N OW N . G LO B A L LY C O N N E C T E D.
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS AND CONTINUING TO GROW Celebrating our second year of incredible properties, sales and service, Michael Saunders
'SQTER]´W %RRE 1EVME -WPERH 3J½GI I\GIPW EX QIIXMRK ]SYV RIIHW ERH I\GIIHMRK ]SYV standards.
OUR ANNA MARIA ISLAND OFFICE
SINCE OPENING TWO YEARS AGO
101 PALMETTO | $4,260,000 811 N SHORE DR | $3,200,000 520 BAYVIEW PLACE | $1,840,000 1282 GULF OF MEXICO DR | $1,500,000 207 FIR AVE | $1,500,000 217 MAGNOLIA | $1,495,000 524 VILLA ROSA WAY | $1,350,000 113 LOS CEDROS | $1,240,000 535 SANCTUARY COVE | $1,237,500 504 75TH ST | $1,175,000
7YVTEWWMRK PEWX ]IEV SYV %RRE 1EVME -WPERH 3J½GI WEPIW LEZI WMKRM½GERXP] MRGVIEWIH ERH TVSZIR XLMW enchanting location is growing and getting better. Being part of the fabric of this great community has brought Michael Saunders & Company full circle, providing what the island community needs ERH [ERXW JSV FSXL FY]IVW ERH WIPPIVW 3YV SJ½GI has seen record sales and achievements in such a short time, and it would not have been possible without the support of our great community.
811 N SHORE DR | SOLD FOR $3,200,000
524 VILLA ROSA WAY | SOLD FOR $1,350,000
207 FIR AVE | SOLD FOR $1,500,000
504 75TH ST | SOLD FOR $1,175,000
Anna Maria Island continues to be a Buyer’s market in all price points. We proudly serve the entire community, with a specialization in the PY\YV] QEVOIX ERH WIIMRK WYGGIWWJYP WEPIW VIGSVHW JSV XLI ½VWX XMQI MR ]IEVW Located in the heart of Anna Maria, our team of island specialists live, work and play on the island ERH XLI WYVVSYRHMRK EVIE :MWMX YW XSHE] XS I\TPSVI XLI VIEP IWXEXI STXMSRW [MXL PSGEP I\TIVXW [LS love this community.
MSC MORTGAGE | MSC TITLE | MS&C COMMERCIAL NEW HOMES & CONDOMINIUMS | RENTAL
6000 MARINA DRIVE • HOLMES BEACH, FL 34217 • 941.896.9981
8 8 8 . 552 . 52 2 8
michaelsaunders.com L I C E N S E D R E A L E S TAT E B R O K E R
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THE SUN
MAY 30, 2018
Anna Maria remembers Members of the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra provided the music as the crowd remembered those who made the sacrifice. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Patriotic music filled the air Monday as almost 400 people observed Memorial Day at City Pier Park. Members of the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra (AMICCO) played under a tent, and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Color Guard raised the flags of each branch of the military, with the United States’ Stars and Stripes first. The event was free and open to all as city staffers helped put it together and served cookies and bottled water. Rick Jensen, an Army veteran of 21 years, was impressed. “For years, people were down on veterans, but things are finally turning around,” Jensen said. “It’s really nice to hear people thank us for our service.” Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy introduced the wives of military personnel and veterans, and then he had the veterans come up by branch, starting with the Marines and ending with the National Guard. “I thought it was a great success and a good tribute to veterans and to our community,” Murphy said. “We had almost 400 people, maybe more, in attendance, which is probably the best attendance we’ve had at an event so far. The city staff did a remarkable job pulling it together. They really worked hard to make it a success, and it paid off today. “We were lucky that the weather held off and the flyover by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office helicopter was very
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
The crowd filled most of the 400 seats set up by city staff, and many said they look forward to next year's event. dramatic. All in all, it was everything we hoped for. It was inspirational, it was a great tribute and I was real pleased. My kudos go to the staff, they never cease to amaze me,” he added. Carol Conte, a businesswoman who lives on the Island, was impressed. “I came to the Veterans Day celebration last year, and like that, this event was well organized,” she said. “They did a great job on this one, and I look forward to more.” Veterans liked the event. “It was a great day,” said Korean War veteran Mike Casato. The music and location were perfect, and I look forward to next year.” The band was led by assistant conductor/concert master Jon Magendanz, and AMICCO President Dr. James Stoltie thanked members who came out. “We were lucky to get them to come out with the holiday, and it’s off-season,” he said. “We look forward to an opportunity to do this again.”
