Anna Maria Island Sun November 18, 2015

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VOL 16 No. 3

November 18, 2015

Revisions concern planning board The latest round of changes to the vacation rental ordinance are scheduled for final adoption on Thursday.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – When reviewing the latest proposed changes to the still-evolving vacation rental ordinance, the planning and zoning board expressed concerns and did not recommend its approval.

During the Tuesday, Nov. 10 planning and zoning board meeting, City Attorney Becky Vose, City Planner Alan Garrett and the six volunteer board members spent more than an hour discussing the proposed changes city commissioners tentatively apsee ordinance, page 48

Artist Woody Candish remembered

BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

A man and his tree Photo courtesy Bradenton Beach Police Department

Longtime Drift In employee David Marshall utilized his right to peaceful protest Monday morning to express his affinity for a tree that will be removed

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Drift In employee and longtime Island resident David Marshall found himself in a sticky situation Monday morning while making a point about the removal of one of his favorite Bridge Street trees.

At some point after 8 a.m., Marshall was discovered taped to the black olive tree that sits be-

INSIDE NEWS OPINION Sun survey outdoors football fever restaurant real estate obits

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tween the Drift In and the Sports Lounge. As part of his peaceful protest, Marshall told Police Chief Sam Speciale he did not want the symbolic red tape removed until he had an opportunity to address the media. The community-minded police chief then contacted The Sun via cellphone so Marshall could have his say.

At 9:09 a.m., with Speciale holding the phone for him, Marshall said, “I’m taped to a tree. I’m try-

see tree, page 48

see candish, page 48

Bridge STREET MARKET RETURNS

artshop’s

Artwalk brings out the best. 3

Anna Maria Island, Florida

ing to save the tree and the birds and bees. They’re taking down trees and it makes me upset.”

Relaying an additional communique from Marshall, Speciale said, “David said he’s watched this tree grow up and that’s why he’s trying to save it.”

After speaking his piece, Marshall freed himself and the eco-warrior disappeared to parts

Woody Candish, long time resident and artist of Anna Maria Island, died Monday morning, Nov. 16.

Known for his metal sculptures, he was a multitalented artist who could weld metal or carve wood.

Candish made the metal gate to the house that Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore and her husband, Andre Renard, own.

“It’s well known,” she said. “It is a beautiful piece of art.”

Zoe Averkamp, a former Island resident who now works in the Village of the Arts, knew Candish. She said she still has two art pieces of his and at one time had seven. She said he was very talented, although artists would have to prove their worth to him.

“I met him through the Artist’s Guild of Anna Maria Island,” she said. “He was a founding member and I became the director.”

Averkamp said when she took over at the guild, he warmed up to her.

“Every once in a while, he would change venues,”

TO BRADENTON BEACH. 12

Bortell’s Lounge to go smoke-free Nov 19. 13

The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper

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ArtsHOP Artwalk brings out the best Art lovers filled the streets of Anna Maria and Holmes Beach visiting galleries and shops in the ninth annual artsHOP Artwalk. Painters gave demonstrations and artists talked about their work.

Anna Maria Island Privateers delighted visitors to the Artist's Guild Gallery, and the National League of American Pen Women filled The Studio at Gulf and Pine with art, music and literary works.

pat copeland | SUN

Above, Cory Wright demonstrates painting at The Studio at Gulf and Pine in Anna Maria. At right, Debra Ridgdill talks about her ceramic pieces with Darcie Duncan and Keith Offenhauer at Island Gallery West.

pat copeland | SUN

This bronze, titled "Providentia," by Scott Joseph Moore, was the center of attention at the Anna Maria General Store on Pine Avenue.

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ISLAND NEWS

in brief

Sidewalk construction continues Crews are constructing sidewalk and new bus shelters, making drainage improvements and installing new signing and pavement markings along SR 789 (Gulf Drive) between SR 64 (Manatee Avenue) and 27th Street. Expect daytime lane closures and flagging operations from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. while crews are working.

Sign up for Roser dinner As it has in the past, Roser Community Church will have a Service of Thanksgiving at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 26. Everyone is welcome to attend.

The 13th Annual Roser Community Thanksgiving will be held at 2 p.m. in the Roser Fellowship Hall.

This is a celebration of blessings for anyone who needs a place to share a meal in the presence of family and friends.

To make reservations or volunteer to bring a turkey or pies, call the church office at 778-0414 or signup online at www.roserchurch.com/getinvolved/thanksgiving dinner. Seating is limited and those who have reservations and find they won’t be using them, please call to cancel that reservation so others may attend.

Fire station 4 closed West Manatee Fire Rescue has temporarily closed Fire Station # 4 located at 407 67th St. W. in Bradenton. The fire station was built in 1961 and is scheduled for demolition in December and will be replaced with a new hurricane resistant fire station that will be able to withstand sustained hurricane force winds up to 165 mph.

It is expected to take between six and nine months to complete the new station. The fire and EMS crews have been relocated around the corner at the district’s administrative office at 6417 3rd Ave West.

The contractor for the project is NDC Construction, of Bradenton, and the architect is Wannamaker Jensen, of St. Petersburg. The cost of the new fire station to projected to be 2.8 million.

Holiday Cabaret Concert The Manatee Community Concert Band invites everyone to ring in the holiday season at its annual Holiday Cabaret Concert on Saturday, Dec. 19, at 7:30 pm at St. Joseph’s Parish auditorium, 3100 26th St. W., Bradenton. The band will be performing many holiday favorites including “Christmas on Broadway,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Ukrainian Bell Carol,” “Chestnuts Roasting,” “The Nutcracker Suite” and much more.

The St. Joseph Chamber Choir will combine with the band for “Christmas on Broadway” and “Christmas Celebration.” A $15 donation is requested at the door.

For further information, visit the Website at www. manateeconcertband.org, or contact Randy Gilmore, conductor, at randy@manateeconcertband.or or by phone at 260-410-4126.

Visit our website, www.amisun.com.

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NOVEMBER 18, 2015

Veteran honored for his sacrifice

Sergeant John R. Holmes’ name was engraved into the Manatee County Veteran’s Memorial after it was left out when the memorial was built.

BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

BRADENTON – They came on Veteran’s day to honor a man who gave his life for his country, and was forgotten when he died 33 years after being wounded.

John R. Holmes, a member of the family for which the city of Holmes Beach was named, was a young Marine when he was injured in an explosion in the Quang Tri Province during the 1968 Tet Offensive in Vietnam. He slipped into a coma and was placed in VA hospitals until he passed away in 2001.

His sister, Patricia Holmes, and a family friend, Christine Torgeson Van Zandt, found out Holmes’ name was not on the list of casualties of the war at the memorial, operated by the Manatee County Veteran’s Council.

They contacted Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, who contacted Veteran’s Council Chairman Donald Courtney.

“It only took 24 hours for them to decide to add his name,” Whitmore said.

tom vaught | sun

Patricia Holmes, sister of John R. Holmes, and Hugh Holmes, Sr. pose in front of the memorial.

Several dozen people attended the Veteran’s Day ceremony where the Color Guard presented the flag and a salute with rifle, and then a trumpeter played “Taps.”

After the ceremony, Patricia Holmes posed at the wall with Torgeson-Van Zandt.

The two women said they were happy that this oversight had been corrected and that their friend and brother’s name was where it belongs, on the list of those heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Community gathers to support vets The event supported Homes for Our Troops, a group that secures homes for permanently wounded veterans.

BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ¬– A crowd of veterans and supporters filled the parking lot at CrossPointe Fellowship Saturday morning for a program to bring support for the nation’s veterans and a sense of community to the Island.

This year, the annual program took on a new mission, to support a group called Homes for

tom vaught | sun

Members of the VFW Color guard at the Community Barbecue Honoring Veterans see vets, page 9 held at CrossPointe Fellowchip Saturday.

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Swearing in ceremonies held Chuck Webb declined the nomination to potentially serve as the commission chair for another year.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The three recently re-elected city commissioners were sworn into office Wednesday night and Doug Copeland was selected as the new commission chair.

The swearing in ceremony began the Thursday, Nov. 12 organizational meeting.

The oath of office was administered by City Clerk Diane Percycoe, with Carol Carter going first, followed by Copeland and Dale Woodland.

Each of the three returning commissioners said, “I do solemnly swear that I will support, protect and defend the constitution and government of the United States and of the state of Florida; that I am duly qualified to hold office under the constitution of the state of Florida and the charter of the city of Anna Maria, Florida; and that I will well and faithfully perform the duties of the office of city commission on which I am now about to enter, so help me God.” see ceremonies, page 33

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Cole sworn in

joe hendricks | sun

Commissioners Carol Carter, Doug Copeland and Dale Woodland were sworn into their new terms in office during last Wednesday’s organizational meeting.

PAT COPELAND | SUN

City Clerk Terri Sanclemente swears Ralph Cole into office as a Bradenton Beach Commissioner, with Mayor Bill Shearon and Commissioner Jake Spooner looking on after they were sworn in. At left City Commissioners Pat Morton, Jean Peelen and Carol Sustek were sworn in to office on Monday, Nov. 16. Morton will be serving his seventh term, Peelen her third and Soustek her first full term. All ran unopposed. Following the swearing in, commissioners elected Commissioner Judy Titsworth as chair and Pellen as vice chair.

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OPINION

The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper Island Sun Plaza, 9801 Gulf Drive P.O. Box 1189 Anna Maria, FL 34216-1189 Phone: (941) 778-3986 e-mail: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com

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NOVEMBER 18, 2015

Sensible approach

O

ne of the more contentious issues facing all three cities on Anna Maria Island in recent years has been that of vacation rental properties.

City commissions have been tasked with preserving the quality of life that residents enjoy while also allowing those with rentals to use their property in a productive, profitable way.

It's been a tough nut to crack, to say the least and has led directly to a lawsuit by property owners and rental agents in Anna Maria. The owners and agents maintain the city's previously proposed ordinance targets them in an unfair, arbitrary and incomprehensible manner, potentially depriving them of their ability to rent out their properties.

Alternatively, the issue has left many longtime locals believing their very way of life is under attack from big box rentals that hold sometimes 20 people at a time and bring noise and parking problems.

T

his week, however, the Anna Maria City Commission will consider what could be a breakthrough compromise.

It may not make everyone completely happy but we believe it could usher in a way out of this morass.

The revised ordinance changes the city's basic approach to regulating vacation rentals, shifting the responsibility over to a greatly expanded code enforcement department rather than creating a completely new vacation rental bureaucracy. Gone will be much of the rental-specific language in the old rules.

Enforcement of existing building codes and ordinances on noise and parking will be significantly increased. And they will apply to everyone, not just rentals. There will also be new occupancy limits and a requirement that owners and/or agents must be available by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The city would use a special magistrate system for those found in violation, one with the power to impose fines and create liens on properties which could be foreclosed upon. However, code enforcement liens and foreclosures could not be enacted on Homesteaded properties that serve as a primary residence.

This change in approach appears to us to be a sensible compromise, although more tweaking of the ordinance likely will be required. Mediation in the lawsuit between the city and the rental agents SEE editorial, PAGE 7

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Stone Crab Fest a tasty success

Too much change

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone that helped make the 4th Annual Cortez Stone Crab Festival, which benefitted Fishing For Freedom, a huge success.

This was the first year that the event was covered and it would not have been possible without our tent and stage sponsors: The Anna Maria Island Sun, Anna Maria Oyster Bar, Darwin Brewing, Heidi Johnston at REMAX Alliance Group, Cortez Bait & Seafood, Killer Bait and The Cortez Kitchen.

We are also very appreciative of all the volunteers, from the people who worked the various booths, the ticketsellers, the parking lot helpers to the team members who counted every last ticket.

This event could not have happened without all of the guests that came out to enjoy the stone crab, live music, and other festivities. Thank you all so much for joining us!

The entire team at Swordfish Grill & Tiki Bar also deserve a big thank you. They all had a huge hand in preparing for the festival, and also dealing with the aftermath. Last, a huge shout to all of the local fishermen for not only providing the stone crab (which never travel by land), but also providing all of the fresh fish we serve at Swordfish Grill & Tiki Bar! Bob Slicker Swordfish Grill and Tiki Bar

Back in 2003, the game of pickleball arrived on Anna Maria Island, thanks to Mary and Mike (former mayor of Anna Maria) Selby. Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court. The net is low, similar to a tennis net, the paddle is solid and the ball is a modified Wiffle ball. It is reported to be the fastest growing sport in the United States.

On their driveway in Anna Maria, Mary and Mike taught pickleball to a handful of residents who quickly fell in love with the sport. When the new Anna Maria Island Community Center was built, Mary and Mike paid to have holes drilled in the gymnasium floor to accommodate two pickleball nets so that the game could be played inside. Much like other parts of the country, where the game grew substantially every year, the play at the Center grew to the point that three courts were necessary to accommodate the number of players.

By then the players had evolved into a social group as well as athletic.

A club was formed and, using yearly donations, paid for the portable net systems, balls and other expenses associated with the playing of the game, as well as social gatherings.

Club funds were also used to make donations to the AMICC. In 2015, club membership reached a total of 104 members, with a daily attendance record of 46 players coming to play on one day.

Sad to say, the club is dissolving

after many happy years at the AMICC. The new Center has increased its rates to the point that many of its members can no longer afford the fees. Unless you have Silver Sneakers, the annual pickleball fee for residents increases from $110 to $420.

The six-month fee for non-resident snowbirds jumps from $80 to $600.

The fees now include access to all the Center has to offer (except certain classes). The problem is that less than a handful of pickleball players want to make use of any of the other programs offered. They were very happy with a membership that was limited solely to pickleball. Since the Center leadership has made it clear that the “all inclusive” rate is here to stay, many of the players are not staying. Membership at nearby G.T. Bray was recently reduced to $20 month, and there are other local venues available for drop-in fees of $2 or $3 (vs. the Center’s $5 drop in fee).

Given the financial situation of the Center, the club expected an increase but this is more than most club members can bear. It’s a sad situation for many who moved from near and far just to play pickleball and socialize with the other players who had now become friends.

As with many things, change is inevitable but this change is just too much.

Toni Teasdale Bradenton (formerly Holmes Beach)

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THE SUN

the sun survey

on the agenda

PREVIOUS QUESTION: What do you think of the card-drawing method used to break the tie in the Bradenton Beach mayoral election?

Anna Maria

6%

I don't like the process.

It really makes us look like a silly Mayberry.

21% I prefer dueling pistols.

10005 Gulf Drive

11/19: Citizen of the Year recognition, 5:30 p.m.

11/19: City Commission special meeting, 6 p.m.

For information, call 7086130.

Bradenton Beach 107 Gulf Drive N.

11/18: Pier Team, 11 a.m.

11/19: City Commission meeting, noon.

For information, call 7781005.

Holmes Beach 5801 Marina Drive

11/24: City Commission meeting and work session, 7 p.m.

For information, call 7085800.

40%

I like it. It's classic Florida wackiness.

33%

A special runoff election would have been better.

THIS WEEK’S SURVEY

• I like it smoke free. My hair and clothes don't smell like cigarettes when I leave.

• Smoking and drinking go together.

Do you prefer smoke-free I prefer being allowed to smoke bars or those that allow inside when I have cocktails. smoking?

• I usually crawl out so it doesn't matter to me.

To vote, go to www.amisun.com or scan this code to vote by smartphone.

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continues and there are certain to be areas where more compromise is required on both sides.

