Anna Maria Island Sun November 29, 2017

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 18 No. 7

November 29, 2017

Bridges to open less frequently A reduction in bridge openings first discussed in 2014 is now in effect.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Cortez and Manatee Avenue bridges are now to be opened twice an hour instead of three times an hour, from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.

The Coast Guard-approved changes to the drawbridge opening schedules for two of the Island’s three drawbridges took effect Oct. 5. The amended final rule, 33 Code of Federal Regulations 117, was entered in the Federal Register on Sept. 5.

Both bridges will now be raised on the quarter hour and the three-quarter hour – 15 minutes after the hour

We’ve had some inquiries saying the bridge is opened unnecessarily.

We checked our records and never found any evidence of that.”

Jim Jacobsen FDOT see bridge, page 32

Funds come through for park improvements Commissioners approved a budget amendment to reallocate funds to the improvement of the dog park. A budget amendment wasn’t needed to redistribute funds for the skate park.

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

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Let there be lights!

Deb Myers, of Bridge Street Interiors, strikes a holiday pose after hitting the switch and illuminating the Bridge Street Christmas tree over the weekend. More on Page 26.

INSIDE NEWS OPINION Sun survey HOLIDAY EVENTS outdoors entertainment real estate crossword

4 6 7 19 24 31 30-35 36

HOLMES BEACH – The money is ready and waiting to be spent on improvements to the dog and skate parks.

Commissioners unanimously approved a budget amendment to move $50,000 from other accounts to the city’s Parks and Beautification Committee for dog park improvements. The funds do not add to the city’s budget for the 2017-18 fiscal

the closing

of the City Pier leaves a lasting impact on its former employees. 9

Anna Maria Island, Florida

The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

The Holmes Beach skate park remains closed as funds for repairs are allocated to help spruce up the 15 year old facilities. year or impact other projects. City Treasurer Lori Hill said the money is being pulled from the city’s general government contingency fund, leaving $50,000 remaining in the account.

She said because the funds were not used in the previous year, unless the see park, page 35

Camille Richards lands on AMI during a 1,515 mille kayak trip. 21 Waterline Resort opens its

doors Wednesday. 3 www.amisun.com

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NOVEMBER 29, 2017

NOVEMBER 29, 2017

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THE SUN

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Tree house case moves up

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

HOLMES BEACH - The tree house case may be heard by the highest court in the land. Owners Richard Hazen and Lynn Tran have petitioned the United States Supreme Court to hear the case.

The hope for Tran and Hazen is that the Supreme Court will agree to hear the case and that the court will overrule a previous decision made in the city’s favor. City leaders have demanded the tree house be removed. Tran said she’s applied for a demolition permit but she hopes she never has to use it. The attempt to move the case to the Supreme Court is a last-ditch effort by the owners to save the tree house from the wrecking ball. The legal battle between the city and Hazen-Tran has been ongoing for several years after the two story structure was built in an Australian pine tree on the edge of the Angelinos Sea Lodge property.

Attorney Jim Dye, representing the city, said in a Nov. 22 email to Mayor Bob Johnson there’s no set timeline for the court to review the case. Typical procedure is for the justices’ clerks to review all briefs for certiorari review before passing them along to the justices, who have the final say on whether or not the case is heard. Dye said the Supreme Court typically only hears cases pertaining to federal issues. Thus far, a federal issue has not been raised in the tree house case.

This new motion is not to ask for a judgement by

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Waterline is scheduled to open Nov. 29.

Doors open at Waterline resort

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

The tree house still stands beachside in Holmes Beach as its owners await word from Washington D.C. if the Supreme Court will hear the case. the court but rather to determine if the court will devote any time and effort to the case.

It’s been a long road to opening day at the new Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club.

After two years of construction, the resort will open its doors to the public Wednesday, Nov. 29, and is taking reservations for guests beginning Nov. 30.

Holmes Beach Building Official Jim McGuinness announced during the Nov. 21 city commission meeting that the resort had passed final inspections, and he issued a full certificate of occupancy for the property, allowing it to finally open to the public. Conditions for the certificate include repaving Sunrise Lane, maintaining adjacent drainage improvements and not using lockout mechanisms to turn the hotel’s 37 twobedroom suites into 74 one-bedroom suites.

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ISLAND NEWS

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NOVEMBER 29, 2017

in brief

Making Christmas wishes come true

Relive the story of Christmas

BY KRISTIN SWAIN

Roser Community Church will recreate the birth of Jesus this Saturday, Dec. 2, when it presents its annual Bethlehem Walk starting at 6 p.m. at the church, 512 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria.

There will be animals and costumes of the era as the attendees walk with Joseph and Mary in search of a room for the birth of the baby Jesus. The crowd will sing Christmas carols as they walk from stop to stop.

It’s an education for youngsters and adults alike. The walk ends back at the church, where Mary and Joseph go inside and come back holding their newborn baby.

Cookies and refreshments will be served after the walk, which is free. For more information, call the church at 941778-0414.

Open house and tree lighting Friday The Holmes Beach Holiday Open House will be held on Friday, Dec. 1, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the businesses around the intersection of Gulf and Marina Drives. Businesses will offer snacks and liquid refreshments and special sales items. These small independent businesses offer merchandise that is unique and the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce urges shoppers to help the local economy by shopping locally.

The Chamber will hold its annual tree lighting ceremony in its parking lot at 5313 Gulf Drive at 6 p.m., and food and drinks will be available inside the office. Anthony’s Cooling, Heating and Electrical put up the lights.

Carolers from CrossPointe Fellowship will add to the festivities and Santa will be there with his sleigh, courtesy of the Privateers. It’s an opportunity to get out and meet some neighbors and friends in this Island tradition.

Christmas on Bridge Street Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach will be transformed into a winter wonderland on Saturday, Dec. 16, during the Bridge Street Merchants annual Christmas on Bridge Street. Event coordinator “Stone Crab” Steve Arvey said there will be live music all day, Christmas songs, Santa Claus, food vendors, spirits, wine and beer sales and more. Taking place in and around the vacant lot between Fish Hole Adventure Golf and the Island Time Inn, Christmas on Bridge Street will start around noon and go until about 9 p.m. There is no admission fee for this familyoriented event and more details will be provided soon.

Network at the Farm House The year’s final Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Business Card Exchange will be at The Farm House Inn at Mixon Fruit Farms, 2525 27th St. E., Bradenton. The Farm House Inn is the original home of Bill Mixon, patriarch of the fruit farm company that bears his name. The evening also will include a chamber ribbon cutting to celebrate the Mixon’s newest business, U-Pin-It, the latest electronic marketing tool and database management system. There will be light bites, refreshments and holiday camaraderie. For more information, call the Chamber at 941-778-3986.

SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – It all started 17 years ago with one child who was in need. Now, Paradise Bagels owner Jackie Estes and her daughter, Cindy Thompson, have started a movement to help make Christmas wishes come true for many Manatee County children.

The Giving Tree is a project near and dear to Estes. She sets up the Christmas tree in front of a large window at her restaurant, fills it with tags identifying children only by their age and gender, and dozens of community members step up to play Santa for children whose families need a little help with the holidays.

“Anyone who needs help goes on the tree,” she said, adding that she vets each family to make sure the gifts gathered go to the intended child.

From now through Dec. 22, community members can visit Paradise Bagels every day from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., select a tag and shop for a child. Each child should have two gifts – something to wear and something to play with. Gifts must be returned wrapped to the restaurant where they will be placed under the tree before being collected by the children’s parents just before Christmas.

For more information, contact Estes at 941-7791212 or visit Paradise Bagels at 3210 East Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

Kristin Swain | Sun

Presents already rest underneath the Giving Tree Nov. 22 at Paradise Bagels and many more will arrive before the Dec. 22 deadline to donate gifts to underprivileged children in Manatee County.

Celebrate the holidays at the Center Come out to The Center of Anna Maria Island Saturday, Dec. 2, to celebrate Lester Family Fun Day. The day of old fashioned fun at old fashioned prices kicks off at 10:30 a.m. at the Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Sponsored for the 16th year by Chuck and Joey Lester, festivities include pony rides, face painting, crafts, games, balloons, holiday cookie decorating and a bounce house.

Santa also will be on-hand, escorted in at noon by the Manatee High School Drum Line. Other performances will take place throughout the day, including a rendition of “The Nutcracker” by students at The Diane Partington Studio of Classic Ballet.

Lunch including burgers, hot dogs, snacks and soda will be available for purchase.

The winner of a 50/50 raffle will be decided at 1:30 p.m. as numbered golf balls are dropped on the Center’s field from a helicopter. The first ball in the hole or the

file photo

Golf balls for the 50/50 raffle fall to the field at The Center of Anna Maria Island during a past Lester Family Fun Day celebration. one that lands closest to the hole wins half the pot. Balls are $100 each and can be purchased at the

front desk.

For more information, contact the Center at 941-778-1908.

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NOVEMBER 29, 2017

Holiday Open House The holiday festivities will include vocal performances and an early visit from Santa.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria Historical Society invites residents and visitors to join the participating Anna Maria businesses and merchants for the annual Holiday of Treasures Open House taking place Friday, Dec. 8, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Folks are invited to stroll through the businesses on and around Pine Avenue, Gulf Drive and South Bay Boulevard, some of whom will be staying open later than usual.

“The idea is that people walk from store to store

file photo

The businesses along Pine Avenue will be among those participating in the annual open house.

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Nonconforming use upheld for Island hotel Commissioners agree to uphold the city attorney’s determination that the Palm Tree Villas property can continue to operate as a hotel as a nonconforming use in the R-2 residential district.

BY KRISTIN SWAIN

and the stores stay open and serve light refreshments,” said Publicity Director Valerie Wilson.

The Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum will also be open that night and Wilson said there is currently a museum display pertaining to the Anna Maria City Pier due to all the recent interest in the historic pier built in 1911 and the replacement pier now being discussed.

The Roser Memorial Community Church Chil-

dren’s Choir will perform in the adjacent Historical Park, 402 Pine Ave., at 6 p.m.

Co-sponsored by The Sun, the open house is family-friendly and free of charge.

Before the Holiday Open House begins, the city of Anna Maria will host a choral group performance and a visit from Santa Claus from 4 to 6 p.m. at City Pier Park, with free cookies and eggnog served For more information, call 941-216-4448.

SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – A zoning mystery has left one hotel in limbo.

During the Nov. 21 meeting, City Attorney Patricia Petruff addressed a zoning issue with 207 66th Street, a transient rental property spread across three buildings surrounding a front yard pool.

Petruff said while the property has been in business since 1969 as a transient rental apartment, the zoning of the property has changed from A-1, which allows such rentals, to R-2, a see hotel, page 31

Submitted

A satellite view shows the three buildings of the Palm Tree Villas on 66th Street in Holmes Beach situated around a front yard pool.

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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 29, 2017

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Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment?

Is there something you need to get off your chest?

Send us a letter to the editor and have your say.

