Anna Maria Island Sun November 24, 2021

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 22 No. 7

November 24, 2021

Stone crab season is back It’s stone crab season on the Island, and although the harvest is not what it has been in years past, locals and tourists alike are delighted they’re back.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

CORTEZ - Some people wait months for the return of the claw, the local signature delicacy, while others can’t wrap their head around the love of the pricey stone crab.

While some seafood aficionados clammer for bluefin tuna or their favorite caviar, if you’re in Cortez or on Anna Maria Island between Oct. 15 and May 1, it’s stone crab you covet.

Stone crabs are caught in traps that are baited with fish, and, unlike unluckier crabs, only the claws are harvested. It is legal in Florida for fishermen to remove both claws if they are large enough, but some only remove one claw to give the crabs a better chance at survival.

SEE STONE CRABS, PAGE 31

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Santa and Mrs. Claus stopped to deliver some early Christmas cheer on the Bridge Street Pier, much to the delight of Carrie Biasi and her daughter, Madison.

Christmas has come to Bridge Street Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach is decorated with the most lights and largest tree ever on Anna Maria Island.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH - Take a walk down Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach and you’ll find it difficult not to be in the holiday spirit.

On Saturday, Nov. 20, the city lit the most Christmas lights ever seen on the Island. Street lights, palm trees, business fronts and even the famous clock tower are draped in lights and garland. The centerpiece of this amazing dis-

INSIDE NEWS OUTDOORS RESTAURANTS OBITUARIES REAL ESTATE CROSSWORD CLASSIFIEDS

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play is a 40-foot tree adorned with thousands of lights and more than 600 hand-placed ornaments.

The tree-lighting ceremony was an all-day event that began with the early afternoon appearance of Santa and Mrs. Claus, who arrived by golf cart.

“The reindeer wanted to be here, but it just hasn’t cooled off quite enough for their liking, so we let them stay at the North Pole. They always look forward to coming to Anna Maria Island on Christmas Eve because I treat them with grouper bites before we head over to Miami,” said Santa.

As the sun set on a beautiful Island afternoon, a crowd of a few SEE BRIDGE STREET, PAGE 6

wine you love with the food you love. In Food & Wine. 23 SERVE THE

Anna Maria Island, Florida

Captain George’s lifelong journey comes to an end George Glaser operated one of the early sightseeing and sunset charter cruises on Anna Maria Island.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

A 40-foot tall Christmas tree graces the Bradenton Beach Post Office parking lot on Bridge Street.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Anna Maria Island lost a colorful character and a marine-loving soul with the recent passing of George “Captain George” Glaser.

After battling numerous non-COVIDrelated health issues, Glaser, 78, passed away at his Bradenton home on Nov. Glaser 13. Glaser’s family is planning a celebration of life early next summer after a grandson returns from overseas military duty.

Glaser was born in the New York, N.Y., area in 1943 and grew up in greater Buffalo, with many friends and family members in the Niagara Falls area as well.

SEE GLASER, PAGE 30

THE HOLIDAY of Treasures is

right around the corner. 4 COMMUNITY comes together for ‘Thanks-Living.’ 20

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Kingan appointed to Anna Maria Commission Robert Kingan will fill the city commission seat being vacated by Doug Copeland.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Robert Kingan has been appointed to serve a two-year term on the Anna Maria City Commission.

Kingan will fill the seat being vacated by Doug Copeland, who in July was appointed to serve the remaining months of the twoyear city commission term vacated by Joe Muscatello.

Jack Bergbom and Sharon Wisniewski also applied for consideration, but Wisniewski later withdrew her application.

The commission appointment occurred on Wednesday, Nov. 17, when Commissioners Carol Carter, Jon Crane, Deanie Sebring, Mark Short and Copeland unanimously selected Kingan over Bergbom, who did not attend the meeting.

Each commissioner ranked the two applicants according to their first and second choices. All five commissioners ranked Kingan as their first choice and Bergbom as their second.

Kingan will be sworn into office on Dec. 9, joined by Carter and Crane, who ran unopposed in the recent election.

Before the selection was made, Kingan was allowed to address the commission.

He said he’s been an Anna Maria resident for 8 ½ years and became an American citizen in 2020. He grew up in Northern Ireland and attended college in England, where he learned to be a chart surveyor specializing in property valuation, landlord/ tenant matters and commercial property.

He came to America in 1984 and worked in a bank’s commercial lending department before starting his own business.

“After 5 ½ years, I had enough of corporate America and opened my own business in 1990 with no clients. But having arrived in the states with no job, nowhere to live and a pregnant wife, I was prepared to take some risks,” he said.

Clients for his appraisal and consulting business included several large banks, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and several towns and cities. He said some of the work he did for the towns and cities included appraisals associated with road widening projects.

“This seems appropriate, here we are considering reimagining Pine Avenue. I’m very familiar with reading engineering plans and discussing the issues associated with how you utilize what property you have or may have to acquire in order to achieve your objectives,” he said.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Robert Kingan will be sworn in as a city commissioner on Dec. 9. Doug Copeland participated in his final commission meeting last week.

Kingan said he also participated in many negotiations about landlord/tenant matters and is very familiar with leases and contracts.

“I feel I have the necessary qualifications; and above all, interest to do this job,” he said.

After the meeting, Kingan said, “I’m delighted they chose me and I hope to do a very good job for the city for the foreseeable future.”

When asked about his commission priorities, Kingan said, “The stormwater and drainage situation, which I think needs even more attention, and an urgent need to look towards sea-level rise and the best ways of mitigating that within the city, particularly with relation to roads and new construction.”

COPELAND’S FAREWELL

Wednesday’s meeting marked the end of Copeland’s long tenure as a city commissioner. Before being appointed to serve the remaining months of Muscatello’s term, Copeland served several terms as a city commissioner before he chose not to seek reelection in 2019.

After congratulating Kingan, Mayor Dan Murphy said, “I’d like to thank Commissioner Copeland for stepping up to the plate and helping us throughout this period of time when we have been short one commissioner. You’ve done a great job for us Doug. I really appreciate your experience, your knowledge and everything you’ve done for us.”

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ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

Remember wildlife on Giving Tuesday Wildlife Inc. Education and Rehabilitation Center is participating in Giving Tuesday on Nov. 30 and asks for donations to help continue their efforts to rehabilitate animals – 3,000 this year alone. The family-run organization was started in 1987 by Gail and Ed Straight, who have dedicated their Bradenton Beach home and yard to the animals. They hope to expand to another location to accommodate larger cages required by rehabilitation regulations. Wildlife Inc. is the only rehabilitation facility in the county. Visit the website, www.wildlifeinc.org, or www.facebook.com/WildlifeInc to donate.

Privateers to hold Christmas fundraiser The Anna Maria Island Privateers will host their Christmas Scholarship Fundraiser at the Drift In on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach on Saturday, Dec. 4 from 6-10 p.m. Come see Santa and his sleigh and do your best to convince him you’ve been nice this year. There will be a potluck dinner, and plenty of chances to win prizes including a lotto board, large raffle basket, scratch tickets and much more. Proceeds go to help kids and the community through scholarships and other efforts. The Privateers are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Meals on Wheels Plus makes having a food drive simple If you are a business or organization that would like to hold a food drive this holiday season, Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee and The Food Bank of Manatee have put together an easy-to-use guide and checklist of the most needed items. Whether you want to raise food, funds or both for any length of time, this guide will make it simple to get from inception to goal. For all the information go to www.MealsonWheelsPlus.org or call 941-747FOOD.

Visit our website, www.amisun.com.

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NOVEMBER 24, 2021

Santa Stops Here and Holiday of Treasures coming soon

Several holiday events will take place in Anna Maria in early December.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria will hold a Santa Stops Here holiday event at City Pier Park on Friday, Dec. 10.

Santa Stops Here will take place under the City Park shade sail structure from 4-5:30 p.m. and feature a visit from Santa, free gifts for children and a holiday singalong. More details are available at the city website, www.cityofannamaria.com.

HOLIDAY OF TREASURES

Santa Stops Here will be followed that evening by the annual Holiday of Treasures Open House taking place along Pine Avenue from 5:30-8 p.m.

This free family event is sponsored by the Anna Maria Island Historical Society and the AMI Sun. The Holiday of Treasures Open House will feature participating businesses offering free appetizers, light bites, beverages and musical entertainment to those strolling along Pine Avenue taking in the holiday sights and sounds.

The AMI Historical Museum will also be offering free cookies and refreshments and Santa will be making his rounds along Pine Avenue.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Holiday of Treasures Open House provides residents, visitors and the business community a chance to intermingle during the holidays. Santa Claus will make an appearance at City Pier Park on Friday, Dec. 10

BRIGHT HOLIDAY LIGHTS CONTEST

The city of Anna Maria will again present its Bright Holiday Lights holiday decorating and lighting contest. The contest is free and open to all city residents and businesses. Registration forms are available at the city website.

The deadline to register is 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 7. The judging will take place Thursday, Dec. 9 and the winners will be announced during the “Santa Stops Here” event the following afternoon.

Pet blessing Pastor Doug Kings, a dog owner himself, blesses pets at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Holmes Beach on Saturday.

Holiday waste pickup schedule It’s almost turkey time and that means changes are coming to the trash, recycling and yard waste pickup schedules for Waste Management and Waste Pro customers. Pickups before the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, Nov. 25 will take place as regularly scheduled.

