Anna Maria Island Sun May 6, 2020

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 20 No. 30

May 6, 2020

COVID-19 worse than red tide for tourism

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

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

These masked friends from Tampa – Caroline, Abby and Lesley – enjoyed lunch at Ginny’s and Jane E’s in Anna Maria on Monday.

Beach reopenings welcomed by most, questioned by some The three county beaches in Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach saw a measured amount of action on Monday.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Coquina Beach, Cortez Beach and Manatee Beach are open again.

By order of the Manatee County Commission, the county beaches and beach parking lots on Anna Maria Island reopened at 10 a.m.

Monday morning.

Public Safety Director Jake Saur closed the county beaches and beach parking lots on March 20 in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. But the beaches were never totally off-limits to

INSIDE NEWS 4 STEVE BORGGREN CARTOON 6 TROLLEY MAP

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OUTDOORS 14 REAL ESTATE

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ANNA MARIA ISLAND – COVID-19 has overtaken red tide as tourism’s worst nemesis in Manatee County.

For the first time since October 2018, when a persistent red tide was plaguing Anna Maria Island, tourism is down on all three Island cities and Manatee County, according to March tourist tax statistics just published by the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office.

Tourism in Anna Maria is down 46% from March of 2019, Bradenton Beach is down 64%, Holmes Beach is down 46% and Manatee County overall is down 52%.

The last time all four municipalities were down at the same time was in October 2018, three months into a red tide that began locally in early August 2018 and originated in late 2017 in southwest Florida.

The October 2018 red tide numbers were considerably less grim than March 2020’s COVID-19 numbers, with Anna Maria down 1%, Bradenton Beach down 24%, Holmes Beach down 16% and Manatee County overall down 3%.

March’s drastic downturn is in sharp contrast to February’s upturn in all four municipalities, when Anna Maria’s tourism numbers were up 30%, Bradenton Beach 4%, Holmes Beach 45% and Manatee County 16%.

Manatee County’s 5% resort tax, or tourist tax, is collected from owners of accommodations rented for six months or less who charge the tax to their renters - in most cases, tourists.

About 50% of the tax proceeds are allocated to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau tourism marketing efforts, with 20% allocated to beach renourishment. The tax also funds tourismrelated attractions such as Bradenton Beach’s Bridge Street Pier and the Anna Maria City Pier.

Manatee County totals include Anna Maria Island cities, Bradenton, the portion of Longboat Key within Manatee County, unincorporated Manatee County and Palmetto.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Seasonal Cortez residents Deb and Bob Bates spent time at Coquina Beach Monday with Bradenton residents Judy and Dennis Schultz.

Island residents, vacationers and those who found parking spaces.

Monday also marked the return of outdoor dining, with tables spaced at least 6 feet apart and indoor dining at 25% capacity according to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ phase one reopening plans, which

took effect Monday.

Many of the Island’s retail businesses also reopened Monday in accordance with the 25% capacity set forth in DeSantis’ executive order.

March 2020 tourist tax collections compared to March 2019 Anna Maria Bradenton Beach Holmes Beach Manatee County Total*

46% 64% 46% 52%

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

SEE BEACH, PAGE 15

COBIA ‘ ARE

VACATION RENTAL owner

PROWLING LOCAL WATERS. REEL TIME. 14

issues plea to mayor. 3 BRIDGE STREET to be closed

Wednesday through Friday. 10

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Anna Maria Island, Florida

The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper www.amisun.com

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Vacation rental owner issues plea to mayor Vacation rental operations are suspended until further notice according to the governor’s new reopening plan.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Vacation rental owner Carolyn Hodgson is among those who are upset that vacation rental operations are still prohibited in Florida because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ phase one plans to reopen Florida’s economy took effect Monday according to Executive Order 20112. Regarding vacation rentals, that order says, “The prohibition on vacation rentals in Executive Order 20-87 remains in effect for the duration of the new order.”

That order, issued on March 27 by DeSantis, states “I hereby order all parties engaged in rental of vacation rental properties to suspend vacation rental operations. Vacation rentals are prohibited from making new reservations or bookings and shall not accept new guests for check-in for the duration of this order.”

DeSantis’ original order excludes hotels, motels, inns, resorts, non-transient public

lodging establishments, time shares and long-term rentals of 30 days or more.

Two days earlier, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy had enacted a local emergency order prohibiting vacation rental companies from accepting new reservations through June 30.

During an emergency city commission meeting on Friday, May 1, the commission took no additional action regarding any existing or additional local vacation rental orders. When asked if his local rental reservations order remained in effect, Murphy said the governor’s reopening plan order overrules it.

HODGSON’S PLEA

Hodgson is the president and CEO of the Minnesota-based Freight Dynamic shipping company. She emailed Murphy Friday evening and copied DeSantis, Manatee County Commissioner Steve Jonsson and all five Anna Maria commissioners on her “Urgent critical message regarding short-term rental in Florida.”

Hodgson’s email notes she invested in two vacation rental homes in Anna Maria. One is on South Bay Boulevard and the other is on Elm Avenue.

“The only way I can afford them is to rent them out short-term,” she wrote.

GOOGLE MAPS | SUBMITTED

This is one of the two vacation rental homes Carolyn Hodgson owns in Anna Maria.

Hodgson’s email notes she follows the city’s vacation rental guidelines, pays state and local taxes, pays annual licensing fees and pays “many thousands of dollars” in property taxes.

“My monthly mortgage and escrow is nearly $20,000. I have invested over $3 million in property in Anna Maria. It is devastating me personally and financially not being able to safely rent my home and cover my expenses to do so,” Hodgson wrote Her email notes short-term rentals generate substantial revenues for local restaurants, retail shops, fishing charters and many other businesses.

It also says, “You are putting the owners into grave financial recessions. I am

asking you from the bottom of my heart, stop prohibiting short-term rental in Anna Maria. You will end up with foreclosures, abandoned homes, angry renters who will never come back and angry homeowners who invested in your town to be individually vilified.”

“Losing March, April and May will result in devastating losses. Adding June or July is toxic and extremely unfair. People will petition, they will protest and rally against the commissioners and governor and it will not bring you the kind of publicity you want or need. The vacation rental management companies will file a lawsuit against the city and state government. Their businesses are being destroyed by this prejudice and extreme unfairness and unwillingness to hear us out and let us make short-term renting safe and available. At least give us a chance to show you. If not, be prepared to reimburse us for our staggering losses and watch the city fall apart from it,” Hodgson wrote in conclusion.

MAYOR’S RESPONSE

On Saturday, Murphy responded to Hodgson and copied those who received her email.

“The city of Anna Maria is currently under SEE RENTALS, PAGE 17

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ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

Anna Maria pledges $25,000 to The Center The Anna Maria City Commission has unanimously authorized $25,000 in taxpayer funds to be provided to The Center of Anna Maria Island.

Executive Director Chris Culhane presented The Center’s annual funding request to the commission on Thursday, April 23. Culhane said the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic will result in an estimated $155,000 in lost revenues for The Center.

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MAY 6, 2020

The Center receives financial help

The Center got a little help from its friends the week of April 27 with donations from the Giving Challenge, the city of Holmes Beach, the Carter Challenge and the Melancon Challenge.

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

Pier lease bids to be discussed Wednesday At 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, Mayor Dan Murphy and the Anna Maria City Commission are scheduled to participate in an emergency city commission meeting to discuss the two pier lease offers the city recently received in response to its request for proposals.

The pier lease proposals submitted by Thad Treadwell and Mike Ross from the Ugly Grouper and Beach Bistro and Eat Here owner Sean Murphy were originally scheduled for discussion on April 23, but Murphy said then that he needed more information before making his recommendation to the commission.