There are a couple of ways to do it. The easiest and most direct is to e-mail The Sun at news@ amisun.com. Remember to put Letter to the Editor in the subject field. Or you can snail-mail a letter to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun, Island Sun Plaza, P.O. Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Or you can hand-deliver a letter to our office in Island Sun Plaza, 9801 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria.

Letters should be kept to 300 words or less and must contain your name and the city in which you reside. Personal attacks and obscene language will not be printed. The Sun reserves the right to edit letters for length or content.

The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field Reporters Cindy Lane Joe Hendricks Kristin Swain Tom Vaught

Layout Ricardo Fonseca Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis Ad director Chantelle Lewin

Ad assistants Chris Boniberger Diane Martin Classified ads Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Digital director Cindy Lane

Accounting John Reitz Distribution Bob Alexander Tony McNulty Connor Field Contributors Steve Borggren Monica Simpson Rusty Chinnis Pat Copeland Sean Murphy

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NOVEMBER 29, 2017

THE SUN

the sun survey

on the agenda

PREVIOUS QUESTION: Should the School Board overrule a decision not allow-

Anna Maria

ing eight mainland students to ride the bus to Anna Maria Elementary School?

33%

No, there aren't enough qualified school bus drivers.

10005 Gulf Drive.

11/30: City Commission meeting, 6 p.m.

12/6: Special City Commission meeting, 10 a.m.

12/12: Planning and Zoning Board meeting, 4 p.m.

12/14: City Commission meeting, 6 p.m.

For information, call 7086130.

Bradenton Beach 107 Gulf Drive N.

12/6: Pier Team meeting, 11 a.m.

12/6: Scenic WAVES Committee meeting, 3 p.m.

12/6: Special City Commission meeting, 5 p.m.

12/7: City Commission meeting, 6 p.m.

67%

Yes. The Board should find a way to provide these kids with bus service.

0%

Do you favor reducing the Island drawbridge openings from three times an hour to two times an hour during the day?

12/13: CRA work meeting, master plan, 9:30 a.m.

12/13: City Commission work meeting, alleys, 11 a.m.

For information, call 7781005.

Holmes Beach 5801 Marina Drive.

12/4: Ad Hoc form of government Committee meeting, 1 p.m.

12/6: Parks and Beautification committee meeting, 10 a.m.

12/6: Planning Commission meeting, 6 p.m.

12/12: City Commission meeting with work session to follow, 6 p.m.

12/13: FEMA Flood Risk Review meeting, 1 to 5 p.m.

For information, call 7085800.

mark your calendar Find some more drivers.

Note: Events are free unless indicated.

Wednesday November 29

The sun survey is not a scientific poll and is used for entertainment purposes only.

THIS WEEK’S SURVEY

7

• Yes. Traffic gets insanely backed up whenever the drawbridges are opened.

• No. The openings are as important to the boating community as the roads are to motorists.

• No opinion. I never leave the Island anyway.

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

LIKE us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun View The Sun’s online edition at www.issuu.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

Einstein Circle, Lifelong Learning Academy at The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 11 a.m.

Gentle chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, noon.

Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting at Seaside Laundromat & More/Your Personal Touch Apparel & Accessories, 5400B Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 5:30 p.m.

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

Thursday November 30

Veteran services information, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m.

Zumba and mat pilates for seniors, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 10 a.m., $10 per class.

Reserve to maryannbrady@ theparadisecenter.org or 941-383-6493.

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

ACBL open pairs duplicate bridge, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive,

Longboat Key, second floor, 1 p.m., $11 per game with coffee and snacks provided.

Reserve to 941-216-9600 or sjbrill@aol.com.

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

Friday

December 1

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

Intermediate bridge session, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., $10, includes coffee and cookies.

Reserve to maryannbrady@ theparadisecenter.org or 941-383-6493.

Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

Sunset drum circle, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

Holmes Beach Holiday Open House, downtown Holmes Beach near the Marina and Gulf drives intersection, 5 to 8 p.m.

Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Tree Lighting, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 6 p.m.

Saturday December 2

Bay wise kayak tour, Neal Preserve, 12301 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 9:30 a.m. Reserve to 941-955SEE CALENDAR, PAGE 8

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mark your calendar From Page 7

8085.

Ask a master gardener, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10:30 a.m.

Lester Family Fun Day, The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

ACBL open pairs duplicate bridge, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 1 p.m., $11 per game with coffee and snacks provided. Reserve to 941-216-9600 or sjbrill@aol.com.

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

Bethlehem Walk, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 6:30 p.m.

Sunday December 3

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

For information call 941-518-4431.

Monday December 4

Anna Maria Island Swap Meet, Lifelong Learning Academy at The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 11 a.m., $5. Reserve to 941-778-1908 or www. centerami.org/event/ami-swap-meet.

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

TED Talks to AMI, Lifelong Learning Academy at The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 1 p.m., $5. Reserve to 941-778-1908 or www.centerami.org/event/ ted-talks-ami.

Tuesday December 5

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

Mahjong for beginners, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., $10, snacks are provided.

ACBL open pairs duplicate bridge, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 1 p.m., $11 per game with coffee and snacks provided. Reserve to 941-216-9600 or sjbrill@aol.com.

Computer Class: Android, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Wednesday December 6

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

Lunch and Learn: Key Components of Optimal Aging, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second

floor, 11 a.m., $10 including lunch. Reserve to maryannbrady@theparadisecenter.org or 941-383-6493.

Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce December luncheon, The Bridge Tender Inn, 135 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, $15 for members and $25 for prospective members.

Gentle chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, noon.

Fire Tonic class, The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St., Cortez, 6:30 p.m. Reserve to 941-708-6120 or www. floridafolkschool.org.

Thursday December 7

Veteran Services Information, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m.

Green Explorers: Butterfly Bounty, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton, 10 a.m. Reserve to coral.bass@mymanatee.org or 941-742-5757, ext. 4 Zumba and mat pilates for seniors, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 10 a.m., $10 per class. Reserve to maryannbrady@theparadisecenter.org or 941-383-6493.

ACBL open pairs duplicate bridge, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 1 p.m., $11 per game with coffee and snacks provided. Reserve to 941-216-9600 or sjbrill@aol.com.

Knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701

NOVEMBER 29, 2017

Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Friday

December 8

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

Intermediate bridge session, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., $10, includes coffee and cookies. Reserve to maryannbrady@theparadisecenter.org or 941-383-6493.

Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m.

Alzheimer’s caregiver support group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Sunset drum circle, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

Holiday of Treasures Open House, Pine Avenue, Anna Maria, 5 to 8 p.m.

Choral performance and visit from Santa, City Pier Park, corner of Pine Avenue and South Bay Boulevard, Anna Maria, 4 to 6 p.m.

Saturday December 9

Holly Berry Bazaar, Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m.

Privateers Christmas Parade, Pine Ave. to Coquina Beach Front Park, 10 a.m.

Winterfest art show and market, Holmes Beach city field, 5801 Marina Drive, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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NOVEMBER 29, 2017

THE SUN

9

Pier closing leaves lasting impact The pier closing has had a ripple effect on those who once worked and played there.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The former employees of the restaurant and adjoining bait shop on the Anna Maria City Pier gathered Thanksgiving morning at the nearby Bayfront Park.

The group of about 40 people also included friends, family members and former customers. Last week’s gathering was the first time many had seen each other since the pier was closed in early September due to damage sustained during Hurricane Irma. For safety reasons, the pier will remain closed until a new pier is built, which could take two years.

Built in 1911, the city-owned pier and pier buildings leased to longtime tenant Mario Schoenfelder were already slated for future replacement when Hurricane Irma ripped the roof off the bait shop, damaged the T-end decking and created leaks in the roof of the City Pier Restaurant.

Pier personalities

Brian Blaine, 44, spent the past six years tending bar at the bait shop. Before that, he was an executive recruiter and corporate head hunter.

“I’d look at resumes, then go out to the pier and drink a beer or two with the old-timers,” he said of his pre-pier employment.

“The pier was not your typical restaurant. The pier is a magical place for us.

joe hendricks | SUN

A group of pier employees showed up at Bayfront Park Thanksgiving morning.

It was my favorite place in the world.

It’s the worst I’ve been paid, but the best corner office I ever had; and it’s a misconception that we are transients,” he said, before passing out lottery tickets as holiday gifts.

Alan Wirshborn, 64, was a bait shop bartender for the past three and half years. He now works part-time at the Bridge Tender Inn in Bradenton Beach.

“It’s been rough. I don’t think many of us have recovered from this,” he said.

Dwayne Martin, 69, worked at the bait shop for six years. He, too, was a regular customer before he was an employee.

“The customers became friends. For me, it was a little bit of money, but it was the center of our social life. The side bar at the bait shop was a memo-

rial to the old guys who used to be pier regulars. They passed away, and we’ve got their names engraved in there. We need that saved,” he said.

“We’re like lost souls roaming around the Island looking for a place to go.

We’ve been going to the Rod & Reel a couple days a week, but it’s not the same. There’s no replacement,” he said of the pier regulars.

Former general manager David Sork disputed the notion that displaced restaurant workers can easily move from job to job. He found a job off-Island after the pier closed, but that was short-lived.

“In terms of manpower, we’ve had one of the most stable organizations that I’ve ever seen around here,” Sork said. “We have mortgages, leases, day care, kids in schools and all that stuff.

I don’t know anybody that’s upgraded since they left the pier.”

“We all knew at some point this place would close down – probably at the end of its lease – but we closed on a Thursday night, and that’s the last night we were there. I didn’t realize the emotional attachment I had to all these people and that pile of lumber out there,” he said.

Changing places

Waitress Cindy Graeff started working on the pier in 1997 when John Horne and his original Anna Maria Oyster Bar were the pier tenants.

She later went to work with Sork at the Rod & Reel Pier and joined him at the city pier after Schoenfelder secured the lease in 2000. see pier, page 31

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THE SUN

NOVEMBER 29, 2017

HBPD officers help feed the hungry PALMETTO – Local law enforcement officers are stepping up to help the less fortunate this holiday season.

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer, joined other department officers along with representatives from several other local law enforcement agencies to hand out turkeys, food and bicycles to the less fortunate as a part of the Mayors Feed the Hungry program. HBPD representatives also gave away 13 bicycles gathered over the years as found property not reported as stolen or claimed by their owners.

In its second year in Holmes Beach, the Mayors Feed the Hungry food drive, conducted for two weeks in November, drew

Submitted | Sun

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer gives away bicycles to people in need of transportation during an event to distribute food donated from participants in the Mayors Feed the Hungry program. a good response from the community Tokajer said.

“Donations went well here,” he said. “As the word gets out, more

people are participating.”

This was the first year all three Island mayors participated in the food drive.

“It’s a way to give back during the time of year you're most thankful for the gifts given to you,” Tokajer said.

‘Tis the Season for Santa and Savings!

Gift cards for waterfront, toes in the sand dining make the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday list!

Special Holiday Sale!

For every $100 in gift cards purchased you’ll receive a Bonus Gift Card worth $25.