Pickups normally scheduled for Thursday will take place on Friday, Nov. 26. No pickups will take place on Saturday or Sunday. Trash, recycling and yard waste pickups will resume on the normal schedule on Monday, Nov. 29.

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Bradenton Beach police officers getting new guns The AMI Moose Lodge assists the police department with firearm purchases.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The Bradenton Beach Police Department is spending $10,671 to purchase new handguns and pistol-mounted optical sights for its officers.

A $4,000 donation from the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge will assist with those costs.

During the Thursday, Nov. 18 city commission meeting, Moose Lodge #2188 administrator Byron Dalton and Lodge President Steve Boniberger presented Police Chief John Cosby with a $4,000 check.

“Byron and Steve approached me and asked if they could donate some funds to the police department to purchase some equipment. They’re aware that we’ll be getting some new sidearms and sights to go with them, so they asked if they could donate some money to help support the purchase of the sights,” Cosby told the commission.

Boniberger then handed Cosby a check and said, “We’d like to present the Bradenton Beach Police Department with a check

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Moose Lodge President Steve Boniberger and Lodge Administrator Byron Dalton presented Chief John Cosby with a $4,000 donation. Right, Officer Steve Masi provided the city commission with an overview of the weapons and sights to be purchased. for $4,000 for their equipment. It’s from the heart of the community and from all of the 14,000-plus members we have in this Moose.”

After the commission approved the donation, Mayor John Chappie thanked Boniberger, Dalton and the Moose members.

“We appreciate it. You guys do a lot of great work for the community,” Chappie said.

PURCHASE APPROVED

When addressed as an agenda item, Cosby and Officer Steve Masi presented the spending requests. The commission

unanimously supported the purchase of 12 AM M&P M 2.0 handguns. Manufactured

by Smith & Wesson, each gun sells for $437.65, for a total cost of $5,251.80 – an expenditure included in the current fiscal year budget.

Cosby said the 12th gun would be set aside as a spare in case there’s an officerinvolved shooting that requires a weapon to be temporarily surrendered or if one of the new guns requires repair.

The commission also authorized the purchase of 11 AIM ACRO P-2 Red Dot Reflex gunsights at $492.67 each, for a total sight cost of $5,419.37. Cosby said the $4,000

Moose Lodge donation and an anticipated $1,000 grant would cover all but $419 of the costs to purchase the sights.

Cosby said his officers currently carry sidearms they purchased themselves and privately own. As the new chief, Cosby recommended the city purchase the officers’ sidearms. He said this would be better for inspection purposes and liability concerns.

“We’re getting a good deal. One of the reasons we chose this gun was price,” he noted.

Masi serves as one of the department’s range instructors and high liability instructors. He said the new guns would create weapon consistency throughout the department, including the ability to share ammo clips if needed during an exchange of gunfire. Masi said the 9mm weapons would lower the city’s ammunition costs. He also said the new guns are ambidextrous and can be fired with either hand.

“The sights will greatly improve accuracy,” Cosby said.

Masi said the red dot sights will alleviate the need for officers to close one eye when aiming their weapons using a mechanical sight. He said this will provide officers with increased peripheral vision, which is helpful during a situation involving more than one suspect.

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OPINION

The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper 3909 East Bay Drive, Suite 210, Holmes Beach, FL, 34217 Phone: (941) 778-3986 email: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com

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The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field Layout Ricardo Fonseca Reporters Cindy Lane Joe Hendricks Kristin Swain Jason Schaffer Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors Editor Rusty Chinnis Advertising director Shona Otto Ad assistant Pamela Lee Classified ads Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Digital/Social Media Editor Cindy Lane Accounting John Reitz Leslie Ketchum Distribution Bob Alexander Tony McNulty Connor Field Contributors Tom Vaught Steve Borggren Monica Simpson

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach is all decked out for the holidays.

CHRISTMAS: Comes to Bridge St. FROM PAGE 1

hundred people gathered while the Magic of Manatee Sweet Adelines sang traditional carols in front of the tree. At 6 p.m., the crowd chanted a 10-second countdown for Mayor John Chappie, who lit the tree alongside City Attorney Ricinda Perry and Commissioner Ralph Cole. The evening’s festivities continued with an outdoor

showing of "A Christmas Story" on an inflatable movie screen next to the tree.

“This is the culmination of 30 years of hard work in the commercial area of Bradenton Beach.

Trimmers Holiday Decor, the company that put up all the lights and decorations, did an amazing job, always here on the spot working to get this done, they’re amazing,”

said Mayor Chappie.

This huge holiday undertaking came at a cost of more than $40,000 and was made possible by the Community Redevelopment Agency, the City of Bradenton Beach, and local merchants. The lights come on at sunset and will be in place through the end of December.

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NOVEMBER 24, 2021

ON THE AGENDA

ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www. cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information.

Nov. 25, all day – City offices closed for Thanksgiving Nov. 26, all day – City offices closed for Thanksgiving Dec. 9, 2 p.m. – City Commission organizational meeting

BRADENTON BEACH

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

City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information.

Nov. 25, all day – City offices closed for Thanksgiving Nov. 26, all day – City offices closed for Thanksgiving Dec. 1, 9 a.m. – Capital Improvement Plan meeting Dec. 1, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting Dec. 16, noon – City Commission meeting

HOLMES BEACH

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

City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www. holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information.

Nov. 25, all day – City offices closed for Thanksgiving Nov. 26, all day – City offices closed for Thanksgiving Dec. 1, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautification Committee meeting Dec. 1, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting Dec. 8, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission comprehensive plan public meeting Dec. 14, 5 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow MARKYOUR CALENDAR

Saturday mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Face masks required.

Master Gardener Tour, Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 9-11 a.m. Reservations required at https://www.eventbrite. com/e/167372791525

SUNDAY, NOV. 28

Happy Thanksgiving!

Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 8-10 a.m.

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Rise and Shine Power Flow Yoga, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton 10:30-11:45 a.m., $10 fee payable online. Bring your own yoga mat.

Register at https://parks.mymanatee.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search. html?primarycode=110006 or call 941-742-5923 ext. 6042 for more information.

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

SATURDAY, NOV. 27

TUESDAY, NOV. 30

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 24

Ukulele instruction for beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m. Register online https://manateelibrary. libcal.com/event/8315410

THURSDAY, NOV. 25

Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m.

Farmer’s market, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

THE SUN

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome.

Family story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Reserve to https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/8303022 Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Register online at https://manateelibrary. libcal.com/event/7996705 One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Reserve online https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/7996162 Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

Music begins at 6 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 1

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ukulele Instruction for Beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m. Register online at https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/8315411 Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

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THURSDAY, DEC. 2

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome.

Sunshine Stitchers knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Register online at https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/7996416 Thursdays in Paradise Stroll, local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5-8 p.m.

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

FRIDAY, DEC. 3

Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Register online https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/7958996 Mahjong Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Register online https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/7996706 Christmas tree lighting; Holmes Beach Holiday Open House, AMI Chamber, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5-8 p.m. Tree lighting, 6 p.m.

Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m.

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NOVEMBER 24, 2021

Special magistrate reconsiders fines The Holmes Beach special magistrate was no Scrooge when it came to reducing and eliminating fines against code violators.

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

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Special Magistrate Michael Connolly hears arguments to remove fines against the Bali Hai’s owners due to a due process issue. property has had two stop-work orders issued on it since code violations were first identified in September 2019. She said the property finally came into compliance with city codes and Connolly’s previous rulings on Aug. 31, 2021.

The total outstanding fines on the property were $51,900 plus $127.24 in administrative costs.

Najmy argued that his clients tried to work with the city but proceedings were delayed due to COVID-19 and other issues.

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Connolly agreed to lessen the fines from $150 per day to $100 per day, bringing the total down to $34,500 plus the $127.24 administrative costs. Najmy said the reduction in fines should prevent the matter from being heard in Manatee County district court.

Another of Najmy’s clients, Bali Hai JV LLC, owners of the Bali Hai Beach Resort, had two matters involving fines heard by Connolly. In both cases, the city petitioned Connolly to rescind the fines against the property due to a due process issue - the hearing in which

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HOLMES BEACH – This month’s code compliance special magistrate hearing was all about fines – reducing and eliminating them.

First up was a case involving 305 73rd St. and owners 305 73rd LLC. Though Special Magistrate Michael Connolly had already issued a final order imposing fines, attorney Louis Najmy asked for a reduction in fines on the owners’ behalf.

The violations found against the property in previous code compliance hearings included a dilapidated structure that the city had to secure against intrusion and engage a contractor to remove potentially dangerous building materials from the yard. The city also did not receive a timely response from the property owner, who did work outside the scope of permits.

Speaking on behalf of the city, attorney Erica Augello argued that the

fines were levied against the resort’s ownership was not recorded. Since there is ongoing litigation in Manatee County Circuit Court between the resort owners and city leaders and the recording may be a matter of due process, Augello asked Connolly to vacate the prior final orders and orders imposing fines in two of the nine code compliance cases against the resort.

Augello stipulated that she would like the orders vacated without prejudice to allow the city to have the cases reheard and fines imposed for the alleged violations.

While Najmy said his clients do not object to the vacation of the fines, he does object to the reason for the city asking the fines to be vacated. He said he doesn’t believe that the city’s representatives were being totally honest about why they were asking for the reconsideration of the fines and final orders by the special magistrate.

Connolly ruled in favor of vacating the final orders and fines without prejudice.