Critics of the new proposal argue that it removes too much of the city's control over the rental industry and relies too heavily on fines to create compliance

11/18: Coalition of Barrier

Note: Events are free unless indicated.

Wednesday Nov. 18

Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 11:45 a.m., to 12:30 p.m. $10. Register to ArtLeagueAMI@gmail.com or 941-7782099.

Seminar ‘What’s new with Medicare,” Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, 1:30 to 4 p.m. $5 donation.

RSVP to maryannbrady@ aginginparadise.org or 941383-6493.

AMI Community Connections fellowship, AMI Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 2 p.m.

Lecture on “Florida’s Commercial Fishing,” Florida maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 3 p.m.

Nov. 19

But, as City Attorney Becky Vose pointed out, this approach has been used successfully by other Florida cities and is a very strong method of regulation. Vose called it "an exceedingly effective method of controlling bad actors."

"Controlling bad actors" is exactly what the city has been trying to do all along. The proposed ordinance

seems to provide a way to do that without reinventing the enforcement wheel. It also allows for compromise that, hopefully, would avoid further litigation in the future. And if it proves ineffective, there's nothing preventing the city from revisiting a more restrictive approach.

Island Elected Officials, Holmes Beach City Hall, 2 p.m.

11/19: West Manatee Fire Commission, 6417 3rd Ave. W., Bradenton, 6 p.m.

Thanksgiving holiday

The administrative offices of the cities of Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach and the Island Branch Library will be closed on Nov 26 and 27. The West Manatee Fire & Rescue District will close at noon on Nov. 25 and be closed Nov. 26 and 27. The Center will be closed on Nov. 26 through 29. The Island Branch Library will close at 6 p.m. on Nov. 25 and be closed Nov. 26 through 28. Tingley Memorial Library will be closed Nov. 26 through 28.

All Waste Management and Waste Pro collections scheduled for Nov. 26 will resume the next day.

mark your calendar

Thursday

editorial FROM PAGE 6

Island-wide

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Naturalist-led wagon tour, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 9 a.m., first come, first served.

Zumba with Suzy, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, 10 a.m., $10

donation. RSVP to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941-383-6493.

Friends of the Island Branch Library Book Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Successful Women Aligning Together, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach, 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Members, $12, guests, $17. RSVP to swatami@gmail.com Knitting/crochet group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Friday Nov. 20

Senior Adventures travels to Detweilers Farm Produce, deli, bakery, meat market, Amish craftsmen. , meet at Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m.

AMI Community Connections mingle, bring a dish to share and drinks, AMI Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 6 p.m.

Saturday Nov. 21

Meditation, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m. see calendar, page 27

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Chiles service Friends of former Florida first lady Rhea Chiles gathered at The Studio at Gulf and Pine in Anna Maria Monday morning to watch as services for Mrs. Chiles were held in Faith Presbyterian Church in Tallahassee. Mrs. Chiles died Sunday at 84. The Chiles family made arrangements with The Florida Channel to have the services streamed live for those friends and family who could not attend in person.

MAGGIE FIELD | SUN

NOVEMBER 18, 2015

NOVEMBER 18, 2015

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Commission could regulate home weddings Regulations could include the number of weddings per year and the number of guests.

I don’t care if they advertise if they can only have two per year.”

Jean Peelen Commissioner

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – Commissioners discussed various ways to regulate home weddings at last week’s work session, and instructed City Attorney Patricia Petruff to draft a temporary use permit for further discussion.

The issue arose recently when commissioners expressed concerns about rental homes being advertised as wedding venues.

Commissioners felt that is a commercial use in a residential area.

“In terms of regulation, I don’t want to decide what is commercial and what is not commercial,” Petruff stressed. “I would rather decide what is appropriate for any given property.”

She said they could regulate the number of weddings per year, the number of guests and the like, but they should “give direction to Mr. Brisson (City Planner Bill Brisson) and I so we can craft something that meets the needs of the resi-

dents of the city.”

Mayor Bob Johnson asked, “What distinguishes a commercial wedding from a wedding?”

Peelen said, “It’s a slippery slope,” and Petruff added that there is specific language in the vacation rental ordinance that regulates parties and gatherings at those locations.

“I like the idea of limiting the number of weddings you can have in a private home and the number of guests based on the size of the property,” Peelen said.

Sample ordinances

Commissioner Carol Soustek said she has samples of ordinances from other cities, and Petruff asked her to distribute copies.

Chair Judy Titsworth asked if they could limit weddings to residents. The others said no, and Soustek added, “Once you start stipulating, you open up that argument that we don’t like tourists.”

Commissioner Marvin Grossman said they shouldn’t allow valet parking and advertising for weddings, but Peelen remarked. “I don’t care if they advertise if they can only have two per year.”

Petruff pointed out, “If a resident has a wedding at their house, those guests have to park on the right of way. Is it better to have them wandering the streets looking for a parking space or is it better to hire two high school kids to park the cars?”

Petruff said she has enough information to draft something, and it probably would be a temporary use permit.

However, City Clerk Stacey Johnston said that temporary use permits “are a lot of work. It’s very difficult to control them.”

Johnston said people aren’t going to know they have to get one, and there could be a problem for weekend weddings when city hall is closed.

VETS: Community gathers to show support FROM PAGE 4

our Troops, a group that provides mortgage-free homes for permanently wounded veterans.

The show was filled with music from Miceh Sendowich and Nick and Alicia Burke and from the Manatee High School Drum Line. Students from Anna Maria Elementary also performed patriotic songs.

Joe Beimfohr, who lost both legs in Iraq spoke about the need for community to help take care of veterans. He said when he moved into his house, his neighbors knew who he was and what his story was. He said neighbors helped him do things he could not do because of his injuries.

Another veteran, Alex Billmann, who was paralyzed from the waist down, spoke about how he got there.

“I enlisted when I was 17, and my mother had to sign for me,” he said. “I got to Afghanistan and was wounded by an explosive device. I remember looking down and seeing blood gushing from my vest.”

He said he was moved to Walter Reed Hospital while in a medically induced coma, and when he awakened, he saw his wife.

“There are a lot horror stories about relationships after a veteran was permanently injured, but this was not one of them,” he said. “My wife, who is an amazing woman, was by my side and when I saw her, I knew I was going to be OK.” “The government can only do so much,” he said. “The rest comes from the community.”

Mayors speak

Two of the Island’s mayors who are veterans spoke. Anna

Maria Mayor Dan Murphy spoke about the terrorist attacks in Paris the preceding day.

“There’s still a lot of evil out there,” he said.

CrossPoint Pastor Ed Moss had the veterans from each branch of the military stand when the theme song for that branch played. He also asked veterans to stand when the war in which they fought was announced, beginning with World War II. Members of the Manatee High School ROTC helped deliver barbecue meals to those who were unable to stand in line.

There was an inflatable slide for the kids, and Moss hosted a “Veterans Jeopardy” game for those who thought they knew military history and slogans.

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NOVEMBER 18, 2015

SandBlast was 'Sandtastic' The sand at Manatee County Beach took on a new light and form Saturday at SandBlast, Keep Manatee Beautiful's annual sand sculpting competition. Twelve teams signed up to create the art works in three separate categories, including wildlife, holiday and free form. The event was held in conjunction with America Recycles Day. The sand sculptures will remain in place for public viewing until December 14.

SANDBLAST SANDSCULPTING RESULTS Free form

First place: Manatee School for the Arts, “Stand with Paris.”

Runner-up: The Hatchlings, “Turtles by the sea.”

Holiday

First place: Southeast High School, “Day of the Dead.”

Runner-up: Inspiration Academy National Honor Society, “The Greatest Gift of All.”

Wildlife

First place: Bradenton Christian, “Stuck in the Mud.” Runner-up: Boys and Girls Club of Manatee County, “Alipig.”

Medallion Award All photos by Cindy Lane | Sun

Runner-up: Boys and Girls Club, "Alipig."

Bayshore High School Art Club, “Fish Bowl.”

Family Matters, “Recycle All Around.”

The Student Council: Lincoln Middle School, “Sea Garden.”

First place: Bradenton Christian, “Stuck in the Mud.”

Team Sandtastic's signature sculpture for Keep Manatee Beautiful First place: Southeast High's, “Day of the Dead.”

All 12 teams can be seen from the top of the lifeguard tower.

NOVEMBER 18, 2015

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Women’s Island Health Fair Brought to you by Blake Medical Center’s Women’s Health and Wellness Program

Wednesday, December 2nd 10:00am-12:00pm Anna Maria Island Community Center 407 Magnolia Ave, Anna Maria Island

FREE Event with health and wellness booths including breast care, lung care, women’s health and wellness, diabetes educa on, and the latest in preventa ve care. Get up close and test drive the da Vinci Robot and learn about our minimally invasive surgical op ons.

Let us help you gear up for a new year of health and wellness!

RSVP Required (941).567.1020 For more informa on on our Women’s Health and Wellness program and upcoming events please call (941) 567-1020.

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NOVEMBER 18, 2015

Bridge Street market is back The artsHOP public art project helped the market get off to a fast start.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Bridge Street was bustling with activity on Sunday.

The seasonal opening of the weekly Sunday Market featured a Taste of Bridge Street, the turtle-themed artsHOP Artwalk and musical entertainment donated by Ted Stevens and the Doo-Shots.

In exchange for a $10 donation, market-goers received five Taste of Bridge Street tasting tickets that allowed them to sample Island Time’s scallop tacos, Bridge Street Bistro’s apple strudel, Bridge Tender Inn’s chorizo steakadilla, Blue Marlin’s New England-style clam chowder, Back Alley Treasure’s assorted pies and AMOB’s key lime tarts and margaritas.

New market manager Cindy Thompson said the tasting event raised $745 for local charities.

On the market fringes, the artsHOP Artwalk culminated with some highly

joe hendricks | sun

A Taste of Bridge Street offered market-goers tasty treats prepared by Bridge Street restaurants. competitive bidding on the turtles public art display. According to Bridge Street Merchants volunteer Amanda Escobio, there were 49 decorative wooden turtles on display at 15 Bridge Street locations.

According to Escobio, who was assisted by her significant other, Dan Ryan, the highest bid received was the $900 bid made in advance on the stained glass “Ms. Patty” turtle created by Bradenton Beach artist Terry Blauvelt and Bradenton artist Georgene

Adkins.

The pair said they created the turtle in honor of their ailing dear friend Patty Rooney-Pagano, who passed away Saturday night.

Ryan said the donated artwork brought in more than $6,220, with the proceeds from each sale evenly split between the artist and the merchants association.

The seven turtles that did not sell, some because they did not receive acceptable minimal bids, were to be

returned their creators.

“A big thanks to Island Lumber for donating the wood, and I’m still blown away by the generosity and talent of the artists,” Escobio said.

At the end of the day, Thompson was asked about her debut as market manager.

She praised former manager Melissa Enders and said “She did a great job, and I had big shoes to fill.”

In regard to vendor participation, Thompson said, “We had a full field today; we sold out. Everybody seemed very happy. We’re off to a good start, and everybody’s excited about coming back next week.”

Now in her ninth year as a market vendor, jewelry and fashion consultant Linda Walters agreed; and her husband, George, said, “It was a fun day and I enjoyed the music.”

Bridge Street Merchants President Angela Rodocker said, “Our first market of the season was amazing. Thanks to all who participated in our artsHOP and public art display. People loved it.

“Cindy picked up right where Melissa left off; and thanks to our great vendors and the Bridge Street restaurants who offered us a Taste of Bridge Street.”

NOVEMBER 18, 2015

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THE SUN

13

Smoke is out at Bortell’s The era of indoor smoking in Anna Maria is coming to an end.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Bortell’s Lounge is going smokeless.

The big change will take place in conjunction with the American Cancer Society’s annual Great American Smokeout this Thursday, Nov. 19. “Wednesday night when we close up shop we’re not going to do ashtrays,� owner Steve Rose said.

Rose and his wife, Marci Wilhelm, who affectionately refer to themselves as ‘The Rosehelms,’ bought Bortell’s in March. “We made the collective decision that we want to end smoking in the bar,� he said. “The feedback’s been positive. I’ve talked to a lot of people on the Island who say they don’t come in anymore because they smell like smoke when they leave. Even with our smokeeaters, it gets pretty thick in here some days and that makes people uncomfortable, myself included. “I was having a conversation with a girl who was smoking and I asked her what she thought. She takes a big drag off her cigarette and says, ‘I think it’s a great idea because if I have to go outside I’m going to smoke a lot less.’�

In regard to customers threatening to take their business elsewhere, Rose

said, “We’ve had a few people voice that concern, but I feel like we’re going to win them over; and I think we’re going to see a lot more people who are willing to come in. At least once a day someone walks in, smells the smoke, and turns around and leaves.�

Rose doesn’t smoke, but his wife does. “If there’s a lawsuit, it’ll be from her. She’s trying to quit; we’ll see how it goes.�

Smokers take solace, there will still be a place to smoke; it just won’t be inside. “We put in a nice bit of landscaping right behind us, we call it the smoking lounge. We put in some benches and some nice palm trees back there,� he said of the refurbished area on the Spring Avenue side of the property.

The jury is still out on the increasingly popular electronic cigarettes and vaporizers. “We want to let the vapors still stay inside. We’d like to allow people to smoke them, but if it gets obnoxious we’re going to probably end that,� he said.

Going smokeless was not driven by any plans to incorporate restaurant service. “I don’t know that food’s in our future, we like what we do now,� Rose said, noting they do have some other renovations in mind.

Smoke-free clams

The ‘Rosehelms’ can look to the

Cortez Clam Factory as an example of an establishment that recently made a similar change. “Our food got so popular that we went ahead and switched last month to non-smoking, and it’s been a good response,� said co-owner Randy Ellis. “We have a smoking area where people can still step out and smoke.

We’re putting up some new awning that’ll make it a great spot for them, but inside it’s smoke-free.�

When informed of the changes taking place at Bortell’s Ellis said. “It’s just going to take a little time to get used to it.�

Addressing a trend that has unfolded nationwide, Ellis said, “It seems like this area is the last of the dinosaurs and all across the country it seems like there’s stricter rules on smoking. Even when we were a smoking bar, we’d have people come down from up north who didn’t feel comfortable lighting up inside, so they would step outside.�

While enjoying a cigarette at an outside table on Monday afternoon, Clam Factory patron Ben Scurry commented on the recent change. “I think it really helps the industry. It brings in people who want to eat and not have smoke all around them.�

When asked if he minds going outside to smoke, Scurry said, “Actually, it’s kind of nice. If you can smoke inside you light up anytime, but if you have to walk outside it gets kinds of strenuous, especially when you’ve had a couple drinks.�

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NOVEMBER 18, 2015

Symphony on the Sand shines Hundreds of guests enjoyed perfect weather at this year's Symphony on the Sand at Coquina Beach on Saturday. The Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra filled the night air with the sounds of classical songs, patriotic numbers, Broadway and movie selections and songs by the Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel and Queen, while participants dined on gourmet fare from local restaurants.

Pat Copeland | sun

Clockwise from above left, Joy Leitner sings a solo. When AMICCO played "Singin' in the Rain" to commemorate last years' concert that was plagued by rain, guests at this table popped their umbrellas supplied by Bay News 9. Guests listen as small plates from Anna Maria Oyster Bar, Lazy Lobster, the BeachHouse and the Coquina Cafe are served. During intermission, gift baskets valued at more than $2,000 each were auctioned.

Al Ruechel, senior anchor for Bay News 9 was co-emcee.

