Anna Maria Island Sun May 8, 2024

Hundreds rally against consolidation, garage

City may charge commercial boats to use dock

Commissioners will hold a work meeting in June for further discussion.

BY LESLIE LAKE

SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The free dockage for commercial vessels at city docks may soon come at a cost.

A discussion of the $5,000 cost to replace several floats lost on the floating docks during high surf in April turned to the city’s overall cost of dock maintenance and the possibility of charging a fee for businesses using the docks.

“Five thousand dollars every time that happens, that’s a lot of money,” Commissioner Deborah Scaccianoce said at the May 2 city commission meeting. “This is happening more than once, and it seems like it’s going

to be a problem and we’re going to be chasing these floats constantly every time there’s a storm or a lot of wave action on that pier.”

Mayor John Chappie said he had received an update from Duncan Seawall General Manager Steve Porter that the replacement floats were on order.

“It’s a tough area to have the floating dock structure in there because it does get a lot of wave action,” Chappie said.

“It’s totally exposed to the northern part of Sarasota Bay. I’ll try to get an update on cost and maintenance, what we need to do to prevent some of this damage that’s been happening and try to mitigate the maintenance costs.”

City Attorney Ricinda Perry said she agreed with Scaccianoce and said there should be an established maintenance program, then suggested

SEE DOCK, PAGE 14

Hundreds braved the heat on May 4 to come to the Save Florida Home Rule rally at Holmes Beach City Field.

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

HOLMES BEACH – The Florida heat didn’t stop a crowd from gathering at City Field on Saturday to express their opposition to the Manatee County Commission and Florida Legislature consolidating or eliminating the three Anna Maria Island cities and building a parking garage at Manatee Beach.

The rally, held on May 4 by the Save Florida Home Rule grassroots activist group, brought hundreds of people to the pavilion, including residents, visitors, property owners and other interested community members. Even Manatee County political satirical figure Kevin-Kyle Kaczynski Von Oswald made an appearance to cheer the group on, carrying a sign that said, “Save Home Rule.” It was a sentiment echoed by all in attendance as Island elected officials, residents, city staff and a county commission candidate took the stage to share facts with the community on both issues and speak out

Ferry service

to Longboat Key discussed

Future ferry service to Longboat Key likely would be limited to the northern key.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

LONGBOAT KEY – Gulf Islands Ferry service may one day be expanded to the north end of Longboat Key, but that isn’t expected to happen in the immediate future.

Future ferry service was one of the topics discussed during the joint meeting that Manatee County and Longboat Key officials participated in on April 30 at the county administration building in downtown Bradenton.

Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione said the county and

the Town of Longboat Key have and will continue to discuss if, when and how the county’s Gulf Islands Ferry service might one day be expanded to Longboat Key.

Town Manager Howard Tipton said there have been preliminary discussions about using the town dock near the Mar Vista restaurant, which is also within walking distance of the Shore restaurant. Tipton plans to survey potentially impacted Longboat Key residents to gauge how they feel about a ferry stop there.

Falcione said the canal behind the Whitney Plaza along Gulf of Mexico Drive at the north end of the key is too shallow to accommodate the ferries and he doesn’t envision the ferries traveling to the residential and resort areas further south.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Hundreds of residents, visitors, property owners and others gathered at Holmes Beach City Field on May 4 to hear from local residents and Island elected officials on the potential for city consolidation and a parking garage at Manatee Beach.

Hunters Point prevails in dock permitting appeal

It remains to be seen if the Cortez Village Marina owners will give up the fight or appeal to the Florida Supreme Court.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

CORTEZ – Hunters Point developer Marshall Gobuty and his Cortez Road Investments and Finance Inc. (CRIF) ownership group have prevailed in a dock permit-related appeal filed last year by the Cortez Village Marina ownership group, MHC Cortez Village LLC. The appeal pertained to the environmental resource permit the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) initially issued to Gobuty and CRIF in 2021.

MHC Cortez Village LLC promptly appealed the water management district’s permitting decision and claimed the Hunters Point docks

would impede marina clients’ navigation of the canal.

The environmental resource permit allows CRIF to construct 32 new docks and replace 17 existing docks along the CRIF-owned constructed canal that surrounds the Hunters Point property on three sides. The yet-to-be-built docks are part of the ongoing Hunters Point development that features 86 LEEDcertified solar-powered homes.

Built in the 1950s, the canal provides Cortez Village Marina clients and others with their only direct water access to the nearby Intracoastal Waterway. Gobuty purchased the majority of the long-established canal when he bought the Hunters Point property from the Cipriani Family Trust in 2016.

Earlier this year, CRIF purchased from the Cipriani Family Trust an additional portion of the canal located directly in front of the marina. CRIF now owns the portion

MANATEE COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER | SUBMITTED

In 2016, developer Marshall Gobuty purchased the majority of the canal (highlighted with blue lines) when he bought the Hunters Point property.

of the canal that extends from the eastern edge of the marina property to the humpback bridge on 127th Street West near the Seafood Shack. Holiday Cove RV Resort owns the remaining portion of the canal that dead-ends at the east end of the Holiday Cove

on the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is recommended that the Southwest Florida Water Management District enter a final order granting Cortez Road’s (CRIF) application for the permit to build a dock in the canal and issue ERP Individual Construction Major Modification permit 43032468.003.”

property. MHC Cortez Village does not own any portion of the canal.

After conducting a multiday hearing in late 2022, Administrative Law Judge Bruce Culpepper issued a recommended order in March 2023 that concluded: “Based

In May 2023, the SWFWMD governing board entered the final order recommended by Culpepper. MHC Cortez Village then appealed the governing board’s final order with the Second District Court of Appeal in Lakeland. During the administrative hearing conducted by Culpepper, there was testimony and discussion about limiting boat traffic on the Hunters Pointowned portion of the canal to alternating one-way travel at specifically timed intervals. It was also noted there are

SEE HUNTERS POINT, PAGE 19

ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

The Pines parking lot is used by park residents and others.

Pines offers ‘today only’ paid parking

Paid parking continues to expand on Anna Maria Island, especially in Bradenton Beach. On May 4, “today only” paid public parking was offered at the Pines Trailer Park parking lot with a rate of $50 for three hours and cash payment only. According to Bradenton Beach City Attorney Ricinda Perry, the mobile home park owner is allowed to offer paid parking to the public. Perry said the parking lot, previously owned by the Jackson family, has historically been used as a parking lot for Pines residents and others with decals to park there. Developer Shawn Kaleta’s Pines Park Investors LLC bought the park and parking lot in 2023. “The Jacksons have historically charged residents. Changing the frequency or the amount or who owns the property doesn’t change the use. Florida Statutes preempt government from regulating prices if the use is approved,” Perry told The Sun, citing Florida Statute 715.075.

Anna Maria Commission meets Thursday

The Anna Maria City Commission will meet on Thursday, May 9 at 2 p.m. After general public comment on non-agenda items, the commission will continue its discussion on six proposed charter amendments. The commission is expected to adopt on final reading an ordinance that will grandfather existing CBD and hemp sales. The building department manager will provide an update on efforts to locally regulate mangroves and mangrove removal. The mayor will provide an update on the vacation rental legislation that as of May 5 had not yet been transmitted to Gov. Ron DeSantis to veto or allow to become state law. The mayor will also provide an update on the $1.4 million Reimagining Pine Avenue prototype bid recently submitted by C-Squared. To participate by phone, call 1-929-205-6099 and enter the meeting ID: 85392000280.

Walls, fences on P&Z agenda

The Anna Maria Planning and Zoning Board will meet at city hall on Wednesday, May 8 at 9 a.m. to review the city’s current wall and fence regulations, including gated driveway regulations. The board discussion was originally scheduled for April 24 but that meeting was postponed.

Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

Longboat Key officials suggest traffic flow options for Coquina Beach

LBK Public Works

Director Isaac Brownman suggests that gate closures at Coquina Beach could help improve traffic flow.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

LONGBOAT KEY – Citing a study concluding that the 1.7-mile stretch of Gulf Drive from the Longboat Pass Bridge to Cortez Road is one of the most unpredictable in the region in terms of traffic expectations, Longboat Key Public Works Director Isaac Brownman asked the county to join the cities in finding solutions.

Brownman made a presentation to Manatee County commissioners at an April 30 joint meeting of Longboat Key officials and the county commission.

“The MPO (Sarasota/ Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization) is conducting a congestion management plan update,” Brownman said. “And what they found was the Gulf Drive segment from Longboat Pass to Cortez Road is one of the most unreliable segments in the county – in the two-county region, in fact. And what they mean by unreliable segmentsit’s not one of the most congested segments, we already know that - it’s that you can’t rely on the level of congestion. Sometimes it’s four times what you expect, sometimes it’s two times what you expect, sometimes it’s what you expect.”

He said that the top complaint in the town’s annual citizen’s survey is traffic congestion.

“We wanted to bring to the county’s attention, that the Town of Longboat Key is going to be embarking on these discussions with Bradenton Beach and we’d love the county to be at the table as well,” Brownman said.

Gate closure at Coquina Beach was brought up as one option to alleviate traffic congestion coming in and out of Longboat Key.

Brownman said a simple, costeffective solution that will help with traffic is to close some of the access points at Coquina Beach, which is at the southernmost end of Bradenton Beach.

