Anna Maria Island Sun September 16, 2015

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VOL 15 No. 46

September 16, 2015

Wet ‘n Wild JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Holmes Beach intersection of 76th Street and Palm Drive was closed Thursday afternoon and evening after FP&L subcontractors struck what they said was a mismarked waterline while trying to install a new concrete utility pole. Much of the water flowed east on 76th, flooding the street and forcing the closing of Palm.

MAGGIE FIELD | SUN

Vacation rental trial pending Barring any complications, the legal fate of the vacation rental ordinance will be known before the end of the year.

BY JOE HENDRICKS

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The first of two lawsuits filed in opposition to the city’s vacation rental ordinance appears to be headed to trial in November.

This decision was reached during a hearing that took place Wednesday,

INSIDE NEWS OPINION Sun survey football fever OUTDOORS restaurants real estate crossword

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Sept. 9 at the Manatee County Judicial Center, with Judge Gilbert Smith Jr. presiding.

Smith said he could reserve two days on his docket for a non-jury trial between Nov. 9 and Nov. 20 if the City Commission refrained from further amending the vacation rental ordinance. Smith noted that jury trials taking place during that period would take precedence and could push the trial back, but he does not think that will see RENTALS, page 40

ISLAND TIME

continues tradition of remembering the 9/11 victims. 13

Anna Maria Island, Florida

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

SUBMITTED

Speed limit complaints keep rolling in Commissioner Jean Peelen asked commissioners to restore the 35 mph speed limit and have public discussion.

BY PAT COPELAND

SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – Residents continue to rally against a 25 mph speed limit that the city has imposed between Manatee Beach and the

Island Branch Library without public notice or input.

Ellen Stohler said the decision to lower it was “made at a secret meeting by the mayor and police chief” with no public notice and no agenda, and it has had a major impact on the public. She said the city commission also should have been informed.

Commissioner Jean Peelen said the see speed limit, page 40

John Horne TAKES OVER OPERATION OF THE BRIDGE STREET PIER. 3 NEWLYWEDS star in The Sun’s

Wedding Guide. 30-33

The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

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Pier lease inked The Oyster Bar team will now determine who leases the bait shop and harbor master’s office, and a water taxi service is possible.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The Anna Maria Oyster Bar’s pier lease is a done deal.

On the morning of Wednesday, Sept. 9, Oyster Bar owner John Horne, Mayor Jack Clarke and others met inside the vacant restaurant space where Horne and Clarke put their signatures on the recently negotiated document that gives Horne and his partners the long term rights to three city-owned structures on the Historic Bridge Street Pier.

“I welcome the Anna Maria Oyster Bar’s return to the Island and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial

Karen Clarke | Submitted

Anna Maria Oyster Bar owner John Horne signs the pier lease contract Wednesday morning, joined from left by the Oyster Bar’s Gary Harkness, Mayor Jack Clarke and Public Works Director Tom Woodard. relationship with the city,” Clarke said later that afternoon.

“The recently reconstructed Historic Bridge Street Pier is recognized as a major landmark for our city, the Island, and the county. The reopening of the restaurant is a positive

step in the city’s ongoing plans to make Bradenton Beach a showplace in which to live, work, and play,” Clarke added.

Clarke said his discussions with Horne suggest a probable opening date of mid-fall, with a grand opening taking place in advance of the winter tour-

ist season.

In addition to taking over the waterfront restaurant space formerly occupied by Cast-nCage, Horne and company will now determine who subleases the much-desired bait shop and harbor master’s office.

Paradise Boat Tours owner

Sherman Baldwin is considered a top contender for harbor master’s office and multiple parties have expressed interest in the bait shop.

Although Horne and Baldwin have not reached an agreement on the harbor master’s office, Baldwin is scheduled to present his pier-related water taxi concept at the Wednesday, Sept. 16 Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting taking place at Bradenton Beach City Hall at 2 p.m.

“Regardless of what happens with the harbor master’s office, my plan is to work with the three cities to make a water taxi service a reality. I feel we have some great input to provide in regard to servicing the Island, and the mayor invited me to speak at the meeting. We’re moving ahead, and we feel we are the right people to do a pilot program,” Baldwin said.

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ISLAND NEWS

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

Moratorium looming?

in brief

A building moratorium would halt city permitting for the construction of large homes in residential zones.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

pat copeland | sun

Code Enforcement Officer JT and City Clerk Stacey Johnston discuss the new software program.

New code software introduced Holmes Beach Code Enforcement Officer JT told city commissioners about a new computer software program that will make the department more mobile. He said the program’s tablet could take photos, provide information in the field and receive e-mails regarding complaints.

City to get money for school officer Holmes Beach city commissioners authorized the mayor to sign an agreement with the Manatee County School Board in which the School Board will pay 50 percent of the school resource officer ’s (SRO) salary in quarterly installments of $12,500.

Holmes Beach Officer Joel Fleisher is the SRO for Anna Maria Elementary School, and he will be teaching the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program to students.

Corrections Home Sweet Home will hold an Islandwide public meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. The group is promoting a residents’ revival and is seeking public comment.

The Kiddie Pole Classic fishing tournament will take place on the Palma Sola Causeway on Sunday, Sept. 27.

Organizers changed the dates on both events without notifying the press.

Developer Shawn Kaleta submitted four new building permits on the afternoon of Thursday, Sept. 3, before the Bradenton Beach City Commission meeting took place. A recent story gave the wrong day that the permits were applied for.

BRADENTON BEACH – Thursday afternoon’s City Commission could determine whether Bradenton Beach joins Anna Maria and Holmes Beach in enacting building moratoriums on residential structures with four or more bedrooms.

Spurred by recent citizen request first made in late August and further motivated by a citizens advisory committee discussion that took place last week, the agenda packet for the Sept. 17 commission meeting, which begins at noon, includes a proposed ordinance calling for an eight-month building moratorium in residential zone districts.

Applicable to homes with four or more bedrooms or rooms that could be could be used as sleeping areas, the proposed moratorium ordinance language is based closely on a moratorium ordinance

joe hendricks | sun

The proliferation of large, new residential structures like this one being built on Avenue B has resulted in a call for a building moratorium. recently adopted by the Holmes Beach City Commission.

If supported by at least three commissioners, the moratorium would provide the commission and the Planning and Zoning Board with an eight month window to adopt additional vacation rental regulations, and city staff would be prohibited from accepting or approving building permits for homes with four or more bedrooms or potential sleeping areas

until mid-May. When the commission informally discussed the citizen-requested moratorium at its Sept. 3 meeting, City Attorney Ricinda Perry was asked to conduct a preliminary legal review in order to prevent or minimize potential lawsuits should the commission move forward with a moratorium. Perry is expected to share her findings at see moratorium, page 23

Number of bedrooms now set by ordinance The ordinance also sets parking regulations for resort housing.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Commissioners approved the second reading of the ordinance governing the number of bedrooms in singlefamily homes and duplexes in the R-2, R-3 and R-4 zoning districts and establishing parking regulations for resort housing.

The ordinance calls for a maximum of four bedrooms in single-family homes and two per side in duplexes.

Chair Judy Titsworth questioned a section of the parking regulations that prohibits occupants of resort housing units from parking in the right of way.

The section states, “This prohibi-

tion applies to all resort housing units except to the extent that required parking spaces extending into the public right of way were permitted by the city and in existence prior to September 8, 2015.”

Titsworth said vehicles are not permitted to extend into the right of way, and City Attorney Patricia Petruff said a building official in the past could have allowed it in error when the home was being converted to resort housing.

“I don’t want to get some sort of legal battle about cars sticking out,” Commissioner Jean Peelen said.

“We’re saying that things have been in place and approved and we’re not going to change them.

Draw the line

However, Titsworth said they should “draw the line” because “the building official didn’t enforce the

rule or interpreted it incorrectly.”

“It’s called a taking,” Peelen countered. “You’re saying if you have an eight bedroom house, you can have one car per bedroom, but now we’re changing the rules.”

“We’re going to grandfather them, and I don’t agree,” Titsworth said. “I’m just trying to get cars out of the right of way.”

Commissioner Carol Soustek said there are laws against blocking sidewalks, and the city was in error when it allowed cars to extend into the right of way.

Police Chief Bill Tokajer said his officers knock on doors and tell people not to block the sidewalks.

Petruff suggested they could take out the language that states, “except to the extent that required parking spaces extending into the see ordinance, page 23

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

THE SUN

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City revokes developer's building privileges City officials have grown weary of Shawn Kaleta’s business practices.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – City officials are involved multiple disputes with developer Shawn Kaleta, and on Friday Mayor Dan Murphy put his foot down.

“With the properties and problems we’ve had – occupying houses without a certificate of occupancy, doing electrical work without any type of permit, doing plumbing work with no permit – I’m unilaterally revoking his building privileges in the city of Anna Maria immediately and any affiliated businesses he’s associated with,” Murphy declared Friday afternoon Murphy’s edict came at the end of a week that saw the City Commission on Thursday authorize City Attorney Becky Vose to file a lawsuit, if necessary, in order to recover $16,800 from Kaleta’s Beach to Bay Construction firm for damages done and repairs made to a stormwater infiltration system in the city-owned alley behind a row of residential structures on the 200 block of Magnolia Avenue.

joe hendricks | sun

This alley, modified for stormwater drainage, is the subject an ongoing dispute between the city and developer Shawn Kaleta.

Speaking on behalf of Kaleta that night, attorney Aaron Thomas asked the mayor and commission to continue working with his client to resolve this matter.

On Wednesday, Murphy had the electricity and water disconnected at a Kaleta-owned cottage at 9802 Gulf Drive, where a tenant is converting the house into a restaurant.

Code enforcement issued a stop

work order on July 31 for indoor and outdoor renovations being done there without a permit. According to Murphy, unpermitted electrical, air conditioning and plumbing work took place and there were also issues with construction trash accumulation and disposal.

Murphy said the stop work order was removed and ignored as the work continued.

“There’s no permit and we have not inspected it. It’s a public safety issue, so we took away the electricity and the water. We intend to enforce our ordinances,” Murphy said Thursday afternoon.

During the previously scheduled special commission meeting that took place later that evening, the commission asked Vose to develop an ordinance that would codify and strengthen the city’s ability to refuse building permits to habitual offenders. The commission also asked for an ordinance that would allow the city to cancel or refuse certificates of occupancy to those who fail to correct damage done to city property.

On Friday morning, an electrical contractor was discovered working at the Gulf Drive cottage and ordered to cease and desist.

Murphy then issued his order that Kaleta had lost his ability to obtain city permits.

Efforts to reach Thomas Friday afternoon regarding this decision were unsuccessful. see developer, page 34

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OPINION

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

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

GUEST COLUMN

First best friends

BY DR. MARY FULFORD GREEN SPECIAL TO THE SUN

W

ho is your first best friend? I just submitted the obituary for Jerry Guthrie Cross, who was my first best friend. She is a first cousin – at one time I had 43 of them; I was the 15th and she was the 16th grandchild of William Thomas and Sallie Adams Fulford – the first family in Cortez.

I do not remember our crawling and taking first steps together at our grandparents house, but I do remember the years afterwards.

In Cortez, one of the best activities was swimming in Sarasota Bay – all day every day – or taking a boat over to a little island and out to the kitchen to pick up scallops. Our grandpa had his leg amputated in 1926 so he had a lot of time to spend with us. He roasted little black conch on the shore and cut out the meat for us to eat.

He taught us how to round up fiddler crabs.

Once, Jerry and I decided to open up a bakery under the big net camp on the shore. We were selling mud cakes. Yes, Grandpa bought some with real money. We closed shop and were off to the grocery store to buy candy that we did not share with our siblings.

Along with Cousin Mabel Adams Hipp, we sat together in the Sunday morning Bible class taught by Floy Taylor Bell. Every Sunday we ate dinner together, alternating houses. On Saturdays, we waited for the ice cream man in his little truck. My dad treated all of us to the ice cream. All grieved when the man killed himself and his little dog. hen The War came, we sold war bonds and walked to Bradenton Beach to roll bandages for the Red Cross. Every day we waited at the post office for Mr. Ditmus, with our letters from the more than 66 men and women who served in WWII from little Cortez.

