Anna Maria Island Sun November 25, 2020

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VOL 21 No. 7

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM THE SUN ~

November 25, 2020

Chamber, Rotary bestow Island honors This year’s winners prevailed during particularly challenging times and look forward to better days ahead.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Clockwise from top, Rotarian Laurie Beppler, left, presents Bob Slicker with the AMI Rotary’s Business Person of 2020 Award. Jim McDaniel, left, and David Zaccagnino received The Center’s Nonprofit of the Year Award. Barnes Walker Branch Manager Faith Test, left, receives the Large Business of the Year Award from Janet Mixon.

New county commissioner warns Holmes Beach of parking concerns District 3 Commissioner threatens to withhold future beach renourishment funds for the city of Holmes Beach.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

PALMETTO – During his first day as a Manatee County commissioner, Kevin Van Ostenbridge warned that the city of Holmes Beach risks losing beach renourishment funding if they don’t restore recently-reduced public beach parking.

Tuesday morning, Van Ostenbridge, James Satcher and George Kruse were sworn in to four-year terms as the newest county commissioners. Returning Commis-

sioner Vanessa Baugh was also sworn in.

Joined by commissioners Reggie Bellamy, Misty Servia and Carol Whitmore, the reconfigured commission then engaged in a work session at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto.

The afternoon session included discussion about beach parking on Anna Maria Island and the importance of maintaining an adequate number of beach access parking spaces to remain eligible for state and federal funding for future beach renourishment projects.

Earlier this year, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Holmes Beach Commission eliminated parking spaces to reduce crowding in the city and on the beaches.

THE CALL to the kitchen for the Sunday roast of lamb. 19

Anna Maria Island, Florida

SEE HONORS, PAGE 13

How to do the holidays during COVID-19 Anna Maria Island has 128 reported cases of COVID-19, Manatee County has 15,723, and Florida has 938,414, according to the Florida Department of Health on Nov. 23.

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

Anna Maria Island is a place where families from all over the country - and the world - come to relax and reunite, especially over the holidays.

But as the coronavirus pandemic is revving up into high gear once again, scientists at the Centers for Disease Control have compiled comprehensive advice for you to consider before planning to travel

and host or attend holiday meals and parties in this unusual and challenging holiday season.

TRAVEL

Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 this year, according to the CDC. Before you decide to travel, ask: • Are you or anyone you will be visiting at increased risk for COVID-19 due to age or medical conditions?

• Are cases high or increasing in your community or destination? Check CDC. gov, which reported Nov. 23 that cases are rising in the U.S. • Are hospitals in your community or destination overwhelmed with COVID-19 SEE COVID, PAGE 23

SEE PARKING, PAGE 7

INSIDE NEWS 4 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 6 CAPTAINS REPORTS 21 CASTLES IN THE SAND 22 REAL ESTATE 22-26 RESTAURANTS 27 CLASSIFIEDS 30-31

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce has named its small, medium and large Businesses of the Year for 2021, and its nonprofit organization of 2021.

In conjunction, the Rotary Club of Anna Maria has named its Businessperson of the Year for 2020.

The Center of Anna Maria Island is the AMI Chamber’s 2021 Nonprofit of the Year. AMI Beach Weddings is the Chamber’s 2021 Small Business of the Year. Ocean-Aire Conditioning is the Chamber’s 2021 Medium Business of the Year. Barnes Walker is the Chamber’s 2021 Large Business of the Year.

Former Swordfish Grill General Manager Bob Slicker is the AMI Rotary Club’s Businessperson of 2020.

These honors were bestowed upon the unknowing winners during a Thursday, Nov. 19, ceremony held on the patio of the Beach House restaurant in Bradenton Beach.

MAYOR’S Feed the Hungry

program in line for donation. 8 CATCH AND release sadly missing

from social media posts. 20

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

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NOVEMBER 25, 2020

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Van Ostenbridge proposes terminating county administrator Thursday’s discussion about terminating the county administrator took place with no advance public notice.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON – Manatee County District 3 Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge is leading the efforts to terminate County Administrator Cheri Coryea.

As a result of these efforts, the Manatee County Commission will meet on Wednesday, Jan. 6 to debate and vote on the potential termination of Coryea, who has been on the county's staff for more than 30 years.

As newly-elected commissioners, Van Ostenbridge, James Satcher and George Kruse were sworn in on Tuesday. They participated in a work session that day during which Van Ostenbridge requested a special commission meeting on Thursday to discuss the county’s legal rights in the event of a federally-ordered eco-

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

County Administrator Cheri Coryea is under fire from at least three county commissioners. nomic shutdown.

There was nothing on Thursday’s special meeting agenda about terminating the county administrator. Van Ostenbridge initiated the discussion without any advance notice given to the public, commissioners, Coryea, or county staff.

Commissioners Vanessa Baugh, Thatcher and Kruse ultimately supported Van Ostenbridge’s motion to put Coryea on at least 15 days’ notice that a discussion on her potential termination is now pending. Commissioners Reggie Bellamy, Misty Servia and Carol Whitmore opposed that action.

The 15-day time frame was later

extended until after the holidays.

With about 1,900 employees under her supervision, Coryea carries out the directives of the county commission and oversees the operations of the county. She was named acting county administrator on Feb. 26, 2019. On May 21, 2019, the county commission approved removed “acting” from her job title and made her Manatee County’s first female county administrator.

SURPRISE DISCUSSION

As Thursday’s special commission neared what was thought to be its conclusion, Van Ostenbridge said, “There is something else I’d like to bring forward. It’s a serious matter. I want to bring up the matter of our county administrator. I like Cheri very much as a person.

I think she’s a great individual.

However, I have a different vision for the administrator position.

I admire her dedication to the county and her many years of service, but I’m a private sector person and she’s more of a public sector person.

“My vision is that government

should, whenever possible, mirror the private sector. I think we need a shift of culture within the county. I saw the direction that she was leading the county and the direction she was steering the committee at times and I disagree with it fundamentally,” Van Ostenbridge said.

Van Ostenbridge then referenced the county’s recent purchase of a 161-acre property in east Manatee County, at 8520 State Road 64. The newly acquired property is across the street and slightly north of the county’s Lena Road Landfill.

The decision to purchase that property was finalized by a 5-2 commission vote in October, with Baugh and then-Commissioner Steve Jonsson voting in opposition. According to the sale and purchase contract dated Oct. 13, and signed by then-Commission Chair Betsy Benac, the county purchased the mostly vacant property from Musgrave Real Estate Holdings for $30,185,625.

The warranty deed transferred ownership of the property from Musgrave Real Estate Holdings to Manatee County on Nov. 13.

The property was purchased with the intent of creating the Central County Complex that would provide a district office for the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and additional facilities for the county’s Public Works Department and Utilities Department.

“I, and some colleagues of mine, value that property at $6 million. The previous commission voted twice to go through with that purchase. I was pretty vocal against it. Commissioner Kruse was incoming at the time – he was pretty vocal against it. Mr. Satcher made public comments that he didn’t agree with it as well. It was pretty obvious that the incoming commission did not want this,” said Van Ostenbridge, a Realtor with Boyd Realty.

“The closing date of that property was hurried to last Friday.

Funds have changed hands and it’s a done deal. I feel very saddled now with that cost and that property, as well as the burdens of the improvements that have to be made,” he said.

SEE PROPOSAL, PAGE 28

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ISLAND NEWS

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NOVEMBER 25, 2020

Sunshine Law expert seeks records from four county commissioners

IN BRIEF

Thanksgiving changes and closures Changes are coming to local business hours and trash/recycling collection services for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.

Waste Pro and Waste Management customers with normal pickups for trash, recycling or yard waste on Thursdays can expect their debris to be collected on Friday. No pickups will take place on Saturday or Sunday. All other pickups will take place as normally scheduled.

The city offices in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach all will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday Nov. 26 and 27. The Center of Anna Maria Island, Tingley Memorial Library and Island Branch Library all will be closed Nov. 26 and 27.

Pick up farm fresh veggies in Holmes Beach Come out to Holmes Beach city field on Thursdays and pick up some fresh vegetables, fruits and other items at the new weekly farm stand. Vendors will be out each Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with fresh produce for shoppers to choose from.

The city field complex is located adjacent to Holmes Beach City Hall at 5801 Marina Drive.

Boy struck by van in Anna Maria

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A 9-year old boy was struck by a van Sunday evening in Anna Maria. West Manatee Fire Rescue Batallion Chief Jay Johnson said the accident occurred near the intersection of Gulf Drive and Palm Avenue and the call came in at 8:44 p.m.

“Our crew arrived on-scene to find a 9-year-old male lying face up in the roadway in front of a van. The patient was alert but a little confused. The injuries found were some abrasions and contusions on the back and a substantial bruise to the forehead,” Johnson said.

Paramedics called a trauma alert to notify the receiving hospital that a high-priority patient was incoming for trauma assessment. WMFR Fire Marshall Rodney Kwiatkowski said, “We don’t know the rate of speed the van was traveling when the boy was hit. Because of the mechanism of injury being a vehicle, and the altered level of consciousness, he was transported by paramedics to City Field (in Holmes Beach) and airlifted to Tampa General. The family is not local. They’re from out of state.

I think it’s going to be a pretty positive outcome considering what happened.” When contacted Monday afternoon regarding the van driver and the cause of the accident, Lt. Greg Bueno from the Florida Highway Patrol said, “The trooper is still working on the case.”

The words “premeditated,” “orchestrated,” “reckless” and “dangerous” have been used to describe the efforts to potentially terminate the county administrator.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON – Thursday’s Manatee County Commission discussion about potentially terminating County Administrator Cheri Coryea has triggered a public records request from Florida Sunshine Law expert Michael Barfield.