NOVEMBER 18, 2015

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

'IVE HIM THE GREAT /UTDOORS

Patagonia. Orvis. ExOfficio. Simms. Sage. Nautilus.

Anna Maria Island

O Outfitters u fitt t e

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505 Pine Avenue Anna Maria 941-254-4996 amioutfitters.com

27 31' 52.58" N, 82 43' 59.11" W

THE SUN

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NOVEMBER 18, 2015

ANNA MARIA ISLAND’S

THE UGLY GROUPER BAR & GRILL

Monday, November 23 rd @ 5PM

GRAND PRE-OPENING

We are excited to announce that the Bare Foot Tiki Bar has been sold, and under ne w management, we will be transforming it into the Ugly Grouper Bar & Grill! We have 12 exciting new changes to announce over the next three months, but we couldn’t wait to share them. Here are the five changes that you can come experience right NOW!

NEW CHANGES

We have our Liquor License!

Now open SEVEN days per week!

Now offering daily lunch and dinner!

FREE Wine & Liquor Samples 5-7 PM on Monday & Tuesday!

Wednesday Night Karaoke 6-10 PM!

Like us on our Facebook for more!

WEEKLY SPECIALS

Sundays Football & $20 Bucket of Beer & Wings Mondays 50¢ Wings & Free Wine/Liquor Samples

Tuesdays Grouper Tacos & Free Wine/Liquor Samples

Wednesdays $5 Burgers & Karaoke Thursdays $4 Pints

Fridays & Saturdays LIVE Music

w w w.Facebook .com / UglyG r ouper 5 7 0 4 M a r i n a D r. , H o l m e s B e a c h , F L

NOVEMBER 18, 2015

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WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS NOVEMBER 18, 2015

Dara Caudill | www.islandphotography.org

Dara Caudill | www.islandphotography.org

Claire Higginbotham and Patrick Speer were married at the Bali Hai Beach Resort on Anna Maria Island on Sept. 25, 2015. Chuck Caudill provided acoustic guitar for the ceremony and was the DJ for the reception. Hair and makeup were by Body & Sol Wedding Salon. Claire and Patrick honeymooned at the Bali Hai with family and friends, before returning home to Apple Valley, Minn.

Clinton and Karyn Stinchcomb were married at Sunset Weddings

by Gulf Drive CafĂŠ on Sept. 18, 2015.

Elizabeth (Eliza) Rogers and Conor Dea were married on Oct. 23, 2015 at the Sandbar restaurant. Chuck Caudill played acoustic guitar, and the groom's aunt, Jennifer Sheerin, played violin. Chuck Caudill was also the DJ for the reception. The ceremony and reception were coordinated by Patti Mckee and Luis Ortiz, of the Sandbar restaurant. Hair and makeup for the bridal party were by Body & Sol Wedding Salon, with the exception of the bride's hair, which was done by the groom's sister, Brooke.

Eliza and Conor honeymooned in Jamaica before returning home to Denver, Colo.

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

NOVEMBER 18, 2015

A Perfect Setting.. For Your Perfect Wedding

100 Spring Avenue Anna Maria Island 941.778.8709

200 Gulf Drive North Bradenton Beach 941.778.8718

BeAnIslandBride.com

The historic Sandbar for a perfect wedding The historic Sandbar restaurant and special event pavilion, with its breathtaking sunsets, exceptional customer service and outstanding food, has, for decades, attracted couples celebrating their special day. You too can say your vows on their sugar sand beach. For 9 years, readers of "The Knot" have voted the Sandbar top ceremony and wedding site. Readers of weddingwire.com have given the Sandbar the Brides Choice Award for 2010 - 2015.

The Sandbar restaurant’s special event pavilion is the most unique venue for weddings and special events on the west coast of Florida. It is a stand-alone, open-air pavilion steps from the Gulf of Mexico. It can comfortably seat 100 plus guests under the pavilion with additional seating along its perimeter. The menus offer a wide variety of sumptuous, tried and true favorites as well as locally sourced and sustainable dishes to please every palate. The Sandbar’s culinary team is happy to customize a menu for your event.

The Sandbar’s wedding coordinator, Patti McKee, will be with you throughout the planning and event stages and will offer you a list of preferred vendors to help make all of your wedding day dreams come true.

For information on the Sandbar restaurant special event pavilion, contact Patti McKee, 941-778-8709, pmckee@ chilesgroup.com. Follow it on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Search reviews on The Knot and Weddingwire or see photos on its Website www.islanddining.com.

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WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

Bridge Tender Inn serves Florida style If you’re looking for someplace with history, you’ll appreciate Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach, and the best location for original Florida food with a view is the Bridge Tender Inn and Dockside Bar, 131 Bridge St. The Bridge Tender Inn and Dockside Bar has been around for decades and under the same ownership for 25 years. It’s a landmark in an historic part of Anna Maria Island.

The dining room holds up to 100 people and is perfect for a rehearsal dinner, bridal shower or other gathering. You can reserve the dining room and tailor the Bridge Tender’s menu, featuring fresh seafood and other local dishes, to as casual or as formal as you would like.

For smaller parties, you can reserve a section of the dining room or the outdoor tiki tables with views of Sarasota Bay, the Bridge Street Pier and Bridge Street. Owners also have added another area, The Front Porch. The Bridge Tender and Dockside Bar is accessible by water and has two docks available for customers.

For more information on the Bridge Tender Inn and Dockside Bar, go to www.bridgetenderinn.com or contact Shannon Dunnan, events coordinator, at tenderinn@aol.com or 941-778-4849.

The Bridge Tender Inn, for the taste of real Florida.

NOVEMBER 18, 2015

NOVEMBER 18, 2015

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS THE SUN

Dara Caudill | www.islandphotography.org

Dara Caudill | www.islandphotography.org

Melissa Marshall and Jason Hansen were married at the Sandbar restaurant on Sept. 6, 2015. Chuck Caudill provided the music. Patti Mckee and Luis Ortiz, of the Sandbar, coordinated the ceremony and reception. Hair and makeup were by Body & Sol Wedding Salon. Melissa and Jason honeymooned in Costa Rica before returning home to Gainesville, Fla.

Jenifer Sprinkle and Michael McCreight were married at the Sandbar restaurant on May 31, 2015. Chuck Caudill provided the music. Patti Mckee and Luis Ortiz, of the Sandbar, coordinated the wedding and reception. The bridal party got ready for the wedding at the Studio at Gulf and Pine.

Jenifer and Michael honeymooned on Anna Maria Island before returning home to Oviedo, Fla.

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EVERYONE IS WELCOME Adult Bible Study 8:45 AM

SUNDAY WORSHIP 10:00 AM

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NOVEMBER 18, 2015

Big changes for some Social Security filers Investment Corner

suspended his/her own benefits, will be eliminated until the claiming party starts taking his/her Social Security retirement benefit.

Suspended Filers May Have to File Early

TOM BREITER

T

he recently enacted budget and debt ceiling deal contained significant adjustments to several rules related to filing for Social Security benefits.

In an effort to decrease spending, Section 831 of the new budget slashes benefits for certain groups, especially spouses, divorced spouses, women, and families with disabled children. Some experts have estimated that the changes are equivalent to a decrease of $50,000 in lifetime benefits for many retirees. One of the most alarming changes involves suspending benefits for those already receiving payments within six months, which has never occurred before. The deal also includes an elimination of some popular claiming strategies. Here are some of the most impactful changes:

Elimination of File and Suspend Claiming

The file and suspend claiming strategy will be eliminated within six months for those who have not yet attained full retirement age. This means that benefits now being received by spouses, divorced spouses or children of the claiming party, who has

Those who have filed for benefits and suspended their own payments in order to provide benefits for a spouse or a child will have to file for their own benefits immediately at permanently lower levels or lose the benefits for their family. Generally, taking benefits early reduces payments significantly, up to 50 percent in some cases, depending on age and when payments are started.

Deeming Extended

Deeming is the requirement that if you file to start taking your spousal benefit, you are forced to simultaneously take your own retirement benefit, effectively giving you the higher of the two. Currently, if you are at full retirement age, you may file for only your spousal benefit and let your own benefit keep accruing. However, the new bill eliminates deeming until age 70. This means that you would stop accruing your own benefit if you take any payments before age 70, permanently reducing your payments.

Spousal Benefits Slashed

Through the file and suspend strategy, ex-spouses and spouses who care for grown disabled children receive special Social Security benefits even if the

City attorney gives tree house update A hearing will be conducted by a special magistrate to determine if a fine should be imposed.

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – At last week’s City Commission meeting, Commissioner Pat Morton asked City Attorney Patricia Petruff for an update on the case regarding the tree house in front of Angelino’s Sea Lodge at 103 29th St. Petruff said the latest appeal by tree house attorney David Levin on behalf of owners Lynn Tran and Richard Hazen was rejected by the District Court of Appeals.

The case began in 2013 when the Code Enforcement Board found Tran and Hazen in violation of the land development code and ordered them to remove the violations or demolish the tree house.

When they failed to comply, the board imposed a fine of $100 per day.

The couple appealed the or-

der and the fine, and in March 2014, they were granted a stay from the fine. In September 2014, Judge Janette Dunnigan upheld the board’s original order to remove the violations or demolish the tree house. They appealed, and the circuit court upheld the board’s order.

Schedule a hearing

“In our judgment, the code enforcement hearing and order, the appeal and Judge Dunnigan’s order are final,” Petruff told commissioners.

“The city has prevailed in the code enforcement board case.

“The next step is to schedule a hearing to determine whether a fine should be imposed for noncompliance with the code enforcement board order.”

She said a special magistrate would be available in December or early January for a hearing, and the new city employees – Code Enforcement Officer John Thomas and Building Official Jim McGuinness “would need to provide testimony to support the city’s position and be brought up to speed.”

Two other cases

She said two other cases on the tree house are pending. One is regarding an initiative petition filed by Tran and Hazen in 2013 to put an ordinance on the ballot for voters to decide if the tree house is legal. The city has alleged that this election is invalid under state law and has requested a declaratory judgment to declare that the petition is invalid.

The other case has to do with a complaint filed by Levin “alleging that the land development code that was being enforced as part of the code enforcement board hearing was vague and unconstitutional and improperly noticed, a myriad of things,” Petruff explained.

“Those will have to work through the system. We’re taking it one step at a time and following the city’s process.”

“If there is a hearing on the code enforcement board’s order imposing fine and the special magistrate determines it is appropriate, I have every expectation that will be appealed.”

claiming party is not taking their benefits. Under the new deal, payments to these spouses will end within six months. If this bill is signed, those who will see their Social Security checks stop are disproportionately women.

Parents of Disabled Children Forced to Take Lower Benefits

The rules of the new bill also eliminate the ability for parents of disabled children to obtain benefits for their child while letting their own benefits accrue.

Within six months, workers with disabled children would be forced to start taking their own benefits at a permanently reduced rate or lose the payments for their children.

It is important that those approaching retirement that have not yet filed for benefits, or those who have recently filed using a File and Suspend strategy or a restricted application for spousal benefits, review their situation to determine the best benefit filing plan under the new rules. If you have questions or to better understand your Social Security benefits, call my office at 941-778-1900 or e-mail tom@breitercapital.com.

Tom Breiter is president of Breiter Capital Management, Inc., an Anna Maria based investment advisor. He can be reached at 778-1900. Some of the investment concepts highlighted in this column may carry the risk of loss of principal, and investors should determine appropriateness for their personal situation before investing. www.breitercapital.com

CONSTRUCTION: Rule reinforced FROM PAGE 3

Christmas Day.” She said three of those days – Good Friday, Thanksgiving Friday and Christmas Eve are not federal legal holidays.

Commissioner Pat Morton pointed out that Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday, but not a city holiday, so construction activity can take place.

Commissioner Jean Peelen said she is not “leaning to allow construction activity on those days The construction trade is doing very well on this Island, and I have no issues about allowing our citizens to have quiet on those days.”

Morton advocated for “painting with rollers or hanging cabinets where they’re not running machines.”

“If we open it up to painting, what will we open it up to next?” Tokajer asked. “We go down a slippery slope. It commercial activity. If we’re going to draw the line, we draw the line completely.”

Peelen said that would make it easier for code enforcement to act, and the others agreed.

On Thursday, Tokajer said on Veteran’s Day his officers issued 25 to 30 violations for construction and lawn care activities.

NOVEMBER 18, 2015

• • • • • • • • • • • •

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

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TIP-OFFS TO POTENTIAL RIP-OFFS

If you must act now, the offer is probably to good to be true.

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Discount as your’s is a “demonstra on home� – NO Pay everything up-front for a discount? – NO Ask to see your contractor’s license and check with the FL Dept of Business & Professional Regula on to verify.

Check with your neighbors and friends – Have they used this contractor before?

Don’t be afraid to ask for references.

Ask for proof of insurance, both General Liability (to protect your property) and Workers Compensa on (to cover anyone who would get hurt on your job).

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NOVEMBER 18, 2015

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NOVEMBER 18, 2015

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mark your calendar From Page 7

Monday

Saturday

Tuesday

Social bridge games, Roser Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, noon.

Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 11:45 a.m., to 12:30 p.m. $10. Register to ArtLeagueAMI@gmail.com or 941-778-2099.

Meditation circle, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 11 a.m. to noon. Reserve to 941-778-2099 or ArtLeagueAMI@gmail.com.

Tree lighting an outdoor movie, “Miracle on 34th Street,” Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, gate opens one hour before sunset. Bring chairs ad blankets; popcorn and refreshments available.

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

Duplicate bridge, Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 12:30 p.m.

Blues with R. J. Howson, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 3 p.m.

Sunday

Dec. 2

Nov. 23

Lego club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Rock and Roll Dance Party, The Center,, 407 Magnolia Ave, Anna Maria, 3 to 5:30 p.m., $5 single, $7 couple, members and costumed dancers free.

Tat Chi and Qigong, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 4 to 5 p.m. Reserve to 941-742-5757, ext. 6.

Sunday Nov. 22

Beach Market, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Bridge Street Market, Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Holiday community pot luck dinner, The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. $8 adults, $4 for children over 10. RSVP by Nov. 18 to Wende Webb at 941778-1908, ext. 9203, or wendew@islandcommunitycenter.org

Tuesday Nov. 24

Duplicate bridge, Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 12:30 p.m.

Sunset wagon tour, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 5 to 6 p.m. Reserve to 941-748-4501, ext. 6039.

Nov. 28

Nov. 29

Beach Market, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Bridge Street Market, Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wednesday

Monday

Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 11:45 a.m., to 12:30 p.m. $10. Register to ArtLeagueAMI@gmail.com or 941-778-2099.

AMI Community Connections fellowship, AMI Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 2 p.m.

Social bridge games, Roser Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, noon.

Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 11:45 a.m., to 12:30 p.m. $10. Register to ArtLeagueAMI@gmail.com or 941-778-2099.

Nov. 25

Nov. 30

Dec. 1

Wednesday Early Settler’s Bread for sale, AMI Historical Museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., $5.

Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 11:45 a.m., to 12:30 p.m. $10. Register to ArtLeagueAMI@gmail.com or 941-778-2099.

Gulf Coast Writers group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

AMI Community Connections fellowship, AMI Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 2 p.m.

Beading, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6 p.m.

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NOVEMBER 18, 2015

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NOVEMBER 18, 2015

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OUTDOORS

NOVEMBER 18, 2015

Tripletail, false albacore, Spanish mackerel in the Gulf Captain Rick Grassett

Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook FinAddict, out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released false albacore, tripletail and Spanish mackerel in the coastal Gulf on flies and flounder, black sea bass and Jack crevalle on CAL jigs with shad tails in Sarasota Bay during the past week.