“The Coquina Beach parking lot is a very large beach parking lot with three access points. The center access points have a simple gate that can be shut,” he said. “That isolates each parking area from the other and keeps people who are in a longstanding queue from hopping into the southernmost access point and traveling 4/10ths of a mile to travel further north and jamming things up further.”

Brownman said when Manatee County park staff close those gates, there is a noticeable improvement in traffic flow.

“If that simple thing is done consistently throughout season from a certain time of day, it’s a significant cost-easy improvement from our perspective,” he said.

He said Longboat Key residents’ main concern is to get from Longboat Pass to the Cortez Bridge to get to the mainland.

“The FDOT is spending millions of dollars to upgrade Cortez Bridge and that will be a huge improvement,” he said. “They’re also planning the replacement of

the Longboat Pass Bridge which, depending on which option they go with, will reduce the number of bridge openings and closings which contributes to the congestion as well.”

“Take a good hard look at the Bridge Street traffic circle,” he said. “This would be the perfect time to look at the Gulf Drive and Cortez Road intersection. Even though the state is doing a major bridge project, they’re not looking at the end point intersection and how to improve that at this time.”

Longboat Key Vice Mayor Mike Haycock said much of the traffic congestion in season is due to employees of Longboat Key businesses coming to the area to work.

“To reiterate, in those 90 days of hell during season that everybody’s talking about, the people of Longboat Key decide in those 90 days not to go north,” he said. “Not to go to Anna Maria Island for dinner like we do many other times. For the workers that live in Manatee County who are working on Longboat Key, it can cause them an extra 1.5 to two hours to get to work, so any help you can give to support some additional studies to see what else we can do would really be helpful.”

congestion by keeping drivers from cutting into Gulf Drive traffic.

OPINION

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 8

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

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

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

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

THURSDAY, MAY 9

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

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

AMI Chamber Luncheon, Anna

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

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

FRIDAY, MAY 10

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

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

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

AMI Chamber Golf Tournament,

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

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

“Noah’s Rockin’ Ark Adventure,” Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY, MAY 11

Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon Tram tour, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

MONDAY, MAY 13

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

Sunset Tai Chi, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 6:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, MAY 14

Wild FL 101: Bird Songs, Leffis Key, 2651 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 8 a.m.

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

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

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

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

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15

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

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

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

Intro to Butterfly Gardening, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

THURSDAY, MAY 16

Seashell Shore Walk, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 9 a.m.

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

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

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

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

FRIDAY, MAY 17

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

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

Macrame plant hanger workshop, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

SATURDAY, MAY 18

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

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

Starry Night Astronomy, Robinson Preserve expansion parking lot, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 8 p.m.

ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

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

May 8, 9 a.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting

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

May 23, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting

BRADENTON BEACH

107 GULF DRIVE N. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005

Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information. May 15, 1 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting

HOLMES BEACH

5801 MARINA DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800

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

May 8, 9 a.m. – Clean Water Ad-hoc Committee meeting May 14, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow

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

May 22, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting

ISLAND-WIDE

May 9, 9:30 a.m. – ManaSota League of Cities meeting, Longboat Key Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key May 13, 2 p.m. – Island Transportation Planning Organization meeting, Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive May 15, 2 p.m. – Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting, Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive

Irrigation system to be installed on Bridge Street

CRA members approved up to $7,500 to install the system.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The 80 newly-planted palm trees on Bridge Street will need a regular watering schedule, and on May 2, the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) unanimously approved the expenditure of up to $7,500 to have an irrigation system installed along both sides of the road.

CRA members discussed the cost of the irrigation system versus the $3,500 three-week rental cost of a water truck.

“The CRA has looked at installing more landscape irrigation on Bridge Street. There’s been a lot of trees installed and some additional bushes,” Perry said. “It’s always become an irrigation issue when we come into that dry spell when we’re not getting rain.”

Water trucks come at a high cost,

she said, adding that some water meters already exist on Bridge Street.

“And now we’ve invested the funds for trees which we can continue to water and they should be fine once they take,” Perry said.

“In the event we come into a dry streak, I would hate to come into the expense of a water truck when we could get an irrigation system for close to what we would pay for a one-time water truck use.”

Perry said she received an estimate of about $5,000 from M&F Lawn Care for installation of an irrigation system.

“To me that’s a no-brainer to get that infrastructure in place and we know that we’re investing in the pergola and we will probably be doing some plantings in there,” she said. “I’m looking for an opportunity to strengthen and protect what we’ve invested and I saw this as an opportunity.”

Eighty coconut palm trees were planted in late April along Bridge Street and the Gulf Drive round -

abouts in a city partnership with developer Shawn Kaleta. Kaleta agreed to accept responsibility for the maintenance of the trees

as well as donate $10,000 toward the $50,000 cost of the palms and white river rock. The balance came from CRA funds.

Mayor John Chappie said that one of the things he looked at was doing the irrigation in the most efficient and cost-effective way.

“We can remove the pavers and dig down in the paver row and then put in the irrigation without cutting into any asphalt,” Mayor John Chappie said. “I would really recommend we do this; it will make a big difference and save us some money.”

CRA member Deborah Scaccianoce said it made sense from a financial perspective to install the irrigation system.

CRA member Ed Chiles made a motion with a second by member Jan Vosburgh to approve the installation of an irrigation system by M&F Lawn at a cost not to exceed $7,500.

There was no public comment and the motion passed unanimously among board members.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

A rental water truck operator waters the newlyplanted coconut palm trees along Bridge Street early Sunday morning.

Satcher files in supervisor of elections race

Satcher will face former elections office chief of staff Scott Farrington in the August primary.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – Interim

Manatee County Supervisor of Elections James Satcher has filed his preliminary paperwork to run for election to that position on a long-term basis.

On April 12, Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Satcher, a first-term county commissioner, to serve as the interim supervisor of elections despite having no prior experience supervising an election or managing an elections office.

DeSantis appointed Satcher to serve the remaining months of the four-year supervisor of elections term vacated by longtime Supervisor of Elections Mike Bennett, who resigned on March 1. Satcher’s appointed term expires soon after the upcoming general election in November.

On April 24, Satcher filed his one-paragraph campaign redesignation letter that said, “I, James Satcher, am resigning my candidacy from Manatee County Commission District 1 and filing a new DS-DE 9 for the supervisor of elections race.”

Satcher will face longtime Supervisor of Elections Office Chief of Staff Scott Farrington in the Republican primary race that concludes Aug. 20.

On April 16, James Satcher, right, was sworn in as Manatee County’s interim supervisor of elections.

Currently, no Democratic candidate or non-party affiliated candidate has filed to run in that race. If that remains the case, the August primary will determine who serves as Manatee County’s next supervisor of elections. If no non-Republican candidates enter the primary race, the primary will be open to all Manatee County voters regardless of party affiliation. If a non-Republican candidate joins the race, the primary will be closed to Republican voters only.

The winner of the race will serve a four-year term as the elected supervisor of elections.

The official qualifying period for election to a county office begins

June 10 and ends June 14. Farrington was in his 12th year of service with the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office when he resigned following Satcher’s unexpected appointment. To date, Farrington has raised $10,300 for his election campaign and he’s currently collecting the petition signatures needed to qualify for inclusion on the ballot.

Satcher brings to his supervisor of elections campaign $70,500 in campaign contributions he previously received for his reelection bid for the District 1 Manatee County Commission seat he was elected to in 2020.

REDESIGNATING FUNDS

According to Florida election law, a candidate can change the designation of the office they seek to another elected office. If the candidate received campaign contributions for the original office they sought, the candidate must notify in writing each previous contributor and offer to return their contribution.

Within 15 days of filing the change of resignation, the candidate must send written notice to all contributors. In that notice, the candidate must offer to return to the contributor, on a pro rata basis, all contributions given in support of the original office.

The candidate must include with the notice a copy of Form DS-DE 86, which is a request for return of contribution. If the contributor returns Form DS-DE 86 within 30 days of receiving the notice, the candidate must return a pro rata share of all contributions given in support of the original office. If the contributor does not return Form DS-DE 86 within 30 days of receiving the notice, the candidate may use the contribution for the newly designated office up to the maximum of the contribution limits allowed by law. The full amount of the contribution for the original office count toward the contribution limits for the new office. Any amount that exceeds the contribution limits for the new office must be properly disposed of pursuant to law.

MANATEE COUNTY | SUBMITTED

Letter carrier food drive May 11

are being accepted at the Bradenton Beach Post Office.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – To help combat food insecurity, city letter carriers are participating in the annual Letter Carriers Food Drive on Saturday, May 11. The annual nationwide initiative is the largest one-day food drive in the country.

“This is the time of year when the food pantries start to run very low from their holiday donations,” Bradenton Beach Post Office food drive coordinator Brian Andrews wrote in an email to The Sun.

Residents are asked to leave any non-perishable food items at or in the mailbox on May 11 with the flag up for letter carriers to collect.

Food items are also being collected at the Bradenton Beach Post Office, 116 Bridge St.

Seasonal residents are urged to drop off any leftover non-perishable items before heading home.

BEACH POST OFFICE | SUBMITTED

“The employees of the Bradenton Beach Post Office would like to wish our northern friends safe travels as they head to their northern homes,” Andrews wrote. “Any donations are truly appreciated.”

The donations will be brought to local food pantries.