Friday afternoon, Barfield, who works as a paralegal, submitted individual written public records requests to county commissioners Vanessa Baugh, George Kruse, James Satcher and Kevin Van Ostenbridge. On Monday, Barfield submitted an additional records request to former Commissioner Steve Jonsson. County Attorney Mickey Palmer was copied on each of the requests Barfield submitted on behalf of Sarasota-based Denovo Law Services.

The records requests seek the public records in the individual possession of Baugh, Kruse, Satcher and Van Ostenbridge.

On Nov. 3, Baugh, was reelected as the county’s District 5 commissioner. Kruse was elected as the at-large District 7 commissioner.

Satcher was elected as the District 1 commissioner. Van Ostenbridge was elected as the District 3 commissioner, a district that encompasses Anna Maria Island, Cortez and west Bradenton.

The four commissioners were sworn into office on Tuesday, Nov. 17. Two days later, Van Ostenbridge initiated, with no advance public notice, a preliminary discussion seeking the termination of Coryea without cause.

At the conclusion of Thursday’s discussion, the newly reconfigured county commission voted 4-3 in favor of putting Coryea on notice that her potential termination would be discussed at a special county commission meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 6. Baugh, Kruse, Satcher and Van Otstenbridge sup-

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Paralegal Michael Barfield seeks the text, email, social media and phone records of four Manatee County commissioners. ported that action. Commissioners Reggie Bellamy, Mistry Servia and Carol Whitmore opposed that action.

During Thursday’s discussion, Bellamy said the efforts to oust Coryea appeared to be “premeditated.” Whitmore said the efforts appeared to be “orchestrated” and Servia called the Van Ostenbridgeled efforts “reckless” and “dangerous.”

PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST

According to the public records requests: “This is a request for records pursuant to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, otherwise known as the Public Records Act of the Florida Constitution. We understand that a citizen is not required to make a written request to obtain public records under the act, but we want to be clear what we are seeking from you.”

The records requests pertain to the following records made, sent or received in connection with the transaction of official business, or the rendition of services on behalf of each of the four request recipients: • All emails sent or received from Nov. 3 to Nov. 20, 2020.

• All text messages sent or received from November 3 to Novvember 20.

• All messages sent or received

via any digital app or social media platform from November 3 to November 20.

• A detailed phone log of all calls made or received from November to November 20.

According to the records requests, the term “record” or “public records” also includes responsive records in both digital and hard copy formats, including email, text, SMS, MMS, .doc and voicemail.

According to the requests, “This request for records further includes any responsive records sent or received by any individual or entity via any private, nongovernmental account, as well as those records maintained, stored or archived in the cloud, on a shared drive, on the Internet, via social media accounts or any other electronic device such as a cell phone, tablet, flash drive, that is capable of sending, receiving or storing digital information.”

The records requests are also directed to any individual or entity – including any other public or private agency, person, partnership, corporation or business entity – acting on their behalf of any of the records request recipients.

“If you contend that any record, or portion thereof, is exempt from SEE REQUEST, PAGE 5

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REQUEST: Sunshine Law expert seeks records FROM PAGE 4

or portion thereof, is exempt from inspection, please state in writing the basis for the exemption and include the applicable statutory exemption,” the records requests note.

The requests say the records shall not be disposed of for a period of 30 days after the written records requests were submitted on Friday.

Citing Florida Statute, the records requests state: “If a civil action is instituted within the 30-day period to enforce the provisions of this section with respect to the requested record, the custodian of public records may not dispose of the record except by order of a court of competent jurisdiction after notice to all affected parties.

“The absence of a civil action instituted does not relieve the custodian of public records of the duty to maintain the record as a public record if the record is in fact a public record subject to public inspection and copying and does not otherwise excuse or exonerate the custodian of public records from any unauthorized or unlawful disposition of such record.

“We are requesting that you notify each and every individual and entity in possession of records responsive to this request, and that all such records be preserved on an immediate basis.

Please produce all records responsive to this request as provided by 119.12(1)(b), Fla. Statute,” the public records requests say in conclusion.

According to Barfield, the three new commissioners – Kruse, Satcher and Van Ostenbridge – became subject to the Public Records Act and the Florida Sunshine Law at the conclusion of the Nov. 3 elections.

According to Barfield, the four commissioners have until early December to fulfill the public records requests.

PREVIOUS SUNSHINE CASE

While assisting the attorneys representing the city of Bradenton Beach, Barfield recently played a significant role in the city prevailing in a Sunshine Law lawsuit that resulted in two of the six defendants paying the city $350,000 on Friday.

The $350,00 was partial reimbursement for the attorney fees the city incurred as a result of a civil lawsuit the city filed against six former city advisory board members in 2017. An extensive number of emails and other records and documents that Barfield obtained from the defendants and others in that case factored into the judge’s 2019 ruling that Sunshine Law violations occurred.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh is the subject of the public records request.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge initiated Thursday’s termination discussion with no advance public notice.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Commissioner George Kruse has received a public records request.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Commissioner James Satcher is the recipient of a public records request.

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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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NOVEMBER 25, 2020

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 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 Distribution Bob Alexander Tony McNulty Connor Field Contributors Tom Vaught Pat Copeland Steve Borggren Monica Simpson

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Note: The first two letters were originally sent to the Manatee County Commission.

Truly embarrassing I will keep this short and brief, since I am sure you will be barraged with emails in support of (Manatee County Administrator) Cheri Coryea.

It has become clear from this recent meeting that being elected to the position of the county commission does not guarantee ethics. Ms. Coryea’s background and communications have been nothing but stellar, and the recent abrupt measures to remove her are truly embarrassing to the expectation by constituents of professionalism of the people that hold your office.

There are more important things in life besides money, power and worldly possessions, some of which are relationships, ethics, quality of life, etc.

Thank you to those commissioners who stood up for these principles. It is extremely unfortunate that this was not the majority of representatives in this body. You will never convince me that there were no Sunshine violations on this one.

Margie Motzer Holmes Beach

Reckless behavior I would first like to share with you my deep concern in the speed and absence of wisdom, the newly appointed commissioners are undermining the very foundations of our county government. I would also like to convey the tremendous support the city of Holmes Beach has for County Administrator Cheri Coryea, a valued employee for

the past 30 years. The relationships and trust built in her many years of service and her steadfast courage during these unprecedented times is an asset that cannot be replaced.

Surprisingly and with much embarrassment, I witnessed the abrupt and, without hesitation, lack of significance many of the commissioners place on relationships. As a commissioner and chair for eight years and beginning my second term as mayor, I cannot emphasize enough the value in a healthy alliance.

By now you have already received my response to your first work session and the public comments that were made without benefit of representation by the city of Holmes Beach. Now in witness of the very first meeting of many I would like the record to show my sincere and deep concern for the future of this county. My only ask at this most critical period is for the board to pause and take the time to become familiar with the operations of the county government and its many facets, and the vast experiences of the department heads, employees, and your many stakeholders. Out of respect for your Comprehensive Plan and the magnitude at stake, if you continue on this destructive path, it is your duty in the commitment you made under oath as our county leaders.

Never in my years did I expect that I would be sending correspondence of this nature to a board, but never in my years have I ever witnessed such reckless behavior and disrespect for a democracy.

Mayor Judy Titsworth Holmes Beach

County needs a change Thank you for taking the time to reach out. While I understand the initial perception, I did not vote for or against this action. The motion was made by a commissioner and I did not feel like stifling a discussion was the right path. Once something is out in the open, we need to take it to finality because you can’t put that back in the bottle; otherwise, it would have been a cloud over everyone. I would not want another commissioner refusing to allow me to bring up a concern. As I stated in the meeting, I would not have voted to terminate County Administrator Coryea if that was the singular vote.

However, I do believe our county needs to consider some change of direction and I have every intention of ensuring that happens. I promised to speak with every person that would like to discuss this issue and I intend to speak extensively with Cheri and other staff over the coming weeks. I already have meetings set up with every director, three mayors and others in the community. I will continue to dig into this as it’s my top priority at this time. I intend to do as much diligence as humanly possible on this as it's obviously a major event for our county.

If I decide that Cheri is the right person to help with the change people wanted during the election, then I have absolutely no problem leaving her in as administrator and I will happily work with her. If I feel she is not, or if she does not want to be involved in that change, then I will vote accordingly.

George W. Kruse Board of County Commissioners

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PARKING: Commissioner warns of concern FROM PAGE 1

Van Ostenbridge, who represents Anna Maria Island and much of west Bradenton as the District 3 commissioner, said, “Mayor Titsworth and the Holmes Beach City Commission have jeopardized future beach renourishment projects in their city. I will not support county participation in beach renourishment projects in Holmes Beach until on-street parking levels are returned to pre-COVID-19 levels. I am drawing a line in the sand.”

Baugh, Satcher and Whitmore later expressed support for Van Ostenbridge’s position.

Tuesday’s discussion included a presentation by Deputy County Administrator John Osborne, with additional insight provided

by Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker and county consultant Erica Carr-Betts.

A PowerPoint slide contained in Osborne’s presentation stated on-street neighborhood parking in Holmes Beach has been reduced by 45%.

Whitmore, a Holmes Beach resident and the city’s former mayor, said, “The city of Holmes Beach had 2,500 parking spaces before COVID. Today, they have maybe 500. They eliminated 2,000.”

While Tuesday’s work session was in

progress, Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer provided The Sun with parking figures that differed from those being stated by county officials.

With Tokajer’s support, the Holmes Beach commission permanently eliminated 497 on-street parking spaces, he said. As a result, there are currently 1,261 on-street parking spaces available in Holmes Beach that do not require a city-issued parking permit and 642 permit-only parking spaces that become available to the public after 5 p.m., seven days a week, according to Tokajer.