The next code compliance special magistrate hearing is scheduled for Jan. 19 at Holmes Beach City Hall.

MAY YOUR DAYS BE

S

! g n i v i g s Thank full O F B O T H thanks

AND

giving

WE WILL BE CLOSED ON THANKSGIVING DAY TO SPEND TIME WITH OUR FAMILIES.

LANDSIDE

6906 14th Street West 941.758.7880

CORTEZ

6696 Cortez Road 941.792.0077

ELLENTON

1525 51st Avenue East 941.721.7773

BRIDGE ST. PIER Bradenton Beach 941.778.AMOB (2662)

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NOVEMBER 24, 2021

Shopping * Lively Music * Tasty Treats * Santa's Sleigh

Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce

THE SUN

AT THE

3rd Annual

Tree Lighting & Holmes Beach Holiday Open House

Friday, December 3rd r 5:00pm - 8:00pm Tree Lighting at 6:00pm

Local Businesses will stay open to accommodate Holiday Shopping..

Shop Local!!

CrossPointe Fellowship Family singing holiday tunes AMI Privateers will visit with Santa's Sleigh All treats must be individually wrapped

Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce office 5313 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach 941-778-1541

December 4th, 2021 • 6pm BEST VIEWING AREAS LONGBOAT KEY BRIDGE BRIDGE STREET PIER

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Thanksgiving Day Service 10:00 AM, Nov. 25 in the Sanctuary A community celebration with music and an open mic!

NOVEMBER 24, 2021

SUNDAY WORSHIP • 8:30 AM or 10:00 AM COMMUNITY CHURCH • Sermon Series by Rev. Dirk Rodgers

Rediscover… why Christmas truly matters

IN PERSON in the Sanctuary Nursery • Children’s Church

ONLINE • Watch LIVE or LATER

www.RoserChurch.com Text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin

The CHAPEL is open during office hours for prayer and meditation

941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Island youth church band to play at Popi’s Get a head start on the Christmas spirit at A Popi’s Christmas Concert featuring The Youth Praise Band of CrossPointe Fellowship on Thursday, Dec. 2, starting at 6 p.m. outside Popi’s Place, 6409 Manatee Ave. W. Popi’s manager, Ina Melo, said this concert, performed last year, was so popular that they decided to do it again.

You can enjoy the live music and holiday festive spirit while dining inside or outside or bring a lawn chair as room allows. Some concertgoers even enjoy the festive show from their vehicles in the parking lot.

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NOVEMBER 24, 2021

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Thanksgiving restaurant openings ANNA MARIA ISLAND – If you’re looking for somewhere to dine on the Thanksgiving holiday, The Sun has your list of local restaurants that are open for business on Nov. 25.

• Anna Maria Island Beach Café at 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach • Bridge Tender Inn at 135 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach • City Pier Grill at 100 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria • Daiquiri Deck at 107 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach

• Drift In at 120 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach • Euphemia Haye Restaurant at 5540 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key • Floridays Woodfire Grill & Bar at 12332 Manatee Ave., Bradenton • Gulf Drive Café & Kokonut Hut at 900 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach • Harry’s Continental Kitchen at 525 St. Jude Drive, Longboat Key

• Harry’s Grill at 9903 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria • Joey D’s at 6401 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton • Minnie’s Beach Café at 5360 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach • Pier 22 at 1200 First Ave. W., Bradenton • Swordfish Grill & Tiki Bar at 4528 119th St. W., Cortez • The Lazy Lobster of Longboat at 5350 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key

SHARON HOATLAND/A PARADISE REALTY | SUBMITTED

A Paradise Realty is an annual participant in the Toys for Tots toy drives.

A Paradise Realty collecting Toys for Tots A Paradise Realty will once again be participating in the Toys for Tots drive for the 2021 holiday season. There are drop boxes at both A Paradise Realty locations, where new, unwrapped toys can be donated from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Wednesday, Dec. 15. A

Paradise Realty and Vacation Rentals is at 5201 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach and A Paradise Realty is at 945 25th Drive East, Suite 10, in Ellenton. For more information, please call 941-729-2381 or email sharon@ paradiserealty.com.

5346 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach (941) 778-5788 | hurricanehanks.com

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Church group donates to local families in need Above, Rev. Dirk Rodgers gives a blessing over more than 200 quilts, stuffed animals, beanies and other items created by Roser Church’s migrant sewing circle over the past year. The items will be distributed to local migrant families in need.

Left, Margo Wood Kingsley checks out a couple of last-minute quilt donations at a table in the narthex at Roser Church, holding all of the donations from the migrant sewing circle that wouldn’t fit on the altar in the sanctuary.

Visit us for a cold one!

We’ve installed 5 Fresh-Aire UV units to provide 1_;lb1-ѴŊ=u;; -bu -m7 v u=-1; 7bvbm=;1ঞomĺ

5344 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach (941) 779-2337 | hurricaneliquorami.com

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NOVEMBER 24, 2021

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Mangroves planted at Coquina Bayside Park These mangroves were planted at Coquina Bayside Park as part of the city of Bradenton Beach’s mitigation efforts for the recently completed city dredging project that now provides deeper waters in the navigation channel from the Coquina North boat ramp to the Bridge Street Pier. Some of the mangroves are planted along the sandy shoreline and some are planted further out in the water where they are protected by circular concrete barriers.

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County offers COVID-19 vaccines for children The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County is now offering COVID-19 vaccines to teens and children age 5 to 17 with parental or guardian consent.

Vaccines for children and adults are available at no cost through the department of health. To book an appointment, call 941-242-6649.

Those under age 17 who receive a COVID-19 vaccine will receive a free goodie bag with vaccination cardholders, coupons for free admission to The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature with the purchase of an adult admission, a free 5-ounce frozen yogurt at Menchie’s and other treats.

Children and teens ages five to 17 can receive a vaccine at the DOH’s main campus, 410 Sixth Ave. E. in Bradenton Monday through Friday from 1-4:30 p.m. while school is in session. During school breaks, Nov. 22-24 and Dec. 27-Jan. 5, vaccine appointments are available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. At the Manatee South Center, 7780 Westmoreland Drive, vaccine appointments are available Nov. 24 and Dec. 22 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For adults ages 18 and older, vaccines are available at the main campus Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon and at the Manatee South Center Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Adults also can receive vaccines and vaccine booster shots at local Publix, CVS and Walgreens pharmacies at no cost.

AMI Chamber announces holiday hours ‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 25 and Friday, Nov. 26 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Normal hours will resume on Monday, Nov. 29.

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NOVEMBER 24, 2021

GIVING GIFTS THAT KEEP ON GIVING

Available in-store or order online at ChilesGroup.cardfoundry.com

The holidays are a time synonymous with giving. Watching loved ones unwrap their gifts on Christmas morning has been the catalyst to increasing toy and retail sales since Norman 5RFNZHOO ¿UVW SXW EUXVK WR FDQYDV 6HDUFKLQJ IRU the perfect present for everyone on your list, and anticipating what’s waiting under your tree, is a highlight of the season.

What started as a simple, kind gesture KDV EHFRPH PRUH GL൶FXOW LQ DQ RQOLQH VRFLHW\ With shorter attention spans and access to so much through the click of a button, we’re always chasing the perfect gift. It’s also not great for RXU ODQG¿OOV DOO ¿OOLQJ XS ZLWK WR\V FORWKLQJ DQG ³VWX൵´ WKDW TXLFNO\ EHFDPH RXW RI GDWH ,W¶V not hard to see why giving experiences instead of things has steadily grown in popularity. The giver gets to see the look of joy on the receiver’s face not just when they open it, but also when they put it to use. Experiential giving has been a big mission for The Chiles Group, whose focus on sustainability has inspired their Retail team to develop gift options that provide more memories and less waste.

While the gift card may seem like a EODVp RSWLRQ DW ¿UVW JODQFH LW FDQ EH D JUHDW way to provide a magical moment for friends or family. The key is putting more thought into the place of use. If the card represents something meaningful to them, like a place they could relive a special moment in time – it becomes the most precious thing you could give. It’s even better when you can maximize your investment with a great deal. The Chiles Group has put toJHWKHU D VSHFLDO R൵HU IRU WKHLU UHVWDXUDQWV ZKHUH you get a $20 kickback for every $100 gift card SXUFKDVHG 7KH 6DQGEDU 7KH %HDFK +RXVH DQG

Mar Vista all have wonderfully loyal patrons who come year after year from all over the world – so receiving this gift card acknowledges a history and gives them something to look forward to on their next trip to the area.

Providing treats that can be shared at a gathering or used to create an extraordinary occasion also makes for a great sustainable gift option. Food memories are stronger than most other kinds because senses of smell, taste, sight, sound, and touch are combined while eating, making traditions around food and holidays XQLYHUVDO $QQD 0DULD %DNH +RXVH LV D JUHDW option that sells whole pies made by hand with local ingredients. Gamble Creek Farms has also assembled thoughtful gift baskets in various price ranges for sale at their Farm Market. These EDVNHWV IHDWXUH XQLTXH SURGXFWV IURP ORFDO vendors, including dried pasta, specialty olive oils and vinegars (pictured), cheeses, spices, and more.

6KRZLQJ ORYH DQG JUDWLWXGH LV SDUW RI what makes this season special, but it’s easy to get caught up in the more, more, more mentality. Try to stay in the moment this year and give them, too!