Youth to celebrate Mother’s Day with musical

The young members of Roser Youth Performing Arts are bringing a musical performance to the Anna Maria church just in time for Mother’s Day. The group is performing “Noah’s Rockin’ Ark Adventure,” a high-energy musical reminiscent of the rockin’ 1950s. Following the performance on Friday, May 10 at 7 p.m. in the Roser Church sanctuary, the cast will present flowers to all women in attendance in honor of Mother’s Day weekend. There also will be a meet and greet with the cast with ice cream provided by Holy Cow.

NESTING NEWS

Turtle nests laid: 2

(Record: 544 in 2019)

False crawls: 1

(Record: 831 in 2010)

Nests hatched: 0

(Record: 453 in 2022)

Hatchlings hatched: 0

(Record: 35,850 in 2022)

Hatchling disorientations: 0

Adult disorientations: 0

Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

BRADENTON

Kapok tree relocated to Anna Maria

Three years of preparation preceded the transfer of a kapok tree from Lake Okeechobee to a residential property in Anna Maria.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – A large kapok tree now graces a residential construction site along the 700 block of North Shore Drive.

The new beachfront home is being built by Ross Built Custom Homes with Max Gazzo serving as project manager, Jake Ross serving as superintendent and Michael Gilkey serving as the landscape architect and landscape contractor.

Gilkey owns the Sarasota-based Michael A. Gilkey Inc. landscape architect and contracting firm that has clients on Anna Maria Island and other barrier Islands from Boca Grande to St. Petersburg.

Gilkey said the kapok tree now standing along North Shore Drive is 60 to 80 years old. It came from Pahokee, Florida, on the southeast rim of Lake Okeechobee, and is approximately 57 feet tall – as tall as it can be for transportation purposes.

Extensive preparations preceded the tree’s recent relocation to Anna Maria.

“The tree has been being prepared for about three years for the move, with extensive preparations happening over the last six months,” Gilkey said. “Initial pruning started three years ago. Initial root pruning started three years ago. In the last six months, getting ready for transport, the majority of the heavy pruning took place. The day before the move, they cut the

buttress roots, or the flared roots, off the tree and labeled and numbered them to the corresponding parts on the tree. The tree came on a separate truck from the roots. We got it on-site and pinned it all back together using large stainless steel screws.”

Gilkey said transporting the massive tree required permits from the Florida Department of Transportation and the Florida Highway Patrol, with escort vehicles accompanying the trucks transporting the tree and the tree’s root system.

“A crane and about 20 people were involved on-site with the planting and logistics to get it in. It was a massive effort,” Gilkey said.

Relocating the kapok tree was just the start of a lengthy and ongoing process.

“It’ll take about five years to get the canopy looking normal. We won’t trim it for the first year. The tree’s going to be using its leaves and branches for its health and nutrients, but after the first year we’ll start reducing the number of sprouts for the purpose of making strong connections,” Gilkey said, noting he’ll remain involved in that process.

“The tree will have an arborist overseeing its pruning twice a year for five years. Over time, you want to thin those new branches down from the 20 branches that may sprout to the most viable branches to make those strong connections,” Gilkey said.

When asked if kapok trees are common in this area, Gilkey said, “I wouldn’t say they’re common, but

they’re out there. Selby Gardens (in Sarasota) has a real beautiful one people are probably familiar with and there’s a big one on the bayfront in St. Pete as well.”

Gilkey said transplanting this kapok tree was the result of the homeowners wanting to have some large established trees on their property.

“Over the years, I’ve planted several trees this size or bigger and we were able to accommodate them,” Gilkey said. “With new construction, a lot of times it’s hard to save existing trees on a site; and sometimes it takes five, 10, 15 years to get appropriate scale to a new house, especially a two- or three-story house. It’s cool to be able to plant trees that give you an immediate sense of scale. We’re able to give this house scale and context of landscape.”

According to Wikipedia, a kapok tree’s flowers provide nectar for bees and bats and an oil can be pressed from its seeds. The kapok tree is considered a sacred symbol in Mayan mythology and is considered a sacred tree in some religions.

Greg and Lee Ross own Ross Built Custom Homes. The couple has long been active in the Anna Maria Island construction community and the Island community as a whole.

After noting the homeowners wish to remain anonymous, Lee Ross said, “She is in love with the home and the tree is his baby.”

Regarding Gilkey’s work, she added, “He is one of our go-to landscape designers. He’s very professional and always a pleasure to work with. The moving of this giant tree was as smooth as you could possibly expect."

9:00 a.m. TO 10:00 p.m. DAILY 5344 Gulf Drive Holmes Beac h (941) 779-BEER hurricaneliquors.com

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JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

A recently transplanted kapok tree now stands on this residential construction site in Anna Maria.

Jewfish Key could become part of county

Jewfish Key could become part of unincorporated Manatee County instead of the Town of Longboat Key, which has stricter vacation rental regulations.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – County commissioners and officials from the Town of Longboat Key discussed a petition from the Jewfish Key Preservation Association to de-annex Jewfish Key from the town at a joint April 30 meeting. If the de-annexation is successful, Jewfish Key will become part of unincorporated Manatee County.

“This is a little unusual and I just wanted to place it on your radar,”

Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton said to the commission at the April 30 meeting.

“There is a possibility you may have an unusual enclave for

county services within the Town of Longboat Key.”

“On Jan. 16, 2024, the Town of Longboat Key received a voluntary petition from the Jewfish Key Preservation Association Inc. for the contraction of the island (Jewfish Key) from the municipal boundaries of the town,” Tipton read from a prepared statement.

“The homeowners association submitted the request to examine the town’s levels of municipal service and because the town has land use controls that are more restrictive than Manatee County’s.

Specifically, the town has a longstanding grandfathered-in land use regulation that restricts the duration of short-term rentals of residential properties for less than 30 days.

“While there is no role for Manatee County in the statutory contraction process, this information is being shared to create

awareness of the pending request and the upcoming Town Commission discussion relating to the future of Jewfish Key within the town’s boundaries or as part of unincorporated Manatee County,” Tipton read further.

“I was a little surprised by the name – the Jewfish Key Preservation Association,” County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge said. “What is it they’re trying to preserve? It seems like a disingenuous name that’s misleading.”

Tipton said he didn’t have an answer to that question and said there has been no communication between the association and the town outside of the petition.

“It does present a challenge,” Van Ostenbridge. “The island has slowly built up over time. There’s no fire hydrant there.”

“There are no utilities that serve the Island,” Tipton said. “It is a well and septic enclave."

Jewfish Key is the only part of the Town of Longboat Key that is without water and sewer service and any increased density would raise concerns, he said.

“I think there’s a concern for the property owner for any future commercial use which would be their lack of sewer, their lack of potable water, the fact that they’re on well and septic,” Van Ostenbridge said. “I don’t know that the county would be eager or even willing to run sewer. The expense would be exorbitant. They may want to do it at their own expense.”

Florida Statutes require the town to undertake and evaluate a feasibility study within six months of receipt of the petition. The anticipated presentation of the completed feasibility study to the Town Commission is at a public meeting on Monday, June 3 at 1 p.m., Tipton said.

City honors employees

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Clockwise above left, Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer receives a proclamation on April 23 from Mayor Judy Titsworth in honor of Peace Officers’ Memorial Day and National Police Week. In honor of Building Safety Month, Holmes Beach Building Official Neal Schwartz accepts a proclamation from Titsworth during the April 23 city commission meeting. Deputy City Clerk Michelle Lowe and City Clerk Stacey Johnston receive a hug from Titsworth as city commissioners honor the 55th Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week.

DOCK: City may charge commercial boats

that commissioners reopen previous discussions about charging commercial vessels to use the city dock.

“What I’d like to revisit, and we had talked about it but didn’t move it forward, was perhaps a charge for those commercial entities who are using the floating dock for their business at no cost to them,” Perry said.

Perry said that she has spoken with people who rent out slips at a minimum of $2,500 per month.

“If you start making a collection from the people who are running their business off of our pier at no cost, you could start to set aside maintenance money to keep that dock in great shape,” Perry said.

She said such charges would give the city the ability to collect funds for future maintenance but also regulate and know if commercial captains are properly licensed.

“We have under $300,000 sitting there for the entire pier, which isn’t enough to handle the wear and tear which the mayor and I have personally observed from these commercial companies who come in, they do not use anything to protect their boat from slamming into the structure and they take chunks out on the side,” Perry said. “We can’t help the storm vessels that come right under the floating dock and pop off floats and destroy the structure, but I do believe we should consider revisiting this concept of regulating through cost the people who are coming in and using our asset.”

“I’ve been told some of these commercial entities do not have licensed captains running the vessels and so those who do have the proper insurance and do have the proper captains are charging about $50 a tour,” she said. “Whereas those who don’t, their overhead is less and they’re charging $20-$25. They’re putting us at risk. We do have insurance to cover things that happen, but I believe it’s something the commission should consider revisiting again and we need to make sure we have the funds to take care of that.”

WOODARD: Leaving Bradenton Beach

FROM PAGE 5

with Tom to go through the list of things the chief needs to effectively take that department forward and make sure the city is well-serviced and also for us to make sure we have a list of emergency projects before he leaves our city and helps set up a game plan."

The commission voted unanimously to approve Cosby’s salary increase of $850 a week while serving as interim public works director.

The search for a full-time public works department head to replace Woodard will likely take place in July.

“We feel it’s important we write a very good advertisement for that position, and it’s going to take a little bit of effort because we’re not entirely sure of everything that role entails,” Perry said, noting the position has certification and reporting requirements.