Join Grego and his amazing racing hermit crabs every Tuesday at 7:00 PM

Purchase online, call or visit. E-Gift Cards also available. e.

IslandDining.com

Special Holiday Sale 11/1/17 - 1/7/18.

1/7/18 Bonus Card may not be used on day of purchase.

Gift cards do not expire.

Sunday Dec. 3rd 4628 119th St W Cortez (941)798-2035 swordfishgrill.com Marker Marker 49 by boat

NOVEMBER 29, 2017

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THE SUN

11

AMI Plaza restaurant owner gets reprieve Plaza owner Mike Hynds receives a reprieve from city commissioners extending the grace period to open a new restaurant at the former Lobstah’s location without losing the amount of seats grandfathered to the restaurant due to its parking situation.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Commissioners are willing to back a decision by Mayor Bob Johnson to grant an extension covering grandfathering of a provision for the number of seats in the former Lobstah’s restaurant but they’re not willing to give any more concessions to owner Mike Hynds.

During the Nov. 21 meeting, commissioners discussed an Oct. 18 dated letter from Mayor Bob Johnson, drafted at the commissioners’ request, advising Hynds that his signature is needed on a resolution allowing him to build four one-bedroom residential units on a second floor of the plaza. The letter also stated that if a new restaurant venture isn’t planned for the vacant Lobstah’s space within a six month period, the restaurant could lose its grandfathered 1 to 5 parking to seating ratio. The issue commissioners had with the letter is that it begins the six month period as of the date of the letter, not the date in late June when Lobstah’s closed its doors.

While a restaurant doesn’t have to be open and accepting guests within the six month period, City Attorney Patricia Petruff said a business tax receipt should be filed for with the city clerk’s office. The 180-day term only applies if use of the space as a restaurant is abandoned. Because the nonconformity occurs as parking rather than use of a building for a restaurant in the zoning district, Petruff said it’s legally a gray area. A large amount of parking for the restaurant is located off-site at adjacent properties.

Petruff said she doesn’t believe that Hynds will need the extension as he’s already applied for a BTR but abandoned the application due to issues with the name he’d chosen for the venture.

“He doesn’t need people seated in the restaurant in

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Five months after Lobstah’s closed its doors, the anchor restaurant space at AMI Plaza remains vacant.

180 days,” she said. “He hasn’t abandoned the use. I think it becomes a moot point with this issue and this restaurant.”

Regarding the signing of the resolution, Commissioner Judy Titsworth asked if a time limit could be placed on it before the resolution becomes null and void. Commissioners approved the resolution during the summer. According to city code, there is no set timeline to have a resolution signed. Petruff said a deadline could be added to future resolutions but it would be difficult to legally enforce it in this situation.

In an e-mail, Hynds said he had planned to come to city hall to sign the resolution, but had decided to seek clarification from commissioners first. His issue is in the language of the resolution, which he inter-

preted to say that as soon as he signed it, he lost the right to have the current number of seats in the former Lobstah’s restaurant due to the need to provide additional parking for the residential units. Petruff said that’s not the case.

She told commissioners that Hynds doesn’t have to reduce the amount of seats in the restaurant until he applies for a building permit for the residential units. He also has the option of leasing additional offsite parking for the restaurant to negate needing to reduce restaurant seating.

Commissioners agreed to uphold the statements made on the city’s behalf in the mayor’s letter, but refused to make any changes to the AMI Plaza resolution without Hynds agreeing to and paying for another public hearing process.

12

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THE SUN

NOVEMBER 29, 2017

Webb facing disciplinary action The complaint filed with the Florida Bar questioned the attorney’s attempt to place liens on a client’s properties.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – Attorney Chuck Webb is facing a 60-day suspension from his ability to practice law in Florida.

On Oct. 10, Webb entered a conditional guilty plea for consent judgement with the Supreme Court of Florida. Pending Supreme Court approval, Webb will be eligible for automatic reinstatement with the Florida Bar after his suspension is served. If the Supreme Court rejects the consent judgement, the matter will be retried.

If the anticipated suspension takes effect, Webb’s partner, Dennis Wells, will run the Webb & Wells law firm in Webb’s absence, during which he would not be allowed to appear in court or have any contact with clients, but could still advise Wells.

“Based upon the following referenced conduct, Respondent (Webb) admits he is guilty of violating the following rules regulating the Florida Bar: Rule 4-1.7, conflict of interest; current clients; “Rule 4-1.8, conflict of interest; prohibited

and other transactions; and Rule 4.3-1, meritorious claims and contentions,” the consent judgement states.

The consent judgement says Webb shall cease efforts to foreclose liens against the homesteaded property of any client. This references Webb’s efforts to place liens on clients’ properties when assisting them with foreclosure actions initiated by banks and lending institutions.

Webb represented David and Jane Guy in a $787,500 foreclosure action initiated by Aurora Loan Services in 2009. The consent judgement says Webb purported to execute a lien agreement of his own with the Guys but was unable to provide a signed copy of that agreement.

Webb agreed to the terms specified in the consent judgement, but he said last week he disagrees with the Bar’s position on liens as a means of recouping legal fees owed to his law firm. He also said the Guy’s primary residence was not homesteaded because they were not U.S. citizens.

Webb acknowledged that he made an inadvertent mistake when he failed to include required disclosure language atop the attorney employment agreement he and the Guys entered into. Webb said he provided verbal notice to the Guys, but the signed agreement did not state, “This is an important legal document you are encouraged to have it

joe hendricks | SUN

Attorney and former Anna Maria City Commissioner Chuck Webb has not been subjected to any previous disciplinary action by the Florida Bar. reviewed by independent counsel.”

That form was later updated and for years has included the language required by the Florida Bar as the result of a rule change enacted in 2006.

The judgement calls for a one-year probationary period that requires Webb to attend the Florida Bar’s Ethics School. His office will be subjected to a mandatory office procedure and record keeping analysis and Webb must reimburse the Florida Bar $3,945 for costs incurred.

David Guy has since passed away and Webb does not think anyone from the Guy family filed the complaint that led to the Bar’s Grievance Committee’s initial findings.

Webb suspects the complaint was lodged by a former local judge he once accused of unethical behavior.

Webb said the complaints lodged against him changed on short notice as the review process moved forward and this impeded his attorney’s ability to defend him.

“I had to settle because my attorney was unprepared to try the case and the issues we knew of,” Webb said.

When asked about the potential impact on his professional reputation, Webb said, “It’s embarrassing. You believe you’ve done everything in accordance with the Bar rules, except for the admitted written notice that was not provided but given verbally. The people who know me, I would think they still have faith in my honesty and abilities, but people that are new to the area may not come to me.

The violations were not violations of a lack of honesty or the lack of protecting a client.

Like any other businessman, I was trying to collect money admittedly owed to my business.”

Webb said he will discontinue his past practice of representing clients that don’t have the ability to pay as they go.

According to Florida Bar records, Webb has not been subjected to any previous disciplinary action.

Webb previously served multiple terms as an Anna Maria City Commissioner.

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NOVEMBER 29, 2017

THE SUN

13

Green turtles break records

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

Green sea turtles set records in Florida and on Anna Maria Island this year.

Green turtles laid about 39,000 nests statewide, based on statistics from 27 beaches used to assess nesting trends, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

On the Island, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring found five green turtle nests during turtle season, May 1 to Oct. 31, documenting 317

• • • • • • • • • • • •

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hatchlings, the most since 2014.

All the nests were on Coquina Beach, statistician Pete Gross said. The beach has the fewest lights facing the beach anywhere on the Island, making it a favored nesting place for turtles.

Loggerhead sea turtles, by far the Island’s largest sea turtle popula-

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tion, produced a record 483 nests this year, according to Turtle Watch.

Green sea turtle nesting has increased significantly over the past 27 years, leading to their reclassification last year from endangered to threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. Nearly 30 years ago, only 464 green sea turtle nests were recorded on the 200 miles of beaches that are part of the statewide nesting beach survey, according to FWC. By 2011, the count was up to 10,701 green sea turtle nests; in 2013, it was 25,553 nests; and in 2015, it was about 28,000 nests.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Spooner sworn in Bradenton Beach City Commissioner Jake Spooner was sworn into to his second two-year term in office on Monday. City Clerk Terri Sanclemente did the honors, with Mayor John Chappie, Commissioner Marilyn Maro and several city staffers also in attendance. Spooner was vacationing in Mexico when Chappie and Commissioner Randy White were sworn in on Nov. 20. Spooner ran unopposed in the recent city elections.

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NOVEMBER 29, 2017

NOVEMBER 29, 2017

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15

WMFR discusses administration building sale No offers have been received but WMFR commissioners want to make sure that when the right one comes in, district administrative offices have a new home to be transferred to.

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

BRADENTON – West Manatee Fire Rescue commissioners are getting ready to move forward if an offer comes in on the district’s administration building.

Commissioners decided nearly a year ago to put the 11,000 square-foot building n the market to see what interest is out there and potentially help cut down the district’s debt.

Chief Tom Sousa estimates the district needs approximately 4,000 square feet of office space for its administrative offices and battalion chiefs, along with some storage space. Currently the district spends about $23,000 per year in expenses on the administration building, not including the $1 million still owed on the mortgage over the next eight years. Sousa said if the building sells for the $1.675 million asking price the district can expect to net $689,675 from the sale. In the current market, he doesn’t

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Realtor Daniel Douglass discusses the options facing West Manatee Fire Rescue commissioners as they contemplate relocating the district’s administrative offices. feel the district can purchase an appropriately sized building for its offices without entering into debt for another mortgage.

On the low end he estimated it would cost the district at least $9 per square foot to lease a building, leading him to assume it would be more financially feasible to own rather than lease a building.

Commissioner Al Robinson asked if one

of the district’s three fire stations could be enlarged to accommodate administrative offices.

Sousa said that of the three station properties only one is located outside of a flood zone and the lots are close to, if not already, maxed out.

Commissioners agreed to direct Sousa to search for a potential new headquarters

within the confines of the district that could meet WMFR’s administrative needs in the event the administration building is sold.

The also agreed it would be more prudent to consider purchasing a new, smaller building.

Another project moving forward is the district’s application to Manatee County for a certificate of pubic convenience and necessity to provide non-transport advanced life support services on its fire engines.

Battalion Chief Ben Rigney reported the district’s COPCN application had been accepted and would be voted on by county commissioners Nov. 28, after press time for The Sun. If the application is approved by the county, an application will have to be lodged with the state to obtain a license for the new service.

During the November meeting, commissioners also voted on new officers for the 2017-18 year. The vote was unanimous to appoint Commissioner Larry Jennis as chair, Robinson as vice-chair, and Commissioner Randy Cooper as secretary/treasurer.

In 2018, the district’s monthly commission meetings move to 6 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month at the administration building, 6417 Third Ave. W., Bradenton.

No meeting will be held in December.