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MAY 30, 2018
CONCESSION: Fund request approved FROM PAGE 1
from the beach concessions at Manatee Beach and Coquina Beach for use for one-time projects benefitting the Island community. For any of the three cities to receive funds, the govern1-5 BEDROOMS * CONDOS & HOMES * WEEKLY & MONTHLY FAMILY & PET FRIENDLY
Personalized Property Management!
“Dear Coastal Cottages AMI team, Thank you all for everything you do for us!” Happy Homeowner of 4 properties on AMI
941-567-6253
C O A S TA L C OT TA G E S A M I . C O M
ments of all three Island cities must agree and present the ask as a unit. The recently approved list represents several months of work on the part of the Island cities’ leadership. “This is a big step for Anna Maria Island, getting everyone to agree,” Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore said. She congratulated the three Island governments on working together to agree on the list of projects and present the county leadership with a plan. County Commissioner Betsy Benac said she appreciates the focus on safety with many of the approved projects. “I’m glad that you were able to work it out,” she said. County Commissioner Stephen Jonsson also congratulated the Island government representatives on being able to come together to use funds that he said weren’t benefitting anyone, just accumulating. “It’s really refreshing to see you all work together,” he said. “We are very pleased with the outcome of the concession fund request,” Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said. “We’re getting closer to achieving our goal of $4.5 million for our pier.” During the May 22 county meeting, Murphy broke down the estimated total cost for the City Pier rebuild, which he said was “just about the amount of the city’s annual budget.” With $1.5 million pledged from Manatee County Tourist Development Council funds, $750,000 coming from state funds, and $500,000 pledged from Anna Maria city funds, that leaves $1.75 million for Murphy to come up with. In addition to the $333,000 from the county, he said he hopes more funds can be accumulated for the project from donations, FEMA and potentially the state historic board.
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“I don’t know how that’s going to come out,” Murphy said. After the meeting, Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie also praised the county commissioners for their support and the Island city leaders for their work. “You can’t go without saying that former Mayor Bill Shearon was part of the cities working together,” Chappie said. “It’s a great program that was developed by the county and it’s going for good causes, including pedestrian and public safety. It’s a boost for the community center as well.” At a Holmes Beach commission meeting also on May 22, Mayor Bob Johnson shared the good news with commissioners. “I have good news and it comes by way of the county,” he said. “It’s a good example of things coming together the way they’re supposed to. It’s there, we’ve got it, and the total runs about $1 million across the Island.” Johnson also thanked county commissioners for their quick consideration of funding the projects list and their support of the Island communities. County commissioners also can designate the funds for other purposes, which was demonstrated when they also voted unanimously to grant The Center up to $25,000 for a transit vehicle in a separate ask by the Island nonprofit for assistance in purchasing an additional vehicle for student and senior transportation. Center board Chair David Zaccagnino said he was surprised by the county commissioners’ choice to award the monies from the concession fund but he’s pleased by their support of the Island nonprofit, which has struggled in recent years to receive large amounts of government support. “We’re extremely grateful and extremely happy,” Zaccagnino said after the county meeting. He also thanked the county and Island city governments for coming together to support The Center. “A couple of months’ work is finally coming together,” Center Executive Director Chris Culhane said.