I was the guest speaker with “Reel Animals” TV show and radio host, Capt. Mike Anderson, for a fishing conversation at Gator Ford in Tampa on Tuesday evening. It was great to speak to an enthusiastic crowd about fly and lure fishing. The guests asked lots of great questions which made the two hours go by quickly.

Mike Santangelo, from Naples, Fla., fished the coastal Gulf with me on Wednesday. Conditions were good with good sunlight and a gentle swell and fish cooperated. Mike is an IFFF certified fly casting instructor and a great caster. Since false albacore and mackerel were up and down fast, it is important to deliver a quick cast with minimal false casting, and Mike did

CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT | submitted

Mike Santangelo, from Naples, Fla., had good action catching and releasing Spanish mackerel and false albacore on flies in the coastal Gulf in Sarasota with Capt. Rick Grassett. well, catching and releasing several false albacore and Spanish mackerel on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly and

tripletail on a shrimp fly pattern.

Tom Lamb, from Geneva, Switzerland and Sarasota, and Roy Glah,

also from Sarasota, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Thursday. Since I was away last week, bonefishing in the Bahamas, I was surprised that red tide was present in the bay. However, due to its nature, it is patchy and usually doesn’t affect an entire area.

The cleanest water we found was at the Middleground Flat, just inside of New Pass, where they caught flounder, black sea bass and Jack crevalle on CAL jigs with shad tails.

Anna Maria Island winter resident, Bill Morrison and Sarasota winter resident, Gary Marple, returned for the winter/spring season and fished the coastal Gulf in Sarasota with me on Friday. It was rougher than anticipated, making it tough to get on the fast moving Spanish mackerel. However, they had a few with mackerel and tripletail, and Bill caught and released his first tripletail on a fly.

Action with tripletail, false albacore and Spanish mackerel should be a good option now in the coastal Gulf when conditions allow it. Snook fishing see captains, page 31

tide chart for anna maria city pier Nov 18-25 Day Date

A.M. High Time Feet

A.M. Low Time Feet

P.M. High Time Feet

P.M. Low Time Feet

Sun Rise Set

Day Date

A.M. High Time Feet

A.M. Low Time Feet

P.M. High Time Feet

P.M. Low Time Feet

Sun Rise Set

Wed 11/18

2:31a 2.11

10:25a 0.15

5:21p 1.73

10:35p 1.21

6:53-5:37

Sun 11/22

8:33a 1.68

2:20a 0.27

8:00p 2.32

1:58p 0.84

6:56-5:36

Thu 11/19

3:55a 1.92

11:24a 0.30

6:o6p 1.84

Mon 11/23

9:44a 1.69

3:15a -0.07

8:35p 2.48

2:40p 0.99

Fri 11/20

5:29a 1.77

12:03a 0.97

6:47p 1.97

1:58p 0.84

Tue 11/24

10:47a 1.66

4:04a -0.33

9:09p 2.60

3:17p 1.12

Sat 11/21

7:06a 1.69

1:17a 0.63

7:25p 2.14

1:12p 0.66

Wed 11/25

11:44a 1.61

4:53a -0.50

9:45p 2.67

3:53p 1.21

6:54-5:37 6:55-5:37 6:56-5:37

6:57-5:36 6:58-5:36 6:59-5:36

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NOVEMBER 18, 2015

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31

captains: Red tide spotty FROM PAGE 30

around lighted docks and bridges with flies and DOA Lures should also be a good option. Look for reds, snook and big trout mixed with mullet schools on shallow flats and edges of bars in backcountry areas of Charlotte Harbor and lower Tampa Bay.

Annie’s Bait & Tackle report

Captain Daniel Kesten reports that a lot of snook are still around. Redfish are on the oyster bars and in the mangroves and are biting on a high tide.

Kingfish and Spanish mackerel are on the beach, and cobia are on the near shore reefs, along with the mangrove snapper. Tampa Bay is full of ladyfish, bluefish and mackerel.

Captain Scott Moore is catching kingfish, mackerel, and sharks in 30 feet of water off the beach. Trout, redfish and a few snook are on Longbar.

Palma Sola Bay has trout and redfish on the flats and mangrove snapper on the inshore reefs.

Red Tide update

After a day on the water Sunday, Moore was asked about recent reports of red tide making its way into the area.

“It’s been spotty. There seems to be little patches in the bay, but we haven’t seen anything along the beaches right now. I fished today, and it seems to be waning, and maybe this wind will help.

The worst area right now seems to be Longbar to Longboat Pass. There’s

nothing in the river and nothing in Terra Ceia. In the bay, it’s from Longbar to Buttonwood Harbor to Longboat Key,” he said.

Last Thursday, Mote Marine Public Relations Manager Kaitlyn Fusco said, “Our scientists have seen elevated counts of red algae persisting around Sarasota County. We have had a couple high counts near Lido Beach, South Lido and Blind Pass.

In Holmes Beach we have had no reports of respiratory irritation or dead fish. In Bradenton Beach we have had slight respiratory irritation reported, but no dead fish. We have had dead fish reported in Siesta Key.” Regularly-issued red tide reports can be found at www.myfwc.com/redtide.

Snook tourney postponed

The red tide concerns played a role in the recent postponement of Mote Marine’s 2015 William R. Mote Memorial Snook Shindig honoring Captain Scott Moore.

“The reason we are postponing the tournament is a precautionary response to increased pressures on the snook population caused by Karenia brevis, or the algae that causes Florida red tide,” said Dr. Kenneth Leber, Associate Vice President for Mote’s Directorate for Fisheries and Aquaculture.

“We strongly believe in taking this responsible approach, because the presence of red tide already puts stress on the snook population,” he added.

CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT | submitted

Sarasota winter resident Tom Lamb with a flounder caught on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.

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NOVEMBER 18, 2015

Front yard pools take a dive The issue started in Seaside Gardens , but commissioners agreed to include the whole city.

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – Commissioners agreed in consensus that they do not want to allow swimming pools in front yards.

The City Commission learned about the potential problem when the building department received an application for one in Seaside Gardens. Residents there signed a petition opposing front yard pools in their neighborhood.

City Planner Bill Brisson said he wanted to hear commissioners’ concerns and noted that pools in front are usually found in wealthy communities where people have large front yards with ample screening.

Chair Judy Titsworth said most of the ones she’s seen on the Island are hidden with screening.

Commissioner Pat Morton said he feels that if they allow one, others will “flood the place and take over. It’s not

right for people to take over a neighborhood just for rentals.”

Commissioner Jean Peelen said they are “unsightly and unseemly. They will change the character of Holmes Beach, not just Seaside Gardens. It does not go with the concept of neighborhood.”

“Those are narrow streets, there’s no front yards, there’s no place to park,” Commissioner Marvin Grossman said of Seaside Gardens. “The neighbors don’t want it; I’m not for it.

“Those are annual rentals. We’re going to turn it into a rental neighborhood.”

Majority oppose it

Commissioner Carol Soustek said people want a pool in front because they’ve “maxed out their property and they have no where else to put it. The majority of the people are against it; I’m against it.”

Titsworth asked Mayor Bob Johnson his opinion and he pointed out, “We’re trying to keep this residential, and we should do all we can to keep that.”

Titsworth said there are other reasons that people want pools in front

They will change the character of Holmes Beach, not just Seaside Gardens.”

Jean Peelen Commissioner and gave an example of an owner with a home that “butts up to mangroves,” which can create a mess with falling leaves. She suggested that they only regulate them in resort housing.

However Peelen objected and said that it’s “not consistent with community and neighborhoods.”

Titsworth said the consensus is not to allow them in any zoning district and asked Brisson and City Attorney Patricia Petruff to draft an ordinance.

Grossman then asked, “What if there’s a perfect place to have one?”

Peelen said the owner could seek special exception, and Titsworth told Brisson to explore that possibility.

Residents speak

Bill Saylor, of Seaside Gardens, thanked the commissioners and said, “I came here prepared to tell that we

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have 44 folks that do not want pools in the front yard, but you did a great job.”

Kelly Heazlit, a full time resident in R-2, said she is concerned about not allowing front yard pools.

“I live in a duplex on a corner, and I have no back yard. The concerns that I’m hearing are about Seaside Gardens. It seems like it’s a very specific area.”

She said she would like to have a pool at some point in the future and said, “I ask that more people in my situation be heard. The things we moved here for are becoming more and more restrictive.”

Grossman advised her to see if she has enough room for a pool in the front, and Titsworth added, “If we are doing something that will prohibit residents, I’d like to know.”

NOVEMBER 18, 2015

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Ordinance allowing two pools on duplex lots approved There can be two pools of 180 square feet each or one big pool of 360 square feet.

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – After making a couple of changes, city commissioners approved the second reading of an ordinance to allow two pools of limited size on duplex lots.

City Planner Bill Brisson said at the

City Commission meeting on Nov. 10 that the changes were to clarify language in the ordinance.

The first change was regarding waterfalls, grottos, slides or other ancillary features. The ordinance grandfathered those in existence but stated, “such ancillary structures shall be removed if the dwelling unit located on the lot or parcel is converted to vacation rental/resort housing use.”

“They are expensive and represent a significant investment, and we’re sug-

gesting that be taken out,” Brisson explained. “They don’t need to be removed.

“From a practical standpoint, virtually all of them are already related to resort housing. If they are in single family, their numbers would be small.”

Commissioner Jean Peelen pointed out, “This doesn’t apply just to houses that may be converted. It applies to new construction also, so aren’t we just inviting everyone to put in waterfalls and grottos and then the next day you convert it?”

Brisson said those ancillary features are prohibited in the R-2 district, and the grandfathering provision only applies to existing ones.

The second change was to clarify language regarding hot tubs and spas in combination with swimming pools. A combination of the two may not exceed 180 square feet on one half of a duplex lot or 360 square feet on the whole lot.

The motion was approved with Commissioner Carol Soustek dissenting.

ceremonies: Officials sworn in FROM PAGE 5

Roser crafts fair

Holiday shoppers got a head start on Black Friday last week when Roser Community Church hosted its crafts fair with unique items for sale. Mona Ames and Patti Page, above, offered fluffy wreaths and snowmen for sale.

Sylvia Broadway and her daughter, Lynn Bondanza, took donations for people to write letters to military men and woman overseas.

Donors also got a Christmas tree ornament.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

After the trio rejoined Mayor Dan Murphy and Commissioners Nancy Yetter and Chuck Webb on the dais, Murphy entertained nominations for the position of commission chair.

Webb nominated Copeland, Woodland seconded the nomination and Copeland accepted it.

Yetter then nominated Webb, who said, “I don’t want the nomination; I’m declining.”

The commission unanimously voted Copeland in as chair, which also made him the new vice mayor.

His first duty as chair was to entertain nominations for the vice chair ’s position.

Webb nominated Yetter and the commission unanimously supported the nomination.

“I’d like to thank Commissioner Webb for all of his service as the chair during the last year that I’ve been associated with him,” said Murphy. “I thank you very much for your dedication, your hard work, your creativity and all the things you brought to the city.”

In response, Webb said, “I won’t stop; I just need to take a break.”

After dispensing with the code of ethics, the code of conduct and the adoption of the basic rules of order, the next order of business was to determine commission liaison positions.

Carter asked if she could assume Copeland’s role as historical society liaison and allow someone else to serve as the Chamber of Commerce liaison. Webb agreed to serve as the Chamber liaison and also as the Environmental Enhancement and Education Committee liaison Yetter agreed to continue serving as the liaison to The Center and the Island Players.

Woodland agreed to continue serving as the pier liaison and the Capital Improvements Advisory Committee liaison.

When Murphy asked if anyone was willing to assume his role as liaison to the ManaSota League of Cities, Carter said she would.

A brief conversation on continuing Sunshine and ethics training concluded the organizational meeting.

34

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THE SUN

NOVEMBER 18, 2015

City says farewell to Sellitto Gary Sellitto has patrolled the streets of the city for 22 years.

BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – He’s a familiar face on the street, quick to respond to an emergency and quick with a smile.

City employees gave Deputy Gary Sellitto a surprise going away luncheon party at city hall Friday and there were memories, laughs and a few tears.

The food came from Vinny and Cheryl’s Italian Kitchen and there was a cake, but the highlight came after the meal when employees presented him with a unique goingaway card, a “No Parking” sign with good will messages signed in black ink.

Former Anna Maria Substation sergeant, John Kenney, was there, along with his replacement, Sgt. Paul Davis. There was some ribbing as well.

“Whenever people talk about law enforcement in the city of Anna Maria, there’s only one name that comes up – Jules!,” Davis said, referring to retired deputy Jules Dengler, who patrolled the streets during Sellitto’s years here.

They kidded Sellitto about being at the Rod and Reel for breakfast every morning and about an incident that happened a few years ago when they were trying to outlaw T-back swimsuits along the Palma Sola Causeway. During that time, a television crew asked Sellitto to act like he was giving out tickets Tbacks. The truth was, they were on the beach in Anna Maria where the law did not apply.

After Davis said it wasn’t the amount of time he spent on the job

tom vaught | sun

Gary Sellitto, above, center, is flanked by deputies who patrol the streets of Anna Maria at his retirement party last Friday at city hall. Sellitto’s last day was Sunday. Below, Sergeant Paul Davis, the man in charge of the Anna Maria City Patrol, reads a statement as Sellitto listens. Below right, instead of a retirement card, everyone put their best wishes on a “No Parking” sign.

that made a difference, it was the quality, Sellitto had to pause before thanking everyone for coming. He

was surrounded by his wife, Laurie, and their kids and grandkids.

Sellitto still had two more days

before he turned in his equipment and his patrol car and becomes part of the lore of Anna Maria.

Resolution supports Island navigational study The funds would come from the federal government through the West Coast Inland Navigational District.

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – City commissioners approved a resolution at last week’s City Commission meeting. that will start the process to make it easier to dredge the Island’s canals.

Island city Engineer Lynn Bur-

nett said she met with officials from Manatee County and the West Coast Inland Navigational District (WCIND) regarding money for future dredge projects. Officials told her that the county’s money that was previously available to the three Island cities for maintenance dredging is earmarked for boat ramp projects for the next four years.

“WCIND stated that are federal funds that do not require a match,” she told commissioners. “They are 100 percent federal funds that could be used for a navigational assessment

that would cover from tip to tip (of the Island).”

“That study would basically provide a baseline and framework for any future infrastructure that would be in place above or below ground to support the navigational needs of Anna Maia Island.”

She said the resolution, which must be approved by all three cities, would establish the Island as a mini region so WCIND officials can apply for the funding for the study, She said the cities could not receive funding individually.

Commissioner Jean Peelen asked if most of the Island’s canals are in Holmes Beach. Burnett said they are, but the study also includes piers, channels and other means of ingress and egress using water transportation.

Burnett pointed out that another impetus for WCIND to do the Island study is because all three cities are undergoing stormwater projects to reduce the amount of pollutants going into the canals and waterways.

Commissioner Carol Soustek asked how long the study would take, and Burnett said a year.

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NOVEMBER 18, 2015

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Historic motel improvements approved The property purchase was pending project approval.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The prospective future owners of the Rod and Reel Motel have received permission to install a swimming pool.