Perry said that if someone on an uninsured vessel gets injured on the dock, the boat operator may not have proper insurance to cover losses.

“We really should look at this again,” Chappie said. “We are that destination now and we’re getting more and more people to use the facility and the infrastructure that we have developed there.”

Chappie said the discussion will be put on a commission work meeting agenda in about a month.

“I would hope we would be able to advertise by July and maybe by the second meeting in August bring back recommendations,” Cosby said. “You have to remember also I have to do budgets for all the departments. It’s not just maintaining the day-to-day operations. I have to do their payroll, I have to pay their bills and develop the budget.”

“I don’t think it will be that easy to find someone with Tom’s qualifications,” Commissioner Ralph Cole said. “He’ll be missed.”

“This is another example of the employees working as a team,” Cosby said. “You have someone who can step in because we do work so closely together.”

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Bradenton Beach commissioners are considering charging fees to commercial vessel owners who use city docks.

County pushes for fire district mergers

Though they don’t have any direct power over fire districts, Manatee County commissioners are asking the fire chiefs to consider merging or they may bring the state into the conversation.

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

MANATEE COUNTY – County commissioners asked the county’s seven fire chiefs to consider merging their districts at an April 23 meeting.

Commissioners said they would support doing a study to look into the benefits of consolidating fire districts, adding that they would bring state leaders and the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Governmental Accountability into the conversation if needed.

Manatee County Administrator Charlie Bishop reminded commissioners that they have no authority over fire districts, which are special districts and governed by the state of Florida.

The conversation was brought to the dais by District Four Commissioner Mike Rahn as a result of the volunteer Duette Fire Department seeking a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (COPCN) for non-transport advanced life support capabilities from the county. Receiving a COPCN is one of the many steps for district firefighters to be certified to provide the same care as an EMS first responder. Nontransport ALS means that the firefighters can provide the same medical care as EMS workers but cannot transport patients to the hospital or other care facility. West Manatee Fire Rescue, the department that covers Anna Maria Island, Cortez and the west side of unincorporated Manatee County, is a non-transport ALS provider in addition to having fire response, water rescue and dive team capabilities, among others. During the meeting, Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge said that Duette does not meet the minimum capabilities to provide non-transport ALS service to its

MANATEE COUNTY | SUBMITTED

A map shows the boundaries of each of Manatee County’s seven fire districts.

residents and encouraged the fire chiefs to consider merging districts.

Duette Fire Chief Rocky Parker took to social media to dispute Van Ostenbridge’s claim. Parker said that he believes the district meets the requirements to provide the service to residents and will continue to seek COPCN approval, despite the county commission’s argument that the Duette fire department doesn’t meet the requirements because its firefighters are volunteers.

Van Ostenbridge said that there are positives and negatives to living “out in the country” with one of the negatives being that there is less access to emergency services. He suggested that Duette and Parrish fire districts consider consolidating with North River Fire District to provide more services to residents and property owners.

While fire districts are allowed to consolidate, they can only merge with ones contiguous to

their established boundaries within the county.

During the discussion, Van Ostenbridge singled out WMFR as a fire district that would be interested in merging with another district. While Chief Ben Rigney said that the district is always willing to keep its options open to better serve residents and property owners, he doesn’t see a merger coming any time soon.

“It seems to come up every five to 10 years or so,” Rigney said of the talk of fire district consolidation in Manatee County. “I did not feel that West Manatee was being targeted or threatened by the discussion from the Manatee County commission meeting. The commissioners are trying to ensure that the fire districts remain fiscally responsible to their communities. I feel that our district has continued to be responsible with taxpayer monies and are always open to working with them on providing a better service.”

Island Players produce thrilling ‘Woman in Black’

The Island Players' final play of its 75th season, “The Woman in Black,” offered audiences something different from the usual fare.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA - Anyone who regularly attends performances by the Island Players is used to lighthearted comedies that have the audience in hysterics for a great deal of the time they are in their seats.

With performances of “Later Life,” “Farce of Nature,” “The Mousetrap” and “Communicating Doors,” the Players’ historic 75th season has offered plenty of what audiences are used to, until now.

The play that closed the season was definitely not a comedy, and was actually scary at times.

When telling ghost stories, Arthur Kipps’ (Tom Horton) children ask him to tell one of his own. Pushing him by saying, “Everybody knows at least one ghost story,” Kipps knows if he shares the tale he has to offer, it won’t be a story they want to hear, and he has no desire to share it at the time.

What Kipps does decide to do is

share his horrific encounter with the supernatural with his friends and family on a theater stage, so he hires a professional actor to help him. While Kipps isn’t much of an actor in the beginning, the Actor (Mark Lennox) convinces him to play all of the characters besides himself in the story, while the Actor plays Kipps.

The play was adapted by Stephen Mattatratt from a novel by Susan Hill and directed by veteran director Kelly Wynn Woodland, who has well over 100 plays under her belt. While it wouldn’t fall under the horror genre, “The Woman in Black” is a fantastic ghost story that takes place in a creepy English manner that is only accessible at low tide due to

its remote location just outside a small town, whose residents won’t go anywhere near it. Add in plenty of fog, deadly quicksand, some strange characters and a terrifying ghost (Tahlia Chinault) who manages to make the audience jump despite not having a single line of dialogue in the entire play, the audience was much quieter than at a typical Island Players production.

The show started almost lighthearted, but as it progressed, it became obvious things were turning darker by the minute, eventually leading to an ending that left the entire audience literally speechless. Even as the audience filed out of the final performance, the lobby was much more quiet than the average Players’ play, as guests were still processing what had just happened moments earlier.

There’s still time to catch one of the last shows of the season. “The Woman in Black” runs through May 12 with nightly performances at 7:30 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Both online and box office ticket sales are available at www. theislandplayers.org and 941-778-5755. Box office hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and one hour before curtain on Sundays for will call tickets only.

FERRY: Service to Longboat Key discussed

“We’re talking. We’re not there yet,” Falcione said, noting that county resort tax revenues would fund any dock improvements needed in Longboat Key.

FERRY INSIGHTS

Falcione also shared some general insights on the county-contracted ferry service that began in January and currently features stops at the Riverwalk Day Dock in downtown Bradenton, the Anna Maria City Pier and the Bradenton Beach Pier.

Initially operating on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the service was later expanded to include Thursday and Wednesday service. Falcione said the five-day service will continue through the month of May. Service days may be reduced during the summer months.

Falcione said county staff is working on extending ferry service to the Coquina South boat ramp by the end of the year to accommodate Manatee County residents who want to travel to Coquina Beach.

Falcione said the two 49-passenger pontoon boat ferries transport 300350 passengers per day, weather permitting, reducing the number of

automobiles traveling to the Island.

“Since we started, we’ve served about 9,000 passengers. The challenge that we face is we’ve lost 25 days due to the weather,” Falcione said.

Falcione said the county and the contracted ferry operator are researching the construction of a high speed, partially-enclosed 90-passenger ferry that would help minimize the service days suspended due to rain, wind, waves and other factors.

The larger, faster ferry would travel the Manatee River between downtown Bradenton and the Anna Maria City Pier and the two pontoon boats would then service Anna Maria Island – and potentially Longboat Key. Falcione preliminary discussions have occurred with the city of Bradenton Beach about docking the pontoon boats there overnight in that future scenario.

Falcione said it would take about a year to build the larger ferry and

grants are being sought to help fund it.

Falcione also expects the ferry service to eventually be expanded to the convention center in Palmetto and the new 252-room Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa next to the convention center.

Falcione acknowledged the ferries are not yet a primary source of transportation for the Anna Maria Island workforce that commutes from the mainland – due in part to the uncertainty posed by suspended service days. He said a partially enclosed high-speed ferry might help.

“The St. Regis is going to employ a lot of folks,” County Commissioner Mike Rahm said of the new resort opening in Longboat Key at the former Colony Beach Resort location later this year.

Longboat Key Commissioner Debra Williams said Longboat Key businesses struggle to attract and retain employees because of the transportation challenges and lengthy travel times. She said workforce transportation should be the top priority and ferrying folks to restaurants should be a secondary goal.

Ferry tickets can be purchased at www.gulfcoastwatertaxi.com.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The town dock in Longboat Key might one day serve as a Gulf Islands Ferry stop.

DeMers missed by Island friends

After a two-year battle against cancer, Jordan DeMers passed away a couple of months short of turning 40.

Island contractors and property owners got to know DeMers most recently as the owner of Gulfview Windows & Doors. Known as a caring business owner, he and his employees took pride in the work provided to his clients on Anna Maria Island.

Playing in The Center’s recreational sports leagues, DeMers was a physical force on the flag football gridiron, soccer pitch and basketball court. He had the reputation of being one of the nicest people in all the leagues, often smiling while intercepting the football, stopping a goal as keeper or blocking a shot at the net in basketball.

Community center sports allowed him to play often with and rarely against his lifelong friend, Ryan Moss, co-owner of Moss Builders. Through the sports leagues he played in and the work he did on the Island, he built many new friendships and strengthened existing ones over the years, contributing his infectious full-body chuckles to the community.

In March 2022, DeMers was diagnosed with T-Cell

SUBMITTED

OBITUARIES

Deborah Webster

It is with deepest sadness that we announce the peaceful passing, in the comfort of her home, of Deborah Webster. With grace and dignity, Deb surrounded herself with her loving family to bid them farewell and then passed on April 28, 2024.