We wrote to all of our cousins and to some special ones too.

I visited Jerry when her first child was born.

She attended my wedding at the old Cortez Church of Christ building. She’s the one who told me I was pretty – I never thought of myself as pretty … I thought she was. When our youngest sons were about six years old they visited the Greens in Tallahassee and these two cousins had fun together.

In 1936, when Grandma Sallie died, we two lined up with the other granddaughters to take the flowers from the hearse to the grave in the Palma Sola cemetery. We had watched our grandpa as he said goodbye to her. In 1939, we said goodbye to grandpa, again at that cemetery.

We would forever miss seeing him sitting in the first seat, second row, at the Cortez Church of

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see GUEST, page 7

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Attack of the drones?

As a frequent visitor and homeowner in Bradenton Beach, I relish the beauty and serenity of the area.

Imagine my surprise when I was sitting on my deck and a drone hovered over me. Just last night, while taking a sunset swim, another drone appeared overhead, startling me as well as other beachgoers. Where are these coming from? Can something be done to eliminate this intrusion?

Suzanne Belz Chicago, Ill.

One step forward, two steps One pool per lot is the current law in the Holmes Beach and Anna Maria codes. Citizens and some of the commissioners have spent countless hours in research and presentations to show the negative impact on density and quality of life with two pools on one lot. This issue came to the forefront in a recent Holmes Beach work session; it is of particular concern in regard to our Holmes Beach commissioners who are up for guaranteed re-election.

Sometime prior to the election qualifying period, a 4-1 consensus vote was taken in favor of one pool. Curiously, the moratorium on this issue was extended until after the qualifying period, and after knowing that their positions in the election were uncontested, Commissioners Jean Peelen and Pat Morton did a complete 180 and are now in support of two pools.

We are now back into the problem of duplex units being essentially singlefamily houses, and thus, the density issues continue.

What these commissioners may or may not know is that citizens had discussed at length about putting up one or two candidates to run. Although the thought was that these citizens would have had a good shot of displacing some of the current commissioners, they decided not to run to protect what we currently had in place. The commissioners had already taken measures that appeared to be in the best interest of the citizens, and we did not want to rock the boat. One of the most important issues to the citizens was this pool issue. The 4-1 consensus vote seemed solid. Now, after the reversal by Commissioners Peelen and Morton, the citizens feel undermined and betrayed.

Thanks to Commissioner Carol Soustek for her extensive research in support of the citizens, and for firmly articulating her stance and staying true to conviction. Thanks to Commissioner Marvin Grossman for his always-persistent efforts and his attempt to negotiate a compromise by eliminating the problematic pool accessories. However, we know from experience, that somehow, some way, some of the developers, without any consideration for community whatsoever, will get something else in there to negatively impact neighbors. And we fear that Commissioner Titsworth will

get her slides back in there somehow, too.

To the commissioners who betrayed us, we protected you, and now we feel stabbed in the back. And, for those of you who don't agree or don't have the passion that some of us do, I would say there is a good shot you don't live next to the mini-motels.

Dick Motzer Holmes Beach

Thanks, mayor I am a resident of Holmes Beach, but I have known Dan Murphy of Anna Maria for 10 plus years. Dan is a man of strong Christian moral values.

He believes in doing what is right for his community. It is my belief that since Dan was elected mayor of Anna Maria, he has done so much to help the residents of Anna Maria to regain some of its charm that has been lost in the past several years.

Friday Sept 11, Mayor Murphy took an action that has been long overdue. He took an action to help keep Anna Maria a safer place to live.

That action took extreme character and courage to stand up to a powerful developer. Mayor Murphy needs to be congratulated for his actions by every concerned resident who lives on Anna Maria Island because of his extraordinary leadership. My thanks to Dan Murphy.

Kim Rash Holmes Beach

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

THE SUN

the sun survey

mark your calendar

LAST WEEK’S QUESTION: Bradenton Beach is considering imposing a building moratorium. Do you favor this idea or oppose it?t

Note: Events are free unless indicated.

72%

Wednesday Sept. 16

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

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

Oppose it.

Thursday Sept. 17

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

Successful Women Aligning Together, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach, 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Members, $12, guests, $17.

RSVP to swatami@gmail.com Beach yoga, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 6 to 7 p.m.

Bring a mat.

28% In favor of it.

THIS WEEK’S SURVEY What do you think of the Holmes Beach plan to raise the millage rate from 1.75 to 2.25?

• My taxes are already through the roof. I can't afford this increase.

• The city absolutely needs the money so I'm not opposed to it.

• I would rather see such an increase phased in over two or three years.

• I can afford it but I'm against tax increases. Period.

Friday Sept. 18

Senior Adventures trip to Bunker Hill Vineyard & Winery, Parrish, on Sept. 18, meet at Annie Silver Senior Center, 103 23rd Street N, Bradenton Beach. Van leaves at 10 a.m. Reserve to Kaye Bell at 941-538-0945.

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GUEST COLUMN FROM PAGE 6

Christ services every Sunday.

In 1977, a voice on my telephone said, “Mary. Mama is dying.” I was so shocked I didn’t recognize her voice. I thought it might be my sister calling me. It was not my sister but my first best friend. I rushed to the hospital and sat with her and her sweet mother until death

came. That was the first such experience for us.

Jerry’s severe asthma led her to move to Arizona. She remembered birthdays to all of us via e-mail.

Talking had to be with her special telephone. Jerry loved Cortez and wished that she could live here.

She loved all of us. She left this world a week after my 90th birthday and three months before hers.

If I could ask, she would reply that, yes, she remembers the songs we sang, including that one saying we shall meet on that shore in the sweet by and by. There is a saying: “Make new friends but keep the old; one is silver and the other gold.” I couldn’t have but one best friend forever. Thanks, Jerry, for being mine.

AMI Community Connections soiree, AMI Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 6 to 8 p.m.

Starry night telescope exploration, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Reserve to 941-748-4501 ext.

6039.

Saturday Sept. 19

International coastal cleanup kickoff, Coquina Beach Gulfside and Leffis Key, Bradenton Beach, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Register to michelle.leahy@mymanatee.org or 941-748- 4501, ext.

6035 to register.

Preview of Silver Sneakers program for seniors, Anna Maria Island Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 9 to 11 a.m.

Program on insects, “Insectigations,” by Melissa Nell, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Rex’s Roaring Dance Party, AMI Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 2 to 4 p.m.

Sidewalk astronomy, Holmes Beach City Hall field, 5801 Marina Drive, 7:30 p.m.

on the agenda Anna Maria

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

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10005 Gulf Drive

9/23: City Commission final budget public hearing, 6 p.m.

9/24: City Commission meeting, 6 p.m.

For information, call 7086130.

Bradenton Beach 107 Gulf Drive N.

9/17: City Commission meeting, noon 9/17: Community Redevelopment Agency budget, 5:15p.m.

9/17: City Commission final budget public hearing, 5:45 p.m.

9/23: Planning and Zoning Board, 3 p.m.

For information, call 7781005.

Holmes Beach 5801 Marina Drive

9/22: City Commission meeting, 7 p.m.

9/23: Police Pension Board, 1:30 p.m.

9/24: City Commission final budget public hearing, 6 p.m.

9/24: City Commission work session, 7 p.m.

For information, call 7085800.

Island-wide 9/16: Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 2 p.m.

9/17: West Manatee Fire Commission workshop on WCIND boat grant, 6417 3rd Ave. W., Bradenton, 5 p.m.

9/17: West Manatee Fire Commission public hearing on the 2015-16 budget and appeals of the 2015 fire assessments, followed by a commission meeting, 6417 3rd Ave. W., Bradenton, 6 p.m.

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THE SUN

SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

Residents air budget complaints The $11.39 million budget is based on the new millage rate of 2.25, up from 1.75 in previous years.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Residents came to air a litany of complaints about the budget and millage rate at the first public hearing last week.

The $11.39 million budget was based on the new millage rate of 2.25, up from 1.75 in previous years. Treasurer Lori Hill said the millage is 39.25 percent over the rollback rate. The rollback rate is the millage rate that would have to be levied to generate the same amount of revenue as last year.

In July, Mayor Bob Johnson recommended a higher millage rate after he and Hill found a $650,000 deficit in the city’s budget, which if allowed to continue would have bankrupted the city.

Hill reviewed some of the changes in the budget including • Separating the building department from the public works department; • Listing projects to use the 5-cent gas tax; • Increasing fees in the building department; • Decreasing the reserve by $20,000;

• Increasing the police department budget by $400,000 for leasing vehicles, 911 upgrades, IT services, records management, and county-mandated radio changeover.

• Adding two part time employees to the code enforcement department; • Adding $100,000 to the Grassy Point budget to match TDC funding and meet state requirements.

Residents speak

George Gaelant said his taxes are up 44 percent, and it’s not the residents’ fault that the city did not charge enough over the years.

James Kihm said if the county continues to promote tourism and “this is the cash cow, we need some help from them. We’re being treated unfair.”

Kihm said the city should establish a committee to look for other sources of revenue, and asked why the reserves are so large.

“If you look at the amounts (in reserves) that we continue rolling over year after year, why aren’t we coming up with more programs to spend down the reserves and create a better quality of life for the citizens of Holmes Beach rather than letting that money sit there?” he asked.

Henry Poaget said his taxes increased from $6,000 to $10,000 and stressed, “It’s incredible; it’s not acceptable.”

Susan Otto asked why the city does not use the BP settlement funds to lower the budget.

David Zaccagnino said he’s paying 35 percent more in taxes, and commissioners “are making it tough on trying to keep families here.”

Chard Winheim agreed and said his taxes are increasing 40 percent and “it won’t keep families here. We need to cut spending.”

Dialogue continues

Johnson said there is a “definite need for other revenue streams,” and the committee suggested by Kihm is a good idea. He said some reserves are restricted for specific purposes, and the emergency reserve is higher than recommended, but it is there in case of emergency.

He said he doesn’t understand why Poaget’s tax increased from $6,000 $10,000 and pointed out, “We looked at what the new assessment meant to various priced properties. We have a level of service that is pretty basic, and

Ad valorem analysis Taxable value

Amount of increase 2.25 vs. 1.75

$200,000 ���������������������������������������� $100 $300,000 ���������������������������������������� $150 $400,000 ����������������������������������������$200 $500,000 ����������������������������������������$250 $600,000 ����������������������������������������$300 $700,000 ����������������������������������������$350 $800,000 ����������������������������������������$400 $900,000 ����������������������������������������$450 $1,000,000 ������������������������������������$500 $1,200,000 ������������������������������������$600 $1,400,000 ������������������������������������$700 $1,600,000 ������������������������������������$800 $1,800,000 ������������������������������������$900 $2,000,000 ��������������������������������� $1,000 we have a financial hole to be taken care of.”

Hill explained that the city has not yet received the BP money, and Commissioner Carol Soustek said the city doesn’t even know when it will receive the money. see budget, page 29

www.amisun.com

SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

THE SUN

9

Eight charter questions on ballot Voters will determine whether the city charter is amended in November.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPODENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – In the November election, city voters will determine the fate of eight proposed amendments to the city charter.

Ballot question one refers to the appointment of Charter Review Committee (CRC) members.

“The current city charter is silent on the appointment of a five member CRC. Should the city amend its charter providing for the mayor to nominate and the city commission to approve on an individual basis a five-member CRC with additional two alternatives?”

Approval would clarify the selection process and provide for alternatives in the event that a member steps down.

Question two says, “The current city charter confers appointed official status on department heads,

the city attorney, city planner, city clerk/treasurer, chief of police, committees, boards and panels and excludes the building official.

Should the city amend its charter to limit appointed official status to only the city clerk, city treasurer, chief of police, public works director, city attorney, city planner and building official?”

Approval would add the public works director and the building official to the list of city officials appointed by the city commission.

Question three says, “Should the city amend its charter to provide that the mayor may appoint department heads, clarify that the mayor shall prepare or cause to be prepared an annual operating budget and capital spending plan, and provide a state of the city report at a time established by resolution of the city commission?”

Approval would clarify the mayor’s duties and powers.

Question four is a bit confusing, but proposes stronger limitations on the City commission when selling or vacating city property by re-

quiring this be done by ordinance.