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SPORTS
MAY 30, 2018
Battle royale at The Center:
Progressive Cabinetry crowned champions BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN
The spring youth soccer season came to an exciting end Wednesday night at the community center on Anna Maria Island with the number one and number two ranked teams meeting up on the pitch for the championship. Coming into the battle, Bins Be Clean was the top seed looking to retain its status as the best in the league. Progressive Cabinetry, an arguably equally matched team finishing second in the regular season, had nothing to lose and a championship to win in the final game of the season. With three of the league’s award winners, Bins Be Clean did not go down without a fight. Goalie of the Year Victor Albrecht was recorded to have three saves in his team’s strong effort in the game. Overall MVP Jackson Pakbaz and Defensive MVP JM Feeney played a smart game for Team Bins Be Clean. Despite their best efforts, the team could not stop the critical and lone goal of Progressive Cabinetry’s Gregory Jordan. Progressive Cabinetry’s victory came with the assistance of Female MVP Lily Kawahata and Most Improved Liam Coleman. As the Island area kids finish their season, the big kids in the adult co-ed league start playoffs this week. Middle of the pack #4 Slim’s Place takes on #5 Ross Built Construction in the 6 p.m. game Thursday. The second head-to-head match up finds #6 Moss Builders versus #3 Sato Real Estate. At 8 p.m., #2 Lancaster Design meets #7 Mar/Kis Insurance on the field. The last game of the night pits undefeated first seed Legler Flynn against last place Acqua Aveda.
MONICA SIMPSON | SUN
Team Progressive Cabinetry, defeated top ranked Bins Be Clean to capture the championship Wednesday night. Pictured left to right: Ewen Cloutier, Laila Yavalar, Lily Kawahata, Assistant Coach Gary Harlan, Magness Rollins, Jack Whiteside, Head Coach Rick Cloutier, Kieran Cloutier, Gregory Jordan, Liam Coleman and Ava Harlan.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23 YOUTH SOCCER THIRD PLACE GAME Signarama Planet Stone
CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Bins Be Clean Progressive Cabinetry
1 4 0 1
THURSDAY, MAY 25 ADULT CO-ED SOCCER
#3 Sato Real Estate #8 Acqua Aveda #6 Moss Builders #1 Legler Flynn Law
(5-3) 8 (1-7) 2 (2-5-1) 1 (8-0) 5
#2 Lancaster Design #5 Ross Built #4 Slim’s Place #7 Mar/Kis Insurance
(6-2) 6 (3-5) 1 (4-2-2) 6 (1-6-1) 4
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MAY 30, 2018
THE SUN
Students take it outside The last two weeks of the school are hectic, even though testing is done in the classrooms. The competition went outdoors where kids had a field day competing at the burlap bag races, water relay, tug of war and the balloon toss. The competition is divided into three divisions; kindergarten and first grade, second and third grades and fourth and fifth grades. Here’s a look at some of the kindergarten and first-grade kids.
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
Clockwise from above: The tug of war is a team effort. Carrying water in a sieve takes speed and a gentle touch. This young man gets a cooling stream from the sponge as he carries water. The girl to the far left goes airborn in the gunny sack race.
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FUN IN THE SUN
Across 1 Harley rider 6 Approved 10 "The lady __ protest ... ": "Hamlet" 14 Where one may be taken for a private word 15 Golfer's warning 16 Slender woodwind 17 Fruity 12-Down topping 19 Drive or reverse 20 The "S" in "CBS": Abbr. 21 Little green veggie 22 Vast chasm 23 Craftsperson using scrap metal, glass, etc. 26 "400 Richest Americans" magazine 30 Nagging troubles 31 Nimble 32 Stick a toothpick in, as a snack 34 "Bye, Luigi!" 38 Tax filing option for married couples 41 High-school kid 42 "On Golden __" 43 Rodeo lasso 44 Film critic Pauline 46 "Town Without Pity" singer Gene 47 Restriction for quarantined patients 51 One who's done for 52 Old studio letters 53 Olympic sword 57 Ridesharing company 58 Feature of the time periods hinted at by the starting letters of 17-, 23-, 38- and 47-Across 61 Range in Europe 62 Country's McEntire 63 Cove, e.g.