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NOVEMBER 24, 2021

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County commissioner assisting families displaced by fire 16 Bradenton families were displaced by a Nov. 6 apartment building fire.

responders, that father, and the grace of God, no one died. Six people were transported to trauma centers, but in the end, everyone survived,” he said.

He noted one pet was lost, but many others were saved.

“The cause of the fire was a dryer vent.

This building appears to be a total loss,” he said.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON – District 3 Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge helped raise more than $17,000 to assist 16 families recently displaced by an apartment building fire.

The fire occurred at the Aaron Lake apartment complex in west Bradenton on Saturday, Nov. 6. The 16 apartments damaged in the fire were all in the same large, connected building. The apartment complex is at 4325 40th St. W., near the Bowlero bowling alley on Cortez Road.

Van Ostenbridge, whose district includes Anna Maria Island and west Bradenton, witnessed the fire firsthand.

Moved by what he saw, he started a GoFundMe online fundraiser that, as of Sunday, had raised $17,635 from 179 contributors, more than his $16,000 goal - $1,000 for each family.

On Thursday, Nov. 18, Van Ostenbridge held a press conference in front of the burned-out apartment building.

“I was actually on a ride-along with the

RELIEF EFFORTS

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge held a press conference at the fire scene Thursday morning.

Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and we responded to this fire, so I can attest to some of the horrible things that were experienced that night by these families, as well as the bravery we saw from a father (who rescued his children) and our first responders,” he said.

He said Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue,

the Bradenton Fire Department, West Manatee Fire Rescue, Southern Manatee Fire Rescue and Manatee County EMS responded to the four-alarm fire.

Four injured children were airlifted from nearby G.T. Bray Park and flown to Tampa General Hospital.

“Thanks to the heroics of our first

On the night of the fire, the American Red Cross provided each displaced family with a $900 debit card to help meet their most immediate needs, the commissioner said.

“Which is greatly appreciated, but we all know with a family, $900 doesn’t take you very far, especially when you have no place to go. So, I started this GoFundMe,” he said.

Van Ostenbridge said he intended to begin distributing the money to the families on Monday, in time for Thanksgiving.

Van Ostenbridge thanked those who had contributed and noted the assistance efforts extend beyond fundraising.

“Bayside Church, The Bridge Church and several churches have reached out SEE COMMISSIONER, PAGE 28

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NOVEMBER 24, 2021

Anna Maria community celebrates Thanks-Living This year’s Thanks-Living gathering featured a “Green & Clean” theme.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – About 200 people gathered at City Pier Park Sunday afternoon and evening to celebrate Thanks-Living.

The event was organized by the Love AMI task force and the city of Anna Maria as a sequel to the original ThanksLiving community gathering in 2019.

Thanks-Living 2020 was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sunday’s Thanks-Living gathering featured a “Green & Clean” theme that ties into the environmental initiatives being conducted by The Center of Anna Maria Island, Eckerd College and others. The free event also featured informational booths by The Center, Wildlife Inc., Roser Memorial Community Church and the Roser Food Pantry.

There was also a coloring area for children.

A bounty of free food was provided by Poppo’s Taqueria, Anna Maria Oyster Bar, The Sandbar, Ginny’s and Jane E’s Café, The Anna Maria General Store and Hometown Desserts.

During her opening remarks, Anna Maria Commissioner and Love AMI task force member Carol Carter said, “We are grateful for living in this wonderful community, but we also know how fragile our environment is. We’re here to celebrate Anna Maria, to raise awareness for the ‘Green & Clean’ initiatives initiated by The Center, to support Roser Food Pantry and the other non-profits we have on the Island and also to meet new friends and reconnect with old friends.”

Mayor Dan Murphy, The Center’s Jim McDaniel and Holmes Beach resident and task force member Vic Caserta also spoke.

Featuring Will Corr, Rusty Moore and Bryce Thompson, Sycamore Shade provided the live acoustic music.

After sharing her peach whiskey with the band, Anna Maria resident and task force member Barbara Zdravecky said, “I’m here because I love Anna Maria and the sense of community is really important as more tourism has poured in. This event is a great way for all of us neighbors to get together to celebrate our beautiful life here.”

Recently appointed Anna Maria Commissioner Robert Kingan added, “ThanksLiving is the epitome of what it means to live in Anna Maria. It’s an opportunity for those who live here to get together while also bringing people from Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach to this truly Island experience.”

Anna Maria Elementary student Addy Du Toit recited a poem of hope and inspiration disputing the notion that it’s too late to save the Earth’s environmental resources, and that we as humans have no ability or responsibility to do so. Du Toit was joined by several adults who held placards containing messages from the poem she recited.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The community gathered under and around the City Pier Park shade sail.

Jack Coleman served delicious pork tacos from Poppo’s Taqueria.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Sharon Ganos was accompanied by her dogs, Lovey Lee and Ocean Lee.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Hometown Desserts provided free cupcakes, cookies and Key lime pie.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Roser Food Pantry’s Jack Brennan received a $250 check from The Center’s executive director, Chris Culhane.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Anna Maria Elementary student Addy Du Toit recited an environmentallythemed poem, joined by several adults who helped share her message.

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Annie Silver remains without a president

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH - Annie Silver Community Center members were unable to elect a president at their board meeting on Nov. 15 due to a lack of attendance.

During its first post-COVID-19 meeting on Sept. 27 after a break of more than a year, the board had addressed issues including replacing retiring president Linda Yarger, whose last official day was Sept. 30.

Annie Silver, a 501(c)(3) non-profit community center, is overseen by a board consisting of a president (currently vacant), Vice President Jim Hassett, Treasurer Dianne Coates and Secretary Judy Pruitt. Hassett expressed willingness to take over the role of president, which would require some reshuffling to fill the vice president position, but any changes require a vote by members. The vote will have to wait until at least Dec. 6 when the board has its next scheduled meeting.

Although a vote did not take place, members discussed business, including a change in the zoning status of the center. Previously, Annie Silver was designated as residential property. According to Hassett, that is being changed to city commercial status by the Bradenton Beach Building and Planning Department.

“The city commercial status basically means if someone would ever want to buy it and

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With an insufficient number of members in attendance to vote for new board members, Annie Silver Community Center members will try again in December. turn it back into residential, it would be up to them to appeal to the city,” said Hassett, who also said this change did not cost the center any money.

Annie Silver Community Center has served the Bradenton Beach community for more than 65 years. It was named for its founder, Annie Silver, whose life and accomplishments adorn the walls of the center in honor of her many contributions to the Island and its residents. The center can be rented out for just about any event free of charge, although a charitable donation is requested to offset operating costs. Wedding receptions, youth activities and

meetings of the AMI Privateers are common at the center.

Island residents will also be happy to hear that bingo will be returning to the center in mid-January. Bingo is not only a favorite pastime in Bradenton Beach, but it is the primary source of income for Annie Silver. Due to COVID-19, there hasn’t been any bingo for more than a year. More details on exact dates and times will be determined at future meetings.

The next event will be the center’s bi-annual book sale and potluck which will be held Nov. 26-27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will benefit Senior Adventures.

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Bahamian bones Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

I

f I had to pick my favorite fish to catch, it would probably be a bonefish. Tarpon are amazing targets, as are redfish, little tunny and snook, but sight fishing for bonefish in the locations they inhabit and the crystal-clear waters in which they swim is incomparable. Not to mention that a well-placed fly is more often than not tracked and inhaled.

From Nov. 10-17, I returned for my seventh trip to South Andros in the Bahamas and my second trip to Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge with my friend Captain Rick Grassett and a group he had been bringing to the lodge (except for a COVID-19 pass in 2020) for the past six years. The lodge is situated near the southeast tip of what is the largest and least populated island in the Bahamas. I’ve been to several other islands in the chain, but South Andros is special. It’s maybe one of the only places I’ve ever been where things had hardly changed in almost 20 years. That went for the fishing as well. There are very few places where you can travel to in a day and then fish all day and sometimes never

see another angler. South Andros was like that when I first visited in the late '90s and it remains that way today.

This trip (except for one day with perfect conditions) was challenging, with frequent clouds, some rain and a persistent 20-plus mph east wind. Despite the inclement weather, the guides were able to lead anglers to bonefish every day. On the days when the clouds persisted, we were able to stalk tailing bonefish on the flats while the appearance of the sun led to some terrific sight fishing opportunities. On the final day of the trip, my partner Kirk Grassett and I had our best day, despite some extremely challenging conditions.

One of the reasons anglers travel to this part of the Bahamas, besides the endless flats and solitude, is the number of big bonefish that ply these waters in the early fall. Fly anglers have a very good chance at bones pushing 10 pounds and on every trip, a fish or two in the double digits are landed. That was no exception this trip as one member of our party, Tracey Baker, landed a bonefish that pushed 12 pounds on the first day. I’m still looking for my first 10-pound bonefish, but did manage to land several fish from seven to nine pounds.

The lodge is smoothly run by a Bahamian staff and guides, and is owned and managed by Bill Howard, an expatriate from Nebraskan. We stayed at the lodge for seven nights and fished six days. The day started out with a 7 a.m. breakfast, although coffee was on for early risers

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

The author with a bonefish caught in the Bahamas. by 5:30 a.m. We loaded up at 8 a.m. and made a five-minute ride to a nearby boat basin where boats, guides, drinks and lunches were waiting. After an approximately 30-minute ride, we rounded the south end of the “main” island and entered into an angler’s paradise with seemingly endless flats, islands and channels. After seven hours of chasing SEE REEL TIME, PAGE 25

NOVEMBER 24, 2021

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Serve the wine you love Nate Gorbett

W

THE PORCH RESTAURANT

hen I was asked to write an article about the right wine and food pairings, the first thing that came to mind and, something important to understand, is that focusing on the wine and food you love is all that matters. If having a piece of fresh grouper with a glass of full-bodied zinfandel is what you love, then bon appetite. Enjoy your food and enjoy your favorite wine.