Regarding claims that 2,500 parking spaces were reduced to 500, Tokajer said, “That’s false. We started with 2,400 spots. The 500 number, which has been explained, is merely the number of spaces designated for beach renourishment. We have a lot more spots than that available.

The numbers I provided are accurate as of today. Those are the same numbers we provided to Charlie Hunsicker, Cheri Coryea (county administrator) and Erica Betts.”

RENOURISHMENT FUNDING

During the work session, Hunsicker said state and federal grants that help fund beach renourishment projects are based on the number of parking spaces located

within a quarter-mile of the beach access points that extend the length of the Island.

“Everything happening between the water and that quarter-mile, that’s where we focus on maintaining a minimum number of parking spaces for each access point out to that beach. Beyond the quarter-mile, it doesn’t count, no matter how many spaces we have,” Hunsicker said. “It doesn’t prevent you from having a beach renourishment program. It just increases your local share proportionate to the loss of public parking spaces.”

Hunsicker said the per-quarter mile parking requirements are not offset by the large parking lots at Coquina Beach, Manatee Beach and elsewhere on the Island.

“The state and the federal governments believe access within a reasonable walking distance is important. So, it’s not maintaining the maximum total spaces along your length of shoreline, but a minimum of 50 spaces within a quarter-mile of each access point. If you have 40 spaces within a quarter-mile, you’re not going to meet the public access requirements to maintain full grant funding,” Hunsicker said.

Kruse, the new District 7 at-large commissioner, asked how many designated parking spaces for beach renourishment currently exist in Holmes Beach. Carr-Betts

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estimated that number to be approximately 460.

“We worked with the chief of police in Holmes Beach and we were right on the cusp of not having full eligibility. He worked with me and we were able to get full eligibility for that portion of the shoreline. With spaces being taken away, we have to be very careful at this point to make sure the spaces are adequately distributed along the shoreline,” Carr-Betts said.

Hunsicker provided The Sun with some additional information pertaining to beach renourishment parking requirements.

“In Holmes Beach, 479 is the bare minimum number of public parking spaces and equivalent public spaces provided by public trolley stops and bicycle racks, as provided by state statute to maintain 100% grant eligibility for state and federal renourishment,” Hunsicker said.

“Due to the opportunities for a small number of eligible spaces to change frequently, we ask each Island city to also provide a buffer of 10-20% of additional spaces within a quarter-mile of each public access point if at all possible. In our discussion with the Holmes Beach mayor and police chief, 500 spaces were offered, translating to 21 additional spaces. While this was short of the buffer desired, we accepted this offer as a good faith effort to provide buffer where needed,” Hunsicker said.

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NOVEMBER 25, 2020

Commissioners consider large funding donation Mayor Judy Titsworth has $25,000 in CARES Act funding to donate to the Mayors Feed the Hungry program but she wants to make sure it’s the best use of the funds.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Commissioners are discussing what to do with $25,000 granted to the city by Manatee County commissioners in CARES Act funding to help feed the area’s hungry.

Mayor Judy Titsworth said the funds are intended to go to the Mayors Feed the Hungry program, a local effort to provide food and food gift cards to needy families in Manatee and Sarasota counties. While Titsworth and the city’s leaders currently support the program by hosting an annual food drive, she said she wants to make sure the Mayors Feed the Hungry program is the best use of the money. Local food banks, for example, need to have local needs covered, particularly in the Anna Maria Island communities, the check is written, the mayor said.

SUBMITTED | MAYORS FEED THE HUNGRY

Since 1987, the Mayors Feed the Hungry program has distributed over 600 tons of food and $3.6 million in food gift cards to needy people in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Titsworth said that while she wanted commissioners’ permission to move forward with the donation, she also wants to understand how the program

plans to work with local food banks to address the Island’s needs before releasing the funds.

City commissioners voted unani-

ICES ANY HAPPY HOUR PR

mously in favor of supporting the program with the $25,000 once all of the mayor’s questions are answered.

Manatee County commissioners granted additional $25,000 amounts to the cities of Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach, Bradenton and Palmetto to donate to help feed local families.

Titsworth said she’s already received an invoice from the Mayors Feed the Hungry program for that amount and that to receive the CARES Act funds, the city’s leaders have to spend the funds and submit for reimbursement.

Since its inception in 1987, the Mayors Feed the Hungry program has distributed more than 600 tons of food and $3.6 million in food gift cards to local families in need. All donations are fully tax-deductible.

The organization anticipates higherthan-usual requests for food from needy families in the area this year due to COVID-19. The program is accepting monetary donations online and through the mail at P.O. Box 1992, Sarasota, FL, 34230. To donate nonperishable food items, visit the organization’s website at www.mayorsfeedthehungry.org to see a list of participating local food banks.

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SUBMITTED | ANNA MARIA ISLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

A new bistro experience opens A new bistro and wine bar has opened at 8799 Cortez Road. Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce members Karen LaPensee, John Campora, Amy Tobin, Bev Kilpatrick and Wendy Webb joined owners Lianne, Brenden and Joe Rimer at the opening of Pesto on Nov. 17. The restaurant is open for happy hour and dinner Tuesday through Saturday with indoor and outdoor dining options available. For more information or to make reservations, visit www.pestoflorida.com.

Beach widening complete The beach widening portion of Anna Maria Island’s beach renourishment project is complete as of Nov. 18, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ contractor, Marinex Construction, began building dunes on Nov. 20 with an expected completion date of Nov. 30. The $17 million project began July 8 at 78th Street in Holmes Beach and ended at Longboat Pass in Bradenton Beach.

Tropical Storm Eta and Hurricane Zeta delayed the project’s original Oct. 31 deadline, and pulled some newly-placed sand off the beach into the Gulf of Mexico (pictured) as anticipated by project engineers. Pipelines have been removed from the beach except for a storage area at Coquina Beach.

CINDY LANE | SUN

NOVEMBER 25, 2020

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Autocycle moratorium passes final reading A four-month moratorium blocking the rental of autocycles in Holmes Beach is enacted with an effective date of Oct. 13.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Commissioners are enacting a moratorium to block the rental of additional autocycles for four months in Holmes Beach while they pursue additional legislation to control the use of the small vehicles.

In a unanimous vote on Nov. 17, commissioners approved the moratorium, back-dating it to Oct. 13, the date of their first conversation on the matter. The

moratorium doesn’t affect the existing business at The Toy Barn, the only company in the city currently allowed to rent the autocycles, which are threewheeled mini-cars.

The moratorium is set to expire Feb. 1 or as soon as commissioners pass an ordinance governing the rental of the vehicles, whichever is sooner. During their work session, commissioners moved forward a draft ordinance concerning the rental of autocycles for a first reading at an upcoming regular commission meeting.

Commissioner Pat Morton said he felt the enacting of the moratorium is “long overdue” and that city leaders need to protect the residents.

Due to the low profile of the vehicles and their lack

of safety features and training to drive the autocycles, commissioners say, they pose a safety hazard not only to the people driving them but also to other motorists and pedestrians on city streets.

Commissioner Carol Soustek said she agrees with the moratorium but she would like the help of city attorney Patricia Petruff for city leaders to get ahead of the trends in toy-like vehicles rather than continuing to be reactive once a business is established in the city or on Anna Maria Island.

During the work session discussion, Commissioner Terry Schaefer addressed the issue of storage of additional vehicles above what’s allowed on The Toy Barn’s approved site plan. While the business’s site plan allows for three vehicles to be parked in three parking spaces onsite, Petruff said that there’s nothing in the site plan stating that additional vehicles cannot be stored onsite.

At a Nov. 18 code compliance hearing, the issue was brought up before special magistrate Michael Connolly. According to photos and testimony by Holmes Beach police officers, multiple autocycle and low speed golf cart-like vehicles are being stored in parallel parking spaces behind the business with multiple vehicles in each parking space.

After hearing testimony from the business operator, Travis Lance, and his attorney, Aaron Thomas, as well as police officers and city code compliance officers, Connolly said he found that the business is in violation of its site plan approvals. He ordered Lance to reduce the vehicles parked at The Toy Barn to three with one per parking space parked parallel to the space, pay $127.24 in administrative costs and warned that failure to comply with his order could result in fines assessed at a future hearing.

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

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THE SUN

Holmes Beach commissioners, mayor take the dais

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

HOLMES BEACH – The city’s newly elected and re-elected officials were sworn in at city hall in front of a small, socially distanced group of friends, loved ones and city officials.

Commissioners Jayne Christenson and Kim Rash both took the oath of office, being sworn in by City Clerk Stacey Johnston for two-year terms on the dais. This is Rash’s second term as a city com-

missioner. Christenson narrowly defeated former Commissioner Rick Hurst in the battle for the second commission seat on the dais.

Joining the two commissioners during the Nov. 23 ceremony was Mayor Judy Titsworth who was sworn in for her second term as mayor. Titsworth ran unopposed in the Nov. 3 election, automatically re-electing her for another two years.

After the ceremony concluded, the commissioners and mayors adjourned only to reconvene a few

minutes later on Zoom for the city’s annual organizational meeting. During that meeting, Commissioner Jim Kihm was nominated by his fellow commissioners to continue serving as chair for another year, with Commissioner Carol Soustek nominated to the vice-chair position.

Commissioners will next meet on Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. via Zoom for their final meeting before the holidays.

Information to join the meeting will be made available to the public on the city’s website at www.holmesbeachfl.org.

See related story, “Saying goodbye to Commissioner Morton,” on Page 21.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Clockwise above, Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth is sworn in for her second term as mayor. Titsworth ran unopposed in the Nov. 3 election. Newly elected Commissioner Jayne Christenson takes the oath of office from City Clerk Stacey Johnston Nov. 23 at Holmes Beach City Hall. City Clerk Stacey Johnston swears in Commissioner Kim Rash for his second term in office.