64 Viral internet phenomenon 65 Former couples 66 Like yesterday's fashions Down 1 Parts of cote tales? 2 Kids' road-trip game 3 White wine apĂŠritifs 4 Cut and paste, e.g. 5 Word with room or center 6 Plenty of times 7 TV cop with a lollipop 8 Big Band __ 9 Rep.'s opponent 10 Bone-shaped treat 11 Follows orders 12 Browned bread 13 Word sewn on a towel 18 Composer's work 22 Dined 23 Spectator's bit of disapproval 24 Tony or Hugo 25 Judge's apparel 26 Like greyhounds 27 S-shaped molding 28 Ready on the vine 29 Poetry that doesn't
Answers to 05-23-18 Crossword Puzzle.
rhyme 32 Popular vodka, popularly 33 Square root of 100 35 Persia, today 36 Required poker bet 37 "__, can you see ... " 39 Zoo primates 40 "Divergent" films heroine 45 Oxygen is about 21% of it 46 Luther's sect: Abbr. 47 Duke or earl 48 Hr. after noon 49 Many a casino-owning group 50 Gumbo vegetables 51 U.S. island territory 53 Author Ferber 54 Buddies 55 Seers? 56 Ninety degrees from norte 58 Luigi's three 59 Whammy 60 Cry from a pup
MAY 30, 2018
MAY 30, 2018
CLASSIFIED
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BEACH YOGA ON Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www. thriveyogafit.com THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Lynn at 813758-3234 or lbrennan47@ gmail.com ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food. Donations boxes are lo-cated at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s.
BABY SITTER RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student. Call or text Isabel 941-5457995
BOATS: SALES & RENTALS BOATS ARE SELLING Very Well. Islandboatsales.net We Buy and Sell Boats. “Business On A Hand Shake” Islands-BradentonSarasota Dave- Owner 941-228-3489 2001 CROWNLINE 180 BR Bowrider with I/O Never been in saltwater. Maintained by a marina every year including regular scheduled oil/filter changes and tune-up. New battery, starter, prop, trailer wiring, trailer tires & spare. For pictures and details, see on Craigslist, https:// sarasota.craigslist.org/ boa/d/2001-crownline180-br/6585223296.html 224-209-1480
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
THOMPSON CLEANING SERVICE CommercialResidential-Marine. Island Based Company. Sea-sonal Deep Cleaning-Weekly-Occasional. Call for Free Estimate. 317-908-9483 AUTHORITY ONE SERVICES. Residential/Commercial/Vacation Rentals & Construction Cleaning. Also Power Washing, Windows, Paver Sealing & Roof Cleaning. Ask about your Senior Citizens Discount Call 941-251-5948 or 941565-3931
COMMERCIAL SALES RESORTS: Bradenton Beach 13 units $4,999,000. WAREHOUSE 9300 Sq. Ft. Machine Shop with heavy duty elect or Car Storage, So Many Possibilities. Near SRQ Airport $595,000 Island Real Estate Ask Alan Galletto 941-232-2216
COMPUTER SERVICES EMPIRE COMPUTER SERVICE Computer problems fixed in your home or office. The fastest friend-liest service around. Serving the Island since 2004. Call 941-739-6424
EMPLOYMENT
DRIVERS WANTED ALL SHIFTS 21 and over a plus. Apply at www.islandeats. net/driverapp or call 941201-8184 EMMANUEL UNITED METHODIST Church, 5115 Cortez Road West, is looking for a mature, self-starting person for a part-time custodial and light maintenance position. This position will work up to 30 hours per week and the daily time schedule may vary. A detailed job description may be ob-tained at the church office or an electronic copy is available from secretary.eumc@ gmail.com.
FAST PACED VACATION rentals office looking for reservations and office help. Ideal candidate is someone who is both great with people/customer service and also computer skills, preferably with RENTAL NETWORK SOFTWARE (RNS) experience. Please call or text 941-545-3582 for details. NAIL TECH EXPERIENCED – take over clientele at established LBK salon. Excellent long term opportunity, flexible schedule 941-387-9807
FISHING CHARTERS
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DECKOUT MASTER CARPENTER Everything Patio & Dock Decking Work Repair, Replace, Maintenance Work, Cleaning, Treatments, New Decks. Also Handyman/Painting work to home or office. Call RICHARD Bespoke Service 941-448-3571 Island Resident. FENCING, CAN'T GET ANYBODY? Wood, Vinyl. New or Repair. Call Richard. Free Estimates. 941-448-3571 Bespoke Services.