When this discussion take place on Wednesday, the bid proposal details – including the proposed monthly rents – will be made public. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wednesday’s meeting will be conducted by telephone. The public is allowed to attend the telephonic meeting and is also allowed to provide public comment. To attend telephonically, call 1-646-749-3112 5 to 10 minutes before the meeting begins and when prompted enter the access code 341934149. Out of courtesy to others, please mute your phone when you are not speaking.

Sunshine fees hearing postponed until June During a telephonic Sunshine Law lawsuitrelated court hearing held on Wednesday, April 15, 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Edward Nicholas granted the defendants’ request to postpone an April 29 attorney fee hearing. Representing John Metz, attorney Thomas Shults requested the attorney fee hearing be conducted in person and not by phone due to the potential financial impacts the defendants face. Defendants could potentially be ordered to reimburse the city of Bradenton Beach for a significant portion of the more than $450,000 in legal fees the city incurred in its successful pursuit of a ruling that six former city advisory board members violated the Florida Sunshine Law in 2017 when discussing advisory board business at Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach (CNOBB) meetings. Nicholas said the attorney fee hearing will take place on or around June 10 either in person or by telephone if the courtrooms remain closed to the public because of the coronavirus pandemic.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Center of Anna Maria Island’s finances are turning around thanks to support from dozens of donors over a few days.

In a May 2 letter, Executive Director Chris Culhane said the week ended with more than $91,000 in donations, helping to quickly reopen The Center’s doors when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted without sacrificing programming.

“The Board of Directors, the staff and I are blown away and beyond grateful,” Culhane said in the letter. “I would like to personally thank each and every one of you for The Center’s continued success.”

During the week of April 27, The Center participated in the Giving Partner Challenge, finished the Carter Challenge, had the Melancon Challenge and received a donation from the city of Holmes Beach.

The Giving Challenge offered a dollar-for-dollar match on funds donated between $25 and $100 over a 24-hour period through the challenge website.

The challenge took place from noon on April 29 to noon on April 30. At the end of the challenge, The Center came in at 38 out of 678 participating area nonprofits with $76,938 in donations and $14,108 in matching funds to

SUBMITTED | ROSER CHURCH WOMEN’S GUILD

Margo Kingsley and Peggy Nash of the Roser Church Women’s Guild present Executive Director Chris Culhane with a check for $1,100 April 30 to help fund The Center’s programs. Matching funds from the Carter Challenge raised the donation amount to $2,200. end the day at $91,046. The Melancon Challenge, created by Holmes Beach residents Mary Catherine and Mark Melancon, matched donations received through the Giving Challenge up to $10,000.

The Carter Challenge, created by Anna Maria residents Bob and Carol Carter, ended at the same time as the Giving Challenge but matched donations of $1,000 or more given directly to The Center up to $10,000. The ladies of the Roser Church Women’s Guild stepped up and donated $1,100 to The Center during the Carter Challenge on April 30.

On April 28, Holmes Beach commissioners voted four to one, with Commissioner Jim Kihm dissenting, to donate $22,500 to The Center for the 2019-20 fiscal year. The amount is the city’s budgeted customary annual donation to the nonprofit.

During the virtual meeting, Cul-

hane spoke on The Center’s behalf, stating that the nonprofit typically needs $200,000 to make up revenue shortfalls from July through December. Before the COVID-19 crisis, which forced the nonprofit to shut its doors to the community in March, Culhane said it was estimated that The Center would end its fiscal year June 30 with $190,000 in the bank. With the loss of memberships, fundraisers and other programming, he told city commissioners that the new estimate is to end the year with $40,000-50,000, far short of the needed funds.

Now, with the funds raised through the various challenges, city donation and the anticipated receipt in a few months of a $150,000 donation from the estate of a private donor who passed away, The Center should be on good financial footing entering the 2020-21 fiscal year July 1.

AID offers assistance for local workers All Island Denominations (AID), a group made up of all the churches on Anna Maria Island, is offering financial assistance to help local unemployed workers during the COVID-19 crisis.

Assistance through the unemployment assistance fund is available to all Island workers - unemployed or underemployed - who have lost their income due to COVID-19 closures. To qualify, workers must fill out and submit an application form which can be obtained from any Island church, the employer

or by email from CrossPointe Fellowship, which is serving as the hub for application processing and fund distribution. Applications must be returned to CrossPointe, along with a note from the employer or the employee’s most recent paystub, no later than noon on Thursday, May 14. Applications can be emailed to covid@mycpf.org or mailed, with a postmark no later than May 9, to CrossPointe Fellowship at 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217.

Applications also can be dropped off

in person at the church during office hours. Funds will be distributed in person by appointment at the church.

All recipients must have a valid photo ID to pick up funds.

Donations to the fund to assist local workers also are appreciated and are tax-deductible. Donations can be made by check, payable to AID, at any Island church or by mailing it to CrossPointe.

For more information, contact CrossPointe at 941-778-0719.

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MAY 6, 2020

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Street parking remains closed in Holmes Beach When beach access parking reopens in Holmes Beach, about 2,000 spaces citywide will remain closed to drivers.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Beach parking may be opening to visitors but in Holmes Beach, beach access, side of street and right of way parking remain closed to drivers.

Drivers who illegally park their vehicles may return to find them towed or ticketed. Holmes Beach police officers are regularly patrolling city streets to enforce the parking regulations.

Once the COVID-19 pandemic passes and parking is reopened in the city, visitors and residents will notice some major changes.

During an April 28 virtual commission meeting, Chief Bill Tokajer presented a plan to open only the spaces needed for beach renourishment funding and leave much of the city’s parking closed, reducing

parking by about 2,000 spaces.

Tokajer said the city is required to have 364 parking spaces available to the public for beach renourishment. In the city’s beach access points, there are 473 public parking spaces available. When the pandemic threat is over, Tokajer said he plans to only open those 473 beach access spaces, which don’t affect residents, and leave right of way and side of the street parking closed on all roads on the west side of the city.

From 28th to 38th streets in the south of the city, parking on the side of the street and right of way will remain closed from East Bay/Gulf Drive west to the beach. From the public beach at Manatee Avenue to 52nd Street, parking will be closed west of Gulf Drive except at beach accesses. In the rest of the city, side of the street and right of way parking will remain closed on all streets west of Marina/Palm Drive north to the Anna Maria city border.

Once the new regulations are put into effect, Tokajer said his officers would monitor the situation to see if adjustments need to be made. He

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Currently, all beach access parking spaces are planned to remain closed in Holmes Beach until further notice. said the new regulations hopefully will ease beach parking and reduce traffic in residential areas.

Jayne Christensen, former chair of the city’s congestion committee, said that she’s “100% behind it,” and that the reduction in street parking in residential neighborhoods was exactly what her committee was working for.

“Thank you for doing this,” she said to commissioners.

“This is just a wonderful, big

step to bringing balance back to the Island,” Commissioner Carol Soustek said.

Commissioners Pat Morton, Kim Rash, Jim Kihm and Terry Schaefer all agreed that they are behind enforcing the permanent reduction in parking.

“I think it’s a great idea,” Kihm said, adding that if any visitors to the Island want beach parking, they’d better plan to come out early.

Tokajer said he’s already ordered

signs to be put up in anticipation of reopening the street end beach access parking and the removal of the no parking banners currently placed throughout the city. He added that the parking measures would not affect service workers, such as landscapers who are working at a residential property, from parking on the side of the street.

Another parking change that surprised even city leaders came when the Florida Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the county administrator’s office, put up signs on the south side of Manatee Avenue, prohibiting overflow parking from the Kingfish Boat Ramp.

In her May 1 report on the status of the city, Mayor Judy Titsworth said that FDOT gave Tokajer permission to cover the no parking signs across from Kingfish with bags. She added that the city will work with FDOT to come up with a safer, designated parking area for overflow parking for the boat ramp.