NOVEMBER 25, 2020

www.amisun.com

NOVEMBER 25, 2020

THE SUN

13

HONORS: Businesses and business person FROM PAGE 1

‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE

Rotarian Laurie Beppler presented Slicker with his award.

“Bob is a true humanitarian,” Beppler said, citing Slicker’s work with the Blessing Bags Project and the Hurricane Laura victims in Lake Charles, La. as some of his many charitable endeavors.

When accepting the award, Slicker said, “Things like this happen by surrounding yourself with good people. I feel blessed and grateful. Thank you all so very much.”

Chamber president Terri Kinder then called up the members of this year’s Chamber awards committee.

Committee member Karen LaPensee, from LaPensee Plumbing Pools & Air, recognized this year’s finalists and asked them to gather at the front of the room before the committee members announced the winners.

“And to the winners we go,” LaPensee said when introducing the nonprofit of the year.

“Our winner in this category has been a backbone in our community for 50 years. Ever evolving, they’ve strived to advance the overall well-being of individuals for all ages, preserve a sense of community and offer creative programming and partnership,” LaPensee said.

Island Players’ board member Diane Phinney then announced The Center as this year’s winner.

Jim McDaniel and David Zaccagnino accepted the award on The Center’s behalf.

“Every business here knows we’ve had obstacles in 2020, especially being a non-profit. Jim and Chris (Culhane) have done an outstanding job and we couldn’t do it without our community,” Zaccagnino said.

Moving on, LaPensee said, “The winner of the 2021 Small Business of the Year started their business from scratch. Continuously involved with the community and striving to improve the business through excellent customer service, she has provided the weddings of her client’s dreams.”

AAA Payroll Services co-founder Mike Southwick announced AMI Beach Weddings as the winner.

When accepting the award, owner Karen Riley-Love said, “I want to thank my son Jack. He helps me with my weddings. He is my organizer and keeps me calm and centered and makes sure everything is where it needs to be.”

Moving on, LaPensee said, “The winner of the Medium Business of the Year believes their key to success is communication with staff and customers. In an everchanging world, the coronavirus has added significant issues to overcome. Challenging and adapting, they have exceeded their previous sales records. Their motto: ‘The virus will not stop them.’”

Suzanne Arbanas, from the Compass by Margaritaville, then announced Ocean-Aire Conditioning as the

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Karen Riley-Love, left, won the Small Business of the Year Award, accompanied by her son, Jack.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Ocean-Aire Conditioning owner Bill Long, left, receives the Medium Business of the Year Award from Suzanne Arbanas. winner.

“I appreciate this very much. I’ve been in business here since 1979. It’s a long time - and seeing so many changes, I hope the new ones help. Bless you all,” owner Bill Long said.

When presenting the final award, LaPensee said, “The winners of the Large Business of the Year focus on providing timely, precise and practical solutions to their customers. Surviving the ‘great recession,’ their business dropped 83%, to rebound and grow to 45 employees.

They continue to encourage shared values, open communication and strong belief in excellence and community.”

Mixon Fruit Farms co-owner Janet Mixon then announced Barnes Walker, a five-office law firm and title company, as the winner.

When accepting the award, Branch Manager Faith Test said, “I like to say we make peoples’ dreams come true.

Thank you all.”

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THE SUN

NOVEMBER 25, 2020

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

ANNA MARIA – The Roser Guild Scholarship Committee has announced the four recipients of the Guild Scholarship for the 2020/21 school year.

Congratulations go out to Bernet William Bernet, Kathleen Crowell, Jared Elbert and Angelica Hope Turner.

Each student will be studying full time at their chosen school and will receive $750 per semester paid directly to their school to help cover tuition costs. Each recipient who Crowell maintains a 2.75 or higher grade point average can apply to renew the scholarship each year for a total of four years.

The funds for the scholarships are raised by sales at the Roser Guild Thrift Store. The Guild members thank everyone who has donated, shopped at the store or volunteered to help make these scholarships available to students.

Bernet plans to attend Warner University in Lake Wales and will study agriculture. Recently, he was awarded the President’s Lifetime Achievement Elbert Award for participating in 4,000 hours of volunteer service to help improve the lives of others.

Crowell plans to attend Manatee Technical College to pursue the study of cosmetology. Her after graduation plans include pursu- Turner ing a career in cosmetology and building her own business. Currently she creates her own jewelry and accessory pieces.

Elbert plans to be a mechanical engineer and attend the University of Central Florida. His future plans include furthering his education and learning life skills that will help set him up for a successful future.

Turner will attend State College of Florida to study physical therapy. Her goal is to enter the medical field to help others and encourage them to become physically and emotionally healthy.

For more information on the Roser Guild, visit www.roserchurch.com.

Loving Chr t • Sh ing H Grace • S ving A

COMMUNITY CHURCH The Chapel is open during office hours for prayer and meditation.

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM or 10:00 AM

Thanksgiving Day Service 10:00 AM • Thursday in the SANCTUARY and ONLINE

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In the Advent Season, we celebrate a Child who Text ROSER to 22828 to comes to bring us hope, to assure us that our loving receive the weekly eBulletin. and sovereign God has not abandoned us in our despair.

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Pastor Dirk Rodgers and his wife Liz peruse the items for sale at the Roser Guild Thrift Shop sale.

Shopping at the thrift sale The Roser Guild Thrift Shop may not currently be open to the public for shopping due to COVID-19 precautions, but that doesn’t mean the Guild’s members aren’t giving the public the opportunity to shop for the holidays.

On Saturday, Nov. 14, the thrift shop moved outside with tables and clothing racks crowded with clothes, books, shoes and all types of gift items.

The Guild reports that 18 volunteers worked to help raise $1,343.35. Those monies will go to help fund the Guild’s scholarship program and other philanthropic endeavors.

Mark your calendars, because the next thrift shop sale is scheduled to take place from 9 a.m. to noon on Dec. 5 outside of the Roser Guild Thrift Shop at 511 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria.

512 Pine Ave • Anna Maria • Everyone is welcome!

Scholarships awarded

NOVEMBER 25, 2020

www.amisun.com

PARKING: Commissioner warns of concern FROM PAGE 7

VAN OSTENBRIDGE OPINES

“I’ve spoken to many residents of Holmes Beach. A lot of them are embarrassed by the actions of their city. It’s extremely unwelcoming. It’s very disappointing,” Van Ostenbridge told the commission, noting his family’s roots on the Island date back to the 1930s.

Van Ostenbridge said many District 3 residents don’t live in Holmes Beach but work or own businesses there.

“I ran on a pro-business platform. I support those workers and those businesses, and I know this hurts them,” he said.

“The beach belongs to everyone. It’s the gem of the entire county. It belongs to every county taxpayer. If you want us to participate in renourishing that beach and caring for it and maintaining it, you have to provide them access to it,” Van Ostenbridge said.

“The state has minimum required levels of parking for the state and the feds to participate in beach renourishment funding. I would like this county to set much higher standards. I would like us to set preCOVID levels of parking. If you’re looking for a number, 2,500 parking spaces is the minimum in Holmes Beach if they want us to participate in beach renourishment funding. I’m going to take a very aggressive approach with this,” Van Ostenbridge said.

“The vast majority of residents and

business owners in Holmes Beach, they’re kind, welcoming people. They know they live in a destination city and they want people to come to their city. And those who are staunchly against this, you knew you moved to a destination city when you moved there. It is not a private Island. It is open to the public. It’s open to everyone in this community regardless of whether they live in Samoset or Palmetto or west Bradenton. The beach belongs to everyone,” Van Ostenbridge said.

Van Ostenbridge said he’d like to see Coryea enter into negotiations with some of the Island churches regarding the possible weekend and holiday use of their parking lots. He suggested reimbursing participating churches with tourist tax funds or some other funding source. He also asked Coryea to reach out to the school district regarding the possible weekend and holiday use of the parking spaces at Anna Maria Elementary School in Holmes Beach.

Whitmore, an at-large commissioner who lives in District 3, thanked Van Ostenbridge for his comments about the Holmes Beach parking reductions.

“I am so happy that you’ve done what you’re doing. I don’t have it in me to be as direct as you, but you’re my commissioner and I’m happy that somebody in the leadership of Manatee County that represents that district has actually said it publicly,”

Whitmore said.

No formal votes were taken during the work session, but Van Ostenbridge offered his assessment of the commission majority’s position on potentially withholding future funds.

“I know we’re not counting heads here, but I think it’s pretty obvious that multiple commissioners are entertaining the idea. You might want to relay that message,” he said.

HOLMES BEACH RESPONDS

During the county work session, Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth texted Whitmore. She later shared that text with The Sun. In part, Titsworth’s text said, “Why are you allowing your commissioners to state untruths? You also should have invited me to attend. I was not aware of this work session.”

Speaking by phone after the work session ended, Titsworth said when she learned about the discussion taking place, she tuned in in time to hear Van Ostenbridge threatening to withhold future beach renourishment funds.

“No one called me to make sure they had the latest numbers. They didn’t make sure they had the correct information to give their commissioners. We offer more parking places than what’s required for beach renourishment. It’s surprising to me how they can speak about an issue and give strong

THE SUN

15

opinions about an issue without trying to get educated on an issue,” Titsworth said.

“We had a meeting with Charlie. He was comfortable with the 500 spaces. We have it in our interlocal agreement. We adhere to the requirement for beach renourishment and will not jeopardize that,” Titsworth said.

“If he (Van Ostenbridge) wants to withhold funding, he should base it on us not upholding agreements that we have, and not just some fictional number,” she added. “Commissioner Van Ostenbridge has never reached out to me except for the one time he asked me if I’d support him if he ran for office. He has not called me since. If he has any concerns about anything, I have an open-door policy and he can see me any time.”