16

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THE SUN

NOVEMBER 29, 2017

COMMISSION VACANCY CITY OF BRADENTON BEACH The City of Bradenton Beach is seeking candidates to fill a Commission seat vacancy for one full year. The Commission is responsible for adopting all ordinances of the City. The Commission establishes its own operating rules and procedures and shall provide guidance to the Mayor and funding for City operations. It approves contracts entered into by the City and may require reports from the Mayor on City operations. The Commission approves all appointments to panels, boards or committees recommended by the Mayor.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

City recognizes former commissioner Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson recognizes the contributions to the city made by former Commissioner Marvin Grossman, thanking him for his years of service

Applications are available at City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive North, Bradenton Beach, Florida 34217 at the City Clerk’s office Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Applications due by Friday, December 1, 2017 at 3 p.m.

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Improvements for city chambers

A new sound system is coming soon to the Holmes Beach Commission Chambers at city hall.

City Clerk Stacey Johnston said the new sound system will be installed in mid-to-late December. During a two day period, the meeting room will be closed to the public to allow installation of new equipment, wiring and programming for the new system. The upgraded sound system will feature new speakers, microphones for commissioners and staff, and equipment to assist hearing impaired individuals.

THE SUN

Commission in a giving mood

17

Bradenton Beach City Commissioners have unanimously agreed to donate $750 to the Annie Silver Community Center to be used as the center board sees fit. The commission also donated $500 to the Bridge Street Merchants to be combined with $500 previously donated by the Community Redevelopment Agency to assist the merchants association with its Bridge Street holiday decorations.

18

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THE SUN

NOVEMBER 29, 2017

Grace period ends for rentals

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Going forward, no grace period to correct issues will be given to owners whose property fails an inspection by city code enforcement officers. Commissioner Carol Soustek said the change comes as the city’s vacation rental ordinance reaches the year mark of enforcement. She said code enforcement officers had been giving a grace period for repairs, which was not specified in the city ordinance. Now that the program is reaching its one year anniversary, property owners completing the initial inspection are expected to comply with identified necessary changes to the property immediately. Properties failing inspection are required to be closed to guests until repairs are made and the property passes inspection.

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19

Holiday events • Dec. 1, 5-9 p.m. – Holmes Beach Holiday Open House and Christmas tree lighting, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

• Dec. 1, 5 to 8 p.m. – Wine Tasting and Tapas, A Paradise Realty, 5201 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

• Dec. 2, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

– Drop off a toy for Toys for Tots at A Paradise Realty, 5201 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, and receive a free lunch at Hurricane Hanks.

• Dec. 2, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

– Lester Family Fun Day, The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

• Dec. 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m. –

Roser Bethlehem walk, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

• Dec. 8, 5:30-8 p.m. – Anna Maria Holiday of Treasures, Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue, Anna Maria.

• Dec. 9, 9 a.m. – Holly Berry Bazaar and Food Market, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

• Dec. 9-10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Winterfest Festival of Fine Arts and Crafts, Holmes Beach City Hall field.

• Dec. 9, 10 a.m. to noon – Privateers Christmas parade with Santa, Coquina Beach.

• Dec. 10, 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. – Candles and Carols Cantata, Roser Memorial Com-

munity Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

• Dec. 10, 2 p.m. – Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra annual holiday concert at CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

• Dec. 12, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

– Lawton Chiles Christmas for Kids, Sandbar restaurant, 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria.

• Dec. 12, 5 p.m. – Holiday Shop, Duffy’s Tavern, 5808 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

• Dec. 16, noon to 9 p.m. – Christmas on Bridge Street, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach.

• Dec. 16, 5 p.m. – Christmas auction and potluck at Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

Trolleys to run through the holidays The Island trolleys will stop running at 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve, but on Christmas Day the trolleys will run their regular schedule.

Off the Island, there will be no fixed route, Handy Bus, or Longboat Key shuttle service. On New Year's Eve, the Anna Maria trolley will run extended hours until 1 a.m. There will be no fixed route, Handy Bus, para transit or Longboat Key shuttle service on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

Manatee County government

will close its offices Christmas Day, Monday, Dec. 25, and Tuesday, Dec. 26; and New Year's Day, Monday, Jan. 1. Garbage, yard waste and recycling will be suspended on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Collection services are postponed one day for the remainder of the week and resume the following Monday.

On the days government offices are closed, public parks, preserves and beaches will remain open to the public. Manatee County and

Buffalo Creek golf courses will remain open throughout the holidays. G.T. Bray Recreation Center will close at noon on Sunday, Dec. 24, and will reopen on Wednesday, Dec. 27. G.T. Bray will close at noon on Sunday, Dec. 31, and will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 2.

Manatee County public libraries will close for Christmas on Dec. 24 through 26, and will reopen Dec. 27. All libraries will be closed on New Year's Day.

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THE SUN

ENTERTAINMENT

Art

Family Fun

A call to artists

Forty Carrots

The Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd, Holmes Beach, is asking for submissions to its “Past to Present” photography exhibit. Submissions may be in the form of film, and digital art, black and whites, sepia and color. Bring submissions to the Art League between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays by Monday, Jan. 8.

The entry fee is $15 per piece for League members and $20 for nonmembers. Artists may submit up to three pieces, and if the artwork is larger than 20-by-24-inches, that limit will be two. The artwork must be ready to hang.

The submissions will be on display through Jan. 31. There will be a reception for the artwork on Friday, Jan. 12, from 5:30 70 7:30 p.m. with complimentary light refreshments. And the public will be admitted for free. For more information, call the Art League at 941-778-2099.

Classes Green up that thumb

Learn how to turn all thumbs into green thumbs as the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, hosts “Ask a Master Gardener” on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. These gardeners have the answers for home and container gardeners in this location. For more information, call 941-778-6341.

Let’s get technical

The Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, in Holmes Beach, will hold a tech help session on Android cell phones and tablets on Tuesday, Dec. 5, from 2 to 4 p.m. There is no charge. For more information, call 941-778-6341

Clubs Seniors visit Ringling

Senior Adventures visits Ringling Zodiac Garden, Museum of Art and have lunch at a restaurant on Friday, Dec. 1. The Center van will leave Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, at 10 a.m. There will be a $5 van fee. Call Kaye Bell at

submitted

941- 538-0945 for a reservation.

Movie for seniors

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, JOY (Just Older Youth) will meet at 11 a.m. in Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, on Wednesday, Nov. 29, to view the movie, “The Hiding Place,” about a brave Christian family in Holland aiding their Jewish neighbors during World War II. The film was based on the autobiographical book by Corrie ten Boom recounting her and her family’s experiences before and during their imprisonment during the Holocaust. The movie was produced by Billy Graham’s organization and is listed as “one of the best movies of 1975.”

Everyone is invited. Bring a bag lunch and/or movie snacks. For more information go to www.roserchurch. com/joy, call 941-778-0414, or on Facebook at www.facebook/roserchurch.

Book signing in Cortez

Retired elementary school teacher and children’s environmental book author Carol Alt, and her illustrator partner Roger Cook, will sign copies of their new book, “Waiting for the Tide to Come In,” on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Cortez Cultural Center, 11655 Cortez Rd. W. The book has watercolor illustrations about life in a small village, based on Cortez. The importance of mangroves, the rights of commercial fishermen and dealing with protecting the shorelines from over-development are addressed in this book when two young people become acquainted and involved in the small community’s issues.

J.B. Crawford a Cortez native and author will also be on hand. J.B. is a commercial fishing captain who grew up and lives in Cortez as a licensed stone crabber and mullet fisherman.

He has authored several books among them are “Elof And The Red Grouper,” “Arianna And The Spanish Sardines,” “Nathan And The Stone Crabs” “Marijuana Millions” and “Cortez Village” For more information call Ted Adams 941-799-9211

The Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, presents Forty Carrots, a parenting program Friday, Dec. 1, at 10 a.m. This is a program for kids from mobile babies to 5 years old and their parents to experience new activities, join in circle time fun, spend time with other families and get valuable parenting information.

The program is free, and tickets are available at the library desk. Space is limited to 12 families. For more information, call the library at 941-778-3986

NOVEMBER 29, 2017

is sold at the concession stand.

The market is located next to the trolley turnaround and there is ample parking. Manatee County does not allow dogs anywhere in Coquina Park.

The market is stroller, walker and wheelchair accessible. For more information, call 941-518-4431.

Music

Use your imagination with legos

Kids can build a lot with Legos and on Saturday, Dec. 2, the Island Branch Library at 5701 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach will get out the colorful building blocks from 2 to 3 p.m. Parents can help. For more information, call 941-778-6341. submitted

Preschool story time

Island Branch Library children’s specialist Trudy Bell will host preschool story time at 5701 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach on Tuesday, Dec. 5, from 10 to 11 a.m. The subject of the day will be snow buddies. There will also be some music, exercise and crafts. For more information, call 941-778-6341.

Games Mahjong time

The Island Branch Library at 5701 Marina Drive, in Holmes Beach offers mahjong on Friday, Dec. 1, from 1 to 3 p.m. It’s free, and it’s fun. Call the library at 941-778-6341 for more information.

Markets Beach Market in full swing

The Beach Market offers unique outdoors shopping along the multipurpose trail in Coquina Beach every Sunday in December from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and every Wednesday starting Dec. 20. Local artists, crafters, jewelers will be there with their offerings. Two vendors sell fresh produce and an zisland resident will be selling hydroponic and organic plants and much more.

The AMI String Band will play. Lunch

Blues in the library

The Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, hosts an educational blues program with R.J. Howson on Thursday, Nov. 30, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., sponsored by the Suncoast Blues Society and the Manatee County Library Department. This free program is a lead-up to the Bradenton Blues Fest. For more information, call the library at 941-778-6341.

Nature Glide through Neal Preserve

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program hosts a sustainable kayak eco-tour of Neal Preserve, 12301 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. explore the natural habitats and wildlife that make Sarasota Bay an Estuary of National Significance.

Participants must provide their own kayaks and gear. To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ free-baywise-kayak-eco-tour-of-neal-preservetickets-40102943985 For more information, contact info@sarasotabay.org or call 941-955-8085 and ask about Bay Wise Kayak Tours.

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NOVEMBER 29, 2017

THE SUN

21

A mission from the heart

BY SUSAN TIMMINS SPECIAL TO THE SUN

While many of us were enjoying Thanksgiving Day last week with family and friends, fabulous food and even some football, Camille Richards was dodging storm gusts and tornado warnings in the Gulf of Mexico in a kayak. She made it to a tiny island in Palm Harbor to overnight inside her pup tent Thanksgiving night – and feasted alone on freeze dried lasagna.

Yet when you talk to her, you will learn it was one of her favorite Thanksgivings.

The missions

That’s because Camille is on a mission – or rather two missions intertwined.

Camille is aiming to become the third woman in history to circumnavigate the state of Florida by kayak (1515 miles).

That’s mission one. Mission two is her purpose in doing it to raise awareness of the prevalence of congenital heart disease (CHD) and the need for lifelong care, while raising funds to support the work of the Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA), a national nonprofit whose mission is to improve and extend the lives of everyone born with CHD. While some may not see a connection between a herculean kayaking journey and congenital heart defects, she does.