During that time, however, the historic overflow parking on Manatee Avenue remains open to boaters.

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MAY 6, 2020

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Reopen cautiously I applaud the breaking news update I just received from the Chamber of Commerce: the beaches are reopening for business. As a property owner on the Island, I know the need to stimulate the economy and elevate the morale of the people who live here. On the other hand, as a physician with five decades of experience, I am concerned about the risks associated with this decision.

The choice between health and wealth is a false dichotomy - we can have both. The proposed manner of the reopening, however, gives us neither.

Opening public parking and providing two-hour passes does not help the Anna Maria Island economy. Over-thebridge visitors are not going to eat and drink at our restaurants; instead, they will bring coolers packed with beer and sandwiches and leave behind a mess (and their germs) when their meter expires. The multiple shops on Bridge St., Gulf Dr., and Pine Ave. will not see any value from these visitors, nor will vacation rental properties. Supposing we are able to enforce the two-hour parking limit - the proposedplan invites 35 to 42 cars to our community per parking spot per week.

Multiply by 200 parking spots and three passengers per vehicle, and we're talking about exposing our fewer than 10,000 residents to nearly 140,000 potential carriers in May alone.

This, plainly, is a recipe for disaster.

The island would be wise to limit risk and stimulate business by: - Maintaining social distancing and using protective

measures such as face masks and frequent handwashing as businesses begin to re-open; - Keeping public parking closed; - Opening the beaches only to residents and renters who stay overnight.

Multiple-day visitors better fit into our community's needs at this time. These visitors fit the profile of those who will patronize our restaurants, grocery stores, and souvenir shops, providing income for retail workers, maintenance workers, and everyone with a stake in our small businesses.

Most importantly, the risk posed to our health is significantly mitigated.

Now -when our neighbors, our Island, and our country need us most - is the time for sensible, conservative action.

As we set out on the long road to economic recovery, we must remember: a journey through unfamiliar terrain begins not with a sprint, but with a single careful step.

Dr. Francisco Gomez Holmes Beach/Tampa

Thank you for giving On behalf of the families, individuals, and all those who will benefit from, or be served by, Center programs and services, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude for the unparalleled community support in this year's Giving Challenge put on by the Sarasota Community Foundation and The Patterson Foundation.

In this unprecedented time of economic uncertainty, the AMI community pulled together and raised more than $91,000 for The Center. The board of directors, the staff, and I are

AWARD-WINNING HEALTH & BEAUTY PRODUCTS

blown away and beyond grateful. I would like to personally thank each and every one of you for The Center ’s continued success. Your support helps The Center continue to improve and better meet the needs of our community in both creative and professional ways. Your support, given the current circumstances, is significant and will help us to continue to serve the community we all love.

Because of your generosity, The Center can quickly move towards re-opening and revive Center programming as soon as we are able. Because of you, The Center will soon continue its mission to enhance the overall wellbeing of individuals of all ages, while preserving a sense of community through creative programs and partnerships.

Special thanks go out to those that gave generously kicked off this year's campaign. Thank you to Carol and Bob Carter, Mary Catherine and Mark Melancon, Maureen and David Cote, Lauren and Jason Sato, Barbara Sato, Roser Church Women’s Guild, Christine Major-Hicks, Remi Drigan, Edie Watson, Karla and Clint Hurdle, Pat and Mark Short, Janet and Bob Kingan, Jeff and Lori Greiner, Marion May, Arthur Hibbs, Patty and James Hug, Becky and Charles Buky, and all the others who gave to this year's Giving Challenge or any other time this year.

Thank you for remembering and giving to us. We hope to see you all soon.

Stay safe.

Christopher Culhane Center executive director

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Drop us a line Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment? Is there something you need to get off your chest? Send us a letter to the editor and have your say. There are a couple of ways to do it. The easiest and most direct is to email The Sun at news@ amisun.com. Remember to put Letter to the Editor in the subject field. Or you can snail-mail 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.

MAY 6, 2020

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Our building may be closed, but our MINISTRIES continue!

THE GOOD NEWS We invite you to w ship with us online!

www.RoserChurch.com/worship

Every Sunday 10:00 AM Traditional Worship 5:30 PM

soulJourn Praise & Worship

Watch LIVE (interactive) or LATER! Call the office if you need assistance.

Call the church text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin.

FACEBOOK> follow> see first, join a group. Need help? Call the office!

The FOOD PANTRY is open to assist island residents/w kers in need.

The CHAPEL is open 9:00 to 3:00 weekdays f prayer & meditation.

Send PRAYER REQUESTS to info@r erchurch.com call the office.

Call the church office if you would like to talk to a PASTOR. A NON DENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY COMMUNITY CHURCH • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria [near Pier]

941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • Facebook @RoserChurch

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MAY 6, 2020

Details emerge on COVID-19 nursing home deaths

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – The Braden River Rehabilitation Center and the Riviera Palms Rehabilitation Center rank among the highest in Florida in COVID-19 deaths at nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

As of Sunday evening, there were 34 reported COVID-19 deaths among residents or staff members at nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other long-term care facilities (LTCF) in Manatee County, according to the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) daily data report.

According to data compiled from two additional FDOH reports, the Braden River Rehabilitation Center nursing home in Bradenton reported 13 resident deaths, one staff member death, 31 facility residents who tested positive for COVID-19, 11 residents who tested positive and were transferred elsewhere and 30 staff members who tested positive.

The Riviera Palms Rehabilitation Center nursing home in Palmetto reported nine resident deaths, no staff member deaths, 20 COVID-19-positive residents, 15 positive residents transferred elsewhere and 10 positive staff members.

As of Sunday, those two facilities reported 23 of the 59 COVID-19 deaths (39%) in Manatee County. Braden River Rehabilitation Center and two other facilities in Florida rank highest in the state; Riviera Palms Rehabilitation Center and two other facilities rank third-highest in the state.

Manatee County has consistently ranked fourth-highest in the state in LTCF cases and deaths, with only Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties reporting more.

On Tuesday, April 21, Dr. Jennifer Bencie, of the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County, told county commissioners about two nursing homes owned by the same company and reporting a total of 103 COVID-19 cases among their residents and staff members.

Bencie said some staff members worked at both facilities and some also worked at other facilities where residents and/or staff members tested positive.

“We need to keep an eye on the staff.

They’re the ones who are bringing it in,” Bencie said.

Bencie did not identify the two facilities that shared ownership, but Braden River Rehabilitation Center and Riviera Palms Rehabilitation Center are owned by LLCs

that share the same mailing address and registered agent.

ADDITIONAL LTCF DEATHS AND CASES

As of Sunday, the Casa Mora Rehabilitation and Extended Care nursing home in Bradenton reported three resident deaths, no staff member deaths, nine positive residents, three transferred positive residents and five positive staff members.

The Manatee Springs Rehabilitation and Nursing Center nursing home in Bradenton reported two resident deaths, eight positive residents and 12 positive staff members.

The Brookdale Bradenton Gardens assisted living facility in Bradenton reported one resident death, five positive residents, five transferred positive residents and no positive staff members.

The Bradenton Health Care nursing home on Cortez Road in Bradenton reported no COVID-19 related deaths, nine transferred positive residents and 11 positive staff members.

The Life Care Center of Sarasota nursing home in north Sarasota reported one COVID-19-positive staff member.

The Neuro Restorative Florida assisted living facility in north Sarasota reported one positive staff member.

The Residence at Bay Vue assisted living facility in Bradenton reported two positive staff members.

The Surrey Place Healthcare and Rehabilitation nursing home in Bradenton reported one transferred COVID-19-positive resident.

The Westminster Point Pleasant nursing home in Bradenton reported one transferred positive resident.

REPORTING COMPLEXITIES

The FDOH daily data reports that exceed 550 pages now only list by county the number of COVID-19 LTCF deaths. Those reports previously listed deaths and cases together.