Last week, the Planning and Zoning Board approved Suzette and John Buchan’s request for the conversion of a non-conforming use that would allow for a pool and additional exterior and improvements. The plan is to reduce the motel’s occupancy from 38 to 28 and pare down the number of units from 11 to eight by creating three adjoining suites.

According to City Planner Alan Garrett, the Buchans do not need additional approval from the city Located at 877 North Shore Drive, the motel sits near the foot of the Rod and Reel Pier. Plans call for the pool to be located between the primary structure and the Gulf with much of the existing asphalt removed and replaced by grass in order to provide the property with better drainage.

The property appraiser’s Website says the motel was built in 1952 and has been owned by an Indiana-based construction company since 2004.

Planner’s thoughts

Motels are considered non-conforming properties in Anna Maria, but Garrett feels the historic motel contributes to the city’s character. He said if the property is not successfully maintained as a motel it would likely be replaced by two houses.

Garrett also serves as the city planner in Bradenton Beach, and he previously

joe hendricks | sun

Future plans call for a swimming pool in the Rod and Reel Motel courtyard.

worked with the Buchans on the ninebedroom Blue Horizon resort they built along Gulf Drive, at the 26th Street North street-end, where they are now funding a new dune walkover as part of a pre-existing agreement.

“She’s been excellent to work with,” Garrett said.

In regard to the motel, he said, “In order to make it successful, it needs to be updated with what people desire.

They desire larger rooms; they desire the swimming pool activities. I don’t normally go to this extent to support something, but I’m glad there is a provision where the board can review this.”

Future owner speaks

When addressing the board, Buchan said the motel has had a symbiotic relationship with the pier since its conception, with the pier, restaurant and motel sharing patrons and parking.

“Guests would tell you it’s quaint, it’s clean and it’s a nice location. That being said, today it is not a viable business model. This particular location has had no investment in over a decade. It is dated. It is the only motel in the city limits that does not offer a pool.”

The Grand Rapids, Mich., resident is a mechanical engineer, and she said preliminary inspections also identified the need for electrical and mechanical improvements and the replacement of defective windows.

“It is in desperate need of repair,” she said. “It’s unlikely that other potential investors would make the same decision that I am.

"I do not own the property today. I have an offer on the property pending your approval. I don’t want to be saddled with property that I cannot upgrade.

"My husband and I know it’s not the most prudent investment. I’m passionate

about a very few select properties and I’d very much appreciate your support.”

Board reaction

Planning board Chair Jonathan Crane asked if the motel’s six dedicated parking spaces could be increased. Garrett said this was not possible, but suggested the larger suites might attract families that arrive in one vehicle.

Having once been a guest at the motel, board member Maureen McCormick said, “I think it’s refreshing that you want to save something rather than tear it down.”

“I’d rather see this renovation than a couple of high-rise houses,” said member David Youngs.

The approval was unanimously granted with the stipulation that occupancy not exceed 28 guests. Buchan said she was amenable to this and does not allow futons or cots at her properties.

A room for two more The Historic Bridge Street pier will soon be an epicenter of activity.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The remaining pieces of the Historic Bridge Street Pier tenant puzzle are coming together.

Last week, AMOB owner and pier lease holder John Horne confirmed that he has agreed to sublease the cityowned, salmon-colored former concession stand space to Tide & Moon Jewelry owner Laura Shely and Room with a Hue owner AnnMarie Nicholas.

Horne also said he plans to open AMOB on Monday, Dec. 21.

Shely and Nicholas currently operate their separate businesses beside one another, leasing space in the Pineapplefish building on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria. Speaking by phone on Friday, Shely said the shared space on the pier would be known as A Room with a Hue and Tide & Moon 2, with a projected opening date on or around Saturday, Dec. 19.

“She’s a painter, and I’m a jewelry maker, and we’re happy to have a new space.

The jewelry I make will be displayed in beautiful cases and mixed with AnnMarie’s

fun pop-art,” Shely said, noting that the pier location would not serve as her jewelry production studio.

“We’re thrilled about the location, and we’ll be celebrating Christmas on Bridge Street,” she proclaimed.

“I think the Oyster Bar is going to rock Bridge Street. It’s going to bring so many people down there, and they’ll have to stand in front of my new shop when they’re waiting to get in. This is big deal, and I’m excited to be a part of it. We know it’s going to be a winwin for everybody,” she said. see pier, page 42

Laura Shely | submitted

From left, AnnMarie Nicholas and Laura Shely will soon set up shop on the Historic Bridge Street Pier.

36

THE SUN

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

NOVEMBER 18, 2015

NOVEMBER 18, 2015

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THE SUN

NOVEMBER 18, 2015

Firefighters clean up Firefighters from West Manatee Fire Rescue participated in a litter cleanup of 75th Street West on Saturday, Nov. 14. This is a project of the West Manatee Firefighters Association in cooperation with Keep Manatee Beautiful This was their third cleanup of 75th Street W, which extends from Cortez Blvd south to the traffic circle at 53rd Ave W. They collected an estimated 200 to 300 pounds of trash consisting of mostly plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and plastic grocery bags.

They also found a salt water fishing pole that was closely scrutinized, but determined to be not salvageable.

Randy Cooper | Submitted

Standing from left to right: reserve firefighter Tom Price, Battalion Chief Rich Lozek, Alba Vosburgh, firefighter Corry Hill, and Tyler McDonald with his three children. I took the photo.

Please contact the West Manatee Firefighter’s Association President, Corry Hill for more info.

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NOVEMBER 18, 2015

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39

Lester Family Fun Day at The Center The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, is announcing a day of old-fashioned fun at old-fashioned prices on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Lester Family Fun Day, generously sponsored each year

by Chuck and Joey Lester, of Holmes Beach, returns again this year with a lineup of activities and performances, along with food and prizes.

Children will be delighted by pony rides, balloons, face painting, card

making, cookie decorating, games and a Bounce House. All ages will enjoy the Manatee High School Drum Line, performances by the Diane Partington Studio of Classic Ballet and the Cawte Irish Dance Academy and the arrival of Santa by fire truck at noon. There will be hot dogs, snacks, sodas and Duffy burgers to eat and drawings for turkeys donated by the Lesters.

There will be a 50/50 raffle with

balls purchased for $100 each. After all balls are collected, a helicopter will fly over the athletic field and release the numbered balls over the flag and hole cut out on the athletic field.

The ball that lands in the hole first or whichever ball is on the bottom of the cup first will win half of the prize money.

For more information contact Wende Webb at 941-778-1908, ext.

9203.

40

THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

NOVEMBER 18, 2015

Another hurricane season behind us

T

ime sure flies when you’re having fun, and this was certainly a fun year for hurricanes or the lack thereof. But I fear that we may be letting our guard down just a little, so in an effort to bring you back to reality, let’s talk about the one thing almost everyone hates to talk about – flood insurance.

Coastal flooding isn’t necessarily tied to hurricane season. True hurricanes and tropical storms, especially accompanied by high tides, can create a serious flooding condition, but you can have flooding all year round from just several days of heavy rain, which we experienced this past summer.

Most homeowners carry flood insurance, particularly if they have a mortgage on the property, since it’s mandated by lenders. But even if your home isn’t mortgaged, flood insurance is an important thing to have in high risk zones like Anna Maria Island.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is a federal program designed to reduce losses to individuals and businesses

Castles in the Sand Louise Bolger from flooding. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is the federal agency that identifies food hazard areas and designates which of the four flood plains the property is in.

Flood zones V and A are the zones most likely to flood and B and X are considered low risk zones. Zone V represents areas that are on coastlines, rivers and bays. These properties are most likely to flood and have the highest flood insurance premiums. FEMA requires that properties built in a V zone elevate the living space above ground level and lower levels must be enclosed only with breakaway materials. The A zone has a 1 percent chance

that the property will flood within a given year or once every 100 years. Naturally all properties on Anna Maria Island are in either the V or A zone.

Flood insurance coverage does have limits and the standard flood insurance policy for a one to four family structure has a limit of $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for the contents. Renters can also purchase a flood policy to insure their personal property.

Since 2012 when the ill conceived BiggertWaters Flood Insurance Reform Act was passed by Congress, the coastal and riverfront communities throughout the country started a mass rebellion. The intention of the reform act was to raise rates on flood policies to reflect the true flood risk rather than continue subsidizing homeowners’ premiums. The hope was to make the federal program more financially stable and reduce the 24 million dollars in debt the NFIP was carrying.

The shockingly high rates became unaffordable for some homeowners and im-

pacted the value of their property. Because of the general outrage in the country Congress was forced to revisit the issue and in 2014 it passed the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act. The new act repealed and modified certain provisions of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act, lowered the recent rate increases on some policies, prevented some future rate increases and implemented a surcharge on all policy holders. It required a gradual rate increase on properties that are still receiving artificially low rates instead of immediate increases to full risk rates. According to FEMA rates are required to increase no less than 5 percent annually and no more than 18 percent annually until full risk levels are met.

Even though it’s not quite Nov. 30, it’s probably OK to relax and be happy we navigated through another hurricane season. Just remember a flood is a flood is a flood, and it’s not always associated with hurricanes.

NOVEMBER 18, 2015

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John Kenney satisfied with Cumber’s conviction The former homicide detective is now an investigator for the Manatee County School District.

BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The disappearance of Sabine Musil-Buehler Nov. 6, 2008, was an unusual case that kept detectives busy for years and one of those investigators says the way it ended was the only way it could have ended.

John Kenney was a sergeant with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office in charge of the detail that polices the city of Anna Maria when Musil-Buehler disappeared. Investigators from that office kept busy interviewing her friends and cataloging the physical evidence over the years but the case was not an easy one to solve.

“The case was unique because we did not have a body,” Kenney said. “We had to establish what happened without the body or a preponderance of evidence.

“There were rumors about her and Bill Cumber taking drugs and drinking that were not true,” he added. “When the rumor that she was spotted at the Sarasota Airport came up, we ruled out the possibility that she was leaving to go back to Germany. She loved the Island and she loved living there so we knew she wouldn’t leave voluntarily.”

Kenney said some people were suspicious

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Former homicide detective John Kenney worked the Musil-Buehler case for years. that her estranged husband, Tom Buehler, was involved.

“We spent hours talking with Tom before we concluded he was not involved,” he said.

“Cumber was always our suspect.”

Kenney said her disappearance was also suspicious because she was a fan of President Barack Obama and she disappeared the day he

got elected.

Kenney, who retired from the Sheriff’s Office in 2009, returned the next year as a homicide detective when a rash of murders in the county overwhelmed the office. One of his first cases was Musil-Buehler’s disappearance.

“It was initially a missing person case, but it quickly changed into a murder case,” he said.

“We had to put together our case based on circumstantial evidence.”

When the district attorney’s office decided they had enough evidence, they chose to charge Cumber with second-degree murder.

“We couldn’t charge him with first degree murder because we didn’t have a body,” Kenney said. “Second degree murder carries up to life in prison.”

Kenney said he suspects that possibility was one reason he decided to try plea-bargaining.

“In my opinion, when his attorneys looked at the totality of evidence, they decided it was too much and they took 22 years in prison over life,” he said. “He’ll be in his 60s when he gets out and we finally found out where she was buried.”

For a detective who has a lot of good memories of the Island, Kenney feels they did the best they could to solve the case.

“This has been probably the most satisfying case I have every had,” he said. “The way the case progressed was the only way it could.”

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41

State won’t reopen fire investigation The State Fire Marshall’s Office has announced it will not reopen its investigation into the fire at Haley’s Motel on Nov.16, 2008, during the time motel owner Sabine Musil-Buehler was missing. Following William Cumber’s confession in the murder of Musil-Buehler, the Fire Marshall’s office said it would take another look the case. But after reviewing the files, spokeswoman Kayla Bailey said the case would remain closed.

The cause of the fire was questionable and Cumber was considered a person of interest, since he had previously been convicted of arson in a case that involved a former girlfriend of his.

The structure that burned was owned by Musil-Buehler and her husband, Tom, and has since been rebuilt.

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NOVEMBER 18, 2015

Causeway committee gets Grassy Point update The city installed bollards at the entrance to the Grassy Point path to keep out bicycles and golf carts.

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

BRADENTON – Holmes Beach Building Official Jim McGuiness reported on progress at Grassy Point Preserve at the Nov. 10 meeting of the Palma Sola Scenic Highway group.

“We have conceptual plans for Grassy Point, and the first phase is the initial boardwalk from the public right of way to the circle at the western edge,” McGuinness explained. “We hope to get this next phase off in 180 days.

“We just completed a reworking of the walking trail and planted 750 new food source, native plant species.”

He said the city installed bollards at the entrance to the path to keep out bicycles and golf carts because it is a passive trail. However, there is wheelchair access.

“The key is access without impact,” McGuinness stressed.

Jerry West of the Holmes Beach Beautification Advisory Board, said the city has $200,000 in the budget for the work, and the Manatee County Tourist Development Council has contributed $100,000 to the project. McGuinness said the Phase 1 would cost about $600,000.

Keep Manatee Beautiful Executive

Director Ingrid McClellan suggested that the preserve become a part of the group’s Adopt a Shore program.

Preserve updates

Mike Elswick, of the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department, reported that parking lot is completed at the Ungarelli Preserve, which is located on east coast of Palma Sola Bay off Palma Sola Boulevard.

He said the Neal Preserve is open and operating, and the contract for construction of the internal waterway at the Robinson Preserve expansion has been awarded.

The county is seeking a lease with the state to manage the Winston Tract, a mangrove swamp on the north side of

the Causeway between Palma Sola Bay and Perico Bayou, and Elswick said the county commission would discuss the lease a this week’s board meeting.

Elswick said the second cut to Perico Bayou was made in the Perico Preserve, and “it is now flushing the way it was designed.” He said the boardwalk should be competed in mid January, and the preserve would open.

McClellan talked with Florida Department of Transportation officials about managing the access on the northeast sides of the Anna Maria Island and Perico Bayou bridges, where vehicles are creating erosion and injuring mangroves. They agreed to help develop a management plan.

PIER: A room for two more FROM PAGE 35

Shely anticipates the new location being open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. until at least 6 p.m., and possibly later on certain nights.

“If it works for us, we’ll stay open later,” she said.

On the move

Pat Copeland | Sun

Holmes Beach vets recognized Holmes Beach staff members and elected officials who are veterans listened as City Commission Chair Judy Titsworth read a proclamation recognizing their service. From left are James Booe, public works department, Iraq; Timothy Cothran, public works department, U.S. Navy; Bob Johnson, mayor, U.S. Army, Vietnam; Pat Morton, commissioner, U.S. Air Force, Vietnam; James Thomas, code enforcement officer, U.S. Navy, Gulf War; William Tokajer, police chief, U.S. Army, military police. Not pictured are Alan Bores, U.S. Army; Steven Ogline, Florida National Guard; and Kevin Powers, U.S. Coast Guard; all of the police department.

Fitzgerald fan Sun reporter Pat Copeland pays tribute to one of her favorite authors, F. Scott Fitzgerald, by reading excerpts from the Island Sun while on a recent visit to Rockville, Md. Fitzgerald and his wife, Zelda, are buried in the family plot at St. Mary’s Church. Their grave is inscribed with the last line of “The Great Gatsby,” – “And so we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”

Anna Copeland | submitted

“It will be a smaller store for me, a second location, and the only outlet for a Room with a Hue. We’re losing our space on Pine because the building is for sale,” Shely explained.