Tokajer also disputed the claim that 45% of Holmes Beach’s public parking spaces were eliminated.

“That is false, it has not been reduced by 45%. The parking numbers you have are the true and accurate numbers of today – which are the same numbers that were provided to Charlie Hunsicker in the meeting we had with Cheri Coryea and Erica Betts.

It was not an adversarial meeting and every parking space they requested was given.

The numbers given to them for beach renourishment were approved by them, as well as the state. We in no way would jeopardize the parking required for beach renourishment. It would have been nice for the commissioner, who is new, to have reached out to get the facts,” Tokajer said.

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NOVEMBER 25, 2020

NOVEMBER 25, 2020

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THE SUN

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NOVEMBER 25, 2020

FRESH FRUIT AVAILABLE NOW! Available IN-STORE & ONLINE! Shop now for seasonal shipping!

NOVEMBER 25, 2020

FOOD & WINE

Lamb roast Ingredients THE SUN

19

The call from the kitchen Jill Phipps

Directions

• Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees • Bring lamb to room temperature • Remove leg of lamb from packaging and place on cutting board. With a very sharp knife make four diagonal cuts in the meat. Place fresh rosemary springs in cuts • Place lamb in roasting dish, drizzle heavily with olive oil (or duck fat if you prefer). Place on middle rack of oven.

• Cooking time with bone in is 20-25 minutes per pound for medium rare • When cooked internal temperature should be 145 degrees • Wash potatoes and slice thinly into rounds • Place on separate baking tray and drizzle heavily with olive oil (or duck fat) .

• Place on lower rack below meat • Check potatoes every 15 minutes - turning once to ensure even roasting • Finely chop mint leaves, boil water, add mint, vinegar and sugar together in a bowl until sugar is dissolved. Let sit at room temperature - do not refrigerate

STARFISHCHEFCUISINE.COM

“J

ill, come and stir the gravy” meant two things - I had an extremely important job and Sunday lunch was almost ready.

While my mother carved the meat and plated the vegetables, using a wooden spoon, I watched closely for the meat juices to boil in the roasting pan, at once stirring vigorously to ensure the gravy remained smooth as it thickened. Without gravy, the meal was lost.

Sunday roast meant succulent chicken, tender beef served with light and fluffy Yorkshire pudding, or lamb topped with homemade mint sauce.

Chicken would be finished that day, beef would be put through the mincer for pasta sauce Monday and hamburgers Tuesday but lamb - lamb would be left alone to allow a second dinner the next day followed by sandwiches on homemade bread with an English chutney.

Sunday lunch also meant a homemade dessert - very often made by me – of ice cream, fresh whipped cream, and on special days a bottle of soda.

Sunday lunch in England dates back to Henry VIII. It is a time for a Sunday drive to a friend’s house, where men spend time at the pub, women stay home to cook, and children become lifelong friends. It’s a time for a group of friends to gather at a restaurant, excited for their meal, with warm ale and camaraderie. Or it’s time for a simple family meal, at which Sunday clothes are required after returning from morning church.

Growing up in the farmlands of southwest England I learned to cook with my Grandma using fresh fruit and vegetables from her garden I cannot remember a time when I did not know how to cook. I still have the no-bake cookbook my mother bought for me.

At the age of 5, I had been taught mise en place when my mother peeled, cut, and soaked the potatoes in water on Christmas Eve. When I attended culinary school at the age of 50 I realized

Leg of lamb Russet potatoes (or similar - dry with thin skins) Carrots with green carrot tops (multi-colored will also work) Brussel sprouts 2-3 tablespoons bistro granules or 2 oxo cubes (found in the international aisle) 1 large bunch of chopped fresh mint 3 tablespoons of white wine vinegar 5 tablespoons of boiling water 1 1/2 tablespoons white sugar (or to taste) Olive oil Fresh rosemary

60 MINUTES BEFORE COOKING TIME FOR MEAT SUBMITTED

how much I had learned as a child. Almost any chef can say the same thing.

Cooking a Sunday roast takes knowledge, passed down from generations, plus skill and an immaculate sense of timing.

You must be able to judge the temperature and time of the roast meat, how long it needs to rest, how much fat to use for roast potatoes, how often to turn them and how quickly the vegetables will steam, keeping them hot but also fresh.

The timing of plating has a symphonic rhythm to it, and every Sunday has a different conductor – the protein.

Writing this article, I can smell the meat, hear the pots clanging, the chairs scraping at the dining table and feel the anticipation of cutting into that first bite.

To this day, whenever I am sick I cook myself a roast and apple pie. It is my ultimate comfort food.

I hope you enjoy this article and you are inspired to go out, buy some meat and create your own music.

www.TheFeastRestaurantAMI.com

• Using a steamer, fill bottom with water, place on stove top until boiling • Remove brussel sprouts from bag and wash under cold water.

Remove any outside peel • Remove carrots from bag, peel and wash • Add carrots and brussels to basket • Steam vegetables for about 10 to 15 minutes or until “Al-dente” • Drain, remove from steamer, place in heatproof container and place at bottom of oven to keep warm • Remove lamb from roasting pan (retain all juices and fat in pan) Set aside to rest • Add 2-3 tablespoons of bits or oxo cubes to a jug. Add boiling water until dissolved • Place roasting pan on stove top and add gravy mixture. Heat until boiling, stirring frequently to avoid lumps and ensuring a smooth gravy, as it thickens to your desired consistency.

• Pour into gravy boat for serving • Remove roasted potatoes from oven and place on serving dish - place the whole lamb on top.

• Scatter carrots and brussels around and on top of the lamb.

• Garnish with a fresh mint sprig.

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THE SUN

OUTDOORS

NOVEMBER 25, 2020

What happened to catch and release?

Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

C

atch and release used to be a topic that came up often in fishing circles.

The idea was to educate anglers that fish populations are finite and not the bottomless resource that they were once thought to be. For a time, it seemed the idea was relatively commonplace. Now a look at Instagram and Facebook posts might have you wonder what happened.

Lately, a lot of posts of dead fish are appearing that seem to be taken more to impress others and get likes than to provide a meal. With increased angling pressure, burgeoning populations and serious water quality issues, proper catch and release methods are more important now than ever. Fish that aren’t headed to the dinner table should be given the best chance of living, reproducing and sustaining threatened populations.

When we get cut, bruised or break a leg, we can head for the local drug store, or, in more extreme cases, the emergency room. Not so for fish. For them, it's heal or die, and in their world, it's the sick and wounded

that first fall prey to predators.

What a shame to do the right thing, releasing a big, speckled trout full of roe, only to have it eaten by a shark, barracuda or other predator because it wasn't handled properly.

Fishermen have been criticized because catch and release fishing is seen by some as playing with fish. Anglers, unlike hunters, can pursue their passion and release their prey.

Most anglers I know who practice catch and release have no problem with killing fish occasionally to take home for dinner. Responsible anglers and hunters are often on the front lines protecting the habitat and welfare of fish and animals. It's more about enjoying the sport and trying to be proactive in helping it to remain healthy and viable.

There are many species, notable among them, tarpon, that anglers seldom, if ever, kill.

Catch and release is not just about releasing fish that you don't want, it's also about properly releasing undersized fish or species that aren't valued at the table. Catch and release in any form is a wise use of the resource, but unfortunately, many anglers don't know how to properly handle fish.

Here are a few tips. First, make sure you match the tackle to the species you’re fishing for. Trying to land a big tarpon on 20-pound tackle

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

Keeping big fish like tarpon in the water is critical. Andy Mill measures a tarpon while Captain Doug Kilpatrick assists. might be OK if you're experienced, but to the uninitiated, it's like announcing a free meal to sharks. Enjoy the action, but land the fish as quickly as possible. Once you have the fish subdued, if possible, never take them out of the water. If you've been fighting them for a long time (think tarpon) make sure you revive them sufficiently. If you can reach the water over the gunwale, slowly

move the boat forward while holding the fish. This forces water and oxygen through their gills. They'll let you know when they're ready to go.

The hook is probably the next most important consideration. A barbless hook is best for fish and anglers alike. The key to keeping fish on a barbless hook is to keep the line tight. The other important factor you should

consider is hooking yourself.

A barbless hook is far easier to remove from a finger or an ear. Another option is a circle hook that helps prevent "gut" hooking fish.

A de-hooker is a tool anglers should always have at hand.

It keeps your hands clean and prevents you from inadvertently harming the fish. Fish have a viscous coating that covers their scales and skin and acts as a defense against the invasion of bacterial, parasitic and fungal pathogens. De-hookers come in various shapes depending on how they're used.

The simplest is J-shaped and removes hooks in or near the jaw. A circular-shaped longer version allows anglers to remove hooks that are deep in the throat of a fish.

Anglers who fish for reef fish like snapper and grouper need to learn how to "vent" fish.

Reeling fish from deep water inflates their swim bladders.

Unless this bladder is punctured the fish is unable to swim back to the bottom. Search YouTube for the Florida Sea Grant video that explains the venting procedure.

Taking the time and having the tools and knowledge to release fish mindfully is one way to help ensure we have a healthy population of fish now and into the future. Let’s bring catch and release back as a topic of conversation.

www.amisun.com

NOVEMBER 25, 2020

THE SUN

21

Saying goodbye to Commissioner Morton

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

HOLMES BEACH – Commissioner Pat Morton’s 17 years on the city commission have come to an end, but he says community members can still expect to see him serving the city in some capacity, even just as a resident.

The Nov. 17 commission meeting and work session were Morton’s final ones as a city commissioner and his fellow commissioners and Mayor Judy Titsworth took a moment to thank him for his service.

“This has been a long ride. I dedicated 17 years of my life to the city.