CAPT. MAC GREGORY Fishing Charters. Full Day, Half Day, Night, Inshore & Near Shore. 941-809-5783 U.S.C.G. Certified/Insured
BATH ROOM REMODELING. Anna Maria Home Accents. 25 years experience. Call 786-318-8585
GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES
LIGHTHOUSE PROPERTY INNOVATIONS LLC State Certified General Contractor (Lic. #CGC 1515821) New Construction, Renovations & Additions. Call 941-266-7500
ROSER THRIFT SHOP Open 9:30am-2pm, Tuesday, Thursday. 10am-1pm Saturday Donations preferred 9am-11am Wednesdays. 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Phone 941-779-2733
HAULING SITE CLEAN-UP to trash outs we can handle it all. Call us for your dumpsters/ trash needs today 941-7538772
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates. Neil 941-726-3077 RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-725-0073. KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CRC1327296. Call Jerry Kern 941-7781115 www.kernconstructioninc.com WALY PRECISION PAINTING: painting, drywall, stucco, and remodeling, commercial/residential, licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-4656324 www.WalyPrecisionPainting.us
HOME SERVICES BATH ROOM REMODELING. Anna Maria Home Accents. 25 years experience. Call 786-318-8585 GK HOME & PERSONAL SERVICES *Homewatch Service *Handyman Service *Landscaping & Irrigation Work *Pre and Post Tenant Cleanouts *Storm Board Up's ANYTHING you need help with give me a call! Local, Reliable and Professional 508-221-7486 THE HARDWOOD STOP Flooring installation services; Laminate, hardwood, vinyl and tile. Bath-room and shower. Virtually dustless FLOOR REMOVAL License and insured FREE ESTIMATES 941-227-0041 www. thehardwoodstop.com
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 esti-mates. 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 06/20/2018, 09:00 am at 1855 63RD AVENUE E. BRADENTON, FL 34203, pur-suant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. NORMS TOWING reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 1C4GP44G5YB537357 2000 CHRYSLER 1D4GP24R06B748990 2006 DODGE 1FAFP52U4WA239997 1998 FORD 1FMZU67E62UD26067 2002 FORD 1FTCR10U4SPB15139 1995 FORD 1G1ZT58F77F310862 2007 CHEVROLET 1NXBR12E02Z591063 2002 TOYOTA 2G1WW12E259221600 2005 CHEVROLET 3C4FY58B65T559035 2005 CHRYSLER 3VWRM71K69M132921 2009 VOLKSWAGEN 5S3ET13M252800368 2005 SAAB JHLRE38377C073144 2007 HONDA KNAFX4A63F5328165 2015 KIA KNAGM4A79B5122865 2011 KIA KNDPN3AC1H7133699 2017 KIA WVWMD63B55E003251 2005 VOLKSWAGEN NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: NORMS TOWING gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 06/27/2018, 09:00 am at 1855 63RD AVENUE E. BRADENTON, FL 34203, pur-suant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. NORMS TOWING reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 2G1WF55K259375295 2005 CHEVROLET 4T1CA30P37U129003 2007 TOYOTA 5SWBC162671002982 2007 FRONTIER KNDJP3A54H7444173 2017 KIA WAUDF68EXSA491064 2005 AUDI
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LOST & FOUND LOST THICK STERLING Silver Ring between the Moose and Beach House Restaurant. Call 941-2431444 LOST I-PHONE 8 Plus on Cortez to Gulf Dr to Holmes Beach. LifeProof Greenish Case. Call 224545-4274 FITBIT LOST THURSDAY February 22 on Bradenton Beach near Sandpiper heading south. Wrist-band is Plum color. Call 440901-8586.
MOVING & STORAGE MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-809-5777. TWO MEN and a TRUCK. Movers who care. Local and Long distance. www. twomen.com Call 941-3591904. We sell boxes!