Separate reports pertaining to LTCF deaths and LTCF cases are now posted at www.floridahealthcovid19.gov at the bottom of the home page. In the LTCF death reports, facilities are listed according to the number of deaths with no reference to location. LTCF case reports are listed according to county with no reference to deaths.

Depending on when those reports are published, the data contained in the LTCF reports may not exactly match the number of LTCF deaths listed in the daily data report.

MAY 6, 2020

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Where Family Pets Find Loving Care

(941) 778-2445 islandanimalclinic.com 5343 Gulf Dr, Suite 900 Holmes Beach

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MAY 6, 2020

Bridge Street closing for three days

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – As the reopening of Florida’s economy begins, the restaurants and other businesses along Bridge Street will have to work around a temporary street closure.

According to City Attorney Ricinda Perry, Bridge Street will be closed Wednesday, May 6 through Friday, May 8 to accommodate a street resurfacing project. The black asphalt laid down by Superior Asphalt will replace the fauxbrick Paveway street surface installed in 2016.

The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is trying to complete the street resurfacing project, the utility line undergrounding project and the brick paver installation project as soon as possible to minimize disruption to resuming business operations.

Classic Brick is scheduled resume its final stages of paver installations on Friday and complete that work along Bridge Street the following week.

The preliminary excavation for the installation of

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Bridge Street will be closed this Wednesday through Friday while the street is resurfaced. The utility poles along Bridge Street are expected to be removed soon.

brick pavers in the city-owned public parking lot behind the BridgeWalk Resort is scheduled to begin on May 11.

Perry said she expects the connections to the newly undergrounded utility lines to be made soon, followed by the removal of the existing utility poles along Bridge Street.

On Friday, Perry reached an

agreement with 101 Bridge St. owner Peter Ross that ensures the utility pole closest to that property will be removed rather than be left in place as previously feared.

“It’s taken a lot of hard work and negotiations, but the end is in sight,” Perry said of various CRA-funded Bridge Street projects.

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Order Your Local Organic Fresh Produce Box Gamble Creek Farms is now offering ORGANIC produce boxes each week. Pick up your box, packed with a balanced assortment of organic veggies, including salad greens, cooking greens, root crops, fruiting vegetables and culinary herbs. %ach BOX also includes a house-made pickled or fermented item from our commissary kitchen examples may include Sauerkraut, Kimchi, Fermented Radishes, Cucumber Pickles, Fermented Sliced Beets.

$30.00 Per B ox! gamble creek

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SandBarDining.com/ organic-produce

Orders are delivered to the restaurants on Thursdays and can be picked up after 12pm. Box contents are farmer's choice and are not individually customizable.

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MAY 6, 2020

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Commissioners give relief to local businesses Holmes Beach commissioners agreed April 28 to not charge businesses fees for the city’s business tax receipt program for renewals and new registrations in the 2020-21 fiscal year.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Commissioners agreed during an April 28 virtual work session to do away with the fees associated with the city’s business tax receipt (BTR) program, but only for

BEACH BEAT BRADENTON BEACH

4/22, domestic disturbance, battery on a law enforcement officer, 2300 block of Avenue C. While on patrol, two officers were approached by a woman who said her husband was destroying the couple’s belongings and asked them to intervene. When asked if her husband had a weapon, she said he had a pistol.

When they arrived at the couple’s house, the husband, who was standing in the driveway, retreated to the garage. As the husband walked, one officer saw a bulge in his pants pocket and warned his partner the subject might be armed.

the coming fiscal year.

Commissioner Terry Schaefer brought the issue to his fellow commissioners’ attention as a way to offer some financial relief to businesses that might be struggling due to COVID-19 closures. Schaefer said he’d like to give the business owners a break on the BTR, which was set to increase by 5% when renewals are due in the fall.

“It’s an effort on behalf of the city to work with our businesses,” Schaefer said, adding that if nothing else, it shows that the city’s leaders recognize the financial hardship that business owners are currently operating under.

He did not suggest doing away with

As the officers gave the husband orders to stop, he took a fighter’s stance and the officers did the same, blocking the entrance to the house from the garage. Then, the husband removed a large wallet, not a pistol, from his pocket.

As they tried to get the husband to leave the garage to the driveway, he jumped on one of them and he fell on a lawn tractor and lawn equipment. The other officer joined the fray and the husband started punching him. He deployed two Tasers and the husband fought through the pain so the other officer deployed two Tasers and they were able to get the husband into handcuffs. By that time, Manatee County EMS, sheriff’s deputies,

the increase, which is now planned to go into effect for fiscal year 2021-22.

The city brings in about $45,000 in revenue from the BTR program. The 5% increase was approved to help cover more of the costs of administering the program. The work is done by the city clerk’s office to record, issue and renew the city’s BTRs. City Attorney Patricia Petruff said that she would draft an ordinance for discussion at a future work session that requires business owners to file for new BTRs and renewals without having to pay the associated fee.

and Holmes Beach police arrived and treated the officers and drove the husband to jail.

HOLMES BEACH

4/22, violation of state ban on rentals, 3601 East Bay Drive.

The code enforcement officer issued a notice to appear and evicted a renter.

4/22, burglary, 5800 block of Gulf Drive. Tools were taken from a rental residence.

4/25, driving without knowledge, 500 Manatee Ave. The license plate reader informed the officer of the infraction and the driver was ticketed.

4/24, domestic violence, 100 block of 31st Street. The officer answered a call about domestic violence and when he knocked on

the door, an “extremely intoxicated male” answered. He heard sobbing upstairs and found a female who said they had been arguing all day and it escalated to violence. The male said he didn’t know what happened and it must have been “that time of the month” for her. He was arrested.

4/26, alcohol on the beach, Manatee Beach, 4600 Gulf Drive. The officer answered a disturbance call and a Sarasota woman was arguing with a fisherman.

She had an open container of alcohol. The officer had her empty the container and gave her a citation.

4/27, violation of state ban on rentals, 209 71st St. An illegal renter was ordered to leave.

Offering the largest selection of spirits, wine & beer on AMI.

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MAY 6, 2020

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MAY 6, 2020

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THE SUN

OUTDOORS

MAY 6, 2020

The cobia

Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

A

s local water temperatures fluctuate between seasons in the spring and fall, savvy anglers know to start looking for cobia in area waters.

Often mistaken for sharks whose shapes and coloration they resemble, cobia are long and streamlined with a broad, flattened head. Their upper body is brown with a dark lateral line that extends through the eye to the tail. The brown fades to white on the belly.

Cobia range up to 6 feet in length and can weigh more than 100 pounds. While most anglers target cobia in the Gulf, cobia range widely throughout local bays as well, particularly near local passes. They spawn in the spring and early summer and feed on crabs, small fish and squid.

Several changes to the management of cobia in state waters in the Gulf of Mexico went into effect Feb. 1. These changes were approved at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) meeting last December.

The changes strive to enhance sustainable management of this fishery and were developed in coordination with anglers, charter captains and the Coastal Conservation Association, which had expressed concern about the fishery. The changes will apply to all state waters north of the Monroe-Collier county line.

Those changes include: • Making the recreational and commercial bag limits for cobia in Gulf state waters the same by reducing the commercial limit from two to one fish per person.

• Reducing the recreational and commercial vessel limit in Gulf state waters from six to two cobia per vessel, per day.

The 33-inch minimum size limit changed to 36-inch fork measurement in March.

CAPTAIN JUSTIN MOORE | SUBMITTED

Captain Justin Moore led Tampa angler Mark Ruffalo to this cobia on fly while tarpon fishing off area beaches.

Cobia have a way of surprising anglers, so it’s wise to have a rig ready should you encounter one.