It’s been a pleasure to serve the city and the citizens. We’ve got some awesome citizens out here,” Morton said.

“Mayor, it’s been a pleasure to serve with you. You’re a very dear friend.”

“I thank the citizens from the bottom of my heart,” he added. “This has been a long and fun enjoyment for me.”

“I’d like to really thank Commissioner Pat Morton for his many years of service and I blame you, Pat, for getting me to this point,” Titsworth said.

“He didn’t leave me alone until he got

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Now former Commissioner Pat Morton campaigns near the polls Nov. 3 at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Holmes Beach. me to run for commission.”

“Thank you for your many years of service. Not only do I think of you as one of our best commissioners the city’s ever had but I look at you as a dear friend and I will miss you,” she concluded.

“Pat, you’ve sat next to me when I came up here as a novice,” Commissioner Carol Soustek said. “You and I changed so much of this city in such a short time. You were a great part of that entire turn around that the city had to do to be able to survive and I

thank you for all of that work because without it we would be in very, very bad shape.”

“Pat, I appreciate all of the two years that we got to work together,” Commissioner Kim Rash said. “I think we worked together to make Holmes Beach a better place.”

“I would like to offer my appreciation to Pat,” Commissioner Terry Schaefer said. “Pat, you and I only had a year to work together but I respect very much the time you have spent and devoted to our city, as many have said and will continue to say, to make it a better place. I know you won’t forget the city.

Your efforts will continue without question in my mind to better our city and I’m sure you will remain visible and accessible and I thank you as a citizen and now a commissioner for your devotion.”

“I’d just like to thank Commissioner Morton for his service. Pat, it’s been good sitting beside you, watching you and learning from you. You’ve made a great contribution to the city and your impact is going to be felt for a long, long time. We’re going to miss you,” Commissioner Jim Kihm said.

CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE | SUBMITTED

Pete Weir, of Parrish, hoists an African Pompano in the 35 pound range. Caught on a live Pilchard offshore with Captain David White of Anna Maria Charters.

Little tunny plentiful on beaches CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE

Fishing this week has been pretty darn good, even with the strong northeasterly winds limiting the fishable areas around our Island.

The inshore fishery has snook and redfish still on the prowl and it’s fun for catch-and-release anglers.

I’m starting to see some larger sheepshead and black drum sliding in as well. Time to start bringing some shrimp along.

The beaches are seeing a huge influx of little tunny, aka bonita. These are awesome on medium-light tackle and are a blast on a 9 or 10 weight fly rod. Also in the pelagic mix are kingfish up to 30 pounds and some Spanish mackerel here and there. Offshore, when do able, is producing yellowtail and mangrove snapper, red grouper, gags, catch- and-release amberjack and the occasional African pompano. We’ve got a busy week ahead of us here at Anna Maria Charters. We hope everyone has an awesome holiday!

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THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

NOVEMBER 25, 2020

Real estate markets upturned

he old rules governing a buyer’s and a seller’s market have been seriously adjusted in the time of COVID-19. Areas of the country where they never dreamed of running out of inventory and integrating buyers from major cities are still trying to figure it out while at the same time welcoming their good luck.

Realtor.com, after interviewing over 50 real estate agents in specific markets, has come up with the 10 top buying and selling markets nationwide. This analysis reflected closed sales for upper-end homes at $1 million or over.

A buyer’s market is something that we’re not remotely in right now in the Tampa Bay area, but since you never know when markets will turn, let’s establish some guidelines. The definition of a buyer’s market simply is one with more supply than demand. Santa Barbara County, California was at the top of the buyer’s market list with Santa Cruz County, California coming

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER in at number 10. Florida had two counties on the list, Pinellas at number two and Collier at number four. Remember we’re talking about sales at $1 million or over.

A seller’s market is, of course, the opposite of a buyer’s market, defined as a market that has more demand than supply, with low levels of inventory and appreciating sales prices. Fairfax County, Virginia is at the top of the seller’s market analysis with Suffolk County, New York at the bottom.

Florida has two counties on the top 10 list, Hillsborough County (Tampa) at number six and Broward County (Ft. Lauderdale) at number seven. Seller’s markets in this

COVID cycle are typically suburban areas close to big employment centers that offer larger homes, property with office space and new construction.

Manatee County is certainly in a seller’s market, so potential buyers need to be cautious not to get in a bidding war and consider making an offer with an escalation addendum. Also eliminating all home sale contingencies like a mortgage will certainly put you in an advantageous position.

Now it’s time to review the October Manatee County sales statistics, reported by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee, to determine if October’s numbers are as good as September’s were.

Single-family sales numbers compared to October of last year are as follows: Closed sales, up 48.4%; median sale price, $360,000, up 10.4%; average sale price, $481,349, up 20.7%; median time to contract, 18 days, down 58.1%; month’s supply of available properties, 1.8 months, down

45.5%; pending inventory, up 44.5% and cash transactions, up 53.6%.

Condo sales numbers compared to October of last year are as follows: Closed sales, up 39%; median sale price, $255,000, up 34.2%; average sale price, $294,595, up 13.2%; median time to contract, 41 days, up 8.9%; month’s supply of available properties, 2.6 months, down 36.6%; pending inventory, up 71.9% and cash transactions, up 10%.

Not only were the October numbers as good as September, they surpassed them in almost every area. The market is indeed soaring in both Manatee and Sarasota counties, and where this merry-go-round stops, I don’t think anyone knows, certainly not me.

The old adage, “All real estate is local,” has been a little upended this year. However, the principals are the same and we’ll eventually fall back into a normal market.

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

NOVEMBER 25, 2020

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

23

COVID: How to do holidays during pandemic FROM PAGE 1

patients? Check state and local public health department websites.

• Do your plans include traveling by bus, train, or air, which makes staying 6 feet apart difficult, or by car, which requires rest stops and gas station stops that can expose you to COVID-19?

• Does your home or destination have requirements or restrictions for travelers?

• During the 14 days before you travel, have you or those you are visiting had close contact with people they don’t live with?

• Are you traveling with people who don’t live with you?

If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” you should not travel, according to the CDC.

GATHERINGS

The lowest-risk way to have a holiday gathering in 2020 is to schedule separate holiday celebrations simultaneously and connect by Zoom or a similar method, according to the CDC. But having meals with only the people who live in your household is also low risk, as is preparing and delivering meals for family and neighbors with no contact.

A moderately-risky option is having meals outdoors with a few family and friends, if they live in your community.

The highest-risk gatherings are indoor meals or parties with people you do not live with or near - the more people, the higher the risk.

Serving or using alcohol increases the risk by altering judgment and making it more difficult to practice safety measures.

Anyone who lives or works with people at higher risk should consider the potential risk to them before attending gatherings.

To reduce risk at a gathering: • Hosts and guests should strictly avoid contact with people outside of their households for 14 days before the gathering and should follow COVID-19 safety measures at home.

• Keep the gathering short.

• Wear masks with two or more layers, except when eating and drinking, and make sure they are worn over your nose and mouth and fit snugly along the sides of your face. Hosts should have a clean supply of disposable masks.

• Keep a 6-foot social distance, including at tables. People from the same household should sit at their own tables.

• Wash hands often, especially before

preparing, serving or eating food. Guests should wash hands or use hand sanitizer (60% alcohol or more) for at least 20 seconds when entering and leaving gatherings. Hosts should supply paper towels or single-use hand towels in restrooms instead of cloth towels and may also provide cleaning supplies that allow guests to wipe down surfaces before they use or leave the restroom.

• Gather outdoors or open windows indoors.

• Verbally greet people instead of shaking hands, hugging or elbow bumping.

• Encourage guests to bring their own food and drinks.

• Do not use a buffet or drink station.

• Limit people going in and out of the kitchen or gathering around the outdoor grill.

• Limit the number of people cooking and serving food.

• Provide single-use condiments to avoid multiple people from handling the same items.

• Use disposable napkins, plates, cups, utensils and tablecloths.

• Limit indoor gatherings to 10 people and outdoor gatherings to 25 people.

If you aren't comfortable with the level of risk involved, consider canceling or not

attending the event.

The CDC advises that you do not host or attend a holiday gathering if you: • are at increased risk due to age or health conditions, • have been exposed to COVID-19 in the last 14 days, • are showing COVID-19 symptoms, • have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or • are waiting for results of a COVID-19 test.

IF YOU ARE EXPOSED OR GET SICK

After any holiday event, if you feel that you may have been exposed to COVID-19, take extra precautions for 14 days.

Avoid being around people, especially those at increased risk of severe illness with COVID-19, and consider getting tested. While you are waiting for the results of a COVID-19 test, stay at home and follow safety measures. If you develop symptoms or test positive for COVID-19, immediately inform the host and other guests who attended the event (hosts should keep a list of guests for contact tracing). This can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 by ensuring that others get tested or self-quarantine.

24

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THE SUN

New planning commissioner joins the dais A new planning commissioner will be taking the dais during the Dec. 2 meeting. Second alternate Commissioner Richard Brown will be taking the spot vacated by Gale Tedhams when she was promoted to a full member of the planning commission by city commissioners in October. At their Nov.

17 meeting, city commissioners voted unanimously to appoint Brown to the planning commission for a term expiring July 1, 2023. Planning commissioners meet on the first Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

  �� � � �   ­€

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NOVEMBER 25, 2020

NOVEMBER 25, 2020

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

25

26

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

OBITUARIES Mark Coleman Mixon Mark Coleman Mixon, 65, Bradenton, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020. He was born on Oct. 13, in Youngstown, Ohio. Mark along with his parents, Jim (deceased) and Patricia Mixon owned and operated Mixon Insurance in Holmes Beach for 50 years. He was a former active member of Rotary, where he served as President and was a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a former member of Lyons Club, where he served in many offices. He was an ardent golfer and a member of Key Royale Golf Club in Holmes Beach, where he won the club championship many times. He was a tireless worker and kept busy remodeling his rental properties after retirement.