“Article IV, Section 1(C) of the city charter provides that disposing of city property must be approved in an ordinance with a 4/5 vote of the city commission and 50 percent plus one votes cast in a referendum. Should the city amend its charter to reference Article IV, Section 1(C) of the city charter under the powers of the commission to dispose of city property?”

Approval would make it more difficult for the commission to sell, lease or vacate city land.

Question five says, “Currently the city charter does not provide a specific process to commence forfeiture of office proceedings (FOP) against an elected official.

Should the city revise its charter to provide a process wherein the city commission initiates a FOP by establishing a prima facie evidentiary basis of a specific violation at a public meeting, and then it refers the FOP to arbitration by see charter, page 14

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THE SUN

Death under investigation Authorities are investigating the death of an Anna Maria man whose body was found Sunday morning in a home on Hammock Road.

According to Sgt. Paul Davis, of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the county medical examiner’s office and the sheriff are both conducting the investigation. Davis confirmed the

Sheriff’s Office and emergency medical personnel arrived at a home in the 100 block of Hammock Road at about 11 a.m. Sunday, and the body was removed at about 3 p.m. The man was estimated to be in his 50s, Davis said.

No further details were available as of press time.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

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SilverSneakers Saturday at Center Seniors can learn about benefits of this wellness program for Medicare recipients.

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

ANNA MARIA – Seniors are invited to the AMI Community Center on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 to 11 a.m. to learn about the SilverSneakers program that will be offered beginning Oct. 1.

The SilverSneakers program is an insurance benefit of Medicare advantage and supplement plans that encourages physical activity and participation in health and wellness classes and activities.

“It’s an opportunity for people to come check us out,” Program Director Jennifer Griffith said.

“During the two hours, seniors can preview four classes that will be part of the SilverSneakers program.

The schedule is as follows: • 9 to 9:15 and 10 to 10:15 a.m., Strengthen and Lengthen with instructor Reba Moeller; • 9:15 to 9:30 and 10:15 to 10:30 a.m., Chair Yoga with instructor Lucy Spoon; • 9:30 to 9:45 and10:30 to 10:45 a.m., Gentle Aerobics with instructor Reba Moeller;

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Tai Chi with instructor Brian Nell.

“When the instructors are not demonstrating, they’ll be at tables around the room, and people can talk to the them and learn about their classes,” Griffith said.

“Breakfast also will be available in our kitchen.”

Griffith said benefits of the program include free basic membership to the Center that includes the fitness center, pickleball, tennis, member prices on classes and specialty classes and free health and wellness classes.

“Because this is a national program, people who are here on vacation can come in and participate in the program,” Griffith added.

Other benefits for seniors at the Center are an open gym on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 to 10 .am. for walking, tea and talk in the Soiree Room every Wednesday at 2 p.m., educational classes and the new art room.

Seniors can go to www.silversneakers.com to find out if their insurance provider participates in the program. For more information, contact Jennifer Griffith at 778-1908, ext. 9204, or jenniferg@ islandcommunitycenter.org.

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Island Time never forgets Patriotism and appreciation were on display Saturday afternoon at Island Time.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Island Time Bar & Grill continued a five year tradition on Saturday afternoon when hosting the annual We Will Never Forget fundraiser that salutes first responders and military personnel and memorializes the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

According to Island Time owner Bill Herlihy, some in attendance Saturday were in New York City or the Pentagon when the 9/11 attacks took place, including Navy veteran Bill Carey, who was in the Pentagon on that fateful day.

“In this age of negativity toward police and some first responders, it’s very important that we remember that day in 2001 and show our appreciation every day for the men and women who put their lives on the line,” Herlihy said.

The event itself raised over $4,000 for Manatee County Emergency Service Memorial Fund that supports local first responders and their families should someone be injured or killed in the line of duty. In honor of this being the fifth annual Never Forget fundraiser, Herlihy and his business partners John Hardesty and Keith Daum donated an extra $1,000 of their own make it an even $5,000.

Active and retired fire and emergency personnel, police officers and military members were honored with a complimentary buffet. Buffet sales offered to the public contributed to the fundraising activities that also included auctions, raffles, T-shirt sales and the net profits Island Time generated during the four hour event.

Across the street in Jake Spooner’s lot, members of West Manatee Fire Rescue, Manatee County Emergency Medical Services and the Bradenton Beach Police Department interacted with youngsters who got close-up looks at a firetruck and firefighting gear, an ambulance, a police boat, a police cruiser and a quick response

Chantelle Lewin | Sun

From left, West Manatee Fire Rescue’s Jim Davis, Cameron Frazier and John Stump participated in Saturday’s We Will Never Forget fundraiser. Right, Navy veteran Bill Carey, retired NYC firefighter Sean McCarthy, Island Time owner Bill Herlihy and Sarasota County EMT Cheryl Douma were among those who enjoyed Saturday’s fundraiser. vehicle used by paramedics cross-trained as lifeguards.

Complimentary face painting and other youth activities further enhanced the familyfriendly event.

“We really beefed it up from previous years. We had our best turnout ever, and we were thankful for the good weather,” Herlihy said. “A special thank you to all the sponsors, and the business community that donated auction items and raffle prizes.”

U.S. Army veteran and Bradenton Beach Mayor Jack Clarke attended the event, as did Ward 3 city commission candidate Ralph Cole.

Clarke and his wife Karen were the high bidders on the grand prize auction package that included a two-night stay at the BridgeWalk Resort, dinner for four at the Bridge Street Bistro and a sunset photography session.

“Highest marks to Bill Herlihy and the crew at Island Time for a terrific job on this year’s 9/11 memorial event. As a veteran, I make it a point to attend every year, and this was the best by far,” Clarke said.

Chantelle Lewin | Sun

From left, Angelina Crooks, Madeline Hume, Amariah Burns, Adelina Baggett congregated on the front bumper of the West Manatee Fire Rescue truck.

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charter: Eight questions on the ballot FROM PAGE 9

4/5 vote of the city commission with costs to be borne by the city?”

Approval would place a greater burden of proof on the accuser and require a four-fifths commission vote to forward the process to three independent arbitrators who would provide a final ruling. This would prevent commissioners from removing another commissioner themselves.

Question six says, “The city charter provides that candidates for elective office shall be electors registered and residing in the city of Bradenton Beach for nine months immediately prior to the date of qualifying. Should the city revise its charter to increase the residency timeframe to 24 months?”

Approval would require someone to live in the city for two years before running for a commission seat.

Question seven is similar to question four in that it raises standards for selling, leasing or giving away city land.

“Should the city amend its charter to add concessionaire agreements or conveyances of any leasehold

interest in city property to the list, and provide that disposition, vacations or changes to the principal use of all city parks, preserves, recreational areas, city rights of way, all direct and indirect beach or bay access must be approved by a 4/5 vote of the city commission and 50 percent plus one percent of the votes cast at the next general election, and require said action to occur at market rates in a competitive bidding environment?”

Ballot question eight says, “The current city charter provides that an affirmative supra-majority vote of the city commission shall be required to approve a comprehensive plan amendment, rezoning, special exception, variance or vacation of any city right of way. Should the city amend its charter to expressly provide that this decision making authority may not be delegated to any other individual or entity such as a special master?”

Variance requests are currently approved or denied by a special master. Approval would give that authority back to the commission.

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Heart the Sea on Saturday

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Our commitment to using only the highest quality ingredients, along with a diverse menu prepared from scratch, is as important to our success as our belief in incorporating sustainable and local ingredients. Locally sourced meats and vegetables, freshly prepared soups, salads and desserts and a magnificent Manatee River waterfront view all make Pier22 an Original.

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EAT LIKE A LOCAL DineOriginal.com 15 South Ristorante • Andrea’s • Anna Maria Oyster Bar • Beach House • The Bijou CafÊ • Bridge Street Bistro • The Broken Egg • CafÊ Baci • CafÊ Gabbiano • CafÊ L’Europe • CafÊ Venice • Caragiulos • Cedar Reef Fish Camp • Ciao! Italia • Cosimo’s Restaurant & Catering • The Crow’s Nest • Derek’s • Drunken Poet CafÊ • Duval’s • Euphemia Haye • Fast N Fresh • Fins at Sharky’s • Gold Rush BBQ • Gulf Drive CafÊ + Tiki • Half Shell Seafood House • Harry’s Continental Kitchens • JPAN Restaurant • Lobster Pot • Lynches Pub & Grub • Madfish Grill • Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub • Michael John’s • Michael’s On East • mi Pueblo • Ophelia’s On The Bay • Ortygia Restaurant • Pacific Rim • Pattigeorge’s • Pier 22 Restaurant • Polo Grill & Bar • Primo! Ristorante • Riverhouse Reef & Grill • Roessler’s Restaurant • Salute! Restaurant • Sandbar Seafood & Spirits • Savory Street • Siesta Key Oyster Bar • SoMa Creek Side • Tsunami • Village CafÊ • The Waterfront Restaurant on Anna Maria • The White Horse Pub

Heart the Sea invites everyone to join in the Ocean Conservancy's 30th Annual International Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 9 a.m. at Anna Maria Bayfront Park, 316 North Bay Blvd. in Anna Maria.

The International Coastal Cleanup provides the opportunity to make a difference in the community while joining a global movement.

In addition to picking up trash, volunteers will collect valuable data on the types and amount of debris found, which will be shared with international organizations, volunteer groups and the Ocean Conservancy’s partner organizations to promote litter prevention and inform solutions for trash free seas.

Volunteers are encouraged to bring a bucket for their trash and wear closed toed shoes. Children under 18 are welcome if accompanied by a legal guardian. Sanitary gloves and some water will be provided.

Event sponsor, FloatingOrange Design, has created a special event sticker

as a thank you to all who participate.

For more information, call Jenny Stonehouse at 941-702-4SEA or e-mail heartthesea@gmail.com. You may also join the Facebook event via the Heart The Sea Beach Clean-up page.

Simultaneous cleanups in partnership with the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department and Bank of America are at Coquina Beach and Leffis Key, both in Bradenton Beach, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Register by e-mailing michelle.leahy@ mymanatee.org or calling 941-748-4501 ext. 6035.

More than 10 million people have volunteered for the International Coastal Cleanup over the past 30 years, (more than the population of Georgia) collecting nearly 200 million pounds of trash (the equivalent of 500 blue whales, the largest animal on Earth) and cleaning up 350,000 miles of shoreline (the equivalent of running a lap around Canada, twice) according to organizers.

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

Putting for Team Blake The Fish Hole adventure golf course on Bridge Street will host a fundraiser for Team Blake on Saturday, Oct 3, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thirteen-year-old Blake Carpenter has suffered from cerebral palsy and epileptic seizures since birth. On July 29, Blake underwent brain surgery in hopes of removing the area of his brain that was triggering his seizures. Instead, he experienced unexpected post-surgery setbacks that included a stroke that has him facing years of therapy and relearning, instead of months of rehab.

Blake’s mom, Chrystal Carpenter, owns The Hive Creations on Bridge Street and her friends

and business neighbors are asking the Island community to join them in rallying to her aid.

The cost to enter the fundraiser is $20 per person and $10 for those 6 and under. The fee covers two rounds of adventure golf and wings from Wings ‘N Things. A silent auction will offer plenty of chances to claim gift certificates and other items donated by local businesses. Every dollar raised will go to Team Blake to help offset mounting expenses.

For additional details or to donate auction items, contact Jeanette Morris at 941-840-4748 or e-mail her at girlmusttravel@ hotmail.com.

joe hendricks | sun

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Board back to two pools for duplexes Commissioners instructed the planner to rewrite the ordinance to allow two cocktail pools.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Having a change of heart, city commissioners agreed in consensus on allowing each side of a duplex to have a swimming pool.

The issue has been under discussion since May when commissioners imposed a moratorium on more than one pool per duplex. Commissioners have heard from many residents who felt they were being unfairly penalized as commissioners attempted to regulate vacation rental properties.

Prior to board discussion, resident Kathleen Klozar told commissioners that she and her husband own a duplex and rent half out in order to pay for it.

She said she put in one pool and wanted to add another but due to the moratorium, she cannot.

“Think of people like me.

Don’t tie me in with people

with massive houses,” she told the board.

