FREE
VOL 16 No. 52
October 12, 2016
Matthew stays away, evacuees flood Island Florida’s northeast coast hit hard by hurricane. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
Very little damage but a flood of evacuees. That pretty much sums up the extent of Hurricane Matthew’s impact on Anna Maria Island and Manatee County last week. While the gigantic, Category 4 hurricane wreaked death and destruction on Haiti before pounding northeast Florida, AMI and the state’s west coast escaped virtually untouched. Except for the resort industry, which saw an influx of evacuees leave their vacation lodgings in the east, while others redirected their initial travel plans and booked rooms here on AMI. “We got a lot of phone calls from people inquiring about accommodations Wednesday and Thursday,” said Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce President Deb Wing. “We put out a blast e-mail to our member resorts, and they responded. They supplied a lot of rooms for the visitors.” Wing said she had no exact figures yet on how many of the evacuees got rooms on the Island, but she said it was a welcome relief during what has traditionally been the slowest part of the year. “Between Hurricane Hermine and red tide, our
eagle eye CAPT. KIM IBASFALEAN | SUBMITTED
Captain Kim Ibasfalean took this photo of an eagle in a tree across the street from the Tortuga Inn in Bradenton Beach.
Tide turns but it’s still red Red tide continues to barrage the Island, improving and worsening with the winds. BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
Northeast winds forecasted to continue through Friday should blow the red tide bloom that began last month away from the beach and out into the Gulf of Mexico, but could push more dead fish into the canals on the bayside of Anna Maria Island. The NOAA weather forecast is good news for beachside residents and visi-
INSIDE NEWS OPINION Sun survey outdoors football fever obituraries REAL ESTATE crossword
4 6 7 20-21 24-25 27 30-35 36
tors who have been coughing from the red tide and smelling dead fish, but not so good for residents and visitors on the bayside. On Monday, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reported red tide in medium concentrations in Anna Maria, medium in Holmes Beach, very low in Bradenton Beach, medium at the Longboat Pass boat ramp and high in Longboat Key. Red tide is a high concentration of single-celled organisms that produce toxins that can kill fish, birds, marine see red tide, page 14
creating a craft
bar at the Waterfront Restaurant. 22
Anna Maria Island, Florida
see matthew, page 11
Royal flush: Moose Queen revealed The drawing begun earlier this year produced $350,000 in prize money and more than $90,000 for charities. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – The Moose Lodge’s Queen of Hearts is hiding no more. Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge #2188 member Matt Miller has won the $82,594 jackpot that netted him nearly $62,000 after 25 percent of his winnings are withheld for taxes.
Miller was not on hand at for the Wednesday, Oct. 5, drawing that saw lodge administrator Ernie Casali open envelope #54, one of the less than 10 envelopes that remained from the 54 filled with a full deck of playing cards, plus two jokers, before the drawing began in January. Since then, one envelope has been opened each week, and the crowds have grown in proportion to the rising jackpot. In an effort to bring the drawing to a close before season starts, it was announced at the previous week’s see queen, page 8
take a peek at whats coming up at this year’s Bayfest. 3
A new West Manatee fire station is dedicated. 5
The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper
www.amisun.com
2
THE SUN
www.amisun.com
OCTOBER 12, 2016
www.amisun.com
OCTOBER 12, 2016
THE SUN
3
Bayfest is calling The one-day event signals the opening of festival season on Anna Maria Island. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – It’s time to shake off those hurricane season blues, open up the windows, air out the house and get ready to party. Bayfest is coming up this Saturday, Oct. 15, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. along Pine Avenue in Anna Maria. There is something for everybody at the 16th annual Bayfest including a wide array of arts and crafts venders, live music with Mike Sales as emcee, fun and games for the kids, food from local restaurants and outlets, liquid refreshments and more than 100 antique, classic and muscle cars, sponsored by LaPensee Plumbing. Mike Sales kicks off the music at 10 a.m. on the big stage. At 11 a.m., KoKo Ray and the Keepers play until 12:30 p.m. Whiskey Blind takes the stage from 1 to 3 p.m., followed by the Billie Rice Band from 3:30 to 5 p.m., soulRcoaster from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and the Karen and Jimmy Band from 8 to 10 p.m.
roser church | submitted
Kids had fun in front of Roser Memorial Community church at last year's Bayfest.
Mouth watering food
The menu includes: • T&L Bar-B-Que – award winning Ribfest barbeque featuring chicken, smoked
wings, rib bites, pulled pork, ribs, collard greens, mac n cheese, potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans and yellow rice with chicken;
• The Feast restaurant – coconut shrimp, grouper cheeks and conch fritters; • The Waterfront restaurant – island favorite grouper tacos and pork carnitas; • Corky’s – hot dogs, sausage, funnel cakes and fries; • Coastal Crab Co. – crab cake sandwiches, crab bites w/dipping sauce, crab mac n cheese, lobster bisque, Key West slaw; • Joey D’s – pizzas, chicken Alfredo pasta, pasta marina, meatball sandwiches and chicken parm sandwiches; • Riverside Rollin’ Smoke – gourmet grilled cheeses with smoked meats; • Ellas – Greek satay skewers; • Subz N Grubz – Philly beef cheese steak and chicken Philly sandwiches and shrimp po-boys; • Village Idiot – Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches on baguettes; • AMI Privateers – hamburgers and corn on the cob; • Hahn’s Kettle Corn; • Joeys Italian Ice; • Tropi Coco – coconut smoothies, pina colada smoothies and fresh coconut water served right from the coconut; • Kona Ice. see bayfest, page 8
4
THE SUN
ISLAND NEWS
in brief
Bert Harris topic of commission discussion During the Thursday, Oct. 13 Anna Maria City Commission that will begin at 6 p.m., commissioners will discuss a counter offer for the potential purchase of a vacation rental property and more proposed Bert Harris claim settlements presented by the city attorney. The consent agenda includes a special event permit request submitted for The Vintage Flea at Ginny’s and Jane E’s. Commissioners will then adjourn the commission meeting and engage in commission work session about drainage and flooding.
Mail ballots delivered The deadline to request a mail ballot is Wednesday, Nov. 2. Mail ballots can be requested online at www.votemanatee.com or by calling the elections office at 941-741-3923. Vote by mail ballots must be returned to the Supervisor of Elections office by 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 8.
Public input sought The city of Bradenton Beach is seeking input from residents and business owners on which projects to include in a revised and updated Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) plan. The first public of two scheduled CRA public workshops will take place at city hall at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 19, followed by another on Wednesday, Oct. 26.
Sign up now for golf fundraiser Join The Center of Anna Maria Island at the IMG Academy Golf Club on Friday, Oct. 21, for its annual Golf Tournament. This is a fundraiser for The Center and an excellent opportunity to take a golf day to start the weekend. The cost is $350 per foursome or $100 per person. That includes a Chick-fil-a lunch, and a dinner buffet featuring awards, giveaways and raffles. Registration is at 11:30 a.m. and the shotgun start is at 1 p.m. Contact The Center of AMI at 941-778-1908 to register.
Visit our website, www.amisun.com. Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.
OCTOBER 12, 2016
Half-cent sales tax examined
A portion of the revenues generated by a proposed half-cent sales tax increase would returned to the Island cities to use as they see fit. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON – The fate of the proposed half-cent infrastructure sales tax will be decided by county voters in the general election that will conclude on Tuesday, Nov. 8. The ballot language being presented to county voters, some of whom are already voting by mail, says, “To provide for safer neighborhoods, reduce traffic congestion and improve roadways and public facilities, shall Manatee County levy a half cent sales tax surtax for a period of 15 years to fund roadways, sidewalks, intersections, street lights, infrastructure for law enforcement, emergency response, libraries, parks, waterways, public buildings and stormwater, all projects located exclusively in Manatee County, with citizen oversight?” Voters are then asked to vote for or against the proposed half-cent tax. County officials say the proposed half-cent sales tax increase would generate approximately $30 million a year. An estimated $25 million would be spent in unincorporated Manatee County and an $5 million would be distributed to the six cities based population. If approved, the city of Anna Maria would receive an estimated $118,746 in the current fiscal year
joe hendricks | SUN
County Commissioner John Chappie expresses his support for the proposed halfcent sales tax increase. that ends next September. The city of Bradenton Beach would receive an estimated $301,048, the city of Holmes Beach would receive an estimated $92,089 and the Town of Longboat Key would receive an estimated $185,898. City officials would be able to spend these funds as they see fit. The city of Bradenton would receive an estimated $4.1 million, and the city of Palmetto is projected to receive slightly more than $1 million. In regard to the county’s portion of the surtax revenues, 71 percent would be earmarked for transportation and roads, 15 percent for law enforcement and public safety and 14 percent for parks, preserves and community facilities. If approved, the current 6.5 percent sales tax levied in Manatee County would increase to 7 percent if county voters also decide to
How will the half-cent be spent? • The half-cent for infrastructure will generate $30 million a year. • Many Manatee families will pay about $5 a month.
Corrections An incorrect ID was used in a Town Crier photo caption that ran in the Oct. 5 edition of The Sun. The person leading the prayer session was Fr. Michael Mullen, of St. Bernard Catholic Church. Manatee County Aging Services can be reached at 941-742-5818. An incorrect phone number was listed in the Oct. 5 edition of The Sun.
Transportation
71% & Roads
Public safety
15% & law enforcement
Parks, preserves
14% and community
facilities
renew the half-cent school tax. The tax would not apply to food and prescription drug purchases or to services like lawn maintenance, pest control or getting a haircut. Consumers would see a 50-cent increase for every $100 spent on taxable items.
Island impact
An interactive map at the county website displays the location and condensed details on most of the 190 county projected that would be funded by the additional sales tax revenues. The map of proposed countyfunded projects includes $200,000 in improvements to the Kingfish boat ramp, including installation of permanent restrooms. The map lists $500,000 for the reconstruction and repair of the Leffis Key boardwalk; $250,000 to replace and renovate the Coquina Beach restrooms; $750,000 for the replacement of seven lifeguard towers at the Manatee and Coquina public beaches; and $350,000 for three new lifeguard towers. The project map currently lists no county-funded half-cent projects for the city of Anna Maria, the town of Longboat Key or the village of Cortez. A complete list of the proposed projects is available as a downloadable PDF at the county website. Learn more about the half-cent tax by visiting www.mymanatee.org and clicking on the half-cent sales tax link at the home page.
www.amisun.com
OCTOBER 12, 2016
THE SUN
5
Crowd celebrates new fire station The new station is located near the West Manatee Fire Rescue Administrative Building. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
BRADENTON – Almost 100 people attended the dedication of West Manatee Fire Rescue Station 1, 407 67th St., BradenTOM VAUGHT | SUN ton, Saturday morning. There Bob Kline's widow, Bea, stands by were firefighters from around the plaque honoring her husband, the area and dignitaries infor emergency personnel when cluding Florida State Reprea storm hits the area. sentative Jim Boyd, County West Manatee Fire ComCommissioners Betsy Benac mission Chair Randy Cooper and Carol Whitmore and relaspoke about Kline, a 30-year tives of the man for whom the veteran of the West Side Fire station was dedicated, Robert District, which merged with “Bob” Kline. the Anna Maria Fire District in West Manatee Fire Chief 2000. Tom Sousa welcomed the Kline’s widow, Bea, unveiled crowd. He noted the planning a plaque that bears his name for the new facility began that will be attached to the while Andy Price was the new firehouse and Kline’s chief. He noted the building granddaughter, Chrissie Kierwas designed to withstand hurricane winds, a feature that nan, a firefighter, spoke about him. will make it the headquarters
Members of American Legion Kirby Stewart Post 24 presented an American flag in Kline’s memory. After that, notable guests stood in front of the crowd holding two fire hoses couple together. After an announcement welcoming the new station over the radio, they uncoupled the hoses, opening the station to the public. There were tours of the new building as well as tours of the ladder trucks, a pumper, an ambulance and the district’s fireboat, hooked to a military truck donated by the US Forest Service. Kids had a chance to try on firefighter outfits and helmets, and there was a bounce house and slide for the kids. Manatee High School students helped with the even,t and firefighters served hamburgers, hot dogs, sodas and chips for all. AMI Radio broadcast live and provided music after the dedication.
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
Above, West Manatee Fire Commission Chairman Randy Cooper and Bob Kline's widow, Bea, uncouple the fire hoses. Below, kids try on firefighter gear at the dedication.
6
THE SUN
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
Like us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun
OCTOBER 12, 2016
EDITORIAL Island luck
A
nna Maria Island, as more and more people are learning, has many things going for it: world-class beaches and relatively unpolluted waters (except during red tide), a host of fabulous restaurants, even more unique mom-and-pop shops and communities offering an easy-going lifestyle that's rapidly disappearing in Florida. But perhaps the best thing the Island has in its favor is the one thing nobody can control plain, old-fashioned luck. This past week was a perfect example, as Hurricane Matthew skirted up the east coast of the state, unleashing powerful Category 3 and 4 conditions along the way before barrelling into St. Augustine and Jacksonville, then moving on to Georgia and the Carolinas. Forecasters never gave the storm much of chance of swinging west and, as it turns out, they were right. And we were lucky. Again. But give credit to those in charge of emergency operations; response crews really were primed to react if Matthew had changed track. How much anyone could do in the event of a direct hit on AMI is debatable, but the best preparations possible were in place and ready to go. And we got lucky. So, as we don our surgical masks or breathing apparatus and complain about the lingering red tide we might want to remember how fortunate we just were. It could have been a lot worse.