He and his mother sold Mixon Insurance two years ago. He was loved not only by his family but his many friends. He is loved and survived by his mother, Trish Mixon O’Reilly and husband, John of Holmes Beach; his daughter, Melissa Chambers and husband, Jason of Parrish; his sister, Kim Eresten and husband, Alex of Munith, MI.; his brother, Robert Ostroski of Bradenton; his granddaughters, Landry and Harper Chambers of Parrish; and his companion, Cynthia Dagher of Bradenton.

Services will be held privately at a later date. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Donations in his name may be made to Southeast Guidedogs at: 4210 77th Street East, Palmetto, FL 34221. Condolences may be made to www. brownandsonsfuneral.com.

BEACH BEAT BRADENTON BEACH

11/15, 6:20 p.m., petit theft, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive South. The victims told police they went for a walk and when they returned, they found some of their possessions, including a pair of beach sandals and a necklace, were missing.

They found the sandals with the people next to them. The victims confronted the suspects and asked about the necklace. One suspect went into the water, pulled the necklace out of his pocket and let it fall into the water. When a victim threatened to call police, the suspect fished the necklace out of the water. When the officer arrived, he detained the suspects and verbally trespassed them from the beach. He also sent a request to the state attorney’s office to investigate further.

11/16, damage to city property, Bridge Street Pier. A pontoon boat was damaged when it got loose from its mooring during a storm. Damage was estimated at $20,000.

11/16, damage to boats, Bridge Street Pier. A sailboat got loose during the storm and damaged other boats.

11/15, trespass warning, Bridge Street Bazaar, 107A Bridge Street. The storeowner told police he thought an employee was stealing merchandise. They questioned the employee and he confessed. In lieu of arrest, they settled on him returning the merchandise and trespassing him from the property.

HOLMES BEACH

11/10, fraud, 500 block of 72nd Street. The victim said she attempted to call Frontier Airlines regarding a ticket that was about to expire. She called, but could not find a live person so she went online and went to a com-

pany called Book Cheap, which she thought was affiliated with Frontier. A person told her to go to Walgreens and purchase an eBay card for $200 and send him the serial number of the card. After several unsuccessful tries, he said she should purchase two more cards. When she gave those serial numbers to him, he hung up.

11/10, 8:30 p.m., warrant arrest.

Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive.

The officer on patrol found an intoxicated male sleeping on a trolley bench. A computer check showed he had a warrant for his arrest from Charlotte County. He was arrested.

11/13, 10:52 p.m., camping on the beach, trespass warning, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive. Officers patrolling the beach came upon a male sleeping. The police knew the subject, a bus boy at the Beach Café, and they told him to move on. Later, they returned and he was still there. They issued a trespass order and they found some marijuana on him and sent him home via the Monkey Bus. 11/14, 12:56 a.m., noise violation, 206 64th St. When officers answered a complaint, they found a noisy birthday celebration with loud music and the smell of marijuana emanating from the house. The officers issued a noise ordinance citation.

11/14, vandalism, trespassing, 1100 block of Aqua Lane. The victim said several white males tried to enter his car but the doors were locked so they scratched a window. They got into his pickup but nothing was taken.

11/14, burglary to a vehicle, 100 block of White Ave. The victim said his car was burglarized and an iPod was taken. A Samsung cell phone was left at the scene.

11/14, burglary to a vehicle, 6700 Holmes Blvd. The victims said their pickup truck was burglarized and several items of value taken.

Top real estate producers for October 2020 A PARADISE

FRAN MAXON REAL ESTATE

Al & Helen Pollack - Listing Dennis Rauschl - Selling

Stephanie Bell – Listing & Selling

AN ISLAND PLACE REALTY

Alan Galletto - Listing Kathleen White & Erin Leathem - Selling

DUNCAN REAL ESTATE

Marianne Norman-Ellis Listing & Selling

Sue Carlson - Listing Doug Shaw & Billi Gartman - Selling Joey Hutchinson - Listing Darcie Duncan - Selling

EDGEWATER REAL ESTATE

Lynn Zemmer - Listing & Selling

ISLAND REAL ESTATE

MIKE NORMAN

PREMIER SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY Shellie Young – Listing & Selling

REMAX ALLIANCE GROUP Christine Kourik - Listing Cindy Quinn - Selling

SALTY MERMAID REAL ESTATE Jason Hrnak – Listing Diana Sinisi

SATO REAL ESTATE

Jason Sato - Listing & Selling

WAGNER REAL ESTATE

Deborah Thrasher – Listing Miguel Rosa - Selling

NOVEMBER 25, 2020

NOVEMBER 25, 2020

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

Bridgetender tale

27

SUBMITTED

Annie Laurie (Bennett) Joyner manned the gate that was installed in 1952 at the west end of the Cortez Bridge to Anna Maria Island, and was photographed by The Bradenton Herald getting her hair cut by Mrs. Lou Hayes while “still alert for approaching boats.” The story was recently shared by her nephew, Martin Bennett, on the Facebook page, “If you grew up in Manatee County, FL you remember...” While her father, John Bennett, was the bridgetender, Joyner lowered the gate to keep vehicles off the bridge when it was raised for boats.

“Before that the bridgetender blocked traffic with chains and lanterns,” according to Martin Bennett. The Cortez Bridge, connecting the historic Cortez fishing village to Bradenton Beach, is scheduled for replacement, with funds for right-of-way acquisitions proposed for fiscal years 2021, 2024 and 2025.

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www.amisun.com

NOVEMBER 25, 2020

PROPOSAL: Terminating county administrator FROM PAGE 1

Van Ostenbridge also mentioned the purchase negotiations led by Utilities Department Director Mike Gore.

“I didn’t agree with the process, having Mr. Gore lead the negotiations. I didn’t feel he was qualified. Day-to-day operations are run by the administrator, so ultimately that falls on the administrator. I think tens of millions of tax dollars were wasted on that purchase. It’s the position of this commissioner that the $25 million in wasted tax money is a fireable offense,” Van Ostenbridge said.

The property is appraised at about $18.5 million, according to a June report obtained

by The Sun and written by Hettema Saba Commercial Real Estate Valuation Advisory Services.

“Based on the known factors creating and affecting value, it is my opinion that the market value for the subject property in its ‘as is’ condition, as of June 18, was $18,448,000,” according to a letter signed by state certified general real estate appraiser Ronald Saba and addressed to Brandie Adams, the real property specialist for Manatee County’s Property Acquisition Division. ”The purpose of the appraisal is to provide an opinion of the market value. The report is intended to be used by the client to make a purchase price decision,” Saba wrote.

The $30,185,625 purchase price equates to $187,488 per acre, with the most recent comparable property in that vicinity at that time selling for $310,218 per acre, according to a staff presentation to county commissioners on Oct. 13. The price per acre in that vicinity over the past 10 years was $496,923.

COMMISSION DISCUSSION

After a recess during last Thursday’s meeting, Commissioner Carol Whitmore sought insight from Chief Assistant County Attorney Bill Clague.

“Miss Coryea’s service as county administrator is by agreement between her and the county. That agreement has provisions in it that govern the circumstances under which the board can dismiss her. They require that the board provide her with at least 15 days’ notice prior to conducting a meeting to make that decision. The most the board could do today would be to direct our office to provide her with that notice and schedule a meeting to consider that. I would advise the board to be careful in this meeting about going into the legalities or the details of those things,” Clague said.

Whitmore noted the land purchase was initiated by previous County Administrator Ed Hunzeker.

Whitmore referenced a Nov. 15 story published at the Bradenton Times website that included the headline, “Are Special Interests Gunning for County Administrator?”

The story states developer Carlos Beruff

and other members of the development community pushed for Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance President Dom Dimaio to succeed Hunzeker, rather than Coryea.

“I was called, you all were called, by a developer who didn’t want Cheri in the job,” Whitmore said, adding that Beruff supported Van Ostenbridge, Satcher and Kruse’s campaigns. “I was hoping you guys would at least give her a chance. You haven’t even been in office for three days. Shame on you for doing that. This is very upsetting.”

Regarding Van Ostenbridge’s stated desire that the county government operate more like a business, Whitmore said, “This is not a business.”

Commissioner Reggie Bellamy began his remarks by referencing something he learned in business school: “When you take over leadership, you don’t come in and make hasty decisions. This sounds like a hasty decision and it’s very unfortunate,” he said.

Bellamy said it’s one thing to be disappointed with someone for carrying out a commission decision, but to say it’s a fireable offense is something different. He also disagreed with Van Ostenbridge’s claim that the land purchase was rushed.

Bellamy said he asked Van Ostenbridge and Kruse during their campaigns if they planned to fire Coryea once they took office.

“And the comment was, ‘No, I don’t know what you’re talking about,’” Bellamy said.

“It’s quite clear there’s been some premeditated comments and thoughts about this particular step with her. If the cause is for Lena Road, don’t fire her. Fire the commissioners that voted on it, twice.

And that’s not your job, that’s the job of the constituents. Cheri did not make that decision. The board made that decision,” Bellamy said.

“I don’t think you, as a county commissioner, can learn in 72 hours enough to draw a conclusion that you’re going to fire anybody. There is no way in the world that we should be holding a conversation like this three days into it,” Bellamy said.

Speaking next, Commissioner Misty Servia said, “Kevin, this is a reckless move.

You have been here actually 50 hours, it’s not even close to 72 hours. Here’s what this move does: The morale of our staff just dropped. Our ability to hire people that we so desperately need has dropped.”

Servia said Van Ostenbridge made a “poor move” when initiating that discussion without giving the public advance notice.