“I’m looking for a new location in an affordable space anywhere on the Island other than Bridge Street, because I’ll already be there. I’ve been in all three cities in my nine years and they’re all great cities, so my options are wide open. I believe I can stay in the space I’m in until April, so I’d be looking for another location on May 1; and chances are the universe will open up and one will be there. I’d love to stay on Pine Avenue, but rent-wise I might be squeezed out,” she said.

Bait awaits

Shely and Nicholas will join Sherman Baldwin and his Paradise Boat Tours Activity Center as AMOB’s business neighbors.

Although there will not be a dedicated bait shop on the pier, Baldwin recently reached an agreement with Annie’s Bait & Tackle’s Bruce Shearer to provide live bait and keep the existing bait well outside his soonto-be-opened activity center stocked for those who enjoy fishing on the pier.

“The Activity Center is going to be for on-land and on-water recreational activities for the whole of Bradenton Beach and many companies will be represented. Boat tours are going to be just one facet of our entire business,” Baldwin said.

He said partnerships with those who rent Jet-Skis or provide Segway tours would involve him promoting those services, but the actual recreational activities would not take place directly on or adjacent to the pier.

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NOVEMBER 18, 2015

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Fulmer unwinds on Island Spring training with the White Sox is the next big thing on the baseball star’s to-do list.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Carson Fulmer, the first-round draft pick of the Chicago White Sox, stopped by the AMI Sports Zone on Monday, Nov. 9.

After spending most of the day fishing, Fulmer dropped in to pick up some framed memorabilia from business owner Vic Mattay.

“He’s been coming to my ice cream store since he was a little kid,” said Mattay, who also owns Dips Ice Cream, located a few doors down and also in Island Sun Plaza.

“He had some jerseys he wanted framed for his mom, so we put that together for him.”

As a sophomore, the pitching phenom from Lakeland

joe hendricks | sun

Chicago White Sox pitching prospect Carson Fulmer,right, is a fan of the framing skills provided by Vic Mattay’s AMI Sports Zone. played a key role in Vanderbilt University winning the 2014 College World Series.

After a successful junior year, Fulmer was the eighth player chosen in the 2015 Major League Baseball draft. He spent what was left of the summer pitching for the White Sox

Winston-Salem North Carolina high-A minor league affiliate.

Fulmer will spend the offseason in Lakeland and next spring he will report to the White Sox major league spring training facility in Arizona, where he hopes to make the leap to the big leagues.

“If he goes in there and shines, he’ll come up quick; or they may hold off until June so they get an extra year out of him contract-wise. The Rays did the same thing with David Price,” Mattay said.

When asked what his expectations are for the coming season, the soft-spoken Fulmer said, “I don’t ask a bunch of questions. I just stay prepared and go in there and play.”

Offering some additional insight, Mattay said, “He pitched for All Saints’ in high school and I know what he did there; and I know what he did in college. He’s a class guy and very mature for his age. I feel he’s got the potential to go a long way in this game. Peter Gammons (former ESPN analyst) says he feels like Carson’s the real deal and will be a starting pitcher for years to come, so let’s hope he knows what he’s talking about.”

Supplying a final nugget of career projection analysis, Mattay said, “I feel like Carson’s on his way. You have to stay healthy, have things go your way and you need a little luck.”

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NOVEMBER 18, 2015

(941) 778-6066 WWW.CALLTHE ISLANDERS.COM

JOHN@CALLTHEISLANDERS.COM

John van Zandt 6101 MARINA DR., HOLMES BEACH, FL 34217

SUBMITTED

Our favorite things Island resident Jack Heckler, above in vest, a junior at Manatee School for the Arts, starred last week as Captain Von Trapp in the school's stage production of The Sound of Music. Former Island resident Sadie Elberts also starred as oldest Von Trapp daughter, Leisl, above right.

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NOVEMBER 18, 2015

NOVEMBER 18, 2015

SPORTS

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47

West Coast edges out Miller Electric for championship

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

The championship game means the end of the season is near at the Center. The youth soccer season at the Center will official end with the traditional awards night on Friday, Nov. 13. Two championship games were played on the big field last Wednesday. The first game of the night saw Miller Electric, coached by David Johnston, battle against West Coast Air Conditioning and Heating, coached by Jon Coleman.

Strong defensive play by Kyle Samuels and Kiera Johnston started the game for Miller Electric. West Coast’s Jack Mattick took the ball down field before passing it to Eric McDonald for the team’s first goal just two minutes into the game.

After a handball, McDonald took the free kick, sailing the ball just past goalie Connor Allen, increasing the score for West Coast to 2-0.

Kendall Johnston dribbled the ball past midfield before being stopped by the West Coast defense. With the ball at her feet, defender Brenna Heckler cleared the ball down field once again giving West Coast field position advantage.

West Coast’s Frankie Coleman passed the ball to his teammate Brad McDonald.

The offensive attack was stopped by Nick Yatros, kicking the ball wisely out-ofbounds for Miller Electric. After a strong throw in by Juliet Greene, West Coast passed the ball downfield before Kendall Johnston stole the ball for Miller Electric.

Miller Electric took the ball down the field to get into offensive position. Anthony Nguyen took a shot on a goal attempt that richoched off of West Coast’s goalie Reese Riley to put a goal on the scoreboard for Miller Electric.

With the score 2-1, West Coast answered back quickly with thanks to a goal by Mattick. Attempting to widen the score, Coleman once again dribbled the ball past mid-field looking for a teammate, but he could not find Mattick who was wide open at left wing. Mattick eventually got the ball and took a strong shot against Conner. The ball spun off of Conner and found its way into the goal. The own goal took the score to 4-1 for West Coast.

Trying to close the gap, Miller Electric’s Philippe Baughgartner stuck the ball toward the goal several times, but could not get it past the goalie. Time ticked off the clock for the first half.

The second half started with Riley on the field for West Coast. Laila Yavalar took over

monica simpson | SUN

Eight-to 10-year-old youth soccer champions, West Coast Air Conditioning and Heating, coached by Jon Coleman. the daunting responsibility as goalkeeper.

Kylie Barkley, for West Coast, played tough defense against Miller Electric’s offense that came back in the second half to challenge hard for the championship title.

Seeing the field, Baughgartner passed the ball to Miller Electric’s Kiera Johnston. For his team, Nguyen took a shot four minutes into the half. Yavalar saved the goal for West Coast.

E. McDonald widened the scoring gap for West Coast by shooting a goal, making the score 5-1. On defense, West Coast swarmed Nguyen, who could not find an opportunity to shoot. Yavalar saved Kendall Johnston’s shot. Miller Electric’s Nguyen took the shot that went just wide of the post.

Trying to beat the clock, Miller Electric continued to fight back with Jesse Vadas and Ethan Sackett providing defensive support. With an assist by Kendall Johnston, Baughgartner took the score to 5-2 with a goal at the 13th minute of the second half of play.

Miller Electric continued to play with a strong offense, but could not find footing

to score again. Nguyen took the ball on a throw in and struck hard and found the goal. After eight saves by Yavalar and less than five minutes left in the game, Riley returned to the goal for West Coast.

After an amazing save from a goal attempt by Coleman, he followed his own ball and scored the sixth goal of the night for West Coast, taking the score to 6-3.

Miller Electric answered back quickly with another score by Nguyen.

In the final seconds of the game, Miller Electric fought hard for a quick score hoping to bring the game closer. The team lost the ball to E. McDonald, who scored the final goal of the game. The game came to an end with the score 7-4, crowned West Coast Air Conditioning and Heating the 8-to 10-year-old youth soccer champions.

The Sun Scoreboard Tuesday, Nov. 3 Adult Basketball

Gator Squad West Coast A/C and Heating

71 (6-1) 40 (2-5)

Miller Electric 50 (0-7) LaPensee Plumbing and Pools 64 (6-1)

Wednesday, Nov. 11 8-to 10-Year-Old Soccer Championship Game

Miller Electric West Coast A/C and Heating

11-to 13-Year-Old Soccer Championship Game Progressive Cabinetry Sugar Beach Digital

Thursday, Nov. 5 Adult Soccer

4 7

6 2

Island Time Beach to Bay

1 (0-6-1) 3 (2-5)

Sato Real Estate Mason Martin

8 (6-0-1) 3 (2-4-1)

Ross Built Construction Slim’s Place Progressive Cabinetry Island Pest Control

5 (4-3) 3 (3-4) 3 (3-3-1) 4 (6-1)

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NOVEMBER 18, 2015

ordinance: Revisions concern planning board property that serves as a primary residence, but Vose said she is aware of only a couple homesteaded vacation rentals in Anna Maria.

FROM PAGE 1

proved on Nov. 4. A second and final hearing is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 19.

“This is a greatly revised ordinance,” Vose said of an ordinance that has changed dramatically since it was last reviewed by the board in August.

She said the changes were prompted by recent court hearings, mediation and the ongoing efforts to resolve a lawsuit filed by a group of vacation rental property owners.

“A lot of the restrictions that were in the ordinance before were taken out,” she said.

Vose said the commission is looking to replace vacation rental-specific regulations with ordinances of general application that apply city-wide. The city is no longer looking to issue rental licenses that could be revoked or suspended for habitual violations of city codes and ordinances; nor will the city attempt to prohibit repeat offenders from using their properties as vacation rentals. These are significant changes to the previously amended ordinance adopted in September.

“What you have now is a registration ordinance as opposed to a permitting ordinance,” Vose said.

“There was an argument in court that requiring a permit that could be taken away from them would have the effect of prohibiting vacation rentals. If they lost their license, they would immediately be in court saying they were being prohibited,” she explained.

Board reaction

joe hendricks | sun

Planning and Zoning Board members Maureen McCormick and Jonathan Crane voice their concerns about the recent amendments to the vacation rental ordinance.

A new approach

The city will rely on the increased enforcement of existing building codes and existing ordinances, including those that pertain to noise and parking. The city will also rely on the enforcement of the new occupancy limits set forth in the vacation rental ordinance and the stipulation that the property owner or agent must be available by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The city’s code of ordinances states: “The city is authorized to appoint one or more special magistrates to hold hearings and assess fines against violators of the city’s codes and ordinances.”

Vose said, “A lot of cities and counties use the special magistrate process to impose fines and create liens on properties which can actually be foreclosed upon. It’s a very strong method of regulation, so we’re going to be utilizing that in order to enforce the problem vacation rentals in the city.”

Vose has used this approach in the Orlando area for decades while providing legal representation to Orange County’s code enforcement department.

“They regularly foreclose on liens and take people’s property away. It is an exceedingly effective method of controlling bad actors,” she said.

Code enforcement lien foreclosures cannot be enacted on homesteaded

tree: Planned removal prompts protest FROM PAGE 1

unknown.

Story behind the story

The tree removal is necessitated in part by the current city commission-approved Bridge Street Basin stormwater project that involves installing infiltration trenches along Bridge Street.

When contacted Monday morning, City Engineer Lynn Burnett chuckled when informed of Marshall’s environmental efforts.

While she admired his good intentions, Burnett said he may not have known that Drift In owner Joe Cuervo approved the tree removal.

“It’s diseased and it has some issues. The tree root has been completely exposed and it is not healthy and it is not going to live much longer,” Burnett said.

Monday afternoon, Cuervo explained that he also needs the space where the tree sits in order

The planning board expressed disappointment with the latest changes.

“Here’s what bothers me,” said chair Jonathan Crane. “All the things that were being covered by this strongly worded ordinance, now we’re trusting to our code enforcement people. I don’t see anything besides fines.”

Board member Maureen McCormick said, “There’s been a sea change in this ordinance. It’s gone from the onus being on the people making the money and producing profit for their customers to ‘catch me if you can’ code enforcement. It’s back to business as usual, with fines that may or may not discourage people from doing what they’ve done, creating misery for people in their neighborhoods.”

Vose pointed out that the previous version of the ordinance also relied heavily on code enforcement, but did not incorporate the use of $500 to $1,000 per day fines that could be assessed by a special magistrate.

Board member David Youngs’ motion to recommend approval of the amended ordinance garnered no support from the other members and no other motion was made so the planning board review produced no formal recommendation to the commission.

They’re taking down trees and it makes

candish: Artist remembered

me upset.”

FROM PAGE 1

David Marshall Concerned Citizen/Eco-Warrior

to create a new parking space to offset the parking space he will lose when builds an outdoor Tiki bar.

For regulatory purposes, Cuervo must maintain a certain number of parking spots.

Marshall may soon have an opportunity for an encore performance given that the city commission recently approved $445,421 in Community Redevelopment Agency fund expenditures for additional Bridge Street improvements. These future improvements will result in some of the palm trees being removed and replaced by planter boxes and pot-

ted plants, and it was agreed at the Nov. 5 commission meeting that the planter color choices and plant choices would be reviewed by the Scenic Waves advisory board as well.

In the coming months, Bridge Street and the other streets in the CRA district will be resurfaced.

Bridge Street will then be covered with an additional faux-brick, aggregate finish created by Paveway Systems.

The extensive CRA project also calls for solar lights to be installed along First Street.

she said. “He changed from steel to wood and made a sculpture of me. He called it ‘From A to Zoe.’” She said she and Candish ultimately became very good friends. However, she almost got into trouble once.

“I had bought a sculpture from him that was tall with point like a lightning rod,” she said. “I called it a bolt from the blue and I went over to his yard and found a metal ball that I painted blue.

“Later he called me and asked if I had taken his Civil War cannon ball,” she said.

“Luckily, I painted it with water soluble paint.”

Artist Richard Thomas did some twoman shows with Candish.

“He was a dear friend,” Thomas said.

“He will be missed.”

At press time, funeral and/or memorial plans were not available.

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Artists visualizing cell tower art The Anna Maria Cell Tower Base Art Committee agreed to bring renderings to its next meeting.

BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The threeperson committee to decide the decoration around the base of the city’s new cell phone tower is pulling ideas together for review by city commissioners.

The group met for the second time on Thursday, Nov. 12, and agreed that the tower base should be about the natural beauty of the Island and have a common sky and horizon all around with animals, native vegetation and a sunset on one of the panels.

The committee consists of Janet Kingan, the volunteer art coordinator at the Island Community Center, graphic designer Karen Beach and longtime local artist Joan Voyles.

Beach brought some samples of blue sky, clouds and renderings of native animals. She used two sheets of paper, one 50x10 inches and another 32x10 inches. They are 1/12th scale meaning every square inch on paper represents a square foot on the tower.

Voyles wondered about adding a poem and had a favorite writ-

Tom vaught | Sun

Committee members Karen Beach and Joan Voyles discuss potential designs for the cell tower base. ten by artist and poet Genevieve Albans, who lived many years on the Island.

The committee had one photo with a horizon and native birds and animals, all facing the same way. They decided something like that would look better if some of the animals were facing the opposite way.

The cell tower is located in the city hall’s parking lot near Pine

Avenue, where there is generally a lot of foot traffic. They wanted to make sure drivers could see it without taking their eyes off the road too long.

They will work on concepts and renderings at the next meeting and hopefully be ready to present their ideas to the City Commission in the near future.

Chief reports to a citizen Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer recently answered the following questions submitted by resident Karl Sclichter: Q: What is the number of traffic deaths in the past two years?

A: None.

Q: What is the number of DUI arrests in the past five years broken down by year?

A: 2011, 1; 2012, 1; 2013, 8; 2014, 4; 2015, 10 (January to Oct. 31).

Q: How long have police officer s been able to take home vehicles?

A: Since January 2015.

Q: How much extra has been spent on gas?

A: From January 2014 to Nov.