Have that crisp, fruity dry sauvignon blanc with your steak - the rules when it comes to wine pairings are long gone.

But having said that, pairing your food and wine is just plain delicious.

Having that grouper with a decadent cream sauce on top served with asparagus and a lovely oaked chardonnay with its vanilla and buttery overtones is delicious. That medium rare lamb served with a full-bodied Bordeaux blend, with its earthy and plum flavors … yum. So, wine pairings can be delicious and fun.

When I joined Brianna and Joshua Foster, the owners of The Porch Restaurant, and we were tasked to build a wine menu, we created it with our plates in mind. Choice is important. Earthy cabernet sauvignon and mushroom sauce served over a beef tenderloin filet, with mashed potatoes and Brussels sprouts, needs a good selection of a full-bodied zinfandel, syrah or a cabernet sau-

vignon to choose from. So pairing wine with food is important as well.

I love going to regional wine tastings or large wine tastings, like the Forks and Corks wine festival in Sarasota every year or Disney’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. These large events expose you to different wines and foods from countries around the world.

Smaller events tend to focus on one specific region and are as much a local gathering as they are about food and wine. When Brianna and Josh spoke about doing them, I was very excited. I’m excited to create gourmet flavors for the wines that they will be tasting. If we are in Washington state and full-bodied cabernet sauvignon is being served, I would pair it with an earthy blended Duxelles made with mushrooms, garlic, herbs and shallots, combined over a grilled oyster or Washington state apple crisp, served with a dry white wine, sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio or an unoaked chardonnay.

The other great foods to pair with wines are charcuterie boards. Great with dry, semi-sweet, sweet, red or white wines, charcuterie introduces many flavors; fruits, meats, cheeses, nuts, honeys and breads. Something to pair with any wine. You can create boards specific to a wine, or boards as mentioned that cover all wines.

I prefer the latter. These are great at wine-tasting events. But as I said in the beginning, good wine is good wine and good food is good food.

Having your favorite wine with your favorite food is all you need to know.

I can't think of anything better.

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BEACH BEAT BRADENTON BEACH

11/13, 11:38 p.m., noise complaint, 205 17th St. N. Officers were dispatched to the above location in response to a noise complaint. There were several people talking and laughing in the pool area, but officers did not observe any noise violations. The subjects were told they were not in violation of the noise ordinance, but if they did violate, further action could be taken.

11/16, 11:12 p.m., noise complaint, 2104 Ave. A. The officer was dispatched to a complaint of people talking loudly. Upon arrival, the officer could hardly hear any noise beyond some loud air conditioning compressors kicking on and off. The officer made contact with 10 individuals talking on the patio area near the pool.

There was no decibel violation so no action was taken. The officer tried to call back the complainant, however nobody answered or returned the call. No further action was taken.

HOLMES BEACH

11/11, 9:08 a.m., no valid ID, 5600 Marina Drive. After conducting a traffic stop, the officer made contact with the driver and was informed he did not have a valid driver’s license and has never had one issued. The driver was issued a citation for operating a vehicle without a license and given a court date.

A licensed driver came to pick up the vehicle.

11/14, 5:02 p.m., trespass warning, 5424 Marina Drive. While on patrol, the

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responding officer was dispatched to investigate a suspicious male outside Jesse’s Island Store that was making employees and customers uncomfortable. The employee who called police said the man had been in and out of the store all day and was giving off “Charles Manson” vibes. The store requested the man be trespassed from the property. The officer made contact with the subject who seemed “out of it” according to police. The man, who said he was from Englewood, was told he was no longer allowed on the property and was issued a trespass warning.

11/15, 4:52 p.m., habitual traffic offender, 5600 Marina Drive. While sitting stationary, officers observed a vehicle that alerted through police license plate recognition that the driver had a suspended license and other issues. The driver matched the description of the registered owner, so officers initiated a traffic stop. As officers approached the vehicle, the female driver would only roll down the window a couple of inches, and when she did, a strong odor of marijuana was present. The nervous driver used her paperwork to try to cover up a Raw brand rolling tray with marijuana crumbs visible on it. Police had probable cause to search the vehicle and found several small baggies with marijuana in them. The suspect said the marijuana was for her own personal use and admitted to not having a valid license. The driver was arrested on multiple charges related to the marijuana and habitual traffic offenses including driving without a license. Manatee County Sheriff’s Office arrived to take her to Manatee County Jail and the vehicle was towed.

NOVEMBER 24, 2021

NOVEMBER 24, 2021

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New city attorney appointed When longtime Holmes Beach City Attorney Patricia Petruff retires at the end of December, attorney Erica Augello, with the Trask Daigneault Law Firm in Clearwater, will take her place.

Commissioners voted unanimously during a Nov. 9 meeting to accept the proposed contract after previously putting

the issue on hold so each commissioner had a chance to speak with Augello. Previously, Augello has worked for the city on Bert Harris Act cases and serves as the city’s legal representative during code compliance special magistrate hearings.

Augello is expected to have her first meeting as city attorney in January.

REEL TIME: Bahamian bones FROM PAGE 22

schools of cruising, tailing and schooling bonefish and dodging sharks and barracuda we returned to the basin at 4:30 p.m.

Back at the lodge, our chefs Cathy, Chrystal and Vaddie treated us to local

GATHER 'ROUND!

November 25, 2021

9903 Gulf Dr Anna Maria

hors d'oeuvres and libations of our choosing. The food at the lodge was consistently excellent and included fresh local delicacies including lobster, conch, local fish, steaks and rack of lamb.

Dinner was served at 7 a.m. and evenings were spent

discussing the day's fishing on the back veranda where cool Bahamian breezes were complemented by a sky ablaze with stars and the occasional satellite. On the nights when the wind abated and the mosquitos pushed us inside, we watched football on a flatscreen TV and anticipated the next day's fishing.

If you’re interested in experiencing some of the world’s best fishing in a destination that’s literally in your backyard, contact Grassett at 941-350-9790 or check out his website at www.snookfinaddict.com.

The lodge can be reached by emailing marsbaybonefishlodge@yahoo.com.

Check out their website at www.androsbonefish.com.

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REAL ESTATE

NOVEMBER 24, 2021

Global property boom

he old adage that all real estate is local for the most part still holds. For instance, properties on Anna Maria Island have significantly different price points than properties in other areas of Manatee County. However, there is a global reset in one area since the entire real estate market around the world after COVID-19 has experienced a property boom.

Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the Asian markets are all struggling with the affordability of home prices. In most of these areas, as well as in the United States, the home price to income ratio is at a very high level; in some regions, the highest ever recorded. Governments are at a loss as to whether stepping in will help or hinder the marketplace. In China, efforts to slow down the market have been a failure and the rest of the world has been watching.

Homeowners who purchased their properties prior to the pandemic are substantially richer than they were on closing day.

And Anna Maria Island may be the perfect

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER example of what has happened during the last two years.

For several years I did a quarterly review of properties listed and sold over $1 million in the three cities on Anna Maria and Cortez. I’ve decided to change that analysis to every six months to better give a more consistent overall picture of the market.

The following statistics are covering sales from May through October of this year, closing at or above $1 million as recorded by the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s office.

The city of Anna Maria closed 56 properties at or over $1 million, averaging slightly over nine properties per month. The high-

est sales were $6,800,000 and $6,750,000; there were three sales over $4 million; seven sales over $3 million; 13 sales over $2 million and the balance were $1 million or over.

The combined cities of Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach closed 97 properties at or over $1 million, averaging slightly over 16 properties per month. The highest sale was for $5,450,000; there were three sales over $4 million; five sales over $3 million; 29 sales over $2 million and the balance were $1 million or over.

Cortez closed two sales, both over $1 million.

On the market or pending as of this writing in the city of Anna Maria, there are 35 properties $1 million or over. The highest is $16,500,000; there are two over $9 million; one over $6 million; one over $5 million; one over $4 million; six over $3 million; 12 over $2 million and 11 over $1 million.

The combined cities of Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach have 61 properties on

the market or pending as of this writing.

The highest are $7,995,000 and $7,957,000; one over $6 million; one over $5 million; seven over $3 million; 16 over $2 million and 34 over $1 million.

Cortez has three properties; the highest is $4,750,000, a parcel of land at $1,300,000 and new construction in the Hunters Point development for $1,000,000.

If these numbers don’t blow you away, I don’t know what will. Some economists think it’s best to leave the market alone and let it find its own way, which I agree with.

Most economists think that we will not have a 2008-type housing crash that was mostly created from poor lending standards, all of which have been tightened up.

There has been some very minor slowdown in sales in the national market recently but prices aren’t expected to fall significantly. Have a Happy Thanksgiving; we homeowners have much to be thankful for.

NOVEMBER 24, 2021

OBITUARIES George Michael Glaser George Michael Glaser, 78, passed away at his Bradenton, Fla., home among family and friends on Nov. 13, 2021. George was born in New York City on Oct. 14, 1943, and he spent his formative years in the greater Buffalo, N.Y. area.