Camille is the program director at the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Miss.

She is passionate about caring for adults with CHD, and she sees first hand their challenges and their needs.

Heart defects

Congenital heart defects are the most common of all birth defects – 1 in 100 babies are born with one. Thanks to groundbreaking experimental efforts by congenital heart surgeons and congenital cardiologists over the past few decades, heart defects that at one time were not compatible with life have now become a new lifelong chronic disease for many.

We still tragically lose far too many babies and children to

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Camille Richards stops on Anna Maria Island near the Beach Bistro on her kayaking journey around the state.

CHD. More research is needed to ensure everyone’s survival.

But we also now have 90 percent making it to their 18th birthday.

Camille focuses on these adult survivors in her clinic and she sees her paddling as representing the heroic struggle her patients take on every day.

What a workout

Kayaking around the state of Florida is hard, harder some days than Camille expected.

Like the tornado threats last week, or the squalls that suddenly blow up out of seemingly nowhere in our Gulf waters, or the day that she lost all visibility in fog off Cedar Key, 8 miles offshore.

But Camille has GPS to get her back on track. There is no amount of planning, however, that can prepare you for the challenges that can occur, often when least expected, for people living with CHD. Adults living with CHD are the first generation of people living in adulthood with their particular heart defects, and

there are no charts. Just as their surgeons were pioneers a few decades ago, so are they as they are living their lives.

We are lucky to have incredibly dedicated adult congenital cardiologists and care teams working with them, but everyone is learning as they go.

We have learned from this first generation that everyone born with a CHD, everyone who ever had heart surgery as a child, is never fixed. We have learned that lifelong, specialized care is imperative for this population, to treat issues as they arise.

Camille and I met through ACHA – we both joined the board of directors because of ACHA’s focus on lifelong care for everyone living with CHD. ACHA is committed to improving these lives through advocacy, education, support of research and by improving the standards of care for this population through ACHA’s new ACHD Clinic Accreditation program.

Camille’s journey circumnavigating Florida can be hard and a struggle and sometimes

exhausting, but she has found when she looks up and around there are so many moments of breathtaking beauty – the dolphins, the birds, the sea turtles, the people she meets along the way.

It reminds me of the journey of everyone living with CHD – and a little like life for all of us.

Camille landed on Anna Maria Island this week for a brief respite on her way to Everglades City.

She remarked that the waters in our area are the most beautiful

she has seen so far in her path from Pensacola.

You can follow Camille’s trek around Florida here: https://paddlingchik.com Adult Congenital Heart Association: https://www.achaheart.org Camille’s ACHA fundraising page: https://secure.causevox. com/pay?url=ACHAvolunteerfun draisers.causevox.com/hurricaneCamille

22

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NOVEMBER 29, 2017

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NOVEMBER 29, 2017

THE SUN

23

The seafood scandal – ice cakes and crab cakes

BY SEAN MURPHY SPECIAL TO THE SUN

I

grew up on Deadman’s Cove in Nova Scotia.

When the cove froze in winter a big plate of thick ice would form over

the entire cove.

When the tide went out, the ice would break up on the rocks around the edges.

When the tide came back in, the pieces that had broken off floated in place around the center slab.

They formed ice cakes that ranged in size from a couple of square feet to larger pieces that might be 4 or 5 feet on a side.

The sport was called jumping cakes.

The object was to jump from ice cake to ice cake without falling through.

A 4 by 4 piece of ice would support a speeding 10 year old for about a second.

A bigger piece might give him two seconds.

The trick was to move quickly to the next ice cake before the cake you were on sank or tilted and slipped you under the ice.

Jumping cakes was more fun than anything, but it got you in a boatload of trouble.

It was pretty dangerous. My grandmother hated it. The aunts and uncles really hated it too.

If you slipped you were dead.

Sometimes literally.

Every couple of years, a kid hit the freezing water, went into shock and did not come up.

If you surfaced, you were dead anyway.

Once your grandmother saw you standing in her doorway dripping wet, right through your boots and snow suit and wool cap, she knew you were jumping ice cakes, and she was going to beat the bejeezuz out of you.

After Nana had knocked you about with her broom for a while and dried you off and got you hot tea and piled you in blankets in the kitchen, then the uncles would come by and tell you how stupid you were and give you a couple of smacks, and then the aunts would

rail at you about how stupid you were and twist at your ears, and then the cousins would give you hell because there was no way anyone was jumping cakes again for at least a week.

Ice cakes can be treacherous.

Crab cakes can be treacherous too.

Everyone from Maryland tells you that Chesapeake Bay has the best blue crab in the world.

The fact is that they have no idea because most of them have never tasted it.

Currently over 81 percent of the crab cakes served in Baltimore are made with cheap, Asian swimming blue crab.

Cheap Asian crab has been taking over the market since the 90s and threatens the livelihood and lifestyle of the Maryland crab fishermen.

Asian crab does not have the firmness or sweetness of American blue crab, but it is cheaper by a few bucks a pound. It probably has never been inspected.

The treacherous part is that is being passed off as American seafood.

You have heard my rant before.

91 percent of the seafood consumed

by Americans comes from Asia.

Only 2 percent of it is inspected.

Most of the grouper in the grouper sandwiches out there is twice-frozen North Pacific codfish that has been pumped full of tripolyphospates so that it holds water and weght.

Almost all the shrimp served to us are not from the Gulf of Mexico but from the Gulf of Thailand or the South China Sea. They are often tainted, are uninspected, and child slave labor is used in the shrimp production.

If you don’t mind getting unsafe Asian shrimp or Asian crab or frozen chemical grouper then so be it – but know what you are getting and what you are paying for.

On your next restaurant visit ask where the crab in the crab cake came from.

See if their footwork is quick enough for jumping ice cakes.

The Beach Bistro will post a great recipe for crab cakes this week at its website at www.beachbistro.com Eat Here will post its famous recipe for grouper cakes – with a little extra crab – at www. eathereflorida.com

Surfside … Anna Maria Island

“Best Restaurant in America” 4.9 out of 5 ZAGAT stars One of only 11 in the entire country

941.778.6444 www.BeachBistro.com

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THE SUN

OUTDOORS

NOVEMBER 29, 2017

Fishing trending to winter Captain Dave White

Things are definitely turning toward a wintertime trend in the waters around Anna Maria Island. With the past couple of fronts, the water temperatures in the Gulf have dipped just a bit.

They’re in the high 60s for the most part. With these changes brings an influx of new species into our area for the winter. Sheepshead, black drum, Florida pompano, tripletail, bluefish and kingfish are the most sought after game fish.

We here at Anna Maria Charters are trying to prepare for this change and switch up tactics a bit. Shrimp will be a large part of our repitoire.

Personally, I love the fight of a healthy Black Drum. And when they aren’t too big, I find the fillets to be quite tasty.

Pompano fishing is improving as well.

These little gold nuggets are scrappy and excellent table fare. Catch and release is something we find important, and there is always a variety of species that are fun fighters and great if you just enjoy the tug of a tenacious animal. Jack crevalle and blacktips are seemingly everywhere right now. Always fun to tangle with these relentless fighters.

submitted

Nick, Olga, Christina, and Vanessa Marchetti of Monrovia, Md., show off a hefty blacktip shark caught and released with Captain David White, of Anna Maria Charters.

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401 Pine Avenue Anna Maria 941-254-4996

NOVEMBER 29, 2017

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THE SUN

NOVEMBER 29, 2017

Santa spotted on Bridge Street The Christmas spirit landed on Bridge Street for a while Sunday as the merchants lit their Christmas tree.

Deb Myers was given the honor. She and her husband, Mat, owners of Bridge Street Interiors and who are celebrating their business' 16th anniversary, decorated and erected the tree with its colorful ribbon ornaments.

Before Myers hit the switch, Bridge Street Merchants Association Board Member Sherman Baldwin, of Paradise Boat Tours, explained that Myers had to return the tree once because it was damaged in shipping.

The Magic of Manatee Sweet Adelines sang seasonal tunes and Santa rode around in a cart talking with kids and spreading cheer.

It was the season's first public tree lighting on the Island, but not the last, as the Chamber lights its tree on Friday.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Clockwise from above: The Magic of Manatee Sweet Adelines sing Christmas carols and prying eyes, right, watched them through the slats of the fence. Amanda Escobio with her daughter Cala Ryan, 9, wait for the movie, "Christmas Story," to start.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

At left, Santa stops by the Pines Tiki Bar to say hello and wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Above, Sinna Clark, 3, holds hands with her father, Mike, as they approach Santa.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

www.amisun.com

NOVEMBER 29, 2017

BEACH BEAT Anna Maria

11/13, found property, 10005 Gulf Drive. The deputy found a wallet at the side of the road during the Veteran’s Day parade.

Bradenton Beach

11/17, disturbance, 100 Bridge St. The officer found a man in the bushes who was injured and intoxicated.

He said another man he knew attacked him. He was transported to Blake Hospital. The officer found the other man who said the victim attacked him. With no witnesses, police took no further action.

11/19, battery, 200 Gulf Drive N. The same man who was involved in the previous fight attacked a man who was taking his bike off the trolley.

The alleged attacker walked up and said the other man attacked him first. The trolley driver disagreed, and the second man was taken to jail.

11/19, trespass warning, Bridge Street Pier, 200 Bridge St. An officer on patrol found a homeless man sleeping on a swing, He was told to move on and not return, 11/19, trespass warning, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S. The officer was called to the beach because a man was bothering beach goers.

Obituaries Nancy Evelyn MacVicar Nancy Evelyn MacVicar, 82, of Bradenton, Fla., passed away Nov. 22, 2017.

Born June 4, 1935, to Arthur and Eva Papworth, Nancy grew up in Flint, Mich.

She attended Flint Northern High School, where she met the love of her life, James E MacVicar. The two went on to attend the University of Michigan.

While in Ann Arbor, Nancy joined the Gamma Phi Beta sorority, and became a lifelong Wolverine. Nancy and Jim married on June 18, 1955, and shared 62 wonderful years together.

For most of her life, Nancy lived on Gull Lake in Richland, Mich., where she co-founded Travel

THE SUN

11/19, theft, 100 block of 10th Street North, a Waste Pro trash can was taken.

Holmes Beach

11/`5, driving with no license, speeding, 700 Manatee Ave. The officer stopped the driver after he clocked her at 78 mph in a 45 mph zone.

He found out she did not have a license. He ticketed her.

11/16, warrant arrest, Manatee County Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive.

The officer had trespassed the subject and later learned he had a warrant for his arrest. He found the subject at the beach and took him into custody.

11/17, larceny/theft, 500 block of Key Royale Drive. A green egg grill was stolen from the back yard. A neighbor said his security camera might have recorded the theft and was reviewing his recording.

