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VOL 16 No. 2
November 11, 2015
Clarke decked by Shearon’s ace in the hole Last week’s election produced a historic and unprecedented result. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH - The Bradenton Beach mayor’s race came down to the luck of the draw, and lady luck was on former Mayor Bill Shearon’s side.
Because the mayor’s race between Shearon and incumbent Mayor Jack Clarke resulted in a 195-195 tie after the votes were tallied on election night, a recount took place Wednesday, Nov. 4, at the supervisor of elections office in Bradenton. When the ballots were recounted the results remained unchanged. Supervisor of Elections Mike Bennett cited state law and said the
election would be “decided by lot,” which means decided by luck. He produced an unopened deck of playing cards, explained which cards would outrank others, and said the candidate who drew the highest card would win the election. After the cards were shuffled, Clarke, as the incumbent, cut the see election, page 41
joe hendricks | sun
Bradenton Beach Mayor Jack Clarke, left, draws first and comes up with the 10 of clubs in hopes of retaining the mayor’s seat. Former Mayor Bill Shearon, right, then draws the ace of clubs that puts him back in office as of Monday, Nov. 16.
Former First Lady passes away A service for Rhea Chiles is tentatively scheduled for Monday, Nov. 17, in Tallahassee. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA ¬– Former Florida First Lady Rhea Chiles, 84, died Sunday at her Island home, surrounded by family. She was preceded in death by her husband, former Florida Governor and
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Senator, Lawton Chiles, who died in 1998. They leave four children including son Ed, who owns three restaurants on Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. Ed Chiles said Monday the family was Rhea Chiles celebrating her life, and, of course, mourning her passing. After her husband died, Rhea Chiles
moved to Anna Maria Island and bought a former restaurant/lounge, turning it into The Studio at Gulf and Pine, in Anna Maria. She had the interior remodeled and it became popular for art displays, wedding receptions, meetings and other events that needed a home. Rhea Chiles also got involved in the local art scene. Joan Voyles, the facilitator for Anna Maria Island Cultural Connections, said Rhea Chiles was one see chiles, page 44
Incumbents sweep back into office in Anna Maria. 4 Thousands turn out for the 4th Annual Cortez Stone
Crab Festival. 8
Anna Maria Island, Florida
The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper
The sun
celebrates its 15th anniversary with a special section on Pages 23-26. www.amisun.com