HOW TO SEND US A LETTER TO THE EDITOR
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 several ways to make your opinion known. Visit our website at www.amisun.com and click on the “contact us” link at the top of the home page. Or, e-mail The Sun directly at news@ amisun.com. If you prefer the old-fashioned way you can mail a letter to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun, Island Sun Plaza, P.O. Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216. 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. Letters also may be edited for length and content.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Giving Challenge a winner I’m writing to express my gratitude to everyone that supported The Center of Anna Maria Island through this year’s Giving Challenge Campaign. Through the generosity of our Island community we raised three times what we raised in 2015. This year we had 190 unique gifts, $17,176 raised by donors, and $25,952 provided in matching for a grand total of $43,128 to support our youth and senior programs. The Center is fortunate to be able to serve as our community’s gathering place…where friendships are made and deepened. Be it on the sports fields, in the after school enrichment programs, on one of our senior adventure outings, at one of our social events, on the tennis and pickleball courts, or during a yoga and tai chi class… we are a community-focused Center that families, residents, and visitors can have confidence and trust in to continue to work hard to meet their needs. Whether you are 3 years old or 85 years old, we seek to provide healthy life style programs for EVERYONE. Through support in the way of donations, like those raised during the Giving Challenge, we were able to give away $52,000 last fiscal year in reduced fees and scholarships for our youth programs alone. Additionally, our senior programs continue to
be subsidized by donations and grants, as we understand the challenges our aging community faces. In all, our region raised $13.4 million in unrestricted funding with 63,567 unique gifts from 559 participating nonprofits. I certainly feel fortunate to have been part of this record-breaking year for Manatee and Sarasota counties. I am even more proud to serve as a representative for our Island in this extraordinary nonprofit community where The Center will continue to be an active member. I welcome each and every one of you to come on a personal tour of The Center. We have made amazing strides in the last two years and we will continue to strive to be relevant and responsive to the needs of our community, a community that is diverse in its make-up and stretches far beyond our three humble island cities. Further, the Center team will continue to solicit your thoughts and opinions to help operate this community center. In addition to our year round residents, The Center will also focus on serving the needs of our seasonal guests and visitors who are so important and drive the vitality of our local community. They too will be warmly welcomed by the Center team, which is made up of a not just employees, but volunteers, members, local businesses, fellow residents, and visitors who inform
Take The Sun Survey on Page 7. and guide the strategies, programs, and day to day decisions of The Center. I believe the recent success of our Giving Challenge Campaign shows the success in our team approach, to executing The Center’s promises: · to create a family friendly atmosphere · offer healthy lifestyle programs and activities · provide experiences that are welcoming and stimulating · be a socially responsible member of the island community These promises serve to provide team members with clarity and direction to support the fulfillment of our mission. Please consider becoming involved and joining our team …visit our website for upcoming events, programs, and opportunities to be active at www. centerami.org. Kristen Lessig The Center of Anna Maria Executive director
Flooding concerns Yesterday (Oct. 3) we experienced a significant rain event that produced 3.10 inches over 24 hours. That’s a lot of rain but not particularly unusual. What is unusual is the flooding we experiSEE letters, PAGE 7
www.amisun.com
OCTOBER 12, 2016
THE SUN
the sun survey
on the agenda
PREVIOUS QUESTION: What do you think of the proposals to build a multilevel parking garage in Bradenton Beach?
Anna Maria
62%
I don't like it. A parking garage would be completely out of character with the city.
19%
It's a good idea. More parking space is desperately needed, especially on Bridge Street.
10005 Gulf Drive. 10/13: City Commission special meeting, 6 p.m. For information, call 7086130.
Bradenton Beach 107 Gulf Drive N.
10/13: Department head meeting, 1 p.m. 10/19: Community Redevelopment Agency workshop, 9:30 a.m. 10/19: Planning and Zoning Board, 1 p.m. 10/20: City Commission meeting, noon. For information, call 7781005.
7
Holmes Beach 5801 Marina Drive.
10/12: Neighborhood Watch meeting, CANCELED For information, call 7085800.
Island-wide
10/17: Manatee County Tourist Development Council, Manatee County Commission chambers, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. 10/19: Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials, Holmes Beach City Hall, 2 p.m. 10/20: West Manatee Fire Commission meeting, 6 p.m., 6417 3rd Ave. W., Bradenton.
mark your calendar Note: Events are free unless indicated.
19%
Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. Bring two cans of fruit of equal size and weight. Coloring Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 12 p.m. Chess Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 11 a.m. Bring two cans of fruit of equal size and weight. 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. Sunset full moon paddle, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Reserve to 941-742-5757, ext. 7.
Thursday
Saturday
Boomer Boot camp, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 10 to 11 a.m. One class, $15; five classes, $65; 10 classes, $100. Jam in the sand, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.
Palma Sola Botanical Park fall plant, antiques and craft sale, 9800 17th Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday Oct. 12
It would depend on where they build it. If they put it at Coquina Beach, for example, I could support the plan.
THIS WEEK’S SURVEY Do you favor a half-cent raise in the sales tax to be spent on infrastructure with portions of the revenue to go to Island cities?
• Yes • No
Oct. 13
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
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR From Page 6
like a river heading for the bay. This is the third time this unprecedented flooding has occurred since the drain change. Explanations from the city commission, public works and city engineer are now required of the following:
• What was the original design intent and expectations? What was supposed to happen when finished? • Was the work done in accordance with the design? What is happening? Was this flooding expected? • What, specifically, is being studied and analyzed to correct
this problem? What is going to be done and when? Residents who have lived here for decades say this level of flooding with this amount of rain is unprecedented. We deserve answers. William Vincent Brien Quinn Bradenton Beach
Friday Oct. 14
Forty Carrots program for babies and children to age 5, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Bridge beginners/refresher class, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., and $10 includes coffee and cookies. RSVP to maryannbrady@aginginparadise. org or 941-383-6493. Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser
Oct. 15
Monday Oct. 17
Social bridge games, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, noon.
Tuesday Oct. 18
Boomer Boot camp, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 10 to 11 a.m. One class, $15; five classes, $65; 10 classes, $100. Preschool story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. SHINE Medicare information, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
8
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
OCTOBER 12, 2016
queen: Hides no more
BAYFEST: Is Saturday
FROM PAGE 1
drawing that two envelopes would be opened on Oct. 5, followed by at least two more on Oct. 12, if needed. The second envelope opened last week earned Robert Murray $5,000, minus taxes. An additional $15,000 was given away in door prizes to those who purchased tickets in hopes of holding the one ticket that would earn them a shot at pulling the queen. Casali said the lodge has given away more than $350,000 in prize money since this particular drawing began. In addition to the prize money given away, the weekly drawings also support Moose Charities and several local charities supported by the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge. Casali said the weekly drawings that ended last week have raised $71,000 for Moose Charities and another $20,000 for local charities, including The Hope Center, Meals on Wheels, the Salvation Army, Southeast Guide Dogs, Shriners, hospice and more.
S
FROM PAGE 3
For the kids
There will also be a Kids’ Zone, sponsored by AMI Health & Fitness and Island Scooter Store, featuring fun games, bounce houses and more. All children are invited to explore the Children’s Tent and enjoy free crafts, games and snacks between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Roser Church Mission Committee will have a display of information and handouts from most of the Christian based organizations it supports including the Roser Food Pantry. The Roser Thrift Shop will be open. The Roser Memorial Chapel will be open for prayer and historical information. Everyone is invited to stop by and ask about what Fig Newtons have to do with this beautiful chapel. The church will have live music, and the schedule is as follows: • 10:30 a.m., Chancel Choir; • 11:30 a.m., Grace Notes Trio; • 12:30 p.m., Joyful Noise Community Children’s Choir; • 1:30 p.m., Roser Ringers Quartet.
joe hendricks | SUN
Moose lodge administrator Ernie Casali pulls the winning Queen of Hearts, with Lt. John Cosby among those on hand providing police security. In addition to the additional food and beverage sales generated by the large crowds that attend each week’s drawing, the lodge’s portion of the ticket sales revenue helps recoup some of the expenses incurred during the recent renovations to the lodge. “We don’t need this to operate,
but it enhances what we do. It’s a tremendous boost for us,” Casali said of the added revenue. In regard to the drawing being over, Casali said, “I would have loved another week, but we’re glad it’s over because everybody needs a rest.” The next Queen of Hearts drawing will begin in January.
Avoid parking hassles
CrossPointe Fellowship will offer free parking as motorists enter the city on Gulf Drive. The free trolley will be shuttling people in and out of the event. Park and take the trolley, which runs until 10:30 p.m.
u At o Y ee
AM
Come see why we were voted the #
OB !
<PMZM¼[ 6W *M\\MZ 8TIKM than AMOB on the Pier!
1 New ant
Restaur
HAPPIER HOUR ~ Every Day 3-6pm! BUY 1 Appetizer, 0 . 0 F F O $ ! F Drafts & F O ½ House Wines
.50
4
*ZMISNI[\ ;MZ^ML ,IQTa · IU Present this coupon when you purchase one breakfast entrée at regular price and receive a second
CODE
2
FREE!
*
*Limited to 1 guest, 1 visit, 1 use . Expires Oct. 31, 2016. With this coupon. Pier location only.
PIER s 941.778.AMOB (2662) s 200 Bridge Street (Historic Bridge Street Pier)
OCTOBER 12, 2016
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
9
A M I OUTFITTERS Coastal Gear & Apparel YOUR PROFESSIONAL OUTDOOR STORE Fly SUP Tech
The Sun up north Nancy Ksiazek, a long time Holmes Beach resident, took The Sun along as she visited her sister and brother-in-law, Anne and Steve Phillips, in Vancouver Wash. SUBMITTED
Owner Steve Traves Outdoor Pro
401 Pine Avenue Anna Maria 941-254-4996 Tues - Sun 9 to 6
10
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
OCTOBER 12, 2016
It’s the time of your life.
. e im T d n a l s I it e k Ma
Waterfront Living on Florida’s Last Private Island From the $500s Ahh…island time. The freedom of days set to the rhythm of the tides, the roll of the sun, and pure whimsy. Like time spent on Harbour Isle, a private island paradise where you can catch dinner on a morning kayak and the sunset from our private Beach Club overlooking Anna Maria Sound. The locals call it “Florida’s Best Kept Secret.” And you’re about to get in on it. Come take the tour, and pick up the keys to Florida’s last private island. Don’t miss your chance for the best views and pricing in the final phase of our Edgewater Walk neighborhood! 5 minutes to world-famous Anna Maria Island beaches.
TOUR
3 New~and~ Models
Award Winning Beach Club
One incredible community. Two great ways to live it! ISLAND COACH HOMES Back by popular demand. New neighborhood, final phase! WATERFRONT CONDOMINIUMS Rental income opportunity!
12300 Manatee Ave. West, Bradenton, FL 34209
Located on SR-64 West, just before the Anna Maria Island Bridge
(877) 542-0822 | mintofla.com
To learn more about our award-winning communities throughout Florida, visit mintofla.com. For correct representations, make reference to this advertisement and to the documents required by section 718.503, Florida statutes, to be furnished by a seller to a buyer or lessee. © Minto Communities, LLC 2016. Not an offer where prohibited by state statutes. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored or transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission. Artist’s renderings, dimensions, specifications, prices and features are approximate and subject to change without notice. Minto, the Minto logo, Harbour Isle and the Harbour Isle logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. CGC 1519880. 10/2016
www.amisun.com
OCTOBER 12, 2016
11
Open Daily – 11AM Happy Hour 2-6PM (Monday-Friday)
1014 9th St. W Bradenton, FL MotorworksBrewing.com
Award-Winning Beers Live music Wine and cocktails Delicious food trucks Cornhole, bocce, putting green Massive projector screens LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE: 10/12 - David Smash (Blues) 10/13 - Ryan Carney (Reggae) 10/14 - Galbraith Group (Prog/Jam)
THE SUN
10/15 - IPA Band (Rock/Pop) 10/16 - Brittani McCracken (Acoustic)
maggie field | SUN
Small but rideable waves rolled into Anna Maria Island last week while east coast beaches were being pummelled by Hurricane Matthew's 15- to 20-foot swells.
matthew: Stays away FROM PAGE 1
resort owners have been hurting,” Wing said. “This provided them with a little boost at the right time.” The anecdotal evidence was everywhere, as resort and retail parking lots, along with Island avenues, swelled with cars. Local restaurants, meanwhile, saw their dining rooms fill to capacity well into the weekend. For a day or two, even the red tide abated, allowing tourists and evacuees alike back onto the beaches under mostly sunny skies. A small northwesterly swell brought out a few surfers. Island residents got lucky again. In fact, the heaviest rain on AMI fell a couple of days before the hurricane moved anywhere near the state. As for Matthew’s effect on local weather, there wasn’t any. Manatee
County experienced some wind and practically no flooding as the storm neared the state and passed slowly up the East Coast. When it did come close to land, it was located north, heading away from southwest Florida. “We had no damage to report,” said Bradenton Beach Police Detective Sgt. Lenard Diaz. “There was no wind damage and no flooding.” The situation was the same for Anna Maria, according to Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Russell Schnering. “We had no reports of wind damage, power outages or flooding,” he said. Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said there was no damage to property whatsoever. “We were blessed that the storms have passed without damage and we hope and pray it continues,” he said.