George is survived by his sister Sheila Bultmann, who lives in Madison, Wisc.; his two daughters Diana Franklin (husband Sam Franklin) and Cindy Tijerina, six grandchildren, great-granddaughter Quinn Rose Franklin, niece Krista Spiro, nephew Nils Bultmann and many family members and friends who loved him dearly. George was preceded in death by his parents, George A. Glaser and Vera Kane.

George served as a Navy medic in Vietnam for two years and received a Bronze Star.

In 1976, George began his pursuit of a career in respiratory therapy at Duke University, which led to a 17-

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year career working as a respiratory therapist in North Carolina.

George moved to Manatee County in 1989 and served as a respiratory therapist at Manatee Memorial Hospital. He then left the medical field and started his Holmes Beach-based charter cruise and sightseeing business, The Mystic Dolphin, which he operated in and around Anna Maria Island, Cortez, Longboat Key and Tampa Bay for more than 25 years.

George began his charter business with a pontoon boat and later graduated to a 26-foot Leisure Cat. George loved being on the water and taking small groups of families and friends out on The Mystic Dolphin, where his clients could swim, snorkel, view dolphins, sea life, birds and other wildlife and enjoy the beautiful sunsets in the waters surrounding Anna Maria Island.

George also provided his clients with water taxi service to local restaurants and he enjoyed participating in the annual holiday boat parade in Bradenton Beach and Cortez. “Captain George” was a kind and compassionate man. His passion for life and sense of humor brought joy to so many and he will be dearly missed.

George’s family is planning a celebration of life early next summer, after a grandson returns from a military deployment overseas.

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Winter concert series planned at The Center ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The holidays are coming early to The Center of Anna Maria Island with the launch of a winter Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series featuring classic rock legends.

Kicking off the five-show engagement is a performance on Dec. 11 by The Wailers, Bob Marley’s legendary band. On Jan. 22, Lou Gramm, of Foreigner, takes the stage for his Juke Box Hero show.

In February, Don Felder, former lead guitarist of the Eagles, performs at The Center on the 20th followed by Grammy award-winner Richard Marx on March 23.

The concert series closes out on April 2 with a performance by Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals.

The Center’s concert series is sponsored by the Manatee County Tourist Development Council, The Sandbar Restaurant and Cedar Cove Resort & Cottages. Proceeds

from the shows will benefit The Center along with the members and community partners of The Bradenton Gulf Islands.

Concerts take place outside at The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria. Patrons will have a designated seating area but are required to bring their own lawn chairs. No outside food or drinks are allowed, though The Sandbar will have a cash bar on site. No smoking or vaping is permitted on the property. Free street and valet parking will be available.

On the day of each show, the gates will open at 6 p.m. and the show will begin at 7 p.m.

Tickets for The Wailers are on sale now starting at $35 each. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.centerami.org/ events. Tickets also can be purchased by phone at 1-800-965-9324.

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NOVEMBER 24, 2021

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Nov. 6 fire destroyed this apartment building in the Aaron Lake complex.

COMMISSIONER: Assisting families displaced by fire FROM PAGE 15

to ask what they can do. I had the county assign a social worker to this case to try and help these families and coordinate the relief efforts,” he said.

The Salvation Army, he added, is also assisting and Tidewell Hospice is providing counseling services. Those who want to help can contact Bayside Church’s West Bradenton campus at 941755-8600 or the Red Cross office in Sarasota at 941-379-9300.

“A lot of these folks are paycheck-to-paycheck working families. The apartment complex gave them their deposit back and their last month’s rent and they sort of got patted on the behind and sent on their way. These people have to go on with their lives and they’re still very much in a bad way. We all know it’s

a very difficult housing market and you can’t just walk up to an apartment complex and expect to move in in a few days,” Van Ostenbridge said.

FIRE SCENE

“When I arrived there was about 30 feet of fire coming out of the second story of this building. There were people shouting; there were still people and children and pets inside.

Cedar Hammock fire department reacted heroically and immediately went straight into what was an inferno at the time,” he said.

“I was terrified that people were going to perish in the fire. I then watched firemen running into the buildings and I was terrified that something would happen to them. It was certainly emotional to see a fireman giving

CPR to an infant. It was certainly emotional to see people screaming that children were in burning buildings.”

Van Ostenbridge accompanied the sheriff ’s deputies who helped evacuate the occupants of the neighboring buildings that did not catch fire.

“It’s important to recognize the heroics of our first responders, but this press conference is also to remind people that there is an aftermath for these families,” he said. “And the days and weeks that follow don’t necessarily get easier for them. They’ve been displaced from their homes; they’ve lost all their possessions and to a certain extent they have to start over.”

NOVEMBER 24, 2021

www.amisun.com

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29

AMI Chamber Passport Explorer Program returns soon The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will be printing new passports for the 2022 Passport Explorer Program soon. If you would like a listing in the passport, the chamber encourages you to get your requests in now. The cost is $150 for members and $200 for non-members and is a great way to drive traffic to your business.

The passport holders visit participating businesses to pick up a passport

booklet and get it stamped. Once the required 20 stamps (5 from each city) are obtained, passport holders will bring their completed passports to the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce where they will receive a free Anna Maria Island/Cortez Fishing Village T-shirt.

For more information, call the chamber at 941-778-1541 or email info@ amichamber.org.

Perico Bay Club—As Good As It Gets!!

Business As Usual…..Just A Li le Differently.

If you’re looking to buy or sell in Perico Bay Club, or know someone who is, please give me a call!

Give me a call today if you yo ou u’re ’ree lookin looking ngg to Buyy or Sell on Anna Maria Maria Island Mari Islaand or the surrounding ounding ngg aarea! rea eaaa!!

Lynn Zemmer 941 4141 1-730 3030 0-1294 9 94

941.209.1542 I Lynn@Edgewaterami.com 941.730.1294 | Lynn@Edgewaterami.com www.EdgewaterRealEstateInc.com www.EdgewaterRealEstateInc.com 106 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

30

THE SUN

www.amisun.com

NOVEMBER 24, 2021

GLASER: Captain George’s lifelong journey comes to an end FROM PAGE 1

Glaser earned a Bronze Star while serving as a Navy medic in Vietnam and then spent 17 years working as a respiratory therapist and providing other medical services in North Carolina. After moving to Manatee County in 1989, he served as a respiratory therapist at Manatee Memorial Hospital.

After leaving the medical profession, Glaser started The Mystic Dolphin charter cruise business, which originally operated out of Catcher’s Marina in Holmes Beach.

He began his charter business with a pontoon boat named Mystic Dolphin, which he later replaced with a Regal 26-foot Leisure Cat, also named Mystic Dolphin.

GEORGE REMEMBERED

Longtime Anna Maria Island resident Dee Brady frequently boated with Glaser.

“George and I were boating buddies for over 20 years aboard his boat, my boat or both. He was a one-of-a-kind, great soul. He owned and operated the Mystic Dolphin, doing sightseeing and dolphin-watch tours.

I believe he was one of the first, if not the first, in Anna Maria to provide that service,” Brady said.

Anna Maria resident and local musician Howie Banfield was a longtime friend of Glaser’s.

“He called his scooter ‘Chopper.’ He was such a bad speller his girlfriend would send back his letters with corrections made in red ink. He was sent to a school for wayward boys and got his knuckles whacked by the same nun who whacked the knuckles of Anna Maria Rocks owner Bill Arthur. He was truly a colorful friend,” Banfield said.

Local musician Larry Stokes said, “My wife and I have lived here on the Island for 15-20 years. There used to be a different character and a different charm on the Island. I’m not complaining, but this used to be a really different place back then. The thing that made it different were the characters like George, Dee Brady, Howie Banfield and some of the others that gave the Island a certain charm. It’s sad when we lose guys like George.”

Anna Maria resident Carl Augostini, a

George and I were boating buddies for over 20 years aboard his boat, my boat, or both. He was a one-of-a-kind SUBMITTED

From left, Captain George and friends Dee Brady and Bill Walters. retired electrical engineer, was Glaser’s neighbor when George lived on Spring Avenue in Anna Maria.

“We’ve been friends for many years. We were neighbors for many years. I helped George with electrical problems on his boat, in his house, in his garage, with his speakers … whenever he had an electrical problem, he’d call me. I’m really going to miss the guy.

We spent a lot of time chatting in the garage while I was working on bikes (to give away during the holidays),” Augostini said.

Lorraine Pierce was George’s neighbor in the Coral Shores community in west Bradenton.

“George was ‘Captain George’ through and through. He loved the water. He loved his boat. He loved music and beauty and motion.

One of the things I appreciated most about George was that he wanted to get to know you. He wanted to have a real discussion.

George was uniquely George. I never had a relationship like that before, where I was so at ease disagreeing with somebody,” she said.

“Some older people don’t make friends later in life. I met George about four years ago and we became good friends. He was a gentleman on borrowed time from the time we met. I want to thank Hana Kim and Vikkie Ramirez, who were his aides at the end. They weren’t just caregivers; they were genuine friends. They were true companions. They brought joy to his life. George was all about motion and when he lost some of his mobility, they helped him stay in the

KRISTA SPIRO | SUBMITTED

“Captain’ George Glaser started one of the early charter cruise businesses on Anna Maria Island.

game until the very end, despite his limitations,” Pierce said.

FROM CLIENTS TO FRIENDS

Former Island residents Jim and Sue Peterfeso met Glaser while vacationing from Minnesota before they bought their Bradenton Beach condo in 2004.