Deborah was born in Schenectady, New York on Feb. 17, 1952, to the late Dewey and Constance Webster. She was also predeceased by her cherished grandson, Sage Latimer, whom she adored. Deb always enthusiastically provided him with so many wonderful and joyful experiences.

Deborah was a 1970 graduate of Mohonasen High School, where she was an outstanding student and proud member of the color guard.

Charlene, Meira and Jordan DeMers.

Histiocyte Rich Large B-Cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

For all who knew the young, vibrant father of Meira, the thought of his diagnosis seemed unreal, but it was all too real for DeMers and his wife, Charlene.

As a fighter, he tried numerous treatments, many with side effects. Unfortunately, the treatments did not result in much positive progress against the disease. Adam Butler,

organizer of the GoFundMe account for DeMers, detailed his journey through stays in ICU, visits to Moffitt Cancer Center, and finally a trip to Houston, Texas to The Burzynski Clinic.

Despite the ever-present warrior spirit with which he lived life through 24 months of treatments, DeMers passed on April 22.

His GoFundMe account is active, with proceeds directed toward his funeral expenses.

Against all odds, Deb attended Union College, graduated with an Art Education degree from St. Rose, and earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from Albany State University. She then went on to become a highly regarded teacher in the Schenectady City School District, teaching a variety of art courses, including Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Art, until her retirement in 2008.

Never one to give up on anything or anyone, her accomplishments were many. Chosen to design and create one of the horse statues for the city of Saratoga, she was featured in a WMHT documentary highlighting the project.

Winning a Fulbright scholarship award to Australia and taking a three-year sabbatical in Hawaii provided adventures she so loved.

In retirement, she and her husband, Lex, opened a tremendously successful art studio and gallery on Anna Maria Island, Florida, overlooking Tampa Bay. She loved the ocean and the life she led living on the Island for over 10 years. Her Anna Maria friends

HUNTERS POINT: Prevails in dock permitting appeal

FROM PAGE 3

existing pullout areas where one boat can pull over and allow another to pass by. Gobuty and others testified that one-way travel would eliminate the need for two boats to pass each other side-byside in a narrow portion of the canal, or for one boat to pull to the side to make room for another.

In early 2023, CRIF voluntarily posted signs in the canal that reference one-way travel at 15-minute intervals

OBITUARIES

for inbound or outbound boat traffic, installed mirrors to increase visibility at the dog-legged corners of the canal and installed signs instructing boaters to monitor VHF marine radio channel 9. CRIF also redesigned its docks to meander closer to the shoreline where possible.

When issuing its final order, the SWFWMD governing board did not mandate the dock design modifications or safety enhancements

were very dear to her as she would often reminisce about the adventures and the peaceful beach times they shared.

Deb was an inspiration to so many in so many ways. Always looking to assist in any way possible, from coming to the aid of less fortunate students by purchasing them prom dresses to helping them pursue scholarships they thought out of reach. So many owe so much to her loving and kind spirit. Deborah loved the outdoors and had a great appreciation for nature. Her love of gardening was especially

be included as additional permitting conditions.

ORAL ARGUMENTS

On April 23, the attorneys representing MHC Cortez Village and CRIF presented their oral arguments to the three-member panel of Second District Court of Appeal judges that consisted of Judge Stevan Northcutt, Judge Nelly Khouzam and Judge Robert Morris.

SEE HUNTERS POINT, PAGE 31

evident when she regarded a truckload of dirt as one of the best gifts Lex could have ever given her. The only better gift would have been her own key to Marshalls.

But if you knew Deb, you knew that her greatest accomplishment was her ability to make everyone she encountered feel special. She had a one-in-a-million way of making everyone feel welcome and loved. Her smile was one that was genuinely loving and infectious. And even though Parkinson’s disease robbed her of so much, it was never able to conquer that beautiful smile.

Deb is survived by her most loving husband, Lex Halakan; her most cherished son, Dan Northrup (Dawn Lukes); her most precious daughter, Kyndra Northrup; Kyndra’s loving

sister, Aleeza Oppelt Van Avery (John Van Avery); Deb’s beloved stepdaughter, Liz (Sam) Mahan; her loving brother, Ed (Judy) Webster; her loving sister, Cheryl Webster (Cliff Baum); and several treasured nieces, nephews and cousins. There is also her very special “Arizona family” from which her amazingly special Arty so appropriately proclaimed her, “Great Grandma Princess.”

All were so very special and dear to her. Deb also leaves behind a countless number of valued friends, most notably the AWOW Girls, whose valued relationships were so special.

An extra special thank you to Stacy Lynn Hill, whose care, love and support extended far beyond the call of duty. Because of Stacy, Deb was able to remain at home and have all of

her end-of-life wishes realized. There are no words that could express the appreciation and gratitude our family feels for Stacy. Also, heartfelt thanks to Dr. Eric Mohol and his staff at the neurology department at Albany Medical Center. Their care, patience and expertise were integral in extending Deb’s quality of life. And sincere appreciation to community hospice for their incredible support and understanding, ensuring Deb’s last days were peaceful and comfortable. Calling hours will be at DeMarcoStone Funeral Home,1605 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam, New York 12306, on Thursday, May 9 from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Community Hospice, 445 New Karner Road, Albany, New York 12205.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN The 127th Street West bridge limits most canal traffic to one boat at a time.

Egmont, Passage keys prove enchanting

Reel Time

xtending approximately 5 miles from Anna Maria Island to St. Petersburg, the mouth of Tampa Bay is fronted by the barrier islands of Egmont Key and Passage Key. The surrounding waters are beautiful, ecologically important and provide anglers with some excellent fishing opportunities. The history surrounding the islands is rich and, in the case of Egmont, goes back some 2,000 years. They seasonally hold some of angling’s prized species, including tarpon, snook and permit.

Egmont Key is a Florida State Park and a National Wildlife Refuge. Steeped in history, the entire island is listed on the National Register of

Historic Places. Artifacts and pottery dating back two millennia have been found on the island. The first recorded landing there dates back to a Spanish explorer in 1757 and its recent history spans from the Spanish-American War to World War II. The island is home to the Tampa Bay Pilots and has miles of old brick roads, a holdover from a time when there were over 70 buildings and 300 people living there. It has a functioning lighthouse, rebuilt in 1857 after a hurricane destroyed the original structure. Ever changing, Egmont Key was once 50% larger than it is today.

Passage Key, the southernmost island, is uninhabited and also a National Wildlife Refuge. It was first established as a bird sanctuary in 1905 by President Theodore Roosevelt. At the time, it was a 60-acre island and had a freshwater lake. That all changed in 1921 when it was decimated by a hurricane and has never been the same. Over the past decade,

Passage Key has been little more than a constantly changing sandbar but is building back. In the 1970s, the island was designated as a wilderness area. Together the islands hold nesting

colonies of all Florida seabirds including the largest concentration of royal and sandwich terns in Florida. RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN Steve Traves fights a hound fish on the fly on the Gulf side flats of Passage Key. Bean Point and Anna Maria Island are in the distance.

RUSTY CHINNIS

May fishing forecast focused on tarpon

CAPT. RICK GRASSETT

Tarpon fishing should take off during May as migratory fish arrive along our beaches. Also look for Spanish mackerel, tripletail, cobia and false albacore (little tunny) in the coastal Gulf. Snook will move into passes and the surf and reds and trout should feed heavily on shallow flats as baitfish become more plentiful. Blues, Spanish mackerel and more mixed with trout on deep grass flats should also be good options.

As migratory tarpon start to arrive this month, we should have schools of tarpon moving along our beaches. Early arriving tarpon may be more aggressive due to less fishing pressure early in the season. Fly anglers should do well with a variety of baitfish or crab fly patterns fished on floating or intermediate sink tip fly lines. Staking out or anchoring in shallow water on their travel route should result in some shots at fish. The best angle is a “head

on” shot, followed by a quartering shot. A perpendicular shot may work if it’s timed perfectly, although casting too far beyond their line of travel will usually spook them. I use a push pole if I need to to adjust my position to make a cast. Give other anglers at least several hundred yards of space and keep in mind that fish can be moving either north or south so setting up too close to another angler may affect their flow of fish.

REEL TIME: Egmont, Passage keys prove enchanting

In the spring and summer, schools of tarpon and permit can be sight fished on the vast clear white sand flats that surround Passage Key. During the warm months of the year, there are also schools of sharks and large houndfish on the flats. In the cooler months, trout, redfish and pompano can be found on the edges of the flats and the grass beds to the east side of

the key. Houndfish, which resemble large needlefish, gather in schools and, while they are not often pursued by anglers, they’re great sport on flies and light tackle. Small white clousers and lures that resemble baitfish can elicit some explosive strikes.

Egmont Key has a much more varied habitat and also has excellent fishing for tarpon, snook, permit and sharks. Old structures, vestiges of the SpanishAmerican War, can be seen along the

western side of the Key, many of which are submerged. They provide a perfect habitat for species including pompano, trout and sheepshead as well as other pelagic species that swim these waters. On the east side, the pilot’s dock holds sheepshead, black drum, trout and redfish. Extensive grass flats there are home to trout, pompano, Spanish mackerel and redfish. A ship’s channel north of the key provides access to Port Manatee and the Port of Tampa. This deep waterway holds

a plethora of gamefish including kingfish, Spanish mackerel and little tunny. The exposed ledges along the channel are also home to mangrove snapper, grouper and sheepshead.