12
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
OCTOBER 12, 2016
Flooded La. town gets help from Roser team The team left the Island on Sunday, Sept. 24 and returned on Saturday, Oct. 1. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – A team of volunteers traveled to Greenwell Springs, La., last month to help with cleanup following a record rainfall along the Gulf coast that killed several persons and left a path of flooded homes and businesses. The volunteers – David Cheshire, Neil Crowell Mike Pescitelli, Matt Meehan and Steve Walter – drove up to Baton Rouge Parish in the Samaritan’s Purse bus to help with demolition of structures that were flooded so they can be rebuilt. Walter wrote about the experience. “(It) seems like a million miles from the sandy white beaches of AMI. The 10-mile drive off the interstate into
submitted
The Emergency Response Team in front of the Samaritan’s Purse truck. Steve Walter is standing on the far left with Neil Crowell next to him. Matt Meehan, left, and David Cheshire, right, are in the front with Mike Pescitelli, directly behind David. Right, a house is ready for a new interior Greenwell Springs reminds us of CNN footage from the first liberation of Fallujah. Flood soaked contents of peoples’ homes are piled into heaps at the edge of the road – as if it’s trash day tomorrow. Large white household sized piles of mattresses, appliances, furniture and drywall are strangely neat and tidy. They’ve obviously been there since the water
started to recede – when people began the demolition that precedes rebuilding, waiting for the trash pickup that may not happen until Christmas. From what the work coordinator described at orientation tonight, we’ll be spending the time here on demolition – trying to openup walls, remove flood soaked junk and get the homes clear enough for the drying to begin.
19TH ANNUAL CORTEZ NAUTICAL FLEA MARKET
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 8 AM - 1 PM AT 4415 119TH ST W, CORTEZ, FL
He joked about not worrying about Windex and Febreeze at this stage.” Crowell wrote about their location. “Samaritan's Purse is anchoring out of Greenwell Springs Baptist Church about a mile away from the main river, which flooded the area.
The church has cancelled pretty much all of their ministries with the exception of Sunday services so Samaritan's Purse can utilize their gym for meals and supplies, Sunday school rooms for sleeping quarters and the parking lot for temposee roser, page 33
www.amisun.com
OCTOBER 12, 2016
THE SUN
Vacation rental counteroffer submitted City commissioners will discuss the property owners’ counteroffer Thursday night.
Another Bert Harris claim filed in Holmes Beach The case involves property at 106 75th St. owned by three investment groups.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The attorney for 117 Willow LLC’s Shawn Kaleta and Joe Varner has presented the city with a marked up copy of the sales contract that serves as counteroffer to the city’s recent offer to purchase the LLC-owned vacation rental property at 117 Willow Ave. The returned contract will be reviewed and discussed by the Anna Maria city commissioners at their meeting on Thursday, Oct. 13. The first proposed change would eliminate the clause that states that all interior furnishings are included in the proposed purchase price. This portion of the returned contact is stricken through, noted as being not available and referred to later in the document. The property owners have requested an initial deposit of $100,000 instead of the $1,000 offered by the city, with the remaining balance due of $1,112,925 that still reflects the $1.2 million purchase price originally offered by the city. A potential sticking point in the proposed sale may be the property owners’ request that the contract be changed in a manner that states the city may not reassign the contract to another buyer. The city’s offer included the provision that the purchase contract could be assigned to another buyer, and city officials have expressed no desire to enter into the vacation rental business on a long-term basis. The Willow Avenue property is one of 20 vacation rental properties the city recently offered to
13
BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
joe hendricks | SUN
The city of Anna Maria has offered to purchase this vacation rental property at 117 Willow Ave. purchase at 1.5 percent above the assessed property value. Purchases offers were submitted to property owners who filed Bert Harris claims and sought occupancy limits greater than the two guests per bedroom plus two additional guests the city has consistently offered. Those owners also were offered the two-plus-two occupancy exception that allows for greater permanent occupancy than the eight-person limit established in the vacation rental ordinance enacted in April. The contract language for the Willow Avenue property that pertains to the sellers’ closing costs, title insurance, survey, home warranty and special assessments has been crossed out and replaced by a handwritten request that says, “Listing agent commission.” A newly-attached page referenced in the additional terms clause contains three clarifications or requests made on behalf of the property owners: • “The $100,000 deposit held in escrow will become non-refundable
45 days after the effective date; • The property can be sold with furnishings of any type for an additional $75,000, making the total purchase price $1,287,925; • Closing costs include, but are not limited to a 4 percent commission to be paid to current listing agent Gregg Bayer, of AMI Beaches Real Estate.” If commissioners reject the counter offer Thursday night, the property owners still have the option to accept the two-plus-two occupancy allowance that was previously offered. It’s also possible that additional counter offers could be exchanged. If the property owners and the city cannot reach a suitable solution, the property owners still have the option of taking the city to court and letting a judge decide if there would be compensation, and if so how much. The judge could also rule in favor of the city in finding that the city’s offer was reasonable.
WHEN YOU THINK FANS, THINK DAN'S!
DAN'S FAN CITY LARGEST SELECTION OF INDOOR & OUTDOOR FANS ANYWHERE! TORNADO
DESIGN
MARINE GRADE S316 STAINLESS STEEL
YOUR FAN
ASK US HOW
OR SEE OUR
RAINDANCE
Direct Water Contact 30 Year Warranty 45 Stores Nationwide Parts, Services & Open 7 Days A Week Installation Available Locally Owned and Operated · Fan Experts For Over 35 Years
Bradenton
1808 Cortez Road
755-3262
HOLMES BEACH – Attorney Scott Rudacille has filed a Bert Harris claim for property at 106 75th St. for owners Schwackhamer Investments, VI, LLC, Bmeehan Investments, VI, LLC and Kmeehan Investments LLC. Rudacille said, “Through the enacting of Ordinances 13-03, 13-15, 15-10, 15-12,15-19, 16-02 (cumulatively the ‘development restrictions'), the city has engaged in a systematic approach to restrict development rights within the R-2 zoning district, resulting in a cumulative inordinate burden on the property. “In August of this year, the property owner filed a variance application seeking relief from these development restrictions in order to prevent the property from being inordinately burdened. Two months later, the city provided a response letter noting that some or all of the variance requests would not be considered. “As such, it was futile to continue in the variance process, so the property owner elected to pursue this claim under the (Bert Harris) act.” Rudacille said the property is surrounded by a 14-unit duplex vacation rental compound and pointed out, “The existing uses remaining for the property are unreasonable in light of the development patterns in this zoning district and particularly in the area around the property. “Simply stated, it is unfair that these property owners, who have had this property in their family for more than 50 years much now ‘take one for the team,’ so that the city can accomplish their goal of deterring large vacation rental duplexes.” The property owner is seeking relief in the amount of $225,000.
14
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
OCTOBER 12, 2016
red tide: It's still here
Take precautions against red tide
FROM PAGE 1
mammals and sea turtles. Airborne red tide can cause respiratory irritation to people, especially those with asthma or lung disease. It also can cause skin irritation after swimming in it and food poisoning from eating tainted shellfish. Early this week, the wind direction had caused beach conditions to improve, with the Gulf returning to its normal green color and beachgoers venturing out into the water, said Mark Taylor, who rakes the beaches for the Manatee County Parks Department. It’s an improvement from last Saturday, when dead mullet lined the beaches the full length of the Island and were piled up in the Intracoastal Waterway on the east side of the Island and in the fishing village of Cortez, said Taylor, former director of Organized Fishermen of Florida. The loss of mullet could spell trouble for this fall’s mullet roe season, prime earning time for Cortez fishermen, he said. Stone crabbers are waiting to place crab traps in local waters, which they normally already have done by this time each year in anticipation of the season opening date, Oct. 15. “It could be a huge impact” on commercial fishing, he said. Some of the red tide that became airborne during Hurricane Matthew last week had blown offshore by early this week, but last week, “It was bad,” Taylor said. Lifeguards still have their masks to wear when the wind blows towards the beach, but conditions have improved some from the worst stretch two weeks ago, said Capt. Joe Westerman, chief of Manatee County’s Marine
cindy lane | SUN
Stone crab traps line the streets of Cortez in anticipation of the first day of season, Oct. 15. Commercial fishermen anxiously await the passing of the red tide bloom so they can set their traps in Gulf and bay waters.
Rescue Division. “People are still coming to the beach,” he said, adding that they seem to be annoyed more by the odor of dead fish than by the red tide itself. Others, however, are leaving for red tide-free destinations, with the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce estimating a 50 percent drop in visitation for September. “Red tide really did hurt the industry,” President Deb Wing said, adding that about half of those rescheduled their trips. Hurricane Matthew brought evacuees to the Island from the east coast of Florida, which bore the brunt of the storm, but did not make up for those that the red tide drove away, she said.
Sewage problem?
Reports that recent sewage spills caused the red tide are speculation, said Sandy Gilbert, director of START (Solutions To Avoid Red Tide). Hurricane Hermine swamped the sewer systems in Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties last month, causing raw sewage to be accidentally spilled and intentionally released into Tampa Bay and the Hillsborough River. Sewage byproducts include nitrogen and phosphorus, which the Florida species of red tide, Karenia brevis, feeds on, according to researchers at the FWC and elsewhere. Other food sources include fertilizer runoff, sediment in the mud of rivers, decaying fish and trichodesmium, a cyanobacterium that converts nitrogen in the water into a form that red tide can consume.
• People with asthma and other respiratory conditions should avoid the beach or bring their inhalers during a red tide. • Residents and visitors to beaches affected by red tide and up to five miles inland should close their windows and run their air conditioners. • Some swimmers experience skin irritation and rash after swimming in red tide. • Swimming in water where dead fish are present exposes swimmers to elevated bacteria levels. • Sea foam contains a higher concentration of red tide that can cause skin and eye irritation. • Shellfish like clams, oysters, and coquinas that are harvested from areas with red tide should not be eaten because shellfish concentrate the toxins produced by red tide. • Crabs, shrimp and lobster can be consumed because they do not concentrate the red tide toxin. • Scallops can be consumed if only the scallop muscle is eaten; scallop stew using the whole animal should not be consumed. • Shellfish available through restaurants and commercial food suppliers are considered safe to consume. Most agree that the current bloom appeared before the sewage release, but it is possible that the sewage may have prolonged the red tide, he said, adding that he has heard of no tests being done to identify where the nitrogen in the current bloom came from. “People need to press elected officials for the money to study it,” he said.
Beach House BOGO Enjoy lunch or dinner on us!
The Beach House is waterfront dining at its best! Relaxing and fun! Plenty of menu choices made with delicious locally sourced seafood and farm to fork produce. Present this coupon, purchase any lunch or dinner entrée and get the second one of equal or lesser value for free. Must present coupon to receive offer. Cannot be combined with other offers. Gratuity not included. Offer valid until October 19, 2016.
North Bradenton Beach • 941.779.2222
IslandDining.com AMI Sun
CODE: BOGO
www.amisun.com
OCTOBER 12, 2016
THE SUN
Desert Tripper
$350,000
Island resident Tracy Eckert holds up his favorite Island newspaper while attending the Desert Trip Mega-Festival over the weekend in Indio, Cal. The three-day concert featured an all-star lineup of Music Hall of Famers, including the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Neil Young, Pink Floyd's Roger Waters and The Who.
$250,000
$300,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000 0 $400,000 $350,000 $300,000 $250,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000 0
TRACY ECKERT | SUBMITTED
$200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000 0
When:
Friday, October 21, 2016
Time:
Registration at 11:30. Shotgun is at 1.
Where:
IMG Academy Golf Club
Cost:
$100/person or $350 for a foursome
Contact:
Lindsay Sauls and Will Schenerlein phone: (941)778-1908 e-mail: events@centerami.org internet: www.centerami.org facebook: TheCenterofAMI
Lunch and dinner are included in the ticket price Chick-fil-a lunch and dinner buffet to follow at IMG Cash bar at dinner All levels of sponsorships available
4HNUVSPH (]L (UUH 4HYPH -SVYPKH ^^^ JLU[LYHTP VYN
Manatee County total: (Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Longboat Key, unincorporated Manatee County, Palmetto) June 2015 $1,091,235 June 2016 $1,103,018 up 1% July 2015 $969,118 July 2016 $1,176,695 up 22% August 2015 $741,437 August 2016 $677,713 down 9%
15
Resort Tax Collections
Manatee County’s 5 percent resort tax, or tourist tax, is collected from owners of accommodations rented for six months or less who charge the tax to their renters, in most cases, tourists. About 50 percent of the tax proceeds are allocated to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau tourism marketing efforts, with 20 percent allocated to beach renourishment. Resort tax increases reflect both increased visitation and improved tax collection efforts. Amounts shown were collected in June, July and August and paid to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office in July, August and September. To anonymously report a rental owner who may not be paying the tax, call 941-741-4809 or visit www.taxcollector.com/services_ resort_tax_tips.asp. Source: Manatee County Tax Collector
16
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
OCTOBER 12, 2016
CINDY LANE | SUN
Blessings to all Above, Father Michael Mullen, pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church, blessed pets on St. Francis day last Tuesday. St. Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of animals and the environment, the father of the Franciscan order and author of the poem, "Canticle of the Sun," also known as “Brother Sun, Sister Moon.� Right, ducks paddled in a pond at the church as the annual blessing of the animals took place.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME Adult Bible Study 8:45 AM
SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM in the Memorial Chapel 10:00 AM in the Sanctuary Church School (K-5th) after Children’s Sermon • Nursery A NON DENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
Rev. Dr. Bob O’Keef
941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • www.facebook.com/RoserChurch
Indoor/Outdoor
TENT SALE
! " #$% &$ '(()'#()%
! " " #$% &$ '(()')$
www.amisun.com
OCTOBER 12, 2016
THE SUN
17
Parking garage discussions continue City officials have made no final decisions regarding a proposed parking garage. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
Mango-Cranberry Chicken Salad with Local Spinach
,·P DQ 2ULJLQDO “
At enRich Bistro every menu item is a ‘special.’ Our mission is to enrich Bradenton’s dining experience by integrating global flavors with local ingredients in a refreshing atmosphere. We’re proud to serve locally-sourced food, including vegetables from the Geraldson Family Farm, Gamble Creek Farm, and O’Brien Family Farms; Daikin Dairy products; and fresh seafood caught in the Gulf of Mexico. It’s what makes us Original! Dining at enRich Bistro will delight your palate and stimulate your senses!