1, 2014, the year before the take home policy was in place, the fuel cost was $37,175.15. From January 2015 to Nov. 1, 2015, the year the take home policy went into effect, the fuel cost was $32,102.93 or $5,072.22 less. In addition, each officer who lives further than 10 miles from the city contributes $50 per month, which equals $5,400 per year.

Q: What is the average mileage from the officers’ work to home?

A: 12.5 miles.

Q: What is the gas mileage of the police vehicles?

A: 15 to 22 mpg.

Q: What is the number of seat belt violations in the past five years?

A: 2011, 88; 2012, 115; 2013, 311; 2014, 354; 2015, 234 (January to Oct. 31).

Q: Has the number of officers changed over the years?

A: Tokajer said that was not tracked before he became chief.

Since then, he added one officer in 2014 for a total of 15.

Q: Do any police officers live on the Island?

A; No. Q: Who approved the take home vehicle policy? When?

A: The mayor and commission in September 2014 for the 2014-15 budget.

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NOVEMBER 18, 2015

TOWN CRIER

the sounds from rockabilly to classic rock and roll from the ’40s to the early ’60s.

The Center will provide water and soda; BYOB. Center members and those in costume will be admitted for free, and others will pay a donation of $5 per person or $8 per couple.

Garden Club meets The November meeting of the Anna Maria Garden Club will be on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at Roser Church at noon.

There will be a workshop for members to prepare items for their plant sale. This annual sale will be held on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.at Roser Church. For information, call 778-2607.

Exercise at Robinson Preserve

Single seniors gather Single seniors who want to learn new ways of meeting people, staying active, increasing self esteem exploring the dating scene and developing new hobbies or sharing theirs are urged to meet on Wednesday Nov. 18, and each Wednesday for six weeks. The cost is 75 for six weeks or $15 per class and the meetings run from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

They meet at The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia, Anna Maria.

Contact Judy Wiggins at The Center 941-778-1908 or e-mail her at judyw@ island community center.org.

will be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to accommodate visitors to both patmarkets. Call # 855-727-RIDE (7433) to arrange transportation to Bradenton Beach. Contact Nancy Ambrose for more information 941-518-4431.

Keeping up with Medicare

Book club meets

A seminar on what’s new with Medicare will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 1:30 to 4 p.m., at Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd floor, Longboat Key. The seminar will cover what is new with Medicare, including what the insurance carrier mergers and acquisitions mean to you. A $5 donation is suggested. RSVP maryannbrady@ aginginparadise.org or by phone at 941-383-6493.

The Island Friends Book Club meets at the Island Branch Library on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 10 a.m. This is a chance for people to read a book and then share thought with others who read it.

For more information, call the library at 778-6341.

Learn about the fishing industry There will be an overview of Florida’s commercial fishing on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 3 p.m. at the Florida Maritime Museum, at 4415 119th St. W. in Cortez.

Florida has been home to commercial fishing since before it was a U.S. territory. This lecture will touch briefly on early commercial fishing in Florida, but focus mainly on commercial fishing today. Learn more about the fish and shellfish landed in the state, regional fisheries and the types of boats used in Florida waters.

Shuttle to Sunday markets Adventure Away will provide shuttle service to Bradenton Beach from Beach N’Rides, 8607 Cortez Road, Bradenton, on Sundays from November through April. It will service both the Beach Market at Coquina Beach and the Bridge Street Market.

The Adventure Away shuttle service

Pat Copeland | sun

Soiree social

Members of Anna Maria Island Community Connections will meet on Friday, Nov. 20, at The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., for a potluck dinner. The group promotes unity for the permanent and part-time residents who are affected by neighborhood homes being converted to rentals.

Silver Sneakers luncheon The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, will be holding a lunch and learn on its new Silver Sneakers program for Medicare recipients on Thursday, Nov. 19, from noon until 2 p.m.

Enjoy a complimentary lunch while staffers help you navigate the Healthways Website to see if you are eligible and help you apply for the program.

Silver Sneakers membership also includes a free Center membership.

Call Jennifer Griffith at 941-778-1908, ext. 9203, for more information.

Needlework group meets Learn to knit or crochet or just have fun working with others at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 10 a.m. Call the library at 778-6341 for more information.

Circle the wagons The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department offers a Naturalist-led wagon tour on Thursday, Nov. 19, from 9 to 10 a.m. through Rob-

inson Preserve. Your tour guide will explain the preserve’s history, resident wildlife, fabulous flowers and describe preserve highlights.

This program is suitable for all ages.

Arrive a minimum of 15 minutes in advance. Meet at the wagon-loading ramp near the screened in pavilion.

Seats are available on a first-come, first served basis.

Enjoy an afternoon of Tai Chi and Qigong on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 4 to 5 p.m. This free gentle movement modality is a great way to shake off the stressful work week. Improve your balance, loosen your joints, and improve flexibility as you relax and breathe.

This class, suitable for beginners as well as longtime practitioners, will include an exploration of several different styles of Tai Chi and Qigong. The program will be led by Sensei Brian Nell, a fourth degree blackbelt in kung fu and a certified Tai Chi instructor.

The program sponsored by Cypress Pillar Healing Arts. It is suitable for ages 13 and up. Reservations are required. Call 941-742-5757, ext. 6, to reserve your spot today.

Tour on the water

Senior Adventures, the group that helps seniors learn more about the area, visits Detweiler’s Farm Products of Sarasota on Friday, Nov. 20. Visit the farming operation, produce store, deli, bakery, meat market and the Amish crafters. Space in the van is limited so call Kaye Bell at 538-0945 or e-mail cortezbell@tampanay.rr.com.

The Friends of De Soto National Memorial is sponsoring a boat tour on Sunday, Nov. 22, at 10:30 a.m. on Paradise Boat Tours. The cost is $30 for members and $35 for non-members.

The boat will depart from the Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach for a leisurely 90-minute cruise.

All proceeds will benefit the De Soto National Memorial through to the Friends of De Soto, a non-profit organization. For reservations or more information, go to the Friends of De Soto Website, wwwfriendsofdesoto.org, or call 941-704-6825.

Meditation at the library

Holiday potluck at The Center

The Island Branch Library hosts a free meditation series that will meet on Saturday, Nov. 21, at 2 p.m. For more information, call the library at 7786341.

The public is invited to a holiday potluck dinner at The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, on Sunday, Nov. 22, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. as a way of bringing the community together to celebrate the start of the holidays and new beginnings.

The Center will provide ham, mashed potatoes and rolls. Bring a veggie or desserts. BYO; ice and punch provided.

To avoid duplication, call or e-mail The Center with your dish.

There will be a night of fun, including a play, “A Cranberry Thanksgiving,” by kid volunteers, who will be assigned a role the night of the dinner. Center officials are planning on making this dinner a Center tradition.

The cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children, Children 10 and under eat free.

RSVP by Nov. 18 to Wende Webb at 941-778-1908, ext. 9203, or wendew@ islandcommunitycenter.org

Seniors visit farm and store

Lego Club at library The Island Branch Library, at 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, hosts playtime with America’s favorite building toys, Legos, on Saturday, Nov. 21, at 2 p.m. The library recently got new Legos, so kids won’t have to bring anything but their imaginations. Call the library at6 778-6341 for any questions.

Dance party at the Center Join Rex Hagen at his Roaring 50s Dance Party at The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 3 to 5:30 p.m.

Janine and Patrick Scott will provide

NOVEMBER 18, 2015

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Limerick, e.g.

5 Underground molten rock 10 "Get lost!"

14 Far from fair 15 Double-reed woodwinds 16 Global extremity 17 Rural political bloc 19 Shortly, to Shakespeare 20 Submitted 21 Opponents 23 Mate for a stag 24 Amin of Uganda 25 Crate-moving equipment 27 Mountain climber's return trip 31 Rain really hard 32 The Trojans of the NCAA 33 Silly error

Answers to 11-11-15 Crossword Puzzle.

36 Other side, in war 39 Bone-breaking combo, in a playground rhyme 43 Martial arts-based workout 44 "Stop stalling!"

45 Three, in Napoli 46 Circus safety gear 48 Double-__: traitor 51 Slow-cooked entrée 55 Really annoy 56 "The Greatest" in the ring 57 "Get lost!"

58 Farther below sea level 62 CBS legal drama "The Good __" 64 Retail outlet with a tech support area called the "Genius Bar" 66 Bad to the bone 67 River in Düsseldorf, in Düsseldorf

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68 Nebula named for a crustacean, which can precede the starts of 17-, 25-, 39-, 51- and 64-Across 69 Pack of cards 70 Desirable trait 71 Citgo rival Down 1 Wrinkly-faced dogs 2 Storybook baddie 3 Splashy style 4 Connecticut home of a 19-acre maritime museum 5 Breakfast times 6 Blood classification letters 7 __ on a tangent 8 "Likewise" 9 Stand up for (oneself) 10 Health resort 11 Burger bar array 12 Emotionally distant 13 Religious belief 18 One of a triangle trio 22 Sport with clay targets 26 Carson's successor 27 Clean with a rag 28 Juanita's "this" 29 Word before method or notation 30 Pond hopper 34 Singer Yoko 35 Govt. banking protector 37 Inconsequential 38 River of Flanders 40 Trucker on a radio 41 Zither-like Japanese

instruments 42 Shrill 47 World's largest desert 49 Mine extracts 50 Undetailed drawing

51 Toyed with, cat-style 52 Martini garnish 53 Last year's frosh 54 Drinks excessively 59 Skin opening

60 Important chapters in history 61 Civil War fighters 63 Bugling beast 65 Stretch the truth

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Obituaries Mary Jane DuCharme Mary Jane DuCharme, 87, of Bradenton, passed away in her home Sunday, Nov. 8 2015.

Mary was born on March 21,1928, in Perth Amboy, N.J., to the late George Kayfield and Catherine Oles. She was the youngest and last to survive of 5 children. Mary worked as a Realtor for many years in both New Jersey and Florida, but her passion was art.

She launched her career as an artist in the early 1970s in Encino, Calif. She signed her paintings under the name “Hadije” to honor her Albanian heritage. Mary returned to New Jersey in 1974. In 1985 she relocated to Bradenton and quickly immersed herself in the art community as an instructor, contributor and inspiration. She was a member of Longboat Key Center for the Arts, Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island, Art Center Sarasota, Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society, and Art Center Manatee. Her most recognized piece of work is her painting of Jesus resembling stained glass, which can be viewed at http://fineartamerica.com/ profiles/mary-ducharme.html.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Valeri DuCharme; two grandchildren, Victor Plagany and Julie Fernandez; and three great grandchildren.

A memorial Mass celebrating her life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 20, at Holy Cross Church, 505 26th St W Palmetto, FL 34221. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements. The family requests that attire be colorful in honor of Mary

BEACH BEAT Anna Maria

11/7, fall and injury, Anna Maria City Pier, 100 S. Bay Blvd. The deputy was informed of a woman who fell on the pier near the fish cleaning table. The deputy said the boardwalk was wet. She was treated and released.

Cortez

11/7, battery, 119th block of Cortez Road West. An intoxicated male started a fight with another intoxicated male who brushed against his backpack.

When the deputy arrived, the victim said he did not want to press charges.

Holmes Beach

10/31, DUI, 200 Gulf Drive North. The

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

Rhea Grafton Chiles, wife of the late Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles and beloved mother of Tandy Chiles, Lawton “Bud” Chiles III, Ed Chiles, and Rhea Gay Chiles, died at her home in Anna Maria Island, Fla., on Nov. 8, 2015, of natural causes at the age of 84.

Rhea Grafton was born on Dec. 1, 1930, to Philip and May Grafton of Pittsburg, Penn. After her family moved to Florida, Rhea attended schools in Dade County.

She attended the University of Florida, where she served on the staff of the student newspaper, The Alligator, and was president of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. She met Lawton Chiles at the University of Florida in 1948.

Rhea Grafton and Lawton Chiles were married in Lakeland, Fla., on Jan. 25, 1951. The two shared a partnership in life and politics for more than 47 years, until his death on Dec. 12, 1998.

She supported Lawton Chiles through his many political campaigns, from the Florida House of Representatives, to the Florida Senate, to the United States Senate, and to the governor’s office. He called her “the best political sounding board that I have.”

Gov. Chiles often talked of his “inner voices” that helped guide him through his most important decisions. Rhea was the most important of those voices.

It was Rhea who had the idea for Lawton, then a state senator from Lakeland, to walk from Jay, Fla., to Key West as he sought a seat in the United States Senate in 1970. It earned him

the nickname “Walkin’ Lawton” and the Senate seat.

In their first year living in Washington, Rhea noticed a dilapidated but historic row house on Capitol Hill. She arranged for its purchase, rehabilitated it, and founded within its walls Florida House, the only state embassy in the nation’s capital. Florida House annually hosts 10,000 visitors to Washington.

As Florida’s First Lady from 1991 to 1998, Rhea Chiles championed many notable causes. She upgraded the technological resources of the governor’s office and made the first inventory of the governor’s mansion possessions and furnishings. In 1997, she envisioned, edited, and oversaw the production of “700 North Adams Street,” an illustrated history of Florida’s two Governor’s Mansions and the families who occupied them.

Among her most significant contributions, and one of which she was most proud, was her vision that students should be consulted in designing the anti-tobacco youth program that resulted from Governor Chiles’ historic tobacco settlement. Her vision ultimately became the “Truth” anti-tobacco campaign, which has been highly successful in curbing youth smoking and has become a model for the nation.

An accomplished artist, Rhea’s painting of Florida’s Myakka River, “Heartland,” was awarded the Heartland Award by Gov. Chiles to Floridians who exemplified long-term commitment and service to their communities. Her watercolor, “Window to Washington,” which depicts the view of the Capitol from the upstairs window of Florida House on Capitol Hill, is considered the artistic signature of the important gathering place that she founded. Most recently, she founded The Studio at Gulf and Pine, a community cultural center near her home in Anna Maria,

officer was conversing with another on his radio after helping with a call in Bradenton Beach. As they drove, the other officer warned that a car behind him was approached fast. The driver stopped in time, and the officer turned around to stop her. She reportedly threw the car keys out the window after stopping, and when the officer approached her, she said she was not driving. The officer said he looked her right in the eye while she was driving.

When he opened her car door, he found an open bottle of vodka behind the center console. The suspect was uncooperative, and the officer finally read her Miranda rights, and she refused to take a breath test. She was arrested.

10/31, attached tag not assigned to vehicle, 3200 block of East Bay Drive. The officer stopped a driver for no lights on the trailer he was towing. A computer check showed the license on the trailer

was registered to a car. When he asked the driver why, he said he sold his car and put the tag on the trailer to get it to Florida. He was ticketed.

11/1, driving with a suspended license with knowledge, 700 block of Manatee Avenue. The officer stopped the driver when he pulled into the CVS Pharmacy while it was closed. When he approached the driver, he handed him a Florida ID. The driver said he pulled into the lot to return videos. A computer check showed his license as suspended. He was ticketed.

11/2, burglary to a vehicle, 200 block of 65th Street. Tools were stolen from a trailer.

10/3, burglary, 500 block of 56th Street.

The victim said a power strip, wireless mouse and two jars of coins were stolen while the burglar left televisions and other valuables. The burglar found a point of entry at a sliding glass door.

and her love for bold and vibrant color as reflected in her artwork. Memorial contributions may be made to Tidewell Hospice, Inc. 4151 37th St E., Palmetto, FL 34221. Condolences www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

Rhea Grafton Chiles

NOVEMBER 18, 2015

Fla. Rhea Chiles was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Ed Grafton, and her husband, Lawton Chiles.