11/17, burglary, 200 block of 72nd Street. The homeowner’s mother said she checked on the house and found pry marks on the door to the garage and the hinged looked like they had been removed. She found a vacuum cleaner was missing, one of the bedrooms had been used and two pillowcases were missing.

11/18, driving with no valid license - third conviction, 5100 block of Gulf Drive.

The officer stopped the suspect after observing a female hanging out of the driver’s window while sitting on his lap, while he was

Unlimited Travel Agency. As a dedicated member of the Service Club of Kalamazoo (Junior League) and the Pretty Lake Camp board of directors, she served the southwest Michigan community for many years.

After retiring to Florida, Nancy enjoyed her membership with the Key Royale Club, as well as several book and bridge groups on Anna Maria Island.

Throughout her life, Nancy loved reading, quilting, swimming, traveling, and entertaining. The MacVicar home was well known for its frequent and generous hospitality.

Above all, Nancy cherished the moments she shared with her family and friends. Her immediate family includes: her loving husband Jim, her children Neil (Sandy), of Holt, Mich., David (Kay), of Seattle, Wash., and Laura (Clif), of Mequon, Wis.. Additionally, she is survived by her brother Russell Papworth, of Vicksburg, Mich., and her seven grandchildren: James and Neil (Alex) MacVicar, Matthew and Louis MacVicar,

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driving. He was arrested.

11/19, battery, Haley’s Motel, 8104 Gulf Drive. Two brothers staying in adjacent rooms got into a fight.

One went to jail.

11/19, probation violation, 5600 Gulf Drive. The deputy was called to the scene of an accident and the people inside the car exhibited signs of intoxication. A computer check showed the male was on probation, and one of the terms was to abstain from alcohol or drugs. He was arrested and nobody was ticketed because nobody witnessed who was driving. However, the female became belligerent and was arrested for disorderly intoxication.

11/20, driving with no valid license, 5700 Marina Drive. The officer ran a computer check and found out the driver had no license. He was ticketed.

11/21, trespassing, illegal camping, Manatee County Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive. The officer was checking the beach after hours and found a changing station was locked. He knocked on the door, awakening the subject. He found the subject had been trespassed before and arrested him.

11/21, driving with no valid license, 6400 block of Marina Drive. The officer ran a computer check on the driver and found out he had no license. He stopped the driver and issued him a summons.

Amanda and Grant Hooks, and Caleb Fisher.

Nancy was a certified Stephens Minister, She had a deep and abiding relationship with Christ. She was a devout member of the Gull Lake Area Community Church and Roser Memorial Community Church. Nancy also enjoyed her association with the International Council of Community Churches, where she served as moderator of the Jordan Scholarship Committee for several years.

Though Nancy will be dearly missed, we will cherish the memories of Fourth of July weekends at Gull Lake, the family reunions, as well as the effortless and loving smile she gave when she caught you “stealing the deal.” A memorial service will be held at 11a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017, at Roser Memorial Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the American Diabetes Association or a charity of your choice.

Rest well, Go Blue.

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THE SUN

Tri-Chamber Mixer celebration Anna Maria Island Chamber members are invited to this year’s Tri-Chamber Mixer on Tuesday, Dec. 5, at Harbor Isle, 220 Martinique Drive, just east of the drawbridge on Manatee Avenue in west Bradenton.

Island Chamber members will network with Manatee and Longboat Chamber members.

This mixer will feature complimentary upscale hors d'oeuvres, dessert, beer, wine, a Margaritaville frozen concoction machine, gift bags and more. Call the Island Chamber at 941-778-1541 for more information.

Florida Maritime Museum celebrates a decade The Florida Maritime Museum (FMM) is celebrating its 10th anniversary on Dec. 8 and wants the public to be a part of the celebration.

The museum collects, preserves and shares traditional knowledge, cultural artifacts and personal stories specific to Florida’s fishing and maritime heritage. Now the organizers want the public to share its stories with them.

Come to FMM the first two weeks of December starting Friday, Dec. 1, through Saturday, Dec. 16, to share with them what maritime means to you and the community. Express yourself through words by jotting down your thoughts, drawing a picture or sharing a memory on a piece of canvas that will later be displayed in the museum’s summer 2018 exhibit.

The Florida Maritime Museum is at 4415 119th Street West, Cortez, and admission is free. Normal business hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hoffman joins Scenic Waves Jennifer Hoffman, the new executive director of Keep Manatee Beautiful, has been appointed to a seat on the city of Bradenton Beach’s Scenic WAVES Committee. The committee serves as an advisory board to the City Commission and advises on matters pertaining the portion of Gulf Drive designated as a Florida Hoffman Scenic Highway. Consisting of city residents and a representative from the Florida Department of Transportation as well, the committee also advises the commission on beautification projects that take place on city-owned public land. Hoffman replaces longtime Keep Manatee Beautiful Executive Director Ingrid McClellan. The city still seeks additional Scenic WAVES member.

For more information contact the city clerk’s office at 941-778-1005.

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NOVEMBER 29, 2017

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NOVEMBER 29, 2017

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Vincent withdraws As of Monday, two applicants remained in the running to fill the vacant Bradenton Beach Commission seat.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Bill Vincent has withdrawn his name from consideration for the appointment of a new city commissioner to fill the commissioner’s seat recently vacated by new Mayor John Chappie.

On Friday, Nov. 24, Vincent sent an e-mail to City Clerk Terri Sanclemente that said, “With this letter, I withdraw my application for the vacant seat on the city commission.”

Vincent ran for a commission seat in 2016, but fell short in that effort.

Vincent’s withdrawal left former Commissioner Ralph Cole and current Planning and Zoning Board member Jim Lynch as the only remaining applicants as of Monday.

The deadline to submit an application to the city clerk’s office is Friday, Dec. 1.

The appointment process will begin with a special City Commission meeting taking place at city hall on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 5 p.m. Each of the four sitting commission members will have the opportunity to nominate any of the applicants. If the majority of the four voting members support a nominee, that person will

FILE PHOTO

joe hendricks | SUN

Bill Vincent is no longer among those to be considered for an appointed City Commission seat. be appointed to the commission and participate in the regular commission meeting on Thursday, Dec. 7.

If the commission is unable to make the appointment on Dec. 6, another special meeting will be scheduled. If the vote remained tied after two attempts, the appointment would be determined by nominated applicants cutting for the highest card.

The appointee will serve the remaining year of Chappie’s two-year commissioner’s term. The appointee’s seat and Commissioner Marilyn Maro’s seat will then be open to all eligible candidates citywide in the 2018 elections.

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Pier meetings pending City Commissioners will meet next Wednesday to further discuss the pier replacement plans.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy and the Anna Maria City Commissioners will continue their discussions on the replacement of the Anna Maria City Pier during a special commission meeting taking place at city hall on Wednesday, Dec. 6.

The meeting will start and 10 a.m. and include updated insight provided by representatives from the Ayres Associates engineering firm that is designing the new pier.

The commission will continue its discussion on whether to use the concrete pilings

and composite pier decking the Ayres representatives recommended in October.

The meeting will also provide the mayor, commissioners and design team an opportunity to discuss Commissioner Dale Woodland’s suggestion that the new pier be built on the existing wooden pilings or new wooden pilings.

Public input will be accepted, which means residents, visitors and business owners will be given the opportunity to provide their thoughts and opinions on the pier replacement.

Pier replacement funding will be discussed at the commission’s regular meeting on Thursday, Nov. 30, at 6 p.m., and again with county officials at the Tourist Development Council meeting taking place at Anna Maria City Hall on Monday, Dec. 4, at 9 a.m.

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THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

NOVEMBER 29, 2017

Tis the season to renovate I

f you haven’t started already, it’s time to take out those credit cards and join the over-heated race to Christmas. One of the positive things about over-spending on holiday gifts, food and trips are the points you accrue on your credit cards. But there are other ways to gain credit card points, and its sort of a gift to your home.

According to Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, Americans are expected to pour a record $316 billion into home remodeling this year. This is up from $296 billion last year and much of those billions are going straight on to credit cards.

Why is everyone suddenly renovating rather than moving into a larger or newer home?

Well there are several reasons.

Some economists who follow real estate trends feel that homeowners have become more cautions in the wake of the housing crash almost 10 years ago. Baby boomers in particular are not willing to risk their equity by taking on more debt just in case it hap-

Castles in the Sand Louise Bolger pens again.

Baby boomers also are staying in their homes longer because they are more active and in better health and are, therefore, opting to renovate rather than move. A survey by Houzz.com reports that roughly 60 percent of baby boomers are planning to stay in their homes for the next five years and an additional 20 percent said they are undecided.

Even though the economy is growing, the shortage of properties keeps putting pressure on pricing. Many people are staying put and renovating, resulting in a 30-year low mobility rate. This is not only baby boomer

homeowners, but also families, who after crunching the numbers, decide that renovation is a better choice with interest rates still very low and home equity money available.

This is leaving the millennials, who are mostly renters, out in the cold.

And, of course, with home prices going up because of a shortage of inventory, homeowners are more than ever encouraged to invest some of their home’s equity into improvements. They are confident that some of the big-ticket remodels like kitchens, bathrooms and additions will reap them far more than the investment. According to HomeAdvisor, a website for homeowners and contractors, renovations increased 57 percent in the last 12 months.

None of this is good for a healthy real estate market, which depends on new buyers and move up buyers to keep doing what they have always done – keep trading up the real estate ladder. The lack of movement has also taken its toll on new home construc-

tion as well, which has always depended on affluent move up buyers who are now having sit-downs with their contractors and architects instead.

And it does not appear to be slowing down with renovations expected to grow 7.7 percent annually in the third quarter of next year, up from 6.4 percent in the third quarter of this year. It’s hard to tell if this is a bad trend or just a change in the way the real estate market functions. All we can do is wait and watch.

When you’re ready to make the renovation commitment, how you finance it will probably be at the top of your decision-making list. Using credit cards can be a very useful tool, which according to a recent survey, are used by one-third of homeowners earing $100,000 or more. Just don’t be dazzled by the temptation of a free plane ride and allow interest to build up erasing all the gain. Have fun renovating. Your house will be grateful.

www.amisun.com

NOVEMBER 29, 2017

HOTEL: Use upheld FROM PAGE 5

residential zone.

While she said she doesn’t know when the zoning change went into effect, Petruff said it is potentially causing an issue for the current owners, whom she believes are trying to sell the property. Because the property has a unified site plan with the three buildings placed at odd angles around the pool, she doesn’t feel it was ever intended for use as three duplex buildings. Petruff said she verified the property consistently offers daily rental rates.

“How did we make this mistake?” Commissioner Judy Titsworth asked.

She added that where this property is concerned, she feels commissioners’ hands are tied, requiring them to approve continuance of nonconforming status.

“Everything out here is unconventional,” Commissioner Carol Soustek said, adding that the property consistently appears to have rooms rented.

Commissioners agreed unanimously to approve the attorney’s interpretation, allowing the property to continue as a nonconforming use rather than attempting to spot zone in a residential area.