Rich Knowles, chef/owner, enRich
”
7KH 6DUDVRWD 0DQDWHH 2ULJLQDOV LV D JURXS RI ORFDOO\ RZQHG UHVWDXUDQWV ZKR VKDUH D SDVVLRQ IRU GLQLQJ H[FHOOHQFH DQG FRPPLWPHQW WR RXU FRPPXQLW\
DineOriginal.com 15 South Ristorante • Amore Restaurant • Andrea’s • Anna Maria Oyster Bar • Beach House • The Bijou Café • Birdrock Taco Shack • Blu Island Bistro • Blue Marlin Seafood • Bridge Street Bistro • Café Baci • Café Gabbiano • Café L’Europe • Café Venice • Caragiulos • Cassariano Italian Eatery • Cedar Reef Fish Camp • Ciao! Italia • The Crow’s Nest • Derek’s • Drunken Poet Café • Duval’s • enRich Bistro • Euphemia Haye • Fast N Fresh • Fins at Sharky’s • Gold Rush BBQ • Gulf Drive Café + Tiki • Harry’s Continental Kitchens • JPAN Restaurant • Lobster Pot • Madfish Grill • Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub • Michael John’s • Michael’s On East • mi Pueblo • Miguel’s Restaurant • Ophelia’s On The Bay • The Original Egg • Ortygia Restaurant • Pacific Rim • Pier 22 Restaurant • Polo Grill & Bar • Primo! Ristorante • Riverhouse Reef & Grill • Roessler’s Restaurant • Salute! Restaurant • Sandbar Seafood & Spirits • Seafood Shack • Siesta Key Oyster Bar • State Street • Tsunami • Village Café • The Waterfront Restaurant on Anna Maria • The White Horse Pub
BRADENTON BEACH – Acting as the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Committee, city commissioners expressed preliminary, unanimous support for Commissioner Jake Spooner to continue researching the possibility of building a public parking garage. The consensus reached during the Wednesday, Oct. 5, CRA meeting does not mean the commission has approved the construction of a parking garage or the acquisition of the property needed to do so – the Joe’s Eats & Sweets property at the corner of Gulf Drive and Third Street South, and an adjacent residential property at 106 Third St. S. affiliated with the nearby Island Time Inn. At this point, the CRA committee is simply discussing the possibilities, and no final decisions have been made. Spooner acknowledged that the city’s comprehensive plan does not allow for a stand-alone parking facility and four-fifths, supra majority commission would be needed to amend the comp plan to allow for that use. “If nobody’s interested in changing the comp plan, it’s a moot point,” he said. Commissioner Ralph Cole said he did not oppose a parking a garage, but was concerned that allowing one parking garage could lead to others being built. Spooner suggested bringing back the Historic Overlay District that was eliminated when the revised Land Development Code was adopted. Amending the comp plan in this fashion would only allow for the parking garage use from First Street North to Third Street South. He also said there are very few, if any, other properties in that area large enough to accommodate a parking garage. Spooner envisions a garage that would provide at least 200 parking spaces. He said each space would cost between $17,000 and $20,000, depending on the building facade, elevation and other design elements. Spooner estimated the garage could generate $800,000 a year in parking revenues. He estimated the loan payments associated with the
If nobody’s interested in changing the comp plan, it’s a moot point.” Jake Spooner Commissioner
property acquisition and garage construction would be $746,000 for 10 years. He said an agreement could be reached where Joe Spallino contributes his Eats & Sweets property in exchange for an ongoing share of the parking revenues, and there are alternative partnership opportunities that could be pursued, including approaching county officials to gauge their interest in supporting a parking garage used by tourists and county residents. Spooner referenced the original CRA plan created in 1992 that lists parking as a priority and he said, “We’ve been talking about it for 25 years. This is a rare opportunity to finally do something. If you guys are interested in moving forward, I can continue to look at the financing. It seems like almost every one I’ve looked into has been done a different way.” The four other members encouraged Spooner to continue his exploratory efforts, including Mayor Bill Shearon, who said, “I’m not against it, but the biggest challenge we’re going to have is how to pay for it.” Shearon previously proposed a parking garage to be built on city property near the cell tower. During the city commission meeting the following day, Planning and Zoning Board member Frank Harrison held up a copy of the comp plan and said he would sue the city if the commission tried to amend it to allow for a parking garage. In regard to the supra-majority support needed for a comp plan amendment, the city commission will have two new members after the November elections, and Ward 4 candidates Bill Vincent and John Chappie have already expressed opposition to a parking garage.
18
THE SUN
www.amisun.com
OCTOBER 12, 2016
The candidates: In their own words Anna Maria voters will choose two commissioners from a field of three qualified candidates. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.
ANNA MARIA – City Commission candidates Brian Seymour, Chuck Webb and Nancy Yetter recently discussed some of the reasons they are running for office and what they hope to accomplish if elected or reelected. The candidates are vying for the two seats currently held by Webb and Yetter. The winners will serve two-year terms on the Anna Maria City Commission. Seymour, the owner of the Anna Maria General Store, said he has been a city resident for seven years. Before opening his store, Seymour spent 20 years working for Marriot hotels and resorts, where he managed properties and worked in the company’s regional and corporate offices. “I moved Anna Maria seven years ago after some health issues made me rethink my path of life and what I wanted to get out of life. I lucked into finding this beautiful place we all call home. I finally felt comfortable where I’ve got my business, and I would like to get involved more with the community and leading this community into
joe hendricks | SUN
Anna Maria Commission candidates Chuck Webb, Brian Seymour and Nancy Yetter recently discussed their qualifications and some of their top campaign priorities. the future,” he said of his decision to seek elected office. “I do think it is the right time for some fresh ideas and new outlook on different issues that are front of the commission at this time. I strongly feel that I can help come up with solutions that are not being looked at currently,” Seymour said. Webb noted that he has served on the commission for 12 years and said, “I believe the residents and voters of Anna Maria have the right to choose what type of community they want.” He mentioned his involvement in the creation of the 2001 vision statement and said, “The residents decided they wanted
to keep a residential community in an old Florida town. The comprehensive plan says there shall be no encroachment of commercial activities into the residential zone. My position has always been vacation rentals are not allowed in Anna Maria. If their use is illegal, you can’t get a Bert Harris claim, it’s as simple as that.” In late 2014 and early 2015 Webb, an attorney, pushed for a declaratory judgement from a judge that would support his legal opinion. To date, that approach has not been fully pursued, in part because the commission focused its attention on developing vacation rental regulations instead.
Candidates promote positive approaches The only city commission race taking place this fall in Bradenton Beach pits a respected political veteran against a respected political newcomer. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – When delivering their closing statements at a recent forum, Bradenton Beach City Commission candidates John Chappie and Bill Vincent were in agreement that the time has come to try to bring together what has often been a divided and divisive community and city commission in recent years. Both men are seeking the Ward 4 seat being vacated by third-term Commissioner Jan Vosburgh. Chappie, a longtime local politician and Bradenton Beach resident, formerly served as a city commissioner and as the mayor of Bradenton Beach before spending the past eight years as a member of the Manatee County Board of Commissioners. He is now looking to return to his city commission roots. When summing the up reasons he wants to return to city government,
Chappie said, “This is an election about our community. It is about what we we’re losing in our community because of what happened in Tallahassee and because of the party houses. “It is about representation and accountability. We need to be held to that and that would be one of my top priorities. But main thing is, I want to try to bring everybody closer together so that we work and understand that we can disagree without being disagreeable. "And we need to do that. We need to move forward and put this stuff aside for the betterment of our community. We live in a great place. People would love to be here, but we’re blessed to be here. I fell in love with it over 42 years ago, and it is amazing,” Chappie concluded. Vincent, a longtime resident of the Pines Trailer Park, has become somewhat of an unofficial ambassador for his friends and neighbors. In the past year or so he has become very involved in city politics. He rarely misses a commission meeting or workshop, and he frequently shares his views on city issues with the commission. “I started this campaign almost a year a half ago when the citizens started to come to me saying you’ve got to run. ‘We like what you have to say, the way you say it
and the way you think about it.’ I thought about it long and hard with family and friends, and we entered this race early as a novice. “The unexpected aspect of this is unquestionably I started this campaign on a negative basis: there’s things that need to be fixed. I’m going to go there, and I have answers to fix them. The unexpected benefit is the personal growth and development that I’ve experienced. It’s totally turned the other way, to a very positive experience and a positive candidacy for Ward 4, and I fully intend to abide by this commitment on a positive basis,” Vincent said.
Campaign finance update
According to their latest campaign reports, Vincent and Chappie are running almost neck-in-neck in regard to the campaign contributions they have at their disposal. As of Sept 30, Chappie listed $3,815 in campaign contributions and Vincent listed $3,659. Chappie lists $3,078 in campaign expenditures, and Vincent lists $2,364. The Sept. 21 candidates’ forum that both candidates participated in can be heard in its entirety at www. localmatters.podomatic.com
Webb served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Marine Corps and earned his law degree in Texas. “I’ve had 38 years of public service. I’ve got tons of experience, and I think I’ve proven it here. This not a time to changes horses mid-stream,” he said. Yetter has lived in Anna Maria for 10 years. She spent three years on the Planning and Zoning board, and she is seeking her third term on the commission. “I campaigned on the promise that I would protect the citizens that live here, their way of life, as much as possible the old Florida lifestyle, and I think I’ve stuck to that promise,” she said. “Earlier this year, someone came to me and made me aware of a conversation that they were privy to. It involved a very small group of builders and realtors in the city; people that live here and have families here. Their comments were they intended to rape the city, destroy it, make as much money as they could and then move on. This kind of attitude cannot be tolerated, and we have to stand up to it. I promise you if I’m reelected I will continue to fight to maintain the type of lifestyle that I think the residents of this city want,” she said. The candidates’ forum that took place on Tuesday, Sept. 20 can be heard in its entirety at www.localmatters.podmatic.com.
I want to try to bring everybody closer together so that we work and understand that we can disagree without being disagreeable.” John Chappie Commission candidate
I started this campaign on a negative basis … It’s totally turned the other way, to a very positive experience and a positive candidacy.” Bill Vincent Commission candidate
www.amisun.com
OCTOBER 12, 2016
THE SUN
19
Pier lawsuit settlement reached No further legal action is expected in regard to how three city-owned structures located at the Historic Bridge Street Pier are used. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Last week, city commissioners voted 4-1 in favor of paying $15,000 to settle a pier-lease lawsuit filed by the owners of the Bradenton Beach Marina. Attorney Nelon Kirkland filed the lawsuit on behalf of Al and Mike Bazzy in November 2015. The suit alleged Sunshine violations occurred during the nonpublic lease discussions that took place after the City Commission selected the Anna Maria Oyster Bar (AMOB) as its preferred pier tenant in July 2015. The suit challenged the AMOB group later being granted the additional lease rights to two small city-owned spaces located next to the restaurant space at the Historic Bridge Street Pier. The suit requested those additional lease rights be voided and put back out for bid.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Attorney Fred Moore discusses the settlement agreement, with lawsuit plaintiff Mike Bazzy, also in attendance. Attorney Fred Moore served as the city’s special counsel, and he addressed the commission at the Oct. 6 meeting. “I am recommending the settlement more from a business standpoint than I am from a potential loss standpoint. Going into court there always is that potential for a loss. This settlement is as much, if not less, than what you would pay me to go trail if we were to go to trial. It is a win for the city in that it is a guarantee as opposed to
going into court without a guarantee,” he said. Moore had previously informed the commission that the Bazzys would likely appeal a circuit court decision that favored the city. Jan Vosburgh was the only commissioner to vote against the settlement. “We’re being bullied, and I think we had a good chance of winning the lawsuit,” she said. Vosburgh also expressed concerns about the Bazzys taking additional action against AMOB CEO John Horne and Paradise Boat Tours owner Sherman Baldwin, who subleases space from AMOB. “They are going to dismiss with prejudice the lawsuit so that would negate all claims against all parties. I did call Mr. Kirkland and he assured me that the lawsuit is going to be dismissed in respect to all parties,” Moore told the commission. The settlement agreement contains no admission of wrongdoing by the city. The settlement payment and the attorney fees still owed will result in the city spending more than $55,000 in defense of the lawsuit.