If you haven’t explored these historical islands, a trip there will be eye-opening, and, whether you’re swimming in the clear Gulf waters, exploring the rich history or angling for a trophy, you’ll find these islands enchanting.

CAPT. RICK GRASSETT | SUBMITTED

Mike Perez, of Sarasota, battles a tarpon caught and released on a fly while fishing the coastal Gulf of Mexico with Capt. Rick Grassett in a previous May.

March 2024 tourist tax collections compared

to March 2023

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

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 partially funds tourism-related attractions such as the Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria piers. Amounts shown were collected in March and paid to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office in April. Manatee County totals include Anna Maria Island cities, Bradenton, the portion of Longboat Key within Manatee County, unincorporated Manatee County and Palmetto. To anonymously report a rental owner who may not be paying the tax, call 941-741-4809 or visit http://www.taxcollector.com/tdt-evader.cfm.

Source: Manatee County Tax Collector

Cosby

Police chief says crime is down in Bradenton Beach

applauds

night shift officers and community policing.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH –Crime is down in Bradenton Beach.

“Last year I stood up here and I told you crime couldn’t go any lower in the city of Bradenton Beach, but our overall crime went down 43.5% from last year,” Police Chief John Cosby said during his annual crime report to the city commission on May 2. Cosby said local crime statistics are built into the police software and Lt. Lenard Diaz puts the tabulation together and sends reports to federal and state law enforcement agencies. Those agencies then tabulate the statistics and send a report back to Bradenton Beach Police.

“Our property value crime went down. Last year, our stolen property was at $41,000, which is theft and auto burglary,” Cosby said. “This year it was only $4,100 of property taken, so that is a drop of 89%. I’m really happy about that.”

Cosby introduced night shift officers Roy Joslin, Devon Straight, Eric Hill and Ryan Gagliano.

“The weekend night team works from 5 (p.m.) to 7 (a.m.) during the busiest days,” Cosby said.

Cosby encourages his officers to use the community policing model, in which relationships are developed with members of the public.

“I encourage my officers to stop and talk to everybody,” Cosby said. “We’re fortunate we have a lot of longtime officers that people know. We encourage a lot of foot patrol too, on Bridge Street and the pier

and even the neighborhoods. Even our newer guys are very friendly and ready to talk and to do their job.”

Cosby said laws are a tool, but officers are mainly looking for compliance.

“Sometimes that doesn’t work and you have to take

action and that’s the way it goes,” Cosby said.

He said the biggest enforcement issue may be tourists and drinking.

“They’re getting drunk and they’re getting bulletproof and they like to fight each other, but other than that, we’re doing

good,” Cosby said.

“Great job chief and everything you’ve been doing,” Mayor John Chappie said. “I constantly get comments from citizens and businesses, elected officials and the tourists just how happy they are. We’re no longer that pass-through community we used to be, we’re a destination now.”

Chappie said that one of the major goals of the Community Redevelopment Agency was to make the central area of the city a family-friendly environment.

“There was a time a few years ago, when families were out until 7 or 8, that’s when the hard drinking used to start,” Cosby said. “Now we’re seeing young families out until 10 o’clock or so.”

“It is such a transformation,” Chappie said. “This is a celebration of a really great police department.”

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Police Chief John Cosby applauded night shift police officers (from left) Roy Joslin, Eric Hill, Devon Straight and Ryan Gagliano along with Lt. Lenard Diaz as he announced decreased crime statistics.

Chief celebrates HBPD officers

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer and his officers had a lot to celebrate as several of the city’s police officers were recognized for their years of service. During an April 23 commission meeting, Tokajer and city officials took time to thank officers celebrating an anniversary with the police department. Officer Jason Hig gins received a 5-year pin with the HBPD along with Sgt. Joshua Betts, Officer Lee Diehl, Officer Adam DeSantis and Officer Alex Hurt. Sgt. Tommy Fraser and

Chief, crew enjoy

DeSoto Grand Parade

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer and his crew enjoyed a photo opportunity while participating in the April 27 DeSoto Grand Parade in Bradenton.

BEACH BEAT

HOLMES BEACH

4/26, 4:27 p.m., theft, 4200 East Bay Drive. The officer was dispatched to Publix in reference to a shoplifting in progress. En route, dispatch advised that a woman had left the store with a cart full of groceries without paying. The manager followed the suspect to an SUV that she tried to load with the groceries, but gave up when she saw the manager. The officer saw the SUV on East Bay Drive leaving the area when he arrived and initiated a traffic stop. The driver said she did leave the store with the groceries, but didn’t realize her payment didn’t go through. When the officer ran her license through dispatch, it came back as suspended, and the license plate was not for that vehicle, which the driver admitted. The driver was arrested for theft and the traffic offenses, then transported to Manatee County Jail.

4/29, 6:37 p.m., information, 6600 Gulf Drive. Two officers arrived at the Beach Bistro restaurant after the general manager advised that a woman came into the restaurant with a dog she claimed was a service animal. The manager advised her that no pets were allowed unless they were genuine service animals, and emotional support dogs or other pets were not allowed. The manager said the woman became irate and attempted to push him out of the way. She was told she would not be served due to her attitude, and was asked to leave the restaurant. The woman left the restaurant, and no charges were filed.

HBPD | SUBMITTED

Paella – a family dish for Mother’s Day

Paella, a beloved Spanish dish that originated in Valencia, has a history that dates back hundreds of years. Paella was originally eaten by farmers and farm laborers during their lunch break, and was made with whatever was available nearby, such as rice, tomatoes, onions, snails, beans, rabbit, duck or chicken. Saffron was added for color and flavor, and the dish was traditionally cooked over a wood fire in a white shallow pan.

Today, paella includes many variations, but the heart of the dish remains the same. The dish is traditionally eaten straight from the pan with a wooden spoon (Harry’s uses plates, so don’t worry!).

Paella is a symbol of belonging to a family and carries the important Spanish value of family in day-today life.

On Mother’s Day, don’t forget to make your reservation and watch our chef prepare paella for you on the patio.

Paella

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup arborio rice

2 tablespoons salt/pepper

1 teaspoon saffron

1/2 tablespoon minced garlic

1/3 cup diced white onions

1/4 cup diced red peppers 1/2 chicken breast

1 whole calamari with tentacles

3 ounces grouper

3 shrimp

4 ounces pork

Full hand of mussels (5 ounces)

The stock

When all your ingredients are separated and cleaned, like the seeds and ends of the peppers, the tails and shells of the shrimp, the tentacles of the calamari and the onion peels, let these ingredients simmer in about 8 cups of water. This creates a stock that is reserved to cook the rice.

The rice

Once the stock is created, it’s time to cook the rice. This arborio rice is a special, shortgrain rice and the most popular

rice used to make risotto. It is capable of absorbing large amounts of liquid and produces the creamy, hearty texture you are looking for with risotto used to make paella.

Start by adding 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pot and stirring in the rice before adding the stock. The secret to having a creamy risotto is the patience to stir the rice while you pour in the stock little by little until the rice absorbs the liquid. Once you have this creamy texture and the rice is done, move the rice to a flat cookie sheet to cool it down.

The proteins

Using a cutting board, dice your chicken, pork and grouper. Finish the prep with the ring cuts of the calamari.

To a hot sauté pan, add the rest of your oil, the minced garlic, the diced peppers and onions and stir constantly until the vegetables are translucent (not brown).

Before adding anything else, add your salt, pepper and saffron to the vegetables while they are cooking; this will open the fragrance.

Now it’s time for your proteins.

Start with the land proteins. Add your diced chicken to this mix and sear. At the same time add the pork and sear. Next, continue with the ocean proteins. Add the grouper and the calamari rings till they are cooked through. Once all these are cooked through, add the mussels and the shrimp - these two cook very quickly so you don’t want to dry them out by overcooking.

When everything is simmering, add 1/2 cup stock and finish with a cup of cooked rice. Enjoy!

Jesus Alberto Araujo

Fernandez

HARRY'S GRILL

REAL ESTATE

Boomers continue to boom

Just when you think they’re too old to influence the smart, better-edu cated and computer-savvy younger generations, they raise their grey and balding heads again to remind their kids and grandkids they are still alive and influential.

For years, the prediction would be that boomers would start to sell off their big houses, flooding the market with properties. Instead, just the opposite is happening. Many aren’t even considering selling their large family homes, and for good reason.

Castles in the Sand

by the National Association of Realtors. They frequently buy with cash, avoiding the higher interest rates in today’s market.

Boomers own half of all of the $32 trillion in home equity in the country, according to a Redfin analysis of Federal Reserve data. In addition, nearly 80% of boomers own their primary residence and about a quarter own an investment property. More than half of them have retirement accounts with a median balance of $191,200, as well as 27% owning stocks and bonds outside of retirement accounts with a median amount of $201,800. These statistics come from

a data scientist for the St. Louis Fed who researches wealth.

And it gets better. Not selling their properties has helped boomers accumulate a level of wealth greater than any other living generation. The median prices of existing single-family homes have increased more than tenfold since the early 1970s, when the oldest boomers were buying their first homes.

Even though boomers have a big financial incentive to stay in their homes with either no mortgage or very low-rate mortgages, some are moving on. Boomers made up 31% of home buyers, while millennials made up 38% in 2023, as reported

The boomers have had a major influence on the current real estate market. Mortgage rates topped 7% after the Federal Reserve’s last meeting when they held rates at their current level. That has pushed up the yield on 10-year treasuries, which mortgage rates tend to track. They also didn’t give any indication of lowering the rate any time soon based on the level of inflation, however, many economists still expect rates to decline later this year.