City Planner Bill Brisson reviewed changes to the draft ordinance limiting pools to one per duplex lot, and Building Official Jim McGuinness said they should add the definition of a hot tub.

McGuinness asked about grottos, diving platforms and slides.

Brisson said some are in Ordinance 15-10 and they could add the others.

McGuiness told of a pool with two deep ends and a narrow, 8-inche deep sun shelf across the middle.

Commissioner Jean Peelen asked what’s wrong with adding a shelf “so they can have privacy. I’m troubled by not allowing them to put something down the middle.”

Two smaller pools

Brisson said that makes it two pools and said they could allow two pools of a smaller size.

Chair Judy Titsworth asked, “What about one side that already has a pool and the other doesn’t or two owners who’ve lived there forever and only one can have a pool? Now we’ve created a fight.”

She said would rather allow two smaller pools, and Peelen said she is shifting her position toward two pools. Brisson said the one pool rule affects residents as well as rentals, and he would rather allow two small pools.

Commissioner Pat Morton agreed and said, “We’re holding our residents hostage because of the real estate agents.”

Commissioner Carol Soustek, who owns a duplex, disagreed and said, “I want to put a stop to the runaway tactics being used.

Being nice to a few people is not going to help a community.

“Would you want it that bad if it hurts your neighbor? Look what’s happened to your community. Do you want to keep making the same mistakes?”

“I am looking at the community and what the residents desire and that’s their own private pool, ” Titsworth countered.

City Attorney Patricia Petruff said there are approximately 300 duplex lots in the city and noted, “You are impacting approximately 500 to 600 property owners with this decision, some of whom are homesteaded. One pool sets neighbor against neighbor. I agree with Mr. Brisson.”

Commissioners instructed Brisson to rewrite the ordinance to allow two cocktail pools.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

Moratorium on front yard pools approved The resident who applied for a front yard pool explained his request.

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

HOLMES BEACH – City Commissioners approved on first reading a moratorium on pools in front yards.

The issue came to their attention after the city received an application for a swimming pool between the required front yard and the wall of the house. The required front yard is the setback, typically 20 feet.

Resident Randy Macias said he is the one who applied for a front yard pool triggering the moratorium. He said after visiting the Island for 15 years, he bought his property and hopes to move to the Island permanently in time.

He said he wanted to build a pool and his first goal was to put it in the back yard. However, there was not enough room, so he applied for a permit to put it in the front yard, leading to the request for a moratorium.

“Why all the fuss?” he asked. “Is it the noise, the number of occupants? It feels like the city commission is trying to maintain the character of the neighborhood when there are few full time residents.

“Now there’s an infringement on property owners’ rights. What are you trying to prevent? What are you afraid of?”

The moratorium was effective Aug. 27 and will be in place for six months.

Commissioners also approved an ordinance to add fees to the building department fee schedule, but put on hold a resolution on specific fee increases as requested by the mayor.

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Privateers host ‘Talk Like a Pirate Day’

CINDY LANE | SUN

Summer sunset Just another summer sunset in paradise.

The Anna Maria Island Privateers will present “Talk Like a Pirate Day” on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 3 to 7 p.m., on Old Main Street in Bradenton, featuring free Bilge Rat Races and a rum tasting. The fundraiser will benefit the Privateers’ mission of helping kids and community.

Bilge Rat Races will commence at 4 p.m. at Pub 88, 436 12th St. W., with multiple heats, including the Big Cheese title race; those who pick the winning rats will receive awards. Adopt-a-Rat for $30 and receive a rat owner gift bag. Two winners will be crowned Rat Race King and Queen for the best dressed rat.

Anyone dressed like a pirate will receive a free gift. Call Lisa “Lash” Ritchey at 941-238-8974 or e-mail Lmritchey@ yahoo.com for adoption information.

A rum tasting from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Cork’s Cigar Bar, 425 12th St. W., will feature a variety of rums. Select five samples for a $10 donation. Patrons must be at least 21 for admittance to Pub 88 and Cork's Cigar Bar. Other attractions include: • 50/50 raffle; • Lotto board/booze basket raffle; • Rat hole (pirate version of corn hole); • Door prizes; • Find out your pirate name; • Pirates and wenches; • Skullywag, the Privateers' 65-foot pirate ship.

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

Resident cited for combating noise with noise Dick Motzer asked city commissioners to do something about loud noise from nearby resort housing.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Dick Motzer expressed his anger at last week’s City Commission work session over a notice of a code violation he received on Sept. 8.

Motzer called the violation “over the top� and said, “We live in a residential neighborhood and have asked the police to control noise from the resort behind our property. I call the police and nothing happens, so I developed a ‘Mexican opera’ and play it when the yelling and screaming starts.�

Motzer said he was stunned when the notice of violation was taped to his door and remarked, “How professional this city has become. What do we do to control the yelling and screaming? I’m fed up. I ask you to do something about the noise.�

According to the police report, the officer was dispatched to Motzer’s residence at 305 56th Street in reference to “loud

Hispanic music coming from the rear of the residence.� He said he measured decibels at various locations and the reading was 69.5, the highest reading.

The officer said he knocked on Motzer’s door but did not receive an answer. He then contacted Motzer by phone and said. “I advised him of the violation and reading. He advised me that he would lower the music and turn it off if the kids in the pool would stop screaming. He then hung up the phone.�

The officer said he later returned to the residence and took decibel readings at various locations and received readings of 57.7 and 60.2. He said he spoke to Motzer, who turned off the music.

In an e-mail to commissioners, Motzer asked, “Since we have been told that another offense would incur a fine, what would you recommend that we do to achieve protection from the yelling and screaming? “Also when law abiding citizens face misdemeanors for trying to achieve normalcy in daily life in our residential, neighborhoods, we are afraid that you are on a severe uphill climb in attracting permanent residents.�

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Committee debates moratorium The Bradenton Beach community remains divided on temporary building restrictions.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Prompted by citizen requests for a building moratorium, Mayor Jack Clarke helped facilitate a citizens advisory committee discussion last week at city hall.

Sixteen people attended the Sept. 9 committee meeting, including Commissioner Jan Vosburgh, former Mayor Bill Shearon and Holmes Beach Commissioner Jean Peelen.

The meeting began with Clarke requesting specific insight he could bring to the City Commission regarding a possible moratorium.

“I requested this meeting so the mayor and commissioners can get input from all sides of this moratorium discussion,” he said.

Planning and Zoning Board member Frank Harrison said, “Every day that goes by more permits are in that aren’t going to be stopped.”

He also said enacting a moratorium should not be a long, drawn out process.

Priscilla Von Ahnen said a moratorium is needed immediately in order to provide the city time to develop new vacation rental regulations.

“We don’t want to make rules that everyone’s upset with. Once we have the moratorium in place we have a little breathing space. Now that Anna Maria and Holmes Beach have theirs, we are being inundated with applications for building,” she said.

Maureen Kraker owns rental property on Eighth Street South. She said

joe hendricks | sun

Last week’s citizens advisory committee meeting provided residents with an opportunity to discuss vacation rental issues. she is leery of a moratorium because it penalizes those who’ve done no wrong.

She advocated for an agreement that works for those who want to rent out their properties and for those who want to live peaceably in their neighborhoods.

When questions were raised about moratorium lawsuits, Peelen said her commission has adopted four moratoriums “We have no lawsuits, nor any threats of lawsuits,” she stated.

Lynn Zemmer owns Edgewater Real Estate. She is also a member of the Anna Maria Island Vacation Property Association that is a plaintiff in a lawsuit filed in opposition to Anna Maria’s vacation rental ordinance.

“Our goal is to implement best practices. We don’t want noise,” she said of her approach to managing vacation rentals.

moratorium: Looming in BB? FROM PAGE 4

Thursday’s meeting.

Earlier this year, Perry assisted the city of Anna Maria in negotiating settlements in Bert Harris Act lawsuits that claimed elements of the city’s building moratorium and living area ratio ordinance diminished the value of their properties.

During the Sept. 3 commission discussion, Vice Mayor Ed Straight and Commissioner Jan Vosburgh expressed support for a moratorium. Commission John Shaughnessy questioned whether a building moratorium would address noise complaints, but said he would support a moratorium as long as it was not in effect too long.

Commissioner Janie Robertson said she needed more specifics before making a decision, and Mayor Jack Clarke said he preferred to take a measured approach to moratorium enactment.

Also on the agenda

In addition to the consent agenda, general public input and commissioners’ reports, the Sept. 17 agenda also includes an expected commission decision on which of three bidders will be awarded the contract to remove the fiberglass insulation from city hall and replace it with spray foam insulation. The three bids received were for $12,800, $12,771 and $10,910.

Placed on the agenda for discussion only, the commission will be introduced to proposed ordinance 15-457, which pertains to the employee handbook and will be presented by City Clerk Terri Sanclemente. The agenda packet included no backup material or proposed ordinance language for this item.

City resident and Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch Director Suzi Fox shared experiences she’s had with some local agencies.

“When I call the offices of rental companies, I have been screamed at. The rental companies have to get together and make sure these rules are implemented,” Fox said.

Zemmer asked how many active building permits the city had in the pipeline. Building Official Steve Gilbert said there were 10 to 12 permits in various stages of review, including four applications received last week and seven or eight homes currently under construction, most of which contain four to six bedrooms.

Lisa Kelly is having a four bedroom home built on Eighth Street South. She recently said she is not sure if it will be used as a rental or for her large family.

“The problems that got everyone

standing up, are they noise and parking?” she asked.

Peelen said that was part of it, and Von Ahnen said it was about disappearing neighbors.

“There are all kinds of problems in the neighborhoods,” Betsy Sillars added.

Kelly said she had an annual renter that was evicted by the city, so the issues are not limited to vacationers.

She believes the solution is to address noise, parking and other issues rather than enacting a moratorium.

In regard to a comment Peelen made about 22 people staying in an eight bedroom home, Zemmer asked how she calculated that figure.

“We didn’t calculate anything. We saw it on their Websites,” Peelen said Zemmer said her goal is to have two people per bedroom and perhaps two more on a pull out.

“Twenty-two people in an eight bedroom is just insane,” she added.

On Sunday, Zemmer’s Edgewater Real Estate Website advertised an eight bedroom structure on Fourth Street South with a maximum occupancy of 20 people. That same structure, when subdivided, offered four bedrooms for 10 or 11 occupants. The Website also lists two bedroom units that sleep six, one bedroom units that sleep four and one bedroom units that sleep two.

The meeting ended with planning board member Jim Lynch offering to rewrite the Holmes Beach moratorium ordinance in a manner specific to Bradenton Beach. The ordinance calls for an eight month moratorium on homes in residential zones that contain four or more bedrooms or rooms that could be used for sleeping.

The ordinance will be discussed at the Thursday, Sept. 17, city commission meeting.

ordinance: Limits bedrooms FROM PAGE 4

public right of way were permitted by the city and in existence prior to September 8, 2015.”

“Then we’ll fairly quickly find out how many we have and whether they are permitted by the city,” Petruff pointed out. “We can amend the ordinance if it becomes a big issue, “My thought is that it isn’t just a resort housing issue. You have residents doing it too. If you are going to enforce it, you can’t be inconsistent and tell resort housing no and residents yes.

Tokajer said police enforce the laws uniformly.

Commissioners agreed to remove the language suggested by Petruff.

Residents comment

“We’re a tourist island,” Mark Davis said. “You’re thinking of raising our taxes, but you’re devaluing our properties by limiting what we can do on our properties and telling us how to do our business.”

Deb Wing, of the AMI Chamber of Commerce, said she represents businesses on the Island and people are confused by the commission’s actions.

“If you talk about it here and don’t get it out to the public, like the speed limit, it’s confusing,” she said. “It’s your responsibility to communicate to people.”

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

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OUTDOORS

SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

Anglers catching snook, trout and tarpon Captain Rick Grassett

Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released snook and trout and jumped a couple of tarpon on DOA TerrorEyz and top water plugs in Sarasota during the past week.

My son, Bryan Gibson, and Mike Phoenix, both from St, Petersburg, Fla., fished a predawn snook/flats trip in Sarasota Bay with me on Tuesday morning. They caught and released a couple of quality snook of 32 and 35 inches and jumped a couple of tarpon to more than 20 pounds on DOA TerrorEyz. They also caught and released a few trout on DOA Deadly Combos and top water plugs fishing deep grass flats on the west side of the bay.