Fly anglers who target cobia opt for at least a 10-weight outfit, although it’s possible to land smaller cobia on lighter outfits.

A favorite fly is a black bunny tied to resemble a small eel, one of their favorite foods. Anglers fishing conventional tackle most often use live baitfish and live crabs, another of their favorite foods. Cobia will also hit a variety of plugs and lures that imitate baitfish.

This is the beginning of tarpon season and anglers targeting tarpon should be on the alert for cruising cobia. Last week AMI Outfitters owner Steve Traves anchored his boat and jumped on my bow (following social distancing guidelines) on a sand bar bordering Tampa Bay. It wasn’t long before I spotted a cruising stingray with a nice cobia riding his back. Cobia use rays as camouflage darting off them to eat prey that rays spook.

After positioning the boat ahead of the ray, Traves made a cast

that landed just in front of the ray. He then stripped it to intercept the two fish and the cobia rushed over and ate the fly.

Unfortunately, the cobia came straight at the boat and Traves was unable to set the hook.

Later that day I was anchored up along another edge when a manatee came cruising down the bar with a 30-pound plus cobia “glued” to his back. I made a cast to intercept the cobia but hooked the manatee instead.

Fortunately, I was able to pull my anchor and get in front of the manatee, freeing my fly. I was able to get several casts to the cobia but this one wasn’t interested in eating.

Captain Justin Moore has been seeing cobia while tarpon fishing and advises anglers to pay attention to any floating objects like flotsam and buoys as well as structure including markers and artificial reefs. Cobia are a worthy adversary for local anglers.

They can show unexpectedly and be hard to target but put up a terrific battle and the smaller ones make great table fare.

www.amisun.com

MAY 6, 2020

THE SUN

15

BEACHES: Reopening welcomed, questioned FROM PAGE 1

The entryways to Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach and Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach are now staffed by county workers who hand drivers 5 by 7 cards with COVID-19 safety tips on one side and the handwritten date and arrival time on the other.

The dashboard cards provide county code enforcement officers the information they need to issue $25 parking citations to those who linger too long – with no tires chalked.

“Our goal today is to be courteous and helpful to the people who want to enjoy the beach,” Manatee County Code Enforcement Officer Zach Stiscak said, noting the goal is to educate beachgoers, not ticket them.

Construction projects at Manatee Beach and Coquina Beach have reduced parking capacity at both beaches. When a parking lot becomes full, entry will be delayed until cars leave and make room for others.

The main entrance at Coquina Beach is open.

Drivers can also pull through the Coquina South boat ramp parking lot and under the Longboat Pass Bridge to access the south parking lot.

The beach restrooms are open, but the concession stands are not.

With no gated entryways, enforcement of the two-hour parking limit at Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach was minimal.

The parking lot at Bayfront Park in Anna Maria remains closed.

BACK TO THE BEACH

Amanda Daughtry and her two sons were among the first to arrive at Manatee Beach Monday morning.

“We are out of the house and so excited,” she said, noting she didn’t think their beach visit would expose them to greater risk.

Bradenton resident Tina Miller sat on the beach with two friends

from Michigan.

“I am so happy they reopened the beaches. If you’re away from people and keeping your distance, you can be out in the open air enjoying the sunshine, water and sand. Thank you, Manatee County,” Miller said.

Manatee Beach was busy but not packed, and for the most part beachgoers practiced social distancing.

The same was true at Cortez Beach and at Coquina Beach, where Bradenton residents Judy and Dennis Schultz enjoyed beach time with seasonal Cortez residents Deb and Bob Bates.

“We missed it a lot,” Judy Schultz said.

“We’re snowbirds and we haven’t been able to come to the beach. I’m thrilled that I get to spend a couple days here before we go back to Michigan,” Deb Bates said.

POLICE PERSPECTIVE

The Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach police departments are not assisting with the enforcement of the two-hour parking rule. And Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer doesn’t think the beaches should be open yet.

Tokajer said that message was conveyed to county commissioners last week before they made their decision.

“Opening the largest playground in Manatee County for large gatherings sends the wrong message. The commissioners need to listen to the medical professionals who are telling everybody the numbers in Manatee County are still too high. Opening the beach indicates the virus is over and everything’s OK, but there’s still the opportunity for this virus to be spread to our workers at Publix, CVS, Walgreens and at our restaurants. That puts our residents, workers and officers in harm’s way.

“Holmes Beach will continue to have no parking on our streets, right of ways and beach accesses and violators will be ticketed and possibly towed,” Tokajer said.

Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale is concerned about the lack of parking at Coquina Beach.

“You’re going to get people from across the state who decide to go to the beach and they’re going to get here and find out there’s no parking because of the construction,” Speciale said.

Lt. John Cosby said, “People are ready to get out, they’re tired of being locked down. But the more people that come out, the more interaction they’ll have with all the Island’s law enforcement officers, and that puts our people at risk,” Cosby said.

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THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

MAY 6, 2020

Covid-19 and hurricane preparedness not the same

S

ince the middle of March, we have been filling our freezers to overflowing and our pantries with enough paper products to grow a forest in an effort to abide by social distancing and reduce visits to the market.

But starting June 1, that is all about to change. On that date through November 30, our annual hurricane season is upon us.

During hurricane season we reduce what we have in our freezer and refrigerator and stock up on nonperishable goods in the event of a power outage. These two preparedness events appear to be in direct conflict with each other and to a degree they are, but this is what we’re living through at the moment.

This Florida season is predicted to be more active than normal with 16 named storms above the average of 12.1 and eight hurricanes above the 6.4 average.

In addition, four of these hurricanes are considered to be major, somewhere between a Category 3 and a Category 5.

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER The average is 2.7. A weak La Nina is allowing storms to form more easily in the tropical Atlantic, which is warmer than normal, while the subtropical Atlantic is very warm. This analysis will be updated on June 4, so we can hope it will be better.

As always, getting your home ready for hurricane season is important. Adequate window and door coverings should be at the top of your list now. If a storm is coming your way remove any outdoor objects which can become airborne, such as furniture, plants, bikes, toys and small boats. Boats that are in the water ideally should go to dry storage. If that’s not possible secure the vessels with double lines and extra tie downs for boats on lifts.

Mymanatee.org is a wealth of information and recommendations on what you and your family should do in the event of an oncoming hurricane. Some of the highlights on their website are: disaster planning - know where your family is at all times; disaster kit - take important papers like insurance policies, licenses, passports and birth and marriage certificates; know where the emergency shelters are for your location and if you are responsible for a special needs person, there is a Special Needs Registry where you can be provided with transportation or assistance.

Also know what your evacuation level is in the event your home is in an area where the county is mandating an evacuation. And something I read on the Manatee County website which I never thought about before pertains to gated communities. There are many gated communities in the county with single family homes, villas and condos. Make sure your association maintains the proper access

system code allowing EMS, fire departments and police entry to your property in the event of an emergency.

Finally, flood insurance in our waterfront communities is imperative. If you have a mortgage on your property you will be required to purchase it as a condition of your mortgage, but even if you are not required it is something you should do. Flood insurance is administered through FEMA as part of the National Flood Insurance program and sold through insurance agents authorized by FEMA. Remember, if there is a hurricane or tropical storm threatening our area you cannot buy either homeowners or flood insurance during that time. So be careful with your closing date if you are purchasing a new home.

It’s been a difficult year so far and with an active hurricane season predicted it could become even more difficult. The best you can do is keep you and your family safe, prepare your home now and clean out the freezer.

www.amisun.com

MAY 6, 2020

RENTALS: Owner issues plea to mayor FROM PAGE 3

the Governor of Florida’s Order 20-112. This statewide order from the governor cannot be modified and/or made less stringent by either the Anna Maria Commission or myself for the period of time that it may be in force. Nor would the city commission or myself choose to lessen its impact,” Murphy wrote.