PAINTING & WALLCOVERING PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free esti-mates. 941-812-0507 “WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Paperhanging/removal Faux fin-ishes. 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 BAYSIDE COMMERCIAL PAINTING. David Padyani Call 941-565-9446 or Larry Zimmer 941-2248123 Licensed & Insured DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-7057096
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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. AMI & West Bradenton. Certified Pool Operator. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-737-5657
COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Af-fordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893
PRINTING CUSTOM DIGITAL PRINTING "Your printing dream to reality" Specializing in Dye sublimation Print-ing. Graphic Design. Performance Active ware. Logo Design. Call Rhonda 330-550-4847
PROFESSIONAL PRESSURE & WINDOW WASHING AUTHORITY ONE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction and Vacation Rentals . Also available Power Washing, Roof Cleaning and Windows. Call 941-251-5948
REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE
FROM THE LOW $300’s. Only minutes from the beach, this new active adult community is perfect-ly located just south of Manatee Ave, off Village Green Pkwy. Perfectly designed, open 2BR or 3BR/2BA plus den & 2CG floor plans. Luxurious amenities, pool, spa, gym, pickle ball and fenced-in dog park. HOA only $209/ month. Models open daily. Contact us 941254-3330 www.MirabellaFlorida.com
AMISUN.COM
Call us today! 941-778-3986
INCREDIBLE NEW CONSTRUCTION Home on Pine Ave! Prime location to shops, restaurants, bay and beach! $2,400,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086
CANAL FRONT HOMES Holmes Beach - Key Royale GULF FRONT CONDOS Gulf Place, L’Plage, Vista Grande & MORE. Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 941-232-2216 INVESTOR'S DREAM and only 4 houses from the beach, adorable 2BR/2BA beach cottage in the North End for $629,000. Call Kathleen White Island Real Estate at 941-773-0165. AnnaMari-aSales.com PERICO BAY CLUB FSBO complete remodel 2BR 2B ss appliances, quartz counters designer backsplash $228,000 Text/call 551-427-0248
RENTALS: ANNUAL
3BR/2.5BA TOWNHOUSE CONDO, 1450 s/f on 2 floors. 2 pools, private beach access. Furnished or unfurnished. Washer / Dryer. Screened lanai & 1 car garage. Water, sewer, trash, basic cable, pest control included. Background & credit required. $2800/mo. $2800 security. First, last & security Longboat Key. Ask for Ed DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www. teamduncan.com ANNUAL RENTAL and CONDOMINIUM Association management serviced by (2) offices open 7 days a week! Contact junew@ islandreal.com – 941-3451295 - Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island, Inc. ANNUAL: CANAL FRONT HOME City of Anna Maria. 3BR/3BA Beautiful Home. Spacious & Bright on Oak Ave. 2 blocks to Beach and stores. Newly renovated . Available June 1. $3000/mo Call 941-321-5454 CONDO FOR RENT 1BR/1BA Condo Salt water Canal with dock Close to beaches $1200/mo No pets. Call 941-798-3776
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MAY 30, 2018
2BR 2 REMODELED BATHS, freshly painted Bayview duplex 1-7 month rental furnished or unfur-nished $1,700/mo Available June 15 call or text 551-4270248 1BR FULLY FURNISHED. Pool, Condo all utilities and fees. Beach access one block from beach. $1500/ mo. Annual Lease. No Pets Call 941-778-1915
RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bed-room. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455 ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fl Condos. Pool beach access, fully equipped $650-$800/ wk Redekercon-dos.com 941-704-7525 SEASONAL RENTALS AVAILABLE: Spring, Summer and Fall. CITY OF ANNA MARIA 2BR/2BA Bay Front. HOLMES BEACH 2BR/2BA 400’ to Gulf Bay. Horizon Realty of Anna Maria 941-778-0426 kringco@ tampabay.rr.com GREAT RATES! Weekly, Monthly. 3BR/2BA NW Bradenton. Call Grace 941-201-2190
HOLMES BEACH 1.5 BLOCKS to Beach. Completely updated 2BR/2BA. Available October 2018 to April 1, 2019. $4500/mo Nelson & Associates Real Estate. Call 863-640-1864
TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Or-lando $165. Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www.amitaxi.com ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all airports, appointments, casino, cruises, etc. Tampa $65. Sara-sota $30. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-779-5095
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MAY 30, 2018
BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY COMPUTER SERVICE
HOME IMPROVEMENT
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Call today to place your ad: 941-778-3986 MOVERS
HAULING
PAINTING
HOME IMPROVEMENT
TRANSPORTATION HOME SITTING / PET SITTING
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MAY 30, 2018