Even though new properties have been listed, there is a continuing low supply of homes for sale nationally. This continues to push prices higher with the national median existing-home price going up 4.8% in March from a year earlier to $393,500, as reported by the National Association of Realtors. The Manatee County median sale price for March by comparison was $498,805, 1.4% higher than last year.

Homebuyers are also confused about coming changes to the rules governing how real estate agents get paid and how this will affect their overall costs. And let’s not forget it’s a presidential election year, as well as one with several worldwide military conflicts bubbling up. All this influences home shoppers and sellers to perhaps pause until there is more clarity and less stress in the market.

The lack of boomer activity is, to a large degree, another byproduct of COVID-19, the pandemic that keeps on giving. As bad as COVID-19 was, it has worked to the advantage of boomers, increasing their equity tremendously and allowing them to refinance existing mortgages to a historic low rate.

The baby boomer generation has influenced everything that has gone on in this country since 1946, when the oldest of them were born, and they’re not going away. Whether it’s housing or the price of milk, boomers continue leaving their mark.

LOUISE BOLGER

RALLY: Hundreds rally against garage, consolidation

against the ongoing state-mandated Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) study and a planned parking garage at the public beach.

Save Florida Home Rule organizer Barbara Ehren was first to take the stage, telling onlookers about the grassroots effort to stop government overreach at the state and county levels to bypass municipal land development codes and ordinances regarding development on the Island. The rally was the second official event for the group following a Hands Across the Sand event held in April that was attended by more than 300 people.

Stepping in for Mayor Judy Titsworth was Holmes Beach Commissioner Terry Schaefer, who said he believes that the push to dissolve the cities is to get rid of land use regulations to allow for increased development on the Island. He said that city leaders are working to mount a “strong defense” against government overreach and that he’s happy to see so many community members getting

involved in the effort with the hopes that the battle to hang on to the cities won’t get that far.

Schaefer discussed the ongoing unfounded rhetoric largely being voiced by county commissioners, primarily that the city does not have enough parking and that city leaders refuse to work with the county. He said the parking garage and OPPAGA study efforts began at a January 2023 Manatee County state legislative delegation meeting. The parking garage effort was moved through the state House and Senate in an effort to allow the county to circumvent Holmes Beach regulations that do not allow for multi-level parking garages as a land use or paid parking in the city. He said that no county staff or commissioners approached the city to seek a potential exemption for a parking garage at Manatee Beach. City leaders are required to provide just over 500 parking spaces at beach access points, including the county-owned Manatee Beach under an interlocal agreement governing beach renourishment. Schaefer said the city provides 752 parking spaces at the beach and beach access points

throughout the city with hundreds more marked spaces available within a quarter mile of the beach. Police Chief Bill Tokajer regularly counts parking spaces during high traffic events, such as holiday weekends, and noted

that even during spring break there was regularly 70-100 or more spaces available to the public.

“The turnout at a recent Hands Across the Sand and today is certainly encouraging and inspirational to all of us,” Schaefer said. He thanked the assembled community members, stating that he believes it will take not only the Island’s elected officials fighting back but also the residents and property owners to maintain their current way of life.

Holmes Beach Commissioner Dan Diggins also spoke, as well as Anna Maria residents stepping in with short statements from their city leaders, all stating they are against consolidation of the cities.

One name that came up multiple times during was that of County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge.

Speakers stated that Van Ostenbridge was largely the catalyst behind the effort for the parking garage, an effort that he previously told The Sun he was putting forth to make the beach accessible for all. If the parking garage is built, Van Ostenbridge said it

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Commissioner Terry Schaefer stepped in for Mayor Judy Titsworth to speak on behalf of the city of Holmes Beach.

County announces road closures, crosswalk activation

BRADENTON BEACH – Sixth Street South is closed to vehicle traffic to accommodate construction for the ongoing sewer project along Gulf Drive.

On Seventh Street South, the installation of new sewer pipe and lateral services is complete. This week, the contractor is building a temporary road and the main road will be closed to vehicles.

Residents and renters must park in the parking area on the

west side of Gulf Drive South. A complimentary parking shuttle will be provided to transport residents and renters. The shuttle operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Paving on Eighth Street South was completed on April 29.

Paving of Sixth and Seventh Streets South is scheduled for late spring/early summer.

The new Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) crosswalks located along Gulf Drive South at Ninth and 11th Streets South are not activated for use and should not be used for crossing by pedestrians.

The RRFB crosswalks along Gulf Drive South at Fifth Street South and south of 13th Street South, near the Coquina Boat Ramp, are activated and available for pedestrian use.

Hula hooping for mental health awareness

Yoga with Paige is hosting a “Hoop and Flow for Hope” event on Saturday, May 18 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach. “May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Come join us as we raise awareness and instill hope by fostering positivity and community through hula hooping and yoga,” business owner Paige Phelps said. The event will take place near the AMI Beach Café. Hula hoops will be provided for 20 participants with a $20 “love offering” appreciated; 10% of

YOGA WITH PAIGE | SUBMITTED Hula hooping and yoga are planned for the May 18 event.

event proceeds will be donated to Laurie Lancaster and Paul Weremecki’s Sunrise Hope

organization. Learn more about Sunrise Hope at www. SunriseHope.org.

CENTER NOTES

Youth Indoor Soccer Summer League

The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, will host the summer youth indoor soccer league beginning in late June, with evaluations on Monday, June 3. The cost is $20 for members and $100 for non-members. Registration is required by Friday, May 31.

Beach clean-up

The Center has teamed up with Mote Marine Laboratory and De Soto National Memorial to celebrate World

Ocean’s Day with a beach clean-up on Saturday, June 1. The event will be an opportunity to learn about oceans and the importance of keeping them clean. Meet at The Center at 9 a.m. and walk to the Gulf of Mexico to clean up. Trash bags, gloves, water and a light snack will be provided.

Ladies Tennis Clinic

Join Tennis Pro Cody Wright for a 90-minute session every Tuesday from 9-10:30 a.m. The clinic includes singles and doubles tactics, cardio and point play. The cost is $45 for members and $55 for non-members. Pre-registration is requested.

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

RALLY: Hundreds rally against consolidation, garage

would be paid parking. It would also make Manatee Beach and the restroom, food and beverage and retail facilities there, along with parking, inaccessible during three or more years of construction on the parking garage. The existing facilities would be destroyed and new ones would be built in the three-story garage with additional parking on the roof. Previously, Titsworth said that she’s fighting to keep parking in Holmes Beach free for everyone, but that if a paid parking garage was constructed at Manatee Beach city leaders would have to rethink their stance on that. Holmes Beach is the only Island city that does not allow paid parking. Currently there is no funding to build the parking garage.

County commission candidate Diana Shoemaker spoke, sending a few shots at Van Ostenbridge, whose seat on the dais she’s seeking to fill. Shoemaker will face off against either Van Ostenbridge or Tal Siddique on the November election ballot, depending on which one

wins the August Republican primary. If elected, Shoemaker vowed to work with Island residents to make sure that their voices are heard at the county level and to work to stop government overreach in the municipalities.

While Van Ostenbridge has not been directly linked to the ongoing OPPAGA study looking at options to consolidate the cities into one, dissolve the municipalities and consolidate them into either unincorporated Manatee County or the city of Bradenton, or leave them as-is, his strained relationship with the elected officials of the cities, particularly Holmes Beach, has been well-vocalized by the commissioner both on and off the dais. After a recent OPPAGA visit, Holmes Beach leaders were left with the distinct impression that the option being most strongly considered is elimination of the three municipalities, folding them into unincorporated Manatee County and directly under the authority of the county commission.

Ending the rally, Ehren restated the motto of the Save Florida Home Rule group, “Keep your hands off our cities.”

FIRE: County pushes for fire district mergers

people can afford to live.

Van Ostenbridge said he doesn’t want to see services reduced but would like to see administrative costs reduced.

Commissioner George Kruse said he thinks it’s important to continually look at opportunities but he’s not sure what the opportunity would be. He said he doesn’t want to see residents have different kinds of safety services based on where they live. He said he would rather see fire safety capabilities standardized across Manatee County. Kruse added that he doesn’t want safety services dictated by where

“I would just encourage people to have that conversation,” Kruse said. “I would like this to be a bigger discussion. Maybe the (state) delegation needs to get involved in it. We seemingly can get free OPPAGA studies at a snap of a finger. It doesn’t commit to anything, but it can support data for future discussion.”

“I want you guys to keep control of all of this, keep control of your own destiny,” Van Ostenbridge said. When the state delegation and OPPAGA studies are involved, he said that the fire districts would start to lose control of their futures.

FROM PAGE 27

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Manatee County’s favorite puppet, Kevin-Kyle Kaczynski Von Oswald, makes an appearance during a May 4 public rally held by Save Florida Home Rule.

HUNTERS POINT: Prevails in dock permitting appeal

FROM PAGE 19

Attorneys Susan Roeder Martin and Thomasina Moore represented CRIF and attorney David Nordby represented MHC Cortez Village during the virtual oral argument session conducted via Zoom, with each side given 20 minutes to address the judges, including rebuttal time.