“We appreciate the courage our Governor has shown in issuing this order, as it is designed to protect human life, limit the spread of COVID-19 virus and is in the best interests and safety of our residents, your clients, our visitors and the general public,” Murphy wrote.

“In view of hurricanes, red tide and possible economic downturns, vacation rental investments have always been considered high risk/high reward. While I certainly can sympathize with the negative impact this pandemic has had upon your personal business ventures in our city, the governor’s actions are designed to protect human life.

I am certain you would agree that human life is more important than your next monthly mortgage and escrow payment on your vacation rental investment properties,” Murphy wrote.

In his response, Murphy said threats of lawsuits, protests, rallies and reimbursement should not prevent any elected official from protecting human life and acting in the best interests of public safety.

“These are indeed difficult times and require courage along with difficult decisions,” Murphy wrote.

THE SUN

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Preliminary dock repairs made Additional repairs and project engineer input are still needed.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Preliminary repairs have begun on the city's floating dock next to the Bridge Street Pier.

On Tuesday, April 28, a crew from the Hecker Construction Company began the process to fix the dock the company installed last July.

The return visit was necessitated by independent inspection of the pier on April 17 that revealed several missing bolts and nuts, missing or loose floats and other significant issues related to the original installation work performed by Hecker.

During an emergency CRA meeting on Thursday, April 23, it was agreed that Hecker would be given a chance to make the repairs called for in the independent inspection report received from Golden Marine Systems. Other options discussed that day included taking legal action against Hecker, paying Duncan Seawall, Dock and Boat Lift $163,797 to make the recommended repairs or potentially replacing the problematic floating dock with a fixed dock.

CRA Chair Ralph Cole then contacted Erik Shaffer at Hecker Construction. In response, Shaffer sent a crew out last week to make the preliminary repairs needed to shore up the center section of the floating dock and to address some immediate tripping hazard

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

CRA Chair Ralph Cole, left, was on hand when the preliminary floating dock repairs began. concerns.

When the preliminary repairs were discussed at Friday’s emergency CRA meeting, City Attorney Ricinda Perry said, “There’s multiple steps in the process. We’ve completed step one. Step two is to get (project engineer) Joe Foster out here and evaluate everything and give us a game plan. Step three is to execute that game plan with Hecker. Step four is to bring Joe Foster back and close it out under his engineering expertise. That’s where we’re at. That’s where we’re going.”

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THE SUN

SERVPRO safety Workers from SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch/West Bradenton/Anna Maria fogged 20 police vehicles, disinfecting them for Holmes Beach officers over two days on Friday, April 24 and Monday, April 27. The service was provided at no charge to the police officers as thanks for all of their work as first responders. “They’re on the front lines, we just want to make sure they’re protected,” Dana Scott said, first responder account manager for SERVPRO. KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

MAY 6, 2020

www.amisun.com

MAY 6, 2020

Turtle Watch offers Mother’s Day gift idea It’s tough to find ways to connect with Mom for Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 10, but one way is to adopt a nest laid by a mother loggerhead sea turtle on Anna Maria Island.

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring’s Adopt-a-Nest program offers a certificate of adoption that you can print and give to your mom. Certificates will be emailed daily, including on Mother’s Day.

A handcrafted, personalized plaque with your own message will be placed at your nest. After the nest hatches, she will receive the plaque, a personalized nesting data sheet with the nest success info and a letter of appreciation.

Donations are tax deductible and support Turtle Watch’s efforts to protect imperiled nesting sea turtles and shorebirds.

Sign up at http://islandturtlewatch. com/get-involved/adopt-a-nest/

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THE SUN

TURTLE TIPS

During sea turtle season, May 1 – Oct. 31, please follow these tips: • Turn off lights visible from the beach and close blinds from sundown to sunrise; lights confuse nesting sea turtles and may cause them to go back to sea and drop their eggs in the water, where they won’t hatch. Light can also attract hatchlings away from the water. • Don’t use flashlights, lanterns or camera flashes on the beach at night. • Remove all objects from the sand from sundown to sunrise; they can deter sea turtles from nesting and disorient hatchlings. • Fill in the holes you dig in the sand before leaving the beach; they can trap nesting and hatching sea turtles, which cannot live long out of the water. • Don’t use wish lanterns or fireworks; they litter the beach and Gulf. • Do not trim trees and plants that shield the beach from lights. • Never touch a sea turtle; it’s the law. If you see people disturbing turtles, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

BIRD TIPS

During bird nesting season, March through August, please follow these tips: • Never touch a shorebird chick,

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even if it’s wandering outside a staked nesting area. • Teach kids not to chase birds – bird parents may abandon nests if they’re disturbed. • Don’t feed birds – it encourages them to fly at people aggressively and is not good for their health. • If birds are screeching and flying at you, you’re too close. • Avoid posted bird nesting areas and use designated walkways to the beach. • Keep pets away from bird nesting areas. • Keep the beach clean; food scraps attract predators such as raccoons and crows to the beach, and litter can entangle birds and other wildlife. • If you see people disturbing nesting birds, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

NESTING NEWS

Turtle nests laid: 2 (Record: 534 in 2018) False crawls: 1 Nests hatched: 0 Hatchlings hatched: 0 (Record: 35,788 in 2018) Nest disorientations: 0 (City of Anna Maria nests are not being counted due to the 2020 beach renourishment)

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ILEXHURST 2409 Avenue C A & B Diane Fogo Harter 941-445-2431 A4462638 $665,000

W E L L S B AY H A R B O R 710 S Bay Boulevard Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4461640 $2,100,000

M A I N S A I L B E AC H I N N 103 66th Street 10 Kristi Berger & Deborah Capobianco 941-730-3801 A4452245 $572,125

N O R T H B E AC H V I L L AG E 6250 Holmes Boulevard 53 Jim McElhinney 941-773-1199 A4457253 $530,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 304 29th Street A & B Jody Shinn 941-705-5704 A4435660 $500,000

V I LL A S O F H O LM E S B E AC H 206 52nd Street 3 Kathy Harman 941-900-9828 A4464002 $989,000

M A I N S A I L B E AC H I N N 107 66th Street 12 Kristi Berger & Deborah Capobianco 941-730-3801 A4452254 $875,000

B AY PA L M S 7802 Palm Drive A & B Laura Rulon 941-896-2757 A4462950 $625,000

M A I N S A I L B E AC H I N N 101 66th Street 6 Kristi Berger & Deborah Capobianco 941-730-3801 A4452260 $600,000

W H I T N E Y B E AC H 6700 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 116 Maruta Miluns 941-374-9702 A4456442 $400,000

RIVERSIDE POINT 5473 56th Court E Tyler Hardy 941-201-4574 A4433047 $229,900

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THE SUN

MAY 6, 2020

Fire commissioners consider new building plans The first potential design is in for the new administration building, but commissioners aren’t sure how they financially want to move forward.

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

BRADENTON – A lot has been purchased, an architect selected and now the first rendering is in for the design of West Manatee Fire Rescue’s new administration building.

The design, created by architects at the Hall Darling Design Studio, tops out at 3,879 square feet and contains office and storage spaces for the fire district’s staff, a kitchen and restroom facilities and a meeting room with a separate entrance that is hardened to survive a Category 5 storm.

Chief Ben Rigney presented the design to commissioners, saying it meets the district’s goals of having a smaller administration building. He added that the quote of $1,469,708 to build the structure falls within budget for the building and keeps the district out of debt, while the hardened meeting room gives the district a base of operations in case of a hurricane. The previous administration building, which was sold more than a year ago, was 11,200 square feet in size.

Rigney said he feels comfortable the district can pay for the construction of the building without borrowing funds using

reserve funds and impact fees. He said an official not-to-exceed amount for the project is expected from the architects by August for commissioners to consider. If they agree to move forward with the project, he said the building could be ready to occupy by the middle of 2021. During the April 21 meeting, Rigney said he was looking for direction from commissioners to move forward with the proposed design and floorplan.