Sandy â&#x20AC;&#x153;Krashâ&#x20AC;? Wilson and Dana Liberman, both from Ft. Lauder-

dale, Fla., fished Sarasota Bay with me on Wednesday morning. They caught and released trout to 18 inches on DOA Deadly Combos and top water plugs. The best trout action has been working around bait schools on edges of bars.

Snook fishing around lighted docks and bridges close to passes with flies, DOA Shrimp, DOA TerrorEyz and CAL jigs with shad tails and jerk worms should continue to be a good option. Tarpon are moving to inside waters of Sarasota Bay, where you may find them around lighted docks and bridges, in passes or in canals and creeks.

You may find trout, Spanish mackerel, blues and Jacks on deep grass flats, particularly close to passes.

Look for reds, snook and big trout mixed with mullet schools on shallow flats and edges of bars.

CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT | submitted

Mike Phoenix, from St. Pete, Fla., caught and released this 35-inch snook on a DOA TerrorEyz while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.

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Captain Tom Chaya | submitted

Hello, red!

Kelly Shea caught this huge redfish during a trip with Captain Tom Chaya.

Submitted

The big tuna Dr. Roger Danziger holds a tuna caught by Dr. Bruce Lipskind fishing with Drs. Roger and Debbie Danziger 45 miles off Holmes Beach. The tuna was aught on live pinfish in a flatline.

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

Changes in turtle regulations approaching

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

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring and similar groups learned last week about proposed changes to sea turtle regulations that will be considered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at its November meeting in Panama City.

Dr. Robbin Trindell, a biological administrator with the FWC’s Imperiled Species Management department, outlined proposals to the state Marine Turtle Permit Rule and Marine Turtle Conservation Handbook in online stakeholder meetings.

Some changes will affect local efforts to conserve sea turtles, said Suzi Fox, director of Turtle Watch.

For example, volunteers with Turtle Watch and similar organizations

During sea turtle season, May 1 – Oct. 31, please follow these tips: • Turn off lights visible from the beach and close blinds from sundown to sunrise; lights confuse nesting sea turtles and may cause them to go back to sea and drop their eggs in the water, where they won’t hatch. Light can also attract hatchlings away from the water.

• Don’t use flashlights or camera flashes on the beach at night.

• Remove all objects from the sand from sundown to sunrise; they can deter sea turtles from nesting

CINDY LANE | SUN

More regulation is proposed for those involved in protecting sea turtles, like this loggerhead hatchling. around the state will have to become “citizen scientists,” doing more training with the Marine Turtle Conserva-

tion Handbook before being allowed to participate in nesting surveys on the beach, she said. Currently, Fox con-

ducts a slide presentation and on-thebeach instruction with volunteers.

The changes also would clarify vague rules, such as when and how to intervene when turtle hatchlings become disoriented while hatching in the middle of the night, Fox said.

The proposed changes clarify criteria and timelines for reviewing and approving permit applications, including addressing stakeholder concerns about the review and approval of requests for research permits involving threatened or endangered marine turtles, Trindell said.

Other changes include allowing corporations to get permits for specific activities, such as holding marine turtles in captivity for rehabilitation or education; currently, only people are issued permits, she said.

Proposals can be viewed at www.

MyFWC.com/seaturtle; comments may be submitted by e-mail to MTPRule@ myfwc.com.

Not red tide

and disorient hatchlings.

• Fill in the holes you dig in the sand before leaving the beach; they can trap nesting and hatching sea turtles, which cannot live long out of the water.

• Don’t use sky lanterns or fireworks; they litter the beach and Gulf.

• Do not trim trees and plants that shield the beach from lights.

• Never touch a sea turtle; it’s the law. If you see people disturbing turtles, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

It may look like red tide, but it’s red drift algae washing up on AMI’s shoreline, killing fish and smelling bad, according to Mote Marine Laboratory’s Beach Conditions Report, which notes that red drift algae is non-toxic, but creates strong odors as it decomposes.

CINDY LANE | SUN

Live like a local Respect Wildlife Please recycle your old fishing line so I don’t get tangled up in it.

Where’s Amie?

Amie, the loggerhead sea turtle that was satellite tagged in June on Coquina Beach after nesting, is still in last place in the Tour de Turtles race, sponsored by the Sea Turtle Conservancy to see how far satellite-tagged turtles migrate. Amie has traveled 91 miles since the race began on Aug. 2, at an average speed of less than ½ m.p.h. The leader, Calypso Blue, is off the coast of Virginia, having traveled 1,427 miles. Pick up the pace, Amie!

Brown pelican

Anna Maria Island Sun, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

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Green turtles nests on AMI

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

ANNA MARIA – Just when they thought that sea turtles had finished nesting for the year, a new, rare, nest was discovered by Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteer Susan Anderson on Monday morning.

The green sea turtle nest, only the third since the start of turtle season on May 1, brings the Island’s total for the year up to 356, closing in on 2013’s record year of 369 nests; the others are loggerhead nests. Green turtles in Florida nest mostly on the southeast coast, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The good news was somewhat dimmed by the previous week’s three disorientations, or light interference with nesting or hatching turtles, bringing the total of disorientations to 18, slightly higher than the 15-year average of 15 disorientations per year.

One nest was disoriented by people who were using flashlights on the beach, Director Suzi Fox said, while the other two were disoriented by sky glow, brighter areas of the sky lit by artificial lights, in these cases from commercial buildings at Benderson

Plaza in Holmes Beach and Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. One nest of hatchlings crawled straight through the Moose Lodge parking lot, which has turtle compliant lights, she said, attracted by lights at Island Time across Gulf Drive before they were discovered.

Other businesses and individuals have come into compliance with turtle lighting laws this year, contributing to a marked improvement from 51 disorientations last year, she said.

A new problem is emerging with the increasing popularity of beach tents, posing a danger to both sea turtles and people, she said. Tents or tent frames are being left on the beach, probably when storms come up quickly. They can blow into unsuspecting people, and, left on the beach, can disorient nesting turtles, causing them to abandon nesting attempts, and hatching turtles, causing them to travel away from the safety of the water.

“If you can’t dismantle a tent quickly when a storm approaches, don’t use a tent,” Fox said.

The latest sea turtle nest on Anna Maria Island was laid Sunday night, after nesting was thought to have ended and is a rare green turtle nest, as evidenced by the tracks.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND TURTLE WATCH AND SHOREBIRD MONITORING | SUBMITTED

Nesting News Sea turtles Nests laid: 356 False crawls: 441 Nests hatched: 158 Hatchlings to Gulf: 11,330 Overwashed (nests that had water over them): 74

Standing water (nests that were inundated with standing water): 50 Partial washout (some eggs, but not all, missing from nests): 17 Complete washout (nest and all eggs washed away or all stakes identifying nest location washed away): 51 Nest disorientations: 18 Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

Sea grape trimming hits snag Shady Lady has agreed to finish up what Valley Crest started.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Last week, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy told city commissioners a new landscaping contractor would be completing the sea grape trimming taking place at Gulf Front Park.

Murphy said he recently got a letter from Valley Crest informing him that the contractor had underestimated the amount of work that needed to be done and did not have the resources to finish the task.

“They’re basically walking away from the job,” Murphy said, noting that he did not intend to pay for the small amount of work completed during a recent two-week period.

Murphy is now turning to Joan Bowling and Shady Lady Horticultural Services to finish the job, which he

said involves trimming back the sea grapes so the sea oats can grow.

Murphy said Shady Lady cannot start the work until Nov. 1, but the original Dec. 31 deadline will still be met.

“We’re honored to do the job and we’ll do it under all the government regulations on sea grape trimming,” Bowling said when contacted.

She said her firm has been involved with trimming some of the other sections of the multi-section park that is located along the Gulf from Magnolia Avenue to Oak Avenue.

During last week’s commission discussion, Commissioner Dale Woodland suggested Murphy and Commissioner Doug Copeland get together and take a closer look at Section 3, where he feels the sea grapes have overtaken the sea oats.

Murphy said he already plans to plant more sea oats in that area, and Copeland said he had a pretty good idea of what needed to be done.

BUDGET: Residents air complaints FROM PAGE 8

Commissioner Marvin Grossman said most of the property taxes go to the county and School Board, and the city receives only a small portion.

Options

Grossman asked if they could split the increase and asked, “Do we have to catch up all in one year?”

Johnson responded, “If you look at the operation, there’s not a lot there that you could make a significant move with regard to that gap of $650,000.

“One option could be pulling money out of the emergency reserve and reducing the increase in the ad valorem rate and then lowering it again next year.”

Commissioner Jean Peelen said when they agreed on the increase in the millage rate and looked at how it would

affect residents, “we didn’t have the county increase in the value of the houses.

“Hearing that, I’m looking for us to really trim this budget or take the option the mayor said. We are all blown away by the combination of the increase in property values and its affect on people.”

However, Soustek said, “it’s a hard bullet to bite,” but they went for six years with out an increase in ad valorem and “we’re paying for it now.”

Peelen added, “People say we’ve done nothing to cut taxes.

We’ve been working with the same millage rate for years. The cost of everything went through the roof, and we had the same amount of money. To say we’ve done nothing is unfair.”

Commissioners said they want see figures on how much residents could save if the ad valorum rate is reduced. The final budget hearing is set for Thursday, Sept 24, at 6 p.m.

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

KELLI GRAY | The Sunset by Gulf Drive Cafe

Alina Roitstein and Trevor Anderies, from Los Angeles, Calif., were married at The Sunset by Gulf Drive CafĂŠ on Anna Maria Island Aug. 8, 2015.

Dara Caudill | www.islandphotography.org

Audra Fulton and Logan Collins were married on the beautiful beach of Anna Maria Island on Aug. 8, 2015 Chuck Caudill played ukulele for the ceremony and was the DJ for the reception. Audra and Logan honeymooned on Anna Maria Island before returning home to Arlington, Texas

Tiffany Connolly and Ronald Williams, from Bradenton, were married Aug. 3, 2015 at the Bradenton Riverfront Marriott.

Dara Caudill | www.islandphotography.org

Stephanie Sanchez and Justin Hollis were married on the beach at the Sandbar restaurant on Aug. 28, 2015. Chuck Caudill played ukulele for the ceremony and was the DJ for the reception. Patti Mckee and Luis Ortiz, from the Sandbar, coordinated the wedding. The reception was held at The Studio on Gulf and Pine and was coordinated by Tommy and Julie Fagen. Stephanie, Justin and son, Dominic, honeymooned on Anna Maria Island, before returning home to Dickinson, Texas.

kimberly skardoutos photography

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

A Perfect Setting.. For Your Perfect Wedding

100 Spring Avenue Anna Maria Island 941.778.8709

200 Gulf Drive North Bradenton Beach 941.778.8718

BeAnIslandBride.com

The Sandbar raises the bar The historic Sandbar restaurant, with its breathtaking sunsets, exceptional customer service and outstanding food, has, for decades, attracted couples celebrating marriages past, present and future. For nine years in a row, readers of The Knot have voted the Sandbar top ceremony and wedding site. Additionally, readers of weddingwire.com have given the Sandbar the Brides Choice Award for 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2015.

The Sandbar restaurant pavilion is the most unique venue for weddings on the west coast of Florida and Anna Maria Island, the Beach Wedding Capital of Florida. It is a stand-alone, open-air pavilion steps away from the Gulf of Mexico.

The Sandbar’s special events staff and wedding coordinator, Patti McKee, will be with you throughout the planning and event stages. If an indoor air conditioned location for your rehearsal dinner or reception sounds cooler, consider The Studio at Gulf and Pine.

It is an elegant art gallery located half block from the Gulf. For more information on The Studio, visit www. studioatgulfandpine.com.

For information on the Sandbar restaurant contact the special events department – Patti McKee, 778-8709, pmckee@chilesgroup.com or Luis Ortiz, 778-8712 lortiz@chilesgroup.com – for wedding date availability and all other questions.

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Your wedding Headquarters The bride and her maids have to look their best for her wedding, and the professionals at Head Quarters Salon, 5376 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, will make sure they do and provide a relaxing experience.