SEE BAZZY, PAGE 31
AUCE Fish Fry 1st Sunday Each Month
Lobster Boil 3rd Sunday Each Month
AUCE Snow Crab 2nd Sunday Each Month
Slicker's Pig Roast 4th Sunday Each Month
Live music 9 times a w week
Waterfront ront Tiki Bar on Sara Sarasota Bay
Sports Bar with 13 TVs
4628 119th St W Cortez (941)798-2035 swordfishgrill.com Marker 49 by boat
Stay informed of our Events
20
THE SUN
OUTDOORS
AMI OUTFITTERS
Coastal Gear & Apparel Fly SUP
Tech
401 Pine Avenue Anna Maria
FEBRUARY 17, 2016 amioutfitters.com 941-254-4996
Red tide
R
ed tide has once again invaded local waters. While this episode hasn’t been nearly as severe as the last persistent red tide of 2005-2006, it’s still killed a number of fish and required anglers to be creative when searching out action. Hopefully, this red tide won’t be lost on residents and businesses up and down Florida’s west coast that haven’t experienced this natural malady in nearly 10 years. Those who have been around long enough appreciate both the natural occurrence of the bloom and the human inputs that exacerbate it. In the recent past, red tide outbreaks have been minimal and were more of a temporary annoyance with minimal affect on locals and unlucky tourists. For those who were lucky enough to miss it, the 2005-2006 episode made it clear that the bloom has the potential to negatively affect everyone – tourists, business owners, restaurateurs, real estate agents, developers and anglers. Having said that, savvy anglers have
Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS shown that red tides may even in a way help anglers find fish that have been concentrated in areas not affected by the tide. “The red tide causes us to fish differently,” say Captain Scott Moore. “Baitfish is hard to keep alive, requiring us to switch to artificial lures and live shrimp.” “Red tide usually doesn't blanket an entire area,” says Captain Rick Grassett. “It is usually patchy and may be strong enough to kill fish in one area but not another. It starts by killing smaller baitfish and fish that are found near the botRusty Chinnis | Sun
see reel time, page 21
Taking care of our waters leads to healthy stocks like Captain Rick Grassett’s nice Jack.
www.amisun.com
OCTOBER 12, 2016
Finding fish despite the red tide
THE SUN
21
reel time: Red tide FROM PAGE 20
Captain Rick Grassett
I traveled to Jensen Beach on Florida’s east coast on Sunday afternoon to fish the DOA Fishing Lures Outdoor Writer’s Festival out of River Palm Cottages and Fish Camp. The annual event features a couple of days of fishing with outdoor writers from around the country and other fishing industry sponsors. It’s always good to see old friends and see what’s new in the fishing world. New from DOA Fishing Lures this year are the PT, a weedless top water, surface walking bait and a new and improved 2 ¾-inch DOA Shrimp. We worked docks in the Indian River where we caught and released snook and Jacks on CAL jigs with shad tails and jerk worms. Surprisingly, several bonefish, which usually aren’t found that far north, were caught and released on CAL jigs with jerk worms by other anglers. In addition to bonefish, an-
CAPTAIN LARRY MCGUIRE | SUBMITTED
Great red grouper Jeff Spingler, of Bradenton, shows off two nice red groupers caught last week while fishing with Captain Larry McGuire offshore of Anna Maria Island. Fishing just before the storm was good out about four miles, past the red tide. glers caught and released snook, trout, reds, Jacks and tarpon on a variety of DOA Lures. A few anglers headed over to Lake Okeechobee where they had good top water action with DOA PT’s on largemouth bass. Back in Sarasota, anglers fishing Sarasota Bay with me during the past week, out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters on
Siesta Key, caught and released trout and jacks on DOA Lures. Although there is still some red tide in areas of Sarasota Bay, particularly close to passes, there are areas that are fine. John Freeman and Dave Willer, both from Minnesota, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Thursday. We fished the east side of the bay, which had good, clean water. They had steady action catching and releasing trout and Jacks on DOA Deadly Combos and CAL jigs with shad tails and jerk worms. Friday’s trip was postponed due to high winds associated with Hurricane Matthew.
Get your Grady on!
tom of the water column, such as catfish, puffers, etc. when concentrations become strong enough to kill fish. "Larger fish may sense it and move away to areas that are unaffected or have lower concentrations, so it may concentrate fish in other areas. To complicate things, fish may be killed in an area, and the wind blows them to another area that is unaffected. "I look for baitfish and watch behavior of birds to determine if an area is being affected by red tide. Rafted up birds may indicate dying fish, otherwise, just because there are dead fish, doesn't mean there is red tide. If I see baitfish and or predators, I know that I am in an unaffected area." Being familiar with local waters helps guides like Moore and Grassett find fish for their clients, despite the bloom’s occurrence. The message is clear: red tide is here to stay and is a part of the area’s ecosystem. The environment has a remarkable ability to rebound from even the most persistent outbreaks, and during the worst of blooms, knowledgeable anglers continue to find fish. The flip side of the equation is that human activities continue to stress the local environment, and impact the recuperative power of the ecosystem. Loss of habitat, storm water runoff, phosphate and agricultural wastes, and sewage discharge all degrade the water and the sea grass beds that naturally clean the water column. The time when we can use the resource and not be stewards is over. We all need to get involved in the solution on the local, state and national level. So what can the average person do? Start right at home by being aware of what you put on your lawns and flush down your drains and toilets. Inevitably these things find their way back into our waters. Beyond that, get involved on the community, county, state and national level. Write letters, attend county commission meetings and demand that politicians institute policies that help protect our waters. The bottom line is that the red tide is a natural phenomenon that is not likely to disappear from local waters, but it doesn’t mean you have to hang up your rod. The best boating season is just around the corner, so now is the time to start getting ready for all those special moments with family and friends out on the water. If you’ve been dreaming about owning a new Grady-White why not take advantage of the exceptional savings that are currently available at Cannons Marina?
CANNONS.COM • 941-383-1311 Fisherman 236
Grady Days Sales Event. ACT NOW AND YOU CAN SAVE UP TO $12,500!
6040 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key Open 7 days a week, 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
22
THE SUN
FOOD & WINE
OCTOBER 12, 2016
Creation of a craft bar
Bill Hard
Snowbird Ingredients:
2 oz. dry gin 1 1/2 oz. coconut water 1 oz. fresh lime juice 1 oz. ginger syrup
THE WATERFRONT
A
s we told you in our last two articles, Jason and the management team at The Waterfront restaurant spent a good deal of time working towards our goal of acquiring a full liquor license. All during that time, we looked into the options offered to us that would make us a little different, and, hopefully, a little more interesting than your run of the mill bar. Turning those options into a reality still required a lot of work. We still had to shut down to let us rebuild the bar, so we could install the new equipment and storage necessary to become this new entity. Building the new bar wasn't what was going to make us unique though, it was the drinks themselves, the ingredients and the people who make them. We were fortunate to have a bar staff with cocktail backgrounds in addition to all their beer and wine knowledge. They were all excited about the addition of mixed drinks, and each had suggestions galore. As we met with the vendors to select which liquors to use, we would set aside the ones that we felt were our choices. We had a plethora of classic cocktails from all over the place that we were excited to try. Each of us also had several drinks that we had enjoyed previously
Directions: Combine all ingredients into a shaker add ice. Shake and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with candied ginger.
submitted
in our travels or had read about somewhere and sounded so good we had to try it. At the end of each days work rebuild-ing the bar, we would select a type of liquor and proceed to assemble as many of our potential new specialty drinks as
we could to share among us. Slowly but surely we whittled down what started as a big list of possibilities to one from which we could choose our finalists. We were getting closer. Our 10 days of remodeling had
turned into a dozen, and as we expected, we pretty much lived here during that time, answering questions and making spur of the moment decisions. It was a dozen days well spent though because by the en we had a new, functional, redesigned bar. We also had a dozen cocktails that we had fine tuned to our liking using quality brand liquors with the freshest juices and garnishes available from our kitchen. We were able to make up a mixture of classic cocktails from the past with a Waterfront twist, making them our own. We added several new, original drinks created by our talented crew of mixologists. With 10 imports and micro-brews on tap, over a dozen quality wines available by the glass and a dozen unique specialty drinks listed on the menu, we were proud to change the logo on our menu to read “The Waterfront Restaurant and Craft Bar�
www.amisun.com
OCTOBER 12, 2016
THE SUN
23
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
Literacy Night a success
Crit Holland, DVM Jade Kafer, DVM 0 ) 6$7 681 &/26(' 7+ 67 &7 : &257(= )/
www.beachvetclinic.com
(941) 792-2838
L Like us on Facebook for a free nail trim
A crowd packed Anna Maria Elementary School last Wednesday, Oct. 5, for Literacy Night. The classrooms featured fun games for the kids, and there was a huge bake sale with a Halloween theme. The art room was transformed into a book sale, and there were kids, parents and Island residents making purchases of children’s books and more. The Anna Maria Island Privateers were there to give the even a pirate theme. The PTO sponsors this annual event. Left, Dr. Laura Redeker poses in her classroom with Lauren TaylorNock with a doll made with a wooden spoon. Below left, Phyona Smelt and Tori Hurst try to put together a jigsaw puzzle in Mrs. Fisher’s class.
AME Fall Festival set The Anna Maria Elementary School PTO is sponsoring the Fall Festival at the school on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This annual event is held in conjunction with the school’s Halloween costume contest. Kids are required to arrive at or before 9:30 a.m. at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce parking lot at 5313 Gulf Drive. The parade begins after judges decide winners of the contest, and it ends at the Holmes Beach city field at 5901 Marina Drive. Each class marches together behind a banner. When they arrive, the winners will be announced and then they disperse to enjoy games, bounce houses, food and refreshments. Each class will have parents or students manning one of the games. The community is invited to the festival. Proceeds from the Fall Festival go to the PTO.
Partner award
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
Anna Maria Elementary School Student Support Specialist Sally Jackson holds the Manatee Chamber Foundation Business Partnership award presented to the school for its relationship with The Center of Anna Maria Island. The Center awarded each of the 45 staff members of the school a one-year membership worth $600. The Center also provides after school programs and transportation from school to The Center for its after school program and to CrossPointe Fellowship for tutoring. The school provided The Center with an Olympic flag and flags of other countries to support this year’s Olympics theme at The Center.
24
THE SUN
www.amisun.com
OCTOBER 12, 2016
OCTOBER 12, 2016
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
25
26
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
OCTOBER 12, 2016
Flooding does not sit well with residents New pipes installed in response to recent complaints might reduce the flooding.
three groups of guests leave before their stays were finished because of the flooding. He said one group left because they could not get out of the driveway to go get something to eat. After meeting with the mayor, Nicoll walked down Highland Avenue and pointed to the standing water still puddled along the west side of the street. He questioned how the water was supposed to drain when the rocks between the street and sidewalk were higher than the street.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Some Bradenton Beach residents and business owners are becoming frustrated with recent flooding that has occurred along Highland Avenue and near the Pines Trailer Park, but relief may be on the way. During last week’s City Commission meeting, commission candidate and Pines resident Bill Vincent shared concerns his neighbors have shared with him. “What I’m here to talk about is the rain events we’ve had in the last week or so. They weren’t extraordinary rain events. One was about three inches over a 24-hour period; the other was less than that. The result was unprecedented flooding in our neighborhood, from First Street North, to Second Street North, Highland, Church Avenue and Bay Drive North. One of them was flooded up to eight inches, and it stayed there for a long time,” he said. “And it followed right directly after this drainage work was done,” he added. Vincent presented four questions to the commission that he and his neighbors would like answered: • What is the design and intent of what was done? • Was the work done in accordance with the design and intent?
Possible solution
joe hendricks | SUN
Standing water along Highland Avenue in Bradenton Beach is symptom of the drainage issues that have plagued that area recently. • What analysis and investigation is going on right now to alleviate this flooding? • When and how is this going to be fixed? The work Vincent referred to included new pipes and the installation of the stone-covered vertical infiltration trenches designed by City Engineer Lynn Burnett. Similar trenches have been installed elsewhere in the city and on the Island and have produced mixed results. The work along Highland Avenue began in late July, and a rain event that followed in early August created flooding along that street that was much worse than residents experienced in the past. Longtime city resident Frank Harrison
commented on the recent flooding that occurred at his home on 11th Street South. He attributed the flooding to a different cause – the construction of multiple large vacation rental homes at the end of the street. “My house, in 42 years, has flooded twice. In the last three weeks, since they have been building these things, I have had floods five times, ankle-deep, downstairs,” he told the commission. One day earlier, Pelican Post motel owner Alastair Nicoll met privately with Mayor Bill Shearon to discuss the flooding at his property on First Street North. Before speaking with Shearon, Nicoll said he recently had
On Monday, Oct. 10, Public Works Director Tom Woodard attributed the flooding to two leech fields – areas where the stormwater pipes are missing and the connecting pipes empty into the rocks and leech into the ground instead of continuing on to the designated outfall. “We had two of those in line, on Highland and on Second Street. It’s my belief that those areas were not allowing the water to get out quick enough, and that’s what was causing it to back up and flood,” Woodard said. Late last week and early this week, Woodruff & Sons inserted perforated, soft-drain pipes in those two locations. The pipes are wrapped with a porous material that keeps the sand and soil out while still allowing the water to flow through and out of the pipes and into the ground. “I really think that’s going to address the flooding issue, but I won’t know for sure until we get the next heavy rain,” Woodard said.