When addressing the appellate judges, Nordby said, “I’d like to focus on two errors that indepen dently require this court to reverse the order on appeal. The first is the district’s conclusion that the proposed new dock will not sig nificantly impede navigability. The second is the district’s failure to amend the permit after the hearing to reflect the design changes and other concessions made by the applicant during the course of the administrative hearing.”

boats can pull out.”

Judge Morris noted Judge Culpepper was presented with testimony and evidence that led him to recommend the permit be issued without any additional stipulations or concessions.

“The judge is certainly in the position to analyze this navigability issue. It would be difficult for us to supplant ourselves in his role and say we don’t see it that way. You’ve got an expert administrative law judge, you’ve got Swiftmud, who’s certainly an expert on this, and they all agreed based on the evidence they had before them that this was a navigable canal. It would be sufficient to sustain these docks as built. Why should we even make any effort to challenge that?” Morris said.

Morris also noted that CRIF owns the majority of the canal.

Judge Khouzam noted SWFWMD Lead Environmental Scientist Lauren Greenawalt previously testified about the canal’s already-existing pinch points and her belief that CRIF provided reasonable assurances that the dock project was not contrary to SWFWMD permitting standards.

“We have to be careful not to be sitting as the seventh juror in this case,” Khouzam said of the appellate judges’ duty to review the case without retrying it.

“The standard is not that you must be able to pass during all portions of the canal,” Martin told the judges. “The standard is there cannot be a significant impediment to navigation. There are currently areas where boats can pull out and there will be areas after the docks are built where

Moore noted Greenawalt also testified that the portion of the canal located under the bridge at 127th Street West is only wide enough for one boat to enter or exit the western end of the canal at a time; the height of the bridge further limits vessel size.

“They (SWFWMD) look at this as an existing impediment. Using this as a baseline, will this dock be more of an impediment than what’s already existing? There’s already this impediment in the form of the bridge and there are areas already existing where the boaters have to go one boat at the time,” Moore argued.

APPELLATE RULING

On May 3, the appellate judges collectively issued a two-page per curium affirmed document that listed the parties and attorneys involved in the case and stated, “Per Curium Affirmed. Northcutt, Khouzam and Morris concur”

with no additional legal opinions expressed.

After learning of the ruling, Martin provided The Sun with her comments and additional insights.

“Today, the 2nd DCA ‘per curium affirmed’ the decision of the Southwest Florida Water Management District and the administrative law judge in favor of CRIF. When a case is per curium affirmed, it means the case was so clearly correct that it was not necessary for the court to write a longer opinion,” she said.

Martin noted that Cortez Village Marina is part of the Loggerhead Marinas company whose website lists 25 Loggerhead Marinas throughout Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina and Ohio. The Chicago-based MHC Cortez Village LLC lists Chicago-based MHC Aquamarina Ultimate Holdings LLC as a title member.

“CRIF is successful in another step of the continuing saga of the goliath MHC marina, a Log -

gerhead Marina, against Cortez Road (CRIF) over the use of the canal owned by CRIF. MHC and its patrons utilize the canal without authorization from CRIF. Despite the fact that MHC and its patrons are trespassers on the canal, MHC sued CRIF in 2021 to prevent CRIF from building 32 new docks as amenities to the Hunter Point residences. This appeal action no longer prevents the docks from being built. Of course, we do not know if MHC will attempt to appeal further,” Martin said.

When asked which court MHC Cortez Village could appeal to next, she said, “The Florida Supreme Court, but the court would need to have a reason to accept jurisdiction such as a matter of great public importance or a conflict between the rulings of different district courts of appeal.” When commenting on the Second DCA ruling, Gobuty said, “I am still hesitant to build the docks at this time due to the fact that MHC and its customers may appeal again. They have no standing yet they continue to waste the court’s time as well as restrict our abilities to build our homes.”

CIVIL LAWSUIT PENDING

In response to MHC Cortez Village’s initial permit challenge, CRIF, in 2022, filed a still-pending civil lawsuit with the 12th Judicial Circuit Court in Manatee County.

“The saga between MHC and CRIF continues in the circuit court where CRIF has filed a complaint to prevent MHC and its lessors and patrons from trespassing on CRIF’s privately owned canal,” Martin said.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Thursday, June 27 before Circuit Court Judge Ryan Felix.

HUNTERS POINT | SUBMITTED

When completed, the Hunters Point development is to include 49 dock slips and 86 homes.

Moss Builders wins mid-season tourney

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

ANNA MARIA – Youth soccer on the Island goes into the month of May with playoff games on the horizon.

In the 8- to 10-year-old league, The Intuitive Foundation team is holding on to the first-place position over team Solid Rock Construction. With their one-point win against Isola Bella Italian Eatery, the Intuitive squad has a 4-1-0 record.

Parker Svoboda put the two points on the scoreboard for The Intuitive Foundation. Teammates Sawyer Leibfried and Silas Whitehead had three total saves in the game to help with the win.

Isola Bella Italian Eatery’s Carson Long worked hard as goalkeeper, keeping his team solidly in the game for two halves of play. Long had four saves against the Intuitive offense. Scoring the only goal for his team, Asher Patel had a solo goal in the fifth game of the season.

Phoenix Harwood scored two goals against the Emily Moss Design goalies, helping to give AMI Coconuts their second win of the season. Harwood’s brother, Andre, made four solid stops, and teammate Owen Serra had two saves as goalie for the Coconuts team.

Defensively, Miles Moss and Wesley Bekkerus showed solid goalkeeping skills for Emily Moss Design. Bekkerus made two saves, adding to the five stops by Moss.

Shutting out Shady Lady Horticul-

tural Services in the third game of the night, team Solid Rock Construction won 2-0. With goals by Everly Chaplinsky and Lucas Urbiola, the team put up its fourth win, keeping them hot on the heels of team The Intuitive Foundation. With three saves each, Simon Messenger and Karlan Mohib worked the goal for team Shady Lady. Solid Rock’s keepers Samuel Raulerson and Elijah Roadman each had four stops against their worthy opponent in the league’s final game of the week.

The 11- to 14-year-old league

Hogan scores hole-in-one

Brian Hogan scored his first career hole-in-one on April 17 at Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach, acing hole #8 at 145 yards using a 9 iron. As tradition calls for, Hogan treated club members to their favorite beverage after the feat.

In other play:

April 22 - Modified Stableford

First Place - Joy Coyne +5

Second Place - Doug Kristensen, Eric Lawson and Ken Nagengast tied +4

April 23 - Team Scramble

First Place - Connie Livanos, Helen Pollock and Sue Wheeler tied the team of Lisa Edmonds, Jenny Huibers, Pauline Lee and Dee Munn with 35

April 25 - Shamble - counting two scores from the foursome - par 64

First Place - Dale Hudson, Jerry Martinek, Greg Shorten and Larry Solberg tied the team of Dave DuVernay, Scott Mitchell and Marcia and Tim Friesen with 66, 2 over par.

youth soccer

games scheduled for Tuesday, May 28, the two leagues go into the playoffs with the big game in focus.

teams pressed pause on regular season match-ups with a mid-season tournament. Playing on smaller fields for quick, fast-paced action in the double-elimination tournament, the teens played hard against their normal opponents in the fun format.

Team Moss Builders came back to win the tournament after an early loss. Moss’ win against the Westfall’s Lawn Care & Pest Control team earned the squad three points in the league standing. Two points were awarded to the Westfall team for their second-

Tim Sofran, right, went solo on April 24 and walked his way into the winner's circle after winning the final 24-13 over Tom Skoloda and Tom Farrington. Then on April 27, he teamed up with Ron Gagnon, left, for the victory after taking out Farrington and Gary Howcroft 21-16. The win was the fourth in a row for Sofran. On May 1 there was no need for a playoff as Bob Hawks teamed up with Bob Heiger and the duo posted the only 3-0 record during pool play to earn the day’s bragging rights.

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Team Moss Builders won the 11- to 14-year-old league mid-season tournament on the Island’s pitch last week.

FUN IN THE SUN

CLASSIFIEDS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

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

HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS

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

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

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TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570 or 941-565-3931

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RENOVATION SPECALIST

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

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GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 20+ years. Call Neil. Cell 941-9621194

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Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.

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

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

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

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

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

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

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MARTIN’S MOVING

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PAINTING & WALLCOVERING

PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE

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

“WIZARD OF WALLS”

Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Wallpaper installation/ removal. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455

DONALD PERKINS

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

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

POOL SERVICES

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

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

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS

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

T & B PRESSURE WASHING Licensed & Insured. Driveways/sidewalks, Roofs, Pool cages, Fences, House (soft wash/ downstream). Call 813638-7636. tandbpressurewashing@yahoo. com Family owned and operated.

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

Have you been thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! GULF FRONT, CANAL FRONT, BAY FRONT CONDOS or HOMES ASK for BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216

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

FOR SALE - PERICO BAY CLUB Waterfront Beauties! 2 & 3 bedroom models w 2 car garages! Call Today for more info! Erin Leathem at The Anna Maria Sales Team at Island Real Estate 941-448-5616

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

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

FOR SALE: $325K 4410 Fairways Blvd #406 beautifully remodeled golf course view; $365K 840 Audubon Perico Bay Club; $475K 910 41st St Ct W NO HOA built in 2022 w/Boat or RV storage; $2M 201 72nd St Holmes Beach updated duplex w/established rental history. Kelly Gitt The Gitt Team Keller Williams on the Water 941-799-9299

RENTALS: ANNUAL

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

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

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

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

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

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION

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

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

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

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

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

TRANSPORTATION

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