Head Quarters Salon has a full staff of professionals offering hair styling, manicures, pedicures, massages, makeup application, hair extensions, Axxium by OPI Gel, Shellac and more.

They are now using AG Products-Paraben and salt free, color safe and 100 percent guaranteed.

It is becoming the trend for the entire bridal party to get together before the wedding day to pamper themselves, relax and look their best.

Head Quarters Salon is the perfect place.

The staff members have special packages for weddings and discounts for groups of three or more. They also offer gift certificates for the bride, family members or the bridesmaids to enjoy after the ceremony. They also can make arrangements during off hours to accommodate your schedule. To set an appointment or for more information, call 941-778-2586.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

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Dara Caudill | www.islandphotography.org

Kristen DiBenedetto and Robbie Kelly were married at the Gulf Drive Cafe & Tiki on May 10, 2015.

Chuck Caudill played ukulele for the ceremony and was the DJ for the reception. Kelli Gray, of Gulf Drive Cafe & Tiki, coordinated the wedding and reception. Kristen and Robbie honeymooned in Mexico before returning home to Philadelphia, Pa.

THE SUN

Stephanie Hall and Bob Lawrence were married at the Sandbar restaurant on June 12, 2015.

Chuck Caudill provided music. Patti Mckee and Luis Ortiz, of the Sandbar, coordinated the ceremony and reception. The couple honeymooned in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic before returning home to Bloomington, Ill. Dara Caudill www.islandphotography.org

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Unpermitted work taking place at 9802 Gulf Drive, city officias say, led to the electricity and water being disconnected last week.

DEVELOPER: Privileges revoked On March 3, Kaleta sent a letter to Building Official Bob Welch and Public Works Director George McKay regarding concerns pertaining to 209, 211, 213 and 215 Magnolia Avenue.

“I agree to paying for the restoration of the rear alley from 209 to 217 and tying into the drainage ditch along North Shore. I only ask that this cost be usual, reasonable and customary with invoicing charged in the past by Woodruff for similar work,” the letter said.

When Beach to Bay failed to reimburse the city, certificates of occupancy for 209 and 211 Magnolia Ave. were withheld and stop work orders were issued.

Registered to Jose Cortes in Ocala, DSB RE Holding LLC is listed as the owner of the 209 Magnolia Ave property purchased from Kaleta’s Anna Maria Village LLC in 2013.

Registered to Thomas Rushmore in

ee Y

n Sal mo s Di n ner

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Magnolia mess

Join Us ! Every Wednesday B M t

! n o m l a S ’ n i m m a l S 2 9 9 .

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FROM PAGE 5

SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

Reddick, Starfish 66 LLC is listed as the owner of the 211 Magnolia Ave. property also purchased from Anna Maria Village LLC in 2013.

Representing Starfish 66, DSB and Beach to Bay, attorney Louis Najmy sent a letter to Building Official Jimmy Strickland on Aug. 17 regarding the withheld certificates of occupancy.

“Any legal action that might exist against Beach to Bay Construction regarding the restoration of the rear alley drainage ditch involves a separate and distinct legal matter, having no effect on Starfish 66 and DSB RE Holding’s ability to obtain CO’s for their properties,” Najmy wrote, suggesting that legal action was forthcoming if the certificates were not issued.

When contacted, Najmy questioned whether the city exceeded the necessary scope of work when repairing the alley.

The certificates of occupancy were later issued, hence the commission’s decision to pursue potential legal action against Beach to Bay instead.

21

Gary

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(1.5 miles north of SRQ Airport)

(5 min from Anna Maria Island)

( Take I-75 Exit 224 west)

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6696 Cortez Rd.

1525 51st Ave. E.

Tim

SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

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I

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REAL ESTATE

f getting away from it all sounds like just the right thing, but you don’t want to get too far away from it all, there’s an island in Manatee County that could be just what you’re looking for.

People who boat in and around Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island know Jewfish Key as a great spot to throw out an anchor and enjoy the afternoon, but most boaters have never stepped foot on the private island, which remains a bit of a mystery. Well the 38-acre island shrouded in Australian pines is less a mystery than just another one of Florida’s pieces of paradise.

Jewfish Key is in Sarasota Bay between Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island with the fishing village of Cortez to its north. Technically, it’s part of Longboat Key, but its resemblance to Longboat Key is hard to find. First of all, there is a 17-acre designated

SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

Paradise on steroids Castles in the Sand Louise Bolger nature preserve as part of the residential island, providing privacy for those looking for the peace and quiet only nature can offer.

The island has 13 buildable lots, all of which are approximately one acre, carved out of the 38 acres and currently there are six homes on the island, which is only accessible by boat. The views are outstanding from almost anywhere on the island, particularly when facing west, residents are looking at Longboat Pass and the beautiful sunsets beyond. Marine life is beyond abundant in the shallow waters surrounding the island with

LOUISE BOLGER | SUN

Jewfish Key, off Longboat Key, is only accessible by boat. dolphins, manatees and all species of fish. Diving ospreys are in abundance as are shore birds and owls drawn to the nature preserve.

A short five- or 10-minute boat ride will get you from the mainland to the

island which has two boat docks for residents. There are public utilities available, and the one road which is actually a footpath down the middle see bolger, page 38

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Dean featured at gallery

CINDY LANE | SUN

PTO gets acquainted The Anna Maria Elementary School Parent/Teacher Organization held a reception at Island Gourmet on Saturday to get to know newcomers and the new principal, Jackie Featherston. The group organizes the annual Fall Festival, Oct. 24; Literacy Night, Dec. 9; Dolphin Dash, Jan. 16; and other events to raise money to purchase teacher supplies, books, paper, playground equipment, media equipment and other provisions. This month, Bose Imaging Center is donating its profits from mammograms to the PTO.

briefS Fish fry at Center The Anna Maria Island Community Center will host an old fashioned fish fry on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 5 to 8

p.m. The event is sponsored

by Gulf Coast Eagle Distributors and Harry’s Grill and Bistro, of Anna Maria, and will feature the restaurant’s special batter.

The menu includes fish, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad, chips, cookies, ice

cream and soda. Beer will be available at an extra cost. The event is free to Center members and $5 for non-members.

Kids 12 years old and under eat free.

While at the Center, visit the newly refurbished rooms and fitness areas with a personal

tour. A special video honoring the history and legacy of the Center will be shown.

Reservations are required by calling 778-1908 by Sept. 23.

For more information, contact Wende Webb at 941-778-1908, ext. 9203.

Acrylics and oil artist S. Rush Dean is the featured artist for September at Island Gallery West with her exhibit, “Water World."

Dean enjoyed a 20-year career teaching design, drawing and color theory at the University of Maryland and teaching design at the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, D.C. She also is a longtime member of Island Gallery West.

The exhibit runs through Sept. 30 at the gallery, 5368 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Saturday. For more information, call 941-778-6648 or visit www.islandgallerywest.com.

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BOLGER: Paradise on steroids FROM PAGE 36

of the island is called La Lenaire Drive.

Real estate values in such a unique place can be hard to determine, since the lifestyle is not for everyone. However, recently there was a house on the market for $1,570,000 and another one that as of this writing was listed at $2,100,000. In addition there is a buildable lot available for $1,495,000.

The homes are, of course, elevated with lots of decks to take advantage of the water views and wildlife. The homes are generally a good size with at least three bedrooms and two baths, some with private docks and fireplaces

-*'& *4 BETTER AT THE #&"$)

and plenty of glass doors and windows.

Many of the homes are also available to rent, but they come with a big price tag. Based on my research, monthly rentals range from $16,000 to $21,000 depending on the season. And with the direction the rental market is headed, these numbers will undoubtedly go up.

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever dreamed of living on a tropical island, Jewfish Key could make that dream come true. Remote, but not too remote; private, but not desolate; endless views and the ability to commune with nature. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s basically paradise on steroids.

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

SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

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In remembrance On Friday, Sept. 11, this stretch of Gulf Drive in Longboat Key was lined with U.S. flags in remembrance of the events that took place on 9/11/01.

BETSY SILLARS | SUBMITTED

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rentals: Trial pending on vacation rental ordinance FROM PAGE 1

happen. Smith said further amendments to the ordinance would likely push the trial into late January.

During the Thursday, Sept. 10, commission meeting that took place the following evening, City Attorney Becky Vose recommended the commission leave the ordinance as is and allow the trial to take place as soon as possible.

The commission supported this suggestion and agreed the ordinance could be further amended after the trial if need be.

During Wednesday’s court hearing, Vose represented the city, the defendant in the suit, with City Clerk Diane Percycoe also in attendance.

Attorneys Kevin Hennessy and Jennifer Cowan represented the lawsuit’s multiple plaintiffs, including Island Real Estate owner Larry Chatt, who watched from the gallery.

The attorneys agreed that if the commission did not further amend the recently amended ordinance, Hennessy would file an amended complaint, Vose would file an amended response, and those two documents, along with the ordinance itself, would serve as the basis for the non-jury trial.

Media pool photo

Attorney Kevin Hennessy and City Attorney Becky Vose argue their legal positions during last week’s hearing.

When discussing the potential ramifications of delaying the trial, Vose and Hennessy disagreed on how this would impact the temporary injunction Judge John Lakin granted the plaintiffs in July.

Vose contends the injunction pertains only to preexisting rental contracts en-

tered into before April 9, the date when the original ordinance was adopted.

Hennessy contends the injunction applies to the ordinance in its entirety, and he believes this would prevent the city from enacting the ordinance on Jan. 1 if a final ruling has not been issued.

Smith said he would schedule a separate injunction hearing if the trial is delayed.

When the hearing began, Vose asked for the first two counts of the lawsuit to be dismissed. The counts suggest the city violated state laws pertaining to vacation rental regulation, and Vose believes these concerns were addressed in the amended ordinance adopted Sept. 2.

Hennessy objected to the request for a partial dismissal.

“For my client to get full relief, we need to go to a full and fair trial. The city continues to present a moving target on vacation rentals,” he said.

The lawsuit seeks declaratory relief from the ordinance and requests temporary and permanent injunctions that would prevent its implementation. The complaints listed in the suit challenge more than two dozen stipulations con-

speed limit: Cause for complaint FROM PAGE 1

AMIHS | Submitted

A door opens Board member Nancy Deal shows that the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum’s front door has been opened for the first time in many years. It is part of the museum renovations that include new exhibit areas to be completed this month.

speed limit is one of “two big blunders in the way that we are operating” and were done “without announcement to affected or input from affected.” She said the second blunder is the lack of notification about a drainage project to residents on 85th Street.

“I’m not taking any position on what the speed limit should be,” she stressed. “I’m talking about relationships with our citizens. I would like us to change back the speed limit because there’s no evidence that it was dangerous.

“But more importantly, I would like it changed back so we can have public discussion and not just assume that we did it and it’s over and we won’t do it again.”

Commissioner Pat Morton said the board has discussed it in the past.

Chair Judy Titsworth agreed, but said nothing was ever decided and added, “One time I suggested making Marina and Palm 25 mph and leaving Gulf Drive 35” to encourage people to use Gulf Drive.

“It would have been nice to have discussed it, but it’s done. All the commissioners were told about a week before it happened. It was done by the chief and the mayor, and I support their decision.”

Mayor Bob Johnson said he “takes full blame for the lack of adequate communication. It will not happen again.”

Police Chief Bill Tokajer said his officers have not issued any speeding tickets in the area in question since the speed limit was changed.

tained in the ordinance. The suit also references the building moratorium the commission adopted one year ago.

If enacted, the ordinance would allow the city to charge a $1,000 annual vacation rental licensing fee, prohibit properties from being used as vacation rentals if more than six violations occur in a 12 month period, prohibit habitual offenders from serving as rental agents or agencies, require the property owner or rental agent to ensure that no adult guests are registered sex offenders and require rental agents, when used, to respond to a complaint within one hour.

The recently amended ordinance now places a five-year limit on the grandfather clause that allows certain properties a higher occupancy rate than the eight-person maximum stated in the ordinance. When adopted earlier this month, the commission suggested this new provision may require further adjustment based on financial projections regarding potential lost rental revenues.

The vacation rental ordinance’s severability clause allows the court to reject specific elements without rejecting the ordinance in its entirety.