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PIER: Closing leaves lasting impact FROM PAGE 9

“I also worked for Bill Arthur, who had the jewelry table,” she said of the pier-based retail operation that was later expanded to include the Anna Maria Rocks store near Bortell’s Lounge.

“I personally believe the city has neglected that pier for 20 years. I would like to know the percentage of our rent that ever went back into that pier,” she said.

When reminded that the lease states Schoenfelder must maintain the pier, Graeff said, “But the city still has a responsibility.

It should be a partnership.”

Graeff is working for Horne again, this time at the Anna Maria Oyster Bar in Bradenton Beach.

“I went from one pier to another. I went full circle,” she said.

Nadine Kollar waited tables on the pier for six years.

“I’m trying to paint some houses but it’s kind of slow. I’ve applied at quite a few restaurants and really have not gotten

I didn’t realize the emotional attachment I had to all these people and that pile of lumber out there.”

Dave Sork Former general manager

any calls. My savings are almost gone,” she said, noting that she’s also collecting unemployment.

Rockey Corby was pier manager for nine years. He’s now at the Rod & Reel Pier owned by Schoenfelder.

“They’re taking care of me, but I miss my home,” he said.

Traci Kearton worked as a pier server for 15 years. She pointed

to Andre Bazile, who worked as a pier cook for 17 years, and said, “He’s the one Andre’s Famous Gumbo is named after.”

Bazile now works at Hurricane Hank’s in Holmes Beach.

He’s glad to be employed, but said, “It’s never going to be the same as the pier. That pier is my house.”

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THE SUN

www.amisun.com

NOVEMBER 29, 2017

bridges: To open less frequently FROM PAGE 1

and 45 minutes after the hour – on a year-round basis.

Before the federal regulation was changed, the bridges could be opened three times an hour for eight months a year at 20 minutes after the hour, 40 minutes after the hour and on the hour.

During peak season, Jan. 15 to May 15, the bridge openings were limited to twice an hour to lessen traffic congestion on Cortez Road and Manatee Avenue.

The amended bridge opening schedule does not apply to the Longboat Pass Bridge at the south end of the Island, but does apply to the Stickney Point and Siesta Drive bridges in Sarasota.

News of the amended schedule came as a surprise to Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy. When contacted last week, Murphy said he received no notice of the change. Monday morning, he spoke with Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Executive Director David Hutchinson and Hutchinson told him he had not been notified either.

“FDOT notified all bridgetenders of the schedule changes well before the rule became effective. All bridge signage has been modified to reflect the changes. Additionally, the change was advertised in the Local Notice to Mariners for a full month prior to the effective date,” Lt. Ashley Holm said in a Nov. 27 e-mail response to The Sun. Holm is the Ports and Waterways Branch Chief for the Coast Guard’s St. Petersburg Sector.

Tending bridges

The Cortez and Manatee Avenue bridges are operated by bridgetenders subcontracted by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

FDOT District Structures Maintenance Engineer Jim Jacobsen said signs are now in place that notify vehicular traffic of the amended bridge opening schedule.

According to federal regulations, drawbridges must also be opened upon request at any time for a U.S. Gov-

joe hendricks | SUN

The Cortez Bridge near Bradenton Beach, shown here, and the Manatee Avenue Bridge near Holmes Beach will be opened twice an hour during peak hours. ernment vessel, including the Coast Guard, a vessel in distress or a vessel or barge under tow.

The Cortez and Manatee Avenue bridges are tended 24 hours a day, seven days a week and the new twice-anhour restrictions do not apply between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., when the bridge can be opened at any time.

Jacobsen said bridge openings are logged and he addressed a past inquiry initiated by some Island residents.

“We’ve had some inquiries saying the bridge is opened unnecessarily. We checked our records and never found any evidence of that,” Jacobsen said, noting that the contract for the bridge tenders is performance based.

“They do have an incentive to operate the bridge according to federal regulations,” he added.

A lengthy process

The bridge timing changes were originally requested on behalf of the Island Transportation Planning Organization (ITPO) that includes the Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach mayors, MPO representatives and others. These discussions originated in early 2014, when traffic and congestion were frequent topics of discussion at ITPO meetings.

In early 2015, Hutchinson submitted to the U.S. Coast Guard a letter formally requesting the change sought by the three Island cities – a request that also included the Longboat Pass Bridge at the south end of the Island.

In May 2016, Seventh Coast Guard District Bridge Administration Program Director Barry Dragon sent a letter to Hutchinson informing him that

the request to alter the Longboat Pass Bridge timing was denied.

“The Coast Guard is unable to approve a change to this bridge schedule, as this could lead to multiple vessel accidents and bridge allisions,” Dragon’s letter to Hutchinson said.

Last February, the Island mayors were notified of a public comment period that would close that April.

“There were seven comments opposing the final rule. Six comments were against modifying the existing schedule and one comment suggested that even with this modified scheduled the bridge will still open too often. Four comments stated that having vessels waiting for a half-hour for a bridge to open could be a safety concern,” the updated Federal Register states.

NOVEMBER 29, 2017

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New members join parks committee In a unanimous vote, Holmes Beach commissioners approved the appointment of two new members to the city’s parks and beautification committee.

Sarah Meake, a six year resident of

Holmes Beach, fills an alternate position with a two-year term expiring Aug. 1, 2019. Thirteen year resident Allyson Gillies fills the unexpired term of former member Sharon Randall, ending Aug. 1, 2019.

PEGGY NASH | SUBMITTED

From left to right: Pat Mitchel, Heather Dearlove, Bryan Shanks, Maggie Carter, Paisley Smelt and Phyona Smelt enjoy cookies after the service.

Churches gather for worship Members and friends of all six Island churches gathered for worship and fellowship at CrossPointe Fellowship on Thanksgiving Eve, Nov. 22. The service was one of praise, music and scripture following the welcome and offertory prayer, led by Rev. Stephen King, of Harvey Memorial Church.

Those sharing scripture were Rev. Deacon Kathy Giltin, of Episcopal Church of the Annunciation; Mr. Matt Nowicki, director

of Faith Formation at St. Bernard Catholic Church; Rev. Dr. Bob O'Keef, of Roser Community Church; and Rev. Rosemary Backer, of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.

Rev. Ed Moss, of Crosspointe Fellowship, gave the message and invitation. The offering received was for the Island food pantry at Roser Church. Refreshments were provided by board members of All Island Denominations.

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THE SUN

NOVEMBER 29, 2017

Live like a local Respect Wildlife

Mullett Don’t just keep the roe and toss the mullet; smoke ‘em if you got ‘em!

For foster kids Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch Director Suzi Fox stands withy suitcases filled with items for foster kids this season. The kids will use them whenever they move. Fox said they answered a request from Heart Gallery and Church of Palms in Sarasota. She said they found out some of the kids had nothing to move. She said Turtle Watch and Tortuga would continue to collect child size suitcases, especially pull-alongs, plus new socks, underwear, pajamas hair accessories, new soft toys, games books for 5- to 17-year-olds. For more information, contact Turtle Watch at director@ islandturtlewatch,com.

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park: Improvements coming FROM PAGE 1

contingency fund needs to be used to help pay for hurricane storm cleanup she doesn’t see the city using any of the general contingency funds, making it a good place to pull from for the dog park.

Commissioner Pat Morton said he wants to make sure the residents on neighboring Flotilla Drive are consulted before any changes are made to the dog park. He said he’d spoken with some who are concerned about the noise impact of increasing the park’s size on their neighborhood.

Commissioner Carol Soustek suggested that anyone with concerns or suggestions for the park reach out to the city’s Parks and Beautification Committee, which is handling the early stages of dog park improvements.

For the skate park, Hill said the funds would come from different discretionary funds which already have line items for park improvements, negating the need for another budget amendment. Rather than stretching the improvements out over the next

several years, City Planner Lynn Burnett said all of the funds for the skate park will be used in the current fiscal year, pushing some projects, such as curb replacement, out to other fiscal years. The current amount allocated to the skate park is $100,000.

With the limited amount of space available, Burnett, who is helming the project, said it would be difficult to spend that amount of money to provide upgrades and replacement of aging equipment in the park. Before work begins, she said an expert is coming down from Canada to evaluate the project and provide suggestions. A timeline for the project has not yet been established.

Funds for the skate park are being used from a discretionary tax which requires certain amounts be spent each fiscal year in different categories, includimg parks and recreation.

Hill said part of the funds for the skate park will come from the fivecent gas tax proceeds while other will come from the new half-cent infrastructure tax.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Paddle wheeler progressing The authentic paddle wheeler docked in front of the Bradenton Beach Marina has generated quite a buzz since its recent arrival from Tennessee. Marina President Mike Bazzy is now in the process of transferring the Coast Guard certificate of inspection to the vessel’s current location in Bradenton Beach. The ship’s old name, Pickwick Belle, has been removed and its new name, Anna Maria Princess, will be installed on the 65-foot, 149-passenger vessel this week. “I’ve got people that want to book it for weddings, parties, lunch and dinner cruises, and I’ve had about a dozen musicians contact me – including one from Colorado who’s performed on dinner cruises there and wants to move here,” Bazzy said. Musicians interested in performing on the Anna Maria Princess after she sets sail in mid-December can contact Susan at 941-778-2288.

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THE SUN

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Hubbub 5 Thompson of "Westworld" 10 One way to lean 14 Stephen Hawking subject 15 Tough tests of knowledge 16 Offer the same opinion as 17 Princess Royal of Britain 18 -, at times 19 Reclined 20 Setup provider's abbr.

21 Hogwarts chronicler imitating noisy dogs?

23 Like many deli orders 25 Western peer of Tex and Gene 26 Devices that record data on noisy dogs?

32 Part of XL: Abbr.

33 Toon cat since the silent era 34 Reacts to bad news, perhaps 37 War-torn land 39 More rational 41 All in 42 St. Anthony's home 44 It's not exactly a pickme-up 46 Airport approx.

47 Photographer of noisy dogs?

50 Disney Store collectible 51 Semi bar 52 Paintings depicting noisy dogs?

58 First name in folk 61 Choppers

62 Stop by 63 Printer function 64 News article intro 65 Gradually weaken 66 It can be hard to get out of 67 It can be hard to get out 68 Call attention (to) 69 Bellicose god Down 1 Attempt 2 Like a mite 3 "Give me a few minutes" 4 Adidas subsidiary 5 He beat out Sonny & Cher and Herman's Hermits, among others, for the Best New Artist Grammy 6 Christine's phantom admirer 7 Emulated 5-Down 8 Nasty comment 9 Categorize 10 Source of much canine delight 11 Nutritious berry 12 Gym exercise 13 Giant film primate

Answers to 11-22-17 Crossword Puzzle.

22 Burdens 24 Desktop animation image suffix 26 Control tower signal 27 Indian shrine site 28 Forest clearing 29 Member of the underground economy?