Dock funding further discussed Replacing the floating dock continues to be a subject of discussion even though funding was approved in August. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Committee’s desire to pursue county funds to assist with the replacement of the wave-damaged public day dock has met a new concern. During the Wednesday, Oct. 5, CRA meeting, the City Commission members that also serve as the CRA committee discussed a funding partnership request to be presented to the county’s Tourist Development Council (TDC) on Oct. 17. In August, the CRA members authorized $250,000 in existing CRA funds to be used to replace and expand the floating day dock on the south side of the Historic Bridge Street Pier. In September, the CRA committee agreed that Mayor Bill Shearon would submit a funding
agreement request to the TDC for up to $125,000 in matching funds, but the request was not to include any references to a city-funded mooring field. Last week, committee member Jake Spooner questioned whether language taken from the city’s state-issued submerged land lease and included in the written presentation that was sent to the TDC would limit the city’s ability to amend its submerged land lease if needed. The current lease allows the city to replace the floating public day dock in the originally approved 280-foot footprint that runs parallel to the south side of the pier. The replacement day dock will continue to be used as a first-come first serve, short-term public docking facility that also allows commercial vessels to tie up as long as no business transactions take place on or at the dock and pier. The committee has discussed installing a boat lift for the Bradenton Beach Police Department in order to provide better enforcement of the unmanaged anchorage. Spooner is concerned the funding agree-
ment might prohibit a boat lift that is not referenced in the submerged land lease. The committee has also discussed installing finger docks along the south side of the pier to increase public docking capabilities, and this too might require an amendment to the submerged land lease. City Attorney Ricinda Perry shared Spooner’s concerns about a funding agreement placing unintended restrictions on the city’s ability to amend its submerged land lease, and it was recommended that the TDC board members be informed that the document they received was not a binding agreement. Shearon said the CRA members could address these concerns if the request is approved and a formal funding agreement is brought back for final committee approval. Committee member Ralph Cole stressed the need to get the dock replaced before season starts, and he asked how long the TDC and county commission approval would take. Shearon said a public hearing would have to be scheduled as part of the county commission’s approval
process. The committee members agreed to proceed with the funding request, but the CRA funds are already in place to fully fund the project if needed.
Separate entities
Perry reminded the committee members that they are acting as a separate entity when seated as the CRA Committee, and they must keep that in mind. When Mayor Bill Shearon said the funding had to be submitted as a city project rather than a CRA project, Perry corrected him and said that would prevent CRA funds from being used for the floating dock, and the city’s share of the costs would have to come from the general fund instead. Perry, who only attends CRA meetings as requested, said Shearon’s authority as mayor does not extend to the CRA committee, where he is simply a member of a committee chaired by Vice Mayor Ed Straight. She advised the committee to authorize someone to represent the CRA in this matter, and Shearon and Police Chief Sam Speciale received that authorization.
www.amisun.com
OCTOBER 12, 2016
Obituaries Willard M. Ashburn Willard M. Ashburn, 92, passed away on Sept, 27, 2016, from complications of a cerebral hemorrhage. He was born in Northern Neck, Va. Predeceased by his first wife, Dorothy Beam; sister, Dorothy Starr; and one step-grandchild. He is survived by his wife, Cherie Ashburn; daughters, Judy South (Ross), Ann Anders (Lee) and Joyce Cool (Steve); four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; three greatgreat-grandchildren; four stepchildren; 16 step-grandchildren; 21 step-greatgrandchildren; and his beloved poodle, Bessie. He began his career at Martin Air Craft and spent 32 years as facility planner with the D.C. government. He served in the Army Air Corps for four years. He retired to Bradenton in 1987. He was a member of Potomac Masonic Lodge #5 in DC, Royal Arch, Sahib Shrine and the Gulf Shrine Club of Sarasota, the Eastern Star of Bradenton and served as past president of Anna Maria Island High 12. Visitation and a service was planned for Saturday, Oct. 8, at Griffith-Cline Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.griffithcline.com.
Society and Tampa Bay Fossil Club. Having been raised in and around the Cortez area, he was not only a lifelong resident of Bradenton, but a nurseryman as well. He is survived by wife, Josephine; loving children, Mike, John, Thomas, Dennis, and Colleen, all of Bradenton; sister, Sara Moore; step-children, Mike, Chris and David Heath and Debra Osborne; as well as grandchildren, Michael, Chris, Austin, Sarah, Chelsea, Brandon, Josh, Cecelia and Michael. There was a service on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, at Manasota Memorial Park and Funeral Home in Bradenton.
Joyce A Ellis Joyce A Ellis, 68, Bradenton, died Oct. 3, 2016. Born in Lafayette, Ind., she moved to Bradenton in 1974 and was a member of the Women’s Service Club and the Junior League. She was a teacher at Anna Maria Elementary School . Predeceased by her parents, Audie and Dorothy (McElfresh) Kerfoot; survived by husband, Dr. James M. Ellis, of Bradenton, Fla.; son, James II (Megan), of Tampa, Fla.; daughter, Wendy (Brian) Milburn, of Apopka, Fla.; five grandchildren. There will be no local services at this time. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton, Fla., is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be made to brownandsonsfuneral.com.
THE SUN
and public sectors. In retirement, he pursued his passions for duplicate bridge, travel and spending winters in Anna Maria, Fla., where he formed deep friendships over many years. His intelligence, humor, warmth and genuine interest in people were treasured by family and his extended community of friends. He was a deeply kind man, quietly helpful to many. Cherished by his wife Carol, they shared more than 30 years of happiness and a deep abiding love. Dear father to his three daughters, Tambrae Knapp (Stephen Walker), Jennifer Knapp and Stephanie Muir (Dave Muir). When he married Carol, he became a loving father to her daughter, Shannon LaBelle. He was a proud papa to 10 grandchildren and is survived by his siblings Barbara Lewis, William Knapp and Liz Knapp and many nieces and nephews. Funeral arrangements by Beechwood, beechwoodottawa.ca “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength. Loving someone deeply gives you courage” Lao Tzu
Norman Alcide Mansour Dec. 7, 1947 – Oct. 2, 2016
Mark H. Burnett
April 5, 1936 - Oct. 1, 2016
Mark H. Burnett, 73, of Bradenton passed away Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. He was born Nov. 15, 1942, in Bradenton to Herman and Elizabeth Burnett. In addition to being a member of Elwood Baptist Church, Mark was a member of the Florida Anthropology
Richard Gordon Knapp passed away Oct. 1. 2016, surrounded by his loving family, in the arms of his beloved wife, Carol. A graduate of Bishop’s and Queens Universities (MBA), Richard had a long and successful career in the private
Norman A. Mansour died Oct. 2, 2016, in Frisco, Colo., his second home. He was born on Dec. 7, 1947, in Dover, N.H., and until recently resided in Anna Maria, Fla. Norman obtained his BA in political science and MA in public administration from the University of South
Bradenton Beach
Cortez
BEACH BEAT Anna Maria
9/30, information, 9800 block of Gulf Drive. The complainant told the deputy that she had been arguing with her sister over their father’s will, and the sister kept calling her. The deputy called the sister and told her to communicate with her sister through her attorney. 10/3, found property, Anna Maria City Pier, 100 S. Bay Blvd. An unidentified person turned in a wallet. 10/6, trespass warning, Anna Maria General Store, 503 Pine Ave. The store owner trespassed the man in front of two deputies.
Richard Gordon Knapp
10/3, trespassing after warning, 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach City Hall. A woman sleeping on a bench was told to leave. She was drunk and belligerent, and the officer found out she had received a trespass warning the night before. He arrested her. 10/4, DUI, Gulf Drive and Cortez Road West. The officer was driving towards the intersection, and the suspect made a turn in front of him. He had to slam on the brakes to keep from hitting the suspect’s car. After he stopped, the officer saw the defendant pull up behind his patrol car and throw his car keys on the roof. The defendant told the officer he was impaired and was headed home from a bar. He agreed to take a field sobriety test, and the officer arrested him.
10/1, grand theft, 12400 block of Cortez Road West. An outboard motor was stolen from a boat.
Holmes Beach
9/27, theft, 3700 block of Gulf Drive. Lawn furniture was stolen while the owner was away. 9/28, theft, Bali Hai Resort, 6900 Gulf Drive. A Texas visitor’s boat trailer tag was stolen. 9/28, criminal mischief, 5000 Gulf Drive. It appears a thrown rock broke a window in one of the trolleys. 9/30, driving without a valid license, hit and run, 752 Manatee Ave. The officer was called to the scene of an automobile accident where one of the parties left the scene, but his car stopped from accident damage. A witness saw the driver
27
Florida. He worked for the Department of Transportation and Hillsborough County Expressway Authority; the county of Hillsborough, where he was assistant county administrator general services; Paragon Group, where he was vice president of management services; and Florida Real Estate Advisors, where he was founding partner. He was appointed to the Tampa Sports Authority, where he served as chairman; Florida Transportation Commission, where he served as commissioner; and Florida High Speed Rail Authority. He was devoted to his faith, serving on the finance committee and as an usher at St. Bernard Catholic Church. He also volunteered as an AARP TaxAide and served on the board of the Bradenton Country Club. He is survived by his wife of 46 years Cindi Mansour, of Anna Maria and now Bradenton, Fla.; daughter Ashley Mansour Miller and husband Dan Miller, of Littleton, Colo.; grandchildren Ethan and Kelsey Miller; sister Frances Mansour-Bergin; brothers Joseph and Michael Mansour; nephew John Mansour, and many other nieces and nephews, family in-laws, uncles and aunts. He was predeceased by parents Alcide and Blanche Mansour; and brother Bruce Mansour. A mass of Christian Burial was scheduled for be Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016, at 3 p.m. at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Holmes Beach. Following the mass, family received friends at the Bradenton Country Club, 4646 Ninth Ave. W., Bradenton, Fla. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to Our Daily Bread of Bradenton, www.ourdailybreadofbradenton. org; Metropolitan Ministries, www. metromin.org; or Domis Pacis Famliy Respite, www.domispacis.org. Toale Brothers Funeral Homes and Crematory, Bradenton Chapel, is assisting the family locally.
leave the vehicle and head toward a housing development on the north side of the road. An officer caught up with him, and he said he left the scene of the accident because his license was suspended. The officer issued him two summonses. 9/30, criminal mischief, 3600 block of Sixth Avenue. The property owner suspects a tenant she evicted for breaking a window in the apartment. 9/30, .02 violation, 5801 Marina Drive. The officer spoke with a driver who had been stopped. He smelled like alcohol and said he had one drink. The underage driver agreed to take an alcohol breath test and he blew a .65 and later a .62. The officer took his license under the .02 law where a driver under 21 years old can lose his license for blowing more than .20 on the meter.
28
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
Planner gives planning commission its directions The planning commission will be making changes in the land development code and instituting a comprehensive plan update. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – City Planner Bill Brisson gave the planning commission a menu of items he wants to accomplish at a meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 5. First up was updating the Holmes Beach Land Development Code (LDC). The planning commission is a citizen’s advisory group and the city commission will consider those recommendations. “I’ll pass this list to the city commission for their approval so we don’t work on anything they won’t consider,” he said. The list of changes included allowing parking on grass for intermittent uses; include bar,
lounge and nightclub as an allowable use in the C-3 commercial district; clarify language regarding resort housing in the MXD district; and correct scrivener’s errors regarding the need for a site plan review in certain situations in the city’s commercial districts. Brisson also wanted to add notations about what the site plan review requires for redevelopment in the REC (recreation) and POS (public and private recreational) districts. He also wanted to revise the definition of driveway to clarify that it includes the entire width of back-out parking, add a section that identifies situations where an application for a variance is inappropriate and not allowed and to create a definition for minor development for which a site plan may be approved by the building official. Brisson said he would lead the commission through the steps needed to take to get the job done, and then he talked about
updating the comprehensive plan, which is considered to be the blueprint for the city. “We will hold public hearings where the public is present,” Brisson said. One of the attendees asked about a vision plan for the city and Brisson said it has one, but it hasn’t been adopted. The group talked about a wide range of changes until Brisson told them that he would be making the changes for them to adopt. He said they were not going to rewrite the comprehensive plan, just amend it. The meeting ended with orders for the commission members to go over the list of land use code changes for discussion at their next meeting. Before they adjourned, commission member Allen Wurtzbach told them that he and his wife just bought a house in Sarasota, and they would be moving there soon.
OCTOBER 12, 2016
www.amisun.com
OCTOBER 12, 2016
THE SUN
29
941-778-1320 Find us on
Mon-Sat 5-9 pm https://old.hamburg 3246 East Bay Dr, Holmes Beach
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
Clean bins The ribbon ends fly after Nate Welch and Rather Hosch, surrounded by members of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, celebrate the opening of Bins be Clean. The couple, who moved recently from Colorado, brought their brand new truck equipped to pick up trash bins and clean their insides using cleanser and high pressure water, without leaking into the environment. The dirty water is disposed of safely. They expect to serve residents, especially the elderly, and rental property owners who want to keep their property looking clean and smelling fresh. For more information, call 941-778-0020 or visit www.binsbeclean.com.