Chief gives ticket numbers After coming under fire about the 25 mph speed limit from the Manatee Beach to the Island Branch Library, Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer gave the following numbers for tickets issued in the city.

Tickets issued from Aug. 20 through Sept. 8 in the speed limit area: • Speeding: 0; • Seatbelt violation: 26; • Suspended license/insurance/ registration: 15; • Improper turns/passing 2 • Stop sign/red light violation: 4; • Unsafe driving: 1; • Total tickets issued: 48.

Tickets issued city-wide from January 2015 to September 2015: • Speeding: 31; • School zone speeding: 5; • Seatbelt violation: 216: • Suspended license/insurance/ registration: 237; • Improper turns/passing: 39; • Stop sign/red light violation: 42; • Unsafe driving: 62; • DUI: 8; • Open container: 11; • Equipment violations: 23; • Other violations: 9; • Total: 683.

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Campaign fund raising in low gear For most Bradenton Beach candidates, the heavy fundraising has not yet begun.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Mayor Jack Clarke appears to have an early fund raising lead over former Mayor Bill Shearon during the early stages of the rematch for the hotlycontested mayor’s seat that will be Clarke decided Nov. 3.

According to the campaign treasurer’s reports for the period of Aug. 29 through Sept. 11, Clarke has raised $2,858 in total campaign contributions. The most recent reporting period saw Clarke receive a $500 contribution from Ed Chiles’ ELRA Inc. and a $1,000 contribution from resort owner

David Teitelbaum.

Clarke also listed $929 in campaign expenditures for the period, with his largest expenses being newspaper advertising and Shearon campaign signs.

During the previous reporting period, Aug. 1 to Aug. 28, Clarke received a $1,000 donation from the Bridge Tender Inn. He also donated $358 to his own campaign. So far, Clarke has spent a total of $1,178 in his efforts to retain the mayor’s seat he won from Shearon in the May recall election. Robertson As of Monday, Sept. 14, Clarke was the only candidate whose Aug. 29 to Sept. 11 treasurer’s report had been posted at the supervisor of elections Website.

Shearon’s most recent report, from Aug. 1 to Aug. 28 listed a

total of $588.86, all which was provided by candidate himself. His only listed campaign expenditure is the $96 mayoral qualifying fee.

At the end of the same August reporting period, incumbent Ward 3 Commissioner Janie Robertson’s campaign account showed a zero balance after she paid the $48 qualifying fee using the $48 she contributed to her campaign in May. Ward 3 challenger Ralph Cole’s first and only report to date lists the $100 he provided himself to open his campaign account, with the $48 qualifying fee as his only reported expenditure.

Running unopposed for the Ward 1 seat, Jake Spooner donated $300 to his own campaign fund, paid the $48 commission qualifying fee and reimbursed himself the $252 that remained in his account.

Because he is running unopposed, Spooner has essentially won the seat by default and will not have to campaign or raise money to campaign with.

Campaign funds not much to report Fundraising is at an early standstill in Anna Maria.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Incumbent Commissioner Carol Carter has jumped out to an early lead in the campaign fundraising race that has yet to swing into high gear at Carter the north end of the Island.

Carter’s initial campaign treasurer’s report for the period

of Aug. 1 to Aug. 28 shows a total of $1,400 in funds raised. Lizzie Vann donated $1,000 and Carter placed $400 of her own money Woodland in her campaign coffers. Her only expenditure during the inaugural reporting period was the $48 qualifying fee.

Incumbent Commissioner Dale Woodland donated Copeland $500 to his own campaign, and thus far his only expenditure is the

$48 qualifying fee.

First time candidate John Damato provided his own campaign with $100 in start-up money, and the Damato qualifying fee is his only reported expenditure.

As of Monday, incumbent Commissioner Doug Copeland, and challenger Penny Naylor had not yet had their first period treasurer’s re- Naylor ports posted at the supervisor of elections Website.

Chamber golf tourney set for Sunday Sign up for the AMI Chamber of Commerce golf tournament on Saturday, Sept. 19, at IMG Academy, 4550 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton, to support the Chamber’s scholarship fund.

Check in is at 11:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. and a best ball scramble. Player fees start at $125 per golfer and include lunch and dinner buffet. Non-golfers can enjoy the buffet for $35.

Call 778-1541 to sign up by Sept. 17.

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THE SUN

TOWN CRIER Learn about insects Ever wanted to explore the insect world and become a bug sleuth? Come to the Island Branch Library, on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 2 p.m. for “Library Learning Insectigatons.”

Discover how these critters send their secret communications and detect enemy intruders. Explore the incredible world of insects through games, activities, and an exciting buggy adventure.

The program is sponsored by the Manatee County Library System and Parks and Natural Resources Department and is suitable for all ages.

Chamber golf tourney set Sign up for the AMI Chamber of Commerce golf tournament on Saturday, Sept. 19, at IMG Academy, 4550 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton, to support the Chamber’s scholarship fund.

Check in is at 11:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. and a best ball scramble. Player fees start at $125 per golfer and include lunch and dinner buffet. Non-golfers can enjoy the buffet for $35.

Call 778-1541 to sign up by Sept. 17.

Coastal cleanup kickoff A kickoff for the International Coastal Cleanup will be held on Satur-

day, Sept. 19 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Coquina Beach Gulfside and Leffis Key in partnership with the Manatee County Parks & Natural Resources Department and Bank of America.

Register by e-mailing michelle.leahy@ mymanatee.org or calling 941-7484501 ext. 6035.

See stars at Sidewalk Astronomy The Local Group of Deep Sky Observers will hold the first Sidewalk Astronomy event of the season, weather permitting, on Saturday, Sept.

19, starting at sunset and continuing until at least 10 p.m. Members will set up their telescopes for public viewing in the Holmes Beach City Hall field, 5801 Marina Drive.

Highlights of the evening include a rare opportunity to view the distant planet Saturn and its majestic ring system, the planets Uranus and Neptune and the first quarter moon. The event is free and open to everyone.

For more information, contact Brian Hawkes at 941-342-9632, or visit the Website, www.LGDSO.com.

Sign up for a free event mailing list at LGDSO@aol.com.

AMICCO chorus auditions The Anna Maria Concert Chorus & Orchestra is holding auditions for new members to join its volunteer chorus and core leader group of professional singer/soloists for the 2015-2016 season. Performances will be held on Anna Maria Island and in Bradenton.

All voice types are welcome. Auditions are Saturday, Sept. 19, at the First United Methodist Church, 603 11th St W., Bradenton. Timeslots start at 10 a.m.

For more information, audition criteria and reservations contact Barbara at 941-779-2396 or by e-mail bjmarcheck@gmail.com. For season information, visit www.amicco.org .

Kiwanis club annual meeting The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island will hold it annual meeting on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 8:30 a.m. at the Anna Maria Island Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

The meeting will include the election of officers and directors, approval of the budgets of the club and the budget of the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island Foundation, Inc.

Master Gardener tour

Cache trash event

Let an expert lead you on a Master Gardener tour at Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20. Learn about the plants that grow in this beautiful preserve. Reservations are required by calling 941-722-4524.

Come out to Neal Preserve on Manatee Avenue east of Anna Maria Island Bridge to help the environment and log a geocaching CITO Event Cache on Sunday, Sept. 20, from 8 to 11 a.m.

Volunteers will be cleaning up trash along the mangroves and shoreline, so dress appropriately and wear shoes

SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

you don't mind getting dirty or wet.

The program is sponsored by the Gulf Keepers and is suitable for all ages.

Log your "Will Attend" at www. geocaching.com. To learn more about geocaching and CITO events, call 941748- 4501, ext. 6039.

Democratic club meeting The Anna Maria Island Democratic Club meets on Monday, Sept. 21, at the Seafood Shack, 4110 127th St. W., Cortez. Buffet service is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

The guest speaker, Reba Rogers, will address “Elder Issues. Getting Your Ducks in Order.” For more information, contact Bill McGrath, 941-7614017.

Stroke screening at Center Health conditions like heart disease, stroke, cancer, abdominal aortic aneurysm and many other show not symptoms until it s too late, so it is important to detect early. Prevention Plus is offering stroke screenings at the AMI Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, on Thursday, Sept, 24.

Screenings include stroke/carotid artery, $40; abdominal aortic aneurysm, $40; arterial disease, $40; Thyroid ultrasound, $40; abdominal ultrasound, $95; heart scan, $95; or all six for $179.

Call 1-888-667-7587 for an appointment.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

beach beat Bradenton Beach

9/7, 8:25 p.m., domestic battery, 200 block of Bay Drive North. The responding officer met with victim who said her live-in boyfriend hit her repeatedly. She said when she attempted to leave the residence he grabbed her hair and pulled her back inside, slapped her face, knocked her to the sofa, took out a knife, began cutting himself on the back and arms and flicked blood on her, the floor and the furniture. When a neighbor heard her screams and knocked on the door, the victim was able to escape and call 911. The boyfriend was located a short time later, taken into custody, taken to the Blake emergency room for his cuts and then transported to the Manatee County jail.

9/10, 1 a.m., petty theft, 200 block of Bridge Street.

The female victim was bailing water out of her dinghy when she heard her dog barking on her boat, which was tied up in the anchorage area. The responding officer and victim witnessed a female suspect in a kayak trying to remove a dog from the victim’s boat. When the suspect rowed into shore she told the victim and the officer she had previously removed the victim’s two cats because she felt the animals were not being properly cared for. The officer asked the suspect to return the cats in order to avoid being taken to jail. The suspect said she was willing to go to jail for standing up for something she believed in. When the suspect became increasingly belligerent the officer arrested her and she was taken to jail.

Holmes Beach

9/4, 10:33 a.m., larceny/theft, 4000 block of Gulf Drive., Manatee Beach. An officer was flagged down by a man at the north end of the Manatee Beach parking lot and who said a girl he had been hanging out with stole his cell phone and money from his wallet. The victim said she disappeared with his belongings when he went for a swim. The victim described the suspect as thin, with three Chinese or tribal symbols on her back and with major acne scar on her right lower face. The officer found no physical evidence to process and had no other leads to follow up on.

9/3, 5 p.m., carrying concealed weapon, 4500 block of Gulf Drive. An officer stopped a small, light green Nissan pickup bearing an expired tag. The driver was also known to have been operating his vehicle on a suspended license. The officer was joined by another officer and the police chief. It was determined that the suspect had three active license suspensions, including one for financial responsibility.

The driver was taken into custody, the vehicle’s tag was taken at the request of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and a wrecker was called.

When asked for permission to search the vehicle, the driver said there was a gun in the glove box and another under the driver’s seat. According to the report, the gun under the seat was readily available in a holster, and numerous knives and ice picks were found in the front seat area, as were numerous loose rounds of ammunition. The driver was taken to the police station and the driver’s wife arrived at the scene to remove numerous tools before the truck was towed.

www.amisun.com

OBITUARIES Jeraldine ‘Jerry’ Guthrie Cross Jeraldine “Jerry” Guthrie Cross, 89, native of Cortez and longtime resident of Tombstone, Ariz., died Tuesday, July 7, 2015.

She was preceded in death by husbands, Robert Shiver and Robert Cross; sister, Barbara Holmes; and brothers, Maurice Guthrie and Ralph Scalzo.

Jerry was born Oct. 6, 1925, to J.O. and Grace Fulford Guthrie, the granddaughter of William T. and Sallie Adams Fulford.

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A loving mother, grandmother and aunt, she will be deeply missed, especially by her dog, Mimi.

She is survived by sons Paul and Robert Shiver, of Efizida, Ariz.; daughter Verna Maldordo, of Roswell, N.M.; brother, J.O. “Junie” Guthrie (Betty), of Cortez; grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Private services were held Aug. 7 in Arizona.

Connie Jayne Ferguson Pritchard Connie Jayne Ferguson Pritchard, 59, of Holmes Beach, died Aug. 29, 2015, survived by her husband, Scott; daughter,

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Dixie (John) Jernigan; son, Jesse (Mandie Rose) Ferguson; grandchildren, Fletcher Ferguson, Olivia Jernigan and Brady Jernigan; and brother, Jimmy Daywalt.

A musician and business owner, she was half of the musical duo Connie and Scott, and operated Connie’s Landscaping and Lawn Maintenance.