30 CFOs, e.g.

31 Orient Express feature 35 Shakespeare's shrew 36 Vega, for one 38 Cement type for home repairs 40 Pursued vigorously 43 Homo sapiens relatives 45 63-Across alternative 48 Small wading bird 49 State of matter 52 Constitutional 53 Strong farm team 54 Overhaul 55 Gift from Prometheus 56 Beginning 57 Play polo, say 59 Relax 60 Word that can replace "your"

NOVEMBER 29, 2017

NOVEMBER 29, 2017

classified

ANNOUNCEMENTS

THOMPSON CLEANING SERVICE CommercialResidential-Marine.

Island Based Company.

Seasonal Deep Cleaning-Weekly-Occasional.

Call for Free Estimate.

941-281-4951

WANTED ADULT TRICYCLE. CALL 315-672-9267 THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Lynn at 813758-3234 or lbrennan47@ gmail.com 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 2007 HONDA SILVERWING For Sale. One owner, 600 cc auto transmission motorcycle, 15000 miles. Many additions, well maintained, garage kept.

Excellent condition. $3400 Call 941-778-2553

BABY SITTER RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student.

Call or text Isabel 941-5457995

BOATS: SALES & RENTALS BOATS ARE SELLING Very Well. Selling Your Boat? “Business On A Hand Shake”. 18 Years and Hundreds sold. I Also Buy Boats.

Dave 941-228-3489 BRADENTON WATER TOYS. Daily Jet Ski rentals. "We come to you." Sunrise to Sunset. 2 Jet Skis $499.

Call 941-348-0821

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 TOTAL HOME SERVICE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial & Rentals.

Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570

Call us today! 941-778-3986

AUTHORITY ONE SERVICES. Residential/Commercial/Vacation Rentals & Construction Cleaning.

Also Power Washing, Windows, Paver Sealing & Roof Cleaning.

Ask about your Senior Citizens Discount Call 941-251-5948 or 941565-3931

COMMERCIAL SALES

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 4-sale Resorts Bradenton Bch *5 units $1,048,800 *13 units $4,999,000 *9300 Sq. Ft. Ware-house, Machine Shop heavy duty elect or Car Storage, So Many Possibilities. Near SRQ Airport $595,000 Island Real Estate Ask Alan Galletto 941-232-2216

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

VACATION RENTAL RESERVATIONIST (Holmes Beach) Full time Reservationists needed Starting pay $14/ hr. Weekends, some late shifts and on call required.

Exp. in Hospitality, Computer & phone skills a must! Must be able to pass a Background and drug test. Email current resume to Angier@islandreal.com FULL TIME or PART TIME. Cook for PM shift. Experience preferred. Small family Sports Pub. Solo's Pizza.

Call 941-962-4491 BUSY ISLAND REAL ESTATE office seeking weekend front desk help for gulf front resort. Experience a plus Call 941-778-4442 for additional information & application HOWLUCKYAMI AT HOLMES BEACH looking for experienced, outgoing mature salespeople. Pay negotiable. Forward your resume to info@howluckyami.org

NOW HIRING Anna Maria Island Creamery & Bakery.

9801 Gulf Dr. Suites 1-3.

Contact Shea Khalil via email Shea@amicreamery bakery.com EXPERIENCED NAIL PROFlexible schedule- take on established clientele at family-owned, upscale LBK salon. Friendly, mature, reliable, patient and gentle a must! 941-387-9807.

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

FOR SALE SOFA & LOVESEAT. LEATHER, Forest Green $500. Call 941-792-0014

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES ROSER THRIFT SHOP Open 9:30am-2pm, Tuesday & Thursday 10am-1pm Saturday Donations preferred 9am-11am Wednesdays.

511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

Phone 941-779-2733 WILDLIFE INC. GARAGE SALE 508 65th St Holmes Beach December 1 & 2 9:00-3:00 Good Stuff! Great prices!

Awesome Cause!

CHRISTMAS AND MORE: Decorations, Unique Treasures, Tools and Household Items. Friday & Saturday 8am-2pm 517 71st St Holmes Beach PALMA SOLA THRIFT SHOP 9516 Cortez Rd W. Mt. Vernon Plaza. www.carolsthriftshop. com Visit our web site.

Call 941-812-7679.

Consigned & select items will relocate with us. All else sold at very very low prices! Stop in make us an offer. Dealers Welcome

HAULING SITE CLEAN-UP to trash outs we can handle it all.

Call us for your dumpsters/ trash needs today 941-7538772

AMISUN.COM

THE SUN

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HOME IMPROVEMENTS

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING

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

Neil 941-726-3077

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

Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941

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

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

SHELL DELIVERED AND spread $55/yd. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CRC1327296.

Call Jerry Kern 941-7781115 www.kernconstructioninc.com

STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell driveways and scapes. Also Rock, Mulch, & Soil. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067

GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194

LOST & FOUND

WALY PRECISION PAINTING: painting, drywall, stucco, and remodeling, commercial/residential, licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-4656324 www.WalyPrecisionPainting.us DECKOUT MASTER CARPENTER Everything Patio & Dock Decking Work Repair, Replace, Maintenance Work, Cleaning, Treatments, New Decks.

Also Handyman/Painting work to home or office.

Call RICHARD Bespoke Service 941-448-3571 Island Resident.

STORM DAMAGE? Prompt Response. Tree work, Carpentry, Painting, Roof/ Fence Repair, Etc. Medium and Small Jobs Accepted.

See ORANGE AD in Painting Section. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315 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.

LOST 18" DIAMOND CHAIN NECKLACE with my grand mother's diamond in center – REWARD Call 267454-0725 FOUND WAKE BOARD in Holmes Beach (Bay Side) Call 941-779-6485 FOUND WEDDING RING October 2 in Holmes Beach. To Rayburn with love Kathy. Call 941-9008226 LOST ENGAGEMENT RING. Solitaire white gold. Lost on 10/22/2017. Call 770712-8819 FOUND NECKLACE PENDANT near Anna Maria Post office. Call 941-773318 LOST GOLD BRACELET with toggle clasp & charm with 50th anniversary engraved.

Sentimental value. Lost in vicinity of Palm Ave. in Anna Maria. Call 407-8730078.

LOST MY GRANDMOTHER'S gold wedding band (initials inside and date) at Coquina Beach area. Reward.

Call 407-579-1621

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!

“WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Meticulous, Thorough, Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Wall paper removal..

Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315 BAYSIDE COMMERCIAL PAINTING. David Padyani Call 941-565-9446 or Larry Zimmer 941-2248123 Licensed & Insured

PERSONAL SERVICES NEED MATH TUTOR? I am a Certified 6th-12th Grade Math Teacher with 30 years experience tutoring. Call 941-5244177

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

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

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POOL SERVICES

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

PRINTING CUSTOM DIGITAL PRINTING "Your printing dream to reality" Specializing in Dye sublimation Printing.

Graphic Design. Performance Active ware. Logo Design. Call Rhonda 330-550-4847

PROFESSIONAL PRESSURE & WINDOW WASHING AUTHORITY ONE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction and Vacation Rentals . Also available Power Washing, Roof Cleaning and Windows.

Call 941-251-5948

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

FROM THE HIGH $200’s. Only minutes from the beach, this new active adult community is perfectly located just south of Manatee Ave, off Village Green Pkwy.

Perfectly designed, open 2BR or 3BR/2BA plus den & 2CG floor plans.

Luxurious amenities, pool, spa, gym, pickle ball and fenced-in dog park. HOA only $190/ month. Models open daily. Contact us 941254-3330 www.MirabellaFlorida.com 113 BEACH AVE 3BR/3BA Pool Home. Great location West of Gulf Drive with Direct beach access! $1,055,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941228-6086 CANAL FRONT HOMES Holmes Bch - Key Royale GULF FRONT CONDOS Gulf Place, La Casa L’Plage, Waters Edge & MORE. Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 941-232-2216

Call us today! 941-778-3986

SLIGHTLY OFF THE ISLAND. 3BR/2BA completely renovated lake house, five miles from the beach. No Condo/HOA Fees, No Deed Restrictions, No Traffic, Huge Boat/RV Storage Area, No Flood Insurance. $319,500. www.690932nd.com. For Sale By Owner. 941-795-5225 PERICO BAY CLUB! Light & bright 2BR/2BA With high ceilings & updated kitchen! $212,000.

Island Real Estate- Call Kathleen White 941-7730165.

FOR SALE: 211 85th St. Two blocks to beach.

2BR/2BA, pool. Broker owner Brenda Boyd May. 941-730-8589. $539,000

REAL ESTATE: OPEN HOUSE OPEN HOUSE NEW CONSTRUCTION! December 2nd – 12:00-3:00.

420 Magnolia Ave, Anna Marie, Florida. $1,499,900 Beautiful 4BR/4.5BA home located on desirable Anna Maria Island. This home offers a spacious, open concept living area. Granite Countertops, Tiled Flooring and much more including 2 garages. In-ground pool with covered patio perfect for entertaining. Close to several beaches. Elevated home with hurricane impact doors and windows.

For more information call 812-345-5577

RENTALS: ANNUAL ANNUAL RENTALS WANTED ! We have well qualified tenants for beach and mainland annual rentals, Full management or Finders fee.

Call today for details. Ask for 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. ANNUAL RENTALS- Holmes Beach 2BR/1.5BA, carport, storage, W/D hookups $1,500/mo.

Non-Smoking. Call Fran Maxon Real Estate for details 941-778-2307.

ANNUAL RENTAL ANNA MARIA CITY, 2BR/1BA half duplex, unfurnished. NO PETS! $1,300/mo - 1st, last, and security req'd.

Call Sato Real Estate, Inc. at 941-778-7200 or email monica@satorealestate. com HOLMES BEACH ANNUAL 1BR/1BA newly updated includes water W/D, Trash. No smoking/No pets $1350/mo. First, last, security Available now Call 860-922-3857 ANNUAL RENTAL CANAL FRONT Cortez house w/ boat lift and access to intercoastal. 3BR/2BA, 2 car garage. Large lot and lanai.

Available Jan 1. References, credit report. $2500/ mo. 608-697-8801 1BR/1BA STUDIO HOLMES BEACH includes all utilities, laundry and pool. $1400/mo. 12 month lease. Call 941345-4379

NOVEMBER 29, 2017

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

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $165. Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www.amitaxi.com

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

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

941-779-5095

2018 SEASONAL RENTALS Available: 2BR/1BA Gulf front from $3,850 per month, 2BR with sleeping loft from $3,850 per month. Three month minimum. Horizon Realty of Anna Maria 941-778-0426 kringco@tampabay.rr.com

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

GREAT RATES! Weekly, Monthly. 3BR/2BA NW Bradenton. Call Grace 941-201-2190

ROGER'S AIRPORT SERVICE. Tampa, St. Pete/ Clearwater, Sarasota/ Bradenton. Call Roger 941773-1469

www.amisun.com

NOVEMBER 29, 2017

business & service directory computer service

home improvement

THE SUN

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

HAULING

painting

home improvement

transportation HOME SITTING / PET SITTING

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NOVEMBER 29, 2017