“You’ve just shut them out of this,” she said. “The art of the deal requires finesse.

This is not finesse.”

Servia mentioned the performance evaluations submitted by six of the seven members of the previous commission, which were discussed at that commission’s final meeting on Nov. 10 – an evaluation process Baugh chose not to participate in.

“Our county administrator just received a glowing review because she has done

everything this elected board has asked her to do in a timely and efficient manner,” Servia said.

Bellamy noted Coryea received a sixmonth evaluation and a 12-month evaluation.

“Not a three-day evaluation or a 50-hour evaluation,” he said. “It seems as though there are ulterior motives. It seems as though there’s something else out there.”

Bellamy told the new commissioners to consider how they would feel about being evaluated after just 50 hours on the job.

Along those same lines, Servia said, “Fifty hours on the job? We need to be in a learning mode, not in a firing mode.”

Kruse said, “I think ‘premeditated’ is probably a strong word. I think we all came into this with a common view of government. Any level of premeditation was just a group of us saying let’s look at something a little more from a business standpoint. I’m not saying which direction I’m going. I’m OK with starting a clock, but if this is a vote to flat-out to do it today then that would be a different story.”

Baugh disputed any premeditation.

“I don’t know anything about premeditated. I don’t know anything about developers coming to anybody. None have come to me, but I can tell you this: the citizens do come to me and they’re the ones that are important. And by the way, I guess developers are citizens too,” Baugh said.

“I realize this isn’t a topic most people want to talk about. I don’t believe it is fair to make accusations to the new commissioners that have been out there for over a year working to get elected – who might know a little bit more than you think. Everybody take a breath, we’re not making the decision today,” Baugh said.

CLERK OF THE COURT WEIGHS IN

Aware of the discussion taking place, Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court Angelina Colonneso felt compelled to make the short drive from her downtown Bradenton office to the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto to address the commission.

When addressing Van Ostenbridge, Satcher and Kruse, she said, “To the three of you, please take my advice: a little humility doesn’t hurt. Take it from my experience, you’ve got a lot to learn. I am for the people’s records, the people business.

There are no citizens here. Those people have not been afforded the opportunity to even weigh in on this.

“I think you should take a little time and see how things work. You haven’t even been to a (regular) meeting yet and you’re bringing this up. You haven’t had a chance to work with anybody in this county or see the interactions,” Colonneso said.

“In a way, I feel like I’m up here as that watchdog for the citizens – to tell you that whatever you decide, take a step back.

You took an oath. You need to be humble and understand there’s so much to learn.

Please, take your time here,” Colonneso said. “I didn’t expect to make a trip here today. I gave up another meeting when I saw this, it was so outlandish.”

FINAL COMMENTS

“This is not terminating Cheri today. I am not eliminating the public process. I’m going to make a motion to give 15 days’ notice of a vote. The public, community leaders, citizens of all types can reach out to us. I just want us to make some fundamental cultural changes,” Van Ostenbridge said.

Baugh seconded Van Ostenbridge's motion.

Before voting on the motion, Whitmore said, “I knew this was orchestrated. Kevin, I supported you. I am ashamed that I did.

You’ve been in office 50 hours. This was premeditated. I’ve had the calls; every one of you has. I know what’s going on. There are employees crying right now because of what you’ve just done. Maybe you don’t care, but you should.”

In response, Van Ostenbridge said, “I agree with you, it’s a very difficult decision.

It can be very emotional for people, but you cannot run a $1.5 billion business based on feelings and emotions. Unfortunately, it has to be run pragmatically, as a business.”

Servia said, “With all due respect, this is not a good way to do business because there are so many unintended consequences that amount to millions and millions of dollars; and things are shifting right now today because of this action. This is a very dangerous approach.”

Satcher said no one should be surprised about Van Ostenbridge’s positions.

“Everyone that was running for election had very public comments about what was going on at Lena Road. Of course, it’s expected. It was a major decision. I was tempted to read my Facebook post: ‘Five reasons why the Lena Road land deal is wrong for Manatee County.’ I should have said 32 million and 5 reasons why it was bad for Manatee County,” Satcher said, citing a figure that was higher than the $30,185,625 sale price listed on the signed contract.

Kruse said the Coryea decision is one of the most serious decisions this commission will make, and he noted it will have implications throughout the entire county and county government.

“If you’re a director and you work directly under Ms. Coryea, please reach out to me – Ms. Coryea included,” Kruse said. “This isn’t premeditated or a done deal. I am going to do my due diligence and my homework. Lena Road, while I disagree with it, that wouldn’t be my decision in and of itself, but there are bigger philosophical things.”

After the 4-3 vote to put Coryea on notice took place, the commission discussed scheduling that meeting on Dec. 15. Bellamy requested the discussion be delayed until after the holidays and the other members unanimously supported his request.

NOVEMBER 25, 2020

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Starbucks rival owned by a fast-food chain 7 Josh of "Frozen" 10 Spots for toddlers 14 Automatic reaction 15 Reproductive cells 16 Cookie shaped like two of its letters 17 Welcome words to a dishwasher 18 Moving wheels 19 *Wizard revealer 20 Classic 1779 hymn 23 Rock's __ Fighters 26 Lassitude 27 Dale's guy 28 *Electrically flexible 30 "The Jungle Book" python 31 Flight safety org.

33 "The Thin Man" author Hammett 35 20 fins

Answers to 11-18-20 Crossword Puzzle.

39 Plaza Hotel girl 40 *Aerie nesters 41 Red-and-white suit wearer 42 Proofer's find 44 "Sammy the Seal" writer Hoff 46 World games org.

47 Coupling device 48 Big club 51 Weeks in Oaxaca 54 Old atlas abbr.

55 1973 triple-platinum album by Wings ... and what each of three answers to starred clues is, literally 58 __ one's time 59 Tijuana aunt 60 Titans 64 Bow-toting god 65 USN VIP 66 Home of the Senators 67 Center of N.Y.C.?

68 Escape

THE SUN

69 Disc golf starting point Down 1 Hosp. test in a tube 2 Hanna-Barbera collectible 3 Montreal Alouettes' org.

4 "The Aviator" (2004) Oscar nominee 5 Manhattan Project physicist born in Rome 6 Derek Jeter, e.g.

7 Spread quickly online 8 __-garde 9 "Blast!"

10 Middle-earth trilogy, to fans 11 Cheering loudly 12 Retailer offering sitting and walking services 13 Farm call 21 Enthusiasm 22 Tank top 23 Dims 24 City near Orlando 25 Eats way too much of, briefly 29 Debt vouchers 32 Sore 34 Parental "explanation" 36 Mishmashes 37 Some charity runs, informally 38 Aromatic compound 40 Gastropod on a brasserie menu 42 2007 National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee

43 "Say Anything..." actress Skye 45 Insurance that covers canines 48 Westminster attraction 49 City near the Heliopolis

Palace 50 Home of the Ewoks 52 Crete's highest pt.

53 Posh hotel option 56 Newsroom post 57 "Mom" actor Corddry

61 Snooze 62 Former flier 63 Like one texting ":-("

29

30

THE SUN

CLASSIFIED

ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMPUTER SERVICES

FOR SALE

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Call Rick at 941-932-0940.

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

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

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE CANAL FRONT HOMES Holmes Beach – GULF FRONT CONDOS Gulf Place, L’Plage, Vista Grande, SPW, 5400 – DUPLEXES & MORE Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 941232-2216 IMMACULATE WATERFRONT HOME 520 Kumquat Dr. 4BD/5BA 3928sf Coastal Beauty! Prime location on AMI. $2,750,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086 LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589 REALTOR FOR HIRE. Are you looking for a results driven Realtor to sell your home or condo?

16 Years experience & proven track record of success. USAF Veteran.

Call Kelly Gitt Keller Williams Realty 941.357.

GITT(4488)

RENTALS: ANNUAL ANNUAL RENTAL COMPLETELY renovated condo at Wild Oak Bay, 2BR/2BA large screened in porch, close to IMG and beaches. $1975 monthly, all utilities included in rent except electric. HOA approval, immediate occupancy.

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.

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NOVEMBER 25, 2020

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Call today to place your ad: 941-778-3986 HOME SERVICES

HOME SITTING / PET SITTING

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TRANSPORTATION

RENTALS: ANNUAL COZY COTTAGE SANDPIPER 55+ Resort. 1 ½ minute walk to Beach or Bay. 1BR/1BA. Washer/ dryer For Sale or Rent. Call 941251-4767. Leave number on machine.

ANNUAL RENTALHOLMES BEACH 2BR/2BA, W/D hook ups, storage. Non-Smoking, No Pets. $1,900/mo.

Fran Maxon Real Estate 941-778-2307.

ANNUAL RENTAL. BUNGALOW. WiFi & utilities included. Washer/dryer, Steps to Beach & intracoastal. Mini loft. $1395/mo. First, last & $500 deposit. Call 941-7411096

RENTAL WANTED SEEKING AMI LONG TERM RENTAL 4+ BRs for professional family. Call Kelly Gitt Keller Williams Realty 941.357.GITT(4488)

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455 SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates.

Contact Barb Grace 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 2BR/2BA CONDO FOR RENT – Ironwood Golf Course Community Available Dec 2020 – May 2021 -$2,400 /month plus taxes.

Fully Furnished - First Floor Unit Application and background check required.

Contact Karen 401-9323402 or galipeaukl21@ gmail.com

UPSTAIRS APARTMENT AVAILABLE DecemberApril. 2BR/1BA West of Gulf Drive. Anna Maria City 941-778-4499

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. Mask & gloves provided. Reasonable rates! Call or text Anna 941-932-1600

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NOVEMBER 25, 2020

the Team Duncan Difference!

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

310 Pine Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216

TeamDuncan.com

941.779.0304