A celebration of life will be held at the Anna Maria Island Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria, on Sunday, Sept. 27, at noon.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tidewell Hospice of Bradenton, Cure MSA (Multiple System Atrophy), or the MSA Coalition.

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FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Protective garment 6 Nothing like wetlands 10 New car stat 13 One of four men who managed both the Mets and Yankees 14 "Eva __": Isabel Allende novel 15 JFK datum 16 *"Finds Print of Man's Foot on the Sand" 19 __ were 20 Excited exclamation 21 Actress Katey 23 *"Wendy's Story" 25 Jai alai ball 26 Arena sounds 27 Foretells 28 "Psych" finale?

30 Is for more than one?

31 Moneyed 32 Words creditors don't want to hear ... or what each starred clue is with reference to its answer 37 Here, in Havana 38 Magic show prop 39 Soggy ground Answers to 09-09-15 Crossword Puzzle.

40 Like campsites, at times 43 Rhett's last word 45 Tops 46 *"Nightgown" 50 Wednesday Addams portrayer of film 51 1998 Australian Open winner Korda 52 Popular berry 53 *"What I Heard in the Apple Barrel" 56 ISP biggie 57 Ship protected by Hera 58 Ripped at the gym 59 Many Sam Goody sales 60 It hits the nail on the head 61 "Nope!"

Down 1 Pump part, perhaps 2 Maine flag image 3 Curved path 4 Measures 5 One of a toydom pair 6 Words heard coming

and going 7 Extended sentence 8 Creep 9 Patriotic org.

10 __ chai: spiced tea 11 Woods, e.g.

12 Marmaduke of the comics is one 17 Jr. preceder 18 Notebook owner 22 "__ call!"

24 Rough file 25 Strip 27 Central Eur. power until 1806 28 __ lobe: brain area 29 What tenant farmers do 30 It's "not what you see, but what you make others see": Degas 33 "What I'm holding ..."

34 Wear away 35 Award since 1949 36 Indian curry dish 37 Where some worship from 41 Rises to the top 42 One of a pair of sci-fi twins 43 Spoil rotten 44 Dugout shelter 46 Construction area sign 47 "Sorry, impossible" 48 Props for Astaire 49 Buddy 51 Word with luck or gold 54 Easy mark 55 Penn, e.g.: Abbr.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

CLEANING SERVICE

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

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED at AMICC. Help your community by giving of yourself.

Various positions available.

Call 941-778-1908 ext 0

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

Reasonable rates. Senior discount. References available. Call 941-9622512 CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & RENTALS. "Have it done your way, we care about our work" Call 941-7564570

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

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

Call 941-251-5948

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).

COMMERCIAL SALES/ LEASES/RENTALS ANNA MARIA CITY Gulf Drive Frontage Commercial 2 Lots 104x120 Real Estate only $1,200,000. Call Alan Galletto Island Real Estate 941-232-2216

BABY SITTER BABY SITTER. Honor student with own transportation. Experienced, References available. Call or text Amanda at 941-713-3219 RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student.

Call or text Isabel 941-5457995

BOATS: PARTS & SERVICES & SALES BOATS * BOATS * BOATS. Sold Out Again, We Need Boats! www.Islandboatsales. net We Also Buy Boats. 941-228-3489 BOAT SLIPS FOR RENT. Up to 60 feet. Two minutes to Intracoastal Waterway by Cortez, Parrot Cove Marina 941-795-0088 BAYLINER 27 FT CEIRA Weekender/Fisherman.

Lots of Boat for the Money, with aluminum trailer! Call Capt. Fred. Boat in Holmes Beach $7900 941-3561456

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

Call us today! 941-778-3986

RESTAURANT/OFFICE/ RETAIL 1113 sf Kitchen Equipment include Gulf Drive Bradenton Beach $495,000 Call Alan Galletto Island Real Estate 941-232-2216

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

EMPLOYMENT

NOW HIRING WAITSTAFF for the upcoming season. Must be able to work days and or nights.

Apply in person between the hours of 8am to 11am or 3pm to 5pm.

Key Royale Club,700 Key Royale Dr Holmes Beach

PT BREAKFAST SERVER needed from 7:0011:00am several days per wk inc weekends & holidays. Email resume to judy@HarringtonHouse. com - no phone calls please.

AMISUN.COM

MARKETING ASSISTANT PART-TIME Busy office, strong communications skills, computer skills. Need to be flexible. Send Resume to PO Box 1394, Anna Maria FL 34216

ESTATE SALE HUGE INDOOR ESTATE SALE. Friday, Saturday & Sunday. 8am-4pm. Juan Anasco Dr. North End of Longboat Key. Furniture, antiques, collectables, designer clothing, tools, sporting goods, electronics, houseware, Men’s' clothing.

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

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

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES SALE NIKI’S GIFT & ANTIQUE SHOP. 5351 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach. All Sterling jewelry 20% to 50% off. Select Gifts, Sea Art, Vintage & Costume jewelry, Bric-Brac, Books, Miniatures 35% to 80% off. Collection of Old Beer Steins, Hand made scented soaps, Large selection of Driftwood. Open 7 days 9:30am-5pm.

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

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“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

CONSTRUCTION, PROJECT MANAGEMENT, Remodel O.T.A.R., LLC “On Time & Right” Licensed & Insured Rob Wooten 941-812-8557 otarllc@gmail.com

HOME SERVICES DRAIN CLEANING James VanFossen A.K.A. “RIP” Call 941-301-6077

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

Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941 ELI’S IRRIGATION New install/repair. Pumps, pools, irrigation, landscape lighting and pressure washing.

Call 941-580-2054 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

LOCKSMITH ISLAND LOCKSMITH, “Lock Around the Clock”.

Licensed/bonded/insured.

Call 941-778-1661 or 941713-4414

LOST & FOUND LOST 11’ JOBE PADDLE Board white, lime green and black. Please call 813486-5110 LOST FAMILY HEIRLOOM during Wedding at Sandbar Restaurant on Sunday March 29. Gold wedding band with Diamond pendant near high water mark.

Please contact 407-7609033

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

PERSONAL SERVICES SMALL ODD JOBS, yard work, walk dog etc. Call George 941-773-5518 THE TINT GUY." Commercial, residential, automotive, marine.

Free estimates. All work guaranteed. Over 25 years experience. Mobile service available. Call 941-2012649

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!! 941-713-1893

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AMI VALET LLC Professional parking services. Restaurants, weddings, any & all special events. Insured & Licensed. Years of experience. Call 941-565-0137 AMIValet@gmail.com

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AT YOUR SERVICE Personal & Professional assistant. Great rates.

References available "Let me do what you are unwilling or unable to do."

Call Cindy 941-812-2238 zicker8@aol.com

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE SPACIOUS 3BR/3BA Condominium rarely available in wonderful bay front complex with pool and tennis courts.

Tastefully renovated to include newly tiled kitchen & family room with a peak of the bay and a split bedroom plan. Centrally located in Holmes Beach, with a short walk to shops. Ground-floor unit with covered parking and private storage.

Family oriented and pet friendly. Offered at $450,000. Call Green Real Estate @ 941-7780455 DON’T MISS THIS ONE! Beautiful updated 2BR/2BA w/carport & lanai. A Popular West Bradenton over 55 community. 1 pet friendly.

Move in ready. You will love coming home to this condo. $144,500 Katharine Pepper, RoseBay Intl. 941-792-9459 DISCOVER THE OTHER ISLAND, Tidy Island in Sarasota Bay, Renovated condo on Private Island, 2BR/2BA/2CG with water views. Do not miss this beautiful condo.

Pet Friendly. $309,900.

Katharine Pepper, RoseBay Intl. 941-792-9459 LOOKING TO BUY or SALE a home? Contact Darcie Duncan for a personal approach to your real estate needs that will always make you feel at home. Discover the Duncan Difference.

941-779-0304

HOLMES BEACH HOUSE for sale. Just 2 houses to beach. Built 2013.

4BR/3BA, heated pool and elevator. No realtors. Call 618-334-1619

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REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE AFFORDABLE PLACE in the SUN. Double-wide in 55+ park. 8 miles to Anna Maria. $24000 OBO. Furnished. Realtor 941356-1456 4BR/3BA HOUSE on 71.5 acres with 18 stall horse barn in Parrish, Florida. Call Steve Georgie 941-321-6253 at Keller Williams Realty

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

Call today for details.

Ask for Ed. DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-7790304 www.teamduncan. com ANNUAL RENTAL and CONDOMINIUM Association management serviced by (2) offices open 7 days a week! Contact junew@ islandreal.com – 941-3451295 - Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island, Inc. 2BR/2BA UNFURNISHED COND in Smugglers Landing. Completely renovated.

Application fee and Association approval required.

Annual Lease $2500- Contact A Paradise 941-7784800

Call us today! 941-778-3986

ANNUAL RENTALS2BR/1BA Gulf View $1,400/mo, 2BR/1BA one off beach $1,650/ mo, 1BR/1BA one off beach $1,300/mo, 1BR/1BA Holmes Beach $890/mo. All NO Pets, Non-Smoking. Fran Maxon Real Estate 941778-2307 ANNUAL 2BR/2BA CONDO unfurnished. Available now, 2727 75th St West.

Sabel Palms. Heated pool, club house, new carpet, washer/dryer. Minutes to beach & shopping 1st floor. $895/mo includes water, garbage & cable. First, last & security. Call 941-7784451 WEST BRADENTON RENTALS: Wares Creek Historic District Bungalow. 2216 8th Ave W 2BR/2BA One car detached garage, fenced yard, hardwood floors. Cute!! $1300/mo.

Duplex 2BR/1BA/1CG 4715A 34th St W $950/mo.

Both Available September 1. First/last & security deposit. 1 year lease. Application fee. Call 941-8092488 for Appointment FABULOUS HISTORICAL HOME Pine Ave for rent to conscientious person!

3BR/3BA, pool . Featured in the Sarasota Magazine July 2015! Extremely cool!

Broker/owner Brenda Boyd May Boyd Realty llc. Www. boydrealty.com 941-7308589

HOLMES BEACH: 2 BR/2.5BA town home with community pool, carport, remodeled kitchen and bathrooms. $1700/mo.

Available now. Key Royale: 3 BR/2BA home on canal, new paint and flooring. $2200/mo. Includes landscape. Quiet neighborhood. Ready Oct. 1. Palma Sola Harbour: 1BR/1BA furnished villa w/community pool, boat docks, & fitness center. $1500/mo. includes all utilities. Ready now. Contact junew@ islandreal.com or call 941345-1295

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!

SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

MONTHLY RENTAL SPECIALS on AMI! 3BR/2BA fully furnished home with pool and elevator! Call Duncan Real Estate for details!

941-779-0304

LARGE 2BR/1BA. See Beach from your kitchen table. Available until January $1600/mo or $650/wk.

All utilities included except electric. Turnkey. Call 816729-5146 HOLMES BEACH CANAL Front Rental. 3BR/2BA Pool, boat dock. 4 blocks to Beach, pet friendly. $1800/wk. Owner/Realtor 941-356-1456

REAL ESTATE: WANTED TO BUY ANNA MARIA COUPLE looking to Buy House or Duplex in City of Anna Maria or North Holmes Beach.

Prefer ground floor on Water. Call 941-778-3926

RENTAL WANTED WANTED TO RENT 1BR or 2BR Condo/Apartment 3 months January-March on Island. Coming from Canada. Please call 905338-6109 or email phyllisneale@hotmail.com

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport services: Tampa $85, Sarasota $35, Clearwater $75, Fort Meyers $150, Orlando $150. Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www.amitaxi.com TOWN CAR SERVICES, All airports served. Local and Long distance services available. Call Glen 941225-0072

www.amisun.com

SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

business & service directory computer service

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

home improvement

painting

movers

transportation

home improvement

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www.amisun.com

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Darcie Duncan Broker - Owner

Cindy Jones Sales Associate

Michelle Laade Sales Associate

Ed Kirn Broker Associate

Greg Burke Sales Associate

Billi Gartman Sales Associate

SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

Kandi Kerekes Sales Associate

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

Vacation Rentals s Sales s Property Management

TeamDuncan.com s 941.779.0304

310 Pine Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216