Commissioner Randy Cooper, who serves as the board’s liaison on the administration building project, said that while the floorplan as presented is a compromise, it’s one of the best he’s seen within the district’s budget.

While commissioners agreed they liked the proposed design, where they varied was in how to pay for the project.

Though Rigney said the district has the funds to pay for the construction project outright, Commissioner David Bishop said that with the current economic climate and drop in interest rates it might be more beneficial to borrow the funds and save the reserve funds that would be used to finance the building.

“Amen,” Commissioner Al Robinson said, agreeing with Bishop. “I’m in the amen corner on borrowing the money.”

While Commissioner Larry Jennis said he wouldn’t be opposed to borrowing the funds, Commissioner George Harris said he doesn’t see a reason for it when the district already has the money available. He added that with the effects of statewide shutdowns due to COVID-19 precautions, the economy may

WMFR | SUBMITTED

A rendering of what West Manatee Fire Rescue’s new administration building could look like was submitted by Hall Darling Design Studio for discussion during an April 21 commission meeting. experience a downturn which could potentially lower the district’s construction costs.

Robinson said he’s still not in favor of constructing a new administration building due to the cost and that he would like to continue looking for a pre-existing structure in the district to purchase.

Rigney said the total cost of the building plus fees and the purchase of the property is expected to come in around $1.8-1.9 million dollars.

“This is absurd,” Robinson said. “This is ludicrous.”

Bishop said that while it does seem expen-

sive, for a municipal building that has the amenities the fire district needs, including the hardening, he thinks the pricing is good.

Jennis agreed with Bishop, adding that what the district wants, a building that would survive a strong hurricane and still be usable, is a “specialty thing. It’s not a generic building.”

Cooper said he would work with Rigney to judge the feasibility of borrowing the funds for the project and bring options back to his fellow commissioners at an upcoming meeting.

WMFR commissioners discuss assessment increase Commissioners are weighing three possible options, including a zero increase, for district assessment rates for the coming fiscal year.

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

BRADENTON – West Manatee Fire Rescue commissioners held their first budget meeting of the year on April 21 and the hot topic was whether to raise the assessment rates for commercial and residential property owners in the district.

WMFR has a non-ad valorem assessment rate, meaning the rate is tied to the size of the building on the property instead of the property value, which is used to determine property taxes.

The amount the district can raise assessment rates each year is capped by personal income growth, a five-year rolling number used to estimate increases in

taxpayer income.

At the end of the meeting, commissioners were considering three different options – a zero increase, a 2.6% increase and a 4% increase in assessment rates. An option to increase to the allowable limit of 5.46% was deemed too high by commissioners and dismissed. Commissioners will vote at their May meeting to determine the assessment rate for the 2020-21 fiscal year.

At a zero increase, the district would be operating at a loss for the coming year, requiring the use of $189,436 in reserves on top of the estimated $7,285,989 in revenue from property assessments. This would keep the residential base rate at $190.57 plus $0.1124 per square foot over 1,000 square feet and the commercial base rate at $473.62 plus $0.2051 per square foot over 1,000 square feet. At current rates, the full assessment on a 2,000-square-foot residential home is $302.97. The rate for a commercial building of the same

size is $678.72.

The second option, a 2.6% increase in the assessment rate, would be the break-even point for the district, requiring no spending from reserves and bringing the total revenue from assessments up to $7,475,424.

Under this plan, the assessment rate for a 2,000-square-foot home would be $310.85 and $696.37 for a 2,000-square-foot commercial building.

The third option, a 4% increase, is the one that was recommended

by Chief Ben Rigney and the largest assessment rate increase being considered by commissioners. Under the 4% increase, commissioners would have an additional $291,440 in operating funds and would be able to add $102,004 to the district’s reserves to be used in case of an emergency. Reserve funds also are used to save for new equipment, such as a new fire truck, and to float the district’s operating expenses in the early months of the fiscal year before assessment rate funds are

received. Under this increase, a residential property owner with a 2,000-square-foot home would pay $315.09 in total assessments to the fire district while a commercial property owner with a 2,000-square-foot building would pay $705.87.

Due to the expected economic downturn as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, commissioners expressed concern that increasing the assessment rate at all could be a burden on property owners but also, that if rates aren’t increased this year and the personal income growth number goes down next year, the district might have more than one fiscal year where it operates at a loss.

Commissioner Al Robinson said he’s concerned about the burden on taxpayers if assessment rates are increased and then the district has a significant rollover from the current fiscal year. He asked staff to look into the past five years of financials to see what the rollover amount typically is for the district. WMFR

is currently at the halfway mark at six months in the current fiscal year.

For the 2020-21 fiscal year, beginning Sept. 30, Rigney said that he expects operating expenses to increase $188,653, including required raises for staff and anticipated increases in insurance and other benefits, along with expenses to set up the planned new administration building. He said he expects an increase in operating expenses of $221,009 for the 2021-22 fiscal year, which is also a negotiating year for the firefighter’s union.

After the expenses for a new fire truck expected to arrive in the coming weeks, Rigney said he doesn’t anticipate any additional large expenditures for equipment in the next two to three years or more.

Commissioners are expected to vote on whether to increase the assessment rate for the coming fiscal year during their May 19 meeting.

MAY 6, 2020

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 "... harmony in the motion and magnitude of the __ ... ": Copernicus 5 Out, perhaps 9 Maintain 14 Stable newborn 15 Particle in a beam 16 Lifetime parent 17 Asian tourist city 18 Initial game payment 19 Lengthy sentence 20 What included a top hat, for Lincoln?

23 Prohibition __ 24 Support gp. founded under FDR 25 Like Yosemite's El Capitan 26 Unvarnished inventions?

31 P&L report column 32 Symbol of ease 33 Part of a baby's Answers to 04-29-20 Crossword Puzzle.

repertoire 34 Stops lying?

37 One often stands alone in a split 38 Devote, as time 40 Gp. inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017 41 They're often seen on trees 42 Disposed of 43 Citi Field catcalls?

48 "The Night They Invented Champagne" composer 49 Mentalist Geller 50 Sch. in Manhattan 53 Joe-induced speaking clarity?

57 Get around 58 Food stamp?

59 67, for Beethoven's Fifth 60 Invisible turnout?

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61 Unlikely 62 Olive Oyl's mother 63 Wound up 64 Goes after 65 Go around in circles?

Down 1 18 or 21, typically 2 Court rival of Rafael 3 Bill for shots 4 Picket fence piece 5 Assembled 6 Small chocolate-covered candy 7 Classic accusation 8 Moccasin leather 9 Asked for ID 10 Victory wreath 11 Lestat de Lioncourt creator 12 Promises at the altar 13 YMCA part 21 Mongolian tents 22 Butter used to deepfry samosas 27 Agreement word 28 Mimicry 29 Geological time span 30 Scandinavian roofing material 34 Whistle-blower 35 Down with the flu 36 Deep South cuisine 37 Pesto ingredients 38 Poker-faced 39 Nave seat 41 New Zealand bird

42 Reception aids 44 1959 Fiestas hit 45 Followed 46 Confused mess 47 Ubiquitous YouTube

button ... and a hint to four long Across answers 51 Squeak or creak 52 Take back

53 Prop for Chaplin 54 The Bard's river 55 Biblical hunter 56 Atmosphere

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CLASSIFIED

ANNOUNCEMENTS

EMPLOYMENT

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

HOTEL ON ANNA MARIA seeking Housekeeper Full time, Part time. Must have two years experience. We drug test.

Must speak English. If no Answer, leave message.

813-735-4373.