“The first time we chartered with him was in 1998. He took us out to Egmont Key. The water was a little rough, but my father talked him into it. We thought he would drop us off at the beach so we could walk around but he made us jump into the thigh-high water instead,” Jim said.

“For many years, George lived in his parents’ old house on Spring Avenue. In the old days, when he kept his boat at Catcher’s Marina, he got around on his little 50cc motor scooter. He’d ride his scooter to the Anna Maria City Pier and drink beer and hang out with the locals and the visitors,” Jim said.

“He was one of the first cruise operators, back when Anna Maria Island was a sleepy little hamlet,” Sue added.

“His life was centered around boating and spending time on the water. George loved taking kids out on his boat. He would have them drive the boat – including our granddaughter, Taylor. George developed what he called ‘aqua scopes.’ He cut out the bottoms of five-gallon plastic buckets and replaced them with plexiglass. When he took people out to the sandbars near Passage Key and Egmont Key, they could push these aqua

great soul.”

Dee Brady, Friend scopes down into the water and see all the sea life. He also kept masks and snorkels on the boat. Showing the sea life to his customers was his passion,” Jim said.

“He would talk people out of taking live shells and sand dollars. If they were alive, he’d ask them to put them back. We would collect them and store them on the boat to give customers,” Jim said.

“His Christmas tree was decorated with sand dollars. Every ornament was a sand dollar. George would ask his friends to paint and decorate them and every ornament was unique,” Sue said.

“George liked to visit the local waterside restaurants by boat and for some of our longer excursions, we’d go further north to John’s Pass, Pass-a-Grille or the restaurants on the St. Petersburg pier. He really knew how to handle that catamaran in bad weather because he’d take it out in bad weather to get that experience,” Jim said.

“He loved reading books about the age of exploration: Captain Cook, Magellan and ‘In the Heart of the Sea’ – the true story about Moby Dick. Sometimes he’d take his boat out and drop anchor and sit there and read,” Sue said.

“George also loved all things Superman.

He had several Superman shirts, hats and he even had a homemade a Superman blanket that he was very proud of,” Jim said.

JIM PETERFESO | SUBMITTED

Taylor Peterfeso is one of the many children who piloted George Glaser’s Mystic Dolphin.

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NOVEMBER 24, 2021

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31

Community garden plans hit a snag HOLMES BEACH – Members of the city’s parks and beautification committee are still planning to establish a community garden; however, those plans may take longer to come to fruition than they’d first intended.

The group plans to consult city commissioners on establishing a community garden on one of the two vacant lots owned by

the city adjacent to Grassy Point Preserve.

Committee Chair Sage Kamiya, who also is the city engineer and public works superintendent, told committee members on Nov. 3 that the implementation of garden plans will take longer than they would like.

Kamiya said the rezoning of the property from residential to recreation/public space that would allow for the garden plans to

proceed has multiple legal steps, and it could take a year or more to get through those steps.

Parks members had hoped to have the community garden ready for planting by last August, a deadline they missed. Now they’re hoping that they will be able to see the garden launch by the fall of 2022.

In the meantime, parks and beautification

members are revisiting an idea to put some community garden planters at Veterans Park, located on the south side of Holmes Beach City Hall. If the beds are placed, it would serve as a trial run for a full-size community garden.

The discussion is planned to continue at the group’s December meeting.

STONE CRABS: Season reopens FROM PAGE 1

After a legal-sized claw is removed, the crab is returned to the water where the lost claw will regenerate after a few molts.

Because young crabs molt up to three times each year, they are more likely to successfully regrow their claws than an older crab that only molts once a year.

The harvest can vary greatly each year depending on a multitude of factors, including weather and environmental conditions.

“In the season of 2018-19 when we had red tide really bad, we didn’t have any stone crabs that season,” said Karen Bell, president of A.P. Bell Fish Co. in Cortez.

“This year the catches have been steady, mainly enough for local consumption. We’re shipping a little bit out, like north Florida, we shipped a few hundred pounds yesterday. About 600 pounds are being shipped to Atlanta tomorrow.”

Bell says they are getting an average of 400 pounds of claws a day on average, although they have seen as much as 1,000. Ac-

cording to Bell, red tide doesn’t seem to be much of a factor in this year’s harvest, although it could be playing a small part in harvest numbers that are below those of previous seasons.

One thing that has not changed this season is the incredible demand for a delicacy that is among the most expensive you are likely to find at any seafood counter. Other than bluefin tuna, some rare caviar and less than a handful of other exotic seafood, stone crab claws are some of the most expensive sea treats anywhere. Prices this season range from around $30 a pound for the smallest claws to well over $55 a pound for the largest size, known as ‘colossal’ claws. When you factor in the fact that around 65% of the claw is shell and not edible, the actual price of meat yielded will range from $60 to well in excess of $100 per pound.

If you order at a restaurant, you could add as much as 40% above the retail price, depending on the establishment.

“I don’t care what they cost,

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Locally sourced stone crab claws are served fresh at the Anna Maria Oyster Bar in Bradenton Beach. stone crab claws are as much a part of south Florida as people driving with their left blinker on,” joked Martin Evans, who had just finished a meal at Anna Maria Oyster Bar with his fiancée, both of whom shared a stone crab claw appetizer. “It’s not something you order every time you go out, but they’re here and we love them, so today we treated ourselves.”

Bell says A.P. Bell is selling the claws as fast as they can get them

165012

and even though the price is up this season, demand is bigger than ever.

“Our prices are up $4 or more a pound from last year and people don’t seem to even blink at that,” said Bell. “I don’t understand it, but the demand is huge and the boats are doing really well because of it.”

If high-priced stone crab isn’t your cup of tea, there’s another type of seafood that keeps Cortez

boats busy in the winter months.

After the cooler weather moves in, mullet season begins in south Florida.

According to Bell, mullet is the fish that built Cortez.

“Most of the families that came here from the Carolinas were mullet fisherman in North Carolina that came here in the late 1800s; it’s just always been a staple here.

Every Friday the families ate mullet,” said Bell.

It’s not just the meat of the fish that makes mullet a favorite in many cultures; the roe (eggs) is considered a delicacy in cultures around the world. Cortez mullet roe is shipped to Taiwan, Italy, Spain and even Egypt.

Bell also noted that while mullet is seen as a low-grade fish by many in the U.S., that is not the case. Mullet is high in omega oils, and in general is a very healthy fish. A great deal of the fish caught in Cortez go to Haiti, Columbia and other destinations south of Florida. Mullet season typically runs from November to January.

32

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SPORTS

NOVEMBER 24, 2021

Emily Moss Designs finishes season with a win

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

ANNA MARIA - The adult co-ed soccer league played the last regular season games last week. Team Sato Real Estate is at the top of the rankings going into the first week of playoffs. As predicted, the Sato squad finished undefeated, beating team Slim’s Place 8-3 in the second game of the night.

Will Kretzmann’s hat trick, in addition to a single by Amy Ivin, helped Sato Real Estate win their seventh game. Shawn Markham and Greg Ross each put two into the net for the victorious team.

In addition to the eight goals scored on goalkeeper Tuna McCracken, the Sato offense took 17 shots that were saved by the Slim’s goalie. Points were scored for Slim’s Place by Race Arande and Connor Bystrom.

Slim’s Place started the season off strong, but injuries challenged the team. Finishing in the middle of the pack with Blalock Walters, Slim’s Place played Josh Sato’s team without substitutes – missing Jessica Williams and PJ Smargisso.

Each with a 3-3-1 record, Blalock Walters and Slim’s Place tied when they faced each other in week 4 action.

It may come down to which team wants to win the championship the most, as facing each other in the playoffs looks to be inevitable.

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Kevin Roman, for Emily Moss Designs, races to beat Sandbar’s Javier Valle to the soccer ball at The Center.

Blalock Walters played the last game of the night last week against Servis First Bank. With the win, Servis clinched the second place spot going into the quarter final playoff games.

Both goalies, Robb Marshall and Osvaldo Cabello, were kept busy with five and six saves, respectively, but Marshall just could not stop the firing power of Servis First Bank.

Chris Klotz topped his team’s scoring

Key Royale golfers scramble to tourney fun Friday, Nov. 12 - Welcome Back Scramble Fifty-six KRC members played in the Welcome Back Scramble. Chairperson Larry Pippel modified the course, changing each hole to a par 3, making the course a par 27 and shortening the yardage for everyone's enjoyment.

The first place team with a score of 22, 5 under par, was Jim Auch, Chuck Bode, Chet Hutton and Mike Riddick. Three teams tied for second place at 24, 3 under par. With a scorecard handicap-hole play-off, Mike Cusato, Jim McParland, Rich Salzburg and Bill Shuman finished in second place. Capturing third place were Brian Comer, Nelson Eagle and Kathy and David Johnson. The runner-up was the team of Mary Lou

Drier, Terry Tarras, Lori Waggoner and Debi Wohlers. Wohlers won closest to the pin on holes 3 at 18'4" and 8 at 10'. Scott Mitchell won for the men on hole 3 at 3'1" and Jim Goff won hole 8 at 6'2".

Carol Patterson won the longest first putt on hole 4 at 8' and Brenda Solleveld won the event on hole 7 at 26'.