She is survived by her four children, grandchildren Joe Lawton Barrett, Tandy Bondi, Lawton Chiles IV, Katie Chiles Ottenweller, Geoffrey Chiles, Ashley Chiles, Cristin Chiles, Lexi McKinnon Zuo, Mack McKinnon, Ansley McKinnon and three greatgrandchildren.

A celebration of her life was scheduled for Monday, Nov. 16, at 11 a.m., Faith Presbyterian Church, Tallahassee, Fla. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Children’s Home Society (CHSFL.org) or the Lawton Chiles Foundation (chilesfoundation. org). Send any correspondence to 12008 Miccosukee Road, Tallahassee, FL 32309.

James Michael Chapman James Michael Chapman, 63, formerly of Holmes Beach, died Oct. 25, 2015.

He attended Anna Maria Elementary School and Manatee High and Venice high schools He enjoyed surfing and spending time on the beach, reading, music and his dogs and cat. He owned several businesses and was a consultant for Indian tribes in Florida and California.

He is survived by his loving wife, Vivian; a son, Alex (Sandy), of Bradenton; two grandchildren, Elizabeth and Sasha; a sister, Penny (David) Anderson, of North Port; a brother, Charles (Debbie), of Wesley Chapel; three nephews; and three nieces.

A memorial gathering will be held at the south side of Manatee Beach on Saturday, Nov. 21, at 3 p.m.

11/4, driving with a suspended license, failure to obtain a Florida license after establishing residency, 4000 Gulf Drive. The officer ran a computer check and found the driver of the car that he saw pull into the beach parking lot. The driver said he had been living in the area for several months. He was ticketed.

11/5, failure to obtain a Florida license after establishing residency, 6800 block of Marina Drive. The officer stopped the driver for failure to hold a single lane and found the driver had been working and living here without changing to a Florida License. He was ticketed.

11/5, arrests, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach Skate Park. The officer responded to the park after hearing of some people who refused to leave. He arrested one subject who had a warrant from Manatee County for possession of drug paraphernalia.

NOVEMBER 18, 2015

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

BUSINESS FOR SALE

ANNA MARIA GARDEN CLUB Plant Sale. Saturday November 21. 9am1pm at Roser Church

EXCELLENT BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY! 45'x 12' Custom Trident Riverboat Replica, the "Island Rose", Tour/ Dinner Cruise Vessel w/ Twin 130 hp Honda Outboards, 12.5 KW Westerbeke Generator, Climate Controlled, Wet Bar w/4 Sinks, 2 Ice Bins, 2 Refrigerators, Dual Tap Kegerator, Dual Zone Wine Cooler.

In Beautiful Like New Condition! Must See! $99,000. 352-428-9215

THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Dusty at 941779-7688.

ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, Walgreen's and The Anna Maria Island Sun Newspaper (corner of Gulf and Palm).

AUTOMOTIVE SALES & SERVICE 2003 805 SUZUKI MOTORCYCLE White with lots of chrome. Good shape & runs good. Saddle Bags. $3,000 OBO Call 941-2245328

CARPET CLEANING QUALITY COUNTS. CARPET cleaning. Upholstery cleaning. Tile & grout cleaning. Island's favorite cleaner. Manatee Chamber Member. Great price/free estimates. Call 941-7561082

CLEANING SERVICE C & T HOUSEKEEPING. For all your cleaning needs. Free Estimates.

Reasonable rates. Senior discount. References available. Call 941-9622512

BABY SITTER RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student.

Call or text Isabel 941-5457995

CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & RENTALS. "Have it done your way, we care about our work" Call 941-7564570

BOATS: PARTS & SERVICES & SALES SEASON HAS STARTEDBoats Needed. Excellent Location-Cortez.

We Also Buy Boats. www.Islandboatsales. net. 941-228-3489 BAYLINER 2655 CIERA 26' Modern Weekender/Fisherman. See on Island. Kept on lift and locally maintained. Lots of Boat for The Money $8900 OBO Capt Fred 941-356-1456 BOAT SLIPS FOR RENT. Up to 60 feet. Two minutes to Intracoastal Waterway by Cortez, Parrot Cove Marina 941-795-0088 GREAT BOAT SLIP with Lift, water, electric, 2 finger piers, Key Royale Canal Head, No Bridges. $275/ mo. Greg 410-782-9100.

24-8 2002 Grady White 225 hp. $15K, older owner must sell. Call 941-792-2388.

Call us today! 941-778-3986

PRESSURE WASHING AND WINDOWS residential, commercial & resorts. Roofs, buildings, houses, driveways etc.

Call 941-251-5948

COMMERCIAL SALES/ LEASES/RENTALS ANNA MARIA CITY Gulf Drive Frontage Commercial 2 Lots 104x120 Real Estate only $1,200,000. Call Alan Galletto Island Real Estate 941-232-2216 RESTAURANT/OFFICE/ RETAIL 1113 sf Kitchen Equipment include Gulf Drive Bradenton Beach $495,000 Call Alan Galletto Island Real Estate 941-232-2216

1200 SQ FT COMMERCIAL SPACE in prime location, Village of Cortez. Call A Paradise Realty for more information. 941-778-4800

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

EMPLOYMENT GIFT SHOP on AMI. Part-Time Position. Retiree’s welcome. Call 813-409-7540 HELP WANTED STYLIST & NAIL TECHNICIAN Current License required. Flexible hours.

Small shop on Island. Call Owner 941-538-0225 BARTENDER-PART TIME Apply @ Bortell’s 10002 Gulf Dr. Anna Maria. Any Day after 1:00 STYLIST AT RELIABLE, friendly, experienced. Part time, family owned island salon. 941-387-9807.

FOR SALE GOLF SUPPLIES: Never used golf balls, still in original boxes. 1Dz each: Titleist 100 HVC – Titleist Dt 90 - Top Flite Plus 2.

2 Dz Top Flite Z Bacata 90 - 3 balls Wilson MXD - 3 balls Wilson ProStaff.

Dozens of practice balls, tees etc. Retail would be at least $250. All for $75 On AMI 941-807-5492 HOUSEHOLD: OLD SMALL Secretary Desk $450. Foosball/Air Hockey Table $150.

Hayward Spa/Pool Heater $75. Kids Bikes $10 Call 941-356-1456

FURNITURE CUSTOM COASTAL FURNITURE & CABINETS by Frankie Z. ebay store.

Call 941-726-1482. 10015 Cortez Rd (corner of 101st) frankiezaff@yahoo.com

THE SUN

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES SALE! NIKI’S GIFT & ANTIQUE SHOP 5351 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach. All Sterling Jewelry 20% to 50% off.

Select Gifts, Miniatures, Perfume bottles, Bric-Brac, Shells, Art, Furniture, Books 30% to 85% off. New clothes from India, Scented soaps, Lots of Driftwood, Bathing suits. Open 7 days 9:30am-5pm.

ROSER THRIFT SHOP and ANNEX; Open 9:30a.m.

- 2p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, and 10a.m- 1p.m. Saturday.. Donations accepted 9-11 a.m. Wednesdays.

511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria 941-779-2733 HUGE YARD SALE Saturday 11/21 and Sunday 11/22, 9am- 2 pm Lots of children’s items including toys, clothing, cribs, car seats, high chair, along with household goods: king size mattress, grill, and much, MUCH more! 667 Key Royale Drive Holmes Beach

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

Neil 941-726-3077 RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-725-0073.

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CRC1327296.

Call Jerry Kern 941-5042222 www.kernconstructioninc.com “HONEY DO" HOME Repairs & Handyman Services.

35 yrs experience. Painting, drywall, tile, woodwork. All tasks. Call 941-896-5256 or 941-807-5256 www.honeydohomerepairinc.com HOME IMPROVEMENT Michigan General Contractor 30+ yrs. experience. Large or small projects. Budget minded knowledgeable tradesman will complete your project start to finish: On Time/On Budget. Call Mike 616-204-8822.

HANDYMAN. RETIRED ENGINEER. Free estimates.

“No job too Small”. Repairs, replacements, improvements, wall TV’s, shelves, cabinets, calking etc. Call Jim 941-448-7806 GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194.

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPING. Save water, gas, maintenance fees and the environment! Shell your yard. $50/yd installed. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067 R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured.

Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941 SHELL DELIVERED AND spread $50/yd. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770

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WALY PRECISION PAINTING custom painting, pressure washing, commercial/residential, interior/exterior, drywall/stucco, Licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-580-4005 www.

WalyPrecisionPainting.com “WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell 941794-0455

PETS ARE YOU WANTING to vacation and not worry if your pet is lonely. I will overnight in your home, so your animal can stay in his own environment. Home Sitting is also available.

Great References. Call Mary 941-405-2496 EXPERIENCED PETSITTER/WALKER will stay in your home if necessary. Reliable woman will provide loving care.

References provided.

Call 423-483-8059

LOST & FOUND

POOL SERVICES

LOST CAT “FIDO” He adopted us 16 years ago. His turf is in the area of 5392 Gulf Dr. near Time Saver and Niki’s . Has collar with a bell, chipped by Animal Clinic. If found please call 941-518-6329.

FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE. AMI & West Bradenton. Certified Pool Operator. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-737-5657

FOUND EYEGLASSES on beach in Holmes Beach city limits, early morning of November 2. Call 941-7784754

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

TWO MEN and a TRUCK. Movers who care. Local and Long distance. www. twomen.com Call 941-3591904. We sell boxes!

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

941-812-0507

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 LOOKING TO BUY or SALE a home? Contact Darcie Duncan for a personal approach to your real estate needs that will always make you feel at home. Discover the Duncan Difference.

941-779-0304

54 THE SUN

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REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE WEST BRADENTON DUPLEX 1413 & 1415 28th St W, Ground level block duplex. Nice residential neighborhood.

3BR/2BA/2CG & 2BR/1BA with carport. Approximately 2500SF Would make great family compound or Investment Property. $249,900. A Paradise Realty. Call JoAnne 941-8092488 AFFORABLE LIVING DOUBLE Wide 2BR/2BA in 55+ park. Pool, Club house, Activities. Low fee, Land Owned. $55,000. We have others. Real Estate Mart 941-356-1456 INVESTOR ALERT 1BR/1BA CONDO on Longboat Key may be rented 52 times per year, turn key furnished. $269,900, Erlene Fitzpatrick RE/MAX Alliance Group 941-224-6339 MOBILE HOME RENOVATED furnished, walk to Bradenton Beach, 2 full baths/ceramic tile, 1 bedroom large living room and kitchen, laundry room, W/D. Deck views of inter coastal, 3 parking spaces corner lot. 1 street from Historical Bridge St, 3 parking spaces. $55.00 Year boat dock/1 street away 603-508-2039

Call us today! 941-778-3986

BRADENTON COUNTRY CLUB 3BR/2BA home with upgrades on the Golf Course. Rarely available a must see! $399,000.

Brenda Boyd May Boyd Realty 941-730-8589.

LIFE IS GOOD LIVING on beautiful Anna Maria island a short walk to award winning beaches. 3BR/2.5BA elevated home with fenced free form pool and spa and 4 car garage. Karen Fineout Wagner realty 941518-3682 $749,000 TRIPLEX 2BR/1BA Each side. Plus 1BR efficiency.

Close to College $189,000.

Exclusive Real Estate Mart 941-356-1456

REAL ESTATE: LOTS FOR SALE BEAUTIFUL LOT AT 1107 Palma Sola Blvd. Ready to build your dream home.

For more info call Gregg Bayer at AMI Beaches Realestate Call 941-567-5234

REAL ESTATE: OPEN HOUSE OPEN HOUSE: PRICED REDUCED! Wednesday & Sunday. 1-3 PM 4BR/4 3300+ sq. ft. 8324 MARINA DR, Holmes Beach.

Gorgeous, beautiful layout, gourmet kitchen, art studio, huge master suite, large courtyard.

Linda Cinque Broker/ Associate Wagner Realty 941-228-5003.

RENTALS: ANNUAL 1BR/1BA in Triplex near St. Stephen’s / Manatee High. Water, Sewer, Trash, electric & Gas incl. . $825/ mo, $825 security. Credit & Background required.

Available Now. Ask for Ed. DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www. teamduncan.com ANNUAL RENTAL and CONDOMINIUM Association management serviced by (2) offices open 7 days a week! Contact junew@ islandreal.com – 941-3451295 - Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island, Inc PALMA SOLA HARBOUR: 1BR/1BA furnished villa w/community pool, boat docks, & fitness center. $1300/mo. or winter rental – 3 month minimum at $2600/mo. Available Jan. 1 Contact junew@islandreal. com or 941-345-1295 ANNUAL RENTAL- Anna Maria, 3BR/2BA home with garage. $2,200/mo.

Fran Maxon Real Estate 941-778-2307.

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

NOVEMBER 18, 2015

ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fl Condos. Pool beach access, fully equipped $650-$800/ wk Redekercondos.com 941-704-7525 or 941-7781915

CONDO WITH CARPORT 2BR/2BA Furnished.

Monthly or for Season. Call Ren 941-778-4497

WILLKOMMEN AUF AMI! Besuchen Sie Island Real Estate in einem unserer Inselbüros (6101 Marina Drive oder 419 Pine Ave) mit unserem deutschsprachigen Reservierungsservice und erhalten ein freies Island Real Estate Baseball Cap! Wir geben Ihnen gerne mehr Auskunft über unsere 250 ausgewählte Feriendomizile für Ihren nächsten Urlaub!

AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $85, Sarasota $35, Clearwater $75, Fort Meyers $150, Orlando $150.

Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www. amitaxi.com

BEAUTIFUL BEACHFRONT CONDO: 2BR/2BA Large heated pool, tennis, elevator.

Available January 10 to March 31. Holmes Beach, Call 858-3457160 AFFORDABLE VACATION RENTALS 1BR/1BA Lanai Mobile Home. NovemberDecember $1200/mo.

January to April $1600/ mo & others. 8 miles from Island. Pool, clubhouse, Activities. Realtor 941-3561456 RENTAL CANCELLATION: Lovely 2BR/1BA, Stilt home west of Gulf Drive on Peppertree Lane, January - April 2016. Home is Immaculate, many extras.

Phone 813-758-3762.

TRANSPORTATION

ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all airports, appointments, shopping, etc. Tampa $60. Sarasota $30. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne.

941-779-5095

ROGER'S AIRPORT SERVICE. Tampa, St. Pete/ Clearwater, Sarasota/ Bradenton. Call Roger 941773-1469 ADMIRAL TOWN CAR Professional chauffeur, taxi prices! Airports (1@ $75, 10 $150 to Tampa), Appointments anywhere.

Credit cards accepted. Phil 941-320-1120 admiraltowncar@gmail.com, Licensed & Insured

www.amisun.com

NOVEMBER 18, 2015

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home improvement

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

home improvement

transportation

HOME SITTING / PET SITTING

movers

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WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

Darcie Duncan Broker - Owner

Cindy Jones Sales Associate

Michelle Laade Sales Associate

Ed Kirn Broker Associate

Greg Burke Sales Associate

Billi Gartman Sales Associate

NOVEMBER 18, 2015

Kandi Kerekes Sales Associate

April Greene Denise Crownover Susanne Kasten Sales Associate Broker Associate Sales Associate

Vacation Rentals s Sales s Property Management

TeamDuncan.com s 941.779.0304

310 Pine Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216