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

BOATS: WANTED: BOAT LIFT/ DOCK SPACE/CANAL SPACE My wife and I are looking for a space for our 23ft boat. Looking to rent or purchase a canal space on Anna Maria. Please call/text 203-247- 6405

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 THC CLEANING : Residential, Commercial & Rentals. Professional and Reliable. Call 941756-4570

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE 13 UNIT RESORT: $3,999,900 Bradenton Beach on Gulf Dr. WAREHOUSE: 9300 sq ft possible Machine Shop w/ Heavy Duty Elect. Or Car Storage. So many Possibilities. Near SRQ Airport. $595,000. Island Real Estate call Alan Galletto 941-232-2216}

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

Call us today! 941-778-3986

JESSIE’S ISLAND STORE has immediate openings for full and part time cashiers for both day and night shifts. Apply in person at 5424 Marina Dr. Holmes Beach or call 941778-6903 THE AWARD-WINNING ANNA MARIA ISLAND SUN, a weekly newspaper on Florida’s Gulf Coast, (https://amisun. com; www.facebook. com/AnnaMariaIslandSun), is looking for a freelance reporter/ photographer to cover events on this tourismdriven island. The ideal candidate will have reporting and photography experience at a community newspaper and have some experience writing for a news website. Local residents or those with previous local knowledge and willing to relocate here a plus. Resumes and cover letters may be emailed to news@amisun.com or

by U.S. Postal Service to The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216, attention: Mike Field, publisher.

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CRC1327296.

Call Jerry Kern 941-7781115 www.kernconstructioninc.com LIGHTHOUSE PROPERTY INNOVATIONS LLC State Certified General Contractor (Lic. #CGC 1515821) New Construction, Renovations & Additions. Call 941-266-7500 MASTER CARPENTER. Decks-Docks-FencingStairs & Railing. Free Estimates. Handyman Work. Call Richard 941448-3571 JSAN CORPORATION Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors.

Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.

HOME MAINTENANCE. Tile and Laminate installation.

Popcorn ceiling removal, Drywall repair, texturing and painting. Call 941-7259876 COASTAL INTERIORS Trim, paint, repairs and more 27yrs experience Local 786-318-8585 ISLE TILE EXPERT INSTALLATION of floors, custom showers, backsplash, deck/lanai.

Licensed and insured.

References available.

Call Chris at 941-3028759 please visit website: isletileservices.com

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

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

Neil 941-726-3077 RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-7250073.

HOME SERVICES THE HARDWOOD STOP Flooring installation services; Laminate, hardwood, vinyl and tile. Bathroom and shower. Virtually dustless FLOOR REMOVAL License and insured FREE ESTIMATES 941-227-0041 www.thehardwoodstop. com GREEN INSTALLATIONS VOTED #1 by Yelp for last 3 years! Call 786-318-8585

MAY 6, 2020

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 STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell driveways and scapes. Also Rock, Mulch, & Soil. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067

LOST & FOUND LOST ON BEACH Beige Women’s Eye Glasses. $50 REWARD Call John 941705-6068

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

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

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

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident.

Quality Workmanship.

Interior/Exterior. Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315 CUSTOM PAINTING, Residential-Commercial, Interior/Exterior Professional quality work for over 40 years. Free estimates.

Call Larry at 941-400-8754.

References available.

POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 10 + Years Experience.

Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS AUTHORITY ONE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction and Vacation Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941565-3931.

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE CANAL FRONT HOMES Holmes Beach – GULF FRONT CONDOS Gulf Place, L’Plage, Vista Grande, SPW, 5400 – DUPLEXES & MORE Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 941232-2216 IMMACULATE WATERFRONT HOME 520 Kumquat Dr. 4BD/5BA 3928sf Coastal Beauty! Prime location on AMI. $2,750,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086 LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 28 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589 509 PINE AVE ,ANNA MARIA. $1,690,000. 2 Cottage homes w/pool. Zoned nightly rentals/Retail/Commercial. Furnished w/rentals in place. Virtual Tour Avaliable. Christine Kourik Re/max 941-538-7414

RUNAWAY BAY CONDOBradenton Beach $335,000 water view 2BR/2BA furnished. Virtual Walk thru Tour Available. Christine Kourik Re/Max 941-5387414

REAL ESTATE: OPEN HOUSE OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY May 10. 1pm-4pm. 7920 4th Ave W. Bradenton. Pine Bay Forest Condo. Gorgeous 1300 sq.ft. 2BR/2BA Condo.

Completely remodeled.

Beautiful coastal glam style with vinyl plank floors. Recessed lighting.

Brand New Kitchen.

Custom Touches like barn wood slider doors. MOVE RIGHT IN. $225,000 Call 941-7136531

RENTALS: ANNUAL

ANNUAL RENTALS WANTED! We have well qualified tenants for beach and mainland annual rentals, Full management or Finders fee.

Call today for details.

Ask for Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-7790304 www.teamduncan. com 2BR/1BA GROUND LEVEL condo in Bradenton Beach. $1400/mo. 1st, last, and security. $150 application fee which requires HOA approval. 2BR/2BA FURNISHED gulf-front 8 month lease starting May 1, 2020 $2750/mo. Call A Paradise 941-778-4800 WARES CREEK AREA 3BR/2BA on Wares Creek $1700/mo Available NOW. First, & 1 ½ security deposit. Credit check required.

Call 941-809-2488 HOLMES BEACH DUPLEX 2BR/1BA 2 blocks to beach (216A N. Harbor Dr).

Washer/Dryer hook ups, I Year lease. $1300/mo First, 1 &1/2 months security deposit. Available NOW. Credit check required. Call 941-809-2488 ANNUAL 2BR/2BA duplex off Cortez, 3.5 mi to beach. Fenced yard, W/D hook ups, covered parking, non-smoking, pet friendly. $1,100/mo. 941-721-8480 M-F 9-5, or email mehall@ nclaimsadjusters.com

www.amisun.com

MAY 6, 2020

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY COMPUTER SERVICE

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

THE SUN

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Call today to place your ad: 941-778-3986 PET SITTING

PAINTING

HOME SERVICES TRANSPORTATION

RENTALS: ANNUAL

ROOMMATE WANTED

ANNUAL/SEMI-ANNUAL Big POOL, Small Complex.

1BR Condo. One block to Beach. Water, Electric, Cable, Wifi included. $1550/mo. No pets. Call 941-704-7525

WANTED ROOMMATE 3BR/2BA condo overlooking water. Near Anna Maria Island. $800/mo. Non smoker. Call or text Lisa 704-491-6977

HOLMES BEACH ANNUAL Furnished 1BR/1BA. Kitchen, living room, Florida room. Spacious yard, quiet neighborhood. 2 blocks to beach. Includes washer/ dryer, wifi, all utilities. No pets/non smoker. First, last & security at signing. $1300/mo. Available June 1. Contact Linda 440-9837232.

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

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $195. Call 941-447-8372 or 941-447-8376. amitaxi4u@ gmail.com, www.amitaxi. com ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa $70. Sarasota $35. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne.

941-779-5095 AIRPORT RIDES- Tampa, St. Pete, Sarasota. Reasonable rates! Call or text Anna 941-932-1600

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www.amisun.com

THE SUN

MAY 6, 2020

the Team Duncan Difference!

Darcie Duncan Broker - Owner

Cindy Jones Sales Associate

Michelle Laade Sales Associate

Dee Munn Broker Associate

Katie Self Sales Associate

Paige Rogers Sales Associate

Martha Jones Sales Associate

April Green Sales Associate

Pat Short Sales Associate

Robyn Hawk Joey Hutchinson Sales Associate Sales Associate

✔ Local-Area Expertise ✔ Outstanding Customer Service ✔ Experienced Professionals ✔ Proven Performance

310 Pine Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216

TeamDuncan.com

941.779.0304