30
THE SUN
REAL ESTATE
OCTOBER 12, 2016
Vacation home partnerships U
p until last summer, my husband and I owned a large boat with another couple. We didn’t know each other very well, but after weeks of conversations, many bottles of wine and warnings from friends and family, we four decided to take the leap. It turned out to be one of the best experiences of our lives, providing us with the capability of owning a vessel previously out of our reach and making lifelong friends to boot. Owning a vacation home with partners is not so different – just on a larger scale and without the water. It’s no secret that homeownership on Anna Maria Island has changed dramatically during the past decade from full time and second home seasonal owners to vacation second home owners. There’s no reason to believe that this is going to change anytime soon, so if you’re interested in purchasing a home with a partner or partners, you need to ask a lot of questions. First of all, even if your potential partners are your best friends or your closest rela-
Castles in the Sand Louise Bolger tives, you still need to set written and legal guidelines. The majority of partnership arrangements are setup as a limited liability corporation, LLC, providing limited liability, tax advantages and partnership flexibility. All real estate transactions should be approached from a non-emotional businesslike prospective, but this is especially true of property held jointly by partners. In addition to the LLC documentation, you need to work with an attorney to work up a usage agreement. This separate agreement needs to specifically outline when the property will be occupied by which owner, who among the owners’ family members is permitted to use the property and specifics
about clean up after occupancy. Think how you would feel walking into the house or condo after your partner’s college age kids threw a party the night before. Likewise, the method of funding the expenses to run the property needs to be agreed upon. Will each partner place funds in a joint account monthly or annually or will you just pay bills as they come in? Equally as important is who is responsible to pay the bills and keep track of things like insurance premiums, taxes, association fees and mortgage payments? And speaking of mortgage payments, if buying the vacation property is not a cash transaction like 38 percent of vacation homes per the National Association of Realtors, things are really going to get complicated. Vacation properties, like most second home properties, will require at least a 20 percent down payment, and even if you’re planning on forming an LLC, the individual partners will need to apply and qualify for the mortgage based on their income and
debts. Since qualification is based on the borrower with the least desirable credit score, you as a partner could end up either not getting the loan or paying a higher rate if your partner has a few financial skeletons in his closet. Finally, creating an exit strategy is imperative, whether it’s exiting by death or if one of the partners just wants out. For example, if one of the partners passes away, does the other partner have the option to buy out the spouse or family of the deceased or does the property get sold? And like all estate planning, this arrangement needs to be disclosed to everyone involved in your personal estate. Just like my boat partnership, property partnerships can be a great way to get something you otherwise would not be able to. It does come with the potential of conflict, but with the help of an experienced attorney, taking the time to hammer out a detailed plan and several bottles of wine, it’s a great idea.
www.amisun.com
OCTOBER 12, 2016
Top Real Estate Producers for September, 2016 A PARADISE
Mary Burke - Listing Quentin Talbert - Selling
AN ISLAND PLACE REALTY Sue Carlson - Listing Tanya McCormick - Selling
COLDWELL BANKER
Gabe Buky - Listing & selling
DUNCAN REAL ESTATE
Darcie Duncan - Listing & selling
FRAN MAXON REAL ESTATE
Stephanie Bell - Listing Brianna Shaughnessy - Selling
ISLAND VACATION PROPERTIES Barb/Mel Neely Listing & selling
MICHAEL SAUNDERS HOLMES BEACH
Laurie M. Mock - Listing Debbie Capobianco - Selling
MIKE NORMAN
Marianne Norman-Ellis Listing Chet Coleman - Selling
SATO REAL ESTATE
Jason Sato - Listing Richard Freeman - Selling
WAGNER REAL ESTATE
Lori Guerin & Carmen Pedota - Listing Rae Ellen Hayo - Selling
THE SUN
31
BAZZY: Pier lawsuit settlement reached FROM PAGE 19
“I have a hard time understanding why a citizen of Bradenton Beach would want to sue the city,” Vosburgh said. “I just think it’s a shame, a terrible shame,” Commissioner Jake Spooner said of the settlement he voted for but did not fully support. “I look forward to closure and moving on. I think a fair statement would be we all learned something from it,” Mayor Bill Shearon said.
Settlement reaction
“I’m happy with the settlement,” Mike Bazzy said, noting that the settlement money would be used to pay attorney bills. The settlement does not alter the existing pier leases or pier uses, but Bazzy feels the lawsuit still served a purpose. “I think the suit accomplished quite a bit. The focus for me has always been trying to manage the anchorage area and to bring it to the city’s attention that it has to be
I am recommending the settlement more from a business standpoint than I am from a potential loss standpoint.” Fred Moore Special counsel dealt with and can’t be ignored.” A previous settlement proposal the Bazzys presented to Baldwin in May, which he rejected, called for Paradise Boat Tours to vacate the
space subleased from AMOB and relocate to the Bazzys marina so the subleased space could be used as a harbormaster’s office for a managed mooring field. “Part of our proposal was to help move the anchorage along. I think the lawsuit has helped keep that issue in the public’s mind and in the commissioners’ minds, and they’re trying to find ways to address those problems. We’re not in a position now where I’m looking for further legal action or controversy with the city, but I’d be willing to work with city if we could help,” Bazzy said. “To this day I have never understood why and on what grounds the Bazzys brought this lawsuit. This settlement is confirmation that there were no grounds and this was just a waste of time and money,” Baldwin said. “We’re ecstatic that a settlement has been reached. We’re glad to put this whole episode behind us, and we’re looking forward to a long relationship with the city of Bradenton Beach,” Horne said.
32
THE SUN
briefs Neighborhood Watch meeting canceled The Holmes Beach Neighborhood Watch meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 12, has been canceled. A new date for the meeting has not been set.
Millage rate lowered The governing board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District adopted a 2016-17 millage rate of 0.3317, 4.9 percent lower than the current fiscal year. For the owner of a $150,000 home with a $50,000 homestead exemption, the district tax would be $33 a year, or about $2.76 per month.
www.amisun.com
The fiscal year runs from Oct. 1, 2016, through Sept. 30, 2017. The total FY2016-17 proposed budget for the district is $180.1 million.
Beautification members named Holmes Beach commissioners made the following appointments to the parks and Beautification Advisory Board on Sept. 27: • Dennis Groh and Alexandra (Zan) Fuller to two-year terms expiring Aug. 1, 2018; • Sharon Randall as a full member for a two-year term expiring Aug. 1, 2018; • Diana Sinisi as an alternate for a one-year term expiring Aug. 1, 2017; • Gilbert (Don) Anthony as an alternate for a two-year term expiring Aug. 1, 2018.
OCTOBER 12, 2016
www.amisun.com
OCTOBER 12, 2016
THE SUN
33
ROSER: Aides flooded town FROM PAGE 12
rary showers and transportation vehicles. It is an amazing ministry they have organized here. So far, 1,800 homes have been helped through Samaritan's Purse, and 600 homes are still waiting.” Cheshire wrote about living conditions, “I went to our previous subdivision to see old friends and neighbors, all of whom were flooded. Only those few who owned RVs or had received a FEMA trailer to live in were home. Homes had been gutted for the first 4 feet or all the way to the ceiling, depending on depth of flooding – 7 feet higher than the bad flood of 1983, so was totally unexpected and many retired, elderly and working people had no flood insurance. FEMA finan-
cial help (best case) is limited to $33K to replace walls, flooring, furniture, clothes and one car – won't even come close. Some had to wade out in waistdeep water; others were rescued by boat. Windows were cracked by debris in flowing floodwater on the outside or floating furniture on the inside. Our house and its once beautiful yard looked sad. Interior doors were drying on the front porch and furniture in the carport. Grass dead from piled debris and gouges from debris pickup with a giant claw.” Each homeowner was given a Bible, signed by the team. On the way home, a bus tire blew out while crossing a bridge, but the driver was able to pull off the side of the road with no problems.
m i c h a e l s a u n d e r s . c o m
3924 Riverview Boulevard Bradenton Jody Shinn
A4160651 $1,299,000 941-705-5704 941-748-6300
Familiar Faces Exceptional Service International Relationships
206 Spring Lane Anna Maria Nora Johnson
A4157421 $2,849,000 941-809-1700 941-951-6660
518 Villa Rosa Way Anna Maria Kelly Baldwin
A4143739 $1 ,695,000 941-404-9396 941-388-4447
8710 Gulf Drive Anna Maria Erica Thomas
A4160253 $1,200,000 941-799-9365 941-748-6300
222 84th Street Anna Maria Island Laurie M Mock
A4164185 $728,000 941-232-3665 941-896-9981
300 Gulf Drive S B Anna Maria Island Judy LaValliere
A4158711 $719,000 941-504-3792 941-748-6300
668 Key Royale Drive Anna Maria Island Laurie M Mock
A4164160 $649,000 941-232-3665 941-896-9981
4901 9th Avenue W Bradenton Kathy Valente
A4158010 $499,000 941-685-6767 941-748-6300
1325 Gulf Drive N 160 Anna Maria Island Tammy Mast
A4157378 $475,000 941-256-6543 941-383-7591
6000 MARINA DR #113 HOLMES BEACH 941.896.9981
34
www.amisun.com
THE SUN
TOWN CRIER
SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) representatives will explain Medicare at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Tuesday, Oct. 18, at 2 p.m. The program is free, and the public is welcome. Call 941-778-6341 for more information.
Off Stage Ladies get a preview The Island Players directors will give the Off Stage Ladies of the Island Players a preview of the coming season’s performances at their meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 12, at 11:30 a.m. at Bella Mia Pizzeria and Italian restaurant, 5917 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. There will be a buffet lunch. Contact Nancy Ambrose 941-518-4431 for information.
Travelers lecture at JOY meeting Lou and Mary Baldovini share their experiences on a Fantasy RV Tour of the Rockies at the JOY (Just Older Youth) brown bag meeting at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 12, in the Fellowship Hall of Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. These tours are worry-free, stressfree, safe, fun travel, and participants get to meet wonderful new friends. With a staff of experts, everything is professionally planned, and they travel with experienced guides trained to assist in times of need. Bring your own lunch; dessert and beverage provided. Those wanting a lunch prepared by the church may call the office at 941-778-0414.
Fun and games at library The Island Branch Library Coloring Club holds a session at the library, 5701 Marina Drve, Holmes Beach, on Wednesday, Oct. 12, at noon and the Chess Club meets at 2 p.m. Enjoy coloring or improve your chess game. Call 778-6341 for more information.
Seniors take a trip The Annie Silver Senior Adventures will meet at The Center of Anna Maria Island on Friday, Oct.,14, at 10 a.m. to take a van ride to the Chihuly Museum in St. Petersburg. The cost is $19 plus gas. Reserve a spot by calling Peg at 941-778-3106. Senior Adventures is collecting nautical garage sale items for the Cortez Nautical Sale on Oct. 22 to benefit the Cortez Village Cultural Center.
Forty Carrots fun The Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, hosts Forty Carrots, a parenting program based in Sarasota, on Friday, Oct. 14, at 10 a.m. This is a program where kids from mobile babies to five years old and their parents experience new activities, join in circle time fun, spend time with other families and get valuable parenting information. The program is free and you can get a ticket for this session at the library desk. Space is limited to
OCTOBER 12, 2016
Party for women’s causes All things nautical
The 19th Annual Cortez Nautical Flea Market is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 22, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W. in Cortez. This event, sponsored in part by Southwinds magazine and The Anna Maria Island Sun, offers new, used and unusual maritime treasures. Items will be available for sale and trade so bring your whole family and enjoy some live music by Treble Hook while mingling with other salty dogs. The event is free to the public. Rain date is Saturday, Oct. 29. If you would like to donate your gently used boating and fishing gear to the Friends of the Florida Maritime Museum to be sold at their fundraising booth, contact Amara Nash at 941-708-6121 or amara.nash@manateeclerk.com.
Help support the Women’s Resource Center of Manatee County and join the fun at Women Wellness and Wine at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, 102 12th St. W., Bradenton, on Tuesday, Oct 18,from 4 to 7:30 p.m. There will be wine tasting, booths, live music and a raffle. There will be speakers from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Receive a $50 gift card for attending. For more information listing booths and speakers, go to www.womenwellnesswine.com.
Garden Club gears up 12 families. For more information, call the library at 778-6341
Alzheimer’s caregivers meet Sue Fox, a representative of the Sarasota Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, will host a program for caregivers of people with memory problems, including Alzheimer’s disease, on Friday, Oct. 14, at 2 p.m. at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. The program is free. Call 778-6341 for more information.
Robinson Preserve after dark Head into the weekend with a sunset full moon paddle in Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W. in Bradenton, on Friday, Oct. 14, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Explore the salt marshes and the critters who call the preserve home Bring your camera for great shots of egrets, herons and roseate spoonbills. This is an easy paddle which can be enjoyed by beginning kayakers. This program is suitable for ages 16 and above. Participants must have their own canoe or kayak and safety gear. All participants must wear a life jacket. Reservations are required by calling 941-742-5757, ext. 7.
Kiwanis to hear from FPL Rae Dowling, of Florida Power and Light, will address the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island on Saturday, Oct. 15, at the Manatee Beach Café at the public beach at 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. The meeting begins at 8:30 a.m., and visitors are welcome, especially Kiwanis members on vacation from other areas.
Shop for plants and crafts The Palma Sola Botanical Park Fall Plant, Antiques, and Craft Sale is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 15, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check out the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department booth at this fun annual event. Meet the Parks and Natural Resources team; learn about the new preserve improvements at Robinson Preserve, and shop for lots of great plants, antiques, and crafts. No reservations needed. Palma Sola Botanical Park is located at 9800 17th Ave. N.W., Bradenton.
A look at Mosaic The Anna Maria Island Democratic Club will take a look at Mosaic Mining Company and its impact on our community and state when it meets on Monday, Oct. 17, at the IMG Academy Clubhouse, 4350 El Conquistador Pkwy., Bradenton, on Sarasota Bay. Buffet service starts at 11:30 a.m., the cost is $15-17. For more information, contact Bill McGrath, 941-7614017.