Monday, Nov. 15 - Modifed Stableford First place - Mike Gillie with a score of +5 Second place - Peter Solleveld and Tom Solosky with a score of +4 Third place - Mike Pritchett with a score of +3 First place team - Mike Gillie, Hoyt Miller, Mike Pritchett and Dave Richardson with a score of +9.

ranks with three goals. Servis teammates Ugur Durmaz and Olaf Krause each had two points, while Yuri Pereira and Blair Schlossberg had solo goals.

The usual solid scoring Blalock Walters team only managed one point by Matthew Staggs. Had they been able to pull off the win, Blalock would have finished the regular season in third.

Instead, the slow starting Emily Moss Designs earned their spot among the top three teams in the league.

Hopeful, the Sandbar team went into the first game of the night knowing their fate in the first playoff matchup to be played Thursday, Dec. 2. Finishing in the bottom seed, Sandbar faces Sato Real Estate in the first round of post season play.

The team’s 8-1 loss to Emily Moss Designs was not without moments of solid play. The sole goal by Tim Holly ignited the Sandbar team in the second half of the game, but the spark came too late in the game.

Connor Haughey led the Emily Moss Designs squad in the scoring category with five goals. Lindsey Styka put two soccer balls past the line for goals, with an assist to her name. Also with an assist, one of Kevin Roman’s strikes went past Sandbar goalie Jessica Ruekberg.

In the sixth and seventh positions in the league ranking, Beach Bums and The Gitt Team took to the pitch. A win would have given The Gitt Team

the same regular season record as the Beach Bums squad.

Beach Bums’ offense was just too much for The Gitt Team defense and keepers Raul Loera and Edd Monzon.

Monzon and Keith Mahoney each contributed to The Gitt Team’s scoring against goalkeeper Mark Long.

Long’s Beach Bums teammates solidly defeated their opponents with a hat trick by Miguel Ajoy, and three individual goals by Robert Fellowes, Selena Gonzalez and Cemal Duzgun.

Post-Thanksgiving play will resume with four of the eight teams moving on to the semifinals, each team taking the field with the eye on the prize to be claimed after the final game of the season on Thursday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. – the Paul “Ace” Hayward Cup.

SUN SCOREBOARD THURSDAY, NOV. 18 ADULT CO-ED SOCCER – WEEK 7 Emily Moss Designs (4-3) Sandbar (0-7)

8 1

Sato Real Estate (7-0) Slim’s Place (3-3-1)

8 3

Beach Bums (3-4) The Gitt Team (2-5)

6 2

Servis First Bank (5-2) Blalock Walters (3-3-1)

9 1

NOVEMBER 24, 2021

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Little jerk 4 Human 10 Grand __ 14 NAACP co-founder __ B. Wells 15 Really go for, as an opportunity 16 Spanish boy 17 *Colorful addition to an aquarium 19 In the thick of 20 Down the road 21 13th to beware?: Abbr.

22 Cropped up 23 Weaver's contraption 24 *Big rig need 26 Modern sweetie 28 Sidewalk stand drinks 29 Hot stuff 33 They roll at the end 36 "Planet Money" network Answers to 11-17-21 Crossword Puzzle.

37 ATM user's need 38 Possess 39 '60s war zone 40 Afternoon break in London 42 Vexes 44 Bareilles of "Waitress" 45 "Star Wars" sequel trilogy heroine 46 *Eco-friendly source of some shellfish 51 GI on the lam 55 Celestial ovine 56 Dictator Amin 57 Where to find Bologna 58 Cake layer 59 Like someone who only has I's for you? ... or an apt description of the answers to starred clues 61 Present 62 Not quite four times 63 Binge-watcher's

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33

device 64 Winter glider 65 Shorthand pros 66 Salty expanse Down 1 __ wave 2 Craters of the Moon state 3 Typical Stan Lee role 4 Begged 5 It might shock you 6 One-named "Baby Beluga" singer 7 Empire State Building topper 8 Desert relief spot 9 To the __ degree 10 Wolfed (down) 11 Stretch at a wedding?

12 Licorice-like flavoring 13 Prototype 18 Brazilian dance 22 Like firm pasta 24 Number that has a point 25 Far-too-memorable song 27 Hopes (to) 29 "Snowpiercer" network 30 Big swinger 31 Lingerie top 32 __ of a kind 33 Kernel holder 34 Road goo 35 Texting format, for

short 41 Used a stun gun on 43 Hilton competitor 46 Arithmetic, to Brits 47 Archangel who guarded Eden with a

fiery sword 48 Making-up preceder 49 Love to bits 50 "Breaking Bad" poison 52 Fends (off)

53 Kalamata __ 54 Stretchy fiber 57 Model/actress Sastre 59 Sci-fi beings 60 Novelist Umberto

34

THE SUN

CLASSIFIED

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FISHING CHARTERS

BEACH YOGA ON Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www. thriveyogafit.com

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

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.

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE 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 CLEANING SERVICE THC CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570 or 941565-3931

EMPLOYMENT WE’RE HIRING: Housekeeping Manager, Quality Inspector, and Marketing. Salty Mermaid Real Estate & Vacation Rentals.

Apply Call or email info@ saltymermaidami.com or Call 941-254-6131 Ask for Brandon NOW HIRING CARPENTERS - KERN CONSTRUCTION New homes & Remodels since 1968. Driver’s license & Reliable vehicle.

Benefits: 401K, Holiday/ Vacation Pay. Please call the office 941-778-1115 WATERFRONT RESTAURANT HIRING experienced line cooks and support staff, offering competitive wages.

Host- Hostess day & evening shifts FT & PT Apply in person any day before noon or from 2-4 pm 111 S. Bay Blvd . Anna Maria Fl. 34216.

Call us today! 941-778-3986

HOME IMPROVEMENT Michigan General Contractor 30+ yrs. experience. Large or small projects. Budget minded knowledgeable tradesman will complete your project start to finish: On Time/On Budget. Call Mike 616-204-8822.

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES HOBBY AND CRAFT FAIR includes Trash to Treasure and Bake sale December 4th at 9am to 1pm Community Hall Paradise Bay Estates 10315 Cortez RD W., Bradenton Blood Mobile will be present

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

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

GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194 JSAN CORPORATION Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors.

Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.

“HAMMERED HOMES” (SAVING HOMES SINCE 1984) Handyman services, renovations. Free Estimates & Consulting. Call before making decision, save money.

941-778-3206 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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R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured.

Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941 ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal.

Sweeping, blowing, weeding. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing: driveways, walkways, fences, pool decks/ cages. Call Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315.

LOST & FOUND FOUND TURTLE INLAYED silver/platinum ring with inscription ( Pease identity text to confirm). Found on Palm Harbor Dr near Manatee Public Beach. Call 540-312-5299.

LOST ON MANATEE BEACH. 18" herringbone chain (4mm thick, square link, round clasp, 10k) with 3/4" Spanish gold coin pendant.

Please call 585-755-3894.

Contact Dennis LOST MEN'S GOLD wedding band in shallow water just south of new rock groin on beer can island.

Very sentimental. Reward, call 941-504-0526

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

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

941-812-0507

NOVEMBER 24, 2021

“WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455

REALTOR FOR HIRE. BUYING OR SELLING on AMI? 17 years experience & USAF Veteran.

Call Kelly Gitt Keller Williams Realty today 941-799-9299.

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident.

Quality Workmanship.

Interior/Exterior. Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315

LOCAL ISLAND RESIDENT REALTOR Over 30 years experience. NOW Offering Discounts / Rebates on ALL Buyers & Sellers. Call for more info 941-538-7414 Text 314-440-7574 Christine Kourik Re/max Alliance Group

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

Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657

PERICO ISLAND 2BR/2BA condo FANTASTIC Water Views. 2nd floor unit, $325,000.

Call Sharon Hightower RE/ MAX Alliance Group 941330-5054.

RENTALS: ANNUAL

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

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 513-3821992.

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION

AUTHORITY ONE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941-565-3931.

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

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 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

SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates.

Contact Barb Grace 941201-2190 ANNA MARIA ISLAND CONDOS Large pool, beach access, free WiFi, 1&2 Bedroom $700/$800/$900 a wk. redekercondosonami. com Tim 941-704-7525

RENTAL WANTED SEEKING AMI ANNUAL RENTAL Call Kelly Gitt Keller Williams Realty 941799-9299

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

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

NOVEMBER 24, 2021

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BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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Call today to place your ad: 941-778-3986 PAINTING

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36

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THE SUN

NOVEMBER 24, 2021

the Team Duncan Difference!

Local-Area Expertise Outstanding Customer C t S Service i Experienced Professionals Proven Performance

Darcie Duncan Broker - Owner

Cindy Jones Sales Associate

Michelle Laade Sales Associate

April Green Martha Jones Robel Sales Associate Sales Associate

Robyn Hawk Paige Rogers Joey Hutchinson Katie Self Sales Associate Sales Associate Sales Associate Sales Associate

Nancy Howle Sales Associate

William Romberger Sales Associate

Lindsey Leech Strickland Mary Anne Muniz Sales Associate Sales Associate

Home & Condominium Sales • Investment Properties • Vacation Rentals

BOUTIQUE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Vacation Rentals • Annual Rentals • Association Management • Home Watch Service

• Dedicated, multi-lingual rental team • Performance tailored to your needs and expectations • Cutting-edge technology • Trusted by generations of Islanders, property owners, and visitors 310 Pine Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216

Providing a top-no guest experien tch ce You call and we answer – 2 4/7 Always there for our owners Maximize yo ur revenue

TeamDuncan.com

941.779.0304