It’s story time Island Branch Library Children’s Program Director Trudy Bell reads to preschoolers at the library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct.18. The theme is “At the Zoo,” and there will be some fun crafts for the kids. For more information, call 778-6341.
Professionals explain Medicare
The new season for the Anna Maria Garden Club will begin on Wednesday, Oct. 19, at noon at Roser Church, 512 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria. The program for the meeting will feature Valerie Massey speaking about Florida ground cover. The public is invited. Be sure to save the date for the annual plant sale to be held at Roser Church on Saturday, Nov. 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A look at an historic isle Guest speaker Richard Johnson talks about “Egmont Key: Then and Now” at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, on Wednesday, Oct. 19, at 3 p.m. This remote isle at the mouth of Tampa Bay played a role in the Third Seminole War, the Civil War and the Spanish-American War, which led to the construction of Fort Dade. The lighthouse there has been guiding sailors to safety since 1858. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 2:20 p.m. Museum members can reserve seats by calling 941-708-6120.
Thieve’s Market to return The Anna Maria Island Privateers are making plans for their next season, and one of their more popular events is the Thieves Markets. They are searching for vendors of all types to display their wares in the Coquina Beach parking lot. The first market will be on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For information, contact Privateer Cindy “Bubbles” Swagger at 941-9004141.
www.amisun.com
OCTOBER 12, 2016
THE SUN
Decorations approved
SOAK UP SOME
SUNSHINE
1301&35: ."/"(&.&/5 p 3&"- &45"5& 4"-&4 p 7"$"5*0/ 3&/5"-4
Contact Us Today! Rentals@IslandVacationProperties.com www.IslandVacationProperties.com p
Holmes Beach commissioners recently authorized the mayor to enter into an agreement with Viola Decorating Inc. for the design, installation, maintenance and removal of holiday decorations for $9,675.
35
Decorations will be in three medians on Marina Drive, the center median at Palm and Gulf drives, the median at Gulf Drive in front of Timesaver, the median at Manatee Public Beach and at the welcome sign at the city’s entrance. The will include lights and illuminated displays.
36
THE SUN
FUN IN THE SUN
Across 1 Studio department 8 Fills with mortar, as tile 14 Invite 15 Traditional slow cooker 16 1963 Best Actor 17 '70s-'80s sitcom roommate 18 "By all means!" 19 Central California county 20 Contract details 21 Slips on 22 Put down 23 Latin I word 24 Pen output 25 __ warning 26 Formulation in Newton's "Principia" 30 Jokingly 31 "Coming Out of the Dark" singer 35 Height is an exception to it 37 Stylish beach resorts 40 Sanctuary part 41 Eponymous 2001 album 42 MBA subject 43 Part of a name on the 1989 album "Dr. Feelgood" 44 Congo jungle denizen 46 Sprint and others 48 Ice cream baron William 49 NSA home
50 "You had your chance!" 51 Certain permit holder 52 Pitching pro? 53 Mahmoud's PLO predecessor 54 Lose freshness Down 1 First person indicator 2 Without dissent 3 Rundown areas 4 Revered emblem 5 Brown is one of them 6 Triage basis 7 Lab warning 8 First, second and third 9 Norah's dad 10 Like solitaire 11 Hue and cry 12 Uvula neighbor 13 Regular 15 "Paradise Lost" style 19 Bart Simpson's grandma 21 One whose business is growing Answers to 10-05-16 Crossword Puzzle.
24 No gentle giant 25 Novel ending 27 First book of the Great Plains trilogy 28 Key chain attachments 29 "Say no more" 32 Roller coaster named for a mountain 33 Like some storage shelves 34 Wetsuit material 36 Sonata, e.g. 37 Heave 38 Summer beverage 39 Middle Eastern stuffed vegetable dishes 43 Software whiz 44 They're often involved in murders 45 Serf of Sparta 47 Mr. Peanut trademark 48 Doofus 50 Touch and go?
OCTOBER 12, 2016
OCTOBER 12, 2016
classified
ANNOUNCEMENTS BEACH YOGA ON Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www. thriveyogafit.com 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 GOT A CAR You Wanna Sell. The Good, The Bad or The Ugly. Call Now 727-400-1910
BABY SITTER RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student. Call or text Isabel 941-5457995
BOATS: PARTS & SERVICES & SALES SELLING YOUR BOAT. 16 Years and Hundreds Sold. I do "Business On A Hand Shake" Islandboatsales.net Island Resident-Dave 941-228-3489
CARPET CLEANING QUALITY COUNTS. CARPET cleaning. Upholstery cleaning. Tile & grout cleaning. Island's favorite cleaner. Manatee Chamber Member. Great price/free estimates. Call 941-7561082
CLEANING SERVICE C & T HOUSEKEEPING. For all your cleaning needs. Free Estimates. Reasonable rates. Senior discount. References available. Call 941-9622512
AMISUN.COM
Call us today! 941-778-3986
CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & RENTALS. "Have it done your way, we care about our work" Call 941-7564570 PRESSURE CLEANING and WINDOW WASHING residential, commercial & resorts. Roofs, buildings, houses, driveways. Paver Sealing & Cleaning etc. Call 941-565-3935 ALBA CLEANING SERVICES for your home or rental will make you happy or it's free. $10 off 2nd cleaning Call 941592- 4274
COMMERCIAL SALES/ LEASES/RENTALS PRIME COMMERCIAL LOCATION (2 Lots) 12,840 sq. ft. Located on Gulf Dr. in the City of Anna Maria, close to the beach and surrounded by shopping. Business on a tropical island! Island Real Estate Ask Al Galletto 941-232-2216 TWO COMMERCIAL SPACES for Lease. Great Visibility on Very Busy Street in Holmes Beach. Lots of Parking. First space 1045sf at $3050/ mo. Second space 1357sf at $3950/mo. 5702 Marina Dr. Call Today! 941-281-5331. Won't Last Long!
COMPUTER SERVICES EMPIRE COMPUTER SERVICE Computer problems fixed in your home or office. The fastest friendliest service around. Serving the Island since 2004. Call 941-739-6424
EMPLOYMENT
GIFT SHOP PART TIME position. Nights & Weekend shifts. Retiree's Welcome. Call Manager 941-7782943
GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES ROSER THRIFT SHOP Open Tuesday and Thursday 9:30a.m. - 2pm. And Saturday 10a.m.-1pm. Annex open till noon. Donations preferred on Wednesdays 9-11a.m. 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. 941-779-2733
THE SUN
FURNITURE /GARAGE SALE. 220 Chilson, Anna Maria. Friday, October 14, 1-6pm and Saturday, October 15, 10am-1pm, Designer furniture, sofas, carpet, dining tables, bar stools, like new and more. Cash only.
SHELL DELIVERED AND spread $50/yd. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770
GARAGE SALE MUTIFAMILY 8am-noon. Friday October 14. 12909 42nd Terrace W, Cortez. Furniture, house hold goods and More! Cash Only.
LOST TENNIS BRACELET Gold with Diamonds around. Near Dog Park or Publix. REWARD! Call 941778-2494
HOME IMPROVEMENTS TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates. Neil 941-726-3077 RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-7250073. KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CRC1327296. Call Jerry Kern 941-5042222 www.kernconstructioninc.com “HONEY DO" HOME Repairs & Handyman Services. 35 yrs experience. Painting, drywall, tile, woodwork. All tasks. Call 941-896-5256 or 941-807-5256 www.honeydohomerepairinc.com JOE UNGVARSY CONSTRUCTION. Designer/ Remodeling Contractor State License CRC 035261. Call 941-779-4630 or email juremodel1@aol.com BESPOKE SERVICES, MASTER CARPENTER for all home & office repairs. Also painting, decorating, decking & dock repairs,. Large or small works. Reasonable Rates! Island guy for Island work. Call RICHARD 941-4483571
LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941
LOST & FOUND
FOUND SET OF KEYS in water off Bayfront Park. Call Bob 941-778-3986 LOST WOMAN'S PRESCRIPTION glasses, brown frame. Lost on beach around 72nd street. On Monday the July 25. Call 260-6029866 LOST MAN’S SILVER Wedding Ring, silver with stones mounted. Lost at Coquina Beach near restrooms. Please Call 813413-3373
MOVING & STORAGE MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-809-5777. TWO MEN and a TRUCK. Movers who care. Local and Long distance. www. twomen.com Call 941-3591904. We sell boxes!
PAINTING & WALLCOVERING PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates. 941-812-0507 WALY PRECISION PAINTING custom painting, pressure washing, commercial/residential, interior/exterior, drywall/stucco, Licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-580-4005 www. WalyPrecisionPainting.com “WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell 941794-0455
BAYSIDE COMMERCIAL PAINTING. David Padyani Call 941-565-9446 or Larry Zimmer 941-2248123 Licensed & Insured DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-7057096
PERSONAL TRAINING CERTIFIED TRAINER and ISLAND RESIDENT with over 10 Years of experience. Specializing in Balance and Functional exercises in the comfort of your own home. Great references available. Call Stephanie (941)302-1797
POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE. AMI & West Bradenton. Certified Pool Operator. Residential/commercial. {Chemical Service} Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-737-5657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893
REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 26 years. Proven track record, brings you results! 941-725-1589 W. BRADENTON CONDO 4000sq.ft. Canal front Bay view 3+BR/3.5BA Bonus room dock lift 2 car Island Real Estate Call AL Galletto 941-2322216
37
STARTING FROM THE UPPER 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 941-254-3330 www.MirabellaFlorida.com 106 WILLOW RENOVATED Cottage. 1 in from Beach, beautiful pool/spa. Lush landscaping $1,245,000. Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086 FIND REAL ESTATE at brokersandra.com. Call Sandra Glantz 941-7999229 Licensed Real Estate Professional with Wagner Realty. Call for free market analysis. "ISLAND GULF FRONT For Sale” 1940 Cottage 2BR/1BA with 1BR/1BA Apartment. Direct Gulf Front 100X50 plus 2 100X50 Submerged Lots. Located AT 3005 Ave F Holmes Beach $2,250,000. Contact ken@ward-mitchell.com MOBILE HOME 2BR/1BA 5 minute walk to Water & Marina. Turnkey $59,900. Completely Re-Modeled. Call 941-792-7602
RENTALS: ANNUAL ANNUAL RENTALS WANTED! We have well qualified tenants for beach/mainland annual rentals, Full management or Finders fee. Call today for details. Ask for Ed. DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www.teamduncan.com WEST BRADENTON San Remo 4011 Plumosa Terrace 2BR/2BA/1CG on Salt Water Canal. W/D hookups, Large lanai & yard plus dock Bring your boat! $2000/mo unfurnished. First, Last & Security. Credit check. Call JoAnn 941-8092488
AMISUN.COM
38
THE SUN
classified
RENTALS: ANNUAL 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. WEST BAY COVE groundlevel furnished 2BR/2BA annual lease at $1600/mo. Palma Sola Trace townhouse 2BR/2BA w/garage and W/D $1375mo. Studio in Holmes Beach $750/mo. Call A Paradise 941-7784800 BRING YOUR BOAT to this 3BR/2BA ranch w/2 car gar. on canal in East Bradenton. Waterfront home has dock, 11,000 # boatlift, fireplace, large lanai & split plan. Just minutes to I-75 with large fenced, shady back yard. $1750/ mo. Call June at Island Real Estate - 941-778-6066
Call us today! 941-778-3986
ANNUAL RENTAL: BEAUTIFULLY remodeled Bradenton Beach 2BR/2BA $1800/mo plus utilities. Call Dennis 941-448-7793 ANNUAL RENTAL, BRADENTON BEACH, 1BR/1BA, granite, wood floors, great location, bay in back, beach in front, swimming pool, fishing, $1150/mo. No pets, No smoking, Available Nov.1, 2016, Call 603-969-6840 ANNUAL 3BR/2BA TOWNHOME on Anna Maria island. On Site Parking. Nice Views, steps to the beach. $1800/mo. Tenant Pays All utilities. Call 941-7828556 if interested Ask for Mike. Leave Message
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 ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fl Condos. Pool beach access, fully equipped $650-$800/ wk Redekercondos.com 941704-7525 or 941-778-1915 WILLKOMMEN AUF AMI! Besuchen Sie Island Real Estate in einem unserer Inselbüros (6101 Marina Drive oder 419 Pine Ave) mit unserem deutschsprachigen Reservierungsservice und erhalten ein freies Island Real Estate Baseball Cap! Wir geben Ihnen gerne mehr Auskunft über unsere 250 ausgewählte Feriendomizile für Ihren nächsten Urlaub!
OCTOBER 12, 2016
TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $85, Sarasota $35, Clearwater $75, Fort Meyers $150, Orlando $150. Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www. amitaxi.com ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all airports, appointments, casino, cruises, etc. Tampa $60. Sarasota $30. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-779-5095 CALL RIDES FOR your airport needs! Tampa $65 , St Pete $55, Sarasota $25 . Call Gary 863 - 409 - 5875 Email : gvoness@aol.com
www.amisun.com
OCTOBER 12, 2016
business & service directory computer service
home improvement
home improvement
movers
THE SUN
Call today to place your ad: 941-778-3986 painting
transportation landscaping & lawn care
39
40
THE SUN
www.amisun.com
OCTOBER 12, 2016